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Friday, December 31, 2010

New Year Resolutions

Do any of you out there actually make New Year's Resolutions?   I sometimes think about it, but I'm not too serious. 

One year, in fifth grade, I made a New Year's Resolution to make my bed every single day.  That included pulling the comforter up and laying out my well-worn (Precious Moments that my aunt made for my sister but I stole when I was two because she was a baby and didn't need it and I liked it and my parents didn't stop me) baby blanket on top.   

And I did it (for the year, that is).

I proved to myself that I could keep a resolution, and haven't made another one since.  I'm a pretty committed/determined/purposeful/crazy? person.  When I say I'll do something, I try really really hard to make it happen.  I don't like to say things that I won't follow through on, and hate it when others do.

So this year, is it time to make another resolution?  To be an example for Baby?  To commit myself to something for another year?

What should it be?  I could vow to work on my blog every day (I've been going through spurts, as you know).  I could vow to read to my child every day (I'm pretty good at this one, but sometimes we just get so caught up that we might miss a day here and there).  I could lose the rest of this baby weight that somehow doesn't seem to be disappearing (I'm sure the Reese's I've been eating nonstop since Christmas really help that).  I could, I could, I could.

Or...I could not.  Right now I'm just going to focus on being the best mommy and wife I can be for my Husband and daughter.  Not just this year, but for every year.  I'll try to document what I can and maybe one day print it all out for Baby to read.             


Thank you to all of you who actually read my blog.  I love how blogspot now has a stats section where I can see how many people are actually reading.  I am seriously hooked on checking out my readership.  Thanks for boosting my self esteem. 

Anyway, Happy New Year and I'll see you in 2011!     

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Christmas Recap

Christmas is over and done with.  Thank goodness.  I really really really dislike this holiday (not the reason behind the holiday, but the commercialized part of it that I am never able to avoid).  I hate present shopping with a passion and it totally stresses me out.  I second guess what to get people until the last minute where I beg Husband to help me out because he is the BEST at getting presents for people.  He can just see something and be all, "Oh, this would be perfect for so and so."  And he's RIGHT.   I can't do that.  Uh uh. 

I also hate decorating.  I mean, once it's done it looks pretty, but dragging everything out and choosing what to do each year drives me crazy.  Then I can never get it to look right, so I just throw something together and then wish I had spent more time on it.  Not to mention, everything goes right back into a box and has to be packed back up when the holiday is over.  (Or I could just leave it up...I succeeded in having a pine wreath hanging on my door for practically a whole year this past year.  I would have left it up too, only my mother came over one day and replaced it for me.  I happened to enjoy my Christmas smell in July, thank you very much.)

Then there's the stress of the day itself. 

This year I thought I had made it pretty simple.  The menu had been divided between family who were coming, I was prepared with games, Baby's outfit was all picked out.  I had cleaned the house beforehand so that the day of would just take a little prep and be done with.

Well, I ended up sleeping in (Husband watched Baby and let me take my time getting up- it was amazing!).  Then it left me behind schedule.  Totally my fault, I know, but so worth it.

I set about getting things together before company arrived.  We had strategically coordinated who came over when so that the present giving wouldn't be weird.  That way people wouldn't feel awkward if they didn't get others gifts because they are only related through my marriage and see each other once a year.  It would just be silly.  Well, that didn't work out.  The family who was supposed to come early came late.  The family that was supposed to come late came early.  Thus, everyone arrived at the same time, which was really rather awkward and we sat around staring at each other until Husband timidly suggested opening gifts.

It really wasn't as awkward as I expected it to be.  Baby received a ton.  I was not surprised.  Opening gifts was a long process and in the end everyone sat staring at me as I helped Baby open present after present (really, they could have been staring at the TV behind me where some type of sports game was playing).  She was definitely overwhelmed and was not in the best mood.  It was not what I had expected from her.  I thought she would be basking in the attention and and flitting from person to person and gift to gift, but instead she clung to me like her life depended on it and became preoccupied with trying to shove wrapping paper down her throat while I attempted to snatch it from her.  Then she would scream when I took it away and wouldn't let her eat it.   

She remained this way throughout the cooking.  I could not put her down without her crying, and she refused to let anyone else hold her.  Husband played games with the guests and I was left to cook and comfort Baby.  Not my idea of fun when I felt pressure to perform in front of all our guests.

Thankfully, my mother and sister in law stepped up to take over the kitchen tasks.  I felt really bad about that, though.  I mean, I had invited them over.  They had already made their items ahead of time and shouldn't have had to make mine.  I helped as best I could, but Baby was just not having it.  It's rather hard to peel potatoes and take a ham out of the oven when a child is stuck to you.  Thus, ham juices ended up everywhere and the fire alarm went off. 

Yes, the fire alarm went off.  

We don't have one of those standard battery operated fire alarms, either.  Oh no.  Ours is hard-wired to the electrical in the house.  No pulling it down and taking out the batteries to make it stop.  Nope.  It's not one of those beeping things either.  This is a hard core, screech as loud as it possibly can, make everyone within five miles deaf fire alarm. 

I had to open up the house and air it out before the thing would shut down.  All the while, Husband sat playing games at the table.  I was so mad at him.  (Note- after the fact I confronted him and he sincerely apologized.  He was so engrossed in the game he didn't even notice that I needed help.  He said next time to just ask.  I guess we were both to blame there.  I could have just asked instead of expecting him to see me and run to my rescue.  Live and learn, I guess).

Things picked up after that.  Sister in law finished the dinner and we all ate.  It was really quite good and we had lots of leftovers.  Dinner was only an hour late.

We played board games after dinner, ate dessert, and ended up having a lot of laughs and a good time.  Baby was much happier after she ate and had her bath, and once she went to bed I didn't have to worry about keeping her happy in front of the guests.

Next year, I'm doing absolutely everything in advance and microwaving each dish right before dinner.  That's classy, right?    

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Christmas 2010

I'm actually typing this on Christmas Eve, but it will go up tomorrow. 

I'm really not sure what to expect for Christmas Day, especially since it is Baby's first Christmas.

In my head, we are going to wake up (NOT early if I can help it.  We'll wake up whenever Baby decides.  Lately that's been around eight.  Growing up, little Husband and his brothers and sister would set alarms for four or five in the morning.  Can we say crazy?  Then everyone was cranky for the rest of the day.  No thank you.  As a child, my siblings and I weren't allowed to bug our parents until at least ten in the morning.  I know that may sound seriously late to some of you, but my family are not morning people.  Boy was it a shock when I married Husband!).  Then we will meander into the living room to watch something Christmas-y on TV (I'm really hoping for a parade- I love those!) while we exchange our own gifts between Husband, Baby and I.

We will then get ready for the day and do last minute cleaning before family comes over whereas Husband will be more than happy to help and Baby will entertain herself quietly (Ha!).

My family is coming first and we will do gift exchanges with them.  We will begin dinner, Husband's family will soon join us, and while dinner is cooking (ham, potatoes, carrots, salad, etc.)  we will entertain ourselves with rowdy games of Scrabble and watch Baby amaze everyone with her walking prowess (in all actuality, I'm sure there will be a sports game on the background and people will sit around attempting to make small talk.  Or everyone will be texting all their other friends on their fancy new phones.  Or chatting on their laptops.  Plus, Baby will most likely be cranky because she will have missed her nap due to so much excitement.  But that's looking on the downside and this is how I want it to be.  Moving on now).

After board games we will eat a wonderful dinner (on time!  Thanksgiving was four hours late.  Oops), hang out, chat, eat dessert, remember the real reason for Christmas (presents, right?  Totally kidding.  Jesus!).  Then everyone will help clean up and go home feeling full, refreshed, and in no way disappointed with any of their presents.

The End.

(I'll let you know how it actually goes in a few days!)   

Friday, December 24, 2010

Tormenting the Cat

We have two cats.  Tiger is the eldest at six years old. He is the most lovable cat you will ever meet.  He runs up to strangers and begs for their attention.  He is also very jealous of Baby and wants to be wherever she is (and he's not allowed into her room AT ALL.  He stands at the door and meows, or tries to sneak in).

He's not a typical cat.  We call him our house dog because of the way he acts.  He comes when called, he greets us at the door when we get home, he wants our attention, etc.  He even likes water.  No joke.  When we go to take a shower, he will try to jump in and get all wet.  We used to let him, but then he tracked water everywhere so now we lock him out.  When he was younger, I potty trained him.  Literally.  You know, like the cat from Meet the Fockers that used the toilet?  That was Tiger.  I never did figure out how to teach him to flush, though.  Anyway, we ended up moving and the toilet wasn't quite the same, so we let him regress.  However, it's a fact that I am still very proud of and brag about to this day (can't you tell?).

Our second cat is Buttercup.  She is a skittish little sweetheart, about four years old.  She will only come up to you for attention if she knows you really well.  Even then, you must be nice and calm.  We call her the perfect cat because she is the typical cat, but isn't in our way, doesn't get jealous, and is very good about not using anything but her littr box and her scratching post.

Baby loves the cats.  LOVES them.

When she spots one of them, her face will light up and she will yell out, "Dah!"  She will then proceed to chase them.

Buttercup is smart and runs away.  Tiger, on the other hand, stays and takes it.  Why?  I have no idea.

We take Baby's hand and tell her "soft" while showing her how to pet him.  She will then proceed to grab his fur and yank as hard as she can.  Tiger will meow at her and she will do it again.

