Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Moved...
Hey Folks.
My blog site has moved to
musingsofanoldnewlife.wordpress.com
If you would like my blog to continue being sent to you, then please visit this site and press subscribe and it will email my blog entries as they come. Hope you enjoy. Thanks so much for reading!
Heather
My blog site has moved to
musingsofanoldnewlife.wordpress.com
If you would like my blog to continue being sent to you, then please visit this site and press subscribe and it will email my blog entries as they come. Hope you enjoy. Thanks so much for reading!
Heather
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Year of Discovery...
...and a $#!% storm of drama. (Excuse me for my typos, as my editor is currently in bed. Asleep).
The year was 1996, and the date Oct. 17th. This was the 10th anniversary of my father's death, and the day I was diagnosed. Though I didn't know it yet, it was already the start of a hellish year in which I discovered myself, lost three family members in 7 weeks (one of which was my brother), and my stepfather had a massive stroke. I was homesick, scared, and not always on my best behavior. Be it a surprise that I was hospitalized for mental health issues? I think not.
On that day, I learned I had bipolar disorder. Though this diagnosis would change in some ways over the years, my anxiety disorder combined with the bipolar made life a bit more complicated for an average person. I, thankfully, am not an average person. Nor shall I ever be. :)
My life really didn't turn upside down, but I began to understand perhaps why I acted or behaved in some of the ways I did. PLU had hired a psychiatrist from the area to come in on Wednesdays, and I saw Dr. Marsha Cain on the behest of Leah Stock, a PLU counselor. Turns out my lack of sleeping, hypermoods (that drove a number of my friends crazy back then), tendency to spend money I didn't have, and my not so cute behavior of "I'm so cute and perky that I am annoying" led Leah to believe there was and is an underlying problem to be concerned over.
Though this diagnosis really didn't phase me until after I got out of college (as PLU didn't really offer any support back then for students with new disabilities) I don't remember coming to terms with my disability until after my good friend Brie came with me to TACID (Tacoma Area Coalition for Individuals with Disabilities) and attended my first peer support group meeting in 2001. Eventually I became a facilitator of these meetings, and was able to help others through their problems as well, but this took some time. I started attending regularly and it was refreshing to know I wasn't alone in my struggles for sanity, to find the right "medication milkshake," and my inability to find the peace that will never quite reach my ever busy mind.
Over the years my diagnosis would change and be altered a bit in order to treat me better. I was first diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder, then added Bipolar II, that was later changed to Bipolar I with PTSD as well. Now, am an ultradian cycler, and the anxiety I've struggled with since I was a kid is actually the predominant disability that has helped me manage so well with the Bipolar disorder. Where many individuals with Bipolar are disorganized and have difficulties with dates, times, meetings and so on... My anxiety over not being ready, on time, with all my crap together has helped me be on top of things. Not all, things, but some. Come to my house and you will see how I creatively organize in piles. Lots of piles. See my desk at work, I color coordinate everything and prioritize with folders and have a pretty clean desk. (Why does this NOT work at home??)
"Controlling," is what my husband might call it. And being as he is pretty good at being perpetually late to things, even church, this has tried my patience and my ability to adapt just a bit. (But not much!). But as we know that line from Days of Thunder: "Control is an illusion, you infantile egomaniac. Nobody knows what's gonna happen next: not on a freeway, not in an airplane, not inside our own bodies and certainly not on a racetrack with 40 other infantile egomaniacs." So, I have learned to let go sometimes.
From this experience I've learned to advocate for myself and others. Though currently overwhelmed with new found mommyhood, my advocacy has fallen off the wagon. I've always had a passion for advocating for others; whether it is people with disabilities, my brother obtaining access to the general education classroom, being a job coach for individuals with disabilities, teaching special education for six years, or serving on the GCDE (Washington State's Governor's Commission on Disability Issues and Employment). I realize that the only way I was able to be successful in going to school, getting my masters, achieving my national certification, in being a mother, and being able to remain emotionally/mentally healthy through all of this was because I have an awesome support system.
While attending the peer support groups at TACID, I realized that many individuals didn't have the type of support system I did, and this made their struggles exponentially more difficult. I was able to stay out of hospitals, learn to be good to myself and set boundaries and establish goals and achieve them because I had the help and support of family and friends. Many of the individuals at TACID didn't have this access, had burned bridges, or had families that were not supportive of them. With this, their needs were not met, and their sanity more tenuous.
I do not know how much some of my friends understand that I owe so much of my current mental health to them. Especially, my husband, who though he doesn't always understand where I am coming from (often another galaxy altogether) but has always tried to be supportive.
I can see all of this now, as 15 years have gone by, and I have been so successful in evaluating myself, my behaviors, my moods and learned to be totally honest with myself. If I am half a$$ed in evaluating how I am doing and not being completely truthful, then something gets missed, and I head for a hill or cliff that I really should not try jumping off from. (That is also for another post).
So today, I'm being honest. My depression has come back and I am cycling more. Not too much, but enough to notice that I am feeling really burnt out right now with Sunshine and feel like I need a break. Hubby works a job that is a 1.5 hour commute away, or tries to work from home. He ends up working 12 hr days to make up for inability to work as effectively while away from the office. (*Note, I do talk about myself in 3rd person often).
This puts more pressure on mom, less time to self, and Heather is with Sunshine for 23.5 hours of the day. At some point, Heather needs some major alone time, and I would hate to leave hubby at home for a day to fend for himself with Sunshine and her moods.... but that day looks to be coming soon if I do not get some alone time to decompress and just "be." Some mothers would say that this is not fair for the kid. But in all honesty, I have recognized that in order for me to be the best mommy I can be, I have some needs that must be met or I will not be that emotionally stable.
I believe this current emotional state was precipitated by a large swing in anxiety and my needing to take medications again to alleviate some of the panic and anxiety that I could not work through. As I have found taking some medications to treat one disorder (anxiety) tends to cause side affects (more rapid cycling) in another disorder. Thus, at times, quantifying the need to take a medication to manage that as well.
I have maintained pretty good mental health without being on medications for the past year. This was due to my pregnancy, leaving a stressful work environment, and continuing to breast feed after Sunshine was here. I do not wish to discontinue breast feeding Sunshine, but if after further evaluation I need to go back on medication, I hope that I may still be able to supplement breast milk once in awhile.
I also have to thank the counselor and ARNP that have both helped me through the way. It has taken years for me to find people who work with me to decide the best route to go with medications, not just have someone dictate what I need to take and not explain why. I have advocated for myself and I know myself better than they do, so can explain why the side effects of a medication outweigh the benefits it may do for my mental health. This has always been key in managing my health, and journaling the side effects and how I have been doing has always helped me back my thoughts and feelings up with the practitioners I have worked with. My current ARNP, rocks!! She was a midwife as well, and also has bipolar disorder. We are discovering what works and I love that we research and explore together.
On another note: Mental illness is becoming a bigger issue in the PacNW and there have been ads on t.v in support of being open and learning more about mental health. I am so glad to see they are doing this as the stigma is so devastating for many, and I've been on the receiving end and burned in the past by revealing my disability. No doubt, I will still be burned again, but I have a voice and choose to use it in these instances. However, a note to those in the communities we live in:
Mental Illness is NOT a disease, but a disorder. Disease has always connoted something communicable to me, and that somehow others could catch it. Disease has been used more by doctors for diagnosis in the DSM V and for those without disabilities who need to feel safer by placing those who are different in a neat and tidy box.
Mental Illness is a disorder. Where life is "disorderly." Where things tend to fall apart, and usually do, and we may lack the ability to pick things up (like those without the disability so easily do). To continue on is not so easily done, or often impossible. Where life is unorganized, doesn't make much sense, or indeed, scares the crap out of some of us and our ability to cope is hindered, altered, changed, or gone completely. Where our ability to relate to others is either diminished or greatly expanded by our experiences of looking at life not just through "rose-colored glasses," but a kaleidoscope of hues from experiences we've lived through, suffered, and come out on the other side forever changed.
To me- mental illness is not a disease. It's simply an ever changed life, where a disorder can lead to chaos. Where the black and white world of decisions and choices to "the normal people", seem like a myriad of grays to those of us "crazy people" that live with the disability. At times, it can be living in a perpetual state of drama and "emergency functioning," or a state of total numbness and apathy.
To me- mental illness was the tool given to me in which to see others differently, and to experience life more richly, deeply, more emotionally than others. Often scary as all get out, often intense, but still filled with the same joys and sorrows that others experience. Just experienced in a different way.
So, to my fellow supporters- THANK YOU!! To those I don't know but are reading my blog for the first time, may it shed some light for you. To my fellow unique and special beings with mental illness: Blessings to you on your journey and may you find what will sustain you in this life, this great adventure.
To everyone, don't forget to giggle!
The year was 1996, and the date Oct. 17th. This was the 10th anniversary of my father's death, and the day I was diagnosed. Though I didn't know it yet, it was already the start of a hellish year in which I discovered myself, lost three family members in 7 weeks (one of which was my brother), and my stepfather had a massive stroke. I was homesick, scared, and not always on my best behavior. Be it a surprise that I was hospitalized for mental health issues? I think not.
On that day, I learned I had bipolar disorder. Though this diagnosis would change in some ways over the years, my anxiety disorder combined with the bipolar made life a bit more complicated for an average person. I, thankfully, am not an average person. Nor shall I ever be. :)
My life really didn't turn upside down, but I began to understand perhaps why I acted or behaved in some of the ways I did. PLU had hired a psychiatrist from the area to come in on Wednesdays, and I saw Dr. Marsha Cain on the behest of Leah Stock, a PLU counselor. Turns out my lack of sleeping, hypermoods (that drove a number of my friends crazy back then), tendency to spend money I didn't have, and my not so cute behavior of "I'm so cute and perky that I am annoying" led Leah to believe there was and is an underlying problem to be concerned over.
Though this diagnosis really didn't phase me until after I got out of college (as PLU didn't really offer any support back then for students with new disabilities) I don't remember coming to terms with my disability until after my good friend Brie came with me to TACID (Tacoma Area Coalition for Individuals with Disabilities) and attended my first peer support group meeting in 2001. Eventually I became a facilitator of these meetings, and was able to help others through their problems as well, but this took some time. I started attending regularly and it was refreshing to know I wasn't alone in my struggles for sanity, to find the right "medication milkshake," and my inability to find the peace that will never quite reach my ever busy mind.
Over the years my diagnosis would change and be altered a bit in order to treat me better. I was first diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder, then added Bipolar II, that was later changed to Bipolar I with PTSD as well. Now, am an ultradian cycler, and the anxiety I've struggled with since I was a kid is actually the predominant disability that has helped me manage so well with the Bipolar disorder. Where many individuals with Bipolar are disorganized and have difficulties with dates, times, meetings and so on... My anxiety over not being ready, on time, with all my crap together has helped me be on top of things. Not all, things, but some. Come to my house and you will see how I creatively organize in piles. Lots of piles. See my desk at work, I color coordinate everything and prioritize with folders and have a pretty clean desk. (Why does this NOT work at home??)
"Controlling," is what my husband might call it. And being as he is pretty good at being perpetually late to things, even church, this has tried my patience and my ability to adapt just a bit. (But not much!). But as we know that line from Days of Thunder: "Control is an illusion, you infantile egomaniac. Nobody knows what's gonna happen next: not on a freeway, not in an airplane, not inside our own bodies and certainly not on a racetrack with 40 other infantile egomaniacs." So, I have learned to let go sometimes.
From this experience I've learned to advocate for myself and others. Though currently overwhelmed with new found mommyhood, my advocacy has fallen off the wagon. I've always had a passion for advocating for others; whether it is people with disabilities, my brother obtaining access to the general education classroom, being a job coach for individuals with disabilities, teaching special education for six years, or serving on the GCDE (Washington State's Governor's Commission on Disability Issues and Employment). I realize that the only way I was able to be successful in going to school, getting my masters, achieving my national certification, in being a mother, and being able to remain emotionally/mentally healthy through all of this was because I have an awesome support system.
While attending the peer support groups at TACID, I realized that many individuals didn't have the type of support system I did, and this made their struggles exponentially more difficult. I was able to stay out of hospitals, learn to be good to myself and set boundaries and establish goals and achieve them because I had the help and support of family and friends. Many of the individuals at TACID didn't have this access, had burned bridges, or had families that were not supportive of them. With this, their needs were not met, and their sanity more tenuous.
I do not know how much some of my friends understand that I owe so much of my current mental health to them. Especially, my husband, who though he doesn't always understand where I am coming from (often another galaxy altogether) but has always tried to be supportive.
I can see all of this now, as 15 years have gone by, and I have been so successful in evaluating myself, my behaviors, my moods and learned to be totally honest with myself. If I am half a$$ed in evaluating how I am doing and not being completely truthful, then something gets missed, and I head for a hill or cliff that I really should not try jumping off from. (That is also for another post).
So today, I'm being honest. My depression has come back and I am cycling more. Not too much, but enough to notice that I am feeling really burnt out right now with Sunshine and feel like I need a break. Hubby works a job that is a 1.5 hour commute away, or tries to work from home. He ends up working 12 hr days to make up for inability to work as effectively while away from the office. (*Note, I do talk about myself in 3rd person often).
This puts more pressure on mom, less time to self, and Heather is with Sunshine for 23.5 hours of the day. At some point, Heather needs some major alone time, and I would hate to leave hubby at home for a day to fend for himself with Sunshine and her moods.... but that day looks to be coming soon if I do not get some alone time to decompress and just "be." Some mothers would say that this is not fair for the kid. But in all honesty, I have recognized that in order for me to be the best mommy I can be, I have some needs that must be met or I will not be that emotionally stable.
I believe this current emotional state was precipitated by a large swing in anxiety and my needing to take medications again to alleviate some of the panic and anxiety that I could not work through. As I have found taking some medications to treat one disorder (anxiety) tends to cause side affects (more rapid cycling) in another disorder. Thus, at times, quantifying the need to take a medication to manage that as well.
I have maintained pretty good mental health without being on medications for the past year. This was due to my pregnancy, leaving a stressful work environment, and continuing to breast feed after Sunshine was here. I do not wish to discontinue breast feeding Sunshine, but if after further evaluation I need to go back on medication, I hope that I may still be able to supplement breast milk once in awhile.
I also have to thank the counselor and ARNP that have both helped me through the way. It has taken years for me to find people who work with me to decide the best route to go with medications, not just have someone dictate what I need to take and not explain why. I have advocated for myself and I know myself better than they do, so can explain why the side effects of a medication outweigh the benefits it may do for my mental health. This has always been key in managing my health, and journaling the side effects and how I have been doing has always helped me back my thoughts and feelings up with the practitioners I have worked with. My current ARNP, rocks!! She was a midwife as well, and also has bipolar disorder. We are discovering what works and I love that we research and explore together.
