I don't know why I thought questions about family planning would stop after I gave birth to my daughter. The next question is: "When are you going to have another one?" I've noticed it's never "Are you going to have another one", because why would you only want one child? My answer used to be that we're having another one in about two years. But after the week I had last week, I'm not so sure.
I agreed to babysit a friend's child- her baby is seven months older than mine. We both figured since he knew me the transition from mommy all day to someone else all day would be easier on him. Ummm....no.....he cried for hours the first day, only stopping to eat breakfast. I would try to console him, but just as I calmed him down, I'd have to nurse Tallu. He's also a breastfed baby, and the sight of my baby nursing sent him into a tailspin. I got him to sleep by taking him and Tallu for a stroll around town. But after lunch he cried some more, and if I was holding my baby he wouldn't come near me, screaming at the top of his lungs.
Tuesday went a little better, but only because my husband worked from home, so my charge had a devoted playmate for a little while. His joy lasted until my husband sequestered himself in the living room to work. My husband, Tallu, and I went to bed exhausted.
Wednesday through Friday he cried and screamed a little less, but was clearly unhappy. It was a hard adjustment for him, going from having mommy's undivided attention and milk on demand, to me having to juggle two babies, and him having to see the other little baby get booby. I was worn, he and Tallu couldn't keep each other company, and Tallu wasn't sleeping much during the day. I was sorry I couldn't help my friend for longer, but I thought it would be better for both babies if I didn't keep him.
His mom and I talked every day, and the one thing that baffled us is how women have children so close in age. I was beginning to wonder I could handle more than one child period, let alone two close in age. I think I'd like to enjoy Tallu alone for a few more years. Maybe when she's going to pre-k I'll be ready for number two. It's not the two to three year gap my husband and I have talked about, but we'll see.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
I Blame Myself, Really
It is 10:39 pm. Tallu is usually deep asleep by now, but tonight we're having a little trouble. I set her down in her bassinet after snoozing in my lap for awhile, and she woke up. My husband just took her for a walk, put her back in the bassinet, but she's not having it. I bet if I had just laid her on the bed she'd still be out, and my husband and I would be in the kitchen savoring triple chocolate ice cream pops.
There are many parents out there who would probably stick their tongues out at me and say: "Well, this is what you get for spoiling your child and letting her sleep in your bed, you lazy, co-sleeping wench!" Damn right I'm lazy! She's sleeping in our room because I am too lazy to get up in the middle of the night to walk down the hall to feed her. You think I wanna go to the foot of the bed to feed her at 3am? Side nursing was the best skill I've mastered thus far. I'm so good, I can now feed her from either boob without having to move her.
Eh, at least she's not screaming. And her dad gets to hold her for a while. That's really why I did it, I knew he wanted some daddy-daughter time.
There are many parents out there who would probably stick their tongues out at me and say: "Well, this is what you get for spoiling your child and letting her sleep in your bed, you lazy, co-sleeping wench!" Damn right I'm lazy! She's sleeping in our room because I am too lazy to get up in the middle of the night to walk down the hall to feed her. You think I wanna go to the foot of the bed to feed her at 3am? Side nursing was the best skill I've mastered thus far. I'm so good, I can now feed her from either boob without having to move her.
Eh, at least she's not screaming. And her dad gets to hold her for a while. That's really why I did it, I knew he wanted some daddy-daughter time.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
A Distraction from the Debate
I'm writing this blog as I watch the Biden-Palin debate. I need to keep half my attention on something other than listening to the guvnah. Now she's talking again, so I can keep writing. Her voice strikes the same chord in me that GWBush's does....
but I digress....
Tallulah had her six month check-up with the pediatrician. Five immunizations: one drink, four shots. She's growing steadily, weighing at 13 lbs, 8.5 oz. Her doctor says we can start her on solid foods, something Tallu did earlier this week.
People say the sign is that a child is very interested in what is on your plate. Tallu's been watching us eat, grabbing at our plates, and grabbing at my cup. So this week I decided to give her some banana, while I ate an apple. She didn't eat much fruit- about a quarter of a teaspoon (I ate my apple, and the rest of her banana). I wasn't sure any banana got into her mouth, since she refused to take it from the spoon. The proof was in her diaper the next day. I won't post it here, but yes, we did photograph it. We were going to take it to the doctor because I wasn't sure what the hell those specks were at first.
On the flip side, I have not really shared all the bad stuff I've done. I think it's important, so that all of you know that none of us are perfect, and new mothers know that you are not alone. So here's a short list of missteps. I'm in the runnings for mother of the year!
-Tallu's got a cold (for a week), diaper rash (two weeks), and a low grade fever (nurse said that's no big deal).
-It's 10:30pm, and she's still awake. (sorry, husband mentioned she's awake again.)
-I breastfeed on demand, so I have to make up an answer when Tallu's pediatrician asks how many times she breastfeeds a day.
-Tallu sleeps in the bed with us at some point during the night, because we've learned how to nurse in our sleep.
-Tallu's fallen out the bed while I was out of the room. (In my defense, I put a pillow on the bed as a barrier. Thankfully, she pushed the pillow on the floor, and fell on the pillow.)
-My house is completely un-childproof. How do I know? I turned my back for five seconds, and Tallu had a plastic shopping bag in her hand. (I have no idea where it came from, I swear!)
And through all of this, she's managed to live to 6 months, three days. She's a happy, calm, healthy baby. Her dad just said she's coming along in her sitting up and talking. She's using her hands, she's laughing, teething, eating, peeing, pooping, and sleeping. We love her, I love her, and I think she loves us.
but I digress....
Tallulah had her six month check-up with the pediatrician. Five immunizations: one drink, four shots. She's growing steadily, weighing at 13 lbs, 8.5 oz. Her doctor says we can start her on solid foods, something Tallu did earlier this week.
People say the sign is that a child is very interested in what is on your plate. Tallu's been watching us eat, grabbing at our plates, and grabbing at my cup. So this week I decided to give her some banana, while I ate an apple. She didn't eat much fruit- about a quarter of a teaspoon (I ate my apple, and the rest of her banana). I wasn't sure any banana got into her mouth, since she refused to take it from the spoon. The proof was in her diaper the next day. I won't post it here, but yes, we did photograph it. We were going to take it to the doctor because I wasn't sure what the hell those specks were at first.
On the flip side, I have not really shared all the bad stuff I've done. I think it's important, so that all of you know that none of us are perfect, and new mothers know that you are not alone. So here's a short list of missteps. I'm in the runnings for mother of the year!
-Tallu's got a cold (for a week), diaper rash (two weeks), and a low grade fever (nurse said that's no big deal).
-It's 10:30pm, and she's still awake. (sorry, husband mentioned she's awake again.)
-I breastfeed on demand, so I have to make up an answer when Tallu's pediatrician asks how many times she breastfeeds a day.
-Tallu sleeps in the bed with us at some point during the night, because we've learned how to nurse in our sleep.
-Tallu's fallen out the bed while I was out of the room. (In my defense, I put a pillow on the bed as a barrier. Thankfully, she pushed the pillow on the floor, and fell on the pillow.)
-My house is completely un-childproof. How do I know? I turned my back for five seconds, and Tallu had a plastic shopping bag in her hand. (I have no idea where it came from, I swear!)
And through all of this, she's managed to live to 6 months, three days. She's a happy, calm, healthy baby. Her dad just said she's coming along in her sitting up and talking. She's using her hands, she's laughing, teething, eating, peeing, pooping, and sleeping. We love her, I love her, and I think she loves us.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
AWESOME!
Tallulah's fighting another cold, and neither of us have been sleeping too well the past two nights. A good mother would be in bed asleep at 12:25am, knowing she and her baby need their rest, but not me. No, I'm on the computer updating my blog. I've always been known for my sound judgment. This entry will be brief - I'm fading, fast...
We had a CHOP appointment Tuesday morning. This was the 6 month checkup, X-Ray included. Dr. Flynn had this to say about her progress: "Talllulah's hips look awesome!" The conditions are right for healthy bone development, and she actually has the hip bones of a nine month old. We return for another follow-up X-Ray shortly before her first birthday. It's sad for us because we won't get to see the nurses and admin staff for another six months.
We had a CHOP appointment Tuesday morning. This was the 6 month checkup, X-Ray included. Dr. Flynn had this to say about her progress: "Talllulah's hips look awesome!" The conditions are right for healthy bone development, and she actually has the hip bones of a nine month old. We return for another follow-up X-Ray shortly before her first birthday. It's sad for us because we won't get to see the nurses and admin staff for another six months.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Back From Vacation
Hello! I would have posted while I was on vacation, but the camp we stayed at had no internet or cell phone access. The three of us went to Sweden, Maine and had a lovely time. It was a little chilly, but the company kept us warm.
Tallu hiked a mountain, sat on a dock, endured mosquito bites, had lobster-flavored milk, toured her parents' college campus, and survived her longest car trip yet. Now that she's teething car rides are not so enjoyable for the three of us. We were able to break up the seven hour trip with stops to visit family and friends un NY, CT, and MA.
I'm nursing Tallu as I write, it's 11:34pm, and I'm tired...gnight y'all
Tallu hiked a mountain, sat on a dock, endured mosquito bites, had lobster-flavored milk, toured her parents' college campus, and survived her longest car trip yet. Now that she's teething car rides are not so enjoyable for the three of us. We were able to break up the seven hour trip with stops to visit family and friends un NY, CT, and MA.
I'm nursing Tallu as I write, it's 11:34pm, and I'm tired...gnight y'all
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Water Baby
This is the third time Tallu has been in the pool. She had a great time! She kicked her legs and moved her arms like she had done this before. (Well, she has, but amniotic fluid is a lot warmer, and my belly was much smaller than this pool.) She also pursed her lips to keep the water out. Here's Tallu with her grandfather, practicing her crawl stroke.
