Taking Stock at Month 19. 8-18-13

Big things have been happening with Boop since my last update:

Look on the floor!
Boop's favorite thing is to find my dental floss and pull*it*all*out.

• Boop is apparently bilingual. We’ve been working with her on her “Pays” (Please) and “Tays” (Thank you).  She says it spontaneously and in the right context. So, we’re getting through on that count. Well, she was watching Dora, and she heard the word Gracias, which she says as “Grath.” Well, she knows a greater proportion of Spanish words than most folks!
• I was informed a few weeks ago that Boop has a boyfriend. She’s doing better than me. Another daycare teacher was telling me this as I picked Boop up one afternoon. He said that they were watching Boop and a little boy in his class as they held hands for about 10 minutes. They couldn’t believe it. So, it sounds like I’m already in trouble! The things she comes up with.
• Winnie has been taking a supplement to prevent UTI’s, with mixed success. I believe she has another one; so I need to make another trip to the vet.
• I started Invisalign. I’m trying to remember if braces hurt this bad. Maybe I’m just becoming a wimp in my old age. I’ve been resisting Ibuprofen. Boop must be teething, too. She is nursing all night long.
• And on the topic of nursing, folks have told me that there is a time as a toddler (usually around 16 months) that they lose interest nursing and that’s a good time to wean. I definitely have not seen this in Boop, and I’m afraid that window has come and gone.

Taking Stock at Week 55. 2-10-13

Here’s what’s happening at Boop’s week 55:

•  We started the week with Winnie at the vet. We went to a different vet to get a 2^nd opinion. We’re trying a different antibiotic. Another UTI, of course. And it was snowing to beat the band. A bit of a scary ride home with snowy roads and lots of power outages.
• Boop is walking. Crawling is still a bit faster and easier, but she’s got the hang of walking. She likes having a hand to hang on to while she’s walking, as it helps to steady her and is faster, but she waddles along just fine on her own.  Thankfully, she’s pulling my pants down less.
• Boop is still nursing and doesn’t show much sign of wanting to stop. Babies do all kinds of strange things while nursing. Along with twisting, grabbing, pinching, and poking, Boop has added an interesting one to her repertoire: finger in my belly button.
• Boop and I are sick, but more on that next week.

Taking Stock at Boop’s Week 46. 12-5-12

Here’s what’s happening at Boop’s week 46:

Thanksgiving (no alcohol) eggnog at Aunt D's

• What a week! Thank heavens for babysitters. L came for a couple hours on Monday and Tuesday to look after Boop while I tried to get ready for class in the next room. I’m still swamped with grants. It seems like I’ve submitted 3 or 4 in the past month. Unfortunately, manuscripts are stalling.
• It's been one illness after another for the past almost 3 weeks. Boop then me then Boop. Boop's last bout was about 9pm last night, and it went all over things.
• I’m trying to sort out all of the changes that will happen in mid-January. Boop will turn 1 year old and will transition to a new daycare class. In that class, they eat solid food and have much more of a regimen. No bottles. I start teaching my new class. And I’m debating about weaning. Although I love to come and visit Boop and nurse at lunch, I probably need to phase that out, too. I think she’ll do alright with weaning during the day, but it will be really hard to eliminate those night feedings.
• Winnie is feeling better, but I think she may have another UTI. She’s still picking. I guess I’ll have to go to the Vet this weekend and have them check her. Fingers crossed, she’s okay. 

Three in the Bed... 11-11-12

…and Little Boop said, “Roll over, roll over!” So, they all rolled over and Mommy fell off. Two in the bed and Little Boop said, “Roll over, roll over!” So, they all rolled over and Winnie fell off.  That’s our version of the song.

Winnie usually wants to get under the covers about 3 or 4am. This morning, a queen sized bed, all 3 of us were on half of the bed—my half of the bed. Part of it is the pillow top that didn’t stand up very well. I got it almost 3 years ago from Sears and paid enough for it to be a good one, but the pillow top broke down in less than 2 years. So, me being the heaviest, everyone rolls to me.

But, that’s not the full story. Winnie is a heat seeker; thus, waking up cold early in the morning brings her closer to me. Plus, she likes to sleep rear end to rear end. Maybe some adaptive thing for dogs in the wild? I don’t know. So, she’s right there. I’ve gotten used to that after 10 years; although I must admit it’s nice when my mom visits. Winnie will go sleep with her.

