My aunt Marcia came to visit this past Saturday night. She was in town to see her daughter, Heather. After an enjoyable dinner, we came home in time to put both the girls to bed. (That's the benefit of early-bird eating, you get home early, too. Hmmm, maybe these senior citizens are onto something?).
Marcia was carrying Jellybean around the apartment, and went in to Monkey's apartment to say good night and good bye.
Monkey took her words literally and objected, telling Marcia "Please leave Jellybean" behind!
It's good to know she's polite to babynappers.
Showing posts with label baby #2. Show all posts
Showing posts with label baby #2. Show all posts
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Green Eyed Monster
One of the most common questions M and I answer these days is how Monkey is behaving now that Jellybean has arrived. This question comes in many different formats and forms, but basically, everyone wants to know if Monkey is jealous.
And the short answer is, sometimes.
The long answer is that 98% of the time, Monkey loves being the big sister. She parrots the things we say but with her childish inflection and doe-eyed wonder at the world.....so things like "she's awake" and "look, Jellybean" convert from mundane sentences to the most adorable little vignettes of domesticity ever. When she tells you that the name of her baby doll is "jellybean" you want to just squeeze her tight and hope that her joy and wonder rub off on you - joy by osmosis!
But then, occasionally, things don't go quite as swimmingly.
Last week I was invited to participate in Monkey's school day for an hour - all the parents were invited to come in. They called it "work with your child" and it was a fun way to see what her life is like at school. Of course, being the dork that I am, all I could think about was the scientific principle (the name escapes me right now) that, by being present to observe the phenomena, you change it with your presence. But I digress.
Monkey and I arrived at school, and her day started. Taking off of coats and snowboots, putting her name on the fridge, putting away her lunch, all her normal chores. Then....books! (of course) Lots and lots of books.
Mama, read this. Mama read this. And this. And THIS. AND THIS. Sensory overload on books.
We were having a grand old time when her friend Nomi wandered over to give me a hug. Nomi always hugs me, so this is no big deal. But on this morning, Monkey was just.....not.....having.....it.
She announced, with a good deal of force, "no, walk away. MY mommy!" and then, in case her point was not clear, she took Nomi by the shoulders and showed her on her way. You know, with a polite shove.
She has to share at home. By god, she was NOT going to share at school, too.
And the short answer is, sometimes.
The long answer is that 98% of the time, Monkey loves being the big sister. She parrots the things we say but with her childish inflection and doe-eyed wonder at the world.....so things like "she's awake" and "look, Jellybean" convert from mundane sentences to the most adorable little vignettes of domesticity ever. When she tells you that the name of her baby doll is "jellybean" you want to just squeeze her tight and hope that her joy and wonder rub off on you - joy by osmosis!
But then, occasionally, things don't go quite as swimmingly.
Last week I was invited to participate in Monkey's school day for an hour - all the parents were invited to come in. They called it "work with your child" and it was a fun way to see what her life is like at school. Of course, being the dork that I am, all I could think about was the scientific principle (the name escapes me right now) that, by being present to observe the phenomena, you change it with your presence. But I digress.
Monkey and I arrived at school, and her day started. Taking off of coats and snowboots, putting her name on the fridge, putting away her lunch, all her normal chores. Then....books! (of course) Lots and lots of books.
Mama, read this. Mama read this. And this. And THIS. AND THIS. Sensory overload on books.
We were having a grand old time when her friend Nomi wandered over to give me a hug. Nomi always hugs me, so this is no big deal. But on this morning, Monkey was just.....not.....having.....it.
She announced, with a good deal of force, "no, walk away. MY mommy!" and then, in case her point was not clear, she took Nomi by the shoulders and showed her on her way. You know, with a polite shove.
She has to share at home. By god, she was NOT going to share at school, too.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Raw
These days my emotions are a little bit closer to the surface than usual. I noticed this after Monkey was born, too. No, not post partum or even the baby blues - my skin is just a little bit thinner than usual. I feel more sadness AND joy.
I find it harder to watch news about sick kids or lost puppies. When I"m nursing Jellybean often I'll catch a few minutes of daytime tv....and if the show has a lost, sick or dead child - I can NOT watch it. It makes me too sad. I remember after Monkey was born I was taking one of my first walks with her around the neighborhood, and when I walked past the homeless guy that "resides" on a nearby corner...I cried. All I could think was that he was someone's baby, too - someone's baby was sleeping on the street, dirty and hungry.
Some of it has to do with being tired from lack of sleep, But it is more than that. It is way more than that. It is about being close to the miracle of life. Watching my infant daughter breathe, in and out, in and out, makes my heart swell with love and wonderment. Listening to the joy in my insane toddler's voice when she yells "daddy's home!" and grins ear to ear makes me grateful to be alive.
When I was pregnant with Monkey, my father kept talking about the "miracle of life." I kind of wrote that off as something people say. And, truth be told, I was suffering from a bad attitude because I really don't like to be pregnant.
But the thing is? My dad was right. It really is a miracle.
