Somehow, in my heart of hearts, I always knew my first child would be a boy. I don't know how I knew, but I think there were signs. After we started the adoption process and I looked at my yarn stash to start making hats and booties, I noticed everything I had was either blue, green, or brown. It was much much easier for us to come up with boy names than girl names. And when I found out Birthmother was carrying a boy, I was elated, but unsurprised.
All that being said, I don't think I was completely prepared for raising a boy. I rejoiced that I wouldn't have to run the Disney Princess gamut every time I tried to find a toy. I got excited about trucks, tractors, and superheroes. I loved picking out clothes with dinosaurs on them.
But I think there are somethings that would be easier with a girl. How does a mother teach her son what real feminine beauty and grace is? Does the son even care? I hope Elijah will want to grow up wanting to marry a good and virtuous woman. The kind of woman I try to be. I pray she is less sharp (not intellectually), less malicious and more pious than I.
How do I show him this kind of woman in daily life? I suppose I start by curbing my tongue more often (never easy for me.) I continue by praying for blessings on those who hurt me more and thinking about ways to hurt them less. I pray more: with him, for him, over him. I hope he learns what real women look like and I hope he appreciates it. I pray the woman he marries is modest and intelligent. I pray she is able to see the flaw in modern perceptions of beauty and promiscuity.
I pray that Nathan and I are able to teach Elijah to love his eventual wife with kindness and gentleness. I hope he learns from his father what a real man is, what a good father is. I hope he loves his wife the way Nathan loves me. I hope he enjoys his family the way Nathan seems to.
All these things I pray to our Lord Jesus for my dear son, Elijah.
Showing posts with label Nathan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nathan. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Friday, January 18, 2013
7 Quick Takes
One
One year ago today we got a call from our adoption agency telling us there was a woman in a neighboring state who picked us to adopt her baby boy. We called her that night. I can't believe it's been a year since we first talked to Birthmother. Then I turn around and realize he's walking around furniture now, and I believe it!
Two
I haven't had much to say lately, have I? I suppose it's because we have settled into a little routine around here and the days go by almost before I realize it's noon or I'm getting ready for work. Elijah is into everything and I had to rescue him yesterday from eating Christmas ornament hooks we had forgotten were on the coffee table. (oops!)
Three
Ever since we finally went down to only streaming on Netflix, I have actually been impressed with what they have online. I've heard a lot of people complain about their online selection lately, but I've found just about everything I want. Not only that, but they recently added Wallander, the English version which aired on PBS. It's a very well done series, but I will say, don't watch it unless you want to be traumatized. Seriously very dark stuff. I wouldn't be watching it, but I 've had a silly crush on it's star, Kenneth Branagh since I was like 5, so I deal with it and pray for no nightmares.
Four
Can you really look at this picture and tell me this child doesn't need a haircut? His father seems to disagree.
Can you really look at this picture and tell me this child doesn't need a haircut? His father seems to disagree.
Five
I'm on the second day of my last week of work before vacation. I can't wait! We are not going to do anything but stay home and have a party for our one year old little boy!
Six
My very good friend Bonnie in her 7 Quick Takes today has expressed a desire for snow so that her science teacher husband can have a snow day. I have to say, Bonnie, this is one of the only times I'm glad you live two hours away. I pray for no snow...ever. Seriously, I hope it never snows again. And I'm not out to get the farmers who live around me. I pray for rain. It can rain every single day for all I care. But no snow. Not. ever.
Seven
For more Seven Quick Takes check out Conversiondiary!Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Little Penguin's Halloween
Elijah woke up and stretched. He rubbed his little eyes and looked
around. He was in his same crib, in his
same room with the happy piggy on the
wall, but he could tell something was different.
He called for his Mama and she came in, her nightgown
brushing the tops of her socks and
reached over the crib railing with a big smile.
“Happy Halloween, Elijah!” she said softly as she picked him up and
carried him to the changing table.
Hallo-what? Elijah
wondered. Mama changed his diaper and
dressed him in an orange onesie with a black face on it, with black pants. Daddy came in to say goodbye and gave Elijah
as kiss before going off to work.
All day Mama and Elijah played and Mama told him, “In a few
hours we are going to dress you up as a penguin!” He didn’t know what a penguin was, but it
must be something important to dress up like it. He got more and more excited as the day went
on.
So excited, in fact, that he didn’t even want to take his
nap. He laid in his crib and talked to
himself about being a penguin, and what a penguin might be all through napping
hour. When Mama came to get him, she
shook her head and said with a smile, “You’ll be tired later for
Trick-or-Treating.”
He was hearing so many new words today. What’s
Trick-or-Treating? he wondered. He
tried to stay up all afternoon to see what all the fuss was about, but he just
couldn’t make it, and around 2 pm he passed out.
An hour and a half later, when he woke up, Mama was all
activity. She settled him in his jumpy
and packed his diaper bag. Then, as Elijah
was jumping, she looked at him and said.
“Okay, time to be a penguin!” She picked him up out of the jumpy and laid
him down on the floor, pulling the costume over his head. Then she pulled yellow shoes over his socks
and secured a hat on his head.
“You look adorable!” she exclaimed, as she handed him a little metal bucket to carry. “Let’s go see all the ladies at the
library. Grandma will be there, too.” Sure enough, as they went through the library
door, the book ladies all looked around and said, “What a cute little penguin!” There were other characters there too. Curious George and the Man in the Yellow Hat
were just saying goodbye.
Grandma kissed him and told him what a cute penguin he
was. From there it was off to see Elijah’s
Nonna and Grandpa. While he was there he got to see his cousin Batman Brian over the computer. Daddy even turned up there, too!
As they drove through
the town where Grandpa and Nonna live, Elijah saw all kinds of characters. It seems like everyone was out and about:
there were princesses, and brides, and firemen, and even zombies.
For two towns Mama and Daddy drove Elijah to friends’ houses
so people could see the cutest little penguin.
And people put candy in his little metal bucket. Finally, when he was all tired out and didn’t think he could go to one more house,
they went home.
And just before bed,
Elijah’s Uncle Jamie and Aunt Mandy showed up to see the little penguin
too! Then, Mama and Daddy took Elijah
upstairs, settled him in his crib and said, “We love you, little penguin. Sleep well.”
