{{A Laskowski Christmas}}

Our first Christmas as a family of three has come and gone, already! I was totally in the Christmas and holiday spirit early on this year. All I could think about was how much joy this time of year would bring to Finn from here on out. That notion in itself was enough for me to dig into our holiday décor early November and flood the homestead with some good ole' "cheer;" and naturally, Home Alone, Christmas Vacation, and Rudolph were on blast mode in the background since the day after Thanksgiving...actually...since Thanksgiving night. No shame here. The sounds and smells of this time of year are so comforting and cozy and I just couldn't get enough of it!

Our little bubba came down with a nasty cold the week prior to Christmas, and was at the tail-end of it by the time Christmas morning came; thus, a snot-covered, miserable, snuggly little man is what we had. Despite, he had so much fun ripping into his presents (and we were totally shocked at those fine motor skills in doing so!). Our hearts were spilling over, and I was a blubbery mommy mess. Oh the joy, oh my heart.

Snippets from our Christmas:

{{6 Months of Finn }}

Another month has gone by and this one is a biggy. We are officially at the half of a year old mark. Six months old, six months young, six months of pure sugar, six of the best months we've ever had in our lives.

  

Developmental Milestones:

Eating two "meals" of puree a day.

Wiggling all around on the floor to get where/what he wants.

Sitting up unassisted for about a minute before toppling over

Grabbing ANYTHING and EVERYTHING he is interested in (and then putting it in his mouth).

Has officially outgrown one of his swings. :(

Reaching for momma, daddy, gramma, and his papa.

Cooing and babbling up a storm.

Throwing things on the floor and then watching them on the ground until someone is able to come pick it up, in which he then throws it on the ground again. :)

Looks Like: Daddy mostly, but again starting to see more of myself in his face around his little mouth.

Eating: 5-7 oz. every 2.5 hours plus 2 pureed meals of a fruit/veggie and single grain oatmeal.

Weighs: 18.9 lbs.

Inches: 27 1/2

Play: Is really interested in anything he can reach out for and actually accomplish grabbing, mainly, interested in things that are not his toys (remote, phones, I-pad). Loves his exersaucer, playing with toys on his belly, and anything that allows him to be in motion.

Sleep: Still some nights of struggle, but for the most part he's back to only getting up once in the middle of the night for a feeding (typically 2am).

Size: 6-9  to 9 month clothes. Size 3 diapers.

Hair: Blondie. More and more each day. It's so soft I just rub my cheeks all over that fuzz.

Eyes: BLUE. <3

What He Loves: 

Putting all things in his mouth

Reading (chewing on) books

The movie "Home"

Bath time

Dancing with momma

Avocados

Currently obsessed with our kitty Jappetto

Grabbing cheeks and pulling us in for wet smooches

Yoga After C-Section

Before getting pregnant you could say that I was more infatuated with the physical aspects of yoga and focusing on what new inversion/pose I could nail than anything. I loved how yoga allowed me to see progress in such short amounts of time. One day during my practice I'd still be an inch or so away from letting my toes tickle the hair on my head, and then BAM... just like that my toes would be resting on my head the very next day. Don't get me wrong it was all hard work, but I just loved that physical evidence of progress. It was addicting. In my first trimester of pregnancy I was still very much into the physical aspects, though I slowed down a bit. When my body did start growing  my practice without a doubt began evolving. By the middle of my second trimester I was no longer concerned with the physical challenges anymore. Each day on my mat was my time to practice mindfulness, to focus on my breath and to connect with the life that was growing inside of me. I started to feel such a sense of fullness and peace at the end of each practice as opposed to a sense of "accomplishment." I started to crave that feeling of connectedness throughout my day, and that's when I realized that my practice had become whole. I was making progress, but it wasn't just physically. It was mentally, emotionally, mindfully. And truly I don't know that I would have ever improved in those areas had there not been a beautiful little heart beating inside of me. I am forever grateful that our little guy gave me the gift of not only himself, but the gift of deepening my practice on so many other levels.

Anyway, I continued to practice all throughout my pregnancy and actually up until the day of  (though at that point my practice consisted mainly of staying in malasana/squat pose for 30 minutes). My plan was to have an unmedicated, vaginal delivery and return to regular practice as soon as I possibly could. Well, we all know how birth "plans"rarely ever actually go to plan, and long story short we ended up with an emergency cesarean. (If you DO want the long version, you can find our birth story here).

