Life With Miles- Week 4 & My Favorite (Baby) Things

I can't believe we're already approaching the end of our first month with Miles. He's not a newborn anymore! It's so exciting to see him start being more alert and awake during the day. He smiles whenever I give him kisses, and he loves to snuggle. He is starting to sleep in consistently longer stretches at night- usually from nine to three, after which he eats and then falls back asleep until about seven-thirty or even eight in the morning! So awesome.

Weirdly, I've been having more cravings now post-pregnancy than I did before Miles arrived. These cravings include peanut M&Ms, peanut butter, soda (bad, Veralynn, bad), and chocolate chip cookies. I'm allowing myself to indulge a bit until my six-week postpartum checkup with Dr. K; once I get the thumbs up to start exercising again, I plan on being a bit more disciplined with my diet and exercise.

I wanted to share some of the baby items that I've found most useful in the first month of Miles's arrival. These are what I like to call My Favorite (Baby) Things. Let's go clockwise starting from the upper left-hand corner.

1. The UppaBaby Vista- this stroller has not disappointed us yet; in fact, quite the opposite. The bassinet works wonderfully as a little bed for Miles when we're away from home, the base is easy to get in and out of the car, and the carseat snaps so easily in and out without causing a stir if Miles is asleep. It feels like you're pushing air and I can even maneuver it with one hand! I use this stroller all the time and it is worth having.
2. A breastfeeding pillow- what can I say, Miles is my chunk o' love and I was having a hard time positioning him well and holding him to eat without it (another reason to exercise- lack of upper body strength). I don't want to tell you the name of it because it's so ridiculous...oh fine, it's called My Brest Friend. Ugh! I hate even typing that out. Barf.
3. A good swaddle blanket- Miles loves this at night and helps him get to sleep. 'Nuff said!
4. Nature Babycare diapers- these are so awesome! They aren't perfumed, they are biodegradable, we've never had any leaks, and they fit great. 
5. The Balboa Baby ring sling- the only sling I've successfully used with Miles so far. Grocery shopping was easy with him cuddled in the sling!
6. Last but not least, the Como Tomo bottle- it's the best! Miles loves it. It's a little pricey but worth being able to have a bottle that Miles will take and not upset his tummy in the process.

From this point, I think I'm going back to posts as I feel like writing and maybe monthly posts on Miles. We'll see, though- it's been fun writing about the different changes I'm noticing each week. I'm so happy to have this little guy in my life, and I can't wait to experience each milestone of his development.

I'm just so happy!

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~VP~

Life With Miles- Week 3

My boys.

There's been one phrase on repeat since Miles's arrival: "He's going to grow up so fast!" I wasn't convinced, as I had been anticipating the minutes, hours, and days to drag on these first few weeks due to sleep deprivation and exhaustion (as well-wishing friends, family, and even strangers told me to expect)- this hasn't been the case at all and it's a huge blessing. At the same time, I've been trying to remind myself how quickly time is going by so I can enjoy each sweet moment of Milo as a newborn before he isn't any longer. It won't be too much longer now!

Miles has settled into quite the routine. He's started having a fussy time every afternoon around three and seems almost inconsolable for about half an hour but will settle into a long nap afterward. When he wakes up, he has started eating every hour from about six to ten in the evening but then sleeps a long stretch of anywhere from four to six hours straight (worth it!). It's nice to be able to anticipate these parts of his day and work with him.

Parker and I have been able to enjoy some time out just the two of us, courtesy of Parker's parents, and it's been really nice! I think Miles enjoys the cuddles almost as much as his Grandpa and Grandma do.

Until next time...
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~VP~

Life With Miles- Week 2

Two weeks already! It's hard to believe, and it already seems like my sweet little baby is starting to grow up. He's changed so much in these fourteen days- his face is starting to change a bit and he's growing like a champ (he was already at eight pounds, thirteen ounces at eleven days old). When he's awake, he sticks his neck out curiously- he kind of looks like a turtle- and takes everything in with wide eyes. It really is the cutest thing.

This week we took our first trip away from home and ventured a few hours south. It was also our second anniversary, which we celebrated with a nice dinner out (accompanied by a sleeping munchkin in the stroller next to us). Even away from home, Miles slept wonderfully in his stroller bassinet. We enjoyed all the shopping and restaurants in the area- there was even a Cinnabon nearby! (We don't have a Cinnabon anywhere near us, which is probably a good thing now that I think about it.)

It's good to be home, though. Parker and I were both laughing so hard last night as we gave Milo a bath- it must have felt liberating to be diaper-free, and he certainly took advantage of the feeling. Afterward, we cuddled him in his hooded bear towel and he looked so content. Miles is doing great at sleeping at night- he usually sleeps one five-hour stretch followed by two three-hour stretches, eating in between. This definitely makes me a happy mama!

So, I have about four weeks left before my post-partum checkup with Dr. K- I can't wait to get the green light to start exercising again. I'm already below my pre-pregnancy weight and fit in all my jeans- it's a miracle! I have no idea how this happened but it is an encouragement because towards the end of my pregnancy I was sure I'd never be able to fit in any of my old clothes once Milo got here.

So, here we are at two weeks: working on our routine, and still soaking up all these moments with our little son. Good times.

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~VP~

Life with Miles- Week 1

This week feels like it's gone by in a blink. I keep trying to remember every little detail about his birth (it makes me tear up just thinking about it) and savoring these moments of him as a newborn baby- even if that means consciously reminding myself during the wee hours of the morning during his cycle of eatdiapersleep- since before I know it he'll be on to the next stage of life.

To me, Miles is perfect- his sweet baby smell, his curious eyes soaking in the new world around him, his chubby cheeks, the way he rests his hands on his tummy contentedly after a full meal. He is really a mellow little man. He doesn't like getting his diaper changed (but who does?), but that's really about all he fusses about. He likes to ride in the car and in his stroller and he loves to be swaddled.

Parker has been great in taking care of Miles. He has become Super Dad! He's taken over a few times already so I can run an errand or get Starbucks by myself. We've both been on different cycles of energy and sleep-deprivation but I think that's a good thing so we can help each other out in getting rest or just a little time away for ourselves. In regards to our relationship, I feel very close to Parker and feel that since Miles has arrived we've become more of a team. I look at Miles in awe- to think that he is an offshoot of us is incredible to me.

That's not to say that having a newborn baby is without its challenges; we had a momentary setback with breastfeeding in the beginning that's better now and are currently dealing with a bout of thrush which is on the mend. We're of course a bit tired as well, but it's so worth it. We've also had some really funny moments at the changing table (read: stay out of the splash zone and projectile poo!) but we're getting better at anticipating these antics!

There's also encouraging aspects of new mommyhood. I'm back to my pre-pregnancy weight and can zip up my jeans no problem! This came a lot faster than I expected and I am not complaining one bit. I'm looking forward to being able to exercise again, too.

On to week two! And hopefully some more naps. :)
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~VP~