Tidbits (and return of pics)

*I feel like my life is spent either juggling or waiting. Waiting on Wyatt to need to nurse again or juggling all things at once when they hit. Or trying to juggle all the things in between, while waiting on Wyatt to need to nurse again - making sure I'm timing things and getting things done when I can before it's time to nurse again. And when I want him to sleep longer, he wakes up, and if I'm waiting on him to wake up, because it should be time to nurse and I've put off doing something because it's that time, he'll keep sleeping. And I'm a firm believer in NOT waking a sleeping baby. schedules be damned. But, it's so hard to figure out!

*These are the only pictures I took the whole Thanksgiving. I feel they sum up our time pretty well - passed out in Granny & Granpa's bed! Wyatt had been sleeping and Dellaina wanted to go check on him and then wanted to climb up in the bed with him and then, Daddy & I joined them and she and Daddy passed out, Wyatt woke up and I got to nurse him! It was a nice family moment.

*Must remember to wear breast pads in bra when going out in public! Leakage is not very becoming/attractive! Thank goodness for dark colored, patterned shirts!

*Recently, I started pondering how I took pictures of Dellaina in all of her outfits just about everyday, why don't I feel compelled to do that with Wyatt? I know I've heard about the whole second child being neglected, but it's less that (I think, or at least I'm telling myself) and more that the boys clothes aren't as compelling/exciting? At least not at this stage, yet? I probably didn't take as many of her in the very beginning gown stage either. And boys are missing the shoes.

*Although, today, he's looking rather cute and when I get a theme, I totally run with it: Puppy dog onesie, Puppy dog butt britches, Puppy dog slippers! I have a similar assemble consisting of Teddy bears.

*We've had some Internet issues lately with loosing connection - it was out all day on Tuesday, and just sporadically other days and I realize how dependent I am on just looking something up or checking something out. I felt so lost without it for a whole day!

*We went and got our Christmas tree yesterday. We got it put up last night and this morning it was laid over on the floor. Thankfully, we hadn't put lights or decorated it yet, but we had filled the base with water. fun times. Now, it's leaning the other direction against the windows.

*While Greg & I were getting it in the stand, Wyatt was in his chair crying and I look over and Dellaina is there with him, trying to cover him up with his blanket, read him a story and then holding his Boppy in his mouth for him. He spits it out a lot and she was actually holding it, gently, mind you, for him, until he got it secure. I was so impressed. It was a heart-warming moment. She's a really great big sister. SHe loves on him and kisses him and likes to watch him. She'll try to jam her finger between his to get him to hold it - I've tried showing her how to lay it across his paml and he'll curl around it, but she goes perpindicular through his fingers! She really reminds me of someone else that was the little mother hen to her siblings, but I can't quite put my finger on who that sweet little girl, oh wait, it's me! ;) I am just reminded of how my parents always seemed so distraught when we'd fight and would say to us how important siblings were and how we were there for each other and would need to get along. It seemed like such cheese then, but I completely understand now, becuase my heart aches wanting them to love each other and be close and good to each other.

*A week or so ago, I had picked Dellaina up from school and we were outside, going to the front door and she was talking and pointed at herself and said, "and. . me!" Usually she says, "and, Dellaina!" pointing at herself and talking in the third person, so I felt it was a monumental concept for her to grasp and really praised her. Then, she went walking up the steps all by herself, without holding my hand or anything and it was so cute, because it took a little bit of effort, but she managed it. I wanted to cry, because she's getting so big!

Mundane Monday

*I am having to do all the things I normally put off doing, because I'm usually able to use the excuse of not having time, but I'm here all day and feel like I should accomplish something. The annoying household things (that always fall to women to take care of?) like call DirecTV about the TiVo continuing to reboot itself randomly and for no reason or call the credit card company about no longer being able to access our account online because we had to close out the other account/card and get a new one that doesn't show up on our account anymore.

*And then, it's so much more annoying because it takes multiple phone calls or I'm not the primary account holder, so I can't do crap, which I know is all well and good for our protection, but is just dang annoying.

*I HATE the automatic message systems where you just talk rather than enter the answers. I know it's all nice and friendly, but when they don't understand you, it's so much more annoying and time consuming! I may be Southern and hard to understand, but I did NOT say 777 or 779 or 778, I said 7-7-ZERO! for the love of. . .

*Oh, and then we found my cards - in Greg's toiletry bag! So, the hassles I'm dealing with on the credit card are even more chaffing. My Driver's License came today, too, so that's two things I took care of, but now don't need, but still good to have done them. I hadn't handled the insurance side yet, so I was spared one replacement hassle.

*And once I finally manage to get through, we can't fix the TiVo, because the "fix" is to reformat the hard drive and we'd loose everything on it - which is several weeks worth of shows we're behind on. The writer's strike hasn't affected us yet because we're so far behind, but I do hope they resolve that before we catch up!

*And I hate that we're going to "upgrade" to HD and loose the TiVo system and have to deal with the DirecTV DVR system instead, because TiVo soo much more user friendly (ok, so it's what I'm used to, but still, I hate change)

*My throat is trying to hurt and my body aches, but I'll take it over the nasty stomach bug we gave to everyone else. It just makes me even more whiney (can you tell?) and I have to gripe somewhere.

Parts V, VI, VII and VIII

Yikes! I got a call last night after we'd made it back from the lake that:

*Morgan was throwing up. ugh. so sorry. Glad I left 2 of the Phenergan dad had prescribed!

*Granpa was sick, too! One more for Granny to tend to.

*Wyatt lost his dinner late last night -- BUT, we truly think he just ate too much. He'd been on his feeding frenzy, starting at 5:45, then 7, then 8, then by 9 I mixed up a bottle and Greg gave it to him and he drained all 4 ounces in no time!! THEN, at 10, he was still pecking around, so we nursed for about 5 more minutes and it ALL just came back out all over me - in my hair, down my back and front, just lovely. I went upstairs to give him a bath and realized he was mostly ok, once I got the sleeping bag he was wearing off of him and wiped his mouth - I was the one that needed the shower. Thankfully, Greg had heard me running the water and got up to check, so he held him while I jumped in the shower. I was a nervous wreck thinking he had come down with this nasty bug and if he acted funny or threw up anymore, I'd be in the car. But, thankfully, so far, he seems to be doing fine.

*Just got an email from Granny that she's home with Granpa feeling like she's been hit by a mac truck. I really thought surely she was out of the woods by now. *sigh. Hopefully, little man and I can both continue to resist! Along with everyone else we exposed this weekend!

Dellaina does seem to be doing better and had some normal meals last night and a Go Tart this morning. I told Greg to ask the day care to at least limit her dairy intake, so hopefully, we'll have another day of recovery and she'll be doing well again. She is on antibiotics, because we think she might have an ear infection. Dad looked at it with a flashlight at the lake and thought he caught a flash of red and she had been pulling on them and when I asked her what hurt, she pointed to her ear, so. . .

