Here are some pictures from a much warmer time -- Monday morning's walk...
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Whoops
Ended up back at work a day early. Should have figured when the baby woke me up at 5:30 that this was going to happen.
Here are some pictures from a much warmer time -- Monday morning's walk...
Here are some pictures from a much warmer time -- Monday morning's walk...
Now they tell me
From my "Your 7 week old" email alert:
Could have used that about a week earlier...
Today is my official last day of maternity leave. Starting tomorrow, I'm taking back over as the Managing Editor while the real one is in Thailand. It is only supposed to be about 20 hours a week for the next 5 or 6 weeks, so hopefully it will be a nice easing in period.
Or maybe "ease" isn't the word I'm looking for. Munchie woke up at 1:30 am for a snack, about an ounce of which she threw back up. She woke up again at 5:30 for another feeding -- this time about 5 ounces, and refused to go back to sleep, even though she usually wakes to eat and goes back down until at least 7:30. It's almost 7 and I finally got her back into the crib with WombBear, and she seems to have drifted off. But I can already tell this is going to be a "hold me" day.
But really, is there any better way to spend your last day of maternity leave?
Your life: Guilt over not breastfeeding
Today's society puts a lot of pressure on new moms to breastfeed. No doubt breast milk is the perfect first food. However, there are many reasons why breastfeeding just doesn't work for some women and their babies, including illness, discomfort, and frustration.
Guilt over not breastfeeding can hit especially hard if you had planned all during pregnancy to do so but then circumstances, such as having a preemie or a c-section, made it impossible or more difficult than you'd expected. Some moms find that after hours and days of breastfeeding attempts, their breasts simply won't produce enough milk to satisfy their newborn.
Both breast milk and commercial formula nourish growing babies. If you've given up on breastfeeding — or are thinking of doing so — be sure to discuss your choice with your doctor or a certified lactation consultant. Talk through your feelings and don't be too hard on yourself. The main thing to remember is that how you feed your baby is ultimately not as important as providing her with love and care.
Could have used that about a week earlier...
Today is my official last day of maternity leave. Starting tomorrow, I'm taking back over as the Managing Editor while the real one is in Thailand. It is only supposed to be about 20 hours a week for the next 5 or 6 weeks, so hopefully it will be a nice easing in period.
Or maybe "ease" isn't the word I'm looking for. Munchie woke up at 1:30 am for a snack, about an ounce of which she threw back up. She woke up again at 5:30 for another feeding -- this time about 5 ounces, and refused to go back to sleep, even though she usually wakes to eat and goes back down until at least 7:30. It's almost 7 and I finally got her back into the crib with WombBear, and she seems to have drifted off. But I can already tell this is going to be a "hold me" day.
But really, is there any better way to spend your last day of maternity leave?
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Still Spitty -- A Munchie Photo Journal
----
I never thought I'd find something that cries so much so adorable.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Paren-tips
Via The Motherhood...
When your diaper tab breaks :
Outgrown sleepers:
Babypods
When your diaper tab breaks :
If the tab breaks as you're trying to put a disposable diaper on your squirmy little one (and isn't it always when you're in a hurry?), there's still hope! Go ahead and fasten the tab on the other side. Now put on a second diaper right over the top of that one - intact tabs holding both securely. When it's time for a change, remove the broken-tabbed inner diaper, and refasten the former outer diaper securely. Voila!
Outgrown sleepers:
OK, for those of you who are wondering…..so we cut the feet off of his jammies because he’s getting too big and we’re too cheap to buy new ones. SORRY!
Babypods
Are We Close To A Discovery?
According to the baby books, Munchie should be very close to discovering she has hands any day now. I'm looking forward to it for a number of reasons, one being that I'm hoping maybe she'll stop poking herself in her open eye.
But this morning, I put her down to play on her mat, and moved her mirror so it dangles instead of hooking on the bar like I normally do.
She accidentally hit it with one hand, and it started swinging.
Now she watches herself in the mirror, and when it slows down, she hits it again. Usually she hates playing on the mat, but she's been down now for almost 20 minutes.
I think she may be starting to discover she has hands. Now if she can just learn to blink before she puts her finger in her eye.
But this morning, I put her down to play on her mat, and moved her mirror so it dangles instead of hooking on the bar like I normally do.
She accidentally hit it with one hand, and it started swinging.
Now she watches herself in the mirror, and when it slows down, she hits it again. Usually she hates playing on the mat, but she's been down now for almost 20 minutes.
I think she may be starting to discover she has hands. Now if she can just learn to blink before she puts her finger in her eye.
