I was determined to retrain a tired Rebaboo starting at 7:45.
I closed off all the doors, so that if she opened the door to leave her room, she wouldn't come into my room, go into the rest of the house, or wreak havoc in the bathroom.
My intervals of reassuring intervention:
15 min - crying and screaming
20 min - crying and screaming
30 min - crying and screaming
45 min - furious crying and screaming and whimpering
1hr - somewhere in here, she falls asleep (around 10:20pm).
Greg comes homes and tries to open the hallway door. Not possible - unconscious baby and precious Bala (her word for her blanket) are barring the way.
Greg takes over the training. After a long time, she goes back to sleep.
At least one wakeup at 4am.
Thursday morning I get up to take my shower. I try to open my door. Not possible - unconscious baby and precious Bala are barring the way.
Sigh.
Baboo goes to bed with her Dada.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
This bites
I feel like crap.
Also, I pulled a muscle in my neck when I was sleeping, and I can't take any Advil. So, now I'm Captain Menthol.
I would like to be put in suspended animation for the rest of the pregnancy because I don't think I can put up with all the physical nonsense again, and I know exactly how much of that is left to come.
Also, I pulled a muscle in my neck when I was sleeping, and I can't take any Advil. So, now I'm Captain Menthol.
I would like to be put in suspended animation for the rest of the pregnancy because I don't think I can put up with all the physical nonsense again, and I know exactly how much of that is left to come.
Hallelujah
Rebecca fell asleep in the car on the way to Liz's apartment. It was only 7:45pm. She was easily transferred to a jogging stroller for an hour, then back to the car. From the car to her bed - no problem.
She slept without a peep until around 7:30am.
I don't know why we were blessed in this way last night. It gives me great hope that things can be turned around again.
She slept without a peep until around 7:30am.
I don't know why we were blessed in this way last night. It gives me great hope that things can be turned around again.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Second prenatal appointment
I am about 9 weeks pregnant and I have had my second prenatal appointment. Everything seems good so far. We tried to hear the heartbeat on the Doppler, but it's really too early for that. I'm not concerned since I saw the heartbeat on the ultrasound I had at the Civic.
Not concerned is a good word for the experience of a second pregnancy. The first time, I read something about pregnancy every single day. I had a stack of books, magazines and organizers at my bedside, and I spent a lot of time imagining and planning.
Now, I have no time, and I have none of the anxiety of my first pregnancy. It isn't the focus of all my attention, it's more like something in the background - important, but not central. This is not to say that it is any less important to us, but with a toddler running around, the approach to pregnancy is naturally, somewhat different.
All the same, I am coming to realize that I have got to be more realistic about what I can and can't handle physically right now. According to my GP, last week was the normal peak for queasiness - no wonder I felt so sick at Elizabeth's wedding. But I have a good stash of hard sour candies to get me through the rest of this horrid trimester. I am probably going to arrange to ditch my compressed work hours because it is more than I can handle right now. I think I'm running myself into the ground. I've been sick, which is really uncommon for me while pregnant. I will continue to have my second Friday with Becca but I will just burn leave to do it. For me, it's worth it because losing my sanity isn't desirable. Rebecca has been having a lot of difficulty sleeping lately and I am a big pushover instead of being firm. It's because I feel guilty for coming home and handling her with super low energy levels instead of my normal exuberance. But, it's not helping either of us in the long run if I crawl into the toddler bed to help her settle.
Not concerned is a good word for the experience of a second pregnancy. The first time, I read something about pregnancy every single day. I had a stack of books, magazines and organizers at my bedside, and I spent a lot of time imagining and planning.
Now, I have no time, and I have none of the anxiety of my first pregnancy. It isn't the focus of all my attention, it's more like something in the background - important, but not central. This is not to say that it is any less important to us, but with a toddler running around, the approach to pregnancy is naturally, somewhat different.
All the same, I am coming to realize that I have got to be more realistic about what I can and can't handle physically right now. According to my GP, last week was the normal peak for queasiness - no wonder I felt so sick at Elizabeth's wedding. But I have a good stash of hard sour candies to get me through the rest of this horrid trimester. I am probably going to arrange to ditch my compressed work hours because it is more than I can handle right now. I think I'm running myself into the ground. I've been sick, which is really uncommon for me while pregnant. I will continue to have my second Friday with Becca but I will just burn leave to do it. For me, it's worth it because losing my sanity isn't desirable. Rebecca has been having a lot of difficulty sleeping lately and I am a big pushover instead of being firm. It's because I feel guilty for coming home and handling her with super low energy levels instead of my normal exuberance. But, it's not helping either of us in the long run if I crawl into the toddler bed to help her settle.
New word
At this age, new words, expressions and skills happen all the time, and I am just too busy to record everything.
But... this week Rebecca learned to say "hug". And what's wonderful about that is that it is always a request.
Whatever frustrations I have felt lately (and there have been some long nights in the toddler bed and repeated viewings of Dora), I can honestly say that these perfect little moments with Becca make up for them.
Also, when we watch The Great Muppet Caper, she always insists that I pick her up and dance with her for the big musical number at the supper club. I love it.
But... this week Rebecca learned to say "hug". And what's wonderful about that is that it is always a request.
Whatever frustrations I have felt lately (and there have been some long nights in the toddler bed and repeated viewings of Dora), I can honestly say that these perfect little moments with Becca make up for them.
Also, when we watch The Great Muppet Caper, she always insists that I pick her up and dance with her for the big musical number at the supper club. I love it.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
I love my little crazy
Rebecca's aunt Elizabeth married uncle Reuben this weekend.
Rebecca was quite entertained by the other kids present at the event (in particular Reuben's nephew AJ) and was in fine form.
Looking adorable dancing with AJ before the reception was in full swing:
She periodically (at least 5 or 6 times) lay down flat on the floor. Not sure if it was part of her dance, or if she wanted to get a good look at the Chinese lanterns hung in the giant skylight above the dance floor. The funniest part was AJ (though the older of the two at 2 1/2 to Rebecca's 1 3/4) would copy her, lying down beside her.
Anyway, they made quite a cute couple. AJ's living down by St. Louis though, so they probably won't be seeing too much of each other.
Rebecca was quite entertained by the other kids present at the event (in particular Reuben's nephew AJ) and was in fine form.
Looking adorable dancing with AJ before the reception was in full swing:
Anyway, they made quite a cute couple. AJ's living down by St. Louis though, so they probably won't be seeing too much of each other.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Swimming lessons!
Well, semi-organized playtime in the pool might be more accurate.
Yesterday morning Rebecca and I went to the Plant Bath for her toddler swimming lessons.
She was about the biggest kid there, but she didn't use the opportunity to rub it in the faces of the younger kids or anything. Besides, she was having too much fun splashing, floating on her front and back, and having water poured on her head while myself and all the other parents (erm, mothers would be more precise) sang nursery songs.
Quite fun, I think we'll go back. ;) (We're signed up for a session)
The session didn't last too long, which I suppose is good. I'm not sure who would tire first, the toddlers or parents.
Yesterday morning Rebecca and I went to the Plant Bath for her toddler swimming lessons.
She was about the biggest kid there, but she didn't use the opportunity to rub it in the faces of the younger kids or anything. Besides, she was having too much fun splashing, floating on her front and back, and having water poured on her head while myself and all the other parents (erm, mothers would be more precise) sang nursery songs.
Quite fun, I think we'll go back. ;) (We're signed up for a session)
The session didn't last too long, which I suppose is good. I'm not sure who would tire first, the toddlers or parents.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Revised due date - April 29th
According to an ultrasound today, the new due date is April 29th. I will reset all my blog tickers sometime soon. Of course, maybe my GP will say something different. Now I'm back at 7 weeks on the nose! I had April 21st from my first prenatal appointment- but that wasn't my regular GP and they had made the prediction without accounting for my actual cycle length. It just seems kind of crazy that my LMP was July 16th and I'm only 7 weeks pregnant.
The predicted due date is just that - a prediction, but you tend to fixate on it anyway. I still remember Rebecca's due date, even though she chose not to respect it at all. I guess my frustration stems a bit from my hatred of the first trimester. I really find it the worst part of the pregnancy - it seems endless, you worry about the risk of miscarriage, you feel crappy, you are tired, you want to barf all day long, you don't look pregnant enough to reap special attention and pampering and can't justify using the special parking spot, digestive upset etc. .There is no jolly fat, hard as a rock belly, but you do have no waist, and slack muscles in your body.
