Today we go to Otto's daycare for orientation. That means its really real: My maternity leave is almost over. I'm trying to follow Drs. Sears' advice and not think about "W-day" but it ain't no easy thing. Fortunately, I feel good about the place we've chosen for him and I will be able to nurse him on my lunch breaks which is more than many mothers can do. But still. I'm all teary eyed over it.
On the bright side, it is about 8 degrees Fahrenheit and blowing snow.
Wah.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
2 Months**
Dear Otto,
This week you are 2 months old. Its really hard to believe and yet it seems like you've always been here. We went to the pediatrician yesterday and you are a big kid!! 13 lbs 4 oz., over 25 inches long...wow! Obviously, you love breastfeeding! Also, both of your parents are very tall so I think you will be too.
You have some of the bluest eyes I've ever seen. Those, you got from your Momma. You got your dad's nose, though, for which I am thankful.
Every day you get more expressive- your face lights up when you see me or Dad and you gurgle and coo and have long "conversations" with us, especially when you are warm and happy and recently fed. You have started sucking on your knuckles (always the right hand) and you have begun to reach out for toys which is pretty neat. You have even rolled over from your tummy to your back twice...I can only imagine what it will be like when you are actually mobile! (Note to self: I should probably at least begin thinking about baby proofing...!)
One of your favorite times of day is evening when Dad is home. The two of you have a great time dancing and listening to Rock n' Roll records. You also really love your "gym," which is what we call the little Fisher Price thing that someone gave you.
I only have 2 1/2 weeks of maternity leave left which makes me sad. And as we are still waiting to hear about getting into a daycare, it makes me nervous too! But Dad is going to stay home with you the week before Xmas and then I will be off until after New Years so we still have a little time.
All in all, you bring us so much joy. And poopy diapers. But mostly joy.
I love you,
Momma
**Ok, so I am a copy cat. But I love how other bloggers, like Dooce and Cecily post monthly letters to their adorable children. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery...right?
This week you are 2 months old. Its really hard to believe and yet it seems like you've always been here. We went to the pediatrician yesterday and you are a big kid!! 13 lbs 4 oz., over 25 inches long...wow! Obviously, you love breastfeeding! Also, both of your parents are very tall so I think you will be too.
You have some of the bluest eyes I've ever seen. Those, you got from your Momma. You got your dad's nose, though, for which I am thankful.
Every day you get more expressive- your face lights up when you see me or Dad and you gurgle and coo and have long "conversations" with us, especially when you are warm and happy and recently fed. You have started sucking on your knuckles (always the right hand) and you have begun to reach out for toys which is pretty neat. You have even rolled over from your tummy to your back twice...I can only imagine what it will be like when you are actually mobile! (Note to self: I should probably at least begin thinking about baby proofing...!)
One of your favorite times of day is evening when Dad is home. The two of you have a great time dancing and listening to Rock n' Roll records. You also really love your "gym," which is what we call the little Fisher Price thing that someone gave you.
I only have 2 1/2 weeks of maternity leave left which makes me sad. And as we are still waiting to hear about getting into a daycare, it makes me nervous too! But Dad is going to stay home with you the week before Xmas and then I will be off until after New Years so we still have a little time.
All in all, you bring us so much joy. And poopy diapers. But mostly joy.
I love you,
Momma
**Ok, so I am a copy cat. But I love how other bloggers, like Dooce and Cecily post monthly letters to their adorable children. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery...right?
Monday, November 26, 2007
Odds and Ends. Mostly Odds.