Spit Up Busy
Mucnhie's decided to start spitting up after every feeding. Some of it is small, some of it large. Some straight fluidy like the formula going down, others are chunky and smelly.
But this morning she kept eating and eating, and so far nothing has come back to the surface. 6 ounces went down, the most I've ever seen her eat at once. I kept trying to stop her to burp and she just wouldn't -- she'd just cry until the bottle went back in.
If she can keep this all down for the next hour, I'd think we'd passed the danger point.
Maybe she's just having an awkward transition from newborn to baby. Last night she spent her first night in her crib instead of the bassinet. She's got a bad case of the scoots in the crib -- every time I came to feed her she had wiggled up out of her sleep positioner and to the top of the crib. Tonight I'll try to tighten it a bit more and see if she'll stay still.
As for Smartie and I, we had a great getaway Saturday, but I still couldn't sleep past 6:30, and he slept badly as well. It was nice to have a night without a feeding, but we'd checked out of the hotel by 8:30 am, just to feel like we were that much closer to Munchie coming back home.
And no, I only called once to check in on her, thank you very much.
But this morning she kept eating and eating, and so far nothing has come back to the surface. 6 ounces went down, the most I've ever seen her eat at once. I kept trying to stop her to burp and she just wouldn't -- she'd just cry until the bottle went back in.
If she can keep this all down for the next hour, I'd think we'd passed the danger point.
Maybe she's just having an awkward transition from newborn to baby. Last night she spent her first night in her crib instead of the bassinet. She's got a bad case of the scoots in the crib -- every time I came to feed her she had wiggled up out of her sleep positioner and to the top of the crib. Tonight I'll try to tighten it a bit more and see if she'll stay still.
As for Smartie and I, we had a great getaway Saturday, but I still couldn't sleep past 6:30, and he slept badly as well. It was nice to have a night without a feeding, but we'd checked out of the hotel by 8:30 am, just to feel like we were that much closer to Munchie coming back home.
And no, I only called once to check in on her, thank you very much.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
Weekends and Updates
No updates yesterday. I had my post partum check up, and although everything was fine, they took a few vials of blood to test to see if my hemoglobin has gone back to normal. For some reason that made me a little woozy, so I spent the day on the couch while Smartie took care of me and Munchie.
I had intended at the appointment to ask a bunch of questions about the labor -- why it went on so long, how they missed the Group B diagnosis, why it seemed like they were going to be content to just let me continue even though the baby was obviously in distress, etc. They were all questions I had gone over and over again sine the birth, to the point where I was starting to think I really was having post partum post-traumatic stress disorder like we were discussing over here. But once I finally saw the doctor, I realized I didn't care that much anymore. I still feel like in some ways my joyful birth experience was stolen from me, but having those answers can't bring it back. All I can do is enjoy the time we've had with Munchie since then, and make sure that if we do it again, things will be different.
In that respect I did get the answers I wanted -- that it would likely be a second c-section, that it would be prescheduled and I would be on antibiotics before the surgery to ensure there would be no infection in the baby, and that if I did go into labor before it was scheduled they would rush me into surgery right away so that I wouldn't labor much and risk a repeat of last time.
So if we ever do become brave/foolish enough to go for number two, it's much more likely that I'll have the joyful birth experience most women expect -- the baby in the layette in the hospital room, more than one visitor at a time, a quick recovery before going home, the possibility that breast feeding might actually work this time since I would be able to start right away and without so much trauma to the body.
Because that's another thing that still disappoints me. Breast feeding never did work, and once I went to pumping at her 2 week appointment, I never could reestablish it. Soon I found myself pumping for 3 hours a day and producing at best 6 ounces of milk. Oddly enough, both Munchie and I seem much happier now that we have quit. She gets to spend more uninterrupted time with me during the day, since I'm not trying to pump every two hours, and I am much less frazzled and angry about the time I'm spending, trying to get a few more minutes in when she's starting to fuss, and getting up over and over again throughout the night. Hopefully whatever health benefits she doesn't get from being breastfed past 6 weeks will be counteracted by the extra attention, the additional stories, and the copious cuddling she is getting in exchange.
It's amazing how she's grown, and how we've grown as a family in just 6 weeks. but now we are about to hit our first big milestone...the night away. Smartie and I have decided to treat ourselves to a romantic night away at the Nicollet Island Inn tomorrow. So after Lap Sit Story Time, Munchie will be going to her grandparents to spend the night. Smartie and I will go to the Inn, have a lovely dinner, and sleep an entire night through.
