I am sitting here doing my one handed typing act and stealing glances at the sweetest tiny sleeping face I have ever seen. It is moments like this that I wish there were a digital camera behind my eyes that could captures these moments at ANY time exactly as I see them. I don't ever want to forget these moments kissing her sleepy face. I don't mind that my left arm is going to turn black and fall off.
Yesterday we put Miriam on her new playgym and grinned with pride as she discovered the hanging toys and tried to reach for them. We cooed and smiled at each other during the day. I stood for a combined total of what must have been an hour(s) by the changing table in the evening because it was the only place she was content. I put her mobile on her bassinet/playyard and realized - she can see that. She happily watched the bears and I got a break, although this was short lived because she wanted the mobile to move and it is stationary (Therefore, I've been to Target.com looking for musical rotating ones.). She slept for five and a half hours last night. After feeding and changing I watched her watch her mobile and then fall back to sleep herself! (Of course she only slept another hour before waking up again)
I'm happy to be entering the new year with these milestones (hey - sleep is a milestone) and wonderful memories. Since I can't do anything about the passage of time I am just going to enjoy as much baby gazing as I can (even when she yawns her milky breath in my face-actually it makes me smile).
Monday, December 31, 2007
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Approaching 2008
Happy New Year! Well . . . soon.
I've been thinking about the good and not-so-good of 2007, most of them being baby related of course. I can't believe my daughter is 7 weeks old. It is almost 2008. And my husband graduates in March.
Looking back:
Deciding I need to drop that 10 pounds I gained working in the presidents office
Deciding to ditch the birth control in January
Losing 3 pounds in February
Having some second thoughts and deciding to go back on birth control in March
March 10th - discovering it's TOO late - we're already pregnant! And you know what? We were happy.
Taking a speech class I "knew" I would hate and having it be one of the most enjoyable classes I've ever taken.
Finally finishing one year of German classes.
Surprising our parents with Mothers Day cards with our first ultrasound - their reactions - priceless
Waiting, waiting, waiting for the school to place the forensic internship applicants, only to find out the last week of classes that Bill got placed in Seattle at Seattle Toxicology. Can't say we were happy. But my uncles Dan and Steve let us stay with them (bless them!) and Bill ended up in one of the best internships, AND he liked it!
Going from an A to a C and finally a D cup
Finshing the entire series of Everybody Loves Raymond
Going into pre-term labor in September and getting stuck in bed on Nifedipine for weeks.
Giving birth to our daughter - full term - on November 7th.
All the things that have gone with learning how to be a new mom, the sleep deprevation, my post partum and seasonal blues combined, the satisfaction of finally having Miriam smile, coo and sleep for four hours, along with other things too numerous to list.
Looking ahead to 2008
In the first two weeks both baby and I have a Dr. exam. Her's unfortunately (but for her own good) includes our first round of immunizations. If the bilirubin test is any indicator, this won't be fun.
Mom starting to work at WW. One time next week and THREE times the week after. I have so many mixed emotions about this, as I am sure most moms will understand. I look forward to it. I can't imagine leaving my baby for 2 1/2-4 hours. But I've pumped the milk and planned with Dad so at this point we'll just hope for the best.
Family picture in February with Dad in his cap and gown, followed by graduation in March
Trip in March to see Grandpa Jeff and Grandma Dede and Great Grandma Lena. Miriam hasn't met these Grandmas yet and I am excited to go.
Hopefull parts of '08
New job for Bill
Possible move
Mom gets back down to pre-baby weight with WW (train as a leader?)
Checking out Toastmasters
More German
Going back to an A cup (not so hopeful for that)
I am wishing the best to you in this NEW YEAR. I hope it is as fun as ours is going to be!
I've been thinking about the good and not-so-good of 2007, most of them being baby related of course. I can't believe my daughter is 7 weeks old. It is almost 2008. And my husband graduates in March.
