Friday, June 28, 2013

Five On Friday

Is it really Friday!?
I have spent this whole week either a day behind or a head of myself.
We have a week left for vacation and then it is home sweet home!


{Cousins}

We have been so blessed that we have been able to spend time with my family for as long as we have. I have really enjoyed getting to see Paisley interact with her cousins Kylar and Bentlee. Paisley and Bentlee are still so little but it warms my heart that when Bentlee is awake Paisley just wants to check her out and try to hold her little hand. The sweetest sound is hearing Kylar say, "Paisee." I need to capture it on video, but anytime Paisley drops her toys or needs her Nu-Nu he is right there to give her lots of toys and give her the pacifier. Its so cute. Im really going to miss these moments for sure!

Kylar giving Pais the Nu-Nu

Both girls sacked out with purple Nu-Nu's
Grandma and the babies


{First Foods}

We just started giving Paisley some food and my oh my does she ever love it! I dont think I will have to deal with a child who will not eat because if you give her a plate of food, I guarantee that it will all be in her mouth within in five seconds. We have been doing oatmeal for a little bit of time, but we just introduced Sweet Potatoes and Bananas, and Paisley got super lucky one night and daddy let her suck on a piece of watermelon. Im sure she thought she was in straight heaven :)



{She Reads Truth}

I was reading breastfeeding diaries the other day by Girl in the Red Shoes and came acrossed Mackey Madness's blog and was scoping it out and found just what I have been looking for for several months. A devotional! #SheReadsTruth has a devotional on Hosea and I am currently in my third day and have fallen in love. Its a short 16 day devotional and takes about 15 min or so to read it. You will love this one!


{Deals of the Week}

My mom, sister, Bentlee, Paisley and I ventured out to Walmart yesterday for a few baby items and I came across these beauties. The Mason Jar Tumbler is especially my favorite because I can now sit and feed Pais and not have to worry about a glass falling over or being able to reach it from the coffee table and for a whopping $5 this is one happy momma! The red nail polish was not something I was on the hunt for but I really love the sparkly color and its about to be festive for Fourth of July next week so I would say at $3 its a win!


{Headband Obsession}

I told you last week I had an obsession with glitter elastic and well this week since some of it has come in the mail, my crafty hand has been put to good work this week!! Today is suppose to be the go getter with my sister and my mom so Im sure that there will be a post to follow with our favorite tutorials and just what we have come up with. Oh I cant wait!! Having a girl is seriously dangerous ;)


Paisley's Fourth of July Beauty

Loving the sequin bands as well ;)





That's all for this week! Have a great weekend!

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

One-of-a-kind


Today is the first time that I have been able to be home since you've been gone. Tonight as I stood on the porch I am caught off gaurd by an old scrapbook box that has long been faded from the sun. Something about that old box brought me to tears. I always said that when you were gone I wasnt sure how I was going to make it, but here we are years later and all I can think about is how happy you must have been to finally go home. You knew your time was coming eventually, and while others read books about heaven you chose to never read them. You always said you just wanted to experience it yourself someday. I am happy because you are where you always wanted to be most. You are missed everyday or every moment. While I am happy for you, I grieve knowing that you arent here to talk to anymore, hold my hand, or meet my precious baby Paisley. I know you would have absolutely adored Paisley. She will one day know all about you and how you were my lifes greatest treasure. Few ever have a grandmother or grandparents in my case that made life so special.


I still remember one of the last times I spent with you. I had come in and every light was on in the house. You were making copies of your favorite devotional book just to see if your new copier worked. You had candy stretched out from one end of the counter to the other. You said had all the lights on and candy out because you could. Grandpa wasnt home so you figured you could do whatever you wanted. It still makes me smile and laugh.


I have great memories of our time together. I was always your girl, and I always will be. I know that the time since you have been gone feels like an eternity, but really its only been the start of a beautiful new chapter. We will meet again. You will meet Aaron and Paisley one day and my heart will ever be glad. I know if you were here you would say dont cry when Im gone, but sometimes it just seems necessary. You made me who I am. You taught me about life. You taught me what it was to love. You taught me what it was to give. You were a one-of-a-kind.


