Showing posts with label milestones. Show all posts
Showing posts with label milestones. Show all posts
Friday, December 14, 2012
Dear Miss M
This week, you learned how to climb out of your crib. Actually, I'm surprised it took this long. You've been physically able to do it for awhile (throwing your leg over the rail and threatening to escape), but you have a healthy sense of caution that, I think, prevented you from taking the plunge sooner.
I'm thankful for your caution, as I hope it will save us trips to the emergency room as you get older. But I also hope that, as your mother, I can create a strong enough sense of safety and security so that you are not afraid to take risks in life.
Next month, I'm taking one of the biggest risks of my life to date. (Marrying your father and choosing to be your mother were probably the other two, but those are stories for another day.) In the new year, I will travel to Taiwan. I want to learn more about the people and the culture and the food, of course. But also, when I arrive, I will be meeting with a woman from the Child and Juvenile Adoption Center, who I hope may have more information about the circumstances of my adoption.
Choosing to search for information has been so scary, and yet, it is from you that I have gathered the strength to proceed. I've never felt connected to anyone the way I feel with you. Through you, I am learning to love myself. I see myself in you, and I am endeared to you. And I can't help wondering from whom we both inherited our eyes, our hands, our goofiness and our love of music.
I know as you grow up, you will become different from me, despite our shared genetics. It's a certainty not only because I see my strong-willed, independent nature in you, but also because I am determined for your childhood to be different from mine.
Of course, half of your genes are inherited from your father, who also couldn't be more different from me. We opposites attracted and, somehow, we were gifted with you. I hope you will inherit his ability to enjoy life in each moment. And I hope you inherit his ability to love because his unconditional, accepting love transformed my life and created yours.
In a few years, when you're old enough to understand, I hope that your dad and you and me can travel back to Taiwan as a family. I want you to be proud of me and where I came from. I want you to feel secure in your identity. I want you to have roots and, most important, wings.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
52 weeks
The past several weeks have flown by. I started writing this entry two weeks ago. And now Miss M's first birthday has already passed. I can't believe my baby girl is a year old.
Exactly one year ago, we were preparing to leave the hospital. It was the calm before chaos. Sleepless days and nights. Learning to breastfeed. Laying next to her, mesmerized by every breath, every jerky move, every blink of her bright eyes.
Fifty-two weeks later, Miss M is a cruising, babbling, silly little girl. If she's not pushing her V-Tech walker, she's dancing to its music. She likes cups and balls and chewing on her Robeez knock-offs (thank goodness I didn't splurge on the real thing!). Her favorite word is "dog." It's the first thing she says when I pick her up in the morning. "Dog?" It's also what she chants when we get home: "Dog? Dog? Dog?" as she high-tails it to his room.
In addition to dog, she regularly says "mama," "dada," "all done," "uh-oh," "ball" and "up." She has also been known to say "open," "hi," and "bye." She will high-five and clap when she feels like it. She signs for "milk" and "all done."
She takes after her mama in that she knows what she wants, and when she wants it (or doesn't). It is both endearing and frustrating. It's cute when she says, "All done," but exacerbating when she says this after only one bite ... of the fifth or sixth food you've tried feeding her for dinner.
It's hard for me to remember life without Miss M. I finally understand why so many women say motherhood makes them a better person, although I am still conflicted by this statement. I love her more than I have ever loved anything in my life. And I love myself since having her. I feel like a better person, and yet I know I'm not a better friend or wife or professional. How can I be? I have less time to devote to my friends, my husband, my job.
Miss M has filled a void I couldn't articulate prior to having her. For 30 years, I lived with an absence of a history, of roots, of a biological connection to any other human being. Realizing my daughter has my hands, for example, was a profound experience. Her palms, her knuckles, her fingernails ... they're just like mine. She scrunches her eyebrows like me. She is goofy and opinionated like me. I know she is different from me in at least as many ways as she is similar, and yet it amazes me to see myself in her -- traits I now realize I inherited, not learned. It is an amazing connection and awareness that may be hard to understand unless you have lived without it.
I didn't know I was incomplete until she made me whole.
Exactly one year ago, we were preparing to leave the hospital. It was the calm before chaos. Sleepless days and nights. Learning to breastfeed. Laying next to her, mesmerized by every breath, every jerky move, every blink of her bright eyes.
