Signs I've started back at work (thankfully only half days):
- a lot of pony tails/messy buns and maybe a hair band if I'm feeling especially festive (let it be known that I'm still showering on a decently regular basis. No B.O. for this gal, I do have my limits).
- my watch is on upside down .
- overkill on the lipstick to detract from the bags and circles under my eyes.
- bad breath from forgetting to brush my teeth (and by forgetting I mean consciously spending the last two minutes before heading out with my sweet girl instead of at the sink. Priorities, people. Keep in mind I still brush at night and this does not happen daily; but it has happened at least once).
- pantry is sans bread, fridge sans eggs.
- a growing list of thank you cards to write.
- slight feelings of mom guilt - mostly because I actually enjoy my job. I like what I do and with whom I work. What makes this guilt bearable is the fact that our wonderful family watched Corinne. I sure do miss her those 5 hours I'm gone every day, but knowing that it is her Grammy and auntie who share her coos and smiles makes a world of difference for me.
- a lunch that consists mainly of easy-on-the-go snacks - granola bars, fruit leather, an apple, and maybe a yogurt. All things that I can grab in a second while rushing out the door.
- a shelf of liquid gold in the fridge and a dishwasher full of pump accessories.
- a mug/thermos of mother's milk lactation herbal tea on the counter.
Needless to say, it's been just two and a half weeks, but I think we are falling into some kind of rhythm. This thanksgiving, I'm grateful for a super flexible job and top-notch baby-sitters. Without the two, I'm positive my life would be a living hell.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Friday, November 4, 2011
Amateur Happiness
Right now, happiness is:
- letting my daughter nurse as long as she wants and fall asleep while doing so. I have finally come to love the experience of nursing and the comfort and peace it brings to the both of us.
- a lazy Sunday evening with the family, eating cookies and rediscovering silly movies that merit a literal LOL. This Sunday: Daddy Daycare. I kid you not, that Eddie Murphy had me rollin'!
- the good news of a dear friend's pregnancy.
- getting 101 points from one play on Words with Friends.
- conversing with Corinne through smiles and with our eyes.
- getting my baby to fall asleep on me after a long day of no real naps and a trend of only falling asleep in her crib.
- letting my daughter nurse as long as she wants and fall asleep while doing so. I have finally come to love the experience of nursing and the comfort and peace it brings to the both of us.
(not putting a picture of this)
- a lazy Sunday evening with the family, eating cookies and rediscovering silly movies that merit a literal LOL. This Sunday: Daddy Daycare. I kid you not, that Eddie Murphy had me rollin'!
- the good news of a dear friend's pregnancy.
- getting 101 points from one play on Words with Friends.
- conversing with Corinne through smiles and with our eyes.
- getting my baby to fall asleep on me after a long day of no real naps and a trend of only falling asleep in her crib.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Amateur Celebration
So I've had a half-finished post sitting here for the past 2 weeks. Again.
I don't know what you do celebrate the various milestones of your child's life, but around here we go crazy.
First, when she turned 5 weeks old, we made a quick jaunt to NYC all in the name of friendship. Corinne is tres chic and quite anti-tourist, so we did what we love and do best, hang with our favorite pals and not take any photos. However, my BFF Laura documented the proof for us here. Tell me that sweet baby hand holding doesn't just melt your heart.
Then, around six weeks of age, Corinne went up a diaper size. Let's just say she let us know the hard way in one day (two side blow outs in a row, sweetie? Good one. And on one of the two pairs of jeans that fit me right now? Even better!). Unfortunately, this little lady's body is a NB size, but alas, her poos not so much. PAR-TAY!
Next, I've been able to practice 30 consecutive minutes of yoga a few times a week! Needless to say, Shavasana has never seemed so short. I could definitely stand more dedication to the corpse pose, what about you? I told you we go nuts around here
I've also started jogging again - so far I'm 3-1 for good vs. bad runs. Not terrible, considering the bad run happened after eating pizza and handfuls of gummy bears. To be sure, I've learned my lesson.
Another lesson - stretch out the time between washings for jeans unless you want some major motivation to run again and not eat gummy bears by the dozen. Oy, that was a tough one. I'm pretty sure I looked like I was having a dance party just getting those bad boys on my body.
