Bentley has found his biggest enemy this week....the bottle! He took the bottle for two days while I was unable to feed him, but he was not happy about it. (We are not talking formula either, we are talking my milk). So, last night we are going to diner and shopping and since it was getting close to feeding time we decided to take a bottle. This child threw the biggest temper-tantrum (I am sure this wont be the last one)! I am talking screaming (like a girl, you know the high pitch scream), kicking his feet, throwing his arms around, and gagging. Complete refusal to take the bottle! In true bad-mother fashion I gave in and gave the child what he wanted (to be fair this is not a battle I thought I needed to have with a six week old). Bentley 1, Mommy 0
So not much new to report this week....
I am recovering well. I go back to the doctor to on Friday to make sure everything is healing appropriately. I am so excited to be able to eat what I want without worrying about the pain!
Bentley is doing well. He is a very happy baby and is smiling all the time! We are still having some good and bad nights. I woke up last night to find both Jeremy and Bentley sleeping in the exact same position. If it weren't the middle of the night I would have taken a picture.
Jeremy is doing great and is very busy at work.
We have a busy weekend ahead of us. I have two appointments on Friday. Saturday is the VT spring game, then dinner with his family. Sunday is lunch with my family for Easter. Somehow I have to find time to bake!Shew!
Happy Easter everyone!
P.S. more pictures to come of Bentley next week!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Surgery Update
On Thursday I went into the hospital to have my surgery. I of course was nervous (and a little bit ridiculous). To say the least, I cried... a lot! It was so bad the nurses allowed Jeremy to come to the pre-op room (which they only do for 21 and younger). Like I said I was a little bit ridiculous, but that's why you love me! The surgery went well. When I woke up I was really angry that they didn't ask me to count back from 10. I also asked them if we had an earthquake (I guess I felt the bed moving when they moved me to recovery). When I got up to my room they got me settled in as I was supposed to stay the night. In three hours they checked on me once. I asked the doctor if I could go home since nobody was really checking on me. I felt like with my mom being next door, Jeremy and her could give me better care. The doctor was okay with me coming home.
My mom was a big help and brought me home from the hospital and Jeremy's parents helped watched Bentley that night. Jeremy has taken great care of Bentley and I! I think it has really been a bonding experience for Jeremy and Bentley. Jeremy has done well. Bentley protested the bottles a lot at first but has since accepted them. I am so happy to be on the road to recovery. We have so many fun things we want to do with Bentley!
My mom was a big help and brought me home from the hospital and Jeremy's parents helped watched Bentley that night. Jeremy has taken great care of Bentley and I! I think it has really been a bonding experience for Jeremy and Bentley. Jeremy has done well. Bentley protested the bottles a lot at first but has since accepted them. I am so happy to be on the road to recovery. We have so many fun things we want to do with Bentley!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Surgery
Quick update....
Bentley is doing well. He rolled over for the first time, from his belly to his back. We understand that it was prob. a fluke and he wont do it again for some time, but it is still an exciting first!
I have my gallbladder surgery tomorrow. I am so nervous! I have never had a surgery before. I am very blessed everyone is pitching in.. Jeremy, my mom and dad, and his parents have all agreed to take turns watching Bentley. I will have a long weekend of recovering, but hopefully it will leave me feeling like a new person. Please pray for Jeremy as he is taking the night shift with Bentley. Please pray for me, that everything goes well and I have a quick recovery!
Thanks everyone!
Bentley is doing well. He rolled over for the first time, from his belly to his back. We understand that it was prob. a fluke and he wont do it again for some time, but it is still an exciting first!
I have my gallbladder surgery tomorrow. I am so nervous! I have never had a surgery before. I am very blessed everyone is pitching in.. Jeremy, my mom and dad, and his parents have all agreed to take turns watching Bentley. I will have a long weekend of recovering, but hopefully it will leave me feeling like a new person. Please pray for Jeremy as he is taking the night shift with Bentley. Please pray for me, that everything goes well and I have a quick recovery!
Thanks everyone!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Times Are Changing
Well, today I have lots of news to report! On Sunday, Dusty and Danielle’s baby arrived into this world. It was a surprise to everyone since he is six weeks early! Sawyer Rayvon Marks was born 5 pounds 7 ounces and 20 inches long! He is spending some time in the NICU but only as a precaution and to put on some weight. We visited on Sunday and both momma and baby are doing well! Sawyer was born exactly one month after Bentley! Bentley is excited to have a cousin and I am sure with them being so close in age they will be best friends! I showed Bentley a picture of Sawyer yesterday, in which he actually focused on the picture for a few seconds! We love you Sawyer!
