After reading this blog yesterday, I decided we need some more whimsy in our lives. As a result, this is what I spent my afternoon doing yesterday.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
11 Weeks
Madeline is getting to be such a big girl already. I know I say this all the time, but she's changing soooo fast.
Her new favorite way to spend her time is to sit on our laps and try to "sit" up. This usually results in us desperately trying to catch her before she rolls onto the floor. The poor girl has as much muscle control as a jelly fish, but that doesn't stop her from trying! We have to watch her very carefully these days.
When we help her sit up, she gets this look on her face like she knows she's accomplishing something big. She smiles and looks around all wide-eyed. Then, she stares at whoever is holding her with such intensity that you know she's soaking up as much information as her amazing little brain can process. I can spend hours gently supporting her neck as she sits on my lap and makes faces at me. It's so fun.
She's becoming more and more vocal as well. For the first time, I feel like the noises she's making are deliberate. When we talk to her, she watches our mouths closely and then starts trying to repeat the sounds. She mostly makes a lot of "Oohh"s, and "Uhhh"s. And again, she seems to be congratulating herself. (Those sounds are coming from me? Whoa! Nice job, me!)
She is most definitely no longer just a little lump of a baby. Her personality is starting to develop and shine. It's amazing watching her grow and learn. It's going to be sad to go back to work in a month...I'm going to miss so much. La sigh....
Meanwhile, her mood continues to improve. Gone are the endless hours of inconsolable crying. (Please do not smite me Internet gods!) She still has her moments, but not half as bad. Last night was the first night in a week where we had real trouble getting her to sleep at night. She just wouldn't let us put her down. Eric and I took turns walking her around the bedroom, and eventually she fell asleep. A few weeks ago this would have been torture because she would have been screaming at the top of her lungs the whole time. Last night, as long as we were holding her, she didn't cry. She just wanted to be cuddled.
The only annoying part is that she won't let us sit down and comfort her when she gets upset. We have to be walking around. I could be rocking and holding her the same exact way sitting on the couch as I was standing up, but nope, she wants none of it. My gal knows what she wants.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Adventures in Baby Wearing
It was pretty cold out this weekend, so we decided we needed to wear the baby for warmth. The baby is the best scarf I've ever had.
Because it was cold outside, we also decided baby needed to be bundled up. After all, she didn't have a baby keeping her neck warm. The Maddie Bear looked just like an adorable (albeit grumpy) little teddy bear.
I wore her to the birthplace of the American Revolution- Old North Bridge in Concord.
Then, I wore her to the City of Lights Parade.
Christmas season has officially started! (I refuse to celebrate Christmas until Thanksgiving is over.)
I was a little worried that the sounds of marching bands and police sirens would freak Madeline out during the parade, but as you can see, she likes being worn just as much as I like wearing her. She slept the whole time.
All in all, a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend full of friends, family, food, and baby wearing. (Damn, I had a good alliteration thing going there until "baby wearing.") Full of friends, family, food and small fry frocking?? Hmmm....
Because it was cold outside, we also decided baby needed to be bundled up. After all, she didn't have a baby keeping her neck warm. The Maddie Bear looked just like an adorable (albeit grumpy) little teddy bear.
I wore her to the birthplace of the American Revolution- Old North Bridge in Concord.
Then, I wore her to the City of Lights Parade.
Christmas season has officially started! (I refuse to celebrate Christmas until Thanksgiving is over.)
I was a little worried that the sounds of marching bands and police sirens would freak Madeline out during the parade, but as you can see, she likes being worn just as much as I like wearing her. She slept the whole time.
All in all, a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend full of friends, family, food, and baby wearing. (Damn, I had a good alliteration thing going there until "baby wearing.") Full of friends, family, food and small fry frocking?? Hmmm....
Friday, November 26, 2010
Madeline's First...
Thanksgiving!!!
As I write this, I'm drinking a cup of tea with a left-over piece of pumpkin cheesecake. Life is good. Turkey and gravy and mashed potatoes, oh my!
We went to my parents' house for the day as we usually do. We ate delicious food and drank some good wine. I wanted to drink ALL the wine, but since I'm now responsible for the safety and well-being of a mini human, I figured that wouldn't be a good move. I made up for my lack of wine by eating more gravy. All was well.
Madeline was a good girl. She slept right through dinner so Mumma and Dada could eat. Smart lady.
We had fun talking about what her Thanksgiving will be like next year. Next year, dinner will not be so peaceful because she'll be mobile. She'll be chasing the cat and pulling on the tablecloth. She'll also be able to eat her first Thanksgiving meal. She'll be gnawing on a turkey leg and covered in squash. Eric suggested we dress her in a plastic bag next year.
Bonus? Madeline went right to bed at 8:30 last night and slept for over twelve hours. She only woke up once in the night to eat and fell promptly back to sleep. I think she was all turkey-ed out.
As I write this, I'm drinking a cup of tea with a left-over piece of pumpkin cheesecake. Life is good. Turkey and gravy and mashed potatoes, oh my!
