It definitely shows that Bret is getting "older". He sits without support, is starting to rock on his hands and knees and wants to get into EVERYTHING!!
I started giving him some Gerber finger foods to pacify him until I get his food ready. So far, he can grab the puffs and sometimes even with his thumb and forefinger. He puts them in his mouth but gags instead of sucking/chewing on them. I guess he's not quite ready for finger foods. LOL I keep trying, figuring he'll get the hang of it eventually.
I started giving him water in a sippy cup. He knows to put the spout in his mouth, but then again, everything goes into his mouth. Hasn't quite figured out how to get the water out. I give it to him out of a straw and he really seems to like it.
Not too much else other than teething. I sort of see whitecaps on the bottom but they haven't poked through yet. He tugs/plays at his ears and the DR says that's usually a sign that kids are teething (if their ears look good otherwise). Poor thing.
Walks are fun. He loves looking around at stuff and watching the birds. The walks usually end up in a cat nap. Plus they're good for me!!! A few miles at a time is about his limit.
I'm not going to post any pics today since I did last week. I picked up his 6 month pics last week and they're so different from his 3 month, it's unbelievable!!
Monday, June 02, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Engagement
Jason's brother, Justin, got engaged last night! He and his girlfriend, Ashlee, have been dating for about 2 or 3 years.
Yay!! They plan on getting married in March.
Yay!! They plan on getting married in March.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Wellness check up and such
Bret had his 6-month check up today. He weighs 17-1/2 pounds and is 27" long. I thought for sure he'd weigh more but guess not. He's starting to level off on the curve. Instead of around the 75th - 80th percentile, he's closer to the 60th now. The DR said that he's leaning out probably because he's so active - meaning he's starting to crawl and kick around. She seemed to be really pleased with his progress. She wants me to start feeding him the puffy things so that he can learn the pincer grasp. And to introduce him to a sippy cup just to teach him how to hold it steadily.
He sits up on his own (which is so cute) and he sits up on his hands and knees. Hasn't quite figured out how to propel forward yet, but soon enough. His gums are swollen on the bottom and top so the DR thinks that he'll have 3 or 4 teeth poking through at the same time. OUCH! Two shots today - poor thing knows what's going on now. Right when I laid him down on the table, he screamed :( How sad. The nurse gave him one shot in each leg, which I thought was cumbersome. Don't you think it'd be less effort to hold down one leg instead of two? I wish we could always have the nurse we saw last month. She was sweet, helpful and FAST! I don't like that we see a new nurse at every visit. It bugs me more than anything. I don't like not knowing what type of nurse we're getting that day.
In other news, we had a very laid back weekend. It was nice. We did some yard work (actually, Jason did) and I cleaned the house. Went for a ton of walks and played outside. We had a b-day party on Sunday. That was pretty much it. Relaxing!!!
I officially quit my job today. I talked to my boss and told him that I wasn't coming back. It was a bittersweet conversation. I love my job but I love Bret more. Hopefully, when I'm ready to go back, there will be a position available for me. If not, then I'll just reinvent myself and do something else or maybe get another degree. God knows that I LOVE taking classes.
Jason and I were talking about when we're going to start trying for our second. That was a semi-strange conversation. Too technical for me. At the time, I didn't like having Bret in November b/c after I was given the OK to workout again, it was the middle of winter and I felt blah. But now that Bret is almost 7 months and the weather is nice, I think it was worth it. I can't imagine being couped up in the house w/ a newborn. Anyway, we're thinking about trying at the end of this year. That'll give about 2 years in between the rug rats. Sounds good to me!! We'll see how it goes.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Venting - Insomnia
Mothers take a lot of beatings sometimes - figuratively.
My days usually consist of *trying* to keep the house clean (I think I've all but given up on this one). I do a much better job on the weekends since Jason is home from work and he can entertain Bret. I also do the other "housewife" duties; cook at least 4 or 5 days a week, if not more; run errands, pay the bills, etc. Taking care of Bret goes without mentioning. I know that I don't do all things perfectly, but I do them to try to keep Jason's stress level at home to a minimum. I figure this is now my job - without complaint.
