Friday, May 16, 2014

3 Months

RYLEIGH'S 3 MONTH STATS:
[We don't have a doctor's appointment this month, so we had to approximate at home]

Weight:  around 14lbs
Height:  I'm guessing around 25 inches? she's getting long!


EATING
No huge changes here...I'm still making 4oz bottles, although for "daytime" bottles [ones that I know she will eat between 10am-7pm] I have been making them sometimes with a little more, around 4.5 or 5oz.  She eats about every 2 1/2 hours, which I think has gotten a little more frequent since she's sleeping and doesn't eat over night.  She usually will want almost 2 full bottles in a row sometime between 6-8pm, probably because she's gearing up for that long night!  Right before bed, around 10pm, she will drink 3oz.  It's rare that she will drink all 4oz before bed because she gets sleepy by the end of the bottle.  Pumping at work has been going well so we are still doing only breastmilk.  I have to admit that I feel life would be so much simpler if we switched to formula.  I wouldn't be the slave to a strict 3hr pumping schedule.  I wouldn't have to miss out on things because I have to pump in the middle of visiting with friends and family.  There would be no more engorgement pain or burning let-downs.  I wouldn't get frustrated because I'm trying to pump while home by myself with Ryleigh and she starts to cry but I can't pick her up.  There would be no more washing of a million pump parts.  Feeling more productive at work because I don't have to take pumping breaks.  It would just be so much easier.  BUT, I just try to tell myself to take it one month at a time.  That way, when that month is done, I can push myself to go one more month.  Then one more month again.  Plus, I always remember once I do stop pumping I will have all my frozen milk to use before switching to formula.  I just do not want to stop pumping for selfish reasons.  I want to feel good and satisfied and accomplished.  Not just quit for convenience.  Right now, I just feel like Ryleigh is too young to switch and I don't feel done yet.  I don't think I will feel that way until at least 6 months.  I know that it's such a sensitive subject and different for every mom, but this is just what I feel is best for us and for Ryleigh.

TEETHING
A new category! The struggle is real.  We'll keep you posted.  For now--lots of drool, hand chewing, Tylenol, and teethers..Can't wait for Ryleigh's Hazelaid necklace to arrive!

 


SLEEPING
...through the night!! Whoop whoop!  Ryleigh started sleeping through the night the day that she turned 10 weeks old.  We have only had 2 or 3 nights since then where she woke up around 4 or 4:30.  She typically goes to bed in her crib around 10-10:30pm and will sleep until 6-7am.  We are still using and loving our sleep sacks.  I've noticed that she sleeps better with one on.  She also seems to be getting more into a schedule for naps during the day, although that's not perfect yet.

 ACTIVITY
Always!  She seems to have found a way to dig her heels into the ground and scoot her little booty up/backwards to move.  It's funny on her play mat or the sofa.  Not funny on the changing pad. 
How did I get myself sideways, Dad?


DIAPERING
Pampers are still a favorite for us, but now that she's got some plump to those thighs she's been able to wear other brands too.  We also like the Luvs Extra Absorbant and Honest Company. 

CLOTHES
We're a little all over the place with sizes.  She's officially grown out of all her newborn clothes, but still fits into pretty much all of her 0-3 month clothes.  We have moved her up to 3-6 month footed sleepers, just to have the extra length. I'm also starting to mix in some 3-6 onesies and leggings but they're still pretty baggy on her.

SPECIAL FIRSTS
--1st dip into the lake...got her toes wet and unfortunately her booty from a wave
--1st sunglasses...and boy are they cute!
--Thumb sucking.  It's the best, most adorable thing ever!  Picture of that coming soon :)




Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Teething Troubles

We have been getting quite educated on the world of teething babies lately, as Ryleigh's teething has been getting more severe.  She's drooling a lot and will usually have a meltdown by 6pm if she doesn't get a small dose of Tylenol by then.  It makes me so sad to see the pain in her face as she chews on her fingers and teethers.  I've been looking into everything to make my baby feel better and ease pain, since she's got a long road ahead for a whole mouth of teeth...

Here is a breakdown of the things we've tried and a word of caution against a product that you can find everywhere but it can be very dangerous!

Let's start off by talking about Hyland's teething tablets.  Many people use them.  They can be found at Walmart, Target, Walgreens, Buy Buy Baby, etc.  We tried them and they did seem to help ease Ryleigh's teething pain.  However, I've learned some scary things about them over the past few days.  They are 100% natural, so many people think they are fine to use and do not question the ingredients.  The important thing to remember is that just because something comes from nature does not mean that it can't hurt you.  Ever heard of poison berries?  Well Belladonna, an ingredient in Hyland's teething tablets, is a poison berry plant that is toxic in adults and children.  Hyland's has a mild warning on their label to not use more than directed and not to use for more than 7 days in a row--which should keep your child's levels safe. However, the FDA has been warning people against Hyland's tablets for over 3 years because they have been found to have differing levels of belladonna in each tablet therefore causing health issues in some children even when their parents use as directed.  Read more about that here.  To a protective momma, that's like playing Russian roulette!  This is what the box looks like for reference:



So now, let's talk about what we actually like:


 1.  Boon Pulp Silicone Feeder- I haven't actually done this yet, but since I love all Boon products I know this will be great for making breastmilk popsicles and putting some frozen baby food in.  I'm going to try the breastmilk this week so I'll update on how that goes!

