Just a display of what REALLY happens in our house...
don't worry, he was ok. And I caught it fast enough that his shirt barely got wet! Score one for mom!
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Sleep update
Nick has been inexplicably waking up several times a night for the past couple of weeks. He would go down around 8 or 8:30 as usual, but around 10:30 he would wake up and be so upset that I couldn't get him back down. Todd would come in his room, pick him up, and rock him in the glider until he passed back out. Typically then he would sleep for a couple more hours, but wake up around 2:30am, 3:30am, 4:30am, 5:30am...you get the picture. Naturally this made me jealous that Todd has that all-encompassing "calm daddy" gene that I do not possess.
Regardless, for a while, I chalked it up to teething. He's drooling like a mastiff, and chewing on stuff as if everything he picks up tastes delicious (which seriously, how good can that rubber Sofie giraffe REALLY taste? She's reminiscent of a dog toy...for real, she makes Whinnie go INSANE. I digress...)
We constantly put our fingers in his mouth, feeling his gums for ridged teeth trying to pop through, but haven't felt anything. I pry his mouth open, which he protests VERY loudly, but I can't seem to see any sign of a real tooth trying to break free.
After about two weeks of wake-ups, on Sunday night, he went to bed as usual, and slept straight through until about 6:20am. On Monday night, it was the same deal. And then last night, he went down easily and even slept in a bit, not waking up until 7:00am (which granted made us a bit late to daycare, so he fussed the whole way there because he was starving for breakfast).
I'm seriously trying to figure out if there ever were teeth in there that were bothering him, or if it was something else. He's still drooling on everything (and everyone)...and anything he can get in his mouth to chew on quickly becomes a new favorite toy. But the sleeping has gotten better! (knock on wood).
A few factors I've considered are that for a while, I was putting him to bed in regular pj's - no covered hands. I know I discussed this being an issue a while back, but I thought we had gotten past it. The past several nights I've put him back in the nightgowns with the hand covers...so maybe it's a combination of having warmer hands, and not being able to claw his eyes out that has calmed his sleeping habits?
I've also been better about letting him signal when he's done with his nightly bottle. He doesn't give me the thumbs up and say "ok ma, I'm dunzo", but he will either fall asleep or squirm and arch his back like he's going to hurl if I pump anymore milk into his tiny stomach. I used to take this as a sign of a big burp, let him rip a good one, and then shove the bottle back in his mouth because I was convinced that he still needed to be getting his full 28-32oz of formula a day. But I took a step back and realized that he's getting a ton of food between his breakfast, lunch, and dinner solids, plus bottles, and perhaps -- just maybe -- he was so full it was making his tummy hurt at night.
So I don't know if there really are any little teeth in that mouth of his causing him middle of the night distress...or if it's the fact that he can no longer rake his finger nails across his forehead...or if it's just that he's finally not overstuffed and wanting to vomit at 3am...but regardless I'm so proud of our good little sleeper!
Now if only someone could convince me to turn off terrible MTV reruns and Food Network competitions so that I could go to bed when Nick does, then maybe I would be as happy as Nick is when we get up at 6:30am. On a Saturday. Darn you summer TV line-ups!
Regardless, for a while, I chalked it up to teething. He's drooling like a mastiff, and chewing on stuff as if everything he picks up tastes delicious (which seriously, how good can that rubber Sofie giraffe REALLY taste? She's reminiscent of a dog toy...for real, she makes Whinnie go INSANE. I digress...)
We constantly put our fingers in his mouth, feeling his gums for ridged teeth trying to pop through, but haven't felt anything. I pry his mouth open, which he protests VERY loudly, but I can't seem to see any sign of a real tooth trying to break free.
After about two weeks of wake-ups, on Sunday night, he went to bed as usual, and slept straight through until about 6:20am. On Monday night, it was the same deal. And then last night, he went down easily and even slept in a bit, not waking up until 7:00am (which granted made us a bit late to daycare, so he fussed the whole way there because he was starving for breakfast).
I'm seriously trying to figure out if there ever were teeth in there that were bothering him, or if it was something else. He's still drooling on everything (and everyone)...and anything he can get in his mouth to chew on quickly becomes a new favorite toy. But the sleeping has gotten better! (knock on wood).
A few factors I've considered are that for a while, I was putting him to bed in regular pj's - no covered hands. I know I discussed this being an issue a while back, but I thought we had gotten past it. The past several nights I've put him back in the nightgowns with the hand covers...so maybe it's a combination of having warmer hands, and not being able to claw his eyes out that has calmed his sleeping habits?
