Wordless Wednesday: It's Here - Potty Time

Leaving A Legacy

The box is full.  Full of memories.  Full of history.  Full of love.  Cards.  Letters.  Newspaper clippings.  Artwork.  Concert programs.  All carefully saved.

It's a legacy - a legacy of love.

It's a legacy I hope to pass on to my children.

I have a special book for each child.  A book to write in throughout their lives.  A way to chronicle their lives.  To record how I see the Lord working through them.  To record how much we love them.

I look at the books - pages empty and white with the promise of years to come.  Promise of lives to live, stories to be written.  What will they become?  How will God use them?

I hope, years down the road, that they will have the same experience as they read through their book and look through their box.  I hope and pray that they will know how much they are loved.

How are you leaving a legacy for your children?

Breastfeeding Myth: Nursing Makes Breasts Sag

I had heard for years that breastfeeding  causes breasts to sag as the woman ages.  I had resigned myself to being able to "tie them in a knot and tie them in a bow" later in life.  Well, it turns out that I was wrong.  This is just a myth.

In my research, I had learned that it was PREGNANCY itself, not breastfeeding, that caused sagging.  There are many other factors as well that play into this sagging dilemma.  Factors include:

• age
• history of significant (>50 lbs) weight loss
• higher body mass index
• larger bra cup size
• number of pregnancies
• smoking history

Breastfeeding was NOT a factor in the studies conducted.  Maybe it is because all women produce milk with pregnancy and childbirth and those who choose to formula feed must dry up.  The facts remain that breastfeeding does not affect the "sagginess" of the mommy!  Nurse away!

Maybe we can use this information as a pro-breastfeeding, anti-smoking campaign!

Thank you PhD in Parenting

Saturday Throwback: The Apartment

Welcome to Saturday Throwback!  Feel free to link up an old picture and story - just keep it clean!

 This picture was taken in the field above the apartment where I lived for the first seven years of my life.  The flat roof is the apartment.  A concrete block building above a garage.  The roof behind (not the house you can see) is the house where Grandma and Pap lived.  We rented the apartment from them.  I loved the walks we'd take through the field to the neighboring farm.  I giggle thinking of the story of how my little brother landed in a cow pie on one of these walks.  Growing up, we lived outside - exploring and making forts on the fields.  My favorite place in the field was a small grouping of pine trees (planted Christmas trees!).  It was so dark and private in that group of trees - especially under the branches.  I remember walking up to that group with Pap one winter to cut the top from one of those pines to use as a Christmas tree.

That was a time when life seemed to go more slowly and we could just enjoy the beauty around us.

Miracle

Do you believe in miracles?  Have you seen any?  I do and I have.  I was able to know my great grandmother growing up until she passed away when I was in high school.  She was on her deathbed once when I was young.  We made funeral arrangements.  She recovered almost fully and lived over 10 more years.

I don't know these people.  I do know that they were part of a miracle.  God's hand was upon them.  Just scratches after a tree limb destroyed their van.  The babies were fine.  Amazing.  Click here to read the whole story.  Praise God.

Tell me about the miracles you have witnessed!

Is This A Sign of Potty Training Readiness?

Well, I think Buggy told me yesterday (amidst the rough day issues) that he is ready to potty train!  I may be delusional and reading too much into this.  What do you think?

Buggy woke from his nap and needed a diaper change.  I got him all cleaned up but he ran away before I could put a new diaper on him.  He had been talking about his "body" since we're working on naming the parts of his body. 

Right after he ran away, Baby needed some attention so I didn't race after Buggy.  A minute or two later, I peeked across the hall into the office and saw him sitting on a chair.  I called to him and he came running back with a grin on his face.  I bet you can see where this is going.

As I put the diaper on him, I noticed that his leg was wet.  Interesting. 

Hmm.... what else might be wet?  I didn't think I left a water sippy out. 

Curious.

I got Buggy dressed, picked up Baby, and went to investigate.

Upon entering Hubby's office, I am greeted with a kitchen chair (which I had upholstered years back) with a large wet circle on the seat.

Water?  I think not.  Time to swap out chairs until I can clean this one.

So, was Buggy saying "body" or "POTTY?"

We're going to Target tomorrow for a potty chair and some pull-ups (I'm not doing the regular undies while nursing a newborn 24/7).

Rough Couple Days

What do you get when you mix a teething toddler with a refluxing baby going through  a growth spurt?  A rough time! 

