Scooter

I always wanted a scooter. A few years ago, we actually thought about getting a Vespa. But for a two wheeled machine, they ain't cheap.

 

Well, we got a scooter! It happened a couple of weeks ago. Critter is now on his stomach, lifting his upper body, raising his arms over his head, plops them in front of him and drags the rest of his body. He's on the go! and boy is he going. There isn't a place he hasn't tried to drag him self to....under the sofa, close to the edge of the bed, under chairs, etc.

So, my video making skills aren't the best. And, yes, when he reaches the car I'm pulling it car further away.....hee hee heeeeeeee.

For Sale

Well, the sweet ride is over. Our car is kaput! After it failed me on Sunday, and a look at by the mechanic assessing the transmission needs replacing (we feared this for a while) for a cost of $2,500 - $3,000, we ain't fixing what's broke.....cause we're broke.

We've already put so much $ into repairing this car over the past 3 years we've had it and Hubby doesn't think it's worth putting more into it. If the car didn't have any issues, it would be worth $3,000. So to spend $3,000 to fix it is sorta counterintuitive.

The car runs. It just doesn't go in reverse. So if we can go on in life never having to go backwards, we'd be fine.

I'm not sure what we're going to do with the car. Hubby is going to leave it at his Mom's for now. And I'm not sure what we're going to do for a car. SIGH! Sure we can do without a car. We do live in NYC and there's lots of public transportation. BUT being able to get into a car and go away for a weekend or taking a day trip away from this crazy city is how we used our car...plus, going to see family every week.

Can a bundle of cash land in my lap right NOW.

**Jalopy For Sale**
1999 Cadillac Deville
Brown with Tan Leather Interior
150,000+ miles
Has all the bells and whistles of it's model year
Front seat is a bench so you can stretch out while driving
Runs, just not in reverse
Has Mechanical issues - um, transmission
Has Electrical issues - right hand side windows don't operate
Several lights are on on the dashboard - Very festive

Make an offer - Mommy Diarist needs a new car

And she needs this one!

Baby, You Can Drive My Car

On Sunday, I was coming back from grocery shopping. Critter is now eating like a big boy and needs FOOD!.
There was a parking spot across the street from our building. I started to make a Broken K turn. Turned the wheel all the way to the left, drove forward, stopped, turned the wheel all the way to the right, put the car in reverse, pressed the gas and THE CAR DIDN'T MOVE! I put the car in drive, then reverse, I tried it again. Nope. Didn't move. Well, it did. It jumped forward a bit. The car was facing a building, blocking the garage, on a two way street, perpendicular to traffic with no hopes of moving.

"I'm stuck. The car won't move." I yelled into the phone to Hubby.
I explained to him and he came down with Critter to see if he can move the Jalopy. NOPE! I called AAA so we can have the car towed. Meanwhile, Hubby moved the car forward on the sidewalk so cars can get out of the garage.Yep, there was a car waiting to get by while we frantically were trying to move it. Hubby and I both got so frustrated with the situation. Hubby dealt with the towing and I  went home with Critter to put away his Sweet Potatoes, carrots, apples, pears, etc. Hey, the kid can eat!

Car is now sitting at a mechanic, awaiting it's fate. Do we repair it? It's a 1999 Cadillac Deville



It's had it's share of problems recently. Hubby is tired of car issues and wants to get another (new) car. I love this car. We've had it for 3 years. We bought it from a friend in the south. It was her Mama's. We drove it up from Louisana and call her our Southern Belle. She's a beauty. She was the top of the line when she came out. She's such a great smooth ride. I don't want to see her go.

Music for the Soul

Music always makes me feel better.
Plus I always love seeing Mick Jagger doing his crazy dances.



Hey, at least I don't put up

Drained

On Tuesday I started writing a post about Dr. Seuss to put up on Wednesday, the day of his birthday. So, where is the post you ask? Why aren't I updating this blog regularly?

Haven't you heard? I'm in a slump. Things aren't great right now. I'm emotionally drained.
I'm not going to share lots of info with you, my loyal reader. Let's just say: Marriage isn't easy. Maybe I'll rant about it one day. Just not today.

"The world has grown suspicious of anything that looks like a happily married life"

- Oscar Wilde

Headache

Yesterday, I woke up and my head hurt. I went about my day. Took Critter to the library, came back, fed him , he napped and I laid down with him. Well after that I couldn't get up. Every time I tried to pick my head up off the pillow, a sharp pain would shoot thru my head. It felt like there was an object in my head and when I moved, it was going to split my brain in two. What if my brain exploded? Is that possible?

I've never really had a headache. Was this what it felt like?

Wonder Girls

Not sure what the lyrics are but the name of the song is 'Headache'

Slump

So you came here looking for something new to read?
Well, I'm in a Slump. A Funk.
Hopefully this will pass. Please come back tomorrow and Friday.

Amour

 

  My Heart Belongs to Mom

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Blah!

I started writing something to put up here but couldn't get into it.
I feel BLAH! I don't feel like doing anything. I just want to sit on the sofa and stare at my kid.
Please visit the site Tomorrow and Friday. Hopefully, I'll be out of this funk.

But in the mean time, Enjoy George Carlin.

GOL!

Hubby doesn't really care about watching sports on TV. He's not a loyal fan to a team or sport and doesn't  need or want to watch games. During baseball season, I'm not dragged to a stadium to watch men chew wads of gum while they try to hit a ball with a wooden stick. During football season, Sundays don't revolve around him sitting in front of the TV with a bowl of chips as men huddle on TV.

I'm the luckiest woman on earth!

Occasionally, when it's a big game (playoffs, world series, super bowl, etc.), he may want to watch.
Yesterday, we went to Hubby's brother's house to watch the Stupor Bowl. I know nothing about the sport. I watch with one eye, asking lots of questions. Hubby has tried numerous times to explain it to me and gave up. I just don't get it. I know the concept of the game. Get the ball from one end of the field to the other. I don't understand the first down thing, why they run and kick the ball all the way across the field to no one, why they get a penalty for dancing in the touchdown area after scoring, etc. I root (sorta) for the team that's from the city I've been to and liked or the team wearing the prettier uniforms. Um, why were they both wearing yellow yesterday?? That should be a big No No! Yesterday, I was rooting for the team my bro-n-law wasn't. I was cheering for the Green Bay Packers. Hubby wanted them to win also. And they did. Can I call it or what?