After weeks of bearing myself down to cough/sneeze, hugging walls just to walk down the stairs, and feeling as though my guts were going to fall out of my belly button at any moment...I knew that I was really going to have to start over in my practice. And boy was I right. It really, truly, was, starting over. Initially even the basics such as tree pose and down dog were difficult! It's amazing how much you do use your core in everyday life, and having had diastasis recti in addition to a cesarean made for a double challenge. Though I had to go back to the basics, I wasn't disappointed in the least! Mainly because the reason I had to go back was the best thing that ever happened to me; and also, because in the past the foundational poses came all too easily. So working on them and really paying attention to my posture, breath, form, and mindset was all so revitalizing!

• With that said, I initially only did some light stretching postpartum in addition to some daily walking. After my 6 week check-up I was told that I was healing beautifully and given the go-ahead to slowly get back into a regular routine (with MY sense and comfort in mind). From about 6 weeks to 9 weeks I was simply sticking to the basics. Honestly, a couple of Sun Salutations, a little floor work (cat, cow, balasana/child's pose) and some standing poses made up my practice for the day.
•  I returned to taking classes at a local studio at approximately 10 weeks postpartum...and WHOA, was that a challenge. The classes I attend are very much dedicated to the traditional Ashtanga yoga practice and typically run through most of the primary series. A lot of modifications were needed but I didn't mind a bit, the instructors were more than helpful.
•  I initially avoided twisting and used blocks for a lot of the sitting asanas. I became comfortable with twisting and going without blocks at about 16 weeks PP. At that time and even to date (baby boy is 5 months old) I still have reservations when it comes to inversions or anything that requires me to bend backwards. I have irrational thoughts of my incision site bursting at the seams, but I'm learning that those fears are okay. It allows me to celebrate small victories like holding bridge a second longer each week or moving another inch away from the wall when doing inversions.
•  Don't let your mind wonder and focus on all that you used to be able to do.There's no use in getting upset over things that don't go to "plan." We set such high expectations for ourselves but life has it's own flow in mind, we have to learn to just let go and to flow with it.

(Photos taken by the amazing Vienna Glenn Photography)

Reflecting on my experiences, my birth, and my practice, I wouldn't change a single thing. Being pregnant allowed me to deepen my practice to where mindfulness and breath became more important than the physical aspects; and having gone through a cesarean allowed me to appreciate the power of foundational yoga poses. I didn't appreciate them the way I do now. The basics. The deepening of each simple pose. Though I am progressing and working on my inversions once again, I without a doubt get the most out of the simplest asanas.

For you yogi mommas who have gone through a similar experience, my best advice is to take it slow. Go with the flow, literally. Welcome the challenge of having to go back to the basics. Love and appreciate your bodies for what they've beautifully grown and endured.

xo
Kelsey


NOTE: I am in NO WAY a certified yoga instructor/teacher. Though I've had wonderful teachers along the way, a majority of my journey through yoga has been that of self-discovery and curiosity to learn independently. This post is simply based on my personal experiences with returning to a yoga practice post c-section. Know that each woman's healing experience is unique to them and may look entirely different than my own. Always play it safe and consult with a professional/physician before returning to physical activity post-babe. <3

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5 Months of Finn

Can someone please tell me why "5 months" sounds so much older than four? At four months we were still closer to "newborn." Now, we're closer to being a HALF OF A YEAR old! What? But baby boy I just had you? Now I get it... I do. Those moms...you know the ones...the one's that make you do quick math when you ask how old their babe is. "Oh, he's 64 weeks old." Because if you keep telling their age by week then they'll never truly get older, right? Wrong. Our little bubba's are going to keep growing regardless. That's proven every morning when he wakes up in skin tight jammies that you swear were loose before you put him to bed. Don't get me wrong, I love his little growing self. He's learning so much and it's so fun to watch. I adore him. I freaaaaking love. our. son. Finn at 5 months:

  

Developmental Milestones:

While on belly props himself on knees and attempts to push up (in crawling position).

"Worming" around during tummy time.

