#themayers wedding - 4th of July

Finally getting around to recapping our long 4th of July vacation in WI. Having my lil' guy...all I really want to do all day is play with him, nap when he does or get things done that I have on my to do list (this post has been on my to-do list for many weeks now...that's how fast I get to things)!

 

We headed out of town on the 3rd for a nice long vacation in WI so Tate's family could meet Turner and celebrate the love & wedding of one of Tate's best friends from high school. Packing for an infant for that long requires LOTS of things. Along with our stuff plus the dog...we had a FULL car.

Mya loved having the front seat!! I swear people that drove by us thought my husband loves our dog more than me...unless they saw the car seat and then understood, I would hope :)

 

We got to town around dinner time on Wednesday and went straight to where we were staying which was a good friend of Tate's from high school and his girlfriends home. They have a dog also...so it's fun for Mya to be able to have fun with another of her own :)

Boys went to go pick up their tuxes for the wedding and us girls and Turner just hung out. We just planned on grilling some food and hanging out there for the night as the next few days were going to be super busy.

We spent the late morning and early afternoon at Tate's Grandma's house with his family. They all wanted to meet Turner so we had a lil' BBQ. This not only is the first grandchild on Tate's side, but also his Grandma's first great-grandchild.

Tate's Dad - Tate's brother Nate - Tate's brother Luke

After we enjoyed family time, we went over to a friends place to enjoy more BBQ and yard games.

Turner was really excited for his first 4th!!!

 

Our lil' fam on the 4th!

 

When it was time to watch the fireworks, Tate and I loaded up the car and drove over to the park where we could watch. It was Turner's feeding time so we parked the car, I fed Turner while watching the fireworks. It worked out good being in the car away from the loud noise and bugs.

 

After the fireworks, we called it a night and headed home while everyone else headed to the bar. Life most definitely does change when you have a baby...WI trip use to be bar, beer and cheese :)

 

Tate woke up early on Friday morning to go golfing with the boys in the wedding party. They were able to golf @ the country club that the reception was and he wouldn't stop talking about how nice the course was. He was in heaven!!!

 

Turner and I had a play date with Leslie and Wyatt. Wyatt was born back in mid April. Tate went to high school with Leslie and her husband, Matt. Tate and Matt were both wrestlers, so now they talk about the boys being wrestlers and who could take who!!! Boys...always being competitive.

 

Leslie and I couldn't stop laughing at them just chillin' on the floor...so cute!!!

 

The remainder of Friday was spend relaxing and getting ready for the wedding. Tate attended the rehearsal @ the church and I met up with everyone after @ the dinner where we ate some delicious food. Tate spent a majority of the night hanging out with the groom and his buddies while Turner and I returned home to get a good nights rest before the big day.

 

Saturday was the big wedding day!! I was so excited for this couple as they had been dating for 10 years and were FINALLY getting hitched!!! I was also super excited to dress Turner up in his wedding attire that I had purchased when I was pregnant with him knowing this wedding was happening.

 

Turner did good during the ceremony...I did have to go into the lobby to prevent him from crying. It was better this way since the lobby had AC but the church did not. I could still see and hear everything!

 

The very beautiful bride and handsome groom!

The groom injured himself a month before the wedding playing basketball and had to wear a boot...he did great walking on it during the ceremony and dances (even though he shouldn't have been)!

 

Could Turner not be any cuter in his bow tie outfit?!?! I couldn't get enough of him and his adorableness #gloatingmama

 

The gorgeous view from the reception location...right on the lake!

 

The reception was loads of fun. Each table had the table number and written on the bottom of the block that the number was on was a song...when the DJ played that song during dinner, that table had to get up and dance. Our table had the 'Cupid Shuffle' as our song. It was fun and I loved that idea.

