Worried. I think this feeling will follow me for the rest of my days now that I am a parent. It really escalated the moment I became pregnant and it has, unfortunately, gotten worse. No wonder I noticed my first grey hair a month ago!
Case in point. I had just gone to get the bundle out of her crib from a nap when I noticed something on her arm. "Oh no...it couldn't be!!! Is that bruise?" Then, "I am a horrible parent, how could she have gotten a bruise in her crib?" Then, "Did she do it before her nap and I didn't notice?" Worried thoughts were creeping up in my mind and then...guilt...and then complete irrational behavior.
I swooped up my little one and gave her a bunch of kisses, apologizing for the fact that her horrible mommy somehow let her get a bruise. Let's just say she didn't seem phased in the least. Nope...no tears, no crying at all...just her normal smilely self. Well, I just couldn't let it go...so, I called my mom. See, what I mean? Totally irrational! Like I didn't know how to treat a bruise (um, you can't really)...but, I guess I just wanted verification.
My mom was very supportive and didn't make me feel like the total crazy new mom that I was. She told me not to worry (yeah right) and that if the little bundle didn't seem to be hurt, then don't worry about it...there would be many more bruises to come. Indeed, thanks Mom...I know you speak from experience.
Well, the best part of this story is that the mark on my daughter's arm...after some inspection...was not a bruise...nope...it was a hickey that she had given herself! Yup, she has gotten into the habit of sometimes sucking on her arm...so there you go...all of that worrying and she did it to herself.
God bless motherhood! Time for me to worry about something else now...
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Pearly Whites
It finally happened! No, the bundle didn't potty train herself, say her first real word, take her first step or dress herself...not yet at least. Nope, she got her first set of pearly white teeth. Ironically, neither the husband or myself even noticed at first.
Here's how it went down a few days ago. Well, first let me set the scene...the day before we discovered those teeth, the husband noticed some scratches on the bundle's sippy cup. Like idiots, we both asked, "where did those come from?" Hmmmmm....wow, observant parents, huh?
The next day (or maybe it was later that day? I don't remember anything these days...but I digress), the husband was sitting on the couch holding the little bundle. She grabbed his hand, and like everything else these days, she shoved it in her mouth. I heard the husband call out to me and I, in my "I-am-busy-in-the-kitchen-getting-dinner-ready-mode" respond with a short, "What!?" He says, "I think the bundle has teeth!"
Well, you would've thought he said that he had found gold in our daughter's mouth with the way I responded. I dropped what I was doing and rushed over...with I am sure, the dumbest, biggest smile on my face. Of course I reached right in her mouth (my hands were clean I promise!) and there they were! Two little tooth nubbins on the bottom of her mouth. So freakin' cute!!!
I am still not 100% sure why I got so excited about those teeth. Maybe it's because my dad is a dentist or maybe because that means she's getting closer and closer to enjoying some of the recipes I've been tearing out of Bon Appetit or Food and Wine Magazine. Whatever the reason, they are adorable and even though they are driving her (and me) crazy, they are the next big milestone for our little bundle. Time sure does fly.
Now move over baby oat cereal...teething biscuits here we come!
Here's how it went down a few days ago. Well, first let me set the scene...the day before we discovered those teeth, the husband noticed some scratches on the bundle's sippy cup. Like idiots, we both asked, "where did those come from?" Hmmmmm....wow, observant parents, huh?
The next day (or maybe it was later that day? I don't remember anything these days...but I digress), the husband was sitting on the couch holding the little bundle. She grabbed his hand, and like everything else these days, she shoved it in her mouth. I heard the husband call out to me and I, in my "I-am-busy-in-the-kitchen-getting-dinner-ready-mode" respond with a short, "What!?" He says, "I think the bundle has teeth!"
Well, you would've thought he said that he had found gold in our daughter's mouth with the way I responded. I dropped what I was doing and rushed over...with I am sure, the dumbest, biggest smile on my face. Of course I reached right in her mouth (my hands were clean I promise!) and there they were! Two little tooth nubbins on the bottom of her mouth. So freakin' cute!!!
I am still not 100% sure why I got so excited about those teeth. Maybe it's because my dad is a dentist or maybe because that means she's getting closer and closer to enjoying some of the recipes I've been tearing out of Bon Appetit or Food and Wine Magazine. Whatever the reason, they are adorable and even though they are driving her (and me) crazy, they are the next big milestone for our little bundle. Time sure does fly.
Now move over baby oat cereal...teething biscuits here we come!
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Jungle Gym or Crib?
Ok, so maybe I haven't been around enough babies to know, but is it normal to have your baby move around her crib like a gymnast doing a floor performance?
I am just wondering because the little bundle seems to think that her crib is the most awesome place to "exercise." Instead of napping, she believes this little caged-in zone is her miniature jungle gym. It never ceases to amaze me. I'll get her nice and quiet, then set her in her crib...she'll lay quiet for about 30 seconds...and then, let the acrobatics begin! She rolls from side to side, pulls on the rails...moving from one end of the crib to another...burning calories and her mommy's patience.
