Yay for 6 months and our 2nd BF goal!

 

12-17-2014 Berran turned 6 months old. My baby is already half way to his first birthday, nooo! He has grown so fast and I am still not ready for him to get any bigger. He is my sweet little tiny baby that needs to stop growing I wish I was able to stop the hands of time for all of my children. Time goes by too fast and they grow even faster.

 

Berran is such a happy baby although his spoiledness has been coming out much more than it ever did before. He used to put himself to sleep during his day times naps if I was busy and unable to let him latch, no more. Now he HAS to latch on or HAS to be held to nod off to slumber land. He used to chill the entire time I cleaned the house unless he was hungry or needed a diaper change but not now. He loves to have my attention now more than ever before, rather it be me carrying him, talking to him, letting him latch on, or just him seeing me near by its almost always a must.

 

Lucky me he still isn't an awful child that cries a lot or seems overly spoiled. I can still get my house cleaned, dinner cooked, home work done and everything else inn between while giving him the attention that he needs and without him throwing a complete fit.

 

He is still in the bed with us. He was always in the bassinet until his reflux got bad when he was still small so we put him in the bed to be sure we heard him and reacted fast because he would choke a lot. Once it improved he still slept in the bassinet when he first went to sleep but when he woke up he was placed in the bed to nurse and I left him there to nurse as he pleased. Now, he just goes to bed when we do but the past 2 nights I have laid him down in the bassinet until he woke up because it WAS nice to have the bed to ourselves again, but I wouldn't trade his cuddles for anything.

 

Berran is now sitting with support, he has found his feet and puts them in his mouth all the time. Berran loves his pacifier and has began to follow it with his eyes when we dangle it in front of him and he will grab it and put it right back in his mouth. He thinks Braxton and Broox are hilarious. Speaking of Broox he finally admitted that he loves Berran to Berrac and I but its a secret and we are not supposed to tell anyone especially not Braxton. Anyways, we haven't been to Berrans 6 month check up yet so I am unsure of his weight and height but he is a chunk that is for sure. I gurantee he is 20 pounds or more. He seems to do more and more each day and he keeps a smile on his face!

 

Along with him being 6 months means we have reached our second breastfeeding goal! I really have had many problems this go around mastitis, clogged ducts, over supply, low supply. Luckily I have over came every single one. I do notice some weeks I have a lower supply, I no longer freak out as I did the first time it happened, instead, I heat up some oatmeal, throw in a little flax and brewers yeast then take fenugreek 3 times a day until its back to normal. So far those things seem to do the trick and I haven't even had to make the lactation cookies.

 

I am proud to say my baby has not had one drop of formula. It is amazing knowing that my body has nourished him since day one and still to this day my body is what is continuing to nourish him. With this being the 6 month I am supposed to introduce baby food. I think I am going to hold off until he begins to show interest. He still doesn't seem too interested in food and not to mention he was 5 weeks early so I feel as if he could use the extra 5 weeks before being started on food.

 

I have attempted some table foods like potatoes, sweet potatoes, bananas and peaches and he did like the banana and peaches but he did not chew or keep them in his mouth well and would not try to grab them himself.

 

Also, this is my third child and it was never brought to my attention that the baby food is NOT supposed to replace feedings but the food is supposed to compliment a feeding. I love that I know this now because I do not want our breastfeeding to drastically decrease. Once we do start food I will nurse first and then offer baby food. So, to you mothers out there who didn't know, there ya go!!

 

I plan on nursing him as long as he pleases. Yay to a happy, healthy exclusively breastfed 6 month old baby!

A week of giving thanks: DAY 7 THANKSGIVING

 

 

First off I would like to say I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. My family had a very busy but wonderful day. I cannot even begin to express how thankful I am for my family. I am very lucky to have Berrac in my life. He provides for our family in every way possible and he is always going over the top to make our boys and I happy. He works overtime quite often which is what allows me to stay home as often as I do. I do not know what I would do with out him. He is an awesome spouse and father. I wouldn't ask for anyone else in my life.

 

I am also very thankful for my boys. Braxton and I may butt heads (he's just like me) but at the age of 16 he was my life changer and I am so thankful God brought me him at even such a young age. I have enjoyed watching him grow the past 7 years and he is always making me proud.

