Wednesday, June 04, 2008
A few pictures from the weekend
In order, Coop and maternal Grammy, Coop, Cooper and bio-dad, Coop and bio-sister
Monday, June 02, 2008
The miracle continues . . . .
Our journey with embryo adoption continues . . . we spent this weekend in NH visiting with Cooper's biological family, and had an unbelievably wonderful time. Like, warm and fuzzy feelings for everyone. We met his bio grandfather on the maternal side, and his paternal grandparents who let us stay in their house while they were away for a wedding that night! Can they be any nicer?? Cooper also met an aunt, an uncle, and 4 cousins.I always seemed to have my camera in the car, but I will post some pics when Sue, Coop's donor mom, sends them to me.
We spent Saturday BBQing and meeting everyone. Then J* spent the night with Coop's bio-siblings . . . his first successful sleepover ever! Major milestone here . . . he usually starts off with good intentions at my in-laws, but ends up crying and coming home, so this was a BIG deal for us!
Sunday morning, we had breakfast together, then went "fishing" at the pond (really just catching frogs and crayfish with nets, and throwing them back). After that, we all went out to lunch, had local-made ice cream (yum!) and went to play in the park until the grandparents returned from the wedding to spend a bit more time with them before we traveled home. It was just too wonderful for words.
Now, road-tripping 4 hours each way with two kids was NOT fun, but well-worth the effort. Once we recuperate from that, hopefully we'll plan on more fun stuff for the summer.
We spent Saturday BBQing and meeting everyone. Then J* spent the night with Coop's bio-siblings . . . his first successful sleepover ever! Major milestone here . . . he usually starts off with good intentions at my in-laws, but ends up crying and coming home, so this was a BIG deal for us!
Sunday morning, we had breakfast together, then went "fishing" at the pond (really just catching frogs and crayfish with nets, and throwing them back). After that, we all went out to lunch, had local-made ice cream (yum!) and went to play in the park until the grandparents returned from the wedding to spend a bit more time with them before we traveled home. It was just too wonderful for words.
Now, road-tripping 4 hours each way with two kids was NOT fun, but well-worth the effort. Once we recuperate from that, hopefully we'll plan on more fun stuff for the summer.
Friday, May 30, 2008
3 milestones in 3 days
OK, someone stop this kid from growing up! Cooper learned to push himself to sitting from laying down on Tuesday. Wednesday morning I watched him pull to stand in his crib, and last night he decided it was time to crawl. No more log-rolling or commando crawling for him. Now I am in real trouble! If he would only start to say mama . . . .
Friday, May 23, 2008
Rapidly approaching adulthood
OK, maybe it should say rapidly approaching 4 years old and nine months old, but I feel they are growing up so fast!
Last night as J* was going to bed, he asked, "Mommy, where did you get married?"
I replied, "on a pretty island called Jamiaca. Where did you get married?"
He said, "I didn't get married MOMMY!"
So I replied, "oh, well, who are you going to marry?"
His exclamation, "JULIA"!
Now to break that to Julia's mom, my friend Erica.
Cooper still has no teeth. But he is certainly not letting that stop him. Check out those legs! Michelin Baby! And he is still the sweetest baby on earth. Just edible.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Happy Mother's Day to all in blogland!
I hope everyone has a very special mother's day, whether you are a mother or not. I dreaded this day for too many years, so I know how it feels to be a "mother in waiting". But it will happen for all those that want it.
I just wrote this as an entry to a mother's day contest, and I thought I'd share it here:
I feel so blessed to be a mom, for several reasons. We tried for many years to get pregnant, and did many IVF cycles, and spent way too much money. Nothing ever worked. I dreaded every mothers day and baby shower during that time.
I am a mom now. But only through the sacrifice of two other mothers. I am blessed in every way, by the grace of two other women.
One young girl picked us to be parents to her baby boy a few months before he was born, and we adopted him when he was 11 hours old. He is now almost 4. I think of her everyday, and pray that she is at peace with her decision to place her child in our family. She made me a mother, and I thank my lucky stars for that.
Another wonderful woman and her husband made me a mother for the second time, but pregnant for the very first (and only) time. They gave us their frozen embryos that were left over from their IVF cycles, once they were done building their own family through modern medical science. We transferred her embryos into my uterus and I gave birth to a miracle baby boy 8 months ago. He had been frozen for 9 years! He has met his biological parents and siblings, and we have a wonderful relationship with this "extended family".
My heart skips a beat every single time I lay eyes on my boys. They were always meant to be ours.
I just wrote this as an entry to a mother's day contest, and I thought I'd share it here:
I feel so blessed to be a mom, for several reasons. We tried for many years to get pregnant, and did many IVF cycles, and spent way too much money. Nothing ever worked. I dreaded every mothers day and baby shower during that time.
I am a mom now. But only through the sacrifice of two other mothers. I am blessed in every way, by the grace of two other women.
One young girl picked us to be parents to her baby boy a few months before he was born, and we adopted him when he was 11 hours old. He is now almost 4. I think of her everyday, and pray that she is at peace with her decision to place her child in our family. She made me a mother, and I thank my lucky stars for that.
Another wonderful woman and her husband made me a mother for the second time, but pregnant for the very first (and only) time. They gave us their frozen embryos that were left over from their IVF cycles, once they were done building their own family through modern medical science. We transferred her embryos into my uterus and I gave birth to a miracle baby boy 8 months ago. He had been frozen for 9 years! He has met his biological parents and siblings, and we have a wonderful relationship with this "extended family".
My heart skips a beat every single time I lay eyes on my boys. They were always meant to be ours.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Sorry for the silence
I've been so busy! I've sold 6 Swarovski hearts this week! Hurray! It gives me a lot of satisfaction that people like my work.
In the middle of it all, Cooper turned 8 months and I didn't blog about it. Bad Mommy! as J* would say when he was younger (when I'd tell him no to something). Now J* really is a big boy, helping Daddy in the yard collecting weeds or twigs, riding his Spiderman bike, or watering my plants.
The Coop is clapping hands, saying Da Da, commando crawling all over the house, and just being so damn cute. He LOVES his big brother, and when J* is in the room, Cooper doesn't take his eyes off him. Only J* can make him laugh that deep belly laugh of his:
Coop laughing
In the middle of it all, Cooper turned 8 months and I didn't blog about it. Bad Mommy! as J* would say when he was younger (when I'd tell him no to something). Now J* really is a big boy, helping Daddy in the yard collecting weeds or twigs, riding his Spiderman bike, or watering my plants.
The Coop is clapping hands, saying Da Da, commando crawling all over the house, and just being so damn cute. He LOVES his big brother, and when J* is in the room, Cooper doesn't take his eyes off him. Only J* can make him laugh that deep belly laugh of his:
Coop laughing
Friday, May 02, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Recap
See, not a thing accomplished this week, b/c of that darn Bloggy Giveaway Carnival! Well, I did manage to cast-on to make a froggy hat for Coop's BFF who was born on Leap-year Day. This is what it will look like eventually:
Cooper is sleeping pretty well - from 7pm to 5am on most nights. He's eating solids like a little piggy, just as his big brother used to. We have been enjoying the weather, spending most evenings outside playing baseball in the yard or eating on the deck. What a difference the sun makes!
Cooper is sleeping pretty well - from 7pm to 5am on most nights. He's eating solids like a little piggy, just as his big brother used to. We have been enjoying the weather, spending most evenings outside playing baseball in the yard or eating on the deck. What a difference the sun makes!
Friday, April 18, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
MORE Giveaways!
The twins are at it again! 5 Minutes for Mom is hosting a two week giveaway for toys for kids of all ages! Go over and enter to win some great stuff. I'd wish you luck, but I wanna win too!
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Surprise, surprise
For some reason, I got a bug up my ass about Cooper not sleeping, so the night he turned 7 months, we took away his binky and started some serious sleep training with hand-held coaching from AZJenn. He did GREAT and it didn't take more than a few nights, which weren't so bad either! Now he's pretty much sleeping through from 7pm to 6am . . .
I feel like a NEW WOMAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I feel like a NEW WOMAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, April 03, 2008
In seven months . . .
He's won our hearts (that took seven seconds),
he's learned to sit up
he's gotten no teeth
he's begun babbling da-da and ba-ba
he's had all his first holidays
he's grown up too fast
he's never slept a full night through.
I guess 6 out of 7 ain't so bad. Happy 7 months COOP!
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Sorry for the "off-color" joke
You are all probably wondering why an infertile would play such an April Fool's joke as that. But, let us all remember . . . I am a rude New Yorker first and foremost!
AZJenn had it right . . . that was the +hpt from Cooper's donor embryo cycle. It was such a great day and my first +hpt ever, so why not recycle the picture. Hell, I should frame it!
I do apologize if I hurt anyone's feelings. The joke was really for hubby. He didn't believe it for a second, probably because he knows he hasn't "gotten any" in quite awhile, and I'm not the type that God would choose to create the 2nd immaculate conception!
AZJenn had it right . . . that was the +hpt from Cooper's donor embryo cycle. It was such a great day and my first +hpt ever, so why not recycle the picture. Hell, I should frame it!
I do apologize if I hurt anyone's feelings. The joke was really for hubby. He didn't believe it for a second, probably because he knows he hasn't "gotten any" in quite awhile, and I'm not the type that God would choose to create the 2nd immaculate conception!
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Easter
We had a blessed Easter, despite Cooper having 103 fever and possible roseola, with an ear infection along for the ride. Poor thing. He was sent home from daycare on Thursday, and since they were closed on Good Friday, by Saturday I was stir crazy with the kids. We headed to the mall to work off some steam, and I got roped into the above picture, which turned out the be the perfect Easter card for the grandparents.
On Easter sunday, we went to mass with Nonno and Nonna, and Cooper slept through the entire thing (1 1/2 hours). J* fell asleep on me just before communion, so I carried him on my shoulder to receive the eucharist. Saw some wonderful friends at mass and chatted a bit.
Then we headed home for an Easter egg hunt. This is J*'s last year where all the eggs are his, b/c watch out for Cooper next Easter!
We tried to take some family pictures, but mommy looks so tired in all of them (I even deleted the one of mommy in the post below, b/c boy did I look zombie-ish!).
After that, we went to Grandma and Grampy's for Easter dinner. My parents outdid themselves with this meal! We had a crown roast of lamb with sausage stuffing, hand made pasta with sauce, asparagus, sugar snap pea and feta salad, and a chocolate chocolate chip cake for dessert. We lazied around for most of the afternoon, and headed back home about 8pm. Both kids fell asleep on the ride home, and didn't wake up when we moved them from the car to their beds. Gotta love that!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
First-time Irish!
Not only did we celebrate our Match Day as a family, but we also got to celebrate Coop's first St. Patrick's Day! He is the only true Irish in the family, but we all pretended anyway, to make sure he had a great first holiday! We headed to Daddy's restaurant where it was a busy night, with party favors, corned beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread, and local bagpipers. Here are some pictures . . .
Monday, March 17, 2008
Four short years ago
I was at work, trying not to think about the profile that we finally submitted to our adoption agency 5 days before. I had stalled and stalled sending it, b/c I just didn;t want to be in that limbo "waiting" period of unknown length.
My cell phone rang. It was the agency but I missed the call, and there was no message. I checked the voicemail at home, and the agency said they needed me to call ASAP. I just knew this was it.
I called the agency from the staff lounge at work. There were a few other co-workers there, but only one knew what was happening. I spoke to the agency, and after peeling myself off the floor after hearing we were tentatively matched, I was on the phone with the birthmother in less than 10 minutes in my boss' office. After 15 minutes, the birthmother said she liked me, but the agency wanted her to speak to my hubby too.
Well, it was about 11am on St. Patrick's Day . . . and the manager of an Irish pub on that day is not only crazy busy, but sometimes drinking alcohol somewhat early in the day! I was going to just drive to his restaurant and surprise him with the news, but I knew I had to stop him from imbibing before the phone call to the birthmother later that afternoon. I scrambled to call hubby, and make sure he hadn't had a sip yet (he didn't), and after he peeled himself up off the floor, we made sure he could get coverage for the time of the call. Luckily his aunt lived a mile away, so we went to her house to make the call. By 4pm that day, we were matched with our son, and had corned beef and cabbage to celebrate!
We'll be back there tonight to celebrate again as we do every year. Happy Match Day my son!
My cell phone rang. It was the agency but I missed the call, and there was no message. I checked the voicemail at home, and the agency said they needed me to call ASAP. I just knew this was it.
I called the agency from the staff lounge at work. There were a few other co-workers there, but only one knew what was happening. I spoke to the agency, and after peeling myself off the floor after hearing we were tentatively matched, I was on the phone with the birthmother in less than 10 minutes in my boss' office. After 15 minutes, the birthmother said she liked me, but the agency wanted her to speak to my hubby too.
Well, it was about 11am on St. Patrick's Day . . . and the manager of an Irish pub on that day is not only crazy busy, but sometimes drinking alcohol somewhat early in the day! I was going to just drive to his restaurant and surprise him with the news, but I knew I had to stop him from imbibing before the phone call to the birthmother later that afternoon. I scrambled to call hubby, and make sure he hadn't had a sip yet (he didn't), and after he peeled himself up off the floor, we made sure he could get coverage for the time of the call. Luckily his aunt lived a mile away, so we went to her house to make the call. By 4pm that day, we were matched with our son, and had corned beef and cabbage to celebrate!
We'll be back there tonight to celebrate again as we do every year. Happy Match Day my son!
Monday, March 10, 2008
March is National Crochet Month!
Who knew?? I better get moving on some projects. Boy, between this and it being National Nutrition Month too, I'm on absolute overload!
I gotta finish this sweater that's been a WIP for 3 years!
Cabled Sweater
Also, I have 3 other things on the hook, too: A teddy bear, another cable sweater, and a cute patchwork cardigan for a girl. Someone help me get motivated!
BTW, I'm now on Ravelry too. Come see me, I'm suzzcq7o there too!
I gotta finish this sweater that's been a WIP for 3 years!
Cabled Sweater
Also, I have 3 other things on the hook, too: A teddy bear, another cable sweater, and a cute patchwork cardigan for a girl. Someone help me get motivated!
BTW, I'm now on Ravelry too. Come see me, I'm suzzcq7o there too!
Ultimate Blog Party
Join in the fun!
5 minutes for Mom is hosting the annual blog party that gets everyone buzzing!! Over 1000 blogs and 100 prizes! And look, I am #1001 . . . love that!
I am Suzzcq70, mom to two wonderfully special boys who made us a family by joining us in two very special ways. I also work full-time, while working on a PhD part-time, while crocheting and crafting in 5 minutes bursts between all the other stuff I just mentioned! My husband runs a restaurant, so at least I don't need to cook. Who has time for that! But it does mean I am home alone with the kids most nights. That's why I blog . . . to keep my sanity!
Thanks for coming by and meeting us! I'll be back to post some party pictures and get our own party started over here . . . so come back a bit later!!
Oooh, I am oogling over the prizes at the Party! My top three favorites are these beauties:
#7 Bead Dangle Photo Tile Necklace
#136 Crafty Mom's Knitting Goody Bag/Joann's Gift Card
#78 50 photo cards from PolkadotBumblebee
Also would love #9, 14, 37, 39, 55, 59 as well. Check them out here:Prizes
Party on!
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
A wonderful poem
Just when you least ecpect it, you come across something to help you heal a little. For me it is this poem I found on a new blog I am reading. It has touched me for some reason.
What Makes a Mother
Written by Jennifer Wasik
In Memory of Zachery Wasik
I thought of you and closed my eyes
And prayed to God today
I asked "What makes a Mother?"
And I know I heard Him say.
"A Mother has a baby"
This we know is true
"But God can you be a Mother,
When your baby's not with you?"
"You, you can," He replied
With Confidence in His voice
"I give many women babies,
When they leave is not their choice.
Some I send for a lifetime,
And others for the day.
And some I send to feel your womb,
But there's no need to stay."
"I just don't understand this God
I want my baby to be here."
He took a deep breath and cleared His throat,
And then I saw the tear.
"I wish I could show you,
What your child is doing today.
If you could see your child's smile,
With all the other children and say...
'We go to Earth to learn our lessons,
Of love and life and fear.
My Mommy loved me oh so much,
I got to come straight here.
I feel so lucky to have a Mom,
Who had so much love for me.
I learned my lessons very quickly,
My Mommy set me free.
I miss my Mommy oh so much,
But I visit her every day.
When she goes to sleep,
On her pillow's where I lay
I stroke her hair and kiss her cheek,
And whisper in her ear.
Mommy don't be sad today,
I'm your baby and I'm here.'
"So you see my dear sweet ones,
your children are okay.
Your babies are born here in My home,
And this is where they'll stay.
They'll wait for you with Me,
Until your lesson's through.
And on the day that you come home
they'll be at the gates for you.
So now you see what makes a Mother,
It's the feeling in your heart
it's the love you had so much of
Right from the very start.
Though some on earth may not realize, you are a Mother.
Until their time is done.
They'll be up here with Me one day
and know that you are the best one!"
What Makes a Mother
Written by Jennifer Wasik
In Memory of Zachery Wasik
I thought of you and closed my eyes
And prayed to God today
I asked "What makes a Mother?"
And I know I heard Him say.
"A Mother has a baby"
This we know is true
"But God can you be a Mother,
When your baby's not with you?"
"You, you can," He replied
With Confidence in His voice
"I give many women babies,
When they leave is not their choice.
Some I send for a lifetime,
And others for the day.
And some I send to feel your womb,
But there's no need to stay."
"I just don't understand this God
I want my baby to be here."
He took a deep breath and cleared His throat,
And then I saw the tear.
"I wish I could show you,
What your child is doing today.
If you could see your child's smile,
With all the other children and say...
'We go to Earth to learn our lessons,
Of love and life and fear.
My Mommy loved me oh so much,
I got to come straight here.
I feel so lucky to have a Mom,
Who had so much love for me.
I learned my lessons very quickly,
My Mommy set me free.
I miss my Mommy oh so much,
But I visit her every day.
When she goes to sleep,
On her pillow's where I lay
I stroke her hair and kiss her cheek,
And whisper in her ear.
Mommy don't be sad today,
I'm your baby and I'm here.'
"So you see my dear sweet ones,
your children are okay.
Your babies are born here in My home,
And this is where they'll stay.
They'll wait for you with Me,
Until your lesson's through.
And on the day that you come home
they'll be at the gates for you.
So now you see what makes a Mother,
It's the feeling in your heart
it's the love you had so much of
Right from the very start.
Though some on earth may not realize, you are a Mother.
Until their time is done.
They'll be up here with Me one day
and know that you are the best one!"
Monday, March 03, 2008
Babies abound!
Our closest friends gave birth to a leap-day son on 2/29/08! She was exactly 36 weeks, but needed to be induced b/c of pre-eclampsia. The little Kermit is 4lbs 14oz and 18 tiny inches, but he will forever be known as Cooper's best friend. You see, Cooper's daddy and Kermit's daddy were best friends at birth too, b/c their parents were friends, and so on, and so on. Their daddies' closeness is still tight . . . so much so that after getting over her surprise that Kermit wasn't a GIRL, his mom exclaimed (literally minutes after birth), "OMG, the trouble that Cooper and Kermit will get in to, just like you guys did!" Romantic, huh?
