I took Brice for his 9 month checkup yesterday. We're a little late as he's 9 months and 3 weeks, but hey, I'll give you the rundown anyway. We walked into the office and signed in. Brice was immediately infatuated by the fish tank in the waiting area so we spent about 10 minutes practicing our fish faces. He thinks mine is super cool, by the way. He was fine and dandy until the monster of monsters came to usher us into the examining room. Brice took one look at him and burst out into tears. You know who I'm talking about. The shot guy.
I'm not talking about the busty bimbo selling test tubes full of alcohol at Senor Frogs, people. I'd call him a nurse and I probably should, but he's not. He's an overweight, long haired hippy. He's the nicest guy ever, but he carries a plastic box with him everywhere he goes. The shot box. The box of hysteria.
It took Brice 9 months to figure this out. One look at the shot guy and we were in big trouble. Brice was suddenly defying gravity and had climbed up my chest and was perched on my shoulder clinging to my t-shirt and a fist full of hair. I'm probably bald on one side. I fought him down onto the table, removed his clothes and held him down while the shot guy weighed and measured him. The stats: Brice now weights 23lbs and is 30 inches long, putting him in the 95th percentile for both.
The shot guy left the room and told us that Dr. Lialios would be in momentarily. Brice was instantly calm and I believe that he somehow thought he would avoid further poking and prodding. Dr. Lialios walked into the room and the hysteria started up again. Once again, I held him on the table while Dr. L examined his eyes, ears, listened to his heart, etc. Dr. L explained to me that they would give Brice the first half of the regular flu shot and they would prick his finger to take blood for an anemia/lead poisoning test. He told me to get Brice dressed and shot guy would return.
I put Brice's clothes back on, calmed him down and offered him a bottle. He snuggled into my chest as we sat in the chair waiting and within five minutes, my little guy was sound asleep. Shot guy came back into the room and gave me an apologetic look as he knew that Brice would soon be awake, alert and very, very angry. He opened his shot box, pulled out the needle and pricked Brice's finger. We looked at one another. He slept. Shot guy filled the vial and quickly pulled out the flu shot. He rolled up Brice's pant leg and quickly jabbed him in the thigh. We looked at one another. He slept. Shot guy told me we were free to go, so I picked up my bag and walked out. He slept. Basically, I have the only kid on the face of the planet that screams bloody murder through the regular exam and then sleeps peacefully through the painful shots. I love my little weirdo!
In current pregnancy news, we have reached (almost) the halfway point. Here's the weekly update:
How far along? 19 weeks, 6 days
Total weight gain: I'll be honest, Joel took the scale to work (lord only knows why) so I haven't weighed myself.
Maternity clothes? I finally went shopping and now have new fall wear. A couple of pairs of pants and a few sweaters will hopefully last me until the chilly days of winter.
Best moment this week: Finishing up a couple of home improvement projects. We've got many to go but the new recessed lights and the baseboard heat look great.
Symptoms: None really. Just the metallic, penny taste in my mouth that exists ALL THE TIME. Heartburn.
Movement: Minor flutters only.
Food cravings: Curry. Peanut Butter. Apples.
Gender? I haven't had another ultrasound to tell me otherwise, so I'm hoping she's still a little girl!
Sleep: Hello coma. I could fall asleep sitting up in my officle with three people talking to me.
Belly Button in or out? Slowly moving out. Damn.
What I miss: Having a glass of white wine at the end of a difficult workday. Having a second glass of white wine because I can. Ankles instead of cankles. Having a third glass of white wine.
Weekly Wisdom: A friend of mine posted this on her blog. For the most part, I totally agree.
So this is the advice no one ever told me:
1. Babies don’t sleep through the night – for years! That’s right people, some babies don’t sleep through the night FOR YEARS! I was prepared for a rough start. No one warned me it would be years.
2. A baby crying, and a baby crying for you are two different experiences. Which brings me back to #1. I was always told that you just let the baby “cry it out” and then they sleep through the night. Well, if you’ve ever had a baby who cries, “mama!” – Crying it out really isn’t a great alternative.
3. The first year of having children is the toughest for a marriage. People used to tell me that the first year of marriage is the hardest. Ours was a cake walk. The first year of having a baby – well, that’s a different story. Its not like its bad, but having a baby has thrown us curve balls that I never expected. And it doesn’t help when one, or both of you, haven’t slept in about 1.5 years.