We went to my parents' house for the day as we usually do. We ate delicious food and drank some good wine. I wanted to drink ALL the wine, but since I'm now responsible for the safety and well-being of a mini human, I figured that wouldn't be a good move. I made up for my lack of wine by eating more gravy. All was well.
Madeline was a good girl. She slept right through dinner so Mumma and Dada could eat. Smart lady.
We had fun talking about what her Thanksgiving will be like next year. Next year, dinner will not be so peaceful because she'll be mobile. She'll be chasing the cat and pulling on the tablecloth. She'll also be able to eat her first Thanksgiving meal. She'll be gnawing on a turkey leg and covered in squash. Eric suggested we dress her in a plastic bag next year.
Bonus? Madeline went right to bed at 8:30 last night and slept for over twelve hours. She only woke up once in the night to eat and fell promptly back to sleep. I think she was all turkey-ed out.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Dancing with Madeline The Sequel
Dancing with Madeline has become a daily ritual. Sometimes we only get through one song before she falls asleep. Sometimes we only get through one song before she decides she's had enough dancing now, thank you, Mumma.
Wednesday's dancin' tunes courtesy of shuffle on my Ipod:
Five Years - David Bowie (Maddie fussed....not a fan.)
Crazy in Love - Beyonce (Maddie liked Mumma's hot dance moves and began to fall asleep.)
Alameda - Elliot Smith (Maddie closed her eyes.)
Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay - Otis Redding (Baby nap time- moved her to her crib by the end of the song.)
Therefore, I have to proclaim Crazy in Love as Madeline's favorite because that was the song that made her calm down and start to fall asleep. I'd like to say it was Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay because that's my favorite of the four, but she was sleeping by then.
P.S. I look just like Beyonce when I dance...no joke.
Wednesday's dancin' tunes courtesy of shuffle on my Ipod:
Five Years - David Bowie (Maddie fussed....not a fan.)
Crazy in Love - Beyonce (Maddie liked Mumma's hot dance moves and began to fall asleep.)
Alameda - Elliot Smith (Maddie closed her eyes.)
Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay - Otis Redding (Baby nap time- moved her to her crib by the end of the song.)
Therefore, I have to proclaim Crazy in Love as Madeline's favorite because that was the song that made her calm down and start to fall asleep. I'd like to say it was Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay because that's my favorite of the four, but she was sleeping by then.
P.S. I look just like Beyonce when I dance...no joke.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Giving Thanks
"I'm thankful for the color pink and milk." |
First, and most obviously, I'm thankful for our little lady. She's here with us safe and sound, healthy and perfect. She came into our lives so easily, and she was exactly how I pictured her to be. Sure, she has her moments of inconsolable crying at 2 AM, but we could have it sooooooo much worse. A little sleep deprivation is nothing in the grand scheme of things. Mostly she's sweet, happy, and completely lovable. It sounds so cliche, but I really can't remember what life was like without her anymore.
Secondly, I'm thankful for Eric. He's a great dad for Madeline. He loves and takes care of her and me. He's always willing to step up and lend a hand when I get tired or cranky or just because I could use an hour to nap on the couch. I don't know how I would have done this without him.
I'm thankful for our families. They've been so supportive through everything. They're more than willing to help out however they can. They're always there to tell us we're doing a good job when we start to doubt our new parenting abilities. I'd be ten times as stressed out and overwhelmed without them. They love our baby as much as we do, and she's lucky to have them in her life.
And I'm thankful for the friends we've found. They have helped me remain sane over the past few months. Grownup conversation means a lot these days. It's nice that they're willing to listen to a wailing baby in order to hang out with me for a few hours. (Especially, my possum-killing friends who make sure the world has one less possum. Eeek! Possum!)
I'm also so thankful that we're able to provide a good life for our little family. We've both got good jobs. We have a nice place to live and food on the table. We're certainly not well-off, but we can get the things we need (and some things we simply want) for sweet baby girl. It's a scary world out there right now for a lot of people, and I thank the baby Jesus that we're secure.
And last, but not least, I'm thankful for the Dizzy cat. He's such a little curmudgeon. I'm not thankful for the hole he tore in the carpet when we locked him out of the bedroom. I'm not thankful that the reason we had to lock him out of the bedroom is because he sometimes tries to stalk my daughter...but mostly, he's a great little cat and we love him.
"I'm not thankful for anything. That baby has ruined my life." |
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
10 Weeks
If you had asked me two days ago how Madeline is doing, I would have said that her bad moods are on the way out. Then last night happened. Then today happened. (One step forward, three steps back right?)
Poor Maddie Bear was generally unhappy all day yesterday. Then she cried almost the entire time her Aunt Carol and Uncle Kevin were over last night. Then she cried in our bedroom for hours as we tried to put her to sleep. I was having one of those nights where I just give up. If she wants to cry, just let her cry, I thought. So poor Eric ended up doing most of the baby soothing. Eventually she calmed down enough where I could tuck her into the bed next to me. The last thing I remember seeing before drifting off to sleep was a sweet baby face staring at me while she sucked on her pacifier. (Not a bad way to fall asleep really.) Sometime later, I woke up and was able to move her back to her own bed.
