Yes, I'm a broken record.
Yes, this is again about napping and early waking.
Isn't it amazing how this parenting gig continually kicks you in the ass?
I don't know about you, but I have found teething and its associated uncertainties to be one of the most challenging aspects of parenthood.
As I've whined about before, our Girly slowly evolved into a very poor napper (at home) and just kept waking up earlier and earlier. We kind of fixed the early waking about 5 weeks ago, then dontcha know that Girly went and got sick, sick, sick and it messed everything up. (Frankly, I worried about the sickness, but she slept wonderfully. Ahhh, the conundrums of mommy-ing).
It doesn't help that she must have the slowest-erupting-teeth in all of teeth history. I swear that she has been working on 2 upper and 2 lower molars for about 2 months now. The right ones are now fully erupted while the left ones are now just peeking through. And the gums by her canines are just swelling up, in typical annoying teeth fashion.
I have no issue with crying it out when I can feel reasonably certain that Girly has a full belly and is not in pain. That is where teething has been so hard for me: I can give her Motrin at bedtime, but she wakes 8 or 9 hours later and I don't know if it is habit or pain or both. I felt I should err on the side of caution and give her more Motrin, which worked sometimes but not all the time.
FRUSTRATION!
We finally just decided that it must be habit. Or mostly habit. Or mostly ANNOYING.
On Friday I decided to really push her on her nap to try to get her to finally sleep longer at home. She slept about 30 minutes, cried for 8, slept for 15 minutes, cried for 10, then slept about 45 more minutes. Bliss! Girly was going to be home with me for 6 full days with the holiday weekend, so I decided to push the rest of it, too. I think she cried a little bit early Saturday morning, but for the most part has slept until at least 6:20am every day since. Which is, obviously, amazing. The better part, though, is that her naps have been consistently 1 1/2 hours - 2 hours or a little more ever since. This is revolutionary since we were only getting about 45 minutes.
Again, like I said, broken record. These themes just repeat themselves over and over and over again. (At least in our household). Please slap me next time I whine about our poor sleeper. I'll blame my poor memory on the lack of sleep.
Showing posts with label 15-18. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 15-18. Show all posts
Monday, May 31, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
More guilt: the sunscreen edition
Yep.
I'm here again to make you feel bad about sunscreen.
I've already posted a bit of info about our struggle with sunscreen here and here. Full disclosure: since my last post about buying gallons of spray sunscreen, we have only used it once since Girly has such sensitive skin and got a rash.
Our approach since then has been to use California Baby's SPF18 Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion everyday before school since it is easier to apply than the thicker California Baby SPF30 Sunscreen that we've been reserving for pool use. I don't feel it's a great solution because it is a lower SPF and it doesn't address the scalp-burning issue, but at least it is better than nothing?
Now, I've just read two blogs today about the new Environmental Working Group's 2010 Sunscreen Guide. Here is what Ain't No Mom Jeans has to say, and here is what Safe Mama has to say.
Why so scary?
(UPDATED to add this less-fear-mongering report with advice from the American Cancer Society).
I had actually already been researching Supergoop and they seem to have good, safe products. I especially love the idea of their Sunscreen Swipes for on-the-go and daycare purposes. Will seek some out this weekend (pricey, though).
Jason also has some natural sunscreen products, and a spray that I have been trying to find.
So, what do you use? What's your approach?
Further ... any luck with sun hats? I really would like Girly to wear one (plus, they're so cute!) but just find it a MAJOR battle.
I'm here again to make you feel bad about sunscreen.
I've already posted a bit of info about our struggle with sunscreen here and here. Full disclosure: since my last post about buying gallons of spray sunscreen, we have only used it once since Girly has such sensitive skin and got a rash.
Our approach since then has been to use California Baby's SPF18 Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion everyday before school since it is easier to apply than the thicker California Baby SPF30 Sunscreen that we've been reserving for pool use. I don't feel it's a great solution because it is a lower SPF and it doesn't address the scalp-burning issue, but at least it is better than nothing?
Now, I've just read two blogs today about the new Environmental Working Group's 2010 Sunscreen Guide. Here is what Ain't No Mom Jeans has to say, and here is what Safe Mama has to say.
Why so scary?
(UPDATED to add this less-fear-mongering report with advice from the American Cancer Society).
I had actually already been researching Supergoop and they seem to have good, safe products. I especially love the idea of their Sunscreen Swipes for on-the-go and daycare purposes. Will seek some out this weekend (pricey, though).
Jason also has some natural sunscreen products, and a spray that I have been trying to find.
So, what do you use? What's your approach?
Further ... any luck with sun hats? I really would like Girly to wear one (plus, they're so cute!) but just find it a MAJOR battle.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Poops
I thought it might be worth noting that I found the ultimate solution to a stinky diaper pail.
Get rid of the diaper pail.
Granted, we didn't have any super-duper genie model, but we had a harder and harder time controlling the odor.
We let the pail air out for a few days and just took every wet/dirty diaper from upstairs straight downstairs to the trash. It wasn't much of a hassle and we just kept it up. It has done wonders for my nose.
On a related note, Girly learned to say "poop" this week. It's kind of cute.
I think that means she is ready for potty training.
Right?
Oh .. it isn't?
Poop.
Get rid of the diaper pail.
Granted, we didn't have any super-duper genie model, but we had a harder and harder time controlling the odor.
We let the pail air out for a few days and just took every wet/dirty diaper from upstairs straight downstairs to the trash. It wasn't much of a hassle and we just kept it up. It has done wonders for my nose.
On a related note, Girly learned to say "poop" this week. It's kind of cute.
I think that means she is ready for potty training.
Right?
Oh .. it isn't?
Poop.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Walking all over me
With a change of seasons comes a change of foot wear.
Girly has tiny, tiny feet. Her tennies that she has been wearing all winter are 9-12 month size (she is 17 months) and are still a little big. I have loved the See Kai Run shoes and have been lucky to find them on sale at Diapers.com. She wears the soft-soled shoes without protest and has literally worn out three pairs. (**big sale now through Monday, 5/24, online at See Kai Run**).
(By the way, I have had great success with Diapers.com for all kinds of items and their customer service has been excellent).
I was hoping we could get to spring before buying another pair of tennis shoes, but we are getting desperate for outside footwear and something that doesn't look dorky with spring clothes. (Yes, it's important).
I found one pair of sandals for her at Target, but they aren't very sturdy and they stink to high heaven when she plays outside.
I had read lots of good things about Salt-Water Sandals for both girls and boys. They are traditional looking sandals and come in tons of colors and seem very durable. I wasn't sure if they made them small enough for Girly, but they do have toddler sizes. In the Kansas City area, I found them at The Little House and they are about $10 cheaper than through Zappos.
I got her a pair and they are super cute. I first got her the size 4, but they run long so I had to go back and get a size 3 (the smallest they make). Really?
I also have friends who swear by Keens for kids. I got a knock-off pair at Kohl's, but they are a size 5, so she can probably wear those in high school.
Also, for when tennies are necessary, I had a friend hunt down toddler footie socks at Walmart. You know, again, for when style is critical.
Girly has tiny, tiny feet. Her tennies that she has been wearing all winter are 9-12 month size (she is 17 months) and are still a little big. I have loved the See Kai Run shoes and have been lucky to find them on sale at Diapers.com. She wears the soft-soled shoes without protest and has literally worn out three pairs. (**big sale now through Monday, 5/24, online at See Kai Run**).
(By the way, I have had great success with Diapers.com for all kinds of items and their customer service has been excellent).
I was hoping we could get to spring before buying another pair of tennis shoes, but we are getting desperate for outside footwear and something that doesn't look dorky with spring clothes. (Yes, it's important).
I found one pair of sandals for her at Target, but they aren't very sturdy and they stink to high heaven when she plays outside.
I had read lots of good things about Salt-Water Sandals for both girls and boys. They are traditional looking sandals and come in tons of colors and seem very durable. I wasn't sure if they made them small enough for Girly, but they do have toddler sizes. In the Kansas City area, I found them at The Little House and they are about $10 cheaper than through Zappos.
I got her a pair and they are super cute. I first got her the size 4, but they run long so I had to go back and get a size 3 (the smallest they make). Really?
I also have friends who swear by Keens for kids. I got a knock-off pair at Kohl's, but they are a size 5, so she can probably wear those in high school.
