Got Puke?

We do!  Olivia started puking quite frequently a few weeks ago.  Sometimes it's projectile and sometimes it's not.  She can puke up to 4 times after just one feeding!  She pukes each night while sleeping.  It's quite gross.  She soaks her pajamas and her sleep sack/swaddler.  Sometimes we have to wash her hair in the morning because it's caked with puke.  Sounds lovely right?

Along with the puke, she has become quite upset.  This all started on Friday.  She screamed all day long.  Nothing would console her.  Gas drops would work for a short time, but she would be back at it in no time.  Saturday was better, but Sunday she was back at it again.  This week has been much of the same.  We finally got her into the doctor yesterday.

Oddly enough, she had been good all morning long.  We got to the doctor and I took her out of her car seat and the show began.  She screamed... and screamed... and screamed.

The first thing they do is weigh them.  We went out to the scale.  I laid her down and then saw a whopping 10 pounds 8 ounces show up.  As we walked back to the room I asked the nurse if that was a big weight gain (feeling that it was).  She sort of raised her eyebrow, laughed, and said "It is on the high side".  She gained 2 pounds, 2 ounces in 3 weeks!  (All the while, Olivia screamed.)

Finally the nurse practitioner came in.  We had to do most of the exam over screaming.  Fun.  Even though it was rough, I'm sort of glad it happened that way.  That way she could see exactly what was happening.  We gave her gas drops and she finally calmed down.  We still aren't sure if it's the actual need for gas drops that calms her, or the fact that it is strawberry flavored and she likes them. :)

I pretty much had already ruled out colic.  She was having good days and bad days and it wasn't happening at the same time every day.  I figured it was either acid reflux or lactose intolerance.  The nurse practitioner agreed that it was probably acid reflux.  Since we had already tried almost everything already, she recommended we use medication.  Remember, my doctor's office tries to avoid medication when possible.  She even mentioned that.  She said that Olivia was obviously miserable and that is just not normal, so medication really was needed.  She also suggested that we try a chiropractor that specializes in infants.  Apparently with a small adjustment it can really help?

She said I still need to avoid dairy when possible.  If the medication works (and she's hoping Olivia only has to be on it a few months), then I can slowly add in one dairy item at a time and see how it goes.  I tried explaining to her that I'm from Wisconsin and giving up dairy is like asking me to give up a limb.    She was empathetic, but didn't budge on the no dairy. Ugh.  Luckily it's suppose to only be for a small amount of time.  We go back in two weeks to follow up.

I asked her about the weight gain.  I had read that it is common for acid reflux babies to be overfed.  Because their esophagus hurts, it is soothing to them and feels good to eat.  Hence, they want to eat more.  She looked at the chart, made "whoa" type comment about the weight and then laughed and said, "She's in the 80th percentile!"  She didn't seem too worried though.  She said it should slow down here soon since she's around a month.   I have noticed just in the past few days that she is lasting a little longer between feeds.  I was worried I didn't have enough of a milk supply.  Obviously that is not the case. :)  Also, puking after almost every feed didn't seem to deter her weight gain either.

Hopefully things will get better soon... less puke and less screaming.  Fingers crossed!

Good News/Bad News

BAD NEWS

I'm not sure if I mentioned it on here or not... our realtor broke up with us about a month ago.  She wanted us to drop the price about $15,000.  We would have had to bring anywhere from $20 to $25,000 to closing and that is just not happening.

GOOD NEWS

We hired a property management company to find us a renter.  They take over everything, including advertising and running background checks on potential renters.

BAD NEWS

Since the condo didn't sell, we are unable to use a VA loan to get a house down here.  (You can only have one at a time.)  Who knows what that means as far as our housing future.

GOOD NEWs

We found out yesterday that we have a renter.  She wants to move in August 1st!  She either lives in our community or has in the past, but likes our unit the best.  The property management people said she has the highest credit score of anyone they've ever had (something like 815?).  They gave her glowing reviews.

