Craft Crazy

4/24/08: Life is swinging along at the Kwasny house. Miles is walking exclusively now- and I think having a major growth spurt. He is eating like crazy. Seems to be starving after a couple hours. And sleeping a lot- or not sleeping. I guess it’s all normal. We are waiting for the talking to start. Right now he has sounds that he makes, and I know what they mean, but they aren’t real words. He seems to say “Duck” pretty reliably. But I think that’s just the easiest sound for him to make. We have been bike riding quite a bit lately. And I have been a crochet maniac.
I even finished a painting recently!

I wish I could take some good pictures but I broke my camera. So I’ll post what I have.


We went to Manhattan Beach for a night with some friends. That was fun…Let’s see- what else. Oh! Miles choked today for the first time. Scared me to death. He finally cleared a monster piece of cheese. Take bites Miles! Bites! He likes to shove the whole thing in his mouth. Maybe this will teach him.

We get together with friends a couple times a week. Not really organized playgroups so much any more as splinter groups. It’s so nice to be making some really good friends at this stage of the game. I hope Miles can hang on to some of these friendships too. It’s a rare treat to grow up with someone. I will always have Aimee- I wonder who his “Aimee” will be. People move so much these days, and in this sad state of economy, who knows where we will all end up. Hopefully here- (but as long as I’m with my man and child- I’m home)

Walking, signing, and crochet

4/3/08: Miles is really walking well now. He free stands and walks catches his balance and keeps on going. We went to the Quail botanical gardens the other day and he loved the bamboo forest. He could swing from post to post and not fall. He had the time of his life.


He is better and better at expressing himself now too. He hasn’t picked up any more sign. I should do a “sign of the day” and sign it all day long and see if that would help. He gets frustrated and signs “more” for everything. It’s his way of saying, ”Hey, I have something to communicate!” The rest is up to me to decipher. So he needs some more sign for sure.

I finished my crochet pig. I’m very proud of him too. Miles isn’t really into playing with stuffed animals right now, but I think he’ll like him in the future. Otherwise, he’ll become room decoration. I started a lion for my next project. I am definitely a hooker now! Ha!

Mindy's last day

3/31/08: Our Mindy dog passed away on Saturday. She had been doing poorly since we started treatment for Cushing’s Disease. I had felt it coming. The vet couldn’t figure out what was wrong, but she stopped eating. I think she decided it was her time and just refused to let us save her.

We brought her home just before Christmas over 2 years ago to be a friend to our older dog Andy. She was so sweet and smart and full of energy and loving. She taught me a lot about dogs, since she was so opposite of Andy. She was a thinker and was eager to please. When we got her from the Human Society they told us she needed to lose at least 5 pounds. But when she was sick she lost that and it was clear that she was really a big boned Min Pin. She was 20 pounds when she was healthy- which is large for her breed. She loved to go on walks and go in the car, she was so excited by car rides that she would be destructive and had to be contained. Best of all she was really patient and loving with Miles. He would pat her a little too hard and she would just lay there and let him- or when she had enough she would move out of his reach. She used to sneak into our bed and burrow all the way under the covers so we wouldn’t know she was there. Sneaky.

Anyway- she was so sweet and she will be missed. We took her to dog beach on her last day with us. She fell asleep when we got home and didn’t wake up again. I think she was so tired. I’m glad she had a peaceful and restful last day with us (not at the hospital). Here’s a picture of her snuggling with me on the beach on her last day. Andydog seems to be taking it well. But he’s never been the brightest crayon in the box, so he might just think she’s at the groomer or something. Ignorance is bliss. Miles turned the garden gnome on its side and put dirt on it while we were burying her. That’s interesting.

Happy Easter!

3/25/08:
Happy Easter! Although it’s already over- I’ll always remember this Easter since it’s when Miles really started walking. He’s suddenly standing up from a squat and taking 6-7 steps at a time. Of course he falls a lot- glad those cloth diapers cushion his fall so well.

We’ve been working hard on the front yard just about every day- trying to get it ready for planting. This has been a huge undertaking for us as the weeds were knee high after all the rain we had this year. My girlfriends have been offering their time and pulling weeds with their babies too. It looks like babies are growing from the garden when they are over. Of course I pay them with margarita time in our already finished backyard.

Mindy dog is doing better, I think. She is eating some- although with some nasty results at times. I think she’s going to pull through- although I often wish she would just get better or worse so we could make some informed decisions about her future. I guess that’s horrible to say, but I am REALLY tired of cleaning up after her. No one can blame me for that.

Well, we're off to finish pulling weeds so we can start planting! Hurray!

Walking and Cleaning

Miles has started walking a little and I'm trying to get the house ready for the appraisal- cleaning like mad and finishing details like touching up the interior paint etc to try to spiff up the place.

We took Miles to a St Patty's day parade and festival in Balboa Park- we had a blast and Miles was in awe looking at everyone and everything. You know how people wear crazy green hats and stuff, so it was entertaining.

