Robert had fun in the pool on Saturday.... Nevermind that Mommy had to wear clothes since she is too fat for a suit these days! 

Oliver was playing "Ring around the Robert" at Gram and Pape's pool last Saturday! 

Back to work woes

We have survived two whole days at school/work. The first day, Robert did suprisingly well. He was unable to hold off for his feedings, but I only ended up having to give him an extra 2 oz of formula throughout the day. He is still getting the breast in the morning, mid day and in the evening. He is doing very well with it. I am also able to pump a few times a day and its working out well.
Today, Robert was even better adjusted... he sat and played well. He is the youngest baby in the class... the next youngest is 6 weeks older than he. He doesn't quite interact with the other babies. It makes me sad that he doesn't seem to 'play' yet, but that will come in time.

As for Mommy... well, I am having mixed feelings. Sometimes during the day I think that I can't wait to quit and at other times I think that I need to be there and its good for us. I am still not quite sure how I feel. I just keep thinking about the $5k it is going to cost us to have him under MY care for the next year. I had a chance to inquire my supervisor what can be done as far as an additional discount... it makes sense for me to have free daycare when my son is under my own direct supervision. However, its not possible because he 'counts' when it comes to budgeting for salaries and such. I get very upset when I think about it...
I am very fortunate that I get to be with my son AND work at the same time... thats a definate plus.
For now, I want to stay full time for as long as I can. The extra money will be nice, especially around the holidays. Perhaps in January I will consider going part time. I would never quit completely... I think its good for both of us.
Robert is pooped... school wears him out. Mommy too, but surprisingly not as much as she thought.


And finally... Robert LAUGHED today! I was changing his diaper and I thought he was just gasping for air. Low and behold... it was a realy hearty belly laugh! I was so happy! He's just so cute... and getting so big!

Going back to work...

Well, its almost that time... back to work for mom - and school for Robert. Maternity leave went so fast, I can't believe Robert will be 10 weeks old tomorrow!

I will be going back to work on June 13th. I consider myself so fortunate to be able to share my son's first year of life at daycare with him. If I were not so fortunate, I probably would not be returning to work, as it has been a tough decision and one we have been weighing very carefully. For now, I will be working 9 hour days, 4 days a week. We will have off on Mondays, which will make for nice long weekends!

My mom is betting that I won't last more than 2 weeks. I must admit, I have been reluctant when it comes to thinking about going back. But I think the routine will be great for us and Robert will really benefit from the interactions with the other children. I'm not ready to give it up all together, and maybe will consider going part time if full time becomes too much for me.

Unfortunately, I have to pay tuition! It is at a discounted rate, but still absurd since my child will be in my care all day long.

We shall see...

Hey there! 

Bathtime at Gram and Pape's house! 

Mich and Robert in front of an Abrams M1A2 Tank. Robert likes Tanks. 

Couldn't resist posting this... Robert loves his bath! And today Daddy was home to help! 

I only have eyes for you! (5-22-05) 

Back to the gym for Mommy...

We have finally established a gym routine - just in time for mom to go back to work, blah!

Robert and I visit the gym a few days a week now. Mom walks on the treadmill - about 2-3 miles (much less than ever before and at a slower pace that ever too - remember the days when I could run 5 miles in 40 minutes and still have enough energy for 30 min on the stairmaster AND some weight training? That was only a year ago!) I digress...

All the while, Robert is nestled comfortably in the Eurorider (infant carrier) that rests on my belly. We're so fancy! :) Usually Robert sleeps while mom walks. Little does he know he is doing her a huge favor... he's adding extra weight so that mom burns more calories during her workouts!

Who knows if I'll ever get back into shape again... but I have about $2000 worth of 'pre-baby' (brand new, bought for the honeymoon) clothes in a bin in my basement that say I better!

But, for the first time in my life, I truly don't care if I'll ever be a size 6 again. Life is too short, and I now realize there are way more important priorities. I guess that's what being a mom is all about.

silly boy... (taken 10 May 2005) 

This is my current favorite picture of Robert... probably until next week! :) 

Hypnosis

I learned a few weeks ago that the sound of the motor from my breastpump is hypnotic to Robert. Often, when I nurse him, I will pump on the opposite side. This causes Robert to fall asleep. Hmmm, curious...
So, one morning while we were sleeping (Robert was in bed with mom and dad) he started to stir. We were not ready to get up. I turned on the pump motor and immediately, Robert went back to sleep. Nice!

We have a very nice mobile in Robert's room. It makes several sounds, including white noise, classical music and lullabies. But my Robert prefers the sound of my breast pump to soothe him. Go figure!

