Eli - 5 Month Update!

I'm 5 Months Old!

Here is Eli's update from 4-5 months.

Stats:
Eli was 15 pounds 4 ounces.  He had gained weight, but then lost it right around when he turned 5 months old because I was dealing with mastitis and clogged milk ducts which effected my milk supply.  I'm happy to report that issue has been resolved for now (Praise God!) and he is gaining back weight.

He wears 6 month clothing and Size 3 diapers.

Eating/Sleeping:
Eli is still breastfeeding, but has also started solids!  Right before he turned five months he had his first solid food - pureed squash.  It did not take him long to learn how to eat it...he gets so excited and loves it.

As you can see from his stats, his weight went down a little from last month.  I started working out, and think it is one of the reasons (repetitive upper body movements) I got mastitis (red, sore, tender spot on breast & flu-like symptoms---got prescribed an antibiotic to clear it up) and clogged milk ducts.  I went to the pediatrician and lactation consultant during this time because I was worried sick that Eli not getting enough food and losing weight.  They did not seem very concerned.  I continued to breastfeed him as often as possible to get the milk flowing again.  After about a week and a half, all the lumps were gone and things are back to normal.  I am so thankful we are over it now.

Something we need to work on is re-teaching Eli to use a bottle (or just go to a sippy cup).  I guess I never got the memo to keep introducing the bottle because now he won't take one (which means I can't leave him very long with anyone).  I really need to get on this, but hate to pump.  We will see how it goes.

 

 
We are going through a bout of sleep regression at this time.  It also started when my milk supply went down (right before he turned 5 months).  He now wakes up in the middle of night and early morning.  Ah!!  Hopefully, it won't last long.

Special Memories:
Besides Eli starting to eat solids (which was very exciting to us...and entertaining), he went on his first trip to Disney World this month.  Eli and I traveled to Orlando (while daddy was working) to stay with my family for a couple days.  We went to Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom while we were there. 

At Animal Kingdom he rode the Kilimanjaro Safari ride and watched the Festival of the Lion King, It's Tough to Be a Bug, Flights of Wonder, and Finding Nemo.  He enjoyed all of them except for the Bug's Life show because he was not too pleased that it squirted water in his face.

At Magic Kingdom he rode the Jungle Cruise, Pirate's of the Caribbean, Journey of the Little Mermaid, and watched Mickey's PhilharMagic show.  It's also good to note that they have a nice baby center with rooms for nursing, feeding, and changing diapers.  Great way to get out of the hot sun and into the air conditioning.

Just arrived in Orlando

In line for our first ride

E's First Disney Ride - Kilimanjaro Safari

Hanging with Uncle Steven

The Paparazzi found us at Disney!

Finding Nemo show

Exhausted after a day in the park

Jungle Cruise Time!

Wondering why everyone is smiling so big

Mickey's PhilharMagic Show

We celebrated Eric's first Father's Day with breakfast in bed and presents from Eli.

Until next time!

Purex® & One Step Ahead® Giveaway

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US Only.  Sweepstakes ends 3pm PT on July 31st, 2014.

Kleenex Tissues On-The-Go Pack

I received a Kleenex Brand Tissues On-The-Go Pack from Crowdtap free for review.  Kleenex is the brand I think of when tissues are involved (Can I have a Kleenex?).  I love the colors and design.  So bright and fun; perfect for summer.  The wallet pack is compact (great for traveling), holding 10 tissues.  I love it because it is stylish, fits in my diaper bag easily, and prepares me for runny noses and messes.

I was trying to think of new ways I could use my tissues.  I needed to paint my nails for another review, so I ended up using the tissue to protect the table while I gave myself a mani.  Another idea that I saw on pinterest and thought was adorable was to use the tissue to make a get well card.  They made a card with a pocket on it and placed some folded up tissue in the pocket on the front of the card.  Would work well for a sympathy card as well. 

For now, my Kleenex Tissue Wallet Pack will be traveling in my diaper bag.  I'm glad I'll be prepared for tears and sniffles without have to drag around a whole box of tissues.

Eli - 4 Month Update!

I'm 4 Months Old!

