Six Months
On Friday 23rd Dec Cooper reached the 6 month milestone. What a wonderful six months it has been! Cooper is getting so clever at playing. He can sit up, roll over, scootch around. Two days after his 6 month mark, he was up on his hands and knees, so I'm wondering how far away crawling will be. He moves towards and reaches out for his toys, swapping them around from hand to hand to mouth. He loves interacting with and being around people. Twinkle little star is one of his favourite nursery rhymes.
Of course, with the age milestone came the immunisations. He was quite sad on Friday.
Christmas
Cooper's first Christmas was not especially spectacular from his point of view. He had a cute little elf outfit that he wore to several parties. I don't think he was aware o f the outfit itself, but he loved wearing it because he got lots of attention, which he loves :) He slept through half the first Christmas party. When it came to pressies, he had a go at unwrapping them, getting better with each round, but was still generally more interested in the paper. He was very spoilt!
Drugs
On boxing day (Mon), Cooper began to crash. His eye that has been sticky on and off since birth got lots worse, so we started on the conjunctivitus drops that I'd fortunately brought along. (We were up at the farm for a week.) His temperature was rising, so we began to give him panadol. He was getting hoarse, which turned into a cough, and leaking snot. He was sleeping for hours on end. And worst of all, he was SAD! So so sad.
By Wed morning, his temp was over 38 degrees celcius and he couldn't even manage to muster up one smile. That's when I cried. When my happy, happy baby couldn't smile, I knew he wasn't good. I hate to see him so sad.
A trip to Bordertown to visit the lovely local doctor, and a dose of antibiotics was prescribed for a chest infection. He's had just the one dose so far, but is still coughing and sad. I'm hoping it starts to work really quickly. My poor baby :(
Wednesday, 28 December 2011
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Tummy sleeping
By golly, he did it!! He slept for 4 3/4 hours straight!!! YEAH, BABY!!!
Now, that may not seem like a massive achievement, but keep in mind that Cooper has been waking approximately every 2 hours (that means only 1.5 - 1.75 hrs sleep between re-settling a baby) for 7.5 weeks now... not that I'm counting ;) He has managed up to about 3hrs a few times, but has also been shorter many times, even as short as 10 min. So, after almost two months of such incredibly broken sleep, this seems like a sleep marathon to me! I got over 4 hours, by the time I'd finished up in the kitchen and made it to bed myself.
So, what brought about the sudden blessing, you ask? I did one of the unforgivables, in the eyes of the maternal health nurses... I put him to sleep on his tummy.
I've had it drilled into me ever since I got pregnant... "you NEVER put a baby to sleep on their tummy! Even if you put them to sleep on their side so you can rub their back, you roll them back on to their back once they are asleep. This is the ONLY acceptable and safe way for a baby to sleep."
So I was somewhat terrified about breaking the rules. I know that Cooper can easily roll over, so I'm sure he could reposition his body if he was having trouble breathing, but there is always that fear. I've heard the risk of SIDS is highest between 2 and 6 months, and he isn't quite 6 months yet. But I know he likes sleeping on his tummy... that's how he sleeps on his dad in the evenings. And a friend said that the first time her unsettled bub slept through was when she put him on his tummy. So, with much fear and trepidation, I did it. And it worked!
Wohoo!!! Fingers crossed we do well tonight, too! Keep your eyes on the lookout for a more human Heather again soon! :D
Now, that may not seem like a massive achievement, but keep in mind that Cooper has been waking approximately every 2 hours (that means only 1.5 - 1.75 hrs sleep between re-settling a baby) for 7.5 weeks now... not that I'm counting ;) He has managed up to about 3hrs a few times, but has also been shorter many times, even as short as 10 min. So, after almost two months of such incredibly broken sleep, this seems like a sleep marathon to me! I got over 4 hours, by the time I'd finished up in the kitchen and made it to bed myself.
So, what brought about the sudden blessing, you ask? I did one of the unforgivables, in the eyes of the maternal health nurses... I put him to sleep on his tummy.
I've had it drilled into me ever since I got pregnant... "you NEVER put a baby to sleep on their tummy! Even if you put them to sleep on their side so you can rub their back, you roll them back on to their back once they are asleep. This is the ONLY acceptable and safe way for a baby to sleep."
So I was somewhat terrified about breaking the rules. I know that Cooper can easily roll over, so I'm sure he could reposition his body if he was having trouble breathing, but there is always that fear. I've heard the risk of SIDS is highest between 2 and 6 months, and he isn't quite 6 months yet. But I know he likes sleeping on his tummy... that's how he sleeps on his dad in the evenings. And a friend said that the first time her unsettled bub slept through was when she put him on his tummy. So, with much fear and trepidation, I did it. And it worked!
Wohoo!!! Fingers crossed we do well tonight, too! Keep your eyes on the lookout for a more human Heather again soon! :D
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
Getting Active
Boy is Cooper on the move!! He has, of course, been scooching for ages. Has also been rolling around like mad for a little while now. Gotta be careful where I leave him now!
His latest achievement is sitting. Of course, he isn't particularly steady yet, but is improving dramatically each day. He is so excited and happy with himself! For a while now, he has liked me to sit him up and help support him so that he can play with his toys while sitting, and he is just so pleased to be able to do it with less intervention from me.
Sometimes I'm not quick enough to catch him when he topples, and he occassionally seems to hit the floor fairly hard, but he appears not to be bothered by it. He simply lies there, lifting his head, straining to be able to sit up again.... got a long way to go before he is strong enough for that, however.
He is also showing signs of trying to crawl. He has been tucking his knees up under himself for a while, but not actually doing anything with them, and certainly not lifting his upper body at the same time. Last night, though, he was on his tummy, reaching for a toy out in front of him. He tucked his knees up, then propelled himself forward! Obviously still has a way to go, but with the rate that he is developing, I'm hoping it won't be too long before he is up and crawling!
*Another disclaimer: don't bother saying "Oh, don't wish him crawling, b/c babies are so much easier when they can't get around" or similar, because I disagree. The more mobile and active Cooper gets, the happier he is and the more fun I have with him. Babies are cute, but, to be honest, I find them a little boring. I am getting so much happier now as he gets into things more, and have stopped talking about wanting to go back to work or pestering Jason to have another baby. :)
His latest achievement is sitting. Of course, he isn't particularly steady yet, but is improving dramatically each day. He is so excited and happy with himself! For a while now, he has liked me to sit him up and help support him so that he can play with his toys while sitting, and he is just so pleased to be able to do it with less intervention from me.
Sometimes I'm not quick enough to catch him when he topples, and he occassionally seems to hit the floor fairly hard, but he appears not to be bothered by it. He simply lies there, lifting his head, straining to be able to sit up again.... got a long way to go before he is strong enough for that, however.
He is also showing signs of trying to crawl. He has been tucking his knees up under himself for a while, but not actually doing anything with them, and certainly not lifting his upper body at the same time. Last night, though, he was on his tummy, reaching for a toy out in front of him. He tucked his knees up, then propelled himself forward! Obviously still has a way to go, but with the rate that he is developing, I'm hoping it won't be too long before he is up and crawling!
*Another disclaimer: don't bother saying "Oh, don't wish him crawling, b/c babies are so much easier when they can't get around" or similar, because I disagree. The more mobile and active Cooper gets, the happier he is and the more fun I have with him. Babies are cute, but, to be honest, I find them a little boring. I am getting so much happier now as he gets into things more, and have stopped talking about wanting to go back to work or pestering Jason to have another baby. :)
Starting Solids
I had a friend stay recently. I was totally blown away by watching her little 10 month old eating. Tiny hadn't been interested in food until 8 months, and yet just 2 months later, here she was, munching on butter chicken and steamed snow peas and carrot with the rest of the family!!
Tab told me about "baby-led weaning", where you basically let your baby play with food instead of mashing it all for them, and they just learn to chew and then swallow. They may play for quite a while before actually eating, but as they are getting all their nutrition from breastmilk (or formula), it is just about experiencing food.
I was so totally impressed by Tiny, that I decided to give it a go. Pretty much whenever Cooper grabs for my food, I just let him, to see what he does with it. Food he has tried so far:
- apricots (probably his fave, although not if it is mashed... must be whole)
- yoghurt
- sweet potato (both mashed and in chunks - didn't like it either way)
- mashed potato (liked it plain, not so much with garlic and chives, lol)
- steamed carrot sticks and beans (great for holding, sucking and gumming, but couldn't actually eat... sooked a bit about that, so we gave him yoghurt afterwards)
- raisin toast (loved it)
- white bread (didn't mind it. Was at a party, peeled it off my sandwich for him... not sure what was in the sandwich (some kind of paste puree type thing) but he got a little red mark and a tiny bit of eczema on the side of his face after that... oops :-/ )
- kiwi fruit (um, yeah, I know now that is prob in the category of strawberries as far as allergies go and will avoid for a while)
- watermelon
- sausage (absolutely loved that! Give the man some meat!)
I think that's about it. It is so much fun to watch his face as he experiences the different temperatures, tastes and textures. He is really enjoying the food experience, as are we!
*Disclaimer... I thought about not posting this, as some people may be horrified at me letting a 5 month old chomp on all kinds of whole food, but this blog is primarily for me to remember what it's like while Cooper is little. So I'm recording the memories here for me. If you're horrified, don't read it! :)
Tab told me about "baby-led weaning", where you basically let your baby play with food instead of mashing it all for them, and they just learn to chew and then swallow. They may play for quite a while before actually eating, but as they are getting all their nutrition from breastmilk (or formula), it is just about experiencing food.
I was so totally impressed by Tiny, that I decided to give it a go. Pretty much whenever Cooper grabs for my food, I just let him, to see what he does with it. Food he has tried so far:
- apricots (probably his fave, although not if it is mashed... must be whole)
- yoghurt
- sweet potato (both mashed and in chunks - didn't like it either way)
- mashed potato (liked it plain, not so much with garlic and chives, lol)
- steamed carrot sticks and beans (great for holding, sucking and gumming, but couldn't actually eat... sooked a bit about that, so we gave him yoghurt afterwards)
- raisin toast (loved it)
- white bread (didn't mind it. Was at a party, peeled it off my sandwich for him... not sure what was in the sandwich (some kind of paste puree type thing) but he got a little red mark and a tiny bit of eczema on the side of his face after that... oops :-/ )
- kiwi fruit (um, yeah, I know now that is prob in the category of strawberries as far as allergies go and will avoid for a while)
- watermelon
- sausage (absolutely loved that! Give the man some meat!)
I think that's about it. It is so much fun to watch his face as he experiences the different temperatures, tastes and textures. He is really enjoying the food experience, as are we!
*Disclaimer... I thought about not posting this, as some people may be horrified at me letting a 5 month old chomp on all kinds of whole food, but this blog is primarily for me to remember what it's like while Cooper is little. So I'm recording the memories here for me. If you're horrified, don't read it! :)
Sleeping like a baby
Cooper has passed the 5 month mark now, and overnight wakings seem to be finally settling down. We usually just have 2 per night now. Thank goodness. Still hoping that will soon reduce down to one!!
He has just started sleeping in his own room, too.
Ok, so I started writing this post a while ago. Cooper is now 5 1/2 months, and the wheels have well and truly fallen off the sleep wagon. We're talking about waking every hour overnight and needing to be held during daytime sleeps again. I've given up on his cot and had him back in our bed the last few nights... this has resulted in one slightly longer sleep each night.
Oh the tiredness! This is what I was expecting at the start, and pleasantly surprised that it wasn't as bad as I thought. I wasn't expecting it now though, and it's killing me!
I took him back off solids, as I thought maybe that was somehow disturbing him, but that wasn't it. For a little while he had nappy rash and pink cheeks, so I thought it might be teething. He is still chomping really hard on my fingers, so that might be a factor. But I'm starting to think that maybe it's just all that he is learning at the moment... his brain is just too fired up to sleep.
Ah well, this too shall pass!
He has just started sleeping in his own room, too.
Ok, so I started writing this post a while ago. Cooper is now 5 1/2 months, and the wheels have well and truly fallen off the sleep wagon. We're talking about waking every hour overnight and needing to be held during daytime sleeps again. I've given up on his cot and had him back in our bed the last few nights... this has resulted in one slightly longer sleep each night.
Oh the tiredness! This is what I was expecting at the start, and pleasantly surprised that it wasn't as bad as I thought. I wasn't expecting it now though, and it's killing me!
I took him back off solids, as I thought maybe that was somehow disturbing him, but that wasn't it. For a little while he had nappy rash and pink cheeks, so I thought it might be teething. He is still chomping really hard on my fingers, so that might be a factor. But I'm starting to think that maybe it's just all that he is learning at the moment... his brain is just too fired up to sleep.
Ah well, this too shall pass!
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
Oh the trickiness!
Ah, how simple life used to be! I wanted to go somewhere... so I went! Now, things require a little more planning.
Take, for example, the hen's party I have coming up. Go-karting at 5pm, dinner at 7pm, followed by karaoke. Jason won't be home from work by 5, so I'll have to take Cooper to mum's (haven't asked her yet... here's hoping she's ok with that!). Then I'll have to rush to her house before 7 to give Cooper a feed (he still won't take a bottle) then meet Jase near the restaurant to hand over the bub so I can go to dinner. I wouldn't be able to stay out for too long, as Cooper would need another feed at some stage, and being old and sleep deprived, I'll probably just skip the whole karaoke bit.
It's do-able, thanks to a wonderful mum who donates generous amounts of time to grandkids, but it certainly isn't as easy as it used to be!