BTW, he's not really named Kermit. That's my Leap(frog)year nickname for him. I will forever be buying him frog stuff. His real name is Asher, and I can't wait to meet him today!
BTW, he's not really named Kermit. That's my Leap(frog)year nickname for him. I will forever be buying him frog stuff. His real name is Asher, and I can't wait to meet him today!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Honor your grief - 2/29/08
Calliope of Creating Motherhood has asked for the infertile blogging community to post about grief, loss and remembrance on this Leap Day. I don't come near having the grief and loss of many recently that I follow in blogland. Perinatal and neonatal loss are ones I will never experience, and I cannot imagine their hurt. But I grieve too, for a few things:
1) I grieve the loss of the biological child never born to us. I was going to say never conceived, but we did create 10 rotten embryos form the two IVF's combined, but they never made it back into me, and died in the lab. I lost hope after that second IVF. There was to be no baby that I could give my husband with our DNA. I have recently observed the clear resemblances of my friend's kids to their parents. We went to a birthday party last weekend, and I could pick out of the crowd the parents of kids I ha never even met. So I grieve that too . . . the loss of never seeing what our biological child would look like.
2) I grieve for my son, J*'s birthmother. She has had the loss of not one, but two biological children to adoption. Yes, it was her choice, but (I hope) she grieved her loss. I also grieve for J*, and the grief he will inevitably feel one day when he comprehends adoption.
3) Cooper may grieve in a similar way too one day. He is not our biological child, but I gestated him. How will he feel when he learns the truth of his origins? He may be fine with it, but I will worry until the day I know.
4) I grieve for my grandmother, that she didn't live to see me graduate high school, college, grad school, get married, know my children, and share the joy in all those events. I miss her, even though its been almost 23 years. She was my first best friend.
I wish peace to everyone else who is recognizing and honoring their grief today.
1) I grieve the loss of the biological child never born to us. I was going to say never conceived, but we did create 10 rotten embryos form the two IVF's combined, but they never made it back into me, and died in the lab. I lost hope after that second IVF. There was to be no baby that I could give my husband with our DNA. I have recently observed the clear resemblances of my friend's kids to their parents. We went to a birthday party last weekend, and I could pick out of the crowd the parents of kids I ha never even met. So I grieve that too . . . the loss of never seeing what our biological child would look like.
2) I grieve for my son, J*'s birthmother. She has had the loss of not one, but two biological children to adoption. Yes, it was her choice, but (I hope) she grieved her loss. I also grieve for J*, and the grief he will inevitably feel one day when he comprehends adoption.
3) Cooper may grieve in a similar way too one day. He is not our biological child, but I gestated him. How will he feel when he learns the truth of his origins? He may be fine with it, but I will worry until the day I know.
4) I grieve for my grandmother, that she didn't live to see me graduate high school, college, grad school, get married, know my children, and share the joy in all those events. I miss her, even though its been almost 23 years. She was my first best friend.
I wish peace to everyone else who is recognizing and honoring their grief today.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
I'm fine, really!
Sorry to worry everyone . . . I was just really tired when I wrote the last post, and it came out a bit pathetic. I'm fine! The PPD is not back . . . meds are working perfectly.Sorry to scare some of you, but thanks for caring!
So Cooper is just the perfect 6 month old! He's 16lbs, 10ozs and 26 1/4 inches . . . all 50% percentile for every measure! You'd never know he was frozen for 9 years! He got three shots and the Rotavirus oral vaccine, and maybe cried out with two whimpers. He's so good . . . he never cries unless he's hungry. He's still the fave at daycare, since he's so low maintenance.
He's rolling all over, and hitting all milestones . . . yes, except for eating solids. He's just not interested. The pedi helped me identify that Coop's not eating enough at daycare . . . he never finishes his 7 oz bottles, sometimes only taking 3 oz! So yes, he's hungry at night. I wrote out specific instrux for the daycare girls to feed only every 4 hours and stick with him until he finishes the whole thing. I hope this gets his sleeping/eating worked out.
Of course he STTN last night (9p-5a), but it was probably the effect of the shots. I'll take it!
J* is doing great BTW, he is loving his brother and is much improved with the jealousy. I just make sure he has "mommytime" as often as I can, and it really helps.
Funny J* story . . . we were in the car driving on Sunday, and I had the news radio on. The broadcaster was discussing the Democratic primaries, and named Obama and Clinton at that moment. J* says to me, "Mommy, Obama is running for president". I almost crashed the car. There are adults in this country that may not know that, and my 3 1/2 year old does! But then he said his Nonno is running too, and he is going to win. OK, he really still is 3 1/2!
So Cooper is just the perfect 6 month old! He's 16lbs, 10ozs and 26 1/4 inches . . . all 50% percentile for every measure! You'd never know he was frozen for 9 years! He got three shots and the Rotavirus oral vaccine, and maybe cried out with two whimpers. He's so good . . . he never cries unless he's hungry. He's still the fave at daycare, since he's so low maintenance.
He's rolling all over, and hitting all milestones . . . yes, except for eating solids. He's just not interested. The pedi helped me identify that Coop's not eating enough at daycare . . . he never finishes his 7 oz bottles, sometimes only taking 3 oz! So yes, he's hungry at night. I wrote out specific instrux for the daycare girls to feed only every 4 hours and stick with him until he finishes the whole thing. I hope this gets his sleeping/eating worked out.
Of course he STTN last night (9p-5a), but it was probably the effect of the shots. I'll take it!
J* is doing great BTW, he is loving his brother and is much improved with the jealousy. I just make sure he has "mommytime" as often as I can, and it really helps.
Funny J* story . . . we were in the car driving on Sunday, and I had the news radio on. The broadcaster was discussing the Democratic primaries, and named Obama and Clinton at that moment. J* says to me, "Mommy, Obama is running for president". I almost crashed the car. There are adults in this country that may not know that, and my 3 1/2 year old does! But then he said his Nonno is running too, and he is going to win. OK, he really still is 3 1/2!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Hanging by a thread
I'm tired. Just really tired right now. Cooper is back to eating 1-2 times a night! He will not eat solids at all, so he's probably a bit hungry. CIO didn't work, as we need to sleep, and he'll cry for 2-3 hours! after 2 weeks, we realized it wasn't the solution for us. And its been waking up J* too, which where I drew the line. Coop has his 6-month check-up tomorrow, so hopefully the pedi can give us more guidance.
I'm over extended in every other area of my life too. The doctoral class I'm taking is a lot of time/work this semester, but at least it will be over 4/14. Work is busy. Commuting has been hell . . . no matter the weather, it has been taking me 2 hours to go 30 miles!
Hubby fired his assistant manager last week, so he has been working even more than usual! We barely see each other, and when we do, we are cranky and snippy to each other. We need a vacation. I'm going to talk to my parents and see if they'll stay with the kids at our house for 5 days or so. I need a beach and cool cocktail.
Sigh. I just like I am barely getting through the days. Where is the joy? Who's hiding it, you?
I'm over extended in every other area of my life too. The doctoral class I'm taking is a lot of time/work this semester, but at least it will be over 4/14. Work is busy. Commuting has been hell . . . no matter the weather, it has been taking me 2 hours to go 30 miles!
Hubby fired his assistant manager last week, so he has been working even more than usual! We barely see each other, and when we do, we are cranky and snippy to each other. We need a vacation. I'm going to talk to my parents and see if they'll stay with the kids at our house for 5 days or so. I need a beach and cool cocktail.
Sigh. I just like I am barely getting through the days. Where is the joy? Who's hiding it, you?
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
20 years ago
. . . I graduated high school. Holy. Effing. Crap. Reunion is in 3 weeks. Why does the post-partum hair loss have to hit now? Unfair. Really unfair.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
to bring you back up to speed with us . . .
I've been having way too much fun with all these blogging giveways, tags, and funny quizzes, and in doing so, I have neglected reporting on us! So here's the quick and dirty:
- after 9 days of CIO, J* went to sleep by himself without crying for three days straight. He got a Star Wars action figure for each time. Since then, he has cried every single night for the last 16 nights. It is getting shorter and shorter, but slowly. I am sticking to my guns. At least he sleeps through the night once asleep, except for the occasional night waking.
- We started Cooper on CIO last night. He slept through the night 10 hours a week or so ago, and 8 straight hours another few nights. He has been waking for a few ounces at night, so its time to stop that. Thanks to AZJenn for the hand-holding during all this! Cooper woke twice last night, the first time he cried for 35 minutes, the second time for about 25 minutes. It was really hard, especially with DH asking me if he should go in, why don't I go in, can't we at least give him the binky, yada, yada. See, I told you he was a wuss!
- Cooper was eating cereal a couple weeks back, but now refuses it and if I try to get it in his mouth, he sort of gags. I never had a tough time feeding J*, so this is strange. Will let him lead on this.
- Coop is now rolling over well, and starting to form sounds. He does a litte "brrr" and a "vuv". Its so darn cute!
-J* is smart as a whip, its almost scary. One night he was running around like crazy, and I said I didn't like him to do that. His response? "Well, mommy, that's not my understanding." WHAAAAAATT!!!! This kid is hysterical!
-My spring semester has started, so I will be busy with a class until April. Bear with me until then . . . I will be "off" of school through the summer, yeah!
If I think of anything else, I'll come back to edit. Time for lunch!
- after 9 days of CIO, J* went to sleep by himself without crying for three days straight. He got a Star Wars action figure for each time. Since then, he has cried every single night for the last 16 nights. It is getting shorter and shorter, but slowly. I am sticking to my guns. At least he sleeps through the night once asleep, except for the occasional night waking.
- We started Cooper on CIO last night. He slept through the night 10 hours a week or so ago, and 8 straight hours another few nights. He has been waking for a few ounces at night, so its time to stop that. Thanks to AZJenn for the hand-holding during all this! Cooper woke twice last night, the first time he cried for 35 minutes, the second time for about 25 minutes. It was really hard, especially with DH asking me if he should go in, why don't I go in, can't we at least give him the binky, yada, yada. See, I told you he was a wuss!
- Cooper was eating cereal a couple weeks back, but now refuses it and if I try to get it in his mouth, he sort of gags. I never had a tough time feeding J*, so this is strange. Will let him lead on this.
- Coop is now rolling over well, and starting to form sounds. He does a litte "brrr" and a "vuv". Its so darn cute!
-J* is smart as a whip, its almost scary. One night he was running around like crazy, and I said I didn't like him to do that. His response? "Well, mommy, that's not my understanding." WHAAAAAATT!!!! This kid is hysterical!
-My spring semester has started, so I will be busy with a class until April. Bear with me until then . . . I will be "off" of school through the summer, yeah!
If I think of anything else, I'll come back to edit. Time for lunch!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Seven Random Facts Meme
Tagged by my buddy Jen at Cead Mile Failte!
~Link to the person that tagged you and leave a comment on their blog, so that their readers can visit yours.
~Post the rules on your blog.
~Share 7 random facts about yourself on your blog.
~Tag 7 random people at the bottom of your post, linking to their blog.
~Let each person know by leaving a comment on their blog.
OK, here goes . . .
1. I don't like pasta with fish (think clam sauce, shrimp scampi, etc). I can eat pasta with marinara and separate fish in the same meal, just not when the flavors meld. Yuck.
2. I combine plain yogurt with flavored yogurt to make it 1/2 more healthy. I also combine decaf with regular coffee, so I can have double the cups with less caffeine.
3. I don't get manicures . . .I can't stand when other people do my nails.
4. I have straight A's in my doctoral program so far (just jinxed myself).
5. It takes me 40 minutes to drive to work, but about 1 1/2 hours to get home b/c of traffic.
6. I've been to over 30 Grateful Dead concerts when Jerry was alive. I don't follow the new band.
7. I have a tattoo of a Grateful Dead dancing bare on my right ankle, and my belly button is pierced.
I tag anyone who wants to play!
~Link to the person that tagged you and leave a comment on their blog, so that their readers can visit yours.
~Post the rules on your blog.
~Share 7 random facts about yourself on your blog.
~Tag 7 random people at the bottom of your post, linking to their blog.
~Let each person know by leaving a comment on their blog.
OK, here goes . . .
1. I don't like pasta with fish (think clam sauce, shrimp scampi, etc). I can eat pasta with marinara and separate fish in the same meal, just not when the flavors meld. Yuck.
2. I combine plain yogurt with flavored yogurt to make it 1/2 more healthy. I also combine decaf with regular coffee, so I can have double the cups with less caffeine.
3. I don't get manicures . . .I can't stand when other people do my nails.
4. I have straight A's in my doctoral program so far (just jinxed myself).
5. It takes me 40 minutes to drive to work, but about 1 1/2 hours to get home b/c of traffic.
6. I've been to over 30 Grateful Dead concerts when Jerry was alive. I don't follow the new band.
7. I have a tattoo of a Grateful Dead dancing bare on my right ankle, and my belly button is pierced.
I tag anyone who wants to play!
Friday, February 08, 2008
One world, one heart giveaway
HEY NOW! We have a WINNER! Random.org picked number 22, who is beachgrl! She commented "I love crystals and the heart is so pretty and sparkly! My favorite heart is an antique heart locket I bought years ago. I have my two children when they were young inside the locket." Thanks to everyone for playing!
If anyone is interested in purchasing a heart for the cost of materials and shipping, just contact me!
How cool is this? I love these giveaway carnivals, so I just have to join in the fun! And considering I collect hearts, this is perfect for me.
ANYONE can Play! EVEN IF you are not participating with a giveaway you can still ENTER to win on the various blogs. The point is to find new blogs, meet new people. Just Click on the comment tab below, leave link to your blog if you have one and tell me what is your favorite heart item you currently own! Comments will close at 11:59pm on Feb 13th, and the winner will be announced Feb 14th! You must have a blog to enter.
What am I giving away?
I just started beading - literally two days ago . . . because I saw these hearts for sale, and refused to pay for something I could make myself. And I did! I am giving away my very first beaded project . . . a puffy heart made from Swarovski crystals!
Please surf over to the main giveaway page here to see all the other giveaways, and make some new blogging friends!
If anyone is interested in purchasing a heart for the cost of materials and shipping, just contact me!
How cool is this? I love these giveaway carnivals, so I just have to join in the fun! And considering I collect hearts, this is perfect for me.
ANYONE can Play! EVEN IF you are not participating with a giveaway you can still ENTER to win on the various blogs. The point is to find new blogs, meet new people. Just Click on the comment tab below, leave link to your blog if you have one and tell me what is your favorite heart item you currently own! Comments will close at 11:59pm on Feb 13th, and the winner will be announced Feb 14th! You must have a blog to enter.
What am I giving away?
I just started beading - literally two days ago . . . because I saw these hearts for sale, and refused to pay for something I could make myself. And I did! I am giving away my very first beaded project . . . a puffy heart made from Swarovski crystals!
Please surf over to the main giveaway page here to see all the other giveaways, and make some new blogging friends!
Is this stating the obvious?
| You Are Fairly Normal |
 You scored 55% normal on this quiz Like most people you are normal in some ways... But you aren't a completely normal person. You're a little weird too! Why You Are Normal: You think fishnet stockings are trashy You find the Macarena to be the more embarrassing dance You think glasses can make someone more attractive You prefer fiction to non fiction If you had to, you rather live without music and still have laughter Why You Aren't Normal: You'd rather have cockroaches than rats in your home You would rather be tan than pale You would not eat meat from a cloned animal When you're in a car, you prefer to be the passenger You know a little about many subjects |
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Tuesday Toot!
As I lay trying to fall asleep last night, how much I accomplished by myself during the evening. I got both kids to bed by 8:15pm, and was able to prepare Cooper's bottles for today's daycare, unpack yesterday's daycare clothes and bottles, put away recently unused toys in the cabinet where J* can't get them without help, clean up toy cars strewn across the playroom, pick out my work clothes for the next day, and set up the coffee maker for this morning.
Considering we got home at 7:30pm and I went to sleep at 9:30, I think it was a lot accomplished. TOOT TOOT!
**Anyone new to this blog needs to know that just getting my toddler to sleep would take at least 1 1/2 hours before our recent sleep training, so that alone is a big accomplishment. Tooting again!
The Generosity Never Stops
I am so impressed by all these bloggers and internet boutique stores that give away adorable things to other bloggers. I know its great advertising for them, but its still so NICE, don't you think?
Living a Mom's Life is giving away a monogrammed sweater here:
Go check it out!
Living a Mom's Life is giving away a monogrammed sweater here:
Go check it out!
Monday, February 04, 2008
I've been tagged by Ali!
My first Blog-tag. Yeah!
Here are the rules:
1. You have to post the rules before you give your answers.
2. You must list one fact about yourself beginning with each letter of your middle name. (If you don't have a middle name, use your maiden name).
3. After you are tagged, you need to update your blog with your middle name and your answers.
4. At the end of your blog post, you need to tag one person for each letter of your middle name.
(Be sure to leave them a comment telling them they've been tagged and that they need to read your blog for details.)
Oh, the agony of a long middle name! ELIZABETH . . .
E: energetic in personality, not physically these days unfortunately!
L: LOUD! Just ask any fellow patron in a restaurant.
I: interesting, I hope. If not, then screw you.
Z: Zealot about nutrition, a good night's sleep, exercise, etc (defined at Dictionary.com as: n. Enthusiastic devotion to a cause, ideal, or goal and tireless diligence in its furtherance. See Synonyms at passion).
A: alcholic, well almost these days
B: Blogger!
E: easy-going. No, I didn't say EASY (that was in the good 'ol days)
T: timely . . . I hate being late and I hate waiting for late people!
H: happy, yes really!
Well, it says I have to tag 9 people, but I don;t think I even know 9 people who blog. So I tag AZJenn, Jen (Mad's Mommy), CariP, Holly (either on your blog or in a comment here), DivaMomVicki, Jen (meddlingkidd), and Katie, Wanda, all other cycle buddies . . . I will post on our board.
Here are the rules:
1. You have to post the rules before you give your answers.
2. You must list one fact about yourself beginning with each letter of your middle name. (If you don't have a middle name, use your maiden name).
3. After you are tagged, you need to update your blog with your middle name and your answers.
4. At the end of your blog post, you need to tag one person for each letter of your middle name.
(Be sure to leave them a comment telling them they've been tagged and that they need to read your blog for details.)
Oh, the agony of a long middle name! ELIZABETH . . .
E: energetic in personality, not physically these days unfortunately!
L: LOUD! Just ask any fellow patron in a restaurant.
I: interesting, I hope. If not, then screw you.
Z: Zealot about nutrition, a good night's sleep, exercise, etc (defined at Dictionary.com as: n. Enthusiastic devotion to a cause, ideal, or goal and tireless diligence in its furtherance. See Synonyms at passion).
A: alcholic, well almost these days
B: Blogger!
E: easy-going. No, I didn't say EASY (that was in the good 'ol days)
T: timely . . . I hate being late and I hate waiting for late people!
H: happy, yes really!
Well, it says I have to tag 9 people, but I don;t think I even know 9 people who blog. So I tag AZJenn, Jen (Mad's Mommy), CariP, Holly (either on your blog or in a comment here), DivaMomVicki, Jen (meddlingkidd), and Katie, Wanda, all other cycle buddies . . . I will post on our board.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Another winner!
Thank you to all my contestants! We had 93 entries, but only 65 of you answered my question about adoption, so I chose a winner from among those comments. I truly enjoyed reading each and every one of your responses, and seeing that adoption is so widespread! But only one person mentioned they knew of embryo adoption, which I hope now you all know something about!
I love to crochet and do other crafts like needlepoint and such, and it was wonderful to be able to show my work and get such positive feedback. This was sooooo much fun . . . I have decided to giveway handmade things every month! So everyone please stop by my blog the last week of each month to enter to win something handmade by me!
Drumroll please . . . . Mommyofmany at http://theferrillclan.blogspot.com/ is my second winner! She wins the handmade crochet baby sweater.
She wrote: "My hubby's brother & his wife recently adopted two special needs children from China. They've been so good to allow us to live the process with them through their blog! Thanks for the beautiful giveaway!"
I love to crochet and do other crafts like needlepoint and such, and it was wonderful to be able to show my work and get such positive feedback. This was sooooo much fun . . . I have decided to giveway handmade things every month! So everyone please stop by my blog the last week of each month to enter to win something handmade by me!
Drumroll please . . . . Mommyofmany at http://theferrillclan.blogspot.com/ is my second winner! She wins the handmade crochet baby sweater.
She wrote: "My hubby's brother & his wife recently adopted two special needs children from China. They've been so good to allow us to live the process with them through their blog! Thanks for the beautiful giveaway!"
Friday, February 01, 2008
Winner #1!
The winner of the Keepsake Baby Boy set is nor_lou at Silly Mom to 2 Silly Girls!. I have emailed the winner, so please reply within 48 hours, or I will choose another winner!
Congratulations to the winner! Thanks for playing everyone!
Congratulations to the winner! Thanks for playing everyone!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Works for Me Wednesday
What to do with all that extra bread leftover when you buy fresh crusty bread loaves for dinner or company? Well, in my house its mostly eaten, but if its not, and I like it, I cut it into big enough pieces for sandwiches or pizza (french-bread style) and freeze it in ziplock bags.
If its not a bread I care for (I prefer whole grains, but you knew that already), we store it in a brown bag until it gets hard, and make bread crumbs with it. Well, actually we give it to my aunt who takes everyone's bread, makes the crumbs, and gives some back. Who has time to grate bread?? WORKS FOR ME!
Head over to Rocks in My Dryer to learn some other useful tips!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Who do you look like?
One of the bloggers involved in the Bloggy Giveaway Carnival is asking who have you been told you look like?
I hear it all the time . . . I'm Sandra Bullock. I just don't see it, but you can be the judge.
Tell me, who do you look like?
I hear it all the time . . . I'm Sandra Bullock. I just don't see it, but you can be the judge.
Tell me, who do you look like?
Giveaway #2!!!!
Since many posters on my other giveaway below mentioned they would like one for girls, I am offering up a handmade crochet baby sweater made by l'il old me! I sold a few of these at our local Women's Exchange a few years back for $35 each. I never got this one over to them, so I am offering it to one lucky blog reader! That's why it still has the tag on it.
It's baby green, so it could be gender neutral, but I think the style is a bit more feminine. In order to win, check around my blog and then come back and share how you have personally been touched by adoption (do you know someone who has adopted, was adopted, is thinking about adoption, etc). If you have never been touched by adoption, tell me that reading my blog has now made you "touched by adoption"!
Comments will be open until Sat Feb 2nd at 11:59pm, and I will randomly draw a winner Sunday morning. Good luck! And please, no double comments.
And be sure to check out all the other wonderful giveaways at the Bloggy Giveaway Carnival's main site! Just click on the pink button below . . .
Monday, January 28, 2008
GIVEAWAY Time!
Yahoo . . . its the Bloggy GiveAways Carnival!
I'll be giving away this adorable Baby Boy Keepsake Gift Set. It has a ceramic My First Piggybank, My First Tooth ceramic box, and a My First Curl ceramic box. We have one for each of the boys, and we love it! If you're a sentimental mommy like me, enter by posting a comment to this blog, and you'll be in the drawing. Entries must be submitted by Friday (Feb 1st) at midnight, and a winner will be randomly selected!
And please click the pink button at the top of this post to check out all the other giveaways going on this week.
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. THANKS!
I'll be giving away this adorable Baby Boy Keepsake Gift Set. It has a ceramic My First Piggybank, My First Tooth ceramic box, and a My First Curl ceramic box. We have one for each of the boys, and we love it! If you're a sentimental mommy like me, enter by posting a comment to this blog, and you'll be in the drawing. Entries must be submitted by Friday (Feb 1st) at midnight, and a winner will be randomly selected!
And please click the pink button at the top of this post to check out all the other giveaways going on this week.
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. THANKS!
One step forward, two steps back . . .
. . . gets us nowhere, right?
Saturday night was a dream come true. J* did not cry when I left his room after say8ing goodnight, and he fell asleep on his own. He even slept all night. Overjoyed, we kept telling him all day Sunday what a great job he did, blah, blah. Hubby went out and got him another Star Wars action figure we'd been promising. J* mentioned several times yesterday that "when I sleep by myself again, I want Yoda". I thought he was finally getting it.
So, you are probably surmising that last night was not bliss. He cried when I left him, and went on like that for 20 minutes. I came back, settled him down, and left again. This time, HE DIDN'T cry, and fell asleep on his own!
But . . . he woke in the night. So progress in one area and regression in another. Feels like we're standing still. But I will say, at least getting a few moments alone to myself in the evening is well worth it.
On to the baby brother . . . I spoke with AZJenn at length about sleep-training the baby. All of a sudden, we've realized he's developed a pattern over the past several weeks. He's tired in the evening, so I put him down around 7pm give or take, but he'll wake at 9pm for a feeding. Goes right back to sleep, then wakes at 2am to eat, and again at 5 or 5:30am. He'll be five months on Sunday. Time to sleep train. We're planning our strategy now, and hopefully start soon. I tried to let him CIO during the middle of the night feeding on Saturday (woke at 1am for some reason), but when he woke again at 3am, I was too tired to keep it up.
Any suggestions are welcome!
Saturday night was a dream come true. J* did not cry when I left his room after say8ing goodnight, and he fell asleep on his own. He even slept all night. Overjoyed, we kept telling him all day Sunday what a great job he did, blah, blah. Hubby went out and got him another Star Wars action figure we'd been promising. J* mentioned several times yesterday that "when I sleep by myself again, I want Yoda". I thought he was finally getting it.
So, you are probably surmising that last night was not bliss. He cried when I left him, and went on like that for 20 minutes. I came back, settled him down, and left again. This time, HE DIDN'T cry, and fell asleep on his own!
But . . . he woke in the night. So progress in one area and regression in another. Feels like we're standing still. But I will say, at least getting a few moments alone to myself in the evening is well worth it.
On to the baby brother . . . I spoke with AZJenn at length about sleep-training the baby. All of a sudden, we've realized he's developed a pattern over the past several weeks. He's tired in the evening, so I put him down around 7pm give or take, but he'll wake at 9pm for a feeding. Goes right back to sleep, then wakes at 2am to eat, and again at 5 or 5:30am. He'll be five months on Sunday. Time to sleep train. We're planning our strategy now, and hopefully start soon. I tried to let him CIO during the middle of the night feeding on Saturday (woke at 1am for some reason), but when he woke again at 3am, I was too tired to keep it up.
Any suggestions are welcome!
Friday, January 25, 2008
Finally Friday
Wow, its only been a 4-day workweek with the MLK holiday this past Monday, but I am just so exhausted. Thankfully, Friday is here!
Update on the sleep training . . . J* does well some nights with sleeping all night. Last night and the night before he has called for me, and like the sucker I am, I go and lay with him for a bit. As for the "going-to-sleep-by-himself" effort, he will still cry until I go back in, but it was down to twice last night that I had to go in, and he fell asleep after that. I don't love this method, but I'll give it another week. It just seems that he screams/cries for awhile, which tires him out, and that is why he falls asleep . . . not b/c he's learning anything, KWIM? What do you guys think?
Cooper has his first sickies . . . he has a cough and a bit of a fever this week. Croup was going around daycare, so hopefully it will not turn into that. He has such a sad little cough, and the sneezes! Oh, poor thing. But when he's awake, he's pretty happy, so it looks like it doesn't bother him.
I have given Coop oatmeal and applesauce a few times each. I just bought green beans and carrots, but more just to have them for when we're ready. He doesn't eat much of either the cereal or the apples, so I'll stick to that for awhile.
He goes down about 7-7:30pm, but wakes to eat about 2am, then again at 5:30am. Please send STTN thoughts, please! Mommy and Daddy need real sleep!
As for me, my next doctoral class starts 2/5, so I am enjoying the "time off" by doing a little crocheting, joining Facebook (cool!), and doing a little consultant work for extra cash. $2400 a month in daycare costs are really putting us in the hole!
Well, here's a pic for Foto Friday! Cooper at 20 weeks this past Monday, giving his "tough-guy" look:
Update on the sleep training . . . J* does well some nights with sleeping all night. Last night and the night before he has called for me, and like the sucker I am, I go and lay with him for a bit. As for the "going-to-sleep-by-himself" effort, he will still cry until I go back in, but it was down to twice last night that I had to go in, and he fell asleep after that. I don't love this method, but I'll give it another week. It just seems that he screams/cries for awhile, which tires him out, and that is why he falls asleep . . . not b/c he's learning anything, KWIM? What do you guys think?
Cooper has his first sickies . . . he has a cough and a bit of a fever this week. Croup was going around daycare, so hopefully it will not turn into that. He has such a sad little cough, and the sneezes! Oh, poor thing. But when he's awake, he's pretty happy, so it looks like it doesn't bother him.
I have given Coop oatmeal and applesauce a few times each. I just bought green beans and carrots, but more just to have them for when we're ready. He doesn't eat much of either the cereal or the apples, so I'll stick to that for awhile.
He goes down about 7-7:30pm, but wakes to eat about 2am, then again at 5:30am. Please send STTN thoughts, please! Mommy and Daddy need real sleep!