Here is Eli's update from 3-4 months.  He hit a very exciting milestone this month, plus a few more firsts.  :)  I'm reminded everyday of how good of a baby he is and how lucky we are to call him our own.  Such a handsome, sweet boy.

Stats:
Eli was 15 pounds 5 ounces at his 4 month well baby visit.
Height: 26 inches

He wears 3-6 month clothing and Size 2 diapers.

Eating/Sleeping:
Eli is still exclusively breastfed, eating 5-7 times a day.  He has started to eat less times, but for longer periods.

Eli is still a great sleeper!  He goes to bed around 9:30pm and wakes up between 6-7am, just like last month.  He also takes great naps during the day (falling asleep around an hour and a half after the beginning of his last meal and sleeping anywhere from 30 min. to 2.5 hours).  My boy loves to get his rest!

Special Memories:
Eli has hit another big milestone this month....he is rolling over!!!  The first time he rolled over he went from tummy to back (daddy and mommy were both lucky enough to witness it!), but since then he only has rolled from his back to stomach.  He always rolls to the right.  Must be his dominate side.

When he started rolling it did mess up his sleeping a bit because as soon as I would put him in the crib he would roll over and get upset.  Once he got used to it though, he didn't mind anymore.  Every time I put him on his back to sleep he rolls over to his stomach and falls asleep.

Here's Eli rolling over.  He does it all the time, but it is hard to catch on video because he usually does it really fast and when you aren't looking.


Eli also went in the pool for the first time this month!

He seemed to like the water, but we had to take him out and hold him on a raft because it was too cold.  He ended up falling asleep sitting up on the jaguar float.  It was too cute.

It was also my first Mother's Day!  Eli was tired and not looking too happy in our pictures, lol.  I'm so honored to be a mom.  It's the best job ever.

Here are some other pictures from the month! ----

First time meeting my friend Maverick

Touching my toes

Handsome Boy!

Third Thursday Community Potluck Cookbook by Nancy Vienneau : A Book Review

Third Thursday Community Potluck Cookbook by Nancy Vienneau : A Book Review

This cookbook is a collection of recipes and stories taken from a community potluck in Nashville, TN that happens every third Thursday of the month.  The author, Nancy Vienneau, is a chef and promoter of local food.  Nancy and her friend Gigi started this potluck as a way to gather a broad range of community members together to share their favorite seasonal dishes.  They love to talk about food that is fresh, healthy, seasonal, and locally grown.  

This is not your average "potluck" cookbook.  You will not find recipes enclosed in these pages using canned soups or other highly processed offerings.  The whole idea is to bring your best to the potluck.  Something homemade and special.    

I really love the whole idea of this cookbook.  I would love to eat more home cooked, seasonal food--and have friends and family over to enjoy it.  The recipes truly sound delicious-- from the Cast-Iron Heirloom Tomato and Rice Bake to the Brown Butter Honey Cake, there is something for everyone.

I love how the chapters are broken up into months, with each containing recipes corresponding to that months seasonal food offerings.  I also love the stories told in the beginning of each month and throughout each recipe.  The pictures are beautiful and make me want to make everything all at once!  I just wish there was a picture for every recipe, though I know this is not economical and would make the book huge.  This is probably not a good cookbook for a beginner, but does have pictures and information explaining some of the cooking lingo.  Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in creating their own potluck or just wanting to make fresh, seasonal food.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Our Favorite Infant Toys

Around 2 months is when Eli really started playing with toys.  It's very exciting to watch him learn to move his little fingers. He bats at things dangling overhead and grasps small objects (which mostly end up in his mouth--I promise this child has been teething for awhile).

Here are some of Eli's favorite infant toys at the moment:

1. Sassy Go Go Friends Green Bird
 
This is the first toy Eli played with.  It was hanging from an activity mat at a friend's house.  He started batting at it and I realized he was ready to start delving into this new world of toys.  I love how it is easy for him to grab, is soft, chimes, and has patterns and colors.  Eli loves the little ribbon arms.

2. Sassy Ring O' Links Rattle Developmental Toy

Eli loves these links.  They are easy for him to grasp and have various textures on the different brightly colored rings. I like to hang them on his car seat, so he will have something to play with and look at in the car.  When we reach our destination I usually find him soundly asleep, holding on to one of the rings.  So precious. 


