10. Little to no sleep. Awake from from 1:00 - 4:30 am with a thrashing baby
9. Missed Alarm. Due to The Thrasher & being awake - I missed my alarm - hence waking up late hence getting out of the door late
8. No Coffee. Due to the occurrence of #9 (see above) I had no time to stop for coffee today (Big No No)
7. Monster Zit. I have a angry red third eye growing out of my forehead.
6. Aunt Flo. I'm on a period from hell. Seriously, I wasn't aware you'd pay for the 9 month break 10-fold after all was said and done or I would have seriously reconsidered adoption.
5. Washer Jeans. I had to wear washer jeans today. You know, the kind you do aerobic exercises by your bed to fit into right after they've been washed? Yeh, good times.
4. Dieting, again. For some insane reason I decided this week would be a great week to start a diet - again - and I want cupcakes.
3. My Office. Work is a fucking disaster trying to get stuff sorted and done
2. Headache much? I've had a migrane going on 3 days now
1. Cupcakes. Did I mention I want a cupcake? Like, I'd seriously contemplate killing someone for one right now.
8.31.2009
Breakthrough
Sully slept the whole night in his crib!
It's not that he hasn't slept through a night before, but he's never done it in his crib. He's terrified of his crib & mobile for reasons unknown to us. Even as a newborn he would lay and scream at his mobile, never taking his eyes off of it. You would of thought creepy clowns and guns hung from it the way he would look at it.
The other part that has made getting him to sleep in his own crib difficult is that we co-sleep. We started down the route of co-sleeping for reasons both philosophical and personal, but mainly, it was out of convenience. I was still trying to breastfeed at the time and after the c-section it was just easier to have him in bed with us than it was to have to get up some nights. I also liked the feeling of having him near and that sense that if something happened, I was right there to stop it. (I was boarder line obsessed with the idea of SIDS for the first month or so, constantly messing with the poor kid to make sure he was still breathing.)
Fast forward almost 5 months and my sweet little bundle of joy that slept like a log those first few months, does anything but now. He's learned how to stay awake, and will sit up for hours if we let him just babbling and laughing - provoking us to give him the slightest inch of attention to take it and run for the rest of the night. I'm sure I've mentioned that he's also learned to shout, not cry, shout, loudly - sometimes in the middle of the night at us. Its hard not to laugh when we look over at him and he has the biggest grin on his face. It could be worse, right?
Well we're learning Sully isn't what we would exactly call a sound sleeper. He's a thrasher. Shaun and I have both fallen victim more than once to a headbutt, punch, slap or kick in the middle of the night. Over the months we've unsuccessfully tried coaxing him into his crib. We knew this would be hard since he has spent the past 5 months with us, but it's ended up being a huge pain in our asses. I've done the whole count down, go in a pat the butt then put him back in thing. We've done the lay him awake in it thing and the lay him in it asleep thing. We've tried leaving his womb machine on, leaving his baby tunes on and leaving it quiet. We've tried lights on and lights off. We've tried blankets, no blankets, pacifiers, rice bottles, transferring him from our bed - nothing. We've let him scream. But you see our child isn't typically a crier - and when he's wailing at the top of his lungs, his head looks like a cherry tomato about to pop and he's choking, it's hard to listen to your head instead of your heart. So we pick him up.
Shaun got brave last night. After battling for a couple of hours with a baby, he finally turned on his mobile, laid him in his crib, and walked away. I think we both cringed waiting for the shouting and sobbing that usually follows - but it never happened. Its possible Shaun got up with him once during the night, but its also possible I dreamed it since I was so dead-tired-out-of-it.
I woke up this morning to find my son sound asleep, sprawled out taking up as much space as he could - probably because he could. Nobody was there to push him back into the middle because his foot was in their back. I wonder if that felt nice to him in his own little baby head.
I hope that we can keep it going. I kind of feel like if we could accomplish it one night, theres no reason we can't do the same tonight.
I did miss his little feet in my back last night though.
It's not that he hasn't slept through a night before, but he's never done it in his crib. He's terrified of his crib & mobile for reasons unknown to us. Even as a newborn he would lay and scream at his mobile, never taking his eyes off of it. You would of thought creepy clowns and guns hung from it the way he would look at it.
