Thursday, May 29, 2008
Ergo Carrier
I just entered to win an Ergo Carrier at Along for the Ride. You can too at Win a Free Ergo Baby Carrier from Along for the Ride
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Quick update
Well, we have hit some pre-teething with Ben. He's been drooling a bunch and chewing on our fingers whenever he can. He was also miserable Sunday and Monday. He wouldn't let us put him down, but was still unhappy when being held. Luckily, he started feeling better yesterday and even better today.
I got the items Jeff and I painted on our date. I am really happy with how they turned out.
Lastly, on Sunday, we were at a friend's home and weighed Ben, with clothing and diaper on. I stepped on the scale, looked at the weight, then took Ben and noted the difference. With a diaper and clothes he now weighs 12.8#, so I would bet he is close to 12 1/2 lbs by now.
Off to bed. New pics have been added to Picasa.
I got the items Jeff and I painted on our date. I am really happy with how they turned out.
Lastly, on Sunday, we were at a friend's home and weighed Ben, with clothing and diaper on. I stepped on the scale, looked at the weight, then took Ben and noted the difference. With a diaper and clothes he now weighs 12.8#, so I would bet he is close to 12 1/2 lbs by now.
Off to bed. New pics have been added to Picasa.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Our first date
...since Ben was born was yesterday. Our wonderful friend Theresa offered to "steal the baby" from us for a few hours, so, I had my first extended separation from Benji since he was born. It went very well. I may have been overly prepared, writing down almost everything including the address and phone number of where we were planning on spending most of our time.
It only took us 10 minutes to get out the door once we oriented T to where things are and some of the things Ben enjoys and things that help him calm down. We must have said "call us if you need to" at least a dozen times.
We headed down to 2nd Street in Long Beach. We were both ready for a late lunch (it was after 2:30 when we left the house) and decided to head to a Greek restaurant, Georges. I ordered a glass of wine, since it would be over 4 hours before I fed Ben again. I am quite a lightweight these days as I was tipsy before I was halfway through the glass. We had a lovely meal and headed over to Color Me Mine to paint some pottery. We had a tough time deciding what to paint, both item and design. We finally decided to paint a plaque that can be used as a trivet or a Challah plate on Shabbat and a wine glass that can be used as a Kiddish cup. We decided on a tree theme for the cup and that carried over to the Challah plate as well. I worked primarily on the cup while Jeff did most of the work on the plate, but we worked together, encouraged each other and had a great time. I can't wait to pick them up on Wed. so we can see how they turn out once they are fired.
We got home a little more than 4 hours after we left. Theresa was just finishing giving Ben his bottle. We managed not to call and I truly didn't really think about calling once we started painting. Apparently he cried for a short time after we left and then napped on Theresa as she relaxed on the couch. He slept 3 hours and ate over 5 oz from a bottle just before we got home.
It was a very nice time out. We look forward to our next chance. I'm very glad Ben took the bottle so well. I've tried giving him one on a couple of occasions and he fights it, but that is likely because he knows he can nurse with me and would rather do that.
It only took us 10 minutes to get out the door once we oriented T to where things are and some of the things Ben enjoys and things that help him calm down. We must have said "call us if you need to" at least a dozen times.
We headed down to 2nd Street in Long Beach. We were both ready for a late lunch (it was after 2:30 when we left the house) and decided to head to a Greek restaurant, Georges. I ordered a glass of wine, since it would be over 4 hours before I fed Ben again. I am quite a lightweight these days as I was tipsy before I was halfway through the glass. We had a lovely meal and headed over to Color Me Mine to paint some pottery. We had a tough time deciding what to paint, both item and design. We finally decided to paint a plaque that can be used as a trivet or a Challah plate on Shabbat and a wine glass that can be used as a Kiddish cup. We decided on a tree theme for the cup and that carried over to the Challah plate as well. I worked primarily on the cup while Jeff did most of the work on the plate, but we worked together, encouraged each other and had a great time. I can't wait to pick them up on Wed. so we can see how they turn out once they are fired.
We got home a little more than 4 hours after we left. Theresa was just finishing giving Ben his bottle. We managed not to call and I truly didn't really think about calling once we started painting. Apparently he cried for a short time after we left and then napped on Theresa as she relaxed on the couch. He slept 3 hours and ate over 5 oz from a bottle just before we got home.
It was a very nice time out. We look forward to our next chance. I'm very glad Ben took the bottle so well. I've tried giving him one on a couple of occasions and he fights it, but that is likely because he knows he can nurse with me and would rather do that.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
I'm gonna swaddle you!
