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Simple, Sweet, and Southern

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Simple, Sweet, and Southern

Category Archives: Baby

2013 Family Photos

09 Saturday Nov 2013

Posted by Simple, Sweet, and Southern in Baby, Family, General, Hubby, Motherhood, Personal

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Baby, Children, Family, Motherhood, photography

A few weeks back, Lyndon, hubby, and I packed up and drove 2 hours to North Georgia to a beautiful place called Prater’s Mill – the location for our 2013 family photos. I found a fantastic photography deal on Groupon and I couldn’t be more thrilled with how the pictures turned out.

The photographer was Crystal with Demure Dragonfly. Her talent speaks for itself.

Our little family has come a long way this past year. Lyndon just turned one (first birthday post to come soon) and I’m starting to feel more comfortable in my skin as a mother. I know I will always treasure these photos for the beautiful time they represent in our lives.

2013 Family Photos

We’ve come a long way since he was born!2013 Family Photos

Just chillin’.2013 Family PhotosRunning around – his favorite thing to do.

2013 Family Photos

“I have a stick AND a leaf”.2013 Family Photos

Absolutely in love with this boy.2013 Family Photos

I steal all the kisses I can.2013 Family Photos

The two loves of my life.2013 Family Photos

Probably my favorite picture of the day. Pretty much sums us up.2013 Family Photos

Love that smile of his.2013 Family Photos

Pure love.2013 Family Photos

He loves for Daddy to throw him up in the air.2013 Family Photos

“Driving” his rusty ole’ tractor.2013 Family PhotosMy little bear has grown so much. He’s a whole year old and I love him so much. Thank you, God, for blessing me with this family!

Well, to keep it real, Lyndon is in the pack and play and he’s starting to scream, so it’s time to go. I miss and love you all!

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My Wobbly Walker

08 Sunday Sep 2013

Posted by Simple, Sweet, and Southern in Baby, Motherhood

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Baby, Children, Motherhood

Well, my 10 month old is off and running… somewhat. This Mama is exhausted!

Time to chase kitties!

I hope to post some things soon. We had an awesome time at DragonCon last weekend!

Sunday Afternoon Car Ride

30 Sunday Jun 2013

Posted by Simple, Sweet, and Southern in Baby, General, Motherhood, Weekend Fun

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Baby, Children, Motherhood

Sweet Sunday afternoon in the car with my Little Bear… who has like 9 teeth now.

These past 8 months have flown by!

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Baby Lyndon – 3 Months!

26 Saturday Jan 2013

Posted by Simple, Sweet, and Southern in Baby, Motherhood

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Baby, Children, Motherhood

Happy weekend! Fa la la! I wish I was like the Dowager Countess of Downton Abbey and that I didn’t know what a “weekend” was. (OBSESSED with that show!) But, alas, now that I’m back at work, weekends are blessed things.

I’ve had a very rough time adjusting since I’ve gone back to work. My mom (Gigi) is living with us now and is watching the baby during the day. I couldn’t be more grateful to her! But, I don’t think I ever grasped how precious time is until now. I’m hoping to post more about that soon as I have a small change coming in my future.

Here is my solid little boy at 3 months! I’m not sure of his weight but I’d guess it’s somewhere around 15 pounds?

Baby Lyndon at 3 monthsSo, let’s take a look back at the past month’s milestones:

  • Mama officially stopped pumping at the 9 week mark in preparation for going back to work – a little bittersweet. You’re strictly on formula now.
  • Your first solid poop – ouch!
  • You have visually discovered your hands and feet and you’re just fascinated!
  • We celebrated our first New Year’s Eve together – Mama, Daddy, and you all cuddled up on the couch together as we watched the ball drop on TV. Kisses for all!
  • You love to sit up ALL the time. You just need someone to balance you.
  • You’re still eating quite often. We’re feeding you a mix of 3 oz. and 4 oz. bottles now. You seem to be spitting up a lot more often so we’re trying not to push it.
  • You’re eating approximately 3 times a night – around midnight, 2-3, and 5-6. No “sleeping through the night” baby here!
  • Your longest sleep has been around 4 hours.
  • Mama went back to work on January 10th. She is having a very hard time being away from you but you love spending time with your Gigi.
  • You’ve started to say a mumbled “Mama” and also an adorable “Gee” for your Gigi. You’re very vocal! Though, I may just be hearing things…
  • You’ve started to pick up toys and hold them for a very short time. “How do these hands work?”
  • Everything goes in your mouth! You almost gag yourself with your fingers and you love to slobber all over your/our hands.
  • You’re very alert. You want to know what is going on all the time – especially when we’re out of the house.
  • We couldn’t live without your bouncer or swing!
  • When the weather’s nicer, you love going outside and sitting on the porch.
  • Whenever you’re somewhere new, you move your head from side to side in wonder. You’ve rubbed a bald spot on the back of your head!
Lyndon holding his toy.