ER Thanksgiving: Part IV

Greg has to get back home to take Boss to the vet at 5:00 and have his drain tube taken out. We debated and decided there really wasn't much we'd do differently with Dellaina if I was at home versus going on down to the lake. So, eventually, after Wyatt finally wakes up and nurses, we jump in the car and head down to the lake to see my family. It's nearly 7:30 by the time we get there, but everyone came out to help me unload and there are lots of hands to help take care of us all. Morgan had cooked a delicious dinner and we sit down for a nice time together. Dellaina still isn't interested in eating or drinking much. We get her to bed by 10:00, just before Aunt Emily and Uncle D get there. Emily is great walking Wyatt around and getting him ready to go to bed for me, although once we tried, he woke up and was fussy again, nursed again, was fussy and then finally went on to bed. He slept in the big bed with me and Dellaina was in her crib. He got around 3:30 and then at 7:30, so Dellaina was up at 7:30. She didn't want to get out of her crib and get in the bed with us, so I left her in her crib crying "go downstairs! mammie!" and called Mammie on the phone to let her know she was up and requesting her and I was nursing. Apparently, she had some peanut butter on toast (which means she mostly scraped the PB off and ate it) and some banana. Then, I tried to call Greg's cell phone, because I thought he might be up already, but it just rang. Wyatt & I went back to bed until about 10:00. I called Greg and he was still sleeping, so I said, "good, keep sleeping and call me later" and he said, "no, not good, I've been up all night throwing up and with diarrhea!" oh hell. That means it is contagious?! And he was up there by himself dealing with that all night long?! He said it started about 2:00 and if he'd still been up being sick at 7:00 he was going to call his mama to come up, but he passed out finally around 6:30. But he sounded so drained and miserable. And the tales of some of his adventures sounded horrid - as you can imagine having it come out of both ends! - and he hadn't been able to clean up much after him. Our master bathroom toilet isn't working, so he had to keep making it to the hall bath. Neither one is very conducive to being sick as they are both tucked into tight little corners. So, I called Granny to let her know and make sure no one else had been sick yet. By 1:30 Granny was on her way up there to take care of her little boy. He was just so drained and had no energy to go get Gatorade or clean up or deal with much of anything. It was quite the toxic war zone when Granny got there and she came through with rubber gloves and Clorox and disinfected the whole place, fed Greg soup, Gatorade and Imodium AD! I felt bad she was having to do more clean up work, but so appreciative someone was there to take care of the little boy and that I didn't have to pack up the babies and go back. We had planned on going back tonight, but given the latest development, decided I could stay here where I have lots of help and we don't expose ourselves to it all over again. Hopefully, everyone is on the upswing and no one else will come down with anything. Although, after Dellaina's nap this afternoon, she was very quiet and clingy and not really waking up and I asked her if anything hurt and she grabbed her ear. Dad tried to look in it with a flashlight and thought her right one did look red, so we got some antibiotics (which can upset a stomach, fun times!) and tried starting her on those tonight, although, it's not the generic kind we normally get and is much thicker and made her gag and shudder and spit up some (I remember the smell from when I was little and it has the same affect on me!) Thank goodness we have help and it's only Saturday.

ER Thanksgiving: Part III

We get back and Dellaina plays quietly for a while with her toys with us constantly trying to get her to drink some fluids. I get relief nursing Wyatt and try to get something to eat myself. Greg gets there with the dogs, including cone head Boss. Greg & Granpa run out to get some Pedialyte and a bouncy chair for Wyatt (and Andrea & Blake's baby girl when she comes). Dellaina has a REALLY stinky diaper that Granny goes to change - very runny and just horrible smelling, like bad broccoli! We get her changed and couldn't put her pants back on her, because they smelled so badly, so she's walking around with just a diaper on, when suddenly Granny sees that she's leaking out of her diaper! And it's still so smelly, it has permeated the house. We take her up to try to bathe her. Then, get her down for her nap. Poor Granny has been washing clothes for about 12 hours straight and can't seem to catch a break! And now she's trying to get Thanksgiving cooked! I know I need to help, but I'm exhausted - having only had 3 hours of sleep Tuesday night and only 1-1 1/2 of not very restful sleep Wednesday night, so I lay down after nursing Wyatt again, too. They take him and put him in his new bouncy chair and I am out for about 2 hours! Dellaina is still sleeping when I wake up and we finally wake her up around 5:30-6:00 as we're getting ready to sit down for the big meal. Andrea & Blake are there. Dellaina still looks meek and has dark circles under her eyes. She sits in her high chair while we eat, but isn't interested in anything we offer her. She eventually comes more lively and eats a few little club crackers and some Gatorade ("yellow juice") but was uninterested in the "red juice" Pedialyte. To sleep, Dellaina is in her crib, Greg in the bed with the dogs and I'm in the other room in the twin bed with Wyatt in the Pack n' Play. Wyatt was fussy for a while, but eventually went to bed after midnight. I hear her cough a few times and brace myself, but she manages to sleep through the night well! The next morning, Greg takes Dellaina downstairs when she gets up and she eats nearly a whole blueberry waffle. She drinks a full cup of milk and then gets some more. Then, she gets an EL Fudge cookie and claims she wants a jelly biscuit, but only takes a few bites. We're encouraged she's eating well and acting more normal, singing and playing. Later in the morning, I'm nursing Wyatt and Dellaina wants to climb up and sit next to me. She starts leaning more and more into me and kind of moaning, "mama" and I'm thinking she's getting tired and it's almost time for her nap when suddenly she is spewing all over everything. Greg and I are both there holding out our hands, like we're going to be able to catch it or stop it somehow, but it was so much. Granny is on the phone with Granpa breaking the news to him about her speeding ticket she'd received on her birthday! We call out to her that we need help and by the time she gets in there Wyatt has started to slip off my lap and is dangling off the couch under my arm, so she has to scoop him up and grab some towels and we carry Dellaina up to do another bath, because it's nasty curdled milk all over us all. oops, perhaps we were overly excited about her appetite returning and let her eat a little too much and really should have stayed away from the dairy a little longer, she just loves her milk so much. Granny has more clothes and towels to wash and has to scrub the couch and floor down and spray Lysol everywhere. Dellaina does go down for a nap and while she hasn't really eaten much since, that's the last time she was sick, thankfully, so far.

ER Thanksgiving: Part II

So, it's about 6:30 and Granpa drives my car so that I could jump in the back if I needed to if Dellaina gets sick again - which she did, poor thing, and it actually had some substance somehow, too. We get signed in and I notice a little rash developing on her hands and point it out. We go through triage where the big nurse man with the knee brace that has 3 girls of his own sings silly songs to her and manages to get her blood pressure and temperature (rectally, poor thing!) and weight - sitting in my lap in a big chair, but no comment and barely acknowledges the rash on her hands. Then, we are sent out into the waiting room where there is just one other family waiting - the little boy, who was maybe 10, gets up and we can hear him being sick in the bathroom. The older brother went in there with him, which I thought was sweet and the mom's asking the nurses for towels.

