Family – Page 42 – The Merfett

Day 1 – What’s a Mama Heart?

October 1, 2013 The Merfett

Day 1 of 31…whoa. I’ve never written for 31 days in a row. If you want to get up to speed on the challenge I’m doing, check this out.

So, I picked the “Parenting” theme…specifically my writing topic for the next 31 days is Growing My Mama Heart.

Nifty, now what’s a Mama Heart?

Since becoming a Mama on July 31, 2013 I use the term “mama heart” to cover my feelings, thoughts and challenges of becoming a new Mama. Cool? Cool.

Let’s set the scene:

Here’s the main player, my son, the one who made me a Mama.

Screen Shot 2013-09-23 at 5.01.44 PM — Riley. Also known to many as Merfbaby.

My sidekick, best friend and the love of my life.

{6f6a564c-9a0a-4031-b72a-8419a78537b8}_3BW — Merfman

The backstory:

In my younger years I never thought I would become a parent. Ask my Mom, she was seriously concerned I was going to leave her high and dry without any Grandbabies. Becoming a Grandma was serious stuff to her.

It wasn’t until I met and married Merfman that I understood the great desire to become a Mama. I didn’t want a baby to fulfill something in me, I wanted to raise a child with him, as a team. I still clearly remember discussing the topic of children in our premarital class. One of God’s purposes for marriage is to raise up children and share the gospel with them, so they can share with others. They are the future of the body of Christ.

Merfman and I discussed our desires to have children, but we knew that it’s not always God’s plan for all couples to get pregnant. We were prepared for whatever might happen, and talked about the option of adoption if that’s where our path led.

The main event:

In November we learned we were pregnant, due in July. We shared the news with our families over Christmas and they were overjoyed. I was blessed with a very healthy and “easy” pregnancy. We took Bradley Classes to prepare for childbirth and were even more blessed with a natural non-medicated birth.

The status report:

I’ve been at this mama things for over 2 months, and I’ve learned a lot and I still have a lot to learn. I don’t think I’ll ever really be done learning though, right? That’s the fun part about life. You’re always learning and growing. With each new stage Riley enters I’ll be figuring it out right along with him.

That’s the story of where I’m at, and I’m excited to see where I’m going.

30 days to go!

Family

Riley is 2 Months!

September 25, 2013October 20, 2013 The Merfett

Another month!

Weight: On Monday Riley had his 2 month check up. He’s 13lb 6oz and 24.5″ long. 98%!!! He’s wearing 6 month clothing. Looking back a photos of him from the early weeks he’s so much more filled out. His little legs are getting thicker, but overall he’s really long and lean still. He got his shots at the check up. He was so perfect and happy until they stuck him with the first shot. He cried. Like real tears cried. Which I don’t like at all, but he calmed down just fine.

Health: Still stuffy and congested in the morning sometimes. We run the humidifier which seems to help, and we’ve developed a very love/hate relationship with the saline drops + nasal aspirator. I asked the doctor what we should do to prepare for the winter and cold/flu season…so we’ll be doing lots of hand washing and trying to avoid large crowded indoor places. Like choosing the open air mall over the enclosed one.

He’s in LOVE with the Snoopy wallpaper at the Pediatrician’s office. So much that he wouldn’t look away to get his eyes checked, ha!

Sleep: 5 – 6 hours from when we put him down, then he wakes for a feeding and then back to sleep until morning. Lots of napping during the day normally 45min – 1.5hrs. Getting such a long stretch at night has been really nice for me. Depending on when we put him down (we try to aim for 9pm) he’ll sleep until it’s time for me to get up in the morning. Since I’ve gone back to work 6:30am has become my wake up time. It gives us enough time for breakfast (both of us) shower, dressing and morning chores before I need to be out the door.

