Oliver is a lover, and a hungry one at that! Super cute, huge cheeks with a pointly little chin in the middle of those jowls. Looks like a sharpe puppy after eating (one ear actually looks like it flops down). He has a freckle (kissing spot) on his head (in his widows peak), and what might be a dimple in each cheek. He's got infant-fuzz on his shoulders, hi-nee, and legs, and gorgeous toes.
Big sister has become the little mama. She burps him, holds him everytime he's awake, and speaks in motherease-What's goin' on, little fellow? Whatcha doin' lil guy? Hi there, my baby. mama's here, mama's here.
Elliot is protective and ready for action: That's MY brother. Play with ME. That's for Oliver. Where's the baby? Hey, baby (in a high voice), Good night baby, I love you, Oliver. Tonight he wanted to nurse and get some of that milk himself, funny fellow. Ready to be the big brother, but still very much the baby of the house.
Pictures of children together tomorrow, maybe. This was supposed to be a quickpost.
One week pediatrician visit today:
When we left hospital, he was 8 lb, 9 oz.
Today, he's getting closer to his birth weight at 9 lbs. 5.5 oz.
21 inches long
75 %ile for height and head size (yay!);
90 %ile for weight (no surprise there).
He's mighty yellow, so we took him to have a heel-prick bilirubin screen; his level is 16.5? In the 18-25 range, they recommend solar blankets, and possible breast-milk hiatus. Right now, he's been prescribed 30 minutes of sunlight per day (shirtless, no less).
And mama:
Loving time with baby!
Feeling so sore around incision (day 2 in hospital was as good as it gets. Now I'm really feeling it), and hobbling around like a granny;
Wanting desparately to poop (as usual for me, post-bebe);
Clogged duct/infected nipple (yes, it's still hurts like a mutha after 2);
Everything is fitting looser--clothes, shoes, rings
Frustrated by human frailty. I want to be back to 100%. Need reminding regularly to get off my feet, slow down, and chill. I'm grateful for the support from Mom, Kevin, Gigi, and kids.
I love this special time, and want to enjoy every minute of it. I remember how it was cut short with Elliot and that little storm three years back...and how I felt like I lost a big chunk of his baby-hood. I don't want to miss a thing.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Birth Day
In a few hours, here you will be, and our lives will never be the same.
I thought to myself with your arrival, the mystery will be revealed but in truth, you'll reveal yourself to us during your life...each day we spend with you will deepen who we know you to be.
And we will love you. Each sparkle, each piccadillo, will be perfectly you. I CAN'T WAIT to look into your eyes today, baby.
I am grateful. It's an amazing gift to share a life with a child, and here we are again. A wealth of riches I never knew I'd see in my life. Thank you, God, for sending us this blessing. Please continue to guide us as parents, as people, and keep this baby safe today and always.
I thought to myself with your arrival, the mystery will be revealed but in truth, you'll reveal yourself to us during your life...each day we spend with you will deepen who we know you to be.
And we will love you. Each sparkle, each piccadillo, will be perfectly you. I CAN'T WAIT to look into your eyes today, baby.
I am grateful. It's an amazing gift to share a life with a child, and here we are again. A wealth of riches I never knew I'd see in my life. Thank you, God, for sending us this blessing. Please continue to guide us as parents, as people, and keep this baby safe today and always.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Lunch with an old friend
Lunch with an old friend who has found herself in "the family way."
So funny to me tonight how she cupped her mouth to ask WHAT KIND OF breast pump I USED.
This, from the same friend, with whom I dined years ago, in the small dining room at Vincent's, that accommodates no more than 4 tables of 2, as we feasted on fried oysters with angel hair and too many glasses of wine to count, swapped titillating and candid tales of our exploits, oblivious to the poor other-diners in ear shot, until the last bit of mascapone was gone, and we were too drunk to care...our giggling glances at the others equal parts indifference, and accusation at them for listening on what was clearly a private conversation.
Ah, how times have changed. Welcome to the world where your body parts are no longer your own. Wondering what topics our next dinner at Vincent's will yield.
