Family – Page 18 – The Merfett

I Wanna Be A Cute Mom

June 18, 2014 The Merfett

I’ve been quiet on here recently, aside from Riley’s Monthly updates. Which – thank goodness for those. I’ll be so thankful to have all those little detailed memories to look back on.

I know I’ve talked about it a few times, but fashion. Ugh. SO not my thing. But in my quest to find my new balance between wife/mom/self I’m learning that “me time” is a big part of the matrix. I’ve been working out 2 times a week with a trainer, and I’m starting to see some of my old self come back. Not just the physical – but who I was as an athlete. The familiar muscle soreness is like an old friend – creepy, no?

In the trenches of parenting tiny humans I feel like we loose ourselves a little. Sometimes out of the sheer need for survival. There needs to be less about me, so I can be there more for him. Does that make sense? I wrote once that we’re like a pie (yum. pie) and there’s only so much of us to go around, so each slice will get bigger or smaller to make up for the pieces that are taking up more real estate. My Mom slice it real big right now, and my Me slice is smaller. Which is ok, I know it’s for a season. But, I’m finding that when I invest in myself and my Me slice – all of my other slices seem to fit better in the pie. I’m a more attentive and present Mama when I spend just a little time on myself. A trip to Target solo is like a vacation, amiright!? When I’m a little selfish I find that I have a fresh attitude toward my roles of Wife and Mama.

I’m almost a full year postpartum and I’m still learning how to be comfortable in my new body. After pregnancy and labor and nursing (still) my body has given so much. And I’m grateful, and so thankful to be strong and healthy. My size and shape is totally different and I’m learning how to love all of me. Stretch marks and Mama tummy included.

So – I wanna be a cute Mom. You know, the Mom at the park that has just enough style that she looks pulled together, but still relaxed and casual. As I’ve mentioned I hate shopping almost as much as I hate spending money…those two don’t fit well together. Oops. But I’m so tired of looking tired and feeling less than great about myself. I’ve made attempts to improve my “look” but I’m going to make it a priority now. It’s not just about looking cute though. I’ve always heard the phrase, “don’t dress for the job you have – dress for the job you want.” And it hit me. I’m dressing like a Mama that’s frazzled and doesn’t make time for herself. I’m not that Mama, at least – I don’t want to be. I want to feel great about myself so I feel great about life and living, and adventures and crawling around in the sand at the park with Riley.

So Riley and I went on an adventure last week to find me a new Swim Suit – a story for another day. But we wandered into Anthropologie. Because happy. It must be the way they make that store smell, or the lighting, or the displays. But I feel at home and relaxed there. Then I see the price tags. Uhhh. But, you know what? I’m an adult. I should be ok with buying nicer clothing that’s of good quality and fits me well. I fell better in clothing that’s made of nice fabric, and since I wear my clothes into the ground I should be investing. Not just buying.

So I put on my big girl pants (literally) and found some new clothes.

Are all my problems solved? Am I the perfect Mama? Ha! No. Not even close.

But, I’m almost giddy about getting dressed – and even, gasp…doing my hair AND make up. Who am I? I’m a Mama trying to take care of herself so she can take better care of her family. Simple.

Family

Riley is 10 Months

May 1, 2014June 2, 2014 The Merfett

10.

Weight: He was 21.5lbs and 33 in long at his 9 month check up – so perhaps a little over that? He’s wearing 18 – 24 month clothing, and will probably move into toddler clothes soon :) That big cloth diaper-bum only makes him bigger!

Health: All is well! He’s doing so well with the chiropractic adjustments that he’s down to one visit a month. He’s a total success story in the office there, and we’re thrilled that he’s finally “regular.” He’s had a few bumps and bruises recently since he’s more adventurous and pulling up and crawling around. He does NOT like it if he bumps his head into anything.

Sleep: He’s waking up around 5:30am. Bedtime is 7:00pm/7:30pm and even if he goes to bed later he’s still waking up early. I think he’s just that kid. Naps are 1.5 hours in the morning and afternoon. Catnap sometimes. I’m trying to stretch out his awake time between naps so the 2nd nap falls later in the afternoon.

Nursing: Yep. Day feedings are getting shorter, but he’s still eating first thing in the morning and before bed. I feed him after he wakes up from his naps, but it’s normally pretty short. Which I’m ok with. I need to do some reading about weaning, but I think we’ll make it to a year.

What Riley is up to: He started to babble this month! Last weekend at a BBQ he became so chatty and started “ba-ba-bas” and loves to “ba” at Buddy and Betsy. I’m also teaching him “uh-oh” and “up” which he’s starting to get. We’re working on waving “hi” and “bye-bye” and just recently started to practice clapping. Swimming is his favorite and we’ve spent a lot of time in our little pool at home. We got a bike-trailer that he’s warming up to and started doing family bike rides around the neighborhood. Trips to the park are a weekly adventure, and he’s a sand eater for sure. Ew.

He’s serious about Sand

PostPartum: Working on really trying to balance work and life. Finding that my priorities are making it clear where I want to invest myself. I’ve been seeing Riley’s Chiropractor and that’s helping with so much of my stress. Physical and emotional. I had no idea that I was carrying around so much emotional stress until we started working on it. I’ve noticed a huge improvement in the 3 sessions we’ve had. I’m still working out with my trainer 2 times a week – and I’m starting to notice a difference in my strength. That combined with my adjustments I’ve seen a major improvement in my posture!!

