Lucy's hit the double digits. She's ten weeks old and boy are there a lot of changes. She smiles a lot, big beautiful smiles that make Mommy and Daddy go all warm and fuzzy. She talks too, obviously not in in English yet, but I'm not sure she realizes that. Noting a difference between men and women (not all men and not all women as there are clearly individuals who deviate from the norm), Daddy likes to talk at Lucy (i.e., say Da Da, say I love you, say Pirate) while Mommy talks with Lucy (i.e., is that what happened, what did you do, what color was it). I'm sure both ways are fine, but have to admit Daddy's way is cuter. Last night he had her on the changing table (her favorite place to be, she just lights up when she's on it...we're not sure why, but we're considering investing in fuzzy sheets for the bassinet (like the ones on the changing table)). He kept saying, "say I love you." She stared at him and started parroting the sounds he was making (no syllables, but she definitely had his tones down). It was the most adorable thing I've ever seen, and no I didn't catch it on video, but Major got me a video camera for my birthday so as soon as I learn how to use it I will try to start posting favorite moments (sorry I haven't gotten the snoring footage up yet, I am having a little bit of trouble figuring out how to post video to the blog). She also said Mama today, of course she had no idea what she said. She was just making random sounds, but I can dream.
Lucy also understands a lot more than Major or I realize. I was holding her last night while he played with the video camera. I had recorded her while I talked to her and tickled her tummy. While he watched the footage, I held her as she drifted off to sleep. When she heard my voice from the camera say, "there's my pretty girl, look at that smile," she got a big grin on her face. She knows what the word smile means and sometimes complies (and sometimes looks at you like, "I'll smile when I darn well feel like smiling, thank you.")
She still has a bit of a runny nose and occasionally coughs, but I think (hope) the cough is just a bit more drainage. The doctor said the big thing to watch for at this stage of the cold is an ear infection, which would present with symptoms like a fever or inconsolable crying. This concerned both Major and I as we both had chronic ear infections as children, but hopefully it's not genetic. She has been a bit colicky lately, which makes it a little bit harder to track that inconsolable crying, but she is only colicky in the evenings, so we don't think it is anything to worry about so far. The doctor also recommended a cool mist humidifier, so Major picked one up today. I wanted the elephant (her nursery is a jungle theme), but he got the penguin insisting there are penguins in the movie Madagascar. Heads up, next baby's room will have an arctic theme with jungle highlights (as we reuse things from Lucy's infancy).
The last two nights she did not get nearly enough sleep and refused to nap during the day, so we had an over tired, really cranky baby on our hands. Mommy finally broke down today at nap time and pulled her into the big people bed. I've done it before to calm her and help her drift off, but always put her in the bassinet as soon as she was asleep. Today she would not stay asleep unless she was right next to me. When she wasn't, she would wake up, look around, and let out a scream unlike anything I've ever heard before. Being held while Major or I were upright didn't count either. It wasn't good enough (I can hear my parents laughing...fine, whatever, she takes after her mother). I dozed lightly for about three hours while she slept. She woke up every once in awhile, made sure I was still there and went back to sleep. She's doing much better now and has been taking an evening nap for about half an hour. Hopefully tomorrow she'll be better.
We scheduled her first session with a professional photographer. We are going to do a package where you pay for four sittings (3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months). We're are really excited (she's made for film I tell you). I'm sure the only Christmas presents people will get for years will be pictures of Lucy ;)
Anyway, Daddy wants to buy a house so I better get to work on my dissertation. I'll post more next week :)
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
9 Weeks and the Gross Out Files (really the faint of stomach should not read this posting)
Well Lucy's first cold is really hanging on. I'm a bit worried, but we've had her to the doctor twice last week (once because she was breathing so loud and once as a routine visit (her 2 month checkup)). They listened to her lungs and said she was doing okay, but concurred with me that we should bring her in or call whenever we worried because of her age. I really liked how the doctor explained why we should watch her so carefully and why it is best little ones under 3 months not get sick. The doctor told her father and I that her immune system still isn't very good at communicating with itself. An infection in one part of the body can rapidly move to another part of the body and something that generally isn't serious, like a cold, can become very serious and life threatening very quickly. One of the reasons she isn't allowed medicine is because it can mask symptoms (e.g., Tylenol stopping a fever from coming on). We have to be able to monitor all of her symptoms all of the time. The cold has moved into her chest a bit, but she still isn't coughing (except for a couple individual coughs) and her breathing, while rough and making me fret, isn't bad enough to make me call the doctor or take her in again. She doesn't have a fever. The doctor gave us a computer print out with things to watch out for and instructions to call if any of them occur. We're watching her very closely and if she is still sick Tuesday I'll either stay home with her or take her to work with me.
