Here we go again

Once again I apologize for not writing in forever.  I am going to try and get into the groove of things, for real.  We shall see how that works. 

Benjamin got his first birthday shots on Saturday, and he sure  didn't like it.  The doctor also said he wasn't growing well enough and we need to work on making sure he actually sleeps through the night.  I have no idea how we will do this.  I have been trying to give him a routine but it doesn't work.  He does not know how to fall asleep on his own, and if he wakes up then he cries for me, plus he wants to eat.  The doctor said this is a no no. 

Since Oscar is home, we are going to try the cry it out method.  We shall see how long I last.  Wish me luck. 

To Cry or Not to Cry

So Benjamin at around 4 months was sleeping at least five hours and then would go shorter periods of time.  But now he gets up almost every 2 hours actually a little less. 
My doctor said I need to sleep train him, by letting him cry it out.  I cannot do this.  There are times I want to because I'm so tired and I just want to sleep and to not have a baby in my arms, but there is no way I can last past 20 seconds.  And wow was that a run on sentence or what?
So any ideas or suggestions would be welcome.  So far I'm just making sure his needs are met and getting as much sleep as I can get.  Well mostly I should be sleeping now

Cutest Baby Dressed Up

Had to post this. 
My Son is the Man.

Wedding Dress

So I'm not really a traditional kinda girl.   I got it into my mind, that I was not going to buy a "wedding" wedding dress.  I was looking at bridesmaids dresses and other formal wear.  I thought I had found the dress that I wanted, I just needed to try it on.  I called the store and they did not have it, they said only two stores had it.  I called both stores and they did not have my size!  Sad face. 
I then researched some more online and found another dress.  Once again, no one had it.  Finally I got a hold of a bridal boutique, and they had it!  Woohoo.  Jamie and I made an appointment and went to try it on.  While I was there I found out I didn't really like it at all.  But I found another dress that I thought was perfect.  I got fitted and everything.  They put me at a size 20, which freaked me out cause I had a bridesmaid dress at home that was a size 12.  They told Jamie they couldn't fit her.  So she suggested that we go somewhere else.  I looked it up online, and there was a Davids Bridal down the street. 
We decide to stop in.  When we got there, they told us that we could look but that we could not try anything on cause they did not have any openings. 
We walked around the store and noticed they were having a sale.  Jamie held up dresses and decided she would fit, so we went to make an appointment for the next weekend.  We went to the appointment book, and they said, you know what someone just cancelled, would you to try things on now.  We said sure.  They said even for the bride, and I was like, well okay even though I figured I was getting the other dress. 
They brought me a dress that was on sale for 50 dollars!  I was like well that is definately in the budget.  I tried it on, and felt it was perfect.  So I got a dress!  Jamie found a beautiful dress on the sale rack as well for 80 dollars. 
We went to check out, and my dress came to 28.48 and Jamie's was 50 dollars.  WE MADE OUT!  It was like it was meant to be.  Go us!

Birthday

For my 30th birthday, Oscar took me to Topolobampo for it.  We had an AMAZING dinner!  Seriously, it was the most amazing meal.  Afterwords he told me he was feeling sick.  So we pulled over so that we could switch places.  He asked me if I would walk with him to see if he would get sick.  (we pulled over at the Adler Planiterium, where you can see the Chicago Sky Line) (and yes I was really slow)  So we walked closer to the water and he hugged me.  He said "I bet by now you realize I'm not sick"  I was like no, as he got on one knee.

He asked me to marry him, and I was so excited!  I definately said yes.  I couldn't wait to tell my mother, she had been waiting and waiting for this moment.  My mother didn't answer her phone!  oh no!  I called and called and called some more.  Then I called a few more times.  Finally I left a message for her to call me AS SOON AS SHE GOT THE MESSAGE!  So about 3 am, she finally called.  I was sleeping so I don't recall exactly what I told her.  But she sure was happy. 

Yay for getting married.

Solids

Well.  We have started on our solid journey.  He did not really enjoy the rice cereal, he would only eat a teeny tiny  bit.  We have done much better with sweet potatoes.  He likes them at least when I feed him.  Others seem to have trouble.  Maybe it is a mommy thing.  Love the mess!!!

