Starving fans

I am sorry I haven't been posting recently. With returning to work, the schedule has gotten a little hectic and I am still trying to find my bearings and get a routine down, which will of course include time for blogging.

While on the topic, work is going well. I returned to an orderly office with a backlog of only the most mundane tasks left to complete, thanks to Wendy, and we're getting into a rhythm of having 2 assistants now. We'll soon add a 3rd, since Jackie will be joining our team mid-August as a marketing director, so another interruption to the rhythm, but a happy one, I assure you. I received a promotion, to Director of Business Operations, which sounds great, right?. Since I was doing everything before I left, and now I have specific roles and don't have to do everything, I suppose it IS a real promotion! Our pay structure has changed as well, with a bonus schedule in place, so that's good as well.

Our morning routine is still somewhat of a challenge. I wanted to start on an 8-4 schedule, and probably still will to make time to go to the gym, but so far, we can't get ourselves together in time to make this happen! I need to wake up about 15-30 minutes earlier, and get down to business as opposed to now when I just dilly-dally and play with the baby. He's just too cute, though! How can I not?!? I can also do a few things the night before, like prep his bottles and take a shower, but mostly it's stuff that has to be done morning of, like change him and feed him. We're smart people, so I am sure we'll work something out. If you working moms (or SAH moms too) have any tips for a quick morning exit with an infant, please let me know! I would love the advice!

We've been going to JJ's doctor every 2 weeks now because the little guy still isn't putting on weight, and he's been falling off his "curve" for the 25%. He's at about 20% now, which isn't horrible, but they feel he needs to be higher. He was up to 10 lbs, 15 oz on Thursday. We're now feeding him a combination of breast milk (pumped and bottled when he's at daycare, and from the breast when we're together) and formula. It seems to be going well. I am glad he is still getting some breast milk, even though I still struggle with low supply for sure. I was reading the other day that some women pump over 40 oz a day?!? Are you serious? I am lucky to get 8 oz at 2-3 pumping sessions. I am beginning to think that lazy eater wasn't our only problem! I am still taking about 30 pills a day, mostly to do with breast milk supply augmentation, but it doesn't seem to be doing as much good as I had hoped.

JJ is now a solid roller. He has also discovered that not only can he control what his toes do, but also he can grab his toes and feet with his magical hands! He reaches and grabs at everything now! He is a fidgety guy for sure! If only I could train him to pick or bite off his fingernails--then I wouldn't have to do it! (I'm just kidding! That's a terrible habit that he shouldn't start. I am living proof that it is hard to stop!)

We picked up a bookshelf for his room at a yard sale near our house today that I am excited to makeover. I will take before and after pictures so you can see the transformation. I think it will look pretty awesome! Still not sure if I want to go black-brown like the rest of his furniture, gray because i have the paint, or completely strip and stain it (in an ebony stain, which we already have). I think the last is my favorite, but we'll see. I actually quite enjoyed my last stripping experience (furniture folks...get your head in the game), so that may be what I do.

We've had a busy few weeks this month. We've had 5 out-of-town guests, a trip to Charlottesville, and our first date since JJ was born. I was also chosen as a speaker for September's Ignite Charlotte 3 conference! I am so excited! I will be speaking about Bringing Up (Green) Baby. I am nervous, but excited to share my experiences and research with others on the topic. The talk is streamed live around the world, as well as video taped, so there is no excuse to miss it.

And now, for some pictures. You can also check my YouTube stream tomorrow (most likely) for some videos as well. But I have to mow the grass, usher, and do laundry, so I may not have time to get to it.