Today the bad mood continued. She cried all morning. She even cried in her car seat when I brought her to CVS to get some antibiotics for my breast infection. (Damn you breastfeeding! DAMN you!) She never cries in her carseat. Poor girl. Something is bothering her.
Luckily, after a few hours of crying, she passed out on my shoulder and napped there for a solid three hours. I even fell asleep with her for a bit. She makes a great blanket. Hopefully she got all her crying out and she'll be better tonight.
But other than the past two days, Madeline really is much more pleasant. I think her medication has helped her, and I also think she's simply starting to grow out of it. It used to seem like she didn't know what to do with herself when she was awake, so she cried. Now, she is so much more alert that she can find ways to amuse herself. She'll babble. She'll look around the room. She'll look at her toys. She's even started looking at her hands now and again. I think she's finally starting to realize that those flailing objects that keep hitting her in the face actually belong to her! Hopefully that means she'll soon be able to control them so she can stop punching herself in the eye.
Hopefully the rest of the week goes smoothly. We have a busy week full of turkey-eatin' ahead of us. Mmmmm gravy.
Poor Maddie Bear was generally unhappy all day yesterday. Then she cried almost the entire time her Aunt Carol and Uncle Kevin were over last night. Then she cried in our bedroom for hours as we tried to put her to sleep. I was having one of those nights where I just give up. If she wants to cry, just let her cry, I thought. So poor Eric ended up doing most of the baby soothing. Eventually she calmed down enough where I could tuck her into the bed next to me. The last thing I remember seeing before drifting off to sleep was a sweet baby face staring at me while she sucked on her pacifier. (Not a bad way to fall asleep really.) Sometime later, I woke up and was able to move her back to her own bed.
Today the bad mood continued. She cried all morning. She even cried in her car seat when I brought her to CVS to get some antibiotics for my breast infection. (Damn you breastfeeding! DAMN you!) She never cries in her carseat. Poor girl. Something is bothering her.
Luckily, after a few hours of crying, she passed out on my shoulder and napped there for a solid three hours. I even fell asleep with her for a bit. She makes a great blanket. Hopefully she got all her crying out and she'll be better tonight.
But other than the past two days, Madeline really is much more pleasant. I think her medication has helped her, and I also think she's simply starting to grow out of it. It used to seem like she didn't know what to do with herself when she was awake, so she cried. Now, she is so much more alert that she can find ways to amuse herself. She'll babble. She'll look around the room. She'll look at her toys. She's even started looking at her hands now and again. I think she's finally starting to realize that those flailing objects that keep hitting her in the face actually belong to her! Hopefully that means she'll soon be able to control them so she can stop punching herself in the eye.
Hopefully the rest of the week goes smoothly. We have a busy week full of turkey-eatin' ahead of us. Mmmmm gravy.
Monday, November 22, 2010
A Visit with Nana
Madeline's Nana and Aunt Kathy came to visit from New York this weekend.
We brought her to lunch and to the mall, where her Nana proudly pushed her stroller through the crowds. But mostly, we spent a lot of time just staring at Madeline. I've found you can spend a lot of time doing that.
They were also kind enough to watch her on Saturday night while Eric and I went out for a date.
When Eric and I went out we were amazed to find every downtown restaurant packed. We had forgotten that this is what people do....they go out on Saturday nights and enjoy themselves...like we used to. The Girls Gone Wild tour bus was even parked in front of one of the bars. I really wanted to take my picture in front of it so I could show everyone my wild night out without the baby, but alas, we didn't bring a camera.
I'm really glad Madeline got to spend some time with them. She's changing so fast that every time Nana comes to visit, it's like she's a whole new baby. Luckily, Christmas is right around the corner, and we'll be traveling down to New York so Maddie will be seeing them again very soon.
Extra bonus? Maddie's Aunt Coco and Uncle Kevin are coming to visit from New York this afternoon. Madeline is getting lots of baby lovin' this week.
We brought her to lunch and to the mall, where her Nana proudly pushed her stroller through the crowds. But mostly, we spent a lot of time just staring at Madeline. I've found you can spend a lot of time doing that.
They were also kind enough to watch her on Saturday night while Eric and I went out for a date.
When Eric and I went out we were amazed to find every downtown restaurant packed. We had forgotten that this is what people do....they go out on Saturday nights and enjoy themselves...like we used to. The Girls Gone Wild tour bus was even parked in front of one of the bars. I really wanted to take my picture in front of it so I could show everyone my wild night out without the baby, but alas, we didn't bring a camera.
I'm really glad Madeline got to spend some time with them. She's changing so fast that every time Nana comes to visit, it's like she's a whole new baby. Luckily, Christmas is right around the corner, and we'll be traveling down to New York so Maddie will be seeing them again very soon.