It was a very boring game. No exciting moments. I missed Christinal Aguilera flubbing the National Anthem Drat! No watching o'er the ramparts that were streaming so gallantly?



No fat guy; hired only to block and push people around; getting a hold of the ball and making a run for the touchdown area. The commercials were a snoozefest. NOT one great one. There were a few OK ones. None worth linking clips to here.

I'm glad the half time show was of a group that didn't need respirators on stand by. We suffered too many years of old bands that put on a boring show. You can thank Janet Jackson for that.
 Did anyone else think the sound was off during the half time show, especially when Fergie was singing?

At one point, Critter was sitting on bro-n-law's lap and he got hold of the remote. I guess Critter was also bored with the game cause he pressed some buttons on the remote and we were watching the game with Spanish commentary. And just at the moment, the Packers scored a touchdown. GOOOOOOOOOOL!
Critter was rooting for Telemundo. Ay Papi!

Open Mouth, Insert Foot

Mondays (weather permitting), I take Critter to the public library for a Babies and Books "class". There's usually two dozen kids with their parents or guardians/nannies. I can't say I've befriended any of the parents, just engage in small talk.

Last Monday I saw a woman I hadn't seen in a few weeks (we hadn't gone cause of the snow). We've previously chatted. Her son is almost 2 years old and she's pregnant.

Before the class, I saw her across the room and asked very loudly, loud enough for all to hear, "You're still pregnant?"
"I'm done. I had the baby." She replied.
I was horrified! I just did (said) what I hated done (said) to me! I was so embarrassed. How do I correct this wrong? What do I say to this woman?
"I'm so sorry" I replied. "When did you have the baby?"
Oh, dear goodness!! That wasn't better. Sounded like I'm sorry she had a baby.
H-E-L-P  M-E!!
I wanted to tuck Critter under my arm and make a run for it. I'm such an idiot. I have no social skills. I try to be funny and sometimes it comes out rude or insulting. Many times I'm so not PC. Actually, I don't mind being not PC. I hate political correctness. It always seems to come across phony; Sugar coated phrases not to insult anyone.

I felt really bad. Sure, she still looked pregnant, but did I need to remind her she still has the pudge? I'm sure to many I still look preggo (7 months later). Heck, sometimes I feel like I still have a preggo belly.

"When did you have the baby?" I asked.
"Ten days ago" She replied
"TEN DAYS AGO!" I belted. "Wow, and you're out and about? You're my hero".
Did I just call this woman My Hero? (Wind beneath My Wings)?
The Toddler room the class is held in isn't very big. I felt all eyes were on us as this conversation (me, making an ass out of myself) was going on.
"I had to get out." she politely replied. The class started, she sat across the room from me.

I really feel bad for Critter. I'm probably going to ruin his social life.

Year of the Rabbit

Happy Chinese New Year!

(learn here about it)

I really don't know much about Chinese culture. Growing up my older sister and I had two friends that were Chinese (and also sisters). I was a pre-teen and never asked about their heritage. All I wanted to know was when they could come out to play. They lived a block away and we'd often go ring their bell and then hit the street and play handball against the corner building. When I was a teen, they moved to a different neighborhood; which later became Brooklyn's Chinatown.

I really don't like Chinese food. Probably because I've only had the Americanized version of it. This crap that's passed off at fast food joints ain't the real thing. Every dish tastes the same to me. It all has this glaze of soy sauced film like goo. I love food. Thai food being my favorite. And I will only go to this place for Thai. I like spicy tangy flavors (probably where Critter gets his palette from and has asked me to plant a lemon tree on the fire escape for him). I've always wanted real authentic Chinese food. I imagine it as quite tasty with a burst of flavors. Sure we live in NYC and there's a huge Chinatown practically in our backyard but picking a restaurant to eat at always mystified me. Which one is good? Which ones are the real deal? Do we go to one full of Asian diners?

The other day, my Bro-n-law, sis-n-law and 3 of their kids came over. We ordered from Grand Sichuan House, a local restaurant that I've read rave reviews about.
"What do you want?" My sister-n-law asked her husband .
After he scanned the menu, he selected something from the "American Section", Chicken with Garlic Sauce - UGH!!
"And get me an egg roll." He added.
"They don't have egg rolls." She replied.
I immediately liked this place!
"How can they not have egg rolls?" He hollered.
"This place is supposed to be authentic." I replied.
I got the Shrimp with Citrus Flavor  and Dan Dan Noodles and my SIL got Cumin Beef.
"What the heck is that? My BIL asked looking at the Chicken with Garlic Sauce. "It doesn't look like it".
And NO it didn't look nor taste like Chicken with Garlic sauce from the typical Chinese places I've previously had.
I"M LIKING this place!

And WHY HAVE I NEVER had Dan Dan Noodles before???????
OMG! They were sooooo good; spicy and tangy.
I want to try more items from the menu. I just might like Chinese Food (the real deal) after all.

Now, as for this rabbit. Makes me want to go out and get one. Not the animal, but the toy ;-)
And if you go chasing rabbits, and you know you're going to fall.......

Snow!

I love snow. I like looking at it. I love playing in it. After a fresh snowfall the city looks gorgeous. There's a hush and tranquility in the air.



This is the longest stretch of time that snow has been on the ground in New York City. Since Dec. 26th 2010, we've seen the white stuff on the sidewalks. Seems like every week we get a few more feet to add to the mountains of shoveled snow.

During and after a snow storm people are out in full force shoveling the driveways,  the sidewalks in front of their homes, making a path for people to walk.....or maybe not.