Sleeping

Benjamin went from sleeping five hours and then three hours, and then another three, to going back to getting up about every two hours.  I do not know why this is.  I hope that things get better.  I am not good at sleep training because all the ones I've seen, you have to let the baby cry, and I am just not made for that.  If anyone out there has any suggestions please let me know.  Benjamin started solids, so I am hoping that will help in the long run, but so far it has not. 

Busy Busy

So of course I always have periods where I am not writing, because life gets in the way.  I am going to try and be better at updating.  So much has happened since I last wrote.

• Benjamin went on his first plane ride
• Benjamin visited California for the first time
• Benjamin met Uncle Joe and Uncle Craig for the first time
• Benjamin walked with assistance for the first time
• Benjamin started rice cereal
• Benjamin rolled over from front to back.  He doesn't do it consistantly though.
• I finished my last paper for my Masters Degree, and am done!!

So as you can see we have been busy busy. 

First Plane Trip and more!

Tomorrow we leave to go to California to see my brother.  Benjamin and him have never met!  I'm super excited.
I am not excited about lugging all the stuff by myself, but such is life.  Too bad the man couldn't get time off with me :(
I'll get over it though.  I can't wait to show Benjamin so many new things.  I know he won't remember, but he will always have pictures!
He will do so many firsts: First time meeting his Uncles.  First time on a Plane, First time leaving the state. First time in California.  First time seeing the Ocean.  phew... and probably many many  more!  Can't wait!

Milk Production

So I've been pumping during working hours, since I started back.  At first I was getting at least 11 ounces each time I pumped.  My output went down a little bit,  So I started pumping in the morning before I went to work as well.  This made it go back up.  However, now I'm making about half of what I was making so 5-6 ounces when I pump. 
This means I am going through my reserves and not getting enough out for my son to eat everyday.

I am also feeling very anxious and upset about this.  LIke I"m not a good enough  mother.  That I am a failure because I'm not producing enough.  I'm going to try to make my supply increase again, and see if there is anything I can do.  Dr. Google said to drink water and get lots of rest.  Which hello, little baby, full time job and school.  Not going to happen.  Wish me luck. 

Past Three Months

Oh baby.  You and I have been so busy the last three months.  Mommy went back to work, and Grandma started babysitting three days, and Daddy two days. 
You love staying with both of them.
Daddy finally saw how much work it is to have the baby all to yourself!
You have started "talking"  and its so cute.
You also look at us, and smile.
You love to interact with people, much better than most of your toys.  Actually you don't really play with toys at all.  Apparently we are way more entertaining.
You do like television though, even with no sound.  You ignore everyone, just like daddy!
This morning I held you and you took steps!  Such a big boy.  I know its a long time until you actually walk, but it was still exciting to see how strong you are.  Talking steps before you even walk!

First Day Back at Work

So I definately should have practiced getting up early, cause I totally did not want to get up when my alarm went off.  So I slept for another 40 minutes.  I then had to run and shower, feed the baby again, and then change the baby cause he spit up.  We finally got out of the house, and I got stopped by the train!  the train then stopped.  I finally dropped him off.  I didn't think I"d be so upset, but I cried all the way to work.

I was so happy to get home to him by the end of the day.  But he didn't seem fazed at all. 

7 weeks. So big

So Benjamin was actually 6 weeks in this picture.  But it is too cute for words!

He is 7 weeks old today.  I can't believe it.  It has gone by so gast.  I go back to work next week.  Which is exciting and sad all at the same time.  I'm really happy to go back and ssee my other kids.  But I am going to miss seeing everything my son does when he first does it :( 

First Outing with Just Mommy and Me

So today, I decided if Benjamin would sleep alone, I would take a shower and we would venture out to Target.  He did!  So away we went.