On another note: Mental illness is becoming a bigger issue in the PacNW and there have been ads on t.v in support of being open and learning more about mental health. I am so glad to see they are doing this as the stigma is so devastating for many, and I've been on the receiving end and burned in the past by revealing my disability. No doubt, I will still be burned again, but I have a voice and choose to use it in these instances. However, a note to those in the communities we live in:
Mental Illness is NOT a disease, but a disorder. Disease has always connoted something communicable to me, and that somehow others could catch it. Disease has been used more by doctors for diagnosis in the DSM V and for those without disabilities who need to feel safer by placing those who are different in a neat and tidy box.
Mental Illness is a disorder. Where life is "disorderly." Where things tend to fall apart, and usually do, and we may lack the ability to pick things up (like those without the disability so easily do). To continue on is not so easily done, or often impossible. Where life is unorganized, doesn't make much sense, or indeed, scares the crap out of some of us and our ability to cope is hindered, altered, changed, or gone completely. Where our ability to relate to others is either diminished or greatly expanded by our experiences of looking at life not just through "rose-colored glasses," but a kaleidoscope of hues from experiences we've lived through, suffered, and come out on the other side forever changed.
To me- mental illness is not a disease. It's simply an ever changed life, where a disorder can lead to chaos. Where the black and white world of decisions and choices to "the normal people", seem like a myriad of grays to those of us "crazy people" that live with the disability. At times, it can be living in a perpetual state of drama and "emergency functioning," or a state of total numbness and apathy.
To me- mental illness was the tool given to me in which to see others differently, and to experience life more richly, deeply, more emotionally than others. Often scary as all get out, often intense, but still filled with the same joys and sorrows that others experience. Just experienced in a different way.
So, to my fellow supporters- THANK YOU!! To those I don't know but are reading my blog for the first time, may it shed some light for you. To my fellow unique and special beings with mental illness: Blessings to you on your journey and may you find what will sustain you in this life, this great adventure.
To everyone, don't forget to giggle!
Friday, August 26, 2011
The Sneaky-Chef, and ME!
Okay. For those of you who know me... I don't cook. I have my own issues with inadequacy in this department and well, when you have a spouse who does enjoy cooking and likes to make delicious meals but may not always be positive about what you make. You get the picture right? Let HIM do the cooking.
It all started a few years back. (Holy Cow! More like 8 years ago!!). I made spaghetti and decided to add garlic. (My bad.... I didn't realize you needed to cook said garlic and put it into slices). I just plopped the half heads of garlic into the spaghetti when it was close to being done. Well, my hubby (bless his pointed little head) has the tendency to say exactly what he thinks about my cooking (though maybe not to others). He said something along the lines of "I don't like it." and all I heard was "This is awful."
How long has it taken for me to come around and cook for him again after that??? Yeah, about 3 years. Lame A$$!! Why don't men learn how to couch what they are saying with something positive before just spitting out that your cooking sucks?? He and I have discussed this several times, and while he has a different point of view of what happened at that first cook off, we have come to an agreement.
We have discussed his managerial skills and working with others, and he has the same difficulty. He wants to be straightforward, tell people they are screwing up and how they should do it correctly and this, of course, would come off as not so polite. If he wants to work on speaking to the people he works with and telling them how to improve and figured out that telling them where they have skills or done things correctly usually makes people feel better before they get the "but, you should's." Why the heck wouldn't he try to do this with his wife?? Constructive criticism is not in hubby's basket of skills.
Okay. So on to last evening. My friend introduced me to the most amazing brownies I had ever had.(Thank you, Jenny!!) And you know what?? They are sneaky chef brownies and have good things in them!! Wow! I thought, I want to make these. Rarely do I get excited about cooking anything anymore, but this had me interested. So, I went and got some of the sneaky chef cook books and last night made my first meal. (Not complete, as Sunshine only permitted me a bit of time to do it, and my hubby ended up doing the puree for me so I could finish the rest). So, it wasn't necessarily so sneaky with hubby in the know about what was going into it, but the Barbell Burgers turned out okay.
Now, "okay" for me means something totally different to Mike, aka hubby. When I asked him what he thought, he said "He didn't like that the burger was crumbling," and that he "didn't like the condiments he put on the burger." Now, granted I had no fault on the condiment issue, other than I never got around to making the sauce that actually goes quite well on said burgers. The crumbly part, again... I know what I did wrong (added to much oats), and can correct it. But the man didn't say anything positive to me. Nothing. Like, "It was a good first try," or "It's creative," or "I can't even taste the blueberries or spinach in it." Nope, he just said what he didn't like about it.
He and I spoke about this tonight. Saying what he did, doesn't make me wish to try and cook again when all there is are bad comments, nothing nice. He said, tonight mind you, that he "Appreciated the effort." Yeah, Sure. He has a rather "rich" palate, and enjoys things very spicy, or lots of flavor. His spicy rating is always 5 star, and this is not the "white version" of 5 star, but the Asian or Indian version of 5-star. Picture sweat pouring down face, under the eyes and nose. This makes Mike a happy camper. The burger I made would be bland to him, but it was healthier than what he usually eats.
So, this is what I figured. I am making the meals for me and Sunshine. If he wishes to partake in them, he is free to do so. If he doesn't like it, tough. I will do what I need to do to make healthy dishes for us. If he doesn't wish to eat it, that will be his shtick. I will fix things that need to be fixed, and try things over and over to get them right... but not for him. I don't think I will ever make something that he actually says "I enjoyed that" or "Wow, that was yummy." I am not going to wait around for a pig to fly either. I am going to cook for me. I think the food will taste much better this way, and well... heck. I should have done this a long time ago. Simple meals, to try and create with a little one in my arms is not going to happen always, but I will make every effort to do what I can with the time that I have.
So, I will be sneaky with my food. I will create what masterpieces I can, and share what I learn. Even though it was crumbly, I still thought the burger tasted pretty good. Just means there will be more left over for others!
So, cook something yummy for yourself and don't forget to giggle. Lord knows I need to practice this!
It all started a few years back. (Holy Cow! More like 8 years ago!!). I made spaghetti and decided to add garlic. (My bad.... I didn't realize you needed to cook said garlic and put it into slices). I just plopped the half heads of garlic into the spaghetti when it was close to being done. Well, my hubby (bless his pointed little head) has the tendency to say exactly what he thinks about my cooking (though maybe not to others). He said something along the lines of "I don't like it." and all I heard was "This is awful."
How long has it taken for me to come around and cook for him again after that??? Yeah, about 3 years. Lame A$$!! Why don't men learn how to couch what they are saying with something positive before just spitting out that your cooking sucks?? He and I have discussed this several times, and while he has a different point of view of what happened at that first cook off, we have come to an agreement.
We have discussed his managerial skills and working with others, and he has the same difficulty. He wants to be straightforward, tell people they are screwing up and how they should do it correctly and this, of course, would come off as not so polite. If he wants to work on speaking to the people he works with and telling them how to improve and figured out that telling them where they have skills or done things correctly usually makes people feel better before they get the "but, you should's." Why the heck wouldn't he try to do this with his wife?? Constructive criticism is not in hubby's basket of skills.
Okay. So on to last evening. My friend introduced me to the most amazing brownies I had ever had.(Thank you, Jenny!!) And you know what?? They are sneaky chef brownies and have good things in them!! Wow! I thought, I want to make these. Rarely do I get excited about cooking anything anymore, but this had me interested. So, I went and got some of the sneaky chef cook books and last night made my first meal. (Not complete, as Sunshine only permitted me a bit of time to do it, and my hubby ended up doing the puree for me so I could finish the rest). So, it wasn't necessarily so sneaky with hubby in the know about what was going into it, but the Barbell Burgers turned out okay.
Now, "okay" for me means something totally different to Mike, aka hubby. When I asked him what he thought, he said "He didn't like that the burger was crumbling," and that he "didn't like the condiments he put on the burger." Now, granted I had no fault on the condiment issue, other than I never got around to making the sauce that actually goes quite well on said burgers. The crumbly part, again... I know what I did wrong (added to much oats), and can correct it. But the man didn't say anything positive to me. Nothing. Like, "It was a good first try," or "It's creative," or "I can't even taste the blueberries or spinach in it." Nope, he just said what he didn't like about it.
He and I spoke about this tonight. Saying what he did, doesn't make me wish to try and cook again when all there is are bad comments, nothing nice. He said, tonight mind you, that he "Appreciated the effort." Yeah, Sure. He has a rather "rich" palate, and enjoys things very spicy, or lots of flavor. His spicy rating is always 5 star, and this is not the "white version" of 5 star, but the Asian or Indian version of 5-star. Picture sweat pouring down face, under the eyes and nose. This makes Mike a happy camper. The burger I made would be bland to him, but it was healthier than what he usually eats.
So, this is what I figured. I am making the meals for me and Sunshine. If he wishes to partake in them, he is free to do so. If he doesn't like it, tough. I will do what I need to do to make healthy dishes for us. If he doesn't wish to eat it, that will be his shtick. I will fix things that need to be fixed, and try things over and over to get them right... but not for him. I don't think I will ever make something that he actually says "I enjoyed that" or "Wow, that was yummy." I am not going to wait around for a pig to fly either. I am going to cook for me. I think the food will taste much better this way, and well... heck. I should have done this a long time ago. Simple meals, to try and create with a little one in my arms is not going to happen always, but I will make every effort to do what I can with the time that I have.
So, I will be sneaky with my food. I will create what masterpieces I can, and share what I learn. Even though it was crumbly, I still thought the burger tasted pretty good. Just means there will be more left over for others!
So, cook something yummy for yourself and don't forget to giggle. Lord knows I need to practice this!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Attack of the Sleep Monster
Sigh. Here I am at 2:30am, totally awake. Yet, the past 4 days I have been utterly exhausted. I crave sleep like a drug and have taken every available nap I can with Sunshine, yet still remain in a stupor. Like a drug induced walking coma, or perhaps... quite Zombie-like. I have been getting a fair amount of hours of sleep, yet still am so tired. Honestly. Feels like I first did when I became pregnant with Sunshine.
And yet, sleep eludes me this morning. Perhaps it is because Sunshine is not sleeping well right now either. She is thrashing about in her little rocker. Back and forth... yet still in a somewhat odd sleep state. I can't sleep listening to that, as this usually means I am to feed her. I have. Twice. I have emptied the udders, so to speak, when they are usually quite full from not having fed her for a few hours.
I know this lack of sleep now is really going to do me in for the rest of the day. What sucks is that, tonight, for the first time in 2 weeks I have not had those yucky night sweats that really have been all-day sweats. I get these extreme heat flashes throughout the day like it is 100 degrees out, instead of only 75. When it comes time to feed Sunshine, sweat pours out of me like I am in the Bahamas with 100% humidity. At night, these happen quite a few times. Throughout my pregnancy I felt like this. Normally, before I was pregnant, this "Transplanted-Californian" was cold- ALL THE TIME! I wore sweaters in the summer, or little cardigans. Nothing prepared me for the heat flashes of pregnancy, or the fact that in the dead of winter I would be throwing the covers off due to my increased heat sensitivity.
I figured once I had Sunshine that I would not have this continued warmth and would go back to my normal, "really cold" state. Not sure what this means now. I read that it could be 1) lower than normal progesterone levels 2) early menopause or 3) I'm pregnant. Not sure about any of these, but I am going to need to go get checked out because this is just not normal. At least, it wasn't normal before. But I sure as heck hope this is not my "new normal" since having a baby.
Sigh. I hear Sunshine still talking in her sleep and thrashing about... Not sure what has her riled up in her sleep either. Wonder if my touch of heart burn right now has passed on to her in the breast milk? Will go see how I can sooth her, or neither of us will be much good tomorrow, er...uh. Today.
Don't forget to giggle!
And yet, sleep eludes me this morning. Perhaps it is because Sunshine is not sleeping well right now either. She is thrashing about in her little rocker. Back and forth... yet still in a somewhat odd sleep state. I can't sleep listening to that, as this usually means I am to feed her. I have. Twice. I have emptied the udders, so to speak, when they are usually quite full from not having fed her for a few hours.
I know this lack of sleep now is really going to do me in for the rest of the day. What sucks is that, tonight, for the first time in 2 weeks I have not had those yucky night sweats that really have been all-day sweats. I get these extreme heat flashes throughout the day like it is 100 degrees out, instead of only 75. When it comes time to feed Sunshine, sweat pours out of me like I am in the Bahamas with 100% humidity. At night, these happen quite a few times. Throughout my pregnancy I felt like this. Normally, before I was pregnant, this "Transplanted-Californian" was cold- ALL THE TIME! I wore sweaters in the summer, or little cardigans. Nothing prepared me for the heat flashes of pregnancy, or the fact that in the dead of winter I would be throwing the covers off due to my increased heat sensitivity.
I figured once I had Sunshine that I would not have this continued warmth and would go back to my normal, "really cold" state. Not sure what this means now. I read that it could be 1) lower than normal progesterone levels 2) early menopause or 3) I'm pregnant. Not sure about any of these, but I am going to need to go get checked out because this is just not normal. At least, it wasn't normal before. But I sure as heck hope this is not my "new normal" since having a baby.
Sigh. I hear Sunshine still talking in her sleep and thrashing about... Not sure what has her riled up in her sleep either. Wonder if my touch of heart burn right now has passed on to her in the breast milk? Will go see how I can sooth her, or neither of us will be much good tomorrow, er...uh. Today.
Don't forget to giggle!
Friday, August 19, 2011
The birthing process...
Seriously... I enjoyed the whole birthing process. I think many women will hate me when they hear my story, but man... I am seriously lucky and hope our next one will be just as wonderful.
My labor started in the early morning of May 4th. 2:30am approximately. At first, I believed I was just waking up at my usual time to go use the bathroom for the 5th time of the night. But, no... I realized something was different.
I was feeling this tugging in my lower abdomen and it was coming rather frequently. Now, don't get me wrong... throughout my pregnancy I had terrible back pain and round ligament pain. I had an unfortunate event of jumping off "The 40's" (40 foot cliffs near my home) and landing in about 1 1/2 ft. of water when I was younger. I am scared of heights, so normally I wouldn't do this in my right mind. However, at the time... I was NOT in my right mind. I fractured my tail bone and had a lot of scaring. Since then I have had problems with my sciatic nerves and just too much sitting on my bum that causes bum pain.
This said, when the labor started I was feeling more pain in my back then anywhere else, so I continued to roll around on my birth ball and just hum to myself. Then around 4:00am, I had called the doctors as my contractions were actually quite close together... just not intense and my water hadn't broken. For some reason, the midwife on call said to go into the hospital. Well, what do you know? By 6:00am, they were sending me home with some medication to get me some sleep and a note to come back when my water had broken.
Did I sleep? Hell, no! What were they thinking? Someone who has anxiety disorder, who has taken ambien in the past and the $#i% doesn't work on me, and well... I was a little panicky because I have never had a baby before. So what do I do? Strung up on ambien, I go and take a bath while my husband was downstairs checking in for work and letting them know the "baby's arrival was imminent." Yeah, for all those out there... Don't take a bath when strung out on ambien. Most people sleep with that stuff. Not me. I just walk around hung over. Still, not a good idea to submerge oneself in water without supervision. But God was watching out for me, and nothing happened. Plus, hubby came to check on me and panicked when he saw me in the bath. He didn't leave my side after that. (We had a similar incident with another medication way back when we were first dating... answered the door. Buck. Naked. Don't remember a damn thing. But that is for another post).