I find it harder to watch news about sick kids or lost puppies. When I"m nursing Jellybean often I'll catch a few minutes of daytime tv....and if the show has a lost, sick or dead child - I can NOT watch it. It makes me too sad. I remember after Monkey was born I was taking one of my first walks with her around the neighborhood, and when I walked past the homeless guy that "resides" on a nearby corner...I cried. All I could think was that he was someone's baby, too - someone's baby was sleeping on the street, dirty and hungry.
Some of it has to do with being tired from lack of sleep, But it is more than that. It is way more than that. It is about being close to the miracle of life. Watching my infant daughter breathe, in and out, in and out, makes my heart swell with love and wonderment. Listening to the joy in my insane toddler's voice when she yells "daddy's home!" and grins ear to ear makes me grateful to be alive.
When I was pregnant with Monkey, my father kept talking about the "miracle of life." I kind of wrote that off as something people say. And, truth be told, I was suffering from a bad attitude because I really don't like to be pregnant.
But the thing is? My dad was right. It really is a miracle.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right?
The second child always gets treated differently. It is just the way of the world. Now, this isn't to say that they are loved any less....they just aren't as coddled.
And their baby albums are a lot lighter! (this is known as "2nd child syndrome" and afflicts grandparents across the world as they impatiently await baby photos of grandchild number two....only to realize they have no photos of their OWN second child! whoops)
When Monkey was born we treated her like she was made of spun glass. Fragile beyond comprehension.
When Jellybean was born we treated her like the precious, but tough, infant she is.
When I trimmed Monkey's teensy weensy fingernails and cut her finger, that single drop of blood was a dire emergency - sure to scar her for life and demanding round the clock vigilance and medical attention.
When I accidentally cut Jellybean's finger I smiled and wiped off the blood.
When Monkey was accidentally knocked in the face by a toy, I broke into a sweat and started to check pupil size...you know, to make sure she hadn't sustained an injury to her brain.
When Jellybean was accidentally knocked in the face by a garbage can tipped over onto her by her big sister.....well, we dusted both kids off and went on our way.
And their baby albums are a lot lighter! (this is known as "2nd child syndrome" and afflicts grandparents across the world as they impatiently await baby photos of grandchild number two....only to realize they have no photos of their OWN second child! whoops)
When Monkey was born we treated her like she was made of spun glass. Fragile beyond comprehension.
When Jellybean was born we treated her like the precious, but tough, infant she is.
When I trimmed Monkey's teensy weensy fingernails and cut her finger, that single drop of blood was a dire emergency - sure to scar her for life and demanding round the clock vigilance and medical attention.
When I accidentally cut Jellybean's finger I smiled and wiped off the blood.
When Monkey was accidentally knocked in the face by a toy, I broke into a sweat and started to check pupil size...you know, to make sure she hadn't sustained an injury to her brain.
When Jellybean was accidentally knocked in the face by a garbage can tipped over onto her by her big sister.....well, we dusted both kids off and went on our way.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Stay at home moms & dads, I salute you
Yesterday was MLK day, so Monkey's school was closed. M had to go to work, so I was home with the two girls all day long. And, since Jellybean is still not allowed into crowds....we spent the entire day in the apartment. We did not leave. We did NOT get to go out and play in the gorgeous snow. We DID get cabin fever.
But, we also had a lot of fun.
The morning was spent making cupcakes. Now, more batter ended up on the floor, the walls, and in Monkey's stomach than in the cupcake pans...but it was a success.
Then, naptime! And that wasn't a success. Monkey managed to spend over two hours in her room before she closed her eyes and finally, finally fell asleep. She was channeling the Beastie Boys.....you know, NO SLEEP TIL BROOKLYN and YOU GOTTA FIGHT, FOR THE RIGHT, To PARTY.....................trust me.
But eventually she slept.
And then, post-nap, her friend Daniel came over. Now, Daniel is Monkey's oldest friend. We met his parents in our birthing class. And Daniel is a lovely, well mannered and enjoyable kid. (His parents are awesome, too).
Daniel and Monkey shrieked and giggled and tore the apartment apart.....forts were built, cupcakes were consumed, and everyone had a blast.
M came home from soccor last night and put me to bed. I didn't get to nap with all the chaos and caring for both Monkey and Jellybean (during the brief time that Monkey slept, Jellybean ate....so no nap) so I was beyond tired. But this was an honest tired.
I was exhausted from having so much fun. And boy, am I impressed at all the parents and caregivers that are at home all the time. You guys work HARD!
But, we also had a lot of fun.
The morning was spent making cupcakes. Now, more batter ended up on the floor, the walls, and in Monkey's stomach than in the cupcake pans...but it was a success.
Then, naptime! And that wasn't a success. Monkey managed to spend over two hours in her room before she closed her eyes and finally, finally fell asleep. She was channeling the Beastie Boys.....you know, NO SLEEP TIL BROOKLYN and YOU GOTTA FIGHT, FOR THE RIGHT, To PARTY.....................trust me.
But eventually she slept.
