Holiday Round-up!

What a busy time this has been! I feel like it was even more busy with the baby -- maybe that's because my mind is not only occupied with ME anymore, but I'm always thinking about Wes (and Matt too of course).

In any case, I had no time to blog so we'll have to settle for the Holiday Round up

December 11-12th:  We put up the tree and all our decorations. I broke my baby toe on the couch. No joke.

December 18-19th: Went shopping for Christmas dinner. Enjoyed dinner at our friends for their Saints day, but when we got home the refrigerator door had been left open so all our food had to be thrown out. I cried a lot.

December 23rd:  Matt's parents arrived for the holidays and Wes started peas -- his first veggie.

Wes with daddy, Gaga, and Pop

Wes with his women -- mommy, grandmas, and great-nani

December 24th: Christmas Eve at my parents house. My mom & grandparents made a wonderful dinner. Matt played Santa just for Wes, but he went to bed around 8:30PM and Santa didn't come until 10PM. Oh well.  (I was Santa's elf helper).

Santa imbibing

December 25th:  This was our BIG DAY as we hosted Christmas breakfast and dinner.  My parents cane over and we all opened our presents and had breakfast -- quiche and sausages and lots of coffee. It was fun having both grandparents there for Wes's first Christmas and seeing him open all his presents - which he liked the wrapping more than what was inside. Then we cleaned up and prepared Christmas dinner for the rest of my family who arrived around 6PM. We opened more presents, watched Its a Wonderful Life, and ate my first ham.

Opening up presents Christmas morning

December 26th: We were pooped but we managed to make a small trip to the arboretum for the Annual Yule Log Hunt (for the kids it was the Twig Hunt).

Wes and his baby Loot

December 27th: Matt's parents leave that morning and ... Our sewage backs up again... for the 4th time. We had to hire a new plumber and I had to spend the day at my mom's because we couldn't use the toilet. Matt & I decided to forgo our Christmas presents to each other in lieu of paying the plumber (I was going to get Matt a snow-blower and he was going to get me a Wii Fit).  Oh well.

The New Year's party self portrait

December 31st: New Year's at my mom's house. I was so tired that all I wanted to do was sleep when Wes went to bed ... but I stayed up and rang in the new year with the usual suspects and silly string.

First Picture with Santa!

He was very Santa-y looking Santa (and nice too)!

Solids - rice cereal week 2

Yesterday, I started the baby on rice cereal 2 times a day -- per doctor's orders. It feels like my pediatrician believes in slow introductions into solids. I'm happy with that because I really didn't want to start solids until 5 months and at this rate he won't have his first actual vegetable until he's 5 months.
Our first week went smooth, but the last 2 days he's been putting his hands in his mouth so everything is a mess. Towards the end, he's really fussy and food is everywhere - see picture.
Also, my issue right now is when to feed him the cereal. I have been doing it @ feeding #3 ( #1 is middle of night; #2 is early morning; #3 is usually around 10am -- fascinating stuff I know!). After #3 he's nice and full and goes down for a 2 hour nap.
Yesterday I did a solid @ feeding #3 & #5 but that didn't work (complicated). Today I am going to do it at #3 & 4 -- so before and after his big nap.
By the time I get this figured, he'll be ready for that jar of peas! Yum!

Gearing up for Christmas!

The holidays continue ...

This weekend we finally got up our Christmas Tree and decorated the outside of the house.  We had to buy a new tree because our old one, which was a hand-me-down, had a broken top and was really old.  Matt told me this year, after the baby was born, "Wes needs a new tree." It's not about us anymore!

I hadn't been tree shopping in some time ever, and now the trees have gotten fancy. We picked up one with berries, pine cones, and 3 different types of branches.  Fancy indeed! I'm partial to a fresh tree, but with this we can decide if we want to do a fresh or fake tree. It's all about choice!

Sunday, Matt went to see the Patriots annihilate the Bears under a blanket of snow. Wes and I went with my family to Christmas Brunch hosted by my aunt & uncle. Wes slept the whole time. It was nice to eat in peace but I was still eating fast, looking at him, wondering when he would wake up. I still couldn't really eat in peace.

This Thursday, we're hoping to see Santa at the mall -- but here's the million $$ question.  Do I let my baby sit on a germy lap?