Other than that, just stressing about the loan and trying to keep Miles busy. He's moving to one nap a day so we are messing with his schedule and still messing with the sleeping arrangement. I'm not getting much sleep so I have a headache and have been feeling kinda sick and grumpy. We need to do something else- I think he'll be coming back into our room with us- We're going to take our bed off the frame and put the mattress on the floor with a baby gate around it. If you can believe it. I know it seems stupid- but I think it makes more sense. Right now I'm getting up at 12 am after sleeping for only 2 hours and spending the rest of the night cramped in the twin. He is waking a lot right now and in the twin I can't put any distance between us- so we wake each other up. I'm even thinking of putting the crib mattress on the floor next to our bed and having him sleep there- then he can come find us in the night if he wakes up. I don't know- this is just hard.

Also Mindy is sick- the medication made her stop eating and we've spent about 500$ of money we don't have so far just on tests and meds. The Vet told me to bring her in yesterday to get IV fluids and I told him I can't afford it so they did it free of charge. But I can't keep expecting that. I fed her a potato this morning which she ate- she's not even eating her food if I put chicken broth on it. She shakes all the time and has been throwing up bile. Poor baby. He talked about putting her in the pet hospital on an IV. I think we will have to have her put down. I am waiting for as long as I can though. Yesterday when I was painting a wall that she had badly damaged, I was wondering if she would have the opportunity to scratch it up again or not. So sad.

This was kinda complain-y- Oh well.

A revealing little game.

3/11/08: So I’m not sure how this works, but I was tagged- So Erika at http://senwlong.blogspot.com/ Married with Children Tagged me. I’m coping this from her post, “I'm going to play the game! Here are the rules, per luci, who got them via veganmomma:Rules:Link to your tagger and post these rules.Share 5 facts about yourself.Tag 5 people at the end of your post and list their names (linking to them).Let them know they've been tagged by leaving a comment at their blogs.” I’m not sure I know 5 people with blogs that will want to play, but I’ll do it and hope they think it’s fun too. Here are my 5 things.

1. Although I seem somewhat outgoing, I’m actually pretty shy and have some difficulty joining new groups- although I seem to do it all the time.
2. I think being a Mom is the bees knees and being a stay home mom is even better. I love my life with Miles and Keith and wouldn’t change it, or go back to a paying job for the world. (at this time, and unless I have to).
3. I am trying my hardest to be creative even though actually painting right now is really difficult with a short napping toddler. That’s why I’ve picked up crochet. It’s something I can do to feel creative and productive, without leaving the family to lock myself in my studio. Although, that said I have a couple paintings in mind and I’m itching to do them! Anyone want to babysit?
4. I used to battle with my weight constantly. Dieting and yo yoing. Now I feel pretty good about my amazing milk making, baby producing body and I overlook the things that I used to think needed work. My whole focus is on being healthy, listening to my body and trying to eat foods that I feel good sharing with Miles.
5. Keith and I will have been together for 9 years this St. Patrick’s Day. The best 9 years of my life for sure.

Okay so that’s it. Not sure who I’ll tag. But I’ll see if maybe I can come up with some blogs that I’ve visited. I'll have to do this more- later- Miles needs some attention!
http://vikingjenn.blogspot.com/

Sign, sign, everywhere a sign

3/2/08: Big day for us! Miles signed a few words to me today. He said “more, eat” and “finished” I think he has been saying these things for a week or so but I was misinterpreting them. This time it was clear because I signed it right before him and he copied me. So I’m going to try signing more and more with him now. I knew once he could clap that he might have the dexterity to sign more. Now I know for sure. He is also taking a few steps to me. He did it again this morning. It’s kinda a step, step, lunge. So far he hasn’t done it on his own, just in between furniture or if he is at the couch and I’m nearby.

We are going up to see my Dad this Friday. It’ll be our first family plane trip. Miles is so easy going and easily distracted that I am hopeful it will go well. I can always nurse him too- which is his favorite thing to do in unsure situations. It’ll be nice to get away as a family since Keith has been working so much. Hopefully Dad wont put us to work when we get there!

I also finally finished Miles' new crochet mouse. I think he's super crochet cute!

The sleep saga continues

2/20/08: So the crib thing didn’t work. We tried it on for a week, but Miles never took for it. I know some of you are thinking that I may not have tried hard enough. But I know my baby, and he was having none of it After too many missed afternoon naps, and after sleeping in the nursery with him for a week, I’m trying plan B. I took apart the crib and put it in the garage for now. I took the legs off the twin and put it on the floor. I removed the curtains (which hung over the bed) I removed all electronics except the fan and the monitor and put plugs in all the sockets. And I put a bed rail on the twin and pillows all over the floor around the bed. He’s sleeping in there by himself for the first time right now. Before, I couldn’t get him to sleep in the afternoon because he would wake when I put him down. So this way I can lay with him and nurse him and then sneak out when he falls asleep. I don’t have to worry about him falling of the bed if I don’t get to him fast enough when he wakes. And maybe I can still reclaim my bedroom. We’ll see how this goes. I have high hopes.

Other than that not much is new. Miles is still very close to taking those elusive first steps. Today he sucked water through a straw for the first time. And that’s about all the news I have.

I finished my first crochet project. It’s a simple pirate monster. Miles seems to like it. It’s far from perfect, but not bad for my first project.

