Off we go again...

*Mateo more facinated with the paper, than the gifts*

Below *Someone asked if the bear is special. Yes! It is, it was given to me from my grandpa for MY first Christmas.*

I just finished unpacking and here I need to do it again (as in NOW, what am I doing on here?!?!). BUT I am NOT complaining. This time we are taking Mateo to meet an oma, great-great uncle, his only great-great-grandparent, cousins of my mom's I've never met, plus he gets to see grandma and auntie again! What a spoiled guy.

Today I was in amazement at how much he is changing. I know it sounds cliche, but he is growing so fast! Today I stuck him on his play mat and in a few minutes he was off of it by scooting, rolling and pushing. I kind of thought I was silly when I set up the play corner last week, but it was just in time! I would prefer he roll around on the foam tiles, than on the hard, cold ones.

He is a very

active guy, who is starting to talk all the time. So many happy gurgles and conversations. He laughs and smiles at everyone, really the charmer.

His 3rd tooth came in on his cousin's birthday last week; I think #4 will be here soon and #5 not long after!

Finally this month we will have something new to write on his calendar for the "Food" line. He started with carrots :) Yes, a healthy little fellow.

I have said it before, but I know about baby stuff in 'Belgian' and 'Dutch' terms. Here they start the babies on vegatable puree between 4 and 6 months. Eventually they add in fruits or cereals. My conclusion of why they introduce veggies here first is 'worst first.' Also I have heard that a lot of the baby food in America has unhealthy addatives (salt, sugar, lalala), but here it seems healthier, so I think that is why they are easier about starting them earlier. *Doesn't he seem to be enjoying them?*

I had planned to EBF till 6 months, but after having 2 nights of him up 5x to

eat, I wanted to try AND the first day he had carrots was the first day he slept through (in Belgium, in America he figured it out without the carrots). I don't know if it was coincidence, but every day he has had carrots, he has slept like 5-8 hours! A few days were too busy to spend the time to give them (wow, that sounds so selfish of me!)

I am going to try to make my own baby food. It seems easy enough with this babycook (steams and blends veggies). I am borrowing in from my SIL (story of my life).

*I just love this, yesterday I looked and he had fallen asleep holding on to his toy. BTW, these are his Baby's First Christmas pajamas. He has worn them since Thanksgiving, because I was afraid they wouldn't fit at Christmas. They are 9m.

4 months

Looks who turned 4 months in America! Thankfully the monkey was with us for some fun shots. I will try to do the calendar ones tomorrow. Monkey was accidentally left, but he will be returned in time for 5 month photos.

This was a month full of firsts for our little guy! Before our long journey, he ended up going to the doctor again for an ear infection. We go on Thursday for his check-up and shots. I think he weighs 20 lbs and is 68 cm. He is wearing 6-9M.

Mateo really changed on our trip. He is became more talkative and interactive. His first tooth popped out October 31 and his 2nd November 4. His hair started to grow and he is almost rolling over.

Book Shower

Mom wanted to have me a shower when I visited with Mateo. I thought that sounded fun, because it would be a great way to see many people. My friend had suggested a book shower, so I sent the idea to mom and off we went. It was such a success! I was so glad we did it that way. We asked people to instead of a gift, bring a book and write in it, instead of a card.

I received so many amazing books. So many cool books I never new existed. I have textured books, hologram books, chubby board, coloring, the full Beatrix Potter series, Bible, recordable, and many more! Thank you everyone! It is also very special all the personalized messages in them.

We did a Curious George theme, which worked out perfectly because he received quite a few Curious George books. I, unfortunately, did not take many photos of the little-man-of-honor.

My friend, K, made the cupcakes. I keep dreaming about them. I have never tried the ones at Safeway for $2, but I am sure these are 10x better! She made Reeses (chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter icing, covered in hard chocolate), Red Velvet and Carmel Apple (one of the yummiest things I have ever had in my entire life!)

3 months

I am wondering if my little guy is teething. I thought I was imaging 'seeing' the 2 front teeth under the skin, but my SIL and MIL both told me they see them. Of course we do not know how long it will be until they come through, but it seems that Mateo has all the symptoms (or just has a cold, hence the grumpiness, lack of sleep, drooling, eating everything...)

I am going to try to do his monthly photos with the calendar and monkey.

