Transitioning Tales

I don't like this... not one bit.

But I guess it has to be done.

You see I'm a first time mom (FTM). And first time moms- well at least this first time mom- are extra doty (if that's a word) on their first borns. This is not to say that subsequent children won't be subjected to millions of kisses daily, or extreme cuddle time 25/7 but I've never had anything this cute and squishy to hold that was mine! And I cherish every.single.moment. Yea, the hubby helped so I guess I have to share but you get my point. In case you don't my point is I love having my baby boy with me 24/7!

So I'm a little saddened by this:

Yea that's right my little guy is transitioning to his crib... insert sad face here.

okay, I'm the one with the sad face... but isn't his cute?? I hope he doesn't start to realize that I'll give in to that face...

I know a lot of mommies, including FTM's start their babies sleeping in their own rooms from the night they bring baby home. But that isn't the case with me. I feel strongly about rooming-in, I don't care how much preparation went into their nurseries- they will get plenty of sleep in there, just not right away. I also breastfed baby and it was much easier for me to reach over and get my baby than get out of bed and walk down the hall. Plus I read an article that said the more upset a baby gets during the night, the longer it could take to put them back down. Meaning if they have to cry real loud to get your attention (from being in the room down the hall) or even get worked up to a cry by time you get there- then it will take a little longer for them to calm back down once their needs are met.

However, this wonderful closeness to mommie can't last forever- but I didn't think it would come so quick. I started to put baby boy in his crib for daytime naps to no avail. He would wake up as he felt himself being lowered into the crib. Then at the point when I could lower him without waking him- his eyes would fly right open as soon as his little hiney touched the crib mattress. *Sigh* I mean in all reality I didn't care much at first. But then I realized that one day he will out grow the bassinet and then what?

Someone suggested that the crib environment is very different from the bassinet environment. The bassinet is way cozier and softer than the crib. So, I put down a few cozy blankets and tried to make him feel as though he was surrounded in the same manner as the bassinet. Yes, I know "O! the horror!" There isn't supposed to be anything in the crib, and babies canNOT sleep on their tummies. While their reports are well meaning these people* have never tried to put my son to sleep in his crib. So I made it as comfortable as possible for him and with some patience he took a nap in his crib!

He hasn't done it since that one successful time earlier this week but I'll keep at it. And in the meantime, I'll enjoy waking up in the middle of the night, sitting up, and seeing my little sweetness sound asleep- right next to mommie.

* Please note- I am in no way intending to undermine the recommendations of the AAP or the families who have lost their beloved babies to suffocation, entrapment, strangulation, or SIDS. I take the recommendations and experiences of others very seriously and intend to protect the welfare of my child. I monitor him during these naps to make sure we aren't victims of very unfortunate circumstances.

Wishlist Wednesday

Let me start by introducing the series. Since it is officially the Christmas season I am dedicating a few posts to the holiday. A series of which will be wishlist wednesday. Don't get me wrong - I already have the greatest gift anyone could ask for and I am so excited for his first Christmas.

A total of 14 (now 15 {with my son} and sometimes 16) of my family members normally get together for the holidays. We eat, we laugh, we reminisce, and we play games. In the past we would all exchange gifts with each other on Christmas. However, a few years ago my family decided that we would no longer buy gifts for everyONE. Not only was this an economical decision but it was becoming increasingly hard to buy original gifts for everyone. So on thanksgiving we put all of our names on the Turkey platter and then draw. Somehow a hat eluded us and this was after we ate and cleaned it. We set a budget of $60 and give our top 3 wishes.

I have found that over the years we have gotten creative and some people will buy gifts for everyone! I don't know why but putting a limit on everyone has forced us to get creative and thrifty. For example, my unmarried Aunt always talks about how she wants a man- so the year my mom pulled her name she went the toy store and got her a GI Joe figurine... and there you have it folks- she got a man! It was absolutely hilarious! My mom also got her a 'real' gift in addition to that but we all wait in anticipation on see who it going to be the most clever.

This year I want a new camera.

I know this is way (waaay) over budget but a girl can dream... can't she? I mean I have a pretty good point and shoot camera and don't really NEED much more. But I also feel like I want to take the best pictures possible of this little guy: I kind of want aDo-SLR. I feel like I could take better quality pictures with this type of camera. I could be wrong, but I'd like to try.

With that I also want to learn how to edit pictures beyond the basics. I have already learned a few good tips and free editing websites from some other bloggers but I'd like to take my editing to a whole 'nother level. In fact, for the new year (and for my son) I would like to do the 365 day photo challenge. I've seen quite a few other bloggers do this and with some awesome variations ( see this mom's 365 love letters to her daughter). I would have to do my own variation of this and probably 52 love letters. You all know I don't like setting myself up for disappointment and surely if I try to take a picture once a day- I would. So I could do once a week and then put them into a book for him. I like the love letters take on it because it makes the pictures that much more meaningful.

But instead I'll compromise with a tri-pod. I think this would help with some of my picture taking endeavors and costs a boatload less than the former.

So whoever has my name... hint, hint!

Christmas has come early!

I love getting new things. Especially when it 'works' for me. A few months ago, hubby decided to surprise me with an awesome gift. Well it finally came to fruition last week. And I LOVE it!

This actually wasn't an easy decision- I am very indecisive when it comes to large purchases. But in the end it worked for us financially so I am okay with that. It has bluetooth so I make and receive calls without taking my hands off the steering wheel. It has iPod integration so my favorite tunes are at my fingertips, plus it has a ton of other cool features but the one I like the most:

I get to stare at my little guy at traffic lights :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you all are enjoying the holiday weekend :)

How did it go?

Baby boy's well visit went pretty...well. I was super nervous because he was going to get his first round of shots today. I was also anxious to see how much he's grown. So here it is:

Yep! My little bit is 13 pounds and not happy about it! Whoa! He's growing like a weed! He is in the 75th percentile for weight. At 23 inches long he is in the 50th percentile for length, and his big old dome is 17 inches... the doctor said that's "the top of the curve"...

When it was time for his shot his daddy held his hand. So sweet.  But that didn't stop him from lighting up the doctor's office. I must admit- I didn't look when she did it. I felt so bad for him. Normally he is not like this at the doctor. But I'm normally not an angel after getting a needle either- so I can't blame him. I just couldn't wait to scoop him up in my arms and take the pain away.


After some mommy and daddy cuddles and a little snack:

He's all better :)

I don't think any of us are looking forward to the next well visit.