And then, post-nap, her friend Daniel came over. Now, Daniel is Monkey's oldest friend. We met his parents in our birthing class. And Daniel is a lovely, well mannered and enjoyable kid. (His parents are awesome, too).
Daniel and Monkey shrieked and giggled and tore the apartment apart.....forts were built, cupcakes were consumed, and everyone had a blast.
M came home from soccor last night and put me to bed. I didn't get to nap with all the chaos and caring for both Monkey and Jellybean (during the brief time that Monkey slept, Jellybean ate....so no nap) so I was beyond tired. But this was an honest tired.
I was exhausted from having so much fun. And boy, am I impressed at all the parents and caregivers that are at home all the time. You guys work HARD!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
The sweet smell of???
Ok, so Jellybean has a serious case of diaper rash. The kind that makes me check with not one, but two, pediatricians about what to do. The sight of open sores on your one month old's raw bottom is enough to make anyone feel bad, and when you change the diapers on that little raw little butt about 12 times a day (ok, maybe 10 now) you REALLY feel bad.
So, I figured out which diaper rash cream has the highest content of zinc oxide, the better to protect her poor tushie and let it heal. And the winner is? Boudreaux's Butt Paste. I know, nice name, right?
But the thing is? It is really working!
The only problem? It boasts of a "pleasant scent"....and honestly, it kind of smells like vanilla.
My problem with this, you might ask? Jellybean's butt smells ever so much like....a.....cupcake.
I find that to be rather disconcerting.
So, I figured out which diaper rash cream has the highest content of zinc oxide, the better to protect her poor tushie and let it heal. And the winner is? Boudreaux's Butt Paste. I know, nice name, right?
But the thing is? It is really working!
The only problem? It boasts of a "pleasant scent"....and honestly, it kind of smells like vanilla.
My problem with this, you might ask? Jellybean's butt smells ever so much like....a.....cupcake.
I find that to be rather disconcerting.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Piglet
So Monkey has recovered from the stomach flu. But now suffers from teething, a cold, and being two. Phew. Did I mention the being two part?
Meanwhile, Jellybean visited the pediatrician (again) to be visually inspected for jaundice and weighed. Her color looks good, and we're supposed to keep up the light exposure. And for the record, the pediatrician actually recommended that I nurse in front of the windows with the blinds up to expose her to as much sun as possible....so neighbors? I apologize for the gratuitous nudity....and yeah, these are my boobs, and um, well enjoy the sights!
Jellybean is putting on weight at a nice clip. She's now exceeded her birth weight and put on 10 ounces in the last four days. PIGLET! Yesterday she was eating with such gusto that M asked if she wanted some bbq sauce to go with it....it was funnier at the time than it sounds now. Trust me. Seriously. (Ok, so if you are sleep deprived it is hilarious!!!!)
Well, off to watch Wall*E for the 15,899,203rd time. Monkey got it for Christmas and it has saved my bacon (and sanity) quite a few times these past two days, while she's been sick and moping about the couch.
Meanwhile, Jellybean visited the pediatrician (again) to be visually inspected for jaundice and weighed. Her color looks good, and we're supposed to keep up the light exposure. And for the record, the pediatrician actually recommended that I nurse in front of the windows with the blinds up to expose her to as much sun as possible....so neighbors? I apologize for the gratuitous nudity....and yeah, these are my boobs, and um, well enjoy the sights!
Jellybean is putting on weight at a nice clip. She's now exceeded her birth weight and put on 10 ounces in the last four days. PIGLET! Yesterday she was eating with such gusto that M asked if she wanted some bbq sauce to go with it....it was funnier at the time than it sounds now. Trust me. Seriously. (Ok, so if you are sleep deprived it is hilarious!!!!)
Well, off to watch Wall*E for the 15,899,203rd time. Monkey got it for Christmas and it has saved my bacon (and sanity) quite a few times these past two days, while she's been sick and moping about the couch.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
I'm back, dear readers
Can I tell you that I have two perfect daughters now? I feel just greedy! Like who gets to be this lucky????
(oh and I just woke up from a power nap and am sipping diet coke while nibbling on peppermint bark candy, so forgive me if this is scattered. Plus the percocet just kicked in, too.....SUGAR AND CAFFEINE AND DRUGS WOOHOO!!! heh )
On Friday December 12th at 9:45 am, Jellybean was born. She's perfect. Did I mention that yet? She's perfect. And, while Monkey named her Jellybean while I was pregnant, the name turned out to be somewhat prophetic, as her little sister is tiny! A whopping 6 lbs and 18 and 3/4 inches long. Monkey, on the other hand, was 7.1lbs and something ridiculous like 21 inches long - that kid was skinny and looooong. Jellybean is skinny and short. Plus, you know, the comparison to her flesh and blood 26 lbs sister makes her seem miniature, and all the more fragile!
Jellybean suffered from jaundice, and spent several days under the lights. It was harder on me to not be able to hold her than anything else. She's now passed followup tests with flying colors and will slowly lose the yellowish cast over the coming weeks. She never glowed yellow, if anything she just looked like she'd used some self-tanning lotion, so all thing being equal that was a a wonderfully simple complication. And yes, I know about the awful yellow tint from my own forays into self-tanning. And no, you can't see any photos.