Looking back:
Deciding I need to drop that 10 pounds I gained working in the presidents office
Deciding to ditch the birth control in January
Losing 3 pounds in February
Having some second thoughts and deciding to go back on birth control in March
March 10th - discovering it's TOO late - we're already pregnant! And you know what? We were happy.
Taking a speech class I "knew" I would hate and having it be one of the most enjoyable classes I've ever taken.
Finally finishing one year of German classes.
Surprising our parents with Mothers Day cards with our first ultrasound - their reactions - priceless
Waiting, waiting, waiting for the school to place the forensic internship applicants, only to find out the last week of classes that Bill got placed in Seattle at Seattle Toxicology. Can't say we were happy. But my uncles Dan and Steve let us stay with them (bless them!) and Bill ended up in one of the best internships, AND he liked it!
Going from an A to a C and finally a D cup
Finshing the entire series of Everybody Loves Raymond
Going into pre-term labor in September and getting stuck in bed on Nifedipine for weeks.
Giving birth to our daughter - full term - on November 7th.
All the things that have gone with learning how to be a new mom, the sleep deprevation, my post partum and seasonal blues combined, the satisfaction of finally having Miriam smile, coo and sleep for four hours, along with other things too numerous to list.
Looking ahead to 2008
In the first two weeks both baby and I have a Dr. exam. Her's unfortunately (but for her own good) includes our first round of immunizations. If the bilirubin test is any indicator, this won't be fun.
Mom starting to work at WW. One time next week and THREE times the week after. I have so many mixed emotions about this, as I am sure most moms will understand. I look forward to it. I can't imagine leaving my baby for 2 1/2-4 hours. But I've pumped the milk and planned with Dad so at this point we'll just hope for the best.
Family picture in February with Dad in his cap and gown, followed by graduation in March
Trip in March to see Grandpa Jeff and Grandma Dede and Great Grandma Lena. Miriam hasn't met these Grandmas yet and I am excited to go.
Hopefull parts of '08
New job for Bill
Possible move
Mom gets back down to pre-baby weight with WW (train as a leader?)
Checking out Toastmasters
More German
Going back to an A cup (not so hopeful for that)
I am wishing the best to you in this NEW YEAR. I hope it is as fun as ours is going to be!
Sunday, December 23, 2007
The Full Monty
Last night we went to a friends family Christmas party (how did we end up there you wonder?). We put baby in a cute sleeper and ventured through the snow to get there. We (meaning Bill and I) actually got to BE at most of the party, although I spent I good chunk of time in the bedroom nursing Miriam, but I was able to be part of some of the more memorable moments. It definately made me want fun family parties of our own - both current and future family.
The evening was full of lots of fun things. Each sibling was participating in a 'talent show' after a lovely dinner of Subway and Italian sodas. One act was Christmas at the *******s to the tune of Rockin around the Christmas Tree which featured hilarious actions of all from Christmases past. One sibling made a video of 2007. They opened presents and the kids threw 100 small plastic balls around the livingroom.
Easily the kicker of the evening: The first talent act was preempted by a family member being depantsed in the middle of the livingroom (whoops! this included de-under-pants). Yikes! - Some of us got the Full Monty. Some of us got the reverse Monty. All of us had five minutes of hard laughter. What a way to kick off holiday festivities . . . naked.
The evening was full of lots of fun things. Each sibling was participating in a 'talent show' after a lovely dinner of Subway and Italian sodas. One act was Christmas at the *******s to the tune of Rockin around the Christmas Tree which featured hilarious actions of all from Christmases past. One sibling made a video of 2007. They opened presents and the kids threw 100 small plastic balls around the livingroom.
Easily the kicker of the evening: The first talent act was preempted by a family member being depantsed in the middle of the livingroom (whoops! this included de-under-pants). Yikes! - Some of us got the Full Monty. Some of us got the reverse Monty. All of us had five minutes of hard laughter. What a way to kick off holiday festivities . . . naked.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
The All You Can Eat Buffet
The all you can eat buffet is located in Cheney Washington. It has brown hair, brown eyes, is 5ft 5in and is named Maggie Cox.
