Hudson does Boston

Sorry I've been MIA from the blogging world lately.  We had a couple of family vacations mixed in with busy days preparing for both.. as well as the return to school - for Matt anyway.

A couple of weeks ago, we traveled to Boston for a friend's wedding.  We decided to have my mom come along so she could take care of Hudson while we were at the wedding.

He was a CHAMP on the flights and was awesome the entire weekend.  We walked around the city, did some shopping at the Prudential Center shops, ate a banging seafood dinner, walked the waterfront around the wharf, and took a tour bus through the entire city.

Here are some pictures to document our weekend!

Month one shenanigans

How is it possible that my sweet boy is one month old already?  Time needs to slow down. Seriously.  I am loving every second of being this little boy's mommy and wouldn't trade any minute we have had for the world.  It is so fun seeing him grow and change day by day.  Here is a recap of our first month!

We sat on our hoppy for the first time.. "seriously, I mustache you a question"!

We celebrated our first holiday as a family of 5 (Sophie and Rooney were not feeling photogenic) - July Fourth

We used the new wash lines for the first time. Thank you Gigi and Pop Pop!

We took our first "longer" car ride!

We met our cousins and celebrated Adah's baptism.

We got our first bath!  Don't worry, we held him as soon as the photo op was over.

We cried as soon as we got out of our first bath. We don't like being cold!

We did some thinking.

We prayed before bed.

We used our swing for the first time.

We snuggled with Mommy.

We smiled for the first time!  Not on purpose, but it's still cute!

We hung out with Daddy and Sophie.

We napped with Daddy and Rooney.

We tried our new seat from Adah.

We tried baby-wearing for the first time. And we loved it!

We made our first weekend trip to Gigi and Pop Pop's house.

We gave Daddy hugs.

We met our great-great Grandma.  Yes, great-great.

We showed off our legs at our one month photo shoot.

We like our bink.  Only this kind.

We grew two pounds and two inches in two weeks!

We were happy!

We met Auntie Denise and Auntie Lindsay - Mommy's high school friends!

Oh, and we are so excited for Baby Girl Hubbert to arrive!

It was an exciting and educational month!  We have learned so much and cherish every single thing about Hudson.  He was so worth the wait :)

Our little guy is still rocking the newborn clothes and diapers, but as you can see from the growth pictures, he is growing like a weed!  He is eating 5oz, six times a day right now.  He loves to eat!  We have started doing tummy time - which he hates.  However, he does have great head control for his age.  He is a good sleep and overall, a very happy baby.  We could not have asked for more!  He loves going for walk in his stroller.  He is also rocking the old man hair look right now as he has lost all of his hair on top!  It is pretty comical and cute :)  He loves when we read books to him and is becoming so much more alert and aware of his surroundings.  He definitely knows Matt and my voices.  His eyes have turned completely brown already, too!  I love this guy so darn much!

As far as an update on Momma - it's probably a bit TMI.  I'm going to talk about the lady bits for a minute and that may be too much for you!  If it is, sorry.  But hey, my lady bits are the original reason for this blog, right?

My incision had stopped bleeding and oozing - until yesterday.  Yes, yesterday.  It looks like the end stitch/knot is the culprit.  The knot is now gone and I have had a little bit of bleeding, but nothing major.. oh, and the string is just hanging out, shooting the breeze.   Some of the continuous stitch (I am assuming that is what it is) is starting to show in the middle as well.  Weird.  I am anxious for my six week appointment to see what my fav person, Dr. Smith, has to say about all of this.

I am still exclusively pumping and bottle feeding Hudson.  I make anywhere from 3oz to 5oz total in one sitting.. which downright sucks since I take 9 Fenugreek pills per day.  The max.  I am to the point where I am having a hard time keeping up with his 5oz feedings.  The girls are having a hard time, too.  I literally feel (and look) like my nips are going to fall off.  They are so cracked and red. And the pain - on mylanta.  They are also so freaking hot to the touch.  I called the doctor this week thinking I had an infection (still think that), but they tell me that this is "normal".  So, they prescribed me some sort of topical cream concoction that is only carried by one pharmacy in the county - 40 minutes away.  No big deal if it helps out!  I've been on that for a little over 24 hours now.  I see maybe a minor improvement, but nothing significant.  I am giving it a full week before I call again.  My OB is really going to get tired of hearing from me.  Despite all of this, I don't mind pumping as it gives my little guy exactly what he needs.  You know what they say - breast is best - so I will do it as long as I can.  However, if I didn't love him so darn much, I'd be jumping off of this pumping bandwagon in a heart beat.  Ouch!

