Whoever invented diapers that change colors when they're wet is a genius. We've gone through so many diapers the last few days. If they didn't show us with a little blue stripe that he was wet, we'd doubt it because every time he needs a new diaper it seems like we just put one on him.
Max is experiencing a growth spurt right now. At least I think that's what it is since the books and websites say one occurs around 3 weeks and his "symptoms" match. I can't imagine how troubling it must have been for parents who didn't have access to this information. It's hard enough to wake up less than an hour after his last feeding and find him hungry again.
Yep. That's right. Less than an hour. This kid is a machine. He eats all the time. Like his dad. Oh geez. We're going to go broke just feeding him once he moves to solid foods!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Hey, baby.
I took this pic on Max's three week birthday.He's growing. His umbilical cord fell off at Mystic. His legs are getting pudgy, and the tummy is filling out. The newborn clothes and diapers fit him better now. He's smiling some and often opens only one eye like he's winking.
Is it just me or does he kind of look like a frat boy late in the evening on party night?
Hey, baby. How you doin'?
Thursday, September 25, 2008
The Happiest Baby on the Block
Not only is Dr. Harvey Karp's method of soothing crying babies in a book, but it's also in dvd form. I have both from the library. We watched the dvd.
He was impressive.
Tantrum-throwing babies calmed almost immediately in his hands.Remember Spock from Star Trek? It was like Dr. Karp put the Spock hold on the infants. An on/off switch. He claims it's a reflex babies have for the first three months.
Karp calls the first three months "the fourth trimester." He believes that babies are still developing and getting accustomed to the world. The only reason they have to come out is because their brains are growing so big...or something like that. Nonetheless, the techniques he uses to calm these babies imitate the mother's womb. He calls them the 5 S's.
1. Swaddling. By keeping the baby tightly wrapped, he will feel back at home in the womb. Make sure to keep the arms down by the sides, not across the chest.
2. Side/Stomach. After swaddling, hold your baby and shift her to her side or tummy. Often, these first two techniques were enough to switch off the crying. In the womb, the baby is never on its back, so it makes sense that other positions are reassuring. Of course, once you put baby in the crib, she should always be on her back.
3. Shhhhhhh. Many cultures around the world make this sound to soothe crying babies. It emulates the sound of the womb. The key is to make the sound loudly. Shush as loudly as the cries. Apparently, the womb is noisy. Aside from shushing, other white noise is great for baby.Karp suggested vacuum cleaner, hair dryer, static from a radio station, etc. He highly recommends those womb sound makers like the teddy bears you can buy at the store.
4. Swinging. When mom moved, baby was rocked in utero. He likes that because it's familiar. If the other techniques aren't working, then swing the baby. Karp recommends a slight jiggling. This one makes me nervous because of Shaken Baby Syndrome, but he goes on at length about the difference between a slight bouncing and whiplash. He claims dads are better at this because they're more willing to shake the baby. O-kay.
5. Sucking. This technique is used after baby starts to calm. It allows her to slip into total relaxation. Following the "fourth trimester," babies learn the use of their hands and will often replace a pacifier with her fingers. This is a step toward self-soothing.
Well, we'll just see if this works.
He was impressive.
Tantrum-throwing babies calmed almost immediately in his hands.Remember Spock from Star Trek? It was like Dr. Karp put the Spock hold on the infants. An on/off switch. He claims it's a reflex babies have for the first three months.
Karp calls the first three months "the fourth trimester." He believes that babies are still developing and getting accustomed to the world. The only reason they have to come out is because their brains are growing so big...or something like that. Nonetheless, the techniques he uses to calm these babies imitate the mother's womb. He calls them the 5 S's.
1. Swaddling. By keeping the baby tightly wrapped, he will feel back at home in the womb. Make sure to keep the arms down by the sides, not across the chest.
2. Side/Stomach. After swaddling, hold your baby and shift her to her side or tummy. Often, these first two techniques were enough to switch off the crying. In the womb, the baby is never on its back, so it makes sense that other positions are reassuring. Of course, once you put baby in the crib, she should always be on her back.
3. Shhhhhhh. Many cultures around the world make this sound to soothe crying babies. It emulates the sound of the womb. The key is to make the sound loudly. Shush as loudly as the cries. Apparently, the womb is noisy. Aside from shushing, other white noise is great for baby.Karp suggested vacuum cleaner, hair dryer, static from a radio station, etc. He highly recommends those womb sound makers like the teddy bears you can buy at the store.
4. Swinging. When mom moved, baby was rocked in utero. He likes that because it's familiar. If the other techniques aren't working, then swing the baby. Karp recommends a slight jiggling. This one makes me nervous because of Shaken Baby Syndrome, but he goes on at length about the difference between a slight bouncing and whiplash. He claims dads are better at this because they're more willing to shake the baby. O-kay.
5. Sucking. This technique is used after baby starts to calm. It allows her to slip into total relaxation. Following the "fourth trimester," babies learn the use of their hands and will often replace a pacifier with her fingers. This is a step toward self-soothing.
Well, we'll just see if this works.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Influences In Utero
I've been thinking.
And worrying.
My friend Alison has a thing for sharks. Her mother watched Jaws and went into labor.
I am rather fond of snakes. I mean, I don't want them hiding in my pillowcase or anything, but I don't freak out the way many people do. Before I was born, my family was fishing and either my brother or dad reeled in a snake. They claim that's when my mom went into labor with me.