Robert's Stats

Robert Anthony's Stats - May 13th 2005

Weight: 10 lbs 1 oz (50th percentile)
Length: 23 1/4 inches (50the percentile)
Head Circumfrence: 38 cm (50th percentile)

Our baby is exactly where he should be! Hooray! :)

A new doctor for Robert

Today was our first appointment with Dr. Novak. WOW! We are sooo pleased with him. His office is clean and new looking. We hardly had to wait at all to see the doctor, in fact, we were 20 minutes late (we got lost) and the ladies behind the desk were sooo nice and understanding.

Robert got his first vaccine today... Hepatitis B. He will have another dose at his next appointment. He should have had the shot at his first visit at the old pediatrician -they didn't give it for some reason unknown to me.

Dr. Novak sat down and spoke with us for about a half an hour. He took the time to explain stuff to us that we needed to know... stuff that may be of concern to us later down the road. He drew us a diagram to show us how reflux can effect the baby, and also told us that the uric acid crystals we were seeing in Robert's diapers shouldbe of no concern.

It was evident that Dr. Novak is really "for the kids." He treated us as if Robert was his only patient, and I am absolutely thrilled with the care Robert recieved. I keep saying over and over that this is the best move (doctor wise) I have ever made. Had we stayed where we were, I would have been miserable each time we went there. I am so glad we made this move while Robert is so young. Dr. Novak's office is about 45 minutes away... I would be willing to drive even farther if it meant the proper care for my son.

Needless to say, I am so happy. Whats that old saying? If momma ain't happy...

Oliver and Robert for a photo shoot 

;-) 

Me and Julie with our #1 Men!! 

"WaaaaaaWaaaaaaaa!!!! I don't want my picture taken!" 

Robert having a great time with daddy upon arrival in Boston, MA. 

"Ohhh, do I see lunch coming my way?!?!" 

So Embarrassed!

I can't believe I forgot to post this last week...

After speaking to my lactation colsultant last Saturday we determined that Robert and I may have thrush. (Yeast infection in the breast) We were both showing the signs. I put a call into my OB and he called in a prescription for me... an antifungal cream for my nipples. He also suggested me to call Robert's pediatrician and see if we could get him treated right away. It was Saturday night and he didn't want me to wait until Monday.
I called the pediatricians office and got the answering service. They told me that Dr. Lynch was the on-call doctor for the weekend and that he would call me as soon as he could. I have never met Dr. Lynch before, but I was okay with that.
A few hours passed. The phone rang at about 8:30. This is how the conversation went:

Caller: Hello, Mrs. Trifiletti. How are you?
Me: Hi. I'm good thanks.
Caller: What's going on.
Me: Well, my OB urged me to call you. I have been diagnosed with thrush. He has prescribed me an ointment (pause)... for my nipples. He suggested that I call you about my baby.
Caller: Oh really?
Me: Yes. (hm, that voice sounds familiar)
Caller: Well, I think you need to have more sex with Bobby...
Me: OHMYGOD... BOBBY, it's Dave!

I was SOOO embarrassed. It was Bobby's friend Dave. I can't believe I was so naive. I never met Dr Lynch, so I had no idea what he sounded like. I wasn't expecting a call from Dave, and here I am talking to him about my nipples!

Dr. Lynch never did call us back. We had a regular checkup that Monday and the (dumb) doctor said that Robert didn't have thrush, despite the white patches on his gums. I still think they are wrong. I can't wait to see that new doctor.

Michelle found these mis-shapen pretzels in our recent bag of Weis Thin Pretzels. I want to put them up for auction on eBay under the heading "Virgin mary holding baby jeasus prtetzels" The amazing thing is it appears to have occured exactly twice as the picture shows both found pretzels. What do you think they look like? 

Fed up with the doctor

Robert's weight stayed the same this week. The doctor pulled me into an exam room and told me that I have to stop breast feeding because Robert isn't gaining weight. I broke into tears. I don't want to stop... I don't want to lose this bond I have with my son.

I should have known... this particular doctor suggested formula from the start. For some reason, he is very anti-breastfeeding. Robert is NOT dehydrated and completely thriving in all other areas of development. The "standards" that are established for weight gain are based on formula fed babies - no wonder he isn't following the curve.

I got in touch with the local Le Leche League leader and set up an appt with her for a consultation. She and I have been in touch over the phone for the past few weeks, trying to figure out what could be the cause of Robert's slow weight gain. We ruled out thrush (tho I still think I have it), Robert is not tongue tied, and my milk supply should be pretty much established. We also figured out tha based on his losses early on and his gains since, he really is right where he should be. Still, I am so unsure about so many things and seem to have lost all confidence in myself. I am a very analytical person, and I question most things in my life. Whats worse, is now I wuestion everything in Robert's life! Bobby calls this Hypochondria... I call it concern :)

We will no longer go to Pocono Pediatrics. They are the only place in the area and seem to be what Bobby calls a "Baby Mill." they have so many patients and we don't feel like we are getting the attention we deserve. We are nothing but a name.