With his gingerbread pillow, a gift from our Realtor/friend Kathy.

Happy Face, Happy Legs!

Oh Christmas Tree...

Ok, only for 1 photo ...

First solids feeding

It went well! This photo was from the beginning but it got messier as it went on and he wanted more and more. I gave him 1 tbs of rice cereal mixed with 2 tbs of formula. He ate it up! Then I followed up with a bottle feeding per doctor's instructions.

I used Happy Bellies organic brown rice cereal with DhA & probiotics & iron.

The holiday season begins...

It's official. It's December. It's cold. I haven't finished my Christmas shopping!  But I did order our Christmas cards today (it takes a whole day to do this, getting it done between naps).

Today we had our first December sing-a-long music class -- Wes didn't fall asleep or fuss, I was thrilled. He was enamored with the other kids, and liked all the singing. During instrument playing, I layed him on the floor and he watched everyone. But once we got in the stroller for the walk back to the car, he passed out before we got to the car.

Our first December weekend ... 

Dinner @ my grandparents

Holiday parade ...COLD!!

Opening up his present from Saint Nicholas

My parents, brother, me & baby

Christmas Brunch @ The Grand Geneva Resort

Someone wanted champagne?!

4 month check up stats

Wes had his 4 month well check up this morning. Now he's asleep on my lap, poor baby. The vaccinations are terrible and we take him out of the office crying his eyes out.
But he is doing really well and we got the go-ahead to introduce solids. He's taking in 40oz of formula and that's usually the sign that he needs more. So we're to start with cereal for 2 weeks and then move to single veggies every 5 days.
So how big is the bugger?
Weight: 15lb 15oz (66%)
Height: 26-1/2" (91%)
Head: 16-3/4" (50%)

4 months old!

Wes is now 4 months old! I cannot believe how the time has flown and how much he has grown.  To be honest, I wish I could get those first 8-10 weeks back. I'm a much better mommy now then back then, I want to redo so much. Is this normal?

So what's happening with our little baby?

• Size/Weight: He has his doctor visit on the December 2nd, so we'll know all this then. But we're estimating he's at 15lbs and almost 26" long. (We'll see if we're right).

• Feeding: Wes is getting 6 feedings of 6oz per day. He seems happy with this and is definitely not overweight (he's still long and lean). We've decided to wait until January to introduce solids.

In case anyone is curious, I stopped breastfeeding at 10 weeks, when Wes started preferring his formula supplements to me. He would nurse, but then still be hungry and wouldn't nurse again but would take a bottle. I made the decision in haste one weekend and have regretted it ever since. Our lactation consultant told me I didn't need to supplement, but I refused the offer saying, "I'm happy." That was "post partum" Rosey talking -- one of the reasons I want to go back in time.  One of these days, I'll get over this decision but it still haunts me.  I keep telling myself that Baby #2 will have it better.

• Clothes: Wes has been in 6 month clothing since he was 2-1/2 months old. Anything with "feeties" (as I call them) don't last long because he's much longer than the average kid (I might start cutting the feet off some of his clothes so they last longer).

• Milestones: He smiles all the time. He does this with me and Matt all the time, but he's also started smiling at my mom & dad. You can tell he's recognizing certain people, and those he doesn't know as well he loves to study.  He loves sucking on his hands (found them for good last month), and has been staring at his feet a lot. When he "sits up" he'll grab for his feet. He also grabs my hair, my clothes, his burp cloth when it's near him, and his linky toys. He still HATES tummy time, but his neck strength is amazing. I can hold him upright without holding his head, and he can do tummy time on our arms and stomachs (just hates the floor, I guess he won't be crawling any time soon). He's started babbling - sometimes it seems like he's talking to us.

• Sleeping: At night, he's a solid 6-hour sleeper. He crept slowly from 2-3 hours (1-2 months) to 4-5 hours (3 months), and now to 6. Then he'll go back to sleep for another 3-4 hours. (He still gets 1 feeding per middle of the night).  He's also getting really consistent with his naps. We don't "schedule" him (instead doing baby-led feed/sleeps) but he always goes to sleep 1 hour after he gets up, again around 11-12, again around 3-4, and again around 6PM. The he's ready for bed around 830-9PM. He's creating his own schedule.  He still needs to be swaddled for sleeping (or will sleep in your arms, on your chest, in the baby carrier).

