If I say so myself :) It is sure OK to compliment your child!
But seriously, she's been showing off her intelligence at this early age :)
- She walks around a house and points at things she wants (yelles if you don't give it to her, laughs and giggles if you pick up what she was pointing at)
- She knows that remote control turns on/off the TV and has been bringing to us to turn her cartoons on. She loves watching the Baby Einstein DVDs, especiialy anything that has to do with animals.
- She knows that cell phone is for talking. She picks up her play phone or my Iphone and brings it to her ear to check if anyone is there.
- She points at all the family members when we say their name. I think everyone feels special when she is doing it!
- She points at elephant, girrafe, tiger, yogurt, balloons, and puppy in her book.
- She loves putting her socks on, even if she can't really do it, she still tries really hard. Yesterday, she got half of the sock on one of her foot and just started laughing.
- After we are done changing her, she picks up her dirty diaper (don't worry I close it so it is not messy at all and don't give it to her if she did #2) and walks to the garbage can and throws it away. Now if only she could change her own diaper :)Need to work on that....j/k.
- She can toast. This new trick was shown to her yesterday at diner. DH and I had a glass of wine and toasted her sippy cup. She loved it and made us do it over and over and over again.
I love watching her learn new things. It is amazing to see the excitement in her eyes when she sees new things. I feel so proud of her already and it is only a beginning!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
My baby is 1!
I know I haven't been blogging for a while but I just have to take a ten minute break from work and blog about a huge milestone in my baby girl's life.
Ariela turned one yesterday. Big One! I can hardly believe it and honestly I am still in denial. I look at her and I can't believe that she's been in our lives for a whole year (or is it just a year?). I can't believe a year ago we brought our little baby home and started our new life as a family of three. What a year it has been? It was full of laughter, joy, tears, surprises, worry, fear, and just pure love.
We brought home a tiny little baby who needed us, who relied on us, and trusted us to take care of her.
She was hungry - we gave her food
She cried - we comforted her
She cried some more - we changed her diapers, massaged her stomach to relieve her of the stomach pain
She woke up at night - we kept her company
She smiled - we yelled "omg, she just smiled at me!"
She laughed - we laughed right with her, and sometimes at her :)
She played with her toys - we got down on the floor and played with her
Months went by and out little baby is turning into a toddler with her own personality and a little attitude :)
She communicates/screams if she wants something - she laughs if we get what she wants
She loves feeding herself with a spoon - she grabs the spoon and brings it to her mouth sideways. Some food actually makes it inside her mouth, but majority is on the floor. Yet, she is so proud of her new skills that she gives the spoon right back to me to fill it up with some more food.
She loves attention - we can't leave her alone to play. We need to be right there with her.
She loves to walk - sometimes still holding my hand, but the majority of the time she walks independentaly (note started walking on November 3rd at 11.5 months).
She loves playing with her socks and shoes - I think she has more shoes then me at this point. She constantly tries to put them on, even if she already has a pair on her.
She tried sweets for the first time yesterday - got a piece of the cake to try and loved it. Her reaction was priceless. There was a 10 second pause after she got a bite of the cake and then dived in with her face into the cake!
She still doesn't have teeth - getting a little worried, but the doc said assured me it is normal and we should see the first one by 15 month the latest.
She is a joy to be around with - she puts a smile on our faces, she makes us laugh, she makes us giggle like little kids, she makes us feel younger, and finally she makes us experience love that we never knew existed.
I didn't get to say a toast yesterday when family came over (I did wisper it to her when she was falling asleep). So here it goes:
Dear A,
Thank you for being a part of my life! Thank you for being you! Thank you for totally changing my life and making it so much better! Thank you for all the fun times the last year has brought (let's just have less of the sleepless nights)!
I wish you health and happiness. I hope you'll get to accomplish everything you want in your life (we'll help you at that, I promise!). I hope you'll know the meaning of friendship and will have honest and true people surrounding you. I hope you and I will have a close relationship in the years to come. I can list so much more things I am hoping for but I'll stop right here.
There are no words to explain my love to you. I think I rely on you as much as you rely on me nowdays. Here is to lots of more year of fun, joy, tears, milestones, and love! Cheers!
You'll always be my baby girl!
With lots of love,
Mom
Ariela turned one yesterday. Big One! I can hardly believe it and honestly I am still in denial. I look at her and I can't believe that she's been in our lives for a whole year (or is it just a year?). I can't believe a year ago we brought our little baby home and started our new life as a family of three. What a year it has been? It was full of laughter, joy, tears, surprises, worry, fear, and just pure love.
We brought home a tiny little baby who needed us, who relied on us, and trusted us to take care of her.
She was hungry - we gave her food
She cried - we comforted her
She cried some more - we changed her diapers, massaged her stomach to relieve her of the stomach pain
She woke up at night - we kept her company
She smiled - we yelled "omg, she just smiled at me!"
She laughed - we laughed right with her, and sometimes at her :)
She played with her toys - we got down on the floor and played with her
Months went by and out little baby is turning into a toddler with her own personality and a little attitude :)
She communicates/screams if she wants something - she laughs if we get what she wants
She loves feeding herself with a spoon - she grabs the spoon and brings it to her mouth sideways. Some food actually makes it inside her mouth, but majority is on the floor. Yet, she is so proud of her new skills that she gives the spoon right back to me to fill it up with some more food.
She loves attention - we can't leave her alone to play. We need to be right there with her.
She loves to walk - sometimes still holding my hand, but the majority of the time she walks independentaly (note started walking on November 3rd at 11.5 months).
She loves playing with her socks and shoes - I think she has more shoes then me at this point. She constantly tries to put them on, even if she already has a pair on her.
She tried sweets for the first time yesterday - got a piece of the cake to try and loved it. Her reaction was priceless. There was a 10 second pause after she got a bite of the cake and then dived in with her face into the cake!
She still doesn't have teeth - getting a little worried, but the doc said assured me it is normal and we should see the first one by 15 month the latest.
She is a joy to be around with - she puts a smile on our faces, she makes us laugh, she makes us giggle like little kids, she makes us feel younger, and finally she makes us experience love that we never knew existed.
I didn't get to say a toast yesterday when family came over (I did wisper it to her when she was falling asleep). So here it goes:
Dear A,
Thank you for being a part of my life! Thank you for being you! Thank you for totally changing my life and making it so much better! Thank you for all the fun times the last year has brought (let's just have less of the sleepless nights)!
I wish you health and happiness. I hope you'll get to accomplish everything you want in your life (we'll help you at that, I promise!). I hope you'll know the meaning of friendship and will have honest and true people surrounding you. I hope you and I will have a close relationship in the years to come. I can list so much more things I am hoping for but I'll stop right here.
There are no words to explain my love to you. I think I rely on you as much as you rely on me nowdays. Here is to lots of more year of fun, joy, tears, milestones, and love! Cheers!
You'll always be my baby girl!
With lots of love,
Mom
Monday, October 18, 2010
Potty Training Progress
Per my mom's instructions, who is watching miss A right now, I am writing this moment down. Miss A peed in the potty for the first time today at 3pm. You go girl!!!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Time for Another Update
Well, Miss A is almost 11 months....pause...I keep starring at number 11 for a while in disbelief. It is hard to explain but I'll try. I feel like she is part of our lives for years now but at the same time I feel like she is still so little. Everyday I look at her and I say "wow, just look at her, she is so big now" and then five minutes later i say "she is still so little". Now, I am not a psycho. I just can't make up my mind. Let's see what makes her a big, cute baby:
1. She started to finally pull herself up at about 10.5 months. Whenever she was next to the couch or her crib, she would pull herself up, then look at me and have that look that says "i am pretty proud of myself. See ma, I don't need your help anymore".
2. She has been walking along the couch and holding on to it for about 3 weeks now.
3. She is been eating more and more food from our plates. The kid is not big on eating but will definitely stick some food into her mouth when everyone is having diner. It doesn't matter if she is hungry or not, she'll keep you company at diner :)
4. She mastered the skill of drinking from her sippy cup. She is been drinking water from it for over a month now. So what did her mama do? She bought a few more cute sippy cups for her :)
5. She understand us and tries to communicate back. For now she just babbles but can also say yum, ma ma, mamamama. I don't think she knows the meaning of that word, but it still puts a smile on my face every time.
6. She started clapping a few days ago and has been practicing every hour :)
She claps and then she giggles. Again she is very proud of her new skills and wants to show it off.
7. When she is done drinking her milk, she'll take the cap and put it on the bottle. That is our clue now that she is done.
8. She tries to put on her socks and shoes by herself. She is not quite there yet, but I can see a progress everyday.
What still makes her my little baby:
1. She still doesn't have any teeth. Surprising, yes. Shocking, yes. She is been teething for a while now but so far we can't see any white sparkle in her mouth.
2. She still wakes up at night and cries. I think it is because of #1.
3. She likes to be carried when we are in the store. She is not a big fan of sitting in the cart. My back and hands are killing me when we go grocery/clothes shopping.
4. She still loves her pacifier. It definitely helps her to fall asleep and she is depending on it.
This is all I can think of now.
P.S. Note to self, keep blogging. I won't remember all the little details of her babyhood.
1. She started to finally pull herself up at about 10.5 months. Whenever she was next to the couch or her crib, she would pull herself up, then look at me and have that look that says "i am pretty proud of myself. See ma, I don't need your help anymore".
