The little things

It's only been a couple weeks but Jackson's features change more and more each day. It's funny how often I stare at all the little things like his nose, mouth, eyes.. So I decided to take pictures of each part to remember exactly how they were and just how small he really was.

Freezer Meals

Life with a newborn is crazy! Making a real dinner is never an option for us because that is usually when Jackson wants to be fed, held, changed, etc. So I highly suggest a few things:

Cosco:

• Buy frozen veggies, meat, or anything else you heat up quickly
• We don't have a lot of freezer space so we got two giant bags of organic veggies, tilapia, and chicken- I wanted healthy options because I know when we order food it won't be healthy 
• It has been a life saver!! It's so easy for Jamie or I to heat up veggies and a meat- meal done

Freezer Meals

• I made 3 before Jackson was born and 2 of them were really good. Here are the recipes:
• Pizza Spaghetti Casserole see recipe below
• Crispy Chicken and Rice Casserole see recipe below

Friends and Family- some awesome helpful things we got and LOVED

• Casseroles- hello super easy and yummy
• Frozen steaks/lobster- a pleasant surprise we can make for our friday night date night
• Meal delivery- we can order meals to have delivered awesome!
• Fruit Basket- fruit is hard to keep in the house because that means you have to go to the grocery store so this gift is awesome. We have tons of fruit to snack on.
• Champagne- Yum and great for some stress relief/celebration

Want to make something easy? I love to bake and have been missing it. I'm home so I feel like I should be able to cook but having a newborn that's not really an option. So I made this easy fall recipe:

Pumpkin Puppy Chow Mix:
1 bag of pumpkin hershey kisses
9 cups of chex rice cereal
1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar

1. Measure out cereal and place in a bowl.
2. Measure out powdered sugar and place in a gallon ziploc bag
3. Melt hershey kisses
4. Once melted, pour kisses over chef and stir
5. Pour chex into ziploc bag and shake

Pizza Spaghetti Casserole

We preferred turkey pepperoni, so you don't get a greasy appearance. Freeze the unbaked casserole up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator; let stand 30 minutes at room temperature, and bake as directed.

Southern Living MARCH 2007

• Yield: Makes 6 servings
• Cook time:15 Minutes
• Prep time:15 Minutes
• Bake:40 Minutes

Ingredients

• 12 ounces uncooked spaghetti
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 (1-lb.) package mild ground pork sausage
• 2 ounces turkey pepperoni slices (about 30), cut in half

• 1 (26-oz.) jar tomato-and-basil pasta sauce
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 (8-oz.) package shredded Italian three-cheese blend

Preparation

1. Cook spaghetti with 1/2 tsp. salt according to package directions. Drain well, and place in a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish.

2. Brown sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes or until meat crumbles and is no longer pink. Drain and set aside. Wipe skillet clean. Add pepperoni, and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, 4 minutes or until slightly crisp.

3. Top spaghetti in baking dish with sausage; pour pasta sauce over sausage. Arrange half of pepperoni slices evenly over pasta sauce. Sprinkle evenly with cheeses. Arrange remaining half of pepperoni slices evenly over cheese. Cover with nonstick or lightly greased aluminum foil.

4. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes; remove foil, and bake 10 more minutes or until cheese is melted and just begins to brown.

Crispy Chicken-and-Rice Casserole

Deliver with a tossed green salad and French bread.

Southern Living SEPTEMBER 2003

• Yield: Makes 8 to 10 servings
• Cook time:30 Minutes
• Prep time:30 Minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
• 2 cups chopped cooked chicken
• 2 (10 1/2-ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (8-ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained
• 1 (3 1/2-ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup crushed cornflakes cereal
• Garnish: chopped fresh parsley

Preparation

Cook rice according to package directions. Stir together cooked rice and next 10 ingredients in a bowl. Spoon into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with cereal.

Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Garnish, if desired.

Note: Freeze casserole up to 1 month, if desired. Thaw casserole in refrigerator overnight. Bake, covered with aluminum foil, at 350° for 45 minutes. Remove foil, and bake 15 minutes more or until thoroughly heated.

3 weeks old

Happy 3 weeks Jackson!

Week 3
This week we got a little closer to feeding schedule which made life that much easier! For most of the week his sleeping schedule was getting longer and he was staying awake more each day. I really got to enjoy him this week! 

