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Sophie has been watching her Baby Signing Time videos nearly every day now (not straight through, but for minutes at a time throughout the day). She's picked up quite a few more signs. I believe she signs thank you but doesn't quite know what that one means yet, and she signs dog when we're talking about Chui. She signs eat and juice both very well now, intentionally, even without us asking her to sign! There are other signs we think she might be trying to do, but I'm not quite sure yet. She's certainly getting the hang of it, though.
In this little video (which is almost three minutes in length), she signs juice quite clearly. This was about a week or two after she first learned to sign juice. I am still amazed at how well she does this sign, since I would think getting the little pinkie out there would be pretty difficult for a baby. I guess not, though! She does the sign pretty early in the video, so there's not much need to watch the full video. I just don't have anything here to use for editing videos yet, though.
In this little video (which is almost three minutes in length), she signs juice quite clearly. This was about a week or two after she first learned to sign juice. I am still amazed at how well she does this sign, since I would think getting the little pinkie out there would be pretty difficult for a baby. I guess not, though! She does the sign pretty early in the video, so there's not much need to watch the full video. I just don't have anything here to use for editing videos yet, though.
- sm00d:
excited
Sophie has been cruising around the ottoman and sofa for a while now. She has also been pulling herself at the kitchen table and taking a few steps holding onto the chairs there. Just yesterday, though, she started something new. She has pulled herself up by holding onto a wall before, but yesterday, she actually took steps while holding onto the wall! I was able to capture this on video today. I'm so proud of the little kritter!
- sm00d:
happy
I think I started cleaning Friday, but I can't remember that long ago now. I have mopped the kitchen and nook (forgot to mop the bathroom, I suck) and then mopped the wood floor in the entry hall. I also vacuumed all rooms except our bedroom (Sophie was sleeping). I know I dusted, but I'm not sure when. Right now, all the main rooms are clean (again, except the bathroom - I'll do that tomorrow/today? after I shower). I absolutely love a clean house. Now, if I could get rid of all the crap on the sofa in the nursery and in the rocker in the guest room, we'd be doing great. Some day we'll finish organizing the office, too.
Speaking of organizing, I am working with two women via email (I hope) to organize/decorate our master suite and our dining room. I think we want to paint the dining room a dark brown of some sort and the master suite a dark red. Of course, I have paint chips hanging all over my walls because I can't decide on a color. Once these rooms are all finished, I'll post pictures. I'm hoping we can get the fencing installed in the nursery soon as well. it's so close to being done!
Sophie is quite the crawler now. She's also quite the little cruiser. She is very good at pulling herself up in the strangest of places. All she needs is a vertical surface and she's up. I swear, she has hands like Spiderman and can cling to anything! I'm surprised she hasn't cruised the ceiling yet. She's adorable when I put on her Ralph's World DVD. The first thing she does is look at me in total astonishment, and then she starts clapping. When Puppy Dog starts playing, she gets all giddy and claps even more, and tries so hard to bark with the song. It's just too darn cute!
I made a sweet potato, apple, cinnamon, and prune (yes, prune - she is still not the best pooper) concoction the other night and she absolutely loves it. It's a good thing, too, since I made a huge batch! I need to be more creative with her meals since I'm sure she's bound to either grow bored with them or eventually grow to hate the foods I've been giving her.
Signing is coming along quite nicely. She definitely has sleep,juice, and eat down and I think she's working on dad, cereal, bath, dog, and more. We also think she might sign change when her diaper needs to be changed, but I still can't tell for sure if that's what she's doing.
I still can't believe I have a party to plan. *sigh* I should be making invitations soon, but that means we have to decide on a date. It will most likely be a Sunday, since B has committed to playing most Saturdays at Scarborough Renaissance Festival this year. I'm pretty excited about that, too. I haven't been in a few years. I'm sure Sophie won't get much out of it this year, but we'll see.
I think I've run out of things to say. I must be tired, since that so rarely happens. I believe I'll go to bed where I'm sure I won't be able to sleep.
Meh.
Speaking of organizing, I am working with two women via email (I hope) to organize/decorate our master suite and our dining room. I think we want to paint the dining room a dark brown of some sort and the master suite a dark red. Of course, I have paint chips hanging all over my walls because I can't decide on a color. Once these rooms are all finished, I'll post pictures. I'm hoping we can get the fencing installed in the nursery soon as well. it's so close to being done!
Sophie is quite the crawler now. She's also quite the little cruiser. She is very good at pulling herself up in the strangest of places. All she needs is a vertical surface and she's up. I swear, she has hands like Spiderman and can cling to anything! I'm surprised she hasn't cruised the ceiling yet. She's adorable when I put on her Ralph's World DVD. The first thing she does is look at me in total astonishment, and then she starts clapping. When Puppy Dog starts playing, she gets all giddy and claps even more, and tries so hard to bark with the song. It's just too darn cute!
I made a sweet potato, apple, cinnamon, and prune (yes, prune - she is still not the best pooper) concoction the other night and she absolutely loves it. It's a good thing, too, since I made a huge batch! I need to be more creative with her meals since I'm sure she's bound to either grow bored with them or eventually grow to hate the foods I've been giving her.
Signing is coming along quite nicely. She definitely has sleep,juice, and eat down and I think she's working on dad, cereal, bath, dog, and more. We also think she might sign change when her diaper needs to be changed, but I still can't tell for sure if that's what she's doing.
I still can't believe I have a party to plan. *sigh* I should be making invitations soon, but that means we have to decide on a date. It will most likely be a Sunday, since B has committed to playing most Saturdays at Scarborough Renaissance Festival this year. I'm pretty excited about that, too. I haven't been in a few years. I'm sure Sophie won't get much out of it this year, but we'll see.
I think I've run out of things to say. I must be tired, since that so rarely happens. I believe I'll go to bed where I'm sure I won't be able to sleep.