As for me, my next doctoral class starts 2/5, so I am enjoying the "time off" by doing a little crocheting, joining Facebook (cool!), and doing a little consultant work for extra cash. $2400 a month in daycare costs are really putting us in the hole!
Well, here's a pic for Foto Friday! Cooper at 20 weeks this past Monday, giving his "tough-guy" look:
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
I almost gave up.
Really. I almost did. Saturday night was lousy. J* had the fever and I just couldn't let him scream, so I laid down with him. He fell asleep OK with me there, but woke several times during the night. Yes, I stayed with him, um, you know, b/c of the fever.
Sunday night, we were at the inlaws late watching the Giants game, and he fell asleep in the car on the way home, and stayed asleep when I carried him in, so that night doesn't count.
Last night, I almost bagged it b/c I was alone again, and Cooper was cranky and had a cough. I thought Cooper was asleep at 8pm and went to read J* his night time stories, but Coop kept waking. I kept leaving J* in his bed to tend to Cooper, and J* did the standard crying he did when I started this whole CIO thing. I unintentionally let him cry for 30 while feeding Cooper, so when I went back up to check on him, he was ready to sleep. I sat for a minute while he stopped crying, and I said I'd be back when Cooper was done, but . . . he fell asleep!
I was in Cooper's room holding him and rocking in the glider as he fell asleep in my arms. I realized this was the first time I rocked him in that glider since he was BORN! I am so consumed with J* at night, that hubby has put Cooper down almost every night. I've never even had the CHANCE to rock Cooper. Here he is, now 4 1/2 months . . . my last baby . . . and I just held him for so long watching him sleep in my arms.
J* needs to sleep on his own for his own good. Its time. I need him to, so I don;t go mad. And Cooper needs him to also, so he can be a baby and be rocked by Mommy.
So, I didn't give up after all. My boys both need attention, and they both will get it.
Sunday night, we were at the inlaws late watching the Giants game, and he fell asleep in the car on the way home, and stayed asleep when I carried him in, so that night doesn't count.
Last night, I almost bagged it b/c I was alone again, and Cooper was cranky and had a cough. I thought Cooper was asleep at 8pm and went to read J* his night time stories, but Coop kept waking. I kept leaving J* in his bed to tend to Cooper, and J* did the standard crying he did when I started this whole CIO thing. I unintentionally let him cry for 30 while feeding Cooper, so when I went back up to check on him, he was ready to sleep. I sat for a minute while he stopped crying, and I said I'd be back when Cooper was done, but . . . he fell asleep!
I was in Cooper's room holding him and rocking in the glider as he fell asleep in my arms. I realized this was the first time I rocked him in that glider since he was BORN! I am so consumed with J* at night, that hubby has put Cooper down almost every night. I've never even had the CHANCE to rock Cooper. Here he is, now 4 1/2 months . . . my last baby . . . and I just held him for so long watching him sleep in my arms.
J* needs to sleep on his own for his own good. Its time. I need him to, so I don;t go mad. And Cooper needs him to also, so he can be a baby and be rocked by Mommy.
So, I didn't give up after all. My boys both need attention, and they both will get it.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
In case you're keeping score . . .
After night 3, it is: Parents = 2, Kid = 1.
No, not a great night. Of course not. I was home alone! We went up to his room a little before 8pm to read. As soon as I went to turn out the light, he started screaming he was scared. I told him I loved him, kissed him and left (with the light on). He screamed for an hour! In between crying, "I want my mommy", he would throw in a "bad mommy, bad!". Oh, he knows just how to hurt me! I went in every 15 minutes to calm him down but it didn;t work.
After that hour, I went in and lied down next to him. He calmed down and fell asleep in 3 minutes. I guess an hour of hysterics is quite exhausting.
I thought it wasn't so bad, since the first two nights were "easy", I figured we'd have tough times too. But this morning he woke up with 102.8 fever. So I lose. Yep . . . bad mommy. Sigh.
No, not a great night. Of course not. I was home alone! We went up to his room a little before 8pm to read. As soon as I went to turn out the light, he started screaming he was scared. I told him I loved him, kissed him and left (with the light on). He screamed for an hour! In between crying, "I want my mommy", he would throw in a "bad mommy, bad!". Oh, he knows just how to hurt me! I went in every 15 minutes to calm him down but it didn;t work.
After that hour, I went in and lied down next to him. He calmed down and fell asleep in 3 minutes. I guess an hour of hysterics is quite exhausting.
I thought it wasn't so bad, since the first two nights were "easy", I figured we'd have tough times too. But this morning he woke up with 102.8 fever. So I lose. Yep . . . bad mommy. Sigh.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Are we on to something?
Night 2 went, um, well! We read our three books, he hemmed and hawed about more, then said he was thirsty, etc, etc. I stood my ground, said good night, and left at 8:34. He cried and screamed. I went in at 8:45 and settled him down for 2 minutes. I left again. Not a peep after that, so at 9pm I checked on him. He was still awake, but not crying. I kissed him again, and left. Its now the next morning!!
The real test will be tonight, with hubby not here for support. Wish me luck, puhlease!
The real test will be tonight, with hubby not here for support. Wish me luck, puhlease!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
In the midst of it
Those of you against CIO. . . stop reading here!
Right now, J* is upstairs in his room SCREAMING. Tonight is the night we start "Big Boy sleep". I just can't go on as before.
I'm going to have a second glass of wine and go back in for him in 5 minutes, then 1o minutes. This hurts me.
I'll keep you posted.
Update: Been back three times, and he is quiet at the moment. Fingers crossed!
Second update: Hubby went in the fourth time and almost ruined everything! He is such a wuss! I stayed for 10 minutes while J* settled down. I then kissed him again and said I'd be back. That was 20 minutes ago, and all is quiet. I am heading to bed. Wish us luck!
Next day update: He fell asleep after that and slept the night! Day two coming up tonight. I may switch to vodka!
Right now, J* is upstairs in his room SCREAMING. Tonight is the night we start "Big Boy sleep". I just can't go on as before.
I'm going to have a second glass of wine and go back in for him in 5 minutes, then 1o minutes. This hurts me.
I'll keep you posted.
Update: Been back three times, and he is quiet at the moment. Fingers crossed!
Second update: Hubby went in the fourth time and almost ruined everything! He is such a wuss! I stayed for 10 minutes while J* settled down. I then kissed him again and said I'd be back. That was 20 minutes ago, and all is quiet. I am heading to bed. Wish us luck!
Next day update: He fell asleep after that and slept the night! Day two coming up tonight. I may switch to vodka!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
a new Christian Soldier!
Cooper was baptized this past Sunday! What a beautiful day, surrounded by family and friends, good food and wine, and a Giants win! Actually just kidding on the last part, as I couldn't care less about football, but hubby and FIL are very happy.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
4-month check-up . . . grow, baby, grow!
Length: 25.5 inches
Weight: 15lbs 2 oz
50% percentile for weight and 75% for height. He is yummy chubs, and really filling out nicely! Other than a little facial eczema, he's doing beautifully, and laughing/squealing up a storm. Until the shots, that is. Poor baby, had achy thighs and a fever yesterday. Hopefully its all forgotten.
Weight: 15lbs 2 oz
50% percentile for weight and 75% for height. He is yummy chubs, and really filling out nicely! Other than a little facial eczema, he's doing beautifully, and laughing/squealing up a storm. Until the shots, that is. Poor baby, had achy thighs and a fever yesterday. Hopefully its all forgotten.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Guess I'll have to write a book
After my first "real" conversation I had with big brother last week, I started to really contemplate how to discuss both adoptions with my children. It ain't easy. There's so much to say, but you can't say it all at once . . . for now it needs to be simple, and told over and over again, by both of us.
We have the book, The Day We Met You by Phoebe Koehler.
Its a simple paperback that has served us well for the past 2 years. J* knows its the book about him, and he can recite it as I read it with him. I took a sharpie and tailored a few pages to him, adding his name, etc. But I think he needs more depth to the story now. That's why I mentioned his birthmother's name last week.
We have Tell me again about the night I was born by Jamie Lee Curtis, and we've started reading this together. Its amazing how exactly this story fits our own, since he was born in the night, and we did get the call that woke us up (well me, anyway). We were so nervous on that plane ride down, and guarded that baby with our lives on the trip up.
Adoption books have come along way, and I'm sure there are other great ones for me and J* to read. But what about Cooper? What do I read to him?
I did and Amazon search, and found some egg donor books that are quite sweet, and even one I can take my tested Sharpie too, and create a make shift one for Cooper too. But, my kids deserve more than make-shift, ya know?
Guess I'm saying stay tuned. Embryo adoption storybook to come!
We have the book, The Day We Met You by Phoebe Koehler.
Its a simple paperback that has served us well for the past 2 years. J* knows its the book about him, and he can recite it as I read it with him. I took a sharpie and tailored a few pages to him, adding his name, etc. But I think he needs more depth to the story now. That's why I mentioned his birthmother's name last week.
We have Tell me again about the night I was born by Jamie Lee Curtis, and we've started reading this together. Its amazing how exactly this story fits our own, since he was born in the night, and we did get the call that woke us up (well me, anyway). We were so nervous on that plane ride down, and guarded that baby with our lives on the trip up.
Adoption books have come along way, and I'm sure there are other great ones for me and J* to read. But what about Cooper? What do I read to him?
I did and Amazon search, and found some egg donor books that are quite sweet, and even one I can take my tested Sharpie too, and create a make shift one for Cooper too. But, my kids deserve more than make-shift, ya know?
Guess I'm saying stay tuned. Embryo adoption storybook to come!
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Has it really been 4 months?
