Greg says I should be more sentimental. I got rid of our Rock Band 2 instruments and game, and I think he's a bit unhappy about it. Because of the original Rock Band, Greg and I ended up meeting long ago. And I know he got rid of that one long ago. I remember going with Greg to get Rock Band 2. So there. Without Rock Band, it may have taken us longer to meet. ... To be honest, I was kind of glad to get rid of those things. We had a good time playing the game, but in the last five years we hadn't used them. And they were cluttering up the laundry room. Tycho basically played with them--he'd always pull out the guitars and make me play one of them. Then he'd play the drums, too. That was cute, but since we didn't actually play the game, I wanted to get them out. So I got rid of them.
If you are wondering, I got rid of a china hutch that I really liked among other things, so I'm not just getting rid of Greg's things. That was hard, but I actually like the space I have now (I'll enjoy it for a couple of weeks!), and it makes me realize that as pretty as china is, I'm kind of thinking I should get rid of that, too? I just never used it! I always wanted to, but to be honest, in the five years we've been here, I've just kept that china in the hutch. Maybe if I didn't have to wash every single dish by hand I'd be more inclined to use china? And maybe if I didn't have little ones to worry about, I'd also think about using china more often.
By the way, I am sentimental! I've kept little things that have meant so much to me. Usually notes because they are small. So I have a whole stack of notes and letters and ticket stubs and such that I have collected over the years and I look back and think of the memories that I share with the giver of the notes and the ticket stubs.
I love moving because it forces you to look at your things and declutter. However, getting rid of the things that you bought is really hard. I mean, you spent money on the object (usually) and they were supposed to bring you happiness--and usually they do. I've kind of liked this minimalism movement because I'm enjoying the idea of just keeping things that bring you happiness, and it's made me more conscious of buying things that'll bring happiness instead of just junk.
What's the hardest thing you've had to get rid of?
Monday, July 9, 2018
Sunday, June 17, 2018
Potty Training: Day 0
Dear Universe,
Tomorrow morning, I get to have the pleasure of potty training Tycho. I don't look forward to this important lesson despite it meaning more independence, no stinky diapers, etc. I DON'T WANT TO POTTY TRAIN! They say teething is hard, but this is worse. I'm already stressed over minimal expectations for potty training. More importantly, Tycho also doesn't want to do it. So why are we doing it when Greg is getting ready for trip #1 to Brazil, we are trying to pack up our things to move, and neither of us want to do it? Because getting Tycho to do new things takes so much preparation since he despises change. I figure have a 'try-out' while we are here in a familiar setting and then do the real deal when I am not stressed over moving, etc. when we get to our new house. Is that dumb? I guess so.
I have zero expectations for this transition because underwear has not excited him. The toilet seat, which he picked out, does not excite him. And bribes *barely* work. I bribed Tycho two times today with an M&M to just SIT on the toilet seat and try it out, and we had all the tears on both occasions. I don't even like the idea of bribing him for something civilized people have been doing for a while. It's ridiculous. (Okay, you say rewards, I say bribing. Also, welcome to the world of emotional eating, my dear child.)
Alright, well thanks for listening to me rant about being a parent. I guess I have to go through this since I keep talking about it with Tycho.
Tomorrow morning, I get to have the pleasure of potty training Tycho. I don't look forward to this important lesson despite it meaning more independence, no stinky diapers, etc. I DON'T WANT TO POTTY TRAIN! They say teething is hard, but this is worse. I'm already stressed over minimal expectations for potty training. More importantly, Tycho also doesn't want to do it. So why are we doing it when Greg is getting ready for trip #1 to Brazil, we are trying to pack up our things to move, and neither of us want to do it? Because getting Tycho to do new things takes so much preparation since he despises change. I figure have a 'try-out' while we are here in a familiar setting and then do the real deal when I am not stressed over moving, etc. when we get to our new house. Is that dumb? I guess so.
I have zero expectations for this transition because underwear has not excited him. The toilet seat, which he picked out, does not excite him. And bribes *barely* work. I bribed Tycho two times today with an M&M to just SIT on the toilet seat and try it out, and we had all the tears on both occasions. I don't even like the idea of bribing him for something civilized people have been doing for a while. It's ridiculous. (Okay, you say rewards, I say bribing. Also, welcome to the world of emotional eating, my dear child.)
Alright, well thanks for listening to me rant about being a parent. I guess I have to go through this since I keep talking about it with Tycho.
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Fast from Facebook
So President Nelson, the current prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invited the youth to participate in a few things to get the church moving forward. One thing he suggested the youth to do was fast from Facebook for seven days. Even though I'm no longer between the ages of 12-18, I wanted to do this, too, because I have been meaning to work on getting off of Facebook (not using it as a daily tool) as I have realized it's been sucking my time and energy. I also wanted to learn to be more present with people especially my kids.
Anyway, for the past couple of days I've tried to stay off of it--except the time I needed to message someone as I needed to get in contact with them right away. (hey I got on with purpose).
Here's what I've noticed.
I used Facebook as a crutch. *sigh* When I didn't want to face something like a tantrum from Tycho, for instance, I'd turn to Facebook as a means to zone out. "Huh? You're angry?...ugh!" Maybe it's a good thing, but now I really need to take responsibility of my emotions instead of zoning out when I'm feeling bad or something and tune into my kids' emotions as well. Despite how hard it can be.
I used Facebook to wake up sometimes. I need to find something else to do instead. Haha... working on that one.
Now that I don't have Facebook in the way, I realize that I should be doing things I want to do while the kids are napping. Like clean or exercise... I keep telling myself I need to get into shape, but I've been distracted with Facebook. There's always something to look at on Facebook, right?
Update:
I actually really liked this fast from Facebook. It was nice to do something else for a change. I think I'll definitely try it again. I'm trying to be more aware of when I get on, and be more present which is hard because I am trying to sell things on Facebook before we move... I didn't unfriend anyone, but I did decide to not follow group pages because they tend to drag you in.
Anyway, for the past couple of days I've tried to stay off of it--except the time I needed to message someone as I needed to get in contact with them right away. (hey I got on with purpose).
Here's what I've noticed.
I used Facebook as a crutch. *sigh* When I didn't want to face something like a tantrum from Tycho, for instance, I'd turn to Facebook as a means to zone out. "Huh? You're angry?...ugh!" Maybe it's a good thing, but now I really need to take responsibility of my emotions instead of zoning out when I'm feeling bad or something and tune into my kids' emotions as well. Despite how hard it can be.
I used Facebook to wake up sometimes. I need to find something else to do instead. Haha... working on that one.
Now that I don't have Facebook in the way, I realize that I should be doing things I want to do while the kids are napping. Like clean or exercise... I keep telling myself I need to get into shape, but I've been distracted with Facebook. There's always something to look at on Facebook, right?
Update:
I actually really liked this fast from Facebook. It was nice to do something else for a change. I think I'll definitely try it again. I'm trying to be more aware of when I get on, and be more present which is hard because I am trying to sell things on Facebook before we move... I didn't unfriend anyone, but I did decide to not follow group pages because they tend to drag you in.
Monday, August 14, 2017
labor with Frederick part 2
After I had "rested" for half an hour, another nurse by the name of Judy came to see how I was doing and to chat. I instantly felt connected with her because of her name. My grandmother's name is Judy and she is a no-nonsense lady like this nurse, but this nurse was compassionate and understanding unlike the other nurse who wouldn't listen to me. We had a heart-to-heart discussion about why I didn't want to push. I explained that I wasn't ready because I wasn't feeling the same pressure I felt before, that I was scared about how Frederick would be when he came out, that I really didn't want to have Greg look at my bare bottom and vulva in such a manner--I felt so undressed. I was mostly afraid for Frederick.
It was about 10 a.m. at this point, and after this heart-to-heart with this lovely nurse, who agreed to help me with the rest of my delivery, I was able to proceed. I no longer had someone telling me to "PUSH push push!" over and over again. During my resting phase, I had to do a lot of deep breathing pushing, and he was more visible than he was before when the nurse originally told me to start pushing. So, pushing at this point wasn't bad until he started crowning. And then I asked if they could just pull him out of me at that point. They, of course, told me no. Frederick was finally born at 10:26 a.m. after about 12 hours of "active" labor.
Tycho didn't cry as much when he was born; he was rather quite, but Frederick had lusty cries when he finally came out. I cried. I was relieved. I was so happy to hear his cry at that moment. He was okay for me to hold him after a few minutes (the best reward for a 2-degree tear), and they took him to monitor him again. He wasn't as big as I expected; he was 9 lbs 1 oz. I wasn't sure how long he was right away because for whatever reason they didn't measure him. He ended up being 20 inches long, though.
We had three names for this little guy that finally won out: over the long debate: Frederick, Charles, and Gabriel. (The fact that we were able to narrow your name down from a list with a 101 options is a miracle, kid. I still laugh about the option "He who shall not be named"--seemed fitting for the time.) As much as I loved the name Gabriel, it didn't fit. And while I had some reservations about the name Frederick, we ended up with that name. (Sorry, Fred, you and a family dog have the same name. This would have been the same case with Charles, too...If your dad had his way, we would have called you Wolfric which means king of wolves, so I'm not sure which is the best name after all. But Captain Wentworth from the book Persausion is named Frederick, and I like him.)
I got to be with my baby for an hour before he was whisked off to the NICU. If I had to pinpoint which was the hardest part about this experience, it was this moment. Greg followed Frederick, and I was wheeled to my recovery room. The crappy part about the epidural is not walking afterward.
The next couple of days in the hospital were incredibly difficult, and at the moment, I don't think I could write about them.
When Frederick was finally released from the NICU, I felt like I could actually relax with my baby. I had been so worried and stressed about this little guy that when he was finally in my arms without a bunch of monitors, I was relieved and happy. I felt like I could finally connect with this little guy after all these months. He was mine, and I was able to care for him the best way I knew how.
