Trial & Error

Not sure if I'm getting any closer to figuring out L's tummy troubles. Yesterday I thought, "maybe it is reflux" but I'm not convinced. I'm thinking it's a bowel/colon problem. When she draws up her knees, she tightens up her stomach like a drum. Today I tried massage again, several times with mineral oil. I could feel something...I'm assuming it's her colon...the lower region of her tummy...and it was like a solid tube. I continued to massage over and over. She had 3 BMs and they were more clay like. And passing gas for her is hard too. I can remember back to E's infancy and this is very similar to what she was going through. I remember asking Shay about poops and what their consistency should be like...of course breastfed babies' poop is totally different than formula fed. So, now I'm not sure if the switch to soy was necessary.

It's funny, cause I started off with Good Start with Omega and over time, she started these tummy troubles. Then I switched to regular GS and noticed an improvement...thinking the Omega version was hard on her. Then the regular gave her troubles...and it just kept getting worse. So, only Soy. It's just over a week and like I said, the attacks have lessened...but yesterday she had an hour long attack and so far she's had another hour long attack today. So, where does that leave me? I have no idea. I'm thinking it doesn't matter what formula she's on, she's bound to be bound up. I'm going to trying massage & mineral oil several times a day...maybe before she eats. Then we'll see how things go. The only thing I'm sure of is my little doll is in a lot of pain right now...and it's heart breaking. *Sigh*

Anywhoo...the wknd is here...horray!! Both girls are down so I'm going to try to unwind and see if I can rest...it's getting harder everyday cause I'm too caught up in L's issues. Tonight Jason's coming from NB and visiting us in the evening. Tomorrow a.m. I'm meeting the Spring Beans mommy-baby group at Discovery Centre (never been so it should be exciting). Tomorrow p.m. I may be getting together with H&H...have to check with them. Other than that, continued rest and relaxation. Hope y'all get rid of your bugs and get better this wknd!!!
TTFN!
~B

The 3 month rule

Call me jaded, but I have this rule I tell expectant or wantabee moms..."if you can get through the first 3 months of life, you'll make it." E was a tough baby. She cried constantly. One day, she cried from 8-4:30...to which prompted the phone call to hubby...

Me: (tearful) Honey, can a baby die from crying?
He: (sarcastic) Only if you kill it.
Me: (desperate) You better come home.

And so I went to bed, crying my eyes out cause I couldn't figure out my kid. Ends up, I'm doing no better with the second. L was a great baby from the get go but has trouble with abdominal gas. We've tried switching formula which is working better, but she's still having "attacks." Then Monday she got her 2 month needles and she hasn't been right since. Sleeping habits are all screwed up. Her 2-3 hour naps are cut in half...and I can't seem to get a break. Even when DH & MIL come home, by then I'm too awake and so starved for adult conversation, I can't sleep. Or I can't calm myself to because no matter where I am in the house, I can still hear her crying...I just can't relax. Last night I had the jets going in my bubbly tub and the fan overhead and I could still hear her...damn mother's ear.

Anyway, my point is I have a hard time following my own advice. She'll be three months old in about 2 weeks and I feel like the 3 month rule isn't going to work. She's getting better instead of worse. I'd like to blame the needles but it's going on 4 days now. Seems odd to affect her this long. I'm just worn out. With the cold/cough (which is getting better) and the lack of sleep, I feel like an ol' dish rag. I feel I don't have a right to complain though, cause it could be a lot worse. Mari: I don't know how you've survived this long getting up with kids every night for the passed 5ish years!! And Shay: I can't imagine how I'd cope being "single mom" for the last 2ish years. It makes me want to smack myself. Here I am, 2 kids, 3 adults and complaining. How dare I. Guess everyone needs a turn on the pity pot now and then.

Well, I better skat. Can you believe it? She actually fell asleep. Lets see how long this lasts.
~B

No voice...

