Well, looks like it'll be awhile before we can curtail Aubrie's spit up volume. I was hoping that introducing solids would help (as I've been told it strengthens the eosophogas). I wanted to wait till 24 weeks to introduce solids, but because we are doubtful that allergies will be a problem, I thought we could try it earlier. No go... Aubrie wanted NOTHING to do with cereal. So, I guess we'll give it a go in a week or so. Till then, it's LOTS of clothing changes, bibs, spit-up cloths... fun times!
The sleep training is going well, though not perfect. It still often takes her a good 10-20 minutes to go down for a nap, and sometimes as much as an hour for bed. I often have to return to her room several times. BUT, it does have lots of bonuses. I love the fact that when she cries, no matter how hard she's crying, all I have to do is return to the room and put my hand on her head, and she's quiet and her eyes close automatically. It's awesome to know that she finds that much comfort in my presence. Though, I guess that's going to be a difficult habit to break down the road! I also love that as she falls asleep, I rub her hair... when I stop, if she isn't asleep enough, she starts rubbing it herself, as if to tell me not to stop. Now, she will also start rubbing her hair if she's tired and we are out and about. It's her way of saying "sleepy time mom!".
I also love that she's adoped a new sleep position. She lays partly on her side, partly on her back, and just TOSSES her head WAY back. It looks ridiculously uncomfortable, but I know that when she turns to that position, she's DONE. She wants no more comforting, she just wants me to leave so she can sleep.
It's so wondeful to finally be at a time when I can really read Aubrie. She can't talk, but she has enough skills now to let me know what she wants. It makes things so much easier.
Now, if only she could keep her food in her belly!
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Friday, June 09, 2006
Lil' Swimmer
Yesterday was Aubrie's first day at the pool. She had a great time! I wish I had of had a camera with me. We went with Shawna and Zoe, and the two girls had a great time playing. We'll probably start making it a weekly event.
I haven't felt much like blogging lately... just not much to talk about. And, well... too many other things to tackle. I really hope Chris' shoulder heals quickly!
Hope everyone enjoys the weekend! Sorry this entry has seemed more like a pathetic grade-school diary entry than a blog...
I haven't felt much like blogging lately... just not much to talk about. And, well... too many other things to tackle. I really hope Chris' shoulder heals quickly!
Hope everyone enjoys the weekend! Sorry this entry has seemed more like a pathetic grade-school diary entry than a blog...
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
It makes my day
I love it when moms tell it like it is! Thank you Amy, for this wonderful blog today. Every mom knows your pain. I wish more moms would express ALL sides of motherhood... not just the sugar coated ones. And the great thing is, that I think most most would agree... even the "non-sugar-coated" days, we still end up going to bed thinking about how much we cherish our children. That's a wonderful thing.
Doubt
WARNING... this post is bound to be a serious downer. If you are in a good mood, feel free to come back another time. I take no responsibility for ruining a perfectly good day with my ramblings.
One thing I never ever expected about motherhood is how incredibly stressful living in self-doubt can be. Everything else about being a mom, I don't find nearly as stressful as I thought I might. But, the self-doubt... it's a killer. When I start feeling stressed about things, usually mundane things, I realize that I'm not stressed about them at all, I'm stressed about all the unresolved doubts I currently have. They eat away at you.
My list is long... but I'll name a few. I'm currently really doubting this sleep training method. I'm totally inconsistent. Consistency really is a key to sleep training. But, sometimes I stay in the room, other times I HAVE to leave (for my own sanity, or to get things done) then come back when she's cried awhile. I really doubt whether I'm doing any good here. It feels like I'm doing more harm. It's really frustrating. I could go on...
I'm constantly doubting my decision to try to get out. I know that I need to attend all my exercise classes and mommy groups... but is it screwing up her schedule more than it's helping me? Is it worth it? I want her to be adaptable... but?? I could go on...
I'm still debating whether to stick with breastfeeding, or switch to full time formula. My health has been suffering a LOT lately. But... will my health continue to be bad even if I switch to formula? Some say it will... others say it won't. She's also very frustrating to breastfeed these days, so rather than it being a good bonding time, I often find myself getting annoyed at her. But then the cost of formula feeding... not pleasant. And the guilt... oh, the guilt. I could go on...
I think you see my point. I constantly toss these battles around in my head. No wonder I've been suffering from head aches virtually every single day! My poor brain.
What a pleasant start to an otherwise beautiful day.
One thing I never ever expected about motherhood is how incredibly stressful living in self-doubt can be. Everything else about being a mom, I don't find nearly as stressful as I thought I might. But, the self-doubt... it's a killer. When I start feeling stressed about things, usually mundane things, I realize that I'm not stressed about them at all, I'm stressed about all the unresolved doubts I currently have. They eat away at you.
My list is long... but I'll name a few. I'm currently really doubting this sleep training method. I'm totally inconsistent. Consistency really is a key to sleep training. But, sometimes I stay in the room, other times I HAVE to leave (for my own sanity, or to get things done) then come back when she's cried awhile. I really doubt whether I'm doing any good here. It feels like I'm doing more harm. It's really frustrating. I could go on...
I'm constantly doubting my decision to try to get out. I know that I need to attend all my exercise classes and mommy groups... but is it screwing up her schedule more than it's helping me? Is it worth it? I want her to be adaptable... but?? I could go on...
I'm still debating whether to stick with breastfeeding, or switch to full time formula. My health has been suffering a LOT lately. But... will my health continue to be bad even if I switch to formula? Some say it will... others say it won't. She's also very frustrating to breastfeed these days, so rather than it being a good bonding time, I often find myself getting annoyed at her. But then the cost of formula feeding... not pleasant. And the guilt... oh, the guilt. I could go on...
I think you see my point. I constantly toss these battles around in my head. No wonder I've been suffering from head aches virtually every single day! My poor brain.
What a pleasant start to an otherwise beautiful day.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
She has the skill...
She just chooses not to use it!! Aubrie rolled back to front today for the first time unassisted. She's been rolling front to back quite a bit, which became more regular last Tuesday. But... she never really uses the skill much. I don't think she really values it much. She would much prefer to spend her time dancing, which she does very well. Never thought I could see someone dance so well laying on the floor. Yes, it's a talent.
The dedication went well today, despite the fact that she was an absolute bear that morning. Not a happy girl at all. But, she made it through church no problem, and did very well at the front. Pastor Wayne held her the whole time, and she just stared up at him. It was quite cute. I think she was mesmorized by his cordless head mic. Go figure. The combination of the service, and lunch with family afterwards, however, really threw her off. I'm hoping she will jump right back into the swing of things tomorrow.
And why is it, that despite my constant desire to blog about non-baby things... every blog still remains about Aubrie? I DO have other things in my life, honest. They just all seem very dumb in a blog. *Sigh*
The dedication went well today, despite the fact that she was an absolute bear that morning. Not a happy girl at all. But, she made it through church no problem, and did very well at the front. Pastor Wayne held her the whole time, and she just stared up at him. It was quite cute. I think she was mesmorized by his cordless head mic. Go figure. The combination of the service, and lunch with family afterwards, however, really threw her off. I'm hoping she will jump right back into the swing of things tomorrow.
And why is it, that despite my constant desire to blog about non-baby things... every blog still remains about Aubrie? I DO have other things in my life, honest. They just all seem very dumb in a blog. *Sigh*
Day 4
It's hard to believe that we've been at this sleep training thing for three full days now. It is getting better... though there were many times yesterday I was wondering why the heck I'm doing it. I could get her to sleep soooo much faster just by bouncing/rocking. Friday was really quite good, but then yesterday wasn't quite as good. Then, this morning, for her nap, she was REALLY fussy. I tried picking her up a bit (mainly because her dedication is today, so she HAS to nap before church), and I actually found she preferred the crib soothing this time. She went to sleep within 5 minutes once in the crib. So, all in all, it's going quite well. Though, I'm stressed about keeping all our commitments this week in amongst the sleep training. I'm hoping that the training we've done so far will be enough to get her through a couple disruptions this week.
I can't BELIEVE we just passed Aubrie's 20 week "birthday". 20 weeks... holy crow!!! I guess that's 5 months (according to the health clinic nurses, anyways). I was folding her clothes this morning and thinking I'm going to have to retire her 3 month clothing soon. It still fits, but I know it's only a matter of time. So sad. She had some really cute 3 month clothing.
Oh, Chris just got out of the shower, so I better go get ready for Aubrie's dedication!
I can't BELIEVE we just passed Aubrie's 20 week "birthday". 20 weeks... holy crow!!! I guess that's 5 months (according to the health clinic nurses, anyways). I was folding her clothes this morning and thinking I'm going to have to retire her 3 month clothing soon. It still fits, but I know it's only a matter of time. So sad. She had some really cute 3 month clothing.
Oh, Chris just got out of the shower, so I better go get ready for Aubrie's dedication!
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Blech!
I'm not liking this sleep training thing! I'm not liking this at ALL!!! It is the most frustrating thing... even more frustrating than when Aubrie cried hours on end. But, I know she has to learn it... so I'm trying really really hard to stay strong!
We never ended up trying it this afternoon, as I REALLY needed to get out. We went for a walk with Shawna and Zoe, and Aubrie just slept in her stroller. I figure, at least I'm not rocking/bouncing/etc her to sleep.
Tonight, it took an hour and a half. I'm still waiting to see if she's *really* asleep. Again, I ended up having to hold her hands and rub her head to get her to doze off. It's a very awkward position to have to lean over the crib that way. I really need a better set up.
I'm *hoping* that once she learns to fall asleep in her crib with the soothing, I can slowly ease off the soothing. Please tell me this makes sense. The crying thing just soooo does not work with her. We tried it tonight, and after thirty minutes, she started vomitting - a LOT. I felt so bad coming in to see her in a pool, a very large pool, of her vomit. How is one supposed to fall asleep like that? Sheesh. And then, of course, I didn't want to really wake her up by changing the sheet, so I just picked her up and wiped her off, then shuffled her down the crib. I guess she's gonna need a bath in the morning. I still feel so wraught with guilt.
*sigh* (again)
I'm off to a great big bowl of sherbert and a tall glass of wine.
I hope tomorrow is better.
We never ended up trying it this afternoon, as I REALLY needed to get out. We went for a walk with Shawna and Zoe, and Aubrie just slept in her stroller. I figure, at least I'm not rocking/bouncing/etc her to sleep.
Tonight, it took an hour and a half. I'm still waiting to see if she's *really* asleep. Again, I ended up having to hold her hands and rub her head to get her to doze off. It's a very awkward position to have to lean over the crib that way. I really need a better set up.
I'm *hoping* that once she learns to fall asleep in her crib with the soothing, I can slowly ease off the soothing. Please tell me this makes sense. The crying thing just soooo does not work with her. We tried it tonight, and after thirty minutes, she started vomitting - a LOT. I felt so bad coming in to see her in a pool, a very large pool, of her vomit. How is one supposed to fall asleep like that? Sheesh. And then, of course, I didn't want to really wake her up by changing the sheet, so I just picked her up and wiped her off, then shuffled her down the crib. I guess she's gonna need a bath in the morning. I still feel so wraught with guilt.
*sigh* (again)
I'm off to a great big bowl of sherbert and a tall glass of wine.
I hope tomorrow is better.
Day 1...
Well, after several hours of frustration last night (again) trying to get Aubrie down to sleep... I've decided that it's time she learns how to go to sleep on her own. The rocking/walking/bouncing to sleep thing just isn't working well these days, as she really thrashes about and fights it. So, today begins the battle...
We tried at the first nap today at 9:30am. It didn't work so well... I wasn't sure whether I wanted to do the cry-it-out/check-and-console method, or the stay-in-the-room method that Tracy Hogg recommends. I started with the C&C method, but moved to staying in the room. After an hour, I thought that it just wasn't going to work. But, finally, after about 15 more minutes, she fell asleep. It required some head rubbing and a hand on her tummy, but she did eventually go to sleep without rocking.
I fear how long this will take to "catch". I fear that I won't be able to stay consistent. I fear the loss of my sanity. I know it's something she needs to learn, and I know that it's better to do it sooner, rather than later... but man am I not looking forward to it!
So... if I'm absent for a few days, you'll all know why! Wish us luck!
We tried at the first nap today at 9:30am. It didn't work so well... I wasn't sure whether I wanted to do the cry-it-out/check-and-console method, or the stay-in-the-room method that Tracy Hogg recommends. I started with the C&C method, but moved to staying in the room. After an hour, I thought that it just wasn't going to work. But, finally, after about 15 more minutes, she fell asleep. It required some head rubbing and a hand on her tummy, but she did eventually go to sleep without rocking.
I fear how long this will take to "catch". I fear that I won't be able to stay consistent. I fear the loss of my sanity. I know it's something she needs to learn, and I know that it's better to do it sooner, rather than later... but man am I not looking forward to it!
So... if I'm absent for a few days, you'll all know why! Wish us luck!
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Wiggle dance
This is a test to see if I can get my camera videos to show here. Here's a quick shot of Aubrie doing her famous wiggle dance...
Man down
Again, sorry for the few days sans-blog... Sunday afternoon Chris ended up in the ER with a separated shoulder, so I've been getting used to a little extra work around here lately. It's his right arm, so there are quite a few things he can no longer do (including holding Aubrie) for the next 6-8 weeks. AACK!
It has helped me realize just how much he does around the house. Since Aubrie's birth, he has cooked most of the meals, usually cleans the kitchen (without being asked - a huge bonus!), helps with some of the chores, watches Aubrie while I get house stuff done, takes out the garbage... I'm sure there's even more! Essentially, all things he can no longer do one-handed. All I can say is thank GOODNESS this happened now, and not 10 weeks ago!!!! At least now, Aubrie doesn't mind a few minutes in her swing or exersaucer!
In other news, I'm TOTALLY excited that I'm now starting to fit into my old clothes (well, the pants, anyways). I hit another "10-lb transition" and now am up to just over a 30 lb loss. YAY! I'm just so excited to have some of my wardrobe back. I can even get into my size 4's! Though, they still went back into storage, as they are not at all comfortable! Ain't nothin wrong with size 6 for awhile longer!
It has helped me realize just how much he does around the house. Since Aubrie's birth, he has cooked most of the meals, usually cleans the kitchen (without being asked - a huge bonus!), helps with some of the chores, watches Aubrie while I get house stuff done, takes out the garbage... I'm sure there's even more! Essentially, all things he can no longer do one-handed. All I can say is thank GOODNESS this happened now, and not 10 weeks ago!!!! At least now, Aubrie doesn't mind a few minutes in her swing or exersaucer!
In other news, I'm TOTALLY excited that I'm now starting to fit into my old clothes (well, the pants, anyways). I hit another "10-lb transition" and now am up to just over a 30 lb loss. YAY! I'm just so excited to have some of my wardrobe back. I can even get into my size 4's! Though, they still went back into storage, as they are not at all comfortable! Ain't nothin wrong with size 6 for awhile longer!
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Intelligent kids these days
I was out walking Java and one of the neighborhood boys (who always has to pet Java) came to talk to me. He insists on calling Java "Jaba", as does his entire family. Today he seemed to somewhat clue in...
Little Boy: Hey Jaba
Me: It's Java (I've corrected him sooooo many times)
LB: Hey Jaba (and yes, he's old enough to pronounce Java)
Me: Java, with a V
LB: with a B?
Me: No, with a V, like Violet
LB: His name is Violet?
Me: *Sigh*...
LB: Why do you have a dog and a baby?
WHAT A GOOD QUESTION!!!!!! Especially today, after Java pranced right up to Aubrie's play mat and peed on it. Fantastic.
Anyone want a dog?
We had a horrible night last night. I think it mainly hit me because I'm not used to it these days. Aubrie woke up at midnight and took over an hour to get back to sleep. Then, up at 3am... and pretty much cat-napped the rest of the night (read: I got no sleep from then on). I'm feeling quite deprived. She's a bear today, as am I. It's a house full of cranky women... fun times.
Little Boy: Hey Jaba
Me: It's Java (I've corrected him sooooo many times)
LB: Hey Jaba (and yes, he's old enough to pronounce Java)
Me: Java, with a V
LB: with a B?
Me: No, with a V, like Violet
LB: His name is Violet?
Me: *Sigh*...
LB: Why do you have a dog and a baby?
WHAT A GOOD QUESTION!!!!!! Especially today, after Java pranced right up to Aubrie's play mat and peed on it. Fantastic.
Anyone want a dog?