Meh.
- sm00d:tired
Sophie has moved on to Big People Food (BPF). She still gets mashed baby foods, mostly because there are still jars in the pantry/containers in the freezer, but also because there are foods I want to make sure she eats that I'm afraid she just wouldn't be able to handle unless it was somewhat mushy anyhow.
She loves to eat:
Next up:
Food times are so much fun with her!
She's so cute when she's watching her Baby Signing Time videos. During the Eat & Drink song, I swear she signs eat and juice, and tries to say banana.
( Lyrics to Eat & Drink )
She loves to eat:
- peas - so easy, too - take a handful out of the freezer and warm them and she just eats them like candy!
- noodles - I use elbow noodles and tend to overcook them to make it easier for her
- banana - she's still super messy with feeding these to herself, but she tries
- avocado - I scoop this right out of the skin for her - she hasn't tried to feed herself, yet
- biter biscuits and other foods I don't care to give her - WHY does Gerber insist on adding sugar to foods like this?
- applesauce - she will tear it up when it comes to Mommy's homemade applesauce! YUM!
- zucchini, carrots, summer squash combo - she loves this, and so do I! I can't believe how well it turned out, honestly. I added nothing to this, but it tastes like there is salt and butter added! I bought organic veggies and steamed them all in our steamer, but I've never had my vegetables turn out this flavorful before.
- chicken - she's only had a little bit of real chicken (not that baby food crap), but she's totally on board with it
Next up:
- sweet potatoes - I know she likes the baby food version, but I just haven't had time to cook these up for her
- mashed potatoes
- steamed carrot chunks
- Cheerios (or similar) - she's eating the Gerber puffs now, so I think she's ready
- cheese - trying to hold out until she's a year old on that one
- oatmeal - I might run it through the food processor first, we'll see. I need to buy another container of steel cut oats, so maybe I'll just try that with her.
Food times are so much fun with her!
She's so cute when she's watching her Baby Signing Time videos. During the Eat & Drink song, I swear she signs eat and juice, and tries to say banana.
( Lyrics to Eat & Drink )
- sm00d:
amused
- Chui is a pain in my butt. We are sending him to live with his mother.
- Sophie had a "fall down go boom" experience today. Big boom, big tears. Poor baby girl.
- -
- The more I do it, the more I like the walk around our park. It's roughly two miles from the house and back.
- I have rearranged the nursery in hopes that a fence may actually be seen on the back wall (and to encourage someone to construct said fence). I like it much better now.
- All of Sophie's old clothes have been sorted. I need to determine if I'm going to sell them or give them to my sisters. I'm guessing I'll be doing a little of both.
- B is sick. B is never sick, but he is sick now. Not fun.
- I love The Divers.
- We're still waiting for more info from the pool guy. Fingers crossed he doesn't get hit again on his way over tomorrow night.
- I have a lot of knitting to do.
- I hate Sprint.
- sm00d:
busy
- Flew to Detroit Dec 12 (Sophie was awesome on the way up, and pretty good on the way back) and stayed until Jan 26.
- Emily is absolutely adorable.
- -
- Sophie hated Santa, but was otherwise good at the mall (Twelve Oaks, of course).
- Tooth #2 struck mid December.
- Went to Fort Wayne with my parents to visit family.
- Visited Linda, my favorite florist.
- Visited with Evelyn, Chuck, and Theresa and family. Charlie and Ryan both had fun with Sophie.
- Dad turned 64. Rich and Tracie came over for Chinese take-out.
- Watched Little Miss Sunshine and enjoyed it greatly.
- Tracie backed into Dad's truck while we were at Anna's. Oops.
- 26 people at Mom and Dad's for Christmas with the extended family. What a crazy day, but still lots of fun. It was very good to see everyone.
- Sophie will be very good at opening presents on her first birthday. Let's just hope she doesn't still want to eat the paper.
- Christmas was very anticlimactic since B was still in Fort Worth and we celebrated with my sisters on Christmas Eve.
- Tracie tried Dream Dinners and found it to be very cool.
- Experienced Chocolate Ugly Cake for the first time at Anna's. Very good (not sure the recipe is the same as what we had, though).
- Sophie loves to bounce in the little Johnny Jump-Up.
- B finally made it to the Great White North on Dec 29.
- Left Sophie with my Mom the day after B got to town and went shopping with him. Nana reported that Sophie handled it well.
- Tracie invited us to a NYE party. We went, and Tracie, being the "fun aunt" that she is, bounced Sophie lots and lots and then handed her back to me so she could spit up on me. ;)
- We had Christmas again on New Year's Day. Sophie surprised us by saying what everyone in the room thought sounded like "I love you." She hasn't said it since.
- Ewe-Nique Knits in Royal Oak is very cute, but doesn't have a very big selection of yarn. Their Cascade 220 was ridiculously low, though. I should have bought some, dang it. They also had a wide variety of Noro yarns. Very nice.
- B wants to compost with worms. I'm all for it.
- Paid off the SL2
- Restaurants visited while on vacation included Buddy's, Shield's, Champps, The Honey Tree, The Family Buggy, Papa Vino's, and Max and Erma's.
- Visited with Kathy, Jim, and Jen and with Barb and Ann.
- Went to an after-Christmas-Christmas party with Rich and Tracie and had lots of fun. White elephant exchange was hilarious.
- Experienced Bumpy Cake for the first time ever.
- Maple pecan pork roast with potatoes prepared by B tastes very good.
- We saw snow, and lots of it, but not all at one time, and not until early January.
- Saw lots of critters - cardinals, black squirrels, a hawk, a bunny... I love my parents' yard.
- B left Michigan on Jan 9, loaded down with all of our Christmas gifts and a bunch of Leinie's and Vernors.
- Becka watched Chui for us, thankfully. That poor woman.
