I figure I'd better get something posted or LJ might lose his following!
The Js had a very nice Christmas! LJ traveled well and was a sweet boy for his grandparents, aunt, and uncles. We returned to spend the day with them on Sunday and he was happy once again. He is all smiles many times throughout the day...and is starting to be smiley in the late afternoon as well. He is being so pleasant that we are able to watch some movies lately. RJ's brother had my name for Christmas this year and he got me a 2 month subscription to Blockbuster online movies...they deliver 3 movies to my house and I can keep them as long as I want...then I mail them back and get more movies delivered. It is a monthly fee, so the more quickly I watch the movies, the better deal it is!
Today, we went to Houston to visit my friend and her baby...her baby girl is almost 5 months and is a little (actually, she's big!) cutie. She laughs and smiles a lot. Sometimes she squeals with delight and that is so cute! LJ was a sleepy head most of the visit, but that was probably good! I think they are coming with some other friends to visit here on Monday.
Now I will share our most recent ideas...
As LJ gets bigger and more active, he is escaping from his swaddles! So, RJ came up with a new technique (this will be no surprise to those of you who know RJ...he thinks of improvements for most things!) . I'll try my best to explain how to do it and then I'll tell you about our wonderful night of sleep last night!
You'll need:
1. a big enough swaddling blanket. Chances are, any receiving blankets you have are not big enough. I went to the fabric store and bought 2 yards of thin flannel. 1 yard was big enough, so now we have 2 "blankets".
2. a cloth dish towel. I have several of those white, thin, big, cloth dish towels...I've always called them flour sack cloth towels. I bought them at Target I'm sure.
3. a precious baby!
Swaddle System 2 (our name for it ;-) )
1. Lay the swaddling blanket down as with a normal swaddle
2. Lay the dish towel down on top of the swaddling blanket so that the longest part of the dish towel is horizontal.
3. Put baby in the middle of the dishtowel so that the top of the dish towel is at arm pit level.
4. Pull one end of dish towel between baby's arm and body and then wrap around so that the towel is covering the baby's arm and the baby is laying on the end.
5. Repeat with other side.
Now you should only be able to see the dish towel around each arm because the baby is laying on the rest of it.
6. Now swaddle with the other blanket as you normally swaddle.
The swaddle blanket holds the dish towel ends (which are pinning the baby's arms to his sides) firmly in place behind the baby's back. This makes the swaddle impossible to escape AND eliminates your need to be concerned with holding the swaddle blanket so tight. And you don't have to be so concerned with the "perfect" swaddle...you need to be concerned with the "perfect" dish towel placement...as it is THE KEY to the Swaddle System 2.
Now, we have swaddled LJ at night since birth and have been getting 4-7 hour stretches (mostly closer to 4) at night. We used the Swaddle System 2 for the first time two nights ago and he went 7 hours the first night and 6 hours the next!
Tonight we are going to try the "waking him up to feed one last time before WE go to bed" idea. This way, maybe we can maximize OUR sleep time during that long stretch.
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Friday, December 24, 2004
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to everyone! We are enjoying have RJ home all day today (and all next week). This morning we had an LJ photo session and then went to HEB to get some pictures printed (and to buy some groceries). Now, RJ is wrapping some presents in LJ's room and I am to find something else to do (this must mean the presents are for me ;-) ) So, I am bouncing the bouncy seat with my foot, checking e-mail and updating you all. I must say, I am impressed with my ability to bounce the bouncy seat with my foot AND type an e-mail. This feat has taken several weeks of practice, but I am getting it down.
LJ hasn't quite been himself these last 2 days. He hasn't been sleeping as much as usual AND his awake time has been a bit fussier. But, he doesn't show signs of sickness, so who knows? He is napping now...which negates what I just said! Maybe I'm the one who isn't herself?!
Tomorrow we are going to RJ's brother's house (about an hour away) and all of RJ's family will be there. We are only going for the day though. So, we'll wake up and have Christmas morning at our house before we head up there. This will be the first time RJ and I have had Christmas morning all to ourselves! I don't imagine LJ will care too much about Christmas this year, but we'll document his first Christmas just the same.
I think Mawmaw and my sister and her family will come over one day next week and we plan to go to Houston one day next week. My friend from Florida and her baby girl will be at my friend's house and I'm dying to see her and her baby! Other than that, we have no plans and we are happy about that.
Ok, I just wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas!!!! Hope you've had a GREAT year and are looking forward to another one!
LJ hasn't quite been himself these last 2 days. He hasn't been sleeping as much as usual AND his awake time has been a bit fussier. But, he doesn't show signs of sickness, so who knows? He is napping now...which negates what I just said! Maybe I'm the one who isn't herself?!
Tomorrow we are going to RJ's brother's house (about an hour away) and all of RJ's family will be there. We are only going for the day though. So, we'll wake up and have Christmas morning at our house before we head up there. This will be the first time RJ and I have had Christmas morning all to ourselves! I don't imagine LJ will care too much about Christmas this year, but we'll document his first Christmas just the same.
I think Mawmaw and my sister and her family will come over one day next week and we plan to go to Houston one day next week. My friend from Florida and her baby girl will be at my friend's house and I'm dying to see her and her baby! Other than that, we have no plans and we are happy about that.
Ok, I just wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas!!!! Hope you've had a GREAT year and are looking forward to another one!
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Back in the Groove
LJ is back to a more "normal" sleep schedule...which means he is getting to sleep pretty easily at night and going somewhere between 4 - 7 hours between feeding. I just got to add the 7 this morning because he went from 8:15 pm - 3:25 am last night! Then he wanted to eat again at 5:15! RJ held him off until 6:00 and I've pretty much been up ever since, but hey - I had 5 good hours, followed by almost 2 more.
RJ had off from work yesterday, so we finished up some Christmas shopping. We ran into LJ's uncle and ate lunch with him...that was an unexpected treat! I took a walk with LJ and we stopped at the neighborhood grocery store for a few items...LJ decided to howl and would not be pacified by the pacifier. But, you know what? I've come to understand a few things being on this side of parenthood. First, parents don't instantly remove their screaming child from public places because they have learned to tune out their child's cries until they hit a certain level. I always thought these parents were just insensitive to the fact that the general public doesn't want to hear their child cry. Second, I now know why parents of infants walk around with spit-up on their shirts. First, they probably don't know it is there and second, they probably don't really care and third, if they knew and cared they forgot about it before they had time to change clothes!
The following involves breastfeeding and bowel (LJ's, not mine) talk, so don't read if you don't want:
Remember the green diapers? Well, it is a good thing I have gotten over being worried about that because he still has them...probably one a day. Almost all of the diapers have some green, but we probably have one totally green one a day. He doesn't appear to be bothered by it and is gaining plenty o' weight.
I started experimenting with a new hold and latch on technique because I figure that after 5 weeks, my breasts really shouldn't be hurting so much. I have been doing this for about a day and a half and my breasts feel MUCH better. I was dreading feeding him! I have also been pumping a bit almost every day. At first, I'd get about 2-3 ounces total...now I'm up to 5 - 6. This is good and allows me to take a bottle out with me...and I don't have to limit all my outings to 1-2 hours. But, here is the million dollar question...how do I know how much to put in the bottle????? I don't want to thaw too much and waste precious milk, but I don't want him to be starving and fussy. How do you make this decision?
End of breastfeeding and bowel talk
That's all for today...gotta change a diaper (oops...I guess that is bowel talk!) ;-)
RJ had off from work yesterday, so we finished up some Christmas shopping. We ran into LJ's uncle and ate lunch with him...that was an unexpected treat! I took a walk with LJ and we stopped at the neighborhood grocery store for a few items...LJ decided to howl and would not be pacified by the pacifier. But, you know what? I've come to understand a few things being on this side of parenthood. First, parents don't instantly remove their screaming child from public places because they have learned to tune out their child's cries until they hit a certain level. I always thought these parents were just insensitive to the fact that the general public doesn't want to hear their child cry. Second, I now know why parents of infants walk around with spit-up on their shirts. First, they probably don't know it is there and second, they probably don't really care and third, if they knew and cared they forgot about it before they had time to change clothes!
The following involves breastfeeding and bowel (LJ's, not mine) talk, so don't read if you don't want:
Remember the green diapers? Well, it is a good thing I have gotten over being worried about that because he still has them...probably one a day. Almost all of the diapers have some green, but we probably have one totally green one a day. He doesn't appear to be bothered by it and is gaining plenty o' weight.
I started experimenting with a new hold and latch on technique because I figure that after 5 weeks, my breasts really shouldn't be hurting so much. I have been doing this for about a day and a half and my breasts feel MUCH better. I was dreading feeding him! I have also been pumping a bit almost every day. At first, I'd get about 2-3 ounces total...now I'm up to 5 - 6. This is good and allows me to take a bottle out with me...and I don't have to limit all my outings to 1-2 hours. But, here is the million dollar question...how do I know how much to put in the bottle????? I don't want to thaw too much and waste precious milk, but I don't want him to be starving and fussy. How do you make this decision?
End of breastfeeding and bowel talk
That's all for today...gotta change a diaper (oops...I guess that is bowel talk!) ;-)
Monday, December 20, 2004
Weekend Report
Well, here we are on the other side of our first weekend with overnight visitors. All-in-all, LJ was a pretty good boy and had a great time meeting his aunt, uncle, and cousins. He didn't fuss any more than normal and everyone (except one cousin who was a little sick earlier in the week) got to hold LJ while he was in good spirits. We had a very nice visit.
LJ slept in our room for the first time in 3 weeks. RJ and I did not sleep too well as 1) we are not as sleep deprived as we were 3 weeks ago or 2) LJ is a much more noisy sleeper than he was 3 weeks ago...or 3) both 1 and 2. He was grunting, snorting, groaning, and flailing most of the night and I think RJ and I heard every one of his noises! But, last night we were back to our routine and LJ slept in his room. He went 4 hours once, 5 hours once, and then 3 hours. If he was making all those noises, we couldn't hear him and RJ and I had a good night of sleep (well, as good as they get with a 5 week old!)
Yesterday, RJ and I took advantage of having our niece (who will stay with LJ on Fridays this spring semester) still in town...she babysat while we went to a movie. We were going to see National Treasure at 12:40, but decided we would rather go out to lunch with our family visitors...spend a little more time with them before they left. Plus, BigBro was paying ;-) So, we went to the 2:00 Ocean's 12 instead. We really didn't care what we saw...we were just excited to be going to the movies! If you've seen Ocean's 12 we'd like you to e-mail us as we want to know what YOU thought of it. (Don't post anything to the blog that might anger those who haven't seen it yet, but who plan to see it.) Anyway, I didn't see all the parts as I found myself waking up 4 different times...unaware that I had fallen asleep, but obviously I had. I asked RJ and I hadn't missed any crucial parts! Refer to paragraph 2 if you can't understand why I would fall asleep in a darkened room.
So, here we are, the week before Christmas. Many of you are starting your Christmas journeys this week or family members are making their way to your house. We pray for safe travels for all!