We are switching to Children's Choice in Bethlehem. Dr. Novak was our Pediatrician when we were in the hospital, and we like him very much. His office is a bit out of the way (a 45 min drive) but we think it will be worth it for Robert to get the care he deserves and for mom and dad to get the support and piece of mind that they need.

"Grandmom Trif likes rocking me in the glider." 

"I love looking at those ceiling fans" 

We went to the doctor for a weight check last Thursday (4-14) and Robert was only up 1 oz. The doctor wanted to see him again on Monday and Robert gained 10 oz in 4 days. Unfortunately, he was also running a slight temp. (99.4) the doctor didn't seem concerned, he said Robert may have a cold, but he also took a urine sample to be sure that he didn't have a urinary tract infection - a possibility with the orange-ish streaks we've been seeing in his diapers. I, personally, don't think that he has a UTI, I just think he was dehydrated.

We have been continuing the formula... to my dismay. I hate it. I feel inadequate, like I can't provide nourishment for my own child. I am still working on my supply and intend on calling a lactation consultant soon. Robert has continued to latch on well, but he has a problem with falling asleep while he eats.

Bobby goes out of town next week. Robert and I will visit Gram and Pape Gladu in Horsham for a few days. (Mommy is beginning to like this whole "not working" thing... much more than she thought she would - going back to work is going to be hard!)

Robert "Spike" Trifiletti III rests after a bath. 

Robert Naps this afternoon. 

A Book of Mondays

A Book of Days, so it's been told
is a picture each week until you're one year old.
You're getting so big, my how you've changed,
One cannot stop what time has arranged.
So cherish these moments, frozen in time,
because no matter how big, you'll always be mine.

Robert has a book of Mondays. Each Monday for his first year of life, we will take his picture. By the time he is one year old we will have 52 (or in our case 104 - 2 each week) pictures of his first year of life.

This idea came from one of the moms at the daycare where I work. She claims it was her 'idea' and we encouraged her to patent it... and maybe sell it to Hallmark. She could make a killing.

I made a "Book of Tuesdays" for my nephew, Oliver last year when he was born. He is nearing the end of his first year and now Robert's "Book of Mondays" has begun.

The breast is best?

Its 3am... time to eat - again! I have Robert on my lap, latched on the right side, and a bottle of formula in front of me.

Robert has not been gaining weight properly. Most likely due to the improper latch I posted of earlier. And although we seem to have made some improvement, my body doesn't want to produce enough milk to feed this little guy. We have been to the pediatrician twice and both times he recommended supplementing with formula. Robert's weight was down to 7 lbs 15 oz, and I was in tears in the dr.'s office. The truth was evident... My baby was going to have to drink formula.

I was reluctant to start it for two reasons: 1. fear that Robert may like the bottle nipple better than my own and 2. the breast is best.
I have read all about 'nipple confusion' when a bottle os offered too soon. Also, a baby sucks on a bottle nipple or pacifier differently than he would at the breast. 'Suckling' from the breast is much harder work than 'sucking' from a bottle. Some babies may prefer the ease of a bottle flow and wean themselves from the breast at a very early age. I digress.

I started to give Robert 2 oz of formula at most of his feedings (after offering the breast - we are still trying to increase my supply) The formula makes him gassy, and he hasn't quite figured out how to suck the bottle nipple efficiently. But his skin is less dry - better hydration - and he seems very content after his feedings.

Hopefully this isn't something we will have to continue, but for now its working.

Robert ponders some thoughts on a sunny morning chilin' with Dad. 

Robert enjoys some playtime with Mommy last weekend in Philly. 

Robert looking refreshed after a bath on 4 April 2005 

Busy weekend...

Robert had quite the busy weekend.
We left Friday afternoon for Robert's first trip to Gram and Pape Gladu's in the Philly area. We planned to attend a wedding for my cousin on Friday evening. And we did attend the wedding, barely. I had to leave in the middle of the ceremony to feed Robert in the car. Now that we have this breast feeding thing down pat, Robert wants to eat ALL the time. (Bobby is so proud - his son is a boob man!) After the wedding, we visited with my grandmother. She was excited to meet her 4th Great Grandchild.
Aunt Germaine and Uncle Rob were visiting from Pittsburgh for the weekend. It was so nice to be able to spend some time with them. Robert was so excited to meet them! We took tons of pictures with them.
On Saturday, we visited Great Grandmom and Great Grandpop Salerno (Bobby's grandparents) and Great Aunt Kathy, Great Uncle Rick and 2nd cousins Ricky and Nicole. They, too, were so excited to meet Robert. Of course, Robert needed to eat while we were there... so he and mommy had some quality time together. Our visit was short, but very nice.
And Robert got some cute presents too. He loved that!
On Sunday, we visited Great Grandmom Trif and Great Aunt Carol and Great Uncle Tom in Phoenixville, PA. Robert had to have a meal there, as well. He is one hungry dude. But sometimes I think he just wants to be anti-social.