So funny to me tonight how she cupped her mouth to ask WHAT KIND OF breast pump I USED.
This, from the same friend, with whom I dined years ago, in the small dining room at Vincent's, that accommodates no more than 4 tables of 2, as we feasted on fried oysters with angel hair and too many glasses of wine to count, swapped titillating and candid tales of our exploits, oblivious to the poor other-diners in ear shot, until the last bit of mascapone was gone, and we were too drunk to care...our giggling glances at the others equal parts indifference, and accusation at them for listening on what was clearly a private conversation.
Ah, how times have changed. Welcome to the world where your body parts are no longer your own. Wondering what topics our next dinner at Vincent's will yield.
Remind me to tell you more about
Elliot's transition from Early Steps:
His new therapists are reminding us how spoiled we were with the Dream Team before him, and how active parenting is key in demanding not only services but information and active partication from care providers.
Elliot in Preschool:
Our decision to not participate in the public school system yet, and keep him in an integrated environment, figuring out his Service Cocktail in the absence of services delivered to him in the environment of our choice.
Elliot in the Big Bed:
Elliot's transition over to his own bed, and abandoning the crib.
His new therapists are reminding us how spoiled we were with the Dream Team before him, and how active parenting is key in demanding not only services but information and active partication from care providers.
Elliot in Preschool:
Our decision to not participate in the public school system yet, and keep him in an integrated environment, figuring out his Service Cocktail in the absence of services delivered to him in the environment of our choice.
Elliot in the Big Bed:
Elliot's transition over to his own bed, and abandoning the crib.
So much for svelte
At my ob visit yesterday, I learned I'd gained 6 pounds in the last two weeks, earning an audible gasp from my nurse friend who always chides with me about my 1 lb slides up and down the scale. I told her I didn't need the sound effects.
For some reason, I've taken on the appearance of a blow fish lately. My feet boneless inflatable water toys, my fingers juicy sausages, with rings being stretched beyond what their alchemy allows.
Today is my last week at work. I had imagined (insanely?) getting lots done in the days before baby, but am now thinking I'll have my legs propped on an exercise ball, and get reacquainted with what my foot bones and ankles look like.
In the meantime, please avoid approaching me with sharp objects. It could be disastrous.
For some reason, I've taken on the appearance of a blow fish lately. My feet boneless inflatable water toys, my fingers juicy sausages, with rings being stretched beyond what their alchemy allows.
Today is my last week at work. I had imagined (insanely?) getting lots done in the days before baby, but am now thinking I'll have my legs propped on an exercise ball, and get reacquainted with what my foot bones and ankles look like.
In the meantime, please avoid approaching me with sharp objects. It could be disastrous.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
From last night's dream
- David Letterman in a white terrycloth robe in my bed
- Havarti cheese
- breasts
- WWII aviator planes
- Old Chevy Novas (one of my first cars. There were 3 of them with different drivers in this dream)
- My teeth falling out (at least 14 of them, in a wide range of sizes, some looking like they came from a much larger, more carniverous mammal than me)
- various employees, friends, and former classmates who will likely never all be in the same place
- Long Island Iced Tea
- video games
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Dear Baby
I'm so ready for you to join our family. From your avid kicking, it seems like you'll fit right in with the clan. Right now, you're keeping me up at night...it only follows that you should be here for us to snuggle and hold and watch and comfort.
Ana is counting down the days until you arrive. She's spending extra time with her toy dolls, and with the real babies at school. She's very tender and uses a sweet little voice when talking with the babies. She asks me about once a week "What do you think O will look like?" It's funny to me that when I asked her the same question, she referenced her friend's little brother (Jonathan R.)--a truly golden child, fair of face and hair, wild curls, tremendously cute. A darling peach of a boy, but with genes that couldn't be further from ours on the spectrum! We had an interesting talk about genetics. I wondering what her ideas of you now include.