Lately, Baby figured out how to keep her hand open and not yank.  Now she hits.  With an open palm.  Over and over, while giggling hysterically.  Tiger, again, goes meow.

Tiger has started to get a bit more bold (and I don't blame him), and now leans in to give her hand a little nip whenever she grabs his fur.  I don't really have a problem with this.  I mean, Baby needs to learn not to tear his fur out.  Tiger isn't hurting her with his little nips.  Hopefully she figures out he doesn't like it.

Husband, on the other hand, disagrees.  He doesn't think Tiger should be able to touch Baby in any way, even if she is hurting him.  He's not smart enough to run away, so he deserves it.

Now, whenever Baby grabs Tiger's fur in her chubby little fingers, Tiger leans in, Husband yells NO at him while I tell Baby No and Soft.

Then Husband and I debate about who we should be telling no to.

Hopefully Baby learns soon enough how to pet the cats before Tiger goes bald.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

The Machete Parent

I saw an episode of Supernanny not too long ago where parents were letting their child play with a dull machete.  Yes, a machete.  While watching, Husband and I were appalled.  Who lets their kids play with machetes?  (We don't own one, so it wouldn't be an issue with us, of course.) 

The show got me thinking, though.  Am I going to be the parent who gives in to the child?  Or am I going to be firm and lovingly show authority.  Or am I going to be a combination of those?  

We've finally come to the point where we seem to be saying no to Baby quite a lot.  She's in the adventurous stage where she wants to get into everything. 

I think I've done a pretty fair job of babyproofing, but there are some things that I just can't fix.  Plus, I've read a lot that kids need to learn boundaries early on (does Baby count as a kid?). 

The cat food is the first tantalizing temptation.  It lies there in a little bowl, the same size as her Gerber Puffs, but with multiple colors calling her name.  She knows she is not supposed to touch it (I think that was the first time we told her no).  Each time she crawls around the floor she will look longingly at it, and scoot a little closer.  Eventually, though she tries to resist, she starts to reach out. 

Immediately Husband or I will say,"no."  Depending on her mood, she may back off.  Other times she will sit there and stare at it.  Or if she's feeling rambunctious, she will reach out and grab it.  We will take it out of her hand (or her mouth if she was quick), tell her no, and put her somewhere else.  She will promptly crawl back to it as fast as her little hands and knees will take her.

About this point I just pick up the food dishes and stick them on the counter top.  Situation over. 

Right?

Baby also has a fascination with electrical outlets.  These I don't have the luxury of moving.  We have the plugs in them, but Baby still likes to go over to them and try to play with them.  Not something we encourage.  We tell her no, distract her, and depending on her mood she will perhaps stop.  Or perhaps she will look at us like we are crazy and go right back to trying to eat the outlet plug or pry the little plastic piece out (she's pretty sneaky).  Usually a fit ensues.

Baby is much better at listening to Husband than listening to me.  He will tell her no (more like he yells NO at her), and she will sit there with her little bottom lip quivering.  She will glance at me, to see my reaction, and I will give her a stern face as well.  Then she will get sad and crawl over to me to pick her up.

When Husband isn't home, it's up to me to tell her no.  I do, but she doesn't seem to listen.

For example, when she torments the cat (who is so dumb he refuses to run away and instead lets his fur get ripped out), I will tell her no.  She will do it again.  I tell her no again.  I try to be stern and make my face seem serious (I learned this from Supernanny).  Sometimes I will have to physically move her away.  Then she might cry.  Here is where I am lost.  Do I pick her up and comfort her?  Do I let her cry?  For how long?  Five seconds?  A minute?

Maybe I need to find a good discipline book to help answer these questions.

I never thought I would have to deal with this issue.  As a teacher, I tell my students the rules up front.  When they break them, they receive a consequence.  Sometimes the consequence is a phone call home where I tell the parents what happened and they give a consequence. 

I am Baby's parent.  Aren't I supposed to know what to do?

But I don't.

Maybe it's a phase and we'll be able to communicate a little better when she's a little older.

Can babies do time-out?

In the meantime, I'm going to try not to be the machete parent.  Really.         

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Santa Claus

Tis' the season for mall Santas and helper elves.  The Christmas cards have been made and sent (and are very cute, I must say.  I am very proud of those!).  The tree is up (yes, on the table), and presents have begun to make their way underneath.  The question now is, where is Baby's picture with Santa?

Honestly, I'm not sure how I feel about Baby getting a picture with Santa.

We passed a mall Santa just this past weekend.  Santa was taking a break, but I got a chance to peek at the prices.  Hello, money maker!  Wanna make a load of cash this holiday season?  Dress up as Santa and take pictures with kids on your lap.  Guaranteed to make a fortune, I promise.  Anyway, the prices were ridiculous and they wouldn't let you take pictures with your own camera.  We moved on.

But what if the prices were cheaper?  Would I plop an unsuspecting Baby on the lap of some guy dressed in red?  Who has already had dozens of other germ-infested children in that same location, breathing their spittle onto his beard?  (I wonder if mall Santas get really sick after Christmas)  I mean, think of the germs!  Baby already gets sick plenty of times on her own.  I don't think I'm too overprotective, but I am pretty diligent at keeping her away from other sickos, yet she still manages to pick up the germs.  I don't know if I'd want her exposed to all that on Santa's lap.

Okay, so what if Santa was in a antibacterial suit, and I could take my own pictures?  Would I then place Baby on the knee of an older gentleman?  It's kind of weird when you think about it.  Handing Baby off to a stranger that she doesn't know.  I don't hand her off to friends and family until I know she is comfortable with them.  Why would I change my rules to have her sit on someone else's lap? 

I know some people enjoy and laugh over the pictures of the crying kids on Santa's lap. I don't think I can handle that.  The poor child!  If Baby looked at me with pitiful eyes and burst into tears on Santa's lap, I might burst into tears too.

I think the Santa pictures will just have to wait until she is asking to go sit on Santa's lap.  Until then, we can watch all the other parents kids make their own memories.  

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Croup is Poop

Baby has been sick for a week.  It has not been fun.  Well, maybe just a little.  It's been fun staying home with her,  but not fun seeing my poor, sick child. 

It started Monday afternoon.  I picked her up from daycare and thought that she may have a little bit of a fever. I read something in one of my baby books about how moms have a sixth sense for fevers in their children, so I didn't bother grabbing the thermometer, but decided to take my word for it.

Monday night she woke up a bunch of times.

Tuesday morning I needed solid proof that she had a fever, so I grabbed the special thermometer that is just for her and took her temperature.  Yes, I put the vaseline on it and put it in her...well... you know.  What?  that's the only accurate way to take a baby's temperature!  Anyway, she had a fever.  (See, moms do know!)  I called in sick last minute on Tuesday to stay home with Baby.

All day, Baby was a totally different baby.  I thought maybe she was teething and that was causing the fever.  I know, all the doctors say teething shouldn't cause a fever, but talk to any mom and she'll tell you differently.  Plus, Baby kept drooling and putting her fingers to her mouth.

She had zero energy, though.  All day long I held her and she cuddled with me.  She cuddled with me!  My Baby, who refuses to sit still for a second, sat on my lap with her head on my shoulder.  She fell asleep a few times that way, she woke up and sat there on my lap.  She was miserable, though.  Poor thing.

That night she started to cough a  little bit, and we could hear her start to make this deep, throaty sound when she was breathing.  I looked in one of my baby books and determined that she had most of the symptoms for croup, but wasn't really doing the coughing thing.  Husband made me call the advice nurse to see what we could do (yes, I was just going to wait it out, but Husband was pretty worried. I mean, she wasn't really coughing.  Maybe my diagnosis was right?  After much "You call if you're so worried,"  "No, you call, you were home with her,"  Husband dialed and then I talked).  Once the advice nurse was on the line, Baby did start coughing more.  The nurse heard her and identified the croup right away just from hearing her (yay, mom diagnosis was right!).  We got an appointment for the next morning.  In the meantime we were supposed to make sure she didn't get too upset so that she didn't produce more mucus to clog her airways.  (Yes, we were supposed to spoil our baby!)   

All night Husband and I camped out in the living room with a sick and tired-but-too-sick-to-fall-asleep Baby. Previously we had sat in the bathroom with the shower going so Baby could breathe in the steam.  It was supposed to help her breathe better.  We were told to keep her head elevated and not lay her flat.  How is one supposed to put her to sleep then?  We were at a loss with what to do with her.  We thought about putting her in her carseat, but she wouldn't fall asleep in it.  She's used to going to bed in her crib.  We decided to just take turns holding and rocking her in the living room.  We turned the tube on and got comfortable.  Husband fell asleep on the couch and I was literally up until 4:30 in the morning holding and rocking baby.  I attempted to fall asleep with her a few times, but she woke herself up every fifteen minutes or so because she didn't feel well.  At 4:30 I woke up Husband and made him take over.  I took a short nap on the couch but had a hard time sleeping because Baby kept waking up.  Around seven I called it quits.

Wednesday morning we took Baby in for her appointment at 9:15.  As it turns out, the advice nurse had given us incorrect information.  We tried to check in, and they told us our appointment wasn't until the next day.  I was like, seriously?  I asked if there was anything available that day, and they said they didn't take walk-ins.  I tried to explain that we were not walk-ins.  We were just told wrong information.  She said we could go ask a nurse.  We walked over to the pediatrics section and found a wonderful nurse.  She took one look at Baby (who was super pale and lethargic) and said she would check with the doctors.  Thankfully, a doctor was able to see us right away.  

