6 months

He:

-sits up on his own now, although he would rather stand :) such a strong boy!

-still sleeps in a bassinet, because his crib is too big and lonely...or maybe his mother just doesnt want to let him out of her bedroom yet :)

-gives hugs, kisses, and shows preference for Ryan and I over most anyone else

-can be a bit of a ham, and a sass, at times

-eats SO many new foods now! (Im still making ALL of his baby food myself.  So rewarding!)  Likes:  pears, carrots, green beans, oatmeal, icecream..... Dislikes:  squash, mashed potatoes, peas :)

-holds his own bottle and it breaks my heart

-weighs almost 20lbs. its ALL cheeks :)

-sings himself to sleep every night, and also has found many other noises to make..some examples, mmmmm (its the beginning of MOM right?!!?) ahhhh,  boooo, and of course, our favorite, the shriek to get our attention.

-still has blue eyes :)

I:
- Am still breastfeeding, and no, I dont know when I'll stop.  My feedings are 90% pumped, really the only time I feed him myself is if he wakes up in the middle of the night.  Its free, makes me happy, so thats that.

-oddly have an awful self image lately...I think its because I havent been able to work out, due to breastfeeding.  Every time I work out, meaning running, crunches, etc. my milk supply dwindles...significantly :(  So while Im breastfeeding, I guess I wont have a 6-pack.  blah, but apparently Im the only one that cares about that, because Ryan thinks im crazy. ha!

- pinch and kiss Mason's cheeks more than he would like..he has now started turning his head if I come up to him and try to kiss him.  Ohhhh Mason...you'll never escape mommy and daddy's kisses.  Give up now.

-find SO much joy in cooking and baking.  I find myself looking through recipes and getting excited to head home and test them out for Ryan!  I dont think he minds either ;)  He probably assumes im just trying to fatten him up like in hansel and gretel so I can eat him. He wouldnt be too far off with that assumption I would never do that.

Random Misplaced Musings:

-I am crazy for pinterest.  Seriously, I could spend hours browsing through peoples pins, finding ideas for outfits, home decor, and of course, FOOD!!!  I've found so many neat ideas on pinterest, and a lot of DIY things that I've already done and they turn out wonderful!  I love feeling like im doing something productive in my home instead of sitting around watching tv.  Susie Homemaker FTW.

-Im kind of REALLY tired of listening to peoples problems, then getting shot down and scolded for trying to help.  I really do feel loved and honored that my friends know they can come to me with anything, and maybe most importantly, not be judged.  However, when anyone vents to me, I have an almost uncontrollable urge to fix it, because thats what I do.  I fix it.  Im like bob the builder, but with no overalls, and I dont build things, or own talking construction equipment...okay maybe Im like bob ONLY in that when someone asks if I can fix it, I start singing "Yes I Can!"...maybe im like rosie the riveter...but with less butch.  What was I talking about?  Please friends, dont complain to me about your problems and tell me how bad you have it or how miserable you are or that you're in a tough situation, if you wont let me problem-solve with you to fix it!  If you're willing to talk about things with me, Ill listen for days hours as long as it takes, unless I get hungry.  I just want to help.  If you tell me I dont know what I'm talking about, or that Im "over-stepping" by giving advice, then dont tell me your problems.  kay?

-I had the weirdest (read: I may be crazy) dream the other night.  I was pregnant again (gasp!  please god, no not me, not yet!!!) and it was time to deliver...so Im in the delivery room, but I was watching myself...like an out of body experience I guess.  Anyway, I was doing the whole baby-thing, and I looked AWESOME.  It was so weird.  Maybe its because I was talking with a friend recently and said I never felt more powerful or beautiful than when I brought our little human to life....Seriously though, ladies, childbirth is insane, if you think about it for a minute.  We rock.  So anyway  I had the baby, and then of course, flew out the window and soared around in the sky a bit, naturally a normal reaction to childbirth.  Now that I've typed this out...it sounds a little less eloquent and a little more nutjob.  Eh, what are you going to do :)

-Mason Momma

5 Months

He:

-is quite the ham.  He now understands that certain things he does, like squealing, makes us do certain things, like pick him up.  Oh I am so wrapped around this boy's finger.

