tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44661384997904011762024-02-20T09:07:05.390-08:00Mommy BrigadeHaley Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13308607951002897200noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466138499790401176.post-78467431053134762322018-02-15T15:08:00.000-08:002018-02-15T15:09:48.287-08:00Postpartum Depression/AnxietyMaybe talking about this more openly will help me feel better because so many other mom's I know have talked about it before and there's alway a lot of support and love for the mom's who are struggling..... but maybe it will make me feel really insecure and vulnerable. Probably that one, but we're going to dive in anyways!<br />
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So after I had Damon, I was so happy, but on the other hand my delivery was pretty traumatic for me, nursing was intense, and he was an awful sleeper. I totally had that "Oh crap what did I do?" moment probably about a month/ a month and a half after he was born. But once we got into a better routine, even though I was sleep deprived I was able to snap out of my little funk.<br />
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After Rafe was born, his jaundice was so bad that after we took him home from the hospital- he had to go back on the Billi blanket for a crazy amount of time! Like 16 days, which felt like eternity! Taking him in every day to get his heel pricked and take his billi levels was awful. Thankfully he was a VBAC and my recovery was so much easier than it was after Damon. But I felt like I couldn't just sit and snuggle my little baby. I always had to put him back in his little light suitcase. We started on the blanket then had to upgrade to a suitcase. He could not kick it and was so close to having to go back to the hospital. So it was hard to deal with- but I didn't feel super depressed. Sad at times, but still happy over all.<br />
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After Jag......it was a mix of both but I wasn't depressed to the point that I thought I needed meds. I would get really irritated and it took me a really long time to get used to having three kids. It was so crazy and just so stressful. I thought that it would be easier since the older boys were so independent.....but it was really hard. I would snap at my husband and just have crazy mood swings is the best way to describe it. But after probably 4 months it went away and I was feeling better.<br />
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After Raquel....honestly it's kind of a blur.....and it hasn't even been that long. Having cholestasis again made the end of my pregnancy stressful, but I knew exactly how the delivery was going to go and that was nice. But about a week or two before she was born I was so stressed out about having to have a c section again and the healing process and having 4 kids. I was just scared. Sitting in my hospital room getting prepped for my c section I was in tears because I was so nervous. And it made me mad. I couldn't just try to enjoy those last moments of being pregnant. It was never going to happen again. I just was so scared it trumped everything. After she was born I was happy and my mom was staying to help me through the recovery and my husband is amazing so I was good for about 2 months. But once my mom left and I was on my own during the day, it started to creep in.....<br />
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I say creep in because I honestly just thought I was emotional. I was crying multiple times a day. I had zero confidence in myself as a mom and just as a person in general. I didn't want to really go anywhere or do anything and I wouldn't leave my house for days at a time. Which isn't super crazy but when you're depressed it's probably good to get out of your house every once and a while. My mom would call and check up on me and so would my friends from Boise....but I just feel like I don't really have anyone in Idaho who actually cares about me. That sounds so dramatic and it is- but I just don't have anyone over here that I feel comfortable calling up and saying, come over or lets go to lunch or anything like that. I just felt alone/still feel alone.<br />
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I went in for my 6 week check up and my dr talked to me about depression and he told me he wanted to put me on some medication for it. I was willing to try it because I could tell I wasn't my normal self. So he put me on zoloft......<br />
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I turned into a zombie. I felt like my depression was just getting worse. I could hardly get off the couch and do anything. Everything seemed so daunting. Just normal every day things just overwhelmed me. It was just getting worse and worse so I upped my meds. And then upped them again.<br />
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Being on such a big dose of zoloft made me feel more self conscience that I was before. This was my fourth baby. Why was it happening now? Why did I have to feel this way and feel so horrible about myself? I googled what I could do to help it and a lot of women said that just doing one thing a day for themselves helped. So I tried to get out of the house more. I would go shopping after the kids went to bed. I'd paint my toe nails or take a bath or something like that to help. But honestly, none of it helped. Momentarily yes. But here we are- 7 months later. And I feel it just as bad as I did before. I don't know why. I do know that I've gotten better about not thinking about it and hiding it because I find that when I would think about it or look at myself as depressed- that it would make me more depressed.<br />
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So stupid<br />
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I talked to my dr. and I switched medicines because being a zombie wasn't helping anything! I felt like it was probably making me feel worse than just not taking anything at all. At least I could function and get things done- which does make me feel good. So i switched to wellbutrin which has been great! It gives me energy but helps curb the anxiety side of things. Anxiety runs pretty deep in my family but I never thought I really struggled with it until now. I scaled back the zoloft which has been nice but it still makes me so tired-but it's great for helping my mood.<br />
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I don't know when I'll be able to get of medication- I'm hoping it's soon. But i'm honestly scared to get off of it because I'm a little scared to see what I'm like without something helping me.<br />
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Feeling inadequate, feeling lonely, feeling overwhelmed, and becoming a little bit of a hermit have been my main struggles. I love my kids and I don't have thought of hurting myself or them. I just feel like I'm not good enough to be their mom.<br />
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Ugh this is seriously hard to type out.<br />
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Like getting it all out and seeing it layed out before me is ugly.<br />
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I've really only talked to a handful of people about this. And not even in this depth. I don't like admitting that I'm having a hard time or struggling. I hated telling Dan how hard it was for me to get through every day. I know he wasn't judging me and he has been nothing but sweet through all of this. But it's just hard to admit- and admit to your husband who goes to a stressful job and deals with all sorts of shit every day. I never wanted him to feel like I didn't want this life or that I wasn't grateful for all that we have built. But I was just struggling and it's hard to put into words and it's even harder because I don't know what to do to feel better or fix it or what has caused it to get like this.<br />
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There are days when I feel good and feel like I'm getting a handle on things. But then there are days where I just want to scream if I have to change one more freakin diaper or hear "mom mom mom" one more time.<br />
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I'm excited for the day when I can look back on this time in my life and see the lessons I've learned through this struggle. I'm hoping I'm learning something anyways- cuz it's hell. And there's got to be a silver lining somewhere.<br />
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For now I'm just trying to soak up the stages that my kids are in and enjoy the little victories through the day. Like today- I put on makeup even though I wasn't going anywhere. Total win in my book.Haley Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13308607951002897200noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466138499790401176.post-40626305345518979772018-02-09T15:23:00.001-08:002018-02-09T15:31:04.308-08:00Rocky GirlOk- I get that some people hate the nickname rocky for raquel......but I don't really care. She's the sweetest thing ever and I could call her anything and it would still be cute.<br />
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She's getting so big so fast and I can't even believe it's been 7 months. I seriously am loving that she's more of a little baby and less of a potato. But I am soaking up every moment with her. All the milestones she's hitting are so bitter sweet. I'm loving her gummy smiles but i'm excited for her to have some teeth so that she can eat more snacks and stuff. She's got the cheesiest smile and I just melt every time I see it.<br />
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She probably gets kissed about 500 times a day. No joke. He cheeks are seriously amazing and I just can't even help it. Jag loves to give her kisses too. He's been so sweet with her. I'm so glad he's been so great because he can kind of be a bully.<br />
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Yesterday I put up an instagram post about all her favorite things and how sweet she is and what a good sleeper she is. Andddddddd wouldn't you know, she slept like absolute crap last night. Why does that happen? As soon as you acknowledge it, it goes away.<br />
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I wish there was like reverse psychology where your like, "Man my baby spits up so much...." then they just stopped. Instead it's always the good things! Jokes on you mom!<br />
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Anyways, having a girl is seriously so much fun. I love putting bows on her, dressing her up, painting her nails, and I just think- I have waited forever to do this kind of stuff! If she would have been a boy my nieces would have had to put up with me ;) But I really love it. And when I think of all the stuff I can't wait to do with her, I get so excited. Buying her first princess outfit, her first barbie, teaching her how to do her hair and makeup!<br />
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I hope we are always close and that she will confide in me when she's going through hard things. I hope we will be best friends and that she'll come to me with advice.<br />
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Having all boys for a while I would see articles about how when your boys grow up and get married you lose them, but if you have a daughter she'll stay close. How freakin sad is that! Like that is a horrible way to think. All my kids better stay close or I'm kidnapping them.<br />
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But I do think there's a different relationship between mothers and daughters. My mom experienced a lot of the same things I went through with boys and relationships and friendships so she could always give me advice. I hope raquel and I have a relationship like my mom and I have.<br />
