Category Archive

Sometimes when I put Sophia to bed I just st by her crib and watch her sleep. She always looks so peaceful and innocent, it’s so precious. A little while ago Brad and I went to a park with Sophia and we were watching other kids playing and running around. I love seeing the innocence in children, the world hasn’t gotten the best of them yet. They have no perception of worrying about paying the bills, putting food on the table, they just enjoy life. They haven’t experienced hatred, betrayal, disloyalty. They have no inhibitions to walk up to another child and make a friend on the spot. How wonderful would the world be if we all had the forgiveness and the innocence of a child. It’s so sad that we all lose it, you cannot live in this world like a child.

You can see the innocence fading in the older kids that were at the park. You can tell that something is different, that they had experienced pain. I don’t really the turning point, but it’s there and you can see it in their eyes. I wish I could keep Sophia safe from pain, that she would always be happy. I know that is every parents dream, yet none of us are able to fulfill it. I have even heard some people say that having children and bringing them up in this world is a selfish act. I see how some would think that, but I believe you must be fairly broken to really feel that way. To me being a mom is the most wonderful thing that has ever happened. I believe that I didn’t know what truly loving someone meant until I had Sophie. It’s not something that you can describe, it’s something that is just there and you don’t know where it came from.

I have such a hard time hearing stories about child abuse, and murder. I don’t understand how anyone can hurt something so helpless and beautiful. How people can hurt kids that cannot defend themselves, how they can kill their children and claim that they’re better off that way and then be found not guilty. How can someone not live their child?

I always liked being around kids, but I don’t think I ever realized how precious childhood is until I had one of my own. My heart goes out to the kids that don’t have parents, the one’s that have no one to love and care for them. I could imagine how heartbreaking it would be to work in an orphanage. Kids don’t need much, all they want is for someone to love them. I see how much stuff Sophia has, but in the end I know she would be just as much of a happy baby is she had none of those things. She has a family that loves her more than life. I don’t understand why we as adults are so obsessed with stuff, why we think that the more we have the happier we will be. I am one of those. I want a house and a couple of cars, and money, In the end the things that make me happiest are the morning smiles that Sophie gives me, watching her play with her toys, her excitement to see me. Nothing will ever beat that.

I wish that no child would have to go through heart break. I wish that every child would have a childhood will with happiness. If only everyone could experience the joy of being a kid, this world would be a much better place. If i had only 1 wish I would wish that every kid would have unconditional love.

Today I went to see my doctor about my chronic fatigue to figure out what was wrong with me. I wish doctors could just tell what is wrong with me without poking and prodding. I do not like being poked by needles. You’d think that after having a baby I would be used to it, but no I still do not like it. He said that they should get the results back in within couple of days. I kinda hope that they find something. I don’t like being sick, but if I am feeling like I am I would like some explanation for it. The lab did a whole blood could test and also tested me for a thyroid. I will keep you updated.

Sophia has successfully switched from 2 naps a day to only 1 nap. It’s really nice to not have to worry if she got both her naps in, but  at the same time it’s a pain to be stuck at home now. I am super paranoid about her being well rested, and if she doesn’t nap in her crib then she only sleeps for 45 min max. In her bed she can sleep up to 3 hours, and i would rather her sleep longer. Today she woke up after 40 min and started crying. I went into her room and we cuddled in the rocking chair and both fell asleep for another hour and a half. We haven’t napped together since she was about 3 months old. It was so sweet to wake up to my little sweetie next to me.

Right now she is playing with he princess wand that my mom bought for her. It’s funny that a baby so small already has imagination and can pretend play, I love little people. I think I am going to take Sophie swimming, the pool is finally open again. Better go and ger her ready. Enjoy the rain.