-loves looking in the mirror at himself and laughing at what "the other baby" does

-sits up on his own for about 45 seconds, but then the weight of his big 'ol head tips him over

-doesnt roll over, but would rather stand...our pediatrician says that is completely normal, so ok, he just wants to grow up so fast :(

-EATS SOLID FOOD!

-Mason started off eating carrots, then we moved on to peas (seen above) which he CLEARLY dislikes, so now we are eating green beans :)

-gives kisses.  Big Sloppy Drooley PERFECT baby kisses.  He also grabs our face to make sure that he gets the kiss everywhere. ha

I:
-am still breastfeeding...6 months will be my stopping point......I think.

-started drinking coffee during the day at work, and then realized that caffeine apparently stays in my system for a while, and was making Mason crabbypants.

-make 100% of the baby food mason eats.  For example- I spend $1.66 on whole carrots, peel and simmer them myself, and it makes 8 days of baby food.  You should know that it takes me LESS time to peel, simmer, and blend his carrots myself than it takes to get in your car, go to the store, buy expensive canned baby food, and get back home.  ALSO, I know exactly what my baby is eating, and that gives this momma peace of mind :)

-couldn't possibly have baby fever...but im just saying...I wouldnt mind giving mason a brother or sister...or two...or three?!?! (what am I saying? have I been possessed?) whenever Mason goes to kindergarten :)

Random Misplaced Musings

-Im SO tired of the OccupySTL people being outside of my office downtown.  They jump out in front of my car, and sometimes, I just want to mow them down.  Hey "99%", you bunch of dirty, drum circle having, hasheesh smoking hippies, why dont you be a little more progressive, and get out of Kiener Plaza and occupy a job.  Thanks.

-I have an amazing co-worker.  Seriously, the broad makes work SO awesome, AND she cracks me up on a daily basis.  For example-she spends a majority of her day passing gas in her chair and then telling me that it totally wasn't her.  Yeah, like someone else who sits 5.3 feet away from me just did it. ha.  Also, I think its important to note that shes also adorable...this post is starting to sound really brown-nosey...she totally paid me to say this didn't tell me to write about her though.  More about her later.

-Alright people, I need to be honest here for a second. The Duggars are having a 20th baby....and Im totally okay with it.  So many people are being so awful saying that there is something wrong with them for relentlessly popping out tots  experiencing the miracle of birth so many times...but I think its a good thing.  They are gracious and kind, had plenty of money and land to take care of their children BEFORE their 19 kids and counting show, and can sustain themselves without the help of welfare or mooching off the public.  They are not an example of what is "wrong with the world".  They are an example of what is right!  A family that is self-sustaining, who clearly loves each other, and just want to expand their family further.  Its all good, in my opinion.

-I am so SO tired of these "developmental milestones" that dictate when my baby should do certain things...Mason is ahead of the game in some areas, and just plodding along in others, and it really is kind of irritating that I cant help but read and compare him with other babies.  That, my fellow mommies, is ridiculous.  My son just so happens to be perfect, so what if it takes him a little longer to learn mandarin Chinese than other babies...

-Masons Momma

thanks CDC, now I feel awful

So I have been breastfeeding full-time since Mason was born, and I love it.  It's free, its convenient, and breast-fed babies are just cuter, lets be honest.  However, I've been working full time for the past 2 months and subsequently pumping every 4 hours at work, and its starting to become less of a joy, and more of a hassle.

I feel like SUCH an awful mom for wanting to stop breastfeeding.  Why is that?!? I know many women who have never breastfed and their children are fine...but its like...I want Mason to have EVERY opportunity to be ahead of the game.  If theres something I can do for FREE will give him that advantage, I should totally do it...right?

The CDC says that all babies should be breastfed for the first year, and im totally down with that...but as a working mommy, its hard.  http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/faq/index.htm Thanks CDC for making me feel like a awful person, so 43% of women were still breastfeeding at 6 months?! they must not have jobs.

Another thing I think should be discussed is that breastfeeding isn't just 100% automatic.  The further a mother gets post-partum, the harder it is to keep and maintain a milk supply.  For example:  if I am stressed out, I dont make milk; if I excersize too much, I dont make milk;  if I dont drink enough water, I dont make milk; and finally, if I stop breastfeeding for even just 12 hours, im fairly certain ill stop producing it all together.