BAD NEWS

Apparently Columbus got hammered with rain over the weekend.  Unfortunately, the basement in our condo flooded--along with every other condo unit in our community.  From what we've been told, it should just be the carpet that needs replacing.  

GOOD NEWS

We have some amazing friends who are willing to take time out of their very busy lives to help us out.  A huge thank you to Laurie and Phil who both went over to our condo to look into things and do what they can.  It is a helpless feeling to be so far away and not be able to get done what needs to get done.  We are blessed by your servants spirit.  Also--the renter knows about the water damage and is not swayed by it.

BAD NEWS

We are going to have to get new carpet for the basement and probably the basement stairs as well (so it matches).  We may have to replace some baseboards too.  We are hoping that it didn't get into the drywall.  The less we have to pay--the better!

GOOD NEWS

The property management company that we hired is going to take care of everything.  They have people checking it out for us and will oversee the new carpet.

BAD NEWS

Olivia is still puking.  It seemed to have gotten better temporarily, but is back to being awful.  On top of that, she is now screaming her head off most of her waking hours.  It's awful.  She seems to be in pain.  I'm not sure if it's from acid reflux, lactose intolerance, or something else.

GOOD NEWS

We have a doctors appointment today to get it checked out.  Hopefully we'll get some answers.

BAD NEWS

I am back at work.  This is causing me a great amount of anxiety--breastfeeding in public, figuring out a schedule, making sure I get both Olivia and I ready and to work on time, taking care of Little Man while holding a screaming baby...

GOOD NEWS

I have a job.  I am bringing home a nice income.  I get to bring my daughter to work with me.  I know I'm blessed.  Plus, Little Man has been great.  He is in love with Olivia.  He asks lots of questions, but is a big help and gushes about how cute she is all day long.

One Month!

Olivia Grace, you are one month old!

(as of two days ago)

(she's doing a little fist pump to say "Yay")

What have you been up to?

 *You eat almost every two hours like clock work.  Sometimes you are hungry sooner, and a few times you've lasted a little longer.

*If you take a bottle, you usually drink about 4 ounces.  You don't have any problems transition from bottle to breast, but you are a very messy bottle eater.  Although, you did eat 4 ounces of breastmilk at the restaurant the other night without drooling it all over the place!

*You still only sleep two to three hours.  You've made it 3 and a half to 4 hours a few nights and I do appreciate it.

*You have officially grown out of your newborn clothes.  Some of the 0 to 3 month clothes are still too big, but you'll fill them up soon enough.

*You are out of newborn diapers and into size 1 diapers as well.  They still have a little extra room at the bottom, but that's OK...less blow outs with room for it to go! :)

*You make the funniest faces.  Daddy and I are always laughing at you... or snapping a picture!

*You make lots of noises--especially at night.  You grunt, honk, and much more.

*Sometimes you love your pacifier and sometimes you refuse it.  We have all sorts of pretty ones, but you prefer the nipple on the plain Jane one.

*Your hands are still always up by your face.  Sometimes you shove them in your mouth.  You can't always find your thumb, but when you do you suck it loudly.

* You are still holding on to that hair.  It's a little thinner and lighter in color, but still there.

*Your eyes are still gray/blue.  I think they are going to be blue.  What do I know though?  I've been wrong about everything else so far.

*You enjoy baths for the most part.

*You also don't mind your car seat.

(A cupcake to celebrate the day--her expression cracks me up!)

*You enjoy music.  You like when I sing to you.  You've watched Praise Baby once and liked it.  You enjoy your toys that play songs.

*You love your mommy.  You might cry when others hold you, but you stop pretty quickly for me.  (Except when you are being super fussy.)

*You have been spitting up less.  It's not projectile anymore, and it's not after every meal.  I still can't decide if it's from acid reflux or milk intolerance.  I'm trying to hold out until your two week appointment to ask the doctor, but I'm not sure we'll make it.