Playing Catch Up

2/15/08: There has been a ton going on lately and Miles is a handful these days so it’s hard for me to write as much as I wish. I can hardly keep up with my email (or the laundry, toy mess, cleaning, etc).

We have a measles “outbreak” in San Diego. I don’t know if I would call 6 or so children an outbreak… Miles has not yet been vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. I lean toward the side that says vaccines do more harm than good in some cases. I am waiting on the MMR until our doctor can order them separate. I want to separate them and then space them them out and start them when he's a little older, like two years old. Then I think his body might be able to better handle the vaccines. He was fully vaccinated up to a year, then I started saying no. Our doctor is pretty cool about it- she will order the MMR separate as soon as the vaccine manufacturer is caught up (I guess they are behind, since so many moms are now demanding them separate). These are the toughest issues I think we are faced with. All a mom wants to do is protect their kid. But with big pharmaceutical money behind everything, it's hard to get accurate information with which to make these decisions. It's hard to be balanced, and not paranoid.

Another issue we are living with is co-sleeping transition. I have been napping Miles in his crib with mixed success, and he's starting his evenings in there too! We are doing a very gentle approach of nursing, bouncing and rocking to sleep then putting him down. He wakes up sad- which breaks my heart, (I run in as soon as he wakes)but I think there's an adaptation period. I think this is safer for the time being. Otherwise we've had too many middle of the night exploration sessions on our bed, which are too hard for me to stay wake for to keep him safe. Right now I'm sleeping on the twin in the nursery and when he wakes up at night I bring him into bed with me. This is one of the transitions that Dr Sears recommends. I'm hopeful that as time goes by he'll sleep longer and longer in there so I can make a switch back to my own room. Wish me luck- this is a HUGE step for us. I really do think it’s time. I love sleeping and snuggling with him- but it gets tough when you wake up with his feet in your face or him crawling toward the end of the bed, where there’s drop that he doesn’t understand yet.

Other than that Miles is growing so fast! Every day he does something new. Yesterday it was clap, the day before- wave. He feeds himself, brushes his teeth (although we help him with that after he’s had a try) Brushes his hair, and mine. He’s the funniest, sweetest, most social boy ever. He loves to explore and is very independent. He loves the outdoors, and water- the beach especially, even when it’s as cold as it has been. We are starting a veggie garden in paper sacks in the house. I put them out in the sun during the day and bring them in at night so the frost won’t kill them. I think Miles will have so much fun with the picking of the fruit and veggies this spring and summer.



The other day at one of our playgroups a Mom said Miles’ always looks like he has a funny joke to tell you. It does look sometimes like he is suppressing a smile. That boy is always smiling.

Random Stuff

1/06/08: Miles has figured out how to turn the pages of a board book- and open cabinets and drawers! His whole world just got more dangerous and messy. We have some baby proofing to do. I bet he’ll be walking or at least standing on his own, right around his birthday. Keith bets later, but he’s already standing on his own for seconds at a time and pushing his toys and the ottoman around the living room to get around. It’s fast approaching! He’s also talking more. We think he says, “up, mama, dada, and ball” with some regularity. I know he understands numnums, milk, water, and diaper change. I’m sure he understands much more than that even.

He had his first bloody fall on the playground the other day. Too sad! I guess it’s the first of many to come.

I’m sick, but we went to La Jolla this morning anyway for breakfast burritos on the beach. It was so fun to go out in the cold and rain and see the huge surf. Then we went over to the museum of Contemporary Art to see the sound waves exhibit. After that I was pooped and came home to nap and cough in private. Miles is still sleeping and it’s getting late, but I’m letting him sleep just in case he’s fighting off this cold that I have.

The Day After Christmas

12/26/07: It’s the day after Miles’ first Christmas. I think he had a blast. It was presents and more presents and eating and fun and parties and he just loved it. In fact last night was the first night (that I can remember) that he (and I!) actually slept all the way through the night! He fell asleep in the car on the way home from Ganny’s house and then stayed asleep when we arrived home. The first time he woke after I went to sleep was at about 5:30 am. When I rolled over to look at the clock I was amazed and so relieved! He nursed and we both fell immediately back to sleep until 7am. I don’t think I’ve slept more than 3 hours in a row in months. Try 11 months. So hopefully this will be a new thing. I love sleeping. I really do.

Today on the day after Christmas, we went to the beach in Coronado. It was beautiful, sunny and cool. Miles and I walked for a while (he was in the Ergo) and he slept. When he woke up we made our way back to plop in the sand and get good and dirty. Miles cawed at the Seagulls and gawked at the young surfers. Mostly he played in the sand, amazed that he couldn’t keep it in his grasp. If you’ve read this blog, then you know at times I get totally blissed out on this life and how amazing our world is. Today was one of those days. Miles and I are so lucky to have each other to explore the beach, the park, or the living room. I’m just so glad it gets to be me raising him and not a stranger.



After the beach we met Daddy for lunch and ordered Miles’ his very own meal. Grilled cheese Sandwich. He ate an entire half. Now we just need to work on getting those veggies and fruits on his menu. Right now he’s all about the bread and cheese.

