Dear Garrett,
Mama
Monday, July 30, 2007
One Month
Big Debut, Part II
Today Garrett has reached a milestone -- he is now one month old. So yesterday, to celebrate, we took him to church for the first time. I'm proud to say that he totally stole the show, what with how adorable he is.
For the most part he was a good boy and kept his gassy fussiness generally under control. We only had a few minor explosions, but aside from that he pretty much just slept like the precious baby boy that he is. I'm not totally comfortable yet with a baby at church. It's kind of strange to have this living, breathing, little person appended to me like an extra body part. And like most new parents (and perhaps experienced ones as well), I get nervous that each tiny sound he makes will echo throughout the entire building. Hopefully this is a paranoia that will pass with time.
Here's a picture of Garrett is his First Day of Church outfit, complete with the blanket we wrapped him in, which happened to match his outfit very well (thanks, Grandma Nancy!):
And for good measure, here's another photo. In this one he's showing off his latest trick -- focusing. The things he learned to focus on are 1) Mama, 2) Papa, 3) his binky, 4) toys that squeak and rattle, and 5) the animals hanging from the swing mobile:
For the most part he was a good boy and kept his gassy fussiness generally under control. We only had a few minor explosions, but aside from that he pretty much just slept like the precious baby boy that he is. I'm not totally comfortable yet with a baby at church. It's kind of strange to have this living, breathing, little person appended to me like an extra body part. And like most new parents (and perhaps experienced ones as well), I get nervous that each tiny sound he makes will echo throughout the entire building. Hopefully this is a paranoia that will pass with time.
Here's a picture of Garrett is his First Day of Church outfit, complete with the blanket we wrapped him in, which happened to match his outfit very well (thanks, Grandma Nancy!):
And for good measure, here's another photo. In this one he's showing off his latest trick -- focusing. The things he learned to focus on are 1) Mama, 2) Papa, 3) his binky, 4) toys that squeak and rattle, and 5) the animals hanging from the swing mobile:
Sunday, July 29, 2007
One Way Ticket
Two things:
1) BLAKE GOT A JOB!!!
so we're
2) MOVING TO NEW YORK CITY!!!
Ack! So exciting!
And so now we only have one more month in the quiet, home-grown Midwest. One more month in which to wrap up our lives here. And one more month to figure out how to get ourselves to NYC.
Ack! So much to do!
It's hard to view events like this in a one-step-at-a-time sort of way, but I think we're doing okay so far. Blake is all set to fly to NYC on Tuesday to scout it out and nab us a place to live, most likely in either Queens or Brooklyn -- to live in Manhattan would, well, cost us an arm and a leg, both of which I think we'd rather hang on to, thank you very much. (Wish him luck!) And yesterday we (finally) entered the 21st century and got ourselves a cell phone (because I don't think you can honestly call yourself a New Yorker, nor find an apartment there, without one). We have yet to figure out how to sell the car (because I think we'd be crazy to try to keep it, what with how expensive it would be not only keep it insured, but keep it parked -- and who in their right mind wants to drive the streets of New York City anyway when you can just take a train?). And then there are about a thousand piddly things that need to be taken care of before we can say goodbye to life in Muncie and hello to life in the Big Apple. Whew. We can do it, though, right?
Wow. New York City. It's still so unreal to me. And, ha, talk about polar extremes -- Muncie, Indiana to New York City. Wow. Crazy.
1) BLAKE GOT A JOB!!!
so we're
2) MOVING TO NEW YORK CITY!!!
Ack! So exciting!
And so now we only have one more month in the quiet, home-grown Midwest. One more month in which to wrap up our lives here. And one more month to figure out how to get ourselves to NYC.
Ack! So much to do!
It's hard to view events like this in a one-step-at-a-time sort of way, but I think we're doing okay so far. Blake is all set to fly to NYC on Tuesday to scout it out and nab us a place to live, most likely in either Queens or Brooklyn -- to live in Manhattan would, well, cost us an arm and a leg, both of which I think we'd rather hang on to, thank you very much. (Wish him luck!) And yesterday we (finally) entered the 21st century and got ourselves a cell phone (because I don't think you can honestly call yourself a New Yorker, nor find an apartment there, without one). We have yet to figure out how to sell the car (because I think we'd be crazy to try to keep it, what with how expensive it would be not only keep it insured, but keep it parked -- and who in their right mind wants to drive the streets of New York City anyway when you can just take a train?). And then there are about a thousand piddly things that need to be taken care of before we can say goodbye to life in Muncie and hello to life in the Big Apple. Whew. We can do it, though, right?
Wow. New York City. It's still so unreal to me. And, ha, talk about polar extremes -- Muncie, Indiana to New York City. Wow. Crazy.
Friday, July 27, 2007
I Finished!
And -- wow. Wow. Despite the fact that it was a definite bloodbath of a story, I think J. K. Rowling did a most excellent job of wrapping up the series. (And yes, I cried.)
And now it's over. Harry Potter's epic saga is over. Which is both a little sad and a little relieving: it's always hard for me to see an enthralling story come to a close, but I don't think I have enough patience or energy to wait for another installment.
