Look-A-Likes

Who do you think James resembles most? Does he look most like:
A. His Uncle Matt B. Mommy C. His cousin Thomas D. Daddy

When the music goes on, he becomes the...

Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

Formula?

I've nearly reached my breastfeeding goal of three months - which I'm quite excited about! I had hoped and prayed to make it this far, and I just thank God that He has allowed me to do so. I am beginning to look at the future of my breastfeeding career, and am now hoping to go for six months. I would, however, like to start giving James formula at night - thinking that he may sleep a little longer. I'm also really longing for a few hours of extra freedom - just to get out with my hubby once a week or so, which would also be easier with formula. If it were you, would you do the same? When would you start? I could pump too, but I find pumping very time consuming - and if I'm pumping, I'm worried that I will get really engorged in between - that's why I'm thinking of doing the formula at night. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this one - because I'm really unsure of what to do, and when to start.

Can You Believe?

It's hard to imagine that I was this big just a couple of months ago!

Frustration

A lady came up to me in a restaurant recently, and asked me how my baby was. I told her he was a good baby, and that he was spoiling me. She replied saying, "My babies always made a liar out of me. I would tell someone they were angels, and the next minute they would be screaming. Or I would say that they were nursing well, and the next minute they would refuse to eat". Well, wouldn't you know - James made a liar out of me!

The last week has been tough. James has been fussy, and unhappy. He seems to be slightly congested, so maybe he has a cold. In any case, he wants to nurse constantly, so I'm worried that he's not getting enough. He was sleeping well at night, and last night he was up every 2 hours, wanting to eat. Maybe it's a growth spurt - who knows?! All I know is that I'm tired, and my poor little guy isn't very happy. I just want my little content bundle of joy back. Any words of wisdom?

Mommy's Little Heartbreaker

The photo speaks for itself.

My computer is currently on the fritz, so I may not be around for a few days. Hopefully the problem is easily fixed!

Two Months Old!

Wow, I can't believe my little James Kennedy is two months old already! I loved Brandi's idea of taking pictures every month, so I've copied her.

Weekend Pics & My 5 Fave Things

Early Saturday morning - can't you tell?

Just a really funny pic!

Happy James hanging out in the sink.

James' first party - hahaha!

I also wanted to share about what my current 5 favourite baby items have been. I have a few prego friends who have been asking me about what I have liked/disliked. Here are my 5 faves thus far...

1. My Boppy nursing pillow! This is my number one favourite thing so far. It makes nursing so easy, and I take it along with me even when I go out. It positions James just right too. It is also nice to use for James to sit in, and will be handy once he is sitting up.

2. My breast pump. I would have probably died during engorgement without it. I have the Avent ISIS manual pump, and I really like it. I find it easy to use, and I get pretty good results. I also like all the available options that Avent has with it's products. They might be more costly, but I think it is worth the investment. I usually use it with the silicone "petal" insert to help with let-down, but then I take it out, as I feel that a fair bit of milk seems to get "stuck" in it. But that is my only complaint.

3. The Bath-Eze baby bath ramp. After our little incident in the tub, I picked up this cheapo device at Walmart for a few bucks. I don't know why I didn't just splurge and get it right away?! It is SO nice, and works in the tub, or sink, or big bath tub. It was cheap, and it works great - I love it!

4. James' Fisher Price Infant-to-Toddler rocker. I just picked up one of these as well with Christmas gift certificates. It's so cute, and I can put it anywhere (bathroom, bedroom, next to the couch, etc.). James loves it, and not that it is a babysitter - but it sure is handy to have a place to put him when I need to do something - like use the bathroom for example. It also converts into a toddler rocker, so he will be able to use it when he is bigger too.

5. Johnson's Head-to-Toe Baby Wash. I can't stop sniffing James after he has been washed with this stuff. He smells so fresh and good - I just want to eat him up, literally! I do like the Gerber one too, but my mother-in-law is sensitive to fragrances, and finds that one too strong.

I have a lot more I could list, but this is my top 5. Hope you enjoyed!

James on his Playmat

Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

So, About The Depression

I sort of left you in a bit of a lurch just before we left for Hawaii in regards to the postpartum depression I have/had. I went onto anti-depressants just before we left. I can't say for sure whether it was the drugs, the sunshine, or just being able to relax once we got to our destination - but I felt better almost immediately. I do think the drugs are helping some, and I'm not nearly so irrational ("James has thrush, James isn't eating enough, James has diahrea, James coughs too much..."). I am much calmer, and can let things happen and not worry that there is an impending disaster just waiting to happen. That's how I was feeling for about 4 weeks straight - that there was something bad lurking around every corner. I also felt abandoned during the day when Ryan would go to work, and I could not stop crying because I was scared to be by myself - yes, scared. That is definately NOT like me, so I am very happy that my brave and loving husband stepped in and said, "You need to see a Doctor". I feel so much better now, and in control. I go off the drugs in a couple of days, so we'll see what happens after that. I am hoping that I won't have to go back on them.

I would like to go back on birth control, and I'm going to talk to my Dr. about this week. However, I have heard a few reports that my milk may dry up. Can anyone give me their birth control/breastfeeding stories? Were you able to go back on it, or did you have problems with your milk supply?

Some Recent Photos...

"I hate wearing this hat, but when it is -40 outside my mommy says I have to have it on. At least I still look really adorable in it!"

James gets his FIRST breastmilk bottle from daddy! He drank it like a pro - but I had only pumped 2 ozs. for this first attempt, and it wasn't enough. Does anybody know approximately how much I should pump?