Bentley went to the doctor yesterday and was given a clean bill of health. He now weighs 11 pounds and is 22 inches long! He is in the 75th percentile for height and weight, which is where he was when he was born, meaning he is growing exactly how he should be! (Jeremy told him when he gets in school we wont accept him being in the 75th percentile on things). Bentley has been growing and changing so fast! It is hard to believe he is already a month old! We are really beginning to figure out his likes and dislikes. He love tummy time and to sit in my lap while I read him books and sing to him (this is when he smiles the most)! He also really loves to sit up and to be outside! He tolerates the bouncy seat and swing! His dislikes…sleep (at night), but to be honest he is getting better at this, and being hot (we basically have to keep him in a tiny onsie because he gets so hot). Bentley has been sleeping for about 3 hour chunks at a time (which is a lot better than the hour chunks before). However, about 2 AM he will wake up and stay awake until 4 AM. He is meeting so many milestones with his development. He now makes noises other than crying, he coos and ahhs, they melt your heart when you hear them! He is getting better about holding his head up and picks it up and looks around when you are holding him. Bentley also makes crawling motions when he has tummy time and follows objects wit his eyes! Everyone tells us this is the most amazing time…and it truly is! I am just head over heals in love with this little boy!
I am still breastfeeding! It has not been an easy journey, but I am stubborn and refuse to give up! Things are improving. I now feel like we are getting the hang of it. We are still not out of the woods yet though. I am still probably going to have to has surgery and so that may change things (depending on what types of medicine I will be given and how long I wont be able to feed him for).Although, the doctors and nurses indicate I will still be able to breastfeed. I really do enjoy the bonding time I get to spend with Bentley while feeding him.
I don’t know how many times I can say this….boy, things sure have changed. Jeremy and I know that little man needs a bed time…even on the weekends! This means less late night socializing for us and more story time and lullabies. Jeremy and I are both adjusting to our new life well though. Jeremy even gets off work at a decent time these days! I am starting to feel like things are falling into place. During the day Bentley and I are starting to have a routine and I am able to do small tasks around the house.
I am still having trouble with my gallbladder. I have had several very painful attacks since my one I went into the ER for. Jeremy takes care of Bentley while I am having the attacks (thank goodness they have all happened while he was around). I try and avoid any food I think might make me have an attack, however, sometimes even things I don’t think will make me have an attack do. I go Thursday to have another ultrasound to see if they can find any stones. They are going to try the ultra sound again to try an avoid a test I would have to do where I wouldn’t be able to feed Bentley for a day or two. If they don’t find anything on this ultrasound though they will have to do the other test. Then Friday we go to the doctor to discuss what they find and our next steps. We are pretty positive I am going to have to have surgery. I am the biggest wimp when it comes to these things so you know I am in lots of pain when I say I hope that I get this thing out! Jeremy and I are hoping to have it taken out in the next week or two, we would like to have it done before Easter so I can eat yummy food at Easter. We also want to get me feeling better quickly so we can go to Pittsburgh to visit family!
This Friday is Jeremy’s birthday! We typically don’t make a big deal for birthdays but wanted to have a cookout and this was a reason to have a cookout! We are excited to spend the weekend with friends and family (especially because it is supposed to be 80 degrees this weekend)!
iv>
Bentley went to the doctor yesterday and was given a clean bill of health. He now weighs 11 pounds and is 22 inches long! He is in the 75th percentile for height and weight, which is where he was when he was born, meaning he is growing exactly how he should be! (Jeremy told him when he gets in school we wont accept him being in the 75th percentile on things). Bentley has been growing and changing so fast! It is hard to believe he is already a month old! We are really beginning to figure out his likes and dislikes. He love tummy time and to sit in my lap while I read him books and sing to him (this is when he smiles the most)! He also really loves to sit up and to be outside! He tolerates the bouncy seat and swing! His dislikes…sleep (at night), but to be honest he is getting better at this, and being hot (we basically have to keep him in a tiny onsie because he gets so hot). Bentley has been sleeping for about 3 hour chunks at a time (which is a lot better than the hour chunks before). However, about 2 AM he will wake up and stay awake until 4 AM. He is meeting so many milestones with his development. He now makes noises other than crying, he coos and ahhs, they melt your heart when you hear them! He is getting better about holding his head up and picks it up and looks around when you are holding him. Bentley also makes crawling motions when he has tummy time and follows objects wit his eyes! Everyone tells us this is the most amazing time…and it truly is! I am just head over heals in love with this little boy!
I am still breastfeeding! It has not been an easy journey, but I am stubborn and refuse to give up! Things are improving. I now feel like we are getting the hang of it. We are still not out of the woods yet though. I am still probably going to have to has surgery and so that may change things (depending on what types of medicine I will be given and how long I wont be able to feed him for).Although, the doctors and nurses indicate I will still be able to breastfeed. I really do enjoy the bonding time I get to spend with Bentley while feeding him.
