Jeremy goes to the Grand Canyon

Jeremy went to the Grand Canyon for work last week.  It was short and quick.  Two days and he was back home again. 

To say I was a little jealous is an understatement.  But it also didn’t make sense for me to go this time – work is short-handed with subs, there is a pandemic happening, and you know that pretty much squashes all fun. 

So, he went.  And I was happy for him!

He flew into Flagstaff and headed straight to the Grand Canyon for his worksite.  He had a beautiful time of the day to be there. 

       

Maybe the best picture is this one.  Notice the zoomed in version to the right – the cat in a backpack.  I guess if you love ‘em that much…

    

The next morning, he was found “standing on the corner in Winslow, Arizona” just taking it easy.  (Reference to The Eagles song, “Take it Easy.”) 

He passed some fun arrows in the dirt.  He pulled over because he remembered a scene from the movie Joe Dirt where these arrows were seen.

Finally, he went to take a hike to Devil’s Bridge in Sedona, Arizona.  He said it was beautiful, but he didn’t quite reach the end of the trail because he had a plane to catch. 

    

Salt Lake City

Jeremy travels quite a bit for work, in spurts.  Sometimes he goes all the way to the West Coast; sometimes just to the state up north... or the state to the west... or the state to the east.  Sometimes he is gone for the day, overnight, a few days, or almost a week.  Sometimes he goes nowhere but the basement for a couple weeks.  It is unpredictable, but keeps things fresh.

The only thing that is consistent is he leaves, we stay.  There have been three exceptions to this: 1) I traveled to Goshen, Indiana with him so I could visit a friend. 2) He and I went to California for a four day work trip with LOTS of driving and as many national parks squeezed in as we could. 3) The whole family went to Michigan for a long weekend for work and play.  This month, I added a fourth exception: I flew out to Salt Lake City with him for four days.

This trip was good for many reasons... 1) my cousin and her family live there, 2) I needed (and he needed) a break from life here in Ohio, 3) there is snow, 4) there is a place to ski, 5) we needed some time together as a couple to reconnect, 6) it is good for the kids to get breaks from us and learn we will return, and 7) there are mountains there.

We left on a Tuesday morning for the Canton Akron airport and had a very tight layover in Chicago; we made it - barely!  We landed late morning in Salt Lake, rented a car, and started his getting his work done.  We toured (briefly) the Morman tabernacle and listened to a noon organ recital.  I hung out at the Visitor's Center, bought some postcards, mailed postcards, ate some free popcorn, talked to a guy about the best ski places, and killed time.  Jeremy, in the meantime, worked.  We checked into our hotel around 5pm, called my cousin Jenny, and had some supper.  

We had planned on skiing on Thursday, but the weather forecast was so much better for Wednesday - and more importantly, Jeremy was able to complete his field work on Tuesday - that we decided to ski Wednesday.  There are a lot of ski resorts to choose from.  We ended up picking Alta, which is one of the best ones according to locals.  They have a pretty sweet deal for novices like us - three lifts, almost entirely green slopes, all day access, only $45!  We jumped on it.  We picked up some ski pants from my cousin and caught up briefly and headed up to the mountain.  The day was spectacular - sunny, 33F, no wind.  I was slow and unstable at first, but gained confidence as the day went on.  Jeremy was a professional from the start; he is a stronger skier than me.  We had a blast; it took us back to our dating days ... young, carefree, no kids, doing sporty things.  The difference - by the end of the day our my body hurt.  It was completely worth it.

On Thursday, I enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, eased into working out in the fitness center, and got ready for the day.  I loved the relaxed feel of the day - no urgency, no demands, no helping anyone out.  Jeremy and I met my cousin for lunch.  While he headed to do work for a new job site, Jenny gave me a tour of the Ronald McDonald House where she works; it is a pretty incredible facility and service to the families that need it.  In the evening, we went to Jenny's house for supper - steak, potatoes, and asparagus.  It was delicious.  I enjoyed spending time with her family and getting to know her kids a little bit.  I don't see them as often as I do my cousins who live in Kansas City.  If I travel west, that is usually the farthest I go when visiting family.  It was good to laugh, hear stories, and be with family.

