Making resolutions...

2010 was a whirlwind of a year. Our household had some of the greatest joy we could ever imagine experiencing and some of the worst sadness as well. I'm ready for a new year and a new start. I've made a few resolutions this year, and so far have been sticking to all of them (I know... it's only been a month...).

1. Do more to help other people. I've signed up through Milkin Mamas to be a breastmilk donor. The excess milk that I pump, freeze and ship to them will be used to make human milk fortifier. This is donor breastmilk given to critically ill infants and preterm babies in NICU's across the USA. I'm very honored that I am able to have this opportunity!! I'm super excited about it as well!

2. Tone up. I only gained 19 lbs when I was pregnant. I weighed 140 lbs when I got pregnant and I'm now at 128. So as far as weightloss is concerned... I have no concerns. However, even with the weight loss, after having a baby and not working out for such a long time, I've got some toning to do. Jillian Michaels and I have been having a love-hate relationship for the past month. While I hate her when I'm doing her workouts, I love her afterwards for kicking my ass!

3. Devote time to God. We chose to baptize our daughter and I feel like its important to practice the faith we plan to raise her with. "Do as I say, not as I do" isn't going to fly...

January was an emotional month for me also. I've been trying diligently to follow the AAP guidelines to not introduce solids until 6 months of age. At about 4.5 months, Adalyn just wasn't satisfied with bottles. After much deliberation and a long discussion with our pediatrician/lactation consultant, I finally came to grips with the fact that every baby is different and has different needs. Adalyn, while only 4.5 months old, is the size of most 7-9 months old, and as such has different nutritional needs. We started oatmeal and she loved it!!

I've decided to make my own baby food. I feel better knowing exactly what is going into her tummy right now and have realized how much money I can save by doing so. So far we have introduced peas, sweet potatoes, pears and bananas. She is not a fan of the green so far... she definitely gets that from her mama! We've had a bit of sleep regression the past week. She all of a sudden feels like 11 PM - 12 AM is playtime. But this is typical between 4-5 months and this too shall pass. She is rolling belly to back independently as long as her arm doesnt get in her way and is sitting unsupported for short periods of time. My baby is growing up soooo fast!

I think I'm pretty caught up on the first 5 months of her life. I'm going to take some 5 month photos tomorrow if I can get some good sunlight in my house. I will post them when I get a chance. I also wanted to share some nursing pictures that my hubby took 2 weekends ago. Nursing is a beautiful thing... its not gross, its not inappropriate. It's what they were made to do. Please support nursing mama's. We work hard for our babies!