Hopefully, we won't call and check in too many times.
Expect a few pictures from bathtime this weekend, but otherwise we're off until Monday.
For now, though, I have to go back to work, as the Munchie is awake...
I had intended at the appointment to ask a bunch of questions about the labor -- why it went on so long, how they missed the Group B diagnosis, why it seemed like they were going to be content to just let me continue even though the baby was obviously in distress, etc. They were all questions I had gone over and over again sine the birth, to the point where I was starting to think I really was having post partum post-traumatic stress disorder like we were discussing over here. But once I finally saw the doctor, I realized I didn't care that much anymore. I still feel like in some ways my joyful birth experience was stolen from me, but having those answers can't bring it back. All I can do is enjoy the time we've had with Munchie since then, and make sure that if we do it again, things will be different.
In that respect I did get the answers I wanted -- that it would likely be a second c-section, that it would be prescheduled and I would be on antibiotics before the surgery to ensure there would be no infection in the baby, and that if I did go into labor before it was scheduled they would rush me into surgery right away so that I wouldn't labor much and risk a repeat of last time.
So if we ever do become brave/foolish enough to go for number two, it's much more likely that I'll have the joyful birth experience most women expect -- the baby in the layette in the hospital room, more than one visitor at a time, a quick recovery before going home, the possibility that breast feeding might actually work this time since I would be able to start right away and without so much trauma to the body.
Because that's another thing that still disappoints me. Breast feeding never did work, and once I went to pumping at her 2 week appointment, I never could reestablish it. Soon I found myself pumping for 3 hours a day and producing at best 6 ounces of milk. Oddly enough, both Munchie and I seem much happier now that we have quit. She gets to spend more uninterrupted time with me during the day, since I'm not trying to pump every two hours, and I am much less frazzled and angry about the time I'm spending, trying to get a few more minutes in when she's starting to fuss, and getting up over and over again throughout the night. Hopefully whatever health benefits she doesn't get from being breastfed past 6 weeks will be counteracted by the extra attention, the additional stories, and the copious cuddling she is getting in exchange.
It's amazing how she's grown, and how we've grown as a family in just 6 weeks. but now we are about to hit our first big milestone...the night away. Smartie and I have decided to treat ourselves to a romantic night away at the Nicollet Island Inn tomorrow. So after Lap Sit Story Time, Munchie will be going to her grandparents to spend the night. Smartie and I will go to the Inn, have a lovely dinner, and sleep an entire night through.
Hopefully, we won't call and check in too many times.
Expect a few pictures from bathtime this weekend, but otherwise we're off until Monday.
For now, though, I have to go back to work, as the Munchie is awake...
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
My Morning (A Munchie Photo Journal)
This is my 3rd outfit. This morning, I spit up on my first outfit and pooped on my second outfit...
This is my fourth outfit. This morning, I spit up on my first outfit, pooped on my second outfit and....
Monday, January 21, 2008
Found Photos
Was trying to clean out data files on my phone, and found a couple of cute photos from the last week.
That last one is me attempting to get a picture of Nico and Munchie hanging out on Smartie's lap together (That's why it's upsidedown). They're starting to be a little more friendly these days.
In cat news (hi, Sara!), we reached a happy point in June and Nico's life. We put the baby on a monitor last night and left her door closed and our door open so the cats could come sleep with us. When we tried to bring them into the bed they ran, thinking it was a trick (occasionally they would jump up when we were reading Munchie a book and they'd run away in terror when they saw her.). But it only took about 30 minutes for them to realize it was an empty bed, and it belonged just to them.
Kitten Heaven!
That last one is me attempting to get a picture of Nico and Munchie hanging out on Smartie's lap together (That's why it's upsidedown). They're starting to be a little more friendly these days.
In cat news (hi, Sara!), we reached a happy point in June and Nico's life. We put the baby on a monitor last night and left her door closed and our door open so the cats could come sleep with us. When we tried to bring them into the bed they ran, thinking it was a trick (occasionally they would jump up when we were reading Munchie a book and they'd run away in terror when they saw her.). But it only took about 30 minutes for them to realize it was an empty bed, and it belonged just to them.
Kitten Heaven!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Brrr...
It may be cold outside, but we didn't let that get in the way this weekend.
First we bundled up...
Then we went to Lap Sit Story Time...
where Munchie got read to...
Finally, we went to the grocery store.
And no, Munchie wasn't awake for any of it.
First we bundled up...
Then we went to Lap Sit Story Time...
where Munchie got read to...
Finally, we went to the grocery store.
