For all of those "you look good" people out there I will first briefly say "thank you." But for you, however, I would like to quickly share this "out of the mouths of babes" story before I forget. Over the weekend my youngest niece, Taylor, was sitting on my lap when we had a conversation that went a little like this:
Taylor: Aunt Cassie, are you going to have more than one baby?
Me: Probably.
Taylor: *deep in thought* *pokes my belly* Why do you still have a big belly?
Me: Well sometimes it takes a little while to get rid of that belly once you've had a baby. Not everyone is as lucky as your mommy and has a flat tummy right after she has a baby.
Taylor: So only you got a big belly?
Me: No, only your mommy didn't get a big belly.
It is hilarious and devastating all at the same time. I remember thinking to myself that morning that I was finally starting to look presentable. In fact, I had just started squeezing myself into some non-maternity pants for the first time in, like, nine months. To say that I look good is only a partial truth. I'm looking good relative to my pregnant self and my immediate postpartum self. I'm not really looking that good relative to my pre-baby self. So in light of this recent incident I feel inspired enough to dig out my old running shoes and hit the pavement.
Last night was my first jog in what has been almost 1.5 years. The first block I was feeling awesome. Like, yes, I can do this. Then about two seconds later I felt the true weight of my legs and ugh... I'm out of shape. I made it over two miles only stopping once to catch my breath and fight back some vomit after one particularly long hill. When it was over I was panting worse than Griffin on a 100 degree day, but in a strange way I felt great. Here's hoping my inspiration lasts - that I can keep that sweet little voice in my head, so honest and innocent, "Why do you still have a big belly?"
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Father's Day Weekend
We had a bit of a busy weekend that we kicked off by meeting Chloe's newest friend Bella Louise James. Bella was born June 16 and was 9 pounds 11 ounces! Her momma pushed for 1.5 hours before they decided to bust her out via C-section. We are so proud! Chloe did not get to meet Bella just yet, but Paul and I headed to the hospital where we got to cuddle the sweet baby. Bella has the chubbiest cheeks and she is so precious. We are so happy for you Kellie and Jeff!
My dad got to babysit Chloe all day on Friday while I was at work. My mom was helping the aunts get ready for a graduation party. At the party Friday night I hardly caught a glimpse of my little girl except to feed her here and there. She ended up staying up until 11:00 p.m. or so. She is such a good girl always going with the flow. We have her on something of a schedule with a mandatory morning nap and a pretty strict bedtime, but on weekends when we have events she usually strays from the norm and comes out relatively unscathed. Here she is getting cuddles from my Grandma Sally.
We celebrated Father's Day with our dads on Saturday. Bobby Kay made a big dinner and we hung out for a while. Chloe was once again passed around and around. Her Great Grandma Millie held her while she chomped on this Pop Ice. Working on some teeth, maybe?
We celebrated Paul's first Father's Day on Sunday. We headed out to Grand Haven because I had a little work to do there. We walked up and down the streets and visited some shops. Then we decided to walk to the pier and back. There were lots of people walking the pier and hanging out on the beach even though it was only about 75 degrees and windy. It was a beautiful day for walking. We had a family take a picture of our family on Paul's first Father's Day.
I had a great Father's Day (and I think Paul liked it, too)!
My dad got to babysit Chloe all day on Friday while I was at work. My mom was helping the aunts get ready for a graduation party. At the party Friday night I hardly caught a glimpse of my little girl except to feed her here and there. She ended up staying up until 11:00 p.m. or so. She is such a good girl always going with the flow. We have her on something of a schedule with a mandatory morning nap and a pretty strict bedtime, but on weekends when we have events she usually strays from the norm and comes out relatively unscathed. Here she is getting cuddles from my Grandma Sally.
We celebrated Father's Day with our dads on Saturday. Bobby Kay made a big dinner and we hung out for a while. Chloe was once again passed around and around. Her Great Grandma Millie held her while she chomped on this Pop Ice. Working on some teeth, maybe?
We celebrated Paul's first Father's Day on Sunday. We headed out to Grand Haven because I had a little work to do there. We walked up and down the streets and visited some shops. Then we decided to walk to the pier and back. There were lots of people walking the pier and hanging out on the beach even though it was only about 75 degrees and windy. It was a beautiful day for walking. We had a family take a picture of our family on Paul's first Father's Day.
I had a great Father's Day (and I think Paul liked it, too)!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Breastfeeding... dun dun dun
Despite its rising popularity since the age of our mothers, breastfeeding is still a highly private act. Most nursing mothers are so discreet that you wouldn't even guess what they were doing under that scarf. Thankfully, too, because even as a nursing mother the last thing I want to see at Olive Garden is a big random boob next to a plate of ravioli.
