Braids and Bulldozers: May is just a memory

In the last couple of weeks we have had our ups and our downs. Time flies by so fast, and I keep thinking I will get better at keeping this blog up to date, but before I know it, it has been another couple of weeks and I haven't even had a second to take a breath much less catch up with all of you. For the quick run-down, these are the things we have been up to.

Momma got sick
Hailey had her final band concert
Tyler and Momma spent the night with Nana
Lacee and Leah finished up the school year (Hailey will finish Thursday)
Had a wonderful dinner with grandparents, aunt & uncle, and cousins in Austin
Tyler started sleeping with a humidifier (gotta clear up this congestion)
Ordered a new swing for Tyler (one that will plug in!)
Tyler is starting to tolerate tummy time a little better
Holding head up really well
Doing lots of talking and even more smiling
Starting to try to reach for things
Finally, we have moved from nursing to formula

The thing that has most consumed all of my thoughts and concerns has been the issue of nursing. I had planned and hoped to be able to nurse Tyler through 8 months, but once I started working full-time, it has just become such an ordeal. Part of the reason I chose to work at the day care was to be able to continue nursing, but as I moved into the 2-year-old room, it became apparent that this was not going to work. I tried it for a couple of days, but the only way it was going to work was going to be to pump...this was even worse! Me and pumping did not get along at all and ultimately I wasn't able to take a breather throughout the day. I was having to pump during all recess times and lunch. Not only was I exhausted at the end of the day, but I wasn't able to spend a single second with Tyler...and wasn't that the reason I started working there in the first place??? So, Chad and I sat down and had a serious talk last week about working and nursing and what would be best for us and Tyler. We decided to go ahead and switch to formula at this time. Once the decision was made my stress level went down considerably and I was finally able to enjoy my job and enjoy about another 3 hours a day with Tyler while at work. He seems to be taking to the formula just fine (maybe even better than he did nursing). He is holding it down a bit better and I think he really enjoys getting fuller faster. As for me, I am finally reaching the end of the pain and looking at the positive side of things. I know have time for so many things like riding horses, shopping, pedicures, working out, ect. It's nice that Chad and Hailey (and any one else) can help with feedings now and I don't have to revolve my entire life around him eating. Feeding times have also gone from about an hour at a time to about 15 minutes at a time. This in itself has freed up an incredible amount of my time. I think it's going to be good for both of us in the end, and I'm just thankful for the 3 1/2 months I was able to nurse to ensure that we both received some of the benefits that come from nursing. Now at least we have more play time together and not just feeding time.

Below are a few pictures of the last couple of weeks...Enjoy!