We had a horrible night last night. I think it mainly hit me because I'm not used to it these days. Aubrie woke up at midnight and took over an hour to get back to sleep. Then, up at 3am... and pretty much cat-napped the rest of the night (read: I got no sleep from then on). I'm feeling quite deprived. She's a bear today, as am I. It's a house full of cranky women... fun times.
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Blame it on lack of wires
My silly wireless internet connection was on the fritz again. I had a post ready on Thursday, but I lost it due to the connection and well... just haven't felt like dealing with the on-again-off-again connection, so I've stayed away from the computer all together. Chris seems to have fixed it again, so hopefully it stays put for a few days!
Now, of course, I can't even remember what's new or blog-worthy! Probably not much. I was pretty excited about season 2 of "So You Think You Can Dance" on Thursday... until I saw it... enough said. I ran some errands on Friday and went to the gym. Today my parents came by, then I went to go see baby Marcus (he's just over 4 weeks old) and visit with good friends Tom and Jamie (and 2 year old Simon).
Aubrie was grueling today at bedtime (can you use grueling to describe a person??). Just over 2 hours till she was asleep. I think it has somewhat put a damper on my blogging abilities. In the end, I had to forgo her usual swaddle. And yet, she has a strange addiction to fabric (future fashion designer??). She grabbed my shirt for 20 minutes, when I finally got it out of her hands, I had to replace it with her swaddling blanket. It's the first time I've let a blanket into her crib without it being wrapped tightly around her. I tucked it into the mattress, but I must say... it still makes me ridiculously nervous. I know she won't stay asleep without it though. Seems that fabric in the mouth is 10 times better than a soother or a hand. Go figure.
Well, I'm off to go get some reading in. I'm reading "Memoirs of a Geisha" and thoroughly loving it. I want to get through it quickly so that I can watch the movie. I just can't wait to see how they translate it onto screen. I didn't think I'd like the book, because it was originally recommended to me several years ago by a fellow grad student I had little respect for (long story). I'm glad I picked it up though!
Ok, sorry for the bland blog today. Maybe tomorrow, Aubrie will do handstands and I can post about how exciting that was.
Now, of course, I can't even remember what's new or blog-worthy! Probably not much. I was pretty excited about season 2 of "So You Think You Can Dance" on Thursday... until I saw it... enough said. I ran some errands on Friday and went to the gym. Today my parents came by, then I went to go see baby Marcus (he's just over 4 weeks old) and visit with good friends Tom and Jamie (and 2 year old Simon).
Aubrie was grueling today at bedtime (can you use grueling to describe a person??). Just over 2 hours till she was asleep. I think it has somewhat put a damper on my blogging abilities. In the end, I had to forgo her usual swaddle. And yet, she has a strange addiction to fabric (future fashion designer??). She grabbed my shirt for 20 minutes, when I finally got it out of her hands, I had to replace it with her swaddling blanket. It's the first time I've let a blanket into her crib without it being wrapped tightly around her. I tucked it into the mattress, but I must say... it still makes me ridiculously nervous. I know she won't stay asleep without it though. Seems that fabric in the mouth is 10 times better than a soother or a hand. Go figure.
Well, I'm off to go get some reading in. I'm reading "Memoirs of a Geisha" and thoroughly loving it. I want to get through it quickly so that I can watch the movie. I just can't wait to see how they translate it onto screen. I didn't think I'd like the book, because it was originally recommended to me several years ago by a fellow grad student I had little respect for (long story). I'm glad I picked it up though!
Ok, sorry for the bland blog today. Maybe tomorrow, Aubrie will do handstands and I can post about how exciting that was.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Confession Wednesdays...
Ok, so some bloggers do "self-portrait Tuesdays". I suck at posting pictures and taking pictures, transferring them, blah blah blah... so I'm starting "Confession Wednesdays". Feel free to join me!
Today's confession - I don't make my bed. I feel quite guilty about this. I was taught to make my bed. My parents still make their bed. Why don't I? Well, it all started around grad school, when I would leave much earlier than Chris... so I couldn't make a bed with a husband in it. Then, when I started working... same problem. And well, boys don't make beds. So now, I just haven't gotten back in the habit.
I really want to teach Aubrie to make her bed... but I honestly can't figure out why!!! Can someone tell me why it's so important? I did a search, and all I could come up with was why it's important NOT to make our beds - http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4181629.stm
Yikes!!!
I hate the messy look of an unmade bed (hence I shut our bedroom door everyday), but I can't manage to get into the habit, and now I'm stressed over yucky bugs. AACK!
Today's confession - I don't make my bed. I feel quite guilty about this. I was taught to make my bed. My parents still make their bed. Why don't I? Well, it all started around grad school, when I would leave much earlier than Chris... so I couldn't make a bed with a husband in it. Then, when I started working... same problem. And well, boys don't make beds. So now, I just haven't gotten back in the habit.
I really want to teach Aubrie to make her bed... but I honestly can't figure out why!!! Can someone tell me why it's so important? I did a search, and all I could come up with was why it's important NOT to make our beds - http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4181629.stm
Yikes!!!
I hate the messy look of an unmade bed (hence I shut our bedroom door everyday), but I can't manage to get into the habit, and now I'm stressed over yucky bugs. AACK!
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
It's A Winner!
We ended up buying Aubrie and exersaucer yesterday, and she absolutely loves it!
I'm sure she'll love it even more when she is able to manouever in it a little better (she's still a little floppy, and can't quite master the turning). She had a great time. I had just as much fun putting it together... I love putting together baby stuff! Yay!
What is it with new moms and non-fat vanilla lattes? Why is it that it seems that EVERY new mom chooses that as their drink of choice? Maybe it's just a west-coast thing. After the exercise class today, the Esquires Coffee Shop (conveniently located in the gym) was packed full of the new moms. We ALL ordered the same thing. So weird. I've noticed it elsewhere too. The only difference was that lots of moms also got sugar-free. What the heck? How is it syrup if it's sugar-free? What's the point?? Syrup = sugar... that's what makes it so darn good! They mistakenly gave me the sugar-free variety today. Let me tell you - sooooo not the same!
And ok... blech! What is with my internet connection these days. It just died, which means I'm going to have to copy and save this post, reboot the computer, log in again, and repost. I lose my silly connection all the time. Man... I hate wireless! The magical power is in the wire - take away the wire and chaos ensues.
And AAAHHH, car alarms - make them stop!!!!!!!!! (As Aubrie wakes up... this is turning into a frustrating evening!)
I'm sure she'll love it even more when she is able to manouever in it a little better (she's still a little floppy, and can't quite master the turning). She had a great time. I had just as much fun putting it together... I love putting together baby stuff! Yay!
What is it with new moms and non-fat vanilla lattes? Why is it that it seems that EVERY new mom chooses that as their drink of choice? Maybe it's just a west-coast thing. After the exercise class today, the Esquires Coffee Shop (conveniently located in the gym) was packed full of the new moms. We ALL ordered the same thing. So weird. I've noticed it elsewhere too. The only difference was that lots of moms also got sugar-free. What the heck? How is it syrup if it's sugar-free? What's the point?? Syrup = sugar... that's what makes it so darn good! They mistakenly gave me the sugar-free variety today. Let me tell you - sooooo not the same!
And ok... blech! What is with my internet connection these days. It just died, which means I'm going to have to copy and save this post, reboot the computer, log in again, and repost. I lose my silly connection all the time. Man... I hate wireless! The magical power is in the wire - take away the wire and chaos ensues.
And AAAHHH, car alarms - make them stop!!!!!!!!! (As Aubrie wakes up... this is turning into a frustrating evening!)
Monday, May 22, 2006
Blah weekend
Which is why I haven't posted much... there just isn't much to post about! Aubrie hasn't been napping very well this weekend, so it has meant that I haven't really had time to finish the housework, or anything else I wanted to get done this weekend (namely, so reorganization of my office closet - which is a mess!). As a result of not finishing much, I've been feeling very blah (I hate to not accomplish things I set out to do). I would like to get to the gym today, but I just can't seem to find the energy. I know I'll feel better if I go, so I will try to go after Aubrie's next feeding.
I've literally sat here for 5 minutes, wondering what I could possibly blog about (without going on and on about how blah I feel... I could do that all day). Not much has happened in the last few days. I'm very anxious to get Aubrie's new stroller, which we bought through ebay, so we have to wait for it to arrive. Plus, the ebay lady keeps screwing up the tracking number, so I can't even check to see where it is. Phooey. We got a nice small Maclaren to make trips to the mall, etc a little easier. It's funny how I get so excited about new things for Aubrie. I'm dying to go out and buy her a jumperoo and an exersaucer... I just haven't made a decision on either of them, so I've been stalling. It seems crazy to shell out another $200 plus for activity centers for her, despite knowing that she will probably love them. Maybe I'll try to make a decision on one of them and go pick it up today - that would be fun!
Ok, I'm rambling quite aimlessly here, but I wanted to make sure I got a post in. So... let me leave it up to you:
Jumperoo, exersaucer, or both?? What's your take?
I've literally sat here for 5 minutes, wondering what I could possibly blog about (without going on and on about how blah I feel... I could do that all day). Not much has happened in the last few days. I'm very anxious to get Aubrie's new stroller, which we bought through ebay, so we have to wait for it to arrive. Plus, the ebay lady keeps screwing up the tracking number, so I can't even check to see where it is. Phooey. We got a nice small Maclaren to make trips to the mall, etc a little easier. It's funny how I get so excited about new things for Aubrie. I'm dying to go out and buy her a jumperoo and an exersaucer... I just haven't made a decision on either of them, so I've been stalling. It seems crazy to shell out another $200 plus for activity centers for her, despite knowing that she will probably love them. Maybe I'll try to make a decision on one of them and go pick it up today - that would be fun!
Ok, I'm rambling quite aimlessly here, but I wanted to make sure I got a post in. So... let me leave it up to you:
Jumperoo, exersaucer, or both?? What's your take?
Friday, May 19, 2006
New name, and other ramblings
Ok... so I've decided that I REALLY need to switch up the name of my blog. See, it was cute and funny before I had a baby and knew lots of other new moms - but now that I see that snobby new moms really do exist... and are really unpleasant... it's not longer funny to refer to myself as one, even if it is in jest.
The name did have a basis... you see, the vast majority of my friends will admit that before they knew me, they thought I was quite snobby. Not because I ever did anything mean, but because in general, I tend to be very quiet at social gatherings. But, not the "shy" kind of "wallflower" quiet. Apparently, it's the kind of quiet that makes people think that I think I'm better than their conversation. I still don't understand the difference, but anyways... They all agree that I am, by no means, a snob. I just don't feel the need to interject into conversations unless I have something important to say. Now, that is true in larger social circumstances. Around my family... so not the case!!!! No one's been able to shut me up since I started talking. I guess it all balances out. Funny thing is, "snobpapa" is the same way (minus the talkative with family bit...), so people often think the same thing about him before they know him. Put the two of us together, and we can often come across as the world's most snobby couple. So, the blog name made sense at one time. Now, not so much.
So, I need help! Help me come up with a better blog name!!! Or, convince me that the current name is not absolutely terrible.
I've also decided that it's pretty pointless to continue to not mention names on my blog, considering how I mention my daughter's name and post pics of her as well. Plus, many of my blogging friends post their names... even bloggers who have HUGE readerships and get paid for blogging (which reminds me, I REALLY need to update my blogroll - there are so many other fabulous ones that I read!). So, let it be known that my name is Cari, and my husband's name is Chris. From now on, I will cease to refer to either of us as snob-anything! Oh, and the dog is Java (though I haven't mentioned him in ages... and often forget to feed him these days).
Grocery shopping yesterday went very well. Aubrie seemed to quite enjoy it. It's a relief to know that I don't have to find someone to watch her every time I need to do the groceries!
This morning, however, I left her at home with Chris so that I could do a little shopping for myself. It's very difficult to try things on with her in tow. She didn't do so well at home... and then when I came home... she was equally as pissed off. Everything made her scream. I finally got her to eat and go for a nap (yay), which I'm sure she desperately needed. So, hopefully we have a happy little girl upon her awakening.
Speaking of shopping, today was the dreaded (DREADED) purchase of a new swimsuit. EEEEEEKKKKKK!!!!!! Just when you think you are on your way back to your old self... Let's just say it wasn't fun! I was able to find a really cheap swimsuit, so hopefully I will not have to wear it long and I'll be able to buy a smaller one that I don't feel so awful in. I'm hoping to start taking Aubrie to the pool next week (we may even start a mom&baby aquasize class), hence the need for a new swimsuit.
My apologies for the somewhat disjointed and rambling post. I thought of breaking it into separate posts... but nah.
Off to go get some housework done while Aubrie enjoys her nap. Then, time to enjoy the LONG WEEKEND (yay!).
The name did have a basis... you see, the vast majority of my friends will admit that before they knew me, they thought I was quite snobby. Not because I ever did anything mean, but because in general, I tend to be very quiet at social gatherings. But, not the "shy" kind of "wallflower" quiet. Apparently, it's the kind of quiet that makes people think that I think I'm better than their conversation. I still don't understand the difference, but anyways... They all agree that I am, by no means, a snob. I just don't feel the need to interject into conversations unless I have something important to say. Now, that is true in larger social circumstances. Around my family... so not the case!!!! No one's been able to shut me up since I started talking. I guess it all balances out. Funny thing is, "snobpapa" is the same way (minus the talkative with family bit...), so people often think the same thing about him before they know him. Put the two of us together, and we can often come across as the world's most snobby couple. So, the blog name made sense at one time. Now, not so much.
So, I need help! Help me come up with a better blog name!!! Or, convince me that the current name is not absolutely terrible.
I've also decided that it's pretty pointless to continue to not mention names on my blog, considering how I mention my daughter's name and post pics of her as well. Plus, many of my blogging friends post their names... even bloggers who have HUGE readerships and get paid for blogging (which reminds me, I REALLY need to update my blogroll - there are so many other fabulous ones that I read!). So, let it be known that my name is Cari, and my husband's name is Chris. From now on, I will cease to refer to either of us as snob-anything! Oh, and the dog is Java (though I haven't mentioned him in ages... and often forget to feed him these days).
Grocery shopping yesterday went very well. Aubrie seemed to quite enjoy it. It's a relief to know that I don't have to find someone to watch her every time I need to do the groceries!
This morning, however, I left her at home with Chris so that I could do a little shopping for myself. It's very difficult to try things on with her in tow. She didn't do so well at home... and then when I came home... she was equally as pissed off. Everything made her scream. I finally got her to eat and go for a nap (yay), which I'm sure she desperately needed. So, hopefully we have a happy little girl upon her awakening.
Speaking of shopping, today was the dreaded (DREADED) purchase of a new swimsuit. EEEEEEKKKKKK!!!!!! Just when you think you are on your way back to your old self... Let's just say it wasn't fun! I was able to find a really cheap swimsuit, so hopefully I will not have to wear it long and I'll be able to buy a smaller one that I don't feel so awful in. I'm hoping to start taking Aubrie to the pool next week (we may even start a mom&baby aquasize class), hence the need for a new swimsuit.
My apologies for the somewhat disjointed and rambling post. I thought of breaking it into separate posts... but nah.
Off to go get some housework done while Aubrie enjoys her nap. Then, time to enjoy the LONG WEEKEND (yay!).
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Nekked toga
I mentioned the toga look the other day, and this morning she woke up the same... so I grabbed a picture of it!
(And yes... we're still using cloth diapers, just not at night. I'm too scared to mess with her sleeping these days!)
(And yes... we're still using cloth diapers, just not at night. I'm too scared to mess with her sleeping these days!)
Why do they do this?
Ok, so after our appointment for shots yesterday (complete with the full weigh-in), I was quite baffled when I went to dress Aubrie this morning in a 3-6 month sleeper and it barely fit. Then, I look on the tag, and under the "3-6 months" it says 12-17 lbs and 22-26 inches. Yikes! Why do they make the clothing like that? Aubrie is just barely over the 12 lbs, but is gaining quickly on the 26 inches. So, she's bound to outgrow all her 3-6 month clothing while it's still ridiculously baggy on her. Phooey! I just wish SOMETHING would fit her well, for once. On that note, I wish SOMETHING would fit me well too - but that's another post!
Today I hope to venture out to get groceries. This is still a task we have yet to accomplish with baby in tow. She doesn't do well on those types of outings (mall trips are not fun). We can stay really darn busy with various baby activities, that she loves... but the second you try to do something that isn't focused around her, she has a little fit. Go figure!
