As I mentioned, getting my kiddos ready and Christian to school all four days last week was a success. I had high hopes that it might be that way each day, but realistically knew I'd have some struggles at some point.
And that was today.
Scarlett wasn't sleeping this time as I rushed to get Christian ready. In fast, she was just plain fussy. Christian somehow completely tuned out everything I said and it was impossible to get his attention as I was feeding Scarlett (which means I'm glued to my seat until she's done).
It went something like this, "Christian, have a bite of your waffle. Christian? Christian? Hello? Christian, listen to Mommy ... have a bite of your waffle. Christian!"
Repeat the same dialogue with the egg, and with his glass of milk.
Repeat the same dialogue for getting dressed:
It went something like this, "Christian, please put your underwear on. Christian? Christian? Hello? Christian, listen to Mommy ... put your underwear on. Christian!"
Repeat for socks, pants, shirt, shoes, jacket, etc.
Finally got him to school at 8:15am - a half hour late.
I'll get this figured out. Some day.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
Scarlett at Three Weeks
Your Baby at Three Weeks
Belly baby
Be sure you're continuing to put your baby down on her stomach for "tummy time" when she's awake. Babies should sleep on their back, but they also need to spend time on their belly every day to strengthen their neck muscles, which help them push up, roll over, sit up, and crawl. Tummy time will also help your baby avoid developing a flat spot on her headfrom being on her back.
By the end of this week, your baby may lift her head briefly and possibly move it from side to side when she's lying on her stomach. Try putting your face in front of your baby's to encourage her to hold up her head to look at you. You can also roll up a towel or receiving blanket and put it under her chest to help get her started with her push-ups. Soon, her nervous system and muscle control will mature and her jerky movements will become more fluid.
By the end of this week, your baby may lift her head briefly and possibly move it from side to side when she's lying on her stomach. Try putting your face in front of your baby's to encourage her to hold up her head to look at you. You can also roll up a towel or receiving blanket and put it under her chest to help get her started with her push-ups. Soon, her nervous system and muscle control will mature and her jerky movements will become more fluid.
Self-soothing
Babies love and need to suck, so don't discourage it. In fact, you may have discovered that a pacifier works wonders in helping your baby calm down.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using pacifiers at nap time and bedtime, based on evidence that using a pacifier may reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). When the binky or your finger isn't around, your baby may even be able to find her thumb or fingers to soothe herself.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using pacifiers at nap time and bedtime, based on evidence that using a pacifier may reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). When the binky or your finger isn't around, your baby may even be able to find her thumb or fingers to soothe herself.
Our First Week ... Alone
After nearly a month off, Jonathan returned to work on Tuesday. And that meant I was on my own with Christian and Scarlett for the first time. The thought was daunting, as I needed to get Christian off to school.
My huge advantage is this: since Christian is only in preschool, there isn't a rigid drop-off time as there might be in elementary school. We typically have him at school by 7:45am so I can get back home for work by 8:00am. But since I'm on maternity leave right now, I'm not on a schedule for myself.
But I am happy to report that Scarlett ate and was asleep again by the time Christian woke up ... and she stayed asleep until after we got back from dropping him off.
I timed her feeding so that she was done and asleep again when we picked him up at 12:30pm.
And it worked out nicely for each of the four days I took Christian to school this week. I think it comes down to two things: a little preparedness ahead of time, and expecting the absolute worst (and not getting it).
I know that not every morning will be as easy as the mornings this week. But it sure was a nice way to start off our new routine. :)
My huge advantage is this: since Christian is only in preschool, there isn't a rigid drop-off time as there might be in elementary school. We typically have him at school by 7:45am so I can get back home for work by 8:00am. But since I'm on maternity leave right now, I'm not on a schedule for myself.
But I am happy to report that Scarlett ate and was asleep again by the time Christian woke up ... and she stayed asleep until after we got back from dropping him off.
I timed her feeding so that she was done and asleep again when we picked him up at 12:30pm.
And it worked out nicely for each of the four days I took Christian to school this week. I think it comes down to two things: a little preparedness ahead of time, and expecting the absolute worst (and not getting it).
I know that not every morning will be as easy as the mornings this week. But it sure was a nice way to start off our new routine. :)
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Is she a "good baby"?
One question I get asked a lot is, "Is she a good baby?"
This sort of question has always perplexed me. If she's not a "good baby," does that make her a "bad baby"? Is there any such thing as a "bad baby"? Is the word "good" really the best way to describe a baby?
Just wondering ...?
So what kind of a baby is Scarlett? Well, she's an adorable baby, of course! :)
But what about her temperment ... her personality?
I haven't quite figured out her temperment yet - she sleeps most of the time.
She is definitely a snuggler. She likes to lay on our chests and it seems that for Scarlett, the more skin she can lay on, the better. I'll hold her so that she's on the front of my shoulder and very quickly, she makes her way to the middle of my chest. I have read that babies are fond of that position because the noises they hear right there - heartbeat, breathing, talking, etc. - are the same noises they heard from within the womb.
In fact, for much of the night, Scarlett is sleeping on Jonathan's chest. I have suggested to him that letting her do that ever night sets her up to reject her basinett. But he likes her there, and who am I to deny a father some snuggle time with his princess?
Scarlett is waking up about every three hours or so overnight to eat. In an effort to give each of us a bit more sleep, Jonathan feeds her pumped milk for the first feeding, and then I nurse her the other times she's wakes up after that. It was a routine that Christian's pediatrician suggested four years ago and it worked out nicely then ... and is working out nicely this time, too.
I would have to say that overall - even though she's still sleeping a lot - she's a pretty mellow baby. She certainly has no sensitivity to sounds, which is a huge blessing. Christian tends to be very loud (I never realized just HOW loud until I had a quiet baby in my arms), and he's got some loud toys (a sarcastic thank you to the manufacturer of his Buzz Lightyear toy who neglected to includ an on/off switch and volume control). Depsite all the noises going on around her, Miss Scarlett stays sounds asleep. Had she not passed her hearing screening with flying colors, I'd be concerned. But, there's nothing wrong with her hearing ... she just has the awesome ability to filter the noise out.
We spend a lot of time comparing Scarlett to Christian when he was a baby. "Did Christian do this ...." "Did Chrsitian do that ...?" "When Christian was a baby, didn't we ________."
Christian was an awesome, mellow, and happy baby. I remember a friend of ours in Santa Fe who was a former pediatrician told us to stop having kids, because we'd never luck out and get a mellow, happy baby the second time around. But I think it is quite possible that we've been blessed with just that.
Only time will tell. She is, after all, just three weeks old (tomorrow!).
This sort of question has always perplexed me. If she's not a "good baby," does that make her a "bad baby"? Is there any such thing as a "bad baby"? Is the word "good" really the best way to describe a baby?
Just wondering ...?
So what kind of a baby is Scarlett? Well, she's an adorable baby, of course! :)
But what about her temperment ... her personality?
I haven't quite figured out her temperment yet - she sleeps most of the time.
She is definitely a snuggler. She likes to lay on our chests and it seems that for Scarlett, the more skin she can lay on, the better. I'll hold her so that she's on the front of my shoulder and very quickly, she makes her way to the middle of my chest. I have read that babies are fond of that position because the noises they hear right there - heartbeat, breathing, talking, etc. - are the same noises they heard from within the womb.
In fact, for much of the night, Scarlett is sleeping on Jonathan's chest. I have suggested to him that letting her do that ever night sets her up to reject her basinett. But he likes her there, and who am I to deny a father some snuggle time with his princess?
Scarlett is waking up about every three hours or so overnight to eat. In an effort to give each of us a bit more sleep, Jonathan feeds her pumped milk for the first feeding, and then I nurse her the other times she's wakes up after that. It was a routine that Christian's pediatrician suggested four years ago and it worked out nicely then ... and is working out nicely this time, too.
I would have to say that overall - even though she's still sleeping a lot - she's a pretty mellow baby. She certainly has no sensitivity to sounds, which is a huge blessing. Christian tends to be very loud (I never realized just HOW loud until I had a quiet baby in my arms), and he's got some loud toys (a sarcastic thank you to the manufacturer of his Buzz Lightyear toy who neglected to includ an on/off switch and volume control). Depsite all the noises going on around her, Miss Scarlett stays sounds asleep. Had she not passed her hearing screening with flying colors, I'd be concerned. But, there's nothing wrong with her hearing ... she just has the awesome ability to filter the noise out.
We spend a lot of time comparing Scarlett to Christian when he was a baby. "Did Christian do this ...." "Did Chrsitian do that ...?" "When Christian was a baby, didn't we ________."
Christian was an awesome, mellow, and happy baby. I remember a friend of ours in Santa Fe who was a former pediatrician told us to stop having kids, because we'd never luck out and get a mellow, happy baby the second time around. But I think it is quite possible that we've been blessed with just that.
Only time will tell. She is, after all, just three weeks old (tomorrow!).