We got Baby naked and weighed her.  My poor little ten month old is only sixteen pounds.  She just sat through the exam, but then started crying when he took some wax out of her ears.  She didn't have any ear infections, though.  Just the croup, which the doctor said is caused by a virus.  Sometimes it can be worse, and have something to do with her throat, but he checked her throat and it wasn't the advanced thing.

He wrote us a prescription for some steroid thing which would open up her airway, and said that Tylenol would be good for her fever.

I tool Baby outside to breathe the cool air and Husband went to wait for her prescription.  Poor Baby fell asleep on my lap.  We had a few people comment on how cute she was, and one woman was appalled that she didn't have shoes on.  I wasn't sure what to say, so I just kind of gave her a look and said Baby wasn't feeling well.  She doesn't walk around yet, why would she need shoes?  (I did buy  her a little pair not too long ago, though.  In anticipation of when she is walking).

We took Baby home and Husband and I took turns holding Baby and sleeping.  We were all zombies.  Baby was doing much worse though.  We could hear her breathing in and out and trying to suck in air.  We spent lots of time in the bathroom letting the hot water run itself out.  Our water bill this month is going to be so high.  She also had a hard time eating and nursing.  She really wanted to nurse, but each time she tried it hurt her, so she would start to cry.  It was so sad.  The thing that usually gave her comfort was causing her pain. 

That afternoon the drugs must have kicked in.  She started to be a little more active, which made both of us feel better.

Wednesday night she slept in bed with me and I kept her propped up in my arms while I was propped up on pillows.  I think her fever finally ended around here, too.   

Thursday I went to work and Husband stayed home with her.  She was worse in the morning, but better in the afternoon.  However, she had lost her voice.  It was so sad to see her cry, because nothing came out.  She just wrinkled up her little face, but no sound came out.   

Thursday night she woke up in the middle of the night with a coughing fit.  We sat in the bathroom in the steam again and I decided not to go in to work on Friday. 

Friday was much better, although she was doing more coughing.  Her energy was starting to return.  My  mother came over to help distract Baby while I worked from home for a little bit.  I had to turn in all my grades by that afternoon.  Luckily Baby was in a good mood and I was able to do that.

Saturday she was coughing and cranky and clingy.  She had major coughing fits in the middle of the night that caused her to throw up.  Lots of steam for us.  I think my skin is getting very well moisturized.   

Sunday was the same.

Monday she was much better, but still no voice, coughing, and clingy.

Who knows what Tuesday will bring.   



   

      

Monday, December 20, 2010

Stuffed Animals

I'm a minimalist.  In many many aspects of my life.  This may or may not be a good thing.

When going on a trip, I plan ahead to determine the least amount of items I will need.  When working, I try to figure out the most efficient way of grading/planning where I won't have to take any work home but the students will still be learning.  In cooking, I attempt shortcuts to make things go quicker (who says water has to be boiling before you put noodles in?).  In choosing items for decorating my house, I go with the less is more policy.  I abhore clutter.  It just drives me crazy.  I would rather throw things away then keep them on memory shelves.  Tiny knick knacks are not for me.  Sentimental keepsake items?  Not a fan.

Husband, on the other hand, is the exact opposite.  He likes to keep things.  He likes to collect things.  He likes to let things pile up until you have to make paths to get from one end of a room to the other.  Boy am I thankful he has his own office space for all of the above.

I have no idea what Baby is going to be like.  I can tell you, though, she is already a collector.  A collector of stuffed animals, that is.  Baby has one relative in particular who loves to get her stuffed animals.  She got one the day she met this relative at three weeks old.  She got one just because.  She got two more during a recent visit.  She just got two more this past week, one of which says "Baby's First Christmas."

These stuffed animals aren't small, either.  Actually, they are about the same size as her.  All of them.

What in the world am I supposed to do with them?  Where do I put them?  How do I kindly tell people that Baby doesn't need any more stuffed animals?

I know in thinking ahead that they will be very useful for when she throws tea parties and puts on little plays.  They will be great friends that she can confide her secrets to.

But if this trend continues, Baby is going to have over sixty stuffed animals by the time she turns five.

A bit more than minimal, I must say.   

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Grabby McGrabberson

Baby discovered she has hands.  With this newfound knowledge comes much responsibility.  On my end, not hers. 

Now I go to walk through an aisle in a store and Baby reaches her little hands out as far as they will go to try to grab everything she can see. 

It was cute for the first five minutes.  Now I get to wrangle in a squirming, determined child who strains with all her might for the shiny item on the shelf. 

Time to pay more attention to what goes in the cart.  Don't want any more board book episodes! 

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Things I Never Knew I Loved

This is the counterpart to my Things I Never Needed post.  There are a few things that were lifesavers that I would totally recommend to other moms, and some things that I never got but pined (and am still pining) for.

The first item that comes to mind is a video monitor.  I so so so so want one of those.  When I was registering, I thought, why would I need to see the baby?  I can just hear her through a regular monitor.   Well, that was before crazy worry all the time mommy existed (seriously, I have never worried so much in my life!).  Now, every little noise I hear and I want to peek in her room and check on her.  Baby is a very light sleeper, so when that happens, she usually wakes up and I regret every going in there.  However, there has been occasion when she has an arm sticking out of the crib slat, or is lying facedown and I freak out and think she isn't breathing.  It's times like those I want a video monitor.

Another item I originally didn't want was the baby Bumbo.  Remember the little chair that we used as a Highchair forever?  Well, I was offered one before Baby was born and didn't quite know what it was so I turned it out down.  After Baby came, she tried one out at a friend's house and it was really cool.  So much so that we took it home with us and used it like every day.  It became our high chair so she could sit at the kitchen table with us.  We would put her in it and stick it on the center island when we were cooking so she could watch us (note:  I do NOT recommend doing this.  It is highly dangerous.  Your child could fall and crack his or her skull open.  The Bumbo is only supposed to be used on the floor).  Right now we have it sitting on the floor and Baby likes to put things in the seat part, then take them out again.  It's the seat that keeps in giving.

The baby swing was another huge favorite.  Without it, my child would have learned to sleep on her own would never have slept.  That thing could rock her dreams for hours.  Even now, if daycare needs her to take a nap, M will plop her in there and asleep she will go.  She still hasn't outgrown it, although she has to be getting pretty close (score one for being in the tenth percentile).

I am also a huge fan of the Baby Bjorn.  I used the Moby Wrap a ton when Baby was nursing (hooray for walking around the mall with a baby stuck to me and no one the wiser- except those other moms who know what really goes on underneath all that fabric), but Husband refused to put it on.  That's where the Baby Bjorn came in.  It was easy for him to put on, not too girly, and he and I could switch it back and forth between us really easily to take turns holding Baby when we went out places.  The downside to it is that it doesn't convert to a backpack type carrier where Baby can be carried on our backs.  It is only able to be used for front facing.

That's all I can think of at the moment.  What items did you love/wish you'd had?     
  

Friday, December 17, 2010

Christmas Tree Update

Husband has been asking me for days to go get our Christmas tree.  We finally found the time this past weekend. 

I had tried to convince him that we didn't need one, but he wouldn't go for it.  However, before we were about to leave, he looked at me seriously.

Husband:  Babe, I have an idea and you may not like it.

Me (secretly hoping he's going to cave in and not get a tree):  What is it?

Husband:  What if we get a smaller tree and put it on the corner table?

Me: What makes you ask that?

Husband:  I just think it would be easier than getting a big tree on the ground.  That way we won't have to worry about Baby knocking it over or eating the pine needles.

Me (inwardly jumping up and down with joy):  ok, sounds cool.

Note:  I had suggested this idea to Husband as a compromise to my no-tree Christmas idea.  I think it finally sunk in.  Funny how that works.  

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Baby or Puppy?

Sometimes I think I am training an animal.  I know Baby is not a puppy, but I've noticed some similarities.    

I am teaching my child to recognize simple words, like ball, outside, come, etc.  This is the same thing one would teach to a puppy.

I have to keep a constant eye on her to make sure she doesn't eat everything in sight.

She whines when she doesn't get her way.

When Husband goes outside to take out the trash she will follow him to the door.

She gets very excited when Husband or I come home from being gone.

She crawls around with her toys in her mouth (I do believe Husband taught her how to do this one).

We have to clean up her accidents.

She likes to curl up in bed with us.

She chases after and torments the cats.

She likes to play keep away with her toys.

She likes to move her toys and hide them in random places, like under blankets or the couch.  

She gets very excited when we get out her treats (the little Gerber Puffs).

Both are extremely cute and adorable.

Random people stop us when we go out walking so they can take a look at her (No joke- older people are especially prone to this behavior). 

Can you think of any more similarities?

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Blog Thief

I originally started my blog to document my pregnancy and take my mind off the awful, overwhelming, all consuming nausea (seriously, I sometimes have flashbacks).  I thought it would be a good place to inform other random people about what a pregnancy was like. 

I wasn't thinking too far ahead when I began, and never imagined I would start blogging about life with Baby.  Thus, the url is still bethispregnant.  If I has been thinking ahead, I would have been more creative. 

Blogging has opened up a whole new world.  I started to find other blogs from other mommies.  Then more.  And more.  It's amazing how many other mommy bloggers are out there (and daddy bloggers, too!), and how many mommies have connected and shared stories.  I started subscribing to other blogs to read about other mommies and their families.  These ladies are really great writers, and have some hilarious stories to share.