I took a bazillion pictures of him on the beach so I’ll post a favorite or two.

Miles said "Ma ma"!

12/18/07:
Miles is 11 months old now. He is doing really well with eating “real” food now, crawling and babbling. In fact today he said “Mama” to me when I came to pick him up from the gym day care! I was so excited! It’s the first time he seemed to say it to me, instead of just babble. He never babbles mama unless it’s sad talk. This time he looked up at me and said “Ma ma!” We’ve been practicing it with him the last few days, really encouraging him to say words, so I’m not toooo surprised. But the thrill is the same nonetheless. Christmas is fast approaching. Miles got to open some presents the other night that some friends gave him. He had fun ripping the paper and playing with the boxes, just as we suspected. I can’t wait to see him on Christmas morning though! Family is supposed to come here at around 9am so we’ll have to finagle a nap in there some how. We are having a lean Christmas, meaning light on the presents, this year, but it was fun shopping, knowing whatever gift I got, needed to be good, since it’s all they’re getting.
Miles met Santa- He did very well considering he does have some stranger danger. You can see it on his face. He’s a little uncertain, but was somewhat reassured by all our antics trying to get him to smile. I’ll post the picture.

New beginings and new Challenges

Miles is giving me a run for my money with his new found abilities. I find I am really having to step up my game. He needs constant attention now in a completely different way. He wants me to play with him and help him stand and walk all the time. He is crawling and getting into everything he shouldn't (drawers, wires, etc) We need to be better babyproofers. But right now, I just redirect and redirect and distract and redirect. It's a little exhausting. Combined with the not sleeping thing. Miles is teething again and is having trouble sleeping. He wants to nurse ALL NIGHT long, which leaves me tired and sore. He was up from 11:30pm to 1am this morning before I got up and gave him some Motrin and turned on the humidifier. Poor guy, he is a trooper though. We spend the days playing and going through the routine, Up, change, eat, play, nap, up, change, eat, play (or go out) nap, Up, eat, bath, play, night time. Sound exciting to you? It's fun actually and we go out a lot, to play groups and shopping, errands, whatever. Today we are meeting a friend for lunch and then going to a sign language class. We need to go to the store too, and he's napping right now. He's been napping well, at least! We have yoga on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the gym at 8- so that fits in nicely. We have a playgroup on Mondays and Tuesdays, there's a walking group, but it conflicts with my other activities. When he naps I do email, clean, craft, paint, or whatever.

It's the best life. It can be a little isolating, if you don't make an effort to get out. And I really wish I had some real friends that have babies or kids. I am working on it though. I just joined a new group that will hopefully have some more like minded mamas out there. Not that I need someone just like me, but the older Miles gets the more I feel like a black sheep in my group and I think it's important to find some people who support, co-sleeping, extended breastfeeding, cloth diapering, green cleaning, organic, etc...

Cute ticker

10 Months old and on the go!

11/15/07

Miles is 10 months old today! He has been eating- He will really only eat sweet potato and chicken jar baby food. Not my homemade stuff. So he's been not eating as much since I ran out- Need to go get more. He also had a very severe diaper rash (triple paste works the best- by the way) That was bloody and raw- so we held off on anything too flavorful for a few days.

AND he is starting to FINALLY crawl! He really gets around. It's a combo of shuffling on his butt- then dropping and rolling and dragging himself. Every once and a while he will get on all fours and rock- which is how he is "supposed to" learn. But mostly he is paving his own road to freedom. So he is officially into everything he can get his hands on. He’ll find the smallest piece of whatever on the floor and pick it up and inspect it. I have my work cut out for me. In a way it's easier because he's more independent, and in a way it's harder, because he's more independent.

But now that he’s getting around. Since his sudden new freedom, it’s like he can’t stop. He has had trouble napping/sleeping. It’s like he’s a wind up toy that won’t wind down. He lays facing me and latches on then twists his bottom half so his knees are down on the bed and hoists his booty into the air and tries to nurse and crawl at the same time. I’m like, “Hey there buddy, can’t take it with you.” It takes him twice as long to fall asleep, even when he’s sooooo tired, than it did a week ago. While he gets all this exercise, I am getting exercise in patience. Here's a picture of my new painting of him.

Where did October go?

11/5/07:
October was a whirlwind of craziness. Between having mastitis, Keith being sick and then our world catching on fire-then party, party, party for Halloween…Whew! I’m glad that month is over. Miles had a great time at the pumpkin patch, riding the huge pumpkins. He had the opportunity to wear his dragon costume several times to various parties and activities. He always steals the show with his good nature and laughing smile.


On a personal note, some friends found a huge, beautiful, old, painting easel in an alley by some dumpsters and nabbed it for me! We are busy making a place for this gorgeous piece of furniture. I can’t wait to initiate it into my studio. Oh, I have that painting itch for sure now! What a sign!

