Make my Monday #1

I'm participating in a new linkup today! But don't worry, I'll be back with a miscellany monday soon ... especially since I didn't have time for my randoms post on Friday.

My blog buddy Kelly is teaming up with Jess for this new linkup, and I love the questions for this week.

In one word, describe ...

your life: FULL! I have a fabulous little family, job, etc. and can't want for anything more.

your love: EVERYTHING. When I love someone, I give them my everything and love them deeply, regardless of anything else.

your body: AMAZING. Not in the supermodel body way {believe me, I am definitely still recovering from having a baby} but in the way that it did allow the growth and development of a healthy baby and now makes the food to feed the babe. It's really cool if you just sit back and think about it.

your cooking: EASY. I love to cook but don't have a lot of time, so I live for meals that are quick and easy to throw together, especially Crock Pot ones :)

your career: GRATIFYING. I'm working to bring higher education and workforce training closer to home.

your hobby: NONEXISTANT. I'm not crafty, and I barely have time to shower daily, so no time for hobbies.

your style: CLASSIC. I like to wear basic pieces with pops of color/trendiness. Same when it comes to expensive jewelry and home decor.

your blog: DIARY. It's random with all sorts of bits and pieces from my life.

your home: RELAXED. I've finally given in to realize that I need to worry less about cleaning up the mess and more about making memories. One day, all I will have to do is clean, and that will be sadz.

This was fun ... you should join in :)



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Guest Post: Underrated and unique vacation destinations {for families!}

Since we have a little one now, it's definitely going to change how and where we vacation! We do LOVE the beach though, so it's important to us that we find a family-friendly destination.

Meet Christina Johnson. She works remotely for Elliman Prudential in the New York City Apartments and Rentals market.  She is using her journalism major to combine what she loves most, writing and her career. Her specialties include home decor design and DIY home improvement projects.

When Christina approached me about doing a guest post on the blog, it didn't take me long to say yes! Obviously finding a family-friendly vacation destination is important now. Not only that, I can totally relate to wanting to use your journalism degree although your career is not in the field. Her article definitely gives me some ideas - and I hope you get them, too!\

Oh, and if you have any great locations to add to this list, please let me know!

Long lines at tourist attractions, overbooked hotels, and a lack of family-friendly activities can make vacationing at some of the really popular places less fun than it should be. But there are a number of places that you can vacation that don't get quite the amount of busy tourist activity as some of the more popular places. Located in the United States and around the world, these cities offer more than just hotels, movie theaters, and restaurants. They offer a wide variety of activities that adults and children can appreciate.

Amelia Island in Florida is not as well known as areas such as Orlando, Miami, or Key West, but that does not mean it has nothing to offer vacationers. Visitors can have a short stay at a bed and breakfast, hotel, or resort. They can also have an extended stay at a rental condo or house, or go camping in one of the local campsites. Beaches offer opportunities for swimming, horseback riding, hiking, or collecting seashells. Companies such as EoMotion Segway Tours provide off-road adventures on segways through Fort George Island State Park. Visitors can also take Segway, bicycle, or kayak tours through the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort Nature Center. Guided tours showcase birds, turtles, crabs, night creatures, and plant life.

While Houston, Texas is one of the largest cities in the country, it is not always considered a hot spot for vacationers. But it offers a wide variety of activities for families. The Galleria shopping mall has luxury stores, restaurants, cafes, an arcade, and a year-round ice skating rink. NASA and Space Center Houston have tours and interactive exhibits for adults and children. Visitors can see hundreds of animals at the Houston Zoo or have an educational and fun experience at the Houston Museum of Science and History. The Houston Children's Museum was created specifically for children, with interactive exhibits, guest speakers, art classes, and film events. For visitors arriving in the city during certain times of the year, there are large events to attend such as the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the National Dog Show.

For those families that wish to travel on an international scale, there are cities throughout Europe that have activities both parents and children will enjoy. Munich, Germany is home to amusement parks, marionette theaters, museums, and castles. Beer halls are often kid-friendly, offering special menus especially for the under age set. The Munich Toy Museum has a wide collection of historical toys from both Europe and America, including dolls, plush bears, and trains. Tierpark Hellabrun, the Munich Zoo, cover almost 90 acres and includes over 5,000 animal inhabitants situated in simulated natural habitats. There are also pony and camel rides, a petting zoo, and a seasonal penguin parade.