In my spare time I try to think of blogs that I am going to write.  What would be interesting to people?  What can I share that happened in my life that's of note?

Then I log on and read another mommy blog and realize that they've already written about a topic I wanted to write about.  Or I've written on something someone else has already done. 

I don't want to steal anyone else's ideas, and I also don't want people to think I'm copying them.  But at the same time I think I am gong to continue what I had originally planned.  If I happen to write on the same topic as someone else, so be it.  Hopefully you all will continue to read. 
  

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Surrogate Mom

Today I found out that an acquaintance of mine is going to be a surrogate mom.  Actually, that's not true.  She IS a surrogate mom.  She was surgically implanted with a few fertilized eggs from another couple.  You know, she's of those people you read about who carries a baby for another couple who can't for whatever reason have a baby on their own.  I've never met one (that I know of) in real life before.    

She is currently a few weeks along and was talking about the possibility of having triplets and going on bedrest.  She told me about testing her HCG levels and that they have been increasing exponentially.  Granted, she won't find out for a few weeks longer if there even is more than one in there, but the possibility is there.

It's something that's hard for me to wrap my head around.  She already has two kids of her own, both elementary school age.  I'm not exactly sure why she decided to do it.  Maybe for the money?  To give someone else the joy of a child?

I wonder what her Husband thinks.  I think mine would be a little turned off by the fact that I was carrying someone else's child.

Not to mention the fact that you are going through pregnancy again (she was one of THOSE who loved it), and then labor or a C-Section at the end.  Only to give the babies to their predetermined parents.

I just don't know if I could do that.  Could you?   

Monday, December 13, 2010

I've Been Bitten

It finally happened.  Baby was bound to figure out how to use those two teeth of hers sooner or later.  I was really hoping for later.  Well, to be honest I was really hoping for never. 

I thought that since we'd come this far, she was just going to skip the whole biting mommy while nursing phase.  I was going to be one of those moms that people hate when they compare children and I say my baby never bit me.  You know, like the moms who say they loved being pregnant.  Or that labor was a breeze.  Or their baby slept through the night from the day they came home for the hospital.  One of THOSE moms.  Apparently it wasn't meant to be.  I don't know what I was thinking.  None of the other aforementioned items was true for me.  Why did I think this one would be?

On with the story.

It happened late one night.  I was nursing Baby like normal and thinking happy Mommy thoughts.  Suddenly, out of nowhere, I felt a sharp, shooting pain. I looked down in surprise at Baby and she grinned wickedly up at me.  I told her no and flicked her cheek, hoping to dissuade her.  She didn't seemed phased and went right back to nursing.

A few moments later, I felt an even sharper pain and Baby was staring up at me with big, blue eyes.  I told her no, and flicked her cheek.  She refused to let go and I was in PAIN.  I pinched her cheek this time.  Still, she held on.  I pinched harder and she let go and started to wail. 

I was done nursing for the night and Baby went to bed.  I still had throbbing pain.  Being bitten hurts! 

The next morning Baby had red marks where I had pinched her cheek.  I dropped her off at daycare and she still had prominent red marks on her cheek.  I felt obligated to explain to daycare what had caused them and hoped they didn't report me. 

Thankfully, by the end of the day the red marks were gone.  I nursed her again and she hasn't bitten me quite as hard since.  We're still working on it though and I've become slightly paranoid every time I nurse hoping she doesn't bite me again. 

Score one for bottle feeding.  





 

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Cliff Diving

Baby has no fear of heights.  None.  We can hold her up high and she giggles hysterically.  Then we swoop her down and around the room while she squeals.  It's a blast! 

So what's the problem? 

Well, Baby has so much trust in Husband and myself that she knows we will always be there to catch her.  She plunges herself head first off of the couch or bed, and Husband and I are right there gently lowering her down.  It's like she is diving off a cliff,  if you compare her size to the height of the furniture. 

How in the world do I teach her not to throw herself off of things if she has not fear?  I don't want her to have to find out the hard way, but what are the alternatives?  

Friday, December 10, 2010

Christmas Tree

Is it so terrible that I really don't want to get a Christmas tree this year? 

I have absolutely nothing against Christmas Trees.  In fact, I love them.  I love the smell, setting up ornaments, arranging decorations, arguing with Husband over where he can put his Star Trek ornaments, figuring out the tree-topper for the year (we keep forgetting to get a tree topper, so each year we design something new). 

We were going to get our tree this past weekend, but it started pouring, so we opted not to.  After thinking about it, I am leaning towards no.  I know, bah humbug.  But think about it.

We have Baby this year.  Baby who is exploring, touching, tasting, tearing, (you get the idea-she gets into everything).  I'm fine with putting ornaments up high so she can't get them.  Not putting presents under the tree so she won't rip them.  However, we haven't come up with a way to stop her from getting to the actual tree itself.  Not to mention lights and cords.   

Normally we are watching Baby at practically every moment, but she is a stubborn little thing and we are constantly telling her no or redirecting.  We've done a pretty good job of baby proofing our main rooms.  Thus, Baby is free to explore and we really don't have to worry.  If we throw in a tree, I can just imagine this exhausting job of telling her no.  Moving her away.  Giving her something else to play with.  Intercepting her before she can knock the tree over.  Calming her after she wails because we tell her no.  Peeling pine needles out of her little hands....etc. 

It doesn't help that I am going to be super busy come January (working full time, taking on an after school program, taking a college course, doing occasional Saturday workshops, taking care of a house, not to mention being a mom and wife), that I want my vacation coming up to be as stress free as possible. 

I may be over thinking this and perhaps Baby will ignore the tree altogether.  I know Husband really wants one (he's big into traditions and all that- I am so not the sentimental one in this relationship) and isn't too keen on my no-tree idea. 

But who says we have to put Baby's First Christmas ornaments on an actual tree?  Can't I just hang them on the wall somewhere?   

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Healthy Eating

Since being given the go-ahead to give Baby practically anything to eat, I've had major dilemmas over what to actually feed her.  I now have to think about preparing some type of food for her other than milk.  Technically, according to most of the baby books, Baby gets most of her nutrients from her milk, and not so much from actual food.  But we're coming up on the end of the timeline where the actual food is starting to count.

I was feeding Baby the little baby food jars, but she isn't really too big of a fan.  Plus, I decided that since she could eat anything, that I would give her what I was eating (that's what the food processor is for).  The problem is that I don't have the best eating habits.  When I would sometimes come home and have peanut butter for dinner (yes, seriously.  I have a peanut butter addiction.  I eat it out of the jar by the spoonful.), I can't really give that to Baby as her dinner.  The same goes for a bowl of ice cream, or a bag of chips (wow, writing this makes me think I may have a problem).  

I've been successful at pastas, and Baby loves my spaghetti and lasagna and fettuccine. I made a batch of carrots that are soft and I can heat up for her at any time.  But that only lasts for a few days.  I think I'm mostly at a loss when it comes to meats.  Husband and I are big meat eaters, and not so big fruit and veggie eaters.  We're more of the meat and starch type.  Totally healthy, I know.

Now I am starting to think more about my eating habits and realizing I need to hit up the produce department a little more often.  I'm hoping to teach Baby lifelong healthy habits and perhaps make myself and Husband a little healthier along the way.     

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Things I Never Needed

Before I had Baby, I had no idea what to put on my baby registry.  I had no clue what I needed, and enlisted the help of friends (along with Google, of course) to figure out what I should get.   

I've started mentally going through the items I never needed or used, and thought I would let the public know as well.

The first item that was an absolute waste (keep in mind this is my own opinion and I do apologize if you bought it for me, I mean, how could you know?) was the baby bathtub.  Somebody is making good money off of those.  I tried Baby in it twice and she hated it with a passion.  Someone had told me about using the sink, lined with a towel, so I tried that.  She loved it!  Goodbye, waste of space and money.   I gave away the bathtub and never looked back.  Baby had baths in the sink for the first seven months of her life and just recently moved to the bathtub. 

The next items are along the same lines.  Those are the hooded baby towels.  I originally had thought those would be wonderful, not to mention oh so cute.  Who doesn't want a towel with a hood?  Well, after attempting to use them, I changed my mind.  For one thing, they are so thin and don't keep Baby warm.  They don't absorb very much water and are just tricky to maneuver.  I like using regular, thicker, warmer bath towels better.  They dry her off just as well, and as for the hood part that's missing, all one has to do is fold the towel over a bit.  I have a few of those hooded towels just hanging out in my bathroom now.  I've been using them as hand towels.

On a different note are the bottle gift sets.  What was I thinking when I registered for those?  Oh, I know.  I thought my baby would be a great bottle drinker and uses whatever Mommy put in front of her.  Ha!  My child somehow inherited an independent/stubborn streak.  As most of you loyal followers know, Baby would rather starve herself than drink out of a bottle.  Now my recommendation is for people to purchase individual bottles so that the baby can figure out which one he or she likes.  Not bottle sets that won't be used.

Lastly, pacifiers.  Baby received a ton of them (seriously, like at least fifteen).  We tried one after another, but to no avail.  She was just not a pacifier baby.  I ended up giving most of them away, although we found a few not to long ago and now Baby will chew on them.  Good teethers, perhaps?

I'm sure others of you out there have your own items you thought you had to have, but then never used.  Feel free to share!  


 

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Sense of Direction

If you read my post about going on a walk and getting lost (you can see it here), you know that I worry about Baby inheriting my terrible sense of direction. 