New Discoveries

9/26/07:
Keith came home last weekend and we tried to cram as much fun in as we possibly could. We hit up a cloth diaper garage sale- and I got the fuzzy bunz of my dreams for cheap! Now cloth diapering is finally (almost) easy! We also hit up the Stone brewery for a little lunch and a tour…and then over to the Carousel at Sea Port Village. Miles shook with excitement for the entire ride. I started him on a horse that didn’t move, but then upgraded him to a horse that moved up and down. It’s hard to express his reaction- he wasn’t laughing or smiling really, he seemed more amazed. His entire body would shake and he would exclaim, “Booh! Baah!” periodically. These were noises I hadn’t heard before- so clearly he was reaching deep to express himself.

It’s so fun to watch him have a new experience. Whether it’s the merry go round, or the Koi fish pond- we always have a great time exploring this new world.

Bliss

9/18/07:
There are some amazing days where I get caught up in the moment, forget about all time and just relish in my life. I feel my soul swell and overflow with such pure happiness it overwhelms me. Sitting in the grass in front of the La Jolla Community center- on a whim- no-where to be. We plop down and feel the grass against our skin. Miles pushes his feet into the grass, wiggling toes searching for the underlying dirt. There’s a voyeur seagull at a safe distance- waiting for us to break out something edible. And we do, but it’s for Miles only. I pull him close to me, his hand floats up and gently touches my nose and mouth, before clawing open my lips to play with my teeth. He sucks hungrily and happily, talking with his mouth full and smiling a drippy milk smile. We linger in the shade for a while until, full of milk, Miles eyes get heavy and he rubs his face with the back of his hand, yearning for a little mid-day nap.

Zerberts and kisses

We had a good weekend, went to the park, etc...had picnics by the bay, the usual. We had a great day yesterday. I put him in the gym daycare for an hour for the first time while I went and did yoga. From what I can tell he barely noticed I was gone and was very entertained by the other kids. So I bought a daycare pass and will try to make yoga 2 times a week during the day and then once on Saturday when his dad can watch him. I think this will make a huge difference in my practice and life, so I'm thrilled.
Then we went to the playgroup in the park, and then the zoo. We had a busy, tiring day. Miles had some trouble in the afternoon because we missed a nap then he went to bed at 5:30 and then woke up at 6:30 so I had to walk him around the block at about 7:30 just to make myself sane. He was making this low groaning/whining noise consistently. After awhile that really is grating.

But just the same, we had a good day. I just had to put aside myself last night and think, there's nothing more important than this. Then this morning I sat him up in bed while I lied there on my back and he would bend over and kiss (big wet open mouthed kisses with both hands on either side of his face) my stomach. So cute! I think he may have been trying to give me zerberts, like I do to him. Love it!

Pimp My Car Seat

9-8-07:
Miles has graduated to the next level of car seat. He is still rear facing but he’s getting too tall for his little infant carrier. It was quite a task to decide on what kind of new car seat to buy. Of course we did the obligatory Consumer’s Report search and then the online price check- but in the end it was off to Babies R Us with Grandma to really kick the tires of these restraining devices. They range vastly- from the basic model, to bling cup holders and toy pockets, with extra stuffing and armrests. I’m really surprised there wasn’t one with a built in satellite and DVD player. So surprisingly, the least expensive and most -say- streamlined one, is the best reviewed on Consumer Reports. But of course I got all caught up in the cushy…”But Mom, this one has memory foam! How comfy!” In the end I went with the one we knew was the safest (and least expensive). Let’s just hope that it wasn’t painted with lead in China or something.

Mr Wild

8/29/07:
I met a good friend, Stacy, for lunch today. It’s little things like meeting friends for lunch or wandering around Borders mid day that really make me relish this life.

Miles is way more interactive than he used to be and is becoming quite the talker. While in Borders I am trying to browse the Yoga and Eastern Religion books and Miles has decided this would be a great time to have a very loud conversation with his stuffed Mr. Wild. He was very intent, focused and consistent in his discussion. Of course Miles is usually my silent partner, so it’s amusing that he has chosen this location to express himself. As I looked at books on how to “live in the moment”, I find myself trying to decide if this self-expression is appropriate or if I should encourage him to use his “inside voice”. How young is too young for that? In the end I took him out of his stroller and put him in his front carrier and wore him around. He likes to suck on the shoulder strap and it’s hard to talk with your mouth full.

Almost 7 months old.

8/09/07: Miles and I have a good Rhythm (as Erin would say) We don’t follow any strict schedules, but there is a predictability to the beginning and end of our days at this point. We are always on the go during the middle of the day. I am becoming more active in a Attachment Parenting supportive community- which is doing wonders for my moral. I love the fact there are other mamas like me out there, co-sleeping, breast feeding, and baby wearing. I’ve even switched over to cloth diapers and you can catch me on any given day wearing Miles on my back and hanging cloth diapers out to dry on the clothes line. It’s kinda weird and amazingly wonderful. Miles is the happiest of babies. He is sitting up now and is delighted by his new ability. He loves to grab, bang, tear up, and toss all things within reach. We still practice eating during the day, but most his nutrition still comes from mama’s milk. He is very happy with that.


