Garrett: Four Months

December 27, 2013

 4 Months As Of 12.27.13

Update: This past month has been fairly mellow for Garrett and like a mad rollar coaster for mommy. We're still on the Zantac for reflux and haven't seen any signs of needing to up the dose despite the fact that Garrett is growing, growing, growing! He's found his feet this last week and is constantly grabbing his left foot and chomping on his right hand! It's too cute!

Stats & Recent Appointment: Unfortunately Garrett doesn't have his 4 month check until the 17th of this month but I did dig out the scale and measuring tape today and attempted to get some measurements of our own. According to our home measurements {though I'm not sure how correct they are} he's about 17 pounds 10 ounces and about 27 inches in length. BIG boy!

Features: Oh his darling head of hair! We get compliments and comments on his hair every single time we go somewhere! And I love it! I'm starting to think that our next child will likely be bald until he/she is 16 because Garrett has SO much hair! I'm crazy about trying to keep it clean and fluffy looking but everyone loves to touch/play with it so it usually needs to be washed every day or every other day. His eyes are still blue though somedays I feel like I catch glimpses of brown in them too.

Sleep: This continues to be a struggle but {knock on wood} the past few nights have been better. Tuesday and Wednesday night he fell asleep around 9pm and was up again at 11pm, 2am and 4am and then up for the day at 6am. Last night he slept from about 10:30pm to 2am and then was up again at 4am and 5:30am. I continue to hope and pray that he gets the hang of sleeping soon! I'd settle for two stretches of 3-4 hours each if nothing else! During the day it continues to be a toss up. He naps well most days but the timing is never quite the same. Usually he takes a short nap around 9am and then a longer one around 11am/Noon. Then he usually takes a short nap around 3pm and 5pm. I've tried keeping him from napping at 5pm thinking that would help him sleep longer at night but it had just the opposite effect. Much to my dismay I can't get him to sleep in his crib yet but next weekend I've decided that I'm just going to put him there...no if, and,  buts about it. He's been sleeping in the Rock n' Play next to our bed but ends up in our bed every night.

Eating: He's on about 1/2 formula and 1/2 breast milk though I think our breastfeeding days are numbered. My supply lately has been slowly decreasing. I had been pumping about 6 ounces every 6 hours at work and now I'm lucky if I get 3-4 ounces :( Working 12-14 hours a day has sure put a damper on my production as has my stress level! I started drinking the teas and taking fenugreek again {which tripled my production when I first used it} but even that hasn't really been helping.

Diapering: We're using up the last of our size 2's and then we're headed onto size 3's! We've been sticking with Pampers and Target brand but I plan on sticking strictly with Target brand to save on some money from here on out.

Clothing: Our pile of "doesn't fit" keeps growing and growing! There are a few 3-6 month outfits and pairs of pants that fit him still but he's in mostly 6 month clothes and jammies! I have so many cute outfits that he never got the chance to wear because he's growing SO quickly!

Social: Such a charmer! Garrett spent most of Christmas charming anyone who would look his way! He's mostly a happy little boy though he certainly has his crabby times! 

Nicknames: Monkey, monkey butt, squirt, little man, handsome, chunk, big boy, little love, Mr. Magoo, Stinky Magoo

Likes: Baths, his Baby Einstein phone {and nearly any toy that lights up and makes noise}, cuddling up while falling asleep with his blanket next to his cheek, tv {though momma rarely let's him watch}, music, being sang too, his jumperoo, being read to, standing on the couch to look out the window and sitting up {with help from momma and daddy}

Dislikes: Having his hair dried, having his nails clipped, the hiccups, being stationary in his car seat, going down for naps, being woke up and not getting food fast enough when he's hungry.   