This is a common "threat" in our home for the last month and a half.
Swaddling is a wonderful thing that Ben has come to appreciate. When he is crying inconsolably for any length of time, especially if we suspect he is tired, we often swaddle him with one of these swaddling blankets. Twice today when he has been tired, fighting sleep, and crying I have swaddled him to a wonderful result. First he calmed down and lay in his crib cooing and smiling at us. Later, I swaddled him and he nearly immediately fell asleep. He stops crying now as soon as the first side is wrapped around him.
We also always swaddle him when he goes to sleep, otherwise he will start awake after a very short time. I prefer to use the Swaddle Baby, but when it is very warm or sometime during the day at nap times I just swaddle him in a receiving blanket. This only works for wrapping his arms, as he is too long and will kick any attempt to restrain the legs with the blanket. I often use a second blanket for his legs.
I now realize that with the heat of summer I need to make new linen blankets so that Ben can have the comfort of being swaddled with out the heat of the flannel blankets. I purchased one Swaddle Baby and was able to use it to make a pattern and make two more, so making one out of linen or cotton won't be too difficult. It's just finding the time and energy to sew.
The original Swaddle Baby:
The 2 blankets I made:
Swaddling is a wonderful thing that Ben has come to appreciate. When he is crying inconsolably for any length of time, especially if we suspect he is tired, we often swaddle him with one of these swaddling blankets. Twice today when he has been tired, fighting sleep, and crying I have swaddled him to a wonderful result. First he calmed down and lay in his crib cooing and smiling at us. Later, I swaddled him and he nearly immediately fell asleep. He stops crying now as soon as the first side is wrapped around him.
We also always swaddle him when he goes to sleep, otherwise he will start awake after a very short time. I prefer to use the Swaddle Baby, but when it is very warm or sometime during the day at nap times I just swaddle him in a receiving blanket. This only works for wrapping his arms, as he is too long and will kick any attempt to restrain the legs with the blanket. I often use a second blanket for his legs.
I now realize that with the heat of summer I need to make new linen blankets so that Ben can have the comfort of being swaddled with out the heat of the flannel blankets. I purchased one Swaddle Baby and was able to use it to make a pattern and make two more, so making one out of linen or cotton won't be too difficult. It's just finding the time and energy to sew.
The original Swaddle Baby:
The 2 blankets I made:
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Busy day to day
Well, I've been meaning to update for a while now, but life has run away from me a bit and time online has been a low priority.
Ben and I returned home late Sunday night (May 4) after the exterminator came and Ben had no problems. I could still smell the insecticide and feel it in my lungs, but the reaction was quite minor. The good news is we have had NO ants since then (YAY!!)
We have gotten into a routine around here and on days that it is disturbed in one way or another leads to more tears and fussiness. We generally get out of bed sometime around 8 or 9, Ben eats then I pump while Ben hangs out in the bouncer seat next to me sometimes happy and others crying. Jeff also sometimes gets time to play with Ben in the morning when we are just getting up and Jeff is just coming to bed. That seems to be Ben's most playful and happy times. Once I have finished pumping, I pick Ben up, calm him down if he's been crying and we read a story (our current book is Stories for Children by Isaac Bashevis Singer). Ben either falls asleep while I read and rock, or I then rock him until he is close to being asleep, swaddle him, and place him in his crib for a morning nap. While he naps, I usually try to get something around the house done, laundry, dishes, general cleaning, etc. This nap is between an hour or two and when he wakes up he eats and then we have been going for a walk, except on days where it is just too hot outside or we have errands to run. After our walk, we usually play a bit, doing time on the floor on a nice big blanket. Usually around 1 or 2 p.m. it is time for another nap. This time I usually join Ben and so we just curl up on the couch together and fall asleep after he eats. Jeff wakes up sometime between 3 and 5 p.m. (depending on what time he got home and to sleep) and we spend some family time together. Jeff finally gets to see Ben when he isn't all fussy and crying all the time. Ben usually is ready for bed between 9 and 10 p.m. After he eats I swaddle him and place him in his bassinet (usually awake). He puts himself to sleep with little or no crying. He usually wakes up two to three times during the night. He eats and goes back to sleep.
