I was looking at a friend's blog today and was amazed at how active her little one is, he is only 4 months old. I look at Isaiah and can't believe that he too will be babbling and bouncing around in just a few months. I looked back at some of the video we've taken so far, thinking Isaiah hasn't changed much over the course of the first 2 months...ha! I still can't believe how quickly babies progress from those quiet, sleepy days. I found a video of Isaiah at 1 week, quietly waking up to eat. This was before he really cried for anything. Now that he has figured out the cause and effect of crying, its particularly funny to watch him trying to figure out how to communicate the desire to eat during those first few days.
Isaiah Making Food Faces at 1 Week
This was Isaiah Flash forward to today. We have resorted to using our son as the primary source of entertainment. The other day we put together a video of Isaiah dancing to a song from a cartoon. Unfortuntely, the full-length version is too long to upload, but I had to include a short version. Yes, I realize this is probably something only Mark and I can truly appreciate, but I'm posting it anyway because I think the little jazz legs are hilarious. Oye...our poor, mild-tempered son...to be born to 2 goofballs like us...it will be torture for him I'm sure.
Bunny Video
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
How Not to be a Virgo
I have learned many things during Isaiah's short life. The most important lesson thus far can only be described as, "how NOT to be a Virgo".
I have learned:
- to use my shirt as a burp cloth without giving it a second thought.
- to happily wipe away formula goo/ spit-up with my sleeve.
- that if I spill ice cream down the front of my shirt, I can still wear said shirt around the house for the rest of the day if I feel like it (and its one less thing in the laundry).
- that a baby will opt to explosively poop all over you, the bed, and themselves at precisely the time the doorbell rings and the dog knocks over a fresh cup of coffee.
- that the person ringing the doorbell will continue to ring it until you answer the door.
- that once you strip the baby naked, wrap him in blanket, lock the dog in the bedroom, and stub your toe getting to the door, you will find: a) the person has left, b) it is a politician handing out pamphlets, or c) it is a child trying to sell you a shitty subscription to a newspaper that is from a town 60 miles away for their school fundraiser.
- that babies choose to poop primarily when it is inconvenient for you(at the grocery store, the doctor's office, etc)...I see this as preperation for toddlerhood.
- that babies have an awesome sense of smell, which means that every time I make something to eat, Isaiah will cry for food too.
- that sometimes an otherwise happy baby just needs to cry for a minute when they smell your tasty pizza so you can get a bite to eat.
- that babies grunt a lot and that this is very disturbing when you're trying to sleep because no matter how often they do it you will start second guess yourself and think something is wrong.
- that even though I have a big butt, flabby abs, a double chin, an infant to take care of and little to no time for myself these days, I still manage to brush my hair, brush my teeth, and dress in clean clothing that doesn't look like I just got out of bed when I leave the house...WHAT'S UP WITH THE PEOPLE IN WALMART?!!!
- that take-out is always an option
- that the dishes can wait until tomorrow
- that there will always be dog hair to clean up...that too can wait until tomorrow
- that cleaning the bathroom every Monday, reorganizing the kitchen cabinets, knitting everyone a sweater for Christmas, and training for a half-marathon sounds like a great idea, but is not a realistic goal at the moment
- that babies fart A LOT and if the guy next you in the produce aisle thinks it was you, that's ok.
- that the dog will vomit the moment you are finally ready to leave the house (after you've spent the last hour trying to leave).
- that booger snatchers are a necessary evil.
- that the pretty douvet cover I made for the bed is totally staying in the closet for the next 10-15 years.
And most importantly...if it looks like poop, assume its poop. If it smells like poop, assume its poop. And, if your wondering if its poop while your picking up shampoo at Target...yes, it is poop; yes, it is most likely on your shirt; and yes, everybody around you knows it. So smile and ask the lady crinkling her nose if she smells something. hahahaha!
I have learned:
- to use my shirt as a burp cloth without giving it a second thought.
- to happily wipe away formula goo/ spit-up with my sleeve.
