Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
The Patience of a Jedi Master
Today is day 3 of solids.
James now gets a few spoonfuls of food each morning for breakfast, and again as part of dinner.
To be honest, he has taken to this like a champ. There is no fighting the spoon, he is opening his mouth and taking in the foods, and not making too much of a mess. We did apples for the first 2 days, and this morning started with sweet potatoes as his first veggie.
About that mess though....
I hate that there is nothing I can do for his cleft palate.
The only mess he is making is when he gets something up into that cavity. The next thing we know it's coming out his nose, and he's having issues breathing. We have to stop and clean up and then start again.
He is the most patient little boy. At 4 months, he doesn't get frustrated or mad or anything. He gives a big sigh and waits for the next spoonful. I have to just wait and watch for signs he is clear of the mess, and then move in for the next spoonful.
We're both taking it slow and figuring it out. Moving slowly and practicing patience.
Master Yoda would be proud.
James now gets a few spoonfuls of food each morning for breakfast, and again as part of dinner.
To be honest, he has taken to this like a champ. There is no fighting the spoon, he is opening his mouth and taking in the foods, and not making too much of a mess. We did apples for the first 2 days, and this morning started with sweet potatoes as his first veggie.
About that mess though....
I hate that there is nothing I can do for his cleft palate.
The only mess he is making is when he gets something up into that cavity. The next thing we know it's coming out his nose, and he's having issues breathing. We have to stop and clean up and then start again.
He is the most patient little boy. At 4 months, he doesn't get frustrated or mad or anything. He gives a big sigh and waits for the next spoonful. I have to just wait and watch for signs he is clear of the mess, and then move in for the next spoonful.
We're both taking it slow and figuring it out. Moving slowly and practicing patience.
Master Yoda would be proud.
Monday, September 26, 2011
4 Months!
As of yesterday my little man is officially 4 months old!
We've started with fruits, and so far apples are a hit. More on that later this week.
For now, here are his stats:
Weight - 14lbs 14 oz
Length - 24 1/2 inches
And he is still the happiest little boy I know....
We've started with fruits, and so far apples are a hit. More on that later this week.
For now, here are his stats:
Weight - 14lbs 14 oz
Length - 24 1/2 inches
And he is still the happiest little boy I know....
Thursday, September 22, 2011
A Different Sort of Anniversary
I was laying in bed with A on Monday and asked him if he knew what had been happening a year ago. He didn't know, and so I recapped for him.
I had taken a pregnancy test that had come back negative. I was so certain that I had ovulated and that this was happening that I was crushed to not see that second line.
The next morning I had spotted a faint pink in the morning and then nothing. My period would be there on the 23rd if it went according to schedule, so I promised myself I wouldn't take any more tests until at least the 24th. I just had to get to Friday....
I lasted until Wednesday.
It was faint, but it was there. And 30 minutes later I'd talked to a nurse and was on my way to give a blood sample to test and confirm.
Today is 1 year since that blood draw and the call that came later to tell me it was positive.
This has been the craziest year, with ups and downs, and we are still struggling to catch up with life and bills and time together.
But I wouldn't change a thing.
Course, if this 4 month sleep regression things happen, remind me of this wonderful feeling, okay?
I had taken a pregnancy test that had come back negative. I was so certain that I had ovulated and that this was happening that I was crushed to not see that second line.
The next morning I had spotted a faint pink in the morning and then nothing. My period would be there on the 23rd if it went according to schedule, so I promised myself I wouldn't take any more tests until at least the 24th. I just had to get to Friday....
I lasted until Wednesday.
It was faint, but it was there. And 30 minutes later I'd talked to a nurse and was on my way to give a blood sample to test and confirm.
Today is 1 year since that blood draw and the call that came later to tell me it was positive.
This has been the craziest year, with ups and downs, and we are still struggling to catch up with life and bills and time together.
But I wouldn't change a thing.
Course, if this 4 month sleep regression things happen, remind me of this wonderful feeling, okay?
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Me and My iPhone
I don't think I ever described how I kept up with the world after James was born. Or what actually made me feel sane.
I will give you one hint: I never turned on the laptop during the first 4 weeks.
Take a look at what kept me feeling like a part of the world as a new mommy HERE.
I will give you one hint: I never turned on the laptop during the first 4 weeks.
Take a look at what kept me feeling like a part of the world as a new mommy HERE.
Friday, September 16, 2011
We Can Almost Go Outside...
Our son has managed to inherit so many traits from both sides of the family. It's actually interesting to see him do something and realize that we've seen each of us do it that way.
Like when he curls his toes because he is excited. They look like mine. But when he stretches them out full length they are his daddy's feet.
Of all things, though, he has inherited his father's internal body temperature so far. The one that has us running the AC during the winter. The one that keeps me in a Snuggie all summer long while inside.
This summer has been hot. Very very hot. Miserable hot even for me.
If we go out for too long after he's eaten, the heat seems to "sour" his stomach and makes it so that nothing will stay down.
So we haven't exactly been out daily.
All of a sudden, from one day to the next, Autumn seems to have begun. We are talking about a temperature change of roughly 25 degrees according to the radio.
And it is heavenly.
On the agenda this weekend: a free festival with the family in another town about 25 minutes away. A full day outside looking at things, walking around, and getting some fresh air.
