Last Thursday C was diagnosed with his 7th ear infection since July; his third since the first of the year. He was put on a strong-ish antibiotic with the hopes that it would kill the bacteria once and for all. We were warned that the antibiotic would upset his stomach - possibly resulting in diarrhea. They prescribed a daily bowl of yogurt.
Forty-eight hours into the antibiotic, we noticed a little diarrhea. Nothing to be concerned about.
On Saturday afternoon, he woke up from his nap and threw up all over D. We assumed it was the result of the antibiotics. At dinner he threw up again. This was the sign he was sick.
[Side story: when he threw up, K was sitting across the table from him. As soon as he barfed (all over me, by the way), she threw up all over the dining room table. Over her meal and D's. Her gag reflex is STRONG.]
C continued to throw up into Sunday and then the dry heaving and diarrhea began.
I called the pediatrician at 1:30 Sunday afternoon, and she said to go to the ER. We were seen relatively quickly at the hospital. We were placed in a room - shared with two other patients (stories about their situations to come!!) - and hooked up to an IV. Four bags of fluids later, we were given the go-ahead to go home. It was about 2am.
On Monday - a few hours after leaving the ER - the diarrhea started flowing. After five dirty diapers, we returned to the ER. The wait was even shorter than the day before (likely do to the Inauguration). He was admitted to the hospital.
The past three days have been a waiting game. One filled with messy, messy measurements. Every diaper is weighed; every ounce of liquid consumed recorded. So far our liquids out are far greater than our liquids in. The diarrhea has been unending. UN-END-ING. And he doesn't want to drink.
Seriously, what kid wouldn't want to drink juice all day? or eat Popsicles at every meal?
Thankfully the amount of diarrhea has decreased, but not enough to warrant a discharge.
And tonight, we had a setback. He threw up. EVERYTHING he had eaten for dinner.
D is with him tonight. After a wardrobe change, a change of sheets, and a new IV he is sleeping peacefully.
I'm home with K, who is also sleeping peacefully - for the moment. She has the stomach bug now. Poor thing has been throwing up, dry heaving, and having diarrhea ALL.DAY.LONG.
I was sick yesterday. I made it through a long day at the hospital completely on mommy-adrenalin. Thankfully I'm keeping food down today. A fine diet of crackers and toast; complemented by coke.
As for C's prognosis, we are waiting. Waiting for the diarrhea to end. Waiting for the barfing to end. Waiting for him to drink. Waiting to be discharged.
Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. ~Ferris Bueller
Showing posts with label the little one. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the little one. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Thursday, January 17, 2013
SICK
For what seems like the 100th time this winter, someone in our house is sick.
Since mid-December we've had strep throat, fevers, bronchitis, ear infections, eye infections, sinus infections, coughs, runny noses, runny eyes, eyes matted shut with green goop, and a partridge in a pear tree.
This time around C is running a fever, blowing green snot bubbles, and pulling at his ears. We're off to the pediatrician in half an hour. I'm betting on double ear infections, a sinus infection, and the beginnings of an eye infection. For like the bajillenth time this year he'll be on antibiotics. Hopefully this time will be the last.
Having sick kids sucks. Without words C struggles to tell us he is not feeling well. His tell is his sick moan. He lies in his crib and just moans. Aaaaaaaah. Aaaaaaaah. Baaaaaaaaah. He doesn't scream. He doesn't cry. He just moans. Continually. We've learned that the moaning means he is hurting and he's hot. Last night the moaning began around 10pm. D held him until 10:30 (which is when I found the tylenol, which I failed to unpack after our vacation last week). I stayed up with him until midnight. He went back to sleep until 4am. He was up until 5:30 and then we all slept until 7:30. It was a long, painful, HOT night. Snuggling and holding a feverish baby for hours on end is not only exhausting, but it is hot. Smoldering.
This brings us to now. We're heading to the pediatrician - to hang out with other sick kids. It is going to be great.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Post-appointment update: "raging" ear infection in his right ear, but he tested negative for both the flu and RSV. We're thankful for that. Thankfully he is sleeping now (8:15). Here's hoping he sleeps for most of the night. I'm planning to go to bed now.
Since mid-December we've had strep throat, fevers, bronchitis, ear infections, eye infections, sinus infections, coughs, runny noses, runny eyes, eyes matted shut with green goop, and a partridge in a pear tree.
This time around C is running a fever, blowing green snot bubbles, and pulling at his ears. We're off to the pediatrician in half an hour. I'm betting on double ear infections, a sinus infection, and the beginnings of an eye infection. For like the bajillenth time this year he'll be on antibiotics. Hopefully this time will be the last.
Having sick kids sucks. Without words C struggles to tell us he is not feeling well. His tell is his sick moan. He lies in his crib and just moans. Aaaaaaaah. Aaaaaaaah. Baaaaaaaaah. He doesn't scream. He doesn't cry. He just moans. Continually. We've learned that the moaning means he is hurting and he's hot. Last night the moaning began around 10pm. D held him until 10:30 (which is when I found the tylenol, which I failed to unpack after our vacation last week). I stayed up with him until midnight. He went back to sleep until 4am. He was up until 5:30 and then we all slept until 7:30. It was a long, painful, HOT night. Snuggling and holding a feverish baby for hours on end is not only exhausting, but it is hot. Smoldering.
This brings us to now. We're heading to the pediatrician - to hang out with other sick kids. It is going to be great.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Post-appointment update: "raging" ear infection in his right ear, but he tested negative for both the flu and RSV. We're thankful for that. Thankfully he is sleeping now (8:15). Here's hoping he sleeps for most of the night. I'm planning to go to bed now.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
THE BATTER
Last Friday K's best friend, A, came over to play. It was a wonderful day. Together they played with pretty much every toy in our house. They also went to the spray park for a little water play. After lunch, A, who is an avid baseball fan and knowledgable about every aspect of the game, tried to organize a baseball game between himself and K.