I have decided that planned c-sections are SO much better than emergency c-sections. I was present and lucid during the birth, remember my time in the hospital, and generally feel awesome in comparison to last time. Now, don't get me wrong - the pain is still intense when the percocet wears off, but man this is a walk in the park compared to last time! Plus, and I know this will make my family and closest friends chuckle.....this time I am actually asking for help. And lo and behold!!!!!!!!!!!!! My beloved and saintly family members (M, grandma, 'andpa and Heather) have helped!!!! Amazing, this asking for help business. Shoulda done it earlier. (like maybe a few decades ago? but I digress...). Last time I was too stubborn to ask for help, convinced I could do it myself. This time? NO shame. NONE. And I'm healing much, much better.
Monkey is doing remarkably well in this dethroning process. Now, she's still throwing tantrums like an insane two-year old...but then again, she's an insane two year old.
Monkey is excited in principle about her sister, but in reality is somewhat indifferent to her presence. To wit: Day one at the hospital, when she met her sister, she was very excited to hold her for 10 seconds. We got photos and then she got her penguin. She was THRILLED about the penguin, and also wanted to continue eating her goldfish crackers (a new favorite treat). The penguin went home and the crackers stayed at the hospital. Day two, Monkey's first question upon arriving at my room was "where's Jellybean" while the second question was "where are my goldfish (crackers)?". Day three? She just asked for the goldfish. She cracks me up.
Jellybean calls. More later.
(oh and I just woke up from a power nap and am sipping diet coke while nibbling on peppermint bark candy, so forgive me if this is scattered. Plus the percocet just kicked in, too.....SUGAR AND CAFFEINE AND DRUGS WOOHOO!!! heh )
On Friday December 12th at 9:45 am, Jellybean was born. She's perfect. Did I mention that yet? She's perfect. And, while Monkey named her Jellybean while I was pregnant, the name turned out to be somewhat prophetic, as her little sister is tiny! A whopping 6 lbs and 18 and 3/4 inches long. Monkey, on the other hand, was 7.1lbs and something ridiculous like 21 inches long - that kid was skinny and looooong. Jellybean is skinny and short. Plus, you know, the comparison to her flesh and blood 26 lbs sister makes her seem miniature, and all the more fragile!
Jellybean suffered from jaundice, and spent several days under the lights. It was harder on me to not be able to hold her than anything else. She's now passed followup tests with flying colors and will slowly lose the yellowish cast over the coming weeks. She never glowed yellow, if anything she just looked like she'd used some self-tanning lotion, so all thing being equal that was a a wonderfully simple complication. And yes, I know about the awful yellow tint from my own forays into self-tanning. And no, you can't see any photos.
I have decided that planned c-sections are SO much better than emergency c-sections. I was present and lucid during the birth, remember my time in the hospital, and generally feel awesome in comparison to last time. Now, don't get me wrong - the pain is still intense when the percocet wears off, but man this is a walk in the park compared to last time! Plus, and I know this will make my family and closest friends chuckle.....this time I am actually asking for help. And lo and behold!!!!!!!!!!!!! My beloved and saintly family members (M, grandma, 'andpa and Heather) have helped!!!! Amazing, this asking for help business. Shoulda done it earlier. (like maybe a few decades ago? but I digress...). Last time I was too stubborn to ask for help, convinced I could do it myself. This time? NO shame. NONE. And I'm healing much, much better.
Monkey is doing remarkably well in this dethroning process. Now, she's still throwing tantrums like an insane two-year old...but then again, she's an insane two year old.
Monkey is excited in principle about her sister, but in reality is somewhat indifferent to her presence. To wit: Day one at the hospital, when she met her sister, she was very excited to hold her for 10 seconds. We got photos and then she got her penguin. She was THRILLED about the penguin, and also wanted to continue eating her goldfish crackers (a new favorite treat). The penguin went home and the crackers stayed at the hospital. Day two, Monkey's first question upon arriving at my room was "where's Jellybean" while the second question was "where are my goldfish (crackers)?". Day three? She just asked for the goldfish. She cracks me up.
Jellybean calls. More later.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Geeked up
Tomorrow is my second daughter's birthday. Wow. I should be sleeping, since that is a precious commodity we won't get much of in the coming days and weeks.
But I'm too geeked up to sleep...all I can think about is how tomorrow morning at 8:30am I am scheduled to bring Baby girl Carter #2 into the world. And I am excited!!!
M is geeked up too. Words escape us. We are just walking around the apartment smiling.
One last night as a family of three (plus cat). Wow.
M wants to know if I"m renaming the blog. Any suggestions?
Catch you all on the flip side. When I'm a mom to two!
But I'm too geeked up to sleep...all I can think about is how tomorrow morning at 8:30am I am scheduled to bring Baby girl Carter #2 into the world. And I am excited!!!
M is geeked up too. Words escape us. We are just walking around the apartment smiling.
One last night as a family of three (plus cat). Wow.