2. She has been walking along the couch and holding on to it for about 3 weeks now.
3. She is been eating more and more food from our plates. The kid is not big on eating but will definitely stick some food into her mouth when everyone is having diner. It doesn't matter if she is hungry or not, she'll keep you company at diner :)
4. She mastered the skill of drinking from her sippy cup. She is been drinking water from it for over a month now. So what did her mama do? She bought a few more cute sippy cups for her :)
5. She understand us and tries to communicate back. For now she just babbles but can also say yum, ma ma, mamamama. I don't think she knows the meaning of that word, but it still puts a smile on my face every time.
6. She started clapping a few days ago and has been practicing every hour :)
She claps and then she giggles. Again she is very proud of her new skills and wants to show it off.
7. When she is done drinking her milk, she'll take the cap and put it on the bottle. That is our clue now that she is done.
8. She tries to put on her socks and shoes by herself. She is not quite there yet, but I can see a progress everyday.
What still makes her my little baby:
1. She still doesn't have any teeth. Surprising, yes. Shocking, yes. She is been teething for a while now but so far we can't see any white sparkle in her mouth.
2. She still wakes up at night and cries. I think it is because of #1.
3. She likes to be carried when we are in the store. She is not a big fan of sitting in the cart. My back and hands are killing me when we go grocery/clothes shopping.
4. She still loves her pacifier. It definitely helps her to fall asleep and she is depending on it.
This is all I can think of now.
P.S. Note to self, keep blogging. I won't remember all the little details of her babyhood.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Thing I don't Want to Forget
I've seen a lot of people write this post. It is my turn now because I for sure won't remember all the cute little things our baby girl is up to:
1. For the last 2-3 weeks she is been practicing grabbing toys and giving them to me or Mr. V. She stands next to the couch, grabs a toy then turns and gives it to me. And on to the next one... Then she'll drop the toy on purpose and will bend over to get it and that will happen 10 more times. Mr. V and I joke that she'll be working in a cafeteria when she grows up if she won't stop this getting/giving thing.
2. She's been getting up from the sitting position when she holds on to something. Before she got up with our help and for the last few days she did it on her own.
3. She says mum, yum, mamama. I love hearing her little words!
4. She doesn't want just any food, she wants food from our plate. She doesn't want any special treatment/diet just as long as she gets a bite of our food she'll eat, otherwise, forget it.
5. We are still not crawling at this stage. I keep hearing that some babies just skip this stage. Maybe she'll be one of them.
6. We still don't have any teeth, but she is teething alright. Everything goes into her mouth. Her chin and tops are always wet. She cries at night but we can hear that is not just a typical cry. I can feel that she is in pain so we give her baby orajel once in a while.
7. For the last couple of days, she's been getting from a sitting position to all fours.
8. She walks when we hold her arms. Althoug sometimes she steps on her foot and sometimes she waddles from side to side. She looks like a little drunk person and/or a penguin.
9. She loves her activity center where she runs in circles. I have to say she is super fast. We play a catch game and she is always right behind me. She also loves her walker. It gives the opportunity to follow us around the house and be independent.
I love, love, love watching her learn new things. It seems like a light bulb lights up when she figures stuff out. And I can see/feel her proud smile. But I can't believe she is growing up so fast and soon she'll be walking on her own and won't need my help.
1. For the last 2-3 weeks she is been practicing grabbing toys and giving them to me or Mr. V. She stands next to the couch, grabs a toy then turns and gives it to me. And on to the next one... Then she'll drop the toy on purpose and will bend over to get it and that will happen 10 more times. Mr. V and I joke that she'll be working in a cafeteria when she grows up if she won't stop this getting/giving thing.
2. She's been getting up from the sitting position when she holds on to something. Before she got up with our help and for the last few days she did it on her own.
3. She says mum, yum, mamama. I love hearing her little words!
4. She doesn't want just any food, she wants food from our plate. She doesn't want any special treatment/diet just as long as she gets a bite of our food she'll eat, otherwise, forget it.
5. We are still not crawling at this stage. I keep hearing that some babies just skip this stage. Maybe she'll be one of them.
6. We still don't have any teeth, but she is teething alright. Everything goes into her mouth. Her chin and tops are always wet. She cries at night but we can hear that is not just a typical cry. I can feel that she is in pain so we give her baby orajel once in a while.
7. For the last couple of days, she's been getting from a sitting position to all fours.
8. She walks when we hold her arms. Althoug sometimes she steps on her foot and sometimes she waddles from side to side. She looks like a little drunk person and/or a penguin.
9. She loves her activity center where she runs in circles. I have to say she is super fast. We play a catch game and she is always right behind me. She also loves her walker. It gives the opportunity to follow us around the house and be independent.
I love, love, love watching her learn new things. It seems like a light bulb lights up when she figures stuff out. And I can see/feel her proud smile. But I can't believe she is growing up so fast and soon she'll be walking on her own and won't need my help.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Little Self Esteem Boost
As I was walking toward the kitchen, one of my co-workers (guy) turned around and said "I can't believe you had a baby. You look so thin!".
I seriously wanted to hug and kiss him but the company policy on sexual harrassment was right there in from of my eyes along with other Hot Line and HR numbers.
He also used his hands when he said "thin". He sort of showed the rails or so it seems to me. Now it also got me thinking..... I hope he didn't mean that I look like a stick. I mean my boobs are actually bigger (thanks to breastfeeding" and I do have a butt. There is no way that I look like the "rails gesture". I've been hiding my baby belly too, so nobody is been able to see it. I am starting to do some exercises at home to get ready for our upcoming family vacation. I better be in good shape for that!!!
I seriously wanted to hug and kiss him but the company policy on sexual harrassment was right there in from of my eyes along with other Hot Line and HR numbers.
He also used his hands when he said "thin". He sort of showed the rails or so it seems to me. Now it also got me thinking..... I hope he didn't mean that I look like a stick. I mean my boobs are actually bigger (thanks to breastfeeding" and I do have a butt. There is no way that I look like the "rails gesture". I've been hiding my baby belly too, so nobody is been able to see it. I am starting to do some exercises at home to get ready for our upcoming family vacation. I better be in good shape for that!!!
Monday, August 16, 2010
Thank Yous In Our House
I've noticed that we are a lot more thankful in our V house lately. Here are a few of them for the record:
1. Thank you for taking care of A in the morning and letting me sleep for another hour
2. Thank you for feeding A at 4 or 6am
3. Thank you for keeping an eye on A and letting me use a restroom
4. Thank you for diner
5. Thank you for getting me a fork
6. Thank you for getting up and getting the remote
7. Thank you for placing your plate into the sink (double thank you points for washing the dishes)
8. Thank you for buying new windshields
9. Thank you for helping me get A to sleep when she refuses
10. Thank you for poopy diaper (that is for you miss A, after scaring mommy for not going for 3 days straight)
11. Thank you miss A for not crying and letting me make diner
12. Thank you miss A for your smile and giggles
That is all I remember from last week... I hope we'll continue to be thankful and appreciate everything we do for each other.
1. Thank you for taking care of A in the morning and letting me sleep for another hour
2. Thank you for feeding A at 4 or 6am
3. Thank you for keeping an eye on A and letting me use a restroom
4. Thank you for diner
5. Thank you for getting me a fork
6. Thank you for getting up and getting the remote
7. Thank you for placing your plate into the sink (double thank you points for washing the dishes)
8. Thank you for buying new windshields
9. Thank you for helping me get A to sleep when she refuses
10. Thank you for poopy diaper (that is for you miss A, after scaring mommy for not going for 3 days straight)
11. Thank you miss A for not crying and letting me make diner
12. Thank you miss A for your smile and giggles
That is all I remember from last week... I hope we'll continue to be thankful and appreciate everything we do for each other.
Swimming
Yesterday, we had our first swim class and Ariela did great. There were two other babies in the class who were a bit older and more "experienced". We did some exercises in the water with a teacher and had some free time to play. It was hard to read my girl's face. Did she like it or not? She seemed a bit at lost first. After all it was a new environment for her. Then all of a sudden she would smile and make other parents and the teacher smile. She also got a few compliments from the teacher
I felt so unprepared at the end of the class. I didn't take the body wash, so A and I smelled like chlorine until we got home. Mental note for next time!
Mr. V took some pics of us. His words were "it looked like you were having more fun then Ariela". Duh...I tried to be happy for her, so that she wouldn't be afraid and would enjoy this new experience.
We'll go for another three weeks and will decide if it is something we want to continue doing :)
I felt so unprepared at the end of the class. I didn't take the body wash, so A and I smelled like chlorine until we got home. Mental note for next time!
Mr. V took some pics of us. His words were "it looked like you were having more fun then Ariela". Duh...I tried to be happy for her, so that she wouldn't be afraid and would enjoy this new experience.
We'll go for another three weeks and will decide if it is something we want to continue doing :)
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Updates on Miss A
Here are the latest updates:
1. Miss A turned 8 months last week. I can't really believe that she is almost a toddler. She is still my baby and will always be my little girl.
2. Baby girl is now eating a lot more solids. She loves peaches. It is still her favorite. She tried peas, chicken with sweet potatos (yesterday), cheese, yogurt, and squash. She is not the best eater lately. Lately, she is eyeing our plates and starts to "scream" at us, basically telling us that she wants what we eat.
