Keaton’s favorite things to do currently are:
blow spit bubbles
roll over
yell
cuddle every once in a while (mom’s favorite)
We tried rice cereal, but he didn’t seem to really like it very much, so we are going to wait another month and try it again. When Keaton was born, he latched on pretty well at first. When we got home from the hospital though, things began to become more difficult. When I breastfed him, he would eat for about 2 minutes and then he would fall off and get really mad, or fall asleep. I tried and tried for a few weeks to get him to eat for longer, but I kept finding myself breastfeeding him for 2 minutes and then having to pump the rest. So, each feeding was taking me an hour, and an hour later it was time to do it again. So finally after a month and a half of doing this, I decided to exclusively pump. I wanted him to get breastmilk, but this was exhausting me. So I pumped for a month and a half longer and fed him with a bottle and froze what was left over. I built up a stockpile of milk to feed him, so now he gets half formula half breastmilk. Honestly, I felt like the worst mom in the world for not breastfeeding him. I felt like I wasn’t giving my child what he needed most. I sobbed every time I even thought about giving him formula. But I just had to keep reminding myself he has still gotten a ton of breastmilk for the first months of his life. I think so many women give formula this horrible reputation, which is why I felt so bad about giving him some here and there. I know breastmilk is the best form of nutrition, but sometimes it’s not what’s best for mom and baby’s emotional health if it is becoming a huge burden to breastfeed. Don’t get me wrong, I would have loved to exclusively breastfeed. I will definitely be breastfeeding my future babies, and I’m hoping it will be easier the next time around now that I have some experience under my belt. FED IS BEST!
Keaton started to sleep really well around 3 months old. We were getting the hang of a routine. But then we went to the pediatrician for his 4 month well check, and the doctor told us that now that he is able to roll over, we shouldn’t swaddle him when we put him to sleep. Keaton LOVED to be swaddled. Our nightly routine was bath time, jammies, swaddle and feed, then lay him down. It was working really well. When we stopped swaddling him, all hell broke loose. The first week of it, he woke up about every 45 minutes to an hour. I WAS DYING. It was worse then when he was just a brand new baby. Now, he sleeps for about 3 or 4 hours at a time. I wish he would sleep through the night, but I just have to look at the progress we have made.
Being a new mom I have come to appreciate the little things in life. A few things I have learned:
*My daily shower is the best part of the day
*My shirt is basically a burp rag
*I sleep with one eye open
*Going anywhere requires at least 30 minutes longer of prep time
*Remember those mom’s I used to judge at the grocery store because they wouldn’t get their kids to shut up? Yeah I am one of them now. And boy, do I have a whole lot more compassion and understanding for all those mamas out there.
I’m really grateful for all that I have learned so far being a mom. as much as I hate being woken up in the middle of the night by my little guy, I am counting my blessings. My mom told me something that has helped me stay grateful... she said your kids will always keep you awake. One day you will lay awake wondering what they are doing, if they are making good choices, and what path they will choose to take in life. So just enjoy each part of motherhood, and focus on the GOOD THINGS!
I also have to mention my husband is amazing. He works his tail off to provide for us, and he still helps out a ton in the night hours when I am just exhausted. I love him with all my heart and couldn’t ask for anyone better. Love you babe!!
This summer we have a few fun things planned. We are going to a few family reunions, St. George, and at the end of the summer we get to welcome Elder Needles HOME!! We are soo excited. Then in October, we are off to DISNEYWORLD! So excited for that and to get to spend time with Josh. My family just moved to Utah, and I am so happy to have them close by. Here are some pictures, and I will try to post again soon! Love you all!!
