Tantrums, Teething and Body Image Issues.

It's been a difficult week:  There's been tiny melt downs, crying, body image freak-outs and ..... oh yes. This is all me! I don't think I've never been this stressed out in my entire life.

Frankie continues his tantrums.  They're very tiring.  For me at least.  He drains me each time. The other day he had a melt down outside because he didn't want to come inside after our walk.  He was yelling at the top of his lung.  I asked him nicely to come inside.  But he didn't want to hear it.  So I left him there while I took Jacob inside.  I watched him from the window.  He continued to yell for about a minute before he came inside on his own and continued his tantrum inside for another 2 minutes. 

After he finished, we discussed why he couldn't stay outside unsupervised.  Of course he said, "Ok".  But I knew that the rest of the night would be hard.  Once he starts with one tantrum it spirals to another one shortly after. 

On top of Frankie's attitude, Jacob is now officially teething.  He's drooling, and is very irritable.  He only wants to be held upright and does not want me to rock him in the glider.  The sollybaby wrap is really coming in handy because he seems to feel better when he's close to me.  OBVI.  I'm currently looking for those Amber teething necklaces that can alleviate teething pain.  
(ahh as I type this, Frankie is walking around using Jacob's vibrating teething ring that my sister got for Jacob. I told him a million times to get it out of his mouth!"  GRRRRR)

Ok, anyway... back to the teething necklaces. I saw some on Etsy and I think that I'm going to order some from there and see if they work.

As for me, I've been a little down this week.   I don't know if it's baby blues or body insecurities or what.  I've been feeling Not like myself lately.  And I think that I really need to make some time for myself. No kids, NO Man! JUST ME! ALONE!  One of my friends said that she goes and gets a Mani/Pedi NO EXCEPTIONS! that is her time and I think that I'm going to make that rule for myself.  I must, before I go INSANE! 

Nobody is perfect. Moms are no exception.  I understand that we're all adjusting to this new life.  Frankie is adjusting to Jacob and Jacob is adjusting to life on this planet.  And I'm adjusting to being a mom of two boys. 

I'm venting. Not everyday is crazy, some days are issues free and they're amazing.  But I guess that's what parenthood is. Some days will be happy, Other days.. well not so much. This too Shall Past. ..before I know it, the boys will be older. All of Jacob's teeth will be in place and Frankie will learn to communicate without yelling and screaming.  And this will all be a distant memory. 

As for me, I'll get over my body issues.,, Maybe.....

Whats in my diaper bag.

Let me paint a picure for you.  The year was 2011.  Frankie was 2 months old.  We went to brunch with some family memebers  Frankie was dressed in his Sundays best.  He looked adorable.  Then, something happened!  HE had an accident.  You know, a poop accident!  It was like an explosion! There was baby poop everywhere.  He needed an outfit change. So there I go, off to the restroom with my huge diaper bag.  I managed to clean him up and change him.  Then, it was time to put his socks.  .. BUT... I didn't pack extra socks!!  MIND YOU, it's Decemeber and it was pretty chilly out.  Frankie needed to wear socks on his tiny feet.  I took his mittens off his hands and put them on his feet as socks.  OF course, everyone laughed at me.  And from that day on, I promised myself that I would NEVER be unprepared.  I may forget 1 million things, but I would never forget  socks again!



Maybe I'm a little dramatic.  But believe me, Frankie has extra socks in his school bag.  Along with extra clothes, undies and baby wipes. 

I have two separate diaper bags.  1 for long outings and the other for quick trips to the grocery store or when I'm dropping Frankie off at school. 

So this is whats in Jacob's Diaper Bag.

Eddie Bauer Bag

Diapers and Wipes-  I stash a lot. Self explanatory, I mean, really, just carry a bunch with you because you never know when your baby is going to have a huge explosion.  SO just take my word for it and go cray on the diapers. For wipes, I just carry the pack. I don't like using the plastic container because I use wipes for EVERYTHING.  I use them for Frankie too for quick clean ups. 