So here is the reason I had an ultrasound - which was otherwise scheduled for the end of September. I started having an intermittent, mild but unignorable pain in the lower right quadrant of my tummy on Sunday at midday. By Monday night, it still kept reappearing, and I decided it would be prudent to call the Telehealth line. So, I ended up going to the hospital with Greg on Monday night slightly after midnight and didn't get home until four. I was palpated, I peed into cups, and I had a quick and dirty ultrasound. While we were gone, we had a close friend watch Becca -which was a godsend. Although, she did wake up and freak out. They had basically determined that things were fine after this first trip, but they wanted me to have a second ultrasound on a pickier machine just to be 100% sure everything was where it should be. That ate up my afternoon. I tried to sleep between the two forays, but someone shoved a plastic Elmo drinkbox in my face at 9am, followed by a Winnie the Pooh book. Fair enough. This was a not fun day, but was ultimately reassuring, and the best part was that I got to see Babootwo for the first time (Smudge-like naturally). I saw the heart beating - a quick and happy flickering. And it made me realize that not only was I pregnant, but there was actually a little baby in there. This seems like a pretty obvious fact, but there is a big difference between peeing on a stick and seeing it turn colours, and seeing a living being in real time. Greg took a digital photo of the ultrasound printout, which he has promised to post here later. That's all for now.
The predicted due date is just that - a prediction, but you tend to fixate on it anyway. I still remember Rebecca's due date, even though she chose not to respect it at all. I guess my frustration stems a bit from my hatred of the first trimester. I really find it the worst part of the pregnancy - it seems endless, you worry about the risk of miscarriage, you feel crappy, you are tired, you want to barf all day long, you don't look pregnant enough to reap special attention and pampering and can't justify using the special parking spot, digestive upset etc. .There is no jolly fat, hard as a rock belly, but you do have no waist, and slack muscles in your body.
So here is the reason I had an ultrasound - which was otherwise scheduled for the end of September. I started having an intermittent, mild but unignorable pain in the lower right quadrant of my tummy on Sunday at midday. By Monday night, it still kept reappearing, and I decided it would be prudent to call the Telehealth line. So, I ended up going to the hospital with Greg on Monday night slightly after midnight and didn't get home until four. I was palpated, I peed into cups, and I had a quick and dirty ultrasound. While we were gone, we had a close friend watch Becca -which was a godsend. Although, she did wake up and freak out. They had basically determined that things were fine after this first trip, but they wanted me to have a second ultrasound on a pickier machine just to be 100% sure everything was where it should be. That ate up my afternoon. I tried to sleep between the two forays, but someone shoved a plastic Elmo drinkbox in my face at 9am, followed by a Winnie the Pooh book. Fair enough. This was a not fun day, but was ultimately reassuring, and the best part was that I got to see Babootwo for the first time (Smudge-like naturally). I saw the heart beating - a quick and happy flickering. And it made me realize that not only was I pregnant, but there was actually a little baby in there. This seems like a pretty obvious fact, but there is a big difference between peeing on a stick and seeing it turn colours, and seeing a living being in real time. Greg took a digital photo of the ultrasound printout, which he has promised to post here later. That's all for now.
It's still wonderful
Rebecca started bringing books to me and sitting in my lap when she was a year old. She still does it - just about every day. And it makes me just as happy now as it did then.
And now in lieu of something funny or novel (because I am really tired), I give you:
Rebecca's Current Favourites!
NB: May be out of date by the time you finish reading.
Foods: Arrowroot cookies, toast, eggs, cold cuts, sliced apple
Colour: Lellow
Inanimate object: Her white blanket ("Bala")
Imaginary person: Dora ("Da")
Request: Kitty! or Piggy! (which you must draw) or Colour! (which means give me back my crayons) or Park! (let's go to the Park already)
Drink: Milk in a cup with a straw (she still hates fruit juices)
Song: The Winnie the Pooh song
Book: Her treasury of Fairy Tales
And now in lieu of something funny or novel (because I am really tired), I give you:
Rebecca's Current Favourites!
NB: May be out of date by the time you finish reading.
Foods: Arrowroot cookies, toast, eggs, cold cuts, sliced apple
Colour: Lellow
Inanimate object: Her white blanket ("Bala")
Imaginary person: Dora ("Da")
Request: Kitty! or Piggy! (which you must draw) or Colour! (which means give me back my crayons) or Park! (let's go to the Park already)
Drink: Milk in a cup with a straw (she still hates fruit juices)
Song: The Winnie the Pooh song
Book: Her treasury of Fairy Tales
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Who is Rebecca more attached to, her parents, or her blanket?
We *really* needed to wash Rebecca's favorite silky-edged snuggly blanket today. It gets gross really quickly as she sucks furiously on the edge any time she's tired and needs soothing.
We put it in the wash before bath time, but it was nowhere near dry at bed-time. We tried to substitute her other silky-edged blanket, but that was a disaster. Cries of "BAAALAAAAA!" (blanket) followed by throwing it in the floor and climbing right out of bed. I stopped giving her the blanket and tried cuddling her to sleep. She stopped crying but never really settled.