Then, Boop is seeking milk. It’s a strange sight, I’m sure. Winnie trying to position herself near both of our rear ends.  Boop is only interested in my top half—well, really just milk. So, we’re all huddled together. I imagine that it’s much more comfortable for them than me because if I move away, there is usually a loud protest. Then, everyone finds me again.  

Shoulda Been in Pictures. 9-29-12

Mom didn't want her face in the photo.
A photo after the session...

My mom and I have a compulsion to take Boop’s photos all of the time. We have oodles. You’ve seen plenty on the blog. However, you may not have seen the ones we get from Wally World. We are there at least once per month. Some we like more than others. We had a new photographer this time. I can’t say I was excited about the photos he took. Some of them, Boop looks scared to death. Not sure how he managed that!

So, when I called to schedule last weekend, I had to try and pick a time that Mom would be here. I asked him about Sunday morning. There was someone scheduled at 10:30am, and they opened at 10am. I asked for the 1^st one, explaining that my mother needed to travel on Sunday. So he scheduled us at 10am. It took him 20 min. (after 10am) to get started; he was moving pretty slowly and spending a fair bit of time on the phone and such. After shooting the photos, we waited on him to download the photos and finish them.

While we waited, we tried to make small talk with the next family. The grandparents were talking the most. Well, it was mainly the grandmother. The woman was upset that we got the 1^st spot because SHE wanted it. Mom and I were pleasant.  UNTIL we got out to the car. THEN we let it rip—or let them rip—or ripped them. It started with me cracking up but saying nothing. I was just waiting for Mom to start. We made it to the stop light: “They weren’t nothing but snobs! Well, it was the grandmother...”

Clearly the woman thought they were better than us. I’m cracking up. The woman knew nothing about us—leading us to wonder a bit about how she perceived our situation in comparison to hers. Yep, she was clearly better than us in her cheap flip flops. AND getting their photos done at Wally World, no less; definitely the go-to spot for the well-to-do who want everyone to know how good they are. Poor little boy, he was named after an object that was a common farm danger; this in spite of the lady’s apparent displeasure with my child’s name. Boop was getting really fussy, and the rest of the family had left except the grandmother. Mom and I decided I should go ahead and nurse. I covered, of course, but part of me secretly hoped it offended her—and from what I gathered from the woman, it probably did ;) People are funny. She certainly entertained us.

Milk, Milk, Milk. 9-26-12

Last week was a bit of a problem. I kind of hate to rehearse it in a blog, but I guess I will. So, Boop turned 8 months last week, and I was informed that she would have to go up to 6-8 oz of formula at daycare. We were doing so well on 4 oz twice a day. I nurse Boop at the daycare at about 8:30am; then, I come back at lunch and nurse around noon. Those feedings don’t count. She still has to be offered the full amount of formula(6-8 oz). This was the part of her problem when she first started daycare. She was being overfed: spitting up a lot and crying from being miserable. I didn’t want to go back to those days. Boop will eat whether she’s hungry or not.

So the daycare would not take my word for it. They would not allow me to keep her from being fed so much. I had to have a doctor’s note! Apparently, it’s a federal guideline. I don’t know how the school’s get around it. I don’t remember having to have a doctor’s note when I brought my lunch to school. It’s so unfair to nursing mom’s. I couldn’t believe it. Her doctor couldn’t either. She said that she really didn’t need the 4 oz, but I guess I had already made my peace with it.

So, her doctor faxed over a note to the daycare about maxing her at 4 oz. The next day, her teacher said that the note wasn’t adequate. It wasn’t detailed enough. That was incredibly annoying. It’s a shame that they couldn’t have just sent a note that said, “Good Grief! Just do what her mother says! You know that she is nursing the child!” A couple of days later, when I could carve out a few minutes <it’s not like I have nothing else to do, except deal with idiotic policies>, I sent a request to the pediatrician for another note. MERCY! I mean is the fed so anti- breastfeeding?? I doubt it. I wish I had time to pursue this further.

Sorry. 7-9-12

I had been trying to coordinate with some ladies from the breastfeeding group to have a little outing. We were thinking about a walk about a month ago, but it didn’t work out. I saw them both at a recent breastfeeding meeting, and then, we got reconnected. M and I messaged back and forth for a few days and decided on ice cream/sorbet on Friday because it was piping hot outside, over 100 degrees!

Boop and I sat out for downtown, and after circling High St. a few times, found the ice cream parlor. I found a parking spot a few blocks away; then, the fun started. I had a new umbrella stroller from Aunt R and Uncle J and figured this would be a good time to try it out. I wasn’t exactly organized trying to get us out of the car: I was all hair, dress, baby and bags in a chaotic swirl of activity. As I was trying to get us out and sorted, along came a man who wasn’t exactly very well together himself, smoking a cigarette, with a container of Nutter Butters. He approached me and said, “I’d like to present these cookies for you and your child. I want to help you. I’ve only eaten the first few out of the pack right here, but the rest are fine.” Well, you know, I do like me some Nutter Butters, but… I nodded to acknowledge him, flashed a faint smile, thanked him anyway, and said we were doing just fine.

You know you’re in sorry shape when: what was possibly (probably) a homeless man with psychiatric issues sees you and wants to give you and your baby Nutter Butters! Otherwise, our trip out was uneventful. We had a nice visit, and traded notes about coping as first-time parents. Folks seemed to be okay with the teething drops, which was reassuring. It will be good to see them again.

Taking Stock at Week 25. 7-11-12

Here's what's happening at 25 weeks old:

• Tongues are yesterday's news. We aren't so concerned about them anymore. But, toes are IN! Boop is grabbing on them and pulling at them. And we are so excited about grabbing them that sometimes, we forget that we need to keep them down for balance. And so, over Boop topples.
• Stranger danger appears to be showing up a bit early. She's also having a bit of separation anxiety.
• Grandma held little Boop all weekend, spoiling my little girl. The daycare teachers loved it when I informed them. Well, not so much loved it as laughed and groaned a bit when I made the announcement. Boop did okay on Monday morning, but by afternoon, she was not a happy camper. 
• Winnie is on a new dog food without any grain. She's scratching a bit less, maybe.  I don't know, though, she got one of Boop's dirty Pampers and was guarding it; so it may simply have been she was too intent on keeping everyone away from her trophy to take a break to scratch. But, she did wake me up a few times last night scratching.
• Me, I'm getting a tad more sleep, but I'm pulled in a million different directions at work--not getting my main grant done. I'm having a bit of trouble with focus, but at least I'm not in a sleepy haze.
• Next week is 6 months!

Taking Stock at Boop's Week 20. 6-8-12

Here's what's happening at 20 Weeks Old:

• Goodness Boop will be 5 months old in just over a week. It doesn't seem possible; well until I hold her in my arms. And then I sense the 'weight' of the situation. 
• Speaking of weight, I think we are making some progress on a couple of fronts. One day, she had about 18 oz on top of me nursing her when I dropped her off and at lunch. The next morning, her lead teacher came to me with a schedule to figure out food. We cut her amount down and put her on a schedule. I won't say she's a perfect little angel, but it really has been a vast improvement.
• No more high dose antibiotics. I still need to put her on her prophylactic antibiotics in the evenings. Hopefully, her body will calm down, getting rid of the diaper rash. One thing about it, diaper rash won't have a chance with all of her aunties around to wait on her hand and foot. 
• I guess I never properly appreciated Count Basie, Ella, Rosemary, and the lot. A few jiggles around the floor, a few blaring horns, and Boop is out like a light. I'm loving Big Band and Swing music about now. 
• And me. I'm getting sleep where I can, perpetually trying to keep my drains unplugged of hair. Being able to move in my kitchen is a big boon, and I've been venturing outside of food from a carton. I am waging a fruitless battle on trying to keep Boop's clothes from taking over my den.

Ms. Fixit. 5-27-12

I used to have lots of house projects. I created many projects for myself. I blame HGTV; it gives me too many ideas and makes me actually believe that I can do things quickly and easily. This being my 3^rd place, I’m getting pretty familiar with home improvements. My current place, I chose for its location, size, and 1^st floor master bedroom and bath. I certainly didn’t choose it for its kitchen. I could hold out my arms and touch three of the walls: 9x9 ft. Insane. So, I expanded the kitchen into the integral garage. I still need to add the finishing touches and may find time to add a backsplash.