And no, Munchie wasn't awake for any of it.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Strange
I swear she was horizontal when I put her down 5 minutes ago...
Even in her sleep she can't stay still...
Today is an active day for me, so hopefully she can fulfill all of her moving requirements while sleeping the day away. I've already had a meeting this morning to set up her 529 (which will be unnecessary since she's going to have an academic full ride, but better safe than sorry), done the first load of laundry, did a last round of thank you cards, and now I'm about to get started on the Christmas letter.
Yeah, that's right. The one from last year.
Ok, maybe we'll just send out Valentines instead.
Tonight, a meeting of the WOMB (Women's Organization of Minnesota Bloggers, ie, MNObserver, Tild and me).
Tomorrow, a trip to Lap Sit Story Time, I hope.
Oops, baby's awake.
Even in her sleep she can't stay still...
Today is an active day for me, so hopefully she can fulfill all of her moving requirements while sleeping the day away. I've already had a meeting this morning to set up her 529 (which will be unnecessary since she's going to have an academic full ride, but better safe than sorry), done the first load of laundry, did a last round of thank you cards, and now I'm about to get started on the Christmas letter.
Yeah, that's right. The one from last year.
Ok, maybe we'll just send out Valentines instead.
Tonight, a meeting of the WOMB (Women's Organization of Minnesota Bloggers, ie, MNObserver, Tild and me).
Tomorrow, a trip to Lap Sit Story Time, I hope.
Oops, baby's awake.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
One Bad Night, One Good Morning
Rather than starting to get on a schedule, like I hoped we were, the wheels fell off the bus last night. I was up for two hours at 10:30, and another hour and a half at 4:30, taking me right up to when Smartie's alarm went off. I threw him out of bed, possibly telling him that if he woke the baby I'd murder him, and went back to sleep. I heard her crying again 30 minutes later, but luckily her Daddy, probably still feeling my unspoken threat, fed her while I tried to snag a little sleep before her 8:00 am wake up call.
But she gave me an extra half hour of sleep this morning, and when I went into her room I got the best present of all...
For the first time, Munchie smiled when she saw me this morning.
But she gave me an extra half hour of sleep this morning, and when I went into her room I got the best present of all...
For the first time, Munchie smiled when she saw me this morning.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
5 weeks
Today, we wear big girl clothes...
(Sorry for the poor photo quality but I can't find batteries to the camera, so I was forced to use my phone)
At 5 weeks, Munchie can now prop herself up on her arms and hold her head straight up for two to three minutes at a time on her stomach. When being held, she can keep her head steady for up to ten minutes. She falls asleep by 8 pm every night, and wakes up at exactly 8:02 am every day (must be something about how the light falls in her room), with 1 to 2 feedings during the night. The fussy evening time seems to be going away now that she drops off at 8pm, so it must have been her clock trying to adjust itself. Or maybe it's because she tends to snack non-stop between 6 and 8 to store up food for the night. Either way, it's mostly over and I'm happy about that.
Hopefully soon she will get over startling in her sleep, and then maybe she'll be able to nap a little during the day on her active days, and not just her down ones.
(Sorry for the poor photo quality but I can't find batteries to the camera, so I was forced to use my phone)
At 5 weeks, Munchie can now prop herself up on her arms and hold her head straight up for two to three minutes at a time on her stomach. When being held, she can keep her head steady for up to ten minutes. She falls asleep by 8 pm every night, and wakes up at exactly 8:02 am every day (must be something about how the light falls in her room), with 1 to 2 feedings during the night. The fussy evening time seems to be going away now that she drops off at 8pm, so it must have been her clock trying to adjust itself. Or maybe it's because she tends to snack non-stop between 6 and 8 to store up food for the night. Either way, it's mostly over and I'm happy about that.
Hopefully soon she will get over startling in her sleep, and then maybe she'll be able to nap a little during the day on her active days, and not just her down ones.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
The good and the bad
This morning I went to brush my hair and couldn't find the brush. Then, I couldn't remember the last time I even used it.
That's a really bad sign.
On the bright side, today is a "down day" for Munchie. Much like when she was in utero, she's unstoppable for 2 days then takes a day to catch up and regain her strength. She's either been asleep or just hanging out in her glider quietly all morning.
I've forgotten what it is like to get things done without doing them in 5 minute snippets. I've gone through most of the bureau in her room, cleaning out things we have way too many of, that's she's outgrown already, or that she won't have a chance to wear until summer, when they just won't fit. A friend of a friend is having a little girl in March, and it's time to pass some of our largess on. Plus, maybe this will make the new baby indebted to us and Munchie will have a new friend to play with -- you know, once they are both actually old enough to play and all.
The rest of the clothes are being organized into "fits now," "will fit later" and "actual outfits." I find it hard to believe that she might wear something other than footy pj's someday.
No picture today -- tonight she gets a bath and we'll do something pretty for her 5 week pic.
That's a really bad sign.
On the bright side, today is a "down day" for Munchie. Much like when she was in utero, she's unstoppable for 2 days then takes a day to catch up and regain her strength. She's either been asleep or just hanging out in her glider quietly all morning.
I've forgotten what it is like to get things done without doing them in 5 minute snippets. I've gone through most of the bureau in her room, cleaning out things we have way too many of, that's she's outgrown already, or that she won't have a chance to wear until summer, when they just won't fit. A friend of a friend is having a little girl in March, and it's time to pass some of our largess on. Plus, maybe this will make the new baby indebted to us and Munchie will have a new friend to play with -- you know, once they are both actually old enough to play and all.
The rest of the clothes are being organized into "fits now," "will fit later" and "actual outfits." I find it hard to believe that she might wear something other than footy pj's someday.
No picture today -- tonight she gets a bath and we'll do something pretty for her 5 week pic.
Not that cute
I think the "Cutest Tax Deduction" folks got paid off. No way these babies are cuter than Munchie.
Smartie thinks the game was rigged for Logan to win, since he's obviously the "cutest" on the page.
Smartie thinks the game was rigged for Logan to win, since he's obviously the "cutest" on the page.
Monday, January 14, 2008
A good weekend..but now the week...
Lunch and shopping with Grandma was fun. We got some pretty pants for the party on Saturday, but didn't end up keeping the tiara...
The birthday party was fun and once more Munchie was a doll for all of the people who came to see her.
Then the week began...
She's such a wonderful baby in so many ways. She goes to bed at 8pm every night, wakes once for a feeding, then sleeps again until early morning. And she's the magical self-burping baby -- if you sit her up after she eats she almost always pops one out with no prompting.
But she just cannot be left alone during the day. Ever.
Once she has woken up, she must be talked to, fed, played with or held at all times. She will not fall asleep unless you are holding her. Play yard, tummy time mat, even glider will keep her busy for 5 minutes, then 3 minutes of whimpering. If you still haven't come then the inconsolable wails begin. Pick her up, and she is asleep withing a minute. But wait and lay her back down anywhere and she will wake herself up within 5 minutes and the whole process begins again.
It only happens during the day, but it makes me nearly immobile. I can't pump for more than ten minutes, with the last three being me trying to pretend I'm not a bad mother for letting the baby scream while I finish. I have to weigh the pros and cons of whether it's worth going to the bathroom or not when it means waking her up again. And right now I am holding her with one arm and typing with the other, as well as trying to figure out how to get the laundry out of the dryer one-handed.
Is it a phase? Is continuing this just prolonging it? I know 5 weeks is too early to teacher her to cry it out, but does that mean I have 3 more weeks of her permanently attached to my chest?
And when will I get to eat something that requires minor preparation, or even just a utensil?
The birthday party was fun and once more Munchie was a doll for all of the people who came to see her.
Then the week began...
She's such a wonderful baby in so many ways. She goes to bed at 8pm every night, wakes once for a feeding, then sleeps again until early morning. And she's the magical self-burping baby -- if you sit her up after she eats she almost always pops one out with no prompting.
But she just cannot be left alone during the day. Ever.
Once she has woken up, she must be talked to, fed, played with or held at all times. She will not fall asleep unless you are holding her. Play yard, tummy time mat, even glider will keep her busy for 5 minutes, then 3 minutes of whimpering. If you still haven't come then the inconsolable wails begin. Pick her up, and she is asleep withing a minute. But wait and lay her back down anywhere and she will wake herself up within 5 minutes and the whole process begins again.
It only happens during the day, but it makes me nearly immobile. I can't pump for more than ten minutes, with the last three being me trying to pretend I'm not a bad mother for letting the baby scream while I finish. I have to weigh the pros and cons of whether it's worth going to the bathroom or not when it means waking her up again. And right now I am holding her with one arm and typing with the other, as well as trying to figure out how to get the laundry out of the dryer one-handed.
Is it a phase? Is continuing this just prolonging it? I know 5 weeks is too early to teacher her to cry it out, but does that mean I have 3 more weeks of her permanently attached to my chest?
And when will I get to eat something that requires minor preparation, or even just a utensil?