I think I went my whole life noticing only once or twice a mother breastfeeding her baby. So it is no surprise that my nine year old niece, Oli, was shocked one day to see me nursing Chloe. And I do mean shocked. As far as she knew, the only way to feed a baby was from a bottle. Didn't you know that the first Enfamil plant opened some 2.5 million years ago? She asked if Chloe was a vampire.
Since that day I think Oli has asked me eight or nine times why I "feed her with my *insert wild hand motions toward breast*" or why I "feed her from my thingy things." And rather than explain to her all of the endless benefits of breastfeeding like breastfeeding is linked to a lower risk of ear infections, respiratory infections, asthma, diabetes, childhood leukemia, and many other childhood illnesses; or that breast milk changes over time to meet your baby's needs, always containing the right amount of fat, sugar, water, and protein that is needed for baby's growth. Rather than saying breastfeeding is also good for the mother by lowering the risk of diabetes, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and postpartum depression; and that, most importantly, people think we are vampires, which is totally in right now (take that Bella Swan). I always end up telling Oli the same thing. "Because it is the way that God made us." And that is the truth.
This weekend when she asked me the same question I gave her the same answer. This time she thought about it for a minute and asked "Is that how Mother Mary fed Jesus?" I thought about it for a minute, too, trying to imagine Mother Mary milking some mangy goat or cow on her way to Bethlehem before I told her that I was pretty sure Mother Mary breastfed Jesus.
People go on and on about the cost benefits of breastfeeding (which, between the pump, nursing bras, nursing tops, storage bags, etc. I'm not so sure is true). The truth is that the real reason I chose to breastfeed Chloe was that it just seemed unnatural to not. God gave us this perfect food - one that is so perfect many doctors believe it is safe to feed your baby breast milk exclusively for a whole year. One that is so perfect that doctors and scientists have been trying to reformulate it for decades using over one hundred ingredients, most of which a college graduate cannot pronounce.
That is the reason I started breastfeeding in the first place. Now I have a whole list of reasons why I love breastfeeding. Like when Chloe wakes up in the middle of the night it only takes ten seconds to pluck her out of her crib and begin feeding her. I get to cuddle with her all of the time. Most importantly, it is something that only I can do and I love that.
It was so difficult in the beginning, but now it is the most amazing bonding experience, and it is by far one of the coolest things I have ever done in my life. I just thought I would put it into words so that for my next baby, when I'm feeling like a slave to the boob waking up every two hours to feed a hungry baby, I can remember that period is only brief. The long-term benefits are definitely worth the initial frustrations.
And in case you are wondering, I am not going to be one of those crazy moms who breastfeeds her kids until they are five or thirteen or something. I don't want Chloe to have any weird memories of sucking on my boob. That's just weird.
I think I went my whole life noticing only once or twice a mother breastfeeding her baby. So it is no surprise that my nine year old niece, Oli, was shocked one day to see me nursing Chloe. And I do mean shocked. As far as she knew, the only way to feed a baby was from a bottle. Didn't you know that the first Enfamil plant opened some 2.5 million years ago? She asked if Chloe was a vampire.
Since that day I think Oli has asked me eight or nine times why I "feed her with my *insert wild hand motions toward breast*" or why I "feed her from my thingy things." And rather than explain to her all of the endless benefits of breastfeeding like breastfeeding is linked to a lower risk of ear infections, respiratory infections, asthma, diabetes, childhood leukemia, and many other childhood illnesses; or that breast milk changes over time to meet your baby's needs, always containing the right amount of fat, sugar, water, and protein that is needed for baby's growth. Rather than saying breastfeeding is also good for the mother by lowering the risk of diabetes, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and postpartum depression; and that, most importantly, people think we are vampires, which is totally in right now (take that Bella Swan). I always end up telling Oli the same thing. "Because it is the way that God made us." And that is the truth.
This weekend when she asked me the same question I gave her the same answer. This time she thought about it for a minute and asked "Is that how Mother Mary fed Jesus?" I thought about it for a minute, too, trying to imagine Mother Mary milking some mangy goat or cow on her way to Bethlehem before I told her that I was pretty sure Mother Mary breastfed Jesus.