A makeshift fascinator, too... Boop gives me plenty of projects. 

So, today, we took on a very minor project, changing out some locks. Mom got the door handle changed out fast enough, but she got stuck with the deadbolt. The old hole for the deadbolt was too deep for the current deadbolt. I knew that this job called for power tools. I got out my oscillating tool that Mom gave me for Christmas, and dug into the door. Amazingly enough, I made quick work of it. Now, I can move in and out of the house while they’re working on my floors and can keep things locked up. Mom held Boop as they both watched me. I can’t wait until Boop is old enough to be my good helper. Hopefully, I can teach her a few things, too. 

Taking Stock at 17 Weeks Old. 5-16-12

Here’s what’s going on at 17 weeks old (and a few things I may not have mentioned from before):

• Boop has now figured how to get the frog on her seat to play music by pulling it. She even turns in her swing so that she can reach the dangling elephant.
• When Winnie was a puppy, she hid her treats in my shoe. A few weeks ago, I looked in Boops car seat, and there was a little piece of dog food from Winnie :)
• I recognize the baby that I carried in my womb. Those arms and legs just go and go and go. Easter, I got some chocolate cookies from the Easter bunny, and I ate more than I should have. All night long, I felt those little bouncing legs and flailing arms, accompanied by, “Meh-meh, Meh-meh.” She was loving the chocolate milk—wanted me to stay awake and nurse her, and she was WIRED.
• Tummy time is increasing. She likes her little car mat, and she can tolerate being on her a tummy a little more every day.
• Countdown until Mom arrives: less than 1 day. I’ve been dreaming of many things: taking out the trash, shaving my other leg, and having a meal that doesn’t come from a box or plastic container. Practically nirvana, right? 

Party Time. 5-5-12

Photos I found from a few weeks ago...

One of the students graduated, and the other students were having a party for him. It was in the middle of the week during grading; so some of the faculty wasn’t able to attend. I thought it would be good to get the baby out, and the students like to see her.  So, after daycare, I got her ready to head back out.

They had us in a separate room from the rest of the restaurant, and it was a bit warm. The students took turns making silly faces <Wish I had a camera because it would be pretty good blackmail ;)> and holding her. Boop was smiling, giggly, and friendly; she did very well. She especially loved the red balloons. We played games while waiting for the food, but about an hour later, we were all wondering where our food was. I was getting antsy because Boop was getting fussy. I tried to give her a little of a bottle she had left over, but she really wasn’t interested in it. Not long after someone went to check on the food, they brought it out. Boop was hungry and fussy; so we excused ourselves, and I tried to find a quiet place to nurse.

We wound up out in the hall, and I draped her blanket over us. We were cooking, and I was getting dehydrated. Boop was struggling, and we were both a bit frustrated. I decided that we should head home, and L helped me to my car. It was so nice to come home to a cool house, and we got ready for bed. Not long after we had settled in, there was a knock on the door. It was U with some of the students bringing Boop a huge bunch of the helium balloons.

Taking Stock at 16 Weeks Old. 5-9-12

Here's what's happening at 16 weeks old:

After the Ortho visit:
Get this baby home; she's about to wail! 

• Well, it looks like the radiologist created a lot of extra stress for no reason. Her heart is fine. Her hip looks okay. The time we’ve wasted (our orthopedist appointment was at 2:30pm today; we didn’t go back until after 4pm and left at 5pm) and the extra radiation exposure to Boop :(
• The orthopedist wants to see her back in a few months for another x-ray to double check her hip. Her feet still turn inwards, just like mine did when I was little. I wore corrective shoes. The orthopedist told me to put her shoes on the wrong feet to correct it! He looked at her thumbs and told me to move it out with my hand, which Mom and I have already been doing.
• My check up with the NP went okay. She thought I just had an abrasion and that it wasn’t thrush. She left it open for me to call if I wanted a script. With Boop on antibiotics, I’m keeping an eye on it.  (Some of the folks on the LLL thought it sounded like thrush.)
• I was telling the NP how much I was pumping: 3 sessions of about 30 min. each per day. I told her I was only getting 4 oz. She repeated, “4 oz.” and added, “each time,” as she was making notes. “No, 4 oz. total all day.” She seemed surprised but checked herself. She ordered thyroid and prolactin. I think they are both fine. I wouldn’t be able to do anything about prolactin anyway.
• Winnie is due for a vet appointment. Her rabies vaccine is expiring. Plus, she has a number of other shots due in June. Might as well get them all at once if they will let us.