Weight:  7 pounds! 

Sleep: He did really well during the week~ having one four hour stretch each night. This weekend was a whole other story. He loves waking up at 4am and staying awake.. mommy does not. 

Clothes: Premie and Carter’s newborn onesies. All his cute 0-3 months aren’t going to work in the winter buddy!! 

Visitors:  Mimi and poppi as usual! His Grandma Sullivan and John came all the way from Virginia to visit. Jackson loves visitors because then he is allowed to snuggle and sleep on people all day... which makes for very long nights but that’s ok!  

Out and About: We went on two walks this week. Went to daddy’s office and had lunch. Also managed to go to dinner and get yogurt afterwards- he slept the whole time! And of course we made a couple trips to target. 

Baby Gear Love:  
Swaddle Blankets: Aden + Anasis- I have a love/hate relationship with these. They are great because they are light weight, super soft, and really cute. I don't like them because they are so long! It's really hard to get a good swaddle with them. But you can use them for all kinds of things besides swaddling too. 

Swaddle Me is my favorite swaddle! It comes with velcro which makes it so easy to swaddle a wiggly baby. 

 Play Jungle by Fischer Price- we love this! It has lights, music, nature sounds, a mirror, rattles, it's just great for play time. 

Crying:  We had a lot of crying (especially when he's sleeping) this week which lead to a doctor’s visit. He’s have some belly issues which means mom has to cut out diary from her diet (ahhhhhh I love milk). Hopefully we can figure this out because I feel terrible when his little belly is gurgling and he's crying :(

Milestones:  
He picked up his head and turned it all the way to the other side and back this week! 

Postpartum: I’ve lost a total of 23 pounds so 11 more to go! I can’t wait to start working out again, it’s been so long! 

This week I didn’t take any Motrin and boy I’m surprised by how much things still hurt- my back is sore and still having cramping. 

Happy 1 year anniversary!!

We got married one year ago today! It was such an amazing wedding weekend we still talk about how much fun we had. I couldn't have imagined a more perfect day! Here is a look back at our first very happy and fun year.

September: We got married :)

November: We left DC to move to Florida.

December: Our first Christmas and surprise we found out we were pregnant!

January: For my birthday we went to Orlando to see Cir del Solei

March/April: We took our honeymoon/baby moon. We went to Hilton Head and Savannah

April: Jamie's birthday!

May: My first mother's day!

June: We to Charleston for a friend's wedding

We also went to Alabama to visit my brother.

July: We got to go boating!

And we had our baby shower

August: We were patiently awaiting the arrival of our little bundle of joy! 

September: One year anniversary and the birth of Jackson!

 Our new family of three!

 Day 2

Anniversary Dinner~ 3 Forks

2 Weeks Old!

Week 2
Oh my goodness Jackson is already 2 weeks old!! Time is flying by. Aww it makes me a little sad how fast it is going but I know it is only going to get better and better.

Weight:  At our doctor’s appointment on Monday he was 6 pounds 3 ounces, I’m hoping he is almost 7 pounds now. He needs to be 8 pounds to go in any carrier so gain weight buddy!!

Sleep: It’s hit or miss. But we have just started a feeding schedule and taking a bath before bedtime and it really worked the first two nights so hopefully it will continue! We also moved him into our room this weekend and I thought he did great- slept for 4 hours and then after feeding/changing another 3 hours. Jamie thought it wasn’t so great hahah that’s because he doesn’t know a bad night! 

Clothes: Premie work the best but they are hard to find. We also found clothes that 5-8 pounds and he is still swimming in them! For now we are just rotating the few outfits we have and hoping for some weight gain! 

Visitors:  Mimi and Poppi (my parents) babysat Jackson for the first time! He did great but his mommy did not like it one bit. Aunt Laura was a frequent helper and visitor this week and we loved it. Jackson got to meet Papa (now called Grandpa) for the first time! He loved being held and snuggled. Our wedding photographers came by to take Jackson’s newborn baby pictures and he was such a sweet angel it was a little ridiculous. We were all shocked by how well he did! Of course after being spoiled all week we are having trouble getting him to let us not hold him. 