I don’t know how many times I can say this….boy, things sure have changed. Jeremy and I know that little man needs a bed time…even on the weekends! This means less late night socializing for us and more story time and lullabies. Jeremy and I are both adjusting to our new life well though. Jeremy even gets off work at a decent time these days! I am starting to feel like things are falling into place. During the day Bentley and I are starting to have a routine and I am able to do small tasks around the house.
I am still having trouble with my gallbladder. I have had several very painful attacks since my one I went into the ER for. Jeremy takes care of Bentley while I am having the attacks (thank goodness they have all happened while he was around). I try and avoid any food I think might make me have an attack, however, sometimes even things I don’t think will make me have an attack do. I go Thursday to have another ultrasound to see if they can find any stones. They are going to try the ultra sound again to try an avoid a test I would have to do where I wouldn’t be able to feed Bentley for a day or two. If they don’t find anything on this ultrasound though they will have to do the other test. Then Friday we go to the doctor to discuss what they find and our next steps. We are pretty positive I am going to have to have surgery. I am the biggest wimp when it comes to these things so you know I am in lots of pain when I say I hope that I get this thing out! Jeremy and I are hoping to have it taken out in the next week or two, we would like to have it done before Easter so I can eat yummy food at Easter. We also want to get me feeling better quickly so we can go to Pittsburgh to visit family!
This Friday is Jeremy’s birthday! We typically don’t make a big deal for birthdays but wanted to have a cookout and this was a reason to have a cookout! We are excited to spend the weekend with friends and family (especially because it is supposed to be 80 degrees this weekend)!
iv>
Monday, March 21, 2011
Breastfeeding Vs. Formula Feeding
*Warning-this post is very personal.
Jeremy and I have been having many discussions on the benefits of breast vs. bottle feeding. As many of you know, we chose to breastfeed Bentley. This discussion has been happening because I have had several health problems that have made me question my commitment to breastfeeding. I have an infection in one of my breast that is extremely painful and has reduced my milk supply (leaving the baby crying for more food after I feed him). This has caused many sleepless nights for both Jeremy and I. Then, last night we were in the emergency room because I was having severe stomach and back pain. They ran several test but the results were inconclusive, due to enzyme levels they think I need to have my gallbladder out. All of these things put a lot of stress on my body and paired with no sleep leave me wondering should I continue?
Here are the pros and cons of breastfeeding that we have come up with. The pros are quiet obvious. Breastfeeding is very healthy for the baby and myself. It does not cost anything to breastfeed either. There are several cons as well (which we did not even consider before starting to breastfeed). Breastfeeding is very hard on my body at this point, it is also hard on me because Jeremy cannot help out with feeding or getting the baby to sleep at nights. We have to plan carefully in order to go out anywhere as I am having to think about do they have a place I can feed the baby (I am not quiet comfortable with just whipping it out anywhere like some women). When we are with friends and family I have to leave the room and be gone for an hour (not very social and I end up feeling lonely). All in all I feel tremendous pressure because the feeding is all up to me…I cant get help, can’t always go lay down when I need to “rest”, and can’t leave little man without preplanning in advanced (we learned this when I was in the ER).
Pros and cons for bottle feeding are numerous too. There are many pro’s that allow me to have help. Jeremy is able to feed the baby as well (and that would allow some bonding time for them). If Jeremy and I need to go somewhere in a hurry we don’t have to worry about do when have enough milk stored/saved. We can feed the baby anywhere at any time. At times I do have to remind myself if we do switch to formula the baby will still be getting food and will still be healthy. Basically bottle feeding is the easy way out that would leave me feeling like I have help and the pressure isn’t all on me all the time (which in the middle of the night, the pro’s sound pretty good). The cons though to me are scary on this one. Bottle feeding is not as healthy for the baby. I worry about overfeeding the baby with bottle feeding. I would have a lot more dishes to do. Bottle feeding is more expensive.
This is such a serious decision for Jeremy and I and one we are stressing over. Anyone with personal experience that want to help us please send me a message. We would love to hear your pro’s/con’s of breast and bottle feeding and if you breastfed how long you breastfed for?
Jeremy and I have been having many discussions on the benefits of breast vs. bottle feeding. As many of you know, we chose to breastfeed Bentley. This discussion has been happening because I have had several health problems that have made me question my commitment to breastfeeding. I have an infection in one of my breast that is extremely painful and has reduced my milk supply (leaving the baby crying for more food after I feed him). This has caused many sleepless nights for both Jeremy and I. Then, last night we were in the emergency room because I was having severe stomach and back pain. They ran several test but the results were inconclusive, due to enzyme levels they think I need to have my gallbladder out. All of these things put a lot of stress on my body and paired with no sleep leave me wondering should I continue?