...or patience...or sleep. If there was a day I needed someone home, this was it. Do you know how hard it is to disapline a 2 year old without a voice?? I've resorted to whistling, snapping, clapping, anything to get her attention. For the most part, E's been good. L's been a challenge since she got her needles. Her sleeping patterns are off. She's been down for an hour while E & I had lunch. I just convinced E to go down so I'm hoping I can get a nap before L wakes up. Usually I can coordinate their naps well...we'll see.

With that, I'm off. TTFN!
~B

On the missing list

Sorry to have taken so long to blog. I've been sick and haven't felt like doing much. I was trying to nap but L's sleep schedule is off today. Of course, she's down again and I can't sleep. ;) Ah well...that's life.

So, here's what's been happening. Finally, we all got to the doctor yesterday. E is alright...as I suspected. Her cough is going away and her appetite is back. L got weighed and measured and her 2 month needles. She did cry but calmed down quickly...what a trooper. She's 11 lbs, 6 1/2 oz and 22 1/2" long. She still seems so little to me but she's out growing her jammies so I know she's getting bigger. :) I also got the once over. What both E & I have is a virus and we just have to do the usual (liquids and rest) to get over it. My sinuses have calmed down but now I have a bad chest cough and sore throat.

Hmmm...had a nice time out Friday night. Patrick (friend through Shay) had an informal b-day party at Garrison Brewery. It was really nice...just chatting, drinking beer/pop. Then we went to the Old Triangle for more of the same. The night was polished off with a yummy Shwarma from Venus...heaven. The thing is we need nights out like that every now and then to remind us we're not 21 anymore. We didn't get home till 2:30. DH snored up a storm...he drank his face off. I was up around 7 since hubby was so loud, I couldn't sleep. Plus, he was useless all day. Needless to say, he won't be going to any brewery tours anytime soon. :)

Saturday and Sunday was low key since I wasn't feeling well. Did the library trip, Costco and took E to McD's with the gift certs from her godfather. Rested up the rest of the wknd and continuing through the week. Haven't even gone to Curves. I figure it's better not to pass the germs around...plus, my muscles are achy. Anyway, I'm gonna run and try to fit in a nap...or veg on the couch. Hope you're doing well.
~B

Catch up

I know, I know I should be napping. I wanted to fill you in on what's up.

So, Tue I went to Shay's for a visit...and Mari and Brooke were there too. Nice to see you guys again. Unfortunately, poor L was having a really rough day with her digestive system. She cried and screamed her little heart out...and it didn't get any better at home...just worse. She was so tired and hungry and in pain, she didn't know what to do with herself. On Shay's great advise, I stopped by Superstore on the way home and bought the Soy formula. I can't stand seeing her like this any longer. Although it takes a few weeks to notice a difference, I can see one already.

Yesterday she had gripe water 3x but none of the episodes lasted longer than a few minutes. I usually end up having her over my lap, rocking her and rubbing her back/patting her bottom. I didn't need to do any of it. Right after the gripe water, I gave her her soother and she closed her little eyes. What a delight for me. It's been so aweful and emotional watching her in pain. I was really relieved she had a good day. The only other thing I'm waiting on is seeing her BMs. L's BMs are usually very thin and sticky. This morning she had a little nugget...first time for it being so solid. Mom suggested giving her an ounce of water each day. I asked the dr. about it and again, she didn't really encourage it...so I didn't offer it. I think I'm going to take everything my dr. says with a grain of salt and start trusting my instincts more. Today I put 1 tsp of gripe water into a bottle and topped it up with water. L drank 1/2 of it with no problem and fell asleep. I really believe this route will help her a lot.

Okay, so next child. Poor E has been coughing for...not sure how long now...a few weeks. The last 2 nights she's woke up in the middle of the night with a stuffy nose and coughing hard. I give her medicine, a drink and back to bed (hense me needing naps). I've rebooked our dr.s appts for Monday (power outtage at dr.s Monday passed so we didn't get to our appts). I figure there is nothing my dr. can do for E but at least she'll get seen.

