general life, life with baby

Reunion Fiesta

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It’s only been two months since I left my old job but I already feel worlds apart. This weekend we had an opportunity to get together like we never really did while I was working there, and we got together and had a family cookout. Plus, Jameson and his new friends Carson and Cole finally got to meet. Carson and Jameson were both born on December 16, but are developing in completely different ways; I was fascinated with observing them and their differences.

For one, Carson is several pounds heavier than Jameson. Though not as big as I thought! Jameson, as I’ve said before, has been pretty ambivalent about food and eating, though he’s finally got the hang of solid foods. Carson loves to eat, and is already adept at chewing off little pieces of fruit. (We tried a sliver of cantaloupe while we were there on Jameson and after being in his mouth for a good 5 minutes he hacked it out)

Carson seemed to have a lot more hand-eye coordination than Jameson did, twisting a spoon in his hand and doing a lot more grasping instead of batting. Instead, Jameson was a lot more active with sitting and jumping on us (parents are apparently free Jumparoos) than Carson seemed to be.

I wonder if this is how parents of twins are, seeing dramatic differences between babies born the same day? And how much of that is personality and how much developmental?

Carson was fascinated with looking at himself in the table reflection, even bending over while standing to get a closer look. He and Jameson did not really interact too much, actually. Though they did have a staring contest or two.

Instead, Jameson was loving and playing with Cole, our lovely hostess friend’s son. Cole is about 1-1/2 years old, so serious whenever he saw my camera (which was pretty much constantly, of course)

Jameson and Cole rode around in Cole’s wagon for a bit and Jameson did really well. Last time he was in a wagon it wasn’t moving and he fussed — clearly a moving wagon is more fun than a non-moving wagon. And it probably helped that Cole was entertaining too.

We had dinner fajita style with 3 different meats and a wide variety of toppings. Megan outdid herself on the food, and even made homemade guacamole. (We’ll have to come by more often) Cole approved of the dessert, chocolate raspberry cupcakes made by Carson’s mom.

Evidence of a good party, baby style.

Hopefully we’ll all be able to get together again to watch them grow. And Jameson is just a year away from being a fun, active little boy like Cole. I can’t wait!

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life with baby

The Best Age

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I think that this age is the best age — I know a lot of people say that parents tend to think “every age is the best”, but I am not so certain. I think a lot of people think the whole first year is a pain, or the terrible 3’s, and certainly in my opinion the awfulness of teething makes many ages not the “best”.

But after three weeks of fussy generally unhappy Mr. Jameson… I am thankful that he is his usual extra happy self!

Turns out, my initial instinct was right, and it was all teething-related. We didn’t change his formula, as his teeth broke through the very day that I called the doctor for advice! Since then, we have been steadily getting a happier baby until the past two days, when I think he is the happiest, funnest baby he’s been in a long time. Oh, as a bonus, he’s decided that sleeping on his belly is very comfortable, and is sleeping through the night. Cue angels singing.

I’m trying not to countdown until the next teeth start to emerge and generally appreciate the wonderfulness that is Jameson at this very moment.

So just like last weekend, we plan to do lots of this:

And this:

And hopefully a lot of this:

In addition, we are hanging out with Jameson’s birthday-sharer, the son of my old co-worker. We are all having a cookout. Have I told you this story, dear readers? Long story short:

My friend and I found out we were pregnant on the same day.
We found out we had the same due date.
And we then proceeded to give birth on the same day.

One of these days, I will give a “long story long” version, because our pregnancies were very different. And just like our pregnancies, Jameson and Carson are very different. Jameson and Carson have never met, so I’m pretty pumped and yes, I’ll be ready with my camera.

P.S. Have you visited my Etsy store yet? I am looking for ideas of things that I could make, digital products in particular, for weddings and events. I’ve been combing the Etsy site for other ideas and I have a few thoughts, but I’m looking for something unique. Any light bulbs going off for you?

P.P.S. I re-discovered Pinterest the other day, and am addicted once again. I can’t wait until Jameson’s first birthday party. But I’m looking for more ideas for a winter party!

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life with baby

Teeth!

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Congratulations Jameson, you have produced your bottom two teeth!

Immediately following that last Tuesday, you caught a cold. And gave it to mom.

You don’t seem to care quite as much as mom did though.

I wish that I could get a picture of your teeth, but I can only see them when you’re wailing, because I am sucking the snot from your nose.

Instead, here’s a photo of your new favorite activity.

I call it, Chewing on the Wrong End of the Pacifier.