Because of her cold she had another first this week. She threw up for the first time. She was sitting in her vibrating chair rather peacefully and suddenly just exploded. It was a bit like something out of the Exorcist and milk came out through her mouth and nose (the nose really freaked Major out). She had her 2 month check up the next day. The doctor was a bit concerned, but since Lucy only did it the one time thought it was probably irritation from too much mucus in her tummy (drainage from her cold) and said not to worry unless she did it again.
While at her 2 month appointment we found that she weighed 12 pounds 2 ounces, so her growth has slowed a bit, but is still in the 75th percentile (for height and head circumference too). The doctor said she is growing beautifully. She engages with her surroundings completely now and reaches for things regularly. She loves to watch her mobile and to play on her activity play sets (the ones with things that dangle down). She can lay and stair at some of the toys on the activity sets for twenty or thirty minutes (of course Mommy moves the toys around and makes them talk in funny voices, etc.).
She is in size two diapers and had her first visit to Costco yesterday. Daddy bought a case of diapers (258) and a case of wipes. We really needed wipes and Daddy used up all the wipes in the plastic cases (in the nursery and by the pack and play) last night while he played with Lucy so I could get some rest (I'm still really sick too). When I went to change her diaper at 3 a.m. I discovered there were no wipes and had to scream (sort of...I really don't have much of a voice right now) for Major to get up and get some wipes out of the new box. While he was doing that, guess what Lucy decided to do...I'm sure you know...it wouldn't have been a big deal except that Major was very tired and when he handed me a clean diaper to replace the other one that she had just soiled, he handed it to me all folded up (the new one was not secure and no longer in proper place to secure it). I had to let go of Lucy to unfold it and she went again. It was projectile...all over the wall and the diaper pail and the changing table. I thought about it for a couple of seconds and decided it was funny, so then Lucy thought it was funny, so she and I spent several minutes just laughing. While we laughed Daddy had to clean everything up (in a very groggy state). I don't think he thought it was quite as funny as we did. Maybe in ten or fifteen years.
I don't have very many new pictures to post, but have some great video (from the still camera, so they're short) of her in the swing and of her snoring (due to the cold). I'll try to get those posted today or tomorrow.
For those of you who consider Race to be one of our children, he is doing a little bit better. He actually slept with Major the other night (he hadn't done that in years...not since he bit Major's toe (trying to play) and Major threw a pillow at him). His hair is coming back and he's demanding food again (all the time). When I have a full time job I'm going to get him a six foot cat tree from Costco (less than $200, quite a bargain). I'm sure that will reassure him that he is loved (and give him a place to go that Lucy can't get to when the toddling begins).
Because of her cold she had another first this week. She threw up for the first time. She was sitting in her vibrating chair rather peacefully and suddenly just exploded. It was a bit like something out of the Exorcist and milk came out through her mouth and nose (the nose really freaked Major out). She had her 2 month check up the next day. The doctor was a bit concerned, but since Lucy only did it the one time thought it was probably irritation from too much mucus in her tummy (drainage from her cold) and said not to worry unless she did it again.
While at her 2 month appointment we found that she weighed 12 pounds 2 ounces, so her growth has slowed a bit, but is still in the 75th percentile (for height and head circumference too). The doctor said she is growing beautifully. She engages with her surroundings completely now and reaches for things regularly. She loves to watch her mobile and to play on her activity play sets (the ones with things that dangle down). She can lay and stair at some of the toys on the activity sets for twenty or thirty minutes (of course Mommy moves the toys around and makes them talk in funny voices, etc.).
She is in size two diapers and had her first visit to Costco yesterday. Daddy bought a case of diapers (258) and a case of wipes. We really needed wipes and Daddy used up all the wipes in the plastic cases (in the nursery and by the pack and play) last night while he played with Lucy so I could get some rest (I'm still really sick too). When I went to change her diaper at 3 a.m. I discovered there were no wipes and had to scream (sort of...I really don't have much of a voice right now) for Major to get up and get some wipes out of the new box. While he was doing that, guess what Lucy decided to do...I'm sure you know...it wouldn't have been a big deal except that Major was very tired and when he handed me a clean diaper to replace the other one that she had just soiled, he handed it to me all folded up (the new one was not secure and no longer in proper place to secure it). I had to let go of Lucy to unfold it and she went again. It was projectile...all over the wall and the diaper pail and the changing table. I thought about it for a couple of seconds and decided it was funny, so then Lucy thought it was funny, so she and I spent several minutes just laughing. While we laughed Daddy had to clean everything up (in a very groggy state). I don't think he thought it was quite as funny as we did. Maybe in ten or fifteen years.
