F is for Family

Family, home, travel, life

Fall Fashion Series: Vacation Style

I’m so excited to join the blogging series started by fellow blogger Can’t Google Everything. Follow the other bloggers at: http://cantgoogleeverything.blogspot.com/2014/09/summer-to-fall-transition-outfits-and.html?m=1

We are on our vacation in Sonoma for my brothers wedding. We are finally getting a break from the 100 degree weather Florida doesn’t want to drop and it feels like actual fall preview here. I packed my new fall staples that I just got from The Loft. A chambray button down and black Zoe skinny pants that can be dressed up or down and a colorful scarf that I already had in my closet. This outfit was a birthday gift to myself and this was my first time wearing it. Most of the outfits in this series will be nursing friendly because my little man is a nursing machine and I always have to be prepared AND stylish! I added a white cami under my shirt that can be pulled up or down to feed baby. I unbuttoned the shirt and pulled up the tank. This keeps the belly covered and keeps feeding discreet without needing a cover. I added a scarf for color and to cover any wet drool marks from a teething baby. Got to love function and fashion in one! I also threw on some earrings and bracelets for more color. Flats were a must for when I need to chase the toddler. This outfit was comfortable and the pieces can be mixed into other outfits. 

Please ignore the messy hotel room! Ha 🙂

Fall Fashion Series: Vacation Style

I’m so excited to join the blogging series started by fellow blogger Can’t Google Everything. Follow the other bloggers at: http://cantgoogleeverything.blogspot.com/2014/09/summer-to-fall-transition-outfits-and.html?m=1

We are on our vacation in Sonoma for my brothers wedding. We are finally getting a break from the 100 degree weather Florida doesn’t want to drop and it feels like actual fall preview here. I packed my new fall staples that I just got from The Loft. A chambray button down and black Zoe skinny pants that can be dressed up or down and a colorful scarf that I already had in my closet. This outfit was a birthday gift to myself and this was my first time wearing it. Most of the outfits in this series will be nursing friendly because my little man is a nursing machine and I always have to be prepared AND stylish! I added a white cami under my shirt that can be pulled up or down to feed baby. I unbuttoned the shirt and pulled up the tank. This keeps the belly covered and keeps feeding discreet without needing a cover. I added a scarf for color and to cover any wet drool marks from a teething baby. Got to love function and fashion in one! I also threw on some earrings and bracelets for more color. Flats were a must for when I need to chase the toddler. This outfit was comfortable and the pieces can be mixed into other outfits. 

Please ignore the messy hotel room! Ha 🙂

One Weekaversary for Jackson

I can’t believe it’s been a full week since little Jackson made his appearance. He’s been through so much and has made so many strides in the last seven days. We are so proud of him.

Yesterday he moved to the level 2 side of the NICU which is a great step forward. He also got rid of his nasal cannula and has done awesome without the oxygen support. He’s still in the isolette because he’s had a difficult time holding his temps  but he’s made great strides taking his bottles. Just a few small hurdles to cross before we get to bring our little man home!

One Weekaversary for Jackson

I can’t believe it’s been a full week since little Jackson made his appearance. He’s been through so much and has made so many strides in the last seven days. We are so proud of him.

Yesterday he moved to the level 2 side of the NICU which is a great step forward. He also got rid of his nasal cannula and has done awesome without the oxygen support. He’s still in the isolette because he’s had a difficult time holding his temps  but he’s made great strides taking his bottles. Just a few small hurdles to cross before we get to bring our little man home!

One Weekaversary for Jackson

I can’t believe it’s been a full week since little Jackson made his appearance. He’s been through so much and has made so many strides in the last seven days. We are so proud of him.

Yesterday he moved to the level 2 side of the NICU which is a great step forward. He also got rid of his nasal cannula and has done awesome without the oxygen support. He’s still in the isolette because he’s had a difficult time holding his temps  but he’s made great strides taking his bottles. Just a few small hurdles to cross before we get to bring our little man home!