 

The bride & groom after the 1st dance

Miss Erin...cutest southern belle who was 34 pregnant at the time (can't wait for his arrival)

Turner not sure what to think of everything :)

 

For the wedding party dance, the bride and groom purchased a load of stuff from the local thrift shop and gave each person something to wear and they danced to 'Thrift Shop'. It was so fun and hilarious to watch!!!

 

 

We had a great time back in WI for the extra long weekend and loved spending it with many family and friends. Turner did great on the long trip and loved meeting all the WI people in our lives!

 

Alison and Mark - so excited that we got to share in your special day and we are beyond excited for what the future holds for you 2 lovebirds. We can't wait to come back again and spend time with you both and lil' Miss Lola!! Even though you had been together 10 years before your special day...the true fun does really begin now. Savor each day and memory! We love you!!! Tate, Bridget, Turner & Mya!!

 

PS...Turner is looking for either his bball lovin, vest wearing bestie or a girl for him to drool over...no pressure ;)

 

 

My top newborn items

Turner is 7 weeks old and in that short amount of time, I have fallen in love with a few of our baby items and I thought I would share my top items!!!

 

 

1. Bright Starts Spots & Stripes Safari Gym - Turner LOVES this thing! We are on this thing everyday, multiple times a day. If you follow me on Instagram (@lifeasbridget21), you have probably seen many photos and even videos of him on this thing. He loves hitting and kicking the items! I am beyond happy this item was gifted to us!!
 

2. Halo SleepSack Swaddle - These things are AWESOME! We were given 3 newborn size swaddles from the hospital (1 in my room, 2 from the NICU), 1 size small as a gift and 3 other type of swaddles. These are great because our lil' guy is pretty strong and can break out a blanket swaddle no problem and these are made with Velcro so he can't bust out.  These are great in helping babies sleep so that their limbs don't wake them up.
 

3. AngelCare Deluxe Movement and Sound Monitor - This helps parents sleep better at night. I don't have to worry if he's not breathing because this picks up his movement and if there is 20 seconds of no movement, then an alarm goes off. We had a couple false alarms the first week because we had the sensitivity too low, but since we moved it, no false alarms. The sound monitor portion is obviously great also so we as parents can go outside or other parts of the house and still know he's OK in his nursery.
 

4. Graco Pack-n-Play - Turner slept in the bassinet for the first few weeks of his life. Even though he doesn't sleep in this anymore, we love this thing for travel purposes. Since he is still small, we don't pack up the whole thing, we just take out the bassinet portion and bring that with for him to sleep in. We put it between us in the bed. We've traveled so much since he was born and will use it again this weekend for wedding #3 that we will be attending with him. Once he outgrows the bassinet, we will then pack up the whole pack-n-play and bring that with for traveling.

5. Medela Dual Electric Breast Pump - This isn't the exact one I have because mine was purchased from a medical supply store since my insurance covered it, but it is a Medela brand and is a dual electric pump. Having a pump allows mom to have a life outside of feeding baby. I was able to be a bridesmaid in a wedding when Turner was just 2 weeks old. I pumped every time Tate would text me that he was feeding Turner. We continue to feed Turner one bottle a day and I pump during that time. I will also be using the pump all day when I return to work.

 

6. Boppy Pillow - This thing is great for breastfeeding. I used it a lot at the beginning. After a few weeks, I had to try to breastfeed without it because I knew there would be times I would have to feed  him and not have the pillow, so I stopped using it for a bit. Now that I feel like I can breastfeed him with and without it, I use it at home to make feeding easier on me and more comfortable for him.

 

7. SnugaBunny Swing - Turner really likes his swing but is not reliant on it. We use it if he wakes from his nap early and need him to go back to sleep. We just put him in it and back to sleep he goes. We also use it to keep him occupied if we are eating dinner or doing other things that require both hands and can't hold him! 

Do you have any newborn items that you LOVE that I should try?!?!

Linking up again for Baby Talk Tuesday with Kristin.
 

 

 

 

Eyota Days 2013

This weekend was a fun one...well they all are so I guess this is just another one to add to the books!

