In keeping with our every-other-week routine, The Baby went to the doctor’s yesterday. He’s seems fine, except he pukes (copious amounts of vomit) one to two times per day. He got X-Rays of his belly to make sure it wasn’t related to constipation. In addition to not eating well, The Baby doesn’t poop well either. Normally, we give him 2 oz of pear juice in a bottle daily (he doesn’t like it straight) and that keeps things moving, but lately he isn’t drinking enough at one time to “hide” the juice. The doctor thought he might be impacted, hence the X-Ray, but he’s not. She said it must be the flu that’s going around, even though he doesn’t have diarrhea or seem ill. I’ve never heard of a flu that makes you vomit only once a day and where you can be happy otherwise. For the next few days we aren’t suppose to give him a lot of milk or food, mostly Pedialyte (he isn’t dehydrated, but they’re the experts). I can’t imagine he’ll drink the Pedialyte, but we’ll try! The doctor also told us we could use a half dose of Miralax in a bottle for constipation. She said it is good for long-term use.
Hopefully he’ll straighten out by the weekend. Until then, I’m going to wear a rain poncho and put a tarp on the floor.
Randomness:
Here are three things that I totally misunderstood recently. The first two things I read wrong. The third, I heard wrong.
The Idiot Rod (Iditarod)
#1 Fat Head (#1 Father)
“Barchjor” (My husband was saying this they other day, and I kept saying, “excuse me?” I still don’t know what he was saying. He was getting frustrated so I faked it. :-/ )
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Baby clapping
I think The Baby is confused. Cute, but confused. He’s learned to clap but doesn’t grasp the context in which clapping is appropriate.
I don’t want to make light of his confusion, but dang it, sometimes it’s hard not to laugh at him.
Appropriate: He sees Pretty Mommy (his pet name for me) walk through the door and immediately smiles and claps.
Appropriate: Handsome Daddy starts clapping and singing, “1-2-3, A-B-C!” and The Baby joins in.
Inappropriate: Background - in the last two weeks The Baby has developed a distaste for getting his diaper changed. As soon as I lay him down, he begins to scream AND clap.
Inappropriate: When he’s fighting sleep (or a bottle, or a spoon), he’s been known to burst into an angry fit of applause.
I don’t want to make light of his confusion, but dang it, sometimes it’s hard not to laugh at him.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Mad moms against stuff
A few weeks ago I was on cafemom and noticed a forum called "Breast Feeding Moms Against Formula (except for medical reasons)". I understand drunk drivers, Internet predators –– heck, even Barney –– but formula??
Curiosity piqued, I went in to find a disclaimer that said something about how the forum wasn't intended to be against moms who use formula. I've learned that if people disclaim what they say ("no offense, but..." "I don't mean to be mean, but..."), they usually mean exactly what they are about to say they don't mean. Sure enough, a few sentences later it says, "It's the choice to not give your baby the best that we have a problem with!" So, I guess it really is against other moms, no?
If the group's only focus, as it claims, is to shed the breast feeding "Nazi" image, encourage people to breast feed from birth, and to support the rights of those who breast feed, why bring formula into it at all? Why not name yourself Moms for Exclusive Breast Feeding or Breast is Best or something positive?? Why the hate?
Almost everyone gives their children vitamins to supplement their diet... will people so opposed to artificial nutrients not do so because it's not natural and the body doesn't absorb it as well as nutrients in food? Or is that different? There are no groups called Moms against Flintstones Chewables (that I am aware of). Organic diet and lifestyle is a choice that has a positive effect on a child's health. Would it be a problem if someone in this group didn't take the time and expense to provide a green household? It is, after all, the best choice. Or would that also be different?
Breast feeding, bottle feeding, formula, cloth vs. disposable, sleep training, when to start solids, When to forward face the car seat, when to drop the bottle, how to discipline, SAHM, WOHM, daycare, home school... there are a ton of choice we have to make with our little ones. Sometimes a choice is made that may not be the best but it works well and best for the person making the decision (can anyone really argue that an organic diet isn't best? Probably not, but most of don't follow one - myself included). But again, why the hatefulness? Why can't we just positively believe in our choices?
*tripping off of soap box to put daisies in the cleavage of mad mothers*
Curiosity piqued, I went in to find a disclaimer that said something about how the forum wasn't intended to be against moms who use formula. I've learned that if people disclaim what they say ("no offense, but..." "I don't mean to be mean, but..."), they usually mean exactly what they are about to say they don't mean. Sure enough, a few sentences later it says, "It's the choice to not give your baby the best that we have a problem with!" So, I guess it really is against other moms, no?