Nursing: Going really well. I’m much more confident and comfortable. He really doesn’t like me putting a towel or anything over him when he’s nursing…I can’t blame him, with the summer heat I wouldn’t want to eat in a hood-tent either. I saw something online that was kind of cool and it gave me an idea. I took a long scarf and knotted the ends together. I throw the loop over my shoulder of the side I’m nursing (like a sash) and pull it down to “adjust” and then just let it sit right next to his cheek so it’s covering me but not him. He’s much happier and it’s keeping everything “contained” so I don’t feel awkward about nursing out and about.

What Riley is up to: Lots of smiles and “chatting!” It’s the best/craziest feeling in the world when he looks are me and smiles a real smile. In the afternoon’s he’s very chatty so we sit face to face and talk. I love hearing all the sounds he comes up with. Sometimes I make the sounds back at him, or make a new one that stumps him. He’ll give me the funniest look when I make a growl or blow raspberries. In the morning when I’m getting ready for work I sit him in his bouncy chair in the bathroom. I play music and he loves to “sing” along :)

Screen Shot 2013-09-23 at 5.02.15 PM — His favorite thing at home. He loves the black and white.

Screen Shot 2013-09-23 at 5.01.52 PM — Let’s be real for a second…I was fully prepared to have an unfortunate looking baby. Babies can be awkward looking, they take some time to fill out and grow into their features, that’s what I was expecting. Now, I may be bias, but sometimes I look at Riley and think he’s a really good looking little human.

Screen Shot 2013-09-23 at 5.02.03 PM — That outfit he’s wearing doesn’t even come close to fitting anymore…and that car seat had to be adjusted 2 sizes so he would be more comfortable. Little dude is T.A.L.L.

PostPartum: I signed up for a sprint triathlon so I’m working on getting my fitness back. I started eating cleaner, not that my diet was awful before…but I do feel much better when I eat complete balanced meals. I had my 6 week postpartum check up and everything is healed and I’m back to life as normal. I saw my weight on the scale, but it didn’t freak me out. It’s more about the way I feel and my clothes fit. Since I’m focused on eating better I have to plan ahead. Sunday’s are grocery shopping and meal prep. I cooked chicken breasts, chopped fruit, baked sweet potatoes, roasted veggies and made some quinoa. When I get home from work I just reheat dinner, which is great since I’m often home alone with Merfman at work so I can’t cook a complete meal and baby juggle. I’ve done two jogs this week, and the one last night was easier than the one Sunday. Just have to work to make the time to get out there and do it.

Baby Gear: Cloth diapers! We started using our cloth diapers a few weeks ago and I really love them. My favorite brand is Charlie Banana. We have the Bum Genius all in one, and the inserts but the Charlie Banana ones are SO soft and plush. I do an extra load of laundry which I don’t mind. But I did order a few more Charlie Banana’s to carry us through a few more changes. California Baby Lotion, it smells amazing. Riley loves when I put it on his dry forehead. We’ve just started hanging toys for him to see, he seems to love his Lamaze giraffe that I hang over his pack n play. He looks at it, coos and kicks his feet.

Screen Shot 2013-09-23 at 5.01.36 PM — The stare down…also, babies in hoodies…the BEST.

Thoughts: I started back to work last week, and Riley is coming with me! I set him up in the pack n play to nap, and he has a bouncy chair next to my desk. So far he’s doing awesome, napping and eating great. He’s very popular and everyone loves to stop by and visit him. He doesn’t fuss much or cry hardly at all, which is a huge blessing. I started thinking about the holidays this week since fall has officially started…even if it doesn’t feel like it…cough90degreescough. I’m so excited for this to be Riley’s first holiday season. I know he won’t remember it, but I can’t wait :)

Screen Shot 2013-09-23 at 5.01.27 PM — Riley got to sit at a very important table on his first set visit

Family

Do the Shuffle

September 23, 2013 The Merfett

So, I did something a little crazy. Well, not TOO crazy – but sort of exciting and challenging.