LJ slept in our room for the first time in 3 weeks. RJ and I did not sleep too well as 1) we are not as sleep deprived as we were 3 weeks ago or 2) LJ is a much more noisy sleeper than he was 3 weeks ago...or 3) both 1 and 2. He was grunting, snorting, groaning, and flailing most of the night and I think RJ and I heard every one of his noises! But, last night we were back to our routine and LJ slept in his room. He went 4 hours once, 5 hours once, and then 3 hours. If he was making all those noises, we couldn't hear him and RJ and I had a good night of sleep (well, as good as they get with a 5 week old!)
Yesterday, RJ and I took advantage of having our niece (who will stay with LJ on Fridays this spring semester) still in town...she babysat while we went to a movie. We were going to see National Treasure at 12:40, but decided we would rather go out to lunch with our family visitors...spend a little more time with them before they left. Plus, BigBro was paying ;-) So, we went to the 2:00 Ocean's 12 instead. We really didn't care what we saw...we were just excited to be going to the movies! If you've seen Ocean's 12 we'd like you to e-mail us as we want to know what YOU thought of it. (Don't post anything to the blog that might anger those who haven't seen it yet, but who plan to see it.) Anyway, I didn't see all the parts as I found myself waking up 4 different times...unaware that I had fallen asleep, but obviously I had. I asked RJ and I hadn't missed any crucial parts! Refer to paragraph 2 if you can't understand why I would fall asleep in a darkened room.
So, here we are, the week before Christmas. Many of you are starting your Christmas journeys this week or family members are making their way to your house. We pray for safe travels for all!
Friday, December 17, 2004
Top 10 Things that Calm LJ
Nothing much news worthy going on here...just eating, awake time, and sleeping - punctuated with a trip to run some errand or another. We are in somewhat of a rhythm and I like that! Today we have a grandmother, an aunt, an uncle, and several cousins coming to visit. One of LJ's cousins is graduating from college today! So, we get to venture out to the NEW HEB which just opened this week...very close to us. I am excited about it...it is bigger than the one in our neighboring city. It will probably be very crowded and I'll get frustrated, but for now I am excited.
The nights of 5 -7 hours between feedings seem to have vanished. These days the best we do is 3 1/2 - 4 1/2. I knew it was too good to be true. Of course, maybe he's just going through a growth spurt right now and he needs to eat more...ha! That is what the book suggests. I've decided the book posits all these possibilities just to keep you hopeful that, whatever your circumstance that has you consulting the book will soon pass and a more tolerable and pleasant circumstance might replace it!
Ok, here it is...
Top 10 Things that Calm LJ
10. Sitting in the swing, but only on high - low just won't do
9. Sitting in his bouncy seat
8. Going outside...even just for a second or for a walk
7. Listening to water running (this is how I get my shower in the morning)
6. Listening to the hair dryer (this is how I get my hair dry in the morning)
5. Looking out any window or at any light
4. Sitting in his bouncy seat while someone bounces him - with vigor
3. Being held by RJ
2. Sucking his pacifier
and the #1 thing that calms LJ...
1. Eating!
And, it is time for that right now...!
The nights of 5 -7 hours between feedings seem to have vanished. These days the best we do is 3 1/2 - 4 1/2. I knew it was too good to be true. Of course, maybe he's just going through a growth spurt right now and he needs to eat more...ha! That is what the book suggests. I've decided the book posits all these possibilities just to keep you hopeful that, whatever your circumstance that has you consulting the book will soon pass and a more tolerable and pleasant circumstance might replace it!
Ok, here it is...
Top 10 Things that Calm LJ
10. Sitting in the swing, but only on high - low just won't do
9. Sitting in his bouncy seat
8. Going outside...even just for a second or for a walk
7. Listening to water running (this is how I get my shower in the morning)
6. Listening to the hair dryer (this is how I get my hair dry in the morning)
5. Looking out any window or at any light
4. Sitting in his bouncy seat while someone bounces him - with vigor
3. Being held by RJ
2. Sucking his pacifier
and the #1 thing that calms LJ...
1. Eating!
And, it is time for that right now...!
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Random Thoughts
Today has been pretty good...LJ has slept most of the day. He didn't have a lack of sleep last night, so I'm not really sure why he is so zonked today? It has made today very pleasant, but you can guess what I'm going to say next...I'm worried he won't sleep tonight! RJ says not to worry about it...and I'm not terribly worried...but at 2:00 am, if I've gotten little sleep...I'll be tired and cranky!
Nothing really note worthy to write about today, so I think I'll do a random thoughts...
It is very odd to think of the day in terms of how many feedings there are until RJ gets home from work. Seriously, my day passes in 2 1/2 - 3 hour increments...and it goes by pretty quickly.
This isn't a new thought, but...what do babies think about? I look at LJ and he seems to be thinking about something, but what could it be? He doesn't have much of a concept for anything at 4 1/2 weeks old, so how can he really think about anything?
I have noticed that he seems to be focusing on things...and faces a lot more. AND...he is smiling now. Not just that little "I have bubbles in my tummy" grin, but a full-faced, open-mouth grin. Mostly in the morning...I think he is a morning person...that is when he is the happiest. Just like his Mommy...and the opposite of his Daddy!
LJ has developed a slight case of cradle cap...it slightly mars his handsome visage. So, we read the book and it says to use mineral oil (baby oil) and massage it in with a brush...then shampoo out. We do this and the "shampoo out" didn't work too well. It has taken about 4 washes to get MOST of the oil out. This made his beautiful hair not-so-soft for a day or so. The cradle cap has relented a bit, but we still have some work to do.
RJ thinks LJ's legs are strong enough to stand if he could only find his balance. I guess the balance thing is what takes so many months to master.
All right, I'll let you know how the night goes...
Nothing really note worthy to write about today, so I think I'll do a random thoughts...
It is very odd to think of the day in terms of how many feedings there are until RJ gets home from work. Seriously, my day passes in 2 1/2 - 3 hour increments...and it goes by pretty quickly.
This isn't a new thought, but...what do babies think about? I look at LJ and he seems to be thinking about something, but what could it be? He doesn't have much of a concept for anything at 4 1/2 weeks old, so how can he really think about anything?
I have noticed that he seems to be focusing on things...and faces a lot more. AND...he is smiling now. Not just that little "I have bubbles in my tummy" grin, but a full-faced, open-mouth grin. Mostly in the morning...I think he is a morning person...that is when he is the happiest. Just like his Mommy...and the opposite of his Daddy!
LJ has developed a slight case of cradle cap...it slightly mars his handsome visage. So, we read the book and it says to use mineral oil (baby oil) and massage it in with a brush...then shampoo out. We do this and the "shampoo out" didn't work too well. It has taken about 4 washes to get MOST of the oil out. This made his beautiful hair not-so-soft for a day or so. The cradle cap has relented a bit, but we still have some work to do.
RJ thinks LJ's legs are strong enough to stand if he could only find his balance. I guess the balance thing is what takes so many months to master.
All right, I'll let you know how the night goes...
Monday, December 13, 2004
Such a Good Boy
Little LJ was such a pleasant boy this weekend that we managed to get all the Christmas decorations up...including lights outside. AND...all the empty boxes are back up in the attic until it is time to take the decorations down. RJ and I also watched a DVD...the whole thing in one sitting...on Saturday night. It was "Timeline". I enjoyed the book (Michael Crichton...sp?), but the movie was kind of a let down. There was next-to-no character development...which was a problem. See, if you don't really know the characters, you can't really care about them...even if you are a new mother with hormones that make you care about everyone and everything. Plus, I had read the book and you know how that goes. RJ had not read the book, but he thought the movie could have been much better as well. One interesting thing that I learned from the movie...Trebuchet (the font that I use to type this blog) is a French catapult. Who knew? Not I!
I digress (which many of you may like...I mean seriously, how much can you really want to hear about the daily happenings of a 4 week old and his crazy parents?!). LJ really only seems to cry when he is a) hungry, b) hurting in some way (usually needs to pass gas, but yesterday he scratched his face with his fingernail and wailed pretty heartily), or c) is tired and can't just close his little eyes and sleep. Other than that, he just sits and looks around. He likes light a lot...so, he looks out the window or at lamps a lot of the time. He seems to be smiling these days. I think it is different from the "I'm feeling gas bubbles" grin as he uses his entire face. It is usually in the morning, right after eating, when I hold him to my face and talk to him about what we are going to do that day. It is VERY cute and confirms (in my mind) that he is the sweetest baby known to man. Of course, no one who visits with a group of people will not concur. He seems to get over stimulated by groups of people. This causes him to be fussy. This should make this weekend interesting. My brother and his family are coming to stay with us...my nephew and his fiancé are graduating from college, so LJ will get to meet his aunt and uncle and other cousins. That will be several people and hence, the over stimulation potential. But, we'll try something new. Since they will be here for a while, we can have people hold him with a delay in between...maybe then it won't seem like he is being passed around in rapid succession? This is all trial and error you know! I cannot guarantee that he will sleep through the night this weekend...he hasn't gone more than 4 hours in the last several days!
Other than the above, we are working on a Christmas card/birth announcement and I have started pumping (milk, not iron). I figure pumping is our ticket to being able to go to a movie or out to dinner alone one day in the near future. I know...this weekend! There will plenty of capable adults around to baby sit! ;-)
I digress (which many of you may like...I mean seriously, how much can you really want to hear about the daily happenings of a 4 week old and his crazy parents?!). LJ really only seems to cry when he is a) hungry, b) hurting in some way (usually needs to pass gas, but yesterday he scratched his face with his fingernail and wailed pretty heartily), or c) is tired and can't just close his little eyes and sleep. Other than that, he just sits and looks around. He likes light a lot...so, he looks out the window or at lamps a lot of the time. He seems to be smiling these days. I think it is different from the "I'm feeling gas bubbles" grin as he uses his entire face. It is usually in the morning, right after eating, when I hold him to my face and talk to him about what we are going to do that day. It is VERY cute and confirms (in my mind) that he is the sweetest baby known to man. Of course, no one who visits with a group of people will not concur. He seems to get over stimulated by groups of people. This causes him to be fussy. This should make this weekend interesting. My brother and his family are coming to stay with us...my nephew and his fiancé are graduating from college, so LJ will get to meet his aunt and uncle and other cousins. That will be several people and hence, the over stimulation potential. But, we'll try something new. Since they will be here for a while, we can have people hold him with a delay in between...maybe then it won't seem like he is being passed around in rapid succession? This is all trial and error you know! I cannot guarantee that he will sleep through the night this weekend...he hasn't gone more than 4 hours in the last several days!
Other than the above, we are working on a Christmas card/birth announcement and I have started pumping (milk, not iron). I figure pumping is our ticket to being able to go to a movie or out to dinner alone one day in the near future. I know...this weekend! There will plenty of capable adults around to baby sit! ;-)
Thursday, December 09, 2004
Tears
LJ cried tears this morning! Sure enough, the What to Expect book says tears come around the end of the first month...LJ will be 4 weeks old on Sunday (I cannot believe it has been 4 weeks). This will probably tug at our heartstrings for a couple of days.