For it being so quiet, we have to wait a bit before we are shown back to a room. The nurse asks a few more questions - like would she be able to pee in a cup? and I gawk and say, "on demand? no" - and says we'll probably have to do an IV. She eventually brings a little gown for us to change Dellaina into and I think it's so cute because it's so small, but at the same time you think about how wrong/sad it is that there has to be small hospital gowns because little kids get sick. We are in the room forever before the doctor or really anyone comes in to check again. I go ahead and call Greg to let him know, because he's should be waking up to pack up to come to town. I'm sure that was a panic phone call to get, but I tried to reassure him, even though I didn't know a lot at this point, because we were still waiting! So much for "emergency" care. Dellaina slowly drifts off to sleep, stretched out angled across the bed. She fought it for a long time, but eventually gave in. That was the only good thing about the wait; she was getting some much needed rest. At one point I heard her say, "daddy coming" which I thought was precious, because we had been talking about how Daddy was coming with Boss and Hank today. When the doctor finally did come in (8:30 maybe?) we go over the whole run down again and answer questions. He does an exam, listening to her heart and breathing and she stays asleep for it, which is good, but once he starts looking in her ears, she wakes up, crying that it hurts. But, he said they were clear, so it's not an ear infection like I had assumed - hoped? because then we would have a "cause" and be able to start treatment. Instead, he says we do need to start an IV and we also need to do a urine test, because little girls can get urinary tract infections that can cause them to be sick, which means, they are going to have to do a catheter! Without any anesthesia or anything. oh this is going to be rough. Once we finally have the doctor's orders, it doesn't take too long for the nurse to come back in and start setting up. She looks at me and asks if I want to help hold her or if I'd rather not. I definitely don't need to be out of eyesight and immediately say I want to be a part of it. She asks if I can handle it and I confirm that I won't create more for them to deal with, I can be strong. But, they do move me down to her legs, rather than up at her head, like I had hoped. Right before they get started they turn to Granpa who's standing in the corner and ask him how he's doing and if he's going to pass out on them. He's fine in that sense, but it is traumatic to know she's hurting. There's one nurse on each side of the bed up by her head and it's a long drawn out process it seems while she sets things up and ties the rubber tourniquet (which that can pinch and is tight and hurt, too!) around her arm "just to check" and thumps around on the back of her hand and then undoes it! Just to redo it a few minutes later and actually do the needle stick and take several vials of blood and then a blood culture, then flush out the line and hook up the IV to start administer fluids and THEN tape it all down onto her hand and wrap a bandage around it to prevent her from messing with it or it getting caught on anything. She was crying "all done" and "mommy" and "hold you" during a lot of it, but she was so drained and so out of it, it was a weak, pitiful attempt. She wasn't really thrashing or squirming or putting up much of a physical fight. And she did have tears, so that was a good sign that she wasn't completely dehydrated. The nurse had finally explained that the "rash" on her hands and feet was actually a sign of her dehydration! It's just a mottled/splotchy red look to her skin. The nurse starting singing "itsy bitsy spider" at one point and I joined in (thinking "duh, you're the mama, you should have thought to sing to her!), fully expecting Dellaina to holler "no!" but instead she seemed a little curious about this strange person poking her and singing at the same time; like she wasn't really sure what to think, but she listened. Later when I did try to sing to her on my own, she rejected it quickly! Then, they had to do the catheter and that was the part that really bothered me the most, just thinking about it and I couldn't watch, and somehow had been shuffled up to her head so I was stroking her and laying across her chest, blocking her line of sight, but she barely flinched with it as much. She did have some urine, so that was a good sign, too. And then it was over and we just had to sit back and let the fluids get in her. They gave her something for nausea, too.

If you explain things to her, she seems to accept them well most of the time. We had explained to her that we were putting medicine in her hand to make her feel better. As the bag drained and she was getting more fluids, she slowly started coming back to herself and waking up and became more alive and chatty. She would hold her little arm up and say, "medicine in arm!" and "feel better." She was such a trooper. The nurse came back in to check on her at one point and Dellaina watched her (without crying or shying away - even after she'd poked her! these are big improvements) and the nurse heard her talking and thought it was so cute and that she was doing so well. She would point to some spots of blood and iodine on her sheets and ask, "uh-oh, what happened?" or "what's that?" and I just said it was dirty, so then, she'd point at it every now and then and say, "it's dirty." She had a tiny little scratch on one knee and would point at it saying, "boo-boo. red. scratch." like that was the most she had to worry about! Eventually, we turned the TV on and watched Handy Manny and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. We waited for a long time, while the fluids trickled into her and the lab work was being run. Eventually, they came in saying the lab work had come back normal - she didn't have a UTI and the doctor wanted her to try drinking something. We had water in a sippie cup. She wanted milk. The nurse suggested some apple juice. She drank it well and it had been several hours since she'd been sick. It had been nearly 5 hours since I had nursed Wyatt, so I went out to ask about the possibility of getting a breast pump! Then, I remembered that we were in my car and mine was still in it! If only I'd remembered that a few hours earlier, but by this point, we were wrapping up, so it didn't seem worth it to go out to the car to get it and go through that process. I talked to the other mom of the little boy and she said the doctors thought it was his appendix! So, he was probably headed to surgery. We gratefully got our discharge paperwork, a prescription for something they prefer to give kids for vomiting and a "Happy Thanksgiving" loaded up and headed back to Granny & Wyatt.

ER Thanksgiving: Part I

11:00PM Wednesday night: Dellaina wakes up screaming. Granny runs upstairs and she's thrown up all over the crib. Thankfully, Wyatt has just finished nursing, so I'm able to run up, put him down and help out. Dellaina is trying to figure out what just happened - going from sleeping to waking up sick can be quite shocking. She's shaky and crying and smelly. We get her to the bathroom sink and strip her down and take a washcloth and wipe her down, then rummage through clothes trying to find something else soft and comfortable to sleep in. She and Granny are reading stories on the floor, and suddenly, she's getting sick again. This time we go ahead and put her in the tub and get her cleaned off. We attempt more reading and settling back down - rearranging beds (Granny is going to sleep in the double bed with Dellaina and we roll the Pack n' Play in the other room with the twin bed for Wyatt and I) and she's sick again. We try laying down to sleep, but she keeps getting sick. We're going through shirts and towels rapidly and already have loads washing to stay caught up. Everyone picks on me (myself included) for always packing so many clothes, but we were glad to have the continual supply and were diminishing it quickly. In the beginning before we knew what we were in for, we were laughing a little, Delliana right along with us - about things like how Granny & my's hypochondria was acting up and we were beginning to think our stomachs were queasy. And how we got to get up the next day and cook food all day! I made a comment about having to go to the ER in the middle of the night with Wyatt attached to my boob and Dellaina repeated "Wyatt attached to boob, uh-huh!" So, we laughed about her going to school repeating such things we were saying in the wee morning hours when running on fumes. Or how, if I'd been on my own, Wyatt probably wouldn't have continued to sleep through everything and I would have had to send Dellaina down to fetch Granny throwing up (ok, these things were funnier in the middle of the night when we'd been jumping up and down and not getting any sleep). But, then it's becoming just heaving, because her stomach is so empty and she's really drained and so tired, poor thing. She would manage to sit up a little to heave and then she'd want to flop right back down, even in the mess, because she was so exhausted.