Yesterday was DH's b-day. E was home from daycare and we made/decorated his cake. She did a good job...sprinkles everywhere. :) We stayed in and had spagetti & meatballs (soooo good). It was very low key but DH was happy and enjoyed it. Plus, he got extra game time in so he was thrilled about that.

Anyway, the bed is calling. Hopefully I can sleep. My head is wrapped around plans for the Reunion next year. I keep thinking about it and how I should get places booked soon. I'm waiting to hear back from Carrie Tobin (re: info from her sister who organized her class reunion). I'm wondering how much involvement I should get from the class...like should I offer up a few different dates and let them decide or just pick one. I know I won't please everyone so should I try majority rules?? If you have any thoughts let me know. I'm thinking of Natal Day wknd...extra time for travel...plus, a wknd like Canada Day wknd would have more events around town that people wouldn't want to miss. I'm also thinking of reunion events...maybe a family fun picnic somewhere that has a nice playground and byo-picnic lunch...a meet & get reaquainted wine & cheese with the gals only...and maybe a dance with our spouses. Any other ideas?

Well...I'm really going now...but I'll check FB first. :) I'll nap really soon...promise.

TTFN!
~B

The stars have aligned!!

Can you believe it?? My 2 girls just went down at the same time. So, I'm grabbing a nap in 2 seconds.

Had a great wknd...cept with the sick kiddies. We're going to the Dr. tonight to see what's what. I'm thinking E just has a cold/sore throat and there's nothing they can do. She hasn't been eating well and consequently is having tan/sandy coloured poops. That worries me a bit. It's no wonder since her diet consists of yogourt, milk and apple sauce. Today she did eat well...Shreddies, apple sauce and yogourt in the a.m....bologna, and pb sandwich for lunch. I suspect L has pink eye though...maybe E too...hard to tell since her ducts are blocked anyway. I think I have a sinus infection too. What a crew! Anyway, hopefully we'll make it out of the drs with some answers. Oh, and L has to get her 2 month needles. :(

Well, better get that nap in. Hope you've got your umbrella today...hey, beats snow. :)
~B

Soooooooooooo relaxed!

Just a quick blurb. DH & I had a WONDERFUL time on our overnighter. Super, amazingly comfy bed, movies, room service, trip to the pool/hot tub/sauna, a little vino, a little more champaign...it was incredible. And DH wasn't too bad company either. ;)

Now we're home to our sweet girlies, ready to take on the challenges of life again. E & I are heading for the bubbly tub...then painting our toe nails and watching a movie in bed. Daddy's going to take care of little L. Anyway, hope you're having a great wknd. More chattin' on Monday.
~B

Up & at em

MIL's home today so I have some time this a.m. to post. V-day was "alright" at our place last night. E was horrible! We went to Steve & Rhonda's with the kids for a little party. E threw a fit when we had to leave and cried literally, all the way home. No matter how much we tried to explain the kids had to go to bed, she kept screaming that she wanted to play. I knew she just needed to get to bed and I was perfectly okay with letting her cry herself to sleep. MIL was waiting at the door dying to go in. I didn't think it appropriate to coddle her after being so rude and screaming at us. I don't think she liked that but we are the parents and she respected that. I did go in after E calmed down and explained that I knew she wanted to stay and play but again, the kids were in bed by now, and that maybe we could play with them another day.

This morning E wakes up and MIL gets up with her (thankfully). But I had to get out of bed b/c E kept yelling at Nana b/c E wanted Shreddies and we had none. I sent her to her room and then talked to her about it. She apologied to Nana then asked again for the Shreddies. She doesn't listen. Again I explained we had none and she would have to wait till we bought some at the store. All this comes from E being sick, I'm sure. Her tonsils are swollen. I have till 3 p.m. today to get my workout in, get the groceries and get ready for our overnighter. I refuse to waste the time at the dr.s office if they're gonna send me home with the old "liquids and plenty of rest" routine. Monday night I have an appt myself so I may bring her with me if she's still sick. I'm too selfish to give up this overnighter. We had to cut it short last time because of sickness. I'm not doing it this time. If they're dying, call us, otherwise we'll straighten it out tomorrow. Just to be safe, I think I'll leave the health cards at home and MIL can deal with it.

