Macy’s Mom

After the breastfeeding fiasco with baby Macy…when I found out I was having another baby…I was determined to do it right this time! I read as much as possible about it…called the hospital where I was going to deliver and spoke with the lactation consultant. Even during labor, I let the nurse know that “I had failed the last time..and I needed all the help I could get!” As soon as Gavin was born, they put him on my breast. Help! And I continued to ask for help every-time I nursed him. …HHmmm..time to nurse the baby..(push the nurse call button..) “um..Hi..could someone come check my latch?” During my two day stay, I met every lactation consultant and nurse. And even after I left the hospital, I was back the next day to..guess what? ..check my latch! We weighed him, and he had lost over 1 pound! I kind of freaked out..the nurse suggested I see his doctor..and to get a pump. We saw his doctor the next day..Gavin had already gained since the day before. Phew! Relief! We’re breastfeeding and gaining weight! Yeah!

Ok, I was surprised by what a production early breastfeeding is! Pillows, latching on properly…and the time! He would be on my breast forever! I’d nurse him for hours.. quite a difference from out shopping with baby Macy the first week! I felt trapped at home the first couple of months! I wanted to quit so many times! (but after all the drama to get us here..I couldn’t bring myself to stop) And yes..it eventually got easier..and faster… And the irony is that now I have a baby that won’t take a bottle!

I’m really missing my Graco SnugRide infant car seat. After Macy out grew her Graco snugride…I sold it to a friend who was leaving the country. We weren’t planning on having any more kids…SURPRISE..hey..we don’t have the infant car seat anymore! Another girlfriend let us use hers. Great! We’ll save some money…and my giant babies out grow the infant carrier by 5 months anyway! (2o pounds or 26 inches..which ever comes first..usually the 26 inches!) Let’s just say it’s not a Graco. And pushing on the handle to get it down is really hurting my wrist! It doesn’t seem to be particularly comfortable..and the hood doesn’t block the sun like my Graco did. I keep telling Gavin to drink up and grow…he’s 3 months old and 25 inches…one more inch and he’s out of there!

I bought the Tiny Love Symphony in Motion Mobile 4 1/2 years ago for baby Macy. My husband Craig’s reaction..”$40 bucks for a MOBILE??!!” I was less concerned about the price, and more concerned about it not really matching her room decor…It turns out, Macy was a baby that liked to be held almost constantly! The only time I had to take a quick shower or a moment to brush my teeth was when I put her under the mobile! She was mesmerized..hypnotised…a baby addict that couldn’t look away! Now, Craig tells people..”the best $40 bucks we ever spent!”

I was reading the October issue of Pregnancy magazine..when an ad in the back caught my eye. Slim Lines freezer trays for breast milk..made from PETG plastic/medical grade & FDA approved. The trays freeze the milk into one-ounce servings..and they fit into any bottle opening. I had to order it! $15.95 for two trays with lids. (plus shipping and tax..about $22) I love them! I have a freezer bag full of breast milk popsicles! Pop about 2 or 3 at a time into a bottle..put in fridge to melt..you’re ready to go! It’s quick..clean..and no wasted milk! Gold star!

I first heard about the Bumbo seat from my sister-in-law Erin. A relative sent her one when her son Cole was born. Bumbo seats weren’t around when I had Macy over 4 years ago..or maybe I just hadn’t heard of it. She told me how great it was..she just took it with her when she went visiting..it’s somewhere to put a baby without leaving him in a car seat the whole time…also a great place to feed Cole. As my son approached 3 months..I looked into the seat. It’s for babies approx. 3 or so months in age..and you can use it until the baby tries to get out! (Depends on the baby) The price runs about $40 dollars. I went to the baby and kids section of Craigslist to see what was available. Quite a few people were looking for specific colors, and the ones listed for sale were all priced about $25 or so. During my search, I came across a great mom business…Crybaby Comforts. Lisa (owner) sells Bumbo seats..but she also rents them and a wide varitety of other useful baby items! I rented a teal Bumbo for 3 months..$4.25 per month. (if Gavin is anything like his sister..he’ll be bust’n out of the Bumbo before I’m ready..) So far..we love it! I had Gavin sitting in it while we were making dinner..eating..and in front of his toys. After using it..I can now see the appeal! Gavin isn’t quite ready for an exersaucer or doorway jumper..he’s alway reclining (bouncy seat..swing..crib). The Bumbo lets him sit up with support and he feels like he’s right in the middle of everything..because he is!