The Great Balancing Act: 2 kids, 2 locations

I started this post yesterday morning even before I knew where the day would lead. Anticipation of juggling an energetic toddler at home while making sure to spend time at the bedside of a brand new baby in intensive care weighed heavily on me from the moment I woke up. 

We started our Saturday with breakfast as a family as usual. Jonathan and I set a game plan for the day. He’d take the ball full of energy to burn off steam at the local play place and bring her back for lunch and nap while went to the NICU with our little boy. We’d meet up at the hospital in the afternoon and be home for an early evening after visiting baby Jackson as a family.
I should know by now that the best laid plans are really just ticking time bombs. My Mom drove me to the hospital and while in route I felt a little off. My thought was I may not have taken my pain medication and vitamins with enough food. I don’t typically do well with iron multivitamins unless I’ve had plenty to eat. I figured it would pass. 
I arrived at Jackson’s bedside and still felt a little strange. We had our first attempt at breast feeding with the lactation consultant and he did great! It was such a fantastic milestone. I held him for the next little bit and we finished his full feed by bottle.
This is when the day took a turn for the worst. I began feeling flush and nauseous. Next thing I know, I end up in triage because I’ve somehow picked up a stomach bug. By the time we get home, I’m running 101.6 temp, I’m in bed and now Jonathan is trying to take care of me and Sofia.
She, at this point, just wants to play with Mommy since she hasn’t seen me all day and doesn’t understand why she has to stay away. This has already been a bit of a confusing transition for her and this added to her stress. What is normally a few minutes for bedtime turned into an hour and 45 minutes of screaming at the top of her lungs despite attempts to soothe her and put her back in bed or letting her scream. 
There’s no other time when I wish I could be in two different places at the same time, or honestly three different places. One sick in bed, one playing with my toddler and bedside with my newborn son. It will be at least 24 hours until I’m allowed back to the NICU, it breaks my heart to be away that long but it would kill me to pass something on to him. 
This adds a new dimension to the great NICU/home balancing act. 

The Great Balancing Act: 2 kids, 2 locations

I started this post yesterday morning even before I knew where the day would lead. Anticipation of juggling an energetic toddler at home while making sure to spend time at the bedside of a brand new baby in intensive care weighed heavily on me from the moment I woke up. 

We started our Saturday with breakfast as a family as usual. Jonathan and I set a game plan for the day. He’d take the ball full of energy to burn off steam at the local play place and bring her back for lunch and nap while went to the NICU with our little boy. We’d meet up at the hospital in the afternoon and be home for an early evening after visiting baby Jackson as a family.
I should know by now that the best laid plans are really just ticking time bombs. My Mom drove me to the hospital and while in route I felt a little off. My thought was I may not have taken my pain medication and vitamins with enough food. I don’t typically do well with iron multivitamins unless I’ve had plenty to eat. I figured it would pass. 
I arrived at Jackson’s bedside and still felt a little strange. We had our first attempt at breast feeding with the lactation consultant and he did great! It was such a fantastic milestone. I held him for the next little bit and we finished his full feed by bottle.
This is when the day took a turn for the worst. I began feeling flush and nauseous. Next thing I know, I end up in triage because I’ve somehow picked up a stomach bug. By the time we get home, I’m running 101.6 temp, I’m in bed and now Jonathan is trying to take care of me and Sofia.
She, at this point, just wants to play with Mommy since she hasn’t seen me all day and doesn’t understand why she has to stay away. This has already been a bit of a confusing transition for her and this added to her stress. What is normally a few minutes for bedtime turned into an hour and 45 minutes of screaming at the top of her lungs despite attempts to soothe her and put her back in bed or letting her scream. 
There’s no other time when I wish I could be in two different places at the same time, or honestly three different places. One sick in bed, one playing with my toddler and bedside with my newborn son. It will be at least 24 hours until I’m allowed back to the NICU, it breaks my heart to be away that long but it would kill me to pass something on to him. 
This adds a new dimension to the great NICU/home balancing act. 