The guilt I feel when I think about not breastfeeding is mind-blowing.  Like literally, ya'll, makes me nauseous, because thats what all guilt feels like for me.  Am I a bad mom for not wanting to breastfeed for the first year...?  I cant even finish my thoughts right now.  ugh.  Someone validate me.

How to be deliriously happy with your significant other

The following is a list of things that I think are important to always keep in mind in your relationship.  The term relationship as mentioned herein, can apply to spousal, boyfriend/girlfriend, life partner, dog/owner, parent/child...however, not concurrently, that would be creepy. So for the sake of keeping things clear, I'll refer to your person as "One" because I like to think that Ryan is my "one and only" "the one" etc.

1.)  Never go to bed mad.
- people take this for granted and say its cliche, but its true, if you go to bed angry with each other, or with anyone you're close with, you'll wake up angry, and no one likes waking up in a bad mood.  Especially because if you wake up angry, no doubt you'll stub your toe, and that's AWFUL.

2.) After you wake up in a pleasant mood, tell your One you love them
-blah blah cliche blah, we have to get through these cliche sayings before I can get to the good stuff...But seriously, tell your One you love them, every single day.  Tell everyone you love them, as a just good rule of thumb.  I don't know one person whose day was made WORSE by someone saying "hey I totally love you"

3.) Stop holding Grudges
-let. shit. go.  Please and Thank you.  It is pointless to stay mad about anything.  more on this later

4.) Quit Your Sassing  Be Polite
 -Being polite is more than just doing what Barney says and saying please and thank you.  If you've had a bad day, I get it, you're crabby, but do NOT under ANY circumstances, unload all your days worth of stress onto your One.  If you have to decompress from your day, do it gently.
Example of what not to do:
a) put your hand up when your One walks in the door looking rough and say "save the drama for your mama"
b) as soon as your One walks in the door, unload your day
-Whoever comes home last should be able to explain their day first, so they can get it over with and move on to making my dinner. ha.
-When explaining your work troubles, avoid excessive sh*t-talking.  Honestly, the more drama you bring home, the more stress you'll foster. eww fostered stress.

5.)  Show your One the love
-Sometimes you just gotta suck it up (hiyyooo) and shower your One with praise, happiness, massages, making dinner, etc.  People lately have been acting like its SUCH a big deal to give up a massage or just tell their One how much they rock.  I tell Ryan how much he rocks my world on a daily basis, because I love him, and because I know it makes him happy.  If you know you can make your One happy with just words, why the heck wouldn't you do it?! Suck up your pride and just lavish your One for once.  You usually get this response back twofold.

6.) Understand that fist-fights, screaming matches, Hiroshima-style nuclear home wars, lovers quarrels do happen.
- I get it, people have disagreements and you cant be deliriously happy all the time.  That would be boring (note: if you and your One haven't had a disagreement and you've been together more than 1 year, please be advised that you're probably dating a robot, and that's just creepy. unless you're into that)
When a disagreement happens, do NOT: call names, raise your voice, cry, ignore, or EVER hit your One.  If you don't think that you can have an adult conversation, then just explain that you don't want to say something you'll regret.

7.) LASTLY, and maybe most importantly - Don't stay in a relationship when you're unhappy
-evaluate your relationship every once in a while.  If your One isn't the person that makes you smile, that makes you happy to wake up each day, that makes you feel good about yourself and where you're headed, then do whatever it takes to find it.  Life is SO painfully short to be stuck somewhere that you're unhappy.  Dont stay in a relationship "for the children" because "the children" probably just want you to be happy as well.  Dont stay in a relationship because you're afraid to be alone. [tough love time] Dont be that pathetic person that clings on to someone they don't like, SOLELY for the purpose of not being alone.  We are all scared to be alone, but in the end, we have to find ways to make it on our own. Because that's how life works.  Move on, and find someone or something that makes you truly just explode with happiness.

-I feel like this post needs more, but it sounds like I'm already in a wine-induced rant, more later.

Masons Momma

Oh sweet challah of mine

Sweet Egg Challah Bread


So I understand that this is a Jewish bread, and I just love it because its so sweet and delicious, so I had to try it!  This bread almost makes me want to convert! ha!

the amount of pride I feel for this loaf of bread I made is almost insurmountable...making Mason was probably the 1st best thing..this amazing-looking loaf of bread is the 2nd. No lie.