Thanksgiving was the typical family fest it is every year...food, loud talking, crazy hyper children, and a drunk grandma. Yay! The only difference this year was that Otto is here and he was constantly being stolen from me. I really don't mind other people holding him...really, I don't! But I confess that I like it when people ask permission..."can I hold him?" or "Ok if I see that cute little bugger?" I DO NOT like it when people simply grab him out of my arms with out a word. Does that make me a selfish bitch? Probably. Deal with it.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Moving on...we came into some money over the weekend, which was nice. So on our way home on Friday, we stopped and did some furniture shopping. Yay again! There is a leather recliner being delivered this Friday. I can't wait. The chair it is replacing is a relic from the Husband's bachelor days and has been serving as a cat scratching post for the past 7 years. So you can imagine how perfectly gorgeous it must be.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I'm trying VERY VERY HARD to make it through reading the Lord of the Rings. I love the movies and the Husband has read the 3 books, like, a MILLION times but for some reason, I've never been able to make it through them. I consider myself an avid reader and a lover of fantasy, so I'm not sure why I find this particular book (we have all 3 books in one volume- its over 1000 pages) to be so bloody difficult. Tolkien's style of writing is a little flower-y or something I guess and my father pointed out that the books (unlike the film version) lack any strong female characters. Maybe that's my problem...who knows. But I have vowed to get through it this time. We'll see what happens.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
And finally, I'll leave you with evidence of how super cold it has been lately:
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Moving on...we came into some money over the weekend, which was nice. So on our way home on Friday, we stopped and did some furniture shopping. Yay again! There is a leather recliner being delivered this Friday. I can't wait. The chair it is replacing is a relic from the Husband's bachelor days and has been serving as a cat scratching post for the past 7 years. So you can imagine how perfectly gorgeous it must be.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I'm trying VERY VERY HARD to make it through reading the Lord of the Rings. I love the movies and the Husband has read the 3 books, like, a MILLION times but for some reason, I've never been able to make it through them. I consider myself an avid reader and a lover of fantasy, so I'm not sure why I find this particular book (we have all 3 books in one volume- its over 1000 pages) to be so bloody difficult. Tolkien's style of writing is a little flower-y or something I guess and my father pointed out that the books (unlike the film version) lack any strong female characters. Maybe that's my problem...who knows. But I have vowed to get through it this time. We'll see what happens.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
And finally, I'll leave you with evidence of how super cold it has been lately:
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Apologies and HAPPY TURKEY DAY
Yes, I suck, suck, SUCK at posting. Sorry. Internet time is just very infrequent these days. Otto has been demanding more and more time as he transitions from that yummy sleep-all-the-time newborn stage to the HELLO!? -I- am -now- awake- and- a -real- actual -baby -who -needs -stuff stage. Still, he's not colicky or anything, just likes lots of attention- talking to, singing to, playing, being held, etc. The sling works half the time, the other half, only being held over a shoulder will do. He is also doing this thing where he wants to nurse CONSTANTLY. Growth spurt? Maybe so. Or a eerily organized effort to slowly drive his Mama crazy. You choose.
We're off to the Husband's Aunt's house tomorrow for the big feast. It promises to be long, tiring, and overstimulating. The food is always good, but its a trade-off, you know? The husband's folks are paying for a hotel room for us, so at least we won't have the late night drive back.
Off to go get some pies in the oven before the little dictator wakes up and demands more milkies.
Happy Thanksgiving!
We're off to the Husband's Aunt's house tomorrow for the big feast. It promises to be long, tiring, and overstimulating. The food is always good, but its a trade-off, you know? The husband's folks are paying for a hotel room for us, so at least we won't have the late night drive back.
Off to go get some pies in the oven before the little dictator wakes up and demands more milkies.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday, November 2, 2007
Enjoyed Halloween, We Did
Now that the laundry is somewhat caught up, the dishes are done and the dog has been walked, I finally have time to post pics of our little Yoda...
As you can see, he was terribly excited about his costume. We had several trick or treaters, which is always fun, and Yoda enjoyed answering the door with Mama. If I'd had time, I would have found a gold bikini and dressed up like Princess Leah...now THAT would have been scary. Oh well.
In other news, I attended my second La Leche League meeting last night and it was lots of fun! I enjoyed the conversation topic (Nighttime Parenting) and the Q & A that followed. And it was just really cool to chill with some other bf'ing mommas. Maternity leave can be a little isolating at times and it was fun to get out and hang with some LWB's (Ladies with Babies). In conversation, it was discovered that at least 2 new mom's live within walking distance of our house so there may be some walking/tea/playdates to be had in the coming months. Yay for new friendsies!
Otto (or Autobahn, as we have been calling him..heh) is doing great. A little fussier but also more alert and awake during the day. And I'm pretty sure I've caught a couple of social smiles here and there...they are very fleeting but I have a hunch that they will become more frequent in the next few weeks. He's sleeping great at night (knock on wood). We go to bed around 11, he's up at 4:30 to eat and then back down until around 8:30 or so. This is a vast improvement from the every 2 hour thing we were doing in the beginning.
And now, suddenly its November...the holidays are fast approaching...I guess I should start thinking about gifts. I usually try to do something homemade or semi-homemade but I don't foresee having much time to knit/sew/make soap or candles in the near future. I'll have to do some creative Google-ing to see if I can come up with a cool project that won't turn my hair grey.
As you can see, he was terribly excited about his costume. We had several trick or treaters, which is always fun, and Yoda enjoyed answering the door with Mama. If I'd had time, I would have found a gold bikini and dressed up like Princess Leah...now THAT would have been scary. Oh well.
In other news, I attended my second La Leche League meeting last night and it was lots of fun! I enjoyed the conversation topic (Nighttime Parenting) and the Q & A that followed. And it was just really cool to chill with some other bf'ing mommas. Maternity leave can be a little isolating at times and it was fun to get out and hang with some LWB's (Ladies with Babies). In conversation, it was discovered that at least 2 new mom's live within walking distance of our house so there may be some walking/tea/playdates to be had in the coming months. Yay for new friendsies!
