Fun Tag Friday's

Mommy Tag

1.  Are you a SAHM or working mom?

I like to think of myself as both.  I work three days a week and I am home with Alex the other four.  So I have the best of both worlds.

2.  Would you have it any other way?

I take it that this question is referencing question 1 and my answer is no.  I find that the three days I work make me a more devoted Mommy when Alex and I can spend time together. 

3.  Do you co-sleep?

Simply put, yes... and I only like it most nights.  The others I miss being able to move in my own bed!

4.  One must have gear for baby?

Pacifier!

5.  How many kids do you plan on having?

That is Alex's decision....lol.  We truthfully have no idea.  That decision will  be based on our financial status and whenever Alex can ask for a brother or sister.

6.  Date Night?  How many date nights (or days) per month?

Ummmm..... Maybe one every other month?  But we are working on changing this.

7.  Your child's favorite show?

Considering he is only 4 months we don't watch too much TV he mainly just likes the colors.

8.  Name 1 thing you bought before you had your baby and never ended up using.

An over the shoulder diaper bag.  We immediately switched to a backpack.

9.  Your child's favorite food?

He seems to gobble up sweet potatoes.

10.  How many car's does your family have?

2

11. Weight gain before, during and after pregnancy?

Before I was pretty stable, during 35 lbs, and after I am down 45 lbs.

12.  Dream vacation with the kiddos?

Disneyland for Christmas and New Years

13.  Dream Vacation without the kiddos?

Some beach somewhere.

14.  How has your life changed since baby has been born?

A lot less comfy sleep and a whole lot more stress.

15.  Finish this sentence:  "It makes my heart melt to see....."

 Alex smile at me while I sing to him.

16. Where do you shop for you kids?

Mainly consignment shops or outlet malls.

17.  Favorite makeup and skin care products?

Umm I really don't wear make up.... like ever.  And I love clean and clear blackhead eraser scrub.

18.  Huggies diaper jeans:  yay or nay?

Yay if Alex was not allergic

19.  Have you always wanted kids?

Yes but much later in life. 

20.  Best part about being a mom?

The smiles and laughs your baby gives you.

Thankful Thursday's

This a Thursday segment I want to start.  I find that only expressing what you are thankful for during November is cliche' so I want to do it year round.  

This Thursday I am so very thankful for my husband and son.

Long before we had Alex, Chris and I had each other.  We were very fortunate to be able to have a long time to love one another before we added someone else to the mix.

As much as Chris and I may disagree, most of the time me being wrong and not wanting to admit it, he is my everything.  Without him I could not imagine where my life would be.  He came into my life when things were questionable and turned it around and made me a better person.

I could go on and on all day about Chris, and how amazing he is but I will sum it up as I just love him with every ounce of my heart.

And with the birth of Alex my heart grew a large lump. You see I love Chris so much, while I was pregnant God blessed me with a lump so I had more heart to give.

Alex, like his father taught me what it means to be needed so much by someone.  He also taught me patience and how to stay calm during stressful times.  (See Alex's NICU story for more details).  Words cannot describe how much this blue eyed boy has changed my life and just how much I love him.

Since none of this probably made any sense to you I am going to wipe my tears and head off to snuggle with my boys.

Life With A 4 Month Old

4 Months Old!

122 Days 

175,200 Minutes

2,920 Hours

17.38 Weeks

This is how long a I have been a mother, and loving the cutest little boy there is.

It absolutely baffles me how much and how fast my sweet 8 lb 13 oz baby boy has grown!

I will make an update on Monday after we have our 4 month check up and shots. 

Alex's 1st Halloween

Alex & His Halloween Adventures!

We kicked off our Halloween adventures this year by doing one of my favorite things I have seen on Pinterest, and as you can see Alex was not impressed!

Well seeing as I found I was pregnant just 3 days after Halloween last year I kind of hit the mother load for costumes.  I went shopping at Old Navy that week where they had their Halloween costumes marked down, to where they cost next to nothing.  I skimmed over it thinking maybe I will find something cute... 

Well I did!  I found the cutest cheeseburger costume!! I thought it would be the perfect first costume considering our last name is Buerger! And it was.

Every person that saw Alex in his costume would say, "Awe how cute," or "I could just eat him up!"

I had to work so Chris took Alex to a Halloween Party his sister had and I went over after work.  

Here is Alex with his GG.  I think he is thinking, "I don't know what's in that cup but I want some!"

All in all it was a great time I just wish I could have been there with him to celebrate the whole day!

However next year will be twice as nice since he will be old enough to Trick-Or-Treat and I will be able to do all sorts of crafts and make Halloween treats with him that day!

But here are a few Pinterest inspired crafts we did this year.

I realized after I had already wrote on it that the candy corn was upside down.

Until next year!

Controversial Parenting & My Thoughts

Controversial Parenting & My Thoughts

*DISCLAIMER: Each parent makes choices for their children based on their own beliefs and education.  I have my opinions you have yours.  I respect yours and I expect you to respect mine.

I have seen this tag all over YouTube and some of the blogs I follow and it is driving me nuts!! I figure I'll do it and then maybe it will be done and over with!

So here are my thoughts and stance on the topics listed:

Pro-Life or Pro-Choice:  I am 100% Pro-Life.  However like most others I believe it to be a grey area when rape and young children are involved. 

Baby Wearing:  I LOVE baby wearing.  I believe it helps to build a bond between you and your child especially when they were unable to breastfeed like in our situation.  It is also so much more convenient than lugging around a stroller.  It at times can make my back hurt but with some readjustment the pain disappears.