So far I am on the fence.  As she gets more bold, she has memorized the layout of our home.  She knows where she can crawl, and can make her way down our long hallway with purpose.  However, I still worry. 

Baby's crib is pushed up against the wall, and you can see it right when you open the door to her room.  When Baby wakes up in her crib, she will stand and cry at the railing, facing the door and waiting for us to come get her.  Twice now (once by Husband and once by me), we have found Baby facing the wrong way in her crib.  It is the saddest thing to see.  There she is, standing up and holding on to the railing, crying her little eyes out...facing the wall.   

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Destruction

This past week our family went out to eat at a local Mongolian BBQ. If you haven't tried one, I highly recommend it. The food is delicious. You go through a buffet type line of uncooked food and fill a bowl with the items you want. You start with your meats, such as pork, chicken, and beef, then add on vegetables and noodles. After that, you create your own sauce according to the listed recipe. You can vary as much as you want. At the end of the buffet you hand your bowl to a person manning the large flat grill thingy and the person will cook the food for you. Yum!

Husband and I have tried out most of the local Mongolian BBQ's and have definitely come up with a few favorites. We've been known to drive over an hour to go eat at one. You are also served won tons, egg drop soup, rice, egg rolls, and hot tea to go along with your bowl. Usually the buffet is all-you-can-eat so it's best to bring your appetite. The places won't let you take the food home, though, so don't let your eyes be bigger than your stomach.

Anyway, we went out to eat with a few other family members the other day. Baby had fallen asleep in the car on the way there so she stayed in her carseat next to the table while we ate. When she woke up, she wanted to play.

Baby kept trying to grab things off the table and I thought it would be okay if she played with one of those little cups they use for the tea. I gave it to her to play with and she put her little hands around it and tried to drink out of it. She definitely knows what to do with it. However, when she realized nothing was in the cup, she threw it down. Unfortunately, the cup was not as durable as I had assumed. It promptly rolled under the table and broke in half.

I looked around to make sure no one had noticed (family at the table noticed, of course), but I don't think the clank of the glass(maybe it was porcelain?), attracted any worker attention. If it did, they left us alone.

I placed my foot over one half of the cup while the person in front of me scooped up the half in front of her and put it in her purse. On my way out I nonchalantly grabbed the other half and stuck it in Baby's diaper bag.

I think we left a large tip.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Board Books

I love shopping at Target. I know many of you share my obsession. Lately the dollar aisle has been my best friend. They have the greatest board books! Husband bought ten or so not too long ago, and we went again the other day and they had more. They keep changing every time we go.

I'm not saying the books there are fabulous; in fact they are downright ridiculous. They are very short, barely have any type of plot, and make me roll my eyes whenever I read them to Baby.

There is a series about baby animals and we have the one about the baby giraffe and the baby elephant. The baby giraffe likes to use her long neck to help her friends and the baby elephant likes to twist her trunk around. The fun part about these books is the way they are made. The baby series has a handle for Baby to put her hand into so she can carry it around.

We also have a few of the Christmas books where each page is a different shape, usually the outlines of the characters in it. Baby has an easy time turning the pages in these because she can grasp them better.

Then we get to the books with the soft spot. There is one fuzzy spot and each page features some type of animal that you can touch. Baby likes to feel it and sometimes tries to eat it.

Baby's favorite book is her scratch and sniff. She now thinks every book is a scratch and sniff and tries to smell them all. She can scratch the scent spot and puts it up to her nose to sniff. It's adorable.

The last time Husband and I went to Target we found a cute board book about bedtime. It was one we hadn't seen before, so we threw it in the cart (we were frugal this time and passed up a few others we could have grabbed). Then we continued our Target shopping.

When we loaded everything into the car we realized that the board book had been hidden in the cart and we had forgotten to pay for it. The alarm hadn't gone off when we left (granted, the book was only a dollar), and we really didn't mean to take off with it. Baby was already strapped in and getting cranky and we didn't want to go back in. I guess we could have brought in back in, said we forgot to pay for it, and then paid for it. But would they have accused us of shoplifting, then put us on a list where we wouldn't be allowed to shop in Target anymore? We couldn't risk that.

Instead, we gave some money to the homeless person on the way out. That should make us even, right?

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

The Great Highchair Debate

Baby does not have a high chair. *Gasp*

I know, we've made it a whole nine months and haven't gotten one. Does that mean Baby sits on our laps when we feed her? Or wanders around the house while we run after her and shovel food into her mouth? No, but that does make an interesting picture.

In reality, Baby sits in her Bumbo during dinner time. She is positioned at the head of the table, right in between Husband and I so we can take turns shoveling food into her. It's more like catching things before they fall, but you get the idea.

Husband would really like to get a highchair for her, but I keep digging my heels in and I am trying to figure out why. What do I have against highchairs?

In my head, a highchair goes in the corner of the kitchen. Nobody puts Baby in the corner (okay, I totally had to! I know I just lost half my readership right there. To the other seven of you who are sticking through this post, thanks and I will attempt to control myself). I do feel that it separates the child from the parents, though. Right now I really like the fact that Baby is sitting right at the table with us, and her food is on the table, just like Mommy and Daddy's. It sets the precedent for family dinners to come.

Another factor to consider is space. Granted, I do have the space for a highchair, but I don't want to see this ugly plastic thing staring at me. I like that the Bumbo just sits on a chair and is hidden under the table when the chair is pushed in. No eyesores there.

I know there are high chairs that attach to the table, but our table is flimsy and I don't think it would be very safe for Baby. Another option is to get one that sits on a chair. Isn't that the same thing as the Bumbo? It's probably safer, though. Right now we can't walk away from the table because Baby isn't strapped in and could possibly twist herself out of it. A highchair would ensure her safety.

I think I need to do some more research, although I have the feeling Husband is going to get his way on this one. Traditional highchair, here we come.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Toys

I think toys were invented for parents.

We have a basket of toys we keep in the living room for Baby to play with. This basket contains every toy that she owns (I'm a minimalist and don't believe in having toys all over the place). For fun, I'll name what I remember off the top of my head: a plastic set of keys, a blue rattle from Target that is supposed to help babies grasp better, another set of keys that are textured for teething, a pig wrist rattle, a doll that says "Baby's first doll," a glowworm that plays lullabies, a multicolored triangular contraption from Costco that has items to flip, slide, shake, and twirl, a singing/talking dog from Babies R Us, a teddy bear, one of those ring stacker thingies, and a stuffed Piglet.

We've also added a few items into her toy basket that are not your typical toys. We have a container that was used for wipes. We have the hard, plastic wrapping from pacifiers she never used. I think a spoon is in there. There is a container from Gerber Puffs that had been emptied. A booger-sucker we never used because we stole one from the hospital and use that one instead. That's just to name a few random items.

Next to her toys, she has a selection of board books, including touch and feel books and a scratch and sniff book that is her current favorite (Target dollar aisle is AMAZING! Husband spent ten bucks on books for her last week). To me, books don't count as toys, though.

Guess what Baby pulls out when she goes to her toys? Yup, plastic wrappers, Puff container, and booger sucker.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Nap Time

Lately I have gotten into this terrible habit of staying up late and forgetting that I can't sleep in the next day. Even though I beg and plead, Baby has a system; when she needs to wake up so we can get ready in the morning, she wants to sleep in. When we have nothing going on and I want to sleep in, she wakes up with the sunrise. I'm hoping she will outgrow this phase. Needless to say, I've been tired.

Today Husband graciously watched Baby while I went to take a nap in our bedroom. About half an hour in, I hear him calling for me from her room.

"Babe, you have to see this! Come here and see this!" Groggily, I stumble into Baby's room to see what all the fuss is about.

Husband was changing Baby's diaper.

"Her poop rolls!"

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Cat Food and Pumpkin Seeds

Baby is very inquisitive and will find things I didn't know were on the ground. Usually Husband and I are very good about cleaning the floors to make sure Baby doesn't get something she is not supposed to.

Recently Baby discovered the cat food dishes. We have an area in the kitchen where the cats have their food and water. Baby discovered it and we have been deterring her ever since. She knows exactly where their food is kept and she heads there the minute she thinks we don't notice (she's sneaky).

We've taken to moving the cat food and water dishes up on the counter so she can't get them. It's easier than chasing after her twenty times a day (we have to remember to put them back down so the cats can eat. I may have forgotten a time or two, but they are sure to remind me in the middle of the night when they meow at the door.)

The other day I was changing Baby and realized she had gotten a small piece of cat food and a pumpkin seed (must have fallen onto the floor and hidden itself when I carved pumpkins). Apparently Baby decided to eat them and they both went right through her.

Needless to say, I'm being a little more diligent about checking the floor now.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Impulse Shopper

I hate to say it, but I am now an impulse shopper.

I used to be one of those frugal people who could pass up any deal without so much as a glance. If I didn't absolutely need it, then I didn't buy it.

Now I have Baby. Do you know how many adorable things are out there for her? Things she could use, things she could wear, things she could eat? Things that are soft and nice to snuggle up with. Things that can help her learn. Things that she will look adorable in. Things that will make eating fun. Things that will make bath time fun. Things that make noise. Things that squish. Things that have different textures. So many things!

I really have to stop myself.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

The Nursery

Husband and I are frequent churchgoers. We go to a small church in a nearby town where we feel very loved and welcome. Recently, I told Husband I did not want to go anymore.

For the first few months of Baby's life, she stayed in the church service with us. She would nurse, sleep, hang out, whatever. It was nice.

