A few days ago, I asked James what I love you means. He responded "Means I not scared, Mom."
Be still my Momma heart.
Friday, February 15, 2013
What is love?
I tell James that I love him everyday, sometimes multiple times a day. He either ignores me because he is doing something very important (like shooting pretend Spiderman webs or trying to break his leg jumping down our stairs) or he responds "Lub you too, Mom". You can guess which one I prefer. Sometimes he says I love you first, but its a pretty rare occasion.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Back to work
I started back to work today. Hopefully, that will mean more time to blog since I will actually get a lunch break. Logan's not too keen on those lunch breaks, the second he smells someone's food, he's wide awake. James is at daycare and Adam is taking his 4 weeks of paternity leave, so I have a little while before I have to get myself and the boys out the door by 7 AM. I am going to enjoy these last 4 relaxing weeks and then life will really be back in motion.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Fussy boy
The last few weeks have been going pretty well at our house. We're settling into having a baby and getting used to new routines. Although, I go back to work next week which will change things again. Adam is taking 4 weeks of paternity leave and will go back on March 18th, once again changing things up, but I'm glad he'll have time to bond with Logan.
Mr. Baby (we are fond of calling him this, as he is a one serious baby) is doing well. He eats like crazy and is finally figuring out that he should sleep at night. He sleeps from about 8 PM to 2 AM and then again from 4 AM til 7 AM. He usually takes his first morning nap after we return from dropping James off at daycare. So we're all sleeping a bit better. He is slowly awake less and less during his wake up at 2 AM. Logan is a good amount fussier than James ever was. He likes things just so and will let you know if you aren't meeting his standard. Sometimes he cries to be fed, even when he's not hungry. He screams if he wants to be entertained, cuddled, or laid on his tummy. James screamed a good deal during his first three months due to gas issues. Then, almost the very day he turned 3 months old, it ended. They call the first 3 months of life the "fourth trimester" because in a perfect world, where humans are mammoths, babies would gestate for a full year. But due to reasons, mainly size related, we give birth after 9 months. Anyway, I am hoping that in the next few weeks, Logan's screaming will die down a good bit.
Other than that, his personality is very serious. He smiles in his sleep, but usually has a silly little smirk on his face. He still looks almost identical to his older brother as a baby, but appears to have darker hair. His eyes are still blue, but look like they are changing to brown everyday.
Fussy babies are hard. When you're home everyday with an angry baby, you really start to feel like you're doing a crap job of being a mother. Or at least I do. With toddlers, even when they're mad or grumpy, they still will show affection. A hug or kiss can go a long way when you're feeling like the worst mom ever, but infants can't give that kind of response. That's been a hard thing for me to remember, when I feel like my baby must hate me because he's been fussy all day. But I know all too soon, he won't be a tiny (well, not so tiny, since he's gaining weight like crazy!) baby and I'll want these sleepless nights back.
Overall, we're doing well. To our credit and experience with James, Adam and I have not had a middle of the night, overly tired screaming match. We had them almost nightly for awhile with James, for no other reason than tiredness and unclear expectations. We've had a better plan for how to handle overnight feedings this time and I think the clearer communication has helped us both. Not that we ever held grudges about these middle of the night squabbles, but its better not to call your spouse horrible names at 3 AM. Okay, I might have been the main name caller, but we will look the other way.
Mr. Baby (we are fond of calling him this, as he is a one serious baby) is doing well. He eats like crazy and is finally figuring out that he should sleep at night. He sleeps from about 8 PM to 2 AM and then again from 4 AM til 7 AM. He usually takes his first morning nap after we return from dropping James off at daycare. So we're all sleeping a bit better. He is slowly awake less and less during his wake up at 2 AM. Logan is a good amount fussier than James ever was. He likes things just so and will let you know if you aren't meeting his standard. Sometimes he cries to be fed, even when he's not hungry. He screams if he wants to be entertained, cuddled, or laid on his tummy. James screamed a good deal during his first three months due to gas issues. Then, almost the very day he turned 3 months old, it ended. They call the first 3 months of life the "fourth trimester" because in a perfect world, where humans are mammoths, babies would gestate for a full year. But due to reasons, mainly size related, we give birth after 9 months. Anyway, I am hoping that in the next few weeks, Logan's screaming will die down a good bit.
Other than that, his personality is very serious. He smiles in his sleep, but usually has a silly little smirk on his face. He still looks almost identical to his older brother as a baby, but appears to have darker hair. His eyes are still blue, but look like they are changing to brown everyday.
Fussy babies are hard. When you're home everyday with an angry baby, you really start to feel like you're doing a crap job of being a mother. Or at least I do. With toddlers, even when they're mad or grumpy, they still will show affection. A hug or kiss can go a long way when you're feeling like the worst mom ever, but infants can't give that kind of response. That's been a hard thing for me to remember, when I feel like my baby must hate me because he's been fussy all day. But I know all too soon, he won't be a tiny (well, not so tiny, since he's gaining weight like crazy!) baby and I'll want these sleepless nights back.
