All posts for the month July, 2012

3 Things I Would Like to do Differently This Time Around

As a first time (expecting and New Mom), I had no idea what was in store for pregnancy or Motherhood. I read lots of books and articles, and talked to friends and family members who had kids. I researched a lot on the internet, and read “What to Expect” books and Baby Center religiously, and figured I would just do the best I could do to take care of myself and my baby. Afterall, Motherhood is a natural thing right?? I knew it would be full of challenges, but I had also heard how rewarding it would be. Still today, I am amazed at what my body did to grow and nurture another human being. It’s almost surreal; and now that I’m going through the process again, I am constantly thinking about what I can do better or differently this time around.

  • First and foremost, I have decided I want to take better care of myself. I worked out at the gym quite a bit in the beginning of my first pregnancy, but as time went on, I started slacking. I walked 3 miles around my neighborhood just about every day starting in the middle-ish of my second trimester and continued walking until the day I went to the hospital to be induced, and even though looking back, it wasn’t as much as I could have been doing, it was still something, and for that I was proud. I was able to bounce back pretty quickly after I had Garrett and I know a good part of that was due to the walking I did. Prior to getting pregnant this time around, I had trained and participated in a Sprint Triathlon and I know that after we have this baby, I am going to give my body a break from baby making. So I owe it to myself to get my body back to its’ “happy place” and I also know that in order to get there it is going to require a good amount of weight (on top of my baby weight) loss and LOTS of toning. In order to get a jump-start on this process I am making it a priority to not only walk my 3 miles at least 5 days a week, but to utilize my awesome Gym. They have a GREAT child watch program that I feel very comfortable leaving G at, and a very accommodating class schedule, which allows for me to attend at least 3x a week. Of course I am cautious and I continue to listen to my body and modify when necessary, but I feel great and I’m hoping that if I can keep up this sort of schedule (with some added pre-natal yoga) that I will be able to…
  • Let my body go into labor naturally. My blood pressure was somewhat elevated towards the end of my first pregnancy, and although I tested negative for pre-eclampsia, my Dr’s felt it would be best to induce me at 39 weeks in order to prevent any complications that could arise should my blood pressure continue to rise. Again, being that it was my first pregnancy I was hesitant and a little bummed, but the only thing that mattered to me was that I deliver a healthy baby so I obliged. I don’t know first hand if labor and delivery will be much different without pitocin, but I have heard that it is; and I think that if my body can do what it’s supposed to do without medical intervention, I may be able to go a little bit longer without getting an epidural. I’m not saying that I won’t get an epidural this time too (that thing made L&D much more tolerable) but I do think that if I am able to get up and walk around, or get in the bathtub or sit on a birthing ball (rather than being confined to a bed) during contractions that my mind and body may be more tolerant, and I might be able to prolong the epidural administration. Again, I have no comparison….yet…but I am anxious to see the differences.
  • Breastfeed longer. I was very fortunate that Garrett and I had such an easy transition into breastfeeding. He latched right away and nursed like a champ for several months. He had surpassed his birth weight by 4 days after he was born and he continued to thrive, and didn’t have so much as a stuffy nose the entire time I breastfed. But he was an early teether, which made it somewhat painful to nurse during the day once those chompers came in. He also started to get pretty distracted while nursing around 6.5 months which made it difficult and frustrating for both of us, so I was only able to nurse him when he was sleepy which was at his nighttime or early morning feedings. I continued to pump throughout the day until G was 8.5 months but I HATED pumping and my supply started to deplete a little bit so we had to start supplementing with formula and eventually transitioned him to all formula until he was about 11.5 months which is when we started whole milk. I guess when it comes down to it, we kind of both(meaning G and I) decided to wean, and I am happy that I was able to provide him with breast milk for as long as I did, but I think I would really like to nurse for a full year this time around.

Along with these 3 things, I want to snuggle whenever he/she will let me, take lots of pictures and continue to create tons of great memories with our family. I also really hope I am able to divide my attention equally between the 2 kids and that they will never ever go a day without knowing just how much their Dad and I love and cherish them.

What about you??

Whether you are expecting again or just thinking about the future what is one thing you would like to do differently your second time around?

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by Jenny on July 27, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Baby Cakes, Exercise, Life, Uncategorized
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Posted by Jenny on July 27, 2012

https://sweetbakesandbabycakes.com/2012/07/27/3-things-i-would-like-to-do-differently-this-time-around/

July re-cap

Although I’m not planning on continuing every one of Garrett’s monthly updates, I do want to keep you informed when something important happens, and I know July isn’t quite over yet but it sure has been exciting and full of change so far so I just had to share!!

The biggest news in the Brewton household is that our Little Monkey has finally started walking!!! I say finally with a little bit of hesitation, because we all know that baby’s achieve milestones in their own time, but it feels like it’s been forever that G has been pulling himself up on things, cruising from location to location and doing tons of assisted walking, so I am very happy to report that although he won’t do it all of the time yet, and he still doesn’t realize how to stand up in the middle of the floor to start walking. He is very capable and getting better every day at pulling up on something and walking to where he wants to go!! It’s the cutest thing and since I haven’t had a chance yet to document how much better he’s gotten since my video when he first began to walk, I will share again the whole 5 seconds for those that haven’t seen it yet. And I promise as soon as I can, I will get a better one up.