And he knew that he was right, there was something special about
today.
Happy Halloween!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
The Bluest Blue
A couple weeks ago, my husband declared my car, a 2000 Ford Taurus that used to belong to my grandparents, unfit to drive. Apparently the head gasket has problems (I have no idea what this means); and I'm sure the transmission is about 20 miles from saying "No, not any more!"
So, I started driving Nathan's car, which is manual and I hate it, and occasionally, my parent's car while we looked for a replacement for me.
What I really wanted was a brand new Ford Fiesta. But adoption turned out to be so expensive and we are contemplating it again, (not any time soon, don't get excited.) So we looked around at used cars. We checked out a 2006 Ford Focus hatchback, which I liked; a 2008 Dodge Caliber, and a 2004 Toyota Corolla, which Nathan liked.
My hatred of driving is so strong, that I refused to be the one going to the test drives. I was fairly certain that as soon as I got behind the wheel of something I don't own, there was going to be an accident. So Nathan went. The first place he went was to the Corolla. It was also the last place he went. Three days later, he bought it.
At first, I was less than pleased. It is an 04 after all and with 81,000 miles, was more used than I was hoping for. But everyone said Corollas are good, dependable cars. And this car had one thing going for it in my mind...it's blue, my favorite color. But this isn't just any blue...
You may remember that I am a fan of Doctor Who.
This is the TARDIS (Time And Relative Dimensions In Space), Doctor Who's ship, which can travel anywhere in time and space.
The moment I got truly excited about my new car for the first time, was the moment I realized, it's TARDIS blue.
Then, I drove it for the first time. I actually, genuinely like it. Tauruses, for being sedans, are actually big cars, they're long and wide and I always felt it was too much car for me. The Corolla is nice, it's little but big enough for Elijah's car seat, and it drives very well. It also has almost all the little things I wanted like power locks and doors and a CD player and remote unlock. The only things it's lacking are an auxiliary audio jack for my iPod, and remote start, which I really want.
The first couple times I drove the Corolla, I had so much fun. That was before I realized it doesn't change anything about driving...driving is the same...
And, when I said the Taurus used to belong to my grandparents what I meant was I purchased it from my uncles after my grandmother passed away. When I opened it's trunk the first time, I found two pairs of shoes tied together. I don't know which one of my grandparents they belonged to; I like to think one was his and one was hers, but they were probably both his. And for the next four years, I drove around old shoes in the trunk because I couldn't bear to get rid of them.
This is what I saw the first time I popped the trunk on the Corolla:
Nathan moved them to the new car.
So, I started driving Nathan's car, which is manual and I hate it, and occasionally, my parent's car while we looked for a replacement for me.
What I really wanted was a brand new Ford Fiesta. But adoption turned out to be so expensive and we are contemplating it again, (not any time soon, don't get excited.) So we looked around at used cars. We checked out a 2006 Ford Focus hatchback, which I liked; a 2008 Dodge Caliber, and a 2004 Toyota Corolla, which Nathan liked.
My hatred of driving is so strong, that I refused to be the one going to the test drives. I was fairly certain that as soon as I got behind the wheel of something I don't own, there was going to be an accident. So Nathan went. The first place he went was to the Corolla. It was also the last place he went. Three days later, he bought it.
At first, I was less than pleased. It is an 04 after all and with 81,000 miles, was more used than I was hoping for. But everyone said Corollas are good, dependable cars. And this car had one thing going for it in my mind...it's blue, my favorite color. But this isn't just any blue...
You may remember that I am a fan of Doctor Who.
This is the TARDIS (Time And Relative Dimensions In Space), Doctor Who's ship, which can travel anywhere in time and space.
Then, I drove it for the first time. I actually, genuinely like it. Tauruses, for being sedans, are actually big cars, they're long and wide and I always felt it was too much car for me. The Corolla is nice, it's little but big enough for Elijah's car seat, and it drives very well. It also has almost all the little things I wanted like power locks and doors and a CD player and remote unlock. The only things it's lacking are an auxiliary audio jack for my iPod, and remote start, which I really want.
The first couple times I drove the Corolla, I had so much fun. That was before I realized it doesn't change anything about driving...driving is the same...
And, when I said the Taurus used to belong to my grandparents what I meant was I purchased it from my uncles after my grandmother passed away. When I opened it's trunk the first time, I found two pairs of shoes tied together. I don't know which one of my grandparents they belonged to; I like to think one was his and one was hers, but they were probably both his. And for the next four years, I drove around old shoes in the trunk because I couldn't bear to get rid of them.
This is what I saw the first time I popped the trunk on the Corolla:
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Findings
I know I haven't posted my normal "ode to September" this year. It turns out the apple season started early this year, so Nathan has been out at the local orchard on weekends helping out friends of his parents' who own it. Then, he said his father anticipates starting work to get ready for harvest toward the end of the month. And that means Nathan will be helping a lot with that as well. And as much as I know he enjoys pitching in at the orchard and loves harvest, it is hard to have him gone so much. So, I haven't felt very "pro-September" this year. Until today. Elijah and I went for an afternoon stroll. We were walking down a north-south street in town when something fell at my feet.
My very first colored leaf of the season landed right at my feet. Suddenly, it all hit me. And I finally feel ready to say, Welcome, September, I've missed you.
In other news...
Elijah is growing and changing all the time. He is so close to crawling, and we can tell he really wants to. He gets on his hands and knees and rocks back and forth, but hasn't quite figured out how to pick his head up at the same time yet. And he gets very frustrated laying on his tummy and reaching for things.
Today, I was in the kitchen making a bottle; I had left him in the living room sitting in his Boppy and playing with his little letters and shapes farm. I finished getting the bottle ready and returned to the living room to find this:
I left the tote bag I take to work leaning against the end table and he had twisted around in his Boppy and pulled the bag over. This is the first time we've caught him going through something he wasn't supposed to.
Finally, I saw this on Pinterest the other day and immediately called Nathan into the room to see it. I don't know why, but we both laughed the same way at it: that kind of start low and then the more you think about it really start laughing type laugh. We would so put it on Elijah if we had one.
In other news...
