Ah, Christmastime. This year was fun. Sean was really cute opening gifts and Al's been in a great mood all day. My brother Jensen got me a really sweet watch and Brian purchased me/us a down comforter. Hooray! And new, comfortable shoes from my mom - it's really been great!
So weddings are stressful. Jensen might be on to something with wanting to elope and then a small thing sometime after for family and friends. Smart kid. Should they be so difficult? I don't know. Sometimes feelings are out of control and needs aren't met and families are very different, hard to understand whether or not they are your own family. I'm just hoping that things start going more smoothly so the newly wedded couple can have a good start to their marriage. That might be a lot to hope for, though. Or so it seems at the moment.
It's been nice visiting my parents. We got to help decorate the tree and attend a family Christmas function, eat yummy food and enjoy good company. Food highlight: pit-smoked turkey for Christmas lunch. YUM! A little overcooked, but mostly just fantastic. And even though I got a 3-hour nap today, I'm exhausted. So to all a good night.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
'sup
I have severely neglected this blog.
There. Am I forgiven now?
Al's a peach, especially since I just figured out that he wants to be put in another room for naps and bedtime. And I'm still not drinking milk, which is still hard but totally worth the happy child and the not-spending-money-on-formula and stuff like that. I don't particularly enjoy almond milk, but I found a brand that I can tolerate, though it's too thick for cereal - even watered down. So breakfast is now oatmeal, bananas, orange juice, and/or toast.
Speaking of oatmeal, I picked up some steel-cut oats and they really are fantastic. It's nothing like rolled oats - it's chewy and delicious with fruit. Yum! And really good with almond milk.
Steven gets married on Saturday at 9AM (kill me) and so the family gets here in a couple of days!! I'm really excited. I feel so festive and Christmas-y.
We tried doing an advent calendar with Sean, but he kept stealing the candy so I hid it and have since forgot every day since to do it with him. Oh well. There's always next year when he actually understands what Christmas is.
There. Am I forgiven now?
Al's a peach, especially since I just figured out that he wants to be put in another room for naps and bedtime. And I'm still not drinking milk, which is still hard but totally worth the happy child and the not-spending-money-on-formula and stuff like that. I don't particularly enjoy almond milk, but I found a brand that I can tolerate, though it's too thick for cereal - even watered down. So breakfast is now oatmeal, bananas, orange juice, and/or toast.
Speaking of oatmeal, I picked up some steel-cut oats and they really are fantastic. It's nothing like rolled oats - it's chewy and delicious with fruit. Yum! And really good with almond milk.
Steven gets married on Saturday at 9AM (kill me) and so the family gets here in a couple of days!! I'm really excited. I feel so festive and Christmas-y.
We tried doing an advent calendar with Sean, but he kept stealing the candy so I hid it and have since forgot every day since to do it with him. Oh well. There's always next year when he actually understands what Christmas is.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Another update
Pictures will be coming next week, ok?
The last few weeks have been exhausting and great. My parents came to help out which meant that I actually got some sleep. Sean started refusing to nap again (punk), got sick, and started napping finally (bribery works!). Brian stayed home a week then went back to work, but has still been fantastic at helping out, like on Saturday and Sunday when he caught us up on 6 weeks worth of laundry. Amazing. I have been ignoring housework in general and trying to figure out this whole thing of when it's my turn to get some sleep.
Alan is starting to figure out his own schedule. He's wide awake for a couple of hours in the morning, fights sleep from 10:30 - 12, sleeps from about 12 - 7 (waking to eat every couple of hours), dozes from 7-10, fights sleep from 10-11, sleeps 3 hours at a time until 6 - 8 when he is half awake and gassy from something that I ate. I am trying not to eat dairy products, but it seems like dairy is in EVERYTHING. Except spaghetti. Ridiculous. So one of my fabulous SILs gave me their excess gas drops and it's been helping a little bit. Unless I drink straight milk, then nothing helps the poor child. This has been hard because I love milk and I'm really feeling deprived without it, actually craving it every morning. But a sad baby is worth avoiding, especially knowing that he is so sad because of something that I knowingly inflicted upon him. The guilt is strong, people.