• Diapers: We're still cloth diapering and loving it.  We installed a diaper sprayer to our toilet (to spray the poo off) -- this is by far the worst part of cloth diapering, but it has to be done since formula poo is not water soluble (breastmilk poo is). He's graduated to the next size covers which should last him until potty training. Our 2 overnight pocket diapers with a 100% success rate (no leaks) have been Happy Heinys and One Size FuzziBunz. These just fit him the best.

Too much turkey?

After a long day of thanksgiving, Wes just pooped out in the car on the way home from my aunts. Here he is passed out on the changing table as I undress him for bed. I particularly love his hat that is over his face -- and his leg hanging off the table.
Anyway, this is what I am thankful for this Thanksgiving -- a beautiful new family. Thank you.

Thoughts on ironing

I ironed one of matt's shirts today.
I don't believe I've ironed a shirt since we've been married; the iron looked awfully new and shiny. Ironing is just one of those things I don't do. I cook, garden, now I watch the baby as a stay at home mom. I've been domesticated. But ironing is best left for the dry cleaners who wash, steam, and press matt's shirts and pants to a perfection never before seen.
I don't have an aversion to ironing, I just think it's the ultimate in house-wifery. An act I committed today. I can still remember my mom ironing all our clothes, including my dad's handkerchiefs. I repeat, handkerchiefs. Every time my dad complains about my mom shopping, I want to say, "She ironed your handkerchiefs, doesn't that make up for the credit card bill?"
So how did I happen to iron that shirt? Well, the baby took his morning nap on my chest as we snuggled on the chair & 1/2. Then I did laundry and when I removed the wrinkled shirt, a warm motherly feeling came over me and that said, the shirt was ironed.
Blame the baby.

Music class demonstration

Monday we went to our music class demo class. I was nervous because I had no idea how the baby would be - cranky, hungry... I always expect the worst.

When we got there, another class was just finishing up and I noticed that the youngest baby was at least 6-9 months old. But if we enroll for January, Wes will be almost 6 months by then.

Our demo class had 3 parents and 4 kids (a set of 9 month old twins who were about the size as Wes) and I got to see how fun this would be. We sing together, play instruments, and do fee dances -- all in 45 minutes. At first Wes was just wide eyed at it all (he's not used to other kids yet) and he couldn't keep his eyes off the twins. But after 2 songs, he got fussy and fell asleep on my shoulder...
And stayed asleep the rest of the class.

He slept during the free dance (I sat there and watched them dance). He slept during songs (I slept to him regardless). And he slept during instruments --much like the noise makers in the grinch (and here I am at home tip toeing around the house when he naps! Not anymore!)
Sent from my iPhone

Crack in the ceiling

Our living room doesn't normally look like this. Yes, the baby play things are a new addition but so is the scaffolding holding the ceiling up!
Our ceilings in this room have always sagged because of the trusses, but it wasn't until today that I looked up and saw a huge crack in the ceiling. Needless to say, I crapped my pants (sorry to be so blunt). My dad came over and hoisted the wall up, and Sunday the whole thing will get fixed (not just the crack, but the actual sagging ceiling.)
And just when you thought home improvement was done for a while...

Music class for babies

Am I ready for Playdates and Mommy & Me classes?

As the weather gets colder, and the walks in the stroller become few and far between (or non-existent), I have been researching things to do with a baby once the holidays are behind us.  I have this feeling that January - February - March will be these dreary, blistery days where I'm stuck in the house with a baby starving for conversation and Vitamin D.

I found some "Mommy" groups in my town, but I don't feel ready to go down that path...yet. And I don't want to "force" friendships with people just because they have a newborn.  So what should I do?

Music classes?  This seems to be the only thing my park district has for babies under 18 months old, so we've signed on.  We have a demo class tomorrow, 3 sing-a-long classes in December, and I plan on signing us up for the next session in January-March. They have a class especially for 0-9months that I hope I'm not too late in joining (I'm sure I'm not the only one dreading January.)

