Sugar Monsters

I LOVE Christmas! The while season just swallows me up. My halls are sufficiently decked, we have hosted a party with another to come, gifts are bought and wrapped and baking is DONE! In general I don't bake but this year I have gone to the dark side :) The last few days were spent in the kitchen. My baby was underfoot the entire time picking up crumbs of who knows what nastiness and stuffing them into her little mouth.... Up to this point she has only had a few fruits and vegetables, her cereal and some egg yolk but after yesterday, you can add cookie bits, artificially flavored sprinkles and brownie dough :( She was just so fast- every tiny particle went onto her mouth and after awhile I stopped going in after them. I would turn and see her tiny little mouth chomping up and down with a sly little grin- oh well I guess. My 3 year old popped in and out all day stealing cookies from the baking rack and being generally "helpful" with the mixing and stirring. With two small children, each dozen cookies is a triumph in itself, so I give myself a big pat on the back for this one. And after arguing with my sugar induced maniac of a son and stepping over the particle thief all week, I am pretty darn tired.

I had forgotten how insane it is to diaper a crazy crawling/flipping/laughing baby..... that is all :/

A Tale of Two Nightimes

Sometimes I cannot believe just how different night parenting can be from one night to the next. My last thought before drifting off to sleep is usually a plea with the Lord above to send angels to sleep with my babies and keep them safe and ASLEEP.

For months we dealt with my 3 year old ending up in bed with us 2 or 3 times a night. I would either wake to find him mouth breathing into my personal face space or else spread over my feet inviting propulsion off the bed like Max the family dog. I am happy to say that the sleep chart with stickers that I blogged about previously has been a rollicking success (I hope I am not jinxing myself) and he happily sleeps all night alone in his room again.... thank you sleep angels :)

And then there's my little one, the "good" sleeper. I know from my first child that things change month to month and sometimes night to night depending on teeth and bowels and separation anxiety and weather and the volume of the hubby's snores but it is never any easier when those changes sleep deprive momma!
I am writing this relatively rested. She nursed to sleep last night at her newly chosen 8:30 (which is a relatively new thing for us- we tend to keep them up a little later than the "sleep experts" recommend but they sleep longer in the morning and we see them more at night and it just works for our family) and did not wake to eat until 6:00. She promptly fell to sleep at the breast and is still happily snoozing away next to my husband who is home on a snow day (and it is 9). Way to go baby girl- that's the stuff books are written about!

Except that the night before she was awake pretty much the entire night! My husband took her into the spare bedroom for a few hours so I could get some sleep and then I took her to reciprocate the deal. She was whiny and restless and refused to sleep in her crib. I suffered through yesterday with sleepy dusted eyelids and a crabby countenance. Did I want to reach for a pillow? Yes. Did I want to reach for a sleep book? No.

Like I said before, it's all about stages and changes and really truly they figure it out. As long as there are a few nights of uninterrupted sleep and iced coffee drinks, I can make it- after all, when they are too cool for me I will be aching for those nighttime snuggles!

??why oh why??

why does madness attract madness?? i know that "the secret" is that whatever energy you put out into the universe is likewise returned to you. i.e think that you will be successful and you will be successful. i once heard someone say that the people that believe that they will be successful will go out and do whats needed to be successful and not just sit around and wait for it- i have to agree.
but what about things breaking/getting ruined? why do things BREAK all at the same time. is it because we think that other things are going to break once something kicks the bucket and therefore we put that idea into the universe.
regardless- you know this happens! this weekend i sat in my dining room chair and it collapsed.... insert snide fat comment here.... actually they are apparently cheap chairs and all four of them need repaired. my chair just happened to be the one that went first. unfortunately we were just discussing how we wished we could afford some new bedroom furniture- that is definitely not going to happen now that we need new chairs! you have to have chairs :( last week my husband had a flat tire but we didn't have time to take it in to get repaired so he had the spare on it. well- yesterday he got another flat tire so now one half his car is flat! keep is mind that we never drive his car other than him taking it to work- unfortunately, the tires cannot be repaired because the tread is too thin. now we must purchase FOUR new tires right before christmas/property taxes/license plate renewal/etc. finallly the output pipe on the washer froze in this cold weather because our laundry room has no insulation- water was backing up out of the washer all over the floor. thankfully my husband was here to come to the rescue but because he was in the midst of cleanup, he threw all my non-dryable clothes in the dryer...... ladies you know how this turned out. i am now down a pair of jeans, two pairs of sweatpants, two shirts and a brand new sweater :( 
please make it stop!!! why is this happening? i shouldn't have bad karma (unless this is because of accidentally walking out of target without paying for the coke awhile back) i don't want things to break and i was not worried about breakage (shrinkage) before it happened, so did the universe do this? i think NOT- there universe, i think that you are not controlling the breakage....what i mean is please universe don't let anything else break!