Anyway, to celebrate 8 weeks of life, our gal got a cold. If I suction her sweet, little, red, stuffy, and runny nose again I'm guaranteed life-long hatred by my daughter. And by suction, I don't just mean the blue thing from the hospital, I'm talking serious suction: the nose frida. Click that link and tell me you aren't both disgusted and amazed all at once. This thing rocks the congestion with one quick breath.
For future celebrations, I head back to work just after her 9-week birthday. Wish me luck.
And now I'm done because I'm tired of typing with one hand while I let my girl sleep in the other arm, and I'd much rather snuggle than anything else:
I don't know what you do celebrate the various milestones of your child's life, but around here we go crazy.
First, when she turned 5 weeks old, we made a quick jaunt to NYC all in the name of friendship. Corinne is tres chic and quite anti-tourist, so we did what we love and do best, hang with our favorite pals and not take any photos. However, my BFF Laura documented the proof for us here. Tell me that sweet baby hand holding doesn't just melt your heart.
Then, around six weeks of age, Corinne went up a diaper size. Let's just say she let us know the hard way in one day (two side blow outs in a row, sweetie? Good one. And on one of the two pairs of jeans that fit me right now? Even better!). Unfortunately, this little lady's body is a NB size, but alas, her poos not so much. PAR-TAY!
Next, I've been able to practice 30 consecutive minutes of yoga a few times a week! Needless to say, Shavasana has never seemed so short. I could definitely stand more dedication to the corpse pose, what about you? I told you we go nuts around here
I've also started jogging again - so far I'm 3-1 for good vs. bad runs. Not terrible, considering the bad run happened after eating pizza and handfuls of gummy bears. To be sure, I've learned my lesson.
Another lesson - stretch out the time between washings for jeans unless you want some major motivation to run again and not eat gummy bears by the dozen. Oy, that was a tough one. I'm pretty sure I looked like I was having a dance party just getting those bad boys on my body.
Anyway, to celebrate 8 weeks of life, our gal got a cold. If I suction her sweet, little, red, stuffy, and runny nose again I'm guaranteed life-long hatred by my daughter. And by suction, I don't just mean the blue thing from the hospital, I'm talking serious suction: the nose frida. Click that link and tell me you aren't both disgusted and amazed all at once. This thing rocks the congestion with one quick breath.
For future celebrations, I head back to work just after her 9-week birthday. Wish me luck.
And now I'm done because I'm tired of typing with one hand while I let my girl sleep in the other arm, and I'd much rather snuggle than anything else:
 |
| Representing for her Mema and Aunt Anna |
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Amateur Thoughts
- Why don't we have three arms?
- The person who coined the phrase "sleep like a baby" could NOT have actually had a baby.
- I gave up cheese and my hips for this kid. Could she give up her all-nighters? Or learn how to soothe herself to sleep? I'm worried this foreshadows our future give/take relationship.
- How long do I get to abuse the new baby excuse?
That is all.
- The person who coined the phrase "sleep like a baby" could NOT have actually had a baby.
- I gave up cheese and my hips for this kid. Could she give up her all-nighters? Or learn how to soothe herself to sleep? I'm worried this foreshadows our future give/take relationship.
- How long do I get to abuse the new baby excuse?
That is all.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Amateur Baby Blues
First, you must know I've been writing this post for roughly 2 weeks. I've been wanting to write honestly how this period of time has been - as Dickens said, it was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
The first three (or so) weeks of my child's life has been the hardest thing I've ever done. I've never loved someone so much that caused me to turn my life upside down - that caused me to stop sleeping, stop fitting into my clothes, stop blogging/facebooking, stop exercising, stop eating dairy, stop interacting with others. I'm pretty sure the next few weeks won't exactly be a walk in the park, either
Let's start from the beginning, with something they DON'T tell you at your birth class or third trimester OB visits:
That your life will never be the same, and you have no idea how different it will be from anything you could imagine. That your life completely revolves around the needs of your child. You will most likely have no idea what your child needs, or even how to meet those needs, and you will feel both hopeless and terrible that you don't know what you're doing.
For me, it took a solid two, two and half weeks to not cry at the drop of a hat. It took a visit from my sister pushing me out of the house; my husband telling me to get outside, play music, and practice some yoga; going on a few walks; making sure to take a shower and get dressed every day; and eventually calling my OB and scheduling an appointment to make sure I'm not crazy.
I am definitely still crazy, just not certifiable (yet).