Mateo is a great baby. He seems to have become a bit more sensitive this month, but nothing to complain about.

He has had a few really good nights. This week he has been up once in the night, then again around 7. Pretty much in a routine, but I would prefer if he woke up about an hour or so later. BUT I am not going to obsess about it, because he is going to experience an 8 hour time change this week!

We LOVE our happy, smiley, laughing baby. We are convinced he can say, "Mama." It sure sounds like it when he is having a screaming fit.

He was a healthy 7.070kg (15.5lbs) and 63cm (25in) at his appointment last week. Right now we are dealing with some eczema issues.

The precious one had to go to the doctor this month. He had a cough for a while and it sounded like it was going to his lungs. We got a syrup that really helped. This week it seems that he has the same cough, so we are using the

syrup again.

This is going to be a big month for Mateo. We are travelling to America to introduce (show him off) to my family and frie

nd

s.

Petition

I am sure most of my friends are aware of the situation with Pastor Yosef in Iran. He is a Christian pastor who is sentenced to death just for being a Christian. Please take one minute to sign thispetition!

12 Weeks

Ugg...

The lovely post-partum hair loss has begun! I am sure no one wants to see phones of my white, tile floor COVERED in meter-long brown hairs...

2 months!

I forgot the 2 month post. Oops. Mateo is doing very well in the growing area. He was 12.5 pounds at his last appointment and 10cm longer than when he was born, so that means he is wearing 3M. He is still just as precious. He smiles a lot and has started to 'laugh' (a strange, gurgling/choking sound). He has begun to cry a little bit more. My only request of him is that he starts sleeping longer at night. He has had a few ideal nights and often can go in the day 4-5 hours without eating, but most nights it is still every 3 hours. I am going to try each month to take photos with the monkey, Sebastian, and my calendar. I wish I had thought of the calendar the first month!

Washable Diapers

I have had a few people ask if I am using the diapers I bought. Yes! I am! Super faithfully, no. But I try to use reusable about 3 days/week (not including nights). I have a few issues still to work out. They are not 'gross' to change or any different than normal, except you throw them in a bucket instead of a garbage.

First problem is I do not have a dryer, so once I use them and wash them, it takes about 2 days (with this horrible weather) for them to dry. Second, I have leaking issues with them, so I normally put them on the baby just when we are at home or somewhere easy. Not for going out-n-about. I really have to think to change him very often to prevent this. I know some mothers might be mad about that statement, but with disposables you do not have to change as often. With the cloth, I need to change almost every hour otherwise we might have another set of wet clothes. I think I need to learn how to fold my pre-folds better and figure out something with my AIOs.

Overall the diapers seem kind of bulky in his clothes. He does not seem to like the AIOs. Maybe they are too stiff from airdrying?

I did buy 3 Snappis for a very reasonable price. €1.50 each. I found them online from a shop in Brussels.

September 20th

I so want to work on my photography and editing skills! But I am not so good with reading tips online and then faithfully practicing. I think I want it just to come naturally. All I managed to figure out on Gimp yesterday was how to add the text and to lighten the photo. Anywho, at least Mateo is super cute =)

Sick Day

Monday I woke up not feeling too great and by the evening I was feeling awful. Sore throat (which I absolutely hate!), runny nose and a splitting headache. Normally the first day is the worst and after that I feel like, but just blow my nose 1000x. Mateo was ok, but in the night it started for him. It was so sad to hear him choking and making horrible sounds while trying to breathe.

I felt so bad for the little guy, but he was/is such a trooper. No crying! Only during his nap was he crying a bit in his sleep. My SIL brought us food and then went to buy saline solution to squirt up his nose to clean it out. We did that and it really helped. Of course it was awful for him, but he does not know that it helps him. I did it before bed and this morning. He slept 13 hours (with feedings of course thrown in there)! Monday night seemed like 2 hours...Here he is using his thermometer for the first time.

Need clothes?

Closet Cleanout

See something you like? Email me, message me on FB, leave a comment here...

My little guy who was watching me post the pictures :)

One Month!

http://missamericamisterbelgium.blogspot.com/2011/08/happy-1-month-birthday.html I accidentally posted it on my other blog...

Not only is my baby one month, but I am one month recovered! Not 100%, but starting to feel normal again. My pregnancy was great, I could easily do it again. The labor and delivery were better than expected. I could also handle that again. But this recovery was much tougher than I expected. I am starting a list of 'things I did not know...'

