Vegan Baby: Week Five

  Tallulah had her first houseguest: her grandfather! Her grandfather (my father) came to visit from the vegan mecca, Portland. Sadly, he didn't arrive with Voodoo Doughnuts slipped into his carry-on, but he did bring some vegan recipes along for the ride--which was a pleasant surprise. You see, my dad isn't the biggest advocate for veganism--but he was willing to find a veggie recipe that he would like as well. Dad's recipes were for soups. We had time to make the carrot-ginger soup, and he left the recipe for a mushroom soup. I was able to impress him with my vegan shepherd's pie. Dad also brought doggie treats, which made him a friend for life with Gustav. Gustav was on his best behavior the entire week my dad was visiting.

 We used this trip to test out doing things with Tallulah. We took her to local tourist/rock star attraction, Third Man Records--where she had her first photo booth experience. She slept throughout the whole thing. We ate at a couple of restaurants and ran a few errands. Before my dad arrived, Tallulah and I even went to our first birthday party. All of these events would not be possible without my Moby. It enables me to not be stuck in the house, but also keep Tallulah less exposed. As she is a preemie, that is still something that has to be considered.

 The fifth week marked a huge milestone for us--Tallulah latched! We have been struggling through feedings. I am on a constant cycle of preparing bottles, pumping, and nursing with a messy nipple shield. My entire existence is measured in feedings. It gets exhausting. Her latching would at least mean I could ditch the nipple shield--and I did for about four days. Unfortunately, then she had troubles latching again. It's been inconsistent since then. I have to just tell myself that it's a sign that she is getting there. It's a struggle, though. On the breastfeeding note, how do breastfeeding moms do it while out and about. I feel like all of my clothes would make for an awkward display. I'm thinking I need to invest in a nursing cover. And I definitely don't think I could handle the nipple shield in public. It is so messy.

 Tallulah is anticipating a long weekend visit from her great-grandparents this weekend. We'll let you know how it goes!