If the group's only focus, as it claims, is to shed the breast feeding "Nazi" image, encourage people to breast feed from birth, and to support the rights of those who breast feed, why bring formula into it at all? Why not name yourself Moms for Exclusive Breast Feeding or Breast is Best or something positive?? Why the hate?
Almost everyone gives their children vitamins to supplement their diet... will people so opposed to artificial nutrients not do so because it's not natural and the body doesn't absorb it as well as nutrients in food? Or is that different? There are no groups called Moms against Flintstones Chewables (that I am aware of). Organic diet and lifestyle is a choice that has a positive effect on a child's health. Would it be a problem if someone in this group didn't take the time and expense to provide a green household? It is, after all, the best choice. Or would that also be different?
Breast feeding, bottle feeding, formula, cloth vs. disposable, sleep training, when to start solids, When to forward face the car seat, when to drop the bottle, how to discipline, SAHM, WOHM, daycare, home school... there are a ton of choice we have to make with our little ones. Sometimes a choice is made that may not be the best but it works well and best for the person making the decision (can anyone really argue that an organic diet isn't best? Probably not, but most of don't follow one - myself included). But again, why the hatefulness? Why can't we just positively believe in our choices?
*tripping off of soap box to put daisies in the cleavage of mad mothers*
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Pumpin’ Pal
“I’m into nuggets, ya'll… I’m into nuggets, ya'll…
Ketchup and may-o! Ketchup and may-o!”
I can’t get that McDonalds commercial out of my head. Agggggggggghhhhhhhhhh.
From the Pump Room
I’ve been pumping for 9 months now and, at this point, I don’t plan to buy anything to make things easier or to increase my supply. If I were to buy something, however, this product might be it. Pumpin’ Pal has flange inserts called Super Shields that make it easier to pump in a semi-reclined position. Perhaps an even bigger reason to consider this product is that it is available in three sizes. Flange fit effects supply. Your entire nipple should not touch the sides as it is being suctioned, nor should your entire boob be pulled in. At only $12.95, it is less then you’d pay for custom flanges from the manufacturer.
Pumpin’ Pal also makes a hands-free pumping strap that sells for a $9.95. I simply put my pump on and close my nursing bra around it for hands-free pumping. It works great, it’s free and it’s one less thing to take to work. To do this you need a nursing bra with cups that don’t fully cover your breasts. There will be no room for the pump horns if they do. In other words, those ugly uni-boob nursing bras won’t work – trust me, I have one. Target sells nursing bras for around $14 with cups that don’t go up to your collar bone.
Anyway, I justed wanted to pass this on to anyone who might find it helpful. There are good testimonials on the site and I was impressed that they didn't charge an arm and a leg for their products. Hands-free pumping bras can cost up to $35. Medela has a kit for $10.95, but it says it works with only Medela nursing bras and pumps.
Confession : I've been slacking with the pumping.
Ketchup and may-o! Ketchup and may-o!”
I can’t get that McDonalds commercial out of my head. Agggggggggghhhhhhhhhh.
From the Pump Room
I’ve been pumping for 9 months now and, at this point, I don’t plan to buy anything to make things easier or to increase my supply. If I were to buy something, however, this product might be it. Pumpin’ Pal has flange inserts called Super Shields that make it easier to pump in a semi-reclined position. Perhaps an even bigger reason to consider this product is that it is available in three sizes. Flange fit effects supply. Your entire nipple should not touch the sides as it is being suctioned, nor should your entire boob be pulled in. At only $12.95, it is less then you’d pay for custom flanges from the manufacturer.
Pumpin’ Pal also makes a hands-free pumping strap that sells for a $9.95. I simply put my pump on and close my nursing bra around it for hands-free pumping. It works great, it’s free and it’s one less thing to take to work. To do this you need a nursing bra with cups that don’t fully cover your breasts. There will be no room for the pump horns if they do. In other words, those ugly uni-boob nursing bras won’t work – trust me, I have one. Target sells nursing bras for around $14 with cups that don’t go up to your collar bone.
Anyway, I justed wanted to pass this on to anyone who might find it helpful. There are good testimonials on the site and I was impressed that they didn't charge an arm and a leg for their products. Hands-free pumping bras can cost up to $35. Medela has a kit for $10.95, but it says it works with only Medela nursing bras and pumps.