Fifty-two weeks later, Miss M is a cruising, babbling, silly little girl. If she's not pushing her V-Tech walker, she's dancing to its music. She likes cups and balls and chewing on her Robeez knock-offs (thank goodness I didn't splurge on the real thing!). Her favorite word is "dog." It's the first thing she says when I pick her up in the morning. "Dog?" It's also what she chants when we get home: "Dog? Dog? Dog?" as she high-tails it to his room.
In addition to dog, she regularly says "mama," "dada," "all done," "uh-oh," "ball" and "up." She has also been known to say "open," "hi," and "bye." She will high-five and clap when she feels like it. She signs for "milk" and "all done."
She takes after her mama in that she knows what she wants, and when she wants it (or doesn't). It is both endearing and frustrating. It's cute when she says, "All done," but exacerbating when she says this after only one bite ... of the fifth or sixth food you've tried feeding her for dinner.
It's hard for me to remember life without Miss M. I finally understand why so many women say motherhood makes them a better person, although I am still conflicted by this statement. I love her more than I have ever loved anything in my life. And I love myself since having her. I feel like a better person, and yet I know I'm not a better friend or wife or professional. How can I be? I have less time to devote to my friends, my husband, my job.
Miss M has filled a void I couldn't articulate prior to having her. For 30 years, I lived with an absence of a history, of roots, of a biological connection to any other human being. Realizing my daughter has my hands, for example, was a profound experience. Her palms, her knuckles, her fingernails ... they're just like mine. She scrunches her eyebrows like me. She is goofy and opinionated like me. I know she is different from me in at least as many ways as she is similar, and yet it amazes me to see myself in her -- traits I now realize I inherited, not learned. It is an amazing connection and awareness that may be hard to understand unless you have lived without it.
I didn't know I was incomplete until she made me whole.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Nine
I can hardly believe my daughter is 9 months old. It's incredible how quickly these past 9 months have flown by, especially compared to the months preceding them. Or perhaps it's not the speed of time so much as the enjoyment of it. I love being a mother. Except for occasional reminders from friends who are still enjoying life without children, I hardly remember mine. Miss M is my morning sunshine and evening delight.
Does this mean my transformation is complete? If so, I couldn't pinpoint the moment it happened. Perhaps it was the day I put an entirely pink load of laundry in the dryer -- clothes that were pink when I purchased them. (The horror!) Or perhaps it was the day I first extracted one of her boogers with my bare finger. (The satisfaction!) Maybe it was during those first nights at home, when she was wide-eyed awake, and we were bleary-eyed enthralled by her every newborn move. Or maybe it was the first moment our eyes met -- both pairs dark and puffy from the strain of labor.
I love my baby girl. I would give my life for her in an instant. And I hope, when she grows up, she knows it.
Does this mean my transformation is complete? If so, I couldn't pinpoint the moment it happened. Perhaps it was the day I put an entirely pink load of laundry in the dryer -- clothes that were pink when I purchased them. (The horror!) Or perhaps it was the day I first extracted one of her boogers with my bare finger. (The satisfaction!) Maybe it was during those first nights at home, when she was wide-eyed awake, and we were bleary-eyed enthralled by her every newborn move. Or maybe it was the first moment our eyes met -- both pairs dark and puffy from the strain of labor.
I love my baby girl. I would give my life for her in an instant. And I hope, when she grows up, she knows it.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Miss M's first word
"Uh-oh," she said, looking at me after chucking her toy off the changing table. I wasn't sure I heard her right, so I picked up the toy and gave it back to her. "Uh-oh," she repeated when the toy hit the floor again.
And did I mention she is crawling?!
And did I mention she is crawling?!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Where in the world?
Miss M completed her first transatlantic flight this weekend. It was the first of a few travel milestones she would sleep through, including a tour of the Château de Fontainebleau yesterday and lunch on the Champs-Élysées today. She did wake up today in time for a few pictures in front of the Arc de Triomphe, the second half of our stroll down the Champs-Élysées and dessert at Haagen Das.
In other news, Miss M has started raising herself up on her hands and knees and creeping backwards!
More adventures ahead!
ETA: This was written May 12, but for some reason didn't post until the 18th. Sorry about that!
In other news, Miss M has started raising herself up on her hands and knees and creeping backwards!