Yesterday was a very pleasant day. LJ slept all right the night before...he went about 4 hours between each feeding, but went right to sleep each time. LJ's Aunt MJ came to spend the day with us. She came last Wednesday too and I think she plans to come each Wednesday until I go back to work. She has to get her LJ "fix"! We went to Target and I bought a Boppy. I had been getting frustrated with using a pillow to support LJ while feeding, so I broke down and bought the Boppy. I think they are a little expensive, but I am already SOOO HAPPY I bought it. Feeding him yesterday and last night was so much more comfortable with it. LJ got fussy in Target...so much so I had to take him out of his car seat. Once I did, he filled his diaper and the fussing ended...until we were in the car. But, that fussing only lasted until he finally went to sleep. He still can't just fall asleep during the day...he has to fuss it out first. We all took a walk in the afternoon...it was a nice day even though it was cloudy and looked really cold.
RJ came home early as we were celebrating my birthday last night. My niece, nephew, and niece-to-be came over and we ordered Wing's-n-More. We ate that while RJ and I took turns trying to calm fussy LJ. He was ok, he just gets fussy sometimes. At 7:30 it was time for LJ to eat and RJ and I try to go to bed as soon as we can get LJ down, so we kicked out the college kids (who told us they would baby sit while RJ and I went to a midnight movie if we want...they are still up at that time! Ha! We told them we set an alarm to wake up to watch the 10:00 pm news the other night!). LJ ate at 7:45 and we didn't hear from him until 2:15. RJ and I went to bed at 8:30 ourselves, so we got some good sleep. LJ ate again at 5:15 and then 8:45 this morning. He has sat and looked around pleasantly...except when he needed to close his eyes...then he fussed. Now he is squirming and I know he needs his diaper changed. Then he'll eat and we'll go get RJ for lunch.
Is this what we do all day! So, when are babies able to just close their eyes when they are tired?
Have a happy day!
Yesterday was a very pleasant day. LJ slept all right the night before...he went about 4 hours between each feeding, but went right to sleep each time. LJ's Aunt MJ came to spend the day with us. She came last Wednesday too and I think she plans to come each Wednesday until I go back to work. She has to get her LJ "fix"! We went to Target and I bought a Boppy. I had been getting frustrated with using a pillow to support LJ while feeding, so I broke down and bought the Boppy. I think they are a little expensive, but I am already SOOO HAPPY I bought it. Feeding him yesterday and last night was so much more comfortable with it. LJ got fussy in Target...so much so I had to take him out of his car seat. Once I did, he filled his diaper and the fussing ended...until we were in the car. But, that fussing only lasted until he finally went to sleep. He still can't just fall asleep during the day...he has to fuss it out first. We all took a walk in the afternoon...it was a nice day even though it was cloudy and looked really cold.
RJ came home early as we were celebrating my birthday last night. My niece, nephew, and niece-to-be came over and we ordered Wing's-n-More. We ate that while RJ and I took turns trying to calm fussy LJ. He was ok, he just gets fussy sometimes. At 7:30 it was time for LJ to eat and RJ and I try to go to bed as soon as we can get LJ down, so we kicked out the college kids (who told us they would baby sit while RJ and I went to a midnight movie if we want...they are still up at that time! Ha! We told them we set an alarm to wake up to watch the 10:00 pm news the other night!). LJ ate at 7:45 and we didn't hear from him until 2:15. RJ and I went to bed at 8:30 ourselves, so we got some good sleep. LJ ate again at 5:15 and then 8:45 this morning. He has sat and looked around pleasantly...except when he needed to close his eyes...then he fussed. Now he is squirming and I know he needs his diaper changed. Then he'll eat and we'll go get RJ for lunch.
Is this what we do all day! So, when are babies able to just close their eyes when they are tired?
Have a happy day!
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Do We Have a Trend Here?
4 nights of the last 7...LJ has gone 5-7 hours between feedings (sorry Chrissy). He eats somewhere between 7:30 and 9:00 and then we don't here from him again until 5-7 hours later. At first, I was worried (what's new?)...now we just roll with it and are very thankful. RJ and I go to bed between 8:30 and 9:00 if LJ is down...that way we can get several consecutive hours of sleep ourselves. So, my question is...is this a trend? I'm not going to start counting on it because it will just bother me when he doesn't go that long. I think he must have inherited RJ's love for sleep!
Speaking of worrying...it is crazy how much stuff I "worry" about these days. I was worried that LJ was gulping, gasping, and choking when he ate. He doesn't do that anymore, but the first time he didn't I worried that something was wrong. See, I worried when he started doing it, but then I got used to that. So, then I worried when he wasn't doing that anymore. CRAZY! I notice that my level of worry correlates to how tired I am.
Everything here is going pretty well. The antibiotics have put the hurt on my mastitis, so I'm feeling much better. LJ is eating well. He is spending more time in a quiet alert state, so we are "playing" more. This = me talking to him and singing to him (he doesn't know how terrible a singer I am!). We have been picking RJ up for lunch, taking walks, going to the bank, post office, grocery store, etc. This weekend we are going to put up our Christmas decorations...I'm sure that will take much longer with little LJ "helping", but it will be nice once they are up.
Oh, and RJ and LJ did just fine while I was at the beauty shop on Saturday. Talk to you all later!
Speaking of worrying...it is crazy how much stuff I "worry" about these days. I was worried that LJ was gulping, gasping, and choking when he ate. He doesn't do that anymore, but the first time he didn't I worried that something was wrong. See, I worried when he started doing it, but then I got used to that. So, then I worried when he wasn't doing that anymore. CRAZY! I notice that my level of worry correlates to how tired I am.
Everything here is going pretty well. The antibiotics have put the hurt on my mastitis, so I'm feeling much better. LJ is eating well. He is spending more time in a quiet alert state, so we are "playing" more. This = me talking to him and singing to him (he doesn't know how terrible a singer I am!). We have been picking RJ up for lunch, taking walks, going to the bank, post office, grocery store, etc. This weekend we are going to put up our Christmas decorations...I'm sure that will take much longer with little LJ "helping", but it will be nice once they are up.
Oh, and RJ and LJ did just fine while I was at the beauty shop on Saturday. Talk to you all later!
Saturday, December 04, 2004
Happy Mastitis to Me!
Thanks to so many of you who wished me well on my birthday...let me tell you what kind of day I had. We'll start with the night before...
I fed LJ and told RJ as we were going to sleep ourselves that my right breast REALLY hurt. We went to sleep and woke up to LJ's cry about 4 hours later at which point I told RJ that I was REALLY thirsty and he had to get me something to drink...which he so kindly did. LJ ate and went back to bed quickly. In between that feeding and the next, I dreamed that I had a 99.5 degree fever. So, when LJ awoke the next time, I told RJ that I thought I had a fever, so we took my temperature...100.5. I thought it interesting how close I was in my dream. I knew I felt cruddy and that my right breast felt as though it were bruised, so I got out the What to Expect book and we decided I had mastitis (infected milk ducts...given to me by the germs in LJ's mouth entering any tiny little crack I have.) So, at 8:00am I called to make an appointment with the doctor.
We had planned to take LJ up to work yesterday...there was a holiday pot luck and we thought it would be a good time to let our co-workers meet LJ. So, we went up there right before our visit to the doctor and LJ was a perfect dream. I was feeling cruddy...Tylenol was only working for about 2 hours, so I felt bad for the other 2 before I could take some more. The doctor confirmed my mastitis and gave me some antibiotics. We took this opportunity to weigh LJ (so I could rest my mind about his green diapers...which he still has...and this whole hind milk issue). He weighed 10 pounds 9 ounces! So, he's gained over a pound in a little over a week. I'm not going to worry about this anymore. At this rate, we'll have to get a new car seat in 6 weeks!
We went back up to work...I had to grade my students' finals and get their final grades figured. LJ was passed around to be held by many people and this caused him to wail and wail after a while. So, we brought him home (without me getting my work done) and finally got him calmed down. He slept well last night (RJ and I went to bed at 8:20 pm ourselves) and this morning I have a hair appointment at 10:00 am. It is 9:10 am now and I'm about to feed little LJ. Then RJ will be home...without food for LJ...for an hour or so. I'll let you know how they survive that!
I fed LJ and told RJ as we were going to sleep ourselves that my right breast REALLY hurt. We went to sleep and woke up to LJ's cry about 4 hours later at which point I told RJ that I was REALLY thirsty and he had to get me something to drink...which he so kindly did. LJ ate and went back to bed quickly. In between that feeding and the next, I dreamed that I had a 99.5 degree fever. So, when LJ awoke the next time, I told RJ that I thought I had a fever, so we took my temperature...100.5. I thought it interesting how close I was in my dream. I knew I felt cruddy and that my right breast felt as though it were bruised, so I got out the What to Expect book and we decided I had mastitis (infected milk ducts...given to me by the germs in LJ's mouth entering any tiny little crack I have.) So, at 8:00am I called to make an appointment with the doctor.
We had planned to take LJ up to work yesterday...there was a holiday pot luck and we thought it would be a good time to let our co-workers meet LJ. So, we went up there right before our visit to the doctor and LJ was a perfect dream. I was feeling cruddy...Tylenol was only working for about 2 hours, so I felt bad for the other 2 before I could take some more. The doctor confirmed my mastitis and gave me some antibiotics. We took this opportunity to weigh LJ (so I could rest my mind about his green diapers...which he still has...and this whole hind milk issue). He weighed 10 pounds 9 ounces! So, he's gained over a pound in a little over a week. I'm not going to worry about this anymore. At this rate, we'll have to get a new car seat in 6 weeks!
We went back up to work...I had to grade my students' finals and get their final grades figured. LJ was passed around to be held by many people and this caused him to wail and wail after a while. So, we brought him home (without me getting my work done) and finally got him calmed down. He slept well last night (RJ and I went to bed at 8:20 pm ourselves) and this morning I have a hair appointment at 10:00 am. It is 9:10 am now and I'm about to feed little LJ. Then RJ will be home...without food for LJ...for an hour or so. I'll let you know how they survive that!
Thursday, December 02, 2004
6 HOURS!
Yesterday was a very nice day...even though it was the day that RJ had work and then class until 10:00 pm. LJ's Aunt came to spend the day with us and we ran errands and shopped a bit. LJ was a good boy and finally his Aunt got to hold him without him being fussy...thanks to LJ's general good mood during the day AND the passy. Once LJ's Aunt left, we went for our walk. We walk 2 miles and it takes us about 40 minutes. I'm still get a little tired from it, but it is good for both of us. LJ sleeps mostly. After our walk, we packed up and took RJ some dinner before he had to leave work for his class. This is when the fussing began...
I had decided not to be concerned about his drowning and his green diapers. Seriously, I just said, "hey, he's eating and he is making diapers...who cares what color they are?" Well, last night between 5-9 LJ wanted to eat EVERY HOUR. And, when he's eat...he'd act like he hadn't eaten in a week. He wouldn't calm down for long and he had ZERO interest in the passy. The book calls this cluster feeding and says it lasts a day or two and usually precedes a growth spurt (which are common weeks 3 and 6...LJ is in his 3rd week so we'll believe this is what is happening...not that the previous issues have caused him to starve up until last night). I was exhausted and at my wit's end. He calmed down for 5 minutes once and I fell asleep...you would not believe how much better I felt after a 5 minute nap! Anyway, RJ got home right as he was calmed down. We put him to bed and he woke up 6 HOURS LATER! WOW! That was great...we needed that sleep. He was not a good nurser at that 3:45 am feeding and it took him a while to get to sleep...the whole feeding took us 45 minutes instead of the usual 20 or so. But, he slept 4 hours that time...until 7:45 am. That was great too. It is 9:20 am now and he is still napping from that feeding.
