Playing Catch-up

So, it's been a while.  I do have a good excuse...I've been busy!  I can't believe my official work week started last Monday.  That's over a week ago!  Work has been great.  It's been a great "release," and it's been a great working experience.  I've been exhausted, but it's a good exhausted feeling.

My new typical day starts at 5:30.  That's 5:30 AM, folks.  (Need I explain where the exhaustion comes from?!?!)  My goal each morning is to leave the house by 7:30...that's with both babies when I have to drop Ella Beth off at her Nana's.  That is difficult.  It's difficult because Ella Beth usually sleeps past 7:30, and she doesn't wake up quickly...much like her Mama. :)  But, she's usually a trooper and does pretty well being drug out of bed and into her car seat.  Landon, on the other hand...oh my!  Our commute has proven to be interesting.  He h-a-t-e-s his car seat.  I'm not exaggerating here.  He screams the entire way to work.  All 40 minutes.  Oh, my blood pressure is through the roof when I pull in the parking lot.  I've been enjoying listening to 104.7 The Fish quite loud driving down 400. :)  Ella Beth loved her car seat; I would put her in it sometimes just to get her to fall asleep.  If we want Landon to wake up we put him in!  I guess no two babies are alike.

I've really enjoyed being at work.  I've already learned a good deal, and it's been keeping me on my toes.   My new cubicle is starting to feel like home.  I got to order some organizational desk accessories, and once they are in I'll be good to go.  Right now, my desk is a little scattered and it's driving me a little crazy.  However, everyone I am working with is really great.  The whole atmosphere is great!  I feel so blessed to have taken a job that I know I am going to enjoy.  And, the icing on the cake is that the Weekday program for my babies is awesome!  Once we arrive, Landon is a happy fella.  His teachers are absolutely wonderful, and since I get to nurse him at noon each day, it's like this happy, smiley gift that I look forward to each day!  Just holding him and cuddling with him and smelling him for those 20 minutes really adds such a joy to my day!  I am so thankful that NP is so accommodating to mothers and their babies. How wonderful it has been to find such a job!!!

During the day, I have been busy.  I'm learning the ropes; learning how to best serve my team.  I hope I don't let them down!  I do feel valued, though, and that is so nice.  I hope to be working at NP for a long, long time. :)

A week from this Thursday...THIS THURSDAY...Ella Beth will be two.  Ahhhhh!  My baby girl is growing up.  I am getting very excited about her party.  We are going out full force in butterflies.  I'm having her cake specially made, and I can't wait to see it!  I have all of her decorations and party favors.  So fun!  The best part is how she is getting excited about it.  When we mention her birthday is coming up, she starts talking about singing "Happy Birthday" and talking about presents!  She knows what it's all about. ;)  We'll be getting more things ready this weekend.  Just one more thing I'm enjoying about being a mom!

I hope y'all have had a great week.  I'll try not to be so tardy with my next post!

CAUGHT!

Yesterday, I was going through the up-teen emails in my inbox.  Ella Beth was playing in the room with me, and she found my pocket book.  My pocket book is her f-a-v-o-r-i-t-e thing.  By far.  When I turned around, I heard her say, "I got too much."

Too much what, you ask?

Look closely.

Do you see it?  How about now?

Oh, she was so proud of putting on Mommy's lipstick!  I just had to take her to the bathroom so she could see how beautiful she looked.  She laughed and laughed at herself!  It was very cute. :)

Something else that entertains Ella Beth is "drawing" herself...aka - having someone trace her.  It is usually done outside with sidewalk chalk, but the other day we got creative.

She loved it!

And here is a one-of-a-kind photo of Landon sleeping on my shoulder, without being swaddled, AFTER getting him out of his car seat.  He was one tired fella.  (I know the quality is horrible, but I just had to document it somehow!)

I am feeling better.  I made it to church this morning and everything. :)  I still need a good nap each day, but other than that I can tell a major difference.  I was even able to eat yesterday!!!  Can you believe that yesterday was the first day I've eaten since LAST Sunday???  Well, other than the 20 goldfish I was able to eat on Monday.  The craziest thing was, I was never hungry.  Not once.  I guess my body just knew that it couldn't handle food, so it didn't want any.  I've lost a good amount of weight.  I would say that I was still carrying around about 5 pregnancy pounds, but those are gone...along with a few more.  I am sure they will come back on quickly since I can feel my appetite returning.  And for the record, I would much rather carry around extra weight than have Colitis to take them off.  Yuck.  I wouldn't wish this on anyone.  Ever.  Not even Oprah, who I really dislike lately.  My whole abdomen is still very tender.  I can't wear pants or shorts that push against my stomach while sitting down b/c it hurts and it makes me very nauseous.  I've been mentally going through my closet to decide what I can wear comfortably tomorrow.

Yes, tomorrow.  Tomorrow is my first day back in the "working world."  I've been feeling a little more anxious and guilty about going to work part time, but I really think that it's because last week was such a let down.  I had something fun planned for every single day last week that Ella Beth and I could enjoy together.  We didn't get to do a single thing. :(  She was at my mother-in-laws for two whole days, and then Scott stayed home from work Thursday and Friday while I was laid up.  Oh well.  I just can't wait for the days that I don't work and have the time to spend with her.  And Landon.  But, he wasn't quite as neglected since I still had to nurse him.