You will need:


1 1/2 packages active dry yeast (1 1/2 tablespoons)
1 tablespoon plus 1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup olive or vegetable oil, plus more for greasing the bowl
5 large eggs
1 tablespoon salt
4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 1/2 to 4 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup raisins per challah, if using


Directions


1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar in 1 3/4 cups lukewarm water.


2. Whisk oil into yeast, then beat in 4 eggs, one at a time, with remaining sugar and salt. Gradually add flour. When dough holds together, it is ready for kneading. (the directions said you can also use a mixer with a dough hook, but I didnt)


3. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth. Clean out bowl and grease it, then return dough to bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 houri did it in an oven that has been warmed to 150 degrees then turned off. Punch down dough, cover and let rise again in a warm place for another half-hour.

4. At this point, you're ready to braid- and trust me, there is NO better way I couldve written this... so these are the instructions I found online, its not that hard, it just looks difficult! To make a 6-braid challah, either straight or circular, take half the dough and form it into 6 balls. With your hands, roll each ball into a strand about 12 inches long and 1 1/2 inches wide. Place the 6 in a row, parallel to one another. Pinch the tops of the strands together. Move the outside right strand over 2 strands. Then take the second strand from the left and move it to the far right. Take the outside left strand and move it over 2. Move second strand from the right over to the far left. Start over with the outside right strand. Continue this until all strands are braided. For a straight loaf, tuck ends underneath. For a circular loaf, twist into a circle, pinching ends together. Make a second loaf the same way. Place braided loaves on a greased cookie sheet with at least 2 inches in between.


5. Beat remaining egg and brush it on loaves. Either freeze breads or let rise another hour.


6. If baking immediately, preheat oven to 375 degrees and brush loaves again. Sprinkle bread with seeds, if using. If freezing, remove from freezer 5 hours before baking.

7. Bake in middle of oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until golden. (If you have an instant read thermometer, you can take it out when it hits an internal temperature of 190 degrees.) Cool loaves on a rack.


Note: I read that Any of the three risings can be done in the fridge for a few hours, for more deeply-developed flavor. When you’re ready to work with it again, bring it back to room temperature before moving onto the next step.

4 months

He:

- is familiar with mine and Ryans faces and prefers one of us over the other at random times (I'm happy to say that so far it's 50-50....oh who am I kidding he loves his mommy for most things)

-spends a lot of time sitting straight up in his bumbo..best purchase ever! He loves to survey the world around him, as well as have somewhere to eat his toys.

-is forming likes and dislikes, with regard to things Ryan and I do.  Basically, we are just guessing based on his faces, things not to do or do more...but doesn't that just sum up parenting! Ha

-is TEETHING!!! my baby boy is 4 months or and already nomming on teething toys! His favorite however is still daddy's fingers.  I feel so bad when he is fussing because his gums clearly hurt :( breaks my heart to see him in pain

-eats an ounce of baby cereal by spoon before bed at night!  Pureed fruits and veggies...here we come! :)

-has a favorite binkie, so we now have bought at least 8 of them to store around the house

-is definitely a morning baby :) nothing is better than a happy giggling baby to wake up to!


- went to his first cardinals game and LOVED it! So much to look at :)

I:

-am still breastfeeding, even though I'm working full time, I just pump and store at my office.  The benefits of giving my baby the perfect meal at each feeding outweigh the "chore" of pumping, storing, being on his schedule, etc.

- am apparently one of those moms who not only takes too many pictures, but I make greeting cards for everything and send them  to our close family and friends.

- am feeling bittersweet about working, I hate being away from Mason ALL DAY, but love that my paychecks can allow me to take him new places while still have money left over for his college fund

-  find myself eternally optimistic for my and Ryans future...love rocks.

-am still having weird dreams...i.e. Getting chased by a bee with a giant spikey butt, needing adult braces, walking through a field to find my missing crepe-maker...?! Yep that's normal


Random Misplaced Musings:
-For the life of me, I can't figure out why/how people could ever abandon/harm their children.  I would walk over hot coals for Mason if it meant his life could even be fractionally better!  Seeing all these awful parents makes me sick.  Just give me your baby and I'll love him/her and you just go off and smoke your crack-pipe and play in traffic.   Good grief, really.  I will collect the mistreated babies of the world. Millions of 'em  Obvi I'm creating an army of babies.  You never hear on the news about people who loved their children so much that they just spontaneously combust...so parents, err on the side of caution and tell your baby/kid/grown children how much you love their face on a daily basis. Cheek pinchies are recommended.