Weather Appropriate Clothing- Obviously, you're not going to dress baby in a hot outfit.  Remember that you're supposed to dress baby in one more layer then you'd wear.  IF you're Hot, then most likely baby is hot.  I also carry a few short sleeve and a few pair of pants.  Again, for explosions.  AND if we're going to be out late, then I carry his pj's so I could change him into his pjs and he could be warm and cozy.  AND DUH< extra socks!!

Nursing Cover-  I use one of my Aden and Anais swaddle blankets because, and I've said this before, they're lightweight and really long so I can cover Jacob and myself and I'm not showing off my goodies! 

Sollybaby Wrap-  I can't get enough of how awesome this wrap is and I'm getting better at quickly wrapping it.  I researched this wrap before I purchased it.  I watched YouTube tutorials and perfected the wrap part if it.  Yay! I did try the Moby, but it was thicker fabric and it made me so hot!  This is so convinent when I'm picking up Frankie and I need my hands free to carry his blanket and classwork. 

Tylenol and Nose Frieda- This isn't something I usually carry all the time, however, both Jacob and Frankie have been sick these last couple of weeks.

Anti-Bactrial Wipes- Frankie's doctor mentioned to me that I should wipe him down before entering the house because he is not the most hygienic person.  AND everyone at Frankie's school is sick.  So Anti-bacterial wipes are an essential.  Especially when we're spending a long time outside/ out and about. 

Wallet, Keys, Lipstick- I use my diaper bag as my purse. Because I don't want to have to carry around an extra bag. AND the baby AND make sure Frankie doesn't run off into the street, traffic or run off at the grocery store.

Pacifier Case-  I don't like tossing his paci's in the bag without a protective cover.  I had a fancy pants, pacifier bag but I lost it. So I searched my house for something where I can hold Jacobs paci's and I found a tiny container as a party favor.  My friend made these delicious macaroons for her son's baptism and I kept the container. So, that's what I use. And I carry like 100. J/K I carry 3 in there just in case I lose one.

Pacifier Wipes- pretty self explanatory. Jacob drops his paci everywhere, or Frankie touches it with his germy hands (remember, Frankie's new nickname is THE GERM).  I got these at Walmart.  

That is really all I carry.  I really don't have much room for anything else.  Infants needs a ton of stuff. Make sure your diaper bag is big enough to carry all your things.  OR you could be like some moms I know that only carry what they'll need for that particular outing.  I can't do this because I am the INCASE OF EMERGENCY MOM!

Cancun Dinner

Cancun Dinner by mayrabeltran featuring lips makeup

Hurley maxi dress
backcountry.com

Charles by Charles David black wedge sandals
pinkmascara.com

Diane Von Furstenberg black purse
dvf.com

Kenneth Jay Lane charm necklace
neimanmarcus.com

Bling Jewelry flower earrings
blingjewelry.com

CARGO lips makeup
beauty.com

Stila cheek bronzer
sephora.com

Benefit mascara
$29 - johnlewis.com

Not Your Mother s black hair care
urbanoutfitters.com

Happy Milking Lactation Cookies.

Happy Milking Lactation Cookies

 

First let me start by saying that I AM NOT A BAKER!  I've never claimed to be.  I don't bake cookies, or cakes or brownies or cake pops.  I wish I could be like those moms that are gifted in that department.  However, I have always wanted to learn.

Since I am currently breastfeeding Jacob, I have began to research foods that can help with milk supply.  I have read that leafy greens, almonds and oatmeal can increase milk supply.  AND also.  Lactation cookies.

SO you're meaning to tell me that I can eat cookies and I can increase my milk supply! SCORE!!!   