Today is the last day of RJ's extreme busy-ness. He'll be home at 8:00 tonight. LJ's cousin and cousin-to-be are coming over this afternoon...I hope he'll be a good boy for them. Tomorrow, we are going up to the office to introduce him to all my c0-workers. There is holiday pot luck tomorrow, so that is our excuse to go up there. Plus, I need to run my classes' finals through the scantron machine and post their final grades.
Hope all is well with you and we're wishing you many nights of 8+ hours of consecutive sleep!
I had decided not to be concerned about his drowning and his green diapers. Seriously, I just said, "hey, he's eating and he is making diapers...who cares what color they are?" Well, last night between 5-9 LJ wanted to eat EVERY HOUR. And, when he's eat...he'd act like he hadn't eaten in a week. He wouldn't calm down for long and he had ZERO interest in the passy. The book calls this cluster feeding and says it lasts a day or two and usually precedes a growth spurt (which are common weeks 3 and 6...LJ is in his 3rd week so we'll believe this is what is happening...not that the previous issues have caused him to starve up until last night). I was exhausted and at my wit's end. He calmed down for 5 minutes once and I fell asleep...you would not believe how much better I felt after a 5 minute nap! Anyway, RJ got home right as he was calmed down. We put him to bed and he woke up 6 HOURS LATER! WOW! That was great...we needed that sleep. He was not a good nurser at that 3:45 am feeding and it took him a while to get to sleep...the whole feeding took us 45 minutes instead of the usual 20 or so. But, he slept 4 hours that time...until 7:45 am. That was great too. It is 9:20 am now and he is still napping from that feeding.
Today is the last day of RJ's extreme busy-ness. He'll be home at 8:00 tonight. LJ's cousin and cousin-to-be are coming over this afternoon...I hope he'll be a good boy for them. Tomorrow, we are going up to the office to introduce him to all my c0-workers. There is holiday pot luck tomorrow, so that is our excuse to go up there. Plus, I need to run my classes' finals through the scantron machine and post their final grades.
Hope all is well with you and we're wishing you many nights of 8+ hours of consecutive sleep!
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Question about Breastfeeding
If you have any insight into this issue...please let me know! Within the last 3-4 days, poor LJ has been drowning in milk at most of his feedings. This results in much gulping, gasping, coughing...I think it is getting in his nose and making him sound congested (his nose is clear, so this is my guess). He pulls off frequently (to breathe, I'm sure), but always comes right back. I don't think he minds too much, but it is concerning me. I figure we'll just keep at it and we will work it all out (it seems breasts and babies have some unspoken communication with which they work this whole supply and demand thing out). The only other thing I should add is...some of his diapers are greener rather than mustardy. My What to Expect Book doesn't address this, but my message board lactation consultant says (I didn't ask...I lurked around and found someone else asking this question) this could be an indicator that LJ isn't getting enough hind milk.
So, has anyone else experienced this? Heard of this? Should I be concerned about this possible lack of hind milk?
Oh, and last night he slept for 5 hours before he woke up to eat. I was worried (not until he woke up and I realized it had been so long...I was sleeping like a log) because he always wakes up in 3-4 hours. This long stretch of sleep so early in his life combined with the drowning at feedings and green diapers has me concerned something is going awry. But, if no one else thinks I should be worried I can let it go and enjoy that he went 5 hours last night! The book says that, metabolically, babies can sleep through the night at 11 pounds. I don't think LJ is 11 pounds yet, but he might be within 1/2 a pound of that. Unless he isn't getting enough hind milk...then he may be losing weight????
So, has anyone else experienced this? Heard of this? Should I be concerned about this possible lack of hind milk?
Oh, and last night he slept for 5 hours before he woke up to eat. I was worried (not until he woke up and I realized it had been so long...I was sleeping like a log) because he always wakes up in 3-4 hours. This long stretch of sleep so early in his life combined with the drowning at feedings and green diapers has me concerned something is going awry. But, if no one else thinks I should be worried I can let it go and enjoy that he went 5 hours last night! The book says that, metabolically, babies can sleep through the night at 11 pounds. I don't think LJ is 11 pounds yet, but he might be within 1/2 a pound of that. Unless he isn't getting enough hind milk...then he may be losing weight????
Monday, November 29, 2004
My First Day Alone with LJ
First, my bath last night was HEAVEN on earth! Wow, I have missed baths.
LJ and I survived our first day home alone. Actually, it was a very pleasant day. RJ left for work at 8:30 (he will be home in about an hour...7:00 pm. He is busy, busy, busy at work this week) and LJ and I ate breakfast and got ready for our morning adventure - a trip to HEB. As predicted, LJ fell asleep on the way and slept most of the time in the store. He woke up and gave me popeye toward the end. Popeye is what we see when he is thinking about waking up. He fell asleep again on the way home and stayed asleep long enough for me to unload the groceries. See, he is already a very considerate boy! Then we ate lunch and he had some quiet-alert time.
As he wound up for the fuss before the nap, I packed him up and we went to the post office and the bank. LJ received his first money gift, so we opened up a savings account for him. This keeps us from spending his money. He fussed at the bank a little, but fell asleep on the way home. Then he had is mid-afternoon snack (I ate some Milano cookies myself). We were going to take a walk, but it looked too much like rain AND the Seinfeld gang was on Oprah. I can't really stand Oprah, but I wanted to see the gang from Seinfeld. LJ, once again very considerately, fell asleep and slept on my chest for an hour and 1/2. I put him in his seat and he is still asleep. So, I'm finishing my load of unsorted laundry for the day and catching up on e-mail. I couldn't ask for a better first day home alone with the little man!
Now, we'll see how the night is...but, Daddy will be home soon and everything is better when Daddy is home!
LJ and I survived our first day home alone. Actually, it was a very pleasant day. RJ left for work at 8:30 (he will be home in about an hour...7:00 pm. He is busy, busy, busy at work this week) and LJ and I ate breakfast and got ready for our morning adventure - a trip to HEB. As predicted, LJ fell asleep on the way and slept most of the time in the store. He woke up and gave me popeye toward the end. Popeye is what we see when he is thinking about waking up. He fell asleep again on the way home and stayed asleep long enough for me to unload the groceries. See, he is already a very considerate boy! Then we ate lunch and he had some quiet-alert time.
As he wound up for the fuss before the nap, I packed him up and we went to the post office and the bank. LJ received his first money gift, so we opened up a savings account for him. This keeps us from spending his money. He fussed at the bank a little, but fell asleep on the way home. Then he had is mid-afternoon snack (I ate some Milano cookies myself). We were going to take a walk, but it looked too much like rain AND the Seinfeld gang was on Oprah. I can't really stand Oprah, but I wanted to see the gang from Seinfeld. LJ, once again very considerately, fell asleep and slept on my chest for an hour and 1/2. I put him in his seat and he is still asleep. So, I'm finishing my load of unsorted laundry for the day and catching up on e-mail. I couldn't ask for a better first day home alone with the little man!
Now, we'll see how the night is...but, Daddy will be home soon and everything is better when Daddy is home!
Sunday, November 28, 2004
LJ - 1; Parents - 0
Well, we did it. It was an emotional day in our household...Friday...when we caved to the pacifier. LJ was crying up a storm and was virtually inconsolable for hours. Ok, it was probably about an hour, but you understand. I quietly got the pacifier out and set it next to the diapers. RJ saw it and didn't protest. So, I boiled the necessary water and sterilized the offending object. Then, we popped it in...and LJ settled down immediately. So, it worked. It pacified our little baby when neither of us could. RJ felt sad...like LJ doesn't need us anymore. I felt relieved and I convinced him that he still does need us...at least for food and shelter! We have used the pacifier since...about once a day (just like little Annie). Today it was one long pacifier fest because...
RJ's parents, aunt, uncle, and grandmother came to visit for the afternoon. So that they could enjoy holding a pleasant baby, we gave LJ the pacifier to calm him down. He didn't have it in his mouth ALL afternoon, but for a good while he did. He was a VERY good boy though and we all enjoyed our visit!
Each day LJ has a bit of a different schedule...he sleeps almost all day, he doesn't sleep at all during the day, he sleeps all morning, he sleeps all afternoon...and any combination of those. And, each day we fear that whatever he is doing that day...he won't sleep during the night. We have, for the most part, been wrong. We are pretty happy that he does go back to sleep fairly quickly after eating throughout the night. So, the point is...LJ is unpredictable! I started noting what time he goes back to sleep so that I can see how much sleep RJ and I are getting. We can both fall asleep instantly now. The morning following the first night I did this I told RJ that we had gotten 7 and 1/2 hours of sleep in 2-3 hour increments! He said, "So, now I'm getting the quality of sleep that someone who has sleep apnea gets." I thought that was pretty funny.
This week will be the ultimate test. Mom isn't here (I told her I'd try this out on my own this week) and RJ has a busy week at work...AND he has his graduate classes this week. So, Wednesday...he won't get home until 10:00 pm! OH MY! That is like 13 hours ON MY OWN! Actually, RJ's sister-in-law said she'd come over on Wednesday, so I won't have to do that BUT...I'm actually going to try this mother thing out all alone. We can do it...right?! I'll let you know!
Now, I'm going to do something I haven't done in over 9 months...TAKE A BATH! See, I like a pretty hot bath and that would never do when I was pregnant. So, I'm thinking this will be great. Oh, and LJ is asleep right now...and I mean dead asleep. He is hilarious as sometimes he just drops like a sack of potatoes.
RJ's parents, aunt, uncle, and grandmother came to visit for the afternoon. So that they could enjoy holding a pleasant baby, we gave LJ the pacifier to calm him down. He didn't have it in his mouth ALL afternoon, but for a good while he did. He was a VERY good boy though and we all enjoyed our visit!
Each day LJ has a bit of a different schedule...he sleeps almost all day, he doesn't sleep at all during the day, he sleeps all morning, he sleeps all afternoon...and any combination of those. And, each day we fear that whatever he is doing that day...he won't sleep during the night. We have, for the most part, been wrong. We are pretty happy that he does go back to sleep fairly quickly after eating throughout the night. So, the point is...LJ is unpredictable! I started noting what time he goes back to sleep so that I can see how much sleep RJ and I are getting. We can both fall asleep instantly now. The morning following the first night I did this I told RJ that we had gotten 7 and 1/2 hours of sleep in 2-3 hour increments! He said, "So, now I'm getting the quality of sleep that someone who has sleep apnea gets." I thought that was pretty funny.
This week will be the ultimate test. Mom isn't here (I told her I'd try this out on my own this week) and RJ has a busy week at work...AND he has his graduate classes this week. So, Wednesday...he won't get home until 10:00 pm! OH MY! That is like 13 hours ON MY OWN! Actually, RJ's sister-in-law said she'd come over on Wednesday, so I won't have to do that BUT...I'm actually going to try this mother thing out all alone. We can do it...right?! I'll let you know!
Now, I'm going to do something I haven't done in over 9 months...TAKE A BATH! See, I like a pretty hot bath and that would never do when I was pregnant. So, I'm thinking this will be great. Oh, and LJ is asleep right now...and I mean dead asleep. He is hilarious as sometimes he just drops like a sack of potatoes.