We're using Mylicon and Zantac for Baby.  Any suggestions for reflux relief?  He sleeps sitting up.  Spit up is decreasing but pain isn't yet.  What has worked for you?

On another note, I got a new camera. I heart Nikon.

Postpartum Update - 5 weeks

It's been 5 weeks since I delivered our little guy!  I can't believe how fast he is growing.  We were able to have the doc weigh him today (during Buggy's appointment) and found that he is already over 9 pounds!  Buggy didn't hit that mark until 4 MONTHS!

Now, I have had several people inquire about my current emotional state.  I am so thankful to have friends and family who care enough to ask those hard questions.  I am happy to say that I am doing quite well.

We have had a rough time with illness around here so overall, things have been tough.  First the stomach flu all around, then hand/foot/mouth disease for Buggy, and now we are all recovering from a nasty upper respiratory illness that has lasted about 2 weeks. 

Baby is now being medicated for reflux and, after a week on meds, is showing signs of improvement.  Hubby is done teaching his summer class.  While he will still have some work each week, he is generally home to help with the boys.

I am amazed at the difference this time postpartum.  I don't feel trapped in a black hole.  I don't feel ashamed for not being able to do it all.  I don't constantly worry about every little thing regarding the boys.  I don't hold Baby every second for fear of putting him down.  I am ENJOYING the time I spend with my boys.  I am interacting with them. Yes, I get frazzled.  Yes, I get sad at times.  Yes, I have my bad days, but there are so many more good days than bad.  I have my sense of humor this time!

I have struggled with the change in my relationship with Buggy - he's no longer a baby.  It's getting better.  I treasure the times just the two of us get to hang out and be goofy.  It's amazing to see him grow into an independent little man.  We still can have our snuggle time - just because he is a little boy rather than a baby doesn't mean that we can't snuggle and cuddle.

All in all, I no longer fear this postpartum time.  I honestly was quite concerned about it when we first learned we were pregnant.  I feared the struggles of last time.  What's different?

• God is gracious  (this isn't different from last time - He just chose to bless me with an easy postpartum time after using the last one to prepare me to help others through it)
• I have the same amazing support system plus now have a ton of friends locally who saw me through the rough time on bed rest
• I've gone into it with eyes open and stop any time I notice the cycle of negative thoughts starting.  
• I'm being watched more carefully medically for thyroid issues or any other sign or symptom
• The pregnancy was less stressful even with 5 weeks of bed rest.
• The birth was much easier
• Baby has been thriving since day 1 despite the stomach flu (he's gone from 5lbs 6oz at hospital discharge to 9lbs 6oz at 5 weeks)
• I've DONE the mom thing before 
• Breastfeeding is going very well and I am much better informed about how to KEEP it going smoothly.
• I know that there are options should I need medication at some point that will not interfere with breastfeeding

I am sure there are many other differences that will come to mind after I publish this.  I have no idea what the biggest difference is.  I find myself looking for a single cause.  Thyroid played a big part last time but wasn't the only culprit.

Have you struggled with PPMD (postpartum mood disorder)?  Are you currently digging out of that black pit?  I'd love to hear your story.  If you are currently, please know that you are not alone.  Please know that it gets better.  Please know that there is help.  Feel free to email me if you'd like to chat about anything.

To read past posts regarding my struggles, click on the PPMD tab at the top of the page.

Gentle Reminder

For those who may have not spent much time around babies recently, here is a gentle reminder about how to safely care for them.  Please take these reminders to heart.

Trials of Reflux

Well, I had planned to post an update on any postpartum mood disorders I may be experiencing this time around.  It just didn't happen today.  Our little guy had a rough day and his mommy still isn't up to par (creeping crud that won't creep away).

Last week, I gave our doctor a call.  Baby had just become fussy almost all the time, arching his back and grunting/crying nearly all day long.  Mylicon wasn't touching it.  Doctor agreed with me and felt he probably has reflux.  Since it was  a Friday afternoon when she called back, she simply called in a script for Zantac.  I was told it could take a week or so to really see a difference and that we may need to adjust the amount of medication due to his weight gain.

Fast forward to now.  Poor Baby is still fussy nearly all the time.  He just isn't happy much at all.  Even when nursing, he'll be grunting angrily.  I know I have enough milk - he's always covered in it (or else I am after he spits up all over me) and he's gaining quite well.

It's so hard to see him in pain.  It is so tiring to have him on me nearly 24/7.  Hubby is taking a turn right now so I can have a breather.  Buggy is worried about his little brother as well.  Thankfully, Buggy has a well-baby visit on Monday so the doctor can re-weigh Baby and we can find something that works better.