 

Friday night we went to dinner with some friends. We were planning on just enjoying some family time at home since this week was hectic and we were going to be gone all day on Saturday, but one of Tate's good friends is moving away for a job and we enjoyed a dinner with him and other friends before he left this weekend. 

Turner meeting Cammi & Mike for the first time!

 

Early on Saturday morning, we headed down to my parents for Eyota Days. Tate and I had missed the last 2 years because we had weddings on that same weekend, but were excited to enjoy some of the festivities this year and show Turner my hometown.

 

We got to town just in time to feed Turner and then hang out while people arrived to my parents. We then walked a block to get a seat to enjoy the parade!

 

Dover Eyota Dance Team float...as an alum, I had to take a photo!

 

Turner slept through the whole parade! Even with the loud sirens, music and marching band!

 

After the parade, we headed to the legion for the chicken feed!

 

Tate enjoyed carrying Turner around like this! Turner wasn't happy that everyone was referring to him as 'Carlos'

{if you don't know what movie that is from, crawl out from under the rock your living under} :)

 

After the chicken feed, we headed back to the house to play yard games, drink and hang out.

 

Hanging out with these twins definitely made the day a lot brighter!

 

Rylee made every one smile because she is dang cute!

 

All those girls belong to my bestie...who I ALWAYS get excited to see! She loved giving Turner many kisses!

 

The boys playing Kubb...never heard of it?!?! It's a super fun yard game that only uses wood! You can just Google it and learn all about it.

 

I enjoyed carrying Turner around like this for awhile, until he fell asleep!

 

Then he just wanted to nap in Mama's lap!

 

We had a SUPER fun time celebrating my hometown! We didn't spend the night or go to the street dance...Turner is just still too young for me to leave him yet! We headed back right after his dinner feeding and got back in time for to feed Mya, give Turner a bath and put him down for the night.

 

I look forward to next year!!!

Turner's newborn photos

We had Turner's newborn photos taken when he was only a week old. To say it went wonderfully would be a BIG FAT LIE! He hated it and I think it's safe to say that Turner does not want to be a model.

 

He fussed and cried pretty much the whole time and was awake for 95% of the photo shoot. He went to the bathroom multiple times all over the photographers stuff...yes even #2! I was just crossing my fingers she got some good ones...well yes, she did get some good ones. Hopefully as he gets older it won't be as much of a project!

 

One of my favs!!!

 

Our lil' monkey!!!

 

 

 

Tiny ears...

 

 Tiny toes!

 

 

Super happy in his football hat!!!

 

 

Linking up with Kristin for Baby Talk Tuesday!!! 

  

 

 

 

6 Weeks Postpartum

Yesterday marked 6 weeks from when Turner was born. I wanted to do a 6 week postpartum (PP) post to record how things are going with myself. I plan to blog for awhile and would like to look back at this with future children to compare on how things were then with Turner PP.

 

Diet

I've been trying really hard to eat very healthy since I am breastfeeding and know that everything I eat passes on to him. I can tell if I eat something high in sugar/caffeine because Turner is very fussy then. It's actually pretty easy healthy when we don't have any junk in the house. We have found if you don't buy the junk food and don't have it in the house...then you won't eat it. It is hard though because I am a SUPER PICKY eater...but I make due with what I do like to eat...even if I do eat the same thing everyday!

 

Protein - The only meat I eat is ground turkey, fish and chicken (the chicken has to be made a certain way). Since giving birth, I have added the fish, Tilapia to my diet. I still love Salmon and most freshwater fish. I also have been eating eggs at least once a day to get my protein in. It will either be hard scrambled, over hard or hard boiled eggs. 

 

Veggies/Fruit - I've always been a fruit lover so it's no problem eating that, but veggies is another story. I don't like many veggies, but I really don't like cooked veggies. I've been eating raw carrots and raw snap peas on a regular basis. I've actually started eating edamame beans after trying them about a month ago. Sam's Club sells them in microwavable frozen packs that makes it super easy to make. We love eating them on a weekly basis. I think slowly I will be adding new veggies, but only if they are raw. I still love my fruit smoothies that I put spinach in...always delicious!

