and other excuses.
Yesterday was the second 5K in the series. Riley slept through it again, thankfully.(a lady who had a two year old and 9 month old in a jogging stroller was not so lucky. They were screaming the whole way.) We finished in 53:49 this time which is 4:41 faster than last time. That was with several stops to adjust ourselves and Riley. I had forgotten my tracker in the car, so I had to run back to get it, and instead of waiting for me at the start line, like I thought my mom would, she and Riley went ahead. I had to run to catch up (which just confirmed that I am terribly out of shape.) I couldn't run the whole way, and by run, I mean a slow jog, and had to speed walk the rest of the way. By the time I caught up with my mom, I was sweating terribly. This time I had long johns on, sweat pants, a t-shirt, a nursing tank top, a sweat shirt, and my winter jacket on. Plus gloves and ear warmers. My mom had also over dressed. So we paused to take off our winter jackets, and put the rain cover on the stroller (it was barely sprinkling, but we weren't sure if it would do more). Without that pause, I think we would have been 2-3 minutes faster.
Today, I had planned on going into work to say goodbye to one of my coworkers who will be working in one of the clinics. I took my shower early on, and did my hair and makeup while Riley slept. I didn't get dressed until later (because he has a way of spitting up on me right after I get dressed.) I started getting him changed into his outfit way before I wanted to leave, because I know how long it sometimes takes me to get out the door. I had him stripped down and was changing his diaper when he peed. I cleaned him up, and was thankful that I hadn't put on his new outfit yet. As I reached for the new diaper, he peed again. This time, it arced up onto his head. I had already given him his bath before I had taken my shower, but now had to wash his hair (for the second time). I am pretty quick at doing this, and had him in his seat and ready to go in no time. I got dressed quickly, and went to get my keys when I realized I didn't have them. Since I didn't want to bring my purse to the 5K, I stored my car and house keys in my mom's van. At this point I was already late. Jamaal has a spare key, so I called him to check where it was. He thought he had it. Turns out he didn't, and called me back to let me know. I eventually found it on the floor in the garage. I ran around the house once I had the key, and left my house 10 minutes before I was to meet everyone. I was a half an hour late. I felt ridiculous as it seemed everything that could possibly go wrong, had gone wrong. I forgot to mention that right after I got Riley in his outfit, he spit up all over it. (Before I had a chance to put his bib on). Since I was already behind, I just wiped it off and left it. I didn't have time to change it, and figured everyone would understand, if they even noticed. It was nice to see everyone, and made me kind of excited to go back to work (though I'd rather not go back at all). I know I need some time to myself, especially since I'm still getting hardly any sleep, and he seems to cry more often than not. He seems to have separation anxiety, and won't allow me to set him down, unless he, by some miracle, stays asleep when I set him down. I sometimes have no idea what to do, and feel like I am failing him as a mother. I worry about his lack of sleeping, and his colic-y behaviors, and what problems they might cause for him later in life.
Thankfully my husband has stepped in several times when my patience are wearing thin. I'm not sure what I would do without him.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
On Breastfeeding
Just a quick warning, I will be talking about my breasts in this post. If that makes you uncomfortable in any way, please stop reading now.
I have been lucky. Breastfeeding has been natural for Riley and I. That isn't to say we haven't had our challenges.
Several weeks ago now, I was having sharp shooting pains in my right breast. It happened after feeds at first, but eventually it was happening without any association with feedings. Then it got to the point where his latch was so very painful that I dreaded feeding on the right side. I called the lactation hotline the lactation consultant gave me in the hospital. I talked with a lactation consultant on the phone, told her my symptoms, and she came up with a plan. It sounded as though Riley (and I) had thrush, or a yeast infection. But since she didn't know for sure, she told me to buy some over the counter anti-fungal cream, and to use it on my nipples (and also Riley's bottom because he had a little rash) and if it helped at all, that I should call my MD to get a prescription.
