tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-523500867506737762024-03-13T05:18:39.256-07:00Life of Lopacinski DzieckoLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656871719685145723noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52350086750673776.post-17795957471507208002010-12-15T14:18:00.000-08:002010-12-15T14:27:41.846-08:00Taste TestToday the little man and I went to Whole Foods. We did some shopping and that was great. He was super behaved in the cart and didn't whine or fight to get out or grab a glass bottle and toss it onto the floor. He looked around and took it all in.<br /><br />Then we had lunch with his Nana, my mom, who works nearby. That was a treat! I got a sampling of a bunch of things from their salad and food bar and put a bunch into a bowl for him. He'd reach in and grab things and look at them, if they looked interesting he'd put it into his mouth. Some things, like the grilled eggplant, he would chew for a bit and then hand to me. I guess he liked the taste but not the texture. Other things like the raisins he just didn't seem to like the look or feel of and didn't taste them at all. The mushrooms he kept trying but would spit out after only a chew or two - they're bland. But he LOVED the cranberry compote and the shredded beef and tomato. Sweet potato chips and sage bread were also big hits as we drove around the store and hit the sample stands.<br /><br />He is really crazy in love with tomato, which I find funny because his dad and I really don't like tomato. He seems to be already rebelling against his parents. <br /><br />He ate a good share of food, trying a variety of foods and veggies and the taste test experiment was really fun.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656871719685145723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52350086750673776.post-77325079309031712902010-12-15T05:45:00.000-08:002010-12-15T05:59:46.280-08:00Mom FreakoutEver since I found out I was pregnant I've had moments where it really hits me that I'm responsible for a fragile little life. Sometimes it hits HARD!<br /><br />A couple of weeks ago my sister told me a co-worker of hers was about 3 weeks from the due date of her baby and he died. That really hit me - how fragile life can be and how lucky I was to deliver a healthy baby and even though he had to spend a week in the NICU he was strong.<br /><br />My mom's cousin was riding a bike years and years ago with her two boys, and one was hit and killed by a car. That was always a sad story but now when I think - OMG what if that happened to ME I literally get tears in my eyes.<br /><br />I'll think let's go out somewhere and sometimes I think "what if we get into an accident!"<br /><br />I'll think let's go for a walk. We live in a larger city so there are busier streets and then I think "what if he runs into the street at the wrong moment!"<br /><br />Last night I thought it would be nice to go to State Fair next year - then I thought "what if Hudson doesn't want to be in the stroller and we let him out and then he gets caught up in a crowd and we loose him!"<br /><br />I now understand why my mom was so protective of me. I always called it overprotective. She wouldn't let me ride a bike, I didn't get to play baseball, I spent most of the winter in first grade inside for recess while the other kids played... So I was pretty sheltered. I don't want to be that way with Hudson, but I sometimes find myself thinking in that same frame of mind.<br /><br />Am I crazy? How do mom's do it? We have this little human we have to keep safe. At Hudson's age he has no concept of what is safe and isn't, no grasp of danger. As a parent I have to protect him, it's the job I was given since he was conceived! But goodness it's hard to balance protection and freedom! Do mom's sometimes hold their breath and fight tears and say OK Go? Am I totally neurotic? I just want him to grow up to a healthy happy boy and then adult, yet the concept of it can make me cry.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656871719685145723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52350086750673776.post-83101913734469195722010-12-13T20:14:00.000-08:002010-12-13T20:20:00.266-08:00LeftoversWe had a jar of leftover baby food. Hudson is WAY past eating baby food mash. He has no patience for others feeding him and while he does love to use the flatware and feed himself he's extremely messy with it.<br /><br />So, what to do with that jar of baby food? It's over $1 and still perfectly good. Well, I also had some left over mashed potato and an idea was born.<br /><br />I took the baby food and put it into a bowl and mixed in a bunch of the mashed potato and added some curry and parsley and leftover shredded cheese and put some into a hot fry pan. Well this turned out only OK - the pancake didn't hold together too well. So into the batter I added some pancake mix and a bit of milk. This time it was better, but now a little too thick and still not holding together as well as I wanted. So then I added an egg yolk and a bit more milk. This time my pancake turned out great. It was still a bit soft but I figure once they cool off they'll be good. I tasted it a few times and it was quite good. Now he'll get some protein and other veg in addition to the potato and it's different. I just hope he likes them!Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656871719685145723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52350086750673776.post-13872553358625306102010-12-12T18:46:00.000-08:002010-12-12T19:02:46.142-08:00First WordsI write this hoping that a year from now I can look back on it and say I was worried about nothing.<br /><br />My son, even though he was born 4 weeks early, has been developing ahead of schedule physically. He was rolling from tummy to back by 6 weeks old and full rolls by 3 months. He crawled right about on time but only did that briefly. He was walking alone for a few steps and around the house with assistance by 8 months. Just after 10 months he was a completely independent walker. Now he runs and climbs, dances and twirls.<br /><br />One thing he hasn't developed are words. He babbles but most of his communication is done via gestures and grunts. He understands a lot - we can tell him to do a lot of things and he completely understands and does them. We ask him if he wants something and he'll nod his head enthusiastically when he does want it. He makes a loud grunt like a bark when referring to our dog or his stuffed dog or a picture of a dog. He points to trucks and says "ugk." He used to say something that sounded like "dad" but has stopped that. Now he is on a "mom" kick but it often doesn't seem to refer to me. Today we thought he said something sounding a lot like "milk" when we asked him if he wanted some.<br /><br />My sister has a boy just about a year older than my son, and she seems shocked that my son isn't saying more words. I keep trying to remember her son at Christmas time, was he saying words or not? I can't remember--I was preoccupied with my new baby at the time and just don't remember much other than changing diapers and finding a place to breast feed him.<br /><br />The parenting emails I receive do seem to indicate that he should have a vocabulary though, and I just don't think he does have much of one. Maybe a couple of sounds that are close to words, but that's it.<br /><br />His grandparents watched a lot of TV when he was over there, they still do but have cut back. I have read several articles on how that can have a huge negative impact on the development of speech in children in my son's age group. He also walks around a lot with his tong sticking out and I wonder if it's too big for his mouth-Craig had that problem. He also pulls and rubs his ears a lot and had a lot of congestion that first year, so I wonder if something isn't right with his hearing. He's young and it could be any of these or something different or he just doesn't want to talk yet.<br /><br />Plenty of people say not to worry. He isn't exhibiting any other signs that could indicate autism, so we should be ok there. Some children just don't say much and then one day you can't shut them up, or so I've been told. But I can't help but wonder why he's been so good at physical development but slow at verbal.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656871719685145723noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52350086750673776.post-78248892881343656522010-11-16T18:43:00.000-08:002010-11-16T18:54:38.091-08:00The Corporate MachineI work for a corporation. I know lots of people that do. We are essential to keeping things going. Someone has to work for the companies. People would freak out if they walked into their bank and it was just a line of ATM's or into a McDonalds and were faced with vending machines. There isn't anything wrong with being the employee of a large corporation, and for lots of people they are very satisfied doing so.<br /><br />But know this - the corporation doesn't care if you don't get to spend time with your family. It doesn't care if you don't have time to work out or read or do other things that are good for you and your family. It doesn't care, it can't. You are one of many mice on a wheel - there is cheese to keep you going but don't expect more than that. One cannot become truly wealthy working for a large corporation. Sure, the corporate job can be a means to and end, a way to get to your real goals, but expect them to keep you hungry so you continue to chase that cheese. The rules can change at any time and you MUST accept it or a new mouse will take over your wheel and you'll be without.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656871719685145723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52350086750673776.post-20390502195703264772010-11-15T14:59:00.000-08:002010-11-15T15:14:36.431-08:00Active Toddler<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TOG-PDEOpnI/AAAAAAAACFk/IotJYbdBTvg/s1600/SSPX1388.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TOG-PDEOpnI/AAAAAAAACFk/IotJYbdBTvg/s200/SSPX1388.