Sleepy Mommie

Sounds that make us go.... OH NO!

2011-01-05T17:32:00.000-08:00

Imagine ten minutes ago, the terror in my mind as I hear the toilet flushing. The hubs is in bed, so he can go leave for work at 8 pm. I rush to see what has taken the great white waterslide to its sewery demise, never to be seen again. I follow the trail of toothpaste, contact lens packets, and child flossers. I take a deep breath and look into the porcelain throne.

NOTHING.

I take a mental inventory of what likely occupied the packages. It all looks the same. I ask the little one if he can show me what he flushed. He looks back at me confused. His expression almost says, "What is supposed to be flushed?"

I go back in the living room. I separate myself from the ticker tape of thoughts going through my head. Baby J climbs on my lap and asks to cuddle a few minutes later. I ask him if his pants are wet, because he is due for a diaper change.

"Nope." He replies.

"Are your pants wet?" I ask.

"Nope. I went on the toilet."

"You went on the toilet?" I ask flabbergasted.

"Yep. I went in the big, white toilet. I said buh-bye to my potties."

My jaw drops. That explains the toilet flush. What a relief! He didn't flush my contacts or his dinner. And he is trying!

Now we just have to work on removing the underwear before going.

:)

So it begins...

2010-12-30T04:57:00.001-08:00

Before baby J was even born, we were told that someday soon he would know more than we do, or at least think he does. Well, it is beginning.

Yesterday we went to Legoland. If you haven't been, I encourage you to go at least once (but buy your tickets online beforehand). There is nothing that can't be done with a Lego. If you have a child with you who doesn't already own every Lego set known to mankind, plan to buy one on your way out the door several hours later. We did. We bought baby J his very first Duplo. It is a 62 piece set, which sounds like a lot more than it is, with a person, the makings for a house, alphabet blocks, 2 flowers, a cat, and a car base. I set them all out for hik so that he could play with them when he woke today. I even left out the single Duplo firetruck bought for him by a friend long ago.

I looked at all the pieces and wondered what he would create. His first task, of course, involved the car. He loaded the flowers on the base like a flat bed. I thought, "Wouldn't have been my first move, but okay." Then he took the person, put her in the firetruck. He put the cat on the back and attached it to the car base using the trailer hitch. You see, I hadn't noticed the hitch but he had formulated a creative plan in the split second that I set him at the table.

So it befan today. He is learning at a much greater level than I am. At this rate, he will know everything by the time he is twelve.

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2010-11-29T06:06:00.000-08:00

What a hectic week we have ahead of us! There are so many things happening work-wise, which makes me appreciate the guests we had this past weekend. Meemaw, Peepaw, and cousin L came to visit. It was very refreshing to just hang out and play games. I always look forward to their weekends here.

The only thing that I don't like is... when they leave. Usually baby J gets so upset! He will ask for them every hour on the hour for days. Thankfully, he is beginning to grasp simple concepts. We explained to him that they had to go home and that we would see them again very soon. He adapted quickly!

Besides that, we are enjoying a quiet morning. Then we will be taking the car to the dealer. Then home again for naptime (him, not me... Well, maybe I will join him for a few minutes.) After that, sorry, but you may not see me again for a few days.

Since September

2010-11-24T18:53:00.000-08:00

Since September, baby J...
... has turned 2. Gone through 2 growth spurts. Learned to count to 15. Pretends to spell words. Invents his own Brown Bear books ("red car, red car, what do you see? I see a yellow car looking at me. yellow car, yellow car, what do you see? I see a blue truck looking at me.) Picks up his toys. Asks to go to bed when he's sleepy. Puts his own shirt on. Went # 2 in the "froggy potty"... once.

Since September, I...
... have started a cloth diaper service. Learned that I get to choose what time work happens. Written an editorial for a well-known Chicago publication. Forgotten to blog.

Sorry!

My baby isn't anymore.

2010-09-04T20:58:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, baby J made the connection that he is identified in a particular manner. He has called others by their names for awhile now. He knows his meemaw and peepaw. He knows his mommie and papa. He even knows his uncles and uncles by friendship. But when we would ask his name, he would reply with a confident "baby". I'm not sure how he adopted this name for himself, as he is never called baby. I call him "bugs" (not sure why) and papa calls him "little man". Other people call him by the shortened version of his name. I began to pay more attention to how other people identified him. Nope. Nobody calls him baby. I was fine with this reference for himself, because he is my baby and the nickname won't be fitting for much longer.

And he has already begun to outgrow it.

A few days ago, while playing the "who's that?" name game, he called himself by his name.

In fact, I overheard he and his papa having a conversation yesterday. Papa reprimanded him for having his tongue out while climbing on the bed (he was getting the duvet wet) and asked if he was a little doggie. He replied, "I no doggie. I boy."

My baby J is redefining himself as a boy now. He is almost 2. He is a boy. And too rapidly in my opinion.

I'm baaa-ack...

2010-08-30T05:13:00.000-07:00

Life is eventful and as a mommie, I feel pretty uncertain of every choice I make. But, usually, at the end of the day, I get a silent reassurance that we are doing just fine. When I look at my little guy slowly drifting into sleep while cuddling his "bwown bearw" book, I know that we are all going to be okay.

But yesterday, we had a long day. After looking forward for months to the visit of a traveling overseer to our congregation, we had to leave early. My poor baby J was having an issue again. The issue is one that we thought had been resolved over a month ago.

Go back 2 1/2 months...
We had tried nearly all natural methods, a few traditional ones, and finally had to mutually agree with our doctor that antibiotics seemed the best route to get this under control rapidly (as it had gone on for several weeks without improvement). He took a regimen of antibiotics and probiotics.We were ecstatic when it worked. The problem cleared up. And he had only a day of nasty antibiotic side effects.

Now to the present...
After napping peacefully as we listened to the well-prepared discourse by the traveling overseer, he woke rather pleasantly. I left the auditorium to change him and found that *sigh* it was back. We took our things, quietly left the auditorium, and proceeded to the emergency room. There, the physician's assistant recommended a straight catheter to retrieve a sterile urine sample for urinalysis and culture. I was happy that she was being so proactive, but secretly in terror that my boy would have to go through that. I quickly asked if I could breastfeed him while they placed the cath. The nurses looked at me like I was crazy. Here I am with a nearly 2 year old about to have a straight cath placed and I ask about nursing him during?!? They were apprehensive, but I stood out of the way, contorted myself as one nurse prepared to place the cath, the other held him down with my husband's assistance. It seemed like forever, but he nursed and occasionally let out a gasp of discomfort. Afterwards, the nurses said that went "surprisingly well". I'm sure they attributed none of it to the many positive results that breastfeeding a child in distress produces. But I do.

And so, while I get strange looks when I mention that I still breastfeed my 23 month old, I'm confident that I have made the right choice for my family. Had I not, he would've been a lot more traumatized and in more pain. I owe this one to our Grand Creator who knows what he is doing!

Learn more about the long-term benefits of breastfeeding.

Kissy Face (The Sequel)

2010-08-11T20:13:00.000-07:00

In a previous post, I described baby J's "kiss" routine with all of his bath toys. Tonight, while bathing, he began handing me his toys. First, his rubber duck. "Kiss kiss". I gave his ducky a peck on the bill. Then his tug boat. "Kiss kiss". This time I gave a big smooch only to hear poppy warn, "He just peed in the tub."

No more "kiss kiss" with the bath toys.

Dairy-Free Day!!

2010-07-31T17:28:00.000-07:00

It is so difficult to know what is dairy-free and what isn't. I've been wondering if baby J's restless nights are linked with somehting that I've been missing (or something that isn't missing) in his diet. Reaffirmed. Walking into Wendy's today, I noted a large chart, about the size of 3 posters, hanging as I entered the front door. It is a new feature and I am glad they have added it. It has a list of the 7 most common food allergens and their presence (or potential presence) in foods offered by the franchise. They are broken into 3 categories, distinguishable by different colored dots. Red means that the allergen is present, blue means that the food is cooked on the same surface or in the same oil as that allergen (and may be cross-contaminated), and green (?? the colors are on the chart, but I don't recall this one) means that the food is prepared or manufactured on the same line as the allergen (and may be cross-contaminated). Wow! What a concept! Just put it out there for everyone to see. So dairy-free at Wendy's is even more limited than I had believed. There were a lot of red dots. But now I know.

This encouraged me to venture into the land of the unknown regarding other fast food restaurants and allergen information. Here is what I've found so far. I will continue to update the list as I learn more. And remember that just like all processed foods, the ingredients continually change and so the facts today may not be the facts tomorrow.

McDonald's (note that the bottom section lists actual allergens- like milk- and what products they are in)

Arby's lists the allergens in red next to the name of the food item.

Burger King

Chipotle makes it easy by only using dairy in their cheese and sour cream. That's why we love you, Chipotle!

Panda Express says milk in the Orange Chicken and mixed veggies, so no more for baby J, but at least the Mandarin Chicken is still okay!

KFC says go for the Original or Grilled with Dairy allergies, but avoid anything breaded or extra crispy.

Popeye's makes you work for any info. They list all ingredients, but only a few allergens that are contained in each. For example, they list "wheat" as an allergen, but not "milk", although the ingredients clearly state that they contain milk. Sigh. Virtually everything has an allergen. Buh-bye.

You've got to love Subway for just putting it all out there. Usually good old non-processed ingredients.

Taco Bell lists the allergens in a great, easy to use chart; but it is only accessible online. It isn't possible to print it.

Wendy's who gave me this idea.

White Castle for those with iron stomachs.

Have fun eating out with the help of my list! These are just places local to me, but if you'd like to review other options, a great resource is the Go Dairy Free dining out guide and the shopping lists.

What's For Dinner: Kale, Potato, & Chicken Hash

2010-07-24T18:19:00.000-07:00

We had started receiving fresh produce deliveries from Ripe Organics, a local small business that arranges organic produce deliveries based on what is at the peak of season at the time. Last week, we received so many goodies, "God's Candy" as I tell baby J. A few items included yummy plums, juicy peaches, fresh romaine, red potatoes, and kale. Yes, kale. What does a midwestern girl do with kale? Google it, that's what. And a recipe came up Bobby Flay. His was a side dish, but if I am going to invest that much time (30-minutes from start to finish) into a dish, it is going to be the entree. So, I improvised. Here is what was for dinner... (Please disregard any preconceived notions, because my husband of 7 years actually asked when we would have it again. I responded, the next time it's delivered.)