Friday, we could move a little slowly since our flight out was delayed by an hour.  We made it home by about 10 that night.  We were welcomed home on Saturday morning by a breakfast for kings prepared by Grandma Yoh and the girls.  It was good to be reunited.

We had a lot of help back here at home from grandparents to make this possible, and we are eternally grateful to have a family who loves each other.

Work and Sick Child

I finished my subbing position on Friday the 20th, and I am a free bird.  Really, it just feels like a regular Christmas break; it will feel more real in January when everyone else heads back to school.  My last days were hectic trying to get things wrapped up because Ellie decided that would be a great time to pick up some virus. We were juggling sitters, work time, and doctor’s appointments.  It was a little crazy.  I ended up feeling like I was sneaking out of the building Friday after a half day of work in order to get Ellie to the doctor. 

Turns out, nothing was wrong with her throat or her ears or her lungs or anything else that the doctor looked at.  He said to call if her fever persisted through Sunday or hit 104F.  Well, it hit 104.5F on Friday night, so I called the nurse line.  They, in turn, sent Ellie and me to the ER.  Their concern was a urinary tract infection; it was my concern as well.  No need to be concerned.  After disrupting a night’s sleep for her, and torturing her with a catheter, all tests came back clear.  It was just a virus – wait it out.  Ugh!  The only good thing about that was that I didn’t have to go the next day which was Christmas on my side of the family.  I would have missed most of the morning festivities. 

Carnivals and School

I know it has been awhile.  For all those that check frequently and wonder if I realize how long it has been, I do.  I have about 15 minutes right now to blog.  My life has been turned into a foggy haze in the past two weeks.  Here goes…

Sonnenburg Mennonite Church had a carnival a couple weeks ago.  I had saved the paper so I wouldn’t forget.  It was free for ages 2 – grade 6 and their families.  I didn’t really know what to expect, but we had a lot of fun.  The girls dug in a hay pile to find pennies.

         

They made Gak (well, chose the color they wanted it to be).  Madison is STILL playing with this stuff.  It is pretty cool.  They got arms painted.  You could get your face painted, but Madison (and by default) Ellie chose arms.  Madison got a rainbow.  Ellie got a flower.  Both girls sat very still while they did it. They had animal paintings with cut outs for their heads.  They took your pictrue and you could pick it up later in the night.  We now have a picture of (ready for the alliteration…) Ellie the Elephant and Madison the Monkey.  (Their choice, not mine.)

Madison’s highlight – the train.  She LOVES these things and can sit forever on them.  In fact, I think she did sit for at least a 15-20 mintues continuous train ride.  Ellie tried the train – again.  And I had to perform a rescue mission – again.  I say, at least she keeps trying!

Madison also enjoyed the pony rides.  Ellie did not attempt these.

Ellie’s highlight – the meal.  The poor girl was hungry by the time we got the (free) food.  We had a hot dog, chips, drink, popcorn, ice cream sundaes, and choice of cookie.  Madison chose frosted sugar with sprinkles; Ellie chose (really, chose) the one with M&Ms.  It was good.

We also had the Machinery Sale.  Jeremy purchased a power washer for $20 that he has had fun with – cleaning parts of the driveway, writing words in the driveway, etc.  The girls and I just went and looked around.  We bought fries from the youth group trailers.  We also had a lot of  people park in driveway – people we know.  We just know a lot of people who like to come!  It is great.  And the highlight of that… Having Uncle Luke’s Jeep parked in your driveway.  I am not kidding when I say, the girls played for AN HOUR (maybe a little longer) right here.