Confession : I've been slacking with the pumping.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Finger foods
I think I might be starving my son. Not from lack of food, but from lack of variety. Don’t get me wrong, I never thought The Baby would go from eating purees to eating a steak dinner, but somehow I just never really considered the interim - or that it was approaching so quickly. Sometimes it’s hard to believe I’m responsible for a whole other life.
Lately, The Baby’s taken toslapping the spoon out of my hand pushing the spoon aside during mealtime. My husband and I have come to the conclusion that he really wants to either feed himself or live entirely off of YoBaby blueberry yogurt (no spoon slapping with the yogurt). Honestly, we aren’t sure which is the issue. Since he (The Baby, not my husband) doesn’t seem to understand that the big end of the spoon is the side that goes in the mouth, we’ve taken a step up the food chain to finger foods.
We started a few weeks ago with puffs to get him use to chewing and handling food. Over the weekend we started adding some more finger foods to his diet: the “meaty” part of a green bean (if you’ve ever picked them into tiny chunks, you’ll know I’m not crazy), chunks of cooked carrot and sweet potato and pieces of spaghetti. The process of him feeding himself takes sooo much longer and he can’t be getting half the amount of food that he was getting before by these little bits of food. I try to offer purees at the same time, but he’s much less interested. This evening, for instance, he ate about 2 Tablespoons of pureed veggies, but only because I dipped puffs in them and let him eat it that way.
I’m so afraid of him choking… and I don’t know what else to add that is nutritious and palatable for a 9 month old who wants to feed himself. It will be easier when he can actually use the spoon. Until then, I am going to worry that he’s not getting enough food.
Also, when I reheat cooked carrots and sweet potatoes in the microwave, they make zapping electric sounds and put off sparks. What the heck is up with that? Is this one of those Dear Heloise things I should know about???
Lately, The Baby’s taken to
We started a few weeks ago with puffs to get him use to chewing and handling food. Over the weekend we started adding some more finger foods to his diet: the “meaty” part of a green bean (if you’ve ever picked them into tiny chunks, you’ll know I’m not crazy), chunks of cooked carrot and sweet potato and pieces of spaghetti. The process of him feeding himself takes sooo much longer and he can’t be getting half the amount of food that he was getting before by these little bits of food. I try to offer purees at the same time, but he’s much less interested. This evening, for instance, he ate about 2 Tablespoons of pureed veggies, but only because I dipped puffs in them and let him eat it that way.
I’m so afraid of him choking… and I don’t know what else to add that is nutritious and palatable for a 9 month old who wants to feed himself. It will be easier when he can actually use the spoon. Until then, I am going to worry that he’s not getting enough food.
Also, when I reheat cooked carrots and sweet potatoes in the microwave, they make zapping electric sounds and put off sparks. What the heck is up with that? Is this one of those Dear Heloise things I should know about???
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
A Baby-Proof New Year
And... he's off!
The baby learned to crawl and pull himself up during my holiday hiatus from The Pump Room. He's got the bruises to prove it. We've taken to calling him "Sniffy," not just because he always seems to have a cold, but also because he just sniffs and snorts his way along while he crawls. It's hard work!
My husband and I are pretty minimalist when it comes to décor. He's a fine artist, which means we have a lot of paintings and drawings on the walls. So that our home isn't overbearing, we keep the rest pretty simple. Me? Visual clutter makes me nervous. No wonder I've been such a basket case since The Baby's been born - my living room looks like a Gymboree. Anyway, luckily we don't have a lot of figurines, photo frames, houseplants and other things laying around for The Baby to knock over and/or ingest. We got rid of a few floor items (large candle holder, oversized vases) that we didn't use anyway. We thought we were in good shape. I mean, our coffee table has rounded edges and everything.
On Sunday something happened that opened our eyes. From my perspective I was holding The Baby while he lovingly stroked my face and tugged my ears and hair. From The Baby's perspective he was pulling the toys off of mama’s ears and trying to navigate a fistful of earring to his mouth. He had managed to pull out my hoop without me knowing (the sneak!). Thank goodness that my mother-in-law was on to him. If he could do this right smack in front of me with an accessory that went through a part of my body, what other trouble could he get in to? Based on watching him stuff balls into the sub-woofer, plenty. We obviously needed to do more baby proofing.