It did help, so I called my doctor's office and they gave Riley some oral medication. I started to think about it, and realized that since my breast was sore, that I too, should be treated. I called my doctor, and she said that I shouldn't need it. I saw my midwife shortly after that, and told her about my pain, and she immediately offered me a prescription. I felt bad going behind my doctor's back, but how silly it would be to treat him, when I could give it right back to him after his medication ran out. Plus, I wanted to feel relief!
After a few days of me taking the medication, I felt better.
Something that compounded the problem, I think, was the formation of a bleb, or milk blister on my right nipple. That was part of the pain I was feeling when he nursed. It eventually went away (and has since returned once more, but not nearly as bad as the first time.)
We are now seasoned pros at this whole nursing thing. He is starting to use his hands to pull my nipple toward his mouth. Sometimes if I am taking too long, he will reach and try to pull me closer. I say "try," because he really is not quite strong enough to overpower his mama, but it is neat to see him taking charge. ;)
I have a feeling me returning to work will cause some problems for us, and I've read that sometimes teething causes problems as well. But I'm hopeful that we can keep up with each other and won't have to use formula much. (I am not sure I'll be able to pump enough milk for him when I'm working, especially at first, so I'll have some back up formula available for his baby sitters to use if necessary.) I'm not looking forward to the transition back to work, as I've grown accustomed to spending my time with his cute little self. Though I know it will be nice to have some grown-up mommy time as well. Only 6 more weeks before I have to return, I can't believe it has been 10 weeks already...
Now, I'd like to share a picture of Riley nursing. You can't see much as far as my body goes, but it might make some people uncomfortable to see this photo. If you are in this camp, don't click to see more. Honestly, I think there is nothing more beautiful than a baby nursing. He is starting to make grins up at me while nursing, which just about melts my heart. :D
I have been lucky. Breastfeeding has been natural for Riley and I. That isn't to say we haven't had our challenges.
Several weeks ago now, I was having sharp shooting pains in my right breast. It happened after feeds at first, but eventually it was happening without any association with feedings. Then it got to the point where his latch was so very painful that I dreaded feeding on the right side. I called the lactation hotline the lactation consultant gave me in the hospital. I talked with a lactation consultant on the phone, told her my symptoms, and she came up with a plan. It sounded as though Riley (and I) had thrush, or a yeast infection. But since she didn't know for sure, she told me to buy some over the counter anti-fungal cream, and to use it on my nipples (and also Riley's bottom because he had a little rash) and if it helped at all, that I should call my MD to get a prescription.
It did help, so I called my doctor's office and they gave Riley some oral medication. I started to think about it, and realized that since my breast was sore, that I too, should be treated. I called my doctor, and she said that I shouldn't need it. I saw my midwife shortly after that, and told her about my pain, and she immediately offered me a prescription. I felt bad going behind my doctor's back, but how silly it would be to treat him, when I could give it right back to him after his medication ran out. Plus, I wanted to feel relief!
After a few days of me taking the medication, I felt better.
Something that compounded the problem, I think, was the formation of a bleb, or milk blister on my right nipple. That was part of the pain I was feeling when he nursed. It eventually went away (and has since returned once more, but not nearly as bad as the first time.)
We are now seasoned pros at this whole nursing thing. He is starting to use his hands to pull my nipple toward his mouth. Sometimes if I am taking too long, he will reach and try to pull me closer. I say "try," because he really is not quite strong enough to overpower his mama, but it is neat to see him taking charge. ;)
I have a feeling me returning to work will cause some problems for us, and I've read that sometimes teething causes problems as well. But I'm hopeful that we can keep up with each other and won't have to use formula much. (I am not sure I'll be able to pump enough milk for him when I'm working, especially at first, so I'll have some back up formula available for his baby sitters to use if necessary.) I'm not looking forward to the transition back to work, as I've grown accustomed to spending my time with his cute little self. Though I know it will be nice to have some grown-up mommy time as well. Only 6 more weeks before I have to return, I can't believe it has been 10 weeks already...
