The Formula

Thuglet has been plateauing in the weight department and it makes me anxious. Pretty much everything makes me anxious when it comes to Thuglet, especially breastfeeding. I have always been concerned that I am not producing enough milk for my boy. Since I don't pump and feed I can never be sure exactly how much he is eating. Before he turned 5 months he was gaining weight fairly consistently but it has come to a stand still. Also, summer vacation is coming to an end quickly and I cannot be super stressed out about pumping when I return to work. The only other indication that Thuglet might now be getting his fill during the day was his frequent night feedings. He was still waking up 2 to 4 times a night and eating.

Starting formula was a big decision for me. I wanted to exclusively breastfeed until Thuglet was 6 months old and then I would reevaluate the situation. Life doesn't always work the way you want it. I want my son to eat enough during the day to keep him happy and allow him to sleep more at night. He will be happier with more food and more sleep. So will I! It has been almost 6 months since I have slept for more than five hours in a row and it is starting to take its toll.

We ordered Earth's Best Formula from Amazon and waited for its arrival. My strategy for Thuglet was to feed him a few ounces throughout the day and supplement the breast milk that he was already receiving. The formula arrived a couple of days ago. My fears of him rejecting it were completely unfounded and he drank it down like a champ.

First time with formula

Loves watching Baby Signing Time while he eats.

After one full day of supplementing (about 3 two ounce bottles) he slept five hours straight, which is the longest stretch he has gone in a long time. After two days of supplementing, Thuglet slept seven and half hours. I couldn't believe it! Finally we are getting somewhere. I am interested to see if my theory about his nutritional intake was the reason for his multiple nighttime feedings and so far it is looking good. Along with the sleeping we have also seen a weight increase. Although it wasn't my original plan to give formula I think it is the best thing I could do for my little dude.

Feeling good after a full nights sleep.

Post #50

Just excited that this will be my 50th blog post.

I was originally very nervous and anxious about blogging. I guess I thought, "what will people think of what I have to write?" And I have never felt confident in my writing abilities.

But over that last several months I have realized this blog is for me. I want to remember my life and this is a great way to do that.

Also, it allows me to express myself, which is a necessary part of life. Greatest part about the blogging...I express myself to the cyberworld and it kind of takes the pressure off.

Over the last 50 posts I have a few things to be proud of.

1. I am more consistent about blogging, which seems to be the hardest part of the whole process.
2. I am less worried about who my audience is and am now writing for me.
3. I am less worried about my topic. I can write whatever I like.

With this new attitude I feel confident to continue this little cyber diary of mine!

So here's to 50 posts and hopefully 50 more will follow shortly.

Summer...Day 15: The 4th

July 4th...Happy Birthday America!

We headed up to Del Mar and hung out by the pool for the day. Thuglet had his 4th of July outfit on and did some swimming!

Thuglet is crazy. He was awake for 9 hours without napping. What kind of baby does that at 4 1/2 months old?

We ate some Phil's BBQ for lunch and enjoyed the beautiful weather. 

Toucan Sam and I right before a Cannon Ball!

Summer...Day 16: Snooze

Saturday morning...

Thuglet wakes up at 6:30 which is perfect because we have to get to Snooze early!

Snooze is #1 on the yelp breakfast list and I have heard rave reviews about it. So I was very excited to finally go there.

We got the Thuglet and dressed and made it out the door by 7:15.

Thuglet excited about going!

Snooze was already busy with a 20 minute wait when we arrived at 7:45.

It was worth it though. Everything was gluten-free or can be made into that option and the service was awesome. The atmosphere was very fun and loud which is perfect when bringing children.  I got the french toast. Classic french toast topped with whip cream and fruit...so good. Husby got the breakfast sandwich which was also awesome! Also the prices were very reasonable...nothing more than any other breakfast restaurant. Definitely will be going back again.

I love going to breakfast!

Summer...Day 14: Cousin Time

Thuglet and Moo Baby

Headed up to Auntie B's house today and had some cousin time!

Leon and I

Moo Baby watching some Cat and the Hat

Leon eating some yogurt stars

Summer...Day 13: Pool Time

Thuglet loves to rub his face on material when he is in his car seat and falling asleep. A friend made a very cute little security blanket for him and I decided to make another one. Also, I am trying to figure out some good bibs for the boy now that he is eating real food.