I'm also looking forward to my six week appointment so that I can hopefully be cleared to start exercising.  If you know me, I can guarantee that you are laughing out loud right now.  I.don't.exercise.  I.eat.junk.food.  I gained about 60 pounds when I was pregnant.  I've lost about 24 of that to this point and have now hit a plateau.  My thighs and arms are still gigantic and I am rocking a belly that looks like I'm about 4 months pregnant.  Now, I don't care.. but I would prefer not to have to buy myself a whole new wardrobe.  I'd rather spend that money on cute clothes for my boy!  I am still wearing maternity clothes as well as Matt's t-shirts and shorts.  I can't get my own clothes over my legs and arms.. and belly.  So, I'm looking forward to maybe putting that jogging stroller to use.  Maybe.  Again, I would do this any day to reap the benefits that I have.  Hudson is worth every single inch and pound :)  

Happy One Month, Hudson!  I can't wait to see what month two has in store for us!  XOXO

Favorite things - first edition

So, I am approximately three and a half weeks into mommy hood and I couldn't be loving it more!  Hudson is the sweetest little boy and is growing like a weed.  I am looking forward to his one month appointment next week to see what he actually weighs!  We are still sticking to our eat-every-four-hour schedule and it is working for all of us.

I thought I would do a post to share a few of my current favorite things - some baby related, some not!  Without farther ado..

1 - Redkin Dry Shampoo.  Let's be honest, I probably have time to do my hair every day, but I don't have the motivation.  I may or may not have even brushed my hair for a week (ok, people.. I washed it.. every other day.. just didn't brush it!).  Dry shampoo to the rescue!  I have naturally grease-ified hair.  If I don't wash it every day, you could probably fill your gas tank by wringing the oil out of this mop.  This dry shampoo (basically powder) takes that grease look away - not always the grease feel, but hey.. I just want to look presentable!

2 - Cloud B Sleep Sheep.  This white noise machine is legit!  It is small in size and originally intended to be portable - and will be.  It's got four different sound settings and even a timer.  I have it attached to the outside bottom of the crib rail and use is every night.  Hudson loves the ocean setting!  Now, if I'm being honest.. the last setting is whales or something like that and it freaks me out just a bit!  

3 - Summer Infant Video Monitor.  Hudson has been sleeping in his crib since our second night home.  Just like any other (new) parent, I'm paranoid about everything.  This monitor has a great picture/video and even allows us to talk back to him.  Of course, I still have the volume turned up as far as it can go (sorry, Matt), but it gives me peace of mind.. and allows my little man to sleep comfortably.

4 - Yankee Candle - Luau Party Scent.  I am currently loving how this candle makes the entire downstairs of my house smell!  Normally, I get frustrated at how quickly candles lose their scent, but I've had this one since April (birthday gift.. booya) and it is still going strong.  We haven't been to the beach YET this year, so I am brining the beach to us!  Seriously, check it out.  LOVE LOVE LOVE!

5 - BARE Minerals Well-Rested.  I naturally have super dark circles under my eyes no matter what.  Add in less sleep than I am used to, and those puppies look like I have a broken nose!  This product is a life saver.  I have used it daily for almost a year now and could not be happier with how well it hides those lovely dark circles.  I highly recommend this for anyone with dark circles for any reason!

6 - "Fishin' in the Dark" Chalkboard Print.  I love chalkboards.  I am not creative.  Other people are.  I buy their stuff off Etsy!  This is my summer print that spruces up the tv cabinet.  Not only are the lyrics from one of my favorite country songs, but it fits my decor perfectly!  It just makes me think of those quiet, starry country nights.. watching fireflies light up the sky :)

7 - 4Moms Mamaroo.  YES, YES, YES.  This might be my all time favorite month one baby item!  Hudson loves this thing - especially the car ride setting.  I love that you can adjust the seat so it reclines, lies flat, or sits up.  There are five different movement settings, as well as five different speed settings.  You have the ability to hook up your iPod to listen to music through the speakers or you can listen to the white noise option that is built in.  To me, this is a must for any mom and baby!

8 - Carters (or any brand for that matter) sleep "dresses".  When I first put one of these on Hudson for bed, Matt told me I was ridiculous for putting his son in a dress.  Until he had to change the first middle of the night diaper.  These things make it so much easier!  No snaps to tackle at 2am when you are still in a fog.  Holla!  Hudson sleeps in a "dress" every single night and it makes our lives just a little easier.  Sorry, H.  I promise we won't keep putting you in dresses when you are older :)

So, there you have it.  My current favorite things!  Now, off to pack for our first out of town weekend.  I'll let ya'll know how that goes.  Happy Hump Day!

Newborn photos and maxi pads

Here we are.  Two and a half weeks into parenthood!  I must say, (knock on some serious wood) Hudson is a great baby.  And by great, I mean like excellent!  He likes to sleep.  He likes to eat.  Oh, and he poops A LOT!

Week two with this little guy was all over the place!  It was our first week all by ourselves, and it went surprisingly well.  We have been able to get Hudson on a schedule.  I am exclusively pumping because he has no interest in latching.  While it is a bit frustrating heating up bottles at 2am and pumping after, it is working out very well.  Thank goodness Daddy is home until mid-August!  He is up to 3.5 ounces a feeing and eats every four hours.  Right now, we eat at 6:00, 10:00, 2:00. 6:00, 10:00, and 2:00.  Four of these feedings are breast milk and two are formula.  Side note:  I have also been able to work on my "freezer stash" for when I go back to work.  I like knowing exactly how much he eats at each feeding.  He is awake for about an hour after each feeding (minus the 6:00pm.. he is up for 2 or 3 hours then!) and then sleeps until he either a - gets hungry, or b - we rock his world and change his diaper.  Another side note:  my kid does not like to be naked.  In fact, he screams until he is fully clothed!  Let's hope that lasts through his teenage years :)

Anyway, so far we are incredibly lucky.  He is sticking to this schedule and sleeping four hours at a time at night.  After his 6:00 am feeding, he goes back to sleep until 8 or 8:30, which means mommy and daddy get to go back to sleep as well!  Those extra two hours are da bomb.com.  