Take, for example, the hen's party I have coming up. Go-karting at 5pm, dinner at 7pm, followed by karaoke. Jason won't be home from work by 5, so I'll have to take Cooper to mum's (haven't asked her yet... here's hoping she's ok with that!). Then I'll have to rush to her house before 7 to give Cooper a feed (he still won't take a bottle) then meet Jase near the restaurant to hand over the bub so I can go to dinner. I wouldn't be able to stay out for too long, as Cooper would need another feed at some stage, and being old and sleep deprived, I'll probably just skip the whole karaoke bit.
It's do-able, thanks to a wonderful mum who donates generous amounts of time to grandkids, but it certainly isn't as easy as it used to be!
Tuesday, 15 November 2011
In and out
After just over 3 weeks of pretty much feeding every 2-3 hours around the clock, my eyes feel like they are going to fall out of my head. Silly me, I've not been going to bed early enough to compensate for the increased awake time during the night, although I have just begun having naps during the day when he does.
Tonight, he finally did it... slept from about 10:30 through to just after 4am!! Wohoo!!
I was still up several times, as he was coughing and I thought he was awake and ready for a feed, but at least I could go straight back to bed (and on my own!).
When he finally did get up for a feed, he was a very hungry boy, obviously. And there was plenty of milk available for him. He finally finished, and I lay there still cuddling him, wondering if he was in a deep enough sleep to go back to his own bed without waking. Until he started coughing... and coughed some more... and...
WHAM! Out came all that milk!!
We're not just talking a little after-feed-baby-chuck here, we're talking a full-on explosion!! I wonder if there was any milk left in his tummy at all! I was soaked through from chest to thigh, and Cooper from neck to toe! Just what you want at 4:40am ;)
I assume it was just a reaction to being over-full, not that there is something worthy of a doctor's visit? On the upside, he is as happy as Larry, and now having a playtime on the lounge floor. Seems I again am only getting 6 hrs of broken sleep tonight, but hopefully the big sleep was the first of many! And hopefully his tummy copes better with it next time!
Tonight, he finally did it... slept from about 10:30 through to just after 4am!! Wohoo!!
I was still up several times, as he was coughing and I thought he was awake and ready for a feed, but at least I could go straight back to bed (and on my own!).
When he finally did get up for a feed, he was a very hungry boy, obviously. And there was plenty of milk available for him. He finally finished, and I lay there still cuddling him, wondering if he was in a deep enough sleep to go back to his own bed without waking. Until he started coughing... and coughed some more... and...
WHAM! Out came all that milk!!
We're not just talking a little after-feed-baby-chuck here, we're talking a full-on explosion!! I wonder if there was any milk left in his tummy at all! I was soaked through from chest to thigh, and Cooper from neck to toe! Just what you want at 4:40am ;)
I assume it was just a reaction to being over-full, not that there is something worthy of a doctor's visit? On the upside, he is as happy as Larry, and now having a playtime on the lounge floor. Seems I again am only getting 6 hrs of broken sleep tonight, but hopefully the big sleep was the first of many! And hopefully his tummy copes better with it next time!
Sunday, 13 November 2011
Happy sad baby
My poor baby is sick :( He has a chesty cold and is oh so sad! Last night we were up for so much of the night, walking around cuddling the poor crying little fellow.
He just woke from an afternoon nap with little raspy coughs. He stared up at me, tears streaming out his eyes, his face screwed up and looking all confused. "Why do I feel so yucky and find it hard to breath properly, Mum?" I felt him asking. Broke my heart! I picked him up and cuddled him while we walked to find Dad.
But this is the part that blows me away... As we sat on the couch all together, Cooper beamed at us, even still with the tears in his eyes and on his cheeks. People who saw him this morning commented on the smiles he gave them. Even when he is feeling yucky, he still manages to flash his beautiful smile every once in a while. He is such a delightful baby! <3
He just woke from an afternoon nap with little raspy coughs. He stared up at me, tears streaming out his eyes, his face screwed up and looking all confused. "Why do I feel so yucky and find it hard to breath properly, Mum?" I felt him asking. Broke my heart! I picked him up and cuddled him while we walked to find Dad.
But this is the part that blows me away... As we sat on the couch all together, Cooper beamed at us, even still with the tears in his eyes and on his cheeks. People who saw him this morning commented on the smiles he gave them. Even when he is feeling yucky, he still manages to flash his beautiful smile every once in a while. He is such a delightful baby! <3
Thursday, 10 November 2011
Early morning deliciousness
Over the last few weeks Cooper has not been sleeping so well at night, resulting in me being a little tired. Ok, maybe a lot tired. Since I haven't been compensating by going to bed earlier, I reckon this may be the most tired I've felt since he was born.
Because of this, I've been sleeping in with Cooper lately. (He is usually not up til 8:30 or 9.) This morning, however, I was feeling quite wide awake after his first morning feed (7am... a bit later than usual), so I got up.
And I realised how much I've missed this early morning deliciousness.
While he's asleep, the house is all quiet, the traffic hasn't picked up too much yet, all feels calm and still.... I feel so... I don't know... alive? In control? Peaceful? Something good, anyway.
I hang the laundry I put on last night, sit down in my lounge that I cleaned yesterday and relish every mouthful of my porridge. I do the obligatory facebook check and blog update (:P) and then can choose my activity... will I do my bible study, have a shower or do some housework? Whichever I choose, it's lovely.
I've always been unsure of if I'm actually a real morning person or not. I love to get up early, but am not ready to interact with people for a little while. I need to just be in quietness and get my brain ready for the day.
By the time Cooper wakes, I feel at peace. I am eager to see him. I'm ready to start the day.
I think I'm going to go to bed a little earlier tonight so I can get up before him again tomorrow.
Because of this, I've been sleeping in with Cooper lately. (He is usually not up til 8:30 or 9.) This morning, however, I was feeling quite wide awake after his first morning feed (7am... a bit later than usual), so I got up.
And I realised how much I've missed this early morning deliciousness.
While he's asleep, the house is all quiet, the traffic hasn't picked up too much yet, all feels calm and still.... I feel so... I don't know... alive? In control? Peaceful? Something good, anyway.
I hang the laundry I put on last night, sit down in my lounge that I cleaned yesterday and relish every mouthful of my porridge. I do the obligatory facebook check and blog update (:P) and then can choose my activity... will I do my bible study, have a shower or do some housework? Whichever I choose, it's lovely.
I've always been unsure of if I'm actually a real morning person or not. I love to get up early, but am not ready to interact with people for a little while. I need to just be in quietness and get my brain ready for the day.
By the time Cooper wakes, I feel at peace. I am eager to see him. I'm ready to start the day.
I think I'm going to go to bed a little earlier tonight so I can get up before him again tomorrow.
Wednesday, 2 November 2011
Could he be more adorable??
I know why God makes babies so cute... so that when they practice their talking in bed at 11pm, you want to laugh and hear more instead of telling them to go to sleep. And when they then want you to get up and play with them, you do it with great delight.
My baby is just so fricken cute!! His smile is better than sleep any day!! (His crying and sooking, not so much... but one smile redeems him completely!)
As he lies here being so entertained by his feet, so proud of himself when he makes his monkey sing, so clever in rolling over and kicking himself around his playmat, cheeks just so squishy and kissable, I think he is just the most perfect little creature in the world. How awesome is it that watching this is my 'job'?!
My baby is just so fricken cute!! His smile is better than sleep any day!! (His crying and sooking, not so much... but one smile redeems him completely!)
As he lies here being so entertained by his feet, so proud of himself when he makes his monkey sing, so clever in rolling over and kicking himself around his playmat, cheeks just so squishy and kissable, I think he is just the most perfect little creature in the world. How awesome is it that watching this is my 'job'?!
Thursday, 27 October 2011
Tasting
Today Cooper had his 4 month immunisations. After two injections, the third was an oral one. "Don't worry," the maternal health nurse told Cooper, "you'll like this one - it's yummy!" She was wrong... he didn't like it! He cried and spit half of it out.
We came home and he was a little out of sorts, so I gave him some baby panadol. Yummy cherry flavour. He didn't like that either. More squirming away and faces.
At dinner time, he was sitting in his highchair, intently watching us eat our tea. I put some mashed sweet potato on my finger and held it towards him. He grabbed at it pulled it into his mouth and sucked. Then, boy did the faces come! So funny! Apparently he did didn't like that either.
Seems the only taste my boy likes is that of breast milk for now!
We came home and he was a little out of sorts, so I gave him some baby panadol. Yummy cherry flavour. He didn't like that either. More squirming away and faces.
At dinner time, he was sitting in his highchair, intently watching us eat our tea. I put some mashed sweet potato on my finger and held it towards him. He grabbed at it pulled it into his mouth and sucked. Then, boy did the faces come! So funny! Apparently he did didn't like that either.
Seems the only taste my boy likes is that of breast milk for now!
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
What Cooper is learning:
- When I have no clothes on, I have little toes at the end of my feet which are fun to play with.
- If I poke my tongue out and blow, it makes a cool noise and spit goes everywhere. If I do it just after a little vomit, mummy's face looks funny.
- I can suck my bottom lip.
- At night time, when Mummy lies me on her bed, it means I'm about to get milk, so I roll on my side and open my mouth in readiness.
- Some toys rattle when I shake them.
- Because I'm getting so clever, I can have fun playing by myself sometimes.
- Mummy spends a lot of time putting a spoonful of stuff into her mouth and bringing the spoon out empty... I'm intrigued and I think I want to learn more about this.
- If I poke my tongue out and blow, it makes a cool noise and spit goes everywhere. If I do it just after a little vomit, mummy's face looks funny.
- I can suck my bottom lip.
- At night time, when Mummy lies me on her bed, it means I'm about to get milk, so I roll on my side and open my mouth in readiness.
- Some toys rattle when I shake them.
- Because I'm getting so clever, I can have fun playing by myself sometimes.
- Mummy spends a lot of time putting a spoonful of stuff into her mouth and bringing the spoon out empty... I'm intrigued and I think I want to learn more about this.
Monday, 24 October 2011
Roadtripping with three
This last weekend, Cooper turned 4 months. It was also our first weekend away as a family. We were planning a trip over to South Australia next weekend, but on Friday morning decided that it would actually work better this weekend.
We left about 5:30pm Friday and got back 6:45pm today. 3 days, 1500kms and 10 visits. Big weekend.
I was so impressed with how well Cooper travelled. The family and friends we were planning to visit were fairly well-spaced, so he got to have cuddles and a play on the floor every few hours at least. He slept for much of the car travel, and played happily in the rest.
Until the last 100kms home today. Poor boy. He had spent so much time in the carseat and was totally over it. I sat in the back with him and pulled every face I could think of. I let him have his dummy. I let him suck my finger until it was waterlogged. We finally made it home. As Jason reversed into the driveway, Cooper suddenly became still and quiet, his eyes opening widely. He even almost cracked a smile. He knew we were home! Clever boy! He was so happy to be back on his own playmat again :)
I was very pleased with the whole trip though... great to catch up with heaps of people. And I thought we survived it very well. Oh, and we are a real family now... I packed all our clothes in one big suitcase, instead of Jase and I each packing our own little bag! :)
Now, tomorrow's task... try to clean up the disaster zone here at home! ;)
We left about 5:30pm Friday and got back 6:45pm today. 3 days, 1500kms and 10 visits. Big weekend.
I was so impressed with how well Cooper travelled. The family and friends we were planning to visit were fairly well-spaced, so he got to have cuddles and a play on the floor every few hours at least. He slept for much of the car travel, and played happily in the rest.
Until the last 100kms home today. Poor boy. He had spent so much time in the carseat and was totally over it. I sat in the back with him and pulled every face I could think of. I let him have his dummy. I let him suck my finger until it was waterlogged. We finally made it home. As Jason reversed into the driveway, Cooper suddenly became still and quiet, his eyes opening widely. He even almost cracked a smile. He knew we were home! Clever boy! He was so happy to be back on his own playmat again :)
I was very pleased with the whole trip though... great to catch up with heaps of people. And I thought we survived it very well. Oh, and we are a real family now... I packed all our clothes in one big suitcase, instead of Jase and I each packing our own little bag! :)
Now, tomorrow's task... try to clean up the disaster zone here at home! ;)
Wednesday, 12 October 2011
Getting mobile
Cooper rolled over today!! From his back to his tummy. He did it at mother's group, the little show off. Not sure if it was a fluke or not. Two of the other babies have reported rolling over once then not doing it again yet. But it was exciting, none the less.
He is also getting a lot more mobile. I can't leave him on the lounge room floor for too long without checking on him to make sure he hasn't gotten into any tricky spots. He hates tummy time and has very little upper body strength, but his legs make up for it. He lays on his back and kicks and shoves his way accross the floor. With his wiggling and twisting he can turn a full 180 degrees in no time, so he could head off in any direction. I thought we wouldn't have to kid-proof until he could crawl, but it may be time to start soon, I think.
He is also getting a lot more mobile. I can't leave him on the lounge room floor for too long without checking on him to make sure he hasn't gotten into any tricky spots. He hates tummy time and has very little upper body strength, but his legs make up for it. He lays on his back and kicks and shoves his way accross the floor. With his wiggling and twisting he can turn a full 180 degrees in no time, so he could head off in any direction. I thought we wouldn't have to kid-proof until he could crawl, but it may be time to start soon, I think.
Monday, 10 October 2011
Teething
I think my baby is teething!!
He has been drooling a fair bit for a while, but I thought that was just a stage babies go through, as he is too young for teething according to the average.
He has been hard work the last 4 or 5 days. Not sleeping so well at night, lots of time back in our bed. Very needy during the day. By Friday night, what with Jase working 12 hour days and being out a couple of evenings, I was over it. For the first time ever, I sent him a text saying to come straight home as soon as music practice was over. And I went out and left Cooper with Jase for 3 hrs on Saturday and 2 on Sunday.