- that if I spill ice cream down the front of my shirt, I can still wear said shirt around the house for the rest of the day if I feel like it (and its one less thing in the laundry).
- that a baby will opt to explosively poop all over you, the bed, and themselves at precisely the time the doorbell rings and the dog knocks over a fresh cup of coffee.
- that the person ringing the doorbell will continue to ring it until you answer the door.
- that once you strip the baby naked, wrap him in blanket, lock the dog in the bedroom, and stub your toe getting to the door, you will find: a) the person has left, b) it is a politician handing out pamphlets, or c) it is a child trying to sell you a shitty subscription to a newspaper that is from a town 60 miles away for their school fundraiser.
- that babies choose to poop primarily when it is inconvenient for you(at the grocery store, the doctor's office, etc)...I see this as preperation for toddlerhood.
- that babies have an awesome sense of smell, which means that every time I make something to eat, Isaiah will cry for food too.
- that sometimes an otherwise happy baby just needs to cry for a minute when they smell your tasty pizza so you can get a bite to eat.
- that babies grunt a lot and that this is very disturbing when you're trying to sleep because no matter how often they do it you will start second guess yourself and think something is wrong.
- that even though I have a big butt, flabby abs, a double chin, an infant to take care of and little to no time for myself these days, I still manage to brush my hair, brush my teeth, and dress in clean clothing that doesn't look like I just got out of bed when I leave the house...WHAT'S UP WITH THE PEOPLE IN WALMART?!!!
- that take-out is always an option
- that the dishes can wait until tomorrow
- that there will always be dog hair to clean up...that too can wait until tomorrow
- that cleaning the bathroom every Monday, reorganizing the kitchen cabinets, knitting everyone a sweater for Christmas, and training for a half-marathon sounds like a great idea, but is not a realistic goal at the moment
- that babies fart A LOT and if the guy next you in the produce aisle thinks it was you, that's ok.
- that the dog will vomit the moment you are finally ready to leave the house (after you've spent the last hour trying to leave).
- that booger snatchers are a necessary evil.
- that the pretty douvet cover I made for the bed is totally staying in the closet for the next 10-15 years.
And most importantly...if it looks like poop, assume its poop. If it smells like poop, assume its poop. And, if your wondering if its poop while your picking up shampoo at Target...yes, it is poop; yes, it is most likely on your shirt; and yes, everybody around you knows it. So smile and ask the lady crinkling her nose if she smells something. hahahaha!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Waaaaa!
So yet again our solution to Isaiah's discomfort was short lived. I finally headed in to see our pediatrician yesterday, and it was perfect timing. He hadn't pooped in over a day and was super cranky...she was going to get to see him in all his fussy glory.
It started with a fart-filled car ride (you would be too if you needed to poop your body weight). I felt a oneness with our dog Stella as I hung my head out the driver's-side window while I zoomed down our country roads. It was amazing that we arrived on time, a first since Isaiah's birth. Due to an excessive number of stairs at our peds office (I'm still trying to figure that out, what with all the strollers and trantrum throwing toddlers), I was in a full sweat by the time we got to the waiting room. Don't get me wrong, I can still climb stairs like a normal person, but this time I was lugging my increasingly hefty son in his car carrier. I think a photo is the only way to truly see how ridiculous I look carrying this thing as its about half my size.
There wasn't a soul at the doctor's office so we got right in. Before I could even get my coat off the nurse was in the room asking me to strip him down. I was lifting Isaiah from his car set, one hand firmly under his bum, when he let loose with the poopy he had been storing up for over a day. I was suddenly grateful for the trusty diaper bag. Of course, just as I was about to change him, the docotor walks right in. When does a doctor come in the minute you arrive? So, I was trying talk with her about what was going on while dealing with a poo extravaganza on the table...and then I realized...where are all the wet wipes? There's only one?! (I later learned Mark had been using the wipes out of the diaper bag because it was more convenient in the evening).
