Monday, June 30, 2008
Blah... and Ben.
Lots of things are happening in my life right now... and frankly, I just don't feel like talking about it. (shocking,...I know.)
So in the meantime,...here's some pictures of Ben from the weekend...
Here's Ben in his Harvard shirt from Auntie Leigh... oh and a sweet smile too! What a ham.
Ben reading with Adam... we're starting him early. I've got to do something with all of my picture books =)
So in the meantime,...here's some pictures of Ben from the weekend...
Here's Ben in his Harvard shirt from Auntie Leigh... oh and a sweet smile too! What a ham.
Ben reading with Adam... we're starting him early. I've got to do something with all of my picture books =)
Friday, June 27, 2008
He's strong... like bull.
Watch Ben with his neck control... we knew he was strong... but that strong?! haha. Plus he's cute. But you already knew that. (wink).
I can't stand it...
he's just too freaking cute.
I can't get enough of his cuteness... I'm driving him crazy by taking pictures ALL THE TIME. Poor kid. Here are the latest...
I can't get enough of his cuteness... I'm driving him crazy by taking pictures ALL THE TIME. Poor kid. Here are the latest...
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Ben and Mac... his first online girlfriend!
I frequently connect with moms online that had babies born in April 2008. On our forum, we've decided to have "Spring Sweethearts"... boys and girls are matched up with each other and can send messages. Here is Ben's sweetheart -- Mackenzie... Isn't she a cutie? She's an older woman too... (born April 2nd)!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Ben isn't the only thing growing around here...
Here's a picture of our first zucchini from our "garden"! We think it's a female since the flower is growing right out of the end...
Both Laura and I thought we had green thumbs.. but a bit of research reveals that zucchinis are prolific producers. Now we're waiting on the tomatoes...
Both Laura and I thought we had green thumbs.. but a bit of research reveals that zucchinis are prolific producers. Now we're waiting on the tomatoes...
me and my little man...
Us on our deck...
Ben describing the size of the big fish he caught..."mommy, it was THIS big"
Us, holding hands on his playmat...
Going for a walk on the boardwalk... (Ben --- "when can I get out and walk?")
Ben describing the size of the big fish he caught..."mommy, it was THIS big"
Us, holding hands on his playmat...
Going for a walk on the boardwalk... (Ben --- "when can I get out and walk?")
Needles?
Ben is such an easy baby. I'm not sure why --- given his parents, but I'm not going to start complaining.
His doctor's appointment went so well... he cried a little bit but I think that was only because he was starving. Poor kid. He had no reaction to the needles and he only needed 1 dose of children's Tylenol when we got home. We were even able to go grocery shopping and a 2 hour walk while he slept.
He was great last night too... woke up at 1am (pacifier feeding) and then again at 3.30am. He was a bit crankier today and I ended up baking with him in the carrier. He fell asleep though.
So his stats... very exciting.
Weight -- 12lbs, 5oz. (Adam's estimate was closer...but that's only because he was measured on an empty stomach!)
Length -- 24.5 in (No wonder he's growing out of clothing faster than I can wash it!)
Head -- 15.5 in
Today is my end of the year staff social. Adam is having some father/son bonding time tonight while I get out of the house. Sweet.
His doctor's appointment went so well... he cried a little bit but I think that was only because he was starving. Poor kid. He had no reaction to the needles and he only needed 1 dose of children's Tylenol when we got home. We were even able to go grocery shopping and a 2 hour walk while he slept.
He was great last night too... woke up at 1am (pacifier feeding) and then again at 3.30am. He was a bit crankier today and I ended up baking with him in the carrier. He fell asleep though.
So his stats... very exciting.
Weight -- 12lbs, 5oz. (Adam's estimate was closer...but that's only because he was measured on an empty stomach!)
Length -- 24.5 in (No wonder he's growing out of clothing faster than I can wash it!)
Head -- 15.5 in
Today is my end of the year staff social. Adam is having some father/son bonding time tonight while I get out of the house. Sweet.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
No watch??? That's okay... we have Ben.
I can set my clock by him. He's become very predictable ...(just in time to probably change up his routine now that I've figured it out).
Grad was great --- it was nice to see the staff and the students. My wee grade 7 class from last year looked so grown up. I was so proud. Ben survived wonderfully at my parents' house. I didn't though and called twice in 3 hours. What a suck.
Back to the clock...
He fell asleep (finally) on the car ride home...(he didn't really take great naps yesterday because of the storm). He slept until 12.30am -- fed. Woke up again at 3.30am (I laughed at this point because it's becoming so predictable). Instead of feeding him, I picked him up and gave him his pacifier... success. He slept until --- 5.15am AGAIN. I changed him (--- WET DIAPER! ---) and fed him again... he wasn't so hungry though because at this point he starts gearing up for his morning poop and has other things on his mind. By 7am, he was cooing and talking in his crib so I gave up on sleeping in and took him downstairs to play on his mat. He's now in his swing checking out the fish.
At 11.30am, we have our doctor's appointment for his first round of needles. I'm a nervous wreck. Thankfully Adam is coming with us. I need moral support. I'll post later as to how it went. Fingers crossed that he behaves as good as the day of his bris. I bawled...he barely cried. Such a good baby.
