Doctor's visit

It's official: Sarah is growing like a weed! She had her 6-month checkup on Tuesday. She weighs 17 pounds 4 ounces (70th percentile), is 27.25 inches long (91st percentile) and her head circumference is in the 91st percentile. She did not enjoy her shots...or being at the doctor's office in general...but she did enjoy the paper on the exam table!

She is getting up on her hands and knees and rocking back and forth quite a bit lately. It won't be long...

That's all I've got for you. :)

6 months

Sarah turned six months old last Friday! On her half birthday, I had the fabulous idea to taker her to the little open space behind our house and do a photo shoot. Unfortunately, Sarah did nto want to participate! :) Here are some of the pictures I did end up getting.

I apologize for the lame post and lack of posting lately - Sarah's sleeping schedule has been very inconsistent, so our schedules have been off lately as well.

Pictures

I just wanted to share a few pictures of our little girl. I cannot believe she is going to be 6 months old this Friday. That is so amazing. She is growing up so fast!

I have this week off of work - kind of. I worked Sunday, and I work Saturday - but I have the weekdays off. It is nice to be able to just relax this week. Having an extra day off makes all the difference in the world. I haven't been very productive so far, but I will work on that. :)

We have a hike with the youth group scheduled for tomorrow. Actually, Tim has a hike. I am just planning on taking Sarah and meeting them for lunch afterwards. It will be nice to relax with the youth a little bit. Sarah and I end up leaving youth group early every week so that she can get to bed, and I miss spending time with them! We have a 6 Flags trip next week as well, so that will be another bonding opportunity.

Now...on to the pictures I promised.

I love outfits with matching hats. But Sarah has such a big melon, that most of the hats end up looking like this on her:

Crazy eyes! I love it. :)

She loves to eat these blocks. I can't remember who bought them for her, but they sure keep her entertained! She loves to knock them over when Tim stacks them too.

Miss Innocent, sitting in her stroller...she would NOT take a nap this day, no matter what I did. Little stinker.

Sarah sitting (scroll down for earlier post)

Be sure to scroll down for a post written earlier today.

Promote Breastfeeding!

I received an e-mail today from one of my "your baby should be doing this now" websites. :) It contained a link to an interesting Act that has been presented to Congress.

Before I write any more, I want to make it clear that this is not intended to discourage or convict those who chose not to, or were not able to breastfeed their babies for one reason or another. This is a very personal decision, and many factors have to be considered. My goal in writing this is simply to educate those who are unaware:

Do you know that there are major benefits of breastfeeding - both for Mom and Baby? According to this website, "The medical evidence shows that NOT breastfeeding increases the baby’s risk of infections, diarrhea, SIDS, obesity, diabetes, asthma, and childhood leukemia, and increases the mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancers and diabetes. A 2009 study of nearly 140,000 women found that women who breastfed for at least one year were 10-15% less likely to have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease compared to mothers who never breastfed."

It is a challenge to continue breastfeeding while working. I work 12 hour shifts in a high-stress job. I use my breaks for pumping - 15 minutes in the morning, 30 minutes at lunch, and 30 minutes in the afternoon. There is one room at work available for pumping. One room for all breastfeeding workers, as well as all mothers of babies in the NICU. Unfortunately, many times when I try to pump at work, I find that room occupied. Then I have to be creative, or skip pumping all together. I am fortunate that my workplace provides that room at all! I am also fortunate that they provide the equipment as well.

However, many women are not as fortunate. I encourage you to read this article. Click here, and let your voice be heard. :)