Seven is my lucky number and I’m so excited to share Harper’s 7 month updates. Where to start? Harper now sits perfectly and is starting to pull up on a lot of things and wants to stand with support all the time. She has shown some interest in crawling but she’s still working on it—she can go from sitting to her hands and knees (or many times just one knee and her other leg straight in front of her). She sometimes gets onto her hands and knees and then just plops down onto her belly again, it just depends what mood she’s in. She can scoot around a bit too. Everyone keeps telling me to treasure the non-mobile stage because things start to get pretty crazy once babies can move.
I’m dreading childproofing our home and to be honest, though I absolutely love our house, I do wish we had a more traditional layout now that we have a baby. I will not buy another home that is this open-concept again because I’d like to have some separate areas that can a) stay clean and have no baby stuff in them and b) be blocked off so they are a “safer space.” The thing about an open concept space is that there’s absolutely no division between the rooms…so you can see everything from everywhere which makes it hard to keep your home looking clean and organized even when you’ve spent the time picking up and putting things away…anyway, I’m getting off on a tangent here, but if you have an open concept home and have any childproofing tips or product recommendations, I’m all ears! I think we are eventually going to get one of those baby playpen gate things that I see in everyone’s homes.
Just a few days ago we celebrated our first Christmas with Harper and we couldn’t feel more blessed to have the best gift of all in our lives. I sometimes think back to when she was born and I am still in awe that we created this tiny human who is just so sweet and growing and learning everyday. It amazes me to look back at one of her first ultrasound photos where she looked like a little “engagement ring” and think about how that little tiny engagement ring developed into the little girl that graces our lives with her love everyday.
In other news, we have two teeth! Two front bottom teeth, to be exact! Harper literally got her two front teeth for Christmas. They had been breaking through the gums for a few weeks and they finally poked through to where you can see them, but they’re not fully emerged yet. I was pleasantly surprised with how well she did with teething. We had a few fussier days and nights, but overall she didn’t seem to be majorly impacted.
I’ve been really, really exhausted lately. I mean like can barely-keep-my-eyes-open exhausted. I think it all finally caught up to me and I’m burned out. Being a working mom is tough because I’m tired when I get home but I want to be energetic and engaged so that I’m spending the best quality time I can with Harper. I sometimes wish I only worked part time so I could enjoy more time with her and get a little break from balancing my day so much. I used to be really “go go go” on weekends doing stuff around the house during Harper’s naps, but for the last couple of weekends I’ve been trying to get some extra rest by taking naps with her (because that laundry and cleaning can wait, sometimes).
I never get to sleep in because of pumping so I’ve cut myself some slack and listened to my body. Though I’ve adjusted really well to being at work, I have constant mommy guilt. I still cry when traffic is really bad, in total and utter frustration that it just means more time away from her. The only thing that keeps me sane is when I walk into Harper’s class to pick her up and she just has such a joyous look on her face when she sees me. Also, I continually thank God that I have a job I actually enjoy and work with people I like. I realize that is not the case for many working moms and reminding myself of that brings me some peace with my decision.
Since I’m waking up 30 minutes earlier to pump and staying up extra late to pump before bed, my goal is to drop down to 4 pumping sessions a day from 5. I don’t want my supply to go down and right now, I make more than she eats…so I am thinking in the next few months I will try to drop a session permanently and see how that goes. I feel blessed that my body is able to nourish her, but I won’t lie, it is tough to be attached to a pump for over 2 hours everyday and running your entire life around pumping. I cannot wait for the day where I can wake up and not have to pump and go to sleep without pumping.
I hope these words are not discouraging to other moms who are pumping or plan to pump—there are so many good feelings attached to it too—like the fact that I know I am giving my baby the best nutrition for her and that I am sticking with a goal that was really important to me. Reflecting back, I have never fully stuck with a health-related goal consistently (eating well, working out, etc). I always go through phases with things like that, it ebbs and flows. Some of those phases last a long time (like for over a year when I was seeing a personal trainer and when my husband and I were doing five days a week of bootcamp), but I usually drop off the wagon eventually.
If I meet my pumping goal, it will be one of the only health-related goals I have ever fully met. Maybe I’m being too hard on myself by saying I never meet my health goals—because before I got pregnant I really was in the best shape of my life, but I do find it difficult to stay completely consistent, especially now that I have other priorities. So meeting this goal would be especially meaningful to me because I will know that my daughter can motivate me to do absolutely anything. Some days, it’s the only thing that gets me through another pumping session.