People go on and on about the cost benefits of breastfeeding (which, between the pump, nursing bras, nursing tops, storage bags, etc. I'm not so sure is true). The truth is that the real reason I chose to breastfeed Chloe was that it just seemed unnatural to not. God gave us this perfect food - one that is so perfect many doctors believe it is safe to feed your baby breast milk exclusively for a whole year. One that is so perfect that doctors and scientists have been trying to reformulate it for decades using over one hundred ingredients, most of which a college graduate cannot pronounce.
That is the reason I started breastfeeding in the first place. Now I have a whole list of reasons why I love breastfeeding. Like when Chloe wakes up in the middle of the night it only takes ten seconds to pluck her out of her crib and begin feeding her. I get to cuddle with her all of the time. Most importantly, it is something that only I can do and I love that.
It was so difficult in the beginning, but now it is the most amazing bonding experience, and it is by far one of the coolest things I have ever done in my life. I just thought I would put it into words so that for my next baby, when I'm feeling like a slave to the boob waking up every two hours to feed a hungry baby, I can remember that period is only brief. The long-term benefits are definitely worth the initial frustrations.
And in case you are wondering, I am not going to be one of those crazy moms who breastfeeds her kids until they are five or thirteen or something. I don't want Chloe to have any weird memories of sucking on my boob. That's just weird.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Memorial Day Weekend
Chloe had her first trip up to my parents' cabin for Memorial Day weekend. She was a good girl in the car on the four hour trip only getting restless during the last hour. Since Chloe loves being outside, she really loved being up at the cabin where she could enjoy the fresh air. The only problem was that we were attacked the entire weekend by huge black flies. It was pretty disgusting. But I guess the beautiful weather and views made it worth the trip.
Chloe and Andrew got a little play time while we were up there. It was so nice to be able to see Andrew outside of a family event. He is such a sweetheart and I just want to squeeze him and kiss him all of the time. When I get sad about how quickly Chloe is growing up I just think of how much fun Andrew is right now. Here he is playing with Chloe (he was actually playing with her face and ears).
We went for a little boat ride and Andrew got to drive the boat. We were joking about how this is going to become a major problem in the future when Chloe wants to drive the boat, too!
Chloe had to wear a life vest and I think she loved it (insert sarcasm)... I mean, wouldn't you?
The guys had to dig a new well.
The last time we were at the cabin Chloe was in my belly. It is crazy. I have a lifetime of memories at the cabin and now I get to share one of my favorite places in the world with one of my favorite people in the world - a person whom I didn't even know would exist until just recently. My wish is that Chloe has a whole lifetime of fond memories at the cabin, too.
Chloe and Andrew got a little play time while we were up there. It was so nice to be able to see Andrew outside of a family event. He is such a sweetheart and I just want to squeeze him and kiss him all of the time. When I get sad about how quickly Chloe is growing up I just think of how much fun Andrew is right now. Here he is playing with Chloe (he was actually playing with her face and ears).
We went for a little boat ride and Andrew got to drive the boat. We were joking about how this is going to become a major problem in the future when Chloe wants to drive the boat, too!
Chloe had to wear a life vest and I think she loved it (insert sarcasm)... I mean, wouldn't you?
The guys had to dig a new well.
The last time we were at the cabin Chloe was in my belly. It is crazy. I have a lifetime of memories at the cabin and now I get to share one of my favorite places in the world with one of my favorite people in the world - a person whom I didn't even know would exist until just recently. My wish is that Chloe has a whole lifetime of fond memories at the cabin, too.
Chloe - 4 Months
Yikes, I am a couple of weeks late on Chloe's four month update. Things have been so busy around here. We have had somewhere to be every weekend and there is no end in sight for the next two months. People would always say that once we started having kids we would be able to opt out of some of the events, but it turns out that we really do have to go to almost everything.
Chloe is getting so big! At her four month check up she weighed in at 13 pounds 10 ounces. She was something like the 75th percentile. She had her vaccines and cried hysterically while she got them of course, but when we got home she was as happy as can be. I did have to give her some Meijer brand acetaminophen in the afternoon to calm her and another dose the next day, but she managed to make it out pretty unscathed. We didn't have too many questions for the doctor. Chloe was on track with all of her developmental milestones like rolling over, playing with her hands, cooing and smiling, etc. We discussed starting solid foods at six months, which is what I had been planning anyway.
I did ask the doctor if Chloe was teething, because she has started drooling and chewing on her fingers. The doctor said that it didn't look like she was teething, but that her glands have started producing saliva and since she doens't have teeth she has no choice but to drool. I'm hoping she is a late bloomer in the teeth department!