Now, I'd like to share a picture of Riley nursing. You can't see much as far as my body goes, but it might make some people uncomfortable to see this photo. If you are in this camp, don't click to see more. Honestly, I think there is nothing more beautiful than a baby nursing. He is starting to make grins up at me while nursing, which just about melts my heart. :D
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Wide open
As I was driving today I remembered something from way back when Riley was born. We were settling into life back at home, when Jamaal went into the back room. He immediately notice how incredibly cold it was in there. The reason? I had left the sliding glass door wide open.
It had been open for 2 nights. I was busy packing for the hospital, and opened the door to let the girls outside before we went to my parents house to drop them off. I left it open, to save time I guess. I meant to shut it, but got distracted. Jamaal didn't know what I had done, and since the girls came back in, he had no reason to check the door.
How lucky we were to come home to a house with our belongings still inside. Jamaal was not too happy with me. He had a lot of "what ifs" but I just smiled and said they didn't happen. I'm pretty glad they didn't, because as it is I'll never hear the end of it.
It had been open for 2 nights. I was busy packing for the hospital, and opened the door to let the girls outside before we went to my parents house to drop them off. I left it open, to save time I guess. I meant to shut it, but got distracted. Jamaal didn't know what I had done, and since the girls came back in, he had no reason to check the door.
How lucky we were to come home to a house with our belongings still inside. Jamaal was not too happy with me. He had a lot of "what ifs" but I just smiled and said they didn't happen. I'm pretty glad they didn't, because as it is I'll never hear the end of it.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Top Gear
I had a dream last night that a fellow blogger wrote a post that I was planning on posting, so I am taking it as a sign that I need to get around to posting about this.
If you know me well enough, you know that my husband is into cars. He has always been interested in how they work, move and look. In elementary school, he checked out books about cars. His mom quickly found out that he would read if it was a car magazine, so she would buy them for him.
Unfortunately, I do not share the same obsession with cars. But I try to pay attention and over the years have learned a lot about cars from him.
Up until now, however, I haven't really shared in his enjoyment when talking about cars. We finally have something we can enjoy together.
A British show about cars called Top Gear. It combines humor with information about cars that satisfies both of our interests.
It airs on BBC America (channel 162 for us) on Mondays (for new episodes), but it also shows some episodes of past seasons as well. There is a US version that airs on the history channel, but it isn't nearly as good. It is basically a watered down version of the original.
In each 1-hour episode, they review a fancy car, a celebrity races a car around their test track, and they will do a series of challenges. It never fails to make us laugh.
Here is a clip from my favorite episode. The challenge for this episode was to make car into a motor home. You can see all of their finished products in the still below. The white one is a 3-story Japanese inspired motor home. Just know that they had to drive across the country to get to where they are in this video. (As you can imagine that caused a lot of problems for the 3-story car.) My favorite motor home, though, is the one on the right. You can't tell here, but it was modeled after the camper trailers that expand. He had panels that he set up next to the car that made a house, complete with a baby's room and a pool room. You really must watch it to fully understand. ;) The three hosts mess with each other a lot, as evidenced by this video...
If you know me well enough, you know that my husband is into cars. He has always been interested in how they work, move and look. In elementary school, he checked out books about cars. His mom quickly found out that he would read if it was a car magazine, so she would buy them for him.
Unfortunately, I do not share the same obsession with cars. But I try to pay attention and over the years have learned a lot about cars from him.
Up until now, however, I haven't really shared in his enjoyment when talking about cars. We finally have something we can enjoy together.
A British show about cars called Top Gear. It combines humor with information about cars that satisfies both of our interests.
It airs on BBC America (channel 162 for us) on Mondays (for new episodes), but it also shows some episodes of past seasons as well. There is a US version that airs on the history channel, but it isn't nearly as good. It is basically a watered down version of the original.
In each 1-hour episode, they review a fancy car, a celebrity races a car around their test track, and they will do a series of challenges. It never fails to make us laugh.
