Life as a single mom

Granna came to town President's Day weekend My mom came this past weekend and helped me out a lot. She was up with Tanner on Friday night and allowed me to get some rest. Saturday we walked around downtown Charleston. The weather was beautiful!! With some grocery shopping, light house cleaning, a lot of laundry we had a wonderful weekend with Granna. Thanks, Mom! xoxo

I visited a lactation consultant and at 6mos shared with her that I could tell my milk supply was getting low. Her response was…”Have a baby moon!” What is a baby moon exactly? Thanks for asking – because I had to ask too. She said, like a honeymoon (which, mind you…I know NOTHING about other than what I see on TV and hear from friends) you hang out and watch movies all weekend. Do everything around the house, do not go outdoors and stay skin-to-skin as much as you can. I have not tried it yet but I did buy some Fenugreek tea – the other suggestion she gave me. But, I liked her suggestions and wanted to share for all breastfeeding mothers out there who are on the verge of quitting. Try a baby moon!

This is a post I wrote about 2 mos ago...(PAST) My daycare has started giving Tanner fruit, veggies, etc before the doctor said it was ok and before I have done it (therefore, taking away my first experiences with him which makes me miserably sad just thinking about it). They told me on Thursday. It was written on his take home paper that lists everything for the day - wet diapers, naps, bottles, etc. Needless to say, I've been upset ever since but trying very hard to contain it. They told me a few weeks ago to bring some new things in - such as bananas, apple sauce, etc. I, however, assumed that whatever I brought would be the only thing they fed him. So, I only brought in cereal and after I fed it to him first. Apparently, I was wrong. I picked him up on thursday and they mentioned he had eaten other food. Yesterday his paper I brought home that notes formula, diaper changes, etc said he ate cereal and fruit. Today was his 4mo appt. So I had not asked the dr about food yet he d...

Family, friends, coworkers and even daycare employees have gifted me with hand me downs. Each gifted item has come in very handy...not to mention MUCH appreciated. Being well aware of how much a child cost I will take the “gently used” onesie over a new Ralph Lauren with a $15 price tag any day. Besides, with the frequent blowouts, I am often known for just trashing a onesie instead of going through the trouble of washing it out and cleaning it. Sorry to anyone who has loaned me your child’s clothes in hopes of getting every article of clothing back. I hope this does not prevent any future donations to the Jarrett/Tanner charity! Not to promote one store over another but Once Upon a Child consignment store has also been added to my occasional shopping trips. If you know of any other great places to get inexpensively priced baby items, please post as a comment. Share the wealth!

A great comedian talking about children eating and having a mess all over their face - I AM HAPPY! If you choose to watch to the very end, there is some *adult* humor too. Enjoy!

While driving to Granna and Johnny’s house one weekend, I decided to give my brother a call. Madeline got on the phone with me and I just have to share 2 adorable things she said. 1. When I told her baby Tanner said hello, her response, in pure excitement was, “Baby Tanner can TALK?!” 2. When Madeline found out where baby Tanner and I were going she said… ”Baby Tanner said he wanted to go see Granna and Johnny – so you just got in the car and goe’d?” My prompt response was…”yes, we just goe’d!” I figured what was the point in correcting her then. She will learn proper grammar later. This was a time to merely enjoy her innocence and cuteness. And here is a pic of Madeline and all her cuteness...

One of my dearest and long-time friends has once again shared her skills and talent with me. Angel  is available to capture your special moments. Visit her  website  or LOVE her (as much as I do) on  Facebook . Here is one of several great photos taken by Angel for Tanner's 6 month photo session. Angel also did my maternity pictures...take a look... Thank you, Angel. visit her:  website  or  Facebook .

It just occurred to me that children's clothes often have a weight range (minimum and maximum) printed on their tag. Thank goodness adult clohes do not! This also reminded me that when I was a child and my parents sold a kitten from our cat's litter that the owners took the cat to the vet to be euthanized. Instead of being put down, the vet called my parents to let them know. When my mom asked why the cat was brought in the vet responded, "because the kitten has bad gas." Again - thank goodness this does not happen to humans!

Thanks to Stefanie Blakely for introducing me to my new favorite song!

Today I took Tanner to his 6 month check up It was so nice to have the doctor look directly into my eyes, pat my back and tell me what a good job I'm doing. 6 months, 5 days and he weighed in at 21 lbs 6 oz and 29.5 in long. He's a BIG, happy and healthy BOY!

"When he has teeth - I'm done with nursing." That is what I said but at 6 months old, he now has his two bottom teeth coming in. So far, we have had no problems with biting. However, a girlfriend of mine from Phoenix did provide me with a very length "how-to" email that I found comfort in reading.

After just enough persuasion from my friends on Facebook, of which I truly needed none, I decided to blog about my life. Life as a single mom will hopefully help me make note of those every day moments with my little one. The goal is to post blogs to serve as an outlet for me and a place for you to feel good about yourself! Deep down however, the truth is...if I blog about it and you read about it then I may begin to feel not so alone! Please feel free to share with me some ideas on what I should blog about. I'm willing to write about anything you are willing to read!