Overall, we're doing well. To our credit and experience with James, Adam and I have not had a middle of the night, overly tired screaming match. We had them almost nightly for awhile with James, for no other reason than tiredness and unclear expectations. We've had a better plan for how to handle overnight feedings this time and I think the clearer communication has helped us both. Not that we ever held grudges about these middle of the night squabbles, but its better not to call your spouse horrible names at 3 AM. Okay, I might have been the main name caller, but we will look the other way.
Friday, January 25, 2013
N-E MORE
James has a new buzz word - anymore. Although the way he says it is more like N-E MORE. I know kids often do this thing where they choose a word and use it to death.
James uses the word often and usually its to exert his own will. He will not do something anymore, as though he's been doing it for so long that he can't fathom doing it again.
Some examples, you say?
"I not use a spoon ANYMORE." (Side bar: He tested his mother on the spoon thing on the wrong day, choosing instead to eat his blueberry applesauce with his fingers. "I use fingers, mommy." That evening he did NOT watch Dora the Explorer OR play with the iPad. In fact, I told him it was fine with me if he didn't do either ANYMORE.)
"I not go to Rhonda's ANYMORE."
"I not wear a coat ANYMORE."
You see where I'm going with this. He's a character and he wants to do what he wants to do. Join the club, kiddo. While I think I will be happy when this anymore phase ends, maybe I should see what his next word is before making that decision.
James uses the word often and usually its to exert his own will. He will not do something anymore, as though he's been doing it for so long that he can't fathom doing it again.
Some examples, you say?
"I not use a spoon ANYMORE." (Side bar: He tested his mother on the spoon thing on the wrong day, choosing instead to eat his blueberry applesauce with his fingers. "I use fingers, mommy." That evening he did NOT watch Dora the Explorer OR play with the iPad. In fact, I told him it was fine with me if he didn't do either ANYMORE.)
"I not go to Rhonda's ANYMORE."
"I not wear a coat ANYMORE."
You see where I'm going with this. He's a character and he wants to do what he wants to do. Join the club, kiddo. While I think I will be happy when this anymore phase ends, maybe I should see what his next word is before making that decision.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Our doctor is a trip
Our pediatrician, Dr. Chander, has been really wonderful. I got the recommendation for him from my old boss (who has actually since been removed by the state, go figure). This boss was such a tyrant that any doctor she trusted to care for her son for 12 years, I knew must be good.
James has been seeing Dr. Chander since he was born and now Logan will go too. Since he was on vacation when Logan was one week old, we saw one of his colleagues, making his one month check up the first to see Dr. Chander. We've got a great relationship with the doctor and so I had no fear asking him about something a bit... delicate.
We were worried about the way Logan's circumcision healed. It seemed like there was a bit too much skin left. Sometimes it doesn't seem like a circumcision was done at all, after all the swelling went down. Not having much to compare it to, we were really starting to worry that Logan might need to have it revisited, so we asked the doctor.
He gave it one looked, poked around a bit and said to me "Don't worry, he'll grow into it."
I wanted to die laughing right then and there. At least there's nothing to worry about.
James has been seeing Dr. Chander since he was born and now Logan will go too. Since he was on vacation when Logan was one week old, we saw one of his colleagues, making his one month check up the first to see Dr. Chander. We've got a great relationship with the doctor and so I had no fear asking him about something a bit... delicate.
We were worried about the way Logan's circumcision healed. It seemed like there was a bit too much skin left. Sometimes it doesn't seem like a circumcision was done at all, after all the swelling went down. Not having much to compare it to, we were really starting to worry that Logan might need to have it revisited, so we asked the doctor.
He gave it one looked, poked around a bit and said to me "Don't worry, he'll grow into it."
I wanted to die laughing right then and there. At least there's nothing to worry about.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
One month milestones
I can't believe that one month can fly by so quickly, but I find that time moves quickly when you're sleep deprived. So far, I've managed to still be punctual, even with the added stress and packing that a new baby bring. Most mornings, I take James to daycare. Logan comes with us and sits in the car while I run James in. I figure this is good practice for when I'm back to work and have to get all three of us out the door.
I think its funny that I'm talking about being punctual, but Logan's one month post is 2 days late, but his doctor's appointment is today, so that's my reasoning. You wouldn't want to read this update without his updated length and weight, right?
Well, now the post is three days late, as I'm adding his length and weight, but here you are.
Logan is weighing in at 10 pounds 7 ounces and is 21 inches long. He's gained 3 pounds 2 ounces in 3 weeks and grown a quarter of an inch. He's a stocky guy. I double checked James' records and he weighs a pound more at one month, but is an inch longer. We talked with the pediatrician who is pretty sure both boys are going to be between 6' 1" and 6' 4", which means they would get their height from my side of the family. Who knew my genes were so dominate? Either way, we're happy Logan is eating well and gaining weight.