M wants to know if I"m renaming the blog. Any suggestions?
Catch you all on the flip side. When I'm a mom to two!
Friday, December 5, 2008
A slight revision
Ok, so yesterday I wrote about how next Friday is all about the grandparents. And it is, most of the time, at least according to Monkey.
But this morning? When I dropped her off for school? And I reminded her that today is PIZZA FRIDAY? And asked her what was happening next Friday?
She yelled out..........MY BABY SISTER!!!!!!!!!!!
My jaw hit the floor. And the skies opened up and angels sang. And I'll tell you this......the first, second, third and 50th times that Monkey acts out because she's unhappy to share mommy and daddy's attention with Jellybean - I'll remember that moment. Because it was sheer unadulturated bliss for me. Seeing the joy on her face as she mentioned her baby sister.
I'm going to hold on to that memory, carrying it around with me until it's tattered and worn, and use it as a crutch to get through the cranky times ahead.
But this morning? When I dropped her off for school? And I reminded her that today is PIZZA FRIDAY? And asked her what was happening next Friday?
She yelled out..........MY BABY SISTER!!!!!!!!!!!
My jaw hit the floor. And the skies opened up and angels sang. And I'll tell you this......the first, second, third and 50th times that Monkey acts out because she's unhappy to share mommy and daddy's attention with Jellybean - I'll remember that moment. Because it was sheer unadulturated bliss for me. Seeing the joy on her face as she mentioned her baby sister.
I'm going to hold on to that memory, carrying it around with me until it's tattered and worn, and use it as a crutch to get through the cranky times ahead.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Countdown to Big Sister Day
Every Friday is special at Monkey's Montessori - because it is PIZZA FRIDAY. And while it is ridiculous to write that out in caps, I'm pretty sure that's how Monkey thinks of it. Funny how a little tradition makes her happy. Plus, she just likes pizza. And after months of being denied (while she outgrew her milk allergy) it is nice to be able to join in the fun with her classmates.
Recently M and I have been talking to Monkey about how next Friday is Big Sister Day. So that she's got ownership of the day, and it isn't just about her little sister, Jellybean. It will be rough to learn to share the spotlight, so we want to get her an enthused as possible.
But really, we should just stop talking about being a big sister and the baby and what babies do blah blah blah. Because really, the only thing that gets her revved up is knowing that Grandma and Andpa and Nana and Grandad are coming to see her. Now THAT gets her excited.
It makes me so happy - Monkey loves her grandparents. A lot.
Well, that, or she remembers that every time they come to visit she gets presents or candy. Ok, it's a toss up there, folks......
Recently M and I have been talking to Monkey about how next Friday is Big Sister Day. So that she's got ownership of the day, and it isn't just about her little sister, Jellybean. It will be rough to learn to share the spotlight, so we want to get her an enthused as possible.
But really, we should just stop talking about being a big sister and the baby and what babies do blah blah blah. Because really, the only thing that gets her revved up is knowing that Grandma and Andpa and Nana and Grandad are coming to see her. Now THAT gets her excited.
It makes me so happy - Monkey loves her grandparents. A lot.
Well, that, or she remembers that every time they come to visit she gets presents or candy. Ok, it's a toss up there, folks......
Monday, November 17, 2008
My Ollie Cat
Ollie, our beloved geriatric cat (even when she misbehaves, she's still loved) has always been "my" cat.
M likes to joke that she wants to kill him off, so that she can have his side of the bed. And, admittedly - when he's out of town? Ollie sleeps on his side of the bed, purring away and thrilled at the complete access to me. She'd sleep ON me, but this whole "sleep on your left side or kill your unborn child schtick" makes it hard to perch on me. And yes, I'm REALLY looking forward to sleeping on my back again.
Sunday we took Ollie into the vet for her annual physical, shots and teeth-cleaning. Monkey came with us, since her frighteningly high fever of the day before (104.8 and boy is that spooky - her pediatrician had to assure me that her brain was not cooking in its own juices) was down to a reasonable 99-100 or so. She got a little clingy/whiney so I brought her into the examination room with me while Ollie got the sedative shot so she could get her teeth cleaned. (what, you think that otherwise she'd willingly LET them clean her teeth? um yeah, she's old, not docile!)
Monkey seemed ok with this, but when we left to get lunch at a local diner (to return an hour later to retrieve Ollie), she was bereft. She was crying over and over for "my Ollie cat" and saying "I want my kitty cat."
M and I looked at each other and smiled. Our hearts were simultaneously breaking and expanding with joy. Monkey loves Ollie! We never knew just how attached she was to Ollie until right then.
Ollie is no longer "my" cat. She belongs to Monkey.
Treat her well my daughter. Give her lots of love and affection. Comb and pet her beautiful fur gently. Feed her treats.
And remember, when you wave the cat dancer toy, try not to bean her on the head with the stick each time....or "your" cat might just bite you. With love, of course!
M likes to joke that she wants to kill him off, so that she can have his side of the bed. And, admittedly - when he's out of town? Ollie sleeps on his side of the bed, purring away and thrilled at the complete access to me. She'd sleep ON me, but this whole "sleep on your left side or kill your unborn child schtick" makes it hard to perch on me. And yes, I'm REALLY looking forward to sleeping on my back again.
