These are a few of our favorite things...

Lucy is a very loved and supported little girl (spoiled? no such thing) who wants for nothing. Toys, clothes, gadgets, books, you name it, she has 2. There are a few things, however, that have become favorite things that are used almost everyday. I wanted to make sure and record what made the list at the three month mark in her life as I know it will change drastically over the next few months and years. I also think it will be interesting to see what changes over the years as "new and improved" baby products come out. In no particular order...

1. Moby Wrap
         I knew I would want to have some sort of way to "wear my baby" so I did some research on the various options. I chose this wrap since it could hold newborns up to 35 pounds. Many of the others were for once the baby could hold their head up but I wanted to be able to use it as soon as possible. We put Lucy in my wrap when she was 3 days old for a walk and she has loved it ever since. It was especially nice when she was very little as we could put her in it and go out to dinner. She falls asleep as soon as she is in there and with a few adjustments I can even nurse her when were out. Now at 3 months, she likes to be able to face out and with the heat we figure the baby bjorn is cooler. Jameson will wear the bjorn so that's an added bonus but my preference is still for the moby wrap.

2. gDiapers/ Fuzzibunz
       Jameson and I decided to use cloth diapers while we were expecting Lucy for her comfort as well as financial and environmental reasons. I had read that cloth diapered babies were less likely to develop rashes and after feeling these things I couldn't imagine anything softer on her skin! When she was first born she was too tiny for the gdiapers we had bought so we used disposables for about three weeks. In just those first three weeks, we spent about $80 on diapers! Having received most of the gdiaper components at my shower (small diapers and all size inserts), I only needed to buy the medium and large size diapers which totalled about $175. An added bonus is we can use them for any babies to come. I also purchased the fuzzibunz diaper when they were on zulily one day. I ended up with 7 diapers for $70.  These are one pocket diapers so the entire diapers needs to be washed after use instead of just the insert with gdiapers.  I have asked Jameson for a clothes line to cut down on costs even more and for the "bleaching"  effect of the sun. All in all, we are very happy with both brands and washing hasn't been an issue at all.

3. Burt's Bees Shampoo and Body Wash
         We started using this shampoo on Otis before Lucy was born since bulldogs are known for having sensitive skin. We then decided to use it for Lucy so Otis would recognize the smell and hopefully welcome her when she was new. Now, we just love the smell and how gentle it is on her skin.

4. White Onesies

           Lucy wears these every night to sleep in. She gets hot in anything else. I don't mind at all since I think it is one of the most adorable things a baby can wear :)

5. Ralph Lauren Cashmere Blanket

         Jameson and I went shopping the day we found out we were having a little girl. The first stop was at Ralph Lauren where we found the softest, most luxurious, pink, cashmere blanket. Original price was $295 but because it was an outlet and I had an employee discount, it ended up much less. This was the blanket we wrapped Lucy in at the hospital and our favorite one to hold her in ever since. I am hoping to hand it down to her one day when she has her own little girl.

None of these things are absolutely necessary but they sure make things a little nicer for Lucy and us. I wonder what will make her "favorite things" list when she is 3 years instead of 3 months?

