We've been having some stressful nights as of late. And by "nights" I mean 2,3,4 am. We've haven't had nights like this since Zane was a newborn, and I feel like it has been all my fault.
You see, for the past month or so, Zane's been getting up once to eat. And life was fine. But at his 6 mo, the pediatrician said that he didn't need to eat and suggested that we should start phasing that out. He told me that Z was really looking for comfort/time to hang with mommy and probably wasn't really hungry. He convinced me, so we tried. We've tried having M go in istead of me, going in and turning on music, CIO, etc. etc. But the awake time has been lasting at minimum of an hour each night, sometimes 2.5. And this mostly resulted in me wanting to cry along with the poor kid. Hmmmm...perhaps he really was hungry after all?
Last night I decided to revert to the old routine. As soon as I heard him awake and talking I went in (before awake turned to REALLY upset and angry), fed him for about 10-15 minutes until he was back to sleep and I was able to go right back to sleep as well.
I can't even tell you how much more relaxed I was this morning, even with that 20 minute break in my cozy sleep pattern. So, for now, I think I'm going to stop getting upset whenever I hear someone talking (bragging?) about a baby STTN and just accept that Z isn't ready to do it. I would rather 15 minutes of snuggles and eating than 2.5 hours of awake and crying. I've accepted it, I'm happy with it (ok, I will be happy with it), and I'm going to try my hardest not to do the baby comparison!
I think that is the worst part. Hearing so many other babies who STTN (and babies much younger than Z). And it's such a commom question - I feel like everyone is always asking me "how is he sleeping?". That it was making me feel like I was doing something wrong as a parent. So this is me, accepting.
Plus, soon enough he won't even want to walk next to me in the mall, let along snuggle at night, so I might as well just enjoy it instead of being mad that I'm awake at 3am. So, I'm going to let Z take the lead on this one. Next time you see me, feel free to continue to ask me "So how is Zane sleeping these days?" I promise I won't bite your head off for asking ;)
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
The elusive family photo
We had our first big party at the new house this past weekend. It was a blast and although the weather and our football teams didn't cooperate, we still managed to have a great time with many family and friends. We learned a few things about party planning (a party doesn't need to start before 4, about 30 people fit comfortably in our downstairs, and you don't need 9 bags of rolls) and we also discovered that we haven't had a family photo taken since moments after becoming a family of three.
To get ready for the party we spent the last week putting some finishing touches on the house. We are unpacked for the most part, but the walls were still rather naked. We had a few empty frames and M thought it would be nice to actually hang up a family picture. Um, yes, it would be nice, wouldn't it....if we actually HAD one. The only picture we actually have of the three of us was taken moments after Z was born. I had it in my hands and actually contemplated putting in in the frame when my dear sweet husband looked at me thoughtfully and said something to the effect of "yeah, you don't look so hot in that photo". Ok, I'm sure he said it a little more tactfully than that (or not), but it was true. I had just given birth and while the moment was sweet and one that I'm certainly glad I have a photo of, it probably isn't meant to grace the walls of our living room for the next 18 years.
We've taken probably 8,000 photos or so over the course of Zane's life. We have Zane in his crib, Zane on his playmat, Zane in his swing, Zane in his highchair. You have seen all of these and even if you haven't you know how many photos a new mom takes. I am not unique in this. There are even quite a few of Zane with me and probably a few more of Zane with his dad. But, what we just don't have is photographic evidence of our happy 3-person family unit. Until now.
Oh well, at least we have one, right?!
To get ready for the party we spent the last week putting some finishing touches on the house. We are unpacked for the most part, but the walls were still rather naked. We had a few empty frames and M thought it would be nice to actually hang up a family picture. Um, yes, it would be nice, wouldn't it....if we actually HAD one. The only picture we actually have of the three of us was taken moments after Z was born. I had it in my hands and actually contemplated putting in in the frame when my dear sweet husband looked at me thoughtfully and said something to the effect of "yeah, you don't look so hot in that photo". Ok, I'm sure he said it a little more tactfully than that (or not), but it was true. I had just given birth and while the moment was sweet and one that I'm certainly glad I have a photo of, it probably isn't meant to grace the walls of our living room for the next 18 years.
