Mom wings and Frankie's 1 year update!

Yes! It's been a year. Since October 20, 2012!
I'm not going to recreate and re write the entire story on how my life completly changed because, well, you can read all that.
What I am going to do is write how much my life has changed, for the better. 

Frankie came into my life on a gloomy, morning on October 20, 2011 at 5:52 am. Or so. The exact time is still up in the air. All I know is that I heard him cry and I cried too! I was elated! I was relieved that he was healthy, 10 fingers and 10 toes in tact. He was perfect.

And he continues to be perfect! He's an intellegent, funny individual with an attitude and a smile that melts my heart everyday!
He has a personality! and has been having one for quite sometime.
I'm convinced that he's had a personality from day 1.  He hated to be carried like a "baby". He wanted to be held upright so he can see whats going on around him. He hated llubuys or any type of anything that labeled him as a baby. He hated the bouncer and bassinet. He sometimes liked the carrier, stroller and play pen.

Now, he likes taking walks (and when I say walks I mean, he baby steps while I hold his hand. He hasn't really walked on his own yet.

He likes food! All kinds!! Fruits and veggies! Soups, crackers, baby yogurt and oatmeal.  Al this, on his own terms though! Don't force him to eat anything or drink anything because he will push your hand away. 

He has a total of 4 teeth and knows how to use them.

He's grown so much in the past year. He weighed 7lbs 1 oz and was 19 inches long at birth!  And when he went to see the doctor this past week he weighted 20.8 lbs, and was 29 1/2 inches long!  He's big!!!!

I wish that I could spend my entire day with him everyday and just hold him and watch him grow! But, my duties as a mother have lead me to start a full-time job outside the home. I had to find a babysitter. I've joined the billions and billions of working mothers who have to leave their children at some point or another.

I wish I didn't have to. I wish that I was a trillion-aire and didn't have to do this, but reality is that I'm not. I must work to support my son, and if I have to leave him for a few hours, then, so be it.

My mother worked too. She was able to stay home for about 8 years and raised us children. Once we got older, she went back to work. But she had the support from my father who was busy working 2 jobs, going to school part-tme and then worked graveyard. 

Those are just things parents must do.

Frankie motivates me so much, everyday!  Just looking at his little face each day makes me strive for the best. Just so he can be happy and not have to suffer at all.

So it's safe to say that we've both grown up this year. He's developing and I'm learning. I'm also developing. I somehow grew mom wings or something.  Mom wings are those wings that you grow all of a sudden. They turn you into an unstoppable, driven, run on no sleep, no food (ummmm not all the time. TRUST), and give you power to juggle 700 task at once. 

I never knew how moms go so much done in so little time. Or how or why a mother loves you so much, Even when times get tough. Even when it's 3:00 am and has a screaming baby, with pee and poo stains everywhere! How do they do it? How do you go to sleep at 1:00 am because you're studying or working or whatever, and have the energy to wake up at 6:am! ANd you better be up! and jolly! Because that baby is so full of sleep that he expects you to turn into a clown, sing and dance for him!!!

Those are the mom wings that help you.

My wings are new, so I don't have all the answers. Heck, I'm still new at this. But I know that they'll be mature one day. Just like all the mothers out there.

So on my baby's first birthday, I felt happy, blessed, relieved and accomplished. The road is long and sometime stormy, but if I can surrive the first year, I know that I can survive  the next infinity.

Because your job doesn't end when they turn 18, like some people think. Your job as a mother never ends. It doens't end when they go to sleep. It doens't even when you go to work. It doens't end when they go to school!!! It's never ending.

So to all the mothers out there who are new, old, young, foster, adoptive, any type of mother. I say: Congrats!   Without you..... we'd be lost.

Happy 1st BIrthday to my son!!!

How I've missed you.

It's been a long time since I've blogged and it's mainly because I've been so busy trying to finish up my internship.

I didn't do an 11th month update on Frankie's development.

I feel like he went through a giant growth spurt since I started interning.  He's cut back on breastfeeding a lot! He actually only wants to nurse at night before bed. Has he weaned himself? I think so.   He's taking a bottle now, where as before he hated it.