Sophie has had a very light fever for the last few days, so yesterday I decided to take her to the doctor hopefully to rule out an ear infection - cranky, feverish babies are not that much fun. I had to make a last minute appointment and the receptionist got Sophia and I in for a 4:30pm appointment. I thought, “Great”; in Edmonton our doctor’s office was very busy and I was lucky if I could get in that week that I called, so this was a nice change. When we arrived, the nurse looked at me and asked whom the appointment was for. When I told her we were there for Sophie she said that this doctor we are about to see doesn’t see babies (well, he “sees” babies - he just doesn’t really like to examine them). Ok, well, I just booked the appointment, it was not my responsibility to check whether that doctor takes babies or not - her chart says how old she is, so if anything they need to get a receptionist that can read.

Once the doctor got there he quickly looked at her, jabbed a stick down her throat - of course she flipped out because he gagged her, and in the end said that there is nothing wrong with her. If there was nothing wrong with her then she wouldn’t have a fever now would she? He said that, if anything, it could be a virus and it will pass on it’s own. Great - thanks for letting me know how I can help my baby feel better.

On the way out he walked up to the nurse and told her, in a very clear and annoyed tone, to weigh the baby and that he DOES NOT see babies as patients. Sheeesh buddy, it’s not like we purposely booked with you just to make you mad. He’s a doctor for Pete’s sakes, if someone needs help he should be civil and helpful. I was a little peeved at the whole situation, and my poor baby still has a fever…. thanks a lot doc.

Anyway, Sophie didn’t sleep well last night. She woke up at 5:00am and didn’t fall back to sleep until 6:30am and then was up for the day at 7:22am. Poor kid was sweaty and cold at the same time, I gave her some Motrin and finally she knocked out. Grrrr.

Oh, at least we found out her most up-to-date weight: 16lbs 13oz.

Sophie and mommy taking a nap

Quit staring at my ugly pajamas, I was cold…

I got some of these from my parenting forum, and I thought it would be funny to share. Feel free to add and I will post it here.

• YOU KNOW YOU’RE A MOM AND SLEEP DEPRIVED WHEN…
• sleep is the only think that you can think, obsess and dream about.
• you think you’re going crazy when you hear screaming even when it’s dead silent in the house.
• 7 am is considered sleeping in
• you get excited when you see a poopy diaper
• you become a complete airhead- there are days you’re surprised you are able to dress yourself (and haven’t gotten into a car accident!).
  
• that even months after you’ve had the baby you’re still shedding like a lab
• you drive to work and don’t remember the drive
• you are talking to someone and forget what you are saying right in the middle of your conversation
• you’ve heard crying too and jumped up and ran in the nursery only to find your kid sound asleep
• you are pumping for milk for the next day and you fall asleep for an hour sitting up in the chair
• you put the car keys on the side of the car seat while you strap your kid in and then spend 10 minutes trying to find your keys.
• you’re not quite sure if it’s avocado smeared on your pants from toddler hands or if it’s poo from the newborn…
  
• going to the bathroom alone is a luxury.
• you start prepping dinner when you get up in the morning and work on it here and there throughout the day.
• you have no idea what is going on in the world but can name 20 different kinds of dinosaurs and/or digging equipment.
• when you start losing your big people vocabulary
• when you find rocks in your gym bag and know exactly when they were put there and that you’ll be in BIIIIIG trouble if you get rid of them.
• you think nothing of eating the soggy remains of an ice cream cone left by your son, when 5 years ago the very idea would gross you out.
• you find yourself saying things like, “Jackson, no eating your shoes!!!” or “Mommy’s going pee-pee. Do you want to come with?”
• when you are getting out of the car and check to make sure you have your keys 3 times because you don’t remember checking the 1st time.
  
• when you are talking to your child from the bathroom so they won’t start crying.
• you do silly dances while cooking to entertain your 4 month old.
  