This is the first time we have gone anywhere just the two of us.  And it was nice, but different, and a little difficult.  First off, I really really need to work out or something.  I have no upper arm strength.  It was hard to lift the baby and the car seat all at once.  But I did it.  We walked around target and he fell asleep, so it was pretty easy going.  The only thing that had me worried, is we haven't installed the mirror that hangs on the back of the seat, so that you can see the baby while driving. 
I'm still new, so I freak out a lot, and would have liked the reassurance of seeing for myself the baby was okay, instead of relying on sound only.  So I definately am going to have to make sure the mirror is in for our next car trip.

I am hoping that daddy will put together the stroller tonight, and if it is warm tomorrow then I will attempt a walk with baby and doggy!

Passport!

So we decided to take Benjamin to get his passport and renew his daddy's all at the same time.  First we had to stop and get Benjamin's birth certificate.  Which is totally exciting.  We had to have copies of our photo ids in order to get Benjamin his passport, so I made copies on our printer.  Before we left I made sure Oscar had everything he needed, and off we went.  Little did I know that I forgot my id in the printer...

Our plans were ruined. 

Next day off we shall try again

Laundry

I knew having a child was a lot of work.  I however was not prepared for the massive amount of laundry that I would have, with just one child.  I suppose if he did not spit up all the time, that would help.  But I have to change him, and me multiple times a day.  Not to mention the bedding. 

Any helpful hints on how to stop the spitting up?  I've tried holding him upright and still, to no avail.  Thanks. 

Month Doctor's Appointment

So, at our last doctor's appointment Benjamin weighed 7 lbs 5 ounces, and was 21 inches long. 
I've seen that he has grown and I've definately felt that he weighed more, but I was worried because of the spit up, that he wasn't getting enough nutrition.  Well we learned today that he now weighs 9lbs 12 ounces and is 23 inches long!

Momma must have been sleeping with someone tall, cause everyone knows, that my family is full of shorties as is Oscar's.  So who knows where all this height comes from!

Look at this face!

How can you not love that face?

Blizzard of 2011

So I had no idea that I would worry so much about my child.  Seriously, worry all the time.  The first few night, I wouldn't sleep because I was so nervous something would happen.  Well the night before Benjamin turned one month something happened.  That something was:
SNOW!

It started snowing and snowing some more.  We lost power.  We had no idea when it would be turned back on.  My friend lost power, but her power came back on in ten minutes.  We did not have such luck.  I was so worried that my baby would freeze to death.  We didn't have power for 13 hours, but finally it came back on.  I guess it makes a great story, but it was horrible when it was happening!

Spitter

My son is a spitter.  He spits up a lot.  Or at least I think it is a lot.  I guess I don't really know, since he is my first child.  I don't mind that he spits up, its just so messy.  It also makes me worry he isn't getting enough to eat.  Which is another thing, he seems to be always hungry.  Good thing he is so handsome like his daddy!

Benjamin Edward Hernandez

On January 4th, I decided that I hadn't felt Benjamin move as much.  I called Dr. Bishop and she told me to go to the hospital.  I left work early and away Oscar and I went.  They told me that I was having contractions every four minutes.  I thought wow, I don't even feel it, labor is going to be so easy!  Boy was I wrong.  I hadn't dilated or effaced so they sent me home.  Oscar and I went to his parents house to hang out.  I started getting pains.  I tried breathing and rocking, and nothing helped.  I told Oscar we had to leave.  So we went to out house.  I started timing the contractions and they weren't very consisitant, but they were coming and coming and were so painful.  I had Oscar call the doctor again.  They sent me back to the hospital.
I got to the hospital and it seemed like they were ready to send me home.  However, they checked me out and I was 4 cm!  So they checked me in.  I wanted to do it without painkillers, but once I felt the pain I totally changed my mind. 
My labor stalled which stinks.  My epidural kept wearing off.  I couldn't rest, even though they told me to, cause I was feeling pain, and the blood pressure cuff kept squeezing my arm every 15 minutes.  My water broke, and they thought there was poop in it, so they got all worried.  A few hours later another doctor checked me and she decided that my water had broken behind, not below, so she really broke my water.  And boy was it gushy, she said it was fine and there was no poop i n it.  Benjamin was still refusing to move down the birth canal.  I was dilated and everything.  Finally after four epidurals and 24 hours of labor they decided to prep me for a c-section.
They took me to a room and strapped me on a table like a cross.  It was rough.  My mouth was so dry and I was so thirsty and I wasn't allowed anything.  Oscar had to wait outside until they were ready for him.  They started cutting, and one of the nurses realized he wasn't here, so they ran to get him.  Finally he was out, and I got to see him for a second.  Oscar got to cut the umbilical cord and go to the nursery with him.  I had to lay there dying of thirst while they sewed me up.  I then had to goto recovery. 

