Meredith is 2 months old today, I can't believe it! Where has the time gone. I'm sure I'll be saying that for the rest of my life! Everyday things are changing, little by little - it's almost hard for me to notice the changes since I'm basically with her every second of every day! But here are a few of her 2 month happenings.....
- She is still sleeping through the night, 10-11pm to 10 to 11am, with 4-5am and 7-8am feedings. Though last night she was pretty restless and ate at 1am and 7am instead - I hope that doesn't become permanent!
-She still can be fussy, in the evenings especially - though her awake and happy times are definitely more frequent. I'm starting to think her fussiness is really due to sensory overload and being tired (more neurological than gastrointestinal). Everyone says that it will end - usually around 3 months and I can't wait for that, though can I really complain, I AM getting to sleep!
- She is starting to smile more and more. I just love it, it is happening everyday now and more and more often, I can't wait until she starts giggling!
- She had her 8 week appointment and she is 10lb 1 oz (35%), 22 inches long (43%) and her head is 37 3/4 cm around (28%) - so I guess she's getting enough to eat (though I still continue to worry!)
-She still sleeps in her bassinet at night, I'm planning on working on the transition to the crib when I come back from Blue Earth this week.
-And she still doesn't have predictable naps during the day. She naps in her carseat and/or stroller if I'm out and about - sometimes the entire time between a feeding. But at home her naps are shorter (like 30 min, maybe an hour sometimes) and she really only naps in her vibrating chair, swing or Baby Bjorn. I'm going to try to "put her down" for naps in her bassinet and/or crib and see if I can create nap times - we'll see how that goes.
-We continue to work on bottle feeding, she still isn't a fan. She takes an ounce or two and then starts in crying. Jon's usually able to sneak in a final ounce or so (for a total of 3 to 3.5 oz) by giving it to her in her vibrating chair after she's calmed down. So at least she takes it, but I'll be happier when she's happier while taking it!
- Breastfeeding is still going pretty well. I'm still using the nipple shield and feel like my production is definitely going down. I think it's definitely still enough, but I find myself offering her both sides because she acts as though she's frustrated just on the one side. It's not the end of the world - most women offer both sides, but considering how much I was overproducing just a few weeks ago, I do worry that my production is on the downward slide. I know using the nipple shield does negatively effect production, but at this point I don't think Meredith would know how to latch on without it - and yes I've tried. But I'll keep at it as long as I can!
Last Week in Review
It was another fun filled week with Meredith and I only have 5 more left. I never thought I'd want to be a stay at home mom, but now I would totally do it if we could afford it. I truly enjoy every day I spend with her.
On Monday we just hung out at home and had our first visit from the cleaning lady. It was
very nice to not have to worry about the cleaning myself. I have a feeling that I will really
appreciate this when I go back to work! That afternoon we also met our friends Nicole and
her 4 week old, Paisley, at Lake Nokomis for a walk around the lake. It is always great getting
outside. We need to enjoy the weather for as long as we can!
On Tuesday we went to visit my Aunt Mary and bring her some lunch at home. She recently
had some very bad luck and ended up falling and lacerating her spleen and breaking a couple of
ribs. They were able to embolize the bleed, so she didn't need her spleen removed. But due to
her pain and nausea afterward, she ended up staying in the hospital for 6 days and is still having
quite a bit of pain. So, we decided to bring her some lunch and then the 3 of us headed to Como
Park Conservatory for a nice little walk around looking at the beautiful plants. That place
always makes me feel good. I think it's the tropical humidity and plants in there - makes you feel
like you are on vacation!
Wednesday was a very busy day. We started off the day very early. Meri ate at 6am and we
were on the road with the dog by 7am. Yep, we were off to Kimball, MN to have Jada debarked!
I know that sounds awful, but I assure you - Jada is her same old self, just with a muffled bark.
Jon says it sounds like we put a silencer on her. She still barks, it's just a lot softer and not high-
pitched. We had to be at the Vet Clinic by 8am and were able to pick her up and go home by 1:30.