 

*You've been VERY fussy the last few days.  Gas drops seem to help.  I'm hoping it gets better soon.

HAPPY ONE MONTH BABY GIRL!

WE LOVE YOU! 

Thank You!

Olivia's one month pictures are coming tomorrow.  I promise.  They have been taken.  I just didn't have time to upload them to our computer yet.  I am typing this post one handed while holding our daughter, who is fighting sleep. :)

Thank you to everyone who posted a comment on Paige's blog--and who had friends post on Paige's blog.  I got an email saying we had reached the 12 comment minimum.  We got to choose a gift print, which is valued at $30.  We chose the picture of her on the scale.  It is one we liked, but did not make the cut for the CD.  We will be getting it in an 8 by 10.  I'm super happy about it.  We had such a hard time choosing which pictures to get on the CD.  We won't be able to make copies of this picture, but at least we'll have one print of it.  Thanks again!

1 Month Must Haves

Olivia is one month old today!  Can you believe it?  For me, time has gone both fast and slow all at the same time--if that makes any sense. :)  I am going to post her one month pictures tomorrow (since I need to take them still).  However, I have a different kind of one month post for you today.

I am going to share my one month "must haves" with you.  I saw this on a blog that I follow (who got the idea from a blog she followed), and thought it was great and helpful.  I realize that this stuff may seem irrelevant to some of you, but I think it could still be useful.  Just think--you'll most likely buy another baby gift for someone at some point. :)  I plan on doing this every month for the first year.  We'll see how it goes.

Two notes before we get started.  First, everyone is different.  What works for me may not work for you.  What I love, you may hate.  What I hate, you may love.  That's why there are a bazillion options out there.  These are just my opinions.  Second, I labeled this as "must haves".  Let's be honest--I realize that we are beyond blessed and could get by on much less.  Most of the things we use are a luxury to some.  In all honesty these posts could be called "useful items I am blessed to have".  I don't take that for granted.

Graco Little Hoot Pack and Play

In hinds sight, I should have just stuck with the pack and play and skipped the bassinet.  Of course, I didn't know at the time that she was going to hate the bassinet.  I went the bassinet route because it was smaller.  Our king size bed takes up much of our room (especially since we are in the second bedroom and not the master).  I also would have went with a pack and play that had a newborn napper had I known it would be her bed for the first few months.  Regardless, she sleeps in it and that makes me happy!  It's also convenient to have the changing table there for middle of the night changes.  The bassinet had a changing table attachment, but I rarely used it because it was too much work in the middle of the night.  I just changed her right on our bed.

My boss saved Little Man's pack and play and has already offered to allow me to use it while at work.  It will be Olivia's bed for naps when we are there, so I'm glad she likes to sleep in one!

The Miracle Blanket--Beige

Everyone goes on and on about swaddling a baby.  I was actually ready to write a post about how my child hates swaddling.  Really, she's not as big of a fan as everyone says.  Mostly it's because she wants her arms free (like her mama) and her hands by her face.  I have even swaddled her body while leaving her arms out (to use more as a blanket and less as a "feel like their in the womb" tightness).  However, now that we've moved her from the bassinet to the pack and play I decided to give swaddling another chance.  She didn't seem to mind it as much--even with her arms tucked in.  Many, many, MANY people raved about the Miracle blanket, so I made sure to register for one.  I have a few different brands of swaddling blankets (hand me downs, gifts), and I like this one the best.  The velcro ones don't work for Olivia.  One is too small... one is too big and doesn't velcro properly.  The miracle blanket does a nice tight swaddle and there is no way a baby is getting out.  I don't care what people register for in the future--I won't be buying anyone those velcro swaddlers ever again.