By 12:30, she'd thrown up 5-6 times and we were getting concerned about how we were going to get her to stop, if for no other reason than to help her get some rest, but obviously, because no one wants to keep getting sick repeatedly. Granny had a Phenigrin suppository, but it was adult strength, so we weren't sure how much, if any Dellaina might be able to take. I tried calling my dad down at the lake - mom's phone went straight to voicemail, dad's just rang and rang as did the house phone. Then, we decided we'd call my dad's office and just have whoever was on call answer our question. I'm not sure why I thought to call my dad's office for the on call person rather than, say, Dellaina's pediatrician office, but that's what we came up with at 1:00 in the morning. Then, my brother called back and said Mema had gotten up and seen that I called - they were all outside hanging out and visiting and didn't hear the phone. Dad does the calculation based on her weight and the milligrams and we can give Dellaina 1/2 of the suppository. That was quite the adventure in and of itself, but honestly, she did really well with it, all things considered. The on call doctor calls me back (and has clearly been sleeping) is very helpful and gives us the same "basic" calculation saying she could have 1/2, well, 1/4 to a 1/2, but I'd start with 1/4. Since we'd already given her 1/2, I just said, "yes, sir" politely. We'd erred on the underside of 1/2 when cutting. He said we could give it to her every 3 hours as needed, but that if it kept up at the current rate and she couldn't hold any fluids down, we'd need to take her to be seen because she would get dehydrated.

After the "butt bomb" at 1:15, she did manage to get some sleep for a of couple hours. We were all exhausted and she had Granny & I hopping at any little sound. I was in the other room with Wyatt and would try to relax and listen really hard at the same time. Wyatt's little grunting or wet poots would startle me and make me tense every time, thinking I was hearing the muffled sounds from the other room. My eyes were red, irritated and itchy from something in the air (dust allergy) And Wyatt was ready to nurse around 2:00, so I didn't get quite as much sleep. around 5:00, I hear Granny calling me and jump up and poor thing is heaving again. It's mostly just spit up at this point, though, and dry heaving and exhaustion. I'd missed the first call, so it's already been twice more starting back up. We go ahead and give her another piece of the suppository. Wyatt is due to eat, so I nurse him and think that if I'm going to take her in, right after nursing him is the best time. When he finally finishes up, I go in to check on her and ask Granny if she thinks I should go ahead and take her and as I walk in the door, Dellaina is up heaving again, so that answered my question. I get dressed and get things ready and Granny goes to wake up Granpa so he can go with me. Granny will stay with Wyatt. Dellaina wakes up heaving once more before we are out the door and then throws up in the car on the way - actually getting something out of her that time.

Certain things are more difficult to deal with when you have a child that's throwing up. How do you:
*explain heaving and why she's continuing to heave? It's just such a violent bodily action, which leads to the next point:

*not cry when watching a child heave? I feel so helpless and they are so vulnerable.

*rinse her mouth out when she doesn't grasp the concept of spitting and brushing teeth is merely eating the toothpaste or chomping on the bristles?

*administer a suppository on a resisting child that again, doesn't really understand?! We kept telling her it was medicine to help her tummy feel better.

One month check up

Just got back from the doctor's office for Wyatt's one month check up. Can't believe it's already (almost) been a month! He's doing great and moving on up the growth charts:

10 pounds, 12 ounces - 77th percentile; 22 inches long - 68th percentile; 38cm head - 50th percentile! But since he's nursing 10-12 times a day and pooping 6-8 (I would have thought it was more if I hadn't gone back and counted it up on my reports - seems like I am constantly changing his diaper!), I wasn't too surprised, it's just always encouraging to get confirmation everything is going well.

Ain't it the truth?

Thanks to Hollie Jo for sending me this article. All I can think to say is "Amen, sista!" They don't call them "birthing hips" for nothin'.

Genetics

So, we may not know who either of our children look like as far as Greg & I go - where did he get that pug nose and cleft chin?! - but Greg called it when he said Wyatt looked like Dellaina!! I submit into evidence their respective first Hospital photos:

Overload

I'm not normally a squeamish person and don't shy away from "documenting" and posting pictures, but for some reason I find myself more grossed out and unable to handle things lately. Like the bloody surgery scenes on Nip/Tuck. no thanks. Perhaps, it's partially because I'm watching while I'm nursing, which is just a delicate process anyway and I feel exposed? Either way, I wasn't prepared for Boss coming home yesterday with the drain tube still sticking out of him! I thought they were putting it in to drain while he was at the vet, but when we picked him up, it would be done with. wrong. So, we seriously have to keep him still for multiple days and keep him, basically locked in his crate all the time, because (1) we don't want the bloody fluid draining everywhere and (2) we don't want him or Hank to get the tube out! How unpleasant. He's so pitiful, but again I am so thankful it's Boss and not Hank, because Boss will actually, for the most part, silently accept his crate fate, whereas Hank would bark and whine and whimper and freak out if he were "trapped" in the crate and we were still around. We'd have to have a tranquilizer gun if it were Hank. So, instead we just have to endure the pitiful looks and know his sad state is for his own good and is only temporary. Even if 3 days seems like an eternity. He actually likes his plate and prefers to go in it most mornings when given the option to go outside or curl back up, when I'm going to work, for example. I tried giving him a break this afternoon, closing off the deck, so Hank was on the outside and Boss couldn't go down into the yard, putting his food out in the sunshine, and trying to let him just lay around out there for a while. But, he wouldn't lay! He kept messing with the gate and looking in the door like, "let me in!" and at one point, I look out and he's gotten the gate open and was no longer up on the deck! Thankfully, it hadn't been long enough for him to run around or Hank to get him too worked up and he was extremely thirsty and was initially interested in drinking water, which was a challenge with his cone on!

So, last night, I had a headache, I had wanted a nap and to run errands all day long, but somehow it all slipped away from me. I did some work from home and waited on Wyatt to wake up to nurse, thinking it would happen any moment and 5 hours later the day is gone for me waiting! Then, Boss came home in his state and we have to figure out our new Thanksgiving plans. I fix my dinner and have it all heated and ready to just sit down for a few minutes while Dellaina is in her chair eating/smearing/playing with her food and Wyatt is slightly fidgety in the changing table of the Pack n' Play and Greg is working out (but running up and down to check on us) and eat and relax and see if my headache will subside and I flat out drop the plate full of food on the floor and bust the plate in lots of pieces. It was more than I could handle and I had a nice cry. I'm also worked up over the pain I'm still having with nursing and feel so defeated. But, it's amazing once my headache goes away how much better I feel and how things don't seem as overwhelming. I was highly tempted to do a little self medicating with a BIG glass of wine, but with the headache, I refrained.