We've taken probably 8,000 photos or so over the course of Zane's life. We have Zane in his crib, Zane on his playmat, Zane in his swing, Zane in his highchair. You have seen all of these and even if you haven't you know how many photos a new mom takes. I am not unique in this. There are even quite a few of Zane with me and probably a few more of Zane with his dad. But, what we just don't have is photographic evidence of our happy 3-person family unit. Until now.
Oh well, at least we have one, right?!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Blended Family
There are all types of blended families out there. Ours is a blended football family.
What can I say? True love conquers all.
What can I say? True love conquers all.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Life as a 6 month old
I've got to admit, life as a 6 month old is pretty sweet.
It is full of fun and games, like swimming (splashing) in your own pool:
Being pushed on the swings:
And sliding down the slide:
Pretty much the only downside of turning 6 months old is the shots:
And for all those stats lovers out there (besides me?): the big 6 month stats are 17 pounds, 8 ounces and 26.5 inches long. That's 50th percentile again folks. His head was creeping up there beyond the 50th percentile mark, but that's just to make room for all of those brains.
It is full of fun and games, like swimming (splashing) in your own pool:
Being pushed on the swings:
And sliding down the slide:
Pretty much the only downside of turning 6 months old is the shots:
And for all those stats lovers out there (besides me?): the big 6 month stats are 17 pounds, 8 ounces and 26.5 inches long. That's 50th percentile again folks. His head was creeping up there beyond the 50th percentile mark, but that's just to make room for all of those brains.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
August? What was that?
Are we shocked at my lack of blog posting for the month of August? Probably not! Zane turned 5 months in August and spent the rest of the month growing like a weed and learning new things left and right. When I took his 5 month pictures on August 4th we still had to prop him up to sit and he was still just having his first tastes of rice cereal.
the 5 month onesie shot (monkey onesie made by my godmother, Michelle)
By the end of the month he was scarfing down bananas, sweet potatoes, apples and peas and loving them all:
And laying down? Being propped up with pillows and boppies and other nonsense? Nonsense! We have a sitter on our hands. And it doesn't look like he will stay sitting for very long. He's already trying to crawl over our legs and lunge himself forward. Thumbs up for sitting!
Of course the biggest thing that happened in August (and the reason for my lack of blogging) was that we bought our first house. We closed on July 31 and spent a few weeks painting, adding a pergo floor to my office and putting up crown molding in our bedroom. I promise, I will have pics of all that as soon as we finish unpacking. But for now, say goodbye to your first house Zane:
And say hello to the house where you will take your first steps, learn to ride your first bike, wait for the bus for kindergarten, build a tree fort and snowmen, and who knows, maybe even learn to drive a car:
the 5 month onesie shot (monkey onesie made by my godmother, Michelle)
By the end of the month he was scarfing down bananas, sweet potatoes, apples and peas and loving them all:
And laying down? Being propped up with pillows and boppies and other nonsense? Nonsense! We have a sitter on our hands. And it doesn't look like he will stay sitting for very long. He's already trying to crawl over our legs and lunge himself forward. Thumbs up for sitting!
Of course the biggest thing that happened in August (and the reason for my lack of blogging) was that we bought our first house. We closed on July 31 and spent a few weeks painting, adding a pergo floor to my office and putting up crown molding in our bedroom. I promise, I will have pics of all that as soon as we finish unpacking. But for now, say goodbye to your first house Zane:
And say hello to the house where you will take your first steps, learn to ride your first bike, wait for the bus for kindergarten, build a tree fort and snowmen, and who knows, maybe even learn to drive a car:
Saturday, August 22, 2009
A tail of two kitties
When M and I first moved in together, back in 2005, we decided that it was time for a new roommate. One of the furry variety. My mom knew someone who had some cats (understatement) who needed a good home, so we went to see if we might want to take one home. And we did. Two.
Kramer and Wendy were two fluffy, crazy, lovable, smush-faced persians. Wendy was a bit skittish at first, and spent a lot of time in hiding. Kramer immediately followed us around like a puppy. We didn't know much about persians when we took them home. Only that they had a lot of fur. A LOT. OF FUR. and loved people. In no time flat, Wendy made her way out of hiding and we discovered a lot more about our new furry kids. Including the fact that dear sweet Kramer had a host of health problems. It started with seizures, which we opted not to treat with medication as that could alter his sweet and loving personality and also shorten his life span. So instead, whenever he would have a seizure (usually in the middle of the night, while sleeping by our feet) I would hold him as gently and firmly as I could to keep him from hurting himself. M once said that he knew after watching me with Kramer that I would be a good mom. God forbid I ever have to hold anyone else while having a seizure ever again.
