Seems as if I have been neglecting this poor blog. There has just been a lot going on. So don't mind the randomness, I just want to update on all areas.
Friday I received two sets of good news. The first being that Mike and I got approved for an apartment in Winchester Park. We will be moving in on July 9th - so exciting! We will have a place to call our own.
Secondly, I had a job interview and got the job! I will be an on-call/substitute teacher at Alphabet Soup Day Care. Although it isn't a set schedule, I am happy with the arrangements and am hoping for a more permanent position by the fall.
On Thursday night we began operation deswaddle. We didn't really start to swaddle Christian until he began moving and crawling (just so he would get some sleep), but now it is time to break the habit. Babies make associations between 6 and 9 months of age and we fear that if we don't kick the habit now, he will begin to associate swaddling with sleep and will think that he cannot sleep unless swaddled. So far we are going backwards, but I know that it will get better.
Saturday was The 4th Annual Race for Grace. Grace looked great. It was a large turnout (as usual). Mike, Christian and I met up with Mike's mother, stepfather, brother & niece. It was a beautiful day to be together and support such a wonderful cause. Christian did great. He slept for the entire 3.2 mile stroll. It took us an hour and 15 minutes to complete. Mike however, finished in 30 minutes running.
Yesterday was wonderful though. Especially since neither Mike or I had to work. We attended the race and had no worries about rushing anywhere for the rest of the day. It was nice and relaxing.
Overall it has been a great holiday weekend thus far. :)
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
6 Months
It’s crazy to think that Christian is already 6 months old. I remember being pregnant like it was yesterday and giving birth as though it was an hour ago. It’s amazing to think that just 6 months ago Christian Joseph entered this world weighing 7 lbs 9 oz at 19 ½ inches long.
In the first month of Christian’s life I was faced with sleep deprivation along with the hardship of latching difficulties. I resorted to pumping. It was extremely draining. Between feeding Christian every 2 hours and pumping every 3, I was exhausted.
At just two months old, we found out that Christian had a milk protein allergy as we began experimenting with breast milk and formula. After 6 short weeks of pumping, we tried regular, soy, prosobee, and finally nutramegin formula. We also dealt with the possibility that Christian may have had Pyloric Stenosis. Luckily the ultrasound came back clear and so we began treating acid reflux. It was in the midst of this that Christian was baptized at our local church: Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In February (at 3 months old), Christian attended his first birthday party, when his cousin, Gabriella turned a year old. In this short time he already began rolling over and holding his head up.
March brought spring weather and Christian’s first trip to the park. He was sitting up supported and playing in his jumperoo. Now at 6 months old, his jumperoo is that of a fun past time.
At 5 months old, Christian began doing “push-ups”. Our days were filled with laughter and our nights with constant visits from me (shushing, patting, etc). We were curious if 6 months was really the “magical age” for sleeping through the night.
Now that Christian is 6 months old, to think of the things he has already accomplished is amazing. Eating solids, sitting up, crawling, and now, making attempts to pull himself up to standing and crab walking. He has slowly, but surely outgrown his reflux as well as his stomach sensitivity. I believe 6 months is the magical age, because now he is essentially sleeping through the night. Although he does wake up around 5 AM, all it takes is a binky visit to get him back to sleep until 6:45.
Christian is now 16 lbs and 26 ¼ inches. It is remarkable how quickly he has grown, and continues to grow. I have come to the realization that with a 6 month old, I will always be on the go and my day will always begin before 7 AM. With the rough times comes the times of joy and endearment. Each day my love for my son and the joy he brings to my life grow greater.
In the first month of Christian’s life I was faced with sleep deprivation along with the hardship of latching difficulties. I resorted to pumping. It was extremely draining. Between feeding Christian every 2 hours and pumping every 3, I was exhausted.
At just two months old, we found out that Christian had a milk protein allergy as we began experimenting with breast milk and formula. After 6 short weeks of pumping, we tried regular, soy, prosobee, and finally nutramegin formula. We also dealt with the possibility that Christian may have had Pyloric Stenosis. Luckily the ultrasound came back clear and so we began treating acid reflux. It was in the midst of this that Christian was baptized at our local church: Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In February (at 3 months old), Christian attended his first birthday party, when his cousin, Gabriella turned a year old. In this short time he already began rolling over and holding his head up.
March brought spring weather and Christian’s first trip to the park. He was sitting up supported and playing in his jumperoo. Now at 6 months old, his jumperoo is that of a fun past time.
At 5 months old, Christian began doing “push-ups”. Our days were filled with laughter and our nights with constant visits from me (shushing, patting, etc). We were curious if 6 months was really the “magical age” for sleeping through the night.