So to Ms. Rowling, I say thank you -- thank you for keeping me spellbound for the last few years, and thank you also for lifting the enchantment so I can get back to reality.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Big Debut
This morning I took Garrett on his first official social outing. After dropping off Blake on the south end of campus to meet a professor he's working for, Garrett and I drove up to the north end to my office so that he could meet my co-workers. I'm pleased to say that Garrett was utterly charming (and by "utterly charming," I mean "pretty much comatose," which would of course be the case after he kept his parents up all night long with the fussing that finally wore him out). You know, it was pretty fun to be able to play the Proud Mama as I passed him around to the various arms eager to hold him and to listen to everyone coo over how positively adorable he is. If Garrett was dazing in and out of consciousness the entire time, I was beaming the entire time. I can't help but look forward just a little bit to our next official social outing -- church this Sunday.
Last night, because we've had our hunches that Garrett has done himself a healthy bit of growing since we first met him, we took him to the Post Office and weighed him on the scale in the lobby. He is now up to 8 lbs 7 oz -- almost 2 whole pounds heavier than his birth weight. Good job, my boy! Though we haven't measured yet, I think he's also grown lengthwise because the extra 2 pounds have not done much to fill him out, so to speak. He's still just as long and lanky as he's always been, which leads me to believe he's got the same gene that make his uncles so freaking tall.
A visit to the Post Office
Last night, because we've had our hunches that Garrett has done himself a healthy bit of growing since we first met him, we took him to the Post Office and weighed him on the scale in the lobby. He is now up to 8 lbs 7 oz -- almost 2 whole pounds heavier than his birth weight. Good job, my boy! Though we haven't measured yet, I think he's also grown lengthwise because the extra 2 pounds have not done much to fill him out, so to speak. He's still just as long and lanky as he's always been, which leads me to believe he's got the same gene that make his uncles so freaking tall.
A visit to the Post OfficeTuesday, July 24, 2007
Baby Vocabulary Lesson
Having a baby around certainly enhances your vocabulary. Their mere existence in your life introduces completely new words and adds new meaning to familiar ones. Here's a quick lesson for you based on the strides our own vocabulary has made in the last 3 1/2 weeks.
Boppy, n. - A C-shaped pillow used for supporting your arms while feeding the baby, or for supporting your wiggly baby when you need to put him down. Not to be confused, as Blake often does, with a Snugli.
Snugli, n. - A back-pack-like device worn over the abdomen into which you may place your baby, thus allowing you to carry him while affording yourself the use of both of your hands. Wearing it is like being pregnant, only with this you can put the baby down when he starts to get too heavy.
Mylicon, n. - In the words of Blake: "fart medicine." Whether or not this syrupy concoction actually relieves gas in infants in open to debate. At any rate, our baby sure likes the taste of it, which seems to be enough to take his mind off his painful gas for at least a little while.
Diaper, n. - A protective device placed over a baby's bare bottom in order to catch his ...um...business. Will leak, as we have learned, if it's either too big or too small for the bottom it is covering (in which case you must either up to a bigger sized diaper or wait for your baby to grow, and in the meantime, wash lots of urine-soaked linens).
Ounce, n. - 1) A unit of measurement helpful in determining the precise amount a baby weighs; 2) A number which must be counted when determining how much formula should be/has been given to a bottle-fed baby.
Formula, n. - A milk-like food for infants who are not breastfed to eat. Admittedly creates stinkier poop than breast milk does, but is a godsend for those (both mother and baby) who have trouble with the more natural approach to feeding.
Swing, n. - A life-saving mechanical device, the rocking and/or gliding motion of which is often enough to fool a baby into thinking he's being held, thus giving his exhausted parents a chance to eat their dinner.
Binky, n. - An ingenious stopper which can be inserted into a baby's mouth for him to suck, thus tricking him into thinking he's calm and happy. Also known as a pacifier.
Nightie, n. - A long, potato-sack-like gown with mittened sleeves and an open end which makes nighttime diaper changes a thousand times easier.
Onesie, n. - The easiest one-piece outfit to dress a newborn in. Seriously, it's all my baby fits into!
Digital Camera, n. - A useful device for parents in capturing the adorableness (and sometimes extreme anger) of their offspring.
Boppy, n. - A C-shaped pillow used for supporting your arms while feeding the baby, or for supporting your wiggly baby when you need to put him down. Not to be confused, as Blake often does, with a Snugli.
Snugli, n. - A back-pack-like device worn over the abdomen into which you may place your baby, thus allowing you to carry him while affording yourself the use of both of your hands. Wearing it is like being pregnant, only with this you can put the baby down when he starts to get too heavy.
Mylicon, n. - In the words of Blake: "fart medicine." Whether or not this syrupy concoction actually relieves gas in infants in open to debate. At any rate, our baby sure likes the taste of it, which seems to be enough to take his mind off his painful gas for at least a little while.
Diaper, n. - A protective device placed over a baby's bare bottom in order to catch his ...um...business. Will leak, as we have learned, if it's either too big or too small for the bottom it is covering (in which case you must either up to a bigger sized diaper or wait for your baby to grow, and in the meantime, wash lots of urine-soaked linens).
Ounce, n. - 1) A unit of measurement helpful in determining the precise amount a baby weighs; 2) A number which must be counted when determining how much formula should be/has been given to a bottle-fed baby.