We brought Gram Gladu back to the Poconos with us. She is spending the week here since Bobby is (reluctantly) going back to work this week. We plan to have lots of fun!

Breastfeeding woes

***Hello members of the Lil' Trif fan club... This message should have been posted on Thursday, but for some reason, blogger wouldn't work on my computer. I saved it and now its finally pasted here for you to read. Our apologies for a lack of recent updates, and we promise to keep you all better informed in the future.

I underestimated this whole breastfeeding thing. Whoa. Its really hard! We were off to a rough start... We ended up taking Robert to the pediatritian for the first time on Tuesday. I became very concerned with the pinky color his urine was leaving in his diapers. According to all the books, this is normal in newborns - it is uric acid crystals and it occurs in babies until the mother's milk comes in. It is not normal after the milk is available. Well, my milk was in by Saturday and he was still having these crystals in his pee. I called the doctor and they wanted to see him. He obviously wasn't getting enough to eat (or drink). The doctor suggested supplementing with formula. Blah. I didn't like that idea. But I suppose if it best for the baby, I can't deny him the proper nutrients. I also am against offering him a bottle too soon. We do plan to start the bottle in a few weeks, but right now I want him to become acclimated with the breast, and apparently that wasn't working well.

Bobby and I started to really pay attention to ever detail of my breast feeding sessions (which occur every hour and a half - from start to start - so I am feeding him 12-15 times each day, round the clock! I wanted to really give breast feeding everything I had before supplementing. At each feeding, we paid attention to Robert's positioning, my positioning, how he latches on and how he gulped and swallowed. It seems the latching was the biggest problem.

Long story short, we think we nipped it in the bud... he is finally catching on. He is pooping and peeing like a champ, and he seems much more content. As you probably know, this kid likes to take his time with most things. He's probably a perfectionist. :)

Last night, we had to wake him up to eat. He slept from 11:30 until 4am. We were impressed.

Success

We had a good night last night! Robert had a very good feeding at about 11 and we were all in bed by 11:30. I needed to wake him up to feed him at 2:30am. I had some trouble getting him up... I couldn't believe it! We were up until about 4. Bobby put him back to sleep, with a bit of trouble. I needed to go back to sleep, I couldn't keep my eyes open. Robert slept again until 7am. When I woke up this morning, he was laying on his side. I asked Bobby if he put him to sleep on his side, and he said no. Having worked with infants, I know that rolling over doesn't occur until about 3-4 months of age... wow, if our little guy is trying already, he truely is a genius!

I think we are really getting the hang of this parenting thing. It's certainly challenging, but most definately worth it. Its such a rewarding experience. We love him so much, and he is such a joy.

I swear he is getting bigger each day...

Saturday, Robert's cousin Oliver Bean Hall came for his first visit. Along with Aunt Julie and Uncle Howard everyone had a great time meeting the newst Trif.

2 of 3: Eating and Sleeping

Well that first night home from the hospital is always a doozie. Of Course Robert slept all the way from the hospital about 40 min away, to Target, then home with out a cry. He made up for it at night. Quite the "sucker" he enjoys feeding. Probably is a little hungry and enjoying the few tiny drops of liquid he gets.

Thursday night was a little better. He had two 2+ hour stretches of sleep. I was slept through one of them to get about 3 - 5 hrs sleep. That is huge with a newborn. Mich slept about 2 hrs. Friday he again had a great long day nap, about from 12:20 - 245. Unfortunately we had to drive with him to wind gap so Mich could get some lab work done. Later that afternoon he did take another solid hour nap.

Every piece of literature that is available on breastfeeding answers supposed mom's questions about the baby not taking the the breast or not getting enough milk. We have the opposite problem, Robert loves the boob. If he is not sleeping, pooping or in a happy-content moment, he wants to suck on the boob. Now every parent thinks their kid is a genius but Robert truly is. He already knows that the pacifier is NOT a boob. So even though the hospital warns about boob confusion when using pacifiers, Robert is pretty damn smart.

This is just typical as we saw him swallowing and gulping while in the womb on a later ultrasound. And as much as his left arm was curled up into his chest and mouth, he loves that hand, especially in the mouth :-)

Last night (Friday Night) I think he slept well, I think 3 good stretches of sleep. I believe I was up for 2 of them but am such a damn heavy sleeper that I didn't wake up for one. If I could feed I would insist the wifey wake me up. But I try and make up for it doing stuff around the house during the day. My biggest struggle is getting Michelle to sleep when Robert is with me or sleeping. But I think after feeling the exhaustion of last night she is ready to start listening.

How about this for a cute picture. This is a happy Robert enjoying a thumb. He is a major "sucker": fingers, thumbs, my face :-), and of course the boobs ;-)