Now that Christian is 6 months old, to think of the things he has already accomplished is amazing. Eating solids, sitting up, crawling, and now, making attempts to pull himself up to standing and crab walking. He has slowly, but surely outgrown his reflux as well as his stomach sensitivity. I believe 6 months is the magical age, because now he is essentially sleeping through the night. Although he does wake up around 5 AM, all it takes is a binky visit to get him back to sleep until 6:45.
Christian is now 16 lbs and 26 ¼ inches. It is remarkable how quickly he has grown, and continues to grow. I have come to the realization that with a 6 month old, I will always be on the go and my day will always begin before 7 AM. With the rough times comes the times of joy and endearment. Each day my love for my son and the joy he brings to my life grow greater.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Reaching Milestones
The teething monster is in town. Christian's right rear gums are extremely white/grayish and he is gnawing on absolutely anything he can get his hands on. Even if I give him a teether he resorts to gnawing on his fingers and they get so red! Poor baby. Weird thing is, I always thought the bottom front teeth were the first to poke through, but maybe in Christian's case it isn't?
Now some good news. Well, sort of. Christian is crawling! It's so cute and I love it, but boy am I in trouble. It's scary to think that he started crawling before he even turned 6 months old. I can't put him on his playmat anymore because he's off it in the matter of seconds. My next investment is going to be a large puzzle piece floor mat and a play yard. Crazy baby. He's growing up too fast! Below is a video, sorry it's so shaky & short!
Now some good news. Well, sort of. Christian is crawling! It's so cute and I love it, but boy am I in trouble. It's scary to think that he started crawling before he even turned 6 months old. I can't put him on his playmat anymore because he's off it in the matter of seconds. My next investment is going to be a large puzzle piece floor mat and a play yard. Crazy baby. He's growing up too fast! Below is a video, sorry it's so shaky & short!
Monday, May 17, 2010
FOMO
FOMO = Fear Of Missing Out. Christian has it, big time! No matter where we are, if something else is going on, he's all over it. It is nearly impossible to get him to nap even if he is overly exhausted. He doesn't want to miss a thing, which can be both a good thing and a bad thing.
In relation to this, I'd like to share a text that Christian's Great Grandmother (aka Mama II) sent me the other day. It really made me smile. She wrote, "You know (one of the many things) I love about Christian? When he's in a crowd, it's not just about him. It's about everything that's going on around him. Huge sign of intelligence. He is destined for great things!"
I always noticed Christian's FOMO, but her text brought me to the realization that it is a great quality. I don't think I will have any trouble when it comes time to send him to daycare or a sitter. Of course I will miss him like crazy, but he has such a personality that he will "chat" (coo & roar) with anyone. It's scary/sad to say, but my little munchkin is growing up so fast, already.
Friday, May 14, 2010
A Tribute To Mothers
I wanted to begin today's post with a few quotes that I have found to be true to the core.
"A mother's love is the fuel that enables a child to do the impossible." - Church Billboard
"A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts." - Washington Irving
My Mother:
Until I had Christian, I never truly understood the love that a mother has for her child. I always knew that my mother loved me with all of her heart, but now I feel it, too.
My mother has always been my best friend, support system, counselor, mediator, taxi, caretaker, the shoulder I cry on, the person I share laughs with, one I go to for advice, and more.
She is the most amazing woman I know. I never really knew just how much she did until I became a mother myself. Difference is, she did it alone, working, and with three children under the age of four. My appreciation for her goes to the moon and back. I realize now, that I would be lost without her.
I love you, Mom!
To all the other Mother's & Mother's to Be:
Remind yourself everyday, that you are an amazing Mother; that you can do this! On those days that you feel at a loss and are unsure if you will make it through, look at your child. His/her eyes will reassure you that you are doing it right. You are the best mom you can be! I will share with you two little secrets that I have come to raise Christian by: Mother Knows Best (always) and do "Whatever Works".
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
My 1st Mother's Day
My first Mother's Day was spectacular. It was better than I had ever imagined, Mike made sure of that.
The night before Mother's Day, Mike insisted that he would get up with Christian in the middle of the night, which was a gift in and of itself. I had worked that night, so I knew I would be tired.
In the morning, Mike got up with Christian while I showered and got ready for the day. As I was getting ready, he brought me a dozen beautiful roses along with two cards, one from himself and one from Christian. I LOVE reading his cards. He always writes the best messages that get me all teary eyed.
Next he brought me my first gift. It was a tote purse/diaper bag that I had wanted. It is amazing! He ordered from a website called Gilt Group. That was more than enough of a gift. But he said he had two more surprises. Now I knew he had been working on something for me the night before, but I wasn't sure what.