Those of you who have experienced newborn reflux - what have you done to help?  Baby sleeps sitting up.  I opted to not thicken feeds since I'd have to pump a ton and with Buggy, I can't be tied down that much.  What works?

Great Links

photo from FWM

I have a heart to help the hurting.  Right now, we can't help much financially.   I feel that by blogging about various ways to help others that in a small way, I can make a difference.

In light of this, I wanted to share some links that have really touched my heart.  I also want to let you know that a favorite mission of mine, The Free Wheelchair Mission (FWM) was given the opportunity to be on the 700 Club!

We have been presented an amazing opportunity to have FWM and our work in Haiti featured on the 700 Club on TBN! We would greatly appreciate the support of all our fans by tuning in to watch our three minute segment. Find out what time and channel it will be on in your area today!

You can honor your father by changing a life - donate a wheelchair in his name and change a life forever!  Give someone the gift of mobility and dignity.

Here are the links - I'd love to hear what you think - especially about turning charity upside down.

• He Loves You More Than Chocolate Milk
• Reluctant Roots
• Your Weekly Guilt Trip
• Bob Goff Turns the Idea of Charity Upside Down

 Discuss!

Potty Training: To Try or To Wait

Experienced parents of older kids, I come begging advice.  Hubby wants to get  Buggy potty trained this summer.  Buggy is 20 months.  Here's where he is developmentally:

• He knows the word potty
• He talks about the potty a lot
• He loves his "job" of flushing the potty when he's in the bathroom with one of us
• He is enthralled with the potty books and pictures of potties
• He sometimes tells us when he's gone potty in his diaper
• He no longer has a wet diaper each time we go to change him
• He is incredibly smart and wants to do everything Mommy and Daddy does
• He still has unpredictable and multiple dirty diapers each day

So - do we try?  Is it too early?  How do we start?  What method did you use?  What pearls of wisdom would you share with a first-timer?

Evil Cry Book

As if I need HELP as a mom who recently delivered a baby and still has hormones raging everywhere - THIS book appeared on Buggy's book case!



Good grief!

I will be honest - I am still struggling a little with the change in relationship with Buggy.  It boggles my mind how he isn't the baby anymore.  It seems like just yesterday he was as tiny as Baby.  It's a good thing the boys have completely different temperaments or else I'd mix up their names all the time.

Tonight, I got to do bath and bedtime with Buggy by myself without a screaming baby in the room.  We took our time playing with the submarine in the bath.  We had a time-out when Buggy pulled my hair and kicked me as I tried to put a diaper on him.  We had another when he head butted my mouth while trying to get his pajama pants on him.  We had the sweetest snuggle time on the chair as he had his bottle.  I read THAT book to him (I think I am a glutton for punishment - but really - who writes books like this for new moms - just CRUEL!) as we rocked in the chair.  It took a long time to read.  I had to stop crying on several occasions.

As I went to put Buggy in his crib, I hugged him as we prayed together (normal ritual) but he wouldn't let go.  He just hugged me tight and patted my back. I think he was consoling me after I had cried  so much.

Goodness - I love my little man!  I was amazed tonight to see anew how I much I love both of my boys.  I love them in very different ways but I love them the same amount.  How is this possible?  How is it possible for our hearts to stretch like this?  Amazing!

As for depression - I will update again soon.  I am doing quite well at this point.  I do get overwhelmed by the awesome task I have to raise these boys in the way they should go.  I get overwhelmed with the incredible love I have for them.

From an Amazon review:
The mother sings to her sleeping baby: "I'll love you forever / I'll like you for always / As long as I'm living / My baby you'll be."

Best Morning Ever!

Quiet times have been a struggle lately.  Between adjusting to life with a newborn and a toddler and trying to get things back in order and organized since bed rest. 

This morning was fantastic.  Hubby had left for work.   Buggy played contentedly in his crib.  Baby had finally fallen back asleep after fussing a ton (we started him on Zantac today).  I was able to be downstairs by myself. 

I got Buggy's breakfast together and straightened the kitchen a bit.  I then was able to sit down and READ!  I read today's entry in Oswald Chambers' My Utmost for His Highest.  It has been a LONG time since I had read anything that involved a lot of brain power. 

I could then go tend to the boys peacefully (well, as peacefully as possible with a son in the terrible two's who begs to be disciplined often).  What a blessing.  I pray that there will be more mornings  like this in the future!  Maybe one will involve a SHOWER!