K knows nothing about baseball.
A started by explaining how one person is responsible for throwing/pitching the ball and the other hits the ball with a bat.
K, who has a dominant personality and can at times be a little bossy, had enough of listening to A. She wanted to play, and she wanted to be in charge of how the game would be played.
As soon as there was a pause in conversation, K shouted:
"A, you be the batter; I'll be the gooder."
And that is OBVIOUSLY how the game of baseball is played.
K knows nothing about baseball.
A started by explaining how one person is responsible for throwing/pitching the ball and the other hits the ball with a bat.
K, who has a dominant personality and can at times be a little bossy, had enough of listening to A. She wanted to play, and she wanted to be in charge of how the game would be played.
As soon as there was a pause in conversation, K shouted:
"A, you be the batter; I'll be the gooder."
And that is OBVIOUSLY how the game of baseball is played.
Monday, October 24, 2011
WELCOME TO OUR WORLD
This is the story of Baby C's birth.
As many of you know, I was scheduled to have be induced on Wednesday, October 12th. Deciding to be induced after my induction with K that ended in a c-section was a difficult one. It was Sarah who convinced me that I needed to at least try to VBAC. It wasn't until I talked with her that I realized how lucky I was to have a doctor who was willing and encouraging to let me try to be induced after delivering a baby via c-section.
The Monday before my induction, I met with my doctor and mid-wife to discuss my plans for labor. We agreed that I'd let the pitocin do it's magic for four hours. If after that amount of time nothing was happening, we'd opt for a repeat c-section. With a plan in place, I stopped eating and drinking at midnight on the 11th. At 5:40am, D and I were standing on the corner of our street by the metro station trying to hail a cab to get to the hospital by 6am. We arrived on time only to be told we were too early... it wasn't until I talked with the charge nurse about my plans to attempt a VBAC that were escorted into our labor and delivery room. It was the same room I had when I was induced with K. (This is just the first of many similarities between my two labor stories.)
I met with my doctor and several residents during my first hour in the hospital and was quickly hooked up to the IVs and monitors. They bumped my pitocin up slowly - didn't want to make my contractions too strong and rip my uterus. As soon as I started feeling some discomfort, I opted for an epidural. Managing my pain this go around was at the top of my priority list. If the epidural failed to take, I wanted to make the decision to have a repeat c-section with a clear mind; not in the throws of transition without my pain under control.
The anestheiologist was fantastic. Aside from the initial pain of the needle, the insertion of the epidural was painless - a pleasant surprise from my experience three years ago. About half an hour after its insertion, I started to feel some pain relief and the epidural continued to work until it fell out in my recovery room. Four hours into the induction came and went quickly. When we assessed the situation around lunchtime, I was making good progress and we decided to continue on. I was having contractions every 2.5 to 3 minutes and was around 5cm. Nice!
My doctor went off duty at dinner time. When we last talked she felt I was on track to have the baby before midnight. I was introduced to my night nurse and new attending on-call and sadly said good-bye to my favorite resident who would not be back until 7am. As evening wore on and nighttime set in, it was obvious to me that my baby would not be born on the 12th. Around midnight they examined me and I was about 7 cm. Not bad, but still a long way to go...
As the early morning hours set in, things got a little complicated... my legs went completely numb from the epidural and I constantly felt like I was falling out of bed, my blood pressure started to increase, the swelling in my hands and feet was getting a little out of control, and I started to run a fever. By 3am my fever was hovering at 103*. They started me on IV antibiotics - the assumption was that I had a uterine infection - and I completed my hat-trick of insertions --- I was lucky enough to have 1) a urinary catheter; 2) an internal uterine contraction monitor; and 3) rectal insertion of tylenol.
Thankfully the tylenol brought my fever down quickly and I felt much better. At 7am, my new nurse arrived and it was the same nurse that was with me through K's delivery (yeah!). Also, my favorite resident was back on duty and I was SO excited! We determined in the early morning hours that my baby was posterior. Since my pain was under control, I allowed one of the doctors to try to flip him internally. It was slightly uncomfortable (ok... it hurt) and the baby did flip over. But only to flip right back into the posterior position moments later. We decided (read: I was advised) to try to start pushing to see if I could get the baby to flip on its own.
And push I did... we pushed in this position and in that position - sitting up, lying down, on my right side. Unfortunately even at 10 cm dilation I still had a stubborn sliver of cervix that wasn't going away. During all my pushing my favor resident had to hold this little sliver of cervical tissue back - hoping the baby could slide around it. At 9am, we decided that I would try pushing for two hours. If during that time, the baby descended and flipped I was going to VBAC. About 45 minutes into pushing, my favorite resident told me to take a break. She left to consult with the attending OB. I was forced to sit up and pray for the baby to magically drop.
At 10am, my favorite resident and the attending came into the room to talk. Things were starting to get complicated... every time I pushed my baby's heart rate dropped, there was evidence of meconium in my amniotic fluid, my fever was increasing, and it had been 22 hours since my water was broken. While holding my hand, my favorite resident advised me to opt for a c-section. It didn't take much convincing. I knew the likelihood of a VBAC was slim to none. Plus I was tired, hungry, and feverish. After 28 hours of labor, it was time to return to the OR.
Since the baby would need to be immediately seen by the pediatric team due to the meconium, I called my mom and asked her to join us at the hospital. This would allow D to go with the baby and me to have my own care-giver in the recovery room.