Today I hope to venture out to get groceries. This is still a task we have yet to accomplish with baby in tow. She doesn't do well on those types of outings (mall trips are not fun). We can stay really darn busy with various baby activities, that she loves... but the second you try to do something that isn't focused around her, she has a little fit. Go figure!
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
No kidding...
Gotta love this conversation:
Mrs. Other New Mommy I'll Never Chat With Again: So... how long has Aubrie been rolling over for?
Me: Uhm... she's not
Mrs. ONMINCWA: Seriously, not even front to back?? (FYI - her baby is younger than Aubrie)
Me: Nope... nothing yet... maybe a little back to side action
Mrs. ONMINCWA: Wow, really?
Me: Yes, really.
Mrs. ONMINCWA: Have you taken her to the doctor yet?
WTF??? Seriously???? Sorry, but my baby is too busy teaching herself differential calculus to be worried about rolling (lol). How often do you roll on a daily basis (not counting in bed)? Is it that necessary a skill that it requires doctor's supervision? Can I help it if my little girl is more into problem solving and fine motor skills? I think that will be much more usefull in general life - but did I say that to other said mom - no!!! Nor did I say the many other things that ran through my mind at the time. Sheesh!!!!! (Grumble grumble grumble)
On another note... Aubrie measured in at 12 lbs 6 oz today, and a whopping 25 inches. Where she gets that height from is beyond me!!! And the four month shots - total cake-walk! Yay for baby tylenol!
Mrs. Other New Mommy I'll Never Chat With Again: So... how long has Aubrie been rolling over for?
Me: Uhm... she's not
Mrs. ONMINCWA: Seriously, not even front to back?? (FYI - her baby is younger than Aubrie)
Me: Nope... nothing yet... maybe a little back to side action
Mrs. ONMINCWA: Wow, really?
Me: Yes, really.
Mrs. ONMINCWA: Have you taken her to the doctor yet?
WTF??? Seriously???? Sorry, but my baby is too busy teaching herself differential calculus to be worried about rolling (lol). How often do you roll on a daily basis (not counting in bed)? Is it that necessary a skill that it requires doctor's supervision? Can I help it if my little girl is more into problem solving and fine motor skills? I think that will be much more usefull in general life - but did I say that to other said mom - no!!! Nor did I say the many other things that ran through my mind at the time. Sheesh!!!!! (Grumble grumble grumble)
On another note... Aubrie measured in at 12 lbs 6 oz today, and a whopping 25 inches. Where she gets that height from is beyond me!!! And the four month shots - total cake-walk! Yay for baby tylenol!
Whadya know?
I already missed a day! Go figure! I really did mean to pop by yesterday and say hi to the blogging world... but once Aubrie was asleep, it was just TOO DARNED HOT to spend any time anywhere else but our nice cool basement. You see, here on the west coast of Canada, where it usually rains, it is not common at ALL to have central a/c in homes. So, when it gets hot (like yesterday), our house gets very very very hot. On the main floor, it was 32 degrees celsius (that's just shy of 90F for all you Americans). And on the top floor... even hotter (no temp gauge up there). Luckily, we have one portable a/c unit, so we used it to cool Aubrie's room down somewhat before she went to bed, then it went into the master bedroom so that we would be able to sleep also (if it wasn't ridiculously loud, we would have kept it in Aubrie's room... but that just wasn't feasible). On the up side, Aubrie really seemed to like the naked sleeping arrangement. She slept through the night again (yipee) and woke up around 5:45am. I shoulda taken a picture when I went in to get her. She had her swaddle blanket all wrapped around her tummy only in a toga style, and was all giddy like "look at me, I'm nekkked!". Seems it's a hit with her.
Oh, and the "baby power" class is just as difficult as the "strollerobics" class. Yikes my legs and arms hurt!!!! And today another mom and I had planned on walking the beach after Mothergoose... I'm gonna need a wheel chair! And some new pants - cuz the maternity pants I'm STILL wearing look absolutely ridiculous! Not to mention that I have no pants lighter than cords or jeans, which is not very helpful in today's heat!
And no, I don't spend ALL of my non-mommy time watching tv... but can I just say, for all of you AI fans out there... I do NOT understand the hype about Elliot. Aside from the cool name, I find no redeaming qualities about the guy. I can't even watch him sing (yay for PVR's, I can just skip over it). The guy is just really really odd looking, and not that great of a singer. It's very rare that I ever think someone is unattractive. Yes, some people are more attractive than others - but I always find that at least 99% of the general population has some attractive characteristics. Elliot, not so much. Oh how I miss Chris. But... I can't say too much, cuz I'm not that much of a fan that I actually vote. But if I did... I would have voted for Chris. Sniffle sniffle...
Oh, and the "baby power" class is just as difficult as the "strollerobics" class. Yikes my legs and arms hurt!!!! And today another mom and I had planned on walking the beach after Mothergoose... I'm gonna need a wheel chair! And some new pants - cuz the maternity pants I'm STILL wearing look absolutely ridiculous! Not to mention that I have no pants lighter than cords or jeans, which is not very helpful in today's heat!
And no, I don't spend ALL of my non-mommy time watching tv... but can I just say, for all of you AI fans out there... I do NOT understand the hype about Elliot. Aside from the cool name, I find no redeaming qualities about the guy. I can't even watch him sing (yay for PVR's, I can just skip over it). The guy is just really really odd looking, and not that great of a singer. It's very rare that I ever think someone is unattractive. Yes, some people are more attractive than others - but I always find that at least 99% of the general population has some attractive characteristics. Elliot, not so much. Oh how I miss Chris. But... I can't say too much, cuz I'm not that much of a fan that I actually vote. But if I did... I would have voted for Chris. Sniffle sniffle...
Monday, May 15, 2006
Let's see...
Let's see how long I can keep up blogging on a more regular basis. Why? Because I keep thinking how terrible it is that I won't have any record of what life was like in the first year of my daughter's life. All these things that I *meant* to do (including blogging, getting a scrap-book started, continuously adding to said scrapbook)... well, they ain't happening these days. I feel kinda bad. So, here's to trying to keep up with one of them. Plus, now that I've got more going on in my days, the blog is less likely to be "all-baby-all-the-time-a-la-the-cheesy-new-tv-station" (which is so wrong, on so many levels, IMO).
So, as Aubrie finishes up her nap (which I swear, will end while I'm in the middle of this post, cuz that's how she rolls)... I'll do my best to be witty (however, the art of witty has yet to fully return to me post-baby... or maybe I never even had it... funny how being a mom allows you to see a WHOLE new side of yourself eh?).
Speaking of things that being a mom allows you to see - I never really had a good idea of what mother's day would be like. I thought it would be all about taking time to myself, enjoying a day with less to do, getting waited on, etc etc. But... when it all came down to it (although I REALLY loved my gift, and REALLY loved having extra help), it turned out to be more of a day when I got to think about how much I absolutely adore being a mom! I enjoyed every minute I spent with Aubrie yesterday - even the 1/2 hour that she absolutely SCREAMED because heaven forbid I try to give her her regular pre-bed bath when she was really tired. The bath lasted about 30 seconds, followed by lots of wailing and the "how-could-you" cries until she was fed and asleep in her cozy bed... where she continued to sleep from 7pm till 7am... WOW (and no... that doesn't happen often! Total fluke). Ok, where was I?? Oh ya, loving the time with baby - I really really do love my time with Aubrie. She's finally getting to the point where her crying makes sense (as in, we generally know why she's crying and how to fix it), so it never phases me. And, she cries much less these days and has a blast when she's not. I wish I knew how to enjoy life that much. Really... if a little rattle or a mirror could make me squeel with glee... imagine what a new car might do? If I could burst out in uncontrollable laughter when someone smiled at me... imagine if I watched a comedy? WOW! It's so fun to watch her enjoy life so much. The things we could learn from babies!
On a "non-baby" note - why didn't everyone vote for Terry? I know he wasn't in the final two... but couldn't people vote for him anyways? Wouldn't that have made for a great ending? There must have been something in their contracts or something. Sheesh.
And on a "semi-baby" note - who knew that something as pansy-sounding as "strollerobics" could be such a tough work out!!! I figured it would be a minor work-out - just something to wake me up a little in the morning. Holy golly am I sore!!! Today was Strollerobics Monday. It gets followed by "Baby Power" Tuesdays (a strength training workout using baby as a weight... I'll let ya know how it goes, it starts tomorrow). We then give our body a break with Mothergoose Wednesdays (though this is our last week - I'm gonna miss the cheesy songs). So far, that's all the planned activities we've committed to, and we really enjoy them!
Hope everyone had a great Mother's day! We're off to enjoy the weather when sleepyhead wakes up!
So, as Aubrie finishes up her nap (which I swear, will end while I'm in the middle of this post, cuz that's how she rolls)... I'll do my best to be witty (however, the art of witty has yet to fully return to me post-baby... or maybe I never even had it... funny how being a mom allows you to see a WHOLE new side of yourself eh?).
Speaking of things that being a mom allows you to see - I never really had a good idea of what mother's day would be like. I thought it would be all about taking time to myself, enjoying a day with less to do, getting waited on, etc etc. But... when it all came down to it (although I REALLY loved my gift, and REALLY loved having extra help), it turned out to be more of a day when I got to think about how much I absolutely adore being a mom! I enjoyed every minute I spent with Aubrie yesterday - even the 1/2 hour that she absolutely SCREAMED because heaven forbid I try to give her her regular pre-bed bath when she was really tired. The bath lasted about 30 seconds, followed by lots of wailing and the "how-could-you" cries until she was fed and asleep in her cozy bed... where she continued to sleep from 7pm till 7am... WOW (and no... that doesn't happen often! Total fluke). Ok, where was I?? Oh ya, loving the time with baby - I really really do love my time with Aubrie. She's finally getting to the point where her crying makes sense (as in, we generally know why she's crying and how to fix it), so it never phases me. And, she cries much less these days and has a blast when she's not. I wish I knew how to enjoy life that much. Really... if a little rattle or a mirror could make me squeel with glee... imagine what a new car might do? If I could burst out in uncontrollable laughter when someone smiled at me... imagine if I watched a comedy? WOW! It's so fun to watch her enjoy life so much. The things we could learn from babies!
On a "non-baby" note - why didn't everyone vote for Terry? I know he wasn't in the final two... but couldn't people vote for him anyways? Wouldn't that have made for a great ending? There must have been something in their contracts or something. Sheesh.
And on a "semi-baby" note - who knew that something as pansy-sounding as "strollerobics" could be such a tough work out!!! I figured it would be a minor work-out - just something to wake me up a little in the morning. Holy golly am I sore!!! Today was Strollerobics Monday. It gets followed by "Baby Power" Tuesdays (a strength training workout using baby as a weight... I'll let ya know how it goes, it starts tomorrow). We then give our body a break with Mothergoose Wednesdays (though this is our last week - I'm gonna miss the cheesy songs). So far, that's all the planned activities we've committed to, and we really enjoy them!
Hope everyone had a great Mother's day! We're off to enjoy the weather when sleepyhead wakes up!
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Monthly update
Seems like I'm working my way down to only monthly posts here. I do wish I was able to blog every day... but it just never happens around here! But, I also want to have some record of Aubrie's accomplishments and the like... so I continue coming back on the occasion. My apologies to readers who keep coming by dissapointed by the lack of new posts! And... I don't know why the link to my photo diary isn't working, it should be... and it is on my end... not sure what to say, just make sure you copy the whole link into a browser and it should, in theory, work.
So, the news on the little munckin... she started grabbing toys and holding toys full force this weekend. Now, she must hold EVERYTHING and put EVERYTHING in her mouth. She got royally peeved the other day playing in her bouncy chair because she grabbed onto the hanging toy and pulled, and it wouldn't reach her mouth! This new discovery led to some pretty rough nights (she just didn't want to be asleep), followed by a FABULOUS night last night, where she slept from 7:45pm - 5:45am. YAY! This is the first time she has managed the WHOLE night (in my opinion... I refuse to call 5 hours at a stretch sleeping through the night, as the books say!). It may be in part to me turning off the monitor last night. The last few weeks, she's been waking around 1-4am and just making noise (not really demanding food or anything), so it's led to me feeding her because I need her to sleep so I can sleep!
I know that this accomplishment will be short lived... I probably will not get another night like that in awhile... and then they'll dissappear altogether with the arrival of teeth... but for now, I'm enjoying it. It's led to a very lazy morning for me! I've been so "on-the-go" for the last few weeks, I decided to take the morning to myself - no rushing, no plans... just sittin in my pj's till I feel like accomplishing something! (Paired, of course, with caring for Aubrie... but she's already down for a morning nap!). *Sigh*... life is good!
So, the news on the little munckin... she started grabbing toys and holding toys full force this weekend. Now, she must hold EVERYTHING and put EVERYTHING in her mouth. She got royally peeved the other day playing in her bouncy chair because she grabbed onto the hanging toy and pulled, and it wouldn't reach her mouth! This new discovery led to some pretty rough nights (she just didn't want to be asleep), followed by a FABULOUS night last night, where she slept from 7:45pm - 5:45am. YAY! This is the first time she has managed the WHOLE night (in my opinion... I refuse to call 5 hours at a stretch sleeping through the night, as the books say!). It may be in part to me turning off the monitor last night. The last few weeks, she's been waking around 1-4am and just making noise (not really demanding food or anything), so it's led to me feeding her because I need her to sleep so I can sleep!
I know that this accomplishment will be short lived... I probably will not get another night like that in awhile... and then they'll dissappear altogether with the arrival of teeth... but for now, I'm enjoying it. It's led to a very lazy morning for me! I've been so "on-the-go" for the last few weeks, I decided to take the morning to myself - no rushing, no plans... just sittin in my pj's till I feel like accomplishing something! (Paired, of course, with caring for Aubrie... but she's already down for a morning nap!). *Sigh*... life is good!
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
day in our life
It was suggested to me to do a "day in the life" photo diary. So... we did it! It was kind of a pain, but I'm so glad that we have it now, and can't wait to do another in a few months (to see how things change). It's kinda boring... but, well... that can often be the life of a newborn, haha! Hope you enjoy!
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AbMmTlk5cuXJA¬ag=1
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AbMmTlk5cuXJA¬ag=1
Friday, March 31, 2006
Changes
It's been tough to blog lately. I've found that every blog seems to be repeating the same thing... it's boring even me! But, lately we've had some changes, so I figured I'd come back to "blog land".
Nights have started to get better again. Aubrie's typically sleeping 8pm-3am, then up for a feed, then back to sleep till 7am. We've had 3 nights like this... and though I know it could change any day (and probably will), I've been enjoying it! It makes the days so much easier.
Naps are also getting better... particularly on days when we follow a usual routine. Aubrie's not a fan of change! Today, she's slept 2 naps in her crib (both about 45 minutes), plus her usual nap while on our walk. Definitely an improvement. She's so much happier between naps when she gets them in!
She's also starting to hold things more. She's always grasped fingers (and held on TIGHT), but now she's holding onto small toys with the same enthusiasm. She doesn't quite know that they are there, but it's a fun start!
And, she even rolled over the other night. May have been a fluke, but she was on her tummy after her bath (she's finally getting used to a little tummy time here and there), and boom... she was on her back!
That's all for now... she's calling me, so I'll have to keep this short! Hopefully I'll be back with more updates soon!
Nights have started to get better again. Aubrie's typically sleeping 8pm-3am, then up for a feed, then back to sleep till 7am. We've had 3 nights like this... and though I know it could change any day (and probably will), I've been enjoying it! It makes the days so much easier.
Naps are also getting better... particularly on days when we follow a usual routine. Aubrie's not a fan of change! Today, she's slept 2 naps in her crib (both about 45 minutes), plus her usual nap while on our walk. Definitely an improvement. She's so much happier between naps when she gets them in!
She's also starting to hold things more. She's always grasped fingers (and held on TIGHT), but now she's holding onto small toys with the same enthusiasm. She doesn't quite know that they are there, but it's a fun start!
And, she even rolled over the other night. May have been a fluke, but she was on her tummy after her bath (she's finally getting used to a little tummy time here and there), and boom... she was on her back!
That's all for now... she's calling me, so I'll have to keep this short! Hopefully I'll be back with more updates soon!