Lyndon holding his toy.

Happy New Year Smiles

“Happy New Year” Smiles!

Chillaxin on the chair.

Chillaxin on the chair.

Lyndon wearing Aunt's booties/hat

My Aunt made these booties and the hat for Lyndon. Soo cute! But, I don’t think he’s too thrilled…

Mama feeding Lyndon

This boy LOVES to stretch out. Look how long he is!

Dreamy eyes.

Dreamy eyes.

Best wishes, y’all!

Baby Lyndon – 2 Months!

28 Friday Dec 2012

Posted by Simple, Sweet, and Southern in Baby, Motherhood

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Tags

Baby, Children, Motherhood

Yes. I have been seriously AFK for weeks now. All I can say is that I enjoyed a very busy holiday season with my most precious gift of all time.

Lyndon had his 2 month checkup today. The pediatrician says Lyndon is “very healthy”. He weighs 13.75 lbs. and is 24.25 inches tall. Still growing like crazy! A lot of people seem to think he’s older than 2 months. I suppose he’s following in the path of his rather large parents.

He didn’t stay in that “newborn” stage for very long. He hated being swaddled from the get go and he’s huge compared to my friend’s little boy who’s only 4 days younger. Goodness, they really do grow up fast, huh?

Lyndon at 2 months2 Month Milestones:

  • Lyndon’s first Thanksgiving!
  • Lyndon took his first real bath and he loved it! He sat there calmly and didn’t cry once.
  • Lyndon loves for Mama to swish the ends of her hair gently across his face. He closes his eyes, opens his mouth, and coos!
  • Lyndon loves to “stand” up on your lap. He’s already so strong! If you hold him up underneath his arms, he’ll take steps all on his own.
  • Lyndon had his first cold. Stuffy nose!
  • First trip to Target.
  • First outing to a sit-down restaurant – Mexican (of course) and he slept the entire time.
  • First trip to the grocery store.
  • First “scoot” – Lyndon may have done this accidentally…
  • Lyndon has officially moved to size 1 diapers and is wearing mostly 3 month size clothes. More still, he’s even wearing some 6-9 month sized onesies. BIG BOY! He definitely lost his newborn look.
  • Mama gives you food to smell and you really seem to like oranges and cinnamon!
  • Lyndon is smiling all the time now. He is so sweet and especially loves for you to clap his hands together.
  • Lyndon celebrated his first Christmas. Santa brought him a “jumperoo” bouncer and he received some toys and clothes from everyone else.
Lyndon after his first bath

Lyndon after his first bath

Lyndon with his bear hat - doesn't quite fit yet

Lyndon with his bear hat – doesn’t quite fit yet

Lyndon's Christmas Jumperoo

Lyndon’s Christmas Jumperoo from Santa

I miss blogging very much so I hope that the new year brings lots of new posts and excitement to my little piece of the interwebs. *Wink*

HAPPY NEW YEAR, Y’ALL!

Baby Lyndon – 1 month!

07 Friday Dec 2012

Posted by Simple, Sweet, and Southern in Baby, Motherhood

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

Baby, Children, Motherhood

Do I really have a 1 month old son already? I truly can’t wrap my head around that fact but, what a month it’s been! Forgive me while I gush…

I will spare y’all of every minute detail of the past month but I can’t help but share some highlights!

Upon discharge from the hospital, we were recommended to take Lyndon to the pediatrician the next day since his bilirubin levels were slightly elevated. Since our pediatrician didn’t accept new patients on Saturdays, we took Lyndon to an urgent care facility. We were reluctant to take him out of the house so soon. His bilirubin level was still elevated but nothing too serious. The doctor said that as long as Lyndon was eating and pooping normally that his slight jaundice should level out.

We went to Lyndon’s first pediatric appointment and he weighed 7 pounds, 15 ounces and measured 21 inches tall – already growing! Our pediatrician informed us that Lyndon is a bit tongue tied which means that the connective tissue (or frenulum) underneath his tongue would need to be clipped slightly. She said that his tongue issues were one reason he wasn’t able to latch on during breastfeeding and advised that we complete the procedure within the next 3 weeks or so. Lyndon’s jaundice was mostly back to normal. Everything else looked good!

This boy loves to have his arms free. He refuses to be swaddled.

This boy loves to have his arms free. He refuses to be swaddled.

Lyndon’s second pediatric appointment went well. He already gained a whole pound and was 8 lbs., 12 oz.!