• when it’s no longer about you anymore
• when you give in and let your son get a dog and you ARE NOT an animal lover. (I’ve totally lost my mind)

Yesterday I was giving Sophia her daily bath as part of her bed time routine. Since she has learned to sit up unsupported, I decided to take out her bath seat and let her sit on her own. I brought some toys for her to play with to make bath time a little more exciting. Mistake. She did not like the rubber ducky. Apparently the ducky is evil, and had to be out of the tub ASAP. I may have caused the problem of fearing the ducky, but I’m not entirely sure.

When I first put the ducky in she was fine with it - she even played and chewed on it, but the duck was soon full of water and wouldn’t float. I picked up the duck and squeezed the water out of it, causing a loud gushing noise as the water emptied through the little hole that had consumed the water in the first place. Then came the huge teary waterworks followed by very loud screaming. The rubber duck ruined the day. I don’t even know why the noise scared her, it was just running water and she’s fine with that. Beats me, I felt so bad for the kid.

It was very cute watching her play with her little toys, but now she wants nothing to do with the duck. I even tried introducing it to her later and she just screamed every time that she saw the yellow duck.

Today we had another swimming class where we had to throw a toy in the water and then guide the kids to go get them. Alas, they had rubber duckies as toys, so she freaked out until they put the toys away. I felt bad because they actually had to take out a rubber whale instead so she wouldn’t flip out. The whale was ok’d by her and very much welcomed. I didn’t know that kids develop fears so young, or that they even have the memory to recall something that scared them the day before. Hmmmmm, I guess now I know.

I have pictures from her bath, but not uploaded, maybe later today.

P.S. She went down for a nap at 12:40pm and is still asleep . I can’t believe it’s been 2.5 hours already, I should have napped myself.

I don’t know what has gotten into this child recently, she is sooo incredibly whiny. She woke up at 6 am this morning, talk about getting up earlier each morning. I do not like mornings, not at all. Yap we had another horrible night and today she was in the worst mood ever. Nothing was pleasing this child. We went out to Abbotsford to ABC restaurant for brunch. Grandma and Grandpa Richert don’t get to see Sophie much seeing as how they don’t live in the Fraser Valley. I was hoping that she would be able to have fun with them, but nooooo, she just whined and complained the whole time. Normally she is very good when it comes to taking her out in public, she usually hardly makes a beep, but today it was a whole new story. I fed her, gave her some finger foods, toys, soother, NOTHING worked. When we got home I thought that maybe she needs a nap but when I tried putting her down she started giggling. Then 10 min later she was back to crying and finally went down for a nappy. 1/2 hour later she was up to whine some more. Little stinker couldn’t figure out  what it is that she wanted. I tried taking her for a walk which she usually loves, but again, more whining. Nap #2 lasted 10 min, and now she is asleep. It’s been 17 min, so we’ll see what happens in the next 15 min or so. I hope she just goes down for the night, I don’t think I can handle anymore whining or screaming today.

I tried checking her teeth, but they’re pretty far down, so I don’t know if that is the cause, and ear infection is already ruled out. Ahhhhh, need some help here. I wish I coud speak baby and know what it is that she wants.

Oh, and another thing that happened today… I think she may be trying to see if she can manipulate mommy. She was happily playing with her jungle gym and as soon as I was walked into the room there was high pitch screeching. Hmmm, so I tried walking in and out 3 more times, and yes she would screech every time that I walked back in. I didn’t know they could do that so young. Weirdo child.

Sophia and Mommy shadow 

I think I definitely have sleep anxiety. This morning I woke up at 5am for no apparent reason. Sophie was sleeping and I was awake for the next 2 hours. I ended up having a huge headache, and as soon as I fell asleep she woke up. Lovely. I also think that she ma be teething again as she gets cranky at the 8 hour mark when Motrin stops working, that or she is having a bad reaction to her vaccinations.

I’m excited for today though. My decided that since Sophie is 6 months old we are having crab and lobster for dinner. Yum, that is my FAVORITE food in the world. I’m so excited.

I think I might take Sophia swimming again today, we have our first mommy and me class on Monday and I want her to be familiar with the water. We’ll see, depends on how she’s acting today. She just took a lovely  1/2 hour nap this morning. Ugh, I wish I knew what to do.