Here is where the complaining comes in:
Bret has been fighting his bed time for the past 3 nights. Instead of an 8:00pm bed time, he's decided that 9 or 10pm is better, with an occasional wake up call at midnight or later, and a morning rising at around 6am. I've let this go for a couple of nights because I haven't figured out why he's doing it. He's not sick, cold, hungry, etc. Scared? Teething? Maybe. Anyway, tonight he fell asleep around 9pm and hasn't woken up since - it's now 4 am. Are you wondering why I'm up? At 2:30am, Jason's phone rings and it's this loud, obnoxious Chinese-music ring. I know if Jason heard it he won't be able to fall back asleep until he checks his phone. So I get the phone and check on Bret. Thankfully, Bret is sleeping soundly and he's breathing. I check his phone and it's a number that called last week at 4am. Unfortunately, I'm not the type of person who will say, "oh, wrong number" and fall back asleep. I call the number (it's some chick named Rachael) and tell her that this is the second time she's called at an unbelievable hour - basically asking WTF in a nice way. She apologizes and says that she transposed two numbers. Whatever, I don't care what you did. If this is the second time you've transposed the numbers then program the RIGHT phone number into your phonebook. The first time she called, I left her a voicemail telling her she had the wrong number at 4am. So, now I can't fall back asleep. I worked out on the elliptical for a bit, got a drink of water and am now venting. If she calls again, I can guarantee that I won't be as nice. *grin*
I feel much better. I think I can fall back asleep now.
My days usually consist of *trying* to keep the house clean (I think I've all but given up on this one). I do a much better job on the weekends since Jason is home from work and he can entertain Bret. I also do the other "housewife" duties; cook at least 4 or 5 days a week, if not more; run errands, pay the bills, etc. Taking care of Bret goes without mentioning. I know that I don't do all things perfectly, but I do them to try to keep Jason's stress level at home to a minimum. I figure this is now my job - without complaint.
Here is where the complaining comes in:
Bret has been fighting his bed time for the past 3 nights. Instead of an 8:00pm bed time, he's decided that 9 or 10pm is better, with an occasional wake up call at midnight or later, and a morning rising at around 6am. I've let this go for a couple of nights because I haven't figured out why he's doing it. He's not sick, cold, hungry, etc. Scared? Teething? Maybe. Anyway, tonight he fell asleep around 9pm and hasn't woken up since - it's now 4 am. Are you wondering why I'm up? At 2:30am, Jason's phone rings and it's this loud, obnoxious Chinese-music ring. I know if Jason heard it he won't be able to fall back asleep until he checks his phone. So I get the phone and check on Bret. Thankfully, Bret is sleeping soundly and he's breathing. I check his phone and it's a number that called last week at 4am. Unfortunately, I'm not the type of person who will say, "oh, wrong number" and fall back asleep. I call the number (it's some chick named Rachael) and tell her that this is the second time she's called at an unbelievable hour - basically asking WTF in a nice way. She apologizes and says that she transposed two numbers. Whatever, I don't care what you did. If this is the second time you've transposed the numbers then program the RIGHT phone number into your phonebook. The first time she called, I left her a voicemail telling her she had the wrong number at 4am. So, now I can't fall back asleep. I worked out on the elliptical for a bit, got a drink of water and am now venting. If she calls again, I can guarantee that I won't be as nice. *grin*
I feel much better. I think I can fall back asleep now.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Road trip
Heather A. and I talked a few days ago about a potential moms/kids weekend. This would give all of us a chance to see each other and hang out w/ all the kids. We had said maybe at the end of the summer in Chicago. Let us know if you're interested and potential dates/places to meet by commenting.
I would love to see all of you!!
I would love to see all of you!!
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Venting - High expectations
That pretty much sums me up. I expect a lot from myself and those around me. I get disappointed whenever someone doesn't deliver - most times to no fault of their own because I don't explicitly reveal my high expectations to them. I am aware that I have to modify my behavior because I don't want to press upon my short comings onto my kid(s).
I blew up on Jason today.
When Jason got back from the Derby on Sunday, I told him that we need to start getting serious about giving Bret a bottle because he won't fall asleep when I go out for a bachelorette party (this Saturday) unless he's got the hang of a bottle. Ask me if Jason has attempted to give Bret a bottle this week. You already know the answer. Now answer this question - what do you think I'll do if I call Jason on Saturday night to see how things are going and I hear Bret crying in the background or if Jason tells me that Bret didn't eat and he's not sleeping?! Of course I'm going to leave the bar and come home. Jason doesn't seem to understand the feeling of "mommy guilt".
On Tuesday, I asked Jason to let me know what his schedule is so that I can make Bret's 6 month picture appointment. It's Thursday and I still don't have a schedule so I made an appointment anyway, whether he can make it or not.