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539918182372779634" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I have a few more days off before it's back to the corporate world. Hudson and I have been having a great time outside, but today it's pretty cold and there's a lot of work going on outside for the gas lines, so we looked for something new to do. Today we went to Monkey Joe's. It's a place filled with those inflatable jumpers you usually see people rent for parties.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TOG-O1pvFqI/AAAAAAAACFc/s0rtu8WbrlU/s1600/SSPX1385.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TOG-O1pvFqI/AAAAAAAACFc/s0rtu8WbrlU/s200/SSPX1385.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539918178771998370" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">What was Hudson's first impression? He was unsure of the whole thing. Much like his father he was drawn to the arcade and spent a lot of time there. When there were other kids on the toddler jumpers he was more willing to play than when it was just him. I did find that if I put him over the wall on one side he liked to run to the screen door where I'd go to catch him. I think he thought it was a game of peek a boo like we play with his play pen. He did slide down the little slide a few times and loved it, but it was hard for me to get him up there as he wouldn't climb up it himself. I do think if we would have gone with his 2 year old cousin they'd have had a great time together because his cousin has been there before and Hudson would have followed him around.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TOG-OWQ7p6I/AAAAAAAACFM/Lv9SBN3EcDI/s1600/SSPX1381.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TOG-OWQ7p6I/AAAAAAAACFM/Lv9SBN3EcDI/s200/SSPX1381.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539918170346465186" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It wasn't very crowded on an early Monday afternoon. No parties taking place. There were kids there but it was not at all crowded and we had a good parking spot fairly close to the door.<br /><br />One odd thing - one of the two toddler areas was right by the window and the sun was coming directly in. It was blinding and HOT! They really should have had some kind of shade.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TOG-OgbB8PI/AAAAAAAACFU/08yZZ_KLeHI/s1600/SSPX1382.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TOG-OgbB8PI/AAAAAAAACFU/08yZZ_KLeHI/s200/SSPX1382.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539918173073174770" border="0" /></a><br />I would go again. I think the next time we'd wear t-shirts. Not thinking we were dressed for the weather, not for running around inside. I would also have him get a nap in before instead of being exhausted when we left. Doing those things would put him in a better mood and I think he'd be braver and have more fun.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656871719685145723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52350086750673776.post-22711566782649281942010-11-14T19:41:00.001-08:002010-11-14T20:21:50.645-08:00What Parents Don't Tell YouRecently a friend of mine posted a link to <a href="http://skepchick.org/blog/2010/02/what-pregnant-women-wont-tell-you-ever/">this column</a> about what they don't tell you about pregnancy. To be honest I didn't find being pregnant to be all that bad. I was lucky and had virtually no morning sickness, and I had a c-section so the labor portions didn't apply to me either. I read it and thought that actually they needed to write a column about what parents don't tell you about your infant.<br /><br />If you are like me, you knew people who had babies before you got around to it. They'd all say how wonderful it is and encourage you to join their little club. Your parents and in-laws tell you how wonderful it is to have kids. But later you find out it's all selfishness. Your friends want to be able to share horror stories with you - misery loves company. And your in-laws and parents want a child they can selfishly spoil knowing they don't have to put up with the fits when you don't give your little one everything he wants like they do.<br /><br />I love my son. I enjoy being his mom. He is sweet and cute and I'm glad I have him in my life. But it's not easy. Being a parent is the toughest job I have ever had, both physically and emotionally, and I've only had the job for 14.5 months. Don't let anyone tell you it's easy or it comes naturally. It isn't, especially if this is your first baby. Let me tell you what parents don't tell you...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">It is E X H A U S T I N G !</span> Sleep when the baby sleeps they tell parents of infants. But they don't tell you what to do when the baby won't sleep. The first few nights are a shock to his little system. The world outside is harsh and cold and not at all like his previous home. Truth be told those first few nights there will be very little sleeping for anyone. I don't care if you rock, swaddle, sing... there is an adjustment period. And once that goes by the little guy is still going to wake up every couple of hours, day and night. Just when you're falling asleep there will be another cry and you are back up feeding and rocking and fighting to keep yourself awake at 3 am as you try to feed or change or soothe your new little bundle. <br /><br />And these wake up calls may continue for months. Sure, some parents will tell you that after a few weeks or a couple of months their little one slept through the night. But to be honest I think they are lying. I don't believe it happens! It didn't for me! Even your child's pediatrician will give you a look at the month 6 appointment when you admit that no, he does not sleep through the night yet. People will tell you to let y0ur baby cry it out for a night or two at the most and then he will sleep through the night. Well, the first part of that is nearly impossible and if you do manage to do it there is NO guarantee that after a night or two he won't go right back to waking up crying at 12 am and 3 am. NONE!<br /><br />Do yourself a favor and stock up on coffee when it's on sale. You will need it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Breast feeding is NOT easy! </span> Sure, wild animals do it. Yes, it's the body's natural function when the baby is born. But if this is your first child you have no idea what you are doing. Your baby may also be quite confused. I managed to get through it and eventually successfully breastfeed, but I had several meetings with a lactation consultant and many struggles. No one would have blamed me for quitting. Even after you figure it out it's hard because holding the baby and keeping him in position and latched and not cramping up yourself is a constant battle. Just when one thing works the baby outgrows that and you have to come up with a new position or pillow.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Your family WILL drive you crazy. </span>You are exhausted and if you breast feed you'll be popping out a breast every hour or two. Being tired and half naked and having a baby with little immunity to anything really doesn't make this a great time to visit or be visited. But you have this cute little darling and they will all want to see it. They will knock on your door at unexpected times. They will make you feel guilty if you don't come out with the baby after a few weeks. Even though the infant has no knowledge of what a phone is or the ability to generate a single syllable they will want to speak to him on the phone. They will not understand why you insist that they use the antibacterial hand gel and get flu shots and not kiss him on the mouth. When your breasts are ready to burst they will give you a look of either sadness or irritation when you take him into a different room so you can nurse him. You will hear about how they did it different and stories about yourself or your husband or cousin or sister as a baby and you will get advice that you will not listen to.<br /><br />Then there's your husband. You love him. He gave you this little darling baby to share. You remember how you got that baby to begin with, right? Well, he's going to want more of that. He probably has been waiting over a month since your little bundle was born, per the doctor's orders. Now he wants a little lovin. Never mind the fact that you are exhausted and have had someone else, your child, sucking on your breasts all day. Maybe you're ready and willing to jump back on the horse and ride. I wasn't. I did it, but it was just one more thing I had to do in a long list of chores.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">You will have no idea what's wrong with him. </span>Babies have very little immunity. Their systems are all still developing after they come out. I read in one of my baby books that the human species is one of few mammals whose babies are born so incomplete and incapable of survival without an adult of the species. There will be fevers, stuffy noses, rashes, coughs, poops or no poops, nights where the crying won't stop... and in each of these cases you will wonder what is wrong. This is especially true if this is your first baby and you are not a doctor yourself. When you take the baby to the doctor there is a very good chance that Ms. Pediatrician will tell you there isn't anything wrong. That it's too soon for allergies, that a fever of 100 isn't anything to worry about, that it's normal for his nose to be stuffy for weeks on end just get a humidifier, that you need to eat less onion and your baby's gas will go away. But you will still think that something is wrong!<br /><br />I know there are more things. But it's bed time for me. You parents out there feel free to expand on this. Let's let those expectant parents know what they're in for.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656871719685145723noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52350086750673776.post-25565898853278307532010-08-06T19:54:00.000-07:002010-08-06T19:58:41.133-07:00Banana Cream PieNo big deal, but it was such I hit I had to blog about it so that I'd remember it again later.