Also, for when tennies are necessary, I had a friend hunt down toddler footie socks at Walmart. You know, again, for when style is critical.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Hysteria
Thank you, Today Show.
As if I wasn't already goofy enough about the foods I feed my child, you had to go and add another level of craziness.
You know I am susceptible to the craziness.
As I was about to turn off the TV this morning to head out the door to work, I caught Dr. Nancy talking about "harmful things in the healthy foods we feed our children". Attention? Consider it grabbed.
(CONSIDER YOURSELF WARNED: RANT FROM A CRAZY LADY TO FOLLOW)
She was discussing a new study published online today in the journal Pediatrics. (If you scroll down the page, you can access the full article for free under e-First Pages, titled Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Urinary Metabolites of Organophosphate Pesticides).
The jist of the study is this: there is already an established association between organophosphate pesticides and adverse effects on neurodevelopment (behavioral problems, lower IQ) in populations with high exposures (such as children who live on farms, etc.) This study looked at a group of over 1,000 average kids who were representative of the entire US. They found that children who had higher urine levels of organophosphate pesticides were more likely to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD.
This is by no means a cause and effect type of study, but rather establishes an association between the two and indicates further study could be beneficial.
As someone who works in the health care field, I think it is important to always seek out primary sources of information and determine their reliability. I've read the original article and I would consider Pediatrics to be a reputable journal. I'm not a researcher and I fully admit that I don't understand all the minutiae of the article, but I get the big themes.
More interesting to me, though, were the cited references about the detectable concentrations of pesticides in common foods, like frozen blueberries and strawberries. If you are a nerd like me, you can look at the USDA Pesticide Data Program Annual Summary for 2008. Scroll down to page 50 where you will find Appendix B, Distribution of Residues by Pesticide in Fruit and Vegetables. This appendix takes up 81 pages of a 202 page report. I have no idea what these chemicals are and just because they are listed doesn't mean they are harmful. At a minimum, though, it is eye-opening to see the sheer number of herbicides, fungicides and insecticides that the government monitors in our food supply. Fruit and vegetables would be the primary exposure your children would have to pesticides, but the FDA considers food, drinking water and residential pesticides as important sources for exposure.
Feeling bad enough yet?
I know. It sucks.
I think we all try to do the very best we can for our kids. I think it is impossible to address every risk, or potential risk. We have to make judgment calls about the hysteria of the day and whether or not it will be proven or disproven in the future.
I can't, and do not wish to, control every morsel of food that enters Girly's mouth. She eats six meals and three snacks a week at school, none of which is organic. Not to mention meals we eat at restaurants or other people's houses. I will not change our lifestyle to avoid these necessary or pleasurable events.
I can, however, take more charge of what happens in our own home.
- The author of the study recommends buying organic produce when you can and washing or peeling conventional produce.
- I already mentioned how much I am loving Door to Door Organics. I truly mostly love the convenience, but I am appreciating the organic produce more and more.
- I will continue to use this Shopper's Guide to Pesticides when I am buying produce at the market.
- We don't have a shoe-free home, but I have friends who do. I am leaning more in that direction, especially in the spring and summer months when there are likely to be more chemicals on the grass.
- Buy local and seasonal whenever possible. Ask the farmers at the farmer's market how the food is produced. Some small farmers can't afford all the certifications for 'organic' status, but follow the same rules.
The bureaucracy surrounding the food system in this country is amazing. (Have you seen Food Inc.? Don't worry, it has added to my craziness.) It's also not simple. Buying organic food is not the solution too all of the world's problems. For me, personally, I started really buying organic food when I began making baby food for Girly. I still bought a lot of conventional food for us, which is kind of silly, but I think kids are potentially more susceptible to the effects or pesticides and such. I don't believe that the actual flesh of an organic apple is more nutritional than the flesh of a conventional apple, but I do believe that buying organic produce helps the water system because there is less pesticide run-off, and it supports small business owners. So, maybe if you don't believe in the pesticide hysteria, you will start to buy some organic produce for one of these other reasons.
Anyone still reading? Carrie?
I'm far from perfect when it comes to all of this. And, "perfect" in my mind is different than "perfect" in your mind. The more I learn, though, the more information I can use to help me make better choices for our family. Maybe all of this will give you some food for thought ...
Need help finding local food? Check out Local Harvest.
The organic labeling system in this country doesn't make it any easier to understand this complicated business. Organic.org has some good information.
As if I wasn't already goofy enough about the foods I feed my child, you had to go and add another level of craziness.
You know I am susceptible to the craziness.
As I was about to turn off the TV this morning to head out the door to work, I caught Dr. Nancy talking about "harmful things in the healthy foods we feed our children". Attention? Consider it grabbed.
(CONSIDER YOURSELF WARNED: RANT FROM A CRAZY LADY TO FOLLOW)
She was discussing a new study published online today in the journal Pediatrics. (If you scroll down the page, you can access the full article for free under e-First Pages, titled Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Urinary Metabolites of Organophosphate Pesticides).
The jist of the study is this: there is already an established association between organophosphate pesticides and adverse effects on neurodevelopment (behavioral problems, lower IQ) in populations with high exposures (such as children who live on farms, etc.) This study looked at a group of over 1,000 average kids who were representative of the entire US. They found that children who had higher urine levels of organophosphate pesticides were more likely to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD.
This is by no means a cause and effect type of study, but rather establishes an association between the two and indicates further study could be beneficial.
As someone who works in the health care field, I think it is important to always seek out primary sources of information and determine their reliability. I've read the original article and I would consider Pediatrics to be a reputable journal. I'm not a researcher and I fully admit that I don't understand all the minutiae of the article, but I get the big themes.
More interesting to me, though, were the cited references about the detectable concentrations of pesticides in common foods, like frozen blueberries and strawberries. If you are a nerd like me, you can look at the USDA Pesticide Data Program Annual Summary for 2008. Scroll down to page 50 where you will find Appendix B, Distribution of Residues by Pesticide in Fruit and Vegetables. This appendix takes up 81 pages of a 202 page report. I have no idea what these chemicals are and just because they are listed doesn't mean they are harmful. At a minimum, though, it is eye-opening to see the sheer number of herbicides, fungicides and insecticides that the government monitors in our food supply. Fruit and vegetables would be the primary exposure your children would have to pesticides, but the FDA considers food, drinking water and residential pesticides as important sources for exposure.
Feeling bad enough yet?
I know. It sucks.
I think we all try to do the very best we can for our kids. I think it is impossible to address every risk, or potential risk. We have to make judgment calls about the hysteria of the day and whether or not it will be proven or disproven in the future.
I can't, and do not wish to, control every morsel of food that enters Girly's mouth. She eats six meals and three snacks a week at school, none of which is organic. Not to mention meals we eat at restaurants or other people's houses. I will not change our lifestyle to avoid these necessary or pleasurable events.
I can, however, take more charge of what happens in our own home.
- The author of the study recommends buying organic produce when you can and washing or peeling conventional produce.
- I already mentioned how much I am loving Door to Door Organics. I truly mostly love the convenience, but I am appreciating the organic produce more and more.
- I will continue to use this Shopper's Guide to Pesticides when I am buying produce at the market.
- We don't have a shoe-free home, but I have friends who do. I am leaning more in that direction, especially in the spring and summer months when there are likely to be more chemicals on the grass.
- Buy local and seasonal whenever possible. Ask the farmers at the farmer's market how the food is produced. Some small farmers can't afford all the certifications for 'organic' status, but follow the same rules.
The bureaucracy surrounding the food system in this country is amazing. (Have you seen Food Inc.? Don't worry, it has added to my craziness.) It's also not simple. Buying organic food is not the solution too all of the world's problems. For me, personally, I started really buying organic food when I began making baby food for Girly. I still bought a lot of conventional food for us, which is kind of silly, but I think kids are potentially more susceptible to the effects or pesticides and such. I don't believe that the actual flesh of an organic apple is more nutritional than the flesh of a conventional apple, but I do believe that buying organic produce helps the water system because there is less pesticide run-off, and it supports small business owners. So, maybe if you don't believe in the pesticide hysteria, you will start to buy some organic produce for one of these other reasons.
Anyone still reading? Carrie?
I'm far from perfect when it comes to all of this. And, "perfect" in my mind is different than "perfect" in your mind. The more I learn, though, the more information I can use to help me make better choices for our family. Maybe all of this will give you some food for thought ...
Need help finding local food? Check out Local Harvest.