So...I'm a bit concerned.
I avoid scary movies, books, etc. They give me horrible nightmares. For some reason, though, I am consumed with my affection for the television show Dexter. For those of you who aren't familiar with it, the protagonist is a serial killer--who only murders bad guys. (Perhaps this is why I can watch the show: I feel fairly safe from the killer.) We Netflix them and had a marathon going before Max was born.
What was I thinking?
How will this affect him?
Maybe he'll be interested in forensics. Okay, I can handle that possibility. Of course, I was actually trying to make breakfast when I went into labor. Maybe he'll be fascinated with food. Or maybe he'll combine the two and be a butcher.
Why couldn't I have been obsessed with something completely wholesome at this time?!
And worrying.
My friend Alison has a thing for sharks. Her mother watched Jaws and went into labor.
I am rather fond of snakes. I mean, I don't want them hiding in my pillowcase or anything, but I don't freak out the way many people do. Before I was born, my family was fishing and either my brother or dad reeled in a snake. They claim that's when my mom went into labor with me.
So...I'm a bit concerned.
I avoid scary movies, books, etc. They give me horrible nightmares. For some reason, though, I am consumed with my affection for the television show Dexter. For those of you who aren't familiar with it, the protagonist is a serial killer--who only murders bad guys. (Perhaps this is why I can watch the show: I feel fairly safe from the killer.) We Netflix them and had a marathon going before Max was born.
What was I thinking?
How will this affect him?
Maybe he'll be interested in forensics. Okay, I can handle that possibility. Of course, I was actually trying to make breakfast when I went into labor. Maybe he'll be fascinated with food. Or maybe he'll combine the two and be a butcher.
Why couldn't I have been obsessed with something completely wholesome at this time?!
Monday, September 22, 2008
The notebook
Before Max arrived I did my own version of "nesting" to prepare for him. Sure, I did the normal things most mothers do by cleaning, laundering, decorating, and organizing. However, my organization went beyond the household. For one, I scheduled several weeks of blog entries for my other blog. The other thing I did caused those around me to tease me mercilessly.
I created The Notebook.
It's a black binder that holds my sanity. I thought it would be helpful once the little guy arrived, but I had no idea how much. Most of the contents are based on Tracy Hogg's The Baby Whisperer. I think the woman was a genius.
The Notebook has a schedule in it where we mark down when he eats, needs a diaper change, stays awake, sleeps, etc. It's based on the E.A.S.Y approach. Eat, Activity, Sleep, You time. Why? A record sure helps when you awaken to his whimpers at 2:40 in the morning and you realize it's been 3 hours since he last ate. Otherwise, you're very tempted to think he's just a crybaby and try to strap a pacifier permanently in his mouth so that you can go back to sleep. Or if he's crying in between feedings, it helps to look at the schedule and go through everything mentally: fed? yep. changed? yep. slept? yep. bored? nope. belched? yep. It's at this point that you go through the questions again and usually realize an error. Commonly, I notice that, yes, he is changed but somehow he/I managed to get his clothes wet either by him peeing on them or him puking on them. Somehow, this doesn't happen to Garrett, Master of Sanitation. Max will not be quiet if his clothes are damp. These seem like little things, but when you're sleep deprived and concerned that the crying may be the first of (gasp!) colic, they make a real difference.
The Notebook also has pages that were run off from the book and placed in plastic protectors. These saved us during many of the early nights. My most checked pages concern "cues." Babies are little humans who try to communicate with us. Unfortunately, they're language is crying. Our job as translators is to try to figure out what they're saying. Because they're humans, they communicate largely through body language. That's our big helper. The "cues" indicate what's going on. For example, baby gnawing on hands=hungry. Baby panting and arching back= gassy. Oh yeah, the list goes on. Believe me. It really helps.
Garrett after teasing me and ignoring my comments those first nights at home as I recited suggestions from The Notebook claims that "Mommy deserves a star for her effort in setting up The Notebook." Since he's an "analysis" and "data" guy, he finds the record of feeding times helpful. He even concedes that sometimes I've made sense with the "cues."
Not exactly a glowing review, but I'll take it.
I created The Notebook.
It's a black binder that holds my sanity. I thought it would be helpful once the little guy arrived, but I had no idea how much. Most of the contents are based on Tracy Hogg's The Baby Whisperer. I think the woman was a genius.
The Notebook has a schedule in it where we mark down when he eats, needs a diaper change, stays awake, sleeps, etc. It's based on the E.A.S.Y approach. Eat, Activity, Sleep, You time. Why? A record sure helps when you awaken to his whimpers at 2:40 in the morning and you realize it's been 3 hours since he last ate. Otherwise, you're very tempted to think he's just a crybaby and try to strap a pacifier permanently in his mouth so that you can go back to sleep. Or if he's crying in between feedings, it helps to look at the schedule and go through everything mentally: fed? yep. changed? yep. slept? yep. bored? nope. belched? yep. It's at this point that you go through the questions again and usually realize an error. Commonly, I notice that, yes, he is changed but somehow he/I managed to get his clothes wet either by him peeing on them or him puking on them. Somehow, this doesn't happen to Garrett, Master of Sanitation. Max will not be quiet if his clothes are damp. These seem like little things, but when you're sleep deprived and concerned that the crying may be the first of (gasp!) colic, they make a real difference.