Grad was great --- it was nice to see the staff and the students. My wee grade 7 class from last year looked so grown up. I was so proud. Ben survived wonderfully at my parents' house. I didn't though and called twice in 3 hours. What a suck.
Back to the clock...
He fell asleep (finally) on the car ride home...(he didn't really take great naps yesterday because of the storm). He slept until 12.30am -- fed. Woke up again at 3.30am (I laughed at this point because it's becoming so predictable). Instead of feeding him, I picked him up and gave him his pacifier... success. He slept until --- 5.15am AGAIN. I changed him (--- WET DIAPER! ---) and fed him again... he wasn't so hungry though because at this point he starts gearing up for his morning poop and has other things on his mind. By 7am, he was cooing and talking in his crib so I gave up on sleeping in and took him downstairs to play on his mat. He's now in his swing checking out the fish.
At 11.30am, we have our doctor's appointment for his first round of needles. I'm a nervous wreck. Thankfully Adam is coming with us. I need moral support. I'll post later as to how it went. Fingers crossed that he behaves as good as the day of his bris. I bawled...he barely cried. Such a good baby.
Monday, June 23, 2008
so it's working... slowly.
This whole E.A.S.Y. method seems to be working...
Yesterday, Ben was fed at 9pm... and then Adam fed him at midnight...
At 3.30am, he woke up and I put his pacifier in his mouth and he went back to sleep... FOR ANOTHER 2 HOURS!!! At 5.30am, he woke up again and I fed him. Maybe that's why he's such a chubby chub... he would wake up,..and I would automatically assume he was hungry. Now that I'm trying to consciously listen to him... I think I'm able to figure it out a bit better.
This morning, he was overtired. I didn't get the "mommy, I'm tired again" cues and let it go too long. Plus, Adam and I were trying to get things in order and we needed to move the cars. After Adam left, it took me a good hour to get Ben to go to sleep. Poor kid. He was fighting it and it was kinda funny. His eyes would spring open and then close... spring open and then close.
Now that he's finally asleep... I need to go shower. Tonight, I'm going to graduation and my parents are babysitting. This is Ben's first babysitting experience without Adam and I present -- I hope he'll be okay. I'm only gone from 6-9pm so it shouldn't be too bad. Plus, the graduation reception is close to my parents' house so if I needed to leave early, I could. Adam is using the opportunity to go out with Roni for dinner. Adam and I really need to plan our own date night soon though. I'm forgetting what it's like to be a wife. It's like the "mother" label totally took over. Sigh.
Yesterday, Ben was fed at 9pm... and then Adam fed him at midnight...
At 3.30am, he woke up and I put his pacifier in his mouth and he went back to sleep... FOR ANOTHER 2 HOURS!!! At 5.30am, he woke up again and I fed him. Maybe that's why he's such a chubby chub... he would wake up,..and I would automatically assume he was hungry. Now that I'm trying to consciously listen to him... I think I'm able to figure it out a bit better.
This morning, he was overtired. I didn't get the "mommy, I'm tired again" cues and let it go too long. Plus, Adam and I were trying to get things in order and we needed to move the cars. After Adam left, it took me a good hour to get Ben to go to sleep. Poor kid. He was fighting it and it was kinda funny. His eyes would spring open and then close... spring open and then close.
Now that he's finally asleep... I need to go shower. Tonight, I'm going to graduation and my parents are babysitting. This is Ben's first babysitting experience without Adam and I present -- I hope he'll be okay. I'm only gone from 6-9pm so it shouldn't be too bad. Plus, the graduation reception is close to my parents' house so if I needed to leave early, I could. Adam is using the opportunity to go out with Roni for dinner. Adam and I really need to plan our own date night soon though. I'm forgetting what it's like to be a wife. It's like the "mother" label totally took over. Sigh.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
"Secrets of the Baby Whisperer"
So I read the book. Cover to cover. And decided last night I would try it.
Adam thinks a lot of the book is a bit fluffy and the author does write in a condescending tone but I figured,...maybe it would give me a chance to sleep through the night...
Ms. Hogg (the author) talks about an E.A.S.Y. method of child rearing... basically learning your child's language by figuring out their cries and cues. E - eating, A - activity, S - sleeping, Y - You (supposedly after everything, you'll actually have time for yourself... this might be the fluffy part that Adam was referring to).
Theoretically, babies go through cycles of EASY. They eat, they have some play, they sleep and then they start all over again. So by knowing what your baby last did ... you can anticipate what's coming next. A great idea,...if it actually works.
Now on to the "sleeping through the night" chapter (the S). Ms. Hogg recommends a couple of cluster feeds before bed (6pm and 8pm) and then a "tanking up" feed at 1030ish. This is supposed to last through the night. [Since Ben is 12lbs, he should be able to theoretically go the whole night without needing a night time feeding]. If Ben should wake up (to feed), we're supposed to offer him his pacifier (so that he's not using a breast feeding session as a way to get himself back to sleep).
Thankfully, Adam supported my decision to try this so called ..easy method.