 Broox is my trouble maker but I am so thankful that he is still a mamas boy. At the age of 5 he still enjoys cuddling with me or letting me rock him anytime I can. Unlike Braxton he still gives me sweet kisses. Cherish those moments with you little ones because one day you wont be cool, you wont get to rock them, hold them, or snuggle with them like you once did.

Then there is our baby bear and he is our biggest gift this year. I am thankful that after being born at 35 weeks old which is considered "preemie" he was healthy then at birth and has continued to grow and thrive as any other baby his age.

 

 Most of all I am thankful for GOD because he is the one who has blessed me in so many ways!

 

Also, I am thankful for every one else in my family. My siblings are all very special to me I have 3. I have 2 of the best sisters in the world and an awesome brother.

My mom and dad support me and are always there for me no matter what and without them I wouldn't be here. I am glad to have good relationships with them both. My step dad has been in my life since I was 3 and I am thankful that my mom chose him.

My cousin Shelby has been my best friend since birth and even if we do not talk that often or see each other very much we always know we are there for one another. I definitely believe everyone should have a cousin best friend that you spend your entire life with because there is nothing like a friendship of someone you have grown up AND share a family with.

My granny, she is the back bone of our family. She is the one who keeps our family running smoothly. She worries about everything under the sun and stresses out for no reason but she wants to make sure everyone is taken care of so I guess worrying and stress goes hand in hand with putting others before yourself. She has taught me how to be nice, loving and caring. She is the one who has put the love for cooking and crafting in my life. I am also so thankful for her biscuit and gravy (none like it)!!! I do not know what I would do without her she is one very special lady!

my sister summer

my granny

my sister summer and my mom

broox, braxton & bryce (shelbys son)

my granny & cousin Shelby

my dad

baby bears first thanksgiving

my brother

A week of giving thanks: DAY 6

Tonights post is Broox and I giving thanks. Earlier today Broox was a big help. I had a ton of dishes to wash and he wanted to help me. Now I didn't trust him washing the big dishes so once I was done I left him a few small items and the silverware. He done an awesome job so today I am thankful for Broox and his helping hands.

Broox said "mom I already done my I am thankful for today" but I told him that, that was me being thankful for him helping me out so he said he is thankful for his Legos. Him and Braxton could play with them and build all day long. They have an already big but growing collection of Legos.

We have and extremely busy day tomorrow and then I have to go to work but I am hoping I get around to my final thanksgiving post. If not posted tomorrow then it will be posted on Friday.

A week of giving thanks: DAY 5

I know it's actually been 2 days since I've posted. I ended up working a double on Monday and was busy with the fam and catching up on sleep yesterday. Today I will end up having 2 posts for day 5 and day 6.

Today is our day 5 of giving thanks post!

Today we are thankful for family date nights. Unfortunately they do not happen as often as we would like because sometimes we are just so busy or low on money or both so we tend to spend a lot of time together in the house. When we actually get out and do fun stuff the boys are so excited. 

Last night we surprised the kids by taking them out to eat at zaxbys (can't go wrong with chicken tenders & grilled cheese) and then we went to watch the new movie Big Hero 6. The movie was awesome and I'm hoping there will be a sequel. It was obviously Berrans first time at the movies and he done great! He watched almost all of the movie. He ate for 10 minutes in the middle and then fell asleep the last 15 minutes. I think that's pretty impressive for a 5 month old.

Broox wanted me to take this picture because he said he is thankful for the baby swing which he thinks is his swing to sit in and watch cartoons. 

I'll be back later with the day 6 post!

A week of giving thanks: DAY 3

Day 3 is Berrac, Berran and myself giving thanks. Braxton and Broox are at their Nonnahs (my mom) house. 

Today Berrac and I are thankful for extra money to complete our holiday shopping, a date night even if Berran is with us, because lets face it after having 3 kids when one is only with us it feels like basically no kids at all. We enjoyed dinner, Christmas shopping and we are now about to end our night with a red box movie. 

Today Berran is thankful for mamas milk. Mamas milk is yummy and healthy. He drinks to fill his tummy and for comfort. He drinks mamas milk on demand and he chooses the booba over a bottle with mamas milk any day!

Stay tuned for day 4 of us giving thanks!

A week of giving thanks: DAY 2

Today I am thankful for cloth diapers. I wish I would have known more about them when I had Braxton I would have definitely saved a ton of money by now. They are so cute stylish and colorful. The one pictured is an alva and it is one of my favorites. My other favorites and the cutest prints are Sunbaby diapers. They are one size and grow with Berran, they are easy to wash and has saved me a ton of money. For more info on cloth diapers and where to purchase the ones mentioned click the cloth diaper tab.