At 10:30am on Thursday the 13th, exactly 24 hours AFTER my scheduled c-section from the day before, I was wheeled into the OR for my repeat c-section. Thankfully, due to a working epidural, I did not need a spinal block. All my medications were administered through the epidural. I was numb in 15 minutes and ready to go. My favorite resident was on my right side giving me encouragement and updates throughout the operation.
At 10:52am, we received word that it was a BOY!
I don't remember much - fighting back the urge to puke, trying to keep my shivering under control, and worrying about my little guy - but I do remember tears of joy and the sound of a baby crying. I also remember hearing someone say that he was a BIG little fellow.
D went to be with him as the pediatric team did there thing. I got word that he was healthy and weighed in at 9 lbs 4 oz; nearly three pounds heavier than K.
How on earth did that happen?!?!
D left the OR to go with the baby. I was left in the OR while the doctors finished putting my insides back together. At one point I remember telling the doctors I was going to sleep and that is exactly what I did. My favorite resident woke me up some time later to tell me that they were going to move me onto a different bed and back to my recovery room. When I arrived my mom was there along with D. We were joined soon thereafter by baby C.
He was perfect.
I spent four more days in the hospital recovering and fighting a UTI and uterine infection. My daily doses of three different IV antibiotics wiped out each of the infections and by Saturday my fever was gone for good. We received word on Saturday that I would be discharged on Sunday.
So at noon on Sunday, October 16th we left GW Hospital as a family of four.
And now we begin the next chapter of our lives...
As many of you know, I was scheduled to have be induced on Wednesday, October 12th. Deciding to be induced after my induction with K that ended in a c-section was a difficult one. It was Sarah who convinced me that I needed to at least try to VBAC. It wasn't until I talked with her that I realized how lucky I was to have a doctor who was willing and encouraging to let me try to be induced after delivering a baby via c-section.
The Monday before my induction, I met with my doctor and mid-wife to discuss my plans for labor. We agreed that I'd let the pitocin do it's magic for four hours. If after that amount of time nothing was happening, we'd opt for a repeat c-section. With a plan in place, I stopped eating and drinking at midnight on the 11th. At 5:40am, D and I were standing on the corner of our street by the metro station trying to hail a cab to get to the hospital by 6am. We arrived on time only to be told we were too early... it wasn't until I talked with the charge nurse about my plans to attempt a VBAC that were escorted into our labor and delivery room. It was the same room I had when I was induced with K. (This is just the first of many similarities between my two labor stories.)
I met with my doctor and several residents during my first hour in the hospital and was quickly hooked up to the IVs and monitors. They bumped my pitocin up slowly - didn't want to make my contractions too strong and rip my uterus. As soon as I started feeling some discomfort, I opted for an epidural. Managing my pain this go around was at the top of my priority list. If the epidural failed to take, I wanted to make the decision to have a repeat c-section with a clear mind; not in the throws of transition without my pain under control.
The anestheiologist was fantastic. Aside from the initial pain of the needle, the insertion of the epidural was painless - a pleasant surprise from my experience three years ago. About half an hour after its insertion, I started to feel some pain relief and the epidural continued to work until it fell out in my recovery room. Four hours into the induction came and went quickly. When we assessed the situation around lunchtime, I was making good progress and we decided to continue on. I was having contractions every 2.5 to 3 minutes and was around 5cm. Nice!
My doctor went off duty at dinner time. When we last talked she felt I was on track to have the baby before midnight. I was introduced to my night nurse and new attending on-call and sadly said good-bye to my favorite resident who would not be back until 7am. As evening wore on and nighttime set in, it was obvious to me that my baby would not be born on the 12th. Around midnight they examined me and I was about 7 cm. Not bad, but still a long way to go...
As the early morning hours set in, things got a little complicated... my legs went completely numb from the epidural and I constantly felt like I was falling out of bed, my blood pressure started to increase, the swelling in my hands and feet was getting a little out of control, and I started to run a fever. By 3am my fever was hovering at 103*. They started me on IV antibiotics - the assumption was that I had a uterine infection - and I completed my hat-trick of insertions --- I was lucky enough to have 1) a urinary catheter; 2) an internal uterine contraction monitor; and 3) rectal insertion of tylenol.
Thankfully the tylenol brought my fever down quickly and I felt much better. At 7am, my new nurse arrived and it was the same nurse that was with me through K's delivery (yeah!). Also, my favorite resident was back on duty and I was SO excited! We determined in the early morning hours that my baby was posterior. Since my pain was under control, I allowed one of the doctors to try to flip him internally. It was slightly uncomfortable (ok... it hurt) and the baby did flip over. But only to flip right back into the posterior position moments later. We decided (read: I was advised) to try to start pushing to see if I could get the baby to flip on its own.
And push I did... we pushed in this position and in that position - sitting up, lying down, on my right side. Unfortunately even at 10 cm dilation I still had a stubborn sliver of cervix that wasn't going away. During all my pushing my favor resident had to hold this little sliver of cervical tissue back - hoping the baby could slide around it. At 9am, we decided that I would try pushing for two hours. If during that time, the baby descended and flipped I was going to VBAC. About 45 minutes into pushing, my favorite resident told me to take a break. She left to consult with the attending OB. I was forced to sit up and pray for the baby to magically drop.
At 10am, my favorite resident and the attending came into the room to talk. Things were starting to get complicated... every time I pushed my baby's heart rate dropped, there was evidence of meconium in my amniotic fluid, my fever was increasing, and it had been 22 hours since my water was broken. While holding my hand, my favorite resident advised me to opt for a c-section. It didn't take much convincing. I knew the likelihood of a VBAC was slim to none. Plus I was tired, hungry, and feverish. After 28 hours of labor, it was time to return to the OR.