Ben and I headed to Bed at 9pm... he went right to sleep. (He had a 6pm and 8pm feeding, like the book suggested). My bottle of breast milk (pumped from the morning) was waiting in the fridge. Adam was going to do the "tanking up" feeding.
At 1130pm, Ben was still sleeping and so Adam gave him the bottle in his sleep (something Ms. Hogg also recommends). No burping, no changing...just back to bed. So far, so good. I was kinda amazed that he was following it exactly. [A side note: according to the quiz we took in the book,...Ben is known as a "textbook baby"...lucky us].
He sleeps through the usual 2am feeding...yay! Now I'm not sure if this is because of the "tanking up" feeding,...so maybe he was still full, but I'm not going to complain.
315am...he wakes up. I pick him up and stick in his pacifier. He starts sucking like a crazy person and after a couple of minutes drifts back to sleep. You've got to be kidding me? That actually worked?... So I plunked him back in bed and went to pump (because OMG... my boobs weren't ready for this easy method)...
He slept until 4am,...and was up again... pacifier in... stroking head... sleeping... (2 mins goes by)...he's up again... pacifier in... more head stroking... sleeping..(I jump back in bed at this point,..hoping to catch 3 mins. of sleep). 1 min. later -- he's up.
At this point, I complain loudly that "this isn't working,...what a stupid method". Adam (in his sleep) rubs my head. Thanks love.
By 4.30am, I give up. Maybe he actually is hungry. I take him into bed and feed him for 7 minutes (yes, I counted). He goes back to sleep until 7am!!!!
BUT...I wake up to the BIGGEST wet spot from my leaking boobs. Darn it. We now have to change/wash our sheets and our mattress pad.
Maybe Ben's ready to sleep through the night,...but my body certainly isn't.
Adam thinks a lot of the book is a bit fluffy and the author does write in a condescending tone but I figured,...maybe it would give me a chance to sleep through the night...
Ms. Hogg (the author) talks about an E.A.S.Y. method of child rearing... basically learning your child's language by figuring out their cries and cues. E - eating, A - activity, S - sleeping, Y - You (supposedly after everything, you'll actually have time for yourself... this might be the fluffy part that Adam was referring to).
Theoretically, babies go through cycles of EASY. They eat, they have some play, they sleep and then they start all over again. So by knowing what your baby last did ... you can anticipate what's coming next. A great idea,...if it actually works.
Now on to the "sleeping through the night" chapter (the S). Ms. Hogg recommends a couple of cluster feeds before bed (6pm and 8pm) and then a "tanking up" feed at 1030ish. This is supposed to last through the night. [Since Ben is 12lbs, he should be able to theoretically go the whole night without needing a night time feeding]. If Ben should wake up (to feed), we're supposed to offer him his pacifier (so that he's not using a breast feeding session as a way to get himself back to sleep).
Thankfully, Adam supported my decision to try this so called ..easy method.
Ben and I headed to Bed at 9pm... he went right to sleep. (He had a 6pm and 8pm feeding, like the book suggested). My bottle of breast milk (pumped from the morning) was waiting in the fridge. Adam was going to do the "tanking up" feeding.
At 1130pm, Ben was still sleeping and so Adam gave him the bottle in his sleep (something Ms. Hogg also recommends). No burping, no changing...just back to bed. So far, so good. I was kinda amazed that he was following it exactly. [A side note: according to the quiz we took in the book,...Ben is known as a "textbook baby"...lucky us].
He sleeps through the usual 2am feeding...yay! Now I'm not sure if this is because of the "tanking up" feeding,...so maybe he was still full, but I'm not going to complain.
315am...he wakes up. I pick him up and stick in his pacifier. He starts sucking like a crazy person and after a couple of minutes drifts back to sleep. You've got to be kidding me? That actually worked?... So I plunked him back in bed and went to pump (because OMG... my boobs weren't ready for this easy method)...
He slept until 4am,...and was up again... pacifier in... stroking head... sleeping... (2 mins goes by)...he's up again... pacifier in... more head stroking... sleeping..(I jump back in bed at this point,..hoping to catch 3 mins. of sleep). 1 min. later -- he's up.
At this point, I complain loudly that "this isn't working,...what a stupid method". Adam (in his sleep) rubs my head. Thanks love.
By 4.30am, I give up. Maybe he actually is hungry. I take him into bed and feed him for 7 minutes (yes, I counted). He goes back to sleep until 7am!!!!
BUT...I wake up to the BIGGEST wet spot from my leaking boobs. Darn it. We now have to change/wash our sheets and our mattress pad.
Maybe Ben's ready to sleep through the night,...but my body certainly isn't.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
2 months old!!!!
Here are some new Ben pictures. He's 2 months old tomorrow! How time flies when you're having fun...and we're having a blast.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Ben's first trip to school...
at a mere 8 weeks.
Let's hope he enjoys himself...if he's like his daddy -- he might be in school until he's 30!
So far, Ben has had his morning meal, had his morning bath and had his morning poop. He's now resting comfortably in the swing. I'm a nervous wreck though.
I have my route mapped out...