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Magical pj's
I swear we have found ourselves some magical pj's. I didn't have any clean pj's to put Aubrie in last night that fit her well (tsk tsk), so I put her in the ones from the previous night, as they were still spill-free. Well, last night she slept 7 1/2 hours in a row, and woke up only once. The previous night it was 9 1/2 hours (yipee) 8 till 5:30 (then back to bed till about 8 or so). It has been fabulous. So what did I have to do tonight? I had to wash the pj's so she could wear them again. It's a sickness... it's like a play-off ritual. They aren't even cute pj's - they are polyester (which I hate, cuz they don't breathe well, I prefer to use cotton on her) and they are blue (my mom seems to think girls need colors other than pink), but hey - they work!!!
Days are still a little challenging, but I'm fighting through them and trying to get out more. After meeting several new moms in my area, we went out for a walk Friday and ended up being out for over 3 hours (stopped at a coffee shop and couldn't stop talking). It felt great to be out of the house, and the day FLEW by. Saturday I ended up feeling really cooped up in comparison, so today I took Aubrie to the mall. It wasn't entirely succesfull, but not terrifying either. I hope we can get out lots this week! Thanks so much everyone for all the positive thoughts and prayers. I'm not sure that her fussiness is decreasing much, but she does seem to be getting on more of a schedule (we're finding she can't be awake for more than about 45 minutes at a stretch), and we are coping well.
Ok, this was supposed to be a short post, as I should be heading to bed. Let's all cross our fingers for those pj's to do their trick!
Days are still a little challenging, but I'm fighting through them and trying to get out more. After meeting several new moms in my area, we went out for a walk Friday and ended up being out for over 3 hours (stopped at a coffee shop and couldn't stop talking). It felt great to be out of the house, and the day FLEW by. Saturday I ended up feeling really cooped up in comparison, so today I took Aubrie to the mall. It wasn't entirely succesfull, but not terrifying either. I hope we can get out lots this week! Thanks so much everyone for all the positive thoughts and prayers. I'm not sure that her fussiness is decreasing much, but she does seem to be getting on more of a schedule (we're finding she can't be awake for more than about 45 minutes at a stretch), and we are coping well.
Ok, this was supposed to be a short post, as I should be heading to bed. Let's all cross our fingers for those pj's to do their trick!
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
It's not us!
For the last few weeks, I've struggled with lots of feelings that I'm just not cutting it very well as a mom. I knew motherhood would be tough, but hadn't quite expected what we've experienced thus far. Well, finally, yesterday... I got some "answers" as to why it is seeming so difficult. Here I thought that maybe I was just complaining too much... but no... apparently, Aubrie ranks up with only a "handful" of babies that a nurse of 35 years has ever witnessed. Meaning, only a few others have been as difficult as her! This nurse spent about an hour with Aubrie, while I was in the "mom's group" at the local Public Health Unit. It's just good to know that I'm not over-exaggerating things in my head, and that it's not just us - she's just a stubborn little strong-willed girl. And that, we love, even though it causes us hours and hours a day of angst and generally means that we can't take her out anywhere.
So, for now, we're working hard on forcing sleep on her (which seems to be the biggest problem - she just doesn't ever want to sleep, and she pushes herself past her limit and has melt-downs), trying to get a schedule (yikes, emphasis on word "TRYING") as the nurse felt that she would be the type of baby that would thrive on a schedule, and just basically coping day by day. It sucks that we have had to put so much on hold (I would love to go out shopping and what not, even run some errands), but hopefully it'll only be a few more months and things will improve. Oh, and that was the down-side of the chat with the nurse - she says that because it's not really typical colic, it won't get better at 3 months. Yay for us!
Her final check up with the midwife was good. She's up to 9 lbs 14 oz. We're also attemting chiropractic care for her, to ensure it's not a back strain issue (common with newborns).
Aaah, but the smiles are so worth it. Although we haven't yet gotten a picture of her "big" smiles (she tends to like to move a lot when she smiles, so none of the pics have turned out yet), we do have some little smiles to share...
Awww, how cute is she???
So, for now, we're working hard on forcing sleep on her (which seems to be the biggest problem - she just doesn't ever want to sleep, and she pushes herself past her limit and has melt-downs), trying to get a schedule (yikes, emphasis on word "TRYING") as the nurse felt that she would be the type of baby that would thrive on a schedule, and just basically coping day by day. It sucks that we have had to put so much on hold (I would love to go out shopping and what not, even run some errands), but hopefully it'll only be a few more months and things will improve. Oh, and that was the down-side of the chat with the nurse - she says that because it's not really typical colic, it won't get better at 3 months. Yay for us!
Her final check up with the midwife was good. She's up to 9 lbs 14 oz. We're also attemting chiropractic care for her, to ensure it's not a back strain issue (common with newborns).
Aaah, but the smiles are so worth it. Although we haven't yet gotten a picture of her "big" smiles (she tends to like to move a lot when she smiles, so none of the pics have turned out yet), we do have some little smiles to share...
Awww, how cute is she???
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Mom worries...
Ok, I know I have officially become a mom when I lay WIDE awake at 2:30am because I can't figure out why my baby hasn't woken yet! Plus, it was the first 5 1/2 hour stretch of sleep I've gotten in about 3 months... and I felt like I had slept a year (and couldn't fall back asleep). She fed at 8pm, asleep by 8:30... slept past 2:30am. YAY! I actually had to go into her room to check on her cuz I was so worried. She was half awake at that point, and spotted me. She grinned, closed her eyes to go back to sleep, then opened them again, grinned, closed them, opened them and WAILED. Not sure if that was when she finally realized she was so stinkin hungry, or if she wasn't really awake the first two times, or if the whole process woke her up and she was mad. Doesn't matter! I fed her, she slept again till 5am, ate and went back to sleep, and now it's 7:30 and I still have a moment to blog before she's up for good. YIPEE.
So, I had started a blog yesterday about how horrible I'm feeling about her scream fests. I was coping so well, then I went to our "mom and me" class at the health centre, where they (being the nurses) really made me feel that it wasn't normal and that I should be having difficulties coping. The power of persuasion... yuck! So, I had a bit of a melt-down yesterday. But today I'm back to coping well. She screams sometimes... that's ok... she's a little high-strung. I've gotten about 10 different "analyses" as to why she's doing it and how to fix it (which really stressed me out, so please don't give me any more advice), but in the end, despite all the recommendations (many of which were totally unreasonable) I still know in my heart she's going to have really bad fussy times sometimes. I can accept that, and I love her anyways... so what does it matter!
Also, for those that think their baby is fussy... I heard on Tuesday what other mothers think fussiness is... I think I may need a new term for Aubrie's fussiness (cuz the other babies don't come close). I'm almost finding now that it's a bragging right - "you think your baby is fussy, listen to this!" (which shocked many other moms on Tuesday, as Aubrie screamed and screamed). It's kind of humourous. If you can think of a new, more violent term than fussy, do let me know. I'd love to use it!
Anyways, it looks like we're back on track for tough days and easy nights. I fully know that she will likely have more bad nights and stretches of bad nights, but I'm ok with that if I get the odd 6 hour stretch like last night! And here's hoping her excellent sleep will contribute to a happy baby today!
So, I had started a blog yesterday about how horrible I'm feeling about her scream fests. I was coping so well, then I went to our "mom and me" class at the health centre, where they (being the nurses) really made me feel that it wasn't normal and that I should be having difficulties coping. The power of persuasion... yuck! So, I had a bit of a melt-down yesterday. But today I'm back to coping well. She screams sometimes... that's ok... she's a little high-strung. I've gotten about 10 different "analyses" as to why she's doing it and how to fix it (which really stressed me out, so please don't give me any more advice), but in the end, despite all the recommendations (many of which were totally unreasonable) I still know in my heart she's going to have really bad fussy times sometimes. I can accept that, and I love her anyways... so what does it matter!
Also, for those that think their baby is fussy... I heard on Tuesday what other mothers think fussiness is... I think I may need a new term for Aubrie's fussiness (cuz the other babies don't come close). I'm almost finding now that it's a bragging right - "you think your baby is fussy, listen to this!" (which shocked many other moms on Tuesday, as Aubrie screamed and screamed). It's kind of humourous. If you can think of a new, more violent term than fussy, do let me know. I'd love to use it!
Anyways, it looks like we're back on track for tough days and easy nights. I fully know that she will likely have more bad nights and stretches of bad nights, but I'm ok with that if I get the odd 6 hour stretch like last night! And here's hoping her excellent sleep will contribute to a happy baby today!
Monday, February 27, 2006
Darn
Ok... spoke too soon. She had a terrible night, and is having a not-so-fantastic day today. Somehow, it's like she knows the weekends I have help... and the weekdays, she returns to her normal self - fun times!
Sunday, February 26, 2006
6 weeks a charm?
We're probably speaking too soon, but after a week filled with lots of screamy days, it seems like the 6 week mark has been a bit of a turning point for our little grumpster. The last two days she has been very content - just eating, some happy awake time, and lots of sleeping (much more than usual). We also successfully moved her into her crib (YAY). Nights have been pretty good! Still a ways probably from a full nights sleep, but definite progress! She still won't use her crib for daytime naps, but in time I'm sure she will!
Her last check up was also good. She knows how to put on the weight! She's already at 9 lbs 2 oz!! WOW!
I'm still in a bit of a haze from the last week, so this is just a quick hello! If all goes well, I should be able to update more this week! Fingers crossed!
Her last check up was also good. She knows how to put on the weight! She's already at 9 lbs 2 oz!! WOW!
I'm still in a bit of a haze from the last week, so this is just a quick hello! If all goes well, I should be able to update more this week! Fingers crossed!
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Could it be?
Is it really possible that maybe, just maybe, Aubrie is getting used to her crib? She's been in there, perfectly happy and asleep for a whole 20 minutes now. This is a record!!! We've been trying so hard lately to get her used to it, but usually she'll stay in there, asleep, for 5 minutes tops before screaming. Today, I moved her co-sleeper into it, and put a light blanket on her, and she seems to be taking to it. Unfortunately, I was about to change her diaper and take her for a walk... but them's the breaks. I'll take the nap! Hopefully we'll get a chance for a walk in a little bit.
In other news, she has also started to genuinely smile now! At 4 weeks, 1 day... several HUGE grimaces that we were able to coax her into (you can tell they are "real" smiles if you can initiate them, and if their whole face smiles). We also found out she has dimples, just like her mommy! YAY!
We also got to go out for the first time last Friday. Babasnob and gidosnob babysat for us (and she was an absolute angel for them, go figure!). We went out for dinner, and grocery shopping (how romantic). It was great to get out.
Then, Saturday I also got a break to go shopping. More out of necessity... I'm so sick of maternity pants, and have finally acknowledged the fact that I may never get to wear any of my old wardrobe again (sigh). So... I got one pair of pants... I'm still not willing to accept that this size will last much longer, so I'm gonna see how long I can last with one pair of jeans (sad, but true).
Speaking of the weight-loss struggle... I'm amazed that this is probably my biggest source of frustration and tears lately. Not the fussy times, the sleepless nights (which are getting more frequent), the increased laundry requirement of cloth diapers... no, all those I knew were coming, and was somewhat prepared for. I was not prepared for how depressed I would feel about my size. I even had to "give up" my mommy message boards that I used to love going to for advice and support because they are so full of mommies that lost all (or close to all) their pregnancy weight in the first month. I can't deal with it.
Which is why I'm so totally TORN about the fact she is sleeping well in her crib right now... cuz we could be out walking! Sheesh, the things that run through my head! I guess I should go use the time wisely to catch up on some much needed sleep!
In other news, she has also started to genuinely smile now! At 4 weeks, 1 day... several HUGE grimaces that we were able to coax her into (you can tell they are "real" smiles if you can initiate them, and if their whole face smiles). We also found out she has dimples, just like her mommy! YAY!
We also got to go out for the first time last Friday. Babasnob and gidosnob babysat for us (and she was an absolute angel for them, go figure!). We went out for dinner, and grocery shopping (how romantic). It was great to get out.
Then, Saturday I also got a break to go shopping. More out of necessity... I'm so sick of maternity pants, and have finally acknowledged the fact that I may never get to wear any of my old wardrobe again (sigh). So... I got one pair of pants... I'm still not willing to accept that this size will last much longer, so I'm gonna see how long I can last with one pair of jeans (sad, but true).
Speaking of the weight-loss struggle... I'm amazed that this is probably my biggest source of frustration and tears lately. Not the fussy times, the sleepless nights (which are getting more frequent), the increased laundry requirement of cloth diapers... no, all those I knew were coming, and was somewhat prepared for. I was not prepared for how depressed I would feel about my size. I even had to "give up" my mommy message boards that I used to love going to for advice and support because they are so full of mommies that lost all (or close to all) their pregnancy weight in the first month. I can't deal with it.
Which is why I'm so totally TORN about the fact she is sleeping well in her crib right now... cuz we could be out walking! Sheesh, the things that run through my head! I guess I should go use the time wisely to catch up on some much needed sleep!
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Just when you think you've got it down...
That's when babies like to throw you a loop! I was finally starting to think I was getting the hang of things, and that maybe we would be able to accomplish minor tasks throughout the day... but lately, it just hasn't been working at all. I find that the only way I can shower, dress, eat, etc, is to let poor Aubrie scream - and I so hate doing that! I try to go for a daily walk, but it's always a toss up - will she enjoy it and have a good nap, or stress me out by screaming the whole time? You never know. And the sleeping... it was good... now it's touch and go. She has decided that somewhere between 3am and 4am is her favorite time to be alert. She's never really fussy (yay - good girl!), but it means lack of sleep regardless.
It is amazing how her personality is starting to slowly come out though. When she's upset - she's REALLY upset (kinda like me). When she's happy - she's REALLY happy and easy going (kinda like her dad). Sometimes, she prefers to just be left alone (kinda like both of us) and she's an early riser (like both of us). Every day, we learn something new about her. We may have even seen a dimple the other day... she's starting to get more smily (though it's still a toss up as to whether it's a "real smile"... babies aren't supposed to smile for "real" until about 6 weeks).
She's also gaining more weight now, so we aren't as worried about her eating habits. She was 7 lbs 14.5 oz on Monday - a 10.5 oz gain in a week!!! It amazes me that she's STILL smaller than many babies when they are born! Crazy!!
Better run... she's fussy again (despite being in the Snugli, which she normally likes). I hope things settle soon, so that I can blog more and keep up to date with all her happenings.
It is amazing how her personality is starting to slowly come out though. When she's upset - she's REALLY upset (kinda like me). When she's happy - she's REALLY happy and easy going (kinda like her dad). Sometimes, she prefers to just be left alone (kinda like both of us) and she's an early riser (like both of us). Every day, we learn something new about her. We may have even seen a dimple the other day... she's starting to get more smily (though it's still a toss up as to whether it's a "real smile"... babies aren't supposed to smile for "real" until about 6 weeks).
She's also gaining more weight now, so we aren't as worried about her eating habits. She was 7 lbs 14.5 oz on Monday - a 10.5 oz gain in a week!!! It amazes me that she's STILL smaller than many babies when they are born! Crazy!!
Better run... she's fussy again (despite being in the Snugli, which she normally likes). I hope things settle soon, so that I can blog more and keep up to date with all her happenings.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
What was I on?
Ok, I just re-read my last post. Enjoying fussy times?? Really?? What was I on?? I must have been really low on sleep. Or maybe I was asleep. Who knows.
I guess fussy times aren't that bad, when they are fairly short lived. The other day (not sure which... not sure what today is either), we had a doozy. Seven straight hours of terrible screaming. She only stopped momentarily for eating. Luckily, she started at 4... so she was asleep by about 11:30 and slept a good solid 4 hours, then another 4 after a snack. We finally ended the scream-fest at around 11 by feeding her a bottle of my milk (yay for moo-cowing). I have a theory that maybe the stress, lack of sleep, etc etc made my milk scarce that night, so even though she fed every 2 hours, she was probably still hungry. Hopefully, that tactic works well in the future and we can cut down the hours of screaming.
Then, I dared to go to the mall the next day. I needed some tops, as none of my old clothes fit. That's a whole other rant though (so sad...). She SCREAMED pretty much the entire time then too. Aack. It's so stressful to hear her cry so much. It just tears me up. I never understood when people would say that you react to your own baby crying differently than other babies crying. It's totally true. Your own baby has a magic ability to rip out your heart every time she cries.
And of course, top it off with what we think is a growth spurt. She was up and feeding every 90 minutes last night. Do the math... every 90 minutes = 30 minutes or so of feeding, 20 minutes or so of soothing, 10-15 minutes to destress yields about 15 minutes of sleep. Blech!