The other part that has made getting him to sleep in his own crib difficult is that we co-sleep. We started down the route of co-sleeping for reasons both philosophical and personal, but mainly, it was out of convenience. I was still trying to breastfeed at the time and after the c-section it was just easier to have him in bed with us than it was to have to get up some nights. I also liked the feeling of having him near and that sense that if something happened, I was right there to stop it. (I was boarder line obsessed with the idea of SIDS for the first month or so, constantly messing with the poor kid to make sure he was still breathing.)
Fast forward almost 5 months and my sweet little bundle of joy that slept like a log those first few months, does anything but now. He's learned how to stay awake, and will sit up for hours if we let him just babbling and laughing - provoking us to give him the slightest inch of attention to take it and run for the rest of the night. I'm sure I've mentioned that he's also learned to shout, not cry, shout, loudly - sometimes in the middle of the night at us. Its hard not to laugh when we look over at him and he has the biggest grin on his face. It could be worse, right?
Well we're learning Sully isn't what we would exactly call a sound sleeper. He's a thrasher. Shaun and I have both fallen victim more than once to a headbutt, punch, slap or kick in the middle of the night. Over the months we've unsuccessfully tried coaxing him into his crib. We knew this would be hard since he has spent the past 5 months with us, but it's ended up being a huge pain in our asses. I've done the whole count down, go in a pat the butt then put him back in thing. We've done the lay him awake in it thing and the lay him in it asleep thing. We've tried leaving his womb machine on, leaving his baby tunes on and leaving it quiet. We've tried lights on and lights off. We've tried blankets, no blankets, pacifiers, rice bottles, transferring him from our bed - nothing. We've let him scream. But you see our child isn't typically a crier - and when he's wailing at the top of his lungs, his head looks like a cherry tomato about to pop and he's choking, it's hard to listen to your head instead of your heart. So we pick him up.
Shaun got brave last night. After battling for a couple of hours with a baby, he finally turned on his mobile, laid him in his crib, and walked away. I think we both cringed waiting for the shouting and sobbing that usually follows - but it never happened. Its possible Shaun got up with him once during the night, but its also possible I dreamed it since I was so dead-tired-out-of-it.
I woke up this morning to find my son sound asleep, sprawled out taking up as much space as he could - probably because he could. Nobody was there to push him back into the middle because his foot was in their back. I wonder if that felt nice to him in his own little baby head.
I hope that we can keep it going. I kind of feel like if we could accomplish it one night, theres no reason we can't do the same tonight.
I did miss his little feet in my back last night though.
8.29.2009
Four crazy months
I'm a little behind so bear with me. Now that I'm a working mama, things have been a little chaotic, but we're learning how to get it all done. My little guy turned 4 months old a couple weeks ago and I can't even believe that his 5 month "birthday" is around the corner. He's learning to sit up, can army scoot on his tummy and now rolls from his back to tummy - one of his favorite things to do these days. Its a blast when you're trying to change a dirty diaper and he's laughing half way on his tummy. We're starting to see and learn more about who Sullivan actually is every day.
He loves to watch everything and we're convinced he's one of those learners who learn by watching and then do. For about a month he had been watching us intently eat and drink, so one day I gave him my cup. He put his hands on each side of the cup and opened his mouth, brought the cup to his mouth and drank the damn water - at 4 months old! Pretty much my kid is a super genius. (At least we think so) He's funny and seems to have a sense of humor about him already and loves to cuddle and be where the people are. He also has a sassy streak about him, can be highly stubborn and impatient more days than not with things. He gets frustrated very easily - a trait I'm positive he's inherited from his Aunt. Shaun and I are two of the most patient people you'll ever find, so we don't claim that trait.
We just got back from a trip to Vegas and he did great, so hopefully in the near future we'll be logging some more travel time in as a family.
Love ya Sully Monster
8.25.2009
Viva Las Vegas
Heading to one of my favorite places in the world!
This time tomorrow we'll be loading up the truck for a mini vacation to Sin City. I'm really excited because this past year was the first year Shaun and I did no traveling what-so-ever for the first time since we had been married. Vegas is just a hop skip and a jump away for us, so its always been our go to for when we needed to get away for a few days. On average we visit the city about 3-4 times a year, so needless to say I'm excited to finally be getting back. Its like a home away from home for us.