Cooper was born 4 months ago. Wow. It doesn't seem that long ago, yet at the same time it feels like he's been in our family forever. Its amazing how much I love that kid. And my other kid. WOW. I have two kids. Two boys. I never knew I had this much love in my heart to give.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
The first "real" conversation
J: when is Cooper going to be a big brother like me?
ME: Cooper's never going to be a big brother. He'll always be the baby brother and you'll always be the big brother.
J: Why?
ME: Because mommy and daddy aren't going to have anymore babies.
J:Why?
ME: Because mommy and daddy have enough babies. Don't you think we have enough babies?
J: No, we need more. Can we get more?
ME: No, we got the two babies we wanted most already. You and your brother!
J: from where mommy?
ME: Well . . . . a very special lady in Florida named M* made you in her tummy and then gave you to Mommy in Daddy.
J: My Florida? Where I was born, right?
ME: Yes. And do you know E* and E*'s mommy? She made Cooper and then gave him to us, and the doctors put him in my tummy to be born.
J: Wow, I didn't know that! Can I have some grapes?
ME: Cooper's never going to be a big brother. He'll always be the baby brother and you'll always be the big brother.
J: Why?
ME: Because mommy and daddy aren't going to have anymore babies.
J:Why?
ME: Because mommy and daddy have enough babies. Don't you think we have enough babies?
J: No, we need more. Can we get more?
ME: No, we got the two babies we wanted most already. You and your brother!
J: from where mommy?
ME: Well . . . . a very special lady in Florida named M* made you in her tummy and then gave you to Mommy in Daddy.
J: My Florida? Where I was born, right?
ME: Yes. And do you know E* and E*'s mommy? She made Cooper and then gave him to us, and the doctors put him in my tummy to be born.
J: Wow, I didn't know that! Can I have some grapes?
Sunday, December 23, 2007
The mind of a preschooler
Big Brother wakes my hubby saying, "Daddy, Daddy, Cooper's crying! I tried to fix him but it didn't work!"
And when you tell him "no" about something, he replies, "Well, I'm not gonna be your best friend", or the ever popular, "you can't be on my team!".
Fun stuff.
And when you tell him "no" about something, he replies, "Well, I'm not gonna be your best friend", or the ever popular, "you can't be on my team!".
Fun stuff.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Now back to my regularly scheduled whining . . .
Ahhhhh, free from schoolwork for over a month! What in the world will I do with all the free time?? Clean, I guess. The house is a mess. We are just drowning in stuff. And come here to whine of course!
So, when will my 15-week old sleep through the night?? Please, oh please let it be soon. I was slapping myself in the face yesterday driving home from work to stay awake. I was so tired, I didn't even notice I was out of gas until I had 5 miles left on the indicator. Not fun.
Poor Cooper, he has a cough that is waking him up at night, so I feel badly for him, but bad for me too. I am sooooo tired. At least my anxiety and depression lifted weeks ago after the medication has saturated my body. Bad feelings are gone, and I am truly enjoying the boys. Christmas will be a blast!
So, when will my 15-week old sleep through the night?? Please, oh please let it be soon. I was slapping myself in the face yesterday driving home from work to stay awake. I was so tired, I didn't even notice I was out of gas until I had 5 miles left on the indicator. Not fun.
Poor Cooper, he has a cough that is waking him up at night, so I feel badly for him, but bad for me too. I am sooooo tired. At least my anxiety and depression lifted weeks ago after the medication has saturated my body. Bad feelings are gone, and I am truly enjoying the boys. Christmas will be a blast!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
I'm done!
I am finally done with the semester! My presentation went well on Friday morning, and I used the momentum to work on my paper for 2 mor ehours, and got it finished. It is not a paper I am proud of . . . which feels weird to me. I am so anal about schoolwork. But, its time to break the straight A average and get on with life, right?
Speaking of life, the sickies are back at our house. Jax has a double ear infection with fever and Cooper has a cough and runny nose. It is going to be a loooooooonnnnnggggg winter of sickness around here, I can feel it.
Well, I am ready to start celebrating the holidays! My tree is done, the Christmas cards are out, and I hope to ship my Christmas Cookie Exchange packages today! Its snowing outside, and I think I will wrap more presents today, and do some Christmas crafts. I love Christmas!!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Full-Blown Panic Mode
I am in the crunch . . . final presentation for my paper is tomorrow morning. Final paper due Sunday night. J* had a fever at daycare yesterday so he had to stay home today. Coop got shots yesterday, and has a fever too. Hubby stayed home with J*, but Coop went to daycare . . . until the snowstorm hit and they closed early (noon). Hubby is home with the 2 kids while I am in Manhattan, at work, not working or finishing my paper. I am wishing I was home with them. Ugh!
Friday, December 07, 2007
And at this time right now . . .
. . . on 12/7/06, I was laying on the exam table just after 3 embryos were put into my uterus. I had just had an acupuncture treatment before the transfer with a Chinese doctor in town, and was as relaxed as possible. Hubby and son came into the room to sit with me while I lay still for 30 minutes. J* thought I was sick and climbed up to lay with me. It was really cute.
Afterwards, I got up, got dressed, and we headed to Providence to have dinner with old friends. I had two glasses of wine and a surf and turf dinner at their house. J* watched Shrek while we chatted. Then we drove home. I was temporarily pregnant at least. Little did I know it was permanent.
Afterwards, I got up, got dressed, and we headed to Providence to have dinner with old friends. I had two glasses of wine and a surf and turf dinner at their house. J* watched Shrek while we chatted. Then we drove home. I was temporarily pregnant at least. Little did I know it was permanent.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
This day last year . . .
Cooper and four other embryos were defrosted in a NH embryology lab. He and three others survived the thaw. He and two others continued to grow overnight.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
It caught me!
I HATE puking!!!! It hit me yesterday at work about 12:30. I was in bed by 2:15 and stayed there all night. Feeling better today, but stayed home.
We had pizza at a friend's house on Saturday, and all 4 of them got the bug yesteday too. This thing is rampant! BEWARE!
Edited to add: my friends gave their neighbors the stomach virus too. And they told two friends, and so on, and so on . . .
Also, Cooper was 3 months yesterday! Poor kid was overshadowed by puke.
We had pizza at a friend's house on Saturday, and all 4 of them got the bug yesteday too. This thing is rampant! BEWARE!
Edited to add: my friends gave their neighbors the stomach virus too. And they told two friends, and so on, and so on . . .
Also, Cooper was 3 months yesterday! Poor kid was overshadowed by puke.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Spreading like Wildfire
There's a stomach bug circulating in day care, and it caught Jackson yesterday afternoon. He hasn't vomited since he's 20 months old, which of course he doesn't remember, so I feel so bad for him. I hate puking . . .it scares me so I am scared for him. It started yesterday at 3:15pm, and he hasn't puked since, but had a high fever at 11:30 last night. He's the 4th in his class to get it. The kicker is that Cooper's teacher has it too, so I hope it doesn't spread to him . . . or me. Did I mention that I hate to puke?
Monday, November 26, 2007
In a blink of an eye . . .
. . . 12 weeks have passed. My baby is no longer a newborn, but a mere infant. Sigh!
That's a sigh of relief, by the way! Newborns are way over-rated . . . they are damn cute but so very hard to care for. I'm not cut out for it, which is why I won't ever do it again.
We had a lovely Thanksgiving and a nice long weekend. We visited the Bronx Botanical Gardens for their Holiday Train Show yesterday . . . all the buildings and bridges were replicas of NYC landmarks, which were all made of sticks, wood, and bark! It's the 16th year they've had the exhibit, but our first time seeing it. Jackson loved it! But the lines and the waiting were difficult for a 3-year old, so we won't be going back until Cooper is 5 or so. Here are a f
ew pics if you're interested!
That's a sigh of relief, by the way! Newborns are way over-rated . . . they are damn cute but so very hard to care for. I'm not cut out for it, which is why I won't ever do it again.
We had a lovely Thanksgiving and a nice long weekend. We visited the Bronx Botanical Gardens for their Holiday Train Show yesterday . . . all the buildings and bridges were replicas of NYC landmarks, which were all made of sticks, wood, and bark! It's the 16th year they've had the exhibit, but our first time seeing it. Jackson loved it! But the lines and the waiting were difficult for a 3-year old, so we won't be going back until Cooper is 5 or so. Here are a f
ew pics if you're interested!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
So very thankful . . .
. . . for everyone and everything in my life. But special thanks to the two women who helped me become a mother, and who made my husband a father, and my sons brothers. I would not be who I am or where I am today without them, and and so very grateful for their heartfelt gifts of love. M*, wherever you are, I hope you are safe, warm, and loved. We think of you every night at bedtime when we read J*'s book. And to S* and her family, we hope to see you again soon, and look forward to lifelong friendship. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Monday, November 19, 2007
Check out this giveaway!
Head over to Splat's to see the holiday design giveaway she is offering! Her blog designs rock!
Friday, November 16, 2007
Foto Friday
I'm jumping on the blogging bandwagon and posting a "Foto Friday" picture. Because my kids are so damn cute. Actually, its a digital scrap card for Thanksgiving. Enjoy the weekend!
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
I survived . . .
. . . my first day without him. Sigh. Hubby and I both went to drop the boys off, and I didn't cry at all. then I visited at 1:30 and started to tear up when they lifted him out of his crib . . . there was my tiny baby looking too small to be at daycare. It was almost too much. I survived though, and he had a great day, despite the noises and wide open spaces of his new surroundings. Today is a better day for me. Of course I only managed a 2 sentence intro on my research paper so far, but I do my best work under pressure. Well, I hope.
Here was his first day:
Here was his first day:
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Last day together
Tomorrow is Cooper's first day at daycare. I am ready. On Friday, our last full day alone together, I realized that it's time to go back to the real world. I am ready. He will be fine. I will be fine. The two girls in charge of him at daycare are so excited for his arrival, and they will take good care. I have been spying on them for almost a year, knowing this day for my new baby would come all too soon. They do a great job and really love the babies. I'm also happy to say there will only be 3-4 babies for the 2 of them to care for, so what's better than that? Well, a lot I guess, but this is the best we have.
