Unsolicited advice

Yes, I've become one of THOSE mommies. Uh oh. Honestly though I do try to preface everything with "what worked for us" coupled with finishing my conversation with "every baby is different and you'll figure out what works best for yours". And I truly mean it. I just feel like some of the things I HAVE to share were such life or time savers that I want to make it work for someone else's family too! I have good intentions I really do. Plus, most of these things were suggested to us thanks to some of the other new mommies around us!

So here are a few things that work(ed) for us:

-Swaddle me swaddles (only at bed time)
-Give breast feeding 1 month (I watched her cry from the pain, attended a lactation consultation appt and kept her company just so she wouldn't be lonely in those wee hours of the night while she fed)
-Attended a handful of classes @ Kaiser before his arrival (And baby makes 3 was invaluable!!)
-Communication is key (it is inevitable you will talk about some of the hardest things in your life during such a time)
-Zipper sleepers (because at 3am trying to line the buttons up takes a lot of effort)
-Breast flow bottles at 4 weeks (they mimic a breast so as to not cause nipple confusion)
-Cloth diapers (huge financial savings, gentle on their skin, bamboo inserts hardly leak, but it takes team work)
-Angel care monitor (monitors their breathing so mommies can relax and sleep a little easier)
-Aden and Anais blankets (esp for summer babies, good size and breatheable)
-Nuk pacifier (orthopedic kind to be specific)
-Gas drops (because there is nothing better than a happy baby!)
-Ergo & Moby (for when you need to be hands free)
-Puj tub (soft and convenient)
-Take time off (time honestly flies by, take off from work as much as possible)

7 weeks

Has flown by like I never thought it could. This little fella of ours has brought us so much love, joy, challenges, and happiness. I feel so lucky to be his mama.

One thing is for sure, I'm so glad my wife and I have such a solid and beautiful foundation. Having this little guy has tested our patience, made us doubt ourselves and challenged our instincts at times. However, the respect and love we have for one another has helped us to preservere and end up on top (pardon the pun) during such challenges.
Breast feeding and cloth diapering is going well, though is a lot of work, but nothing this team can't handle. I am so proud of us, consistency has never been our strength, but he has brought that to our household and hopefully its here to stay.

Speaking of, Monday is the day we start eating healthier (less fast food, more at home), start exercising (I will ride my bike on Monday) and getting healthy again. Then we will start WW come August. There is SO much I want to do with this guy, but know I (we) need to be in better health to make it happen. I really want to show him the world as much as I'm able.

Real quick-
Holding his head up better and more often
Smiling at mommy on command
Cooing (love it)
Poop machine
Farts like an old man (quite impressive)
Intentionally hits toys in bouncer
Blows bubbles
Breast feeding with no nipple shield
Technically sleeping through the night (please don't make me eat those words)
Loves bathy time w mama

The way you look at me

Graham, you are starting to have more awake time and I simply cannot get enough of it. The way you look so intently in my eyes makes me feel so full of love. Might be wishful thinking, but it makes me feel like you recognize me and my voice from all that talking I did to you when you were in your mommies belly. I am so happy you are here with us. I simply adore you my little fella.

We are moms!

Graham John Sheldon blessed us with his presence on June 2nd @ 649am! He was 7lbs 14oz 20inches long of pure perfection. He cried from the second he came out and it was love at first sight for both of us.
The last almost two weeks has flown by and the lack of sleep is no joke, but we wouldn't trade it for anything.
Our boys, Duncan and Logan, are doing just as we had hoped for with him! As a family of 5 our hearts couldn't be any more full. Life is wonderful.
Now back to enjoying my wife and son, they're just about done with another feeding session.

Protection & Glow

Nicole is carrying our son. I cannot help but feel like I need to protect her with all my might. The other day we were in Safeway and this guy with this HUGE beer belly sticking out from underneath his shirt walked in. Turns out we met him head on in the next isle and I kid you not he literally took his glasses off and looked her up and down. I was watching him like a hawk and was literally seconds away from asking him if he wanted to take a picture since it'd last longer. I was not happy with him to say the least. While Nicole may have been totally oblivious I was not. I cannot believe I was able to keep my mouth shut, but just barely. I can definitely feel a change in me. It's weird. Most people know that I'm very alert and aware of my surroundings, but I think it's actually gotten even stronger. I'm aware of peoples every move when she is with me. I think I'm starting to even drive differently. She's starting to notice little changes in me too; it's pretty crazy.

It's so true about the "pregnancy glow" and I'm succumbing to it. LOL I seriously think Nicole is as pretty as she was on our wedding day every day now! Now, don't get me wrong, the woman is beautiful, but this gorgeous glow is something different! I can tell she is SO happy and feels SO pretty, it's written all over her face and I am just DRAWN to her. Like can't get enough. It's so bad that I can barely stand not standing next to her when we're in the same room! She's just drop dead gorgeous and I'm loving every minute of it.

What she does to me! PS. This beer is good.

Signed,

Protective Mama of a Gorgeous Glowing Mommy