Friday, January 11, 2008
Happy Friday
We girls are going out with Grandma for lunch and a little shopping. We intend to look for a pretty new outfit for her Open House tomorrow.
Hopefully we can get her to sleep in the car for a bit, which will officially be more than she slept during the day all day yesterday.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
On My Own
Smartie went back to work today, so it's just me and the Munchie. It's 11 am and so far so good. We've already had 10 ounces of formula today, I'm about to pump for the 4th time, I've eaten breakfast, showered, put on clean clothes, just did the dishes and am about to start on the laundry.
Why the laundry, you ask? Probably because although it is a good day, we're now on our third sleeper since 1 am. Sleeper number 1 ended up with spit-up at 2 am and I didn't want to try and put her back down in something wet. Sleeper 2 ended up peed on during a diaper change. So now we're into number 3...
I give it 2 hours.
Why the laundry, you ask? Probably because although it is a good day, we're now on our third sleeper since 1 am. Sleeper number 1 ended up with spit-up at 2 am and I didn't want to try and put her back down in something wet. Sleeper 2 ended up peed on during a diaper change. So now we're into number 3...
I give it 2 hours.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Ok, Enough Already!
"Obviously, I'm not being terribly gracious here, but from my perspective I only have two choices. Either New Hampshire women are easily manipulated, or maybe, just maybe, the forces of darkness gave their Diebold machines a test run yesterday." - Wege
"How many sarcastic male callers in would it have taken to have convinced a lot of voters to switch to Hillary? And how easy is it to have a supporter call in to a radio show and pretend to be sarcastic?
But I don't credit Hillary with being this devious. I credit Bill, whose idea I'm sure this was." - Wege
4 weeks old
We still have a stork bite, although it's starting to fade. I swear the hair is getting longer, but I could just be sleep deprived.
Does she look the same?
[This post is a test post to try out our new "subscribe by email" link on the sidebar. I'm not sure if the pictures are going to show in the email or not.]
Does she look the same?
[This post is a test post to try out our new "subscribe by email" link on the sidebar. I'm not sure if the pictures are going to show in the email or not.]
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
We Have a Winner
The Campaign Schwag challenge has been answered, and the winner is Team Ciresi, who hand delivered a T-shirt to the Powerhouse this evening, and promised a traditional onesie is on its way as well.
Violet would like to thank the Ciresi campaign for their lovely gift, which made for an excellent change after tonight's bath.
Munchie will be wearing her new campaign schwag at this weekend's open house to celebrate her one month birthday. Open House runs from 2-6 pm Saturday, and all are invited. Please write me for the address.
Violet would like to thank the Ciresi campaign for their lovely gift, which made for an excellent change after tonight's bath.
Munchie will be wearing her new campaign schwag at this weekend's open house to celebrate her one month birthday. Open House runs from 2-6 pm Saturday, and all are invited. Please write me for the address.
Will Work for Campaign Schwag
People have been asking lately what happened to the political content here. Honestly, politics has taken a back seat over the last few weeks, for obvious reasons. But less obvious is the fact that Smartie and I really haven't decided who we want to caucus for on Super Duper Day. There's no point in picking a presidential candidate until we see who is still standing that day, and we really haven't found any reason yet to chose one senate candidate over another. All of them have their strengths and their flaws, as Joe and I used to debate last year. Honestly, I think a small part of me was still holding out for Dean Johnson.
But the time has come to start making a decision, and let's be honest, I'm really more interested in the Munchie right now than anything else. So, it's time to give away our support.
All of this focus on Iowa and New Hampshire has made me a little jealous of the personal, one on one attention that the voters out there receive. Yes, I've met each candidate in the race -- Al Franken came to Drinking Liberally, I saw Mike Ciresi at the State Fair, Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer and I got to talk quite a bit at last year's 5th CD Meet and Greet, and I even got to say hello to Jim Cohen when he stopped by the Uptake's fundraiser. But where is the doting, the daily phone calls and coffees? Heck, I barely even get mail from them.
So, Smartie and I have agreed to offer our caucus support up for whichever candidate can get us a campaign onesie or Baby T asap. The first piece of campaign paraphernalia to arrive at the Powerhouse will be instantly washed in Dreft, put on the Munchie for a photo op, and posted on the site. We will then pledge our support to that candidate for the caucus, although I will warn you ahead of time that our district is very dedicated and the chance of us getting to be delegates beyond the first round are slim to none.
Yes, you are allowed to use the picture in promotional material. And seriously, what can sell your candidate better than this face?
