Corbin Stellar Is One Month Today!

Lulu Lunachick!

Lana Lulu's softball team has won three games in a row!! Lets hope this gives them the confidence to beat the team they're up against next week. We hope you'll come out and show Lou your support!

Corbin Stellar's DIY Newborn Shoot

First Two Weeks...

 

Crunchy Mom Fail

Those of you that know me, know very well that I am an avid supporter of extended breastfeeding.  Well, I had planned to nurse Corbin for as long as he wanted.  But after two weeks of trying, crying, bleeding, crying, and did I mention, crying...I believe I have no choice but to admit defeat.  I have always (and will always) have FLAT nipples.  When I decided to pump instead to let them heal (because they have become disgusting open sores that look like they could possibly be infected), my body decided not to comply.  I pumped for thirty minutes on the left side today and got less than half an ounce.  I am going to see if I can find a properly fitted nipple shield today and maybe I can continue like that for as long as possible...but I've decided that if it doesn't work, I won't make myself feel like a bad mother for having to switch to formula.  HA.  As I type that, I start to cry.  I feel like the most epic failure of a mother for not being able to nurse my own offspring.  I have had the most unbelievable support in the last couple of weeks with everyone cheering me on...and I don't want to let anyone down...especially Corbin...and my incredible husband...and I don't want people thinking I didn't try hard enough...because i KNOW people get through this.  I am going to try not to purposefully avoid being around people...but I have a feeling that this emotional devastation will send me right into hermit-hood.  Maybe once I get over the sting of being a third time breast feeding failure, I'll start to come around again.  PS: I love all of you...if I ignore your thoughtful texts, please don't take it personally...I just need to not discuss feeding my son with everyone all day for a while.

Yes, i'm aware that this is full of grammatical errors.  I'm too tired to make it look all "bloggy" and accurate.

In other news...i'm down 31 lbs. yay

UPDATE: Corbin has been successfully breastfeeding for TWENTY ONE WEEKS!!! We supplement a couple bottles a day, but he nurses every two hours or more.  I am SO glad I didn't give up!!!!

Corbin Stellar's Home Birth Story {in photos}

*notice to readers* 

While all of these photos are very personal to me and some show a bit of skin, rest assured, you will not see any of my lady bits.  ;)  You may continue...

This is the photo story of how Corbin Stellar Andrus came into our lives.  Fast...but peacefully and perfectly.  Contractions started at around 6:25pm.  Amy, my Friend and Doula, arrived at around 7:45pm.  After a while, Daddy knew it was time to fill up the tub.  I got in at about 9:30pm and the midwives showed up a half an hour later.  They checked me for the first time about ten minutes after they arrived and I was at 10cm and ready to push!  At 10:57pm, after about twenty minutes of intense labor and pushing, he made his debut.  Purple and covered in vernix.

I may add more to the story later, but as it has taken me a week and a half just to upload and type all of this, I think I'll save my promises. :)

In the water around 9:30...omg, did that feel GOOD. (ish)

Being checked for the first time...about 30 minutes after the midwives arrived and about 25 minutes before he was born.

Pushing sucks.

Sorry about your arm, Honey. 

"Oh. My. God.  That's a baby! And he feels like the sting rays I felt at the fair yesterday!"  (my odd first thoughts)

holy crap, I'm tired. Cheese!

He's already in love.  

Our first attempt at nursing.  Oh how I wish I had known how to properly latch that very first time.  :(

21 inches.

9lbs

Daddy's first task...washing his curly hair.

We gave Harley his first little hat so she could smell him and me on it and know that Corbin is a part of "The Pack"

Is it over yet? ;)