Formula, n. - A milk-like food for infants who are not breastfed to eat. Admittedly creates stinkier poop than breast milk does, but is a godsend for those (both mother and baby) who have trouble with the more natural approach to feeding.
Swing, n. - A life-saving mechanical device, the rocking and/or gliding motion of which is often enough to fool a baby into thinking he's being held, thus giving his exhausted parents a chance to eat their dinner.
Binky, n. - An ingenious stopper which can be inserted into a baby's mouth for him to suck, thus tricking him into thinking he's calm and happy. Also known as a pacifier.
Nightie, n. - A long, potato-sack-like gown with mittened sleeves and an open end which makes nighttime diaper changes a thousand times easier.
Onesie, n. - The easiest one-piece outfit to dress a newborn in. Seriously, it's all my baby fits into!
Digital Camera, n. - A useful device for parents in capturing the adorableness (and sometimes extreme anger) of their offspring.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Pause
You have to know that if I'm taking a break in my reading of Harry Potter #7, what I'm about to tell you is unfathomably exciting, so maybe you should all sit down for this, if you're not, of course, already doing so.
Yesterday I found pants that fit me -- ON THE CLEARANCE RACK.
It's true. After whipping through some great sales at JCPenney in search of a few shirts to replace the worn out and shrunken shirts that are currently residing in my dresser drawer, I decided to also breeze through Old Navy to see if they had any clearance items worth shouting about.
It turns out they did, my friends, it turns out they did.
You see, the size of pants I wear is so incredibly common that they rarely make it to the clearance racks. And the fact that I require this common size to also have a "long" inseam makes their appearance with a clearance sticker nigh unto unheard of. So yesterday, when I found not one, but EIGHT pairs of blue jeans in my exact size that which also, when I tried them on, fit like a dream, I was ecstatic. And when I saw them priced at only $6.97, I knew I had entered a personal heaven. Never before in my life has pants shopping been so easy, nor so cheap.
And so, you know what I did? I bought three pair. Because, for crying out loud -- SEVEN DOLLARS!!! You just can't beat that.
And now, before I let myself get consumed again in Harry Potter's saga, here's a classic example of the fun we're having with Baby Garrett:
We found he'd fallen asleep last night in the boppy in this position...
...so we decided (well, mostly Blake decided) to complete the pose Garrett had started:
Yesterday I found pants that fit me -- ON THE CLEARANCE RACK.
It's true. After whipping through some great sales at JCPenney in search of a few shirts to replace the worn out and shrunken shirts that are currently residing in my dresser drawer, I decided to also breeze through Old Navy to see if they had any clearance items worth shouting about.
It turns out they did, my friends, it turns out they did.
You see, the size of pants I wear is so incredibly common that they rarely make it to the clearance racks. And the fact that I require this common size to also have a "long" inseam makes their appearance with a clearance sticker nigh unto unheard of. So yesterday, when I found not one, but EIGHT pairs of blue jeans in my exact size that which also, when I tried them on, fit like a dream, I was ecstatic. And when I saw them priced at only $6.97, I knew I had entered a personal heaven. Never before in my life has pants shopping been so easy, nor so cheap.
And so, you know what I did? I bought three pair. Because, for crying out loud -- SEVEN DOLLARS!!! You just can't beat that.
And now, before I let myself get consumed again in Harry Potter's saga, here's a classic example of the fun we're having with Baby Garrett:
We found he'd fallen asleep last night in the boppy in this position...
...so we decided (well, mostly Blake decided) to complete the pose Garrett had started:
Friday, July 20, 2007
Treat Street
The other day, while Blake was on an errand to Target to investigate the usefulness of investing in a Diaper Genie (because, honestly, the diaper smell permeating our apartment was starting to get old and disgusting), he also picked up a package of Swedish Fish, which I, for some reason, have been craving for the last few weeks. As he went through the checkout line, armed with the Diaper Genie he decided would most certainly be a good investment (and besides that, it was on sale), a bottle warmer (which, seriously, has been a fantastic new small appliance), and the package of delicious red Swedish Fish, the cashier asked him if he'd ever eaten the Swedish Fish frozen. Frozen? Well, that was new. Blake replied that he hadn't, and curious me had to stash a handful in the freezer just to see what the hype was all about.
Turns out that frozen Swedish Fish ARE good. Who knew? They start out rock solid, like a Jolly Rancher, but as you suck on them, they go back to their sweet, chewy goodness. I don't know, but I think I'm sold. Just like I'm completely sold on eating frozen grapes.
Maybe I'm crazy, but there are a few other crazy treats I've taken a liking to. Like Pixie Stix-filled Red Vines. This one was introduced to me by my friend, Emily, one night while I was down from Ricks College visiting her at Utah State during our freshman year. Basically you take a stick of Red Vine licorice, bite off the top, exposing the hollow inside, pour Pixie Stix inside, and eat. It's a sugar rush, I'll warn you, and probably should not be eaten by organic health-food nuts or diabetics, and only on rare occasions by the rest of us. But if you need a treat to keep you hyperactive and awake into the wee hours of the night, or just have an eager sweet tooth, this one's for you.