So, Ciresi, Cohen, Franken and Nelson-Pallmeyer, the offer stands.
(Note: This offer is NOT affiliated in any way with Minnesota Monitor. Should I chose to support any DFL senate candidate, I agree not to write about the senate matchup on the MinMon website [which, if you haven't noticed, I barely write for, anyway] until after the primary. Also, the baby wears 3-6 months in onesies and T's. She's a very tall girl.)
But the time has come to start making a decision, and let's be honest, I'm really more interested in the Munchie right now than anything else. So, it's time to give away our support.
All of this focus on Iowa and New Hampshire has made me a little jealous of the personal, one on one attention that the voters out there receive. Yes, I've met each candidate in the race -- Al Franken came to Drinking Liberally, I saw Mike Ciresi at the State Fair, Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer and I got to talk quite a bit at last year's 5th CD Meet and Greet, and I even got to say hello to Jim Cohen when he stopped by the Uptake's fundraiser. But where is the doting, the daily phone calls and coffees? Heck, I barely even get mail from them.
So, Smartie and I have agreed to offer our caucus support up for whichever candidate can get us a campaign onesie or Baby T asap. The first piece of campaign paraphernalia to arrive at the Powerhouse will be instantly washed in Dreft, put on the Munchie for a photo op, and posted on the site. We will then pledge our support to that candidate for the caucus, although I will warn you ahead of time that our district is very dedicated and the chance of us getting to be delegates beyond the first round are slim to none.
Yes, you are allowed to use the picture in promotional material. And seriously, what can sell your candidate better than this face?
So, Ciresi, Cohen, Franken and Nelson-Pallmeyer, the offer stands.
(Note: This offer is NOT affiliated in any way with Minnesota Monitor. Should I chose to support any DFL senate candidate, I agree not to write about the senate matchup on the MinMon website [which, if you haven't noticed, I barely write for, anyway] until after the primary. Also, the baby wears 3-6 months in onesies and T's. She's a very tall girl.)
Confessions
Four weeks ago, we were sitting in the hospital room, nearly 6 hours in to the second induction attempt.
For the sake of my soul, I have a few things I would like to come clean about to the nurses in Labor and Delivery:
1) I went to the bathroom. Mostly unaided. I know, I wasn't supposed to get up out of the bed and all, but I really had to go. A lot.
2) I wasn't moistening my lips. I was drinking that water. I suppose if I hadn't, I wouldn't have had to make confession number one.
3) I snuck a protein bar right around noon. Yes, I know I was supposed to eat nothing but dry toast and apple juice. But I was feeling fine. And I was starving, as you must have realized since that bar was the emergency bar that had been sitting in my purse since mid-June.
4) I also took medicine at 8 am and didn't tell you. And I wish I had done it again at 8 pm, since I firmly believe your clear. liquid version of my meds is what started the next 16 hours of vomiting.
That is all. I feel better now, thanks.
For the sake of my soul, I have a few things I would like to come clean about to the nurses in Labor and Delivery:
1) I went to the bathroom. Mostly unaided. I know, I wasn't supposed to get up out of the bed and all, but I really had to go. A lot.
2) I wasn't moistening my lips. I was drinking that water. I suppose if I hadn't, I wouldn't have had to make confession number one.
3) I snuck a protein bar right around noon. Yes, I know I was supposed to eat nothing but dry toast and apple juice. But I was feeling fine. And I was starving, as you must have realized since that bar was the emergency bar that had been sitting in my purse since mid-June.
4) I also took medicine at 8 am and didn't tell you. And I wish I had done it again at 8 pm, since I firmly believe your clear. liquid version of my meds is what started the next 16 hours of vomiting.
That is all. I feel better now, thanks.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Growing fast
That was scary. Munchie just officially outgrew her first newborn outfit this weekend. She couldn't stretch her legs out once we buttoned her in.
Yesterday was her first public outing -- the grocery store. People never bump your cart if you have a baby, something to remember. From now on, if Munchie isn't with us, we will stuff her car seat with a doll. It's like having a magical bubble around you.
She slept the entire trip, then came home and ate every 30 minutes for the next 4 hours. On the bright side, the feeding frenzy tuckered her out enough that she slept from 1 am to 6:30 am straight. That's a habit I can get behind.
Yesterday was her first public outing -- the grocery store. People never bump your cart if you have a baby, something to remember. From now on, if Munchie isn't with us, we will stuff her car seat with a doll. It's like having a magical bubble around you.
