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March 29, 2007
Stuff
Part of an email I just recieved from Kathy:
Just had to let you know that the Net Nanny blocking software we had to purchase .... blocks your site and I have to override it. It says it contains "drugs, gambling, mature content, adult content, and alcohol." LOL
Ha! Who knew the Sift was such a den of iniquity!? Hi, I'm WonderGirl, welcome to the speakeasy of the internet. Don't forget the special knock.
In other news, you are not going to believe this. You've all been dragged along for the ride so supportive on this breastfeeding thing, it's been great. But after all that work, I think I've hit the final brick wall. After my two good nursings yesterday, I noticed something. Solon was hemhawing around when I tried to feed him. I had to convince him to take it, which he eventually did, but he wasn't loving it. Well, last night, he decided enough was enough, and he went on a full blown nursing strike. He screamed and bucked when I tried to feed him. It was terrible. I was crying, he was crying. I felt like I had lost my best friend.
I knew this was a possibility when I started pumping and giving him a bottle, but I didn't have any other choice. It was the best I could do. Now he prefers the bottle, because it's easier and faster. I'm still having to do a lot of work to breastfeed, repositioning, etc. It takes several minutes to get him on right, then a few more for the letdown, and then I might have to start all over if it hurts. There are multiple interruptions until we get it going good. It's frustrating to him, and me, too, so I guess I understand him taking the easy route.
I looked up some stuff about it, and they suggest getting rid of all artificial nipples, either cup or spoon feeding if you need to continue pumping your milk. What? Good grief! I don't have time for any more extra steps here! I'm hanging on by my fingernails as it is!
Anyway. I'm gonna try again today- maybe he'll be more receptive to it. If not, I give up. There. I said it. I. Give. Up. I'll pump and feed him and decrease my milk until I can wean without too much pain. I have tried everything I know to do, and I've got to let it go now. As much as I want to, I cannot stay this focused on breastfeeding. My other kids need me too- and I hate to admit it, but I've been very unavailable to them emotionally and physically since this whole thing started. Saturday, Solon will be a month old, and if he doesn't come off his "strike" by then, at least he'll have had four good weeks of mama milk.
I sound more nonchalant about it than I actually am though. It's heartbreaking, and I am really sad about it. King Pen said he felt like somebody had died, that's how hard I'm taking it. It is a type of grief, and some of you know what I'm talking about. But I'll be okay, and he'll be okay, if this is the end. You just have to have a good cry over these kinds of things. It helps.
Well, I'm off. A million things to do today. Have a good Thursday, folks!
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:57 AM | Comments (9) | TrackBack
March 28, 2007
A Random Need to Know
When you're up at four in the morning, you think about weird things. This morning, I was pondering all the different names people have for grandparents. Don't ask me why- I don't know. Who knows anything at that hour?
Anyway. I have two Nannies, one Papaw, a Grandpa, and one Nanny Mae- though I call her Mae, now. And I used to have a Granny, and a Grandma.
I think this is more common in the South, eh? I'm curious- what do you all call your grandparents? Come on, delurk. I really do wanna know.
(PS. I love how my blog topics are now born in the delirium of nightly feedings.)
Posted by WonderGirl at 1:35 PM | Comments (15) | TrackBack
Rising and Shining
Good morning! And yes, I really mean it. It's a good morning. Despite getting to bed late last night and rising early this morning, I feel well rested and ready to go. (The coffee helps!) But mostly, it's because I have some renewed optimism, after two good nursing sessions yesterday. They were the first pain-free breastfeeding experiences I've had with Solon! The first was on the side I've been "resting" for this past week. The crack had healed over, and he didn't open it back up. I'm going to be very, very careful with it. The second good experience was on the other side, after some very careful positioning. I was thrilled and surprised. I'm eager to see how today goes- I hope the trend continues! Maybe there's hope after all!
I can't believe March is almost over. I am so out of whack on my dates and days of the week. I have no concept of time anymore! I will be glad to come out of the fog completely and be involved in the world again. I miss the world! I think the first step towards that will be this weekend, when I get my hair cut. I don't know why, but that's always one of the first signs that I am returning to life again. This will be a pretty dramatic cut for me- I've finally got the inches I need to donate to either Locks of Love or Beautiful Lengths. Long hair has been fun, in a way, but I'll be glad to see it go. It's inconvenient when you have a baby and are short on styling time. It gets in the way a lot. Anyway. Enough about my hur.