Elliot is making the transition to leaving his/your crib for the big bed. When asked "Who will sleep in the crib?" He now says your name. He loves to come up to my belly and hug, and yes, pounce. Being gentle and curbing that physical affection is something we'll have to keep at bay for a while. We are so curious about how your big brother will respond to you. This isn't really real for him yet, and he shows no interest in playing Big Bro/Papa. I know that when you can smile and move around, he's going to be your number one playmate, though.
And your daddy, well, he's been more excited about you coming than I could've imagined. I think now he knows fully well how much fun you little people can be, and he's really excited to meet you. He talks about what things he wants in place for you, what projects he needs to finish for you, etc.
Where can he put all that energy until you come? In his favorite place: your closet. The man has assembled a wardrobe for you worthy of a Bravo! show. I've never seen so many 0-3 jackets in my life! Tweed ones, houndstooth, chambray plaid numbers. Of course, he gets them all at bargain basement prices, but there are just SO many(-; I love looking at them, imagining you wearing them, because the truth is, you're probably going to live in onesies for your first months of life. We'd have to change our whole social life to accommodate that fabulous wardrobe!
Who are you, little guy? I can't wait to meet you. I'll see you soon.
Ana is counting down the days until you arrive. She's spending extra time with her toy dolls, and with the real babies at school. She's very tender and uses a sweet little voice when talking with the babies. She asks me about once a week "What do you think O will look like?" It's funny to me that when I asked her the same question, she referenced her friend's little brother (Jonathan R.)--a truly golden child, fair of face and hair, wild curls, tremendously cute. A darling peach of a boy, but with genes that couldn't be further from ours on the spectrum! We had an interesting talk about genetics. I wondering what her ideas of you now include.
Elliot is making the transition to leaving his/your crib for the big bed. When asked "Who will sleep in the crib?" He now says your name. He loves to come up to my belly and hug, and yes, pounce. Being gentle and curbing that physical affection is something we'll have to keep at bay for a while. We are so curious about how your big brother will respond to you. This isn't really real for him yet, and he shows no interest in playing Big Bro/Papa. I know that when you can smile and move around, he's going to be your number one playmate, though.
And your daddy, well, he's been more excited about you coming than I could've imagined. I think now he knows fully well how much fun you little people can be, and he's really excited to meet you. He talks about what things he wants in place for you, what projects he needs to finish for you, etc.
Where can he put all that energy until you come? In his favorite place: your closet. The man has assembled a wardrobe for you worthy of a Bravo! show. I've never seen so many 0-3 jackets in my life! Tweed ones, houndstooth, chambray plaid numbers. Of course, he gets them all at bargain basement prices, but there are just SO many(-; I love looking at them, imagining you wearing them, because the truth is, you're probably going to live in onesies for your first months of life. We'd have to change our whole social life to accommodate that fabulous wardrobe!
Who are you, little guy? I can't wait to meet you. I'll see you soon.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Highs and Lows of Gustav
The Low-lights
- Nutty family member who refused to evacuate kept calling every 20 minutes to describe his struggle sans air. My parents never turned off the phone.
- Watching my feet swell to the size of footballs on our late-night evac to Navarre Beach
- Pregnant-Palin-Palooza on CNN
- Clogged milk ducts *&$#(@ on the day of our departure. Who needs this shit when you're pregnant??? Who know it could happen with colostrum?
- Oh, maybe wondering if I'll have a home in the morning, if we'll have a new baby on a single income, if our baby layette will be a murky mess, if my hometown will be washed away. That might be a low-light.
The High-lights
- The kindness of strangers. Mr. Georgiou's generosity was a physical presence during the whole event
- Jacuzzi tubs!
- Time at the beach with my family always feels like a blessing
- Watching Ana truly swim for the first time--the width of the pool, underwater, with googles within one day
- Diving 4 feet for dive toys the next! She's got her daddy's swim genes.
- Us-90 as an evacuation route (no traffic! yay!). It still took us 7 hours for a 4 hour drive.
- Elliot spending time with his grandparents. He's got some deep love for those folks, and they really need it.