Almost the same exact time last year (give or take a few weeks) we were in Vegas celebrating our 6th wedding anniversary. As Shaun says, Sully came with Daddy and left with Mommy on that trip. It'll be different this year for two reasons; the main one obviously is that we're taking a baby with us. Yes, to Vegas. We're either really brave or really stupid. We talked about leaving him with my folks (thanks for the offer Mom and Dad) until Saturday but ultimately decided that we're just not ready for that yet. I don't want to ruin this small vacation we've been able to squeeze in by wondering if he's okay, if he's sleeping, is he crying because his teeth hurt, is he giving my folks are hard time, are they tired and have locked him in a closet somewhere or left him with the dogs to babysit. I'm kidding - maybe. We agreed we would like to try somewhere overnight a little closer to home in the event that something did happen or come up, so until then, he's coming with us. This is made a little easier by the next reason why this trip is different - my baby sister finally turned 21! Her and one of her best friends are joining us this time around for their first legal adventures in Vegas. They've been kind enough to offer watching Sully so Shaun and I can have a night out - so, so incredibly sweet of them to give up one of their days.
We plan on dropping them off at the strip so we can get in some shopping time,
and a trip to Margaritaville has been demanded by my sister the night that we arrive. (For the amount of times we go to Vegas, I don't think we've been back to visit good ol Jimmy since New Orleans) One night Shaun will be staying in with the kiddo so I can join my sister and her friend out one night for some drink and gambling at the slots. I suck in a major way at the tables. I'd rather have a mindless time playing little games at the slots and winning my fortune one penny machine at a time. What can I say, I'm simple. Shaun on the other hand loves poker and craps, so one night he'll be taking the girls out to teach them how to play while Sully and I get some mommy and little guy time.
More than anything I'm looking forward to spending time with my family, with no distractions to have to worry about - and FINALLY get to show my sister around one of our favorite places. It's been 7 long years in wait!
Have a great weekend everyone and wish us luck!
8.24.2009
Feel like fishing?
We have a lot of family that we don't live close to - mainly Shaun's dad and step mom who live in Texas. Pictures are the main way they're able to keep up with Sully's milestones and watch him grow - and god do we have a lot of pictures.
While I really like the photo kiosks at Target and find them really easy to use, its not always necessarily convenient for me - and really your only choice is to print pictures out to take home or frame. I lag in a major way getting things like cards, announcements or pictures sent out to people. It sounds stupid but sometimes its such a hassle to go and get the pictures printed, get them in a envelope and make it to the post office to get them sent out. I need something easier.
I've looked at Target's photo online as well as Kodak's, but by far my favorite has been Snapfish.com Its a lot cheaper than the other sites too, a big plus when you're always looking for ways to save mula. Aside from printing out quality photos and mailing them to you for about 9 cents a piece (without coupons or promotional print rewards) they also have a fairly well priced online store that includes pretty much anything you could think about posting a picture on. One of my favorite things I've done so far is make Sully a book all about the 9 months I was pregnant with him. For about $50 (before I used a coupon) I got roughly 50 pages of a book I was able to design for him. Using numerous templates and pre-designed pages I was able to directly place the 9 months worth of online journals and pictures I kept about our experience into the book. I plan on making him another one following his first year. I personally find it easier than scrapbooking (although maybe slightly less personal with it not being handmade and all) but find it to be a fun and relaxing pastime. Your work can be saved so you're in no hurry to have to make it and get it paid for unless you want to.
I also LOVE LOVE LOVE their flipbooks. They start at $4.99 for a standard 4x6 book which includes 5 pages I think. You can add on additional pages (5 pages for 99 cents). We send them to Shaun's dad and step mom because I don't have to worry about getting the photo's processed, they don't have to worry about storing them because they come in a neat little book and we can leave little comments for each picture for them to make it a little more personal. (You do have to get pretty creative with the comments since they don't give you very much room) Plus, I get to also ship it directly to them. So easy.
They're always running specials, rewards programs for free prints or points towards shipping, and you can always do like I do and find coupon codes for the site. I'm usually always able to find one for 25%-40% off a purchase any given time at another one of my favorite places - RetailMeNot.com
I also ordered Sully's birth announcements from Snapfish. While not a huge selection (okay so another complaint), the price was fair for the amount of announcements you get, plus envelopes.