Well, I need to go eat something. I took vitamins on an empty stomach, with coffee, and I'm starting to feel gross. Bleh. I knew better and did it anyway.
I'll blog later if I have time!
Posted by WonderGirl at 8:47 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
March 27, 2007
Missing
The scariest thing just happened in our neighborhood. Our upstairs neighbors have kids the same age as mine, and they play out on the porch together almost every day. The little boy, Sergio, is HeroBoy's age, and they play together pretty well, considering that Sergio doesn't speak much English. They are cute together. Anyway, they were all playing and somebody realized Sergio was missing. The whole neighborhood began searching for him, but he wasn't anywhere. We were all in a panic. His parents were screaming and freaking out - but I couldn't blame them. The kids were all scared to death. His big sister, who was in charge of watching him, was sobbing wretchedly. My heart was breaking for her, and I was trying not to cry myself. Someone called the police, while we all continued canvassing the neighborhood in search of him. While we were looking, I was thinking how easily it could be HeroBoy missing. He and Sergio are two peas in a pod- if somebody took one, they could just as easily have taken the other one. They even look a lot alike. I clenched their hands in mine tightly as we called for Sergio... hoping and praying that I wasn't witnessing the worst day in my neighbor's lives.
It was a terrifying reminder that the world isn't as safe as I want it to be.
Well, Sergio was not lost. He had crawled into his sister's bed, under the covers, and was sound asleep. It wasn't a place anybody even thought to look for him, but there he was, thank goodness.
My pulse isn't racing anymore, and the neighborhood isn't in total chaos, and the kids are safe at home, happily eating a snack and watching a cartoon. It's a normal day, once again, and for that I am so grateful.
Posted by WonderGirl at 6:13 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Again
I wrote this when the Duke was about Solon's age, and I was deep in the trenches, just like I am now. So I pray it again, even more fervently than before.
June 03, 2005
Postpartum Prayer
Lord, grant me the serenity I once knew nine months ago.
Give me a blind eye to the clutter that now fills my home.
Grace me with ears that hear what is actually being said, and not what I think they meant by it.
Lend my hands strength to change the thirteen thousandth diaper, fill the juice cups at lunchtime, and still hug my husband when he walks through the door.
Give me a mouth that smiles and says good things.
Bless me with eyes in the back of my head and an extra arm.
Expand my heart to fit my world.
Grant me a clear head, with thoughts that are healthy and productive.
Give me a body that leaps with the morning sun, and the ability to greet each day cheerfully.
And when You have seen to all the imperfections of my body and soul, then bless the people around me. Grant my friends the ability to understand my weaknesses, and help me to be a friend like that, too. Give my family patience and perserverence during this temporary insanity, and remind them it's worth the effort. Shower my husband with special grace to face the unexplained tears and mood swings, and assure him that the woman he married is still in there somewhere. Fill my children with knowledge of their mother's unending love, and help them know that fun will be had again.
And if You have time after all that, I'd love to be able to get my hair done.
Amen.
****
Posted by WonderGirl at 1:43 PM | TrackBack
Don't Encourage Him
The Duke is becoming a real comedian lately. Today he stuck a rubber snake up his nose and fell out in hysterical laughter. I couldn't help but laugh too, then I realized that the next thing to go up his nose would probably get stuck and we'd end up in the ER or something. Boys.
Posted by WonderGirl at 9:17 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
March 26, 2007
Never A Good Idea
Oh Britt... you've got to hurry up and get here to cut my hair. I glared into the mirror with a pair of scissors for thirty minutes this morning. Scary.
Posted by WonderGirl at 4:20 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Visual DNA
This is a surprisingly accurate and beautiful quizz! (Borrowed from Lynnp-- love it!)
Posted by WonderGirl at 2:38 PM | TrackBack
Clicked
Yesterday afternoon, King Pen took Czarina and HeroBoy treasure hunting at a nearby creek with the metal detector. I told them not to come home with less than ten thousand dollars in buried gold.