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Christian - An Awesome Big Brother
I am so very happy to share that Christian is an awesome big brother! So far, we've seen no signs of jealousy or any difficulty in adjusting to our new family member.
In fact, Christian is full of kisses, hugs and adoration for Baby Scarlett. And he likes to show his baby sister to EVERYBODY - even perfect strangers. When we're at school with Scarlett in her carseat, Christian will stop everybody and say, "Look! It's Baby Scarlett!" And then he'll tell them, "She's SOOO cute ... she's SOOO precious!" And he gets all giddy when the person agrees with him.
When I arrive at his classroom to pick him up, he runs up to Scarlett ... and a few of his friends come along, too and he makes sure they ALL see her. His teacher tells me that he talks about her A LOT.
Christian likes to lend a hand where he can. When I change Scarlett, he runs to quickly get his stool so he can get a good view of what is going on. And he's always ready to give me a diaper or a wipe.
He asks to hold her a lot - many times, I must decline his request, because she's eating or sleeping ... but when he does get to hold her, he's over the moon. And he very quickly asks for her to be taken away when she starts to cry.
Christian is contantly kissing her and getting right in her face to look at her and adore her. He loves to hold her hands, and hug her and talk to her. If I've stepped away and Scarlett starts to fuss, Christian makes sure I know, "Mommy!!! Scarlett is crying!!!"
We weren't sure how he'd do with Scarlett, and I must say we are most impressed and delighted that he's taken to her so well.
WHEW!!!
In fact, Christian is full of kisses, hugs and adoration for Baby Scarlett. And he likes to show his baby sister to EVERYBODY - even perfect strangers. When we're at school with Scarlett in her carseat, Christian will stop everybody and say, "Look! It's Baby Scarlett!" And then he'll tell them, "She's SOOO cute ... she's SOOO precious!" And he gets all giddy when the person agrees with him.
When I arrive at his classroom to pick him up, he runs up to Scarlett ... and a few of his friends come along, too and he makes sure they ALL see her. His teacher tells me that he talks about her A LOT.
Christian likes to lend a hand where he can. When I change Scarlett, he runs to quickly get his stool so he can get a good view of what is going on. And he's always ready to give me a diaper or a wipe.
He asks to hold her a lot - many times, I must decline his request, because she's eating or sleeping ... but when he does get to hold her, he's over the moon. And he very quickly asks for her to be taken away when she starts to cry.
Christian is contantly kissing her and getting right in her face to look at her and adore her. He loves to hold her hands, and hug her and talk to her. If I've stepped away and Scarlett starts to fuss, Christian makes sure I know, "Mommy!!! Scarlett is crying!!!"
We weren't sure how he'd do with Scarlett, and I must say we are most impressed and delighted that he's taken to her so well.
WHEW!!!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
The Sweet Life of a Newborn
Ah, the sweet life of a newborn: sleep, wake up ... and fall asleep again ... and snuggle sweetly with anybody who holds you.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Christian Holds Scarlett for the First Time
Christian has asked several times to hold Scarlett, but as we put her in his lap, he immediately changes his mind.
Today he asked, and actually let us put Scarlett his his lap ... twice!
As you can see, he adores his baby sister!
Our Little Model
Newborn photography is all the rage these days ... cute little naked, bottom-in-the-air pictures ... handmade crocheted hats, etc. You've seen the pics, you know what I'm talking about.
So Auntie Liz and I have been planning this kind of photography session for Scarlett for months. And, it ended up being a comedy of errors:
- We moved our broken torchiere lamp into the bedroom for some extra photography lighting - it has been propped up in our living room corner for months until we can find a suitable replacement. But, of course, I managed to knock it over in our bedroom and the glass shade and the lightbulb shattered into a million pieces - on the carpet. Nice.
- I picked up Scarlett and got her naked and took off her diaper and as if on cue, she peed all over my shirt. I dealt with it and keep the wet shirt on to save time.
- We put her onto the pillow for her pics and "splooge" ... poop came pouring out.
Below is the one good pic we managed to get. We'll try again next weekend.
I may need to contact my friend on the east coast who is a professional photographer and has some amazing newborn pics on display. Surely there is a trick (or set of tricks) for getting awesome newborn shots that doesn't involve broken lamps, or pee and poop flying everywhere.
-
Friday, January 20, 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
The First Bath at Home
At last, Scarlett's umbilical cord stump fell off, and it was BATH TIME!
Jonathan reminded me how miserable Christian's first bath was, because I was overly-cautious with the water temperature, and the water was just too cool for the baby (you know how first time parents are).