I know that I need to start him on a sippy cup, but I think I'll wait a few more weeks for that.

He only has two teeth on the bottom however, I think one is coming in on the top.

I miss him so much during the day, you have mo idea! I wish that I didn't have to be way from him for so long!  But a mother has to do what a mother has to do!!!!!

Nevertheless, I spend as much time as possible with Franks! My time with him is usually dinner, play time then bathtime then bedtime. Our bedtime routines vary from a story to one episode of Yo Gabba, Gabba or a song or two. Bed time doesn't run as smoothly as I'd like, but still, we get to spend our time together.

I was having major seperation anxiety, but I think it's went away. I still miss that little chubby guy!!
And next month,,.. he'll be ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

10 month update & Mommy uypdate too. a 2 for 1 deal.

It’s been a long while since I’ve written a blog and it’s mainly because I’ve been so busy, career wise.

I thought I’d come one and update on Frankie’s 10 month progress. As usual, I can’t believe he’s 10 months old. He’ll be 12 months before I know it and then it’s just a hop skip and a jump away from 18!

He’s crawling very fast now. He just zooms on by me. In fact, I believe he’s going to walk soon. He’s taken a few steps to the side. Any day now, he’s going to start walking. And to think that just a few months ago he was learning how to turn over. Time flies and they grow so fast!!!

As far as feeding goes, he’s eating pretty much everything that’s in puree form. I haven’t given him too much hard stuff because Mr. Frank only has 2 teeth; On the bottom. And he shows them off like there’s no tomorrow.

Making the transition from stay at home mom to working mom has been very difficult. I found myself going through guilt trips. I still do. But they’ve died down once I noticed that he’s fine and this is harder on me then it is on him.  I pump during my lunch break and feed him before and after work. If I see that I can’t feed him then I pump some milk out.  However, I’ve noticed that my milk supply has diminished.  It makes me sad because I really wanted to breastfeed him until he turned one. I’m trying my best to keep that promise to myself.

So that’s all from Frankie Land. See you here next month for his 11^th month update. Oh, and then we’ll discuss his birthday party plans.

Hug and lots of love;

Mayra

Frankie and his climbing abilities,, What's next mentaility

As I sit here, trying to prepare for today's group sessions (I'm interning at a family center specializing in drug and alcohol counseling for teens and adults).

Frankie was playing in his play yard when suddenly he stands up.  I looked over at him and let him know that he was being a good boy my playing and being happy.

I went back to my lap top to continue working when I noticed that he was putting his foot up on the side of the play yard, as if he was going to climb out of it.  I didn't move or saying because I wanted to see how far he could get.

He tried, but doesn't have the motor skills to "wall climb"! But just the thought of him climbing out of the play yard makes me nervous!

I know that once he starts walking.... I don't even know how to finish that sentence.  He's fearless! I think I've said it before.   He just wants to explore and see what the world is like.

He's destined for great things! And I know that my dad has a lot to do with that. Frankie is constantly, in the "whats, next? whats next! WHATS NEXT" mentality.  He conquered crawling! Okay, whats next! He conquered exploring the crib... okay, been there, done that, whats next!

I don't know if anyone else's baby is like that too? Maybe they are. Or maybe I want to desperately hold on to my dads legacy that I'm imagining things.
I don't think that I am. I honestly think that my dad reincarnated in Frankie. Or maybe not reincarnated, but my dad's "WAYS" are in Frankie.

Whatever it is, I don't think I'm ready for him to walk yet. Even though Frankie is, I think he should hold off.

Wishing that the clock would stop, Mayra

ANXIETY.. the seperation kind !

It has happened.
I thought that Frankie would be the one that would have serperation anxiety once I started this internship.
The truth is that I'm the one suffering from it.

It's actaully very sad. I feel very lost without him.  Look at me trying to be so tough thinking that I was "okay" with leaving him.  But it's harder then it seems.  I'm sad.

Maybe I wasn't ready to let go.  I'm not ready to leave him at home while I go and "work".  He went to the park toda d I was jealous because I had to be stuck in an office working with the population that I'm working with thats no, (pun not intended) walk in the park! 