- Mine and Ryans parents are adorable.  Ryans momma watches Mason while Ryan and I work every day, which is awesome, because every day I come home to a happy smiling baby that I know is well cared for.  It takes a huge weight off my chest while I'm working to know he's with his Nana and not some broad who's going to try to sell him on the black-market (side note: a good-looking baby can catch a pretty penny on the black market I hear, just saying, it's an option not something I would ever do.). Then on the weekends my momma requests demands to see him at least once.  It makes me so happy to see how happy they are with him! :) awww.



- I hate matching socks when I'm doing laundry.  How is it that i buy ONE BRAND of socks for Ryan, then suddenly I'm doing laundry and NONE of them match each other..?!!? While they're in our dryer, does something happen that alters the fabric, turning them into different styles and eventually, losing the mate to the first sock.   It's really a conspiracy, honestly.  Ryan tells me I'm being dramatic, which leads me to assume that be obviously has been buying random socks and putting them in the hamper.  Caught you, babe.

-Masons Momma

3 Months

my sweet silly peapod.

He:

-smiles SO much. Whenever Ryan and I come home from work, the biggest smiles spread across his sweet cheeks! ahhh! melts my heart

-recognizes Ryan and I every morning with a delighted scream...like "hey, its you guys again!!"


-talks to himself in the morning in his bassinet/crib when he wakes up, so cute.

-finally has a semi-schedule of waking and sleeping, and although he isnt sleeping through the night, he goes right back to sleep after his mid-night feeding YESSSSSS!!!


- tries as hard as he can to stand/sit up whenever we hold him,  big strong man!

-takes showers with Ryan and I instead of baths. His whole body relaxes when we hold him under the warm water, and he makes little ooohhh and ahhh noises.


-LOVES being outside.  If he is fussy, and we take him outside and sit on the deck its like a button is pushed and hes just suddenly happy.

-at 13lbs 8oz, is the cutest baby alive

I:


-got fired from my job for not asking permission to take my required break to pump breastmilk.  Its a load of nonsense, really.  Im thinking there must be something else going on...the attorneys I worked for never spoke ill of my work...so whatever.  Now I have much more time to spend with my peapod!


-feel healthier and healthier every day, and im still losing weight. yay :)


-have dreams about kissing masons cheeks...and about teleporting to hawaii after chewing tea leaves. no big deal.

-think that Ryan and I may be doing something thrilling next year....juuusssssaaayyying! :)


-got a brand new mommy car!! no more mustang here!

Random misplaced musings:

Ive come to realize that people are going to give me advice, whether I want it or not.  I've learned to just take the advice in stride, but not to get worked up.  Most peoples "advice" REALLY sounds like "ways to tell you that youre a terrible parent and your choice to supplement with formula is as bad as letting your baby play with pythons". If you want my opinion, which im fairly certain you do, since youre reading this, a python is perfectly acceptable parenting aid.  I mean, they've got to grow up someday. Right, so stop telling me what I should and shouldnt feed my tot.  My baby is happy and healthy and YES he is a chubby boy and NO I dont feed him pats of butter, he was born that way (hiyooo Gaga) and he is only in the 80th percentile.  So suck it. Stop calling him fat, hes just chubby.


Ryan and I are ridiculously, disgustingly happy with each other.  Its odd, really.  I feel like we have something so beautiful growing in our relationship. yay.


Speaking of beautiful relationships...Im actually suprised at the way my friends have reacted to the addition of mason to my life.  The majority of my friends are just distant, but old friends have come back into my life with such enthusiasm that I wondered how we drifted apart in the first place!  How DO people drift apart? and Why?


I absolutely cannot wait for the holiday season.  As it gets cooler outside, my body ACHES to go apple-picking.  Thanksgiving and Christmas are going to be so amazing this year with baby Mason.  ahh.  I even made turkey and gravy and stuffing and potatoes for dinner last night because of how much im craving the holidays.  Also, Justin Bieber has a holiday CD coming out... judge me.

-Masons Momma