More adventures ahead!
ETA: This was written May 12, but for some reason didn't post until the 18th. Sorry about that!
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Pathetic
"Who needs sleep?" So asks the Barenaked Ladies in one of my favorite albums ever. As I sit here listining to the birds rise, that song keeps playing in my head. Miss M woke me up a quarter after 3, and I haven't been back to sleep. It's not her fault -- she nursed like a champ and went right back down. But my brain is racing with incoherent thoughts. I've got so much on my mind, one thought is interrupted by the next. It's making it very difficult to write. I guess that's partly why I've been so terrible about updating this blog. Work is a huge brain drain. Miss M is an emotional one. I adore her so much. By the end of the day, I've got nothing left. All the clever little thoughts and heartwarming observations I wanted to record are gone. My brain is a sieve.
A few thoughts that have not yet escaped:
On mobility: Miss M finally started rolling over right before Easter. (Was that a week ago? Or two weeks?) She started going from her back to belly, rolling to her left. Then she figured out how to reverse that roll. She also spins on her belly now, but that's about all. I'm grateful -- not ready for her to "travel" on her own yet!
On baby's first turd: It was shocking and funny at the same time. Chris mostly changes her diapers. Since she was born, it was something he volunteered to do, and what mom would complain about that? He was worried something was wrong. I might have been concerned if someone hadn't already posted about this on my WTE board. I love the September 2010 mommies!
On teeth: How could I forget about these? Miss M has two on the bottom. First the right, then the left. I fear she may be working on top ones now. Last night she woke up twice, which was the pattern for the first two. Of course, the night before, she slept all the way through, which was a wonderful birthday present.
On travel: Yes, we're getting ready to take a B.I.G. trip. This is keeping me awake. I know it will be wonderful and exciting and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our non-jetsetting little family. But today, I feel nervous and unprepared. We are going to be that family you see on the plane and think, "Please don't sit by me." Ack!
A few thoughts that have not yet escaped:
On mobility: Miss M finally started rolling over right before Easter. (Was that a week ago? Or two weeks?) She started going from her back to belly, rolling to her left. Then she figured out how to reverse that roll. She also spins on her belly now, but that's about all. I'm grateful -- not ready for her to "travel" on her own yet!
On baby's first turd: It was shocking and funny at the same time. Chris mostly changes her diapers. Since she was born, it was something he volunteered to do, and what mom would complain about that? He was worried something was wrong. I might have been concerned if someone hadn't already posted about this on my WTE board. I love the September 2010 mommies!
On teeth: How could I forget about these? Miss M has two on the bottom. First the right, then the left. I fear she may be working on top ones now. Last night she woke up twice, which was the pattern for the first two. Of course, the night before, she slept all the way through, which was a wonderful birthday present.
On travel: Yes, we're getting ready to take a B.I.G. trip. This is keeping me awake. I know it will be wonderful and exciting and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our non-jetsetting little family. But today, I feel nervous and unprepared. We are going to be that family you see on the plane and think, "Please don't sit by me." Ack!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Six months
Six months ago, I met my beautiful baby girl, who returned my looks of awe and adoration with an expression that asked, "Are you sure you know what you're doing?" I don't, but I sure do love her. Happy half-birthday, Miss M!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Of feet and (lack of) sleep
I've been too tired to blog, and I am too tired to do this entry justice. But it's been too long, and I feel like I need to post something to document this time in our lives.
Miss M is no longer sleeping through the night. I miss my good sleeper. I suck at about everything without sleep.
On the fun side: Miss M has discovered her feet, and it's pretty hilarious. Except when she supposed to be nursing. Then it's a little annoying.
Feeding in general has become more difficult as she's so easily distracted these days. We introduced cereal a couple of weeks ago. That was about the time the whole sleeping business went down the crapper. She had upped her milk intake 50% at daycare. She went from drinking 8-10 ounces to 14-16 between two bottles. On top of that, she was waking up early. I thought it might be time to try solids. But cereal + Miss M only exacerbated the middle of the night wake-ups. We gave it a break for a few days; still no improvement. Then she dropped her third nap. We've tried putting her to bed earlier; we've tried letting her stay up later. We've tried long baths and no baths. We are still trying to figure out the best evening routine. It's trial and error; so far, a lot of error. As I type this, she has been grizzling in her bed for 30 minutes
People always ask how the baby sleeps, and I used to tell them she fights going to sleep, but once she's out, she stays that way. I wish that were still true!