I hope tomorrow's demo class goes well and that Wes won't either be sleeping and/or cranky because he can't sleep...

Cutting a baby's nails (or "Trimming tiny moving daggers")

This is just one of the million things no one tells you about Baby Care. 

Sure, the books all say "cut their nails." And the lady at the hospital said, "Cut their nails."  But no one really tells you that cutting the nails of a 3 month old is like shooting at a bulls-eye blindfolded: you just clip clip clip and hope you get something resembling a nail and not a finger.  His little hands don't know how to stay still yet, or he's grabbing on to me while kicking me with his tiny doughy feet.  This small, somewhat trivial task, will eat up a whole morning.  No wonder I'm staying home, I have to cut my kid's nails.  And the only reason I'm cutting them is because he likes to grab my arm now and his tiny daggers almost punctured a vein.  Between his nails and the cats claws, I look like Gulliver after an attack by the Lilliputians. 

I could wait until he's ready to pass out for a nap, but my scarred arms are too busy rocking him to sleep. Maybe I'll enlist Matt's help... two gown ups holding tiny hands... could be comical.

It took me ten minutes to cut the baby's nails this morning.  I think I only succeeded at cutting 3 of them.  Only 7 more to go. That should occupy me until about 11AM.

The many faces of Dominic Wesley: 3months 1week 4days old

A year ago...

November 5, 2010

... we conceived this little guy. Two weeks earlier I had miscarried our 3rd pregnancy, but my hopes were high that a 2010 baby was my destiny. We weren't trying though, instead waiting for my next period (which after a miscarry could take any number of days). It was truly providence that this just happened -- even the doctors and nurses said, "It was just meant to be."

typing 1-handed

sometimes this is the only way you're going to get on the computer...

Vote for Wes on November 3rd!

Go to the Gerber website to vote for Wesley (aka: Dominic Wesley) starting November 3rd!

Bradley Reunion

We had our birthing class reunion today.  We did the Bradley Method of birthing - basically one of the many classes that help those who want to labor and deliver without medication/epidural/intervention.

Only one of us did not birth in a hospital - instead choosing at home in a tub, which I was so impressed that she did this for her first baby.  But most all of us managed to go without epidurals (and those who did had extremely long labors 20+ hours). 

Anyway, all the babies were gorgeous;  all boys except for 1 girl; all born between June 1-August 9.  It was fun to see them "not" interact with each other (too young) even when we layed them on the activity mats. But they were all so alike, now Matt and I feel good that Wes is growing normal (which parent doesn't worry about this?) And it was just great to talk to everyone again without the stress of impending birth on our minds.  You could tell we were all much more relaxed (despite having infants!).   I hope that we can all stay in touch.

First trip downtown

Today was Wes's first trip into the city. My mom and I took him downtown to visit Matt and his co-workers.  He was really well-behaved because I've been trying out a new feeding schedule where I feed him every 2 hours instead of waiting for him to start crying. Yes, it took me 3 months to figure this out.  Plus, people don't freak him out yet so he didn't mind all the strange faces.

I've uploaded some of the photos from the day to the October photos link on the sidebar.

And while we're at it, here's Wes with me at work (when I went to visit, but before I officially resigned).

3 months old!

Bears vs Redskins

Busy weekend!

We went to Madison, WI for our good friends' housewarming party.  Thir new house is so nice - beautiful 1927 2 story with beautiful woodwork. I was swooning because I always wanted an old home (and 1975 is bad old, not good old).  Wes was really good, he even slept a little; and there was a 1-1/2 year old there and I am not looking forward to chasing after a mobile kid! I better enjoy these days while they last!

On Sunday, Matt and I went to our first Bears game together (my first Bears game ever). Our tickets we bought for the season are awesome -- 3rd row, couldn't be better! The game was a lot of fun and I realize I actually like watching live football rather than TV. Unfortunately, the Bears lost, and the fans are not sympathetic. Bears fans are curmudgeons; they'll show up to the game but if the Bears don't perform, they won't cheer (no matter how much beer they drank -- unlike Cub fans).   When the jumbo trons say "Let's hear noise!" they just ignore it and I thought that was hilarious.  At one point, one of the refs yelled out "2 minute warning!" and behind us we hear "You suck!" It was great.