He has been rubbing his eyes and face a lot... I thought he was tired from the poor sleeping.
Then, he got nappy rash for the first time. My sister said that sometimes happens when a baby is teething. I just felt bad because he has been pooing heaps more lately and I figured I wasn't changing his nappy often enough.
This evening, he was sooky again, and when he opened his mouth with a big wail, I noticed a slightly red, swollen patch on his gum with a touch of blood! So I am finally starting to think that maybe all the signs were actually pointing to teething! He hasn't let me poke around or have a good look yet, so I just gave him some panadol and he is back to sleep now.
I'm not looking forward to something really bad happening to him, because I'm feeling so rediculously sad for him just at the thought of teething!
He has been drooling a fair bit for a while, but I thought that was just a stage babies go through, as he is too young for teething according to the average.
He has been hard work the last 4 or 5 days. Not sleeping so well at night, lots of time back in our bed. Very needy during the day. By Friday night, what with Jase working 12 hour days and being out a couple of evenings, I was over it. For the first time ever, I sent him a text saying to come straight home as soon as music practice was over. And I went out and left Cooper with Jase for 3 hrs on Saturday and 2 on Sunday.
He has been rubbing his eyes and face a lot... I thought he was tired from the poor sleeping.
Then, he got nappy rash for the first time. My sister said that sometimes happens when a baby is teething. I just felt bad because he has been pooing heaps more lately and I figured I wasn't changing his nappy often enough.
This evening, he was sooky again, and when he opened his mouth with a big wail, I noticed a slightly red, swollen patch on his gum with a touch of blood! So I am finally starting to think that maybe all the signs were actually pointing to teething! He hasn't let me poke around or have a good look yet, so I just gave him some panadol and he is back to sleep now.
I'm not looking forward to something really bad happening to him, because I'm feeling so rediculously sad for him just at the thought of teething!
Sunday, 9 October 2011
Interaction
I find it so exciting to watch Cooper develop and change. He is gradually becoming more and more coordinated and interactive, from the way he plays with his toys to the excitement he shows at seeing his own reflection in the mirror.
Cooper's favourite 'word' of late is a long g sound with a bit of a gurgle at the back of his throat. I practiced a bit and today made the noise back to him. His response was so cute! He immediately recognised the 'word' as one that he could say, his eyes lit up, and he repeated it back to me each time I said it! So awesome to see that he is gaining more control over his vocal cords and I look forward to him being able to repeat back other sounds and real words.
The other big development tonight was when we were reading a bedtime story. I was lifting the page of the board book slightly as I neared the end of each page. Suddenly, he grabbed the page and flipped it over!! So at the end of the next page, I held it up slightly and waited, and sure enough, he did it again!! He turned 5 pages in a row before he lost interest in the book and started sooking for milk. I was SO excited! We'll have to try again tomorrow :)
Cooper's favourite 'word' of late is a long g sound with a bit of a gurgle at the back of his throat. I practiced a bit and today made the noise back to him. His response was so cute! He immediately recognised the 'word' as one that he could say, his eyes lit up, and he repeated it back to me each time I said it! So awesome to see that he is gaining more control over his vocal cords and I look forward to him being able to repeat back other sounds and real words.
The other big development tonight was when we were reading a bedtime story. I was lifting the page of the board book slightly as I neared the end of each page. Suddenly, he grabbed the page and flipped it over!! So at the end of the next page, I held it up slightly and waited, and sure enough, he did it again!! He turned 5 pages in a row before he lost interest in the book and started sooking for milk. I was SO excited! We'll have to try again tomorrow :)
Monday, 26 September 2011
Relieving the boredom
Cooper was restless on his playmat today, and I realised I hadn't changed the toys hanging above him for a while. A quick swap and he was quite content. It suddenly dawned on me that he is probably getting bored in this lounge room day in day out too!
I want him to be an active, outdoors boy and have always planned to make good use of the playground around the corner. But today I had a thought... not only do I not HAVE to wait until he is running around, but it is probably better if I don't. If he gets used to the outdoors now, he'll like it much more later when he is able to play.
So I grabbed his hoody, popped him in the pram and off we wandered to the playground. I took him on the swing for a while, which he really enjoyed. I then sat him in the kiddy swing on his own... he was SO cute!!! So wished I had my camera!! He had one arm resting up on the back of the swing, hoody on, and I could just picture him as an 18 yr old in his first car, thinking he was it and a bit, lol. Next we tried the slide. It was a bit small, so I didn't attempt it myself, but just held him and slid him down it. He didn't like that one as much.
He cried a little when I put him back in the pram, but by the time we got home he was sound asleep from his hard playing ;) Got the cutest pic of him when he woke up.
I was very happy to find another way of playing that we could both enjoy. He is slowly getting more and more interesting as the weeks go by, and I'm looking forward to the fun we will have as he is able to do more.
I want him to be an active, outdoors boy and have always planned to make good use of the playground around the corner. But today I had a thought... not only do I not HAVE to wait until he is running around, but it is probably better if I don't. If he gets used to the outdoors now, he'll like it much more later when he is able to play.
So I grabbed his hoody, popped him in the pram and off we wandered to the playground. I took him on the swing for a while, which he really enjoyed. I then sat him in the kiddy swing on his own... he was SO cute!!! So wished I had my camera!! He had one arm resting up on the back of the swing, hoody on, and I could just picture him as an 18 yr old in his first car, thinking he was it and a bit, lol. Next we tried the slide. It was a bit small, so I didn't attempt it myself, but just held him and slid him down it. He didn't like that one as much.
He cried a little when I put him back in the pram, but by the time we got home he was sound asleep from his hard playing ;) Got the cutest pic of him when he woke up.
I was very happy to find another way of playing that we could both enjoy. He is slowly getting more and more interesting as the weeks go by, and I'm looking forward to the fun we will have as he is able to do more.
Sunday, 25 September 2011
Sweet Dreams
Ever wonder what a baby dreams about? I do, regularly.
Just now, I was trying to settle Cooper back into a deeper sleep. He often stops waving his arms and calms down when I let him hold my fingers (aaawwww... melts my heart!). As I put my finger on his palm, he grasped it and broke out a huge grin, while still seemingly asleep. Was that because he was happy that he was holding my finger, or was it just coincidental with an event in his dream?
Moments later, the bottom lip dropped, quickly turning into quiet sobs. His face was twitching and contortioning into ever-changing expressions, eyes moving rapidly behind his eyelids. What on earth was he dreaming about? That his nappy was dirty and noone would change it? That his precious booby had run out of milk? That he had been left on his playmat or in his cot alone? Those bad dreams make me so sad, because I can't do anything to make him feel better.
His sleeping patterns have changed so much lately. He is often just having a few short naps during the day and then sleeping 12 or 14 hours overnight (waking for about 3 feeds). He generally sleeps in his cot rather than our bed, the exceptions being when I can't be bothered staying up to settle him at times when he doesn't go straight back down. But he seems to have gone backwards with his day sleeps... needs to be cuddled and not so keen on sleeping when out.
Oh, and he has had a couple of 'big boy' events this week... sitting in his high chair during tea time and graduating from the baby bath to the big bath. :-)
Just now, I was trying to settle Cooper back into a deeper sleep. He often stops waving his arms and calms down when I let him hold my fingers (aaawwww... melts my heart!). As I put my finger on his palm, he grasped it and broke out a huge grin, while still seemingly asleep. Was that because he was happy that he was holding my finger, or was it just coincidental with an event in his dream?
Moments later, the bottom lip dropped, quickly turning into quiet sobs. His face was twitching and contortioning into ever-changing expressions, eyes moving rapidly behind his eyelids. What on earth was he dreaming about? That his nappy was dirty and noone would change it? That his precious booby had run out of milk? That he had been left on his playmat or in his cot alone? Those bad dreams make me so sad, because I can't do anything to make him feel better.
His sleeping patterns have changed so much lately. He is often just having a few short naps during the day and then sleeping 12 or 14 hours overnight (waking for about 3 feeds). He generally sleeps in his cot rather than our bed, the exceptions being when I can't be bothered staying up to settle him at times when he doesn't go straight back down. But he seems to have gone backwards with his day sleeps... needs to be cuddled and not so keen on sleeping when out.
Oh, and he has had a couple of 'big boy' events this week... sitting in his high chair during tea time and graduating from the baby bath to the big bath. :-)
Friday, 23 September 2011
The 'b' word
I can't believe it... I'm gonna use the 'b' word.... I'm bored.
I've showered, bathed the baby, done 2 loads of laundry, put away the dishes, mopped the floor, planned food for tonight, been grocery shopping, had visitors for an hour, sorted through some of Cooper's clothes for the next size and made a mental list of what to keep an eye open for, tidied the living area a little and of course, fed, changed and played with Cooper.
It's only 3pm. I have 2 hours before I can make the pudding for tonight, and at least 2.5hrs before Jason gets home. What can I do in that 2 hours?? I can play with Cooper some more, but it's getting a little boring. I can clean the bathroom, but shouldn't use sprays etc with Cooper in there and he won't be happy in the lounge on his own. I can eat, but I'm sure I've eaten more than sufficient already today... seriously.
*sigh*... I guess I'll get the laundry in. Won't be dry yet, but prob won't dry much more. Then I'll read some books to Cooper and he'll prob be ready for a sleep by then. 2 hours... it isn't so long, surely!
I've showered, bathed the baby, done 2 loads of laundry, put away the dishes, mopped the floor, planned food for tonight, been grocery shopping, had visitors for an hour, sorted through some of Cooper's clothes for the next size and made a mental list of what to keep an eye open for, tidied the living area a little and of course, fed, changed and played with Cooper.
It's only 3pm. I have 2 hours before I can make the pudding for tonight, and at least 2.5hrs before Jason gets home. What can I do in that 2 hours?? I can play with Cooper some more, but it's getting a little boring. I can clean the bathroom, but shouldn't use sprays etc with Cooper in there and he won't be happy in the lounge on his own. I can eat, but I'm sure I've eaten more than sufficient already today... seriously.
*sigh*... I guess I'll get the laundry in. Won't be dry yet, but prob won't dry much more. Then I'll read some books to Cooper and he'll prob be ready for a sleep by then. 2 hours... it isn't so long, surely!
Thursday, 22 September 2011
Chubby Bubby
Cooper will be three months old tomorrow! That's 1/4 of the way to 1!! Scary stuff.
I took him to the maternal health nurse today for a 3 month check. You don't normally have one at 3 months, but she offered, and since I'm an overenthusiastic first time mum who likes having appointments to get out of the house, I thought it sounded like a good idea.
He checked in at 7.25kgs and 62cm. Charts vary, but that places him somewhere around the 90th percentile for weight and just over the 50th percentile for length. In other words, comparatively speaking, he is a bit of a boofer :-)
I'm a bit confused about clothing. According to the tags, 000 jumpsuits should fit 62cm babies and 00 should fit 8kg / 68cm bubs. But Cooper already fills the 00 suits pretty much right up! But I do love chubby bubbies :-)
I took him to the maternal health nurse today for a 3 month check. You don't normally have one at 3 months, but she offered, and since I'm an overenthusiastic first time mum who likes having appointments to get out of the house, I thought it sounded like a good idea.
He checked in at 7.25kgs and 62cm. Charts vary, but that places him somewhere around the 90th percentile for weight and just over the 50th percentile for length. In other words, comparatively speaking, he is a bit of a boofer :-)
I'm a bit confused about clothing. According to the tags, 000 jumpsuits should fit 62cm babies and 00 should fit 8kg / 68cm bubs. But Cooper already fills the 00 suits pretty much right up! But I do love chubby bubbies :-)
Sunday, 18 September 2011
Playtime developments
While Cooper was playing one day, I noticed his left arm reaching across his body to bat at the dangling toy. I was so excited! It was the first time that I was really sure that his toy batting was deliberate, not simply random arm swings and lucky connections. His movements are gradually becoming more deliberate as he bats and grabs at toys and tries to put them in his mouth.
Cooper is not a fan of tummy time, and as it was usually a bit a drama to get him there and I'm a forgetful slacker, he has had a minimal amount of tummy time. At mother's group last week, the physio showed us a couple different ways of creating tummy time. It turns out that Cooper actually enjoys the one where I lie on my back, pull my knees up and lie him along my shins staring down at me. Yay! He has had way more tummy time this week, so hopefully will start to develop some good muscles there.
He is also becoming more interested in books, much to my relief, lol. His favourite book is 'Where is the green sheep?' by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek. And no, it's not just because I like it... he consistently sits quietly looking at the pages as I read the entire book, even when he is tired or grumpy. How exciting! I wonder what other favourites we will soon be discovering!
Cooper is not a fan of tummy time, and as it was usually a bit a drama to get him there and I'm a forgetful slacker, he has had a minimal amount of tummy time. At mother's group last week, the physio showed us a couple different ways of creating tummy time. It turns out that Cooper actually enjoys the one where I lie on my back, pull my knees up and lie him along my shins staring down at me. Yay! He has had way more tummy time this week, so hopefully will start to develop some good muscles there.
He is also becoming more interested in books, much to my relief, lol. His favourite book is 'Where is the green sheep?' by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek. And no, it's not just because I like it... he consistently sits quietly looking at the pages as I read the entire book, even when he is tired or grumpy. How exciting! I wonder what other favourites we will soon be discovering!
Saturday, 17 September 2011
Saturday morning Heather time
I just love Saturday mornings when Jason isn't working! It's my 'me time'. Every Saturday is a little different, but it often goes something like this morning:
5:30am Cooper wakes for a feed. It is 6am by the time I put him back in his bed, and at that hour of the morning, I am of course wide awake. (I'm crap at sleeping in, even if I'm quite tired.) I wait 45min until I deem it a reasonable time to arise for a Saturday morning.