We had a few good years with Kramer and eventually things took a turn for the worst. He was on heart medications (which, since this post is quickly becoming a downer you might remember that in a flight-induced fog after a trip to Seattle I took myself instead of giving to the cat. That made for an interesting call to poison control!) and our fabulous vet went above and beyond doing all the research she could on his condition. In the end, he suffered a blockage in his heart that cut off all blood flow to his lower half and we knew it was time to end his suffering. It was the saddest night of our lives together, yet pulling us through was the fact that a little life, more precious than we could ever imagine was busy growing from kumquat to plum-sized.
We thought Wendy would be sad without Kramer. And while she definitely looked for him, she seemed to like the position of only child. While she had it anyway. When Zane arrived, we wondered how she would react. But, like a protective big sister she would sit outside his door when he cried or rub her head on his feet when I fed him.
On our moving day, a day we were looking forward to for months, Wendy died quickly and what we hope was painlessly in the basement of our new house. After watching Kramer suffer, we were thankful for the small favor that we don't think Wendy was in pain. We think it was just her time. And it was probably God's way of reminding us that life is fragile and to be thankful for every moment that you have with the people (and yes, even animals) that you love.
We'll miss those two crazy fur balls.
Kramer and Wendy were two fluffy, crazy, lovable, smush-faced persians. Wendy was a bit skittish at first, and spent a lot of time in hiding. Kramer immediately followed us around like a puppy. We didn't know much about persians when we took them home. Only that they had a lot of fur. A LOT. OF FUR. and loved people. In no time flat, Wendy made her way out of hiding and we discovered a lot more about our new furry kids. Including the fact that dear sweet Kramer had a host of health problems. It started with seizures, which we opted not to treat with medication as that could alter his sweet and loving personality and also shorten his life span. So instead, whenever he would have a seizure (usually in the middle of the night, while sleeping by our feet) I would hold him as gently and firmly as I could to keep him from hurting himself. M once said that he knew after watching me with Kramer that I would be a good mom. God forbid I ever have to hold anyone else while having a seizure ever again.
We had a few good years with Kramer and eventually things took a turn for the worst. He was on heart medications (which, since this post is quickly becoming a downer you might remember that in a flight-induced fog after a trip to Seattle I took myself instead of giving to the cat. That made for an interesting call to poison control!) and our fabulous vet went above and beyond doing all the research she could on his condition. In the end, he suffered a blockage in his heart that cut off all blood flow to his lower half and we knew it was time to end his suffering. It was the saddest night of our lives together, yet pulling us through was the fact that a little life, more precious than we could ever imagine was busy growing from kumquat to plum-sized.
We thought Wendy would be sad without Kramer. And while she definitely looked for him, she seemed to like the position of only child. While she had it anyway. When Zane arrived, we wondered how she would react. But, like a protective big sister she would sit outside his door when he cried or rub her head on his feet when I fed him.
On our moving day, a day we were looking forward to for months, Wendy died quickly and what we hope was painlessly in the basement of our new house. After watching Kramer suffer, we were thankful for the small favor that we don't think Wendy was in pain. We think it was just her time. And it was probably God's way of reminding us that life is fragile and to be thankful for every moment that you have with the people (and yes, even animals) that you love.
We'll miss those two crazy fur balls.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
July. A recap.
Didn't I finish out June saying that I would be a better blogger in July? I guess not! Let's see, what has been going on this month?
Z started out this month with a 4 month appointment. He was 15 pounds and 25 inches. Straight down the middle: he is in the 50th percentile for height, weight, and head. (((our little average baby)))). he had to get some shots. But he was a trooper.
Z went on his first roadtrip! We drove 4 and a half hours to Corning, NY to visit our friends Stacy and Dan and their adorable and fun 1 year old twins, Ryan and Maggie. Zane was in awe of all their cool toys and he came home with a bunch of them that they had outgrown.