After Miriam decided to nurse for an hour before bed (doesn't this warrent a five hour sleeping stretch? You would certainly think so) yesterday - and did I mention she just finished a growth spurt? - Mom was feeling somewhat tired of having something attached to her boobs. Don't get me wrong - I love nursing. I am so happy we've been successful at it. There are days however that you just look at your husband and think -you should have breasts.
Don't suggest to me letting him give her a bottle though because it would make me sad to not be able to feed my baby. Hormones. They make you an irrational baby feeding machine.
We are however starting to pump and store milk so Mom can work for WW (Weight Watchers) in 2008. I have mixed feelings about this. We already know baby will take a bottle from dad because of our bought with the flu. But to be GONE for FOUR hours. It's only once or twice a week so . . .
Speaking of WW, mom weighed in at 148 yesterday. Crazy huh. 6 weeks ago I weighed 175 pounds. Just imagine where I'll go once I am actually back on program.
Speaking of weight - my daughter is a little piglet (if you couldn't guess). For those of you who guessed - even if it was just in your head if not in the comments - yesterday Miriam weighed in at approximately 10 pounds 8 ounces. (Approximate because she was still dressed and weighed 10lbs15oz) Wow.
After Miriam decided to nurse for an hour before bed (doesn't this warrent a five hour sleeping stretch? You would certainly think so) yesterday - and did I mention she just finished a growth spurt? - Mom was feeling somewhat tired of having something attached to her boobs. Don't get me wrong - I love nursing. I am so happy we've been successful at it. There are days however that you just look at your husband and think -you should have breasts.
Don't suggest to me letting him give her a bottle though because it would make me sad to not be able to feed my baby. Hormones. They make you an irrational baby feeding machine.
We are however starting to pump and store milk so Mom can work for WW (Weight Watchers) in 2008. I have mixed feelings about this. We already know baby will take a bottle from dad because of our bought with the flu. But to be GONE for FOUR hours. It's only once or twice a week so . . .
Speaking of WW, mom weighed in at 148 yesterday. Crazy huh. 6 weeks ago I weighed 175 pounds. Just imagine where I'll go once I am actually back on program.
Speaking of weight - my daughter is a little piglet (if you couldn't guess). For those of you who guessed - even if it was just in your head if not in the comments - yesterday Miriam weighed in at approximately 10 pounds 8 ounces. (Approximate because she was still dressed and weighed 10lbs15oz) Wow.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Baby Surveys
2 things, just for fun:
Tomorrow our first steps nurse - Ruth - comes again. By the way, everyone should get to have a first steps nurse. Miriam gets weighed each time Ruth comes. 2 weeks ago she was 9lbs 1oz. Any guesses as to what she will be tomorrow??
Also - Dad and Dede sent us 240 diapers for Christmas. Any guesses as to how long it will take us to use 180 of them (yeah already used 3 packs)?
Go
Tomorrow our first steps nurse - Ruth - comes again. By the way, everyone should get to have a first steps nurse. Miriam gets weighed each time Ruth comes. 2 weeks ago she was 9lbs 1oz. Any guesses as to what she will be tomorrow??
Also - Dad and Dede sent us 240 diapers for Christmas. Any guesses as to how long it will take us to use 180 of them (yeah already used 3 packs)?
Go
Monday, December 17, 2007
ESCAPE
Trip to walmart to buy a new pump (Yes, you needed that little bit of information). Snow and cold on the way in. Pretty happy while we wheeled around. Changed dirty diaper. Baby became cranky going through the check out line - leaving store.
It was at THIS moment that lady with a five year old decides to say "oh - how old is year baby?" That wasn't the end. "Five-weeks huh? This is what a five year old looks like. What's her name?"