Circo Infant Fish Tubby Towel

 

We actually have two of these--this blue one and a pink one.  One we registered for and got as a gift, and the second we went out and bought after realizing two would be handy.  You get it wet with the bath water and then lay it on the baby while you are cleaning them.  The bottom of the fish actually goes up by the babies head.  Can you picture it?  Those two little fish tail things go on the shoulders.  Olivia loves this.  It keep her warm while daddy is washing her face.  He then just moves it around to wash the necessary parts.  She's even held on to it and a few times has tried to suck on it.  We bought a second one to have handy in case the first one is in the wash.

Note: We got this at Target, but I couldn't find it on their website.  I know it's still available in stores though, because I just saw them a week or two ago.  The link is from Amazon.

Bibs and burp cloths

We started out with a decent amount of burp clothes--thankfully.  We go through multiple ones a day.  We had just a handful of bibs that I had picked up on a target clearance rack.  These became necessary to prevent us from having to change her clothes five times a day.  Also, when she takes a bottle she is very messy.  I've cut out formula for now, but she will still eventually be taking a bottle of pumped milk--at least one a day so Michael can help with feedings.  We recently bought a ten pack from Babies R Us.  She goes through multiple bibs a day too.  I wish it was safe for her to sleep in one.  She pukes on her pajamas (and usually whatever sleep sack or swaddler she's in) almost every night.  It's not a little bit.  It's enough where I have to end up changing her.

Receiving Blankets

Yep, I find them as a must have.  I was told by many people (and read on the internet) not to register for them.  It was said that they weren't really necessary and that people would get them for me anyway.  I was also told by 3 or 4 different people that that had ones they never used and would give them to me.  Well, I got exactly 2 blankets from Michael's sister.  Thank goodness we did.  I realized in the first week that we would actually be using them--unlike everyone else--and that we needed more.  We bought some at Babies R Us.  First of all, I have used them as a burp cloth or to wipe up puke when necessary.  Second, we use them around the house and out and about a lot.  It's July.  It's been in the 100's for something like 15 days straight here.  Almost all of Olivia's clothes are summer clothes.  However, we spend all our time in air conditioning.  Michael has our air going at around 69 or 70.  When Olivia is hanging out in her swing, bouncer, or even in my arms, she tends to need a light weight covering.  It's the same for the car.  It starts out hot, but then gets cold (for her) with Michael blasting the air.  Stores are the same way.  Even I get chilled walking through Target in the summer sometimes.  So I always have a receiving blanket handy to cover her legs when needed.

Fisher Price Rainforest Waterfall Peek-a-boo Soother

We attached this to the pack and play.  We just started using it this week, but she seems to really enjoy it.  It's one of the only toys we've noticed she actually looks at.  She also gets quiet and stays quiet while it plays.  Sometimes (if she hasn't fallen asleep) she'll start making noises after it goes off, so I know she likes it.  I plan on it being part of her bedtime routine.  Eventually, when she moves to her own room, we'll play music on her ipod at bed.  At this point we are all going to bed about the same time.  I don't want to sleep with music all night.

Babies R Us Disposable Pads

These are probably one of the cheapest things on my list of loves, but are some of the most valuable to me.  We have one laying on the changing table all the time.  It has saved us from having to wash the changing table pad.  It has caught poop (hello, meconium incident), puke, and pee.  She tends to like to pee when I change her.  This is another reason why we've had to change outfits mid day.  I also would lay one on our bed for middle of the night changes.

My Brest Friend Wearable Nursing Pillow

Funny story about this--I read over and over how this was a must have for breast feeding.  I also had heard that it was most recommended by lactation consultants.  I was shopping with a friend a few weeks before I had Olivia and she had said she heard great things about it.  I bought it on a whim.  After having Olivia, I didn't use it.  I used the boppy, other pillows that were handy, or I just held her.  I decided to take the brest friend back and get my $42 back.  I went to my lactation consultation and don't you know, they had a brest friend to use.  I liked it, but still wasn't sure it was worth it.  After I went home and tried using the position the lactation consultant used and realizing how much support the brest friend really was, I was starting to regret my decision to return it.  I then went to my follow up lactation visit and had to use the brest friend again.  After that, I was convinced I needed it.  We went straight from the hospital to Babies R Us, where I bought it.  It really is worth the $42 to me.