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life with baby

Bed Time = Playtime

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Jameson has decided that the crib is his new favorite place in the whole world. No matter how sleepy he goes in, he wakes up, gives a big smile, and rolls around, talks, and plays in his crib.

This was taken a few weeks ago. Since then, he has decided to roll over onto his belly frequently, and then yell because he has forgotten how to roll himself back (remember, rolling belly to back was the first one he did… that must have been years ago in baby time)

P.S. This video is a bit dark, you might mistake Jameson for a baby seal, or a pterodactyl.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zh7vA87HRMY]

P.P.S., Seriously, this baby is adorable. He has also discovered the joys of jumping (and laughing at dad) in one of my favorite videos yet.

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life with baby

Jameson Genius-in-the-Making

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Saturdays at 10 you can find Jameson and I learning sign language.

A friend from school who recently had a baby as well decided to start sign language classes. She is a translator, with a baby herself, so it made perfect sense for her to start something like this. She is with Signing Smart, which she chose because they use real American Sign Language.

I had been interested in it already, since Jameson will be learning some signs at daycare. Plus, the kid mystifies me everyday. Anything to help me decipher what is going on in his little head sounds like a good idea to me! Plus, the deal included a booklet of information and two DVDs, cheaper than usual since this was her first class. I decided to go for it.

Who am I kidding? I did it primarily so I would meet some more people with babies!

Remarkably, I am actually retaining some information. I know MORE, FINISH, OUT, PLAY, BALL, BEAR, DOG, and MILK. Even more remarkably, Jameson is signing back!

What do you think this sign means?

JUST KIDDING.

But he is really focused. Whenever I do signs, he stares intently at it. It might just be because I am not usually a hand talker and so the movement is unusual, but I am hoping that he will start to understand. I would love to have him tell me when he needs CHANGED, or when he needs to SLEEP. Also, it might be nice if he could tell me how much he LOVES me. For some gratification for all the hard work I do everyday.

Also kidding. CHANGE is on my list of words to learn, but SLEEP and LOVE are not. I can already tell when he needs to sleep. And love is all in his smile </cheesy>

Another fun thing about the class is that since I work all day, I don’t get to see him interact with other babies. He just likes to watch them right now, and occasionally reach for their toys, but it’s nice to see a part of him that I don’t usually get to experience. And I get to sing to him, making signs without feeling stupid. There are like 6 other adults who are doing the exact same thing.

Apparently, 7 months is a good time to start working on the signs. It’s a 10 week class though, and I’m not supposed to expect to see any signs back at me during this time. But there are 13-, 14-, and 15-month-olds in the class who are signing already, so if I keep at it, he should be earlier.

So his progress right now after two weeks is really my progress. I am learning the signs and trying to be consistent about using them (and harassing Brian to do the same). We’ll keep you posted if he suddenly shows signs of genius.

P.S. Jameson had his 7 month photo shoot on Saturday. It was the hardest yet, we had to give him another block to distract him. It was also the most fun yet, because he is showing such personality. His devious grin clearly shows it.

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life with baby

One Working Mother’s Dilemma

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Abbreviated conversation with Jameson’s pediatrician.

Me: Jameson has been on Similac Advance [regular] formula for 3 weeks now, mixed with breastmilk. Since then, the daycare has been complaining that he is very fussy, but that he always is happier after he has a bowel movement.

[I go on and on here, talking about how I thought it was teething, but daycare keeps insisting on the BM issue]

Dr: Is he actively teething now?

Me: Yes, I felt his mouth yesterday and it is sharper!

Dr: Have you noticed his fussiness yourself?

Me: I only see him for an hour on the weekdays before he goes to bed.

Dr: How about on the weekends?

Me: That is only a couple days, we didn’t know the association between bowel movements and him being less fussy.

Dr: You can try gas drops, though if he isn’t very gassy, it may not help. It won’t hurt though. Also prunes and prune juice.

Me: We did prunes for about a week every night, no change.

Dr: It could be a formula issue or a teething issue. I recommend watching him a couple days, watch his stools, and if you’re still concerned please bring him in. We can check a stool sample and his belly.

[Pause]

Dr: Is that okay?

Me: It’s just that it’s been 3 weeks already..

Dr: We can bring him in now if you like

Me: Well, these next couple days are so busy with meetings…

Dr: I can offer you some samples of the gentle formulas if you like. There isn’t real science behind them since very few babies are actually lactose intolerant, but many parents swear by them.

