(i think she got a little bit of a sunburn at the pool today. bad mama.)
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
2 months
she's getting so big! here's a picture of willow as of today. and look she's smiling--on camera, no less! her acne is starting to clear up. her hair is still red, and more importantly she hasn't lost any yet. i'm not sure how much she weighs, but if i had to guess i'd say about 13-ish pounds.
(i think she got a little bit of a sunburn at the pool today. bad mama.)
(i think she got a little bit of a sunburn at the pool today. bad mama.)
priceless
tricycle: $40
the clothes he WAS wearing: $15
having a picture of my child riding his tricycle naked: priceless
the clothes he WAS wearing: $15
having a picture of my child riding his tricycle naked: priceless
Saturday, July 26, 2008
she's a real girl!
willow has recently hit the 8 week mark, and with that "milestone" she has started to change from the blob of a newborn into a real baby. with personality and everything!
it cracks me up that 5 minutes of laughing and smiling make her so tired she's ready for a 3 hour nap. but smiling and laughing happen regularly now. i have video of her laying on her changing table "talking" to the animals above her. (blogger won't let me post the video, so here is a picture of her and papa napping.)
it cracks me up that 5 minutes of laughing and smiling make her so tired she's ready for a 3 hour nap. but smiling and laughing happen regularly now. i have video of her laying on her changing table "talking" to the animals above her. (blogger won't let me post the video, so here is a picture of her and papa napping.)
Thursday, July 24, 2008
funny, but totally gross
ahhhh, potty training is so much fun! nate has been going on the potty for months now, but we are still trying to, let's say, refine his efforts.
for instance, retracting his foreskin to watch the pee come out the end of his penis and losing track of where the pee is actually going (all over the wall the one time i saw him do it) requires a bit of refining. retracting the foreskin is a new ability and watching the pee is great fun, but you have to keep an eye on where the pee is going at the same time. see?
a bit of background is required here:
1. we have a taller than average potty. it's what was here when we moved in, and we haven't ever changed it. actually we prefer it. but nate requires a short step stool in order to pee standing up.
2. in our house we have ended the "you left the seat up" argument. the *lid* gets closed. so everyone must open and everyone must close.
for the longest time, i have been trying to get nate to open the potty after he has pulled down his pants and close it before he pulls them up. why? because he basically puts his head in the toilet with the lowering and raising of the pants. he doesn't quite seem to get it. the toilet is GROSS--i don't care when it was last cleaned! don't stick your head in it!
so the other night, he's in the bathroom going potty before bedtime. i walk by the bathroom door and see that his hair is wet and he's sort of smoothing it down or wiping his head off. it is no where near bath night. he hasn't been at the sink--i would have heard the water running. where did the wet head come from?
me: nate, how did your head get wet?
nate: well, i just tripped a little bit.
me: when you were going potty?
nate: yeah.
here is the sequence of events as i know them: step on stool. open toilet. pull down pants. trip. dunk head in toilet. then stand up to pee.
see, if he had listened to me he would have merely kissed the lid of the toilet. instead he dunked his own head in the toilet! YICK!
needless to say, he got his head washed before bedtime. has he learned the lesson of when to open the potty? no. he still does it backwards all the time.
for instance, retracting his foreskin to watch the pee come out the end of his penis and losing track of where the pee is actually going (all over the wall the one time i saw him do it) requires a bit of refining. retracting the foreskin is a new ability and watching the pee is great fun, but you have to keep an eye on where the pee is going at the same time. see?
a bit of background is required here:
1. we have a taller than average potty. it's what was here when we moved in, and we haven't ever changed it. actually we prefer it. but nate requires a short step stool in order to pee standing up.
2. in our house we have ended the "you left the seat up" argument. the *lid* gets closed. so everyone must open and everyone must close.
for the longest time, i have been trying to get nate to open the potty after he has pulled down his pants and close it before he pulls them up. why? because he basically puts his head in the toilet with the lowering and raising of the pants. he doesn't quite seem to get it. the toilet is GROSS--i don't care when it was last cleaned! don't stick your head in it!
so the other night, he's in the bathroom going potty before bedtime. i walk by the bathroom door and see that his hair is wet and he's sort of smoothing it down or wiping his head off. it is no where near bath night. he hasn't been at the sink--i would have heard the water running. where did the wet head come from?
me: nate, how did your head get wet?
nate: well, i just tripped a little bit.
me: when you were going potty?
nate: yeah.
here is the sequence of events as i know them: step on stool. open toilet. pull down pants. trip. dunk head in toilet. then stand up to pee.
see, if he had listened to me he would have merely kissed the lid of the toilet. instead he dunked his own head in the toilet! YICK!