Our view on vaccines

This is the first post I have written that I have considered sharing with other people. I started this blog as a story book of sorts of our family for us to one day look back on and remember this special time in our lives. However, after all of the research I have put into this I thought other parents may find it helpful in determining what is best for their child. In an effort to be as educated as possible before Lucy's arrival, I did A LOT of reading. Pregnancy books, parenting books, breastfeeding books, books on baby sleeping and so on and so on. I began questioning what is routinely given to infants and children after the childbirth class Jameson and I attended. I wanted to know the reason for the eye treatment, Erythromycin, they give infants as well as the Hepatitis B and Vitamin K shots. After reading up on them, I chose to deny all of these for Lucy as the eye cream and Hepatitis B are given to protect the baby should the mother have a STD and the Vitamin K shot is responsible for rapid cell division which is important should the child have hemorrhaging from delivery, but rapid cell division is the problem in children who suffer from Leukemia. The shot introduces levels of the vitamin exponentially higher than that needed by the baby and can instead be taken orally by the mother if she plans to breastfeed. Unfortunately Lucy had a heart murmur when she was born and in case blood had to be drawn, she did receive the shot. I then decided to spend a lot of time researching vaccines. After hearing and reading so many varying opinions and realizing routine may not be what I want to base my decisions on, I decided to delve into the matter myself. While I am no doctor, I knew I could find unbiased information and develop my own educated opinions to then take to our pediatrician and finalize a vaccine schedule we were both comfortable with. Luckily, I had plenty of time to research on weekends while my husband and father in law were busy finishing the many house projects and refusing to let me help :) One of the best resources I found was Dr. Sears "Vaccine Book." I am a fan of Dr. Sears attachment parenting advice anyway (askdrsears.com) so I knew this would be a good start. While the book provided way more detailed information than I needed, I was able to pull out the pieces that would help to make our ultimate decisions. I have the luxury of having a pediatrician who encourages me to research and come to him with my findings for us to talk about. If anyone is on the eastern shore, I strongly recommend Dr. Freddy Araujo! The other side of this is that if everyone stopped vaccinating their children against the diseases than we would have epidemics again. Luckily, I only have to look out for the best interest of my own child, not all the children as our doctors and pediatricians do. Ultimately, it is up to each parent to decide what is best for their child in their unique circumstance. I only hope to share what I have found in my research to encourage other parents to really understand what they are giving their children. Below I have listed the currently recommended vaccines by the American Association of Pediatrics and my findings on each of them. This is more for my own reference whenever we decide to have baby #2 (and 3 :) ) so sorry to bore you but here we go...

• HIB
• Less than 25 cases per year in kids under 5
• Most serious result if not vaccinated is meningitis
• Breastfed babies not attending daycare are at an extremely low risk
• Not whole cell or live virus vaccine; lowest risk of side effects
• If yes to vaccine, aluminum free version
• Pentacel combines the HIB, DTaP, and Polio vaccine in one shot
• Comvax combines HIB and Hepatitis B with a lower aluminum content than Pentacel
• My decision was not to include this in Lucy's schedule but our pediatrician strongly encouraged it because of the threat of meningitis so I am still researching and debating on this
• PC- Pneumococcal Disease
• Ten thousand serious cases a year
• Most serious result is not vaccinated is meningitis blood infection or pneumonia
• Not whole cell or live virus
• Prevnar vaccine contains aluminum
• My decision was to include this vaccine. However, these will be administered at "shot only" visits at 3, 5, 7, and 15 months so she will not receive more than one vaccine at any one visit.
• DTaP- Diptheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis/Whooping Cough
• Diptheria has no more than 5 cases a year in children; Tetanus has 50-100 in adults with maybe 1 in children; Pertussis is seen in 10k-25k children under the age of 6 months
• Serious side effects are from the Tetanus strain because of the modified tetanus toxin in the vaccine
• If yes, only the Daptacel vaccine because it contains no animal tissue.
• I decided to include this one because of Pertussis. Ideally, these would be individual vaccines so I could eliminate the Diptheria and postpone the Tetanus but in order to get the Pertussis she has to get them all. These will be administered at 2, 4, 6, and 18 months and again at 4 years. Most times this is given at the same time as PC which is why we do the shot only visits.
• Hepatitis B
• This is routinely given at birth but I denied it at the hospital since I am not a carrier and she will not be receiving it as an infant at all.
• Rotavirus
• If caught, will cause severe diarrhea and possible dehydration with chance of hospitalization.
• Whole, live cell virus cultivated in monkey kidney cells
• Vaccine gives babies a mild form of the infection to build up antibodies.
• Most likely to be spread in daycares
• High rate of seizures post vaccine.
• I did not want Lucy to get this vaccine and our pediatrician agreed not to include it.
• Polio
• No cases since 1985 when there was one
• Vaccine is an inactive, whole virus grown in a culture of monkey kidney cells injected with calf blood serum.
• I have decided not to include this vaccine because of the controversial ingredients listed above and the fact that it is no longer a concern in our society.
• MMR- Measles, Mumps, Rubella
• There are 50-100 cases of measles reported per year; 250 cases of mumps
• 1 in 20 children who receive the vaccine will have side effects of aches, fevers, and rash within two weeks of the injection
• Vaccine is cultured in chicken embryo cells with fetal cow serum and human proteins
• The complications from the virus are the same as the potential side effects.
• Some doctors find the combined MMR vaccine increase the risk of autism versus individual vaccines
• Ideally this too would be individual as I would prefer to only vaccinate against Rubella during infancy and postpone the Mumps vaccine since Mumps are more serious in teens and adults. Rubella is given to protect pregnant women who, if exposed, could lose the fetus.
• During my research these were available as individual vaccines but have since been returned to one. Dr. Sears as well as the AAP does not advise the vaccine until 12 months.
• Varicella Vaccine- Chickenpox
• The vaccine contains trace amounts of MSG and is cultured in cow fetus serum
• Reaction to vaccine and the complications of chickenpox are very similar
• This is not recommended until 12-15 months by the AAP and not until 18 months by Dr. Sears but as of now I would not include this in her schedule.

