Dairy Free Diet Part I

After almost three months of a so-called Colic baby I have come to the realization that it is all in part due to Ellie being allergic to dairy. I exclusively breastfeed her so of course she is receiving all of her nutrition from the things I eat. On top of her screaming her head off almost every single day and night, her diapers were not looking the way they should for more than a few days. I did some research online and also read some blog posts from other mommys who have had to eliminate dairy products. I figured I would give it a go and after 2 days Ellie was a completely different baby! I was so happy that my girl was feeling better. She would be so gassy and fussy all the time and for two days straight she was a Angel! I did not want to get my hopes up too soon with how things were looking but it is safe to say that dairy was the culprit. I have eliminated all dairy- including the hidden dairy in some products. It is definitely a change but I know it is going to be worth it more with a happier baby and it is making me feel better too. I can still eat my cereal with almond milk and I have come up with a bunch of different yummy snacks for during the day. I will share another post later on with some food items I love and think you may love too.

And here she is! This smiling and happy little love of ours!

 

 

Month 2 Favorites

I wanted to put together a list of items that have been out favorites this past month. I did this last month and it is great to look back to see what worked best for us and Eloise during the different stages she was going through.

 

Fisher-Price My Little SnugaMonkey Swing

 

This swing has become a life-saver. It really relaxes Eloise with the swinging motion and soft music it plays. There are several settings to choose from as far as songs or nature sounds. The swing has different speeds to choose from as well. What I love about the swing is that it can swing in different directions depending on which way you have the setting put to. For a while, Eloise only liked being swung as if she were being rocked in someone's arms. Now she likes being swung in the position the swing is in below.

 

BOB Revolution FLEX Stroller

 

We love our BOB stroller! Ever since I was cleared by my doctor to exercise again we have been putting this baby to use. Eloise loves being outside so it makes it even more enjoyable. The stroller is a smooth ride for both of us. It is easy to fold open and close. Not too heavy either. Because Eloise is still so small and can't hold her head up quite yet, we use the car seat adapter so she can come along for the ride while being cozy in her car seat still. I would definitely recommend this stroller.

 

  

Fisher-Price Wigglin' Play Gym

 

This play mat has become a great entertainment item for Eloise as well as a good spot for her to practice tummy time. The turtle shown in the picture plays a few songs to keep her entertained. There are different toys that hang from the sides for her to grab for and hang on to. There is also a little mirror that she loves to look at herself in. These are really convenient to have because I can easily pick it up and bring it to another spot in the house.

 

SwaddleMe

 

I cannot say enough good things about these swaddle blankets, or pouches in a sense. At first I was bummed that we weren't going to get to use it. Eloise would scream so loud every time we put her in it. But what we learned was that she only was upset for a short time and it actually soothes her. I find that these keep her from waking herself up in the middle of the night by flailing her arms. She looks so peaceful in it when she sleeps. The Velcro also makes this swaddle so easy to use!

MAM Pacifiers

 

We have moved on from the Soothie pacifiers to the MAM. I feel like these are easier for Eloise to keep in her mouth. I found that the Soothie kept constantly falling out. Although the Soothie was a good starter pacifier I think she likes these a lot more too. So far, I'm really pleased with these and would totally recommend. No nipple confusion over here!

 

Maternity Photos

As you may have read in one of my older posts, I was put on limited activity at 33 weeks pregnant due to pre-term labor. What that meant- totally changing up my daily way of life and figuring out how to get stuff done without doing too much. I felt that I still had so much to do to prepare for Eloise to arrive but I did not want to over do it. One thing we had not checked off the list yet was getting our maternity photos taken. I really wanted at least a couple of pictures to document my belly and my wonderful sister took them for us in our home! I was so thankful for her creativity, patience and willingness to do this for us. We chose our favorites and did some editing on our own from our computer. And wha-la! Here they are. I think they are absolutely beautiful and definitely give a comfty feel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hope you are having a great week! XO

Picture Novel

As most moms do, I have a ton of pictures on my phone which will continue accumulating as this little one grows. As much as I would love to post them ALL, I know that is a little overboard so I have gone through and chose some of my top favorites. I did this last month and I think it's a good way to look back and relive some of these special moments in time.