I leave Cooper in the room with Jason, both sound asleep for now, but knowing that Jase will look after him if he wakes, I head for my most favourite part of the week - long, uninterrupted shower! I get to wash and blow dry my hair without worrying about checking on a lonely bub.
This morning, Cooper is still asleep, so I don my new $12 opshop outfit I bought yesterday and head off to the supermarket. Although my hair is unstraightened (and unbrushed, come to think of it!) and my opshop skirt is a little daggy, I feel like a million bucks - hair washed and dried, new clothes after months of such a limited wardrobe and wearing my pretty shoes to boot!
As I prance around the supermarket alone at 7:30am, it is so deliciously quiet. I see another mum going solo, only her trolley is loaded to the max - she has a slightly bigger family than me, I'd say! There is a group of young guys who look like they probably haven't been to bed yet.
I get home and Cooper is STILL asleep! Good golly, is he growing again? Apart from 3 feeds, he has been asleep for over 14 hours! I get to put the towels on to wash and rehang clean ones straight away... finishing a job properly is another luxury I sometimes miss. I make a bowl of yummy porridge and a cuppa and sit down to enjoy it without trying to make silly faces at the same time.
Soon Cooper will be up for a feed. He'll have a shower with his daddy, then we'll go out for a family shopping trip. (New TV on the list today, since ours died last week.)
I'm glad I don't have Saturday every day, because I wouldn't appreciate it then. I'm not even guaranteed to get it every Saturday, as Jason sometimes has to work. So I love and treasure these special 'me time' and 'family time' days!
5:30am Cooper wakes for a feed. It is 6am by the time I put him back in his bed, and at that hour of the morning, I am of course wide awake. (I'm crap at sleeping in, even if I'm quite tired.) I wait 45min until I deem it a reasonable time to arise for a Saturday morning.
I leave Cooper in the room with Jason, both sound asleep for now, but knowing that Jase will look after him if he wakes, I head for my most favourite part of the week - long, uninterrupted shower! I get to wash and blow dry my hair without worrying about checking on a lonely bub.
This morning, Cooper is still asleep, so I don my new $12 opshop outfit I bought yesterday and head off to the supermarket. Although my hair is unstraightened (and unbrushed, come to think of it!) and my opshop skirt is a little daggy, I feel like a million bucks - hair washed and dried, new clothes after months of such a limited wardrobe and wearing my pretty shoes to boot!
As I prance around the supermarket alone at 7:30am, it is so deliciously quiet. I see another mum going solo, only her trolley is loaded to the max - she has a slightly bigger family than me, I'd say! There is a group of young guys who look like they probably haven't been to bed yet.
I get home and Cooper is STILL asleep! Good golly, is he growing again? Apart from 3 feeds, he has been asleep for over 14 hours! I get to put the towels on to wash and rehang clean ones straight away... finishing a job properly is another luxury I sometimes miss. I make a bowl of yummy porridge and a cuppa and sit down to enjoy it without trying to make silly faces at the same time.
Soon Cooper will be up for a feed. He'll have a shower with his daddy, then we'll go out for a family shopping trip. (New TV on the list today, since ours died last week.)
I'm glad I don't have Saturday every day, because I wouldn't appreciate it then. I'm not even guaranteed to get it every Saturday, as Jason sometimes has to work. So I love and treasure these special 'me time' and 'family time' days!
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
Sick bubby
Well, I think we've just had Cooper's first unwellness. He was absolutely miserable yesterday. Poor bubby... he was inconsolable.
I thought it was in part that I left him on his own while I had my shower - he was screaming when I got out and couldn't bear to be left on his own. I felt just aweful. It was almost a bit of a relief when I took his temperature and found out it was a bit high. The desperate need for cuddles all day was not just because he felt abandoned, but because he felt crappy.
He had a great sleep last night and temp normal again, but has still been a bit grotty today. Had some happy plays before tea and sleeping like a log now, so hopefully just about all better.
Although I got NOTHING done yesterday, he slept so well this evening that I got heaps done! :) Yay for good sleeps!
I thought it was in part that I left him on his own while I had my shower - he was screaming when I got out and couldn't bear to be left on his own. I felt just aweful. It was almost a bit of a relief when I took his temperature and found out it was a bit high. The desperate need for cuddles all day was not just because he felt abandoned, but because he felt crappy.
He had a great sleep last night and temp normal again, but has still been a bit grotty today. Had some happy plays before tea and sleeping like a log now, so hopefully just about all better.
Although I got NOTHING done yesterday, he slept so well this evening that I got heaps done! :) Yay for good sleeps!
Tuesday, 13 September 2011
Grateful for sight
The world may be full of majestic mountains and glorious sunsets, but nothing makes me as grateful for my sight as my baby's beaming smile when he first catches a glimpse of me in the morning.
Sunday, 11 September 2011
Itchy feet
Don't get me wrong, I love my life. But I want to use this space to record all of the memories of being a new mum, for down the track when I've forgotten what it was really like.
And as much as I love my new role of housewife and mum, I must admit that lately I've been a little restless. I seem to spend my days waiting... waiting for Cooper to finish feeding, to fall asleep, to wake so I can move. Although he is getting a bit better at sleeping on his own, he is sleeping less during the day. I find myself hesitant to start things because I fear he will wake. I find it hard to know when to do things like go grocery shopping as his sleeping pattern seems to change a bit. Although I love making silly faces and noises and seeing his delight, there is a limit to how long I can do it each day without feeling like my brain is turning to mush.
Although I don't like stress, I like having quick, achievable goals to work towards, and I'm definitely more of a morning person. Often we are washed, dressed, washing done by mid-morning, and then my motivation dies as I realise the essentials are done and we have the rest of the day stretching out with not much more than feeding, nappy changing and silly faces ahead.
I've always wanted to be a stay at home mum, but when pregnant, thought that maybe going back to work just 5 hrs a week would be good for me. I'm glad I made tentative arrangements for that, as I am quite looking forward to it. I like having a bit of structure in my week. I want to use my brain. A few days ago I looked up some Japanese language websites. Since my laptop is the easiest thing to use when feeding or cuddling Cooper, I figured that would be easier to study that way than with textbooks, paper and pens. It has been nice to have a bit of a diversion, but it still feels like a somewhat pointless activitiy, as I am not learning it for any particular reason.
I know there are other 'housewifey' things that I could do... I could use my laptop time to do things like look up recipes and plan meals, but I'm just not that interested in cooking, really. Or I could use it to learn more about parenting and thinking about how I can improve/change the way I do things with Cooper. But I'm a little over parenting books and websites. I could work harder at getting Cooper to sleep on his own and use that time to get the house tidier and cleaner. But really, who wants to live in a pristine, sterile environment? (Ok, my place is far from sterile and pristine, but I'm not particularly motivated to get it more so.)
I'm curious to see how I will feel over the coming weeks, months and years. Will I get busier as Cooper gets older? Will I get more into routine and get more bored? Will I thrive with a bit of external work in my week, enjoying the opportunity to do something 'non-mummyish'? Will things change with another baby one day?
Hmm, well, Cooper is stirring, so it looks like this waiting period (and post) are over, while I go do another nappy change, feed and re-settle...
And as much as I love my new role of housewife and mum, I must admit that lately I've been a little restless. I seem to spend my days waiting... waiting for Cooper to finish feeding, to fall asleep, to wake so I can move. Although he is getting a bit better at sleeping on his own, he is sleeping less during the day. I find myself hesitant to start things because I fear he will wake. I find it hard to know when to do things like go grocery shopping as his sleeping pattern seems to change a bit. Although I love making silly faces and noises and seeing his delight, there is a limit to how long I can do it each day without feeling like my brain is turning to mush.
Although I don't like stress, I like having quick, achievable goals to work towards, and I'm definitely more of a morning person. Often we are washed, dressed, washing done by mid-morning, and then my motivation dies as I realise the essentials are done and we have the rest of the day stretching out with not much more than feeding, nappy changing and silly faces ahead.
I've always wanted to be a stay at home mum, but when pregnant, thought that maybe going back to work just 5 hrs a week would be good for me. I'm glad I made tentative arrangements for that, as I am quite looking forward to it. I like having a bit of structure in my week. I want to use my brain. A few days ago I looked up some Japanese language websites. Since my laptop is the easiest thing to use when feeding or cuddling Cooper, I figured that would be easier to study that way than with textbooks, paper and pens. It has been nice to have a bit of a diversion, but it still feels like a somewhat pointless activitiy, as I am not learning it for any particular reason.
I know there are other 'housewifey' things that I could do... I could use my laptop time to do things like look up recipes and plan meals, but I'm just not that interested in cooking, really. Or I could use it to learn more about parenting and thinking about how I can improve/change the way I do things with Cooper. But I'm a little over parenting books and websites. I could work harder at getting Cooper to sleep on his own and use that time to get the house tidier and cleaner. But really, who wants to live in a pristine, sterile environment? (Ok, my place is far from sterile and pristine, but I'm not particularly motivated to get it more so.)
I'm curious to see how I will feel over the coming weeks, months and years. Will I get busier as Cooper gets older? Will I get more into routine and get more bored? Will I thrive with a bit of external work in my week, enjoying the opportunity to do something 'non-mummyish'? Will things change with another baby one day?
Hmm, well, Cooper is stirring, so it looks like this waiting period (and post) are over, while I go do another nappy change, feed and re-settle...
Monday, 5 September 2011
Dedication
Yesterday was Cooper's dedication service. He had a joint dedication with Felicity, which made the day even more special. A friend who came along said that her best friend, who I've met a number of times, said to pass on congratulations, God bless, best wishes or whatever one was supposed to say at these type of events. It made me laugh, although I was touched by her thoughtfulness.
It made me wonder what people know about the purpose of such events. Indeed, I'm sure different parents have different reasons too. I thought I'd share the three reasons why I wanted to have a dedication service for Cooper.
To commit Cooper to God's care.
It is reassuring to know that there is someone who loves our son even more than we do, and who will be there even when we can't be. A dedication service gives the opportunity to formally and publicly acknowledge that although Cooper has been entrusted to us, he actually was created by and belongs to God. We committed ourselves to doing the best we can to raise him with a knowledge of God's love and according to his values and principles.
To ask for God's help with raising Cooper.
We are fallible humans and will no doubt make many parenting mistakes, but we took the opportunity to ask for God to give us wisdom, patience and all that is needed in child-rearing.
To declare our commitment to Cooper.
We made the promise to Cooper that we will do our best by him, and no matter what life choices he makes, even if we don't like them, we will always love and accept him.
The purpose of doing this publicly is to ask for the support of our church 'family' as we become parents and for their support and role-modelling to Cooper as he grows.
It is so special to be able to be part of a community and to have the all-powerful God to call on for help too! It was an added bonus to be able to dedicate Cooper to the father of all creation on Father's Day too!
It made me wonder what people know about the purpose of such events. Indeed, I'm sure different parents have different reasons too. I thought I'd share the three reasons why I wanted to have a dedication service for Cooper.
To commit Cooper to God's care.
It is reassuring to know that there is someone who loves our son even more than we do, and who will be there even when we can't be. A dedication service gives the opportunity to formally and publicly acknowledge that although Cooper has been entrusted to us, he actually was created by and belongs to God. We committed ourselves to doing the best we can to raise him with a knowledge of God's love and according to his values and principles.
To ask for God's help with raising Cooper.
We are fallible humans and will no doubt make many parenting mistakes, but we took the opportunity to ask for God to give us wisdom, patience and all that is needed in child-rearing.
To declare our commitment to Cooper.
We made the promise to Cooper that we will do our best by him, and no matter what life choices he makes, even if we don't like them, we will always love and accept him.
The purpose of doing this publicly is to ask for the support of our church 'family' as we become parents and for their support and role-modelling to Cooper as he grows.
It is so special to be able to be part of a community and to have the all-powerful God to call on for help too! It was an added bonus to be able to dedicate Cooper to the father of all creation on Father's Day too!
Thursday, 25 August 2011
My beautiful big boy
My baby is just so darn gorgeous!! Seriously adorable! When I look at him or cuddle him, I want to hold onto the moment and remember it forever. I'm so excited about watching him grow and develop, but at the same time, I don't want him to ever change.... he is just perfect how he is.
I remember being warned before he was born that a whole range of responses are possible when you have a baby. Some women bond straight away, others take time. It was comforting to know ahead of time so that I didn't feel any pressure to feel a certain way.
I did love him right when I first met him, but mostly I just wanted to go to sleep. (Well, hey, I had just been through labour!) As the weeks have gone by, I have come to adore him more and more. He is just the most fabulous boy ever! I just want to tell everyone how great he is! Even when he makes my head hurt by screaming his lungs out, he is still so wonderful to cuddle and kiss. And when he is sound asleep, with his peaceful little face and his chubby arms curled up, oh man, he is too cute for words!
He is 9 weeks old today. According to the maternal health nurse, he weighs 6.61kgs and is 60.5cm long. That's a gain of 2kgs and 7.5cms. That's my clever big boy! Likes his food! :-D
I remember being warned before he was born that a whole range of responses are possible when you have a baby. Some women bond straight away, others take time. It was comforting to know ahead of time so that I didn't feel any pressure to feel a certain way.
I did love him right when I first met him, but mostly I just wanted to go to sleep. (Well, hey, I had just been through labour!) As the weeks have gone by, I have come to adore him more and more. He is just the most fabulous boy ever! I just want to tell everyone how great he is! Even when he makes my head hurt by screaming his lungs out, he is still so wonderful to cuddle and kiss. And when he is sound asleep, with his peaceful little face and his chubby arms curled up, oh man, he is too cute for words!
