Family pictures have arrived

We had some first family pictures taken a couple weeks ago in honor of Mini DH reaching his six month mark. I finally have them all back and thought I'd share. These were extremely important to me because up to this point we haven't had any family pictures taken of us. No maternity, no newborn, and no happy parent pictures. I am so excited we now have pictures of our little family.In case you're going, "What the heck are the swirlies on his uniform!" that is where I blurred out rank, ribbons, etc. We also had some portrait pictures done of just Mini Doc Handsome here on base (they were having a discount priced for military) so when I get around to scanning those they will be here too. They turned out adorable.

Half Birthday

My little guy is six months today. I wish I had the energy to put a lot of thought and time into this post but the fact of the matter is, I'm exhausted in every sense of the word.

It all started Saturday night. Doc Handsome went to work at the hospital from 11pm to 7am. I don't sleep too well when he's gone so I of course didn't go to bed till 2am. When he got home in the morning we woke up and drove 2 1/2 hours to our friends house. For the sake of the post, I'll call them Mr. and Mrs. Army. He deploys next week so this was our last chance to spend with them. Both their families had an awesome birthday party which was really nice because all the family is so welcoming and fun to be around. Not to mention, they make delicious food.

We went to Mr. and Mrs. Army's house afterwards when the guys went to the casino to play Texas Hold 'Em. Us girls stayed home watching Army Wives (what an emotional episode!) and giggling over silly stories. Mini Doc Handsome crashed out in his pack'n'play in their bedroom.

You know how to tell if you have amazing friends? When they give up their bed so the baby can continue to sleep without waking him....considering they only have a week or two before he leaves.

We ended up staying the night since it was so late. At 1am when we went to bed, Mini DH decided he didn't want to sleep in his crib anymore. The second I would put him in, he'd scream. So in attempts to let our friends get some rest, I pulled him into bed with us. This is NEVER a good idea. I don't sleep. The husband doesn't sleep. The baby doesn't sleep. Which in turn leads to crankiness in the morning. 6am to be exact. We had to leave before Mini DH woke up so he would sleep in the car.

After a long car ride home, Mini DH had a picture appointment to get some six month pictures done here on base at the Exchange. They had a free session for military families so we jumped on it a couple weeks ago. Tomorrow are our actual very first family pictures. I am so excited about getting them back already. We have amateur pictures that we've taken or family but it will be nice to have professional family pictures to hang on the wall.

I've also picked up a lot more hours this week at work. I normally only do 10-12 on Tuesdays and Thursdays because staying home with Mini DH comes first and foremost. Doc Handsome stays with the baby for those two hours and it's great because it's long enough to get away but he still doesn't have to go to daycare. My boss is gone for business this week so I am helping to keep up the office while she's gone.

My mind is running every which way tonight...

Mini DH also has his six month well baby check up tomorrow. I don't think I've been this excited for his dr. visit yet. Mainly, I want some sleep advice (how many nursing sessions at night), to find out if he advises starting solids (we're most anxious about this one), what percentile he's in now, and how he's progressing.

Oh, one last thing. Has anyone out there dealt with their baby biting during the teething stage while nursing? It's becoming a huge problem. Maybe someone has had experience and can offer some suggestions. I guess I'll add that to the list of doctor questions too....

First Two Teeth

Mini Doc Handsome finally has his two bottom teeth poking through gums. I think it's right about the normal time he's supposed to be getting teeth considering he'll be six months next week. They're been making their way in since last Friday. I always thought the first two were your top two but I guess in this case it's different. He had been quite fussy for a couple days. We used baby orajel and now he seems ok. A few days you could tell he was in pain. So this picture is the two little guys causing him trouble. I still can't believe he has teeth!

Spanking as discipline

Does spanking lead to aggresion later in life or is it an effective discipline that is backed by the Bible in verses such as "spare the rode, spoil the child?''

I found an article while reading Yahoo news today about a new study done on the effects of spanking. I found it quite interesting and thought the other mommies out there might too.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20100412/hl_time/08599198101900


What do you think about spanking as discipline?

On another note, Mini Doc Handsome has two, yes I said two, bottom front teeth poking through gums. They are visible and making it be known! He hasn't been too fussy which I've taken as a blessing but I am attributing baby orajel to part of that. I think I shed a tear when we first felt his teeth.

What a sap.

I am off to a doctor appointment. They had me on some darn antibiotics that have made me feel prtty yucky.

Nothing too serious. Don't worry!

Then Doc Handsome goes to his recruiter today to talk about going down to MEPS in LA where they do his medical stuff. That's the first step to active duty and knowing when he'll be sent to Illinois.

Hope everyone's day is wonderful!

Breastfeeding Advertisement

Attention to any men about to read this blog:
(With the exception of my husband)

I would advise you to skip this post. I don't think it will be personally appealing to you.

I should do a breastfeeding commercial or something. I'm sure that's what the following will sound like.

Breastfeeding. That's what's on my mind tonight. I just need to let it out. I am so glad I stuck with the decision to breastfeed! It's the best bonding I could have ever imagined to share with my son. I am so thankful to everyone who encouraged me to push through the initial pain and frustration at the begining. Even from the start, I loved it instantly. That was what kept me clinging on through the pain. Sure, it does hurt at first. But if you can just keep with it for a few weeks, it's all worth it. There is no feeling like walking into Mini DH's room at night to feed him and he stares up at me with those beautiful brown eyes. It is as if he's saying "Oh it's mommmy at last." When he is nursing, you can tell he is just in his element. He feels so comfortable, secure, and at peace. It's precious and endearing. Not to mention, knowing that I provide that security for him is amazing. There is something so unique about the physical connection that touches my heart. Much like the first feeling of having your newborn child skin-to-skin contact with you right after delivery. It is indescribeable. (Not sure about the spelling on that one and I'm too tired to go look it up at this point).

Besides the emotional connection and bonding, the health factors are so beneficial for every child that I think any ABLE mother should take part. No food is more perfect for a baby than that of their mother's breastmilk. It is the absolute ideal match with the exception that a very select few babies are allergic. It contains every nutrient a baby needs. It protects against serious infections and all the mother's antibodies are passed from mother to child, thus protecting the child as well. I sound like I'm just naming off facts now don't I? Probably because I am. I used all the information at this link http://www.ahealthyme.com/topic/breastfeed to decide breastfeeding was my one and only choice prior to having our little guy. As you can tell I am extremely pro-breastfeeding. I feel I could talk about it for hours. I've exclusively breastfed for the first six months and depending on whether Mini DH's doctor suggests starting solids now or later, will continue till he is at least a year old.

I know all mammas can't breastfeed for health reasons but when you can, take into account the information above. Breastfeeding alone raises a child's IQ level by at least 7 points! And not to mention, if you're wondering how to burn that baby fat? Breastfeeding burns more calories than running uphill for 30 minutes or swimming 30 laps. Talk about losing weight while doing nothing!

Ok, I think my little tangent has ended for tonight. I just had to let out the wonderful feelings I have towards breastfeeding.

Goodnight. =]