Speaking of which...my milk supply got extremely low due to one of the medications I was taking.  I stopped taking it.  Bad patient, I know; but what else am I supposed to do?  My supply is still low, but not so low that he's not getting what he needs.  I am just trying to guzzle down as much water as I possibly can so that my supply will go up.  I need to get my emergency supply back just in case it's needed.  Formula just won't cut it in this household.  No matter how hungry both of my babies got, they would rather starve than drink it.  They get that stubborn quality straight from their daddy!  (Love you, Honey!)

OK, off to do something else productive.  I've been getting things ready for Landon's first day at Weekday tomorrow.  It's weird to think of dropping him off, but I know he will do well.  I've met all of his teachers, and they are just wonderful.  I know without a doubt that he will be well cared for.  And, since NP is just awesome, I will get to see him twice during the day b/c I'll be nursing him.  Ella Beth starts on August 12th.  My mom is coming to keep her tomorrow, and then she will stay at Kathy's (mom-in-law) Tues/Thursday.  This will probably be her schedule until preschool starts. It will be good for her to have time with her Mimi and Nana, and I won't have to worry about two babies getting adjusted at the same time!  I'll let you know how work goes!

Update from home

So, I am officially home.  Not officially well.  I am better, a little.  I am still in a lot of pain, but the cramping and spasms come and go now; they aren't constant any longer.  A little relief.

I have been able to nurse Landon since 12 noon today.  I am on 5 different medications:  3 separate antibiotics, an anti-nausea medicine, and a pain killer.  I called our pediatrician yesterday to ask about what type of formula to give Landon.  We ended up talking and she looked up all of the meds that I am on, and told me that I can nurse Landon while I take the meds.  I only have to be careful with one; I have to take it right before I nurse him so that it's not in my milk when he's nursing and it has passed through my milk before he has to feed again.  Other than that, there is no problem. 

I can't tell you what a relief that is.  Especially for Scott.  Poor Daddy.  He was up for hours last night with Landon who completely refused to take formula - despite the fact that he had not eaten in about 11 hours.  But, I can't blame my little fella.  He's used to Mommy's sweet milk, and formula just stinks.  I can't imagine how bad it tastes when he's already used to the good stuff. 

My official diagnosis is Colitis.  If you ever know anyone who has Colitis...be nice to them.  Be very nice.  I have never been in so much pain...and I've given birth twice.  Contractions have nothing on Colitis.  I am not exaggerating.  All of my intestines (all 5 or so feet of them) are infected and inflamed.    I have much more respect for my internal organs these days.  Just barely touching my belly is painful.  There is nothing but cotton shorts going around my waist for a while. 

Anyway, I am sure this email is seeming a little off.  Blame it on the narcotic I took about 30 minutes ago. :)  Thank you for your prayers.  We are hoping tonight goes well.  Scott is still going to be helping me feed Landon b/c I just can't pick him up; however, he should eat well and go to sleep.  You know...now would be the perfect time for him to start sleeping through the night.  I'll be praying for that.

Hello from the Emergency Room

After being in severe pain all night, getting sick about 20 times, and sleeping a total of maybe and hour...I told Scott that I needed to go to the hospital.  We arrived at the ER about 8:20 this morning.  I have gone through lots of tests, a CT scan, and things I can't really remember (I've been very doped up).  Turns out, I have the same infection that Scott had last fall.  Scott kinda thought that I was just being a weenie b/c we thought I had a stomach bug.  Now, I have his full sympathy!  He hasn't forgotten how horrible and how painful this is.  It is honestly pain beyond explanation.  Just trust me when I tell you that it is bad.  V-E-R-Y bad. 

Right now, I am receiving an antibiotic via IV.  I've had lots of things go through my IV today.  Because of that, and because I will be taking 4 more medications for the next week, I have to "pump and dump" my breast milk.  After these last two days, my emergency breast milk supply is gone.  That means we need MAJOR PRAYERS because not only does Landon have to take a bottle, but he has to take formula in the bottle.  For a week.  Scott will be feeding him at night, but he is still going to have to take bottles of formula from me during the day.  Oh boy.  He has refused all formula, and all but refuses the bottle from my mother-in-law.  It's going to be a struggle, but I trust that once he is hungry enough (hello! he can't go a week w/o eating!) he will take bottles of formula.  Also, because of his GERD, I have to get special formula with no lactose...and I hear it smells and tastes awful.  I will be so appreciative of your prayers!

This is also going to be a whole new world for me.  I've never fed my babies by anything other than myself, so now I will have to have bottles prepared each day.  Is the best way for me to do this is measure out formula in each bottle first thing in the morning and then add water when it's time for him to eat?  Can I warm the bottles in the microwave?  HELP!