Elijah is growing and changing all the time. He is so close to crawling, and we can tell he really wants to. He gets on his hands and knees and rocks back and forth, but hasn't quite figured out how to pick his head up at the same time yet. And he gets very frustrated laying on his tummy and reaching for things.
Today, I was in the kitchen making a bottle; I had left him in the living room sitting in his Boppy and playing with his little letters and shapes farm. I finished getting the bottle ready and returned to the living room to find this:
Finally, I saw this on Pinterest the other day and immediately called Nathan into the room to see it. I don't know why, but we both laughed the same way at it: that kind of start low and then the more you think about it really start laughing type laugh. We would so put it on Elijah if we had one.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
What a week
This last week and a half, starting on Monday 8/13, has been kind of a
rough one for just about every member of our little family, including
the four-legged variety.
Hyperion
On Saturday we noticed Hyperion wasn't feeling too well. He tried to go to the litter box, then came out and laid under the end table yowling loudly. He's done this before and it usually passes after an hour or so. This time, not so much. I looked up the name and information of an emergency vet in our area and then I had to go to work. Nathan felt that if we watched Hyperion on Saturday and he wasn't better the next day, we could take him to the vet.
I wasn't at work an hour when a co-worker told me Nathan was on the phone. He was at the e-vet in Aurora with Hyperion (having dropped Elijah off at his parents' house). He told me he had watched Hyperion try to use the litter box again, and the poor little guy fell over. We found out Hyperion had a blocked urinary system, which apparently is common in male cats. Unfortunately, the sure-fire fix cost much more than we were comfortable spending on the cat. Instead, they catheterized him and sent Nathan home with a bunch of medications for this week including an IV bag for subcutaneous fluid injections.
It's been kind of dicey on whether or not we thought he was going to make it through the week. On Monday night, Nathan even made the comment "If he makes it to tomorrow..." But today he seems much better. He's been walking around with his tail up and eating and even got into a little trouble.
Hecate
One of the only family members having a good week is Hecate. Hyperion's illness means we've been leaving canned food out for him to try to get some fluid into him. They have also been accessible to her. Also, we felt bad that we've been keeping them closed downstairs for the summer so we could keep the nursery door open. So on Saturday night, we closed the nursery door and opened the stair door. She has been enjoying the opportunity to sleep on our bed again.
Me
Last Monday Nathan and I woke up bright and early and drove down to Chicago. Unfortunately, we were not going there to enjoy ourselves. I was scheduled to have a cardiac catheterization. Basically, the doctors make small incisions in the femoral artery and slip a tube in and run it up to the heart so they can watch the blood flow around and measure pressures and things. I've had this procedure many, many times before and it is probably my least favorite.
To make it worse, everyone at the hospital seemed confused about what kind of cath I was having. They kept saying "right heart cath" but all my paperwork said "bilateral," meaning they were going in on both sides and not just the right. After the procedure I had to stay flat for six hours so I didn't rupture the closures over the incision sites.
We got home around 9 pm Monday night. Thankfully Tuesday my mother and in-laws were all free. I was so sick I had to spend the whole day in bed. And someone had to look after Elijah. Poor Elijah, I was not allowed to pick him up for three days after the procedure. It was fine on Tuesday, because the grandparents were there. Wednesday and Thursday were not so fun...
Elijah
Really, he was kind of a lucky little guy because he got to spend a lot of time with his grandparents. My dad and mom watched him while we were in Chicago, and then of course he had everyone's attention on Tuesday. Wednesday I took the day off work, and since wasn't allowed to carry him around we spent the whole day playing on the floor in the nursery. Eventually, he got very bored. Thursday he was having teething pain from his second tooth. All he wants when his gums hurt is for Mama to hold him and walk around, but of course, I couldn't do that. It was the most heart-breaking thing ever to stand up and have him reach up his little arms, screaming to be picked up and cuddled, and know I couldn't do it. Friday, and every day since then have been better.
Nathan
Probably the busiest of all of us has been Nathan. First he had to sit with me in that boring cath lab waiting/recovery room, then he had to take care of me. Then he was the one home when Hyperion got sick. On Monday he had to come home at lunch and help me give Hyperion his medications, because medicating a cat is not easy.
Hopefully this coming week will be easier/less stressful/healthier.
Hyperion
On Saturday we noticed Hyperion wasn't feeling too well. He tried to go to the litter box, then came out and laid under the end table yowling loudly. He's done this before and it usually passes after an hour or so. This time, not so much. I looked up the name and information of an emergency vet in our area and then I had to go to work. Nathan felt that if we watched Hyperion on Saturday and he wasn't better the next day, we could take him to the vet.
I wasn't at work an hour when a co-worker told me Nathan was on the phone. He was at the e-vet in Aurora with Hyperion (having dropped Elijah off at his parents' house). He told me he had watched Hyperion try to use the litter box again, and the poor little guy fell over. We found out Hyperion had a blocked urinary system, which apparently is common in male cats. Unfortunately, the sure-fire fix cost much more than we were comfortable spending on the cat. Instead, they catheterized him and sent Nathan home with a bunch of medications for this week including an IV bag for subcutaneous fluid injections.
It's been kind of dicey on whether or not we thought he was going to make it through the week. On Monday night, Nathan even made the comment "If he makes it to tomorrow..." But today he seems much better. He's been walking around with his tail up and eating and even got into a little trouble.
Hecate
One of the only family members having a good week is Hecate. Hyperion's illness means we've been leaving canned food out for him to try to get some fluid into him. They have also been accessible to her. Also, we felt bad that we've been keeping them closed downstairs for the summer so we could keep the nursery door open. So on Saturday night, we closed the nursery door and opened the stair door. She has been enjoying the opportunity to sleep on our bed again.
Me
Last Monday Nathan and I woke up bright and early and drove down to Chicago. Unfortunately, we were not going there to enjoy ourselves. I was scheduled to have a cardiac catheterization. Basically, the doctors make small incisions in the femoral artery and slip a tube in and run it up to the heart so they can watch the blood flow around and measure pressures and things. I've had this procedure many, many times before and it is probably my least favorite.
To make it worse, everyone at the hospital seemed confused about what kind of cath I was having. They kept saying "right heart cath" but all my paperwork said "bilateral," meaning they were going in on both sides and not just the right. After the procedure I had to stay flat for six hours so I didn't rupture the closures over the incision sites.
We got home around 9 pm Monday night. Thankfully Tuesday my mother and in-laws were all free. I was so sick I had to spend the whole day in bed. And someone had to look after Elijah. Poor Elijah, I was not allowed to pick him up for three days after the procedure. It was fine on Tuesday, because the grandparents were there. Wednesday and Thursday were not so fun...
Elijah
Really, he was kind of a lucky little guy because he got to spend a lot of time with his grandparents. My dad and mom watched him while we were in Chicago, and then of course he had everyone's attention on Tuesday. Wednesday I took the day off work, and since wasn't allowed to carry him around we spent the whole day playing on the floor in the nursery. Eventually, he got very bored. Thursday he was having teething pain from his second tooth. All he wants when his gums hurt is for Mama to hold him and walk around, but of course, I couldn't do that. It was the most heart-breaking thing ever to stand up and have him reach up his little arms, screaming to be picked up and cuddled, and know I couldn't do it. Friday, and every day since then have been better.
Nathan
Probably the busiest of all of us has been Nathan. First he had to sit with me in that boring cath lab waiting/recovery room, then he had to take care of me. Then he was the one home when Hyperion got sick. On Monday he had to come home at lunch and help me give Hyperion his medications, because medicating a cat is not easy.
Hopefully this coming week will be easier/less stressful/healthier.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
Separation Anxiety
No, not Elijah's...mine. So far, he still seems pretty okay with Mama and Daddy leaving him with one set of grandparents...but it tears me up inside. Even our regular 2 days a week for the three hours we are both at work at the same time. I hate leaving him with anyone. And I actually feel really badly about that because I know my parents and my in-laws take great care of him and have a lot of fun, too.
It's gotten to the point that I kind of want to take him everywhere with me. I had a doctor's appointment in downtown Chicago last Tuesday and wanted to bring him along. But my mom, who was driving, said it would be hard on him. So I left him with my in-laws and then was anxious the whole time. But somehow, leaving while Nathan is home is different, I don't get as nervous about that.
I'm naturally a little solitary and every couple months I do have to have some time to myself. Luckily, last week, Nathan and a friend of his who was visiting, stayed in on a night I had off. So, I got Elijah put to bed and then went up to DeKalb to see Disney's Brave. I didn't know if I'd like being at the movies by myself, but I had a great time. I bought my own box of mini chewy Sweettarts and sat at the back of the theater. The movie was cute, but I had the best time being there alone.
I don't know if all this anxiety is normal. And I can't tell if it's a good thing or not.
It's gotten to the point that I kind of want to take him everywhere with me. I had a doctor's appointment in downtown Chicago last Tuesday and wanted to bring him along. But my mom, who was driving, said it would be hard on him. So I left him with my in-laws and then was anxious the whole time. But somehow, leaving while Nathan is home is different, I don't get as nervous about that.
I'm naturally a little solitary and every couple months I do have to have some time to myself. Luckily, last week, Nathan and a friend of his who was visiting, stayed in on a night I had off. So, I got Elijah put to bed and then went up to DeKalb to see Disney's Brave. I didn't know if I'd like being at the movies by myself, but I had a great time. I bought my own box of mini chewy Sweettarts and sat at the back of the theater. The movie was cute, but I had the best time being there alone.
I don't know if all this anxiety is normal. And I can't tell if it's a good thing or not.
Friday, July 6, 2012
7 Quick Takes
one
A big thanks to my cousin Larry. He read about my troubles getting Elijah to nap and he passed on some advise his daughter's pediatrician gave him and his wife. Establish nap times, always put the baby down at the same times every day and eventually they will get the hint. I have to say, this has already helped out a lot. I started putting Elijah down for naps at 11:30 and he really hasn't fought it too much. He cried the first couple days, but always dropped off to sleep eventually. We haven't yet established an earlier nap time and I'm gone in the afternoons, but the 11:30 has really helped out. Thanks, Larry!
two
Anne's home!! She came home this past weekend and has been hanging out for a couple days. It is so nice to have her around.
three
Ever since we brought the baby home, Nathan and I have gotten away from doing the monthly budgeting that we were before. We have had to recover from adoption expenses, but I noticed lately that we were spending a lot more than we should be. It was especially handy to have cash that was our only personal spending money for the month. So today, I think I'm going to drag the notebook back out and try to get us back on track
four
We are going to be having a house guest in a couple weeks. A friend of Nathan's whom he doesn't get to see very often is coming to stay with us for a few days. We have been trying to get the house cleaned and ready for company. I had no idea how hard this actually is with a little one. We kind of wait until there are two of us here so one can play with the baby and the other can clean. This means we can clean at 11:30 pm when I get home from work, and Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings and Monday and Tuesday evenings.
five
six
Baby boy has developed some frightening habits. He has started rolling onto his stomach in his sleep. I know he's perfectly fine, but it terrifies me every time I check on him and find him that way. I have to fight the urge to flip him back over. He also takes his pacifier out and tries to eat it. I kid you not. He has a "hospital" style paci, they're the only kind he'll take, and I read they are specifically designed so that they can't be swallowed, but today I found him with it almost completely in his mouth and kind of freaked out. It might be time to take the pacis away.
seven
I actually wrote this post on Thursday afternoon. I love Nathan being home on Fridays, but it kind of throws off my rhythm and Friday is usually over before I even think about 7 Quick Takes.
For more 7 Quick Takes, check out Conversion Diary.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
7 Quick Takes
one
One of the reasons I haven't posted much lately, apart from work and a baby who doesn't like napping, is because I've been trying hard to come up with a post topic that isn't baby-centric. And I honestly haven't been able to. I promise, I'm still my own person, but it seems like everything I do, with the exception of going to work, centers around Elijah. Not that that's a bad thing.
two
Earlier this week, my laptop's hard drive crashed, taking all of our pictures and all of my writing with it. Nathan rushed it to his good friend A., who is very handy with things like that, and I was told the information is still there, it is just inaccessible at this point. For a day or two Nathan and I shared his computer, which is never a good idea, trust me, there's a reason we have two computers. A. took the bad hard drive out and installed a fresh clean one and sent the computer back. So, we have to look into finding a data recovery service that isn't horribly expensive.
three
I'm never any good at cooking in the summer time. I like heavy rich foods, and I'm not overly fond of vegetables. I can never come up with any light recipes that sound good. I usually just resort to making the heavier foods in the crock pot so I don't overheat the house.
four
Elijah's first real baby food was carrots. He was undecided about them at first, but eventually got to the point where I couldn't get the spoon to his mouth fast enough. Today we started him on peas. He had no problems with peas, which was surprising to me, I have always thought of peas as an acquired taste.
five
My brother and sisters and their families are coming home this weekend! Unfortunately, I won't get to see Elizabeth because she's only going to be at the big family gathering tomorrow, which I have to miss. But Nate and his family and Anne are both going to be in town for several days! I'm very excited about this. Mom even has some free passes to the Shedd Aquarium so Anne and I are going to take Elijah downtown on one of my days off.
Six
We only have one month left to go before the adoption should be finalized! I'm sure we'll have some kind of party.
Seven
I know I talk about Elijah not napping, but I took this picture earlier this week during one of our morning naps, which have been getting shorter and shorter. It's one of my new favorite pictures.
Check out more 7 Quick Takes here!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Elijah update
Elijah is almost five months old now, and baby boy has changed a lot.
At his doctor's appointment at the beginning of this month we found out he weighed 14.5 lbs and was 25 inches long. I think he's probably closer to 15 lbs now.
He can sit fairly straight with minimal support.
He eats baby oatmeal and carrots now. We'll start him on something else later this week.
He has a real belly laugh.
He sleeps reliably through the night.
He eats very well.
He has favorite toys: Baby Einstein musical panda and Baby Einstein music box.
His favorite person is probably still Mama.
He will roll from his back to his tummy, but not the other way.
He still hates tummy time.
He loves to play chase. I hold him and we "run" while Nathan chases us, then he tickles Elijah's tummy and turns around and we chase him.
He spends a lot of time outside and loves it. But not this week.
His least favorite thing is probably napping. (Seriously, he does NOT nap well. Which is probably why it's taken me a month to get this blog updated.)
It seems like he has just noticed Hecate and Hyperion. He watches them a lot these days.
He's a lot of fun.
At his doctor's appointment at the beginning of this month we found out he weighed 14.5 lbs and was 25 inches long. I think he's probably closer to 15 lbs now.
He can sit fairly straight with minimal support.
He eats baby oatmeal and carrots now. We'll start him on something else later this week.
He has a real belly laugh.
He sleeps reliably through the night.
He eats very well.
He has favorite toys: Baby Einstein musical panda and Baby Einstein music box.
His favorite person is probably still Mama.
He will roll from his back to his tummy, but not the other way.
He still hates tummy time.
He loves to play chase. I hold him and we "run" while Nathan chases us, then he tickles Elijah's tummy and turns around and we chase him.
He spends a lot of time outside and loves it. But not this week.
His least favorite thing is probably napping. (Seriously, he does NOT nap well. Which is probably why it's taken me a month to get this blog updated.)
It seems like he has just noticed Hecate and Hyperion. He watches them a lot these days.
He's a lot of fun.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
A Few Things
Things that are hard:
Keeping up with this blog while working third shift and taking care of my son. Can you tell? I've been back to work since my last post and in all that time I haven't found a moment when I had the time and energy to update. We've just come through the two most trying weeks of life since we brought Elijah home. And my least favorite part about them has been:
When other people have to step in to help take care of Elijah. We are really lucky to live close to both my parents and Nathan's parents. We are also lucky that they are all crazy about our little guy and don't mind watching him for us. That said, I hate it when I have to ask them to. If being back at work has done anything it has made me more aware of time. I only have so much time at home with him now, and I want it all. So what if I've only slept 2 hours in the last 24? I want my baby, damn it.
Taking care of the house. Not in general, mind. Just while I was on thirds. I would get home from work, feed the baby and take a nap with him. After that, the days are kind of a blur of playing with him and wishing Nathan would get home. Then, when Nathan got him, I dragged myself up to bed to sleep until I had to wake up for work. House chores kind of fell away. I washed bottles only when we didn't have any clean and the laundry definitely piled up untended.
Admitting how happy I am to be on seconds. I love third shift...love it. I love the hours, the work, the people. Everything about third shift is great. Or was. But now, I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am to be working from 3 to 11. I get to sleep like a normal person, and wake up at a normal hour. I get to play with my son and not have a haze of exhaustion keeping me from enjoying myself. I am so happy to be on seconds.
Things that are great:
Elijah's progress. We went out for a birthday dinner tonight and as we sat at the table, me holding Elijah, my plate started sliding towards me. I looked down and his tiny hand was clamped around the edge. He has started rolling over and can sit relatively straight for periods of time, while he's supported. He laughs--my favorite sound ever. He has started vocalizing a lot more and we think he might be starting to get a tooth. And he sleeps through the night for the most part. He's just great.
Nathan. I have Nathan. How lucky am I?
Getting books for my birthday. All Our Worldly Goods by Irene Nemirovsky and Your Personal Penguin by Sandra Boynton. Yes, that last one was for Elijah, but I don't care. I love it.
Doctor Who. Nathan used to tell me I should watch Doctor Who. He said I'd love it, but I ignored him, because it seemed like such a strange show. But he was right. I started watching it when Elijah was about a month old and we were still spending quite a bit of time in the sun room. I love it. More than I've loved any show for quite a while, I love it. And in case you have any Doctor Who background and you're curious: 9 is by far my favorite, but I also love 11.
English folk music: Kate Rusby, June Tabor, Seth Lakeman, Eddi Reader, Smithfield Fair, all great. Can't get enough of them.
Keeping up with this blog while working third shift and taking care of my son. Can you tell? I've been back to work since my last post and in all that time I haven't found a moment when I had the time and energy to update. We've just come through the two most trying weeks of life since we brought Elijah home. And my least favorite part about them has been:
When other people have to step in to help take care of Elijah. We are really lucky to live close to both my parents and Nathan's parents. We are also lucky that they are all crazy about our little guy and don't mind watching him for us. That said, I hate it when I have to ask them to. If being back at work has done anything it has made me more aware of time. I only have so much time at home with him now, and I want it all. So what if I've only slept 2 hours in the last 24? I want my baby, damn it.