Extra bonus? Maddie's Aunt Coco and Uncle Kevin are coming to visit from New York this afternoon. Madeline is getting lots of baby lovin' this week.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Just Call Me June...
...Cleaver, that is.
Yesterday, I felt on my game as a (temporary) stay-at-home mom.
We went on errands, I cleaned the kitchen, I managed to get dressed!, I cloth diapered, the baby took naps in her crib, we danced, and I made muffins. Freakin' Martha Stewart muffins people! And, they turned out pretty damn good. Plus, when Eric got home from lessons last night, I had dinner waiting for him. It wasn't even the microwavable kind of dinner. (Of course, I ended up leaving the kitchen messier than it started, and I never did get around to folding laundry...but we'll just ignore that part.)
Best part? Madeline was a very happy baby yesterday. She even helped me sugar coat my muffins.
She was a happy baby, that is, until it was time for bed....it was Thursday after all.
I brought her to our room around eight fully planning on coming back out to hang out with Eric after she had fallen asleep. Instead, I ended up rocking her until after midnight at which point she passed out after five hours of epic, baby sadness.
My June Cleaver bubble burst. No high heels and pearl necklaces for me!
Yesterday, I felt on my game as a (temporary) stay-at-home mom.
We went on errands, I cleaned the kitchen, I managed to get dressed!, I cloth diapered, the baby took naps in her crib, we danced, and I made muffins. Freakin' Martha Stewart muffins people! And, they turned out pretty damn good. Plus, when Eric got home from lessons last night, I had dinner waiting for him. It wasn't even the microwavable kind of dinner. (Of course, I ended up leaving the kitchen messier than it started, and I never did get around to folding laundry...but we'll just ignore that part.)
Best part? Madeline was a very happy baby yesterday. She even helped me sugar coat my muffins.
She was a happy baby, that is, until it was time for bed....it was Thursday after all.
I brought her to our room around eight fully planning on coming back out to hang out with Eric after she had fallen asleep. Instead, I ended up rocking her until after midnight at which point she passed out after five hours of epic, baby sadness.
My June Cleaver bubble burst. No high heels and pearl necklaces for me!
Martha Stewart Muffins People! |
Madeline Helps Me Bake |
Christmas Card Preview
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Ready for My Close Up
More proof that I seriously lack photography skills...
At least I have a cute baby...even if she does refuse to pose for pictures.
At least I have a cute baby...even if she does refuse to pose for pictures.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
9 Weeks
Madeline got her first hard life lesson yesterday at the doctor's. You can't always trust people. There she was, minding her own business, when some strange lady came along and stabbed in her the thigh three times with something really sharp! And Mumma and Dada actually stood there and let the strange lady do it! Ouch!
Madeline got her first round of shots yesterday at her two-month appointment, and it was probably almost as painful for us as it was for her. She threw open her little mouth as wide as it would go while the rest of her face scrunched up in absolute horror. She held her breath for a few tense seconds before she let out the most bone-piercing wails a little person her size can make. I scooped her up and cuddled her as fast as I could. I wish we could explain all of it to her, but all she knew was that somebody came along and hurt her for no good reason. Heartbreaking. Sometimes it's really tough being a baby.
After her stressful morning at the doctor's office, she slept like a log the rest of the day. It was nice to have some peace and quiet for a change. I think Eric and I were actually a little bored with ourselves after two months of being conditioned to soothing a crying infant every afternoon.
The past week was probably one of the easiest we've had in a while. She had several "good" days. She had some tough days too, but they felt different. Her crying wasn't as desperate; it didn't last as long.
I'm hoping the worst is behind us, but you never know. I'm learning quickly that when it comes to raising a baby, you may take one step forward only to take three frustrating steps back.
She's changing so fast. She's suddenly much more verbal. It's so fun to talk to her and watch her try to talk back. She's smiling more and more, and I swear I even heard a laugh in there a few times too. (Eric thinks I'm crazy, but I have witnesses!)
She's also getting very strong. She tries to sit herself up sometimes. The result is usually a frustrated baby with her head folded down into her chest, but she tries.
And....she's now over twelve pounds. She's our little chunka chunka burning love.
Madeline got her first round of shots yesterday at her two-month appointment, and it was probably almost as painful for us as it was for her. She threw open her little mouth as wide as it would go while the rest of her face scrunched up in absolute horror. She held her breath for a few tense seconds before she let out the most bone-piercing wails a little person her size can make. I scooped her up and cuddled her as fast as I could. I wish we could explain all of it to her, but all she knew was that somebody came along and hurt her for no good reason. Heartbreaking. Sometimes it's really tough being a baby.
After her stressful morning at the doctor's office, she slept like a log the rest of the day. It was nice to have some peace and quiet for a change. I think Eric and I were actually a little bored with ourselves after two months of being conditioned to soothing a crying infant every afternoon.
The past week was probably one of the easiest we've had in a while. She had several "good" days. She had some tough days too, but they felt different. Her crying wasn't as desperate; it didn't last as long.