- Sophie started to crawl during her eighth month. She sings along with songs and says mamadadanana. My father also taught her to blow through her mouth so she can blow out candles. Thanks, Papa!
- Visited Ohio house to help Mom take down Christmas there. Went to Giant Eagle and the Hardware (it really has to be experienced).
- Ice Blast 2007: Mom and Dad lost power for two days. Stayed at Tracie and Richards for the second night.
- Went to Kniiter's Kove in Commerce Twp and fell in love with the store, the staff, and the regulars. They all fawned over Sophie.
- We need to find a financial advisor.
- Something happened to the Christmas pictures Ken from Growing Family took of Sophie. I'm pretty bummed since they looked like they were going to be very cute.
- Finished Mom's felted purse, made with Araucania Nature Wool. I even added a snap. It's cute, but not sure how functional it will be. Pictures might be posted later.
- Stayed in Michigan for Emily's baptism.
- Think Sophie signs "change" when she has a wet/messy diaper.
- Sophie loves peek-a-boo, pat-a-cake, and itsy bitsy spider.
- Stayed with Rich and Tracie the last week of our trip and Sophie had lots of fun.
- Trucking through the airport with a baby and no help sucks a little (DTW sucks without that, too).
After all that, I've decided I really, really miss my family and if it weren't for B I would absolutely hate living in Texas (no offense meant to the very few friends I have here, really). I wish we could move up there now, but I know it's just not feasible. I hope to be able to take Sophie up there again after her first birthday so we can see Anna's baby.
- sm00d:
awake
Sophie now weighs 18 pounds and 2 ounces and measures 28.5 inches long. Dr. Mangham is pleased with her growth. We talked a bit about foods and when to introduce certain items. She surprised me a bit when she said eggs at a year and a half and nuts at 3 years. Apparently, these are the new recommendations.
- sm00d:
crazy
I can't sleep. I hate that I wake up in the middle of the night for no reason. Sophie only wakes maybe once in the middle of the night now and I'm usually half asleep when she does. We never even get out of bed for the night nursings. It drives me nuts when I can't fall back to sleep.
Christmas shopping is almost done. I have my father, father-in-law, and brother-in-law left. Of course, I still don't have a list from Benjamin, so I've only gotten him one gift so far. I have what seems like a massive amount of knitting left to do, and it's not easy to find time to take care of all that, but it's getting done slowly. It really isn't much, but it's a lot when I only have five minutes here and there to spend knitting.
Sophie has developed quite the personality. She has taken up growling, although I'm not sure why. Neither of us can figure out how she started this one, but it's hilarious, so we don't much care. It's not just a regular growl, either. It's a really deep growl that I can't duplicate. I laugh every time she does it.
We had Sophie's Christmas pictures taken last Saturday. I was hoping to get a call that the photos are ready to view before I leave to go to Michigan, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen. I'm hoping to fly up with her on December 12, which only gives us a few more days.
Our first anniversary is Sunday. It's hard to believe we've been married only a year. We've been together for what seems like a lifetime. I still love B as much as I did when I first fell in love with him and that love has grown into something very special.
Life is good, very good.
What sucks is now that I'm married and have a baby, all of a sudden I feel really, really old.
Christmas shopping is almost done. I have my father, father-in-law, and brother-in-law left. Of course, I still don't have a list from Benjamin, so I've only gotten him one gift so far. I have what seems like a massive amount of knitting left to do, and it's not easy to find time to take care of all that, but it's getting done slowly. It really isn't much, but it's a lot when I only have five minutes here and there to spend knitting.
Sophie has developed quite the personality. She has taken up growling, although I'm not sure why. Neither of us can figure out how she started this one, but it's hilarious, so we don't much care. It's not just a regular growl, either. It's a really deep growl that I can't duplicate. I laugh every time she does it.
We had Sophie's Christmas pictures taken last Saturday. I was hoping to get a call that the photos are ready to view before I leave to go to Michigan, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen. I'm hoping to fly up with her on December 12, which only gives us a few more days.
Our first anniversary is Sunday. It's hard to believe we've been married only a year. We've been together for what seems like a lifetime. I still love B as much as I did when I first fell in love with him and that love has grown into something very special.
Life is good, very good.
What sucks is now that I'm married and have a baby, all of a sudden I feel really, really old.
- sm00d: awake
Sophie's weigh-in yesterday went very well. She is up to 16 lbs 6 oz, about a pound and a half gain from her last visit. Dr. Mangham was pretty confident that her weight is getting back on track and we don't have to worry to much about that now. She said it might actually have been due to the teething since Sophie cut a tooth right after her last visit.
Little miss also received her first flu shot yesterday. She didn't even make a peep when the nurse stuck her. I'm so proud!!
Little miss also received her first flu shot yesterday. She didn't even make a peep when the nurse stuck her. I'm so proud!!
- sm00d:
hungry
Sophie had a weight check yesterday and she has only gained two ounces since last week. She now weighs 15 lbs 5 oz.
- sm00d: hungry
Since Sophie is so dead set on playing with the tags on all her toys, I will become an enabler and get her a Taggies toy for Christmas. I want to get them all, but that would just be silly. We have two other toys already purchased that we just haven't given her yet that will be Christmas gifts here, and I'm having the Taggies sent to my parents' house in Michigan so she can open those there. I have a feeling I'm going to really have to force myself to not go nuts when it comes to buying her gifts.
I have no idea what to get for B or anyone in his family. I don't even know what to get anyone in my family this year. If I had time to knit, I'd be doing that. As it is, I have a few knitting projects that really need to be finished soon. Becka and I are taking Lucas and Sophie to Grapevine Mills tomorrow, though. Maybe I'll get a little inspiration there.
I have no idea what to get for B or anyone in his family. I don't even know what to get anyone in my family this year. If I had time to knit, I'd be doing that. As it is, I have a few knitting projects that really need to be finished soon. Becka and I are taking Lucas and Sophie to Grapevine Mills tomorrow, though. Maybe I'll get a little inspiration there.