Also home to castles and other historic activities, Edingburgh, Scotland is home to gardens, museums, and countryside day trips. Tours can be taken through Edingburgh Castle, one of the most iconic fortresses in the country. Day trips can be taken through guided tour groups to areas such as Loch Ness, home of the fabled Loch Ness Monster. Families can also explorer the Museum of Childhood, a multi-level exhibition with collections of toys, clothing, games, craft items, and other objects that showcase the many aspects of childhood.


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What I'm Loving

Link up with Jamie!

{1} I'm loving that we all had a great Valentines yesterday! Hubby got very sweet cards for Cooper and myself, and I bought hubby a big can of Honey Roasted Peanuts and wrote on the envelope to his card that I'm "nuts" about him! Ha!
Mr. Cooper also had a haul. He got books from mommy & daddy and said he would share his candy treats from his daycare friends with us :) His sitter bought him a new toy to strap onto his carseat (which he LOVES) and he also got a couple of little rubber duckies. He told me he can't wait for bathtime tonight!

{3} I'm loving that I work for a school and since there was slightly inclement weather on Monday, we got off work at 3 and also didn't go in until 10 a.m. Tuesday.

{4} I'm also loving that in one month, we will be on spring break :) I am having a yard sale with my mom.

{5} I'm loving how cute this little baseball player is :) When Coop was given this outfit a few weeks ago, the temps were in the 60s and I was afraid he wouldn't get to wear it :( I HATE cold weather, so it's saying a lot that I was hoping it would get cold enough for him to wear a few times.

{6} I'm loving Red Stamp. It's a free iPhone app where you can make postcards. Then you deliver electronically, or you can even have them printed and sent. I made one for hubby and my parents yesterday :)

 

 {7} I'm loving this photo I saw on facebook. Hubby loved it as well :)

{8} I'm loving that I get to go to lunch with my mama today :)

{9} I'm loving that baby Coop has such great grandparents who can't stand to go more than a couple weeks without seeing him :) So thankful that we live closeby - my niece lives six hours away and I know it kills them to not see her very often.

{10} I'm loving my sweet, sweet husband who is my Valentine EVERY day :)

What are you loving today?

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my love, my valentine

This is a little different from the other Valentines survey that's been floating around :) I wish I could remember who to give credit for it to, but I have had it saved in my drafts for so long I don't remember.

Happy day of love! This little guy blows you all kisses!

♥ What are your middle names?
Michelle Kathryn
J**** Daniel

♥ How long have you been together?
Eight years

♥ How long did you know each other before you started dating?
It was sorta immediate. I mean, we didn't call ourselves boyfriend/girlfriend from the start, but I was in college four hours away and neither of us felt comfortable with seeing anyone else after we met.

♥ Who asked whom out?
He asked me :) We met through mutual friends one night, and then next he asked if I wanted to come over and watch a movie - although it wasn't just us at the time!

♥ How old are each of you?
27 & 36

♥ Whose siblings do/did you see the most?
His. But we don't see many people at all these days!
 ♥ Do you have any children together?
Yup! Our little love bug, Cooper Michael, pictured above :) And of course, Hank Dog and our three horses.



♥ What about pets?
Whoops, should have scrolled down!
Hank - chocolate lab. 11 years old.
Doc, Scarlett and Jax - horses.

♥ Did you go to the same school?
Nope.
 ♥ Are you from the same home town?
No, but the same area. Sort of. His family moved A LOT when he was a kid.



♥ Who is the smartest?
Depends on what you are talking about. He definitely has more common sense/applied knowledge, but I'm more book smart - I have the college degree and am good at spelling, grammar, etc.



♥ Who is more sensitive?
Me.

♥ Where do you eat out most as a couple?
Um ... we get Burger King most often. Other than that, probably Buffalo Wild Wings? We don't go out to eat much and we like to change it up.