Sean seems to be adjusting well. He really loves his little brother, unless he wakes up grumpy - but then he doesn't really like anybody, so it's nothing personal. He always wants to "hold this" and "carry you" ('this' and 'you' referring to the baby) and give kisses. Alan has even been promoted to one of Sean's excuses for not going to sleep. His schedule is much the same and I will be so happy when he no longer needs naps. Maybe then we'll be able to get out and do something fun during the day instead of wage battle from 11-3 (we're both very stubborn). If he wasn't so cranky and impossible without napping, we'd do away with it. In two seconds. Without hesitation. Anyway, he's still cute and loving and fun and is finally settled, now knowing that the baby hasn't replaced him in my life.
Well, the busy holiday months are coming! Our uncarved pumpkins are our fall decor outside the door and soon I'll put up whatever Christmas decor I have and maybe even do the advent calendar with Sean this year. That would be fun. And I've got to get the energy to bake some (lots) of cookies for Steven & Melissa's wedding reception so I'm not worried about it two days beforehand. It's still crazy that my brother is getting married. Man.
And soon my head will be less fuzzy and my posts will be more interesting with things like fall pictures and discourses on why I like or dislike sweaters, etc.
The last few weeks have been exhausting and great. My parents came to help out which meant that I actually got some sleep. Sean started refusing to nap again (punk), got sick, and started napping finally (bribery works!). Brian stayed home a week then went back to work, but has still been fantastic at helping out, like on Saturday and Sunday when he caught us up on 6 weeks worth of laundry. Amazing. I have been ignoring housework in general and trying to figure out this whole thing of when it's my turn to get some sleep.
Alan is starting to figure out his own schedule. He's wide awake for a couple of hours in the morning, fights sleep from 10:30 - 12, sleeps from about 12 - 7 (waking to eat every couple of hours), dozes from 7-10, fights sleep from 10-11, sleeps 3 hours at a time until 6 - 8 when he is half awake and gassy from something that I ate. I am trying not to eat dairy products, but it seems like dairy is in EVERYTHING. Except spaghetti. Ridiculous. So one of my fabulous SILs gave me their excess gas drops and it's been helping a little bit. Unless I drink straight milk, then nothing helps the poor child. This has been hard because I love milk and I'm really feeling deprived without it, actually craving it every morning. But a sad baby is worth avoiding, especially knowing that he is so sad because of something that I knowingly inflicted upon him. The guilt is strong, people.
Sean seems to be adjusting well. He really loves his little brother, unless he wakes up grumpy - but then he doesn't really like anybody, so it's nothing personal. He always wants to "hold this" and "carry you" ('this' and 'you' referring to the baby) and give kisses. Alan has even been promoted to one of Sean's excuses for not going to sleep. His schedule is much the same and I will be so happy when he no longer needs naps. Maybe then we'll be able to get out and do something fun during the day instead of wage battle from 11-3 (we're both very stubborn). If he wasn't so cranky and impossible without napping, we'd do away with it. In two seconds. Without hesitation. Anyway, he's still cute and loving and fun and is finally settled, now knowing that the baby hasn't replaced him in my life.
Well, the busy holiday months are coming! Our uncarved pumpkins are our fall decor outside the door and soon I'll put up whatever Christmas decor I have and maybe even do the advent calendar with Sean this year. That would be fun. And I've got to get the energy to bake some (lots) of cookies for Steven & Melissa's wedding reception so I'm not worried about it two days beforehand. It's still crazy that my brother is getting married. Man.
And soon my head will be less fuzzy and my posts will be more interesting with things like fall pictures and discourses on why I like or dislike sweaters, etc.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Brand New
Here is our little Alan Webster
6 pounds 12 ounces
18 1/2 inches long
He is so flipping cute and loves to snuggle and be held.
Alan actually will express impatience with me, which was shocking at first because Sean never did. He also doesn't like sleeping by himself like Sean did. I don't mind that.
His mouth is not very big, so nursing can be a pain.
Not inclined to be woken up for any reason, like eating. But will wake up to eat a lot at night.
Lets us know when he has a burp that needs out, but we have to hurry to burp him because he doesn't wait long before he pukes.
Likes to stick his legs straight up in the air when he stretches.
6 pounds 12 ounces
18 1/2 inches long
He is so flipping cute and loves to snuggle and be held.
Alan actually will express impatience with me, which was shocking at first because Sean never did. He also doesn't like sleeping by himself like Sean did. I don't mind that.
