6-Months, makes for sweet nostalgia of yesteryear

Bradley will officially be 6 months this week. One of the hardest decisions was when to start solid food. The doc said he was ready at 5 months. However, after just a few days I felt like his digestive track wasn't ready as he was getting sick after each meal. So, now that the 6-month is approaching we are carefully trying again (with success this time). We knew it was time when we couldn't keep his hands from reaching for our plates, he was sitting up unsupported, and when he started feeding himself imaginary food from his bowl and spoon. During meal time we have him sit with us with his play dinnerware set as we eat delicious food and he eats, well, air. He politely 'chews' with his mouth closed and stares with amazement at all of mommy and daddy's food.

We have been trying to incorporate a lot of Montessori methods into our daily life, and self-feeding is one of them. It was tricky finding cups and plates that were of the perfect size and weight. Most children's spoons are too heavy or too long for them to maneuver. Also, most cups (such as a teacup as we have) are too heavy or far too large requiring the child to use both hands which defeats the purpose. Maria Montessori would have suggested using all glass. However, being a modern mom I just found some 'weighted' BPA-free plastic ones. He is especially good at using the teacup, probably because he sees mommy chug down a cup of coffee every morning.

Another way we have implemented the Montessori technique is by putting emphasis on wooden toys. We found a great toy shop, Brilliant Toy's which have educational toys and a large selection of Montessori-type toys. He got him a wooden baby rattle which he is happy to chew on and hold. Soon the small pieces, similar to a abacus (on the rattle) will be even more intriguing to him. I like how a lot of the toys like this grow with him.

We started doing some early learning programs as well. Another fellow mommy has started her own company that places such emphasis, Foundations Early Learning. We rotate daily with flashcards (some store bought that are straight to the point and some self-made with real photos of Mommy, Daddy, and other family members), Brillkids Little Readers Program, and Baby Signing Time DVDs. He usually is only interested in about 10-15 minutes. As this age, he mostly enjoys direct one-on-one contact such as singing, signing or talking. "If you're happy and you know it" still wins every time with a smile or full-on belly laugh.

The Psychology major has really come out in me as I research early-learning techniques and the modern Montessori methods. I say modern because too rigid is just impracticable. Maria Montessori, for example, didn't believe in infant seats or swings. However, Bradley can only take about 10-15 minutes of tummy time before he is frustrated (he is currently in the scooting stage). So, small durations in the swing or doorway jumper is perfect while mommy is preparing dinner. Another life-saver has been the Ergo Baby Carrier so that I can get some housework done (or fitting in those ever-so-small wine shops).

Last night was a time of reflection as we went through old photos of birth pictures to present. He's getting bigger and taller every day! He's now up to 20 lbs. WOW. We often think, what was life like before Bradley? Seems like so long ago, even if was just a mere 6 months ago that I was sitting on the beach, huge belly, being asked by strangers if I was having twins. :P

It's been 3 months already??

Its true what they say: we live in nanoseconds. Poof high school is over. Poof got married. Blinked again and we had our first son. Now time seems to whirl by even faster.

Bradley was 14 lbs 10 oz. at his last appointment for 8 weeks. He likes to eat just like his mommy:) He sleeps through the night-going to bed around 7 pm and sleeping 5-7 hours, waking, then back to sleep until 7 am. Thank you Babywise!!

Developmentally Bradley is doing great. I reaches for toys, grabs them, smiles, kicks his feet on command, lifting his head, and is just engulfed in the workings of the world around him. He is truly a delightful baby and we are so lucky to have such an easy-going tempered child. Let's hope he stays that way!

Grandpa Brad, Grandma Pat, Grandma/Grandpa Lopez came out to visit us last month. We had a lot of good times going to the beach and (for them) spending time with their grandson and great-grand son. I will be traveling to Arizona this month (October) so the rest of the family and friends can meet Bradley too.

Brad and I have been busy too. We started sailing lessons last month (as soon as I got the 6 week OK from the doctor). Let me tell you, sailing is hard work! Right now we are sailing on small boats called "Sunfish" or "Aquafinn". Once we have completed enough sailing hours we will take thee advanced course to learn how to sail the bigger boats (19 ft+).

I spend a lot of my time with Bradley, going to mommy play groups, cooking, sailing, and working out. Just started running this week and all I can say is WOW. I have never felt so out of breath! Each time it gets easier but I long for the day where I feel like 'me' again. My goal is to do a headstand by next year!