♥ Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?
San Juan, Puerto Rico
 ♥ Who has the craziest exes?
Definitely hubby. I could *really* go into it here but I won't. It's the day of love, after all :)

♥ Who has the worst temper?
Him. He's such a perfectionist and gets so upset when things don't go right.

♥ Who does the cooking?
Mostly me, but hubby grills and ALWAYS makes the pancakes. And helps with some other foods.



♥ Who is more social?
We both are. I typically am more of a planner who always needs something going on, but he will stay out later. And when we go to Walmart he knows at least twice as many people as I do.


♥ Who is the neat-freak?
Neither of us
 ♥ Who is more stubborn?
I'd say it's pretty even
 ♥ Who hogs the bed?
We both do in a way! Lately I think he does ... we swapped sides of the bed when I was preggo and he's still used to kicking his leg out on the side - which is now toward me!
 ♥ Who wakes up earlier?
I do, unless Cooper sleeps in :) Before he was born, hubby didn't wake me up until he was out of the shower.

♥ Where was your first date?
Out to the Mexican restaurant



♥ Who has the bigger family?
He does - youngest of five kids and a big extended family. But he isn't too close to his extended family, while I am.



♥ Do you get flowers often?
Naw and that's OK. They just die. I'd rather have the cheap Aldi or Walmart bouquet.
 ♥ How do you spend the holidays?
Mostly split between our families.
 ♥ Who is more jealous?
Used to we both were, but I'd say it's not an issue anymore.

♥ How long did it take to get serious?
Mmm I don't know. He was my first great love. I'd say it didn't take long, but we were in a long distance relationship for a 3.5 years and he has a psycho ex, so that is why it took five years to become engaged.



♥ Who eats more?
Typically hubby, but since I am BFing I can match him these days!


♥ Who does/did the laundry?
Mostly me, but we both fold/put away.

♥ Who’s better with the computer?
Me

♥ Who drives when you are together?
Him 99% of the time




Happy Valentine's Day! I got hubby a goofy little gift and we bought a few books for Cooper. Tonight we're eating leftover chili and cuddling in front of the TV with our littlest Valentine - what are your plans?

Nice to meet ya!

I've had a few new followers/commenters lately so I thought it was time for an "About Me" post. Also, if you're visiting from Kelly's Korner or Neely's blog, welcome!

I'm Michelle. I'm a wife and a mama :)

Cooper Michael blessed our lives with his arrival on 11.23.11. He was a big boy, weighing 9 lbs. 13 ounces.

 We love him to pieces...

Those boys are pretty much my life :)

In 2007, I graduated from the University of Missouri (GO TIGERS!) with a degree in journalism, with an emphasis in newspapers. Since I met my hubby while on a school break, I returned to Southeast Missouri, where I grew up, and worked at the local newspaper for four years. Last summer, I was offered a job in the Office of Development at community college, which I accepted.

Being a working mom is hard. Almost every morning, I want to cry when I leave Coop at the sitters. But right now, hubby and I know that me working is what can give our little nugget the best possible life. I mean, how else are we going to pay for him to go to medical school and have all the training he needs to be a professional baseball player? For the St. Louis Cardinals, of course.

Blogging is one of the few escapes I have now days. It's where I can say what I want and just get things off my chest. I still love to write but don't get that so much in my new job. Most importantly, it's a way to document our lives. Coop's baby book is kinda sad, but I know that I have TONS of information about him on here.

Although it's not the reason I began blogging, I do love the friendships I've made along the way, too. I LOVE connecting with all these smart, talented women. They sure have opened my eyes to lots of other ideas, etc. While I was pregnant, the advice I got was invaluable, and now I'm just another mama and blogger trying to pay it forward.

Although I talk about my little angel quite a bit, I do have a few other interests in my life. Specifically cooking and renovating/decorating our home. Pinterest. And I love saving money.

So ... tell me more about you!