Or there's also Grasshoppers and Hot Chocolate. This one was invented through a joint effort my sophomore year by my roommates and I and put to the test after coming home from a sledding trip at the sand dunes outside Rexburg during a blinding blizzard. To make this one you take a Grasshopper cookie (or its minty Girl Scout equivalent), take a tiny bite out of both the north and south ends of it, and then, through the holes you just made, suck hot chocolate through your "cookie straw." The cookie is porous and because it is, the hot chocolate completely fills it, making it soft, warm, and extremely rich. It's the perfect mid-winter delicacy.
So those are a few of my Treat Street secrets. Anybody else out there with the occasional creative sweet tooth?
Turns out that frozen Swedish Fish ARE good. Who knew? They start out rock solid, like a Jolly Rancher, but as you suck on them, they go back to their sweet, chewy goodness. I don't know, but I think I'm sold. Just like I'm completely sold on eating frozen grapes.
Maybe I'm crazy, but there are a few other crazy treats I've taken a liking to. Like Pixie Stix-filled Red Vines. This one was introduced to me by my friend, Emily, one night while I was down from Ricks College visiting her at Utah State during our freshman year. Basically you take a stick of Red Vine licorice, bite off the top, exposing the hollow inside, pour Pixie Stix inside, and eat. It's a sugar rush, I'll warn you, and probably should not be eaten by organic health-food nuts or diabetics, and only on rare occasions by the rest of us. But if you need a treat to keep you hyperactive and awake into the wee hours of the night, or just have an eager sweet tooth, this one's for you.
Or there's also Grasshoppers and Hot Chocolate. This one was invented through a joint effort my sophomore year by my roommates and I and put to the test after coming home from a sledding trip at the sand dunes outside Rexburg during a blinding blizzard. To make this one you take a Grasshopper cookie (or its minty Girl Scout equivalent), take a tiny bite out of both the north and south ends of it, and then, through the holes you just made, suck hot chocolate through your "cookie straw." The cookie is porous and because it is, the hot chocolate completely fills it, making it soft, warm, and extremely rich. It's the perfect mid-winter delicacy.
So those are a few of my Treat Street secrets. Anybody else out there with the occasional creative sweet tooth?
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
I promise I'm not as lazy as this post makes me sound
If you're like me, and you stay home all day with a gassy, fussy newborn who wants nothing more than to be held, cuddled, and comforted at nearly all hours of the day and night, a baby who is also a lazy and often sleepy eater who, though enjoys giving me all the signs that he thinks I'm starving him, is content to spend 45 minutes to an hour with his 3 oz bottle, you find you spend a lot of time that you never did before sitting in front of the television. And if you're like me, and aren't willing to pay for cable and consequently only get a small handful of stations with decent reception (FOX, NBC, 2 PBS stations, the local equivalent of UPN, and 4 different Christian channels), and are unwilling to waste your time in front of daytime soaps and Jerry Springer, you have to get creative.
While my mom was here playing Grandma, she, Blake, Garrett and I spent many happy hours in front of our computer watching the entire first season of 30 Rock at NBC.com. We introduced her to the likes of Liz Lemon, Jack Donaghy, Tracy Jordan, Jenna, and Kenneth the Page, and had a great time doing so. Seriously -- this show is hilarious. We're all hooked, and if you're not hooked yet, well I suggest you consider becoming such.
While we were at it, we also decided to jump on the Heroes bandwagon, since the entire first season of that show was also available online and since none of us had watched it during its original run, but had been exposed to countless commercials which left us very intrigued, wondering what saving a cheerleader had to do with saving the world. I really didn't think I'd get as hooked as I did because, in all honesty, the show is pretty intense and involves more blood and guts than I usually care to see. So far, though, we've watched 19 of the 23 episodes, and I think I'm going to need to finish the season quick because all of these unanswered questions keep swimming around in my head. Things like: Is Mr. Bennet good or evil? When is Claire going to stop acting like an idiot? And who the heck is Mr. Linderman?
Aside from internet TV programming, I've also shifted our DVD player into overdrive. In the past 2 1/2 weeks I've watched Miss Potter, The Hudsucker Proxy, The Prestige, The Hours, Jane Eyre (the Masterpiece Theater version), a Woody Allen film called Sleeper (funny, but very weird), and The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio (twice -- once with Garrett and once with Blake. And yes, it was THAT good). And, thanks to the Muncie Public Library, I'm looking forward to soon watching Memphis Belle, The Maltese Falcon, and two other Woody Allen films: Annie Hall and Love and Death.
Am I proud of all this mind-numbing activity? Not particularly. So to make up for it, I've also learned how to feed and comfort a baby with one hand and hold a book with the other. Right now I'm working my way through an interesting biography of Emily Bronte, and, thanks again to the Muncie Public Library, I'll soon be reading The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio (yes, the movie was so good that now I must read the memoir it was based on), and Twilight and New Moon by Stephaney Meyer. Also, once we get our copy this weekend, I'll be devouring my way through Harry Potter #7.
This obviously does not leave much time to clean the bathroom and mop the kitchen floor, just a few of the things I have not yet learned how to do while holding a baby. Don't worry, though, they'll get done...eventually. In the meantime, it's enough just to keep up with washing and preparing bottles, cleaning the ever-growing mound of dirty laundry, keeping the house liveably clean, catching up on some of the sleep I lose out on at night, and, of course, diapering, bathing, changing, photographing, and loving my sweet little boy. Which, speaking of, isn't he still so darling? My, my, I just can't get enough of him, fussiness and all.