Well, I'm gonna run. Hopefully on Monday I'll be telling you what a wonderful time we had and not about any emergency room trips. :) TTFN!
~B

Love to the Peeps!

Hey y'all! Sending my love to you today. Happy Heart Day!!

I'm in a very cheering mood this morning as my little girl has her second night in a row where she's slept right through. I am convinced this cutie doesn't have simple colic. It must be gastro intestinal (sp?) or reflux. I'm going against the "back is best" theory (which I support) and putting her on her tummy to sleep. It's so scary to me because of SIDS but I feel it's the best option for her and me.

Here's some background. Little L would most times wake once throughout the night to feed and then spend a restless day trying to sleep. She'd take 20 minute catnaps and inevitably wake with pain. 5 days ago, it was so bad, she was screaming, not just crying but really screaming in pain. The book I have (and love..."Your Child's First Year, Week by Week) says colic doesn't cause pain...well you know what I say to that...complete BS. This gastro problem may not cause lasting pain. But in that moment, you would walk over burning coals, then broken glass to relieve your child. It's not right. So I read on and it said some babies with gastro problems may need to sleep on their bellies. So...that's what I did.

The first night I decided to put her on her back during the night was after a 3 hour session trying to get her to sleep. I was restless all night because of my SIDS fear. She slept so well, I was sure she was dead in the morning. From midnight till 8...can you believe it? Then another night she slept from 9 till 7. Yesterday during the day, after that long sleep, she napped 3 times...first for 3 hours, then 2, then another 2. This from a kid who would nap maybe for 20 minutes x2, then 2 hours total. The result is she's more pleasant during waking hours and she's generally a happier baby...I think. And I'm getting more rest and therefore a better happier mama. Well, I better run. Little miss is crying for her baba.

Spread some love around today...and have a great one!
~B
xox

Love through thick and thin

I tend to come up with some great titles every now and then. This would be the title for today's thoughts...or for my first weight loss book. :) I'm a case in progress...as we all are.

The thought comes from the "down" feelings I'm having lately. Not quite depressed...not so dramatic as that. Just unhappy with my appearance. My long time friends know that I've spent more of my life fat than thin. In fact, there weren't many thin years in my passed. The first 7 or 8 years of my life. Every time I think of me thin, I get that same picture of myself...cute as a bug...white blonde bob, pale blue dress, and white panty hose. My legs looked like twigs...never seen since. Anyway, I'm on a continual trial of eating right. No sugar this week...the first day I lasted till 3 p.m. No worries, we'll try tomorrow. 2 cookies at lunch...and a lemon pie's in the oven. UGH! The thing about people who have weight issues is they know everything they NEED to do...they just don't do it.

Okay...back to my "book title". No matter how many times I look at myself in the mirror, disgusted, or how down I get on myself for eating something sweet (which is my vice), at the end of the day everyone loves me...through thick and thin. So I'm going to work on stop beating myself up. If I just enjoy the endulgents and say to myself, 'that was delightful' and move on with the day, I'd be much better off. Instead I get mad at myself, get more upset and eat more. The vicious cycle of an emotional eater. It doesn't mean I'm letting myself off the hook, because like I said, I know what I NEED to do. I admit I am a sugar-aholic. And I know I need to stop having sweets on a daily basis. Like I said before, there'll always be another slice of birthday cake or heart shaped chocolate box. Just stay away from eating the stuff that's hanging around that you don't even like...or get rid of it.