The Great Balancing Act: 2 kids, 2 locations

I started this post yesterday morning even before I knew where the day would lead. Anticipation of juggling an energetic toddler at home while making sure to spend time at the bedside of a brand new baby in intensive care weighed heavily on me from the moment I woke up. 

We started our Saturday with breakfast as a family as usual. Jonathan and I set a game plan for the day. He’d take the ball full of energy to burn off steam at the local play place and bring her back for lunch and nap while went to the NICU with our little boy. We’d meet up at the hospital in the afternoon and be home for an early evening after visiting baby Jackson as a family.
I should know by now that the best laid plans are really just ticking time bombs. My Mom drove me to the hospital and while in route I felt a little off. My thought was I may not have taken my pain medication and vitamins with enough food. I don’t typically do well with iron multivitamins unless I’ve had plenty to eat. I figured it would pass. 
I arrived at Jackson’s bedside and still felt a little strange. We had our first attempt at breast feeding with the lactation consultant and he did great! It was such a fantastic milestone. I held him for the next little bit and we finished his full feed by bottle.
This is when the day took a turn for the worst. I began feeling flush and nauseous. Next thing I know, I end up in triage because I’ve somehow picked up a stomach bug. By the time we get home, I’m running 101.6 temp, I’m in bed and now Jonathan is trying to take care of me and Sofia.
She, at this point, just wants to play with Mommy since she hasn’t seen me all day and doesn’t understand why she has to stay away. This has already been a bit of a confusing transition for her and this added to her stress. What is normally a few minutes for bedtime turned into an hour and 45 minutes of screaming at the top of her lungs despite attempts to soothe her and put her back in bed or letting her scream. 
There’s no other time when I wish I could be in two different places at the same time, or honestly three different places. One sick in bed, one playing with my toddler and bedside with my newborn son. It will be at least 24 hours until I’m allowed back to the NICU, it breaks my heart to be away that long but it would kill me to pass something on to him. 
This adds a new dimension to the great NICU/home balancing act. 

Day 6: Poppin’ Bottles!!!

Jackson has been doing a great the last few days. Our little champ has been eating up a storm ad doing much better with breathing. Yesterday (day 6 in the NICU) we were given the thumbs up to try bottle feeds at least 2 times a day. The nurse gave him his first bottle and he finished it like a pro! Mommy gave him his 2nd bottle and although he finished it, we were struggling to get a burp.

Feeding have been done while he’s still in the isolette which is a bit awkward and this Mama just couldn’t get a good angle for burping. Our nurse saved the day and got a good one out of him. He’s still having a hard time maintaining his temperature but we’ve seen some progress here too. He’s just on the line when it comes to an “acceptably” low temperature.
We did have the IV that was in his scalped removed which I’m thrilled about. One less wire! 
Today our goal is to get one breast feeding session in and hopefully move to an open air crib. The only other thing besides temps standing in our way of the open air crib, bilirubin levels! His coloring was a bit orange yesterday and we arewaiting  for the results this morning on whether he’ll need light treatment or not. Fingers crossed we are in the clear!!!

Day 6: Poppin’ Bottles!!!

Jackson has been doing a great the last few days. Our little champ has been eating up a storm ad doing much better with breathing. Yesterday (day 6 in the NICU) we were given the thumbs up to try bottle feeds at least 2 times a day. The nurse gave him his first bottle and he finished it like a pro! Mommy gave him his 2nd bottle and although he finished it, we were struggling to get a burp.

Feeding have been done while he’s still in the isolette which is a bit awkward and this Mama just couldn’t get a good angle for burping. Our nurse saved the day and got a good one out of him. He’s still having a hard time maintaining his temperature but we’ve seen some progress here too. He’s just on the line when it comes to an “acceptably” low temperature.
We did have the IV that was in his scalped removed which I’m thrilled about. One less wire! 
Today our goal is to get one breast feeding session in and hopefully move to an open air crib. The only other thing besides temps standing in our way of the open air crib, bilirubin levels! His coloring was a bit orange yesterday and we arewaiting  for the results this morning on whether he’ll need light treatment or not. Fingers crossed we are in the clear!!!

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