My poor little angel had her first real fever over that past weekend. Previously, she had one very low fever (99.0) from a vaccination,but other than that she had never had one. Claire actually has never really been sick. She gets the occasional stuffy nose, but never a cough or ear problems and etc. So, because I am not used to a "sick" baby, I was really scared.
Saturday she woke up around 7:30 totally normal. She got a little whiney by the end of the morning, but I just assumed it was because she was tired and ready for her afternoon nap. Well, I put her down at 1 pm and she didnt wake until 4:30! A 3.5 hour nap!! She never naps like that! I was very surprised she slept so long, but still didnt think anything of it. Saturday was a really hot day, sometimes we can feel so drained from being in the heat-which is why I thought she slept so long. However, she woke up from her nap very grumpy. By the evening, I could just feel the heat radiating off of her. I took her temperature and it was about 101.6 degrees. Yes, I know that still isnt very "high" in comparison to other. For a first-time mom, though, its so scary dealing with the first fever!
It really is just a learning experience though, part of mommy hood! I try not to medicate Claire, unless its extremely necessary. I, personally, dont like taking medication. I dont even like taking ibprofuen or tylenol when I have a headache. Saturday night, though, I didnt hold back on the meds for Claire. It was her bedtime and it made me so nervous putting her to bed with a fever and not being able to just watch her. So I gave her some fever reducer which helped her sleep. She woke up in the middle of the night one time crying, she was so sad! Sunday morning she woke up and was still had a fever, I checked it and it was about 102. The whole day she laid on me and fell asleep on me and cuddled with me. It was sad seeing her so unhappy, but I will admit I did love the cuddles.
Monday was her 1 year check up so I didnt bother calling the nurses line to see what was wrong with Claire. When she got up on Monday, she no longer had a fever---which I was so thankful for!! We went to the doctor and she was perfectly healthy and as happy as a peach! The doctor thought her fever was in relation to her teeth. Seeing that she had no other symptoms, I figured as much. However, she has 5 teeth already and never got a fever with any of them! She is late to the teething game, so it could be that she is getting a bunch of teeth at once.
Anyways, this was a very long and rambly blog today. Its been in the 80's here already, which means it is clearly summer!! I plan to camp a ton, and swim and I even have a couples get-away planned to Chicago! I can not wait to do so many fun things with Claire. It surely will be the summer of my lifetime this year!
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
One Year
One year---one whole amazing, crazy, fun year has already passed that my beautiful angel, Claire, has been here. So, this post is about reflection.
Throughout the day, I keep thinking about what I was doing at certain moments this time last year. I know in the morning I had a doctor appointment, at which I was so annoyed with the doctors and nurses telling me I would give birth any day now even thought I was just 37 weeks. My boss met me for lunch and I informed her I could no longer work up until my due date because I was so exhausted from being up all night with contractions (further explanation in my labor and delivery blog post). The rest of the day was simple and lazy. I took a nap, and laid around on the couch watching TV.
When my husband came home that night we talked about Claire, and how soon we would see her. I couldn't even believe I was already to the point of giving birth. At the time, it felt like it was yesterday that I had a positive pregnancy test. We went to bed and talked for a few hours about our journey, and really how it was only beginning. In the process of our discussion, my water broke. Ten, LONG, hours later I welcomed my sweet baby girl. How blessed I am that everything went so smoothly without complications.
Over the past year, I have watched her grow from a tiny 6 pound tater tot, to a 24 pound toddler! Her little squawks quickly turned into "ahhs" and "oohs", followed by her first words (mama, dada, pete, wow, dog, done and her new favorite--NO). She definitely is a more verbal baby than physical. She was spouting out words rather quickly, and she already engages you in conversation by her rambling "sentences" and hand gestures and expressive face. Not quite a walker, but very mobile. Claire started rolling over at 5 months, but it wasn't until 9.5 - 10 months that she started crawling. At 10 months it seems like everything happened at once. She got her first tooth, she started crawling, pulling herself up on furniture, then walking along furniture and now she is working on standing by herself. I am very content in the fact that she isn't walking. I feel blessed that milestones are happening gradually with her, not so quickly that she grows up too fast!
Even thought it is so emotional saying goodbye to my baby, it is very exciting thinking about the many things to come. I am so anticipating hearing her little voice talk to me in a way that I can actually understand. When she starts walking, it opens up a whole new world for her--to watch her explore will be such a blessing. The future is very bright, so this is just a bitter-sweet moment. The hardest part is saying "goodbye" to breastfeeding. My last day is tomorrow, her 1st birth date. I am crying just thinking about it right now. I could go on about the hard things, but I want to stay positive. This is such a special time. She is my world, I cant imagine it any different.
