A Day in the life of Bennett...

I decided I need to write (somewhere where I wouldn't lose it...aka: blog) Bennett's schedule on a typical day.  Mostly, for my own good...in hopes that Greg and I will be blessed with more children, but also to give other Moms a look at our day.  When I first had Bennett I was obsessed with searching for schedules and talking to my mommy friends about what their baby was doing at a certain age.  The best thing that helped me was discussing this stuff with my friends who shared the same life perspective as me.  I received tons of advice from people who did not share the same parenting perpective and I apprecitated it, but it was just not helpful for our family! :) 

Now, let me also say that I've met many people who never put their baby/child on a routine or schedule.  And, if that works for you...perfect!  But for me, things just couldn't fly like that.  My Type-A personality began itching the day Bennett turned 3 months old! I like to know what to expect (for the most part) and since working with Bennett on certain things, I can tell that he does too!  He's not a fan of suprises and changing things up minute by minute!  It's working for us...


Bennett's 4 Month Schedule
7:00-8:00am: Wakeup/1st Feeding of 6oz
8:00-9 or 9:30am: Playtime {I usually make myself breakfast and eat it while chatting with Bennett in his bouncer or bumbo, then we play on the mat, tummy time, etc}
9 or 9:30-11:00am: 1st nap {in crib}
11:00am: 2nd Feeding of 6oz
11:30am-1:00pm: Playtime {Skype with Daddy! Bennett usually plays in floor, grabbing toes and rolling, interacting with mommy so daddy can watch}
1:00-3:00pm: 2nd nap {in crib}
3:00pm: 3rd Feeding of 6oz
3:30-5 or 5:30pm: Playtime, Running Errands, Go for a walk, Shopping, Lay on blanket outside, etc
5 or 5:30-6:00pm: Catnap {if home, in crib or mommy's arms...if out, in car seat/stroller}
6:00pm: 4th Feeding of 6oz
6:30-7:30pm: Playtime {Reading books, watching Veggie-Tales or Wiggles, or enjoying being out & about}
7:30-8:00pm: Bathtime! *Start of Bedtime Routine* after bath...Diaper, Warm PJ's, medicine
8:00-8:30pm: Book from Daddy {Depending on how tired Bennett is} Lights off, 5th Feeding of 4oz, Bedtime Music Playlist
8:30pm: Sound Machine on...Kisses, Bennett in crib awake...Sweet Dreams :)

*Repeat*

As always, there are some days that just don't go as planned...and I'm perfectly fine with that!  I also am not so strict to "the schedule" that I don't meet my son's needs in a timely fashion.  If he wakes up from his nap early, we get up and play.  If he's hungry, we eat....tired, we sleep! Most things in our schedule vary by 30minutes here and there.  All kinds of things affect our day, but most of the time, they are the exception, not the rule. :)  And yes, I'm fully aware that this will change as he grows...I'm ok with that too!  Like I said, this is a reference for me down the road in hopes of Baby #2?

And for my own reference, during Bennett's sleet times I...
1st nap: make bottles for day, get myself ready or sometimes treat myself to a nap also, "me time" {computer, workout, tv, etc}
2nd nap: wash bottles, laundry, other household chores, get myself ready if I splurged on a nap earlier...once all that is done..."me time"
Catnap: we are usually out and about..if not, I usually get everything set up for the evening {bath, bedtime, etc}
Bedtime: finish any chores, "me time", talk to Greg! :)

You might also be wondering if I sleep trained Bennett.  Yep! Perhaps another post on that and my approach! :)  We are a happy home and will be complete when Daddy gets back!

photo by Colleen Hannah Photography :)

downhill from here!

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 20wks 4 days

Size of baby: Cantaloupe

Total Weight Gain: Gained 9lbs!

Maternity Clothes: yes, and I am having the HARDEST time picking out outfits!

Gender: boy! B.M.W

Movement: yep!  Active little man!

Sleep: Getting soooo much better!

What I miss: Having a wardrobe! I wear the same things over & over.