Baby Gear: We got a little wooden activity center for him – sort of like the ones with the wooden beads they have at the doctors office. He likes that. And any little kitchen gadget. He also loves to carry around a baby spoon and bang it on anything to make a new sounds. The dogs are fun entertainment, and he’s pulling up and crawling on them. They tolerate it well :)

Thoughts: Getting close to a year! We’re starting to think about a small birthday party and maybe getting him a backyard play set with a swing :) I love this little kid. We’re great buddies and I love spending my days with him. I’m so thankful I’ve had these months working from home with him. We have a little routine and love it when Daddy is home for dinner at night :) Recently someone asked me what surprised me most about having Riley – and I said I didn’t think it would change me in such a huge way. Yes, life changes. But I’ve changed in so many ways. I’m so much softer and more emotional that I ever was. Like – feel my feelings now. Yea…never thought I’d be that girl. I love being a Mama, and I’m so thankful for this little dude that makes me smile every day.

Family

Riley is 9 Months

May 1, 2014April 30, 2014 The Merfett

N.I.N.E

Weight: We find out today at his 9 month check up! I think we’re just used to how heavy he is – but when other people hold him they always comment on how “solid” he is. Long and lean, but solid. We moved him up into his convertible car seat, he was still under the 35lb limit of the infant seat, but since we’ve been carrying him to/from the car anyway and he’s so tall we decided to make the switch. I think he’s happier that he can sit upright too.

Health: Major health news this month! We solved his digestive issues. Ok – so, baby poop talk time…he’s been having issues for a few months. Almost everything you read online tells you it’s “normal” for babies to go several (10-15 days) without going poo. Well, he would go several days, if not a week+ if we didn’t “help” him. Ah, yea. I don’t share all of this to embarrass him someday when he’s older – BUT, I share because we found something that REALLY works. Kelly and I were doing some online research one day (one of our constant topics of online searching) and Kelly found a comment about digestive issues being associated with alignment of the spine/nervous system. We personally believe in Chiropractics, I know some people don’t – totally cool. Do whatever you feel comfortable with. We decided to take him for an adjustment. And the response I received from the Dr when I told her why we came to see her…”ah, yea – Chiropractors are poo doctors.” Oh. So I won’t get all technical, but she said your nervous system is connected to your intestines, and trauma to the system is like pinching a garden hose. His pelvis was SO tight, which isn’t normal. A few months back he fell on his bottom and she thinks that was the source of the trauma…which is when all of the issues really started. So, she gently wiggled his hips, and rubbed his back and checked his neck. When the pelvis is out the neck will overcompensate…and that’s often associated with an Ear Infection. Crazy, huh?! The adjustment was very gentle and he laughed and giggled through most of it. Less than 24 hours after seeing the Chiropractor and we had movement! We also cut back on wheat/dairy and switched up his probiotic. Wheat/Dairy are “drying.” I cannot tell you how happy I am that we found a gentle and permanent solution. He’s been regular every day since, and his overall disposition is happier. He’s even kicking in swim class now – he never kicked before and alway kept his hips tucked under. So – I’ll hop off my soapbox now, but if you are having similar issues with your baby I know a wonderful Chiropractor :) We are both going for an adjustment next week.

Sleep: He’s “rising” with the sun anytime from 5am – 6:00am, feeds and then goes back down for another few hours. I usually go back to bed too and get up around 7am. Naps are like 45-1hr in the morning, and then a longer 1.5-2 hr nap in the afternoon. He’s dropped the catnap for the most part, so we moved bedtime up to 6:30pm/7pm. He’s teething again…I know, 8 teeth and counting, so that’s messing with sleep too. I’m feeling like his molars are shifting – he’s jamming his hand way back in the his mouth on one side and generally irritable. I’m so ready to get a break from teething….

Nursing: Yep. Aiming to hit that 12 month mark. He’s feeding for a long time first thing in the morning, then for shorter periods throughout the day. We’re doing more solids and he’s finally getting into it. He’s been playing with food for a few months, but in the last few days he’s really figured it out. He’ll eat a whole small banana, tons of applesauce, yogurt and his current favorite is cheerios. Also LOVES corn on the cob. He gets so excited when we give him some. His hands shake and he giggles.

What Riley is up to: Officially crawling. And fast! Our living area isn’t super big, and I’m thankful since I can see him from any corner of the kitchen/living room. He puts on the gas whenever the front door opens or when he sees Dad come into the room. His favorite new toy is our sliding trash can drawer. He’ll open and close it a hundred times. He hasn’t mastered the pull up to stand. But he can put his feel flat on the ground and do a plank/down dog. He’ll pull up and balance on his knees too. He also loved crawling over and “petting” the dogs and grabbing chunks of fur. Swim lessons are going great and he’s kicking and putting his head under.

Easter Basket from Grandma and Grandpa Murphy

Easter goodies from Grandma Cheryl and Grandpa Tom

First life vest – all set for a river trip!

This would be our child tipping over backwards in a life jacket. Don’t worry – he was thoroughly padded.

PostPartum: I started working out with a trainer, she comes to the house after Riley’s in bed for the night. It’s helping me commit to exercising. I do that 2 days a week, and yoga the other days during naps. On the weekends we go for a walk or a bike ride. It’s so crazy all the changes your go through physically and mentally after having a baby. I’m so thankful for my little group of Mom friends that I can share #momprobs with. I’m also thankful that all my non-mom friends “get it” and are super cool about the whole “hey, we have a baby” thing. It changes your life – just like everyone said. But it’s awesome. Sure, some days are hard. And others are a breeze. It’s a daily challenge to find balance, and a constant struggle to remember that I need to be selfish and make myself a priority sometimes.

Baby Gear: All the kitchen tools! Ha. Books are a new favorite. He loves turning the pages and opening/closing them.

Thoughts: