Desmond has had lots of firsts! He is eating baby food every day and insists on sampling whatever I eat. He likes my pumpkin muffins, any kind of rice, he tried beans today, and a roll. He doesn't like peaches. My magazine says it can take 5 to 15 tries to get them to eat something new and so far we're 0 for 2 on peaches, lol.
Desmond can sit up by himself now, he will fall over eventually, but he can sit up for a good minute plus. He can pick up all of his toys, suck on them, drop them for us to pick up.
Desmond loves gerber rice puffs and yogurt puffs. He grabs anything you're eating though, he's like an octopus with tentacles. He likes peekaboo, dancing to music with me, and watching me play with his toys.
Desmond loves sesame street, and Dora, anything with happy sounds, movement, and colors.
Desmond can roll over both ways and from both front and back. He can ALMOST crawl, he lunges a lot and gets excited when he sees someone he knows.
Desmond can put his knees under him and arch his back up, he can get up on his elbows. He can put his head straight up but not up on all fours yet.
I worked today for the first time. I subbed 3rd grade in Prescott, so Desmond got to spend the day with my grandma. She said he didn't even cry once. He was happy all day, she got to rock him to sleep and he slept for 2 hours and she was able to get things done. She's going to watch him for me again as I get to work Thursday and Friday, too.
Desmond got to see snow for the first time. I took video of him touching it and experiencing it. I can't wait to have our first Christmas as parents. I want to buy him presents and everything but he wouldn't appreciate it this year, lol. I'll have to settle for him watching me decorate.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
First time sick
Desmond is sick. Norman brought home something, or one of the boys did. Anyway, he has a sore throat, cough and clogged up head. I've been giving him Tylenol to keep the pain down so he can eat and letting him sleep all he wants and eat all he wants.
I've been letting him stay in pajamas all day since he's sick. He went through three yesterday. I feel so bad for him. He hates getting his nose sucked out and his cough sounds like it hurts. I wish I could do more for him. We have his mattress at an incline and humidifiers on, so I'm sure his nose would be worse if it weren't for that. I just feel lucky that he can breathe at all and so can eat and is eating well.
You Know You're A Parent When:
You've wondered why infant Tylenol is dyed RED.
I've been letting him stay in pajamas all day since he's sick. He went through three yesterday. I feel so bad for him. He hates getting his nose sucked out and his cough sounds like it hurts. I wish I could do more for him. We have his mattress at an incline and humidifiers on, so I'm sure his nose would be worse if it weren't for that. I just feel lucky that he can breathe at all and so can eat and is eating well.
You Know You're A Parent When:
You've wondered why infant Tylenol is dyed RED.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Satisfying!
I must say that there is no better feeling than putting your baby to nap and having him fall asleep in 5 minutes under a blanket you knitted for him while you were pregnant with him. It's the nicest picture ever.
Des had rice cereal in a spoon on October 10 for the first time. He was very excited about it, but didn't get much down him. He's tried it twice more since. He's also tried a shred of hash browns and a teaspoon of strawberry ice cream. He prefers playing with ice cream to eating it, lol.
Des had rice cereal in a spoon on October 10 for the first time. He was very excited about it, but didn't get much down him. He's tried it twice more since. He's also tried a shred of hash browns and a teaspoon of strawberry ice cream. He prefers playing with ice cream to eating it, lol.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Desmond is Dedicated!
On October 9, 2010, Desmond Andrew Lewis Shaw was dedicated to God at the Kiwanis cabin in Umatilla Forks national park. My father-in-law officiated and Norman and I held Desmond. After dedicating Desmond we announced his Godparents; Rob and Sali Lewis, my aunt and uncle. We got some pictures and I think some of them were really good. I can't wait to look at them.
Milestones:
Starting to try to crawl! He gets his knees under him, lifts his belly off the floor and tries to figure out what to do with his shoulder and arms. He'll be there soon! I don't know what to do when he finally gets going. I'll have to set up a baby paddock for him in the front room. I assume there's a people-baby term for that, but I don't know it...
He babbles all the time. Last night after he went to bed we could hear him on the monitor, talking to himself. He never cried, he just talked to himself until he fell asleep. At one point when we checked on him he had both legs through the side of the crib because he wasn't wearing his sleep-sack.
I saw him trying to use a pincher grasp a couple days ago. If he masters that soon he'll be ahead on that milestone.
He is teething I think, but hasn't got any teeth through yet. He goes through three bibs a day usually, soaking them by chewing and drooling on them.
He reaches for people all the time. It seems to be liberating to him. If someone is interesting he can reach for them. It can help him get their attention.
Life as a Parent:
It's so exciting to see him learning new things that help him communicate and understand and express himself more and more.
We were describing how being a parent changes your life to someone yesterday. Before we had a baby we thought you pretty much endured nearly endless crying and went without sleep or any enjoyment of the infant until they were like 2 yrs old. However, we've found Desmond to be an endless source of laughs, easily entertained and rarely cries. He sleep 12 hours a night, goes to sleep easily, and loves to go shopping. He's great. He never had colic and is an easy-going chap, but I think it has a lot to do with the kind of house I run and how I took care of myself while I was pregnant.
Before we became parents things were important. I liked DVD's, CD's, books, horse shows, new shoes, cute clothes, going to movies. Even though I didn't get to do or buy any of that very often, I still liked all those things and worked with a mind to buy them or planned to be able to spend time riding or whatnot. Norman describes it as now having a definite purpose. Before, the purpose of life was a bit fuzzy, up to your mood that day. Now, our purpose in life is to be the greatest parents we can be for Desmond.
We sold most our extra stuff at a yardsale, took more to the second hand store to clear out room for Desmond. We sold all but a few DVD's and CD's to Hastings for cash. I haven't bought new clothes in about a year. I sold my show horse. The thing that is important though, is that...I don't care. I'd much rather have my baby and be able to play with him all day than be able to school a horse to show. I'll get back to that sort of thing later. I just feel lucky to have such an awesome baby.
Sometimes I need a break from having the emotionally taxing job of being responsible for keeping him alive, and that's when I tell Norman he's in charge and I just relax for a while and let him have Daddy time. Desmond doesn't mind, he gets bored of me after spending all day with me. And an hour or so of alone time and I start to miss him and need a baby-hug.
I can't imagine trying to handle the responsibility of a baby at 16 or even in my early 20's. I wouldn't want to do it alone. I wouldn't want to have to worry about where food is coming from. I'm glad I read all the books I did while I was pregnant and I should have read more. You can't know enough. But I can't believe how many people read nothing and don't have a clue what to expect. that's just making it so much harder on yourself.
The birthing classes helped a lot I think, with the actual birth. The books I read on babies helped me get through the first few weeks of Desmond's life. After 6 weeks you're a pro. Nursing clicks, you know what the cries mean, you know their routine. 5 months in, I feel like a pretty expert mom. At least for my kid.
I can't wait till he can play games with me and go for walks. I think the hardest part of things is going to be saying no to him and NOT buying him all the cool toys they make now. I've already bought him a horse. I keep reading parenting magazines and they say not to have too many toys or the kids don't get as much imagination and don't have attachment to their toys. So, reading things like that will help me to limit myself.
Before I was a parent I swore my kid wouldn't have any toys that make noise. He already does. Certain things that seemed really important about raising a kid before I had one are not the priorities now.
Milestones:
Starting to try to crawl! He gets his knees under him, lifts his belly off the floor and tries to figure out what to do with his shoulder and arms. He'll be there soon! I don't know what to do when he finally gets going. I'll have to set up a baby paddock for him in the front room. I assume there's a people-baby term for that, but I don't know it...
He babbles all the time. Last night after he went to bed we could hear him on the monitor, talking to himself. He never cried, he just talked to himself until he fell asleep. At one point when we checked on him he had both legs through the side of the crib because he wasn't wearing his sleep-sack.
I saw him trying to use a pincher grasp a couple days ago. If he masters that soon he'll be ahead on that milestone.
He is teething I think, but hasn't got any teeth through yet. He goes through three bibs a day usually, soaking them by chewing and drooling on them.
He reaches for people all the time. It seems to be liberating to him. If someone is interesting he can reach for them. It can help him get their attention.
Life as a Parent:
It's so exciting to see him learning new things that help him communicate and understand and express himself more and more.
We were describing how being a parent changes your life to someone yesterday. Before we had a baby we thought you pretty much endured nearly endless crying and went without sleep or any enjoyment of the infant until they were like 2 yrs old. However, we've found Desmond to be an endless source of laughs, easily entertained and rarely cries. He sleep 12 hours a night, goes to sleep easily, and loves to go shopping. He's great. He never had colic and is an easy-going chap, but I think it has a lot to do with the kind of house I run and how I took care of myself while I was pregnant.
Before we became parents things were important. I liked DVD's, CD's, books, horse shows, new shoes, cute clothes, going to movies. Even though I didn't get to do or buy any of that very often, I still liked all those things and worked with a mind to buy them or planned to be able to spend time riding or whatnot. Norman describes it as now having a definite purpose. Before, the purpose of life was a bit fuzzy, up to your mood that day. Now, our purpose in life is to be the greatest parents we can be for Desmond.
We sold most our extra stuff at a yardsale, took more to the second hand store to clear out room for Desmond. We sold all but a few DVD's and CD's to Hastings for cash. I haven't bought new clothes in about a year. I sold my show horse. The thing that is important though, is that...I don't care. I'd much rather have my baby and be able to play with him all day than be able to school a horse to show. I'll get back to that sort of thing later. I just feel lucky to have such an awesome baby.
Sometimes I need a break from having the emotionally taxing job of being responsible for keeping him alive, and that's when I tell Norman he's in charge and I just relax for a while and let him have Daddy time. Desmond doesn't mind, he gets bored of me after spending all day with me. And an hour or so of alone time and I start to miss him and need a baby-hug.
I can't imagine trying to handle the responsibility of a baby at 16 or even in my early 20's. I wouldn't want to do it alone. I wouldn't want to have to worry about where food is coming from. I'm glad I read all the books I did while I was pregnant and I should have read more. You can't know enough. But I can't believe how many people read nothing and don't have a clue what to expect. that's just making it so much harder on yourself.
The birthing classes helped a lot I think, with the actual birth. The books I read on babies helped me get through the first few weeks of Desmond's life. After 6 weeks you're a pro. Nursing clicks, you know what the cries mean, you know their routine. 5 months in, I feel like a pretty expert mom. At least for my kid.
I can't wait till he can play games with me and go for walks. I think the hardest part of things is going to be saying no to him and NOT buying him all the cool toys they make now. I've already bought him a horse. I keep reading parenting magazines and they say not to have too many toys or the kids don't get as much imagination and don't have attachment to their toys. So, reading things like that will help me to limit myself.
Before I was a parent I swore my kid wouldn't have any toys that make noise. He already does. Certain things that seemed really important about raising a kid before I had one are not the priorities now.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
The Great Nap Adventure
I still don't know that I feel like a grown-up, but I have decided there are signs that adult-hood is sneaking up on you. Even Ted and Jaden notice them sometimes. Things like, you'd like to take a nap. You have to save that $20 for gas. You can eat ice cream for breakfast...but do not. Special "adult points" if you eat raisin bran for the fiber instead of ice cream.
Since becoming a parent I notice that I can't watch anything where their are kids getting hurt or in danger without tearing up. I was pretty bad before, but nothing compared to now. I'm not going to be a helicopter-parent or a "smother", but my kid is definitely not going to be doing anything blatantly dangerous like riding their bike without a properly fitting helmet or roller blading without knee pads or skate-boarding without wrist braces. There's only so much pain you can keep from your kid and so much you can keep from them without hindering their growth. I'm going to do all the non-growth hindering pain keeping away I can.
I find it surprising how proud of myself I am that I've gotten Desmond on a nap schedule. Thank you Melissa Hammond for unknowingly helping me out there. Liberty never seems cranky, but she naps well. I started putting Desmond in his play-pen crib when he was cranky and low and behold he would sleep! I paid attention to when these naps were taking place and wouldn't you know they were about the same time everyday! It was so easy and it took me so long to figure out. He doesn't always sleep for long, but he naps at 11 AM and about 3PM. He eats at about 9 AM, 12 AM, 4 PM, 7:30 PM and goes to bed by 9 PM. Of course there are days that we go out and so things don't follow that schedule, but that's the natural schedule he's set for us. I can definitely handle getting up about 9 AM and the new naps are letting me get some house cleaning done and lunch eaten.
Today, Desmond woke up and visited with family that was waiting to head out on a trail-ride and was cheery and friendly even though he hadn't eaten yet. He ate, did his tummy-time, sat in his rocker for me while I cleaned the kitchen, then took a nap while I showered, swept, and folded clothes. When he woke up I fed him and then he went back to sleep and napped for another 30 minutes in my lap. When he woke up I carried him around a bit then let him play in my lap and then in his rocker until was tired again, and then put him down to nap. He's currently sleeping right now. When he wakes up it will be time to feed him again and then I entertain him until Daddy gets home and then I am supposed to get a break while he gets Daddy time but it doesn't always work out that way. Then Daddy puts him in jammies and I feed him at 7:30 or 8 PM and then he goes to bed. We can stay up a bit and go to bed later. He sleeps all night unless his nose gets plugged up and I have to use the sucker thing on it.
Yesterday, we were at Grandma Dee's because she is teaching me to sew. He took his afternoon nap there. I wasn't sure how he'd do napping at someone else's house, but he slept about 30 minutes. Not as much as I hoped, but the minimum for his having a pleasant evening.
He's awake playing with his stuffed donkey now, but still quiet. I can see him twisting its ears from the living room. He has taken to the donkey and his beanie baby dog. We take the dog in the car and that helps keep him happy in his car seat. If he has that and his pacifier he stays cheerful in the car about 90% of the time.
Since becoming a parent I notice that I can't watch anything where their are kids getting hurt or in danger without tearing up. I was pretty bad before, but nothing compared to now. I'm not going to be a helicopter-parent or a "smother", but my kid is definitely not going to be doing anything blatantly dangerous like riding their bike without a properly fitting helmet or roller blading without knee pads or skate-boarding without wrist braces. There's only so much pain you can keep from your kid and so much you can keep from them without hindering their growth. I'm going to do all the non-growth hindering pain keeping away I can.
I find it surprising how proud of myself I am that I've gotten Desmond on a nap schedule. Thank you Melissa Hammond for unknowingly helping me out there. Liberty never seems cranky, but she naps well. I started putting Desmond in his play-pen crib when he was cranky and low and behold he would sleep! I paid attention to when these naps were taking place and wouldn't you know they were about the same time everyday! It was so easy and it took me so long to figure out. He doesn't always sleep for long, but he naps at 11 AM and about 3PM. He eats at about 9 AM, 12 AM, 4 PM, 7:30 PM and goes to bed by 9 PM. Of course there are days that we go out and so things don't follow that schedule, but that's the natural schedule he's set for us. I can definitely handle getting up about 9 AM and the new naps are letting me get some house cleaning done and lunch eaten.
Today, Desmond woke up and visited with family that was waiting to head out on a trail-ride and was cheery and friendly even though he hadn't eaten yet. He ate, did his tummy-time, sat in his rocker for me while I cleaned the kitchen, then took a nap while I showered, swept, and folded clothes. When he woke up I fed him and then he went back to sleep and napped for another 30 minutes in my lap. When he woke up I carried him around a bit then let him play in my lap and then in his rocker until was tired again, and then put him down to nap. He's currently sleeping right now. When he wakes up it will be time to feed him again and then I entertain him until Daddy gets home and then I am supposed to get a break while he gets Daddy time but it doesn't always work out that way. Then Daddy puts him in jammies and I feed him at 7:30 or 8 PM and then he goes to bed. We can stay up a bit and go to bed later. He sleeps all night unless his nose gets plugged up and I have to use the sucker thing on it.
Yesterday, we were at Grandma Dee's because she is teaching me to sew. He took his afternoon nap there. I wasn't sure how he'd do napping at someone else's house, but he slept about 30 minutes. Not as much as I hoped, but the minimum for his having a pleasant evening.
He's awake playing with his stuffed donkey now, but still quiet. I can see him twisting its ears from the living room. He has taken to the donkey and his beanie baby dog. We take the dog in the car and that helps keep him happy in his car seat. If he has that and his pacifier he stays cheerful in the car about 90% of the time.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Fall Is Coming
My birthday dinner was nice! On the 19th we had my grandparents, Norman's grandparents and parents, Nanci, Melissa M, and Melissa H and Troy and their kids over for dinner. We had veggie-stuffed lasagna and salad and fresh fruit for dinner and an ice cream cake from Baskin Robins for desert. SO good. Desmond got held by grandparents most the time and posed for pictures. All the kids were good. Liberty didn't make a peep all evening, just smiled for pictures. Desmond cried a couple times, like when everyone clapped for Setton after he sang the ABC song, but was pleasant overall.
I think his favorite part of the evening was my cake; he stared at the candles and was intrigued when I blew them out. I can't wait till his birthday next year. It will be so cute.
Milestones:
9-13-10
Monty was holding Desmond and got fussy and when I walked up he reached towards me and leaned my way. I held him a minute, then Trudy came up and he did the same thing towards her, so I handed him to her and he was delighted. I'm so excited for when he reaches to be picked up. It'll start soon!
9-14-10
Desmond passed a toy from hand to hand multiple times. We were at Melissa Hammond's house. That was the one thing he was supposed to be doing at 4 months but hadn't done yet.
9-15-10
Desmond let me rock him to sleep in my arms while sitting in the big chair. He has only fallen asleep while I'm holding him walking around twice and they was the first time he let me rock him to sleep ever.
9-17-10
Nanci came and rode Marigold and when she was done, I took pictures of Desmond sitting in front of her in the saddle. He smiled! I'm taking that as promising evidence he will like riding horses! We got adorable photos and he had his first official time on a horse!
You Know You're A Parent When:
You've prayed for a poopy diaper
You don't know how to eat at a leisurely pace anymore
You've ever been so exhausted you forget where you put the baby
You dream about changing diapers, nursing, or other baby-related chores
Instead of watching CSI reruns you're now two seasons into Rug Rats.
I think his favorite part of the evening was my cake; he stared at the candles and was intrigued when I blew them out. I can't wait till his birthday next year. It will be so cute.
Milestones:
9-13-10
Monty was holding Desmond and got fussy and when I walked up he reached towards me and leaned my way. I held him a minute, then Trudy came up and he did the same thing towards her, so I handed him to her and he was delighted. I'm so excited for when he reaches to be picked up. It'll start soon!
9-14-10
Desmond passed a toy from hand to hand multiple times. We were at Melissa Hammond's house. That was the one thing he was supposed to be doing at 4 months but hadn't done yet.
9-15-10
Desmond let me rock him to sleep in my arms while sitting in the big chair. He has only fallen asleep while I'm holding him walking around twice and they was the first time he let me rock him to sleep ever.
9-17-10
Nanci came and rode Marigold and when she was done, I took pictures of Desmond sitting in front of her in the saddle. He smiled! I'm taking that as promising evidence he will like riding horses! We got adorable photos and he had his first official time on a horse!
You Know You're A Parent When:
You've prayed for a poopy diaper
You don't know how to eat at a leisurely pace anymore
You've ever been so exhausted you forget where you put the baby
You dream about changing diapers, nursing, or other baby-related chores
Instead of watching CSI reruns you're now two seasons into Rug Rats.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Life Goes So Fast As A Mom!
I can't believe I'm going to be 26 on Tuesday! I still feel the same as when I was 21. My uncle and aunt and cousin should be here to celebrate. We're celebrating late; Sunday the 19th instead of Tuesday.
Let's see, what has happened since I blogged last?
MOPs Meeting:
Desmond and I went with Melissa H. to the first MOPs meeting of the year in Pendleton. It was really fun to meet other mom's. We talked about babies and kids and husbands. The other mom's were nice and friendly and welcoming. It seems like a great group. Desmond slept through part of it, then woke up hungry and I fed him, then he sat and looked at everyone. I got to hold a tiny baby girl that was only 10 lbs and the same age as Desmond. It was like holding a pretend baby. She was a cute little thing. She was only 6 lb. something at birth. I'm so used to having my tall kid she seemed really small!
New Obsession:
My 2nd cousin, Missy, brought over a stuffed donkey for Desmond. It was very soft fur. I gave it to him and he clutched it and sucked on it. I made it kiss his nose and he smiled and put it in his mouth. He posed for a picture with it before Missy went home. He was a very good gift-getter. Since he liked the donkey so much, I gave him a Beanie Baby dog that someone gave us at the shower. He loves it. It's his new car companion. He can hold the puppy easily and likes to suck on the limbs and head. It's SO cute to see him holding tight this little stuffed beanie dog. I think it's good for him to practice holding things, so I'm encouraging it.
Fiesta Dinner:
Melissa H. hosted a Fiesta at the church and Desmond and I took my Grandma and drove out. He was asleep when we got there, but woke up during a rousing rendition of "If You're Happy And You Know It". Grandma Dee held him so I could eat, then my Grandma held him until I was ready for him. He was very good and smiled at the Grandmas and didn't cry for pictures. Liberty was there and he got to see her before we left. She was a very tired baby as they had been there a while preparing before the dinner began.
Pacifiers Rule!:
I bought 6 month + pacifiers when I grocery shopped last and he holds them in his mouth much better. This has made it much easier to calm him. He doesn't spit them out NEAR as much as the old ones he had. I can put him to bed with them and when he wakes up in the night I just find his paci and put it back in his mouth and give him a kiss and he goes back to sleep. He'll play happier in his seats and on his froggy mat with the paci because doesn't get frustrated at not getting his toys in his mouth sufficiently. So, go pacifiers, I love you.