One of the books I ordered did have problems - a blank page to be exact. I was able to email someone at the site however, and not only did they credit me my entire purchase of the book so I could order a new one (this time with all my pages they promised) they also threw in some free prints for the future for my inconvenience. Pretty nice huh? They let me keep the defunct book to boot.
While I really like the photo kiosks at Target and find them really easy to use, its not always necessarily convenient for me - and really your only choice is to print pictures out to take home or frame. I lag in a major way getting things like cards, announcements or pictures sent out to people. It sounds stupid but sometimes its such a hassle to go and get the pictures printed, get them in a envelope and make it to the post office to get them sent out. I need something easier.
I've looked at Target's photo online as well as Kodak's, but by far my favorite has been Snapfish.com Its a lot cheaper than the other sites too, a big plus when you're always looking for ways to save mula. Aside from printing out quality photos and mailing them to you for about 9 cents a piece (without coupons or promotional print rewards) they also have a fairly well priced online store that includes pretty much anything you could think about posting a picture on. One of my favorite things I've done so far is make Sully a book all about the 9 months I was pregnant with him. For about $50 (before I used a coupon) I got roughly 50 pages of a book I was able to design for him. Using numerous templates and pre-designed pages I was able to directly place the 9 months worth of online journals and pictures I kept about our experience into the book. I plan on making him another one following his first year. I personally find it easier than scrapbooking (although maybe slightly less personal with it not being handmade and all) but find it to be a fun and relaxing pastime. Your work can be saved so you're in no hurry to have to make it and get it paid for unless you want to.
I also LOVE LOVE LOVE their flipbooks. They start at $4.99 for a standard 4x6 book which includes 5 pages I think. You can add on additional pages (5 pages for 99 cents). We send them to Shaun's dad and step mom because I don't have to worry about getting the photo's processed, they don't have to worry about storing them because they come in a neat little book and we can leave little comments for each picture for them to make it a little more personal. (You do have to get pretty creative with the comments since they don't give you very much room) Plus, I get to also ship it directly to them. So easy.
They're always running specials, rewards programs for free prints or points towards shipping, and you can always do like I do and find coupon codes for the site. I'm usually always able to find one for 25%-40% off a purchase any given time at another one of my favorite places - RetailMeNot.com
I also ordered Sully's birth announcements from Snapfish. While not a huge selection (okay so another complaint), the price was fair for the amount of announcements you get, plus envelopes.
One of the books I ordered did have problems - a blank page to be exact. I was able to email someone at the site however, and not only did they credit me my entire purchase of the book so I could order a new one (this time with all my pages they promised) they also threw in some free prints for the future for my inconvenience. Pretty nice huh? They let me keep the defunct book to boot.
8.18.2009
What a difference a year makes 8/18/09
Exactly one year ago today my hands stopped shaking long enough for me to take a picture of this (and the roughly other 15 sticks that followed suit that day). It was my parents 29th anniversary (Happy 30th anniversary Mom and Dad!) and I remember Shaun and I joking that we'd never be able to pull off a present as good as this ever again. For those unaware, Shaun and I tried for roughly 3 years to get pregnant on one of the worst roller coaster rides of our lives. I was diagnosed with having PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) like symptoms. I was put on Metformin to help me to start ovulating again. I also lost 40 lbs which was HUGE for me since the last 7 years of my life had been a constant uphill battle to get the scale to budge in even the slightest amount. After 6 months of manually charting we knew something was still off. My doctor wanted to place me on Clomid, but because of the higher chances of getting multiple births, I asked him to give me an additional 6 months and bought a fertility monitor to help give us a more accurate charting schedule. I 100% believe that without the monitor, I would not be here writing this as we speak. It turns out I was off by almost a week the ENTIRE 6 months that I had been charting! Multiple times I've been asked what monitor we used, (and have had friends have the same success we did with it) and if this helps anybody else, I'm more than happy to continue to share. So here it goes.