Me: Well, I don’t know if I have time to get out there [during regular office hours]. If I were to buy one, which one would be good? I know there are no-lactose and low-lactose ones…

[blah blah blah, Dr doesn’t recommend one or another in particular but does say we shouldn’t continue to switch in search of a perfect formula]

Me: Okay, well thank you. We’ll try this and if we are still seeing issues, we’ll bring him in.

Confession: I was already at Target, prepared to buy a new formula.
Confession 2: We really don’t know if it’s teething or not. I can only go on daycare’s opinion on this, and that makes me feel awful.
Confession 3: My email to Brian after this ended with these words: I have mixed feelings, I don’t know the right answer…

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life with baby, pets

7 Things: Babies with Fur

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The analogy has been many times before me, that having pets is often eerily similar to having children. Particularly if those pets are puppies. I may not have a puppy, but even our 8 year old dog is similar to our 7 month old son in many ways.

  1. Dogs may not mess on themselves, but they still need cleaned up after. Dog doo-doo is gathered, bagged, and sent to the trash, just like Mr. Jameson’s.
  2. Dogs need someone to care for them when you’re away. You can’t just up and leave your dog. Unfortunately, you can’t just up and leave a baby either.
  3. Have you noticed how similar the best baby toys are to dog toys? They’re rubber, they squeak, they’re fun to chew on!
  4. Believe it or not, I pick up after my dog’s toys more than I do my baby.
  5. Both Jameson and Sasha would eat grass if we let them.
  6. Jameson and Sasha will both stay put when told to, until there is something super fun to reach for, bark at, or eat.
  7. Dogs and babies both have razor-style claws.

Luckily, there are a few things that help us tell Jameson and Sasha apart.

  1. Sasha poops outside. Jameson poops in a diaper.
  2. Sasha poops are about 10 times the size of Jameson poops.
  3. Sasha pee kills the grass.
    Is anyone else concerned that the first 3 items on this list are related to bowel movements?
  4. Sasha knows what the word “No” is, and will go to sit in a corner until you tell her to get up.
  5. I can’t pick up Sasha and carry her on my hips. She is 140 pounds, Jameson is about 15.
  6. Sasha’s mouth is distinctly different that Jameson’s: It has fangs, it likes to lick things, and it smells gross.
  7. Jameson loves water! Sasha hates it. We have to sneak Sasha’s bath time items outside so she doesn’t know what she’s in for.

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Nutritional and Developmental Tool or… Chew Toy!

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For the past three weeks, we have been introducing the sippy cup to Jameson.

It is a testament to our utter failure that there aren’t even pictures of it. It turns out that sippy cups make good chew toys, and it’s even better when the face is covered in food.

Since there aren’t any photos of our sippy cup fiascos, here’s a token shot of Mr. Jameson, who is now a champion solid food eater. Feed me Seymour!

In addition to eating pretty well now, he also likes to spit food back out at me, grab at the spoons, and steal bowls when I’m not looking. Why was I ever even worried?!

Anyway, like most baby items, I did some research after-the-fact. Turns out that sippy cups with valves aren’t always the best first sippy cups to use. Oops.

Here’s what we ended up with:

  • The daycare is using the Nuk trainer sippy cup, which she says is working for him
  • We also thought the thinkBaby bottle-that-converts-to-a-sippy might be good for him, but we thought we’d wait and see how he did on:
  • The Tilty! This sippy has no handles, but hoping that’ll make cup transition easier later? And, since Jameson is so small, this is great because he doesn’t have to tilt his had back at all.

Last night he even drank milk out of it, maybe half an ounce, during dinner. I did snap a few photos, but at that point he was gnawing on the spout again. Turns out that everything (even the dog’s nose!!) is great for baby mouths.

P.S. This weekend is Jameson’s second baby sign language class, and I haven’t done any of his homework. Whoops. Can’t wait to share with you the details on that next week! Have a great weekend everyone!

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life with baby

147 Hours and Counting: Pumping at Work

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If we are estimating 3 times a day at about 20 minutes since I went back to work, and 1 time a day since Jameson was 3 weeks old, I have spent approximately 147 hours pumping – that is 8,820 minutes or nearly one full week of just pumping (alright, I did round up. It’s actually like 6.1 days, but that may as well be a full week, right?).

Since switching jobs, I have decreased the number of feedings by two, in preparation to quit. The extra pumping session at work, and the overnight feeding.

I’m not preparing to quit because I don’t have time at work – sometimes it is actually nice to get away for a bit. I have even been reading again during my 20 minute pumping sessions at work (rather than writing blog posts; those I do at home now and prepare most during the weekend).