So far Lucy has received one shot and is scheduled for her next in one week. I will continue to keep an eye on ongoing research of vaccines should things change. Happy researching parents!

Mommy's first three months

Lucille,
  While I have written to you about your changes, growth, and accomplishments over the last 12 weeks, I feel it is equally important for you to know how you have made your mommy change, grow, and accomplish. My life instantly changed the moment I found out about you so you will never know the person I was before you. In some ways I think it is better that way. The lessons you have taught me through your own life have shaped me into the woman I have always wanted to be and I continue to develop that person as your needs of me grow and change. I find it incredible that the same qualities you are developing in me are the ones I hope to instill in you. While I have always wanted to be your mommy since I was a little girl, having you here with me now is more fulfilling than I could ever have imagined. It seems I have spent my life working towards you but I now realize my work is just beginning.
   Patience- I had never been one to enjoy the waiting period for anything. I graduated college in three years because I figured if I could handle the course load, why wait and waste time. Before college was over I had a full time job with polo. I also had the man I knew I wanted to marry and have children with and made this known to him frequently. Sure enough, four months after graduating daddy and I were engaged. Also at this point we put an offer in on our first home. We worked on our house throughout our engagement and ten months later we were married. Having always wanted a big family, I knew that it wouldn't be long until we started on ours. Little did we know how not long it would be when nine months into marriage we found out we were expecting you! What most people spend their entire twenties working on, I managed to do it in about 3 years. My lack of patience started to change during my pregnancy with you. I loved knowing you were in my belly, growing both your own body and mine. As anxious as we were to meet you, I loved every minute of having you with me and was in no rush to lose that bond with you. The moment you were born, I wanted to freeze life and stay in that moment with you on my chest and daddy by my side.