P.S. For your next labor experience, I recommend using birth affirmation cards. I made some--about 25 cards-- and they were of great help to me while I was in labor. I read through them several times. They ranged from scriptures like Deut 31:6, D&C 88:63, & Alma 36:27 to thoughts like "My body is relaxed and calm" to "Relax jaw, soft cervix." Really marvelous thoughts. I wanted to have a positive experience with this birth despite everything that could have happened afterward, so I made positive notes for me to read.
P.S.S. I didn't mind my labor experience this time. It was actually pretty good over all. I was happy about the way things turned out--I was able to go into labor on my own. I was able to do things at my own pace after vocalizing my opinions (pushing), and, of course, Frederick turned out to be well. The only part I feel bad about is when I told Greg that I didn't like a particular friend any more because she has a high pain tolerance and I could not do natural labor (I am super jealous, and I do like this person still).
It was about 10 a.m. at this point, and after this heart-to-heart with this lovely nurse, who agreed to help me with the rest of my delivery, I was able to proceed. I no longer had someone telling me to "PUSH push push!" over and over again. During my resting phase, I had to do a lot of deep breathing pushing, and he was more visible than he was before when the nurse originally told me to start pushing. So, pushing at this point wasn't bad until he started crowning. And then I asked if they could just pull him out of me at that point. They, of course, told me no. Frederick was finally born at 10:26 a.m. after about 12 hours of "active" labor.
Tycho didn't cry as much when he was born; he was rather quite, but Frederick had lusty cries when he finally came out. I cried. I was relieved. I was so happy to hear his cry at that moment. He was okay for me to hold him after a few minutes (the best reward for a 2-degree tear), and they took him to monitor him again. He wasn't as big as I expected; he was 9 lbs 1 oz. I wasn't sure how long he was right away because for whatever reason they didn't measure him. He ended up being 20 inches long, though.
We had three names for this little guy that finally won out: over the long debate: Frederick, Charles, and Gabriel. (The fact that we were able to narrow your name down from a list with a 101 options is a miracle, kid. I still laugh about the option "He who shall not be named"--seemed fitting for the time.) As much as I loved the name Gabriel, it didn't fit. And while I had some reservations about the name Frederick, we ended up with that name. (Sorry, Fred, you and a family dog have the same name. This would have been the same case with Charles, too...If your dad had his way, we would have called you Wolfric which means king of wolves, so I'm not sure which is the best name after all. But Captain Wentworth from the book Persausion is named Frederick, and I like him.)
I got to be with my baby for an hour before he was whisked off to the NICU. If I had to pinpoint which was the hardest part about this experience, it was this moment. Greg followed Frederick, and I was wheeled to my recovery room. The crappy part about the epidural is not walking afterward.
The next couple of days in the hospital were incredibly difficult, and at the moment, I don't think I could write about them.
When Frederick was finally released from the NICU, I felt like I could actually relax with my baby. I had been so worried and stressed about this little guy that when he was finally in my arms without a bunch of monitors, I was relieved and happy. I felt like I could finally connect with this little guy after all these months. He was mine, and I was able to care for him the best way I knew how.
P.S. For your next labor experience, I recommend using birth affirmation cards. I made some--about 25 cards-- and they were of great help to me while I was in labor. I read through them several times. They ranged from scriptures like Deut 31:6, D&C 88:63, & Alma 36:27 to thoughts like "My body is relaxed and calm" to "Relax jaw, soft cervix." Really marvelous thoughts. I wanted to have a positive experience with this birth despite everything that could have happened afterward, so I made positive notes for me to read.
P.S.S. I didn't mind my labor experience this time. It was actually pretty good over all. I was happy about the way things turned out--I was able to go into labor on my own. I was able to do things at my own pace after vocalizing my opinions (pushing), and, of course, Frederick turned out to be well. The only part I feel bad about is when I told Greg that I didn't like a particular friend any more because she has a high pain tolerance and I could not do natural labor (I am super jealous, and I do like this person still).
Labor with Frederick part 1
For those of you who like labor and delivery stories, this post is for you.
Almost a week before I gave birth, I had my last doctor's appointment. I was already considered a day past my due date, so my doctor ended up scheduling an induction date for me as well. Initially, we decided on Wednesday, June 28, which I thought was alright because if I was induced, I knew the baby would come on a even day of the month which would follow the family tradition of being born on an even day of the month, but because I wouldn't have a nurse or something rather, they decided to make my induction date June 27. I didn't like that date at all.
My mother-in-law arrived in town the day of my last O.B. appointment, and it was such a blessing that Frederick decided to wait until after she arrived to be born. Since she had to fly from the States to Canada, we weren't really sure when she should come because babies decide to come whenever they want. But we hoped that this little guy would be late like his brother was, and I have to say that being okay with a late baby this time was a relief except I REALLY didn't want to be induced again. I was close to calling up my doctor and asking, "Can we move this induction day to another day... like later in the week?" At the same time, I was kind of afraid to give birth later in the week because I had an ultrasound appointment the same day as my last O.B. appointment, and they estimated the baby to be 9 lbs 6 oz. I wasn't willing to be induced but at the same time I wasn't willing to give vaginal birth to a 9 1/2 lb baby. So here I was, in limbo, waiting for a baby to arrive now his grandma was in town.
So during that time, I scrubbed the floor, walked around with Tycho, exercised, drank red raspberry leaf tea, ate spicy Indian food hoping the baby would make his debut on his own.
On Sunday evening, our wonderful friends dropped off the fresh pork products we were able to get from mutual friends of ours. To show appreciation for this delivery, I made some bread to give to them only it wasn't ready in time for them to take it home. So I told my friends I'd deliver the bread to them the following day hoping that I'd be in labor and not really deliver the bread (!). Alas, while I had a few contractions that woke me up from my sleep, I wasn't in active labor, and in fact, I thought they were just some heavy duty Braxton Hicks. So I delivered the bread.
My mother-in-law, Tycho, and I delivered the bread, and during that time we were visiting with our friends, I kept having irregular waves of pain that would take some of my focus to get through, but when they went away while I was shopping after delivering the bread, I thought, "Well, that's too bad, I guess I'll go on with my day." I didn't tell anyone about these contractions initially because, frankly, I didn't want to alarm anyone or pressure myself any further. Not having the experience of going into labor on my own, I wasn't sure what to expect.
I had some difficultly getting Tycho to nap that day, and when I finally did get him to lie down, I also took a nap, too. We had a late afternoon nap, and during that time, I had a few more contractions that took my breath away, but since they weren't regular, I ignored them. Any time I was relaxing, I would have contractions. (I later learned that you have more contractions when you are resting.) I told Greg that evening before making dinner that we might have to go to the hospital. I ended up watching clips of Jim Gaffigan on youtube while making dinner because the waves of pain were a little unbearable, but I could manage them, and then they would go away. Ironically, the entire time I was having these contractions, I was trying to get myself ready for an induction the following day. I was so angry that I wasn't in labor yet. Once again, I kept thinking, my body failed to go into labor, and I'd have to be induced which I really didn't want to go through.
As I was putting Tycho to bed, at a very late hour, I'm ashamed to admit, I started having intense contractions about every 7 minutes apart. Long story short, I still nurse Tycho (I wished I weaned him sooner, but he was teething...for several months straight. *sigh* I guess you just have to be a mean mom sooner or later and pull the plug--nipple.), and nipple stimulation is a real thing for helping labor progress... Poor kid was upset because I ended up having to leave before he was asleep. I ended up using the intercom system on our house phone, and telling Greg he needed to put Tycho to bed. When he came upstairs, he realized that he needed to take me to the hospital right away and had his mom put Tycho to bed. I told him, I was fine, and that I could wait a little longer to go to the hospital, but Greg insisted that we had to go, but I insisted that I'd take a bath first as I hadn't showered that day, but taking a bath did nothing to help me calm down or stop shaking, and Greg had me out of the tub and into the car to take the almost hour-long drive to the hospital.
During our drive, I had major contractions every 6 minutes with a little contractions 3 minutes apart...okay so contractions 3 minutes a part. We were lucky that I had gone into labor so late at night so the traffic wasn't bad, but whenever there was a minor inconvenience (why are we at a red light at 1 a.m.?!!) I'd start talking like a pirate... I was lucky that there were so few inconveniences, and that Greg could drive well despite my yelling at least every 6 minutes. ;) I have to add that sitting still in the car was so hard for my body; I couldn't relax, and my body was shaking uncontrollably.
By the time we got to triage, I learned I was 6-7 cm dilated. Hahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hooray I went into labor on my own!
I got two vials of blood taken and an hook up for an IV from an experienced nurse just *in case* I wanted an epidural. (After I had Tycho, I was nervous about having an IV again, because it was done so poorly, so I requested an experienced nurse to do the deed.) Sadly, I almost passed out after having blood drawn, and I ended up needing to be wheeled to my delivery room. How embarrassing.
I listened to a playlist of songs I compiled while I paced next to my bed, no longer shaking uncontrollably because I was able to relax. (Btw, Queen's "Don't Stop me Now" was not a good choice for the playlist. I am NOT having a good time, Freddie Mercury.) I had to have a heart monitor for the little guy, so I couldn't stray far except for the time I felt like I had to pee so badly, and then I was helped over to the bathroom. The first nurse attending me was awesome and fetched me popsicles and was easy to talk with. Around 5 a.m. my labor pains got to be so intense that I could neither sit not stand, and my water broke from the top, so it would trickle down during each contraction, making a mess all over, so I opted for the epidural after much prodding and support from Greg. Looking back, I am happy with that decision despite the desire for a natural delivery, but I was unable to get comfortable during contractions. Plus, I was starting to talk like a pirate again, and I felt like that was the wrong experience for me and everyone around me. And unlike Grand River Hospital, McMaster's doesn't leave a catheter in the entire time you're laboring with an epidural which made the experience much better.
My second nurse was a drill sergeant; she camein around 7:30 a.m. Around 9 a.m. she checked my cervix, and told me I was 10 cm, and since I was 10 cm, I should start pushing NOW. So I started pushing. She would repeat over and over "PUSH push push push push!" It was starting to get annoying and super frustrating to have her boss me around. I wanted to be in an optimal pushing position, but I COULDN'T get comfortable on my back and I couldn't feel that pressure to push like I felt with Tycho. I tried explaining this, but she ignored me. "You're going to be uncomfortable no matter what, so just start pushing!" So I told her after a few attempts to push that I wanted to rest....and I took the passive aggressive way out of this situation and she ended up leaving to go on break or something.