<br /><br />I made Hudson some healthy banana cream pie today.<br /><br />1/2 graham cracker, crushed<br />1/3 of a ripe banana, mashed<br />3 tablespoons plain yogurt.<br /><br />Mix well and serve. It looked and smelled great, I tasted a bit and it tasted great. Hudson absolutely LOVED it. If I had one of those high-powered hand mixer thingies that can make whipped cream from skim milk I'd have whipped up the banana even more, but it was a little chunky and he liked it just fine that way.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656871719685145723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52350086750673776.post-30085108998743189332010-08-02T20:14:00.000-07:002010-08-02T20:27:53.395-07:00Silly Playpen FunHudson is so silly. He can stand, and even walk, in his playpen. He also likes to throw his toys out of there and lately mash his face up against the wall to make Craig and I laugh. Here's some pictures of just that. They're too funny not to post<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TFeMGs9y_mI/AAAAAAAACEc/80rddIaUit8/s1600/IMG_2456.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 249px; height: 186px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TFeMGs9y_mI/AAAAAAAACEc/80rddIaUit8/s200/IMG_2456.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501019516633808482" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TFeMIqy7qJI/AAAAAAAACE0/_okGmlOg3vM/s1600/IMG_2471.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 197px; height: 256px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TFeMIqy7qJI/AAAAAAAACE0/_okGmlOg3vM/s200/IMG_2471.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501019550411106450" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TFeMkTZcd8I/AAAAAAAACE8/X7gDuNUiIEc/s1600/IMG_2470.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 202px; height: 269px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TFeMkTZcd8I/AAAAAAAACE8/X7gDuNUiIEc/s200/IMG_2470.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501020025166526402" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TFeMHUma0FI/AAAAAAAACEk/jjz8OMZRwU4/s1600/IMG_2468.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 204px; height: 272px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TFeMHUma0FI/AAAAAAAACEk/jjz8OMZRwU4/s200/IMG_2468.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501019527273173074" border="0" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656871719685145723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52350086750673776.post-61616346146496196352010-08-02T18:09:00.000-07:002010-08-02T19:58:25.467-07:00Great Orange FoodsI recently bought bags of organic frozen sweet potatoes, carrots and peaches, among other things. I was just going to cook each of these and cut into pieces for Hudson to eat with his hands. But then I had another idea... mixing them together into a sweet, healthy power food!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=64">Sweet potatoes</a> are a power food. Full of great vitamins and antioxidants. Hudson loves them too, so those are an awesome food for us.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=21">Carrot</a>s are an excellent source of vitamin A and Carotenoids, which is said to be helpful in preventing heart disease.<br /><br /><a href="http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/benefits-of-peach-1624.html">Peaches</a>, just like the other orange foods, are high in vitamin A and are also a great source of potassium.<br /><br />I put about 1/2 cup of each, still frozen, into a small casserole dish, topped with 3 tablespoons of Earth's Best baby cinnamon apple sauce and another 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Then I added about a teaspoon of water, covered and baked on 350 for about 40 minutes.<br /><br />When I took of the lid it smelled SO good. I let it cool a bit and then did a rough puree in the food processor (didn't make it perfectly smooth). I tasted it and it was very good, but I thought I could do even better. So I added about 1/2 cup of plain, whole milk yogurt into it and pulsed it in the food processor until it was mixed through.<br /><br />I served this to <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TFeFql1bvdI/AAAAAAAACEU/WOztsrtq8-8/s1600/IMG_2472.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 235px; height: 176px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TFeFql1bvdI/AAAAAAAACEU/WOztsrtq8-8/s200/IMG_2472.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501012436613578194" border="0" /></a>Hudson with some graham crackers and he totally loved it. I put some of the graham cracker crumbs into the mix when I saw how much he seemed to be enjoying the puree and the cracker pieces. I also froze a bunch for later.<br /><br />I didn't take pictures as I was making it, but here's the finished product, frozen and ready to store.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656871719685145723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52350086750673776.post-43656407091699266982010-08-01T19:28:00.000-07:002010-08-01T20:07:24.486-07:00Summer HarvestI recently went to the local farmer's market and picked up some: Broccoli, carrots and zucchini. I made these into some food for Hudson, of course. He's over 10 months now and likes to use his own two hands to eat. But sometimes he forgets that he also needs to chew, so food still needs to be soft or cut very small.<br /><br />The carrots I sliced and then boiled, it seemed like for quite a while actually, until they felt soft enough to eat easily but not so mushy that they wouldn't keep together. He eats these with his hands. These he usually likes, but occasionally pushes them away in favor of something else on his food tray.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TFYz4GUO8YI/AAAAAAAACDU/dHZrLXB00dQ/s1600/IMG_2422.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 139px; height: 104px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TFYz4GUO8YI/AAAAAAAACDU/dHZrLXB00dQ/s200/IMG_2422.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500641033740808578" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TFYz4QJXg3I/AAAAAAAACDc/0e25nBfGaaI/s1600/IMG_2425.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 136px; height: 101px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TFYz4QJXg3I/AAAAAAAACDc/0e25nBfGaaI/s200/IMG_2425.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500641036379587442" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TFYz4z3ArXI/AAAAAAAACDk/m1-iZ67aFeM/s1600/IMG_2426.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 139px; height: 104px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TFYz4z3ArXI/AAAAAAAACDk/m1-iZ67aFeM/s200/IMG_2426.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500641045966269810" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The zucchini I peeled, seeded and boiled too, and then tossed in a bit of Parmesan cheese when done. This I cooked much less time as it's already fairly soft. He isn't a fan of this after a few feedings. Taking a couple weeks off and we'll try again.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TFYz5s0K1SI/AAAAAAAACDs/tavjh-lXZG8/s1600/IMG_2427.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 99px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TFYz5s0K1SI/AAAAAAAACDs/tavjh-lXZG8/s200/IMG_2427.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500641061255173410" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TFYz6OSmyMI/AAAAAAAACD0/qoeqbwm6c3I/s1600/IMG_2430.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 135px; height: 103px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TFYz6OSmyMI/AAAAAAAACD0/qoeqbwm6c3I/s200/IMG_2430.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500641070241204418" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The broccoli I made in the microwave. I've read several articles that say that's the best way to make broccoli because it doesn't dilute any of the great vitamins in it. I found a few caterpillars in it when I was washing it - so be SURE to really wash this veggie well if you're buying organic. Then I just broke it into small chunks and took off most of the thick stems. I put a couple tablespoons of water in the dish and microwaved on high for 3 minutes, stirred and did another 3. Then I food processed it with some cheddar cheese and added some additional water as I pureed it. The first tasting of this didn't go well, but after the second time he ate it easily.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TFY1bOa9GJI/AAAAAAAACD8/JOPIDtx8jyQ/s1600/IMG_2431.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 151px; height: 113px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TFY1bOa9GJI/AAAAAAAACD8/JOPIDtx8jyQ/s200/IMG_2431.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500642736723531922" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TFY1buEMdCI/AAAAAAAACEE/2MhHCXQCPvU/s1600/IMG_2432.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 152px; height: 115px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TFY1buEMdCI/AAAAAAAACEE/2MhHCXQCPvU/s200/IMG_2432.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500642745218004002" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TFY1b8V6XvI/AAAAAAAACEM/yBK_1LMUHTI/s1600/IMG_2434.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 155px; height: 117px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TFY1b8V6XvI/AAAAAAAACEM/yBK_1LMUHTI/s200/IMG_2434.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500642749050412786" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It's nice to be able to make him foods that he likes and that I know what they contain. Being organic from the farmer's market lets me know that they aren't covered in poisons. And making them into food I know they don't have added salt, sugar, flavor, color, or preservatives.