I've also been better about letting him signal when he's done with his nightly bottle. He doesn't give me the thumbs up and say "ok ma, I'm dunzo", but he will either fall asleep or squirm and arch his back like he's going to hurl if I pump anymore milk into his tiny stomach. I used to take this as a sign of a big burp, let him rip a good one, and then shove the bottle back in his mouth because I was convinced that he still needed to be getting his full 28-32oz of formula a day. But I took a step back and realized that he's getting a ton of food between his breakfast, lunch, and dinner solids, plus bottles, and perhaps -- just maybe -- he was so full it was making his tummy hurt at night.
So I don't know if there really are any little teeth in that mouth of his causing him middle of the night distress...or if it's the fact that he can no longer rake his finger nails across his forehead...or if it's just that he's finally not overstuffed and wanting to vomit at 3am...but regardless I'm so proud of our good little sleeper!
Now if only someone could convince me to turn off terrible MTV reruns and Food Network competitions so that I could go to bed when Nick does, then maybe I would be as happy as Nick is when we get up at 6:30am. On a Saturday. Darn you summer TV line-ups!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
After the honeymoon...
Yesterday I had a particularly tough day at work. As I shed a few tears at my desk, due to a combination of mommy hormones, that-time-of-the-month emotions, and general haven't-had-a-good-cry-in-a-while" feelings, I thought to myself "this whole being a grown up thing is for the birds".
From the time we are born, up until the time we leave the nest and head out on our own, there is always someone else accountable for our actions and feelings. Our biggest concerns grow from worrying about who will play with us on the playground, to who will sit with us at lunch, to who will ask us to the prom.
Eventually the worries stem into passing all of your college classes, getting a job, and falling in love with a great person that will genuinely want to be your other half for the next 50+ years. Then for at least a year, all worries revolve around if your husbands crazy distant Aunt is going to bring a surprise guest to the wedding, or if the chicken will taste as good as the flowers look, and finally if you'll get lucky on the honeymoon (which, seriously, who doesn't?)
But what happens after the honeymoon?
Suddenly the homework you dreaded for years is gone...and replaced with glorious housework. Studying is replaced with keeping up with current events so you don't look like an idiot at your next family gathering. Writing down your homework assignments is replaced with writing down your life assignments...figuring out schedules, making sure every one's appointments are made and everyone gets there on time. Worrying about who will hang out with you after school is replaced with worrying if your coworkers will talk about you at the water cooler. Debating the chicken vs. beef wedding menu is replaced with debating P90x vs. the cabbage soup diet. Worrying about your obscure wedding guests is replaced with worrying about blood pressure -- your blood pressure, your spouses blood pressure, your parents blood pressure, your friends blood pressure, and your boss's blood pressure. And suddenly you realize it's not just your own ass that you're watching, but now it's everyone you know.
Then toss a baby in that mix. And your worries about everything and everyone multiply by ten thousand. Suddenly those worries about your housework getting done are infinitely more important because "oh my God, what if the baby rolls off his play mat on to the floor and there's an old stink bug in the corner that I haven't vacuumed up yet and he gets it in his mouth?!" And the worries about your blood pressure escalate because you can't help but think "what if my blood pressure gets so out of hand that something happens to me and I have to leave the baby with his daddy and how the hell will he know how to make pureed squash and flush the solid turds down the toilet and pick out matching clothes to wear to daycare, and oh my God my blood pressure just skyrocketed thinking about it".
Every day becomes a huge tangled mess of emotion. In one second you start to cry thinking about how you could ever survive without one of these crucial people in your life...and in the same breath, you can't help but grin wildly at the thought of how many awesome people make up the very core of who you are. And the strain on your heart is so great that most days you think you'll burst from how happy AND how scared you are. The little voice in your head is constantly ringing in your ears with the echo of "when is something bad going to happen? when is my happy world going to be completely rocked?" And you have to step back, yell at the voices (internally of course), and remind yourself that you can't worry about something until there's something to worry about.
Until the next day when the dog barfs up part of a diaper and suddenly you realize you haven't been giving the dog your full attention either and "Oh my God, now I'm crying because I'm a terrible dog parent!"
And all of these things that happen after the honeymoon: The worrying, the crying, the celebrating, the worrying again, the panic, the joy, and the sheer love that you suddenly feel for everyone you care about? That's all part of being a grown up. And you've always been capable of these feelings...you just didn't know it -- Until you became a grown up. And man, is it hard.
So what REALLY happens after the honeymoon?
Well, it all boils down to one simple word: Life.
And boy, is it worth it.