So first there was CHOPS, which didn't even brush the surface of the baby blues. Visitors coming? Tears. Visitors leaving? Tears. My mother talking about the delivery? Tears. Me recounting the delivery or talking about my feelings? Tears. Trying to take a nap when the baby naps? Tears. First doctor's visit? Panic attack. Reading endless newborn material? Stressing out about not doing it right, and you guessed it - more tears. Thinking about how much I love my daughter? Tears.
Those hormones are real, people. And like I said, they don't really warn you or prep your husband or family for the insanity that is about to ensue. They don't send a message out to your friends letting them know that while you'd love to chat and talk about your birth story and motherhood, you feel like bawling; however, you still need their texts and Facebook messages and voicemails.
Looking back, I'm not sure if any warning would've really done much at all - and I'm sure down the road I'll forget about how one of the happiest moments of my life (the birth of my daughter) also coincides with one of the most emotionally taxing period of my life.
I'm finally learning that I can read all the books, but nothing replaces a mother's intuition. That your family and friends are very ready and willing to help you. That no one really knows what they're doing, and one day you will sleep again and you will miss how your kid was once a tiny baby.*
I love the advice that I've received - the different book recommendations, the idea to sleep when she sleeps and to give nursing a solid two weeks. I love that people who have no idea what I'm like 24/7 tell me I'm doing great - because to be honest, I feel that most of the time I'm lost in a sea of baby wailing and breast milk.
With that, thank you everyone for your love and support. Thanks for thinking my baby is pretty, thanks for understanding that I'm not ignoring you, and thanks for listening. Slowly but surely, we are becoming a team (I think). This sweet little gal sure does give me (and her dad) and run for our money (how could I write and NOT post pics?! I know that's why you're here, anyway):
*probably; I think I look forward to having a kid who can verbalize their needs way too much right now.
The first three (or so) weeks of my child's life has been the hardest thing I've ever done. I've never loved someone so much that caused me to turn my life upside down - that caused me to stop sleeping, stop fitting into my clothes, stop blogging/facebooking, stop exercising, stop eating dairy, stop interacting with others. I'm pretty sure the next few weeks won't exactly be a walk in the park, either
Let's start from the beginning, with something they DON'T tell you at your birth class or third trimester OB visits:
That your life will never be the same, and you have no idea how different it will be from anything you could imagine. That your life completely revolves around the needs of your child. You will most likely have no idea what your child needs, or even how to meet those needs, and you will feel both hopeless and terrible that you don't know what you're doing.
For me, it took a solid two, two and half weeks to not cry at the drop of a hat. It took a visit from my sister pushing me out of the house; my husband telling me to get outside, play music, and practice some yoga; going on a few walks; making sure to take a shower and get dressed every day; and eventually calling my OB and scheduling an appointment to make sure I'm not crazy.
I am definitely still crazy, just not certifiable (yet).
So first there was CHOPS, which didn't even brush the surface of the baby blues. Visitors coming? Tears. Visitors leaving? Tears. My mother talking about the delivery? Tears. Me recounting the delivery or talking about my feelings? Tears. Trying to take a nap when the baby naps? Tears. First doctor's visit? Panic attack. Reading endless newborn material? Stressing out about not doing it right, and you guessed it - more tears. Thinking about how much I love my daughter? Tears.
Those hormones are real, people. And like I said, they don't really warn you or prep your husband or family for the insanity that is about to ensue. They don't send a message out to your friends letting them know that while you'd love to chat and talk about your birth story and motherhood, you feel like bawling; however, you still need their texts and Facebook messages and voicemails.
Looking back, I'm not sure if any warning would've really done much at all - and I'm sure down the road I'll forget about how one of the happiest moments of my life (the birth of my daughter) also coincides with one of the most emotionally taxing period of my life.
I'm finally learning that I can read all the books, but nothing replaces a mother's intuition. That your family and friends are very ready and willing to help you. That no one really knows what they're doing, and one day you will sleep again and you will miss how your kid was once a tiny baby.*
I love the advice that I've received - the different book recommendations, the idea to sleep when she sleeps and to give nursing a solid two weeks. I love that people who have no idea what I'm like 24/7 tell me I'm doing great - because to be honest, I feel that most of the time I'm lost in a sea of baby wailing and breast milk.