I'm hoping the worst is behind us, but you never know. I'm learning quickly that when it comes to raising a baby, you may take one step forward only to take three frustrating steps back.
She's changing so fast. She's suddenly much more verbal. It's so fun to talk to her and watch her try to talk back. She's smiling more and more, and I swear I even heard a laugh in there a few times too. (Eric thinks I'm crazy, but I have witnesses!)
She's also getting very strong. She tries to sit herself up sometimes. The result is usually a frustrated baby with her head folded down into her chest, but she tries.
And....she's now over twelve pounds. She's our little chunka chunka burning love.
Yo, everybody just chill. I'm nappin'. |
Friday, November 12, 2010
Dancing with Madeline
My sainted parents came over and watched Madeline for a few hours today while I took a quick trip to Barnes and Noble where I enjoyed a spiced pumpkin latte and took advantage of the free magazines before returning home.
Madeline was a good girl for them, and she was a good girl when I got home too. But, she was obviously tired and not interested in sleeping. My gal fights sleep like a samurai fight other samurai....or maybe ninjas? Hmmm, who do samurai actually fight?
After about an hour of trying to get her to sleep, I decided to flip on the ol' Ipod and do some dancing with my gal. She loved it.
We got through the following songs on shuffle:
Someone to Watch Over Me- Willie Nelson
Take On Me- Ah Ha
Lady Stardust - David Bowie
God Only Knows- The Beach Boys
The Blower's Daughter- Damien Rice
Suddenly Seymour- Little Shop of Horrors
The Beach Boys were by far her favorite. She fussed during David Bowie, which broke her Momma's heart since he's a big favorite of mine, but she calmed down and started drifting off to sleep during the Beach Boys. (Her love of the Beach Boys is sure to make her grandparents proud since Eric informs me that her Poppy is a big fan, and my mom once hung out with them after a concert when she was a wild and crazy blond in the 60s. She was obviously much cooler than I ever was.) By the time "Suddenly Seymour" came on, she was sacked out in my arms and ready for the crib. Of course, she only stayed in the crib for about twenty minutes because like I said, Maddie is a sleep samurai.
Madeline was a good girl for them, and she was a good girl when I got home too. But, she was obviously tired and not interested in sleeping. My gal fights sleep like a samurai fight other samurai....or maybe ninjas? Hmmm, who do samurai actually fight?
After about an hour of trying to get her to sleep, I decided to flip on the ol' Ipod and do some dancing with my gal. She loved it.
We got through the following songs on shuffle:
Someone to Watch Over Me- Willie Nelson
Take On Me- Ah Ha
Lady Stardust - David Bowie
God Only Knows- The Beach Boys
The Blower's Daughter- Damien Rice
Suddenly Seymour- Little Shop of Horrors
The Beach Boys were by far her favorite. She fussed during David Bowie, which broke her Momma's heart since he's a big favorite of mine, but she calmed down and started drifting off to sleep during the Beach Boys. (Her love of the Beach Boys is sure to make her grandparents proud since Eric informs me that her Poppy is a big fan, and my mom once hung out with them after a concert when she was a wild and crazy blond in the 60s. She was obviously much cooler than I ever was.) By the time "Suddenly Seymour" came on, she was sacked out in my arms and ready for the crib. Of course, she only stayed in the crib for about twenty minutes because like I said, Maddie is a sleep samurai.
Madeline Enjoys The Great Outdoors
Eric had the day off for Veteran's Day yesterday. (Woo-hoo.) Most of the day was spent catching up on chores or lounging on the couch since Eric feels like he's coming down with a cold, but we did get the chance to enjoy the sunshine for a little while.
It's been cold and rainy here for about a week, but yesterday it was bright, sunny, and not too cold. We took Madeline for a walk downtown and then headed to a nearby park to let her enjoy some sun. She hasn't really spent much time outdoors because of the weather, and we figured it will probably be one of the last chances for her to enjoy the sunshine before the snow starts falling and we're trapped inside for the winter.
We dressed her up nice and warm and put lots of thick blankets between her and the ground. Maddie woke up for a while, but she mostly refused to open her eyes. I think the sun was too bright for her. Still, it was nice to lie there for awhile letting the sun warm us up and breathing in the last of the crisp fall air.
It's been cold and rainy here for about a week, but yesterday it was bright, sunny, and not too cold. We took Madeline for a walk downtown and then headed to a nearby park to let her enjoy some sun. She hasn't really spent much time outdoors because of the weather, and we figured it will probably be one of the last chances for her to enjoy the sunshine before the snow starts falling and we're trapped inside for the winter.
We dressed her up nice and warm and put lots of thick blankets between her and the ground. Maddie woke up for a while, but she mostly refused to open her eyes. I think the sun was too bright for her. Still, it was nice to lie there for awhile letting the sun warm us up and breathing in the last of the crisp fall air.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Eight Weeks
The Maddie Bear is eight weeks old today! Eight weeks? Eight weeks! Eight Weeks?!?!