The main thing is that it's free. I cannot tell you how important that word is right now.
So, here is to cooler weather, hopefully with no rain, and my son's first real season change.
Like when he curls his toes because he is excited. They look like mine. But when he stretches them out full length they are his daddy's feet.
Of all things, though, he has inherited his father's internal body temperature so far. The one that has us running the AC during the winter. The one that keeps me in a Snuggie all summer long while inside.
This summer has been hot. Very very hot. Miserable hot even for me.
If we go out for too long after he's eaten, the heat seems to "sour" his stomach and makes it so that nothing will stay down.
So we haven't exactly been out daily.
All of a sudden, from one day to the next, Autumn seems to have begun. We are talking about a temperature change of roughly 25 degrees according to the radio.
And it is heavenly.
On the agenda this weekend: a free festival with the family in another town about 25 minutes away. A full day outside looking at things, walking around, and getting some fresh air.
The main thing is that it's free. I cannot tell you how important that word is right now.
So, here is to cooler weather, hopefully with no rain, and my son's first real season change.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Confession: What My Baby Monitor is Really Used For
I have always been a sound sleeper. I've been able to sleep through almost anything, and I honestly was worried that I'd sleep through the baby's cries in the night.
So the baby monitor was put on the registry, and it was one of the items gifted to us.
What I didn't realize was that the mommy instinct would kick in so well. I am normally awake a few minutes before the monitor picks him up, using my Spidey-sense to get a start on waking up before getting the baby.
My husband....not so much.
Do we actually use the monitor?
Yes. But I have a confession:
If I want to be the one who stays in bed then I leave it on.
Let me explain.
When I awaken and decide I am ready to start, I will switch off the monitor and go start the baby's day. Daddy gets some extra time to sleep, and I get quiet time with my little man.
But on those days when I just want my bed and warmth and just 5 more minutes.... Well, I may get up to deal with fussing, but I leave the monitor on when I come back to wait for the baby to actually want to get out of bed. So, while he talks to his mobile or giggles, I get to enjoy those sounds from my cozy end of the bed.
For some odd reason, daddy doesn't think those noises are all that cute.
In fact, they don't let him keep sleeping.
So, he will get up, switch off the monitor, and get the baby after he's made his coffee.
Does the baby lay there crying?
No. He actually spends about 20-30 minutes after waking from each sleep playing with his mobile and laughing at the animals circling his head. He's a happy camper.
But once daddy is out of bed, I know I can stretch and nap a little longer.
Just don't tell daddy what mommy is doing, okay?
So the baby monitor was put on the registry, and it was one of the items gifted to us.
What I didn't realize was that the mommy instinct would kick in so well. I am normally awake a few minutes before the monitor picks him up, using my Spidey-sense to get a start on waking up before getting the baby.
My husband....not so much.
Do we actually use the monitor?
Yes. But I have a confession:
If I want to be the one who stays in bed then I leave it on.
Let me explain.
When I awaken and decide I am ready to start, I will switch off the monitor and go start the baby's day. Daddy gets some extra time to sleep, and I get quiet time with my little man.
But on those days when I just want my bed and warmth and just 5 more minutes.... Well, I may get up to deal with fussing, but I leave the monitor on when I come back to wait for the baby to actually want to get out of bed. So, while he talks to his mobile or giggles, I get to enjoy those sounds from my cozy end of the bed.
For some odd reason, daddy doesn't think those noises are all that cute.
In fact, they don't let him keep sleeping.
So, he will get up, switch off the monitor, and get the baby after he's made his coffee.
Does the baby lay there crying?
No. He actually spends about 20-30 minutes after waking from each sleep playing with his mobile and laughing at the animals circling his head. He's a happy camper.
But once daddy is out of bed, I know I can stretch and nap a little longer.
Just don't tell daddy what mommy is doing, okay?
Friday, September 9, 2011
Focusing
I remember 10 years ago. I still feel tears welling up when I think of that day. The towers falling.
But then I play with my son and hear his giggles.
Life has changed so much.
He may never understand what happened or why it changed things the way it did. I hope he will never really feel the terror of wondering when the next attack will happen.
But we will never forget.
But then I play with my son and hear his giggles.
Life has changed so much.
He may never understand what happened or why it changed things the way it did. I hope he will never really feel the terror of wondering when the next attack will happen.
But we will never forget.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Thursday, September 1, 2011
53 Weeks
I have been counting weeks for over a year now.
It's been just over a year since that cycle ended and I wondered if we'd ovulate again without medical help in September.
At Week 39 I met my son for the first time.
And now he is 14 weeks old. Sitting in a seat and grabbing things on the tray and chewing on things. Refusing to roll over, but using his legs to scoot his body while on his back and tummy.
My calendar has another week counted on each Wednesday, and will continue to have that until he turns 1.
I can't believe how much life can change in 53 weeks.
It's been just over a year since that cycle ended and I wondered if we'd ovulate again without medical help in September.
At Week 39 I met my son for the first time.
And now he is 14 weeks old. Sitting in a seat and grabbing things on the tray and chewing on things. Refusing to roll over, but using his legs to scoot his body while on his back and tummy.
My calendar has another week counted on each Wednesday, and will continue to have that until he turns 1.
I can't believe how much life can change in 53 weeks.
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