--park in the lot
--head to the portable
--visit
--wait until the hallways clear for lunch
--bring Ben to the staffroom and the office
--head home
I'll post later on how our first visit to school went. I'm hoping he sleeps the entire time.
edit ---
We arrived right on time (11.20am -- impressive, eh?) and the kids were waiting for us. They had been debriefed and were quietly sitting in their seats. Totally nervous and shy. I haven't seen them this quiet since the first day of school last September. I was presented with a card and some poems and a pile of yearbooks to sign. Then we took a class picture. [I'll post it once I get it!]
Did I mention that Ben slept through all of this commotion? Brilliant. Gold star for Ben.
Once the lunch bell rang, I waited with some of my girls (they were super excited to meet him) and then I headed to the staffroom. Ben continued to sleep on a colleague (who was actually MY GRADE 8 French teacher... I'm sure I made her feel really old) and then he woke up briefly when I went to see the principal and vice principal.
The whole experience was really great... I was a very proud mom,... he's such a cutie after all. But, it also reminded me of how much I miss school. I really love teaching. I guess that's why I love being Ben's mom. I get to teach him every day!
Next week, I'll be going to the graduation and to our staff party (sans Ben!)... I'm looking forward to mingling with adults.
My dream goal? To stay at home until Ben is in kindergarten. Only time will tell if that's doable though.
Let's hope he enjoys himself...if he's like his daddy -- he might be in school until he's 30!
So far, Ben has had his morning meal, had his morning bath and had his morning poop. He's now resting comfortably in the swing. I'm a nervous wreck though.
I have my route mapped out...
--park in the lot
--head to the portable
--visit
--wait until the hallways clear for lunch
--bring Ben to the staffroom and the office
--head home
I'll post later on how our first visit to school went. I'm hoping he sleeps the entire time.
edit ---
We arrived right on time (11.20am -- impressive, eh?) and the kids were waiting for us. They had been debriefed and were quietly sitting in their seats. Totally nervous and shy. I haven't seen them this quiet since the first day of school last September. I was presented with a card and some poems and a pile of yearbooks to sign. Then we took a class picture. [I'll post it once I get it!]
Did I mention that Ben slept through all of this commotion? Brilliant. Gold star for Ben.
Once the lunch bell rang, I waited with some of my girls (they were super excited to meet him) and then I headed to the staffroom. Ben continued to sleep on a colleague (who was actually MY GRADE 8 French teacher... I'm sure I made her feel really old) and then he woke up briefly when I went to see the principal and vice principal.
The whole experience was really great... I was a very proud mom,... he's such a cutie after all. But, it also reminded me of how much I miss school. I really love teaching. I guess that's why I love being Ben's mom. I get to teach him every day!
Next week, I'll be going to the graduation and to our staff party (sans Ben!)... I'm looking forward to mingling with adults.
My dream goal? To stay at home until Ben is in kindergarten. Only time will tell if that's doable though.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
I'm so glad that we're not bottle feeding...
For anyone out there that is bottle feeding -- my heart goes out to you. I could never do it.
Yesterday was my dreaded visit to the dentist. I really hate going because I have to take medication due to my mitral valve prolapse. The medication always makes me feel like a complete medicine-head-druggy... and then I always have a sore jaw after the appointment, so needless to say... it's not a fun time.
Since the medication that I take can cross through and into breast milk, I decided to pump in preparation for my visit. I was able to accumulate a total of 20 oz. before the appointment, which in my opinion is pretty impressive given that I'm using a hand-held pump.
With bottles set and ready, I take off to my appointment.
Thankfully, Ben is awesome at switching between breast and bottle, so Adam was able to feed him while I was at the dentist. When I got home, I pumped and dumped, while Adam fed Ben with another bottle.
Everything was peachy until the night time feedings. At 1am, I was heating a bottle and getting the pump ready (so I could pump and dump). Adam was up feeding Ben (a task that I usually do so that he can sleep). At 4am, ... the same thing. I tried feeding him with the bottle so that Adam could sleep ... but Ben was frustrated and kept looking at me as if to say, "you stupid woman,...I want the boob, not the bottle." I was completely frustrated too and had to wake Adam up. Thankfully, he was a good sport. By 6am, Ben found his way in bed with us... and he slept between us until 7am. (I know, I know. Bad. Bad. But whatever,...we were both exhausted). At 7am, I fed him the last of the bottles (after warming them and pumping/dumping) and opted to switch to boob.
So far, Ben seems to be okay... the medication has a 5 hour half life though so I'm not sure how much is left in my system at this point. My OB/GYN said he might have some diarrhea but so far...he's only had 1 poop today.
Throughout this whole bottle-feeding ordeal, Adam and I learned a valuable lesson. We hate using bottles. The getting up in the middle of the night... turning on the kitchen lights,...measuring out the milk,...warming it up... and feeding him... takes WAY TOO MUCH TIME. ... With breastfeeding, I've got our nightly get ups to a mere 20 minutes ... 10 mins of feeding,.. a burp,.. a snuggle and a diaper change. Brilliant. AND... no clean up. This morning our bathroom counter was littered with empty bottles, nipples, liners and lids. Ridiculous. We also went through 3 bibs last night (for 2 night feedings!). Ben is a neater eater when he's breastfeeding.