OK, I'm closing this so I can get some more rest.  Thank you for your prayers.  I'll update again when I start feeling better and have more energy.  I haven't been able to walk anywhere by myself today b/c I've been so weak.  I haven't eaten in 48 hours, and now the doctor says I can only have liquids for at least two more days.  After that, I can "slowly incorporate solids back in my diet."  Do milkshakes count as a liquid?  Since I have to pump and dump anyway, Landon wouldn't be affected by me consuming dairy.  I'll be sure to ask the doc before I leave.  Yawn.  Off to rest.

Belly pains

This is officially the worst stomach bug in the history of my life.  I can hardly believe it, but it's worse than the GI infection I got 2 weeks before Landon was born that sent me into pre-term labor. 

I had to ship the kids off this morning.  BOTH of them.  For the first time.  Nursing Landon is probably what causes me the most pain because he rests on my belly.  Even when I try to prop him differently, he squirms and kicks b/c he's not comfortable.  And, what is he kicking???  My belly.  Last night was horrible.  Scott had to deal with a hungry boy that Mommy just couldn't feed.  I was up for hours getting sick, and when I was finished my stomach just hurts.  I'm talking major cramping pain that is all but unbearable.  I've eaten 12 goldfish and drunk a few ounces of water. 

I had to cancel a playdate this morning.  Hopefully, we can reschedule.

Off to rest.

Something is bugging me

Something is bugging me, and it's not nice.

I have caught the Family Shared Stomach Bug.  Y-U-C-K.  Ella Beth had it first.  Scott had it second.  Now, I have it.  It's awful.  My belly hurts. :(  Thankfully, Scott's only lasted 4 days.  Hopefully, I will be as lucky.  Are you thinking, "How is 4 WHOLE DAYS lucky?"  Well, poor Ella Beth's belly hurt for a week and a half.  Ten days my friends.  Bless her heart.  That was the most definite reason for my lack of blogging lately.  Too many horrible, disgusting, make me want to gag, messy diapers to clean. 

So, now I'm drinking a Sprite (not my favorite) and hoping that my belly will stop aching. 

Ode to Chocolate

O, Chocolate, why do you torment me so?
We used to have a hate relationship.
I didn't like you one bit.
But, oh, how things change.

9 long months of pregnancy sure changed me.
Now I can no more go a day without your
brown goodness than I can go without air.

But, I must resist.
I simply can't consume you each day.
I simply can't continue to use you to make decadent treats.
I simply must resist you.
I must.

But, I can't. 
How can I when there are newly baked chocolate cookies
on my counter tops calling my name?
I do hear them.
They do have voices.

They are calling.
They are calling.

I am listening!
I am listening!
O, Chocolate, why do you torment me so?

Ella Beth - to whom I completely contribute my love of chocolate.  Ella Beth - who is a chocoholic herself.

Where does time go?

I simply can't believe that Landon is 4 months old already.  Where has time gone?  I am trying so hard to enjoy every day with him because he's growing and changing so fast.  I will admit that it really is different with the second baby; I am much more relaxed, less stressed, I know there's an end to sleepless nights, I also take pleasure in his smiles, coos, laughs, and even his breast-fed dirty diapers!  Hey, those diapers are a treat compared to what's to come!!!  (You know it's true!)

He is an absolutely wonderful baby.  He's usually not fussy at all (now that he's finally on a strong dosage of Prevacid for his GERD); he generally only cries if he's tired or has a dirty diaper.  He will cry if he's hungry if I'm around (I guess he can smell me - ha!), but if he's with someone else he is usually OK going for longer stretches without eating.  He refuses to take a bottle (here we go again), so I guess he's just being stubborn and waiting until Mommy can feed him.  I'm still pumping a few bottles a week just in case of an emergency.  Ella Beth would usually take a bottle from Kathy (Scott's mom) once a week while we were at our small group Bible study.  Landon, however, is turning out to be a bit more stubborn.  Good thing I can take him with me to NP and nurse him during work when I need to.  (Again, beyond thankful that I'm going to be working for such an amazing organization!)

I completely hope I'm not jinxing myself here, but the 4th month mark has proven pretty big here in our household.  Ella Beth has started LOVING her little brother!  She is already trying to get him to play with her; she brings him toys, tells him how things work, talks to him in the car, sings to him, tries to teach him how to throw/talk/eat (I've gotta be on the look out with this one!).  She has also settled into the routine of Landon.  She knows that if he's hungry, Mommy has to feed him; if he needs a diaper change, Mommy has to change him, and she's usually OK with all of it.  And, with Ella Beth settling down, Mommy has settled down, too.  I feel that I'm not losing my patience nearly as often...I may even say rarely.  I feel that I am really enjoying both of my children more.  It is so neat to get a glimpse of what the relationship between Ella Beth and Landon will be like.  Landon L-O-V-E-S Ella Beth, too.  He smiles at her all of the time, and he watches everything she does.  It is so precious!!! 

Well, here are a couple of pictures I took of my little man last Friday on his official 4^th month "birthday."  Aren't his eyes just AMAZING???!!!  He gets those straight from Daddy!

(13 pounds - 25%; 25 inches - 50%)  Healthy as can be!