I miss playing with him and reading to him! I miss putting him in his pool and I miss putting him down for his nap.  I miss feeding him his breakfast and lunch! I miss seeing him crawl around the floor.

The good thing is that I can come home and see his face light up! I can feed him dinner, play and give him his bath.  But those 4 hours don't compare to being with him all day long. 
I hope that these next 7-8 weeks fly by so I can come back and be with Frankie.  Maybe I'm not ready to return to work just yet. Maybe I need more time.  However, life circumstances says that I need to get back on the horse ASAP!  And this means more time in the office and less time with my baby Frankie.

Only time will tell.  For now, I have to keep coming home at lunch time to take care of Frankie's "milk" needs and see him, if only for a few minutes.  I came home today to a happy baby! He had just woken up from a nap and was delighted to see me. Then he had lunch and had some milk.  Then I went back to work. He seemed to be okay.  BUt it was me that was crying inside.

THis can't all be negative though, I"m sure that when Frankie goes to a REAL babysitter, preschool or anyother event or place, this will be extremly happy. He does have stranger anxiety though, and he's working through it.

I guess we both have a lot of learning to do.  A lot of working to do and a lot of hugging time.

(Frankie @ Easter (5 months)

Going, going, BACK BACK to WORK!?!?! HUh!

DUn, Dun , DUN!! (enter scary/DUN DUN DUN! Music)

My title just went from "stay-at-home mommy" to "Working mommy"

It's bittersweet. IF it wasn't for this internship, I wouldn't be returning to quickly. 

But it turns out that I gotta do what I gotta do!

Theres no way around it.  Upon completing these hours, I will officially be a Substance Abuse counselor.

But that means, that I have to leave Frankie fora few hours every day and no, I'm NOT happy.

Is he drinking out of a bottle yet? The answer it NO!!

Is he drinking out of a cup?  The answer is NO!! Well... it depends what you condsider "drinking our of a cup" means.  If it means that he take a swig of his cup and then lets the water drip out of his mouth, then NO! he's not!

So what am I going to do?

Pump, and pray for the best.

It's only going to be for 4-5 hours max, so I can feed before I leave, pump and have a stash ready. The good thing is that he's on solids now so he's not completly, 100% dependent on me for food.

If worse comes to worse then he'll just have to learn how to take bottle once in a while.

It's very frustrating because I didn't plan this out.  I should've just given him a bottle day 1! But I didn't!   I listened to the doctors and nurses and the lactation consultants instead of my own mother!  and yes, she said, "I told you so!" 
*sigh

I'm kinda freaking out a little.

It's one of those, scary moments in your life when it's like life changing.  Almost like the first day of school.  YOu don't know who your teachers are or who you're going to sit by in class. You don't want to sit next to the smelly kid or the bad kid cause then you'll get in trouble and then you don't want to be off with someone you don't know too well.

Thats where I'm at right now,  I don't know if I'm going to work with the smelly kid or the bad boy/girl. 

i'll live though. I mean, I get through everything else right? I manage to pull through some way some how I'll survive these next months.

Frankie will need to detach himself a little from me and he's going to learn that when mommy says, "Drink out of this cup please" I mean business.

I don't want to leave my baby though :( Seriously sad!

I'm going to miss funny stuff like this.

Wishing I didn't have to, Mayra

Frankie's First summer!

Ahhh summer time! Theres something about the cool breeze on those summer nights.  I love summer!  I' m not so crazy about the heat, but still summer is one of my favorite seasons.  I love eating ice cream and sitting, B.B.Q's. I love the beach and pool! 

Summer time always reminds me of childhood. I remember going to the beach as a kid and spending the entire day with my family.  We used to go to a beach in Ventura that had a picnic area. We'd camp out all day, hit the beach, eat and head home at sundown! It was a great time. 

Now, that I have my own baby, I want him to experience and love summer just as much as I do.
 Although, I don't think that going to the beach to lay out is possible, I thought I'd bring the pool to me.