Almost a week before I gave birth, I had my last doctor's appointment. I was already considered a day past my due date, so my doctor ended up scheduling an induction date for me as well. Initially, we decided on Wednesday, June 28, which I thought was alright because if I was induced, I knew the baby would come on a even day of the month which would follow the family tradition of being born on an even day of the month, but because I wouldn't have a nurse or something rather, they decided to make my induction date June 27. I didn't like that date at all.
My mother-in-law arrived in town the day of my last O.B. appointment, and it was such a blessing that Frederick decided to wait until after she arrived to be born. Since she had to fly from the States to Canada, we weren't really sure when she should come because babies decide to come whenever they want. But we hoped that this little guy would be late like his brother was, and I have to say that being okay with a late baby this time was a relief except I REALLY didn't want to be induced again. I was close to calling up my doctor and asking, "Can we move this induction day to another day... like later in the week?" At the same time, I was kind of afraid to give birth later in the week because I had an ultrasound appointment the same day as my last O.B. appointment, and they estimated the baby to be 9 lbs 6 oz. I wasn't willing to be induced but at the same time I wasn't willing to give vaginal birth to a 9 1/2 lb baby. So here I was, in limbo, waiting for a baby to arrive now his grandma was in town.
So during that time, I scrubbed the floor, walked around with Tycho, exercised, drank red raspberry leaf tea, ate spicy Indian food hoping the baby would make his debut on his own.
On Sunday evening, our wonderful friends dropped off the fresh pork products we were able to get from mutual friends of ours. To show appreciation for this delivery, I made some bread to give to them only it wasn't ready in time for them to take it home. So I told my friends I'd deliver the bread to them the following day hoping that I'd be in labor and not really deliver the bread (!). Alas, while I had a few contractions that woke me up from my sleep, I wasn't in active labor, and in fact, I thought they were just some heavy duty Braxton Hicks. So I delivered the bread.
My mother-in-law, Tycho, and I delivered the bread, and during that time we were visiting with our friends, I kept having irregular waves of pain that would take some of my focus to get through, but when they went away while I was shopping after delivering the bread, I thought, "Well, that's too bad, I guess I'll go on with my day." I didn't tell anyone about these contractions initially because, frankly, I didn't want to alarm anyone or pressure myself any further. Not having the experience of going into labor on my own, I wasn't sure what to expect.
I had some difficultly getting Tycho to nap that day, and when I finally did get him to lie down, I also took a nap, too. We had a late afternoon nap, and during that time, I had a few more contractions that took my breath away, but since they weren't regular, I ignored them. Any time I was relaxing, I would have contractions. (I later learned that you have more contractions when you are resting.) I told Greg that evening before making dinner that we might have to go to the hospital. I ended up watching clips of Jim Gaffigan on youtube while making dinner because the waves of pain were a little unbearable, but I could manage them, and then they would go away. Ironically, the entire time I was having these contractions, I was trying to get myself ready for an induction the following day. I was so angry that I wasn't in labor yet. Once again, I kept thinking, my body failed to go into labor, and I'd have to be induced which I really didn't want to go through.
As I was putting Tycho to bed, at a very late hour, I'm ashamed to admit, I started having intense contractions about every 7 minutes apart. Long story short, I still nurse Tycho (I wished I weaned him sooner, but he was teething...for several months straight. *sigh* I guess you just have to be a mean mom sooner or later and pull the plug--nipple.), and nipple stimulation is a real thing for helping labor progress... Poor kid was upset because I ended up having to leave before he was asleep. I ended up using the intercom system on our house phone, and telling Greg he needed to put Tycho to bed. When he came upstairs, he realized that he needed to take me to the hospital right away and had his mom put Tycho to bed. I told him, I was fine, and that I could wait a little longer to go to the hospital, but Greg insisted that we had to go, but I insisted that I'd take a bath first as I hadn't showered that day, but taking a bath did nothing to help me calm down or stop shaking, and Greg had me out of the tub and into the car to take the almost hour-long drive to the hospital.
During our drive, I had major contractions every 6 minutes with a little contractions 3 minutes apart...okay so contractions 3 minutes a part. We were lucky that I had gone into labor so late at night so the traffic wasn't bad, but whenever there was a minor inconvenience (why are we at a red light at 1 a.m.?!!) I'd start talking like a pirate... I was lucky that there were so few inconveniences, and that Greg could drive well despite my yelling at least every 6 minutes. ;) I have to add that sitting still in the car was so hard for my body; I couldn't relax, and my body was shaking uncontrollably.
By the time we got to triage, I learned I was 6-7 cm dilated. Hahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hooray I went into labor on my own!
I got two vials of blood taken and an hook up for an IV from an experienced nurse just *in case* I wanted an epidural. (After I had Tycho, I was nervous about having an IV again, because it was done so poorly, so I requested an experienced nurse to do the deed.) Sadly, I almost passed out after having blood drawn, and I ended up needing to be wheeled to my delivery room. How embarrassing.
I listened to a playlist of songs I compiled while I paced next to my bed, no longer shaking uncontrollably because I was able to relax. (Btw, Queen's "Don't Stop me Now" was not a good choice for the playlist. I am NOT having a good time, Freddie Mercury.) I had to have a heart monitor for the little guy, so I couldn't stray far except for the time I felt like I had to pee so badly, and then I was helped over to the bathroom. The first nurse attending me was awesome and fetched me popsicles and was easy to talk with. Around 5 a.m. my labor pains got to be so intense that I could neither sit not stand, and my water broke from the top, so it would trickle down during each contraction, making a mess all over, so I opted for the epidural after much prodding and support from Greg. Looking back, I am happy with that decision despite the desire for a natural delivery, but I was unable to get comfortable during contractions. Plus, I was starting to talk like a pirate again, and I felt like that was the wrong experience for me and everyone around me. And unlike Grand River Hospital, McMaster's doesn't leave a catheter in the entire time you're laboring with an epidural which made the experience much better.
My second nurse was a drill sergeant; she camein around 7:30 a.m. Around 9 a.m. she checked my cervix, and told me I was 10 cm, and since I was 10 cm, I should start pushing NOW. So I started pushing. She would repeat over and over "PUSH push push push push!" It was starting to get annoying and super frustrating to have her boss me around. I wanted to be in an optimal pushing position, but I COULDN'T get comfortable on my back and I couldn't feel that pressure to push like I felt with Tycho. I tried explaining this, but she ignored me. "You're going to be uncomfortable no matter what, so just start pushing!" So I told her after a few attempts to push that I wanted to rest....and I took the passive aggressive way out of this situation and she ended up leaving to go on break or something.
Thursday, April 20, 2017
Weird Pregnancy Question
Why do people always ask how you are feeling when you're pregnant? But not at any other time during your life? I feel like it's the oddest question to receive. What do you want me to say? Pregnancy sucks. That I'm fine--nothing about pregnancy bothers me. And I always feel like it comes at the wrong point in pregnancy. Talk to me during the first trimester, and I will tell you all the feelings.
I guess this thought comes from the fact that I am carrying a child with a heart abnormality which kind of sucks. And I know people don't realize that they are asking me a dumb question. I know they mean well, but I know they aren't asking about my baby with a heart abnormality.
So how do I honestly feel? Alone. Stressed out and scared for my baby. Nervous about how he'll adjust to being outside of the womb. Annoyed by trips to a hospital that's an hour away with appointments that take forever and end up during Tycho's nap time...*sigh* like I do well with nap time anyway. Frustrated with the lack of control over my life.
Otherwise, my pregnancy is going well. Thanks for asking.
I guess this thought comes from the fact that I am carrying a child with a heart abnormality which kind of sucks. And I know people don't realize that they are asking me a dumb question. I know they mean well, but I know they aren't asking about my baby with a heart abnormality.
So how do I honestly feel? Alone. Stressed out and scared for my baby. Nervous about how he'll adjust to being outside of the womb. Annoyed by trips to a hospital that's an hour away with appointments that take forever and end up during Tycho's nap time...*sigh* like I do well with nap time anyway. Frustrated with the lack of control over my life.
Otherwise, my pregnancy is going well. Thanks for asking.
Monday, April 10, 2017
Just because I'm pregnant, doesn't mean I'm an invalid
I know some of my posts have become rants lately. I apologize.
The title of this post says it all. I may be pregnant, but it doesn't mean that I am unable to do stuff. If I was, I'd ask for help or say something. But when I want to do something myself, I will do that said thing. When I was in second grade, I broke my arm falling off the monkey bars. I got up on my own, and walked over to the teacher on duty and said, "I think I broke my arm," as I held up my clearly bent wrist. I wished so much I have that ability to do that in more cases, but I can't. Another time, I was getting blood work done to see if I was iron-efficient. They did the little finger prick, but when the blood wasn't flowing, the nurse asked to see if I could help by pressing on my finger. As I did, I realized I was going to throw up, and I ran out of the room. I know my limits.
Guys, I'm not saying I want to work out in rice fields every day and eventually go into labor as I'm working out in the fields like O-Lan from the book The Good Earth, but I don't want to be like the woman from the short story The Yellow Wallpaper (yes, I know that this story takes place AFTER she gives birth, but same point), and not be able to lift a damned finger.
Today while seven months pregnant, I moved several pieces of furniture in my son's room (dresser, book case, and chair). I've asked for help in moving other pieces of furniture in his room because I know I can't do it.
The title of this post says it all. I may be pregnant, but it doesn't mean that I am unable to do stuff. If I was, I'd ask for help or say something. But when I want to do something myself, I will do that said thing. When I was in second grade, I broke my arm falling off the monkey bars. I got up on my own, and walked over to the teacher on duty and said, "I think I broke my arm," as I held up my clearly bent wrist. I wished so much I have that ability to do that in more cases, but I can't. Another time, I was getting blood work done to see if I was iron-efficient. They did the little finger prick, but when the blood wasn't flowing, the nurse asked to see if I could help by pressing on my finger. As I did, I realized I was going to throw up, and I ran out of the room. I know my limits.
