Rollin'

I walked into the nursery this morning to find this:

Laea had learned to roll over sometime during the night!  Not five months old, so before I know it, she'll be sitting up!  I put her down for a nap later that morning, and once again saw her on her tummy when I looked at the monitor.  For a gal who hates tummy time, she's certainly ending up on it a lot now!  The thing is, me being super worrier mom, I always get nervous when I see her face planted in the mattress.  I know this is just a stage, but I got nervous the same way with my older gals.

Feeding is going all right.  I've added cereal 1-2 times/day (doc said 3x, but I can't get her to cooperate that often).  She's finally opening her mouth without sticking her tongue out, which makes life easier, but I've had to add apple juice to her organic rice cereal in order to get it in there.  Get this:  Motts for Tots has less sugar, calories, carbs, etc. than Gerber juice for babies...

I'm at a crossroads with nursing.  I'm just not sure it's worth it anymore.  Don't get me wrong--I'm a big advocate for it, but I'm only producing 2 oz every 3 hrs., total. I've been taking fenugreek, drinking 8-12 glasses of water per day, and I've added milk into my diet to see if that helps (she's just spitting up more, it seems).  I've sat in silence, I've taken relaxing breaths, I've dimmed the lights--all to no avail.  I'm thinking of calling the lactation consultant at the hospital where I delivered because they say they're with the mothers for the whole nursing journey, but I really don't know how they would be able to help.  Honestly, this is my third child and nursing has become more difficult with each one.  Sigh.

Oh, well.  Laea is an extremely happy baby who laughs and smiles all the time, and jabbers whenever she sees fit.  I can't believe how blessed we are, and if all babies could be like her, I would consider becoming a Duggar mom!  lol.  I went to the Kid Stuff Sale on the new mommy day (Wed) and spent around $140, but I got so much stuff!  (Discount days are Sat. & Sun.)  I bought a few dresses for Laea, several for Lovely & Snugglebug, shirts, a Moby carrier (HIGHLY recommended--way more than those carriers with buckles), a birthday present for Snugglebug (toy), a Jenny Jump Up, socks, three pairs of shoes, books galore, LPS toys, car window shade & mirror...I can't remember what else.  Lovely helped me while I shopped, and I spent about 2.5 hrs there!

Have you found any deals lately?

4 Month Check-Up

12.5 lbs and 24 inches long...a bit small for her age, according to her doctor.  She does seem petite, but this is due to a problem I've encountered before, but never this early:  slowed/minimal lactation.  You know how they say "just keep nursing" and "don't give a bottle, no matter what; you're body will know what to produce"?  Well, apparently my body speaks a foreign language without an interpreter.  I kept at it, really I did.  Until the day arrived when Laea had only two wet diapers, one of which wasn't very wet.  Then S weighed her--she had only gained 1/2 lb in about 7 wks--not good.  So, I gave in and bought formula, which she has been gobbling up.  I still nurse as often as possible, and I pump to build somewhat of a back-up supply, but I only produce 2 oz at a time--she's been wanting 4-6 oz!

I was told to start her on cereal as well, so I'm trying that tonight.  I'm researching making my own baby food, also, because she starts veggies next month.  I want her to eat healthy, clean food, and I'm thinking making my own will be the best way to go.  It looks like I'll just use my own steam pan and blender, as the baby food makers don't have great reviews, unless they cost $100+.  If you have any baby food recipes, please send them my way!

Smiles for Breakfast

I know...from the post title, you would expect to see a smiling face instead of a shiny bald spot.  Perhaps another day--I keep my camera in her room, and it's difficult not to wake her by digging it out.  Anyway, this is just a reminder:  Cherish morning smiles.  Remember them.  Let them warm your hearts years later when your child resembles a vampire rising from a tomb during midday, growling, grumping, and flinging limbs.  Cherish it.

Other moms always told me to do that.  They said, "It goes so fast.  Cherish it."  I thought, "Well, of course I'm cherishing it--I know it goes fast!"  The thing is, no matter how many times someone is told this, no matter how much that person thinks s/he knows this, it doesn't sink in until it's gone, and it's absence is underscored once s/he finally gets to experience it again.  I love the giant smiles, and I miss them in my older girls.  Don't get me wrong; they still smile and Snugglebug skips everywhere she goes, but it's not the same as that unassuming smile--the smile that knows no bounds and expects nothing more of you than kindness and love.  That said, you just have to experience it!  Oh, and the adoring gaze that comes with nursing.  I'm going to miss these things all the more as Laea ages.  What do you miss?