He loves the water!  Remember how when we went on Vacation, he loved the water? Well, he still does! He loves splashing and doesn't get scared.

Theres still a lot of summer time fun our way! I think that I want to go to the beach this week, before I start an internship for school =(
(omg! I thought I deleted this post but I didn't!!!)

Okay, so where was I? Oh yes, I was saying that maybe I can take Frankie to the beach this week.  Maybe we'll kit trendy Venice or laid back Zuma?! Hmmm!! Decisions, Decision.....

Ice Cream, Pools, and Summer, Mayra!

a screaming baby

When Frankie was Born on October 20, 2011, I never really thought about what kind of baby he would be. I just know, babies cry a lot and need comfort and love. 

8 months later, I know what kind of baby he is.  He's a hard baby.  But how can a little baby be so hard?

Well, he has in attitude.  I may get criticized for saying this because after all, "I'm a mom and I need to deny and pretend that my baby is the not a brat and doesn't cry and  isn't fussy and doesn't want his way"

He's has a little attitude. He recently learned how to crawl, and so now he dosesn't want to hang out in his play yard because he grew wings and needs to crawl around the entire living room. So I let him play on his blankets. I lay his toys all around so he can crawl and play.  As soon as I walk to the kitchen he starts crying.  He wants me to sit on the floor with him.  So I do, I play with him on the floor.  And then as soon as I walk away, he doesn't like that.  He yells and screams until he turns red!

I do get upset, but what can I do? I can't help but laugh. At my little boy.  There isn't much I can do but just remember that he'll only be this big for seconds.  He'll soon be 9 months and then he'll be on to a different task. Maybe standing, walking? Who knows! 

I don't know if this is normal because not many people tell the truth when talking about their kids.  It's like taboo to say that there kid was a certain way.  It's not bad peopel!! Tell us!!! Im a first time mom, so when my baby is yelling at the top of his lungs! I take this as he's just being a brat!  Because if he's not wet, dirty, hungry, sleepy.. then he's just bored and wants a change of scenary. 

NO matter what, my son is amazing.  My world revolves around him 100%  without a doubt. 
I love my son!!!! ANd if I have to sit with him while the house falls apart then oh well, there will be other people who can wash dishes, do laundry, sweep, mop, feed the dogs, grocery shop, make dinner.  I can shower, eat, dress myself later.     Now I better attempt to do all that i mentioned because he's down for a nap. 



Bye,
Mayra

Crawling Like a Rockstar

It's offical!  Santiago "Frankie" Celedio is offically crawling.  Last week  I posted a video of him semi crawling in the crib and this weekend he crawled on the floor from one side of the room, to the other! 
He's going to be 8 months tomorrow!!
 This is a huge step for him because after crawling, it's just a hop, skip and a jump away from walking.  He's already trying to stand.
This boy amazes me! He's just a little ball of energy!  I told my husband that operation baby proof the house is in full effect! We have to buy those baby gates, outlet plugs adn those little door thingies.  I just can't believe that he's crawling!!!!!  It feels like only yesterday I was holding a pregnancy test, and now he's here, crawling, yelling, eating.  WOW!    Slow Down Frankie!!!  I love him <3

First Time Vacation with Baby

I have so much catching up to do with my homework and stuff, but I wanted to come on an blog about my vacation experience with Frankie. 

He did very well.  He slept a lot of the way, but then woke up once we got to our "pee-pee break destination". 

He didn't get car sick at all or anything.  I had a lot of stuff to keep him happy and entertained. 
Yes, we took a lot of stuff with us.  I rode in the back seat with him so I had toys on snack on command.  Our trip was about 4 hours long.  and though we stopped frequently, all that stopping made him tired and cranky. Not to mention that it was super hot! One of the towns we drove through was 100 degrees.

When we stopped, I made sure I took him out of the car seat and streched my legs and his. I changed his diaper and fed him and took him away from the car so we we wouldn't get bored.  I also changed his clothes because he was wearing pants, and then it got real hot, REAL quick.  I tried to keep him as cool and comfortable as possible.