Scarlett's first bath was considerably warmer, and after she got over the initial shock of the water, she was pretty good with the bath idea.
I asked Jonathan if he wanted to be the bather, or the photographer, and he chose to be the photographer. He's such a good daddy ... involved at every level!
Christian was curious, but wasn't too keen on actually lending a hand, and that is okay. We're letting him take things at his own pace.
Friday, January 13, 2012
The First Adventure Outside
Phoenix is so awesome this time of year - love this weather. So today, we took Baby Scarlett out for her first walk!
Friday, January 6, 2012
Monday, January 2, 2012
"Your Pregnancy - 39 Weeks"
It is now just a matter of days. Four, to be exact. Friday is the big day. EEEEK!
I'm still feeling pretty good, considering. Still not having the discomforts I had with Christian at this stage, so I'm guessing she's quite a bit smaller than he was (Christian weighted 8 lbs, 4 oz.). Since the ultrasound tech couldn't (or wouldn't) tell us last week how bit the baby is, we'll just have to wait and see.
I have my final Dr. exam on Monday, we'll see what he says. Hopefully all is well, and Lil' Biscotti will still arrive on Friday, as expected.
On Friday, I'll be 39 weeks along ... and so here is the info for 39 weeks:
Your baby's waiting to greet the world! He continues to build a layer of fat to help control her body temperature after birth, but it's likely she already measures about 20 inches and weighs a bit over 7 pounds, a mini watermelon. (Boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls.) The outer layers of his skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath.
I'm still feeling pretty good, considering. Still not having the discomforts I had with Christian at this stage, so I'm guessing she's quite a bit smaller than he was (Christian weighted 8 lbs, 4 oz.). Since the ultrasound tech couldn't (or wouldn't) tell us last week how bit the baby is, we'll just have to wait and see.
I have my final Dr. exam on Monday, we'll see what he says. Hopefully all is well, and Lil' Biscotti will still arrive on Friday, as expected.
On Friday, I'll be 39 weeks along ... and so here is the info for 39 weeks:
Your baby's waiting to greet the world! He continues to build a layer of fat to help control her body temperature after birth, but it's likely she already measures about 20 inches and weighs a bit over 7 pounds, a mini watermelon. (Boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls.) The outer layers of his skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
New Year's Eve
Lil' Biscotti has 24 hours to get here and counted as a tax deduction for 2011! It is kind of a running joke that even my doctor has mentioned.
I'm just praying she stays put until 1/6 ... or at least through this morning - after my long-awaited hair appointment!
Hey, a girl's gottta have her beauty standards. :)
But seriously, it is in everybody's best interest if she waits to arrive until 1/6.
I'm just praying she stays put until 1/6 ... or at least through this morning - after my long-awaited hair appointment!
Hey, a girl's gottta have her beauty standards. :)
But seriously, it is in everybody's best interest if she waits to arrive until 1/6.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Countdown: One Week
Next Friday is the BIG DAY! I just can't believe it ... this time next week, we'll be a family of four (okay, five if you include Bella ... and we must never forget Bella!).
Jonathan has been hard at work getting our "chair rail" project completed. He finished painting the walls a lovely shade of "blue-ish" and has much of the chair railing installed (with the rest to be installed this weekend) - and it looks GREAT! (Thanks, Honey!!!)
I've been cleaning and getting the house ready for Jonathan's parents' arrival. The hard part is keeping things clean once they are clean (or should I say, "the impossible part").
I have been off work all week, which has been good for my mind and body. I'll be working next week on Tuesday and Wednesday - and that is it. Hopefully my schedule isn't filled to the brim, as I'm really not in the mood to work - but the later I can start my paid "sick leave" (aka, materntiy leave), the better. So Thursday will be a "vacation day" and then Friday starts my "Family Medical Leave," courtesy of a law from our federal government.
I am trying to cherish these last few days of relative calm - the days where Christian sleeps all night, and therefore WE all sleep all night. The days where Christian naps all afternoon - or at a minimum, "rests" in his room while Jonathan and I tend to things. As I've mentioned before, I think his naptimes are coming to an end - and will probalby really come to an end once the excitment (and noise) of Lil' Biscotti arrives in our home.
Jonathan has been hard at work getting our "chair rail" project completed. He finished painting the walls a lovely shade of "blue-ish" and has much of the chair railing installed (with the rest to be installed this weekend) - and it looks GREAT! (Thanks, Honey!!!)