4. Sleep deprivation starts before the baby even arrives. I was up about 4 times a night during the first trimester – often for several hours at a time, and I think I only slept through the night once while I was pregnant.
5. Postpartum recovery is worse than delivery. It was for me anyways – it lasted months. At least labor and delivery were over with in a day, and you can get an epidural for that.
6. Motherhood is competitive. Even if a mother had a baby 30 years ago, some will still compare themselves to you. If you want to brag about your kids, brag to your parents (because they still have a genetic stake) or to your friends without kids.
7. You really don’t know anything about being a parent until you are one. If someone had told me this, I wouldn’t have believed them. Things that I said, “I will never…” to, I am now doing.
8. In the beginning, do whatever you have to do to stay sane. If the baby has to sleep on your 24/7 – then go for it. You can worry about the details later.
9. Having kids is fun. I don’t know if anyone told me this. I thought it sounded like fun, but I mostly hear people complain about kids. I absolutely love having my baby and spending time with him.
Milestones: HALFWAY POINT! 20 weeks to go! WOOOOO HOOOO!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Weekly Update... a little early!
How far along? 18 weeks, 4 days
Total weight gain: Dr. Pendyala told me that I gained 5lbs since my last appointment 4 weeks ago. I really have no idea how much I gained before that so lets just call it 10lbs total to date.
Maternity clothes? Still maternity pants and unfortunately, I haven't had a spare second to go shopping for anything new. Perhaps this weekend?
Best moment this week: Brice walking! No doubt about it. He goes back and forth between two people, walks between the ottoman and the tv and is in general, a crazy man. I love it!
Symptoms: I'm tired. Even with Brice sleeping, I still feel as though I need another couple of hours.
Movement: Still flutters and still few and far between.
Food cravings: Buffalo wings... still.
Gender? We had our big ultrasound yesterday and we can now confirm H2 is a GIRL! Joel was totally right. Our little girlie was sleeping on her tummy (just like Brice). She weighed in at 9 oz and the doctor told us all the measurements came back just fine. She's in the 75th percentile for size at this particular moment, however they did tell us that the size fluctuates so much at this point so we shouldn't really read into it. We're so excited to be having a little girl. One of each! How wonderful!
Sleep: I'm totally sleeping. Last night I dreamt that I was going to the prom with Matt Saracen from Friday Night Lights but that I was dressed in some crazy leopard print dress and hairdo ala Mrs. Robinson. Weird!
Belly Button in or out? Half out now. I hate this. T-shirt wearing becomes difficult.
What I miss: Knowing what in my closet will fit on any given day. Sushi. Eating slowly at a restaurant.
Weekly Wisdom: Smooch your kiddos and your significant other every day if you can. Last week I spent a lot of time watching and reading clips from the 9/11 memorials. Just makes me want to reach out and give Joel and Brice a SQUEEZE!
Milestones: Its not baby related but we've got major construction working going on at our house. If the electricians can finish the heat and recessed lights by Friday, I'll consider that to be a major milestone!
Total weight gain: Dr. Pendyala told me that I gained 5lbs since my last appointment 4 weeks ago. I really have no idea how much I gained before that so lets just call it 10lbs total to date.
Maternity clothes? Still maternity pants and unfortunately, I haven't had a spare second to go shopping for anything new. Perhaps this weekend?
Best moment this week: Brice walking! No doubt about it. He goes back and forth between two people, walks between the ottoman and the tv and is in general, a crazy man. I love it!
Symptoms: I'm tired. Even with Brice sleeping, I still feel as though I need another couple of hours.
Movement: Still flutters and still few and far between.
Food cravings: Buffalo wings... still.
Gender? We had our big ultrasound yesterday and we can now confirm H2 is a GIRL! Joel was totally right. Our little girlie was sleeping on her tummy (just like Brice). She weighed in at 9 oz and the doctor told us all the measurements came back just fine. She's in the 75th percentile for size at this particular moment, however they did tell us that the size fluctuates so much at this point so we shouldn't really read into it. We're so excited to be having a little girl. One of each! How wonderful!
Sleep: I'm totally sleeping. Last night I dreamt that I was going to the prom with Matt Saracen from Friday Night Lights but that I was dressed in some crazy leopard print dress and hairdo ala Mrs. Robinson. Weird!