At around 10:30am... little Sunshine was ready to come out and the water broke. We headed into the hospital and they strapped me to monitors. Problem is, Sunshine kept kicking the darn things off. (If I didn't say this already, Sunshine was a consummate soccer player in my womb since week 11 of my pregnancy. I am really sensitive to things going on with my body, and that is when it started. She rarely stopped for the entirety of the pregnancy and even after she was born. The girl had/has ants in her pants!!) So whenever a doctor would try to listen to her, she would kick at whatever was pressing on the stomach. Including the cat. While in labor, I just could not sit down because my back pain was so bad. The nurses and midwife were so worried because the baby monitor kept falling off, or moving (even if they made me lay in bed- which SUUUCCCKKED). It was because Sunshine was not having it. She was ready to come out and things pressing on the tummy in an already cramped situation was not what she wanted.
From 10:30am-3:30pm, my contractions continued. I was at 3.5 centimeters by that point and progressing nicely. The contractions were constant. Never really stopping so I could catch a breath, and when they ebbed, they didn't really stop or go away... they just weren't as painful as they were when they really contracted.... and they hurt. Mostly, the pain was in my back. It just killed. But Sunshine was not in a position to cause "back labor." My back is just that whacked out. By 5:30pm, I was in tears and just wanted my back pain to stop. The nurses were concerned because they couldn't get a good reading on Sunshine because I was standing, and wanted me to lay down. This was not happening with my back. So, though I was hoping for a natural birth... I opted for the epidural. Man... wish I had gone for that sooner.
The action of putting in the epidural was a challenge because they wanted to wait for my contractions to go down to insert it. Problem was my contractions didn't let up for them to do it easily. But, the anaesthesiologist was awesome and got it in with only a few pin pricks. Really, my back hurt so much that I didn't notice much else. Poor Mike, was in front of me holding on to me while tears rolled down my face. I think he was in pain from my being in pain. At least the look on his face said that much. We were about to be parents and I think we were both scared poo-less!!
After this it was smooth sailing. Amazing really. I could self-administer more or less of the epidural as time went along. I didn't really use it until later. By 8:30pm, I was 8 centimeters. At 10:00pm, I was at 10 centimeters. Usually doctors worry that the labor will slow down when given an epidural, but we had no problems there. They began to set up for the delivery. I guess I had this greenish/silvery bubble sticking out, and you could see Sunshine's hair waving around in it. I had them bring a mirror so I could see it, but would not permit Mike to take a picture. Now I kinda wish he had. It was called a "caul." (A child "born with the caul" has a portion of the amniotic sac or membrane remaining on the head. There are two types of cauls. The most common caul is adhered to the head and face, and looped around the ears of the infant. Birth with a caul is rare, occurring 1 in every 80,000 births.- Wikipedia). If you really want to see what the caul looks like, you can visit here. The rare ones born in the caul are known as "caulbearers."
When they told me I would be pushing soon, I gave my self an extra pump of the epidural button at 10:30pm, and then at 10:40pm. I started pushing at 10:51pm and little Sunshine came out at 11:17pm. Twenty-six minutes of pushing and we had/have the most beautiful little girl! Because I didn't have to push very long, (I guess this is where many women would hate me) and because her head was lubricated and protected by the caul, her little head was perfectly round. She was mostly clean with very little vernix on her. My midwife said that the umbilical cord was pretty dead and it was good she came out when she did.
I hurt a whole bunch afterwards. They say you are in this whole other world with your little one when they come out. Really, Mike and I were. Amazed. Awed. Astounded by this little life. But having to have a DNC while trying to establish our connection with Sunshine? That sucked because the epidural had definitely worn off by then and I felt the scrapping and pulling and tugging of the placenta that really didn't want to detach from my uterus. Ughh!! I kept saying, "Uh! I feel that. Uh... that hurts. Uh, OW!"
Other than that, and the lovely few stitches I got, I felt like I deserved a gold star. I've got some majorly awesome tummy muscles (hidden beneath my lovely phat ;). I don't even have to do those lovely kegel exercises because all's good under the hood down there. ;) No accidental pee accidents from laughing or anything. I am super lucky!!! I honestly owe this to singing. If I hadn't developed those lovely muscles from singing and using breath support, would never have made it. Totally kept me calm throughout the pregnancy, too.
So... that is my birth experience. They kept me in the hospital for 3 days. Mostly to keep an eye on me, and my lack of meds and oh... the stress induced first breast feedings. We got a social worker that came in to make sure I was "okay" emotionally, and had established mental health care. All-in-all, I am supremely blessed and lucky that it went as well as it did. I have several friends who had a much tougher time of it, and I often feel guilty for it going so well. Will it be as easy next time? Don't know. I think the process was helped a great deal by the caul and what are the odds that will happen again? Not as good, I think.
That is my birth story. If I can give any advice to soon-to-be first time momma's, it is go with your gut. Do whatever you need to do to stay calm and have a healthy baby. As my ARNP said, it is better to have a pink baby than a blue baby... and if you stress to much you deplete the amount of oxygen to the little one and end up with the blue baby. So do whatever you need to do to stay calm and enjoy the process... as much as you can in this given situation. It really is a beautiful experience.
Oh! and don't forget to giggle!
My labor started in the early morning of May 4th. 2:30am approximately. At first, I believed I was just waking up at my usual time to go use the bathroom for the 5th time of the night. But, no... I realized something was different.
I was feeling this tugging in my lower abdomen and it was coming rather frequently. Now, don't get me wrong... throughout my pregnancy I had terrible back pain and round ligament pain. I had an unfortunate event of jumping off "The 40's" (40 foot cliffs near my home) and landing in about 1 1/2 ft. of water when I was younger. I am scared of heights, so normally I wouldn't do this in my right mind. However, at the time... I was NOT in my right mind. I fractured my tail bone and had a lot of scaring. Since then I have had problems with my sciatic nerves and just too much sitting on my bum that causes bum pain.
This said, when the labor started I was feeling more pain in my back then anywhere else, so I continued to roll around on my birth ball and just hum to myself. Then around 4:00am, I had called the doctors as my contractions were actually quite close together... just not intense and my water hadn't broken. For some reason, the midwife on call said to go into the hospital. Well, what do you know? By 6:00am, they were sending me home with some medication to get me some sleep and a note to come back when my water had broken.
Did I sleep? Hell, no! What were they thinking? Someone who has anxiety disorder, who has taken ambien in the past and
At around 10:30am... little Sunshine was ready to come out and the water broke. We headed into the hospital and they strapped me to monitors. Problem is, Sunshine kept kicking the darn things off. (If I didn't say this already, Sunshine was a consummate soccer player in my womb since week 11 of my pregnancy. I am really sensitive to things going on with my body, and that is when it started. She rarely stopped for the entirety of the pregnancy and even after she was born. The girl had/has ants in her pants!!) So whenever a doctor would try to listen to her, she would kick at whatever was pressing on the stomach. Including the cat. While in labor, I just could not sit down because my back pain was so bad. The nurses and midwife were so worried because the baby monitor kept falling off, or moving (even if they made me lay in bed- which SUUUCCCKKED). It was because Sunshine was not having it. She was ready to come out and things pressing on the tummy in an already cramped situation was not what she wanted.
From 10:30am-3:30pm, my contractions continued. I was at 3.5 centimeters by that point and progressing nicely. The contractions were constant. Never really stopping so I could catch a breath, and when they ebbed, they didn't really stop or go away... they just weren't as painful as they were when they really contracted.... and they hurt. Mostly, the pain was in my back. It just killed. But Sunshine was not in a position to cause "back labor." My back is just that whacked out. By 5:30pm, I was in tears and just wanted my back pain to stop. The nurses were concerned because they couldn't get a good reading on Sunshine because I was standing, and wanted me to lay down. This was not happening with my back. So, though I was hoping for a natural birth... I opted for the epidural. Man... wish I had gone for that sooner.
The action of putting in the epidural was a challenge because they wanted to wait for my contractions to go down to insert it. Problem was my contractions didn't let up for them to do it easily. But, the anaesthesiologist was awesome and got it in with only a few pin pricks. Really, my back hurt so much that I didn't notice much else. Poor Mike, was in front of me holding on to me while tears rolled down my face. I think he was in pain from my being in pain. At least the look on his face said that much. We were about to be parents and I think we were both scared poo-less!!
After this it was smooth sailing. Amazing really. I could self-administer more or less of the epidural as time went along. I didn't really use it until later. By 8:30pm, I was 8 centimeters. At 10:00pm, I was at 10 centimeters. Usually doctors worry that the labor will slow down when given an epidural, but we had no problems there. They began to set up for the delivery. I guess I had this greenish/silvery bubble sticking out, and you could see Sunshine's hair waving around in it. I had them bring a mirror so I could see it, but would not permit Mike to take a picture. Now I kinda wish he had. It was called a "caul." (A child "born with the caul" has a portion of the amniotic sac or membrane remaining on the head. There are two types of cauls. The most common caul is adhered to the head and face, and looped around the ears of the infant. Birth with a caul is rare, occurring 1 in every 80,000 births.- Wikipedia). If you really want to see what the caul looks like, you can visit here. The rare ones born in the caul are known as "caulbearers."
When they told me I would be pushing soon, I gave my self an extra pump of the epidural button at 10:30pm, and then at 10:40pm. I started pushing at 10:51pm and little Sunshine came out at 11:17pm. Twenty-six minutes of pushing and we had/have the most beautiful little girl! Because I didn't have to push very long, (I guess this is where many women would hate me) and because her head was lubricated and protected by the caul, her little head was perfectly round. She was mostly clean with very little vernix on her. My midwife said that the umbilical cord was pretty dead and it was good she came out when she did.
I hurt a whole bunch afterwards. They say you are in this whole other world with your little one when they come out. Really, Mike and I were. Amazed. Awed. Astounded by this little life. But having to have a DNC while trying to establish our connection with Sunshine? That sucked because the epidural had definitely worn off by then and I felt the scrapping and pulling and tugging of the placenta that really didn't want to detach from my uterus. Ughh!! I kept saying, "Uh! I feel that. Uh... that hurts. Uh, OW!"
Other than that, and the lovely few stitches I got, I felt like I deserved a gold star. I've got some majorly awesome tummy muscles (hidden beneath my lovely phat ;). I don't even have to do those lovely kegel exercises because all's good under the hood down there. ;) No accidental pee accidents from laughing or anything. I am super lucky!!! I honestly owe this to singing. If I hadn't developed those lovely muscles from singing and using breath support, would never have made it. Totally kept me calm throughout the pregnancy, too.
So... that is my birth experience. They kept me in the hospital for 3 days. Mostly to keep an eye on me, and my lack of meds and oh... the stress induced first breast feedings. We got a social worker that came in to make sure I was "okay" emotionally, and had established mental health care. All-in-all, I am supremely blessed and lucky that it went as well as it did. I have several friends who had a much tougher time of it, and I often feel guilty for it going so well. Will it be as easy next time? Don't know. I think the process was helped a great deal by the caul and what are the odds that will happen again? Not as good, I think.
That is my birth story. If I can give any advice to soon-to-be first time momma's, it is go with your gut. Do whatever you need to do to stay calm and have a healthy baby. As my ARNP said, it is better to have a pink baby than a blue baby... and if you stress to much you deplete the amount of oxygen to the little one and end up with the blue baby. So do whatever you need to do to stay calm and enjoy the process... as much as you can in this given situation. It really is a beautiful experience.
Oh! and don't forget to giggle!
Sunshine, Hula Dancing, and THE FORCE
There she was. Doing her best to stand on her two little chubby legs. Wobbling back and forth, much like the hula dancer on a dashboard. Super cute.... but Oh! So frustrated.
The dribble was coalescing on her chin.... Down, down, down it fell and moistened the none-too-dry hands that were holding her up.
She was leaning; listing to the side like a ship in a storm. Enticing the item with her beautiful blue eyes. Glaring at the object on the ground. Why the heck would it not come to her? She stared in the direction of the items on the floor with such intent, she would swear the items would get up themselves and walk over to her.
Her mother, sensing her aggravation, looked among the items out of reach and moved them closer to her. The green ball with little rattles in it. Tends to be my favorite, she thinks, but nope. The force had failed her. This was not what she wanted.
Next item, was the teething keys in various bright colors that beckoned to be gnawed on.
Sigh, nope. This was not what she wanted. Damn, she thinks, My ability to wield the force is rusty.
She stared harder than ever, so that the strength of her will would induce it to move closer to her.
There. It wiggled. She coos at it, encouraging its motion. She wobbled her hips back and forth with excitement as it came closer. Closer. Closer. Almost there.... Gotcha! She grasps it with her little hand and shoves it into her mouth!
The BINKIE has landed! She sucks on her pacifier with wild enthusiasm and hulas back and forth in her mother's hands with happiness.
She has cracked the code folks. She may not be able to manipulate the FORCE, but using her happy smiles and gurgles she sure as hell can manipulate her mother to get what she wants!!
The dribble was coalescing on her chin.... Down, down, down it fell and moistened the none-too-dry hands that were holding her up.
She was leaning; listing to the side like a ship in a storm. Enticing the item with her beautiful blue eyes. Glaring at the object on the ground. Why the heck would it not come to her? She stared in the direction of the items on the floor with such intent, she would swear the items would get up themselves and walk over to her.
Her mother, sensing her aggravation, looked among the items out of reach and moved them closer to her. The green ball with little rattles in it. Tends to be my favorite, she thinks, but nope. The force had failed her. This was not what she wanted.
Next item, was the teething keys in various bright colors that beckoned to be gnawed on.
Sigh, nope. This was not what she wanted. Damn, she thinks, My ability to wield the force is rusty.
She stared harder than ever, so that the strength of her will would induce it to move closer to her.
There. It wiggled. She coos at it, encouraging its motion. She wobbled her hips back and forth with excitement as it came closer. Closer. Closer. Almost there.... Gotcha! She grasps it with her little hand and shoves it into her mouth!
The BINKIE has landed! She sucks on her pacifier with wild enthusiasm and hulas back and forth in her mother's hands with happiness.
She has cracked the code folks. She may not be able to manipulate the FORCE, but using her happy smiles and gurgles she sure as hell can manipulate her mother to get what she wants!!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Happy cows live in.... Washington???
Original Californian, transplanted in Washington state, and I love the "happy cow" commercials! Totally crack me up! And being that the current status of "lactation brain" has permanently set in for the time being, you are more likely to see me in a field of heifers chewing grass and being "udderly" out of my mind. (haha- udder. Get it?)