I've decided not to work but I may teach a few private yoga classes here and there.

1-Month Check In

I can't believe its been a month! It seems like a whirlwind of lack of sleep, hundreds of diapers changes, midnight feedings (and 2 am, 4am, 5am...) and the transition of becoming completely selfless to another little person. I thought to myself today, "when was the last time I showered?" "Have I brushed my teeth?" Choosing the breast-feed is one of the most rewarding experiences. There is something very gratifying knowing you are providing life to your child. And, as a direct result they are satisfied, nourished, and growing. At first it was a challenge since it seemed like he was feeding almost every hour! I guess I never realized how little sleep one could really get when nightly feedings called. Baby may cry out at 2 a.m. for a feeding. It takes about 20-30 minutes to feed and then sleepily back to bed. Before I could drift off to a deep sleep baby was hungry again! There was many times I thought I just can't do this. Usually those times would come around 4am-my personal melting point. I would tenderly nudge my husband to change the baby or bring the baby to me. It seemed like just the extra effort of getting out of the bed and walking less than 2 feet was exhausting. My husband has been a life-saver.

Now, a month into being a mother it feels like an eternity ago that I was in the hospital wondering what my little one would look like. I feel great and even got the OK to start light walking and stretching. Since its hot outside I try and walk the mall or early morning since my new wake up time is 7am. Its funny how becoming a parent makes you a morning person. Every morning I feel hung over and almost at my breaking point (esp. if its been one of those night of constant feedings). But then I see Bradley's little face when his eyes are wide open and all of those thoughts just melt away. Its like God gives mommy's super powers. Some times I wonder how one could even function after so many days of little to no sleep.

I'm still striving to eat healthy, organic, and local. And breast-feeding especially requires drinking even more water and an extra 500 calories. I'm so happy I can eat tomatoes again! I even had my first glass of wine. I simply pumped milk ahead of time and timed my glass of California merlot around our feeding schedule. Things I'm looking forward to is my first run and my first (and Bradley's) swim.

Once I get some free time (haha) I will finish writing my birth story. Until then...

Welcome Bradley Kenneth Harris III

Born July 18th 2010 at 6:24 p.m. weighing 9 lbs 10 oz.

39 weeks and counting!

So, any day now we will meet baby Bradley :) I am enjoying these last couple of weeks catching up on sleep, seeing movies, cooking, baking, and spending lots of time at the pool and beach!

I can't wait to be able to lay on my stomach again or go for a run. Guess I have a little time before all that...

29 weeks: Ginger vs. Tums

How I am feeling:
29 weeks are here and I have officially graduated to the 3rd trimester! It seems like the first day of my 29th week the indigestion came. It's not all the time but just when I am lying down at the end of the day. I have come to learn this is a slight case of acid reflux--something I have never experienced! As soon as my body is in a parallel position it invites all of the acid juices in my stomach to travel up to my throat. I become nauseous and immediately spring out of bed which stops the sensation. So, night time becomes a dancing in and out of bed game. Up I go to use the restroom, down I go to sleep. Tossing back and forth from side to side so that one side of my body is numb from lack of circulation. And up again from the acid reflux. I've tried everything. And finally I found relief. I tried ginger candy which caught my mouth on fire and the bitter taste was something unbearable. I tried positioning 2 pillows under my head, 1 under my back, and straddling a Boppy pregnancy pillow. This had temporary relief--and it makes sense: if the head and throat are elevated there would be less likelihood that the acid could travel to the throat. However, I was still being awakened out of my sleep to the unpleasant sensation. But at least I don't actually vomit, one of my least favorite things haha. Next, I tried cutting out acid-based foods: tomatoes, citrus, chocolate, and coffee. Its tough because those are all things I love. I don't drink much coffee but tomatoes were especially a daily consumption. The avoidance of these foods seems to help a bit but not completely. So what I find that works now is tums before every meal, acid-food avoidance, and Yogi organic Ginger Tea before bed. I also am sure not to snack 2-3 hours before bedtime. I still seem to have mild discomfort but at least I get a few more hours of shut-eye than I did before.