needless to say, he got his head washed before bedtime. has he learned the lesson of when to open the potty? no. he still does it backwards all the time.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
things i never thought i would think #1
you would imagine that having already lost one child the concept of losing another one would be sort of ever present. that it might even be a driving force during subsequent pregnancies.
i would say, with nate, that i was generally concerned it might happen again. but i didn't really think it would. i got scared when, seconds after he was born, he was across the room on the warming table not crying. but even then something in me knew he was ok. maybe it was the noise in the room. it didn't *sound* as if something was wrong. (yes, things sound different when something is wrong. they just do.)
with willow, it started out as less than even a concern. i was annoyed by the idea of more monitoring and more doctors appointments. when it came down to the last few weeks, however, all that extra was comforting. but again, i never really thought for one second that we might actually lose another child. i felt a bit more stress towards the end when a few test results came back with possible issues that were similar to what happened with jesper. but still, they were just general concerns not genuine, heart-stopping fears.
there was, however, a moment with willow when my general concerns became something more.
at some point on friday, time is still very hazy for me on this subject, i finally asked for an epidural and we agreed to start pitocin. i am under the impression that the epidural took and hour and half to actually get in (that would be at least 5 attempts at an epidural, for those interested). i am also under the impression that when they were finally successful getting it in, i actually lost consciousness for some time because my blood pressure bottomed out. after regaining consciousness, i am aware of the nurse looking for willow's heartbeat for what felt like forever. i think it was at least 15 to 20 minutes that she kept looking and looking with the external monitor, but she never could get the baby's heartbeat to show up on the monitor. in all the happenings in the room at that moment, this is the one thing i became focused on. she was quietly searching and not finding. i was still having conversations with various people, but part of my brain was focused on what she was doing.
after a while dr. combs said "we are having a hard time finding her heart rate and we'd like to do an internal monitor." the response in my head--it may or may not be what i said--was "hell yes. please." because at some point in the quiet searching my general concern became a very clear fear. there isn't much that i remember clearly from her delivery, but i remember this.
**please find her heart beat. i cannot lose another child. this cannot be happening. find it. find it now.**
i will probably remember that thought and that feeling for the rest of my life. it was so absolutely clear to me. people say, "when such-and-such happened it was as if the whole world stopped." that's what that moment was for me. someone could have been screaming in my ear that the hospital was on fire, and i would not have heard them. i was totally focused on this instant, stabbing, abject fear.
thankfully, when they got the internal monitor on, her heart rate was just fine. and with it they were able to see the W's she was exhibiting. (W's are supposed to be the "classic" sign of a nuchal cord--ie, the cord around her neck. so in a way it was good for that, too. we were forewarned on that front.) so my fear was followed by utter relief.
i would say, with nate, that i was generally concerned it might happen again. but i didn't really think it would. i got scared when, seconds after he was born, he was across the room on the warming table not crying. but even then something in me knew he was ok. maybe it was the noise in the room. it didn't *sound* as if something was wrong. (yes, things sound different when something is wrong. they just do.)
with willow, it started out as less than even a concern. i was annoyed by the idea of more monitoring and more doctors appointments. when it came down to the last few weeks, however, all that extra was comforting. but again, i never really thought for one second that we might actually lose another child. i felt a bit more stress towards the end when a few test results came back with possible issues that were similar to what happened with jesper. but still, they were just general concerns not genuine, heart-stopping fears.
there was, however, a moment with willow when my general concerns became something more.
at some point on friday, time is still very hazy for me on this subject, i finally asked for an epidural and we agreed to start pitocin. i am under the impression that the epidural took and hour and half to actually get in (that would be at least 5 attempts at an epidural, for those interested). i am also under the impression that when they were finally successful getting it in, i actually lost consciousness for some time because my blood pressure bottomed out. after regaining consciousness, i am aware of the nurse looking for willow's heartbeat for what felt like forever. i think it was at least 15 to 20 minutes that she kept looking and looking with the external monitor, but she never could get the baby's heartbeat to show up on the monitor. in all the happenings in the room at that moment, this is the one thing i became focused on. she was quietly searching and not finding. i was still having conversations with various people, but part of my brain was focused on what she was doing.
after a while dr. combs said "we are having a hard time finding her heart rate and we'd like to do an internal monitor." the response in my head--it may or may not be what i said--was "hell yes. please." because at some point in the quiet searching my general concern became a very clear fear. there isn't much that i remember clearly from her delivery, but i remember this.