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656871719685145723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52350086750673776.post-76835118556562569532010-07-03T19:48:00.000-07:002010-07-03T20:20:03.509-07:00Cherries GaloreRight now it's cherry season, so they are fresh and readily available and at a decent price. When you buy cherries I encourage you to get organic. Cherries are one of a few fruits often VERY coated with herbicides and other nasty stuff, so organic is much safer, especially if you're making it for your baby.<a href="http://www.nutritiondata.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1867/2"> Cherries</a> have fiber and vitamin C and potassium, among other good things.<br /><br />Berries can be tricky when it comes to allergies, so you don't want to introduce them too early. But cherries are low on the allergy scale, so it's worth giving them a try. Like any new food, watch your child for any negative reactions and don't introduce more than one new food at a time.<br /><br />Another good thing to note - the darker the cherries the sweeter they are. And remember nutrients slowly decrease in fruits and vegetables as they sit, so the sooner you eat them the better they are.<br /><br />Washing the cherries is important, even more-so if you don't buy organic, but wash them anyway.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TC_8PCEXK9I/AAAAAAAACDM/pL9-zYn_AzI/s1600/cherries+washed.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TC_8PCEXK9I/AAAAAAAACDM/pL9-zYn_AzI/s200/cherries+washed.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489883805971327954" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Next take off the stems and remove the pits. You could try a fancy pit remover or vegetable peeler, but I use my two hands - it's quicker. It is a little messy on the hands, but if you wash up your hands as often as I do and give your baby a bath you'll get the bit of cherry stain out in no time.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TC_8O8iXLhI/AAAAAAAACDE/mGmftdormik/s1600/cherries+pitted.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TC_8O8iXLhI/AAAAAAAACDE/mGmftdormik/s200/cherries+pitted.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489883804486544914" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I added a teaspoon of water into the casserole dish, even though it really isn't necessary but I wanted the extra liquid. Then I microwaved them for 3 minutes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TC_7NltOdPI/AAAAAAAACCs/sIYqh_q2Rf4/s1600/cherries+cooked.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TC_7NltOdPI/AAAAAAAACCs/sIYqh_q2Rf4/s200/cherries+cooked.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489882681666598130" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Let the cherries cool down for 5 minutes or so. Keep them in the casserole dish with the lid on. Then they can continue to cook a bit more - which I think helps to soften and sweeten them.<br /><br />Then puree the fruit and the juices - just dump it all in. I like to use my blender for more juicy items like fruits. When it comes to these more liquid foods I find it works quicker and cleans easier than my food processor. Just my opinion - do what you want. The cherries were pretty soft so I didn't have to blend them for more than about 30 seconds.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TC_7NLaglOI/AAAAAAAACCk/1atTIC8Yojg/s1600/cherries+blender.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TC_7NLaglOI/AAAAAAAACCk/1atTIC8Yojg/s200/cherries+blender.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489882674608772322" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Once it's the texture and consistency you want it's time to freeze. I have these nice ice cube trays with covers from Fresh Baby. Just pour the puree in and freeze. I usually keep them overnight and then put the cubes into a labeled freezer bag the next day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TC_7OXH8JUI/AAAAAAAACC8/egicRPiC4j0/s1600/cherries+frozen.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TC_7OXH8JUI/AAAAAAAACC8/egicRPiC4j0/s200/cherries+frozen.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489882694931981634" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Cherries are great in a variety of things. They can be mixed with a variety of other fruit purees, into cereal, into pureed legumes, into yogurt... use your imagination.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TC_7ONyVB6I/AAAAAAAACC0/j5gH5V1FX_g/s1600/cherries+done.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TC_7ONyVB6I/AAAAAAAACC0/j5gH5V1FX_g/s200/cherries+done.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489882692425418658" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Hudson tried the cherry puree with yogurt and a tablespoon of whole wheat cereal. He loved it. Tomorrow we're going to try them in the pureed legumes. He hasn't been really excited about the beans so I am hoping that the cherries will win him over<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TC_7MjJBKgI/AAAAAAAACCc/76-9EBE8XKk/s1600/approves.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TC_7MjJBKgI/AAAAAAAACCc/76-9EBE8XKk/s200/approves.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489882663797991938" border="0" /></a><br />.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656871719685145723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52350086750673776.post-70211019084367462522010-07-03T18:59:00.000-07:002010-07-03T19:36:37.597-07:00Cooking Polenta<a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/food/calories/generic-polenta-992199">Polenta</a> is basically a noodle like food made from ground cornmeal. I used the organic yellow polenta and made it from scratch for Hudson. It is VERY inexpensive so it's nice to have, and the texture can be varied depending upon what you are using it for. I wanted to make it more like a large noodle so I could cube it up for Hudson to eat. It doesn't have a ton of nutritional value, but isn't filled with bad stuff either. It's a good, simple food.<br /><br />The first time I made it I added too much water as I went and it turned out to fall apart when Hudson tried to grab it, so this time I did not add as much water and it worked much better.<br /><br />I used 1/4 cup of polenta and a cup of water. This made a batch good enough for 4 servings. I added a tablespoon of butter, but could also use olive oil - but we're out.<br /><br />First get the water boiling. Then add the polenta into the water VERY slowly, stirring as you pour it in.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TC_yIPGoi8I/AAAAAAAACCU/962ai9OMG1A/s1600/polenta+stove.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TC_yIPGoi8I/AAAAAAAACCU/962ai9OMG1A/s200/polenta+stove.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489872694095154114" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Stir it at boiling for 2 minutes. I slowly reduce the heat during that 2 minutes too, keeping it boiling but not crazy burning hot. Then turn the heat down after 2 minutes to low and cover.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TC_yH1m3jaI/AAAAAAAACCM/FPQRsyJ6KaU/s1600/polenta+started.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TC_yH1m3jaI/AAAAAAAACCM/FPQRsyJ6KaU/s200/polenta+started.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489872687251033506" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Set the timer for 10 minutes and stir. It will slowly start to thicken.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TC_x3uFjO7I/AAAAAAAACBk/MjoUjBqKagg/s1600/polenta+cooking.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TC_x3uFjO7I/AAAAAAAACBk/MjoUjBqKagg/s200/polenta+cooking.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489872410354334642" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Continue stirring every 10 minutes for about 50 minutes. The polenta will start to have a texture like a dough by the time it's done.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TC_x4E2VniI/AAAAAAAACBs/FFdpI1XjFY8/s1600/polenta+thick.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TC_x4E2VniI/AAAAAAAACBs/FFdpI1XjFY8/s200/polenta+thick.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489872416464543266" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I would add about half a teaspoon of water every other time, just to keep it from getting too dry. One could also mix in fruit or vegetable juice or probably even a puree in place of some of the water, if you wanted to give it flavor and other nutrients. The first time I made mine I added shredded cheddar cheese, which Hudson loved.<br /><br />I poured it out onto a heat-safe greased plate and cooled it in my refrigerator for a couple of hours.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TC_x4SyeBvI/AAAAAAAACB0/-gdVNdtC9y4/s1600/polenta+plated.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TC_x4SyeBvI/AAAAAAAACB0/-gdVNdtC9y4/s200/polenta+plated.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489872420206413554" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Then I took it off of the plate and cubed it up for Hudson, dividing it up into what I thought were good serving sizes. I refrigerated some, froze one, and he ate one right away. Polenta keeps in the fridge well for a few days. Not sure how it will hold up to freezing - I'll get back to you on that.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TC_x4k1Go0I/AAAAAAAACB8/XmCpLt5FIl4/s1600/polenta+cut.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TC_x4k1Go0I/AAAAAAAACB8/XmCpLt5FIl4/s200/polenta+cut.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489872425049301826" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Hudson checked it out and ate just about every morsel, except for what fell onto the floor and was enjoyed by our dog.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TC_x4z2oWfI/AAAAAAAACCE/JVRR0cqdFSU/s1600/studying.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/TC_x4z2oWfI/AAAAAAAACCE/JVRR0cqdFSU/s200/studying.