Plus, I totally missed him. I like the closeness of breastfeeding. So glad that I stuck it out. I can honestly say, at 8 weeks,... it's been one of the best decisions that we made as a family.
Yesterday was my dreaded visit to the dentist. I really hate going because I have to take medication due to my mitral valve prolapse. The medication always makes me feel like a complete medicine-head-druggy... and then I always have a sore jaw after the appointment, so needless to say... it's not a fun time.
Since the medication that I take can cross through and into breast milk, I decided to pump in preparation for my visit. I was able to accumulate a total of 20 oz. before the appointment, which in my opinion is pretty impressive given that I'm using a hand-held pump.
With bottles set and ready, I take off to my appointment.
Thankfully, Ben is awesome at switching between breast and bottle, so Adam was able to feed him while I was at the dentist. When I got home, I pumped and dumped, while Adam fed Ben with another bottle.
Everything was peachy until the night time feedings. At 1am, I was heating a bottle and getting the pump ready (so I could pump and dump). Adam was up feeding Ben (a task that I usually do so that he can sleep). At 4am, ... the same thing. I tried feeding him with the bottle so that Adam could sleep ... but Ben was frustrated and kept looking at me as if to say, "you stupid woman,...I want the boob, not the bottle." I was completely frustrated too and had to wake Adam up. Thankfully, he was a good sport. By 6am, Ben found his way in bed with us... and he slept between us until 7am. (I know, I know. Bad. Bad. But whatever,...we were both exhausted). At 7am, I fed him the last of the bottles (after warming them and pumping/dumping) and opted to switch to boob.
So far, Ben seems to be okay... the medication has a 5 hour half life though so I'm not sure how much is left in my system at this point. My OB/GYN said he might have some diarrhea but so far...he's only had 1 poop today.
Throughout this whole bottle-feeding ordeal, Adam and I learned a valuable lesson. We hate using bottles. The getting up in the middle of the night... turning on the kitchen lights,...measuring out the milk,...warming it up... and feeding him... takes WAY TOO MUCH TIME. ... With breastfeeding, I've got our nightly get ups to a mere 20 minutes ... 10 mins of feeding,.. a burp,.. a snuggle and a diaper change. Brilliant. AND... no clean up. This morning our bathroom counter was littered with empty bottles, nipples, liners and lids. Ridiculous. We also went through 3 bibs last night (for 2 night feedings!). Ben is a neater eater when he's breastfeeding.
Plus, I totally missed him. I like the closeness of breastfeeding. So glad that I stuck it out. I can honestly say, at 8 weeks,... it's been one of the best decisions that we made as a family.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
such a well dressed boy.
Here's Ben wearing his latest Guess outfit...thanks to Auntie Leigh and Uncle Jesse.
it's the best day ever...
(even though I have a dreaded dentist appointment!)
Why the good day????
BEN SMILED AT ME! finally...
I took him out of his crib and he gave me a huge gummy grin. On his 8 week birthday too!
yippeee... today is a good day.
Why the good day????
BEN SMILED AT ME! finally...
I took him out of his crib and he gave me a huge gummy grin. On his 8 week birthday too!
yippeee... today is a good day.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Happy 1st Father's Day, Ad!
"Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad."
This quote was from a mug I gave my dad when I was little. It's only now though that I realize the significance of the quote. Adam has been awesome with Ben (and me!) and deserves the title of "dad". Ben is lucky to have such a great man in his life. I'm glad that he has such a wonderful role model.
Today, we're off to my parents' house for a Father's Day BBQ. My mom has been promising Adam a steak dinner since Ben was born. Here are some recent pictures of Adam and Ben together. Sleeping on the couch. Like father. Like son.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
But where is the pee?
I had everything else on me this morning!
We had a great night -- Ben was only up once and I actually feel rested!
At 7am, Ben was up and looking all happy in his crib. I decided to feed him in our bed -- something that I usually do although after this morning I might reconsider.
By 7.30am, Ben had projectile puked on my right arm and my side of the bed. I had puke on my neck and my hair... and on my left hand. I also had poop (his poop, not mine) on my legs and my left arm. Impressive. Thankfully, Adam took Ben downstairs and I got to take a shower. Ben gets his bath later. I had more mess on me than he did. I win. I get to be clean first. Ha.
We had a great night -- Ben was only up once and I actually feel rested!
At 7am, Ben was up and looking all happy in his crib. I decided to feed him in our bed -- something that I usually do although after this morning I might reconsider.
By 7.30am, Ben had projectile puked on my right arm and my side of the bed. I had puke on my neck and my hair... and on my left hand. I also had poop (his poop, not mine) on my legs and my left arm. Impressive. Thankfully, Adam took Ben downstairs and I got to take a shower. Ben gets his bath later. I had more mess on me than he did. I win. I get to be clean first. Ha.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Our new morning routine...
So for the last week, Ben has created a new morning routine. It's actually pretty good -- at least I get a lot accomplished before 9am!
He wakes up at 7am... and eat his "breakfast".
By 7.30am he's having his MASSIVE poop. Yesterday -- poop up to his pits. Today -- poop down his legs. Needless to say a bath is always required. Wipes just don't do a good enough job.