Now that she has gotten older, she tends to be a little distracting to the people around her (read that as, she giggles, laughs, talks, lets out high pitched squeals, you get the idea). Thus, the church has a nursery where the babies can go.

I don't have issues with the nursery or church. My issue is that I don't get to see my Baby as often as I like. I work full time, and only see her in the morning when we get ready and after I pick her up from daycare hours later. Then we go home, play and make dinner, eat, bath, and bed. Repeat the next day. Why do I want to add in another day (I know it's only about an hour), where I give my baby to someone else to take care of?

Time with Baby is precious, and I want to be selfish.

Is that so bad?

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Ponytails

Baby had a pretty good head of hair when she was born. It wasn't extreme, like some babies I have seen, but she had a fair amount.

Then slowly it started falling out and growing in thicker and lighter. Lately I can tell that it has been getting longer. As can my daycare lady, M.

The other day M sent me a text picture of Baby hanging out at daycare (I love when she texts me throughout the day how Baby is doing. I am constantly checking my phone at work). In the picture, Baby had her hair up in a ponytail at the top of her head. It looked adorable.

I had mixed emotions. As her mommy, I feel like I missed out on giving her her first ponytail. M had asked me if it was okay, and I said sure, she could do her hair, but I still felt like I missed something. Even if it only involved putting a rubber band in her hair. I know I've done the headbands galore, but it's not quite the same. I feel like it's something a mommy and daughter would do. I have memories of my sister and mother and I playing with each other's hair that I look back on with fondness. I want that with Baby and me.

I tried to recreate the ponytail with Baby at home, and it was really frustrating. She wouldn't sit still and I had a hard time getting her baby fine hair to cooperate. Husband was watching me almost have a meltdown. If M can do it, I can most certainly do it. Luckily I was determined and made it work.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Walking

No, Baby isn't walking yet. But I wish she was.

She just has absolutely no desire to stand up on her two feet and take those first few steps. I even try to hold her hands and guide her, but she just whines and plops herself down where she can crawl to her hearts content.

I can't say that I blame her. Why walk when she can already do everything she wants? If she wants to go get a toy, she can crawl. If she wants something off of the coffee table or couch, she can pull herself up and grab it. If she wants something at one end of the couch and she is at the other, she can cruise her way on down. If she wants to get Mommy or Daddy to pick her up, she can crawl to them and use their pantlegs to pull herself up and get their attention. Simply no need to learn how to walk when she can do everything already.

People have told me to watch out when she learns how to walk. I say, "for what?" I mean really. She is already pretty quick when she crawls (ask the cat, who she now tortures on a daily basis. Really, he just needs to run away when he sees her coming.), and I won't have to move anything to higher ground because it is already up. She can reach it by pulling herself up. I don't think walking will change that.

However, walking would entail buying shoes. Baby doesn't really have any of those. Why would she? I mean, she can't walk yet.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Food Processor

I am very disappointed in the Food Processor I bought from Babies R Us not too long ago. Since Baby can eat whatever we eat, she only has two teeth and doesn't quite understand the whole chewing business, I bought a mini food processor to help her out.

It was the only one at Babies R Us, and since we had a gift card, I went for it. Needless to say, I regret that action.

Sure, the food processor does what it says it will (kinda). It has nifty features like two storage containers that go with it, and a push to start mechanism that only works when you hold it down so that no little fingers get caught anywhere, but it does not do the one thing I bought it for, which is process food.

It has the tiniest blade of which the diameter is nearly half the width of the container itself. Does that make sense? So when I put food in to be processed, it spins its blade around, tossing all the food out along the edges, where it can no longer be processed because the blade doesn't reach it. So I lift up the container, give it a shake and then put it back down. Only to repeat the process again and again until I give up and pull out a fork and mash the food myself.

I would bring the food processor back to the store, but I already used it and I threw the box away thinking that I didn't need it anymore.

I think I need to write the company a letter of complaint against their tiny blade. It's just not working for me and leaves me feeling a little frustrated.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Addicted to Nursing

Hi, my name is Beth and I am addicted to nursing.

Yes, there can be worse things out there to be addicted to, but do you know how amazing nursing is? I could get up on a soapbox and tell you all about the wonderful things nursing does for Baby, I'm not talking about Baby here. I'm talking about me.

First of all, I'm burning 500 extra calories a day to make this milk. That's a few extra candy bars I can munch on happily. While I am still trying to lose this baby weight and I know the candy bars don't help much (and I really don't eat that many- I think we are all out of the Halloween chocolate anyway), it's nice to know that I have that excuse to eat a little more.

Secondly, can we say larger chest? Husband really appreciates this one. I never had any kind of chest before, and now I do. Why would I want to give that up?

Third, while nursing I get to hold my gorgeous child and gaze lovingly into her eyes. It's the only time she will sit still with me (even books don't get her attention- I can only get about a page in until she is off and crawling). Nursing holds her in place so I can hold her.

Fourth, and the best part of all, I haven't started my monthly cycle yet. Yes, I know all you ladies out there are jealous that I haven't had a period in over eighteen months. That's a year and a half! Go ahead and be jealous. I would be.

Do you see now why I am addicted to nursing? Sure, it involves pumping a few times a day at work, but that's nothing compared to the benefits I get. Oh, and not to mention the less superficial stuff like women who nurse have a lower risk of breast cancer and other diseases (I added in the other diseases part, but it's probably true).

So will I be the crazy lady nursing her four year old child? Probably not. I'm sure Baby will have weaned herself by then. Maybe.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Nine Month Checkup

I cannot believe Baby just turned nine months old. That's only three months away from being a year! Time is just flying by.

Baby had her nine month checkup a few days ago and it went really well. I was hoping Baby would be walking by the time we had her appointment so I could go in there and impress the nurses and doctor with how advanced my child is, but she didn't want to cooperate. She'll walk when she's ready, not when I am.

It felt weird walking into the hospital because I haven't been there in so long. When I was pregnant and when Baby was first born it felt like I practically lived there. Husband was the one who took her to her last appointment, so it's been about five months for me (I think). I liked looking at all the other little babies who were there. There was a lady with her daughter there for her four month checkup (I know because I was eavesdropping when she checked in). It was hard to remember Baby being that young.

We were called back and Baby's temperature was taken, then she had to get naked to be weighed. I think she was a little freaked out by the office and another person checking her out. Usually when we go new places I just hold her and let her get used to it on her own; however, we didn't have time for that.

I stripped her down and stuck her on the scale. She weighs 16.58 pounds. She's in the tenth percentile for her weight. The doctor noted that I do not have an obese baby. That's for sure. She's quite active and isn't very interested in food, so she hasn't been packing on the pounds. I'm okay with that if there are no problems.

Baby is 27 inches long (I forget what percentile she was in for that one, but it wasn't too far off the curve since her last appointment), and her head circumference went up a little in the percentile chart. The doctor checked her out very quickly and quizzed me about her sleeping habits (she goes to bed around 7:30 or eight, and we wake her up around six- I may have forgotten to mention the numerous times she wakes up in the night, but I didn't really want to hear about sleep training and all that. Besides, she just wakes up to nurse real quick, then goes right back to sleep. In my head,it's not really waking up like she does when she wants to play).

We also learned that Baby can now eat whatever we are eating (as long as it is mashed up), with the exception of peanut products and shellfish. I was glad that the doctor mentioned that because I still have no idea how this whole solid food thing is supposed to be working. I've been feeding Baby the little baby food jars, but she's not all that interested. She LOVES the Gerber Puffs things, though!

Overall Baby was announced to be in perfect health, which was okay with me. As a parting gift, they gave her a little board book showing all kinds of shapes. How nice is that?

Friday, November 12, 2010

Halloween

Halloween was a blast! I had such a good time I can't wait to do it again next year.

I was afraid Baby wouldn't like wearing her costume, but she didn't mind at all. It was a giant footsie thing with a giraffe head on the hoodie. She's really good about wearing headbands and hats, so she didn't try to pull the hoodie off her head like I thought she might. I let her crawl around in it and took a few pictures. Then the doorbell started ringing.

We answered the door and passed out candy to the kids. There was a lady pushing her own daughter (dressed as a ladybug) in a stroller and collecting candy. I think that was what helped me decide to take Baby out trick or treating. Originally we had planned to just sit outside, pass out candy, and hang out with the neighbors a bit. Once I saw the other mommy with just her ladybug daughter, I figured I wouldn't be the only weird one in the neighborhood.

Husband dressed up as Clark Kent/Superman (He had a white button up shirt over the a Superman logo T-shirt), and I threw on a headband with cat ears. We opted out of putting baby in her stroller and just took turns carrying her around instead. Husband said he felt weird knocking on people's doors and saying "trick or treat" for her, so I took her up to most of the doors. I tried to time it so that I went up to the door right when another group of kids was going to knock. That way the person answering might associate me with the random group, instead of some crazy parent. I told Husband my trick, but he didn't buy it.

At first Baby was a little confused about what was going on. She just kept looking around at everything. We took her past all the decorations and things on people's lawns that are supposed to scare a person, but she just stared at them trying to figure them out. I guess she's not at the scaring age yet, whatever that may be.

About halfway through (we only walked around the block), she realized that people were paying her lots of attention and she started smiling at people when they answered the door. That was the fun part; hearing them exclaim over how cute she was. Although I realize now that I should have put a pink bow on the giraffe ear of her costume so that people would know that it was a girl. Next time I'll make sure we are more gender specific.