From ChimpanA to ChimpanZ. 4-27-12

I’ve been wanting to use that line for a while. It’s from Troy McClure’s musical version of Planet of the Apes, complete with the classic “You’ll never make a monkey out of me!” (or is it ‘you really made a monkey out of me’?). I miss Phil Hartman. Seeing all the SNL folks last night on 30 Rock reminded me. But the point of the title is that I’ve run the gamut with online purchases. Along with Troy McClure, I’m also lamenting the end of my free trial of Amazon Prime. I’ve been abusing it, like an addiction. It’s really healthier that it’s over.

This morning, I decided that Boop was severely deprived because she didn’t have leg warmers. I had to stock up since summer is coming. (?) Well, it’s still a bit cool still, and she will be in air conditioning all day. They’re actually quite nice—makes it easier to change diapers. I even got little boy ones with ninjas on them (those will probably be a gift). They should last her into the winter. She’s not overly chunky; so they could last her up to a few years.

Legwarmers--almost as big as her

They fit! (sort of...)

I also bought a jumbo bottle of brewer’s yeast… It’s really hard to tell much on my little netbook. Everything looks small. And then more stuff to help with nursing—fenugreek, moringa tea… Medela supplies for my pump and bottles. And then cloth diapering stuff—covers, wet diaper bags… You get the idea. It’s pretty hard to find some of these things in town. So, I’ve been a bit out of control with online purchases. It’s just a bit too easy, and I’m glad I’m able to cut myself off.   

Taking Stock at 14 Weeks Old. 4-25-12

Here's what's going on at 14 weeks old:

• Boop is settling into daycare. We're still getting the hang of it. It takes a bit of mental focus to try to get everything ready each day. I know at some point this routine will be old hat. I'll have to write a blog post about our preparations, but it might make you as tired reading it as it makes me feel writing about it. Overall though, she's doing pretty well.
• Next week (May 1st) Boop has her VCUG. And that reminded me that we needed to get more antibiotics for Boop; so I just called the doctor for another script. If I can just keep her from getting another UTI... I dread the procedure, but I'll be glad to know the extent of the problem. I hate the thought of having to give her more antibiotics and to give them to her for several years. Hopefully, it will be easier than that to resolve.
• Breastfeeding is getting a bit old. Although I love spending time with Boop, it's hard having to drop everything in the middle of the day to go to the daycare to feed her. And then, almost the whole time I'm away from her, I'm trying to pump. It's so discouraging to pump all day and only have 4 or 5 ounces of milk. And I can tell Boop is getting frustrated with me. She's tugging at me. It's hard to compete with those easy formula bottles in daycare. She's still getting about 12 oz. of formula per day. At 6 months old, I think I'll start to cut back on the intensity a bit. She'll be eating then, and that will take a little pressure off of me. One of the lactation specialists mentioned nursing at night. That sure sounds much easier.
• I was hoping to have floors finished in the house by now, but nothing. I heard from the guy last week that he would be here at the beginning of the week. We're looking at the end of the week, now. That's one of the joys of living in a small town, I guess. I'll just have to keep looking.

On Our Way Home. 4-15-12

Yesterday was another day I had to psych myself up for. Our flight left at 6:30am from New Orleans. Fortunately, everything went like clockwork until we got to the airport. We flew a different airline, and it wasn’t as family-friendly—at least for small children. The screening for the airline was cumbersome, we had to board at the same time as everyone else, and the flight attendants weren’t particularly helpful. Glad this was the last flight instead of the first.