The monitor is the Clearblue Easy Fertility Monitor. I found it to be fairly user friendly after some additional reading that comes with it. The readings on the monitor itself are very easy to understand, and it lets you know what your low, high and optimal fertility dates are. The other thing I loved about this gadget is that it keeps track and stores all the information that can be downloaded by your doctor should you need it. The sticks have to be purchased separately, and usually enough come in a pack to get you through a few months of testing your cycle. The monitor itself can run upwards to about $200 but I found what I think to be one of the best deals from Drugstore.com where they sell it for around $140-$150 and usually free shipping. The test sticks can be bought from this site too and will run about $40 bucks or so. Clearblue also makes a one time use ovulation stick that you use like a PT test. They usually run about $30, but if you think you may need more than just one months worth, I think the monitor is a much better deal.
Never in my wildest dreams, through all the anxiety and nerves, did I think that little stick would turn into this little monster exactly a year later. Its funny how we're able to look back in hindsight at struggles and say that it was all worth it, because when you're in it, it seems like this bottomless hole you're never going to find your way out of. I'm happy that having Sullivan was such a struggle for us. It tested us a people and as a couple brought us to our limits physically and emotionally but ultimately brought us closer together in the end. I wouldn't trade what we had to go through for him for any easier road if I was given the choice. We wouldn't be who we are today because of it - he wouldn't be who he is today because of it. And who he is, is pretty freaking awesome.
You're going down Barney 8/18/09
I love babies. I love music. I'm just not a huge fan of babies mixing with my music - until now.
Don't get me wrong, I love singing baby songs to my son, I just don't really enjoy listening to them all the time. My threshold is only so big for the over enthusiastic, high pitched vocalizations of grown adults talking and singing like children.
Coming from a musical household and background, I'm a huge believer that music plays a vital roles in children's lives from a young age. It helps with brain stimulation, speech, word play, encourages movement and helps with creativity. (Sorry I could go on and on) I remember some of my first introductions to music weren't of baby tunes but of Motown, Oldies and Rock like Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Queen and Alice Cooper. I guess I was destined to be biased from a young age. (Thanks Mom and Dad!)
While I was setting up this blog, Shaun (my husband) was playing with Sully (my son) and trying to get him down for the night. The background music he had playing was from a line of music called Rockabye Baby! that my sister introduced us to. It has been a lifesaver. Its a child and parent friendly line of music that take tunes from artists like Coldplay, The Cure, The Eagles, Led Zeppelin, Queen, No Doubt, Queens of the Stoneage and Tool (just to name a few) and makes them child friendly. Here are two of Sully's favorites ...
The music is words-free and set to baby friendly melodic tunes that are easy on babies ears as well as mom and dad's. Its fun to sing along to or just have as some background noise.
I'm still going to sing those silly baby songs with my son - but - if you're like me and like something different every now and again, I would highly recommend looking into them. You can find Rockabye Baby! at www.rockabyebabymusic.com Be sure to check out some of their sample tunes on the main page!
Don't get me wrong, I love singing baby songs to my son, I just don't really enjoy listening to them all the time. My threshold is only so big for the over enthusiastic, high pitched vocalizations of grown adults talking and singing like children.
Coming from a musical household and background, I'm a huge believer that music plays a vital roles in children's lives from a young age. It helps with brain stimulation, speech, word play, encourages movement and helps with creativity. (Sorry I could go on and on) I remember some of my first introductions to music weren't of baby tunes but of Motown, Oldies and Rock like Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Queen and Alice Cooper. I guess I was destined to be biased from a young age. (Thanks Mom and Dad!)
While I was setting up this blog, Shaun (my husband) was playing with Sully (my son) and trying to get him down for the night. The background music he had playing was from a line of music called Rockabye Baby! that my sister introduced us to. It has been a lifesaver. Its a child and parent friendly line of music that take tunes from artists like Coldplay, The Cure, The Eagles, Led Zeppelin, Queen, No Doubt, Queens of the Stoneage and Tool (just to name a few) and makes them child friendly. Here are two of Sully's favorites ...
The music is words-free and set to baby friendly melodic tunes that are easy on babies ears as well as mom and dad's. Its fun to sing along to or just have as some background noise.
I'm still going to sing those silly baby songs with my son - but - if you're like me and like something different every now and again, I would highly recommend looking into them. You can find Rockabye Baby! at www.rockabyebabymusic.com Be sure to check out some of their sample tunes on the main page!
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