Part of me went on autopilot to answer the doctor's questions while my main focus was the poopy diaper. I mentally searched the diaper bag for other options. Several alternatives came to mind. Had the doctor not been in the room I may have selected the emergency onesie or opted to stick him under the sink for a quick rinse, but this was not an option. I studied the diaper and discovered one clean corner. "Could I...?" Realizing the doctor was starting to look at me like I was a moron, I knew I had to act quickly if I were to recover from this situation without convincing the doctor she would need to speak to me in short-syllabled sentences. Suddenly the Yoda withing pushed me forward, "do or do not, there is no try." I yanked up Isaiah's rear with one hand while folding the loaded diaper with oragami skill. Voila! A complete success. I am a mommy afterall! If it weren't completely inappropriate I would have taken a bow.
Isaiah's situation is still up in the air. We now think he has some pretty bad reflux in addition to being a guzzler. We've switched bottles to try to reduce the amount of air he swallows and he takes Prevacid in the morning. Keeping our fingers crossed.
It started with a fart-filled car ride (you would be too if you needed to poop your body weight). I felt a oneness with our dog Stella as I hung my head out the driver's-side window while I zoomed down our country roads. It was amazing that we arrived on time, a first since Isaiah's birth. Due to an excessive number of stairs at our peds office (I'm still trying to figure that out, what with all the strollers and trantrum throwing toddlers), I was in a full sweat by the time we got to the waiting room. Don't get me wrong, I can still climb stairs like a normal person, but this time I was lugging my increasingly hefty son in his car carrier. I think a photo is the only way to truly see how ridiculous I look carrying this thing as its about half my size.
There wasn't a soul at the doctor's office so we got right in. Before I could even get my coat off the nurse was in the room asking me to strip him down. I was lifting Isaiah from his car set, one hand firmly under his bum, when he let loose with the poopy he had been storing up for over a day. I was suddenly grateful for the trusty diaper bag. Of course, just as I was about to change him, the docotor walks right in. When does a doctor come in the minute you arrive? So, I was trying talk with her about what was going on while dealing with a poo extravaganza on the table...and then I realized...where are all the wet wipes? There's only one?! (I later learned Mark had been using the wipes out of the diaper bag because it was more convenient in the evening).
Part of me went on autopilot to answer the doctor's questions while my main focus was the poopy diaper. I mentally searched the diaper bag for other options. Several alternatives came to mind. Had the doctor not been in the room I may have selected the emergency onesie or opted to stick him under the sink for a quick rinse, but this was not an option. I studied the diaper and discovered one clean corner. "Could I...?" Realizing the doctor was starting to look at me like I was a moron, I knew I had to act quickly if I were to recover from this situation without convincing the doctor she would need to speak to me in short-syllabled sentences. Suddenly the Yoda withing pushed me forward, "do or do not, there is no try." I yanked up Isaiah's rear with one hand while folding the loaded diaper with oragami skill. Voila! A complete success. I am a mommy afterall! If it weren't completely inappropriate I would have taken a bow.
Isaiah's situation is still up in the air. We now think he has some pretty bad reflux in addition to being a guzzler. We've switched bottles to try to reduce the amount of air he swallows and he takes Prevacid in the morning. Keeping our fingers crossed.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Let Me Try This...Yet Again
Today's mission: complete blog post. Attempt number: 312
Since those quiet preemie days where Isaiah sleeps 20 hours a day are long gone, I have little if any time to sit down and write...I'm sure you all understand.
Belated congratulations to Jamie (my cousin) and Richard. They had their son Benjamin Michael 5 weeks early! He was 5 lbs, 5.3 oz and 19 inches long...almost the same measurements as Isaiah. Unfortunately little Benny had to stay behind in the hospital for a few days, but it sounds like he is doing great and will be going home soon. Go Benny! Can't wait to meet him.