 Circumcision:  In our family circumcision was for us.  Being a nurse I chose to research heavily the pros and cons, reflect on my history in my nursing career and speak very much in depth with Alex's pediatrician and it was done.  It was an educated decision and thought very hard upon.                      END OF STORY.

Adoption:  I think adoption is an AMAZING thing.  It provides an opportunity for those who cannot conceive on their own the gift of life.  And for those who can understand they cannot provide an adequate life for the child and choose adoption I think they are incredibly strong and I consider them role models for our society.

Baby Piercing:  In my family we wait until the child is old enough to ask for them.  I am pretty sure I was in preschool before I had mine pierced.  I am not against it by any means but I want my child to ask for them, especially since I hated mine at times. (Even though I made the decision on my own.)

Breast Milk vs. Formula:  I know and understand breast is best.  And Alex and I gave it a try.  I met with several lactation consultants and spoke with my doctor for tips.  Alex simply had a horrible latch even with a nipple shield.  I pumped for awhile but my milk dried up and we had to resort to formula.  There is not a day that goes by that I don't wish Alex would have been able to latch better.  

But frankly I am tired of the dirty looks I get when I am out and pull out my formula container to make a bottle for my son. We gave it a shot, and it did not work.  

Spanking:  I am 50-50 on this topic.  I was spanked growing up and I believe it helped in teaching me right from wrong.  However it also put a great fear of my elders within me.  So which is better?  Seeing as Alex is not quite to this age yet I have a while longer to make a decision.  But I do believe I will use spanking as an absolute last resort.  Which I think is how my family used it as well.  I think speaking with the child on a level they will understand and telling them why what they did was wrong is always what should be done first, then time out and if need be then I may spank.

Co-Sleeping:  As much as I said I would never co-sleep and preached how dangerous it is, alas, it is one of the few things that works for us.  I have lost count of how many times I have put Alex into his crib when he is tired or asleep and the second he gets put down he is awake and screaming.  It breaks my heart to hear it so we just deal.  We have tried pillows under his sheets, putting beans in a glove and placing it on him, swaddlers, and so much more.  NONE OF THEM WORK!  However I am willing to take your advice.

Home vs. Public vs. Private vs. Charter Schooling:  I would love for Alex to go to a parochial school which I think is considered private schooling but I know we would never be able to afford it.  So we will pick the best public school for our children when the time comes. 

Vaccinations:  We are choosing to fully vaccinate per our doctors schedule which is a little delayed  compared to the national recommendations.

Medicating Children:  I believe that if educated and done properly medicating children is OK.  I think it becomes a problem when parents don't read the directions or consult with their doctor before administration.  

Cloth vs. Disposable Diapers:  I am indifferent on the matter.  However we use disposables for Alex and are quite satisfied.  Alex has had one diaper rash and it was due to an allergy to the diaper.  

Cry It Out Method:  I must admit I have tried but sometimes I cry harder than he does just listening to him.  So no, I will not be trying it again.  

3 Months of Alex!

OMG 3 months have come and gone!!

My sweet little Alex has grown and grown!

Height: 25 1/2 inches long!

Weight: 14 lbs 

Diaper Size:  Size 2

Feeding:  You are eating 6 ounces every 3-4 hours still and are now on Similac for Fussiness and Gas. 

Sleep:  Alex's sleep patterns have stayed the same for the most part...This makes for one tired Mom & Dad.

Milestones:  Alex is able to roll from belly to back with little to no difficulty.  He is still teething and the drooling has more than doubled!

Loves:  Alex loves to sleep and chew on his fingers!  Tummy time is becoming more of an accepted activity.

Dislikes:  Sleeping alone.

Adventures:   We went to Myrtle Beach this month!! It was an amazing vacation and Alex did so well for the car ride there and home!

Mommy & Daddy could not get through the month without:  Vacation and Alex taking naps.

Show & Tell

Today & every Monday from here on out I will be using Show & Tell Monday which I found on From Mrs. to Mama

1. Tell us what you studied in college. Is your job now related to what you studied?

While I was in college I studied nursing.  I also studied this the last 2 years in high school.  So I have been a nurse now for the last 4 years.  

2. Tell us what your everyday job looks like.

I work on a long term care / rehab unit and I am directly responsible for 16 patients three days a week.  My days are either ridiculously slow or incredibly busy, where at the end of the day I am sore and ready to pull my hair out.  BUT at the end of the day I am always SOO satisfied and feel as though I made a difference.

3. Do you have a picture of you at work? Show us.

I don't think I have any pictures of me at work. A.) I am not very pretty when I work, usually sweaty and scrubs are not very flattering.  B.) I am always worried pictures are some kind of HIPPA violation. 

4. In 10 years, what do you see yourself doing? Same thing? More? Tell us.

In 10 years I hope to be able to be a stay at home Mom or only working 1 or 2 days a week.  But then again I will only be 32.  I cannot see myself in any other field other than nursing, but I may be a manager by then also.

5. Tell us what you have learned, and what {if any} recommendations you may have for those looking to go into the field you are in. 

Here is what I say to everyone who is thinking of making nursing their career choice.  You cannot do it for the money!  Simply because it is not there.  You have to be the kind of person who gets a personal high off of helping people and seeing them get better.  I am convinced for the 2-4 years you are in nursing school is supposed to make you consider giving up on life and not want to be a nurse anymore, however at the end of it all it is worth it.