The Notebook also has pages that were run off from the book and placed in plastic protectors. These saved us during many of the early nights. My most checked pages concern "cues." Babies are little humans who try to communicate with us. Unfortunately, they're language is crying. Our job as translators is to try to figure out what they're saying. Because they're humans, they communicate largely through body language. That's our big helper. The "cues" indicate what's going on. For example, baby gnawing on hands=hungry. Baby panting and arching back= gassy. Oh yeah, the list goes on. Believe me. It really helps.
Garrett after teasing me and ignoring my comments those first nights at home as I recited suggestions from The Notebook claims that "Mommy deserves a star for her effort in setting up The Notebook." Since he's an "analysis" and "data" guy, he finds the record of feeding times helpful. He even concedes that sometimes I've made sense with the "cues."
Not exactly a glowing review, but I'll take it.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
You know you're a parent when...
...you're happy to sleep for four hours at night....one of the proudest moments of your day is when your baby sticks his tongue out at you to mimic you doing the same.
...you can easily recite the merits of various diapers.
...you're not sure if your bra has spinach or baby poop on it, and you wear it anyway.
...you can recall stroller manufacturers as easily as those of sports cars.
...the most romantic thing your husband can say is, "No, I'll get the baby. You sleep."
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Our first outing
Last Saturday, we decided to take our first road trip with Max. My parents were here, so we had back-up. Plus, we'd wanted them to visit Mystic Seaport. Those of you who read the blog regularly may recall that Garrett and I went this winter when it was c-c-c-cold and we still enjoyed it.
So, we braved the road with a one week old, a diaper bag, and a breast pump. The diaper bag held no fewer than 7 diapers, 2 pacifiers, 2 blankets, and 3 outfits. I felt successful that we came back with one fresh article of clothing. Let me point out that every outfit Max wore had a nautical print in honor of his first trip to the ocean. We are nothing if not thematic.
Before we left, I insisted on getting my picture made with Max in his cute--if rather large--outfit because I figured it wouldn't stay clean for long. It didn't. Promptly after this photo was taken, he puked. Good thing it was reversible.
All of the buildings at Mystic Seaport were hauled in from real whaling villages to create an authentic 19th century whaling port. Below, my parents are with Max in front of one of the churches.
You can see one of the ships in the distance behind Garrett, Max and me. For anyone interested in learning how to build your own boat or being a shipmate, they offer camps. I wouldn't want to do it at all. But, hey, whatever floats your boat...
On the left is a cordage, which is a building where they make rope. On the right are a bunch of little dinghies. The lighthouse is pretty, don't you think? My mom spotted it. I didn't even notice it the first time we were there.
Once we finally located batteries, I spent an unspeakable amount of time in the ladies' room trying to master the stupid pump. I've never felt more akin to livestock. All the while people were walking in and out. I was covered with a sweatshirt, so don't think I was like some tribal woman on National Geographic. I wasn't the only freak show in there, either. One woman brought her son in and put him on the changing table. I swear he was four years old and practically crawled up there by himself. And he was sucking on a lollipop.
At least I was standing by a window. Outside I could see Garrett changing Max again:
Right outside the bathroom door was this photo op:
Another good photo op would have been of me when I decided to go back into the bathroom to actually use the facilities. When I entered, I thought it looked different, but since I'm easily geographically confused except in malls I didn't think anything of it. Until I saw the urinals. I knew they weren't water fountains, so I promptly left. Later, a man walked by with a big grin on his face. He and his pals were laughing at me. I can't remember what he said, but I do remember he had totally seen me. He was friendly enough. And, really, when you might have baby poop and spilled milk on you in a public place, who can get embarrassed about a little thing like going in the wrong bathroom?
Not far from Mystic Seaport is Stonington. Garrett loves this little point where you can go out and see the ocean. As you can see, it was a beautiful sunset.
After we were home, we felt like we'd really accomplished something. We managed to eat lunch and dinner at restaurants as well as go sightseeing. Max was a perfect little gentleman.
So, we braved the road with a one week old, a diaper bag, and a breast pump. The diaper bag held no fewer than 7 diapers, 2 pacifiers, 2 blankets, and 3 outfits. I felt successful that we came back with one fresh article of clothing. Let me point out that every outfit Max wore had a nautical print in honor of his first trip to the ocean. We are nothing if not thematic.
Before we left, I insisted on getting my picture made with Max in his cute--if rather large--outfit because I figured it wouldn't stay clean for long. It didn't. Promptly after this photo was taken, he puked. Good thing it was reversible.
All of the buildings at Mystic Seaport were hauled in from real whaling villages to create an authentic 19th century whaling port. Below, my parents are with Max in front of one of the churches.
You can see one of the ships in the distance behind Garrett, Max and me. For anyone interested in learning how to build your own boat or being a shipmate, they offer camps. I wouldn't want to do it at all. But, hey, whatever floats your boat...
On the left is a cordage, which is a building where they make rope. On the right are a bunch of little dinghies. The lighthouse is pretty, don't you think? My mom spotted it. I didn't even notice it the first time we were there.
Once we finally located batteries, I spent an unspeakable amount of time in the ladies' room trying to master the stupid pump. I've never felt more akin to livestock. All the while people were walking in and out. I was covered with a sweatshirt, so don't think I was like some tribal woman on National Geographic. I wasn't the only freak show in there, either. One woman brought her son in and put him on the changing table. I swear he was four years old and practically crawled up there by himself. And he was sucking on a lollipop.
At least I was standing by a window. Outside I could see Garrett changing Max again:
Right outside the bathroom door was this photo op:
Another good photo op would have been of me when I decided to go back into the bathroom to actually use the facilities. When I entered, I thought it looked different, but since I'm easily geographically confused except in malls I didn't think anything of it. Until I saw the urinals. I knew they weren't water fountains, so I promptly left. Later, a man walked by with a big grin on his face. He and his pals were laughing at me. I can't remember what he said, but I do remember he had totally seen me. He was friendly enough. And, really, when you might have baby poop and spilled milk on you in a public place, who can get embarrassed about a little thing like going in the wrong bathroom?
Not far from Mystic Seaport is Stonington. Garrett loves this little point where you can go out and see the ocean. As you can see, it was a beautiful sunset.
After we were home, we felt like we'd really accomplished something. We managed to eat lunch and dinner at restaurants as well as go sightseeing. Max was a perfect little gentleman.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Artist? Interior Decorator?
Max has skills. He can hold his head up and look around--for a brief time. He can push the bird on his bouncy chair to make the music begin--I swear it's not reflexes. He can melt hearts with a smile-- I realize it's supposed to be involuntary for now, but sometimes I wonder. He can urinate long distances. (I now understand the phrase "pissing contest" because anyone would lose when competing with him.) Yeah, he's Superbaby.
One skill, though, stands out above the rest.
My parents observed it first. When I went to pick up Garrett from work, they were both left here to witness the amazing feat. While having his diaper changed, Max managed to express his opinion about the plain white walls in the nursery. Apparently, he decided they needed to be more of a baby poop color because he commenced to painting. My parents cleaned up kiddo, walls, closet door, diaper stash, and hanging wall frog by the time we returned home.
Yesterday, I witnessed the master at work. I managed to place a wet wipe over the area of origin to catch the second blast. As I looked at the wall and the destroyed changing table I couldn't help but laugh.
I looked down at the little guy and guess what? He had a big grin on his face and he was laughing, too.
One skill, though, stands out above the rest.
My parents observed it first. When I went to pick up Garrett from work, they were both left here to witness the amazing feat. While having his diaper changed, Max managed to express his opinion about the plain white walls in the nursery. Apparently, he decided they needed to be more of a baby poop color because he commenced to painting. My parents cleaned up kiddo, walls, closet door, diaper stash, and hanging wall frog by the time we returned home.
Yesterday, I witnessed the master at work. I managed to place a wet wipe over the area of origin to catch the second blast. As I looked at the wall and the destroyed changing table I couldn't help but laugh.
I looked down at the little guy and guess what? He had a big grin on his face and he was laughing, too.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Max's first bottle
Garrett gave Max his first bottle last week. I was happy for the break. I think Max is going through a growth spurt. As of last night, Max's legs actually fit down in the legs of his pjs. This is a comfort. It was strange to look at my son and see the legs of his pants splayed out in wrong directions.
Papa with Max
The first time my dad met Max I video taped it. Later, I took this picture. I think my dad prefers his grandson to his cats. That's saying a lot.Note his pajama pants. Is there a man in this world who doesn't like The Family Guy? I'm glad Max isn't like Stewie. For those of you unfamiliar with the show, here's a tidbit that made my family crack up the other night. I don't think the show is that funny, but I guess I'm in the minority.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Bada Bing: Where the Wild Things Are
Garrett had fun in NYC one weekend when I was visiting home. He went to Little Italy and was so pleased to find this onesie that said Bada Bing. When he got it home, neither of us thought it would ever fit Max because it seemed so tiny. As you can see, it's pretty roomy.
Aside from us, the other biggest fan we know of the Sopranos is my friend Carole. When she learned of Max's name, she and her grandson Truman gave him the classic book Where the Wild Things Are and a doll of the protagonist. You may remember that the little boy's name is Max. Our little Maximus is holding him in this pic.
Hey, Tony Soprano, the boys from the crib say, "Yo."
Aside from us, the other biggest fan we know of the Sopranos is my friend Carole. When she learned of Max's name, she and her grandson Truman gave him the classic book Where the Wild Things Are and a doll of the protagonist. You may remember that the little boy's name is Max. Our little Maximus is holding him in this pic.
Hey, Tony Soprano, the boys from the crib say, "Yo."
Hurricanes in NJ?
In desperation last week, I called the lactation helpline at Valley Hospital. After talking to the consultant, she said I needed to send my husband right away to pick up a breast pump. I wanted to wait at least two weeks before bottle feeding or pumping, but I was so tired and upset and Max was so frustrated and hungry that I would have done anything for some peace.
Like most of the staff at Valley, the consultant was helpful and friendly. She said Garrett needed to hurry because a hurricane was coming.
"A hurricane?"
"Yes, it's headed this way."
Those of you who know me realize I'm geographically challenged. I was trying to picture just how close we were to the coastline and it didn't make sense in my head. I couldn't imagine waves crashing near my doorstep.
I said, "We just moved to New Jersey in January. Are there precautions we should be taking?"
The woman said, "Yes. Be sure you prepare for flooding and batton everything down to prepare for the high winds."
"How high?"
"They're saying 20 miles per hour."
I think I might have laughed aloud. A 20 mph hurricane isn't impressive compared to Oklahoma tornadoes.
You know what was impressive? The breast pump.