What does your ultimate morning look like?

Menu Plan week of 6/13/10

So, I've slacked on planning our meals for quite some time.  I am really struggling with feeding our family right now!  I have forgotten a lot of our favorite dishes since my WONDERFUL friends provided us with meals practically DAILY for FIVE WEEKS when I was on bed rest.  Also, Hubby is home for lunch each day and we prefer hot lunches when possible PLUS when I breast feed, I have an aversion to most foods (not all the time, just when I am actually feeding which happens to be during each and every meal). 

It's definitely time to go back to planning things out!  I'm planning a list of meals to choose from for the week.  We struggled with enjoying meals when planned for each day, so we'll try this method!  Once I get back on track with grocery shopping, we'll work on making some healthier choices.

Breakfasts:

• cereal
• bagels
• toast
• pop tarts (pampering/spoiling for last week of Hubby teaching summer class)
• donuts (for me - I need my calories and I don't have an aversion to these)
• pancakes
• eggs
• French toast

Lunches:

• grilled cheese with meat inside
• peanut butter and honey or jam
• chicken fingers
• spaghetti o's
• bagel pizzas
• ramen noodles

Dinners:

• ravioli and meatballs
• hamburgers/hot dogs on the grill
• beef stroganoff
• pizza
• tacos
• chicken alfredo

What's on your menu this week?

Saturday Throwback: Baby Time

Welcome to Saturday Throwback!  Feel free to link up an old picture and story - just keep it clean!

I came across this picture as I scanned old photos for a surprise Mother's Day photo album.  This is me at 8 1/2 months old.  I'm in my Holly Hobby bedroom!

Quiet Times Through Baby Monitor

Have you ever felt guilty for slacking on quiet times?  I sure have.  I tend to be very legalistic.  I have my idea of how my ideal quiet time should look.  If it ended up being just what I envision, I would spend several hours a day in a quiet time.  How I long to be able to do that, but such is this season as a mom of little ones.

It struck me the other day that being legalistic about quiet times just doesn't make sense.  Do we want our interactions with friends and family whom we love to be super regimented?  Would they want us to be mired in guilt for not doing things "just so?"  Would they want us to go through a checklist to make sure we cover all the bases?  Of course not.  They long for genuine, heart-felt interactions with us.  If our sinful friends and family extend grace to us in our imperfections, how much more will our Father in Heaven, who loves us more than we can fathom, extend grace to us?

My best quiet times of late have come through the baby monitor.  Buggy sleeps to a playlist of all my worship albums.  I find myself caught up in worship to the songs that pour through the monitor.  These sweet times of worship in stolen moments as our little ones sleep (often during/after the night time feeding) have been more perfect than any quiet time I could structure on my own.

What do your quiet times look like in your current season of life?

Pic for Today

How time flies.

Blessings

Completely random - I just wanted to remind you all that there is still great need in Haiti.  Check the right sidebar with some ideas of how you can help.  My favorite is the Free Wheelchair Mission.  Also, consider Couponing for a Cause.  I am couponing to donate goods to local charities and to send much-needed goods to soldiers overseas.  What can you give to bless others?

Now to bask in the blessing we have been given. 

How to Bring Out the Mama Bear

I am angry.  Irate would be a better word for it.  Mama Bear is out in full force!  So, what brought Mama Bear out?  A short form letter from the lab at the hospital.

So, what was the letter about?  The letter was stating that Baby had 48-72 hours to get back in for blood work which was done at birth but needs to be repeated.  Oh, and no need to sign in at the front, just simply go to the lab.  Also, Baby's doctor has been made aware of the state's need of more blood work.

No mention of why.  No mention of what problem prompted this letter.  Thankfully, there was a phone number for the lab manager so we could get some answers.

Hubby called and learned that the blood work done at discharge - 6 dots of blood on a sheet of paper - was done incorrectly (too many drops of blood per circle on the paper) and was returned by the state.  The nurses in the nursery were not being careful when doing this test.  Baby wasn't the on;y one.  When I took Baby back today, the lab manager pulled his paper out from a 3 inch stack of babies that need to be re-stuck due to nurse error.