Our 2013 Christmas Card

December 26, 2013

This year I found myself even more behind with our Christmas cards {didn't think that was possible!} so I decided two things. First to order from Walgreens- one hour printing for the win. And second to send out Happy Holiday vs. strict Merry Christmas cards :) So, if I promised you a card it is coming! {Now that I ruined the surprise and you know what they look like ;)} Though they aren't at all what I had planned for I think they still turned out okay. Next year I shall be on top of the game. #fingerscrossed

Merry & Happy Christmas

December 25, 2013



Joyous Christmas Eve

December 24, 2013

Easy Cavas Prints {Review & Giveaway}

December 23, 2013

To say that I'm addicted to photos is probably the understatement of the year. I'm obsessed with having our photos taken. I'm obsessed with looking at photography website. And I'm obsessed with having photos displayed in our home. I think my husband is sometimes embarrassed by the amount of photos I take and have plastered on our walls but they are important to me. Photos are my way of remembering tiny details I might otherwise forget. They are my way of capturing the feeling of the moment, whether it be joy or sorrow. If I could afford it we would probably have our photos done at least a couple times a year. Or maybe I could just get good at using my camera and do them myself?? {Food for thought Stormy} 

So, it would come with no surprise that when I was contacted by Easy Canvas Prints to do a product review I would gladly agree. I had a hard time deciding which photo to use though but settled on one of the most precious to date. A photo of our little guy from the hospital. Seeing this canvas everyday nearly brings tears to my eyes as I can not believe how quickly he is growing! It is so neat to see him curled up in the photo, tiny newborn diaper over his bum and hospital bracelets around his wrist/ankle. It truly is a moment I never want to forget. 

The quality of the canvas is amazing, shipping was super quick and the customer service is amazing! And, they give you the option to print your Instagram photos on canvas as well! To top that all off they are often running specials! Right now they are running 25% off all canvases and free shipping! Total deal! If I where you I would jump all over that! 

Even better, today Easy Canvas Prints is offering one of my readers the chance to win a 8x10 canvas! How amazing is that?! Enter via Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!   

a Rafflecopter giveaway
*Includes free shipping to anywhere in the U.S (excluding Alaska & Hawaii)

Looking for more custom options? Check out Build A Sign for custom yard signs, magnets, banners, bumper stickers and more! Interested in custom t-shirts? Check out Allied Shirts!

Where Has This Week Gone?!?!

December 20, 2013

How in the world is it Friday already?! This week seems to have flown faster than any lately. I had Tuesday and Wednesday off and unfortunately came down with a cold and Garrett has one also so we have been spending a lot of time cobbling on the couch, Kleenex in hand. Poor guy learned quickly to turn his head and wiggle about when he saw the booger sucker coming. There's truly nothing worse than seeing your little baby sick for the first time! I was also scheduled to work today but ended up on standby for the whole 12 hours {well so far anyway}-thank goodness!  I woke up this morning with a migraine so bad I wanted to cry and my head was so congested from the cold that it only made the migraine worse.  Yuck!  But enough complaining about being sick...

In typical Stormy fashion I still have some Christmas shopping to do. I was certain that I was doing so well and that I'd be done before the holidays... thought wrong! For some reason I'm feeling very unprepared this year. I usually have the gifts wrapped, treats made & tunes playing but this year I'm just not feeling it. In fact if it weren't Garrett's first Christmas I'd say we could just skip it all together. I'm not sure what has me feeling so down & out but I just can't seem to shake it. I just whipped up some quick treats today {I'll be sharing with you ladies soon} but I usually make cookies and everything and I'm just not sure I'm going to get there this year. My Christmas cards are sitting in a neat little pile waiting to be sent as well. Can after-Christmas cards be a new thing this year?

I do have lots of good stuff coming up for you ladies...some reviews & giveaways, some photos of our Christmas decor, a yearly recap and I'll even show y'all our Christmas card :) Its crazy to think that Christmas is just a few days away and that soon we'll be in 2014! 

Baby Style: Holiday Favorites

December 19, 2013

Dressing baby is beyond fun and the Christmas and holiday clothes available certainly do not disappoint! I mean polka dots and ruffle tush pants?! Plaid button ups?! Stinking cute! Here are some of my favorites for baby this holiday season! 
 