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Anyways! Speaking of the sweet little baby- she just woke up from her nap so I probably need to go squish her;)Haley Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13308607951002897200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466138499790401176.post-29305657769683803582018-01-10T22:52:00.001-08:002018-01-10T22:52:27.344-08:00I just need to rant!Ok let me start off by saying I LOVE my kids, my husband, my life! Like seriously I am so blessed and I know its days/weeks like this that I need to remind myself how lucky I am.<br />
But there's the other side of me that just needs to vent! Like seriously just let it all out.<br />
I am so tired.<br />
I finally have a free moment to myself today and I literally don't even know what to do with myself. Do I shower?<br />
Do I catch up on This is Us?<br />
Do I get something to eat? My dinner consisted of Jag's leftovers.....<br />
Do I go to sleep?<br />
Or do I just enjoy the silence and no one touching or needing anything from me?<br />
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Being a mom is so tough. I love it. But there are days I just want to cuss it out and punch it in the face and call it a day.<br />
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Now, this might be some of my PPD coming out, (which why is that even a thing? I was just pregnant for 9 months and delivered a baby.....why do I have to feel like this and literally have no control over it?) but there are days I just want to go back to bed and try again tomorrow.<br />
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Today Rafe asked me why I'm in my pajamas all day...... well Rafe, Mom hasn't had 5 minutes to myself without a crying baby attached to her hip to be able to change into something different. Forget brushing my teeth or putting on any makeup or doing something with the hideous bun that's been on my head for the last 3 days! What I really told him is that sometimes, when your a mom, you get to wear stretchy pants. It is for fun. It's fantastic! I love it!<br />
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Being on the clock all day is hard. Waking up at 6:30 and having a non stop day, going to bed at midnight, plus waking up during the night for the baby gets soooooo tiring. She's normally a great sleeper, but she's teething and just got her 6 months shots and has been miserable for 3 days now. She's had a high fever and won't take a nap or let me put her down. So I'm just extra moody this week because of that.<br />
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I love my life I love my life I love my life.<br />
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I'm going to bed now to try and sleep off this negativity!<br />
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annnnddddd I just remembered I have laundry in the washing machine....sshhhheeeeiiiiittttt.<br />
I'm going to sleep.<br />
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p.s. Shout out to all you mommas who feel me on this! It's ok to have a bad day/week and totally be mad at life for a minute, right?!Haley Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13308607951002897200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466138499790401176.post-67276704406643130722017-11-06T15:28:00.003-08:002017-11-06T15:28:51.793-08:00Breast feedingOK seriously, why does no one tell you how horrible breastfeeding CAN be. I say "can" because it was pretty easy and natural with Damon. It all went down hill from there! I think it gets harder every time! This last time definitely takes the cake and there has been sooo many times that I've just wanted to throw in the breast pads and quit! I wasn't able to breastfeed Raquel at first because she was Sooooo tiny! And she has the smallest mouth ever. So I switched to pumping because I would cry every time I had to latch her on. I was so sore and cracked, I never thought I'd recover and be the same! So I started pumping and it was ok at first. But it was hard for my milk to let down because it wasn't my baby feeding, it was a machine!!<br />
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My milk supply is pretty crazy the first few weeks. Like 9 oz on each side crazy. SO I pumped and pumped to avoid mastitis and plugged ducts then I start to wean it down. Well then I started only pumping in the morning and at night so my milk supply plummeted! I got so tired of pumping and just being a little milking cow! I was ready to quit but i'm just too stubbourn! haha So I started taking fenugreek and pumping more throughout the day and night.....pretty much anytime raquel ate, I would pump. It worked like a charm and I built my supply back up to about 4 -6 oz each side about 5 times a day. Finally! a win! so we pumped and pumped and when Raquel was about 3 months old, I wanted to try breastfeeding again. It would take me about an hour to pump each session and it was just sooooo time consuming! So I latched raquel on and away she went!!! It was amazing! She did so good! It was painful but I wasn't cracking and bleeding like I was the first time!<br />
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It still hurts when she latches on because her mouth is so small. (no it's not a tongue tie! Been there done that with Rafe and Jag so I knew what to look for with her) But she's nursing great now. She takes FOREVER to eat though and it's driving me a little crazy. But I'll take it over having to pump!! She eats about 2 oz then gets tired and falls asleep, takes a small cat nap, wakes up and eats again.....and again...... and again..... I am constantly feeding her. I don't know what would be more time consuming, to actually feed her until she's full, which would take about 40 minutes.....or feeding her 20 minutes at a time to just by me time until she's hungry again. When she's full shes so happy and hardly makes a sound! When she's still hungry she's pretty fussy! SO we'll get the hang of it! We've come a long way and have fought to get this far so we'll figure it out!!<br />
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But seriously, why does no one tell you the truth about how hard this can be? When you're pregnant everyone warns you about delivery and labor and recovery, but not a whole lot about nursing. It's seriously hell. HELL. It's convenient and cheap, but so hard sometimes. I've had mastitis twice with raquel, and more plugged ducts than I can count. My little sister is having a baby in January and I'm gearing her up for what to expect. It's not pretty but it is a wonderful way to bond with your baby and that makes it all worth it!Haley Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13308607951002897200noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466138499790401176.post-13381506871882213062017-11-06T15:11:00.000-08:002017-11-06T15:11:17.034-08:00Baby Raquel!!I figured it was about time to get on here and blog about Raquel's birth story. She's only 4 months old today.....it's fine. hahah if that doesn't say anything about how life has been these last four months, I don't know what will. It's bee CRAZY.<br />
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I hope I can remember the main details because it's been quite a while, and most of the time I was pretty drugged, let's be honest.<br />
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The days/weeks leading up to my c section, I was freaking out. It's honestly like a little bit of ptsd. Knowing what was coming, the recovery, the adjustment, nursing....all while having three other kids to take care of is so overwhelming. On top of all those daunting thoughts, I had the Cholestasis stuff going on and was being monitored so closely, so that helped pass the time. Before I knew it, it was the night before my c section and I was just freaking out.<br />
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I was so excited to meet her, to see her face, hear her cry, and know that she is healthy and safe.<br />
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I was excited to be done being pregnant, and itching (cholestasis), and uncomfortable.<br />
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But I was dreading the surgery and recovery and the next 4 days in the hospital.<br />
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I didn't sleep at all that night before. We had to be to the hospital at 4:30 AM. Surgery was scheduled for 7:00.<br />
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So we check in, they did some blood work, then showed us to our room. I got into my gown, they got my IV in and goin, then they asked me 7 million questions. Then we sat.......and I stressed....and cried a little.<br />
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It was bitter sweet. This was my last baby. My last few moments being pregnant and feeling the kicks and movement. The stress from the last few weeks took away the excitement of having a new baby. It kept me from really soaking up and enjoying the last little bit of pregnancy. But I was ready to meet my little girl and see her sweet face.<br />
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The anesthesiologist came in and gave me this horrible drink that they give you to help settle your stomach so you don't throw up while you're in surgery. It is seriously the worst and I gag just thinking about it!! After that settled it was time to go in and get started in the OR.<br />
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The OR is always so cold, especially in the morning. My anesthesiologist was so sweet and had a heater going and warm blankets ready for me. He was so thoughtful and nice! We started the spinal tap, which doesn't take very long, but it always stresses me out. When you get an epidural during a normal labor, you've been having contractions and have been in pain so the epidural hurts, but it's not horrible. The spinal isn't bad, but I don't remember hating getting my epidurals that much! It was really giving me cramps down my right side so we had to adjust a few things, then it was go time!<br />
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I had dr Matt, and Dr. Gunderson for my surgery and they were both amazing. They both had to be there because it was a little more complicated with the amount of scar tissue. It took them 30 minutes just to get to Raquel. It usually takes about 5-7 minutes for them to get to the baby, but I had so much scar tissue they just had to cut through it all.<br />
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She came out screaming! I was so happy just because I was having horrible dreams about her not crying when she came out and she was over 3 weeks early and just all the risks of cholestasis had me so worried. So hearing that cry made me so happy.<br />
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She was born at 7:30 and was 6 lbs. I was in surgery for about another hour. They took my tubes out and sewed up everything. They also removed my previous 2 c section scars and just left one.....which is huge so not really a great trade off, but I don't mind.<br />
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Raquel screamed the whole time. THE WHOLE TIME! I hate not being able to hold her or comfort her. It was so frustrating and usually c sections aren't an hour and a half, but more like a half hour to 45 minutes. So it felt like FOREVER!!! But once it was all over, they wheeled me into recovery and I honestly don't remember much after that. I'm usually pretty drugged and remember bits and pieces but not much more. My parents came, we took some pictures, she got a bath, i tried to feed her, I threw up a few times (which hurts so freakin bad after a c section, even with the morphine!), then I slept while my mom took care of the baby.<br />