Now, the action of nursing produces a hormone called "prolactin." The more I nurse, the less likely I have to go back on medications because nursing will make me feel all warm, snuggly, and that my purpose in life is to sit and produce milk. Well, since returning from our camping trip (which was a success, I might add) Sunshine has been attached at the boob for better parts of the day. Not really nursing, but just wanting that extra reassurance and security that the boob provides that a Binky just doesn't. So, being that I am accommodating and would rather want her happy than crying and fussing (and I just could not figure out what it was she was so upset about) I just let her latch on. What do ya know? She is content as a kitten and just nuzzles down and falls asleep. Now, if I try to move her... all hell breaks loose again. So, thus I am feeling quite like a cow, chewing her cud in a field right now.
When settling in with said lactation brain, I have all these great ideas going through my head but do not obtain the desire or energy to follow through with them because... nursing produces this "happy cow" energy where my main purpose in life is to sit and provide the "moo juice" for said survival of my calf. Seriously, I almost started this post with "Beam me up, Scottie" as I love me some Star Trek. I go into this other universe for the better part of an hour when normally nursing Sunshine. Right now, I am in some far off galaxy for the better part of the day. You are getting this post during my 20 minute reprieve... She finally drank so much she entered into her milk coma, which hasn't happened in a few weeks. "The Milk is Strong in this one." (haha, had to throw in a Star Wars theme)
So, I am back to wandering the fields, aimlessly. No real purpose but to produce Grade A+ moo juice, and making sure my little one feels safe and secure. If that is walking around with her attached to me like a calf to a cow in the field... then so be it. Milk does a body, er, baby good!! Got milk??!!
Mooooooooooooooooo!
Make sure to moo and have lots of giggles today!
Now, the action of nursing produces a hormone called "prolactin." The more I nurse, the less likely I have to go back on medications because nursing will make me feel all warm, snuggly, and that my purpose in life is to sit and produce milk. Well, since returning from our camping trip (which was a success, I might add) Sunshine has been attached at the boob for better parts of the day. Not really nursing, but just wanting that extra reassurance and security that the boob provides that a Binky just doesn't. So, being that I am accommodating and would rather want her happy than crying and fussing (and I just could not figure out what it was she was so upset about) I just let her latch on. What do ya know? She is content as a kitten and just nuzzles down and falls asleep. Now, if I try to move her... all hell breaks loose again. So, thus I am feeling quite like a cow, chewing her cud in a field right now.
When settling in with said lactation brain, I have all these great ideas going through my head but do not obtain the desire or energy to follow through with them because... nursing produces this "happy cow" energy where my main purpose in life is to sit and provide the "moo juice" for said survival of my calf. Seriously, I almost started this post with "Beam me up, Scottie" as I love me some Star Trek. I go into this other universe for the better part of an hour when normally nursing Sunshine. Right now, I am in some far off galaxy for the better part of the day. You are getting this post during my 20 minute reprieve... She finally drank so much she entered into her milk coma, which hasn't happened in a few weeks. "The Milk is Strong in this one." (haha, had to throw in a Star Wars theme)
So, I am back to wandering the fields, aimlessly. No real purpose but to produce Grade A+ moo juice, and making sure my little one feels safe and secure. If that is walking around with her attached to me like a calf to a cow in the field... then so be it. Milk does a body, er, baby good!! Got milk??!!
Mooooooooooooooooo!
Make sure to moo and have lots of giggles today!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
The Big Prep...
Prepping for camping with our little one is no small feet! (Well, she has small feet, but really! Crap load of stuff and they say that traveling with infants is way easier to do than with toddlers.... sheesh!)
Due to the length of time we are camping, it has come to my attention that we will need a ton of stuff just to keep her occupied or at least comfortable. Plus, because we will have to do laundry half way through the trip, we still need to pack enough clothes that in case she does make a mess... we are covered. On top of that, I need to make sure I pack enough so that if she spits up on me or makes a mess, I am going to be covered! (Here is hoping dad gets nailed as much as I do with the spit ups... Sorry, honey).
She is in the stage where she needs to do tummy time, and interact with colorful items. So, gotta take the play mat. If I want to use the shower, or do something while others go off and swim or I want to read for just a few minutes... gotta take the bouncer. She also has to sleep sitting up a bit cause her acid reflux is so bad. So we have to take the the Rock n' play sleeper. (I had to include the link, for anyone who ever needs a bassinet type sleeper for their newborn and your baby also has reflux. We got it on amazon for a better price than what is listed here. This is the greatest thing! You can take it with you. If the baby moves, it will rock them. Plus, it has breathable sides in case they roll over or place their head near it. For the first few months of babyhood this has been so helpful!!)
Then you have to think about layers. We have several clothes, sleepers, stuffed into bags, but seriously... what are the chances that while camping she will finally blow out a diaper, or spit up? (She hasn't done this yet, and keeps most messes to the day time... but what will you bet she will do this while camping?) So, yeah. I have come to the conclusion that being prepared is better than not being prepared. And 10 days of camping is a LONG time to go with a 3 month old. But we are going to attempt it. Attempt being the key word!
We have made it a tradition to go camping near where we got married, and around our anniversary. Hard to believe it has been 7 years of marriage, and 10 years of being together. Amazing how time flies!! I have loved every minute with Michael. Even the really tough times, and those rough first few years. I love him more now that we have faced these things together. He is an awesome man, and I am one lucky woman to have him, and Sunshine is lucky to have a daddy that loves her so much!!
Well, wish us luck on camping and I shall let you know how it goes!!!
Have a brilliant day and don't forget to giggle!
Due to the length of time we are camping, it has come to my attention that we will need a ton of stuff just to keep her occupied or at least comfortable. Plus, because we will have to do laundry half way through the trip, we still need to pack enough clothes that in case she does make a mess... we are covered. On top of that, I need to make sure I pack enough so that if she spits up on me or makes a mess, I am going to be covered! (Here is hoping dad gets nailed as much as I do with the spit ups... Sorry, honey).
She is in the stage where she needs to do tummy time, and interact with colorful items. So, gotta take the play mat. If I want to use the shower, or do something while others go off and swim or I want to read for just a few minutes... gotta take the bouncer. She also has to sleep sitting up a bit cause her acid reflux is so bad. So we have to take the the Rock n' play sleeper. (I had to include the link, for anyone who ever needs a bassinet type sleeper for their newborn and your baby also has reflux. We got it on amazon for a better price than what is listed here. This is the greatest thing! You can take it with you. If the baby moves, it will rock them. Plus, it has breathable sides in case they roll over or place their head near it. For the first few months of babyhood this has been so helpful!!)
Then you have to think about layers. We have several clothes, sleepers, stuffed into bags, but seriously... what are the chances that while camping she will finally blow out a diaper, or spit up? (She hasn't done this yet, and keeps most messes to the day time... but what will you bet she will do this while camping?) So, yeah. I have come to the conclusion that being prepared is better than not being prepared. And 10 days of camping is a LONG time to go with a 3 month old. But we are going to attempt it. Attempt being the key word!
We have made it a tradition to go camping near where we got married, and around our anniversary. Hard to believe it has been 7 years of marriage, and 10 years of being together. Amazing how time flies!! I have loved every minute with Michael. Even the really tough times, and those rough first few years. I love him more now that we have faced these things together. He is an awesome man, and I am one lucky woman to have him, and Sunshine is lucky to have a daddy that loves her so much!!
Well, wish us luck on camping and I shall let you know how it goes!!!
Have a brilliant day and don't forget to giggle!
Friday, August 12, 2011
My Personal Bill of Rights:
1. I have the right to ask for what I want.
2. I have the right to say "no" to requests or demands I can't meet.
3. I have the right to express all of my feelings, Positive or Negative.
4. I have the right to change my mind.
5. I have the right to make mistakes and not have to be perfect.
6. I have the right to follow my own values and standards.
7. I have the right to say "no" to anything when I feel I am not ready, it is unsafe, or it violates my values.
8. I have the right to determine my own priorities.
9. I have the right not to be responsible for others' behaviors, actions, feelings, or problems.
10. I have the right to expect honesty from others.
11. I have the right to be angry at someone I love.
12. I have the right to be uniquely myself.
13. I have the right to feel scared and to say "I am afraid."
14. I have the right to say "I don't know."
15. I have the right not to give excuses or reasons for my behavior or choices.
16. I have the right to make decisions based on my feelings.
17. I have the right to my own needs for personal space and time.
18. I have the right to be playful and frivolous.
19. I have the right to be healthier than those around me. (mentally, emotionally, or physically)
20. I have the right to be in a non-abusive environment.
21. I have the right to make friends and be comfortable around people.
22. I have the right to change and grow.
23. I have the right to have my needs and wants respected by others.
24. I have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
25. I have the right to be happy.
2. I have the right to say "no" to requests or demands I can't meet.
3. I have the right to express all of my feelings, Positive or Negative.
4. I have the right to change my mind.
5. I have the right to make mistakes and not have to be perfect.
6. I have the right to follow my own values and standards.
7. I have the right to say "no" to anything when I feel I am not ready, it is unsafe, or it violates my values.
8. I have the right to determine my own priorities.
9. I have the right not to be responsible for others' behaviors, actions, feelings, or problems.
10. I have the right to expect honesty from others.
11. I have the right to be angry at someone I love.
12. I have the right to be uniquely myself.
13. I have the right to feel scared and to say "I am afraid."
14. I have the right to say "I don't know."
15. I have the right not to give excuses or reasons for my behavior or choices.
16. I have the right to make decisions based on my feelings.
17. I have the right to my own needs for personal space and time.
18. I have the right to be playful and frivolous.
19. I have the right to be healthier than those around me. (mentally, emotionally, or physically)
20. I have the right to be in a non-abusive environment.
21. I have the right to make friends and be comfortable around people.
22. I have the right to change and grow.
23. I have the right to have my needs and wants respected by others.
24. I have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
25. I have the right to be happy.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Concerns for a little girl...
I so wanted to be natural with Sunshine- not have to give her medications if I didn't have to. Of course, I am so worried about her comfort and distress, that finding out she has an infection that I could really do nothing to stop from happening, and thus she needs antibiotics to get it to go away.... Well, it just makes me sad.
When I was young, I was on antibiotics often for some reason or another. As I got older, prescriptions really did stop working on me so well as I had become immune to their efforts. When I was in college, I continued to have strep throat, ear infections, tonsillitis, etc. It wasn't until 2008 when I finally had my tonsils removed and I have rarely gotten sick with a real infection since. I still feel run down, tired, exhausted. This is mostly due to depression, or seasonal depression up here in the Great Pacific Northwest. What a difference having my tonsils removed and feeling ever so much better. Not to mention, my pitch and tonality in singing has gotten supremely better! I believe my range got wider too.
So, what does this have to do with Sunshine? To take antibiotics, or not take antibiotics? That is the question. How do we as a parent know, without being doctors, when enough is enough, or that there has to be something else that can be done? Sunshine has been on an antibiotic for her UTI for 9 days now. Her fever still pops up, but she is definitely being feeling a bit better and not in as much discomfort. However, the doctor does not believe her UTI is gone since she keeps sprouting the temperatures. On top of that, she sounds congested a lot, but her chiropractor said it could be because her axis in her neck has been out. I think, honestly, that she has allergies. Could be the cat or dog, or dust in the house. I find her and I sneezing at the same time often. She has had white stuff in her nose, which my ENT said for me, is the presence of allergies and my system fighting it off.
She was given medications for her acid reflux, and this was changed as she seemed to get used to this stuff as well. So, on to another prescription. I am seeking her comfort, but when is too much, too much? I don't want to kill off any of the good enzymes in her stomach that will later be able to do the digestive work for her. I certainly do not wish for her to be in the pain she has been in. Perhaps, these two issues have something in common and are something totally different? Who knows?
Perhaps the real reason I am having troubles with this is because I have hated having to take medications to make me "feel okay" for my mental illness. Medications to manage my mood fluctuations, my stress and anxiety... and what it took for me to be relatively okay is to get pregnant and to continue breast feeding. An "All-Natural" remedy to mental illness. How long will this last? Again, who knows? My hubby keeps saying "Let's start on baby #2," while I am saying I want to lose the last 30 of the 65 lbs I gained with baby #1. Perhaps, he feels I should stay pregnant so I don't have to take all those pills and am fun to be around? I have to admit, I was in a profoundly better mood most of the time, even if I was extraordinarily uncomfortable at other times during my pregnancy. How is it that pregnancy closed the gaps between my synapses, aiding in my ability to feel better and not worry so much? I won't lie when I say that I still had severe difficulties with thinking straight thoughts throughout the pregnancy, and I still had and have difficulties with stream of consciousness and little hypermanic episodes where I spend money we don't have.... All in all, I am doing much better. Amazing how God creates us.
Back to square one with Sunshine. I guess I will have to talk to her doctor about all this. My concerns about the antibiotics and so on. On top of that, the ultrasound should pick up what the root cause of all this could be, and perhaps then she won't have to take any more meds. That would be a blessing. Keep praying.
Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming.
Until next time, a beautiful day to you and may you have lots of giggles.
When I was young, I was on antibiotics often for some reason or another. As I got older, prescriptions really did stop working on me so well as I had become immune to their efforts. When I was in college, I continued to have strep throat, ear infections, tonsillitis, etc. It wasn't until 2008 when I finally had my tonsils removed and I have rarely gotten sick with a real infection since. I still feel run down, tired, exhausted. This is mostly due to depression, or seasonal depression up here in the Great Pacific Northwest. What a difference having my tonsils removed and feeling ever so much better. Not to mention, my pitch and tonality in singing has gotten supremely better! I believe my range got wider too.
So, what does this have to do with Sunshine? To take antibiotics, or not take antibiotics? That is the question. How do we as a parent know, without being doctors, when enough is enough, or that there has to be something else that can be done? Sunshine has been on an antibiotic for her UTI for 9 days now. Her fever still pops up, but she is definitely being feeling a bit better and not in as much discomfort. However, the doctor does not believe her UTI is gone since she keeps sprouting the temperatures. On top of that, she sounds congested a lot, but her chiropractor said it could be because her axis in her neck has been out. I think, honestly, that she has allergies. Could be the cat or dog, or dust in the house. I find her and I sneezing at the same time often. She has had white stuff in her nose, which my ENT said for me, is the presence of allergies and my system fighting it off.
She was given medications for her acid reflux, and this was changed as she seemed to get used to this stuff as well. So, on to another prescription. I am seeking her comfort, but when is too much, too much? I don't want to kill off any of the good enzymes in her stomach that will later be able to do the digestive work for her. I certainly do not wish for her to be in the pain she has been in. Perhaps, these two issues have something in common and are something totally different? Who knows?
Perhaps the real reason I am having troubles with this is because I have hated having to take medications to make me "feel okay" for my mental illness. Medications to manage my mood fluctuations, my stress and anxiety... and what it took for me to be relatively okay is to get pregnant and to continue breast feeding. An "All-Natural" remedy to mental illness. How long will this last? Again, who knows? My hubby keeps saying "Let's start on baby #2," while I am saying I want to lose the last 30 of the 65 lbs I gained with baby #1. Perhaps, he feels I should stay pregnant so I don't have to take all those pills and am fun to be around? I have to admit, I was in a profoundly better mood most of the time, even if I was extraordinarily uncomfortable at other times during my pregnancy. How is it that pregnancy closed the gaps between my synapses, aiding in my ability to feel better and not worry so much? I won't lie when I say that I still had severe difficulties with thinking straight thoughts throughout the pregnancy, and I still had and have difficulties with stream of consciousness and little hypermanic episodes where I spend money we don't have.... All in all, I am doing much better. Amazing how God creates us.
