My Second 6 Months as a First Time Mom
My First 6 Months as a First Time Mom flew by and the months that followed were no exception.
Breast Pumping
For the most part of this previous year, I had a breast pumping routine that worked well for me. I would pump 3 times a day; when I first woke up, 7-9 hours later, & before bed. Sometimes it wasnโt convenient, especially when we were away from home, but we always made it work. Now that baby CJ is 12 months and eating regular โmealsโ, he doesnโt need or drink as much breastmilk. I am working towards weaning off completely from pumping. From what Iโve researched, it has to be done gradually to not cause pain and discomfort. Every other day, I skip the middle pumping which leads to pumping when I wake up and at bedtime instead of the every 8-hour average. I aim to be done with pumping altogether by the time baby CJ is 14 months.
Tip: Switching to regular birth control also helps reduce milk production!
Baby Milestones
Seeing your baby developing mentally is truly fascinating. Baby CJ learns so fast, heโs such an advanced little sponge. Baby CJ started walking without help at 11 months! This was one of the proudest moments of our lives! At the same time, I couldnโt and still canโt believe how fast my baby is growing. I think every parent wishes their babies would stay babies foreverย *cries uncontrollably*.ย With that being said, weโre so proud of how much his mind can grasp and how fast heโs developing.
Baby CJ has had only 2 teeth since he was about 8 months. This limits the types of food textures he can eat. Sometimes he can mash most things, but other times he tries to swallow food whole. This really scares me. At times I think he just canโt mash it enough but then at times, it seems like heโs just being lazy or maybe he tried mashing it for a bit and got tired and decided to try and swallow. Whatever it might be, I think we all (including baby CJ) just want him to get more teeth so he can enjoy food without theย risk of choking! Other than that, he truly surprises us every day!
Parenthood
Iโve realized how easy the First 6 months as a First Time Mom were compared to the past 6 months. Itโs not more difficult, but it does take more out of me physically because as baby CJ starts walking around, a closer eye needs to be on him. He wants to play with everything heโs not supposed to and thatโs when he has to be redirected to a different part of the room. I feel like Iโm repeating myself but, itโs great seeing your baby develop right before your eyes; seeing them learn the things we consider โbasicโ is truly amazing. Everything they are learning and doing, they are experiencing for the very first time and at times it might be overwhelming for them and thatโs when you have to be most patient. Weโve both learned so much from each other, I feel like a better person because of baby CJ and I know husband does too!
Motherhoodย and parenthood, in general, really is theย greatest experience. Both husband and I look forward to a life of learning, fun, and adventures with baby CJ!
Check out baby CJ’s First & Second 6 Months of Fun and Milestones!
I love this age because everything is a first for them it’s amazing to watch them and you’re right they’re little sponges they absorb everything that goes on more and more words more actions, it is so much fun. I’m so glad that you guys are enjoying. You 2 are great parents. CJ is blessed.
It definitely gets more exhausting the more independent they get! There will be moments when you grab one of his smaller shirts and wonder where the time went, but I think you will love watching how his mind develops. It is truly fascinating.