         

Since then, I started the school routine.  I get up at 5:30am.  The girls have to be up at 6:25.  We have to be out the door by 6:40.  Thankfully, they get fed wherever they go.  They go to grandparents’ two days a week and Miss Emily three days a week.  The drop off with the grandparents’ obviously, I had no concerns.  On the first day with Miss Emily, I was a bit nervous that Ellie would be clinging and wailing when I left.  In fact, she shed not one tear.  Madison, however, was clinging a little.  It was an answer to prayers.  Because, let me tell you, it would have been hard to drive away with Ellie (or Madison) screaming at the door.  The girls are adjusting well, but it is so early.  I don’t think it is fair.  Clarification…. Madison usually will be up before I have to get her up – 5:45, 6, 6:15.  Only one morning did I actually have to wake her up.  I am having a hard time waking up, having energy for a day of kids, coming home to play with my two, making supper, doing the nighttime routine, and doing anything else except sitting on the couch.  Maybe it will get better….

I am fighting a cold right now, finding little time to rest, and even though we have a long weekend, see little rest involved (we are going to a wedding out of state Sunday over Monday).  So, please pray for my health and enthusiasm.  It is an adjustment that lots of families make (people going back to work or just working).  We have done it before and we will make it again; it just takes time.

Work…

I haven’t had to utter that word in quite awhile.  As all my teacher friends were caught up in the frenzy of the first days of school, I was caught up in keeping my head above water here at home – totally different, both difficult in their own way.  My year is dedicated to being a mom and learning what that is all about… yeah, I was a mom before, but for those who have never stayed at home, this is a whole new experience.  I did decided that I would sub at least one day a week if jobs were available.  My in-laws wanted to spend a day with the girls on a regular basis anyway, so it worked out well.  For many weeks of school, I didn’t get calls for subbing that fit with our week.  But yesterday, I went for the first time. 

I was at an intermediate school, in a learning center, serving grades 4-8, with various levels of disabilities.  I am certified in special education, but I was still a bit nervous.  Every district does things a bit different.  All I have to say, is I am not sure I want to be a teacher.  Don’t get me wrong – the kids were great, the teacher had left great plans, and the 4 aides I worked with were fantastic.  What I don’t want to do (and frankly, in 10 years of teaching haven’t done), is plan 7 different lesson plans, on 7 different levels, with who-knows-where-I’m-going-to-find-the-resources resources, with one small planning period… not to mention having to do the alternate assessments for the kids who will be exempt from the Ohio Graduation Test, but still have to do something to “prove” they have been tested, write IEPs and hold meetings, and feel like a chicken with my head cut off because I have no clue if what I am doing is even the right thing. 

The teacher I filled in for is a second year teacher, and I hope she keeps teaching.  She looked to have a good relationship with kids, had a handle on filling all their weekly work folders, delegated work to her aides well, was on the phone checking on the status of absent kids, had a system for tracking IEP progress on a daily basis, and asked for feedback so she could do better with her sub plans.  (If you are wondering, she was at a special ed meeting in the building next door, so she was there in the morning for 30 minutes and a brief moment in the afternoon.) 

That being said, my day was great.  I just admire the teacher.  The kids were not high schoolers, most had very little attitude, and by the end of the day, I think some may have even liked me!  It was a good change in my routine for this year.  And if I get a job like this one in the next years, this “veteran” will go learn from this newbie some tricks of the trade!

Work and Weekend

I am officially back to work as of Tuesday.  It is like riding a bike.  I enjoy the kids I am working with this year, and they have welcomed me back with smiles.  I do not enjoy leaving the girls with someone else, but I believe they are both well cared for and it is only for 7 more weeks.  Work is exhausting.  I usually have to get up one time a night with Ellie, and then I wake up for the day at the obscene hour of 5:30am; so, my night is super short.  I am trying to stay ahead at work.  So far it is working.  I had almost all of my IEPs at the beginning of the year, and I only have one left.  That is a relief.  It was crazy busy at that moment, but well worth it for the present. 