The organic labeling system in this country doesn't make it any easier to understand this complicated business. Organic.org has some good information.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Uncharacteristically efficient
We just started getting delivery of organic produce.
To our front steps.
Could anything be better?
I'm thrilled with Door to Door Organics so far. (If you are in Colorado, Kansas City, Michigan or on the East Coast, check them out!)
It has been great for our meal-planning, healthy-eating, and saving-the-Earth-ness. (Too far? Maybe. But, I do feel better.)
However ... to the point ... I generally hate to waste food, and I find it especially repulsive to waste organic food. I am liking our composter for the kitchen scraps, but it can be a challenge to use up every bit of the fresh fruit and veggies before the next box arrives.
So, here are a few of my new strategies:
Blanch veggies and flash freeze
I happened to be cooking some pasta for dinner, and it occurred to me that I should just use that already boiling water to cook some broccoli and cauliflower that we wouldn't get to before it went bad. I pulled out the pasta, threw in the veggies, and let it cook for about 2 minutes. I drained the veggies and spread them out on a kitchen towel on a big cookie sheet. After they cooled to room temp, I put them in the freezer all spread out. After fully frozen, I tucked them away in a freezer bag for future use. I have thawed just a few pieces in the microwave for Girly's dinner, or will likely thaw a bigger amount and mix into mac and cheese or something.
Slushy fruit soup
This sounds kind of fancy, right? It isn't at all. We had a bunch of fruit leftover from a party - pineapple, oranges, kiwis, strawberries - and it was starting to look dismal. I put it all together in our Magic Bullet and then froze the blended fruit in ice cube trays. I thaw 2-3 cubes in the fridge, or just barely zap them in the microwave. It's a good, refreshing treat and good for spoon practice.
Frozen berries
Girly loves, loves, loves berries. They do seem to spoil faster than most fruit, though. If I have extra that I don't think we'll get to, I just freeze them spread out on a cookie sheet (or even better, the plastic lid to a tupperware container or something so they don't stick). You can thaw them to mix with yogurt, but Girly likes them frozen and chopped up. A cool treat!
I'm usually not good at this pre-planning business, but it does kill two birds with one stone: avoids wasting food AND gives you quick meals for the kiddos!
To our front steps.
Could anything be better?
I'm thrilled with Door to Door Organics so far. (If you are in Colorado, Kansas City, Michigan or on the East Coast, check them out!)
It has been great for our meal-planning, healthy-eating, and saving-the-Earth-ness. (Too far? Maybe. But, I do feel better.)
However ... to the point ... I generally hate to waste food, and I find it especially repulsive to waste organic food. I am liking our composter for the kitchen scraps, but it can be a challenge to use up every bit of the fresh fruit and veggies before the next box arrives.
So, here are a few of my new strategies:
Blanch veggies and flash freeze
I happened to be cooking some pasta for dinner, and it occurred to me that I should just use that already boiling water to cook some broccoli and cauliflower that we wouldn't get to before it went bad. I pulled out the pasta, threw in the veggies, and let it cook for about 2 minutes. I drained the veggies and spread them out on a kitchen towel on a big cookie sheet. After they cooled to room temp, I put them in the freezer all spread out. After fully frozen, I tucked them away in a freezer bag for future use. I have thawed just a few pieces in the microwave for Girly's dinner, or will likely thaw a bigger amount and mix into mac and cheese or something.
Slushy fruit soup
This sounds kind of fancy, right? It isn't at all. We had a bunch of fruit leftover from a party - pineapple, oranges, kiwis, strawberries - and it was starting to look dismal. I put it all together in our Magic Bullet and then froze the blended fruit in ice cube trays. I thaw 2-3 cubes in the fridge, or just barely zap them in the microwave. It's a good, refreshing treat and good for spoon practice.
Frozen berries
Girly loves, loves, loves berries. They do seem to spoil faster than most fruit, though. If I have extra that I don't think we'll get to, I just freeze them spread out on a cookie sheet (or even better, the plastic lid to a tupperware container or something so they don't stick). You can thaw them to mix with yogurt, but Girly likes them frozen and chopped up. A cool treat!
I'm usually not good at this pre-planning business, but it does kill two birds with one stone: avoids wasting food AND gives you quick meals for the kiddos!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Pride
On this Mother's Day, I'm proud of the job I've done so far (17 months and counting).
I'm proud of the little girl that lives in our house and follows me around and occasionally drives me crazy.
I'm also proud of how I handled a bad parenting moment yesterday.
We were driving home from the store, as a family, when I heard Girly choking in the backseat. She is still rear-facing in her car seat, but we have a mirror and I turned around and could see that she had shoved her barrette down her throat. I was in the passenger seat, so I yelled at Huz, he stopped the car in the middle of the road and I started to crawl backwards over my seat to get her out. Fortunately, she threw it up as I was loosening the restraint to get her out.
She was fine.
We were all scared.
I felt terrible that it even happened in the first place.
Girly was born with more hair than a lot of 1-year-olds, so she has had barrettes or rubber bands in her hair for months and months now. I know they are choking hazards, so I've always watched her very carefully. I always take them out of her hair at nap time. As she has gotten older, she pulls barrettes out, but has never put them in her mouth. The one she almost swallowed was big and had a bow on it ... if I had thought to be worried, I would have only worried about a smaller barrette.
Instead of beating myself up (which I am prone to do), I'll just have to realize that it was an accident. It could have happened to anyone (and, now, hopefully won't happen to you).
In retrospect, though, I am proud of how I responded. My mom-instinct and mom-reflexes kicked in and I think I just knew what to do. I scrambled over the back of my seat faster than you can imagine. I knew I could get her out of her car seat and do the Heimlich if I had to. (Thank god I didn't have to).
I really hope I never find myself in a similar situation again, but if I do, I feel better that I probably won't be paralyzed with fear.
And that, my friends, is the best gift I could hope for.
I'm proud of the little girl that lives in our house and follows me around and occasionally drives me crazy.
I'm also proud of how I handled a bad parenting moment yesterday.
We were driving home from the store, as a family, when I heard Girly choking in the backseat. She is still rear-facing in her car seat, but we have a mirror and I turned around and could see that she had shoved her barrette down her throat. I was in the passenger seat, so I yelled at Huz, he stopped the car in the middle of the road and I started to crawl backwards over my seat to get her out. Fortunately, she threw it up as I was loosening the restraint to get her out.
She was fine.
We were all scared.
I felt terrible that it even happened in the first place.
Girly was born with more hair than a lot of 1-year-olds, so she has had barrettes or rubber bands in her hair for months and months now. I know they are choking hazards, so I've always watched her very carefully. I always take them out of her hair at nap time. As she has gotten older, she pulls barrettes out, but has never put them in her mouth. The one she almost swallowed was big and had a bow on it ... if I had thought to be worried, I would have only worried about a smaller barrette.
Instead of beating myself up (which I am prone to do), I'll just have to realize that it was an accident. It could have happened to anyone (and, now, hopefully won't happen to you).
In retrospect, though, I am proud of how I responded. My mom-instinct and mom-reflexes kicked in and I think I just knew what to do. I scrambled over the back of my seat faster than you can imagine. I knew I could get her out of her car seat and do the Heimlich if I had to. (Thank god I didn't have to).
I really hope I never find myself in a similar situation again, but if I do, I feel better that I probably won't be paralyzed with fear.
And that, my friends, is the best gift I could hope for.
Monday, May 3, 2010
For your medical memory bank
Just two small pieces of medical advice we picked up last week. File them away ...
I got a call from Girly's teacher on Wednesday saying that she was not as active as usual, pulled on her ears all day, skipped lunch and took an extra-long nap. That, combined with the fact that she (finally!) slept late the same morning, all added up to SICKNESS.
She was acting pretty normal when I picked her up, but I knew if I didn't take her to the pediatrician's office it would for sure turn in to something bad.
She laughed and climbed all over the room. I felt dumb for bringing her. We had the obligatory ear check and she had something akin to the opposite of an ear infection. This is very un-technical and probably not medically accurate, but basically her ear drums were sucked in instead of bulging out with fluid. She had a little head congestion and that, combined with TONS of teething, just caused pressure in her ears.
Like being on a plane with ears that won't pop!
Poor girl.
The remedy was just (more) Motrin and lots of fluids so the sucking motion would help relieve the pressure. We also use frozen wet washcloths for chewing. (I'm sure you all know about the Motrin/Tylenol/Benadryl/Zyrtec recall by now. Right? If not, see McNeil Product Recall. Buy generic, I guess?)