- sm00d: hungry
Tooth!!!
This was first seen today by Grandma Shirley, shortly after being on the receiving end of pain from said tooth.
This was first seen today by Grandma Shirley, shortly after being on the receiving end of pain from said tooth.
- sm00d: cheerful
We went to the Breastfeeding Center yesterday and did a pre and post feeding weight, as well as a nekkidbebe weight check. She now weighs 15 lbs 3 oz, up six ounces from last Tuesday. She only took a little over an ounce while we were there, but she didn't really finish on the right and it was in the afternoon. Our consultant didn't really seem to be terribly worried, especially since Sophie looks very healthy (not skinny at all).
After that, we surprised Daddy at work. It was so strange being at the office and seeing all these people I knew but haven't talked to in months since I quit.
B and I left the office at the same time but he beat me home by about 20 minutes. This is actually a good thing since I was quite stupid yesterday and left the hatch open on the VUE with the garage door closed. There is now a tiny dent on the lower left corner of the hatch from when B opened the garage door. Had I gotten home at the same time as him, I'm sure I would have gotten an earful.
After that, we surprised Daddy at work. It was so strange being at the office and seeing all these people I knew but haven't talked to in months since I quit.
B and I left the office at the same time but he beat me home by about 20 minutes. This is actually a good thing since I was quite stupid yesterday and left the hatch open on the VUE with the garage door closed. There is now a tiny dent on the lower left corner of the hatch from when B opened the garage door. Had I gotten home at the same time as him, I'm sure I would have gotten an earful.
- sm00d: awake
Sophie had a check up yesterday with Dr. Mangham. Her length was 27", which is right on track. Her weight, however, was only 14 lbs 13 oz. She only gained two ounces. Dr. Mangham wants us back in a month for a weight check and she wants us to go to the Breastfeeding Center at HEB again, as well as start doing solids twice a day. Sleep is still a frustrating issue since she refuses to sleep without me. Dr. Mangham was no help on that matter, though.
Other than the weight gain, she's doing well. She can sit for a minute or two unassisted now, but still can't get to a sitting position on her own. She rolls all over the place and loves to stand with help. She babbles quite a bit and even tries to sing at times.
Since Dr. Mangham requested we increase the food, I tried giving Sophie carrots. She can't stand them. I've tried at two separate meals to give them to her but she makes the funniest faces and winds up spitting them out. She made the same face for applesauce last night, which was strange since she had applesauce before and seemed to really like it. I guess I stick to rice cereal, bananas, and sweet potatoes for now. We'll try carrots another time.
Other than the weight gain, she's doing well. She can sit for a minute or two unassisted now, but still can't get to a sitting position on her own. She rolls all over the place and loves to stand with help. She babbles quite a bit and even tries to sing at times.
Since Dr. Mangham requested we increase the food, I tried giving Sophie carrots. She can't stand them. I've tried at two separate meals to give them to her but she makes the funniest faces and winds up spitting them out. She made the same face for applesauce last night, which was strange since she had applesauce before and seemed to really like it. I guess I stick to rice cereal, bananas, and sweet potatoes for now. We'll try carrots another time.
" de]/ g N vb dd nnnnnnnn 9 " - Sophia Mae, age 6 months
- sm00d:
frustrated
Sophie gives kisses now. Granted, they're open-mouthed, slobber-filled kisses, but they're still kisses. She even gave me several kisses this morning without me asking for them.
It made me cry.
It made me cry.
- sm00d:
touched - sm00sic:Peter, Paul, and Mary - 1 - Peter, Paul, and Mary - Inch b
I have very little time to do anything any more other than nurse, it seems. Sophie is completely breastfed now (yay!) but she nurses every two hours or so. I have thank you cards partially done, but need to address them and get them in the mail. I made a hat for a baby shower gift but have to start the sweater still. I have tons of items to list on eBay (all the other cloth diapers we are no longer using, along with a mess of other stuff). The house still isn't completely unpacked (the office and our bedroom being the worst of all the rooms). Of course because she nurses so often it's nearly impossible to pump to save breast milk so we can leave her with a sitter. Ugh.
She is rolling over plenty now, so far only onto her tummy, not onto her back. Sometimes, she'll sing along with me or the TV. She has had a few tiny bites of rice cereal and banana. I can't get over how big our little girl is getting!! Sophie tries to sit up on her own, but she's not quite there yet. No sign of teeth yet other than the constant drool.
Now, off for another feeding before she gnaws my shoulder off.
She is rolling over plenty now, so far only onto her tummy, not onto her back. Sometimes, she'll sing along with me or the TV. She has had a few tiny bites of rice cereal and banana. I can't get over how big our little girl is getting!! Sophie tries to sit up on her own, but she's not quite there yet. No sign of teeth yet other than the constant drool.
Now, off for another feeding before she gnaws my shoulder off.
- sm00d: busy
I am in no way affiliated with this company, but I've been using these diapers since Sophie's stump fell off and absolutely love them. When she was still wearing the smalls, we had 2 gDiapers that I would fill with a folded gauze diaper (I had 24 of these, so they lasted forever), along with 10 Kissaluvs, 5 AIO Kushies, and 8 home made diapers. Now that we're into mediums, I have several diapers (seems like thousands) but the only ones I'm using are the gDiapers because I love them so much. We are currently using 6 gDiapers and 36 DSQ prefolds. I can use a DSQ prefold for an insert (they're too big for the smalls but are perfect for the mediums), or 2 gauze diapers folded together for the insert (the thin gauze diapers were a hassle for the mediums so we no longer use those). We use the flushable inserts when we're out and about to save the hassle of dealing with wet or dirty diapers in the diaper bag. I have to do laundry roughly twice a week (about every three to four days). I have had no issues with blowouts and only a rare issue or two with leaks, when the vinyl liner edge isn't making contact with Sophie's leg.