You Know You're A Parent When:
You ask yourself questions like, "I wonder how safe it is to suck on a Beanie Baby..."
It's an accomplishment to get a shower AND dressed in the same day.
"Going out" means grocery shopping.
You've worked on fencing with a baby in one arm.
You've hidden from a baby who just partially woke up in hopes said baby will go back to sleep if they don't see you.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
4-Month Dr. Visit!
Desmond is 16 weeks old today! He got his two shots and an oral vaccination and got weighed, measured, and poked and prodded. He was SO good. We arrived about 10 minutes early and there was no one else in the waiting room. Grandma Dee came with us since Norman had to work and my grandma is out of town.
First, he got weighed sans clothes. He weighs 14.8 lbs. Next, we measured him. He didn't want to be stretched out. He was about 27 inches. It was hard to get a good measure. His head is 16.4 I think, the Dr. said it was the same as last time and that all his measurements looked good.
Next, the Dr. listened to his heart, shined a light in his ears, eyes, nose, and mouth, moved all his limbs, and looked over every inch of him. He said most babies weren't as well behaved as Desmond. He laid there very content during the whole process. He wanted to suck on the Dr.'s gloves and stethoscope.
He cried when the nurse gave him his shots, but was easily settled down by a walk around the room and even sat in my lap to look at a magazine while we waited for them to update his shot chart for me to take home.
Before the Dr.'s office things were already going well because Desmond slept for 12 hours in a row! I put him to bed about 9:30 PM and I woke him up this morning at about 9:15 AM! I was able to sleep well also. He made noises and I woke up and took a shower and even blow-dried my hair, then made and ate breakfast and got dressed and had his clothes laid out for him, all while he slept! It was SO nice. He awoke all cheerful and smiles, too. I hope he does that as routine now, that would be wonderful.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Busy Month!
Wow, it has been a busy month! Desmond will be 4 months old next Wednesday!
Landmarks this month:
He is grabbing his toys with his hands and putting them in his mouth. I help by hanging them over him in his chair, etc. so when he drops them he can grab them again.
The big one is- HE ROLLED OVER! I am SO proud of him. He can roll back to belly now. It wears him out so much he is also NAPPING! WOOO!
He sits up-right in his bouncer saucer and bounces himself and grab the toys on the edge. It entertains him way longer now that he can play more in it.
He is staying awake in the car, which is not so cool as he gets bored and fusses. Then downright screams. If you sit in the back with him, he's fine. So he has requested a DVD player and Baby Einstein for Christmas, lol.
He is also recognizing people and can see them from across the room. He love sit when Daddy comes home from work and always greats Grandmas with smiles. He likes to sit in someone else's lap and smile at me.
Yesterday he was sitting in my lap facing the room and I said something and he turned his head to look up and back at me. He had never done that before!
He has really learned a lot this month. He is getting frustrated that his hands don't do quite what he wants them too, but it's too bad about that right now. Hopefully he stays as patient as he's been.
You Know You're A Parent When:
There's a nursing pad on the end table being used as a coaster.
"Going out to eat" means going through the drive-thru at TacoBell and then eating in the car in the parking lot as fast as you can.
You eye every yard-sale for baby stuff instead of horse stuff.
Every time you go to the store you come home with a baby toy instead of a dog toy.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Exciting Milestones
We went to Grandma Trudy's house in the mountains on Sabbath. Desmond had a blast watching the kids play and he got to sit in Grandpa Andy's lap for a while. I got to visit with my new mom-friend, Melissa H. We ate Dutch oven food and talked all afternoon.
Desmond's big milestone update is that he is ALMOST rolling over. He can roll onto his side and it won't be long before he goes all the way over. I'm so proud of him. He still hates tummy-time, but he's tolerating laying on his back for a while and since we've been working with him on rolling his hips to the side he's been exploring it on his own. He wiggles all over in his crib at night.
He is mostly sleeping through the night now. We had a couple nights where he ate at about 4 AM but he usually sleeps for about 9 hours now. It's SO nice. I'm still tired just form the constant vigil of watching a baby, but at least I get better sleep. I wake up a couple times and check on him during the night, but I don't have to feed him.
I've walked 25 miles now, no change in my weight, but the Dr. assured me that my heart will thank me, so I'm not quiting.
Yesterday, we went over to Norman's cousin's house and had a late lunch and watched a movie with some of their friends and Norman's brothers. Desmond was really good. I fed him and he took a short nap and then sat in my lap and watched the movie with us. He is getting quit the attention span for sitting with me.
Melissa H. brought me a tummy mat that her baby has out-grown and he seems to be enjoying it already. I also brought out the jumper-saucer and he can't quite touch the floor in it, but is fascinated none the less. So that gives me two more options to entertain him with during the day. My house looks like a baby-playground.
My mommy-milestone is that we learned how to use the nose sucker thing. He's been crying before falling asleep the last couple nights and ends up with a stuffy nose. He's not a fan of having his nose sucked out, but it helps him breathe a bit, so I ignore his screaming.
Something that has changed since becoming a parent, besides having to take luggage on a grocery trip and learning to make a sandwich with one hand, is that there is an amount of baby-throw-up that does NOT warrant a shower.
Monday, August 2, 2010
The Dreaded Tummy-Time
Des and I spent Saturday at my Grandma's. We watched church on the TV, then baked a pie and visited. In the evening, we went home and Desmond hung out with Uncle Ted and visited his great-grandparents Gordan and Deloris while I gave an adorable 6 year old a pony ride on my new mare.