Once we reached this point, I was ready to jump in the ocean, but we still had another 45 minutes left to get to the resort. Frankie did get fussy towards the end but I kept him happy with water, Yo Gabba Gabba songs and of course rattles. 
Once we got there, we got settle into our room, he ate and then we went swimming while his grandma watched him.  He fell asleep in the stroller on the way back to our room and took a snooze. 

After his snooze, he woke up and I put him in his chair while I made a snack for myself.  Then we hung out, played and put him to sleep.

The next morning, we woke up to this view:

The Ocean off in the distance and a view of the desert infront of us.

This resort is fairly new and is still under construction.

Sunblock is always our friend

You can see the pool in the distance!  I love his hat!

Getting ready to go to the beach! He's wearing a "wet suit" type of shirt to block him from the sun and I put him in the carrier so I could have free hands to carry beach towels.

Another Ocean Shot.

Thats me in Puerto Penasco

Frankie was mad!

His Auntie Monica bought him another hat. This one has Woody from Toy Story on it.
Our First vacation was awesome.  My favorite part was when Frankie saw the ocean for the first time. His eyes got all big . He shreked when the water touched his feet and he loved it. What can I say, he's charged by the ocean and sea.  Some people like mountain, others like grass, I love the sea.   I always have and always will and I think Frankie will too.


Tanned, but ready for another adventure, Mayra

VacaY not to far from sight. What to pack.

As a new mom, getting out of the house just for a simple grocery store outting can be hard.  We need diapers, wipes, clothes, toys, nursing covers, extra socks... I can go on forever.....

So imagine who excited I was when my dear, lovley, mother invited me on vacation with her! First thing I thought was yay, I need a break! Then I was like?  Oh, wait, this is going to be interesting.  Traveling with a 7 month old is going to be tough. 

I sat down the other day and made a list of everything I need to take. 

 NOTE:  This list is SERIOUSLY longer then mine....


*Toys- babies need entertainment and sadly, this clown of a mother isn't that entertaining all the time.
*Sippy cup and bottle- I don't know if I've mentioned this before, but my son is strickly a boob man. He doesn't like bottles, he doesn't want anyone to mention the word bottle or it's equviliant in spanish, BOTELLA.  So I'm trying to get him to drink from a sippy cup

*Bathing suits- He has two! Boardshorts and a wetsuit type of top to wear.

*Hats- to block the sun

*Sunglasses- I purchased them at Children's Place. They're red and they're cute.  Frankie pulls them off his face.

*Food- He's on solids. Nothing exciting there only that one day he likes something and the next day he doesn't

*Teething supplies- My poor baby has one tooth. ONE and he's 7 months. It's on the bottom and I see signs of another one coming soon. SO to save him and others around him I'm packing his teething drops and tabs. (homepathic)

*Tylenol- Because god forbid he gets sick or a fever or whatever, and I want to have my OWN tylenol that I BOUGHT.

*Bumbo- I know he's not going to sit like a good, boy in here for too long, but at least I can feed him no here if I need to.

*Swaddle blankets- I don't swaddle him anymore, but there are other uses for these.  And  I just love them.

*Clothes- Onesies, socks, pants, long sleeves, shorts, rompers

*Bath stuff* Towles, shampoos, one toy, lotions.

*Diapers- Both regular and little swimmers, theres nothing worse then a baby in a heavy, heavy, HEAVY, dirty diaper at the beach!!! THATS NOT Going to be my BABY!


*LOTIONS* OKay, so as everyone already knows, my baby has eczema, and he uses different types of lotions for different areas of his body.  He uses Triderma, for his cheecks, chest and right elbow and then h). e uses regular Johnson & Johnson's sleepy time lotion for his legs, back  and left arm (I know that sounds crazy, but trust me it's been working on his dry skin

*Strollers, Carriers, Car Seat- Transportation, need I say more.

*Sunblock- It's a must!!!! We're going to the beach.

And the #1 thing that baby needs for this trip IS!!!!

A PASSPORT!!!

Yes, we're going to a place in France where the na.... jk!!

We're going to a place called Puerto Penasco, Mexico.

We're super excited because it's my Frankie's first vacation!!