Social: Harper gets a lot of socialization at daycare since she’s there three days a week and we take her everywhere we go with us on weekends. We are also planning more playdates!
Diet: I am still exclusively pumping for Harper (read more about my pumping story here) and I still produce just a little more than she needs. I have a freezer stash that is quite large, so I wanted to donate it to the donor milk program at the hospital where I work, but unfortunately, my milk did not qualify because I was taking fenugreek supplements to build my supply. I am no longer taking those supplements, so I may be able to donate newly pumped (frozen) milk sometime in the future. Or, I may quite pumping a month earlier than intended and use the freezer stash for her last month of Harper’s feedings. We shall see. Harper drinks 30 oz of breast milk per day, 6 oz in each bottle, in addition to the solids that she eats twice a day (breakfast and dinner).
Harper is really liking solids so far. She has had baby oatmeal, sweet potatoes, pears, apples, peas, banana and carrots. I am using the book “Baby Love” as a guide to make all of her food. The first time she tries a new food, whether she likes it or not, she makes the funniest face. Her favorite so far is apples, which doesn’t surprise me. She probably has a sweet tooth like her mamma. I was going to delay introducing fruits until I had given her most of the vegetables that are recommended, but I read some studies that indicated that babies are born with a preference for sweets (breast milk is sweet!) and that introducing fruits does not mean that your baby will not like vegetables. I also like to mix foods— apples and pears, peas and apples, carrots and apples, etc.
Speaking of making her food, I absolutely love it. It’s fun and I get to make use of my blender. I think there’s a perception that making baby food is time-consuming, but I make big batches and freeze them and then I just pop out a couple of cubes, warm them, and they’re ready to go. None of the recipes require more than 10 minutes of boiling and then you just puree in a blender and pour into ice cube trays (make sure to use BPA-free ones!) The prep work (peeling, etc) doesn’t take long either. I even keep the skin on the apples because it has extra nutrients.
Likes: Sitting, her toys, learning to assume the crawling position, being picked up, napping on us, Lulu, eating, looking at herself in the mirror, stroller rides, baths, rubber ducky, books (and eating her books), pulling up, standing with support.
Postpartum: I am now a couple of pounds under my pre-pregnancy weight and I attribute my weight loss to pumping. I am ravenous and thirsty constantly. Pumping burns a lot of calories so I’m eating and drinking more since hydration is key for production, as is getting adequate calories and fat. I figure I might as well enjoy it now, while I can!
It took me a good six months to really feel back to my normal self, or as normal as it gets after giving birth. Overall, I’m pretty happy with my body as it is now. Even though I weigh a tad bit less than before, I don’t have any muscle mass anymore so my body doesn’t have the definition it used to. But that’s okay! Soon enough I’ll be running after an active baby as she becomes mobile. The one change I most notice in my body is that when I eat a lot or get bloated, my stomach protrudes a bit more than it did pre-pregnancy. I also think my hips are a little wider, but I’m wearing all of the same clothes/sizes as before, so this may just be in my head or the difference is slight.
I’m going to share a couple of 7 month postpartum photos. I know there are mixed feelings about these kinds of photos, but I’m just sharing my story and my progress. I remember when I was pregnant I enjoyed seeing progress photos from other bloggers (like Andee from the Honeybee!) because it gave me a better idea of what to expect. These are unedited photos with no filter added. I feel like I have to say that beause I have been accused of “photoshopping” my photos. Not only do I not have Photoshop, if I did, I wouldn’t know how to use it in such a sophisticated manner.
Clothes: Harper is wearing 6-12 and 9 month and 12 month clothing. Some of her sleepers are actually too small and I am having to move up to 12 month sizes. She is only in the 46th percentile for height so I have no idea how she is getting too tall for some of this stuff.
Meg O. says
I just die at her 7 month photos! She is seriously a little baby doll! Makes me miss this age… I think 6-12 months was just so fun. You are also looking amazing! I seriously think you deserve a gold medal or something to keep up with pumping like you have. While I was able to nurse K for a year, I just hated pumping and never had a good stash built up – one thing I should do better next time. I do remember that hunger feeling, though. It's the worst! I definitely got "hangry" all the time. Haha!