Speaking of rolling over, Chloe spent the entire month trying to get there! I think it all started when she got this terrible diaper rash. It was so bad that I ended up getting a prescription for "Magic Butt Cream." The doctor called for a lot of naked butt time, and Chloe loved rolling around on the floor naked. It was the cutest thing. It turns out that something about being naked gave Chloe the insatiable desire to roll over. She spent like 90% of her day trying to roll over and she was always so close! On May 22 she finally made it. She had blown out a diaper, and it was the worst one to date. I don't think that any of the poop even hit the diaper. It was so bad that I just stripped her down and sat her on a towel while I ran a bath. After a while I heard her fussing in the living room, and when I came out she had rolled over onto the hardwood floor. There she was all butt naked on the wood floor thinking "what the hell?!?"
She didn't roll over again until May 28 when we were putting her to bed at my parents' cabin. Of course, at the most inopportune time she started rolling over in her Pack n' Play. Then she insisted on sleeping on her stomach no matter how many times we flipped her over. I think I checked to see if she was breathing twenty or so times before I turned in for the night. Now she flips over immediately after we put her in her crib. I love sleeping on my tummy too, so I really can't blame her.
Chloe's sleep schedule varied a lot with a week or two of waking up at 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. followed by a week or two of her sleeping through the night. I really don't mind waking up with her, though. She gets her snack on and then goes right back to bed like a good girl. I appreciate any cuddle time I can get. She started taking some decent naps during the day, too.
I don't know if I have ever mentioned it on here or not, but Chloe loves being outdoors. If she is ever fussing I can just take her outside and plop her in my lap and she is perfectly content looking at the grass and trees. It is so cute. We can just lie her down on a blanket while we work in the yard and she will sit there and play.
I can't believe how much easier the second two months have been compared to the first two months. It is like night and day! Chloe hardly cries and she is always so sweet and smiley. We feel so blessed right now and I am enjoying every minute.
Chloe is getting so big! At her four month check up she weighed in at 13 pounds 10 ounces. She was something like the 75th percentile. She had her vaccines and cried hysterically while she got them of course, but when we got home she was as happy as can be. I did have to give her some Meijer brand acetaminophen in the afternoon to calm her and another dose the next day, but she managed to make it out pretty unscathed. We didn't have too many questions for the doctor. Chloe was on track with all of her developmental milestones like rolling over, playing with her hands, cooing and smiling, etc. We discussed starting solid foods at six months, which is what I had been planning anyway.
I did ask the doctor if Chloe was teething, because she has started drooling and chewing on her fingers. The doctor said that it didn't look like she was teething, but that her glands have started producing saliva and since she doens't have teeth she has no choice but to drool. I'm hoping she is a late bloomer in the teeth department!
Speaking of rolling over, Chloe spent the entire month trying to get there! I think it all started when she got this terrible diaper rash. It was so bad that I ended up getting a prescription for "Magic Butt Cream." The doctor called for a lot of naked butt time, and Chloe loved rolling around on the floor naked. It was the cutest thing. It turns out that something about being naked gave Chloe the insatiable desire to roll over. She spent like 90% of her day trying to roll over and she was always so close! On May 22 she finally made it. She had blown out a diaper, and it was the worst one to date. I don't think that any of the poop even hit the diaper. It was so bad that I just stripped her down and sat her on a towel while I ran a bath. After a while I heard her fussing in the living room, and when I came out she had rolled over onto the hardwood floor. There she was all butt naked on the wood floor thinking "what the hell?!?"
She didn't roll over again until May 28 when we were putting her to bed at my parents' cabin. Of course, at the most inopportune time she started rolling over in her Pack n' Play. Then she insisted on sleeping on her stomach no matter how many times we flipped her over. I think I checked to see if she was breathing twenty or so times before I turned in for the night. Now she flips over immediately after we put her in her crib. I love sleeping on my tummy too, so I really can't blame her.
Chloe's sleep schedule varied a lot with a week or two of waking up at 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. followed by a week or two of her sleeping through the night. I really don't mind waking up with her, though. She gets her snack on and then goes right back to bed like a good girl. I appreciate any cuddle time I can get. She started taking some decent naps during the day, too.
I don't know if I have ever mentioned it on here or not, but Chloe loves being outdoors. If she is ever fussing I can just take her outside and plop her in my lap and she is perfectly content looking at the grass and trees. It is so cute. We can just lie her down on a blanket while we work in the yard and she will sit there and play.
I can't believe how much easier the second two months have been compared to the first two months. It is like night and day! Chloe hardly cries and she is always so sweet and smiley. We feel so blessed right now and I am enjoying every minute.
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