With that, thank you everyone for your love and support. Thanks for thinking my baby is pretty, thanks for understanding that I'm not ignoring you, and thanks for listening. Slowly but surely, we are becoming a team (I think). This sweet little gal sure does give me (and her dad) and run for our money (how could I write and NOT post pics?! I know that's why you're here, anyway):
 |
| 3 weeks old |
*probably; I think I look forward to having a kid who can verbalize their needs way too much right now.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Amateur Parenthood 101
How you know you've started Intro to Parenthood:
- You've been hit my projectile poop at least twice; your baby decided to empty her bowels mid-diaper change; and she has soaked through her clothes, blanket, and onto the sheet at least once
- You want to ball up into the fetal position every time your baby latches on to feed
- You feel eternal gratitude for 2 hours of straight sleep time
- You have no sense of a schedule except for when people come by for dinner and you realize what time it is
- You take snacks to bed
- You do laundry multiple times a day, every day
- You become very selective with free time: give up Facebook for reading about healthy sleep habits; give up blog stalking for reading about breastfeeding; take advantage of the "new mom" excuse for not responding to texts, e-mails, or phone calls
But the previous are all just bonuses to the best parts of the class:
- You continue to wonder in amazement how you ever got to be a parent to the most beautiful, sweetest, baby girl on the planet.
- You stare at her and kiss her when you feed her, when you change her, and when she's sleeping with an overwhelming sense of unconditional love that you've never felt before.
- You don't stop praying for her success, for her to thrive, and for her to be safe, healthy, and happy.
- Nothing brings you greater joy than to be with your newborn child and husband. Just simply being in the same room together makes your heart grow 432,890 times bigger.
I can only imagine what Parenthood 201 brings.
Honestly, how could this not melt your heart? Introducing baby Corinne (pron. koh-RIN), at 4 days old, for your viewing pleasure, thanks to my dear friend Tara:
- You've been hit my projectile poop at least twice; your baby decided to empty her bowels mid-diaper change; and she has soaked through her clothes, blanket, and onto the sheet at least once
- You want to ball up into the fetal position every time your baby latches on to feed
- You feel eternal gratitude for 2 hours of straight sleep time
- You have no sense of a schedule except for when people come by for dinner and you realize what time it is
- You take snacks to bed
- You do laundry multiple times a day, every day
- You become very selective with free time: give up Facebook for reading about healthy sleep habits; give up blog stalking for reading about breastfeeding; take advantage of the "new mom" excuse for not responding to texts, e-mails, or phone calls
But the previous are all just bonuses to the best parts of the class:
- You continue to wonder in amazement how you ever got to be a parent to the most beautiful, sweetest, baby girl on the planet.
- You stare at her and kiss her when you feed her, when you change her, and when she's sleeping with an overwhelming sense of unconditional love that you've never felt before.
- You don't stop praying for her success, for her to thrive, and for her to be safe, healthy, and happy.
- Nothing brings you greater joy than to be with your newborn child and husband. Just simply being in the same room together makes your heart grow 432,890 times bigger.
I can only imagine what Parenthood 201 brings.
Honestly, how could this not melt your heart? Introducing baby Corinne (pron. koh-RIN), at 4 days old, for your viewing pleasure, thanks to my dear friend Tara:
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Amateur Induction
My packed bag has been sitting in my car for weeks. I just topped it off with the latest Real Simple, last month's book club book on the Kindle (don't judge, I was planning on being out of commission), and goodies for the nurses.
I set my out-of-office message on my work e-mail and voice mail before leaving today.
My dear husband cleaned up the kitchen, ran the dishwasher, and started some laundry.
My dad moved into the spare room.
The baby's room is most complete with the greatest organization and semblance of any room in our house, even though she will be sleeping with us for the first bit.
I kept my "just in case I'm late" appointment with the acupuncturist.
My pre-labor pedicure is already fading.
I guess that means it is time to bring this little one into the world. Wish us luck that tomorrow goes smoothly. I can't believe I'm going to meet this gal soon.
Wild.
I set my out-of-office message on my work e-mail and voice mail before leaving today.
My dear husband cleaned up the kitchen, ran the dishwasher, and started some laundry.
My dad moved into the spare room.
The baby's room is most complete with the greatest organization and semblance of any room in our house, even though she will be sleeping with us for the first bit.
I kept my "just in case I'm late" appointment with the acupuncturist.
My pre-labor pedicure is already fading.
I guess that means it is time to bring this little one into the world. Wish us luck that tomorrow goes smoothly. I can't believe I'm going to meet this gal soon.
Wild.
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