**please find her heart beat. i cannot lose another child. this cannot be happening. find it. find it now.**
i will probably remember that thought and that feeling for the rest of my life. it was so absolutely clear to me. people say, "when such-and-such happened it was as if the whole world stopped." that's what that moment was for me. someone could have been screaming in my ear that the hospital was on fire, and i would not have heard them. i was totally focused on this instant, stabbing, abject fear.
thankfully, when they got the internal monitor on, her heart rate was just fine. and with it they were able to see the W's she was exhibiting. (W's are supposed to be the "classic" sign of a nuchal cord--ie, the cord around her neck. so in a way it was good for that, too. we were forewarned on that front.) so my fear was followed by utter relief.
Monday, July 14, 2008
gWiz
many of you know that the golden house uses cloth diapers as much as possible. we did it with nate, and we are continuing the tradition with willow. one of the problems i've had with cloth is that they aren't so portable for long-distance travel.
the first time we drove up north for cmas with nate, i tried to pack some diapers, but when it came to packing the car with all of the bags and coats and gifts and stuff, that was the one bag that could be left out for space issues. and so it was.
i don't like using disposables. i don't like the chemicals. i don't like the fact that they take so loooooooooong to break down (and even then they aren't totally gone, just in smaller pieces). i don't like the idea of putting all of that human waste in the landfill.
but they have their uses. meconium is nearly impossible to get out of cloth. they pack smaller than cloth. you don't have to launder them (or haul them around dirty in the mean time). they are a trimmer fit than cloth (which can make baby clothes last a bit longer simply for lack of bulk on the bottom).
well, i think i have found the compromise! enter: gDiapers. these diapers consist of a cotton knit pant (outer layer) that comes in some very cute colors and has velcro closures, a waterproof liner, and a disposable insert. but here's the thing, the disposable insert is "disposable" in several different ways. you can flush it. you can compost the ones that are just wet--yes, really, toss it in your compost heap and make happiness for your garden! or you can throw them away. they break down in something like 50 days and every part of the insert is reabsorbed by the environment. (this does not deal with the fact that you typically throw them away in a *plastic* bag, but at least it is part of the problem. right?)
today is my first full day using them. i've heard some complaints about leaks, but honestly cloth diapers and covers are doing a much better job containing willow's poops than the disposables. in 'sposies willow has gone through as many as 4 outfits in one day (some changes in less than 30 minutes). she is definitely a different child in the potty category than nate was. and i'm sure that, as with all diapers, these have some "tricks" for optimal coverage. no biggie.
the verdict is definitely not in yet, but i'm intrigued and excited by this product.
here's the URL in case you are interested in learning more about them: www.gdiapers.com
the first time we drove up north for cmas with nate, i tried to pack some diapers, but when it came to packing the car with all of the bags and coats and gifts and stuff, that was the one bag that could be left out for space issues. and so it was.
i don't like using disposables. i don't like the chemicals. i don't like the fact that they take so loooooooooong to break down (and even then they aren't totally gone, just in smaller pieces). i don't like the idea of putting all of that human waste in the landfill.
but they have their uses. meconium is nearly impossible to get out of cloth. they pack smaller than cloth. you don't have to launder them (or haul them around dirty in the mean time). they are a trimmer fit than cloth (which can make baby clothes last a bit longer simply for lack of bulk on the bottom).
well, i think i have found the compromise! enter: gDiapers. these diapers consist of a cotton knit pant (outer layer) that comes in some very cute colors and has velcro closures, a waterproof liner, and a disposable insert. but here's the thing, the disposable insert is "disposable" in several different ways. you can flush it. you can compost the ones that are just wet--yes, really, toss it in your compost heap and make happiness for your garden! or you can throw them away. they break down in something like 50 days and every part of the insert is reabsorbed by the environment. (this does not deal with the fact that you typically throw them away in a *plastic* bag, but at least it is part of the problem. right?)
today is my first full day using them. i've heard some complaints about leaks, but honestly cloth diapers and covers are doing a much better job containing willow's poops than the disposables. in 'sposies willow has gone through as many as 4 outfits in one day (some changes in less than 30 minutes). she is definitely a different child in the potty category than nate was. and i'm sure that, as with all diapers, these have some "tricks" for optimal coverage. no biggie.
the verdict is definitely not in yet, but i'm intrigued and excited by this product.
here's the URL in case you are interested in learning more about them: www.gdiapers.com
Sunday, July 13, 2008
pretending
summer has been hard on nate's sleep. he gets up earlier than in the dark days of winter. he stays up later because it is hotter in the house and days last longer. this has resulted in some none-too-pleasant days in the golden house. cranky, crabby, sassy, obnoxious.