Belly Button in or out? Half out now. I hate this. T-shirt wearing becomes difficult.
What I miss: Knowing what in my closet will fit on any given day. Sushi. Eating slowly at a restaurant.
Weekly Wisdom: Smooch your kiddos and your significant other every day if you can. Last week I spent a lot of time watching and reading clips from the 9/11 memorials. Just makes me want to reach out and give Joel and Brice a SQUEEZE!
Milestones: Its not baby related but we've got major construction working going on at our house. If the electricians can finish the heat and recessed lights by Friday, I'll consider that to be a major milestone!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
09.09.09 Brice Update.... yeah, a little late.
When I got home from work last night (late, of course because I was stuck in back to school traffic for over an hour) Graciella came RUNNING to the door to greet me. She had Brice in her arms. She told me to take a couple of steps backward and get down on my knees. I'm daring, so I did it. She put Brice down on the floor and turned my little man toward me. A big grin appeared on his face (like he had done something really, really bad). He stretched out his arms, let go of Graciella's hand and took four steps toward me. I was amazed. This, my little non-crawling, non-pulling up, non-sleeping baby was suddenly a toddler. I couldn't believe it so I turned him back toward her, let go of his hands and off he went.
Now let me be honest here. He looks like a drunken Frankenstein at best. What I'm calling walking is more like controlled falling to a non-parent. The fact of the matter is, he's loving it. Every time he walks, he falls into our arms with hysterical laughter which is totally contagious. Even Graciella's boyfriend who came over last night couldn't help but get down on his hands and knees to experience the B-man at eye level.
In other news, we have had three consecutive nights of sleep! Hooray! We haven't even had to endure hours and hours of crying to get this sleep. At 7:30pm I put Brice down in his crib, smooch his little forehead and walk out. I hear him on the monitor playing with his blanket and babbling but he doesn't cry and after fifteen minutes or so, he's typically asleep. Mommy usually follows about an hour and a half later (and yes, I did sleep until 4:30am on the couch the other night because Joel was too afraid to wake me or move me).
Finally, because walking and sleeping aren't enough for our kiddo, Brice accomplished the most amazing feat yet. He turned to me while we were snuggling in bed the other morning and said, "mom." He said it with a sweet, childlike feeling that made me think that he knew he should be saying it just to me. That feeling lasted about 10 minutes because as soon as he got up he also referred to Shamus, the desk chair, the remote control and a kitchen pot as "mom." I guess I'm not as special as I thought! Needless to say, its great to hear our little guy talking up a storm. Whomever told us, "Girls talk and boys walk" was totally wrong. Our Brice does both!
Now let me be honest here. He looks like a drunken Frankenstein at best. What I'm calling walking is more like controlled falling to a non-parent. The fact of the matter is, he's loving it. Every time he walks, he falls into our arms with hysterical laughter which is totally contagious. Even Graciella's boyfriend who came over last night couldn't help but get down on his hands and knees to experience the B-man at eye level.
In other news, we have had three consecutive nights of sleep! Hooray! We haven't even had to endure hours and hours of crying to get this sleep. At 7:30pm I put Brice down in his crib, smooch his little forehead and walk out. I hear him on the monitor playing with his blanket and babbling but he doesn't cry and after fifteen minutes or so, he's typically asleep. Mommy usually follows about an hour and a half later (and yes, I did sleep until 4:30am on the couch the other night because Joel was too afraid to wake me or move me).
Finally, because walking and sleeping aren't enough for our kiddo, Brice accomplished the most amazing feat yet. He turned to me while we were snuggling in bed the other morning and said, "mom." He said it with a sweet, childlike feeling that made me think that he knew he should be saying it just to me. That feeling lasted about 10 minutes because as soon as he got up he also referred to Shamus, the desk chair, the remote control and a kitchen pot as "mom." I guess I'm not as special as I thought! Needless to say, its great to hear our little guy talking up a storm. Whomever told us, "Girls talk and boys walk" was totally wrong. Our Brice does both!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Weekly update
How far along? 17 weeks, 6 days
Total weight gain: Okay, I'm going 8lbs total.
Maternity clothes? Still maternity pants only. Actually, some of my regular jeans still fit too. I'm thinking I need to go shopping this weekend to buy a couple of items for fall since its getting chilly.