Since the baby would need to be immediately seen by the pediatric team due to the meconium, I called my mom and asked her to join us at the hospital. This would allow D to go with the baby and me to have my own care-giver in the recovery room.
At 10:30am on Thursday the 13th, exactly 24 hours AFTER my scheduled c-section from the day before, I was wheeled into the OR for my repeat c-section. Thankfully, due to a working epidural, I did not need a spinal block. All my medications were administered through the epidural. I was numb in 15 minutes and ready to go. My favorite resident was on my right side giving me encouragement and updates throughout the operation.
At 10:52am, we received word that it was a BOY!
I don't remember much - fighting back the urge to puke, trying to keep my shivering under control, and worrying about my little guy - but I do remember tears of joy and the sound of a baby crying. I also remember hearing someone say that he was a BIG little fellow.
D went to be with him as the pediatric team did there thing. I got word that he was healthy and weighed in at 9 lbs 4 oz; nearly three pounds heavier than K.
How on earth did that happen?!?!
D left the OR to go with the baby. I was left in the OR while the doctors finished putting my insides back together. At one point I remember telling the doctors I was going to sleep and that is exactly what I did. My favorite resident woke me up some time later to tell me that they were going to move me onto a different bed and back to my recovery room. When I arrived my mom was there along with D. We were joined soon thereafter by baby C.
He was perfect.
I spent four more days in the hospital recovering and fighting a UTI and uterine infection. My daily doses of three different IV antibiotics wiped out each of the infections and by Saturday my fever was gone for good. We received word on Saturday that I would be discharged on Sunday.
So at noon on Sunday, October 16th we left GW Hospital as a family of four.
And now we begin the next chapter of our lives...
Monday, October 17, 2011
TWO
My two. I am the proud mother of TWO children.
On Thursday, October 13th we became a family of four. We had a L-O-N-G stay at the hospital, but in the end we returned home. All four of us - my wonderful husband and my two children.
Yes, K is an amazing big sister. And, yes, baby boy CR is supplementing with formula. My little chub-ster (9 lbs 4 oz) cannot wait for my milk to come in.
We are feeling blessed beyond belief...
On Thursday, October 13th we became a family of four. We had a L-O-N-G stay at the hospital, but in the end we returned home. All four of us - my wonderful husband and my two children.
Yes, K is an amazing big sister. And, yes, baby boy CR is supplementing with formula. My little chub-ster (9 lbs 4 oz) cannot wait for my milk to come in.
We are feeling blessed beyond belief...
Monday, October 10, 2011
EVICTION NOTICE
Baby Joel ---
The time has come. Your welcome, medically speaking, is over. You have about 38 hours to leave your current home or you will be removed (forcefully).
You have made my belly your home for 41 weeks and several days. According to my doctor, my placenta is growing weaker, my blood pressure is increasing, and the risks of delivering are also increasing. You need to come out. My mid-wife thinks you weigh about seven pounds and based on your kicking skills I'm sure you are ready for a little more room. Last night while sitting around willing you to come out and reading The Atlantic I was able to confirm you have five toes on your left foot. You kicked so hard I actually saw your footprint in my belly.
If you would like to please your mother on your first day of life, please start kicking in a downward direction. In order to attempt a VBAC on Wednesday, I need three things to occur: 1) I need my cervix to soften; 2) I need my cervix to dialate; and 3) I need you to drop. Currently your little head is about three-fingers length below my belly button - a little too far up. As much as it will hurt me now, start pushing downward (on whatever you can get your feet on) NOW. If one of these three things fail to happen before 6am on Wednesday, I'll be forced to undergo a repeat c-section, which means we'll miss Thai take-out on Friday evening for dinner and I will be forced to live on the second floor of our house for a week or so (no stairs post-c-section). I will also have to refrain from driving for a couple of weeks, which just complicates things.
So push downward, Joel. Push hard.
Love,
Mama-Bear
All things considered, I am doing fairly well for being nearly 2 weeks overdue. I'm tired and not sleeping well, but that is to be expected. My BP is a little high, but nothing to worry about 36 hours before eviction day. We have an OR reserved for 10:30am on Wednesday, but I'm hoping to go on further than the L&D room.
Here's hoping...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FYI... based on my tummy shape, most strangers believe I am having a boy. My mother and K's nanny, who will also be taking care of Joel, both feel strongly that I am having a boy. My father and grandmother both believe I am having a girl. The Y in my left eye suggests that I am having a girl.
Only (a short) time will tell...
I believe we have agreed on both a boy and girl name. Final agreements will be reached in the moments prior to birth.
The time has come. Your welcome, medically speaking, is over. You have about 38 hours to leave your current home or you will be removed (forcefully).
You have made my belly your home for 41 weeks and several days. According to my doctor, my placenta is growing weaker, my blood pressure is increasing, and the risks of delivering are also increasing. You need to come out. My mid-wife thinks you weigh about seven pounds and based on your kicking skills I'm sure you are ready for a little more room. Last night while sitting around willing you to come out and reading The Atlantic I was able to confirm you have five toes on your left foot. You kicked so hard I actually saw your footprint in my belly.