While I can say we miss you here, I bet you are livin it up. Your legacy is lived on and you are far from forgotten. I hope you know today is a special day for us as we remember just how great you were. So as we close out this day, Happy Birthday Grandma we have celebrated you today!

Love you so very much and miss you more than you know


Monday, June 24, 2013

First Foods


For the last few months, Paisley loves to grab our plates (if we are holding her while eating), and tries to eat what we are eating. To say the girl loves to eat would only be an understatement. She's always hungry, and sometimes it makes it hard for us to get out of the house, because lets face it, when you are nursing and have to feed every few hours, it makes being in public a little challenging. 

We started her on oatmeal about a month ago and she loved it. We tried Rice cereal and she wasn't a big fan. Plus, with allergies I have to be careful so we didn't do oatmeal all the time, but now I think we are on a more consistent basis since we hit the five month mark. 

When we got to CO Paisley kept reaching for the bananas I was eating, and because I was told we could start her on mashed bananas I let her try. Bananas were a hit for our little girl!! She loves to just suck on them and eat them every time I eat one. She now knows and recognizes what a banana is and reaches for one if they are in her reach. 

Out of curiosity I bought Sweet Potatoes the other night and decided to give it a whirl. Paisley absolutely LOVED the sweet potatoes so much so that when I stopped to pull her back up in the chair, she cried and screamed. I believe we might just have a great eater on our hands :)

Here is the first foods captured in pictures....


First Oatmeal




First try of banana

yum, yum, yum Sweet Potatoes


Hurry Mom, feed me!












Mommy & Me Monday

Weekends always seem to go so fast for us. Anyone else agree? We build up this anticipation just for Friday and its like BAM weekend over. There is honestly never enough time. Never.
It also seems like our trip to CO is going by faster than I can take it all in. We have been here for two weeks and have about two weeks left AND there is still so much to do and see. 
Oh time, why do you always have to go by within a blink of an eye? Couldnt you just stand still for one moment?

With all that being said first, Happy Monday (Can you tell the excitement?)
We have a busy week a head of us. Girls date tomorrow, Grandparents coming to town, Brother coming home, Dinner dates, Helping with baby Bentlee, Hiking, Fishing, Being touristy. The list could go on.

Nevertheless, I have one moment for this weeks Mommy & Me pic. This picture taken a few weeks before left for vacay. 

My baby girl is just growing and growing. We started her on Sweet Potatoes the other night and while it was exciting, I would be lying if this momma said there were no tears involved. You spend forever being pregnant and waiting for this little one and they get here and before you know it they are eating real food, walking, crawling, talking. Just doesnt seem fair sometimes

Paisley slow down!! Momma cant keep up :)

I dont want to be biased or anything but isnt she cute??



Hope you all have a great week!

Friday, June 21, 2013

Five on Friday

Happy Friday!!
Sure seems like this week has just flown by but I guess when you're busy time really does fly.
Now who's ready for a little five on Friday!?
Lets get ready shall we?



One.

 
This week my hubby and I celebrated our Third Anniversary! This was the first year that we have not gone anywhere or stayed on the beach, well, I should say, we didnt do anything this year. Not even dinner, but I am really hoping with all of our babysitters around right now we can make it somewhere to eat, or just get coffee and chat with no interruptions this weekend. Feels like just yesterday I married my best friend. I think in all honesty, I really do have the best husband! I couldnt have asked for a greater man to spend my life with. I am blessed beyond words.

Whats your favorite date night idea?

Two.


Sunday (Father's Day) we welcomed my niece Bentlee Kamryn Sarr into the world. She was two weeks early and weighed 6 pounds 1 oz and 19 inches.
None of us thought she would come that early, but it just so happens that while everyone was out of town for the weekend, and Aaron and I both sick, she calls to say, "Im having contractions and we are headed for the hospital." We all thought they would send her home but with a text at 12:22 am saying c-section at 1:00am none of us slept and have been going since. She is such a doll and oh so tiny! I am so in love with her and I think Paisley is as well, even though she doesnt really understand :)

Isnt this just darling?