Best moment this week: Brice sleeping through the night last night! It was such a fantastic feeling to wake up this morning and feel rested. Also introducing and re-introducing Brice to Nate and Alexander. They all seemed to have a great time at the zoo and playing together. Hopefully they'll be friends for years to come!
Symptoms: Still a little nauseous this week. I'm hoping that the dreaded morning sickness isn't making a return. Thankfully I still have my appetite and as long as I keep gum or a sucker in my mouth, I can get by.
Movement: The flutters have started! I forgot what it feels like in the beginning when the kicks aren't hard jabs.
Food cravings: Buffalo wings, Mexican food.
Gender? I had two dreams over the past week that it was a boy so I'm going with my gut and saying BOY! We'll see on Monday.
Sleep: Yay sleep! I can sort of still sleep on my stomach if I have a pillow to lean on but side and back sleeping prevail.
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss: The economy being strong. The sweltering (albeit short lived) heat of summer. Fall came too quickly! Not feeling perpetually nauseous.
What I am looking forward to: The start of home improvement work. We have signed contracts with a carpenter and an electrician and we're going this weekend to pick our our new kitchen cabinets. I think our house will look so wonderful with all of the work done!
Weekly Wisdom: With children, never say, "I'm never going to..." because chances are, you will. I recall saying, "I'm never going to be an over-protective mother." Wrong. I recall saying, "Joel and I will get a babysitter and have a night out every week!" Wrong. I recall saying, "I'm going to make sure that Brice's schedule fits our lifestyle. We won't change our lifestyle to fit him." Wrong. Once the doctor places that wonderful bundle of joy in your arms, trust me people, unless you are a pillar of salt, all bets are off. Its better to face facts now. Your life WILL change. Your relationship with your significant other WILL change. Your priorities WILL change. I absolutely love the way that Brice has changed my life and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Milestones: Big ultrasound on Monday, September 14! Just in time for my mom's birthday!
Total weight gain: Okay, I'm going 8lbs total.
Maternity clothes? Still maternity pants only. Actually, some of my regular jeans still fit too. I'm thinking I need to go shopping this weekend to buy a couple of items for fall since its getting chilly.
Best moment this week: Brice sleeping through the night last night! It was such a fantastic feeling to wake up this morning and feel rested. Also introducing and re-introducing Brice to Nate and Alexander. They all seemed to have a great time at the zoo and playing together. Hopefully they'll be friends for years to come!
Symptoms: Still a little nauseous this week. I'm hoping that the dreaded morning sickness isn't making a return. Thankfully I still have my appetite and as long as I keep gum or a sucker in my mouth, I can get by.
Movement: The flutters have started! I forgot what it feels like in the beginning when the kicks aren't hard jabs.
Food cravings: Buffalo wings, Mexican food.
Gender? I had two dreams over the past week that it was a boy so I'm going with my gut and saying BOY! We'll see on Monday.
Sleep: Yay sleep! I can sort of still sleep on my stomach if I have a pillow to lean on but side and back sleeping prevail.
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss: The economy being strong. The sweltering (albeit short lived) heat of summer. Fall came too quickly! Not feeling perpetually nauseous.
What I am looking forward to: The start of home improvement work. We have signed contracts with a carpenter and an electrician and we're going this weekend to pick our our new kitchen cabinets. I think our house will look so wonderful with all of the work done!
Weekly Wisdom: With children, never say, "I'm never going to..." because chances are, you will. I recall saying, "I'm never going to be an over-protective mother." Wrong. I recall saying, "Joel and I will get a babysitter and have a night out every week!" Wrong. I recall saying, "I'm going to make sure that Brice's schedule fits our lifestyle. We won't change our lifestyle to fit him." Wrong. Once the doctor places that wonderful bundle of joy in your arms, trust me people, unless you are a pillar of salt, all bets are off. Its better to face facts now. Your life WILL change. Your relationship with your significant other WILL change. Your priorities WILL change. I absolutely love the way that Brice has changed my life and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Milestones: Big ultrasound on Monday, September 14! Just in time for my mom's birthday!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Weekly Update
How far along? 16 weeks, 6 days
Total weight gain: Hard to tell. Some days the scale says I'm up 10lbs and other days I'm up 5. Let's go with a nice happy medium and say 7lbs.
Maternity clothes? Maternity pants but regular shirts, skirts and dresses.