Today Braxton is thankful for his Kindle. His nonnah got him one for Christmas and I am thankful for it as well for days like today when I need to get some rest and he can watch movies or play games on it while laying in bed with me.

Today Broox is thankful for toys. They kept him pretty entertained today while I was catching up on sleep. I woke up to a huge mess. I on the other hand am not thankful for little boys who make messes and don't clean up...luckily he decided to pick up, drum roll please... 3 hours later.

Today Berran is thankful for his vaporizer and his medicine. He is not feeling well today and the medicine has helped keep his fever down and the vaporizer has helped with his congestion. I'm hoping he has a better night tonight especially since I will be at work.

Stay tuned for day 3 tomorrow!

Because sometimes being a mom sucks...

Here it is 9pm at night. I'm yelling at my oldest 2 to get in and stay in the bed, attempting to watch scandal while my mind is racing thinking of all the things I HAVE to do before bed.

 

Yesterday went so smooth why on earth would I think today would be a repeat? No idea! I have 2 kids at 2 different schools with thanksgiving lunch that I had to attend because you don't want your kid to be the kid without a parent there no matter the circumstances. Unfortunately at the moment (past 6 months) we have only had 1 vehicle and of course the lunches happen to fall on the day Berrac works. I had to get the kids on the bus, load up the baby and head to take Berrac to work which is an hour away. After we got home rush rush rush nurse, shower, look presentable and get the baby ready.

 

Finally make it to Braxton's thanksgiving lunch 5 minutes late and to a child 5 minutes is like all day he had given up hope that I was even coming.

 

Next stop Brooxs lunch. I made it there on time. He wouldn't take a picture but whatever. Of course there I was the mom trying to carry a huge britax (heavy) car seat with a 20 pound infant AND a tray of food. Thank you to the beautiful mother with nicely fixed hair, business suit and heels (ya know the perfect life looking mom) that helped me. 

 

After that off to Kroger I went to only find that they didn't carry what I was looking for, left my wallet in the cart that I had already pushed in, luckily it was still there when I went to check. 

 

Once I was home it was wonderful for a whole hour and a half. BUMMER. At least I was able to enjoy my soap opera right?! Back on the road it was pick up kids and another hour trip to get Berrac from work. 

 

Home again, home AT LAST. Yeah freaking right. Time to get Braxton dressed and ready for his All Star team football practice and after that HELLO kitchen, time to cook.

 

..... AND that brings us to now, now it's 9:30 pm at least I've finished this post. I have managed to pay attention to Scandal and I know what's going on. Braxton and Broox are now fast asleep. Berran is in my lap finally in a nappy after leaving him naked and peeing in the bed. He still needs a bath I'm sure he will wake before I'm in bed anyways. He's on NO schedule but he's pretty chill and goes with the flow. My living room is a mess. My kitchen even messier now with dishes from last night and tonight's dinner. Food STILL sitting out waiting to be put up. I have one more show to watch that is important to me because it's MY TIME so maybe I'll at least get the  food put away and hopefully make it through my 10pm show. Some times being a  sucks. The stress, the tiredness, the mess, the kids, the cooking, the only MOM time is late at night with eyes barely open, but when I go around giving those one last kisses before I do close my eyes I remember how the suckiness of motherhood is all worth it and one day I will look back and miss the once said sucky days.

 

***UPDATE***

 

I wrote this post yesterday 11/20/14 so may I add to my original post that I went to bed about 12:30 only for Berran to keep me up all night long with a terrible cough. At the time his insurance is completely messed up and he is uninsured so after and hour and a half of coughing fits, wheezing and rattling in his chest I took him to the ER. Even though he is a healthy preemie what comes along with that is a higher risk for RSV and other infections I didn't want to risk anything being wrong especially with whooping cough getting worse these day.

 

We arrived at the ER around 4:30 am he had 2 breathing treatments and everything was negative and he is okay. At 6 am we were still there. I text Berrac giving him very specific directions to where the kids clothes were and what time to be looking for the busses because of course the first text he sent was I don't see any clothes laid out followed by I cant find there clothes. Of course what would men/dads do without us women/moms. I don't know why I would expect one simple thing to get done that is normally a mothers job. Anyways I told him to just leave them in the bed so they had a free day off from school. Berran and I arrived back home at 9 am and we slept most of the day. THANK YOU older bros for letting mommy get some rest. Again sometimes being a mother sucks and its tiring and things go wrong but hey that's just part of being a mom and being a parenting!