Sunday we took Ollie into the vet for her annual physical, shots and teeth-cleaning. Monkey came with us, since her frighteningly high fever of the day before (104.8 and boy is that spooky - her pediatrician had to assure me that her brain was not cooking in its own juices) was down to a reasonable 99-100 or so. She got a little clingy/whiney so I brought her into the examination room with me while Ollie got the sedative shot so she could get her teeth cleaned. (what, you think that otherwise she'd willingly LET them clean her teeth? um yeah, she's old, not docile!)
Monkey seemed ok with this, but when we left to get lunch at a local diner (to return an hour later to retrieve Ollie), she was bereft. She was crying over and over for "my Ollie cat" and saying "I want my kitty cat."
M and I looked at each other and smiled. Our hearts were simultaneously breaking and expanding with joy. Monkey loves Ollie! We never knew just how attached she was to Ollie until right then.
Ollie is no longer "my" cat. She belongs to Monkey.
Treat her well my daughter. Give her lots of love and affection. Comb and pet her beautiful fur gently. Feed her treats.
And remember, when you wave the cat dancer toy, try not to bean her on the head with the stick each time....or "your" cat might just bite you. With love, of course!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
There's a bad moon on the rise
Yesterday when I picked Monkey up from school she was doing a great job of walking down the street and holding my hand. So I told her that. And added that I was very proud of her.
As I was drawing breath to say "you are such a big girl" - which is the text that always follows "I'm proud of you" - Monkey interrupted me.
In a calm voice she said three sentences. Three short sentences that caused my hair to stand on end.....even as I wanted to laugh out loud.
What did she say to cause apprehension to coil in my belly?
1) I'm not a big girl.
2) I'm not a sister.
3) No baby.
And then she just calmly kept walking.
29 days to go until #2 arrives. We are SO in for it.
As I was drawing breath to say "you are such a big girl" - which is the text that always follows "I'm proud of you" - Monkey interrupted me.
In a calm voice she said three sentences. Three short sentences that caused my hair to stand on end.....even as I wanted to laugh out loud.
What did she say to cause apprehension to coil in my belly?
1) I'm not a big girl.
2) I'm not a sister.
3) No baby.
And then she just calmly kept walking.
29 days to go until #2 arrives. We are SO in for it.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Cat (gently used) 4 Sale - CHEAP!
So, the adventure continues. Monkey woke at 4am. But (thank G*D I'm getting better at this middle of the night crap...just in time for #2) I got her to sleep and was back in bed by 4:45am. SUCESSS! I ROCK!!!
Yeah. Until some 20 odd minutes later when I was woken out of what was promising to become a deep slumber by my CAT. YOWLING. In that exact same high pitch that sounds like Monkey keening.....so of course I bolted straight up, convinced she was awake again. Pulse racing, I verified that Monkey was still sleeping and went back to bed.
Heartburn. OK, up for some medicine and a glass of milk. Feed the cat and return to bed yet again. It is now 5:25am.
Lay awake for a few minutes.....and then smell something suspiciously similar to cat shit wafting through the air...but hear nothing, no litter being scratched. Get up to investigate and voila! Cat shit on the bathmat. Why? No clue - the f'ing litter box is right there, clean, and Ollie has been fed.
I fume. I put on gloves to clean the mess up (since - OH YES, it IS so - M is out of town) and officially give up on sleeping.
Check email and learn M landed in Geneva safely. Reply with growly email about wanting to sell cat to the gypsies. Consider posting an add on Craig's List for gently used cat.
5:45am. Hop in shower and pray Monkey won't wake up while I'm in there. Take the world's fastest shower and pop out to.....silence.
Creep around the apartment. Verify that child and cat and now both sleeping, blissful and adorable in their repose.
It's a damn good thing, too, or the gypsies would totally be raking it in this week...
Yeah. Until some 20 odd minutes later when I was woken out of what was promising to become a deep slumber by my CAT. YOWLING. In that exact same high pitch that sounds like Monkey keening.....so of course I bolted straight up, convinced she was awake again. Pulse racing, I verified that Monkey was still sleeping and went back to bed.
Heartburn. OK, up for some medicine and a glass of milk. Feed the cat and return to bed yet again. It is now 5:25am.
Lay awake for a few minutes.....and then smell something suspiciously similar to cat shit wafting through the air...but hear nothing, no litter being scratched. Get up to investigate and voila! Cat shit on the bathmat. Why? No clue - the f'ing litter box is right there, clean, and Ollie has been fed.
I fume. I put on gloves to clean the mess up (since - OH YES, it IS so - M is out of town) and officially give up on sleeping.
Check email and learn M landed in Geneva safely. Reply with growly email about wanting to sell cat to the gypsies. Consider posting an add on Craig's List for gently used cat.
5:45am. Hop in shower and pray Monkey won't wake up while I'm in there. Take the world's fastest shower and pop out to.....silence.