Three.


First let me just say this, I LOVE games. I really love games. I grew up playing all kinds of games and this game we came across a few weeks ago is one of my all time favoritest games. Yes, that is not a word, but who really minds?
This game is really simple and will have you laughing hard. I am so glad some friends showed us this game, because my life right now is happier. How the game works is you have five seconds to answer something like, "name 3 types of dogs." If you dont get all three in five seconds it moves to the next player and they have to come up with 3 answers and cant use anything that anyone else has said. Seems so simple, but truth be told, when you are in a time crunch, you just cant always spit it out.
Try it my friends. You will be glad you did :)

Four.

I am obsessed right now with glitter elastic. I dont know how I have gone this long without it. Now that we have some ordered, thank you Etsy for soo many places to buy and all different colors, we will now be spending all next week making headbands. Who can really blame us when you have a new baby girl in the family and a momma who is obsessed with putting head candy on her little baby girl!?

Five.


Want to know what I will be doing this weekend? We will be going to the drive-in. I seriously cant even remember the last time that I went and saw a movie at a drive-in theather and I am so stoked! I dont know what the movie is, and quite frankly, I dont really care because we are going anyway. Its time this girl got out and did something I havent done in ages, and Im pretty sure my husband hasnt ever been to a drive-in so this will make all the more fun!
 I will let y'all know what the movie was when we find out :)



Well my friends, we are done here and there is one last thing to say:
Have a great weekend!

Monday, June 17, 2013

First Park Visit!

Today we took Paisley to the park for the very first time!
We had my nephew as well and both kiddos loved the park!
Paisley loved the swings and Kylar loved the slides.
It was a great way to wear them out, because they both had great naps afterwards.
I have to say, it is so much fun taking Paisley to the park even though she is still so young.
I cant wait to see what she is like as she gets older.
Today was a great test run for all of us, and I am pretty sure we will be doing that more often :)

Mommy and Pais going down the slide

Swingin with my girl

She looks so darn little
Daddy Swinging with Pais
 
Kylar and Aunt Chell

Family Photo Op. Who could resist?


I mean who wouldnt agree she is the cutest?

Happy Anniversary!



Happy 3rd Anniversary to my sweet husband!
I honestly cant believe that time has just flown by and here we are three years later, with college graduation, a big move from Austin, TX to Tampa, FL, and a five month old baby all in between.
Sounds like we have been busy.
I dont mean to brag, but I seriously have the greatest husband. I know I dont always give him the credit he deserves, but he truly is amazing.
Im so blessed and so lucky to get to do life with him everyday and have him by my side.
Not to mention, he is the best father to Paisley. I have never seen anyone be more active in their childs life than my husband.
We are very blessed girls :)


Happy Anniversary my love! I cant believe just 3 short years ago I walked down the aisle to you and said "I Do".
We have had our ups and our downs, good days and bad days, but I wouldnt trade any of it for the world.
You make me a better person and I cant wait to see what the next 90 years hold :)
Love you so much!












Mommy & Me Monday

Hello Monday! You came way too quickly!
This weekend not only was Father's Day but my baby sister had her baby!
I have a new little niece and she is a tiny thing!
We have spent alot of the time with her and the baby!
I cant believe that just five months ago my little Paisley girl was that small.
My how time does fly!
Our weekly Mommy & Me pic is from the park!
We took Paisley for the first time and we had a blast!
Park blog to come!

Going down the slide

This girl loves the water

Happy Monday Y'all!
Have a great week!

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Breastfeeding Confessions

Truth is, breastfeeding is hard. Its really hard. Its one of the hardest most challenging things that I have ever done in my life, but its something that I wouldnt give up for anything.

