Photo Challenge | Bust A Gut

Having fun in the backyard.
Y'know, they say laughter is the best medicine.

This photo was entered into the I Heart Faces photo challenge – www.iheartfaces.com

Happy Fat Tuesday!!!

Happy Fat Tuesday!!! a photo by solcookie on Flickr.

Would you know??

I got the baby from the slice of King Cake this morning! I have been told I have to host a King Cake party next year.

FUN.

I love parties.

At the lottery. Waiting to see if Ari gets picked for the magnet program.

At the lottery. Waiting to see if Ari gets picked for the magnet program. #fingerscrossed a photo by solcookie on Flickr.

*********************drum roll******************************

He did not get picked.

{{SIGH}}.

When I didn't see his name come across the big screen. I got a bit emotional. I knew it was a slim chance since there is only thirty slots available for the 3 year old magnet program, but I sure was hoping.....
It didn't seem to bother Ari, just as long as he got the lollipop I promised him for behaving during the lottery process. And he did.
There is another lottery at the end of April.

Fingers Crossed!

Yay! We got our winning prize from @baykidsmuseum.

Yay! We got our winning prize from @baykidsmuseum. #DrSeuss #contest #winning a photo by solcookie on Flickr.

I entered a twitter contest via @baykidsmuseum for celebrating Dr. Seuss's birthday. We won a Dr. Seuss Wings and Things DVD. I am so excited because the boys love Cat in the Hat shows on PBS television.

My favorite Dr. Seuss book is Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You??

What is your favorite Dr. Seuss book?

Breastfeeding 101

I was just telling the hubby this morning while I was nursing the baby that I didn't expect breastfeeding would be draining on me emotionally and physically. I really thought it would've came to me so natural, like second nature. NOPE!! I struggled in the first month and most of the second. Y'know, because I was recovering from a c-section and my hormones were SO out of whack, it was not easy. Oh, don't get me wrong, by all means.... I am very happy to be breastfeeding. It is indeed a special bond. Like, right now I am at the stage where I feel comfortable giving advice to others who decide to nurse. It's that I have to return to work from maternity leave next month and I feel a bit overwhelmed with anxiety of having to get the technique of pumping while I am away. For example, in order to keep up with my milk supply I must pump, at work. Did I mention.... AT WORK I will be pumping milk?!? I am probably over-reacting, but I want the transition to be smooth. Very unlikely that will happen.

Breastfeeding Humor...

Happy Birthday Rebecca!!

Happy Birthday to a friend who has a kind heart and sweet soul. Best Wishes!

Tender Kisses

Tender Kisses
Originally uploaded by solcookie.

Happy Birthday Corey!!

Rocky Mountain
Originally uploaded by solcookie.

Happy Birthday to the one Dude who can make an awesome campfire!!

winter blues w/notes

winter blues w/notes
Originally uploaded by solcookie.

I've been suffering from a cold since the day before Christmas eve. Since I am nursing the Dude his pediatrician said I was not to take any over the counter medications and to "ride it out" with natural remedies. It has been really exhausting to take care of a newborn and myself while nursing, but with a little more rest and patience. I am sure I will be better real soon. In time to celebrate the new year.

Hi Santa!

silent night, holy night

Eats, Poops, & Leaves

I attended my office Christmas party Monday. And this is my favorite gift I received... a baby etiquette book.

3 am WAKE UP CALL

The baby wakes up around 3 am for a diaper change and feeding. When rocking the baby back to sleep and my singing doesn't seem to work, I wonder why?!?? I will play the ACL episode of Wilco or Beatles Love DVD.

Learn to forgive.....

I come to realize that I need to forgive myself for....

..not mailing Christmas cards this year
..still having to Christmas shop (four days 'till Xmas)
..not mailing baby shower Thank you cards in a timely manner
..not keeping up with house chores
..not returning phone calls
..not sleeping when my baby sleeps.


Since we have extended our family with the joyous birth of Ari. I have neglected most of my routine tasks in my life. Everyone has been very forgiving and so can I.

One Month - Newsletter

WOW!! How time goes by so fast...

