Organically Growing

The offical blog of HappyGreenBaby.com

The Longest 10 Minutes April 28, 2009

Filed under: Uncategorized — happygreenbaby @ 9:23 pm

I know this post is going to ruffle a few feathers, so let me start by saying that the choice to have our son circumcised is not we took lightly. We researched and discussed the options with a variety of people and ultimately determined that having him circumcised was what was right for our family. It is an incredibly personal decision and one that every family needs to determine on their own accord. I am in no way suggesting that one way is right/better than the other – this is what worked for us.

So, today was the day Ryder was going to be circumcised by Dr. Witz at the Swedish Pediatric Specialty Clinic. Dr. Witz does about 8 of these procedures everyday, so we felt Ryder was in good hands. We got up bright and early to be at the hospital by 8am and I was pretty nervous. The nurse put a topical numbing cream on his “pee-pee” and we talked with the doctor about the risks. I found myself getting really sweaty and was feeling pretty stressed out. Marc and Ryder seemed more calm, so that was reassuring.

Marc went with the doctor and Ryder into the operating room for the procedure and I waited in the exam room. I’m pretty sure it was the longest 10 minutes of my life. Marc said Ryder didn’t cry a bit and actually slept through the whole thing. I nursed him quickly, because I had read that helps to calm the baby – although he wasn’t really too worked up.

I’m afraid to look at his pee-pee, but I know I’m going to have to today for various diaper changes and to heap on the bacitracin. They said to apply it so it looks like an ice cream cone. Not really the visual I wanted. I guess I won’t be making a trip to Walter’s Scoop Shop this week. The prospect of the first diaper change makes me really nervous! For now, Ryder is resting comfortably and eating regularly, so that makes me feel a little better.

 

Trash-ology April 27, 2009

Filed under: Eco-Friendly Diapering — happygreenbaby @ 6:13 pm

For the first week of Ryder’s life, we used the newborn size of Earth’s Best and Seventh Generation disposable diapers. We thought it would be easier to manage as we’re adjusting to life as parents, plus the BumGenius size Small were still a bit to big around his waist. Instead, I found myself changing outfit after outfit, along with the diapers, because they were leaking with every pee! And since Ryder doesn’t really take to be being naked on the changing table – it’s a scream fest every time I have to put new clothes on him … not really the blissful experience I was hoping for!

I lost count of the number of diapers we trashed, but Marc toted out at least 3, 5 gallon bio bags from the changing table trash can in a single week. Yikes. Even though these diapers are plastic free and made with unbleached cotton – it’s still a lot of trash to add to the landfill.

So this weekend we opted to cloth, like we’d been planning all along. The transition has been a breeze! The BumGenius and SwaddleBees all-in-ones are super easy to get on and off, and with the addition of the Tushies Flushable Diaper Liner, clean up is not nearly as icky as you might imagine. After getting Ryder outfitted in a fresh diaper, I carry both the boy and the dirty to the bathroom where I shake off the liner, flush it down and then put the diaper in the handy vented pail with liner bag. No smell or mess!

Yesterday I ran my first load of cloth diapers. Upon the advice of cloth-diaper expert, Molly, I put them through a rinse cycle first, then the regular wash and a second rinse to ensure all the soap is off. It seems like a lot of water, but I have a high-efficiency washer, so I don’t think it’s too bad. A run through the dryer and we have a drawer stocked with diapers again!

 

Night On The Town April 26, 2009

Filed under: Breastfeeding — happygreenbaby @ 7:46 pm

What a day of adventuring we had! This morning, we loaded up the dogs and fam in the family truckster, The Vangelo, and headed to Magnusun park to let the dogs run off some steam. Ryder rode happily in the Organic Ergo Carrier we got for Christmas from Grandma Cheryl.

Then, we pushed the envelope of our parenting comfort zone even further and ventured out for an early dinner in Ballard. We went to two different restaurants, only to discover that Washington’s strange liquor laws didn’t allow us to bring a baby into the places. Something about having a bar liquor license vs. a restaurant one. We wound up at Thaiku, which is always delicious and turns out is family friendly. Ryder was a trooper and sat through two full hours of restaurant time, only making one peep. I was a little worried about the prospect of breastfeeding in public, but fortunately, he held out until we got home.

So, our dining out experience was a success … except for the fact that Ryder was incredibly restless and fussy for the vast majority of the night and into the early morning. Only now as I type (about 1pm) is he resting soundly. I think he doesn’t have a taste for Thai-scented breast milk. Can’t say I blame him … and I learned a valuable leasson about keeping it bland!

 

Milk Drunk April 23, 2009

Filed under: Breastfeeding — happygreenbaby @ 7:47 pm

It’s so hilarious how breast feeding turns Ryder into a lump of butter. This is satisfaction you just can’t get from a bottle.

Ryder is Milk Drunk

Ryder is Milk Drunk

 

Weigh In for Mom & Ryder April 20, 2009

Filed under: Breastfeeding — happygreenbaby @ 7:00 pm

Today was Ryder’s official due date!

We headed back to the Kids Clinic for another weigh in and Ryder gained 8 oz. in three days thanks to the pumping and bottle feeding method. I’m still having some pain/pinching with his latch, so I’m going to see the lactation consultant on Wednesday again. I figure it’s a good investment to get things right now, since this is something we’re going to be doing for the next 12 months (that’s my goal).