This is what we've done so far: covered our outlets, taped the glass door on the entertainment center shut, bolted the speakers to the entertainment center, put corner guards on the book shelf, tethered the CD case to the wall, put door stops on our base cupboards in the kitchen, moved chemicals from under the sink to a high shelf in the pantry and we got door knob covers to install later. We're still looking for gates that work with 6-inch molding and don't cost $100 a pop.
There are things that still stump us. What to do about the litter box? It's in the basement. Currently we leave the door cracked. Our cat is too fat (ummm, fluffy, sorry Mo!) to hop a gate down the stairs. The cat doesn't fit through standard cat doors (again, he's fluffy), but medium-sized dog doors are big enough for a toddler. We live in a small home and really don't want the box upstairs. Sometimes Mo misses the box entirely, if you know what I mean. I think we're going to have to cut out our own cat door and frame it out with quarter-round or something. With the gates we're going to get it should keep The Baby from tumbling down the cellar stairs. The cat dish is the other dilemma. The Baby's first extended crawl was from the living room to the cat's food dish. The kid who can barely get a puff in his mouth, is showing much interest in cat food. We don’t want to put the cat’s food in the cellar (to easy to forget to check his water), we don’t want to elevate it on the counters and make a) our fluffy cat jump or b) have our cat’s paws (i.e. poop-burying instruments) where we prepare food. We’ll just have to keep an eye on The Baby when he’s in the kitchen.
Here's a link with lots of helpful info on baby proofing:
www.babyandkidsonline.com
The baby learned to crawl and pull himself up during my holiday hiatus from The Pump Room. He's got the bruises to prove it. We've taken to calling him "Sniffy," not just because he always seems to have a cold, but also because he just sniffs and snorts his way along while he crawls. It's hard work!
My husband and I are pretty minimalist when it comes to décor. He's a fine artist, which means we have a lot of paintings and drawings on the walls. So that our home isn't overbearing, we keep the rest pretty simple. Me? Visual clutter makes me nervous. No wonder I've been such a basket case since The Baby's been born - my living room looks like a Gymboree. Anyway, luckily we don't have a lot of figurines, photo frames, houseplants and other things laying around for The Baby to knock over and/or ingest. We got rid of a few floor items (large candle holder, oversized vases) that we didn't use anyway. We thought we were in good shape. I mean, our coffee table has rounded edges and everything.
On Sunday something happened that opened our eyes. From my perspective I was holding The Baby while he lovingly stroked my face and tugged my ears and hair. From The Baby's perspective he was pulling the toys off of mama’s ears and trying to navigate a fistful of earring to his mouth. He had managed to pull out my hoop without me knowing (the sneak!). Thank goodness that my mother-in-law was on to him. If he could do this right smack in front of me with an accessory that went through a part of my body, what other trouble could he get in to? Based on watching him stuff balls into the sub-woofer, plenty. We obviously needed to do more baby proofing.
This is what we've done so far: covered our outlets, taped the glass door on the entertainment center shut, bolted the speakers to the entertainment center, put corner guards on the book shelf, tethered the CD case to the wall, put door stops on our base cupboards in the kitchen, moved chemicals from under the sink to a high shelf in the pantry and we got door knob covers to install later. We're still looking for gates that work with 6-inch molding and don't cost $100 a pop.
There are things that still stump us. What to do about the litter box? It's in the basement. Currently we leave the door cracked. Our cat is too fat (ummm, fluffy, sorry Mo!) to hop a gate down the stairs. The cat doesn't fit through standard cat doors (again, he's fluffy), but medium-sized dog doors are big enough for a toddler. We live in a small home and really don't want the box upstairs. Sometimes Mo misses the box entirely, if you know what I mean. I think we're going to have to cut out our own cat door and frame it out with quarter-round or something. With the gates we're going to get it should keep The Baby from tumbling down the cellar stairs. The cat dish is the other dilemma. The Baby's first extended crawl was from the living room to the cat's food dish. The kid who can barely get a puff in his mouth, is showing much interest in cat food. We don’t want to put the cat’s food in the cellar (to easy to forget to check his water), we don’t want to elevate it on the counters and make a) our fluffy cat jump or b) have our cat’s paws (i.e. poop-burying instruments) where we prepare food. We’ll just have to keep an eye on The Baby when he’s in the kitchen.
Here's a link with lots of helpful info on baby proofing:
www.babyandkidsonline.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