Had his first pureed foods: sweet potatoes and pears.

Held his own bottle throughout the entire feeding.

Choosing toys he's most interested in out of a line-up.

Very aware of surroundings-looks for us when we say his name.

Looks Like: A damn angel. He's gorgeous. I still see mostly John but am starting to see more of myself around his mouth-cheeks-jaw area.

Eating: Still about 5 oz. of breastmilk every 2.5 hours. We tried the teeny bit of puree but decided we wanted to wait until he was 6 months to make it a daily "menu" item.

Weighs: We have an 18 pounder. <3

Inches: 27 1/4

Play:  Loves to gnaw on the face of his fox, sock monkey, and jungle monkey. Is an avid fan of dance parties and awkward body movements from his dad and I. Still loves his alone time on his jungle mat. Prefers to play with toys in his high chair over saucer or swing.

Sleep: Has been variable. Some nights he's back to sleeping through them, while others he's up 2-3 times. Currently trying to establish a schedule!:)

Size: 6 to 6-9 month clothes. Size 3 diapers.

Hair: His hair is growing back again! Cute blonde peach fuzz on his round little gourd.

Eyes: Blueeee Blue Blue!

4 Months of Finn Aloysius

Well we totally passed by the 3 month mark and are now at 4months! I started back up at work full-time and the last month or so has been a time of craziness coming to some sort of functionality with regard to routine amongst my little tribe. I’m happy to say that we definitely have gotten the swing of things, despite me still wishing I could just be a stay-at-home momma [insert drastic cry face here]. Finn continues to be a dreamy little babe. I mean really, what was life even like before him? Obsession doesn’t even come close to how I feel about him. I love him so much that I feel sorry for him having to deal with such a (s)mother. Finn in a nutshell at 4 months old:

Developmental Milestones:

Rolls from back to belly

Gut laughs. Like real, hard, gut laughs. <3

Holds himself up with arms straightened during tummy time

Can perform circus-type balancing acts with his co-star, daddy

Can hold intellectual babble conversations

“Scoots” when on belly

Looks Like: He is still 100% his father. Though, he does make a lot of my facial expressions.

Eating: About 5 oz. of breastmilk every 2.5 hours. We recently just introduced a teeny bit of rice cereal to him a couple nights ago as well, he didn’t seem to really like or dislike it.

Weighs: 15.8 lbs

Inches: 26 inches

Play:  A very vocal little babe. Still loves his alone time on his jungle mat, has warmed up to the mama-roo, and loves his new Johnny Jumper! We recently bought him a play saucer that he’s getting used to and…we introduced him to Little Einstein’s…this.kid.loves.little.einsteins.

Sleep: I’m kicking myself in the tush right now for bragging these last few months that he’s slept through the night since he was about 6 weeks old. This past week he’s been getting up almost every 2 hours! Though I will say I think his cold had something to do with it. I adore the middle-of-the-night snuggles, but fingers crossed this “4 month regression” turns around!

Size: Wearing all 6 month clothes. Size 2 diapers.

Hair: He’s definitely a little blondie. Unfortunately, he had a bit of cradle cap that daddy couldn’t help but pick at…leaving him with some actual bald spots!! He’s still the cutest little bald babe that ever was, however.  

Eyes: Totally rocking some gorgeous blues right now.

Modern Wrap Goodness

Bubs and I were oh so lucky enough to have been chosen to be featured in Modern Wrap's Modern Motherhood series (#MWModernMotherhood on Instagram!). I've said it 100 times over and I'll say it again, baby wearing has been a lovely little dream. I get to get things done around the house and snuggle Finn simultaneously...win! Plus, it's been said that wearing your babe helps with their cognition as there's more opportunity to interact in the environment around them...double win. Modern Wrap is a line that carries wraps, nursing/car seat covers, + swaddling blankets. The fabrics/patterns these items come in are (modern) and gorgeous...really. We love the bit of stretch in the fabric as it allows little man to be snug but comfortable when I'm wearing him. We chose the color natural for the classic carrier wrap, a black + white stripe for the swaddle blanket, and marbled grey for the nursing wrap. Below you'll find the answers to some questions Modern Wrap wanted to know about us regarding this new adventure into parenthood:

What has motherhood taught you?