After his bath,...we have some play time and some tummy time and then he falls asleep in his swing. All this before 8.30am!
Here's a video of Ben on his change table after his morning bath. He has recently discovered his toy dog. If he hits it... it makes noise.
He wakes up at 7am... and eat his "breakfast".
By 7.30am he's having his MASSIVE poop. Yesterday -- poop up to his pits. Today -- poop down his legs. Needless to say a bath is always required. Wipes just don't do a good enough job.
After his bath,...we have some play time and some tummy time and then he falls asleep in his swing. All this before 8.30am!
Here's a video of Ben on his change table after his morning bath. He has recently discovered his toy dog. If he hits it... it makes noise.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Me... in labour.
Here are some LOVELY pictures taken just hours before Ben was born. We were told to "walk around"... so here's me sitting. hah.
Holy Poo -- yet again.
So I've been worried (as any new mom would be -- at least I think they would). Ben hasn't pooped since Monday morning. It's now Wednesday. No poop.
UNTIL.... 7am.
Ben didn't sleep well last night (and so then neither did I...plus I was up worrying about his lack of poop!) ...I've basically been awake since 3.30am. By 6am...I brought him into bed with us.. and we both slept until 7am. I fed him. He projectile puked on me, which caused me to worry more. Maybe the poop was blocking his digestive tract??! We came downstairs and Adam started burping him.
and then... we heard it.
THE POOP! Adam quickly grabbed a blanket to protect his clothes. It was everywhere - up his back,... under his pits,...down his leg.
Adam got his bath ready and we quickly plunked him in it... he was as happy as a clam (probably figuring - sweet, I get a bath and it's only 7.30am!)
I ended up soaking the blanket with water and oxyclean (hehe -- it's certainly coming in handy!) but unfortunately the onesie had to be sacrificed and is now in the green bin along with the rest of his diapers. I wasn't about to clean it too...so gross.
He's sleeping in the swing now... and so I'm going to take a quick nap on the couch. Sigh. It's 9am and I've already accomplished so much (shower, bath ben, feed ben, change ben, laundry, breakfast). Shocking.
UNTIL.... 7am.
Ben didn't sleep well last night (and so then neither did I...plus I was up worrying about his lack of poop!) ...I've basically been awake since 3.30am. By 6am...I brought him into bed with us.. and we both slept until 7am. I fed him. He projectile puked on me, which caused me to worry more. Maybe the poop was blocking his digestive tract??! We came downstairs and Adam started burping him.
and then... we heard it.
THE POOP! Adam quickly grabbed a blanket to protect his clothes. It was everywhere - up his back,... under his pits,...down his leg.
Adam got his bath ready and we quickly plunked him in it... he was as happy as a clam (probably figuring - sweet, I get a bath and it's only 7.30am!)
I ended up soaking the blanket with water and oxyclean (hehe -- it's certainly coming in handy!) but unfortunately the onesie had to be sacrificed and is now in the green bin along with the rest of his diapers. I wasn't about to clean it too...so gross.
He's sleeping in the swing now... and so I'm going to take a quick nap on the couch. Sigh. It's 9am and I've already accomplished so much (shower, bath ben, feed ben, change ben, laundry, breakfast). Shocking.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
such a big boy already???
As crazy as this sounds... Ben is into 3mo and 6mo clothing!!!! The onesies that fit him the best are size 6mo from Carter's. Shocking,...I know given that he was only 6lbs 11oz when he was born. I think the larger size is due to his length... he is in the 98percentile for height. No idea where he got that from =)
Monday, June 9, 2008
typing with 1 finger!
i used to be a total home row typer...thanks to grade 9 keyboarding and mrs.b...but lately i've had to relearn all the keys in order to type with 1 finger...
I must say... I've become quite the multi-tasker... reading while breastfeeding (mind you -- I'm reading "What to expect in the first year", so I don't know if that actually counts)...and typing while rocking ben...
[note: you can tell in this post when i start using 2 hands by making note of the capitals]
Right now ben is pseudo-sleeping in my lap and every time i go to put him down, he wakes up...he screamed my entire shower and this morning i picked up dirty clothes with my feet =)
Totally off topic but worth mentioning -- ben is losing his newborn hair and growing his "big boy" hair, so right now he has 2 different hair lengths on his head...super funny!
happy monday!
I must say... I've become quite the multi-tasker... reading while breastfeeding (mind you -- I'm reading "What to expect in the first year", so I don't know if that actually counts)...and typing while rocking ben...
[note: you can tell in this post when i start using 2 hands by making note of the capitals]
Right now ben is pseudo-sleeping in my lap and every time i go to put him down, he wakes up...he screamed my entire shower and this morning i picked up dirty clothes with my feet =)
Totally off topic but worth mentioning -- ben is losing his newborn hair and growing his "big boy" hair, so right now he has 2 different hair lengths on his head...super funny!
happy monday!
Ben loves his tub.