He is 9 weeks old today. According to the maternal health nurse, he weighs 6.61kgs and is 60.5cm long. That's a gain of 2kgs and 7.5cms. That's my clever big boy! Likes his food! :-D
Wednesday, 24 August 2011
Getting the hang of the obvious
I'm sure that by the time I've popped out 8 kids (haha) I'll be doing things in auto pilot. But for now, even the most obvious of mothering duties is a baffling, arduous task.
Take, for example, putting baby to sleep. Feed, play, watch for tired signs (lists of these can be readily obtained) then put baby down for a nap. It's quite logical, right? Makes much more sense than waiting until baby is so overtired that a screaming match ensues, requiring the baby to be rocked or comfort-fed to sleep, then not being able to be put down without being woken.
So if it's so darn logical and simple, why is it beyond me??
Perhaps:
~ because I have a poor sense of time at the best of times, let alone when I've had broken sleep for months. I don't notice how long 'play time' has been so forget to watch for tired signs.
~ my baby doesn't display the particlar list of signs I'm watching for.
~ I'm distracted by other things and not paying attention to him until he starts to cry.
~ I'm not used to having my activities interrupted, so I try to push sleep time back just a few minutes so I can 'just really quickly finish these last few dishes before the water goes cold', but my young baby doesn't have a tolerance margin of a few minutes yet.
~ my baby has grumpy days and sometimes skips the tired signs and goes straight for a good ol' cry.
Whatever the combination of reasons, it often just doesn't work. So on the odd occassions when I have a near textbook feed-play-settle-sleep cycle, I feel so gosh darn proud of myself!
Take, for example, putting baby to sleep. Feed, play, watch for tired signs (lists of these can be readily obtained) then put baby down for a nap. It's quite logical, right? Makes much more sense than waiting until baby is so overtired that a screaming match ensues, requiring the baby to be rocked or comfort-fed to sleep, then not being able to be put down without being woken.
So if it's so darn logical and simple, why is it beyond me??
Perhaps:
~ because I have a poor sense of time at the best of times, let alone when I've had broken sleep for months. I don't notice how long 'play time' has been so forget to watch for tired signs.
~ my baby doesn't display the particlar list of signs I'm watching for.
~ I'm distracted by other things and not paying attention to him until he starts to cry.
~ I'm not used to having my activities interrupted, so I try to push sleep time back just a few minutes so I can 'just really quickly finish these last few dishes before the water goes cold', but my young baby doesn't have a tolerance margin of a few minutes yet.
~ my baby has grumpy days and sometimes skips the tired signs and goes straight for a good ol' cry.
Whatever the combination of reasons, it often just doesn't work. So on the odd occassions when I have a near textbook feed-play-settle-sleep cycle, I feel so gosh darn proud of myself!
Monday, 22 August 2011
Sick days
I can't remember who said it recently, but I heard a mum somewhere saying that the worst part about being sick when you're a mum is that you can't chuck a sickie... the baby still needs to be cared for regardless of how you feel.
Today was my first sick day as a mum. Cooper got to spend half the night in our bed last night. He has been doing really well at staying mostly in his own bed lately, but I felt yuck and couldn't be bothered last night. Cooper has been fairly happy today, but has not been interested in sleeping, much to my dismay. I thought we might have some naps on the couch together, but he had other ideas. Got him settled, which took a while. He wanted to sleep on me, but every time I sneezed, coughed or blew my nose, it scared the crap out of him. With my sneezes surpressed and him alseep, I was finally just starting to nod off myself, and he decided that nap time was over. Doh!
I'm glad I'm not really sick, 'cuz it would fully suck. Just got a cold, and would have enjoyed a PJ day in bed or watching dvds. But I didn't even get to stay in my PJs as the darling spewed and weed on them and my dressing gown. :( At least it was nice weather so they are washed and dry already.
Hope the reason he hasn't slept well today is not because I've shared my germs with him! Fingers crossed for a great sleep tonight!
Today was my first sick day as a mum. Cooper got to spend half the night in our bed last night. He has been doing really well at staying mostly in his own bed lately, but I felt yuck and couldn't be bothered last night. Cooper has been fairly happy today, but has not been interested in sleeping, much to my dismay. I thought we might have some naps on the couch together, but he had other ideas. Got him settled, which took a while. He wanted to sleep on me, but every time I sneezed, coughed or blew my nose, it scared the crap out of him. With my sneezes surpressed and him alseep, I was finally just starting to nod off myself, and he decided that nap time was over. Doh!
I'm glad I'm not really sick, 'cuz it would fully suck. Just got a cold, and would have enjoyed a PJ day in bed or watching dvds. But I didn't even get to stay in my PJs as the darling spewed and weed on them and my dressing gown. :( At least it was nice weather so they are washed and dry already.
Hope the reason he hasn't slept well today is not because I've shared my germs with him! Fingers crossed for a great sleep tonight!
Sunday, 21 August 2011
Food, glorious food!
During the pregnancy, I started eating more. And boy, do I eat a lot now! Instead of my previous 3 slices of pizza, last night I had 6. At our picnic lunch today, instead of a reasonable 6-inch, I happily polished of an entire foot-long sub, and was wishing we had dessert to follow on with.
It still amazes me how complex and marvellous our bodies are. That my body can take the food and drink I consume and turn it into a nutritious milk that meets all my baby's needs is nothing short of incredible.
It still amazes me how complex and marvellous our bodies are. That my body can take the food and drink I consume and turn it into a nutritious milk that meets all my baby's needs is nothing short of incredible.
Saturday, 20 August 2011
Housework
I've noticed my approach to housework has changed with my change in circumstances.
Previously, there were only two of us, out a lot and seldom having visitors. I also had bigger chunks of time available. I would have a cleaning morning every now and then, where I would vacuum all floors and clean the bathroom (including shower and loo) and do the dishes and laundry.
Now, we're home more, have more visitors, and I swear Jason seems to be getting muddier at work and dropping more dirt around in spite of how careful he tries to be. Or maybe I just notice it more because I'm home and putting a baby on the floor. I also do not have big blocks of time with both hands free like I used to.
So now I do bitsy cleans. For example, I vacuum more regularly, but usually just the entry way and the area of loungeroom floor that is clear. Or sweep the kitchen and the half of the dining room where we sit. It works. I figure those spots that get dirtier need to be cleaned more often, so it doesn't matter if I don't clean the whole lot. Just requires a change of thinking so that I don't feel like a slack housekeeper :).
Previously, there were only two of us, out a lot and seldom having visitors. I also had bigger chunks of time available. I would have a cleaning morning every now and then, where I would vacuum all floors and clean the bathroom (including shower and loo) and do the dishes and laundry.
Now, we're home more, have more visitors, and I swear Jason seems to be getting muddier at work and dropping more dirt around in spite of how careful he tries to be. Or maybe I just notice it more because I'm home and putting a baby on the floor. I also do not have big blocks of time with both hands free like I used to.
So now I do bitsy cleans. For example, I vacuum more regularly, but usually just the entry way and the area of loungeroom floor that is clear. Or sweep the kitchen and the half of the dining room where we sit. It works. I figure those spots that get dirtier need to be cleaned more often, so it doesn't matter if I don't clean the whole lot. Just requires a change of thinking so that I don't feel like a slack housekeeper :).
Immunisations
Oh the confusion!! I find all these timeline things so baffling. The maternal health nurse said to get immunisations done at the 6 wk GP check up; the GP said to get them done at the city council; the city council said the maternal health nurse would do it at the 8 wk check. What the...? I know I'm supposed to get my baby immunised, but noone seems to want to do it! I queried the lady at city coucil, who thought that the confusion was maybe because there was a new 6 wk immunisation in addition to the 8 wk ones. She said she'd call me back.
Turns out that they now encourage you to do it at 6 wks due to the increase of whooping cough in small babies. But I don't feel so bad about not knowing when to do them as nobody else seems to either! She said to come in and they'd do them that day.
So on Tuesday I took my little 7 wk, 5 day old boy in and held him still while they gave him his first non-breastmilk drink (funny faces, but no drama there) and stabbed him in both legs (lots of tears then). I must admit, I got a little teary myself. I made the mistake of watching the big long needle go in on the first leg.
He calmed down amazingly quickly though, and became very sleepy for the next day or so. He then became a bit 'fragile' for a couple days after that...just a bit sooky and wanting lots of cuddles. My poor baby.
I have really enjoyed his big smiley playtime coming back today - so cute!
Turns out that they now encourage you to do it at 6 wks due to the increase of whooping cough in small babies. But I don't feel so bad about not knowing when to do them as nobody else seems to either! She said to come in and they'd do them that day.
So on Tuesday I took my little 7 wk, 5 day old boy in and held him still while they gave him his first non-breastmilk drink (funny faces, but no drama there) and stabbed him in both legs (lots of tears then). I must admit, I got a little teary myself. I made the mistake of watching the big long needle go in on the first leg.
He calmed down amazingly quickly though, and became very sleepy for the next day or so. He then became a bit 'fragile' for a couple days after that...just a bit sooky and wanting lots of cuddles. My poor baby.
I have really enjoyed his big smiley playtime coming back today - so cute!
Sunday, 14 August 2011
I can walk!!
Almost painfree!! My hip and lower back are SOOOO much better!! Went to the physio again on Monday, have gotten Jason to massage the area several times, and have been super-careful about not walking too much and being really careful how I pick up/carry Cooper and my posture etc. And the results are there! I sleep comfortably and can walk easily around the house and yard. Wohoo!
Went to NQR followed by the Fruit Shack yesterday, and was definitely feeling it after just those 2 stores, so it reminded me that I still need to keep taking it easy even after I feel good. Even though it kills me not to be able to walk on gorgeous days like Friday. But if I've seen this much improvement in the last week, hopefully it won't be long before things are all good again!
Got told I was looking nice and trim today too, which just made my day! :-)
Went to NQR followed by the Fruit Shack yesterday, and was definitely feeling it after just those 2 stores, so it reminded me that I still need to keep taking it easy even after I feel good. Even though it kills me not to be able to walk on gorgeous days like Friday. But if I've seen this much improvement in the last week, hopefully it won't be long before things are all good again!
Got told I was looking nice and trim today too, which just made my day! :-)
Sleeping solo
A week and a half ago, I decided that as Cooper was sleeping on his own (instead of needing to be on me) a bit better during the day, I would start trying to put him in his own bed on Friday nights. (Jason is usually home on Saturday, so I don't mind waking him to take over if I'm getting super tired.)
The first Friday was so-so, but this last Friday was fantastic!! Quick settles after feeds and straight back into his own bed! He slept on his own the whole night!! I knew not to expect that this would be the norm now, but since we had so much success on Friday, I thought I might even try it again last night.
I toodled off to bed at 10pm, with Cooper asleep on Jase in front of the telly. It was about 1am before they came in, and that was about when my sleep ended too. Cooper was in the mood to play!! He wasn't loud and grizzly, as long as the lamp was on low and I was paying him a little attention here and there.
2am - ok, kid, that's enough, time to go to sleep.
2:30 - really, Mummy is almost falling asleep... why don't you do the same?
3am - come ON! Enough already!! Lines from the book read by Noni Hazlehurst, 'Go the f@#! to sleep', are running through my head.
3:30 - sooking starting... at last, I think you're getting tired!!! Time to wake up Dad and get him to put you to sleep on his chest! Stuff your own bed, I don't care where you sleep for the rest of tonight, as long as I can go to sleep!
Maybe next Friday...
The first Friday was so-so, but this last Friday was fantastic!! Quick settles after feeds and straight back into his own bed! He slept on his own the whole night!! I knew not to expect that this would be the norm now, but since we had so much success on Friday, I thought I might even try it again last night.
I toodled off to bed at 10pm, with Cooper asleep on Jase in front of the telly. It was about 1am before they came in, and that was about when my sleep ended too. Cooper was in the mood to play!! He wasn't loud and grizzly, as long as the lamp was on low and I was paying him a little attention here and there.
2am - ok, kid, that's enough, time to go to sleep.
2:30 - really, Mummy is almost falling asleep... why don't you do the same?
3am - come ON! Enough already!! Lines from the book read by Noni Hazlehurst, 'Go the f@#! to sleep', are running through my head.
3:30 - sooking starting... at last, I think you're getting tired!!! Time to wake up Dad and get him to put you to sleep on his chest! Stuff your own bed, I don't care where you sleep for the rest of tonight, as long as I can go to sleep!
Maybe next Friday...
Saturday, 13 August 2011
Date night
Jason and I usually go on a date every three weeks or so, although we hadn't been on one since Cooper was born (7 wks ago). Tonight we decided to venture out for our first little 'family date'. I was all decked out in my best trackies and hoody (glamourous, eh??) as we headed out for a pub meal.
Although dinnertime is often a grumpy time of day for the little boy, he survived the dinner quite well. As we waited for our meals to arrive, a dummy and a cuddle sent him off to the land of nod.
He slept in the pram for most of the meal, only awaking and starting to grizzle for food just as we were finishing ours. By the time we got home, however, it was a full-blown HOWL.
Then we had issues. Poor little fella... was so tired from his howling, but couldn't sleep because he was too worked up and his little tummy was empty. Couldn't eat, though, because he was so tired and worked up! Managed to get a few sucks in, just enough that he was finally able to be soothed enough to latch on properly. He is now happy as can be, playing on Daddy's knee :-)
Maybe our next date will be Saturday lunch during his sleepy time!
Although dinnertime is often a grumpy time of day for the little boy, he survived the dinner quite well. As we waited for our meals to arrive, a dummy and a cuddle sent him off to the land of nod.
He slept in the pram for most of the meal, only awaking and starting to grizzle for food just as we were finishing ours. By the time we got home, however, it was a full-blown HOWL.