I don't have very many new pictures to post, but have some great video (from the still camera, so they're short) of her in the swing and of her snoring (due to the cold). I'll try to get those posted today or tomorrow.
For those of you who consider Race to be one of our children, he is doing a little bit better. He actually slept with Major the other night (he hadn't done that in years...not since he bit Major's toe (trying to play) and Major threw a pillow at him). His hair is coming back and he's demanding food again (all the time). When I have a full time job I'm going to get him a six foot cat tree from Costco (less than $200, quite a bargain). I'm sure that will reassure him that he is loved (and give him a place to go that Lucy can't get to when the toddling begins).
Sunday, January 10, 2010
8 Weeks
Lucy was baptized Sunday at Trinity Episcopal Church by Father Ron. Before the baptism, Father Paul gave a beautiful sermon that focused on Lucy, specifically on her name, Lucy Rose. He pointed out that her name means "light of the rose," which he tied into the stained glass rose window in the nave, the pink roses on the alter, and the rose colors in all of the stained glass windows of the church. He explained that her name was no accident, but the work of The Father and talked about how important a person's name is in the Christian tradition of baptism. If anyone is interested, Father Paul gave us a copy of the sermon and we would love to share it.
- I couldn't see it through Major, but I hear she was doused pretty good in the face and except for a single cry in protest didn't cry at all.
- Everyone at church was really wonderful welcoming her.
- John and Jan (her Godparents) gave her a beautiful bracelet with her name engraved on it (you can see it very well in the pictures).
In a strange coincidence, right before Lucy was born I read a book called the Rose Labyrinth by Titania Hardie. I will leave it to those who are interested in what the coincidence is to read the book, but I will say that Major and I chose Lucy's name months before she was born and months before I ever laid eyes on this book. In fact, Lucy's name is a combination of her great-grandmother's names (Lucille for my grandmother and Rose for Major's).
Major Milestones this week
- Lucy has her first cold (which she promptly gave to her Mommy). While it was inevitable, it was unfortunate. I was trying to hold off until she was old enough to take medications that might help sooth her. Unfortunately at eight weeks she is still too little even for baby Tylenol. We're left to warm baths, rocking, and singing. She's been remarkably good considering this is the first time she's ever had a sore throat (based on my symptoms) and stuffy sinuses (her voice is off just a little).
- Lucy can definitely focus on things and follow them. Her line if vision is much improved and she now stairs at her Mommy and Daddy intently (as well a unique shadows on the wall). She loves when Mommy and Daddy pay attention to her at the same time. I'm not sure she realized before that we existed at the same time. When we both play with her she grins and makes a kind of grunt that will probably turn into a giggle soon.
- Lucy tries to sing with Mommy, but not so much with Daddy (perhaps a Pirate's Life is too intimidating). She likes songs that are slow and melodic like Moon River and Blowin in the Wind. She gets a great big smile on her face and makes a monotone (but usually fairly in key) sound with intermittent pauses. It is absolutely the cutest thing I've ever seen.
- She also talks to us now with coos and squeaks.
- When she's having too much fun or there is something that she really likes and she is tired she cries to keep herself awake (sympathy is very much appreciated). This usually happens right before her mid-morning nap (which is the end of our first session of playtime) and her first nap after her Daddy gets home from work (and he has been spending time with her). He's actually in the office with her now trying to sooth the hysterics (of course at this point she is crying because she's crying). It lasts for about 10 minutes and then she calms down and falls asleep. We can usually tell it is coming because her eyes get really sleepy and she starts to get just a little fussy right before (and then of course in the few seconds before her face turns bright red). I've tried the quiet room with the soft light to help her drift off before the waterworks start, but that seems to bring them on faster. Any suggestions on how to keep the crying at bay are appreciated.
- Lucy is playing with a lot more of her toys now. Hopefully next weekend we'll get some pictures of playtime up. In her baptism pictures there are a couple of her at playtime without her toys...they are the ones where she is in the blue chair with the big smile.
It sounds like the crying jag is just about over for this evening. I better go so I can help Major and he can drink his tea. More news soon.
- I couldn't see it through Major, but I hear she was doused pretty good in the face and except for a single cry in protest didn't cry at all.
- Everyone at church was really wonderful welcoming her.
- John and Jan (her Godparents) gave her a beautiful bracelet with her name engraved on it (you can see it very well in the pictures).
In a strange coincidence, right before Lucy was born I read a book called the Rose Labyrinth by Titania Hardie. I will leave it to those who are interested in what the coincidence is to read the book, but I will say that Major and I chose Lucy's name months before she was born and months before I ever laid eyes on this book. In fact, Lucy's name is a combination of her great-grandmother's names (Lucille for my grandmother and Rose for Major's).