Like most of the staff at Valley, the consultant was helpful and friendly. She said Garrett needed to hurry because a hurricane was coming.
"A hurricane?"
"Yes, it's headed this way."
Those of you who know me realize I'm geographically challenged. I was trying to picture just how close we were to the coastline and it didn't make sense in my head. I couldn't imagine waves crashing near my doorstep.
I said, "We just moved to New Jersey in January. Are there precautions we should be taking?"
The woman said, "Yes. Be sure you prepare for flooding and batton everything down to prepare for the high winds."
"How high?"
"They're saying 20 miles per hour."
I think I might have laughed aloud. A 20 mph hurricane isn't impressive compared to Oklahoma tornadoes.
You know what was impressive? The breast pump.
Ice, Ice, Baby
Motherhood has already taught me a lot. For example, each new mom needs a stockpile of good ice packs.
Diapers filled with water and stuck in the freezer make pliable packs.
A baggie filled with 2 parts water and 1 part alcohol makes a slushy pack.
A baggie filled with 2 parts water and 1 part salt makes a slushy and extra cold pack. It's colder than 32 degrees, so be prepared with a towel before placing it on skin.
Enjoy.
Diapers filled with water and stuck in the freezer make pliable packs.
A baggie filled with 2 parts water and 1 part alcohol makes a slushy pack.
A baggie filled with 2 parts water and 1 part salt makes a slushy and extra cold pack. It's colder than 32 degrees, so be prepared with a towel before placing it on skin.
Enjoy.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Alarming experience
The second night we were home went smoother...until the alarm sounded.
It was horrible.
Baby monitors have come a long way. Like many new parents, we are terrified of SIDS. Garrett found a special monitor that tracks baby's movement.
Anyway, our baby monitor is super sensitive and requires a board that fits under the mattress. It beeps once if it detects no movement in 10 seconds. In 20 seconds it beeps readily. We're soooo high tech, ya know. It took several times for him to teach me the bells and whistles and it's really not that complicated. I've set it off several times accidentally.
On our second night home, though, we were awakened to the strong and steady alarm. I jumped out of bed--I guess I still have some abdominal muscles after all--and rushed to Max. He wasn't moving. I know I kept repeating his name and he still didn't move. I remember feeling his chest to see if it was warm and Garrett pulling him out of my arms where I was jostling him trying to get him awake. In the back of my mind I was telling myself to gently jostle or he'd have Shaken Baby Syndrome--if he ever woke up. He eventually started crying, and I joined him.
Since he was born with all that liquid and they worked over him for hours, I thought maybe it had something to do with that. Our pediatrician's office has an open call hour in the morning, so I was on the phone as soon as they were available.
The doctor's advice?
"Box up the monitor and take it back to wherever you got it and trade it in for diapers. Otherwise you'll never get any sleep."
Um, no. But at least I feel better.
It was horrible.
Baby monitors have come a long way. Like many new parents, we are terrified of SIDS. Garrett found a special monitor that tracks baby's movement.
Anyway, our baby monitor is super sensitive and requires a board that fits under the mattress. It beeps once if it detects no movement in 10 seconds. In 20 seconds it beeps readily. We're soooo high tech, ya know. It took several times for him to teach me the bells and whistles and it's really not that complicated. I've set it off several times accidentally.
On our second night home, though, we were awakened to the strong and steady alarm. I jumped out of bed--I guess I still have some abdominal muscles after all--and rushed to Max. He wasn't moving. I know I kept repeating his name and he still didn't move. I remember feeling his chest to see if it was warm and Garrett pulling him out of my arms where I was jostling him trying to get him awake. In the back of my mind I was telling myself to gently jostle or he'd have Shaken Baby Syndrome--if he ever woke up. He eventually started crying, and I joined him.
Since he was born with all that liquid and they worked over him for hours, I thought maybe it had something to do with that. Our pediatrician's office has an open call hour in the morning, so I was on the phone as soon as they were available.
The doctor's advice?
"Box up the monitor and take it back to wherever you got it and trade it in for diapers. Otherwise you'll never get any sleep."
Um, no. But at least I feel better.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
First night home
Many friends and family members who are also parents ask how the first night went. They do so with a certain sound to their voice. Is it humor? Is it sadism? They ask because I think they hope to reassure themselves that they aren't in this alone.
They aren't.
Max is a good baby. At the nursery, many of the babies wailed in the nursery or had pacifiers stuck in his mouth. Not our little Maximus. We were in awe at how lucky we were. While he was in our room, he made little puppy noises while he slept.
Yep. Max is a good baby. His parents, however, are still learning.
The first night was mostly our fault. When he made any noise, we freaked and went to stand beside his crib and stare at this strange, new creature who'd stolen our hearts and our beauty sleep. Was he swaddled correctly? Was too much fabric around his face? We'd taken the Newborn Care class and they'd said to swaddle him with arms out, but the instructor said she had to teach us that way due to hospital policy and really thought arms in was best. The books by Harvey Karp and Tracey Hogg said you should swaddle them with arms straight down. So we did that. He struggled and whimpered. Finally, we decided he was trying to get his hands into his mouth. He developed this habit in utero and we were turning his world upside down even more. No wonder our little guy was suddenly upset. Inconsiderate parents.
All senses alert, we returned to bed. His puppy noises brought us to his crib again. I'm sure this agitated him because we heard his first real cries. Garrett's and my confusion reflected in each other's wide-eyed faces as we tried to figure out what had happened to our sweet baby.