Carbs - My guilty pleasure. I just love my carbs but I have cut back on them since they don't help with toning the tummy area. I still enjoy my bread and pasta...but in moderation and I eat whole wheat bread and pasta!

My diet hasn't changed that much since having Turner, I just have ate more of the 'good stuff'. I have increased my intake to make up for the 500 calories for breastfeeding and I still have my 'cheat days'. I enjoy my pizza, ice cream and other junk food on those days!
 

Exercise
I have my 6 week doctor appointment tomorrow to get the ok to start working out on regular basis, but I have cheated a bit and did start a lil' bit. We go for walks on a regular basis, but I was really itching to do something last week so I did a home workout that involved jump rope, burpees and some weights. I also did an ab workout. I definitely paid for that the few days after as I was super sore. I was also itching to run...since it's been FOREVER...so I did go for a nice jog yesterday that only lasted 1.6 miles and let's just say you can definitely tell it's been awhile!

 

Weight
I don't like to worry about a number on the scale because I always felt that if I feel good and my clothes still fit, then I am good. But when you gain weight during pregnancy that consist of baby, water weight, placenta, etc., of course you hope to lose that at least after the baby comes. I gained 26 pounds during my pregnancy. The thing is though, I was my lowest weight when I found I was pregnant because I was training for 3 months prior and just finished a triathlon. I did the triathlon on Sunday and found I was pregnant on the Friday after. So I was 5 pounds lighter than my normal weight. So when I think of losing the pregnancy weight, I don't plan to lose those 5 extra pounds because that's not my 'normal' weight. I actually wouldn't mind gaining weight as in 'muscle weight'. Right now, I am actually back to my normal weight minus 1 pound. I really think breastfeeding has done wonders in shedding the pounds. I may have lost the weight, but I don't look the same pre-pregnancy. My stomach still has LOTS of toning to do and I still have that pregnancy pouch. I didn't expect any of that to just disappear in 6 weeks and know that it's going to take eating right and exercise to help with that. I still haven't decided if I will be doing the triathlon again this year. I really would love to as it's a great goal and gets my butt in gear. I am going to see what the doctor says tomorrow about working out and if I get the ok, I will make decision then.

Last bare belly pregnancy pic I took - 6 week postpartum

Sleep
Sleep...did you say sleep, what sleep!?!? That doesn't happen when you have a newborn!! Well, Turner does OK in the sleep department. Now that he is 6 weeks old, he must feel like a big boy and decided to sleep longer...which mom and dad are TOTALLY ok with!
Usually he has been waking 3 hours after his feeding to eat again. The last 2 nights has been 4 and 4.5 hours in between his feedings which felt GLORIOUS! I can't wait for that night when he sleeps longer than 5+ hours!

 

Clothes

I am back to my normal clothes. I was able to fit in them about a week after birth. I haven't tried on everything, but for the most part, things fit. I guess there are some tops that don't fit because my breasts have tripled in size. I really need to buy more bras and see if my work clothes fit since I will be wearing them in 6 weeks when I go back to work.

 I am very happy with where I am at 6 weeks PP. I feel great and I have a healthy baby. I still have my 'meltdown' days just like Turner has 'meltdown' afternoons. I have the day where I feel like I am doing everything right and then the days where I feel like I am doing everything wrong. Tate's very good at letting me know we are doing everything right for OUR FAMILY...which is the most important.

Now I am off to play with Turner who is having so much fun on his play mat and then off to get pizza with some great friends (apparently today is a 'cheat day')!!! ;)

 

  

ABC's of motherhood

I received a plaque with the 'ABC's OF MOTHERHOOD' as a baby shower gift and I have it displayed in Turner's nursery. I see it and read it during night feedings as it sits on the table next to the glider. I love reading them all and love having the constant reminders.