The diapers are made with hook and loop closures that fasten in the back, away from curious hands. There are two fairly generic colors in a starter kit that costs under $25 (red and orange or blue and green) that also includes a swisher stick, 12 flushable inserts, and 2 extra vinyl liners. The flushable inserts can be rather costly, but since we use cloth here, that's not an issue for us. Prefolds and gauze are so much cheaper than other diapers that this just seems to make more sense than any other system. The nice thing about the flushables is that they're biodegradable, so even if they aren't flushed they will decompose rather than sit in a landfill for 20 years. They also are made of natural fibers and no harsh chemicals that can harm baby's bum. The wet diapers can even be composted and put in the garden to help maintain moisture content!
So far, no diaper rash has been spotted! I'm guessing Sophie loves these diapers as well. ;)
( pics behind cut )
The diapers are made with hook and loop closures that fasten in the back, away from curious hands. There are two fairly generic colors in a starter kit that costs under $25 (red and orange or blue and green) that also includes a swisher stick, 12 flushable inserts, and 2 extra vinyl liners. The flushable inserts can be rather costly, but since we use cloth here, that's not an issue for us. Prefolds and gauze are so much cheaper than other diapers that this just seems to make more sense than any other system. The nice thing about the flushables is that they're biodegradable, so even if they aren't flushed they will decompose rather than sit in a landfill for 20 years. They also are made of natural fibers and no harsh chemicals that can harm baby's bum. The wet diapers can even be composted and put in the garden to help maintain moisture content!
So far, no diaper rash has been spotted! I'm guessing Sophie loves these diapers as well. ;)
( pics behind cut )
- sm00d:
content - sm00sic:Disney - Disney Babies: Lullaby - 13 - Sleep, Daddy, Sleep
We've just been terribly busy. Sophie is teething and refusing to nap or go to bed. I haven't been able to get much of anything done lately. Breastfeeding is going much better now at least. I'll probably start her on solids within the the next month or so. She's rolled over a couple times, but I've missed both of them. She is starting to sing along when I sing to her. I need to find some Sharon, Lois, and Bram videos or CDs now. :)
- sm00d: hungry
Ok, I definitely need to put her on her tummy a little more. Sophie surprised me today by scooting from one side of our bed to the other on her tummy. If she had the strength to get up on her hands, she'd be crawling already. She's not even three months old yet! She made these cute noises while crossing the bed, sort of a mix between a scream and a grunt, all the while keeping a smile on her face.
She's growing up so quickly!
She's growing up so quickly!
- sm00d: proud
- My milk supply is increasing. There have been a few occasions when I have been able to pump almost a full ounce. I am taking fenugreek pills, another pill with blessed thistle, nettle leaf, fennel seed, and fenugreek, and drinking Mother's Milk tea. I will be making Lactation Boosting Cookies soon (not sure if I'm going to wait on the Brewer's Yeast for the first batch or not). I have been pumping more frequently and have been trying to feed on demand (have even been waking her a few times to feed, but don't like to disturb her sleep). We will be co-sleeping after B leaves for work in the mornings so I can catch up on much needed rest and she can eat whenever she wants.
- I spoke with HR at work and have been informed that I may not take an extended leave of absence. This is actually the response I expected, so I'm not terribly disappointed. I may reapply when I'm ready to return and most likely I would be rehired. If the time period is short enough, I probably will even be able to keep my tenure. Right now is not the right time for me to return to work, not while I'm working so hard to increase the milk supply and wean her off of the formula. In the meantime, I need to find something that will allow us to increase our income a little (at least until the hospital and moving bills are paid off) and have been seriously scouring online sources for legitimate work at home jobs (believe it or not, some really do exist).
- -
- I am going to start eBaying again (selling, of course). I have my apple collection, some books, many diapers (I love the gDiapers enough that I think I'm going to dump all my others, and she's already grown out of the small diapers anyhow), possibly some baby clothes, some maternity clothes, and various other odds and ends. It's not easy to find the time I need to devote to setting up sales. Sophie tends to nap longest in the morning, so I may take advantage of that time if I'm feeling rested enough.
- The unpacking has slowed down to nearly a halt. I still have suitcases and boxes in the master suite that need to be unpacked, as well as boxes in the guest room and office. The nursery is really done except for some finishing decorating touches.
- This week we will be making a trip to the office for my exit interview which could be done over the phone, but I was looking for an excuse to show off Sophie to everyone. We will most likely stop at the AA offices while we're out there so B's mother can show off her granddaughter. On our way back, we will probably stop at Simpatico to say hi to the ladies and stop for another feeding (will probably have to feed her at the office while we're there). We might sneak in a visit to the Breastfeeding Center sometime this week for a weight check and to see just how much milk she's getting from me. I think it's definitely more than 5 mL now.
- I actually made meatloaf for dinner the other night and I liked it. Amazing.
- We are trying to make a conscious effort to keep the photo page updated. There is also an RSS feed.
- Sophie is talking a milk a minute. I love it. We need to start learning sign so she'll pick it up easily. I've read that should be taught around six months of age, so that should give us a few months to prepare. She also stands very well on her legs with just a little support. She isn't very fond of tummy time, but we're getting there. The activity mat makes it a little easier.
- I've got a rock covered in urp.
Sophie, playing in her bouncy seat and talking up a storm
- sm00d:
hopeful
The phrase "heavy wetter" does not come even remotely close to describing Sophie. I think the phrase "fast and furious" fits a little better here.
I think it's time to go up a size on the cloth diapers and possibly start including thicker inserts.
I think it's time to go up a size on the cloth diapers and possibly start including thicker inserts.
- sm00d:
astonished
I swear she is trying so hard to wave. It's so cute!
Last night she talked herself to sleep. She still sleeps in the bassinet in our room and we listened to her talk for some time.