-Motherhood has taught me to be present in the moment. To be mindful and to soak in the beauty of my every breath that is spent with my little. It’s taught me that there really is a form of love so unconditional that it aches. It’s taught me to toss comparison out the window, to rock the scent of spit-up, and to leave the dishes in the sink, because these moments are precious and father time certainly isn’t going to slow down for us.

What do you want most for your child?

-As a new mother naturally I should say I want the world for him.  But really, I want for him to be both a compassionate and passionate little soul. To believe in and stay true to himself despite a world that will constantly challenge that.  To grow in an environment in which he knows how incredibly loved he is. To experience happiness in whatever form it may come, and to have an admirable, wild imagination that never fades.

If you breastfeed your baby, what was the biggest challenge you experienced with breastfeeding? How did you overcome it?

-Breastfeeding is not for wimps, I’ll certainly say that. Initially my little guy latched and took to it like a champ, but shortly after my breasts became so engorged that it was nearly impossible for him to latch on which led to a lot of frustration and crying on both ends. I was so overwhelmed emotionally and actually questioned my ability to continue breastfeeding him. But, by practicing patience and mindfulness on top of having plenty of “nurse-in” days, I’m happy to say we overcame the days of struggle. Feedings now are such a moment of peace and magic for us, I’m so happy I stuck with it.

Ava Anderson Non Toxic: Baby Massage Lotion Product Review

First of all, I genuinely do not know how we haven't come across this wonderful company sooner. Ava Anderson Non Toxic is a brand devoted to offering a line of products that are completely rid of toxins and/or chemicals. They utilize 100% natural ingredients, using skin safe essential oils (which you know we love) to naturally fragrant their goods.They don't just offer skin care products either, they go above and beyond with lines like Ava Auto, Pets, Home, Hair, BABY and Garden, just to name a few. Ah, perfect for our little fam!

We were given the opportunity to give the baby body & massage lotion a go from their Ava Baby line, and boy are we happy about it! Finn may not get a bath every night, but he is a boy who loves his nightly baby massages (so naturally we were pretty pumped to try it out). Six nights/massages later...we're in love! Not only is the lotion itself just absolutely wonderful, but it gives this momma peace of mind to know that I'm not soaking my precious little's skin with harsh chemicals.  You can follow this link http://avaandersonnontoxic.com/why-non-toxic/ to get more information on how to identify dangerous chemicals and other tidbits of info such as how the FDA does not regulate the personal care products industry (because many labels on some of our beloved products say organic or natural, when the reality is there are still chemicals in them). Ava products are 100% chemical free and completely natural. Did I say that already? I'll say it again...one hundred percent of goodness.

S L A T H E R away without a care in the world, my friends.

Review:

Scent: It's scented using lavender essential oil so it has a genuine lavender smell, not that artificial lavender scent you get in a lot of other products. So calming, and not just for my babe! I swear as I'm massaging his chunky little leg rolls I drift off into a relaxing world of my own because of the smell; and it's not overpowering either.

Consistency: Nice. You'd think because there are a couple different base oils in it that it'd be super greasy feeling but it isn't at all! Not too thick and not too runny.

Color: cream/natural

Size: 8 oz. Despite using it every night I think this bottle will last us a while due to not needing much when using. The oils in it make it easy to spread/go a long way and it overall absorbs into the skin nicely. Also, being it holds 8 oz. the container is not too bulky. Translation: easy to toss into a diaper bag and take with you everywhere you go (because we have).

Price: Completely budget friendly. This 8 oz. bottle goes for $12.95 on their website.

Effectiveness: It really is a soothing lotion that's perfect before bedtime and calming down my little. Not to mention, his skin still smells delicious in the morning after using it at bedtime. I also want to note that my little guy had a rough/bumpy/rash-y patch on one of his meaty thighs, and after massaging it with the lotion only once it was cleared up the next day (not sure if this was because of the lotion, but it was the only other variable different in our nightly routine).

O V E R A L L: a budget friendly, wonderful smelling, good for your health, natural product that you can feel good about using. I am so happy that we had the opportunity to test this out. And seriously I can't wait to get my hands on all the other goodness this company offers...a PET line? We have 5 animals...we're sold.