Czarina did find pieces of a cool old pottery jug, but no money. She's currently grounded.
Posted by WonderGirl at 1:03 PM | Comments (9) | TrackBack
March 25, 2007
A Product of Her Generation
Today in church, Czarina drew a picture of a happy, fat queen bee and a cozy little hive. And beside that, she wrote "The Bee- now on DVD".
Silliness.
Posted by WonderGirl at 7:51 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
It Wasn't Gas
Guess who smiled at me during church today? I completely and unashamedly abandoned the sermon and basked in four of the cutest, shyest little grins from my bambino. Sorry, Pastor. But I'm pretty sure God understood. Even a saint couldn't turn away from those first smiles.
Posted by WonderGirl at 3:09 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
March 24, 2007
A Thank You Note
To My Circle of Women:
Thank you. Thank you a hundred times. Your loving support and acknowledgement has been a balm to me during these tearful breastfeeding days! And if that sounds a bit dramatic, well, it's a dramatic time. Each message you left- either in sympathy or empathy, was a big pick-me-up. I feel honored that you took the time to share your stories, or to just let me know you're praying for me. I don't know why it's so hard to admit when you're having breastfeeding problems- it's like admitting you just aren't cutting it as a mom or something, even though that's crazy. I know I'm a good mom, but I still felt kind of ashamed to confess this particular difficulty. I shouldn't have even given it a second thought though, because I have some of the greatest, non-judgemental friends out there.
To answer some questions: yes, I've tried a little bit of everything. I've given three or four days to each different method of treating the problem, all to no real avail. So, I am reduced to basically just pumping, and giving it to him in a bottle. I am able to directly nurse him every few times, hoping by letting them "rest" that the pain will diminish some. It's a theory that hasn't exactly panned out yet. They still hurt. Capital H on that. I took Solon to the pediatrician Friday, to make sure he is gaining weight, and to check for thrush. He is 9 lbs, 11 oz, which is perfect. He had no signs of thrush. I at least feel better knowing those things. I don't think I have thrush either- though I am treating myself with some homeopathic stuff just in case. I think it's a mixture of other problems, none of which I can really change, until (and unless) they just HEAL. Time seems to be the only cure, though it is also my worst enemy at the moment.
My attitude is slowly changing though- I'm just glad for every day that I can hang in there. Every single ounce of breastmilk he gets is a major accomplishment. I don't know how long this will work- pumping isn't as efficient as nursing, plus there are other issues. But, I have given him a good 3 weeks to jumpstart his health, and that's something. I'm not throwing in the towel yet, but I am coming to accept that it might not work out exactly like I wanted. I know many of you understand why that's so difficult emotionally. It's a loss that you can't express fully to anybody else.
Well, I just wanted to give you all an update. You've been very kind, and I am grateful. I'll ask that you keep praying for me, especially in this next week. It will probably be the clincher one way or the other... if I have no improvement, I've got to rethink things. I have a family of six to look after, and I need this to be resolved in some way. I just need some hope, some little sign that it will get better, and I can keep on keepin' on. But if it doesn't, then I need to consider some other options.
Anyway- here's to hoping that happy blogging isn't too far off... thanks for hanging in there with me, even when it's not so cheery around here.
-WonderGirl
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:19 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack
March 22, 2007
Low
Breastfeeding post ahead... and not a good one, so beware.
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:16 AM | Comments (16) | TrackBack
March 21, 2007
The Rambler
I feel sorry for the Duke. He's gotten the short end of the stick lately, I hate to admit. Czarina and HeroBoy are old enough to go outside and play by themselves (with frequent checks from Mom!!), but the Duke is entirely dependent on me to get him out for fresh air. And I haven't been exactly great about that lately. Today though, I promise, I am walking them all to the playground to "run them out" a little. I can put Solon in the sling, right? The hard part about it is that the Duke requires a lot of hands on attention at the park. I am still a bit anxious about venturing out with all four of them- but I guess I have to do it sometime or another!
It really is gorgeous here. I put a baby gate on the deck door, and have kept it open all day for the breeze. The windchimes are tinkling and the fresh air is cool and refreshing. Czarina is doing her school work while the Duke naps, HeroBoy is riding his bike on the porch, and Solon is dozing in the sling while I catch up on emails and whatnot.
