Breastfeeding 101

I was bound and determined to at least try and breastfeed little Jackson. I knew it was better for him, and me. I didn't know if I'd enjoy it or could handle it; it actually has proven easy! There's a lot to the simple concept that I didn't realize but overall it's simple, quick, and easy.

The good...

• It's the best nutritionally for baby. I'm allergic to life...so I thought feeding baby Jackson breast milk would be easiest -- rather than deal with possible allergies (it took my parents 9 different tries with formula before they discovered one I could keep down). And, I hear IQ levels are higher in breast fed babies :) So far, Jack loves my milk!
  
• I'm down 25 pounds already....and I only gained 8 the whole pregnancy! Breastfeeding burns up to 500 more calories a day. It also makes the uterus go back to pre-pregnancy size faster.
• I can wear JEANS WITH BUTTONS AND ZIPPERS again! And, they are actually a little big now! Shopping spree soon?!? I feel like I have a whole new wardrobe...going from maternity clothes to an entire closet filled with cute clothes that either fit or are too big -- I'll take it.
  
• Can we say cheaper? Formula is expensive! We stocked up on some in case I gave up quickly on the breastfeeding at the hospital. Breastfeeding is free, baby!
• I'd actually say it's easy. Before trying it...I mostly heard horror stories or of people who gave up before they started. It's really very easy. And, I'm a regular milk factory! I could feed all the babies on our block I'm sure.
• Bonding with baby. The thought of breastfeeding before Jack grossed me out to be honest. But, I knew I'd try at least. Now that he's here, it's such a great bonding experience. I feel proud to know that I can provide him with the best nutrition just by being his mom. The cute looks on his little face...his little milk mustache after he's done eating...and his big ol' belch when he's done on one side = priceless.
• Poopy diapers are easier to clean, and they don't smell bad :) And, Jack doesn't spit it up AT ALL!
  
• My breast pump was covered by insurance (usually a $300 pricetag)! So, I'm able to pump and freeze milk.
  

The bad...

• I'm limited and bound to the baby's schedule. Rather than being able to leave him with daddy (or anyone else), I have to either be there to feed him or have some milk pumped out. Which then results in engorged boobies...ouch!
• I can only have one drink at a time -- otherwise I have to pump and dump my milk. Which hasn't been an issue yet; I still feel guilty even looking at a bottle of wine. I'm sure that will disappear soon.
• I don't plan to continue when I'm back to work. I don't have a schedule that I could easily fit pumping into. I only have a 20ish minute lunch, and that'd be just enough time to pump and clean. So, I'll keep it up for now...freeze as much as I can...and supplement when I'm back to work.
  

The ugly...

• Nursing bras. Enough said.
• Clothes. I can't just wear my cute clothes...I have to think about if it will be easily accessible when little Jack decides he's hungry. I walk around the house in sweats, nursing bras, and tank tops. Lovely!

Overall, breastfeeding has been a joy. I'm glad I didn't give up too soon; I looked at the perfectly portioned Similac bottles in the hospital and thought how easy it would be just to cave into formula...

Jack's Newborn Photo Shoot!

Click on the link below to see our preview of Jackson's newborn photo shoot! Thank you SO much to photographer Jennifer Waters! She did such a great job.

Unlike most newborn photo shoots, Jack was wide eyed and awake the entire shoot! There were so many cute poses -- can't wait to see them all!

http://jenniferwatersphotography.blogspot.com/2010/12/jackson.html

Daddy Eric

Everyone told me that having a baby would change everything (and they usually were hinting towards the negative). Well, they were right. Except, having a baby has made our marriage and relationship grow stronger.

Eric was excited from the moment I called him to tell him we were expecting, to the minutes before little Jackson was born. I knew he'd be a great daddy to our little man. What I didn't know is how amazing he really is.

Eric has always been my best friend and the best husband I know. Adding fatherhood to his many hats has only proven to be another success. Each day, he shows me another sweet side of his amazing personality - as he cuddles, sings, and plays with Jackson. He is back to work now, and not a morning or afternoon goes by without a phone call check up from daddy. He asks how I'm doing and how Jack is doing, and says hi to Maggie over speakerphone. He now comes home for lunch...mostly to cuddle with our little man. Even though he's back to work, he gets up each time Jack cries in the middle of the night. Although I'm breastfeeding and there's not much he can do, he wakes up with me to help and support us. He burps Jack and changes him as I get ready for the next round. He even holds up my water by my face, since I'm usually using both hands to help hold Jack up! So sweet...