8 c. torn kale leaves (about 1/2 bunch; removed from the stalks)
2 T. wasabi and horseradish paste
1 bunch green onions, minced
1/2 t. ground pepper
1/4 t. salt
2 c. cooked shredded potatoes (frozen is fine, but see note below first if using fresh)
3 t. EV olive oil
1 T. minced garlic
1 lb. ground chicken

Place kale in a large microwave safe bowl, cover and microwave until wilted (about 3 minutes). Drain, cool slightly, and finely chop.

Meanwhile, mix wasabi/horseradish paste, green onions, pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Add the chopped kale and potatoes. Stir until mixed.

In one pan, saute ground chicken.

Heat oil and minced garlic in another large nonstick pan (take my word, you'll want non-stick for this one) over medium heat. Add the kale mixture, spread into an even layer and cook, stirring every 3 to 4 minutes and returning the mixture to an even layer, until the potatoes begin to turn golden brown and crisp. This will take 12 to 15 minutes. Just before this mixture is done, add the cooked ground chicken.

Fresh potato tip: Boil potatoes until they can just be pierced with a fork but are not completely tender. Let cool slightly, then shred.

It only took about 30 minutes and it was colorful and delicious! Can't wait for our next delivery to see what we can cook up!!

Oh, and if you have leftover potatoes or a different kind of meat, substitute away. I have a feeling that you can do a lot of substitutions with this simple recipe.

Kissy Face

2010-07-22T18:20:00.000-07:00

Sorry... I am very very sorry. I hadn't even realized that my last post was on June 28th. Yikes! It doesn't feel like it was that long ago.

Baby J reminded me today, though, of why I love to share little snippets of our life online. He was in the bath tub with all his Munchkin bath toys. He has a dozen or so and each is in the shape of a sea creature. He would gently lift each toy out of the water, rinse it under the faucet, give it a kiss on its mouth, then hand it to me and say "kiss kiss". This went on repeatedly until he and I had both kissed each little toy creature three times. While he was putting them all back in the tub for a fourth round, I unsuspectingly reached behind him and pulled the bath plug.

Then he climbed out of the tub and I bundled him in a towel. He walked towards the stairs and up towards bed. As he closed the gate behind him, his little pinky got caught. I quickly swooped him up only to hear "kiss kiss". And I did. Then he called poppy and asked for another "kiss kiss".

Before bed, he as usual gave us our individual hugs and "kiss kiss", then said his sweet "buh-bye" as we tucked him into bed.

I can't wait until morning. Then I will be able to have my morning "kiss kiss". I just can't get over my little kissy face.

The newest family addition

2010-06-28T17:15:00.000-07:00

Please allow me to take a moment to introduce the newest member of our family. She doesn't have a name yet, but already has a purpose. According to our latest library addition about potty learning, a doll which potties can help a child connect the idea of drinking, urinating, and wetness. So, today, we began our search for such a doll. First, please know that they only come in pink. Some are even capable of pooping, if fed special separately purchased "baby food". But baby J liked this little girl. She has her own potty which is very similar to his froggy potty (also chosen by him, per "the book"). We searched for big boy pants and found "mouse" (Mickey Mouse Clubhouse) underpants which he gleefully carried around the store.

When it comes to such matters, there is no shortage in the potty market. Actualy potties can range from $9.99 to unlimited amounts (the most expensive I found was $80.99!! It had better train the child for you). Some have splash guards or music or handle bars. There are "starter potties" and those for advanced children. The book section is loaded with wisdom on the matter too. But, when you make it to the potty-ing dolls, expect a limited selection of girl dolls.

One comes with juice packets, baby food, and disposable diapers (I'm too cheap to buy them for my own son, why would I buy them for a doll?!?). The other comes with cloth diapers, a potty chair, and a BPA-free (not really) bottle.

Everything Potty Training Book: $9.99

Lots to Love Babies potty doll with accessories: $15.00

"Mouse" underpants: $9.99

Baby J splashing in LTLB's toilet water: Priceless

Tot Time

2010-06-24T19:56:00.000-07:00

Baby feet in the swimming pool are the cutest. I love baby J's little toes anyways, but to see them beneath the water makes them appear even more magical. Those little round toes remind me of grapes fresh off the vine; I just want to gobble them up (don't tell James that I said that; he's never understand that phrase.) Baby J was especially fond of looking at them once I pointed them out too.

We scrambled frantically to the froggie slide. We were the second people in line at the gate. While tot time is restricted to children under 6, children under 6 can still be stressful to a little guy. Last time we were there, baby J saw the slide. And baby J loves slides (the way I love baby feet). So he ran to it. Once he got to the top step, though, he found it a bit intimidating. And the boy who pushed him down it didn't make him less paranoid. Today, I hoped to conquer the fear before the others arrived. He did come down the slide, but not the way you think. He pushed his way down the steps when the hoards of children under 6 arrived. Hopefully next week will be more promising.

The cutest part, though, was that the whole time we were hanging out in the pool, he kept gravitating towards the large, twisty waterslides. I'd hate to be the kid waiting behind baby J in that line! Thankfully, that is a few years off.

While we didn't make much progress in overcoming the slide fear, we did have a great time together just splashing and walking in the water. That's where you'll find us twice a week. By the end of the summer, he should be holding his own on that froggie.

Interpretting the language...

2010-06-19T05:22:00.000-07:00

What he says....                            ... and what he means
bite                                               "I'm hungry. Feed me, please."
quack                                           "Cracker, please"
hug                                               "Hug"
up                                                 "Up" or, quite possibly, "Down"
on                                                 "On" or "Off"
off                                                 "Off" or "On"
no                                                 "No" and sometimes "Yes"
bat                                                "Bath"
house                                            "I see my playhouse from the window. Can we go?"
tat                                                 "Cat" or "That"
rooooooar                                     I'm thinking about what a lion says.
deus                                              "Juice" or "Shoes"
tu-oy                                             "Toy"
sock                                              "Please put my sock on/off"
duck                                              "Truck" or "Duck"
book                                              "Book"
bah-lock                                         "Block"
nay-nay                                          "Mama, please help me go to sleep."

But the most beautiful things he says are with words that he can't express yet. Baby J hugs and kisses can brighten these gloomy days easily.

so many things to do and so little time...

2010-06-17T19:23:00.000-07:00

Over the course of one day, baby J becomes so many things...

the molder of Play-doh, (Due to his infatuation with all things in the shapes of balls, I taught him to roll a small clump of play-doh between the palms of his hands. He now endearingly refers to yet another object as "balls")

the maker of trouble, (the expression is "No... No." With as frequently as he says the word, people must think that we don't say anything but "No... No".)

the adventurous explorer of wetness,

the happy boy who wishes to play,

the boy who asks "Where is he?" and then playfully pops out saying "There he is!" (We would ask him this and when we'd uncover our eyes or come out of hiding, we would say "There he is!". So, if you are ever wondering why he looks cluelessly at you when you go "Peek-a-Boo", it was unintentional on our part. He knows the game, but plays it a little differently.)

the saver of pennies, (Hopefully we will instill in him the ability to be thrifty and content.)

and, of course, our cool guy.

I've lost baby J...

2010-06-16T16:42:00.000-07:00

It seems that it was just 30 months ago that baby J began to form. He was my precious little stowaway.

I was a different person then. You might say that I was more of a person. But that mattered very little to me, for I had been given a gift, a little person to lovingly nurture. I had longed for that day for most of my life. As a little girl, I would wrap my dollie inside my dress and tie a ribbon around her so that I could have a "mommie belly". And when my blessing arrived, I knew very little about mommiehood; I still know very little.

That is how it began. It wasn't until today that this finally came to fruition. Honestly, how could something like this happen? One moment, you are grasping so tightly, and the next, something that you thought you couldn't live without is gone. I've lost baby J...

... I did mention that losing baby J is a metaphor for losing the weight equivalent to the little guy, right? 25 pounds down and I'm well on my way!!

Please watch your step...

2010-06-09T09:01:00.000-07:00

The neighbors must think I'm crazy. But, I suppose I do have a prescription, of sorts. And, it wasn't too long ago that kids did this everyday. In other countries, it is considered perfectly natural. And our yard is completely fenced in.

But, it still looks peculiar to see baby J in nothing but a shirt playing in the backyard. When I say nothing, I mean nothing. He's had a history of some problems that I don't care to go into detail about. It isn't serious, but it is uncomfortable. So the doctors (we got to see both his PCPs in the same room today) decided it would be best for him to go diaper-free while at home. He also gets a daily baking soda bath and lots of loving.

Hopefully this will finally allow us to resolve the poor boy's "ows", as he so eloquently puts it, and will get us back to a pee-free zone (code for diaper-wearing again). Until then, watch your step please.

Did you know...?

2010-06-05T21:05:00.000-07:00

I just learned this. Did you know that you can subscribe to receive an email each time your favorite blogs are updated? Simply scroll to the bottom of the blog you'd like to subscribe. There you'll find a link to "Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)". Click on this and you'll get updates. Per chance, it says to "Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)", choose the "Home" option just above it. Then, choose "Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)".

Thanks for reading!

Childhood memories... Oh, how refreshing.

2010-06-05T20:44:00.000-07:00

Recently I learned that a friend of mine locally is well-acquainted with some of my childhood friends from my birthplace. It triggered so many memories. The one that is more prominent in my mind, is that pictured here. I have looked at a collage of pictures, including this one, so many times and happily remembered being a child.

My parents had set up a large tarp on this huge hill in our backyard. I know that it wasn't all that, but in the mind of a child, it was the best thing on earth. As I look at our faces, all I see is carefree whimsy. Ahhhh... The life of a child.

I love taking time to remember when life was a simple as a big tarp, a hill, and a water hose. How refreshing. I loved being a child. But I think I love being a mommie more and seeing those bright happy eyes over such simple pleasures. I love knowing that baby J will have memories like this.

Oh, by the way, I am the one front and center.

Still good people out there...

2010-05-25T15:49:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while, I am bombarded with a number of obstacles that make me wonder why people can't be a little nicer. I know the obvious reasons, but have always believed in the very essence of the Golden Rule.

Do to others as you wish to be done to you.

But often people reverse that catchy and appropriate phrase making it "Do to others as they have done to you".

This can grow exhausting while trying to constantly combat the same attitude. When cut off while driving, receiving a rude customer service representative on the other line, and becoming the backlash of someone's bad day, it can be very difficult to hold the tongue (or the horn).

Thankfully, I have someone to call on who can always help me. And he always comes through, even if it is making me choke on my own tongue until I remember.

But then there are days when people surprise me in the opposite respect. Today was one of those days. The most outstanding example was an older woman. I had gone to the salon to get my haircut. Baby J was being curiously well-behaved, but still a little antsy. In the mirror, I saw an older woman. She asked me if it was okay if she sat beside him and read him one of his stories. I was silently surprised, but said okay. For ten minutes she sat with him and kept him company all in my view. I could tell that his sweet personality made her day. Little did she know that she was improving mine. As we left, she asked if it was okay to give him a hug. I told her "of course". He gave her a wonderful bear hug! And her eyes watered a bit. Then she told me how much she appreciated seeing such a well-behaved boy, that it breaks her heart a little when she sees children rampaging through stores and parents granting their every whim.

Since become a mommie, I have learned how valuable these pearls of genuine wisdom are. This reminds me that more often I should offer my assistance and kind words to those in vulnerable states. Mommies definitely fit in that category. Thank you to all who continually do this! You now only improve the days of others but genuinely impact the course of their lives!

Dear Target Stores,...

2010-05-18T20:29:00.001-07:00

> Dear Target Stores,
>
> Let me begin by expressing my sincere gratitude for your store. I
> often visit you when I need a reprieve. You must hear this a lot,
> because I see many other mommies and dads wandering your aisles
> conversing in baby talk to their little ones. Their carts are
> usually fairly empty and adult conversations are easily initiated
> and can become quite long. A simple, "Excuse me" to pass by quickly
> becomes "ohhhh, how old?" From there, any conversational direction
> can be taken.
>
> And a Starbucks near the front provides adequate nourishment for my
> dehydrated brain.
>
> My only complaint is, well, those enormous red concrete balls at the
> edge of the sidewalk just outside the store. It is because of those
> balls that baby J's hand is held so tightly that I fear it will lose
> circulation. You see, kids (especially boys) love balls. I cannot
> emphasize this enough. And when we approach the store, he often
> wiggled so violently that he nearly falls from my ring sling. So, I
> let him walk to prevent further head trauma. Then he tugs so hard
> and sprints directly for those balls! I'm not even sure what they
> are there for, but they pose a serious danger to both his safety and
> my sanity. They are so near the road.
>
> Please understand that I'm not threatening my routine visits. I just
> thought you should know that he will soon catch on to the prolonged
> peek-a-boo session we play upon entering. I've seen other parents
> experiencing the same dilemma. Do you have any suggestions?
>
> Sincerely,
> Who-Doesn't-Love-A-Giant-Red-Ball,-But-Seriosly?!?
> ~ Corry
>
> www.sleepymommie.blogspot.com

Cabin Fever...

2010-05-13T05:50:00.000-07:00

I wish that I had captured this on film, especially because it has become such a part of our daily routine. But you will have to imagine the scenario.

Imagine, baby J standing at the door or window, shoes in hand, saying "out... out". He has only grown more emphatic since inheriting a Fisher Price playhouse which at present resides in the far corner of our property. From the dining room window, he can clearly see its presence. So, he often adds to his reportoire "out... house... out". But since monsoon season so quickly approached, he doesn't understand that "out... house... out" isn't an option. And the toys inside have gotten soooo boring.

Today we will venture out in search of an indoor version of what he loves so much. If you call or come by and we aren't available, sorry. We are "out... out".

Mommiehood: Feeling His Pain

2010-05-04T18:00:00.000-07:00

Since becoming a mommie, I've often had the opportunity presented to me to recount my own childhood.

I've shared many of those experiences. Many of them are lessons I learn as I see baby J learn them.

Today, we shared another of those. As a child, I remember vividly the excitement of having plans. Knowing that a friend was coming over or an outing to the zoo was enough to brighten the gloomiest days. I would eagerly anticipate and remind myself repeatedly and sometimes even have countdowns. And then the phone would ring and my mom would break the bad news... cancelled.

My mom would always comfort me and remind me that everything would be okay. She would even make alternate plans, but it just wasn't the same. And I honestly believed that she had no idea how much it hurt...

... until today.

This afternoon baby J had a playdate. When I told him about it this morning, he was so excited. He kept telling his papa and even using his little buddy's name. "Park.... park." Then, the dreaded text arrived. My heart immediately sank. I think that it affected me more that it did him. How can I explain this to a 19-month old? He isn't going to understand. He was so excited!

That is when the epiphany arrived. How often I had told my mom that you don't know what it feels like. And she would look at me and tell me that it was okay. Then we would spend that time together.

It still broke my heart to see those sad little eyes when he awoke from his nap only to be on his way back home. But we spent our afternoon together. And we can never have too much time together, right?

A Mommie's Love Is...

2010-05-02T19:01:00.000-07:00

... kneeling on a single stall bathroom floor to change an overwhelmingly poopy cloth diaper of an overly active and very sleepy toddler with a serious shortage of baby wipes but ample supply of paper hand towels only to realize that the toilet is clogged by the contents of the aformentioned without a plunger on hand and no response from papa after sending an urgent "HELP" text to learn that his phone has died and he is knocking at the door wondering if everything is okay because the two of you have been in there for so long.

And then looking deep into those big blue eyes and instantly forgetting the drama.

What a day...

2010-05-02T18:51:00.001-07:00

One of the most difficult parts of being a mommie is the need to remain clear headed. And yesterday most certainly proved that to me. The day began like most others. How often I've begun an entry like this...

Baby J was in a jolly mood. We.enjoyed a pleasant morning with meemaw. We excitedly looked forward to picking papa up at the train station later. In the meantime, we played outside with baby J's cousins.

Then it began...

Baby J frantically ran to greet his peepaw while holding a small trowel and tripped giving him a large gash in his left cheek.

Next, he slipped through the railing on the second floor porch and fell nearly 10' onto an upside-down plastic pool. After a brief moment of hysteria, he quickly returned to playing.

Then, while running, he fell head first onto the sidewalk.

So with a gash on his cheek and a large knot on his forehead, we.visited the emergency room.

He was treated for a mild concussion and promptly released. Sufficed to say, nothing could've prepared papa for the battle scars his son wore while picking him up from the train.

And I remained relatively calm for the whole experience- at least that's my version. ;@)

The Joy of Pulling Weeds

2010-04-26T08:40:00.000-07:00

I always thought my mom was a little crazy- okay, a lot crazy. If you had awoken by chance at 4 in the morning, you would find her outside contentedly with a cup of coffee while sitting on the ground with a large pile of weeds next to her. Who, in their right mind, would find such joy in pulling weeds? Nevermind the fact that the sun itself has barely risen?!?

Now that baby J is 19 months old and into (literally) everything, I have either gone crazy or found my mom's key to sanity. There is very little satisfaction in cleaning the house when you have little ones. As soon as a project is completed, a typhoon mysteriously appears in another place. So, I have given up trying to attain a neat home and settled for the fact that it is messy, yet clean.

The garden, however, is another story. The amazing thing about weeds, is that once you've pulled them, you can satisfactorily gaze upon your hard work and feel a deep sense of accomplishment. The next day, a few might have reappeared, but with a simple bend of the waist, it's gone!

As spring is making its grand entrance this year, it has opened my eyes to a whole new world. I now see that it is a splendid opportunity to become immersed in nature and feel the sense of accomplishment that is often missing in a mommie's mundane life.

Thank you mom for passing along this secret sanity that you possess.

Make Everyday Earth Day

2010-04-22T16:30:00.001-07:00

Trivia: How long does it take for a disposable diaper to decompose- 50 years, 100 years, 250 years, 500 years?

Earth Day was created 40 years ago. I find that ironic because our culture has become such a frivolous one that society has dedicated one whole day to protecting the earth and becoming more environmentally friendly. (Please excuse the excessive drippings of sarcasm).

Our planet is beautiful. Despite our best efforts, it continues to renew itself. When you think about it, would we mere humans tolerate such poor tenants in an investment property? Unlikely! Yet, our loving creator allows us to continue ruining the earth. Well, not forever. (Revelation 11:18- he will bring to ruin those ruining the earth)

With this in mind, my mama always said that "the more we do now, the less we will have to do later." Let's all try to keep in mind our precious planet when possible.

BTW- Did you google the trivia question yet? Shocking, eh! That's a lot of diapers to clean up in the new world. Do we have to help since we weren't the ones using them? Ok, we will.

Having a baby opens a lot of doors in life...

2010-04-19T17:20:00.001-07:00

... That's why we have baby gates everywhere!

Child-proofing is the butt of many jokes. For example, I child-proofed our home but they still get in. It isn't the getting in that I fear so much as the getting out.

In an effort to make our outdoor space more family-friendly, we have had to be economically resourceful. We've dug, leveled land, removed plants, sowed grass seed, and watered. While waiting for the seed to grow, we've moved onto the backyard.

To more efficiently contain baby J, the hubby repurposed a decorative fence into a border container and gate. It looks great. But, in the great outdoors, I had always enjoyed the open freedom. With a rapid toddler on my hands, I've become more open-minded and gated us from the world.

It's a picket fence which always seems so welcoming, so still feel free to join us for a garden walk.

Peek-a-boo summer... We see you!

2010-04-15T12:56:00.001-07:00

What an absolutely glorious day today was! In a classic Midwestern move, summer has shown its colors among these average April temperatures. With 70-something yesterday and 85 today, returning to the 50s by this weekend will be mournful. But baby J and I decided not to let this momentous occasion slip past. So, I rapidly cleaned the turtle sandbox and converted it into a pool. After putting the diapers on an extra spin cycle, I hung them out to dry. Later, dinner on the deck. (If it weren't already in the crockpot, the hubby would love to BBQ. Sorry, hon!) Then tomorrow, we will bundle up to prepare for our "average" weather.