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The next few days were rough. Trying to get up and get your crying baby out of the bassinet after surgery is just not fun. Having my tubes taken out and having so much scar tissue cut through and around, my whole abdominal area just felt so sore and scraped through. But she was so worth it all! She was so sweet and tiny! I just can't get enough of her. I tried to just soak up the time with just her and I while we were in the hospital.<br />
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My mom came and stayed with us for 6 weeks! It was so nice to have her here and get help with the kids and the cleaning and the laundry. My little sister came for a while too, and it was just so nice to have all the help! They are my best friends and it was nice to not feel so overwhelmed because I can trust them with anything!<br />
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The recovery this last time around was definitely the worst, but the pain meds help you get through it, and having all the help was a lifesaver. It was all kind of a blur once I got home. I had a lot of problems breast feeding, and she dropped down to 5.5 lbs so I started pumping exclusively and it was so exhausting.<br />
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I know this post might seem a little negative, and "everythings hard and exhausting and the worst!" but it's my true feelings! It's why I don't want to have any more kids. The toll it takes on your body, and the c sections are just tough. And this last time was a doozy. So I love my kids, but I'm done. Some people just aren't blessed to have easy deliveries and birth stories. So that's why it might sound a little negative. But some of you probably relate!!<br />
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Anyways, Baby Rocky (I call her that, Dan hates it) is the sweetest little thing! She's a good sleeper and just all around happy baby! I'm so glad that she came to complete our little family! She's lucky to have 3 protective older brothers who just smother her with love! Jag really wanted nothing to do with her in the beginning but he's just as obsessed with her now as the rest of us! ;)<br />
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This going home outfit was mine too. My grandma Jolene made it for me and made my mom a matching nightgown. It's so special to me so i'm glad I got a chance to pass it down to my little girl!Haley Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13308607951002897200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466138499790401176.post-12303823606909172012017-06-16T23:14:00.002-07:002017-06-16T23:14:38.604-07:0033 Weeks and Cholestasis updateI'll be 34 weeks in 2 days, and I just can't believe I'm getting to the end. we have 3 weeks left! That's it! And they're pretty packed weeks with Father's day, Dan's birthday, the 4th of July, and at least 2 dr apt's a week, then she'll be here no later than the 9th! That's when I'll be 37 weeks, and I'm pretty sure that's when they're going to have me deliver her because I got my cholestasis labs back this week and my levels were elevated. I was kind of fooling myself into thinking that I wouldn't get it again this pregnancy, but here we are. It cut our time left almost in half. Thank goodness we just had the baby shower and I bought more clothes so that I feel like I have a little stock pile for the first year. Now it's all in bags in her room and I have no motivation to go through everything yet.<br />
<br />
So I get a lot of weird looks when I tell people I have cholestasis. It's a weird thing. Not many people get it, and I'm just that lucky to get it again.....hahaha<br />
So what it is is when your liver has a hard time processing all the bile, so it gets released into your bloodstream and can harm the baby. So they start doing medication, that I'm taking three times a day. I hate that because I'm always second guessing if I've already taken my pill. I need a chart or something! Then they do non stress tests and ultrasounds every week. So it's a lot of dr apt's. The main concern with cholestasis is there's a high risk of still birth. So you're constantly stressed if you're baby is moving enough and if they're ok in there. The medicine and monitoring definitely helps put you mind at ease a little, but it can still happen and it's scary. Most mornings I can't do anything until I feel her move. If I have to wait more than 5 minutes to feel her I start to panic.<br />
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So three weeks left, a nursery to organize, and a house I should probably super deep clean because I'll be laid up for a while. I always think I clean a lot and that my house is super organized, then something like this happens and that weird pregnancy nesting kicks in and nothing is good enough or clean enough or organized enough. I kind of love/hate it.<br />
<br />
It's really starting to kick in how soon she'll be here and I'm a little terrified of having 4 kids. Three is tough. 3 kicked my butt and I'm just hoping 4 won't be any worse. Damon and Rafe are just the best and are great helpers. But Jag's sleep and fit throwing needs to get sorted out. I don't know how i'm going to handle all that he's doing and a newborn because Jag is a full time job right now.<br />
<br />The boy's are at a father and son's camp out tonight so it was just Jag and I. He was like a different kid without his brothers around. He was so happy and goofy. He just ran around playing with everything and just loved being with mom. It was so much fun. I haven't just been able to enjoy him for a while. The last week we've been in Melba having fun at grandma and grandpa's house. Jag cannot sleep well there. I always have to lay with him until he falls asleep which can take forever. and then try to sneak out! Then he wakes up and so I pull him into bed with me which I always hate sleeping with my kids. I never get any real sleep! He just kicked me in the face or back and had to sleep on top of the pillow baricade which made me nervous he was going to fall off the bed so I was constantly readjusting him and waking us both us. Anyways, tonight was nice to just love on him and enjoy his little personality. He has no idea what's coming with a new baby! haha and it's going to be hard. on both of us. He's super needy and jealous so we'll see how that goes!<br />
<br />
so 3 weeks left! Pray for us that we can get everything done that we need to and especially that baby girl can stay healthy in there for the next few weeks!!<br />
xoxoxoxoHaley Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13308607951002897200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466138499790401176.post-80945424567964276632017-05-30T21:12:00.001-07:002017-05-30T21:12:22.470-07:0031 Weeks!Oh the homestretch! I can't believe it's already here and I'm just a few weeks away from meeting this baby girl!<br />
It's bitter sweet being this far along. Sweet because it's getting so close and because then you don't have to be huge and uncomfortable that much longer, but bitter because you're huge and uncomfortable! hahaha<br />
the sleep struggle has been real these last few weeks! Some nights are ok, other nights I feel like I'm just laying here with my eyes closed hoping the sleep gods will take me away to a perfect cloud that will form around my body and make me comfortable. That hasn't happened yet, but I'm still praying. ;)<br />
Sleeping on my side is the hardest. I'm normally a stomach sleeper, so trying to sleep on my side is foreign. I usually end up on my back, but can never fall asleep on my back.....it's kind of annoying. But my hips and my shoulders get so smashed when i'm sleeping on my side that it's just not my fave.<br />
speaking of hips, mine literally don't feel like they're connected to my body anymore! they're so loosey goosey and always feel like they need to be like popped back into place.<br />
But all complaining aside, I've been lucky with my pregnancy so far. It really hasn't been too bad and the little things that i've mentioned before are just part of getting that sweet baby here! I'm just trying to remind myself of that while I'm a zombie through out the day. It won't be any different once she's here! hahaha<br />
Today I had one of those morning where you're like, holy crap what am I going to do with one more child?! Like I cannot even handle these ones I have already! Jag is just going through this phase where he cries about anything and everything, he's not sleeping good, he's not eating well, and everything is a fit. Like how did I forget this stage?! and as soon as he's out of it, the next baby will be in it! I think he might be getting his two year molars......and he had a high fever last week and a sore throat so he's just been thrown off, but man! I'm ready for it all to get sorted out!<br />
Then Rafe was having one of those mornings where he was just being really sassy. And he wanted to watch youtube videos on my phone and I wouldn't let him. So he was mad and crying. He had the fever and sore throat a few days ago, and so he's still off from that.<br />
Don't you hate that?<br />
Like when you're kids get thrown off their schedules or get sick.....and it takes days to get them back to normal. Everything is a big deal and they get super emotional or are sensitive about everything?! Yeah that drives me NUTS.<br />
Damon was at school so he wasn't a problem, but between the two youngest I was like UGHHHHHHH! I called my mom and had that "What the hell am I doing having another baby?!" phone call. Which she then assured me I would be totally fine and it would all work out. I love my mom. Seriously, I wouldn't survive without her.<br />
Then I realized I'M probably being overly sensitive and emotional because I'm pregnant and that my kids are really great and they are going to be the best big brothers and just spoil their baby sister with so many hugs and kisses! Sometimes you just need to put yourself in check, call your mom and have her reassure you it's all going to be fine, and you just go about your day.<br />
Here's to hoping these next 8 weeks fly by!!!Haley Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13308607951002897200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466138499790401176.post-42247050921350710322017-05-16T14:58:00.000-07:002017-05-16T14:58:02.749-07:0029 WeeksYou know how you wish your pregnancy will fly by and just be over with so that you can hold your sweet baby? I've been trying to soak up the pregnancy and enjoy it but in the back of my mind it's like, okkkkkkk, come onnnnnn..........<br />
I like being pregnant. Don't get me wrong. It's a huge blessing and I'm pretty fortunate to have decently healthy pregnancies. But this fourth time around is no joke. Chasing theses boys around is just zapping my energy. But I also am like......well when I have this baby it's just going to be even crazier! The nursing and the sleepless nights and healing from another c section just sounds like a marathon and i'm just prepping right now.<br />
I had a dr apt this week and they did my gestational diabetes test, we did an ultrasound to check for Placenta Acreta, and we took some blood work to test for Cholestasis.<br />
I passed my diabetes test!!! I know it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, but i'm always so relieved when I pass because it's just one less thing to worry about.<br />
The ultrasound was good. Baby girl moves a lot! She's growing well and my placenta looked great!<br />
And I'm still waiting for the results for my Cholestasis. I've started itching and it's just getting more and more as the weeks go on. So I'll be surprised if I don't have it, but I'm also itching more since they tested me. So this test could come back ok, but I might have them test again in a week.<br />