I felt like before Paisley was born, despite our really, really bad breastfeeding class I had a grip on what was going to happen. At times, it seemed to not make sense in my mind at all. I knew it would probably end up being one of those things that you just cant really create in your mind and have an understanding for until you were fully submersed and doing it. Lets just say, that the chaos in my mind and wrapping my brain around it before Paisley got here was nothing short of how its been for us. Complicated. Lately, practically since day one, its been two steps forward, one step backwards. Always. Just when I think we finally are getting somewhere and I have it all figured out, BAM, something else happens and its like we are starting all over from the beginning.

Before I tell my story, I will say this, there is nothing more precious or more meaningful for me than sharing this bond with my baby. If it werent for the bond that breastfeeding creates, I would have given up a long time ago. Some of you may think I am crazy and not understand why I have done what I have done for my baby, but truth is, its only temporary and knowing that my baby is getting the very best she can get, far outweighs the huge sacrifice that I have made. And yes, despite what Doctors say, it can be done. I am living proof!

My Story:

From day one, Paisley was great at nursing. She latched right on when they finally let me feed her, with the help of a little sugar water or formula (She was in NICU and they started her on formula for the first 6 hours) to keep her latched on. Everyone warned me a head of time of how painful it was going to be, and for the first two days, I thought somehow I was exempt. Wishful thinking right? To say I have been in some pain is only an understatement. Every few hours someone would wheel me down to the NICU and I would feed Paisley. Each time got better and a little easier. When they finally checked her out of the NICU and to my room, where she would stay till we left the hospital, they instructed me to feed her every three hours. Like clockwork, I got up and fed her every three hours. About the third feeding in, Paisley wouldnt have it. I was so panicked that she wouldnt get enough so I called a nurse in who explained, she probably isnt hungry. Let her sleep and have her tell you when she was hungry. Two hours later, she was hungry. My precious baby didnt care for the three hour feeding schedule despite all my attempts for several weeks to feed her on a three hour schedule.

Once, we got home, I remember feeling how sore and how painful it was to breastfeed. At times, I would just sit and cry or hold my breath because it seriously felt like my nipples were on fire. It was pain at its finest, but there was no way I was stopping. My milk came in two days after Paisley was born, and lets just say that I have enough milk to feed hundreds of babies. I had so much milk in the beginning that I was constantly engorged. Some woman worry about not having enough, and my problem was I had way too much. I noticed that soon after my milk came in, she was having green like diapers, which was chalked up to be a hindmilk/foremilk imbalance. Poor little girl was getting too much of the sweet stuff and not enough fatty, cheesecake stuff. I spent an entire weekend pumping completely empty to try and get the rich stuff back up and to try and regulate myself somewhat. Lactation Consultants had me trying block feeding and that didnt really help us at all. Finally, when I reached a very experience Lactation Consultant she had me feeding on one side for an entire feeding, pumping on the other side if I was engorged, enough to make me feel comfortable, and then feeding from the other side for the next feeding with pumping completely empty at night. Since then, I finally had gotten myself regulated and it was starting to feel easier, if breastfeeding ever does feel easier.

Like I said, we get two steps forward, and then have to take a step back. I was feeling at ease with how breastfeeding was going, even though here and there I would be in pain, but shortly after, I had it figured out, or I though I had it figured out, Paisley started having bloody diapers. Diapers so bad that we would end up in the ER because it was that scary. In the beginning it would last for days, but as we progressed, the bloody diapers would last for almost three weeks. Talk about the most horrific and terrifying experience for a new momma. All our pediatrician could make of it was that she had an allergy. Most likely, a dairy allergy. When we cut dairy out, it helped for a few days, but then came back with a vengeance. We saw a GI specialist who told me that it basically was impossible to breastfeed and I needed to just switch to formula. It seemed like a far step from breastfeeding to just stop immediately and begin formula. Im not to keen on formula especially since most of it corn and sugar. I asked what I could do to keep breastfeeding and her reply was, "you have to cut out dairy and soy, but most people cant ever do that completely, so I will give you two weeks, if its not better, then you need to put her on formula." I was so determined to prove her wrong, and so far, we have, but its taken switching Pediatricians and GI specialists to get us where we are.