My phat middle finger goes up to homeowners that only shovel a path wide enough for a one legged skinny person. Hey, I'm pushing a baby carriage and I can't through!

I couldn't get the stroller through this path. Had to walk in the street.

Critter's stroller barely made it through this path

My other phat middle finger goes up to homeowners that don't shovel ALL the snow from in front of their house so after a cold day it turns to ice. I'm talkin' to you, homeowners of 9422 Ridge Boulevard.
The house takes up two corners and they NEVER shovel thoroughly. Every time I want to go anywhere I have to walk by the house. And since it has snowed, when I walk past that house I (and the stroller) have had to walk in the street with traffic! Oh and in the fall, they don't rake their leaves off the sidewalk. The house is for sale, here's the link. At the closing, the broker should give the new owner's a shovel and a rake.

9422 Ridge Boulevard icy Path

And if I had another hand, that middle finger would go up to whoever is supposed to clear the snow from the crosswalks.

On Monday, when these photos were taken. I was walking to the library and I came upon a narrow path. It was just wide enough for the stroller BUT there was a hand truck blocking the path. I was livid...after just going around a Poland Spring truck blocking the crosswalk and curb cut! I ram the hand truck with the stroller, it moves forward a few inches and then falls to the right into the bank of shoveled snow. At that point the Poland Spring delivery man comes down the stairs from the home and says "I'll move that for you."
"Don't bother, I'll move it." I replied as I leaned forward, lifted the heavy sucker and threw it into the snow bank. Did I mention the hand truck was HEAVY!



I think there's more snow on the way. Aaaaarrrrgggghhhh! Am I supposed to stay home cause I can't walk on the sidewalks with a stroller? Or should I knock on people's doors and ask them to help me push the stroller through the too narrow path they've created?

Lemon Tree

Lemon Tree
....but the fruit of the poor lemon is impossible to eat.

On Sunday morning we were at a friend's restaurant for Brunch and Hubby wanted to see Critter make a sour puss face like most kids do when they taste lemon for the first time. So his friend brought out a wedge of lemon and they set about experimenting with my kid. A normal mother would stop them but all I said was 'Wait, Wait, let me get the camera".

Hubby was holding Critter. He took a wedge of lemon, brought it up to Critter's face. Critter opened his mouth and in went the lemon. NOT a flinch! NO cringing when he tasted it. NO upturned face. NO flicking the tongue up and down to get the taste out of his mouth. All he did after the first taste was lean in to get more....and more.

I do have a video. I won't put it up because Hubby is in it.
But believe me it was uneventful.

When Push Comes to Shove

Critter wants to explore more and more. I don't stop him. I let him touch and hold things as long as there are no  small or loose parts. He wants to grab EVERYTHING. When we're holding him and walking, he'll reach out and touch whatever is within reach; like an athlete slapping people's outstretched arms as s/he runs by. Whatever is in our hands, he'll grab and be persistent in getting it. I'll be changing his diaper and he'll contort his body and reach for whatever happens to be around.

BUT with this stage of exploring comes a price. I'll be holding my little Grabber kissing him and if something catches his eye and he has to have it, his arms will come up and push my face away while he leans forward toward the object.

I'm being pushed aside! My kid would rather look at the light switch than be kissed by me! He'll push my affection away to get to a red bowl. SIGH!



I know! I know! Not an appropriate song for a baby blog but a) it has Push in the name b) I like the beat

Is this better? (I wanna push you around, I will, I will)



or this

how about this? (don't push me so hard, don't push so far)

Who You Lookin' At?

To help with Critter's staring problem, we're getting him glasses.

phat

"How do you get rid of that?" Hubby asked pointing to my belly.
"F*ck you!" I replied.
"I'm just trying to help you."
"F*ck you!

I know what you're thinking and Ooooooooh, yes he did. He really said that. When will men learn to keep their mouths shut? Hello. Men. You never ever ever never comment about a woman's weight. EVEN if you think you're trying to help. Just zip it! Do men not know that we have eyes? I look at myself in the mirror. I know what I look like. I see my body. I get dressed everyday. I realize that out of all my clothes only 3 things fit me. I know I'm wearing my husband's T-shirts cause my tops are too small. I KNOW I've gained weight and I KNOW I need to lose it. Someone pointing it out isn't going to help me.

While I was pregnant, I thought after I had the baby I'd just go back to my normal weight and size. That it all just went away. In US Weekly, the celebrities were always thin a month after giving birth. HA! I thought I was like them. Maybe for some women the extra weight just disappears or ones that can afford a personal trainer; but not ones that gained 45 pounds and are cash poor; thank you very much

Six weeks after giving birth, in most cases a doctor will give an OK to resume normal activity. Mine did. Too bad prior to giving birth my normal activity didn't include working out. I never really "worked out", "exercised". I didn't belong to a gym and threw sweat beats on strangers while jogging on a machine. At home, I did do yoga occasionally, but that's about it. I was always thin.  I really didn't need to work out.

Weeeeeell, times sure have changed. It's been 7 months since Critter. I still have 20 extra pounds on me and a belly. Not pretty my friend. Sure, when I was pregnant people were saying I looked cute and I looked great. I ain't so cute now with a little pouch in front.  I need to work out! and ASAP! What am I waiting for? Critter's wedding day to realize I can't fit into anything? I've been lazy, too lazy. I need Jack Lalanne. I'm sure Richard Simmons with his short shorts can probably get me to shake my bon bon.

I'm a desperado underneath my clothes
I see my silhouette
Am not my self?
I feel a mad rejection for my body
I gotta shake my bon bon, shake my bon bon, shake my bon bon

I can now understand how people don't have the motivation to start exercising to lose weight. I'm at that point. It's almost a feeling of despair. That the weight isn't going to come off, so why bother.


But how to start? I guess you just do. I have to set goals.

Busy Mommy

I'm busy with a project so there won't be any new posts this week.

Please come back next week and read new ramblings.

