Disclaimer: Please excuse any typos, misspellings or grammar mistakes. I'm so out of it, and you will read why below. I tried to proof this post, but there were many mistakes so I might have missed some. You'll forgive me, right?
We had a very rough night last night. You all get to hear all about it, because it's all I can think of and I hope writing about it will exorcise the demon from my mind.
First let me say that I'm incredibly glad that we spent the money on a comfortable glider/recliner for the nursery, because that is where I spent most of my night. Londo, the Pumpkin and I are all exhausted. Londo and I talked this morning about how we forget just. how. bad. it. is. when she is waking up this often at night and won't be put down. We know that it was bad, and we remember that going through it was a nightmare. But once we start getting more sleep, we block out just how bad it is until we are going through it again. And then it hits us like a ton of screaming, squirming bricks.
After waking up screaming like a red alert alarm, Londo went in to her. (I was not really awake and totally thought it was Londo's alarm going off and I was snapping at him in that sleepy babbling way to turn off his alarm. That's how much she sounded like an alarm. Or that's how out of it I was at the abrupt waking. Probably both.) Londo tried to put her down I think 4 times in the span of a little over an hour.
When I took over, I quickly realized there would be no putting her down. After 45 minutes of nursing, she finally fell asleep (miraculously not attached to my nipple). When I tried to shift her a bit in preperation of getting up and putting her in her crib, she fussed and cried, and I immediately stopped moving so that I wouldn't fully wake her. And so, I pulled up a blanket, used another blanket for a pillow, put the chair in recliner mode, and drifted to sleep as best I could.
An hour later, she woke up crying in my arms. She still doesn't settle down if I try to only rock her, although I keep trying (maybe only half-heartedly). I ended up nursing her back to sleep, and we both fell asleep. When I woke up an hour later (at 5:30 A-freaking-M), she still had my nipple in her mouth. They are sore, people. Very sore the past week--from this sort of thing, not from anything, you know, good. Luckily I was able to detach her without waking her, and we slept another hour, when she woke up crying again and I said that's it, we are awake for the day because it's 6:30 and that's wake up time and I'm just done.
I really hate it when she wakes up screaming and crying before she even opens her eyes. It must mean that what has woken her is that something inside doesn't feel right. So that makes me feel so bad for her. And it drives me crazy.
Here's the good news (if you can call it that): I think I know why she's having a particularly hard time. Last night I saw, and then felt, some big bumps just under her gums. It looks like her first molars are trying to come in. Her teething has never gone smoothly, so I can only imagine that the molars will be especially hard. Teething would also explain much of what's going on lately, from the fever and off-and-on runny nose to the sleeping problems and fussiness to the wanting to constantly nurse and not wanting to eat much solids.
So I feel a little better knowing that things should get better after her molars are through the skin and up a little ways (if history holds true). But I have a feeling this won't be a quick process... plus, there are going to be four of them, right? Yet I feel only two bumps on the bottom gum...
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Monday, April 7, 2008
Think The Gypsies Will Take Her?
This morning, my lovely little girl was totally a Dr. Jekyll and Miss Hyde. She would go from super fussy, freaking out because she wanted the door open or that toy or to play with the trash bag (etc.) to giggly, cute and sweet. I feel like I was put through the ringer this morning, and I've been incredibly grumpy. But I've got my coffee now and a yummy breakfast sandwich. I'm sure I'll feel better soon.
But this morning I was reminded of a conversation Londo and I have had off and on throughout this past year. This is not a new conversation, though, as previously this conversation was about the dog. Now, it is about the Pumpkin when she's been especially frustrating.
Parent 1: We could just sell her to the gypsies.
Parent 2: They wouldn't pay money for her. Maybe they'd take her for free.
Parent 1: We'll probably have to pay them to take her!
Parent 2: We could throw in the dog!
Parent 1: It just might work!
But this morning I was reminded of a conversation Londo and I have had off and on throughout this past year. This is not a new conversation, though, as previously this conversation was about the dog. Now, it is about the Pumpkin when she's been especially frustrating.
Parent 1: We could just sell her to the gypsies.