Mastered Skills
Lifts head when lying on tummy
Logan has great head control for a little guy. He has been lifting it during tummy time for a few weeks now.
Responds to sound
Yes, Logan is quite curious when he hears one of many crazy noises that go on in our house.
Stares at faces
Logan will sit, wide awake and check out whoever is holding him. He seems to be very serious and I love chatting with him while he looks up at me.
Emerging Skills
Follows objects briefly with eyes
Yes, Logan has started tracking with his eyes.
Verbalizes: oohs and aahs
Not just yet, we haven't heard too many oohs and aahs out of the little guy, but he makes a variety of strange scream-like noises.
Can see black and white patterns
I don't have any real confirmation on this one, but he does like to look at the black and white patterns on some of his toys, so I think Logan is meeting this milestone.
Advanced Skills
Smiles, laughs
Logan will smile randomly, its not quite a social smile yet (even if mom would like to think he is smiling just for her...)
Holds head at 45-degree angle
Yes, Logan will do this either on the floor or if he is laying on your chest. Sometimes he is quite forceful when he lifts his head and tries to swan dive out of your arms. He definitely knows how to keep his parents on their toes!
I think its funny that I'm talking about being punctual, but Logan's one month post is 2 days late, but his doctor's appointment is today, so that's my reasoning. You wouldn't want to read this update without his updated length and weight, right?
Well, now the post is three days late, as I'm adding his length and weight, but here you are.
Logan is weighing in at 10 pounds 7 ounces and is 21 inches long. He's gained 3 pounds 2 ounces in 3 weeks and grown a quarter of an inch. He's a stocky guy. I double checked James' records and he weighs a pound more at one month, but is an inch longer. We talked with the pediatrician who is pretty sure both boys are going to be between 6' 1" and 6' 4", which means they would get their height from my side of the family. Who knew my genes were so dominate? Either way, we're happy Logan is eating well and gaining weight.
Mastered Skills
Lifts head when lying on tummy
Logan has great head control for a little guy. He has been lifting it during tummy time for a few weeks now.
Responds to sound
Yes, Logan is quite curious when he hears one of many crazy noises that go on in our house.
Stares at faces
Logan will sit, wide awake and check out whoever is holding him. He seems to be very serious and I love chatting with him while he looks up at me.
Emerging Skills
Follows objects briefly with eyes
Yes, Logan has started tracking with his eyes.
Verbalizes: oohs and aahs
Not just yet, we haven't heard too many oohs and aahs out of the little guy, but he makes a variety of strange scream-like noises.
Can see black and white patterns
I don't have any real confirmation on this one, but he does like to look at the black and white patterns on some of his toys, so I think Logan is meeting this milestone.
Advanced Skills
Smiles, laughs
Logan will smile randomly, its not quite a social smile yet (even if mom would like to think he is smiling just for her...)
Holds head at 45-degree angle
Yes, Logan will do this either on the floor or if he is laying on your chest. Sometimes he is quite forceful when he lifts his head and tries to swan dive out of your arms. He definitely knows how to keep his parents on their toes!
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
There should be more hours in a day
Wow. Here I am again, two weeks later. I've been writing post after post in my head, but by the time I can actually get to the computer, I've usually lost whatever was once there!
I promised more details on days two through five of our hospital stay, but really it was just a lot of time in bed. Logan stayed with me, except for nights, when he went to the nursery so I could sleep. While in the hospital, I decided to formula feed, Logan had his first photo session, and was circumcised. As for me, my blood pressures in the hospital were high and I was put on medication to lower them. The high blood pressure led to an extra night in the hospital and we were able to come home on Christmas Eve.
Since then the whole family has been adjusting. We've had a lot of sleepless nights, but overall it feels like Logan has been here forever. There are so many differences between James and Logan, it has been interesting to learn all of his quirks.
For the next month I'm still home on maternity leave and hopefully in that time Logan will start to sleep more consecutive hours and we'll continue to relearn how to best take care of a baby.
I promised more details on days two through five of our hospital stay, but really it was just a lot of time in bed. Logan stayed with me, except for nights, when he went to the nursery so I could sleep. While in the hospital, I decided to formula feed, Logan had his first photo session, and was circumcised. As for me, my blood pressures in the hospital were high and I was put on medication to lower them. The high blood pressure led to an extra night in the hospital and we were able to come home on Christmas Eve.
Since then the whole family has been adjusting. We've had a lot of sleepless nights, but overall it feels like Logan has been here forever. There are so many differences between James and Logan, it has been interesting to learn all of his quirks.
For the next month I'm still home on maternity leave and hopefully in that time Logan will start to sleep more consecutive hours and we'll continue to relearn how to best take care of a baby.
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