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In other news. Jag has started throwing these monster fits and I'm literally ready to lose my mind! haha this child is just crazy. He doesn't want me to hold him or try and comfort him. So I'll let him throw his fit and he just follows me around the house screaming and crying. It lasts for 15-20 minutes before he will finally let me hold him and chill out, but then as soon as I set him down it starts up again. Little things will trigger these fits. Not letting him have my phone or ipad. the brothers playing downstairs, him being hungry or thirsty, or just not wanting to be in the house. It's like ANYTHING will trigger it. It's just driving me crazy. I love that stinker, but these fits! Man. I have just forgotten what it's like at this age. I just hope they get a little better before the baby comes. His sleep is also sucking which just adds to everything. I just feel like a zombie all day.<br />
<br />
Mother's Day was the best! I got to sleep in, have breakfast in bed, got lots of cuddles and cards from my boys, dan had the boys shirts all ironed and got them ready for church so I just had to focus on myself, and after church he cleaned everything, made and cleaned up dinner, and did all the laundry. Like I seriously struck gold with this man. He made my day so great and relaxing and I truly felt like I had a day off. It's tuesday now and not having to worry about laundry or some of the little chores you have to catch up on from the weekend has been so nice. I've just had time to do other things and take the boys outside and ride bikes. We have a crazy busy week this week and we will hardly see eachother until after the kids go to bed every night, so having those other stresses off my plate has been heaven.<br />
I'm just glad that I have a husband who really appreciates me and my role as a mom. Sometimes I feel like he doesn't really care about my daily grind, but he always is listening and seeing how he acted and treated me on Mother's day just made me realize how much he really does care. Marriage can be tough and I'm so glad that I have a partner who helps me out and lets me know how much he cares and appreciates me.<br />
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DUUUUUDDDDEEE as we speak jag is just screaming in his crib. It's naptime and he's just not having it. Even though he's been crying all day. Like I seriously even took him to the dr to make sure he didn't have an ear infection or anything. So there's either something more going on here that I can't see or the terrible two's are just in full swing! :(<br />
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Pray for me! hahaHaley Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13308607951002897200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466138499790401176.post-80248487047405560922017-05-02T14:59:00.000-07:002017-05-02T14:59:43.473-07:00Baby #4 Update!!Holy. Cow.<br />
<br />
This pregnancy has really been flying by. Which is a nice thing, but at the same time I'm trying to soak up every minute because this is my last one.<br />
<br />
I've had a few raised eyebrows about being done having kids. I know it's a big decision. I know it's hard to make. But I truly feel like I'm done. I never really saw myself with more than 4 kids, and after having 3 boys in a row, and now having a sweet baby girl, I'm totally ok with being done. I think if this baby would have been a boy I MAYBE would have considered having another. But since it's a girl, I'm good being done here.<br />
<br />
Not to mention my health when it comes to having babies.<br />
<br />
Each time it gets a little worse. This time around has been good so far. I'm hoping I don't get cholestasis again, but I will be surprised if I can escape it. The chances are usually pretty high that you'll get it again. It's not a fun thing. And with Jag, I seriously debated ever having another baby because of it. The worry and the stress is just so much to handle. Throw a few kids you need to take care of on top of that and by the end of each day you're just amazed you made it through. I should know sometimes soon if I have it again or not. It usually shows itself in the third trimester, I'm 27 weeks now. Last time I was 32 weeks when we caught it. I itch every once and a while and just feel so burned out which was one of the signs last time that I just never paid attention to. Like of course I'm tired, i'm pregnant and I have other kids to take care of. So anyways, we'll see what happens.<br />
<br />
This pregnancy I was super sick the first 16 weeks......but when I say super sick I just mean nauseous all day. I never throw up, but just feel like it all day long.<br />
<br />
I've felt pretty good since then. I have always been pretty tired no matter how much sleep I get. I was taking unisom almost every night and it just made me a zombie throughout the day. So I stopped taking it but every once in a while, like if I have a few nights of crappy sleep, I'll take half of one which is a lifesaver.<br />
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I've been surprised I haven't had heart burn really at all this pregnancy. Or braxton hicks, which I usually get pretty often.<br />
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Sleeping has been terrible and being able to keep up with the boys has been tough! They are so busy! Especially Jag. That kid is a tornado. He is everywhere. He's into everything. He has this scream that seriously makes my head hurt by the end of the day. He's figured out how to pinch, which the older boys hate. And he crawls on everything! He's definitely my most busy child.<br />
Then we have soccer 3 nights out of the week and just chasing Jag around for an hour to an hour and a half while the boys play, is not really my idea of fun.<br />
<br />
They are just so busy. And getting so big. So fast. Which is bitter sweet.<br />
<br />
With baby girl and Jag being about 20/21 months apart life is just going to get more busy. and more hectic. and just plain crazy. But before I know it, they'll be headed off to school and I'll be done with this phase of my life. Having babies, having toddlers, and having them need me for every little thing.<br />
<br />
Bittersweet.<br />
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I love my babies and I know I'm always going to want a baby in my house. There's just nothing like it.<br />
But I'm ready for that next stage. I'm ready for them all the eat by themselves and talk and walk and be potty trained. But even more, I'm ready for the sports and family bike rides and movies together. Where kids can enjoy those litte things in life with us. Like camping! I don't want to take my kids camping when they're this young. I'm way too much of a controlling mom hahaha! They need to be older, so I'm excited for that phase of life. Like 3/4 years down the road.<br />
<br />
So I'm just trying to enjoy this last pregnancy. And enjoy my babies being babies. And trying to enjoy the craziness that is our life. Because before I know it, it'll all pass and they'll be in school and I won't know what to do with myself!<br />
<br />
<br />Haley Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13308607951002897200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466138499790401176.post-6826798216757566142016-08-08T16:58:00.001-07:002016-08-08T17:00:04.336-07:00Burned out MomLet me just start by saying, I LOVE my boys and I love being a mom. But it can be so hard sometimes. <div>I think I could sleep for a week and still feel tired.</div><div>Most days I just don't feel like there is enough time to get everything done. I know there is, but it's like I'm moving in slow motion. </div><div>None of my kids were great sleepers. Rafe was pretty good but Damon and Jag- forget it. Damon woke up every two hours for months. I think he was 9 months old before he slept for a 6 hour stretch. Jag is turning out to be the same way. It doesn't matter what I do, fill them up with food all day and right before bed, cry it out, rock them to sleep, noise makers, fans, soft blankets- nothing seems to keep them asleep. I am finally getting Jag there. But he has been a struggle. And he can just cry and cry and cry and sometimes it works, but it never sticks. Everyone says just be consistent. That didn't work. So I just have accepted my baby is a bad sleeper and we are working on it. I think MOST of the problem is he's been teething, and separation anxiety. This last tooth popped up two days ago and his sleep has been so much better! So I will take the few days or maybe weeks of good sleep until the next tooth. And the serperation anxiety is slowly fading. Thank goodness. You mommas know what it's like to have a baby you can't put down, or leave the room, or nap without being attached to you. It's so exhausting. Especially when you have multiple kids. You just feel like if you can't get 10 minutes to yourself you're going to cry. When I was pregnant with Jag I got sick with cholestasis and on top of all the fear from that I got the worst sinus infection/ bronchitis in my life. I cried everyday just feeling so tired and crappy. Other than that time in my life I haven't cried as much as the last few weeks/month. Just from exhaustion and feeling like I can't have any time to myself. I looked so bad. Like if I was wearing clean sweats and had a shower it was a win. Forget about hair or makeup done. I just couldn't put the baby down long enough and if I did just let him cry I never could feel like, "yes! I got my makeup done and feel better!" It made me feel worse to make him cry. </div><div>Anyways, I know I'm rambling. But I used to kind of laugh when moms would talk about this stuff. When I had Damon and rafe I would have a few days here and there like this but for the most part felt like I was on top of things. After jag- whole new ball game. Three kids is no joke. After months of little sleep and a needy baby I am just feeling run down. So I'm trying to make a goal for myself. To spend 10 minutes each day doing something for myself. Paint my toenails. Shave my legs, deep condition my hair- whatever it is. I need to take care of myself so I can feel like my whole entire day is just about my kids. I love them, but I need a minute to myself. It's the whole put your own air ask on before you help others situation.</div><div>Being a mom is great. But you are still a living breathing person who has needs. You are everything to everyone else all the time and you need to take care of yourself. Even if it can be hard to find those few minutes a day devoted just to you- do it. Find the time. Leave the dishes. The floor can stay dirty for one more day. I found that my free time was going to cleaning. Nap times were spent scrubbing toilets and folding laundry and all that other garbage. Some days of course, but somedays maybe that's when you find some time for yourself and do something YOU want to do. I thought maybe I was depressed. Like late PPD. But the last few days I have been trying to do this, and have gotten a little better sleep and I feel much better. My mom has been here so it's been a little easier to make some time for myself. She left today so we'll see how easy this is with her gone. Haha but I just think when you're feeling run down, you just need to shut everything out for a little bit and take care of yourself. So that's my new goal! Wish me luck! And if you're feeling run down maybe you should try it too! </div>Haley Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13308607951002897200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466138499790401176.post-1847256599054379432016-03-22T00:18:00.001-07:002016-08-08T17:01:08.408-07:00C-section Recovery/ Round 2Recovering from a C-section is rough. I always stay 4 days in the hospital so I can get every ounce of extra help I can get those first few days.<br>