Cravings: Still Cereal..and not the healthy kind! Cinnamon Toast Crunch

Symptoms: Holy backaches!  My life has been ridiculously busy and my total time sitting down in the past week probably equals about 30 minutes!  My back is paying for it!

Best Moment this week: Online Shopping :)  Sooo excited for the packages to begin arriving!  Cheesy, I know..but it's the little things in life.

 

Also..I have big plans for this in Bennett's room...

Minus the little birdie and with his name of course.  Can't wait to show you the finished product!  And since we are military and won't be in this house forever...it will be a portable wall decal! :)

 

Also decided on this handbag diaper bag...

It's the Timi and Leslie Charlie Bag in Pewter!  While many of you and my facebook buddies told me how fabulous the Vera Bradley bags are, I've decided to go with the above and then get a Vera Backpack for the days that I need ALL of my hands.....ya know, the 8 hands that Moms grow! :)  My style is way too "non diaper bag" and if that's not enough for my decision...please check out the fabulousness that's below:

Hellooooooo..I'm all about some celebrity trends.  Think what you must, but I'm all over it!

for the little boys...

I found this sweet post today and thought it was sooo appropriate!  I am so excited about having a son and hope that he grows to be half the man his father is!

10 Things Every Mother Should Teach Her Son

There's a special bond between mothers and sons. Women raising boys have the power to shape the next generation of men and those to come by teaching their kids important lessons.

 

1. To express his emotions because bottling them up eventually makes a person explode.

2. To say "ladies first," hold doors open for women, and give his date the jacket off his back when he or she is cold because the world is moving forward in wonderful ways but that doesn't mean chivalry has to die.

3. To put the toilet seat down after he pees, change his sheets frequently, learn to cook, and do laundry.

4. To channel his energy through sports, art, dance, the written word — whatever his passion may be.

5. That even the biggest fight should be settled with the mind rather than fists.

6. That not following the group doesn't make him a loser, but his own leader.

7. To stick up for the underdog even if it makes him an outcast.

8. That he has the power to make an amazing difference in life.

9. To worry less about whether she's proud of him and more about having pride in himself.

10. Smiles are free so be generous with them.

smorgasbord of stuff.

• I've been debating if I should mention it on this blog or not, but I figured if I didn't..I was gonna bust!  This blog has been an awesome outlet for me through the years.  My girlfriends from back home just don't understand my feelings and I haven't found many girlfriends here that really get me on that level.  I'm going through the Big "D" and I don't mean Dallas or Divorce {or should I say fast approaching the Big "D"}.  Although if I were going through Dallas that would mean that I am out of this dreadful, dark, cold place called Alaska and my life would be happy!  My heart aches...
• We've picked out this bedding for Baby B and it's been ordered!  I ADORE animal print and have recently fallen in love with orange.  This bedding just screams stylish, handsome baby boy to me!  Now to just find a crib/dresser and glider I like.  I am picky, picky and not to mention it is terribly hard to get stuff to AK!  Any recommendations?

• I adore shopping for my little boy.  I once wrote on facebook how excited I was about dressing up my child and some rude, opinionated people decided to let me know that there are better ways to spend my money.  Never, ever did I say that I was going to spend a lot of money doing it..I believe anything is possible on any budget!  And if those ever-so-kind people actually knew me, they would know that I don't leave my house without a coupon, won't pay full-price for anything besides underwear, and if Doritos aren't on sale..we don't come home from the grocery store with them no matter how much my husband loves them!  Case in point #1...

$.87 Old Navy sandals for Baby B...$.87 people!!

• I am trying to find an awesome craft project for Bennett's nursery to help pass the time while Greg is gone for the next 6 weeks. 
• I love feeling my sweet boy move all around in my tummy.  Greg was able to call tonight and as soon as we hung up Bennett started going nuts!  It was adorable...I think he misses Daddy as much as I do! :)
• I frequent our local thrift store and found these amazing Frye Cowboy Boots for $12 a while back..don't mind if I do! {please excuse the jumbo belly}

• I CANNOT decide on a diaper bag!  Anyone have any advice on a Timi & Leslie vs. Vera Bradley?