So - ear pulling, but no fever may very well be built up pressure. I didn't know about encouraging drinking, so that was a helpful tip.
Also, while we were at the pediatrician's office and had already paid our co-pay, I took the opportunity to get a prescription for a nebulizer compressor. We had one round of breathing treatments back in January and borrowed the machine from the office. I was happy we didn't have to buy one, but then we needed one again in March and I was lucky enough to borrow one from a friend. This wouldn't be quite as convenient in the middle of the night.
My vast amount of experience with children needing breathing treatments (n=1; can you sense the sarcasm?) tells me this:
1. If you need to do the treatments once, you will probably need to do them twice.
2. If you are prescribed Xopenex (the expensive steroids), ask them to write the prescription for the maximum number of boxes. You will likely pay the same co-pay regardless and might as well get your money's worth.
3. The meds last about a year. Which is convenient because you will probably need them again. (See #1)
4. Ask about buying a nebulizer compressor the first time you need one. Mine was surprisingly inexpensive - $75 out of pocket at most, and my insurance may pay some/all. Well worth it, in my opinion, to save a midnight trip to the ER or urgent care.
Again, can't state it enough ... I feel quite lucky to take my daughter to the doctor's office with worry, only to find that she climbs all over the place and plays with tongue depressors.
We are luckier than many and I'm thankful each day.
I got a call from Girly's teacher on Wednesday saying that she was not as active as usual, pulled on her ears all day, skipped lunch and took an extra-long nap. That, combined with the fact that she (finally!) slept late the same morning, all added up to SICKNESS.
She was acting pretty normal when I picked her up, but I knew if I didn't take her to the pediatrician's office it would for sure turn in to something bad.
She laughed and climbed all over the room. I felt dumb for bringing her. We had the obligatory ear check and she had something akin to the opposite of an ear infection. This is very un-technical and probably not medically accurate, but basically her ear drums were sucked in instead of bulging out with fluid. She had a little head congestion and that, combined with TONS of teething, just caused pressure in her ears.
Like being on a plane with ears that won't pop!
Poor girl.
The remedy was just (more) Motrin and lots of fluids so the sucking motion would help relieve the pressure. We also use frozen wet washcloths for chewing. (I'm sure you all know about the Motrin/Tylenol/Benadryl/Zyrtec recall by now. Right? If not, see McNeil Product Recall. Buy generic, I guess?)
So - ear pulling, but no fever may very well be built up pressure. I didn't know about encouraging drinking, so that was a helpful tip.
Also, while we were at the pediatrician's office and had already paid our co-pay, I took the opportunity to get a prescription for a nebulizer compressor. We had one round of breathing treatments back in January and borrowed the machine from the office. I was happy we didn't have to buy one, but then we needed one again in March and I was lucky enough to borrow one from a friend. This wouldn't be quite as convenient in the middle of the night.
My vast amount of experience with children needing breathing treatments (n=1; can you sense the sarcasm?) tells me this:
1. If you need to do the treatments once, you will probably need to do them twice.
2. If you are prescribed Xopenex (the expensive steroids), ask them to write the prescription for the maximum number of boxes. You will likely pay the same co-pay regardless and might as well get your money's worth.
3. The meds last about a year. Which is convenient because you will probably need them again. (See #1)
4. Ask about buying a nebulizer compressor the first time you need one. Mine was surprisingly inexpensive - $75 out of pocket at most, and my insurance may pay some/all. Well worth it, in my opinion, to save a midnight trip to the ER or urgent care.
Again, can't state it enough ... I feel quite lucky to take my daughter to the doctor's office with worry, only to find that she climbs all over the place and plays with tongue depressors.
We are luckier than many and I'm thankful each day.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
For or against?
We are having a party at our house this weekend and a couple of issues have come up ... let's take a poll!
1. Are you for or against plastic playground equipment in your backyard?
I'm not really talking about big swing sets because, a) sometimes you inherit one in a move, or b) they are a much longer term investment. Rather, I'm talking about the plastic forts / slides / playhouses.
I was initially against them and classified them in the 'unnecessary kid gear' category. It seemed to be one of those things you could drop $75-100 on and not get your money's worth. Then, our Girl developed an obsession with slides and thoroughly enjoys the small plastic slides at school and Grammy's house.
Does the novelty wear off if it's in your own back yard? Is it a god-send for play date entertainment?
2. Do you like to attend parties with or without your kids?
We've had a Cinco de Mayo party for several years running. Last year, with a 5-month-old, the party turned into a family affair and our friends were invited to bring their kids. It was a lot of fun and a lot of craziness!
My rationale FOR bringing kids: a) I like to see our friends and I don't want them to have to pay for a sitter to come to our party, and b) It's fun to see all the kids together because it doesn't happen very often.
Now, I'm wondering ... would it be a lot more fun / relaxing to NOT bring kids? Not from my planning standpoint, but from a guest-enjoyment-perspective. Maybe parents are looking for opportunities to get out of the house without their kids? (I know I do sometimes).
What's your vote?
1. Are you for or against plastic playground equipment in your backyard?
I'm not really talking about big swing sets because, a) sometimes you inherit one in a move, or b) they are a much longer term investment. Rather, I'm talking about the plastic forts / slides / playhouses.
I was initially against them and classified them in the 'unnecessary kid gear' category. It seemed to be one of those things you could drop $75-100 on and not get your money's worth. Then, our Girl developed an obsession with slides and thoroughly enjoys the small plastic slides at school and Grammy's house.
Does the novelty wear off if it's in your own back yard? Is it a god-send for play date entertainment?
2. Do you like to attend parties with or without your kids?
We've had a Cinco de Mayo party for several years running. Last year, with a 5-month-old, the party turned into a family affair and our friends were invited to bring their kids. It was a lot of fun and a lot of craziness!
My rationale FOR bringing kids: a) I like to see our friends and I don't want them to have to pay for a sitter to come to our party, and b) It's fun to see all the kids together because it doesn't happen very often.
Now, I'm wondering ... would it be a lot more fun / relaxing to NOT bring kids? Not from my planning standpoint, but from a guest-enjoyment-perspective. Maybe parents are looking for opportunities to get out of the house without their kids? (I know I do sometimes).
What's your vote?
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Can I buy you a gift?
I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU for all of your thoughts and tips regarding the sleeping situation.
You (collectively) really are the best.
I wrote the last post a few days before it posted and, wouldn't you know it, I had already formulated some plans by the time the weekend rolled around. Your thoughts helped encourage me to move forward!
So, in no particular order, this is our current approach:
1. Kept the ghetto black out shades. They are not helping with naps, but have at least helped us avoid the issue of light outside at bedtime.
2. Moved back bedtime to 7:00pm. As a few people posted, there are some theories about moving bedtime UP to get a later wake-up time. I think a lot of this comes from Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child, which I am a big fan of. Truth be told, though, Girly's bedtime just simply could not be moved earlier than 6:30pm. That would have been ridiculous. I made the decision to just bump it back by 30 minutes (instead of gradually) and to give it a whole week before I judged whether it was working. (Did I already mention that we had kind of toyed with this earlier and I didn't think it worked? I don't think I gave it a fair try.)
3. Added a little pillow to her crib. In true ridiculous fashion, I was rushing around on Friday evening cutting up an old pillowcase and hand sewing a new pillowcase because I was convinced it would help.
4. I downloaded an Ocean Waves for Baby CD from iTunes. I have a tiny iPod stereo that I put in her room and play the ocean sounds continuously all night. (The iTunes reviews said this is a great choice because there aren't any seagull or boat sounds, just waves. Never would have occurred to me to check.) It is good white noise.
The scientist in me would say that I should have tried each approach on it's own to see if it worked. But, in my desperation, I just decided to throw all the spaghetti at the wall and see what stuck.
So, what stuck?
Saturday and Sunday mornings were a slight improvement, but Monday and Tuesday mornings were almost blissful. She slept until 6:45 and 6:30am and I practically had to physically restrain myself from going in and checking on her to make sure she wasn't dead.
Granted, we had a really busy weekend and her naps were sub-par, but I am hoping for a positive trend.
The best outcome of all is that, this morning, she clapped and laughed when I came to get her out of her crib, instead of screaming bloody murder.
I had missed those morning babbles and they are oh. so. sweet.
You (collectively) really are the best.