Best moment this week: Joel taught Brice how to Hi Five! It is so cute. He gets a total kick out of doing it.
Symptoms: Off and on nausea. Exhaustion. I sleep for about 8 hours a night and still feel like I could sleep another 10. Joel and I joke that even if we were afforded the opportunity to stay in and sleep all day we'd probably wake up at 9am bored and hungry.
Movement: Still nothing! I keep waiting for a good hard kick!
Food cravings: Naked Baked Chicken from Stew Leonards. Chocolate Peanut Butter ice cream from Sweet Ashleys.
Gender? Who knows!
Sleep: Sleep is happening but its still not enough.
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss: Greys Anatomy (I know its not pregnancy related but I'm really excited for the new season to start). Financial freedom (did I ever experience this?). Not being house poor.
What I am looking forward to: We're leaving for Bethesda tonight and I am so excited to see Kelly, Torry, Nate, Heather, Chris and Alexander. The last time I saw Kelly was 4th of July last year when we were both newly pregnant. The last time I saw Torry was... I have no idea... their wedding?!? And even though I only live 30 minutes from NYC, I can't even remember the last time I saw Heather, Chris and Alexander. I'm also looking forward to catching up with Catherine and David Ladd and meeting their sweet new puppies. Also, if there is no arrival of baby Pfeister, hopefully we'll get a chance to see Sarah, Rick, Buckley and Olive.
Weekly Wisdom: Okay, this one is a shoutout to all the neurotic pregnant mommies out there. If you THINK its an issue, call your DOCTOR. That's what they are there for. If you think you are the craziest woman they have ever come in contact with, ask them. I'm sure your OBGYN will be happy to reenact some previous mommy that called 13 times per day for the duration of her pregnancy. You have paid your health insurance premiums for years. Go ahead, make an appointment, get an ultrasound. If it gives you peace of mind and enables you to sleep at night, there's no harm done. Plus, an extra chance at catching a glimpse of your little one or being able to hear their heartbeat is always a wonderful opportunity.
Milestones: Brice turns 9 months tomorrow! Yay for big boys!
Total weight gain: Hard to tell. Some days the scale says I'm up 10lbs and other days I'm up 5. Let's go with a nice happy medium and say 7lbs.
Maternity clothes? Maternity pants but regular shirts, skirts and dresses.
Best moment this week: Joel taught Brice how to Hi Five! It is so cute. He gets a total kick out of doing it.
Symptoms: Off and on nausea. Exhaustion. I sleep for about 8 hours a night and still feel like I could sleep another 10. Joel and I joke that even if we were afforded the opportunity to stay in and sleep all day we'd probably wake up at 9am bored and hungry.
Movement: Still nothing! I keep waiting for a good hard kick!
Food cravings: Naked Baked Chicken from Stew Leonards. Chocolate Peanut Butter ice cream from Sweet Ashleys.
Gender? Who knows!
Sleep: Sleep is happening but its still not enough.
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss: Greys Anatomy (I know its not pregnancy related but I'm really excited for the new season to start). Financial freedom (did I ever experience this?). Not being house poor.
What I am looking forward to: We're leaving for Bethesda tonight and I am so excited to see Kelly, Torry, Nate, Heather, Chris and Alexander. The last time I saw Kelly was 4th of July last year when we were both newly pregnant. The last time I saw Torry was... I have no idea... their wedding?!? And even though I only live 30 minutes from NYC, I can't even remember the last time I saw Heather, Chris and Alexander. I'm also looking forward to catching up with Catherine and David Ladd and meeting their sweet new puppies. Also, if there is no arrival of baby Pfeister, hopefully we'll get a chance to see Sarah, Rick, Buckley and Olive.
Weekly Wisdom: Okay, this one is a shoutout to all the neurotic pregnant mommies out there. If you THINK its an issue, call your DOCTOR. That's what they are there for. If you think you are the craziest woman they have ever come in contact with, ask them. I'm sure your OBGYN will be happy to reenact some previous mommy that called 13 times per day for the duration of her pregnancy. You have paid your health insurance premiums for years. Go ahead, make an appointment, get an ultrasound. If it gives you peace of mind and enables you to sleep at night, there's no harm done. Plus, an extra chance at catching a glimpse of your little one or being able to hear their heartbeat is always a wonderful opportunity.
Milestones: Brice turns 9 months tomorrow! Yay for big boys!
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