Here are the pros and cons of breastfeeding that we have come up with. The pros are quiet obvious. Breastfeeding is very healthy for the baby and myself. It does not cost anything to breastfeed either. There are several cons as well (which we did not even consider before starting to breastfeed). Breastfeeding is very hard on my body at this point, it is also hard on me because Jeremy cannot help out with feeding or getting the baby to sleep at nights. We have to plan carefully in order to go out anywhere as I am having to think about do they have a place I can feed the baby (I am not quiet comfortable with just whipping it out anywhere like some women). When we are with friends and family I have to leave the room and be gone for an hour (not very social and I end up feeling lonely). All in all I feel tremendous pressure because the feeding is all up to me…I cant get help, can’t always go lay down when I need to “rest”, and can’t leave little man without preplanning in advanced (we learned this when I was in the ER).
Pros and cons for bottle feeding are numerous too. There are many pro’s that allow me to have help. Jeremy is able to feed the baby as well (and that would allow some bonding time for them). If Jeremy and I need to go somewhere in a hurry we don’t have to worry about do when have enough milk stored/saved. We can feed the baby anywhere at any time. At times I do have to remind myself if we do switch to formula the baby will still be getting food and will still be healthy. Basically bottle feeding is the easy way out that would leave me feeling like I have help and the pressure isn’t all on me all the time (which in the middle of the night, the pro’s sound pretty good). The cons though to me are scary on this one. Bottle feeding is not as healthy for the baby. I worry about overfeeding the baby with bottle feeding. I would have a lot more dishes to do. Bottle feeding is more expensive.
This is such a serious decision for Jeremy and I and one we are stressing over. Anyone with personal experience that want to help us please send me a message. We would love to hear your pro’s/con’s of breast and bottle feeding and if you breastfed how long you breastfed for?
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Days and Nights
Sorry it has been so long since our last post...we have been a little preoccupied with the little man here! We are so happy to have him here and are trying to adjust to "his" schedule. Bentley is a very typical little boy and has his nights and days mixed up (which means mommy and daddy have long nights). It is kinda funny because when we say we got no sleep people look at us like we are crazy because he is always sleeping so peacefully during the day. However, you cant get upset with little man because he makes the cutest faces and has the most precious smile! We are excited now that things are calming down that we can start getting in a routine. Mommy is quickly learning to sleep when he sleeps. The dogs have adjusted nicely to him being around and often come to get mommy when he starts to cry. We are so excited to see him make progress and try new things (like lifting his head up and following us with his eyes). I know that we will have so many fun things to update you with as we watch him grow!
Mommy and Daddy are slowly getting adjusted to the changes in our life. Bentley is our very first priority now and we enjoy the time we get to spend with him. Jeremy and I have both been sick which has made things a little more difficult than expected. Jeremy got sick after going to retrieve my pain medicine from the pharmacy after I got home from the hospital. I had to sleep out on the couch with the baby so that both baby and I were healthy. Then this week I got an infection which shot my temperature up to 102 (this is the sickest I have been in a long time). Jeremy was immediately put on baby duty as all I was able to do was sleep, eat, and feed the baby. I must say that we have really been a good team working together (and sometimes separately when the other person couldn't). Jeremy's grandma and Aunt Diane came into town to visit us and we loved to spend time and see all four generations together. Jeremy's grandpap also came into town and got to see his first great grandson. I was very sad though because we did not get to spend as much time with him as we had hoped, as this is when I got my infection. Family is so important to us and we want Bentley to know, love, and respect his wonderful family.
I will post some pictures soon...for some reason my computer wont load them right now.
Mommy and Daddy are slowly getting adjusted to the changes in our life. Bentley is our very first priority now and we enjoy the time we get to spend with him. Jeremy and I have both been sick which has made things a little more difficult than expected. Jeremy got sick after going to retrieve my pain medicine from the pharmacy after I got home from the hospital. I had to sleep out on the couch with the baby so that both baby and I were healthy. Then this week I got an infection which shot my temperature up to 102 (this is the sickest I have been in a long time). Jeremy was immediately put on baby duty as all I was able to do was sleep, eat, and feed the baby. I must say that we have really been a good team working together (and sometimes separately when the other person couldn't). Jeremy's grandma and Aunt Diane came into town to visit us and we loved to spend time and see all four generations together. Jeremy's grandpap also came into town and got to see his first great grandson. I was very sad though because we did not get to spend as much time with him as we had hoped, as this is when I got my infection. Family is so important to us and we want Bentley to know, love, and respect his wonderful family.
I will post some pictures soon...for some reason my computer wont load them right now.
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