Illegal Napping

We napped yesterday...it just wasn't really all that legal in the rule book of mommyhood.

See, we went to a breast feeding support group right after my work yesterday. It was truly wonderful. A room full of mommies all going through a lot of what I am...and all loving nursing. The group meets a few times each month, so I think I'll go from time to time. I met lots of nice women who actually are interested in getting together outside of the group to do some power walking. Great! Anytime I can walk with someone is great!

So, after class (which ended at noon), Kate immediately fell asleep in the car. I GINGERLY brought her in the house, but of course she woke up. Well, I really needed a nap, so I brought her upstairs and I bypassed the crib and crying crap and put her right in bed with me. She was o.k. for a few minutes, but then she started to fuss. So, I did what I shouldn't get in the habit of doing (because she'll get used to it)...I gave her a breast while lying down. She took it right away and nursed for about 8 minutes before she fell asleep (which is EXACTLY what I expected to happen). She slept on her side right next to me (don't worry...no pillows or covers nearby) for TWO HOURS! In fact, I had to wake her at 3. I was able to sleep for a part of that, although I don't sleep very well with her in the bed. But, the bottom line is that we did nap.

Today will be busy as well. We are going to our first Gymboree class. This should be fun, and hopefully, it'll tire her out!

Weekend Bliss Ends in Crappy Sleep

It was 74° here yesterday...74°!!! The day started off deliciously rainy. I just loved feeding Kate early yesterday morning while listening to the rain. It was wonderful. Then, after I got back from the grocery, the sky cleared and the temps just shot up! We were outside for a lot of the afternoon and had a great pork tenderloin on the grill. The house got quite warm because of the weather and because I had the oven on for about an hour and a half baking my sweet potato. I think Kate found it hard to sleep.

Naturally we reduced her jammies layers to just one, but I think she was still hot. So, she woke up at 11. Ugh. Jon was eventually successful in getting her back to sleep, but I didn't really sleep much after that. This morning, we have a support group meeting at the breast feeding center and then hopefully we'll both nap after that.

It was so cute...when she stretched during her overnight feed this morning, she kicked both of her legs out straight and turned her little feet out as I was switching sides. Kinda hard to put into words, but it looked hilarious. So cute!

Have a great Monday!

Euauughhhhhhh

That's how I feel. It's Friday...it's going to be sunny and warm today...and Kate and I have no plans. I love days like this...especially after the week I've had...and since I haven't blogged in a few days (just plain haven't felt like it), here's the rundown of the weeks events.

Tuesdays and Thursdays continue to be a struggle. Kate has a sitter those days and refuses to take a bottle from her. So, when I get her at 1 p.m., she's hungry, tired and all out of sorts. On Tuesday I nursed her at 1 (which diverts from our schedule) and that seemed to help. Wednesday, however...after doing my 4 mile walk with my friend...Kate didn't want to nap. I tried everything as I was exhausted and finally gave up at 2. Yesterday, however was the worst...

Ever make a mistake at work that's REALLY huge? I mean, not huge bad like something that'll get you fired, but just a huge honest mistake? That happened to me yesterday. I was doing some maintenance on my weather graphics computer and plugged some cables back in in the wrong spots, so I had no maps for the entire 4 hours. We didn't realize what was wrong until AFTER the show was over. I DON'T MAKE MISTAKES LIKE THIS...IT'S JUST NOT LIKE ME! So, naturally I felt awful and cried afterward. My mistake caused our director to have a HELL of a day. I felt so bad. But...it's over and a new day today. Ugh. I still feel like crap, though.

So, enjoy your Friday and weekend and look at the pic I posted above. It's Kate's first tooth...hard to photograph, but nevertheless...it's there!

Dr.Visit Update

So, as promised...here's what went down at the doctor on Friday. They wanted to see Kate because she wasn't napping and she's teething. They wanted to check her ears to see if they were infected which is common with teething babies...and they're fine. The doctor also admitted that she didn't really believe me that Kate was teething because she's so young. Well, as soon as she ran her fingers along Kate's lower gum, she was like..."oooooo, look at that...first tooth and working on the second!" Apparently, the second bottom tooth is on its way out too...so we're bracing for impact.