3. As I mentioned in my previous post, baby girl had roseola after going to a kid's bday party. I am so glad it is over. It was so hearbreaking watching her being sick. She just wasnt' herself. But who is when you have a fever. I am so happy to see a smile back on her face.
4. The scar from the burn are completely gone. Feee, what a relief.
5. Miss A is not crawling. She is not even interested in crawling. In fact, she is not interested in laying on her tummy at all. Lately, she is all about standing. She is starting to pull herself up but she is not a pro at it yet. When I come home, all we do is play on the mat next to her activity center. She tries to pull up but the center is too high for her. She turns to my and raises her hands so that I could help her to get up. She gets up easily and I make her take a few steps to the activity center (evil mommy!) and she just stand on her own until her little, cute butts hits the floor. And that is what we do now every evening.
6. She is not STTN. In theory, she sleeps long hours, from 9-9:30 till 8-8:30. but she wakes up during the night and starts to cry and looks for her pacifier. This leaves me with about 5-6 hours of interrupted sleep and hubby about 6-7 hours of interrupted sleep. I forgot what it feels like to have a restful sleep. She sleeps better when I (or hubby) put our hand under her butt. I can't really explain it but it works! :)
7. A few days ago, I was cooking diner and was holding Miss A. As I was flipping over the cutlets, baby girl obviously got bored and wanted attention. She started playing with my bangs at first and then with her little arm she turned my face around so that I'll be looking directly at her. I could see that she had the satisfaction in her eyes when I stared at her. It was exactly what she wanted. I turned off the stove and went to play with my baby girl.
Till next time :)
1. Miss A turned 8 months last week. I can't really believe that she is almost a toddler. She is still my baby and will always be my little girl.
2. Baby girl is now eating a lot more solids. She loves peaches. It is still her favorite. She tried peas, chicken with sweet potatos (yesterday), cheese, yogurt, and squash. She is not the best eater lately. Lately, she is eyeing our plates and starts to "scream" at us, basically telling us that she wants what we eat.
3. As I mentioned in my previous post, baby girl had roseola after going to a kid's bday party. I am so glad it is over. It was so hearbreaking watching her being sick. She just wasnt' herself. But who is when you have a fever. I am so happy to see a smile back on her face.
4. The scar from the burn are completely gone. Feee, what a relief.
5. Miss A is not crawling. She is not even interested in crawling. In fact, she is not interested in laying on her tummy at all. Lately, she is all about standing. She is starting to pull herself up but she is not a pro at it yet. When I come home, all we do is play on the mat next to her activity center. She tries to pull up but the center is too high for her. She turns to my and raises her hands so that I could help her to get up. She gets up easily and I make her take a few steps to the activity center (evil mommy!) and she just stand on her own until her little, cute butts hits the floor. And that is what we do now every evening.
6. She is not STTN. In theory, she sleeps long hours, from 9-9:30 till 8-8:30. but she wakes up during the night and starts to cry and looks for her pacifier. This leaves me with about 5-6 hours of interrupted sleep and hubby about 6-7 hours of interrupted sleep. I forgot what it feels like to have a restful sleep. She sleeps better when I (or hubby) put our hand under her butt. I can't really explain it but it works! :)
7. A few days ago, I was cooking diner and was holding Miss A. As I was flipping over the cutlets, baby girl obviously got bored and wanted attention. She started playing with my bangs at first and then with her little arm she turned my face around so that I'll be looking directly at her. I could see that she had the satisfaction in her eyes when I stared at her. It was exactly what she wanted. I turned off the stove and went to play with my baby girl.
Till next time :)
"Little" Updates
It is been a while again since my last post. But to my excuse I've been extremely busy at work and at home. I started reading the blogs that I follow first and then time just flies and I don't have time to jot my thoughts down in my own blog.
So, here are some of the updates from last time:
1. Ariela went to her first kid's birthday party. One kid was sick and started an epidemic. Miss A had a fever for 4 days. Mr. V and my mom took her to a doctor (our pediatrician wasn't available). The doc examined her and wasn't happy that we decided to bring her in, since she was "fine". I wanted to punch him after I heard it. I am paying a lot of money for insurance and I have every right to bring my daughter in if I think she is not feeling well, especially for 4 days. Anyways, the fever stopped and she had a rash after. Apparently, my baby had roseola, which is pretty common in kids. But come on, she was only 7.5 months. She is too little to be sick.
2. I am slowly getting into a routine. I know, it took me a while! Miss A has been going to bed around 9-9:30. It is still late for a baby but it is so much better then her 12-12:30 time. I wash the bottles, prepare lunches for next day, pump, sometimes watch a movie with hubby, and go to sleep.
3. Miss A is getting used to sleeping in our bed. It is sooo not something I wanted but what can you do? She sleeps for about 2 hours and then start to scream around 11-12am (sometimes 2am) and it is easier for us to let her sleep with us then get up every 30 minutes to soothe her and help her fall back asleep.
4. Work has been crazy. Too many changes and too much expectations. I am so over this job. I wish I could just win the lottery and quit.
5. I've lost all of my pregnancy pounds and maybe even more. But I still have a baby belly which doesn't go away. It is absolutely driving me insane. It is not fat. It is the skin that stretched out for 9 months. It probably won't go away on its own, so I should really stop complaining and start doing some exercises.
6. I feel better about my body, even though I still can't wear tight tops (see #5). I fit into my jeans and pants and some of them are even big on me.
7. I still continue to pump. I didn't expect to last that long but it is part of my routine already and I can't even imagine my day without my black little bag with pump. It is my tail that follows me around everywhere I go.
I'll do a little update on Miss A in a different post.
So, here are some of the updates from last time:
1. Ariela went to her first kid's birthday party. One kid was sick and started an epidemic. Miss A had a fever for 4 days. Mr. V and my mom took her to a doctor (our pediatrician wasn't available). The doc examined her and wasn't happy that we decided to bring her in, since she was "fine". I wanted to punch him after I heard it. I am paying a lot of money for insurance and I have every right to bring my daughter in if I think she is not feeling well, especially for 4 days. Anyways, the fever stopped and she had a rash after. Apparently, my baby had roseola, which is pretty common in kids. But come on, she was only 7.5 months. She is too little to be sick.
2. I am slowly getting into a routine. I know, it took me a while! Miss A has been going to bed around 9-9:30. It is still late for a baby but it is so much better then her 12-12:30 time. I wash the bottles, prepare lunches for next day, pump, sometimes watch a movie with hubby, and go to sleep.
3. Miss A is getting used to sleeping in our bed. It is sooo not something I wanted but what can you do? She sleeps for about 2 hours and then start to scream around 11-12am (sometimes 2am) and it is easier for us to let her sleep with us then get up every 30 minutes to soothe her and help her fall back asleep.
4. Work has been crazy. Too many changes and too much expectations. I am so over this job. I wish I could just win the lottery and quit.
5. I've lost all of my pregnancy pounds and maybe even more. But I still have a baby belly which doesn't go away. It is absolutely driving me insane. It is not fat. It is the skin that stretched out for 9 months. It probably won't go away on its own, so I should really stop complaining and start doing some exercises.
6. I feel better about my body, even though I still can't wear tight tops (see #5). I fit into my jeans and pants and some of them are even big on me.
7. I still continue to pump. I didn't expect to last that long but it is part of my routine already and I can't even imagine my day without my black little bag with pump. It is my tail that follows me around everywhere I go.
I'll do a little update on Miss A in a different post.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
First Trip to the Hospital
Well, the title just says it all. It'll be a month tomorrow since our first ER trip.
What happened and how you might ask? Here are the details of that awful evening.
On Sunday night, we usually go to my parent's house for diner. But that Sunday we decided to go out instead to a sushi restaurant. We got a big table and Mr. V took Miss A from me and had her on his lap. The waitress brought tea and cups. I poured down the tea and gave everyone a cup. Now, the cups were pretty far away from Miss A. I would say somewhere in the middle of the table. Miss A, being her curious self, tried to reach for a plate, then chopsticks, and then one short second later she finally a cup of hot tea. The tea spilled on the table and reached my precious little girl. She started screaming and yelling. Honestly, I was so shocked that I had a very slow reaction. I took Miss A and ran to the bathroom with her like a maniac woman. I pulled paper towels and wet them with cold water and applied to the area where she got burned. She couldn't stop crying. She had tears pouring down her cute "little" cheeks and I didn't know what to do. I, the mother of this child, did not know what to do. I was lost. My mom and my brother were running back and forth. I kept asking to bring her diaper bag and they brought me my bag. Mr. V was on the phone calling our pediatrician but since it was after hours he wasn't able to reach anyone. Oh, and I guess he doesn't know about the option of a live nurse. I figured he was just as shocked as I was and totally didn't listen to all of the options on the phone.
I sat on the toilet holding my baby girl who couldn't calm down. She looked at me and I felt useless and helpless. She was waiting for me to soothe her and relief her from the pain but I didn't know how to do it. Finally, we decided to go to ER.