I took painkillers until 12 days after his birth...otherwise it hurt way too much to sit or walk, although every day seemed a bit better than the day before. I will not go into all my aches or pains.

I am also glad that we are figuring out this breastfeeding thing! Even though it is 'natural,' there is a lot to learn. I had the start of an infection or a clogged duct for 2.5 days and it was agonizing. Since then I am thankful for painless feedings, even in the middle of the night or annoying times!

I wanted to see if my hair grew during the pregnancy, because I heard that it is normal for it to grow due to the hormones. The first shot is from around 10 weeks. It is hard to tell if it grew, but it seems a bit longer. In the shower, when it is wet, it touches my ankles. It is thicker up top (simply, because you do not lose as much hair during pregnancy), but that will probably end up falling out.

I have NOTHING to announce...but

I thought this photo was an awesome way to announce something if I had something to announce!

I am looking up photo shoot ideas and have found some really fun ones. Now I just need the hubby to cooperate with me...Hopefully I will have some cute photos to post next week! I like this one also

Baby's First 3 Weeks

Click here to view this photo book larger

Almost a month...

My little guy is almost a month! I can not believe that I have not posted anything...I guess I can say that I have been taking it easy and recovering. Trying not to stress about anything, except trying to capture all these special moments with him.

My mom leaves tomorrow and I do not feel ready for that! I have only cooked one time since she has been here. Real life will begin again. Only this 'real life' is different than the one I knew before.

Photos to come at some point...

5x7 Folded Card

By posting this link, I received a $10 credit from Shutterfly!

His Name...

First Name Ma teo

Gender:

Boy

Origin: Hebrew Meaning: Gift of God

Origin: Spanish Meaning: Gift of God

Pronunciation: (mah TEH oh) [Guide]

Form of:

Matthew

Middle Name

Categories: Biblical Names, Jewish Names, Hebrew Names

Used in: English and Hebrew speaking countries

Additional info: Occasionally the meaning is given as "God is my majesty," but "followers of God" is more likely. In the Bible, Ad riel was the son-in-law of Saul. Very occasionally used for a girl in English-speaking contexts, although the name is masculine.

Gender:

Boy

Origin: Hebrew

Meaning: Followers of God; God's flock

Short Birth Story

Here is the short (nearly-non-graphic) version...

My due date was the 21st and my mom arrived the same day. I had said that the baby could come on the 22nd and he seemed to be in cooperation! Before my doctor's appointment on the 22nd I was feeling what I thought was regular contractions and after the examination, they instantly became more intense and from 5-10 minutes. That was from about 5:00-9:00pm. I was dilated to 3 in the afternoon and did not want to go to the hospital until I was at 5, but of course it is hard to tell.
Around 10:00 I decided it was time to go, because I was getting quite uncomfortable and did not feel like dealing with pain in the car. By the time I was checked in and they examined me I was at 5!

We thought things would move faster than they did...In the next 8 hours I dilated only to 7, so when the new nurse came in she tried breaking my water and got me started on Petocin. Finally 2 hours later she declared me ready to push, which was good, but the 'bad' part was that I was on an epidural and had kept asking for more anytime I felt any pain, so I was unable to feel anything (including contractions when I needed to push).

I am still glad about that choice, because for hours I had very intense contractions, but could not feel them! Even when I was in the delivery room I was feeling great. When I could not tell when to push, but the doctor, midwife, mom and hubby were all supportive to help me.

The doctor said the head was having troubles and heartbeat dropped, so he used the vacuum. I think I only had to push about 20 minutes. The doctor said at quarter to 10 that the baby would be there by 10 and he came at 9:52. 24 hours after the contractions started!

Sympathetic Pregnancy-39 Weeks

Bumbo

I have heard good reviews about these Bumbo chairs, so I put one on the registery. It is normally €50. I thought that is quite a chunk of money for something I am not sure that I will use. I looked 2nd hand and bought it from a woman in a neighboring village for €15! I was happy with my purchase and pleased that my nephew is able to borrow it while he is here visiting...

What will it be?

Capricorn Parent, Cancer Child

&

Lots of love to feel secure

Your sensitive Cancer child needs firm, consistent support to feel secure, which is exactly your strong point. You take your job as a parent quite seriously, and you're very dependable. Your little Cancer appreciates knowing the rules at home: when meals are served, what his bedtime is, and more. And though you're a natural at providing a stable base for your child, don't skimp on showing lots of love and affection.