Therefore, I headed to trusty old, PINTEREST and looked up lactation cookies.  I  saw many different recipes.  Most of them were WAAAAYYY to advanced for me.  Since I've never been a good baker, I looked for the easiest recipe that I could find.  I found http://www.food.com/recipe/oatmeal-chocolate-chip-lactation-cookies-by-noel-trujillo-192346
It's super simple the outcome was amazing!!!   My NON-lactating family gave it a thumbs up! AND  NO they didn't lactate!
Here is the recipe in case you missed it:

 1 cup of butter
1 cup of Sugar
1 cup of brown sugar
1 tablespoon of water 
2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal (I got mine at Whole Foods, but I'm sure you can find this anywhere)

2 eggs
1 teaspoon of vanilla
2 cups of flour
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1 teaspoon of salt
3 cups of oats
1 cup of chocolate chips
2-4 tablespoon of Brewers Yeast (I also found this at Whole Foods. It came in a powder from. I also found it in capsule form. But that will become a little harder to use if you have to sit there and crush a bunch of pills. Also, I altered this recipe by only using 3 tablespoons of yeast)

I didn't follow this exactly how it is written,  For Example, I didn't SIFT the four, yeast, baking soda or SALT.   (Whoops) but nevertheless, they still came out yummy.

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Mix the flaxseed meal and water and let sit for 3-5 minutes.
3. Beat butter, sugar, and brown sugar well.
4. Add eggs and mix well.
5. Add flaxseed mix and vanilla, beat well.
6. Sift together flour, brewers yeast, baking soda, and salt.
7. Add dry ingredients to butter mix.
8. Stir in oats and chips.
9. Scoop onto baking sheet.
10. Bake for 12 minutes.
11. Let set for a couple minutes then remove from tray.

This isn't the healthiest way to boost milk production, however, its a good treat and you know, rather filling :)  I'm going to add CHIA seeds to the mix and see how that works out. I'll report back. 
Again, this recipe was taken from http://www.food.com/recipe/oatmeal-chocolate-chip-lactation-cookies-by-noel-trujillo-192346

I didn't by any means make this recipe up myself.  I used this recipe because I loved it and it was super easy for my NON-Baking self.

Happy Milking ..
MOO moo  

Here is look two!! :)

Here is look two!! :) by mayrabeltran featuring Essie

Swimsuit top
etsy.com

T strap shoes
icing.com

Markus Lupfer red heart glasses
luisaviaroma.com

Eos lip treatment
target.com

Essie beauty product
kohls.com

Cancun trip ideas. Here's look one

Cancun trip ideas. Here's look one by mayrabeltran featuring bikini bathing suits

Kimono coat
choies.com

River Island bikini bathing suit
$52 - riverisland.com

St. John's Bay embellished sandals
jcpenney.com

Monsoon white tote bag
monsoon.co.uk

Rag bone wide brim sun hat
saksfifthavenue.com

Acetate glasses
scarves.com

PUR spf powder
kohls.com

Fresh sheer lipstick
neimanmarcus.com

Why Breastfeed?

There are different reasons why a mommy decides to breastfeed.  I am not here to impose my views or opinions on you.  I'm also not here to judge anyone who decides not to breastfeed their child. 
Because I am not judging you, please do not judge me .
Every mother is different.  Some women aren't able to breastfeed for different reason.  This is simply my experience with breastfeeding and my journey as a second time mom.

When one becomes pregnant for the first time, or even the second, third, .... GULP FOURTH time... a woman may begin to look at her options.  As in, how am I going to make this experience the best EVER! She may begin to research different parenting methods.  Perhaps she and her partner discuss a water birth.  Home birth.. all natural birth., C-section.   She may resort to Pinterest and pin babywearing methods.  Then... to breastfeed or not.

When I was pregnant with Frankie, I made a conscious decision to try breastfeeding.  I bought books and a pump and read everything I could about the subject.  Then, Frankie was born.  I was in the hospital and the nurse put him on my breast.  Naturally, I thought, okay, this is the part where he's going to latch on and he's going to be fine.   WRONG!   

I knew that the first couple of days, I was only going to have colostrum and that my milk wouldn't be coming in for a few days.  I expected that.  What I didn't expect was how much pain I would be in.  I practically cried.  We couldn't get a proper latch and I didn't know how to position the baby correctly. 
It was not the best time.  I had no idea that it would be that much work. 
Luckily, we finally got it; but it took a long time.  Lots of time, effort, tears, engorgement and chapped nipples; but we got it. 