We went to the ENT to see the specialist regarding Lyndon’s frenulum issues. Thankfully, the doctor said in his opinion that Lyndon’s frenulum doesn’t need to be clipped. Woo hoo! I’m glad that he won’t have to be in pain but that leaves us still unsure why he can’t breastfeed.

Sweet cuddles.. and yes, I REALLY need to dye my hair.

Sweet cuddles.. and yes, I REALLY need to dye my hair.

Lyndon had his first cold so we ended up going to his 1 month checkup a little early. Thankfully, Lyndon is A-OK. He just has a little stuffy nose which I think he caught from Mommy. Other than that, he is doing very well! He’s 23 inches tall and weighs 10 lbs., 15 oz. He’s already gained so much and is growing like a weed!

First Week Milestones:

  • First “movie” was Ace Ventura Pet Detective
  • First projectile poop and pees
  • First spit up all over Mom and Dad
  • First “tummy time” – Lyndon does quite well lying on his tummy. He already tries to hold his head up

Second Week Milestones:

  • First pee all over mom – when we were taking Lyndon’s naked newborn pictures, he decided to pee all over my jeans!
  • Nicknamed Mr. Poots – Lyndon farts all the time. We have no idea how he can hold so much gas!

Third Week Milestones:

  • First book read to him – “Five Silly Turkeys” in honor of the upcoming Thanksgiving
  • His umbilical cord stump finally fell off!
  • We went on his first walk around the neighborhood.
The hubs and I on Lyndon's first walk around the neighborhood. All those fall leaves have now fallen!

The hubs and I on Lyndon’s first walk around the neighborhood. All those fall leaves have now fallen!

Fourth Week Milestones:

  • First family function – we went to an Aunt’s house for an early Thanksgiving dinner. Lyndon did very well and fell asleep in the car both ways.
  • Lyndon is starting to hold his head up better each day.
  • Lyndon’s belly button looks to be fully healed.
Lyndon's First (early) Thanksgiving

Lyndon’s First (early) Thanksgiving

I can’t believe we’re already working on some 2 month milestones… but here he is all his 1 month glory!

Lyndon - 1 month*GUSH OVER*

Lyndon’s Newborn Pictures

10 Saturday Nov 2012

Posted by Simple, Sweet, and Southern in Baby, Motherhood

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

Baby, Motherhood, photography

I thought I’d just post a quick update to share Lyndon’s newborn pictures we took when he was 1 week old.

Newborn Photo/PictureNewborn Photo/PictureNewborn Photo/PictureNewborn Photo/PictureWe also took some Holiday/family pictures as well.

Family and Newborn Photo/PictureAnd, my favorite picture yet…

Holiday Newborn Photo/PictureI’m in love with that face.

My Birth Story

03 Saturday Nov 2012

Posted by Simple, Sweet, and Southern in Baby, Motherhood, Pregnancy

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Motherhood, Pregnancy, Pregnant

Wow – where does the time go? After feeding, changing, pumping, sleeping, etc., there just doesn’t seem to be any real time to sit down and write! But, thankfully, I was finally able to write down my birth story. While this recount may not be the most eloquent, I’m glad I was able to write it while the labor is still fresh in my mind. Warning – some aspects may be TMI!

My induction was scheduled for 10:00 AM on Wednesday, October 24, 2012. I wasn’t able to eat or drink anything after midnight. I don’t believe I slept but a couple hours the night before as I was so anxious and just overwhelmed with emotion. Eric and I took one last picture before leaving and said goodbye to Sherbert, our kitty. As we pulled out of the driveway, I was struck that the next time we came home, I would be a mother. Even now, that is hard to wrap my head around but the feeling is so fulfilling.

Hubby and I right before we left for the hospital.

Upon arrival at the hospital, we filled out some forms and waited for quite a bit. I couldn’t imagine what I would have felt like if I had actually been in labor as I was already so anxious. We were put in a room and I stripped down into a dreaded hospital gown. My parents came in the room and visited for a bit and then left while the nurse came in and asked a lot of questions.

My nurse, Maggie, hooked me up to an external monitor. All the vital signs looked good. She also put my IV needle in but did not hook it up to any fluids/medicines. Of course, Eric had to look away as he hates needles, blood, or anything medical related! Needless to say, we’ve had an experience before where he fainted once when I was at the doctor…

My OB came in around noon and broke my water. I must admit, I was a little taken aback by how fast he was able to do that. Talk about a huge rush of warm liquid! I was around 2 centimeters dilated at this point. He then hooked me up to internal monitors to check the baby’s heartbeat and my contractions. I continued to feel liquid just ooze out of me. (TMI?)

I was hooked up to Pitocin and the IV fluids around 1:10 PM. I began feeling very slight contractions. They were much like all the Braxton Hicks contractions that I had been experiencing for weeks before.

