HaleyAnd, we’re off to a great start for 2014. We’ve squelched the sicknesses of December and are getting back to our regularly scheduled programming now that this cold snap has passed. So much and yet so little has happened since the start of the new year. We’ve been stuck inside more than we’d like, but I’ve been cooking like crazy and my house is somewhat clean.
Here’s a quick picture recap of what we’ve been up to since the first of the year:
Beau got some cute 12 month clothes for Christmas, and after I washed and dried them, I realized he may only fit into them a couple more weeks. I think he’s at roughly 21 pounds, though we’ll see at his 6-month wellness visit on Jan. 17. Hard to believe that he’s almost 6 months. Time has really flown by! We’re also working on his sitting up skills, and despite the large belly, he’s getting the hang of it!
I printed some long-sleeve maternity shirts to stock in my Etsy shop, and ordered some new tank versions as well. I have no idea what the future holds for my little shop. I typically place orders in small batches of about 25 because I just don’t know what I’ll be doing 6 months from now and would hate to have money tied up in inventory that’s sitting in a closet. I love doing it, but right now my time is focused on my little family, so it’s an extra, along with blogging 🙂 I do it when I can.
We marvelled at just how much Beau resembles his daddy. It’s so crazy how Beau looks nothing like me, and honestly, I love it. With dark hair and eyes, I never imagined I’d have a blue (well grayish-blue) eyed, blonde haired child.
I’m working on sleep-training Beau, and it’s going pretty well. Of course, after the sickness of December, just sleeping back in his crib again was a huge success. Now, he’s down to one night feeding, which is pretty glorious. I’m in no hurry for him to drop that feeding, because if he’s only nursing once between 7:30 or 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., I call that success. Plus, I don’t want it to affect my supply all of a sudden.
Naps are another story. Sometimes, he naps great in his crib; maybe once a day he goes down well or only cries a few minutes before falling asleep. Other days, well, let’s just say that after several attempts at him crying then me soothing, I eventually give up. I just read the short Moms on Call kindle book, and it mentions twilight sleep, which is what happens a lot during Beau’s naps. I’m hoping to start loosely following the recommended 6-month schedule soon.
Because JM was in daycare starting at 3 months, he was used to more of a routine. I can already tell this routine is helping Beau, if for nothing else than sleeping better at night. This mama is so grateful and excited to start getting more sleep!
Before I really start following the Moms on Call schedule, Beau has to be eating baby food. We just started him several days ago with squash, pears and apples, and he seems to really like it. Right now he’s eating between 1.5 and 2 oz. three times a day. He really seems to like eating, and is starting to get the hang of it. Now, I just need to be more consistent giving him the bottle so it’s ok for me to go out to dinner or a wedding without taking him along.
Besides feeding Beau, I’ve also been on a cooking kick lately–most likely due to the frigid temps of late as well as catching up from my lack of cooking during our month of sickness. JM loves to help me cook or bake, and takes up his appointed spot on the counter for his tasks, which usually involve placing chopped veggies into a pot or dumping a measuring cup of almond meal into a mixing bowl. And of course he loves sampling everything along the way. He’s the only toddler I know who loves licking a measuring cup full of coconut oil.
Because of the record low temps earlier this week, Â soup just seemed like the only appropriate thing to make. It warms the soul. So far this week, I’ve made butternut squash soup, loaded potato soup and chili.
I also made a batch of paleo pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, which JM loves!
James gave me a jumbo muffin tin for Christmas, so I’ve used it for breakfast muffins, mini cauliflower pizzas as well as a couple batches of egg muffins with either sausage or bacon in them.
James and JM went to get his second professional haircut at a local barber, and when he got home I was shocked. What happened to all those beautiful blond little curls in the back? Gone! Least to say, mama will now be taking him for haircuts herself 🙂
Now that Beau is getting older and starting to sit up, I can’t wait to see the dynamic between him and JM. And once Beau starts crawling, I can’t even imagine. JM has been waiting so long for Beau to play with him. He gives him toys now and Beau will reach out and take them, along with chunks of JM’s hair 🙂
Today, JM started back at his preschool two mornings a week. He l.o.v.e.s. his school, classmates and teachers, and he started chattering their names before he left this morning. He really needs that social interaction and I’m so glad he can attend. This also gives me one-on-one time with Beau, who was my sous chef making cauliflower pizza this morning.
Two posts in one week? I’m pretty sure this is a record over the past 5 months. Both boys are napping at the same time so that means I get about an hour of quiet. I’m trying to make myself sit down during this short time so that I can get a little rest, though I’m tempted to try for a quick workout at home. Once Beau gets into a routine for his naps, I’m hoping I can start up working out again. It’s been weeks and weeks since I’ve exercised–we’re talking November. But now that I’m getting more sleep I’m hopeful I can take care of that area next.
Cheers to the New Year and finding balance! Easier said than done, but getting more sleep makes me hopeful it’s possible 🙂