Then we had issues. Poor little fella... was so tired from his howling, but couldn't sleep because he was too worked up and his little tummy was empty. Couldn't eat, though, because he was so tired and worked up! Managed to get a few sucks in, just enough that he was finally able to be soothed enough to latch on properly. He is now happy as can be, playing on Daddy's knee :-)
Maybe our next date will be Saturday lunch during his sleepy time!
Monday, 8 August 2011
Clucky much??
I remember my sister saying how she was clucky and wanting another when her babies were still quite young (around 3 months?). At the time, I was like, "You've already got a baby!! What do you mean, you're clucky?"
Today I got the contraceptive implant inserted. As I drove away, I looked down at the bandage on my arm and felt a twinge of sadness. "No more babies now," I mournfully told Cooper. I then had to have a good laugh at myself... I was talking to my 6.5wk old baby!! Why would I want to have another one now?? I've already got one!!
Ah, but he is just so lovely, I want to surround myself with lots of littlies just like him!
Today I got the contraceptive implant inserted. As I drove away, I looked down at the bandage on my arm and felt a twinge of sadness. "No more babies now," I mournfully told Cooper. I then had to have a good laugh at myself... I was talking to my 6.5wk old baby!! Why would I want to have another one now?? I've already got one!!
Ah, but he is just so lovely, I want to surround myself with lots of littlies just like him!
Getting down and dirty
I had an appointment today. When I was called, I walked in carrying the nappy bag, Cooper and a little blanket. The doctor looked at me in surprise... "What will we do with Cooper while I work on you?"
"Ummm, put him on the floor... I have a blanket."
"Oh, ok!" (slightly surprised expression)
I got the same reaction when I visited the chiro. Do people not put babies on the floor anymore?? That's pretty much where my baby lives when he's not on me or Jason. Or am I not supposed to bring the baby with me to appointments? Maybe it's just that people usually get a babysitter or bring the pram in with them, so the doctors aren't used to it? Hmm, interesting.
On another matter, Cooper has had a few rough moments in the last couple of days. He has gotten over-tired and has been so hard to settle. Tonight, for example, he was so tired and fell asleep on Jason. When Jason had to get ready to go to cricket, he popped Cooper on the floor. Of course, the little boy woke shortly after and started sooking. Jase went to do a nappy change, and copped a spray, so it took a little bit for us to clean up and get him all dressed again, even though we were hurrying. By this stage, of course, the sooking had turned to tears. By the time I tried to feed him, he was already starting to get quite distressed and wouldn't feed properly. Then it turned to major distress.
Poor little fella, he gets himself so worked up sometimes. And poor mummy's head... seriously, the lungs on that kid!! Jason and I have trouble trying to speak to each other over the top of his screams when he gets going!
He is asleep on me now, and although it is way past my bedtime, I don't want to move. Don't want to risk waking the poor little guy up. (BTW, he is SUCH an adorable little bundle on my lap! I just want to cuddle him all night! Although we'll see what I think of that idea at 4am...)
"Ummm, put him on the floor... I have a blanket."
"Oh, ok!" (slightly surprised expression)
I got the same reaction when I visited the chiro. Do people not put babies on the floor anymore?? That's pretty much where my baby lives when he's not on me or Jason. Or am I not supposed to bring the baby with me to appointments? Maybe it's just that people usually get a babysitter or bring the pram in with them, so the doctors aren't used to it? Hmm, interesting.
On another matter, Cooper has had a few rough moments in the last couple of days. He has gotten over-tired and has been so hard to settle. Tonight, for example, he was so tired and fell asleep on Jason. When Jason had to get ready to go to cricket, he popped Cooper on the floor. Of course, the little boy woke shortly after and started sooking. Jase went to do a nappy change, and copped a spray, so it took a little bit for us to clean up and get him all dressed again, even though we were hurrying. By this stage, of course, the sooking had turned to tears. By the time I tried to feed him, he was already starting to get quite distressed and wouldn't feed properly. Then it turned to major distress.
Poor little fella, he gets himself so worked up sometimes. And poor mummy's head... seriously, the lungs on that kid!! Jason and I have trouble trying to speak to each other over the top of his screams when he gets going!
He is asleep on me now, and although it is way past my bedtime, I don't want to move. Don't want to risk waking the poor little guy up. (BTW, he is SUCH an adorable little bundle on my lap! I just want to cuddle him all night! Although we'll see what I think of that idea at 4am...)
Sunday, 7 August 2011
The smell of a baby
I had a lady stop me the other day, saying "Please let me smell your baby. I just love the smell of babies!"
What the...??
I don't know about other babies, but the smells my baby produces are vomit, urine and poo (although the poo isn't too bad yet). Lady, I'm guessing what you actually like is the scent of Johnson & Johnson's baby powder.
Although I bath my baby almost every day, I'm afraid I usually forget to sprinkle him with powder. And as he vomits regularly, that is the scent you will smell. It isn't that pleasant, honest.
So no, I'd rather you didn't sniff my baby. I find it a little creepy and slightly embarrassing.
Let me put it this way: how would you feel if I saw a Rexona can sticking out of your bag, got very excited and asked to sniff your armpit? It's weird, huh? And say you'd forgotten to put your Rexona on this morning... embarrassing, huh?
So I'm sure you get the point ... please go buy your own powder to enjoy in the privacy of your home and back your nose away from my baby.
What the...??
I don't know about other babies, but the smells my baby produces are vomit, urine and poo (although the poo isn't too bad yet). Lady, I'm guessing what you actually like is the scent of Johnson & Johnson's baby powder.
Although I bath my baby almost every day, I'm afraid I usually forget to sprinkle him with powder. And as he vomits regularly, that is the scent you will smell. It isn't that pleasant, honest.
So no, I'd rather you didn't sniff my baby. I find it a little creepy and slightly embarrassing.
Let me put it this way: how would you feel if I saw a Rexona can sticking out of your bag, got very excited and asked to sniff your armpit? It's weird, huh? And say you'd forgotten to put your Rexona on this morning... embarrassing, huh?
So I'm sure you get the point ... please go buy your own powder to enjoy in the privacy of your home and back your nose away from my baby.
Randoms
Cooper has discovered his fingers recently. Every now and then he sucks them for comfort. It is so cute, but boy is he noisy!!
Riddle for you:
Q: When Mum says, "I'm sooo close to finishing this Sudoku puzzle, I'll be with you in one tic.", how do you get her to pay attention to you straight away?
A: Spew on her.
Riddle for you:
Q: When Mum says, "I'm sooo close to finishing this Sudoku puzzle, I'll be with you in one tic.", how do you get her to pay attention to you straight away?
A: Spew on her.
Thursday, 4 August 2011
How many fluids can you expel?
I picked up a sleepy Cooper to take to bed last night and felt wet all down my chest - lovely. Only the second time I've been drenched in spew, so not too bad, really. I changed my top, picked up the bub who was crying by now, and what do you know? He did it again! Ok, I give up (I give up qickly, I know!), I'm sleeping topless tonight.
I change his nappy, when I suddenly realise he wasn't done... poo pours out all over the change table! Ew! Clean him up, get a new cover for the change table. And while I'm at it, get another spew rag so I can put another layer under us while we do the bedtime feed ... just in case!
At 3:30 I'm awakened by a huge, juicy Fffbbblleeeeffftt. Oh no, quick, get him out of bed before he leaks and I end up having to change our sheets in middle of the night! On the way to the change table, he lets out another ffbblleefft... this probably should have been my clue that he wasn't finished, but keeping in mind that I was half asleep, can you guess what happened next?? Yep, I whip off his nappy and he shoots poo all over the change table again!!
I'm holding his legs up out of the mess, anxiously checking to see if his clothes are safe or if we need a mid-night change when I hear a SSSSsssss. Yep, free willy wee... all over himself AND the spare change of clothes I keep at the top of the change table!!!
BAHAHAHA! It was just the day before that I was thinking about how little laundry Cooper makes compared to what I was expecting. By this stage, I am totally seeing the funny side! Unfortunately, Cooper is not, and the wailing starts. He's hungry and wet all over, and mum is standing there just laughing! Now remember how I decided to sleep topless? The crying and the bit-later-than-normal night feed of course meant that breastmilk started dripping out to add to the already soggy mess!
We got cleaned up and barely made it through the feed. Cooper was still uptight, so I let him sleep on my chest.
So, we've had great quantities of vomit, poo, wee, tears and breastmilk. Surely there are no more fluids to expel, right? Wrong... he completed the mess by slobbering all over my collarbone (which he was sucking for comfort) and sneezing on me!
I think I need a shower!!!
I change his nappy, when I suddenly realise he wasn't done... poo pours out all over the change table! Ew! Clean him up, get a new cover for the change table. And while I'm at it, get another spew rag so I can put another layer under us while we do the bedtime feed ... just in case!
At 3:30 I'm awakened by a huge, juicy Fffbbblleeeeffftt. Oh no, quick, get him out of bed before he leaks and I end up having to change our sheets in middle of the night! On the way to the change table, he lets out another ffbblleefft... this probably should have been my clue that he wasn't finished, but keeping in mind that I was half asleep, can you guess what happened next?? Yep, I whip off his nappy and he shoots poo all over the change table again!!
I'm holding his legs up out of the mess, anxiously checking to see if his clothes are safe or if we need a mid-night change when I hear a SSSSsssss. Yep, free willy wee... all over himself AND the spare change of clothes I keep at the top of the change table!!!
BAHAHAHA! It was just the day before that I was thinking about how little laundry Cooper makes compared to what I was expecting. By this stage, I am totally seeing the funny side! Unfortunately, Cooper is not, and the wailing starts. He's hungry and wet all over, and mum is standing there just laughing! Now remember how I decided to sleep topless? The crying and the bit-later-than-normal night feed of course meant that breastmilk started dripping out to add to the already soggy mess!
We got cleaned up and barely made it through the feed. Cooper was still uptight, so I let him sleep on my chest.
So, we've had great quantities of vomit, poo, wee, tears and breastmilk. Surely there are no more fluids to expel, right? Wrong... he completed the mess by slobbering all over my collarbone (which he was sucking for comfort) and sneezing on me!
I think I need a shower!!!
Monday, 1 August 2011
My stupid body
So, when they say you shouldn't exercise for 6 wks after the birth, apparently they mean: don't exercise for 6 wks. Even if you feel great. Even if you really want to.
I started walking in wk 3. Just a short little walk. I felt great afterwards and wanted to do more. I tried to restrain myself and just creep it up slowly. But it wasn't long before I was doing quite long walks, even while still resting for at least a day between. I felt so good ... until mid-last week. Maybe I overdid it??
I slept funny while trying to cuddle Cooper during the night and put my neck and shoulder out. I've always had kinda loose ligaments or something and visited the chiro a bit. The next day (Thurs) my hip started hurting too, and I made an appt for Friday. He adjusted various things, fixed my neck, but I queried that my hip still didn't feel good. "Give it time to settle," he responded.
It just kept getting worse. Soon it hurt to walk. I started limping. Grrr. Went back to the chiro today. He adjusted more things, but it still didn't feel right. He said he'd done all he good, and it's the Relaxin hormone still in my body from the pregnancy. He said there was nothing I could really do.
I hobbled out, barely making it to the car, climbed in and cried. How could he not be able to fix it!? How long would it last!? What did he mean, there was nothing I could do!? Had I stuffed my body up? Even things like a trip to the supermarket were so hard, and I was a little nervous carrying Cooper around, 'cuz my hip was catching and my leg giving way at various moments... what if it got worse and I fell and dropped him??
This evening I went to my pregnancy/post natal pilates class and am happy to say that I've stopped my emotional stress out :) I was the only one at the class, so had the physio to myself for an hour, and for half the price of a chiro visit - nice!! She confirmed the chiro's opinion that I am 'structurally sound' and that my prob is to do with hormones, but she saw light at the end of the tunnel for me... she did a bit of work on my hip that loosened it up heaps and we did some very gentle exercises. Feeling a lot better and walking more smoothly now.
She wondered if my problems are related in part to my breast reconstruction work, where they used my latissimus dorsi muscle in my back to make my new boob. Things are all rearranged and pulled out of place. Stupid body. Stupid tumours. Stupid muscles. Stupid joints. Stupid body that doesn't let me do what I want. And to think that tomorrow is gonna be a gorgeous 17 degrees... and I can't go walking :( (Won't be vacuuming either, but I'm not too sad about that, lol!!)
Anyway, that's my big sook for today. I'll be over it and happy again tomorrow, I'm sure. My body really isn't too bad, especially when compared to the pain and grief some people suffer for their whole lives. See, I'm starting to feel better already :)
I started walking in wk 3. Just a short little walk. I felt great afterwards and wanted to do more. I tried to restrain myself and just creep it up slowly. But it wasn't long before I was doing quite long walks, even while still resting for at least a day between. I felt so good ... until mid-last week. Maybe I overdid it??
I slept funny while trying to cuddle Cooper during the night and put my neck and shoulder out. I've always had kinda loose ligaments or something and visited the chiro a bit. The next day (Thurs) my hip started hurting too, and I made an appt for Friday. He adjusted various things, fixed my neck, but I queried that my hip still didn't feel good. "Give it time to settle," he responded.
It just kept getting worse. Soon it hurt to walk. I started limping. Grrr. Went back to the chiro today. He adjusted more things, but it still didn't feel right. He said he'd done all he good, and it's the Relaxin hormone still in my body from the pregnancy. He said there was nothing I could really do.
I hobbled out, barely making it to the car, climbed in and cried. How could he not be able to fix it!? How long would it last!? What did he mean, there was nothing I could do!? Had I stuffed my body up? Even things like a trip to the supermarket were so hard, and I was a little nervous carrying Cooper around, 'cuz my hip was catching and my leg giving way at various moments... what if it got worse and I fell and dropped him??