When we got to the final airport, Mom went to get the car in long-term parking. Boop and I hung out with most of the bags. Boop was getting increasingly fussy, and it was taking Mom a while. I decided to just sit down and nurse her because I knew we had at least 2 hours until we got home. An older woman helped me with my bags and asked me if I was nursing. When I answered, she told me that she had nursed her 3 and that she loved it. She went on to say that she had an abundant supply and that, ‘you know what they say, ‘small women produce lots of milk.’’ I was laughing to myself, thinking that I had never heard search a thing and can’t imagine how/why such a thing would be true, but sighed, ‘well, I guess that’s my problem, I’m on the tall side.’ 

I called to check on Mom, concerned about a potential ticket for parking in the disabled spot. No, she was just leaving the parking lot. I missed her call(s) that she was outside, and I happened to walk out to see that she was waiting by the wrong door. She was a bit frantic, worrying about getting towed while we were inside. She started grabbing our bags and rushed out that door. An officer was walking over to my car as we were heading outside. Mom called out that we were on our way.  Me with a screaming Boop, he nodded and walked away. Mom was throwing everything in the car. And Boop was addled.

Boop wouldn’t calm down; so we had to stop a few miles up the interstate to the parking lot of a ‘fine dining’ establishment. Brazen as I’ve become, I just whipped it out, trying to get Boop settled. Mom reminded me of my location; so I covered us with a blanket. She calmed down long enough for us to get to our lunch spot, and I had to nurse her there, too. She finally calmed down enough to fall asleep, and I got more than a half hour’s nap.

It’s Party Time. 4-15-12

I had been hearing about the French Quarter Fest, and we had taken the street car past it. I wanted to make the trip and try some of the food. I love to try things, which may not be appealing to Boop. I try not to get anything too spicy because I know it will be hard on her. Fortunately, Cajun food wasn’t as spicy in NOLA as the Cajun food we have. There is always hot sauce on the table; so I guess people spice their food up to suit them.

I couldn’t leave without trying some of the traditional eats, and the Fest was chock full of good eats. The gumbo with duck and andouille sausage sounded right up my alley, and they had beef po boys, which I hadn’t  seen before, and thought Mom might like. You know what happened next. I brought the stuff back, and Mom didn’t really care for anything. So, we listened to a bit of the zydeco music and watched the folks that were dancing for a few minutes, and then we headed to the mall to get some Mexican for Mom.

After a few more sessions at the conference, we headed out for dinner. We were going to the buffet at the casino, but of course, they didn’t let us in with the baby. We were a bit stumped about where else to go but decided to head down Fulton Street. We wound up at Mannings (of the Peyton and Eli persuasion), of all places, but it had pretty good food. I got a fried green tomato salad, jambalaya, and piece of pecan pie. We would have been doing really well had it not been for our flighty, generally incompetent waiter, but we survived him.

Waiting for the Waiter

There was one last thing I needed to do: get the payment for the posters sorted. It looked sooo much closer on the map. Mom said she would take care of the baby while I got it sorted—to not take time to feed Boop, just to go on. I told her that I would be back in about 15 min., to please not give her formula for the quick trip. You know what happened. The Kinkos was far, the worker said I would need to speak to the manager who wasn’t there, their computer system was slow, it was getting dark, and 15 min. turned into 45 min. Mom was upset, nearly in tears because Boop was hungry and crying. I didn’t realize I had been gone that long, hadn’t taken the time to look at the time on my cell phone. I missed my friend’s poster for trying to feed Boop. I had planned to take Boop down to look at the posters, but it just didn’t happen. 

Taking Stock at 3 Months Old. 4-18-12

Mom took this one up Boop's nose

Here's what's happening at 3 months:

• Boop has hit another growth spurt. It's wonderful to see her growing and thriving, but at the same time, breastfeeding has become even more difficult. It's hard to hear her cry and get frustrated while I'm nursing her. They are giving her a fair bit of formula at daycare. But if I don't stay on top of nursing and pumping, I'm afraid I won't produce any milk for her. I'm trying to pump 3 times for 30 min. each at work (making just over 4 oz.) and go and get a nursing session in at lunch time. It's a challenge. My friend H from work said that she gave up at 6 months. At the rate I'm going, I hope I can make it that long.
• The bladder/kidney issue is still tough. We're solidly in the vesicoureteral reflux camp. She's fussy, and I can't tell if she is in pain or hungry. She's saying "Nay" a lot, which means she's uncomfortable. She's also calling for her "Meh-Meh", which is me. She is putting her fist in her mouth, too. She's not doing the "Heh, heh, heh" for hungry or asking for "Mech" (milk) that much. Mom thinks she may be teething, and I'm getting mixed feedback on that hypothesis. She's druling a fair bit, too. I gave her a little tylenol because she was out of sorts and uncomfortable this morning. She calmed down about a half hour later. So, she has pain somewhere; I just need to figure out where and how to fix it. And if it's teething, there's not much I can do, except find a teething ring. However, I may have to hold it for her as she is still working on her muscle coordination.
• My skin is really dry, and my hair is starting to fall out. Boy, I'm a sight. I'm trying to stay well hydrated, and that helps my skin to some extent. I don't have much time to keep up with lotion or moisturizer. And the hair, well it was good while it lasted. It lasted longer than I thought it would, but it's no fun to see it everywhere. I had lost weight, but I'm wondering how my trip to New Orleans impacted things. I'm avoiding the scale.
• Boop's smiles and giggles are adorable, and those beautiful blue eyes just twinkle. How can you stand it? Even if she does look like an old man (and burp like one) some times, she's a cute little girl. And she's very wiggly these days. In the middle of the night, when I've eaten too much sugar or caffeine, she's wound up. She wiggles her hole body and says, "Meh-Meh" wiggle, wiggle, "Meh-Meh," over and over. Okay it's cute but a bit exhausting when I'm trying to sleep. When she gets older, I know I'll miss my mid-night party girl. Right now, I'm gearing up for her becoming mobile. Good heavens, the child is hyperactive. I knew it in the womb. Batten down the hatches!

Taking Stock at 11 Weeks Old. 4-4-12

Mom, here's a photo that isn't up her nose... Look how big she is!

Here’s what’s happening at 11 Weeks Old:

• My poor baby’s tummy is upset from the antibiotics. I’m waiting to hear if Boop has a urinary tract infection. If so, the next step will be ultrasound to see if she has a renal problem. Fortunately, she’s sleeping a fair bit due to the antibiotics, but if those filled diapers feel as bad as they smell, bless her heart, she must not be feeling well at all! The coconut oil does seem to be reducing the redness, and it has helped a bit, I think.
• Having Boop in daycare has given me a bit of a break, even if just for a half day at this point. I’m starting to get back on track mentally; although I do have my memory glitches. Mom will be here next week; it will be nice to have a bit more freedom and support.
• Breastfeeding has been going better; although, I’m still not 100%. She’s having formula at daycare. Plus, I give her a bit of formula with her medicine. I’ve been pumping almost constantly at work, every spare minute I get. In the 4 hours, I’m almost able to pump 4 oz. Of course, she’s taking 8 oz of formula at daycare. Fortunately, I can still work while pumping. I’m hoping to store some up for when she starts to go full-time. 

Taking Stock at 10 Weeks Old. 3-28-12

Look away!

Here’s what’s happening at 10 Weeks Old:

• I plan to take Miss Boop to the pediatrician next week. I need to schedule an appointment. I’d like to get to the bottom of the diaper issue. It’s so strange how miserable she is. Granted, she could just be a bit spoiled and dramatic, but I want to do what I can to figure out the cause, especially if it can be prevented. I’m hearing folks say good things about coconut oil; so I ordered some. Just in case Boop has a bit of diaper rash or something along those lines, the oil will help it go away. The oil should arrive on Friday, which gives me a little time to see if it helps her before her doctor’s appointment.
• We’re still working on milk. I’ve been taking the Reglan, which I can’t tell much about. I definitely noticed a boost with the cookies and the fenugreek. The cookies have brewer’s yeast in them, which may be the thing I’m allergic to. However, I’m doing better with my allergies than I was a month ago.
• I survived another birthday. Forty is getting closer and closer. It’s hard to believe that my father had advanced cancer at this age. My colonoscopy is scheduled for this summer. I’ll be glad to have it over with and have it out of the way for a few years.
• I haven’t noticed Boop having as much trouble now that I’m watching what I eat. Of course, she still throws fits; it just seems to be about other things. I gave her a bottle of formula at dinner last night, and she spat it all up. Fortunately, she seems to be doing better on my milk.