During our walk, Husband felt inspired to do better on our decorations next year (Seriously, we went to Target afterward and bought a few of their Halloween items on sale). Plus, we ended up with loads of candy! We didn't really pass ours out because we were out walking the neighborhood, so we have that. Also, we got a bunch more from Baby's trick or treating skills. I'm not looking forward to when we don't get to eat her candy anymore.

Now to figure out what we will be next year.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

First Halloween Dilemmas

Baby's first Halloween is coming up and I am trying to figure out what to do. I always loved dressing up and going trick or treating. It was such a blast to get all dolled up (my repertoire of past costumes include a cat, a punk rocker, a flapper, a southern belle...you get the idea) and go gallivanting around the neighborhoods (only the nice ones where you could get mini chocolate bars instead of the cheap sugary stuff). I want Baby to have happy Halloween memories as well.

My first problem is what to actually do. I can dress her up, but then what? She can't walk up to people's houses and say, "Trick or Treat." Husband and I could push her up to houses in her stroller, or hold her up and say Trick or Treat for her. That just seems a little weird to me. The people handing out the candy will know that it is not for her, and then they might be stingy with it, and I want the good chocolate stuff if I'm going out there.

Another option is to sit outside on our front porch and hand out candy to the neighborhood. Baby can still see all the costumes and people will be able to see how adorable she is. I think we are leaning more towards this idea, or a combination of both of the above.

This brings us to the next issue of a costume. What should Baby be? Husband and I have been going back and forth with ideas. It would be great to have something original. Husband suggested dressing her up as Yoda from Star Wars and carrying her around on his back. I'm sure we would have no confusion as to whether or not she is a boy or girl then (that was sarcasm-the confusion thing is STILL happening, and it drives me crazy! I mean, I put her in all pink, with headbands for a reason, people). Anyway, Husband's idea is very original, but I'm not sure how to do a Yoda thing and don't have the time, effort, or desire to really go all out there.

I had heard about cheap costumes at the dollar store, so I went and checked those out. I found a cute little cat headband and tail and decided I could dress Baby up as a kitten and draw some eyeliner whiskers on her. Then we went to Babies R'Us today.

On the clearance rack was a cute little giraffe outfit. All cute and snug and comfy. One piece with footies and a hat where the stuffed head of the giraffe sits. Since it was on sale and we had a gift card, Husband and I caved and decided to go with it. She will definitely be adorable, it will be very easy to do (no holding her down while I try to draw straight whiskers on her chubby little cheeks), and she will stay warm. Granted, I'm sure we will see twenty other babies in the same exact outfit, but so be it, she will for sure be the cutest (and hopefully get mommy lots of little chocolate candies).

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Resurfacing

Who knew being a working mom could be so time consuming? Oh wait, I did.

I do apologize to the thirteen of you who actually read my blog. Thank you for following me and I am terribly sorry to have left you hanging in suspense for the past two months. I'm sure you have many questions for me. Such as:

Q: How do you care for Baby and work full time?
A: I'm Supermom. Besides caring for Baby I also cook, clean, and do laundy. Next question please.

Q: Does Baby have any teeth?
A: Yes, she has her two bottom teeth.

Q: Going off of the above, how was teething?
A: I wouldn't have really noticed it if M (Daycare lady) didn't point it out. I just thought Baby was a little extra fussy at times. Oh, and she woke up crying a lot. She got them both in at the same time and they are just too cute. It makes me feel like she isn't a baby anymore. In my head I equate gummy smiles with babies and teeth with toddlers (although that image is slowly shifting).

Q: And we all want to know, has she bitten you while nursing?
A: Nope.

Q: Speaking of nursing, how long do you plan to continue? And how are you doing it while working?
A: I pump three times a day (yes, I said three!). In the morning, at lunch, and in the afternoon. I started off only pumping twice, but since Baby went off her hunger strike and I don't produce a lot of milk at any one time, three times seems to be ok for now. I was hoping she would eat more solids at daycare and less milk, but the child does not like to eat solid food. As for how long I plan to nurse, as long as she wants it. The AAP recommends one year, minumum. However, I do not plan to pump after she turns a year. Hopefully she will phase out of that much milk during the day.

Q: Is Baby still sleeping with you?
A: Husband and I have been really good (just this past week), putting Baby to bed in her crib (figured we had to use the thing sometime).

Q: Is Baby sleeping through the night.
A: Sleep is overrated. Who came up with the eight hour rule anyway? I bet they were single males.

That's all my brain can churn out for now. Please feel free to ask away and I will try to answer. I thought of a million (ok, not a million, but a bunch) of posts to write and I will be working on those eventually. In the meantime, stay tuned!

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Growing Up

It's amazing to me how quickly Baby is growing into her own little person. She is starting to make her own decisions already and assert her independence. She's also showing new skills every day and I look forward to each new thing she does.

Recently she started deciding whether or not she wanted a specific toy. Previously I would hand her an item and she would take it and put it in her mouth. Now she is obvious about whether or not she wants that toy. If I try to give her something, she will look at it then either reach for it or not. She knows what she wants and will reach for something only if she wants it, not if I want her to want it.

Another thing Baby has started doing is getting mad if I take something away from her. For example, I usually give her a little lotion bottle to play with when I change her (I always forget to bring a toy with me when I put her on the changing table, and I have to give her something or she will try to roll all over the place to look and grab for things. So far the lotion bottle has fascinated her). However, when I take it away she will make little "uuuhhhh" noises or even start to cry or grab for it. Then I carry her away and she finds a new toy to play with.

Baby also likes to reach for and grab faces. When I'm nursing her she will reach her little arm up to my face and try to grab my mouth or my nose. She does this with other people when they are holding her. I think she is starting to notice different features.

She has also discovered the concept of up. Before, everything used to be down. She would look down at the ground. She would look down at toys. She would hold toys down in front of her. She would look down when being pushed in her stroller.
Now the new concept is up.

She will look up when we walk around. She will look up into our faces. She will look up at the sky and the trees when she is in her stroller. A really cool thing she does lately is hold a toy out at arms length up above her, look at it, then maybe put it in her mouth. She's beginning to use her other sense of looking at things as well as touching and tasting them. I also caught her smiling as she was shaking a rattle, listening to it. She's really learning to use her senses to learn about her environment.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Today I Cried

Baby has been going to daycare for a whole week now. That's full time, without being brought to Mommy at lunchtime to eat. Does she eat when she is there? Not this week, but that's another post. This one is about me this morning.

I love waking up and hanging out with Baby in the mornings. She is so inquisitive and full of goofy grins. She'll crawl around on the floor and play while I get ready, consistently looking up at me to make sure I'm paying attention, and she'll break into these sappy, adoring smiles. I just love it.

This morning, however, was different.

Baby woke up and there were no smiles for Mommy. I tried to play with her and sing to her, which usually causes her to smile, but she didn't even want to look at me. She just kept a blank stare on her face, or went and crawled after the cat (whom she did smile at).

I changed her and tickled her, yet another thing that usually gets a smile, but still I got nothing. It was like I wasn't even there.

I dropped her off at daycare, where she smiled at Miss M.

I cried.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

The Evolution of Crawling

Baby just turned six months old. She's such a big girl! To celebrate her half-year birthday, she decided to crawl.

This was something she'd been working on for quite a long time. First, she conquered rolling over from her back to her stomach. In only one direction. She quickly became an expert at one-way rolling over and entertained and exasperated her parents when she would do it at night when she was supposed to be sleeping.

Next she figured out how to rotate herself around and grab all kinds of things. She combined this with her ability to roll over and was able to chase after toys just out of her reach. Her parents also found her facing the wrong way in her bed quite often.

Next, she learned how to push herself up on her hands, with the rest of her body hanging down. What is that, dolphin pose or something in yoga? Baby is a pro at that one.

The next skill she discovered was using her pushup pose, then tucking her knees under her body. She was so excited that her tummy wasn't touching the ground. She would rock back and forth, then plop back down onto the ground. Oomph.

Somewhere in here she taught herself how to roll in all direction. She became a multi-directional roller, if you will. Front, back, left side, right side, she conquered them all.

After that came her walrus hobble, with her knees tucked, arms in pushup pose. She figured out she could hurl herself forward, plop down on her tummy to move an inch or two, and repeat. She got pretty good at this one.

Then one day not so long ago, she discovered that her arms were controllable as well, especially when in the previous pose. They were most useful for grabbing the cat by the tail. Thus, Baby learned how to balance herself with one arm outstretched, reaching for all she was worth (while the cat inevitably ran away).

Baby's next attempt was to get her knees up under herself, alternate moving them, and move her left arm forward at the same time. However, when it came time to move her right, she was at a loss (does this mean she will be left-handed?), so she would plop forward and begin again.

The afternoon of her half year birthday, she put it all together and amazed us as she thoughtfully and purposefully crawled correctly (toward the cat, of course). She brought her knees up. She was poised with her arms in pushup pose. Then slowly the knees started. Then the left arm, and finally the missing step, the right arm. She crawled all the way across the living room floor, then plopped down, sprawling arms and legs out to her side, doing a belly flop onto the carpet (staring mournfully up at the cat who was just out of reach). But she had done it.

Happy half-year birthday, Baby.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Rugburn

My poor little Baby has rugburn on her chunky little knees. She is so good at getting her knees up under her when she attempts to crawl, but every time they slip out from under her she adds a little bit more to it.

