They're all different...

Raymin and Sam before trick or treating...we couldn't keep Sam in his costume more than 5 minutes. He prefers the onesie look :)

One of the only smiling pics...before the meltdown.

What I have learned more than anything the past couple weeks...all babies are different. Everyone has advice of what worked or is working for them. Books try and give you guidelines. In the end, you have to learn your baby. There's an African proverb that says, "Don't read the books, read your baby." After 9 weeks, I think I know Sam pretty well.

I've been pretty stressed about going back to work. The little stinker is still eating every 2 hours during the day, so that does not give me much time to pump. I've been pumping a few times a day right after he eats, but only getting from 0.5-1 ounce at a time because he pretty much empties me. Therefore, my extra milk's like gold. He'll need about 25-30 ounces while I'm gone. It's not helpful for people to ask about babysitting right now. The reality is I have to either be strapped to Sam feeding or the breast pump storing up enough milk to give my son the goodness :) Maybe when he's on longer stretches...or when he goes down at the same time every night and I don't just want to drift off to sleep with him. We'll get there, but for now...I'm okay with our life. I don't need babysitting offers. I've given in at night too...he's been trying to cluster feed, but I've been trying to fight him. It's exhausting after nursing all day...to nurse pretty much non-stop for 2 hours at night. But, he sleeps better...and I'm less frustrated if I just accept it. Oh Sam...we've already had a battle of wills.

17 days until I go back to work 2 days a week. I'm thankful that my sister and Chris have been able to learn Sam over the past couple months. He has quite the routine...and has meltdowns if you keep him up too long. He plays hard, but he also needs his naps. My sister will have Sam on Weds, and Chris will be with Sam every other weekend. So...the pumping continues. I think I'm going to take a break today. I have had the flu and 2 bouts of clogged duct/mastitis. The lactation consultant said some women are just more prone to it. I guess I drew that card too :)

Another week with Sam...he's laying next to me flailing on the play yard. He's such an active little tank :) He didn't even fit in his Halloween costume...it's supposed to go up to 9 months!!