I have been showing paintings at The Art Institute regularly and am enjoying this new found artist career. I have also recently joined the Foothills Art Assoc. and will be sharing some gallery space there as well. Now, if I could only find time to paint! I have been spending too much time on the mom forums online, I can tell because my butt hurts from sitting in this chair! Oh well- at least I’m not so isolated. I will include some cutie pie pictures so you can see how amazing my son is (if I do say so myself).

Breastfeeding week

Miles and I attended an International Simultaneous Breast Feeding event at a local park recently. It was pretty amazing being with all these other moms and their children just sitting in the grass waiting to hear someone call out, “Latch on!” This event was in support of National Breastfeeding week, and will hopefully help create an atmosphere of acceptance of breastfeeding Moms and their children. Miles wore the “Mother Sucker’ shirt that Shelly and Gary made for him and was a HUGE hit. I’m telling you, they could make some money off those onsies.



Feel free to click on this link to find out more information on the new breastfeeding symbol.

Insecurities of a new Mommy

Miles is 4 1/2 months old. I am good-well, kinda- I am going thru something where I need to constantly remind myself to calm down and change my thinking. I've been a little self critical. If I read the baby books I start to question my parenting style. Do I have a good enough routine? is he napping enough and well enough? Am I consistant enough. And then there's the whole time for me thing. There is no time for me. If I do have a moment, I need to put laundry away or load/unload the dishwasher, straighten the house. I have all these half finished projects (which goes against my nature and makes me crazy). I'm not sure what I can do to help myself. I have been practicing yoga almost every day- which I love. Miles will lay on the floor and do his tummy time with me. We hang out and go to mommy and me yoga, the library and the mall just to wander around. I guess I wish I could just get the house in some kind of order that made sense- it's never ending.

Miles is constantly changing- growing and learning. He is a true joy. I just need to remember to follow my instincts and let go of the unimportant, and all will be well.

Keith is working on the deck every day after work too- so we both don't get a brake from work until after dark-and in my brakes I tend to work. anyway- Such is life.

Miles is wonderful though, so much fun and a joy to be around. He smiles all the time and laughs out loud. He can roll from his tummy to his back. but not the other way around. And he has his two bottom teeth!- oh- he's awake from his nap- gotta run.

Almost 3 months old

4/6/07: Life with Miles is beginning to really jive. We are getting to know each other more and more. I take him along everywhere we or I go. We have been to Cedros, La Jolla, The zoo (twice!), Palm Springs, The Museum, Gallery Openings, cocktail parties and many restaurants. He is a trooper, very mellow, loves to be in his Baby Bjorn, worn be me or Daddy.

We are co-sleeping in the master bedroom. Which works well when the dogs don’t bark, and Keith doesn’t snore, and Miles doesn’t start his nightly running man routine. I guess what I’m trying to say is, we still don’t sleep well. But I love co-sleeping. It makes nursing so much easier, and snuggling with the family is priceless.



Miles will be 12 weeks on Easter Sunday. 3 months on the 15th of April. He is already wearing 6 month baby clothes. He is starting to like his bath time, especially if we do it in the sink. He says “ahgoo, ahgaah” and is focusing hard on starting other noises too. Miles loves the morning time and grins for no reason. He is starting to love his toys and now when he is upset we can distract him with a toy for a while (instead of walking r bouncing him) which is really helpful, especially for Keith. He is finding his fists in his mouth and is just starting to learn to self sooth. He is also sleeping more in his swing for nap time, so I can get stuff like this done.



Anyway, we are loving life with Miles! Everyday he shows more of his little personality and is even starting to laugh now and again. I think the best is yet to come, and every day I wake up (for the 18th time) and think, “What new adventure are we going to have today?”

Time? Sleep? What's that?!

3/16/07: I have a really hard time trying to find time to write. Miles is a little high needs still. I can’t put him down for more than a few minutes at a time, and that’s in the morning. In the afternoon, he demands full contact all the time. My life is so completely different now. It’s truly amazing how much I love him and am willing to do for him. Nature is fascinating that way.

Miles had his 2 month doctor’s visit yesterday and is now 10 pounds 11 ounces. And 23 1/4 inches tall. He is growing so fast! I wish I had more time to write. Maybe in the future. I am including a entry I wrote but never posted. See below. (I tried to upload photos, but the site won't let me for some reason.)

2/19/07; Miles and I pal around pretty well now. He dictates what we can do and for how long, but I instigate the activities. Like right now, I have him in the baby bjorn front pack, but he is getting kinda grunty, so I may have to cut this short. It’s raining outside, so, to me that means, time to bake! Miles and I made some blueberry muffins from scratch with some blueberries that were dying to be eaten. Hopefully the antioxidants will make up for the sugar and butter. Right.

We are still cosleeping in the nursery- but yesterday we went up to USA baby and bought a “co-sleeper”. It is like a bassinet that is missing one side and attaches to the parents bed. I am hoping that I can transition him into the master bedroom and move him from my bed into the co-sleeper…I have to go feed Miles, will write more later.