We've had a couple of days where for one reason or another Ben hasn't gotten his naps (sometimes because of errands, sometimes because he refuses to sleep) On these days, by the time Jeff wakes up, Ben is fussy and crying inconsolably. One day in particular, Jeff managed to get him to go to sleep around 3 or 4 p.m. after no naps at all during the day and marathon eating (every hour or less) Ben slept continuously until 9:30 p.m. waking once to eat. He was awake until 11 when we went to bed and he slept all night, waking only twice to eat.
Life definitely feels like it is falling into place. I am getting things done around the house, getting errands run, and even managed to go grocery shopping with Ben for the first time since he was born (Thanks to Jeff who has been doing all the grocery shopping for me). Most days I am able to make dinner while Ben either enjoys his swing or Jeff holds him. Jeff, Ben and I have been going to a fighter practice (SCA sword fighting for Jeff) together on Tuesdays about 20 minutes from the house.
The most tiring thing seems to be Ben's eating habits. Many days (especially in the evening) it seems like he is constantly eating. I feed him for 10 to 15 minutes until he decides he is done or he is pulling off and screaming and then within 30 minutes he is crying and hungry again and we the same happens. The good news is he is gaining weight just fine and seems to get what he needs that way, it just makes it difficult to get anything done and it feels as if all I do is feed him.
Well, I'm off to do some dishes and get some things done before Ben wakes from his nap.
Ben and I returned home late Sunday night (May 4) after the exterminator came and Ben had no problems. I could still smell the insecticide and feel it in my lungs, but the reaction was quite minor. The good news is we have had NO ants since then (YAY!!)
We have gotten into a routine around here and on days that it is disturbed in one way or another leads to more tears and fussiness. We generally get out of bed sometime around 8 or 9, Ben eats then I pump while Ben hangs out in the bouncer seat next to me sometimes happy and others crying. Jeff also sometimes gets time to play with Ben in the morning when we are just getting up and Jeff is just coming to bed. That seems to be Ben's most playful and happy times. Once I have finished pumping, I pick Ben up, calm him down if he's been crying and we read a story (our current book is Stories for Children by Isaac Bashevis Singer). Ben either falls asleep while I read and rock, or I then rock him until he is close to being asleep, swaddle him, and place him in his crib for a morning nap. While he naps, I usually try to get something around the house done, laundry, dishes, general cleaning, etc. This nap is between an hour or two and when he wakes up he eats and then we have been going for a walk, except on days where it is just too hot outside or we have errands to run. After our walk, we usually play a bit, doing time on the floor on a nice big blanket. Usually around 1 or 2 p.m. it is time for another nap. This time I usually join Ben and so we just curl up on the couch together and fall asleep after he eats. Jeff wakes up sometime between 3 and 5 p.m. (depending on what time he got home and to sleep) and we spend some family time together. Jeff finally gets to see Ben when he isn't all fussy and crying all the time. Ben usually is ready for bed between 9 and 10 p.m. After he eats I swaddle him and place him in his bassinet (usually awake). He puts himself to sleep with little or no crying. He usually wakes up two to three times during the night. He eats and goes back to sleep.
We've had a couple of days where for one reason or another Ben hasn't gotten his naps (sometimes because of errands, sometimes because he refuses to sleep) On these days, by the time Jeff wakes up, Ben is fussy and crying inconsolably. One day in particular, Jeff managed to get him to go to sleep around 3 or 4 p.m. after no naps at all during the day and marathon eating (every hour or less) Ben slept continuously until 9:30 p.m. waking once to eat. He was awake until 11 when we went to bed and he slept all night, waking only twice to eat.
Life definitely feels like it is falling into place. I am getting things done around the house, getting errands run, and even managed to go grocery shopping with Ben for the first time since he was born (Thanks to Jeff who has been doing all the grocery shopping for me). Most days I am able to make dinner while Ben either enjoys his swing or Jeff holds him. Jeff, Ben and I have been going to a fighter practice (SCA sword fighting for Jeff) together on Tuesdays about 20 minutes from the house.
The most tiring thing seems to be Ben's eating habits. Many days (especially in the evening) it seems like he is constantly eating. I feed him for 10 to 15 minutes until he decides he is done or he is pulling off and screaming and then within 30 minutes he is crying and hungry again and we the same happens. The good news is he is gaining weight just fine and seems to get what he needs that way, it just makes it difficult to get anything done and it feels as if all I do is feed him.