Miss M is no longer sleeping through the night. I miss my good sleeper. I suck at about everything without sleep.
On the fun side: Miss M has discovered her feet, and it's pretty hilarious. Except when she supposed to be nursing. Then it's a little annoying.
Feeding in general has become more difficult as she's so easily distracted these days. We introduced cereal a couple of weeks ago. That was about the time the whole sleeping business went down the crapper. She had upped her milk intake 50% at daycare. She went from drinking 8-10 ounces to 14-16 between two bottles. On top of that, she was waking up early. I thought it might be time to try solids. But cereal + Miss M only exacerbated the middle of the night wake-ups. We gave it a break for a few days; still no improvement. Then she dropped her third nap. We've tried putting her to bed earlier; we've tried letting her stay up later. We've tried long baths and no baths. We are still trying to figure out the best evening routine. It's trial and error; so far, a lot of error. As I type this, she has been grizzling in her bed for 30 minutes
People always ask how the baby sleeps, and I used to tell them she fights going to sleep, but once she's out, she stays that way. I wish that were still true!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Five
I have a bad habit of referring to five as an even number. I know it's not. But in our base-10 numeral system, it feels like a nice even position. Halfway to something. Not too small, not too big. Not too young or old or early or late. (It's also my birth date — another reason to look forward to five).
So Miss M is five months old today. And I know I just said five is not too old. But it feels like it! Especially when I see pictures of friends' newborns on Facebook. So wrinkly and uncoordinated with skinny limbs. Miss M is still pretty uncoordinated. But her newborn wrinkles have been replaced by fat dimples. Her skinny limbs have become sturdy. And her movements, while clumsy, are beginning to show purpose. She cackles when I kiss her belly. She kicks when I change her diaper. And she is thisclose to rolling over. She has doubled her weight and grown five inches since birth. Her facial expressions range from concerned to gleeful to exasperated.
I guess, technically, she's still an infant, but I can already see the big girl in her.
So Miss M is five months old today. And I know I just said five is not too old. But it feels like it! Especially when I see pictures of friends' newborns on Facebook. So wrinkly and uncoordinated with skinny limbs. Miss M is still pretty uncoordinated. But her newborn wrinkles have been replaced by fat dimples. Her skinny limbs have become sturdy. And her movements, while clumsy, are beginning to show purpose. She cackles when I kiss her belly. She kicks when I change her diaper. And she is thisclose to rolling over. She has doubled her weight and grown five inches since birth. Her facial expressions range from concerned to gleeful to exasperated.
I guess, technically, she's still an infant, but I can already see the big girl in her.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Snow, snow, snow, snow, snow
It's been an unusually white winter here. I actually welcome the snow -- it brightens the landscape.
Miss M is thriving. At her 4-month appointment, she weighed 14 lbs, 5 oz, and measured 25" long. The pediatrician said she's around the 75th percentile for both.
I wish I could say I'm thriving, too. But I'm filled with such a strange mix of feelings. When I look at my baby girl, I am overcome with love. People tell me I'm happier since I've had her -- and it might be true. I feel content.
But just as I am overwhelmed with joy, I can be quickly overwhelmed with anger and frustration. Unfortunately, my dear husband takes the brunt of my irritability. I know I blow some things out of proportion. But other times I feel my frustrations are justified.
I don't believe this is postpartum depression. It's not every day I am walking around like a ticking bomb. On good days, I feel "on." But on bad days, I am definitely off. I'm tired. I'm unsociable. I feel like I'm walking numbly through a snowstorm -- head down, in poor visibility, with Miss M insulating me from the white blur of life whipping around us.
Miss M is thriving. At her 4-month appointment, she weighed 14 lbs, 5 oz, and measured 25" long. The pediatrician said she's around the 75th percentile for both.
I wish I could say I'm thriving, too. But I'm filled with such a strange mix of feelings. When I look at my baby girl, I am overcome with love. People tell me I'm happier since I've had her -- and it might be true. I feel content.
But just as I am overwhelmed with joy, I can be quickly overwhelmed with anger and frustration. Unfortunately, my dear husband takes the brunt of my irritability. I know I blow some things out of proportion. But other times I feel my frustrations are justified.
