Just pics

Motherhood...

Since I am well into motherhood, being that Owen is 15 weeks old I was thinking about how things have changed. First off, I kinda feel like I dont get to talk to friends and family as much as I did or want to but I think most people understand.

I have never had so many questions in my life! How do you know you're doing well, besides the fact that your baby is alive! Does everyone go through this? Why does my kid not sleep as well as that kid? Do I let him cry it out? How do I teach him to self soothe without making him cry? Will he just learn that as he gets older?

How do I make time for myself? How do I make time for my busy husband? Is sleep more important that some time with Bryan? I guess the biggest thing I am trying to learn is BALANCE!

Since I'm taking this class for 3 weeks in July I have been pretty good at pumping because I am bound and determined not to have to suppliment with formula if I can help it. I have to say I am pretty nervous about being away from Owen for 8 hours a day for that time. I know it seems weird since most mom's at this point have already gone back to work but since I'm with him 24 hours a day I think it's going to be tough on both of us. I just have to keep telling myself that this three weeks will help allow me to not have to put him in daycare ever. But it's still hard. Luckily, I have my parents, sister and Carrie helping me out so I dont have to leave him with someone I dont know. I just have to come up with someone for the last three days and we are set.

I have to say I don't think I've ever loved someone/something so quickly so much in my life. The rough nights are followed by a happy, smiley and giggling boy- I think it's his way of making it up to me! We are still working out the kinks with sleeping. Some nights are great and some not so much but we're working on it together and hopefully sleep with triumph!

I have to say that there are a lot of times I get sad that I'm not in the cities. On rough days/nights it would be nice to take a break at my parents' or a friends. Or have more people to have a "playdate" with during the days. I have met a couple people here but no one I have really connected with as much as my friends, but more people are coming with the new crew of residents so I hope to make some new friends. It's really a lot harder the older you get!!!

But I have to say I feel lucky. My baby is healthy and happy. I am able to stay home with him which I am thankful of every single day (even the tough ones). I have a wonderful, helpful husband who encourages me to pump and get out of the house when he is around. My parents and my sister spoil Owen with love and stuff (especially my mom) and he loves them very much!

I count my blessings every day and understand it's not always this easy.

Thank you everyone for the support, Mommy advice, delayed returning of phone calls and thoughts! They are appreciated!

My big boy's 3 month pics

Here is the link to his 3 month pictures! I can't believe how time flies! I have to recommend to do this every three months thing it is so fun to watch him grow!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nikkiborchardtphotography/sets/72157618809639633/

Update... finally!

So I know I've been bad at updating but when I get a minute I'm either cleaning, doing laundry, eating or trying to get thank you notes done.

Things are going well, my baby is sleeping well. He goes down between 9-10 and sleeps until between 2-3am, nurses for about a half an hour and then sleeps until 6am-ish. He nurses and goes down for a cat nap and wakes up for good around 8am. We nurse and then cuddle for a while- its great! I think what has really helped was our bedtime routine. Bath, books and nursing. I didn't realize how much it really helps, he seems to know it's time to sleep! He's not a great napper, sometimes half hour long and max hour and a half but those aren't too often. But I have always said, I can live with not a lot of napping if he's sleeping better at night!

I'm taking a class in July for 3 weeks to be able to tutor kids with dyslexia. It pays really well and I'd only have to work a few hours a week. I'm not sure how many students i'd get at first so i'm still looking for a nanny job to get us through until i know if the tutoring will give us enough money alone. I am nervous about a few things though- taking a class and being back in "school" and having to be away from my baby for 8 hours a day. I have to keep reminding myself its temporary and will allow me to stay home for good. I'm just worried because its just the two of us all day everyday most of the time. Also because I really have to start pumping more and freezing milk. So thats the update, looking for jobs has been stressful but hopefully it will all work itself out.

Next mission: to get Owen from his bassinet to the crib! He's already 3 months! Where does the time go? Its hard to remember life without him and hard to remember what free time was! But its totally worth it!

Bryan insisted Owen visit the Easter bunny!

Cuddling up

Bryan's friend Chris sent us all the U stuff! (I drool maroon and gold)

LOVES his star that lights up and plays music- thank goodness for baby einstein! Loves bath time- he's so calm he never cracks a smile Bryan, Uncle Rian and Owen cooked breakfast- note Owen holding the spatula
Addy holding Owen

Tiff's visit

Daddy makes Owen work

Kat's visit

Need income idea's!

So the little man is getting big and Mama needs a job! We really dont want to put him in day care and trying to find a nanny job has been difficult. I know there are legit at home jobs but its word of mouth. I dont need to make a lot of money-just bring in something...

Please, please let me know if you have idea's or suggestions!

Pictures will follow. But you facebook people- my sister put some up from the baptism.

Quick update

My baby is 10 weeks today! We survived the first couple months, shots, lack of sleep, Bryan's call schedule, lack of sleep, not showering, not leaving the house, leaving the house just the two of us, driving to the cities and lack of sleep... he's back to not sleeping well which has been the hardest part, i'm hoping it gets better soon!

Our little family

first stroller ride

how we spent the first weeks

O's godmama his first day home

Getting some love from his godpapa Derrick

Owen is being baptized on Sunday!