I understand a mistake here and there.  A mistake of this magnitude - well, I feel we AT LEAST deserve an apology from the nursery staff rather than the hospital lab who is just cleaning up this mess.  For me to get all worked up from a vague form letter, find someone to watch Buggy (thankfully Hubby was home), pack up Baby, drive to the hospital and fight for parking, wait 30 minutes in the lab, have Baby get stuck AGAIN - unnecessarily at that, expose both of us to even more hospital germs, and pack up and drive home, well, that's a big chunk of time, energy, and emotional strength gone.

I wasn't super happy with the nursery to begin with.   I made sure that Baby spent the least amount of time there as possible.  Right after I delivered, I nursed him - before he was bathed and weighed.  Well, after I sent him to be weighed, the lactation consultant came to my room.  Aparently, Baby's blood sugar was a little low so the nurses were about to give him formula without asking me or Hubby.  The LC was standing right there and knew I would not be happy.  She came to me and helped me express  some colostrum which was given to baby and which brought his blood sugar to where it needed to be.  She told me that the nursery routinely gives formula no matter the mom's wishes - it's just easier.  If it's not formula they give, it's sugar water.  After 2 of the vitals checks where all babies are kept in the nursery for 2 hours, Baby was sent back to me with a jar of sugar water.

So, I tend to be impulsive.  My gut reaction is to get on the phone and raise a big stink.  Am I overreacting?  What would you do in this situation?  I don't want to completely burn bridges.  We may not be done growing our family.  I love my doc and want to have her deliver any future children and this is the hospital where she delivers. 

What would you do?

Inexpensive Breastpump

Previously, I have posted about my favorite breast pump - the Lansinoh Double Electric.  Well, I found a great deal on it today!  Normal retail price is around $145.  A good sale price is usually in the $120's.  An incredible deal has been around $110.  Well, today you can get it for $91.98 SHIPPED!

I have posted all the details on how to do this deal on my PennyPinchingPenguin blog.  Hurry because there is no information on how long these codes will last!

UPDATE - It looks like most or all codes have expired, however, $100.99 is a great price!  You can always check for new codes through retailmenot.com.

Puddle Jumping

Oh - the joys of puddle jumping.  If only we, as adults, took time to enjoy these small things regularly!

Saturday Throwback: Doctor Day!

Welcome to Saturday Throwback!  Feel free to link up an old picture and story - just keep it clean!

What a fantastic day!  On this day, Hubby graduated with his DMA - Doctorate of Musical Arts!  Dr. B!  As I stood next to him in his regalia with the lovely light-pink robe (for music) hood.  I was pregnant with Buggy.  What an adventure that was about to begin!  Hubby had just gotten a job (after I left my job and after we found out we were expecting) and we had just put our house on the market.  We were about to do a cross-country move.  Things didn't go quite as we had planned, but worked out for the best! 

Family Visit

Ahhh.   There is nothing better than becoming a vegetable after a long hot bath!  Full tummy after a huge steak dinner, bath with a good book (re-reading The Hobbit for the ump-teenth time), kids asleep, slowly becoming comatose on the couch with hockey on in the background - life is good!

Well, both boys were healthy enough to make the trip to visit family.  The boys did well.  Buggy had a long conversation at top volume with his reflection in the mirror (he is rear facing so the mirror is so we can see him) and Baby slept most of the way.  We had hoped Buggy would nap, but he had such a good morning nap that it just didn't happen.  We did have a few dicey moments as we got ready to load the car.  Baby was screaming to nurse but was full from nursing and wouldn't latch on but kept screaming while Buggy was pulling fist-fulls of hair from the dog while I tried to gather our clothes for the weekend... it could have been a lot worse!

So, we are here.  A mere 90 miles from home.  We had been making about monthly visits here until bed rest.  We haven't been here since early March.  It's great how everything is brand new for Buggy!  We had  a great dinner with lots of extended family.  Tomorrow we'll be doing a little shopping (for good sandals for Buggy for the summer) and will hopefully go for a stroll at a local park - weather permitting.  Finish it off with a dinner out at our favorite Mexican restaurant - fantastic weekend!

I actually think I am most excited about being able to sit in the bath anytime I want! There is always someone to watch the boys and the tub is clean and all the bedrooms have doors (at home Buggy doesn't have a door and he's right next to the bath room so he wakes up with normal bath sounds).

What is your ideal weekend?  Would you travel?  What would you do?

Returning to Normal

Have you ever had a moment where your breath was taken away with how blessed you are?  As I rocked a crying Buggy back to sleep tonight, I had that moment.  I instantly got choked up and for the life of me could not remember what life was like before Buggy was part of our lives.  I just wanted to hold and rock him all night.  I don't get those sweet quiet moments much anymore since he now has just two speeds - run and sleep.