From the time we are born, up until the time we leave the nest and head out on our own, there is always someone else accountable for our actions and feelings. Our biggest concerns grow from worrying about who will play with us on the playground, to who will sit with us at lunch, to who will ask us to the prom.
Eventually the worries stem into passing all of your college classes, getting a job, and falling in love with a great person that will genuinely want to be your other half for the next 50+ years. Then for at least a year, all worries revolve around if your husbands crazy distant Aunt is going to bring a surprise guest to the wedding, or if the chicken will taste as good as the flowers look, and finally if you'll get lucky on the honeymoon (which, seriously, who doesn't?)
But what happens after the honeymoon?
Suddenly the homework you dreaded for years is gone...and replaced with glorious housework. Studying is replaced with keeping up with current events so you don't look like an idiot at your next family gathering. Writing down your homework assignments is replaced with writing down your life assignments...figuring out schedules, making sure every one's appointments are made and everyone gets there on time. Worrying about who will hang out with you after school is replaced with worrying if your coworkers will talk about you at the water cooler. Debating the chicken vs. beef wedding menu is replaced with debating P90x vs. the cabbage soup diet. Worrying about your obscure wedding guests is replaced with worrying about blood pressure -- your blood pressure, your spouses blood pressure, your parents blood pressure, your friends blood pressure, and your boss's blood pressure. And suddenly you realize it's not just your own ass that you're watching, but now it's everyone you know.
Then toss a baby in that mix. And your worries about everything and everyone multiply by ten thousand. Suddenly those worries about your housework getting done are infinitely more important because "oh my God, what if the baby rolls off his play mat on to the floor and there's an old stink bug in the corner that I haven't vacuumed up yet and he gets it in his mouth?!" And the worries about your blood pressure escalate because you can't help but think "what if my blood pressure gets so out of hand that something happens to me and I have to leave the baby with his daddy and how the hell will he know how to make pureed squash and flush the solid turds down the toilet and pick out matching clothes to wear to daycare, and oh my God my blood pressure just skyrocketed thinking about it".
Every day becomes a huge tangled mess of emotion. In one second you start to cry thinking about how you could ever survive without one of these crucial people in your life...and in the same breath, you can't help but grin wildly at the thought of how many awesome people make up the very core of who you are. And the strain on your heart is so great that most days you think you'll burst from how happy AND how scared you are. The little voice in your head is constantly ringing in your ears with the echo of "when is something bad going to happen? when is my happy world going to be completely rocked?" And you have to step back, yell at the voices (internally of course), and remind yourself that you can't worry about something until there's something to worry about.
Until the next day when the dog barfs up part of a diaper and suddenly you realize you haven't been giving the dog your full attention either and "Oh my God, now I'm crying because I'm a terrible dog parent!"
And all of these things that happen after the honeymoon: The worrying, the crying, the celebrating, the worrying again, the panic, the joy, and the sheer love that you suddenly feel for everyone you care about? That's all part of being a grown up. And you've always been capable of these feelings...you just didn't know it -- Until you became a grown up. And man, is it hard.
So what REALLY happens after the honeymoon?
Well, it all boils down to one simple word: Life.
And boy, is it worth it.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Gimme those toes!
Here is a fairly lame video of my annoying mom voice requesting Nick "get those toes". He grabs them right at the beginning, and then mostly cries and yells at me in aggravation because "DAMMIT MOM, I DON'T FEEL LIKE GRABBING THEM...I JUST WANT TO KICK YOU WITH THOSE TOES!" Enjoy. :)
Monday, July 11, 2011
Raspberries...
It started with my mom. She would lean over Nick in his infant carrier, stick out her tongue, and make the "raspberry" noise. Nick seemed to enjoy this, so I furthered the teaching and would stick out my tongue and make the noise for him any time I leaned over his carrier, or while changing his diaper, or any time we were laying on the floor together, etc.
Well...it seemed to pay off, because now he does it as often as possible.
He was a little distracted by the camera in this video, but at least it gives you an idea...
Todd thinks I should've taught him something more useful like "2 plus 2 is 4". Call me crazy, but I think that's a little out of his realm of comprehension right now.
Oh, and don't mind the super red face he gets at the end of the video...he was taking a poop.
Well...it seemed to pay off, because now he does it as often as possible.
He was a little distracted by the camera in this video, but at least it gives you an idea...
Todd thinks I should've taught him something more useful like "2 plus 2 is 4". Call me crazy, but I think that's a little out of his realm of comprehension right now.
Oh, and don't mind the super red face he gets at the end of the video...he was taking a poop.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Momma's still got it...