2. Vulli Sophie the Giraffe So'Pure Vanilla Teether-  We really like this teether.  It's the smaller version of the more popular Sophie the Giraffe teether and the two things that we like about this smaller version are (1) price and (2) the hoops coming off of it.  This is half the price of the bigger version and the hoops make me feel more comfortable to have a younger baby putting into her/his mouth because they can't poke the back of their throat.  I've also noticed how it's helping Ryleigh develop her motor skills, gripping and bringing this to her mouth, which is a little bonus :)

3.  Bright Starts Chill & Teethe set- Found this one day while perusing the aisles of Walmart and it was a fantastic $2.99 purchase.  The shape of these is great for younger babies with smaller mouths.  Because these are frozen and cold, Ryleigh will not hold it herself so we have to hold them up to her mouth...

4.  Wubbanub- We have the elephant and also have this yellow duck.  Ryleigh loves them both.  I highly recommend a Wubbanub, or two, for your little one!


And lastly, we are trying a Baltic Amber teething necklace.  I ordered one from Hazelaid after being referred there by a friend with a little girl who seems to be doing better with teething since she started wearing hers.  Once ours arrives and we try it out for a little while I'll let you know what we think!  There's a lot of information to educate you and ease your fears on their site, like the fact that they are made with a safety clasp and they knot each individual bead to the necklace to avoid choking hazards.  I got the Amber-Lemon necklace, which is a 9 out of 10 on their scale for effectiveness [the lighter the bead the stronger it is].






Thursday, May 1, 2014

Baby Item Reviews

Before Ryleigh was born, I posted about the items below being ones that we either bought or had on her registry.  I figured that I should update you all on our thoughts and opinions after using them over the past 11 weeks!  
 
1. The Fisher Price Rock & Play Sleeper worked perfectly for when Ryleigh was still sleeping in our room.  I originally wanted the Snugapuppy design because it's so cute, but when I went to the store to buy it they only had the My Little Lamb version.  Still really cute and gender neutral.  I'd say that I especially liked this for a winter baby, because the insert and head pillow are super soft and plush to keep little one warm at night :) I still use it as a place for her to lay in and rest while I get a shower, usually on the weekends because during the week I shower at night once she's in bed.
 
2.  Britax B-Agile and B-Safe travel system works great for us! The carseat is very safe and secure, and everything is just really easy to use.  Easy to fold, unfold, click in place, etc.  At first Ryleigh hated being put in the carseat, but now she tolerates it.  I think sometimes she even likes it because she's interested to see where we're going.  The stroller is so easy to use and rides very well.  Highly recommend!
 
3.  Ryleigh LOVES her Fisher-Price Kick N Play Piano gym.  She will wail her arms around and talk to herself in the mirror.  Not to mention she kicks the heck out of the piano keys.  I don't know if she even realizes that the kicking is what makes the music play, since it's non-stop from the time you lay her down.
 
4. Fisher-Price Monkey Bouncer has been a necessity so far.  When we are not feeding or cuddling with her, she's usually found in this thing.  It's still one of the only bouncers that I've seen that has an activity bar that actually lights up and provides interest and stimulation.  It's very comfortable for her to sit in and nap in, and the activity bar can detach for when she just wants to hang out instead of play.  She loves to sit in this and talk to the blue ladybug.  Simple pleasures :)
 
5.  I am really liking my Built Go-Go Diaper Tote.  I'm amazed at everything that I can fit into this thing.  It's a great size and has tons of pockets on the inside as well as the outside.
 
6.  Motorola Video Monitor.  Must have.  Ours works great so far, was extremely easy to set up, and I can't imagine not having the video aspect.  It's so helpful when she fusses, cries, coughs, etc. to be able to see her and know if she's ok or if I need to go check on her.  Especially as she grows and starts rolling over, I know we will love having this monitor even more than we already do.
 
7.  Graco Playard with Newborn Napper/Changer We haven't really used this all that much yet, but we have it set up in our living room.  Ryleigh has slept a little bit in the newborn napper, but it's only been for tiny little cat naps while I wash dishes or something like that.  I will say that this was the most difficult item to put together, and I don't think it would be the best option for a pack & play that you were going to be travelling with a lot.  But, for what we will use it for, I think we will really like it.
 
8.  Graco Sweet Slumber sound machine has been great so far! We leave its nightlight function on all night long and leave the instrumental/classical music playing.  Ryleigh seems very soothed by it, and it's not bad for us to hear either since it comes through the sound on the monitor!
 
9.  I'm a huge fan of Boon products--the quality, colors, clean lines...With me exclusively pumping, this Boon Orb bottle warmer has been vital.  Extremely easy to use and works quickly.  It works amazingly for Medela 4oz bottles and works well for Avent 9oz bottles.  I haven't been able to get it to heat Dr. Brown's bottles correctly yet.  I' m looking forward to using it for baby food also once Ryleigh is older. 
 
10.  Summer Infant Contoured Changing Pad.  Not a whole lot to say here, but it's a necessity and I like the design of this one. 
 
 
Overall, I have been really happy with everything we've chosen.  I can't even explain how happy it makes me to see how much Ryleigh enjoys some of these as well. 
 
Sorry I haven't been posting as frequently lately...we've just been busy enjoying our new little family, and transitioning into our new "normal" with work and daycare schedules. 
 
Have a great weekend :)