I don't believe this is postpartum depression. It's not every day I am walking around like a ticking bomb. On good days, I feel "on." But on bad days, I am definitely off. I'm tired. I'm unsociable. I feel like I'm walking numbly through a snowstorm -- head down, in poor visibility, with Miss M insulating me from the white blur of life whipping around us.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Three months
Today my baby girl is 3 months old. I can't believe it's already 3 months, and yet, I also can't believe it's only been 3 months.
When I was 3 months and 3 days old, I was put on a plane with a stranger to be flown halfway across the world and handed off to another stranger. I don't know how else to say this — it haunts me lately. I look at my baby and I wonder, how could anyone part with something so precious? And then I wonder, how would my baby handle it if she were handed off to strangers tomorrow? Here I have spent three months trying hard to ensure a stable, loving environment for her. I worry about sleep habits and eating routines. I worry about leaving her at daycare so long. Will she remember me? Will she feel abandoned? Does she know who her mommy and daddy are? I want her to feel secure and safe and loved.
A shrink once said to me, upon my sharing I was adopted, "How traumatic that must have been for you." At the time I thought she was full of it. (She was my second-least-favorite of all the therapists I've seen.) I mean, I was just a baby. I turned out fine. How can a baby be traumatized at 3 months? But now I realize new parents are inundated with books that emphasize specific parenting habits from the moment a child is born. Does any of this matter?
It makes me sad to imagine how my baby would feel if I abandoned her tomorrow. I need to believe she loves me as much as I love her. But I guess I don't know. I love my husband dearly, but he doesn't understand why I think about this stuff. Heck, I don't understand why. But I do, on days like these. Maybe one day I will go back to that shrink and she will tell me why these thoughts go and come and go again ... and why I am so desperate for my baby to love me as much as I love her.
There are so many things to love about Miss M. Among them:
When I was 3 months and 3 days old, I was put on a plane with a stranger to be flown halfway across the world and handed off to another stranger. I don't know how else to say this — it haunts me lately. I look at my baby and I wonder, how could anyone part with something so precious? And then I wonder, how would my baby handle it if she were handed off to strangers tomorrow? Here I have spent three months trying hard to ensure a stable, loving environment for her. I worry about sleep habits and eating routines. I worry about leaving her at daycare so long. Will she remember me? Will she feel abandoned? Does she know who her mommy and daddy are? I want her to feel secure and safe and loved.
A shrink once said to me, upon my sharing I was adopted, "How traumatic that must have been for you." At the time I thought she was full of it. (She was my second-least-favorite of all the therapists I've seen.) I mean, I was just a baby. I turned out fine. How can a baby be traumatized at 3 months? But now I realize new parents are inundated with books that emphasize specific parenting habits from the moment a child is born. Does any of this matter?
It makes me sad to imagine how my baby would feel if I abandoned her tomorrow. I need to believe she loves me as much as I love her. But I guess I don't know. I love my husband dearly, but he doesn't understand why I think about this stuff. Heck, I don't understand why. But I do, on days like these. Maybe one day I will go back to that shrink and she will tell me why these thoughts go and come and go again ... and why I am so desperate for my baby to love me as much as I love her.
There are so many things to love about Miss M. Among them:
- Her crazy kicking legs
- Her deep breaths when she gets excited
- Her coos
- Her sour milky breath
- Her sweet baby smell
- Her chubby hands that look like mine
- Her gummy smiles
- Her expressive eyebrows
- Her little mouth chewing and sucking on her big fists
- Her pouty mouth, and her little line mouth (aka "the no-more-milk mouth")
- Her neck rolls ... and wrist rolls, and thigh rolls
- The way she smiles after spitting up
- The way she smiles when I wake her
- The way she peers out of the little hole in her carseat cover, like "Where are we going?"
- The way her fists come together but can't grasp anything yet
- The way she gets excited when she realizes I'm getting ready to nurse her
- The most peaceful expression on her face when she sleeps
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Woo-hoo!
Who's 2 months old and just slept through the night?
You guessed it!
Baby girl is growing up so fast.
You guessed it!