All the season tix holders around us are a hoot; you can tell they've been coming to these games forever. I'm glad Matt can enjoy this for at least 1 season ... and maybe we can get lucky and get them again another year when Wes gets older.

Tummy time

Tummy time -- the requisite time spent on the tummy since we're required to put babies to sleep on their back-- is going really well after a rough patch (of 10 weeks). The trick? Have the TV on.
Now I wish this TV obsession means he'll be a famous director when he gets older, but I'm not that "pie in the sky" kind of person. But whatever works to keep his head up and the tears at bay, is fine with me -- for now.
Wait until he finds out we're canceling cable?!

Officially a SAHM, frugal diva

Monday marked my first week as a SAHM (Stay-at-home-Mom).

I told myself that it wouldn't feel any different than the last 12 weeks I've been home, but it did. I went grocery shopping with the baby yesterday, and driving around in our SUV I felt like I needed to have mom jeans on and a bumper sticker saying "My kid's an honor roll student at [fill in name here] Junior High." Not that there's anything wrong with that.

The week also marked our official start of living "frugally." Since October (and our decision to go to 1 income), we've made some changes in the way we spend. For example, we...

• make our coffee every morning (no more Starbucks or fancy $4 lattes every day, although I did give us a budget for coffee/weekends. We can't be entirely miserly). Monthly saving: $60
• make our lunches every day (no more $10 lunches when make sandwiches for $10 for the week.) Monthly saving: $160
• No more careless spending. Just in general, we're watching those extras that we buy but don't need. Monthly saving: $50

So far so good, but there's always more.  KT left me a comment with some great advice on where to save money.  (Unfortunately, I do a lot of those already because I tend not to be a wasteful person -- like wrapping presents with used bags. In fact, I had more than 1 friend give me a gift in alternative wrapping saying, "I knew you'd appreciate this!")

But here are our other cost savings measures Matt and I have just agreed to:

• No more cable. (This was a suggestion from KT). We barely watch anything other than some sitcoms. I don't watch TV during the day and at night, who has time? We're lucky to get in 1 DVR'd sitcom in.  (MY SUGGESTION). Monthly saving: $75
• Lose our 2nd car. We can't fit the baby in it anyway, so it's a waste of gas and insurance and maintenance. It's paid off so it doesn't cost us alot, but it's money that can go somewhere else. (MATT'S SUGGESTION) Monthly saving: $60

 In all, this will save us about $4500 a year... which we will be spending on the baby's formula!

Pacifier

We didn't let the hospital give the baby a paci because we didn't want him getting attached to one (even though we have them at home). So now when he fusses, giving him a paci is hopeless because he won't take it (and you regret that hospital decision for a moment). He likes his hand better
So I bought a new paci, one with a different nipple similar to his bottle. He definitely sucked on it better, but he spit it out with a great big smile!

What to do with...

... All the tomatoes from your garden? Make homemade pasta sauce.
It's easy! Cut up the tomatoes (at least 5-6) and process them in a food processor. Sauté lots of garlic with lots of olive oil in a large saucepan. Add the tomatoes and 2 cans of tomato paste. Stir well. Add 1 cup stock (I use fake chicken) and balsamic vinegar ( a few tablespoons). Season with salt, oregano. Let it simmer on the stove top for a while - keep tasting until you like it. Season as needed. At the end you can add basil (I didn't have any and it was still delicious- how delicious? My mom complimented me!)
Enjoy!

Bathtime

I've been meaning to post a photo of Wes getting a bath.  Matt's hand in all the photos are so strategically placed (not intentionally) to protect the innocent.

Here he is looking not too happy at getting wet, yet again, as Mommy takes photos instead of helping. But Matt really enjoys this part of parenting. He really is very hands on with Wes and that means the world to me, and will be good for the baby. So many of us grew up with very hands off dads (wasn't that what they were expected to be?), so this is a new change -- the new dad is something I like a lot!