- Clams--our favorite find at the seashore
- Tita's baleadas at the beach in the morning
- Assistant Director handling all the post-storm staffing stuff!
Back to work Monday. Two weeks to Weino (I think).
Back home
The scene today at home:
Me, in the kitchen. Barefoot. Pregnant. Hair a frizzy corona around my face.
On the menu:
hot dogs & chili on white bread (NOT hot dog buns) served on styrofoam plates.
You get the picture.
Me, in the kitchen. Barefoot. Pregnant. Hair a frizzy corona around my face.
On the menu:
hot dogs & chili on white bread (NOT hot dog buns) served on styrofoam plates.
You get the picture.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Dragging
We're really dragging our feet coming home. I have no desire to get back, actually.
I know that we have power. Our neighbor called to say that he picked up a couple of branches in our yard, and they have already been picked up. But the thought of having a shell of the city slightly operational, the trek in that I am perceiving to be a nightmare, impending baby and these other two storms swirling around the atlantic just make me sick.
I don't really know how this experience will affect our family. The anxiety of losing it all is not something I want to experience seasonally. Even every three years.
I'm curious- have others out there reignited their discussions about leaving?
We'll be home by tomorrow evening, I'm imagining. We'll be there for a while. But I'm wondering if I'll be able to shake my doubts this time around.
I know that we have power. Our neighbor called to say that he picked up a couple of branches in our yard, and they have already been picked up. But the thought of having a shell of the city slightly operational, the trek in that I am perceiving to be a nightmare, impending baby and these other two storms swirling around the atlantic just make me sick.
I don't really know how this experience will affect our family. The anxiety of losing it all is not something I want to experience seasonally. Even every three years.
I'm curious- have others out there reignited their discussions about leaving?
We'll be home by tomorrow evening, I'm imagining. We'll be there for a while. But I'm wondering if I'll be able to shake my doubts this time around.
Monday, September 1, 2008
The Power is On
Right after checking the Entergy website and seeing that there were 166K outages reported in Jefferson parish, our neighbor called to say that we never lost power on our street! No major limb damage, and our home is fine.
I'm waiting to hear about the rest of the area, and want to know how other friends did. Please let us know what things are like in your neck of the woods, if you know.
Thanks-
I'm waiting to hear about the rest of the area, and want to know how other friends did. Please let us know what things are like in your neck of the woods, if you know.
Thanks-
Good Morning, Gustav
Here we are again, sleeping with CNN on, and waking up to the sounds of a tornado warning. In Santa Rosa County, Florida, we are outside of the "cone" but that doesn't mean that the impact of this enormous storm aren't felt from here.
The sun is rising over the gulf, and the blue-green waters have been transformed into nothing but frothy foam for at least a mile out. Last night, our attempt to walk the beach was met with light rain, and stinging sand spraying on screaming kids. We are currently on alert, as the news has been interrupted twice with emergency signals warning of tornadoes, and directions on how to escape them. Kevin had to convince me not to move the sleeping children between us into the jacuzzi tub.
It is not until today that I've allowed myself to think about how our home might be affected, if we might have a home to return to, how my friends will be affected, and when our lives might return to normal. The reality that I'm "unhireable" in my current state is obvious. If this storm plays up to the hype, our lives could be dramatically different afterwards. I don't fully know what that means.
The sun is rising over the gulf, and the blue-green waters have been transformed into nothing but frothy foam for at least a mile out. Last night, our attempt to walk the beach was met with light rain, and stinging sand spraying on screaming kids. We are currently on alert, as the news has been interrupted twice with emergency signals warning of tornadoes, and directions on how to escape them. Kevin had to convince me not to move the sleeping children between us into the jacuzzi tub.
It is not until today that I've allowed myself to think about how our home might be affected, if we might have a home to return to, how my friends will be affected, and when our lives might return to normal. The reality that I'm "unhireable" in my current state is obvious. If this storm plays up to the hype, our lives could be dramatically different afterwards. I don't fully know what that means.
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