I wrote the last post a few days before it posted and, wouldn't you know it, I had already formulated some plans by the time the weekend rolled around. Your thoughts helped encourage me to move forward!
So, in no particular order, this is our current approach:
1. Kept the ghetto black out shades. They are not helping with naps, but have at least helped us avoid the issue of light outside at bedtime.
2. Moved back bedtime to 7:00pm. As a few people posted, there are some theories about moving bedtime UP to get a later wake-up time. I think a lot of this comes from Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child, which I am a big fan of. Truth be told, though, Girly's bedtime just simply could not be moved earlier than 6:30pm. That would have been ridiculous. I made the decision to just bump it back by 30 minutes (instead of gradually) and to give it a whole week before I judged whether it was working. (Did I already mention that we had kind of toyed with this earlier and I didn't think it worked? I don't think I gave it a fair try.)
3. Added a little pillow to her crib. In true ridiculous fashion, I was rushing around on Friday evening cutting up an old pillowcase and hand sewing a new pillowcase because I was convinced it would help.
4. I downloaded an Ocean Waves for Baby CD from iTunes. I have a tiny iPod stereo that I put in her room and play the ocean sounds continuously all night. (The iTunes reviews said this is a great choice because there aren't any seagull or boat sounds, just waves. Never would have occurred to me to check.) It is good white noise.
The scientist in me would say that I should have tried each approach on it's own to see if it worked. But, in my desperation, I just decided to throw all the spaghetti at the wall and see what stuck.
So, what stuck?
Saturday and Sunday mornings were a slight improvement, but Monday and Tuesday mornings were almost blissful. She slept until 6:45 and 6:30am and I practically had to physically restrain myself from going in and checking on her to make sure she wasn't dead.
Granted, we had a really busy weekend and her naps were sub-par, but I am hoping for a positive trend.
The best outcome of all is that, this morning, she clapped and laughed when I came to get her out of her crib, instead of screaming bloody murder.
I had missed those morning babbles and they are oh. so. sweet.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Sleep props
Ok ... seeking advice.
In an effort to cut down on the 5am wakings, I am seeking any and all tips for keeping your kid quiet in their crib!
We have two loveys (fondly named "Dee-dee") that are a great comfort, but, alas, do not encourage Girly to go back to sleep. As a side note, now that she has clearly declared her preference for two particular loveys, I am ordering a spare of each while I can still find them.
In just the last week, I've started putting a soft book in her crib when I go in to check on her before I head to bed. The first early morning I think it distracted her a bit, but not so sure that it does anymore.
When is a pillow OK in the crib? She is still so wiggly and spins around in her crib all night, so she doesn't sleep with a large blanket. I can't imagine a pillow would really make much difference, but I've read testimonials elsewhere and I'm desperate, people.
In case you were wondering, the black out shades don't seem to be doing diddly squat. I'm glad I didn't invest in real shades. We've been using the ghetto fleece blankets tucked around the shades, just like frat days.
What are your thoughts on a special alarm clock that signals your kid when it is OK to wake up? There are several versions out there ... this Kid'Sleep version looks cute. I'm pretty sure she is too young at 16 months to comprehend, but I think she is smart and I also think a $40 investment in my future sanity could be warranted. If I just knew that there might be an end to the 5am wakings (before she is 17), I might deal better.
I realize that the lowest tech solution would be to let her cry in her crib until the appropriate wake-up time. Let me tell you that this is not working. We have been doing that for at least 2 weeks and she is still up 5-6 nights out of 7 at about 5:20am, and the remaining nights it might be 5:45am. It is a sad day when sleeping until 6:30am sounds like heaven.
I fear we may just have an early riser and we'll just have to get used to it for the time being. If there is an alternative solution, though, PLEASE LET ME KNOW.
In an effort to cut down on the 5am wakings, I am seeking any and all tips for keeping your kid quiet in their crib!
We have two loveys (fondly named "Dee-dee") that are a great comfort, but, alas, do not encourage Girly to go back to sleep. As a side note, now that she has clearly declared her preference for two particular loveys, I am ordering a spare of each while I can still find them.
In just the last week, I've started putting a soft book in her crib when I go in to check on her before I head to bed. The first early morning I think it distracted her a bit, but not so sure that it does anymore.
When is a pillow OK in the crib? She is still so wiggly and spins around in her crib all night, so she doesn't sleep with a large blanket. I can't imagine a pillow would really make much difference, but I've read testimonials elsewhere and I'm desperate, people.
In case you were wondering, the black out shades don't seem to be doing diddly squat. I'm glad I didn't invest in real shades. We've been using the ghetto fleece blankets tucked around the shades, just like frat days.
What are your thoughts on a special alarm clock that signals your kid when it is OK to wake up? There are several versions out there ... this Kid'Sleep version looks cute. I'm pretty sure she is too young at 16 months to comprehend, but I think she is smart and I also think a $40 investment in my future sanity could be warranted. If I just knew that there might be an end to the 5am wakings (before she is 17), I might deal better.
I realize that the lowest tech solution would be to let her cry in her crib until the appropriate wake-up time. Let me tell you that this is not working. We have been doing that for at least 2 weeks and she is still up 5-6 nights out of 7 at about 5:20am, and the remaining nights it might be 5:45am. It is a sad day when sleeping until 6:30am sounds like heaven.
I fear we may just have an early riser and we'll just have to get used to it for the time being. If there is an alternative solution, though, PLEASE LET ME KNOW.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Sunshine and Muffins
Nope. No cryptic or clever meaning behind this. Just simply that we've been enjoying the sunshine and I made some muffins.
The weather just all of a sudden became beautiful and warm. Dare I say too warm? No, I dare-n't. I do hope we get a true spring, but I'll take this over snow any day.
In the sudden-ness of the sunshine, I realized that we didn't have any outside toys. Since our days are now filled with pleas for "ow-side", "ow-side", "OW-SIDE!!", we made a quick dash to Target for some balls and sidewalk chalk. The chalk is mostly for eating, of course.
I also had to dig out the sunscreen and, as expected, it is even more challenging to lotion up a squirmy 16-month-old than a slightly-less-squirmy baby. I also realized the Girly is continuing with her protest of all hats and things hat-like, so I had to get creative with protecting her head.
Last year, she would tolerate a sun hat and we really didn't spend all that much time outside in the sun, what with the napping and breastfeeding around the clock. This year, though, her hair is almost always in pigtails and I worry about her scalp burning. I like our California Baby sunscreen, but it really doesn't work for her scalp. I needed something quick and grabbed the Banana Boat Kids spray sunscreen at Costco. I have enough to spray the scalps of a gaggle of children - come on over. I had a little bit of buyer's remorse about possibly not choosing the 'safest' sunscreen (see Safe Mama's list here), but then I had to get over it because a burnt scalp is far worse.
Also, note to self: If there is a Child #2, work harder on getting them to wear hats.
As for the sunglasses, Girly's eyes are bright blue and I notice her squinting. I am terrible at wearing sunglasses (they just never look right on my face. Tips??), but I really would like her to wear some. I got some at Target that are on an elastic band with velcro in the back. Umm, FAIL. Any good ones that your kids will wear?
As for the muffins, these are a good (pretty healthy) treat. I got the recipe from Mark Bittman's blog, which always has delicious sounding stuff.
Here is the original post. Be sure to click through to the Minimalist column and read it for extra tips and pointers, including the comments. I made them as written with canned pumpkin the first time because it is so easy. Truthfully, I thought they were just so-so, but Girly loved them. Next time I will jazz them up with some spices and a more flavorful fruit/veggie. I even wonder if peaches or strawberries would work? Maybe too liquidy ...
Whole Wheat Muffins
I probably should taste them first, though, just to make sure they are OK.
The weather just all of a sudden became beautiful and warm. Dare I say too warm? No, I dare-n't. I do hope we get a true spring, but I'll take this over snow any day.
In the sudden-ness of the sunshine, I realized that we didn't have any outside toys. Since our days are now filled with pleas for "ow-side", "ow-side", "OW-SIDE!!", we made a quick dash to Target for some balls and sidewalk chalk. The chalk is mostly for eating, of course.
I also had to dig out the sunscreen and, as expected, it is even more challenging to lotion up a squirmy 16-month-old than a slightly-less-squirmy baby. I also realized the Girly is continuing with her protest of all hats and things hat-like, so I had to get creative with protecting her head.