Ugh, I can't even describe what I felt as I walked into ER holding my baby, who by the way calmed down in the car and fell asleep. (I had to held her during the car ride. There was no way, I could strap her in the car seat. She needed me). After waiting for about an hour, the doctor looked at the burn area (little bit on the arm and a little more on her left side of the stomach), put some neosporin, gauze and tape, and off we went. The doc said it happens a lot. Geez, that didn't make me feel better.
For the next 2 weeks, we washed the burn area twice a day, applied neosporin, and placed the dressing on her wounds. I cried for the first two days when I changed her. My baby's girl skin was burned because I wasn't looking. I wasn't fast enough to reach that cup first. I wasn't thinking two steps ahead when I poured that tea. Her perfect and precious white skin had blisters and red spots on it. I felt guilty and I still do. My eyes are all watery as I type this. I felt even worse when both of my sister-in-laws told their families and friends what happened and they started calling us to check how Miss A was doing. I felt like people were judging me. I felt like I didn't deserve to be a mother. I felt like the whole world around us will think of us careless parents.
Now, the wounds and blisters are gone. She still has a little bit of red left on her stomach and hand but it is nothing comparing to what it was like before. I aim pretty sure it'll heel in the next few weeks. i bought a cart/high chair cover and that is what we use when we go out now. Oh and now we take turns drinking hot tea if Miss A is next to us. I wish we wouldn't have to learn from these kind of mistakes, but it happened and there is no way I can go back and change what happened that evening.
What happened and how you might ask? Here are the details of that awful evening.
On Sunday night, we usually go to my parent's house for diner. But that Sunday we decided to go out instead to a sushi restaurant. We got a big table and Mr. V took Miss A from me and had her on his lap. The waitress brought tea and cups. I poured down the tea and gave everyone a cup. Now, the cups were pretty far away from Miss A. I would say somewhere in the middle of the table. Miss A, being her curious self, tried to reach for a plate, then chopsticks, and then one short second later she finally a cup of hot tea. The tea spilled on the table and reached my precious little girl. She started screaming and yelling. Honestly, I was so shocked that I had a very slow reaction. I took Miss A and ran to the bathroom with her like a maniac woman. I pulled paper towels and wet them with cold water and applied to the area where she got burned. She couldn't stop crying. She had tears pouring down her cute "little" cheeks and I didn't know what to do. I, the mother of this child, did not know what to do. I was lost. My mom and my brother were running back and forth. I kept asking to bring her diaper bag and they brought me my bag. Mr. V was on the phone calling our pediatrician but since it was after hours he wasn't able to reach anyone. Oh, and I guess he doesn't know about the option of a live nurse. I figured he was just as shocked as I was and totally didn't listen to all of the options on the phone.
I sat on the toilet holding my baby girl who couldn't calm down. She looked at me and I felt useless and helpless. She was waiting for me to soothe her and relief her from the pain but I didn't know how to do it. Finally, we decided to go to ER.
Ugh, I can't even describe what I felt as I walked into ER holding my baby, who by the way calmed down in the car and fell asleep. (I had to held her during the car ride. There was no way, I could strap her in the car seat. She needed me). After waiting for about an hour, the doctor looked at the burn area (little bit on the arm and a little more on her left side of the stomach), put some neosporin, gauze and tape, and off we went. The doc said it happens a lot. Geez, that didn't make me feel better.
For the next 2 weeks, we washed the burn area twice a day, applied neosporin, and placed the dressing on her wounds. I cried for the first two days when I changed her. My baby's girl skin was burned because I wasn't looking. I wasn't fast enough to reach that cup first. I wasn't thinking two steps ahead when I poured that tea. Her perfect and precious white skin had blisters and red spots on it. I felt guilty and I still do. My eyes are all watery as I type this. I felt even worse when both of my sister-in-laws told their families and friends what happened and they started calling us to check how Miss A was doing. I felt like people were judging me. I felt like I didn't deserve to be a mother. I felt like the whole world around us will think of us careless parents.
Now, the wounds and blisters are gone. She still has a little bit of red left on her stomach and hand but it is nothing comparing to what it was like before. I aim pretty sure it'll heel in the next few weeks. i bought a cart/high chair cover and that is what we use when we go out now. Oh and now we take turns drinking hot tea if Miss A is next to us. I wish we wouldn't have to learn from these kind of mistakes, but it happened and there is no way I can go back and change what happened that evening.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Mother's Day
To tell you the truth, I was a bit disappointed that day. I got up early to pump and feed Miss A breakfast. I didn't mind it at all. I got to spend time with her. I changed her and fed her breakfast. We played in her room quitly and then prepared breakfast for adults. Mr. V woke up and totally forgot that it was Mother's Day. As he was holding A, she kind of hit him in the arm. It was a perfect place for me to say "that is right A, I should punch daddy also for not remembering that it is Mother's day". He had that look on his face, you know which one I talk about. Oh crap, I f***ed up. He leaned and kissed me on the cheeck. That is right, no flowers, no surprise, and no gift (I picked out a purse a week before and he got it for me, but I was still thinking I would get something else. I am so naive). I don't know if it should make me feel better or not, but he totally forgot to congratulate his mom with this special holiday. Yeap, he talked to her in the morning and had to call back after I told him about me punching him :).
Apparently, hubbs was tired that day, so he decided to take a nap. Really? I thought it was my day to relax! I escaped to the grocery store, since my brother decided to have a gathering at his house. And get this, it was a potluck, so all couples had to bring something. I was pissed thinking that my mom and other women have to cook instead of taking time for themselves.
I did manage to get a mani/pedi that day, which I desperately needed since I started wearing open toe shoes.
I was upset that Mr. V didn't put any effort into making my first Mother's day special. But I think he also gets some credit because we never had this holiday back in former USSR. At the end of the day though, I realized that I don't need any surprises. I don't need any luxury gifts and attention from the hubby. It made me realize that I already had the most amazing gift in the whole wide world who melts my heart with her adorable smile. I think in the future, I'll be spending more time with my jewel during that holiday instead of taking time for myself. I'll be celebrating with her. After all, I am a mother because of her!!!
Apparently, hubbs was tired that day, so he decided to take a nap. Really? I thought it was my day to relax! I escaped to the grocery store, since my brother decided to have a gathering at his house. And get this, it was a potluck, so all couples had to bring something. I was pissed thinking that my mom and other women have to cook instead of taking time for themselves.
I did manage to get a mani/pedi that day, which I desperately needed since I started wearing open toe shoes.
I was upset that Mr. V didn't put any effort into making my first Mother's day special. But I think he also gets some credit because we never had this holiday back in former USSR. At the end of the day though, I realized that I don't need any surprises. I don't need any luxury gifts and attention from the hubby. It made me realize that I already had the most amazing gift in the whole wide world who melts my heart with her adorable smile. I think in the future, I'll be spending more time with my jewel during that holiday instead of taking time for myself. I'll be celebrating with her. After all, I am a mother because of her!!!
So Much To Write About
And so little time. I don't have enough time to blog. I think that is the perfect excuse for not updtating my blog. Work has been crazy lately and evenings are devoted to Miss A and other fun stuff routines around the house. I feel like I have to jot down my ideas for the blog, otherwise I'll forget what I wanted to write about. And it wouldn't be a surprise if I would forget or lost the post it with my notes. Lately, I feel like my mind went for a walk and forgot to come back.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Confessions
So, I just had a little reality check. I named my blog Confessions of Mrs.V but I never confess anything. So here it goes:
1. I am tired. I returned to work 3.5 months ago and I don't know how longer I can keep up with my schedule.
2. #1 leads me to this. I need a vacation. But if we go somewhere with Miss A. then it wouldn't be really a vacation. And I would probably get even more tired by organizing, planning, packing, and unpacking. Plus, going on a vacation with the breastpump, bottles and drying rack.....I don't think so!
3. Sometimes I feel like a single parent. Mr. V comes home, eats diner, and sits on the couch, while I have to take care of Miss A, wash bottles for next day, prepare lunches and so on. Don't I get a break too? I wish I could come home and just chill on the couch. Why don't I have that option?
4. I don't like my body. I know it could be worse but I really want my skinny, flat stomach, cute arse body back. I've lost almost all of the pregnancy wait, still have about 5 pounds (maybe less since breastmilk also counts as addition to my pounds). But, and this is a big but, my body doesn't nearly look the same. My stomach is all jingly and even if I can fit into my old pants/jeans, I have a freaking muffin top that doesn't let me wear any of my tops.
5. I'd like to work part time. I wish I could spend more time with Miss A. and enjoy this stage in our life. And in reality I probably could. I think we would make it financially, but I wouldn't be able to do my job part time and I can't work from home. Right now is not even a right time to look for another job that could meet my needs and wants. So, I am stuck. There are days when I catch myself thinking "I'll just pack my stuff, turn off the computer and wave buh-bye to my boss".
6. I need more time for myself. I am still a girl after all who wants to get her hair and nails done on a regular basis. But every time I try to do somehting for myself I feel guilty. I feel like I am a bad mother who'd rather go to a salon on the weekend then spend time with my baby girl.
7. I need more sleep! Lately, I've been sleeping about 4-5.5 hours at night with interruptions. I've become forgetful and unfocused.
That is it for now. I am sure I'll think of more stuff.