Guys, I'm not saying I want to work out in rice fields every day and eventually go into labor as I'm working out in the fields like O-Lan from the book The Good Earth, but I don't want to be like the woman from the short story The Yellow Wallpaper (yes, I know that this story takes place AFTER she gives birth, but same point), and not be able to lift a damned finger.
Today while seven months pregnant, I moved several pieces of furniture in my son's room (dresser, book case, and chair). I've asked for help in moving other pieces of furniture in his room because I know I can't do it.
Sunday, March 5, 2017
Keep lunches simple
Last night, I was struggling to get dinner on the table. I thought, "All I am making is soup, bread, and salad. Why is this taking so long, and why is my child yelling at me for the billionth time?" My dinner was really hands on as I decided to make a dinner that I hadn't yet tried making and several items were from scratch. I was pretty bummed to see that my child didn't eat much of this food. Of course, the bread and the salad were a no-go for him. Even though he's one, he should still be interested in trying everything, right?
When I started making lunches for myself while I was in high school, I made a sandwich, threw in a apple and a yogurt, and called it good. Occasionally, I'd make something different. But usually I kept things simple because I didn't have time before I went off to seminary in the morning to make something tastier. I ate everything in my lunch because I was hungry and that's what I had to eat. When I went to university, I started making lunches again for my husband and me. (If I would have been smarter, I would have done leftovers since microwaves were available, but no, I stuck to the sandwich routine.) I added more food than I did in high school because I would be walking long distances, studying (studying always made me hungry), and be away from home for long hours. I look at these lunch box ideas on pinterest and wonder if I would even have the time to make these lunches. Cute sandwich pictures? Kebabs? Salads? As a student, I didn't have time for that. And now as a mom, I find that I don't have time to make in depth meals all the time, and making complicated lunches or meals adds more to my to-do list.
My second thought is do kids even eat all of those foods they have pictured? I love vegetables...after bread, meat, cheese, and fruit. I love vegetables more when they are cooked, and with cold lunches, you don't get the option of throwing tasty vegetables that are cooked. As a kid, I generally didn't even eat the offered the cooked vegetables I got from the school cafeteria... my parents weren't there to make me. I'm not saying give your kids junk food, but give them food they will eat. (If they are going to eat the grape tomatoes then throw them in.) But make your lunch simple. They will know that you love them for making them a sandwich and tossing in a fruit and crackers, AND they won't starve between the time they go to school and the time they return home because you didn't put their sandwich on stick.
In short, save your energy from making complicated lunches and feed them all the cooked vegetables when they return home.
Sunday, February 19, 2017
pregnancy #2, week 20 something
I realized I haven't documented this pregnancy at all on here. Possibly, I have been distracted by a toddler who won't let me type for long on a computer without commandeering it for himself. I've also found myself reading quite a bit because I want to enjoy that time while I can.
We found out that we were pregnant on Thanksgiving (Canadian Thanksgiving), and the news was quite exciting. Greg, however, wanted to keep things quiet until we saw our family in December. That was SO hard for me to do! I'm not sure why people want to keep things quiet during the first trimester. I feel my worst during that time, and talking to someone about it makes you feel a little better. We had our first appointment with our midwife on American Thanksgiving, which was quite cool. So this baby is truly our Thanksgiving baby...not that we aren't thankful for Tycho.
We found out last Wednesday that we're having a boy. I thought for sure we were having a girl based on the horrible, horrible morning sickness I had. (The highlights of said morning sickness are throwing up during stake conference and getting to leave early--Greg was SO happy to leave, and at 14 weeks, I got sick in a parking lot right after doing blood work). Although, I did read that drinking cold water only makes your tummy more upset. And during the period of morning sickness I could only drink cold, cold water, however, and I think that may have been a contributing factor. Who knows? I am excited for another boy. I have pretty much all the clothes and such for him, but also, I grew up with a sister, and my husband had all brothers. I like the idea of having same-gendered siblings for kids. (Although, if we have another, I hope for a girl.)
I've been feeling this baby kick up a storm lately, and it warms my heart. I think I first felt him move right around Christmas. That was exciting for me. I've only started to notice the kicking on the outside of the tummy lately, and I find it difficult to determine when he'll be moving so that Tycho or Greg can feel the baby, too.
I remember when I was pregnant with Tycho I did not want citrus at all. I had almost an entire box of clementines that I ended up giving away because they didn't suit me. This pregnancy, I've been down with citrus...in moderation, of course. I've craved is peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with a glass of milk lately as well as cereal and biscuits and gravy. My guess is I need the calcium. I'm just not big on drinking milk by itself.
The one thing I've been trying to work on is working out. This is so hard to do right around this time of year in Canada! I was quite happy with the fact that I didn't gain weight during the first trimester, but this trimester got me, and I feel the need to move my body. I feel so big already! Where did this belly come from?!
The only downside to this pregnancy is finding out the day following the ultrasound is that we need to go see a specialist because the ultrasound suggested that there's a possible problem with baby's heart. Yay for advanced medicine, but boo to uncertainty and waiting. This appointment was a possibility last week, and then they did schedule it for more than a month from now. Who does that to a pregnant woman?! The anxiety for this appointment was high initially, but it's gradually decreased. (Doesn't mean that I don't have strong words them for keeping me waiting.) They scheduled the appointment so far away because (1) not life-threatening--which is good, but still frustrating to have to wait, and (2) to possibly see the heart a bit better when they have a look at the baby in a month. My one consolation is that Tycho will be teething quite a bit for the next little while. One cuspid on one side won't stand alone for long, right? So you know, I get to deal with his pain, and not think about this appointment.
So anyway, that's what's going on thus far in this pregnancy. I'll update on what's happening to baby next month.
We found out that we were pregnant on Thanksgiving (Canadian Thanksgiving), and the news was quite exciting. Greg, however, wanted to keep things quiet until we saw our family in December. That was SO hard for me to do! I'm not sure why people want to keep things quiet during the first trimester. I feel my worst during that time, and talking to someone about it makes you feel a little better. We had our first appointment with our midwife on American Thanksgiving, which was quite cool. So this baby is truly our Thanksgiving baby...not that we aren't thankful for Tycho.
We found out last Wednesday that we're having a boy. I thought for sure we were having a girl based on the horrible, horrible morning sickness I had. (The highlights of said morning sickness are throwing up during stake conference and getting to leave early--Greg was SO happy to leave, and at 14 weeks, I got sick in a parking lot right after doing blood work). Although, I did read that drinking cold water only makes your tummy more upset. And during the period of morning sickness I could only drink cold, cold water, however, and I think that may have been a contributing factor. Who knows? I am excited for another boy. I have pretty much all the clothes and such for him, but also, I grew up with a sister, and my husband had all brothers. I like the idea of having same-gendered siblings for kids. (Although, if we have another, I hope for a girl.)
I've been feeling this baby kick up a storm lately, and it warms my heart. I think I first felt him move right around Christmas. That was exciting for me. I've only started to notice the kicking on the outside of the tummy lately, and I find it difficult to determine when he'll be moving so that Tycho or Greg can feel the baby, too.
I remember when I was pregnant with Tycho I did not want citrus at all. I had almost an entire box of clementines that I ended up giving away because they didn't suit me. This pregnancy, I've been down with citrus...in moderation, of course. I've craved is peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with a glass of milk lately as well as cereal and biscuits and gravy. My guess is I need the calcium. I'm just not big on drinking milk by itself.
The one thing I've been trying to work on is working out. This is so hard to do right around this time of year in Canada! I was quite happy with the fact that I didn't gain weight during the first trimester, but this trimester got me, and I feel the need to move my body. I feel so big already! Where did this belly come from?!
The only downside to this pregnancy is finding out the day following the ultrasound is that we need to go see a specialist because the ultrasound suggested that there's a possible problem with baby's heart. Yay for advanced medicine, but boo to uncertainty and waiting. This appointment was a possibility last week, and then they did schedule it for more than a month from now. Who does that to a pregnant woman?! The anxiety for this appointment was high initially, but it's gradually decreased. (Doesn't mean that I don't have strong words them for keeping me waiting.) They scheduled the appointment so far away because (1) not life-threatening--which is good, but still frustrating to have to wait, and (2) to possibly see the heart a bit better when they have a look at the baby in a month. My one consolation is that Tycho will be teething quite a bit for the next little while. One cuspid on one side won't stand alone for long, right? So you know, I get to deal with his pain, and not think about this appointment.
So anyway, that's what's going on thus far in this pregnancy. I'll update on what's happening to baby next month.
Monday, October 3, 2016
The struggle of getting to know your neighbors
I struggle to fit in, and I'm starting to strongly dislike where I live.
On one hand, for the longest time I struggled to get to know my neighbors with some difficulty because I wasn't a student, I was married (I know that shouldn't make a difference, but in some cases it feels like it does), and I am not from the Middle East (a number of my neighbors still keep to their cultural customs which is nice, but if you aren't from the culture, I feel like I am unsure if I fit in). And then I had Tycho, who opened up a whole new world for me. I thought things would *magically* change for me in my community, but I still struggle to get to know my community.
On one hand, I can finally meet other neighbors with kids without feeling awkward by stalking them outside on the playground. "Hey...not to be creepy, but I saw you outside, and I just wanted to meet you." I totally did that the first summer I was here. On the other hand, I haven't felt close enough to people to actually invite people over... "Hey so I know we just met randomly outside the other day, do you want to come over?"
Yeah, there are community events I could attend, but let's be honest, I have not kept in contact with one single person that also attended those events. Possibly because they are no longer living here, or possibly because they didn't show up to other events...just like me. (I have a kid now, and the food is gross.)
And then there is the other time I crashed my neighbors' Eid party a few weeks ago because I was so sick and tired of feeling like the outsider. "Hey guys, you see me all the time out here on the playground by myself... why don't you ever invite me to join you? Can we be friends even though we are from different backgrounds?" Turns out the awkward situations on the playground were due to the lack of ability to speak English/Arabic. I'm still working on the Arabic.