Simple. WE happened to him.
We turned on the bear that imitates the sound of the womb. We petted him. We held him. We changed him. We force fed him. Garrett turned on the mobile and, through clenched teeth, I told him that it was an "activity" and we were trying to get him to sleep. Yeah, like I know anything.
We crawled into bed and I realized I was cold. Gee. If I was cold with blankets on top of me, do you think our little guy was chilly wearing only a teeshirt, blanket and hat? We tried to emulate what they did at the hospital. Garrett suggested that they sometimes double swaddled him, so he set about doing that. Max was still upset with his silly parents.
My mom came in to help and suggested he simply wanted a pacifier. Our baby? A pacifier? No way. There's all sorts of material out there that gives sound reasoning for avoiding introducing a pacifier too soon.
I said, "I haven't disinfected them yet."
She said, "That's easy enough to fix."
Garrett agreed with my mom and quickly found the pacifiers to hand them over to her to get ready for Max.
In passing, she also mentioned that she always dressed her babies in a t-shirt and then a jumper on top. Um... that's what every book had suggested, too. And we'd not followed that advice.
Guess what? He loved the pacifier. He cuddled into his warm clothes. He went to sleep. And so did we.
They aren't.
Max is a good baby. At the nursery, many of the babies wailed in the nursery or had pacifiers stuck in his mouth. Not our little Maximus. We were in awe at how lucky we were. While he was in our room, he made little puppy noises while he slept.
Yep. Max is a good baby. His parents, however, are still learning.
The first night was mostly our fault. When he made any noise, we freaked and went to stand beside his crib and stare at this strange, new creature who'd stolen our hearts and our beauty sleep. Was he swaddled correctly? Was too much fabric around his face? We'd taken the Newborn Care class and they'd said to swaddle him with arms out, but the instructor said she had to teach us that way due to hospital policy and really thought arms in was best. The books by Harvey Karp and Tracey Hogg said you should swaddle them with arms straight down. So we did that. He struggled and whimpered. Finally, we decided he was trying to get his hands into his mouth. He developed this habit in utero and we were turning his world upside down even more. No wonder our little guy was suddenly upset. Inconsiderate parents.
All senses alert, we returned to bed. His puppy noises brought us to his crib again. I'm sure this agitated him because we heard his first real cries. Garrett's and my confusion reflected in each other's wide-eyed faces as we tried to figure out what had happened to our sweet baby.
Simple. WE happened to him.
We turned on the bear that imitates the sound of the womb. We petted him. We held him. We changed him. We force fed him. Garrett turned on the mobile and, through clenched teeth, I told him that it was an "activity" and we were trying to get him to sleep. Yeah, like I know anything.
We crawled into bed and I realized I was cold. Gee. If I was cold with blankets on top of me, do you think our little guy was chilly wearing only a teeshirt, blanket and hat? We tried to emulate what they did at the hospital. Garrett suggested that they sometimes double swaddled him, so he set about doing that. Max was still upset with his silly parents.
My mom came in to help and suggested he simply wanted a pacifier. Our baby? A pacifier? No way. There's all sorts of material out there that gives sound reasoning for avoiding introducing a pacifier too soon.
I said, "I haven't disinfected them yet."
She said, "That's easy enough to fix."
Garrett agreed with my mom and quickly found the pacifiers to hand them over to her to get ready for Max.
In passing, she also mentioned that she always dressed her babies in a t-shirt and then a jumper on top. Um... that's what every book had suggested, too. And we'd not followed that advice.
Guess what? He loved the pacifier. He cuddled into his warm clothes. He went to sleep. And so did we.
Gym time
Max's first attempt at the gym. He's grown so much since then! Now that he's gained weight, he has dimple in his right cheek.Now, if we can just work up those chest muscles...
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Splish Splash!
His little umbilical cord hasn't fallen off yet, so we gave him his first sponge bath at home. Garrett filmed it. I tried--and maybe cried--and my mom ended up finishing him up.
Happier and clothed:
Hooray! We did it. Go team!
Happier and clothed:
Hooray! We did it. Go team!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Going home with Max
On Thursday, we went home with Max. While packing for the hospital, we decided that some of his clothes would just be too small for him since we suspected he simply must be a big baby. Weighing in at 6 pounds 1o ounces, Max proved us wrong. When we took him home, he had dropped to 6.4 and all of his clothes swallowed him.
Here we are getting ready to put him in his carrier for the first time.
Wrestling him in there and putting all the straps in the right place was quite an ordeal. Luckily, I had no part in it. Garrett bravely attempted the task with the coaching of our lovely nurse.
Wheeling out of the hospital:
Ahhhh. Finally at home and relaxing with my baby boy.
Quotes to Ponder
I've only been here a short while, but there's a lot of stuff to think about in this big ol' world. Here are some things I've heard that seem significant. I hope you think so, too.--Max
A grandmother pretends she doesn't know who you are on Halloween.
--Erma Bombeck
The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart.
--Elisabeth Foley
A father carries pictures where his money used to me.
--Unknown
If you carry your childhood with you, you never become older.
--Abraham Sutzkaver
Recall it as often as you wish, a happy memory never wears out.
--Libbie Fudim
Having it all doesn't necessarily mean having it all at once.
--Stephanie Luetkehans
A grandmother pretends she doesn't know who you are on Halloween.
--Erma Bombeck
The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart.