I know I'm risking the wrath of the Internet Gods by saying this, but so far this week, Madeline has been a dream baby.
Last week was rough. She cried every night. She didn't want to go to bed, and she was generally unhappy most of the day.
She hasn't had a crying fit since Friday morning. (Fingers crossed.) The past few nights she's slept for about twelve hours without much fussing. Last night she wanted to be held for a long time, but that's just fine with me as long as she's not crying while I'm holding her. During the night she wakes up two or three times to eat before going right back to sleep.
Yesterday she was pleasant most of the day, and I was able to get some chores done around the house. Not only did I shower and dress! Whoa, big step! I also did some laundry and finally switched my summer clothes out of my closet for all my winter clothes.
As I write this, she's asleep in her crib. We've been putting her down for naps in her crib every day to start to get her used to her room. She can't sleep in her little co sleeper forever after all.
I'm desperately hoping my dream baby is here to stay. When she's not having one of her crying fits, she's got a very nice personality. She's quiet and so sweet. She's still quite serious and appears to be contemplating the meaning of life a lot of the time.
I'm also half way through my leave of absence from work. Eight weeks left. It's going to go by so fast. When I think back to how much she's changed over the past week, it's incredible. It will be amazing to see how much she changes in the next eight weeks. She'll be a whole different baby when I go back to work.
I had a hard time choosing a bunny outfit this morning. She has so many cute things, but I know by the time I do the twelve week photo, she won't fit into a lot of them anymore. She's already wearing her three month clothing. She's such a chunky chubba. I heart her!
I know I'm risking the wrath of the Internet Gods by saying this, but so far this week, Madeline has been a dream baby.
Last week was rough. She cried every night. She didn't want to go to bed, and she was generally unhappy most of the day.
She hasn't had a crying fit since Friday morning. (Fingers crossed.) The past few nights she's slept for about twelve hours without much fussing. Last night she wanted to be held for a long time, but that's just fine with me as long as she's not crying while I'm holding her. During the night she wakes up two or three times to eat before going right back to sleep.
Yesterday she was pleasant most of the day, and I was able to get some chores done around the house. Not only did I shower and dress! Whoa, big step! I also did some laundry and finally switched my summer clothes out of my closet for all my winter clothes.
As I write this, she's asleep in her crib. We've been putting her down for naps in her crib every day to start to get her used to her room. She can't sleep in her little co sleeper forever after all.
I'm desperately hoping my dream baby is here to stay. When she's not having one of her crying fits, she's got a very nice personality. She's quiet and so sweet. She's still quite serious and appears to be contemplating the meaning of life a lot of the time.
I'm also half way through my leave of absence from work. Eight weeks left. It's going to go by so fast. When I think back to how much she's changed over the past week, it's incredible. It will be amazing to see how much she changes in the next eight weeks. She'll be a whole different baby when I go back to work.
I had a hard time choosing a bunny outfit this morning. She has so many cute things, but I know by the time I do the twelve week photo, she won't fit into a lot of them anymore. She's already wearing her three month clothing. She's such a chunky chubba. I heart her!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Mr. Mom
Yesterday, I left Madeline alone with her father for an entire day. While it was relaxing to get away for a few hours, I missed my little pumpkin very much, and spent the entire drive home thinking about her.
I imagined the scene when I returned home to be one out of a sitcom or that commercial where the naked baby's butt is on the kitchen counter. I pictured dirty dishes, a screaming baby wrapped in a trash-bag diaper, a poop-covered daddy, and a cat dangling from the ceiling. Secretly, in the dark part of my heart, I hoped this is what I would find.
Then, I would say, "HA! You see? You see how hard this is day after day when you're gone?!" And Eric would say, "I appreciate you sooooooo much!" I would take the baby from her daddy, and she would go quiet the moment I held her in my arms. Then, I would detach the cat from the ceiling, load the dishwasher, and finally wipe the poop off of my exhausted boyfriend's face. Super-momma would return and make everything better.
Of course, this wasn't what happened. Pretty much the exact opposite happened. I walked in the door to find a sleeping baby, a clean house, a chicken-pot pie baking in the oven, and a daddy lounging on the couch watching TV. He even vacuumed and cleaned the bedroom. He said he even had time for a nap.
When Madeline heard my voice, she woke up and started crying. I picked her up and she started crying more. She wanted food. (NOW, please Momma.) It seems the only reason she missed me was because I'm her human milk machine.
It's hard to admit, but Eric is a much better stay-at-home mom than I am. I barely have time to get myself dressed during the day, and he had a god-damn chicken pot pie in the oven!! (Of course it was the frozen kind...it's not like he made it from scratch or anything.) When I saw all this, I wanted to tell him I was proud of his daddying skills, and then I wanted to punch him in the nose for making me look bad.
Although I think one of the reasons he had time to get things done is because he's much better at ignoring a crying baby than I am. Each time I called to check in, she was crying in the background. At one point, he kinda implied that he had put her in her crib and let her cry while he did some housework. When I called him on that, he denied it, but I going to believe that's what happened. It makes me feel better.