Something to be Thankful for

Boss had his stitches out on Friday and I thought we had made it. Then, last night, Greg's petting him and discovers a large, solid lump all around the incision near his rear leg. It, in turn, caused big lumps in our throats, because it did seem rather dire that something sprung up so suddenly in a place where we were trying to remove a tiny bump or possibly abnormal cells. It didn't seem to hurt him or be hot, like I thought an infection should, so I was worried. But, I tried to stay optimistic and we called the vet first thing this morning. Greg came to get Dellaina and took Boss with him and went to the vet after dropping her off. He called me to give the report that it was just fluid build up that for whatever reason had gotten caught in a pocket under the incision. It had more white cells than they'd like, indicating it was trying to abscess and become infected. They wanted to give antibiotics, but claimed it wouldn't reach the area because of the pocket? But, they'd keep him, put a tube in to drain the fluid and then use it to pump the antibiotics directly into the area. He'll need to have minimal activity and the vet wanted to see him again on Thursday. Greg reminded him this was Thanksgiving, so he said Friday. Sooooo, we had plans to go to Athens Thanksgiving Day and then down to the lake late Friday for the weekend. But, if we have to be back up here to see the vet and he shouldn't be running around with the pack of wild dogs we collect at the lake. . .looks like we are repeating our dilemma of years past that kept going and going and was never-ending and will have to figure out, yet again, what we are doing now, but hopefully not have so many set backs!

So, I'm trying to be thankful, in spite of the hassle, because, really, it is good news.

Laundry list

*I do not like it getting dark so early. It makes you feel so tired and like it's time for bed and it's only 7:00! And I want to go for a big family walk together to test out the new double stroller, but it's dark by the time Greg & Dellaina get home in the evenings during the week or by the time we wake up from nap on the weekends.

*I'm picking up a nifty habit from Greg that's something I never think about on my own, but am trying to make a point to now because I'm usually so cold: wash hands with warm water! I just always automatically turn on the cold water. But, if I come behind Greg, the water is still warm and I think, "oh, wow, that feels so good. why don't I think to wash my hands in warm water?" Even if it doesn't get that warm by the time you are done, it's getting warmer and takes the edge off! I'm sure Wyatt appreciates it when my hands aren't ice for his diaper changes, too.

*Our master bathroom toilet is leaking again! It had been running for like 20 minutes after you flushed and Greg adjusted it last week and got it working better again, but then, this morning, I go in and hear water running, so I jiggle the handle. Then, as I'm stumbling back out (because it was during a sleepy early morning nursing when I'm not fully awake) it occurs to me that it's not just running water, it's like trickling water, so I go back and bend down to feel the bowl (which thankfully we had left since the last time it leaked) and sure enough, it's full and water is dripping down into it. Just at the brim, but not yet overflowing! whew! So, I turn off the water to the tank, wash my hands (with warm water!) and go back to bed, making a note to tell Greg about it later. fun times.

*I've noticed that quite a few of my posts in the past few weeks have had the 'complaint' label. Maybe since it's Thanksgiving week, I should make a note to not complain so much and do a post of things I'm thankful for?

*I'd forgotten how much extra laundry comes with a newborn. It's wild. They are so small, but yet, go through so many changes of clothes, burp cloths, blankets, bibs, sheets, etc. And trash. Our trash seems to be compiling faster, too, but Wyatt can't be contributing much to the trash department, can he? Oh, well, other than diapers. We definitely empty out the diaper genies more frequently. His diapers are much smaller than Dellaina's, but we go through soooo many in a single day. The doctor mentioned how newborns can range from one dirty diaper every 3 days to every time you change. He's definitely on the EVERY time and even more, because we'll just change him and hear him filling it up again. Stephanie said Bethany only has 1-2 a day, maybe! Wild. And then there are all of the gift boxes contributing to the trash, but those are not a bad thing, and something to be thankful for!

without distractions

If you turn the TV off and step away from the computer, and if the dogs are lying in the sun peacefully and Dellaina is playing quietly or taking a nap or at school and you just listen - it's amazing to hear your child eating. The breathing and sucking that procures the food initially. Then, you can hear it actually hitting his stomach. The gurgling and churning. And even coming out the other end! This is nature at it's simplest and yet, it's so complex, we just take it for granted. It's just miracle after miracle of all the parts and processes that have to work to make "it" [life] work. take it in. marvel in it. it is wondrous.

Adventures in Breastfeeding

First, I would just like to say that there will be no pictures accompanying this post.

Second, let me start by saying that all of the books that say breastfeeding shouldn't hurt are a big ol' load of crap (Pen and I both agree on this fact). Perhaps it shouldn't be excruciating or constant, but there are so many aspects to it that do hurt, I just thought I'd enlighten you on:
*Taking showers cupping your hands over your breasts to cover and protect your sore, overly sensitive nipples from being hit by the water!

*The dance with the towel to make sure no part brushes or rubs!

*I ask anyone to put your finger in the mouth of a hungry baby and feel the intense chomping and then tell me if you'd want that attached to any other, more delicate part of your anatomy!

*Then, imagine having to do that constantly for hours on end, basically as soon as you finish, you are starting again while the sweet little babe is going through yet another growth spurt.

All in all, things do "toughen up" to some degree, but there's still the initial attachment twinge and these other more persistent issues to deal with that should not be denied by all of the books.

For further discussion and revelation into the life of breastfeeding and the *joys* of pumping:

*Pumping is an awkward undertaking and I can appreciate the comedic value of what it must look like holding two bottles with nozzles up to both breasts (try imaging it without imaging the specifics of it being me in your mind's picture, if you don't mind). And this is with an electric one; I can't even imagine what it must be like to attempt a hand pump?! It goes faster if you have distractions. You can't have anything too involved, because your hands are tied up, but it's good to have something else to think about other than the time, the rhythmic sound of the pump and perhaps pain/discomfort. Dellaina has wandered in while I was pumping and has this odd look of curiosity and. . .concern? Then, she started doing a little dance to the "beat" of the pump. It was pretty amusing for me as I often sit there and provide words to the repetitive sound to entertain myself. I remember pumping at work when Dellaina was in day care and it would be my moment to catch up on blogs. I couldn't make comments, but I could catch up and managed a system of scrolling. Back then, it was just Niki and PTNB that I read, thankfully, these days, I have many more to check in on. But, when I'm at home, I just sit in the dining room. There are windows, but we live down the hill from the road and I fully believe that no one can really see in during the day. I look across to Mr. Bobby's house and can't tell what's going on in there, so I think I'm safe. Even if someone did happen to catch a glimpse to tell a person was sitting at the table, I doubt their brain would be able to comprehend what I was actually doing. At night is a different story. I know what lights from the inside do to display, because I like walking the neighborhood at night when you can see into the homes. Does that make me creepy or weird? Anyway, I remember Niki telling me I should start a blog on the toils and adventures in breastfeeding and pumping, so this post is a tribute to her for inspiring us all to start our own blogs, perhaps with a slightly greater scope, for better or for worse. So, distractions are good, but having the FedEx delivery guy come down to the front door was not exactly the distraction I was intending. I don't think people can see in from the street, but if they get close enough - yikes! So, that was a funny moment of trying to make sure I was covered behind the pumping backpack up on the table. The dining room is away from the driveway and the front door as far as visibility, so I think I was still fine, but it was amusing in the timing of it all.

