SOCIAL MEDIA

Saturday, September 7, 2013

My Breastfeeding Experience: Part 1

I am not going to harp here about how there is 
no other alternative to feeding your baby...
OR
 how you will be a horrible mom if you chose not to 
breastfeed or just flat out can't...
That is nonsense and don't let any one tell you otherwise!
No judgement passed here.

Breastfeeding is a very personal decision and 
NO ONE 
should influence you to make such a 
private and personal decision.

 Throughout my entire experience, 
I have had people who have straight up made me cry over my decision to nurse...
so just keep in mind- 
no matter what decision you will make, people will add their two cents.  
And to preserve your very hormonal and emotional well being...
Smile and DON'T LISTEN:)

Here is my story.


I really struggled with this decision.
My mother breastfed.
Several of my mommy friends breastfed.
And to be honest, I never knew if it was for me or not.

I am VERY shy.  VERY private.  VERY modest.  
Those qualities can kick the option of breastfeeding out the door in a hurry.

HOWEVER.
I am also VERY independent.  VERY introverted.  VERY determined.  And VERY intouch with what feels "right" for me (when the time comes to have to make a decision.)
These qualities ALSO determined my decision.



You will be surprised how many people will begin asking you this question early on in pregnancy.  I was pretty shocked AND overwhelmed that it was already something I had to begin considering.
My answer?  I don't know.
I gave this answer probably up until the last week or so of my pregnancy.
It then became: "Yes I am going to try."

So here comes little Cam.
And it's time to get real.
It was time to try.




After MANY pages for the lactation consultant and amazing nurses at our hospital,
I'm sure they cringed at our room number flashing! LOL
we had enough practice to take it home and continue to get it just right.
By "we," yes I mean the Mr.  
Cade was so supportive and encouraging through the whole experience.


With my experienced mom as coach,
a few encouraging texts and visits from friends,
A few tearful, painful, and battling nights of never giving up...
Cam began to do it with ease!

No, it's not easy.
It's not for everyone.
It's definitely a sacrifice.
But if it's for you and your baby...
you will be so glad you stuck with it.
It is such an amazing bonding experience that only
you and your little one can share.

I guess you can say I have became some what of a breastfeeding 
advocate for mom's who make the decision to do so.
It truly is a decision I am no longer ashamed or shy of, 
I now feel proud, blessed, and that I have made the best decision for myself and Cam.

It doesn't hurt to have a little nook in your nursery/home...This is our little nursing/storybook Nook

This is just the beginning of a series of posts.
I plan to also share great foods/supplements that have helped me to have an adequate milk supply, what foods to avoid, great products that you may like to look into for nursing mom's and baby, and more personal stories.
I can't stress enough:  Do what is best for you!:)

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Five Months



A Few Of My Favorite Things:  My snoopy, blankets in my face, my MAM passy's, sticking ANYTHING and EVERYTHING in my mouth, playing peek-a-boo, 
Not so favorite...the EVIL carseat, being laid down AT ALL, life jackets


Milestones: 1st swim in the pool, 1st "push up," 1st football game, 1st taste of veggies/fruit, 1st stroller ride while mommy jogs, 1st trip to Dollywood (coming this Sunday), 1st partial night in the bassinet
My face: I am laughing (though it's a trick I like to conceal)
My eyes: Huge Blue eyes with tons of eyelashes that don't miss a thing!
My hair:  Growing like a weed!  Gonna be just as thick as mommy & daddy's!
My hands:  I enjoy sticking anything I can get a hold of into my mouth!
My feet:  I have learned to pitch a fit with my feet too!  I just kick really hard and EVERYONE knows how mad I am!  I also have learned I can grab my feet & play with them.
Music: "Ho Hey" by Lennon & Maisy from Nashville.  This song has been AH-MAY-ZING this month.  He literally starts crying every time it ends!


Best Part of Month(s):  We are really enjoying evenings when we cook supper, jog, and have a nice warm bathtime with music and then go jump in the bed to snuggle the rest of the night;)




Worst Part of Month:  Cam had a little viral episode (and the veggies may have also contributed to his belly discomfort) causing him to not feel so hot for a few days.  
My favorite products: Snoopy, Raffi music, Boppy, Baby Bullet, Etsy's velcro ties, Baby Converse, organic baby blankets



 & Cam
Tuesday, September 3, 2013

And We'rrrreee Back!

11 mornings of rising and shining before the sun,
Several sick Baby Cam nights...
30 + clients and 1000ish miles later...
and I am back at my own nursing home!

Talk about appreciation for your job after
seeing how tough your work environment can be!
God has really blessed me and I can see now he knew just where
to put me for my first job.
Blessed.

NOW.
To catch up!
On to the week(s)/weekend(s) run down...
Prepare to watch Cam grow before your very eyes...

Since I last posted...


Cam hung out with some of his adorable gal friends!

{Duck Robe, similar} {Straws}

Got up early on a Saturday morning to shoot some family photos and meet a couple of friends for a yummy meal and catching up after a busy summer! ;)

{Dress} {Tie} {Necklace/Earrings} {Bracelets, Express}


We also popped into the cutest little coffee shop, "Tribal Ground Blends" in Cherokee, NC after pictures.  Great coffee if your in the area:)


This past weekend Cam attended his first football game!
Momentous for his dad, who of course had to work:(
He seemed to have fun, except when loud music streamed through the speakers...
then he was the not so happy Camster...

{First Black Knight Shirt, Mountain Memories-Local Shop}

Then Saturday, he battled a little sickness:/  
We just stayed in and cuddled and got a little house work done...
and maybe caught up with ABC Family's "The Vineyard" <guilty>
I get sucked in to the worst shows!

{Boppy Cover} {Blanket, Handmade by our Aunt Karen:)}

Ahhhh, it's good to be back!
Cam's 5 Month post tomorrow.
Hope you all are having a great week...