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489872429082237426" border="0" /></a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656871719685145723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52350086750673776.post-8158944264932413832010-06-27T20:11:00.001-07:002010-06-27T20:16:11.843-07:00Experiments in Food ProcessingI have been attempting to make baby food for the little guy. The store bought always seems so diluted compared to what I make - green beans at the store are light green but mine are bright, carrots are orange but SUPER orange when I make them. But it's not easy! He seems to like the diluted flavor and super smooth texture of the processed store foods. So, I have to really process the heck out of the food to get him to eat it. Often I'll mix home made with store bought so it's closer to what he's used to. I did recently discover that adding tofu into some foods works well to dilute the flavor, make it smoother in texture, and also ads protein.<br /><br />As I start to do more of this I really should post my recipes here, or at least pictures of what I've made. Nothing fancy really, just a fruit or veggie cooked and whipped. But I'm trying to get a little bolder as he gets older.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656871719685145723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52350086750673776.post-48284311060662746132010-03-11T10:35:00.000-08:002010-03-11T10:35:29.755-08:00pick the next action figure to be offered exclusively to Digital Comics subscribers | Marvel.com News | Marvel.com<a href="http://marvel.com/news/toystories.11583.vote_for_the_next_exclusive_hasbro_figure">We want YOU to help us pick the next action figure to be offered exclusively to Digital Comics subscribers | Marvel.com News | Marvel.com</a>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656871719685145723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52350086750673776.post-39122341185564556982010-01-04T18:55:00.001-08:002010-01-04T19:03:56.792-08:004 Months Old Today<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/S0KrRjVFMAI/AAAAAAAACBM/Aped00qsWFE/s1600-h/IMG_2078.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 232px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/S0KrRjVFMAI/AAAAAAAACBM/Aped00qsWFE/s200/IMG_2078.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423085219337285634" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Today I turned 4 months old! So far it's pretty fun, I have some cool toys that I finally grab and play with. My favorite toy so far is the mirror Uncle Tim brought me. I find myself so interesting!<br /><br />I did not like my shots though, that's the worst part of being 4 months old. YUCKY!!<br /><br />I now weigh 16 pounds and one ounce, I am 25.5 inches tall with a 17 inch head. That's BIG! The doctor says I am doing really great. She even said I can start eating food now, not just milk. Mom is a bit hesitant, and Dad will have to get my high chair ready. I can't wait to get food all over everything!!!Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656871719685145723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52350086750673776.post-45452424025498115142009-12-26T08:52:00.000-08:002009-12-26T08:55:21.405-08:00Bad Rattle<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/SzY_aeqe-FI/AAAAAAAACA8/FR37BWbseaA/s1600-h/IMG_2047.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 272px; height: 203px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/SzY_aeqe-FI/AAAAAAAACA8/FR37BWbseaA/s200/IMG_2047.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419588925727373394" border="0" /></a>This is a bad rattle, a very bad rattle. Hudson was having a great morning, rolling and playing and smiling. He held this rattle and shook, shook, shook it.<br /><br />But then this bad rattle went rogue and hit him squarely in the middle of his forehead. That hurt! And Hudson did not like it one little bit. He cried, and would not eat. He cried real tears until daddy rocked him to sleep.<br /><br />Hudson has sworn his vengeance upon this bad rattle!Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656871719685145723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52350086750673776.post-52921290989297661382009-10-09T11:45:00.000-07:002009-10-09T11:52:32.553-07:00Wearing Baby<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.mobywrap.com/images/Product/medium/13.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 193px; height: 193px;" src="http://www.mobywrap.com/images/Product/medium/13.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />In the course of trying to have both baby Hudson and us, his parents, enjoy him and grow, I've spent time doing some research into what people say make their babies happy. One thing that gets recommended time and time again is wearing a baby. What's that? It means strapping the baby on in some kind of sling or harness thing-a-ma-jig.<br /><br />The benefits of baby wearing are said to include:<br /><blockquote><br />Babies who are carried cry less - up to 51% according to studies - & have decreased levels of stress hormone in their blood streams.<br /><br />Carried babies have more regular respiratory rate, heart rate & a more stable body temperature.<br /><br />Being carried improves sleep patterns, with babies falling asleep more quickly, more soundly & for longer periods.<br /><br />Babywearing improves infants’ digestion & has been shown to reduce the symptoms of colic and reflux.<br /><br />Carried babies have advanced motor skills because their vestibular system in their brain is stimulating by the person carrying them. This means carried babies will already have begun to acquire balance & muscular development before they start to crawl & walk.<br /><br />Babies who are held gain weight better, & nurse better.<br /><br />Babywearing improves parent-baby bonding, allowing parents to be more aware and responsive to their baby’s needs. Babywearing can reduce the risk of depression.<br /><br />Carried babies are up where they can hear & see adult interaction & activity which promotes cognitive and language development. Babies that are in carriers speak earlier and have more advanced speech.<br /><br />Baby wearing helps mothers to strengthen muscles and ligaments which have been stretched or weakened by pregnancy.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.hugofjoy.com/WEARINGINSTRUCTIONS.html">From Hug of Joy website</a></blockquote><br /><br />I ordered a<a href="http://www.mobywrap.com/p-13-moby-wrap.aspx"> Moby Wrap</a> from Amazon - got it for $4 off of the SRP and free shipping. I figure both Craig and I can use it and Hudson will hopefully be an even happier baby.<br /><br />Speaking of happy, he's started to cry so that's the end of this post.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656871719685145723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52350086750673776.post-83509104778369186692009-10-06T11:50:00.000-07:002009-10-06T12:41:09.169-07:00Please Don't. Rules for friends and family of new parentsI know you want to help. I understand you want to see the baby. But we are new parents, getting used to all the adventures of having a baby. And the baby is new to the world and has little tolerance for many things, including you.<br /><br />So, please don't...<br /><br />1. visit without asking. Stopping by is NOT allowed. Most of the time mommy is in her pajamas, unshowered, and very possibly has at least one breast exposed. Mommy may be sleeping or trying to quiet the baby. Your visit, while well intentioned, is annoying. We may not even answer the door, either because mommy's hands are full, she's sleeping, or we just don't have the patience to deal with you.<br /><br />2. visit without verifying first. Yes, even if you DO have an appointment to visit, call before you leave to make sure we're still OK for your visit. There's a chance the little baby is ill, or mommy has been up all night and simply cannot tolerate a visitor.<br /><br />3. visit right after you've been somewhere known to be a "bio hazard." These include the doctor's office, public transit or airplane, children's school or day care, or any other place where you know you have come into contact with people who are likely to have the flu.<br /><br />4. invite us over or visit expecting it to last longer than an hour. Again, mommy is tired, baby is tired and possibly hungry. We're trying to figure each other out and while we enjoy seeing family and friends we just don't have the tolerance for long visits. An hour, two at the most, is more than enough for right now.<br /><br />5. tell us that you never get the flu so you are not getting a flu shot, and then expect to see the baby. You get the flu shot to protect the baby - he's the one who might not survive it, not you. Get over yourself or don't expect to see him until summer.<br /><br />6. complain that the whole time you were babysitting he slept. That's WONDERFUL news to mommy and daddy, and to you though you may not yet realize it. You stay up for 20 hours straight with a baby who refuses to sleep in bed for longer than 5 minutes and then tell me how you feel when the baby sleeps for a couple of hours straight.<br /><br />7. ask to bring your friends over to see the baby. First, we don't know this friend and if he or she is sick or works with sick people and we don't want to make the baby ill. Second, our house is probably not clean and we may not feel comfortable having strangers look at the dirty dishes in our sink and mommy unwashed in her pajamas. This will cause mommy and daddy stress because they will have to try to clean the house or have the guest see the house messy and feel guilty about it. After the baby is 6 months old and has a bit of an immune system working and is more interesting besides, feel free to invite us over to meet your friend. Then you can worry about cleaning your own house. But again, don't expect us to stay more than a couple of hours.<br /><br />8. assume we don't know what we're doing. We will ask for advice when we need it. Every baby is different and every family too. While we might seem lost at times we WILL figure it out, if we haven't already.