She slept the entire trip, then came home and ate every 30 minutes for the next 4 hours. On the bright side, the feeding frenzy tuckered her out enough that she slept from 1 am to 6:30 am straight. That's a habit I can get behind.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
A Weekend of Firsts
We didn't even make it two full weeks of having Munchie (trying out a new nickname -- this one seems to be sticking due to the fact that she is a) a munchkin, and b) snacking every hour or so.) home from the hospital before we pawned her off on her godmother to go paint the town red.
Ok, actually we went to get some sushi, since I hadn't been able to eat the good stuff for over 10 months. And it wasn't so much of an escape as a dine and dash. We left the house at 6:15 pm and were home again by 8 sharp. I nixed the idea of stopping for dessert in order to maintain my goal of not calling home to check on her, which I am happy to say I achieved.
Today, we followed up Mommy and Daddy's First Night Out with Munchie's first walk.
We made it down to the park and back, which was a decent hike for a momma who hasn't been able to walk comfortably in at least 4 months, and I was properly tuckered by the time we got home. As for the baby, she slept through the whole walk.
Ok, actually we went to get some sushi, since I hadn't been able to eat the good stuff for over 10 months. And it wasn't so much of an escape as a dine and dash. We left the house at 6:15 pm and were home again by 8 sharp. I nixed the idea of stopping for dessert in order to maintain my goal of not calling home to check on her, which I am happy to say I achieved.
Today, we followed up Mommy and Daddy's First Night Out with Munchie's first walk.
We made it down to the park and back, which was a decent hike for a momma who hasn't been able to walk comfortably in at least 4 months, and I was properly tuckered by the time we got home. As for the baby, she slept through the whole walk.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Three Week Update
Today we went in for yet another doctor's appointment. We were a little apprehensive, since this was a follow-up for last week, when we discovered Violet wasn't back up to her birth weight yet (weighing in at only 8lbs 4.5 oz).
For the last week we've been keeping dedicated track of every diaper we change, the color and consistency, and every ounce she drinks, whether it is milk or formula, how long the feedings take, etc. I have a notebook that now looks like the outline for a sequel to Bridget Jones, perhaps "Bridget Jones's Mommy Journal..." with "Jan 2nd, 22oz, 5 poop 4 wet v.g."
Our diligence paid off in the office. New weight?
8lbs 15.5 oz.
That's right - 11 oz in 7 days.
She snacks less now that she sleeps more consistently, too, making for bigger feedings and longer naps. Having her own room seems to agree with her.
Speaking of which, nap is over, and it's time for 2 oz pumped milk and I'm sure a wet diaper.
For those of you reading, DL is at Fabulous Ferns in St. Paul tonight, and we'll try to drop by for an hour with the munchkin if she's up to it.
For the last week we've been keeping dedicated track of every diaper we change, the color and consistency, and every ounce she drinks, whether it is milk or formula, how long the feedings take, etc. I have a notebook that now looks like the outline for a sequel to Bridget Jones, perhaps "Bridget Jones's Mommy Journal..." with "Jan 2nd, 22oz, 5 poop 4 wet v.g."
Our diligence paid off in the office. New weight?
8lbs 15.5 oz.
That's right - 11 oz in 7 days.
She snacks less now that she sleeps more consistently, too, making for bigger feedings and longer naps. Having her own room seems to agree with her.
Speaking of which, nap is over, and it's time for 2 oz pumped milk and I'm sure a wet diaper.
For those of you reading, DL is at Fabulous Ferns in St. Paul tonight, and we'll try to drop by for an hour with the munchkin if she's up to it.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Schedules
No posting because no one bothered to tell me in the last one that babies don't do schedules...
The last few nights we've been up every hour or two for an once of food. But last might we tried something different -- Little Missy Cocopuffs (yes, we do get a new nickname every week) slept in her own room last night. She did three plus hours at a time. Turns out we were keeping each other awake all night.
Now, totally refreshed (for now), we are heading to daddy's office. This is the outfit we intend to arrive in.
Whether we make in there in it or not is another question.
(This entire post was typed on handed with a baby in the other arm.
The last few nights we've been up every hour or two for an once of food. But last might we tried something different -- Little Missy Cocopuffs (yes, we do get a new nickname every week) slept in her own room last night. She did three plus hours at a time. Turns out we were keeping each other awake all night.
Now, totally refreshed (for now), we are heading to daddy's office. This is the outfit we intend to arrive in.
Whether we make in there in it or not is another question.
(This entire post was typed on handed with a baby in the other arm.
Happy New Year
We wanted to dress her up in a ribbon, but instead we ended up with a female Arthur...
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