Last year, she would tolerate a sun hat and we really didn't spend all that much time outside in the sun, what with the napping and breastfeeding around the clock. This year, though, her hair is almost always in pigtails and I worry about her scalp burning. I like our California Baby sunscreen, but it really doesn't work for her scalp. I needed something quick and grabbed the Banana Boat Kids spray sunscreen at Costco. I have enough to spray the scalps of a gaggle of children - come on over. I had a little bit of buyer's remorse about possibly not choosing the 'safest' sunscreen (see Safe Mama's list here), but then I had to get over it because a burnt scalp is far worse.
Also, note to self: If there is a Child #2, work harder on getting them to wear hats.
As for the sunglasses, Girly's eyes are bright blue and I notice her squinting. I am terrible at wearing sunglasses (they just never look right on my face. Tips??), but I really would like her to wear some. I got some at Target that are on an elastic band with velcro in the back. Umm, FAIL. Any good ones that your kids will wear?
As for the muffins, these are a good (pretty healthy) treat. I got the recipe from Mark Bittman's blog, which always has delicious sounding stuff.
Here is the original post. Be sure to click through to the Minimalist column and read it for extra tips and pointers, including the comments. I made them as written with canned pumpkin the first time because it is so easy. Truthfully, I thought they were just so-so, but Girly loved them. Next time I will jazz them up with some spices and a more flavorful fruit/veggie. I even wonder if peaches or strawberries would work? Maybe too liquidy ...
Whole Wheat Muffins
1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, more for greasing tins
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour, preferably pastry flour (keep your whole wheat flour in the freezer)
3/4 to 1 cup sugar, depending on sweetness of fruit
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup mashed or puréed banana, sweet potato, apple, zucchini, cooked or canned pumpkin, or other fruits or vegetables
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup buttermilk (I uses this buttermilk powder so I always have it on hand. Just mix with water! You can find it at any grocery store, I bet.)
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees and grease two 6-cup muffin tins or fill with liners. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, banana, egg and buttermilk. Fold wet mixture into dry mixture and stir until just combined.
2. Fill muffin tins or liners; bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until muffins are puffed and turning golden brown on top. Serve warm if possible.
Yield: 12 (regular sized) muffins. I made mini muffins and it makes a ton.
I probably should taste them first, though, just to make sure they are OK.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Accidental parenting
It's in one of my parenting books - oh, there are so many - but I like the idea. I don't know the exact definition, but it's something about the choices you make as a parent, without intention or planning, that result in a habit or pattern for your child.
I think it can result in 'good' or 'bad' outcomes.
Let's start with the good. OK?
I was recently telling a friend about how useful our Pack n' Play has been. I wasn't sure if we wanted or needed one and I couldn't imagine how we would use it. Fast forward 16 months and it is probably the most-used baby item in our house. We have used it everyday, often multiple times a day, since Girly was born.
We had it on the first floor of our house as a changing table and occasional napping spot for months and months. Then, when it was no longer safe to leave Girly in the middle of our bed in the mornings, we moved her to the Pack n' Play (her "house") to entertain herself while we got ready in the mornings. There are toys and books that always stay in her house and she has generally been content to play in there for 20-30 minutes until someone is ready to take her downstairs for a morning snack. We are just reaching the point now where she is less happy to be contained, but she'll still usually tolerate it if I'm in the shower and Sesame Street is on.
I guess my point is that we apparently created the expectation that she should hang out and be happy in her house while we got ready in the mornings and it has served us well.
Now, for the bad.
They say it takes 21 days to form a habit. I BEG TO DIFFER.
I know I've moaned and groaned about the 5am wakings and, a couple of weeks ago, those wakings migrated into the 4's. For the first time ever, I brought Girly into my bed to try to get some more sleep. Huz was sick and sleeping in the guest room and I didn't want her crying to wake him up. She snuggled up with me and slept for 2 more hours. It wasn't optimal quality sleep, but it was far better than a screaming child or back and forth to her room. And guess what? We did it the next night and the night after that.
Uh oh.
Truthfully, I liked the snuggling. I know it won't last forever and it feels good to know that your child is so comforted by you. BUT. As much as you may think, "Oh, one time won't really make a difference" - it sure does.
We 'fixed it' with some good ol' crying-it-out. Not fun, but effective. We had been through similar situations before and dealt with them in the same way. My memory is short, I guess, because I sure didn't nip it in the bud this time. I guess I felt like this must be something new and different because she was older, but sometimes the rusty tools in your tool kit work just fine.
I think it can result in 'good' or 'bad' outcomes.
Let's start with the good. OK?
I was recently telling a friend about how useful our Pack n' Play has been. I wasn't sure if we wanted or needed one and I couldn't imagine how we would use it. Fast forward 16 months and it is probably the most-used baby item in our house. We have used it everyday, often multiple times a day, since Girly was born.
We had it on the first floor of our house as a changing table and occasional napping spot for months and months. Then, when it was no longer safe to leave Girly in the middle of our bed in the mornings, we moved her to the Pack n' Play (her "house") to entertain herself while we got ready in the mornings. There are toys and books that always stay in her house and she has generally been content to play in there for 20-30 minutes until someone is ready to take her downstairs for a morning snack. We are just reaching the point now where she is less happy to be contained, but she'll still usually tolerate it if I'm in the shower and Sesame Street is on.
I guess my point is that we apparently created the expectation that she should hang out and be happy in her house while we got ready in the mornings and it has served us well.
Now, for the bad.
They say it takes 21 days to form a habit. I BEG TO DIFFER.
I know I've moaned and groaned about the 5am wakings and, a couple of weeks ago, those wakings migrated into the 4's. For the first time ever, I brought Girly into my bed to try to get some more sleep. Huz was sick and sleeping in the guest room and I didn't want her crying to wake him up. She snuggled up with me and slept for 2 more hours. It wasn't optimal quality sleep, but it was far better than a screaming child or back and forth to her room. And guess what? We did it the next night and the night after that.
Uh oh.
Truthfully, I liked the snuggling. I know it won't last forever and it feels good to know that your child is so comforted by you. BUT. As much as you may think, "Oh, one time won't really make a difference" - it sure does.
We 'fixed it' with some good ol' crying-it-out. Not fun, but effective. We had been through similar situations before and dealt with them in the same way. My memory is short, I guess, because I sure didn't nip it in the bud this time. I guess I felt like this must be something new and different because she was older, but sometimes the rusty tools in your tool kit work just fine.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Is it still called dining?
People ... please tell me your tips and tricks for eating out with your kids.
I must say that we didn't take full advantage of the baby-is-portable-and-sleeping-in-her-bucket stage. It was cold outside at that stage. And I was kind of a homebody. And then, before I knew it, that stage was over.
We have recently attempted a few outings with Girly because the weather has been so beautiful and the first thought that crosses our minds is "Drinks on a patio!" (Some things from your college days just remain a part of you).
We get there early (like, barely 5:00pm).
I try to order something for Girly to eat as soon as the waitperson comes by. (As an aside - do you feel it is necessary / appropriate to order food for your kids to eat at the restaurant? Or is it OK to bring stuff? Aside from allergy issues, I felt I should order something. BUT - she never eats it. Money down the drain.)
I used to order whatever I wanted, and now I tend to order food that tastes good cold.
From now on, I will ask for the bill as soon as our food comes - just in case.
I fully admit that I become stressed more easily than the average person. I am finding, though, that eating out with Girly just isn't enjoyable. We shove our food in our faces and try constantly to entertain her and keep her quiet, all the while trying to get her to eat something that has a minuscule of nutritional value. It isn't that she behaves badly, but I think I just worry that she is on the verge of a meltdown at all times and I can't relax and enjoy the Drinks On The Patio.
You?? How do you handle this??
I must say that we didn't take full advantage of the baby-is-portable-and-sleeping-in-her-bucket stage. It was cold outside at that stage. And I was kind of a homebody. And then, before I knew it, that stage was over.
We have recently attempted a few outings with Girly because the weather has been so beautiful and the first thought that crosses our minds is "Drinks on a patio!" (Some things from your college days just remain a part of you).
We get there early (like, barely 5:00pm).
I try to order something for Girly to eat as soon as the waitperson comes by. (As an aside - do you feel it is necessary / appropriate to order food for your kids to eat at the restaurant? Or is it OK to bring stuff? Aside from allergy issues, I felt I should order something. BUT - she never eats it. Money down the drain.)