 But how quickly things changed and I find myself clinging to everyday, wanting time to slow down, no longer rushing towards what's next. I hope you find this same patience early in your life. I will always encourage you to work towards the future while also showing you the joy of being a child, a teenager, a newlywed, and one day a mom.
  Peace- Along the same lines as my lack of patience was my inability to sit still. Much to daddy's dismay, mommy was never one to take naps and rarely could I relax. Not until I was newly pregnant with you did I understand the allure of a midday nap. Come second semester and that allure completely disappeared while we worked to prepare for your arrival. Daddy says that's what you don't like to sit still, because mommy never did when I was pregnant with you. Since your birth, however, I have sat in one spot for hours on several occasions, watching you sleep, nurse, learn my face. These moments when I see the peace in you, I am able to replicate it in myself. Suddenly not having everything crossed off my to do list at the end of the day usually means not that nothing was accomplished, but that you and I had an exceptionally peaceful day.
   Strength- Never did I realize the strength of my own body or spirit as when I delivered you. I am not one to handle pain very well, as your daddy and grandmother would be the first to tell you. I had not wanted to use any sort of pain medication during labor and delivery but always questioned whether I would be able to handle the pain but I also didn't want the effects of the drugs getting to you. When the moment came, however, the strength of my desire to protect you overruled the pain and I was able to deliver you without medicine. You taught me the strength behind my convictions for you and the physical strength I possess to do the same for your brothers and sisters one day.
   Judgement- Just as many people as there are in the world are opinions on how to raise your child. While I have very strong opinions on the matter, I have learned not to judge others as they could judge mine. Daddy and I are doing the best we know how to raise you to be healthy, content, confident, and respectful but know that our ways do not work for everyone and that in the future, we may see what we should have done differently. Thank you for showing me to listen to other's opinions and accept suggestions from people who raise their children both similarly and differently than we are raising you.
   Thankfulness- You are the greatest gift I have ever been given and from the day I found out about you I thanked God. While of course I am thankful for the big things, that you are healthy, beautiful, and developing on track, I am also thankful for the little things that each day brings. I am thankful that I was able to stop working and stay home with you. I am thankful I am able to nurse you. I am thankful when you take a nap ;) I am thankful for the times Daddy and I have together with you and being the first ones to see each new trick you learn. I am thankful you know our faces and that we are able to provide you with what you need. Mostly, I am thankful you were given to me and I will never take for granted the miracle you are and the gift of motherhood. You have also taught me to be thankful for my own parents as I now realize what they went through in raising me and your aunts and uncle.
   Selflessness- Putting someone before myself never came as easily as when I was pregnant with you. No longer were my actions only my own but they now had a direct impact on you. I was happy to stop drinking wine, watch what I eat and lose any sort of figure I had because I knew it was all for you. Even now, as I lose sleep and gain curves I know it is for you and for that I do not complain. Labor and then nursing you may have been the biggest lesson in ignoring my own pain and doing what I knew was best for you. I am sure the sacrifices will continue and become harder to accept, but for now I gladly put myself second to your needs.
   I hope you realize the impact you have already had on my life and that you are my greatest accomplishment. I look forward to watching us both grow and change as you become the person you are meant to be. I love you Lucille.

Lucy's first three months

Lucille,
   You continue to amaze and astound me each and every day. From the moment you wake up you constantly teach me new things, not only about you but also myself. The past twelve weeks have passed too quickly for my liking but I look forward to watching you as you grow.
  One of the sweetest milestones you reached was at 4 weeks when you began smiling. I still find it incredible that at such a young age, when there is still so much that they cannot communicate or control, babies are able to communicate happiness and contentment. I knew these smiles were your doing when I saw how your smile came through in your eyes. Your beautiful, blue eyes would get even brighter, making it hard not to notice and impossible not to stare. You smile when mommy and daddy talk to you, you smile at yourself in mirrors, you smile when people sing to you, and my personal favorite is when you smile while nursing. Everyday I look for new ways to see that all encompassing smile that melts my heart, and I promise to never take it for granted.

  Also at four weeks you took your first nap in a crib! Since you sleep with mommy and daddy at night, and mommy had trouble putting you down during the day, it was quite an accomplishment for both of us. You typically took naps in mommy's arms or in your swing but on this day you stayed asleep as I lay you in the crib and didn't stir for three hours! It is something we haven't yet been able to replicate as you now are a much lighter sleeper and like to put your hand on mommy's chest as you fall asleep so you know if I try to put you down.

   By five weeks you were surprising everyone with how well you were holding your head up. You had been practicing lifting up when we held you but at this point you were holding your head on your own for quite a long time, although we still had our hand right behind you. By nine weeks you had it down and started being carried upright. I think it has something to do with that independent streak we see come out sometimes ;)

  Around 8 weeks we started to notice little "flips" on the top of your head, making us wonder if you will have curly hair like mommy. Some days there is just one but other days even a bath won't make them all lay down.

  Blowing bubbles started around nine weeks and now, at 12, it's one of your favorite games. Sometimes you start the game by blowing bubbles and love when mommy or daddy does it back. Of course we like to show you off so if mommy or daddy starts that's fine with you too and you quickly join in. This is also one of the times we get to see that beautiful smile.