As a kid, we didn't do much traveling, because my parents were working very hard to provide for us,  yes, we went places, but you weren't world travelers.  My parents sure made up for it in our teenage years though. 

ANYWAY, we're excited.  I don't think I missed anything on the list, if I did, please let me know.  PLEASE!  I don't want to be relaxing on the beach and then my mom is going to say, "Did you pack the butt cream?"  



We love the Bumbo.. not

I thought I recieved the Bumbo as a gift and I went crazy looking for it one day. I looked high and low and I didn't find it anywhere!  I went to my in-laws and they didn't have it. I went to look for it in storage, and NOPE it wasn't there either!

So then I went to Babies R Us and I found it there. I paid my $$ and quickly came home and put Frankie in it!  He liked it at first, then he got bored and wanted out.

So does he really love it? No, he'll only sit in here to eat and thats all! He doesn't want anything else to do with it. So don't ask him to hang out in it.
Oh and yes, he's capable of getting out of it. I guess that his legs aren't chunky enough, he slides right out of there.

From Our Bumbo to yours;
Mayra

My review of the Bed Deep Waver

Hi everyone!
So I was super excited when I ordered the Deep Waver because I had been looking for a curling iron that made nice, beachy waves. So I was so happy when the UPS man showed up on my door step with my package ^^ 

Here is my review:


All in all, it works well with longer hair.  My hair is only a little past shoulder lenght and i didn't get the complete wave.  However, I did try it on my sister and it looked perfect on her because her hair is a lot longer.  It does take a while to style one's hair because you have to make sure that the next wave ends where the other one ended... if that makes sense. ....  I did my sister's hair for a party and it lasted all night. The next morning I did a quick run through and her hair looked as good as new. 

I liked that your hair doesn't get too hot that you can't touch it, like with other curling irons. It also doesn't over heat and it doesn't create static. 

It's a nice investment because eventually, my hair will be the length I want it to be. Also, I haven't tried it with my "weave" so I need to see what that looks like. 

I would recommend this product to anyone that’s looking to create, big, beachy, sexy waves.  Obviously, the longer you keep it in your hair, the better the wave will be.  Spray it with hair spray and you’re done!

Two Thumbs up!!

I’m going to try the waver with my extensions and then I’ll post that review.

Good Night!!!

Waves and Waves, Mayra!

Not your momma's enchiladas

 
Here we go again, another recipe from my kitchen to yours.

As you all know, I'm not a cook. I try, but my little hands are not those of a cook.

I tried to make enchiladas like my mom. Hahaha that was a FAIL!

However, I turned them into a casserole. I know, people don't really like them. but hey, it's fast, easy and not that greasy. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy those puppies but I just can't make them. They don't fold right, I can't fry them up correctly. I end up making a mess and I'm not into cleaning up big messes these days.

This is what you'll need:

Corn Tortillas. Any brand will do. I used GUerrero

Cheese. I used Mozzarella and Colby Jack. Just what I had on Hand. Grated.

1 large can of Chile De las Palmas. Green Sauce. You can also use red. Or any enchilada sauce that you use. IF you make your own, well then dang, more power to ya!

Chicken: You don't have to use chicken. I used it because I had it in stock.

1 large baking dish.

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat your oven at 350 degrees

Start by using non-stick spray on the dish you're using so that the tortillas don't stick to it.

Next, place the tortillas over lapping them on the bottom of the dish. Kind of like if you're making a bed.

Then spread the cheese evenly. Next, take some of your sauce and make another layer. Then, the chicken and so forth until you finish the ingredients.

On the last layer, spread a generous amount of cheese and spered it. My family likes cheese so I always use a lot; the cheesier the better.

If you have sauce left over you can also pour some on top.

Place dish in the oven uncovered and set the timer for 30 minutes.
While it bakes you can make a green salad or Spanish rice. Or any side that you wish.

Once it's done baking, you can serve immediately. If you want to make them look like regular enchiladas you can dress them up with sour cream, lettuce, and salsa on top.

And Presto! You have an easy fast dinner!

