Here we go AGAIN!

We went for the weight check last week. Julia weighed 12.8 1/2.

WTF! OMG! What happened?! How is that possible?!

Her doctor wants me to pump and feed her 5-6 oz. in a bottle for all her feedings until the next weight check in a week. Of course, I'm devastated as usual. I hate weight check and Jai forgot and didn't get off work so I had to go alone. Usually I'm a confident, self-assured person, but the weight thing is my albatross. ANNOYING!

After some conversations with Jai, my mom, her friend, Lois (she breastfed her 3 kids), the LLL leader in my local group, and examining our daily feeding & diaper notes (I still keep them mainly because of my sleep-deprived memory loss), we determined the culprit. I have been pumping in the early a.m. because of leaking and also wanting to store milk for the future. However, I wasn't emptying the breasts so they were thinking they didn't need to make as much milk.

I created MORE of a problem!

The irony is that once I stepped back from the 6 month visit and thought about her weight, I realized it was fine. It's Julia, she gains weight in her way. I am grateful for the weight check appt. because we might not have know the impact of the pumping. However, I was getting really and literally tired of waking at 3-4-5am to pump 1-2 hours before Julia woke. I stopped and now I sleep 7-8 hours again and it's much better for everyone.

I decided that I wasn't going to pump her 6 feedings. That's not breastfeeding. I understand the doctor's reasoning. She wants to be able to measure what Julia is drinking and see if she gains weight in a week. You cannot do that with breastfeeding. However, I didn't want to go in that direction, even for a short amount of time. We know Julia will gain weight if we give her milk in a bottle - been there, done that. She's a champ with a bottle, too!

We bought a baby scale. You can rent one for $29/week at A Mother's Place. We got one at Target for $60. We go for well child visits every 3 months from 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 months, on and on. I will go crazier if I have to guess what she weighs in those 3 months. Also instead of measuring what's in a bottle, I can weigh Julia before and after her feedings and see how much she eats. She eats more in the morning (8 ounces) [which is what she wasn't getting for 2 weeks] and less in the evening (3-4 ounces).

AMAZING! I wish I had bought a baby scale 4 months ago. I suspect it would have saved me a ton of heartache and worry. It is worth EVERY dollar - might be best purchase yet. That and the diaper service. : )

Julia weighed 12.13 1/2 yesterday. I plan to weigh her once a week to make sure she continues to gain. We called her doctor to give them an update and cancel the weight check appt. They must love us - we are the rebel parents, doing it our way. However, Julia is healthy. That is what is important.

Susie's coming home!

She'll be here in a week! YEAH!!!!!!!!

I cannot wait to see her and for her to see how much Julia has grown. Julia was so TINY when Susie last saw her in person.

Susie reads the blog and looks at the pictures on flickr and hears her "talk" when she calls us. However, it's not the same as seeing Julia's growth and development in person.

Be prepared for tears, sister! I know you will be crying! : )

Drive-in

We went to the drive-in last night in Franklin, KY.

This has become an annual summer tradition with our couple friends, Kevin & Anne Marie. We carpool since it is $12 a carload, more the merrier and save on gas, too.

K & AM met at our wedding; they were both attendants in our wedding party. Kevin went to high school with Jai; Anne Marie and I met about 8 years ago through a mutual friend. They got married the summer after us; Jai and I were attendants in their wedding party. I was Anne Marie's Matron of Honor. : )

The last time we went to the drive-in was June 2008; Anne Marie was about 8 months pregnant. I was about 3 months pregnant and we told them our happy news!

This year we had 2 additions in Sam (11 months) and Julia (6 months). Carpooling was a new challenge since we have car seats to consider. Also neither of us has a vehicle that holds more than 5 - no mini-van yet. Jai knows I love mini-vans, wanted one even before we considered having children. He doesn't understand; I try to explain my time at Oasis Center and driving young people to service learning projects in vans. I guess it's a practical thing.

$12 is a good deal for the 3 of us, especially since we don't have to get a babysitter. It costs $7/person for a matinée (show before 3pm - RIP OFF!) at Regal Cinema now.
Bonus - you can bring your own snacks.

However, we like to talk, catch up with our friends, while driving to Franklin, so we brainstormed some solutions. None of us could think of someone with a van to borrow. Renting one seems to defeat the purpose of saving money.

Final solution: Kevin borrowed his dad's Cadillac which has a front seat that fits 3 people, adults only, though comfort seemed an issue. The children in their car seats were in the back. Somehow Tara got selected as the person to be in the middle of those car seats.

It was an adventure. We enjoyed our time in the great outdoors under the stars as we watched "Night at the Museum 2." We ate our snacks. The babies fell asleep in their dads' arms.

One of our favorite lines was a comment to the 'Oscar the Grouch' character: "you're not so much evil ... more grouchy." : )

A few weeks ago we saw was "The Hangover." That was HILARIOUS! Bonnie & Buddy watched Julia. THANK YOU!

However, before that, the last movie we saw was "Benjamin Button"... in February. OMG! That is a LONG time for us, especially Tara.

I suspect that the drive-in will be a frequent destination for our family. Next time I'm getting a funnel cake. I could wait for the State Fair, but that's September. Why wait! : )

Father's Day 2009

This is a really old post - over 2 years ago!

I found the title in Drafts file. I wonder what I was going to write about Jai's first Father's Day. We went to Chicago to introduce Julia to Jai's relatives when she was 6 months old. It was a tension filled weekend, in particular between me Jai's aunt.

That's nothing new, we usually have many moments of tension. I don't like to be pushed around; I'm vocal in my opinions, especially quite protective as a new mother I remember. Jai's aunt is the same actually; she's opinionated also so that leads to some conflict; poor Jai is usually in the middle.

I remember that we decided we wouldn't travel again during Father's Day if we can manage it. We've been successful once so far - this year! We never travel during Mother's Day - mainly because it's in May. I'm usually still working; I'm off in June so we tend to travel. Plus my mother lives here so we usually celebrate together.

Regardless we'll try to honor Jai's request to spend Father's Day as a family in Nashville.

BFWD

Breastfeeding While Drunk

Jai emailed me an article about a woman arrested in North Dakota. The police were called to her home for a domestic disturbance. She was observed breastfeeding her 6 week old child and appeared drunk. Who knows what really was happening, but I wonder if the police administered a breathalyser.

When we were experiencing the weight crisis, we heard more often than not the suggestion to drink some beer or wine. I haven't had a drink in more than 2 years, before/around the time we started trying to conceive. I'm not a big drinker anyway - started back when I lived in Thailand and alcohol was very expensive - so it is not a big deal.

When you're caring for a baby and you're tired, tense, confused and overwhelmed, a drink is relaxing, can be a little something to take the edge off. Maybe this mother had one drink and it led to another. I'm not excusing her suspected behavior.

However, she was breastfeeding her baby. That is a good thing.

Exersaucer - BEST invention ever!

I'll write it again - BEST invention ever!

Finally Julia is big enough, long enough, and coordinated enough to be in this contraption. Before June it got used by Sam when he visited our house. Now Julia is able to use this great toy of hers.

She LOVES it! I love it because she enjoys being in it for 10-15 minutes at a time. I don't know if that is wrong to put her in it for that long, but she really likes it. It has tons of different manipulative kind of things, some that make sounds, lots she can get her mouth on. I think that's the real attraction for her! Developmentally we can see how her hand/eye coordination, fine & gross motor skills are being developed. You should see her spin in the seat! : )

The Exersaucer, Pack-N-Play and high chair might be the best recycled gifts we received.
Thank you, Nicole. I hope Jackson got as much good use out of the exersaucer!
Thank you, Tonya, for the Pack-N-Play. We use it EVERY day!
Thank you, Michelle, Seth & Fisher, for F's high chair. Julia is finally able to sit at our level. Soon she'll be eating solids, too.

Quick Hands, Fast Feet

That is the new phrase to describe Miss Julia. She is so quick! She grabs for everything and moves like lightning, like a flash before you realize it. Thank goodness the gates are on the staircase.

Julia is REALLY strong and pulls herself UP quite well. We noticed she was doing it more & more on the sides of the Pack-N-Play and her crib; then she was on her knees with her head above the side. When Jai got home from work, he lowered the mattress in both beds. We were afraid she'd leap out!

Next is child proofing the house because Julia is crawling a bit, well, really she's crawling quite well. One of Jai's dad books suggests we get down on the ground and crawl on our hands and knees to imagine what would be accessible and interesting to her eyes. I am sure there is SO MUCH! The girl is curious anyway!

Fraternity Initiation

Walking around with Julia this past weekend I felt like I had been initiated into a fraternity, and I guess on one level I have. Everywhere I went other men, presumably fathers, would wish me a Happy Father's Day and I got this sense that they were also saying "Now, you are one of us."

I thought it was cool. I am now in that fraternity of fathers, older than the Freemasons, older than Omega Psi Phi, older than Skull & Bones and more inclusive than any of them.

I skipped membership in fraternities throughout college and post college but I am now a very proud member of Delta Alpha Delta (Δ Α Δ) or Dad.

Technorati Tags: fathersday, fatherhood, fraternity

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CHICAGO - first trip!

We flew to Chicago for Father's Day weekend to visit Jai's relatives. They had not met Julia yet.

It was Julia's first trip out of Nashville and first plane ride. She did AWESOME!

Despite an incredibly long delay leaving Nashville because of some bad weather in Chicago, Julia was a model traveler. She did much better than me! We'd heard that take-off and landings might be a problem and that breastfeeding can help. Julia wasn't interested -she'd already eaten. : )

However, she was enthralled by the plane's movements and stared out the window at the bright lights of Nashville as we left the city. Utterly captivated!

Adorable and amazing this child of ours is.