In the meantime, Meri and I went to the St. Cloud mall and did a bit of shopping. They actually
have a very nice "Nursing Room" there - so it worked out perfectly. We were home by 3pm with
a slightly drugged up dog. She also had a cyst removed on her back, so she is still on pain medicine
and antibiotics until Saturday, when we remove her stitches as well. And like I said, she is back
to her same old self, barking at everything in sight - it just sounds like she's much farther away
now - it's a lot more tolerable!
On Thursday we were also quite busy. We had our friends Aaron H. and his daughter Audrey
come by for a visit. I went to high school with Aaron and have remained very good friends with
him. He and his wife just recently moved back to the Cities from Wisconsin, so this is the first
time I've seen him in quite some time. He's the same old fun loving guy. And it was great seeing
his daughter. She is 2 and a half and is very busy. It gives me a glimpse into my future life. Then
Meri and I had to get ready because she had her 8 week appointment and vaccinations that day.
Apparently she is doing just great and growing as she should. It was hard to be around when she
got her shots. She cried louder than I've ever heard her cry before. But afterward I just put her
in her carseat and she was asleep pretty quickly. I gave her Tylenol pretty regularly the next day
or so, but really didn't notice an increase in her fussiness (just her usual!)
That night we also headed to my Aunt Kate's for a small family get together because my cousin
Jeff was in town for a few days from Connecticut. For most of my aunts and uncles this was also
there first time meeting Meredith. It was very nice, everyone just adored her and were very
helpful taking care of her so I could eat and enjoy some time relaxing with everyone! I just love
being with family these days! They are so great at helping and supporting me!
Friday we had two big meals out on the town. At lunch we once again met Nicole and Paisley
out at a restaurant called Citizen Cafe. Jon and I have been there for both dinner and brunch. It's
a very charming and delicious neighborhood restaurant not too far from our house. It was, once
again great food and great company. That evening Jon and I also decided we were going to step
our dining experience up a notch and we made reservations at Crave at the Galleria in Edina.
Wow, was that place hopping! You couldn't tell we were in a mild recession by the looks of this
place! This is definitely the nicest restaurant that Jon and I have gone to with Meredith. But
there were other children there of all ages. The food was yummy and they had a jazz band playing!
It was a nice adult evening out, just with Meredith in her carseat sleeping under the table!
The big thing for Saturday was that I was going out in the evening with some girlfriends and
leaving Jon alone with Meredith to feed, twice, and put to bed! I was very nervous about this, but
Jon assured me several times that he could handle it. So, I got two bottles ready for him in the
fridge and I set out for the evening around 6:30pm. I was meeting a group of gals for a celebration
for my dear friend Katie Y. who is getting married this weekend in Las Vegas. We all met out at
the Melting Pot for some fondue, fun and drinks. And I had all of the above. I did text Jon a few
times to see how it was going, and he sent me a couple pics of Meri sleeping so I would feel better.
I got home a little after midnight and Meri was all tucked in and sleeping. I did find out the next
day that the last bottle feeding was a bit of a battle, but Jon just swaddled her up and put her in
her bassinet and when she stopped crying her gave her the rest of the bottle and she went to sleep!
What a great daddy he is! I had a lot of fun out, but am looking forward to the day when I don't
have to worry whether or not her bottle feedings went okay!
Yesterday Jon and I just spent some quality time with Meredith! We made brunch and then
set out on a few errands, to the Southdale Mall and Babies R Us. Then we just made a frozen pizza
and watched some good TV. Pretty boring, but nice after a busy week.
I'm heading down to Blue Earth for a few days now, simply because my mom has a few days
off and I love hanging out with the fam! So, I guess I better feed Meredith and get in the car and go
before rush hour! Here are some pics from the week - oh and some of my baby pics for all of you
people (including my mom and dad) who keep saying how much Meri looks like her dad!
Myself, Aunt Mary and Meri at Como Conservatory -----------Aaron and Audrey with Meri
Left: My Aunt Kate holding Meri (experienced Aunt and child psychologist to boot!)
Above: The family enjoying some wine, each other's company and some great food from Brasa
Me, Meri and Emily W.-----------------------A Night out with the White House, Congrats Katie!
Some pics when I was an infant! So now who do you think she looks like?!
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