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRA,

Rolling my R's; MAYRA

Mother's Day

This past Sunday was officially my first mother’s day!   Last year, Frankie was still just a little Zygote. I think I was only 14-15 weeks or so.  I remember my dad took us to dinner.  It was nice.  Gosh, I miss my dad.

Anyway, this year we went to “brunch” with mommer, my sisters and husband. We ate, talked and took these perty pictures. 

It’s true; sometimes I can’t believe that I’m a mother.  I think about the meaning of being a mother and I just can’t fathom that I’ve been granted the privilege of being a mother to Frankie.  He knows who is mommy is. He extends his arms so I can pick him up.  He smiles at me with those toothless gums every morning.  He knows that I’m going to pick him up from the crib and say good morning to him.  I say, “Good morning baby. Did you sleep well?”  and he smiles. Then if I go to open the shutters he starts crying because he thinks I’m going to leave him.  Then I pick him up and kiss him good morning and we walk to the window and he looks out and smiles.  I put him down on the changing table to change his diaper because it’s usually dirty at this point. 

My heart aches when he’s crying and I can’t get to him fast enough.  I need to comfort him immediately.  I don’t like when he cries or gets hurt.  Yes, he’s learning how to “Crawl” so he bumps his forehead a lot. I pick him up and hug him and kiss  his boo-boo.

Isn’t it sad to think that one day those knees are going to get scarped from bike riding or far worse, some girl will break his heart?  Uugh just to think that makes me want to cry.

That’s life right?

But for now, we have crawling, teeth and solid foods to worry about.

With a tear in my eye, Mayra

nap time crack down

I figured it out!!!  I have Frankie’s nap schedule figured out. And let me to tell you that it isn’t going to be an easy schedule.  This has been his sleeping schedule for the last few days.

7 am-8:30 Woke up for a feeding, Diaper change and hang out while I put myself together.

 Hang out on the swing or bouncer while I make some of my “coffee”

9:00-10:30 or 11 ish- Eat cereal with banana, clean up, and diaper change.  Play on the floor with crawl toys.

10:45-11 ish- Feeding, nap time. I put him to sleep in his crib. I close the shutters and give him his Mickey.

12:00-12:30 ish- Wake up, diaper change, change clothes, play, play in bouncer while I prepare his lunch.

1:00-1:30- lunch time. Usually fruit like bananas or pear. He doesn’t like apples.  Milk, if I see that he’s still hungry.

2:00-2:30-Play time on bouncer, crib or floor, crawling exercise, story time.   We would take a walk around this time, weather permitting.

2:45-3:15 ish- Feeding, and nap time. If he doesn’t catch his nap at this time then he’ll be fussy for the rest of the afternoon and evening. He won’t want to play, eat, or do anything except be a fussy Mc. Fusser. 

5:30- If he doesn’t sleep, then he’ll be refreshed.  I usually feed him around 6:00 pm.

6:00-6:30- eat dinner, carrots, sweet potatoes, peas or green beans. 

7:00-8:30- Playtime with anyone who wants to play with him.

8:30 ish- bath time.

9:00 pm- Feeding. Sleep time. This could take about an hour depending on how tired he is. If he doesn’t automatically fall asleep after this feeding, then I place him in his crib, turn on his sound machine and let him fall asleep on his own. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.

This schedule is what he has been following for the past few days. I found that if we stick to something, it makes it easier for everyone. He sleeps and lets me finish whatever it is I have to do and we’re all a little happier. 

My Yummy Lentil soup recipe

I know what you guys are going to say... really? Lentils? Trust me, they're a good source of protein and they're packed full of iron.  They're good if you're breastfeeding because they're healthy, filling and full of vitamins that you're going to pass to baby.

My aunt used to make lentils for us when we were kids and I hated them.  I don't know why I like them now, but I do.

Whats awesome about this recipe is that you can prepare for it the night before and you can make an extra batch for lunch.  It's a great diet food for us "Rollie's" that shouldn't be eating junk food.