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2013 Lust List

December 16, 2013

It's crazy to think that we're just a week away from Christmas! Though I've been meaning to share this list for quite sometime I'm just getting around to it today. Sorry about that! This year was all about being preggo, giving birth and loving on our sweet son. While I've loved every moment of that I'm looking forward to taking a few moments in 2014 to pamper myself. I'm fairly certain I deserve just a little momma TLC right?! So, here's a few things I'm loving this holiday season...all just to spoil myself a bit ;) 


The Blogmopolitan Quiz

December 13, 2013

Stumbled upon this on several different blogs today so I thought I'd join in :) It's a fun, quick little way to learn more about each other!

Monthly Favorites: Months Two & Three

December 11, 2013

Hey ladies! You may remember back in September when I showed you some of our baby favorites from the first month. Today I'm here to share some more favorites with you that we've used over the past two months!

Jolly Jumper Arctic Sneak A Peek Infant Car Seat Cover: When it gets cold here it really gets cold! I love that this cover keeps Garrett warm and still allows us to easily get him out {thanks to the zippers!}

Medela 50pk Pump & Save Breastmilk Storage Bags: Going back to work meant I had to start doing a lot more pumping! These bags are great for storing milk in! Plus, they have attachments so that I am able to pump right into the bags meaning I don't have to dirty any bottles! Double win!

Medela 5ct Quick Clean Micro-Steam Sterilizing Bags: These are totally the bomb.com! I love taking them to work with me to quickly sanitize pump parts after washing them! Working in nursing doesn't allow for long breaks {if any!} so anything that is quick and easy is a win! I also use them at home for the days when I don't feel like boiling water to sanitize parts. Each bag can be used 20 times too so they really last quite a long time! 

Puj Flyte Compact Infant Bath: When we registered I went on a mad hunt for a tub that didn't take up a massive amount of space when not in use. The Puj tub is light, compatible and not made of hard plastic! It fits great in all of our sinks and Garrett loves it! He is totally in love with bath time & I'm totally in love with this tub!

Bumbo Floor Seat: Our little man loves to sit up and has been in love with his Bumbo since about two months old! He's had amazing head/neck control from birth so he's really been able to enjoy this! Momma loves that it keeps him happy and frees up her hands so she's able to get stuff done! 

Arm & Hammer Diaper Bag Disposer: There's not much to say about these other than they are a life saver for keeping smells under control while on the go! Because let's face it....babes tush isn't always so fresh :) 

Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes: This is by far Garrett's favorite toy! Momma loves that it plays something like seven different songs so that it's not just the same ole' tune all the time! It also lights up which is why I think Garrett likes it so much! Another plus? It has two different volume settings! Garrett has other music toys that actually seem to scare the crap out of him because they are so loud! This one is just right on the low volume! 

Johnson's Naturals Head-to-toe Foaming Baby Wash and Nourshing Baby Lotion: Smells great! I love that it's natural too! Garrett always smell so good after a bath/lotion!

Infantino Twist & Fold Gym: I was on the fence when it came to buying a gym. I just wasn't sure it was something we'd get a lot of use out of. I mean Garrett was perfectly content to lay on the floor and stare at the ceiling fan...total cheap entertainment! I bought this after seeing a few blog mommas rave about it {and feeling bad about making my baby stare at the ceiling fan time & time again} and it was money well spent for sure! Garrett has never been so happy as when he's laying & playing on this! I love that it's easily collapsible and can be brought anywhere! We love taking it to my parents so that he has something to play with there too! This comes with a little pillow, four toys and a mirror and is made out of totally adorable fabrics!  

Fisher-Price Rock N' Play: This was an item that I didn't have on our registry as I'd never heard of them. When Garrett develop reflux and was a cruddy sleeper to boot I had so many people suggest a Rock n' Play. I wasn't thrilled about the price tag on them as I wasn't even sure if it work. When I stumbled upon one at a thrift store in mint condition with a price tag of $30 I thought "Oh heck, let's give it a shot" SO glad that I did as this is one of the two places that Garrett will actually sleep! Plus, the incline is great for his reflux!  