Life with Miles

2/6/07- Tuesday
Miles was born on 1/15/07. He was 7 pounds 11 ounces and 21 inches long. He has already grown so much. Currently, he is 3 weeks and one day old. It’s taken me some time to be able to sit down and write anything-let alone shower do laundry, make dinner or call friends. I have been totally devoted to Miles care. For the most part it looks like this, picture a loop: Breast feed from one boob for about a half an hour. Then burp for a few minutes and maybe a diaper change is needed. Switch to the other side for more nursing. Burp some more. Settle any crying or play with Miles if he is “quiet alert” (meaning very alert but still, absorbing all around him) We play for about a half hour. Then I carry him around, either in my arms or in a sling or front pack while I clean up, throw some laundry in, make coffee- eat a yogurt, email friends, whatever. He usually falls asleep for a little while and if I’m lucky I can put him down in one of his many baby seats and hop in the shower and change into clothes that aren’t all stained with breast milk. After that it’s time to feed him again- after the second feeding of the day it’s prime time to leave the house if I need to. Take a walk or run to the store. He’s usually in a good mood in mid mornings. Once we get home, it’s back to the same pattern. At night, Keith usually takes him for a little while for some Daddy time while I finish up any projects I may have started during the day and make some dinner.

So- not real exciting. Very rewarding though. It’ll be more so when Miles is more interactive. Right now he only cries and grunts. He is making eye or at least face contact more and more- and some little “ah” sounds are starting to surface. Which is wonderful and fun. I feel like everyday he has grown up more and can do a little something new. Currently it seems he wants to eat every hour. I think he is going through a growth spurt. I have been feeding him on demand- but do try to make sure he is really hungry before I just whip it out.

I wanted to write about the birth and the past few weeks but there hasn’t been time. Hopefully future entries will be more entertaining and less factoid.

Waiting and waiting.

1/5/07- Waiting game.
Well, the full moon came and went and we are still pregnant. I feel like I am expecting company but I have no idea when they are supposed to arrive. I am keeping the house clean and ready and the nursery is heavy with anticipation. Today I put together the pack and play and put out even more baby monitors. The house is conspicuously missing a baby. If someone came in and didn’t know I was pregnant they would think we were crazy. We are very ready.

I have suggested that Keith go golfing this weekend (if Miles is still in hiding) since we don’t know when he will have the time or money to go again. Tonight he is out with a friend, having a beer and playing bar games, under strict orders not to get drunk just in case I happen to go into labor and need him called home at a moments notice. I worry needlessly. (I hope).

We have rearranged the master bedroom to make room for the bassinet and rearranged the office so it’s not horrible to be in here. I did a prego painting of myself. Very droopy and curvy. Not very flattering, but very true to how I feel I look. I sit around and picture myself skipping and jumping and touching my toes. I can’t wait. It’s hard for me now to feel like I will ever be any different. Forever with a huge, hard, swollen belly. I long for “normal” clothes. Meanwhile, I spend time wondering how Miles could ever possible wear all the clothes he has. I’m sure we’ll figure it out. I have always felt like I am in a perpetual state of laundry, why do I have a feeling that that that wasn’t nothin’?

37 weeks and ready to go!

12/27/06- 37 weeks! I made it!
We have a new due date confirmed by Miles size via ultrasound. They say he could arrive on 1/17/07. Which makes me 37 weeks today. Why do I care? That means if he was born today he wouldn’t be a premie! His main job right now is to put on weight. He is already 6.7 pounds, so he just needs a little more. I think he’ll be born on Jan 3rd- the full moon. We’ll see. The nurse told us to put our bags in the car and be ready any time now. I am already 1 centimeter dilated, so stuff’s happening. Here are the pix from the ultrasound.

Lotta Doctors.

12/21/06: 35 weeks or 37 days and counting!
I have to go to antenatal 2x a week for testing, the dietition once a week, the OB once a week and the Endocronologist every couple weeks. So, I am pretty busy with Doctor’s appointments! I went to the antenatal diagnostic testing center yesterday. My OB wants to make sure Miles is getting enough to eat because she feels my weight gain has slowed and reveresed a little too soon. The do a quick ultrasound (I didn’t get to keep any pix) and she showed me that Miles has a lot of hair on his head. He is also definately a boy-if there was ever a doubt. He still has plenty of amniotic fluid to float around in and appears to be doing well. He’s hanging out head down, so he’s getting ready to go. His heart rate is good and I didn’t have any contractions while I was there. All is going well.

I have packed my hospital bag, and Miles bag too. Made a birth plan and distributed it to my sis and mom and of course Keith. I made a birthing selection of music to play and packed a couple CD’s but also my iPod speakers. The nursery is ready to go...and we are ready for Christmas too. After Christmas I guess it’ll just be back to normal and a bunch of waiting. I want to get birth announcements addressed and ready to go- but I have lables for that. And I need a picture of Miles to assemble them anyway.

So that’s all the news for now. Merry Christmas!

45 days left to go- give or take.

12/13/06: 34 weeks
Only 45 days left to go! As if anyone really delivers on their due date. But seriously the end and the beginning are so near! It’s been strange to stay home for so long sans baby. I’ve been keeping amazingly busy, alternately napping. Getting ready for Christmas has been a big job. I took on the task of making Christmas cards- scrapbooker style. I made most of them before I pooped out and bought a box to send to the rest of the friends and family.