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This & That

• So, I had a 7 a.m. meeting today and it was a 45 minute drive. Which means getting up at 5. Ugh. Luckily I have a great sitter. Although hubby commented (and it's true) I need to stop taking jobs where I have to get up so early, even if it is only one day a month.
• Wanna know what I really hate? I mean, absolutely can't stand ... people who drive the wrong way through the Walmart parking lot. The arrows point to a specific direction for a reason!
• It's spitting snow today. And supposed to REALLY snow on Sunday night/Monday morning. I'm really hoping for a snow day ... I need a day off work!
• I wish there weren't a Valentine's day. Hubby and I never do much for the holiday ... I honestly think it's designed to just make people feel bad, even if they are in a relationship! And then yesterday, the sitter sent home a list with all the kids names and info for their party. Ugh. What in the heck is my two-month-old supposed to do besides sit to the side and laugh at all the crazy kids? And unfortunately Coop has the least creative mom in the entire planet, so it looks like he'll be sharing cards with suckers, unless one of you have a fabulous idea?
• Poor Coop is still so snotty :( We suction him twice a day and the sitter usually does it twice also. And I run a humidifier at night. This morning, the poor boo choked a bit twice while I was feeding him and he also spit up all over his outfit. Me no likey.
• Hubby and I got our taxes submitted yesterday. Blech. No, we don't owe money, but we didn't get back as much as we thought we would. We decided that we shouldn't have gotten married and would have gotten about double the refund. It's just frustrating to see all these single parents get back double to triple what we did. {Later added: Not that being a single parent is bad, but we live in a town where we see people work the system who can tell you that you max out with four kids, all with different dads. Seriously?}
• I did inform hubby that we will be buying/renting Breaking Dawn tomorrow. Due to its release date, we never made it to the theatre to see it.
• I refuse to swap over to timeline on facebook. It confuses me.
• This morning someone showed me a new type of otterbox/iPhone case that also serves as a charger and doubles the battery life. I must look into that.
• My mom is too sweet! She and my dad were in town to visit the accoutant the other day, so they dropped by my office with a small birthday cake she'd made (although I told her not to) as well as some dumplings and slaw - two of my favorites. Don't be too jealous :)
• I admitted to hubs last night that I already have baby fever. Actually more like preggo fever. I'm not sure if it's from so many people I know in real life and through social media are preggo or what, but I so want a cute little bump again. But trust me, I'm we're not planning on that for a couple more years. Ideally, we'd like an early summer baby and I feel best about having 2.5-3 years age difference. I seriously don't think I could handle two in diapers at the same time.
• I didn't do fab ab February on Tuesday and have been a big slacker since. I think I'll get on track and double up this weekend.
• I am so ready for the new seasons of Survivor and the Amazing Race.
• All I wanna do this weekend is clean out my car, clean the house, do laundry, and cuddle under the covers with chili watching movies. Actually I don't want to do the cleaning and laundry, but I have to so I may as well tell myself I want to.
• Happy weekend. Keep those fingers crossed for a Monday snow day :)

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Me as a Mom: Breastfeeding

This wraps up the list of posts I planned to write, so far, about my mommy experience. If you have any questions about anything else, just let me know and I'll address it! I do plan to do a post of all my favorite products every three months or so :)

So I figured it was about time to go ahead and dedicate a post to breastfeeding. Cooper is 11 weeks old and still exclusively breastfed :)

For us, it works. I realize that for others, it may not - and I definitely don't judge people one way or another. But I feel very blessed I can breastfeed, despite my feelings on it pre-baby.

I'm ashamed to admit it, but I'd hoped (while still pregnant) that something would come up and I would be unable to continue breastfeeding. Honestly, I didn't see myself going much past two months. Around one month, I figured I would aim to do it for six months. Now, I'm thinking that it would be awesome to go a full year. And I constantly freak out about supply issues, although I haven't had to dip into my freezer supply yet, and typically freeze at least one five-ounce bag a week. It's not a lot, but it helps keep me sane. 

Honestly, I wouldn't have even breastfed in the first place if it weren't for hubby's urging. We were both formula babies and turned out yet fine. I didn't want to be attached to my kid at all times. It just plain grossed me out. In the beginning, it hurt.

But I'm a good wifey and promised hubby I would try. Right on, I LOVED the bond/connection I had with Cooper. I still get a great feeling when someone else is holding him and he's hungry because only I can calm him in that way. It's actually kind of a mischevious feeling, haha.

