A Big Weekend for my Big Boy! (and Mommy)

Late Night at K&B's

After Ryan got off work on Saturday we headed over to Kevin and Barbie's for a family-friendly BBQ. We got there late, but it was still a grand time as always. They had a slip-n-slide set up and even though the water was chilly Ryan made a couple of slips down.

Other than that, we mostly just hung out and chatted and just generally enjoyed ourselves. Bryan and Katy were also invited and so the six (plus 2 youngin's) had a good 'ol time - everyone else had gotten there much earlier than us, so they headed out not too long after we arrived.

Jude was a trooper the whole time and of course, slept.

Cloth Diapers

When we brought Jude home from the hospital he was too tiny for his cloth diapers. I had read before that typically they fit babies around 10lbs and up, so I expected we'd have a little lag time before we'd be able to use them. We had gotten quite a few packs of disposable diapers from family members who assumed cloth diapers wouldn't last for us. While it was annoying that they assumed we'd never stick with it, it was convenient that we didn't have to buy disposables of our own!

Today when I went into Jude's drawer that holds all of his disposables, I noticed that he was running pretty low - he still has enough for a couple more days, but not too much. I was dreading having to go out and buy diapers so thought "why not just TRY the cloth diapers?". Holding them up to the disposables they looked huge and I just assumed they'd never fit. Much to my surprise they fit him fine (he's not 10lbs, so I'm guessing that was an estimate)! There's a bit of bulk since there's enough fabric for them to grow with him, but they fit the curves of his legs and waist great!

Jude must have noticed the change in underoo's because he decided to make some extra work for mommy. Every time I put a diaper on him he's start pooing and of course that meant swapping out to a new diaper. I'm still adjusting to figuring out how to tell if he's wet or not with the cloth diapers (with disposable, it's very obvious!), but I just keep checking them (see "mommy melt down" on how my frequent checking back fired) and I'm sure I'll be used to it in no time.

Just a side note: the fact that Jude doesn't have "solid poo" is comforting and reassuring that this should be a breeze as the "scrapping" of the chunks is the scariest part!

My First Mommy Melt-Down:

Since Jude has come home (and even in the hospital) I have felt so lucky about how well behaved he is. He sleeps well, rarely cries for "no reason" and is just a great baby! I enjoy every minute with him and have only spent about an hour away from him during my first week home when I went to the grocery store - I just hate the idea of leaving him (obsessive??). I hear stories all the time about hormones and adjusting to being with the baby and I felt so lucky that I just didn't experience any of that!

Without getting too far into it Ryan's been working a lot at Lowe's and so really, even if I wanted time a lone it's pretty much impossible. Today I was frustrated that he was working and really just wanted a little break (not to mention I didn't want to spend the day a lone and go to the b-day party - below- solo). So, already annoyed I head for the party. I was already out and about and instead of going home to feed Jude before heading to the park, I figured I'd stop in a parking lot to feed him in the back seat. It was hot out and the car wouldn't get cool, so he didn't eat very well. Concerned that I'd have to feed him again later at the party, I got a little worried about how that would play out, but went with it anyway.

I figured since he had his new cloth diapers on I should check and see what was going on. I take off his diaper and it seems a little wet, so I decided to just change him so he'll be fine through the party. I have him sitting on my lap (remember I'm sitting in the back seat) and as I take off his diaper he lets out a little gas. I chuckle and sweet talk him and as I lift his bum to put the new diaper underneath the worst thing ever happened. Like a hose he shoots poo all over my shirt. I was mortified and disgusted. I contemplated just driving home, closing myself in the room and staying there forever - I was frustrated. On top of my previous frustration, I was done.

I take a few breaths and ran into the store I was parked in front of to buy a new shirt. Problem solved.

Fast forward through the birthday party. Ryan and I are supposed to head over to Bryan and Katy's. I look down at the t-shirt I had bought and I have a HUGE milk spot on my right boobie (the extra leaky one). Apparently the nipple pads just weren't enough. I told Ryan I wanted to go home and stay there all night. Without bawling like a baby, I shed my first few post-baby tears and we went home.

After getting myself cleaned up, feeding Jude a REAL feeding (to empty those milk bags) I felt much better. Looking back I feel a little lame (none of it is THAT big of a deal), but I can officially say I've had my first mommy melt-down. I survived, I feel fine now, but hope tomorrow is much rosier.

Jude's First Birthday Party:

When we came home from the hospital, waiting in the mail box was a invitation from Ryan's long time friend, Rob inviting us to his son's 3rd birthday. I was excited because already Jude would be going to his first "kiddy birthday!". Unfortunately, Ryan had to work today, so Jude and I made the trek together. First we went to Toys 'R Us and got some nifty gifts (insert melt down) and then went to Lums Pond and got our party on.

While the party was precious, with a pony and all a yummy bbq, it was a little weird being there and not really "knowing" anyone too well. It was nice however that all of Rob's family that have known Ryan since he was just a bitty baby got to meet Ryan's baby!

Ryan ended up showing up right when things were getting packed up, but at that point we were already on our way out. Hopefully next time it'll be a little more successful.

BBQ at B&K's

Finally - Bryan and Katy's. As always a glorious time.




We played Catch Phrase (is that what it was called??), passed babies around, chatted, ate, saw Trent's first tooth (!!) and just relaxed. After it got dark there was a little fire pit action.

The night also brought out the mosquitos! After a long day I was ready to settle in at home anyway, so we scooted out around 9:00 or so. Still, a fun time!

My boys all tuckered out: