4 weeks ago
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
6 months of Jacqueline
HAPPY MONTHIVERSARY!
I cannot believe it has already been 6 months!
You are a cutie pie, with your constant smiles, real laughter & that busy tongue!
What an easy temperament too & you let many people hold you. Thanks! : )
You weighed 14.4 pounds, 26 inches long & 41 cm head circumference.
Lots of growth since 4 month clinic visit, definitely since you arrived!
A couple more pounds & you'll have tripled your weight! That's amazing since you started so small!
Jai - insert photo here. please : )
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Julia goes to the Dentist Part 2
I forgot to write about this event.
Julia went to dentist in early April for first cleaning.
Sometime soon after that & before I went to my June dentist appointment, Julia fell while at Grandma Bonnie's & 1 of her front "eye" teeth came out, "roots & all" Jai told me. The tooth next to it was loose, getting looser every day.
In mid-June when I go to dentist, Julia comes with me for more dentist exposure & we ask them to look at it. It's OK. As the days/weeks go by, the tooth getting looser, Julia is more irritable (in pain naturally). So we call our favorite pediatric dentist referral (he helped us during the tooth pushed up in gum incident 2 years ago) & he has an opening at 4pm TODAY! We go!
Very calmly after examining the tooth situation & consulting with us about taking it out to which we both immediately say YES, Dr. Adams with gauze in hand while talking with Julia, removes the tooth. Minimal blood & pain almost unmentionable, we now have a 3 year old with 2 missing front teeth.
When asked about the Tooth Fairy, we reply "uh, no, not at this time." We're not trying to encourage "accidents" to happen for monetary gain. In due time we realize, but most kids lose their teeth around 6-7 years old, maybe 5, but definitely not 3. Oh, Julia, always ahead of the curve, well some curves! : )
Julia went to dentist in early April for first cleaning.
Sometime soon after that & before I went to my June dentist appointment, Julia fell while at Grandma Bonnie's & 1 of her front "eye" teeth came out, "roots & all" Jai told me. The tooth next to it was loose, getting looser every day.
In mid-June when I go to dentist, Julia comes with me for more dentist exposure & we ask them to look at it. It's OK. As the days/weeks go by, the tooth getting looser, Julia is more irritable (in pain naturally). So we call our favorite pediatric dentist referral (he helped us during the tooth pushed up in gum incident 2 years ago) & he has an opening at 4pm TODAY! We go!
Very calmly after examining the tooth situation & consulting with us about taking it out to which we both immediately say YES, Dr. Adams with gauze in hand while talking with Julia, removes the tooth. Minimal blood & pain almost unmentionable, we now have a 3 year old with 2 missing front teeth.
When asked about the Tooth Fairy, we reply "uh, no, not at this time." We're not trying to encourage "accidents" to happen for monetary gain. In due time we realize, but most kids lose their teeth around 6-7 years old, maybe 5, but definitely not 3. Oh, Julia, always ahead of the curve, well some curves! : )
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Serenus
What Julia calls Serena & Venus Williams! Hilarious!
June is tennis month in our house.
The French Open ends at the beginning of the month & Wimbledon starts at the end of the month so I watch a LOT of tennis; so do Julia & Jai by default. Jai loves soccer so he watched some of Euro 2012, but I cannot wait for Julia to take some tennis lessons. She'll also probably play on a soccer team first as that is conveniently located at our very close Y. Plus swimming lessons started yesterday. Julia is a very physical child with TONS of energy so we are trying to channel it appropriately.
Back to Serenus ...
Also I have a continuous slideshow of pictures on my computer, including Wimbledon 2008 that I attended with my Wellesley friend, Pauline, when I was pregnant with Julia. She LOVES looking at them, especially the many ones of S & V. We saw the Williams sisters play in 2 doubles matches, once on Centre Court (so lucky, so cool!). However, the photos (taken by P, they are so good) are from seeing them play on a side court, an unexpected court change, so we had front row seats! So awesome!
Anyway, what a clever way to combine their names. So adorable! : )
June is tennis month in our house.
The French Open ends at the beginning of the month & Wimbledon starts at the end of the month so I watch a LOT of tennis; so do Julia & Jai by default. Jai loves soccer so he watched some of Euro 2012, but I cannot wait for Julia to take some tennis lessons. She'll also probably play on a soccer team first as that is conveniently located at our very close Y. Plus swimming lessons started yesterday. Julia is a very physical child with TONS of energy so we are trying to channel it appropriately.
Back to Serenus ...
Also I have a continuous slideshow of pictures on my computer, including Wimbledon 2008 that I attended with my Wellesley friend, Pauline, when I was pregnant with Julia. She LOVES looking at them, especially the many ones of S & V. We saw the Williams sisters play in 2 doubles matches, once on Centre Court (so lucky, so cool!). However, the photos (taken by P, they are so good) are from seeing them play on a side court, an unexpected court change, so we had front row seats! So awesome!
Anyway, what a clever way to combine their names. So adorable! : )
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Summer Travel
I started to write about our 2012 trips in mid-August when I realized I hadn't.
Then I was looking through the draft file; I never finished writing the post!
Come on! Crazy ridiculous! Now I won't remember most of the fun crazy details.
Like Julia vomiting on the flight from Nashville to Baltimore as we descended.
Oh, yeah, that one is memorable, not likely to forget that one for a long time! : )
Especially as our destination was Boston & we had to make a connecting flight.
That was fun stripping down my 3 year old in the very narrow space, using the wipes & wet bag.
Thank goodness we always have extra clothes in their back packs!
Hoping passengers are not inhaling noxious smells of early morning ingestion of yogurt & OJ vomit!
I thought I was going to hurl as I begged Julia not to touch me - "Mother of Year" award for me! : )
Thankfully Jacqueline slept peacefully in Jai's arms.
Then we had to disembark with a nasty car seat & our carry-on bags & find a bathroom quickly.
We found an open family bathroom & washed Julia again & scrubbed the seat as best possible.
As we walked quickly to our next gate, we hear announcement to board OUR plane to Beantown.
Now we're running!
Actually everything went alright though Julia kept asking for food; Jai & I simultaneously said NO.
We arrived, got rental vehicle, drove to Wellesley, got checked into dorm, ready for reunion activities.
Luckily we had some time since we'd left Nashville so early & arrived in Boston in early afternoon.
We washed all of the vomit clothes & car seat cover & cleaned the seat again.
We had to drive that evening since we had dinner plans with my Wellesley pals.
We had some time to rest before the class mixer, luckily downstairs in the dorm.
20th class reunion at Wellesley was great, lots of fun catching up with my friends & their spouses.
Kids love playing with their "cousins" & of course showing Julia the campus was awesome!
Class of 2031, sadly not 2032 which would mean we'd have the same reunion year.
Jac is Class of 2034, not again not a 2 or 7 ending year so not same reunion year for either girls. : (
Monday through Friday we rented a beach house in east coast Newburyport community.
We picked up Susie at her friend's place outside Boston & Bonnie at the bus station in Arlington.
Then we drove the hour or so to Plum Island.
Not the best beach weather, bit of rain, chilly temps, but nice to be somewhere different, love MA.
It also was good family time too, lots of rest, walks on the beach, good eats, even found a local farm!
See photo of Julia in her eclectic layered look, smiling big near the llama Ferninand.
Friday we headed to western MA for weekend wedding of my younger cousin, Carrie & her fiance, Jay.
That was tons of fun too. We got to see lots of family, most of whom had not meet Jacqueline.
By the time we returned home, it had been almost 2 weeks & we were glad to be there.
I know we went somewhere in July, but I cannot remember.
Not as memorable as the vomit flight! : )
Disclaimer = this post was written in June 2013!
Then I was looking through the draft file; I never finished writing the post!
Come on! Crazy ridiculous! Now I won't remember most of the fun crazy details.
Like Julia vomiting on the flight from Nashville to Baltimore as we descended.
Oh, yeah, that one is memorable, not likely to forget that one for a long time! : )
Especially as our destination was Boston & we had to make a connecting flight.
That was fun stripping down my 3 year old in the very narrow space, using the wipes & wet bag.
Thank goodness we always have extra clothes in their back packs!
Hoping passengers are not inhaling noxious smells of early morning ingestion of yogurt & OJ vomit!
I thought I was going to hurl as I begged Julia not to touch me - "Mother of Year" award for me! : )
Thankfully Jacqueline slept peacefully in Jai's arms.
Then we had to disembark with a nasty car seat & our carry-on bags & find a bathroom quickly.
We found an open family bathroom & washed Julia again & scrubbed the seat as best possible.
As we walked quickly to our next gate, we hear announcement to board OUR plane to Beantown.
Now we're running!
Actually everything went alright though Julia kept asking for food; Jai & I simultaneously said NO.
We arrived, got rental vehicle, drove to Wellesley, got checked into dorm, ready for reunion activities.
Luckily we had some time since we'd left Nashville so early & arrived in Boston in early afternoon.
We washed all of the vomit clothes & car seat cover & cleaned the seat again.
We had to drive that evening since we had dinner plans with my Wellesley pals.
We had some time to rest before the class mixer, luckily downstairs in the dorm.
20th class reunion at Wellesley was great, lots of fun catching up with my friends & their spouses.
Kids love playing with their "cousins" & of course showing Julia the campus was awesome!
Class of 2031, sadly not 2032 which would mean we'd have the same reunion year.
Jac is Class of 2034, not again not a 2 or 7 ending year so not same reunion year for either girls. : (
Monday through Friday we rented a beach house in east coast Newburyport community.
We picked up Susie at her friend's place outside Boston & Bonnie at the bus station in Arlington.
Then we drove the hour or so to Plum Island.
Not the best beach weather, bit of rain, chilly temps, but nice to be somewhere different, love MA.
It also was good family time too, lots of rest, walks on the beach, good eats, even found a local farm!
See photo of Julia in her eclectic layered look, smiling big near the llama Ferninand.
Friday we headed to western MA for weekend wedding of my younger cousin, Carrie & her fiance, Jay.
That was tons of fun too. We got to see lots of family, most of whom had not meet Jacqueline.
By the time we returned home, it had been almost 2 weeks & we were glad to be there.
I know we went somewhere in July, but I cannot remember.
Not as memorable as the vomit flight! : )
Disclaimer = this post was written in June 2013!
Swim Lessons
It's started! We have become the "soccer mom/dad" stereotype & we only have a 3 year old. Actually after listening to some other parents for the past few months, we're actually kind of late compared to activities other children are doing. Soccer, T-ball, ballet, gymnastics, there are so many choices & that's not even including the obvious choice of TENNIS. I've already checked on those classes & she needs to be 4 or 5. : )
Really it is the magic number 3 for most of these activities & she didn't turn 3 until December. Then we had the baby in January so we knew it would be slightly delayed, closer to her being 4. Kind of like when she started the Parent Day Out program as we wanted to wait. Also similar is that it has been motivated by seeing a great need for Julia. She has a lot of energy, maybe not more than a typical 3 year old, but whew, we're tired looking at her run around the house.
This summer we've gone to the pool a few mornings each week & realized that she needed some lessons. Even though I've been taking her to the pool since she was 6 months old, she hadn't had any formal or really informal lessons. Jai & I each earned a free swim lesson during this Y Rewards program in 2010-11 & it ended last October so we still had these 2 vouchers to use. Technically they told us they had expired when we went to use them, but I argued since there wasn't an expiration date printed on the voucher. I go to the Y almost every day & you know it helps to know people & talk with them, use their names, be friendly, plus it's good PR for them. After her 2 free private lessons, we signed her up for 2 series of Group Lessons.
Seriously we have to keep this girl busy!
Soccer registration is in mid-July at the Y.
We're going to Dance East's Open House in July.
There's also a free trial lesson at gymnastics class in Madison/Rivergate area.
Most of these would be once a week for semester at least.
None of this is cheap, but it is so worth it as Julia learns new physical skills as well as the social interactions & the skills that go with those experiences. She really has blossomed quickly in her swimming skills, helped by her adventurous/no fear attitude. Another reason to teach her to swim - she really wants to jump into the deep end of the pool just as in life. Whew! She's a live wire & I love her for her spunk. Reminds me of someone ... : )
Really it is the magic number 3 for most of these activities & she didn't turn 3 until December. Then we had the baby in January so we knew it would be slightly delayed, closer to her being 4. Kind of like when she started the Parent Day Out program as we wanted to wait. Also similar is that it has been motivated by seeing a great need for Julia. She has a lot of energy, maybe not more than a typical 3 year old, but whew, we're tired looking at her run around the house.
This summer we've gone to the pool a few mornings each week & realized that she needed some lessons. Even though I've been taking her to the pool since she was 6 months old, she hadn't had any formal or really informal lessons. Jai & I each earned a free swim lesson during this Y Rewards program in 2010-11 & it ended last October so we still had these 2 vouchers to use. Technically they told us they had expired when we went to use them, but I argued since there wasn't an expiration date printed on the voucher. I go to the Y almost every day & you know it helps to know people & talk with them, use their names, be friendly, plus it's good PR for them. After her 2 free private lessons, we signed her up for 2 series of Group Lessons.
Seriously we have to keep this girl busy!
Soccer registration is in mid-July at the Y.
We're going to Dance East's Open House in July.
There's also a free trial lesson at gymnastics class in Madison/Rivergate area.
Most of these would be once a week for semester at least.
None of this is cheap, but it is so worth it as Julia learns new physical skills as well as the social interactions & the skills that go with those experiences. She really has blossomed quickly in her swimming skills, helped by her adventurous/no fear attitude. Another reason to teach her to swim - she really wants to jump into the deep end of the pool just as in life. Whew! She's a live wire & I love her for her spunk. Reminds me of someone ... : )
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Sisters are Great
This is an old post (I hadn't written anything just the title as usual) from a few months ago yet an appropriate one as my sister was in town for 2 weeks (she left today) & the previous 2 weeks we were together in MA. I believe I originally meant to write something in reference to Julia & Jacqueline & how glad I am that they have each other as sisters are great. I love having a sister & I hope my girls enjoy having a sister as much as I have. I think they will be based on how they already interact with each other. It is especially sweet to watch them currently as Jacqueline is much more engaging with Julia, more reciprocal, whereas before Julia was doing most of the work with her song/dance routine. The other day Jacqueline grabbed Julia's hair when she got in her face too close, not that Jacqueline was upset, she's just grabbing at things now & Julia's hair was there. It was funny! We shall see how it goes - it will be interesting!
I miss my sister already, really enjoyed hanging out with her every day for most of June. She was incredibly helpful too with caring for the girls & cleaning our house & buying groceries. Hopefully we'll see each other in Chicago in a few months - that's the plan. Then we're planning to go to Phoenix in March 2013 for a week during Spring Break as we get 2 weeks off this school year.
I'm glad I have a sister.
I miss my sister already, really enjoyed hanging out with her every day for most of June. She was incredibly helpful too with caring for the girls & cleaning our house & buying groceries. Hopefully we'll see each other in Chicago in a few months - that's the plan. Then we're planning to go to Phoenix in March 2013 for a week during Spring Break as we get 2 weeks off this school year.
I'm glad I have a sister.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Can't Sleep
Julia has been having lots of trouble going to sleep and staying in her bed. There are all sorts of things going on with that. She goes to bed upstairs and first. She sleeps in her room by herself while the rest of us are in the master bedroom and even sometimes in the master bed.
Her excuses are usually standard pre-schooler excuses: she doesn't feel good, she's scared, she's hungry. Tonight - as of 10min ago - a full 2.5 hours past her bedtime, I hear her tell her mom:
So, once again her verbal skills make it that much harder to say no even though you know you have to.
Her excuses are usually standard pre-schooler excuses: she doesn't feel good, she's scared, she's hungry. Tonight - as of 10min ago - a full 2.5 hours past her bedtime, I hear her tell her mom:
I want to sleep in your bed. Your bed is soft and comfortable. My bed isn't soft or comfortable.
So, once again her verbal skills make it that much harder to say no even though you know you have to.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Bacon
Julia: I smell bacon.
Tara: Daddy is cooking bacon.
Julia: I am hungry for bacon.
Wise words from a 3.5 year old.
Tara: Daddy is cooking bacon.
Julia: I am hungry for bacon.
Wise words from a 3.5 year old.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Boobies
We had a potluck dinner with some friends tonight.
It was lovely to see everyone & catch up as it had been awhile.
While at their house, I had to feed Jacqueline of course so I sat down in a very comfortable looking chair. Unfortunately it was right near the TV & the kids were watching a program.
I figured distractions were imminent for everyone, especially Miss Jacqueline who is the queen of popping on & off the breast now.
Luckily she was hungry & motivated so it wasn't a problem.
However, one of my friend's sons, D, who is 6 or 7 years old & very friendly & curious which is good, came over to chat with me.
He & his older brother, C, loved playing with Julia as a baby & so of course he loves to see how the new baby is too.
Well, he asks what is she doing; I explain that she's eating.
He pauses, stares at me, then comments "that is gross to eat from your boobies."
I respond that some babies eat food this way & probably he do too.
He shakes his head no & walks away.
So funny!
It was lovely to see everyone & catch up as it had been awhile.
While at their house, I had to feed Jacqueline of course so I sat down in a very comfortable looking chair. Unfortunately it was right near the TV & the kids were watching a program.
I figured distractions were imminent for everyone, especially Miss Jacqueline who is the queen of popping on & off the breast now.
Luckily she was hungry & motivated so it wasn't a problem.
However, one of my friend's sons, D, who is 6 or 7 years old & very friendly & curious which is good, came over to chat with me.
He & his older brother, C, loved playing with Julia as a baby & so of course he loves to see how the new baby is too.
Well, he asks what is she doing; I explain that she's eating.
He pauses, stares at me, then comments "that is gross to eat from your boobies."
I respond that some babies eat food this way & probably he do too.
He shakes his head no & walks away.
So funny!
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Hair Loss
UGH! I hate it! I feel like I already wrote about the hair loss when Jacqueline was a couple of months old, but I cannot find a post. I know I wrote about it with Julia because it was so strange. It shouldn't be so odd this time, but I still hate it. I'm not a fan of hair, mine, yours, dogs, in particular in copious amounts.
UGH! I get why it happens. The hormones while pregnant makes more grow, yada yada yada, it's all beautiful, yada yada yada. Now 3 months after the baby is born, hormones change & the hair has to come out somehow.
UGH! It's just so much & it's every day, seems like ALL day, for MONTHS! I remember with Julia it lasted SO long, oh it is so gross. I don't know why hair loss is gross to me, but it is. Luckily I have tons of hair so I'm not bald or anything. That happens to some women & they have much thinner hair & other hair issues, but that is not my situation, again thankfully. However, I'd like some balance.
I know it won't last forever & soon it will be normal hair loss, but besides the sleep deprivation & of course my advanced maternal age, there is ANOTHER reason to not have another baby. : )
UGH! I get why it happens. The hormones while pregnant makes more grow, yada yada yada, it's all beautiful, yada yada yada. Now 3 months after the baby is born, hormones change & the hair has to come out somehow.
UGH! It's just so much & it's every day, seems like ALL day, for MONTHS! I remember with Julia it lasted SO long, oh it is so gross. I don't know why hair loss is gross to me, but it is. Luckily I have tons of hair so I'm not bald or anything. That happens to some women & they have much thinner hair & other hair issues, but that is not my situation, again thankfully. However, I'd like some balance.
I know it won't last forever & soon it will be normal hair loss, but besides the sleep deprivation & of course my advanced maternal age, there is ANOTHER reason to not have another baby. : )
Saturday, April 21, 2012
GCDC
Great Cloth Diaper Change event was today, this morning at East Park Community Center. It was sponsored by a number of organizations focused on children, in particular cloth diapers. A main sponsor & how I learned about the event was Smile Mommy! the cloth diaper service we used for Julia & now use for Jacqueline. They started the cloth diaper service 5 years ago here in East Nashville, the year before Julia was born, & I am so grateful. Really awesome to have the event & business in our community too!
GCDC event is national for sure, possibly international, & the goal is to have as many people at a certain time change a cloth diaper at the same time. There were quite a few people there, though strangely only 1 other Smile Mommy customer whom I'd met before at a La Leche League meeting. Overall it was lots of fun on a rainy morning & I enjoyed seeing the variety of folks & the children of various ages & of course some breastfeeding moms (lots who were using covers, so interesting). There were some great door prizes one of which I won! Gift certificate for 1 month of Stroller Strides and a box of mini Luna bars in a flavor I like (awesome!). I didn't think I was going to win anything & then I needed to feed Jacqueline & I thought "of course, now I'll win something" & then it happened, right after she latched on, my number was called. So funny really because the woman calling the numbers saw me react & get up & not unlatch the baby & retrieve my prize! She apologized & I said "that's OK, it was my good luck trick!" : )
Looking forward to GCDC 2013!
GCDC event is national for sure, possibly international, & the goal is to have as many people at a certain time change a cloth diaper at the same time. There were quite a few people there, though strangely only 1 other Smile Mommy customer whom I'd met before at a La Leche League meeting. Overall it was lots of fun on a rainy morning & I enjoyed seeing the variety of folks & the children of various ages & of course some breastfeeding moms (lots who were using covers, so interesting). There were some great door prizes one of which I won! Gift certificate for 1 month of Stroller Strides and a box of mini Luna bars in a flavor I like (awesome!). I didn't think I was going to win anything & then I needed to feed Jacqueline & I thought "of course, now I'll win something" & then it happened, right after she latched on, my number was called. So funny really because the woman calling the numbers saw me react & get up & not unlatch the baby & retrieve my prize! She apologized & I said "that's OK, it was my good luck trick!" : )
Looking forward to GCDC 2013!
Friday, April 20, 2012
Pumping Isn't Easy
The idea for this post came from reading a post on Blacktating blog, one of my favorite & few blogs that I read (not even once a week!). However, now I cannot remember exactly what it was (it's now July when I'm actually writing this message!). I know I'm back at work a few weeks & I'm pumping 3 times a day, getting plenty of milk, at least 3 ounces each session, sometimes more, for a daily total usually of about 10-11 ounces, sometimes more (I started getting less some days by the end of May). The post was about how the author struggled to get much milk when she pumped & other women have similar struggle to express milk using a pump. There was a photo to illustrate how much the author got from pumping after 30 minutes - it looked like maybe 1 ounce. How frustrating that is for many reasons, 1 you know you need to feed your baby something tomorrow & 2 you need to empty to breasts in order to make more milk & the downward spiral (emotional & physical) created when you don't.
Luckily that has not been my issue, I usually get a decent amount of milk. Also when I didn't get enough at work (with Julia) I pumped extra sessions in am before work & pm before bed. Ironically with Jacqueline, I started pumping in late January & have a good freezer stash (over 120 ounces). My dilemma is using the freezer stash appropriately before it expires & protecting my current breast milk supply & communicating with Jai to make sure that happens correctly. I don't want Jacqueline to have less than she needs, but babies can overeat with bottle feeding. I also don't want to pump extra to make my daily total "right" when I have a freezer full of breast milk - seems so silly & complicated for the simple process of breastfeeding a baby. Yet when the pump enters the picture it's no longer a simple "feed on demand" - the pump is not natural & it creates a different dynamic with your body.
I am grateful to have been home on maternity leave for 13 weeks (1/2 paid, I wish all!) & only have to pump 7 weeks before summer break. Then I have 8 weeks at home to breastfeed Jacqueline, pump a little to store about 2 weeks before returning to work on July 24. Also she will be an older baby & maybe starting solid foods soon. I'll have 10 weeks of pumping before Fall Break & then about 8 more weeks to pump before Winter Break. After that 2 weeks vacation, we return to work on Jan. 7, 2013 & Jacqueline will be 1 on January 11. A year flies by & then I'll move on to feeding her at home only.
Lots of women pump for 10 months with no breaks like I have. If I have to go to the freezer stash more often & pump in the evening, I will. I want Jacqueline to have only breast milk so I'm willing to do the extra work. I just hope I won't! : )
Luckily that has not been my issue, I usually get a decent amount of milk. Also when I didn't get enough at work (with Julia) I pumped extra sessions in am before work & pm before bed. Ironically with Jacqueline, I started pumping in late January & have a good freezer stash (over 120 ounces). My dilemma is using the freezer stash appropriately before it expires & protecting my current breast milk supply & communicating with Jai to make sure that happens correctly. I don't want Jacqueline to have less than she needs, but babies can overeat with bottle feeding. I also don't want to pump extra to make my daily total "right" when I have a freezer full of breast milk - seems so silly & complicated for the simple process of breastfeeding a baby. Yet when the pump enters the picture it's no longer a simple "feed on demand" - the pump is not natural & it creates a different dynamic with your body.
I am grateful to have been home on maternity leave for 13 weeks (1/2 paid, I wish all!) & only have to pump 7 weeks before summer break. Then I have 8 weeks at home to breastfeed Jacqueline, pump a little to store about 2 weeks before returning to work on July 24. Also she will be an older baby & maybe starting solid foods soon. I'll have 10 weeks of pumping before Fall Break & then about 8 more weeks to pump before Winter Break. After that 2 weeks vacation, we return to work on Jan. 7, 2013 & Jacqueline will be 1 on January 11. A year flies by & then I'll move on to feeding her at home only.
Lots of women pump for 10 months with no breaks like I have. If I have to go to the freezer stash more often & pump in the evening, I will. I want Jacqueline to have only breast milk so I'm willing to do the extra work. I just hope I won't! : )
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Titantic
I really enjoyed the recent mini-series created/produced by Julian Fellowes, the creator extraordinaire of "Downton Abbey." It is interesting as that is how DA series starts in 1912 when the boat sinks & sets off the drama of having a new male heir to inherit the estate, Matthew Crawley, whom the family doesn't know. I love DA & it was fascinating to see some of the same actors in different roles & of course the story of the failed voyage again. It made me want to re-watch the 1997 movie. How young Leo DiCaprio & Kate Winslet were? Reminds me how young I was! : )
RIDICULOUS
This might seem strange as a post, but this is my new favorite word. Since having Jacqueline I feel like I say it OFTEN. There seem to be so many situations where it is the appropriate word to express how I feel, mainly frustrated with something. Sometimes it is funny stuff, but usually it is in response to something absurd! Ironically I also feel like I hear it a lot from other people, even in a lot of TV shows or movies. Strange how that happens - like when I was pregnant I noticed lots of pregnant women. Now that I have a little baby I notice babies often, especially in strollers. I love strollers, especially ones with high handles. We went to the zoo a few weeks ago & I constantly was staring at the different strollers, there are so many. I've gone to a few consignment sales recently & again always looking at the strollers.
That is what is ridiculous! In March I almost bought a double stroller and I thought it was different from one I bought last August. Guess what? When I got home, I looked at the stroller ... exact SAME one! I paid less for it too so if I'd bought it, I would have spent MORE money for something I already have, hadn't used it yet either! RIDICULOUS!
You know what it is not ridiculous?! I went to my favorite consignment sale (POTATO) today & I got 2 Britax car seats for cheap! Such a great deal! Now we have 1 for my mom's car & an extra one for us. Thank goodness, no more shifting car seat from one car to another!
That is what is ridiculous! In March I almost bought a double stroller and I thought it was different from one I bought last August. Guess what? When I got home, I looked at the stroller ... exact SAME one! I paid less for it too so if I'd bought it, I would have spent MORE money for something I already have, hadn't used it yet either! RIDICULOUS!
You know what it is not ridiculous?! I went to my favorite consignment sale (POTATO) today & I got 2 Britax car seats for cheap! Such a great deal! Now we have 1 for my mom's car & an extra one for us. Thank goodness, no more shifting car seat from one car to another!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Jacqueline is 3 months old
HAPPY MONTHIVERSARY!
I cannot believe it has already been 3 months!
So glad you're here, cutie pie, with your sweet smiles & giggles!
You weighed 11 pounds, 25 inches long & 37 cm head circumference.
Lots of growth since 2 month clinic visit, well since you arrived! Amazing!
Jai - insert photo here. please : )
I cannot believe it has already been 3 months!
So glad you're here, cutie pie, with your sweet smiles & giggles!
You weighed 11 pounds, 25 inches long & 37 cm head circumference.
Lots of growth since 2 month clinic visit, well since you arrived! Amazing!
Jai - insert photo here. please : )
Monday, April 9, 2012
Back to work!
First day back to work - yeah! Awesome!
Good day! I ate lunch by myself, no crying children, or the possibility of not eating.
BTW - you'll notice I haven't posted much in past 13 weeks.
Expect shorter posts with few words like above. I do not have time!
Post soon to come I hope is Birth Story (VBAC success)!
I'm sure the elation of being back to work will fade as the week progresses, but it was great to drive to work this morning by myself. : )
Good day! I ate lunch by myself, no crying children, or the possibility of not eating.
BTW - you'll notice I haven't posted much in past 13 weeks.
Expect shorter posts with few words like above. I do not have time!
Post soon to come I hope is Birth Story (VBAC success)!
I'm sure the elation of being back to work will fade as the week progresses, but it was great to drive to work this morning by myself. : )
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Stomach Flu/SB 2012/Easter
Whew! This was awful! Not that we were planning to go anywhere for Spring Break as I've been on maternity leave since January 11, but we planned to go to church for Easter today. It really sucked to be sick the week before I returned to work. As a bonus I lost 5 pounds, but I didn't enjoy the time spent in the bathroom or lying on the bed in agony. Julia actually had the bug the weekend before; we cared for her, no problem. A few days later Jai got sick & I'll admit I had little sympathy as I cared for both girls & tried to help him (I really thought he was exaggerating!). Then 12 hours later I succumbed to the torture. So awful! Luckily Jai felt slightly better so he helped me by bringing drinking water & the baby to the bed for me to feed. Thankfully Jacqueline was fine & got tons of time with me on the bed; I mastered nursing lying down which is another nice bonus. Real kudos to breast milk keeping her healthy since that is all she eats & it's easily digestible. Someone was healthy in our house! : )
Verbose
Please God, tell me that a 3-year old who literally does not stop moving her mouth is exhibiting an early sign of genius or high-level success.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Julia goes to the dentist
Today Julia went to the dentist for HER first cleaning. Another big girl moment! It was exciting!
She actually has been once before, in February, so she could see me getting my teeth cleaned. We wanted her to be comfortable for her turn. I'm a geek, I love going to the dentist so I want her to have a positive relationship with this important health provider. I'm been going to see Dr. E & Latisha for years, literally since I was a little girl though not as young as Julia. I think we started going there when I was about 10, maybe younger, but not 3! It's so great to get started early, especially as Jai has some dental issues & even though I'm diligent with daily dental care & 2X a year dentist appointments, I have some challenges with cavities (it's been years thankfully).