Baby girl is growing up so fast.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Independence
Time is flying by. I can't believe I'm already halfway through my maternity leave. I never thought I'd feel this way, but right now, I would be happy to never return to work again. I could spend all day gazing into her eyes. I know it won't be long before she begins to pull away. The other morning, I overheard a woman on television say the greatest joy of having children "is not deciding who they are, but discovering who they are." Amen.
Week six was a major turning point. My best friend, who currently lives in France, flew all the way across the Atlantic with her seven-month-old just to spend a week with me and Miss M. We went shopping, I breastfed at the mall, and I even left the baby for a brief period with Grandma K.
Other milestones:
Week six was a major turning point. My best friend, who currently lives in France, flew all the way across the Atlantic with her seven-month-old just to spend a week with me and Miss M. We went shopping, I breastfed at the mall, and I even left the baby for a brief period with Grandma K.
Other milestones:
- First smiles! It happened Monday or Tuesday. She smiles often in her sleep, and sometimes randomly while playing. But she is just now beginning to smile in response to us. Dad got the first smile; mine was later in the day. They are hard to coax out of her, but I can't wait to see more.
- Sleep tight. I hesitate to write this because I'm probably jinxing myself, but over the past few days, her feedings have stretched overnight to where we can get 5-7 hours of sleep sometimes. Amazing.
- Head strong. Miss M is holding her head up well. A little wobbly, particularly if you tip her backwards, but if you lean her forward, her neck muscles are strong enough to hold her head up for a minute or so. Modified tummy time on her boppy must be working!
- Growing! Now in 0-3 month clothes. We switched to size 1 diapers about 10 days ago, and after a few recent leaks, I'm already wondering if she's nearing size 2. She won't go to the pediatrician for a few more weeks, but when I tried my bathroom scale, she appears to be about 10 pounds.
- Back to work ... to visit. Coworkers met her Thursday. It was fun to introduce her around. So many things had to fall in place for it to work out -- what time she woke up, how long she ate, etc. But we made it happen, and she lasted three hours before needing to eat again.
- Mom and dad hang out with grownups. We took Miss M to a house party last night and cheered our underdogs to a win over the No. 1 team. Mom even had a few sips of beer! It was quite tame from the parties we used to throw; there were four other kids present, including the hosts'. But it was still a fun time, and I enjoyed hanging out with my friends.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Things that make my heart melt
Sweet, milky breath. Soft, fluffy hair. Delicate peeling fingernails. Dark, wide-open eyes. Tiny pursed lips.
The first month has flown by, and yet, it also feels like an eternity. The days and nights have blurred together. Time is measured in feedings that range from 90 minutes to 5 hours apart. It's hard to remember how rough the first week was. And the second. And third. It's still not easy. But we're figuring each other out, and each week is better than the last.
As we're emerging from the dazed and bewildered first month, we're all taking on new challenges. Miss M is experimenting with her voice -- soft coos for now. Today, for the first time, she grabbed my hair in both fists and managed to get her thumb in her mouth, although both of those actions may have been accidental. Last week, dad took baby on an errand while I stayed home (somewhat reluctantly) and got some much needed sleep. Tonight, I left the baby at home with her dad and ventured to Wal-Mart alone. It was my first solo outing since she was born.
It's funny how I can feel fine at home. Then I enter the real world, and exhaustion hits. Maybe it was the bright lights, but not ten minutes in the store and I hit the proverbial brick wall. I wandered around in a daze for another half hour or so, trying to remember what I was supposed to get. (Lotrimin for possible thrush/yeast, and pacifiers because we're getting tired of having to walk her to sleep every night.)
I was relieved to return to our little cocoon of a home. Just the three of us, together. I'm not ready for the real world.
The first month has flown by, and yet, it also feels like an eternity. The days and nights have blurred together. Time is measured in feedings that range from 90 minutes to 5 hours apart. It's hard to remember how rough the first week was. And the second. And third. It's still not easy. But we're figuring each other out, and each week is better than the last.
As we're emerging from the dazed and bewildered first month, we're all taking on new challenges. Miss M is experimenting with her voice -- soft coos for now. Today, for the first time, she grabbed my hair in both fists and managed to get her thumb in her mouth, although both of those actions may have been accidental. Last week, dad took baby on an errand while I stayed home (somewhat reluctantly) and got some much needed sleep. Tonight, I left the baby at home with her dad and ventured to Wal-Mart alone. It was my first solo outing since she was born.