It's a lesson I want my daughters to learn as well. I got rid of all the timbits. It's not a proper reward. I've decided to treat E with something fun at the end of the week. She's pretty much trained herself and the "rewards" are basically outings we would be normally doing with her anyway. Still, I think she likes the smiley faces adding up on the calendar. Well, I guess I've gone on enough of a tangent for one night. Just remember, the people you surround yourself with love you because of who you are, flaws and all. I need to learn to love myself the way through their eyes and not my own critical view. So after I savour that yummy slice of pie I'm going to give myself a big ol' hug and work on being a better me tomorrow.

Night y'all!
~B

Just 5 minutes...

Some days that's all your need. 5 minutes to yourself. Mondays are always rough for me. It's E's 4th day in a row home and I'm ready for a break. I do have lots of help Sat/Sun but it's still hard. And with all of us sick this wknd, it was exceptionally difficult. MIL was so sick, she stayed in bed most of the wknd. She wasn't able to get up with the kids, which I totally understand. Problem is, DH's useless in the middle of the night. One night he did get up with L. But I got up with the girls both mornings and with L Sat night. Oh, and E coughed so much Sat night, she threw up in her bed. Yeah, good times.

Anyway, MIL's home sick again today. She's coming around but coughing lots too. E had a fever last night but it's gone today...thank goodness. She has daycare tomorrow and I don't want her to miss it, for her sake and mine. :) Hmmm...other than being sick, we had visitors Friday night...Jay-Ray. So great to see them. They left when E had her throw up episode. Then she cried more b/c I said they were leaving. "I don't want them to go." She loves them so much, it's adorable. Yesterday we vegged some more. Gosh, I'm all over the place. Anyhoo, today MIL asked me to run a few errands for her so I'm happy to get some time alone. I have to pick up some v-day stuff too since I ran out (have enough for E's class but need more for Rhonda's party). Lets just hope I get out of the driveway...more snow...yikes!

TTFN!
~B

Back again...

In my drunken stooper last Friday, I'm not sure if I mentioned this cool idea I have. Great idea for the reality show craze...and if anyone steals my idea, I wrote about it here first.

So, we're haven't gotten into the details but we're planning our high school reunion for next year. Of course wanting to look good for the occasion, I'd like to get to goal weight before that time...wait, it's coming back, I think I did mention this. Anyway, my idea was for a "Reunion Weight Loss Challenge." I'm pretty sure there aren't many people who weigh the same now as they did in high school. And I'm willing to bet there are a lot of people who would like to drop a few, or a lot, before reuniting with their old friends. Maybe you want to just look/feel better, maybe you want revenge, or maybe you want that guy/gal you liked to be green with envy. :) Regardless, I think this is a stellar idea...and a challenge I'd like to take on myself.

I've tried being motivated to lose weight at home and it's really been tough. E & I love baking together...but I end up snacking on the sweets too much. I have a sugar addiction...once I get a taste, I just want more. I know I need a week of "detox" before I'll get over it. Right now I'm just doing my best to eat right and hope to gradually rule out the sweets...yeah, great decision to make the week before V-day. Still there'll always be some event coming up...birthdays, Easter, Halloween. I just have to get away from having the daily sweet treat and having them only on special occasions. Easier said then done.

Well, I must get going. DH's on the way home and I'm sure L's going to wake up for a bottle any second. She didn't sleep all day...gassy belly. She went down after I left for Curves and has been in there ever since...yikes! Hope you are doing well...Mari, I miss your blog!!! Yours too Shay...but I know you're both busy.
~B

The Power Trip

It's a continual battle, isn't it? A battle between a mature adult and a clever child. They always seem to have the upper hand. And then the battles seem so silly. Eat your yogourt...that's the headline for the morning. If she'd only realize that the quicker she ate it, the more time we'd have to play before L wakes up. But no, she doesn't want to listen..."I don't like it", "there are nuts in it and it's crunchy", "I just don't want it." The excuses pile up. Which is so funny since she agreed to eat the yogourt (which does not have nuts in it). She does this all the time. I ask does she want something, she says yes, then doesn't eat it. I transcend my mother's voice..."There are starving children all around the world, you know." She thinks the world is an endless compost bin and it's acceptable to waste food. Being from the big pants family, I remember these conversations...but it was usually after not eating my veggies, which I see the value in today. And maybe she is full...but I know when she was eyeballing her snack, she wanted it (cheese & crackers trumps yogourt apparently).

