5 Months Old

Um, what? 

5 months old.  Dang, Benny.  It is so amazing to watch him grow, and so sad each and every time I realize he no longer is doing something "baby like".  The last couple weeks have really stood out to me that he no longer is my teeny, tiny little dude.  Some of the things we used to do are nearly impossible to do now:

• Rocking him in the glider is not the same as it used to be.  I used to be able to cradle him across me and rock back and forth, but he doesn't fit like that anymore.  I now have to hold him over my shoulder and *try* to rock him...but he usually will press his feet against my legs and want to stand instead.
• I absolutely cannot leave him in his swing or his bouncy chair unstrapped like we used to.  Just yesterday, I had him in his vibrating/bouncy chair, turned my back, and the kid arched his back and slid right off.  When I looked back he was on the floor, propped up against the chair - oops!  I'm glad that happened in that chair instead of in his swing!  He is also totally outgrowing both I think :(
• He is outgrowing his current swaddle - he is just getting too long!  I will probably purchase the next size up, as he still does not sleep well un-swaddled, but every morning I come in to find him with at least one, if not both, arms out. 

I really don't want to be that mom that "babies" her child forever, but come on - 5 months went by in the blink of an eye!  I am really loving the new things he is doing now though, so it's not all sad news around here!

• Ben still is not rolling around a bunch.  He can roll from front to back as I have seen him do it a handful of times, but he still does not seem to want to!  However, now while on his back, he will arch his back and roll to the side a LOT.  If I leave him on a blanket for a good chunk of time, he will almost spin himself in a full circle with all of his side-rolling action.
• Ben has become super noisy.  Lots of grunting, squealing, and laughing - and it's awesome!  He also does this thing where it seems as though his lips are glued shut, and he will make a lot of "mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm" sounds.  I swear, it's like someone put tape over his mouth and he is trying to talk.  So funny.
• He loves to "walk" around the house with Greg.  Greg will hold him by his hands or arms and Ben will take steps all over (supported, obviously).
• Drooling.  So much drooling.  Being novice parents, we of course think that he is teething....but we have yet to see a tooth come through. 
• This is a little bit of TMI, but Ben was once very "regular" in the diaper department.  He now seems to go once every couple days, or as he did last week, 4.5 days between #2 diapers!  I was so happy to have been at a yoga class during the exact time his system finally cooperated as a major blow out occurred.  Greg had to take him in the shower to clean him up.  (Sorry adult Ben who is reading this one day.  But it was excellent timing, dude).
• Ben has discovered his feet!  He is constantly grabbing them, or grabbing for them.  I can tell he is trying to bring his foot up to his mouth so he can suck on it (as he does with everything else he can get his hands on).  He hasn't made there yet - just a little more baby yoga and he will be there in no time ;)
• Ben now JUMPS in his jumper, and it's soooo cute.

In terms of Ben's schedule, it does seem to be changing a little.  He is typically eating every 3 or 3.5 hours these days, and with the exception of a couple bottles, still is choosing to hold out for me to come home before he eats.  His morning nap has become much shorter, and sometimes non-existent, and he is often taking one very long nap in the late morning or early afternoon.  And if we are lucky, he is taking another long one in the late afternoon or early evening.  At night, Ben is going down at 8 pm still and usually waking up just once to eat at night, (and sometimes not at all).  He gets up at 7 am every day, like clockwork.  Sometimes he will wake up 15 minutes earlier, but he will just blow spit bubbles in his crib until 7, which is when he will cry for me to come grab him.

Citrus Lane

A friend had told me about Citrus Lane a few months ago, and after receiving a few boxes, I wanted to share more about it here!  It's pretty simple - you sign up (whether for a monthly deliver or by purchasing a few months at a time) and each month you will receive a box containing 4-5 "surprises" targeted towards your baby's age and gender.

It is pretty cool, especially as a first time mom, as I really have no idea what new things Ben will like each month.  The cost is $25 a month.  I will be honest - I have had 2 boxes where I thought the value was MUCH higher than $25, and 1 where I thought the box was just sort of "eh", maybe worth $25, but not full of items that particularly excited me.

The first month we received a gingerbread cookie cutter (it was December), some organic baby lotion, a bracelet (they throw in some "mom" items occasionally) and this adorable "bear" hat that Ben wears all the time.

Last month the box had some organic cotton bibs, some chap stick (another "mom" item - and I really love it BTW), some organic baby shampoo and bath wash, and more lotion. This was my "eh" box, however looking back on it now, we are totally using all of these items so it was worth it.  (Ben's bibs were blue and green).

This month I received my favorite box so far!



1.  Adorable CD by Elizabeth Mitchell, "You Are My Little Bird".  It's a bunch of folksy kid sing along songs, that actually aren't annoying for adults.  I actually love it!  (Who am I?)