Garrett Walking

As I said….I am pretty amazed at how much he’s learned in just over a weeks time.  He took his first unassisted steps on July 15th, but would only walk back and forth between 2 people, now just over a week later, he’s walking much farther distances and will pull himself up and just go without others encouraging him!  Baby milestones are always a big deal, but for me, this has been the neatest one to watch so far.  He is so proud of himself and he’s getting braver each day! With those long legs, I’m sure he will be running circles around everyone in no time!

This has also been an exciting month because after 10 years of working with the same company, Dan has decided to take his talents elsewhere and started working with a new, smaller company!!  He is still working in the IT field and is now selling software services;  he officially started on July 16th and so far is really enjoying what he is doing!  It’s a great opportunity for him and our family so we are thrilled for him!

When Dan worked for HP, he had a company car, so we had the Sequoia (my car) and the Edge (his company car) and it was great not having to worry about a second vehicle, but when he left HP he had to give up the Edge as well.  Though we were sad to see it go, because it really was a great car it forced us to do a little car shopping and tweaking our budget so we could get another vehicle.  We test drove a few different models and did some research online and set off to buy a different vehicle that was more “small kid, and Pregnant Mom with a soon to be newborn friendly for me and finally looked at Mini-vans.  I swore up and down that I would NEVER drive a mini-van because I felt they were soooo cliche and honestly too old for me.  I wanted to be the Mom in the cute crossover SUV, not the Mom in the mini-van, but then I got to thinking if so many Mom’s drive them, then they really must be that great and perhaps I shouldn’t judge but actually try it to see what I thought, so I did.

I was sold at the remote control doors, and even more so when I saw everything else it came equipped with…and the rest is history 🙂

We also decided that with the amount of traveling (mostly local, yay!!) that Dan will be doing a smaller vehicle would be more practical for him as well so we traded in the Sequoia and got him a Toyota Higlander.  Now we are the proud owners of 2 new vehicles and are very happy with both of our purchases so far!

If you read my 16 week update then you also know that on Monday; yes this coming Monday, which will be July 30th! We find out if Garrett will have a baby brother or a baby sister and we cannot wait!!!!  We (more like I) am really hoping that Baby cooperates, and that we can start thinking of names and nursery colors!

 

So yes….July has been an awesome month filled with lots of great things and we are so thankful for such exciting times!

 

What are you thankful for this month??

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by Jenny on July 25, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Baby Cakes, Family, Life

Posted by Jenny on July 25, 2012

https://sweetbakesandbabycakes.com/2012/07/25/july-re-cap/

16 Weeks…Baby #2

16 weeks with Baby #2

I am just over 16 weeks pregnant with Baby #2!  Hard to believe that in 2 short weeks we will find out whether G will have a Baby Brother or a Baby Sister!  I cannot wait!

Dan still thinks we’ll have a girl (I think he’s sort of hoping for a girl because that way he thinks he may be able to talk me into being done 🙂  But I still really don’t have a strong feeling either way.  I’ve always said that I want 3-4 kids, and I’ve made it pretty clear that I will not stop until I have at least one girl, so we shall see.

So far, this pregnancy has been pretty similar to my first, but some of my symptoms seem to be a little more exaggerated than they were before.  I’ve felt more nauseous this time, though thankfully I haven’t been sick at all, and I’m super tired, however, now that I’m into my second trimester, the fatigue has started to subside a bit.  I’ve had quite a few headaches as well, but I had them with Garrett too.  Other than showing much more at 16 weeks this time around than with my first pregnancy, I’m feeling pretty good!

16 weeks with Baby #1

I’m still trying to walk every morning for a little over an hour and I’ve finally, after a few weeks of family in town, and a gym hiatus gotten back to working out.  My goal is to walk 5-6 days a week for an hour each time and to take at least 3 spinning/strength classes a week at my gym.  I bought an unlimited month pass at a yoga studio for half price and I’m really looking forward to using that for some prenatal classes, although I’m still trying to figure out which month I will get the most use out of it.  I go back to the Dr. on Friday for my 16 week check up, but it’s just a listen to the heartbeat and weight/blood pressure check so nothing too exciting.  Happily, I’ve been able to pick up the baby’s heartbeat on the doppler device I have at home and it is consistently higher than G’s was.  It continues to be in the upper 160’s to low 170’s so if the wives tales are correct, than maybe we will have a little girl!  Only 2 more weeks til we will know for sure!

I probably won’t post as much with this pregnancy, because I have a 1 year old who likes to have my undivided attention 🙂 though I am enjoying comparing the two, and I do like to keep my out of town family informed, so look for a Baby #2 update every few weeks, unless I have some  exciting news to share!