During the visit at grandma's house I mentioned that Desmond doesn't try to roll-over and she asked if I left him lying much. Not really. He lays on the bed to stare at the fan sometimes. But he hates tummy time. She showed me some upper body exercises to do with him. We laid him on his tummy. He pulled his legs under him, stuck his butt in the air, and screamed for CPS.
Yesterday I was reading my Parents magazine and they said it's becoming a common problem to have a shortage of tummy-time since we have so many neat bouncy-chairs and rockers. So, Desmond is going to have tummy-time everyday.
We're on day 2 of Torture-The-Baby, as Desmond refers to it. Hopefully the screaming will give way to determination to move soon. He'll be three weeks on Wednesday. I hope I haven't stifled him too much with all the holding and chair-siting.
We've been doing little sit-ups and trying to play with his hands more. I have been trying to praise him even accidentally hitting toys in his chair and encourage any use of hands. He loves to grab and suck on his blankets, so I give him a blanket when he sits in a chair. He rubs them on his face and smiles.
It appears he is now officially sleeping through that night, as he's gone 9 hours the last several nights. It's so nice! The last two days we haven't gotten up till 7 AM!
During the visit at grandma's house I mentioned that Desmond doesn't try to roll-over and she asked if I left him lying much. Not really. He lays on the bed to stare at the fan sometimes. But he hates tummy time. She showed me some upper body exercises to do with him. We laid him on his tummy. He pulled his legs under him, stuck his butt in the air, and screamed for CPS.
Yesterday I was reading my Parents magazine and they said it's becoming a common problem to have a shortage of tummy-time since we have so many neat bouncy-chairs and rockers. So, Desmond is going to have tummy-time everyday.
We're on day 2 of Torture-The-Baby, as Desmond refers to it. Hopefully the screaming will give way to determination to move soon. He'll be three weeks on Wednesday. I hope I haven't stifled him too much with all the holding and chair-siting.
We've been doing little sit-ups and trying to play with his hands more. I have been trying to praise him even accidentally hitting toys in his chair and encourage any use of hands. He loves to grab and suck on his blankets, so I give him a blanket when he sits in a chair. He rubs them on his face and smiles.
It appears he is now officially sleeping through that night, as he's gone 9 hours the last several nights. It's so nice! The last two days we haven't gotten up till 7 AM!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
11 Week Revelations
Desmond slept through the night again last night! He slept almost 8 hours. I didn't get to sleep quite that long as Norman's brothers wanted to talk and wouldn't let us sleep for a while. I'm so proud of Desmond. He's not even three months old yet!
I was thinking about it this morning and having Desmond has inspired me to be a better person. I feel like I'm healthier than before I had him because even though I'm fatter, I'm walking everyday and being more conscious of what I eat. I don't want to be a fat mom who can't run and play with my little kid. That's something I'm looking forward to and I don't want to miss out on it.
It's easier to make good decisions about money when I can remind myself that I have to keep Desmond in mind. I can tell myself, "Don't buy _____, Desmond will need diapers", a lot easier than, "Don't buy _____, should save money". It helps to have something concrete that you care so much about.
I also feel like I'm not putting off tasks I hate as much as before. I'm trying to be really responsible and get things done without making excuses to myself. I cleaned the whole house for two days before Norman got home. I was scrubbing on my hands and knees, moving things to dust, all that stuff I hate. I feel like it's a disaster now, but really just the dishes need done and the floors swept and vacuumed because I did all the deep cleaning on my marathon.
Lastly, I can't fathom how these mothers in the news can hurt their kids. I've had days where I'm frustrated or tired and there's no way I would take it out on my baby. Sometimes I'm tired and he's crying and I'm changing his diaper in the dark and I feel like crying too, but I make an effort to smile at him anyway. Quite often he stops crying and smiles back, but even when he doesn't it's okay. I want him to always know that it doesn't matter what mood he's in, he can always count on me to give him a comforting smile, even if I can't do anything else to make him happy. It's hard enough to make choices for his health and safety that make him sad, like car-seat straps and shots at the Dr; I can't imagine purposely doing anything to make him feel pain, scared, or have hurt feelings. If he's crying and I can't figure out what he needs, that's when I want to hold him and kiss him most because it hurts me to see him upset. I'm not a big fan of having to breast-feed just because it takes so much time and I can't get much done around it, but I realize I would miss it if I quit because it's cuddle time that he'll allow and that no one can take over for me. I get it all to myself. I still look forward to going back to working and being less tied down, but I do like the special bonding it gives us that he can't replicate with anyone else.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Daddy's Home!
It was a busy week with Norman gone. If not for Ted, I wouldn't have gotten to take a shower all week. Things went well. We got in a routine and had a lot of good bonding time.
Milestones:
Desmond started sleeping through the night! Not every night, but definitely trying! A few nights he woke up and ate for 10 minutes and then crashed again. Night before last was the best yet; 8 hours in a row of sleep for me! That was so nice!
A few day ago, Friday or so, I was folding laundry on the bed and Des was laying next to the pile. He reached up and grabbed one of his light blankets, pulled it to his mouth and sucked on it. He's never made any attempt to use his hands before. Apparently he's decided his kicking is superb, so now it's time to move on to hands. On Sunday before Norman got home, I had Des in his bouncy chair while I did my hair. I looked down and instead of kicking to make his toys move he was batting them with his hands! Then yesterday morning, he was trying to grab the toys hanging on his rocking chair, so I took one down and he held it in his hand. I got him another toy that looked easy to hold and he held it and sucked on it and seemed quite pleased with himself. He sucks just his thumb now instead of his whole fist, also.