I used to order whatever I wanted, and now I tend to order food that tastes good cold.
From now on, I will ask for the bill as soon as our food comes - just in case.
I fully admit that I become stressed more easily than the average person. I am finding, though, that eating out with Girly just isn't enjoyable. We shove our food in our faces and try constantly to entertain her and keep her quiet, all the while trying to get her to eat something that has a minuscule of nutritional value. It isn't that she behaves badly, but I think I just worry that she is on the verge of a meltdown at all times and I can't relax and enjoy the Drinks On The Patio.
You?? How do you handle this??
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Wisdom (teeth)
We have had a several week run of 5am wakings. In conjunction with only 1 hour naps, this does not make for a happy mom or a happy Girl.
Sunday evening was really the topper. To bed at 6:45pm, up from 1:30-3:00, then for good at 5:15am. Ouch. Girly was crying from her bed at 1:30 and, instead of waiting to see if she would go back to sleep, I went to rock her a bit. She instantly fell asleep in my arms. I put her back in her crib after about 5 minutes ... and ... let the crying commence. (As I stood up with her from the chair, she started tapping my shoulder as if to say, "Umm - scuze me - I am comfortable here - sit your ass down.")
I was lamenting to a friend about the up-all-nightedness and she asked about teeth. Teeth? Oh yeah. Those. Didn't occur to me in my middle-of-the-night momnesia stupor.
She has been chewing on her hands and everything in site for weeks, but I hadn't seen any teeth on the brief inspection Girly will allow. Then today, what do I find? A MOLAR! I surely didn't think we were ready for those. She only has 4 upper teeth and 2 lower, but I guess the tooth fairy doesn't ask which ones you want next.
(Here is a little chart about tooth eruption, not that we have followed this pattern).
So, Motrin is our friend again. I can't say that this is the sole cause of the early waking. (It started before the time change, which I thought would help things, but alas has not. ) We have fostered some behavioral component by getting her out of bed at 5:15am to come to our bed so we can catch 7 more minutes of sleep. I know we could and should leave her in bed to figure it out on her own, but sometimes sleep wins.
I am also experimenting with black out shades for her naps. She naps better at school than at home, which is crazy to me. A few variables to consider,though: 1) it is darker in her school room than in her bedroom, and 2) there is a peer pressure component when the room is filled with other sleeping children. I have resisted black out shades for an unknown reason. I guess I thought I didn't want her to become dependent on almost total darkness for napping. In reality, though, she almost exclusively naps at school or home, so it isn't a big deal. And the thought that I might be able to count on 1 1/2 or 2 hours of napping is just SO APPEALING.
I should have known better about the teeth ... the last time her sleeping was so disrupted teething was definitely the cause. Let this be a reminder to you. Also, as my friend said, there just must be something about the smell of a mom's neck that makes teeth feel better.
Sunday evening was really the topper. To bed at 6:45pm, up from 1:30-3:00, then for good at 5:15am. Ouch. Girly was crying from her bed at 1:30 and, instead of waiting to see if she would go back to sleep, I went to rock her a bit. She instantly fell asleep in my arms. I put her back in her crib after about 5 minutes ... and ... let the crying commence. (As I stood up with her from the chair, she started tapping my shoulder as if to say, "Umm - scuze me - I am comfortable here - sit your ass down.")
I was lamenting to a friend about the up-all-nightedness and she asked about teeth. Teeth? Oh yeah. Those. Didn't occur to me in my middle-of-the-night momnesia stupor.
She has been chewing on her hands and everything in site for weeks, but I hadn't seen any teeth on the brief inspection Girly will allow. Then today, what do I find? A MOLAR! I surely didn't think we were ready for those. She only has 4 upper teeth and 2 lower, but I guess the tooth fairy doesn't ask which ones you want next.
(Here is a little chart about tooth eruption, not that we have followed this pattern).
So, Motrin is our friend again. I can't say that this is the sole cause of the early waking. (It started before the time change, which I thought would help things, but alas has not. ) We have fostered some behavioral component by getting her out of bed at 5:15am to come to our bed so we can catch 7 more minutes of sleep. I know we could and should leave her in bed to figure it out on her own, but sometimes sleep wins.
I am also experimenting with black out shades for her naps. She naps better at school than at home, which is crazy to me. A few variables to consider,though: 1) it is darker in her school room than in her bedroom, and 2) there is a peer pressure component when the room is filled with other sleeping children. I have resisted black out shades for an unknown reason. I guess I thought I didn't want her to become dependent on almost total darkness for napping. In reality, though, she almost exclusively naps at school or home, so it isn't a big deal. And the thought that I might be able to count on 1 1/2 or 2 hours of napping is just SO APPEALING.
I should have known better about the teeth ... the last time her sleeping was so disrupted teething was definitely the cause. Let this be a reminder to you. Also, as my friend said, there just must be something about the smell of a mom's neck that makes teeth feel better.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Wish I'd heard it sooner
Rookie Moms is one of my frequently-checked blogs. They have all kinds of good stuff on there!
I've copied one of their recent posts below. You can find the original here. Good advice, me thinks!
I've copied one of their recent posts below. You can find the original here. Good advice, me thinks!
The best advice Ryan and I got during our first days with Julian came from a source that I can no longer remember, perhaps the pediatrician who made rounds in the hospital. It was this:
Babies need to go from 0 to 10 on a daily basis. A sleeping baby is at 0 and may spend most of his day that way. At 10, loud and incessant crying, your baby is also doing his job. At 0, 1, and 2, you probably feel like a pretty good parent, while at 8, 9, and 10 you assume you are doing everything wrong, your baby is in terrible pain, and wish that someone, perhaps the real mother of this baby, would come show you what the problem is.
Remember this scale, rookie moms. Your own baby’s crying is surprisingly difficult to endure. And it’s not because you’ve been reinvented as the most empathetic person on the planet or because you are so completely bonded with your baby. It’s because the sound is blood-curdlingly horrific and you know that no one else is responsible. Whatever the problem is, it’s yours to solve.
There might not be a problem is the point, however. It might just be your baby’s daily visit to the number 10. Rock her, change her, shush her, swing her, feed her. Even put her down in her crib and leave the room. Hey, for some kids, that works!
Remember this tip, pregnant readers, so that when your baby is at 5, 6, or 7, you can maintain a little perspective and save some energy for the rating of 10 that typically arrives around 4 or 5 pm.
Toddler and preschooler moms, are you still reading? Here’s my advanced patented theory of parenting: Your walking, talking child also needs to go from 0 to 10 on a daily basis. That’s why he’s hyperventilating over a light switch that you flipped on when he wanted to DO IT BY MAH SELF! He’s just exercising his ability to get to 10.
Maintaining perspective for the preschool set: When your kid is bouncing off the walls with glee, rolling around in the laundry you just folded, and hurling plastic tractors down a slide toward other kids, at least it is a happy 10. Isn’t it more pleasant than a tantrum about getting in the car seat that forced you to brace your knee against your child’s torso while you buckled him in? What? I do this to my daughter on a regular basis.
Find some positive ways to help your child get to 10 every day, to run around like a maniac; to jump on a pile of pillows, stuffed animals, and scarves; to throw rocks into water; and to scream “HOORAY!” and “POOP IS FUNNY!” loud enough for the neighbors to hear. Then hope that you’ve bought yourself another day.
Friday, March 12, 2010
It's good to have reminders
This job is hard.
Mommying is hard. Daddying is hard. Parenting is hard.
Harder for some than others, for sure.
Easier days and harder days and easier days and harder days.
Worth it? I will say, resoundingly, YES. But, that doesn't mean it is easy.
I have had a couple of reminders lately about how hard it can be for other parents, and how fortunate and thankful I am to be in the 'less-hard' category.
In a random, round-about way (isn't that always how it works?) I came across Enjoying The Small Things. It is a blog written by a talented photographer whose second child was born a few weeks ago and just happens to have Down syndrome. Her description of the birth story is very touching and so honest. From a professional perspective, I appreciated the insight into what so many of my patients feel. I am acutely aware that not every birth story is filled with rainbows and balloons. Also, though, there are moments of beauty in every birth, despite the unexpected. If I ever find myself in a similar situation, I hope I would be a fraction as gracious.