Saturday Shout Out #2

I am thankful for many things- today it is my removable shower head. Honestly, if it were not for this genius contraption, I would only get to wash my hair once a week... maybe. It is super useful for showering piece by piece in the small 5 minute increments that I am allowed for personal hygiene. Thank you shower head- everyone needs one of you :)

Today I opened my weekly email from Babycenter.com, a quick few paragraphs to tell you if your perpetual teething machine is "normal". Rather it gives things to expect this week, developmental milestones, games to try, how your life as a woman is changing (as if I don't already know that I as a fun spontaneous person with a life outside the home has ceasted to exist).
Anyway- at the end of the email, a question is always posed to three professionals who answer with passionate opinion that is misconstrued as factual information. It is usually a hoot.
Today was no surprise. The Earth-Shattering topic today, wait for it...... "Is it okay for my baby to eat food that falls on the floor?" Really babycenter, that's the best topic we could come up with this first week in December? I would have perhaps found something about holiday travel, flu season, or winter weather exposure to be more informative.
So what did these experts say? Now obviously, the best place to serve dinner is not on the concrete patio or your kitchen floor but listen to these responses.

Dr. Kelly Ross, a pediatrician from St. Louis says that "Food that falls onto the floor collects germs as well as any toxins that may have entered the house on your shoes. It's okay for the dog, but not for your baby!"

and my favorite from Child Psychologist Leslie Gavin:

Even at home, it's probably not worth the risk of germ exposure to save that one bite of food.

What we have concluded here is that even though your eight-month old may be crawling around on the floor all day long (if he or she is on par for the developmental stages that babycenter says are coming) that he or she would become gravely ill from the evil carpet germs if food that touched the floor also touches the tongue. Never mind that their HANDS are on the floor all day long and anyone who has ever had a baby knows that the hands are in the mouth all day long as well. Or in their noses or touching their eyes. All of these places are packed with viral receptors that pick up germs. If baby doesn't get sick from carpet cruising, baby is not going to get sick from eating a cheerio that fell under the table. The digestive system is packed with immune cells to keep such things from happening.
It is not that I would let my child lick the supermarket floor or eat a spoonful of yogurt scraped off the mat in the car, I just thought that the emblazoned cry against the three second rule was a bit of overkill. Anyway, no truly important news to share, just a little rant in my post-45 toddler tantrum evening. Hope everyone has a good weekend and by all means, make sure the dropped spoonful of bananas goes to the dog.

Saturday Shout-Out #1

There are some things that I could not live without! This morning as I mopped dried up sticky juice from a toy, grime off the rubber corner edge protector of our kitchen step (the entire room is elevated up one step) and last nights lentils off the highchair, I realized just how much I love my seventh generation wipes! They are AWESOME- just the right amount of liquid on strong wipes- all natural so they won't hurt the babies, kills 99.9% of ickiness and in a handy dispenser. I can't live without them. They get my weekly shout for this week. SO tell me- what am I missing- is there anything that you moms absolutely swear by?? I don't like to be behind in anything so hook me up!

'Tis the Season

Aaaahhhhh the weekend! A time to rest and play.... more like a time to cram in all the housework that you didn't get have time for this week and fold and put away the laundry that has been piling up outside the dryer- hey at least it's clean :) Nevertheless, I do love my weekends! It is so nice to be able to tag team the kids with my husband and stay in our jammies until lunch, at least on Saturday. This time of year, though weekends are dangerous- too cold to play outside much- an approaching major holiday- stores are calling my name! As you moms know, a day shopping can tear up a paycheck pretty darn fast. Besides gift purchases, there are snacks and drinks to be bought if you are not packed and prepared, lunches out, and impulse buying because that darn santa hat will be the perfect 8 month-old photo op! I offer no advice- if you are a mom, you have a system that works for you and who am I to act like a parenting expert?? I say good luck! Enjoy your families, the madness and maybe even a calorie and preservative-laden mall pretzel. Oh yeah, and I hope you find some bargains!!!