I had Cooper on a Wednesday and we came home on Friday. We didn't seem to have any issues in the hospital. There, they gave me some soothies and had me begin wearing them early on (mamas, you must get these! They are expensive if you buy them, but worth it!). He was a very good, efficient nurser and really only went every four or so hours. I was a bit concerned about this because "they" say babies should eat eight to 12 times a day, but the doctors said he was gaining just fine, so keep doing what we were doing.

As luck would have it, my milk came in on Saturday, our first day without the help of nurses. Holy crap, that was bad. I had no idea what to do. Of course, that's also when my n*pples began to hurt. Seriously, every time Cooper latched on, it felt like a million or so needles were being stuck. The cream didn't even seem to work (later on, it did - and I quit using it between two and three weeks.)

Our hospital really encourages breastfeeding. A lactation consultant visited with us both days in the hospital, and actually sent me home with a pad full of pads, more soothies, etc. (Tip on the soothies - have two sets to alternate and keep one in the fridge!) Anyhow, the LCs have a cell phone they encourage you to call at any time. So I call, in tears. And end up getting the voicemail. I was in so much pain, so frustrated and so hormonal, I was about to begin pumping only.

While I waiting for her to call back, I pulled out the pump and got busy. Only to realize later I should have sterilized everything first so I had to pour about 8 ounces down the drain. Yeah, that was bad.

Once the LC called back, she gave me awesome advice. She encouraged me to wait another week and promised it would get better soon - probably in just a few days. She also told me that if I only pumped, I would in no way be able to produce enough and would have to start supplementing soon.

So that's what I did - toughed it out. And it did get better. Soon, the only issue was the cluster feeding in the evening, but that went away around four weeks. It was tough though - I would feed and burp, and in no time he wanted to eat again. No matter what time I went to take a bath, he'd decide he was starving and wanted to eat RIGHT NOW.

I also pumped A LOT during those first couple weeks, figuring it would never hurt to have extra in the freezer.

We introduced a bottle when Cooper was just over one month old. I was nervous but he did GREAT and has no problems swapping between boob and bottle. Until I went back to work, he just had a bottle of pumped milk at bedtime every night, which was a great way to make sure he was getting enough to eat and getting him used to the bottle.
By about four weeks, my supply leveled off a bit. Then the week before I went back to work, I realized I needed to make sure I would continue to make enough, since it seemed Coop was a pretty big eater - right now, people are shocked I'm able to keep up with him when they hear how much he takes in a bottle.
I did some research (and my LC later confirmed this was the best process) to see what I should do. Basically, it recommended pumping after EVERY feeding, even if it was only an ounce or less. Breastfeeding is such a supply and demand thing, and by emptying, you tell your body you are out and to make more.

So here's our loose schedule:
Morning - nurse (typically 6:30 a.m., but whenever he woke. Sometimes twice if he woke in middle of nice.) Pump after feeding.
Pump 3 times while at work. Usually 9:30, noon and 2:30. Up to this week, he would typically finish three 5 oz. bottles while at the sitters - around 9:30-10 a.m.; 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Luckily, I seem to produce 4 to 5 ounces at each feeding so I can keep up. This week, however, we bumped him up to 6 ounce bottles because he was getting fussy about a half hour later. I'm taking three 6 ounce bottles but it seems he is only finishing two and then maybe another 3 ounces as a snack.
Nurse at home (usually around 6-7 p.m.)
Nurse for bedtime feeding - typically 9 - 10 p.m., as we wait three hours between this feeding. For the past couple weeks, I've been empty but he's still been hungry, so I've also been giving him 2-3 ounces from a bottle which seems to do the trick - he's full and happy and sleeps eight to nine hours.

Weekends are a bit different, as Coop seems to like to eat more often when he's around me. It's often every 2-3 hours.

When we began adding the bottle of pumped milk in addition to nursing at bedtime, it seemed Cooper was consuming more than I was pumping most days. So I began taking Fenugreek (two pills three times a day) and that has really helped. I'd say that now I'm pumping an extra 4 to 5 oz. per day now. I know I could have gotten up around 2 a.m. to pump as well and I would if I had to, but it's hard to get up just to pump when your baby is sleeping through the night. And now, I think I pump as much after he eats in the morning as I would in another session anyhow.