This weekend, Jeremy’s parents came Saturday and Sunday to let us go on a date for my birthday.  We went to Abuelo’s at Easton on Saturday night.  Then, to see Hunger Games on Sunday.  The book is awesome; the movie is good, but feels a lot longer than the book.  I say read the book and watch the movie on video.  It was still nice to just go out.  Thanks, Grandparents for coming to spoil the muchkins (and us).  Gloria had just been to the annual sale of Vera Bradley purses/accessories with friends.  She brought us each a souvenir.  Check out Ellie and Madison with their little purse. 

           

Ellie turned 3 months this past week as well.  I can’t believe how quickly her first three months have gone.  I can NOT wait to go to her 4 month appointment and see how long and heavy she is.  She is growing, growing, growing!  She is so much fun as she gets older – smiles, kicking, watching, eating her hands, drooling, trying to talk, holding her head up.  It is great. 

Today we went to the park for a bit to get out of the house.  Madison wore her dress and sandals along with her “new” backpack, which she adores.  Here are some pictures.

         

                      

School has arrived

My bonus two weeks of summer has ended. I am back with students today. Yesterday, I was at school from 9-5pm - disgusting! I did get most of my IEPs gathered, emails with names sent to teachers, and dates noted. I feel more nervous about this year - a lot of unknowns, more responsibility across all grade levels, more juggling of classes, teaching science again.... I have been praying for confidence, which I don't know if I've felt a need to do before - maybe my first year? At any rate, I'm off to brush my teeth and to see what the day holds.

(We did go to Jeremy's cousin's wedding this weekend. I have a few pictures to post about that, but it will wait to a later hour.)

Nothing new

So, not much has happened in the past week ... at least none that I photographed. My parents came on Saturday for a short time. Jeremy and I went on a little lunch date to get out of the house. I went to work at school on spring break for a few hours to get ahead of the game. I went back to school Monday and the week is flying by. This is good and bad - good: because it is not torturous! bad: because I have an IEP due that I have been procrastinating with. I talked with the school psychologist today about it, and I'll finish writing it tomorrow. I have become a procrastinator... so not good. The problem is this: we don't have enough school hours to get things done, and I HATE with a passion doing school work at home. I feel like home should be this sacred place where I can get away from school so that I can enjoy the hours I am at school. So, that's that. We are taking supper to the Brokaw's tomorrow night - tacos. Anja just went back to work, and I think you sometimes need meals then as much as just after the baby is born. It will be fun to see their little girl again. Today Madison and I went out to enjoy the sunshine at the park. She got very excited when she saw the park from the car window. Jeremy is still at work (8:41pm). Crazy! Blah, blah, blah. I could continue to type about meaningless details of our life, but I'll let you all off the hook. I'll try to take some pictures and post them next time. Have a great rest of the week.

Snow Day #3

Well, it happened - snow day #3. It is not so much that I don't enjoy my time off because I do; it is that I dread making the days (that might be coming) up. This is the make-up day schedule... if we have another snow day very soon, we'll make the day up on the 21st of Feb (President's Day), the next option is Saturday of that week, the next option is a Saturday in March, then finally, we make them up at the end of school. Who wants to go to work on Saturday? No one. What are the chance kids will come to school on Saturday? Slim. Oh, well. I think today was canceled due to power outages (not us, thankfully), slick sidewalks, and/or gusty winds. The roads are not bad. Madison and I even ventured out to the bank and Babies R Us. Okay, stay safe and have a good rest of the week everyone!

short

Yes, this will be short. It is, once again, early morning - 6:15 to be exact. I am not sure what happened to this week, but I feel like I haven't sat down since I hit the bed. The first 2 months after Madison was born was extremely difficult - emotionally, physically, mentally, etc. This is a different kind of hard. I went back to work once, but it wasn't this draining. I like what I am doing at work better than last year in a lot of ways, so it is not that work is more draining. I have a more active girl when I come home now. And it is trying to find the rhythm in the start of school too. So, to all you working moms out there (and stay at home moms, because, honestly, that was an energy buster, too, in a different way) - kudos and blessings. It is a different kind of life that you would never trade, but have visions of being swept away from for a little while.... Have a great end to your week.