By the way, in case you were curious, this entire post was typed one-handed. Which is another thing I've learned to be able to do while comforting a baby with my other hand. I'm starting to get anxious to see just how much I can do with only one hand. The possibilities may very well be endless.
While my mom was here playing Grandma, she, Blake, Garrett and I spent many happy hours in front of our computer watching the entire first season of 30 Rock at NBC.com. We introduced her to the likes of Liz Lemon, Jack Donaghy, Tracy Jordan, Jenna, and Kenneth the Page, and had a great time doing so. Seriously -- this show is hilarious. We're all hooked, and if you're not hooked yet, well I suggest you consider becoming such.
While we were at it, we also decided to jump on the Heroes bandwagon, since the entire first season of that show was also available online and since none of us had watched it during its original run, but had been exposed to countless commercials which left us very intrigued, wondering what saving a cheerleader had to do with saving the world. I really didn't think I'd get as hooked as I did because, in all honesty, the show is pretty intense and involves more blood and guts than I usually care to see. So far, though, we've watched 19 of the 23 episodes, and I think I'm going to need to finish the season quick because all of these unanswered questions keep swimming around in my head. Things like: Is Mr. Bennet good or evil? When is Claire going to stop acting like an idiot? And who the heck is Mr. Linderman?
Aside from internet TV programming, I've also shifted our DVD player into overdrive. In the past 2 1/2 weeks I've watched Miss Potter, The Hudsucker Proxy, The Prestige, The Hours, Jane Eyre (the Masterpiece Theater version), a Woody Allen film called Sleeper (funny, but very weird), and The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio (twice -- once with Garrett and once with Blake. And yes, it was THAT good). And, thanks to the Muncie Public Library, I'm looking forward to soon watching Memphis Belle, The Maltese Falcon, and two other Woody Allen films: Annie Hall and Love and Death.
Am I proud of all this mind-numbing activity? Not particularly. So to make up for it, I've also learned how to feed and comfort a baby with one hand and hold a book with the other. Right now I'm working my way through an interesting biography of Emily Bronte, and, thanks again to the Muncie Public Library, I'll soon be reading The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio (yes, the movie was so good that now I must read the memoir it was based on), and Twilight and New Moon by Stephaney Meyer. Also, once we get our copy this weekend, I'll be devouring my way through Harry Potter #7.
This obviously does not leave much time to clean the bathroom and mop the kitchen floor, just a few of the things I have not yet learned how to do while holding a baby. Don't worry, though, they'll get done...eventually. In the meantime, it's enough just to keep up with washing and preparing bottles, cleaning the ever-growing mound of dirty laundry, keeping the house liveably clean, catching up on some of the sleep I lose out on at night, and, of course, diapering, bathing, changing, photographing, and loving my sweet little boy. Which, speaking of, isn't he still so darling? My, my, I just can't get enough of him, fussiness and all.
By the way, in case you were curious, this entire post was typed one-handed. Which is another thing I've learned to be able to do while comforting a baby with my other hand. I'm starting to get anxious to see just how much I can do with only one hand. The possibilities may very well be endless.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Coming to you live...or almost, anyway
I've finally found a good use for the video feature on our digital camera. Just to warn you, though -- he doesn't do anything especially interesting. He just moves and flails his arms around and plays a bit of pat-a-cake with his feet. Oh, but he does have the hiccups, so you can hear the occasional squeak. Anyway, he was so pleasant this morning that I couldn't resist sharing it with the world. Enjoy!
Odd Realizations
Funny. Today is my due date. It's strange to consider that fact as I gaze into the eyes of my precious two-week-old baby. And it's especially strange to realize that, after spending the last day or so completely swimming in my maternity clothes, today I'm back to wearing my regular, pre-pregnancy clothes. I honestly did not expect to bounce back THAT quickly. But, here we are, and I'll take it, at any rate.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Baby Blues, or Why We All Need More Sleep
It pretty much breaks my heart to hear my baby cry. I think Garrett must miss his Grandma because since Thursday, when she had to head back home, he's been fretful and fussy. Or maybe he just seems extra fussy to me because I miss Grandma being here and all of a sudden it's hit me just how exhausted I am. For the last few days I've felt incredibly overwhelmed with my responsibility for this precious little boy, and more than once I've found myself questioning whether or not I'm really and truly capable of taking care of him. And then you factor in the fact that my hormones are still trying to level themselves out and also the fact that I've never been so tired in all my life, and you've got not only a fussy, fretful baby, but a weepy mother, too. All I can say is that I don't know what I would do without Blake. He's the only one around here who doesn't cry on a whim. He is an excellent father to Garrett and a life-saving husband to me. So, thanks, Blake. A lot.
Now, before anyone gets worried that I'm headed off the deep end or something, I should also say that I'm doing much better today. For the first time in a few nights, Garrett's actually slept, which of course means that we got to sleep, too. Seriously -- I've never been so excited for 3 and 4 1/2 hour stretches of sleep! It's heaven! So anyway, Garrett's been less fretful today, and I've been less weepy. And now we just need to work on figuring out a way to keep his business INSIDE his diaper. If you've never been drenched in baby pee (or baby poop, for that matter), well, then you've really never lived. Nor have you had to do so much laundry.