Back to square one with Sunshine. I guess I will have to talk to her doctor about all this. My concerns about the antibiotics and so on. On top of that, the ultrasound should pick up what the root cause of all this could be, and perhaps then she won't have to take any more meds. That would be a blessing. Keep praying.
Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming.
Until next time, a beautiful day to you and may you have lots of giggles.
Monday, August 8, 2011
The Sound of Music....
The Sound of Silence, Does. Not. Exist. In. This. House! I often find myself humming the same tunes that Sunshine uses on her play-mat in the living room. It has a jungle theme, but plays varying themes of "Twinkle-Twinkle Little Star", "Skip to my Lou" and other tunes.
Every morning and afternoon she spends some time kicking the little poles that hold up these butterflies, and it makes the music go. I find myself dancing to this wherever I am, telling her to "kick-kick-kick" and she talks back to me. I even think she is doing her own version of singing to these songs.
There seems to be a constant sound of giggles, crying, or singing going on in this house. I love it! The dog even howls when particular songs sound from my cell phone. (Namely hubby or Nana calling, or alarms to get going). I have found that Mike and I make up songs to little activities we do all the time, before we had Sunshine. Now that she is here, we do this even more now. I find myself tapping 16th notes on her bottom, and she seems to not go to sleep unless I do so. I sing her to sleep with the "River Lullabye" from Prince of Egypt, or "Baby Mine" from Dumbo. Dad will chime in for "I'm Just a Little Black Rain Cloud" from Winnie the Pooh. She loves to hear dad's deeper more resonant voice.
Even though we don't consciously hear or see it, music is a huge part of our daily lives... be it in the sounds of birds chirping and the wind in the trees, or the hums we sing to Sunshine as we change her diapers, count her buttons, or rock her to sleep. Music is everywhere we go and in everything we do... One just has to take the time to listen.
Every morning and afternoon she spends some time kicking the little poles that hold up these butterflies, and it makes the music go. I find myself dancing to this wherever I am, telling her to "kick-kick-kick" and she talks back to me. I even think she is doing her own version of singing to these songs.
There seems to be a constant sound of giggles, crying, or singing going on in this house. I love it! The dog even howls when particular songs sound from my cell phone. (Namely hubby or Nana calling, or alarms to get going). I have found that Mike and I make up songs to little activities we do all the time, before we had Sunshine. Now that she is here, we do this even more now. I find myself tapping 16th notes on her bottom, and she seems to not go to sleep unless I do so. I sing her to sleep with the "River Lullabye" from Prince of Egypt, or "Baby Mine" from Dumbo. Dad will chime in for "I'm Just a Little Black Rain Cloud" from Winnie the Pooh. She loves to hear dad's deeper more resonant voice.
Even though we don't consciously hear or see it, music is a huge part of our daily lives... be it in the sounds of birds chirping and the wind in the trees, or the hums we sing to Sunshine as we change her diapers, count her buttons, or rock her to sleep. Music is everywhere we go and in everything we do... One just has to take the time to listen.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Toofers...
Toofers, is Heater speak for teething. Poor Sunshine is already teething, and thus the reason her low grade fever has never gone away. Her "toofers" hurt and she is grumpy, but this is mostly because she hasn't mastered her finger dexterity yet so that she can grab what she wants to shove in her mouth. Quite comical really. Her little 3 month old frustration tantrums and the drool flowing down her chin. She just talks and talks and tells me all about how displeased she is with her little conundrum.
She also does this cute sitting thing....where she is being supported by a boppy pillow but leeeaaannnsss to one side and then falls over. I'd like to say I am laughing with her, but she is so pissed. But seriously. It's hilarious! Today, she was so displeased that when I tried to put her down for tummy time she immediately went into supersonic mode and was hiccuping with displeasure. Sigh... she really is vocal about what she likes and doesn't like. I believe our little sensitive daughter is going to really break some hearts later.
Well, I am off to do laundry since I can sneak away while she naps. Amazing the energy I am finding at the most odd times of the day, where before I really had none.
Have a beautiful day and don't forget to giggle!
She also does this cute sitting thing....where she is being supported by a boppy pillow but leeeaaannnsss to one side and then falls over. I'd like to say I am laughing with her, but she is so pissed. But seriously. It's hilarious! Today, she was so displeased that when I tried to put her down for tummy time she immediately went into supersonic mode and was hiccuping with displeasure. Sigh... she really is vocal about what she likes and doesn't like. I believe our little sensitive daughter is going to really break some hearts later.
Well, I am off to do laundry since I can sneak away while she naps. Amazing the energy I am finding at the most odd times of the day, where before I really had none.
Have a beautiful day and don't forget to giggle!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Mental Illness and Motherhood...
I had quite a bit of tragedy and trauma in childhood. My mother, bless her heart, did the best she could. As well as my Step-father.
There were parts of my upbringing that I had to reflect on today, as I sat in the office with my ARNP talking about my insecurities and fears. Whether it was known to my parents or not, I developed an inability to speak my mind, or feel emotions at the appropriate times because I learned it was not okay to be angry or upset with them or with what I was experiencing. I was not permitted to be angry or to talk about the feelings I was having, if those issues were to sensitive for my parents or they were not able to deal with said emotions very well at that time. I had no outlet to discuss all my confusion and feelings occurring from abuse, abandonment, and trying to gain attention and praise by living up to my brother's astounding accomplishments. (This could never be done, but that is another post for another time).
On top of that, I questioned everything I did: Why or why not people liked me? If I had the ability to learn or do new things without my parents approval. I wanted, no- NEEDED, to earn their approval and attention. Now, granted, a lot of these issues brought up (possibly stills bring up) guilt, resentment, and fears of their own to my mother. (If you are reading this mom, truly... you did the best you could under the circumstances and I no longer blame you or dad. I need to be free to talk about these things, even if you are not ready). I just want to make sure the pattern is not repeated with Sunshine.
I noticed, after all the wonderful comments sent back to me regarding my post this past Sunday, that I portrayed my "insecurities" as being affected by the people I was with. Truly... these are MY insecurities and no one else now has caused them but myself. It is not one person that may bring them up more or less than another. I have realized that I am truly over-sensitized to what others may think and do around me, that I take their meanings totally wrong. Doesn't mean there aren't some mommies out there whose advice I really just don't need. Just means I have to work on ME. So, here is a better understanding of what mental illness is like and why I may get my wires crossed a bit:
************
You have two houses. They look the same on the outside. On the inside, however, house A has great insulation, wonderful layout, clean and clear wiring and electrical. House B, however, has NO insulation, and the wiring and electrical shorts out a bit and sends energy to different parts of the house. It turns lights on when you wanted the dishwasher to work, or the refrigerator to run, when you really wanted the fan on. What is it about the two houses that is so different.... the insulation.
Some people, are like House A. They can generally take hard hits, take lots of information and not have it effect them emotionally at all. I, however, am your House B. Whether it is rain, sleet, hail, wind.... I feel it deep in the core of my house, and have difficulties interpreting their meaning. Here is another point. The 50mph wind that hits house A, doesn't phase it. The same wind that hits House B... can knock the house off its foundation.
****************
I'd like to think that with all the issues I have faced growing up that my house has held up pretty well. But add in new mommyhood, lack of sleep, and no medications... My walls are not fairing so well and I take things a bit personally. Possibly too personally. Because I am unable to let go of these emotions effectively, have an effective outlet, loved ones close to me (Sorry, honey) get the brunt. Mike doesn't deserve that, unless of course he is part of the reason I am all worked up. (;-p
There are times when I have needed to speak up and ask people to back off, but I have never done so because I learned to not question authority. This includes running away from jobs because I am too intimidated to speak up to my very authoritative bosses, or running away from conversations where I have a valid opinion. I have the right to question others who give unsolicited advice, right? Or at least tell them to lay off a bit? Like, tell my mother-in-law if she really has a problem with my not cooking for her son and having a dinner prepared for him when he gets home everyday, that she should talk to HIM about it, and not me? I can't even do this. I just sit and take the "you should's" over and over again.
What kind of message does this send to my brain? Well at first I tell myself, "This is just his mother being protective." However, after hearing these comments repetitively, or the fact when she calls and is on speaker phone and only asks how her granddaughter is doing or if Mike is eating alright.... I get the sense that her "you should's" is her affirmation that I am not doing what she believes I should and a boundary has been crossed. Why can't she trust her son to make his own decisions? This does not help my relationship with her at all, nor the sense that I am doing things right. For me, it is hard to disconnect from those comments and just have it fly off my back. My insecurities grow, and I get more disgruntled. I am just waiting for a day when my buttons will be pushed and I will really tell her how I feel. I don't want this to happen, as this hurts both her and Mike.
What worries me is this: How does my insecurities, intimidation, and my mental illness, affect my daughter? How will she learn to have healthy relationships with people if her mother is not able to model and teach her how to effectively communicate to others... even if those people are family and even if she may disagree with what they say or do? I do not want her to be tongue tied, or taught that speaking her displeasure or disagreement is wrong. I want her to know her opinion matters, even if those she shares it with do not agree with her.
I guess I have a lot of work to do with myself, first. Learn how to accept myself the way I am, and give myself some slack for my foibles. Good thing I have awesome friends, a counselor, and ARNP to help with this. Eventually, with time, all wounds will heal though they may leave scars. With time, I will figure myself out and be an even better mother than I am now!
So, yeah. These are my musings for the day. Thanks to all of you for your support!
May your day be beautiful, bright, and filled with giggles.
There were parts of my upbringing that I had to reflect on today, as I sat in the office with my ARNP talking about my insecurities and fears. Whether it was known to my parents or not, I developed an inability to speak my mind, or feel emotions at the appropriate times because I learned it was not okay to be angry or upset with them or with what I was experiencing. I was not permitted to be angry or to talk about the feelings I was having, if those issues were to sensitive for my parents or they were not able to deal with said emotions very well at that time. I had no outlet to discuss all my confusion and feelings occurring from abuse, abandonment, and trying to gain attention and praise by living up to my brother's astounding accomplishments. (This could never be done, but that is another post for another time).
On top of that, I questioned everything I did: Why or why not people liked me? If I had the ability to learn or do new things without my parents approval. I wanted, no- NEEDED, to earn their approval and attention. Now, granted, a lot of these issues brought up (possibly stills bring up) guilt, resentment, and fears of their own to my mother. (If you are reading this mom, truly... you did the best you could under the circumstances and I no longer blame you or dad. I need to be free to talk about these things, even if you are not ready). I just want to make sure the pattern is not repeated with Sunshine.
I noticed, after all the wonderful comments sent back to me regarding my post this past Sunday, that I portrayed my "insecurities" as being affected by the people I was with. Truly... these are MY insecurities and no one else now has caused them but myself. It is not one person that may bring them up more or less than another. I have realized that I am truly over-sensitized to what others may think and do around me, that I take their meanings totally wrong. Doesn't mean there aren't some mommies out there whose advice I really just don't need. Just means I have to work on ME. So, here is a better understanding of what mental illness is like and why I may get my wires crossed a bit:
************
You have two houses. They look the same on the outside. On the inside, however, house A has great insulation, wonderful layout, clean and clear wiring and electrical. House B, however, has NO insulation, and the wiring and electrical shorts out a bit and sends energy to different parts of the house. It turns lights on when you wanted the dishwasher to work, or the refrigerator to run, when you really wanted the fan on. What is it about the two houses that is so different.... the insulation.
Some people, are like House A. They can generally take hard hits, take lots of information and not have it effect them emotionally at all. I, however, am your House B. Whether it is rain, sleet, hail, wind.... I feel it deep in the core of my house, and have difficulties interpreting their meaning. Here is another point. The 50mph wind that hits house A, doesn't phase it. The same wind that hits House B... can knock the house off its foundation.
****************
I'd like to think that with all the issues I have faced growing up that my house has held up pretty well. But add in new mommyhood, lack of sleep, and no medications... My walls are not fairing so well and I take things a bit personally. Possibly too personally. Because I am unable to let go of these emotions effectively, have an effective outlet, loved ones close to me (Sorry, honey) get the brunt. Mike doesn't deserve that, unless of course he is part of the reason I am all worked up. (;-p
There are times when I have needed to speak up and ask people to back off, but I have never done so because I learned to not question authority. This includes running away from jobs because I am too intimidated to speak up to my very authoritative bosses, or running away from conversations where I have a valid opinion. I have the right to question others who give unsolicited advice, right? Or at least tell them to lay off a bit? Like, tell my mother-in-law if she really has a problem with my not cooking for her son and having a dinner prepared for him when he gets home everyday, that she should talk to HIM about it, and not me? I can't even do this. I just sit and take the "you should's" over and over again.
What kind of message does this send to my brain? Well at first I tell myself, "This is just his mother being protective." However, after hearing these comments repetitively, or the fact when she calls and is on speaker phone and only asks how her granddaughter is doing or if Mike is eating alright.... I get the sense that her "you should's" is her affirmation that I am not doing what she believes I should and a boundary has been crossed. Why can't she trust her son to make his own decisions? This does not help my relationship with her at all, nor the sense that I am doing things right. For me, it is hard to disconnect from those comments and just have it fly off my back. My insecurities grow, and I get more disgruntled. I am just waiting for a day when my buttons will be pushed and I will really tell her how I feel. I don't want this to happen, as this hurts both her and Mike.
What worries me is this: How does my insecurities, intimidation, and my mental illness, affect my daughter? How will she learn to have healthy relationships with people if her mother is not able to model and teach her how to effectively communicate to others... even if those people are family and even if she may disagree with what they say or do? I do not want her to be tongue tied, or taught that speaking her displeasure or disagreement is wrong. I want her to know her opinion matters, even if those she shares it with do not agree with her.
I guess I have a lot of work to do with myself, first. Learn how to accept myself the way I am, and give myself some slack for my foibles. Good thing I have awesome friends, a counselor, and ARNP to help with this. Eventually, with time, all wounds will heal though they may leave scars. With time, I will figure myself out and be an even better mother than I am now!
So, yeah. These are my musings for the day. Thanks to all of you for your support!
May your day be beautiful, bright, and filled with giggles.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Wait. (The discovery and purpose of the hands).
Excerpt from Sunshine's day:
"There it is. I can almost touch it. Gotcha!"
"Uh, why can't I let go? Wait, was that me? Did I make that noise? (shakes fist) WOW! That was me! Hmmm. What does this taste like, I wonder?
Wait. I shall place this in my mouth.
Hmm... surprisingly bland. But squishy. Let me try this again. Hmmm. I could get use to this. Not to bad. Just squishy. Wait. Why does it keep rattling? What is that crackly noise? I don't like that!! Crap. Get it away from me! Now!!
Wait. Give me something else to suck on, dammit! You can't just take that away from me and not give me something to suck on. Hmmm. This cloth on body may do. Yum. Metal button. The rest doesn't have much flavor, but it will suffice.