Creep around the apartment. Verify that child and cat and now both sleeping, blissful and adorable in their repose.
It's a damn good thing, too, or the gypsies would totally be raking it in this week...
Friday, November 7, 2008
Must....get....sleep
So, the whole Big Girl Bed experiment continues.
Sleep has become a hit or miss experience recently....
We have had some success.
We've had some failures.
Today started at 3:30am. Monkey woke up. Got worked up. Begged for Mommy. Begged for Daddy. Whined for bread and jam. Whinged for the DVD "Ice Age." Devolved into the most spectacular tantrum I've ever seen her throw. And then ended up sleeping, blissfully, in my lap, from 5:15am to 6:45am.
M did not sleep. I slept a wee bit, when she was in my lap. As much as I could considering I had 50 lbs of baby pressing down on my (full) bladder. I'm sure Jellybean appreciated the company but DUDE WE ARE SO F'ING TIRED NOW.........
So tired, in fact, that this morning M managed to put on a black belt and brown shoes. I know, I know.........the world stopped spinning and went backwards there for a moment. He would NEVER do that in real life.
Sleep has become a hit or miss experience recently....
We have had some success.
We've had some failures.
Today started at 3:30am. Monkey woke up. Got worked up. Begged for Mommy. Begged for Daddy. Whined for bread and jam. Whinged for the DVD "Ice Age." Devolved into the most spectacular tantrum I've ever seen her throw. And then ended up sleeping, blissfully, in my lap, from 5:15am to 6:45am.
M did not sleep. I slept a wee bit, when she was in my lap. As much as I could considering I had 50 lbs of baby pressing down on my (full) bladder. I'm sure Jellybean appreciated the company but DUDE WE ARE SO F'ING TIRED NOW.........
So tired, in fact, that this morning M managed to put on a black belt and brown shoes. I know, I know.........the world stopped spinning and went backwards there for a moment. He would NEVER do that in real life.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Hmm, wow - where to start
Yikes. So much to post in a few short days!
1) Monkey is not a fan of daylight savings and insists on waking up at 5:30am. Oy.
2) Monkey is a rock star (and, she'll actually say that to you - it's freakin' hilarious!) and moved into the Big Girl Bed in the Big Girl Room (capitalization on purpose!). The crib and nursery are no longer in use. Except to hold the boxes of stuff that belong to Jellybean.
3) Now that Monkey is in the Big Girl Bed, naps are a wee bit unstructured. (Oh, I know this because her school was closed on Election Day for parent-teacher conferences). And by unstructured I mean that I was in there with her for - hmmmm - oh AN HOUR AND A HALF convincing her to be quiet. Because the ability to gather MORE BOOKS was damn-near frying her brain from the excitement. Exhaustion finally over took her and she fell asleep with 17 books in her Bed with her. I know this because I counted them. And, while this is so ridiculous it is sublime, I confess that I kind of find it adorable. I love books that much, too. What can I say, she's my kid!
4) And, on the topic of being my kid.....I am no longer numero uno in her world. Daddy is. She's hurt? She asks for daddy. She's mad at me? She asks for daddy. She wakes up cranky (see #1, above) and needs a little love before the day starts? Yup, she wants her daddy. And every time she pushes me away and yowls for daddy? My heart melts a little bit. My time away in Denver really re-uppped their bond. And to quote Martha, "it's a good thing."
5) Now, to quote my beloved little brother? "Nicely done America!" I am proud to say that I am still wearing my Obama '08 button. I don't know that I want to take it off. And if you want to know why M and I got no sleep election night? Check out this link - between the students cheering, the media heliocopters filming the celebration in Harlem, and the impromptu parade down our block at 12:30am, we got no sleep. And it was worth it!
1) Monkey is not a fan of daylight savings and insists on waking up at 5:30am. Oy.
2) Monkey is a rock star (and, she'll actually say that to you - it's freakin' hilarious!) and moved into the Big Girl Bed in the Big Girl Room (capitalization on purpose!). The crib and nursery are no longer in use. Except to hold the boxes of stuff that belong to Jellybean.
3) Now that Monkey is in the Big Girl Bed, naps are a wee bit unstructured. (Oh, I know this because her school was closed on Election Day for parent-teacher conferences). And by unstructured I mean that I was in there with her for - hmmmm - oh AN HOUR AND A HALF convincing her to be quiet. Because the ability to gather MORE BOOKS was damn-near frying her brain from the excitement. Exhaustion finally over took her and she fell asleep with 17 books in her Bed with her. I know this because I counted them. And, while this is so ridiculous it is sublime, I confess that I kind of find it adorable. I love books that much, too. What can I say, she's my kid!
4) And, on the topic of being my kid.....I am no longer numero uno in her world. Daddy is. She's hurt? She asks for daddy. She's mad at me? She asks for daddy. She wakes up cranky (see #1, above) and needs a little love before the day starts? Yup, she wants her daddy. And every time she pushes me away and yowls for daddy? My heart melts a little bit. My time away in Denver really re-uppped their bond. And to quote Martha, "it's a good thing."