James' Bad Day

Well, actually James' bad day started yesterday during his bath time. He was happily relaxing in the baby tub, with his head resting on a rolled up washcloth. He had his feet up against the back of the tub, and suddenly, without warning he launched himself off of there! His head slipped out of my hand, and off the cloth and into the water. Half of his face was submerged, and water poured into his open (and surprised) mouth, and soapy suds flooded his eye. The poor little guy was too shocked to even cry - but his eye got really red, and watery, and he sputtered and spit-up the water he had swallowed. I felt so horrible for not saving him! But he seemed to have soon forgotten about the incident, and despite his watery red eye he was content.

Then, today was James' circumcision. I have not been looking forward to this day for weeks now. In fact, I had almost completely ignored it. But there was no more ignoring it this morning, as I got him ready for his 12:00 noon appointment. While dressing him to take him out in the -34 degree weather, with a windchill of less than -40 I was putting on his little mittens. I guess I was in a hurry, and didn't notice that his little pinky finger wasn't going in - and I basically pushed it backwards. Poor little James! His mouth was open, and his face was redder than red - but there was no sound escaping as he worked up a huge scream! What a horrible mother. I checked his finger, and it was fine - and again, gracious little James went on as though it never happened. Too bad it didn't happen that way with the surgery...

We got to the surgery centre at 11:30am, and gave James the recommended dose of Tylenol. I was so nervous, but when the Dr. came out to call him in I was somewhat comforted by the fact that the Dr. was a woman. For some reason I had assumed that it was a man up to that point. Anyway, I just felt that a woman would be more gentle with James. Ryan went in with James at 12:00, and I sat down and tried to relax as I prayed fervently for James. In about 8 minutes Ryan was back, and I thought he was still waiting for James to get done - but it was already all done, and James wasn't even crying anymore! James had made it through like a champ, crying only slightly when he got the first freezing needle. I was so relieved. So, we packed up and headed home - and then the crying started. He was almost inconsolable, and that is very unlike my content little James. I tried to nurse him, and he ate a little, but then immediately erupted into frantic crying. I was heartbroken, because I knew he was crying in pain - but I could do nothing about it.

He did finally fall asleep for most of the ride home, but once we got in the door more frantic crying began. I was crying at that point too, and Ryan was trying to keep us both calm. Ryan had to go to the store, so when James finally calmed down he went out. Almost the second Ryan left, more wailing started. Then, the diarrhea started to explode! It was a biggy, and went ALL the way up his back and through his onesie, his sleeper, and his blanket. Ew. Plus, this meant I had to change him and look at his freshly cut little weewee for the first time. Eek. So, I went about changing him - and I was certain that his weewee looked like it might explode. It looked so sore and swollen. Ryan got home, and I asked him to examine it, and he didn't feel it looked quite as bad as I felt it did. I made some phone calls for advice - starting with my sister-in-law, and eventually Health Links. To no avail, however, as no one could really tell me without LOOKING at it whether it was anything to be worried about. We also didn't want to take James to the hospital in the -40 degree weather if it wasn't necessary. So, I called in the cavalry - Grandma. My mom was over in a jiffy, and after perusing the damage, we all agreed that it did not require a trip to Emergency. She stayed for a few hours, as James soon relaxed, ate a good meal, and went to sleep in her arms. Ryan and I finally got some supper (KD and weiners), and my mom put James down to sleep.

So, that is where we currently stand. James is sleeping, my mom has gone, and Ryan and I are preparing for what we think may be a long night ahead. Hopefully the Tylenol will continue to keep James comfortable, and hopefully he won't launch into any more terrible fits. Tomorrow will be a new day, and hopefully James will have long forgotten his bad day.

Heading Home

Well, today is our last full day in Maui. Tomorrow we pack up and fly to Vancouver, spend the night, and then fly home. See you in a few days!

This is what I affectionately call James' "Buddha Position".

(Note: Tummy hanging over seatbelt - hahaha!)

Star Sightings

We usually see at least a few celebs on our Maui vacations. This years sightings include...

Nikki Sixx from Motley Crew who is at our hotel.

Trudy Cosby from "The Cosby Show", also at our hotel.

And the big highlight - CHER! - who my sister-in-law and I saw at the Mall.

Cyborg Pletts

Thanks for this one Becky!

Get Your Cyborg Name

Get Your Cyborg Name

Get Your Cyborg Name

I'm assuming they mean Hazardous DIAPER Exploration and Repair.

Video!

Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

The view from where I blog.

Old Uncle, New Uncle

Check out this great shot of the two Uncles and their nephews on Auntie Ang's blog (you'll have to scroll down to the post from January 1).

James chillin' in his stroller in his soccer outfit.

Crab Man

I've been taking pictures of James in all the different outfits I've had him in - because he will probably never wear them again! By the time it is summer at home, he'll long be grown out of these. I bought a few before he was born, knowing he'd need summer clothes for Maui. They are all so cute, so I have to document them. Some are still a little big, but we'll just save them for the next baby or give them away as hand-me-downs. Rebekah was wondering how I have time to blog while we are here. Well, when it's so hot out in the early afternoon and James is napping I have time to blog. He has been such a good baby! He must like the warm climate. He has been eating every 3 or more hours during the day, and during the night he has been going 4 or more hours most of the time! It's been so nice! He also doesn't seem as fussy as he has been. I also seem to be healing, and that is wonderful. Tomorrow James will be 6 weeks old. Wow! I've reached the point where I can finally say "Okay, I can do this". It's wonderful. I still can't breastfeed in public though, but I don't know if I really care that much. I like the quiet time with James in our room. He is really starting to smile and "talk" now - so cute!