It still hits me throughout the day, I am a mother of four. I have four kids. FOUR. One, two, three, four. Wow. I thought three was it for us, so this has been quite a mental adjustment for me. I have my good moments, and my not-so-good.
One of the most chaotic moments of the day is supper/bath/bedtime. I need to figure out how to minimize the stress of that hour and a half. Right now, it's crazy. Dinner is wild anyway, getting plates and drinks and desserts for the three of them- somebody spills, somebody won't eat, somebody needs more of this or that-- all while trying to have a halfway decent conversation with King Pen, and juggle Solon who refuses to be put down most of the time. Then comes bathtime- which usually coincides with Solon's feeding. So King Pen wrestles three kids in the tub, and I clean up the kitchen or feed/rock Solon. Then comes pajamas and teeth cleaning, then finally tuck-ins- all times three. But you can't forget the "extras" - someone needing to go to the bathroom, somebody who is hot or who can't find their stuffed animal, etc. It's nuts. By the end of it, King Pen and I collapse on the couch, barely able to construct a coherent sentence. After an hour or so, we're able to reestablish some sanity, but by then, it's nearly bedtime for us, too. Except for Solon, who is now wide awake and is wearing his fussy britches.
Whew.
Just writing it all wears me out! But, I know there will come a time when everybody is old enough to do some of these things themselves. Eventually, we won't have to oversee every little detail, and that will be super! I'll miss a lot of special moments from this time, but I will definitely appreciate the days when they are more self sufficient.
Well, I've rambled on about nothing in particular for long enough... I need to go finish school with Czarina. Have a good afternoon, folks! Wish me luck as we take on the playground.
Posted by WonderGirl at 3:01 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack
Popping in to Say:
We're off to a good start today! Yay! I haven't actually accomplished much yet, but I feel rested and capable of taking on the day. This is a good sign.
Just wanted to make a note of that, since I have been so complainy lately!
Will blog later. I need to keep my momentum going and get some stuff done.
Posted by WonderGirl at 11:35 AM | TrackBack
March 20, 2007
Because I Need To
Counting my blessings:
Solon slept for four hours at a time the past few nights.
Everyone is well.
The weather is beautiful and the kids can play outside.
Paper plates don't have to be washed.
Solon is digging his sling.
Cable tv at four in the morning means old episodes of Dawson's Creek.
PB&J never gets old to a 6,4, and nearly 2 year old.
***
There are more, but that's all I have time for.
Posted by WonderGirl at 1:19 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
March 19, 2007
We Live
We survived our quick trip home for my brother's wedding. Driving wasn't too bad, though we barely made it in time for the ceremony. Seriously, they were walking in the mothers when we got there! But we were there, and that's what matters. The rest of the visit was fast and uncomplicated, but I was happy to get home again. We were all pretty tired by the time we rolled in Sunday.
This morning, we got off to a rocky start. I intended to pick up Czarina's schooling again today, but that just didn't happen. But I am not beating myself up about it. I needed to unpack and wash laundry, and I figured one more day of Spring Break couldn't hurt. I have figured out though, that mornings for me just suck. Everything seems really bad at the beginning of the day. I look around and see all that needs to be done, breakfast and cleaning up, etc., and I'm totally overwhelmed. Plus, I'm tired, and hurting from a night of not-so-careful-nursing, and all I want is for the world to leave me alone for a little bit longer. But. Then I eat some breakfast. I turn off the t.v., put my shoes on, pick up some toys, and then I feel like I can cope again. By eleven, the world doesn't seem so terrible, and I think, okay, I can do this. I am learning not to judge the day, or my life, by the very first hours of the morning. Optimism pops it's head back up just when I need it to.
It's hard to remember that it's only been a little over 2 weeks. I know I expect too much from myself and from life, and I need to remember to take it easy. Relax. Chill. If the day doesn't line up perfectly, well, that's okay! This is easier said than done, of course, but I still have to remind myself of it. I'm such an overachiever! That sounds like a good thing, and it is on occasion- but it can be a major pain in the butt, too. Just ask King Pen. Poor guy. Somebody needs to buy this man a beer.