She did tell us that we are being "tested" by our little one. She basically doesn't want to nap in her crib because she's afraid she'll be missing something. So, she cries. The doctor told me to let her cry...and eventually she'll learn to soothe herself and go to sleep. Well, so far, so good. I feel like the worlds worst mommy standing outside her door listening to her cry, but within about 5 minutes to 10 minutes, the crying stops and she falls asleep. She NEEDS to nap, so this is what's best for her...but it's just hard. Poor little peanut.

As you can see in the video below, she started sweet potatoes yesterday. We used an organic baby food from the store. My mom and dad bought us a baby food maker for Christmas and I can't wait to use it! I bought a butternut squash and some sweet potatoes to make for her. I didn't use the maker this time around because, let's be real...I don't have all the time in the world, but with the maker all ready to go and the veggies on the counter, I'll get crackin' today!

Future Drama Queen

Ok, this was WAY too funny to not share. Apparently, my youngest niece Emily, is addicted to shooting video of herself. On Sunday, while at my parents' house...she fell off her bike. She then ran into the house, grabbed the video camera and shot this...it's short, but hilarious!

Another First

Today...sweet potatoes! She did GREAT! Unfortunately, no really nasty faces...but enjoy the pics.

At Wits End

Nobody said parenthood would be easy...but for us, really the first four months were. Kate has been easy going, a good sleeper, a good nurser and absolutely fine with strangers...until...the tooth. It seems as if her sprouting this little chomper has changed her whole demeanor. Don't get me wrong...she's still VERY happy and smiles and coos all the time, but when nap time comes, it's like she's a different baby. She seems so unhappy, and when we give up and take her out of the crib she stops crying for a bit, but then is SO tired, she's just beside herself. We just don't get it. If she's tired, why won't she nap? So, we're turning to everyone and anyone for help, because with my schedule, it's very important that SHE naps so that I can nap. I called the doctor yesterday to see if she could offer any advice and she would like to see Kate this morning just to make sure it's just the teething that's upsetting her. We'll keep you posted.

In other news...Kate's exhausted mommy and daddy are going to actually have a date! Saturday night after she's in bed, my friend Dama is coming and Jon and I are going to our spot...The Lucky Dog for some dinner and to see our friends. We're really looking forward to this. We haven't been out since before I went back to work.

Can't wait.

It's the Little Things

Despite a HORRIBLE nap day yesterday (she didn't), while I was feeding her before work this morning, I had this overwhelming feeling of love wash over me when she moved in a cute way. This inspired me to think of all the little things she does that make me crazy for her....and so I've compiled a list...

I love....
-the way she stays crumpled up when I'm lifting her from the feeding position to my shoulder for burping in the middle of a feed.
-the way she strokes my neck when she's nursing
-the way she opens her mouth when she's getting her cereal
-her little half sneezes...soooo cute
-the way she now scrinches up her nose and snorts before she starts her little half laugh
-the way she looks in Jon's arms
-her innocence

And....I even love that when I was crying to my mom on the phone yesterday because she JUST WOULDN'T NAP (and I was delirious because I was so tired)...she was cooing and squealing with delight in the background. My poor mom was trying so hard not to laugh at the other end of the phone and she almost was successful...but I gotta admit, it must've sounded pretty funny! As always...thanks for the ear, mom!

Tooth Update

First of all, Kate wanted to wish you all a Happy St. Patrick's Day!

We are making some progress in the whole teething thing. She hasn't had to have any meds since Sunday which makes me happy and she seems content with gnawing on her fingers to soothe herself which is good. The tooth itself has cut through the gum, but hasn't emerged much further than that yet...but believe me, I check it a few times a day...sooo cute!

In fact, if anything...she's too happy. Last night the baby who ALWAYS goes to bed right on cue...wanted to play at 7 p.m. Not good for a mommy who has to wake at 12:30 a.m.! She was smiling and cooing (which is SO hard to be annoyed with) until about 7:45. I had to rock her to get her to realize it is time for bed and to go to sleep. Then, she woke at midnight (normally she goes all night) crying. I really didn't hear the cries as Jon had the monitor. So, I woke to the sound of the pacifier hitting the ground and I knew she was up. Jon was holding her but he sensed she was hungry....what "they" say is true. A parent can tell the difference in his baby's cries. So I fed her and that was all she needed. He said she slept the rest of the night (after a LONG cooing session after the feed).

So, instead of sleeping last night, I more or less napped. So, I'm hoping she'll nap :-)

B-I-G NEWWWS!

I'll just come right out and say it....KATE CUT HER FIRST TOOTH YESTERDAY!!!