And so-on and so-forth.
While she was very nice, my child is crying in the front of the Walmart. And my fight or flight response is kicking in here!
Has this happened to anyone else here?
Uh - thanks but time to go! Have a nice life!
I've decided that it was very nice of her to talk to us instead of being annoyed at our crying child.
Even so - any tips on nicely dropping the hint to the STRANGER that is keeping you from escaping to calm down the baby?
I managed to escape my whole pregnancy without a stranger rubbing my belly.
This is only the beginning isn't it?
It was at THIS moment that lady with a five year old decides to say "oh - how old is year baby?" That wasn't the end. "Five-weeks huh? This is what a five year old looks like. What's her name?"
And so-on and so-forth.
While she was very nice, my child is crying in the front of the Walmart. And my fight or flight response is kicking in here!
Has this happened to anyone else here?
Uh - thanks but time to go! Have a nice life!
I've decided that it was very nice of her to talk to us instead of being annoyed at our crying child.
Even so - any tips on nicely dropping the hint to the STRANGER that is keeping you from escaping to calm down the baby?
I managed to escape my whole pregnancy without a stranger rubbing my belly.
This is only the beginning isn't it?
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Bathtime - a success!
Finally!!
Miriam is 5 weeks old now and we finally had a bath that did not end in screaming followed by an hour of nursing. I tried sponge bathing at first - no good. A bath with mom - no good. A bath in the sink - no good. Mom being sneaky and "spot" cleaning - good.
Yesterday I got ambitious and decided to try again.
We've noticed that Miriam is happy after you change her diaper to just hang out on the changing table. I thought I could use this to my advantage so - I took the changing table pad into the bathroom along with all bathing and clothing essentials. The room was warm and the sink full of warm water.
Dad sponged and I dried and while at first I thought we were not going to make it - she decided it wasn't so bad. And she hung out just like after a diaper change. How could I resist this picture?
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Picture Perfect
Saturday was a special day it's the day we took baby on her first big outing. We went and got pictures done at JC Pennys. First let me say - I don't know how parents are supposed to pick poses when your child is just so darn cute!
Getting pictures done was one of the most fun things (I personally think) we have done as parents so far. Of course we've only been parents for a month. We put her in a cute Christmas outfit (not so fun seeing as she hates being dressed and undressed) and headed out to the mall. She was asleep when we got there. First we went to Teddy Bear Junction and picked out a terry cloth bunny for her (Teddy Bear Junction is a bit of a tradition of mine and Bill's. Usually we go on Valentines Day). Then we got to Pennys right on time. Baby Cox was cozy cozy and fast asleep. I thought for sure she would wake up and be upset with being moved around and posed so much. But she slept through the photographers flashes and various ways of messing with her. She would stretch and grunt but not wake up. It was very cute.
Then there was the moment baby let out a huge fart when the photographer was moving her. The gal seriously jumped. Not only that but earlier in the day mommy got a fart + lots of baby poop running down baby's leg and onto everything - including mommy. All three of us (me, bill, and my mom) were wondering if we were in for another poop fountain - seeing as baby was positioned on loads of WHITE tulling. Gee I hope they have backup supplies. However we got lucky.
Baby Cox did wake up after mommy trekked to the changing station in the mall (hello JC Penny - where was your changing table? We had to make quite a trek back into the mall just for a stinking diaper change. And then trek back to finish our pictures) and we got some cute shots awake. Even a little smile. She was such a good baby. And those pictures were so cute. Wow was that fun. We'll pick them up on the 20th - just in time for Christmas!
The only other little mishap? Mom and Dad forgot their coupon! Whoops. And got suckered into the portrait club - but hey - free sitting fees.
Pictures coming soon!