<br /><br />9. decide you are not going to follow our rules if you are watching the baby. If we're using cloth diapers don't decide to buy boxes of disposables. If we have bed time, feeding amount, or other routine established PLEASE don't decide to do it your way. You can have your own kids if you want that (or you have already). We do what works for us - not you.<br /><br />10. forget that the first couple years of a child's life are hard for parents - especially new ones. There is so much to learn and experience, both good and bad. Please don't assume you know what we are going through. Don't demand too much from us. Don't get angry when we ask you to leave or help or get a flu shot or tell you that you can't or must. If we look tired or stressed we probably are. If we ask for help we need it, if we don't we probably don't want you to bother us.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656871719685145723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52350086750673776.post-75805305803241572772009-10-01T13:02:00.000-07:002009-10-01T13:09:46.393-07:00Better Today<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/SsUMC0tXmsI/AAAAAAAACA0/h0QMqkKS2to/s1600-h/Hudson+042.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/SsUMC0tXmsI/AAAAAAAACA0/h0QMqkKS2to/s200/Hudson+042.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387725771866872514" border="0" /></a><br />I'm happy to report that Hudson slept better last night, going to bed around 10:30 pm and only waking up twice for feedings, once around 2 am and again around 5:30 am, and the feedings were about half an hour and then he fell asleep and slept soundly.<br /><br />What did we do?<br /><br />During the day I kept lights on and windows open and woke him up every 3 hours. In the afternoon he stayed away for over 2 hours, which was GREAT because I figured the more he is up during the day the more tired he would be at night.<br /><br />At night, starting at 6 pm, I woke him every 2 hours and fed him, hoping that he wouldn't act like he was starving when 10 pm rolled around. I was right - he did his half hour feeding at 10 and was asleep at 10:30.<br /><br />We also gave him a bath around 9 pm. He objected to it this time, but it did seem to help tire him out.<br /><br />Daddy and I were much happier not having to stay awake until 4 am.<br /><br />I did order the Harvy Karp Happiest Baby DVD yesterday. We'll see what advice we can pick up from that, since I'm sure we won't get this lucky with Hudson every night.<br /><br />GNMXDVD12379282Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656871719685145723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52350086750673776.post-45805353187083123222009-09-30T14:43:00.000-07:002009-09-30T14:52:57.525-07:00Up All NightJust like the Slaughter band's song, Hudson is up all night, sleep all day. Each night for the last few he has stayed awake longer and longer. Last night it was until around 4 am. He will act like he is starved so I will feed him, Craig feeds him, he should NOT be hungry. But he does fall asleep while being fed. But as soon as we try to lay him down so we can go to bed he will scream up a storm. <br /><br />They say this is normal -- babies not knowing morning from evening. And it wouldn't be so bad if he didn't scream like he hadn't eaten for weeks. But he does. It's hard to handle! Today is new comic book day at our comic book store, so I tried to let Craig sleep while I dealt with Hudson. But by 2 am I was really exhausted and just didn't know what to do. I left Hudson lying in the Pack N Play, and of course he was crying. So was I. Craig got up and found me curled up on the couch crying. He did take up a shift and let me get a couple of hours of sleep. But eventually he had to go to bed, so he woke me up to continue baby duty.<br /><br />Today I'm trying to keep him awake more during the day - although he is objecting to that too with more screaming. And we will give him a bath before bed. Hopefully these things will help him sleep a little tonight. <br /><br />My sister said her baby did this kind of behavior until he was 11 weeks old. That's NUTS. I will be a zombie by then, especially since I have to go back to work after week 8, and I start my shift at 6 am. <br /><br />Everyone says sleep when he does - but every time I move him to the bedroom he wakes up and starts his screaming again. This happened yesterday and again today. I'm quite sure his goal in life is to keep me up. That's why my water broke at 3 am.<br /><br />I am going to buy the Harvy Karp Happiest Baby DVD. It's supposed to be GREAT - our labor/delivery teacher recommended it and the hospital where I had Hudson had it in their display case in the labor and delivery area. It can't hurt, right? Amazon.com - here I come.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656871719685145723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52350086750673776.post-81978200772413399702009-09-23T08:51:00.000-07:002009-09-23T11:18:17.149-07:00I Thought There'd Be More FlowersEarly this year I was promoted at work, a job that gave me a nice pay raise but more hours. There was talk that I was a promising employee, and could continue to move up in the company, having worked for them for less than a year before the promotion was given. Craig an I planned to take a trip or two - the store was OK and with my pay increase we could finally afford some time away.<br /><br />Then I found out on February 27th that I was about 9 weeks pregnant. We hadn't planned to have children, so Craig and I found ourselves wondering how we'd manage this unexpected change. There was a lot of discussion about how children change your life, and not necessarily for the better. We told family and they were shocked and excited, and life moved on, for a week. Then on March 6th I was forced to resign from my job due to an error I had made 7 weeks earlier not realizing it was an error. Even though the error didn't cause the customer or the business any loss whatsoever, I was told that the policy is the policy and I could resign or be fired. If I resigned I could be rehired, if I was fired I could never come back. I was devastated - a pregnant mom without a job and the health insurance benefits it provided. I had not even had a chance to tell my co-workers about the baby and I had to pack my desk up and leave. I shed many tears, overwhelmed and disappointed.<br /><br />After a few weeks I was hired on in a different position at that same company, but had a SIGNIFICANT pay cut. But I got to keep my health insurance so it seemed like a good move. We struggled, adjusting to the lower pay, figuring out what else we could cut, having already cut back on many things and living pretty basic. But we were going to have a baby, people told us it would be great, and we just had to figure out how to make it work. We needed so much: baby furniture, new flooring, a couch. How could we get them and not get deeper into debit? Our car needed new tires (still does, in fact) and a belt, and somehow we had to figure out how to pay our bills and get these things in place before our baby was born, on my reduced pay and Craig trying to sell comics in a struggling economy. There was a lot of stress. I tried to keep a positive attitude and outlook, and most people thought I was amazingly happy and positive for being pregnant. But I went home many days and cried alone, wondering how we'd gotten ourselves into this and how we'd ever get out.<br /><br />My doctor realized that I was of the "high risk" age and we discussed extra tests and exams that I should consider to see if our baby looked good or if he might be born with Downs Syndrome or something even worse. After some blood tests and ultra sounds we now knew we were having a boy, and that he appeared not to have those mental development issues. However, when it came time for the blood sugar tests we didn't do as well. We found that I had gestational diabetes and had to start a diet plan. That didn't help us improve as much as the doctor required, so I had to go on glyburide - an insulin pill. That pill required us to visit the OB's office twice a week to do a non-stress test on the infant to make sure that the pill wasn't causing him too much stress and that his heart was functioning well. The pill didn't help, and I became more and more frustrated. Eventually we saw some improvement in sugars, but they were easily upset, and foced me to prepare ALL food I ate myself. The doctor made me feel guilty when my sugars were too high, and when I lost weight following their plan, and being pregnant became a chore.<br /><br />The day our baby entered week 36 my water broke and the clock began ticking for him to come out. He was less than the ideal 37 week age, and we were, of course, worried about this. Nurses at the hospital tried to reassure us, telling us that most babies born at 36 weeks are fine. My labor wouldn't progress, even with a hefty IV drip of induction medication, and we almost lost the baby a couple of times. I cried, Craig cried, our family cried. This was not the way this was supposed to go. We were going to see a movie that weekend, to finish getting the baby's room ready - there was supposed to be time but it was gone. And the labor was supposed to be natural, a struggle but successful - instead we had to be read the cesarian section disclosures, monitored internally for hours, and rushed to an operating room.<br /><br />But the baby DID come. And he was evaluated and we were told he was good - no need for him to go to the NICU, he could be with us. We slept little that night, interrupted frequently by doctors and nurses and that baby's constant gurgling and wining. That next day Craig looked terrible, pale and tired and he seemed irritable and out of it, all while trying to be supportive and happy. I sent him home to nap and tried to spend quality time with Hudson, our new baby. My eyes would become heavy and I could hardly keep them open. My arms would become tired and I'd have to call a nurse to take him, as I could not yet walk much after the c-section. We could not get him to breast feed, or really eat much of anything. Family came to see him. A pediatrician came to see him. All gave him a clean bill of health. Yet he still didn't want to eat. I worried to myself, and blamed myself for having flat nipples and a c-section.