{Jackson and Eric...passed out together on the floor}

{Poor Jack was looking for food...}

{The best little man with the best daddy in the world}

I never realized that our relationship could get any stronger...but it has. We hug more, kiss more, say I love you more, and when we lay down to go to bed we tell each other how much we appreciate each other. Our love has grown stronger and I'm very blessed and thankful.

WE LOVE YOU, DADDY ERIC!

Jack's Birthday

Jackson Charles Krieger
Born 11/30/2010 @ 2:55 p.m.
8 lbs 15 oz & 21 inches long


It was 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 30th, 2010. We were actually scheduled for an induction for that day, but we wanted to keep that a secret. I didn't get any sleep, as I was so anxious for the next day. Would we have our little son? Or would the hospital be too full and we'd have to wait another few days? After a few minutes I quickly realized my water had broken! What a coincidence. We showered, packed, and headed for the hospital. On time as scheduled, except I was in labor already.

We were sent to room 2016. A room tucked in the corner of the labor and delivery wing at Mercy Medical downtown Des Moines. Eric and I stared and smiled at each other; we relished in the last moments of 'us'. Within a few minutes I was hooked up to IV's, baby heartrate monitors, and contraction timers. I was checked and was dilated to 4 and 100% effaced. I had a feeling labor would progress quickly. I was right! Within an hour I was dilated to 7, and an hour after that I was ready to push! I kept thinking: this is too easy...

Then came delivery. I never realized labor and delivery were two VERY different things. My labor was a breeze - two hours and I was ready to go! My delivery...that's a whole different story. It was Eric, Me, and the nurse. The baby was turned, but the nurse was determined to still deliver normally. So, we pushed. Then, we turned and pushed. After that, we changed positions again and pushed. Eventually, 2 and a half hours later, we were still pushing. The doctor came in and gave me the option of pulling the little guy out with forceps. At that time, they could have said cement chisel or bulldozer...get him out already! So, in a matter of seconds Jack was plopped on my belly --- screaming and crying instantly.

It was so surreal. The moment I'd waited for 10 months, and really 24 years. I've always wanted to be a mom. I, in my dreary state, looked down. I kissed his forehead and whispered "Welcome, Jack. I'm your mommy. I love you." No one but Jack heard.

Then came the whirlwind. 45 minutes of stiching - all while being able to feel every tug and stich. Afterall, by the end of the pushing my epidural had worn off. I ate a quick bite as they continued to work on baby and me. After that, a bathroom attempt quickly turned into me turning green, passing out, throwing up my just-eaten food, and nurses screaming "EMERGENCY". It was very scary. The worst part: it happened again after all of the guests left...except this time I couldn't even hear. A true black-out! All the wonderful things about labor no one ever tells you about! All totally worth it.

We eventually made our way to our room we'd stay in for the next few days. We had tons of family and friends waiting. Everyone loved our little man.

Being Mommy and Daddy has come naturally for Eric and Me. That first night was filled with chats about life, how blessed we are, and how on Earth will I ever figure out this whole breastfeeding thing. Everytime Jack left the room we frowned and talked about how we miss him already, and how it seemed too easy. So far, so good! One of the most memorable parts of the whole entire day was watching Eric hold him. He didn't realize I was listening -- with a tear in his eye he wispered "Jack, you're the best thing that's ever happened to me. I love you." It was the most adorable thing ever! I had several nurses throughout our stay whisper to me about how great of a dad Eric was and how lucky of a family we were.

We are lucky. We love you, Jack.

Baby Jack is Here!

I'll be blogging about our little miracle soon...but here are a few pictures capturing our special moments these last few days...

After 2+ hours of pushing...I'M OUT!

We're a family now...

Jack's first bath...
He's such a little trooper...

Daddy's very proud...and amazing.

We're very blessed and in love already. He's perfect and is our world.

Love you Jack!

40 Weeks!

How far along: 40 WEEKS PREGNANT! I was hoping 38 weeks was the last time I'd blog about being pregnant...wishful thinking!