Thursday, November 25, 2004
LJ's First Thanksgiving
We had our first Thanksgiving as a new family today! RJ and I drove through Luby's and picked up turkey, etc. LJ ate (drank) milk. Apparently, the tryptophan from the turkey didn't make it through to him as LJ is still fussing a bit and it is almost 10:00 pm. We also gave him a bath tonight. He has lots of dry skin coming off, so we bathed him and put some lotion on in an attempt to make LJ look less reptilian.
Let's see, how did we spend our day? My mom left for my brother's around 9:00 am. She might come back at the beginning of next week. I'm going to call her on Sunday to let her know if I think I can try out the week alone or not. I'm going to have to be at home alone with LJ eventually, but I think infants should have 3 parents. It sure makes things easier! I have no idea how single mothers do it...it seems impossible to me! But, I know they do. Anyway, RJ has a project due in each of his classes, so he worked on that a little while I fed LJ, took a shower, and did some laundry. I pretty much do a load a day...I don't even really sort it anymore...I just do whatever there is to be done. Ok, I'm off track again! Then we went to Luby's to pick up our food. Oh, and then it was time to feed LJ again. Then LJ and RJ took a nap while I watched Everybody Loves Raymond (there was a marathon on TV...good times!). Then it was time to feed LJ again...and then we all went for a walk at Research Park. Oh, then it was time to feed LJ again. Are you seeing a trend here?
Now LJ seems to be asleep. RJ and I are eating our pumpkin pie and then we are going to bed. Thanks to all who gave their experience with the pacifier. I used my pinky some today...and it does seem to calm him down when he wants to be sucking! I suppose that is really a pacifier in-and-of-itself...so who are we really fooling here?
Hope you all had a very happy Thanksgiving!
Let's see, how did we spend our day? My mom left for my brother's around 9:00 am. She might come back at the beginning of next week. I'm going to call her on Sunday to let her know if I think I can try out the week alone or not. I'm going to have to be at home alone with LJ eventually, but I think infants should have 3 parents. It sure makes things easier! I have no idea how single mothers do it...it seems impossible to me! But, I know they do. Anyway, RJ has a project due in each of his classes, so he worked on that a little while I fed LJ, took a shower, and did some laundry. I pretty much do a load a day...I don't even really sort it anymore...I just do whatever there is to be done. Ok, I'm off track again! Then we went to Luby's to pick up our food. Oh, and then it was time to feed LJ again. Then LJ and RJ took a nap while I watched Everybody Loves Raymond (there was a marathon on TV...good times!). Then it was time to feed LJ again...and then we all went for a walk at Research Park. Oh, then it was time to feed LJ again. Are you seeing a trend here?
Now LJ seems to be asleep. RJ and I are eating our pumpkin pie and then we are going to bed. Thanks to all who gave their experience with the pacifier. I used my pinky some today...and it does seem to calm him down when he wants to be sucking! I suppose that is really a pacifier in-and-of-itself...so who are we really fooling here?
Hope you all had a very happy Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
First Visit to the Doctor
Today we had LJ's first visit to the doctor. I was very excited...because I was going to be able to get out of the house! See, it has been raining here...pretty much non-stop, so I haven't been able to take LJ for a walk. I haven't even wanted to take him out in the car. When I say raining, I mean pouring. The lack of sunshine hasn't really helped my "baby blues" much. I still have one little crying bout a day, but I actually feel like myself while having it. Last week, I didn't really feel like myself. RJ and I have been going for car rides when he gets home from work. That is my brush with normalcy and it quiets LJ. Last night, we drove around town...got a milk shake from Dairy Queen (DQ is the only place to get a milk shake...all the other places mix their machines and you end up getting a strawberry flavored chocolate shake)...and listened to Laura Ingraham. It was nice. Then LJ was asleep. BUT, last night he wanted to eat every 2 hours throughout the night. Once we feed him for about 30-40 minutes...even if he goes right back to sleep...we are only getting about an hour of sleep at a time. That is tough. Unfortunately, I am not sleepy during the day time...until about 5:00 pm. It is all an adjustment.
Ok, back to the title of this post! So, our appointment was for 10:30 am. I tried to "top off" LJ right before we left. I overfilled him as he spit up! Ha! He sure looked surprised to get to eat when he hadn't asked for it. We were about 5 minutes late for the appointment, but had to fill out some paperwork anyway. At 11:15 we still hadn't been called back. So, I told them LJ was about 15 minutes past his eating time (RJ had him outside because he was crying) and they told us we could go back to the exam room. At 11:45 the doctor finally saw us. That was a crazy time to wait, but the doctor does take her time with her patients. LJ weighed 9# 7 oz. So, he is doing well! I think he left the hospital at 8# 10 oz, so he has gained back his weight and then some. He should...he eats enough! The problem is...when he eats he falls asleep, so he is a SLOW eater. And, he wants to eat every 2 hours during the day. The doctor says to try to go 2 1/2 hours between feedings...so he gets good and hungry...then he will not fall asleep (probably). So, RJ and I agreed (although, I know I'll use it before Richard will) that IF he is screaming fussy for a while (like 1/2 an hour) AND he is rooting around AND he has a while before his next feeding THEN we can give him a pacifier. We have not wanted to give him one because we don't want to trade this evil for another one. We don't want him to depend on the pacifier to calm him down or to get to sleep...then we'll just have to get up and put the pacifier in his mouth when he plops it out. But, I don't need to involve you in the struggle! Did your kids have pacifiers? Were they dependant on them? How did you "use" them? What was your experience?
After the doctor, RJ and I picked up some lunch. LJ was asleep by the time we got home and napped until his next feeding (a little over 2 and 1/2 hours thank you!). I fed him and then Mawmaw and I took him to Target. LJ slept the whole time and I felt like a real person out in the real world! Two outings in one day! LJ made it almost 3 hours to his next feeding...I fed him and he's been asleep ever since. Ok, yesterday, LJ didn't sleep more than 1-2 hours ALL DAY. Today he's barely been awake 1-2 hours ALL DAY. I'm hoping this doesn't mean he'll be up ALL NIGHT. Does how much a baby sleeps during the day influence how much they sleep at night? I figure there is no reason to wake a sleeping baby (unless they are sleeping through their feeding time) right?
Tomorrow, RJ gets off at noon. The new chancellor at school cancelled classes and closed the university at noon. Mawmaw leaves on Thanksgiving to go to my brother's and RJ, LJ, and I will have our first Thanksgiving as a family!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We wish you and your family many things for which to be thankful this year.
Ok, back to the title of this post! So, our appointment was for 10:30 am. I tried to "top off" LJ right before we left. I overfilled him as he spit up! Ha! He sure looked surprised to get to eat when he hadn't asked for it. We were about 5 minutes late for the appointment, but had to fill out some paperwork anyway. At 11:15 we still hadn't been called back. So, I told them LJ was about 15 minutes past his eating time (RJ had him outside because he was crying) and they told us we could go back to the exam room. At 11:45 the doctor finally saw us. That was a crazy time to wait, but the doctor does take her time with her patients. LJ weighed 9# 7 oz. So, he is doing well! I think he left the hospital at 8# 10 oz, so he has gained back his weight and then some. He should...he eats enough! The problem is...when he eats he falls asleep, so he is a SLOW eater. And, he wants to eat every 2 hours during the day. The doctor says to try to go 2 1/2 hours between feedings...so he gets good and hungry...then he will not fall asleep (probably). So, RJ and I agreed (although, I know I'll use it before Richard will) that IF he is screaming fussy for a while (like 1/2 an hour) AND he is rooting around AND he has a while before his next feeding THEN we can give him a pacifier. We have not wanted to give him one because we don't want to trade this evil for another one. We don't want him to depend on the pacifier to calm him down or to get to sleep...then we'll just have to get up and put the pacifier in his mouth when he plops it out. But, I don't need to involve you in the struggle! Did your kids have pacifiers? Were they dependant on them? How did you "use" them? What was your experience?
After the doctor, RJ and I picked up some lunch. LJ was asleep by the time we got home and napped until his next feeding (a little over 2 and 1/2 hours thank you!). I fed him and then Mawmaw and I took him to Target. LJ slept the whole time and I felt like a real person out in the real world! Two outings in one day! LJ made it almost 3 hours to his next feeding...I fed him and he's been asleep ever since. Ok, yesterday, LJ didn't sleep more than 1-2 hours ALL DAY. Today he's barely been awake 1-2 hours ALL DAY. I'm hoping this doesn't mean he'll be up ALL NIGHT. Does how much a baby sleeps during the day influence how much they sleep at night? I figure there is no reason to wake a sleeping baby (unless they are sleeping through their feeding time) right?
Tomorrow, RJ gets off at noon. The new chancellor at school cancelled classes and closed the university at noon. Mawmaw leaves on Thanksgiving to go to my brother's and RJ, LJ, and I will have our first Thanksgiving as a family!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We wish you and your family many things for which to be thankful this year.
Sunday, November 21, 2004
LJ's First Bath
We gave LJ his first bath last night! It was a sponge bath as his umbilical cord has not fallen off yet. He cried the whole time, but his hair looks so nice now that it is clean. We combed it with a part off to the side and he looked so handsome. It stayed combed about 2 minutes as it was time to eat after that. He went to sleep rather quickly and RJ and I went to bed too. LJ slept from his 9:00 pm feeding until midnight. Then from his midnight feeding until 3:30 am. Then from his 3:30 feeding until 7:30. So, we had a GREAT night! On top of that, we took a car ride at the beginning of his fussy time (after his 3:30 pm feeding) and he had a nice nap instead of fussing. I was happy to get out of the house and RJ was happy driving by all the houses he knows that have old cars in front of them. Who knew that he scouts these things out? I kind of did, but we drove in neighborhoods I didn't know existed! Some of the old cars were gone and this made RJ sad...he wants to have a garage so he can fix up a car. I told him, by the time we have a garage like that, LJ will be old enough to be out there with him! I don't know if that depressed him more (since it will be that long before he builds the garage)?! Once we were home, RJ managed to keep LJ happy, quiet, and asleep for about 2 and 1/2 hours...we watched TV like normal people! All in all, yesterday was a pretty good day.
Today, LJ hasn't slept much. I don't know if that is good or not. We'll see! He had lots of visitors...his Aunt MJ, Uncle BJ, and Uncle BJ...and then Grandma and Grandpa. So, all of RJ's family was here at some point today. Unfortunately, they came when it was almost time for LJ to eat! So, he was a fussy boy (he was fussy most of the day anyway). It isn't much fun to try to hold a fussy boy, but they gave it a try. I'm afraid we aren't the best of company right now...we are kind of zombie-like at times! But, it was nice to have visitors. After Grandma and Grandpa left, we went for a walk (they brought the stroller with them). It was between rain storms, but it was nice to get out. LJ cried, then quieted down, then cried. It is like he knows when we are closing in on the house and he starts to get fussy! After the walk, I ate...then RJ ate...then my Mom got here...then LJ ate and he's been asleep every since (finally!). Now it is 9:15 and we are going to try to go to bed...I'll let you know how it goes!
Oh, and we've used over 50 diapers since LJ came home from the hospital on Tuesday! WOW! And, we sang Happy Birthday to LJ at 3:52 this afternoon...such fun!