Well, that's all for now-- I just wanted to pop in for a minute while I had both hands free. Now I must go wrestle up some dinner. Have a good evening- and I'll write again later, maybe!
Posted by WonderGirl at 7:17 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Written in the Margins
Sometimes I jot things down, tuck them away, and forget about them- like this short passage.
"There are wells, deep and dark and cold within me. They tap hidden springs, places I've never seen, from places I've never known. Rushing water beneath my surface- it feeds me, and chills me, and leaves me."
I don't remember why I wrote that, or what it was about... but I do enjoy the discovery of old writings.
Posted by WonderGirl at 2:52 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
March 16, 2007
Top o' the Morning!
An early start to our day today. Czarina and HeroBoy are hitchhiking to my parents house this morning with my aunt, who was driving through town on her way to my brother's wedding. Czarina is a flowergirl and HeroBoy is the ringbearer- so this way they make it for the rehearsal tonight since we're not leaving until tomorrow morning. Incidentally, it also gives me a bit of a break for the day! King Pen gets off work at 2 also, so I am looking forward to a low key day. I'd love to find a nap somewhere in there.
Although, I have to admit that last night was decent for sleep. I was so beyond tired- I think it had all caught up with me, and I slept hard. I've had some kind of light on every night so that I can feed Solon easier, but I decided I needed one good, dark night. So after I fed him, I would turn the light back off. I think it made a difference in the quality of sleep I got.
Man-- is this as interesting as this post is gonna get today? I'm sorry, guys. My brain is muckish today. And yes, I believe I just made that word up. But we're not playing Scrabble, so I'm safe. (Scrabble... I could go for a good game of Scrabble about now. Or Boggle. I think my brain is just desperate for any kind of exercise these days.)
But the belly is louder, and I'm hungry. I'm gonna grab some breakfast before Solon demands his. Happy Friday, everybody! I'll write later if I have time.
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:48 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
March 15, 2007
Vacation in My Ears
Headphones can save your sanity as a stay at home mom. Shoot... as any kind of mom. The Duke and Solon (I really need to come up with his internet name soon!) are down for naps, and Czarina and HeroBoy are munching a snack and watching some toons. So I settle in with the laptop for my fifteen minute getaway, headphones up as loud as my eardrums can tolerate. I'm having my snack, too- a tall glass of ice water and some Breyer's Swirled Yogurt. The Fray plays a private concert especially for moi, and I feel downright pampered. Sweet! Honestly, the Fray will set me straight when I am having "a moment". I don't know how they do it, but I'd be lost without this cd.
Things are going... well, I suppose. Things are just going, really. I'm not going to lie to you. It's hard sometimes. The biggest obstacle I have been facing is not the sleeping or crying or even prioritizing the needs of four children. It's breastfeeding. If we could just get that worked out, everything else would be a walk in the park. But when that goes wrong, good grief. The whole world starts crumbling. I won't go into it, because it'll only depress me and you both, but let's leave it at me needing your thoughts and prayers right now. I had the same troubles with the Duke, and it ended up with me weaning him at a month old, which absolutely devestated me. I am determined not to let that happen again. So I'm taking it one feeding at a time. It's funny- in that not really funny way-- that every day begins and ends with the desperate words, "God help me" on my lips. I'm serious. I guess it's a lesson to take from the whole thing- our days should always begin and end with that litany, no matter what. But right now, it is an especially fervent and literal prayer.
Other than that though, it's good.
Changing the subject, my brother is getting married Saturday. I haven't written about him in a long time, for different reasons. He's had a rocky road, one that we were all dragged along on for many years. It was a painful time, and recovering has been a slow process. But in the last year, the road began to even out, less bumps and bruises. He's better. It's still hard sometimes to let the past be the past, I'm just gonna be honest. It's hard to trust. But, like I said, we've come a long way. And a few days from now, he'll be marrying a sweet girl and beginning a new life, walking a new road. My prayer for him is that this one is smooth and carries them both to good places.