Ryder’s jaundice is nearly gone and he’s doing great! Sleeping, eating and pooping … which is all we can really ask from the guy at this point. Emma from Baby Day Doula, came over for a quick visit to see how we’re doing.

Our doula, Emma, with Ryder

Our doula, Emma, with Ryder

Neither of us is feeling particularly sleep-deprived and Ryder sleeps for 3+ hours at a time during the night, just waking up long enough to eat and get changed. Hopefully this stays the norm!

I decided to weigh myself today, too, and see how much I actually lost with the birth. 15 lbs. of baby, placenta and other bodily fluids, apparently.

 

Wardrobe! April 20, 2009

Filed under: Uncategorized — happygreenbaby @ 6:01 pm

(april 20) Today, Ryder went through 5 wardrobe changes.

  1. Peed on sleeping gown
  2. Blew out poopy diaper up back of onsie
  3. Peed through pants and I Love Daddy onsie
  4. Peed through brown babsoy pants
 

Meals on Wheels April 19, 2009

Filed under: Baby Gifts — happygreenbaby @ 7:09 pm

Two friends, Tanya and Scott, brought us a delicious dinner on Saturday: Glazed Salmon, Couscous with raisins & almonds, caprese salad, potato latkes and a chocolate Easter bunny. There is enough food to last us for a couple of meals and it’s incredible!

Next week some other folks Marc works with and a neighbor are lined up to deliver meals. I’ve never heard of bringing food to over for a baby but I have to say it’s the BEST thing you can do for friends with a new baby! Better than a diaper change or another onsie, that’s for sure! Making dinner and cleaning up sucks when all you want to do is stare at the baby.

 

The Milk Truck Arrives April 18, 2009

Filed under: Breastfeeding — happygreenbaby @ 6:49 pm

We had a weight check at the doctor yesterday and the ND who saw us (she’s a resident, not our usual ped) kind of freaked out over the fact that Ryder lost about 8oz. since he was born. The issue we were more worried about was that he hadn’t peed in 24 hours and my nipples are so raw, cracked and sore that I’m not sure I can go on feeding him.

The ND referred me to a lactation consultant, who suggested I pump milk for the next 24 hours to give my breasts a rest and ensure Ryder is getting some food. I’m so happy we went ahead and made the investment in the Medela Pump in Style breast pump, otherwise we would have been running around to get it today.

This afternoon, Renee from The Second 9 Months came over to help me get Ryder’s latch issues figured out. We spent an hour or so working on the finer points of bringing him to the breast and I saw the error of my ways. It was amazing how with a good latch, nursing didn’t hurt at all … even with my nipples chewed off like they are.

I was starting to feel really discouraged about nursing – not understanding why I was having so many issues breastfeeding when it’s supposed to be the most “natural” way to feed a baby. Everyone keeps reassuring me that the vast majority of women have problems – so I’m in good company. I’m confident we’ll get it to work.

The good news is that pumping and bottle feeding Ryder, while so much work, is having good results. He’s been burning through diapers and his jaundice is starting to go away.

 

Homecoming April 16, 2009

Filed under: Uncategorized — happygreenbaby @ 6:43 pm

I got my staples out today, a visit by a couple of different doctors and we are set to go home. They said we can leave anytime, so Marc made a trip home with all our flowers, clothes and other miscellanea we collected over the last 4 days. He also picked up the dogs and took them home so we wouldn’t have to bother with it on the way with Ryder.

We ordered one last meal to our room (who wants to cook?) and enjoyed veggie burgers and milkshakes at the hospital. Then we loaded Ryder up in the carseat and headed home!

First family portrait

First family portrait

The dogs are indifferent to the baby – although eKo does sniff around and lick his toes every so often. Affrey seems annoyed by the noise, but doens’t pay attention to him otherwise.

eKo gives Ryder a sniff

eKo gives Ryder a sniff

 

Day Two April 15, 2009

Filed under: Eco-Friendly Diapering,Natural Labor & Delivery — happygreenbaby @ 8:18 pm

We made it through our first day of parenting! After basically not sleeping or eating for two days, we spent a lot of time sleeping yesterday. And because I was tethered to the bed by an IV, leg compression things and catheter, Marc took the lead on changing diapers and swaddling the boy. He even assisted with Ryder’s first bath.

In the sink with nurse Tamara

In the sink with nurse Tamara

A cool item of note – Swedish-Ballard had our nursery equipped with cloth diapers and wipes!

Yesterday, my diet consisted of Popsicles, vegetable broth and Jello (orange AND red). But this morning, I was treated to my first real meal since Sunday -  blueberry pancakes and scrambled eggs. I was only able to eat a little bit, but that, coupled with a shower and I’m in heaven!

I’ve been up walking around a bit today, but am feeling really sore, so it’s not much. But I’m able to hold Ryder more and we are starting to nurse!

My feet and ankles are incredibly swollen … so huge in fact you can’t see any of the bones. The nurses keep saying they don’t “look too bad” which is scary to think that some people get even bigger!

We had our first guest today, too. Friend Mary came to say hello and brought with her Trophy Cupcakes! Whatta gal.

A birthday treat for mom and Ryder

A birthday treat for mom and Ryder