Julia had a great time, wasn't scared or nervous about the big chair, equipment (the compressed air tool!!) or even the x-rays. I've never seen the chair lifted so high! : ) She also got to choose from the treasure chest - same exact one my sister & brother & I picked a prize. No issues, basically we need to brush before or after her to make sure she's getting them completely clean. She got a new toothbrush, really cool one that sticks on the bottom to the sink. Overall very exciting day!
She actually has been once before, in February, so she could see me getting my teeth cleaned. We wanted her to be comfortable for her turn. I'm a geek, I love going to the dentist so I want her to have a positive relationship with this important health provider. I'm been going to see Dr. E & Latisha for years, literally since I was a little girl though not as young as Julia. I think we started going there when I was about 10, maybe younger, but not 3! It's so great to get started early, especially as Jai has some dental issues & even though I'm diligent with daily dental care & 2X a year dentist appointments, I have some challenges with cavities (it's been years thankfully).
Julia had a great time, wasn't scared or nervous about the big chair, equipment (the compressed air tool!!) or even the x-rays. I've never seen the chair lifted so high! : ) She also got to choose from the treasure chest - same exact one my sister & brother & I picked a prize. No issues, basically we need to brush before or after her to make sure she's getting them completely clean. She got a new toothbrush, really cool one that sticks on the bottom to the sink. Overall very exciting day!
Monday, March 19, 2012
Flirty Spice ... #2
I thought Julia was a flirt. She had nothing compared to Miss Jacqueline. She is so expressive with her face - eyes, mouth - so very happy to see you. It is going to be SO interesting very soon. I love how much more social she is. Thank you! I've almost survived the 3 months of "Baby Boot Camp." : )
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Aunt Susie visits during Spring Break
Old post - title, nothing else started so winging it again from memory.
It was wonderful to have Susie here in Nashville during HER spring break (MNPS is not until April). Jacqueline is 8-9 weeks old so slightly older than when Susie first met Julia, but we all enjoyed our time together. Julia got some extra attention, really needs it right now as some of the novelty of having a little sister wears thin. Taking care of a small baby is a lot of work even with 2 parents. I do not understand how single parents do this & definitely don't know how you handle more than 1 child. I am grateful for the awesome support from family & friends. We received meals from family & friends for about 6 weeks & it was so great to not have to think about preparing those meals.
Susie is gluten free/vegetarian so we got lots of fun things to eat that we do not buy, like tahini, while she was here. Another gift is her daily green smoothie. Julia likes it, I tolerate it, Jai hates it. I know we're slightly healthier while she's here. A week is never enough time, but I'm happy to have than time with her. Hopefully we'll be able to play tennis when she's here in June for Jacqueline's baptism.
Friday, March 16, 2012
A Lesson Learned
She lays on the bed and says "Come here, sweeetie." in a mock child voice.
As she pulls up her shirt she explains its time to feed you, let's see if you will latch on. Finally the look of satisfaction as her favorite lays across her chest to feed.
No, this is not Tara feeding Jacqueline. This is the scene of Julia breastfeeding her stuffed bear, Sawyer.
As she pulls up her shirt she explains its time to feed you, let's see if you will latch on. Finally the look of satisfaction as her favorite lays across her chest to feed.
No, this is not Tara feeding Jacqueline. This is the scene of Julia breastfeeding her stuffed bear, Sawyer.
Friday, March 9, 2012
The Weights of JSS
Another old post, relying on memory for my original intent ...
It has been an interesting experience the past few weeks as I watch Jacqueline grow & grow she has.
After my stressful/scary times with Julia's weight challenges, I was prepared to have a similar experience with Jacqueline, especially as she was smaller at birth. Ironically my anxiety created a very vigilant attendant to feeding & making sure she was on the breast often. The scale (we bought one when Julia was 6 months old, best purchase EVER!) keeps saying she is gaining as do the number of diapers we change. However, for many reasons I cannot relax, continuing to not believe the scale or reassurances from family, friends, LLL leaders. I mark the daily chart religiously in case I need the information to discern when & where the problem began & how to fix it. I also pump most mornings & evenings in case I need extra milk. Really there never has been a problem other than in my head &. Also I have a freezer FULL of breast milk ... another post on that situation/dilemma. It's a good dilemma to have actually, but a potential conflict at times too.
Keep growing healthy, strong & beautiful, Jacqueline. You're doing an awesome job & I thank you.
It has been an interesting experience the past few weeks as I watch Jacqueline grow & grow she has.
After my stressful/scary times with Julia's weight challenges, I was prepared to have a similar experience with Jacqueline, especially as she was smaller at birth. Ironically my anxiety created a very vigilant attendant to feeding & making sure she was on the breast often. The scale (we bought one when Julia was 6 months old, best purchase EVER!) keeps saying she is gaining as do the number of diapers we change. However, for many reasons I cannot relax, continuing to not believe the scale or reassurances from family, friends, LLL leaders. I mark the daily chart religiously in case I need the information to discern when & where the problem began & how to fix it. I also pump most mornings & evenings in case I need extra milk. Really there never has been a problem other than in my head &. Also I have a freezer FULL of breast milk ... another post on that situation/dilemma. It's a good dilemma to have actually, but a potential conflict at times too.