• We are taking a trip home in March and I am sooooo estatic to go back to the South!  There are no words to describe how much I miss it!  The winters here are long, COLD, dark, and depressing.  Looking forward to a breath of fresh air!
• Greg and I were talking the other day about this Big "D" and he mentioned how great this move to Alaska has been for us.  And ya know what?  I totally agree.  While I may not looooveeeee it here, I do love the fact that we moved here.  Main part being "we"!  Greg and I have become so incredibly close during this past year and I know it's because we have had to rely on just each other.  When we were living around family and close friends there were so many stressors on our relationship...where are we gonna eat Sunday lunch?  Who's friends do we hang out with tonight?  Spending time with my family vs. his family?  I think if I could, I would make it a rule that every newlywed couple has to move away for their first year of marriage...it either makes or breaks you!  I say it all the time, but my husband is my ROCK!  I can honestly say that every aspect of my life is better because of him!  We've talked about things I've never thought we would discuss...we've done things I've never thought we would have done and most importantly, we've conquered it all with a smile on our faces.  I've truly never been happier in my life and it's so great to be able to say the same about him!  Life.is.remarkable.
• It's FEBRUARY?? {doesn't that look odd spelled out?}
• And lastly, I leave you with a pic of me and Bennett.  I have been sending Greg daily pics of me so he doesn't come home and think I look like a huge cow pregnant woman.  I thought my outfit today was extra cute and I found the blue long sleeve maternity t-shirt for $3 yesterday!  See...any budget!!

B.M.W.

I'm now over 18 weeks with our little babe, but haven't gotten a recent pic so here I am at 17wks.

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 18wks 3 days

Size of baby: Sweet Potato..but measuring a week ahead still so really a Mango!  That seems so crazy to me! Love it!

Total Weight Gain: Gained 7lbs!

Maternity Clothes: Well, let's just say I feel like a stuffed sausage in my regular clothes except for sweats, so yes.

Gender: see below...B.M.W

Movement: every now & then..love those little flutters!

Sleep: Getting soooo much better!

What I miss: Having a wardrobe! I wear the same things over & over. Being able to roll over without feeling like I need a crane to lift me!

Cravings: Still Cereal..and not the healthy kind! Cinnamon Toast Crunch

Symptoms: A belly that gets in the way!

Best Moment this week: Watching our little one move all over the screen at our anatomy scan! SUCH a hyper (and funny) child already!

And lastly....

I introduce you to Bennett Myles W.

{obviously showing that his Mommy & Daddy are #1}

Our anatomy scan went good and I was very pleased until they let me get up and told us they were finished.  I then ran to the bathroom because holding it for an entire hour while someone pushed straight on your bladder was not a pleasant experience.  When I got back our tech had printed all of our pictures and told me they needed to get a few more shots of baby so had me lay back down.  After about 10 minutes our tech had to go get her "coworker" who happened to be her supervisor (I found out on our way out and saw her desk) for help.  They kept us there for 30 minutes longer just looking at one spot on Bennett which I could tell was his head.  Of course, I'm a nervous wreck and of course, the techs wouldn't tell us a thing.  I do understand that's not their job, but no reassurance that our baby was healthy is rough!  I am hoping and praying that our tech is new and just missed a shot that is required.  That's what Greg is banking on, but I cannot help but worry!  Anyone have a similar situation happen to them?

Please say a prayer for our little Bennett.  I'm going to call our doctor tomorrow to see if I can get any more information, but with anything else that involves the Army, I know it's not gonna be an easy task! 

16wks.

Last Friday I was 16wks with our little baby nugget and decided I might should do a post so I could remember all of this!

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 16 Weeks

Size of baby: Avocado

Total Weight Gain: Gained 3 pounds, and starting to get nervous cause I should be putting on more in the 2nd trimester, right?