I imagined the scene when I returned home to be one out of a sitcom or that commercial where the naked baby's butt is on the kitchen counter. I pictured dirty dishes, a screaming baby wrapped in a trash-bag diaper, a poop-covered daddy, and a cat dangling from the ceiling. Secretly, in the dark part of my heart, I hoped this is what I would find.
Then, I would say, "HA! You see? You see how hard this is day after day when you're gone?!" And Eric would say, "I appreciate you sooooooo much!" I would take the baby from her daddy, and she would go quiet the moment I held her in my arms. Then, I would detach the cat from the ceiling, load the dishwasher, and finally wipe the poop off of my exhausted boyfriend's face. Super-momma would return and make everything better.
Of course, this wasn't what happened. Pretty much the exact opposite happened. I walked in the door to find a sleeping baby, a clean house, a chicken-pot pie baking in the oven, and a daddy lounging on the couch watching TV. He even vacuumed and cleaned the bedroom. He said he even had time for a nap.
When Madeline heard my voice, she woke up and started crying. I picked her up and she started crying more. She wanted food. (NOW, please Momma.) It seems the only reason she missed me was because I'm her human milk machine.
It's hard to admit, but Eric is a much better stay-at-home mom than I am. I barely have time to get myself dressed during the day, and he had a god-damn chicken pot pie in the oven!! (Of course it was the frozen kind...it's not like he made it from scratch or anything.) When I saw all this, I wanted to tell him I was proud of his daddying skills, and then I wanted to punch him in the nose for making me look bad.
Remember when this guy swore he'd never wear one of these? |
Friday, November 5, 2010
On Letting Sleeping Babies Lie
Leave me alone Mumma, I needs my beauty sleeps! |
I've had very little time to blog lately because my sweet little pea pod has decided that crying is a lot of fun and seems unwilling to ever stop. (Especially for her Momma who I'm starting to suspect she hates.) So, why do I have time to blog now? It's because, for the first time in seven weeks, Madeline was put to bed alone. Bum, bum, bummmmmmm.
We've got an awesome three-sided co sleeper attached to my side of the bed. I love it because it allows me to be close to my little nugget without the worry of accidentally squishing her in my sleep. It makes those late night feedings so much easier.
However, it also means that I'm pretty much constantly attached to my little milk monster. When she goes to bed, so do I. I lay right next to her and stare at her until I'm certain she's really sleeping. I then relax a little before falling into a fitful catnap that gets interrupted every time Maddie grunts. (Which is often...my gal's a real grunter...and a real farter too.) I haven't slept under the sheets and covers since bringing her home either. Instead, I only drape the down comforter over myself. I'm not sure why I do this. It's not like the three layers of bedding are going to prevent me from grabbing my child if she starts crying...I have issues.
So, for her momma's sanity, we decided to start implementing her bedtime routine tonight. She's almost two months old...I think she can handle it. I gave her a bath, brought her into the bedroom, rubbed her down with some warm lotion, put her in her jammies, and fed her while telling her a story. Luckily, for the first time all week, my little fussy-pants fell asleep when I wanted her to. I then tiptoed out into the living room to spend some quiet time blogging hanging out with Eric. (To be fair, he's watching the Celtics game anyhow. And while my favorite ginger, Brian Scalabrine, is in fact playing, it's just not the same watching him in Chicago red instead of Celtics green.)
Meanwhile, I'm really, really worried about Madeline in the next room over. I'm sitting at the computer typing this with the baby monitor jacked up really loud. I can hear the neighbor in the apartment next door playing video games through my baby monitor...that's how loud it is. What's she doing in there? Is she okay? Has she snuck out to hang out with the no-good baby from the down the hall? (No, she's actually sleeping soundly, you dimwit because she doesn't have you creepily staring at her while she tries her best to get some beauty sleep.)
How do people with big houses make this work? I'm in a very small apartment. My little pumpkin pie is literally only a few footsteps away. I probably don't even really need a baby monitor because, like I said, I can hear the neighbor playing video games next door. Still, it's nerve wracking not being in there with her. I've already snuck in there...twice...just to make sure the baby monitor is working correctly. Luckily, a few minutes ago she started farting and grunting again, so I know all is well.
How do people with big houses make this work? I'm in a very small apartment. My little pumpkin pie is literally only a few footsteps away. I probably don't even really need a baby monitor because, like I said, I can hear the neighbor playing video games next door. Still, it's nerve wracking not being in there with her. I've already snuck in there...twice...just to make sure the baby monitor is working correctly. Luckily, a few minutes ago she started farting and grunting again, so I know all is well.
Anyhow, this experience has confirmed that I need to relax and let go a little bit more. My nerves are at their breaking point with all this colic nonsense as it is, I owe it to myself to let her sleep while I have at least an hour of baby-free time. Life needs to start returning to some normalcy.