Food cravings/aversions this week: I'm eating and eating and eating. Eric noticed one of my cravings this week and thought it was funny. When I started out with the pregnancy, I DESPISED chicken. I couldn't stand the look, texture, smell, anything! And, my newest craving: chicken! Every night when he asks what I want for dinner my response is...KFC? Strange and funny at the same time, as Eric and my relationship started when he worked at KFC in high school -- he'd come home covered in chicken bits and I refused to eat it for the most part. Now I'm becoming a regular customer! I'm eating terrible because I can and I'm pregnant, but in the weeks to come I will be back to eating healthfully...and I'm kind of excited for that!

Changes/feelings: Again, I'm feeling ready. But really ready this time. I've walked through the nursery every day rearranging something, tweaking something small on the shelf, and I've even turned the little mobile wheel every once and a while, just to make sure it still works. We've bought our little man his Christmas present, and it's wrapped under the tree waiting. I open the drawers of his dresser and count, rearrange, and organize his little jammies. I also rearranged his clothes, putting them in order from newborn - 6 months starting with dressy onesies, then on to vests, then jackets, then one pieces and overalls. I'm sure it won't stay that way. Oh, and an opened Johnson's baby wash sits on the corner of the bathtub...waiting for baby.

Memorable moment this week: Reaching 40 weeks pregnant. I've had a realization...I'm not in control! This baby is coming when HE'S ready, not when I'm ready for him to come. For the next 18+ years, something other than myself or Eric will be the focus. I'm SO thankful that we waited to have a baby until we were truly ready. We're ready. Also, I'm thankful for not gaining a bunch of baby weight or water weight. I looked at my feet yesterday and realized that even OVERDUE, my feet still haven't swelled one bit! Thank you, thank you! I had Eric take the picture you see above last night and I cringed before I looked at it. I told myself - being pregnant is a blessing...and it turned out okay! I know I look huge, but it's mostly belly! YES!!

Least favorite moment this week: Uncomfortable and bored. I've become a home-body and a grouch. I don't answer my phone most days - so don't take offense if I've ignored you =). Also, the boredom has been torture. Eric and I both are suffering from it. We know our lives are going to change so drastically, and are so ready for it! But, we wait. And we're bored. We try and enjoy it, as these will be the last days just him and me. Tonight we're going to dinner at Biaggi's -- date night at it's finest! I'll have to order something spicy...

What I am looking forward to: Baby Krieger's arrival! =) Come on out, little man!

Please tell me this is the LAST pregnant photo I take??!?!?!

Dear Little Man,

Comfy in there? Well, your movements have changed from little rumblings to entire belly shifts. When you scootch around I can feel it in many areas of my body. I'm thinking you're making your way to where you'll soon make your exit into this crazy world we live in. And, I'm ready.

Your due date is just days away. I'm thinking you already know that and have planned to stay in one more day after? That's my guess. My first guess was November 19th, 2010. Your dad's guess was November 21st (merely for selfish Iowa Football Game reasons). You should have come on that day! Well, we were both wrong. What we've realized is that you're not even here and you definitely call the shots already. We're wrapped around your tiny little fingers and we haven't even seen them yet.

I'm so proud of you little man. You have stayed warm in my belly just as long as you should. I have been blessed with a problem-free pregnancy (minus little complaints from an uncomfortable mommy). You are in perfect position for hopefully a normal, natural delivery. Every time we hear your fast little heartbeat it sounds loud and strong. You have un-discovered my ribs; maybe you're so low you can't even reach them? Thanks anyway!

I promise...

1. ...to always read to you. Daddy or I will read you a goodnight story every night. When you get old enough, I will never shoot you down on reading a good book.

2. ...to always give you a bath, rub you all over with Johnson's baby lotion, and cuddle you in one of your many animal bath towels until you're warm.

3. ...to NEVER, EVER put you in "Baby's First Christmas" or "My First Birthday" or any other holiday attire. I'm way more creative than that.

4. ...to talk to you like a mini-adult. I won't say things like "pee-pee" or "potty". We'll always talk to you like you'll have to say it someday.

5. ...that you will always have an abundance of toys for your playing enjoyment.