I still get to meet people because I watch a few of my neighbors' kids, but it is still hard. I guess I am at that point where I care because I have few other things going on in my life like school.
I am hosting a party which even though the party hasn't even happened, the plans have gone badly. First of all, I should have planned this a couple of weeks out, but because I wanted to get this happening sooner and before snow falls, I decided to do it like a week out. And then, the forecast predicted rain, so thought, "how about the community centre?" That was a no go. And there is another community event which is happening around the same time I wanted to host a party, so I thought, "hey maybe we can combine forces." But alas, I was denied. So many hurdles. So I am hosting a pre-cocktail party party before the community event... sans alcohol of course.
I know I am complaining a lot here, but I just feel like giving up.
Okay, I'll admit it. I'm lonely. I want to get to know my community, but it's been so hard.
On one hand, for the longest time I struggled to get to know my neighbors with some difficulty because I wasn't a student, I was married (I know that shouldn't make a difference, but in some cases it feels like it does), and I am not from the Middle East (a number of my neighbors still keep to their cultural customs which is nice, but if you aren't from the culture, I feel like I am unsure if I fit in). And then I had Tycho, who opened up a whole new world for me. I thought things would *magically* change for me in my community, but I still struggle to get to know my community.
On one hand, I can finally meet other neighbors with kids without feeling awkward by stalking them outside on the playground. "Hey...not to be creepy, but I saw you outside, and I just wanted to meet you." I totally did that the first summer I was here. On the other hand, I haven't felt close enough to people to actually invite people over... "Hey so I know we just met randomly outside the other day, do you want to come over?"
Yeah, there are community events I could attend, but let's be honest, I have not kept in contact with one single person that also attended those events. Possibly because they are no longer living here, or possibly because they didn't show up to other events...just like me. (I have a kid now, and the food is gross.)
And then there is the other time I crashed my neighbors' Eid party a few weeks ago because I was so sick and tired of feeling like the outsider. "Hey guys, you see me all the time out here on the playground by myself... why don't you ever invite me to join you? Can we be friends even though we are from different backgrounds?" Turns out the awkward situations on the playground were due to the lack of ability to speak English/Arabic. I'm still working on the Arabic.
I still get to meet people because I watch a few of my neighbors' kids, but it is still hard. I guess I am at that point where I care because I have few other things going on in my life like school.
I am hosting a party which even though the party hasn't even happened, the plans have gone badly. First of all, I should have planned this a couple of weeks out, but because I wanted to get this happening sooner and before snow falls, I decided to do it like a week out. And then, the forecast predicted rain, so thought, "how about the community centre?" That was a no go. And there is another community event which is happening around the same time I wanted to host a party, so I thought, "hey maybe we can combine forces." But alas, I was denied. So many hurdles. So I am hosting a pre-cocktail party party before the community event... sans alcohol of course.
I know I am complaining a lot here, but I just feel like giving up.
Okay, I'll admit it. I'm lonely. I want to get to know my community, but it's been so hard.
Saturday, September 3, 2016
New food rules
I just finished reading the book, "French Kids Eat Everything", and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was inspired by the idea of eating good food for pleasure and making eating a social event.
I've decided to change some things around my house and adapt some of the rules from this book.
1. No grazing. Make a habit of eating real food At The Table! I have found that I have been eating more junk foods and not paying attention to when I'm actually hungry. I'm thrilled to toss out the baby snack foods I bought for Tycho-- and find myself eating, too. No more cheerios. No goldfish crackers. Nada. I'm excited to not carry food with me "just jn case" when I go out for errands. Yes, Tycho will have a snack (and I probably will, too), but it'll be real food and eaten because I'm hungry. It'll also save on the food budget. Double win.
2. Eat food slowly. I've always been a fast eater. I don't know why, but it's like a food eating contest or something. I want to intentionally slow down and enjoy the food and conversation. I've been trying this lately, and I have noticed I'm fuller a lot sooner. Awesome for weight loss!
3. Eat a wider variety of food. I've noticed for a LONG time I've been buying the same foods over and over. So boring. I'm excited to switch things up a little maybe once every couple of weeks. I'm okay making similar meals because I know the recipes, and that helps make cooking faster especially since I am working that'll be easier. Anyway, I'm excited to incorporate leeks, radishes, beets, but not okra, but I'm trying it anyway!
4. Teach Tycho to eat food, not play with it. I'm so tired of his messy his chair! As well as the messy floor around the table! Ugh.
Here's to new and better eating habits!
I've decided to change some things around my house and adapt some of the rules from this book.
1. No grazing. Make a habit of eating real food At The Table! I have found that I have been eating more junk foods and not paying attention to when I'm actually hungry. I'm thrilled to toss out the baby snack foods I bought for Tycho-- and find myself eating, too. No more cheerios. No goldfish crackers. Nada. I'm excited to not carry food with me "just jn case" when I go out for errands. Yes, Tycho will have a snack (and I probably will, too), but it'll be real food and eaten because I'm hungry. It'll also save on the food budget. Double win.
2. Eat food slowly. I've always been a fast eater. I don't know why, but it's like a food eating contest or something. I want to intentionally slow down and enjoy the food and conversation. I've been trying this lately, and I have noticed I'm fuller a lot sooner. Awesome for weight loss!
3. Eat a wider variety of food. I've noticed for a LONG time I've been buying the same foods over and over. So boring. I'm excited to switch things up a little maybe once every couple of weeks. I'm okay making similar meals because I know the recipes, and that helps make cooking faster especially since I am working that'll be easier. Anyway, I'm excited to incorporate leeks, radishes, beets, but not okra, but I'm trying it anyway!
4. Teach Tycho to eat food, not play with it. I'm so tired of his messy his chair! As well as the messy floor around the table! Ugh.
Here's to new and better eating habits!
Friday, June 24, 2016
I'm at my limit...with boundaries for this kid
Lately, I have found myself struggling with keeping my certain boundaries intact with Tycho. I find myself saying, "No, no, no!" in various forms all day, and some days I find myself tired and become casual or relaxed with some of these boundaries. Get stuff out of the cupboard? Sure... go ahead. Let me help you find something. Play with the toilet...well, if he isn't putting his hands inside of the toilet... just kidding.
So I ask myself two questions when it comes to Tycho playing with stuff. Is it dangerous/nasty? And on a scale of 1 to 10, how much does it bother me? If it's a 6 or higher, I tend to stop him.
For instance: toilet. Nasty. Bothersome --8. Remove troublesome child away from toilet before he attempts to flush it while I'm using it.
Dial that changes temperature on hot water heater. Taped in place. Dangerous. 10. (Why is it located in a place that kids can touch it easily??)
Pulling my books off of shelf. Not dangerous but a 9 on bothersome scale.
Pulling dishes out of cupboard. Annoyance level depends on how many dishes I have had to wash lately.
Okay maybe I go to far to ask silly questions, but do other moms get tired of saying no? What do you do? Redirect. Explain annoyance or danger?
Greg is much more rigid than I am. No touching the trash can, for instance, whereas I stop him once he sticks his hands in the trash can. I don't want to be off limits, per say, but I do want him to understand that garbage goes in the trash, not his hands. Because I believe he imitates what I am doing...sometimes. (hey he threw his own diaper away the other day...and then pulled it back out of the trash along with other trash...Progress, guys!)
Anyway, what works for you guys and how long does this get- into-everything-including-toilet-phase last for? Also, I know I shouldn't laugh or smile at Tycho as he walks away from his attempts at causing trouble, grinning--'cause he knows he's been caught--but he's so darn cute.
I'm in trouble.
So I ask myself two questions when it comes to Tycho playing with stuff. Is it dangerous/nasty? And on a scale of 1 to 10, how much does it bother me? If it's a 6 or higher, I tend to stop him.
For instance: toilet. Nasty. Bothersome --8. Remove troublesome child away from toilet before he attempts to flush it while I'm using it.
Dial that changes temperature on hot water heater. Taped in place. Dangerous. 10. (Why is it located in a place that kids can touch it easily??)
Pulling my books off of shelf. Not dangerous but a 9 on bothersome scale.
Pulling dishes out of cupboard. Annoyance level depends on how many dishes I have had to wash lately.
Okay maybe I go to far to ask silly questions, but do other moms get tired of saying no? What do you do? Redirect. Explain annoyance or danger?
Greg is much more rigid than I am. No touching the trash can, for instance, whereas I stop him once he sticks his hands in the trash can. I don't want to be off limits, per say, but I do want him to understand that garbage goes in the trash, not his hands. Because I believe he imitates what I am doing...sometimes. (hey he threw his own diaper away the other day...and then pulled it back out of the trash along with other trash...Progress, guys!)
Anyway, what works for you guys and how long does this get- into-everything-including-toilet-phase last for? Also, I know I shouldn't laugh or smile at Tycho as he walks away from his attempts at causing trouble, grinning--'cause he knows he's been caught--but he's so darn cute.
I'm in trouble.
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
I miss you still
My grandfather died a year ago today. Shortly after I learned I was pregnant, I learned my grandfather had stomach cancer. The timing was not the greatest, your might say. Each time I called, I would share news of my pregnancy while I would hear news of my grandfather's illness. But life became more meaningful with death ever present. Tycho arrived five days after my grandfather died. It was a joyous time as well a mournful time. I couldn't share Tycho with him, but I know we all rejoiced with new, beautiful life.
I know he was still hanging on--waiting for his unborn great-grandson to be born. He inquired when I spoke to him. A part of me wishes he could have met him here on earth while a part feels like he must have had the chance to meet Tycho in Heaven before Tycho was born.
I miss his strong hands and his twinkling blue eyes. I miss his cheerful manner in which he would answer the phone when I called. Even though he was a quiet man, he could always make me laugh with one of his mischievous grins. He always asked me to talk to him with "what do you know today, Sue-Sue?" I will always remember his candy stash of black licorice or good 'n plenty in the desk downstairs and his endless number of decks of playing cards he had on the counter in the kitchen. I'll remember his quiet presence in the kitchen with his two little dogs nearby ready to go with their master. I'll remember him taking care of his cows, and helping him feed the calves. I am so grateful I got to spend so much time with him as a child. He was so good to his family and was always there when we needed him--patiently waiting to be there for us.