On a slightly different note, our house is finally starting to return to normal.  I will say that I hate the coxsakie virus!  Buggy finally did not have a fever today.  He started drinking more and even ate a little today.  We are praying for a good night.  Hubby was up with him 8 times last night and I was up with him twice.  Baby has not gotten that illness even though his big brother LOVES to love on him and hold him.  Baby has been quite congested though - just a cold.  He seems to be doing a bit better as well.

I currently am not ill at all (I say currently because recent months have shown me how quickly that can change).  Hubby had his post-op check up for his cyst removal surgery today.  The surgeon was quite pleased with how his back is healing!  Only about 2-3 more weeks of daily bandage changes and packing.  I am amazed at how much the wound has closed up in the past week.  I just need to make sure it heals from the inside out and keep it packed with gauze until I can't pack it anymore.

So, with life beginning to return to normal, we are throwing a wrench in the works again.  We are making the 90 mile trek to visit family and introduce Baby to people back where I grew up. How much more out-of-whack can our routine get?  Please pray for an uneventful drive!

Breastfeeding: The Early Days

Well, we've successfully made it two weeks breastfeeding exclusively.  With Buggy, we made it 3 weeks before problems started - it began with both of us getting sick and then worry taking over for me so I would not eat.  Things went downhill from there.  Buggy was a slow gainer at the beginning as well.  Baby is a champ with eating and sleeping!  At our two-week appointment, the doctor expected him to return to birth weight of 5lbs 13 oz from his discharge weight of 5lbs 6oz (and assuming he would have lost a little more).  Well, Baby weighed in at 6lbs 11oz!  Grow, baby, grow!

Starting breastfeeding can be difficult.  I HIGHLY recommend that you take a breastfeeding class, visit a local La Leche League meeting, and find a certified lactation consultant to work with at the hospital.  I am a visual learner.  All the books in the world didn't help me figure out latch.  Here is a fantastic video that can walk you through a perfect latch. 

Here is a list of things to try and/or be aware of in the first few weeks of breastfeeding.

• Best advice I ever received: Don't quit on your worst day.
• It gets easier, less painful, and less frequent in a few short weeks.  Hang in there.
• If you are able, try to nurse baby right after delivery.  The weight check and such can almost always wait an hour.  I was able to nurse as soon as my stitches were in place.  Baby is most awake during this first hour and latching will often be more successful.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help.  A certified LC is your best bet (or LLL leader).  (many doctors and nurses really have no idea how breastfeeding works or how to solve simple problems)  I saw the LC 7 times with Buggy over the course of 8 months and I saw her 3 times with Baby just to make sure everything was on the right track.
• Remember that pumping output is no indicator of supply.  Baby can get much more out than a pump.  To know if baby is getting enough, track wet/dirty diapers.  For the first 6 days of life, one wet diaper per day is expected and 2-3 dirty diapers are expected. More is fine.  Another way to track is to rent a sensitive newborn scale and weigh baby before and after each feeding (babies take in different amounts at different feedings based on hunger or thirst) for 24 hours.
• Make sure you take care of yourself.  Eat plenty and drink to thirst. I struggle with food aversion for the first few weeks after delivery so eating is a struggle.  Be aware that this can happen and take care to eat enough so your body can make plenty of milk.

A few must-read resources:

• The basics of milk production
• Normal Course of Breastfeeding
• Breastfeeding in the early weeks
• Nursing a preemie
• Milk supply/weight gain issues
• Breastfeeding weight gain charts (note - most doctors use a chart based on US breastfeeding where most babies are weaned from the breast by 6 months and most are not exclusively breastfed - the WHO has charts for babies who are exclusively breastfed)

Yet Another Illness

One of these days we'll look back at the trials of this spring and laugh.  Right now we can just shake our heads in disbelief.  After all the bedrest, Hubby's surgery, my delivery, household stomach flu, my ER visit, daily packing and dressing changes for Hubby (from surgery), and now Buggy's Herpangina, I feel like I SHOULD have gone pre-med in college rather than music ed (my grandfather was a doctor and I seriously considered it).

We are soldiering on.  I feel so badly for Buggy.  He's had a fever of 102 for 2 days and can't swallow anything without it hurting terribly.  At least he enjoys his ice cream!

On a positive note, breast feeding is going really well.  Not only did Baby regain his birth weight by 2 weeks, we learned today that he gained nearly a pound in addition!