This evening I went to my pregnancy/post natal pilates class and am happy to say that I've stopped my emotional stress out :) I was the only one at the class, so had the physio to myself for an hour, and for half the price of a chiro visit - nice!! She confirmed the chiro's opinion that I am 'structurally sound' and that my prob is to do with hormones, but she saw light at the end of the tunnel for me... she did a bit of work on my hip that loosened it up heaps and we did some very gentle exercises. Feeling a lot better and walking more smoothly now.
She wondered if my problems are related in part to my breast reconstruction work, where they used my latissimus dorsi muscle in my back to make my new boob. Things are all rearranged and pulled out of place. Stupid body. Stupid tumours. Stupid muscles. Stupid joints. Stupid body that doesn't let me do what I want. And to think that tomorrow is gonna be a gorgeous 17 degrees... and I can't go walking :( (Won't be vacuuming either, but I'm not too sad about that, lol!!)
Anyway, that's my big sook for today. I'll be over it and happy again tomorrow, I'm sure. My body really isn't too bad, especially when compared to the pain and grief some people suffer for their whole lives. See, I'm starting to feel better already :)
Friday, 29 July 2011
5 weeks - shouldn't my tummy be gone??
Haha, if only! Don't worry, I know that it will take quite some time for my body to shrink back down to size, if in fact it ever does. I'm not really stressed about it, honest, but my big thighs, flabby gut hanging over my trackies ('cuz they're about all I fit into) and my incredibly disproportionate boobs (the fake one hasn't kept pace with the milk dispensing one, obviously) do all make me feel less than glamourous. It does make me think a little bit about body image and the like.
Towards the start of my pregnancy, I cried when held up a cute little size 10 skirt and realised that I may never wear it again. I've heard people say all the stuff about how your kids make it worth it, and obviously nobody would trade their kids for a model's body. But I wondered, can you really feel confident and happy with your body if it doesn't ever go back into shape?
I think now, that maybe you are or aren't happy with your body, but it just doesn't really matter, because there is so much less time to think about it. Other more important things consume your energy. I plan Cooper's outfits before I plan my own. I often forget that I haven't looked in the mirror before I go out, as I've been so busy getting my little boy ready and out the door on time.
I also think that we are our own harshest critics. I've only weighed myself once since the birth, and I loved Jason's off-hand response when I told him how much I'd lost but how much I still had to go:
"You don't want to lose too much though... remember how you used to whinge about the cold all the time? A little insulation would be good."
I love that my "whinging" (I still maintain that commenting "gee, it's chilly tonight" or having your teeth chatter is not actually whinging!) obviously bothered him more than my flabby tummy. If it doesn't bother him, why should it bother me?
I've heard people say that you should be proud of your post-baby body... it shows that you've been a part of bringing a miracle into the world. A similar sentiment was expressed on Oprah today with regards to aging... "Ageing is a privilege, not a birthright". I love it... I am privileged to be alive long enough to grow wrinkles. I am privileged enough to be able to have a flabby baby tummy, when some can't.
Having said all that, I still have a little vain part of me that is hoping to fit back into my size 11 jeans one day!
Towards the start of my pregnancy, I cried when held up a cute little size 10 skirt and realised that I may never wear it again. I've heard people say all the stuff about how your kids make it worth it, and obviously nobody would trade their kids for a model's body. But I wondered, can you really feel confident and happy with your body if it doesn't ever go back into shape?
I think now, that maybe you are or aren't happy with your body, but it just doesn't really matter, because there is so much less time to think about it. Other more important things consume your energy. I plan Cooper's outfits before I plan my own. I often forget that I haven't looked in the mirror before I go out, as I've been so busy getting my little boy ready and out the door on time.
I also think that we are our own harshest critics. I've only weighed myself once since the birth, and I loved Jason's off-hand response when I told him how much I'd lost but how much I still had to go:
"You don't want to lose too much though... remember how you used to whinge about the cold all the time? A little insulation would be good."
I love that my "whinging" (I still maintain that commenting "gee, it's chilly tonight" or having your teeth chatter is not actually whinging!) obviously bothered him more than my flabby tummy. If it doesn't bother him, why should it bother me?
I've heard people say that you should be proud of your post-baby body... it shows that you've been a part of bringing a miracle into the world. A similar sentiment was expressed on Oprah today with regards to aging... "Ageing is a privilege, not a birthright". I love it... I am privileged to be alive long enough to grow wrinkles. I am privileged enough to be able to have a flabby baby tummy, when some can't.
Having said all that, I still have a little vain part of me that is hoping to fit back into my size 11 jeans one day!
Thursday, 28 July 2011
More firsts
The things we did for the first time today include:
- Playgroup
Cooper slept through the entire thing, but I enjoyed chatting to the other mums.
- Refuelling alone
My first visit to the petrol station with just me and Cooper. The dilemma... leave him in the car or take him in with me to pay?? I stressed about it all the way to the servo! When I finished refuelling, there was only one person in line to pay and my little fella was sound asleep, so rather than drag him out in the cold, interrupting his sleep yet again, I just locked the car and ran in. He never even knew I left, there were no fires, and noone stole or smashed into my car, so all good! What do other mums do?
- Supermarket without a pram
Second ever visit to the supermarket with a baby, first one driving there instead of walking with the pram. I parked my car right next to a trolley return bay, even though it was a little walk to the supermarket. Armed with my baby, a cosy blanket to put in the baby part of the trolley, my green bag, purse and shopping list, I optimistically charged in. Only to get stumped at the trolley bay... no baby trolleys!! Aaahhh, what now??
I looked at my list, decided I diddn't need too much and that the easiest option would be to just keep carrying him and load up my green bag as I went. We managed it, but it felt like a long walk by the time we made it back to the car and my arms were quite tired. I think walking the whole way there with the pram was actually easier!
- Playgroup
Cooper slept through the entire thing, but I enjoyed chatting to the other mums.
- Refuelling alone
My first visit to the petrol station with just me and Cooper. The dilemma... leave him in the car or take him in with me to pay?? I stressed about it all the way to the servo! When I finished refuelling, there was only one person in line to pay and my little fella was sound asleep, so rather than drag him out in the cold, interrupting his sleep yet again, I just locked the car and ran in. He never even knew I left, there were no fires, and noone stole or smashed into my car, so all good! What do other mums do?
- Supermarket without a pram
Second ever visit to the supermarket with a baby, first one driving there instead of walking with the pram. I parked my car right next to a trolley return bay, even though it was a little walk to the supermarket. Armed with my baby, a cosy blanket to put in the baby part of the trolley, my green bag, purse and shopping list, I optimistically charged in. Only to get stumped at the trolley bay... no baby trolleys!! Aaahhh, what now??
I looked at my list, decided I diddn't need too much and that the easiest option would be to just keep carrying him and load up my green bag as I went. We managed it, but it felt like a long walk by the time we made it back to the car and my arms were quite tired. I think walking the whole way there with the pram was actually easier!
Space, sweet space!
I love my baby boy, but I also love my space, especially when sleeping. Last night, Cooper slept in his own bed for just over 2 hrs, had a feed, then went back for another 1.5 hrs! Wohoo!
So what caused him to stay sleeping on his own? I think a large part of it was simply me being able to stay awake long enough after the feed to actually put him in his cot and stay there settling him! I also put him in a sleeping bag, beanie and mittens, thinking maybe he gets colder on his own. The huge bonus that he is taking his dummy a little also helped, as I could rub his tummy while he did his little comfort suck on his dummy, so he settled again after I put him down. Maybe some of these things helped? Will try them again tonight.
Next challenge: to see if I can get him to sleep for more than a 2hr stretch on his own. 'Cuz settling him twice was enough for me last night! Don't wanna be up every 1.5 to 2 hrs all night every night!
So what caused him to stay sleeping on his own? I think a large part of it was simply me being able to stay awake long enough after the feed to actually put him in his cot and stay there settling him! I also put him in a sleeping bag, beanie and mittens, thinking maybe he gets colder on his own. The huge bonus that he is taking his dummy a little also helped, as I could rub his tummy while he did his little comfort suck on his dummy, so he settled again after I put him down. Maybe some of these things helped? Will try them again tonight.
Next challenge: to see if I can get him to sleep for more than a 2hr stretch on his own. 'Cuz settling him twice was enough for me last night! Don't wanna be up every 1.5 to 2 hrs all night every night!
Tuesday, 26 July 2011
From day to day
It amazes me how much things can change from one day to the next.
Yesterday was kinda crap. A sooky baby and an unmotivated mum meant that nothing got done all day. Seriously, nothing. Well, I showered myself, changed nappies, fed and cuddled Cooper. That's it. Didn't even manage to cook tea - Jason did that when he got home. And boy, was I hanging out for him to get home!
Today, however, bubs is happy, and in addition to what I did yesterday, I have also bathed Cooper, done a load of laundry, made scones, walked to the Village (30min walk), done a little grocery shopping, met a friend for coffee and walked home again. Miracle upon miracle, Cooper is right now asleep on his own again (3rd time today!), although he is stiring, so I'm gonna get off my laptop quickly and go chop up some veggies! What a happy day!! :-D
Yesterday was kinda crap. A sooky baby and an unmotivated mum meant that nothing got done all day. Seriously, nothing. Well, I showered myself, changed nappies, fed and cuddled Cooper. That's it. Didn't even manage to cook tea - Jason did that when he got home. And boy, was I hanging out for him to get home!
Today, however, bubs is happy, and in addition to what I did yesterday, I have also bathed Cooper, done a load of laundry, made scones, walked to the Village (30min walk), done a little grocery shopping, met a friend for coffee and walked home again. Miracle upon miracle, Cooper is right now asleep on his own again (3rd time today!), although he is stiring, so I'm gonna get off my laptop quickly and go chop up some veggies! What a happy day!! :-D
Monday, 25 July 2011
I just want cuddles, Mummy!!!
Cooper and I were playing on his mat when he started getting tired and grizzly. Since we had two good sessions of sleep in the pram yesterday, I thought I'd try walking him to sleep in that rather than the usual feed or cuddle and rock or pace to sleep.
By the time we'd walked past 2 houses he was crying. It kept getting louder. I didn't even make it around the block before I caved and picked him up. Within seconds, he had stopped crying and was asleep moments later. I put him in his bouncer and am bouncing him, but he is wiggling around, in and out of sleep.
He is so tired. How long before the crying starts? Do I persist to try to get him to sleep by himself or do I cave and let him sleep on me? It's almost 3pm and he hasn't had his big sleep yet today, as I've kept trying to put him down. Ah, here come the tears... I cave... maybe a feed, then I'll try putting him down again.
By the time we'd walked past 2 houses he was crying. It kept getting louder. I didn't even make it around the block before I caved and picked him up. Within seconds, he had stopped crying and was asleep moments later. I put him in his bouncer and am bouncing him, but he is wiggling around, in and out of sleep.
He is so tired. How long before the crying starts? Do I persist to try to get him to sleep by himself or do I cave and let him sleep on me? It's almost 3pm and he hasn't had his big sleep yet today, as I've kept trying to put him down. Ah, here come the tears... I cave... maybe a feed, then I'll try putting him down again.
Flamin' routine!!!
It doesn't seem to take my body too long to get into a slightly new routine. In the past, I have found that to be useful in some ways (ie: if I always get up for work at 7am, pretty soon it doesn't matter if I forget to set the alarm as I'll wake then anyway) and not so useful in others (I find it immensely hard to sleep in on the weekend).
At the moment I am cursing my stupid body clock. Cooper has been enjoying his night-time playtimes. Last night however, was a little different. I went to bed just after 9:30, Cooper and Jase came around 12:30 but he didn't need a feed until a bit after 2am, so I got 4.5hrs solid sleep on my own - nice!! He had a super quick and quiet feed then was straight back to sleep again until 6:30am!!!! How awesome is that!
I, however, lay there wide awake, expecting playtime!! :( 3am came, 4am came, I turned the light on and did some Sudokus, yet still sleep eluded me. I did drift off eventually, and slept fitfully til the next feed. Grrrr. Here's hoping Cooper keeps that idea of going straight back to sleep after feeds and that I learn to follow suit again!
At the moment I am cursing my stupid body clock. Cooper has been enjoying his night-time playtimes. Last night however, was a little different. I went to bed just after 9:30, Cooper and Jase came around 12:30 but he didn't need a feed until a bit after 2am, so I got 4.5hrs solid sleep on my own - nice!! He had a super quick and quiet feed then was straight back to sleep again until 6:30am!!!! How awesome is that!
I, however, lay there wide awake, expecting playtime!! :( 3am came, 4am came, I turned the light on and did some Sudokus, yet still sleep eluded me. I did drift off eventually, and slept fitfully til the next feed. Grrrr. Here's hoping Cooper keeps that idea of going straight back to sleep after feeds and that I learn to follow suit again!
Precious Moments
My son loves cuddles. He likes to be held when he is awake, when playing and when asleep. I love giving him cuddles, but must admit that by the time the weekend comes, I'm happy to leave most of the cuddle-time for Dad. Yesterday I had the added bonus of him sleeping in his pram throughout church and while we went out for lunch too, although by then I was actually looking forward to him waking up so I could hold him.
We got home last night and he and I were lying down for a feed. He was quite unsettled, even though his nappy was clean. I thought maybe it was wind and sat him up for a burp. Nothing doing and he was thrashing around, so I pulled him in close and gave him a tight hug while still jiggling him around. Immediately he settled right down!
I lay him down in my arms so I could see him staring up at me with big, peaceful eyes while I hugged him. "Oh, did you just want some Mummy-cuddles did you?" I asked. He beamed a huge smile up at me. "You did!! I've missed Cooper-cuddles, too!" More smiles. The rest of the feed was postponed for ten or so minutes, while we shared cuddles and smiles, then he happily finished his feed without the fussing.