We have figured out our pee issue, and no longer go through five outfits and two crib sheets daily.  Huggies newborn are out, Pampers swaddlers are in!  Hudson has such tiny legs and the Huggies diapers do not allow us to close the diaper tight enough around his legs.  Explains the massive amounts of pee all over his clothes.. and ours.  

This week we learned: 

• Hudson likes to be rocked to sleep after his night feedings
• He is a fan of the paci at times, but spits it out after ten minutes max.  He does NOT use it at night.
• The Mommaroo is a must.  Fo sho.
• Keep the boy clothed, and he is happy.
• Hudson hates socks.  Don't even bother.
• Swaddling is out.  The ability to move is in!  He LOVES to sleep on his side.
• Don't forget to "tuck it down".
• Hudson gained some weight - he was up to 5 lbs, 7 oz at his two week appointment!
• Sophie and Rooney love him and are protective of him - in a good way.
• He likes car rides - and sleeps the entire time!

You know, just a few things :)  I love learning all about my little boy and adjusting and adapting as we go.

Week two also brought us our newborn photo shoot.  I scheduled our appointment for 9:30 am - when he is out like a light.  Normally.  We got up and went through our daily routine.  Hudson was fast asleep in his mommaroo when the photographer arrived.  We found the location we wanted to use, got everything set up, and re-located Hudson to the shoot location.  We took off his onesie and diaper.. and immediate bright eyes and screaming!  Remember.. he hates to be naked.  He refused to lay still in any position, he peed all over the blanket, and he cried like I have never heard him cry before.  I can sum up the entire three hour photo-shoot in three words:  TOTAL SHIT SHOW.

Despite the shit show, we did get some good shots!  Here are a few for you to enjoy :)  Kudos to JB Photography for working with us and being so patient.

Ok.. more than a few.  My bad.  Hudson is seriously a mini Matt!

And now.. for a momma update.  At this point, I should have bought stock in maxi pads.. of all varieties!  As you all know, I had a c-section.  Everything went great with the surgery and recovery.  I had my incision check last Friday and all was well.  Until last Saturday.  I had just finished feeding Hudson.  I stood up and go take the bottle to the kitchen and my mom said that Hudson has peed on me because my skirt was soaked.  However, H was not.  After a little more investigation, that "wet spot" was in fact blood.  From my incision.  Soaked through my underwear and my cotton maxi skirt.  WTF.  Low and behold, part of my incision broke open.  And it was Saturday.  Super!  I called the on call doctor and she said to just apply pressure and gauze until Monday.. and if it was still bleeding on Monday, I should call and be seen.  Of course it was still bleeding on Monday.  So, off to the doctor we went.  The first thing he did was take my steri-strips off.  Holy mother of pain.  While I am mostly numb in that area, I felt every single pull.  Imagine pulling off a super sticky bandaid on tender skin that was just sliced open.  I literally had to hold Matt's hand.  Ouch.  Then he inspected the incision.  Yes, it was open.  Yes, it was bleeding.  The fix?  Let it bleed out.  Keep changing the gauze so it soaked up the blood.  A small hematoma had formed under the skin that needed to get rid of itself.

So, I followed the directions. I changed the gauze many times a day until Friday.. when the bleeding magically stopped!  Hooray!  Until Saturday night.  Now, it is no longer bleeding, but instead is "oozing".  My sister in law (doctor who has had four c-sections herself) says it is a tiny "infection" and it just needs to "ooze out".  If it is still oozing on Friday, I'll be calling to be seen again since we will be at the three week mark.

This all brings me to maxi pads.. and the fact that I should own stock in them.  Every day, before I get in the shower, I prepare my "supplies" that I will need when I get out.  Here is what we are currently at:  One giant maxi pad for the "regular bleeding" that comes from giving birth.  Two nursing pads because these girls leak no matter what.  One pantyliner to put across the FRONT of my size XL granny panties so the "oozing" doesn't stain them if it soaks through the gauze.  One pack of gauze.  One strip of tape to hold the gauze in place (the nice to your skin kind of tape).  Basically, I'm padded all over the damn place!  Let's just hope this stuff clears itself up by the end of the week.  I'm not going to lie, it's getting kind of old by this point!

However, on a more positive note, I have officially lost 25 pounds without doing any more than walking!  The bulk of that weight is the water weight that is no longer chillin' in my legs, ankles and feet.  I can actually see my ankle bones again.  Eek!

Oh, and we are trying our first frozen crock pot meal tonight!  I'll let ya'll know how that works out.  If we like it (and the others are will be trying over the next couple of weeks), I will be mass producing before I go back to work in September!