Mr. Looky Loo

Critter loves to look around. He gets fixated on things and just stares. Like he's trying to figure it out. The worst is when he stares at total strangers and won't drop his gaze. I don't know whether to apologize to Mr./Ms. Stranger, make a funny comment or pretend I don't notice him staring.

His favorite pastime is, while he's nursing and he hears a sound, he needs to turn his head in the direction of the noise AND takes my boob with him! OUCH!! Hubby things it's funny, meanwhile my boob is suffering.

Eat It

There's more to life than milk you know. A baby is eventually going to start eating food. The magic month to start is when baby is 6 months old. Some start feeding babies at 4 months. There are different camps about when to start and why you should wait till 6 months to start. Here's what Dr. Sears has to say. Based on that, we opted to wait till Critter was 6 months old before we shoveled food into his mouth.

We got a high chair (thank you bad back bro-n-law) and it's now a permanent fixture at our dining table. Critter sits at the head of the table. He's not in charge around here (not yet anyway), it's just easier for us to sit next to him and feed him. A week before he turned 6 months we sat him in his chair and gave him Oatmeal cereal. He took it readily and enjoyed it. After a few days of oatmeal only; It's suggested that when introducing "solids" to a baby, you give them one item at a time and for 3 days straight. Any allergies develop you'll know which food it is; we started giving him other stuff.

I opted to make my own baby mush. Have you seen the prices of baby food??? Not only that, I figure it's healthier. Plus, I'm a sit on my ass at home mom, it's the least I can do to throw some food into a blender. And it's really as simple as that. You steam or bake the veggies and fruits, wait till they cool, throw them into a food processor or blender (I have a blender) with some water and then mash them through a sieve to strain out the lumps and fibers. And hello meal time!

I found a great website with lots of information about making your own baby food. www.wholesomebabyfood.com/
The site has nutritional information. When to introduce what. Lots of easy to follow recipes. So I read up and have become Martha Stewart to Critter. I make baby food about twice a week and freeze them in little one meal containers; lots of people use ice cube trays; and each morning take one or two down for the day. Critter eats three meals a day.

For breakfast he usually has oatmeal or a banana; which I mush the morning of. Bananas brown so can't freeze them. As do pears. FYI. Pears are a soft fruit, so no need to steam or bake them, peeling them and mushing them is sufficient.

I made a mistake the first time I made carrots. I read with some other veggies to save the liquid that you use when steaming and use that to when blending. Well, it's NOT the case with carrots and some other root  and some leafy veggies because they have nitrates. Here's more info.

The first time I made carrots, I wasn't aware of the Nitrate issue. I steamed and blended them using the steaming liquid. Critter happily ate a meal of carrots. I was then reading some more and came across the Nitrate issue. I threw out that batch of carrots. Next batch I made I just used water when blending. HEY, I'm sure Martha Stewart made mistakes when starting out.

So far, I've made:
Carrots - First batch I threw out.
Sweet Potatoes - Critter's favorite
Peas - only had them once, there's some in the freezer and he'll have some today.
Butternut Squash - Critter's second favorite
Apples - I sauteed them in water
Pears- No need to cook, just mush
Bananas - Critter's favorite fruit
Nectarines -  Critter hated them. He made an awful face after the first spoonful and turned his head when the spoon came toward him again. Probably because they were tart. They aren't in season. What was I thinking buying them? I threw out the two meals that I made and I'll eat the other three nectarines.
Beets - I made him one meal only when I made Hubby and I beet soup. But Critter hasn't had it yet.
He's also had a finger of hummus. He looooved it.

Next month Mommy Stewart is going to mix two or more ingredients.

Sick New Year

I was MIA for a week. No posts. Not a peep. Where was I, you ask.

On Dec. 24th, Critter was 6 months old.
CELEBRATE Good time, come on!
There's a party goin' on right here


We decided to have a low-key party at our place. We invited family. Ordered Chinese food and had cake.

Hubby is one of 8 kids. You read that right, EIGHT. Critter has 25 cousins on Hubby's side. The kids range in age from 6 months (Critter) to 17 years old. One or two are bound to be sick at a given time. AND sure enough there was one cousin getting over something. Well, germs spread!

Saturday, Christmas, Critter was fine but getting cranky as the day wore on and by that evening he had a fever. Sunday he was miserable. Nose was congested, coughing, sneezing. That was not my kid we were taking care of. He lost his smile, and giggles. His laid back happy go lucky attitude was gone and replaced by a whiny, whimpering, can't put him down baby. There was nothing we can do to appease him.
On Sunday, I started to feel congested.
Monday, we took Critter to the doctor. A cold.

Critter and I spent the next 2 days in bed. Literally. I'd get up to go to the bathroom and to eat/drink something and then get back in bed. We didn't budge. It wasn't fun. NOT FUN at all. Bad enough taking care of a sick baby, but when you're sick it makes it twice as hard and aggrevating. I felt like S-H-I-T! It hurt every time I coughed. My head was pounding, body aching. I can imagine what Critter must have felt.  He must have been in major pain. It broke my heart every time he coughed. It was that hacking cough that sounded painful in the throat. His nose was stuffy. He couldn't breath, couldn't swallow. It was a miserable week.

As parents we don't want our kids to be in pain or sick. And as a common courtesy if your child is sick keep them away from other kids. DO NOT expose other children to your kids' germs. My goodness, it's common sense. But I guess so many people lack common sense and courtesy.

We felt better by Friday, but we still had a cough; and still do as of this morning. We didn't go anywhere and still haven't been around people in close proximity We don't want to expose others to potentially getting sick. But maybe I should be like other parents and not give a shit, and go visit people. And if they get sick, oh well, it's part of life. They'll get over it soon enough.

So if you're sick. Stay home! Don't come near me or my child unless you plan on spending a week taking care of him.

Oh and....HAPPY NEW YEAR!

JOY

Six Months have gone or should I say flew by since the birth of Critter or should I say the love of my life.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!

Back

To the right -------->;, it states there will be new posts on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Loyal reader you're probably wondering what happened on Friday. Let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start.


A few years ago one of Hubby's brothers was picking up a blanket and hurt his back. He was in pain for days; Not being able to get up. And why am I telling you this? Follow me, will you.

Well, 2 years ago Hubby and I went to pick up Back Pain Brother, his wife and kids from the airport. I believe they were coming back from Canada. She-Ra Me Princess of Power lifted a suitcase and put it in the trunk. As soon as I lifted it, I felt a crack in my back. I didn't think much of it; my back always cracks. That night my back felt stiff and a little achy. The following morning I couldn't get out of bed. The pain was excruciating! Every time I tried to turn or lift my leg, I got a sharp shooting pain in my lower back. I was howling from the pain. For five days I was out of commission; I laid on a heating pad on the floor, took hot showers, rubbed Tiger Balm. Hubby had to help me with every step I took. I would put my foot down on the floor and a sharp spasm would shoot thru my back, rendering me crippled. I was powerless to this pain in my back (and I'm not talking about Hubby).

I called my doctor. He said that back pain as I described afflicts many people. It's very common. I can go to the emergency room, but they'd only give me pain killers. I can come into his office and get cortisone shots, or continue to do what I'm doing; heating pad, hot showers, ointments, wraps. I opted for the home remedies.

It has happened a few times after but not to the severe degree as the first time AND this past Thursday I was lifting Critter to put him in his stroller and I felt my back crack. That night I felt the stiffness (and I'm not talking about Hubby). Friday morning the pain was unbearable. The heating pad came out, the ointment jar was uncapped. Hubby didn't go to work and we set out with our tested routine of Back Therapy. I laid on the heating pad for a while, then took a long very hot shower massaging my lower back as the hot water hit it.  Tried to walk around a bit (I find if I sit or lay for long periods of time, the back pain is worse). Back on the heating pad. More walking; or should I say shuffling around. Hubby did all the work with Critter. Nursing him was a hurdle but we managed. I'd crawl into bed very slowly and hubby laid Critter next to me. Before I could position myself properly Critter had already found me and would be chomping away. Saturday, I was still in pain and achy, but presents for the holidays had to be purchased. We drove into Manhattan instead of taking the train so I'd be more comfy. Every pot hole we hit I cried in pain. Getting in and out of the car was a spectacle. Hubby would open the door, I'd inch one leg out at a time, grab the handle on the door and try to push my self up always crying in pain. Once I started walking, I felt better. Walking ie: shuffling along at a snails pace and every so often I'd stop, hunch over and yelp as a sharp pain shot through my lower back.
Sunday, the pain was worse, but I was determined not to let this cripple me. The Snail, Hubby and Critter went out for more shopping. We came back early and as soon as I shuffled thru the door, I ran (haha - took me about 10 minutes to walk to the bedroom) to the heating pad.

I'm grateful for Hubby for having patience thru this and doing the majority of the work. It can be very draining. I told Critter to be patient cause Mommy is Broken. He didn't quite understand and still wanted to play.
I'm feeling a lot better, still achy, but at least I'm more mobile than the past three days.

I make fun of Back Pain Brother-n-law all the time, cause my back pain started when I was lifting a suitcase not a lightweight fluffy blanket. And my I remind you it was a suitcase coming from Canada that I lifted (not stole) that started my back pain issues; so there's only one thing to do and that is to BLAME CANADA for my pain!

Pacifer

Babies are born to suck; not in the non-affirming life way; but the Merriam-Webster definition:

1 a: to draw (as liquid) into the mouth through a suction force produced by movements of the lips and tongue 
b: to draw something from or consume by such movements
c: to apply the mouth to in order to or as if to suck out a liquid

2 a: to draw by or as if by suction   
b: to take in and consume by or as if by suction 

Even when not eating ie: sucking down milk, babies like to suck for comfort. As a nursing mother, I've spent countless hours at the mercy of  my baby and with his mouth tightly wrapped around me barely moving his mouth. He's not drinking, he's just pacifying himself. AND he won't let go!

Plastic pacifiers are sold to tired and sore mothers around the world.  Many decry the plastic pacifer. Citing it causes nipple confusion for nursing babies. (Dr. Sears re: pacifers)  But yet to get some relieve, I was a sucker and bought a Paci. I was hesitant at first to offer it to Critter for the very reason of nipple confusion. At about 6 weeks old, Critter took/sucked on it for all but 20 seconds before spitting it out of his mouth. And to this day won't take a pacifier. You can't fool him. It ain't the real thing! 

Can you count to 20?

Spit! And by the look on his face "Mommy, you better not give that to me ever again, you hear!"

He's not a fussy baby and doesn't cry unless he's really really hungry and at that point the milkman woman better be ready! After he's had his milk meal, he'll pacify till he's asleep. Most times I don't mind being a human pacifer. I get to nuzzle with my baby and reflect on what a special time in my life this is.

The Mad Hatter

Hubby came home with a shopping bag. He took Critter and went into the Nurserice. I followed them, asking "What's in the Bag?"
"Go outside and close your eyes." Hubby replied.
"Open Your eyes."
"OMG, I want to eat him." I said as I looked at Critter wearing an cute hat.

Cute Hat

"Close your eyes." Hubby said, as they went back in.
"Open your eyes."
I shrieked when I saw Critter wearing a cuter hat.

Cuter Hat

It's Knit on the Top and Sides

"Close your eyes."
Yep, they went back in (these fashion shows can last a long time) and when I opened up my eyes, Critter was wearing a rat!!!

Furry Critter

I want to keep the cuter hat (#2). Hubby wants to keep the rat. I'm not feeding it!

Lost and Found

So when I said I'm a loser, boy I'm really a loser!

Last Friday, I posted about our lost camera. That evening after packing Critter's luggage and putting him in his stroller to head out. I turn around and make my way to the front door when lo and behold I notice the camera bag hanging on the dining room chair. D'OH! D'OH! and a Big D'OH!

 

On Monday, I started to clean out my closets (still not done :-/ ). I took out all my hangbags from the top shelf. A few went into the "Get Rid Of" pile and I went through the others and cleaned them out. Well, well, well! What do we have here in a large tote?? Critter's Foot!