When my Dr. was putting everything together after Jag was born he told me that I had a lot of scar tissue around my uterus. Like so much he couldn't take it out and clean it all out and sew me back together like he usually does to his patients. So I didn't think too much of it at the time. Then at my 6 week apt. I asked him about it some more. He basically asked if I wanted more kids. I said, yeah probably 1 more. And he said that I should probably get a hysterectomy after my next c section and that he for sure wouldn't advice me having more than 4 c sections. Which is fine because that's a lot of kids and 3 is crazy, so if I can have one more, that'd be great. But the thought of having a hysterectomy seems so final. If I have a boy next then I'll have a hard time having it done. knowing I'd never have a girl is kind of hard for me. But if that's what happens, it'll be fine.<br>
So after I learned all that about the scar tissue, I knew I would need to really take it easy for my recovery. I really try. But when you have 3 kids....... and you're stubborn.......sometimes staying in bed is hard. But I think I did pretty good. My mom was with me and was a huge help. So was Dan of course. That man is getting major celestial points for putting up with me and all my medical crap. he's the best.<br>
This recovery I was bleeding. quite a bit. For quite a long time. And that's not that normal for a c section. So I'm hoping that everything is ok in there! haha. I didn't want to pay the tons of $$$$ for a scan. and the bleeding was minimal by the time I talked to my Dr. about it. I just tried to take it easy and as long as I was up on my pain meds I was good to go! The nursing issues were way worse than the c section recovery. See my other post for that......<br>
having a planned C section was actually pretty nice. I really liked picking out the date, going in and bam! It's done. No contractions or water breaking. No hours of contractions and no progress. I gave it a good try. Twice. So I feel great about having planned c sections here on out.<br>
I didn't use a belly band or any waist trainer type things that they always say work miracles. I work like compression high waisted panties and those were great! You don't feel like you're going to fall out your incision, and they're comfy.<br>
My best advice for women recovering from a c section/rules for myself when I look back on this;)<br>
C section necessities are<br>
comfy undies<br>
sweats<br>
good pain meds<br>
a step stool next to your bed<br>
Dr Pepper (for the dreaded #2. It works way better than stool softners. TRUST ME!)<br>
Supportive Pillows for nursing. Behind your back and for under the baby. Your stomach muscles will hate you if you try to use them<br>
TRY: not to laugh, lift, twist, or cough. Seriously 2 nights after my surgery I swallowed water down the wrong pipe and had to cough then sneeze and I thought I had ripped my stitches open. It was horrible haha.<br>
Just try to take it slow! There are layers or stitches inside and it takes a long time to be able to move and stretch like normal without tugging and pulling and stiffness. Just be patient and let your body heal!Haley Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13308607951002897200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466138499790401176.post-70770929414527885682016-03-22T00:02:00.002-07:002016-08-08T17:01:55.770-07:00NursingNursing this sweet boy has seriously been the worst.<br>
First of all, I am part Heffer........I produce so much milk. Like I was pumping 9 oz out of each side in the beginning. Now it's just the usual 5-6 oz. But I seriously think I've had every problem you can have when it comes to breastfeeding this time around.<br>
Mastitis<br>
overproduction<br>
engorgement<br>
Thrush-twice<br>
not to mention the numerous plugged ducts.<br>
I've had lots of plugged ducts in my breastfeeding adventures. But this time it's horrible. It's like once a week. And I break out in sweats, chills, and headaches. I dread it! I know how to prevent them, yes. And I try to make sure my breast is always empty, that my bras are underwireless and all that good crap. but it still happens and it's seriously so annoying. I've considered stopping multiple times. But basically formula is expensive. So i've thought about pumping exclusively. Sounds like a huge pain in the butt and way too time consuming. When my baby is hungry, I don't have time to defrost milk. or warm it up. He's hungry NOW.<br>
So I'm trying to roll with the punches.<br>
But so help me if I get thrush or mastitis one more time! That will be the end of it.<br>
Anyone have a hard time breast feeding? Anything help? It's a full time job, breastfeeding.Haley Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13308607951002897200noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466138499790401176.post-90362313734251170112016-03-21T23:21:00.002-07:002016-03-21T23:21:41.530-07:00Jagger Matthew MorleyI have been so behind on blogging! Since having Jag, it seems like time has been flying by! He just turned 5 months and is the sweetest thing in the whole wide world!<br />
A little about his birth!<br />
If you've been following my other blog www.meetthemorleys.blogspot.com you might know that the end of my pregnancy was scary and super stressful. I don't know why I didn't write more about that here. So basically I was diagnosed with Cholestasis. Or ICP. There was too much bile in my liver and it was released into my blood stream and it is dangerous for the baby. I had a severe case and was being very closely monitored. Lots of ultrasounds and blood work and non stress tests. So I was so anxious to get him here. With cholestasis they don't like to let you go past 37 weeks. The risks are too high that your baby won't survive after that point.<br />
It was a Sunday, 37 weeks exactly. I went into the hospital at 4:30. They hooked me up to an IV and all that fun stuff. Before I knew it, I was ready for my c-section. (I went ahead and did a repeat c section because of all the risks with my cholestasis. I just wanted to get him out and know he was healthy). I was so worried about getting a spinal because normally you're in pain from contractions so you don't hate the epidural as much. Thankfully it was a breeze and so much easier and less painful that I was thinking it was going to be. So once that was in it was only about 10-15 minutes before baby was here. I actually can't remember the exact time of his birth right now. I want to say 6:48 A.M.<br />
He was so perfect. I was so worried there was going to be issues with him being born so close to full term. Not to mention all the horror stories with Cholestasis, and I also had too much amniotic fluid which has more risks to it as well. I just started crying when I heard him crying. I couldn't wait to hold him. Dan held him next to me and I was so happy to just have him here and safe. Just thinking back to how horrible the last part of my pregnancy was then seeing him for the first time makes me choke up. It's such a blur now and life has just been in fast forward mode since I had him. So when I sit back and think of all it took to get him here healthy, I can't believe we went through all that. He was so worth it. of course! but he is just the sweetest happiest little guy!<br />
The boys instantly fell in love. They just adore Jag and are constantly trying to be near him and hold him. I love the bond they already have. He is the perfect addition to our family!<br />
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<span id="goog_517569231"></span><span id="goog_517569232"></span><br />Haley Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13308607951002897200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466138499790401176.post-50406378001149703092015-09-24T22:43:00.001-07:002016-08-08T17:02:48.332-07:00ICP/ CholestasisSo if you follow along with my www.meetthemorleys.blogspot.com , you know that a few weeks ago our family got sick. Like ridiculously sick. The boys had colds and pinkeye. I got bronchitis and a sinus infection that was unreal. I have never been so miserable in my life. I would just cry to Dan like every day about how frustrated I was and how I just kept getting worse and worse. So I was on a z pack and it didn't clear my stuff up, so they put me on amoxicillin and some cough syrup and after about a week I started to get better. But then I started itching.....<br>
Oh my goodness the itching.<br>
It's worse at night and just starts with my feet and spreads all over my body and the more I itch, the worse it gets. I had an apt with my Dr. and told him about all the itching and how I have been on all those meds (he had been out of the office for a while so I had them prescribed by another Dr in the office) and he looked a little concerned and started asking me all these other questions.<br>
I had lost a lb since my last apt, which again, being sick I just figured that's why.<br>
I was getting a lot of braxton hicks contractions.<br>
and the itching was mainly on the palms of my hands and the soles of my feet.<br>
He said he wanted to test me for cholestasis. I have never heard of cholestasis so I asked him quite a few questions which didn't put my mind at ease at all. But he made it sound like it would be a little crazy if I had it because it's usually genetic and it's more common in other countries and other ethnicities of women. AND I have never had it with my other two pregnancies. Which isn't uncommon, but kind of strange.<br>
He mentioned that if I did have cholestasis that he would deliver no later than 37 weeks. There is a high risk of stillborn so I would also be monitored every week.....so he sent me over to get my labs done and I was just kind of in la la land about everything he just told me, but I was trying to stay positive. I wouldn't get my labs back for a week, so in the meantime I just had google.....curse you google. I love and HATE you.<br>
So my labs came back and my levels were "elevated". I was in Boise for a few days hanging out with my parents and the boys and just getting the last few things I needed for baby. Idaho Falls shopping isn't the best;) and my favorite consignment sale was happening so I had to go! The down side was that I wouldn't see my Dr. for a week but he didn't seem too worried about it. He just told me to do my kick counts and if anything changed to let him know.<br>
Tuesday morning was my apt. I woke up to do kick counts and I wasn't really feeling anything so I just got up and got the boys breakfast and waited to feel the baby kick. About an hour past and I started getting worried. So I laid down and rubbed my belly and started talking to him and just praying for a kick. He's usually pretty active and it takes no time at all to feel him kick. So after about 2 minutes I just started bawling. I was just waiting and waiting for him, nothing was happening. Not even a flutter. I had to get Damon dressed and ready for school then off to my apt but I just couldn't move. After about 10 minutes I finally got 2 little kicks on my hand. I can't tell you how relieved I was. That was the longest 10 minutes of my life. The worst part of having Cholestasis is the constant worry I have about my baby being Ok. Women talk about how they go to bed with a baby going crazy in their stomach to nothing when they wake up. That things can change so fast and you don't even know or feel different. It scares the crap out of me and it's just made me so paranoid.<br>
So I went to my ultrasound an hour later and he was moving around and his heart was beating well so I was so happy! Just seeing his little face on the ultrasound made me so happy and relieved. She even gave us a few 3D shots, and he looks exactly like his brothers! His nose and his lips are the exact same.<br>
Then we met with the Dr. I asked him a whole lot of questions. I wanted to know my levels on things and just how bad things were. My bile acid count was 45. The normal is 12. Then the 2 or 3 tests they did on my liver ranged from 200-500. The normal is 50. Women have higher levels than that all the time, but they are definitely high. Especially my liver tests. Having both that high isn't a good sign, so I'm being monitored twice a week. Blood tests, ultrasounds, and non stress tests. If anything changes we might have to deliver sooner. But for right now the plan is 36-37 weeks. I'm 33 weeks 5 days today so it's just right around the corner.<br>
