I am...18 Months Old (Super Late!)

New Things:
Climbing in and out of his playpen and high chair
Saying actual words (like "Hey!" when he notices something)
Hiding when taking poops (he actually went into the closet and closed the door)
Mimicking behaviors

Not So New Things:
Climbing on everything
Removing his diaper any chance he gets
Breastfeeding
Co-sleeping

18 Month Appointment:
Liam weighed 28.8 lbs (84th percentile) and was 34.84 inches tall (99th percentile) at his appointment. I don't know if I've mentioned this before but I am slightly obsessed with Liam's height. Even though Will is over 6', I'm scared that Liam will end up with my short genes (I'm 5').
During his appointment, we discussed a concern I had about his speech. He is not behind but he's also not ahead. We talked a little about things we can do at home to help with his speech since he's an only child and doesn't go to any sort of daycare or play dates. Since then, I have made plans to start setting up play dates for him just to help with, not only his speech, but also give him a social life. Other than that, Liam is right on task and we couldn't be happier. Now here are a few pictures of the little guy. Enjoy!!

Not Again! (Boob Problems)

I've had a few posts about clogged milk ducts and here I am again with, you guess it, clogged milk ducts. Liam was nursing today and something just didn't feel right. I decided to take a quick hot shower to hand express when I was surprised to find out that I had clogged milk ducts in both breasts (noooooo!!).

I really need to figure out why this keeps happening. Liam nurses off and on during the day but mostly at night. I'm going to try to pay attention to Liam's night feedings and try to record the times that he eats (which is hard since I usually sleep right through the feedings).

When I mention clogged ducts, a lot of people ask if I plan to start weaning Liam soon and the answer is no. I am dedicated to breastfeeding and if I have to deal with clogged ducts so be it. I love the bond breastfeeding has created between Liam and I (at least for the next 7-8 months).

Co-Sleeping is a Go!

A couple months ago, I blogged about Operation Get Liam Out The Bed (OGLOTB). Well, let's just say OGLOTB is officially on hold. Will and I talked things over and we've decided that we will co-sleep until it proves to be an issue for us.

I must admit, I love co-sleeping (well, most of the time) just as much as I love breastfeeding (also, most of the time). It seems that a lot of advice that I receive from (well meaning) mothers, friends and relatives suggest that I should make Liam conform to my schedule and life but I've come to the realization that Will and I wanted Liam here and not vice versa. Don't get me wrong, I don't plan to change everything in our lives to fit Liam's schedule (that would be madness!) but I also don't expect him to be a strict schedule when I don't even have our dogs on one. I just plan to do what feels right for us and breastfeeding and co-sleeping are comfortable for us right now.

My only question is whether or not I should buy a new crib or not (the one we had was recalled) or just wait to see how long we continue to co-sleep once Will is home. Decisions, decisions.

Co-Sleeping...

As I mentioned in my "attachment" parenting post, Liam and I co-sleep. It was not my plan from the beginning but I've learned, first-hand, that parenting (or anything to do with children really) cannot be planned. The main driving force behind Liam ending up in our bed is the fact that I breastfeed. It is just so much easier to turn over and feed him rather than get up. I know this sounds lazy but when you're sleep deprived, anything goes.
As of right now, co-sleeping works for us. Since Will is deployed and we kicked the dogs out of the bed months ago, there is plenty of room for us. We have quite awhile before Will gets home and I definitely want to have Liam out of the bed by then but right now, I'm not really in a huge rush. That being said, I am struggling to figure out when we should make the transition.
I haven't really thought too much about moving him to a crib until recently when I realized that at night, he will not sleep alone. During the day, he gets rocked to sleep and is sometimes moved to his swing where he will continue to sleep (at least for a little while) but at night, if I leave him alone in the bed, he will surely wake up (and it won't be pretty). I'm getting scared that the longer I wait, the harder it will be. And even worse, I'll keep putting it off and the next thing I know, I'm attempting to sleep with Liam and Will (who's 6'2" and over 200 lbs.) in our queen size bed.
I think I'll start asking the advice of other moms who co-slept with their kids (and were able to get them out of the bed by, let's say, six months). Until then, Liam and I will continue to take advantage of the cuddletime that comes along with our current sleeping arrangement.
Night everyone!

<3 Jaye (and a sleeping Liam)