So off to bed I go. Hopefully Aubrie will do the same! She's so precious when she's asleep! Makes me totally forget the hours of screaming.
Keep your fingers crossed that we are not entering the beginning of the land of colic.
I guess fussy times aren't that bad, when they are fairly short lived. The other day (not sure which... not sure what today is either), we had a doozy. Seven straight hours of terrible screaming. She only stopped momentarily for eating. Luckily, she started at 4... so she was asleep by about 11:30 and slept a good solid 4 hours, then another 4 after a snack. We finally ended the scream-fest at around 11 by feeding her a bottle of my milk (yay for moo-cowing). I have a theory that maybe the stress, lack of sleep, etc etc made my milk scarce that night, so even though she fed every 2 hours, she was probably still hungry. Hopefully, that tactic works well in the future and we can cut down the hours of screaming.
Then, I dared to go to the mall the next day. I needed some tops, as none of my old clothes fit. That's a whole other rant though (so sad...). She SCREAMED pretty much the entire time then too. Aack. It's so stressful to hear her cry so much. It just tears me up. I never understood when people would say that you react to your own baby crying differently than other babies crying. It's totally true. Your own baby has a magic ability to rip out your heart every time she cries.
And of course, top it off with what we think is a growth spurt. She was up and feeding every 90 minutes last night. Do the math... every 90 minutes = 30 minutes or so of feeding, 20 minutes or so of soothing, 10-15 minutes to destress yields about 15 minutes of sleep. Blech!
So off to bed I go. Hopefully Aubrie will do the same! She's so precious when she's asleep! Makes me totally forget the hours of screaming.
Keep your fingers crossed that we are not entering the beginning of the land of colic.
Monday, January 30, 2006
The challenges begin...
Well... nothing too serious, but just when things were starting to feel like they were getting into a rhythym we could manage (we're getting really good at dealing with fussy times now). I found out today that likely my milk supply is too low. We were so proud of little Aubrie for sleeping so well, and it turns out that we're probably not getting enough feeds in to keep my supply up to her demand. She gained a bit of weight, but not much. She's up to 7 lbs 4 oz (ideally, she'd be closer to 7 lbs 10 oz). So, now I go into pumping mode - not only do I have to do regular feedings, but in between I have to do "moo-cow feedings" (that's what I call them, cuz pumping makes you feel like a cow). Plus some herbal remedies, and waking more often for feedings. Hopefully it will get things going and we can continue with the breastfeeding. Her tummy has issues enough without having to introduce formula.
Aside from that, like I said... we're getting much more adept at dealing with fussy times, and they don't throw us as much as they used to. I actually find myself enjoying some of the fussy times. She sleeps pretty well at night (most nights... last night was not one of them). All in all, we can't complain. In fact, quite the opposite... every day, when we think we can't love her any more, somehow we manage to fit some more love in.
And that... deserves another pic...
Aside from that, like I said... we're getting much more adept at dealing with fussy times, and they don't throw us as much as they used to. I actually find myself enjoying some of the fussy times. She sleeps pretty well at night (most nights... last night was not one of them). All in all, we can't complain. In fact, quite the opposite... every day, when we think we can't love her any more, somehow we manage to fit some more love in.
And that... deserves another pic...
Friday, January 27, 2006
Lacking the super powers
How do people do it? How do so many new moms blog so frequently? It baffles me!! When RSM, Miss Zoot, and Amalah (some of my most favorite bloggers) had their little ones, they blogged every day. I kept thinking… having a baby can’t be that hard then, can it? I can’t fathom how they’ve done it. I think they must just have super powers (or babies that sleep in cribs and whatnot). Even CC (whose little one is even younger than Aubrie) is managing to do it thanks to a Boppy pillow. With which comes super powers I tell you… super powers.
So now, I’m trying the “blog on word… then transfer over” type thing. That way, I can blog a sentence at a time. And you all can read my blog and say “darn… that makes no sense… it was like she was writing it one sentence at a time”. To which I say “yes… and with minimal sleep”.
And… I’m getting a cold. A COLD, darn it! I need a cold like I need a kick in the head. Fun times.
In other news… Aubrie’s yucky cord stump thingy fell off yesterday. That’s good times. Cuz those things are really quite gross you know! We’re pleased it dropped so soon.
Oh, and yes… the pic on her site says it all… Aubrie is now using pacifiers. The midwife (although she doesn’t recommend it) did say if we wanted to we could go for it now. Considering Aubrie uses me as the human pacifier, we thought we’d give it a shot. So far, so good on the paci.
And today marks day one of the attempt at cloth diapers. We’ve been putting it off for awhile now… but it’s finally time to give them a shot. We’ll see how it goes.
So now, I’m trying the “blog on word… then transfer over” type thing. That way, I can blog a sentence at a time. And you all can read my blog and say “darn… that makes no sense… it was like she was writing it one sentence at a time”. To which I say “yes… and with minimal sleep”.
And… I’m getting a cold. A COLD, darn it! I need a cold like I need a kick in the head. Fun times.
In other news… Aubrie’s yucky cord stump thingy fell off yesterday. That’s good times. Cuz those things are really quite gross you know! We’re pleased it dropped so soon.
Oh, and yes… the pic on her site says it all… Aubrie is now using pacifiers. The midwife (although she doesn’t recommend it) did say if we wanted to we could go for it now. Considering Aubrie uses me as the human pacifier, we thought we’d give it a shot. So far, so good on the paci.
And today marks day one of the attempt at cloth diapers. We’ve been putting it off for awhile now… but it’s finally time to give them a shot. We’ll see how it goes.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Perfect timing
Ok, so posting has become much more difficult these days. Primarily because Aubrie really doesn't like to sleep anywhere but in people's arms (namely, mine). This is making things quite difficult. Some days, I wonder if we are ever going to get back to a place where we can lead a normal life (normal as in being able to shower, eat, sleep, clean up the house). I know it will come, but it seems a long way off these days.
So, at night... we've resorted to letting Aubrie sleep in our bed for part of the night. Just enough of the night so that I can be moderately coherent. Last night, for instance, she joined me in bed at around 10 or 11 (can't remember now), and slept till 3am. That's a good solid chunk (one that is only achieved when she is with me in bed). But then, she needed to eat. No problem... we're getting good at that. So, I fed her. Thing is... she never "quits" the eating. I keep thinking I should try to let her eat till she quits (rather than cut her off at a certain time, mainly cuz I don't know what that time should be). So, I let her keep eating and eating last night. For a solid hour she ate. Then, I figured there was no food left, so I cut her off. Brought her to bed for awhile, till she was good and asleep (about an hour). Then, did the transfer over to the Pack n Play (beside the bed). Not 2 minutes after that, she erupted!! Spit up flew the entire length of the Pack n Play (that's a long distance). We just laughed and said... at least it wasn't the bed.
Ok... she's crying again... time to cut it short. Hopefully there will be more posts soon (meaning she'll spend more time sleeping on her own, not wailing)
So, at night... we've resorted to letting Aubrie sleep in our bed for part of the night. Just enough of the night so that I can be moderately coherent. Last night, for instance, she joined me in bed at around 10 or 11 (can't remember now), and slept till 3am. That's a good solid chunk (one that is only achieved when she is with me in bed). But then, she needed to eat. No problem... we're getting good at that. So, I fed her. Thing is... she never "quits" the eating. I keep thinking I should try to let her eat till she quits (rather than cut her off at a certain time, mainly cuz I don't know what that time should be). So, I let her keep eating and eating last night. For a solid hour she ate. Then, I figured there was no food left, so I cut her off. Brought her to bed for awhile, till she was good and asleep (about an hour). Then, did the transfer over to the Pack n Play (beside the bed). Not 2 minutes after that, she erupted!! Spit up flew the entire length of the Pack n Play (that's a long distance). We just laughed and said... at least it wasn't the bed.
Ok... she's crying again... time to cut it short. Hopefully there will be more posts soon (meaning she'll spend more time sleeping on her own, not wailing)
Saturday, January 21, 2006
*Sigh*
That's my sigh of relief. Aubrie had another check up today with the midwife. She has now gained back all the weight she lost after the birth. She was down to 6 lbs 6 oz on Wed, and today... up to a whopping 7 lbs! YAY!! That's our little piggie eater!
She had a particularly daunting binge last night, when she decided she didn't want to sleep at all that night, and wanted instead to be up either feeding or fussing. It made for our first really terrible long night. I'm sure we'll have more, I'm just hoping they aren't tonight!!! What can we say... she's a weekend partyier.
My brain isn't functioning enough to write much more, so I leave you with another adorable picture. How she loves her daddy...
She had a particularly daunting binge last night, when she decided she didn't want to sleep at all that night, and wanted instead to be up either feeding or fussing. It made for our first really terrible long night. I'm sure we'll have more, I'm just hoping they aren't tonight!!! What can we say... she's a weekend partyier.
My brain isn't functioning enough to write much more, so I leave you with another adorable picture. How she loves her daddy...
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Oh please, please...
Doesn't this picture look like Aubrie is praying? It's so cute.
She's saying "Oh please please God, let me sleep and not be fussy tonight". Actually, she's been pretty good through the nights. The first night in hospital was tough (lots of fussing, and I was by myself), but at home she's been pretty good. She feeds a lot, and is often awake, but is totally happy being awake and often just lays in her bassinet-type bed, or in our bed, and stares at things (especially us).
She's getting fussier and fussier in the day though. Usually sometime after noon... then doesn't let up till after dinner. Makes for tough afternoons. I'd rather that, though, than tough nights! We are holding up well regardless, and loving all the time with our little girl.
She had her first bath at home today (had one in the hospital). She wasn't too fond of it, but seemed to enjoy being clean afterwards. Definitely not something we want to be doing all the time though!
We're still "adjusting" to some sort of schedule (or lack-there-of), so I'm not sure how often I will update... but I will try for lots!
She's saying "Oh please please God, let me sleep and not be fussy tonight". Actually, she's been pretty good through the nights. The first night in hospital was tough (lots of fussing, and I was by myself), but at home she's been pretty good. She feeds a lot, and is often awake, but is totally happy being awake and often just lays in her bassinet-type bed, or in our bed, and stares at things (especially us).
She's getting fussier and fussier in the day though. Usually sometime after noon... then doesn't let up till after dinner. Makes for tough afternoons. I'd rather that, though, than tough nights! We are holding up well regardless, and loving all the time with our little girl.
She had her first bath at home today (had one in the hospital). She wasn't too fond of it, but seemed to enjoy being clean afterwards. Definitely not something we want to be doing all the time though!
We're still "adjusting" to some sort of schedule (or lack-there-of), so I'm not sure how often I will update... but I will try for lots!
Monday, January 16, 2006
Ok... the news
She's here!!!! Bear with me as I type with baby in tow. Aubrie Anne, our pride and joy arrived Sat Jan 14th @ 10:30am. Weighing 6 lbs 13 oz, and 20.5 inches. Our perfect little angel!!!!! We are so in love!
Some pics for you... http://aubrie.shorrockin.com. Snobpapa likes to take pics!
The labor was long. 57.5 hours long upon the start of active labor. Owch! I'll spare most of the details for now (though I'm getting better at the typing). Prelabor started Wed day... then progressed to more active labor at 1am on Thurs. Midwives suggested to labor at home, which we did all day Thurs. It progressed a lot Thurs night. Throughout day and night contractions ranged from every 2 minutes to every 10 with varying intensity (though many very strong) so it was a difficult day and night. Water broke Fri morning. Midwife came by... only 2-3 cm dialated. Labored more at home with our wonderful doula. Midwife came by again in the afternoon to come with us to the hospital. We had to wait for a room, so labored more at home than I would have liked. The car ride around 7pm was TOUGH! Arrived at the hospital. Finally was worn out, and had to opt for the epidural. The anesthesioligist was in surgery, so that took awhile and I got some drugs to help (ok, it made me feel good between contractions... but really... doesn't do much for the contraction!). Thoroughly enjoyed the epidural. But, around 5am?? (I think) it started to wear off. More importantly, I developed quite the fever. The combination of transition sans-epi and fever made for a very rough time. I was also ridiculously ill (poor snobpapa!). Also, still only about 8 cm!!! All this time, I was also on pitocin to speed things up (which luckily, I was very sensitive too, so it helped tons). I don't think my body would have managed without it :(. Finally, the anesthesiologist was able to return to top up the epi. My fever started to level off a bit, so talk of c/s diminished.
Finally, at around 9:30 I was ready to push. All the hours of labor made her super low. It didn't take much. I pushed for about 10 contractions, then her head was visible. We thought it would be several more pushes. Then.... out she SHOT. Our little crazy canninbal. Resulting in a lovely quick second stage of birth, and a lovely well-shaped beautiful baby... but a very torn up mommy :(. After looking it over, the midwife decided to consult the OB surgeon. A little late... as I had bled a LOT. The repairs were grueling and took a long time. I missed out on a lot of time with my darling girl, but loved watching snobpapa bond. After the repairs... I was a little worse for wear, and passing out. That meant a longer stay in the hospital than I would have liked, too many blood tests, and too long on the IV drip. But, we're home now and in LOVE. It is so worth it. I'm anxious for a speedy recovery to enjoy our daughter. Please pray for some quick healing! (And no more trips back to the hospital!)
Some pics for you... http://aubrie.shorrockin.com. Snobpapa likes to take pics!
The labor was long. 57.5 hours long upon the start of active labor. Owch! I'll spare most of the details for now (though I'm getting better at the typing). Prelabor started Wed day... then progressed to more active labor at 1am on Thurs. Midwives suggested to labor at home, which we did all day Thurs. It progressed a lot Thurs night. Throughout day and night contractions ranged from every 2 minutes to every 10 with varying intensity (though many very strong) so it was a difficult day and night. Water broke Fri morning. Midwife came by... only 2-3 cm dialated. Labored more at home with our wonderful doula. Midwife came by again in the afternoon to come with us to the hospital. We had to wait for a room, so labored more at home than I would have liked. The car ride around 7pm was TOUGH! Arrived at the hospital. Finally was worn out, and had to opt for the epidural. The anesthesioligist was in surgery, so that took awhile and I got some drugs to help (ok, it made me feel good between contractions... but really... doesn't do much for the contraction!). Thoroughly enjoyed the epidural. But, around 5am?? (I think) it started to wear off. More importantly, I developed quite the fever. The combination of transition sans-epi and fever made for a very rough time. I was also ridiculously ill (poor snobpapa!). Also, still only about 8 cm!!! All this time, I was also on pitocin to speed things up (which luckily, I was very sensitive too, so it helped tons). I don't think my body would have managed without it :(. Finally, the anesthesiologist was able to return to top up the epi. My fever started to level off a bit, so talk of c/s diminished.
Finally, at around 9:30 I was ready to push. All the hours of labor made her super low. It didn't take much. I pushed for about 10 contractions, then her head was visible. We thought it would be several more pushes. Then.... out she SHOT. Our little crazy canninbal. Resulting in a lovely quick second stage of birth, and a lovely well-shaped beautiful baby... but a very torn up mommy :(. After looking it over, the midwife decided to consult the OB surgeon. A little late... as I had bled a LOT. The repairs were grueling and took a long time. I missed out on a lot of time with my darling girl, but loved watching snobpapa bond. After the repairs... I was a little worse for wear, and passing out. That meant a longer stay in the hospital than I would have liked, too many blood tests, and too long on the IV drip. But, we're home now and in LOVE. It is so worth it. I'm anxious for a speedy recovery to enjoy our daughter. Please pray for some quick healing! (And no more trips back to the hospital!)
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Update
Well, still at home, no midwife here yet. We did call her (but held out till 6:30). She seemed to think it was early labor, but sent me for a soak in the tub, some gravol, and an attempt at sleep. The tub went terribly... I had two contractions and they hurt very badly! I did manage some sleep, but the contractions that woke me up out of my gravol stupor were tough ones. Now, I'm up, having a bite to eat, and the contractions are back to their sporadic selves. I'm really hoping they pick up so I know what's going on. It's the whole not knowing that sucks (oh... and the bad contractions aren't a picnic either!).
I'll stay updated as much as I can...
I'll stay updated as much as I can...
Perhaps...
Well, I think we've decided to call the midwife soon. I started having contractions yesterday evening, and they've progressed through the night. If I'm up and busy, they come every 2-4 minutes and last about 20-35 seconds. If I lay down, they come 4-7 minutes and last up to a minute. Weird pattern... but who knows.
Likely, this is a false alarm. I think it's a general rule that all first time moms have at least one of those. That's why we're trying to hold out to a more hours (to call at a relatively decent hour).