So the main question I've been getting is what is Cholestasis. Basically there is too much bile in your liver and the excess gets released into your blood stream. If too much of the bile salt gets to your baby, it's not good. The main risks are still born, preterm labor, and hemorrhaging. I really think I have this because I had my gall bladder taken out last year. There's no where for that bile to be stored and my liver cant keep up or process it through the right way so it gets back in my blood.<br>
So I take 300 mg of urso 3 times a day. It's supposed to help get my levels down to a safer place. Then my Dr. gave me a pill to help with the itching and it has a sleep aid. That's been great to have but I find myself waking up at 3:00-4:00 every morning just wide awake.<br>
I joined a support group on Facebook that has been pretty helpful. Some of the stuff can freak me out, but it's just the reality of the situation that can be scary. It sounds like a lot of areas of ICP are kind of a mystery and Dr.'s don't have a ton of experience and information on it.<br>
Luckily my Dr is really great and seems to have a good handle on things. He's been talking to a really good high risk Dr. and I like having him in the loop. He asked me if I would like to be referred to him full time, but I feel pretty confident in my OB right now. Tomorrow I'm going in for a non stress test and I will hopefully get my labs back from the beginning of the week. Hopefully they will be lower this time.<br>
I've been trying to stay positive and look at the silver lining in all of this.<br>
I get to have my baby here in just a few weeks. I get to hold him and see his sweet face.<br>
I don't have to go through the last month of pregnancy, which is the worst!<br>
I get to have him before Halloween which gives me plenty of time to heal up from a c section before the holidays hit.<br>
I have 2 siblings getting married so I have a little more time to feel like a normal person before their weddings.<br>
The itching and worrying will stop once I have him. He might spend some time in the nicu, but he is looking healthy, and measuring big!! Most babies at 33 weeks weigh a little over 4 lbs, he is measuring at over 6 lbs! I've been measuring big this whole pregnancy, and I don't know how accurate the ultrasound is, but I think either way he will be a little bigger than normal so i'm hoping he will be nice and healthy even though he's about a month early.<br>
<br>
The other day dan and I were having a little pity party about how it seems like life just always seems to be crazy for us. That when things finally start to turn around, it's only a little while before we get hit with something else. I saw this quote from Richard G Scott and it just really hit home for both of us.<br>
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Even though this is definitely one of the harder things we have gone through, I can feel the Lords hand daily. He helps put my mind at ease and I can't help but think that everything is going to be fine, even though the risks are scary. I know with Dan by my side we can get through anything. He's been my rock and always knows what to say or do to help me out. When I got home from Boise, he had the whole house cleaned top to bottom. Bathrooms, carpets, kitchen, EVERYTHING! The baby's room was put together and looked so cute. I cried when I walked in and saw everything, it was exactly what I needed. He said he just didn't want me to stress about the house being ready for the baby and he just wanted me to relax. He is so sweet and thoughtful. </div>
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I know this is a super long post, but I have so much friends and family asking about this, and I figured this was the best way to keep everyone informed. I'm so grateful for the love and support we've had these last few weeks. </div>
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<br>Haley Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13308607951002897200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466138499790401176.post-43768860130413998102015-07-23T14:19:00.001-07:002015-07-23T14:19:19.333-07:0024 Weeks and So tiredThis pregnancy has been so different. So so different. It's made me realize how "easy" my other two pregnancies have been. This one just seems to keep throwing new stuff at me.<br />
I have always been a girl that NEEDS sleep. Like a lot of sleep. I've never been someone who can sleep a solid 5 hours and wake up totally refreshed the next day. I seriously think I need double that. hahah. Ok not double, but at least a good 8 hours. Having kids changes your sleeping habits and I literally thought I was going to die when I had Damon and he didn't sleep for longer than 2 hours at a time for almost the whole first year. I remember praying every night, to "just let this baby sleep for 4 hours and I would be so happy! Please I need sleep! I'm going to lose my mind! " and once he was sleep trained, what did I do? Have another baby. Luckily, Rafe was a decent sleeper and before long they both slept through the night and were decent nappers an life was ok. And of course as a mother, you just adjust and get through it.<br />
Damon stopped napping around 3 and Rafe stopped napping around 2 because Damon never napped and he would freak out if he was the only one who had to sleep. So they both go to bed around 8 and wake up around 8:30 which works great for us. We have had that schedule for over a year and half and I'm pretty used to it. The idea of going back to a newborn who is going to wake me up every few hours is freaking me out a little. I was just in the zone when I had Damon and Rafe so close together. I was used to it. Now I'm used to kids who sleep all through the night for a solid 12 hours. It's going to be interesting adjusting to a newborn for me.<br />
The only thing that MIGHT save me is my sleep now sucks. For the last month maybe 2 months my sleep has just been so crappy. When we were living with my parents, we slept in seperate beds because I could sleep better. And I would pop a unisom and be out. Well I stopped taking those because then I was so groggy all morning and felt like I could sleep all day.<br />
Then we moved and I was so excited to get my mattress back and get some good sleep without the unisom. Turns out our house doesn't have A/C so our room was a nice 75-80 degrees at night. If you know Dan and I we like it cold. Like year round 68 degrees in our house. So my sleep continued to suck. Then our lives were saved when Betty and Jerry gave us a floor A/C unit for our room. We have been in heaven ever since then and sleeping in a nice cool 68 degree room every night.<br />
The last few weeks I have been fighting sleeping on my back. I am most comfortable on my stomach but my belly has gotten too big to really do that. I can sleep at an angle an mostly on my side but then I wake up and my shoulders ache and I'm never really comfortable on my side. When I sleep on my back I'm restless. All night. I don't know why! It's obviously the best position for being pregnant. But I just toss and turn all night. Get up and pee. Get up and get a drink. I Just can't get some solid sleep.<br />
So this morning I woke up just feeling like I got hit by a truck. I feel like my body just wants to shut down and sleep for like 3 days straight. I am so tired! But I'm only 24 weeks! I didn't get this feeling with either of my other boys until I was probably 34 weeks. So I'm stressing. This is going to be the longest pregnancy if my sleep is already out the window. I think just moving and being on my feet and unpacking and organizing is slowly wearing me down and then adding crappy sleep to the mix and I just am exhausted. And I always feel like such a BABY when I'm telling Dan how tired I am because he wakes up before me and goes to work all day at a job that's pretty stressful and I know he's tired too. I just have no energy today and am feeling a little panicked about going through the rest of this pregnancy with such low energy then having a newborn and two little men to keep up with all day. I'm just going to be a zombie. And I don't want to be.<br />
So! I need some help. What helps you sleep when you're pregnant? Unisom was a lifesaver for me in the first trimester but it ends up making me feel tired all morning. I'm active during the day and am on my feet a lot keeping after the boys and the house and stuff. Any special drinks or pillows or lotions or music or something I could be using to help me? I just keep waiting for the point in pregnancy where you get a second wind and start nesting and you feel cute and pregnant and have energy. That normally hits about 10 weeks ago and so the fact that I haven't felt that yet is freaking me out.<br />
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<br />Haley Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13308607951002897200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466138499790401176.post-69779035747870887222015-07-18T19:57:00.001-07:002015-07-18T19:57:30.845-07:00Belly Bandit!Ok Mommies!! I was just on Pinterest and came across this belly bandit thing. So I went to the website and started checking it out. It looks like it might be something I would be interested in, especially if I end up with another c section. But I wanted to know if any of my friends have used one. The reviews on line are all over the place. Sounds like the bamboo one is the way to go, but that you'll have to buy a smaller size after a few weeks. <div>So I'm thinking IF I do buy one of just buying it in a smaller size and wearing it a few weeks after I give birth to get around buying two. </div><div>ALSO, this might just be a weird thought but if I have a c section and wear this, is it going to heal me differently. Like I just imagine those three different layers of atitches all mushed together and healing to each other because this thing is supposed to be tight. Is that a weird fear???</div><div>So any thoughts or reviews would be appreciated!!! </div>Haley Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13308607951002897200noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466138499790401176.post-52176251594370505482014-02-13T08:23:00.001-08:002014-02-13T08:23:49.988-08:00Blah blah blahYesterday was just one of those blah days. It wasn't a bad day, but it definitely wasn't good. Dans been out of town since Monday so I'm on mom duty 24/7.... Which I really don't mind cuz I feel like it gives me and the boys lots of time to bond and do random things that we don't normally do. Like stay up late and watch movies- or take them to lunch and shopping. We've had fun, but I'm tired! I don't know how single moms aren't zombies! Or women who have husbands in the military. I have so much respect for women who do it all on their own all the time or for extended periods of time. <div>Anyways! Back to yesterday! I was running on about 5 hrs of sleep, which for me is about half the time I think I need. Rafe came in my bed around 630, so I turned on our tv and let him kick me in the face for an hr while I tried to sleep. I don't get this phase he's in! He won't cuddle.... He will crawl up close to you, prop his feet on you and if he wants Ur attention he just kicks. SO ANNOYING! Damon came in and cuddled for a but then they were ready for breakfast. I wasn't ready to crawl out of bed yet, and was feeling extra mom zombie pouring their cereal. I sat down on the couch then remembered I needed to give them their medicine..... Let me rant on that for a second.... My kids have been sick for weeks! No- we all have been sick for weeks- but if it's just Dan and I it's fine, when it's the kids I want to pull my hair out after a week. It started with Damon getting pink eye, then rafe got it, then Damon had a head cold, rafe got an ear infection and head cold, 2 weeks later their coughs settled in their chest, rafe has a double ear infection- even after the antibiotic. Now we r about 10 days later and I think we are over the worst! Dan and I have been sharing this nasty head cold cough can't sleep can't breathe thing that blows! It's been 5-6 weeks now. And while we're at it- I want to rant about obamacare. What. The. Heck. $600 a month for our family? NO THANKS! How is that supposed to help me? We opted out and are paying the fee. This month we've gone to the dr 3 times and have paid about probably $400 for dr visits and medicine. That's a lot of money, but when I put it next to the insurance premium, I'm ok with it.