It's funny how I can feel fine at home. Then I enter the real world, and exhaustion hits. Maybe it was the bright lights, but not ten minutes in the store and I hit the proverbial brick wall. I wandered around in a daze for another half hour or so, trying to remember what I was supposed to get. (Lotrimin for possible thrush/yeast, and pacifiers because we're getting tired of having to walk her to sleep every night.)
I was relieved to return to our little cocoon of a home. Just the three of us, together. I'm not ready for the real world.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Milestones
Don't want to jinx myself, but maybe that second wind is finally setting in. Took advantage of feeling good and got a lot done this weekend, including a shower, a wedding and two softball games (in the stands). Even managed to check a few items off my "baby to-do" list.
1) Car seat: Installed (much easier than we expected, actually)
2) Nursery: Cleared out and vacuumed, even the closet!
3) Baby clothes: Hanging by size in the closet
4) Remaining "must have" registry items: On order. Thank goodness for Target.com and a mother-in-law willing to stop by Babies R Us for me.
5) Hospital bag: Started. At least I have a list for what else needs to go in there.
We finished our final class (breastfeeding) last week. Now that I know how to get the baby out, and how to feed her when she arrives, I'm just ready for her to be here!
1) Car seat: Installed (much easier than we expected, actually)
2) Nursery: Cleared out and vacuumed, even the closet!
3) Baby clothes: Hanging by size in the closet
4) Remaining "must have" registry items: On order. Thank goodness for Target.com and a mother-in-law willing to stop by Babies R Us for me.
5) Hospital bag: Started. At least I have a list for what else needs to go in there.
We finished our final class (breastfeeding) last week. Now that I know how to get the baby out, and how to feed her when she arrives, I'm just ready for her to be here!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Milestones
1) Not that I'm counting: 30 weeks down. 10 to go.
2) In da' house: Crib arrived two days ago. Now to clean out the baby's room so we can properly assemble it. When is this nesting phase supposed to kick in?
3) On order: Solid oak dresser by an Amish craftsman. We'll use this instead of a changing table.
4) Red, white and consumer: Registries are completed at Target and Babies 'R Us. Thank goodness for advice from friends who've already been down this road. It's so hard to know what's going to be really useful versus what's going to collect dust in a corner. I guess we'll just be thankful for any help from friends and family.
2) In da' house: Crib arrived two days ago. Now to clean out the baby's room so we can properly assemble it. When is this nesting phase supposed to kick in?
3) On order: Solid oak dresser by an Amish craftsman. We'll use this instead of a changing table.
4) Red, white and consumer: Registries are completed at Target and Babies 'R Us. Thank goodness for advice from friends who've already been down this road. It's so hard to know what's going to be really useful versus what's going to collect dust in a corner. I guess we'll just be thankful for any help from friends and family.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Milestones
1) 25 weeks down. Yay!
2) Outside the body experience: Movement has been visible for a week and a half. First time I realized it, I was looking down and saw my belly button go pop, pop, pop. Now, sometimes it looks like my whole stomach is about to lurch off my body.
3) Ready to learn: Officially registered for childbirth, breastfeeding and infant safety/CPR classes.
4) First baby purchase: Too tired to take the carseat out of the box, but at least we have one.
2) Outside the body experience: Movement has been visible for a week and a half. First time I realized it, I was looking down and saw my belly button go pop, pop, pop. Now, sometimes it looks like my whole stomach is about to lurch off my body.
3) Ready to learn: Officially registered for childbirth, breastfeeding and infant safety/CPR classes.
4) First baby purchase: Too tired to take the carseat out of the box, but at least we have one.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Milestones
1) Mom-to-be hits 20 weeks. Half way there!
2) Dad-to-be gets kicked. He's been able to feel what I call "baby lumps" (my lumps, my lumps, my freaky baby lumps) for a couple of weeks, but last night was the first time he felt a real kick. Followed by a boatload more this morning.
3) Mom-to-be outgrows her first pair of maternity pants. Boo.
2) Dad-to-be gets kicked. He's been able to feel what I call "baby lumps" (my lumps, my lumps, my freaky baby lumps) for a couple of weeks, but last night was the first time he felt a real kick. Followed by a boatload more this morning.
3) Mom-to-be outgrows her first pair of maternity pants. Boo.
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