It seems so silly to argue over such things. I have to remember, it's not the yogourt...it's that she's not listening. She's trying to stand her ground, push the boundaries, and I don't do very well with disobedience. I like to think I have a lot of patience but E knows just what buttons to push to set me off. Then I turn into the ugly parent I never wanted to be. I really see the value in a parenting course. I think it would teach me more patience. I think a few extra hours sleep would do wonders too. It's hard enough being up with L at night but after I get her down, I have trouble sleeping. I've decided to try giving up TV in the night. It's what I'm doing for Lent (Happy Ash Wednesday). Maybe less TV at night will help me wind down quicker. And who knows, I may even pick up one of the books that have been sitting on my shelf for 5 years.

Well, I better get back to the little Queen. We're heading out this a.m. to visit my work. They are curious to see L again since I don't think we've been in since her birth. Plus, they love seeing E too. Wish me luck on our misadventures.
~B

Taking a break

Boy, the importance of taking a break really hit home tonight. L has been sleeping through the night mostly...but not last night. I was up for about an hour, which is great, but it still disturbs my sleep. Since 3 p.m. seems to be her long nappy time, I waited till then to get some zzzs. Unfortunately, she didn't want to nap then. I peek into her crib and see her bright eyes and big smile beaming up at me. So sweet, but so frustrating. I took her in bed with me, which I'm not a fan of, and she did sleep. I got less than an hour in. I guess it was something but I'm really tired this evening. And since the weather is bad, I didn't go to Curves...though I wished so bad I could have.

It's hard being home here and "trying" to be off duty for a while. I know MIL & DH are capable of caring for the kids. It's just hard for me to shut it out. Perfect example...I was chatting with a friend on the phone, trying hard to pay 100% attention to the conversation. But it's hard to when you hear your baby girl wailing in pain and your big girl copying for attention. I just want to shut it all out. No wonder I've started a nightly drinking habit. :) Thankfully I'm heading to my tubby shortly and can let the jets roar. The girls can wail as loud as they want then, cause I definitely won't hear them. Well, I better go...E's still "crying"...so is L. Some days being a mom is for the birds.
~B

Catching up...

Seems like it's been forever since I've been on here. Hard to get any computer time in. I end up blogging when I should be resting. Both girls aren't quite asleep yet so I've got an advantage...window of opportunity.

Okay, Wed was my last blog day. On Thurs, I just stayed in...not much going on. Fri, the 3 gals went over to Shay's for a super nice visit. The kids play pretty well together...but had their moments. The funniest was when E said, "I don't like that boy (Deylin)." I prompted why and she answered with arms folded, "Cause I'm grumpy," (Why?) "cause I'm angry," (Why?) "cause I just don't know." So funny. What a character. Speaking of characters, I fear I made an aweful first impression with Mari. DH & I came over Fri p.m. to visit and have a drink. Figuring DH & I couldn't both drink, I drank before we got there and I would drive home so he could drink while we were there. DH changed his mind about drinking and I was 3 sheets to the wind by the time we showed up. Sorry Mari...I'm usually not that loud and don't swear near as much as I did. Next time I'll show up a little less intoxicated.

Sat was pretty fun for E. She went to the library and got her "potty" reward. Daddy took her to "On the Grow" indoor playground. Lots a fun for her. Sat night we watched a movie and chilled. Sun we went to church and ran a few errands. Today, I'm just vegging with the gals...trying to type furiously so I can get back to L who's wailing beside me. Well hope you have a great day. Bundle up, it's chilly out there.
~B