This time around, I wanted to breastfeed Jacob too because after all that, I had a wonderful experience with breastfeeding.  Yes it was hard. And yes, you do have to sacrifice.  It's like being pregnant... but it's not.
The reward is amazing.  It's something that I can't put into words.  Ask any mother.  Ask any father that experiences it with you.  He said, "It's a beautiful bond."    You create such a wonderful bond with your child that can't be replicated by bottle feeding.  I'm sorry, but it just can't.  When you're holding your baby and you're feeding him/her and they're looking into your eyes, its pure LOVE.   It makes my heart grow just writing about it. 

One of the nurse's at the hospital helped me with the latch.  She watched me and she said that I was very confident and that I had great colostrum.  She made me feel so good because that's exactly the support you need. 

If you're pregnant and are thinking about breastfeeding, I suggest that you begin looking for a lactation consultant.  They can save you.  They can help you so much by simply answering questions that perhaps a pediatrician can't.  Not to say that they're not qualified, but because they may not understand the mission that you're on.  I was fortunate enough to have a lactation nurse come to my house and help me with Jacob.  As well as another consultant that I found in my community. 

GET HELP NOW.  They can help you prepare with establishing breastfeeding in the hospital, right after you deliver.  IF you're having a natural childbirth, do your homework on Skin-to Skin contact.  It's so important in establishing that bond early on.  Research indicates that taking advantage of that Golden Hour, could help baby in establishing a latch.  Its vital. 

During pregnancy, they can help you emotionally as well.  My consultant called me a few times during my pregnancy to ask how I was feeling especially because she knew I was commuting into Downtown Los Angeles, everyday for work.  She would give me tips on how to relax and told me to make sure I was getting my rest whenever possible.  She would even ask about Frankie and asked how he was handling things. She asked who supported my decision to breastfeed. All that is so important because you'll need all that when it's 3 am and baby is crying because he/she's hungry and you're having trouble with the latch or you're engorged and you're in tears because your nipples hurt so much.  Yes, this happened to me with Frankie.

I love breastfeeding.  The feeling is right up there with being a mother. The first and second time around.  There just was never a question IF I was going to breastfeed. The answer was always YES! even before I had children. 

Obviously, sacrifices need to be made while breastfeeding.  Here are some that I have come across.

*No drinking- Don't get drunk. I had a glass of wine NYE and I didn't feed him immediately after.

*Diet Changes- My lactation consultant said that I could eat whatever I wanted.  With limits. However, I do watch what I eat.  If there are too many spices or too spicy, possible gas inducing like broccoli or asparagus then I limit those.

* Time restraints- I can't just leave for 5 hours.  Planning does need to take place.  Will I be able to nurse wherever I'm going.  Do I need to take a cover.  If I leave without baby, will he take a bottle? How long will I be gone before I start getting engorged.  If in public, can I nurse in this outfit?

*Sleep- This applies more to a child like Frankie, who was waking up every 2-3 hours.  Even at 3 months.  Jacob on the other hand has been a great sleeper since day 1. If you weren't breastfeeding one could feed at bedtime and not have to wake up until whatever time baby wakes up to eat. 


I'm sure that there are more.  These are just a few that I could come up with. 


Here are the PROS.

* Baby receives colostrum- at birth to about 4 days.  This thick, yellowish milk is filled with vitamins, antibodies that baby will need.  AND guess what, this is all that baby needs.  His/her tummy is so tiny, that she doesn't need more.  IF baby is crying after eating, he/she most likely is wet, uncomfortable or needs to be swaddled. 

* You win too- Breastfeeding definitely helps mommas lose all their baby weight.  You'll burn about 500 calories a day.  That's awesome if you ask me!  and add a workout to that, you're burning some serious calories there momma.  You'll be back in your Brazilian cut bikini in no time!

*No money spent on formula- At about $25.oo a pop, you're spending a pretty penny on formula.  Why not save that money for Junior's college fund. 

*Independent Babies-  I could only speak for myself on this one.  Frankie is very independent.  he has been from day one. 

*Obesity- Research indicates that breastfed babies are less likely to be obese. 


Whatever your reason for breastfeeding is, remember to enjoy it.  Its not always easy, but the ending result is priceless.