I just woke snobpapa up recently (around 5am). We keep saying... let's see how the next few go. Hopefully, we'll know the scoop soon!
Likely, this is a false alarm. I think it's a general rule that all first time moms have at least one of those. That's why we're trying to hold out to a more hours (to call at a relatively decent hour).
I just woke snobpapa up recently (around 5am). We keep saying... let's see how the next few go. Hopefully, we'll know the scoop soon!
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Final pics
Ok... so I finally got the courage to take the final belly pics. Here they are, 39 weeks in all their glory. I'm not taking ANY MORE!!! (Until after... when I've lost 50 pounds).
And, if you're wondering... yes, I DID touch up the bare belly shot. I know photoshop, and I'm not afraid or ashamed to use it!!! I didn't shave off any of the belly, or elsewhere (though now that I think of it, my legs and butt could look better)... just touched out the horrific stretch marks. Who said that whether you get them or not is based on heredity is full of crap. My mom never got them, and I got screwed big time. But no, I'm not bitter.
In other news, chiropracters are wonderful people! I went to my first prenatal chiro appt today. Why, oh why, did I wait so long to go to one? My midwife recommended it on Monday so that an adjustment could increase the room in my pelvis and encourage good positioning of the baby. She didn't say how absolutely wonderful it would feel to have 10 minutes on my tummy (yay for special pillows) with massage and very gentle back adjustment. Or having all the muscles and ligaments gently stretched. Wow... it felt great! I can't wait to go back on Friday. I was picturing the very jarring, somewhat frightening adjustements I've had in the past. But prenatally, chiro appts are much much different and much much better! Highly recommended!
And, if you're wondering... yes, I DID touch up the bare belly shot. I know photoshop, and I'm not afraid or ashamed to use it!!! I didn't shave off any of the belly, or elsewhere (though now that I think of it, my legs and butt could look better)... just touched out the horrific stretch marks. Who said that whether you get them or not is based on heredity is full of crap. My mom never got them, and I got screwed big time. But no, I'm not bitter.
In other news, chiropracters are wonderful people! I went to my first prenatal chiro appt today. Why, oh why, did I wait so long to go to one? My midwife recommended it on Monday so that an adjustment could increase the room in my pelvis and encourage good positioning of the baby. She didn't say how absolutely wonderful it would feel to have 10 minutes on my tummy (yay for special pillows) with massage and very gentle back adjustment. Or having all the muscles and ligaments gently stretched. Wow... it felt great! I can't wait to go back on Friday. I was picturing the very jarring, somewhat frightening adjustements I've had in the past. But prenatally, chiro appts are much much different and much much better! Highly recommended!
Monday, January 09, 2006
Doing better
But then, of course... I never was able to post a blog to say that I wasn't doing well. But who cares, because I'm doing quite a bit better! I had a few days where all the medical issues of late pregnancy got the best of me and I was on bed rest, but I'm doing much better now, and that's all that matters! But I tell ya... had labor hit on Saturday, I would have said NO THANKS. Now that I'm feeling a bit better - bring it on! Still not 100%, but who at 39 weeks is???
I had a great meeting with the midwife today. Baby has turned to the side now (neither posterior or anterior) and she gave me more things that should help ensure a lovely anterior presentation (including a chiropractic appt, and an herb... no clue how the herb will help, but we're willing to try anything!).
I also get to start taking her concoction of "mother's cordial", which contains some herbs that will strengthen contractions and regulate them. Apparently though, it tastes horrible. I'll let ya know after dinner when I take it!
Now that I'm up and about more, I'll try to keep updated so y'all know when labor hits. So far, no sign though! I'm guessing I've got at least a week to go at minimum!
I had a great meeting with the midwife today. Baby has turned to the side now (neither posterior or anterior) and she gave me more things that should help ensure a lovely anterior presentation (including a chiropractic appt, and an herb... no clue how the herb will help, but we're willing to try anything!).
I also get to start taking her concoction of "mother's cordial", which contains some herbs that will strengthen contractions and regulate them. Apparently though, it tastes horrible. I'll let ya know after dinner when I take it!
Now that I'm up and about more, I'll try to keep updated so y'all know when labor hits. So far, no sign though! I'm guessing I've got at least a week to go at minimum!
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Hmmm...
Guess it's time for a color change??
| Your Blog Should Be Purple |
 You're an expressive, offbeat blogger who tends to write about anything and everything. You tend to set blogging trends, and you're the most likely to write your own meme or survey. You are a bit distant though. Your blog is all about you - not what anyone else has to say. |
Ramblings...
Hmmm, couldn't think of a good title today, as I'm not even sure what I have to say. Just thought I'd start blogging a bit to get the day started.
Speaking of which, it baffles me that it is now 9:30am, and if this was several weeks ago, I would be at work (already teaching) and having been at work for at least 2 1/2 hours. Here I am, today, having barely started my day at all. I just seems surreal that my days have changed so much already!
I'm trying not to whine as much these days. I feel like I kinda lost it over the whole positioning thing (see last post). It really threw me for a loop. My wonderful doula has made me feel better about it, and I know there is still hope. I just have to learn to let go, and know that I have minimal control over this, and chances are she will turn and all will work out anyways. Those that know me, know that I don't give up control very easily (haha, that's an understatement!!!!). I'm learning... slowly...
I spent a good 2 or 3 hours yesterday on my hands and knees, cleaning blinds. I'm hoping that it helps with the positioning... and I wanted to get those blinds cleaned anyways. I have 2 more sets of blinds I want to clean, so hopefully on Saturday I can get those done.
Today, I'm off to the office, because I just can't seem to give it up completely (well, I need to pick up my R.O.E., I have an excuse). And to get the car serviced (fun times). Still trying to keep as busy as I can. Luckily, it's working, as this week has passed by quite quickly.
Can you believe my due date is only 10 days away???? Tomorrow, I reach SINGLE DIGITS. Wow!!!!
And yay for hockey tonight.... go team Canada!!!!
Speaking of which, it baffles me that it is now 9:30am, and if this was several weeks ago, I would be at work (already teaching) and having been at work for at least 2 1/2 hours. Here I am, today, having barely started my day at all. I just seems surreal that my days have changed so much already!
I'm trying not to whine as much these days. I feel like I kinda lost it over the whole positioning thing (see last post). It really threw me for a loop. My wonderful doula has made me feel better about it, and I know there is still hope. I just have to learn to let go, and know that I have minimal control over this, and chances are she will turn and all will work out anyways. Those that know me, know that I don't give up control very easily (haha, that's an understatement!!!!). I'm learning... slowly...
I spent a good 2 or 3 hours yesterday on my hands and knees, cleaning blinds. I'm hoping that it helps with the positioning... and I wanted to get those blinds cleaned anyways. I have 2 more sets of blinds I want to clean, so hopefully on Saturday I can get those done.
Today, I'm off to the office, because I just can't seem to give it up completely (well, I need to pick up my R.O.E., I have an excuse). And to get the car serviced (fun times). Still trying to keep as busy as I can. Luckily, it's working, as this week has passed by quite quickly.
Can you believe my due date is only 10 days away???? Tomorrow, I reach SINGLE DIGITS. Wow!!!!
And yay for hockey tonight.... go team Canada!!!!
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
My child hates me...
Just when I thought I might get some good news at a midwife appt... I find out that baby girl has dropped a bit (yay) in the wrong position (very much NOT yay). Occipital Posterior... otherwise known as "I am screwed because I have scoliosis and OP means back labor". I really thought I would be able to avoid this with proper "positioning". I'm told it's still a possibility, if I spend the next 2 weeks on my hands and knees at every waking opportunity. In fact, if I could sleep like that, all the better. Yipee for me. No sitting on the couch anymore. So much for enjoying my long wait. Oh, and to make it even more reassuring, here's what I read when I look it up on babyzone...
"Face-up, called Occipital Posterior (back of the head down), is a more difficult delivery because the baby can't flex the head on exit. It's like delivering a baby a pound bigger. It's not impossible, but it's more difficult to push with effectiveness, and the pushing stage of labor can last longer than usual."
Ok... any time they have to preface with "not impossible"... you know it sucks. Couldn't they just say more difficult. For some reason, when people say something is not impossible... it automatically makes you think that it is sooooo horribly bad that many may think it is impossible. It's not impossible to climb Everest... does that make you want to try?
Ok... I'm just bummed...
"Face-up, called Occipital Posterior (back of the head down), is a more difficult delivery because the baby can't flex the head on exit. It's like delivering a baby a pound bigger. It's not impossible, but it's more difficult to push with effectiveness, and the pushing stage of labor can last longer than usual."
Ok... any time they have to preface with "not impossible"... you know it sucks. Couldn't they just say more difficult. For some reason, when people say something is not impossible... it automatically makes you think that it is sooooo horribly bad that many may think it is impossible. It's not impossible to climb Everest... does that make you want to try?
Ok... I'm just bummed...
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Welcome to 2006
I'm not much of a New Year's girl at all... but this year, it just seems like I have to celebrate the start of it. Not that I've found any fun ways to do that, I guess I'm just doing lots of reflexion. My New Years consisted of going to bed early, but then laying there, wide awake, unable to sleep (very common these days) until about 1am. Fun times.
My accomplishments today include getting to church. Sounds miniscule, I know... but snobpapa didn't think I could do it. I mentioned going and he thought I was crazy. He didn't think I could sit still for the 1 1/2 hours required. Haha, proved him wrong (though, I must admit, I was squirmy and uncomfortable... I blame the portable chairs... we meet in a school gym). It was FABULOUS to get out of the house though. And, we went out for lunch after, which was nice too. So, all in all, I had a large portion of my day occupied.
Then, I came home pooped... and slacked on the couch most of the afternoon watching movies. Aaah, but it was enjoyable. And, I did get to some housework in the evening, so it wasn't a waste.
I'm trying to plan a solid week of activities to occupy myself. Highlights include going back in to work (I know, I know... stay away, you're on mat leave... but I have to pick up my R.O.E. for E.I, and I wanna see my coworkers and students too), meeting with the doula tomorrow, the midwife(s) on Tuesday, family dinner tomorrow for SIL's birthday (mmm, chinese food)... details will follow.
Note my recommitment to blogging. Aah, how 1sts of the year can kick our butts back into shape. Can't wait till that will also include some hard-core running and pilates. I'm truly anxious to drop 50 pounds now!
My accomplishments today include getting to church. Sounds miniscule, I know... but snobpapa didn't think I could do it. I mentioned going and he thought I was crazy. He didn't think I could sit still for the 1 1/2 hours required. Haha, proved him wrong (though, I must admit, I was squirmy and uncomfortable... I blame the portable chairs... we meet in a school gym). It was FABULOUS to get out of the house though. And, we went out for lunch after, which was nice too. So, all in all, I had a large portion of my day occupied.
Then, I came home pooped... and slacked on the couch most of the afternoon watching movies. Aaah, but it was enjoyable. And, I did get to some housework in the evening, so it wasn't a waste.
I'm trying to plan a solid week of activities to occupy myself. Highlights include going back in to work (I know, I know... stay away, you're on mat leave... but I have to pick up my R.O.E. for E.I, and I wanna see my coworkers and students too), meeting with the doula tomorrow, the midwife(s) on Tuesday, family dinner tomorrow for SIL's birthday (mmm, chinese food)... details will follow.
Note my recommitment to blogging. Aah, how 1sts of the year can kick our butts back into shape. Can't wait till that will also include some hard-core running and pilates. I'm truly anxious to drop 50 pounds now!
Saturday, December 31, 2005
No news
Well, another week between posts. I know I can do better than that! But seriously, not much is happening. I'm basically walking around bored... and there's no sense blogging about that, now is there? I'm getting lots of odds and ends done, but nothing that anyone cares to hear about. I will be sure to post some nursery pics sometime soon - I just have to get around to taking some pics!
I could go on and on, whining about everything that is uncomfortable about 38 weeks pregnant... but the thing that is annoying me most (surprisingly, more than anything that is moderately painful)... is my hair! It has gotten so unbelievably thick that it is a daily source of total frustration. I mean... any time it takes more than 45 minutes to blow-dry hair, something is terribly terribly wrong. Now, I TRIED to have this taken care of several weeks ago with a hair cut. But alas, my hairdresser refused to cut it as short as I wanted it (the downside of having a hairdresser who really likes your hair). I've considered pulling it out in chunks now. It may just come to that. I also hear that it doesn't start "shedding" until a good 4 months post-partum. Oh happy day... 4 1/2 more months of this. Luckily, I don't have to go out much!
So, if you come by my house, and my hair is tied back... cut me some slack! Until you've lived it, don't knock it!
I could go on and on, whining about everything that is uncomfortable about 38 weeks pregnant... but the thing that is annoying me most (surprisingly, more than anything that is moderately painful)... is my hair! It has gotten so unbelievably thick that it is a daily source of total frustration. I mean... any time it takes more than 45 minutes to blow-dry hair, something is terribly terribly wrong. Now, I TRIED to have this taken care of several weeks ago with a hair cut. But alas, my hairdresser refused to cut it as short as I wanted it (the downside of having a hairdresser who really likes your hair). I've considered pulling it out in chunks now. It may just come to that. I also hear that it doesn't start "shedding" until a good 4 months post-partum. Oh happy day... 4 1/2 more months of this. Luckily, I don't have to go out much!
So, if you come by my house, and my hair is tied back... cut me some slack! Until you've lived it, don't knock it!
Friday, December 23, 2005
Wonderful, wonderful sleep
It still really baffles me that we are "meant"/"programmed" to have many sleepless nights at the end of pregnancy. It's so distressing. I mean, here I am, thinking now is the best time to stock up... and I'm wide awake at 2am, totally frustrated!
But, alas... not last night!!! Last night, I slept amazingly for almost 11 hours. Most of it, uninterrupted! I was terrified of going to sleep too, as the previous night I had been rudely awokened by horrible heartburn (which I've never really had before) that kept me awake in a chair most of the night (and terribly uncomfortable). I figured that this would be the way life is until baby decides to finally drop (which, I was told, they almost always do by 36 weeks for a first baby.... of course... not for me... I get to wait it out).
Aaahhh, blissfull sleep. If that's the last one I get for years to come, I shall enjoy it thoroughly in my mind and relish its wonderful effects.
Today, I have all the energy in the world to tackle the crazy number of lists I have written for myself (blame my father... that man loves lists). Too bad all these people left Christmas preparations to the last minute, or I could go tackle the mall errands and whatnot today. But no... that'll have to wait till the crazies leave the stores.
Yesterday was another midwife appt. I told quiet midwife (still haven't figured out a better name for her) about all the apprehensions that had been building and lurking in my head essentially since I found out that my now favorite midwife is unlikely to be at the birth. I told both quiet and Scottish midwife about my concerns about having favorite midwife (now I've changed her name) at the birth. They took it quite well (I didn't want to offend them, but I'm attached to favorite midwife), and really tried to console me. Unfortunately, they made me feel worse. I ended up feeling that they were kind of imposing their ideas on me... making me feel quite vulnerable and upset about the whole upcoming ordeal. So, I expressed that yesterday and the quiet midwife assured me that it was not the intention at all. They would be there to ensure that the birth went as I wanted it to, and safely. I'm just glad she knows I'm apprehensive. It was a weight off my shoulders.
In terms of baby, all is fine. She's still measuring small, though they won't wager a size yet. 34.5 cm at almost 37 weeks. Still not dropped, but contently in the optimal position (what a smart little girl!!).
My bets are still on Jan 22 or 23... my hopes are on 6 lbs 10 oz...
But, alas... not last night!!! Last night, I slept amazingly for almost 11 hours. Most of it, uninterrupted! I was terrified of going to sleep too, as the previous night I had been rudely awokened by horrible heartburn (which I've never really had before) that kept me awake in a chair most of the night (and terribly uncomfortable). I figured that this would be the way life is until baby decides to finally drop (which, I was told, they almost always do by 36 weeks for a first baby.... of course... not for me... I get to wait it out).
Aaahhh, blissfull sleep. If that's the last one I get for years to come, I shall enjoy it thoroughly in my mind and relish its wonderful effects.
Today, I have all the energy in the world to tackle the crazy number of lists I have written for myself (blame my father... that man loves lists). Too bad all these people left Christmas preparations to the last minute, or I could go tackle the mall errands and whatnot today. But no... that'll have to wait till the crazies leave the stores.