Otto (or Autobahn, as we have been calling him..heh) is doing great. A little fussier but also more alert and awake during the day. And I'm pretty sure I've caught a couple of social smiles here and there...they are very fleeting but I have a hunch that they will become more frequent in the next few weeks. He's sleeping great at night (knock on wood). We go to bed around 11, he's up at 4:30 to eat and then back down until around 8:30 or so. This is a vast improvement from the every 2 hour thing we were doing in the beginning.
And now, suddenly its November...the holidays are fast approaching...I guess I should start thinking about gifts. I usually try to do something homemade or semi-homemade but I don't foresee having much time to knit/sew/make soap or candles in the near future. I'll have to do some creative Google-ing to see if I can come up with a cool project that won't turn my hair grey.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
one month old!
Yesterday was Otto's one-month birthday. Or whatever you call that. We went to the pediatrician's office for a 'weight check' and he is (drumroll...) 10 lbs., 11 oz. Ye Gods! Mama's got some sweet milk. He's also around the 80th percentile for height and head circumference. What a bruiser.
Now that all the visitors are finally gone (The Husband's folks left on Saturday), I feel like our lives as parents have truly started. Its a little weird being home everyday...I keep thinking in the back of my mind that I'm going to have to get up and go to work...but in reality, that's not for another 8 weeks! I'm so glad I'm taking the full 12 weeks of maternity leave. Right now, I can't imagine handing this little guy over to strangers...(sob)
The weather has been really pretty so we've been trying to get out everyday- taking the dog for walks, visiting the husband at work, running errands. Housework has been put on the back burner, but honestly, I really don't care. I'm keeping up with laundry and dishes and the other stuff can just wait, as far as I'm concerned.
All in all, I'd have to say I'm enjoying the Mama thing pretty completely. I've had a couple moments of feeling down in the dumps but they tend to pass pretty quickly and be replaced by complete awe at this new little dude that takes up so much of our time.
Sigh.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
3 weeks
Otto is 3 weeks old. Hard to believe its been that long and yet it seems like he's been here forever...if that even makes any sense. Nursing is going really well...at his last check up he was up to 9lbs. 1.5 oz. He is super long and already growing out of most of his newborn clothes. I think he'll be in 3-6 mos. stuff here pretty soon.
The last 3 weeks have been pretty crazy, though. The Husband's granddad passed away and we had to go to the funeral when Otto was only 10 days old...it was 2.5 hrs away and a really long, trying day for all of us. Due to the long car ride, I got engorged the next day, which was no fun. Fortunately, my mom was here and knew just what to do...I took a hot shower before feeding the little guy to soften things up a bit and then used ice packs after he ate. That and a little ibuprofen for the discomfort seemed to do the trick.
We've also had a steady stream of visitors...first my mom was here, then my best friend from college, and now the in-laws. I'm really looking forward to having the house to ourselves and hopefully getting into a nice daily rhythm.
So, aside from the sleep deprivation, I'd say we are doing just fine. Otto is a trip, man. He doesn't fuss much so far and when he does, he is very easily comforted. He does seem to love sucking, though, so we introduced a pacifier a couple of days ago. We've only used it a couple of times - when he's been well fed, diapered, etc. and just needed a little help falling asleep. Its a little more convenient than a pinky finger which is what we had been doing.
I feel like this post is all rambling but there's nothing for it...someone needs to eat...again!
The last 3 weeks have been pretty crazy, though. The Husband's granddad passed away and we had to go to the funeral when Otto was only 10 days old...it was 2.5 hrs away and a really long, trying day for all of us. Due to the long car ride, I got engorged the next day, which was no fun. Fortunately, my mom was here and knew just what to do...I took a hot shower before feeding the little guy to soften things up a bit and then used ice packs after he ate. That and a little ibuprofen for the discomfort seemed to do the trick.
We've also had a steady stream of visitors...first my mom was here, then my best friend from college, and now the in-laws. I'm really looking forward to having the house to ourselves and hopefully getting into a nice daily rhythm.
So, aside from the sleep deprivation, I'd say we are doing just fine. Otto is a trip, man. He doesn't fuss much so far and when he does, he is very easily comforted. He does seem to love sucking, though, so we introduced a pacifier a couple of days ago. We've only used it a couple of times - when he's been well fed, diapered, etc. and just needed a little help falling asleep. Its a little more convenient than a pinky finger which is what we had been doing.
I feel like this post is all rambling but there's nothing for it...someone needs to eat...again!
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