But since he's not getting married in my living room, this means we've got to hit the road. With a two-week old. I sincerely hope I'm not getting in over my head. We're leaving Saturday morning and coming back Sunday morning, so it's a quick trip. And I'm keeping it as low key as possible. I am putting Solon in his sling, and he'll basically stay there the entire time. Hopefully, everyone will understand why - I just can't expose him to a crowd yet. He's so teeny! And the world is so germy! I have flashbacks to HeroBoy having RSV and that's not an experience I care to repeat. Anyway...
I waffle on.
Feels good to sit here and just blah blah blah. There are clothes to fold, dishes to wash, beds to make, bags to pack - plenty I could be doing, but dang. I needed to do some mental housekeeping, too. My head gets crowded, backed up with words and thoughts that need to be swept out on a regular basis.
But my fifteen minutes has long passed, and The Fray is winding down, so I guess I should go. It was nice though. I love our little chats, they do cheer me up! I don't know what I would do without this place. The white space is always here, waiting for me to fill it up with the excess from my mind. Thank goodness for that.
Well, I'll see ya at the next intermission of my life.
Posted by WonderGirl at 4:02 PM | Comments (8) | TrackBack
March 14, 2007
Eleven Days On The Outside
Continue reading "Eleven Days On The Outside"
Posted by WonderGirl at 9:45 PM | Comments (7) | TrackBack
Nutty
Last night at about 3 a.m., I looked over at Solon, who was stirring beside me, ready for his umpteenth meal. (Yes, we're cosleepers. Don't fuss unless you want a knuckle sandwich.) Anyway, I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am suffering from severe sleep deprivation when the adorable little squirrel on Solon's blanket winked at me.
The scariest part is that he did it more than once.
Posted by WonderGirl at 12:19 PM | Comments (7) | TrackBack
March 13, 2007
Blatherings
The windows are open and the breeze is blowing, the house is (relatively) clean, baby is sleeping, and the kids are playing.
Huh?
Surely there is something else to do besides sit here and wait for somebody to need something. But, surprisingly enough, I have a minute to myself. Everything is done. I could spend this minute brushing my teeth (did I do that today?), brushing my hair (is this my ponytail from yesterday or this morning?), or trying to erase the dark circles under my eyes (I need industrial makeup to tackle that job). There's just no way around it... right now I look like death warmed over. Sleep is the only cure, and there's none of that in the near future. Thank goodness for a husband who sees me with blurry, sleep deprived eyesight as well. Ha.
Soon though, I hope to not give a frightened whimper when I pass a mirror. I'm ready for the complete postpartum overhaul. I want my nails done, a facial, a haircut and style, and some clothes that don't rely entirely on elastic to stay put. And while we're at it, let's throw in a massage! I've never been one to deprive myself!
I am ready to feel good again. Actually, it will be a challenge to wait the six weeks to get back into my full exercise routine. I'm eager to try out my new running shoes! Or... maybe we'll call them "fast walking shoes" at first. I am not really unhappy with my postbaby body- I mean, yeah, there are some areas. Areas we won't discuss or examine with great detail just yet. But, every day it's a little better. I am optimistic about getting back into shape, getting back into a healthy lifestyle. Goodbye, Snickers and peanut M&M's... I loved thee well. Hello, granola- it's been a while! -sigh- I think dark chocolate straddles the line between health and junk food though, so that's encouraging. It's got antioxidants, right? Good for your heart?
Well, I guess I really should go check to make sure I brushed my teeth today. There's no excusing poor hygiene. Gotta brush 'em if ya got 'em, right?
Posted by WonderGirl at 5:41 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
March 12, 2007
Unwinding
Highs and lows today, as usual, except that today there were more highs than lows. I am falling more in love with Solon every day- he is sweet and new like a little fawn. He was circumcised today, traumatic for us both, but we survived. I am excited for tomorrow, simply because it is another day we have to get to know each other, another day we have to gaze into each others eyes until he loses his focus or his head gets too heavy and he wobbles back down onto my chest. I love, love, love these days... though they are hard and sleepless and painful at times. They are like dew in the morning, magic and soft, and gone all too soon.
That's all for now- I'll write in the spare moments I find, few as they may be.
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:31 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
A Note to Micheal Jackson
Dear M.J.:
So... um... how's Blanket doing? We haven't seen him in a while and well... we're all just wondering how the little guy is getting along.