Here is a clip from my favorite episode. The challenge for this episode was to make car into a motor home. You can see all of their finished products in the still below. The white one is a 3-story Japanese inspired motor home. Just know that they had to drive across the country to get to where they are in this video. (As you can imagine that caused a lot of problems for the 3-story car.) My favorite motor home, though, is the one on the right. You can't tell here, but it was modeled after the camper trailers that expand. He had panels that he set up next to the car that made a house, complete with a baby's room and a pool room. You really must watch it to fully understand. ;) The three hosts mess with each other a lot, as evidenced by this video...
Friday, February 11, 2011
Sleepless in Seattle
Another week has flown by already! I have wanted to post several times this week, but I'm usually nursing someone when I think about posting. The way we sit, I have one arm free, and part of my other one, which makes reaching for the keyboard on my laptop difficult. I refuse to hunt and peck with one hand to write a post. That would just take way too long. Anyway, enough of the excuses. If I don't hurry up, someone will wake up and I will be right back at that place, with one arm free. ;)
This week has been exhausting. Riley has been having some rough nights. Last night he screamed/cried/fussed pretty much nonstop from 2200 to 0300. I tried everything. Nursing him worked for a while, but then he would begin to fight that, which usually means he needs a burp. So I would burp him, and he would then start crying again. So I would try nursing him, which he sometimes would be amenable to, and sometimes not. I tried rocking, and walking, and bouncing and swinging, and all of these things worked some of the time, but only for a short time. I changed his diaper and outfit, and he was extremely calm lying on the changing table on his pack and play. But of course he couldn't stay on there forever. It was really upsetting to have to pick him up, because that only upset him further.
I was really frustrated, until finally he could no longer fight anymore, and nursed himself to sleep.
I think the trigger last night was me attempting to put him down in his pack and play. Because up until that moment he was calm. I nursed him to sleep, and tried to set him down, but he quickly woke up. I didn't let him get too crazy, because he is way easier to put back to sleep if you get to him right as he wakes, but this time he was having none of it, and we started the downward spiral. I really hope this was not the case, and he just had an upset tummy or something, because I do not want him making a habit of it.
I'm beginning to notice, however, that Riley is a bit demanding. I call him bipolar, because he will smile at me, and in that same breath could start crying. But when he does smile at me, it about melts my heart.
And guess who is awake again...
This week has been exhausting. Riley has been having some rough nights. Last night he screamed/cried/fussed pretty much nonstop from 2200 to 0300. I tried everything. Nursing him worked for a while, but then he would begin to fight that, which usually means he needs a burp. So I would burp him, and he would then start crying again. So I would try nursing him, which he sometimes would be amenable to, and sometimes not. I tried rocking, and walking, and bouncing and swinging, and all of these things worked some of the time, but only for a short time. I changed his diaper and outfit, and he was extremely calm lying on the changing table on his pack and play. But of course he couldn't stay on there forever. It was really upsetting to have to pick him up, because that only upset him further.
I was really frustrated, until finally he could no longer fight anymore, and nursed himself to sleep.
I think the trigger last night was me attempting to put him down in his pack and play. Because up until that moment he was calm. I nursed him to sleep, and tried to set him down, but he quickly woke up. I didn't let him get too crazy, because he is way easier to put back to sleep if you get to him right as he wakes, but this time he was having none of it, and we started the downward spiral. I really hope this was not the case, and he just had an upset tummy or something, because I do not want him making a habit of it.
I'm beginning to notice, however, that Riley is a bit demanding. I call him bipolar, because he will smile at me, and in that same breath could start crying. But when he does smile at me, it about melts my heart.
And guess who is awake again...
Friday, February 4, 2011
5k, dinner and the booger
Well I started a post on Monday and now it is Friday and I'm just now getting back to it. Since it took so long, I erased it all and am starting from scratch.
As you might recall, last Sunday was Riley's first 5K. Saturday night was an all time low for me as far as sleep goes. I got a total of 4 hours, and they were split up. It was even more stressful, since I knew I had a deadline as far as getting up and getting ready to go. So of course I lie in bed thinking about how I needed to get to sleep: "If I go to sleep now, I can possibly get 7 hours of sleep." After thinking about it for a while: "Now I can get 6 hours of sleep." And a baby starts to cry. Now I can get "5 hours of sleep...."