Throughout the day, I keep thinking about what I was doing at certain moments this time last year. I know in the morning I had a doctor appointment, at which I was so annoyed with the doctors and nurses telling me I would give birth any day now even thought I was just 37 weeks. My boss met me for lunch and I informed her I could no longer work up until my due date because I was so exhausted from being up all night with contractions (further explanation in my labor and delivery blog post). The rest of the day was simple and lazy. I took a nap, and laid around on the couch watching TV.
When my husband came home that night we talked about Claire, and how soon we would see her. I couldn't even believe I was already to the point of giving birth. At the time, it felt like it was yesterday that I had a positive pregnancy test. We went to bed and talked for a few hours about our journey, and really how it was only beginning. In the process of our discussion, my water broke. Ten, LONG, hours later I welcomed my sweet baby girl. How blessed I am that everything went so smoothly without complications.
Over the past year, I have watched her grow from a tiny 6 pound tater tot, to a 24 pound toddler! Her little squawks quickly turned into "ahhs" and "oohs", followed by her first words (mama, dada, pete, wow, dog, done and her new favorite--NO). She definitely is a more verbal baby than physical. She was spouting out words rather quickly, and she already engages you in conversation by her rambling "sentences" and hand gestures and expressive face. Not quite a walker, but very mobile. Claire started rolling over at 5 months, but it wasn't until 9.5 - 10 months that she started crawling. At 10 months it seems like everything happened at once. She got her first tooth, she started crawling, pulling herself up on furniture, then walking along furniture and now she is working on standing by herself. I am very content in the fact that she isn't walking. I feel blessed that milestones are happening gradually with her, not so quickly that she grows up too fast!
Even thought it is so emotional saying goodbye to my baby, it is very exciting thinking about the many things to come. I am so anticipating hearing her little voice talk to me in a way that I can actually understand. When she starts walking, it opens up a whole new world for her--to watch her explore will be such a blessing. The future is very bright, so this is just a bitter-sweet moment. The hardest part is saying "goodbye" to breastfeeding. My last day is tomorrow, her 1st birth date. I am crying just thinking about it right now. I could go on about the hard things, but I want to stay positive. This is such a special time. She is my world, I cant imagine it any different.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Weaning
I mentioned previously that I started weaning my daughter from nursing a few days ago. By the time she turns one next week, I will be done. I cant tell if its harder than I thought or not such a big deal. On one hand, its emotionally straining, while on the other hand its freeing!
For the past year I have breastfed my daughter; exclusively for the first six months. It was such a natural instinct for me that didnt take a lot of work that some moms had to face. Does that mean I valued my time less? I really dont know. The very first time I nursed her right after she was born she latched on like a champ! Never did I have to supplement with formula, as my daughter was always in the 98th percentile for weight! Each time she nursed, as I held her in my arms, I would just stare at her. I would use those moments to reflect on our journey together, as short as it is-I cant remember my life before her.
Now that we are saying goodbye to our nursing phase, it forces me to face the fact that my baby girl is growing up. My days of just holding her and cuddling her and carrying her everywhere are numbered. Her complete dependence on me is so very temporary, she already has a mind of her own! And really, that aspect makes me want to nurse her forever!! But, then i would be one of those freak moms , ha.
However, seeing her reach a new phase in life is so thrilling. As she explores this world, I come to appreciate the small things in life so much more. Honestly, I can not wait until she is walking and fully talking telling me her feelings and thoughts on life. Then, in just 4 short years, she will be starting school and learning to read and write and really cultivate her own interests. Its just so amazing being a part of all of this!
So, hopefully, I can just focus on the positives of weaning and not have an emotional breakdown or anything.
For the past year I have breastfed my daughter; exclusively for the first six months. It was such a natural instinct for me that didnt take a lot of work that some moms had to face. Does that mean I valued my time less? I really dont know. The very first time I nursed her right after she was born she latched on like a champ! Never did I have to supplement with formula, as my daughter was always in the 98th percentile for weight! Each time she nursed, as I held her in my arms, I would just stare at her. I would use those moments to reflect on our journey together, as short as it is-I cant remember my life before her.
Now that we are saying goodbye to our nursing phase, it forces me to face the fact that my baby girl is growing up. My days of just holding her and cuddling her and carrying her everywhere are numbered. Her complete dependence on me is so very temporary, she already has a mind of her own! And really, that aspect makes me want to nurse her forever!! But, then i would be one of those freak moms , ha.