Yesterday was another midwife appt. I told quiet midwife (still haven't figured out a better name for her) about all the apprehensions that had been building and lurking in my head essentially since I found out that my now favorite midwife is unlikely to be at the birth. I told both quiet and Scottish midwife about my concerns about having favorite midwife (now I've changed her name) at the birth. They took it quite well (I didn't want to offend them, but I'm attached to favorite midwife), and really tried to console me. Unfortunately, they made me feel worse. I ended up feeling that they were kind of imposing their ideas on me... making me feel quite vulnerable and upset about the whole upcoming ordeal. So, I expressed that yesterday and the quiet midwife assured me that it was not the intention at all. They would be there to ensure that the birth went as I wanted it to, and safely. I'm just glad she knows I'm apprehensive. It was a weight off my shoulders.
In terms of baby, all is fine. She's still measuring small, though they won't wager a size yet. 34.5 cm at almost 37 weeks. Still not dropped, but contently in the optimal position (what a smart little girl!!).
My bets are still on Jan 22 or 23... my hopes are on 6 lbs 10 oz...
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Still too early
So... don't start thinking I've gone into labor, and that's why I'm not posting anymore! Despite everyone telling me to be ready for "any day now...", my intuition tells me I have lots of time. So, lack of posting is simply due to a recent overwhelming of baby info, making me not feel like posting much!
We had our prenatal classes last weekend, followed by a hospital tour, followed by a meeting with our wonderful doula, followed by an in home visit by the midwives. So, all week long, it's been labor talk city! You can understand why posting more about my pregnancy has been the last thing from my mind!
This week will be all about organization - lists of things I need to do, need to buy, need to finish. It will also include my OFFICIAL last day of work. Still haven't decided which day it'll be. I need to drive in to submit marks, which I'll do either Mon or Tues, depending on my whim. I've realized after this last week, that I need to start keeping busy... really really really busy.
We had our carpets steam cleaned yesterday. Trying to get major tasks done before our big day. Despite our house only being a year old, we figured it would be nice to have it done so that the baby can get them all good and dirty. Today I got two more sets of blinds cleaned. Not an easy task at 36 weeks pregnant!
Tonight, we're off downtown with my parents to meet up with my brother and sister-in-law for yummy mexican food at one of our favorite restaurants. Enjoying those nights out as much as we can now!
We had our prenatal classes last weekend, followed by a hospital tour, followed by a meeting with our wonderful doula, followed by an in home visit by the midwives. So, all week long, it's been labor talk city! You can understand why posting more about my pregnancy has been the last thing from my mind!
This week will be all about organization - lists of things I need to do, need to buy, need to finish. It will also include my OFFICIAL last day of work. Still haven't decided which day it'll be. I need to drive in to submit marks, which I'll do either Mon or Tues, depending on my whim. I've realized after this last week, that I need to start keeping busy... really really really busy.
We had our carpets steam cleaned yesterday. Trying to get major tasks done before our big day. Despite our house only being a year old, we figured it would be nice to have it done so that the baby can get them all good and dirty. Today I got two more sets of blinds cleaned. Not an easy task at 36 weeks pregnant!
Tonight, we're off downtown with my parents to meet up with my brother and sister-in-law for yummy mexican food at one of our favorite restaurants. Enjoying those nights out as much as we can now!
Monday, December 12, 2005
It's a sickness...
I'm not much of a shopper. Really, I'm not. I've never particularly liked shopping, though I do it out of necessity. But lately, I'm totally obsessed! I simply can not pass up a cute outfit for our little girl. I mean... baby outfits are so great - they are so cheap, so cute, I never have to worry about exactly how it fits and whether I will wear it (like I do with my own clothes), and I never feel particularly guilty for buying my daughter outfits. Of course, I'm conveniently blocking the realities that the clothes will probably only fit for a few weeks, get trashed with spit up, etc... not to mention that I am well on my way to having a ridiculously spoiled little girl. Though, we don't have that many clothes for her at this point (still don't have the suggested number of sleepers, onesies, etc)... I can just see this eventually getting out of hand!! Mental note - make a budget... soon...
In other news, we had our prenatal class this weekend. It was great, but it was also JAM packed with info, all in one tiny little weekend. So, in short, totally overwhelming. I'm not even sure how much of the info actually stuck. Only time will tell. She had us repeat several things, out loud, several times (things like "I will get help" and "babies cry"). Along with that, she had us keep repeating that due dates mean nothing... "full term is 37-42 weeks". Ok... that's in 13 days people! I'm not going into labor in 13 days. Stop making me think I might. It's bad enough you give us a 5 week window where you consider labor to be "perfectly normal and healthy"... how are we supposed to not get anxious and hopeful when you dangle something like that in our faces. I would LOVE to go into labor in 13 days, but I know better than to get my hopes up. Which is really hard when a lady is making you repeat it out loud ad nauseum! I'm still betting on Jan 22. That's 41 days. It's gonna be a long 41 days.......
In other news, we had our prenatal class this weekend. It was great, but it was also JAM packed with info, all in one tiny little weekend. So, in short, totally overwhelming. I'm not even sure how much of the info actually stuck. Only time will tell. She had us repeat several things, out loud, several times (things like "I will get help" and "babies cry"). Along with that, she had us keep repeating that due dates mean nothing... "full term is 37-42 weeks". Ok... that's in 13 days people! I'm not going into labor in 13 days. Stop making me think I might. It's bad enough you give us a 5 week window where you consider labor to be "perfectly normal and healthy"... how are we supposed to not get anxious and hopeful when you dangle something like that in our faces. I would LOVE to go into labor in 13 days, but I know better than to get my hopes up. Which is really hard when a lady is making you repeat it out loud ad nauseum! I'm still betting on Jan 22. That's 41 days. It's gonna be a long 41 days.......
Thursday, December 08, 2005
The downside
There is a downside to finished Christmas preparations so early... I sent out most of my Christmas letters (still waiting on a few addresses to clarify) and my blog site was in my Christmas letter, and now I'm getting harrased as to how little I update my blog! Sheesh!! So, I guess it's time to step it up.
Unfortunately, I just haven't had much to report. Most of it, no one wants to hear about. I'm doing lots of cleaning these days, still finishing up some work stuff... it's all very exciting. We do have a lot of baby stuff coming up, so there should be more to report soon. Our prenatal classes are this weekend, followed by a hospital tour on Monday, a meeting with our doula, and a home visit from the midwives all next week. So, in short... stay tuned.
In the meantime, here are some new and update belly pics to share. Don't expect many more of these... I'm thoroughly not enjoying taking them or sharing them now. But, I figure, it's expected, right? I'll want these pictures in the future, when I have forgotten how yucky it feels to be this fat. Then I can look back on them fondly. These gems are from 34 1/2 weeks. Only 38 more days to go...
Unfortunately, I just haven't had much to report. Most of it, no one wants to hear about. I'm doing lots of cleaning these days, still finishing up some work stuff... it's all very exciting. We do have a lot of baby stuff coming up, so there should be more to report soon. Our prenatal classes are this weekend, followed by a hospital tour on Monday, a meeting with our doula, and a home visit from the midwives all next week. So, in short... stay tuned.
In the meantime, here are some new and update belly pics to share. Don't expect many more of these... I'm thoroughly not enjoying taking them or sharing them now. But, I figure, it's expected, right? I'll want these pictures in the future, when I have forgotten how yucky it feels to be this fat. Then I can look back on them fondly. These gems are from 34 1/2 weeks. Only 38 more days to go...
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
More excuses...
Wow, again it's been more than a week between posts. It just seems that with Christmas coming, and baby things to finish, I just haven't had much to say (except a point by point list of things I get done as I do them)!
Progress is being made - Christmas tree is up, most of the shopping is done, Christmas cards and letter in the works, nursery is almost decorated, work is almost finished (final exams being written on the 15th... then I just have marking to do). It'll all get done, but I'm overwhelmed on a daily basis. I know it's good to stay busy, and it sure does make time FLY by. I can't believe I'm just got 6 1/2 weeks left!!!!!
I had another appt on Monday. This time, it was with Scottish midwife and new midwife who I have coined the Quiet midwife. Why? Because aside from introducing herself, I didn't hear a peep from her the entire appt. I suppose that could be a very useful thing in the delivery room. Very calming. She was just observing this week though, so I'm sure her title may change next go-round. Everything was quite normal, up 2 cm to 31 cm (still a little small, but consistent), good blood pressure and she's still enjoying the vertex position. The next visit will be the home visit. I can't believe how quickly that came! To think, they are anxious to see where I live in case they have to come soon for the early labor (they stay at the home with me until the really active labor starts, then we move to the hospital). Lots of talk these days about premature labor signs, etc. I'm fully convinced I will be late though...
What a boring post. But, truthfully, there's just not much else to report! Busy, busy, busy... but healthy - which is the best thing!
Progress is being made - Christmas tree is up, most of the shopping is done, Christmas cards and letter in the works, nursery is almost decorated, work is almost finished (final exams being written on the 15th... then I just have marking to do). It'll all get done, but I'm overwhelmed on a daily basis. I know it's good to stay busy, and it sure does make time FLY by. I can't believe I'm just got 6 1/2 weeks left!!!!!
I had another appt on Monday. This time, it was with Scottish midwife and new midwife who I have coined the Quiet midwife. Why? Because aside from introducing herself, I didn't hear a peep from her the entire appt. I suppose that could be a very useful thing in the delivery room. Very calming. She was just observing this week though, so I'm sure her title may change next go-round. Everything was quite normal, up 2 cm to 31 cm (still a little small, but consistent), good blood pressure and she's still enjoying the vertex position. The next visit will be the home visit. I can't believe how quickly that came! To think, they are anxious to see where I live in case they have to come soon for the early labor (they stay at the home with me until the really active labor starts, then we move to the hospital). Lots of talk these days about premature labor signs, etc. I'm fully convinced I will be late though...
What a boring post. But, truthfully, there's just not much else to report! Busy, busy, busy... but healthy - which is the best thing!
Friday, November 18, 2005
Our crazy contortionist
Well, we had our 3-D ultrasound pics done today. Baby was very much uncooperative. She decided that despite the slurpee I drank to get her moving, she was going to sleep through the whole thing. And, to top that off, she was going to sleep with her feet and arms curled up in front of her face. Yes, that's right... she had her toes touching her forehead for the majority of the session!
We did get a few good shots of her chubby little cheeks...
And, we got further confirmation that she is a she. I'm still not convinced I can see why... here's the "money" shot though...
(Ok, I'm sure I'll never live that one down. We really shouldn't post pictures of our babies' crotches on the internet, should we?)
We did get a few good shots of her chubby little cheeks...
And, we got further confirmation that she is a she. I'm still not convinced I can see why... here's the "money" shot though...
(Ok, I'm sure I'll never live that one down. We really shouldn't post pictures of our babies' crotches on the internet, should we?)
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Second attempt
Let's try my appt update post again. Hopefully this time it'll stick... I can't promise it'll be as good as the first one. Something about having to write something a second time that takes the humor out of it. Not that it was all that humorous to begin with.
So, Monday was my 31 week appt. I got to meet one of the new additions to the practice. I shall call her Irish midwife. She has an awesome Irish accent (from Ireland, worked in Scotland, it's quite the mix of accents and very cool). She was quite different from Trendy midwife. I'm guessing they have lots of different view points on things. Irish midwife seems a little more into testing and intervention (still very light on intervention compared to ob-gyn's though... sorry if I offend you Uncle John... though I do hear you're trying to get out of the baby-delivery end of things as it's too much like being a wedding planner... haha). I think she was a little shocked that I passed up the GD test. And she did insist on another hemoglobin test. Not that I mind - I'm not opposed to needles. I expect that to come back fine. I know when my iron is low, and it isn't at the moment. It is very cool that Irish midwife is also an experienced RN. She's also really good at showing me how to tell the position of the baby. It worked at the time... but I doubt I can figure it out ever again. I thought maybe baby turned head up yesterday... but I don't think that was right at all. She's probably still head down and sprawled out to the right, making me look very lopsided, as she has been for the last two appts. I measured in at 29cm. I was 28cm 2 weeks ago, so not much progress there. I'm pretty consistently a few cm behind... no big surprise and nothing to be worried about at this point.
Ok, enough about my appt. Strange encounter today... I was walking through campus and was stopped by a lady who works at IMS (instructional media services, a dept I know well and turn to often for all my media support needs). She asked me when my little girl was due. I happily told her, and out of curiosity, asked her who told her I was having a girl. Not that I mind, I was just curious how the word got out so quick. She looked at me very puzzled and said "no one, I just know by the way you are carrying". She was SOOOOO convinced she was right, it was freaky. And, she was right. Mind you, she had a 50/50 shot... but still! Then she said something about usually needing to take a handwriting analysis sample, but that I was so obviously carrying a girl that she didn't need to see my handwriting. Fine then, I'll keep my messy handwriting to myself then. So I guess lopsided means girl. Who knew?
Finally, got a chance to catch up on some favorite blogs today. Yuck... -26 degrees celcius in Saskatchewan. It's a lovely 10 degrees here (though raining) and I don't miss that snow at all. And now I'm totally convinced that I'm going to suffer PPUG. No... not a typo about my dog... but PPRIUG with a primary focus on the unjustified guilt portion. I mean, I suffer unjustified guilt on a regular basis, and now Miss Zoot is telling me that this will get WORSE post partum? Man, am I in for a treat!
Ok, that's all I've got for y'all today. And, it's mostly thanks to snobpapa getting a new PS2 game (meaning I can't use the tv with the PVR, and what good is watching tv when you have to watch commercials too??), and the fact that my tutoring "client" forgot her math at school today. Lots of free time for me tonight (to post 3 times, cuz the monster ate the first one... I'm still bitter).
So, Monday was my 31 week appt. I got to meet one of the new additions to the practice. I shall call her Irish midwife. She has an awesome Irish accent (from Ireland, worked in Scotland, it's quite the mix of accents and very cool). She was quite different from Trendy midwife. I'm guessing they have lots of different view points on things. Irish midwife seems a little more into testing and intervention (still very light on intervention compared to ob-gyn's though... sorry if I offend you Uncle John... though I do hear you're trying to get out of the baby-delivery end of things as it's too much like being a wedding planner... haha). I think she was a little shocked that I passed up the GD test. And she did insist on another hemoglobin test. Not that I mind - I'm not opposed to needles. I expect that to come back fine. I know when my iron is low, and it isn't at the moment. It is very cool that Irish midwife is also an experienced RN. She's also really good at showing me how to tell the position of the baby. It worked at the time... but I doubt I can figure it out ever again. I thought maybe baby turned head up yesterday... but I don't think that was right at all. She's probably still head down and sprawled out to the right, making me look very lopsided, as she has been for the last two appts. I measured in at 29cm. I was 28cm 2 weeks ago, so not much progress there. I'm pretty consistently a few cm behind... no big surprise and nothing to be worried about at this point.
Ok, enough about my appt. Strange encounter today... I was walking through campus and was stopped by a lady who works at IMS (instructional media services, a dept I know well and turn to often for all my media support needs). She asked me when my little girl was due. I happily told her, and out of curiosity, asked her who told her I was having a girl. Not that I mind, I was just curious how the word got out so quick. She looked at me very puzzled and said "no one, I just know by the way you are carrying". She was SOOOOO convinced she was right, it was freaky. And, she was right. Mind you, she had a 50/50 shot... but still! Then she said something about usually needing to take a handwriting analysis sample, but that I was so obviously carrying a girl that she didn't need to see my handwriting. Fine then, I'll keep my messy handwriting to myself then. So I guess lopsided means girl. Who knew?
Finally, got a chance to catch up on some favorite blogs today. Yuck... -26 degrees celcius in Saskatchewan. It's a lovely 10 degrees here (though raining) and I don't miss that snow at all. And now I'm totally convinced that I'm going to suffer PPUG. No... not a typo about my dog... but PPRIUG with a primary focus on the unjustified guilt portion. I mean, I suffer unjustified guilt on a regular basis, and now Miss Zoot is telling me that this will get WORSE post partum? Man, am I in for a treat!
Ok, that's all I've got for y'all today. And, it's mostly thanks to snobpapa getting a new PS2 game (meaning I can't use the tv with the PVR, and what good is watching tv when you have to watch commercials too??), and the fact that my tutoring "client" forgot her math at school today. Lots of free time for me tonight (to post 3 times, cuz the monster ate the first one... I'm still bitter).
Stupid post eating monster...
That's right. You heard me. Stay away post eating monster. I don't like you!!!