Happy peek-a-boo summer day, my dear followers!

What's For Dinner? Shrimp Scampi Surprise

2010-04-12T16:03:00.000-07:00

Shrimp can be expensive, but a little goes a long way in this recipe. This is a yummy family favorite that can be served with rice or pasta. It really works well if there is leftover rice or pasta from a previous meal!

1 c. Shrimp, fresh or defrosted (1 cup defrosted)
1 c. Mixed vegetables, 1 c. frozen
1/2 c. Olive Oil (or 1/4 c. melted butter)
2 c. Rice or Pasta for 4, already prepared
4 cloves Roasted or Fresh Minced Garlic

Marinate shrimp in olive oil (or melted butter) and garlic in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

Heat a large skillet on high heat. Add shrimp, olive oil, and garlic. Lower heat immediately and add already prepared rice or pasta. Add frozen mixed vegetables and allow to cook about 5 minutes together, stirring frequently. Season to taste and enjoy immediately!

Why we need to eat fruit...

2010-04-08T09:30:00.001-07:00

http://www.princeton.edu/main/news/archive/S26/91/22K07/
With so much publicity about high fructose corn syrup, I was curious about the facts. If baby J can get all his servings of fruits and vegetables from juice, why not? Especially considering that fresh fruits and veggies contain fructose naturally (we can't eat too many of those, right?).

So I asked the doctor. The explanation was surprisingly simple. Here are the facts.

Fruits and vegetables contain fructose. True. They contain the same amount that you'd get by consuming a serving of them in any other form. The difference is that in their whole form, they are high in fiber. This is important because fructose is digested differently than other things. It is digested in the colon. For proper digestion, the fiber must push the fructose past the stomach and into the colon. Without the huge amounts of fiber, it isn't digested properly.

And undigested sugar and fructose becomes....

.... fat!

This is how a lack of fiber contributes greatly to obesity. And childhood obesity isn't a joke. Juice is a fun treat, as are other things containing fructose, but are never a healthy replacement for their substitutes.

This is yet another reason why we need to be grateful for the natural supplements our Grand Creator gave us. Enjoy an apple today. (BTW- studies indicate that eating a whole 200 calorie apple 20 minutes prior to a meal will cut the number of calories significantly during that meal).

Read more about the research being done at Princeton University.

Naptime buddies

2010-04-07T13:25:00.000-07:00

Baby J always naps especially well when he has someone to cuddle. And Lyli is always looking for some extra love. It seems they have dreamt up the perfect pair.

My little garden helper...

2010-04-06T11:56:00.000-07:00

There were leaves

to rake,

dirt to shovel,

and rocks to move.

But the result is always worth the hard work.

We are going to have a

lovely spring together.

Long naps on mommie's lap

2010-04-05T13:34:00.001-07:00

As a result of some more sneaky, as of yet unlocated, dairy, baby J hasn't been sleeping well. So I did something I haven't done in awhile- I let him nap on my lap. He is unusually tired, made evident by the fact that his usual 90 minute nap has extended to an unbelievable 2 1/2 hours! And he's still out! I'm incredibly bored but he should be a happier camper this afternoon.

How to Comment...

2010-04-04T05:48:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if this will solve the commenting issue, but it seemed to work for me when I signed out and made a comment. After entering the comment, you will see an option to "comment as". This scroll bar has several options, the most common including Google Account (including g-mail), LiveJournal, WordPress, TypePad, AIM (AOL instant message), and OpenID. If you choose any of these, you will be temporarily re-directed to enter in your email or user name and password.

If you don't have an account with any of the forums, you may choose to comment anonymously or to enter your name. To enter your name, choose "Name/URL", which will open a box to enter either or both.

Afterwards, click to "Post Comment" so that we may all enjoy your input. Hope this solves the commenting dilemma! If not, please comment (lol!) anonymously, if necessary.

Blah blah blah log

2010-04-03T07:33:00.000-07:00

My own mom called me yesterday. She had a confession. She confessed to me that she has an addiction, one that she has not been able to satisfy for 16 days (17 days today). She is a junkie of my blog. And everyday she logs onto her computer to check for updates. Well, before she brought it to my attention, I hadn't even realized that I haven't blogged in that long. And she is having serious withdrawal.

Being so far from family and friends, I forget that my daily routine can be kind of exciting. That the new little things that the little man does are new. But, sometimes I just get tired of hearing myself talk. While thinking about this, I came to the conclusion that "blog" is actually a combination of the words blah blah blah and log. Nonetheless, I will try with due diligence to blah blah log more frequently.

Here goes....

... thinking to myself... What to talk about? Oh, baby J (can anyone think of a better nickname for my little man? He isn't really a baby anymore, but toddler J sounds strange. And I am already acquainted with another blogger who calls her little guy "the toddler". Suggestions would be appreciated.)

Where was I? Oh, baby J and a friend of ours, Tony, were sitting together reading a book last Monday. Tony did the reading and baby J turned the pages. After papa and Tony left for work, I overheard baby J talking in his bedroom. Granted, he doesn't say many words yet, but he says a lot. When I peeked in on him, there he sat on the floor with a book on his lap. He was turning the pages and pointing at the words. As he was pointing, he was saying "this this that this this that this this that". I'm so glad that I have an avid reader already!

Quiet moments in the bathroom.

2010-03-17T14:23:00.001-07:00

Picture it...

A hectic day finally resolves to a beautiful afternoon at home. Baby J calmly Swiffers the floors. (BTW- kids love Swiffers and they're great because the play and clean simulataneously).

I decide to use the moment to "powder my nose" (for the genuinely naive, I wasn't powdering, I was peeing). I hear a jiggle of the door handle.

The next thing I see is an eager little boy Swiffering away in the bathroom. Peaceful bathroom moments no more.

Can you find the hidden dairy?

2010-03-15T14:03:00.001-07:00

Whenever we have a sleep setback, I immediately examine baby J and my diets. And I am usually right. So, here are some of my surprising findings over the past few months. Remember, dairy doesn't have to be listed as an allergen on food labels and is often disguised as "filler" or "flavoring". The only way to know for sure is to call a food manufacturer.

Having a child with food allergies makes a parent very alert of ingredients and food labels. In the list below, can you detect which seven (7) contain dairy?

Gorton's Fish Sticks
Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon
Dinty Moore Beef Stew
McDonald's French Fries
Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup
Veggie Slices brand Cheese Food Alternative
Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs
Johnsonville Bratwurst
Frito Corn Chips
Rice-A-Roni Chicken Rice
Imperial Margarine
Int'l Delight Non-Dairy Coffee Creamer
Barilla Spaghetti Noodles

Ready for the shocking surprise?
Gorton's Fish Sticks- as well as most products dipped in batter
McDonald's French Fries- dipped in a milk bath prior to frying; similar process with most fast food restaurants
Veggie Slices brand Cheese Food Alternative
Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs- most hot dogs contain a dairy powder filler; only one that doesn't is Hebrew National. Any meat product marked kosher will be 100% dairy-free according to ancient Jewish tradition
Johnsonville Bratwurst- same as hot dogs and most sausage products, including Italian and Polish sausages
Imperial Margarine contains sweet cream. The only butter substitue I have found is Smart Balance Light (labeled Vegan).
Int'l Delight Non-Dairy Coffee Creamer

The lesson, read labels in detail, especially when allergies are involved.

Every time papa leaves his seat on the sofa...

2010-03-13T15:37:00.001-08:00

... Baby J takes his space, and the remote. Boys are born boys!

You can dress 'em up...

2010-03-09T02:09:00.000-08:00

... but you can't take 'em out.

In anticipation of one of our annual Bible conventions, I purchased baby J this suit. I was so excited because it just seemed so classic. The little tie has grey sailboats on it. When I dressed him in it, I couldn't get over how adorable he looked, my little guy. But recently, I have found that the best way to stave off the morning meltdown is to give him a pair of shoes to wear. I handed him his little beige wingtips to play with. Guess what he decided he wanted instead?!? As is evident by the photo, his black Batman snow boots. I can list at least 5 ways that these were so wrong for the outfit- # 1) black, # 2) rubber, # 3) Batman, # 4) it was nearly 50 degrees outside, and, of course, # 5) not what I would've picked out.

But he was content for the entire one-hour commute. Hopefully, he eventually outgrows the uncoordinated phase. Until then, at least we can halt a meltdown as easily as giving him a pair of Batman boots.

Anyone know the Recommended Daily Value for Crayola?

2010-03-03T04:26:00.000-08:00

Baby J loves to color...

... but he seems to have a greater effect on the color of his face than he does on the paper. Looking forward to more green poop. It's like having a newborn infant all over again.

Good, clean fun.

2010-03-01T16:27:00.001-08:00

Some parents have to fight with their children to take baths. Others (myself included) can't convince them when it's over. He's been playing contentedly in an empty bathtub for 10 minutes now. Good, clean fun, in my opinion.

Kids Say...

2010-02-24T13:27:00.001-08:00

When my 4 year old nephew saw me breastfeeding Baby J. He asked, "Is that where you keep his milk?" When I replied affirmatively, he quickly responded, "I keep mine in the fridge." Put a smile on my face.

Attention All Mommies; I'm Calling a Truce

2010-02-16T17:25:00.001-08:00

As children, we are always eager to do our best and gain acceptance and approval. When we become teenagers, while we pretend that we want to be individuals and thrive on excelling, it is the security of genuine love that gives us strength. While single, young adults, we have no one to think of but ourselves and feel lost. Then we marry, have babies, and sacrifice much of what we are to offer our sprouting young ones the best.

With this in mind, it is no wonder that we dote, spoil, and place these little replicas of ourselves on pedestals.

Since the birth of our little replica, I've noticed a pattern. I love him more than I ever imagined I could love someone. I know that all mommies and daddies empathize. With all these factors in mind, a competition seems to ensue.