Have a lovely day everyone

Taking a walk with Daddy

We had a visit from the mysterious nap strike fairy. Sophie has again decided that sleep is WAY too overrated. Last night she went to bed as usual, 6pm, and was fast asleep. She then decided to wake up at 8:30, 9:30, 10:30, and then stayed up for 2 hours whining. The again at 4:30am and stayed up for an hour, and then woke up for the day at 7:30am acting like she was the most rested baby in the world. She did take a 50min nap at 10:00am and then decided to go on a nap-strike and not go to sleep for the next 4 hours. FINALLY I got her to fall asleep and she was up 10 min later. I’m starting to wonder if it has anything to do with teeth??? I took a look at her gums, but there is no sign of teeth coming anytime soon. I wish I knew what brought all this on.

I’m also feeling a lot of anxiety. I’m unable to get myself to sleep. I hear the littlelest noises in the house and as soon as I wake up I CANNOT get back to sleep. This morning my mom took her so that I could get some more sleep and I just layed in bed for 3 hours, finally got up for the day. I wonder why I’m feeling so much anxiety lately. I want it to go away so that I can get some rest.

I don’t have much more to say, just really exhausted, and I don’t want to complain. Just wanted to know if this sleep anxiety is normal and how to make it go away.

Angry baby

Today Sophie napped for 3 WHOLE hours. I don’t know what came over her, but she would not wake up. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining, I just don’t understand what triggers those nice long naps. I know that babies change their schedule all the time, but I mean they have to settle at one point? As soon as I think that I have her figured ot she goes and changes on me again.

We were working on her going down for bed byherself and sleeping well at night, and that turned out well. At first She would wake up after 40 min and scream, but eventually stopped doing that. During that time she would sleep very long stretches of sleep (8-12hours), then eat and go back to sleep for another few hours. Now that she falls asleep right away she wakes up 2-4 times during the night. I just don’t get it. She doesn’t wake from hunger, she just wants to play. Can you tell I’m tired? I thought that by this age they get into a better sleep routine. I blame Brad for the bad sleeping habits, I was a good sleeper. If the naps are good, night time sleep is bad, and if the night time sleep is good, naps are bad. I guess i can’t have it all.

Sorry for the huge rant, I just feel like I don’t get my own kid most of the time. Ireally do think that they should come with instruction manuals. There would be way less messed up people. Parenting is hard…

Maybe I’m crazy for wanting another baby seeing as how this one likes giving me a hard time, but I can’t help it. When I first had Sophie I swore that I wouldn’t have another kid for years, but now that the newborn craziness has passed and my body has healed I could really see myself being pregnant again.

Brad said that we have to wait until he graduates next month, and then we can try to have another one. So I’m pretty excited about this. I think I’d like to wait until June so that my next baby is not born middle of winter. That was one of the downfalls of having a baby in the winter, I could never go out anywhere, even now we don’t get out all that much. I’m a firm believer that kids should get outside for a while each day.

Update on Sophie:

I think that she has begun teething again. Her cheeks are getting all red again and she’s chewing on her hands like crazy. I just want those teeth to pop through. They seem to be really bothering her, and have turned my little smiley girl into a cranky cranky kid. I know it will be while before she gets all her teeth, but I’ve heard that some teeth are not as bad as others. I hope she feels better soon, poor baby.

All done for today. Did everyone have a good weekend?