Here are some latest pictures of Ben and his bath... He LOVES his bath...thankfully.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
We finally got a "real" smile...
thanks to Great Auntie Shirley!!! Ben has been gearing up for smiles for a while now... especially when he's dreaming of something yummy (or farting). So, finally last night we got a real smile,... no gas, no dreaming... and it was directed at Shirley. She was making faces at him...and he smiled at her. Needless to say we (Shirley, Jordan, Shawn, Rachel and Adam and I) all cheered (which I think kinda freaked him out)... but I'm hoping he does it again soon.
After dinner, we walked over to Ed's (omg -- such a line up!) and Ben had some complements on his cuteness =)
And,...in even more exciting news ... I only got up once last night! 245am. That was it...and then he slept right through to 7am. Finally!!! I think I'm beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel. I feel so rested today.
Here are some pictures of the festivities last night and some "fake" smiling pictures from yesterday morning. He was getting ready =)
After dinner, we walked over to Ed's (omg -- such a line up!) and Ben had some complements on his cuteness =)
And,...in even more exciting news ... I only got up once last night! 245am. That was it...and then he slept right through to 7am. Finally!!! I think I'm beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel. I feel so rested today.
Here are some pictures of the festivities last night and some "fake" smiling pictures from yesterday morning. He was getting ready =)
Check out his dimple on his right cheek! 
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Hockey with Grandpa Jerry!
Grandpa Jerry came over for some hockey and Swiss Chalet. We also chatted with uncle Dave through Skype. The hockey game went into 3 overtimes!!!! Needless to say, Ben and I were in bed before the 2nd period!
Here's Ben & Lucretia!
Monday, June 2, 2008
"I love my pacifier...
but my parents aren't sure if I should have it"....(Ben)
We're still undecided ... but doesn't he look cute?
We're still undecided ... but doesn't he look cute?
How life has changed...
it seems like this is all I write about lately. How life has changed...
But seriously. It has.
Ben spits up on me... and I wipe it off -- not really thinking anything of it. He pukes down my shoulder and I grab a wipe.
He pukes on my pillow... I flip it over and keep sleeping. I get poop on my hand,... on every finger and up my sleeve...and I just wash it off. He poops through his outfit and onto my jeans. I take them off, stain stick them...and throw them in the laundry.
I get scratched across my chest. I get pinched. I get my glasses taken right off my face because I've leaned in too closely. I've had pee on my shirt, my hands and my face. Yup... my face.
I take the fastest shower that I can ...while still getting all the soap off. Hair products? What are those? A hair elastic is just as good. If not better.
While I was pregnant,... I used my toes to pick up things that I couldn't reach. Now I use them to push the vibrating chair so that I have 2 hands free.
Ben sneezes and a big booger comes out his nose. There's no kleenex in sight. I grab it with my fingers. I don't stop to think how gross it is. While walking to the washroom, I show it to Adam. We're both impressed.
Life is hard. School was so much easier. Yesterday was a hard day. I contemplated going back to school the end of August just to get away from everything. But then, after careful consideration (and a bit of cooing from Ben),... I thought about everything that I'd be missing out on.
If he's going to puke on someone,... or poop on someone,.... or pee on someone,.... then it should be me. That way,...when he goes on his first date and graduates from high school,...and gets married and leaves home...I can carefully remind him what "fun" adventures we had when he was little. =)
k. quick. he's sleeping. finally. time for a shower.
But seriously. It has.
Ben spits up on me... and I wipe it off -- not really thinking anything of it. He pukes down my shoulder and I grab a wipe.
He pukes on my pillow... I flip it over and keep sleeping. I get poop on my hand,... on every finger and up my sleeve...and I just wash it off. He poops through his outfit and onto my jeans. I take them off, stain stick them...and throw them in the laundry.
I get scratched across my chest. I get pinched. I get my glasses taken right off my face because I've leaned in too closely. I've had pee on my shirt, my hands and my face. Yup... my face.
I take the fastest shower that I can ...while still getting all the soap off. Hair products? What are those? A hair elastic is just as good. If not better.
While I was pregnant,... I used my toes to pick up things that I couldn't reach. Now I use them to push the vibrating chair so that I have 2 hands free.
Ben sneezes and a big booger comes out his nose. There's no kleenex in sight. I grab it with my fingers. I don't stop to think how gross it is. While walking to the washroom, I show it to Adam. We're both impressed.
Life is hard. School was so much easier. Yesterday was a hard day. I contemplated going back to school the end of August just to get away from everything. But then, after careful consideration (and a bit of cooing from Ben),... I thought about everything that I'd be missing out on.
If he's going to puke on someone,... or poop on someone,.... or pee on someone,.... then it should be me. That way,...when he goes on his first date and graduates from high school,...and gets married and leaves home...I can carefully remind him what "fun" adventures we had when he was little. =)
k. quick. he's sleeping. finally. time for a shower.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
I'm jealous...
People always say the grass is greener on the other side. Who are these people?
I feel guilty for thinking this, and it's something that people don't talk about...but I'm jealous.
Jealous of what? I have a great family, a great job (of which I get to take a whole year off), a loving husband who is awesome with Ben, and of course Ben. And yet, I am envious of couples without kids. Is that wrong? Does that make me a bad mother? Don't get me wrong,...Ben was planned and we are so happy he is finally here,...but I really miss the way things were without him. Quiet dinners. Dinners out! Sleep. Lots of sleep. And more importantly, my relationship with Adam. Or more specifically, the way our relationship was before Ben. Not that it's bad now,...just different.