Out and About:

We managed to make it to Buy Buy Baby with Aunt Laura helping us. Then we went to Target all by ourselves! We have made it to two restaurants (for lunch) and Jackson slept the whole time. Publix still intimidates me so maybe in a couple weeks? We also made it for two walks this week- he loves being in his carseat so he was one happy camper! This will be our first full week of being just the two of us ek! 

Diet:  Breastmilk! Eating more this week!

Baby Gear Love:  
Swing~ Fischer Price Snuggle Bunny~ Jackson pretty much only sleeps in the swing at night. I think he likes sitting up a bit more because he has a little bit of reflux. We are working on him sleeping in other things.. like his cradle (which he loves during the day but not at night).

Pacifiers~ Gumdrop~ Jackson loves these!

Crying:  Jackson still hates diaper changes or being naked/changed. If he has a wet diaper oh my watch out. Still crying at night when he wants to be held. 

Milestones:  
First real bath! So far I’ve gotten peed on me twice. The cats love participating it’s a whole family affair.

Tummy Time- We started tummy time on Friday and he loved it! He loves being on his tummy. He tried picking his head up several times. All star baby!! 

I love my seahorse!

On my belly!

His umbilical cord fell off- hints the real bath and tummy time.

Postpartum: Curiosity killed the cat- I bought a scale. My belly has gone down so much I was curious to see how much weight I had lost. As of Saturday (almost two weeks) I had lost 21 pounds. Ridiculous! I couldn’t believe it. I haven’t been trying to do anything!  I’m really not too concerned with it either but it is nice to know I won’t have too far to go when I can finally work out again.

This week I felt much better but still not 100%. Hello stitches pain! I’m ready for these things to dissolve.

What I have learned so far..

Two weeks of being a mommy and I have learned so much already. So far I've learned:

• How to use one arm to do everything- make the bed, make coffee, type emails, you name it I can do it while holding the baby and his pacifier. Occasionally I can do things with no hands!
• Drink lukewarm coffee- my grandma warned me about this. She said she learned how to drink cold coffee when her kids were little. I laughed and said no way I always drink my coffee after he eats... the next two days I spent drinking lukewarm coffee. Grandmas are always right!
• You are always last to eat, sleep, pee- if you even get time to do that
• The second you make something to eat the baby needs to eat or be changed
• Getting a shower in during the day means you have to stay up after the 5am feeding and wait for your husband to peak that eye open and hop in! If not you may not get one. And trust me you NEED to shower to feel somewhat human. Now spending the day in sweats and wet hair is understandable. 
• Baby brain is true. I can't remember anything! I seriously keep a list of things on my phone or I forget. I can be on a mission to do something, take two steps and bam what was I doing?! 
• I can sleep through anything- nursing, sitting, talking, watching movies my eyes just start to close. At least once a day I fall asleep with Jackson on my chest. 
• You will do laundry everyday. Jackson loves to pee on everything!
• You will not miss your former life especially when your sweet little baby is cuddled up on your chest or when he looks right at you with the cutest face. OK well you might miss the sleep :)

Look how cute I am!!

The hospital bag~ What you really need!

The REAL Hospital Bag

Things you need:

• Bathrobe- I didn't really use it at the hospital but I wear it all the time now
• Toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, face wash, lotion, toothpaste, a pack of toothbrushes (who will remember to pack these when you are in labor!), contact case, glasses, razors
• Chapstick
• Candy- your hospital may not allow candy but when the nurses aren't looking you can sneak on and it really helps with the dry mouth
• Nursing bras
• Nursing PJ's
• Undies or wear the mesh ones they give you at the hospital
• Birth Plan
• Notebook/pens- to keep track of breastfeeding. The nurses will ask you when/how long and your baby brain will make it hard to remember
• Breastfeeding book- YES! I was reading this all the time at the hospital
• Coming home clothes
• To pack last minute: hair drier, makeup, camera, chargers, flipflops
• Towels- the hospital gives you two really small ones
• Pillows- the hospital gives you two really thin ones.... Jamie appreciated his! I was jealous

What you don't need:

• Pads- they will give you tons at the hospital (make sure to steal any extras) but make sure you have some for home
• Hand sanitizer- the hospital has it
• socks with grips on the bottom- I didn't end up needing them
• soothies- they will give you some nipple cream!
•  magazines- who has time to read a magazine?! Maybe if you dilate really slow you might want one...
• Make a labor play list (for relaxation)- I used this before we went to the hospital but if you get an epidural you really won't need it