Today, LJ hasn't slept much. I don't know if that is good or not. We'll see! He had lots of visitors...his Aunt MJ, Uncle BJ, and Uncle BJ...and then Grandma and Grandpa. So, all of RJ's family was here at some point today. Unfortunately, they came when it was almost time for LJ to eat! So, he was a fussy boy (he was fussy most of the day anyway). It isn't much fun to try to hold a fussy boy, but they gave it a try. I'm afraid we aren't the best of company right now...we are kind of zombie-like at times! But, it was nice to have visitors. After Grandma and Grandpa left, we went for a walk (they brought the stroller with them). It was between rain storms, but it was nice to get out. LJ cried, then quieted down, then cried. It is like he knows when we are closing in on the house and he starts to get fussy! After the walk, I ate...then RJ ate...then my Mom got here...then LJ ate and he's been asleep every since (finally!). Now it is 9:15 and we are going to try to go to bed...I'll let you know how it goes!
Oh, and we've used over 50 diapers since LJ came home from the hospital on Tuesday! WOW! And, we sang Happy Birthday to LJ at 3:52 this afternoon...such fun!
Saturday, November 20, 2004
We're Making It!
Well, if there is one thing I'm starting to accept it is that, with an infant, no two days are the same! But, as I said, I'm starting to get used to it. I have been feeling less overwhelmed the last 2 days...and that is a good feeling. LJ is pretty good during the day, so I have started to resume normal life...doing the laundry, putting things away, etc. This makes me feel like things are still somewhat the same. I'd say one of the biggest adjustments is not being within close proximity of RJ all day. We are used to being together all the time...or having the opportunity to see each other pretty much anytime we want (at work), so his not being here is hard on me. But, we realize how truly blessed we are to be able to work it where one of us can be home with LJ once I return to work.
My Mom left yesterday and that caused me some anxiety. I cried...just because of the change. She'll be back on Sunday afternoon. I can't imagine being home alone with this little guy right now. I'm thinking that will change as things start to smooth out a little. RJ was home with me when my Mom left and we started having our first weekend as a family. Of course, LJ had his fussy period from about 9:00 pm - 2:30 am. After that, he went to sleep for 4 hours right after nursing. He did this again at 5:45 am and 8:45 am. We are thankful that he sleeps that long at some point during the night, but wish he'd push it back to one feeding earlier! LJ is doing well...and has yet to have a fussy period that hasn't ended. I have Chrissy to thank for pointing that out! The fussy times do eventually end! They are just tiring! He is really sweet when he is sleeping or when he is just looking around. He has started to have some awake, "non-fussy" time and it is fun to watch him look around.
I'm still having some times during the afternoon (between 4:00 and 6:00) when I feel overwhelmed, anxious, and just generally different. I cry and feel panicky, but those times end and I feel better eventually. It is a cruel process that, when you have so much change you also have whacked out hormones. I'm anxious to get our stroller (we should get it this weekend) so that LJ and I can go for long walks. I think I'll probably walk 2x a day...just to get out of the house! Plus, I know the exercise will help with my hormones and attitude...endorphins and all!
Thanks for all the support! We appreciate your comments and phone calls. It isn't always a good time to talk, but I'll tell you if it isn't and I'll call you back when it is. We are blessed to have such supportive family and friends. See, LJ has turned me into an emotional woman!
My Mom left yesterday and that caused me some anxiety. I cried...just because of the change. She'll be back on Sunday afternoon. I can't imagine being home alone with this little guy right now. I'm thinking that will change as things start to smooth out a little. RJ was home with me when my Mom left and we started having our first weekend as a family. Of course, LJ had his fussy period from about 9:00 pm - 2:30 am. After that, he went to sleep for 4 hours right after nursing. He did this again at 5:45 am and 8:45 am. We are thankful that he sleeps that long at some point during the night, but wish he'd push it back to one feeding earlier! LJ is doing well...and has yet to have a fussy period that hasn't ended. I have Chrissy to thank for pointing that out! The fussy times do eventually end! They are just tiring! He is really sweet when he is sleeping or when he is just looking around. He has started to have some awake, "non-fussy" time and it is fun to watch him look around.
I'm still having some times during the afternoon (between 4:00 and 6:00) when I feel overwhelmed, anxious, and just generally different. I cry and feel panicky, but those times end and I feel better eventually. It is a cruel process that, when you have so much change you also have whacked out hormones. I'm anxious to get our stroller (we should get it this weekend) so that LJ and I can go for long walks. I think I'll probably walk 2x a day...just to get out of the house! Plus, I know the exercise will help with my hormones and attitude...endorphins and all!
Thanks for all the support! We appreciate your comments and phone calls. It isn't always a good time to talk, but I'll tell you if it isn't and I'll call you back when it is. We are blessed to have such supportive family and friends. See, LJ has turned me into an emotional woman!
Thursday, November 18, 2004
Tears of Joy Become Tears of Anxiety
Yesterday was a tough day at our house. Everything started out fine, but around 4:00 LJ hit a fussy time and the baby blues hit me. According to What to Expect When You are Expecting...the baby blues hit sometime around the 3rd day post-delivery. Well, mine hit at the exact hour 3 days post-delivery. I cried and cried...LJ cried and cried. Thankfully, LJ gave us a good night last night, so RJ and I got about 6-7 hours of sleep and my mom got a full night. We'll see how today goes...so far, so good. LJ is napping now, but should be ready to eat any minute. I managed to take a shower, blow dry my hair, and do a couple of things around the house...so I feel pretty normal right now. I just hope the baby blues don't turn into full-blown post-partum depression.
LJ has been a great nurser from day one, but this is also a detriment. Anytime his hands get near his face, he tries to suck on them...which is fine. But, when nothing comes from that, he thinks he needs to eat! So, we battle to not eat ALL THE TIME, but he usually wins that battle. I keep thinking..."he is only 4 days old, he doesn't know what he's doing, so how can I really teach him anything about waiting to eat?" But, you know how I like a schedule...so I have an internal battle...this makes me cry and I get overwhelmed. I'm trying to put it all in perspective and take it one minute at a time. RJ has been very supportive and so has my Mom. RJ really likes LJ a lot and is willing to listen to him cry and try to soothe him, while I cry too! We are a mess, but I am optimistic things will brighten up. LJ is still pretty darn cute! I think he'll end up looking like his Dad when all is said and done.
So, things are ok here. Those of you who have had children...please tell me this is normal! Or, if it isn't...let me know that too!
LJ has been a great nurser from day one, but this is also a detriment. Anytime his hands get near his face, he tries to suck on them...which is fine. But, when nothing comes from that, he thinks he needs to eat! So, we battle to not eat ALL THE TIME, but he usually wins that battle. I keep thinking..."he is only 4 days old, he doesn't know what he's doing, so how can I really teach him anything about waiting to eat?" But, you know how I like a schedule...so I have an internal battle...this makes me cry and I get overwhelmed. I'm trying to put it all in perspective and take it one minute at a time. RJ has been very supportive and so has my Mom. RJ really likes LJ a lot and is willing to listen to him cry and try to soothe him, while I cry too! We are a mess, but I am optimistic things will brighten up. LJ is still pretty darn cute! I think he'll end up looking like his Dad when all is said and done.
So, things are ok here. Those of you who have had children...please tell me this is normal! Or, if it isn't...let me know that too!
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
Wow! He Has A Lot of Hair!
LJ (I assume you’ve heard his name, so we don’t have to repeat it for the world to see) was born at 3:52 pm, Sunday, November 14th and from the moment his head first came into view, people’s first reaction has been “wow, he has a lot of hair!” This is followed closely by, “what a beautiful baby!” Of course, we believe everyone who says this and we are sure that they don’t say it to every baby’s parents. I do think he is the most beautiful baby ever…and the sweetest little boy…even when he is crying. He weighed 9lbs, 1oz and is 21 ¼ in long. He does have very thick, dark hair with brown tips…it is as though he had his hair professionally colored! He looks most like RJ, but has a somewhat distinct look. We’ll send you a picture via e-mail and you’ll see exactly what this precious child looks like.
Labor and delivery was no big deal. The induction started at 9:45 pm Saturday night…the worst parts of that were that 1) they had to stick me 4 times to get my IV in, and 2) once the induction meds started I couldn’t get up for 2 hours. This was bad as I had purposely tried to drink lots of fluids so they would have no problem with the IV (fat lot of good that did). I was dying I had to go to the bathroom so bad…at 11:45 on the dot, I was up and in the bathroom. We did another round of those meds and then started Pitocin around 5:00 am. At about 6:00 am, I took the offer for Stadol…that is some good stuff. I immediately started giggling and, while I could feel the contractions, I didn’t care! That wore off around 8:30 am and I I had 2 hours of labor without any medications…that was no fun whatsoever. Labor and Delivery had gotten VERY busy (6 people in labor at the same time), so I didn’t get as much attention for a while. My doctor was in to check on me at 10:30, she broke my water and asked if I wanted my epidural. I said “YES!” and ½ an hour later I got my epidural and the good times were back. Seriously, the epidural is the way to go…it wore off enough for me to push for ½ an hour and deliver the sweetest baby ever. Once the epidural wore off completely, I could feel what my body had been through…that is not fun, but I know this will pass. LJ has been an excellent “nurser” since his first hour of life and has started to have some gassy pains. Poor little fellow…I wonder what will happen when he is actually getting milk?!
I have turned into a crying sap. Today, as I was dressing him to come home from the hospital, I thought “we bought these clothes for you before we even knew what you would look like, and now you are wearing them”…and I burst into tears! Then, when I was wheeled out to the car with him in my lap, RJ was taking a picture and I just burst into tears! We were taking our little boy home…I am crying now while I am writing this! I just never would have guessed that I would feel so happy, sentimental, hopeful, etc. He is just so sweet and we love him so much. When I start crying and I tell RJ why (and sound completely insane in the process), he starts crying and then we are just laughing and crying. My mom is here with us this week and I’m sure she thinks we are crazy…and sleep deprived.
Ok, I have to stop or I’ll never stop the tears…they are happy tears though! We’ll send you a picture to your e-mail and I’ll post again soon. Thanks to everyone for all your support, thoughts, and prayers.
Labor and delivery was no big deal. The induction started at 9:45 pm Saturday night…the worst parts of that were that 1) they had to stick me 4 times to get my IV in, and 2) once the induction meds started I couldn’t get up for 2 hours. This was bad as I had purposely tried to drink lots of fluids so they would have no problem with the IV (fat lot of good that did). I was dying I had to go to the bathroom so bad…at 11:45 on the dot, I was up and in the bathroom. We did another round of those meds and then started Pitocin around 5:00 am. At about 6:00 am, I took the offer for Stadol…that is some good stuff. I immediately started giggling and, while I could feel the contractions, I didn’t care! That wore off around 8:30 am and I I had 2 hours of labor without any medications…that was no fun whatsoever. Labor and Delivery had gotten VERY busy (6 people in labor at the same time), so I didn’t get as much attention for a while. My doctor was in to check on me at 10:30, she broke my water and asked if I wanted my epidural. I said “YES!” and ½ an hour later I got my epidural and the good times were back. Seriously, the epidural is the way to go…it wore off enough for me to push for ½ an hour and deliver the sweetest baby ever. Once the epidural wore off completely, I could feel what my body had been through…that is not fun, but I know this will pass. LJ has been an excellent “nurser” since his first hour of life and has started to have some gassy pains. Poor little fellow…I wonder what will happen when he is actually getting milk?!