Taking care of the house. Not in general, mind. Just while I was on thirds. I would get home from work, feed the baby and take a nap with him. After that, the days are kind of a blur of playing with him and wishing Nathan would get home. Then, when Nathan got him, I dragged myself up to bed to sleep until I had to wake up for work. House chores kind of fell away. I washed bottles only when we didn't have any clean and the laundry definitely piled up untended.
Admitting how happy I am to be on seconds. I love third shift...love it. I love the hours, the work, the people. Everything about third shift is great. Or was. But now, I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am to be working from 3 to 11. I get to sleep like a normal person, and wake up at a normal hour. I get to play with my son and not have a haze of exhaustion keeping me from enjoying myself. I am so happy to be on seconds.
Things that are great:
Elijah's progress. We went out for a birthday dinner tonight and as we sat at the table, me holding Elijah, my plate started sliding towards me. I looked down and his tiny hand was clamped around the edge. He has started rolling over and can sit relatively straight for periods of time, while he's supported. He laughs--my favorite sound ever. He has started vocalizing a lot more and we think he might be starting to get a tooth. And he sleeps through the night for the most part. He's just great.
Nathan. I have Nathan. How lucky am I?
Getting books for my birthday. All Our Worldly Goods by Irene Nemirovsky and Your Personal Penguin by Sandra Boynton. Yes, that last one was for Elijah, but I don't care. I love it.
Doctor Who. Nathan used to tell me I should watch Doctor Who. He said I'd love it, but I ignored him, because it seemed like such a strange show. But he was right. I started watching it when Elijah was about a month old and we were still spending quite a bit of time in the sun room. I love it. More than I've loved any show for quite a while, I love it. And in case you have any Doctor Who background and you're curious: 9 is by far my favorite, but I also love 11.
English folk music: Kate Rusby, June Tabor, Seth Lakeman, Eddi Reader, Smithfield Fair, all great. Can't get enough of them.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
St. Gianna
Technically, I have been a "working mother" ever since we were called to Birthmother's home state the day Elijah was born. But I have been blessed to have 12 weeks to dedicate solely to taking care of, getting to know, and loving my child. I was free of the cares that come with being a real working mother.
But all that ends tonight. My 12 weeks are over and I really begin my new life as a working mom. At 10 o'clock tonight, I will have to kiss my son goodbye and go earn money to help support our family. I've been told the first month or so of being back at work is particularly gut-wrenching.
But there is also a lot to be grateful and joyful for as well. I am blessed to have a family to help support. I am blessed to have a job at which I can earn money to do so.
I think it's truer to my nature. I have loved every day of these last 12 weeks, but I've also been bored, and lonely, and tired of being in the same place all the time. I think deep down, some part of me acknowledges that I couldn't be a stay-at-home mom. I have a great deal of respect for women who are called to that kind of life, but I do not believe I am one of them.
For the next two weeks, I will be gone while my son sleeps. Then I will spend my days praying for him to take nice long naps, so that I can too. After that we change shifts and I switch to working 3 to 11 pm, which I think will be better in the long run. The more I think about it, the more I realize I may have to give up my beloved third shifts and take only seconds and firsts (when they are available), at least until Elijah is in school.
So pray for us this week, please. Pray that Elijah will sleep well for Nathan at nights and then take nice naps for me during the days. Please pray that I don't take being back at work and away from my son too badly.
St. Gianna, patron saint of working mothers, please pray for us.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
But all that ends tonight. My 12 weeks are over and I really begin my new life as a working mom. At 10 o'clock tonight, I will have to kiss my son goodbye and go earn money to help support our family. I've been told the first month or so of being back at work is particularly gut-wrenching.
But there is also a lot to be grateful and joyful for as well. I am blessed to have a family to help support. I am blessed to have a job at which I can earn money to do so.
I think it's truer to my nature. I have loved every day of these last 12 weeks, but I've also been bored, and lonely, and tired of being in the same place all the time. I think deep down, some part of me acknowledges that I couldn't be a stay-at-home mom. I have a great deal of respect for women who are called to that kind of life, but I do not believe I am one of them.
For the next two weeks, I will be gone while my son sleeps. Then I will spend my days praying for him to take nice long naps, so that I can too. After that we change shifts and I switch to working 3 to 11 pm, which I think will be better in the long run. The more I think about it, the more I realize I may have to give up my beloved third shifts and take only seconds and firsts (when they are available), at least until Elijah is in school.
So pray for us this week, please. Pray that Elijah will sleep well for Nathan at nights and then take nice naps for me during the days. Please pray that I don't take being back at work and away from my son too badly.
St. Gianna, patron saint of working mothers, please pray for us.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Phase "Not-the-Mama"
My brother once said that babies have two parents: the Mama and Not-the-Mama. He observed this after my sister-in-law went back to work and Nate (my brother) spent weekends home alone with their infant son. For upwards of 12 hours a day, the child my brother nicknamed "Mr. Screamy" screamed at him for no reason other than that he was Not-the-Mama. Eventually, Mr. Screamy grew out of this stage.
Elijah has recently discovered that Nathan is Not-the-Mama. I spend all day everyday cuddling, talking to, singing to, and playing with Elijah. When Nathan comes home, I pass the baby off for bonding with his father, leave the room to work on dinner and within minutes, the screaming commences. Thankfully it doesn't last 12 hours. Nathan is getting pretty good at calming him down by singing, bouncing and walking. And I'm glad it's happening now, when I'm still at home, instead of in a few weeks, when I'll be at work.
But it still breaks my heart. Nathan is already such a great dad. Every phone conversation we have while he is at work begins with "How's the little man?" When he gets home, first thing he checks on Elijah. I can't wait until this phase passes.
Yes, that is Elmo's voice.
Elijah has recently discovered that Nathan is Not-the-Mama. I spend all day everyday cuddling, talking to, singing to, and playing with Elijah. When Nathan comes home, I pass the baby off for bonding with his father, leave the room to work on dinner and within minutes, the screaming commences. Thankfully it doesn't last 12 hours. Nathan is getting pretty good at calming him down by singing, bouncing and walking. And I'm glad it's happening now, when I'm still at home, instead of in a few weeks, when I'll be at work.
