Here is a video of Cayden playing with his big cousin Kale and his Grandma Sherri. They are 12 weeks apart and I must say that Cayden is catching up to Kale. The size difference isn't so big anymore.
Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gN5LuR5_3Yk
Monday, July 27, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
The Clovis Clan
Cayden got to meet some of Chad's family from Clovis this past week. His grandma Reed and Kerri were in town. They, of course, feel in love with him. How can you not?
We had a great time during his mom's visit. Everytime we have friends or family come into town I know two things are certain. 1) We will have a great time. 2) The time will pass by too quickly.
I never thought I would say this but ever since Cayden was born I have found myself with a strong desire to move back to New Mexico. To go home.
It makes me sad in a really real way that so many of our friends and family have yet to meet Cayden. I want so badly to share this wonderful experience with all of the people that are close to us. Sure, youtube and myspace work wonders, but it isn't the same.
There are many obstacles that would prevent us from moving right now. But still, the desire is there. And I know that our family shares the same sentiment.
At the same time moving back to New Mexico is scary. We have roots here in Phoenix. Roots that create stability for us, yet they also seem to be tying us down. Moving back would be a giant step for us; it's almost like we would be starting all over. But that might not be a bad thing.
It's never to late to start over, right?
We had a great time during his mom's visit. Everytime we have friends or family come into town I know two things are certain. 1) We will have a great time. 2) The time will pass by too quickly.
I never thought I would say this but ever since Cayden was born I have found myself with a strong desire to move back to New Mexico. To go home.
It makes me sad in a really real way that so many of our friends and family have yet to meet Cayden. I want so badly to share this wonderful experience with all of the people that are close to us. Sure, youtube and myspace work wonders, but it isn't the same.
There are many obstacles that would prevent us from moving right now. But still, the desire is there. And I know that our family shares the same sentiment.
At the same time moving back to New Mexico is scary. We have roots here in Phoenix. Roots that create stability for us, yet they also seem to be tying us down. Moving back would be a giant step for us; it's almost like we would be starting all over. But that might not be a bad thing.
It's never to late to start over, right?
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Making Friends
Cayden has been spending time making friends and I must admit he is very popular. Last Thursday I went to lunch with some friends from work and, of course, everyone feel in love with him. After lunch I took him to the office to show him off. He had about 10 pretty girls ohhing and ahhing over him--something I am sure he will have to get used to ;)
Later that day I had Bunco (my monthly night with the girls where we play a dice game) and again he was the life of the party. Cayden is quickly becoming the most popular baby in Phoenix.
Cayden was very well behaved during his busy day last week. I shouldn't have been surprised--he is always well behaved.
A few weeks ago he was able to meet one of his surrogate aunts when my friend Kristin drove up from Tucson to spend the night with us. I think Kristin wanted to sneak Cayden home with her in her luggage. I can't wait for Cayden to meet his two other surrogate aunt's, Abby and Kenna.
Cayden will also get to meet his Grandma Reed this weekend. Chad's mom is coming down this weekend and is staying with us for a few days. I am sure Sherri will fall instantly in love with Cayden.
I am also going down to New Mexico during the first week of August. I can't wait for Cayden to meet the rest of my family and maybe another surrogate aunt (wink wink Abby).
Friday, July 10, 2009
Growing Boy
Cayden had a doctor appointment on Monday and I am pleased to announce that he is now 7 pounds 11 ounces. He was born at 6 pounds 5 ounces. He lost some weight after his delievery (as all babies do) and checked in at 5 pounds 15 ounces when he was 3 days old.
I still have a little guy on my hands. He is in the 5th percentile. This means that 95% of all baby boys his age are bigger than him! He is my itty bitty and I love him. They always say good things comes in small packages and Cayden definitely fits that expression.
I know that Cayden will come into his own and grow and cath up with all the other boys his age. And if he doesn't and remains small his whole life so be it. Tall, short, big, small it doesn't matter. There is nothing that could ever make me love Cayden less--I can only love him more.
I still have a little guy on my hands. He is in the 5th percentile. This means that 95% of all baby boys his age are bigger than him! He is my itty bitty and I love him. They always say good things comes in small packages and Cayden definitely fits that expression.
I know that Cayden will come into his own and grow and cath up with all the other boys his age. And if he doesn't and remains small his whole life so be it. Tall, short, big, small it doesn't matter. There is nothing that could ever make me love Cayden less--I can only love him more.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Cayden Video
Here is a link to a video of Cayden from the 4th of July...enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbbTG-Bzmus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbbTG-Bzmus
Cayden's 1st 4th
It was the best 4th of July ever this year. Cayden is really good at making any event the best one ever.
My parents were in town and we went to Chad's uncles house for some swimming and relaxing. Linsey, Dustin and baby Kale were also there. Fireworks are outlawed in the state of Arizona so we didn't get to see any night time shows, but with the two babies around who needs fireworks.
Cayden has a great time lounging around the pool. I think he was getting ready for his debut on Baywatch or something because he is really showing off his muscles.
After a long nap it was time for him to wake up. It's hard waking up when your a baby...in fact, waking up makes Cayden tired! I love this picture so much. He looks absolutely adorable.
Cayden needed a dip in the pool. He did so good in the pool. He didn't cry once. I knew he would like it because he always does so good with his baths.
I had a great time lounging in the pool with baby Cayden. It was so much fun, but anything involving Cayden is so much fun.
We needed some relaxation after the long day.
No wonder his new nickname is Cheeks! I love this expression he has on his face in this picture. He makes a million and one different faces and they are all so flipping adorable.