TMI Warning

I took a pregnancy test today and the results were..... negative. This is a good thing. That is a tricky question to ask- did you want it positive or negative? No no no because my youngest is not even 8 months old yet, my pregnancy insurance would not kick in for another year and I need to pay off some student loans but yes always, because children are such blessings. If it had been positive, it would have been welcomed AFTER an initial night spent lying face down on the floor in shock and scared anticipation! Anyway, this brings up several topics-

One: I am a freak that always thinks I am pregnant. I know I am not the only one- several of my close friends share the same disorder (you know who you are). I have been tired and nauseous (hello last weekend was Thanksgiving) but most of all I could swear that I felt fetal movement! I know- freak! So that begs the question, is there such a thing as phantom fetal movement syndrome? You know, like when amputees still feel pain in the limb that was removed- its' all neurological so it should be feasible that I would still feel movement from my itty one who was essentially part of me for the better part of a year.... so I looked it up. Turns out- I didn't even coin my own term :) Lots of women have this and that is WEIRD! I am going to do more research, the doc in me what to know exactly why it happens and I will post when I know.

Two: If I am tired and icky feeling, it is not a progesterone induced funk of early pregnancy. I am just not taking care of myself. I know better but what am I to do? I feel overwhelmed most days and don't eat like I used to, or exercise like I need to and consume too much caffeine- there I said it- I am unhealthy. This is really hard to admit because I used to be really healthy AND I spend lots of hours each week telling my patients to be healthy... I am a walking contradiction that gets away with it because by some miracle or probably good genes (thank you mom) I am the same size as I was pre-pregnancy... another nod to breastfeeding could go here as well. Honestly, that was what I was most afraid of- that I had exposed a little life to crap, crap, and more crap over the last 8 weeks or so. I made myself buy the test before I would drink another sweet tea or medicate a persistent headache that I couldn't make it to the chiropractor for. SO here is my wake up call that I need to jump back on the health bandwagon and stop blaming my phantom fetus for making me feel ill!

Three and final: I am so ready for my cycle to come back- I know I will regret saying this but after not having a period (this is the true TMI paragraph I know but if you are still reading, you must not be too squeamish) for 17 months, you really have NO idea where you are and could easily get pregnant. Thus my pregnancy test(s) are warranted- yes I have taken THREE since April! Remember I said I always think I am with child.
So there you go. Too. Much. Information. Only, if I have thought it, then plenty of you have thought it too. My children are gifts and so will be the next one or two but I think we have enough presents for the time being... with Christmas coming and all :)

I have a sister blog that is VERY young but focuses on food. I have a serious passion for cooking and eating and include all topics epicurean!! I have been asked for the link :) Here it is:
http://www.dr-mommagourmet.blogspot.com/

They are totally worth it

This morning I dried my hair sitting on the bathroom floor. Not the first time of course, but then this is not college after a long night out. It was a long night actually because we are teething (but that is another matter). Anyway, I digress. I was sitting on the floor because my new little crawler is drawn to the dirtiest crevices of the house and as i was in the bathroom, she kept trying to skirt my feet and head to the toilet. So what, right? At least i got a shower today- as a mom with two little ones, that is a luxury that we don't always get.
The point is, we learn and adapt to all the little changes that having babies and toddlers and later on super star elementary athletes bring because we are mothers. As soon at that little stick turns pink, or blue or digitally changes your life, we never live life just for us anymore. Sometimes I think that is a tad overwhelming and sometimes the thought is paralyzing. In fact, I am SURE i will revisit this topic again. I can't even shut myself in the bathroom for an evening bath without my 3 year old's fingers poking under the door asking for snacks :) But really, if we step back and look at it, isn't it so worth it. Most of the little changes come on gradually enough (after the intial assault of bringing home a newborn) and we know what we need to do. When that little fuzzy head and her shining smile crawls into my lap, I might just put the blowdryer down and leave the wet hair. My one patient today probably won't mind the messy hair and it will give me five more minutes of snuggle time. They are totally worth it and maybe that is the mantra I should use when I sit down on the toilet and little fists literally pound the door shouting at me- they are totally worth it :)

Peek A Boo

An exercise in futility??