She’s getting so big for her car seat, and her coat made me laugh…look at the short sleeves

I must say that the last couple of nights have NOT been fun. Sophia has all of a sudden decided that sleep was overrated. I am so incredibly tired that my eyes are burning, and on the scale of tiredness that is the top kind. I don’t really know what’s causing this. She goes down fairly easily and sleeps great until 11:30-12:00am, and then all hell breaks loose. I will feed her and she does not want to go back to sleep. Two nights ago she was up all the way til 5:30AM!!! And last night she fell back asleep until 2:40, then was up every 1/2 hours til 7:45 when I went in and got her out of bed. What is up with her??? Ahhh, this is driving me CRAZY!!! I do not function well without sleep, and the worst part is I don’t know what to do about it. When I go in to check on her I know that she is fine, all she wants to do is play. There are huge smiles and giggles when I walk in, and as soon as I leave the water works begin. Seriously, is this just a 4 months stage? I thought sleep is supposed to be getting better, not worse. She used to sleep 10-12 hour stretches, feed, and then sleep another 4 or so. I was seriously in heaven then, until I took a trip to hell the last couple nights. Can you tell I’m going crazy?

A vacation is needed here. I’m going to stop now before I stick my foot in my mouth..

Here’s some Sophie cuteness, so this post doesn’t seem so bad

Night two of swaddle weaning was successful, and now she is napping unswaddled as well. She did cry for a bit last night, but was out like a light by 7:40pm, much better then the night before. I’m glad that she is able to sleep unswaddled, because now she will be able to self soothe. I am also taking away her soother, wow I sound like a mean mommy, taking away all of her sleeping props. The reason I’m trying to get rid of the soother is because her teeth will be coming in soon and I don’t want her to be buck tooth, plus she won’t wake up once it falls out and want it to be put back in. I’m very happy that my little girl is so adaptable. I honestly thought she would put up a way bigger fuss about this then she did.

Onto the next note, I think I’m going through a cooking phase. When I was pregnant I stopped working at 23 weeks and became a stay at home wife. I didn’t have much to do so I really got into cooking, but when Sophie was born that had to be put on hold. I was so tired that I didn’t feel like doing anything but sleeping. But now, I’m back into wanting to cook and try new recipes all the time. Lasy night I made a broccoli casserole, and it was soooogood. Mmmm I think I’m going to have the leftovers for lunch.

Ohhh, and yesterday Sophie stood unassisted. Just kidding, she did stand, but her back was leaning against the couch. Brad and I took some pictures, it was very cute.

I don’t know what else to write about, so instead I will put up photos. Bye Bye

Last night we had another “one of those nights.” I don’t know what’s going on with her. For the last 2 weeks or so she will go down for bed very easily, but then wakes up 40 min later and screams and won’t go back to sleep for several hours. If I’m in there, she’s quiet and  wants to play, but as soon as I leave all hell breaks loose. Yesterday she didn’t go to sleep until 11:00pm!!! To some of you it may not sound so bad, but for a kid whose bed time is between 6-7pm, it is VERY late. Since she was refusing to go to sleep I decided that last night was going to be the end to me swaddling her, if she’s not asleep then might as well train her to sleep unswaddled. IT WORKED!!! I know it was only one night, but I’ve been trying to get her to sleep without a swaddle for a little while now - apparently it’s not good for their motor skills. I still swaddle her for nap time, but that’s because she actually sleeps for couple of hours at a time, so it’s no big deal. Eventually I’m going to wean her of that too.

Hmmm, what else can I talk about? Oh, so because I’m a very bored SAHM (stay at home mom), I decided to pick up a couple of books on potty training. I thought I’d educate myself ahead of time, so when the time came I would know what I’m up against. Well, I bought a book on infant potty training and it is very interesting. Basically what you do is follow the baby’s cues and figure out when they eliminate, and then try to get them to the potty so they can do their business there. I thought since I have nothing else to do I might as well try it, it’s not going to hurt anyone, and if she doesn’t like it then I can give it up. So, I took her diaper off and was watching her cues, and Guess What??? She went pee in the potty, twice, and had a big smile about it. I’m excited!!!! Apparently my mom did that with me and I was fully trained by a year and a half. I would love it if by this time next year she would be trained as well. If not, then no, but it would be great.

Ok, have to go make hubby some lunch. Maybe I can get her to use the potty again!!!