After four hours I finally got to hold my Benjamin Edward.  He is just perfect!

6 days

I am so excited.  Six days until my due date.  The past two weeks I have been just laying around and resting.  But tomorrow I have to go back to work, so we shall see.  I have a feeling my feet are going to go back to being three times their size.  I cannot wait to meet my son. 

24 weeks and 5 days.

Six months!!!!!

That is how far along I am now.  It is extremely exciting.  As is almost everything lately.  The baby finally kicked where I can see it.  It was so cool.  My wonderful boyfriend couldn't be bothered to watch for it.  So I was upset with that at first.  But I'm sure he will see it in the upcoming months. 

My back is killing me.  I mean KILLING me.  Today I couldn't stand up straight in the morning, cause I would get a shooting pain in my back.  At the end of my work day it was much better, but the drive home aggravated it again. 

Shopping

I totally want to buy things.  It is completely hard not to buy everything I see.  Everyone keeps telling me, don't buy anything until after the shower.  Ugh.  But my mom is having one in December, and that is so far away!  And the baby is coming in January!!!  I cannot wait at all. 

Getting Bigger Everyday

My belly is growing, and growing and growing.  It is amazing to me how far it can stretch, and I've got so far to go. 

Sometimes it doesn't feel real.

I still cannot believe that I am going to finally be a mommy.  I've been waiting for this day for years.  I am so excited to meet my son. 
I had no idea that naming my child would be so difficult.  But it is.  I have no idea what we are going to name him,  but we are definately going crazy looking up names and such. 

I'm having a BOY!

Well.  I have officially seen my little boy!  I am so excited.  It was such an amazing thing.  He was moving and wriggling and even humping the air, or butt exercises if you will.  After the ultrasound we went to Babies R Us to finish my registry.  We had tons of fun.  We got to use a gun and roam the store for hours.  The only bad thing was, I didn't wear my tennis shoes.  Oh, and also that I couldn't just buy everything at all times. 

20 Weeks. Halfway there

So I'm halfway there.  And it is really exciting.  Except for I'm so hungry all the time now.  Which I guess is a good change since, I didn't want to eat at all before.  In three days I get to have my ultrasound and find out the sex of the baby.  I can't wait!  I'm a little nervous that I'm going to pee myself because of the excitement though.  I cannot pee starting an hour before the ultrasound and I must drink 24 ounces of fluid before I go in.  It is going to be so hard.  Oh well.  Let's hope I make it!

Big or little

So people are either telling me I'm too big for how pregnant I am, or too little.  Its kinda hurtful sometimes.  They make me feel like a cow when they tell me I'm so big.  I am trying to just smile and ignore them, I know most people aren't doing it to be hurtful.  I just keep telling myself.  You are the perfect size for your pregancy!

Headaches

Oh my god.  The nausea is almost all gone, and in comes the headaches.  I miss Advil.  Seriously.  Tylenol is not touching the pain.  Hopefully this doesn't last the rest of the time.

HeartBeat

In case you don't know.  I read.  A lot.  Sometimes it is not a good thing.  I had been reading about blighted ovums.  So if you can imagine I was pretty freaked out that I was growing one of those and not a healthy baby. 
All my fears were laid to rest when the doctor let me hear the baby's heartbeat!  It was so exciting.  I can't wait for January. 

Sleep.

So I haven't updated in awhile.  Of course.  Cause that is what I do.  Basically I'll that I've been doing is sleeping.   I sleep, lay around, nap, try to eat ( I've been avoided food, nothing makes me want to eat it), and then sleep some more.  Lucky me.  I've been getting better at eating though, so that is a big plus. 