Ingredients:

1 cup of lentils
1 can of chicken broth or beef broth
1 -2 cups of vegetables.  (frozen will do)
1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil (or any type of oil you cook with)
1 clove of garlic ( you don't need to use garlic if you don't like)
1/2 onion (you don't need to use it if you don't like it)
1 teaspoon  Pepper
a dash of salt (or to taste.  If you're using broth, you may not want to add extra salt)


*optional*(I use a soy chorizo to give it some flavor.  Obviously, the soup looses it's "healthiness"  I like the soy chorizo because it's not greasy like regular chorizo and it tastes good)

Directons:
Try soaking the lentils over night. This will make them softer and some people say that it makes less gassy

In a medium saucepan,on medium heat,  add the oil, garlic and onion, Saute until garlic is tender. 
Add chorrizo, if you're using it.  cook until brown

Add veggies and saute until tender.
Next, add pepper and salt. 

Add broth and let the ingredients hang out for a few minutes, stirring frequently.
Lastly, add the lentils and stir well. Bring to a boil.
Cover, lower the temperature and simmer for about 15 minutes. 

Serve immediately.

*You can also add, cheese or avocado to your soup. Obviously adding cheese changes the "healthy" component. *

This is perfect for a rainy day or a yummy sick day pick me up.  I made some for my mom the other day and she felt better! 

Let me know what you think.  I'm not the best cook, but I try and I'm getting better at it.

Getting my protein one way or another; Mayra

Breatfeeding is hard to do

I thought that when I made the decision to breastfeed my child, milk would just fly out of them.  I’d pump and dump as they say and that would be the end of it.

Forget about the term latching on and engorgement, I have never in my life had heard those terms.  I thought that every woman and newborn automatically know how to nurse.

The media makes it seem so easy.  I was wrong, wrong, wrong!  It’s a hard task my friend.  There are problems with the latch.  You get raw nips, engorgement, and swollen, painful breast.  Not to mention clogged milk ducts on occasion. It’s hard work to feed that little hungry baby.

And! Let’s touch on the subject of introducing a bottle! Man, those nurses and doctors make you feel like you’re the worse mom in the universe.  Forget crack mom, smoking and doing lines while they’re pregnant.  No! You’re far worse because you want to give you baby a bottle and pacifier.  You’re the devil.  Evil, evil mom! 

I should have listened to my mother because my son hates bottles!!!!! He hates pacifiers! He only wants me!   He took a bottle a few times and that was the last of that. 

Why do I have this fancy breast pump?

My son is nearing 7 months.  The lactation consultant suggested I start introducing a Sippy cup and forget about the bottle altogether.  The cup wars have begun. He looks at it, takes it and try’s drink from it.  It mostly spills it all over himself.  But at least he tries.

My son is a boob man! Straight up!  But he’s healthy, He’s striving and growing.

The bond that we’re building is unbreakable.  Its’ all worth it when he looks up at me.   It that special moment that can never be understood by anyone else.

It’s mommy and baby time.  Even at 4 am.  It’s beautiful.

There should be more information on breastfeeding!  I’m not talking about the benefits and all that. We already know the benefits.  We want to know the truth.  Women need to now about the blood, sweat and tears that goes into breastfeeding!

We only see pictures and videos of women nursing her baby with a smile on her face and the baby correctly latched on.  They don’t show the woman that’s crying because her milk hasn’t come.  She’s in tears because it hurts so much that you have to take Tylenol, apply warm compresses and wants to cut off her right breast because it hurts that bad!

That woman was me.

Eventually we got it! We had some bumps I the road but I think that we finally have it down.

I hope that I you do choose breastfeeding you baby that you’re greatly informed about the details that people forget to talk about.   I’m here to tell you that it gets better. 

Also, don’t feel like you can’t give your baby a bottle. My suggestion is to do it.  I wish I would have.  Your boobs will thank you if you ever have a clogged milk duct. 

Some women can’t produce enough milk and sometimes their bodies just can’t make it happen.

Don’t worry.  You’re not a bad mother.  You’re a beautiful mother and you shouldn’t feel guilty. And you shouldn’t let anyone tell you different.  Many times, people like to judge. But until you’re in that seat you shouldn’t say anything. 

Bye for now!!!

Breast pumping in the air;

Mayra