 

Enjoy! XO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My 1st Mother's Day

I could not have asked for anything more on my 1st Mother's Day. It was a beautiful day spent with family and the weather was just perfect. Spending time with my family was what I wanted to do...sure it would have been nice to slip away for a little mommy time, but Eloise is still so new and needs me to nurse her. It can be a pain to lug around the bottles with pumped milk in a cooler and the pump too. Maybe next year when she's older I'll be able to sneak away for a little me time ;)

 

We started the morning off with a brunch at my mom's house. The food was delicious and of course, it sent us all into a food coma state. We hung out together in the living room and opened our gifts. I was so thankful to receive such thoughtful gifts. My mom and sisters know me so well- Starbucks gift card, sunflowers, coffee mug, jewelry tray, and homemade citrus scented candle  <3
 

 

After spending some time at my mom's we headed to Brian's brother's house for a BBQ with his side of the family. Everyone ooh'ed and aah'ed over Eloise & fought over who was going to hold her next. They served delicious Greek food which was really yummy. A few hours had passed since being there and we decided we were just so exhausted from the day. We headed home to enjoy the rest of the evening together- just us 3.

 

I am so thankful to be a mommy. It is a whole new chapter in this life that some do not get the chance to experience. I love my baby with all of my heart- through the easy and the tough times. One day I am going to miss changing those stinky diapers, cleaning up spit up, nursing & rocking my baby to sleep and snuggling together on the couch all day long in our pajamas. Eloise has taught me to love more, enjoy the smaller things, let the dirty dishes sit in the sink & have patience I didn't know I was capable of having. I love this little girl so hard, more than she will ever comprehend. And that's ok.

 

 

I am also thankful to be the wife of my husband who made me a mommy. He is my rock and I don't think I could get through this life without his love, compassion, guidance & support. We are in this together, 110%. It is beautiful to see him love our baby. He is the most selfless person I know and I admire him for that. I love him more than he knows too.

 

 

I love my little family and all of the memories we are creating together.

I hope you all had an amazing Mother's Day as well! XO

Eloise: 2 Month Update

It is really hard to believe that our little girl is already two months old! When people say "Enjoy all of these special times because it sure does fly by" they are telling the truth. It has been the happiest and most challenging time of our lives by far, but we wouldn't want it any other way. She brings us so much love & happiness. Who knew such a little human could be so powerful in their ways?

 

I feel very lucky to be able to stay home with her for the first few months of her life. Although our children will always need us throughout their life journeys, I feel like this time is so crucial. Eloise needs us for so many things, especially her mama though. Whether it's to nurse, snuggle, soothe or cry on my shoulder...she needs me. What an adjustment. No one has ever needed me this much in my life. I feel thankful and proud of her with my love multiplying for her each and every day.

 

Here is a little update of all the special times we have experienced with her during this past month.





 

I am 2 months old. I love to grab for things, especially momma's hair and my pacifier. I like to take a bottle from my dada. I dislike having my arms restricted; therefore, swaddling is usually not my thing. I have outgrown newborn sized clothes. I stop crying when dada blows air on my face. I am very alert and love checking out my surroundings. I weigh 9 lbs 9 oz and measure 22 inches long 💕
p.s. My momma and dada think I'm colic.
p.s.s. I got 3 shots at my two month well baby visit and I'm proud of my momma because she didn't even cry. I screamed my head off but I had every right to do so.




Momma and dada love you Eloise, through and through.

 

I hope you are having a beautiful week, Happy Hump Day! XO

Our Week

Boy, has this been an eventful week! I feel like our weeks usually fly by but this past week felt extra long because we were busy with so many things including passing around the stomach flu. I am hoping this weekend we all start feeling ourselves again, especially since it is Mother's Day on Sunday.

Last Sunday Eloise and I went to a local street fair that is put on twice a year. There are so many vendors and we always have a fun time looking around, eating the food and supporting local small shops. I purchased a new vintage framed chalkboard, bath bombs and a shirt. It was a fun day with my mom & sisters accompanied by perfect weather.

 

 

My oldest sister & her two boys came into town from Northern CA on Monday for a few days. My mom, sisters, nephews, Eloise and I all stayed at a resort in Carlsbad for 2 nights which was a lot of fun. We visited the pool Monday and LEGOLAND Tuesday.

 

 

 

 

It was all fun and games until we got hit with the stomach flu. Wednesday morning my youngest sister and I woke up feeling so sick. We're not sure how we caught it but we had to cut our fun short by heading home to rest up. My biggest fear was that I was going to get Eloise sick but I was told to keep nursing her so my breastmilk would keep her from catching it. I think she may have slightly caught it but not nearly as bad as I had it.

 

 

And here we are, Friday. Eloise is officially two months old today which means she had her 2 month well baby visit. She had to get a total of 3 shots and an oral medication. Brian was my savior because he took the day off to come to her appointment. It was so sad seeing her being stuck with needles and screaming her little head off. I am so glad we have another 2 months until we have to go through that again. Here's my pretty little lady all happy in the doctor's office before the madness happened.

 

 

Today is going to be all about relaxing on the couch comforting this sweet girl all while we listen to the rain fall outside.

 

Have a beautiful Friday!