Amidst all the excitment of yet another new baby in the family, my sister arrived from Africa in mid-Sept. It has been so awesome having my sister here, and she arrived just in time. Isaiah was starting to get more demanding and I was starting to feel much, much better around the time Jen arrived. So, while my inner Virgo screamed, "you can finally clean the house, organize the nursery, and change that damn light bulb!", my son often had other plans. We initially thought he had a terrible cold as he was getting stuffy noses, crying a lot more, and not sleeping at night. Naturally we stormed the pharmacy and hooked ourselves up with the vaporizers, and booger snatchers, and nasal drops. Isaiah grew even crankier following a good booger cleaning. Can't say I blame the guy. He quickly returned to normal...for a few days.
We discovered he was having problems with his tummy. We switched to supplementing with a hypoallergenic formula, but after 2 weeks he was continuing to get worse. I was no longer able to keep up with him using breastmilk so he was getting more and more bottles. Oddly my body did not get the supply and demand thing...I continued to produce a very limited amount of breastmilk while he was increasing his need for more. It became evident that the trauma my body went through was just too much for me to successfully tackle nursing full-time. Finally, we cut out the breastmilk entirely on the hunch that mixing breastmilk and formula was a problem...we also started using Mylicon drops. As you can tell by my post, he is sleeping like a baby once again...Thank God! Screaming baby = sad mommy. I was pretty upset that I wouldn't be able to nurse, but it is what it is...and I am happy that he is feeling much better.
Fortuntately, Aunt Jen jumped right in when she arrived. She took Stella for a long needed grooming (sorry 'tellers we missed the photo op), cooked us up some tasty African food, cuddled with her new nephew, and fed plenty of bottles. Without this help I don't think I could have even kept up with the daily activities so we owe her a huge THANK YOU!
Aunt Jen cuddled with the snicker...
and gave mommy a much needed break...
and played pregnant lady with mommy's belly cast...
Since those quiet preemie days where Isaiah sleeps 20 hours a day are long gone, I have little if any time to sit down and write...I'm sure you all understand.
Belated congratulations to Jamie (my cousin) and Richard. They had their son Benjamin Michael 5 weeks early! He was 5 lbs, 5.3 oz and 19 inches long...almost the same measurements as Isaiah. Unfortunately little Benny had to stay behind in the hospital for a few days, but it sounds like he is doing great and will be going home soon. Go Benny! Can't wait to meet him.
Amidst all the excitment of yet another new baby in the family, my sister arrived from Africa in mid-Sept. It has been so awesome having my sister here, and she arrived just in time. Isaiah was starting to get more demanding and I was starting to feel much, much better around the time Jen arrived. So, while my inner Virgo screamed, "you can finally clean the house, organize the nursery, and change that damn light bulb!", my son often had other plans. We initially thought he had a terrible cold as he was getting stuffy noses, crying a lot more, and not sleeping at night. Naturally we stormed the pharmacy and hooked ourselves up with the vaporizers, and booger snatchers, and nasal drops. Isaiah grew even crankier following a good booger cleaning. Can't say I blame the guy. He quickly returned to normal...for a few days.
We discovered he was having problems with his tummy. We switched to supplementing with a hypoallergenic formula, but after 2 weeks he was continuing to get worse. I was no longer able to keep up with him using breastmilk so he was getting more and more bottles. Oddly my body did not get the supply and demand thing...I continued to produce a very limited amount of breastmilk while he was increasing his need for more. It became evident that the trauma my body went through was just too much for me to successfully tackle nursing full-time. Finally, we cut out the breastmilk entirely on the hunch that mixing breastmilk and formula was a problem...we also started using Mylicon drops. As you can tell by my post, he is sleeping like a baby once again...Thank God! Screaming baby = sad mommy. I was pretty upset that I wouldn't be able to nurse, but it is what it is...and I am happy that he is feeling much better.
Fortuntately, Aunt Jen jumped right in when she arrived. She took Stella for a long needed grooming (sorry 'tellers we missed the photo op), cooked us up some tasty African food, cuddled with her new nephew, and fed plenty of bottles. Without this help I don't think I could have even kept up with the daily activities so we owe her a huge THANK YOU!
Aunt Jen cuddled with the snicker...
and gave mommy a much needed break...
and played pregnant lady with mommy's belly cast...
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