Next trip is a road trip to NC to see my family ... shall be a much LONGER adventure. Hope we make it there & back! : )

Our Wedding Anniversary

We had a wonderful time at dinner at a local Asian restaurant in our neighborhood, Watanabe in Riverside Village. It was great to be alone, first meal without Julia. We actually talked about a few topics other than Julia! : )

We got to eat at a leisurely pace (anything is slower than the "shovel it in fast" method!) from appetizers, soup & salad, rolls and dessert. We got the combo tempura, miso soup and seaweed salad, and unique & attractive Firefly & Spider sushi rolls. Dessert was a beautiful fried ice cream concoction that we got to go because we knew our time was limited (that was something to eat there).

It was all yummy!

Thanks, Rose Mary, for watching Julia for us. We know it was a mutually beneficial arrangement, but it is greatly appreciated!

It was nice to celebrate 4 years of marriage and 6 months of parenthood - lots of happiness!

Pool Time

There are so many great things about summer - warm weather, NPL summer reading program (SRP), and of course the pool.

When people asked me what I planned to do this summer ... my answer was take care of Julia. Technically it's summer vacation, I don't go to work; however, life with a baby isn't that different from maternity leave.

I'm not able to go to the Y and take my daily class or lay by the pool and read my fluff books for the SRP. I do these things occasionally now, but this is what I did almost every day during my previous summer breaks. Since I have a small baby I have to be extra careful about how much time we're outside, especially when it's HOT, and sun exposure. I slather Julia with TONS of sun screen/block ... as long as you get the right stuff, chemical free, yada, yada, yada.

Usually I take Julia to the pool for 30-45 minutes at a time. It takes us more time to get ready and walk there! : ) Julia has an adorable swimming suit, 2 piece that is an adventure to put on; she models it well. She likes to splash the water with her hands like she's in the bath! Julia absolutely LOVES the water, first she puts her face in it, tries to drink it, then she'll fling her head & arms back so she can "float." HILARIOUS!

Next year will be even more fun as she'll be walking. I wonder when she'll be asking to go down the slide! : )

Happy Monthiversary To Me

I am this happy because I am 6 months old and cute. Actually, the only time I'm not this happy is when my gums hurt...my first tooth is almost here!
My Dad said its OK for me to say I'm cute but in a few years people will think I'm arrogant. Mom says I can say I'm cute as long as I have smarts to back it up.

Side Note: last Friday we went to the doctor for my 6 month well child visit; I got two more shots. : ( I weigh 12.13 pounds, grew another 1 inch and cm in my length and head circumference. My weight is always a concern to my mom; it is not double my birth weight which she hears is important. However, as always, I'm doing fine as everyone else tells her, meeting all kinds of developmental milestones like sitting up more, rolling over, pulling up, grabbing & holding onto things. Of course, I impress the doctor with my mad skills and I'm adorable and alert. I haven't been sick once, thanks to that awesome breast milk I get, and I'm growing fine. They tell me we have a weight check in 3 weeks - not necessary, but I follow the adults.

She looks just like you

People always play the "who does Julia look like" game.

When we go out with her people say "she looks just like you" whether they know the spouse or not.

Recently Grandma Bonnie said Julia looks like my maternal grandmother. I had never even thought to look at my grandmothers (paternal grandmother - top, maternal grandmother - bottom)... what do you think?

Back Home

I didn't write ANYTHING after that first day back to work. Once the euphoria of freedom evaporated into a cloud of exhaustion, I don't have time to write blog posts. I wake early to get everything ready for work, feed Julia and myself, then I'm out the door, usually early which has been refreshing for my co-workers. As soon as the work day is complete, meaning the school bell has rung and kids dismissed for the buses, my stuff is packed and I head home.

Once home I'm excited to see Jai and Julia, but the work continues. I clean pumping gear, take a shower, feed Julia, eat dinner, visit with Jai, feed Julia again, and get ready for bed (all from 5-9pm). Once Julia started sleeping consistently throughout the night (about first week in May) I get more constant, longer stretches of sleep and I feel much better and stronger. Still exhausted, but people tell us that will be the case for a few years.

I am glad to be home, I was ready for the school year to end. 4 weeks was a good amount of time to "test the waters," see how pumping went, see how Julia & Jai did, give Tara a break from 10 hours/day in baby world.

After being home ONE day and Julia didn't nap well AT ALL, I greeted Jai at the door with my car keys and purse and said "see you later." I left Julia in the bouncy seat in the hall. I went to the grocery store, we needed food, but I needed a BREAK! Already! : )

Luckily like most adjustments, I know I'll get there. I'm glad to not be pumping 3 times a day - that's stressful. It actually made me appreciate the art & beauty & simplicity of breastfeeding. Pumping is necessary when we're apart, but otherwise I don't want to do it. The next 8 weeks will fly by and I know Julia & I will have a great time together. We usually do.

I suspect I'll be ready to go back to work, too! : )

The family that Yogas together

Pigeon

Julia's newest is not surprisingly "Child" but I haven't caught her in the act yet, mainly b/c she is asleep when she is in this pose. She also likes "Happy Baby", especially when we change her diaper...I won't be posting those photos.

Downward Facing Dog

Johnders is also fond of "upward facing dog"