Oh, yes, Madison is now army crawling - so we will have to take seriously this childproofing thing this weekend. It is fun to watch her work and learn and grow. I'll try to get a picture sometime soon.

Monday, Monday

Today is the last Monday of the school year.  I have my students working on a project that will be their final exam presentation.  Surprisingly, with the exception of 3rd period, my students were diligently working today.  I was very impressed with them.  It is good because I don't really have to plan and have things prepared this week, but it is also exhausting because their computer skills are not exactly stellar, so there is a lot of running around.  It keeps me moving. 

Madison made it til 4am before wanting to eat - yea!  It was surprising because I felt like she hadn't even eaten as much as normal.  Maybe it was a little growth spurt that was happening or something.  She even nursed - sometimes, she just refuses and needs a bottle - so that made it a half hour wake up call before heading back to bed.  My favorite thing with her right now is going in after a nap or in the morning to get her.  She is usually waking up happy.  She turns over from her side sleeping position, opens her eyes slowly, and looks at you, then a great big smile comes, followed by a few toots, stretches, and kicks.  It is the blessing of my day! 

Have a great week!

Tired

Suddenly, Madison is consistently not sleeping through the night - up once (12am or 1 am or 2am) for some eating.  Do they have growth spurts at 19 weeks?  That's always the reason - growing.  As my friend, Sandy, and I were discussing, that's really what they do for 18 years - grow.  So, yeah, of course she is growing.  I wish she could grow without waking up to let me know about it.  I am getting tiiiiiirrrreeedd. 

Yesterday at school a student asked if it was going to be a lame class today.  I said yes.  I am past the point of defending my class to him.  Obviously, it is the end of the year....  Thankfully, others added to the class today by discussing their encounters with invertebrates - clams, oysters, lobsters, spiders, tapeworms, leeches, etc.  (9 days of class, 3 days of exams, 1/2 teacher work day)

Weekly update

I have decided that although it nice to return to school and only have nine weeks left, it is the worst time of year - kids are ready to be done, we teachers are ready to be done, it is nice outside and you are inside, and those who have not done well all year are dejected.  That being said, I need prayers to improve my attitude and wisdom for how to address some issues with the students I teach.

It all makes seeing Madison at the end of the day all the much better.  No, she is not always a happy, go lucky baby once we are home for the night, but she usually sends some smiles my way when I pick her up.  One of these days, I will capture a smile on camera and share it with you.  We have been slacking in picture department since I came back to work.  The sitter (Emily) said she got some good pictures yesterday when her son was making Madison laugh. 

Well, that's all I have time for.  Have a great end of the week.

Making It

Just a really quick update.  Madison is sleeping from 8/9 o'clock in the evening until about 5am.  I know this seems super early to most of you, but I have to get up for school then anyway.  So, I feed her, put her back in bed, get ready for the day, and gather her up at 6:30 to head out the door.  Our child care woman is AWESOME!  I think she is doing a great job and Madison is adjusting well to the commotion that happens around her with the other two kids and dog.  I would not say we are in a groove, but this week is going better than last. I am worried about next week because I have nothing prepared for it.  I was covered for these past two weeks.  So, this weekend may be a school work weekend; we'll see.  Jeremy talked to our neighbor about babysitting so that we could go out for my birthday on Friday or Saturday night.  That was a good idea on his part - very thoughtful!  I get to stay home Friday (personal day) because we are getting a patio door installed.  It will be nice to re-live my maternity leave days!  Okay, gotta go.  Have a great rest of the week.