Breastfeeding definitely isn't all sunshine and daisies though. I constantly worry whether he is getting enough, whether I am eating healthy, if something I eat will upset his tummy, etc. I felt horrible at his two week checkup when he was still 2 ounces below birth weight. The doctor tried to reassure me, but still... Even now, that I see he is growing, I'm still concerned. We know a baby born two days after Coop who weighed about two lbs. less who is now 1 lb. more! But, this other child is a formula baby and I'm told they gain faster. So I'm trying to let it go and be more confident.

In terms of food, I actually eat pretty much whatever I want, but still stay away from fish that may contain mercury. I down at least four bottles of water daily. I do drink alcohol, but only about one drink every three hours. A blog friend sent me an article and I have the link somewhere, if anyone is interested, that backs up why this is OK.

But there are so many plusses. I mean, first off, you don't have to worry about contamination. Next off, it's great for postpartum weight loss - I totally credit breastfeeding for me losing all the baby weight in 1.5 weeks and being back in my regular jeans in two weeks. It's easy too - I know how much I hate washing those damn bottles and all their parts every night (we use Dr. Browns) so I'd really hate doing more - not to mention how, if he does need a middle-of-the-night feeding, I can have him fed in less time than it would take to heat a bottle. (Thanks for bringing me to reality on this, Ashley.)

And, uh, what about the fact that it's FREE? So happy we aren't spending 100 bucks a month just on formula. Most of all I know, without a doubt, that it's the best thing for my son and formulated to his needs - it really is amazing that our bodies can not only make milk, but how it changes over time.

I've been working on this post for awhile. I will indicate that last week, I believe I had a clogged duct. Once again, our LC came to the rescue and simply ordered me to pump more often (if possible) so I could keep things moving.

Oh, did I mention how GREAT my employer is when it comes to breastfeeding? Luckily, I am in an office with no windows, so I can simply close the door. And, I have a fridge in my office. But our employee handbook states that nursing mothers will not only be given the time to pump, without penalty, but also the space to do so if they don't have office space like mine. My LC says to consider myself very fortunate for this.

I always wanted to know what others used, so here's my rundown:

• Nursing bras. I bought two sleep bras and one "real" one that was kinda stretchy before he arrived. About a week before I went back to work, I bought two more. All from JC Penney and I like all of them.
• 2 nursing camis - one black, one white, and I'm constantly febreezing them :) I LOVE these. But now that I'm a bit more experienced, I can do the regular camis with a nursing bra beneath.
• I have a Medela double electric breast pump. Our LCs recommend these most. I can't find a link to my specific model because I actually ordered it through our local health department's WIC office. Here, those in a lower income class can "rent" pumps for however long they need and simply have to repay the deposit. Well we made too much money to qualify, but they said they would order me a pump and I would just have to pay the cost! Mine is similar to the Medela Pump In Style Advanced, it just has the cooler in the big bag and is khaki, not black. And I paid less than half of what the similar pump cost at Target! I will note that other pharmacies in our area rent pumps and while they are the commercial-grade ones, it would have cost me as much to rent one for 12 weeks as I paid for mine. And I would have had to buy new tubing, etc. So I'm already ahead :)
• Medela pump and save bags. I was one of those who thought if I had a Medela pump, everything should be! So far, I like these, although I have heard complaints. I think before I buy more, I'm going to thaw a couple bags to make sure they do OK. If not, I've heard great things about Lansinoh and Honeysuckle-brand bags.
• N*pple cream. The hospital gave me samples of Lansinoh and Medela and I preferred the Medela.
• Nursing pads. I got several samples. Guess what? I didn't like the Medela. I prefer the Lansinoh. They stick in place and stay much smoother. Although nowdays I don't really leak so I don't wear them anymore. I looked into getting washable, reusable pads, but a friend advised me against that, as they have been linked to thrush.

I'm hoping that Cooper and I can continue down this road and hit that one year mark. Although I have to admit, I'm a bit terrified of how things will feel once teeth come in :)

If you have any questions, PLEASE feel free to email me. I'm pretty sure I am the most understanding when it comes to concerns considering I never saw myself on this path.


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