1. I am tired. I returned to work 3.5 months ago and I don't know how longer I can keep up with my schedule.
2. #1 leads me to this. I need a vacation. But if we go somewhere with Miss A. then it wouldn't be really a vacation. And I would probably get even more tired by organizing, planning, packing, and unpacking. Plus, going on a vacation with the breastpump, bottles and drying rack.....I don't think so!
3. Sometimes I feel like a single parent. Mr. V comes home, eats diner, and sits on the couch, while I have to take care of Miss A, wash bottles for next day, prepare lunches and so on. Don't I get a break too? I wish I could come home and just chill on the couch. Why don't I have that option?
4. I don't like my body. I know it could be worse but I really want my skinny, flat stomach, cute arse body back. I've lost almost all of the pregnancy wait, still have about 5 pounds (maybe less since breastmilk also counts as addition to my pounds). But, and this is a big but, my body doesn't nearly look the same. My stomach is all jingly and even if I can fit into my old pants/jeans, I have a freaking muffin top that doesn't let me wear any of my tops.
5. I'd like to work part time. I wish I could spend more time with Miss A. and enjoy this stage in our life. And in reality I probably could. I think we would make it financially, but I wouldn't be able to do my job part time and I can't work from home. Right now is not even a right time to look for another job that could meet my needs and wants. So, I am stuck. There are days when I catch myself thinking "I'll just pack my stuff, turn off the computer and wave buh-bye to my boss".
6. I need more time for myself. I am still a girl after all who wants to get her hair and nails done on a regular basis. But every time I try to do somehting for myself I feel guilty. I feel like I am a bad mother who'd rather go to a salon on the weekend then spend time with my baby girl.
7. I need more sleep! Lately, I've been sleeping about 4-5.5 hours at night with interruptions. I've become forgetful and unfocused.
That is it for now. I am sure I'll think of more stuff.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
What's for Diner?
Miss A has been trying new things every few days for the past 2 weeks. She hasn't tried that many veggies/fruits but I already can say that she is just like me. When I was little my parents struggled with feeding times. As for Miss A, here is what she tried and her reaction:
1. Rice cereal - tried for the first time at 5.5 months (May 1). She loved the idea of eating out of a spoon, but she wasn't fond of a cereal. We tried with a few spoons thinking she just has to get used to it. The next few weeks up until now, she eats about 5 baby spoons and then starts turning her head whenever she sees me bringing the spoon to her mouth. Oh, and she also locks her lips, so nothing will get into her mouth. I laugh everytime she does it!
2. Apple - again tried a little bit and is not a big fan.
3. Bread - now she doesn't really it but we give her the hard part and munches on it and I think it is helping her with teathing. She loves bread!!! If she sees me taking out the bread, she starts making sounds and shaking a little bit, and also tries to reach it.
4. Avocado - tried a few days ago and didn't really like it.
5. Sweet potato - my Mom cooked her the sweet potato on Sunday. Again, tried few spoons and would lock her mouth.
She gets excited when she sees her bottle. But I keep telling her that she can't be eating breastmilk/formula until retirement. We'll keep on trying with new veggies/fruits, hopefully we'll find something she'll like.
1. Rice cereal - tried for the first time at 5.5 months (May 1). She loved the idea of eating out of a spoon, but she wasn't fond of a cereal. We tried with a few spoons thinking she just has to get used to it. The next few weeks up until now, she eats about 5 baby spoons and then starts turning her head whenever she sees me bringing the spoon to her mouth. Oh, and she also locks her lips, so nothing will get into her mouth. I laugh everytime she does it!
2. Apple - again tried a little bit and is not a big fan.
3. Bread - now she doesn't really it but we give her the hard part and munches on it and I think it is helping her with teathing. She loves bread!!! If she sees me taking out the bread, she starts making sounds and shaking a little bit, and also tries to reach it.
4. Avocado - tried a few days ago and didn't really like it.
5. Sweet potato - my Mom cooked her the sweet potato on Sunday. Again, tried few spoons and would lock her mouth.
She gets excited when she sees her bottle. But I keep telling her that she can't be eating breastmilk/formula until retirement. We'll keep on trying with new veggies/fruits, hopefully we'll find something she'll like.
Say What?
My baby girl and I spend last Saturday together. Mr. V had to take care of the condo and visit his parents/brother. We played, sang, did tummy time, read stories and ate before we got out of the house. As Miss A was consuming her "delicious" rice cereal (more of the cereal ends up on her face rather then in her mouth)she said "Ma". I didn't believe my ears but my initial reaction was to answer "Yes, baby". Haha... You would think that my reaction would be "OMG, she just said Ma!". But no, it took me a few minutes and then I was clapping and hugging Miss A for saying Ma. Even though nobody else was home to hear her say it, I was and still am convinced that she didn't just babble it but really, truly meant it!
Thank you baby girl for a wonderful Saturday!
Thank you baby girl for a wonderful Saturday!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Want to know what I think?
Well, since Mommy is not writing her thoughts in this blog, maybe she can jot down some of mine.
The last 4.5 months have been just crazy. First, I was pushed out from my cozy little "room" to a room full of super bright lights and weird faces, who were all up in my business. The woman in a white rob put me down on the chest that seemed familiar. I recognized the heart beating, the smell and the voice of a woman who was holding me (mommy). I also recognized the dude's voice who was standing next to her just starring at me without blinking (daddy). Then I finally got a bath. I wasn't too dirty or anything but I still couldn't meet all the folks that wanted to see me without a bath.
I think Mommy blogged about my entrance to this world, so I'll skip to the a later chapter in my life. Mommy and I spent 2.5 months at home together. The first month was the hardest for both of us. I mean, both of us were not getting enough sleep because I was hungry every few hours. I wasn't picky about food just as long as I get my share. (I remember some docs at the hospital saying babies don't need any food for the first couple of days, really? I bet you would be screaming at the top of your lungs if you didn't get any food). I wasn't picky how the food got to my mouth either - mommy, bottle, or little cup. At first, mommy and I had our misunderstandings. She didn't always know what I wanted and I couldn't really explain it to her. We started playing a little game. I would cry and mommy would guess what I needed/wanted - diaper change, food, warm blanket on my tummy.
A few more months passed and now we totally get each other. We are BFFs. We play together, laugh, read/eat books, cook, eat, and dance around the house. Oh, and we also like talk like 24/7 (totally exaggerating, we talk when I am not sleeping).
I do like Mommy but I think I am Daddy's girl. I love it when he comes home from where ever he spends his day. I put on the biggest smile just for him! I know he liked it. He smiles back and wants to hold me immediately. It's definitely L.O.V.E. Daddy loves to play. He can spend hours playing with me as long as I turn off the volume on my toys after 10 minutes. He really doesn't like listening to the same melody for a long time. But I get it, who does, I get annoyed too! Daddy and I also get to sleep in together most mornings. I just love waking up next to daddy in a big comfortable bed.
There are also grandparents. I see my granny everyday. She is entertaining me while my parents are at work. Grandpa comes everyday too to pick up granny. He is hilarious. He makes weird sounds at me and thinks I really like the baby talk.
And let's move on to the latest chapter of my life. I can now roll to my stomach (started at 4 months) but how do I get back??? I haven't figured it out yet. Mommy finally recorded my moves on camera. I was teasing her for 2 weeks and only rolling once per day when she wasn't around. I love my toys - the cube, pink hippo, lion, and Sophie is really tasty too. I also love the jumper that my parents borrowed from my cousin. My auntie and uncle said he didn't like too much when he was my age. Really? Not liking it? I love it. It is my favorite place in the house. Boys are just weird!
This is all I can think of now. But I think I am better at this whole blogging thing than Mommy. Hehe... :)
Miss A
The last 4.5 months have been just crazy. First, I was pushed out from my cozy little "room" to a room full of super bright lights and weird faces, who were all up in my business. The woman in a white rob put me down on the chest that seemed familiar. I recognized the heart beating, the smell and the voice of a woman who was holding me (mommy). I also recognized the dude's voice who was standing next to her just starring at me without blinking (daddy). Then I finally got a bath. I wasn't too dirty or anything but I still couldn't meet all the folks that wanted to see me without a bath.
I think Mommy blogged about my entrance to this world, so I'll skip to the a later chapter in my life. Mommy and I spent 2.5 months at home together. The first month was the hardest for both of us. I mean, both of us were not getting enough sleep because I was hungry every few hours. I wasn't picky about food just as long as I get my share. (I remember some docs at the hospital saying babies don't need any food for the first couple of days, really? I bet you would be screaming at the top of your lungs if you didn't get any food). I wasn't picky how the food got to my mouth either - mommy, bottle, or little cup. At first, mommy and I had our misunderstandings. She didn't always know what I wanted and I couldn't really explain it to her. We started playing a little game. I would cry and mommy would guess what I needed/wanted - diaper change, food, warm blanket on my tummy.
A few more months passed and now we totally get each other. We are BFFs. We play together, laugh, read/eat books, cook, eat, and dance around the house. Oh, and we also like talk like 24/7 (totally exaggerating, we talk when I am not sleeping).
I do like Mommy but I think I am Daddy's girl. I love it when he comes home from where ever he spends his day. I put on the biggest smile just for him! I know he liked it. He smiles back and wants to hold me immediately. It's definitely L.O.V.E. Daddy loves to play. He can spend hours playing with me as long as I turn off the volume on my toys after 10 minutes. He really doesn't like listening to the same melody for a long time. But I get it, who does, I get annoyed too! Daddy and I also get to sleep in together most mornings. I just love waking up next to daddy in a big comfortable bed.