His mouth is not very big, so nursing can be a pain.
Not inclined to be woken up for any reason, like eating. But will wake up to eat a lot at night.
Lets us know when he has a burp that needs out, but we have to hurry to burp him because he doesn't wait long before he pukes.
Likes to stick his legs straight up in the air when he stretches.
Anyway, he's chill like Sean, but his routine isn't established yet. I know that's normal, but Sean seemed to be born with a routine and it spoiled me. The boys seem to like each other, but then again it's only the first day and the baby is a novelty. Soon Sean will discover that the baby really doesn't care to play baseball or walk or have his blanket removed suddenly. But every time Alan cries, Sean comes running over shouting "Baby baby baby!" and has to make sure that he's real and then if he's ok.
We're feeling really blessed to have two adorable little boys with us.
We're feeling really blessed to have two adorable little boys with us.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Growth
Today Sean and I took a good walk around the neighborhood. He was very interested in the falling leaves and the dead or dying worms on the ground. Anyway, as we walked he began to hold my hand less and less. Then at the halfway point, he looked up from throwing leaves into the street and said, "No hands, mama." Even when we were crossing the street I had to hold his arm because hands have become a 'no.'
It's killing me that my baby Sean is at the point of drawing the line of independence. While a small and expected step of growth for him, I can't help but wish he'd waited a little longer. I long for a year ago when he wouldn't go out the front door without holding my hand first or even insisting that he needed to be carried. I love holding his little hand and letting him take me places he finds interesting.
And then as I thought about it again, I realized that one of us has to initiate the big steps to divide us. I cannot literally or figuratively hold his hand throughout the entirety of his life. Step by step he's going to need me less and less. While it's heartbreaking, I'm also grateful to begin this gradual transformation into solely an observer and adviser in his life. With every decision he makes for himself, I hope I can continue to be grateful that his way can be the right way too.
But I'm still really glad that he gets back on the sidewalk when I tell him to.
It's killing me that my baby Sean is at the point of drawing the line of independence. While a small and expected step of growth for him, I can't help but wish he'd waited a little longer. I long for a year ago when he wouldn't go out the front door without holding my hand first or even insisting that he needed to be carried. I love holding his little hand and letting him take me places he finds interesting.
And then as I thought about it again, I realized that one of us has to initiate the big steps to divide us. I cannot literally or figuratively hold his hand throughout the entirety of his life. Step by step he's going to need me less and less. While it's heartbreaking, I'm also grateful to begin this gradual transformation into solely an observer and adviser in his life. With every decision he makes for himself, I hope I can continue to be grateful that his way can be the right way too.
But I'm still really glad that he gets back on the sidewalk when I tell him to.
Friday, September 24, 2010
A rug and a lesson
I bought this rug:
I was a little worried that it would be too dark or too light or both, but it isn't. It is perfect. And I got it on the cheap, so that's awesome. Now I finally don't feel like I need a coffee table to bring the furniture together.
Hopefully the two boys don't ruin it. Because I love it as much as one can love the perfect rug. But if they do, I plan on not yelling. At that point in life I plan to be a Zen Master or a Yogi and acknowledge that it doesn't matter, it is only tiny pieces of matter that shouldn't be bringing me so much joy anyway.
And now a word of wisdom: Do not leave gel window clings on the window from late May until late September, even if the clings are patriotic and there are patriotic holidays throughout those months. They will melt and drip down. And they are oil based and will require the same cleaning regimen as when a small child rubs petroleum jelly all over something: dish soap and water and lots of work. It doesn't matter how cute the flag or starts are, it just isn't worth the clean up. Take it off in July like you should.
I was a little worried that it would be too dark or too light or both, but it isn't. It is perfect. And I got it on the cheap, so that's awesome. Now I finally don't feel like I need a coffee table to bring the furniture together.
Hopefully the two boys don't ruin it. Because I love it as much as one can love the perfect rug. But if they do, I plan on not yelling. At that point in life I plan to be a Zen Master or a Yogi and acknowledge that it doesn't matter, it is only tiny pieces of matter that shouldn't be bringing me so much joy anyway.