Here's a quick Kodak moment for all you photo-hungry folks out there. This was taken this afternoon after an apparently very filling bottle. Who knew burping could completely wipe you out?
P.S.: In case you care, Garrett's birth announcement was published in the Muncie paper today. You can see it here. (Don't be deceived -- he was NOT the only baby born at Ball Hospital on June 30th. It must have been the full moon or something because he was actually one of about seven or eight babies born there that day.)
Now, before anyone gets worried that I'm headed off the deep end or something, I should also say that I'm doing much better today. For the first time in a few nights, Garrett's actually slept, which of course means that we got to sleep, too. Seriously -- I've never been so excited for 3 and 4 1/2 hour stretches of sleep! It's heaven! So anyway, Garrett's been less fretful today, and I've been less weepy. And now we just need to work on figuring out a way to keep his business INSIDE his diaper. If you've never been drenched in baby pee (or baby poop, for that matter), well, then you've really never lived. Nor have you had to do so much laundry.
Here's a quick Kodak moment for all you photo-hungry folks out there. This was taken this afternoon after an apparently very filling bottle. Who knew burping could completely wipe you out?
P.S.: In case you care, Garrett's birth announcement was published in the Muncie paper today. You can see it here. (Don't be deceived -- he was NOT the only baby born at Ball Hospital on June 30th. It must have been the full moon or something because he was actually one of about seven or eight babies born there that day.)
Friday, July 13, 2007
Crazy Eights, Junior
And now, because he's too precious, here are eight random facts about Garrett:
1. He has awesome, long, skinny feet. Seriously, this kid will end up in size 13s before we know it! Also, he must have spent 9 months playing pat-a-cake with his feet in utero because I often find him relaxing in that position.
2. He likes to cuddle with me.
3. He squeaks when he hiccups.
4. He decided, after a rather nervous episode during his first, that he loves baths. Also, he loves to lick bath water off of his fingers.
5. He does a great Jack Benny impersonation.
6. In fact, the flailing, involuntary movements his arms are constantly making are often pretty adorable.
7. He likes his swing. He also likes being swaddled.
8. He never stays upset for too long. Usually shortly after he starts fussing, he forgets what all his fuss was about and falls asleep.
He's a good baby. And I love him.
1. He has awesome, long, skinny feet. Seriously, this kid will end up in size 13s before we know it! Also, he must have spent 9 months playing pat-a-cake with his feet in utero because I often find him relaxing in that position.
2. He likes to cuddle with me.
3. He squeaks when he hiccups.
4. He decided, after a rather nervous episode during his first, that he loves baths. Also, he loves to lick bath water off of his fingers.
5. He does a great Jack Benny impersonation.
6. In fact, the flailing, involuntary movements his arms are constantly making are often pretty adorable.
7. He likes his swing. He also likes being swaddled.
8. He never stays upset for too long. Usually shortly after he starts fussing, he forgets what all his fuss was about and falls asleep.
He's a good baby. And I love him.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Crazy Eights
And now, because Becca tagged me, here are eight random facts about me:
1. I don't like milk in my cereal. I can't stand that soggy texture, though for social reasons I've been able to train myself to, in the words of Remy's brother on Ratatouille, muscle my way past the gag reflex so that I don't look like a total idiot. Usually, though, I just find something else to eat for breakfast.
2. According to my 9th grade biology teacher, I am full of recessive genes: straight blond hair, fair skin, blue eyes, toes that slant their way down in a neat little line (no "same size or bigger than the big toe second toe" for me). So it's somewhat surprising to me that my son shares so many of my features, rather than taking everything from my dominant-gene filled husband.
3. If there's anything that frustrates me to no end, it's sewing. And yet, it's the one skill I desperately wish to cultivate in myself.
4. I was born tongue-tied and to correct it, the doctor clipped away some of the extra tissue under my tongue shortly after birth. But apparently it grew back, so when I was in 6th grade, in order to begin my regimen of corrective orthodontia, they clipped the extra tissue away again. And yes, it hurt like crazy.
5. Turns out I'm cranky when I'm awoken at 2:00 in the morning to change a diaper. But I'm much more pleasant during the 5:00 am feedings.
6. I'm really fast at washing dishes by hand. (But that doesn't mean I don't occasionally lust after a dishwasher.)
7. I own six antique Ball canning jars, and someday I'll have a decorative kitchen shelf to display them on. I guess this is one of the perks of living in Muncie - the Land of Ball Jars.
8. Despite the fact that I think The Office is hilarious, and despite the fact that, according to my brother, the best two minutes of television come from this show, I think I like 30 Rock better.
There. And now you know eight more things about me than you probably cared to.
1. I don't like milk in my cereal. I can't stand that soggy texture, though for social reasons I've been able to train myself to, in the words of Remy's brother on Ratatouille, muscle my way past the gag reflex so that I don't look like a total idiot. Usually, though, I just find something else to eat for breakfast.
2. According to my 9th grade biology teacher, I am full of recessive genes: straight blond hair, fair skin, blue eyes, toes that slant their way down in a neat little line (no "same size or bigger than the big toe second toe" for me). So it's somewhat surprising to me that my son shares so many of my features, rather than taking everything from my dominant-gene filled husband.
3. If there's anything that frustrates me to no end, it's sewing. And yet, it's the one skill I desperately wish to cultivate in myself.