It's soggy now. I am not happy with soggy! I want something else!
Wait. What is this? It is red, it is squishy, and it doesn't make any noise. I like this. I shall place it in my mouth. Hmmm.... I like this.
Wait. What is this?? This feels different, but is tasty. Yum. Those little phalanges are tasty. Those are what I have been using to grab items... and they themselves are really tasty! Wow! Forget those damn toys, these are the bomb!!
Wait. Why can't I put both of them in my mouth at the same time? This is not fair. This is sooo not fair!!! Give me something to suck on dammit!
Wait. The orb! I want the orb!!!
Sigh.... that is better. Nothing beats the moo juice (or in this case the mom juice).
Now I will proceed to make a mess in my shorts to show my appreciation."
********************************************
(She discovered how to use her thumbs to pick things up more effectively. She had been just using her fingers to pinch at things. She started off playing with a crackly dog we have named Flopsy. He has a rattle and feet she could suck on. Obviously, her attention span did not warrant prolonged time with this one. Next she went to sucking on the button on her outfit. Again, short but sweet.
Next she went to a red Winnie the Pooh item, that is part blanket with a head and arms of Pooh sticking out. She generally likes this one... but then discovered her hands tasted better.
Then, she was not satisfied with her hands because she could not get both fists in her mouth at the same time. She then justified that it was time to eat. She was much happier with the orb. While eating, she made the dirty diaper. While being changed, and after eating, she went back to chewing on her fingers.)
"There it is. I can almost touch it. Gotcha!"
"Uh, why can't I let go? Wait, was that me? Did I make that noise? (shakes fist) WOW! That was me! Hmmm. What does this taste like, I wonder?
Wait. I shall place this in my mouth.
Hmm... surprisingly bland. But squishy. Let me try this again. Hmmm. I could get use to this. Not to bad. Just squishy. Wait. Why does it keep rattling? What is that crackly noise? I don't like that!! Crap. Get it away from me! Now!!
Wait. Give me something else to suck on, dammit! You can't just take that away from me and not give me something to suck on. Hmmm. This cloth on body may do. Yum. Metal button. The rest doesn't have much flavor, but it will suffice.
It's soggy now. I am not happy with soggy! I want something else!
Wait. What is this? It is red, it is squishy, and it doesn't make any noise. I like this. I shall place it in my mouth. Hmmm.... I like this.
Wait. What is this?? This feels different, but is tasty. Yum. Those little phalanges are tasty. Those are what I have been using to grab items... and they themselves are really tasty! Wow! Forget those damn toys, these are the bomb!!
Wait. Why can't I put both of them in my mouth at the same time? This is not fair. This is sooo not fair!!! Give me something to suck on dammit!
Wait. The orb! I want the orb!!!
Sigh.... that is better. Nothing beats the moo juice (or in this case the mom juice).
Now I will proceed to make a mess in my shorts to show my appreciation."
********************************************
(She discovered how to use her thumbs to pick things up more effectively. She had been just using her fingers to pinch at things. She started off playing with a crackly dog we have named Flopsy. He has a rattle and feet she could suck on. Obviously, her attention span did not warrant prolonged time with this one. Next she went to sucking on the button on her outfit. Again, short but sweet.
Next she went to a red Winnie the Pooh item, that is part blanket with a head and arms of Pooh sticking out. She generally likes this one... but then discovered her hands tasted better.
Then, she was not satisfied with her hands because she could not get both fists in her mouth at the same time. She then justified that it was time to eat. She was much happier with the orb. While eating, she made the dirty diaper. While being changed, and after eating, she went back to chewing on her fingers.)
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Cry baby....
We visited some of our friends, who were camping, at their site yesterday. Unfortunately, Sunshine was soooo not happy about the outing. Perhaps it was me. I believe it is me, that caused her to stress. She is so in tune with my emotions and incredibly sensitive to how I might be feeling. For some weird reason I feel ultra uncomfortable and inept when around my friends and their little ones. It's like I get this huge insecurity like I don't know what I am doing and that the last 12 weeks with Sunshine has taught me nothing. This is incredibly false, but I can't help but feel insecure about my mothering skills when I am around one person in particular.
Now, granted, this person has never consciously done anything to make me think I am unable to "mother" well, but I also know that her baby is so incredibly different from our Sunshine. Sunshine is what you might call a "high maintenance" baby, just like her mother. (haha).
In the book, "The Happiest Baby on the Block" by Dr. Karp, there are different types of babies and Sunshine is a "high needs" baby. (Also good notes on the 5 "S's" totally help with soothing a new baby). I always thought that her being high needs was not a good thing, but in retrospect I see that she is incredibly in tune with her body, what feels right and what is wrong and she will let us know very quickly what that is. I think that this is a good thing in the long run, but while she is a baby it is hard to find out exactly what her needs are. In fact, it is odd how her cries have grown and changed. I know when she has a dirty diaper, her complaining cry when she doesn't want to do tummy time, and she has had a lot of pain from acid reflux and her UTI, so sometimes her cry for hunger has gotten mixed with a pain cry. This just breaks my heart.
I used to be able to pinpoint issues, but not any longer. As she has grown, her cries have changed. Now, she cries when she wants to be held, cries when she isn't facing the right direction, cries when she can't see what is going on, cries when her tummy hurts, cries when her diaper is dirty, cries when she doesn't want to be on her tummy.... I have begun to think she just cries consistently to get what she wants which is exactly what she is supposed to do. (And this is not colic as she cries like this 24/7). I want to hold her all the time, but my back is just not taking this well. Even strapped to me. I think Mike and I are doing fairly well managing together, but when I get around my friends and she is crying, well... they tend to not like it, aren't used to a baby crying often like this, and they tend to want to step in and try and "fix" her. Thing is, what they may do could work for a moment, but she will get used to whatever method they tried and then start crying again. They get concerned looks on their faces, and I am looking at them thinking, "Wow, am I a bad mom?"
I know I am not a bad mother, being this is my first time and we are learning as we go. However, that glance or worried look I see pass through their eyes makes me worry that others think I am missing something, or just not managing Sunshine well. To be truthful, Sunshine is managing us and tends to do a very good job of it. I hold her as much as I can because I have read that babies that are swaddled and held close to their parents chest tend to cry less. (In this case, not true, but she does this great whimper/cry impression that is just so cute but I at least know that this is her talking to me about what she does or doesn't like. She is not in a "do or die" situation- Like her cry for FEED ME NOW.) I have also discerned her "ow-I am hurting cry" and this she does a lot right now.
Between her UTI that doesn't want to clear up, and her acid reflux, she is just not a happy camper. In fact, she has to go in for an ultrasound to watch her "pee dye" out to see if she has reflux down in her urethra which could be causing her UTI's. Poor dear. The antibiotics they have her on may not be working, as she has had a constant temperature of 99.7 during the day for the past week, and it tends to creep up to 100.5 during the night. We made an agreement that if she is really unhappy and her temperature is 100.5 then we take her back into the ER. So far, she tends to be sleeping and in an okay temperament at night, so we have not needed to do this.
It's just so hard being a mommy and having no frickin' clue what I'm doing but knowing that something, is not right with my little one and I want her to be feeling better. On top of that, feeling like a inept mother when around friends doesn't help my confidence either and my ability to trust myself to meet her needs. We will be camping sometime soon and my friends and family have voiced their concern about the length of time and Sunshine's tenacity for being upset.
However, I do so much better when it is just Mike and I with her, and don't have people stepping in, stepping on, our toes to "fix" her. I have a feeling we will do fine when it is just us camping. She is just fine the way she is, whether she is complaining loudly her discontent, or happily giggling her glee. She is perfect just the way she is. Perhaps she can teach me something about being fine just the way I am, too, and I can stop being a cry baby about it all?
Now, granted, this person has never consciously done anything to make me think I am unable to "mother" well, but I also know that her baby is so incredibly different from our Sunshine. Sunshine is what you might call a "high maintenance" baby, just like her mother. (haha).
In the book, "The Happiest Baby on the Block" by Dr. Karp, there are different types of babies and Sunshine is a "high needs" baby. (Also good notes on the 5 "S's" totally help with soothing a new baby). I always thought that her being high needs was not a good thing, but in retrospect I see that she is incredibly in tune with her body, what feels right and what is wrong and she will let us know very quickly what that is. I think that this is a good thing in the long run, but while she is a baby it is hard to find out exactly what her needs are. In fact, it is odd how her cries have grown and changed. I know when she has a dirty diaper, her complaining cry when she doesn't want to do tummy time, and she has had a lot of pain from acid reflux and her UTI, so sometimes her cry for hunger has gotten mixed with a pain cry. This just breaks my heart.
I used to be able to pinpoint issues, but not any longer. As she has grown, her cries have changed. Now, she cries when she wants to be held, cries when she isn't facing the right direction, cries when she can't see what is going on, cries when her tummy hurts, cries when her diaper is dirty, cries when she doesn't want to be on her tummy.... I have begun to think she just cries consistently to get what she wants which is exactly what she is supposed to do. (And this is not colic as she cries like this 24/7). I want to hold her all the time, but my back is just not taking this well. Even strapped to me. I think Mike and I are doing fairly well managing together, but when I get around my friends and she is crying, well... they tend to not like it, aren't used to a baby crying often like this, and they tend to want to step in and try and "fix" her. Thing is, what they may do could work for a moment, but she will get used to whatever method they tried and then start crying again. They get concerned looks on their faces, and I am looking at them thinking, "Wow, am I a bad mom?"
I know I am not a bad mother, being this is my first time and we are learning as we go. However, that glance or worried look I see pass through their eyes makes me worry that others think I am missing something, or just not managing Sunshine well. To be truthful, Sunshine is managing us and tends to do a very good job of it. I hold her as much as I can because I have read that babies that are swaddled and held close to their parents chest tend to cry less. (In this case, not true, but she does this great whimper/cry impression that is just so cute but I at least know that this is her talking to me about what she does or doesn't like. She is not in a "do or die" situation- Like her cry for FEED ME NOW.) I have also discerned her "ow-I am hurting cry" and this she does a lot right now.
Between her UTI that doesn't want to clear up, and her acid reflux, she is just not a happy camper. In fact, she has to go in for an ultrasound to watch her "pee dye" out to see if she has reflux down in her urethra which could be causing her UTI's. Poor dear. The antibiotics they have her on may not be working, as she has had a constant temperature of 99.7 during the day for the past week, and it tends to creep up to 100.5 during the night. We made an agreement that if she is really unhappy and her temperature is 100.5 then we take her back into the ER. So far, she tends to be sleeping and in an okay temperament at night, so we have not needed to do this.
It's just so hard being a mommy and having no frickin' clue what I'm doing but knowing that something, is not right with my little one and I want her to be feeling better. On top of that, feeling like a inept mother when around friends doesn't help my confidence either and my ability to trust myself to meet her needs. We will be camping sometime soon and my friends and family have voiced their concern about the length of time and Sunshine's tenacity for being upset.
However, I do so much better when it is just Mike and I with her, and don't have people stepping in, stepping on, our toes to "fix" her. I have a feeling we will do fine when it is just us camping. She is just fine the way she is, whether she is complaining loudly her discontent, or happily giggling her glee. She is perfect just the way she is. Perhaps she can teach me something about being fine just the way I am, too, and I can stop being a cry baby about it all?
Thursday, July 28, 2011
The New-Old me...
So, here is what I know about myself: (And being that I can talk about myself in 3rd person fairly better than in first, I will state that 'No, I do not have multiple personalities, but think it would be rather interesting if I did.' Therefore, I have done my best first person rendition.
- I have an awesome husband who tolerates my musings, laughs at my mistakes with vocabulary (ALL the time), corrects me often (which I detest), has the driest sense of humor ever (I often can't tell if he is serious or not), and who loves me for me. He also kicks major zombie a$$ on L4D2. Well, when he is not a zombie himself with the lack of sleep we have been getting. Enough said.
- I am a lover of art: Be it music, theater, or actual art that you look at in a museum and sometimes think 'I could do a better side walk chalk drawing while drunk."
- I love to dance. I love to dance with my little Sunshine as well. Much to the chagrin of my loving husband, who loathes hip hop, declares the musicians not really musicians but electronic crap. Sometimes I agree with him, but it doesn't stop me from wanting to dance to it. ;)
- I have the sweetest, cutest, most brilliant little 12 week old girl (who has saved me from a speeding ticket by becoming a not so sweet, not so cute, and still incredibly brilliant its scary, mutant screamer).
- We have a cat and dog. The cat totally kicks the dogs butt, and definitely is the alpha here. We are just her slaves to do her bidding.
- I have a serious mental illness and am not currently on medications due to breast feeding. Am doing surprisingly well with the aide of a HUGE support group. Never enough said about that.
- I love to sing, and hope that I will still make the choir I am in this year. (Classical Choral music is sooo good for the soul!)
- I have an amazing group of friends from my undergraduate university (PLU). They are our chosen family.
- I believe in the saying, "Families are like fudge - mostly sweet with a few nuts. ~Author Unknown and also the saying: "Friends are God's apology for relations." ~Hugh Kingsmill
- My favorite words are: Rhododendron, curmudgeon, copacetic, embiggen, cromulent, and titillating. (Don't ask).
- I'm turning into my mom, and and in some ways, this frightens me. My husband says I am turning into his mom, and that scares the $#!* out of me.
- I've been trying to write a biography about my life, and so far I can't stay focused enough to finish 3 pages.
- I would love to write children's stories, but have way to many ideas to narrow them down and am afraid people have covered my ideas already.
- I have a fear of heights, but love getting into high places. (Just can't manage to get down easily).
- My greatest fear is abandonment. (Be it by death, choice, or whatever crap life drums up).
- I secretly am ashamed of my collections of artifacts from my favorite movies, and that I actually spent money on them.
- I am proud of my book collection (My fancy "really old" collectibles that are only meaningful to me. Not to be mistaken with the number of romance and paranormal romance novels that I believe my in-laws are not-so-secretly ashamed of. My husband, however, is not complaining though. Hehe).
- I am seriously a little kid in a big body.
- I would love to get rid of my thunder thighs. (Sigh).
- Am afraid that my little girl has already inherited my thunder thighs (big sigh).
- Enjoying using the words: "Sweet" and "Feck" when I can.
- While I rarely swear, I surprisingly use an exorbitant number of swear words while playing video games/LOTR online with my husband. (Do not allow children to be around me at that time).
- I tend to write what is going on in my head, as I write. I often miss words, streaming thoughts from one subject to another (but the reader has no clue I've done that). I too often use "..." and elongated words like "soooo." I also have terrible grammar but love learning new words. My husband also notes I make use of "hyperbole" way to much. Like "ALL THE TIME!"
Although this is just a trifle number of odd things about myself, it made me smile writing them down for the moment. Perhaps you are not as odd as you thought you were?
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
A Word (for New Parents and the Cops that Pull them over)...
Distracted.
Yup, that is the word for the day... or for the next several months that you get no sleep with your little newborn, and often feel like you have had too many turns on the Teacup ride at Disneyland.