She seems to be laughing in her sleep. The first time we noticed this was in church. During the sermon I see her get this big grin so I touched her face. She cracked up, which of course caused me to laugh as well. It's a good thing we were sitting in the back row. She laughs when she's playing, but not like that.
Mobiles totally fascinate her. The one on her crib will keep her occupied for hours. Too bad it doesn't last that long and that it needs to be wound by hand. The one on her swing shuts off after a certain time, but it can be turned on with the press of a button.
I never really pictured myself as a mother, even after all the years of babysitting and teaching. I never thought I had it in me. I'm not a very patient person and can be quite selfish. I honestly have surprised myself. I have more patience with her than I ever thought possible. Then again, she makes it pretty easy. She's not really fussy without reason and she's so happy all the time. Being terribly cute doesn't hurt her at all, either.
*contented sigh*
Last night she talked herself to sleep. She still sleeps in the bassinet in our room and we listened to her talk for some time.
She seems to be laughing in her sleep. The first time we noticed this was in church. During the sermon I see her get this big grin so I touched her face. She cracked up, which of course caused me to laugh as well. It's a good thing we were sitting in the back row. She laughs when she's playing, but not like that.
Mobiles totally fascinate her. The one on her crib will keep her occupied for hours. Too bad it doesn't last that long and that it needs to be wound by hand. The one on her swing shuts off after a certain time, but it can be turned on with the press of a button.
I never really pictured myself as a mother, even after all the years of babysitting and teaching. I never thought I had it in me. I'm not a very patient person and can be quite selfish. I honestly have surprised myself. I have more patience with her than I ever thought possible. Then again, she makes it pretty easy. She's not really fussy without reason and she's so happy all the time. Being terribly cute doesn't hurt her at all, either.
*contented sigh*
- sm00d: content
I am going to make a goal of one thank you card per day until I'm done. If I get more than that done in a day, great. Otherwise these things will never get sent.
I also need to find announcements I like enough to justify the cost.
I'll probably add to this list as time goes on, and may actually take the time to explain why I like these items so much, but it's time to feed her now.
Baby items I love:
I also need to find announcements I like enough to justify the cost.
I'll probably add to this list as time goes on, and may actually take the time to explain why I like these items so much, but it's time to feed her now.
Baby items I love:
- sm00d: cheerful
What an absolute blessing this child is. Even though things haven't gone exactly as we wanted, we are still so happy with Sophie and are loving every minute of every day with her. While there are a few things I wish I could change, none of that really affects her or her personality. She is positively adorable. She rarely fusses and loves to smile and laugh. She has started baby talking and loves to tell us stories. What a ham! We are working on tummy time, which she really doesn't enjoy all that much, trying a little every day. Her little legs are able to hold her up for a little bit now and she loves to practice her "stand ups," especially with Daddy. The muscles in her neck are developing as well, so she's not nearly as floppy as she used to be. She's already starting to move into the next level of clothes (3-6 months) and we've had to retire a few of the smaller outfits.
I must admit, I really do enjoy cloth diapers. I think I got lucky, though. Since she rarely has a messy diaper it makes it so much easier. We still use disposables when we're out around town, just because they're much easier to handle. With the size diapers she's wearing now, I have enough that I have to do laundry about twice a week. That's about the time the Diaper Champ fills up, so it's perfect. I think the gDiapers are my favorite so far, but I love all the diapers we use right now.
I still can't get over what a miracle this all is. The fact that I am a mother still blows me away. I seriously never thought this would happen. B is growing into his role as a father quite nicely. He's truly an excellent father, even though I don't think he believes that just yet. She certainly loves to spend time with him.
Unfortunately, we have been neglecting Chui a bit. He's been a pretty good dog since we brought the baby home, but I find him to be more of a nuisance than anything. He's more high maintenance than I can handle right now, and I feel guilty for not paying as much attention to him as he needs. He's very good with the baby and hasn't tried to bite at her. He's licked her feet a few times and that's about it. Then again, I haven't let her spend too much time on the floor close to him, either. Every time he's close to her, I've got a hold of his leash, ready to correct him at his first bad move.
Eventually, we will finish unpacking the house and getting everything into order. The nursery is almost done (we're still waiting on the picket fence before letting the butterflies loose). The guest room is almost done except for a few boxes that need to find a home. The dining room is box free, but needs color and art work. The kitchen is also box free and is probably the only room that is truly together, although we want to install some sort of pull-out shelving system in most of the lower cabinets. We're also contemplating a small portable island for the middle of the kitchen, but haven't decided on anything yet. I need to come up with a slightly better way to organize the pantry as well. I wish our drawers were just a bit deeper since we have issues with our utensils being just a bit too large, causing the drawers to get stuck. At some point, I'll have all the cupboards in the kitchen filled. I just have to determine which items would fit best in those never-used-cabinets over the refrigerator, etc. The living room is box free, but also needs a little color and some artwork. It's a little on the blah side right now. I think we've decided how we'd like to do the master bedroom, and I look forward to painting it soon. I wish we had the time and money to redo the master bath. I think the layout is very inefficient and really don't enjoy using that bathroom at all. The water pressure in the tub and the shower is lacking as well. The guest bathroom is almost all put together except for a box that sits under the counter that needs to be removed. The last areas that I plan to attack are the office, the linen closet, the laundry room, and the master closet. The office probably will require the most work, and since I rarely spend time in the office now, it's low on the list. It's all starting to come together though.
I haven't decided if I'm going to return to work or not. B and I need to sit down and discuss finances. At the very least, I'm thinking I will request an extended leave of absence due to the breastfeeding issues. I am not as fortunate as others and am not really able to pump much. I try, but I get more by hand expressing than I do with the pump. What frustrates me most about this is that I've discovered I'm most likely not using the correct size flange and that had I been using the correct size all along, I may have been able to improve my milk production. I believe it's too late to do that now. At least she's still getting some breast milk.