There are also grandparents. I see my granny everyday. She is entertaining me while my parents are at work. Grandpa comes everyday too to pick up granny. He is hilarious. He makes weird sounds at me and thinks I really like the baby talk.
And let's move on to the latest chapter of my life. I can now roll to my stomach (started at 4 months) but how do I get back??? I haven't figured it out yet. Mommy finally recorded my moves on camera. I was teasing her for 2 weeks and only rolling once per day when she wasn't around. I love my toys - the cube, pink hippo, lion, and Sophie is really tasty too. I also love the jumper that my parents borrowed from my cousin. My auntie and uncle said he didn't like too much when he was my age. Really? Not liking it? I love it. It is my favorite place in the house. Boys are just weird!
This is all I can think of now. But I think I am better at this whole blogging thing than Mommy. Hehe... :)
Miss A
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Anything new?
I think so. Since I haven't been blogging for the last month or so, I didn't write down any of Ariela's developments. So here they go:
- Ariela is such a talker lately. In the last couple of weeks she'll have conversations with us or she'll just babble out loud.
-She now spits. Yes, my daughter spits but I think she is too little for me to lecture her on this. She purses her lips, making the brrrrr sound and spits around her. Her chin will get wet and everything/everyone around might get some saliva on them. Watch out!!! Mr. V showed her how to do it a few weeks ago and now this is all she does when she is not talking or when she is mad/upset at us.
-She loves attention. I think she actually craves it but it is totally cool with me since I always want to see what she does/says.
-She is a flirt! But only with Mr. V and my dad. Whenever she sees them, she'll smile and then she'll turn and hide from them with the biggest flirtatious smile.
-She is eating better. She now eats 5-6oz of BM per feeding. We stopped giving her formula since I now have enough BM.
-She has been trying to roll to her belly for the last few weeks. She gets about 3/4 of the way but her head is not turning so she goes back on her back. The girl won't give up though.
I am not sure how much she weighs right now. Her doctor's appointment is coming up very soon.
- Ariela is such a talker lately. In the last couple of weeks she'll have conversations with us or she'll just babble out loud.
-She now spits. Yes, my daughter spits but I think she is too little for me to lecture her on this. She purses her lips, making the brrrrr sound and spits around her. Her chin will get wet and everything/everyone around might get some saliva on them. Watch out!!! Mr. V showed her how to do it a few weeks ago and now this is all she does when she is not talking or when she is mad/upset at us.
-She loves attention. I think she actually craves it but it is totally cool with me since I always want to see what she does/says.
-She is a flirt! But only with Mr. V and my dad. Whenever she sees them, she'll smile and then she'll turn and hide from them with the biggest flirtatious smile.
-She is eating better. She now eats 5-6oz of BM per feeding. We stopped giving her formula since I now have enough BM.
-She has been trying to roll to her belly for the last few weeks. She gets about 3/4 of the way but her head is not turning so she goes back on her back. The girl won't give up though.
I am not sure how much she weighs right now. Her doctor's appointment is coming up very soon.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Pumping
Pumping at work is tough. I get to carry my pump to/from work everyday, set up the pump for each pumping session, pack the pump, and then wash the bottles. And I get to do that 2-3 times per day at work? I am just that lucky :)
I am lucky to have an "available" office at work. Lately it is been occupied by out of town business people, so I get to go downstairs and share that office with another girl who is also pumping at work. That girl takes her time though and takes about 45 minutes for each session. One day, I went downstairs three times thinking she was done using the room, but nope she was still in it.
I know I complaining, but I still do it because I want the best for my girl. My plan was to make it till 4 months. And I can proudly say that I made that goal. Now I think I want to make it till 8 months.
My milk supply increased since I started eating and pumping at work more regularly. At home it wasn't always the case. So, as of two months ago Miss A has been getting the BM only. Speaking of BM only, I was sitting at work the other day and thinking about how it is nice to know that finally I have enough milk for Miss A and we don't have to supplement, when it hit me that she is not getting vitamin D for the last month. Only formula has enough vitamin D. I felt horrible and ran to Target to pick up some Trivisol drops for Miss A.
I don't like pumping. Here I said it. For some reason it doesn't make me feel like a woman, more like an animal I would say. I don't like pumping at home in front of Mr. V thinking that he won't look at me like he used to when we were still in a honeymoon stage. I do it because I have to. I do it because I want Miss A to be healthy. I do it because otherwise I would feel guilty. Everytime, I gave formula to Miss A for a feeding before bed (since babies digest it longer) I felt horrible because I had some extra BM in the fridge that she could "eat". And speaking of pumping, I have to go and pump now.
I am lucky to have an "available" office at work. Lately it is been occupied by out of town business people, so I get to go downstairs and share that office with another girl who is also pumping at work. That girl takes her time though and takes about 45 minutes for each session. One day, I went downstairs three times thinking she was done using the room, but nope she was still in it.
I know I complaining, but I still do it because I want the best for my girl. My plan was to make it till 4 months. And I can proudly say that I made that goal. Now I think I want to make it till 8 months.
My milk supply increased since I started eating and pumping at work more regularly. At home it wasn't always the case. So, as of two months ago Miss A has been getting the BM only. Speaking of BM only, I was sitting at work the other day and thinking about how it is nice to know that finally I have enough milk for Miss A and we don't have to supplement, when it hit me that she is not getting vitamin D for the last month. Only formula has enough vitamin D. I felt horrible and ran to Target to pick up some Trivisol drops for Miss A.
I don't like pumping. Here I said it. For some reason it doesn't make me feel like a woman, more like an animal I would say. I don't like pumping at home in front of Mr. V thinking that he won't look at me like he used to when we were still in a honeymoon stage. I do it because I have to. I do it because I want Miss A to be healthy. I do it because otherwise I would feel guilty. Everytime, I gave formula to Miss A for a feeding before bed (since babies digest it longer) I felt horrible because I had some extra BM in the fridge that she could "eat". And speaking of pumping, I have to go and pump now.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Where was I?
Well, yet again it is been a while since my lost blog entry. The V family has been very busy lately adjusting to a new routine. I returned to work as of February 1st (Ariela was 2.5 months). I used 12 weeks out of 13 of my partially paid maternity leave. I also wanted to take a few more weeks without pay till March 1, but our plans changed. My mom got laid off and with a little bit of convincing (she wanted to look for another job right away) she agreed to watch Ariela. With my heart a little bit at ease, I returned to work. I was so happy that my little girl can spend a few more months at home with grandma. I know eventually she'll have to go to daycar, but I want her to be at least 10 months or so.
I am not going to lie, things have been difficult. By the end of the day all I want to do is crawl into bad without even washing my face and changing into PJs. After all, it saves about 10-15 minutes and I can sure use it for my sleep.
Miss A has been changing and growing. She turned 4 months last week. She is absolutely adorable and makes my day everytime she smiles or does something new.I never understood when people said it before the love grows each day, but after having Miss A I can totally relate. Even though being a parent is the toughest job I've had to do, it is definitly the most rewarding one.
I am not going to lie, things have been difficult. By the end of the day all I want to do is crawl into bad without even washing my face and changing into PJs. After all, it saves about 10-15 minutes and I can sure use it for my sleep.
Miss A has been changing and growing. She turned 4 months last week. She is absolutely adorable and makes my day everytime she smiles or does something new.I never understood when people said it before the love grows each day, but after having Miss A I can totally relate. Even though being a parent is the toughest job I've had to do, it is definitly the most rewarding one.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
I used to be that girl
That girl who loved and enjoyed:
-putting make up everyday (foundation and eye liner)
-blow dry my hair after each wash and occasionally straighten them
-dress up nicely for work
-go shopping on a weekday just because I could
-wear heels everyday
-wear sweats only to the gym and around the house with a matching top
-got mani and pedi every two weeks
And now since our little princess arrived, I feel like a totally different person. I just don't have enough time for myself anymore.
Let's see how it all changed:
-I still try to put make up everyday, especially since I returned to work. when I stayed at home with Ariela, I didn't have time nor strength for make-up.
-Blow dryer, what is that? Seriously, I forgot I had one.
-Yeah, so about that. Since I still can't fit into everything and haven't bought myself any new pair of pants (for motivation to loose weight), I can only fit into two pairs of jeans. Also, my closet is now in Ariela's room. I know, I know... our house is roomy but it definitely doesn't have enough closets. So, I have to prepare my clothes from the night before and honestly it is been pretty easy since I really can't wear a lot with jeans.
-Shopping...let's just skip that painful subject right now. I am waiting till I can fit into my regular size 2-4 pants. Plus, I am always in a hurry to get home so my mom can get some rest and go home.
-For the last two months, all I wore were sneakers. I started wearing little heels to work but nothing comparing to what I wore before. I am afraid I'll loose balance caring my bag, my lunch, and my pump.
-Again, for the last couple of months that is all.i.wore. I can't imagine my life without them now. I would start the day with a matching top but then I would need to change my tops a few times per day because of the spit ups and other fun spills.