Kellys Reality says
You look amazing V! You give me hope for body after baby when I finally take the plunge and have our first.
Ellie Fitzgerald says
Thanks so much for keeping up with your blog despite how exhausted you are! Reading your posts are a highlight my week!
Schnelle says
These photos are SO adorable! I totally get it- I've been feeling like a slave to the pump too. It was my goal to BF for one year and we are now one month away from that goal. While a part of me can't wait to be able to stop after a year another part of me is not ready to stop. You look great! I'm actually thinner than I was before and I think a lot of it has to do with BFing. I'm just wondering what's going to happen once I stop…
[email protected] says
Ummmm me too! I'm kinda scared ill have the same appetite when I stop! I'm def not going longer than a year. I'm ready to stop at that point but at the same time it does make me a little sad because I'm still so mesmerized that my body is nourishing hers. It's an honor.
Schnelle says
I feel the exact same way! If I have this appetite when I stop I'm going to need a gym. fast. It is so incredible that our body can provide all of those nutrients; a part of me was a little sad when we started solids too because before that she relied solely on my milk for nutrition. I still occasionally BF her and that is just so convenient sometimes especially if I don't have time to heat her bottle up- I'm trying to break her of this but she's so picky and won't take a cold bottle.
Tawnya Faust says
Harper is a doll! And you are looking fantastic, mama! If only I looked like that at 7 months post partum… I am now down to under my pre pregnancy weight but find my body is still shaped different too… I guess we can't expect our bodies to carry and baby and deliver one and bounce back to what they were. 🙂
Stacy G says
Harper is so cute! I always love her pictures. Her tutu is adorable and you look amazing!
BLovedBoston says
She is just a doll!!! I hope I'm as disciplined as you when the day comes for me to recaps likes these…you look fantastic and way to go!!
Alex Gladwin says
You look great! And the photos of Harper are just adorable. x
Andee Layne says
she is so adorable! and thanks for the love hun…you look FANTASTIC! I agree its so annoying when people accuse you of photoshop when its just hard work and discipline ;( Hang in there with the pumping you're doing awesome! xo
Maja HautePnk says
a) Harper is so adorable it hurts
b) You look AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!! I HOPE I look like this when I am post partum. I feel like it's impossible right now because I'm so big!
xo Maja
shannon v. says
I don't "follow" your blog, but I've been reading it pretty consistently for probably close to two years. I don't ever leave comments, but I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to post about the things that you struggle with too. I'm 9 months pregnant (due next Monday…come on baby, any day now!), and I have really enjoyed following you through your pregnancy and your monthly updates. While pregnant I've noticed that people are much more critical when you complain or express frustration or unhappiness. As if others can't separate the fact that you absolutely love the little one growing inside of you and are in awe of what the human body can do but that your body and emotions are doing crazy things and your life has totally changed, which is hard. Pregnancy (and I assume motherhood) isn't always rainbows and unicorns. And it's nice to read about the frustrations and obstacles that others are feeling and facing too. So thank you for being honest and open and real. I'm sure you get your share of negative comments, but it's helpful for expectant first time mothers like me to see that it's ok to not always feel like you are just basking in a glow of pregnancy bliss. Because it's hard. And new and expectant mom's should be allowed to feel and express those feelings too.
Beautygirl24 says
You look amazing V! It's inspiring to me because I need to shed pounds after the weight I've gained since my honeymoon. Harper of course looks precious 🙂
Naeli Ortiz says
Harper looks adorable! I'm loving her rolls <3 Thank you for sharing her milestones as well as her progress. It's good information for new moms
Jess T says
Loved this and your honesty! I'm a full time working mama, too. My little girl is 18 months and I work crazy long hours in a hospital that's over an hour from our home. I've totally been there on the crying while stuck in traffic, as it takes me a good 1.5 hours to get home on Fridays and I don't even get to see Sadie at all on Saturdays and Sundays. I'm lucky enough to have a schedule that lets me be home Mon-Thurs, which is great….but not seeing your baby at all on the weekends gets old, fast. I have so much respect for mama's that work outside of the home because it's not easy. Neither is staying at home full time, but with working outside of the home, you have that constant "mommy guilt" that's hard to bear sometimes!