An hour later after we started to put her to bed, her blanket was ready. I held it out, she ran over with a smile on her face, and wrapped it completely around her head and started sucking. I took her to bed and put her down (no songs, no cuddles, no soothing) and left the room. She complained for around 4, maybe 5 seconds before settling down silently.
She really, REALLY loves that blanket. We should buy a second, just in case.
We put it in the wash before bath time, but it was nowhere near dry at bed-time. We tried to substitute her other silky-edged blanket, but that was a disaster. Cries of "BAAALAAAAA!" (blanket) followed by throwing it in the floor and climbing right out of bed. I stopped giving her the blanket and tried cuddling her to sleep. She stopped crying but never really settled.
An hour later after we started to put her to bed, her blanket was ready. I held it out, she ran over with a smile on her face, and wrapped it completely around her head and started sucking. I took her to bed and put her down (no songs, no cuddles, no soothing) and left the room. She complained for around 4, maybe 5 seconds before settling down silently.
She really, REALLY loves that blanket. We should buy a second, just in case.
Two amazing days
Friday was my compressed day off. It was 32 degrees and HUMID!!! Rebecca and I had an aborted chariot run with Elizabeth (it became a walk), followed by a trip to the gloriously air-conditioned grocery store and then... the beach! Becca loves to play in the water. We picked up Grandpapa and spent a good two hours at the Aylmer beach. Rebecca must have been in the water almost the entire time. Saturday I took Rebecca to the open house at the Museum of Agriculture on the Experimental Farm. There were many families in attendence, and we ventured into all the barns and saw all the displays. There was a big tent near the entrance, and it took three attempts for us to enter because Rebecca was intimidated by the noise. She ran right up to it at first, then turned around and clung to my legs and led me away. When she eventually gained the courage, she enjoyed the insect displays and the little bag of popcorn (of which I got none). I tried to get her to drink some lemonade, but after one taste she made a face of utter disgust and tried to push the cup as far away from her as possible. While Rebecca really enjoyed the smaller farm animals like the goats and sheep, the larger ones scared her a bit. The horses and cows provoked clingy cuddles (not that I minded). What seemed to unsettle her the most were the calves, because they started mooing at her. Every time a calf lowed, she started and hugged me tightly. We took a ride on a horse-drawn cart, which she heartily enjoyed, and all in all it was a fun day. Unfortunately I had to take a disciplinary action this weekend - after catching Rebecca colouring the walls (red-handed so to speak), I had to confiscate the crayons (even though I know that it's her current favourite activity). Since the confiscation, Rebecca has been attempting to convince Greg and I to return the crayons with a plaintive cry of "colour?". I made home-made playdough in the hope that it would be a temporary replacement, but she wasn't really interested in it. This morning she raided a pen from a drawer in the kitchen and was attempting to continue her "artwork", so it's clear that the prohibition on wall art is still not well understood.
Bleh
I am having more trouble with food aversions than last time. I made delicious sausages and vegetables earlier this week, with a lovely Thai chile and garlic sauce and I couldn't bear to eat it. But worse - last night I baked chocolate chip cookies and it made me feel so ill that I couldn't sleep until 4:30 in the morning. I tried to have a mint tea to settle my tummy, but the smell of the mint tea was so awful to me that I dumped it all down the sink. The smell of a dirty diaper is that much worse!
How am I supposed to give Rebecca a good and fun day with Mommy?
How am I supposed to give Rebecca a good and fun day with Mommy?
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Boqboqboqboq
Rebecca makes the cutest chicken noises when eating chicken fingers.
What a character. :)
What a character. :)
Apparently the little one has fingers and toes!
I guess I'll have to refrain from using the name Stubby now.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Too tired for anything
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
omg so tired
Also, suffering from cutaneous candida again on my abdomen and upper body. I am frustrated because my online searches are hampered by the fact that another form of candida is many times more common in pregnancy than the type I get. Clearly for me, the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy are favouring a tip in the microbiological scales.
For all that I had read about each pregnancy being unique, my experience thus far has basically been identical to my last.
omg so tired
Also, suffering from cutaneous candida again on my abdomen and upper body. I am frustrated because my online searches are hampered by the fact that another form of candida is many times more common in pregnancy than the type I get. Clearly for me, the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy are favouring a tip in the microbiological scales.
For all that I had read about each pregnancy being unique, my experience thus far has basically been identical to my last.
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