-I did manage to escape out of the house for mani and pedi just once before New Years. That is right, if you can't count, I haven't done them in almost two months. I try not to look at my toes and it is easy now since I wear socks all the time in this weather. But my hands is a totally different story. I always try to hide them when I am around people. I am noticing people staring at my nails at work. Maybe, just maybe I am being paranoid. But all of the girls at work used to compliment me on my nails before and now they probably think I turned into that Mom who doesn't take care of herself. But that is a story for another blog post.
-putting make up everyday (foundation and eye liner)
-blow dry my hair after each wash and occasionally straighten them
-dress up nicely for work
-go shopping on a weekday just because I could
-wear heels everyday
-wear sweats only to the gym and around the house with a matching top
-got mani and pedi every two weeks
And now since our little princess arrived, I feel like a totally different person. I just don't have enough time for myself anymore.
Let's see how it all changed:
-I still try to put make up everyday, especially since I returned to work. when I stayed at home with Ariela, I didn't have time nor strength for make-up.
-Blow dryer, what is that? Seriously, I forgot I had one.
-Yeah, so about that. Since I still can't fit into everything and haven't bought myself any new pair of pants (for motivation to loose weight), I can only fit into two pairs of jeans. Also, my closet is now in Ariela's room. I know, I know... our house is roomy but it definitely doesn't have enough closets. So, I have to prepare my clothes from the night before and honestly it is been pretty easy since I really can't wear a lot with jeans.
-Shopping...let's just skip that painful subject right now. I am waiting till I can fit into my regular size 2-4 pants. Plus, I am always in a hurry to get home so my mom can get some rest and go home.
-For the last two months, all I wore were sneakers. I started wearing little heels to work but nothing comparing to what I wore before. I am afraid I'll loose balance caring my bag, my lunch, and my pump.
-Again, for the last couple of months that is all.i.wore. I can't imagine my life without them now. I would start the day with a matching top but then I would need to change my tops a few times per day because of the spit ups and other fun spills.
-I did manage to escape out of the house for mani and pedi just once before New Years. That is right, if you can't count, I haven't done them in almost two months. I try not to look at my toes and it is easy now since I wear socks all the time in this weather. But my hands is a totally different story. I always try to hide them when I am around people. I am noticing people staring at my nails at work. Maybe, just maybe I am being paranoid. But all of the girls at work used to compliment me on my nails before and now they probably think I turned into that Mom who doesn't take care of herself. But that is a story for another blog post.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
A Trip To Remember
Today we went to wish Mr. V's mom Happy Birthday. She celebrated her 60th birthday in a very nice buffet with lots of champagne and great jazz music. It was Ariela's first trip to the restaurant. We would leave her with my parents but they were invited as well.
We were an hour late, since our little princess decided to do her business (#2) right when we were ready to leave. So she was back on the changing table :)
When we got to the restaurant Ariela was sleeping for the first 30 minutes. She gave us some time to say hello to everyone and to grab some food. Then it was her time to eat. By the way, she is still not a good eater. So, there she was, drinking her milk and doing her business again (#2) while she was on my lap. At that time, Mr. V's mom decided that it was time to take a picture of the whole gang. Ariela took a little break and posed for the picture. The guy who took the picture started counting 3, 2, 1 and right when he said 1, Ariela started crying so loud that a lot of people in the restaurant could hear. We got back to our sits and Ariela continued with her feast. And again, she was continuing with her business (#2) while she was eating on my laps. All of a sudden, my fingers feel warm and wet and they kind of smelled. What do you know, my little princess got not only herself dirty but her momma as well.
I quickly called Mr. V. He grabbed the diaper bag and the waiter showed us an empty private room where we could change Ariela, since they didn't have the changing station in the bathroom (which by the way is a little annoying. I think each restaurant should have one, especially now that I have a kid :) ). I was thankful that I had another outfit in the diaper bag, because her new Gap leggings and a cute onesie were all DIRTY. We quickly changed her and went back to the guests like nothing happened. I was also thankful that I wore black pants and no one could see a little mark Ariela left on them.
Over all, I realized how hard it is to go out with a baby. You have to get yourself and the baby ready, refill the diaper bag, make sure you have enough diapers, wipes, food, clothes, extra paci and a blanket. Then you have to leave the house in the time interval when your baby is not hungry, otherwise you are stuck for another 30 minutes. Then comes the driving, which is relatively easy since Ariela falls asleep in the car almost all the time. Then at the restaurant you can't just relax, enjoy the food and the atmosphere. I felt like I was always in a hurry. I am eating much faster, constantly looking if the baby is asleep, constantly looking at the clock if it is time for her to eat or sleep or if I need to start warming up the her milk/formula.
Today was definitely a trip to remember. Next time, I am taking two additional sets of clothes for Ariela and maybe one for me :)
We were an hour late, since our little princess decided to do her business (#2) right when we were ready to leave. So she was back on the changing table :)
When we got to the restaurant Ariela was sleeping for the first 30 minutes. She gave us some time to say hello to everyone and to grab some food. Then it was her time to eat. By the way, she is still not a good eater. So, there she was, drinking her milk and doing her business again (#2) while she was on my lap. At that time, Mr. V's mom decided that it was time to take a picture of the whole gang. Ariela took a little break and posed for the picture. The guy who took the picture started counting 3, 2, 1 and right when he said 1, Ariela started crying so loud that a lot of people in the restaurant could hear. We got back to our sits and Ariela continued with her feast. And again, she was continuing with her business (#2) while she was eating on my laps. All of a sudden, my fingers feel warm and wet and they kind of smelled. What do you know, my little princess got not only herself dirty but her momma as well.
I quickly called Mr. V. He grabbed the diaper bag and the waiter showed us an empty private room where we could change Ariela, since they didn't have the changing station in the bathroom (which by the way is a little annoying. I think each restaurant should have one, especially now that I have a kid :) ). I was thankful that I had another outfit in the diaper bag, because her new Gap leggings and a cute onesie were all DIRTY. We quickly changed her and went back to the guests like nothing happened. I was also thankful that I wore black pants and no one could see a little mark Ariela left on them.
Over all, I realized how hard it is to go out with a baby. You have to get yourself and the baby ready, refill the diaper bag, make sure you have enough diapers, wipes, food, clothes, extra paci and a blanket. Then you have to leave the house in the time interval when your baby is not hungry, otherwise you are stuck for another 30 minutes. Then comes the driving, which is relatively easy since Ariela falls asleep in the car almost all the time. Then at the restaurant you can't just relax, enjoy the food and the atmosphere. I felt like I was always in a hurry. I am eating much faster, constantly looking if the baby is asleep, constantly looking at the clock if it is time for her to eat or sleep or if I need to start warming up the her milk/formula.
Today was definitely a trip to remember. Next time, I am taking two additional sets of clothes for Ariela and maybe one for me :)
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Tick Tock
Ariela turned 2 months a few days ago. It feels like she has been part of my life for a much longer period than 2 months. I can't even picture my life without her now. We are going for her 2 month appointment next week. She'll be getting a few more shots, hopefully, she'll just cry for couple of seconds like last time. I am curious to see how much she weights right now and how tall she is. I think she is about 12 pounds right now, although sometimes she feels much heavier (also sometimes she pees a few times into her diaper before I can change it and that big heavy diaper makes her weight even more).
For the last week she hasn't been eating that much. I should probably correct myself. She'll eat about 3oz and then she'll stop and wouldn't take the bottle anymore. She'll start to turn her head right and left and sometimes she would start crying if I push her to eat more. It is like she is saying "mom, can't you understand? I am full". But being a mother who spends her time googling things about eating and new development for each week/month, I am trying to make her eat a little more. I read that at 2 months, babies should be eating between 4-6oz. So, now we have a deal with her. She'll eat her 3oz, I'll burp her and sometimes I'll change her so she wouldn't fall asleep, and then I'll feed her another 1-2 oz. And it works! You live, you learn. She'll finish the rest of her feeding. Yes, it does take about 40 minutes now for each feeding but at least I know she is getting the right amount of milk/formula.
And now for the updates:
-Ariela's favorite songs are "Ot ulibki" and "Kapitan" (we talk and sing to her in Russian). Both songs have the words ulibki (smiles) in them and she always smiles when we sings those songs.
-she makes the cutest sounds like "ga", "gu", "a".
-she smiles every time she wakes up and sees us.
-she recognizes her grandparents and smiles at them.
-Ariela still doesn't like her tummy time that much, she'll only last 3-4 minutes
-she started to fall asleep on her own. I swaddle her and put her in her crib, give her a paci and sometimes she falls asleep all by herself.
-she'll cry if she can't fall asleep.
-Ariela started to hold on to things with her tiny little fingers
-she is more alert and more active during the day, although she likes to nap every 2-3 hours.
-it takes her about 30 minutes to be fully awake in the morning. She'll wake up, then fall back asleep for couple of minutes and that will continue for about half an hour (she totally got that from me, or should I say from pre-baby me).
For the last week she hasn't been eating that much. I should probably correct myself. She'll eat about 3oz and then she'll stop and wouldn't take the bottle anymore. She'll start to turn her head right and left and sometimes she would start crying if I push her to eat more. It is like she is saying "mom, can't you understand? I am full". But being a mother who spends her time googling things about eating and new development for each week/month, I am trying to make her eat a little more. I read that at 2 months, babies should be eating between 4-6oz. So, now we have a deal with her. She'll eat her 3oz, I'll burp her and sometimes I'll change her so she wouldn't fall asleep, and then I'll feed her another 1-2 oz. And it works! You live, you learn. She'll finish the rest of her feeding. Yes, it does take about 40 minutes now for each feeding but at least I know she is getting the right amount of milk/formula.