If you would like to please your mother on your first day of life, please start kicking in a downward direction. In order to attempt a VBAC on Wednesday, I need three things to occur: 1) I need my cervix to soften; 2) I need my cervix to dialate; and 3) I need you to drop. Currently your little head is about three-fingers length below my belly button - a little too far up. As much as it will hurt me now, start pushing downward (on whatever you can get your feet on) NOW. If one of these three things fail to happen before 6am on Wednesday, I'll be forced to undergo a repeat c-section, which means we'll miss Thai take-out on Friday evening for dinner and I will be forced to live on the second floor of our house for a week or so (no stairs post-c-section). I will also have to refrain from driving for a couple of weeks, which just complicates things.
So push downward, Joel. Push hard.
Love,
Mama-Bear
All things considered, I am doing fairly well for being nearly 2 weeks overdue. I'm tired and not sleeping well, but that is to be expected. My BP is a little high, but nothing to worry about 36 hours before eviction day. We have an OR reserved for 10:30am on Wednesday, but I'm hoping to go on further than the L&D room.
Here's hoping...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FYI... based on my tummy shape, most strangers believe I am having a boy. My mother and K's nanny, who will also be taking care of Joel, both feel strongly that I am having a boy. My father and grandmother both believe I am having a girl. The Y in my left eye suggests that I am having a girl.
Only (a short) time will tell...
I believe we have agreed on both a boy and girl name. Final agreements will be reached in the moments prior to birth.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
WORDLESS WEDNESDAY
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
SIX WEEK REWIND
Ferris Bueller once said:
Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around
once in a while, you could miss it.
The past six weeks of my life have flown by -- quite possibly the busiest weeks of my life. And it is not just business. They have been full of changes - physical, mental, emotional, hormonal, and behavioral. I have been trying to take time to enjoy all the special, never-going-to-be-the-same-again moments that have come my way.
In short, since we traveled to Pennsylvania for the Fourth of July, I/we have:
1. hosted our friends from France for two weeks;
2. painted K's bedroom (well, technically my dad gets credit for this) and made room for a new crib and dresser;
3. spent a week at the beach with friends;
4. completed my duties as a graduate research assistant;
5. submitted a complete draft of my written dissertation;
6. received approval to defend my dissertation;
7. began my full-time, grown-up job as an Assistant Professor;
8. gained approximately 15 pounds;
9. become the mother to a preschooler;
10. planned my come-back races for 2012 (National RnR and Pittsburgh 1/2 marathons); and
11. spent more time trying to stay on top of things than ever before in my life.
As of today, we are officially ready for baby #2. I am currently 35 weeks and 5 days along. I'm feeling fine - minus the persistent heartburn and swelling in my hands, feet, and ankles. Our new carseat was delivered today. This is the ONE thing we needed to have before the baby arrives. It is here. Part of me wants this baby to be born today; another part of me knows I have several BIG events scheduled for the next four weeks that I really want to happen --- including my dissertation defense.
As long as I do not go into labor before my due date, I plan to defend my dissertation at 39 weeks and 3 days pregnant. I believe this will elevate me to ROCK STAR status among all PhD students and mothers-to-be! I also am planning to be inducted into my high school athletic hall of fame at 37 weeks/1 day pregnant. Again, I think attending this event, rocking a great black dress, and announcing my plans to be in 1/2 marathon running shape by March will also elevate me to some sort of ROCK STAR status!
Regardless of when this new baby comes, my current baby will be starting preschool in two weeks. I can hardly believe it. She's enrolled in a wonderful Montessori School about 1 mile from our house. Her teacher is a gem and the school is beautiful - while playing at the school playground today, we noticed you can see the National Cathedral in the background. What a wonderful spot to attend school!
Just shy of three years old, K has become her own little lady. She talks constantly - often narrating the events of the day, making up stories, and asking WHY. She has her own sense of style and is very opinionated with it comes to clothing, shoes, and hair. She loves to read, paint and play with play-dough. She also loves music, dancing, jumping, gymnastics, riding her bike, and being outside. She also loves to help out in the kitchen and is becoming quite the little baker.
The hour between 6:30 and 7:30 each evening is our most challenging time - she's tired, wants constant attention, and can often be found yelling, "NO!" without ceasing. She continues to be a great napper, but cannot sleep through the night for anything. We're currently trying to bride her to stay in bed all night long - until the sun comes up - with frozen yogurt. It has yet to work.
Our vacation to the beach a few weeks ago, was definitely a highlight of the summer for all of us. We had a wonderful and restful week away with friends. K completely enjoyed herself.
My goal for the next five weeks of this pregnancy is to enjoy each moment. In spite of heartburn and the awkwardness of my big belly, I want to enjoy being pregnant (as much as I can), I want to enjoy having just one child, I want to cherish all my firsts at my new job, I want to prepare for my dissertation defense, and I really want get as much sleep as humanly possible.
Here's to you baby #2, Joel... please make plans to remain where you are for at least four more weeks. Love, Mommy
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
HOT, HOT, HOT
It is not even June and temperatures in DC reached 95* today.
It was bloody hot.
Highlights of our day included visits to the library and grocery store, which were icebox cold. It was so refreshing. When we weren't soaking in the AC, we were playing in water. Nothing beats a sprinkler, kiddie pool, or a bucket of water on a hazy, hot, and humid day in MAY.
*Note: if the weather does not cool off in the coming weeks - at least for a little while - this pregnant mama is going to be one swollen mess. I'm placing bets that my wedding ring will not fit by July; my watch won't fit by the end of August and my ankles will disappear sometime in the middle of it all.
It was bloody hot.
Highlights of our day included visits to the library and grocery store, which were icebox cold. It was so refreshing. When we weren't soaking in the AC, we were playing in water. Nothing beats a sprinkler, kiddie pool, or a bucket of water on a hazy, hot, and humid day in MAY.