This post has taken me some time to finish. Again, this post isny intended to make anyone upset or offend anyone.

Only YOU know what's best for your baby! Only you can decide which route you take. All in all! It's the love that we give our children that truly matters.

Happy Feeding ! 

Jacob Dylan and his 3 month update

Today, my little baby turns 3 months old! Time is indeed flying by.  It seems like only yesterday, we were pregnant and now.... It makes me want to cry. 

I have said this before,Jacob is a sweet little baby boy.  He wakes up to eat and he goes right back to sleep.  He likes to sleep in on the weekends and loves being in the car.  He just goes with the flow.  He's the perfect shopping buddy and I hope that he always remains my shopping buddy. 

These past few months haven't always been a piece of cake though.  Mostly on my part.  Adjusting to being a mother of 2 boys has been quite a challenge. Frankie turned 3 in October and Jacob was born a month later.  Frankie has become very jealous and though I dedicate alone time with Frankie, he continues to act out; like most 3 year olds.  I hope this phase passes quickly but for now all I can do is try different things to make his tantrums less painful (for bystanders, himself and ME).  More on this in a different post

Jacob loves to take warm baths and showers.  You ask, but Mayra, how does he shower.  Well obviously, with me;  Very carefully.  I hold him tight and get him all nice and warm.  I wash his hair and his little body and I hand him off to get dressed.  After I get dressed I nurse him and off he goes to the Land of Nod.  Then, I read to Frankie and put him to sleep.

Jacob naps pretty well during the day.  Sometimes he wakes up and wants to stay in his swing while I complete house work. If he's having a hard time going to sleep, I put Pandora on for him.  He likes the Wolfgang Amadeus station, I mean, he really likes it.  So I leave it on while he sleeps. He also likes white noise, and that is what he listens to at night.

Little Honey is still breastfeeding.  We had a few hiccups in the beginning of course.  Establishing a latch was hard because he liked to curl in his button lip which could cause major problems.  I was lucky enough to have a lactation nurse come visit me at home when Jacob was about 2 weeks old.  She pointed out his lip issue and taught me how to correct it. 
Before Jacob was born, I had a birth plan in my head.  I mentioned this before, how I wanted to establish skin to skin contact right away and how I wanted to take advantage of the "Golden Hour" as soon as possible.  However, that didn't go as planned because I had a C-section.  Well, I was able to have skin to skin contact as soon as I was in recovery.  The nurse put Jacob on my breast and he began to nurse.  We had to go over the latch all over again because well, this was new all over again.   
It was difficult the first couple of days.  I want to say possibly weeks.  Its funny how those couple of weeks seem like a blur now. 
I remember how upset I was at his Pediatrician because he had suggested that I alternate breast milk and formula because Jacob had jaundice.    I was sad. I nearly cried at the fact that I was giving my 1 week old "poison".  (I know its not poison. I was just really set on exclusively breastfeeding Jacob. Please don't attack me.)  Well, it had to be done. We have him formula, as a substitute, a couple of time and he was better in no time.  My lactation consultant insisted that we avoid using pacifiers and bottles for at least 4-6 weeks.  Well, that idea went out the door. He does use a pacifier more than a bottle.  Now, that I'm attempting to introduce the bottle once again, he does not want it.  He will only take it when someone else is feeding him.  When I try to give him the bottle he turns away and cries.  He knows that I have the goods. 

He recently discovered his hands.  It's so cute watching him look at his hands in amazement. He fascinated by them.  Just as we are fascinated by him. He smiles already and sometimes, you laughs.  He's growing and getting bigger every single day.   

It's hard to believe that my little "Sunshine" is here in my arms.  I have so many hopes and dreams for him.  So many wishes.  I look into his eyes and I see so many good things.  I pray for both of my boys, that they truly find happiness in life.  I'm excited to see what the next 3 months have in store for him and us. 

Now, I must go because Jacob has a terrible cold and is very congested.  I have been wearing him (in the Sollybaby wrap)  while I finished typing up my post. He is sound asleep now, hopefully we can both get some shut eye tonight.  We'll see.  Good Night.  Sweet dreams.