so the other day, we sent nate to his room for some time to himself, away from us. go away and come back in a better mood, please. set the timer for 30 minutes. he kept yelling from his room, "can i come out? has the timer gone off yet?" (for which a minute was added to the timer each time.) it was still a good hour and a half before his official 3 pm nap time. the last thing jeff heard was something along the lines of, "come find me, papa!" hiding under the blanket, waiting. jeff didn't get up. i didn't know what he had said. i went in about 10 minutes after i last heard him (end of the timer) only to find him fast asleep.
guess he was tired.
this ranks right up there with him falling asleep at the pool. i don't mean in a comfy, dry, quiet location at the pool. i mean under a towel on the concrete in the sun at the edge of the pool with all the other kids laughing and yelling and splashing around him.
guess he's been tired quite a bit this summer. i can only hope that fall and school will bring better sleep for all of us.
so the other day, we sent nate to his room for some time to himself, away from us. go away and come back in a better mood, please. set the timer for 30 minutes. he kept yelling from his room, "can i come out? has the timer gone off yet?" (for which a minute was added to the timer each time.) it was still a good hour and a half before his official 3 pm nap time. the last thing jeff heard was something along the lines of, "come find me, papa!" hiding under the blanket, waiting. jeff didn't get up. i didn't know what he had said. i went in about 10 minutes after i last heard him (end of the timer) only to find him fast asleep.
guess he was tired.
this ranks right up there with him falling asleep at the pool. i don't mean in a comfy, dry, quiet location at the pool. i mean under a towel on the concrete in the sun at the edge of the pool with all the other kids laughing and yelling and splashing around him.
guess he's been tired quite a bit this summer. i can only hope that fall and school will bring better sleep for all of us.
smiles and laughs
willow was just a few hours old when, in her sleep, she gave a big grin and belly laugh. i was left wondering: "what exactly does a newborn have to laugh at?"
willow has been smiling and laughing since she was born, but she's finally sharing them with us! in the last week, she has started giving baby grins when you smile at her, and just the other day she laughed with me.
there are only a few things better than the first smiles and laughs you get to share with a new baby. they are the next best thing to "i love you." and they make up for so much of the crap we have to put up with.
i love you, too, baby girl.
willow has been smiling and laughing since she was born, but she's finally sharing them with us! in the last week, she has started giving baby grins when you smile at her, and just the other day she laughed with me.
there are only a few things better than the first smiles and laughs you get to share with a new baby. they are the next best thing to "i love you." and they make up for so much of the crap we have to put up with.
i love you, too, baby girl.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
6 weeks and such
can't believe our baby girl is already 6 weeks old. we had our 6 week checkup with the midwife yesterday. willow weighed 12 lbs 6 oz (only 3 oz ahead of nate at 6 weeks--which i guess means she's growing only slightly slower than nate did).
you probably can't see it too well in this picture, but we are rockin' the baby acne hardcore! poor little girl looks like a teenager. it is slowly starting to clear up, but it seems like it is taking forever. she's had it for a couple of weeks now. it started out minimal then got worse. i don't think the heat helped any. it is down on her shoulders and has now progressed to the top of her head.
after several unappreciated attempts at bathing, i think we have finally found the key: lots of water! which means mama gets to take a bath, too. hopefully she'll soon be ok with the sponge on the bottom of the tub and much less water.
this one is probably the best shot i've gotten so far of the color of her hair. (sorry if the picture is a bit out of focus.) we were not altogether shocked to see red, but it certainly wasn't expected either. naturally, we have no idea if it will stay this color. and we have no idea what color it will end up being. but for now, it is red. it is, in fact, coming in much lighter than what she was born with. i'd actually like it if it stayed red, but i don't get to choose.
you probably can't see it too well in this picture, but we are rockin' the baby acne hardcore! poor little girl looks like a teenager. it is slowly starting to clear up, but it seems like it is taking forever. she's had it for a couple of weeks now. it started out minimal then got worse. i don't think the heat helped any. it is down on her shoulders and has now progressed to the top of her head.
after several unappreciated attempts at bathing, i think we have finally found the key: lots of water! which means mama gets to take a bath, too. hopefully she'll soon be ok with the sponge on the bottom of the tub and much less water.
this one is probably the best shot i've gotten so far of the color of her hair. (sorry if the picture is a bit out of focus.) we were not altogether shocked to see red, but it certainly wasn't expected either. naturally, we have no idea if it will stay this color. and we have no idea what color it will end up being. but for now, it is red. it is, in fact, coming in much lighter than what she was born with. i'd actually like it if it stayed red, but i don't get to choose.
as promised . . .
our last cabinet is finally up. and here are some pictures to prove it!
jeff leveled the doors and put the knobs on last night. the only thing left is to put all the tools away, sweep up the dust, and fill the cabinets!
jeff leveled the doors and put the knobs on last night. the only thing left is to put all the tools away, sweep up the dust, and fill the cabinets!
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