He brought in two collages. One was a small one with the message "The First 6 Months of the Rest of Our Lives". And the second was a collage that he made spelling the word "love". It was amazing. He had put so much time and effort into it and I couldn't have been happier with my gifts. :)
Mike then told me that he would like to make two more, together this time. One to say "live" and the other "laugh". I got lucky with such a sentimental sweet heart. :)
After Mike gave me all of my gifts, we headed to brunch with his Grandmother, Father, Uncle, Brother, Sister, and Niece. We went to The Cheesecake Factory - yum! And Christian sat in the restaurant highchair for the first time. Later we spent some time with my mom for dinner and dessert before calling it a night.
It was definitely the best Mother's Day I could have asked for and more!
Friday, May 7, 2010
Christian Joseph
Just thought I would share a little about my pregnancy and the birth of my beautiful son, Christian.
Mike and I found out that I was pregnant on March 23rd, 2009. Immediately we had some scares. I ended up hospitalized at 8 weeks pregnant for dehydration. The good that came of this was our first ultrasound and hearing our little "bean's" heartbeat.
I suffered severe morning sickness for the first 13 weeks or so of pregnancy. I was still living in my dorm at school and taking classes. I remember vividly leaning over the "porcelain God" one morning before an exam. Let's just say having morning sickness and waking your floor mates was not a fun experience.
Shortly after finishing my second semester at RWU, I fell down the stairs at home. It wasn't hard and only two or three steps, but it was definitely enough to scare me. Mike and I called the doctor and thankfully everything was alright. At about 25 weeks, I fell again. This time at work. I remember crying for hours because I felt like a horrible person. I thought for sure I had hurt my unborn child.
Then the worst scare happened. We got into a car accident two days before our baby shower. I was 32 weeks pregnant and we had been rear-ended. I don't think I have ever been so scared in my life. After spending the night in the hospital, we had a beautiful shower with family and friends.
I did a lot of walking and working throughout my pregnancy. Including walking around Niagara Falls. It was my and Mike's last trip before the baby came.
Christian Joseph Mollis arrived 6 days early at 7:50 PM. It was a short labor, but hard non the less. He is the greatest gift I could ever receive. It is because of him that I realize how much a mother loves her child. Christian has been a blessing in our lives and continues to be every day.
Mike and I found out that I was pregnant on March 23rd, 2009. Immediately we had some scares. I ended up hospitalized at 8 weeks pregnant for dehydration. The good that came of this was our first ultrasound and hearing our little "bean's" heartbeat.
I suffered severe morning sickness for the first 13 weeks or so of pregnancy. I was still living in my dorm at school and taking classes. I remember vividly leaning over the "porcelain God" one morning before an exam. Let's just say having morning sickness and waking your floor mates was not a fun experience.
Shortly after finishing my second semester at RWU, I fell down the stairs at home. It wasn't hard and only two or three steps, but it was definitely enough to scare me. Mike and I called the doctor and thankfully everything was alright. At about 25 weeks, I fell again. This time at work. I remember crying for hours because I felt like a horrible person. I thought for sure I had hurt my unborn child.
Then the worst scare happened. We got into a car accident two days before our baby shower. I was 32 weeks pregnant and we had been rear-ended. I don't think I have ever been so scared in my life. After spending the night in the hospital, we had a beautiful shower with family and friends.
I did a lot of walking and working throughout my pregnancy. Including walking around Niagara Falls. It was my and Mike's last trip before the baby came.
Christian Joseph Mollis arrived 6 days early at 7:50 PM. It was a short labor, but hard non the less. He is the greatest gift I could ever receive. It is because of him that I realize how much a mother loves her child. Christian has been a blessing in our lives and continues to be every day.
Welcome
Welcome to my crazy, unconventional life as a young mother. I have put this off long enough. It is time that I share with others my struggles with judgement, acceptance, trials, tribulations, worry, and joy.
Ever since I was a little girl, I imagined what my life would be like: graduate high school and go on to college where I would find the love of my life, graduate college, get married, buy a home, and start a family. I still have all of these dreams, I have just chosen to achieve them in a different order.
Michael and I met at the end of my junior year of high school. I was seventeen and he was the mysterious 21 year old that I had always heard stories about. We met at a benefit dinner for a mutual friend who had been diagnosed with cancer. Little did we know what a simple hello would turn into. Over the next three years we would face devastating news along with newborn bliss. We had begun the rest of our lives together.
Ever since I was a little girl, I imagined what my life would be like: graduate high school and go on to college where I would find the love of my life, graduate college, get married, buy a home, and start a family. I still have all of these dreams, I have just chosen to achieve them in a different order.
Michael and I met at the end of my junior year of high school. I was seventeen and he was the mysterious 21 year old that I had always heard stories about. We met at a benefit dinner for a mutual friend who had been diagnosed with cancer. Little did we know what a simple hello would turn into. Over the next three years we would face devastating news along with newborn bliss. We had begun the rest of our lives together.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