Getting pictures done was one of the most fun things (I personally think) we have done as parents so far. Of course we've only been parents for a month. We put her in a cute Christmas outfit (not so fun seeing as she hates being dressed and undressed) and headed out to the mall. She was asleep when we got there. First we went to Teddy Bear Junction and picked out a terry cloth bunny for her (Teddy Bear Junction is a bit of a tradition of mine and Bill's. Usually we go on Valentines Day). Then we got to Pennys right on time. Baby Cox was cozy cozy and fast asleep. I thought for sure she would wake up and be upset with being moved around and posed so much. But she slept through the photographers flashes and various ways of messing with her. She would stretch and grunt but not wake up. It was very cute.
Then there was the moment baby let out a huge fart when the photographer was moving her. The gal seriously jumped. Not only that but earlier in the day mommy got a fart + lots of baby poop running down baby's leg and onto everything - including mommy. All three of us (me, bill, and my mom) were wondering if we were in for another poop fountain - seeing as baby was positioned on loads of WHITE tulling. Gee I hope they have backup supplies. However we got lucky.
Baby Cox did wake up after mommy trekked to the changing station in the mall (hello JC Penny - where was your changing table? We had to make quite a trek back into the mall just for a stinking diaper change. And then trek back to finish our pictures) and we got some cute shots awake. Even a little smile. She was such a good baby. And those pictures were so cute. Wow was that fun. We'll pick them up on the 20th - just in time for Christmas!
The only other little mishap? Mom and Dad forgot their coupon! Whoops. And got suckered into the portrait club - but hey - free sitting fees.
Pictures coming soon!
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Nine pounds of pure distraction
Recently I read in a baby magazine a "holiday with baby" type article in which one person had said she didn't realize how important her family Christmas dinner was until the year she had a young baby who started fussing the minute everyone was sitting down to dinner. She sat with baby by herself for a little while until her mother came in and said "It can be lonely having a new baby can't it?" and took over. I can sympathize with this. This Thankgiving Miriam started fussing as I was sitting down to eat - which resulted in wolfing down my food and trading off with my husband. Later we were playing Killer Bunnies which I had to abandon half way through to go sit in the living room and feed her. And listen to everyone in the kitchen enjoying the game. Until my friends 5 year old decided to hang out with me and the baby. Which is fine for a little while. But there comes a point you really want her to quit watching you feed the baby. And asking the hold the baby.
My mom has been her this weekend to visit and help with housework and the baby. And baby seems to think anytime her grandma has made mom a nice meal is a good time to be hungry. So I've been fed like a baby several times in the last few days since my hands are not free. Pure distraction. But it's nice to have someone around who will spoon feed you instead of you having to wait another hour to put down the baby and eat. Talk about spoiled.
Well sweet little dreamer finally fell asleep. What I am doing sitting here posting this blog I don't know. It's time to go to bed! And the principle of distraction is - fifteen minutes after I lay down she'll wake up again. You wait and see.
My mom has been her this weekend to visit and help with housework and the baby. And baby seems to think anytime her grandma has made mom a nice meal is a good time to be hungry. So I've been fed like a baby several times in the last few days since my hands are not free. Pure distraction. But it's nice to have someone around who will spoon feed you instead of you having to wait another hour to put down the baby and eat. Talk about spoiled.
Well sweet little dreamer finally fell asleep. What I am doing sitting here posting this blog I don't know. It's time to go to bed! And the principle of distraction is - fifteen minutes after I lay down she'll wake up again. You wait and see.
Monday, December 3, 2007
It's all about attitude . . .I guess
Yesterday we took baby Cox to Church for the first time. She hadn't had the best night. Another - it's 2am - I guess I'll stop crying and sleep type of night. At around 8 am (church at 9) we decided we both had things to do there, so we should get up and go. I started off by feeding the baby. Things continuted to go well - I mean - heck - I got to take a shower. But that was the end of my good feelings.