2.  The toy is awesome - very easy for Ben to grip, with rubbery sides, and in the middle is a "rain stick".  Ben loves it.

3.  A book

4.  A cute alphabet print that can be framed and hung (which it will be soon).

So, I'm a fan.  It would also make for a fun gift for someone else, but as I was telling my friend Hilary, it's fun to receive a "surprise" gift box in the mail each month.

Ben Getting Down

21 weeks

20 weeks

I love you too, Ben

19 Weeks

Happy Birthday, Lisa

We had a nice pre-birthday brunch with Lisa yesterday! Delicious food and great company :)

Photoshop

Poor Ben. (Although I think he will think these are awesome when he is older, and will love his Uncle John even more for making them)!

February 16th, 2012 - A great day to be born!

On Thursday, February 16th, not one, but TWO of my dear friends had BEAUTIFUL little baby girls!  I was a ball of nerves that entire morning, as I knew a bunch of lives were about to be changed in the most wonderful way - and they were, within just a couple hours of each other!

On Wednesday evening, I got a call from our friend/neighbor Garrett, who informed me that his wife Robin was being induced that night!  They had been at a routine doctor appointment that afternoon (right before they were going to tour the hospital), and they learned that Robin's water had broken and they needed to get labor going soon!  While they knew that she was getting VERY close to her due date (lots of contractions this past week), I don't think they were expecting to get that news!  Garrett called to let me know we would be on dog duty the following morning, dropped off the key, and took his very stunned-looking self straight back to the hospital! 

We got the news on Friday morning that baby Graycen Elizabeth Smith was born at 9:02 am weighing a teeny, tiny 5 lbs 9 oz and 18 inches long!  Greg, Ben and I get to meet her this evening - SO excited for this baby that I feel like I have been waiting forever to meet :)

Our friends Hilary and John down in San Diego had a more "planned" approach to their birth, as Hilary was scheduled for a C-Section on Thursday at 10:30 am.  I had been texting with her the night before and that morning before she was admitted.  She was super anxious, but I know it all had to do with the magnitude of meeting her DAUGHTER!  Hil and I have talked for hours on end with my recounting for her just how incredible the first moments with Ben were, and she was so, so anxious to know what I was talking about!  Here was our last text exchange:

Hil: I am excited and anxious and nervous and thrilled and John is playing every collaboration of "Sweet Child of Mine". It's funny.

Me: ADORABLE.  How will I get anything done this morning?

Hil: Have your phone by you at all times!

Me: DUH - EEK!

Hil: Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

I then continued to text with her mom and sister up until that little baby was born!

Violet Isela Lynn Rivera was born at 11:29 am!  She was 7 lbs, 12 oz and 19.5 inches long (almost the exact same size as Ben!!) 

It is absolute torture that I cannot be there to hold little V in her first few days.  NOT FAIR!  I did, however, book flights for the Ingle fam to fly down and visit them in May - that trip cannot come soon enough!

Friends, I am so happy for you all and the journey that has begun for you.  Life will NEVER be the same and you will never want for it to be :)  Looking forward to sharing many memorable experiences with these kiddos over the years!

I think the class of 2030 is going to do some great things in this world!

On the move (ish)

My Valentines

I worked from home on Valentines Day, so I got to spend the entire day with my littlest Valentine!  What a treat!  When Greg got home from work, he brought me some beautiful roses and chocolate cake :)  (He knows me so well).  We then went out to grab some Mexican food for dinner (and a couple margaritas) and Ben sat quietly the entire time allowing us to enjoy our meal!

Delicious meal (V-Day special for 2)!

How did I get so lucky?

More Giggles

Although Ben is FULL of smiles, he doesn't laugh on his own too often.  We get the occasional small chuckle, but everytime we can get him giggling hard we will get the camera out to capture it. 

Back in the Studio

Last night I taught my first yoga class in over 6 months!!  I have to admit, I was a little nervous that I might forget a pose or get out of order somehow, but it was just like riding a bike.  I think the fact that I have probably taught this particular yoga sequence at least 250 times helped a little! 

I got to the studio a little early, turned on the lights, and just took a moment to myself to think about how GREAT it felt to be there.  It was warm and cozy and QUIET (which is a quality that has been lacking lately with Ben's newly developed squeal/shriek/scream thing he has been doing)!  A few of the students that I have been teaching for years showed up to class, and seemed equally excited to see me as I was to see them.  Such a great feeling!

I showed everyone that would look a picture of Ben, too.  The last time many of them had seen me I was 7 months pregnant, so I figured they might want to put a face to the belly.

The class went off without a hitch - I swear, I could recite those 90 minutes of yoga instruction in my sleep (and I think I have on occasion)!