He was happy to see it.

I washed it and gave it to him. Yep, stuck his foot right in his mouth.

In the tote bag I also found:

2 Indian bangles
1 pair of Crystal Earrings
Gold Ring
My plantinum wedding band (Didn't realize it was missing. Oooops!)
And a partridge in a pear tree (Not pictured)

Now if only that darn hat will reappear!

Beatlemania

When I'm in the kitchen, I put Critter in his chair, put on some music and slave over the stove. He likes one group a lot and will start moving his legs like crazy. He thinks it's Karoke and starts cooing and babbling. If I stand in front of him singing along and dancing, he starts giggling.

Unfortunately, when I pull out the camera to video tape him, he stops and just stares at it. I don't have any great videos of him doing Karole. But he really is a Beatle Fan!

John Lennon

October 9, 1940 - December 08, 1980

Hitting the Bottle

A baby should be born with a bottle attached to its hand; It's only a matter of time before it starts using it. My baby started hitting the bottle at one month old.

Prior to Critter's birth I dropped some serious coin on four Dr. Brown's Standard Neck 4 oz bottles after reading many great reviews for them in helping reduce Colic, Spit-up, Burping & Gas.

I just want to say B-U-L-L-$-H-I-T!!!! to the claims. And they were a pain to clean (too many parts).

Critter wasn't a colicky baby (Thank you little one) but he had gas. Some times it was so bad, we'd spend 45 minutes trying to burp him. And he often spit up during and after every feeding. While many have told me that his spit up isn't as bad as it could be, it was still frustrating. I have been spat on at all hours of the day. Every article of clothing I own has been hit by spit. We'd be doing the marathon of burp and we'd hear SPALT as spit hit our wood floor.

I didn't think Dr. Brown's was a miracle bottle; far from it; and after a month of using them I hit the internet AGAIN, researching bottles that would help minimize spit up. I also wanted a bottle/nipple that was closest to breast feeding. After reading some great reviews, I bought Playtex Ventaire. I played it safe and only bought one. Used it for a week and saw some improvement in spit (or lack of). So I bought a 3-pack of 9 oz. bottles.
Side-note: IMO, buying 4oz. bottles is a total waste as baby's will want to drink  more in a month or so.

Critter happily drinks 7 oz out of his crooked necked bottle.
Spit up is getting less and less to almost non existent.
And burping him is a breeze now.
But I'm sure it's also due to his getting bigger.
Now if only they can bottle baby cuteness and sell that and sell it as a keepsake.



And I can't believe I just linked the Jonas Brothers! AND such a stupid song/video to boot!! But I couldn't think of any other songs with Baby Bottle in Lyrics. So if you have any recommendations, please help, so I can replace this ridiculous song/video..

I'm a Loser

Of all the things we had that I have lost

there is one thing I should never have crossed

It was an object in a million, my friend

I should have known it would be lost in the end



While I was preggo (feels like years ago), I "lost" my memory.
Well, I'm not pregnant anymore so what's my excuse now? I still forget to do things. I wake up saying I need to do XY and Z. I end up doing ABC.

But now it's worse. I'm forgetting where I put things, or more accurately, I'm forgetting to bring things back home from wherever we go.
My baby has "luggage" he travels with every time we step out of the house. "Luggage" filled with essentials and "just in case" things. I go into the bag to get diapers, another burp cloth, a change of clothes, a toy, etc. While visiting people, his things tend to get strewn around, and at the end of the night I frantically run around collecting his things. Weeeeell, not everything seems to make it back home.

In the last month, I have lost:
One bottle cover (no big loss, his bottles don't leak)
A gelly filled teether in the shape of a foot. He loved to 'chew' on this. It came in a set. We still have the hand.

He loved to put his foot in his mouth

His winter hat. I should say no loss cause his winter outer suit (?) has a hoodie but it was a nice hat and we had been looking for a hat that'll cover his ears w/o animal faces (barf!) for a long time when I stumbled upon it in Old Navy (so it wasn't too expensive). But I still think of that hat often cause he looked sooooooo adorable in it.

and now I lost: THE CAMERA!!!
Yes, that piece of mechanical equipment that takes images so you can reflect on them at a later date. A time machine into the past.
It wasn't an expensive camera but it was my vessel to acquiring pictures and videos of the love of my life so I can have lots to look at in my old age. To remember the most precious and treasured time of my life.

I searched our apt. high and low and I now think we left it at a friend's house over Thanksgiving weekend. The last time I remember using it was to video tape Critter in their indoor swimming pool.
Readers, don't be jealous of the indoor pool, just send cash to help replace the camera if it isn't found.

The Art of Breastfeeding

or should I say, the Stress of Breastfeeding.

A woman has breasts, a baby has a mouth and is born to suck, so you'd think breastfeeding would work in perfect harmony.
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!

I knew I wanted to breastfeed Critter. The health benefits for baby and mother are unparalleled. As women, we're built to birth and nurse. Sure breasts come in different shapes and sizes but these body parts aren't just for fun you know.

As soon as you give birth, the little baby is ready to suck and so it starts. While in the hospital I called for the lactation consultant 3X to insure I was shoving my boob in his mouth properly. Yep, I was doing it right. So what could go wrong at home?

At home, I was stressed out to the limit. Having a newborn isn't all roses (more on this in a later post). Things (milk wise) were flowing smoothly until the 3rd week when Critter constantly wanted to eat! I didn't know why. I thought I was doing something wrong. I thought maybe he wasn't latching on properly anymore. I would feed him, put him down to nap and 30 minutes later he'd wake up crying for more boob. I was ready to tear my hair out of my head.

While preggo, a good friend had sent me several books, one being: The Nursing Mother's Companion
Admittingly, I didn't read it. I put it aside thinking 'Who the heck needs a book to tell them about breastfeeding. It'll just come naturally.' Well, the 3rd week Critter was home and at my wit's end, I ran to the book case, pulled out the book and started reading it. EVERYTHING I had been frustrated / confused by was there in print. Explained and with guidelines / remedies.
At 3 weeks old, babies go thru a growth spurt and want to eat constantly. I was relieved to learn this and so much more.