We couldn't figure out what was up with her. She didn't nap in the morning much and when I came back from the grocery store, she was screaming. At first we thought she was just fussy, but VERY soon I realized that it was something more than that. Kate doesn't fuss much, so when she's in an all out cry there is something wrong. I actually didn't figure it out right away. I mean, she's only 4 months old and so it's a bit early for teeth. But, as I was changing her diaper I saw it. A little white nub on her lower front gum.

The screaming continued into most of the day. We tried Tylenol and that didn't work. We put her teethers in the fridge (we weren't prepared for this at this stage in the game) so we couldn't use those right away. We did a lot of holding and soothing, but that goes only so far. So, we went to the store and bought some baby orajel which seemed to help her out. Poor little thing...but I gotta admit....I can't wait to see it once it's through!

The really bad part...we had a party to go to in the afternoon and we didn't make it. As the morning wore on and into the early afternoon...it was obvious that she needed to be with us. It wouldn't have been fair to dump her on a babysitter when she was so miserable. Plus, we would have not enjoyed ourselves. Ahhhhh, the life of a parent. I never understood how or why people would cancel things because of their kids...in fact it would piss me off. Well, I get it now. When Kate is not comfortable or out of sorts, there's no place we'd rather be than by her side, holding her and helping her feel better. Poor baby.

Random Thoughts

-Syracuse basketball last night...amazing. SIX OVERTIMES! Getting to see Jon before I left for work was great too!
-It's Friday...YAY
-Going to our favorite brewpub for lunch tomorrow.
-Bought Kate lots of stuff from Baby Gap.com...shout out to Steph in Toledo for the Friends and Family coupon! Thanks! Woop woop! Cutest stuff EVER.
-Despite the crappy weather, I'm taking Kate out for a hilly walk and then lunch at the Lucky Dog because I haven't been there in...gasp...two months! GOD, I used to think it was a long time when I hadn't been there in two weeks!

and last but not least....

-GUESS WHAT, MOM? I'M WEARING MY PRE-PREGNANCY SKINNY JEANS TODAY (she will be so proud so I had to shout her out too)!!!! Awwwww yeah (thanks to those hilly walks)!

Getting Our Money's Worth

It's Thursday (the weekend eve...hurray!) and we have a babysitter from 9a-1p as we do every Tuesday and Thursday. We hired this person to come so that Jon could be on-time to work a couple days a week and so that I didn't have to race home...I could actually have meetings at work, etc. Those days have also become my errand/maintenance days. Today, I have a long list of things that need to be done...but unfortunately, I haven't the energy to do them. By this time of the week, getting up at 12:30 a.m. takes its toll and I'm thinking a nice 3 hour nap sounds good.

So, the bank, the stationery store, the mall, Whole Foods and getting gas in the car will have to wait...well...ok, maybe I'll get gas, but then it's home to sleep. I'm also supposed to hit the gym on these days...I haven't made it yet. Either too tired or too busy. Thank GOD breastfeeding burns so many calories!!!

Itchy, Itchy

You'll never believe this..but...I've got the itch already.

Jon and I are very aware that if we want another child, we need to try as soon as possible because of my age. My doctor says that I need to wait 10 months to a year after Kate was born before I get pregnant again because my scars from my c-section need to heal. Well, after this weekend and this morning, I got the itch to have another baby...and bad!

Our neighbors who live three doors down from us had a baby in early February. I held him for the first time the other day...and just holding that little peanut at such a young age made me long for those days that I had with Kate. Am I nuts??? She is only 4 months, but she is so much bigger...it's amazing how babies grow and change so quickly. They are so sweet and tender when they are newborns.

As I fed Kate this morning before work I got sad. I love nursing her and she's almost 4 1/2 months, so the middle of the night nursings aren't going to last much longer. Ugh. I'm going to miss that.

Soooo, hopefully all will work out so that we will have another little peanut to nurse within a year. I don't like to live my life with regrets...but I do regret waiting so long to have kids. If I would have known it was this great, I would have wanted 20 of them! I told Jon I wanted to have two more...which made him almost fall over! We'll take it one at a time...but I LOVE being a mommy!

By the way...I realize the work that goes into having just one baby. Most days I forget to eat I'm so busy with working full time and then coming home to Kate all day...but it's all worth it. I can't imagine how busy it would be with two, and I can't wait to find out!