After class, on my way home, I realized that even if it may be a challenge to break away from Ben and Greg sometimes, it is absolutely worth it for the continued feeling of....zen that I take home with me.  It's still lingering this morning!

Can't wait to get back to the studio to take a class, and teach a few more soon!

Oh, and it just so happens that Hot Yoga of Mill Creek is running a Groupon special TODAY for new students: $29 for 20 Hot Yoga classes.  Check it out!

Wednesdays and Fridays

Last week marked the first week of Ben spending his Wednesdays and Fridays over at Callie's house!  The days really could not have gone better from what I hear!  I am lucky to have a baby that is comfortable around other people, as I have not yet had to experience that "breaking away from mom" meltdown that I have always dreaded would happen.  (And for the record, if and when that ever does happen, I will probably not EVER be able to leave him)! ;)  Ben has been all smiles when arriving at his new "daycare" and has been met with friendly and eager to play faces!  Mira (4 years old) and Maylee (2 years old) are ADORABLE with him, and so happy to share their mommy a couple days a week!  Maylee has said "Ben needs his own mommy..." which I find completely hilarious and cute, but it sounds like she also really likes Ben being around (even though she is not "the baby" of the house those days).

Here are some pictures that Callie blogged from their first days together.  I told her how strange it was for me to see photos that someone else took of him, during moments where I wasn't even there.  It's like, "Oh, this is what your baby was doing today".  I don't know why that is so weird to me, but I literally squealed in delight to be able to see what he was up to over there!  :)

Why Blogging is (And Why Women Are) Awesome

Do you want to know why blogging is so awesome?  Because today, out of the blue, one of my problems was solved for me.  Just like that!  I received an email from my friend (and fellow working mom) Crystal who read my blog recently and offered up her method of effective meal planning and grocery shopping.  Since my organization and planning efforts (which were once some of my sharpest skills) are a bit challenged as of late, this came at the perfect time!

Seriously, (and not to stereotype here by any means), but what CAN'T women do?  Whether a mom or not, a working woman or working-at-home woman, no matter the age or stage in life, I continue to be amazed at the ladies in my world.  Every day I am impressed with something one of them is doing: at a challenge one is facing (head on!), at a new position one is taking (and rocking), a problem one is solving, a marathon one is running, a charity event one is coordinating, etc. etc. ETC.  The tips and advice that is shared among us all is so valuable to me, and I'm so totally grateful to have such a powerful network.

(And note to future wife of Ben - you are a lucky lady!  I assure you that Ben will be growing up in an environment where he understands just how powerful and amazing women are - because he is surrounded by them)! :)

So, back to the meal planning!  Crystal has 3 weeks of meals planned (working on a 4th) that she rotates - and below the weekly plan has a grocery list of all of the items required for those meals.  She then can just check off the items she knows she already has, and bam - her grocery list is complete!  I mean seriously, how easy is this - I cannot wait to get started!

I love the fact that she does not have a Friday meal planned, as that is the night where her husband brings home a meal for them.  That is part of their "deal", which to me:

a) is awesome
b) is an amazing concept to me that someone can work all day, be a mom in the evenings, AND get dinner on the table 6 out of 7 days a week.

Dang.

Here are her meal plans.  (She also sent me the recipes, which I will be incorporating into my life).  Greg is not going to see this coming!  Goodbye, regular trips to Taco Bell and Pho takeout :)

THANK YOU, CRYSTAL!

You know you are a parent when...

Before Ben (Drinking 40's at Norms - staying out until the bars closed)

After Ben (Family fun day in Seattle - and home by 4pm)

Don't get me wrong, being a parent continues to be the most amazing experience in the world, but it is absolutely true how much life changes when a baby enters the picture, (at least for us)!.  Greg and I are finding that the way we spend our days is drastically different than how it used to be.  The things we do in our (very limited) spare time have changed so much.  We even have checked some "responsible adult" things off our list lately, which were totally motivated by Ben.  Here are some examples:

• Bedtime = 9pm (at the latest).  No, not for Ben, for US!  Ben goes down around 8 pm and we are usually so exhausted from our days that we climb into bed soon after he does.  (For the record, I feel like this could also be attributed to Greg getting up at 3:30 am for work these days, and to my breastfeeding - I swear, it feels like my body is requiring the same amount of sleep as it did when I was pregnant).

• We met with a financial planner to actually figure out what we should do with our extra money each month, and have started saving for Ben's college fund.  (Side note - if you want a referral, let me know - their services are free and we learned a lot)!

• Lunchtime for me (the days I am at the office) is now spent driving home, feeding Ben, playing with him for a few minutes and then driving back to work.  Gone are the days when I could plan a coffee or lunch date during my hour break, or run the numerous errands I used to accomplish during that day.