Besides, tomorrow I take an even scarier step. I'm driving to Connecticut for the day for a dear friend's bridal shower. That means I will be apart from my little peanut for almost a whole day! I trust in Eric's babysitting parenting skills, but I'm not sure I trust in my OMG-I'm-leaving-my-baby-in-a-whole-different-state skills. We'll see. First step, get through the next hour without checking on her again. (Unless of course she needs me.)
Moral of the story? Mommy has separation anxiety.
Moral of the story? Mommy has separation anxiety.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Seven Weeks
Madeline Lee is seven weeks old today.
It seems like just yesterday that I was still fat and uncomfortable in the summer heat. Now, all the leaves have fallen from the trees outside our windows. Pretty soon there will be snow on the ground. Time is a funny thing.
Madeline's medication seems to be working a bit. She's not constantly uncomfortable like she was last week.
However, we had another big crying fit last night. It started around seven thirty, and we got her to sleep around midnight. I've never heard her cry so loud. Poor girl. She hadn't had a fit since Thursday night. (Obviously, The Office was on.) I knew it was too good to last.
On the bright side, they say colic tends to disappear around three months. That means theoretically we only have a month left of this. We'll see.
Maddie's neck is continuing to strengthen. She can hold her head up almost completely by herself now. When she starts getting fussy, we take her on tours of the apartment and describe everything to her. She loves to listen to our voices, and she loves music. Yesterday, I had her on her playmat with some music playing in the background, and she fell dead asleep. She stayed there on the floor sleeping happily for almost two hours.
And, to show off her new head-holding skills, here's a little video that will probably be very boring to anyone who is not her parents or grandparents.
It seems like just yesterday that I was still fat and uncomfortable in the summer heat. Now, all the leaves have fallen from the trees outside our windows. Pretty soon there will be snow on the ground. Time is a funny thing.
Madeline's medication seems to be working a bit. She's not constantly uncomfortable like she was last week.
However, we had another big crying fit last night. It started around seven thirty, and we got her to sleep around midnight. I've never heard her cry so loud. Poor girl. She hadn't had a fit since Thursday night. (Obviously, The Office was on.) I knew it was too good to last.
On the bright side, they say colic tends to disappear around three months. That means theoretically we only have a month left of this. We'll see.
Maddie's neck is continuing to strengthen. She can hold her head up almost completely by herself now. When she starts getting fussy, we take her on tours of the apartment and describe everything to her. She loves to listen to our voices, and she loves music. Yesterday, I had her on her playmat with some music playing in the background, and she fell dead asleep. She stayed there on the floor sleeping happily for almost two hours.
And, to show off her new head-holding skills, here's a little video that will probably be very boring to anyone who is not her parents or grandparents.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Madeline's First...
Halloween!
It was so much fun celebrating our first holiday with the little nugget. (Columbus Day doesn't count.) I know she had no idea what was going on, but it sure was fun for her Momma. I can't wait for Christmas. It's going to be epic.
Since Lady Gaga seemed to be the hit costume of this holiday season, I contemplated dressing Maddie up as Baby Gaga, but judging by this photo...
That would have just been cruel.
(I also thought about dressing her as The Spawn of Snookie, but the hair wouldn't fit in the frame of the photo.)
Instead of going for trendy, we went for cute. Cute always wins out over trendy when babies are involved.
During the day, Madeline was a little pumpkin.
By night, she was a cat. She was so cute in her cat costume that I wanted to gobble her up .
Obviously she's too young for most Halloween festivities, but we decided to surprise Grammy and Bob by "trick-o-treating" at their house. We loaded Madeline up in the car and she had her first real Halloween experience.
Bonus? Eric and I didn't get any trick-o-treaters at our place this year. (Probably because the neighbors are still scared of me after what I did to the little boy across the hall two years ago.) That means lots and lots of candy for us to eat! Sorry Maddie, you can't have any yet.
It was so much fun celebrating our first holiday with the little nugget. (Columbus Day doesn't count.) I know she had no idea what was going on, but it sure was fun for her Momma. I can't wait for Christmas. It's going to be epic.
Since Lady Gaga seemed to be the hit costume of this holiday season, I contemplated dressing Maddie up as Baby Gaga, but judging by this photo...
That would have just been cruel.
(I also thought about dressing her as The Spawn of Snookie, but the hair wouldn't fit in the frame of the photo.)
Instead of going for trendy, we went for cute. Cute always wins out over trendy when babies are involved.
During the day, Madeline was a little pumpkin.
By night, she was a cat. She was so cute in her cat costume that I wanted to gobble her up .
Dizzy was worried we had replaced him with another cat. |
Obviously she's too young for most Halloween festivities, but we decided to surprise Grammy and Bob by "trick-o-treating" at their house. We loaded Madeline up in the car and she had her first real Halloween experience.
Bonus? Eric and I didn't get any trick-o-treaters at our place this year. (Probably because the neighbors are still scared of me after what I did to the little boy across the hall two years ago.) That means lots and lots of candy for us to eat! Sorry Maddie, you can't have any yet.
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