Does parenthood get any easier? Because honestly,...some days I am so ready to pack it in and call it a day.
I feel guilty for thinking this, and it's something that people don't talk about...but I'm jealous.
Jealous of what? I have a great family, a great job (of which I get to take a whole year off), a loving husband who is awesome with Ben, and of course Ben. And yet, I am envious of couples without kids. Is that wrong? Does that make me a bad mother? Don't get me wrong,...Ben was planned and we are so happy he is finally here,...but I really miss the way things were without him. Quiet dinners. Dinners out! Sleep. Lots of sleep. And more importantly, my relationship with Adam. Or more specifically, the way our relationship was before Ben. Not that it's bad now,...just different.
Does parenthood get any easier? Because honestly,...some days I am so ready to pack it in and call it a day.
A growth spurt, home alone with dad, a party and a puke...
It's been a very productive week for Ben...
From Tuesday to Friday, he went through his 6th week growth spurt (or we can only assume that's what it was). He slept most of Tuesday and Wednesday (to the point where I thought something was seriously wrong with him) and then Thursday and Friday he was a non-stop eating machine. It was exhausting -- which is why there is a lack of postings =)
Saturday was Lisa's Bridal shower so Adam was home alone with Ben for the first time ... and more importantly -- I was out without Ben for the first time. I left Adam with 10 oz of milk (of which he only ate 4 oz). I had my cellphone charged, on and in my pocket and I never got a call once! I had a great time... and the boys survived.
Saturday night we went over to Linda and Eric's for Eric's birthday... and Ben was a spoiled baby --- getting held by everyone. Adam and I had a nice break (and we were tempted to sneak out without him so we could get a solid 8 hours of continuous sleep). We didn't though... and took him home with us...
When we got home,... we changed Ben and gave him a mini-bath (because he spit up a bit at Linda's) and I decided to feed him before putting him to bed. Mid-meal, he choked on his milk and gagged. In the process of the gagging,...his gag reflex must have kicked in and he hurled!!!! (HURLED!) everything that was in his stomach all over himself and me! I had always thought that the spit-up was puking because he always spits up a lot...(at the doctor's office he's known as a "spitter")... but this was PUKE... It leaked through my jeans... and my underwear. I couldn't believe so much came out of someone so little. And I felt awful. I guess he wasn't as hungry as I had originally thought. So I changed him again... and then he was hungry again (empty stomach)... but I was terrified that he would choke and gag all over again.
He was up at 12.30am, 3.30am (I took his temperature at this point --NORMAL) and 5.30am. At 5.30am, I brought him into our bed (despite everything I believe in with respect to co-sleeping) and the three of us slept until 8am.
Fast forward to 3 minutes ago... Ben starts crying... I pick him up and he immediately spits-up on me and himself...AGAIN. (This was indeed spit-up though, not puke... I now know the difference). I figure at this point,...why bother showering... I smell like a kindergarten classroom. Gross.
From Tuesday to Friday, he went through his 6th week growth spurt (or we can only assume that's what it was). He slept most of Tuesday and Wednesday (to the point where I thought something was seriously wrong with him) and then Thursday and Friday he was a non-stop eating machine. It was exhausting -- which is why there is a lack of postings =)
Saturday was Lisa's Bridal shower so Adam was home alone with Ben for the first time ... and more importantly -- I was out without Ben for the first time. I left Adam with 10 oz of milk (of which he only ate 4 oz). I had my cellphone charged, on and in my pocket and I never got a call once! I had a great time... and the boys survived.
Saturday night we went over to Linda and Eric's for Eric's birthday... and Ben was a spoiled baby --- getting held by everyone. Adam and I had a nice break (and we were tempted to sneak out without him so we could get a solid 8 hours of continuous sleep). We didn't though... and took him home with us...
When we got home,... we changed Ben and gave him a mini-bath (because he spit up a bit at Linda's) and I decided to feed him before putting him to bed. Mid-meal, he choked on his milk and gagged. In the process of the gagging,...his gag reflex must have kicked in and he hurled!!!! (HURLED!) everything that was in his stomach all over himself and me! I had always thought that the spit-up was puking because he always spits up a lot...(at the doctor's office he's known as a "spitter")... but this was PUKE... It leaked through my jeans... and my underwear. I couldn't believe so much came out of someone so little. And I felt awful. I guess he wasn't as hungry as I had originally thought. So I changed him again... and then he was hungry again (empty stomach)... but I was terrified that he would choke and gag all over again.
He was up at 12.30am, 3.30am (I took his temperature at this point --NORMAL) and 5.30am. At 5.30am, I brought him into our bed (despite everything I believe in with respect to co-sleeping) and the three of us slept until 8am.
Fast forward to 3 minutes ago... Ben starts crying... I pick him up and he immediately spits-up on me and himself...AGAIN. (This was indeed spit-up though, not puke... I now know the difference). I figure at this point,...why bother showering... I smell like a kindergarten classroom. Gross.
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