Other ordeals include:
*Last night, after a long string of nursing, I made Wyatt a bottle of formula. He drank it for a bit and then would stop and I'd try to burp him. He seemed a little upset and fussy still, but didn't seem to want to really eat anymore. I had him laying on my shoulder, his little face angled up looking at me and I was lovingly staring at this sweet little being when suddenly, almost as my mind came up with this thought, I made it happen: projectile spit up all over me. Thankfully, it [barely] avoided my face, but did land on my chest and I can attest provides a lovely feeling as it slides down between your breasts and fills up your bra.

*This morning, we were sitting on the couch nursing and I managed to spill my big-ass, jug of water that I, of course, had just filled up. It went down my back behind me and soaked my pants and underwear, too by the time I could get up off the couch. I had plans to take a shower after nursing anyway and still had one side to go, so didn't really feel like going to put on dry clothes when I'd just be taking them off again, so I just stripped down to my underwear and continued nursing in the living room! Sometimes, you just have to conserve your energy and that was just going to take too much wasted effort to just undo it all again. Again even though we have big floor to ceiling windows, I feel, perhaps naively, blended in enough for passersby, just not those that actually come calling.

Firsts

Happy 3 weeks, Wyatt!

He had his first "real" bath over the weekend. Soaking in the actual tub and not just a sponge bath, now that his belly button has mostly dried out. It's still got some "eww" on it as Dellaina can attest, but mostly that's from the doctor using something on it to dry it out last week. He seemed to enjoy the real bath much more than the sponge bath and actually relaxed for a bit. I'm sure it feels better to soak in the warm water than have it squeezed out on you, even while next to a heater. He got another one this morning and again seemed to mostly enjoy it. I like it because it seems to wear him out and he sleeps well afterwards. Guess I should try it in the evenings rather than the mornings, huh?

We also just got back from our first walk around the neighborhood in the stroller! I wasn't sure how I'd manage it, but it wasn't too bad, just took it slowly. And he must have enjoyed it a lot, because he was out by the time we got to the top of the driveway, just about, much like Dellaina used to do. The boys were upset they couldn't go, but I can only do so much. And, I know I've barely been out of the house in 3 weeks, but when did it warm back up so much?! I hardly needed to bring a blanket for him. It's beautiful weather, but really, almost too warm! I'm not sure I'm comfortable sweating so much in November!

I'm hoping tomorrow after the doctor, I'll be able to drive again and we'll have our first shopping/browsing outings on Friday. Aunt Emily is off and we have plans to meet up at some point. I use up her days off running my errands! It's a great system for me, and hopefully, she's not tiring of it yet!

Dreaded change

Lately, these things seem to be looming over my head of big things we need to tackle (I've talked them up before, too and they are still out there waiting to be faced), but I'm avoiding:

*Dellaina's transition to her big girl bed

*Weening her off the Boppy! At least restricting it to her bedroom/at night/sleeping.

*Potty training

*Pumping and establishing a real routine with 2 kids. Getting them both ready in the mornings to go to school, first just to drop Dellaina off, but eventually for them both to go and I'm supposed to go back to work, too?!

*Life insurance

*Clearing out closets, files, etc. I just feel weighed down by the multiple sizes of clothes in my closet and the endless bags and boxes of things to be "looked through" and dealt with. What do you do with all of the crap you kept of your own when you start having to keep all of your kids' crap, too? Somehow it seems less important, but if it could just be organized and some of it kept, logically, but who has time or energy to deal with that?!

*Organizing photos, updating baby books and keeping up with all of the important "memories" and milestones.

*Christmas shopping?! Really? Can I opt out this year? Is that horrible?

Other, more trivial To Dos:
*My doctor's appt. Thursday

*Boss goes back to have stitches removed

*Pick up bridesmaids dress on Friday - hopefully, all alterations will be successful and it will fit beautifully without need for additional tweaking.

*Wyatt goes back to the doctor next week.

*Thanksgiving traveling!

It's a Girl!

Andrea & Blake found out today that they are having a little girl! I am soooooo excited for them and can't wait to share all of the great girlie clothes of Dellaina's that we won't be reusing ourselves! We were telling Dellaina about Andrea & Blake "Anra & Bake!" having a little girl baby - Andrea has a baby in her belly "like mama!" but it was going to be a girl "like Dellaina!" - and how she'd have a little cousin to play with and she started saying, "mine!" So, I think she took away the important part. Girls are so much fun and I can't wait to be an aunt!

Sick Days

So, I wasn't officially part of NBPM, but I was trying to post everyday. I did have multiple posts on days, so thought that bought me some time, but, once you let one day go by, they seem to pile up on you quickly. Especially, when we all come down with a lovely chest cold, sore throat and coughing. Dellaina was sick starting last weekend and dad got her some medicine. Normally, I'm able to avoid getting what she brings home, just she and Greg seem to swap germs, but I guess my body is pretty wrecked right now, so I got sick as well and I was pretty useless for days. Thankfully, Grandmama came up Thursday night and then Granny and Granpa visited over the weekend, so I had lots of help and the ability to really sleep when Wyatt was, because Dellaina was being attended to by doting grandparents. And I do feel much better after getting ample rest over the weekend. If only I could stop getting headaches.

Overall (unlike right now), I've been trying to be good about going to bed at night when Wyatt does rather than staying up late to post, email or catch up on TiVo like I normally like to do. That may sound very sane, but believe me it's a big sacrifice and very difficult for me - I like my down time at night. But, I guess since I'm not working during the day, I kind of get down time around the clock. Except, it's mixed with constant nursing and diaper changing. Wyatt does seem to want to eat constantly at times, but then we do have some periods of recovery/normalcy-near-reasonable-schedule. I know the increased nursing is part of nature's way of making sure I'm producing enough milk as he grows, but it's very hard when you don't really have time to recover or produce more in between. I've given him some supplemental formula at a few different times, which I know defeats the purpose of my body generating more milk, but I've also started pumping some, too, to try to help in that area. Fun times. Sometimes it's hard to believe this is going to be my life for the next 6 months, hopefully. The thoughts of supplying for him when he goes to day care and having to pump at work are already haunting me. Otherwise, things are going really well and I believe he's getting the nourishment he needs and growing well! I still don't know where he gets some of his features - pumpkin-shaped head, pug nose or cleft chin, but I'm just excited to be watching him grow and change and fill out and become his own little person. It's so exciting. He's very strong and lifts his head well, bobbing around when he's on your shoulder. I think he will probably roll over easily, whereas Dellaina never really did. I realized that it's the small size of his head that makes him seem so much smaller to me than she was.