No, this is not a legal document. And no, we're not interested in buying Neverland. Or the single white glove. No, seriously, stop trying to sell us stuff. We just wanna know if Blanket is okay. And the other one... what's his name? Prince Micheal or something like that?
No, we're not with child services.
Or the district attorney's office.
Sheesh, this is turning into an ordeal.
******
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:11 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Why Must It Be Titled?
Whoa. What a weekend.
The kids came home Friday night, and there was much rejoicing. We were so happy to have them back in the fold! However, my joy was stunted Saturday by the onset of mastitis. Horror, let me tell you. It is the ultimate nightmare of breastfeeding. I felt so terrible by Saturday evening that I could barely move, literally. Poor King Pen- he had to take care of us all, including HeroBoy who has a cough/fever thing that he is having trouble shaking. (he's been quarantined from Solon, I assure you!) Anyway, I started taking vitamin C and fluids like a madman, but by that night I needed an antibiotic. So I got something called in, and now I am feeling much, much better. It was rough though. Mastitis is no joke. I have a whole new sympathy for women who have had it before.
So, it was kind of a rotten weekend. All that, plus the transitioning for everyone with a new baby in the house, my totally unreliable emotional state due to hormones, mastitis and nursing problems, and the sleep pattern of a newborn-- yikes. I'm glad to see the end of that weekend. I am more optimistic for tomorrow. I feel so much better physically, I know it will make things easier mentally.
Solon gets circumcised tomorrow, poor fella. It's not something I am looking forward to, but at least it will be over quick enough. His umbilical cord fell off today, too, thank goodness. I didn't realize it, but because we didn't put iodine or silver nitrate or whatever that stuff is on it when he was born, it had to rot off. About a day ago, it started to smell really bad, and I called the midwife in a panic. She told me it should fall off within 24 hours of the smell, which is good, because that's about how much of it you can take. It was so gross. But now it's gone. Thank the stars.
Dang it. It's late. I want to write, really write, but there's just no time right now. Solon is sleeping, which means I need to be doing the same. -sigh-
Okay, I'll write more tomorrow if I can. Maybe I should teach Czarina to type so I can dictate blog posts to her. Hm... there might be something to that. Plus, I could pay her in cookies.
G'nite, folks.
Posted by WonderGirl at 12:52 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
March 8, 2007
Belated Post
I started this last night, and forgot to go back and hit "post".
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Just a minute to write before our nightly rerun of "Arrested Development" comes on. (That show tickles me!) Anyway, we're doing pretty good around here. Mom left today, which is always a little sad to me. She took good care of us this week, and I enjoyed getting to spend time with her. It is rare that we just get a plain old visit, outside of a big holiday get-together. My house looks and smells great, the Duke is Grandma's new best friend, and I have some yummy leftovers from some good dinners she cooked. *sniff* Miss her already!
In other news, Czarina and HeroBoy will be coming home tomorrow, after nearly THREE weeks away. Whoa. That's the longest we've ever been apart, but I know they had a fabulous time. This was a great vacation for them, playing constantly with cousins, riding horses, tending goats and chickens, basically playing themselves exhausted every day. But we've missed them. I'll be glad to have our whole family back together again. So, King Pen's parents will be coming in tomorrow evening, and staying the night. I think they're leaving sometime Saturday, but I'm not sure.
***Interrupted!***
Baby called, and this was as far as I got with this post. I'll write again later!
Posted by WonderGirl at 11:26 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
March 7, 2007
Graduation
Hard to believe the Duke has gone from being a little brother to a big one. He loves Solon. I think he may be in for a surprise when he realizes Solon isn't going home with Grandma, though.
And a few more for his demanding public:
Posted by WonderGirl at 6:24 PM | Comments (8) | TrackBack
March 5, 2007
A Baby Story
He looks kinda mad, doesn't he?