*Note: if the weather does not cool off in the coming weeks - at least for a little while - this pregnant mama is going to be one swollen mess. I'm placing bets that my wedding ring will not fit by July; my watch won't fit by the end of August and my ankles will disappear sometime in the middle of it all.
Monday, May 30, 2011
INTRODUCING...
Baby "Joel".
On Friday, at 21 weeks 6 days pregnant, we got our first view of Baby #2. K has proudly named this little one "Joel". We're not sure where the name came from (possibly a shortening of her friend Nigel's name), but the baby has been Joel since before Easter.
There is a bit of pressure to name the baby Joel, if the baby is a boy. We'll have to wait and see... Joel is healthy and is weighing in at approximately 1 pound. He/she looks much the same as K did when she was born. His/her resemblance to D is remarkable!
In response to the most common questions we've been getting...
1. We do not know if it is a boy or girl and we do not plan to find out. Note: I believe we're having a girl; my dad feels the same way.
2. I am due October 2.
3. Yes, that is basically K's birthday. I am already praying against a shared birthday for our kids and a hospital stay that overlaps K's birthday.
4. I want to VBAC; Carla is my inspiration!
5. We have not chosen names yet, and we do not plan to share our name(s) until the baby is here and officially named.
6. Like last time, I plan to take the metro to the hospital to deliver.
7. We still need: an infant car seat (our first was destroyed in a fit of cat envy/anger after K's birth), a crib, a double stroller, and a new pump.
8. We are looking to sell a double jogging stroller, a single jogging stroller, a changing table, and some other odds and ends we don't need this time around.
9. We need to paint K's room and make the room ready for two kids. Yes, our kids are going to share a room. It is a giant space and we like the idea of our kids sharing it for a couple of years. We're planning to make our office a little more kid-friendly --- maybe with a new bookshelf for kids books and some seats/lighting for family reading time.
There is a bit of pressure to name the baby Joel, if the baby is a boy. We'll have to wait and see... Joel is healthy and is weighing in at approximately 1 pound. He/she looks much the same as K did when she was born. His/her resemblance to D is remarkable!
In response to the most common questions we've been getting...
1. We do not know if it is a boy or girl and we do not plan to find out. Note: I believe we're having a girl; my dad feels the same way.
2. I am due October 2.
3. Yes, that is basically K's birthday. I am already praying against a shared birthday for our kids and a hospital stay that overlaps K's birthday.
4. I want to VBAC; Carla is my inspiration!
5. We have not chosen names yet, and we do not plan to share our name(s) until the baby is here and officially named.
6. Like last time, I plan to take the metro to the hospital to deliver.
7. We still need: an infant car seat (our first was destroyed in a fit of cat envy/anger after K's birth), a crib, a double stroller, and a new pump.
8. We are looking to sell a double jogging stroller, a single jogging stroller, a changing table, and some other odds and ends we don't need this time around.
9. We need to paint K's room and make the room ready for two kids. Yes, our kids are going to share a room. It is a giant space and we like the idea of our kids sharing it for a couple of years. We're planning to make our office a little more kid-friendly --- maybe with a new bookshelf for kids books and some seats/lighting for family reading time.
Monday, May 9, 2011
MY BABY GIRL
Yesterday was wonderful - complete with tulips, a framed picture, and an afternoon out with my two favorite people. Looking at this picture, I see that my baby really isn't a baby anymore. *sniff, sniff*
Friday, April 29, 2011
A BEAUTIFUL DAY
Spring has arrived and I am feeling healthy again. Early this morning I received an email saying that the azaleas at the National Arboretum are in full bloom. The sun was shining, a cool breeze was blowing, and I was ready to get out and enjoy the day. So off we went...
We spent some time admiring the azaleas. Then we hiked across the meadow to check out the original columns of the U.S. Capitol.
Afterward we spent some time running through the meadows, checking out the fountain, and sitting on every bench at the park.
We spent some time admiring the azaleas. Then we hiked across the meadow to check out the original columns of the U.S. Capitol.
Afterward we spent some time running through the meadows, checking out the fountain, and sitting on every bench at the park.
We ended up trip at the choi ponds. No pictures were taken because I spent the majority of my time trying to keep my two year old out of the water (and away from the fish).
Friday, April 22, 2011
IRONIC
***written Thursday, January 27, 2011
Webster's Dictionary defines IRONIC as: coincidental; unexpected
The events of the past week have been in more ways than one IRONIC. Last week over the MLK Jr holiday, we moved K into her big girl bed. I was sad to see the crib disassembled, but I was eager to get the crib out of our house. I remember saying to D (and others), "even if I were pregnant right now, we wouldn't need a crib for another year. Let's just sell this one on craigslist and buy a new one if and when we need it."
D was thrilled not to have to find a spot to store a crib. We took a set of pictures of the crib together and then took it apart. Before posting an ad on craigslist, I mentioned to a pregnant friend that we were getting rid of K's old crib and she offered to buy it. Sweet. She and her husband made arrangements to pick it up from us on Monday evening.
On Monday afternoon, I met a friend for coffee. We had a delightful time. After sucking down a warm chai tea, I walked with my friend to Target to get a couple of groceries and some soap. While walking through the pharmacy section of the Target, it occurred to me that I was late.
Hmmmmm....
Do I buy a pregnancy test? Or wait it out a week?
Obviously I bought a test and ran right into the bathroom at Target to pee on a stick.
And wouldn't you know it? POSITIVE. No need to wait the three minutes. I got an immediate positive result.
HOLY CRAP. Pregnant with baby #2.
I went home and after the nanny and the other family in our nanny-share left I took another test (you cannot be too sure). Positive. Again.