Until then…

How far along?  16 weeks 2 days

Total Weight Gain: 7 lbs from first appointment

Symptoms:  Pretty frequent headaches, a little fatigue, and starting to get lower belly pains after working out specifically

Maternity Clothes:  Mostly, yes….have been since about 13 weeks, but still wear some shirts, and can wear 1 pair of pre-pregnancy shorts with my bella band

Food Cravings of the week:  Nothing too crazy…peanut butter, fresh fruit specifically watermelon, still have an aversion to ground beef, loving these  granola energy balls, and have already made 2 batches!!

Sleep:  Not so great….had to break out my pregnancy pillow again…hubby hates it!

Best Moment this week:  Garrett finally took his first unassisted steps!!!!!

Movement: Flutters and bubbles are becoming more obvious

Belly Button:  Innie, but it’s more stretched from last time

What I miss:  Sleeping on my stomach and abdominal exercises

What I am looking forward to:  Anatomy Scan in 2 weeks!

Milestones: 16 weeks, happy and healthy!

4 Comments
by Jenny on July 17, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Baby Cakes, Exercise, Family, Life, Pregnancy
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Posted by Jenny on July 17, 2012

https://sweetbakesandbabycakes.com/2012/07/17/16-weeks-baby-2/

Munchkin Meals:Breakfast Edition

I’m linking up once again with Brittany from A Healthy Slice of Life for another version of Munchkin Meals featuring breakfast items! I’m pretty excited about this one because we lack in the breakfast ideas as you will see from my picture. Our breakfasts are pretty simple and somewhat repetitive, but when I think about my own breakfasts they’re pretty much the same too so I guess that’s alright. G always starts his day out with a sippy of organic while milk and breakfast follows about an hour to 2 later.
Yesterday’s breakfast consisted of:

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Pancakes with a little bit of real maple syrup, cantaloupe and watermelon from the farmer’s market and some water to wash it down. I also gave G a few pieces of my whole wheat PB toast with sliced bananas on top and he liked that too.
Other breakfast staples for us are eggs with turkey and spinach (when he’ll eat it) he’s funny in that some days he will love eggs and others he won’t care for them at all. He’ll eat any fresh fruit I have around, oatmeal and organic breakfast fruit bars. I’m looking for ways to get more veggies in him at breakfast and hoping to snag a few ideas from fellow bloggers. So…there you have it, our very simple and somewhat boring breakfast

What are some ways you get veggies into your little one at breakfast??

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by Jenny on July 12, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Baby Cakes, In the Kitchen, Life
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Posted by Jenny on July 12, 2012

https://sweetbakesandbabycakes.com/2012/07/12/munchkin-mealsbreakfast-edition/

Garrett’s First Birthday Party…Nautical Theme

I finally got a chance to sit down and document G’s Birthday Party!!!  If you missed the first celebration of his birthday you can see it here.  And this is party 2….His Nautical Party!  So…here’s the recap, and a LOT of pictures

Whew!!!  It’s been a whirlwind of a week and I didn’t even leave the LKN area! My family got into town on June 29th, and moved into the Lake House they stayed in for the week on Saturday the 30th. Check out the view from the back deck, Not a bad sight to wake up to in the mornings!

We helped them unload and pick up a few things for the party, and the week, on Saturday; and took the boat out before having dinner and relaxing for the evening.  Garrett’s party was on Sunday and despite the heat (103) everyone seemed to find ways to keep themselves cool

Caden and his Daddy cooling down in the “Kiddie Carwash” made special by Dan and my Dad!

Our Boat!

Thank Goodness for Susan who kindly took my camera and made sure I had some pictures of the decorations and the party.  I got a lot of my party ideas from Pinterest and I ordered some of my decorations from Etsy….And of course….I put my own little spin on it as well.  Overall I was really pleased with the way everything turned out even though it was a LOT of work!

The Birthday Banner and some of the food

Garrett’s One Year Photo Banner

Plastic ware wrapped in rope with a lifesaver to secure it

We cooked all of the food and I did all of the baking, and it was quite the spread!

Nothing beats Sweet Corn brought all the way from Ohio!

Sailboat cookies!

Cupcakes

A few of Garrett’s little friends came with their parents and we had about 30 people total which was a good thing because we had a lot of food!

Little Miss Hailey

Sweet Little Leia

And handsome Mr Luke Alexander with his Daddy

Garrett thoroughly enjoyed another birthday cake and got TONS of new presents!!

Including his very own book written and illustrated by his favorite babysitter…..Miss Taylor!

By the end of the day we were all pretty pooped but we had a blast!

And the rest of the week didn’t disappoint either!  It included a bit of this

A lot of these

And tons of time with my Sweet Boy!

We are so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends and we honestly could not ask for more!  Thanks to everyone who made G’s Birthday so special, even if he won’t remember it……I will forever cherish it!

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by Jenny on July 9, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Baby Cakes, Family, Holidays, Life
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Posted by Jenny on July 9, 2012

https://sweetbakesandbabycakes.com/2012/07/09/garretts-first-birthday-party-nautical-theme/