Baby ESP app

Michael found this app for us, and I use it all day every day.  Originally he found a free app, but it wasn't as useful.  We ended up paying $5 for this one, but we can sync the information, so we both know what is going on.  It tracks everything.  I track when I pump and how much I get.  It tracks how long I breastfeed and which side I used last.  It even does statistics and tells me what percentage I have fed on each side in a day.  It tracks dirty diapers, sleep, medication (for me and baby), and can set up reminders.  I know a lot of people say, "Oh, I did that with my first kid.  Then I got over it."  That very well may be the case, but it has been very helpful for us.  For each lactation consultation and for the doctor's appointment we needed to know how many wet diapers she had, how many poopy diapers, how many times I breastfed in a 24 hour period, how many times I pumped, and how many times she took a bottle.  The app had all of our information stored, so it made it easy to fill out the questionnaire. 

Lastly, our ottoman--she seems to enjoy it more than her swing and bouncer at the moment.

Tummy Time

We finally did our first official tummy time this week.  Technically she's had lots of "tummy time" on our chests.  She has had good neck strength and head movement from the beginning.  Because of this, I haven't been in too big of a rush to lay her down and try it.  One--because I always hear that babies hate it and scream their heads off.  That scared me. :)  Two--because she's hardly ever awake and you have to do it while they are awake.  She has finally started being awake for good stretches of time during the day, so I figured we better get on it.

She did great.  She actually really enjoyed it.  I guess that shouldn't surprise me since she loves being on her stomach.  She turned her head from side to side multiple times.

Michael was video taping it and I was paying close attention to make sure she could breath.  I finally decided to get a few pictures, and don't you know... that's when she started to get fussy.  She lasted a good 10 minutes before that though, so I was pretty pleased.

Mid turn

She found her hand to suck on.

MAD!  "Mom, put the camera down and pick me up!"

Note, she wasn't that close to the edge of the ottoman when she started.  Her legs and feet were going the whole time (even when she was happy).  She scooted herself closer to the edge.

OK, content again!

Newborn Pictures

**EVEN IF YOU'VE SEEN THE PICTURES ON FACEBOOK, PLEASE READ---I have a request!

Newborn pictures were something I knew I wanted.  They aren't cheap by any means, but are becoming the trend.  I am not usually one to throw around money.  I do like to shop, but I try to be somewhat frugal.  However, well done pictures of my first child was of high importance to me.  I searched and searched for the right photographer (style I liked).  After my first choice fell through, I ended up finding Paige.  I'm actually glad my first choice didn't work out, because I think I got a better deal.

If you have not checked out the pictures yet, you can do so here.  The password is Olivia.  They will be up until tomorrow.

Paige does sneak peeks and these are some of the ones she had up on facebook.

 This one seems to be everyone's favorite!

We are ordering a CD with eleven of the images. (#'s 1, 5, 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 18, 22, 23, and 24)  I wish we could get them all, but it's just not in the budget.  I'm pleased with having the good choices that we do have.  Once we get the CD with those 11 pictures, we have the rights to print them or reproduce them however we want (up to a size 8 by 10).  I can't wait to get the CD and start printing!

The request--Paige also has a blog where she highlights some of her pictures.  She just sent us an email saying she is trying something new.  If we can get 12 comments on Olivia's blog post from family and friends then we get a "special little prize".  I have no idea what it is, but if it gets me a free picture or a discount on a future session then I am all game.  I don't even know if there are 12 of you out there who read this, but if you can please go to the blog and comment on how great the pictures are--I'd appreciate it greatly! :)

Oh, and Olivia is famous.  She is featured on an etsy seller's sight (for the ruffle bottoms in the bed picture) and on a website that sells vintage props to photographers.  She's in 3 of the 5 pictures from this collage.  Rock star! :)