I know the two dirty, scoundrel looking, chain-smoking, booze-reeking, beyond creepy guys standing outside of Einstein Bagels this morning were less than desirable...but damn if they didn't make this 30lbs extra mom feel like a model as they cat-called and said "oooooh weeee, look at that!" as my rear end walked 10 paces in front of them to my car.
The old me probably would've turned around and shot them a "you're-disgusting-take-your-eyes-off-my-hiney" look. But it took everything in me to not turn around and hug their necks while thanking them profusely for admiring my extra large butt. Instead I pretended I didn't hear them...but I did throw an extra little shake in my walk. It was the least I could do in return for the early morning ego boost!
The old me probably would've turned around and shot them a "you're-disgusting-take-your-eyes-off-my-hiney" look. But it took everything in me to not turn around and hug their necks while thanking them profusely for admiring my extra large butt. Instead I pretended I didn't hear them...but I did throw an extra little shake in my walk. It was the least I could do in return for the early morning ego boost!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Happy 5 Months Baby Boy!
How Old is Nick: Nick turned 5 months old on July 2nd (I'm a little late in posting)
Stats: To be honest, I have no idea what Nick weighs right now, but he is definitely getting big. If I had to guess, I'd say he is about 16 pounds. No clue on his length. Still has the biggest blue eyes that watch everything in amazement...and his little bit of hair is starting to look less red and more blond. He's so damn cute...even if I am biased.
Clothes: We are completely out of 3 month clothes, and just about grown out of all 3-6 month clothes as well. He wears 6 month clothing comfortably, though his one bathing suit is 6 month size and I fear he'll outgrow it before we get to the beach in 3 1/2 weeks...
Sleep: Sleep is still going well. We're still swaddling Nick from the waist down, with his arms free, but we've managed to move out of the nightgowns with the hand covers and into regular pj's. It does appear that Nick is teething though, and a few times a night he will wake up crying. But all he needs is a little comforting (don't even have to pick him up out of the crib...just a hand on his belly, and his pacifier) and he'll fall back asleep fairly quickly.
Milestones: Nick has started giggling, and it is adorable. He did it for the first time on the morning of his 5 month birthday, and a couple more times over the weekend. He sort of opens his mouth really wide like he's smiling and then gives a soft laugh. I can't wait until he full out cracks up about something...it is seriously the best sound ever.
Milestones: Nick has started giggling, and it is adorable. He did it for the first time on the morning of his 5 month birthday, and a couple more times over the weekend. He sort of opens his mouth really wide like he's smiling and then gives a soft laugh. I can't wait until he full out cracks up about something...it is seriously the best sound ever.
Movement: Barely 1 day after his 4 month check-up, when I was panicked about Nick not rolling over, I put him on the floor on his tummy and he rolled over...TWICE! And since then? Nada. We put him on his belly and lay on the floor with him. We'll roll over ourselves in demonstration. We'll roll him over to try and teach him what to do...but he just doesn't seem interested. Not that he isn't constantly moving. When he's on his back, all limbs are flailing wildly - grabbing at toys, kicking at the air. And when he's on his belly, it looks like he could take off crawling at any minute -- if he could just figure out how to get his Buddha belly off the floor. Oh, and when he's in the jumper, forget about it...he bounces like he's got somewhere to be! But rolling over? Not for him.
Food/Appetite: Such a hungry, hungry boy! Nick still eats four 6-8oz bottles per day, and 2-3 meals of solid (well, pureed) food. So far he has had rice cereal, banana's, carrots, apples, pears, and spinach (this one was a bit odd to me...the babysitter gave it to him). He LOVES the fruits...and is not so much a fan of the veggies. I'm thinking we'll try sweet potatoes soon.
Adventures: Gramma had her retirement party a couple weekends ago, and Nick was such a good boy the whole time...even kept himself on schedule! I think it's because his babysitter attended the party and he wanted to show off. Either way, it was a beautiful day in celebration of my mom. Last weekend, we packed up the car and drove up to Scranton, PA to visit Uncle Jay & Aunt Larissa. We had a great time, and Nick saw his first 4th of July fireworks display. He sat on my lap the whole time with wide bright eyes just staring at the fireworks exploding in the sky. Even the loud booms didn't seem to bother him (although mommy did keep her hands over his ears the whole time). Nick has also been in the pool twice. He hasn't been in long either time as the first time I was fearful he would get sunburned because I didn't put any sunscreen on him, and the second time he started crying because he was hungry. I'm hoping we can get him in the pool a couple more times before our big beach trip at the end of the month...but if not, at least he'll get plenty of pool time there!
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