A Life's A Dance Catch Up

December 9, 2013

Hello there loves! Can you believe today is December 9th already? Only 16 days until Christmas! I seriously can not believe that it's nearly 2014 already! 2012 went so fast with wedding planning then 2013 hurried right on by with our pregnancy and giving birth and here we are with only a few weeks left until a new year! Craziness! So, I know that I haven't updated you guys much lately as I've been scarce around here but I'm here now and we're going to take care of that. So...here is what the M family has been up to:

We did our annual Toys for Tots shopping last week. Hubs and I have been doing this for about the past four years or so and we love doing it each and every year! This year was even more special though as it was Garrett's first year taking part! Given the fact that he's only 3 months old he seemed to have fun as he was all smiles and coo-ing the whole time.

Speaking of shopping....our Christmas shopping is actually half done! Amazing! I always have good intentions of getting our Christmas shopping done early but every year I'm scrambling at the last minute to get it done! I swear next year I will have it done early! To add to the stress I received some of the stuff I ordered online and part of my order was missing...um...what the heck? On the same day I got an email from an Esty shop stating that because I ordered my product on the last day she was accepting orders for Christmas {December 2nd} I may not get my order in time for Christmas. Seriously?! Why post a memo on your Etsy shop stating that you can order up until midnight of December 2nd and be guaranteed to get your order only to email a person a week later and say that it may not be there?! #falseadvertising  Needless to say it's been a super frustrating morning deal with all that! Here's hoping everything gets straightened out and here for Christmas or I might be one angry person!

We've always been busy working as usual! The hospital has been a little low census today so I've been blessed to be getting standby quite frequently! It's wonderful to have more time to spend at home with my little family! This past weekend was a little more laid back at work than usual so the girls and I had a little fun. While we weren't busy practicing our twerking {yes...that really happened} we decorated in typical nurse fashion:

We've also been busy with Advocare. Our little bussiness grows little by little and it's such a joy and blessing to help others make positive changes in their lives! I am so super excited to share that I've lost all my baby weight as of about a month or so ago! I thought it would take me far longer to loose the extra thighs I had gained but I'm back to wearing even my "skinny" jeans! There's a post coming soon on how I did it but it really was just a matter of a few Advocare products and healthier eating choices. #nomorechipsahoy Well I definitely having some toning to do it's been a confidence booster to have my old body back...somewhat anyway!

Other than that we've been spending loads of time cuddling Garrett and trying to stay warm! My Christmas decor is still in totes sitting around the house and there's laundry piled everywhere but Garrett is happy and well loved so it's worth it ;) It's funny how everything changes once you have a child...I've always been super type A and OCD {and not afraid to admit it} but now that Garrett is here I don't care so much about dust bunnies, folding laundry or have the fridge well stocked. I just care about family and making wonderful memories with him. I'm totally stoked about the holidays and seeing his little face of joy! He's already in love with Christmas music & all the pretty lights and I'm soaking up every minute of it! 


   



Friday Letters

December 6, 2013


Dear Stormy: Why did you agreed to pick up hours tonight at work?! You haven't felt well all week and as expected you woke up with yet again another migraine...cross your fingers tight for standby {unlikely!} 

Dear Migraine: We're going on a week of suffering now and it's really getting old. Just go away already.  

Dear Wisconsin: Brr! I've said it before {and I'll probably say it again} I'm just not ready for winter yet!  

Dear Fridge: How did you get so empty? I seriously need to do some grocery shopping but that's one of my most hated tasks in the world lately...right next to cooking. 

Dear Hubby: I wish we could take a vaca right now. Head somewhere warm & relaxing!

Dear Readers: I apologize again for the lack of posting around these parts. Just when I think we're starting to get into a routine something throws us off. That & my days zoom right on by these days. I don't know where the hours go!