And on another note, we also have a totally open floor plan and I totally feel you on the challenges of keeping your house from looking like a daycare! I picked up a few great baskets….they are big & roomy and pretty to look at, and we put all of her smaller toys inside of them to contain everything. That only leaves the bigger pieces out and visible when things are picked up and it's easy to tuck them behind furniture, put them in her room, etc. when you need to. Although our home is custom built (designed and constructed by my hubby!), it's small, so it's super easy for toys to get overwhelming in the limited square footage!
~Jess/// http://www.sadieskyboutique.com
[email protected] says
thanks so much for your comment! I am so glad another mom can relate to the constant guilt and crying in traffic. I definitely need MORE baskets, like whoa! 🙂 maybe I'll get some this weekend 🙂 Happy New Year!
Seven says
I really appreciate your honesty in this post. Your mention of Mommy guilt, even with a job that you enjoy, really has me thinking. As my fiancé and I talk of starting a family I can't imagine staying at my current job (where I am miserable) and dealing with the Mommy guilt. In a way you've really given me the kick to look for some other work options.
Also, I appreciate your body posts. I am most definitely curious about the changes that occur for someone with a smaller frame, like myself.
Keep it up! 🙂
[email protected] says
I am so glad this post has encouraged you to think about your future as you grow your family. To be honest, I don't even think I would have been able to get pregnant at my last job with the toxic work environment. If you're planning to be a working mom, look into jobs with more flexibility and most importantly, a good work environment that's supportive and positive.
andshelivedhappily says
I found your blog through searching for "exclusively pumping" when I was struggling to continue another week of it. I appreciate you discussing your journey with EP-I think the mini goals you set for yourself are the way to go! Outside of that, I have loved your posts-I have a 7 week old daughter and it is fun to see what we might have in store for us over the next few months! 🙂
Jessica @ https://andshelivedhappily.wordpress.com
Ellie says
I just loooooooooooove those pictures of Harper, girl! Although I have a baby close to Harper's age already, I just enjoy seeing her little funny expressions and quirks. 😀 A lot of babies seem to grow really fast and taper off, or just grow slowly and then spurt like crazy! So I'm sure Harper will grow to be a tall little girl before you know it. On the other hand, I'm only 5'1" and my daughter is in the 95% for height! 0_0 It's amazing to see that discrepancy, lol! And you're looking great and healthy as usual, Veronika! 😀
A Robins says
Love your post as always! You are doing amazing (while looking great too!). Women experience so much guilt! It's terrible! Do you ever experience "work guilt"? I feel like this topic is not always discussed. I don't work with may women and I know you can't make everyone happy but I'm afraid I will be so preoccupied that my co-workers will think I have lost my drive to succeed. How have you found your professional life has changed?
Emilia Li says
my daughter is almost two months older than Harper and her name is Reese Bella:)) Everytime I read your post, I smile, because everything you are going through, I'm also going through, including work-life balance, I struggled when I first came back to work and everything has been so great ever since. Just want to say you've done a great job and you look great too!
gab san says
You look great! I wish i have your figure, my baby is 18 months and still strugle with the weight, but i dont have the time and the energy,
[email protected] says
I don't have the time or energy either to be honest! If
It weren't for breastfeeding I don't think I would have lost it quickly. Best of luck to you mamma!
Luba Lovely says
Harper is a doll! She looks so much like you!! And Wow girl you sure have some amazing genes! I agree that nursing is amazing for taking weight off quick even while eating like a horse, haha. I totally forgot how hungry I got while nursing. I just want to stuff my face with everything!
Luba
Jessica says
I also exclusively pump for my son who will be 10 months in 11 days. It is not easy! I am also amazed at how hungry making milk makes me! I am worried about when I officially wean about gaining weight back. Hopefully my appetite regulates itself a bit.
I was going to say, once you can drop sessions, it will make a world of difference! It was a difficult choice for me to drop from 5 sessions to 4, but once I did, it was so freeing! I was able to keep the same amount of milk at 4 pumps, I just lengthened the session time a bit. I just dropped to 3 pumps per day this week, and it feel so weird! I am supplementing a bit with formula, but I was really ready for a bit more freedom during the day. I would like to start walking on one of my work breaks.
Great job mama!
[email protected] says
I just dropped to 4 pumps thank goodness! It does give me a little more freedom for sure. I too am worried about weight gain but I am just a few lbs lower than my pre–pregnancy weight (nothing drastic) so hopefully my appetite will lessen as my body demands less resources to produce milk.