--Elisabeth Foley
A father carries pictures where his money used to me.
--Unknown
If you carry your childhood with you, you never become older.
--Abraham Sutzkaver
Recall it as often as you wish, a happy memory never wears out.
--Libbie Fudim
Having it all doesn't necessarily mean having it all at once.
--Stephanie Luetkehans
Friday, September 5, 2008
Thanks!
Thank you for all the emails and comments online. We haven't had time to get back to you each personally, but we really appreciate the good wishes. Thanks for sending the love Max's direction.
First diaper change
Garrett got the first diaper change in the hospital. Since then, he's become a real pro. For example, he had just completed the diaper changing station and put everything together today. Max told us what he thought of it by waiting until his diaper was off to let loose a major bowel movement. Garrett caught most of the spray in his hand. The rest landed all over the newly purchased, cute and soft changing pad cover and lap pad. He bought it less than an hour before and had it in place less than ten minutes. Oh yeah, this is getting fun!
Visitors
On the day Max was born, some friends in the area came to visit. It was so nice to introduce our son.
Paul and Alison came from West Point. Little Ellery entertained the nurses in the hallway. I heard the phrase "Gerber baby" mentioned more than once.
Alison:
Paul:
Stephanie hopped a train from NYC to Ridgewood. She thought she could catch a cab from the station, but couldn't find one. Undeterred, she walked to Valley Hospital!
Paul and Alison came from West Point. Little Ellery entertained the nurses in the hallway. I heard the phrase "Gerber baby" mentioned more than once.
Alison:
Paul:
Stephanie hopped a train from NYC to Ridgewood. She thought she could catch a cab from the station, but couldn't find one. Undeterred, she walked to Valley Hospital!
Children's books
Dog Gone by Amanda HarveyG: 3 of 5 rattles. It was cute. Illustrations were cute. It had a good message of giving something new a try.
B: 2 1/2 of 5 rattles. It's probably a good book for a child nervous about leaving a beloved pet in the kennel or in the care of another when on vacation.
Hunches in Bunches by Dr. Seuss
G: 4 of 5 rattles. It was interesting to see the older Dr. Seuss in this. It was his last book.
B: 5 of 5 rattles. Unfortunately, I identify with the procrastination of the protagonist!
Who is Your Favorite Monster, Mama? by Barbara Shook Hazen and Maryann Kovalski
G: 2 of 5 rattles. I didn't like the whole monster motif, but it would be a good story for kids with jealousy issues toward their siblings.
B: 4 1/2 of 5 rattles. This rating is conditional. First of all, it would be wonderful during Halloween. Second of all, it's really geared toward a middle child.
Dinosaur Train by John Steven Gurney
G: 3 of 5 rattles. The illustrations were fantastic. The story was a bit weak.
B: 2 1/2 of 5 rattles. The illustrations in this book are spectacular. I want to tear them out and frame them. The story...eh. It's probably a good example of why so many published children's books are written and illustrated by the same person. I doubt it could be published on story alone.
Where are my Chicks? by Sally Grindley and Jill Newton
G: 2 of 5 rattles. I didn't like the hypocritical chastising of the chicken and the goose. The illogical nature of once they got to five "chicks" she didn't point out that it was a goose and not a chicken. And the owl is really not that wise because he couldn't tell the difference between a goose and a chicken.
B: 1 of 5 rattles. Perhaps this is an example of a book a child will love and I just don't get. A couple of things bothered me. It's a counting book, but the illustrations weren't consistent in the counting. Next, Mother Hen and Mother Goose were rather nasty to each other. I thought the snide remark from the goose at the beginning just made Mother Hen seem above her--until she made the same comment at the end. It does not model mature or polite behavior.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Grammy meets her first grandchild
One of the reasons I think labor was not as difficult as it could have been was because I had a great support system. The hospital staff at Valley is completely deserving of its excellent reputation. Also, Garrett and my mom were amazing. I noticed that when even one of them left the room, my contractions seemed stronger. They were great at tag teaming.After Max was born, they whisked him away from us for hours. I was the only one who got to hold him immediately after he was born--and the time was brief because they were trying to get the amniotic fluid out of his lungs. As a result, Garrett and my mom didn't get to hold him for many hours. Here is my mom getting to touch her grandson for the first time.
Labor Day
I woke up on September 1 after one of the best night's sleep in a long time. It was after 9 when I walked into the living room and announced, "If Max decides to come today, that's fine with me. I feel great." Plus, we had his nursery ready.
Within the hour, my water broke. He's such a good listener.
1:30
we were checked into the hospital.
3:30
I was given Pitocin because my contractions weren't intense enough. The monitor showed they were occuring, but I couldn't tell. I still doubted I really was in labor.
around 10:00
the doctor came by after they'd ramped me up to the highest dose of Pitocin. I knew I was having contractions, but they weren't imressing me.
around 11:00
the doctor had gone and the contractions were impressing me. I made it to 11:10 and decided an epidural was probably a good idea since they supposedly took an hour to get the doc there and the medicine to kick in.
midnight
epidural was complete. Modern science is amazing. My mom, Garrett and I went to sleep only to be interrupted by the nurse checking us.
5:30 AM, September 2
I woke up and called the nursing station because I thought my epidural was wearing off. When they came in, they assured me it was not and called the doctor immediately. Max was ready to arrive and I'd slept through the hard part. Did I mention that modern science is amazing?