Standoff

Tuesday night, we had a situation with Dellaina. She was pitching a fit and started hitting things (which she does intentionally testing us, smacking something and then looking at us, arm poised to strike again and see if we attempt to deny her or tell her no) and she hit me and I was scolding her when Greg overheard and came upstairs to make sure things were under control. We tried to get her to apologize and say "I'm sorry mama" repeatedly. We tried it sternly. We tried it logically. We tried begging. We threatened and took her upstairs to bed 3 different times! She would say it to Greg when he was putting her in the bed, but then when he'd bring her back down to say it to me, even when I was crying, because I hated to be so tough on her, she stoically refused. Some people I'm sure think she's too young to know any better, but I swear to you, she understood exactly what we wanted from her and was withholding intentionally for whatever reason. She would just stare at me and continually rubbed her little eyes and poked her little lip out, but she absolutely refused to utter the words we were asking of her or even to agree when I would ask her if she was sorry she hit mama or deny that she wanted to hurt me. Finally, eventually, after a looong ordeal, she uttered the words. We felt like we hadn't given in, but didn't exactly feel like we'd come out victorious. And we discussed perhaps we shouldn't use bed as the punishment place, either. Hey, we're still learning.

Make Believe

Dellaina's bath time has become her creative time where she's really imaginative. With all of the help and the lack of my ability to move, bend, and lift and nursing Wyatt, I haven't been giving Dellaina her baths much in the past few weeks. But, she has started to really play in the tub. She has used her stacking cups as "party hats" for a while and will sing "Happy Birthday" when she has things on her head or puts things on the rubber duckie's head. Now, she fills up her little stacking cups and tells me she's "making coffee" or "making milk." I'm guessing she came up with coffee from baths with Mammie, because I don't like or drink coffee and wouldn't have supplied that answer. In fact, a few weeks ago we were talking and I explained to her that I didn't like coffee and she continued to repeat "mama not like coffee" all morning. She'll set each of her cups on the edge of the tub and place one letter or number on top of each one. If the letter doesn't behave and lay correctly across the top of the cup, she'll scold it, "no 'P' no" just like she does for "no, mama, no." which I think is really amusing that she'll fuss at a letter for not doing what she wants it to do! At least she doesn't discriminate. She even told me to "be patient, mama" while she was making the coffee, which I found highly amusing. I know she got that from her daddy, because he stresses the importance of patience that mama lacks. "Patience grasshopper" is a common phrase Greg uses. She'll take the washcloth and wrap up the letters and say she's "wrapping a present" I think this started right after she helped Granny & me wrap the present for Wyatt and with all of the presents she's helped open lately. But, it's all very creative.


This week her fixation is on planning her birthday party! So far, she's talked about wanting "nilla cupcakes" and then she added "chocolate cupcakes, yes!" "yellow and brown" We've gone over the guest list and in attempts to get away from the talks of food, have brought up we'll have "balloons" and "stickers!" and that it'll be a "princess party." It's been fun, but stretching this make believe world out for another month and 1/2 until it's actually time for her birthday party!

Mockingbird

We're all learning that we have to be even more careful around Dellaina. Family is learning that she'll actually report back to us and we're all learning she repeats what she hears much too often! There's nothing like hearing things repeated back to you to realize what you are saying. She's picked up the phrase "too cute" and uses it a lot in a very cute way - like when we were riding in the car yesterday and she saw the "panda bear" at Panda Express and then exclaims, "too cute!' Also, she says Wyatt is "squeaky" because that's what I say when he starts grunting and fussing. Last night after he sneezed, Dellaina exclaimed, "oh my goodness!" She even uses phrases like, "what's he saying?" or "what does that mean?" because we are asking her those questions so often. Her favorite phrase is "what's that?!" and it's used oh so frequently, think of the stories about children constantly asking "why?" Even when she's talking about people, like, "what's that?" really means "who's that?" on the phone when someone calls. Sunday, during the race, Greg said "damn" about a caution flag and Dellaina immediately repeated, "damn." I'm surprised it had taken this long, honestly. Thankfully, it was one of those zoned out moments of her watching the TV and just saying it without really absorbing it. Hopefully.

Today, as I was nursing Wyatt, Dellaina grabbed my nursing pad that goes in my bra and placed it on her chest! wow. she's observant. Then, she lifted her shirt to try to put it on underneath. it just made it to her belly button, but I think she did really get the point. Too much.

Last night, when I went in to check on her before going to bed, she was sleeping in her silver sunglasses that Uncle D had given her to play with. She had a big time with them yesterday, but apparently Daddy didn't secure them before tucking her in after stories. Then, I went into our bedroom and saw Greg had also fallen asleep with his glasses on, so with a smile, I removed his glasses as well. Daddy's little girl, through and through.

She was looking at my necklace and said, "turn it around" and I commented that it wasn't as pretty backwards and she affirmatively asserted "yes it is!"

Drumroll please

A few weeks before Wyatt was born, I was in TJ Maxx. I distinctly remember coming around the corner and there was a woman staring intently at the items on the shelf. I glanced at what I considered "African art" and kind of scoffed to myself about who would really buy it and put it in their house. But, as my eyes looked over the statues while I was waiting on the aisle to clear out and continue my progression, I was struck with the beauty and the fluidity of several of the pieces. And there were several that weren't the black, abstract chunky wood, but rather actual metal or other more descriptive/detailed mediums. There was a definite emotional response to some of them that I found surprising. Several in particular were about couples and family. Couples dancing - not the prim and proper Waltz, but a much more passionate and artistic, intertwining dance. Or families with an angels wings wrapped around them in the shape of a heart. There was one statue that had a mother, father, little girl and smaller boy that I was particularly drawn towards. I was tempted to buy it, but decided I'd better not jinx any outcome of our newest addition. They didn't have a two girls option, though, or even kind of an abstract representation that could be either (I believe they call that androgynous) and I was disappointed that I wouldn't have a statue to represent our family should we have another girl. There was also one of a mother swinging a baby up over her head in joy that I was very close to buying, but didn't want to just celebrate the new baby and exclude the older child. I found these to be powerful and really wanted one. I imagined having it on my nightstand or dresser and it pleased me. So, last week, while mom was still here and when dad was around to watch Wyatt, we ran out so I could look around. It took some hunting, because they are already setting out Christmas stuff, and I didn't see nearly as many options, but I did find one. I didn't remember the boy being taller than the girl, but mom pointed out that boys can grow taller (although, I'm not convinced that will be the case with Wyatt and Dellaina - she seems to have the percentages, but I know things change, so we'll see) and it's really not fluid like some of the others, and I know I'm not that tall, so even though it's clearly not the perfect reflection of our family, I still liked it and felt compelled to get it. It was on sale now, too.

I got it home and set it lovingly on the dresser. That night, Greg jokingly asked me, "so, what did we win the Emmy for?" I thought that was a classic response.

Growing boy

Wyatt had his 2 week check up today. He's already up to 9 pounds, so is doing exceptionally well! At two weeks, babies are just expected to be back up to birth weight, so he's well ahead of the curve there. As much as he eats, I'm not surprised, but it is nice to have reassurance. He's in the 62nd percentile for his weight, 65th for his height and 37th for his head! Dellaina is still in the 99th percentile for her head size and has been since birth, so it's a different experience for us to have such a "small" headed youngun'.

After the appointment, we went ahead and picked up Dellaina from school, so she and I have had a good afternoon together, but I am worn out. We are watching TV at the moment so mama can recuperate. Especially since I'm going clean and sober today and haven't taken a pain pill since 6:30 last night.