• Nap time for Ben is spent cleaning, doing laundry, or doing work.  I would feel guilty if I spent that time sitting down and flipping through the latest issue of InStyle (that has sat, untouched, on my dining room table for days...:/ )

• Greg and I have gone out to dinner alone exactly 2 times since Ben was born, and both times we essentially rushed through our meal to get back home.  Dinner out was something that we used to linger over with a few drinks and lots of conversation. (I'm mostly to blame for this one....because it is me that wants to rush back to Ben)!

• Our evening routine has become very strategic, constantly thinking about the logistics of getting things done: Greg will cook while I feed and change Ben, we eat dinner, I will hop in the bath and Greg will bring Ben up to join me, Greg gets Ben in jams while I get the coffee prepared for the next morning and shut off the lights downstairs, I will put lotion on Ben while Greg showers, we kiss and snuggle Ben, and put him to bed.

• We now eat dinner together at the dining room table with Ben in his Bumbo chair!  This is such a fun new thing for us, as we rarely sat down together at home before Ben was here.  It's nice to catch up on our days and Ben seems to LOVE watching us talk back and forth :)

• I would be lying if I said that I didn't still spend time online at Urban Outfitters or Nordstroms.com, BUT - I spend MORE time reading on Baby Center, researching cute kid ideas on Pinterest, and reading mommy blogs.  I also (shamefully) have become "that" person that overloads their Facebook with baby photos.  But WHATEVER - it is what it is.  I'm clearly proud of this kiddo and eager to share his little face :)

So yes, lots of changes, and most of them are good - but with that said, I am the first to admit that I'm struggling a bit with just how busy we are now.  I have made a list of things I am going to TRY to pay some attention to or make time for when we can -- it's all about finding that balance, right?

• I have a goal of attending at least 1 yoga class a week.  My "I'm too busy" excuse is unacceptable.  If I can keep up with the Real Housewives of ________ on a regular basis, I can get to the studio for a weekly sweat session.

• Teach more yoga!  I'm happy to say I am teaching a class this weekend and have 2 classes on the schedule to teach in March.  Teaching = happiness, and I HAVE to make room for a couple a month.

• More quality Greg and Jessica time.  It may be hard to fit in, but it is obviously so important to get away and focus on one another.  And lucky for me, I have a lot of willing Ben-sitters on-hand just waiting for me to ask!

• Plan meals and grocery shopping more effectively - This will occur anyway out of necessity as I am only able to get to the grocery store on the weekends these days!

• READ.  Jessica - STOP WATCHING BRAVO.

• While my friends are supportive and understanding, I miss them!  I'm so grateful that I have been able to squeeze some time in for them here and there, but I would like to see them more regularly! I don't have this one figured out yet, but I'm sure as Ben gets older (and less dependent on me for meals), it will get easier.

• Go visit my dad!  My mom gets her weekly days with Ben, but I want to be sure to bring Benny over to see my dad more regularly!  He LOVES his grandson.

• Start shopping online when possible!  If I can save myself the time and trip to the store to buy some of the things we need around here, then I need to start making that effort.

4 Month Doctor Appointment

Due to our busy schedule, Ben's 4 month appointment was a few weeks later than it should have been - but it was great to get in there yesterday and confirm we have a healthy boy on our hands!

Height: 26.5 inches tall (90th percentile)

Weight: 15 lbs 14 oz (50-75th percentile) - I weighed him on my parents' digital scale a few weeks back and he was 16.2 lbs, however he was fully clothed with a wet diaper.  Apparently that makes a difference)!

Head Circumference: 17 inches (50-75th percentile)

It was a pretty uneventful appointment.  We spent most of the time running down the list of things that we (the parents) should and should not be doing:

Should - Talk to him a lot, (no baby talk!), sing, dance, read books, tummy-time, create a consistent bedtime routine, etc.

Should not - Leave him unsupervised, hand him sharp objects, leave poisonous cleaning products within reach, etc.

Ben did better with his shots this time around, however we only had 2 instead of 3 like last time.  He seemed quietly stunned by the first one and then waled after the second one, and then immediately ate and passed out. 

Tickles

Ben: Birth - 18.5 Weeks (Photos)

I have been posting these daily/weekly photos to my Facebook page, but I wanted to be sure to capture them here too.  So, here is Ben birth -18.5 weeks :)

15 minutes old

5 ish hours old

3 days old

4 days old

4 days old

5 days old

12 days old

16 days old

3 weeks

4 weeks old

5 weeks old

6 weeks old

7 weeks old

8 weeks

9 weeks old

10 weeks old

11 weeks old

12 weeks old

12.5 weeks old

13 weeks

13.5 weeks

14 weeks

14.5 weeks old

15 weeks

16 weeks

17 weeks

18 weeks

 

18.5 weeks