I don't start work for one more week. I have to research, draft, and write an entire term paper in those 5 days alone. Its due next Sunday, and if I can knock it out, the semester will be pretty much over for me, except for an online presentation in mid-December. I just hope I can get it done in between naps, LOL!
Here is Cooper's two month picture!
I don't start work for one more week. I have to research, draft, and write an entire term paper in those 5 days alone. Its due next Sunday, and if I can knock it out, the semester will be pretty much over for me, except for an online presentation in mid-December. I just hope I can get it done in between naps, LOL!
Here is Cooper's two month picture!
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Humbled
This whole "asking for help" thing is new to me. I don't do it well. But I obviously can't handle all that is going on with me (emotionally, hormonally, physically) and take good care of two kids and a husband, a house, the finances, and now preparing to go back to work full-time. I am splitting at the seams. Yes, the meds are helping . . . and I have not gotten up for a night feeding in 2 weeks thanks to an amazing hubby (not counting the Saturdays he works till 3am of course). The babysitter is helping too . . . just knowing that she is coming on certain nights makes me feel better and, well, less alone.
So, why am I humbled? I asked MIL to come over and be with me last night. She came at 5:45 and stayed until 9:30 when hubby came home. And I was nice. We had a pleasant evening. Interesting.
So, why am I humbled? I asked MIL to come over and be with me last night. She came at 5:45 and stayed until 9:30 when hubby came home. And I was nice. We had a pleasant evening. Interesting.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
2 months today!!!
At his check-up on Wednesday, C* was 11 lbs 12 oz and 23 inches! He gained 3 pounds in a month! I thought he was a big boy, but I checked J*'s records, and he was 13lbs 11oz at 2 months! I don't remember him as such a chunk-a-lunk.
And its late in the evening and I didn't even take one picture of my baby today. Bad Mommy. I will snap one later when he is in a better mood, since he is fussing right now with the babysitter (as I am supposed to be doing my schoolwork, but am procrastinating as usual!). Will you settle for an adorable Halloween pic of him . . . and one of Big Bro too?
And its late in the evening and I didn't even take one picture of my baby today. Bad Mommy. I will snap one later when he is in a better mood, since he is fussing right now with the babysitter (as I am supposed to be doing my schoolwork, but am procrastinating as usual!). Will you settle for an adorable Halloween pic of him . . . and one of Big Bro too?
Monday, October 29, 2007
Add a caption, win a prize!
This picture from last night just cracks me up. What do you think he is thinking? Best caption wins a prize! I'll make you a siggy for your message board.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Thanks everyone . . .
We are doing ok. For those who didn't know, I was on Prozac for years and years before, so we went with that since it worked really well for me.
I have hired a sitter to come from 6-9pm on Tues and Fridays when I am usually alone with the two boys. We've started formula for 1/2 the feeds and I am still BF half-time for now. I am not ready to give it up completely, and I have critically reviewed the clinical literature on transfer of Prozac or Ativan into breastmilk, and well, its inconclusive. So I will wean in my own time.
Question of the day: Can someone tell me how my 3-year old (adopted) son and my newborn (adopted embry) son inherited my husband's annoying habit of sleeping loudly? No wonder I am sleep deprived . . . everyone snores around here!
I have hired a sitter to come from 6-9pm on Tues and Fridays when I am usually alone with the two boys. We've started formula for 1/2 the feeds and I am still BF half-time for now. I am not ready to give it up completely, and I have critically reviewed the clinical literature on transfer of Prozac or Ativan into breastmilk, and well, its inconclusive. So I will wean in my own time.
Question of the day: Can someone tell me how my 3-year old (adopted) son and my newborn (adopted embry) son inherited my husband's annoying habit of sleeping loudly? No wonder I am sleep deprived . . . everyone snores around here!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Ummmmm, DUH!
Sorry I haven't been in more touch, but I have officially lost it. The sleep deprivation caused insomnia, which in turn led to anxiety attacks. Sunday afternoon I almost went to the ER, b/c I felt like I was losing my mind. Hubby was great, and let me cry it out, but I went to the DR on Monday and yes . . . I have been diagnosed with post-partum anxiety/depression. How I didn't see that coming I have no idea . . . its been coming on for weeks. And I've been a horrible mom to J* and C*,and that makes me cry more when I think about it. Now I am mad at myself for not getting help sooner, b/c the meds (prozac) will take 6 weeks to 3 months to work. In the meantime, I have Ativan to knock me out at night, and poor Hubby is on his own. Its hell at our house.
Oh, and I have to stop breastfeeding which is good and bad. I'm sad I can't continue, but it has been very
Oh, and I have to stop breastfeeding which is good and bad. I'm sad I can't continue, but it has been very
stressful for me for some reason. I had plenty of milk . . . I guess the every 2-3 hours thing was adding to the sleep deprivation. And I was stressed about pumping enough milk for Hubby to have enough to feed once in the night. Anyway, i am weaning this week, and trying to enjoy our last nursing sessions together. And BTW, formula really smells something awful!! I had forgotten about that!
Thanks for listening . . .
Thanks for listening . . .
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
We've come full circle . . .
Guess who came to dinner on Sunday? Cooper's DONORS!
We are so incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful relationship with them. We are truly blessed. They came with their son and daughter, and my parents and inlaws too. A day to remember, for sure. We plan to get together at least once a year, if not more. They are great people, even if they are Red Sox fans. Noone is perfect, I guess . . .
We are so incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful relationship with them. We are truly blessed. They came with their son and daughter, and my parents and inlaws too. A day to remember, for sure. We plan to get together at least once a year, if not more. They are great people, even if they are Red Sox fans. Noone is perfect, I guess . . .
Sunday, October 14, 2007
I did it!
Yeah me!
I got both boys to sleep by 9:15pm on Saturday night ALL BY MYSELF!! Hubby gets home from the restaurant at 2or 3am on Saturdays.
Yes, by sheer luck, C* conked out by 9pm after I tanked him up with close feedings late in the evening. Then I took J* to sleep with me in my bed . . . no, not the optimal solution, but it worked for survival mode.
Now if only I slept well that night . . . I kept checking on C* in his crib, seeing if he was cold (it was our first really cold night here), or rolling J* over so he wasn't snoring in my ear, or thinking/worrying about not falling asleep before the next feeding time. Hmm, that's insomnia, right?
I got both boys to sleep by 9:15pm on Saturday night ALL BY MYSELF!! Hubby gets home from the restaurant at 2or 3am on Saturdays.
Yes, by sheer luck, C* conked out by 9pm after I tanked him up with close feedings late in the evening. Then I took J* to sleep with me in my bed . . . no, not the optimal solution, but it worked for survival mode.
Now if only I slept well that night . . . I kept checking on C* in his crib, seeing if he was cold (it was our first really cold night here), or rolling J* over so he wasn't snoring in my ear, or thinking/worrying about not falling asleep before the next feeding time. Hmm, that's insomnia, right?
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Thanks for asking . . .
. . . but we are still hanging by a thread around our house. Its not worse, but not better. That's ok, we can make it through. Thanks for checking on us!
And your reward . . . a few pictures!
And your reward . . . a few pictures!
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Opinion doesn't matter much I guess . . .
Everyone CONSTANTLY says how much Jax looks like Daddy . . . almost eerily so, given he's not bio-related. I get jealous sometimes, but its really true. He is the spitting image of him!
Well, the computer doesn't think so. I win this one!! I did this twice, with different pictures. The first time, Jax looked more like me by 3%.
Well, the computer doesn't think so. I win this one!! I did this twice, with different pictures. The first time, Jax looked more like me by 3%.
Friday, October 05, 2007
The view from down here . . .
Can you all see me! I'm over here, waving, frantically! Where, you ask?
Here, at ROCK BOTTOM!!
Holy cow, I didn't think it could be worse than before, but, uh, yeah, it can. Sleep training?? Who's fucking bright idea was that?? Am I blame you guys too . . . why in the world would you encourage me to take on such a doomed feat, with a newborn and a husband who is not strong enough to battle to beast of toddlerdom?? UGH!
I got the book, The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers . . .and it makes great sense. Perfect sense even. We didn;t have an effective bed-time routine that was relaxing, and transitioning into sleep time. Jax was also probably overtired, since we put him to bed late (just based on our schedule). So we started to quiet down the evening activities, and go to bed earlier. Well, the kicking, screaming, and crying on all our parts brought me to the brink last night. I GIVE UP.
For now at least. We will just be winging it for now, until Cooper is sleeping more. Enough said.
Here, at ROCK BOTTOM!!
Holy cow, I didn't think it could be worse than before, but, uh, yeah, it can. Sleep training?? Who's fucking bright idea was that?? Am I blame you guys too . . . why in the world would you encourage me to take on such a doomed feat, with a newborn and a husband who is not strong enough to battle to beast of toddlerdom?? UGH!
I got the book, The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers . . .and it makes great sense. Perfect sense even. We didn;t have an effective bed-time routine that was relaxing, and transitioning into sleep time. Jax was also probably overtired, since we put him to bed late (just based on our schedule). So we started to quiet down the evening activities, and go to bed earlier. Well, the kicking, screaming, and crying on all our parts brought me to the brink last night. I GIVE UP.
For now at least. We will just be winging it for now, until Cooper is sleeping more. Enough said.
Monday, October 01, 2007
I must have super-milk!
4-week check-up this morning and my chunk-a-lunck gained a whopping 1 lb 13 oz and 1/2 inch in two weeks! He is now 8 lbs 15 oz and 21 inches long. He is a completely different baby than the one that came out of me!
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