Driving when "distracted" is not ideal, obviously. When you have no choice, defensive driving is the key. (I mean there are soooo many a$$hat people out there that are ridiculous in their attempts to drive either a) the speed limit, be it too fast or too slow or b) in the correct lane as they have their cell phones glued to their ears (also illegal in this state)). However, this incident was neither one of those lame situations. I know I have difficulties concentrating with just the person next to me talking, especially when said person is my husband and he wants to have a serious conversation. Yeah, right. How likely will I really hear what he has to say if I am trying to maneuver around a$$hats? So, I really have to focus and know my limits now. Being a new mother, with a screaming, really upset newborn in the back seat, makes it nearly impossible for me to focus.
As I was driving to a doctors appointment, with said Sunshine in the backseat, I was passing along a road that I am quite familiar with. The posted speed has been 35mph in the past, and I had been coasting about 38mph at the time. About the point we started going downhill, is when Sunshine got a) a dirty diaper and b) pacifier fell out. She was whimpering/crying for about 3 miles before, but now she went into full gear (as she perceives I did not get her 0.02 second snippet of her discontent). Wow! She was so upset. From my lack of sleep, postpartum hormones and the like, I also had tears in my eyes. I just kept thinking, 'We are almost to the doctor's office at the bottom of the hill.'
This is when I saw the motorcycle cop, sitting on the road to my right. He was putting away his "speed gun" and starting up his ride. Yup, I knew it. I had been going a bit too fast. I sighed and pulled into the right lane and as his little lights started up behind me, I pulled off onto a side street.
Now, I thought Sunshine's cries couldn't get any worse. I was sooo wrong! She was majorly ticked that we had stopped the car moving, that her diapers were still wet, and that she still didn't have that damn pacifier in her mouth. I swear, her head was going to start turning around and that some demon had possessed her. I had tears rolling down my face at this point. The cop came over and asked to see my license and registration. I had to ask him to speak up, as I could not hear him over Sunshine. Funny, he had to ask me to repeat what I said as well, as he couldn't hear me either. He asked if I knew what the posted speed was, and I said "It's 35mph." He then asked me if I knew how fast I was going? I then shrugged, looked back in the rear view mirror at supersonic Sunshine and then said, "Ummm. 40mph?" He then smiled at me and had to speak even louder and stated, "The speed limit has been changed recently to 30 mph, and you were going 44mph".
The next thought in my head, ("Oh S#!*"). He went back and checked my info on his bike, which I have never gotten a ticket before (knock on wood), then came back and shouted "I am going to let you go this time, but you need to keep an eye out for any changed speeds and pull over sooner if you are distracted."
Uh, yeah. No kidding!!! So for all of those new parents out there.... if you have to drive by yourself, and your kid goes into supersonic mode.... do yourself a favor. Pull over, attend said mutant baby, and avoid any repercussions with the law or, heaven forbid, avoid any accidents. Now if only we could get those a$$hat cell phone drivers to do the same!
Yup, that is the word for the day... or for the next several months that you get no sleep with your little newborn, and often feel like you have had too many turns on the Teacup ride at Disneyland.
Driving when "distracted" is not ideal, obviously. When you have no choice, defensive driving is the key. (I mean there are soooo many a$$hat people out there that are ridiculous in their attempts to drive either a) the speed limit, be it too fast or too slow or b) in the correct lane as they have their cell phones glued to their ears (also illegal in this state)). However, this incident was neither one of those lame situations. I know I have difficulties concentrating with just the person next to me talking, especially when said person is my husband and he wants to have a serious conversation. Yeah, right. How likely will I really hear what he has to say if I am trying to maneuver around a$$hats? So, I really have to focus and know my limits now. Being a new mother, with a screaming, really upset newborn in the back seat, makes it nearly impossible for me to focus.
As I was driving to a doctors appointment, with said Sunshine in the backseat, I was passing along a road that I am quite familiar with. The posted speed has been 35mph in the past, and I had been coasting about 38mph at the time. About the point we started going downhill, is when Sunshine got a) a dirty diaper and b) pacifier fell out. She was whimpering/crying for about 3 miles before, but now she went into full gear (as she perceives I did not get her 0.02 second snippet of her discontent). Wow! She was so upset. From my lack of sleep, postpartum hormones and the like, I also had tears in my eyes. I just kept thinking, 'We are almost to the doctor's office at the bottom of the hill.'
This is when I saw the motorcycle cop, sitting on the road to my right. He was putting away his "speed gun" and starting up his ride. Yup, I knew it. I had been going a bit too fast. I sighed and pulled into the right lane and as his little lights started up behind me, I pulled off onto a side street.
Now, I thought Sunshine's cries couldn't get any worse. I was sooo wrong! She was majorly ticked that we had stopped the car moving, that her diapers were still wet, and that she still didn't have that damn pacifier in her mouth. I swear, her head was going to start turning around and that some demon had possessed her. I had tears rolling down my face at this point. The cop came over and asked to see my license and registration. I had to ask him to speak up, as I could not hear him over Sunshine. Funny, he had to ask me to repeat what I said as well, as he couldn't hear me either. He asked if I knew what the posted speed was, and I said "It's 35mph." He then asked me if I knew how fast I was going? I then shrugged, looked back in the rear view mirror at supersonic Sunshine and then said, "Ummm. 40mph?" He then smiled at me and had to speak even louder and stated, "The speed limit has been changed recently to 30 mph, and you were going 44mph".
The next thought in my head, ("Oh S#!*"). He went back and checked my info on his bike, which I have never gotten a ticket before (knock on wood), then came back and shouted "I am going to let you go this time, but you need to keep an eye out for any changed speeds and pull over sooner if you are distracted."
Uh, yeah. No kidding!!! So for all of those new parents out there.... if you have to drive by yourself, and your kid goes into supersonic mode.... do yourself a favor. Pull over, attend said mutant baby, and avoid any repercussions with the law or, heaven forbid, avoid any accidents. Now if only we could get those a$$hat cell phone drivers to do the same!
Whirlwind week...
Here we are, already half way through the week and I am pooped out!
Granted, I had two days were I had a few hours to myself for respite.... I went and watched some movies by myself. I should be feeling rejuvenated, right? I had lots of energy when I went to pick up Sunshine after the movies, and I really missed her those few hours... but where the feck did that energy go??
Have to admit, the new Captain America movie rocked!!! It has action, humor, and just a slight bit of romance. But it was totally 1940's love, not 2010 rated R love. Plus, just a note, you've got to stay and watch til the very end where it has 2 clips from the upcoming Avengers movie in May 2012. It was so cool! I wish my husband loved movies as much as I do... it would be fun to go see these things with him. But, as he does not enjoy watching these movies on the big screen... I go by myself during my own time. Problem is, I don't have much "me" time. I was ever so lucky that two of my good friends said they would watch Sunshine on Monday and Tuesday for a few hours, while I ran some errands and went to the movies. This was much needed! I enjoy going to the movies by myself. (Is that odd??) But I can laugh at the things, maybe only I would find funny, and cry like a baby at the sad parts. Funny thing is, I can retreat and go into my own little world and just enjoy the creativity and action on the big screen. It is fun... but the time goes by way to quickly.
There are 4 independent films coming out based off of some books we have read in our book club group. It looks like I will have to wait for those. (Snowflower and the Secret Fan, The Help, One Day, and the book we are reading now- Molokai). Some of these should be really interesting. I am off to feed Sunshine and write down the other movies for 2011 I would like to see. Or at least write down the ones I will be willing to wait until they come out on DVD.
Granted, I had two days were I had a few hours to myself for respite.... I went and watched some movies by myself. I should be feeling rejuvenated, right? I had lots of energy when I went to pick up Sunshine after the movies, and I really missed her those few hours... but where the feck did that energy go??
Have to admit, the new Captain America movie rocked!!! It has action, humor, and just a slight bit of romance. But it was totally 1940's love, not 2010 rated R love. Plus, just a note, you've got to stay and watch til the very end where it has 2 clips from the upcoming Avengers movie in May 2012. It was so cool! I wish my husband loved movies as much as I do... it would be fun to go see these things with him. But, as he does not enjoy watching these movies on the big screen... I go by myself during my own time. Problem is, I don't have much "me" time. I was ever so lucky that two of my good friends said they would watch Sunshine on Monday and Tuesday for a few hours, while I ran some errands and went to the movies. This was much needed! I enjoy going to the movies by myself. (Is that odd??) But I can laugh at the things, maybe only I would find funny, and cry like a baby at the sad parts. Funny thing is, I can retreat and go into my own little world and just enjoy the creativity and action on the big screen. It is fun... but the time goes by way to quickly.
There are 4 independent films coming out based off of some books we have read in our book club group. It looks like I will have to wait for those. (Snowflower and the Secret Fan, The Help, One Day, and the book we are reading now- Molokai). Some of these should be really interesting. I am off to feed Sunshine and write down the other movies for 2011 I would like to see. Or at least write down the ones I will be willing to wait until they come out on DVD.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Induction into Parenthood...
Holy Crap! I am one tired mommy. Yesterday was a whirlwind of emotions, fear, and at some moments, comedy.
Sunshine has some worn out parents this morning. I had noticed the past few days that Sunshine was becoming more and more fussy, and she felt warm. But, hey.... our house is a tad bit warm so I thought perhaps she is just warm from that? The past few nights she either was irregularly fussy (as she is always opinionated but this was WAY different), or she was wanting to cluster feed in the wee hours of the morning. So, I had not gotten much sleep the past two days. However, yesterday was a different story in fussiness. Deep down, I knew something wasn't quite right. I think I reached that conclusion when at 11:00am, she stopped wanting to really eat, and just chewed or sucked on "the orb" for comfort, not for food. She would cry and cry, and did NOT want to be put down. In fact she dictated how she wanted to be held and that I was NOT allowed to sit down either.
The only thing that would calm her, not put her to sleep but just calm her, was my walking her around holding her in an upright vertical position against my chest. I love this position normally, but I am going to have to tell you my back was killing me last night and seems to be out of order this morning. Ten hours of walking and holding her has got my back seriously hurting. I texted Mike, my husband, asking him when he was going to come home and that I needed him to hurry because I was just so tired and beginning to get worried. This was at 6:00pm, and Sunshine hadn't eaten since 11:00am. Now if any of you know Sunshine, she is a particularly good eater; as shown by her big size for an 11 week old, and her tenacity for making it REALLY known in 0.02 seconds that she is upset you did not catch her "I'm Hungry" signal. When she really hadn't been eating, and the few times I tried to latch her on during the afternoon, she wouldn't suck or the milk that naturally came out from having engorged bosoms would be spit right back out at me. Yep, I was really beginning to worry and I was just plain exhausted. I didn't know what I was supposed to do, but fear for her little body that kept shaking with the wracked sobs pouring out of her, and the fact she kept hyperventilating from not being able to get enough air in while crying.... Guess what mommy was doing right along with her?!
By the time hubby got home, I was like "Here, please take her. I will make something for dinner." Oh, she was SOOO not having that. Usually at night, she sits on daddy's lap and they do this 'practice sitting up, talky communication' thing between each other. It's rather cute. Sadly, last night she was not having that and wouldn't look at dad but watched me and just cry and cry. I spend the majority of time with her, so I guess she felt I would figure this out the fastest. I felt bad for Mike, but then this is what I get all day long and he had only had a taste of it for 30-60 minutes! When she started hiccuping again, I took her from him and went to try and change her diapers. Her head felt warm again, so while I was doing that I took her temperature. 100.2 degrees! ACK!!!
So, we called her pediatrician's office and I spoke with the doctor on-call. The doctor heard Sunshine crying in the back ground. I gave her the information about what I had noticed throughout the past few days, and mostly today. She then asked, "How long has she been crying like that?" I said she has brief moments of calm that last about 5-10 minutes, but otherwise she has been crying like that since about 1:00pm. That is when the doctor said that is a concern and you need to take her into Mary Bridge Children's Hospital.
First thought that went into my head, "Holy S#!^!" Second thought, "How quick can we get there?"
Mike got her in her carrier, and then changed, while I changed, turned off the stove, packed her diaper bag, got some water for me and put her in the car. (Anyone ever noticed how hard it is to drive with a screaming baby??? Ever got pulled over for speeding while this is occurring?? Yeah, that is another story for another time).
We've never really been to Mary Bridge, so finding where we were to go in was difficult, especially when we are scattered and worried. At 10:00pm, we got in there, and Sunshine still was calm enough at different points to flash a cute grin and smile to the security guards. (I swear, people just fall in love with her wherever we go! What a flirt!! I know where she got that ability from ;) Also, you ever notice that when you take your little one into the doctor and they have been crying non-stop but once in the patient room they are all sunshine and smiles. Way to help the doctor pinpoint what is wrong, kiddo! This time however, she made it known she was not happy.
Once we got her in the emergency room and took her out of her carrier, she let out her cry in full force. Her temperature had gone down a bit since we gave her tylenol after we discovered the fever. But she was obviously showing her displeasure at her discomfort. So, they did a urinary sample and discovered she is fighting an infection but we caught it just in the beginning and have to wait a few days to completely identify what it is. They feel it is a urinary tract infection. (something that is common in infants, male and female, below 6 months of age, and then predominantly females after 6 months). Still, I felt like crap.... thinking what on earth could I have done differently? I feel like a stupid mother, how could I have not known?!! Is it something I have eaten? Did I not clean her enough (though I had asked her pediatrician if I was doing a good job on that and she said Sunshine was beautiful and very well cleaned- this was a relief again but has to go back to my personal issues that is, again, a whole other post)?
I guess, there is nothing I really could do. I am glad I paid attention to her signals. As a very wise woman (my mother) told me this morning: "You know if she stops eating something she really loves, that she is not feeling well." We have a very aware little baby who already knows her body, what should be working right or not right, and let's us know very quickly when something is wrong. This is wonderful that she is so bright and smart already, but hard on the heart and stresses of her parents, who are new at parenting and may not figure her cries out right away. We have to be good to ourselves, and know that she will let us know when something is not right, which she does so superbly.
After two shots of antibiotics, a prescription, and a promise that the doctor will call us Sunday to let us know the results from the urinary analysis, we headed home around 12:30am. Sigh. Can't stress how exhausted we are, and Mike brought up this was the first of possible several trips to the ER as parents. Heaven forbid there is ever anything seriously wrong. I don't know how I could take that. Guess I will just take it as it comes.
So, last night was our true induction into parenthood. Extremely scary, and worrisome, but I think Mike and I handled it fairly well. We are assured by our happily sleeping baby, however, that she is doing better. Fever is gone, she dream fed beautifully 3 times last night, and is due for another feeding. I am off to feed the precious girl and have her tell me what she thought about our adventure last night. She loves to talk and is supremely opinionated! Love this child!
Many blessings to you all, and don't forget to giggle!