Back at Work

(I wanted to post about Easter, but I don't have pics to include here at school so I'll do it later.)
I returned to work on Tuesday and life at the Yoh house is making the adjustment.  Madison slept ALL NIGHT (10pm - 7am) on Sunday night; then, Monday night she suddenly forgot that she could sleep so long.  She woke up at 1:30 and didn't go back to sleep til 3:45am.  On Tuesday night, she was up at midnight and 4am.  Finally, last night she slept from 8:30-4am.  I went back to sleep til 5:30am when I had to get up.  That is the hardest part about returning to work - physical exhaustion.  Teaching is like riding a bike - once I have the materials ready (the time consuming part), it is no big deal to teach.  No, the kids haven't suddenly become angels (although they were pretty good so far today), but it isn't hard to stand up there and talk about the subject matter.  My mom came on Monday night and stayed to watch Madison on Tuesday.  Jeremy's parents came on Tuesday night and leave tonight.  His mom has been watching her the last two days.  Madison is definitely being spoiled by grandmas right now!  Tomorrow will be our big day - we have to make sure we have everything packed up and ready to go to the sitter.  It is a woman from my church with just her two kids and one other girl two days a week.  As long as we have everything in a bag, she should be in good hands.  It is more stressful overall.  Jeremy is a trooper and is now getting up when he is needed during the night.  I didn't usually call on his help when I wasn't working because I figured he needed to get up for work; I didn't.  He folded diapers last night for me and has been helping just keep things afloat around the house.  So, that's our week - tiring and adjusting.

Mostly Rambling, with a bit of serious at the end

Not a lot of new news to report.  We went to meet Emily who will be taking care of Madison when I return to work.  She is a woman who goes to our church, and she and her husband helped out with youth group.  They have two kids and a dog who is great with kids.  I wanted to see where she lived and how far from the school she was.  It is about 20 minutes to her house in Reynoldsburg from our house and then about 10 minutes to the school.  I had no idea what information to tell her.  I have never left Madison for a whole day before - just snippets of time with grandparents.  It is a bit unnerving, but feels better than having to drop her off at a day care.  I still have three weeks to get used to the idea... so I'll just enjoy the time I have at home.

We went to the Breastfeeding Support Group on Wednesday.  Three new moms and babies were there - all younger than Madison.  It is amazing how small and fragile they looked.  Things change so quickly with babies.  It was fun to see new faces and hear their stories.  We also had our weekly weigh in.  She is 9 lbs 13 oz - up 5 oz from her doctor's appointment last Monday.  Way to go!

Diapers, diapers, diapers.  I am still using cloth and still liking it.  I had been using disposables at night thinking they would absorb better and we'd have less leaks.  My little girl sleeps tilted slightly to the side - we are not strict back sleepers.  And she was wetting through her pjs twice a night up the side.  My theory: disposables are made for back sleepers only.  I am now using a cloth with a fleece insert - very bulky.  But, we had not had a leak until this morning.  I think that was my fault because when I took the pjs off, I noticed there was a bit of cloth diaper hanging outside the cover.  Does this happen to others - late night leaks?  How do you deal with it?  At least I know she is not dehydrated!  Oh, and I ordered new diaper covers - thirsties brand that are fitted.  I really like them because they keep all moisture contained.  They are a step up in quality (and price) to the Dappi old-fashioned diaper pants.  I may splurge and order some more :)  At a rate of 48 diapers per week (this is about what we use), I am saving $36 a month ($9/pk of 50 x 4 wks).  I feel so thrifty!

Jeremy has found another job opening to apply for.  We have been praying that he is hired for a full-time, secure job for two years now.  During those two years, we have been blessed with temporary jobs and his willingness to work them.  This current job is probably good through the summer, but nothing is promised.  I would love for him to get a job that has good health insurance and decent pay.  I know that is a lot to ask, but it would allow us to consider letting me stay home next year.  Right now, we have great health insurance through my school, so that is the main reason I have to continue teaching.  That all being said, I just ask for continued prayer for us as we work through this whole job search thing.  Thanks.

School on the horizon

Today I ventured down to the basement with my biology book to start prep work for school.  One of our small group friends has agreed to come two mornings a week and be in charge of Madison while I work on school stuff.  Technically, I should just use her long morning nap to work without needing any help.  But the thing is that I really don't want to do school stuff.   So, if someone comes to help specifically so I can work on school stuff, it forces me to work.  I was able to get a half of a chapter worth of notes done.  If I can get notes done for at least the first few chapters, I am pretty sure I can whip out lesson plans fairly quickly.  I only have 4 weeks before I have to return and that is not exciting to me at all.  Oh well.