Update to yesterday's debacle

Ok, so it's a known fact that I have the sweetest husband in the world. Well, he said my forgetting the milk yesterday was no big deal...it didn't bother him at all, and he was more concerned that I was so upset about not leaving food for our daughter. He's great...and the poor guy lost out on sleep again last night.

I got up for work as usual, fed Kate at the normal time, but halfway through I thought I smelled something funky in the diaper-region. It's hard to tell with breast milk...her poopies don't stink that much (I know, I know...WAY too much information)....but I thought it was the real thing. So I changed her diaper only to find that it was a false alarm. Problem is, Kate thinks diaper time is play time, so she became FULLY awake and was smiling and cooing...which continued in her crib apparently long after I went to work.

Oops again.

Also, it's impossible to not look at her when she's doing this and smile back...which the books say you shouldn't do...but hell, if my baby smiles at me, no matter what time day or night...I will smile back. Screw the books.

Biggest Oh $hit Moment EVER

So this morning I'm at work basking in the glow of our amazing weekend. The temps were in the 70s, Kate slept well, we had tons of fun in the city on Saturday...it was a great weekend all around.

And then it hit me.

Fast forward to 4:30 a.m. on Monday. I'm sitting in my designated pumping area, happily pumping lots of milk for our sweet baby for tomorrow when it hit me. OH $HIT! I TOTALLY FORGOT TO LEAVE MILK FOR OUR SWEET BABY TO DRINK FOR TODAY!!!!!! If I wouldn't have realized this, Jon would have woken up as blissful as I did today, thinking about how great the weekend was, scooped the smiling baby up to bring her downstairs for her bottle when BAM...he would have opened the refrigerator only to discover that his idiot wife didn't leave a bottle.

It gets worse...not only was no bottle made, but there was no milk defrosted. BIG problem. You can't microwave breast milk.

So, I had no choice but to call him at :10 'til 5 and wake him up to tell him. He then had to get up and go downstairs and put two bags of breast milk in a bowl of cool water in the hopes that it will be defrosted by Kate's feed at 7 a.m.

This is the first time I've forgotten to do this and hopefully the last. You have NO idea how badly I felt when I realized this. These are the times when it's hard to be a working mommy. I just wanted so badly to get in the car and drive the fresh milk home...but with 10 minutes to go before the show started, there was no way.

I hope the milk defrosts...and I hope Jon does too :-)

Ooops.

This is HILARIOUS!

Ahhh, feedings! This was our first attempt at rice cereal. It went very well...but as you can see, it was quite messy!

Biggie Biggie Girl!

Kate had her 4 month doctor visit yesterday!

First let me say that our pediatrician's office is such a happy place. We love going. It's a small two doctor practice and they have seen Kate since she was in the hospital...and they know her AND remember her each time which is great! The doctor noticed her new hair growth yesterday. It's so nice to have a doctor remember your kid!

Kate continues to be in the 100th percentile for height...she's now 26 3/4" long. Her weight is between the 50th and 75th percentiles...at 14 lbs., 3 oz. We are so proud of her. The doctor says she's thriving and is ready to try rice cereal. We're going to start that on Friday, so I'll for sure post pictures!

She got her 4 month shots yesterday, too. It's so strange, but the child does NOT cry when she gets jabbed with needles. The only slight whimper she made was when the liquid from the second injection went into her leg, but her little peep was over just as fast as it started. She is such a good girl. She spent the rest of the appointment smiling at the doctor!

So, a great day yesterday indeed!

Hmmmmmm

Our perfect baby is giving us a run for our money lately! What once was scheduled naps and feeds has turned into some....(gasp)....fussiness! Poor little Kate has had a tough time lately. We think she may be starting to cut teeth.

Yesterday AND Monday, something woke her from her morning nap and it was all downhill from there both days. Today, we face the same fate as she has her four month doctor visit at 10 (which is at the tail end of her morning nap). Eeeek. And she'll get shots! So, wish me luck for a hopefully peaceful afternoon, but I'm not holding out much hope. Poor little thing.

The Kindness of Others

I can't make this long, because work is very busy. We have a March nor'easter here in the Philly area and the day has been crazy. With both of us in the TV business and both REALLY needing to be at work this morning, we were in our first bind as parents.

Enter next door neighbor, Amy (who by the way has two kids...4 and 1). She is taking Kate for TWO HOURS! I can't thank her enough. I wish I had more time to go on and on about how great she is...but work is so busy.

So, Amy, this blog is for you! I owe you! Thanks!