Her first pool experience wasn't the most pleasant because she was cold and hungry. The second time I fed her about fifteen minutes before she went in, and we chose the hotter part of the day. She stayed in for a little longer without freaking out. This last time she stayed in for about 15 minutes.
Her dad did a good job of checking her body temp by feeling her cheeks. He figured if her face wasn't cold, she was probably warm enough. Watch the baby- she can't tell you she's cold, but you'll see her changing colors. Tallu's lips were a little blue by the end of her swim. I stayed dry to document her swim and to warm her up when she was finished. Bring two towels: one to dry the baby, and another to wrap the baby after you've removed her wet bathing suit.
Her first pool experience wasn't the most pleasant because she was cold and hungry. The second time I fed her about fifteen minutes before she went in, and we chose the hotter part of the day. She stayed in for a little longer without freaking out. This last time she stayed in for about 15 minutes.
Her dad did a good job of checking her body temp by feeling her cheeks. He figured if her face wasn't cold, she was probably warm enough. Watch the baby- she can't tell you she's cold, but you'll see her changing colors. Tallu's lips were a little blue by the end of her swim. I stayed dry to document her swim and to warm her up when she was finished. Bring two towels: one to dry the baby, and another to wrap the baby after you've removed her wet bathing suit.
Between my body heat, the dry towel, and warm milk, Tallu warmed up pretty quickly and enjoyed a quick post-workout nap.
Tidbits
Here's an update on Tallu, something I haven't done for a while.
Milady is five months old, with lots of curly hair, big cheeks, and turkey legs. The cough is finally gone, though every once in a while she needs to clear her throat. She doesn't really enjoy being on her stomach for very long, and would much rather move around on her back. Tallu loves her rainforest gym and uses her hands and feet to play with her toys. She's found her hands, and mine, which have become her chew toys while she's teething.
I know the proper term is teething toys, but for some reason I keep calling them chew toys...
Anyhoo- she's not exactly sleeping through the night. She sleeps in five hour stretches. Now that I am not leaving the house for work, I don't mind getting up in the middle of the night. The last early morning feeding I bring her in the bed with us, because she can nurse in her sleep, and I can nurse her while I sleep.
There is a radio campaign in my city urging parents not to co-sleep with your baby. You could roll over on the baby in your sleep, crush her, suffocate her. She's safer in her own crib. Could these things happen? When I was fourteen my sister and I slept over at my aunt's house to hang out with my cousin. My aunt was babysitting an infant, and when it came time for bed she asked who wanted to sleep with him. I volunteered, and it meant the baby and I would have to sleep together on the sofabed. (There were also kittens in the living room, somehow they ended up in the bed with us.) I remember waking up twice. The first time the baby was crying. The second time I smelled something awful. I thought he pooped, but it was one of the kittens. However, I did not roll over on the baby, and I was not his mother.
If you have a large enough bed and you want your infant to sleep with you, I say why not? (I wouldn't recommend it if you've had a little too much to drink, or if you're on heavy medication.) I get more sleep after the 3 AM feeding because I don't have to wake up at 5 or 6 to feed her again. My husband gets more sleep because he doesn't have to hear a crying baby. Tallu gets more sleep because she can just wiggle over to me and nurse. Everybody's happy.
Milady is five months old, with lots of curly hair, big cheeks, and turkey legs. The cough is finally gone, though every once in a while she needs to clear her throat. She doesn't really enjoy being on her stomach for very long, and would much rather move around on her back. Tallu loves her rainforest gym and uses her hands and feet to play with her toys. She's found her hands, and mine, which have become her chew toys while she's teething.
I know the proper term is teething toys, but for some reason I keep calling them chew toys...
Anyhoo- she's not exactly sleeping through the night. She sleeps in five hour stretches. Now that I am not leaving the house for work, I don't mind getting up in the middle of the night. The last early morning feeding I bring her in the bed with us, because she can nurse in her sleep, and I can nurse her while I sleep.
There is a radio campaign in my city urging parents not to co-sleep with your baby. You could roll over on the baby in your sleep, crush her, suffocate her. She's safer in her own crib. Could these things happen? When I was fourteen my sister and I slept over at my aunt's house to hang out with my cousin. My aunt was babysitting an infant, and when it came time for bed she asked who wanted to sleep with him. I volunteered, and it meant the baby and I would have to sleep together on the sofabed. (There were also kittens in the living room, somehow they ended up in the bed with us.) I remember waking up twice. The first time the baby was crying. The second time I smelled something awful. I thought he pooped, but it was one of the kittens. However, I did not roll over on the baby, and I was not his mother.
If you have a large enough bed and you want your infant to sleep with you, I say why not? (I wouldn't recommend it if you've had a little too much to drink, or if you're on heavy medication.) I get more sleep after the 3 AM feeding because I don't have to wake up at 5 or 6 to feed her again. My husband gets more sleep because he doesn't have to hear a crying baby. Tallu gets more sleep because she can just wiggle over to me and nurse. Everybody's happy.
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