I have turned into a crying sap. Today, as I was dressing him to come home from the hospital, I thought “we bought these clothes for you before we even knew what you would look like, and now you are wearing them”…and I burst into tears! Then, when I was wheeled out to the car with him in my lap, RJ was taking a picture and I just burst into tears! We were taking our little boy home…I am crying now while I am writing this! I just never would have guessed that I would feel so happy, sentimental, hopeful, etc. He is just so sweet and we love him so much. When I start crying and I tell RJ why (and sound completely insane in the process), he starts crying and then we are just laughing and crying. My mom is here with us this week and I’m sure she thinks we are crazy…and sleep deprived.
Ok, I have to stop or I’ll never stop the tears…they are happy tears though! We’ll send you a picture to your e-mail and I’ll post again soon. Thanks to everyone for all your support, thoughts, and prayers.
Saturday, November 13, 2004
Go Time
Just called Labor and Delivery at St. Joseph's and there is a bed for us...so here we go. RJ is eating a bowl of Oh's! (I'm telling you, they are really good) and then we're outta here. I don't know how long they'll let us stay at the hospital, but I'm thinking Monday afternoon is the earliest they'll send us home...and, if I have my way, it'll be Tuesday morning (or afternoon). Maybe I'll change my mind, but I doubt it.
You'll hear from someone sometime in the next day or so!
Gotta go meet Little Baby J.
You'll hear from someone sometime in the next day or so!
Gotta go meet Little Baby J.
T-12 Hours
Sorry Big Bro RJ, pizza didn't do it! I'm telling you, this baby really likes being on the inside. Yesterday my nephew and niece-to-be (his fiancé) brought over pizza and a chocolate cheesecake. That cheesecake was yummy! And, so rich that it forced me to drink lots of milk, thus ensuring I got in my supply of calcium for the day. We ate pizza, laughed, heard about their friends who were getting engaged that night, laughed, looked at a map of London to see where they were going to try to rent a "flat"...(if you are living in London, it is not an apartment!), etc. Then my niece came over and told us about the on-site interview from which she had returned the day before. It was nice to be able to catch up with them and nice of them to bring us dinner. But, aside from the baby moving around...the pizza seems to have been just another meal.
The doctor told me to eat a good breakfast, a good lunch, and then a light dinner. Doctor's orders to eat a good breakfast! Hmm...I wonder if she and I have the same definition of a "good" breakfast? RJ and are going to go to Sbisa...a cafeteria on campus. Some of you reading this might be saying..."All right, that sounds good" others of you might be saying "A cafeteria on campus, why?" Well, they have a variety of food, it is buffet and it is all you can eat. I can't eat too much these days, so that isn't the issue for me, but it is also a bit of nostalgia.
After breakfast we need to buy a couple of last minute things for the baby, go to the grocery store so we have something to eat when we get home, RJ would like to mow the lawn, and then we need to relax. I suppose we'll watch the game on TV, but only if it isn't upsetting to me. We'll probably try to go to church tonight...my doctor and her family are usually at that mass, so maybe we'll see her. And then we call the hospital at 8:00 to see if we should come in or not. Once we find out if we are going or not, I'll post a short message to let you know. If we go in, you won't hear from me for a few days, but someone will call you or e-mail you (or at least we will give them that assignment).
Off to get ready for my "good" breakfast!
The doctor told me to eat a good breakfast, a good lunch, and then a light dinner. Doctor's orders to eat a good breakfast! Hmm...I wonder if she and I have the same definition of a "good" breakfast? RJ and are going to go to Sbisa...a cafeteria on campus. Some of you reading this might be saying..."All right, that sounds good" others of you might be saying "A cafeteria on campus, why?" Well, they have a variety of food, it is buffet and it is all you can eat. I can't eat too much these days, so that isn't the issue for me, but it is also a bit of nostalgia.
After breakfast we need to buy a couple of last minute things for the baby, go to the grocery store so we have something to eat when we get home, RJ would like to mow the lawn, and then we need to relax. I suppose we'll watch the game on TV, but only if it isn't upsetting to me. We'll probably try to go to church tonight...my doctor and her family are usually at that mass, so maybe we'll see her. And then we call the hospital at 8:00 to see if we should come in or not. Once we find out if we are going or not, I'll post a short message to let you know. If we go in, you won't hear from me for a few days, but someone will call you or e-mail you (or at least we will give them that assignment).
Off to get ready for my "good" breakfast!
Friday, November 12, 2004
Pizza for Dinner
I woke up at 4:30 this morning humming Lyle Lovett tunes and thinking about having the baby. See, I have never been in the hospital for anything (other than to visit someone), so the unknown of how that will go is really the most bothersome. And to think that I will be one of those ladies you see on TV (if you watch these delivery shows) actually in labor and having a baby. Maybe I should pretend I am on TV so that I act mentally strong? I'll think about that some more. At any rate, I couldn't get back to sleep...so I got up and ate a bowl of Oh's! Oh's! are so good...really one of the best cereals. You have to eat them regularly to keep the roof of you mouth toughened up because they are one of the more abrasive cereals. Once I had a full tummy and a little chill (it was only 63 in the living room) I was able to go back to the cozy bed and fall asleep.
I did call the doctor this morning to find out the whole procedure for Saturday. I'll spare you most of the details, but we call the hospital at 8:00 pm to make sure they have a bed for me. If they do, I go in and it all begins. Sunday should be the day that the baby is born. I'm not sure how long I'll get to stay at the hospital, but there is NO WAY I will leave before Monday...and if I can stay Monday night I plan to do that too. I figure I want access to people who know what they are doing (as I don't) and who have drugs and other medical procedures at their fingertips...should they become desired or necessary. Of course, I've never been in a hospital, so I may want out of there ASAP!
RJ and I plan to eat pizza tonight...in our last attempt to coax Little Baby J out. We'll see if my brother is correct about the medical affects of pizza on establishing consistent uterine contractions!
Thanks to all the people who want to leave comments...they are fun for us to read! We were especially surprised to hear from Katharine & Justin (all the way from Australia)...thanks to KK for telling her about the blog. And, MB (all the way from Qatar)...you have to be pretty witty to come up with Ramadon for a name! This blog is so international!
I did call the doctor this morning to find out the whole procedure for Saturday. I'll spare you most of the details, but we call the hospital at 8:00 pm to make sure they have a bed for me. If they do, I go in and it all begins. Sunday should be the day that the baby is born. I'm not sure how long I'll get to stay at the hospital, but there is NO WAY I will leave before Monday...and if I can stay Monday night I plan to do that too. I figure I want access to people who know what they are doing (as I don't) and who have drugs and other medical procedures at their fingertips...should they become desired or necessary. Of course, I've never been in a hospital, so I may want out of there ASAP!
RJ and I plan to eat pizza tonight...in our last attempt to coax Little Baby J out. We'll see if my brother is correct about the medical affects of pizza on establishing consistent uterine contractions!
Thanks to all the people who want to leave comments...they are fun for us to read! We were especially surprised to hear from Katharine & Justin (all the way from Australia)...thanks to KK for telling her about the blog. And, MB (all the way from Qatar)...you have to be pretty witty to come up with Ramadon for a name! This blog is so international!
Thursday, November 11, 2004
Lyle's Youngest Fan
Yes, we made it to the concert and it was everything we hoped it would be. Lyle and his band were excellent as usual. What really makes his show is the 10 piece band with such a variety of instruments. I have such a good time watching them all play. In the end, a gospel group came out (as it did last November when we saw Lyle in Houston) and it was a real treat to hear them sing with Lyle. Baby J had a good time...lots of movement and lots of head grinding my bladder. I think Baby J's favorite song is The Boat Song...that elicited the most movement.
Today was a fine day...I kept a positive mental attitude toward not going into labor. Obviously, it worked. I could really get used to this not going to work thing. You have so much time to run errands and keep the house clean. I'm sure once Baby J is home with me, I won't be so ambitious, but for now...it works for me. I picked Richard up for lunch and then went to the bank...which was closed for Veteran's Day...oh well! Then I looked some stuff up on the computer. See, the doctor's office called today and we moved the induction to begin on Saturday night. So, if I don't go into labor by then, I get induced. And, if I haven't dilated they use this drug to "ripen the cervix". I spent the afternoon researching this drug and now I have a list of questions for the doctor tomorrow. I would just wait until Monday, but the doctor probably won't be able to be there on Monday night and I don't really want a different doctor. This actually caused me a good deal of stress. So, I'm going to spend my time between now and Saturday evening having a positive mental attitude toward starting labor! Wish me luck!
Today was a fine day...I kept a positive mental attitude toward not going into labor. Obviously, it worked. I could really get used to this not going to work thing. You have so much time to run errands and keep the house clean. I'm sure once Baby J is home with me, I won't be so ambitious, but for now...it works for me. I picked Richard up for lunch and then went to the bank...which was closed for Veteran's Day...oh well! Then I looked some stuff up on the computer. See, the doctor's office called today and we moved the induction to begin on Saturday night. So, if I don't go into labor by then, I get induced. And, if I haven't dilated they use this drug to "ripen the cervix". I spent the afternoon researching this drug and now I have a list of questions for the doctor tomorrow. I would just wait until Monday, but the doctor probably won't be able to be there on Monday night and I don't really want a different doctor. This actually caused me a good deal of stress. So, I'm going to spend my time between now and Saturday evening having a positive mental attitude toward starting labor! Wish me luck!
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
My Day of Bliss (mostly!)
My wish came true...I had one relaxing day without active labor. I was not sure that it would happen though. Last night I had a couple of hours worth of contractions...during which the baby was not cooperating. During a contraction is when the baby would decide to stretch out and move around. Thus, I had double the trouble. I thought, "This is it, for sure"...but it wasn't! Through this 2 hours of discomfort (not really painful) I decided that all of our furniture AND the toilet seat are just too darned low and we need all new furniture (and a new toilet seat). I'm pretty sure RJ has filed this demand where he has apparently filed several other such silly demands I have made in the last few months!
I slept pretty well last night...only got up 3x to go to the bathroom (seriously, that is down from 6 the night before) and I slept all the way to 7:20. I went to the grocery store around 9:30...did you know there are hardly any people in the grocery store at 9:30? That was bliss in and of itself! Then I stopped to get myself a tuna sandwich from this local bakery/sandwich shop. They have the BEST tuna salad...it has fresh dill in it. I have been craving it the last 2 weeks, but have had to limit myself (stupid research on mercury in fish being bad)...but today was one of the days that won out this week. On the way home I started to get a crimpy feeling on the left side of my lower back. I though, "this is it, for sure"...but it wasn't! I got home around 11:00 and ate my sandwich...I was hungry. Then I took a shower...and didn't have to blow dry my hair because I wasn't going anywhere! Am I the only one who gets tired of the same personal presentation routine? After the shower, the back cramps were gone. Then I took a nap and read some of my book. It was heaven!