I just spent upwards of 30 minutes writing an update, only to have it EATEN. I've heard this discussed by fellow bloggers and always chuckled. Haha, how could you "lose" your post silly computer-illiterate bloggers. But no... it is possible... there are blog post eating monsters I tell you. And they are mean. And they don't care if you took that time when you are starving and should have been making dinner.
ARGH.
So, before I retype my whole thought process (which was, for once, a reasonably interesting one)... I must go make dinner.
Blame the post eating monster.
I'll get you one day......
(I even had links, links that require html coding, coding I always forget and have to bug snobpapa about to come tell me how to code it... sheesh!)
I just spent upwards of 30 minutes writing an update, only to have it EATEN. I've heard this discussed by fellow bloggers and always chuckled. Haha, how could you "lose" your post silly computer-illiterate bloggers. But no... it is possible... there are blog post eating monsters I tell you. And they are mean. And they don't care if you took that time when you are starving and should have been making dinner.
ARGH.
So, before I retype my whole thought process (which was, for once, a reasonably interesting one)... I must go make dinner.
Blame the post eating monster.
I'll get you one day......
(I even had links, links that require html coding, coding I always forget and have to bug snobpapa about to come tell me how to code it... sheesh!)
Monday, November 14, 2005
Hiccups yield success
Finally, yesterday, for the FIRST TIME ever, snobpapa was able to feel the baby move. This has been a source of frustration for both of us for weeks. Everytime baby is active and he tries to feel her movement, she stops. Yesterday she had very obvious hiccups, so he was able to feel one. We can finally take a sigh of relief. It was very stressful to think that maybe he would never be able to have that experience of feeling his baby move. Now we don't have to worry about it anymore! YAY!!
The weekend was very productive. Perhaps too productive, and now I haven't had much rest. But it was worth it. The quilt is totally done, the chair rail in the nursery is done, the dresser is done (just needs new drawer pulls). Everything is coming together!!!
Now, I just need to finish the paint touch-ups, crib skirt, valence (if I have time to do that), wall decorations, and the load of "spring-cleaning" I hope to finish before baby comes. Plus some more shopping - that'll be fun!!
Another midwife appt today. I'll try to update later with the "results", though it's bound to be another fairly boring appt. I guess boring is a good thing though!
The weekend was very productive. Perhaps too productive, and now I haven't had much rest. But it was worth it. The quilt is totally done, the chair rail in the nursery is done, the dresser is done (just needs new drawer pulls). Everything is coming together!!!
Now, I just need to finish the paint touch-ups, crib skirt, valence (if I have time to do that), wall decorations, and the load of "spring-cleaning" I hope to finish before baby comes. Plus some more shopping - that'll be fun!!
Another midwife appt today. I'll try to update later with the "results", though it's bound to be another fairly boring appt. I guess boring is a good thing though!
Friday, November 11, 2005
Sciatic nerves are dumb
I'm sure the sciatic nerve serves a very useful and necessary purpose, but today, it has me very very angry! I think I've finally come to the conclusion that the pain I have been struggling with the last week or so is due to a compression of that nerve (common in pregnancy). Last night it hit an all-time peak. Probably just due to working three days in a row when I'm not used to being on my feet that often. Today it's getting a little better, but still not a fun ailment to deal with.
Snobpapa is also quite injured. Another MMA (mixed martial arts) war wound. He thinks it's his back, but it hurts to breath... I think he may have broken a rib or two. It really sucks when TWO people are injured - there's no one left in our house to get anything done! So, we're both trying our best, and doing a lot of moaning and whining. Thankfully, without even knowing our ailements, babasnob has invited us for dinner tonight. Little did she know that if she hadn't, we probably wouldn't be eating. (Or we'd be eating something far less healthy that requires no cooking time or clean up time... neither of us can stand for that long!).
Isn't this an uplifting post???
A few fun things to report today. Yesterday at work, for the FIRST TIME EVER... I've started to get people commenting about my pregnancy without me telling them I'm pregnant. Sad that it took 7 months for this day to come, but exciting nonetheless! I've had 2 or 3 old students see me on campus and react to my belly. All of them seemed so shocked and surprised. It was fun. And, some of my new students (the classes I'm taking over for) have also asked questions about the baby. It's just so nice to know that people don't think I'm just fat!
Also, I'm loving this "working three days a week" thing. I've never really been able to work, then come home, and not work (how strange does that seem). But now I can, I really can. I don't have to bring work home, I'm not constantly catching up with marking and lesson plans, etc... I left yesterday knowing that I was totally ready for everything next week, and now I've got the WHOLE weekend to ENJOY. Imagine that!?!?! I'm loving it.
Today, I did manage to sand (somewhat) the new chair rail in the nursery. Tomorrow I will try to paint it. Hopefully snobpapa will be able to sand the dresser and we'll paint that too. Fun times!
Can't wait for my Monday appt. It's sooooo weird to be going to the midwife every second week now. It makes the baby's arrival seem so much closer. 65 more days and counting.....
Snobpapa is also quite injured. Another MMA (mixed martial arts) war wound. He thinks it's his back, but it hurts to breath... I think he may have broken a rib or two. It really sucks when TWO people are injured - there's no one left in our house to get anything done! So, we're both trying our best, and doing a lot of moaning and whining. Thankfully, without even knowing our ailements, babasnob has invited us for dinner tonight. Little did she know that if she hadn't, we probably wouldn't be eating. (Or we'd be eating something far less healthy that requires no cooking time or clean up time... neither of us can stand for that long!).
Isn't this an uplifting post???
A few fun things to report today. Yesterday at work, for the FIRST TIME EVER... I've started to get people commenting about my pregnancy without me telling them I'm pregnant. Sad that it took 7 months for this day to come, but exciting nonetheless! I've had 2 or 3 old students see me on campus and react to my belly. All of them seemed so shocked and surprised. It was fun. And, some of my new students (the classes I'm taking over for) have also asked questions about the baby. It's just so nice to know that people don't think I'm just fat!
Also, I'm loving this "working three days a week" thing. I've never really been able to work, then come home, and not work (how strange does that seem). But now I can, I really can. I don't have to bring work home, I'm not constantly catching up with marking and lesson plans, etc... I left yesterday knowing that I was totally ready for everything next week, and now I've got the WHOLE weekend to ENJOY. Imagine that!?!?! I'm loving it.
Today, I did manage to sand (somewhat) the new chair rail in the nursery. Tomorrow I will try to paint it. Hopefully snobpapa will be able to sand the dresser and we'll paint that too. Fun times!
Can't wait for my Monday appt. It's sooooo weird to be going to the midwife every second week now. It makes the baby's arrival seem so much closer. 65 more days and counting.....
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Catching up - final installement
Ok, so I've covered last week till Wed. Now I have to see if my pathetically useless pregnant brain can remember what happened since then. Seriously, it amazes me how MUCH I can manage to forget. I am usually a VERY together person (not that I'm bragging, it's actually kind of a sickness, really... at times even embarassing).
Thursday was my lloooooonnnggg teaching day. It was very difficult for me, as I just wasn't used to all that standing and talking. I was actually feeling breathless during my last lecture stint. But, made it through. Then I got to come home to all the awesome work that snobpapa's step-dad did for us that day. He's off work right now due to knee surgery, yet still put in the time and effort to help us out on a few projects pre-baby. I'll post pics when everything is all done. He added a cupboard, shelves and hooks to our laundry room (looks awesome) and a chair rail to the nursery. I have to sand and paint the rail (hopefully this weekend) and he's going to put in another cabinet w/ a sink in the laundry room. Then I'll post some pics. But let me just say, I am sooooo thrilled! I never thought our laundry room would ever look like more than a tiny, useless room with a stacked washer/dryer. It's very small, and we never thought we could get more use out of it. If only we had asked for help earlier. We aren't exactly the handiest of couples.
But then, on the weekend, snobpapa proved that statement wrong! He stripped the dresser for the nursery and repainted it. Unfortunately, I told him to use the wrong roller, and the paint isn't great. We're going to sand and do one more coat (hopefully on the weekend) and it'll be set. Just need some new drawer pulls.
Things are really coming together! It's exciting!!!! More news to come...
We also had babasnob's birthday on Sunday. Her birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM) was actually Saturday, but family dinners are, by definition, Sunday. So... birthdays must move to accomodate! That was fun. Indian food (yummy!!!).
Aside from other "typical" weekend events (church, probably a hockey game, a little extra sleep), that's all to report on the weekend front.
This week thus far has been pretty uneventful. I'm soooo unbelievably tired with work. Only 2 days into my "work" week too! But, I haven't been sleeping. Meaning, really... hardly at all. Maybe 2 hours last night and 1 or 2 the night before. Combination of a crazy active baby, ridiculously small bladder (oh and it'll get smaller, oh joy!), lots of leg and hip pain, and just plain restlessness. I hope it resolves itself soon. I need sleep (as may be evident in this post). This wouldn't bother me at all, if it wasn't for work. I feel bad for my poor students.
OOOOHHHHH, and we booked an appt for a 4D ultrasound. I can't wait. Next Friday is the big day. It's going to be my birthday present. I can't wait (oh, I just said that). I just hope that our little baby cooperates and doesn't hide out!
Sorry my posts aren't wittier these days. Just trying to keep up with events. I'll hopefully develop wit somewhere along the way. That's the hope, anyways! For now, sleep is more important. So I'm off to prep for that (does warm milk still make you sleepy if you mix it with chocolate?? Does the caffeine in the chocolate kill the effects?? Maybe I'll just stick to a warm bath...). I'm hoping my tiredness will finally give me a solid night's sleep tonight. We'll see...
Thursday was my lloooooonnnggg teaching day. It was very difficult for me, as I just wasn't used to all that standing and talking. I was actually feeling breathless during my last lecture stint. But, made it through. Then I got to come home to all the awesome work that snobpapa's step-dad did for us that day. He's off work right now due to knee surgery, yet still put in the time and effort to help us out on a few projects pre-baby. I'll post pics when everything is all done. He added a cupboard, shelves and hooks to our laundry room (looks awesome) and a chair rail to the nursery. I have to sand and paint the rail (hopefully this weekend) and he's going to put in another cabinet w/ a sink in the laundry room. Then I'll post some pics. But let me just say, I am sooooo thrilled! I never thought our laundry room would ever look like more than a tiny, useless room with a stacked washer/dryer. It's very small, and we never thought we could get more use out of it. If only we had asked for help earlier. We aren't exactly the handiest of couples.
But then, on the weekend, snobpapa proved that statement wrong! He stripped the dresser for the nursery and repainted it. Unfortunately, I told him to use the wrong roller, and the paint isn't great. We're going to sand and do one more coat (hopefully on the weekend) and it'll be set. Just need some new drawer pulls.
Things are really coming together! It's exciting!!!! More news to come...
We also had babasnob's birthday on Sunday. Her birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM) was actually Saturday, but family dinners are, by definition, Sunday. So... birthdays must move to accomodate! That was fun. Indian food (yummy!!!).
Aside from other "typical" weekend events (church, probably a hockey game, a little extra sleep), that's all to report on the weekend front.
This week thus far has been pretty uneventful. I'm soooo unbelievably tired with work. Only 2 days into my "work" week too! But, I haven't been sleeping. Meaning, really... hardly at all. Maybe 2 hours last night and 1 or 2 the night before. Combination of a crazy active baby, ridiculously small bladder (oh and it'll get smaller, oh joy!), lots of leg and hip pain, and just plain restlessness. I hope it resolves itself soon. I need sleep (as may be evident in this post). This wouldn't bother me at all, if it wasn't for work. I feel bad for my poor students.
OOOOHHHHH, and we booked an appt for a 4D ultrasound. I can't wait. Next Friday is the big day. It's going to be my birthday present. I can't wait (oh, I just said that). I just hope that our little baby cooperates and doesn't hide out!
Sorry my posts aren't wittier these days. Just trying to keep up with events. I'll hopefully develop wit somewhere along the way. That's the hope, anyways! For now, sleep is more important. So I'm off to prep for that (does warm milk still make you sleepy if you mix it with chocolate?? Does the caffeine in the chocolate kill the effects?? Maybe I'll just stick to a warm bath...). I'm hoping my tiredness will finally give me a solid night's sleep tonight. We'll see...
Monday, November 07, 2005
Hello new readers :)
Ok, so... I'm slow... but I just realized that I have some new readers to my blog. I find this very exciting, because when I first started, I was convinced that no one read my blog except for me. Then, one day, I got a comment. Snobpapa will attest to how excited I was about this. And the funny thing was, it was a spam comment. And now, I realize I have real genuine comments by readers. That made my day! Now I'm even more motivated to keep up with my posts (and not leave them all to recap my week in "catching up" posts)! Fun times!
Catching up Part II (Back to work)
Yes, last week was my first week back at work (covering for a coworker who went for surgery). It was a very light intro... just a midterm to administer on Tues, no lab on Wed, and 2-2 hour lectures on Thurs. The Thurs lectures were a little tough (especially on the back), but I recovered quickly. The great news is that I have a 4 day weekend to recover from each of those days. And, only 4 weeks of teaching left.
Also great news, something about working has really put my body back into "full force" mode. I'm getting WAY more done. I actually finished all the quilting on the baby quilt. I just have to finish the binding now (pics will follow soon). Also, the nesting bug has hit me big time! At least, I think it's the nesting, and not just my normal ridiculous desire to clean. I started out on Wed with the master bath. I cleaned EVERYTHING - windows, blinds, cupboards, drawers, doors... all together took about 3 hours. I hope to attack each room in our house with this vigor before baby comes. I hope I don't run out of steam!!
Today is Monday, so I'm off to get a little more housework done, do some class prep, and hopefully have some time left over to start on the crib skirt. It's gonna be a busy day (but an enjoyably busy day!)
Also great news, something about working has really put my body back into "full force" mode. I'm getting WAY more done. I actually finished all the quilting on the baby quilt. I just have to finish the binding now (pics will follow soon). Also, the nesting bug has hit me big time! At least, I think it's the nesting, and not just my normal ridiculous desire to clean. I started out on Wed with the master bath. I cleaned EVERYTHING - windows, blinds, cupboards, drawers, doors... all together took about 3 hours. I hope to attack each room in our house with this vigor before baby comes. I hope I don't run out of steam!!
Today is Monday, so I'm off to get a little more housework done, do some class prep, and hopefully have some time left over to start on the crib skirt. It's gonna be a busy day (but an enjoyably busy day!)
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Catching up (Part I - 29 weeker)
Wow... ok... so I blame work. That's why I'm so behind in my posts. I hope to catch up over the next few days, but we'll see how that goes.
First, my 29 week appt was last Monday. I'm now on to every 2 week visits (WOW). The big news (according to my midwife) was that our little girl is already head down. She's way ahead of the game. We're thinking it's cuz she's so incredibly BRILLIANT. It's like she knows the future. Trendy midwife says she will likely stay that way, as it takes a lot of effort for her now to move out of it. She may be brilliant, but she's also a little lazy. I have to label the midwives now, cuz there will be more. That's right... Trendy midwife decided she needed some help, so two new midwives will be around for my next visit. At first, I was quite sad about that, as it may mean that someone else delivers our baby. But, I've gotten used to it, and I will meet the new midwives many times, so I think I'll manage. I'll let ya know after I meet the next one in a week. Hopefully they aren't all as trendy as Trendy midwife, cuz then I'm gonna be stuck for names!!
I guess an appt deserves a pic too. All I've got right now is my 28 week pic, so you'll have to settle for that. I'll get some more done soon, with our new fabulous camera. Till then...
First, my 29 week appt was last Monday. I'm now on to every 2 week visits (WOW). The big news (according to my midwife) was that our little girl is already head down. She's way ahead of the game. We're thinking it's cuz she's so incredibly BRILLIANT. It's like she knows the future. Trendy midwife says she will likely stay that way, as it takes a lot of effort for her now to move out of it. She may be brilliant, but she's also a little lazy. I have to label the midwives now, cuz there will be more. That's right... Trendy midwife decided she needed some help, so two new midwives will be around for my next visit. At first, I was quite sad about that, as it may mean that someone else delivers our baby. But, I've gotten used to it, and I will meet the new midwives many times, so I think I'll manage. I'll let ya know after I meet the next one in a week. Hopefully they aren't all as trendy as Trendy midwife, cuz then I'm gonna be stuck for names!!
I guess an appt deserves a pic too. All I've got right now is my 28 week pic, so you'll have to settle for that. I'll get some more done soon, with our new fabulous camera. Till then...
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