6:26 AM, September 2, 2008
Maximus Luke Barnett arrived weighing 6 pounds 10 ounces and measuring 20 inches long.
Here's a closeup of father and son:
Here's a pic of his little tootsies--10 little toes:
Within the hour, my water broke. He's such a good listener.
1:30
we were checked into the hospital.
3:30
I was given Pitocin because my contractions weren't intense enough. The monitor showed they were occuring, but I couldn't tell. I still doubted I really was in labor.
around 10:00
the doctor came by after they'd ramped me up to the highest dose of Pitocin. I knew I was having contractions, but they weren't imressing me.
around 11:00
the doctor had gone and the contractions were impressing me. I made it to 11:10 and decided an epidural was probably a good idea since they supposedly took an hour to get the doc there and the medicine to kick in.
midnight
epidural was complete. Modern science is amazing. My mom, Garrett and I went to sleep only to be interrupted by the nurse checking us.
5:30 AM, September 2
I woke up and called the nursing station because I thought my epidural was wearing off. When they came in, they assured me it was not and called the doctor immediately. Max was ready to arrive and I'd slept through the hard part. Did I mention that modern science is amazing?
6:26 AM, September 2, 2008
Maximus Luke Barnett arrived weighing 6 pounds 10 ounces and measuring 20 inches long.
Here's a closeup of father and son:
Here's a pic of his little tootsies--10 little toes:
The weekend
My mom arrived last week to help us prepare for Max. I had some last minute shopping, laundry, cleaning, and decorating that I really wanted finished but just couldn't seem to get done.
Garrett took the opportunity during the beautiful weekend to ride into NYC. He had initially planned to ride over the George Washington Bridge but ended up going all the way into Central Park. He had a lot of fun and will probably blog about it later.
My mom and I painted letters for Max's wall and then Garrett hung them. I asked Max to wait until we had his room ready and then he could come.
He's a very obedient boy.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Order Glamour
If you want to order Glamour for your library, school, or bookstore, you can do so now.
The book's distributor is Atlas Books. The number is 1 800 BOOKLOG.
Go ahead. Order yours before the rush!
The book's distributor is Atlas Books. The number is 1 800 BOOKLOG.
Go ahead. Order yours before the rush!
Monday, September 1, 2008
Labor Day Expectations
Until Friday, Garrett and I forgot he had today off work. We're focused more on a different kind of Labor Day.
Although my due date is September 9, Garrett and my mom are really antsy for Max to arrive...NOW. I made the mistake of telling Garrett about an acupressure point on the ankle that can start contractions, so he presses it every chance he gets. Um, I think he missed my point. I guess it's okay, though, since he thinks the point is a different place than it actually is. I've not corrected him.
I'm still in denial sometimes that I'm actually pregnant. Yes, I realize that tumors don't grow and kick and have heartbeats, but it still seems surreal that I'm growing a little human boy inside me.
We have our guesses at how big Max is going to be. Garrett doesn't think he'll weigh 7 pounds. Garrett only weighed about 6 pounds 13 ounces, so I guess I realize why he might think that. The delivery should certainly be easier than I expect if that's the case. I feel like I'm carrying a baby elephant. He teases me that I'm beginning to look like a man with a beer gut. Not only does my tummy stick out, but Max is getting so heavy that it's beginning to droop, too.
My mom thinks he'll weigh 7 1/2, but she reserves the right to continue guessing as I progress. I already weigh more than she did when she delivered me and I was a few ounces shy of 8 pounds.
Grandma guesses 8 lbs. 2 oz. Since my brother was in the 8 pound range and my dad was about a 10 pounder, I don't think that's too far off the mark.
Anyone else want to make a guess?
NOTE: Garrett claims he said 7 1/2 pounds. My mom claims 8 pounds. I guess I wasn't paying attention. Jenny McCarthy's book Belly Laughs claims that a pregnant woman will be forgiven anything.
Although my due date is September 9, Garrett and my mom are really antsy for Max to arrive...NOW. I made the mistake of telling Garrett about an acupressure point on the ankle that can start contractions, so he presses it every chance he gets. Um, I think he missed my point. I guess it's okay, though, since he thinks the point is a different place than it actually is. I've not corrected him.
I'm still in denial sometimes that I'm actually pregnant. Yes, I realize that tumors don't grow and kick and have heartbeats, but it still seems surreal that I'm growing a little human boy inside me.
We have our guesses at how big Max is going to be. Garrett doesn't think he'll weigh 7 pounds. Garrett only weighed about 6 pounds 13 ounces, so I guess I realize why he might think that. The delivery should certainly be easier than I expect if that's the case. I feel like I'm carrying a baby elephant. He teases me that I'm beginning to look like a man with a beer gut. Not only does my tummy stick out, but Max is getting so heavy that it's beginning to droop, too.
My mom thinks he'll weigh 7 1/2, but she reserves the right to continue guessing as I progress. I already weigh more than she did when she delivered me and I was a few ounces shy of 8 pounds.
Grandma guesses 8 lbs. 2 oz. Since my brother was in the 8 pound range and my dad was about a 10 pounder, I don't think that's too far off the mark.
Anyone else want to make a guess?
NOTE: Garrett claims he said 7 1/2 pounds. My mom claims 8 pounds. I guess I wasn't paying attention. Jenny McCarthy's book Belly Laughs claims that a pregnant woman will be forgiven anything.
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