On Thursday, Nov. 1st I delivered you successfully by a scheduled caesarean section , scheduled meaning I could not deliver you natural because of the myomectomy surgery I had last year to remove several fibriod tumors. Right after you were born, your daddy introduced you to me and asked what we should call you besides The Dude. When I made eye contact with you I knew we were going to name you Ari (pronounced R-E). Now we almost named you Jackson. Yeah, Jackson. You can ask your daddy about that one.

After our first meeting, they whisked you to meet the rest of your family waiting by the nursery and took me to a room to recover. While in the recovery room waiting for a private room. Your daddy came by to tell me the nurses were doing routine newborn tests followed by a fresh clean bath you didn't like at all. When we settled in our room they finally brought you to me. Oh, I was so over-whelmed with love. You looked so peaceful. You were swaddled like a little burrito. My little burrito.

During the hospital stay I was heavily under pain medication. I was so worried I was not going to be as alert as I needed to be, but your daddy assured me that everything was going to be alright. He stayed with me even though the stay was very uncomfortable, but he made sure I was as comfortable as possible. He even set up the laptop for "movie night".

Since I couldn't get out of bed and not feeling very well, your daddy would change your diapers. The second diaper he ever changed, you decided to pee all over him and your hospital bed. We felt so awful, but could not help ourselves from laughing out loud and still do!

I was having a difficult time breastfeeding you in the beginning. You didn't want to latch on properly or you'd fall asleep real quick. But with a couple of tips from the nursing staff and a visit with the hospital lactation specialist we managed.

On Sunday morning we were told by the pediatrician and doctor that we could be released from the hospital by lunch time. Your daddy and I were so excited and could not wait to go home as a new family. We dressed you in the yellow sailboat outfit your daddy wore when he was born. The first couple of days at home was already a predictable routine for us..... SLEEP DEPRIVATION. You would sleep and be fed every 2-3 hours with changing diapers ALOT! Though, you gave us a scare later that week. You were very unhappy and we did a list of everything we could do to make you happy.

*swaddle no swaddle
*change diaper
*change of clothes
*rocking chair
*sing to you
*pulled out the baby books!!!

...finally your daddy thought of skin on skin. When daddy put you on his warm chest you both fell asleep like sweet babies. Now your predictable routine is not predictable anymore. And it's okay.

Did I mention SLEEP DEPRIVATION???

You give us such joy by recognizing us when we talk to you in our high pitched voices. We like to think you understand when we ask what we can do for you whenever you cry, but it's us who don't understand you quite yet. And you can be so forgiving to us. You are so cute when we do "tummy time" because you kick your baby legs so hard to push yourself to crawl.


I was very lucky your daddy was able to stay home with us from his work for the first three weeks. He is very supportive to me and has so much love for you. I am so happy we have you in our lives... Happy One Month to you Ari!

Love,
Mommy

dream a little dream

dream a little dream
Originally uploaded by solcookie.

Give PEACE a chance

How can I convince my husband to purchase these cute peace baby shoes for "The Dude" ? He feels there is no logical reason to buy shoes for a baby, since they do not walk... But.. But.. they are too cute. I am not sure if I will be able to resist the temptation.

What a wonderful feeling...

Ari is quietly sleeping so I have some time to blog for awhile, unless he wakes for a feeding.

Ari is just about a week old. I can't believe how time goes by so fast. Not being pregnant anymore sometimes makes me feel a little empty. I know. I know. I know I complained a lot during the last month, but I guess I miss Ari moving inside of me... a sweet feeling.

Having a baby is the most endearing feeling I could have EVER imagined. I never thought I could have so much love for someone. I love holding, talking, and giving him sweet kisses. He is fun to play with too. And having my husband, Chad enjoying this experience with me is a wonderful feeling.

We are a family.

Introducing... Ari "The Dude"

visit my website... http://thedudelindeen.jimdo.com/

Butterflies...Pregnant...Sleepless

It is early in the morning and I am not able to sleep probably because I will not be pregnant anymore. I am scheduled to have a c-section delivery at 12:30...
I am nervous and I (think) am going to miss my pregnant belly.

I need sleep!!!!