All wrapped up in the Moby

Big decision

Today I made the final decision not to return to work.
This was a very hard decision because I enjoy working, value my financial support of my family, and frankly, have never imagined being a stay at home mom. However, a lot changes when your baby finally arrives. After I bawled home after visiting daycare, matt was super supportive of my feelings to not leave him in infant daycare. We crunched the numbers and while finances will be tight, it can be done. I'm very grateful that matt is agreeing to this, but he also agrees that this is best for our family.
In an effort though to not completely leave the workforce, I've arranged to become a contract/project employee for my company, available for projects as needed. This is better than part-time (which they couldn't give me this status), because it will give me time for both work and raising Wes, while still making some income.
So the next weeks will be me getting used to this new phase in my life (as if the baby wasn't enough of a change), and return to "frugal rosie" as I make this work!
I hope I'm making the right decision.
Sent from my iPhone

What to do with ...

...leafy greens ready to go bad? Make soup!
Sauté garlic, onion, celery (green parts too) with olive oil salt pepper... Add 4 cups stock (tour choice, I use fake chick'n bouillon) and 1 large can crushed tomatoes. Season again. Wash the greens ( salad spinner works best) and add them to the soup (you can also sauté them first too -- I did it both ways for my batch). Finally, season it with what you like. I used paprika, cayenne, and oregano. Let it simmer and you have soup for a week!
Enjoy!

2 month doctor visit

October 2 - 10 weeks

Wes had his 2 month doctor visit this morning.  Matt came with so he could meet the doctor, and I'm glad he came because Wes got 2 shots and was crying so hard.  It was nice to have both of us there for him, plus it's important for Matt to meet the doctor who could potentially be treating Wes until he's 18.

Here's his stats:
@5w5days -- Height 23-1/4" (91%); Weight 10lb 12oz (68%)

@10w1day -- Height 24-1/4" (85%); Weight 13lb 4oz (75%)



The doctor thinks he may be going through a growth spurt since his weight is gaining more than his height (he said you grow one than the other); so we'll see for next time.

Gastronomique Society

Last February for Valentine's Day, we spent it with our good friends J & A. The guys made us a beautiful dinner while me and A got manis and pedis.  It was a perfect Valentine's Day.

So the idea of men cooking dinner kept resonating with everyone and in May of this year we had another "men cook" event while the girls got manicures -- only this time it was 4 couples and the atmospohere was so fun; it had to be repeated.

From May event:

A few months and a baby later, we regrouped for a "Basque" dinner this weekend (one of the cooks sis from the Basque region) and it did not disappoint. We had tuna from Basque, octopus, cod stew, and sea bass. Delicious!

So now the guys are the official "Gastronomique Society."

Video of Wes @ 10 weeks

New clothes for new me

Tonight I bit the bullet and bought some new clothes. I thought that I would return back to my old self and fit in my pre-preg clothing, but that isn't the case. And I think that even if I do lose these last 12 lbs, I still won't fit into my old clothes like before. My body has really shifted, my belly is flabby, and my boo.bs are huge. I need some strength training pronto (easier said than done with the baby). I walk almost every day at least 2 miles with the stroller and maybe that's helped some but I had to buy jeans 2 sizes bigger than normal, and all flowy tops to hide the bulges. Oh well, I'll just take the high road and say that when I look at my baby it was worth all those burger take outs during pregnancy! (hey, I had cravings!)

Wes is 2 months old!

It's been a wild 2 months with the little dude. More on this later (it's 1am).

The real pregnancy

Being pregnant, I loved taking cute pictures of my bump ... but I was organizing some photos and found this one that Matt took (when I wasn't looking).  The middle of July (10 days before Wes was born), hot as Hades, feet swollen, reading a baby book...  Very glamorous!

"It's a beaut, Clark."

So we finally got a new furnace.

I know, exciting blog-worthy news. But when you're furnace looked like this - running at 80% efficiency, rusted out in the inside, and overheating so that the nameplate melts down -- it can be pretty exciting stuff to get a new one.

OLD Janitrol Furnace (5 years ago - looked better)

New Trane XV95

2010 is the last year for the tax credit, and our city is offering rebates up to $1000 per household for any energy changes made to your house (we had the audit a month ago). So all in all, we got a good deal on this Trane XV95. Already our house is cooling much better.

Look like?

Matt

+ Rosemarie

= Wes

First walk on the Prairie Path

We usually do our daily walks around town , this time we needed a change of scenery.