It's moments like these that make it all worthwhile!
We got home last night and he and I were lying down for a feed. He was quite unsettled, even though his nappy was clean. I thought maybe it was wind and sat him up for a burp. Nothing doing and he was thrashing around, so I pulled him in close and gave him a tight hug while still jiggling him around. Immediately he settled right down!
I lay him down in my arms so I could see him staring up at me with big, peaceful eyes while I hugged him. "Oh, did you just want some Mummy-cuddles did you?" I asked. He beamed a huge smile up at me. "You did!! I've missed Cooper-cuddles, too!" More smiles. The rest of the feed was postponed for ten or so minutes, while we shared cuddles and smiles, then he happily finished his feed without the fussing.
It's moments like these that make it all worthwhile!
Sunday, 24 July 2011
Routine??
I've heard that kids are ever-changing and routine can be very hard to come by. As soon as you think you have routine, they'll enter a new stage of life and everything will change again.
I was very excited a few days ago to look at my days and see the start of some sort of routine that looked something like this:
2:30am - feed
6:30am - feed, shower/bath, quick feed, quick nap while mum has brekky
10:30am - feed and big sleep
2:30 to 8:00pm - feeds every 1 to 2 hrs, interspersed with naps and playtimes.
8:00pm - feed and sleep on the couch with mum
11:00pm - feed and bed with mum and dad
I was quite excited! I was basically getting two 3hr sleeps in bed, combined with a good nap on the couch after tea most nights which was enough to feel good. We were both showered, dressed and breakfasted by around 10am and I had a patch of time late morning/early arvo to get stuff done around the house. I was thinking, Nice, hope it lasts!!
It didn't. Well, it still isn't too bad really, but things have adjusted a bit, so that we have a nighttime feed around 3:30 or 4am, followed by a 2 hr awake time!! Oh no!! Thank goodness he has learnt to smile, so that redeems him a little. But I still get quite bored by 6am, as I refuse to get out of bed at the unearthly hour of 4am, so our playing must be done there.
I sometimes have to wake Jase up around 5:30 to play with us... I love how he is so happy to get the smiles from Cooper that he actually enjoys the play in spite of the hour. It reminds me to enjoy every moment that I can. I can always vacuum or sleep another day! It reminds me of a poem I once read, but I only remember the end:
So hush now cobwebs,
Dust go to sleep,
Because I'm rocking my baby
And babies don't keep.
I was very excited a few days ago to look at my days and see the start of some sort of routine that looked something like this:
2:30am - feed
6:30am - feed, shower/bath, quick feed, quick nap while mum has brekky
10:30am - feed and big sleep
2:30 to 8:00pm - feeds every 1 to 2 hrs, interspersed with naps and playtimes.
8:00pm - feed and sleep on the couch with mum
11:00pm - feed and bed with mum and dad
I was quite excited! I was basically getting two 3hr sleeps in bed, combined with a good nap on the couch after tea most nights which was enough to feel good. We were both showered, dressed and breakfasted by around 10am and I had a patch of time late morning/early arvo to get stuff done around the house. I was thinking, Nice, hope it lasts!!
It didn't. Well, it still isn't too bad really, but things have adjusted a bit, so that we have a nighttime feed around 3:30 or 4am, followed by a 2 hr awake time!! Oh no!! Thank goodness he has learnt to smile, so that redeems him a little. But I still get quite bored by 6am, as I refuse to get out of bed at the unearthly hour of 4am, so our playing must be done there.
I sometimes have to wake Jase up around 5:30 to play with us... I love how he is so happy to get the smiles from Cooper that he actually enjoys the play in spite of the hour. It reminds me to enjoy every moment that I can. I can always vacuum or sleep another day! It reminds me of a poem I once read, but I only remember the end:
So hush now cobwebs,
Dust go to sleep,
Because I'm rocking my baby
And babies don't keep.
Tuesday, 19 July 2011
Playtime
Cooper has started smiling!! I was pulling faces at him a few days ago, and he started doing big smiles! The next evening he smiled while Jason was playing with him, so I knew it wasn't my imagination. SO cute! And the most thrilling thing, to see him actually responding to play.
We put him under a play mat with dangly things to bat and look at. I know it is still purely accidental collisions as he waves his arms around at this stage, but it is so much fun to watch him watching the swinging toys and smiling at them!
I like playtime now! :-D
We put him under a play mat with dangly things to bat and look at. I know it is still purely accidental collisions as he waves his arms around at this stage, but it is so much fun to watch him watching the swinging toys and smiling at them!
I like playtime now! :-D
Wednesday, 13 July 2011
Is there a point to bathing?
This morning Cooper and I had our first shower together since being out of the womb. Was a bit tricky working out the logistics on my own, but we got there. Cooper thought it was pretty good...being able to have a feed while being under the nice warm water!
Right after getting out, however, he peed on himself, followed by a little chuck. I had to wonder if the wash had actually been worth it, lol.
On the sleeping matter, we have basically succumbed to co-sleeping. Jason took first shift last night, with Cooper sleeping on his chest from about 11 to 2:15. Great sleep for me! Then after feeding and changing, he slept on me for another about 3 hours. Not the most comfy way to sleep, but at least we get sleep!! :-D
Right after getting out, however, he peed on himself, followed by a little chuck. I had to wonder if the wash had actually been worth it, lol.
On the sleeping matter, we have basically succumbed to co-sleeping. Jason took first shift last night, with Cooper sleeping on his chest from about 11 to 2:15. Great sleep for me! Then after feeding and changing, he slept on me for another about 3 hours. Not the most comfy way to sleep, but at least we get sleep!! :-D
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
Getting big!
Our little baby is changing every day! He is so much more alert each day and is getting better at looking around and following movement. So adorable. I love his big, dark eyes.
On a less exciting note, he still won't take a dummy, but is liking to suck. At times he'll sit on my boob for over an hour, sucking happily away, even though there is no more milk coming out, before I pull him off to give my poor boob a rest. Gonna go dummy shopping tomorrow to see if I can find a different brand/style that he might like better.
On a less exciting note, he still won't take a dummy, but is liking to suck. At times he'll sit on my boob for over an hour, sucking happily away, even though there is no more milk coming out, before I pull him off to give my poor boob a rest. Gonna go dummy shopping tomorrow to see if I can find a different brand/style that he might like better.
Communicating
I have not yet learnt the 'different' cries that people assure me exist nor what they mean. I thought I understood Cooper fairly well this morning though. He had choked on milk again so I sat him up to burp him. He started leaning back really hard, grunting with the effort. Fairly clear communication meaning "Not time for burps; more milk please, Mum" right? I lay him back down, pulled him in close for a feed, and what did he do? A little burp and chuck on my tummy, lol. I guess he was just sick of using spew rags.
Monday, 11 July 2011
Where's Daddy??
Jason had to go back to work today :-( Don't know if Cooper has actually noticed or not, but I have. 'Twas so nice to have him home for a couple weeks... he has been great with Cooper and I've enjoyed doing things as a team.
We had our first bath at home without Dad this morning. Cooper thoroughly enjoyed it, but not so much the getting out bit. He was so cranky about being taken out that he didn't appreciate the fact that his nappy, singlet, socks and spew rag all match his jumpsuit today. Or maybe he just didn't like the green and white colour scheme.
We had our first bath at home without Dad this morning. Cooper thoroughly enjoyed it, but not so much the getting out bit. He was so cranky about being taken out that he didn't appreciate the fact that his nappy, singlet, socks and spew rag all match his jumpsuit today. Or maybe he just didn't like the green and white colour scheme.
Wednesday, 6 July 2011
Has my milk gone sour??
*sigh* I thought we were doing so well with the breastfeeding - really getting the hang of latching on quickly and staying on for most of the feed. But the last 24hrs have been much harder work... lots of tears (Cooper, not me) and real trouble getting him on. He seems quite distressed about something.
I wait until he asks for food mostly, and feeds have been well-spaced, so I'm sure he's hungry. I've been careful to hold him the way we've had most success in the past and tried to make sure he's comfy/warm/not too hot/etc. There's no poo in his pants. I don't think I've eaten anything odd. There is definitely milk supply, as the initial suck followed by crying makes it drip out all over his face when he pulls away.
So what is it? Has my milk gone sour? Is he getting bored with this flavour? Maybe strawberry or chocolate milk would be preferrable?
I guess they say to give it 6 weeks to get the hang of breastfeeding and we've had just under 2. I'm sure we'll have patches of both good and poor feeding over the coming weeks.
I wait until he asks for food mostly, and feeds have been well-spaced, so I'm sure he's hungry. I've been careful to hold him the way we've had most success in the past and tried to make sure he's comfy/warm/not too hot/etc. There's no poo in his pants. I don't think I've eaten anything odd. There is definitely milk supply, as the initial suck followed by crying makes it drip out all over his face when he pulls away.
So what is it? Has my milk gone sour? Is he getting bored with this flavour? Maybe strawberry or chocolate milk would be preferrable?
I guess they say to give it 6 weeks to get the hang of breastfeeding and we've had just under 2. I'm sure we'll have patches of both good and poor feeding over the coming weeks.
Tuesday, 5 July 2011
To sleep or not to sleep...
So, we've been having a bit of trouble with the little man being happy to sleep during the day, but not so much at night. We've resorted to co-sleeping a number of times, but really aren't keen on it - not only do we get poor sleep for fear of squashing or smothering him, but we also don't want to create any habits we'll have trouble breaking later.
Last night, I figured he was quite happy in his basinet during the day, so maybe the deterent was somehow the bedroom. I settled him in the basinet in the lounge and got ready for a good sleep on the couch. Cooper's response? 'I'm not that dumb, Mum, I know it's nighttime! And the only way I'm gonna stay settled is if my mouth is over your boob so that I can have a suck any time I stir.' I caved, and we went to bed with him snuggled next to me.
Thankfully, when Daddy got home a couple hours later, he did just a little pacing and Cooper settled IN HIS BASINET and slept for about 2 1/2 hrs there! We had a big feed at 2am, then he went back to his basinet for almost another 3 hours! So happy! If we can do that every night, plus I can sneak in a nap or two during the day, I'll be happy as!
Question though... how is Cooper smart enough to know night from day, but struggles to distinguish between nipple and his own fingers?? SO cute to see his devastated little face when he gets his fingers in the way, sucks furiously and is so disappointed when no milk comes! lol!
Last night, I figured he was quite happy in his basinet during the day, so maybe the deterent was somehow the bedroom. I settled him in the basinet in the lounge and got ready for a good sleep on the couch. Cooper's response? 'I'm not that dumb, Mum, I know it's nighttime! And the only way I'm gonna stay settled is if my mouth is over your boob so that I can have a suck any time I stir.' I caved, and we went to bed with him snuggled next to me.
Thankfully, when Daddy got home a couple hours later, he did just a little pacing and Cooper settled IN HIS BASINET and slept for about 2 1/2 hrs there! We had a big feed at 2am, then he went back to his basinet for almost another 3 hours! So happy! If we can do that every night, plus I can sneak in a nap or two during the day, I'll be happy as!
Question though... how is Cooper smart enough to know night from day, but struggles to distinguish between nipple and his own fingers?? SO cute to see his devastated little face when he gets his fingers in the way, sucks furiously and is so disappointed when no milk comes! lol!
Monday, 4 July 2011
Firsts
Well, Jason scored the first free willy wee, but I just got the first projectile vomit! All over my jumper sleeve, down my shirt and bra, and running on to my trackies... ew!
On the upside, I'm getting the hang of 'snappies' with the cloth prefold nappies and finding them very effective. I normally just leave Cooper in his PJs until he wees or poos on his clothes, and here it is, almost 5pm, and he is still in his jammies! Yay for cloth nappies seeming to reduce the number of cuddle rugs and jumpsuits in the wash! Think I'm gonna try the cloth ones overnight tonight.
On the upside, I'm getting the hang of 'snappies' with the cloth prefold nappies and finding them very effective. I normally just leave Cooper in his PJs until he wees or poos on his clothes, and here it is, almost 5pm, and he is still in his jammies! Yay for cloth nappies seeming to reduce the number of cuddle rugs and jumpsuits in the wash! Think I'm gonna try the cloth ones overnight tonight.
These are a few of my favourite things...
- Cuddling my sooky baby at 5am, wishing he would go down in his own bed. But then suddenly realising that it doesn't get much more wonderful than this... snuggles in bed with my adorable little one, my amazing husband snoozing beside me and the sound of the rain pouring down on the carport roof... bliss!
- Seeing rows of tiny jumpsuits, singlets, etc flapping on the clothesline.
- When I hold the spew rag under Cooper's chin to burp him and he burrows his face down into it and wraps both arms tightly around my hand.
- Watching Jason just laugh when he gets peed or spewed on and how he picks Cooper up when he's hollering and Cooper snuggles into his neck and settles... love how much they love each other.
- The huge array of faces Cooper pulls - all so unintentional and yet so adorable.
- Seeing rows of tiny jumpsuits, singlets, etc flapping on the clothesline.
- When I hold the spew rag under Cooper's chin to burp him and he burrows his face down into it and wraps both arms tightly around my hand.
- Watching Jason just laugh when he gets peed or spewed on and how he picks Cooper up when he's hollering and Cooper snuggles into his neck and settles... love how much they love each other.
- The huge array of faces Cooper pulls - all so unintentional and yet so adorable.
Cooper is here!!
Cooper has arrived and everything is so new and exciting and too cute for words! I just want to talk about him all day long! But since most people won't want to hear about him all day long, I'll use this space to record my memories and favourite moments. Read if you like, ignore if you want, no offense taken - it is more for me than anyone else anyway. :-)
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