Without further ado, I present the story of Solon's birth (pronounced "sew lun" but all one word.) Be prepared though, it's long. Oh, and boys, beware. I promise my feelings won't be hurt if you'd rather not read this one. It may even be TMI for some of you girls, so please, just skip it if you're not interested in details. The reason I decided to be so forthcoming with my birth story is because we made some choices that some people find unusual, and even a bit scary. Homebirths aren't typical in the United States, and a lot of people have fears and misconceptions about it. I thought the positive exposure would be interesting and informative. Anyway. Clicky click if you're still with me.
Continue reading "A Baby Story"
Posted by WonderGirl at 9:59 PM | Comments (18) | TrackBack
March 4, 2007
WonderGirl Here
Hey guys! I just have a minute to do this before the little one beckons, so I'll be quick. It was awesome, awesome, awesome. I didn't even really start laboring until I was already 7 cent., which is crazy. Anyway, I'll get on here later and write all about it, but for now, I just wanted to let you all know we're doing great, and post a few pics.
Oh, I'll put his real name on for a while, but I'll take it off once I figure out his "internet name"!
Meet Solon Reed T., everybody. Isn't he darling?
Thank you for all your prayers and thoughts these last few days. It made all the difference in the world. Love to yas!
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:38 AM | Comments (24) | TrackBack
AHEM, AHEM...
Attention everyone, Is this thing on?
Well, either way, I'm shouting this one......
Wondergirl's sister here, announcing the latest.....Its a BOY! The newest little one was born tonight, a little after 9PM, weighing in at a whopping 9 lbs, 5 oz and 21 inches long!
Mom and babe are doing great. I won't divulge the real name (although I will say its a great solid name) and I am sure Wondergirl will be on in due time posting pics and the new blog name!
Posted by WonderGirl at 12:48 AM | Comments (8) | TrackBack
March 2, 2007
And Out Like A Lamb
Well, as I halfway expected, the contractions eventually spaced out enough for me to know this was not it. Oh well! So, I'm going shopping. Maybe a little mall walking will do the trick... but if not, then at the very least I'll get a slice of pizza and a new pair of tennis shoes out of the deal.
Have a good weekend, folks!
Posted by WonderGirl at 10:03 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
In Like A Lion
Today might be a good day to have a baby. I woke up a little before 5 with contractions, and they are around 6/7 minutes apart. They feel pretty decent- when I start to get one, I have to stop what I'm doing and relax through it, so that's a good thing. I think. I don't know, because really, I've done this a few times over this last week, and they'll just sputter out after a couple hours. So, maybe, maybe not. But I figured, hey, I'm up and just sitting here, I might as well blog about it.
Regardless, I'm really glad today is Friday. Yesterday was a bit stressful with all the bad weather in Alabama. We've lived here for less than a year, and it takes a while to get a feel for how people respond to emergencies. The last few storms that have come through have gotten a LOT of attention from the news media but they turned out to be pretty typical thunderstorms. So I was starting to wonder if maybe Alabamians are a little overly-dramatic about the weather. Any excuse to turn on the sirens, ya know? Well, apparently, their caution wasn't misplaced yesterday. I think something like eighteen people died in the tornados that swept through. Sad. Here in B'ham, we had a very brief storm pass through, but nothing like what people in other parts of the state experienced.
Well, I think I'm going to get moving around a little and see what happens with these contractions. They'll either stop, because they are those finicky prelabor contractions, or they'll stick around and turn into something interesting. I'll letcha know.
Happy Friday, everybody! Have a good morning.
Posted by WonderGirl at 7:08 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
March 1, 2007
Boo!
Ohhhhhh, you're KIDDING ME. I just wrote a whole update and it didn't publish correctly.
GRRR.
So now I'll do the abbreviated (and admittedly less interesting and clever) version. I'm not in labor, in case you're wondering. I feel okay though- it's gotta happen some time or another. I'm really trying to take it one day at a time. I still can't get over the fact that it's not here yet! I can't believe I'm having a March baby! I expected to go a little early, being the fourth baby and all. Guess that goes to show, ya never know. They come when they come.
My mom is planning on coming tomorrow night, so that's something to look forward to. She's a labor and delivery nurse, which comes in handy. But it will mostly just be nice to have the company, and take my mind off things.
I don't feel like writing much right now, I think I'm gonna go take a nap. I'll write more later, maybe!
Posted by WonderGirl at 3:35 PM | TrackBack