And now for the updates:
-Ariela's favorite songs are "Ot ulibki" and "Kapitan" (we talk and sing to her in Russian). Both songs have the words ulibki (smiles) in them and she always smiles when we sings those songs.
-she makes the cutest sounds like "ga", "gu", "a".
-she smiles every time she wakes up and sees us.
-she recognizes her grandparents and smiles at them.
-Ariela still doesn't like her tummy time that much, she'll only last 3-4 minutes
-she started to fall asleep on her own. I swaddle her and put her in her crib, give her a paci and sometimes she falls asleep all by herself.
-she'll cry if she can't fall asleep.
-Ariela started to hold on to things with her tiny little fingers
-she is more alert and more active during the day, although she likes to nap every 2-3 hours.
-it takes her about 30 minutes to be fully awake in the morning. She'll wake up, then fall back asleep for couple of minutes and that will continue for about half an hour (she totally got that from me, or should I say from pre-baby me).
Friday, January 15, 2010
Work?
I can't believe it is been almost 9 weeks of my maternity leave. I still have a little over 3 weeks. My boss expects me to be back mid February but I was thinking of staying home for another couple of weeks without pay.
I just thanked my boss over IM for a gift card that I received over the holidays and he mentioned that we'll need to talk next week about my return. Now I am sitting here with teary eyes and thinking that I'll need to leave my baby girl for a whole day. I think the longest I left her was 5 hours. Mr. V, MIL, SIL and I went to see Avatar and left Ariela with my parents. I was sooo excited on the drive to my parent's house to see my girl. But soon I would need to leave for almost 11 hours. And now I am not just teary, I am crying. Seriously, I wish I could work part time but I don't think my work would allow it and I wouldn't be able to finish everything in 20-25 hours. Sucks!
Who do I leave her with? I wish I could stay home for another 4-5 months until she is a bit older. But I would probably loose my job and it would be really hard to find another job in the near future. My mom will soon find out if she will be on unemployment soon or if she'll return to work. I now it is really selfish of me, but I wish she would be getting unemployment and watch Ariela. Mr. V and I would be adding some $$$ to her unemployment. That would be the best! I would still be sad leaving my baby girl for a whole day but at least I would know she is in good hands. I can't imagine her attending daycare just yet. Plus, I am sure every mother has her ways of taking care of her baby and daycare just wouldn't be the same. Oh decisions, decisions.
I just thanked my boss over IM for a gift card that I received over the holidays and he mentioned that we'll need to talk next week about my return. Now I am sitting here with teary eyes and thinking that I'll need to leave my baby girl for a whole day. I think the longest I left her was 5 hours. Mr. V, MIL, SIL and I went to see Avatar and left Ariela with my parents. I was sooo excited on the drive to my parent's house to see my girl. But soon I would need to leave for almost 11 hours. And now I am not just teary, I am crying. Seriously, I wish I could work part time but I don't think my work would allow it and I wouldn't be able to finish everything in 20-25 hours. Sucks!
Who do I leave her with? I wish I could stay home for another 4-5 months until she is a bit older. But I would probably loose my job and it would be really hard to find another job in the near future. My mom will soon find out if she will be on unemployment soon or if she'll return to work. I now it is really selfish of me, but I wish she would be getting unemployment and watch Ariela. Mr. V and I would be adding some $$$ to her unemployment. That would be the best! I would still be sad leaving my baby girl for a whole day but at least I would know she is in good hands. I can't imagine her attending daycare just yet. Plus, I am sure every mother has her ways of taking care of her baby and daycare just wouldn't be the same. Oh decisions, decisions.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Things to Remember
I realize that I don't have time to blog often and I am way behind on updating all of the facts and other random things that I don't want to forget. So here it goes:
1. Ariela's appetite is increasing with every week. First month she could only eat 2 oz at each feeding and now she eats between 3-4oz. We are still substituting with formula since I don't have enough milk. So for now she is been getting 50/50. I was at first mad and disappointed at myself that I don't have enough milk for my baby girl since all of the vitamins that she needs are in it, but then I realized that there is nothing I can do about it. We picked a really good formula that has a lot of the stuff that she needs.
2. Ariela's umbilical cord stump fell of on the 13th day, just like the doctor said (within first 2 weeks).
3. Ariela had her first bath at two weeks. And now we are bathing her every other day. She cried the first couple of times but now she seems to enjoy it. We talk and sing to her while she is in the tub. She probably thinks her parents are already sooo weird.
4. During the third week, my parents had to leave to Israel and we had to babysit Mickey. Well, it wasn't easy taking care of a dog and a newborn, especially when Mickey would start barking and Ariela would start crying at the same time. But during those 10 days, Ariela was making noises like a puppy, saying "af, af, af, af". It was adorable. I've noticed that she stopped right after my parents picked up Mickey.
5. I caught Ariela's first smile on 12/04/09. It melted my heart. Of course by the time I got my camera to capture her beautiful smile, our lady wasn't in a mood anymore. Now, she is smiling more often. Usually, we can get a few smiles when we sing to her and in the morning when she wakes up.
6. Ariela loves her changing table. She'll usually stop crying when we put her on the changing pad and will start looking around at us and at her surroundings. She also loves being without a diaper on, but that can only last for a little while, since we don't want any "accidents" :).
7. Speaking of a little "accidents", Ariela officially pooped and peed on me.
She pooped while I was wiping her butt. I guess she wasn't done with her business :)
And she peed on me when we were at the doctor's office for her one month check up appointment and shots.
8. Ariela and I went together to her doctor's visits three times already (just us girls). Every time in a way it gets easier. First, I dress myself and put a little make up to look decent in public. Then I change and dress Ariela, put her in a car seat, grab the diaper bag, and off we go.
9. Ariela had her first shot at 5 weeks (little late for one months appointment). I was holding her while the doctor sticked the needle. I decided not to look since it freaked me out that my baby will be poked with that big needle. I wish I could take that pain for her. She cried for 5 seconds and then calmed down. I was expecting her crying all the way to the house :)
10. Today, I put her on her stomach for a little tummy time. She was holding her head (she is been great at holding her head from the hospital) at 45 degrees angle and looking at me. Then she turned her head and then the rest of her body and she was on her back! I couldn't believe that she turned all by herself. She did it twice in a row and decided that it was enough (couldn't capture it on camera).
This is it for now. I am sure I'll think of more stuff :)
1. Ariela's appetite is increasing with every week. First month she could only eat 2 oz at each feeding and now she eats between 3-4oz. We are still substituting with formula since I don't have enough milk. So for now she is been getting 50/50. I was at first mad and disappointed at myself that I don't have enough milk for my baby girl since all of the vitamins that she needs are in it, but then I realized that there is nothing I can do about it. We picked a really good formula that has a lot of the stuff that she needs.
2. Ariela's umbilical cord stump fell of on the 13th day, just like the doctor said (within first 2 weeks).
3. Ariela had her first bath at two weeks. And now we are bathing her every other day. She cried the first couple of times but now she seems to enjoy it. We talk and sing to her while she is in the tub. She probably thinks her parents are already sooo weird.
4. During the third week, my parents had to leave to Israel and we had to babysit Mickey. Well, it wasn't easy taking care of a dog and a newborn, especially when Mickey would start barking and Ariela would start crying at the same time. But during those 10 days, Ariela was making noises like a puppy, saying "af, af, af, af". It was adorable. I've noticed that she stopped right after my parents picked up Mickey.
5. I caught Ariela's first smile on 12/04/09. It melted my heart. Of course by the time I got my camera to capture her beautiful smile, our lady wasn't in a mood anymore. Now, she is smiling more often. Usually, we can get a few smiles when we sing to her and in the morning when she wakes up.
6. Ariela loves her changing table. She'll usually stop crying when we put her on the changing pad and will start looking around at us and at her surroundings. She also loves being without a diaper on, but that can only last for a little while, since we don't want any "accidents" :).
7. Speaking of a little "accidents", Ariela officially pooped and peed on me.
She pooped while I was wiping her butt. I guess she wasn't done with her business :)
And she peed on me when we were at the doctor's office for her one month check up appointment and shots.
8. Ariela and I went together to her doctor's visits three times already (just us girls). Every time in a way it gets easier. First, I dress myself and put a little make up to look decent in public. Then I change and dress Ariela, put her in a car seat, grab the diaper bag, and off we go.
9. Ariela had her first shot at 5 weeks (little late for one months appointment). I was holding her while the doctor sticked the needle. I decided not to look since it freaked me out that my baby will be poked with that big needle. I wish I could take that pain for her. She cried for 5 seconds and then calmed down. I was expecting her crying all the way to the house :)
10. Today, I put her on her stomach for a little tummy time. She was holding her head (she is been great at holding her head from the hospital) at 45 degrees angle and looking at me. Then she turned her head and then the rest of her body and she was on her back! I couldn't believe that she turned all by herself. She did it twice in a row and decided that it was enough (couldn't capture it on camera).
This is it for now. I am sure I'll think of more stuff :)
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