I'm looking forward to a similar day tomorrow...as you know...the concert is tomorrow night! I guess I'll have to blow dry my hair after tomorrow's shower. I hope I don't feel the way I felt last night while at the concert. But, maybe the concert will do a better job of distracting me than Mission Impossible did last night? Surely Lyle is that captivating...I've seen him in concert 2x before, so I know it is possible. Several of you predict I will leave the concert and go straight to the hospital to deliver mere hours later. I guess I'd better take my hospital bag to the concert with me ;-)
To answer the gender questions and name questions... In the beginning, I felt sure the baby is a girl, but now I don't feel strongly one way or the other. I've had several girl dreams, several boy dreams, several dreams of indeterminate gender and 1 dream with twins...a boy and a girl who could walk instantly. So, I just don't have a feeling. Names...we have several and I fear that none of them will seem good once we see the baby. I haven't really wanted to share them...I don't want to see people react in a negative way. Since I can't see any faces over the internet I will tell you what we are down to. Girl: Xxxx, Xxxx, Xxxxxx. Boy: Yyyy, Yyyyyyy, Yyyy. Ha! They were up earlier, but RJ thinks the baby should be the first to hear.
There you have it...I'm going to make some steel-cut oats now (if you haven't had them and you think you hate oatmeal...get some steel-cut oats and give them a try. If you haven't had them and you think you like oatmeal...get some steel-cut oats...you'll love 'em). I didn't know they existed until RJ's sister-in-law fed me some...I'll never eat rolled again (which isn't true...I have eaten rolled since, but I haven't enjoyed them nearly as much)!
I slept pretty well last night...only got up 3x to go to the bathroom (seriously, that is down from 6 the night before) and I slept all the way to 7:20. I went to the grocery store around 9:30...did you know there are hardly any people in the grocery store at 9:30? That was bliss in and of itself! Then I stopped to get myself a tuna sandwich from this local bakery/sandwich shop. They have the BEST tuna salad...it has fresh dill in it. I have been craving it the last 2 weeks, but have had to limit myself (stupid research on mercury in fish being bad)...but today was one of the days that won out this week. On the way home I started to get a crimpy feeling on the left side of my lower back. I though, "this is it, for sure"...but it wasn't! I got home around 11:00 and ate my sandwich...I was hungry. Then I took a shower...and didn't have to blow dry my hair because I wasn't going anywhere! Am I the only one who gets tired of the same personal presentation routine? After the shower, the back cramps were gone. Then I took a nap and read some of my book. It was heaven!
I'm looking forward to a similar day tomorrow...as you know...the concert is tomorrow night! I guess I'll have to blow dry my hair after tomorrow's shower. I hope I don't feel the way I felt last night while at the concert. But, maybe the concert will do a better job of distracting me than Mission Impossible did last night? Surely Lyle is that captivating...I've seen him in concert 2x before, so I know it is possible. Several of you predict I will leave the concert and go straight to the hospital to deliver mere hours later. I guess I'd better take my hospital bag to the concert with me ;-)
To answer the gender questions and name questions... In the beginning, I felt sure the baby is a girl, but now I don't feel strongly one way or the other. I've had several girl dreams, several boy dreams, several dreams of indeterminate gender and 1 dream with twins...a boy and a girl who could walk instantly. So, I just don't have a feeling. Names...we have several and I fear that none of them will seem good once we see the baby. I haven't really wanted to share them...I don't want to see people react in a negative way. Since I can't see any faces over the internet I will tell you what we are down to. Girl: Xxxx, Xxxx, Xxxxxx. Boy: Yyyy, Yyyyyyy, Yyyy. Ha! They were up earlier, but RJ thinks the baby should be the first to hear.
There you have it...I'm going to make some steel-cut oats now (if you haven't had them and you think you hate oatmeal...get some steel-cut oats and give them a try. If you haven't had them and you think you like oatmeal...get some steel-cut oats...you'll love 'em). I didn't know they existed until RJ's sister-in-law fed me some...I'll never eat rolled again (which isn't true...I have eaten rolled since, but I haven't enjoyed them nearly as much)!
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
Due Date #2 and Last Day of Work
Due date #2, the doctor's due date has almost expired. While I am having some contractions, they are not regular and I can still "walk and talk" through them, so I don't think (unless things really pick up) that I will have the baby on 11/9. I'm trying not to think about contractions that keep me from being able to walk and talk...that is a concept about which I am not very excited! The office betting pool concerning the delivery date, time, gender, weight (the baby's, not mine!), length, etc. is down to 5 people still in the running. No money is changing hands and there is no prize, but everyone has a prediction! Several people will be knocked out if I don't deliver tomorrow or Thursday. Remember, we are holding out until the 12th...we have tickets to the Lyle Lovett concert on Thursday! We have a buyer in case we can't use them though.
Today was my last day at work. That is very exciting and I hope to have at least part of a day at home and not in active labor. It feels so decadent! My students were really cute today...as they left class many of them said things like "good luck", "hope it all goes well", "I'll pray for you", etc. They were asking if I'd bring the baby for them to see and I said, "No way...y'all are sickly college students! My husband will bring a picture." RJ is doing most of the substituting in class...I think my students are excited to see how my husband will be as a teacher...the girls ask all kinds of questions about being married, being pregnant, etc. so they are especially interested in seeing how he is.
There is a woman at work (I'm pretty sure I've figured out who it is) who has left a baby gift (travel wipes, wash clothes, a onesie, stuff like that) on my desk each morning. So, it has been fun to come to work to see what my little elf has left for the baby. I left a note on my desk one day...asking who the elf is...and the elf left a note saying "wouldn't you like to know?" She fell for my trick because I was hoping to recognize the handwriting! She hasn't 100% admitted it, but it has been very fun and is a very thoughtful thing to do! Today being my last day...that will come to an end :-(
RJ and I went to Cheddars this evening...we figure our days of easily eating out are numbered. It was nice! I have been avoiding pizza the last few days as my brother says it is the food you eat when you are ready to go into labor...it worked for his wife with their kids. So, if we make it to our concert, maybe we'll eat pizza on Friday. Or, maybe we'll try to get one more weekend in before our lives change FOREVER!
Today was my last day at work. That is very exciting and I hope to have at least part of a day at home and not in active labor. It feels so decadent! My students were really cute today...as they left class many of them said things like "good luck", "hope it all goes well", "I'll pray for you", etc. They were asking if I'd bring the baby for them to see and I said, "No way...y'all are sickly college students! My husband will bring a picture." RJ is doing most of the substituting in class...I think my students are excited to see how my husband will be as a teacher...the girls ask all kinds of questions about being married, being pregnant, etc. so they are especially interested in seeing how he is.
There is a woman at work (I'm pretty sure I've figured out who it is) who has left a baby gift (travel wipes, wash clothes, a onesie, stuff like that) on my desk each morning. So, it has been fun to come to work to see what my little elf has left for the baby. I left a note on my desk one day...asking who the elf is...and the elf left a note saying "wouldn't you like to know?" She fell for my trick because I was hoping to recognize the handwriting! She hasn't 100% admitted it, but it has been very fun and is a very thoughtful thing to do! Today being my last day...that will come to an end :-(
RJ and I went to Cheddars this evening...we figure our days of easily eating out are numbered. It was nice! I have been avoiding pizza the last few days as my brother says it is the food you eat when you are ready to go into labor...it worked for his wife with their kids. So, if we make it to our concert, maybe we'll eat pizza on Friday. Or, maybe we'll try to get one more weekend in before our lives change FOREVER!
Monday, November 08, 2004
Last Pre-natal Doctor Visit
Today was the last dr. visit...it was odd to leave without making another appointment. That was always agonizing...when next week do RJ, the doctor, and I have mutual time available? No more! The doctor walked in and asked "are we still holding out for the 11th?" and we said, "Yes!" But, let's back up to last night...
I knew better than to actually type words that effectively communicated that I think we will make it past the due date. Within an hour of typing the blog I felt the first sensation that I was almost positive was a contraction. Up until now I haven't been sure if I was feeling a contraction or if the baby was just pressing itself more evenly against its increasingly smaller home. Last night, I was pretty sure I was feeling contractions. So, I drank lots of water and changed positions and the sensation went away.
So, I went to work today and was fairly busy...so, I didn't really notice any more "contractions". 2:20 rolls around and it is time to see the doctor. While waiting for the doctor, I had a "contraction". I had one while visiting with the doctor as well. She confirmed that it was indeed a contraction. So, to make a short story very long...I've been having some contractions. I will spare you the details concerning effacement and dilation, but I'll tell you that the doctor did not send me to the hospital immediately ;-) We are still hoping for the 12th. We do have an induction scheduled with the hospital...Monday, November 15th at noon. So, if Little Baby J doesn't make an appearance before then...that is when this will all commence.
People keep asking me if I am excited and I am, but I'm pretty used to being pregnant...once the baby is here, I'll have a whole bunch of new stuff to get used to. I like routine. I like planning (and having the plan work). I'm not all that fond of change. So, I'm approaching this next stage with optimism, but uncertainty!
I'll leave this post with the mantra I have been repeating in my head. Anyone who has been through labor has told me "when it is time to go to the hospital, you'll know!"
PS...I realize I spelled niece "neice" in the e-mail I sent...so, if I realize it, it doesn't count!
I knew better than to actually type words that effectively communicated that I think we will make it past the due date. Within an hour of typing the blog I felt the first sensation that I was almost positive was a contraction. Up until now I haven't been sure if I was feeling a contraction or if the baby was just pressing itself more evenly against its increasingly smaller home. Last night, I was pretty sure I was feeling contractions. So, I drank lots of water and changed positions and the sensation went away.
So, I went to work today and was fairly busy...so, I didn't really notice any more "contractions". 2:20 rolls around and it is time to see the doctor. While waiting for the doctor, I had a "contraction". I had one while visiting with the doctor as well. She confirmed that it was indeed a contraction. So, to make a short story very long...I've been having some contractions. I will spare you the details concerning effacement and dilation, but I'll tell you that the doctor did not send me to the hospital immediately ;-) We are still hoping for the 12th. We do have an induction scheduled with the hospital...Monday, November 15th at noon. So, if Little Baby J doesn't make an appearance before then...that is when this will all commence.
People keep asking me if I am excited and I am, but I'm pretty used to being pregnant...once the baby is here, I'll have a whole bunch of new stuff to get used to. I like routine. I like planning (and having the plan work). I'm not all that fond of change. So, I'm approaching this next stage with optimism, but uncertainty!
I'll leave this post with the mantra I have been repeating in my head. Anyone who has been through labor has told me "when it is time to go to the hospital, you'll know!"
PS...I realize I spelled niece "neice" in the e-mail I sent...so, if I realize it, it doesn't count!
Sunday, November 07, 2004
Due Date #1
Well, due date #1...today has only 6 more hours until expiration. So, it appears that we will make it past this one. Tuesday, the 9th is due date #2...the date the doctor believes to be the due date. We'll see the doctor tomorrow afternoon and will have an "update" tomorrow evening. We're still hoping to make it to our concert Thursday night. We'll see!
Today, we put the car seat in the car. I did the laundry, cleaned the house, and made a pumpkin pie...yes, we were both craving pumpkin pie. Now it is time to rest!
We'll keep you posted.
Today, we put the car seat in the car. I did the laundry, cleaned the house, and made a pumpkin pie...yes, we were both craving pumpkin pie. Now it is time to rest!
We'll keep you posted.
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