Maybe sometime this week I'll brave the big outside world with her and possibly go shopping or head to the yarn store. We might even head to the office one day. She loves spending time with other people and I love watching her face light up when people fawn over her.
I still need to send thank you cards and birth announcements. I suck. Emily Post and Miss Manners both would have me beheaded.
I've started a photo page elsewhere, partially for navigation purposes, but also for the fact that ordering prints and other items is so incredibly easy now. I'm going to continue to update the old page, but probably not more often than once a week, at least not until I learn some basic html. The photos are located at dotPhoto now. There is also a RSS feed, and for anyone on LJ interested, I've created![[info]](http://p-stat.livejournal.com/img/syndicated.gif)
sophia_mae. Just be aware that dotPhoto makes each photo a separate entry and sometimes I transfer a lot of pictures at one time. Comments may be left on the photos when viewed here. I'm not sure why that option isn't available on the website I created, but it's not.
It's time to go find breakfast and sneak in a shower before she wakes up again.
I must admit, I really do enjoy cloth diapers. I think I got lucky, though. Since she rarely has a messy diaper it makes it so much easier. We still use disposables when we're out around town, just because they're much easier to handle. With the size diapers she's wearing now, I have enough that I have to do laundry about twice a week. That's about the time the Diaper Champ fills up, so it's perfect. I think the gDiapers are my favorite so far, but I love all the diapers we use right now.
I still can't get over what a miracle this all is. The fact that I am a mother still blows me away. I seriously never thought this would happen. B is growing into his role as a father quite nicely. He's truly an excellent father, even though I don't think he believes that just yet. She certainly loves to spend time with him.
Unfortunately, we have been neglecting Chui a bit. He's been a pretty good dog since we brought the baby home, but I find him to be more of a nuisance than anything. He's more high maintenance than I can handle right now, and I feel guilty for not paying as much attention to him as he needs. He's very good with the baby and hasn't tried to bite at her. He's licked her feet a few times and that's about it. Then again, I haven't let her spend too much time on the floor close to him, either. Every time he's close to her, I've got a hold of his leash, ready to correct him at his first bad move.
Eventually, we will finish unpacking the house and getting everything into order. The nursery is almost done (we're still waiting on the picket fence before letting the butterflies loose). The guest room is almost done except for a few boxes that need to find a home. The dining room is box free, but needs color and art work. The kitchen is also box free and is probably the only room that is truly together, although we want to install some sort of pull-out shelving system in most of the lower cabinets. We're also contemplating a small portable island for the middle of the kitchen, but haven't decided on anything yet. I need to come up with a slightly better way to organize the pantry as well. I wish our drawers were just a bit deeper since we have issues with our utensils being just a bit too large, causing the drawers to get stuck. At some point, I'll have all the cupboards in the kitchen filled. I just have to determine which items would fit best in those never-used-cabinets over the refrigerator, etc. The living room is box free, but also needs a little color and some artwork. It's a little on the blah side right now. I think we've decided how we'd like to do the master bedroom, and I look forward to painting it soon. I wish we had the time and money to redo the master bath. I think the layout is very inefficient and really don't enjoy using that bathroom at all. The water pressure in the tub and the shower is lacking as well. The guest bathroom is almost all put together except for a box that sits under the counter that needs to be removed. The last areas that I plan to attack are the office, the linen closet, the laundry room, and the master closet. The office probably will require the most work, and since I rarely spend time in the office now, it's low on the list. It's all starting to come together though.
I haven't decided if I'm going to return to work or not. B and I need to sit down and discuss finances. At the very least, I'm thinking I will request an extended leave of absence due to the breastfeeding issues. I am not as fortunate as others and am not really able to pump much. I try, but I get more by hand expressing than I do with the pump. What frustrates me most about this is that I've discovered I'm most likely not using the correct size flange and that had I been using the correct size all along, I may have been able to improve my milk production. I believe it's too late to do that now. At least she's still getting some breast milk.
Maybe sometime this week I'll brave the big outside world with her and possibly go shopping or head to the yarn store. We might even head to the office one day. She loves spending time with other people and I love watching her face light up when people fawn over her.
I still need to send thank you cards and birth announcements. I suck. Emily Post and Miss Manners both would have me beheaded.
I've started a photo page elsewhere, partially for navigation purposes, but also for the fact that ordering prints and other items is so incredibly easy now. I'm going to continue to update the old page, but probably not more often than once a week, at least not until I learn some basic html. The photos are located at dotPhoto now. There is also a RSS feed, and for anyone on LJ interested, I've created
sophia_mae. Just be aware that dotPhoto makes each photo a separate entry and sometimes I transfer a lot of pictures at one time. Comments may be left on the photos when viewed here. I'm not sure why that option isn't available on the website I created, but it's not. It's time to go find breakfast and sneak in a shower before she wakes up again.
- sm00d: hungry
Sophia's weight gain is spot on. Yesterday, when we went to the doctor's, she weighed in at 11 pounds 15 ounces, and measured 23¾ inches long. According to her growth chart, she's right on track. We're still supplementing each feeding (which is still about every two hours or so) with formula. Now, every day she gets one ounce of pear juice along with half a milliliter of poly-vi-sol. She still will go a day or two without pooping, but when she does, look out. That diaper is full! At least the pear juice helps a little so it's not hard and painful any more.
Yesterday also was the start of her immunizations. She had four shots, two on each thigh. She cried so hard after the first two that she couldn't breathe while she was crying. Of course, I started crying at that point, and then the nurse said she was going to cry. I'm so thankful Sophie is such a good natured baby and that she rarely cries. Last night she needed a little extra comforting, but she was smiling and talking her little heart out right before bed. I love it when she does that! She's really too cute for words.