Oops Berrans update

This post is mainly for myself and my records since I still haven't got around to my baby book and am just now realizing I didn't post an update when Berran turned 4 months.

 

October 17th Berran turned 4 months. He is such a happy little boy who is always smiling. On October 27th he had his well child check up and weighed in @ a whopping 18 lbs 15oz and his length at  25 1/2 inches long. On November 3rd he had his 4 month shots and by then he weighed in at 19lbs 8oz and length was 26 inches so he is growing like a weed!

 

Now my little stinker is 5 months old. He turned 5 months Novemver 17th. He gets sweeter by the day! He still loves to smile and is now laughing a whole lot more. I've noticed 2 bottom teeth starting to poke up through. He slobbers and chews on his hands constantly. He loves to pay attention to his big brother Braxton who keeps him entertained quite often. He is finally taking a bottle for Bj when I am at work. We are almost to the 6 month mark which makes me excited although I would love to keep him small forever it is a pleasure to watch him grow and develop day by day as it is with all of my kiddos. He is still exclusively breastfed and although we have had some rough patches we are still going strong. I am one lucky mama!

My SAHM life

Many people say being a stay at mom is being lazy and many stay at home moms will say a working mom doesn't spend enough time with kids. Both of those statements are lies. I'm sure I speak on more than half of the mothering population that running a household 24/7 is NEVER lazy and that a working moms first priority is her children.
 

I have been both. I was a mom in highschool going to school until 1:30 getting out for work release and working 2 jobs in order to get 40 hours a week. I felt as if I missed out on so much of Braxton's life so once I became pregnant with Broox I knew I wanted to be home more and spend so much time with the both of them. At that time I had to have a job working nearly 30 hours. Luckily I found a night shift job working hours from 12am-8am or 12 hour shifts like 8pm-8am and they were usually sleep shifts so I was able to rest and then carry on with the next day as if I had never went to work therefore I was able to be a working mom AND a SAHM. At that time the household definitely ran smoother Braxton was a toddler and Broox was an infant. No kids in school, no sports, we stayed busy with other activities and we were all on a strict schedule which made life go much easier. At that time I DID actually have time to NAP every single day during our designated nap time but the rest of time was spent doing other things. I can easily say being a SAHM with a toddler and baby was actually easier than working.
 

Now I only work part time two 8 hour night shifts on the weekend and the remainder of the time I am a SAHM. The household no longer rubs smoothly, our schedule runs wild and I tend to a 7 year old, 5 year old, and an infant. The oldest two are in school and are very active in sports. Their daddy works sometimes long hours and with him being the bread winner in the household I do NOT want him coming home thinking I have been lazy all day therefore I try to make sure the house is cleaned, dishes washed and supper is fixed. I also try to shower but that almost never happens until night time because that is how BUSY I try to stay. Just to give you an idea how my schedule goes...

•Mon-Fri no matter what unless it is summer or school break I'm up at 6am fixing everyone's breakfast, getting the kids ready and packing everyone's lunch.
 

•I wash diapers 2 times a week which included rinse, wash, rinse, inserts in dryer and diapers line dried, then putting them together.
 

•laundry 2-3 times a week
 

•sports practice (the sport varies) 2-3 days a week and 1 game a week. If kids are in different sports the is 2 games a week.
 

•Sat and Sun work 11-7. Every now and then I go in early and sometimes I pick up a second shift on Monday or Wednesday.
 

•Plenty of Saturdays I have got off work and not been able to sleep until later in the day (a thank you to kids & thank you sports)
 

•Daily I cook and tidy the house, nurse an infant on demand, make the beds. On school days I rarely even find myself having a lot of relaxation time during those 7 hours. Although my one hour of nothing is spent watching my favorite show The Young & The Restless!

Now this is just a jist of what I do and doesn't even include everything extra that comes up daily. We should support moms no matter if they are home or at work. Some moms want to and can afford to be home, some want to be home and can't afford it, others would go insane being home everyday and well for me I'm just thankful I'm able to work part time but majority of my time is spent at home.