My mother-in-law did a bunch of research for me, and turns out that all the bleeding is because Paisley's little system was so inflammed by the allergy that her system was raw. I think about it now, and it makes me so incredibly sad for her. She had no other symptoms, but blood in her stools, which was the weirdest thing. So, to keep breastfeeding we went to the extreme. We cut dairy and soy. Anything with dairy and any type of soy we cut out. Yes, basically you dont have a lot of options to eat, but it did get better. We even went as far as to not eating any type of meet that was fed soy, which basically makes you pay out the butt for. Her diapers didnt get better. It was frustrating. I cried alot, because I wanted to keep breastfeeding, but little Paisley just wasnt having it. Our new Pediatrician explained to us that it takes at least 30 days to clear both my system and Paisleys. They ran tests. We began probiotics (on our own research) to help build back up what had been damaged inside Paisleys intestines. And, we also began the strictest, most crazy, elimination diet. I was determined. So determined that I spent the first week and a half of the elimination diet eating nothing but rice, free range turkey, sweet potatoes, rice milk, potatoes and squash with salt, pepper, and little soy free earth balance. When you love cheese as much as I do, and breastfeeding requires so many darn calories, this makes you want to give up right here. No joke. I questioned myself so many times on why I was doing this, but it all went back to giving Paisley the best and having that bond with her. I thought about just putting her on formula, but then I would break down crying because I wouldnt get to feel as close to her as I did feeding her myself. I didnt want to settle and I havent. I wont.

I have been on this elimination diet for almost three months and we have BIG improvements. Its been a slow path to get us where we are, but guess what, I proved that first GI dr wrong. I've been able to continue breastfeeding and the bleeding has stopped. I havent added in dairy, almonds, peanuts or eggs, but so far we are doing great! Paisley is looking great, and she is feeling so much better. Not to mention, the last test that they ran to check for inflammation was almost back to normal! I know it seems crazy to completely deny yourself what you really want, but I know in the end, its what was best for Paisley. Besides, it really is just a temporary thing. If I think in terms, that someday again I can have all the cheese and milk chocolate I want, it makes every moment and this sacrifice completely worth it. When you become a parent, you become selfless. Your life is not your own. I am more than willing to give Paisley whatever she might need despite how crazy it might be.

Story doesnt end here my friends. We got the bloody diapers figured out, and I finally feel completely regulated in my milk supply, and once again, we take a step backwards. I got my beloved, not so missed period. With this nonsense, my milk supply dropped drastically. We're talking like almost not enough milk to feed Paisley for her feedings, let alone, at the very end of the day. I have spent this last week in tears, completely stressed and overwhelmed by this maybe being the end of the road of us, BUT with the reassurance of La Leche League, your milk supply goes back up when dear Aunt Flow is finally leaving. It was a rough week with an abundance of Fenugreek, and Calcium/Magnesium supplements. Once again, we are back where we started because now I have too much milk. The cycle just keeps going. Its vicious.

Truth is, breastfeeding is hard. Its been a rocky road for us. One that I didnt anticipate, but I feel in terms of our many struggles its made me much stronger. Its tested me to my core, but its also taught me what I am made of. Its showed me when push comes to shove how determined I really am to see the very best outcome. If this doesnt somehow work long term like I want it to, then I at least can know I gave it everything I possibly could. My daughter is my life, and her having everything she needs is all I need in this lifetime to make me feel accomplished and successful. Paisley's my pride and joy.

If you have questions or would like to know about the elimination diet, or you are in this situation please dont hesitate to ask. We didnt have much help in getting us where we are, it was a lot of our own research and testing and I want to be a help for you. Breastfeeding can be done, allergies and all, no matter what a doctor says. They dont always know whats best for you or your baby. 

Friday, June 14, 2013

FIVE Months!!