4. I was born tongue-tied and to correct it, the doctor clipped away some of the extra tissue under my tongue shortly after birth. But apparently it grew back, so when I was in 6th grade, in order to begin my regimen of corrective orthodontia, they clipped the extra tissue away again. And yes, it hurt like crazy.
5. Turns out I'm cranky when I'm awoken at 2:00 in the morning to change a diaper. But I'm much more pleasant during the 5:00 am feedings.
6. I'm really fast at washing dishes by hand. (But that doesn't mean I don't occasionally lust after a dishwasher.)
7. I own six antique Ball canning jars, and someday I'll have a decorative kitchen shelf to display them on. I guess this is one of the perks of living in Muncie - the Land of Ball Jars.
8. Despite the fact that I think The Office is hilarious, and despite the fact that, according to my brother, the best two minutes of television come from this show, I think I like 30 Rock better.
There. And now you know eight more things about me than you probably cared to.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
A Baby Story
What do they call that show on TLC about the "Labor Day" experiences of new mothers? A Baby Story? Eh, doesn't matter. Anyway, I've been asked by a few people what my experience was, so for those who care, here's the story.
On Friday I felt great -- better than I had in about, oh, nine months. So after work, Blake and I caught the last matinée showing of Ratatouille. (Great flick, by the way. It comes highly recommended by us.) In retrospect, the fact that I felt like doing more than just plopping down like a rag doll on the couch combined with the fact that I went into labor the next morning makes me think that this was that oft-warned of burst of energy pregnant women get when the end is just around the corner. For those of you who have yet to experience this, it really is fantastic.
I woke up early Saturday morning feeling pretty yucky. But this wasn't the same crummy feeling I'd woken up with for the past few months. In fact, it was so different that the thought crossed my mind for a fleeting moment that maybe, just maybe, this was It. (My practical side then of course convinced me that this was Crazy Talk -- I still had two weeks left to go.) By the time I got out of bed, I was having irregular contractions that were definitely more intense than the Braxton-Hicks contractions I'd felt for the last couple months. I called my mom and told her what was going on, and then Blake and I headed out to run a few Saturday morning errands.
No sooner had we left the house than my contractions started coming at incredibly predictable five-minute intervals. Seriously -- it was like clockwork! And even though they were getting pretty darn painful and intense, I decided to get out of the car at our first stop. And then, after experiencing a few contractions waiting in line to get cheese, I decided that this choice was a mistake and went back out to the car.
We canceled the rest of our plans to run about town and instead called the doctor, who told us to keep an eye on things for another hour and that, if they continued, to go ahead and get to the hospital. By 2:00 we were checking ourselves into the Labor and Delivery unit.
A nurse hooked me up to the monitors in a triage exam room and checked me out. I'd dilated to 4 cm, was 100% effaced, and was having contractions every two minutes, but I was still remarkably taken aback when she said, "This baby's coming today!" Today? I thought. I'm not even going to get a July baby? I've been planning on a July baby for 9 months! And then I had another contraction and quickly decided that a June baby would be fabulous.
I think every other pregnant woman in Muncie decided to have their babies on the 30th, too, because the 4th floor was super busy -- so busy, in fact, that lucky me didn't get to move to an actual delivery room until it was time to push. The anesthesiologist got there as soon as he could, though (about 1.5 hours after I got there), and his simple act of giving me that epidural put him at the top of my hierarchy of best friends. I think Blake was also relieved he made the pain go away because I'm pretty sure I would have broken his fingers had I continued to progress naturally.
The doctor came shortly after and broke my water, and then I spent the next while hanging out in the triage room. A little before 6:30 the nurse had me try pushing and then I was quickly moved to a delivery room. While she got things ready, I threw up (so lovely, let me assure you), and then told Blake that I was really ready to just get this over with because not only was I so nauseous, but I could feel the baby descending into the birth canal like a bowling ball being shoved into a putt-putt golf hole. Blake, who had to clean me up, wanted it over, too.
I pushed for only about 20 minutes before Garrett had wiggled out. The doctor showed up for the last 5 minutes of pushing, and told me once he got there that he could see a head and that it was covered in blond hair.
The next little bit was minorly traumatic -- Garrett made his appearance with the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck, so the doctor quickly cut the cord. He then spent the next hour in transition trying to get his mucous-filled lungs to breathe properly. Luckily he started to improve before the NICU had a chance to get to him. Meanwhile, the doctor had to stitch me up because, even though Garrett was teeny-tiny, he was still big enough to make me tear.
Guys, the whole thing was absolutely miraculous. To think that this perfect, healthy little person was supposed to have been miscarried eight months ago. But he didn't. He's here! And everything happened so fast -- much faster than I thought it would. One minute he was a tiny little tadpole, then he's kicking and pushing his way to the outside, and suddenly he's in my arms. Holding Garrett for the first time made me cry -- he was (and is) so beautiful!
Blake, Garrett, and I spent the next two days at the hospital recovering and getting to know each other. Garrett and I both gave breastfeeding our best shot, but in the end had to give it up (he's a lazy and easily frustrated eater). But he likes his bottles just fine, and Blake likes to get to help feed him. My mom arrived late Tuesday night to help out and she gets to stay here until Thursday. It's been great having the extra pair of hands, especially when they are doting first-time grandmother hands.