You're strong on practical concerns like financial stability and a responsible work ethic, but a bit short on developing and maintaining feeling connections with others. Your worries and ambitions tend to eclipse your relationships with loved ones, but allowing that to happen with your Cancer child would be like starving him emotionally. Show him just how much you love him with lots of hugs, kisses, and words of praise and encouragement.

Capricorn Parent, Leo Child

&

High praise indeed

Your Leo child thrives in your dedicated, stable care, but the older she gets, the more she's sure to chafe against your strict, serious approach to life. Naturally warmhearted and playful, little Leo sees the world as her stage and other people as her built-in, adoring audience. She wants to entertain everyone, and especially you.


Don't scold this little one for not taking life as seriously as you do -- this would stifle her natural spirit. Instead, focus on learning to accept and appreciate her passion and dramatic expression. Praise her for that impromptu after-dinner dance performance or the painting she made for you in art class. These seemingly unimportant bits of encouragement will feed your little Leo's soul and help to develop her creativity as well -- and your child could make you very proud in that area someday!

38 Weeks + Taggie

My popping belly! Without the tight tank my tummy is measuring at 47 inches *gulp* There are lots of 'yikes' I am feeling...first I am weighing more than the hubby, second my feet do not look like MY feet, and thirdly I discovered I have some stretch marks...I was really happy that I did not see any, but yesterday I looked in the mirror UNDER my belly button and I discovered some stripes...oh, well! I am almost done with this pregnancy and I am still feeling great!

http://babybelgium.blogspot.com/2011/03/thing-i-can-make-my-own.html

Here is my MUCH cheaper homemade version...I was pretty happy with it. I had fun making it...

We Love Carters!

I received 2 more outfits today. The monkey one was the other one I wanted, so it was perfect! Until...I told my mom and she said she had bought the same set! She thinks hers is a smaller size, so then it is no problem. She also bought the matching monkey blanket. I love monkeys and giraffes!!!

37+ weeks

Happy 4th of July!!!

Clipping Baby's Nails?

I am beginning to pack my hospital bag (the baby's is already done), but I am wondering if I should go buy baby nail clippers now to bring with? I am registered for a set that includes them with some other hygiene supplies, but I read that often babies scratch themselves in the first few days. I also have heard that you are not suppose to clip the nails for the first few weeks?

What advice do you have for me?

Little Alien-36 weeks

9 months!

About The Mother

Name?: Leah
Age?: 25

About The Father
Name?: Hubby
Age?: 26

About Your Pregnancy
Is this your first pregnancy?: Yes
When did you find out you were pregnant?: November
What was your first reaction?: Very excited and I thought I would be able to go back to sleep, because it was 5am.
Who was with you when you found out?: Just me, because the hubby was sleeping
Who was the first person you told?: Hubby
How did your parents react?: Check out the video of it :P They were very excited!
How far along are you?: 36 weeks!!!
What was your first symptom?: I would easily feel starving, but nothing sounded good. Or if it did, by the time I was eating it, it didn't taste as good as expected.
What is your due date?: July 21-4 weeks from today and my mom comes that day!!!
Do you know the sex of the baby?: Nope
Have you picked out names?: Tentatively
If so, what are they?: Secrets
How much weight have you gained?: 34
Do you have stretch marks?:No (knocks on wood)
Have you felt the baby move?: Yes!!
Have you heard the heartbeat?: Yes, at almost every appointment I have an ultrasound and can hear it
Home or hospital birth?: Hospital
Natural or medicated birth?: If natural works, great. Otherwise I am open to medicine.
Who will be in the delivery room with you?: Hubby and possibly mumsie
Will you breastfeed?: Yes
Do you think you'll need a c-section?: How can you predict this?
Will you cry when you hold the baby for the first time?: Probably
What's the first thing you might say to him/her?: either "wow, it's a girl!" or "wow, it's a boy!" (we are confused to what we think it is LOL, I said that either one will be a surprise to us)
Would you let someone videotape the birth?: Don't think so
Are you excited about the birth, or scared?: Probably both, I think I will be less scared once I am safely at the hospital with hubby...I am worried of the logistics of getting there.