I've been cleaning and getting the house ready for Jonathan's parents' arrival. The hard part is keeping things clean once they are clean (or should I say, "the impossible part").
I have been off work all week, which has been good for my mind and body. I'll be working next week on Tuesday and Wednesday - and that is it. Hopefully my schedule isn't filled to the brim, as I'm really not in the mood to work - but the later I can start my paid "sick leave" (aka, materntiy leave), the better. So Thursday will be a "vacation day" and then Friday starts my "Family Medical Leave," courtesy of a law from our federal government.
I am trying to cherish these last few days of relative calm - the days where Christian sleeps all night, and therefore WE all sleep all night. The days where Christian naps all afternoon - or at a minimum, "rests" in his room while Jonathan and I tend to things. As I've mentioned before, I think his naptimes are coming to an end - and will probalby really come to an end once the excitment (and noise) of Lil' Biscotti arrives in our home.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Today's Dr. Appointment
For today's Dr. appoinment, they performed a "non-stress test" which is where I get to relax in a comfy recliner and they put a monitor around my belly to check the baby's heart rate and movement. Lil' Biscotti's heart rate was a bit high, so we had additonal testing - and at last, an ultrasound!
Unfortuantely, the tech wasn't really into understanding our excitement in seeing Lil' Biscotti for the first time since week 20. I couldn't really see the screen from my position, and for the two times she actually moved the screen my way, she very quickly moved it back to its original position.
And when I asked for a print out, she told me that machine didn't print the images. WHAT?
Jonathan had a better view than I did and got to see part of Lil' Biscotti's face - though she had a hand in front blocking much of her face. Based on what Jonathan saw, he's quite certain she looks like me. We'll see.
The best news to come out of the ultrasound: Lil' Biscotti is just fine and dandy and the amniotic fluid is at a good level and ... she's definitley a girl! :)
My final appointment will be next Wednesday ... and then two days later ... Lil' Biscotti arrives!
Unfortuantely, the tech wasn't really into understanding our excitement in seeing Lil' Biscotti for the first time since week 20. I couldn't really see the screen from my position, and for the two times she actually moved the screen my way, she very quickly moved it back to its original position.
And when I asked for a print out, she told me that machine didn't print the images. WHAT?
Jonathan had a better view than I did and got to see part of Lil' Biscotti's face - though she had a hand in front blocking much of her face. Based on what Jonathan saw, he's quite certain she looks like me. We'll see.
The best news to come out of the ultrasound: Lil' Biscotti is just fine and dandy and the amniotic fluid is at a good level and ... she's definitley a girl! :)
My final appointment will be next Wednesday ... and then two days later ... Lil' Biscotti arrives!
Monday, December 26, 2011
"Your Pregnancy at 38 Weeks"
The time is drawing near!
I am very happy to report Lil' Biscotti did not arrive on Christmas - whew! Jonathan's parents arrive on 1/5, and she's not allowed to come into this world until her Granny and Grandpa are here.
I'm feeling remarkably well, considering. Lil' Biscotti is pretty heavy, and sometimes I really feel it. It is a treat when I get into a good, comfortable sleeping position ... and then disappointing when I can't acdtually sleep because my mind is racing.
We've been telling Christian that the baby is coming, and so he's added, "Tell me about (insert baby's name here)" to his repertoire of questions. So we tell him that she's going to be his little sister, and he's going to be her big brother. And that she'll be really tiny, and he can hold her if he wants to and he can also help Mommy with his little sister, if he wants to.
I still don't think he really understands there is a baby coming who will be staying with us permanently.
And now for this week's baby update ...
Your baby has really plumped up. She weighs about 6.8 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.
Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If she's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after she's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)
I am very happy to report Lil' Biscotti did not arrive on Christmas - whew! Jonathan's parents arrive on 1/5, and she's not allowed to come into this world until her Granny and Grandpa are here.
I'm feeling remarkably well, considering. Lil' Biscotti is pretty heavy, and sometimes I really feel it. It is a treat when I get into a good, comfortable sleeping position ... and then disappointing when I can't acdtually sleep because my mind is racing.
We've been telling Christian that the baby is coming, and so he's added, "Tell me about (insert baby's name here)" to his repertoire of questions. So we tell him that she's going to be his little sister, and he's going to be her big brother. And that she'll be really tiny, and he can hold her if he wants to and he can also help Mommy with his little sister, if he wants to.
I still don't think he really understands there is a baby coming who will be staying with us permanently.
And now for this week's baby update ...
Your baby has really plumped up. She weighs about 6.8 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.
Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If she's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after she's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