Our days now consist of eating, sleeping, diapering, and just staring at each other. Oh, and laughing -- I don't think he means to, but the faces Garrett makes and the poses he pulls are so funny... I'll write more on this another time. It's a great new life. I couldn't ask for anything better.
On Friday I felt great -- better than I had in about, oh, nine months. So after work, Blake and I caught the last matinée showing of Ratatouille. (Great flick, by the way. It comes highly recommended by us.) In retrospect, the fact that I felt like doing more than just plopping down like a rag doll on the couch combined with the fact that I went into labor the next morning makes me think that this was that oft-warned of burst of energy pregnant women get when the end is just around the corner. For those of you who have yet to experience this, it really is fantastic.
I woke up early Saturday morning feeling pretty yucky. But this wasn't the same crummy feeling I'd woken up with for the past few months. In fact, it was so different that the thought crossed my mind for a fleeting moment that maybe, just maybe, this was It. (My practical side then of course convinced me that this was Crazy Talk -- I still had two weeks left to go.) By the time I got out of bed, I was having irregular contractions that were definitely more intense than the Braxton-Hicks contractions I'd felt for the last couple months. I called my mom and told her what was going on, and then Blake and I headed out to run a few Saturday morning errands.
No sooner had we left the house than my contractions started coming at incredibly predictable five-minute intervals. Seriously -- it was like clockwork! And even though they were getting pretty darn painful and intense, I decided to get out of the car at our first stop. And then, after experiencing a few contractions waiting in line to get cheese, I decided that this choice was a mistake and went back out to the car.
We canceled the rest of our plans to run about town and instead called the doctor, who told us to keep an eye on things for another hour and that, if they continued, to go ahead and get to the hospital. By 2:00 we were checking ourselves into the Labor and Delivery unit.
A nurse hooked me up to the monitors in a triage exam room and checked me out. I'd dilated to 4 cm, was 100% effaced, and was having contractions every two minutes, but I was still remarkably taken aback when she said, "This baby's coming today!" Today? I thought. I'm not even going to get a July baby? I've been planning on a July baby for 9 months! And then I had another contraction and quickly decided that a June baby would be fabulous.
I think every other pregnant woman in Muncie decided to have their babies on the 30th, too, because the 4th floor was super busy -- so busy, in fact, that lucky me didn't get to move to an actual delivery room until it was time to push. The anesthesiologist got there as soon as he could, though (about 1.5 hours after I got there), and his simple act of giving me that epidural put him at the top of my hierarchy of best friends. I think Blake was also relieved he made the pain go away because I'm pretty sure I would have broken his fingers had I continued to progress naturally.
The doctor came shortly after and broke my water, and then I spent the next while hanging out in the triage room. A little before 6:30 the nurse had me try pushing and then I was quickly moved to a delivery room. While she got things ready, I threw up (so lovely, let me assure you), and then told Blake that I was really ready to just get this over with because not only was I so nauseous, but I could feel the baby descending into the birth canal like a bowling ball being shoved into a putt-putt golf hole. Blake, who had to clean me up, wanted it over, too.
I pushed for only about 20 minutes before Garrett had wiggled out. The doctor showed up for the last 5 minutes of pushing, and told me once he got there that he could see a head and that it was covered in blond hair.
The next little bit was minorly traumatic -- Garrett made his appearance with the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck, so the doctor quickly cut the cord. He then spent the next hour in transition trying to get his mucous-filled lungs to breathe properly. Luckily he started to improve before the NICU had a chance to get to him. Meanwhile, the doctor had to stitch me up because, even though Garrett was teeny-tiny, he was still big enough to make me tear.
Guys, the whole thing was absolutely miraculous. To think that this perfect, healthy little person was supposed to have been miscarried eight months ago. But he didn't. He's here! And everything happened so fast -- much faster than I thought it would. One minute he was a tiny little tadpole, then he's kicking and pushing his way to the outside, and suddenly he's in my arms. Holding Garrett for the first time made me cry -- he was (and is) so beautiful!
Blake, Garrett, and I spent the next two days at the hospital recovering and getting to know each other. Garrett and I both gave breastfeeding our best shot, but in the end had to give it up (he's a lazy and easily frustrated eater). But he likes his bottles just fine, and Blake likes to get to help feed him. My mom arrived late Tuesday night to help out and she gets to stay here until Thursday. It's been great having the extra pair of hands, especially when they are doting first-time grandmother hands.
Our days now consist of eating, sleeping, diapering, and just staring at each other. Oh, and laughing -- I don't think he means to, but the faces Garrett makes and the poses he pulls are so funny... I'll write more on this another time. It's a great new life. I couldn't ask for anything better.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
And now for photos I just KNOW you've been dying to see
Baby Garrett's first four days in photos can be seen here. Be warned -- he's pretty much the most adorable little person EVER. At least, we think so.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Without further ado...
Blake and I are delighted to introduce
Garrett Blake
born Saturday, June 30, 2007, 6:55 p.m.
and measuring in at 6 lbs 11 oz and 20.5 inches
I think we'll keep him.
Garrett Blake
born Saturday, June 30, 2007, 6:55 p.m.
and measuring in at 6 lbs 11 oz and 20.5 inches
I think we'll keep him.
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