And now a word of wisdom: Do not leave gel window clings on the window from late May until late September, even if the clings are patriotic and there are patriotic holidays throughout those months. They will melt and drip down. And they are oil based and will require the same cleaning regimen as when a small child rubs petroleum jelly all over something: dish soap and water and lots of work. It doesn't matter how cute the flag or starts are, it just isn't worth the clean up. Take it off in July like you should.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
This is a pregnancy update:
Everything is measuring great. Two weeks ago I was measuring small for some reason - I think I was mis-measured - but yesterday I was only a tiny bit below average. Yay! Except that now I'm hoping that I was measured incorrectly before and that the baby didn't have a crazy growth spurt that will lead to a gigantic baby in a few weeks. :) My doctor is always surprised when I tell him how big Sean was at birth and will vocally say that he hopes I don't beat that record.
In an effort to prevent calls from angry pregnant women, my doctor also likes to schedule an induction date with the allowance of a changed mind. It's easier for him to schedule it and cancel it later than it is for him to tell a woman who is 39 weeks pregnant that he can't fit her in for induction unless it's an emergency. I almost didn't, but then I remembered the 2 1/2 weeks of Braxton Hicks I got with Sean and decided to at least open that window. So I'm scheduled two days before my due date. But I have a feeling that this one is not going to wait that long. I hope I didn't just jinx myself.
Yesterday I distinctly felt the baby drop into my pelvis. It's like he turned a bit and my pelvis became some sort of head vortex. So it's good news that he's not breech, but now I really have a hard time moving my body in general. His feet are also pushing up against my ribs. But I can breathe again! And I was worried that I'd also started leaking amniotic fluid, but I think that was a false alarm - thank goodness. I'm not even a little bit ready for him to come 5+ weeks early. Well, his clothes and cradle are ready, but I'm not packed, the house is a mess, Brian's in the middle of the political cycle at work (that means he's crazy busy), and I'm not organized enough for this! And Sean and I have been sick all week.
And in non-pregnant news, I got a sample of feminine hygiene products yesterday. Sean was convinced it was all candy so I had to show him that it wasn't. Then he thought the tampon was a whistle. I pretty much gave up on trying to save them from him after that. There was nothing I could do to change his mind about the 'toys' at that point.
Another new thing is that I resigned from our community HOA board. I'm a little sad, but I really think there's just too much going on right now for me to be of use to my community in the way the board needed. And my doctor encouraged me to get rid of any unnecessary stress in my life. Which it was.
Everything is measuring great. Two weeks ago I was measuring small for some reason - I think I was mis-measured - but yesterday I was only a tiny bit below average. Yay! Except that now I'm hoping that I was measured incorrectly before and that the baby didn't have a crazy growth spurt that will lead to a gigantic baby in a few weeks. :) My doctor is always surprised when I tell him how big Sean was at birth and will vocally say that he hopes I don't beat that record.
In an effort to prevent calls from angry pregnant women, my doctor also likes to schedule an induction date with the allowance of a changed mind. It's easier for him to schedule it and cancel it later than it is for him to tell a woman who is 39 weeks pregnant that he can't fit her in for induction unless it's an emergency. I almost didn't, but then I remembered the 2 1/2 weeks of Braxton Hicks I got with Sean and decided to at least open that window. So I'm scheduled two days before my due date. But I have a feeling that this one is not going to wait that long. I hope I didn't just jinx myself.
Yesterday I distinctly felt the baby drop into my pelvis. It's like he turned a bit and my pelvis became some sort of head vortex. So it's good news that he's not breech, but now I really have a hard time moving my body in general. His feet are also pushing up against my ribs. But I can breathe again! And I was worried that I'd also started leaking amniotic fluid, but I think that was a false alarm - thank goodness. I'm not even a little bit ready for him to come 5+ weeks early. Well, his clothes and cradle are ready, but I'm not packed, the house is a mess, Brian's in the middle of the political cycle at work (that means he's crazy busy), and I'm not organized enough for this! And Sean and I have been sick all week.
And in non-pregnant news, I got a sample of feminine hygiene products yesterday. Sean was convinced it was all candy so I had to show him that it wasn't. Then he thought the tampon was a whistle. I pretty much gave up on trying to save them from him after that. There was nothing I could do to change his mind about the 'toys' at that point.
Another new thing is that I resigned from our community HOA board. I'm a little sad, but I really think there's just too much going on right now for me to be of use to my community in the way the board needed. And my doctor encouraged me to get rid of any unnecessary stress in my life. Which it was.
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