Age: Five Months

Birthday: January 15, 2013

Weight: 12 pounds 12 ounces

Height: 24 1/2 inches



Sleep: Now sleeping about 8-9 hours straight at night. Occasionally you whine or cry in your sleep, but you are a great sleeper! Nap times, Im lucky anymore if you will take any, but if you do, you take one in the morning around 10 or 11 and then an afternoon one around 3 or 4 and most of the time you sleep for two hours or a little less. We had a few rocky nights where you were awake every hour--must have been that four month sleep regression or the teething. Who exactly knows but you :)



Bedtime: Still the same- 9:30/9:45

Favorite Toy: oh boy, anything that you can really get your hands on at the moment. You LOVE anything that crinkles, playing with your puppy Harley, you love the TV, your toes have become the best toy for you because you never stop sucking on them :) Your new baby I think would have to be the top of the list favorite right now! Your face lits up everytime I give you your baby--its the cutest thing ever!!



Clothes Size: 0-3 Months and 3 Months

Diaper Size: Size 1

Milestones Reached: Where to begin. So many new things this month.



*Teething. We have hit the dreaded stage of teething and for the first part you werent too bad, but for the second part, all you did was fuss and scream. You didnt want to be held and you didnt want to be put down. Rough day for you and mommy. You are starting to show a little white spot. (5/22)


*You got to hang at the beach for the very first time, well you've been to the beach but you have slept through it all. You loved it!! You love the water. (5/25)
*Taking out your paci and putting it back in your mouth. You are a smart cookie (5/21)
*FIRST CEREAL!! You werent sure about it at first but you really loved it afterwards! (5/25) Oh we gave you oatmeal. You didnt care for the rice cereal.


*First Food!! I let you suck on my banana and lets just say that you loved it so much you screamed when I took it away. (6/12)
*No more cooing :( You are becoming quite vocal and quite the chatty cathy. You love attention! If we arent looking at you or playing at you, you like to scream or squeal till we notice you.
*Holding your own bottle!! (5/28)



Firsts:
*Reaching for anything and everything you can get your hands on. You especially like to grab our glasses when drinking and you love to grab our food and try to put it to your mouth. I cant wait for what it will be like when you can have all that stuff :)




*Dramma gave you your first doll. Loved that very first moment.You took the babys paci out and put it in your mouth, but you love your baby. (6/10)
*Your first major trip was to CO to visit family. You did excellent on the plane! I am one proud momma! (6/10)


*Love sleeping on your side now :)
*Reaching for momma!! Love this more than you know :)
*Love covering your face with your arm while sleeping and eating. Its very cute!
*Grabbing cup in the bath and bringing it to your hands. You are growing too fast!


*Your test results for your allergies are finally going back to normal! No more inflammation!!
*You dont mind the nose suctioner. I think we have the only baby who giggles while we do it!
*Factime with your great grandpa for his birthday! He thinks you look like your mommy...I have to agree!
*You love the TV!! You talk and giggle at it.



*Distracted by EVERYTHING!! It makes it so hard to feed you sometimes.
*Crinkling your nose just like mommy :) You are my girl!
*Meeting Great Grandpa for the first time ever....I think he adores you :)


Best Mood: You are the happiest baby I know. You hardly ever cry, but your happiest moments are first thing in the morning :)



Best Moments: There are way too many to count. You are such a blessing. I love waking up to your cute little face and knowing that I get to be around for every single moment. You are growing so fast. Favorite moments are just seeing you so happy and giggling, not to mention, all the screaming and squealing you are doing :)



Worst Moments: Teething. Makes me so sad that I cant really do anything when you are in pain.



**Paisley Grace you are becoming quite the cutest little individual and I am so proud to say that I get to be your momma. People just love you, and I totally see why. I am enjoying every moment that you are changing. I live for these moments because I know one day soon these moments wont always be there. You are my greatest joy in life. Thank you for trusting me to be your momma and to give you the best that I can for you. This past month has been one of my very favorites. Your personality is starting to shine through and its the most darling thing ever! I cant wait for whats to come next month!! I love you so very much!!


Three Months|Four Months