                         

   At 12 weeks you are starting to roll from your back to your side and getting quite good at getting your thumb in your mouth, though you don't seem to like it once it's there. You pitch yourself forward when we sit you up on the couch and like to stand up on our laps. You are starting to put everything you can grab into your mouth, mostly fingers when we hold your hands. You also have JUST started liking a pacifier but only in the car when you are very sleepy. We already know that you are going to be very active with how much you like whoever is holding you to stand, walk, dance... basically anything but sit still, as well as how much you are moving and kicking those arms and legs. We also have learned just how independent you may become with your preference to be alone in your bouncy seat sometimes and the way you demand to now face out when we put you in the wrap or baby b'jorn. I am certain you will continue to let us know what you do and don't like! Much to mommy's delight you have started wearing headbands with bows and don't seem to mind them at all. Maybe it was all those lessons of beauty before pain I taught you while you were in my belly and mommy was wearing heels!

   Needless to say your mommy and daddy are very proud of you and all you have accomplished in your first 12 weeks. Dr. Freddy said it best at your 2 month appointment, "Little girl, you are growing up too fast." When we look back at pictures of our sweet, newborn baby girl we realize just how fast you are becoming our little girl instead of our baby. We are seeing your personality begin to shine and while it is bittersweet to lose our little baby, we are excited to see what you have in store for us coming up. Thank you baby girl for the most incredible 12 weeks that we have seen as a family yet. Your mommy and daddy will continue to support, encourage, and love you through all of life's milestones.

Lucy's First Vacation

We had our first family vacation this past weekend to Charleston, South Carolina. Since we planned on driving 8.5 hours with an 11 week old we wanted to time it just right. So, at 10pm on Wednesday night we headed out, armed with redbull, wasabi pees, graham crackers, and trail mix, hoping for Lucy to have as close to a normal "night time" as possible. She slept soundly until 2 am when she woke up hungry so we pulled over, nursed, and took off again, this time with me behind the wheel. Well, I made it about 85 miles out of the 602 mile trip before having to hand it over to Jameson again. Stay at home moms preparing for a trip don't get naps like daddys do! Not a peep from our little girl until 7am! At this point we were only half an hour from Charleston but no need to keep a crying baby waiting. She nursed and we pulled into Charleston around 8am. We got breakfast at an "interesting" cafe, nothing fancy but enough to fill our bellies. Since it was still so early we walked around the city, quickly finding the big swings overlooking the battery and sat as a family enjoying the morning. Luckily we were able to check in to our bed and breakfast early and quickly settled in for a nap.

We woke feeling refreshed and ready to try out the famous Hominy Grill for dinner. I was so excited we were able to meet Meg and Jeff there, almost as excited as Jameson was to try the "big nasty" which he had seen on Man vs Food. I had the shrimp and grits and could eat them once a week. We both agreed it was our favorite food of the trip.

Take a walk around market street, steal a few praline samples and it was time to call it a day. Friday was more of the same; walking around the city, eating vacation style (aka too much and too often) and taking a nap. *Note to self: Hyman's Seafood hush puppies are worth making the trip again*

Saturday was the real reason for the trip; the Englund-Walpole wedding! The wedding was beautiful and we were so happy to be able to share in Carla and Philip's big day. CONGRATULATIONS! After a short nap in daddy's arms Lucy was ready to shine and we hit the dance floor.

Could you be any more adored?

After brunch with the girls on Sunday morning, we were ready to head home. But first, Jameson insisted on making a purchase. Let me preface by saying that I have NEVER had a brand new bike of my own. Not because my parents didn't want me to have one, but growing up, yes even as a little girl, I always wanted clothes instead on any birthday or for Christmas. But after finally finding THE bike for me, I received a gift most children receive by their 5th birthday :) But there it was; a pink bike cruiser with black fenders, no gears, hand breaks or flowers, and a big squishy seat...

                                 

The ride home was just as uneventful as the ride down. Lucy slept until she was hungry when we stopped for dinner and some time out of the truck. She quickly fell asleep again and slept until we hit traffic an hour and a half from home, at 11 at night, on 95, for no reason, with no place to stop in sight. One more nursing session and we made the last leg of the trip.  I figured I had a long night of quality time with my daughter ahead after being asleep all afternoon and evening but she was happy to be home and slept until 8:30 the next morning. Do we have an amazing baby or what? Thank you Lucille for making our first family vacation such a pleasure and wonderful memory.