Ryan and Maggie eating breakfast. Pretty much the only way to guarantee a shot of the two of them since they are so busy crawling all over the place. And I hear Maggie took her first unassisted steps a few days later. I'm not surprised, she was so close!
Thanks Ryan and Maggie, I love my new exersaucer!
Z did amazing in the car - for about 3 hours. That seems to be his limit at the moment. But all in all, a sucessful first trip (it totally helps when visiting people with kids for a first trip - as it is our truck was loaded down and we didn't even have the pack and play, stroller, or swing in the car). This also made room in our car for all the wine we brought back. I mean, we did go up for the finger lakes wine festival afterall ;)
As for Zane, he's pretty much just loving life. Spending time with grammy and Alice while Mommy works, and growing bigger and learning more tricks every day. On Friday, July 24th Z rolled from back to front for the first time! And I totally missed it of course. I was working on the computer and he was playing away happily on his back on the blanket next to me. I look down and thought "oh, how happy he sounds" then did a double take and thought "WAIT. Did I put him on his belly?" Nope! He got there all on his own! He's been trying again since then and pretty soon he will be rolling all over the place.
He had his first big dip in the pool. I wish I had taken my camera. I was holding him in the big pool. We started out just sitting on the first step and before I knew it I was walking around in the water and Z was laying back in my arms, hands behind his head, like he was doing a backfloat. His dad the fish was so proud!
Another big first was he had his first taste of rice cereal last night. He didn't eat a whole lot, but he was certainly very interested in it and was having fun playing with the new textures and licking his fingers. Can't wait to try a new food next week. Next up are bananas, avocados and sweet potatoes. These should all be much yummier than brown rice!
So, that, my friends, is July in a nutshell. I can't believe the end of the month is almost here. We are planning to close on our house on Friday, which probably means blogging in August won't be any better. Please forgive me Zane. I promise, we'll find other ways to remind you how much fun you had during your first summer.
Z started out this month with a 4 month appointment. He was 15 pounds and 25 inches. Straight down the middle: he is in the 50th percentile for height, weight, and head. (((our little average baby)))). he had to get some shots. But he was a trooper.
Z went on his first roadtrip! We drove 4 and a half hours to Corning, NY to visit our friends Stacy and Dan and their adorable and fun 1 year old twins, Ryan and Maggie. Zane was in awe of all their cool toys and he came home with a bunch of them that they had outgrown.
Ryan and Maggie eating breakfast. Pretty much the only way to guarantee a shot of the two of them since they are so busy crawling all over the place. And I hear Maggie took her first unassisted steps a few days later. I'm not surprised, she was so close!
Thanks Ryan and Maggie, I love my new exersaucer!
Z did amazing in the car - for about 3 hours. That seems to be his limit at the moment. But all in all, a sucessful first trip (it totally helps when visiting people with kids for a first trip - as it is our truck was loaded down and we didn't even have the pack and play, stroller, or swing in the car). This also made room in our car for all the wine we brought back. I mean, we did go up for the finger lakes wine festival afterall ;)
As for Zane, he's pretty much just loving life. Spending time with grammy and Alice while Mommy works, and growing bigger and learning more tricks every day. On Friday, July 24th Z rolled from back to front for the first time! And I totally missed it of course. I was working on the computer and he was playing away happily on his back on the blanket next to me. I look down and thought "oh, how happy he sounds" then did a double take and thought "WAIT. Did I put him on his belly?" Nope! He got there all on his own! He's been trying again since then and pretty soon he will be rolling all over the place.
He had his first big dip in the pool. I wish I had taken my camera. I was holding him in the big pool. We started out just sitting on the first step and before I knew it I was walking around in the water and Z was laying back in my arms, hands behind his head, like he was doing a backfloat. His dad the fish was so proud!
Another big first was he had his first taste of rice cereal last night. He didn't eat a whole lot, but he was certainly very interested in it and was having fun playing with the new textures and licking his fingers. Can't wait to try a new food next week. Next up are bananas, avocados and sweet potatoes. These should all be much yummier than brown rice!
So, that, my friends, is July in a nutshell. I can't believe the end of the month is almost here. We are planning to close on our house on Friday, which probably means blogging in August won't be any better. Please forgive me Zane. I promise, we'll find other ways to remind you how much fun you had during your first summer.
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