Hubby and my mom stayed in the room with me and we watched The Food Network on TV. I was SO hungry! Eventually, we changed the channel to HGTV (my fav) as Hubby didn’t want to torture me. I can’t say that I was really watching the TV, though.

Lying in bed – so uncomfortable!

I was very uncomfortable lying in the bed due to a lot of lower back pain. I hate lying on my back! I had hoped that I would be able to move around during my labor but with all my monitors, I was unable to do so. I tried to move around and adjust myself as best I could and eventually moved to a rocking chair in my room for a bit around 3:00 PM. My contractions were starting to come with more of a pattern and sitting up definitely helped me!

When I went to the bathroom (with Hubby’s help), my internal baby heartbeat wire stopped working so they hooked me up to an external baby heartbeat monitor. I guess moving around knocked the wire off. So, my contractions were monitored internally and the baby’s heartbeat was monitored externally. Needless to say, there were wires coming from all over the place!

At 6:00 PM, I was around 4-5 centimeters dilated. My contractions were definitely starting to do something finally!

At 7:00 PM, the nurses changed shifts and we were given Carol. Hubby again helped me to the bathroom. I so wished that I could remain standing up as my lower back was really beginning to hurt. At this point, I found myself going into what I can only call a “zen” mode. I just kept my eyes closed and focused on breathing deeply and slowly. I began having hot flashes after each contraction and was very thankful that we thought to bring a small portable fan. Both my mother and hubby took turns rubbing my feet and back and playing with my hair.

My “zen” mode.

At 9:00 PM, I was measuring 6.5-7 centimeters dilated and was VERY uncomfortable. So, I decided to sit up “Indian style” in the bed. I found this position to be the most comfortable for me as I was able to remained focused. I remember hearing my mom and hubby conversing and I occasionally chimed in, but I mostly just remained quiet and focused. I found I preferred to sit quietly by myself. I kept thinking each contraction was one contraction less to deal with. I will admit, though, a few very strong contractions really made me lose focus – a very scary feeling!

At 10:50 PM, I measured 9 centimeters dilated and I was so incredibly grateful to hear that I was almost there. I remained in my “zen” mode. The feeling was truly an almost out-of-body experience. After a bit of time, every couple contractions, I started feeling pressure and felt my body involuntarily start “pushing”. At this point, all I could mutter was a whispered “push”. Nevertheless, hubby called the nurse right away.

At 11:45 PM, I started pushing. The nurse walked in the door and immediately told me to lay back and that I was going to push on my very next contraction. These nurses definitely didn’t wait around! I remember thinking in the back of my mind that I hoped my husband was doing well. Like I said, he is so squeamish about anything medical. But, he and my mom stood by my side. I kept my eyes closed for the vast majority of the pushing. I remember asking for water a few times in between pushes as my mouth was incredibly dry. After about 30 minutes of pushing, he was delivered and immediately placed on my chest.

Holding the baby for the first time.

The feeling of seeing my baby for the first time was incredible. I truly cannot believe that he came out of me! I’m so blessed that my delivery went smoothly and that Lyndon is doing so well. I’m also so proud that my husband was able to be there throughout the entire birth and that he cut the umbilical cord. He said that in the moment, all the craziness just didn’t affect him.

I cannot be more grateful that I didn’t tear or require an episiotomy. Afterwards, I had an extreme case of the “shakes” which the nurse said was a natural reaction. My legs felt like jello and they shook uncontrollably for quite a while afterwards.

So, sweet little Lyndon was born Thursday, October 25,2012 at 12:17 AM. He weighed 7 pounds, 11.3 ounces and was 20.5 inches tall. His first Apgar score was an 8 and his second score was a 9.

Having my mother and my husband with me was a huge blessing. I will admit that I was unsure if I wanted my mom in the room the entire time but she was a huge help and continues to be so since she’s staying with us off and on.

Lastly, I’m grateful to be able to share my experience with y’all. For all my fellow pregnant or new mommy bloggers, a huge high-five goes out to you! This has been quite a ride! And, just for fun, check out my before and after photo!

Introducing Baby Lyndon!

29 Monday Oct 2012

Posted by Simple, Sweet, and Southern in Baby, Motherhood, Pregnancy

≈ 12 Comments

Tags

Baby, Motherhood, Pregnancy, Pregnant

Hubby and I are back at home – plus one, of course! =D

I will post my complete birth story within a few days. But to make things short and sweet, I gave birth to a sweet baby boy on Thursday, October 25th at 12:17 AM. Lyndon weighed 7 lb., 11.3 oz. and measured 20.5 inches tall. I couldn’t be more grateful that I was able to have a completely natural and complication-free labor and delivery.

Baby Lyndon is doing quite well. I’m already so in love and feel very blessed! Now, I’m off in search of some sleep…

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