We don't go back to the doctor's for another two months. By that time, if she continues to gain weight along the line of averages, she should weigh roughly 15 pounds. She's already starting to grow out of her 0-3 month clothes.
*sigh*
As always, photos of Sophia are updated here. New photos are tacked to the end and we're still looking for an easy navigation system, sorry. Also, there are some videos here. Be aware that some of them are quite large and will probably not be available for long.
( Some of my favorite pictures.... )
Yesterday also was the start of her immunizations. She had four shots, two on each thigh. She cried so hard after the first two that she couldn't breathe while she was crying. Of course, I started crying at that point, and then the nurse said she was going to cry. I'm so thankful Sophie is such a good natured baby and that she rarely cries. Last night she needed a little extra comforting, but she was smiling and talking her little heart out right before bed. I love it when she does that! She's really too cute for words.
We don't go back to the doctor's for another two months. By that time, if she continues to gain weight along the line of averages, she should weigh roughly 15 pounds. She's already starting to grow out of her 0-3 month clothes.
*sigh*
As always, photos of Sophia are updated here. New photos are tacked to the end and we're still looking for an easy navigation system, sorry. Also, there are some videos here. Be aware that some of them are quite large and will probably not be available for long.
( Some of my favorite pictures.... )
- sm00d: pleased
Being the geek I am, I created a Gmail account for Sophie. I think I created a blogspot account for her as well, but have done nothing with the page so far (oops). B is just as much of a geek, but also a very loving father, and has been sending adorable little messages to Sophie ever since I showed him the address.
The address is located at the top of the picture pages. Remember, all updated photos will be added to the end of those pages. I'm trying to come up with an easier way to navigate the photos, but this is the easiest way we've found to create an album until I learn real HTML (thank you, Adobe Photoshop).
The address is located at the top of the picture pages. Remember, all updated photos will be added to the end of those pages. I'm trying to come up with an easier way to navigate the photos, but this is the easiest way we've found to create an album until I learn real HTML (thank you, Adobe Photoshop).
- sm00d:
geeky
I stopped at the Breastfeeding Center yesterday for a little weight check. Sophie weighs just slightly over 11 pounds. She's growing by leaps and bounds! She's taking about 15 ounces of formula a day on average, so the split between formula and breast milk is about half and half. I'm still trying to increase that amount. Sadly, because of the mix of breast milk and formula, she tends to get a little backed up. The doctor said to give her two ounces of pear juice a day, but I don't really want to give her juice if I don't have to, so we spend lots of time exercising her legs to get things moving. So far, I have given her one two ounce bottle of pear juice earlier in the week. We tried to give her another today, but she only drank about half an ounce. Poor thing.
- sm00d: happy
Yet another reason I hate living in Texas:
The majority of my family will miss Sophie's baptism because they're so far away. The only one who will be present is her Godmother. Even her Godfather will be missing the ceremony. I'm glad my parents were able to see her in her gown already.
The baptism will be Sunday, June 11, during the 10:30 AM service at Immanuel Lutheran Church. If any of our local friends are interested in attending, please let me know. I'll provide directions and even food after the ceremony.
The picture page has been updated, by the way. More pictures will be posted as we take them.
The majority of my family will miss Sophie's baptism because they're so far away. The only one who will be present is her Godmother. Even her Godfather will be missing the ceremony. I'm glad my parents were able to see her in her gown already.
The baptism will be Sunday, June 11, during the 10:30 AM service at Immanuel Lutheran Church. If any of our local friends are interested in attending, please let me know. I'll provide directions and even food after the ceremony.
The picture page has been updated, by the way. More pictures will be posted as we take them.
- sm00d: hungry
Dr. Mangham said today that Sophie is doing great. She's gained a good amount of weight and is at 9 lbs 15 oz, and 22.125" long. I feel a lot better knowing she's getting more and more milk from me. I'd love to get her off the formula altogether since it stinks, leaves nasty stains, and causes her bowel movements to be all messed up. She goes back in for another visit in a month.
It's difficult for me to believe I haven't been to work in a month, but it's true. Time seriously has flown. I'm sure a lot of it is due to the fact that I haven't been getting nearly enough sleep, but I also believe I'm simply enjoying my time with the angel. I wouldn't trade this for the world. The stress, the heartache, the worry... it's all worth it just to see her smile, or to have her hand in mine. I have to laugh at myself quite often now. The tiniest little things get me all emotional. I will catch touching scenes on TV, whether in a commercial or on a show, and will get all teary-eyed. Anything that reminds me of my love for her just chokes me all up.
I'm off to squeeze in my nightly shower while she sleeps and possibly squeeze in a few minutes of sleep myself before she wakes up for the next feeding.
It's difficult for me to believe I haven't been to work in a month, but it's true. Time seriously has flown. I'm sure a lot of it is due to the fact that I haven't been getting nearly enough sleep, but I also believe I'm simply enjoying my time with the angel. I wouldn't trade this for the world. The stress, the heartache, the worry... it's all worth it just to see her smile, or to have her hand in mine. I have to laugh at myself quite often now. The tiniest little things get me all emotional. I will catch touching scenes on TV, whether in a commercial or on a show, and will get all teary-eyed. Anything that reminds me of my love for her just chokes me all up.
I'm off to squeeze in my nightly shower while she sleeps and possibly squeeze in a few minutes of sleep myself before she wakes up for the next feeding.
- sm00d: pleased
Today I watched my child nearly choke on her own vomit. It came out of both her mouth and nose and caused her breathing to stop for seconds. My heart stopped for those same seconds. Thankfully, all is well, but she nearly gave me a heart attack.
I was nervous about the stump from the umbilical cord and anxious about her lack of regular bowel movements, but this really scared me. Really.
I never want to see that again.
Ever.
I was nervous about the stump from the umbilical cord and anxious about her lack of regular bowel movements, but this really scared me. Really.
I never want to see that again.
Ever.
- sm00d:
absolutely wiped out