And so, I'm calling a truce. Whether you breastfeed, bottle feed, formula feed, work outside the home, work at home, stay at home, co-sleep or don't. If you have a child who is off the charts, average, below average, silly looking, a Gerber baby, looks like the wrong gender, eats Play-Doh, has shaggy hair, or no hair at all, this is to your advantage.

Let's all just be happy for each other. No more snide remarks or comparisons. Let's all remember that we are in the same boat. We all want our children to grow into loved, well-rounded adults. So, if someone offers uninvited advice, please smile say thank you. Because they're just trying to help.

Happy Truce Day! May we all enjoy these precios moments of child-rearing which will pass much too quickly.

Snow Days Are Fun!

2010-02-09T13:06:00.001-08:00

For toddlers, snow days aren't nearly as exciting as for older kids. All they know is that they're housebound. Since papa had a job in Mount Prospect, he offered to let us tag along. This may not sound like much fun to most, but we knew what he intended. So, we headed in the general direction of the job and stopped at the big blue and yellow building along the way. Ikea on a snow day is a perfect solution for mommies and babies. We ate lunch; then papa headed to work. Baby J and I went to Smaland to play in the blueberry ball basket. What fun! Before long, it was time to head out. I fed him his snack, packed him up in the truck, and shortly afterwards, the tuckered out tot was asleep.

Hope eveyone else is enjoying their snow day!

PS- My hubby says hola to all!

You might be a sleepy mommie if...

2010-02-07T08:23:00.001-08:00

... You've already been awake for several hours and it's only 6 am.
... You've purchased a freezer, gone grocery shopping, and decided which suit on Overstock to buy your husband and the sun has just risen.
... You're awake so early that you now require "second breakfast"
... The morning is the most productive time of the day for you.
... 8 am is naptime.
... You rise earlier than the sun.
... You know people you can call before 8 am but not after 8 pm.
... You want to nap when the baby does.
... You want to nap when the baby does but have to reassemblethe house after Hurricane [insert child's name here].
... You're eyes are growing droopy because this is the closest thing to a grown-up book that you've read in months/years.

I know it's Superbowl Sunday, but make sure to take some mommie time with a warm bath and glass of wine.

Mommie, what's for dinner?

2010-02-02T15:41:00.000-08:00

I am a self-proclaimed experimental chef. I am always trying new things and creating from leftovers. I often find myself chiming in when someone says they have no idea what to make for dinner. So, I want to share some of my leftover concoctions and minimal ingredient recipes that have gone over very well. I will tag the key ingredients for quick future reference.

Tonight, for instance, I used leftover baked chicken and gravy to make a chicken pot pie. This recipe works well with leftover turkey, too, and only requires 5 common ingredients in addition to the chicken/turkey and gravy.

2 c. chicken or turkey, diced or pulled apart
2 c. gravy (if you don't have any or not enough, make some quickly with bouillon or broth)
1 c. Potatoes, diced and cooked unitl soft
1 small onion, diced
1 c. mixed vegetables, frozen
Refrigerated pie crust, usually 2 per pkg (top and bottom)
Salt, pepper, garlic, etc. to taste

Here goes...

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Line a pie or casserole dish with one pie crust. In a separate bowl, mix together the already diced and cooked potatoes, diced onion, still frozen mixed vegetables, and chicken or turkey. Add gravy and gently mix until it evenly coats the chicken and vegetable mixture. Season to taste. Spoon mixture into pie or casserole dish. Cover with second pie crust and crimp edges. Using a fork, poke a few holes into the top crust. Put in the oven and set the timer for 1 hour. Slice and serve within 10 minutes. Enjoy!

A tribute to the most wonderful husband and father.

2010-01-30T17:57:00.001-08:00

It isn't nearly often enough that I gloat about my husband. So, let me take a moment to do so.

When I'm feeling faint of heart
With little energy left,
He's the one who lifts me up
And gives me needed rest.

When baby J is fussing
As he has been all day long,
He's the one who assures me
That I've done nothing wrong.

When dinner is cold and chewy
But we've nothing else to eat,
He's the one who challenges me
To not concede defeat.

So while I'm a lot of effort
And sometimes not much fun,
He's reassuring me that
I'm his only one.

While it may seem trivial
To feel so deeply wanted,
He has always done so
And never needed to flaunt it.

To him I am grateful
For the life we three share.
And so I dedicate my heart
To my husband dear.

Who does he look like.... at 6 months?

2010-01-28T04:59:00.000-08:00

People often ask me whom baby J looks more like. This is one of only 2 pictures that I have from my husband's childhood, so there isn't much to compare. You be the judge. :)

Memories are made today

2010-01-23T07:19:00.001-08:00

While talking to my mom about an invasion made on her computer by some hacking hooligans, I suggested that she immediately back up all her digital photos onto compact disks to ensure their preservation. The conversation got us thinking. If there were a fire and you had opportunity to grab one thing (after loved ones were already safe), most of us mommies would say that we would take our scrapbooks. Virus on your computer?Same thing, save the photos.

Our memories are priceless. They are more valuable than any material possession and have greater impact on who we are than heredity. But life often becomes so hectic, that our memories become digital documents or glossy pages, instead of fixtures of our minds. Please understand that I am in no way degrading photos. Photos are both a creative outlet and valuable documentation of events. But sometimes I find myself forgetting that an event even occurred until the visual image is presented.

So, as we embark on a new year which is a wonderful occasion for new beginnings, I am going to slow down. I hope to create just as many memories as photos. Then, when in need, I can draw the memory and feelings to mind without relying on something physical.

The physical can be easily destroyed but who we are as a person is enduring.

Have a happy, memory creating weekend!

Becoming A Big Boy

2010-01-20T14:41:00.000-08:00

Baby J turned 16 months old last Friday. I suppose that while he is my baby, he isn't really a baby and friends will soon start correcting my reference to him as such.

He is walking (sprinting, in fact), climbing, hurdling, jumping, bouncing, and chatting. His curiousity is abounding with nearly constant 'ats dis? (loosely translated as "what's this?") and dat (translated "that"). He is infatuated with every sort of animal and anything with wheels.

The realization grew even more apparent as he had his third (yes, third) haircut in 3 months. I love his naturally highlighted locks and how as a baby he could get away with the shagginess. But the struggle that ensued each time the scissors grew near his head caused great anxiety. True, a bowl of popcorn and his own comb calmed the situation, but the anxiety was still present. So, in an effort to reduce the number of occasions to pin him down to have his lovely locks snipped, poppy and I agreed to a shorter cut. While he still maintains the pudgy cheeks and the tiny nose of a baby, he has begun to look like a boy.

While it is inevitable, does it have to creep up so rapidly?

Doesn't Every Mom Need One?

2010-01-11T17:54:00.001-08:00

While changing quite possibly the most putrid diaper of my entire existence, I realized that there must have been a mix-up at the hospital. After Baby J and I were released, we received the complimentary diapers, wipes, and the little hat. But they forgot to give me the stomach of steel. That would have been handy this morning.

Oh my, these are big shoes to fill.

2010-01-08T19:21:00.001-08:00

Sorry that the picture is blurry, but he moves so fast these days! Even with an instant shoot digital camera he's blurry.

Never try to match wits with a Sicilian when death is on the line.

2010-01-03T23:55:00.000-08:00

Hahaha Hahaha Hahaha Haha Thud.

Sometimes having a toddler is like going to battle with a Sicilian, except death isn't on the line. Sleep is.

The past few weeks, baby J has acquired a few new, somewhat strange habits. He is determined to continue to nurse frequently at night. And, I, the Norwegian/German that I am, am determined to have my way.

His first battle was realizing that if he coughed, he got mommie's milk. In the beginning, it was a legitimate cough. And because I would never withhold anything good for my son, I nursed him. But then I began to notice that the cough continued, except he had no congestion or drainage. Yet, he would wake up and start coughing. Strategy: Cup of water on the nightstand. Success! Sleeping baby!

His second battle was crawling out of his bed and crying. This worked to his advantage, because when his papa got up to retrieve him, he tripped over him. Both returned to our bedroom in hysterics. So, we put the baby gate up on the top of the stairs each night, propped even more pillows in his bed, and were able to avoid an accident. Success! Sleeping baby!

Tonight, he must have thought, Forget it. They're onto me. I'm a pretty light sleeper these days, so I was surprised at what I heard next. There were small footsteps pattering quickly. Then came a shadow. He looked light a miniature football player barreling towards our bed. I quickly sat up, took him in my arms and cuddled him as he sipped the water. In record time, he was asleep in our bed. Success! Sleeping baby.

I think that I will join him now.

Lazy River Laziness

2010-01-02T07:13:00.000-08:00

I had been quite bummed. Many of my friends had ventured away for the weekend. I was feeling very left out and wanted nothing more than a few days away. So, my hubby surprised me with a trip to Timber Ridge Resort & Lodge in Lake Geneva, WI. It has an indoor waterpark and each room is a suite. He told me the morning of our departure of his plans.

It was wonderful to get away, especially in light of the impending snow storm. We made the trek northward and enjoyed the warm indoor excursion with a beautiful view of the outdoors. It felt almost like being in a snow globe, except with the snow on the outside of the glass. We played in the pool and baby J went down his first mini-waterslide. Shortly before the fun was about to end, baby J and I floated on the lazy river. He was tired and very relaxed. He said that he wanted NeNe, so I positioned him gently and nursed him until sleep found him. That is how we ended our retreat. What a lovely way to bond!

Venting

2009-12-31T20:11:00.001-08:00

I decided to take a detour from our routine. Wanting to replace my stolen coat and take advantage of a sale, I went to Old Navy. I was cutting it close in relation to naptime but was ecstatic upon finding what I needed. Baby J wasn't though. He was growing sleepy at an alarming rate. The line seemed to be progressing slowly, which I attribute mostly to my perspective. When I was second in line, I quickly realized that I didn't have an overactive imagination, but the clerk really was having troubles. The manager assisted her through every item. Then the manager left the register. Baby J was now nearly inconsolabe but we persevered... until she got to me. She had trouble ringing the coat up so she set it aside and rang up my other items. Then she attempted again to ring the coat up. She asked the manager for assistance but the manager apparently thought thus was the best time to teach her to fendfor herself, so she nonchalantly stayed five feet away and told her to "try something else". By this time, my boy was furious so I cancelled the transaction, rudely thanked the manager for not intervening and left. I should've been more patient and exhibited more self-control, but things like this seem to becoming much more common. And, not as a means to justify, my husband and I are going it alone. While we have many friends, my village is non-existent. I'm made to feel as if I must call in favors for such small daytrips or beg for help with projects. I know that I'm not alone, but after dozens of these encounters, I really wish for practical assistance.