Baby Bradley is very active! By 8am he is demanding breakfast, he seems to like yoga as he moves about during class, noon its time to eat again, and then dinner by 5pm..sounds like a schedule to me! :)

What I am up to:
I just starting taking a new yoga class that is offered on base. Overall its a great class: challenging let a good stretch. However, I was disturbed about some of the instructors recomended positions. For example, crunches on a balance ball. This motion just didn't feel right and I was always taught that any type of ab crunch while pregnant was NOT permitted. Also, several times during class we were on our backs which I opted not to do as well. Just a friendly reminder that weather you're pregnant or not (but esp if you are) pay attention to your own body and do what feels right for you and your baby. Challenging yourself is great but nothing should hurt! I plan on asking the instructor for a little clarification as to how these positions are beneficial.

Other than exercising I am getting plenty of activity in by walking the beach! Really started to notice a difference in my calves after just the first day! I also still enjoy cooking, baking, and of course eating! I'm especially enjoying all of the fresh seafood here in North Carolina. Just a word of caution though: it is recommended that a pregnant woman consumes about 4-5 oz. of fish per week because of the possible mercury content. I esepcially enjoy shrimp and salmon. Another food favorite for the past couple of months, and I guess you would say its turned into a craving: peas. Sometimes I crave them at the end of the night like a dessert. Peas are high in fiber so perhaps this is a way my body is telling me what I need.

Week 20-21

So, our baby now has a name! And his name is: Bradley Kenneth Harris III! I went to my ultrasound during week 20 and saw our little Bradley for the first time (except I didn't know it was a boy just yet). He was very active, and in fact would barely sit still for us to take some pictures! Even though I was so convinced I was having a girl, once I saw him I had the funny feeling he was a boy. I told the doctor to write down the sex of the baby on a sheet of paper so that Brad and I could open it together that coming weekend. I still felt a mixture of surprise, a little disappointment, and excitement as the idea of having a boy started to sink in.

I am happy that our baby is healthy and is becoming more and more active every day. He really likes chocolate and dislikes onions (go figure..but I still eat it anyway just in smaller quantities). Overall, I am striving to get at least 5 fruits and 5 vegetables every day. Its hard! I really enjoy spinach, yellow squash, and zucchini lately. Along with eating healthy I have also got a bit of a sweet tooth. This is odd for me since I have never really been into sweets or that after dinner piece of cake. But I have good reason, I swear! :) I am taking a Wilton cake decorating class and each week we are required to bake a cake! I use this opportunity to practice the cake I will have at my baby shower next month (March 27th for those of you that live in Phoenix). My friend Kristin and I went major baby shopping last weekend, well kind of. We registered for items on my baby shower registry at Babies R Us. Things have really changed since the last time I did any babysitting! It seems like there is a gadget for everything! In my shopping I considered all the different options out there. Breast-feed? Organic? Brand-name? Generic? I decided anything that is good for me must be good for Bradley. First of all, diapers. I decided disposable diapers would be easiest for me. I won't have time to be doing loads and loads of more laundry so cloth diapers were out of the picture for now. However, I have always been sensitive to the smell of diapers. I don't even like going down that dreaded isle. It seems like most of the brand of diapers out there don't provide a list of ingredients either (yes, diapers have ingredients). Except, for Huggies. they are a little less popular than pampers but i figured I will give them a try. There are also some good organic ones made by Seventh Generation or Natures Earth. All will be trial and error to come. Next, the decision to breast-feed never seemed like a question to me. I mean free food for baby and healthy for brain development etc? I'm in!

The last few weeks I have seen the scale go to some strange numbers and I'm beginning to loose sight of my knees and feet! Overall, I still don't have any complaints for this pregnancy. At times, its difficult to sleep but I seem to manage. I am still getting daily exercise by walking the dogs, hiking, or just walking in general seems to be work now that I think about it ;) I'm doing more home-based yoga these days since the studio I go to teaches yoga at night and I prefer during the day. Also, monthly pre-natal massage seems to be helping a lot with circulation (don't want any veins here!)

If you're in the Phoenix area and can't make it to the shower let's make sure we at least meet up--a cup of coffee, yoga class, whatever!

The photos below are me at 21 weeks. Why take my photos of a bare belly and post them all over the internet? I'm proud of my body! And you should be too! No matter what shape or size we are all beautiful. And yes, I'm sure you will see me after all of this too. We can take the beautiful journey together of how the body changes for pregnancy and returns to fit shape afterwards. Namaste!