Being A Mom Changes You

Being a mom changes you.  I suppose that isn't true for everyone, but being a mom to a 2 year old and a premie has changed me.  Hayden used to go everywhere with us.  If we decied to run to Walmart, he went.  If we decided to go out for dinner, he went.  We very rarely left him anywhere.  But, since we brought Hunter home from the hospital, we have to plan everything because he can't go out.  Very rarely do Tyson and I get to go shopping together.  We made two trips prior to Christmas, but otherwise either he goes, or I do.  (I am thankful he goes grocery shopping, but he doesn't do it like me, you know :)?)  We mostly stay home with a random trip to my parents and our everyday travels to work.  I have been a bad friend and sometimes, a bad sibling for not remembering things or not being able to things.  I was reminded of just how much things have changed tonight when Hayden says to me (as he is hugging me) "Mommy, you are my very best friend."  This of course made me cry, out of the pure sweetness in his voice and then the truth.  Other than the Christmas season, we have mostly been here with each other.  I can honestly say, that my two year old is one of my best friends.  He makes me smile, cry, and curse all in the same day -- but he loves me unconditionally.  Whether I cry, make a bad lunch, or don't take a shower, he still loves me. We play and talk and teach each other things all the time.  All the things a best friend would!  Other best friends include my husband, mom, and sister.  And all of them do a great job of encouraging me when I am down and listening to my fears.  How different my life is.  And even though somedays I feel lonely and wish I had someone to talk to, I don't know that I would change it.  It's good to know that Hayden feels loved enough by me to say I am his best friend and as far as being lonely from being home, Hunter is growing and developing and overall healthy so we are doing what is best for him.  Being a mom does change a person, but I love being a mom and love the things they have taught me!

Two Growing Boys

Last week, I took Hunter to see Dr. Louck, our family doctor.  The ladies in the front are always so confused as to what "well-visit" we are doing.  Hunter will be 5 months old on Saturday, but adjusted age, he is just over 2 months old.  He was 13 lbs 7 oz and 24 1/4 in long.  He is short and chubby :)  Tyson likes to call him "Thunder Chunky", which cracks me up.  Hunter is overall doing very well, growing and growing!  His umbilical hernia is almost gone, which his tummy look normal.  He has been cooing and "talking" and smiling like crazy!  We enjoy him so very much!  He has taken so much interest in what Hayden is doing that I can just see him catching up so fast with having such an amazing big brother to look up to!  Hunter did have his second round of shots and an RSV shot.  Poor baby did NOT like his shots and screamed for almost five minutes.  He was unsettled and cranky for the rest of the night and most of the day Saturday.  I just kept the Tylenol flowing.  We are keeping his medicines the same for his acid reflux as he still has many signs that he has reflux.  I am breaking up with my pump, so we discussed what type of formula would be good for his sensitive tummy.  The doctor suggested I try regular formula before jumping to the more expensive sensitive tummy formula.  He is using Similac Advanced and I don't notice anymore spitting up.  He is truly a joy and I am so glad that things look good!  We do have to watch one thing.  Hunter has been gagging more and more on his food.  Dr. thought it was more an immature system trying to figure it all out still.  It will probably be quite a while before we try to feed him any type of solids.  Although, Hayden was 5 1/2 months old before he got any solids, so that doesn't seem to odd to me. Watching carefully that it doesn't get any worse.  Still keeping him from large crowds, but are planning on caring out in our Christmas activities.  I am very nervous, but it's a magical time of year for all of us.
Hayden is growing as well. His original pediatrition from Lafayette is moving down south, so we are transferring everything to Dr. Louck.  He hasn't had a well visit in many months, but because we dn't notice anything that has us questioning, we are goign to wait until his 3rd birthday to go.  And I can't believe how fast that will be!  He turns 3 in April, a mere four months away!! I was looking at pictures of him the other day and I can't believe how big he looks now!  He doesn't even look like a toddler anymore, he looks like a boy.  We are working on the potty-training more and more each day.  It's a gradual process and I am just thankful he is interested at this point.  We are putting him in Pull-ups during the day and he doesn't seem to mind those like he used too.  I just keep reminding him that he is a big boy and he seems to take pride in that :).  He is very interested in trains and tractors and is loving Disney movies, which I am enjoying as well.  I forgot how much I love Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin.  This morning, we watched the Christmas movie of Beauty and the Beast.  And tonight, we watched Charlie Brown Christmas.  Hayden has his moments, but I think that makes us better parents, learning as we go! 

I am really hoping to make blogging more a part of my routine.  I love writing about my boys and sharing our moments with all of you.  I have had lots of ideas for things to write about: Christmas, Coupons, "Go Ask Your Mom" -- Honestly, I just need a list most of the time in order to remember my thoughts :)