0-12months

Bringing Home Baby

Finally your baby is here!!! Now it’s time to bring him or her home♥ I’m not going to lie depending on your labor and deliver, you could still be exhausted and feel like you’ve been hit by a bus (literally). Very fragile, yet, you’re so excited about being a mom. You can’t wait to change the baby’s clothes a million times and try out all the new baby shower gadgets. For me, I was really excited about nursing. Can yall believe the first 24 hours of “KickBack’s” life I didn’t even nurse him??!! I felt like a bad mom. I remember the nurse came in and asked “so how long on each boob did he nurse?” I felt so bad because we were bonding so much and counting fingers and toes I totally forgot. It didn’t help that he didn’t cry the entire day, so I really didn’t know. She explained that its okay for the first 24 hours because they have enough of our nutrition from the womb to survive the first day.

Ok…so fast forward to bringing him home. My mom and brothers were excited to write on our porch and a sweet friend of mine brought some beautiful flowers over 🙂 It’s IMPORTANT to have good positive company over. No matter how much you like being alone and to yourself, TRUST ME you will want company. Going to the rest room and taking a shower becomes a mini vacation. It’s not that you don’t want to be around your baby. It’s just that you’re so physically and mentally drained from caring for another and worrying that you are doing the right thing that you don’t have much time for yourself. So “KickBack’s” Nah Nah and Mii Mii (grandmothers) took turns coming over pretty much my whole maternity leave, especially while “Mr. Big” was at work. I took about 7 weeks off.

During this time I literally nursed, ate, nursed again, ate, newborn photo shoot, nursed again! No lie…that was the pattern. I also attended some breastfeeding support groups every Tuesday morning at the local Women’s Hospital once I got over my fear of driving with a newborn. Oh, quick funny story. “Mr. Big” took the LONGEST way home from the hospital…lol. I asked why are we not home yet, he said ” he was avoiding the highway. It was too many bumps” LOL. What!!!

<——- lol “KickBack” liked to nurse in private.

Having fun with our photographer

For more info about our photographer for your maternity and newborn photos check out J-Lynn Photography

Oh…he wasn’t having me putting him down!

Because on Day 4 my milk came in full force. I started pumping and freezing for when we go out on our outings.

My first time pumping!

Mommies PLEASE PLEASE don’t be alarmed! If you are only pumping off 1 1/2 to 2 ounces. IT’S OK! Geeszzh, your baby’s belly is only the size of a dime and then grows from there. People, especially older people or those that didn’t have successfully breastfeeding stories, will encourage you to stop or say “that baby is hungry!”. Talk to your doctor! If your baby is gaining weight and is nursing often, you’re doing a good job. Now the majority of your maternity leave will require you to simply just sit and nurse all day because the more you nurse the more milk you produce. It sounds boring but it’s sooo fun and rewarding to be lazy with your baby and eat together lol. Now if you are completely miserable…I get it. After all, we do want our mommies to be healthy. I encourage you to take advantage of any free breastfeeding classes, support groups or readings. It’s worth it. I nursed “Kick Back” his entire first year. I started weaning a week before his first birthday and stopped on his birthday. It’s a lot, its hard work, but YOU CAN DO IT. If you make it pass week 2, the rest will be a breeze. Plus, you always have me to ask a million questions. 🙂 I plan to post a whole blog about breastfeeding in the future. So look out under Courtney’s Commentary.

FIRST bedtime story. Not sure why I chose a book that had so many words…LOL

Eat Sleep Application (iTunes) Free

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*This application helps nursing moms keep up with sleeping duration, poopy diapers, and nursing sessions.

WebMD Baby (iTunes and Google Play) Free

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*WebMD Baby delivers baby health & wellness information anytime and anywhere.

Tylenol Dosage Chart

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Motrin Dosage Chart

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0-12 months is a highlight of all the memorable blissful things to come. Every baby is different, just sit back and enjoy your baby’s FIRST everything…they won’t happen again:

First bath
First smile
First laugh
First mommy blooper
First crawl
First tooth
First word
First step
First taste of table food
FIRST BIRTHDAY

~”KickBacks” FIRST Birthday!~

This is the place to find unique, custom designed invitations, greeting cards, stationery, business logos, and other fun printable items for birthday parties, baby showers, holidays, and special events that can be personalized to help make your special occasion memorable. Soar Dandelion

All of these Jungle Theme ideas came from Pinterest. Worms in dirt, Mountain lions, “Feed the Animals, Oats& Pebbles etc.

↑↑Cupcake toppers were done by my talented, dear friend and big sister. Please check out her work! You will be amazed. Not to mention her cakes are VERY creative and YUMMY! 🙂 Holly’s Cake Bar↑↑

Jungle Theme: Ideas on from Pinterest

It’s amazing how creative you can be once you become a mom. I was very proud of myself. My favorite crafty piece was creating the 0-12 month wall! It was a nice visual way for everyone to see our baby’s growth :). I will post a blog soon about the details of party planning under Courtney’s Commentary.

Cake by: Delicious Bakery