And this morning on the Today show, a story about a little boy Girly's age who was left unattended in the bathtub and drowned. He has miraculously recovered. Sheepishly, I admit my initial reaction was disgust - how could a parent do that? leave their child unattended? in the BATHTUB? But after a moment, I realized that no parent does that intentionally. It was an accident. I hope and pray that I never find myself in this similar situation, but why couldn't it happen to me? I am no better and no worse than any other parent who is trying their best.
I guess this is a long-winded way of saying ... no parent is perfect. I think we all try to be, but can anyone ever reach that goal? I am in awe at the friends and patients I have who meet seemingly insurmountable challenges in their daily lives as parents. To me, they seem perfect, although I'm sure they wouldn't say that themselves. And, those brief moments I have where I think to myself, "I would never do that!" ... don't be so quick, Missy. You today, me tomorrow.
Today, I vow to do my best.
And, tomorrow?
I'll try again.
Mommying is hard. Daddying is hard. Parenting is hard.
Harder for some than others, for sure.
Easier days and harder days and easier days and harder days.
Worth it? I will say, resoundingly, YES. But, that doesn't mean it is easy.
I have had a couple of reminders lately about how hard it can be for other parents, and how fortunate and thankful I am to be in the 'less-hard' category.
In a random, round-about way (isn't that always how it works?) I came across Enjoying The Small Things. It is a blog written by a talented photographer whose second child was born a few weeks ago and just happens to have Down syndrome. Her description of the birth story is very touching and so honest. From a professional perspective, I appreciated the insight into what so many of my patients feel. I am acutely aware that not every birth story is filled with rainbows and balloons. Also, though, there are moments of beauty in every birth, despite the unexpected. If I ever find myself in a similar situation, I hope I would be a fraction as gracious.
And this morning on the Today show, a story about a little boy Girly's age who was left unattended in the bathtub and drowned. He has miraculously recovered. Sheepishly, I admit my initial reaction was disgust - how could a parent do that? leave their child unattended? in the BATHTUB? But after a moment, I realized that no parent does that intentionally. It was an accident. I hope and pray that I never find myself in this similar situation, but why couldn't it happen to me? I am no better and no worse than any other parent who is trying their best.
I guess this is a long-winded way of saying ... no parent is perfect. I think we all try to be, but can anyone ever reach that goal? I am in awe at the friends and patients I have who meet seemingly insurmountable challenges in their daily lives as parents. To me, they seem perfect, although I'm sure they wouldn't say that themselves. And, those brief moments I have where I think to myself, "I would never do that!" ... don't be so quick, Missy. You today, me tomorrow.
Today, I vow to do my best.
And, tomorrow?
I'll try again.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Bye bye B
Goodbye B.
You were such a friendly pacifier. We all loved you dearly and you served us well. Alas, your time has come. We no longer need you. Farewell, friend ...
We took the cold turkey approach at the suggestion of many friends. It worked well with the bottles, but the addiction to the pacifier seemed to be so much MORE. I suppose we are like most parents who think, "sure, lots of kids are addicted to the pacifier. But our kid? She must be the MOST addicted of all time."
We had discussed which weekend might be best (i.e. anticipating some napless/sleepless days - better have reinforcements) and the Huz just decided we should do it sooner rather than later. I mostly agreed, minus the immunizations on the same day of paci-dropping. Oh well. Timing isn't everything.
It started out reasonably promising. Girly got her paci ("B") in the morning and for her shots. She had it for her nap, which just happened to be POOR. She threw the sole remaining pacifier out of her crib on the floor when she woke up crying (as per usual), so I casually kicked it under her crib into nonexistence. Before her nap, I told her: "When you wake up, we are going to throw your B's away. You are a big girl and you don't need your paci anymore". I'm certain that she didn't know what I was talking about, but I felt better giving her some kind of warning.
It was a beautiful day, so we took full advantage and went to the park after her nap. (Key #1: do something a little out of your routine to keep minds off pacis). She asked about it only once or twice all afternoon and was easily distracted. I just said, "Sorry, no more pacis. Your B's are all gone. You are a big girl and you don't need them anymore."
I had also removed all visual cues to the pacifiers (key #2). We used to keep them on the bottle drying rack in our kitchen window. The rack and pacifiers were all put away during her nap. At bedtime, we used to keep spare pacifiers in her bookcase. Now, that area is replaced with a basket of loveys and stuffed animals.
Bedtime was a little different. She got whiny and asked for her B. I just calmly told her there were no more B's. I offered her a stuffed animal instead to take to bed, which she begrudgingly took. She cried for about 15 minutes while she figured out how to fall asleep.
I told Huz that it was kind of sad. I'm clearly not opposed to crying it out - but, I felt like this was something we had forced on her (I should use 'force' lightly - she was a big fan of the paci from the start) and then took away.
The first night was great - not a peep during the night, which was a pleasant surprise since I feared she might wake up and not know how to get back to sleep. The next day's nap also took about 15 minutes of crying, and was extra sad because now, instead of just crying, she can yell out "mama, mammaa, MAMA!!!!" Ugh. Saturday bedtime was about 10 minutes of crying, then Sunday nap was just a few minutes and Sunday bedtime was just a whimper and then to sleep. Or, that may have had something to do with her fever. Again, timing isn't everything.
She continued to ask for B here and there, but we just told her "the B's are all gone" and moved on with our business. I am proud of her and proud of us. I saved all the pacifiers up in the cabinet and I was prepared to give it back to her (restricted to bedtime) if we ran in to a disaster. I'm glad I had the contingency plan and I'm extra glad we aren't going to use it.
I'll tuck away a couple of the B's for memory's sake, but I'm glad they are just that ... a memory.
You were such a friendly pacifier. We all loved you dearly and you served us well. Alas, your time has come. We no longer need you. Farewell, friend ...
We took the cold turkey approach at the suggestion of many friends. It worked well with the bottles, but the addiction to the pacifier seemed to be so much MORE. I suppose we are like most parents who think, "sure, lots of kids are addicted to the pacifier. But our kid? She must be the MOST addicted of all time."
We had discussed which weekend might be best (i.e. anticipating some napless/sleepless days - better have reinforcements) and the Huz just decided we should do it sooner rather than later. I mostly agreed, minus the immunizations on the same day of paci-dropping. Oh well. Timing isn't everything.
It started out reasonably promising. Girly got her paci ("B") in the morning and for her shots. She had it for her nap, which just happened to be POOR. She threw the sole remaining pacifier out of her crib on the floor when she woke up crying (as per usual), so I casually kicked it under her crib into nonexistence. Before her nap, I told her: "When you wake up, we are going to throw your B's away. You are a big girl and you don't need your paci anymore". I'm certain that she didn't know what I was talking about, but I felt better giving her some kind of warning.
It was a beautiful day, so we took full advantage and went to the park after her nap. (Key #1: do something a little out of your routine to keep minds off pacis). She asked about it only once or twice all afternoon and was easily distracted. I just said, "Sorry, no more pacis. Your B's are all gone. You are a big girl and you don't need them anymore."
I had also removed all visual cues to the pacifiers (key #2). We used to keep them on the bottle drying rack in our kitchen window. The rack and pacifiers were all put away during her nap. At bedtime, we used to keep spare pacifiers in her bookcase. Now, that area is replaced with a basket of loveys and stuffed animals.
Bedtime was a little different. She got whiny and asked for her B. I just calmly told her there were no more B's. I offered her a stuffed animal instead to take to bed, which she begrudgingly took. She cried for about 15 minutes while she figured out how to fall asleep.
I told Huz that it was kind of sad. I'm clearly not opposed to crying it out - but, I felt like this was something we had forced on her (I should use 'force' lightly - she was a big fan of the paci from the start) and then took away.
The first night was great - not a peep during the night, which was a pleasant surprise since I feared she might wake up and not know how to get back to sleep. The next day's nap also took about 15 minutes of crying, and was extra sad because now, instead of just crying, she can yell out "mama, mammaa, MAMA!!!!" Ugh. Saturday bedtime was about 10 minutes of crying, then Sunday nap was just a few minutes and Sunday bedtime was just a whimper and then to sleep. Or, that may have had something to do with her fever. Again, timing isn't everything.
She continued to ask for B here and there, but we just told her "the B's are all gone" and moved on with our business. I am proud of her and proud of us. I saved all the pacifiers up in the cabinet and I was prepared to give it back to her (restricted to bedtime) if we ran in to a disaster. I'm glad I had the contingency plan and I'm extra glad we aren't going to use it.
I'll tuck away a couple of the B's for memory's sake, but I'm glad they are just that ... a memory.
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