I love you much, grandpa.
I know he was still hanging on--waiting for his unborn great-grandson to be born. He inquired when I spoke to him. A part of me wishes he could have met him here on earth while a part feels like he must have had the chance to meet Tycho in Heaven before Tycho was born.
I miss his strong hands and his twinkling blue eyes. I miss his cheerful manner in which he would answer the phone when I called. Even though he was a quiet man, he could always make me laugh with one of his mischievous grins. He always asked me to talk to him with "what do you know today, Sue-Sue?" I will always remember his candy stash of black licorice or good 'n plenty in the desk downstairs and his endless number of decks of playing cards he had on the counter in the kitchen. I'll remember his quiet presence in the kitchen with his two little dogs nearby ready to go with their master. I'll remember him taking care of his cows, and helping him feed the calves. I am so grateful I got to spend so much time with him as a child. He was so good to his family and was always there when we needed him--patiently waiting to be there for us.
I love you much, grandpa.
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Tycho at 1 year old
I haven't been good about updating y'all on Tycho, but that's because I have been writing it down elsewhere. Also, I don't enjoy typing on a tablet and my laptop is failing miserably, so those are my poor excuses.
So Tycho at a year has been fun and challenging in new ways. He started walking about 11.5 months, and since then he's getting into everything. The water heater is right inside of our laundry room and every time I go into the laundry room, Tycho wants to follow me so he can touch the water heater or the other countless things. The other day, I realize he had changed the temperature of the water because the water was incredibly hot later on (yum warm drinking water).
Oh and now that Tycho can crawl or walk around, he follows me. Cute, eh?
He's always on the move, and when he isn't, I try to change his diaper, thinking, "oh perfect, he's still", but noooo. Sometimes he'll purposely sit down after his diaper has been removed so I can't put a new one on. Changing poopy diapers has become my least favorite task because Tycho will roll over and sit up or start grabbing his poop-covered penis, and I recently started enlisting Greg's help when I can.
He's also a sweet baby boy and will cuddle with mom and dad still. I love it.
He's interested in people and other children his size, and he'll try to play with them (I mean, get into their personal space), but he doesn't care to be held by other adults.
He loves food still. Although, he doesn't like his vegetables all the time. He likes to put non-food items in his mouth all the time. Wood bark, dirt, stuff-I've-swept-up-into-a-pile-but-haven't-thrown-out-yet, cardboard, etc.
He has said 'mama' once in my presence when he was nine months old, and I guess he has said 'ma ma ma' to Greg when I had to work. He has been able to say 'dada', 'gaga,' 'baba', and 'Greg' which sometimes sounds like 'egg'. Right now, he's on a 'gaga' kick. My favorite is when you ask him a qiestion, and he shales his head yes or no. Usually he shakes his head no. He can sign for "all done", and I have to say that took forever. I'm still working on getting him to sign, but it's hard being consistent and getting him to watch.
Tycho has eight teeth. The last two teeth have come in one at a time. (Huzzah! The six previous teeth came two at a time= little sleep for me. ) I've been giving Tycho the core of an apple or pear (I get rid of seeds first) which he's likes to chew on because it's cold and sweet. He also chews and chews on his books.
He loves balls. We play pass the football/basketball all the time, and he'll play with the soccerballs the kids leave on the playground.
He also likes trying to open and close things like doors/cupboard doors or a yogurt container I gave to him to play with.
He's been interested in climbing onto stuff now that he's had lots of experience climbing steps on the playground.
So Tycho sleeps for four-hour chunks at night which is so much better than the two-hour chunks from before! Yeah I know I didn't do sleep training, and I'm missing out, but I guess that was my fault for looking into having a natural birth (which I didn't get) instead of childrearing tips.
He's still nursing which I like but don't like sometimes... I haven't decided when I'm going to stop nursing him, but we'll get there when we get there.
Pictures or it didn't happen:
Tycho helping daddy play video games.
So Tycho at a year has been fun and challenging in new ways. He started walking about 11.5 months, and since then he's getting into everything. The water heater is right inside of our laundry room and every time I go into the laundry room, Tycho wants to follow me so he can touch the water heater or the other countless things. The other day, I realize he had changed the temperature of the water because the water was incredibly hot later on (yum warm drinking water).
Oh and now that Tycho can crawl or walk around, he follows me. Cute, eh?
He's always on the move, and when he isn't, I try to change his diaper, thinking, "oh perfect, he's still", but noooo. Sometimes he'll purposely sit down after his diaper has been removed so I can't put a new one on. Changing poopy diapers has become my least favorite task because Tycho will roll over and sit up or start grabbing his poop-covered penis, and I recently started enlisting Greg's help when I can.
He's also a sweet baby boy and will cuddle with mom and dad still. I love it.
He's interested in people and other children his size, and he'll try to play with them (I mean, get into their personal space), but he doesn't care to be held by other adults.
He loves food still. Although, he doesn't like his vegetables all the time. He likes to put non-food items in his mouth all the time. Wood bark, dirt, stuff-I've-swept-up-into-a-pile-but-haven't-thrown-out-yet, cardboard, etc.
He has said 'mama' once in my presence when he was nine months old, and I guess he has said 'ma ma ma' to Greg when I had to work. He has been able to say 'dada', 'gaga,' 'baba', and 'Greg' which sometimes sounds like 'egg'. Right now, he's on a 'gaga' kick. My favorite is when you ask him a qiestion, and he shales his head yes or no. Usually he shakes his head no. He can sign for "all done", and I have to say that took forever. I'm still working on getting him to sign, but it's hard being consistent and getting him to watch.
Tycho has eight teeth. The last two teeth have come in one at a time. (Huzzah! The six previous teeth came two at a time= little sleep for me. ) I've been giving Tycho the core of an apple or pear (I get rid of seeds first) which he's likes to chew on because it's cold and sweet. He also chews and chews on his books.
He loves balls. We play pass the football/basketball all the time, and he'll play with the soccerballs the kids leave on the playground.
He also likes trying to open and close things like doors/cupboard doors or a yogurt container I gave to him to play with.
He's been interested in climbing onto stuff now that he's had lots of experience climbing steps on the playground.
So Tycho sleeps for four-hour chunks at night which is so much better than the two-hour chunks from before! Yeah I know I didn't do sleep training, and I'm missing out, but I guess that was my fault for looking into having a natural birth (which I didn't get) instead of childrearing tips.
He's still nursing which I like but don't like sometimes... I haven't decided when I'm going to stop nursing him, but we'll get there when we get there.
Pictures or it didn't happen:
He looks a lot like his daddy here. He decided to shut me out of the bathroom. Little stinker was fighting sleep.
He was watching the kids play while I was making dinner. Poor Tycho had to stay inside.
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| I have the bouncer chair set up for another baby I watch, and Tycho has been really interested in playing with it. Greg thinks it's cute he wants to be a little baby again. |
Sleepy Tycho. I love the way he sleeps. He likes to kick the blanket(s) off his legs and keep it around his middle. Silly kid.
Grammar help: me or I?
I'm not proficient at being grammatically correct, but I do have one grammar tip that I learned in one of my FAVORITE classes at BYU (mcomm 320) that I'd like to share with you.
How do you know when to use 'me' or 'I' when you are including yourself in an activity such as in the sentence, 'Greg and I went to the store'?
The best way that has helped me is by just talking about myself instead of what I did with my companion. For instance, is the sentence grammatically correct when I say 'Me went to the store' or when I say 'I went to the store'?
(The difference between sounding like a caveman and sounding sophisticated and well-spoken is a thin line.)
I know I oversimplified, but I hope this helps.
How do you know when to use 'me' or 'I' when you are including yourself in an activity such as in the sentence, 'Greg and I went to the store'?
The best way that has helped me is by just talking about myself instead of what I did with my companion. For instance, is the sentence grammatically correct when I say 'Me went to the store' or when I say 'I went to the store'?
(The difference between sounding like a caveman and sounding sophisticated and well-spoken is a thin line.)
I know I oversimplified, but I hope this helps.
Thursday, April 14, 2016
10 months
I've been bad about keeping this blog updated. Sorry! But I'll share some cute pictures and joyful facts about a sweet boy to make up for this blunder.
I recently put away his activity mat and his exersaucer for good. That was hard to do. I have loved seeing him grow and change, but it's been so hard to realize he isn't my tiny baby any more.
This boy weighed 9.4 kg or 20 lbs, 6 oz at his doctor's appointment in late March. He has a big head; he's only in the 50% for weight, but 98% in head circumference. He's 75 cm tall. (So about time for a new carseat. We got this three-in-one type that looks like a miniature throne and costs an arm and a leg.)
This kid is pretty content. Although he doesn't necessarily like to be left alone, so now that he crawls, he crawls after me. So cute! He started crawling at 9 1/2 month. It was kind of weak sauce though with a bum scoot and a crawl combination, but now he's got crawling down. He has also been cruising. He can pull himself up well, and had been doing that for a couple of months and he likes following me around the kitchen now.
The hard part about him crawling is when he crawls away midway through a diaper change. Fortunately, I had the foresight to put a blanket down so when he has a dirty bum, I don't have to worry about the carpet.
He's started saying "mama" and "dada" among his other key phrases like "aboo" or "ahgah". He's also started clicking his tongue a lot and laughing. His giggles have been music to my ears. We just laugh and laugh sometimes.
He has four teeth now, but he should have a couple more up on top shortly.
He likes to play with books and turn the pages. He's been after my books lately, too. Although, we have to keep an eye on this paper eater...
He has soft little curls on the back of his head that I love. He's so cute!
The things he'll eat! He sat right down on the playground and started eating wood bark. Onion peels, food he threw off his trayonto the floor, his daddy's shoe are thinges he put in his mouth. So gross! You'd think we didn't feed him!
Anyway, here are pictures of my cutie pie. I love him so much.