Also, I have a decided that I have a new-found cookie craving.  It is fine since I am breastfeeding (calories don't count then, right???), but eventually I won't be.  I don't want to start too many bad habits.  It would help if I wasn't baking cookies.  I don't like store bought cookies, so if I didn't keep homemade cookies on hand I would not have a problem.  The good news is that it has been gorgeous outside lately and we have been walking!!!  Yea for the sunshine.

I wanted to post a picture of our little thumbsucker.  We think she might be left handed because she always goes for the left-hand's thumb.  Who knows?  We're both right-handed.  I went in to get her up this morning.  I figure if she is sucking her thumb she must be getting hungry, right?  Anyway, here she is:

Bits and Pieces

It has been a few days since I last blogged.  I didn't want to be one of those people who do nothing but blog about their baby as though it is their whole life, but I have come to realize that when you stay at home with your baby, it pretty much is your whole world.  I count on Jeremy to keep me updated on how the real work world works with his stories from work.  It is usually enough to keep me sane :)  Here are just a few random things from the last few days.

• We had new windows installed on Tuesday.  So, they worked upstairs installing the windows while Madison and I hung out downstairs.  Then, we flipped, and they came downstairs to install the last two windows, while we hung out upstairs.  The installers were really nice.  I know that sounds strange to say, but they were just were normal guys who were congenial, did their job, and didn't make me feel uncomfortable.  Now, we no longer have a draft flowing from the window onto our couch.  It is fantastic.
• On Wednesday, Madison and I had our first venture out of the house on our own.  We managed to get up and shower (well, I showered) and out the door by 10am to go to the Breastfeeding Support Group at the hospital.  It was good for me to get out and socialize and to hear that Madison is normal - and maybe even has less issues than others!  She has a lot of gas or some kind of stomach pain.  I talked the peditrician and she is now getting Mylicon (sp?) with most feedings.  I hate to rely on medicine of any kind, but if it helps her not hurt, I'll do it.  Here she is, ready to go in her car seat!

• 
  
  On Thursday, we went out again.  This time we suited up and went on a short walk around the neighborhood.  It took about 20 minutes, but it was probably only about 3/4 of a mile or so.  Here are some pics of Madison all dressed to go out.  (I love when she wears this little outfit because it is what the money from her Great-Grandpa J helped to buy.  It makes me feel like he is here with us sometimes.  Thanks, Grandpa!)   I love our stroller so far, too.  It is just a stroller frame, so it folds up tiny, is lightweight, and easy to open and close.
  
• On Thursday night, we hung out on the couch briefly after nursing.  I looked down and thought that she just looked like queen of the world the way she was sitting.  Jeremy took some pics.  I included the one of me with her.  I am a bit frazzled looking as a shower just didn't happen on Thursday, but who cares... her cuteness will outshine my frumpy-ness! :)
  

Jeremy is adjusting to his new job.. lots of computer stuff going on their.  His first computer kept shutting down; the second computer was really slow.  Finally, the tech people came and replaced a graphics card in his first computer and it was back working again today.  So, he has had technical difficulties.  It is nice at this job because he has flex time.  So, as long as he puts in 8 hours a day, he can go in anytime between 7-9am.  He has been going in earlier, so that he can come home earlier.  I am so thankful for that.  By the time he gets home at 5pm, I am ready for some relief... or just another human being :)  He, unfortunately, usually gets home about the time Madison is eating, so he gets stuck working on supper (if it isn't being brought to us).  I guess we are learning that our work days don't really end like they used to.  Keep him in your prayers as he adjusts to a new job and a new life at home. 