Hopefully a good night's sleep will provide feelings of renewal and a more positive perspective. If not, for your own protection, please avoid my cynicism.

Baby J and His Bathtub Toys

2009-12-30T06:18:00.000-08:00

Baby J is in the bathtub right now. His papa is giving him a bath. He is playing with his rubber ducky and tug boat. When he has the ducky in his hand, he says, Kack kack. When he has his boat in his hand, he says, Voom voom.

He is growing much too quickly!

Everything I Know, I Learned From Being A Mommie

2009-12-28T16:24:00.000-08:00

You think you know everything, until you become a parent...

Then you realize how little you really know.

I had heard it a million times before. Parents would make comments and I would smugly think, They have no idea who they are talking to. I knew from my vast knowledge of how the universe works that breastfeeding past one year old was only to prolong a mother's emotional attachment to her child, that diapers should be changed every 2 hours, that children should sleep in their own beds from birth, that people carrying their children in carriers were hippies, and that I would be the best parent on earth.

To be fair, I thought I would be the best parent on earth, mostly because I never thought that I would be a parent. I had often imagined myself with offspring and that I would be as nurturing as educating. My child would grow to be a highly functional, well-developed asset to society. Ha!

Each day I am reminded how little I know about the universe, nevermind the miraculous workings of a small child's rapidly developing heart and mind. So, despite my worst efforts, I am now the BF, CD, CS, BW mommie. And I love it! Parenthood is a delightful learning experience.

The Great Oil Spill of 2009

2009-12-22T04:21:00.001-08:00

It isn't often that the media doesn't report a story. It is usually a sign of a cover-up or that the general population has little interest in the subject. But when it is a subject of oil pollution, they are usually on board. The story you are about to read is completely true. The details are being reported accurately. Some of the details may be too upsetting for those with queasy stomachs.

The story begins in a small suburb in Illinois just miles off the coastline of Lake Michigan. I became privy to the story by being present for the event from beginning to end, although I was not presently aware that the drama was unfolding. I ventured out to take Baby J to the doctor in Gurnee, IL for his routine 15-month well visit. As usual, the doctor reviewed his development and general health. We left with a good report.

We left the facility at approximately 9:30 am and ventured naively into our day. A friend would be meeting us shortly for some shopping, but there was still time to drive the short distance across the tollway to the Starbucks for a coffee. My senses were delighted and I felt suddenly awake and more coherent as I slowly sipped the Caramel Macchiato.

We arrived at Target at 10:11 am. We were a bit late, but still excited to begin shopping with our dear friend Heather. Very little happened and we did not find what we had been anticipating. We left the store promptly at 10:50 am and drove to the TJMaxx at Entry J of Gurnee Mills Shopping Center. There were very few crowds, as the shopping day had barely begun. We perused the racks and found exactly what we anticipated. We even found a fleece dinosaur hat for Baby J during these frigid months.

The time was approximately noon. We settled into a table in the Food Courte. Heather and Baby J waited patiently as I rallied together a meal for the little guy and myself. Then Heather hunted for her next meal. We calmly ate, enjoying the company and the small talk. On the way out, Baby J noticed that the corridor we were leaving through was lined with mirrors. We stopped to let him play with his reflection, still not knowing what was about to happen. As I picked up my beautiful Saffron Roll Boxy Backpack by Petunia Pickle Bottom gifted by my dearest friend and adopted sister, the chaos began.

Dripping from it was a lemon-scented substance. I presumed that it was some cleaning product that had been used in the Food Courte. And, when we arrived home, I thought, What can I do about it right now? What's done is done. So, I laid down for a nap with Baby J and neglected the clean-up. The rest of the day was business as usual and the bag was left to marinate.

The next morning, Baby J and I woke early. I gathered the diaper bag and began emptying it only to find an empty bottle of lemon-flavored cod liver oil. Oops! This cannot be good!!

I deserted the entire contents of the bag into the washing machine. Five times it was washed, each time with a different concoction. Insanity, I thought, is doing the same thing over and over again and hoping for different results. The results, sadly, remained the same. Cod liver oil and the lemon scent wafted throughout the house. It was too late. The bag and its contents were destroyed. It now rests in peace in the shallow grave of our garbage can.

It was a beautiful bag, but only a possession. It is just sad that it had to become the damaged mediator between myself and the cod liver oil. Lesson learned.

Sweet Potato Truck

2009-12-21T09:29:00.000-08:00

** Please accept my sincerest condolensces for the prior blog. I have successfully removed it. It was meant to be silly and in no way distasteful. I am truly sorry. **

While Baby J is sleeping much more contentedly, we are still about 9 months behind most parents. Because his sleep had been interrupted so much in the first year of his life, he doesn't yet sleep through the night. I am mostly okay with this, because I usually go to bed shortly after he does and wake up when he does.

But last night something eerily unusual happened.

He went to sleep at his usual time-- about 8 pm. I retired for the evening at 9:17 pm. I was surprisingly restless. It was surprising because my boy was contentedly sleeping in his own big boy bed. He traditionally begins the night there and joins us when he wakes up between 1 am and 3 am. I tossed and turned for hours before finally looking at the clock to realize that it was 4 am and I still hadn't heard a peep.

I frantically thought, Oh no. Something must be wrong! To my pleasant surprise, nothing was wrong. In fact, everything was alright. And I returned to my bed to enjoy a few more hours of blissful and well-deserved sleep.

He stayed cozily sleeping in his bed until 6 am! At that time, I heard soft talking coming from his bed. There he sat, happily talking to himself, waiting for me to swoop him up. This morning was unrealistically ideal for a toddler. He walked around and played by himself. Just before he started getting ready for his early morning nap, I found him in the kitchen with a sweet potato. There he sat pretending to drive the root vegetable with his tiny hands while making Vrooom sounds.

I love this boy more each day.

Remembering Days of [Not So] Long Ago

2009-12-11T08:52:00.001-08:00

In the deepest part of the night, I often wake for a few moments of quiet solitude. The moon shines dimly creating shadows between the openings in the shades. One evening not so long ago, I heard whispering beside me. In the middle of our mattress, baby J lay awake. He was quietly cooing and watching the lines of his fingers in the dimly lit room. He didn't notice me. He just contentedly and quietly entertained himself until he finally drifted back into slumber.

As he lay there, it seemed almost reminiscent of his days still warmly tucked inside my womb. Because of the many complications encountered during my pregnancy, I had ultrasounds frequently. During those times, he would move slowly within his cramped quarters. He somehow seemed so comfortable. Those days of watching him through the window in my womb were highlights in our time together.

When still pregnant mommies mention that they long to deliver, I fondly remember those peaceful moments that he and I exclusively shared without interruption before his birth.

Mommie-dom truly is delightful. Every moment holds a welcome surprise.

Less Sleepy Mommie to Go Around

2009-11-25T14:57:00.001-08:00

I used to be a very active person. That was when I was young and single. I was healthy and a healthy weight, yet, I still thought I was fat. When I finished high school and started college, I gained some weight. When I got married, I gained more weight. When I had baby J, I gained more weight. I reached my heaviest weight and realized that I was not fat. While I did not meet society's criteria for thin, my BMI (body mass index) was in the healthy, normal range.

At 28 years old, I have to make a change.

So, on November 9th, I set a realistic goal. I resolved to lose 27 lbs (for reasons that I don't wish to publish online for the world to read). So, weekly I have been weighing in to follow my progress.

My morning weigh-in revealed a 10 lb loss in only 16 days! I am ecstatic. While this is a great start, I know it won't last. My progress won't usually be so rapid, but for now I am excited that I have already lost 37% of the first phase of my "Healthy Mommie" goal.

My new motto is something often said by Suze Ormon, "When we feel less than, we spend/eat more than." Remember, you are more than, so treat yourself as such.

WANTED: Experienced Weaners

2009-11-24T13:16:00.001-08:00

Hello all! I know that you are all here because the job market is slim right now, but this isn't a paying gig. This is a search for experiences from mommie's who have been where I am and want to help.

Baby J is 14 months now. By no means do I want to wean him completely. There are still so many benefits for him to continue as a breastfed baby, but I would love advice on how to help him not to want to nurse so often. According to our doctor he is still a full-time nurser, which we don't have a problem with. However, it makes it difficult for his caregiver when I am at work. Ideally, I would like to make nursing a signal that bed and naptimes have arrived and, if he hurts himself (he's quite clumsy, a trait from his mommie), to provide comfort.

I am prepared, so please, fire away...

Oh, please also note that if I have to choose between a FT nurser and a completely weaned baby, I choose nurser.

He can make a sick mommie smile.

2009-11-23T17:40:00.001-08:00

Today, I was sick.

My husband stayed home to help me, especially with baby J. Poor baby J hasn't been feeling so well either (because of sneaky dairy). But, he still found the energy to amuse me.

I have a little wooden chair which my dad built for my dolls. He has adopted it as his. He has also taken to the nintendo controller. So, earlier, he sat himself down in the doll chair with the controller in his hands.

Then, just a few minutes ago, he was fussy and sleepy. So, he dragged the boppy to me. Now, he is contentedly asleep on my lap.

It really is amazing how, despite feeling so crummy, he can still make me grin. How did I function as a sicky before my boy?

Sleepy mommie gets in shape...

2009-11-18T18:54:00.001-08:00

Although financially things are a little tight right now, I have decided that I need some "me" time to escape from reality. I have always loved physical releases, so, I joined the gym. I am having a really great time because so many of my friends are always appearing there, so I have a lot of support.