Co-sleeping: the good, the bad, and the ugly
Yes, Tycho co-sleeps. This was never our intention. We got a bassinet and a crib, and he doesn't use either of them for sleeping. Sigh. I did want to, but long story short, I didn't know how to swaddle or the purpose, Tycho scared me by sleeping on his side, and I was paranoid even though his bassinet was right next to the bed. And I was going to transition sooner, but I was still so tired from multiple night feedings. Get out of bed? Ugh. I had to do that last night and it was the worst. I still nurse Tycho about two to three times a night (he's ten months old). He eats when he needs to.
But I just wanted to give some advice and share my experience with co-sleeping. First of all, I would like to say that I followed certain rules for co-sleeping to reduce certain risks. I don't smoke or drink, so there's the high risks removed from co-sleeping. I also made sure Tycho was away from pillows, our bed didn't slouch where he and I slept, so okay there. He could kick off the sheet--the only blanket I really had close to him, so no issues.
The good: initially I could only do a cross-cradle position for nursing so I would get out of bed with Tycho to sit in the rocking chair. Let's just say, angels must have been present because I did fall asleep with Tycho on my lap a few times... so dangerous! I was eager to learn how to lay down and nurse him. So I did when he was about four months old. It took time, and we were proficient when he was five or six months old. Huzzah! Once we got that down, I could nurse in bed easy peasy. I loved it. Because before I would probably get out of bed like 4 times at least. Ick.
We both roll over and return back into a deeper slumber most of the time now.
Also, when he's sick, I can help Tycho much more when he's sleeping next to me. He tends to wake up more often when he's teething or sick, so I can usually just stay in bed and comfort him. I'm lazy? Or just desperate for sleep?
The bad: have you ever slept in one or two positions? Your body aches so much. I would go to bed with Tycho, and take Greg's side of the bed so I could sleep on the other side of Tycho. Bliss guys. I also slept with a pillow in between my legs so my lower leg wouldn't get so much pressure and so I could nurse easier. But it was so hard! Not sleeping on my left side was the worst. Now Tycho is older and we have a king-sized bed, I sleep on my left side but not as much as I would like...
The other hard part is making sure Greg gets adequate sleep. Tycho sleeps like a baby, and he's noisy and climbs on Greg when he wakes up. When we had a queen-sized bed, one of us (me) was always on the edge of the bed, bit a larger bed has made it easier to sleep.
The ugly: spitting up or peeing in bed. Need I say more?
If I had to do this over again, I would probably co-sleep still. Or just put Tycho in the bassinet at his bed time and then bring him to bed later when he gets up. But having a baby and getting up at night is something that go together usually, right? Oh well. We're pretty happy now.
But I just wanted to give some advice and share my experience with co-sleeping. First of all, I would like to say that I followed certain rules for co-sleeping to reduce certain risks. I don't smoke or drink, so there's the high risks removed from co-sleeping. I also made sure Tycho was away from pillows, our bed didn't slouch where he and I slept, so okay there. He could kick off the sheet--the only blanket I really had close to him, so no issues.
The good: initially I could only do a cross-cradle position for nursing so I would get out of bed with Tycho to sit in the rocking chair. Let's just say, angels must have been present because I did fall asleep with Tycho on my lap a few times... so dangerous! I was eager to learn how to lay down and nurse him. So I did when he was about four months old. It took time, and we were proficient when he was five or six months old. Huzzah! Once we got that down, I could nurse in bed easy peasy. I loved it. Because before I would probably get out of bed like 4 times at least. Ick.
We both roll over and return back into a deeper slumber most of the time now.
Also, when he's sick, I can help Tycho much more when he's sleeping next to me. He tends to wake up more often when he's teething or sick, so I can usually just stay in bed and comfort him. I'm lazy? Or just desperate for sleep?
The bad: have you ever slept in one or two positions? Your body aches so much. I would go to bed with Tycho, and take Greg's side of the bed so I could sleep on the other side of Tycho. Bliss guys. I also slept with a pillow in between my legs so my lower leg wouldn't get so much pressure and so I could nurse easier. But it was so hard! Not sleeping on my left side was the worst. Now Tycho is older and we have a king-sized bed, I sleep on my left side but not as much as I would like...
The other hard part is making sure Greg gets adequate sleep. Tycho sleeps like a baby, and he's noisy and climbs on Greg when he wakes up. When we had a queen-sized bed, one of us (me) was always on the edge of the bed, bit a larger bed has made it easier to sleep.
The ugly: spitting up or peeing in bed. Need I say more?
If I had to do this over again, I would probably co-sleep still. Or just put Tycho in the bassinet at his bed time and then bring him to bed later when he gets up. But having a baby and getting up at night is something that go together usually, right? Oh well. We're pretty happy now.
Thoughts on baby-led weaning
I love doing baby-led weaning so much that I wanted to share some experiences and thoughts. Go read "The Baby-Led Weaning Cookbook" for additional help and information.
I always wanted to wait until my baby was six months old to start eating foods. I felt that this was the best thing for him to do since you don't need to start solids sooner. Although, it was hard to not try to get him to eat something because breastfeeding around the clock at 5 months does get a bit tiring! But I persevered because I felt like he wasn't ready.
I always wanted to wait until my baby was six months old to start eating foods. I felt that this was the best thing for him to do since you don't need to start solids sooner. Although, it was hard to not try to get him to eat something because breastfeeding around the clock at 5 months does get a bit tiring! But I persevered because I felt like he wasn't ready.
Anyway, we initially started by letting him chew on carrot sticks or apple slices first since he was teething around that time anyway. I don't think he really swallowed anything, but it gave him experience chewing. I think though the key is to give your baby something they can hold onto while eating. So slices of fruit and vegetables were easy to give him (although he now doesn't care for raw carrot sticks... they were so easy!)
(I then went back to traditional feeding techniques by giving him plain yogurt to help his gut gain good bacteria a few times. Something my Turkish neighbor did with her daughter which made sense to me. Although, I tried to get him to feed himself with the spoon for the most part.)
Gagging is normal, although scary, and much different than choking. Tycho never choked--he gagged. That was the hardest part about starting this process because he would gag at every meal. Tycho got the eating and chewing down within a couple of months. He eats well for the most part now. A baby's gag reflux is a lot closer to the front of the mouth so they can't swallow anything too large--helpful to know, but still disconcerting to hear a baby gag!
Some first foods Tycho liked trying:
Bananas: at first in a large piece (1/2 banana), and then it has been fun for him to pick up smaller slices.
Potatoes/sweet potato. This kid is in love with potatoes. Must have relatives from Idaho. ;) I cook the potatoes I stew or give it took him roasted usually. Loves it.
Cucumbers. I don't know what it is about cucumbers, but this kid loves them so much. Maybe I'm baffled because I didn't like them until I was older.
Meatballs: a new shape and texture. So fun when dipped in tomato sauce! He was about seven months or more when I introduced meatballs.
Cheese: I introduced this around nine months, but Tycho loves it. I give him little pieces of cheddar cheese or melted cheese on bread. But only a little bit because this kid is gassy!
Bread and pancakes. He likes these foods quite a bit, so I go through the little bit of work to make thee from scratch. Gives me peace of mind.
Bread and pancakes. He likes these foods quite a bit, so I go through the little bit of work to make thee from scratch. Gives me peace of mind.
Thoughts:
Avocado was hard for Tycho since it's so squishy. Spreading it on toast or just mashing it so they can spread it all around later was easier than slices.
Tycho gets bored with eating the same things over and over again, so I try to switch it up. Eggs for breakfast one day, pancakes another.
Regular oatmeal is easy to make and cheaper than the baby stuff, too. I make oatmeal for Tycho and he likes trying to stick it in his mouth with his fingers or I just load up a spoon and Tycho attempts to put that in his mouth. I flavor the oatmeal with unsweetened applesauce with cinnamon (yum!), a bit of butter, and a pinch of salt. Sometimes we switch it up and add pureed pear to oatmeal.
Solids for baby led weaning don't have to be solid per say. You can dip toast in applesauce, for instance, or even in a stew so the baby will get the flavor of stew without the mess of a liquid.
Rice is annoying. I find it every where after meals with rice, but it gives him some practice at picing up small things, so I give him some.
I try to keep things healthy for Tycho. Although, one thing I wish we had delayed introducing is cheerios. My son loves cheerios.
Anyway, pictures of baby being grown up, eating food.
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| okay... pretty much six months. I felt pressured and I thought I could compromise with something he really couldn't eat. |
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| Six months old trying to eat yogurt! |
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| We had meatballs and pasta for dinner. Happy boy giving smiles to daddy. |
Pancake, I believe, with banana slices for breakfast.
Apple, peas, pasta with chicken parmigiana. Good stuff.
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
A few things about me
Initially, I wanted to share this at or around my birthday, but I kind of forgot and stopped blogging for a while. I got interested in reading instead.
I skip to the end of books quite often even though it drives Greg crazy. (I'm so glad I did that in the last book of the sword of truth series. Goodkind...you are just as wordy than Ayn Rand.) But as a fellow skipper said, you can focus on the journey once you know the end.
I wanted to be a soprano when I first joined choir. I was so disappointed in learning that I'm an alto. Prima donna...yes, I know. Don't worry, I'm fine with my voice now and with being an alto.
I don't enjoy telling people where I'm from or telling them my family story 'cause it's too complicated and I like details. In short: divorced parents, military, lots of step-siblings, and I lived all over the U.S.
I love rolling down hills. I haven't done it in a while on account of pregnancy/taking care of a baby and not finding a decent hill without goose poop.
I don't know what to consider myself: night owl or early bird, but something in between fits me best, I believe. Okay I feel more accomplished when I can get stuff done in the morning.
I love lifting weights 'cause bench pressing makes you feel super powerful even when you are just bench pressing the bar. While not lifting weights, I enjoy walking and dancing--zumba.
I wanted to do choreography for a while. I blame N'Sync. Also, I am not the greatest coordinated dancer.
I've always wanted to learn how to weld. I think one of the things that made me most depressed about moving to North Carolina was learning that they didn't have a welding class at my new high school, and by the time I got to my third high school, I ended up taking classes that I was comfortable with except for AP-Stats which was the biggest mistake ever.