So, I continued to breastfeed. BUT Critter looked thin to me, so I took him to the doctor to have him weighed (3 weeks old). He hadn't gained weight since his 2-week old visit. Huh?!?! How could it be? The kid is always on me eating. Doctor suggested I bottle feed him. He suggested I use formula or pumped breast milk, but I bottle feed to insure Critter is getting the amount of milk he needs. And bring him back in a week to have him weighed. If he hasn't gained weight, then there might be another cause for the lack of weight gain.

Bottle feed?!?! Formula?!?!?! I have boobs dammit! Albeit, not very big ones. But it's not the size of the vessel but the flow of the river; or what other corny cliche you want to twist to fit the scenario. Why aren't my boobs working? To say I was devastated is an understatement. I felt like I failed my child. I failed as a mother and as a woman.

We bottle fed Critter for a week stored breast milk I had previously expressed for rainy days and sure enough he gained weight. The first time I gave him a bottle I cried my little heart out as he was sucking the mild down. My boobs have failed me! I was adamant about finding out why. I read, read and read everything about breastfeeding.

There are so many factors in successful breastfeeding. Proper latching on, diet, Stress, etc. There are numerous websites, books, support groups, consultants.If you're having problems, Reach out and touch someone.

In my efforts to still provide Critter with Mother's golden liquid, I'm pumping, taking herbs (Fenugreek), drinking a tea (Mother's milk), eating oatmeal, massaging, drinking lots of water. But I'm still short on providing him with enough so I' m supplementing with formula. Some days it's half me / half powder, other days it's more my milk.

After beating myself up for not being enough of a boob, I've come to terms and resolved that I tried my best to only breast feed and it's okay that he's on formula also.My baby is healthy and happy and that is all that matters.

 

Critter hitting the Bottle

Time

Where is time going????

 

I blinked and five months went by since Critter was born.
I don't want him to grow up. I look at older kids and think NOOOOOOOOO! Not my baby. Please stay this age forever and ever.

Someone please make time go slower. This stage of babyhood is going by too fast. I'm loving every minute with my baby but it's not enough time. Never enough time in the day.

I"ll admit, I don't do much in the day.  I spend many hours looking at Critter. I mean, I'll just sit there and stare at him in awe. I'm amazed with everything that he does. I can watch him for hours doing what a baby does. We laugh and giggle while I sing silly made up songs to him.

When he smiles, my heart melts. When he laughs, I feel happiness.

Tomorrow's Topic: The Art of Breastfeeding

Where Have I Been?

I've been busy with a baby.
I never realized how my time will be consumed by a little wee one. My entire day now revolves around taking care of Little Critter. AND I LOVE EVERY MINUTE.
For the first 3 months, you really can't do anything else. I'm  now finding that I can get other things done and am trying to manage my time better.

So, look for more posts on a regular basis. I hope.

Announcements

When a baby is born, proud parents send out cards announcing the arrival of their baby. It has a photo or two or three with baby's birth date, weight and length. Who remembers that info anyway?

Weeeeell, we still haven't done the Baby Announcements!
YIKES!! What are we waiting for?

Of course we have lots and lots of photos of Critter but......

When he was born, he had newborn rash (Erythema Toxicum) on his face. His skin was very splotchy. Not great for photo ops.

Critter w/ Newborn Rash - 2 weeks old

 After that cleared up for a few days, he went into the teenage years and got baby acne, little pimples all over. Clearasil is a NO NO for babies.

Critter w/ Baby Acne - 3 weeks old

We figured we'd wait till after his skin cleared up for photos. We're vain. Then when Critter was a month old we shaved his head of all his baby hair.

Critter w/ shaved hair - One Month Old

In hubby's culture, they shave the head in order for the hair to grow stronger. Then we wanted to wait till his hair grew in a bit for photos. Yes, we're very vain.

Two and half months after Critter was born, we FINALLY did the announcements! I HATE THEM!!! The photos are tooooooo dark and the paper sucks. I'm now in the process of re- doing them MYSELF! So hold on, the announcements will be in your mailboxes shortly....just in time for Critter to start college.

In the ideal world, at the hospital they should have a photo studio, a few days after you have the baby, you go and have photos taken. They do baby's hair and makeup and capture all the moments. They prop the baby against a fuzzy rug, curl its feed under its body, butt in the air and Snap, Snap, Snap.
Cause who has time to do this after they come home with a newborn!

Stripes

How many striped outfits can one baby boy have?
And after I took these pictures, HE GOT MORE STRIPPED OUTFITS!

He's outgrown some, but he has others. I'm officially sick and tired of looking at stripes.

I can't figure out why this picture got rotated :-(

My favorite is the one on the right. Snaps on the front are so much easier than snaps on the bottom.

3 Months

Three months ago today, The Little Critter was born. I can't believe how fast these past months went by. Everyday I smooch my baby and hold him so close to me saying I don't want him to grow up. I want him to stay this age forever!


The things I'll miss that he used to do but doesn't anymore are:
- the uncontrollable movements of his hands. He would spastically reach out with both hands and they'd move as if driving a car. Or he'd shake them as if shaking maracas.
- Sleep grins. The innocent smile that he made in his sleep. He still does it, but not as much.
- While feeding he used to raise his eyebrows while sucking away.
- Hubby used to be able to put him over his arm like a monkey hanging from a tree limb.

My baby is growing up!

Gift Giving

I didn't have a baby shower prior to having Critter because of cultural reasons. Once he was born people came to visit and the gifts started pouring in.

The best gifts to give expectant or new parents:
- Anything off their baby registry. Believe it or not, parents to be spend hours in a Baby Too Much Crap Store, looking at EVERYTHING. Debating, arguing and finally selecting what they'd like.

- Moola. Dinero, Dough, Loot - Cash is King.