But it still breaks my heart. Nathan is already such a great dad. Every phone conversation we have while he is at work begins with "How's the little man?" When he gets home, first thing he checks on Elijah. I can't wait until this phase passes.
Yes, that is Elmo's voice.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
My Poor Boys
Despite my best efforts, Elijah came down with some form of the same virus Nathan has. I took Little Man to the doctor last Monday and was told he has bronchiolitis. I returned the next day because he sounded a little worse, only to be told he was actually better. We've been coping by keeping him upright as much as possible--have the pack-and-play propped up on books--and humidified. We made a trip with my dad to walk-in care yesterday because it's been almost a week and he sounds the same.
The doctor there said that's just the way bronchiolitis is. It hangs around for 7-10 days and the baby sounds a lot worse than he feels. They did a chest x-ray to rule out pneumonia, and it was slightly traumatic. I had to hold him down while they took the images. Poor little thing screamed so loudly Grandpa, who was sitting out in the waiting room, could hear him.
Elijah's been coughing and wheezing for a while, but he slept 7 hours last night and actually does sound better today.
As for Nathan, he's been sick since the 8th and is still taking Musinex and Sudafed to get through his days. I was sick when we were in the other state to pick Elijah up 7 weeks ago (seriously, 7 weeks?!), so I'm hoping that is protecting me now against whatever this is.
The doctor there said that's just the way bronchiolitis is. It hangs around for 7-10 days and the baby sounds a lot worse than he feels. They did a chest x-ray to rule out pneumonia, and it was slightly traumatic. I had to hold him down while they took the images. Poor little thing screamed so loudly Grandpa, who was sitting out in the waiting room, could hear him.
Elijah's been coughing and wheezing for a while, but he slept 7 hours last night and actually does sound better today.
As for Nathan, he's been sick since the 8th and is still taking Musinex and Sudafed to get through his days. I was sick when we were in the other state to pick Elijah up 7 weeks ago (seriously, 7 weeks?!), so I'm hoping that is protecting me now against whatever this is.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
7 Quick Takes (vol. 4)
Yes, I'm late with this. Today will be my baby faces edition. All week I have been taking pictures of faces Elijah makes.
-one-
He has started smiling, too, but only occasionally. I haven't gotten a picture of it yet.
-two-
Pam calls this his "Cheerio mouth" and it cracks her up.
-three-
I'm pretty sure we can all figure out what he's doing here.
-four-
Poor sleepy baby!
-five-
Tummy time is no longer completely hated. He's started napping during it.
-six-
I think he was talking here.
-seven-
In other news, Nathan has contracted, what I can only assume is a mild form of plague. He has been aching and coughing for three days. And yesterday he celebrated his 31st birthday by staying home and lying on the couch all day. Elijah and I have been coping by not spending too much time around him and getting out of the house at least once a day to give him time to sleep without being woken up.
For more 7 Quick Takes visit Conversion Diary!
For more 7 Quick Takes visit Conversion Diary!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
The Mama
First of all....
Seriously, how cute is he?
We've been home for just over a week now and Elijah is just over two weeks old. This world of motherhood is an interesting place. It's a strange feeling to be making all the decisions for another person. I remember even as we were driving to Birthmother's home state, I was thinking about his name and said to Nathan, "How does one person go about creating an identity for another person?" What if he hates his name? What if he would rather be called "Eli?" I hate nicknames so I've refused to use it. Nathan said something to the effect of, "Because you have to."
I realize that Elijah's identity is already inside his little person, but it will be up to us to help shape and make him into an individual. There are all kinds of questions floating around in my head now. What if we don't hold him enough? What if he is allergic to cats? Do we feed him too much? What if we are playing the wrong kind of music?
Nathan is all about music, so I added a "Disney" channel to my Pandora stations. But I don't know if Disney is "right" at this age. So I added a "lullaby" station.
Even though it was one of the most inconvenient things I've ever had to do, I kind of miss living in that hotel in Birthmother's home state. Life was a lot simpler there. All we had to do was hold and play with Elijah and make sure all our paperwork was moving from place to place. Here, we have to do things like dishes, laundry and bills. I have to cook meals and clean up around the house. I have a certain longing for the days of sitting around staring at the baby. But I still do that quite a bit!
But things around here have settled into what almost might be called a routine. Nathan took over middle-of-the-night baby duty for the weekend, so I got to sleep. If there is a perk to formula feeding, that's it. We have been enjoying receiving all kinds of family and friends who want to meet Elijah and ask us how we are doing.
Being the Mama is definitely more than I expected it would ever be.
We've been home for just over a week now and Elijah is just over two weeks old. This world of motherhood is an interesting place. It's a strange feeling to be making all the decisions for another person. I remember even as we were driving to Birthmother's home state, I was thinking about his name and said to Nathan, "How does one person go about creating an identity for another person?" What if he hates his name? What if he would rather be called "Eli?" I hate nicknames so I've refused to use it. Nathan said something to the effect of, "Because you have to."
I realize that Elijah's identity is already inside his little person, but it will be up to us to help shape and make him into an individual. There are all kinds of questions floating around in my head now. What if we don't hold him enough? What if he is allergic to cats? Do we feed him too much? What if we are playing the wrong kind of music?
Nathan is all about music, so I added a "Disney" channel to my Pandora stations. But I don't know if Disney is "right" at this age. So I added a "lullaby" station.
Even though it was one of the most inconvenient things I've ever had to do, I kind of miss living in that hotel in Birthmother's home state. Life was a lot simpler there. All we had to do was hold and play with Elijah and make sure all our paperwork was moving from place to place. Here, we have to do things like dishes, laundry and bills. I have to cook meals and clean up around the house. I have a certain longing for the days of sitting around staring at the baby. But I still do that quite a bit!
But things around here have settled into what almost might be called a routine. Nathan took over middle-of-the-night baby duty for the weekend, so I got to sleep. If there is a perk to formula feeding, that's it. We have been enjoying receiving all kinds of family and friends who want to meet Elijah and ask us how we are doing.
Being the Mama is definitely more than I expected it would ever be.