He is staying awake in the car longer and longer, though he is still good in the car. I'm trying to figure out how to have toys for him to look at in a way that's safe. I feel bad that he has nothing to amuse him in the car.
More You Know You're a Parent When:
All your magazine subscriptions are now about parenting and babies.
You don't wear shirts with decorations on them or necklaces that are bumpy because baby doesn't like leaning against them.
You don't change unless it's a lot of spit-up.
You've had to change YOUR clothes because of how much baby pooped.
Sold your show horse, bought a kid's horse.
Never stay up past 9 PM.
You know how fascinating a ceiling fan can be.
Taking a shower is a special event.
You get accused of talking to yourself because of the constant monologue for the baby.
Your entertainment budget has been traded for a diaper budget.
You have a silly song for everything you do.
You've added words like "toe-sie", "poopie", and "jammies" to your daily vocabulary.
Baby Weight:
I'm sick of this extra baby-weight. The last straw was seeing a picture of myself on the mare I brought home for a trial and only kept a day. I looked huge on her. So, I'm watching was I eat better, looking to do not too many calories or too high salt. I'm keeping a food journal and I'm walking a mile a day. I've got 10 miles under my belt so far. A friend gave me a jogging stroller and it's been wonderful. I usually take a dog or two and we walk down to the end of the block and back which is a mile since I live in the country. I don't think I've lost anything yet, but I feel better knowing I'm doing something to start moving in the right direction.
Today:
It was raining earlier! It hasn't rained in a while, though we had so much rain earlier this summer that the garden was sick from lack of nutrients. I haven't walked yet today since it looked like it was going to storm. I decided it was a lounging in bed day, so after I fed Desmond and all the animals I took him back to bed with me. He sat next to me and worked on holding a toy for a bit, now he's sleeping lightly in the middle of the bed. He keeps startling himself so he can't fall deep asleep. I'm craving croisants from Walla Walla Bread Company. That's so far today.
The Ride:
I didn't get to go since you can't take kids under 12 and I'm nursing. It was hard to know everyone was having fun and working hard while I sat at home, but I did have fun with Des. Norman and Nancy and John got home Sunday and last night we sat around and Ted and I listened to their stories. Ted announced he could not miss another year and would figure out some way to go next summer. I'm hoping I'll be able to figure out a way to go too. Unless I snag a summer teaching job anyway. Dazzle did great according to her new owner, Karol. I'm glad she's working out so well, I miss her! She is an awesome horse.
Horses:
A week ago, Monty and I drove into Pendleton and I tried out a mare. She is not what I was looking at before last week but I realized I'm not going to find my ideal in my price range. I bought her and the seller dropped her off later than afternoon. She is a 14.3H (with shoes on), unregistered Pinto mare, about 15 yrs old. She's not much to look at, but not terrible, she's fat, fat, fat, big boned, slow, and rusty, but well trained. She takes both leads at the lope, doesn't run away with you, doesn't spook, doesn't buck, she ties (though she did pull back once while getting bathed), and she doesn't try to kill Spotless. I've ridden her three times and she was good. I think I'll be able to have fun with her and Desmond will be able to ride her if he wants to and I'll be able to give Annabelle pony rides on her and Sali can ride her. She's a real kid-broke horse, unlike the 10 I looked at before her that ran away, reared, and went like camels. I accidentally let them both out the other evening and I had them both back in the pen in 15 minutes, and it was the new mare that let me catch her! She doesn't have a name. I could register her Pinto for $100, but there isn't much point since I can't show much and there aren't Pinto shows near here. I have to think of a good name for her though. Right now she is just Mare-Mare.
Spotless looks good. I took his sheet off of him and his Rescue Horse diet paid off; he's gained a ton of weight and looks like a horse now! I got his feet trimmed again this week and now I just have to get someone to ride him more so I can get him sold!
Exciting Grown-Up Progress:
With Norman's money from the Ride he bought the lap top I am typing on! His grandpa had bought himself a new one, so sold him this one for way less than it's worth but what we could afford. THANK YOU!!! We're going to pay off the last CitiBank card, the Care Credit card, and the Maurices card and then we'll just have school loans, the truck loan, and the US bank card left. It's good progress anyway. With his Christmas bonus and tax return we're hoping to pay off the truck/trailer loan, then sell the truck and maybe the trailer also (I'd have to buy another trailer if we sold it, but a smaller one), and put that money either onto Norman's school loan or on the US bank card. Either way, we could have nothing left but school loans to pay off in about a year! That is exciting. Then we will start putting savings in retirement at Norman's work. That will make me feel better because right now if my grandparents decided not to let us live here anymore or passed away, we'd pretty much be on the street. A little too precarious for me. Norman is very encouraged and excited to pay off some debt and not have to spend the whole amount on hay! I now have two horses and the new mare is a very easy keeper. I started last summer with 4, none easy keepers. Hopefully I'll have Spotless sold by winter and have only 1.
Milestones:
Desmond started sleeping through the night! Not every night, but definitely trying! A few nights he woke up and ate for 10 minutes and then crashed again. Night before last was the best yet; 8 hours in a row of sleep for me! That was so nice!
A few day ago, Friday or so, I was folding laundry on the bed and Des was laying next to the pile. He reached up and grabbed one of his light blankets, pulled it to his mouth and sucked on it. He's never made any attempt to use his hands before. Apparently he's decided his kicking is superb, so now it's time to move on to hands. On Sunday before Norman got home, I had Des in his bouncy chair while I did my hair. I looked down and instead of kicking to make his toys move he was batting them with his hands! Then yesterday morning, he was trying to grab the toys hanging on his rocking chair, so I took one down and he held it in his hand. I got him another toy that looked easy to hold and he held it and sucked on it and seemed quite pleased with himself. He sucks just his thumb now instead of his whole fist, also.