Another one of Cayden's adorable faces. If you have noticed Cayden is in his Boppy Pillow in a lot of the pictures we have of him. Boppy Pillows are lifesavers. I would suggest them to anyone.
slkfjdslkf
My parents were in town and we went to Chad's uncles house for some swimming and relaxing. Linsey, Dustin and baby Kale were also there. Fireworks are outlawed in the state of Arizona so we didn't get to see any night time shows, but with the two babies around who needs fireworks.
Cayden has a great time lounging around the pool. I think he was getting ready for his debut on Baywatch or something because he is really showing off his muscles.
After a long nap it was time for him to wake up. It's hard waking up when your a baby...in fact, waking up makes Cayden tired! I love this picture so much. He looks absolutely adorable.
Cayden needed a dip in the pool. He did so good in the pool. He didn't cry once. I knew he would like it because he always does so good with his baths.
I had a great time lounging in the pool with baby Cayden. It was so much fun, but anything involving Cayden is so much fun.
We needed some relaxation after the long day.
No wonder his new nickname is Cheeks! I love this expression he has on his face in this picture. He makes a million and one different faces and they are all so flipping adorable.
Another one of Cayden's adorable faces. If you have noticed Cayden is in his Boppy Pillow in a lot of the pictures we have of him. Boppy Pillows are lifesavers. I would suggest them to anyone.
slkfjdslkf
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Not All Pumps Are Created Equal
I've had a breakthrough in my breastfeeding adventures. Turns out not all breast pumps are created equal and I was definitely using the wrong one. I bit the bullet and bought a new pump yesterday (the one I should have bought initially) and things are already vastly improving.
Much to my surprise the biggest store specifically designated for breast feeding mothers is right down the street from me. I went to the store and the staff was so helpful and was able to set me up with the *right* breast pump.
Breast feeding so far has been a complete joy and has been completely frustrating. I love nursing Cayden and being close to him and continuing to provide for him. It's so beautiful to nurse him; it's something only I as his mother can do.
However, I had been having supply problems. I simply did not have enough milk production to keep him satisfied. I was having to supplement with formula; which I hated doing. The formula made him spit-up and gave him diaper rash.
At first I wasn't pumping that much milk, but I didn't worry too much about it--it was still early and Cayden didn't need much to keep him full. However, these past couple of weeks I noticed that I wasn't pumping any more milk than I was in the first few day. In fact, some days I would actually pump *less* milk. This did not make for a happy Reed household...Cayden demanding more milk; me making less milk.
I would feel so sorry for poor baby Cayden. He would scream out in hunger and there was nothing I could do for him but give him a formula bottle. I felt like a failure. Why couldn't I provide for my baby? Why couldn't I make enough milk to keep him full? It's amazing how personal breast feeding is.
What I found out yesterday was that the pump I was using (Playtex brand) was sabotaging my supply because its pumping pattern did not mimic a nursing baby--therefore when I pumped there was zero brain chemistry involved telling my body to make more milk because I had a baby that needed to be fed. The pump I bought (Medela brand) actually mimics the nursing pattern of a real baby therefore it tells my brain to make more milk.
I have already noticed a difference. My supply has increased in just 24 hours by 1 ounce at every pumping--which is a lot in the breast feeding world. The staff at the store said I would notice a huge difference in supply by the third day of using the new pump and that I should be able to eliminate all formula within 48 hours. Halejulea!
I definitely learned my lesson. Sometimes you get what you pay for. I should have spent the extra $50 on the really good pump because in the end I had to buy it anyway. I'm just so glad that now baby Cayden will be able to get *all* his food from me--the way it should be.
Much to my surprise the biggest store specifically designated for breast feeding mothers is right down the street from me. I went to the store and the staff was so helpful and was able to set me up with the *right* breast pump.
Breast feeding so far has been a complete joy and has been completely frustrating. I love nursing Cayden and being close to him and continuing to provide for him. It's so beautiful to nurse him; it's something only I as his mother can do.
However, I had been having supply problems. I simply did not have enough milk production to keep him satisfied. I was having to supplement with formula; which I hated doing. The formula made him spit-up and gave him diaper rash.
At first I wasn't pumping that much milk, but I didn't worry too much about it--it was still early and Cayden didn't need much to keep him full. However, these past couple of weeks I noticed that I wasn't pumping any more milk than I was in the first few day. In fact, some days I would actually pump *less* milk. This did not make for a happy Reed household...Cayden demanding more milk; me making less milk.
I would feel so sorry for poor baby Cayden. He would scream out in hunger and there was nothing I could do for him but give him a formula bottle. I felt like a failure. Why couldn't I provide for my baby? Why couldn't I make enough milk to keep him full? It's amazing how personal breast feeding is.
What I found out yesterday was that the pump I was using (Playtex brand) was sabotaging my supply because its pumping pattern did not mimic a nursing baby--therefore when I pumped there was zero brain chemistry involved telling my body to make more milk because I had a baby that needed to be fed. The pump I bought (Medela brand) actually mimics the nursing pattern of a real baby therefore it tells my brain to make more milk.
I have already noticed a difference. My supply has increased in just 24 hours by 1 ounce at every pumping--which is a lot in the breast feeding world. The staff at the store said I would notice a huge difference in supply by the third day of using the new pump and that I should be able to eliminate all formula within 48 hours. Halejulea!
I definitely learned my lesson. Sometimes you get what you pay for. I should have spent the extra $50 on the really good pump because in the end I had to buy it anyway. I'm just so glad that now baby Cayden will be able to get *all* his food from me--the way it should be.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