Today was quite a day, though. I finished my day in the ministry at about 3 pm and talked with a friend until 4, grocery shopped until 5, picked up new gym shoes, and ran home. Then I frantically made dinner while putting the groceries away, washed my workout pants, fed the husband and the boy. I sat down to nurse baby J for a few minutes and before I knew it, he was sound asleep on my lap. I placed him in bed, changed, searched for socks, laced and put on my new gym shoes, and frantically ran out the door.

While driving to the gym, I nearly thought, didn't I just have enough of a workout?!? But, then I took into account that I had made plans with a friend and still needed some mommie time. I made it to the gym, walked/jogged 1 mile and biked 3.5 miles. All the while, the baby slept for the husband. I feel better now and only hope that he stays asleep while I crawl into bed with him.

Goodnight all.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!

HFW says it best, so I'll let you read it there...

2009-11-18T06:04:00.000-08:00

http://www.undercovermother.net/

On the move...

2009-11-15T17:46:00.001-08:00

This picture depicts every photo taken recently. I remember fondly asking parents of young children, "Is he/she walking?" Being said parent myself, I now know they don't walk. From the moment baby J learned that one foot goes in front of the other, he has been a sprinter. It isn't any wonder why we were created with such resiliency. It truly is a humorous sight to see an uncoordinated new sprinter loose his balance only to see him bounce back onto his feet like the Weebles I played with as a child. Weebles wobble but they don't fall down. Baby J, on the other hand, does fall down, but he happily leaps back to his feet to see how quickly he can race me to his next objective.

His objective is usually the trash can. He loves to throw things away. But once they get inside, he is all too quick again to express his opinion on this matter. I can't wash the toy fast enough.

When he was immobile, I longingly yearned for the time when he would assert some independence. Since he has done so, I spend most moments wishing that he'd let me tie him up again and carry him in the sling.

And that, dear friends is the moral of mommie-dom: Weebles may wobble, but mommies don't sit down.

Early to bed, early to rise...

2009-11-07T17:31:00.001-08:00

Baby J started walking this past week. He also had a growth spurt and appears to have a few more teeth erupting. So, his sleeping habits have been unusually, um, unusual. He's been napping well and sleeping well. For instance, tonight he decided to nap (???) at 4 pm. It is now 7:22 pm and he's still asleep. And he is intent on sleeping. I don't want to wake him now, but then again, he'll have no problem waking us at 5 am. Since his nights have improved, he's decided that that is the best time to be "regular". So, we wake at 5 am; wait for him to do his business; then he peacefully returns to sleep until 7 am.

Family life definitely requires flexibilty, on a mommie's part that is. The saying goes- "Early to bed, early to rise, makes baby healthy, stealthy, and wise. Early to bed, early to rise, makes mommie have sleepy eyes."

Decaffeinated Mommie- A Tragedy

2009-11-02T20:10:00.001-08:00

As a result of my eagerly sought after desire for rest, I have found solice in my unrequited love for coffee. A true romantic, I anticipated each day the dance that the cream and sugar would have with the freshly brewed beans. I say cream because I am truly infatuated with cream, otherwise known as half & half. The colour that it creates as it blends into the rich brew is a comfort. The aroma that it creates arouses the senses. But the taste, ah, the taste has always been a reward to me. Now, more than ever, my fatigued brain craves it all.

However, my son seems nearly recovered from just shy of 9 months of hysteria-induced insomnia. The solution seems to have been a dairy allergy. Being a true fan of natural nourishment, he still nurses upon his request. While it is not nearly as frequent as during infancy, it is often enough that my dairy consumption affects him adversely. For this, I began to express my deep affection for the unnamed manufacturers of a product referred to as "non-dairy" by their own label.

As a trusting person, I did not second-guess their claim. I simply consumed their product gratefully. All the while, I was not able to mask this lie from my son's digestive system. Because recovery from his most recent dairy consumption was not happening, I began to investigate. To my dismay, the culprits are the very ones who offered me comfort on those tiring mornings. So, to the makers of shmInternational Deliars, at least I know where we stands. It is my deepest desire that we are able to reconcile our failed relationship. Until then, please know that I think of you often. Soon the wounds will heal. I will learn to love again. But for now, I endure.

Our version of a bedtime prayer... Just for fun!

2009-10-30T19:25:00.001-07:00

As I lay me down to sleep
I pray my son will sleep deep.
And if he wakes before I do,
I pray, oh Lord, that I not stew.
So as I rest my weary head
And hear him sleep beside my bed,
Please let his rest pay our family heed,
Because we all know that it's sleep we need.

Sleep tight all!

408 days- not a bad record

2009-10-28T18:11:00.001-07:00

Our routine plays out very similarly one day to the next. Especially since Baby J began eating solids, it has just seemed practical to have this nighttime tradition. We eat dinner together, then he makes a mess. The mess is usually significant enough that a bath is the easiest solution. In the 408 days since his birth, he pretty much does the same thing too. We wash him while singing our homemade wash song. He plays. Then he pees.

In the 408 days since his birth, he has never pooped in the bathtub. I know that this is a fortunate coincidence for me considering that most babies do, at least occasionally.

Today, I was bragging about this fact. And today I learned the true intelligence of my son.

He must have overheard me because about 5 minutes into his bath, papa began calling frantically for back-up. And, there, floating in the tub was a present just for me.

Moral: Never underestimate the intelligence of a child.

He is already a hundred steps ahead of me. I fear how smart he will be when he's five.

"...there is going to be a resurrection..."

2009-10-23T03:54:00.000-07:00

Wednesday morning seemed like a wonderful day. The sun was out and the birds were chirping. The chill that had filled the air seemed to have disappeared. It almost felt like springtime. My boy and I prepared for our ministry, as usual. I had already had my cup of coffee and the boy had eaten his oreo breakfast (see previous post). We arrived at the Kingdom Hall early for arrangements. It was going to be a good day.

It is sad how quickly life changes. My phone rang and I irritatingly answered it; wondering why my husband would be calling me when he knew that I was about to get out of the car. He had called because he had something important to tell me. On Wednesday morning, almost ready to walk out the door to go to school, a dear friend died of an enlarged heart. He had always been an extremely active boy and for the 15 years of his life, seemed so healthy (He is the boy to the far right). My heart sank deeply into my chest. I almost vomited. "How does this happen?" I mouthed that sentiment in prayer repeatedly. I know why bad things happen and I know that they will not happen forever.

I hung up the phone and walked into the Kingdom Hall. A dear sister saw the tears in my eyes and hugged me tenderly. She asked if she could help. I told her what happened and, although, she did not know this young boy, she looked dizzy. While I wanted so much to be in my own house and to go back to bed indefinitely, I was so grateful to be there, the place that is my home.

As I fondly remember this young man, I look forward to seeing him again in the paradise earth. I look forward to knowing that all those that I know and love are truly healthy. I look forward to enjoying beautiful days and not worrying that some dark shadow of badness might sweep over them.

But, for now, I will do the thing that is most necessary. I promise to work harder to be loving to everyone, stranger or friend. I love you all! Please stay strong so that we can share forever together. And please forgive me, as Jehovah God forgives us all, for my imperfections.

Please keep the Sigrist family in your prayers, so that they might endure this tribulation unitedly.

(Job 14:14,15; Psalm 37:29; Acts 24:15)

Baby's breakfast

2009-10-21T18:52:00.001-07:00

This morning was business as usual. We woke up early. We have passed the two week mark for GF, DF, EF, so we decided to re-introduce the least likely culprit, eggs. (While his sleep habits have changed very little, he has had some positive results from the diet change. For instance, he suffers from gas significantly less often.) So, I followed our morning routine.

Diaper change, check. Baby gates, check. Bathroom door closed, check.

I began taking the morning breakfast materials out. I cannot imagine how happy this boy is to have eggs return, but I know that I could barely contain my own excitement. I began breakfast. Then I cleaned the high chair up and toted it to the dining room. I was busily occupying myself that I hardly noticed that the baby was already taking care of himself. (It is really true, they grow so quickly.)

He had made himself comfy on the kitchen floor with two fists full of chocolate sandwich cookies. If they had contained eggs, milk, and flour, I could have justified it as Bill Cosby would have. But, no, they were dairy-free, egg-free, and gluten-free. Absolutely no nutritional value.

Sorry to let you down, Dr. Huxtabel.

Peaceful Thoughts

2009-10-19T20:07:00.001-07:00

It is almost 10 pm now. My baby has been asleep for nearly two hours. I know that I should rest too, but sitting on the edge of the bed in the dark gives me some much needed time for meditating. He has a stuffy nose still, so I've propped him up to sleep. I can hear the short, deep breaths he takes. And, because a ribbon of light peaks through the door, I can see that he has his arms and legs sprawled out on the expanse of the bed. I know that he should be in his own bed by now, but we've grown accustomed to his presence. I know that I don't sleep soundly with him beside me, but I'm not convinced I would sleep any better without him so close.

At the birth of my nieces and my nephew, I remember saying how miraculous life is. I remember the flood of emotion that swept over me upon cradling their tiny torso and gazing upon their tiny appendages. I never thought that love could be that intense.

As I sit here on the edge of my bed, I realize that life is a miracle. But, an even greater miracle is the love felt for someone whom I have known such a short time. It is almost as if I have known him my entire life.

Good night, my prince. I love you so very much.