Diaper Bag

Needs:

• Blanket
• A going home outfit- I won't spend too much time or $$ on this because seriously he's in it for 2 seconds and unless you take a picture no one would ever know what he's wearing.
• Mittens
• Socks
• NURSING PILLOW- we used this all day and night it was really helpful for breast feeding
• Pacifier if you want to use one- the hospital gave us one and this is still his favorite

Don't need (the hospital provides you with):

• diapers
• wipes
• swaddle blanket
• burp rag

Daddy Bag

Needs:

• Extra Blanket
• PILLOWS
• Pajamas
• Clothes
• Tolietries
• Snacks
• Chargers
• IPAD

*Have people assigned to bring you food especially for your hubby. The hospital only gives you food not your hubby. And if you deliver at midnight make sure someone brings you food because you will be STARVing!

*Consider having someone come when you are getting discharged to help your husband pack up the car. Poor Jamie had to make so many trips to the car.

Jackson's Birth Story

Jackson is officially 48 hours old! As he sleeps I am starting to write his birth story so I won't forget it.

After I long couple of weeks of not feeling well and trying everything in my power to induce labor, I final got to the point where I thought he would never come. I tried to tell myself I would have to be induced that way I was prepared to wait an extra week. Thursday was my last day of work. Friday I spent time having lunch with my mom, napping and going for our last dinner out at Salt Life. Saturday morning we got up walked, I did some cleaning, then we were headed to run errands when we got the word my grandfather was going to be in town for lunch. So we ate lunch with my family, swam in the pool, and hung out at my family all day. My grandfather also came over and put together the amazing cradle he made- my mom kept joking that Jackson was waiting for his cradle to arrive first. The whole day I had contractions but I decided not to time them because I wasn't having this baby until Sept 12th.. That night I was really exhausted so I went to bed early. Then around midnight woke up to some painful contractions. I started timing them at this point they were 10-15 minutes apart. I tried sitting on the ball, lying down, pacing the house, and reading my birth book. The contractions were never consistent but were getting more and more painful each time. At 4am I woke Jamie up to walk so I could walk and have contractions without scaring our neighbors. At this point they were 5-7 minutes for over an hour. We called the hospital and they said to come on in. After 2 terrible contractions in the car and one in the parking lot they decreased to 10 minutes apart in the hospital and surprise I was only 3cm dilated! WHAT?! I was really annoyed. They told me I was in prelabor and would probably have him either that night or the next day. But they sent me home. GRR

After the epidural but my face is super swollen from the IV and crying! But our last family of 2 picture :)

By the time we got home they were only getting worse and worse. Of course they wanted me to rest- how that is possible with contractions is beyond me. So I had a tiny bit of wine (to naturally help me sleep- midwives suggest it) and a grilled cheese at 8:30 in the morning.. hahah it worked because I got about an hour of sleep. My contractions continued to get worse and worse as the day went on. I tried all my techniques to the point I threw my birth book across the floor and cursed. I was swearing left and right... and then we heard a snap but no gush.. I wasn't sure if my water broke or not because every told me to wait for a gush. However, my contractions went into over drive. I went from cursing to hysterically crying on the floor. For some reason I could only be on all fours on the floor. After two of those I said, "You take me to the hospital I don't care how far apart they are I'm not leaving there until they give me drugs." Jamie agreed. The birth plan went right out the window. So off we were again around 3:30. They checked me and I was only 4cm dilated! And they weren't sure about my water breaking (at this point). We went to our room and I was 6 cm dilated in less than an hour. Holy **** things were going way to fast and I was in the worst pain of my life. I was screaming and crying- mostly crying and saying I couldn't do it, no more contractions, please help me, and make it stop. I was begging Jamie to make them stop. Poor Jamie was holding my hand and trying to reason with me. Finally the epidural arrived ( I about killed the man- I told him just give me the drugs don't tell me about them) so he gave me a spinal block first because it starts working instantly. Then I was 7 cm dilated. I continued dilating super fast even with the epidural. Most people dilated 1 cm per hour and usually first time moms stall during labor.. not me! I also think this had something to do with how painful they were so fast. My contractions were on top of each other so I was getting no breaks. They did decide that I had broken my water on my own- when it happened no one knew for sure. Somewhere around 7 or 8pm they decided to let me start pushing. His head was very far down and thought for sure it wouldn't take over an hour. That was until there was an emergency C-section that had to be done before I could have Jackson. I was under strict instructions to not push or do anything in fear he would come out on his own. Ha. Well when they finally let me push again Jackson's head was turned the wrong way think square peg round whole.  I pushed for almost 3 hours!!! By this point I was feeling all the contractions again and my left side never really took the epidural anyways so I was in pain. Around the hour and a half I said those famous words I just don't think I can do this anymore. But I also realized that was my only option so I had to suck it up and push as hard as I could. And then at 11:58 Jackson arrived!!!