Boss had his surgery this morning to remove the two other masses. Greg is on his way home from work and picking him up. Hopefully his recovery this time around won't be as troublesome as the last time we tried this near Thanksgiving.

Welcome little ones. . .

One of my fellow pregnant ladies from the gym had her twins last week - a little early, but by all accounts everyone is doing well. Two more ladies to go to complete the little group we had.

Also, Mama Megan welcomed her little darling, Ashley Kate this morning. Weighing 7 pounds, 15 ounces, Miss Ashley is a healthy little girl and all are doing well. I know big Sis, Ella, must be super excited to finally get to hold her little sister after all the hype! Congratulations!! What a lucky little girl to be a part of such a great little family. Can't wait to see pictures and get more updates.

Cry cry baby

I guess the exhaustion and stupor of being born is wearing off: Wyatt has cried more in the past 24 hours than he has he whole 11 days of existence before that! Ironic that it coincides with when all of the help leaves. But, it's still not bad and we're working through it. . .

Our morning went well, getting Dellaina up and ready for Daddy to come pick her up and take her to Purple Hands. Wyatt was good and slept a little longer to allow me time to coax Dellaina out of bed, into her clothes, brush her teeth and hair (somewhat) and get downstairs. She wanted "pudding and peanut butter, yes" for breakfast. I wish I could record the way she says 'pudding' because it's so cute, she's trying so hard, but can't quite get it right - puhdnig or something wild. We were ready and had a good morning and she was excited Daddy was "come see us! come home! purple hands. schoolbus" I made the mistake of telling her Daddy was going to be the school bus to take her to school and I think she actually expected him to be driving a school bus. Luckily, she got over the expectation and was happy to see him and ride in his regular truck!

I've actually been doing some work this morning and still seem to be completely worn out. Wyatt is finally sleeping well. I have him stripped down (perhaps because I got sprayed AGAIN! but he's still bundled up in blankets, don't worry) and was ready to go give him another bath, but hate to disturb him now that he's resting well! Because it's not like it was a peaceful thing for him. Guess we'll wait until after the next feeding.

Guess I just had to talk about him resting peacefully to get him squirming and squeaking again. We've now accomplished the bath, relaxed with a feeding and it's time for a good nap. . .

Hooray

*Return of side sleeping without pain! Especially with it being colder, it's nice to really be able to curl up!

*Ability to wear regular underwear again without pain! Yea. bye-bye lovely hospital-grade, one-size-fits-all fishnet.

*Fall Back! Love fall back with an extra hour of sleep.

*Dellaina's imagination is really kicking in and she's entertaining herself well with fun make-believe/pretend games, which is really cute and inventive to see what she comes up with. She has a baby doll in Wyatt's chair and was talking to it like a baby.

*She is currently sharing her beaded necklaces with Wyatt by placing them on the footstool with him, all in a pile. She's "Wrapping him a present" too, and "here you go Wyatt" which is super cute.

*Fun packages have arrived! Cute little boy clothes and other fun things. Sweet friends that don't forget to include Dellaina! [her interpretation of bowling - just knock them down with whatever means necessary]

*The Help is leaving today, so we'll have the house back, but wait, they are leaving right now . . . OMG, how do we do this by ourselves? It's been nice having the laundry and dishes getting done and having someone to entertain and go around with Dellaina and constantly looking to help out. yikes! we're on our own!

*Not so Hooray: still looking for my DL, insurance card and credit card that I had out at the hospital! ugh. what a pain.

*yea, it's naptime. what a wonderful part of the day.

But. . Life is so full

Life with 2 is already so wonderful. Honestly. I'd heard that going from 1 to 2 can be difficult. Stephanie said it was harder than she was expecting. And I found myself surprised, because I felt like I was prepared for how much change it was going to be; could it really be more than what I'm preparing for?! But, I have to agree with my mom more on this one in that going from 1 to 2 is not that much different. Wyatt is a dream so far. He just slides right in and is just an easy, laid back little boy. We're not outnumbered yet and are already in baby mode, so it's not that much of a huge transition or step backwards, in my humble opinion. I'm so fortunate and thankful and I'm hoping it can continue at least long enough for me to heal some more, because then I feel I'll be better able to handle a few bumps or pot holes at that point. I'm not trying to brag, but thought I'd give an update on how we're settling in. Wyatt eats and sleeps and doesn't cry out much at all. Seriously, at night, I'm getting good chunks of sleep at at time - nursing at maybe midnight or 1:00, then again in the 4:00 hour than not again until the 8:00 hour! That's incredible! Especially considering how much he sleeps during the day. Nurses, passes out. Increasingly more often before I can even get him to nurse on both sides. And it's so nice since my sleep is still not completely peaceful as it is. It's amazing the yin and yang of your back and abdominal muscles. I think my back is really compensating for the lack of abdominal strength I have, which just means that it really hurts a lot, along with my abs hurting! After 9 months of not being able to sleep on your back, now I'm restricted to only sleeping on it, because it's so hard to roll and also because even if I manage that, everything hurts that way and I can't relax. But, I'm a side sleeper and toss and turn, so laying in one position takes it's toll. Even during the c-section, I was antsy laying on my back for so long. I just felt like I needed to roll over and curl up.

Things seem so much less stressful this time around, too, as far as panicking about every little thing/sound/movement/lack of movement that he does. I've done this before, so I'm much more mellowed out.

Having Dellaina at school during the day also really helps my sanity. That sounds harsh, but it's really helpful to know she's having interaction, entertainment, attention and I can focus on Wyatt and my recovery. And when she's here, she is so sweet and interested in Wyatt, but without being overly eager to constantly hold him or too rough poking him, etc. She's very easy with him and will just pat or rub his head gently. She really hasn't shown much jealousy at all either! In fact, she's even shared some of her stuff with him, bringing all of her little play-doh jars one at a time to spread around his head when he was sleeping. And we made him a little turtle out of the play-doh and she sat there for a good 30 minutes, just pinching off little pieces and piling them on top, still working on it for him. And he was content to continue sleeping while his big sis pressed and played around and on him. She'll come into the room and ask, "Where's Wyatt?!" and when she finds him or hears him, she'll squeal and say, "he's talking!" or "he's watching!" or "he's sleeping!" When she's leaving a room, she'll say, "bye bye Wyatt!" In the beginning when he'd cry out or get the hiccups, she'd seemed concerned, but then she'd say, "he's ok." The hiccups are now funny and not alarming in anyway. When he's nursing, she's interested, but not demanding of my attention. She hasn't once said, "all done baby" like we joked about for months she'd be saying. Or told me "get up mama!" when I'm holding him. So, it's been a pleasant experience all around and such a joy to watch them interact already. Hopefully, this post satisfies Megan's request for more pictures of the little man. I'm sorry I jumped on you a bit and took offense (drugs hadn't kicked in yet!), I've been printing out so many of these pictures, I didn't realize how few I really had posted!! Thanks for calling me out on it.

I'm sure writing about all of this will just jinx it and bring it to a crashing halt, but I wanted to give an honest report of how things are going, at least initially.