And so on. Thankfully I'm sort of used to being sleep deprived now, and I wasn't too unpleasant to be around after having a short nap before the 5K. It was very chilly out during the walk. Last time I walked a 5K I had long johns on under my jeans and regretted that decision less than half way in. But it was also April, and turned into an uncharacteristically warm sunny day. This time I wished that I had long johns on under my jeans. My butt and thighs were frozen from the start. I did warm up a little, but not enough for my comfort. Next time I'll know better. I'll wear sweats. ;) My mom and I walked it in less than an hour. (58:30 to be exact) We hope to beat that time next month. (Jess, to answer your question, the walk was around Seward Park in Seattle and it is put on by Fitness for Vitality) I was nearly the last one to walk across the line for the 5K, but almost everyone else was running or jogging, or doing a 10K.
I'm proud of my mom for keeping up with Riley and I. I figured I might have to walk it alone, if she couldn't keep pace with me, and had come to terms with the idea of keeping myself entertained (since Riley was sleeping and covered by a blanket to keep him warm). But it was definitely nice to be able to talk throughout the walk.
Afterwards they provided oatmeal and chocolate milk. I only had chocolate milk, because I didn't want to wait for the next batch of oatmeal, (because everyone in our car had gotten there first) and keep everyone waiting for me. It (the chocolate milk) really tasted good because it was ice cold, and I haven't had chocolate milk in ages! We then went to Starbucks for coffee and to relax and chit chat. (We= my sis-in-law, her mom, a friend of her family (and now a friend of mine), my mom and I) Riley slept through it all! We did not get home until 1230 or so. He slept from 0700 until then, when his grandma snatched him up to cuddle!
I was able to nurse him to sleep for a short period so that I could nap before getting ready to go to Black Angus for Jamaal's birthday. (Which, can you believe Riley also slept through?) He started fussing near the end, when I was through eating my meal anyway!
At Black Angus they have a deal where a couple can order two entrees and share an appetizer and dessert for a little less than their regular entrees (that don't come with either dessert nor an appetizer). There was a mix up in the kitchen, and they forgot to bring out our appetizers. So we ended up with our meals first, and then a short time after, our appetizers came. I don't think anyone was too terribly upset by this, but it did feel as though we had been forgotten. The manager apologized, and to make up for their error, payed for dessert for everyone. We thought that was generous (as that came down to 6 free desserts) and happily picked out our desserts. As we were getting ready to leave, he came out again, and asked what we were celebrating. We told him, and he presented Jamaal with a $30 gift card. :D We will be going back, just the 3 of us some time soon, so Riley can hopefully sleep through yet another outing.
That salmon I had is calling my name already. ;)
The rest of the week seems to have flown by already, my little man is already another week older. He is smiling much more readily, though it is hard to make him do it. He will smile, then I will smile and talk to him, and he will sometimes smile some more. Sometimes not. He is clearly focusing more on faces and other objects. He absolutely loves to stare at the ceiling fan light. Jamaal is convinced that it is because it looks like a boob, as there is a darker "nipple" feature in the middle of it. ;) He is really good at holding his head up while vertical, and he does push ups from his stomach to lift his head up as well (but doesn't do this as well as when he is vertical, mostly because he really doesn't enjoy being on his stomach.)
The little booger (as I call him when he gets his way) has been sleeping in our bed all week. Mostly because he will sometimes sleep as long as 5 hours in bed with me, but only 20 minutes to an hour in the bassinet. I am going to take the small bassinet off to see if that will help, though I doubt it will. He's a smart little guy, why sleep in a cold lonely place, with no sustainable food source when you can sleep in a warm bed with two friends, with all the food you could ever want? ;) I realize it might be harder to get him to sleep in his bassinet later on, but he is too young to "train" right now, so I'll give him whatever he wants. ;)
As you might recall, last Sunday was Riley's first 5K. Saturday night was an all time low for me as far as sleep goes. I got a total of 4 hours, and they were split up. It was even more stressful, since I knew I had a deadline as far as getting up and getting ready to go. So of course I lie in bed thinking about how I needed to get to sleep: "If I go to sleep now, I can possibly get 7 hours of sleep." After thinking about it for a while: "Now I can get 6 hours of sleep." And a baby starts to cry. Now I can get "5 hours of sleep...."