<br /><br />That evening Craig went home to sleep and I was all alone in the hospital room, having asked the nurse to take the baby and just let me know when it was feeding time so that we could continue the challenge of getting him to eat. I slept little, being checked often by medical staff and trying to sleep in a strange place on a less-than-comfortable bed. At 2:45 am the nurse called me, informing me that Hudson still wasn't eating and that she was concerned, but would try to get him to eat there instead of brining him to the room, and that she wanted someone to check him again as he seemed to be breathing a bit heavy. I stayed in bed, tired and out of sorts, instead of going to see him. Then an hour later the nurse called again to tell me that my little boy had been admitted to the NICU because he was having trouble breathing. Fear and guilt washed over me, and I cried. She asked if she could take me down to see him, but I didn't want to go without family, so I made the calls and soon Craig and my mom were there. I cried the whole time, alone in my room, waiting for them. I could barely explain to them what I'd been told, as I was sobbing so. <br /><br />We went together down to the NICU and saw Hudson and the doctor explained what had happened. I continued to cry, seeing my small boy with IV's and monitors, being kept in a plastic case. The doctor was optimistic, we just needed to be patient and let our infant work it out, but the alarms on the monitors did not make us feel calm. I cried on and off that day.<br /><br />On the third day of my stay the on-call doctor from my OB's practice came by to have me released from the hospital. I technically could stay another day, but was doing well, walking on my own with minimal pain, and really should be working on recouperating outside of the hospital walls. I refused to go. As long as my baby was there in the NICU I wanted to be there. I'd been pumping breast milk for him and could bring it down fresh in time for his feedings, as they were finally trying to get him to eat again in the hope of taking him off of the IV in another day or so. The doctor recommended against it, urging me to go home, but I would not. In fact I stayed even after that next day - the hospital allows NICU parents to have a free room, as long as one is available, while their child is admitted. I spent a week in the Mom/Baby ward, watching moms and their new babies come and go, seeing flowers and balloons being delivered at all hours. Hearing healthy babies cry out to be fed as I walked my pumped breast milk to the NICU for Hudson. All the while I was in my room, often alone, praying my baby would get well soon and occasionally crying.<br /><br />Hudson began to improve and we thought he'd go home on Thursday. Craig made plans, we, finally excited for the first time since the baby was delivered, told family and hospital staff the great news--Hudson was going home Thursday. Then Thursday morning the doctor called and informed us that he was staying another day or two, as he was developing jaundice and they wanted him to be treated for that before leaving. Our plans were changed, and my spirit again was dimmed. I cried, tired of being in the NICU, upset that we'd made plans only to have them ruined, and just wanting to return home with my new baby.<br /><br />Finally Friday we took our baby home and began our new lives together. We got little sleep as he needed to be fed and he had trouble adapting to his new environment that first night. I cried, not knowing why he was so upset and wondering how we could get him to calm down and sleep without holding him. My eyes would barely stay open and I was sure I'd fall asleep and drop him. Finally we figured it out, and I got a few hours of sleep.<br /><br />On Monday he woke up but wouldn't eat for over 5 hours. Panic again set in and I cried, frustrated that something was wrong with him. Craig called the doctor and we went in. She assured us that babies just do these things as they adjust and that he seemed perfect. That night he slept little, wanting to be fed every 15 minutes. I was sure I had no milk left after 3 hours of this, and was exhausted. Craig got up and I gave in, letting the baby be fed formula, feeling like I was once again incapable of properly caring for a baby.<br /><br />It was payday and our mortgage payment comes out automatically that day as well. But when we looked online I had only been paid $120 and the mortgage was coming out. Craig had to quickly transfer money from the financially struggling business to our personal account to make sure the mortgage was covered. I made calls to my employeer as well as to the company that covers our short term disability to find out when I'd get my maternity leave pay. After nearly a a week I was informed that I would, in fact, NOT be getting pay. While other benefits stayed in place during the short time I was not employeed with the company, the pay benefit for maternity leave was reset, and I would not qualify for paid leave until 11/1/09 - right AFTER my 8 weeks of leave would end. When I had checked with the company 5 months before I was assured I would get pay, but now I was being told differently. Craig spoke to a lawyer who informed him that by the time it would be setteled the pay I wanted woul be eaten up by legal fees. Our financial situation went from bad to worse, and I looked into a hardship withdrawl from my company 401K, but was told that my situation didn't qualify - only if I was unable to pay the mortgage and had a forclosure letter or if I had no insurance and unpaid medical bills or if I was going to return to school or had a death in the family could I qualify. I had none of those, so my last ditch desperate move, my plan B, was now gone too. And again I cried.<br /><br />What was supposed to be a happy time was filled with tears. More tears than I've cried in a long time. None of this was supposed to happen. Where was the joy? The celebration? Why did my heart ache and my head hurt and my eyes burn from crying? How could this be a happy time when it's been filled with so much struggle and disapointment? What had we done to deserve this? Where was our chance to live and be happy? Why couldn't just one thing in our lives come easily, without struggle and stress? Why weren't there more flowers?Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656871719685145723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52350086750673776.post-53736181558557924702009-09-21T09:09:00.001-07:002009-09-21T10:31:32.832-07:00Hudson Is In the HouseWe have our little baby out of the womb and in our arms. He was born 9/4 at 7:30 pm weighing 6 pounds 3 ounces and a tall 19 and 3/4 inches.<br /><br />At just a bit before 3 am I woke up, feeling unexpectedly awake and noticing that I felt wet between my legs. I got up, thinking I had to pee, but when I did get up fluid came out from between my legs even faster - and I knew I had not drunk that much water the night before. I went to the bathroom and after what seemed like several minutes of fluid coming out I tried to stand up, thinking it had passed, but it had not. A bit after that I got up, fearing my water had broken, and awoke Craig. He got up to use the bathroom, but I ran in front of him as another wave of fluid came out. He did get up then, but laid back down after. I was shocked, explaining to him again that my water broke. He said, "we have 24 hours, you want me to get up?" I told him that yes, we are supposed to let the doctor know ASAP if the water breaks, and I was pretty sure by now that this is what was going on. He got up, took a shower, and shaved. I packed my hospital bag - which I hadn't finished yet because I thought we had a couple more weeks. Then I took a shower myself.<br /><br />At about 4 am I called Columbia St. Mary's and reported my suspicion to them. Within 10 minutes the on call doctor for labor and delivery called me back, instructing me to go to the hospital and have them check to see if, in fact, my bags of water had broken. We arrived there at about 4:30 am and I was made to change into one of those horrible hospital gowns. A nurse came in and swabbed me to see if it was my water, and the test strip quickly turned a dark blue, indicating my fears were correct and we'd be parents within 24 hours. I was hooked up to the monitors and we confirmed a good heart beat for the baby and contractions for me, but I wasn't feeling them yet. Some medical person confirmed I was only 1 centimeter dilated - so not much was happening yet.<br /><br />A couple of hours later my OB came in to check and found me to STILL be only the 1 centimeter. I was put on an IV drip to induce labor, and given portable monitors so I could walk around a bit. The hospital is small and the walk got old pretty quickly. Then a nurse found me, telling me that the monitor was no longer picking me up, so we had to go back to the bed. By this time they had nearly tripled the dose of drug they were giving me to induce, and I was starting to feel contractions.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/Sre2xHWENxI/AAAAAAAACAc/P1O0Mpr4Sbc/s1600-h/059.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/Sre2xHWENxI/AAAAAAAACAc/P1O0Mpr4Sbc/s200/059.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383972834446161682" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Nurses asked me several times how close the contractions were, and I wasn't timing--they were monitoring me, so why did I need to. In bed Craig started to time them, and we noticed that the contractions were close, some within a minute of the one before.