They put him on my chest and I cried very happy happy tears. He instantly stuck hid bottom lip out and cried. I said, "uh oh we are in big trouble if his little pout is this cute." It was the most amazing experience I can't even describe it. Although it was a long tough labor and delivery (with lots of stitches and I am still sore from all that pushing) it was all worth it. I am so in love with him! I am enjoying every day just snuggling and loving on him.

Family of 3!!!

Jackson's first week!

I am one week old today!

I can’t believe it was one week ago that Jackson was born! It has been a week of amazing firsts for everyone. We have had several challenges but are enjoying the newest member of our family.

Weight:  At birth 6 pounds 6 ounces at discharge 6 pounds 3 ounces.  

Sleep: Really awesome during the day or when he is being held and snuggled. While we love the snuggling we would love some sleep too! It has been getting better every night.

Clothes: Newborn are too big but those are the smallest we have! My mom bought some premie clothes today and they fit! I'm going to have to get some more.  I did buy some tiny booties (because his socks don’t fit) but he kicks them off every chance he gets. For the most part he wears newborn clothing (or just a diaper) and then I swaddle him.  

Visitors:  Mimi and Poppi (my parents), Aunt Laura, Uncle Dustin, Great Grandpa, and a few friends. He is always a show off when they are here- snuggling and looking cute. Looking forward to some more visitors! 

Diet:  Breastmilk

Baby Gear Love:  
It’s Been timer- You click the button when you feed/change the baby and then you can remember how long it's been since you changed or feed them! This great especially when you have baby brain or no sleep brain.

Room thermometer- it lights up different colors to tell you if the room is too hot or too cold. It's really important to keep the room a certain temperature for babies to reduce SIDS.

Mittens- we bought organic ones for Babys R Us and he keeps them on really well. Not the cutest thing but that's ok.

Mombo- LOVE! It has a hard and soft side- one for feeding one for play. And it vibrates!! I love the fit of this one and it's not too fluffy. We have the boppy too and that's nice for when daddy holds him but not good for feeding and it's bulky. 

Crying:  Jackson hates diaper changes or being naked/changed. He has a really big set of lungs so he will let you know. He cries a lot a night if he is sleeping alone. But if you are snuggling he is one happy camper.

Milestones:  
First car ride, first bath, first walk around the neighborhood in his carseat/stroller, first trip to Baby’s R US (completely covered up so no one would touch him), everything is a first for him!

My first bath

First Florida State outfit

Postpartum: This week has been hard and not what I expected. I am very sore, swollen, and having lots of aches and pains. I think most of my soreness is from pushing for 3 hours! I mean my back and arms were hurting in really weird places. Stitches pain for sure! Yikes I hate going to the bathroom (tmi). And then there is the whole breastfeeding thing. Pretty much your body is going through some many transitions and pains it’s ridiculous. Everyday seems to be getting better so I am really looking forward to next week. I also got to enjoy my first glass of champagne this week!! And more importantly COFFEE!! 

Trimester Collages

Now that Jackson is here I put together all the chalkboard pictures!

First Trimester

2nd Trimester

 3rd Trimester

He's here!!

Jackson James Holmes was born September 2, 2012 at 11:58 pm. He weighed 6 pounds 6 oz and was 21 inches long. He is perfect! We are absolutely in love with him! I will have his birth story soon. Here are some pictures:

Day 1!

Just born :) Pretty sure this was day 2!

On the way home!