I think I've made my decision.

After long talks with my mom, my sister, Amy and Danny - and a few sobs and pumps later - I've decided that it's time. My baby girl will be fine when I switch her over to formula, and will probably have an easier time. I'm calling her doctor to find out the best method of switching her over and will probably start this weekend. Wish me luck! I'm sure I'll have a few more cries, but I think it's better for everyone, including myself.

6 WHOLE HOURS!

Just got word from my mom that India slept for six hours straight this morning. I can't believe it! Too bad it wasn't last night when I was trying to sleep. Oh well.

To Breastfeed or Not To Breastfeed... That is the question.

This week Danny and I are debating on when to switch India to formula. So far the breast feeding has gone well. I pump while I'm at work and then store the milk for India while she's at my mom's house. When we're together, I feed her. This past week was kind-of rough for me. Sunday I had some problems with engorgement and also had really sore nips (tmi). It seems like every other day now I have some kind of issue. On Monday, I wasn't producing as much  milk and yesterday my nips were sore again (I know, I know). So anyway, Danny suggested that we switch India to formula starting in November to relieve me of some of the stress, responsibility and occasional pain. If we do that, he will get more time with her since he will be able to feed her too. He doesn't get a lot of time with her because he works so much, so this will give him the chance to start bonding with her a little more when he is at home.

I just don't know. In a way, changing her to formula sounds like a great idea. I could use the break. But at the same time, I don't want to do it for selfish reasons. With that said, I don't want to keep breast feeding for selfish reasons either. I know I will miss it once I stop. It's so hard to explain to someone who hasn't experienced it, but when I breast feed I feel like I am really caring for her. When I think about stopping I cry. There is such a bond that we share when I feed her. But at the same time am I keeping her from bonding with her father?

Pros:

Convenience (for all of us)

Consistency

Control (qty and content)

More time/bonding with Danny

Don't have to pump at work

Takes less time

Won't be all dependent on me

Cons:

More expensive

For some reason I can't think of any more cons than that. I've been told that formula has all the same stuff that breast milk has and that it's fine. So why shouldn't I switch?  :(

Nana likes taking pictures

Apparently I'm not the only one that loves taking pictures of her. These are from today.

Nana Took Some Pictures

Here are some pictures that Nana has taken of India over the past couple of weeks. She captured some smiles!

More Pictures (2 Months Old)

Here's my baby bear...

Big Smiles!

India is staying up longer in between her feedings and is also reacting more to her surroundings. She loves to stare at her ladybug mobile and bumpers and also likes to stare at stuff hanging on the walls. She turns to the sound of my voice and you can tell she is trying really hard to focus on my face. She's making more noises and if you make different noises her eyes get really big and she will smile. Nana makes noises at her all the time (cause she's crazy like that) and India really seems to enjoy it. She's so cool. I wish I had more time with her. Maybe one day... 

I'm going to start playing the Lotto!!

Here are those pictures I promised!

This is India at 7 weeks old.

2 Months Old

India will be 2 months old on Saturday but got her 2 month shots today. She did really great. The shots were given to her very quickly in both legs. She let out a big scream, then I picked her up to comfort her and she stopped crying. It makes me sad to think that now she knows what pain is. If I could shield her from it her entire life, I would. But I guess if you know no pain then how do you know what good feels like? She's so strong and such a trooper. Bless her.

Her stats are all good. She weighs in at 10lbs. 7oz. and 21in. long. Everything is measuring normal and the doctor says she is meeting all her milestones. She lifts her head and holds it really well and even leans back so that she is holding herself up off your shoulder. She's also using her legs to push up and holds herself up pretty good (while leaning against something). This week she has started to stay awake longer during the daytime hours and is smiling more. She's also starting to "Coo" and make more noises. It's not just a cry anymore, she is learning she can make different sounds. So awesome!!

I have some new pictures of her that I will probably post tomorrow. Stay tuned!

New Doctor

This morning I took India to a new pediatrician. I wasn't happy with her old one. Seemed a little careless and didn't explain things to me when I asked. So, I found a new pediatrician and I really like her. I didn't have to ask very many questions, she explained everything to me and I felt really comfortable with her. 

Update on India:

She weighs 9.12 lbs. now and is growing fast. Today we found out she has an umbilical hernia. That means that part of her bowel is being pushed forward into her belly button by her stomach muscles. The doctor says that as of right now it's nothing to worry about and should go away on it's own. I just have to keep an eye on it. She said it's pretty common. Once her stomach muscles start to develop and split into the two sides (like a six pack) then it should release. If it hasn't corrected itself within a year we might need to look into surgery.

Other than that, she has to get her shots next week (yuck). I'm not looking forward to that visit, but Danny is going to go with me too for support. Wish us luck!!