He is staying awake in the car longer and longer, though he is still good in the car. I'm trying to figure out how to have toys for him to look at in a way that's safe. I feel bad that he has nothing to amuse him in the car.
More You Know You're a Parent When:
All your magazine subscriptions are now about parenting and babies.
You don't wear shirts with decorations on them or necklaces that are bumpy because baby doesn't like leaning against them.
You don't change unless it's a lot of spit-up.
You've had to change YOUR clothes because of how much baby pooped.
Sold your show horse, bought a kid's horse.
Never stay up past 9 PM.
You know how fascinating a ceiling fan can be.
Taking a shower is a special event.
You get accused of talking to yourself because of the constant monologue for the baby.
Your entertainment budget has been traded for a diaper budget.
You have a silly song for everything you do.
You've added words like "toe-sie", "poopie", and "jammies" to your daily vocabulary.
Baby Weight:
I'm sick of this extra baby-weight. The last straw was seeing a picture of myself on the mare I brought home for a trial and only kept a day. I looked huge on her. So, I'm watching was I eat better, looking to do not too many calories or too high salt. I'm keeping a food journal and I'm walking a mile a day. I've got 10 miles under my belt so far. A friend gave me a jogging stroller and it's been wonderful. I usually take a dog or two and we walk down to the end of the block and back which is a mile since I live in the country. I don't think I've lost anything yet, but I feel better knowing I'm doing something to start moving in the right direction.
Today:
It was raining earlier! It hasn't rained in a while, though we had so much rain earlier this summer that the garden was sick from lack of nutrients. I haven't walked yet today since it looked like it was going to storm. I decided it was a lounging in bed day, so after I fed Desmond and all the animals I took him back to bed with me. He sat next to me and worked on holding a toy for a bit, now he's sleeping lightly in the middle of the bed. He keeps startling himself so he can't fall deep asleep. I'm craving croisants from Walla Walla Bread Company. That's so far today.
The Ride:
I didn't get to go since you can't take kids under 12 and I'm nursing. It was hard to know everyone was having fun and working hard while I sat at home, but I did have fun with Des. Norman and Nancy and John got home Sunday and last night we sat around and Ted and I listened to their stories. Ted announced he could not miss another year and would figure out some way to go next summer. I'm hoping I'll be able to figure out a way to go too. Unless I snag a summer teaching job anyway. Dazzle did great according to her new owner, Karol. I'm glad she's working out so well, I miss her! She is an awesome horse.
Horses:
A week ago, Monty and I drove into Pendleton and I tried out a mare. She is not what I was looking at before last week but I realized I'm not going to find my ideal in my price range. I bought her and the seller dropped her off later than afternoon. She is a 14.3H (with shoes on), unregistered Pinto mare, about 15 yrs old. She's not much to look at, but not terrible, she's fat, fat, fat, big boned, slow, and rusty, but well trained. She takes both leads at the lope, doesn't run away with you, doesn't spook, doesn't buck, she ties (though she did pull back once while getting bathed), and she doesn't try to kill Spotless. I've ridden her three times and she was good. I think I'll be able to have fun with her and Desmond will be able to ride her if he wants to and I'll be able to give Annabelle pony rides on her and Sali can ride her. She's a real kid-broke horse, unlike the 10 I looked at before her that ran away, reared, and went like camels. I accidentally let them both out the other evening and I had them both back in the pen in 15 minutes, and it was the new mare that let me catch her! She doesn't have a name. I could register her Pinto for $100, but there isn't much point since I can't show much and there aren't Pinto shows near here. I have to think of a good name for her though. Right now she is just Mare-Mare.
Spotless looks good. I took his sheet off of him and his Rescue Horse diet paid off; he's gained a ton of weight and looks like a horse now! I got his feet trimmed again this week and now I just have to get someone to ride him more so I can get him sold!
Exciting Grown-Up Progress:
With Norman's money from the Ride he bought the lap top I am typing on! His grandpa had bought himself a new one, so sold him this one for way less than it's worth but what we could afford. THANK YOU!!! We're going to pay off the last CitiBank card, the Care Credit card, and the Maurices card and then we'll just have school loans, the truck loan, and the US bank card left. It's good progress anyway. With his Christmas bonus and tax return we're hoping to pay off the truck/trailer loan, then sell the truck and maybe the trailer also (I'd have to buy another trailer if we sold it, but a smaller one), and put that money either onto Norman's school loan or on the US bank card. Either way, we could have nothing left but school loans to pay off in about a year! That is exciting. Then we will start putting savings in retirement at Norman's work. That will make me feel better because right now if my grandparents decided not to let us live here anymore or passed away, we'd pretty much be on the street. A little too precarious for me. Norman is very encouraged and excited to pay off some debt and not have to spend the whole amount on hay! I now have two horses and the new mare is a very easy keeper. I started last summer with 4, none easy keepers. Hopefully I'll have Spotless sold by winter and have only 1.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Desmond Visits The Garden
Last Monday, Norman's one day off last week, it was actually cool enough to go outside for a while. I took Des out in his bouncy chair and floppy hat to enjoy some nature. He wasn't sure about it. He sat and watched Norman work in the garden and I sat beside him and took pictures. MoonShine ran around in the garden and kept coming over to check on him. After a bit, Norman came over and made funny faces and Desmond smiled. He is going to think his daddy doesn't have a "normal" face, lol.
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