<br /><br />Suddenly an alarm sounded and a nurse rushed in, asking me to roll onto my left side, then the right, then on all fours. She called and several other medical professionals came running in, quickly probing me as one read me the required disclosures for cesarean sections. I was given oxygen and my OB was alerted. Then as quickly as it had begun the emergency appeared to be over and most of the staff left, with a nurse and my OB remaining. I had no idea what happened, looked at my mom and Craig and saw panic in their eyes and suddenly began to cry. My OB then explained that the baby's heart rate had dropped but he was stable again. They put an internal monitor on us, kept me on oxygen, turned off the induction med, had me stay on my side, and left.<br /><br />After a couple of hours it seemed that my contractions had slowed way down again and were not as intense. The doctor decided that we had to start up the induction IV drug again, but at a very low dose. We did that and a couple of hours later I was feeling the contractions and the doctor had confirmed that they were good and strong. However he was disappointed because my unripe cervix was only dilated to 3 centimeters. I told him I was getting fatigued from the contractions and was finally ready for an epidural. He said it could help or slow labor - no guarantee either way, but he'd let the staff know to get the anesthesiologist over ASAP. Shortly after she came and began to administer the epidural. It worked and we thought we'd settle in for the long haul. The nurse kicked up the induction IV a bit more and took the oxygen mask off.<br /><br />Only minutes after that the baby's heart rate plummeted again and they had me move around, put the oxygen back on, and the medical staff came running in, again giving me the disclosures for the c-section. This time he continued to have slow heart rhythm and I was rushed to an operating room where they <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/Sre2wb_FMgI/AAAAAAAACAU/i_d97b6gSpA/s1600-h/072.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/Sre2wb_FMgI/AAAAAAAACAU/i_d97b6gSpA/s200/072.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383972822807032322" border="0" /></a> began to prep me for an emergency c-section. Moments after we arrived the baby stabilized again and the medical staff called my OB to find out what he thought - do we do the c-section anyway or take me back to a labor and delivery room. Craig was nowhere to be seen, and someone in the room mentioned to another that "the father had an episode" and was given some juice and was taking a second to recuperate. I thought Craig had nearly fainted - turned out he panicked like I had the first time. But he did come in shortly after, sitting my my head and talking to me.<br /><br />My OB arrived and after a conversation we decided that it would be best to go ahead with the c-section while the baby was stable, rather than risking him going into disress again up in labor and delivery, especially since I was still not even 4 centimeters dialated after 14 hours. The epidural drug was kicked up and I began shaking uncontrolably - but was assured that this was quite normal. I didn't feel a thing as they told me the incision was being made. I didn't feel a thing as they announced my baby was out, and I saw him at the warming table. He was checked over and after a positive review he was given to his daddy, who showed him to me. After a bit daddy left as I was stiched up and given another drug to help the shaking stop. I even fell asleep for a short time, yet it felt like it took an eternity to be sewn back up. But eventually I did make it into a recovery room where my mom and sister were waiting. They brought in Craig and the baby so I could see him again, and then we were all taken up to the mom/baby ward for recovery and bonding.<br /><br />Craig tried to sleep on the horrible sleeper couch they had in the room, but it was not made for tall men and he was horribly uncomfortable. We had Hudson in the room, but he seemed restless and winey. They also came in the room every couple of hours to check on me, making me stand at 3 am and walk by 6 am. About half way through the night we had them take Hudson to the nursery, as we couldn't sleep and he seemed uninterested in eating.<br /><br />Saturday Craig went home to get in a nap and shower and I spent time bonding with Hudson, being checked out by medical staff, and trying to get the boy to eat. Family came to visit Saturday as well. Saturday evening Craig went home, since he could not sleep on the hospital sleeper, and I was alone with Hudson. I asked the nurse to take him and then wake me to feed him. She called at 2:45 am to tell me that he still wasn't eating, and that she was going to have someone check him out, as he seemed to be distressed. An hour later she called again, telling me he was having trouble breathing and was taken to the NICU. I panicked and cried again, calling Craig and my mom and having them come to the hospital. Once they arrived we went down to the NICU to see what was going on.<br /><br />A doctor explained that he had <a href="http://www.umm.edu/ency/article/007312.htm">pneumothorax</a>, common among premie babies, and that he would have to spend a few days there while the condition resolved itself. My poor baby<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/Sre2xrLb_vI/AAAAAAAACAk/zbN9VhkinR0/s1600-h/086.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/Sre2xrLb_vI/AAAAAAAACAk/zbN9VhkinR0/s200/086.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383972844065259250" border="0" /></a> was hooked up to IV's and oxygen and monitors and his father and I watched as the monitors beeped and we both had tears in our eyes again. The first day was bad and they had to increase his oxygen, but then he began to improve the next day, and eventually was taken off of the oxygen. Next he got to be off of the IV. We were told he'd be able to go home Friday, then it was upgraded to Thursday, and Craig changed his plans for the day so we could take our boy home. However that morning the doctor called to inform me that Hudson's Biliruben level was too high (jaundice) and they were going to treat that while he was there, and hopefully he'd be able to go home Friday. Again I cried, frustrated that we'd gotten our hopes up and that Craig changed his schedule, but we'd be spending another day waiting it out at the hospital and NICU. <br /><br />Friday came, and they did let us take our dear baby home.It was the longest and most stressful week of my life. I cried a lot, and smiled a lot, depending <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/Sre2yKxfmLI/AAAAAAAACAs/VLr1oJhEK0I/s1600-h/Hudson+021.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DTQNyHIqsec/Sre2yKxfmLI/AAAAAAAACAs/VLr1oJhEK0I/s200/Hudson+021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383972852546377906" border="0" /></a>upon the moment. Everyone at the hospital was very supportive, as was my family. My mom spent every night after the NICU admission sleeping on that horrible hospital sleeper so that I wouldn't be alone like I was the night they called me to tell me he wasn't breathing and had to be taken to the NICU. I healed quickly physically, never being taken anywhere in a wheel chair except when Craig took me outside on Sunday. My pain was tolerable and my mood improved when I went off of the narcotics and onto just Tylenol for pain management (I don't do well on narcotic pain killers).<br /><br />Today we have our baby with us. His pediatrician says he's perfect. He is eating well, although he has suddenly decided that he likes to stay up all night and sleep all day. It's hard to believe we're someone's parents!Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656871719685145723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52350086750673776.post-45730581495290565652009-09-02T15:21:00.000-07:002009-09-02T15:21:00.247-07:00Diapering<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cottonbabies.com/images/bumgenius/3.0/new-bg-colors-500.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 103px;" src="http://www.cottonbabies.com/images/bumgenius/3.0/new-bg-colors-500.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />The other night we decided to order some cloth diapers. A friend gave us cash specifically for them, and they had a buy 6, get 1 free special that I couldn't pass up.<br /><br />Here's what we got: <a href="http://www.cottonbabies.com/product_info.php?cPath=98&products_id=1281">the BumGenius 3.0 one size</a>. They are an expensive disposable, but very highly rated and recommended.<br /><br />I also discovered Coolababy diapers - snap closure one-size diapers in great color<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.babybots.co.uk/Images/coolbaby1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 151px; height: 163px;" src="http://www.babybots.co.uk/Images/coolbaby1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>s. I have only seen them on eBay and believe they are imports from somewhere like Hong Kong. But they are very affordable. Trying to find some people who have tried them to know if they are any good. If so, I'll try some of those too.<br /><br />We do have some disposable diapers too - so if we just don't have good luck with the cloth there is the back up plan. But I really do like the cloth, they should save us money in the long run.<br /><br />If you have any recommendations for quality cloth diaper retailers, and/or good brands to invest in, let me know!Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656871719685145723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52350086750673776.post-51732091559906610352009-09-01T15:17:00.001-07:002009-09-01T15:19:37.746-07:00Welcome!Let me first explain, for those of you who don't speak Polish, what the name of the blog is. <br /><br />I'm Lisa Lopacinski, and my husband is Craig Lopacinski. Together we are having a Lopacinski baby - coming sometime this month. Because "baby" is commonly used for blogs I decided to be creative and draw on his Polish heritage. Dziecko is the Polish word for baby.<br /><br />So there you go - Life of Lopacinski Baby is born, just before the baby himself.Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656871719685145723noreply@blogger.com0