Sunshine has some worn out parents this morning. I had noticed the past few days that Sunshine was becoming more and more fussy, and she felt warm. But, hey.... our house is a tad bit warm so I thought perhaps she is just warm from that? The past few nights she either was irregularly fussy (as she is always opinionated but this was WAY different), or she was wanting to cluster feed in the wee hours of the morning. So, I had not gotten much sleep the past two days. However, yesterday was a different story in fussiness. Deep down, I knew something wasn't quite right. I think I reached that conclusion when at 11:00am, she stopped wanting to really eat, and just chewed or sucked on "the orb" for comfort, not for food. She would cry and cry, and did NOT want to be put down. In fact she dictated how she wanted to be held and that I was NOT allowed to sit down either.
The only thing that would calm her, not put her to sleep but just calm her, was my walking her around holding her in an upright vertical position against my chest. I love this position normally, but I am going to have to tell you my back was killing me last night and seems to be out of order this morning. Ten hours of walking and holding her has got my back seriously hurting. I texted Mike, my husband, asking him when he was going to come home and that I needed him to hurry because I was just so tired and beginning to get worried. This was at 6:00pm, and Sunshine hadn't eaten since 11:00am. Now if any of you know Sunshine, she is a particularly good eater; as shown by her big size for an 11 week old, and her tenacity for making it REALLY known in 0.02 seconds that she is upset you did not catch her "I'm Hungry" signal. When she really hadn't been eating, and the few times I tried to latch her on during the afternoon, she wouldn't suck or the milk that naturally came out from having engorged bosoms would be spit right back out at me. Yep, I was really beginning to worry and I was just plain exhausted. I didn't know what I was supposed to do, but fear for her little body that kept shaking with the wracked sobs pouring out of her, and the fact she kept hyperventilating from not being able to get enough air in while crying.... Guess what mommy was doing right along with her?!
By the time hubby got home, I was like "Here, please take her. I will make something for dinner." Oh, she was SOOO not having that. Usually at night, she sits on daddy's lap and they do this 'practice sitting up, talky communication' thing between each other. It's rather cute. Sadly, last night she was not having that and wouldn't look at dad but watched me and just cry and cry. I spend the majority of time with her, so I guess she felt I would figure this out the fastest. I felt bad for Mike, but then this is what I get all day long and he had only had a taste of it for 30-60 minutes! When she started hiccuping again, I took her from him and went to try and change her diapers. Her head felt warm again, so while I was doing that I took her temperature. 100.2 degrees! ACK!!!
So, we called her pediatrician's office and I spoke with the doctor on-call. The doctor heard Sunshine crying in the back ground. I gave her the information about what I had noticed throughout the past few days, and mostly today. She then asked, "How long has she been crying like that?" I said she has brief moments of calm that last about 5-10 minutes, but otherwise she has been crying like that since about 1:00pm. That is when the doctor said that is a concern and you need to take her into Mary Bridge Children's Hospital.
First thought that went into my head, "Holy S#!^!" Second thought, "How quick can we get there?"
Mike got her in her carrier, and then changed, while I changed, turned off the stove, packed her diaper bag, got some water for me and put her in the car. (Anyone ever noticed how hard it is to drive with a screaming baby??? Ever got pulled over for speeding while this is occurring?? Yeah, that is another story for another time).
We've never really been to Mary Bridge, so finding where we were to go in was difficult, especially when we are scattered and worried. At 10:00pm, we got in there, and Sunshine still was calm enough at different points to flash a cute grin and smile to the security guards. (I swear, people just fall in love with her wherever we go! What a flirt!! I know where she got that ability from ;) Also, you ever notice that when you take your little one into the doctor and they have been crying non-stop but once in the patient room they are all sunshine and smiles. Way to help the doctor pinpoint what is wrong, kiddo! This time however, she made it known she was not happy.
Once we got her in the emergency room and took her out of her carrier, she let out her cry in full force. Her temperature had gone down a bit since we gave her tylenol after we discovered the fever. But she was obviously showing her displeasure at her discomfort. So, they did a urinary sample and discovered she is fighting an infection but we caught it just in the beginning and have to wait a few days to completely identify what it is. They feel it is a urinary tract infection. (something that is common in infants, male and female, below 6 months of age, and then predominantly females after 6 months). Still, I felt like crap.... thinking what on earth could I have done differently? I feel like a stupid mother, how could I have not known?!! Is it something I have eaten? Did I not clean her enough (though I had asked her pediatrician if I was doing a good job on that and she said Sunshine was beautiful and very well cleaned- this was a relief again but has to go back to my personal issues that is, again, a whole other post)?
I guess, there is nothing I really could do. I am glad I paid attention to her signals. As a very wise woman (my mother) told me this morning: "You know if she stops eating something she really loves, that she is not feeling well." We have a very aware little baby who already knows her body, what should be working right or not right, and let's us know very quickly when something is wrong. This is wonderful that she is so bright and smart already, but hard on the heart and stresses of her parents, who are new at parenting and may not figure her cries out right away. We have to be good to ourselves, and know that she will let us know when something is not right, which she does so superbly.
After two shots of antibiotics, a prescription, and a promise that the doctor will call us Sunday to let us know the results from the urinary analysis, we headed home around 12:30am. Sigh. Can't stress how exhausted we are, and Mike brought up this was the first of possible several trips to the ER as parents. Heaven forbid there is ever anything seriously wrong. I don't know how I could take that. Guess I will just take it as it comes.
So, last night was our true induction into parenthood. Extremely scary, and worrisome, but I think Mike and I handled it fairly well. We are assured by our happily sleeping baby, however, that she is doing better. Fever is gone, she dream fed beautifully 3 times last night, and is due for another feeding. I am off to feed the precious girl and have her tell me what she thought about our adventure last night. She loves to talk and is supremely opinionated! Love this child!
Many blessings to you all, and don't forget to giggle!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Comic Relief Moment
Yeah, I know. Weird, random, topic for a funny.... but that's me. Weird and random, and sometimes certifiable. Plus, when you have nothing to really write about except the odd musings that pass through your head, these musings can prove to be oddly hysterical when later pondering them.
I was told once, by Sunshine's pediatrician, and her lactation consultant, that babies can often be scared of their "large breasted" mommies. Odd, I know. But I suddenly felt a "large" sense of pride today in seeing that my little Sunshine's head is *finally* larger than my breasts. When beginning this part of the journey, I felt unsure, intimidated by friends who had been so successful, and fearful that I may not have success. Then again, seeing this large orb zooming in towards my little girl's face was slightly daunting (and this was from my perspective, not hers).
I mean, I have always been rather satisfied with my voluptuous curves, knowing that second to my eyes, they are a pleasing part of my form. However, when my milk came in I was overly self-conscious about their size and *gasp* weight. (I thought I had lower back problems before, but this was ridiculous.) I also was so worried that Sunshine would fall into that number of babies who truly HAD something to be afraid of by these orbs. Suffocation due to ORB. This was not a pleasing thought. Surprisingly, Sunshine latched on with a fierce voraciousness. In fact, she was like a little tiger cub, ravenously growling at said boob, and tugging and pulling as she does. (God help me if I am still breast feeding when her teeth come in).
So, should I be surprised that with her rapacious appetite her little head has exceeded the size of her orb-like food vessel? No, not really. But just seeing the actual visual of her growth and learning has just got me dumbfounded and in aw. She really is a precious gift.
So, the feeding goes on, the growth continues. Now, if only I can get rid of this butt that has gotten exponentially larger with all this sitting and feeding, and *yawn* trying to sleep any spare moment I can catch up. THAT would also be something worth writing about. The loss of the butt that is, not the sitting/feeding/and *yawn*, sleeping.
Until next time, may your days be blessed and filled with giggles!
I was told once, by Sunshine's pediatrician, and her lactation consultant, that babies can often be scared of their "large breasted" mommies. Odd, I know. But I suddenly felt a "large" sense of pride today in seeing that my little Sunshine's head is *finally* larger than my breasts. When beginning this part of the journey, I felt unsure, intimidated by friends who had been so successful, and fearful that I may not have success. Then again, seeing this large orb zooming in towards my little girl's face was slightly daunting (and this was from my perspective, not hers).
I mean, I have always been rather satisfied with my voluptuous curves, knowing that second to my eyes, they are a pleasing part of my form. However, when my milk came in I was overly self-conscious about their size and *gasp* weight. (I thought I had lower back problems before, but this was ridiculous.) I also was so worried that Sunshine would fall into that number of babies who truly HAD something to be afraid of by these orbs. Suffocation due to ORB. This was not a pleasing thought. Surprisingly, Sunshine latched on with a fierce voraciousness. In fact, she was like a little tiger cub, ravenously growling at said boob, and tugging and pulling as she does. (God help me if I am still breast feeding when her teeth come in).
So, should I be surprised that with her rapacious appetite her little head has exceeded the size of her orb-like food vessel? No, not really. But just seeing the actual visual of her growth and learning has just got me dumbfounded and in aw. She really is a precious gift.
So, the feeding goes on, the growth continues. Now, if only I can get rid of this butt that has gotten exponentially larger with all this sitting and feeding, and *yawn* trying to sleep any spare moment I can catch up. THAT would also be something worth writing about. The loss of the butt that is, not the sitting/feeding/and *yawn*, sleeping.
Until next time, may your days be blessed and filled with giggles!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
The Purpose Driven Life
For years I was determined to be a "Career Mom." This is no longer the case. In the past I wanted to work and not just be a mother. This is not completely true either.
Since Sunshine arrived, I have been built up, torn down, teared up, cried out, and well.... just emotionally challenged in so many ways. I have seen this little life, growing exponentially in front of me each day, and know that I am to be a larger part of her learning than just a mom who sees her in the morning or at night. I want to see all the little things she learns: Her first steps, her first words. I need to be a part of these experiences. Just this week, she reached for the first time and grabbed onto her blanket and brought it to her mouth! It was amazing. On top of that, this week she was able to sit up on her own, by holding on to my fingers. At the beginning of this week, she was still having a difficult time keeping her head up looking to the right or straight ahead. Now she is turning back and forth and watching all sorts of things going on around her. I would not wish to miss this for the world.
With all this beauty and wonderous exploration going on, I still feel that there is more for me. There is a purpose to my life, my experiences, my knowledge. Is it to only share this knowledge with my daughter? Or will I be able to still share my resources and information with others? Still touch others lives? I love to learn, I love to teach, and I still wish to grow in my experiences and knowledge by working with others in the community. Is there a way to still work, but only part time, in which I could make enough to pay for the babysitters and still have anything left to help our little family, and also be able to still see her growing? That is why this is so difficult. Working full time seems to be the only method in which I could financially contribute, but I would miss out on so much with Sunshine.
So what is my purpose in life? What does God have planned for me? I am still trying to figure this out and have a feeling I may never know. When do you discover your purpose in life? I have believed for so long it was helping individuals with disabilities. Now, I no longer know.
Sigh. On top of these musings going on in my mind, my back tooth hurts. What does that mean? Dentist, most likely. For those of you who don't know. I detest the dentist. Have been scared stiff of going to the dentist since childhood, and usually have to drug myself up to go. (Now I have a medication management problem in which the drug would pass to Sunshine in her milk, and we wouldn't want that). But, I am feeling the pain and I really do not wish to go. On top of that, I would have to get a sitter while going to the dentist, and that is not easy to do. Hmmm.... I will have to figure this all out and brave the dangerous dentist, in which I cry after stepping foot in an office. Oh well. Little Sunshine is asleep and we must get her ready for bed.
I am off to send her to la-la land and read for a bit. Perhaps I can dream for awhile and find that "purpose" I've been searching for.
Since Sunshine arrived, I have been built up, torn down, teared up, cried out, and well.... just emotionally challenged in so many ways. I have seen this little life, growing exponentially in front of me each day, and know that I am to be a larger part of her learning than just a mom who sees her in the morning or at night. I want to see all the little things she learns: Her first steps, her first words. I need to be a part of these experiences. Just this week, she reached for the first time and grabbed onto her blanket and brought it to her mouth! It was amazing. On top of that, this week she was able to sit up on her own, by holding on to my fingers. At the beginning of this week, she was still having a difficult time keeping her head up looking to the right or straight ahead. Now she is turning back and forth and watching all sorts of things going on around her. I would not wish to miss this for the world.
With all this beauty and wonderous exploration going on, I still feel that there is more for me. There is a purpose to my life, my experiences, my knowledge. Is it to only share this knowledge with my daughter? Or will I be able to still share my resources and information with others? Still touch others lives? I love to learn, I love to teach, and I still wish to grow in my experiences and knowledge by working with others in the community. Is there a way to still work, but only part time, in which I could make enough to pay for the babysitters and still have anything left to help our little family, and also be able to still see her growing? That is why this is so difficult. Working full time seems to be the only method in which I could financially contribute, but I would miss out on so much with Sunshine.
So what is my purpose in life? What does God have planned for me? I am still trying to figure this out and have a feeling I may never know. When do you discover your purpose in life? I have believed for so long it was helping individuals with disabilities. Now, I no longer know.
Sigh. On top of these musings going on in my mind, my back tooth hurts. What does that mean? Dentist, most likely. For those of you who don't know. I detest the dentist. Have been scared stiff of going to the dentist since childhood, and usually have to drug myself up to go. (Now I have a medication management problem in which the drug would pass to Sunshine in her milk, and we wouldn't want that). But, I am feeling the pain and I really do not wish to go. On top of that, I would have to get a sitter while going to the dentist, and that is not easy to do. Hmmm.... I will have to figure this all out and brave the dangerous dentist, in which I cry after stepping foot in an office. Oh well. Little Sunshine is asleep and we must get her ready for bed.
I am off to send her to la-la land and read for a bit. Perhaps I can dream for awhile and find that "purpose" I've been searching for.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Justice Department Reaches Settlement with Connecticut Early Learning Center to Ensure Equal Opportunity for Children with Autism
I didn't get a chance to share this, but it is incredibly important to the families of children with autism. Equal education rights began in 1975, but yet we are still fighting the insufferable intolerance of individuals who are steeped in ignorance. Need I say more? This is one more win for the good guys!
Justice Department Reaches Settlement with Connecticut Early Learning Center to Ensure Equal Opportunity for Children with Autism
Justice Department Reaches Settlement with Connecticut Early Learning Center to Ensure Equal Opportunity for Children with Autism
TAKE CARE
TAKE CARE
I had to include this section. Lu is an awesome lady that teaches and practices the concepts of Conscious parenting.
I have to remind myself that I am not perfect and that in order to let Sunshine grow, I have to allow her to make mistakes, to voice her dissension, to let her make choices (that I may not agree with) but she will never learn consequences unless she does.
I need to remain open and "present" for her when she does fall- that I will listen and truly "HEAR" her when she talks, even when it is something I do not wish to hear. I will be engaged in conversation with her, even when it is only babbles and coos... so that she knows when she speaks to me, I think what she has to say is important and will reflect back to her what I hear to confirm I understood her right.
That I need to take advantage of holding her close now, because in a few months Sunshine will sprout wings and wish to run, jump, explore and rely on mommy when she needs me. I appreciate this blog that Lu has, and her website "LET THE BABY DRIVE."
It helps teach me to be a better parent, and that I am not alone in my imperfections.
Enjoy!
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