Major Milestones this week
- Lucy has her first cold (which she promptly gave to her Mommy). While it was inevitable, it was unfortunate. I was trying to hold off until she was old enough to take medications that might help sooth her. Unfortunately at eight weeks she is still too little even for baby Tylenol. We're left to warm baths, rocking, and singing. She's been remarkably good considering this is the first time she's ever had a sore throat (based on my symptoms) and stuffy sinuses (her voice is off just a little).
- Lucy can definitely focus on things and follow them. Her line if vision is much improved and she now stairs at her Mommy and Daddy intently (as well a unique shadows on the wall). She loves when Mommy and Daddy pay attention to her at the same time. I'm not sure she realized before that we existed at the same time. When we both play with her she grins and makes a kind of grunt that will probably turn into a giggle soon.
- Lucy tries to sing with Mommy, but not so much with Daddy (perhaps a Pirate's Life is too intimidating). She likes songs that are slow and melodic like Moon River and Blowin in the Wind. She gets a great big smile on her face and makes a monotone (but usually fairly in key) sound with intermittent pauses. It is absolutely the cutest thing I've ever seen.
- She also talks to us now with coos and squeaks.
- When she's having too much fun or there is something that she really likes and she is tired she cries to keep herself awake (sympathy is very much appreciated). This usually happens right before her mid-morning nap (which is the end of our first session of playtime) and her first nap after her Daddy gets home from work (and he has been spending time with her). He's actually in the office with her now trying to sooth the hysterics (of course at this point she is crying because she's crying). It lasts for about 10 minutes and then she calms down and falls asleep. We can usually tell it is coming because her eyes get really sleepy and she starts to get just a little fussy right before (and then of course in the few seconds before her face turns bright red). I've tried the quiet room with the soft light to help her drift off before the waterworks start, but that seems to bring them on faster. Any suggestions on how to keep the crying at bay are appreciated.
- Lucy is playing with a lot more of her toys now. Hopefully next weekend we'll get some pictures of playtime up. In her baptism pictures there are a couple of her at playtime without her toys...they are the ones where she is in the blue chair with the big smile.
It sounds like the crying jag is just about over for this evening. I better go so I can help Major and he can drink his tea. More news soon.
Friday, January 1, 2010
First Post
Welcome to Lucy's Blog. While I was pregnant, I sent a regularly email called Baby Update to those who I thought were interested in what was happening with Lucy and myself. Now that Lucy is here, I wanted to give people who followed the updates the option to continue hearing about Lucy's progress on their own schedule as well as open up this information to other friends and family who might be interested. The nice thing about a blog is that I don't have to feel as though I am spamming people, but can still provide information to the people who want it. Major has promised to write the occasional post or "Daddy's Corner," but he is a bit nervous about people judging his writing skills, so please be patient with him as he struggles to put words on paper (or computer). Feel free to post comments if you like.
- This week
* Lucy is growing like a weed. She weighed 11 pounds 8 ounces at her last doctor's appointment, which is a 4 pound increase from when she was born. She is in the 88th percentile for growth (which means she is growing faster than 88% of other babies in the US). She is two inches longer and her head is bigger too (but I'm not sure how many centimeters without looking). She has outgrown all of her newborn clothes and is almost out of her 0 to 3 months. 3 to 6 months here we come.
* She is not sleeping through the night. In fact she likes to stay up as long as she possibly can (or as Daddy says, party all night long). Last night she went 4 hours without eating, unfortunately the first hour of that (from 2 to 3 am) was playtime.
* Her baptism is scheduled for Sunday, January 10th. If you're interested let me or Major know (via phone call) and I'll give you the church details.
*Lucy is a Scorpio and like all little Scorpios, she is an adventurer. She loves to go out and about (which is hard when it is 5 degrees outside). She also loves to meet new people.
- This week
* Lucy is growing like a weed. She weighed 11 pounds 8 ounces at her last doctor's appointment, which is a 4 pound increase from when she was born. She is in the 88th percentile for growth (which means she is growing faster than 88% of other babies in the US). She is two inches longer and her head is bigger too (but I'm not sure how many centimeters without looking). She has outgrown all of her newborn clothes and is almost out of her 0 to 3 months. 3 to 6 months here we come.
* She is not sleeping through the night. In fact she likes to stay up as long as she possibly can (or as Daddy says, party all night long). Last night she went 4 hours without eating, unfortunately the first hour of that (from 2 to 3 am) was playtime.
* Her baptism is scheduled for Sunday, January 10th. If you're interested let me or Major know (via phone call) and I'll give you the church details.
*Lucy is a Scorpio and like all little Scorpios, she is an adventurer. She loves to go out and about (which is hard when it is 5 degrees outside). She also loves to meet new people.
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