A Night in the Life

2009-10-18T20:22:00.001-07:00

7:33 pm Baby asleep soundly in bed
9:30 pm Mommie asleep soundly in bed
9:59 pm Baby awakens upset
10:03 pm Mommie's soft singing and gentle pats aren't working. Time for mama's milk
10:09 pm Baby asleep soundly in bed
10:11 pm Baby awakens upset
10:13 pm Immediately nuzzles for mama's milk
10:14 pm Mommie texts Papa who is out of town
10:18 pm Baby asleep soundly in bed
10:23 pm Baby awakens upset
10:24 pm Mommie sits up and tries gently rocking baby. He won't calm down this time.
10:26 pm Mommie texts Papa again
10:44 pm Baby asleep soundly in Mommie's arms
10:53 pm Papa calls Mommie because he didn't hear his phone earlier
10:54 pm Baby awakens; Mommie lays him on the bed and gently pats him while Papa sings on speakerphone.
10:55 pm Baby is still upset
11:04 pm Baby is now getting his second wind and begins playing on the bed.
11:05 pm Mommie and baby leave bedroom and go to play until sleepiness returns. Meemaw joins us and offers to take baby downstairs.
11:16 pm Mommie hears a giant crash and barrels down the stairs to find Meemaw and baby wrapped up in the pull-out sofa bed like a gordita. Mommie picks up a very startled baby and helps Meemaw to her feet.
11:18 pm Mommie, Meemaw, and baby return to baby's room to play.
11:23 pm Mommie cries
12:58 am Baby begins playing with swing. Mommie puts baby in swing.
1:04 am Baby asleep soundly in swing
1:06 am Mommie carries swing to her room so she can sleep too
4:02 am Baby awakens startled
4:07 am Mommie nurses baby to sleep; continues to do so until every 15 minutes
6:00 am Baby is awake and playful
Following Night:
10:14 pm Mommie is glad Papa is home. How would I do this without him?

I'd like to thank everyone but Kanye West

2009-10-16T18:28:00.001-07:00

It's 8:14 pm on a Friday night and I am excitedly blogging about, no, not the movie I saw or the restaurant that we ate at, but the fact that my son is asleep! I have always wanted to be a mommie. I suppose that I have led a pretty laid back / uneventful life, so such an evening is not extraordinary to me. That is excepting the fact that my son is peacefully asleep at 8:18 pm.

I feel as though I should treat this as award show; if I did, it would go something like this: " I'd like to thank my son for this wonderful show of gratitude. I'd also like to thank my husband and mother and father and all my dear friends for their support. Also, a shout-out to GF, DF, EF Koala Rice Krispies that keep the little tikes appetite satisfied. And, of course, the endurance and ever present support from Jehovah God, who has tirelessly put up with my tantrums, crying fits, spurts of anger, and insanity due to sleep deprivation."

Last night, after he had fallen asleep nestled next to me, I placed him on his mattress situated directly next to our bed. He fell asleep with much difficulty and awoke at 2 am. It was sooooo refreshing for me to have 5 hours of uninterrupted sleep. However, I did awake to the sound of his head thumping against our bedframe as he sleep crawled off his mattress. After that, I think he felt a bit traumatized because he'd only return to sleep after nursing.

Tonight, I thought ahead. I wrapped my gigantic pregnancy pillow around his mattress. He won't sleep crawl / escape so easily again!

Well, pray for us tonight. I think that we might have some resolution with regards to food sensitivities. Thanks again for checking in!

Gloomy Monday.

2009-10-12T13:18:00.000-07:00

Today was an especially eventful day. Yesterday, we spent a fun evening with friends playing games and eating dinner. When we arrived home, my poor boy could not breathe out of his tiny snout. Cats! I love them! But, my poor son does not. That is why for the past year, ours have found a new home in our posh indoor porch. They are well cared for, but not nearly as they deserve. Last night, as I sat in the recliner nursing my poor boy to the point of near exphicsiation (snuffy nose, remember?), I resigned myself to the fact that our annoying kitten, Willy, and my kindred spirit cat, Lyli, should find new homes.

So, besides the chill in the air, the gloomy clouds, and the frosty plants, my heart hangs heavy. Another sacrifice well worth the health of my son.

Murphy's Law becomes Mommie Mania

2009-10-10T09:00:00.001-07:00

It is now Saturday, day 5 of our experiment. Things are going well. We have yet to see improvement in Sy's sleep patterns, but eating less processed foods can only be a step in the direction of a healthier family.

My greatest discovery since joining Mommie Mania, also called Murphy's Law, what is least likely and most inconvenient is most likely to occur.

For example, in the world of cloth diapering, leaks rarely occur. In an effort to downsize the load which we carry, I began eliminating the "spare" outfit. Oops! That was my first mistake... The CDs (cloth diapers) must have seen me take this action, because they are now less absorbent. Lol!

Next example, have a child with sleep problems who wants to sleep desperately? Have a million errands to run? As a mom, first priority is baby. As
usual, I spend hours trying to help him sleep. Finally, when we give up and decide to run errands, get packed up into the car, drive 5 minutes to the grocery store, and park the car just in time for those heavy eyelids to close. Poor baby.

So, with MM ( Mommie Mania) at its peak, at least we are adopting a healthier lifestyle which can only help us deal with stress more efficiently.

Day Three...

2009-10-08T17:33:00.000-07:00

I think that I am actually starting to feel better without dairy, gluten, and/or eggs in my diet.

We had a playdate today with some mommies in the congregation. 4 mommies and 6 little ones. For the kids, mac-n-cheese with polish sausage. For the mommies, italian chicken and pasta. I had forethought in the matter and decided to try something new at the health food store. It is called Penne & Chreese. Wow, we won't make that mistake again. There may be many things that can be faked, but cheese is not one of them. The noodles were tasty, though. So, if his problem turns out to be gluten-related, at least there are some yummy rice choices.

After a day with children filling our home, James offered to treat us to dinner. So we went to Ichiban's Japanese Restaurant. I'm learning how inconvenient eating out can be in our current situation. During the beginning portion of our meal, I found myself carefully sifting through the fried rice to remove every fragment of egg. Josiah patiently (LOL) waited as I did so. Then, he furiously stuffed every last piece of rice into his tiny little cheeks. It was cute, until I let him sip my water. I'll let my audience decide how that turned out.

Well, that was our day. Nothing insanely eventful. Just hoping to see some positive sleep results soon. Over and out...

GF Oreos

2009-10-07T11:47:00.001-07:00

There is something wonderful and comforting and almost divine about processed flour and sugar. The texture, the taste, the satisfying sensation they create when eaten. If it was for me, I would cope with the side effects of food sensitivities, but for my son, I would eat dirt. Yes, dirt would become my main staple in life.

As I scanned the shelves at Earthly Goods (a coy name for food that is not processed or bleached, in essence, dirt), I actually considered weaning. If we weren't still breastfeeding, I could still be eating normally while he adjusted to this realm dubbed GF, DF, and egg-free. He wouldn't know the difference, after all, he has only been eating solids for 6 months. On the other hand, I have been eating solids for 21 years (well, maybe not, but let's imagine that it has only been that long). So, as I worn my son cozily in our sling and reviewed the shelves contemplating whether to purchase snacks for him alone or for the both of us, it hit me.

I love food. I love Oreos and a tall glass of cold milk. I love iced lattes with lots of whipped cream on top. But, more than that, I love the feeling of my son snuggled tightly against me just before he dozes off at night. I love the ability to provide comfort for him while he is sick. I love picking him up after he has fallen from his wobbly legs and bumped his head. During those times, only mommie can provide what he needs. And, for that, I will make the sacrifice.

Once he weans, though, we are having a snack party with lots of goodies!

Sleep deprivation and food elimination

2009-10-06T05:38:00.000-07:00

We have tried many methods with few results. We have even tried sleep behavior modification. So, starting today, we are looking into the possibility of food sensitivities. The nasty nine most common food intolerances are nuts, dairy, egg whites, gluten (the protein found in most grains), shellfish, soy, and I forget the rest. We are starting with the three most common in our house- dairy, egg whites, and gluten.

Today is our first day of food elimination. We usually start with scrambled eggs or oatmeal, but today, we are having rice and bananas.

This morning I realized that I had must have lost my mind last night. According to what my husband tells me, I did. Thankfully it is a new day-- one that I can anticipate such silly shananigans as this one.

So, for now, I will try to remind myself of the delightful boy that I enjoy during the day to appease this long journey through sleep deprivation and food elimination.

A tired mommie's journey

2009-10-05T21:53:00.000-07:00

I am not much of a blogger. I don't enjoy hearing my voice inside my own head on a regular basis, nevermind seeing it in writing. But I need a place to let it all out. I'm not sure that it will be read by anyone, but I hope to enjoy my journaling time. So, here is our story:

My son was born in September 2008. He is a wonderful boy. His personality shines, as do his eyes. He gets more compliments on his eyelashes than any other person on the planet.

When he was born, he had some problems. Born 6 lbs 2 oz and only 5 lbs 10 oz two weeks after birth, we got a lot of grief from our pediatrician. But once he latched onto life, he made up for it quickly. With a little help from our lactation consultant, he gained weight rapidly and became a Gerber baby after all.

While new parenthood is always a struggle, he made life easy. He ate well, slept well, and giggled often. Then, at 4 months old, things changed. He had once slept for 5 hour stretches. Suddenly, he was sleeping for 30-minute intervals. He would wake hysterically. Something was wrong!

We spoke to our pediatrician and other parents and googled. With little result, we began to condition ourselves to the nights in store. We weren't happy about it. We struggled during the day to get by. We stopped discussing the matter, because it was constantly implied that we were at fault. You just need to let him cry it out was the most common response. Other responses included that he is manipulating you and it is because he is breastfed/co-sleeping. As intuitive parents, we knew that more was happening.

At 10 months, we finally found support. We took him to a local sleep clinic for an overnight study. Sure enough, he had moderate sleep apnea. The cause? The doctor's best guess was acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). My husband and I were in a quandry. The symptoms of GERD usually appear much earlier and are more prominent in infancy. He had no symptoms during the daytime, so she emphasized that he likely had silent reflux. This is a condition that shows no symptoms. Besides his apnea and restless nights, we had little to go on. So, we started him on generic Zantac.

After about 4 weeks, he miraculously recovered. He began sleeping through the nights again! Then the other symptoms began. He began having loose stools, sometimes 3 per day. The sleep doctor said that it was unlikely that the medication was the culprit, so we continued him on it. He returned to the sleep clinic for a follow-up sleep study. His apneas had disappeared almost completely and his sleep was restful.

Until...

A week later, we were back in the same position as before. When we mentioned it to the sleep doctor, she said that the results were in and that he was fine. The implication, regardless of what we were experiencing at home during the night, he was fine. What?!?

So, now here I am...

He is now 12 months old. He sleeps for short intervals. He takes generic Zantac. He has loose stools. We are $3000 poorer.

And when people hear this, their response? Just let him cry it out.

Here is an idea, while I have some quiet, I am going to try crying it out.