My boss called me on Tuesday to let me know that one of my group members had his 30-year anniversary and they're planning a lunch for him at The Dearborn Inn. I thought that was perfect because that will give me the "formal" opportunity to talk to my boss and tell him that I am quitting. Unfortunately, I don't have anyone to leave Bret with, so I can't go.
I told Jason on Sunday that I wanted one hour every day this week to work out, shave my legs, etc. So far, I've worked out one day this week and I shaved my legs today AFTER I had my blow out. Then Jason says that it's partially my fault. Why, because I didn't EXPLICITLY say, "I'm taking my hour break now, honey. Here, take Bret." BS
Jason plays softball on Wednesdays (which I am not complaining about). It rained most of the day yesterday, so I assumed that the games were canceled. I asked Jason if he was playing or not and he didn't know. I asked him to call the guy in charge of the league and he basically said to me, 'someone will call eventually'. He ended up playing which meant that I bathed Bret by myself and Jason spent about 1 hour w/ Bret the whole day. I'm not complaining about bathing Bret on my own, I do it when Jason's in China. It's my perception of little interaction between Jason and Bret that bugs me.
I guess that's my whole problem. I feel like Jason is so passive and not engaged in what goes on at home. I understand he has to work all day, and thankfully I get to stay home with Bret. I love Jason for that. However, I would like to see him spend some more quality time with Bret. For example - read the stupid newspaper AFTER Bret goes to bed. Play with Bret while I cook dinner. Stuff like that. I mean, Jason doesn't even know what's going on with Bret's food feedings. Since Jason reads this blog, let me be very explicit - he eats one fruit or vegetable for four days to make sure he's not allergic to it. When it's fruit, he eats it twice a day (1/2 container each feeding) along with 2 tablespoons of cereal mixed with breast milk around 9am and again around 6pm. When it's veggie, he eats it once a day (1/2 container) along with 2 tablespoons of cereal mixed with breast milk around 9am and then 3 tablespoons of cereal only mixed with breast milk around 6pm. Questions?
I just want Bret to feel like he is loved from both of us. I know that Jason can not come close to the time I spend with Bret. I would like to see Jason attempt to make the time he is home while Bret is awake meaningful to him. Bret loves Jason and vice versa. That is undeniable. I just get kind of choked up when Jason's watching TV and Bret is looking at him like 'hey dad, talk to me'. I don't want my baby's feelings to get hurt.
Maybe I'm way overreacting. I just feel like I've made the decision to put a lot of things on hold to be what I would consider a good mom for Bret and I don't think that Jason has sacrificed very much. He still gets to go away for a weekend bachelor party, play softball, drink and have a good time at upcoming weddings, sleep in every weekend. I just miss the social aspect of my life. Is that selfish?
I blew up on Jason today.
When Jason got back from the Derby on Sunday, I told him that we need to start getting serious about giving Bret a bottle because he won't fall asleep when I go out for a bachelorette party (this Saturday) unless he's got the hang of a bottle. Ask me if Jason has attempted to give Bret a bottle this week. You already know the answer. Now answer this question - what do you think I'll do if I call Jason on Saturday night to see how things are going and I hear Bret crying in the background or if Jason tells me that Bret didn't eat and he's not sleeping?! Of course I'm going to leave the bar and come home. Jason doesn't seem to understand the feeling of "mommy guilt".
On Tuesday, I asked Jason to let me know what his schedule is so that I can make Bret's 6 month picture appointment. It's Thursday and I still don't have a schedule so I made an appointment anyway, whether he can make it or not.
My boss called me on Tuesday to let me know that one of my group members had his 30-year anniversary and they're planning a lunch for him at The Dearborn Inn. I thought that was perfect because that will give me the "formal" opportunity to talk to my boss and tell him that I am quitting. Unfortunately, I don't have anyone to leave Bret with, so I can't go.
I told Jason on Sunday that I wanted one hour every day this week to work out, shave my legs, etc. So far, I've worked out one day this week and I shaved my legs today AFTER I had my blow out. Then Jason says that it's partially my fault. Why, because I didn't EXPLICITLY say, "I'm taking my hour break now, honey. Here, take Bret." BS
Jason plays softball on Wednesdays (which I am not complaining about). It rained most of the day yesterday, so I assumed that the games were canceled. I asked Jason if he was playing or not and he didn't know. I asked him to call the guy in charge of the league and he basically said to me, 'someone will call eventually'. He ended up playing which meant that I bathed Bret by myself and Jason spent about 1 hour w/ Bret the whole day. I'm not complaining about bathing Bret on my own, I do it when Jason's in China. It's my perception of little interaction between Jason and Bret that bugs me.