Maternity Clothes: Well, let's just say I feel like a stuffed sausage in my regular clothes except for sweats, so yes.  

Gender: We KNOW! :)

Movement: YES!  I had a VERY stressful week last week due to some ridiculous events and my nugget felt every bit of it!  It was all over the place!

Sleep: Greg and I have been slumber partying it up on our couches because I am soooo miserable!! :(

What I miss: Feeling cute, having clothes to wear.

Cravings: Apples, Cereal, and jumbo soft pretzels!  Thank you Sams Club!

Symptoms: Heartburn, lack of sleep, and just feeling plain fat.

Best Moment this week: Finding out what baby nugget is and starting the shopping process!! :) We are so excited!



Merry Christmas.Happy New Year.Hello 2nd Trimester!

We had a great, quiet Christmas here in the Artic!  We were unable to travel home this year due to some work scheduling so we spent the Holidays in our little home, surrounded by Army Family!  I cannot even begin to tell you how blessed we are to have met such extraordinary people..I couldn't imagine life without them!  I have met some of the greatest couples who I know will be lifelong friends, long after our time in AK is up!  A lot of our great friends were able to travel back to the Lower 48 for Christmas, but there was a handful of us still around who enjoyed the Holidays together!

Tacky Christmas Sweater Party 2010 @ the O'Neill Household

 sweet friends.

 White Elephant Party 2010 at our house. Look at my awesome prize! :)

 We hosted Christmas Eve Dinner at our house and we love having our home filled with people!

Christmas Morning 2010...PJ's, Presents, & Pancakes (breakfast).

A new tradition we started! Our final Christmas just the two of us!



New Year's was spent at one of our friend's house and we rang in the New Year with some delish Apple Cider and then headed home cause I was pooped! We had a great time celebrating with such sweet friends and their house full of kids!  I felt right at home with all the silliness...made me miss my nephews just that much more and got us both excited about the years to come! 2011 is an exciting/challenging year for us, but in the words of my sweet husband "I'm excited about us".  Life is the best it's ever been, and even with the challenges to come I know we will continue to grow together, as a family.

And last but not least..as of yesterday, I'm in the 2nd trimester!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 14 Weeks

Size of baby: A Lemon

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 3 pounds, which I find is so crazy considering how much my belly is poking out!

Maternity Clothes: I have two pairs of Maternity Jeans that are like heaven right now!

Gender: Can't wait to find out this month! :)

Movement: Not yet...

Sleep: Ugh, averaging about 6 hours per week. No joke. I am miserable.  I took Unisom for the first 2 months of my pregnancy and decided to come off of it since my morning sickness has decreased.  I didn't realize how much it was affecting my body until I decided to try to go to sleep without it.  I'm still holding strong by not taking it, but it has been pure exhausting!

What I miss: Feeling cute??

Cravings: Pickles and Apples!

Symptoms: Gagging all the time (embarassing) and lack of sleep.

Best Moment this week: Knowing that in 2011, I'm going to be a MOM!

 

Happy 2011!  May your year be blessed!

love/hate..and God is good.

I have a serious love/hate relationship with blogging...and my computer in general!  I don't know why but I just cannot stand the thought of sitting down and typing up something worthwhile.  I am truly sorry.  I do still read and keep up with you all!

There have been some serious changes going on in our household during the last few months and the biggest one is this:

yes, yes..there's a baby in there and not just a few extra cheeseburgers!  I find it shocking how much I am showing..a belly is NOT normal for this girl so I've had a very hard time adjusting and feeling comfortable with myself.  I have been sicker than I even knew imaginable {could have contributed to the lack of blogging} but I am in high spirits that life will pick up as I move into the 2nd trimester!  Puhhhleasseeeee!  Greg and I are just so thankful for this blessing from God at HIS perfect timing. 

I really don't want to turn this blog into a baby journal, however, we live so far from family and friends and I just feel like there are certain things that don't belong on facebook so I might do a few posts on my journey through pregnancy. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and Holiday season from our family to yours!