I loved wearing overalls all the time, and now I love wearing skirts all the time except in Canadian winters.
I know crocs are the ugliest shoes out there, but I love how comfortable they are.
I dislike the story "The Hunger Games" more "Twilight".
If there is anything I'd like to change about myself it would be to not quit and/or lash out so readily when I get discouraged and frustrated with a project, etc. I think I've noticed that I just give up because I want to be perfect, and I think I need to be perfect immediately or else. I think my new goal is to be patient with myself.
I love organizing. I considered becoming a professional organizer until I saw the show Hoarders: buried alive. Some of house scared me too much. I think I'll just stick to organizing my house really well.
I have a love/hate relationship with video games. My problem falls under the desire to not look like a n00b next to my husband, who has been playing video games since he was about 4 years old.
I skip to the end of books quite often even though it drives Greg crazy. (I'm so glad I did that in the last book of the sword of truth series. Goodkind...you are just as wordy than Ayn Rand.) But as a fellow skipper said, you can focus on the journey once you know the end.
I wanted to be a soprano when I first joined choir. I was so disappointed in learning that I'm an alto. Prima donna...yes, I know. Don't worry, I'm fine with my voice now and with being an alto.
I don't enjoy telling people where I'm from or telling them my family story 'cause it's too complicated and I like details. In short: divorced parents, military, lots of step-siblings, and I lived all over the U.S.
I love rolling down hills. I haven't done it in a while on account of pregnancy/taking care of a baby and not finding a decent hill without goose poop.
I don't know what to consider myself: night owl or early bird, but something in between fits me best, I believe. Okay I feel more accomplished when I can get stuff done in the morning.
I love lifting weights 'cause bench pressing makes you feel super powerful even when you are just bench pressing the bar. While not lifting weights, I enjoy walking and dancing--zumba.
I wanted to do choreography for a while. I blame N'Sync. Also, I am not the greatest coordinated dancer.
I've always wanted to learn how to weld. I think one of the things that made me most depressed about moving to North Carolina was learning that they didn't have a welding class at my new high school, and by the time I got to my third high school, I ended up taking classes that I was comfortable with except for AP-Stats which was the biggest mistake ever.
I loved wearing overalls all the time, and now I love wearing skirts all the time except in Canadian winters.
I know crocs are the ugliest shoes out there, but I love how comfortable they are.
I dislike the story "The Hunger Games" more "Twilight".
If there is anything I'd like to change about myself it would be to not quit and/or lash out so readily when I get discouraged and frustrated with a project, etc. I think I've noticed that I just give up because I want to be perfect, and I think I need to be perfect immediately or else. I think my new goal is to be patient with myself.
I love organizing. I considered becoming a professional organizer until I saw the show Hoarders: buried alive. Some of house scared me too much. I think I'll just stick to organizing my house really well.
I have a love/hate relationship with video games. My problem falls under the desire to not look like a n00b next to my husband, who has been playing video games since he was about 4 years old.
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Tycho at 7 months
Oh yeah... I have a blog... I've been busy with a baby and reading numrous and enjoying the holidays with my family.
Well, I'll just start by bragging about my awesome baby. He's amazing. I worried and worried about going to California with him, but he was a champion traveler and a joy to be around. We were surprised the day after we arrived that he had teeth. Teething AND traveling?! No fussing...okay minor fussing. But who wouldn't get bored, cranky, and fussy on a four-hour flight after getting up at 4 a.m.?
Happy baby with new teeth...I was trying to get a picture of his teeth that just popped in. Unfortunately, they just wanted to stay hidden. He just has two bottom teeth for now.
Anyway, about Tycho:
He wants to walk. Crawling doesn't interest him at much, but he can hold up his body while on hands and knees now. So Greg and I walk him around. Our poor backs... This little guy started pulling himself up to standing position a few weeks ago. Of course he needs a bit of help getting there. Greg kept telling me he was pulling himself up, and I was getting frustrated because I hadn't witnessed this the first several times he did it. But he does it all the time now.
He doesn't like rolling over that much or being on his back any more. He acts like it's the worst thing ever to roll over even though he knows how to do it.
He loves food now. He started solids at six months, but for the first month or so, he grimaced at everything he tasted. I laughed so many times at his surprised, disappointed face. Now he's actually happy to be eating. We are doing the baby-led weaning approach to solids because feeding him pureed food is impossible. He is an independent little guy. He wants to hold everything himself. I'm okay with this. I figure he'll eat til he's full or bored, and I don't have to sit around playing airplane. So we've just focused mainly on fruits and vegetables. And meat.
He didn't like taking a bath in a new place which seemed strange. So for the first few times he took a bath at his grandma's house, he was upset. But after talking through it, he got used to taking baths again. That was the only struggle we really had with traveling. And then he didn't want to bathe at our house, but I've found that explaining his next activity and talking him through the process, he actually doesn't mind or isn't nervous/anxious.
He loves eating paper... I'm pretty sure it's his favorite thing to chew on. The last few times we have been to the doctor's office, he has tried sticking the paper that's on the exam table in his mouth. It rips too easily, guys. The day after Christmas, I found wrapping paper in his diaper even though I tried to keep that out of his mouth....
He's a friendly, happy baby. He doesn't like being alone for long. I feel like I have to say, "I'll be right back in a minute, Tycho!" all the time just so he'll stay calm because sometimes I need to grab something from downstairs, but I don't want to take Tycho with me. Climbing up and down stairs with a baby gets tiring.
He likes to play with whatever is in my hands. He'll take it away, too. For instance, I wanted to write in my journal while he played with his toys. So he wanted my pen and then my journal. That's how we play.
He likes giving kisses, although this doesn't happen as often any more. They are usually open mouth with his hands pulling at your hair kind of kisses. It's darling until his hands get caught in your hair.
He still falls asleep on his side. That used to worry me when he was a newborn, but not any more. He'll eventually roll over onto his back at night.
He's starting to fit in 9-month sized clothes quite nicely. I can't believe how big he is now! He's 19 lbs and like 27 inches tall.
He received his baby blessing on 6 December from his daddy. It was beautiful although I started laughing a little because he started getting upset which distracted Greg. Apparently Tycho didn't like being bounced around. The weird part was when one of the stake presidency members joined in the circle, uninvited, and stood next to Greg. Anyway, his blessing was very special and I'm glad we had family around to be a part of it.
Alright. Pictures to prove how cute he is.
Well, I'll just start by bragging about my awesome baby. He's amazing. I worried and worried about going to California with him, but he was a champion traveler and a joy to be around. We were surprised the day after we arrived that he had teeth. Teething AND traveling?! No fussing...okay minor fussing. But who wouldn't get bored, cranky, and fussy on a four-hour flight after getting up at 4 a.m.?
Anyway, about Tycho:
He wants to walk. Crawling doesn't interest him at much, but he can hold up his body while on hands and knees now. So Greg and I walk him around. Our poor backs... This little guy started pulling himself up to standing position a few weeks ago. Of course he needs a bit of help getting there. Greg kept telling me he was pulling himself up, and I was getting frustrated because I hadn't witnessed this the first several times he did it. But he does it all the time now.
He doesn't like rolling over that much or being on his back any more. He acts like it's the worst thing ever to roll over even though he knows how to do it.
He loves food now. He started solids at six months, but for the first month or so, he grimaced at everything he tasted. I laughed so many times at his surprised, disappointed face. Now he's actually happy to be eating. We are doing the baby-led weaning approach to solids because feeding him pureed food is impossible. He is an independent little guy. He wants to hold everything himself. I'm okay with this. I figure he'll eat til he's full or bored, and I don't have to sit around playing airplane. So we've just focused mainly on fruits and vegetables. And meat.
He didn't like taking a bath in a new place which seemed strange. So for the first few times he took a bath at his grandma's house, he was upset. But after talking through it, he got used to taking baths again. That was the only struggle we really had with traveling. And then he didn't want to bathe at our house, but I've found that explaining his next activity and talking him through the process, he actually doesn't mind or isn't nervous/anxious.
He loves eating paper... I'm pretty sure it's his favorite thing to chew on. The last few times we have been to the doctor's office, he has tried sticking the paper that's on the exam table in his mouth. It rips too easily, guys. The day after Christmas, I found wrapping paper in his diaper even though I tried to keep that out of his mouth....
He's a friendly, happy baby. He doesn't like being alone for long. I feel like I have to say, "I'll be right back in a minute, Tycho!" all the time just so he'll stay calm because sometimes I need to grab something from downstairs, but I don't want to take Tycho with me. Climbing up and down stairs with a baby gets tiring.
He likes to play with whatever is in my hands. He'll take it away, too. For instance, I wanted to write in my journal while he played with his toys. So he wanted my pen and then my journal. That's how we play.
He likes giving kisses, although this doesn't happen as often any more. They are usually open mouth with his hands pulling at your hair kind of kisses. It's darling until his hands get caught in your hair.
He still falls asleep on his side. That used to worry me when he was a newborn, but not any more. He'll eventually roll over onto his back at night.
He's starting to fit in 9-month sized clothes quite nicely. I can't believe how big he is now! He's 19 lbs and like 27 inches tall.
He received his baby blessing on 6 December from his daddy. It was beautiful although I started laughing a little because he started getting upset which distracted Greg. Apparently Tycho didn't like being bounced around. The weird part was when one of the stake presidency members joined in the circle, uninvited, and stood next to Greg. Anyway, his blessing was very special and I'm glad we had family around to be a part of it.
Alright. Pictures to prove how cute he is.
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| Had to take this off two minutes because he got poop on the back, but he liked super cute in it. |
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| enjoying the sunshine in jammies |
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| Playing with Christmas toys |
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| Trying an orange. |
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| I don't like this! |
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| feeling much better because of medicine. See the teeth? |
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| I really did try purees! But he likes trying to feed himself. He liked his red pepper and meatball at this meal. |
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| trying to walk with daddy Well, that's it for now. Hopefully I'll do a better job keeping this blog updated. |
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