[Side note: The room is nicer at my job here. If you remember, I showed some pictures of my previous job’s lactation room. Here’s what it looks like here.

The room was re-done very recently; since I have started, they have removed the office desk that was in the room. I wish I had gotten before and afters of that. (though, the glass side table is a poor choice, which I need to note to HR sometime). And look! I even have a refrigerator!]


I want to quit because Jameson stopped nursing before bed, so that was a FOURTH pumping session I was adding in, and 4 was too much for me. So it’s still 3 pumpings, twice at work and once at home.

It’s because of the endless cycle of it all, the nursing tank tops I wear every. day. , the perpetual cleaning of parts: the wiping down after each session, the washing at night, every night.

It’s because I want to wear real clothes, and I really want to go ride roller coasters all day long without needing to pump, or scheduling things around when I need to pump. I want to leave the pump at home. Better yet, pack it up and put it away.

It’s because I want to be able to have a glass of wine at dinner without feeling the (sometimes irrational) need to pour half the amount; or not at all if I need to pump within the hour.

I almost want to stop enough to really call it quits, but not quite yet. I sometimes wish that I would completely stop lactating without me having to choose though. The good thing about supplementing is that I don’t worry so much about the milk. The bad thing is that in continuing to provide mother’s milk while supplementing with formula is that when I decide to quit it will be my decision.

Which of course involves guilt, and maybe a little disappointment in myself, my selfishness. It’s easier at this point if the environment or my body takes that choice away, and then there is no option, I just quit.

(This is not to detract from others’ choices or lack of choices when it comes to nursing or pumping for their children, as these are my personal feelings on the matter and no others)

But for now, Jameson is still nursing in the morning when he wakes, and he’s having a few (common) digestive issues (i.e., constipation) so mommy’s milk still seems important, too important to quit.

And yes, I know it is important. I am just not sure when it won’t seem as important to me. But it better be before summer is up, so I can go to Cedar Point (and leave the pump behind).

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general life, life with baby

Sun Babies

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The weather was so wonderfully perfect this past weekend that we pretty much spent the entire time outdoors. It seems to happen so rare, we just had to take advantage of the clear blue sky. Jameson loved it! The kid is already taking after his dad. At the end of the weekend Brian told me I no longer look like “Casper the Mom”. I said, you mean “Casper the Friendly Mom”. No, no, that’s not what he said. Apparently friendly didn’t qualify at that time. Sheesh, thanks Brian.

Can I take a moment? I would like to talk a bit about sunscreen.

Despite the teasing, I would like to note that Jameson was protected all weekend with sunscreen and a hat or shade most of the time. Though I will also mention that the sunscreen we are currently using is not what I would prefer.

Having done some research on sunscreens, Jameson’s baby sunscreen has one of the two listed “bad” ingredients. It has Vitamin A, which recent research has shown may speed the development of cancer when exposed to sunlight (ironic). I believe some sunscreen is better than none, but I do plan on finding him a new sunscreen soon.

Yesterday I purchased Aveeno Baby Natural Protection Mineral Sunblock (a good deal going on, details here) – the stick for his face, not the regular sunscreen. The stick is rated a 1 by the EWG. I also plan on getting the new ThinkBaby sunscreen, also rated a 1.

Saturday, while Jameson and I were at his very first baby sign language class (more on that soon!), Brian went to the farmers market. He surprised me by coming home with wildflowers. One of the many reasons why I love him!

Jameson and I spent some time outside on a blanket later while Brian moved things into the shed now that it has a ramp. One step closer to parking in the garage again. Good thing, because it definitely mid summer now, it hit 90 on Sunday.

We also picked up a new “friend” for Jameson. The neighborhood garage sales were going on and we came home with a bopping penguin for Jameson to bat at for just $3. Jameson is not too sure about Mr. Penguin just yet! (Hmmm… It appears that most of the children in our neighborhood are girls. All the clothes we saw were pink!)

Sunday we went to the zoo, despite the heat. The nice thing about having a pass is not worrying about how much you see while you’re there. This time we visited the aquarium, monkeys, as well as the giraffes and elephants. Jameson enjoyed watching the fish move at the aquarium, but he seemed to enjoy people-watching even more.

Of course, we completely exhausted the little guy and he went to bed around 6:45 on Sunday. He’s definitely been a bit more cranky recently, probably because of the teeth we’re waiting on. It’s been nice to just pop outside and swing with him to calm him down. I hope this beautiful weather lasts, though today it’s not looking so good.

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