Last night Sophie was being a typic indecisive woman… Im not kidding, she could not figure out whether she wanted to be swaddled or not. NOTHING was making this kid happy last night. Overall she’s a fairly easy going baby, very predictable, easy to soothe and get to bed…but last night I could not figure out what in the world she wanted. Food was a no no, her soother all of a sudden became her worst enemy, and the swaddling blanked turned into a love/hate relationship.

Her usual bed time is around 6-7pm, but last night I could not get her to sleep until 10:30!!! By that time she was sooo overtires that she screamed like a lunatic on steroids. I know that she wasn’t in pain because I had just given her some motrin for teething before bed, so I have NO clue what was up with her. Sometimes I wish she could talk

and tell me what to do. I would have never thought that having a baby took so much time and commitment. People always made it look so easy. Such a typical girly way of thinking “Oh I can’t wait to have a baby and play with her all the time,” if only I would have know what was ahead of me…I’d still have a baby. I love being a mom, and I never tire of saying

it, I just wish they came with instruction manuals. Wouldn’t life be so much easier then?

Well, we’re off to the doctors again to rule out any other sickness… Update when we get back….

UPDATE: Sophie’s ear infection is gone and she seems to be perfectly healthy, except that she has a very raspy voice right now and I have no idea why. The doctor said that there is nothing wrong with her.

Because of the blog that was posted a few days ago my stats went from 30-40 views a day to 130!!! YAH

I know that some of you have seen this on myspace, but i thought i’d share this with those who have not read it yet.

Sleep Training… OK, here’s my situation. My Mommy has had me for almost 7 months. The first few months were great– I cried, she picked me upand fed me, anytime, day or night. Then something happened. Over the last few weeks, she has been trying to STTN (sleep thru the night). At first, I thought it was just a phase, but it is only getting worse. I’ve talked to other babies, and it seems like it’s pretty common after Mommies have had us for around 6 months. Here’s the thing: these Mommies don’t really need to sleep. It’s just a habit. Many of them have had some 30 years to sleep–they just don’t need it anymore. So I am implementing a plan. I call it the Crybaby Shuffle. It goes like this: Night 1–cry every 3 hours until you get fed. I know, it’s hard. It’s hard to see your Mommy upset over your crying. Just keep reminding yourself, it’s for her own good. Night 2–cry every 2 hours until you get fed. Night 3–every hour. Most Mommies will start to respond more quickly after about 3 nights. Some Mommies are more alert, and may resist the change longer. These Mommies may stand in your doorway for hours, shhhh-ing. Don’t give in. I cannot stress this enough: CONSISTENCY IS KEY!! If you let her STTN (sleep through the night), just once, she will expect it every night. I KNOW IT’S HARD! But she really does not need the sleep, she is just resisting the change. If you have an especially alert Mommy, you can stop crying for about 10 minutes, just long enough for her to go back to bed and start to fall asleep. Then cry again. It WILL eventually work. My Mommy once stayed awake for 10 hours straight, so I know she can do it. Last night, I cried every hour. You just have to decide to stick to it and just go for it. BE CONSISTENT! I cried for any reason I could come up with. My sleep sack tickled my foot. I felt a wrinkle under the sheet. My mobile made a shadow on the wall. I burped, and it tasted like pears. I hadn’t eaten pears since lunch, what’s up with that? The cat said “meow”. I should know. My Mommy reminds me of this about 20 times a day. LOL. Once I cried just because I liked how it sounded when it echoed on the monitor in the other room. Too hot, too cold, just right–doesn’t matter! Keep crying!! It took awhile, but it worked. She fed me at 4am. Tomorrow night, my goal is 3:30am. You need to slowly shorten the interval between feedings in order to reset your Mommies’ internal clocks.

P.S. Don’t let those rubber things fool you, no matter how long you suck on them, no milk will come out. Trust me…. -Anonymous

Yap, just a random picture. I thought it was cute