- Gift card to a Baby Store. New parents are gonna make lots of trips to 'the store' and will always need things down the road.

- Nursing Pillow - If you know the mother will be nursing, It's a back saver. Without a pillow(s) during nursing, I tend to hunch over and kill my back in the process.

- Diapers, Diapers and more Diapers - This is the last thing new parents want to think about.

- Burp Cloths - You can never have too many. Babies spit up and better on a burp cloth than on a human.

- Cloth Diapers - I use them as burp clothes; they're more absorbent than the cutsie burp cloths. I use them under my babies head so if he spits up it lands on the cloth diaper and not the furniture.

- Medical Kit - with a thermometer, etc. As a never before parent, that thermometer is going to get good usage....and early. The first week Critter was home, I reached for it.

- Grooming Kit - Precious needs to have hair coiffed with a brush and nails manicured with a clipper.

- Swaddler - THE BEST GIFT EVER!!!! For parents that can't manage to wrap a newborn in a blanket tightly like a burrito. And babies LOVE to be wrapped up.
Thank you to my 6yr old nieces and 4yr old nephew for my favorite gift!

(Critter in his Swaddler)

We'll be Back on Monday

Next week (Monday) I promise to be back with anecdotes about nursing, presents, diapers, etc.

Until then......

Critter's angry Mommy isn't writing enough about him
(photo taken July 15th, 2010, 3 week old Critter)

Labor of Love

It's been 11 weeks since the birth of The Little Critter.

Over the weekend, I was talking to one of my sister-n-laws about my "birthing" experience and I've come to realize that I was jipped out of having a natural delivery. I was 'induced' and barely. In hindsight, I probably would have gone into labor on my own if I held out a few more days.

On June 23th I went to the hospital to be induced into labor cause The Little Critter was late.

(right before we headed to hospital)

Hubby and I got there at 8am, filled out paperwork, got settled into a labor room and I and my belly were hooked up to monitors and at 11am the induction started. The doctor inserted something [forget the name] into me to help my cervix thin out. I was told they'll do that every four hours until I go into labor and it may take 6 doses. Holy! That could be like 24 hours.

And the wait game started. The next four hours dragged. Hubby and I talked, read magazines, tried to nap, played cards. Nurses came in every so often to check my blood pressure.
The monitor was indicating I was having major contractions, but I didn't feel a thing. Well, I did, but it just felt like critter kicking.

3pm - Nurses came in to administer the next dose of that cervix thinning thing. They consulted the doctor and decided that my contractions were too strong but I'm not dilating and they'll wait a few hours for the next dose.

5pm - Next dose of thinning thing. Waiting some more. Again the monitor is showing I'm having more major contractions. I don't feel a darn thing but cramps. Everyone is amazed at my pain tolerance. Hey, I'm married after all.

(monitor indicating contractions)

9pm - They decide that my contractions are too strong but I haven't dilated so they don't give me another dose of Thin Thing. Instead, with all the medical technology out there they revert to the old method of having me walk. That's right, I'm told to walk. So Hubby and I walked; up and down the halls of the maternity ward. We passed labor rooms and heard screaming women. How I envied them. I wanted to be going through that. Back in our room, I did squats. We walked some more.

10pm - they hooked me back up on the monitors. I was dilated one centimeter. One efing centimeter! How long is this gonna take??

Midnight - I was dilated 3 centimeters. I was told to walk some more. We walked the halls of the labor ward. Back and forth. Smiling each time we passed the nurses station. Hubby and I decided to walk to the nursery and look at the babies in the window. We walked quickly hoping I'd go into labor along the way and we can just drop Critter into a waiting plexi basket.We looked at the babies. Awwwww, how cute but ours will be the cutest, if it ever comes out. We kept walking. Going from one end of the hospital to the other. I was determined to walk this baby out.

2am - after walking for two hours I was still only 3 centimeters dilated and I was hooked back onto the monitors.

Starting at about 4am, my water broke and contractions started happening. I can feel them this time! They felt like major cramps.

6am - Contractions becoming stronger and more frequent. I was 5 centimeters. They offered me an epidural. I jumped on it as the pain was becoming stronger, but not yet unbearable.

6:30am - The bells and whistles sound on the monitors. So many nurses and my doctor come rushing in. Critter is in distress; heart rate dropped to 60. My doctor says he needs to get Critter out NOW. I'm wheeled to the OR in tears. Hubby is confused. So much mayhem, Hubby is left behind. NO, he wasn't in the OR room with me.

I was so dazed from lack of sleep, it's almost been 24 hours. I don't remember much of the procedure. I remember staring up at the blaring lights. I felt tugging and pulling. Nurses were talking. And then I heard "It's a boy."


It's not the way I imagined my childbirth experience to be. I had wanted a natural delivery. I wanted to know what it felt like as a woman to bring a child into this world. I wanted a story of labor to recant. Not just, I got sliced open. I wanted to feel the pain, the joy. I wanted to scream and yell at my husband as I was hurting. I wanted to see the joy on Hubby's face as Critter first came out.

Where Have I Been?

Well, it's been almost 8 weeks and not a peep out of me!

Why didn't anyone tell me that after having a baby I wouldn't have time to do ANYTHING but feed him, change diapers and kiss him all day long!!

Sheesh, I thought when he napped which is about 14-18 hours a day, I'd have time to do things. WRONG!!!!!
He sleeps in 1-2 hour increments. By the time I get my A$$ up to do something he's already fidgeting for the next feeding.

The first month was exhausting! It's getting better. We're learning to manage time and now I'm able to get some things done when Hubby is home.

Tomorrow I'll be back with a re-cap of something. I hope.

Little Critter is Here!!!

At the hospital a couple hours after being born.

Chillin' at home.

We'll Be Back Next Week

I didn't disappear after having Critter.
We had a death in the family.
We'll be back to updating on Monday with photos, birth day details (not too graphic), etc.

New Baby

IT'S A BOY!!!
Thursday, June 24th, 2010
7:04am