Friday, November 11, 2011
A Musical Soul
I surprised myself the other day with asking Nathan if he wanted to buy a piano. Wait, what? See, it's still surprising.
I've been noticing lately that every time we go over to his parents' house, Nathan always settles down in front of the piano and plays "Rainbow Connection," one of his favorite songs. The other day began a full-house search for the sheet music for "Ashokan Farewell" (that song that plays over and over during the Ken Burns Civil War series). It's another one of his favorites. We didn't end up finding it and I forget what he ended up playing instead.
He even tries to get me to play, but I can only handle either the top or bottom parts of Heart and Soul and when he tries to play the other part I get thrown off.
Nathan has always been musical: he played French horn in high school band and has been playing piano since grade school, not to mention singing in choir.
Lately he's even found a little protege. Our niece, Sophie, loves the piano. Every time he starts playing she has to be right there watching and banging away on the other end of the keyboard. She even insisted once that her high chair be moved so she could watch him play.
I happened to glance at the newspaper the last time we were leaving his Mom and Dad's house and saw that someone is selling a Story and Clark upright piano for $100. We're going to wait until it gets a little closer to Thanksgiving and call about coming to see it.
If we choose to buy it, hopefully we can get my brother-in-law's help moving it after the holiday.
I've been noticing lately that every time we go over to his parents' house, Nathan always settles down in front of the piano and plays "Rainbow Connection," one of his favorite songs. The other day began a full-house search for the sheet music for "Ashokan Farewell" (that song that plays over and over during the Ken Burns Civil War series). It's another one of his favorites. We didn't end up finding it and I forget what he ended up playing instead.
He even tries to get me to play, but I can only handle either the top or bottom parts of Heart and Soul and when he tries to play the other part I get thrown off.
Nathan has always been musical: he played French horn in high school band and has been playing piano since grade school, not to mention singing in choir.
Lately he's even found a little protege. Our niece, Sophie, loves the piano. Every time he starts playing she has to be right there watching and banging away on the other end of the keyboard. She even insisted once that her high chair be moved so she could watch him play.
I happened to glance at the newspaper the last time we were leaving his Mom and Dad's house and saw that someone is selling a Story and Clark upright piano for $100. We're going to wait until it gets a little closer to Thanksgiving and call about coming to see it.
If we choose to buy it, hopefully we can get my brother-in-law's help moving it after the holiday.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Night owl
I've been on third shift for about a month now and the answer for anyone who is curious is: yes, I do love it as much as I thought I would.
I don't mind going to bed first thing when I get home and sleeping until just before or just after Nathan gets home. I like having the whole night to spend time with him. The only problem with sleeping during the day has been the cats, they usually want attention when I'm trying to sleep.
The strangest thing about it all is my weekends. I have tried to maintain mostly the same schedule every day, even my days off, going to bed between 4:30 and 6. So, after Nathan goes to bed those days usually around 1 am, I have several hours to myself before I'm ready to turn in.
It's interesting to find things for myself to do that won't disturb him. I've tried to fill that time with purpose, using it to write and that usually works pretty well (but not tonight). I watch movies Nathan doesn't like to watch with me (think: the new Jane Eyre or any Jane Eyre.) Sometimes I even play video games.
I don't know why it feels so odd to have time to myself in the middle of the night, especially since I've always been a night person, but I'm slowly getting used to it.
I don't mind going to bed first thing when I get home and sleeping until just before or just after Nathan gets home. I like having the whole night to spend time with him. The only problem with sleeping during the day has been the cats, they usually want attention when I'm trying to sleep.
The strangest thing about it all is my weekends. I have tried to maintain mostly the same schedule every day, even my days off, going to bed between 4:30 and 6. So, after Nathan goes to bed those days usually around 1 am, I have several hours to myself before I'm ready to turn in.
It's interesting to find things for myself to do that won't disturb him. I've tried to fill that time with purpose, using it to write and that usually works pretty well (but not tonight). I watch movies Nathan doesn't like to watch with me (think: the new Jane Eyre or any Jane Eyre.) Sometimes I even play video games.
I don't know why it feels so odd to have time to myself in the middle of the night, especially since I've always been a night person, but I'm slowly getting used to it.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
The window
When you look at this picture, you will see a window with a strange fitting into the ceiling and a set of white-ish mini blinds.
And if I ask you to look closer you will still see an ordinary window. That is not your fault, it's just because you don't know the journey this window has been on. When we moved into this house, the window was one of a few that had suffered the strange habits of the occupants before us. Their way of opening a window which stuck or would not otherwise open was to break it. This particular window, on the south wall of what will hopefully soon be the nursery was a jagged piece of glass sitting in its frame when we moved in. There was also a black curtain that looked more like a sheet hanging in frront of it, in place of blinds or a normal curtain.
When we knew we were going to be starting the adoption process, I asked Nathan if he could figure out some way of fixing the glass before the home study so that it didn't look so bad. Nathan and his dad took the window out of the wall and sent it to a local construction business who refitted it with new glass and sent it back. Then it sat in our basement for a while, so that Nathan could repaint the outside frame. This past week, Nathan and his dad put it back in place in the wall and even fitted the blinds in there, which had been bought earlier by Nathan's mother. It may just be me that is impressed by all this, but it makes me very, very happy.
And if I ask you to look closer you will still see an ordinary window. That is not your fault, it's just because you don't know the journey this window has been on. When we moved into this house, the window was one of a few that had suffered the strange habits of the occupants before us. Their way of opening a window which stuck or would not otherwise open was to break it. This particular window, on the south wall of what will hopefully soon be the nursery was a jagged piece of glass sitting in its frame when we moved in. There was also a black curtain that looked more like a sheet hanging in frront of it, in place of blinds or a normal curtain.
When we knew we were going to be starting the adoption process, I asked Nathan if he could figure out some way of fixing the glass before the home study so that it didn't look so bad. Nathan and his dad took the window out of the wall and sent it to a local construction business who refitted it with new glass and sent it back. Then it sat in our basement for a while, so that Nathan could repaint the outside frame. This past week, Nathan and his dad put it back in place in the wall and even fitted the blinds in there, which had been bought earlier by Nathan's mother. It may just be me that is impressed by all this, but it makes me very, very happy.
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