5) Now, to quote my beloved little brother? "Nicely done America!" I am proud to say that I am still wearing my Obama '08 button. I don't know that I want to take it off. And if you want to know why M and I got no sleep election night? Check out this link - between the students cheering, the media heliocopters filming the celebration in Harlem, and the impromptu parade down our block at 12:30am, we got no sleep. And it was worth it!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Say my name, say my name
An update. Monkey has revised her name of her baby sister.
She is now officially known as "jelly bean." And I have no idea why.
She is now officially known as "jelly bean." And I have no idea why.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
It's a girl thing (or, are they related or what!)
The weather this fall has really spoiled us. I know, there's that lovely song about loving New York in spring....but fall here has spring beat every single time.
That is, until yesterday. When it was 40-some odd degrees out and raining sideways. Ugh. COLD!
I, of course, being of sound mind and body, have refused to break down and buy a maternity jacket. I suppose I was irrationally hoping to actually make it to 12/12 (and beyond, really, since I'm no Angelina Jolie and will still have a belly once I deliver BabyGirlCarter#2) without having to do anything other than wear layers. Under a bright red raincoat. Because that's the only thing that fits me. I know - what an image. I look like a bright red beach ball with legs. MMM, I'm bringing sexy back! (disclosure - I actually broke down and bought a jacket, recommended by my sister in law G, and am anxiously awaiting it's arrival from target.com)
However, this post isn't about my coat issues. It is about Monkey's coat issues.
See, this delusion that the warm weather would continue? Led to me not buying a new winter coat for Monkey. Poor thing.
So, we've been layering each morning to ensure she gets to school without turning into an ice block. She's just plain ole' cranky about having to put on two coats.
"Harrumph, one is enough, mom" is her attitude....and let me tell you, it is
capital A attitude! Bossy little thing.
I shared this tidbit with G, and turns out.........her insane toddler, HP, also has coat "issues" in the morning. Now, since Boulder is lovely and still warm out, this isn't an issue of preventing frostbite. Still, HP makes them go through 3 or 4 coats in the morning before she will actually put one on! "Developing a fashion sense already" is how her mother describes her.
They are so alike, it cracks me up. I forsee a lot of fun in the future, when HP and Monkey hang out. And either raid their mothers' closets for something to wear....or raid their mothers' closets so that they can roll around on the floor and say things like "I KNOW, can you believe she actually WEARS that?"
That is, until yesterday. When it was 40-some odd degrees out and raining sideways. Ugh. COLD!
I, of course, being of sound mind and body, have refused to break down and buy a maternity jacket. I suppose I was irrationally hoping to actually make it to 12/12 (and beyond, really, since I'm no Angelina Jolie and will still have a belly once I deliver BabyGirlCarter#2) without having to do anything other than wear layers. Under a bright red raincoat. Because that's the only thing that fits me. I know - what an image. I look like a bright red beach ball with legs. MMM, I'm bringing sexy back! (disclosure - I actually broke down and bought a jacket, recommended by my sister in law G, and am anxiously awaiting it's arrival from target.com)
However, this post isn't about my coat issues. It is about Monkey's coat issues.
See, this delusion that the warm weather would continue? Led to me not buying a new winter coat for Monkey. Poor thing.
So, we've been layering each morning to ensure she gets to school without turning into an ice block. She's just plain ole' cranky about having to put on two coats.
"Harrumph, one is enough, mom" is her attitude....and let me tell you, it is
capital A attitude! Bossy little thing.
I shared this tidbit with G, and turns out.........her insane toddler, HP, also has coat "issues" in the morning. Now, since Boulder is lovely and still warm out, this isn't an issue of preventing frostbite. Still, HP makes them go through 3 or 4 coats in the morning before she will actually put one on! "Developing a fashion sense already" is how her mother describes her.
They are so alike, it cracks me up. I forsee a lot of fun in the future, when HP and Monkey hang out. And either raid their mothers' closets for something to wear....or raid their mothers' closets so that they can roll around on the floor and say things like "I KNOW, can you believe she actually WEARS that?"
Seismic activity
BabyGirlCarter#2 is a decidedly active child in utero.
Yesterday, when I was at my 32 week checkup, the doctor was about to ask about her activity when BGC#2 vigorously kicked the sonogram. A loud thunk reverberated in the room and my doctor laughed. Question answered.
Today, she's been preoccupied with doing "the wave." And yes, I mean exactly what that sounds like. She starts on the right side of my abdomen and the ripple of activity moves across and all the way to the left. As in small pointy appendages pummeling me from within. Over and over again.
Earlier today I commented on this activity to a colleague who was standing near me. She laughed, and confirmed she could see exactly what I was talking about....although by now, I'm pretty sure you could see this from outer space.
Hi kid. Nice to know you're going to take after your big sister.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Them bones
Rumor has it (if I read webMD and babycenter and all other sources of infinitely facsinating sources of information on being knocked up correctly) that now, at 30 weeks, baby's bones are hardening.
Duh. I could have told you that. Ow.
Duh. I could have told you that. Ow.
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