However, seeing her reach a new phase in life is so thrilling. As she explores this world, I come to appreciate the small things in life so much more. Honestly, I can not wait until she is walking and fully talking telling me her feelings and thoughts on life. Then, in just 4 short years, she will be starting school and learning to read and write and really cultivate her own interests. Its just so amazing being a part of all of this!
So, hopefully, I can just focus on the positives of weaning and not have an emotional breakdown or anything.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Not doing so well with this blogging thing.
I started a blog not too long ago and have been terrible about keeping up with it. I write not necessarily for anyone else, but for me. I am extremely proud of my accomplishments in life and I would love to tell the world my story. I am sure most wouldnt be interested, but writing about life experiences and sharing it online somehow makes me feel like I am telling everyone. Even if I have minimal followers, blogging makes me feel like I am telling the world.
I will start my updates about Claire! She is doing fantastic! Claire will be turning one next week, I can't even believe it. A little personality is starting to form as she is learning new words and exploring the world of mobility. Although she isn't walking, that girl moves around quick. All she needs are some couches or tables or even a simple wall will do to help her get from point A to point B. Claire has a LOVE for food and will eat most everything. Anything I make, she eats, which also means I am breastfeeding less and less. I started "officially" weaning her yesterday, so by the time she turns one I will be done nursing her.
Finishing the breastfeeding part of her life is extremely hard for me emotionally. I love that bond so much, and the fact that I am the only one who can do it. It also means that she is growin up. No longer a baby, but a TODDLER.. She isnt walking yet, but thats just right around the corner. Four short years left and she is in school. Its going by so fast, I can't handle it. However, the older she gets the more amazing she becomes. I love her personality, its kinda sassy but unbelievably sweet and cute. I am looking forward to summer which brings swimming, playing in dirt, melting popsicles all over her face and so much more. She is the greatest part of my life, only a mother can understand that feeling.
As for my weight loss, its going slow. Summer is fast approaching and I am NOT where I thought I would be, and thats extremely depressing. Its hard because my natural inclination is to focus on the negative instead of how far I have come-so I am working on that. I had been doing weight watchers, which worked to get me down 50 pounds, but I think I need a change. So, I have been using Loseit.com. Its a simliar principle to Weight Watchers, but you count calories instead of points.You also dont get any extra weekly points or "free" foods, like fruits and veggies, that dont count towards your points. Also, I made an appointment with a dietician to talk about my goals and suggestions she may have. I have never met with a doctor about losing weight and right now I need the extra motivation. I will NOT give up, I have a goal that I will reach. Its just going to take longer than anticipated, but thats ok.
Lets hope I can keep up with this blogging thing.....
I will start my updates about Claire! She is doing fantastic! Claire will be turning one next week, I can't even believe it. A little personality is starting to form as she is learning new words and exploring the world of mobility. Although she isn't walking, that girl moves around quick. All she needs are some couches or tables or even a simple wall will do to help her get from point A to point B. Claire has a LOVE for food and will eat most everything. Anything I make, she eats, which also means I am breastfeeding less and less. I started "officially" weaning her yesterday, so by the time she turns one I will be done nursing her.
Finishing the breastfeeding part of her life is extremely hard for me emotionally. I love that bond so much, and the fact that I am the only one who can do it. It also means that she is growin up. No longer a baby, but a TODDLER.. She isnt walking yet, but thats just right around the corner. Four short years left and she is in school. Its going by so fast, I can't handle it. However, the older she gets the more amazing she becomes. I love her personality, its kinda sassy but unbelievably sweet and cute. I am looking forward to summer which brings swimming, playing in dirt, melting popsicles all over her face and so much more. She is the greatest part of my life, only a mother can understand that feeling.
As for my weight loss, its going slow. Summer is fast approaching and I am NOT where I thought I would be, and thats extremely depressing. Its hard because my natural inclination is to focus on the negative instead of how far I have come-so I am working on that. I had been doing weight watchers, which worked to get me down 50 pounds, but I think I need a change. So, I have been using Loseit.com. Its a simliar principle to Weight Watchers, but you count calories instead of points.You also dont get any extra weekly points or "free" foods, like fruits and veggies, that dont count towards your points. Also, I made an appointment with a dietician to talk about my goals and suggestions she may have. I have never met with a doctor about losing weight and right now I need the extra motivation. I will NOT give up, I have a goal that I will reach. Its just going to take longer than anticipated, but thats ok.
Lets hope I can keep up with this blogging thing.....
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