After all of these amazing acrobatics, she will eventually fall asleep...thank goodness. But where does all of that energy come from and what in the world am I going to do when she figures out how to crawl????
I am just wondering because the little bundle seems to think that her crib is the most awesome place to "exercise." Instead of napping, she believes this little caged-in zone is her miniature jungle gym. It never ceases to amaze me. I'll get her nice and quiet, then set her in her crib...she'll lay quiet for about 30 seconds...and then, let the acrobatics begin! She rolls from side to side, pulls on the rails...moving from one end of the crib to another...burning calories and her mommy's patience.
After all of these amazing acrobatics, she will eventually fall asleep...thank goodness. But where does all of that energy come from and what in the world am I going to do when she figures out how to crawl????
Friday, April 26, 2013
I Will Not Forget
This week, April 21st-April 27th is National Infertility Awareness Week. This is an important week for recognizing and bringing awareness to infertility. A cause that as you know, I hold near and dear to my heart.
It wasn't that long ago that I was writing about the pain and struggle I was experiencing on my journey through infertility. I remember the tears, the heart break and the sadness...I was devastated that the one thing I wanted the most was the one thing that I couldn't have. It was an isolating experience and I had moments of doubt and anguish...maybe I just wasn't meant to be a mom....
But, luckily for me, I sought help because I wanted answers to my questions...and for some reason, I just knew that I was supposed to be a mom. I found an amazing doctor (after a little trial and error...see my earlier blogs about that), I tried acupuncture and meditation, and I gathered all of the support of my friends and family. The combination of all of these things plus the handiwork of the good Man upstairs is what I believe, led to the creation of our little miracle.
So, during this week, I wanted to take some time to reflect. To let myself not forget about the journey that got me to where I am today. To appreciate every day with my darling bundle...even on the really tough days...because she, I believe is the reason I exist...I was put here especially for her...and she was put here especially for me. Bless you little bundle!!!
Please check out the Resolve website to learn more about infertility and this amazing week!
www.resolve.org
Friday, April 19, 2013
Breastfeeding is Not for the Faint of Heart
Before the bundle was born I spent hours worrying about breastfeeding. How would I know if I was doing it right? What if I couldn't breastfeed for some reason? Which positions worked best....football hold (really, holding your baby like a football?) or laying down (seems nice...)? Will I know if she's "latched-on" properly? I seriously spent way too much time thinking about all of this. I read the books and still felt completely overwhelmed.
In the beginning, the bundle was a horrible feeder. She would constantly fall asleep mid-meal...so much so that we had to force her to stay awake. The husband's duty during those early days of feeding was to make sure she was awake...tugging gently on her little arm, tickling her ear or chin, patting her neck with a damp washcloth...really, it was hilarious...not at the time of course...but now it's hilarious. I was so confused and worried, that I eventually called in a lactation consultant. She was awesome and basically told me I was doing everything right...which was really all I needed to hear.
Flash forward a few months and everything has changed. I should first note that when I had envisioned breastfeeding my little bundle, warm fuzzy pictures of a docile, cooing baby in my arms came to mind. You know, like the images you see in books and movies. Um...not the case with my bundle. She is anything but docile during feeds. If she's not swinging her legs or arms, she's pulling her ear or face. And recently she's been pulling on my hair or pinching the back of my arm...so sweet and loving...geez. But, that's just her and I wouldn't want her any other way.
So, I won't worry about those bruises on the backs of my arms or the bald patches that may start forming on my head soon. Nope, I'll just be grateful that my little bundle is getting the nutrition she needs to power that strong and willful body of hers.
In the beginning, the bundle was a horrible feeder. She would constantly fall asleep mid-meal...so much so that we had to force her to stay awake. The husband's duty during those early days of feeding was to make sure she was awake...tugging gently on her little arm, tickling her ear or chin, patting her neck with a damp washcloth...really, it was hilarious...not at the time of course...but now it's hilarious. I was so confused and worried, that I eventually called in a lactation consultant. She was awesome and basically told me I was doing everything right...which was really all I needed to hear.
Flash forward a few months and everything has changed. I should first note that when I had envisioned breastfeeding my little bundle, warm fuzzy pictures of a docile, cooing baby in my arms came to mind. You know, like the images you see in books and movies. Um...not the case with my bundle. She is anything but docile during feeds. If she's not swinging her legs or arms, she's pulling her ear or face. And recently she's been pulling on my hair or pinching the back of my arm...so sweet and loving...geez. But, that's just her and I wouldn't want her any other way.
So, I won't worry about those bruises on the backs of my arms or the bald patches that may start forming on my head soon. Nope, I'll just be grateful that my little bundle is getting the nutrition she needs to power that strong and willful body of hers.
Monday, April 15, 2013
What a Funny Bundle!
I have noticed recently that the bundle has become increasingly hilarious and entertaining. Every day something new happens that makes me laugh. Whether it's a new face (has she really learned to raise one eye brow?) or a new sound...this girl has got me in stitches!