</div><div>Ok rant over!</div><div>So after they had breakfast we lounged on the couch for a good hour and I got a little nap. Can I just say how much I love that my kids will sit and watch a show and I can sleep right next to them? Awesome!</div><div>We went to the gym, and I think this is when I got in my funk.... I was huffing and puffing trying to get my time in on the elliptical and I see an old man a few rows ahead of me. His hair, the back of his neck, his little hunch.... Reminded me so much of my grandpa. So I'm kind of enjoying some memories of my grandpa while watching this old guy.... Then I caught a glimpse of his profile. I instantly start tearing up. He looked so much like my grandpa. So there I am- huffing. Puffing. And trying to hold back tears, which I'd you've ever tried to do that while huffing and puffing you know that you almost hyperventilate haha. So the rest of the time I was trying not to be a creeper bit couldn't help but watch him. I wanted to just go up and give him a hug. Say hello. But I didn't want to be a bawl baby or a super creeper. But then I went full creeper and took his pic and sent it to my mom. Yeah. Weird. Anyways, it threw me off and I couldn't stop thinking about my grandpa for a good part of the day.</div><div>So we get home and I'm doing to usual- lunch, clean, laundry, tried to get rafe to nap.... Not going to happen. So then I jumped in the shower. Both kids crying and screaming through the shower door that they wanted to come in. Ugh. I hate that! It's so weird for me to have two little boys and do that now. I feel like I'm going to scar them for life! So I rush my shower trying not to yell at them for screaming and crying and throwing fits on the floor. I finish getting dressed and put rafe back in his bed. It's 3:30. Late for a nap but he clearly needed one. He fell asleep quick, and Damon and I hung out and finished getting ready. After about an hr I went to wake rafe. I needed to go to the store and we were going to go see my brother and his wife and little girls. I'm trying to wake rafe up, putting on his shoes and jacket. And he just doesn't want to wake up which is rare. He's always quick to snap out of it. So I'm cuddling him...... And then he puked.... All over me, him, his bed, everything! Didn't see that comin! So I rush him to the bathroom... We only made it to the hall and he puked again. On the floor, the wall and baseboards, everything. He's got it all over him, me, his hair and face, and he wants a hug. Why not? We're both covered in puke, we can share. Haha so gross. So i showered him off then got both boys in the tub, cleaned it all up and changed and did some more laundry. I felt so bad for him! He's been so sick, now I thought he was getting better, then bam! Pukefest.</div><div>The rest of the night we cuddled, had chicken noodle soup, and watched a movie and had popcorn which is their favorite. I was feeling better seeing how much fun they were having and it felt so perfect to be cuddled up on the couch with my little guys. Bedtime went so well, and I was feeling good so I thought I'd make their favorite poppyseed bread for breakfast. So I start baking. Then realize I don't have eggs. I didn't get to the store due to the pukemania.....but I'm already into the recipe. Freak. Luckily I had some bananas so I mashed those up, thank you google for the tip, and it turned out ok. But by the time I sat down to fold 4 loads on laundry I wasn't feeling well. Cold sweats and dizzy. What the? It came out if no where. So I just sat there folding laundry, sweating, and looking out my giant windows for the peeping Tom whose been in the area this week. I totally thought he was going to hit my neighborhood cuz we r in the country and it'd be harder for people to see him. And it was foggy. I totally freaked myself out but I'm trying to be a big girl and stay at my own house while dans out of town. I usually head out to my parents, but knew id be fine here.... Until I got online and read that story on ktvb about the creeper! Yeah I didn't sleep well haha</div><div>Anyways! This is a super long and random post, but I just thought some of you could relate to those blah days when you just want to face plant into a pile of chocolate and have a two hr massage before bed time....</div><div>Thankfully this morning is off to a better start! Rafe seems happy and went all night with no puke, and Damon's been extra sweet;) here's to the crappy days, that make the normal days seem awesome!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_QbQJ-kQbTOCoKttRjmeAHBQsz_SAGoZ9JN26ujtuWRVLpSv9o7rUoAISuJG0qRuNI0lFpFxNB5SVQjyRJmt-YYRxD7x3qvBKwIWH0clmvO6Bugq4R6QSu2DVFpszc9Er1iA0vxe_zBw/s640/blogger-image-1660313652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_QbQJ-kQbTOCoKttRjmeAHBQsz_SAGoZ9JN26ujtuWRVLpSv9o7rUoAISuJG0qRuNI0lFpFxNB5SVQjyRJmt-YYRxD7x3qvBKwIWH0clmvO6Bugq4R6QSu2DVFpszc9Er1iA0vxe_zBw/s640/blogger-image-1660313652.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Haley Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13308607951002897200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466138499790401176.post-85713204519134422712013-07-10T12:01:00.002-07:002016-08-08T17:03:45.887-07:00Potty Training!Say hello to a mom who only has to change one babies diapers now!! Yayyyy!!! I can't tell you how overdue that was! Sheesh!<div>
When Damon was like 2 and a half I attempted to potty train him. He seemed like he was ready. He showed all the signs so I thought, let's do this! Yeah, he wasn't ready. He would go just enough to get a treat and keep me happy then would go and empty his bladder somewhere else. So I waited for a few more months. Tried again, same thing. Then we moved to Texas and my pediatrician told me not to worry about it until we had settled in. We have been here a month so I decided to try and again and this time it went great! He's had a few accidents here and there, but the last 2 days there have been no accidents and I don't need to remind him to go! I'm so glad it's finally stuck! And another cool thing is that he doesn't pee at night, so there's really no potty training at nighttime needed! The last three nights he's gone all night with no pee in his pullup. He usually always had pee in his diaper so I figured I'd potty train for daytime, and work out night time later. But it's like the better he does in the day, the less he goes at night. And I even do the big no no and give him a sippy cup of water at bedtime. It's just something I've always done and since he was in a pull up I just didn't care. It's so dang hot here and the last thing I want is for him to be dehydrated. That was my first thought when he stopped peeing at night, but he drinks a lot of water during the day. We can go out and get groceries or whatever and he holds it until he can get to the bathroom. He was scared to death to go in a public bathroom the first time I tried to potty train. But this last time I made him go in the regular toilet, and I think it's less intimidating when we go in a public bathroom now. So it's no problem to him, although he hates the loud flush! haha</div>
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I'm so glad he's finally potty trained! I finally feel like I don't have to worry about him being 8 and in diapers;) Rafe watches Damon's every move, so maybe I'll potty train him sooner. Like in a year haha. I'm not ready to do this all over again. I can't wait for the day when there's no more diapers! That'll be weird!</div>
Haley Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13308607951002897200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466138499790401176.post-24223628106108346602013-06-28T11:34:00.000-07:002013-06-28T11:34:47.528-07:00Comforting Pink LineLet's get a little up close and personal shall we? Here's a little fun fact about me.....<br />
I love this....<br />
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It's comforting. Stress relieving. It makes me sleep better too.<br />
About every month right before shark week, I convince myself I'm pregnant! Seriously almost every month. Then Dan freaks out a little, and we convince ourselves that it will be ok! And we can handle 3! Right???<br />
Then I break down and go buy a test.<br />
Take the test.<br />
Freak out for the longest 3 minutes of my life.<br />
Then do a little happy dance and squeeze my kids and laugh at how ridiculous I am. Then I get just a little sad. Maybe another one wouldn't be so bad? Then Damon pokes Rafe in the eye with my mascara and I snap back to reality and think, yeah I'm good.<br />
I'm not on BC because it makes me feel all weird and emotional. So we use.....alternative methods. And it hasn't failed us yet! But it's never 100% and that makes me nervous. We don't have insurance right now and our kids were both around the 25k range. Plus I'm just not ready to add another one. Damon isn't even potty trained yet...that's a whole post in itself, stubborn kid! My signs of being pregnant are usually pretty similar to when I start my period. Sore boobs, I'm tired, hungry, and cranky. Sounds like a blast right? So that's why I always freak out, because the signs are so similar!<br />
There are definitely days when I think I could be done having kids. But then I think how fun it would be to have a girl! And I think I want one of those. SO down the road in probably a year or two we will think about it. But right now.....our kids are a little crazy and are a two man wrecking crew. They tag team me all day long. And I can't wait for bedtime to come so I can take off the mommy hat, then I see them sleeping and just want to wake them up and squish and kiss those chubby cheeks and realize how lucky I am to be their mommy and how much they have changed my life! Who needs to pee with the door closed anyways?<br />
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<br />Haley Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13308607951002897200noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466138499790401176.post-51705659387959901312013-06-21T10:55:00.000-07:002013-06-21T10:55:17.675-07:00Toddlers Sharing Rooms!Hey Mommies!!! So we just moved to TX and I have had my boys sharing a room for the last month of two. It's been working out pretty well, but there are times when it drives me crazy! I put them in the same room to help with the transition. I tried it after a few weeks at my parents house when my kids sleeping sucked! Bedtime routine would take like an hour, then Damon would be awake forever, Rafe would just cry and cry, and they would both wake up during the night and super early. So we all started sleeping in the same room and all the issues went away. I could tell they loved having eachother in the room. So when we moved we put them together. Bedtime has been cut in half for sure, and they are normally pretty good about just going to sleep. Naptimes are pretty impossible. Damon always wants to go wake Rafe up and play with him when he's napping, and I think Rafe has gotten used to having someone in the room with him, so now it's harder to fall asleep on his own. So he rarely naps. Right now he's passed out on the couch, which has been good so far haha! We'll see what happens in five minutes though. So nap times have been rough and now at bedtime Damon will cry for us if he's not tired and it keeps rafe awake, making both kids fussy the next day. You know how it is. Crappy nights sleep, cranky babies the next day!<br />