6. ...to not come up with too many nicknames. I'm sure you'll have a handful, but hopefully they aren't too embarrassing.

7. ...to always love you, cuddle you, parade you around, and care for you in the best ways that we can.

I can't wait to meet you. I can't wait to share the name we've picked with the world. I can't wait to spend the next several weeks just you, dad, and me. I'm excited for feeding you, changing your tiny little diapers, belly time, and attempting to put you in your swing. I'm excited for your newborn pictures and sending out Christmas cards with not just Eric and Me (like it's been for the past million years), but Eric, Me and Baby!

We'll see you soon baby Krieger. And, believe me...there are lots of people waiting to meet you!

Love you more than ever,
Mommy

And we're still counting down...

I promised myself that I would save my Christmas shopping for after baby. That, however, was when I was wishful thinking that he'd come a little early. As the days winded down, I realized it might be stressful to be Christmas shopping mid December --- when I usually have it all done before Thanksgiving! So, I went shopping :) I've only picked up a few gifts so far. My plan was: Christmas shopping will be my excuse to get baby and me out of the house! I don't want to be stuck at home in sweatpants my entire maternity leave. I want to show off our little man while walking, shopping, and getting myself back to me!

Bending over, cutting, taping, putting on ribbon, and all of the other tasks of wrapping presents was much more interesting this year for sure! My big ol' belly got in the way of most of it, but I am not at all concerned with squishing the baby at this point; he's sure to come out if I squish enough, right?! I managed to still wrap in my famous style for this year! Can't wait to finish up and fill below the Christmas tree.

I also bought to reams of yarn just for fun...and I'm actually halfway finished with a baby blanket! Who knows if we'll actually use it; it's kept me busy at least. Eric and I have been renting movie after movie. Crocheting while watching has actually kept me interested in staying put to watch an entire movie or two.


Things that make me comfortable in these miserable last few days:

Eric - he helps me up, waits on me hand and foot, and is amazing...
Bubble Baths - I take a few a day...
Hot cocoa - with two chocolate packets and a handful of marshmallows...
Baby lotion - for my itchy skin; it also reminds me of what's coming soon...
Crocheting - keeps my mind off waiting...
Car rides - each bump I feel a little bit closer to having a baby...
Tylenol - I've got a wonderful cold and Tylenol helps...

As of today, we have three days until baby Krieger's due date. I think that 5% of babies are actually born on their 'due date', so I'm guessing it won't be the day. I'm hoping, however, that he doesn't wait too much long after. As each day passes I realize how different life is going to be. I can't wait to spend my days cuddling with my little man. I am so looking forward to putting together his adorable little outfits. I'm actually looking forward to making messes so I can clean them up...crazy I know! I'm excited for comments about baby, rather than belly. I'm excited to be able to travel more than 10 minutes away from Des Moines and see friends and families for the holidays. I'm hoping the next blog post will be filled with pictures from the hospital of our baby boy!

The Waiting Game...

I am 39 weeks and one day pregnant...just 6 days to go!

The waiting game is here. We've been preparing, folding, decorating, rearranging, practicing and getting ready for our little man. Eric and I have spent the past few weekends getting in some "us" time before that time is long gone. We've been on little shopping sprees for final touches and last little items. We have also visited many of the restaurants we always love...since my love for cooking has since been replaced by tired feet and an achy back.

I'm officially on maternity leave as of yesterday. I decided to take my two personal days for this week (since the kiddos only go to school Monday and Tuesday in my district) and allow my long-term sub to plan for the day he'd start. It's been relaxing, and I'm finding I can get a lot more cleaning and organizing done! I just hope this little man comes soon...or I'll run out of things to do. I do miss working though...I'm sure that will change when the little baby is entertaining me!

Every night I go to bed thinking maybe I'll wake up to my water broken or to strong contractions that will send us packing for the hospital. Every morning I wake up to my reality - no. Eric says each day, "Well, we're one day closer to having a baby at least!" He's such a trooper. He's also been supportive by going to all of my doctors appointments; lovely times we get to spend together as they check my cervix for dilation and effacement. At my last appointment I was dilated to 3 cm and 80% effaced. The doc said she was sure I'd deliver within the week. Well, here we are scheduled for yet another doctors appointment this afternoon. She was wrong.