 

ASK FOR HELP!

BE PROUD OF THEM

CALL A BABYSITTER

DISCOVER JOY

EAT BIRTHDAY CAKE

FIND TIME

GIVE THEM A ROAD MAP

HONOR INDIVIDUALITY

INSPIRE!

JUST LISTEN

KISS THEM GOODNIGHT

LET THEM GO

MEET THEIR FREINDS

NURTURE KINDNESS

ORDER TAKE OUT

PAY ATTENTION

QUIET FEARS

READ TO THEM

SET HIGH STANDARDS

TIP THE TOOTH FAIRY

USE HAND SANITIZER

VALUE OPINIONS

WEAR HEELS

EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANT STUFF

SAY "I LOVE YOU"

BE AMAZED

 

 

 Linking up with Kristin for Baby Talk!!!!

 

Turner - 1 Month

July 2, 2013

 

Turner turns one month old. Where did the last month go?

Baby Stats:
Weight

 Turner was 9.8lbs at 18 days old...the closes to 1 month that he was weighed.

Length
20.75"

Sleep
We've only had a few 'bad' nights where you wake up after an hour. For the most part, he sleeps for 3+ hours before he wakes up hungry. He is sleeping in his crib. If he wakes before a feeding time and doesn't show signs of hunger, we will give him his paci and put him in the bassinet and he will fall back asleep until the 4 hour mark for his feeding schedule.

Daily Routine
I blogged about that last week. Each day seems to be the same but now that he is a month old, he has been hitting the 3 hour mark during the day for feedings. I am hoping the nights get longer in between his feedings so this mama can sleep longer than 3 hours at a time.

Feeding
I am still breastfeeding and am happy that it's going so well. Turner latched on right away from the beginning. During his 'fussy' times...it doesn't go so well. He is a pretty strong dude and can push me away and then gets fussy. He doesn't understand his arms yet so hopefully he will understand soon what those things are and stop making it difficult at times.

Turner is also a very fast eater. He can empty both breasts in under 15 minutes total. I was worried at the beginning that he wasn't getting enough, but when I called the lactation consultants...they said if he is content, pooping and peeing regularly & gaining weight, he is getting what he needs. He is doing all those things. I won't complain that he goes so fast because @ night, it's wonderful to be up, feed him and change his diaper and be back in bad within 30 minutes.

Diaper Size
We are still on disposables because his cord still hasn't fallen off. I can't stand seeing that thing anymore...I wish it would just fall off already. He is now in size 1 diapers, but still fits in newborn. Size 1 are a bit big, but they do the trick and he is in the weight category for them so I thought it was OK to start using them.

Clothes Size
He has already outgrown a few newborn PJ's. They are too short for him now. He still wears newborn onesie's and also 0-3 month size. The pants/shorts for 0-3 months are too big at this point. I think he's going to be a tall/skinny man from what it seems now at this stage.

Hair Color
Light brown. When we go in the sun, it looks a bit reddish/blonde which matches Tate's beard.

Eye Color
He's our lil' blue eye boy for right now!

Milestones
He's holding up his head more and more everyday. I can hold his hands and he will stand on his legs sometimes. He loves his play mat and just started hitting the things that make noise.

He's had his first doctors appointment, many family and friends visiting, first wedding, and first trip to Tate's college football stadium.

 

 

Turner,
You have been the BIGGEST blessing for your Dad and I. We can't even remember what life was like before you. We seriously can't get enough of you and argue who gets to hold you :) I feel like the luckiest person in world to be chosen to be your mama. You are such a good baby and make it seem so 'easy'. You are a very happy baby and very strong. We are off to WI for the 4th of July weekend and you get to meet all your family over there and the wonderful friends that we have over there. I know you will be the center of attention, but I hope it doesn't throw off your 'schedule'. Love you VERY much and can't wait to see how you grow and what you discover this next month!!!

Love...Your MAMA!!!