Any advice? I've started giving them quiet time during the day in their room and will put a movie on for them. Sometimes they fall asleep, other times they just watch. Which has been nice to just have some time for myself. But I don't like playing movies at night for them to fall asleep to. Theyve been getting lots of tv lately! Should I play music? Keep a light on in the room? or seperate them until they are older? We talked about getting them bunk beds, but I think they're still a little small for that. Mostly Rafe. anyways, any thoughts on how to make Damon be better about having Rafe in there with him?<br />
<br />Haley Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13308607951002897200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466138499790401176.post-837767970611189642012-10-16T11:01:00.000-07:002012-10-16T11:01:40.194-07:00Toddler Bed Drama for this MamaAlright, basically this whole toddler bed thing is NOT working out for me. I just want to put the crib back together so he's trapped again. haha But I know since I've already got this far, I need to keep going and be consistent. It's taking a while, but I can see an improvement. The other night we put him to bed at 8 and he went down great and slept all night! Last night he fell asleep in the car, and when we got home and changed him into his jammies, he was wide awake and played for an hour and a half. We have to leave his lamp on in order for him to stay in his room. Which bothers me. I want him to learn how to sleep without that, but baby steps right? So he will stay in his room but is noisy and keeps opening and closing his door and wakes up the baby. Last night he came in our room at 4:30....and slept there all night. If that becomes a habit, I'm going to scream. haha I want him in a toddler bed, I just want him to stay there and sleep well all night! Wishful thinking, right mom's? I guess overall the fact that he stays in his room, and eventually falls asleep and usually stays in his bed all night will have to do;) Any tips for this transition? Earlier bedtime? no naps? Sleeping on his floor with him? Or do I just let him kick and scream until he gets it?Haley Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13308607951002897200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466138499790401176.post-42551486869357794792012-10-12T14:24:00.001-07:002012-10-12T14:24:17.099-07:00Toddler bed Drama!If you haven't read my post on our family blog about Damon being in a toddler bed....and the pain in my you know where that it's been, read it here!<br />
www.meetthemorleys.blogspot.com<br />
I could use some advice!!Haley Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13308607951002897200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466138499790401176.post-3010407533487310062012-08-06T09:32:00.000-07:002012-08-06T09:32:48.053-07:00National Breast Feeding Week!So, I had no idea that there is a week dedicated to us breast feeding mothers. But I'm glad there is!<br />
Check this out!<br />
www.uddercovers.com You can get free 10 pairs of reusable nursing pads OR a free nursing cover. (those things save my life!) All you have to pay is shipping. You can also get one of their gift packs which is 2 pairs of nursing pads and a cover. It ends up being like $16. Great deal!<br />
www.sevenslings.com I have one of these slings and I love it! it's a little tricky to figure out at first, but it comes with a guide on how to fold it and all the different ways you can wear it. It holds kids up to 35 lbs. But I've never tried to put Damon in it;)<br />
So if you are in need of either of these, go check out these sights! They have lots of super cute patterns! And they are good quality!<br />
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Speaking of breastfeeding, Rafe is 7 months old today. I nursed Damon to a full 10 months but he had 8 teeth at that point. (I know that's crazy, but he teethed so dang fast). So I stopped at 10 months because the teeth were so big, they were kind of catching me when he nursed, and he was super distracted, and wanted to eat table food. So I stopped. I was excited to start it back up with Rafe because I had such a good experience with Damon. ( I know not a lot of moms can say that, Nursing can be painful and pain in the butt) But since Rafe was tongue tied, it made it a lot more painful. So now that that's gone and it's doing much better, he has decided to start biting. Thankfully he has no teeth. But he is teething. So I'm debating if I should stop nursing and just start more solids and formula.<br />
I have a TON of milk saved up so he could probably keep getting breastmilk for the next month or two a few times a day. And I can keep pumping, but that's a pain! But unless he stops biting, then I'm done. I'm not one of those moms who wants to nurse my kid until he's 2 or even past 1. There comes a point when I'm ready to be done playing mommy cow.<br />
The other thing I'm concerned about is I'm getting my tonsils out on Sept. 25. I think all the drugs and pain killers that I take after could affect my milk. I don't want that to transfer to him so maybe it is time to call it quits. What would you do in my situation? Is there anything you do that has worked to stop your baby from biting and gumming you while you nurse? I've squealed so loud and scared the crap out of him, but he still does it. Every. Time. HELP!<br />
<br />Haley Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13308607951002897200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466138499790401176.post-60045974310358417492012-06-08T13:41:00.000-07:002012-06-08T13:41:49.675-07:00Nap time is the best time!So the last few days I've let Damon skip his naps so we could put him to bed earlier. It's been weird to see the change in him. He has actually been better than when he gets naps! How is that even possible? He's so sweet that we let him stay up late just so we can be with him. Usually we are counting down to bedtime! He usually goes to sleep around 9:30 and sleeps until about 9 A.m. then gets his nap at 2 and sleeps for 3 hours. But lately it seems like the time he's awake in the evening isn't long enough so he's never ready for bed so he stays up and talks to himself for like an hour an a half at least!<br />
I put him down for a nap today so lets hope he wakes up happy. Maybe he's been so good without a nap because the worst of the fits are over? Or he's learning how to deal with his anger better? Either way we are leaving for Florida in 5 days and I want to have this worked out a little better. And I like having nap time! It's time that I can have to myself and even if D is ready to ditch the nap...I'm not...too selfish?<br />
It's always the best when Damon and Rafe nap at the same time. Like right now...AMAZING! It's so quite and I can just relax and not worry about them for a few hours. Rafe's sleep was getting thrown off but has gotten much better the last few nights. He went to sleep last night around 9:30, right after Damon, but then he woke up around 11 and was just inconsolable. So I just let him cry and after about what seemed forever, he just stopped. and went right back to sleep. It was so weird, but then he slept until about 6 then woke up at 8 and was wide awake for a bout half hour then went back to sleep until 12. What in the world. It's the weirdest thing.<br />
Does it drive anyone else mad trying to get their kids on good sleeping schedules and same nap schedules? This is getting better, lets just hope it stays that way!Haley Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13308607951002897200noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4466138499790401176.post-61883508122525271132012-06-04T15:22:00.002-07:002012-06-04T15:22:46.477-07:00Who are you and what have you done with my children?This phrase has come into my head a few times this last week. Trying to figure out a good way to discipline for fits, dealing with no naps, and having a baby who slept GREAT for the last 3 months suddenly switch to 3-4 hour stretches...who are these kids? I want mine back. The fact that we are going to Florida in a week is kinda discouraging to my efforts. Their schedules are going to be so thrown off when we go, part of me is like what's the point of trying to fix it now. I can try to keep them on the same schedule....but that'll be tough. Damon has been going to sleep around 11. sometimes later. He just hangs out and talks to himself in his crib forever!!! and his naps are always hard. Today he climbed out of his crib....he hasn't done that in a really long time.<br />
Rafe has hardly been napping lately. Probably because a few minutes after he falls asleep, Damon wakes him up! He's so loud and doesn't understand when I tell him to be quite. He just says "Yeah" then goes on yelling. Rafe is also teething and constipated. So that could have something to do with his weird night time schedule. He used to sleep from 10-7:30ish. It was amazing. Now he goes to bed around 10 and wakes up at 2:30 or 3...not too bad, but from there it turns into every 2 hours. I don't know what to do. I usually swaddle him. when he breaks out, he wakes up. He doesn't take a binky real well so the only way to calm him down at night is to nurse him. I'm worried that he will adjust to eating during the night if I keep doing that. So i need help! What should I do. Is it just a phase? Is it a growth spurt? Ear infection?<br />
And how should I handle Damon's fits? Today I've started Time outs and it's actually been working pretty well. My ped. said to really only stick him in timeout if he does something wrong. that it's ok for him to be upset over certain things and he shouldn't be punished for that. I totally agree with that.....but he just needs to learn not to freak out whenever he hears the word no, or doesn't get his way. I don't really say anything when I put him in timeout. I just say, stay here and throw your fit, when you're done you can come back. It's worked ok, I just didn't know if anyone else had anything else that worked well for their kids.<br />
Here's a little story for you that some of you can probably relate to.<br />
Dan and I went to the mall. We decided that Damon can just walk next to us and that he doesn't need his stroller. He fights it every time and we end up letting him get out and walk next to us. He's really good about it and way better behaved...so we thought.<br />
We walk into Dillards and he spots the escalator right off the bat. So I take him up, then back down, then say let's go find dad.<br />
Que fit.<br />
UGHHHHHH<br />
So there I am. Trying to calm him down. Pick him up and he starts hitting my face. Not hard, but enough that I was about ready to loose my shiz. So I put him down and try to talk to him. Meanwhile everyone is staring at me....probably thinking that i never discipline my spoiled rotten child. so, I just walked away. haha I just walked around the corner and watched him throw him cry with his little hands in his mouth. Then after about 30 seconds I came back and said, you want to go up the stairs? He stops crying immediately. I pick him up and say "too bad!" hahahaha and we found Dan who was pretending he wasn't the dad to that screaming child and he was pretty good the rest of the time we were there. But let me tell you. I hated it. It was so embarrassing. What am I supposed to do when that happens? I would have taken him outside but we just happened to be smack dab in the middle of the store. awesome. anyways! Have a good laugh at my expense! I laugh looking back at it now, but it was so not funny at the time!Haley Morleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13308607951002897200noreply@blogger.com0