Yesterday, we made a trip to Hobby Lobby. I decided I needed a hobby to entertain me during these last few days, and possibly during the long hours we'll spend soon at the hospital. I picked out two rolls of yarn and a crochet hook. $8.00 total. What an awesome hobby! I started crocheting a baby blanket...and at the pace I'm going, it will be finished before this baby arrives.

Things I've learned in these last few weeks of being pregnant...

...buy lots to drink while grocery shopping. I can't get enough to drink! Some days apple juice, others water, and more often than not chocolate milk.

...take the expert mommy advice of don't buy too much 0-3 months clothes lightly; Eric and I pulled out all we had from newborn-3 months and realized we had three random onesies and 3 non-matching pairs of sweatpants. Total. Baby K shopping spree ensued!

...three hours of sleep at one time is a success.

...every ache, pain, or cramp feels like "this is it". And...it's not.

...thoughts of baby, diapers, breastfeeding and pumping, and swaddling in blankies are forever in my brain.

...thoughts of only having one baby, or possibly adopting are not out of the picture.

...I smile when I think of tanning beds, treadmills, and a frosty bottle of wine. So close!

...deciding on what name we really want to name this baby has been one of the most difficult decisions ever! I've known what I want to name him forever...and we keep changing our minds. Then, we usually come back to what we've planned from the beginning. Who knows!

...Baby Krieger is comfortable. I'm not thankful to be pregnant still, but I am happy that he is probably chubby and healthy. I've carried full-term, so the chance of a little tiny baby in the NICU is probably not our reality - thank goodness!

...be patient.

We're waiting, baby Krieger. Come out, come out, wherever you are! Pretty please...

Love you,
Mom

38 Weeks!

How far along: 38 weeks...I'm hoping it's the last time I blog about pregnancy?! :) At least until the next time around...****crossing fingers****

Food cravings/aversions this week: I don't know where the idea came from, but I always thought that pregnant people ate and ate and ate. I could have sworn it's all they do! They are growing another human in their body for goodness sakes. Well, that has been far from the truth with me. I've stayed the exact same weight for the last four (if not longer) weeks. And, I've gained a total of 8 pounds the entire pregnancy. My appetite has vanished for the most part -- probably thanks to this gigantic baby that squishes my tummy all the way up to my brain it feels like. These last few weeks have been filled with quick and easy snacks. Rarely do we actually cook a dinner and eat it together. I snack when I get home, Eric makes something when he gets home, and we go on with our night. Weird. Very weird. That being said, no real cravings or aversions...just eating small portions of anything.

Changes/feelings: I am feeling miserable. I have been refusing to buy more awful maternity clothes for the last couple of months, and now I'm regretting it. I am very limited in what I can wear, and even if it fits around my wideness, its not comfortable at all. Not even one bit. I'm ready to be me again!

I'm also feeling ready to be a mom. My build-in 'worry wart' attitude has kicked in; for the first time ever I worried about not feeling the baby move. Hours later it was a fireworks show for all to see! I have rearranged drawers of clothing, read up on my breastfeeding books, and packed all of the bags for the hospital. The car seat and base are installed and level. My long-term sub is set to start on Monday of next week -- plans are all in place for me to be gone. I'm excited to be able to think about this baby, and not about how 110+ middle schoolers are doing with someone else teaching them.

Memorable moment this week: I had this wonderful idea: try on your old jeans and see if they will fit when the baby is here! Depressing thought, I know. However, it was a success! I pulled my favorite jeans down from the top shelf and took a deep breath. I was sure they'd be like denim leggings and I'd have a ways to go before I could wear my cute clothes again. But, I was so anxious to look at and touch jeans with buttons and zippers that I had to try. First pair...FIT! Minus the v-shape the zipper makes, only thanks to the baby bump. Second pair...slid right on! Heck yes :) I've been wearing the same two pairs of maternity jeans in spite of buying more maternity clothes for such a short period of time. It's very refreshing to see a nice stack of real clothes that will fit soon!

Least favorite moment this week: Huge. Huge. Huge. That is all.

What I am looking forward to: BABY KRIEGER! His due date is days away...and according to the doctor he should grace us with his presence very soon. I'm not holding my breath, but it will have to be soon!