Well, I'm off to do some dishes and get some things done before Ben wakes from his nap.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
A weekend away
Well, our apartment complex seems to have a problem with water ants. Many of the people I have spoken with have the same problem where the ants look for water, and some proteins and sugars, but don't respond to traps. Others spray occasionally in their home for it. Because of my allergy to insecticides, I spoke with the management and arranged for the exterminator, who comes out once a month, to come and spray, since it will keep the ants away for a long period of time (last time it was over a year before they came back). So, on Friday, the exterminator came to the apartment to spray.
Due to my allergy and Ben's age, he and I arranged to stay at a friend's home this weekend (Cat and Mel's place). I was concerned how Ben would do in new surroundings for an extended period of time. I packed a number of bags, one with all diapers and diaper related things, one with clothes and other needed things for Ben, and one for my things.
The stay has been going quite well (we are still there and will either return home later tonight or sometime tomorrow morning). Ben has dealt well with not having his bassinet to sleep in (he likes to sleep right next to the wall) and has been okay sleeping on the bed next to me. Luckily, there is very little to worry about as far as him falling out or me rolling over on him as the bed is a low mattress on the ground and it is a double bed, so there is plenty of room for both of us.
Yesterday we went and spent the day with Alan and Theresa (and Jeff). I was concerned with being out and with others Ben may have trouble sleeping, but it was one of our better nights, sleeping 5 hours before waking to eat and then another 3 hours. Today is much more relaxed and Ben is currently sleeping in his favorite place (the Moby) as we walked to a local restaurant for breakfast.
I'm looking forward to getting back home to return to our routine and not have to live out of bags. I am also excited to not have to fight the ants constantly.
Update on the vaccinations: Ben did very well. I dosed him with Tylenol at the doctor's office before the shots and gave him more as he would get unusually fussy when the effectiveness wore off. He wouldn't let us put him down at all, was unhappy being in the Moby or putting any pressure on his legs. He woke up the next morning back to himself.
Due to my allergy and Ben's age, he and I arranged to stay at a friend's home this weekend (Cat and Mel's place). I was concerned how Ben would do in new surroundings for an extended period of time. I packed a number of bags, one with all diapers and diaper related things, one with clothes and other needed things for Ben, and one for my things.
The stay has been going quite well (we are still there and will either return home later tonight or sometime tomorrow morning). Ben has dealt well with not having his bassinet to sleep in (he likes to sleep right next to the wall) and has been okay sleeping on the bed next to me. Luckily, there is very little to worry about as far as him falling out or me rolling over on him as the bed is a low mattress on the ground and it is a double bed, so there is plenty of room for both of us.
Yesterday we went and spent the day with Alan and Theresa (and Jeff). I was concerned with being out and with others Ben may have trouble sleeping, but it was one of our better nights, sleeping 5 hours before waking to eat and then another 3 hours. Today is much more relaxed and Ben is currently sleeping in his favorite place (the Moby) as we walked to a local restaurant for breakfast.
I'm looking forward to getting back home to return to our routine and not have to live out of bags. I am also excited to not have to fight the ants constantly.
Update on the vaccinations: Ben did very well. I dosed him with Tylenol at the doctor's office before the shots and gave him more as he would get unusually fussy when the effectiveness wore off. He wouldn't let us put him down at all, was unhappy being in the Moby or putting any pressure on his legs. He woke up the next morning back to himself.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
6-week Check-up
Today Ben saw the doctor again for his 2 month vaccinations. He is doing well. He now weighs 10 lbs. and was measured at 22 1/2 inches, however I'm pretty sure he's taller than that (probably closer to 24" by my measuring).
Ben got 3 shots and an oral dose of vaccination. He did very well with the shots and is only a little more fussy than usual. The doctor is impressed with the fact that Ben is gaining so well with simply breastfeeding. She also commented on his skin and asked if we were using lotion, nope, he's just got good skin :).
Hopefully tonight won't be too difficult and he won't be too uncomfortable from his shots.
Oh...and one bit of squee news for me...I fit into my pre-pregnancy jeans today. Only 5 lbs. till I'm back to pre-baby weight. YAY!!!
Ben got 3 shots and an oral dose of vaccination. He did very well with the shots and is only a little more fussy than usual. The doctor is impressed with the fact that Ben is gaining so well with simply breastfeeding. She also commented on his skin and asked if we were using lotion, nope, he's just got good skin :).
Hopefully tonight won't be too difficult and he won't be too uncomfortable from his shots.
Oh...and one bit of squee news for me...I fit into my pre-pregnancy jeans today. Only 5 lbs. till I'm back to pre-baby weight. YAY!!!
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