Keep growing healthy, strong & beautiful, Jacqueline. You're doing an awesome job & I thank you.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Beyonce in the news again!
It's been 2 months since B had her baby girl, days before Jacqueline was born. This time the headline was about Beyonce breastfeeding in public. http://healthland.time.com/2012/03/05/how-beyonces-public-breast-feeding-changes-the-nursing-in-public-debate/
So interesting how this is a big deal. It is! Beyonce is a HUGE celebrity as well as as woman of color. NIP is such a hot button subject for debate. Should you do it? Should you cover yourself? The funny thing about it is that I have seen no pictures of Beyonce feeding the baby, but even if there weren't, it is still awesome that it's gotten people talking about it. It doesn't matter to me, I'll breastfeed in public no problem. However, some people are more shy or concerned about possible confrontation.
The law states that you can feed your baby any public location you are allowed to be. Private locations like someone's home are different, but I feel like if you're at someone's house & they give you grief about feeding your baby, then you need to leave anyway, you're not really welcome there. However, if I'm at at a restaurant, the park, my daughter's school, I can feed my baby where I am, not asked to leave or go to the bathroom. That gets me, with pumping at work, too, when people suggest the bathroom. Do YOU eat in the bathroom? No, so why should my child have to eat there?
I don't try to call attention to myself, but I also do not want to hide myself because you might possibly see part of my body & realize a baby is at my breast. There is also the possibility that you will skip a feeding because you cannot find a private space. That is not good for your baby or your milk supply. This could lead to possibly not being able to breastfeed your baby as long as you want or is recommended by AAP or WHO (at least 1 year). This happens & it's a public health & economic issue when children are fed formula instead of breastmilk.
Then there's the person of color factor. That's huge! Not just about NIP, but as an example of breastfeeding. We all need to see people who look like us, saying it is possible, showing that it's OK to feed your baby this way, most definitely in the black community. Our numbers are low, really low, for initiation definitely, but even after that for continuing for 6 months, much less for 1 year. So many people, black, white, other, are amazed that I breastfed Julia for a year +. We all need support, encouragement, role models, but especially in the African-American community.
Thanks, Beyonce, for being a celebrity role model. Thanks, Jessie, who is a white friend, for sending me the article. Inspiration comes in all forms! : )
So interesting how this is a big deal. It is! Beyonce is a HUGE celebrity as well as as woman of color. NIP is such a hot button subject for debate. Should you do it? Should you cover yourself? The funny thing about it is that I have seen no pictures of Beyonce feeding the baby, but even if there weren't, it is still awesome that it's gotten people talking about it. It doesn't matter to me, I'll breastfeed in public no problem. However, some people are more shy or concerned about possible confrontation.
The law states that you can feed your baby any public location you are allowed to be. Private locations like someone's home are different, but I feel like if you're at someone's house & they give you grief about feeding your baby, then you need to leave anyway, you're not really welcome there. However, if I'm at at a restaurant, the park, my daughter's school, I can feed my baby where I am, not asked to leave or go to the bathroom. That gets me, with pumping at work, too, when people suggest the bathroom. Do YOU eat in the bathroom? No, so why should my child have to eat there?
I don't try to call attention to myself, but I also do not want to hide myself because you might possibly see part of my body & realize a baby is at my breast. There is also the possibility that you will skip a feeding because you cannot find a private space. That is not good for your baby or your milk supply. This could lead to possibly not being able to breastfeed your baby as long as you want or is recommended by AAP or WHO (at least 1 year). This happens & it's a public health & economic issue when children are fed formula instead of breastmilk.
Then there's the person of color factor. That's huge! Not just about NIP, but as an example of breastfeeding. We all need to see people who look like us, saying it is possible, showing that it's OK to feed your baby this way, most definitely in the black community. Our numbers are low, really low, for initiation definitely, but even after that for continuing for 6 months, much less for 1 year. So many people, black, white, other, are amazed that I breastfed Julia for a year +. We all need support, encouragement, role models, but especially in the African-American community.
Thanks, Beyonce, for being a celebrity role model. Thanks, Jessie, who is a white friend, for sending me the article. Inspiration comes in all forms! : )
Monday, March 5, 2012
The Smiles begin
I'm guessing that this is when Jacqueline started smiling, but it is awesome! It seems a bit earlier than Julia, but we figure she was really hungry so not so much up for smiling. : ) Jacqueline is a really happy baby, not that Julia wasn't, but her sister seems really content. Part of it could be me, I'm much more relaxed parent, second baby syndrome I guess.
Plus our house is pretty busy with a 3 year old and a dog plus both parents home often. Jacqueline is on a crazy ride, hanging out for the fun times. She definitely observes the busy activity level, seems so easy going, maybe just see what happens next. The smiles are great!
Plus our house is pretty busy with a 3 year old and a dog plus both parents home often. Jacqueline is on a crazy ride, hanging out for the fun times. She definitely observes the busy activity level, seems so easy going, maybe just see what happens next. The smiles are great!
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