How to embarrass yourself at the doctor.

So my first doctor's visit was May 24th.  Lets just say that I will not be forgetting it ever, and neither will the doctors office I'm sure.  So...  who has peed in a cup?  I have.  Many times.  I however, couldn't  figure this one out.  I couldn't even move the lid a mm.  I thought to myself, hmm what to do.  On the top of the cup was a sticker, it said pull up the sticker reach in and done. I did this.  This is how you get the pee out of the cup.  Not into it.  I opened the door and waited for the nurse.  I told her I had some trouble, she goes here I can open it for you.  I was like,  um... its covered in pee!  She demoted me to a paper cup. 

Positive

POSITIVE. Positive.  I am having a baby.  Does it get any more exciting?  I don't think so. 

I feel as if I can actually feel things happening already.  Very strange. It is like a pulling on my right side.  I am peeing more than ever, and if you know me, you are probably thinking I'm permentally on the toilet.  Not true.  But close.  I'm very uncomfortable when sitting for long periods of time.  I also have tender breasts.  So what do you think?  Positive????

I go for my first doctors visit on May 24th.  I'm super excited.  But I wish that I could know for sure, right now. 

Here is to a healthy baby.

Any ideas for what I should call the little one, while its incubating???

Baking and Ballerinas

Um.  I have been cooking something every weekend.  Last weekend I actually made three things/well four really I guess.  I made fruit and nut bars, chocolate mint bars, and pizza dough and sauce.
Let's say everything was awesome.  This would not be true.  For some reason I messed up the fruit and nut bars.  There wasn't really any bars.  The recipe called for 3 cups of dried fruit, and I measured before I cut not after, which is where I think the problem was.  Oh well.  I'm looking forward to what I'm making next time!  I really want to make a rainbow cake.

So well shall see.

Tonight I'm going to see Sleeping Beauty, and am I super excited.  I haven't been to the ballet in years.  I miss it. I miss doing it, and seeing it.  So I'm glad my friend invited me to go.  Time to get ready.

Family Tree

I have decided to start researching my family tree. I am super excited about it, and hope that my family members will aid me in my sleuthing.

List again

Well here are some things I've been up to:

• I am walking in the March Of Dimes, on my friend Crystal's team. She lost her baby Conner to Dandy-Walker Syndrome. You can join our team and/or donate here. www.marchforbabies.org/sbarrett26
• I've been baking. I love it. But I don't think its good for my waistline.
• I signed up to take two certification tests in April for teaching.
• I've been going to the gym more regularly.
• I booked a trip to Cinci to see my friends and their babies.
• I'm trying to book a trip to Cali to see my brother and the OCEAN
• I'm booked a trip to San Antonio.

That is all for now.

Yep. Still not posting on a consistent basis

I'm so bad at posting. Really bad. I guess it is okay though. Since I'm pretty sure no one is hanging on to my every word. So snippets:

• Did I mention I went to Disney? It was awesome. I love Disney. And I loved the hotel we stayed in. Thank you employee discount, and low occupancy! I was so happy that the Boy Loved it too.
• We also went to LA/Pasadena to see my brothers. That was fun. But guess what? THe sun ran away. Just like every single time I go. I wish California didn't hate me so.
• I start school again next week. I am really excited for it. But wish that the school could get themselves together.
• School/Work, is going well. I am still enjoying it.
• I still have not received my W2 for one of the jobs I worked. Which stinks. I guess you have to wait until the middle of february to actually call and complain. So boo on them. I like to do my taxes ASAP and fill out my FAFSA. But I guess I have no choice this year.
• We are getting a new stove! I am super excited about it. And hope to be using it as much as Oscar does!
• Um... I almost forgot. My computer is broken. I hate it. I think I am going to give in and take it to the expensive place, cause I just want it fixed. But I might try the Geek Squad first. Wish me luck. I hate not having it.

Okay, Now I'm pretty sure i'm done for now. Hopefully, something fun or interesting happens and I can update more often.