New funny things...not in any particular of course....
1. The bundle loves tags. If any clothing or toy has a tag, she wants it and is going to put it in her mouth. Because of this, I bought her a toy made specifically for this purpose...apparently all babies love tags as much as my bundle? The book is called Taggies and it's a soft cloth book with little ribbon tags around the sides. "Perfect," I thought, "she'll love this!" So I gave her the new book and you know what...the only tag she likes on the book is the manufacturer's tag! Hilarious...no, she isn't interested in the pretty colored ribbons...just the boring big black and white tag with the washing information.
2. The bundle loves books...especially ones where songs are involved. I bought this book that she loves called Snuggle Puppy by Sandra Boynton. If you don't own it, go and get it...it's worth every penny of the 6.99 I spent. She loves it and lights up every time we read/sing it to her.
3. The bundle thinks she's pretty funny. She really does. Once she does something that makes you laugh, she'll keep on doing it.
4. The bundle is infatuated with the "Where's the Bundle?" game that involves covering her face with a cloth and then uncovering it to hear her parents say "There she is!" We have played this game a million times...and I feel like we'll be playing it for at least the next 6 years!
5. The bundle is an active sleeper! Oh my, she gets a workout in that crib. Good thing we bought the sturdiest one we could find....we must have known she would be a gymnast. Let's just say that we seldom find her in the morning or after a nap in the same place we left her. Most often she ends up in a corner somewhere with her noggin up against the rails...I cannot figure out how that is a comfortable way to sleep.
Thank you bundle for being so hilarious. You are one awesome and amazing lady!
New funny things...not in any particular of course....
1. The bundle loves tags. If any clothing or toy has a tag, she wants it and is going to put it in her mouth. Because of this, I bought her a toy made specifically for this purpose...apparently all babies love tags as much as my bundle? The book is called Taggies and it's a soft cloth book with little ribbon tags around the sides. "Perfect," I thought, "she'll love this!" So I gave her the new book and you know what...the only tag she likes on the book is the manufacturer's tag! Hilarious...no, she isn't interested in the pretty colored ribbons...just the boring big black and white tag with the washing information.
2. The bundle loves books...especially ones where songs are involved. I bought this book that she loves called Snuggle Puppy by Sandra Boynton. If you don't own it, go and get it...it's worth every penny of the 6.99 I spent. She loves it and lights up every time we read/sing it to her.
3. The bundle thinks she's pretty funny. She really does. Once she does something that makes you laugh, she'll keep on doing it.
4. The bundle is infatuated with the "Where's the Bundle?" game that involves covering her face with a cloth and then uncovering it to hear her parents say "There she is!" We have played this game a million times...and I feel like we'll be playing it for at least the next 6 years!
5. The bundle is an active sleeper! Oh my, she gets a workout in that crib. Good thing we bought the sturdiest one we could find....we must have known she would be a gymnast. Let's just say that we seldom find her in the morning or after a nap in the same place we left her. Most often she ends up in a corner somewhere with her noggin up against the rails...I cannot figure out how that is a comfortable way to sleep.
Thank you bundle for being so hilarious. You are one awesome and amazing lady!
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Eat Your Green Beans!
This is it, I thought, it's time for the bundle to try her first real food...no more of that baby cereal...the real stuff...we're talking vegetables people!
I was convinced, that as a healthy, vegetable-loving dietitian, my daughter would love vegetables. That the sight and smell of the yummy organic green beans that I had so lovingly steamed and pureed for her would make her squeal in delight. Cue the laughter from parents everywhere please.
Yes, I was mistaken. My love for green beans has not (yet) made it's way into my daughter's list of favorite foods. Nope...she scrunched her face up hard when I put that first little dabble on her lips. The spoonful of green beans was even worse...upon entering her mouth she promptly stuck out her tongue and gagged. I didn't know a 6 month old was capable of the distaste she seemed to be experiencing. Hilarious.
So, we'll keep trying those green beans...they say it takes 8-10 days...we'll see if the bundle has patience for that.
In the meantime, thank goodness for breast milk and baby cereal.
Bon Appetit Bundle!
I was convinced, that as a healthy, vegetable-loving dietitian, my daughter would love vegetables. That the sight and smell of the yummy organic green beans that I had so lovingly steamed and pureed for her would make her squeal in delight. Cue the laughter from parents everywhere please.
Yes, I was mistaken. My love for green beans has not (yet) made it's way into my daughter's list of favorite foods. Nope...she scrunched her face up hard when I put that first little dabble on her lips. The spoonful of green beans was even worse...upon entering her mouth she promptly stuck out her tongue and gagged. I didn't know a 6 month old was capable of the distaste she seemed to be experiencing. Hilarious.
So, we'll keep trying those green beans...they say it takes 8-10 days...we'll see if the bundle has patience for that.
In the meantime, thank goodness for breast milk and baby cereal.
Bon Appetit Bundle!
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