I stuck both positive tests in my pocket and spent some time with my baby until D got home. As I was reading K Fox in Socks for the 10,000th time, I was thinking about how I was going to tell D. I had a plan. Then moments after D arrived home, I got out of bed where K and I were reading an the test fell out of my pocket. K asked what it was; I said a pen. D noticed it was not a pen. I handed off both tests when we were in the kitchen getting ready for dinner. Not the most dramatic way of telling him, but the message was relayed.
Moments later, our friends knocked on the door and loaded up our crib. So with Baby 2 on the way, we don't have a crib. Isn't that ironic?
As of right now, I'm about four weeks along. So my insides are looking something like this:
Webster's Dictionary defines IRONIC as: coincidental; unexpected
The events of the past week have been in more ways than one IRONIC. Last week over the MLK Jr holiday, we moved K into her big girl bed. I was sad to see the crib disassembled, but I was eager to get the crib out of our house. I remember saying to D (and others), "even if I were pregnant right now, we wouldn't need a crib for another year. Let's just sell this one on craigslist and buy a new one if and when we need it."
D was thrilled not to have to find a spot to store a crib. We took a set of pictures of the crib together and then took it apart. Before posting an ad on craigslist, I mentioned to a pregnant friend that we were getting rid of K's old crib and she offered to buy it. Sweet. She and her husband made arrangements to pick it up from us on Monday evening.
On Monday afternoon, I met a friend for coffee. We had a delightful time. After sucking down a warm chai tea, I walked with my friend to Target to get a couple of groceries and some soap. While walking through the pharmacy section of the Target, it occurred to me that I was late.
Hmmmmm....
Do I buy a pregnancy test? Or wait it out a week?
Obviously I bought a test and ran right into the bathroom at Target to pee on a stick.
And wouldn't you know it? POSITIVE. No need to wait the three minutes. I got an immediate positive result.
HOLY CRAP. Pregnant with baby #2.
I went home and after the nanny and the other family in our nanny-share left I took another test (you cannot be too sure). Positive. Again.
I stuck both positive tests in my pocket and spent some time with my baby until D got home. As I was reading K Fox in Socks for the 10,000th time, I was thinking about how I was going to tell D. I had a plan. Then moments after D arrived home, I got out of bed where K and I were reading an the test fell out of my pocket. K asked what it was; I said a pen. D noticed it was not a pen. I handed off both tests when we were in the kitchen getting ready for dinner. Not the most dramatic way of telling him, but the message was relayed.
Moments later, our friends knocked on the door and loaded up our crib. So with Baby 2 on the way, we don't have a crib. Isn't that ironic?
As of right now, I'm about four weeks along. So my insides are looking something like this:
I'm feeling ok. At nights I'm experiencing sea-sickness, and during the day I've had some mild headaches. My anxiety related to being pregnant is significantly less than the first time around. I'm actually excited and looking forward to hearing the baby's heartbeat at my first OB appointment (still to be scheduled).
According to the online calculator, my due date is between September 30 and October 3.
Monday, April 4, 2011
SPRING
It looks as if SPRING has arrived - for keeps this time (*fingers crossed*). Warmer weather, thunderstorms, and flowers will be filling the days to come. The past few months have been trying for me, but with spring upon us I feel excited about new opportunities, growth, and many flower-filled days at the park (or our backyard).
Note: details about the past few weeks will be forthcoming.
Friday, February 18, 2011
ZOO
With temperatures near 80* today, we set out for the zoo early. We arrived well before the official opening, but found many of the animals out and enjoying the day.
K picked out her own outfit today and D dressed her in it. Love it.
We had a fantastic morning together and then spent the latter part of the afternoon hanging out at the park.
If only this weather would last...
K picked out her own outfit today and D dressed her in it. Love it.
We had a fantastic morning together and then spent the latter part of the afternoon hanging out at the park.
If only this weather would last...
Monday, February 7, 2011
BEFORE AND AFTER
Yesterday started out wonderfully... we had a wonderful spread of food prepared, a big screen TV, friends, family, and a lot of black and gold (decorations and clothing).
Yesterday ended on a sad note for all the Steelers fans out there.
These pictures capture the before and after better than words ever could.
Yesterday ended on a sad note for all the Steelers fans out there.
These pictures capture the before and after better than words ever could.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
FAVORITE THINGS: K edition
We've spent much of this week being with friends (K's buddy and his family were here for a couple of days because they were without power), playing in the snow, cleaning, and doing A LOT of singing. Our Pandora Sound of Music station has been getting a lot of air time. It appears that K's "Do Re Mi" phase has been replaced by a "Favorite Things" phases.
On Tuesday morning, I caught her singing My Favorite Things while cleaning / dusting. Thankfully she indulged me and started over again so I could capture the moment on video.
on Vimeo.
We've also been singing the ABC song a lot. This video from Sesame Street featuring Tilly and the Wall has become a household favorite. D has also been spending a lot of bath time teaching K her letters. Each night they take a picture of all of the letters and numbers she is able to name. When they started this ritual a couple of weeks ago, there were five letters in the picture. Last night I captured this:
Yes, my baby knows nearly the whole alphabet. I'm so proud.
In non-singing related news, we've been able to get outside some this week and enjoy the snow / ice. K went sledding for the first time on Thursday. She was the first of her three friends to take a ride down the hill. I was so proud.
I love the look on her face in these photos. Yes, the top one is a little blurry, but we were sliding quickly along the icy hill. And I didn't have time to make a lot of camera adjustments before passing my camera off to a friend before our ride.
Much fun was had and that is what is captured in the photos.
On Tuesday morning, I caught her singing My Favorite Things while cleaning / dusting. Thankfully she indulged me and started over again so I could capture the moment on video.
on Vimeo.