And so on. Thankfully I'm sort of used to being sleep deprived now, and I wasn't too unpleasant to be around after having a short nap before the 5K. It was very chilly out during the walk. Last time I walked a 5K I had long johns on under my jeans and regretted that decision less than half way in. But it was also April, and turned into an uncharacteristically warm sunny day. This time I wished that I had long johns on under my jeans. My butt and thighs were frozen from the start. I did warm up a little, but not enough for my comfort. Next time I'll know better. I'll wear sweats. ;) My mom and I walked it in less than an hour. (58:30 to be exact) We hope to beat that time next month. (Jess, to answer your question, the walk was around Seward Park in Seattle and it is put on by Fitness for Vitality) I was nearly the last one to walk across the line for the 5K, but almost everyone else was running or jogging, or doing a 10K.
I'm proud of my mom for keeping up with Riley and I. I figured I might have to walk it alone, if she couldn't keep pace with me, and had come to terms with the idea of keeping myself entertained (since Riley was sleeping and covered by a blanket to keep him warm). But it was definitely nice to be able to talk throughout the walk.
Afterwards they provided oatmeal and chocolate milk. I only had chocolate milk, because I didn't want to wait for the next batch of oatmeal, (because everyone in our car had gotten there first) and keep everyone waiting for me. It (the chocolate milk) really tasted good because it was ice cold, and I haven't had chocolate milk in ages! We then went to Starbucks for coffee and to relax and chit chat. (We= my sis-in-law, her mom, a friend of her family (and now a friend of mine), my mom and I) Riley slept through it all! We did not get home until 1230 or so. He slept from 0700 until then, when his grandma snatched him up to cuddle!
I was able to nurse him to sleep for a short period so that I could nap before getting ready to go to Black Angus for Jamaal's birthday. (Which, can you believe Riley also slept through?) He started fussing near the end, when I was through eating my meal anyway!
At Black Angus they have a deal where a couple can order two entrees and share an appetizer and dessert for a little less than their regular entrees (that don't come with either dessert nor an appetizer). There was a mix up in the kitchen, and they forgot to bring out our appetizers. So we ended up with our meals first, and then a short time after, our appetizers came. I don't think anyone was too terribly upset by this, but it did feel as though we had been forgotten. The manager apologized, and to make up for their error, payed for dessert for everyone. We thought that was generous (as that came down to 6 free desserts) and happily picked out our desserts. As we were getting ready to leave, he came out again, and asked what we were celebrating. We told him, and he presented Jamaal with a $30 gift card. :D We will be going back, just the 3 of us some time soon, so Riley can hopefully sleep through yet another outing.
That salmon I had is calling my name already. ;)
The rest of the week seems to have flown by already, my little man is already another week older. He is smiling much more readily, though it is hard to make him do it. He will smile, then I will smile and talk to him, and he will sometimes smile some more. Sometimes not. He is clearly focusing more on faces and other objects. He absolutely loves to stare at the ceiling fan light. Jamaal is convinced that it is because it looks like a boob, as there is a darker "nipple" feature in the middle of it. ;) He is really good at holding his head up while vertical, and he does push ups from his stomach to lift his head up as well (but doesn't do this as well as when he is vertical, mostly because he really doesn't enjoy being on his stomach.)
The little booger (as I call him when he gets his way) has been sleeping in our bed all week. Mostly because he will sometimes sleep as long as 5 hours in bed with me, but only 20 minutes to an hour in the bassinet. I am going to take the small bassinet off to see if that will help, though I doubt it will. He's a smart little guy, why sleep in a cold lonely place, with no sustainable food source when you can sleep in a warm bed with two friends, with all the food you could ever want? ;) I realize it might be harder to get him to sleep in his bassinet later on, but he is too young to "train" right now, so I'll give him whatever he wants. ;)
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