3. Bright Starts Take Along Carrier Toy Bar
 
You can also see this toy bar in the video above.  I hang it on his car seat and it keeps him very entertained.  He usually cries when I start strapping him in, but the moment I pull the toy bar up and hit the button that makes the tiger's nose light up and play music he quiets down and stares in amazement.

4. Rhino Toys Oball Rattle
 
What baby doesn't love a good rattle?  This ball is so much fun.  It is easy to grasp, has colorful beads that make noise when shaken, and is BPA, PVS, latex and phthalates free!  The only downside is that E gets a bit frustrated that he can't fit the whole thing in his mouth!

5. An Activity Mat
 
Activity mats are awesome.  Any one will do.  We have an older version of the one above that was passed down from a friend.  This really keeps Eli entertained.  Ours has lights, music, and a mini mobile.  He grabs and bats at the hanging toys.  Does tummy time while looking in the mirror.  I love that you can hang their favorite toys from it.  A great way to keep your child busy while you put away his laundry.  :)

6. Lifefactory 2 pack Multi Sensory Silicone Teether

These teether toys are Eli's absolute favorite right now.  The rings are light weight and easy for him to hold.  They have different textures, which he loves to explore by biting them.  He even plays tug o war with me because he doesn't want to let them go! They are made of medical grade silicone and contain no phthalates, PVC, BPA or latex.  My favorite part are that they are so easy to clean.  Wash with some hot soapy water in sink, rinse, and done.  Takes 2 seconds.  You can also put them in the refrigerator or freezer to soothe babies aching gums.

Are there any toys your baby loves that Eli should try???  Please let me know in the comments!  Thanks!

This is not a sponsored post.  I'm writing about these products solely because we love them!  Opinions are 100% my own.

Eli - 3 Month Update!

I'm 3 Months Old!

Here is Eli's update from 2-3 months old.  This has been the best month yet!  He is smiling, laughing, and interacting a lot more than before.  He is such a sweet boy and a joy to be around!

Stats:
Eli did not have a 3 month check-up, so I'm not exactly sure what his stats are this time around.  If I had to guess I would say he weighs some where around 13 pounds 8 ounces.

He wears 3-6 Month Clothing and Size 2 Diapers.

Ready to go see the Easter Bunny

Eating/Sleeping:
Eli is still exclusively breastfeeding, eating around 6 times a day now.

He puts his hands under his head like this when he sleeps and nurses.  Such a sweet boy!

He was sleeping around 5-7 hours at one time when we had him in his Rock N Play.  Shortly after he turned 3 months, Eric decided it was time for Eli to move to his big boy crib.  I really didn't want to move him because I love keeping an eye on him and it's so easy to reach over and grab him to feed.  Plus, sleeping babies are the CUTEST to look at!  I started putting him in his crib for naps (something I should have done from the beginning) and soon moved him to his crib at night.  There may have been a few tears from me on his first night in there, but he did great!  He started sleeping longer through the night in his crib.  He would go to sleep around 9:30/10pm and wake up between 6-7am.           

First nap in his crib

Special Memories:
Eli is talking, laughing, and smiling more than ever.  Here is one of my favorite video moments.

He also started playing with toys for the first time!  I'm going to write a post soon on his favorite infant toys.  This is such a fun stage!

First time playing with a toy

He enjoys looking around during tummy time, but will still get mad if he has to do it too long.  He can hold his head up very high!

Tummy Time

He also has been going through a stage where he is very attached to his mommy and daddy.  A lot of times when we hand him off to someone else (who he had no problem going to before) he will cry until we hold him again.

Twins with my Daddy

Eli loves his mama!

Here are some of my favorite pictures of the month....including some more firsts for Eli!

First time meeting the Easter Bunny (Wasn't scared at all!  Just sat and chilled in the bunny's arms.)

Adriana says it looks like he is casting a spell

Eli's First Easter

First Big Road Trip to Alabama

Eli's First Gator Gymnastics National Championship

First Easter Basket

First picture with all Eli's cousins and Homie