Parent 2: They wouldn't pay money for her. Maybe they'd take her for free.
Parent 1: We'll probably have to pay them to take her!
Parent 2: We could throw in the dog!
Parent 1: It just might work!
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Question of the Week - Five Albums
Updated below with my answers.
I'm happy to say that the Pumpkin's fever broke earlier today, and her temperature is back to normal (whatever normal should be--it was 98.5, so that's got to be fine). If she is still without fever in the morning, I will bring her to the babysitter (my mom is out of town, so she is with my niece and the babysitter tomorrow). One thing I discovered out of all of this is that the Pumpkin HATES getting her temperature rectally. She never seemed to notice before, but has expressed her intense displeasure today. I will have to look into an ear thermometer or something.
Because we stayed in all day with the sick child, I actually got a lot of reading today. My book, Bel Canto, is really well written with an intriguing story. One of the main characters is an opera singer, and a lot of the book centers around music. It's making me yearn to go to an opera! Londo and I went to one about 8 or 9 months ago, our first real outing after having the baby. I do love the opera.
So in honor of my head being full of music, here is the question of the week:
What five albums could you not live without?
I'm actually going to have to think about mine. I know about 3 right away, but I'm going to have to debate the final 2. I'll think about it and post mine later.
How about you? What would yours be?
Update:
After much back and forth, I've finally finalized my list. In no particular order, my five are:
-Tidal, Fiona Apple
-Rubber Soul, The Beatles
-Fizzy Fuzzy Big & Buzzy, The Refreshments
-Billie Holiday Sings Standards, Billie Holiday
-High Fidelity soundtrack from the movie, various artists
This was a crappy question. It was much to hard to decide. How could I cut Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Janis Joplin from the list? It was so hard to pick between Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald! What about the Sex Pistols? What about John Mayer and Norah Jones? Five was much to small. I see that now. But there is my list none the less.
Update over.
I'm happy to say that the Pumpkin's fever broke earlier today, and her temperature is back to normal (whatever normal should be--it was 98.5, so that's got to be fine). If she is still without fever in the morning, I will bring her to the babysitter (my mom is out of town, so she is with my niece and the babysitter tomorrow). One thing I discovered out of all of this is that the Pumpkin HATES getting her temperature rectally. She never seemed to notice before, but has expressed her intense displeasure today. I will have to look into an ear thermometer or something.
Because we stayed in all day with the sick child, I actually got a lot of reading today. My book, Bel Canto, is really well written with an intriguing story. One of the main characters is an opera singer, and a lot of the book centers around music. It's making me yearn to go to an opera! Londo and I went to one about 8 or 9 months ago, our first real outing after having the baby. I do love the opera.
So in honor of my head being full of music, here is the question of the week:
What five albums could you not live without?
I'm actually going to have to think about mine. I know about 3 right away, but I'm going to have to debate the final 2. I'll think about it and post mine later.
How about you? What would yours be?
Update:
After much back and forth, I've finally finalized my list. In no particular order, my five are:
-Tidal, Fiona Apple
-Rubber Soul, The Beatles
-Fizzy Fuzzy Big & Buzzy, The Refreshments
-Billie Holiday Sings Standards, Billie Holiday
-High Fidelity soundtrack from the movie, various artists
This was a crappy question. It was much to hard to decide. How could I cut Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Janis Joplin from the list? It was so hard to pick between Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald! What about the Sex Pistols? What about John Mayer and Norah Jones? Five was much to small. I see that now. But there is my list none the less.
Update over.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Cara Mama - What a Day!
Cara Mama,
I really had a fun day today. I had another great day at Little Gym. And after my nap, the Metro ride was pretty fun. I liked Daddy holding me up so I could hang on to the ceiling bar with him. The movement of the Metro was fun, too. I also liked making smiles with Daddy's cousin and wife, who were fun to play with while they were here.
Lunch wasn't so fun. I didn't like the food or where I was sitting. Also, I was so tired, because my morning nap before we left wasn't so great.
Now, I don't know what spies are or why they have a museum for them (or what a museum is, really), but I'm glad you all had a good time. I'm especially glad you rented a backpack carrier and put me front-facing in it while you walked around the museum. The nap I took in the carrier reminded me of how I used to always nap in your (or Daddy's) sling because I couldn't nap anywhere else.