Baby Style: Christmas

December 5, 2013

To say I'm obsessed with purchasing stuff for Garrett is an understatement! I love shopping for him far more than I enjoy shopping for myself these days! When Halloween came around I was over the moon buying adorable outfits, and when Thanksgiving came I was oh-so-excited about his "Gobble Gobble Until I Wobble" outfits but now...now Christmas is here and that my friends is even more exciting! I am a Christmas fa-reak to start with and now with Garrett here it feels even more special! And, it's a great reason to start some new family traditions and buy some adorable outfits! Here are my favorite holiday inspired baby finds!
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Garrett: Three Months

December 2, 2013

Three Months As Of 11.27.13
Update:  We just called and got an increased dose of Zantac as the initial symptoms seemed to be coming back again. Poor boy! I really hate having Garrett on medication, especially at such a young age so I'm hoping we're able to get him off it sooner rather than later! 

Stats & Recent Appointment: Such a growing boy! Garrett's last check up was his two month well baby check, just before he turned 10 weeks old. His weight was 12lbs 13ozs (49%) and his length was 23.5inchs (56%) and his head circumference was 39.7cm (54%). Though he doesn't go back in until just after he turns 4 months old we did weigh home at home two days ago and found him to be 15lbs 3ozs! Holy chunk!

Features: I feel that his eyes are getting darker but everyone else thinks I'm crazy! He still has his head full of hair though it seems thinner in a few spots and lighter.  

Sleep: I usually get a two-three hour stretch when he first goes down for the night. After that he is awake every 1-2 hours to eat. During the day he's very unpredictable. Some days he takes a couple two hour long naps and other days he takes many 15 minute naps. It's been a bit of a challenge as well as I'm back to work now and hubs and I both do things a little different. So, we've been trying to work out a routine that will work for all of us.

Eating: The Zantac he was started on for reflux tastes pure horrible and with his frequent feedings I haven't been able to pump so he has been getting two bottles {one in the morning and one at night} of formula. The day I finally gave into that was a tough one for me. I had hopes of him being EBF for at least the first six months but I just can't keep up and the every hour feedings where really taking a toll on me. Giving him the two bottles gives me a little break and keeps him full slightly longer than breastfeeding. Being back to work without a supply built up means that we've had to use even more formula. On the days I'm home {and at night} I nurse Garrett but on the days I work he gets formula. I'm still pumping while at work but I'm lucky to get even 2 five ounce while I'm there and Garrett eats about 6 five ounce bottles while I'm gone! Little piggy!

Diapering: We've graduated to size 2! We had been using mainly Huggies but I started buying Pampers again & am addicted to those now again. For some reason when we use Huggies Garrett seems to smell like a giant pee factory. I haven't noticed it with Pampers or Target brand so we've been keeping away from Huggies.

Clothing: We're still able to squeeze into some of the 0-3 month clothes but everyday I'm putting more and more of them off to the side to pack away. He's wearing mainly 3 month clothes but I did dig out all his 3-6 month clothes this week and washed those. It made me incredibly sad to pack away all of his little clothes but he has some adorable 3-6 month stuff so that made up for it.

Social:  What a happy, joyful boy! The smiles this month have increased and momma is loving them! He is such a silly little boy with such an amazing personality already! He makes the cutest faces & really knows how to entertain a crowd! Hubs brought him up to work the other day and Garrett turned on the charm for all the girls. Such a ham!

Nicknames: Monkey, monkey butt, squirt, little man, handsome, chunk, big boy, little love, Mr. Magoo, Stinky Magoo

Likes: Baths! His face when he hears the water running cracks me up every time! He also loves to sit up or being "standing" on his legs. He loves to be in motion and loves for whomever is holding him to be in motion too. He's started taking a liking to looking outside and watching the pups wander around the house. He is obsessed with the tv {thank you hubby for that one!} so I'm trying to make sure it's off when he's awake. He also loves his swing, play mat and rock & play. I put up two of our Christmas trees this week and he loves to look at them! All the sparkles and lights sure draw in his attention!

Dislikes: Having his hair dried, having his nails clipped, the hiccups, being stationary in his car seat.   

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