We've also been singing the ABC song a lot. This video from Sesame Street featuring Tilly and the Wall has become a household favorite. D has also been spending a lot of bath time teaching K her letters. Each night they take a picture of all of the letters and numbers she is able to name. When they started this ritual a couple of weeks ago, there were five letters in the picture. Last night I captured this:
Yes, my baby knows nearly the whole alphabet. I'm so proud.
In non-singing related news, we've been able to get outside some this week and enjoy the snow / ice. K went sledding for the first time on Thursday. She was the first of her three friends to take a ride down the hill. I was so proud.
I love the look on her face in these photos. Yes, the top one is a little blurry, but we were sliding quickly along the icy hill. And I didn't have time to make a lot of camera adjustments before passing my camera off to a friend before our ride.
Much fun was had and that is what is captured in the photos.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
NO TELEVISION
Technically, we do not own a TV. We do have a 13 inch TV set in our basement. This TV was brought to our house by my father when he was here for a week when K was born.
We don't use this TV.
It is not our TV.
We are a TV-free house.
And proud of it.
There are times, however, when I would really enjoy having a TV at home. Such as when the Steelers are playing (in the AFC Championship game!!), during the summer Olympics, and when I need either 15 minutes to get something done or K needs 15 minutes to unwind/cool down.
We do allow K to watch youtube clips and short videos from Sesame Street; however, we cannot leave her alone in front of the computer in order to get something else done. The computer is just too tempting to touch with all of its buttons (the most appealing of which is the on-off one at the top right of the keyboard). So when K is watching a clip on the computer, one of us is right there with her protecting our computer from harm.
QUESTION: what do we do when K needs to calm down? Or when we need 10 minutes of time to get something done without interruption?
ANSWER: we pull a chair up to the sink and give our little girl a sponge, some soap, and a handful of items to clean.
What can I say? Our little girl loves to play in water; she loves to wash; she loves her bubbles.
She would spend the entire day on her tip-toes washing dishes, cleaning the sink and playing in a small steady stream of water from the facet if we'd let her.
We have to cut her off from this activity. The timer on our oven is my best friend. I set the number of minutes she can play at the sink and when the timer goes off, she reaches up and turns the water off. This week we've had to really limit her time at the sink (resulting in having to come up with alternate activities, which is hard) because all the water play has led to severely chapped cheeks and chin.
Yes, in addition to washing the dishes and sink, she also washes her face and arms. Hence the snowpants with no shirt on. This allows for proper arm washing space without getting a clean shirt drenched.
And, yes, she stands on her tip-toes the entire time she is at the sink even though she is tall enough to reach the water and soap on flat feet. The tip-toes are needed, however, to reach the bottom of the sink when it needs to be washed.
Our water bill is slightly higher these days as a result of K's water play; however, the extra dollar or so to that bill does not compare to paying $75-100 per month for cable or direct TV.
I'll take the water play, clean sink, and sanitized toddler any day!
We don't use this TV.
It is not our TV.
We are a TV-free house.
And proud of it.
There are times, however, when I would really enjoy having a TV at home. Such as when the Steelers are playing (in the AFC Championship game!!), during the summer Olympics, and when I need either 15 minutes to get something done or K needs 15 minutes to unwind/cool down.
We do allow K to watch youtube clips and short videos from Sesame Street; however, we cannot leave her alone in front of the computer in order to get something else done. The computer is just too tempting to touch with all of its buttons (the most appealing of which is the on-off one at the top right of the keyboard). So when K is watching a clip on the computer, one of us is right there with her protecting our computer from harm.
QUESTION: what do we do when K needs to calm down? Or when we need 10 minutes of time to get something done without interruption?
ANSWER: we pull a chair up to the sink and give our little girl a sponge, some soap, and a handful of items to clean.
What can I say? Our little girl loves to play in water; she loves to wash; she loves her bubbles.
She would spend the entire day on her tip-toes washing dishes, cleaning the sink and playing in a small steady stream of water from the facet if we'd let her.
We have to cut her off from this activity. The timer on our oven is my best friend. I set the number of minutes she can play at the sink and when the timer goes off, she reaches up and turns the water off. This week we've had to really limit her time at the sink (resulting in having to come up with alternate activities, which is hard) because all the water play has led to severely chapped cheeks and chin.
Yes, in addition to washing the dishes and sink, she also washes her face and arms. Hence the snowpants with no shirt on. This allows for proper arm washing space without getting a clean shirt drenched.
And, yes, she stands on her tip-toes the entire time she is at the sink even though she is tall enough to reach the water and soap on flat feet. The tip-toes are needed, however, to reach the bottom of the sink when it needs to be washed.
Our water bill is slightly higher these days as a result of K's water play; however, the extra dollar or so to that bill does not compare to paying $75-100 per month for cable or direct TV.
I'll take the water play, clean sink, and sanitized toddler any day!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
CAN'T GET ENOUGH...
MUSIC.
This is my daughter last Friday night at D's office holiday party. There was a band. K just couldn't get enough. She was front and center most of the evening. The guitarist on the right even allowed her to play a few notes...
This is my daughter last Friday night at D's office holiday party. There was a band. K just couldn't get enough. She was front and center most of the evening. The guitarist on the right even allowed her to play a few notes...
Monday, November 29, 2010
NEW TOYS
At the top of tonight's "I'm thankful for..." list are our new toys. We have a very generous benefactor, whose children are outgrowing their toys just as K is old enough to play with them. This past week we became the proud owners of more Fisher Price Little People and puzzles than you could imagine. We've had to order one of these to keep things under control and out of sight.
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