Day Alone

Thursday was my first day home alone.  When I say alone, I mean with Madison, without extra help.  A nurse had come by the house on Wednesday for a free check-in with us to see how things were going.  Madison is still growing; she now weighs in at 6 lbs, 15 oz.  The nurse said she looked good and like she was getting the nourishment she needed.  She also told me that at 2 weeks babies have growth spurts and eat a lot more.  I am glad she had told me that or I would have wondered what was going on with Madison on Thursday.  She literally ate at 9am, 10am, and 11am, and would have eaten again at noon, but I managed to get her to sleep on my chest for awhile.  I am glad she is eating and growing, but it is exhausting to feed her that much without a break.  I think that is what I miss about about having my mom here - no one is here to entertain her when she is awake except me, which means that there is little sleep unless she is sleeping.  Unfortunately, she was not too into sleeping during the day yesterday.  I am sure that is partly the adjustment of not having Grandma around to hold her all the time, and she is growing.  It was good to see Jeremy at 5:30pm and good to have someone from church bring us supper.  She managed to find her thumb, and we took a picture.  I don't hope she becomes a thumb sucker, but I thought it was pretty good she managed to maneuver her fingers to get just her thumb.  Jeremy took over from about 7pm - 9pm when she ate again and headed to bed.  Last night was a good night - to bed around 9pm, up at 12:45, up at 4:45am, and up at 7:45.  We woke up and came downstairs to bring in the morning.  She actually fell back asleep and so I snagged some more zzz's for another hour.  We'll see what today brings with our little peanut. 

Jeremy is finding his way at work.  It has been a little boring for him because they are in between things.  This means there is a lot of down time.  The nice thing is has given him a chance to talk with and get to know some of his co-workers.  They joked with him about bringing rice krispie squares on Wednesday, so he whipped up a batch to take in on Thursday.  They were impressed.  :) 

A few more pics from when Grandma E was here.  The first is from her first sudsy bath followed by a dip in the sink.  (Jeremy and I had given her a bath with much less soap and it was all a sponge bath a few days before.)  I think her little body is so cute curled up like that.  The other picture is her playing dress up - or rather Grandma and I playing dress up with her.  The outfit she has on is what I came home from the hospital from.  It apparently was a bit too small for me, and it was almost too small - short, really - for her.  That will probably be the last time that little outfit gets worn.  It is not a very practical outfit.  There are snaps on the legs and buttons that run down the back - yikes!

Madison and more

Thanks for all the supportive comments both on Facebook and here on the blog.  I realize, after the fact, that sometimes my blog postings don't include all the information.  Motherhood has had some tough moments of learning, but we have been learning.  I talked to the lactation consultants at the hospital a lot while we were there; I took advantage of the fourth day in the hospital; I have called the breastfeeding hotline; and of course, I read your comments.  Madison has been extremely patient :)

We have been trying to get her up every 2-1/2 hours during the day to eat, otherwise, I think she could sleep for 4 hour stretches at a time during the day.  At night, she does a pretty good job of getting up every 2 or 2-1/2 hours all on her own.  Although last night she managed some 3 hour stretches.  I have been imagining that she is in my bed and will carefully manuever an extra pillow, bunched up blankets, etc thinking that it is her in our bed.  This is strange to me since we have never brought her to bed with us.  It is strange what lack of sleep will do to you.


My mom has been here with us from Friday night thru today.  It has been nice having an experienced hand here.  She has been the ultimate baby rocker, diaper changer, and bath giver.  She has also cooked, cleaned, and done laundry.  Jeremy went to work yesterday to his new job, so starting on Thursday, it will just be Madison and me hanging out here.  We'll see how it goes.

A note on Jeremy's work... He hasn't had a lot to do in these first days of training as they are between jobs there.  He did say it is a whole new language that he will have to learn, but his co-workers have all been there and seem to be understanding.  This job gives him much more flexibility than his last one - come into work anytime between 7-9 and work 8 hours with whatever length of lunch he would like to take.  It will be nice if he goes early and comes home earlier.  Keep him in your prayers as he transitions to yet another job.