This is what my sewing room currently looks like: (Cleaning this room is the next project on my list)

I cleared off some space and got started. I made the security blanket our of minkie (red) and satin (white). You know you are a true crafter when you don't even need to go to the store; you have all the materials already! He loves his new little lovey! Its so cute to see him rub his face all over it.

I made the bib from cotton and oilcloth. Again, no trip to the store. The bib works well, but I think I need to make it out of only oilcloth because the cotton is difficult to keep clean. Oilcloth just wipes off. 

After I crafted (he blessed me with a 2 hour nap), we went to swim at a friend's pool. It was so fun. He was all decked out in his cute rash guard, swim shorts and hat. He tolerated the pool for about 10 minutes and then wanted to hangout on the grass...naked! He loves naked time. 

After this grass experience I am determined to have grass for next summer. It so fresh and cool! Our yard is just dirt and it sucks.

Later on that evening I went to get my hair done. I am going blond...slowly. I've heard they have more fun! Thuglet was hanging out with his Grand on the dryer chairs.

Summer: Day 12: Gourmet Baby

The pediatrician said starting food at 4 months was fine. He recommended cereals and oatmeals but I was just not feeling that. I want my little man to eat his veggies and fruits instead of carbs. So onto the next culinary chapter of my life...baby food.

I looked up a few recipes on pinterest and they all pretty much said the same thing. Boil until very soft, use the water it was boiled in and blend it up until is smooth and runny.  

My first two baby food attempts have been successful. Sweet potatoes and blueberries.

I used 1 sweet potato. Peeled, cubed and boiled it until very soft. Then came the vitamix and the cinnamon. I added a little bit of cinnamon to the potato in the vitamix. It smelled and tasted like pumpkin pie without the sugar. He loved it. 1 potato made enough for four days of meals. 

The blueberries were a bit more cumbersome. They were pureed and then strained so I could remove the majority of the skins. I froze the puree. When it thawed it looked super weird, almost like gelatin so I threw it back in the vitamix with a banana and the rest of the sweet potatoes.

He loves it!

Summer...Day 11: Real Food

Thuglet is officially eating real food. He ate bananas today!

It was so cute! He took that spoon in his mouth and ate those nanners like a champ! It was fun feeding him and seeing all of his little facial expressions.

And after the nanners came the feet. Little man loves his feet!

Summer...Day 10: Lots of people

We went to a baby shower today and it was a very interesting!

It was a co-ed baby shower and 95 degrees outside. There was great food and we had a good time, but the little man wasn't doing too well.

Thuglet is not a big fan of heat or crowds. He was pretty unhappy at the baby shower. He wouldn't nurse because he was so overstimulated. I felt bad for the little guy!

Today made me realize what a great husband I have. I needed to go and take care of Thuglet in the car because it was quiet and cool. Husby came with me and kept me company while I was taking care of the little man. He's a good man!

Summer...Day 8: Ended a little sh***y

Today was pretty great...until the end, then it was a little crappy.

I spent the majority of the day hanging out with Thuglet. He is still not a good sleeper, so that is becoming an issue.

We cleaned and napped. Went to C-Me Trim to pick out some molding and casing for the house. It has been 2 years and we are still without molding.

Finally we were going to get that base board and door trim until ... I walked outside. My tree was gone! Not gone, just very short! I had fallen into the septic tank. We knew our septic would need to be replaced when we bought the house but this was unexpected. The entire lid of the septic had broken down and fallen through.

We are now on for a whole shebang! New septic tank and leach lines. In the long run, it is good because we will finally have the area to lay a pad and have a patio.

Summer...Day 7: A little retail therapy

I was supposed to go out to Snooze with a good friend but there was a change of plans so I hung out with my mom instead.

Breakfast at The Breakfast House in El Cajon (pretty decent food) then we headed up to Viejas outlets.

My mom wants to take a picture of Thuglet at this age so we went to pick out a few outfits.

Hit up Nike first. I found some great super thin sweat pants and the cutest tiny soccer ball for the boy.

Then headed to Carters and OshKosh for their fourth of July sale!
Found some super cute clothes for my little man and an awesome pair of sunglasses.

After the shopping we walked to the central area with the water playground and hung out. It was very relaxing.

Headed back home to find out the gate I ordered to keep the pup in the kitchen had arrived. I put it together and was super happy with my purchase.

Lastly, I am super excited because I ordered a pool from Pottery Barn for the Thuglet and it is so cute!