While the baby stayed asleep, I went looking for a dress to wear. I could not find my strechy black skirt. It's way too cold to wear anything but a long skirt and I only could find one other -pre-pregnancy skirt. Review - I just had a baby. I am flabby around the middle. I didn't think I would be able to zip the skirt up. I did manage to zip it up all the way. I learned, like so many weight watchers before me - just because you can zip it up - doesn't mean it fits. I wasn't looking forward to sitting in meetings for THREE HOURS with my stomach hanging over the waist of my skirt. We needed to leave and I hadn't eaten yet. I'm a nursing mother. You don't NOT eat. It was snowing and cold. And what do you know, we were late. I figured by the time we got there, she would be awake and hungry and I would have to go the *gasp* dreaded nursing room. I thought- I don't think I ever want to try to go to church again.
So - we were late. But Bill is a good driver in the bad weather. I ate some fruit on the way to church. My skirt acted like a control top and people thought I looked great. She slept through the first hour and a half and ate through the second. The women in the nursing room were nice about the fact that I don't cover up with a blanket. All in all it really wasn't too bad and maybe just maybe we'll try this church outing thing again.
While the baby stayed asleep, I went looking for a dress to wear. I could not find my strechy black skirt. It's way too cold to wear anything but a long skirt and I only could find one other -pre-pregnancy skirt. Review - I just had a baby. I am flabby around the middle. I didn't think I would be able to zip the skirt up. I did manage to zip it up all the way. I learned, like so many weight watchers before me - just because you can zip it up - doesn't mean it fits. I wasn't looking forward to sitting in meetings for THREE HOURS with my stomach hanging over the waist of my skirt. We needed to leave and I hadn't eaten yet. I'm a nursing mother. You don't NOT eat. It was snowing and cold. And what do you know, we were late. I figured by the time we got there, she would be awake and hungry and I would have to go the *gasp* dreaded nursing room. I thought- I don't think I ever want to try to go to church again.
So - we were late. But Bill is a good driver in the bad weather. I ate some fruit on the way to church. My skirt acted like a control top and people thought I looked great. She slept through the first hour and a half and ate through the second. The women in the nursing room were nice about the fact that I don't cover up with a blanket. All in all it really wasn't too bad and maybe just maybe we'll try this church outing thing again.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
A sad commentary
I was thinking about it the other day and couldn't believe the difference five months can make.
No, this time I am actually not talking about the 8 1/2 pound little bundle that has entered our lives. Not directly anyway.
TV watched in 2006-7
Everybody Loves Raymond
Smallville
Supernatural
TV watched (on a somewhat regular basis) since bedrest?
Everybody Loves Raymond
Rachel Ray
Oprah
Smallville
Supernatural
Jeapordy
Wheel of Fortune
The Biggest Loser
Chuck
Bionic Woman
Life
Deal or No Deal
Channel 2 or 6 news
A lot of the time anymore - I just leave the TV on while nursing or something. I could be reading - but it is really still a challenge to keep my baby well positioned and hold/turn pages of a book. We have gotten through about 25 pages of Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone - which I am reading out loud.
Do you think this will effect my daughters belief that her mother is a well educated, active, healthy person? Because right now, we are two bumps on a log.
No, this time I am actually not talking about the 8 1/2 pound little bundle that has entered our lives. Not directly anyway.
TV watched in 2006-7
Everybody Loves Raymond
Smallville
Supernatural
TV watched (on a somewhat regular basis) since bedrest?
Everybody Loves Raymond
Rachel Ray
Oprah
Smallville
Supernatural
Jeapordy
Wheel of Fortune
The Biggest Loser
Chuck
Bionic Woman
Life
Deal or No Deal
Channel 2 or 6 news
A lot of the time anymore - I just leave the TV on while nursing or something. I could be reading - but it is really still a challenge to keep my baby well positioned and hold/turn pages of a book. We have gotten through about 25 pages of Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone - which I am reading out loud.
Do you think this will effect my daughters belief that her mother is a well educated, active, healthy person? Because right now, we are two bumps on a log.
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