It doesn't seem to bother her. It just doesn't look very pretty. I mean, it looks like rugburn. If you don't know what that looks like, feel free to crawl around on the rug and have your knees slip out from under you thirty times or so. It actually gets pretty painful, I think, but Baby is oblivious. She is just so excited that she is up on her knees and that she can chase the cats around (usually she will do her walrus walk up to them, then right when she is in arm's reach they will run away, leaving her with a forlorn, wistful expression as she gazes after them).

It's summer time, so I've been dressing her in shorts, skirts, sundresses(have I mentioned I love having a baby girl? Summer dresses are the cutest things!), and the like. Her knees are always exposed so they are taking a beating. If I put her in pants, she will be too hot, and I don't want her overheating. I don't really feel like having a stranger come up to me to tell me that I should not be dressing my daughter in pants in three-digit weather (what, you don't think they would do that? Ask anyone with kids, people will put in their two cents wherever you go). Not a conversation I want to have.

I thought about baby knee pads, but haven't seen those around. Maybe I can invent them and make a killing. Anyone want to invest? I can color coordinate.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Three Teeth

No, this post is not about Baby magically having three teeth overnight. Last I checked, she had zero, and I am okay with that. She is quite possibly teething as she likes to chomp on things, but this has been going on for a few months, so who knows. She'll get teeth when she gets them.

This post is about a trip Baby and I took to Subway (see I can eat healthy!). We were sitting in a booth waiting for Husband to bring us our food when a lady with a baby came in. We got to talking and comparing our children (everyone tells you not to do this, but the temptation is irresistible). It turns out that her daughter was a few weeks younger than Baby.

The lady asked me if Baby had any teeth, and I told her no. She then proceeded to tell me that her daughter had three teeth. Three! She had two on the bottom and one on the top, clear as day (the teeth weren't clear, they were easy to see). I was amazed.

The mom said her daughter had started teething around three months and it was really difficult because her daughter didn't have the hand control to hold teething rings to her mouth at that point in time. I could only imagine.

I asked her about solid foods and the lady said she gives her bread and crackers to chew on, since she has the teeth to use. Makes sense. I've only given Baby rice cereal and a few veggies so far. But she doesn't have any teeth with which to chew.

The mom also said she was still breastfeeding her daughter and that she had been bit a couple of times, but her daughter learned that it was not okay after the mom scolded her. I am not looking forward to those days. I am, however, glad that Baby will be able to hold her own teething rings.

Friday, August 6, 2010

The State Fair

We took Baby to the State Fair this past weekend. I wasn't sure how she would do outside in the heat sun for so long, but we thought we would just take it easy and go from there.

She fell asleep in the car on the way, so we gently eased her from her carseat into her stroller. Surprisingly, she stayed asleep. I've learned the trick is to cover her so that she thinks it is dark out and therefore can't be distracted by things to look at. Sounds don't really matter. She's so used to hearing different background noises by now that she can pretty much tune it all out.

After strapping her in, I covered her stroller with a blanket and we wheeled her through security. They searched my diaper bag, and I was really surprised they didn't want to look under the blanket to make sure there was really a baby. I mean, I could have packed a fake diaper bag and then fit a bomb or something under the blanket. I guess Husband and I just don't fit the bomb-toting profile.

Baby did wake up and we took the blanket off to let her look around. She is so cute when she is in her stroller. She wants to sit up and stare at everything around her, all the while clutching her blankie with both hands and making a serious thinking face. Adorable.

We made a beeline for the animals, although I was getting distracted by the food. Hello, food! No, we did not try any deep-fried chocolate covered bacon this year. Instead Husband got a slushie and I had a yummy ice cream mocha (decaf of course) drink thing. While in line for my drink we got lots of compliments on how cute Baby was and what a great stage of life this is since she can't run around everywhere yet. I totally agree. The nice lady talking to us told us she would see us the next year.

We found a tent where people could milk a cow or a goat. The handlers were educating the audience on how to do it and mentioned that the animal could get mastitis if it wasn't done properly. I wanted to add in that breastfeeding moms can get it, too, but didn't feel it would be right to shout it out. Instead, I told Husband. He was not impressed.

After listening to the cow/goat spiel, Baby decided she wanted to have a blowout. Right in the middle of the animal tent. We had just arrived, so of course I should have expected it. Luckily I had an extra outfit with me. We pulled her stroller off to a semi-secluded spot and stripped her down. Husband and I had a pretty good system going with him handing me wipes and me handing him back dirty items to put in the trash bag. I was disappointed we had to change Baby so soon, though. I had dressed her in cute little overalls just for the fair. At least I got a few good pictures in before the event.

After that we took Baby around to all the animals and she got to pet a sheep and a few cows (don't worry, I washed her hands after the fact. No way was she going to contract some barnyard disease). We took her to the nursery as well and got to see all the baby animals. They were so cute and just her size.

She did really well all day. I found a secluded spot on the bleachers where it was nice and shady with a cool breeze to nurse her (although after I sat down, like ten other people did too. Hello, there was no show!). I think only one or two people figured out what I was doing, and soon left. Later that day we found a grassy spot to nurse her as well, although it wasn't as nice as the bleachers.

Baby was even able to take a nap during the fair. Husband was holding her as we walked around some of the art exhibits and she just conked out in his arms. He didn't even notice until I went to take a picture of them together and saw she was sleeping. We laid her down in her stroller and she took a nice little nap.

We also took her on the monorail. Husband and I were able to get our own section, so he sat across from me and we took turns holding her to look out over the fair. She loved it and was all smiles, so we got a few really cute pictures.

On the way out we viewed our pictures that we had been pestered to take earlier(you know the people with gigantic cameras around their necks right when you walk in through the gates). They were terrible and both Husband and I decided we were going on a diet. Plus, Baby was sleeping in her stroller at the time, so she wasn't even in them. Not worth buying. Next year should be interesting as she will (hopefully) be walking and wanting to run around.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Being a teacher, I try to instill respect in my students; respect for their peers, respect for property, respect for those in authority, etc. We talk about what it looks like to respect people and their things and give specific examples (i.e. if you borrow a pencil, don't break it and make sure you return it). The kids know they are supposed to respect people, but aren't always sure about what that means.

There a tons of ways to show respect, but the one I've been contemplating lately is how Baby should address people (I know, she can't talk yet, but I want her to have it in her little brain).

I have this major pet peeve when children call adults by their first names. Calling someone by his or her first name means that you are both on equal standing and have mutual respect for one another. With adults, that's totally fine. However, I believe children are not on the same level as adults. They have a lot to learn from those older than them and should remember this when speaking to an adult. Thus, addressing an adult with a title.

When Baby and I visit people, I tell her, "Look, there's Mr./Miss so-and-so (first name is fine)." However, my latest issue is whether or not she should call someone Miss/Mr. or Auntie/Uncle. I have a lot of friends with kids who have been taught to refer to me as Auntie, which I totally love. Even though we are not blood relatives, we are so close that we are practically family. It makes it easy to decide that Baby will in turn call the adults in their family Auntie or Uncle.

But what about my friends who don't have children and who haven't made that decision for me? This is a serious matter that I have to think about. Do I want my child calling all of my friends Auntie or Uncle? Will they get offended if I don't? Will they think we're not close friends and disown me and Baby? How does one decide this?

My conclusion so far is that if you were in my wedding, or married to someone who was in my wedding, then you are an Auntie or Uncle (of course, blood family is included in this, which is a given since they were all in my wedding). If you were not, then you are Mr. or Miss. We'll see how that works out.

That brings me to the next question, of what Baby should call the parents of my friends whom I deem Auntie or Uncle. They are not her grandparents, so no Grandma or Grandpa, but is Mr. or Miss (insert first name here), too informal? We'll just see how long we can go without addressing them before I'm forced to make a decision.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

I am the Walrus

Husband told me today he wants Baby to be older so he can cuddle with her. I told him that her personality is already set and since she's not a cuddler now, she probably won't be later. Her little almost six month self likes to push us away and twists and turns her body so that she can see and experience everything around her. No way is she a cuddler; she's a mover.

Baby figured out rolling over both ways, and is now moving on to conquer crawling. It is the most adorable thing. She knows how to get her legs tucked up under her and can push up with her little arms so that she is in the crawling position. She will then move her knees forward, but hasn't quite figured out how her arms are supposed to work in the process. Thus, her little bottom half will inch forward and her front half will take a nosedive into the floor and her arms will flail out. Like a walrus moving around on land.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Facedown

Baby figured out how to roll over quite a while ago. She could roll from her back onto her stomach, going left. However, she would get stuck on her stomach and freak herself out. Husband and I would take turns rolling her over so she would go back to sleep.

Currently Baby is able to roll in all directions. She can go right, she can go left, and she can roll from her back to her stomach and vice versa. I know, she's talented.

Recently she has started rolling in her sleep. We put her down on her back and she will roll over at some point. She used to wake herself up, but now she will just roll over and put her face down in the blanket. Sometimes she will rest her head on the backs of her hands. It's really cute, but scary to walk in on. We always run to her and put a hand on her back to make sure she is breathing. So far all has been well.

We're not sure if we are okay with this or not. It's one thing for her to be on her stomach with her head turned to the side. Then we know her airway is not blocked. It's another thing for her face to be buried into the bed. The pediatrician had told us that we could let her sleep however she likes since she can roll herself over, but it still looks a little scary when we walk in and see her still form facedown. We keep debating over whether or not to turn her over. Tonight we decided to let her stay that way; however, Husband and I are both paranoid about it. I mean, when does the whole SIDS thing disappear anyway?