I guess that's my whole problem. I feel like Jason is so passive and not engaged in what goes on at home. I understand he has to work all day, and thankfully I get to stay home with Bret. I love Jason for that. However, I would like to see him spend some more quality time with Bret. For example - read the stupid newspaper AFTER Bret goes to bed. Play with Bret while I cook dinner. Stuff like that. I mean, Jason doesn't even know what's going on with Bret's food feedings. Since Jason reads this blog, let me be very explicit - he eats one fruit or vegetable for four days to make sure he's not allergic to it. When it's fruit, he eats it twice a day (1/2 container each feeding) along with 2 tablespoons of cereal mixed with breast milk around 9am and again around 6pm. When it's veggie, he eats it once a day (1/2 container) along with 2 tablespoons of cereal mixed with breast milk around 9am and then 3 tablespoons of cereal only mixed with breast milk around 6pm. Questions?
I just want Bret to feel like he is loved from both of us. I know that Jason can not come close to the time I spend with Bret. I would like to see Jason attempt to make the time he is home while Bret is awake meaningful to him. Bret loves Jason and vice versa. That is undeniable. I just get kind of choked up when Jason's watching TV and Bret is looking at him like 'hey dad, talk to me'. I don't want my baby's feelings to get hurt.
Maybe I'm way overreacting. I just feel like I've made the decision to put a lot of things on hold to be what I would consider a good mom for Bret and I don't think that Jason has sacrificed very much. He still gets to go away for a weekend bachelor party, play softball, drink and have a good time at upcoming weddings, sleep in every weekend. I just miss the social aspect of my life. Is that selfish?
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Half-year mark!
Hi everyone!!
Mom, you play with my block.....Ok, so the first 2 months of Bret's life didn't go by so quickly. Now I can't believe how fast time is flying by. Wasn't it just yesterday that I posted about his 5 month day?!
Things are going well - he's a maniac on his belly! He reaches for toys that I put in front of him (and puts them in his mouth, of course), kicks his feet like he wants to go somewhere and show tremendous determination to move. It's funny when he gets frustrated because he starts to grunt and kicks his legs even faster. LOL! He loves being held, almost to the point of annoyance. I keep reminding myself that it's my fault and he won't want to be held forever. He would spend all day in the Bjorn if I let him. He's really close to teeth. I see two white nubs on the bottom but they haven't poked through yet. I started him on food today (other than cereal). His pediatrician wanted me to start him on fruits last month and orange veggies this month but he was doing so well with just nursing and cereal that I decided to wait. I started him off with applesauce and he had mixed feelings about it. At first, he kind of gave me this face like, 'what the heck' but then seemed to like it. I mixed it in w/ cereal, skipping the breast milk. Now with the whole 4-5 day thing to make sure he's not allergic to apples scares me because I'm afraid he's going to let loose with a ton of crap. Let's hope not, for my sake anyway. After applesauce, I'm going to try sweet potatoes. Then I'll alternate fruit and veggie until he's tried them all. I'm not looking forward to the greens - I don't like peas and feeding them to Bret may make me gag. However, I'm not going to discriminate just because I won't eat them. BLAH!
I had my first Supermom moment yesterday. I put Bret on our ottoman to change his diaper and gave him a toy to occupy his attention so that I could grab a diaper. I walked about 3 steps when I got this feeling to look back. When I did, I thought I was going to die.....Bret was in the process of rolling over and was 1/2 a roll from falling. No lie, I literally leaped across the living room floor like I was sliding into home plate. I caught him before he hit the ground (thankfully) but in the process he grazed the side of his head on the side of the ottoman. I don't know if that or my horrific scream scared him but he just wailed. Of course I started crying because I know better than to walk away from him since all he does now is roll over whenever I put him down. Stupid move on my part. He didn't bruise or anything but it could've been a lot worse. I emotionally beat myself up for the rest of the day because, like I said, I knew better.
Not too much else going on. Jason is leaving for his cousin's bachelor party to the Kentucky Derby tomorrow. Bret and I are going up to Detroit to visit a high school friend for her 30th birthday. Her husband is in the Coast Guard and he's out of town so hopefully we'll cheer her up for her birthday!
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