I signed up for a sprint triathlon. It’s November 24, so I’ll have a few weeks to get my act together. It’s a 1/2 swim, 14 mile bike and 4.5 mile run. I could do the swim in my sleep, the bike doesn’t worry me too much, but that run. Oh…that run.

I am not a land human. I never really have been. I broke my bionic ankle walking, yes…walking. Running does not come naturally to me. I have to work at it, like hard. I always feel a huge sense of accomplishment after a run, but it’s hard earned.

So, I went on my first post-baby run (read: shuffle) yesterday. The weather was glorious. I would be adventurous and run outside! No running on the dreadmill at the gym for me, I was going to enjoy the real world!

First, what to wear?

My workout capris are old and sad (read: saggy) I like to call them quitters. Every few strides they start quitting so it’s a constant battle of up/down tugging. I know! I’ll be brave and wear shorts. But the shorts are over ambitious and like to rise to the occasion. Once they start they just keep going. Whatever, I can deal. Hm, now for the containment issue…none of my sports bra’s can meet the challenge that is nursingboobies. I select the least uncomfortable option, but it’s like wearing a string bikini top. The support is humorous. It’s fine, I tell myself. After a few shirt options I decide on an old tech tee, it’s cut a little short for my long torso but I’m more comfortable in it then a few of the other choices I have. Again, I’ll make it work. No one’s going to see me, it’s a Sunday afternoon run around the ‘hood…right?

Second, where to go?

The weather is glorious. The sun is out, the air is cool, there’s a breeze, there’s rainbows and unicorns. I’m a little self conscious about my stride (read: shuffle) so I don’t really want to put my fine athletic self on display for all of the ‘hood so I elect to run to a local park that has a nice dirt loop. There’s never much activity at this park and the route to reach it is relatively secluded. It’ll be perfect. I can get my jog (again, shuffle) on in peace…right?

Third, the reality.

Merfbaby is in the capable care of Merfman. The time has come…I’m out the door and moving along (shuffle, shuffle) and it’s HARD. Well, I knew it was going to be a challenge but I’m gonna stick with it. My shorts are rising to the occasion as expected, my nursingboobies are jumping for joy, and my tech tee is following the lead of my shorts and showing off some nice mama tum-tum. It’s ok, hang in there, you haven’t even seen a soul. There’s no witnesses to what a hot mess you are. I’m well on my way to the park, still confident in my route selection when I round the corner and there it is…200 people and a classic car show. SERIOUSLY?!

I can’t chicken out now, I’ve been spotted. Must.Keep.Shuffling. I select the least crowded path, make a loop virtually undetected and head toward the exit. I’m a sight I’m sure. I’m so close, almost free of the unforgiving gaze of strangers when it gets better. Lining both sides of the park exit is the entire local football team waiting to cheer on the winners from the classic car show upon their departure. UGH. Head down, arms pumping, shuffle, shuffle. Are we done yet?

I’m on my return route when I encounter pedestrians, male of course. There’s no sympathy there. Shuffle, shuffle. As I pass I take in the awesomeness that is their elevator eyes. It takes everything good in my soul to not yell…”OH YEA, WELL YOU BIRTH AN ALMOST 9 POUND HUMAN WITHOUT DRUGS AND TELL ME HOW EASY IT IS!!” <– This may become my new running mantra.

Several shuffles later and I’m back in the safe privacy of my driveway. Labored breathing, shorts up, tummy peaking, and sweaty. I did it. It was painful both physically and emotionally. Today my body and my pride hurt a little, but I know it’s going to get easier. Can it get any harder?! I’m lucky to have my health, and be blessed with a body that can exercise. As difficult as these next few weeks might be I know it’ll be so worth it to cross that finish line, strong, exhausted, happy, and sore.

It should be noted that I went last night and got properly fitted for a serious sports bra. I dare my nursingboobies to make a move. The woman re-measured me and I’m coming to terms with the fact that I’m pretty far into the alphabet.

It’s all worth it, but it’s totally not easy.

Shuffle on…