I am pretty big now- seems silly that I thought I was showing before. Lounge pants are a gift from heaven! I still manage to squeeze into my maternity jeans, but they are pretty uncomfortable. I stay in house clothes as much as possible (poor keith!).

Miles is a very active baby- pushing and rolling around. He doesn’t have much room to move around now so when I feel him it feels like he is trying to escape from the walls of my sides. Every once and a while I feel a kick to the ribs or bladder but for the most part he seems to be lodged in my left side. Keith and I play, “Guess the part” and try to figure out if we are feeling a butt or knee or elbow... I think that is the most fun part of being pregnant.

I’m still on the uterus relaxing drugs, but fast approaching 35 weeks, I’m going to be revieved of that. I need to go into labor sometime, and at this point- I’m not real worried about it. Watch him be late.

Oh- and I have been blessed with Gestational Diabetes too. I imagine a combo of weight gain and family history make me a pretty good candidate. But I think I may have had it all along. It has been a huge help for me to be on the diabetes diet. No more faintness in the morning and – I haven’t checked my weight in a while, but I feel like I’m on track. Miles is gaining by the day- inches and pounds. We should have one more ultrasound at 36 weeks to see how big he is and when we can expect his arrival. I can’t wait to see is shining face! Keith is pretty excited too.

I installed the car seat and the nursery is more than ready, clothes washed, blankets clean and folded, even the plastic taken off the powder and supplies. We are as ready as we know to be. Miles baby bag is packed and his homecoming outfit is ready. The only thing I have yet to do is pack a bag for the hospital for me. I guess I might be putting that off. It seems silly to pack when you don’t know when you are leaving, besides, I’m still wearing the lounge pants I will probably pack!

30 weeks and counting!

11/16/06:
After my last blog I ended up back in the hospital for 5 days. IV’d and drugged, with persistant contractions. I am now off work and laying low. Paying close attention to my body’s signs for contractions, pressure, cramps, and back pain. I can move around more than before but I still can’t really do much. I did make it to my baby shower though. Shelly and Gary put on a wonderful party with the help from my Mom and Aimee. It was great there was a terrific turn out and we received massive amounts of baby gear. The nursery is jam packed with baby bouncers, swings, clothes, toys, blankets and lots and lots of diapers. The only thing we needed to go buy ourselves was breastfeeding gear- which wasn’t that big of a deal. I bought a manual pump since I don’t think I will need to use it that much only on the rare occasions that I leave Miles with Keith or a family member. The days are going by very fast and I am doing a lot of little craft projects to keep myself occupied. I just wish I could clean the house- like deep clean. I can pick up but have been banned from the vaccume. It’s hard for me to rely on Keith to do the cleaning, since he has a million other projects that he wants to get done and of course he is still working full time. I guess there will be plenty time for vaccuming later in life! (little do I know)

Irritable Uterus- welcome to the third trimester

10/24/06:
I am on bedrest for the next week. Yesterday I went to work like normal, but felt a lot of pressure and heaviness in the pelvic area when I walked. I talked to a friend who told me I should call the doctor. My doctor’s office aid I should go home and lay down. After going home the feeling was the same so I called back and they sent me to Mary Birch Hospial for woman, labor and delivery. I was held for about 5 hours and monitored for pre term labor contractions. Apparently the pressure I had been having for the last few weeks were pre labor contractions. They gave me a shot to relax my uterus, which didn’t work. Then an IV, which also didn’t work. They did a couple tests which indicated I wasn’t dilated and sent me home with some medication to relax my “irritable uterus” and orders to stay off my feet as much as possible for the next week. I have a follow up on Halloween. Then well see what will happen from there. My first day of bedrest was pretty boring, I mostly read and watched TV, napped for a while. Keith was a sweety and went grocery shopping and made me dinner. It’s really strange not being able to do anything. I found myself actually wishing I could excersize today! I must be getting desperate already!

Last weekend we went to Julian and celebrated Grandma’s 80th birthday by taking her to a drag queen show. She didn't think it was as funny as we did, which was a bummer- but I hope she knows our hearts were in the right place. At least it will be memorable.

Octoberfest!

October 8th 2006 26 weeks
Last night we went to Octoberfest in LaMesa with my Sis. This is my favorite time of year. I love Fall. The weather, the holiday decorations, the festivals. All of it. It was obsenely crowded with a great mixture of drunk kids and family people. There was a fair share of old castouts from the 60’s, grey ponytail men in camoflage jackets, meandering the crowd- looking somewhat lost and totally at home. We went with the intention of Bratworst and Funnelcake but ended up at a local mexican eatery, Marios. I held my own, walking a litle funny for the shooting pains down my lower back and leg, and feet swollen and sore. This morning I feel a little like someone took a hammer to the bottom of my feet. But I imagine we’ll go back today so I can actually look at the crafts and enjoy some of the booths without the danger of someone shoving a funnel cake covered in fudge down my back.

I finally signed up for some birth classes for keith and myself to take over Halloween weekend. And it looks like my sis should be sending out the baby shower invites next week. Things are moving along at a frightening speed! Sooner than I can really imagine, little Miles will be here- maybe sleeping nearby while I blog this...