I'm not sure why I didn't feel so well once we got back*. I was so tired and fussy. Thanks for feeding me early and putting me to bed early. I'm not sure how well I will do sleeping tonight. I sure do hope I feel better tomorrow. I'm glad we have nothing planned!
Ti amo,
Pumpkin
*She had a bit of a temperature, but I took it right after a pretty warm bath, so I'm not sure how accurate it was. Also, anyone know what the "normal" temperature is for babies when the temperature is taken rectally?
I really had a fun day today. I had another great day at Little Gym. And after my nap, the Metro ride was pretty fun. I liked Daddy holding me up so I could hang on to the ceiling bar with him. The movement of the Metro was fun, too. I also liked making smiles with Daddy's cousin and wife, who were fun to play with while they were here.
Lunch wasn't so fun. I didn't like the food or where I was sitting. Also, I was so tired, because my morning nap before we left wasn't so great.
Now, I don't know what spies are or why they have a museum for them (or what a museum is, really), but I'm glad you all had a good time. I'm especially glad you rented a backpack carrier and put me front-facing in it while you walked around the museum. The nap I took in the carrier reminded me of how I used to always nap in your (or Daddy's) sling because I couldn't nap anywhere else.
I'm not sure why I didn't feel so well once we got back*. I was so tired and fussy. Thanks for feeding me early and putting me to bed early. I'm not sure how well I will do sleeping tonight. I sure do hope I feel better tomorrow. I'm glad we have nothing planned!
Ti amo,
Pumpkin
*She had a bit of a temperature, but I took it right after a pretty warm bath, so I'm not sure how accurate it was. Also, anyone know what the "normal" temperature is for babies when the temperature is taken rectally?
Cara Figlia - You Are an Angel... In Public
Cara figlia,
You are so good when we are out in public or around other people. And I am really thankful for that. You are always smiling and laughing and interested in what's going on. People are constantly asking me, "Doesn't she ever cry?" or "Is she always this good?"
I wish I could tell them that you never cry and that you are always that good. But that would be lying, and I try to be honest. I laugh and tell these people to come over at our house when you are up in the middle of the night or sit in a car ride with us or try to take the remote control away from you. Then they would see the truth you hide so well.
You just have always been a fussy girl. And that's okay with us, we can deal with it. But you really are giving people the wrong impression. Maybe you are just like your mama and naturally seem to look like you have it together, even if you aren't feeling that way. But then when I insist that it's been a bumpy ride with you as you are giggling and saying "hello," people look at me like I'm just making it up. I insist that you will be fine for now, but melt down in the car, and they scoff or humor me without really understanding.
I supposed it could be worse and you could be throwing tantrums in front of everybody. Hmmm, yeah thanks for not doing that! I take it all back. Keep acting like the perfect angel in front of everyone else. I can only imagine the looks I'd get if you were fussy all the time in public!
Ti amo,
Mama
You are so good when we are out in public or around other people. And I am really thankful for that. You are always smiling and laughing and interested in what's going on. People are constantly asking me, "Doesn't she ever cry?" or "Is she always this good?"
I wish I could tell them that you never cry and that you are always that good. But that would be lying, and I try to be honest. I laugh and tell these people to come over at our house when you are up in the middle of the night or sit in a car ride with us or try to take the remote control away from you. Then they would see the truth you hide so well.
You just have always been a fussy girl. And that's okay with us, we can deal with it. But you really are giving people the wrong impression. Maybe you are just like your mama and naturally seem to look like you have it together, even if you aren't feeling that way. But then when I insist that it's been a bumpy ride with you as you are giggling and saying "hello," people look at me like I'm just making it up. I insist that you will be fine for now, but melt down in the car, and they scoff or humor me without really understanding.
I supposed it could be worse and you could be throwing tantrums in front of everybody. Hmmm, yeah thanks for not doing that! I take it all back. Keep acting like the perfect angel in front of everyone else. I can only imagine the looks I'd get if you were fussy all the time in public!
Ti amo,
Mama
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