My 7.5 month little girl does not want to eat anything unless it is from the tap, i.e. ME. I keep trying to give her yummy goodness on a spoon- on my fingertip- on her tray and she will usually stomach a few bites and then purse her lips with a grin. At first I expected it. Since she gets all her nutrients from breast milk, it is not that important to put other stuff in her belly so I didn't fret. But now, we have tried and tried again. Avocados, sweet potatoes, applesauce, peaches, mashed white potatoes, rice cereal..... she will tolerate her cereal but the rest is a gag face waiting to happen. I make my own food so maybe she doesn't like the consistency?? Sooo tried some Earth's best apples to no avail :/
Oh well- try try again. I figure that eventually she will be just as much a foodie as I but for now I will just sigh and try to laugh at the drama of her actually crying when she gets a spoonful of dreaded fruit.

Seriously Max (my dog) you have some major food thievery skills.
My dog is the ninja of table scrap acquisition. He also has an iron stomach. Oh, and he can suck food out of openings vacuum-style. You would be impressed!
His latest is a chocolate Halloween cupcake that I thought was long gone. I found him chewing apart a ball of foil this morning and that is the only possibility since I haven't had anything else wrapped in foil around here in the recent past. I figure it didn't get eaten today, only revisited so I am not too worried about the chocolate thing. In the past he has eaten a dozen brownies, seemingly extracted from their individual plastic wrappings by said sucking method since the folds of plastic were still perfectly intact. His sweet tooth also had another cupcake episode wrappers and all one Fourth of July, though he left the toothpick flags undisturbed :) Like I said, iron stomach.
But- it got me thinking and I decided to revisit the topic of chocolate being bad for dogs. Here is what I find worthy of passing on, compliments of About.com:

Theobromine, a component of chocolate, is the toxic compound in chocolate. (Caffeine is also present in chocolate, but in much smaller amounts than Theobromine.) Both Theobromine and Caffeine are members of a drug class called Methylxanines.

It turns out that baking chocolate is worse than milk chocolate and that for a dog of Max's size, he/she would have to consume 9 oz of milk chocolate to get an effect. I don't know about you, but I am not good at predicting ounces...... It can cause vomiting, blood pressure increase, muscle spasm and rarely, death. Scary, but then again, he IS a ninja dog so he can probably handle it :)

Magic

There is magic at work!! Every night, my husband and I go to bed and mysteriously overnight the bed exudes a strange draw so that by morning, we have FIVE bodies in it (four are even human- one hairy mess lies at our feet). What to do what to do??
I have some pretty strong convictions about babies sleeping with their mommies if they need to and am completely against sleep training infants. It is a very personal decision for a parent and the separate philosophies can drive pretty polarized debates. My 7 month old is currently in the throes of teething and if night nursing and sleeping next to me keep her comfortable and secure as those little chompers break through, then that is what is going to happen. It is VERY possible to safely co-sleep if you follow the rules! Luckily for me, she naps very well and even (gasp!) goes to sleep on her own and actually slept pretty darn well overnight too until her oral barrage began.....
My son however..... has never ever been an "easy" sleeper. He was an all-night nurser for 6 months and was not completely night weaned until he was 11 months old. I was adamant that we respond to his cries and not let him "cry it out" again, to each his own, that is my parenting style. He eventually slept pretty well but the addition of a new little person in the house who vies for our affection has thrown a kink in the deal- plus he can get out of his bed, unlike the crib. During the day, he is the most independent little person but nighttime requires our presence these days. Now that he is three, I feel like we can sleep train him a bit and I have been scouring the net/books for ideas to keep him in his bed..... any ideas from you mommies out there?
Last night he did not come in even once and when he woke this morning, I made a HUGE deal about how impressed I was with his staying in bed. Then we made a sleep chart- he got to pick a sticker to put on the day and when he gets 10 stickers, we told him we'd go to Chuck E Cheese...... I am not sure if he grasped the entire concept. He seems on board, but we will see. Fingers crossed :)

'Fall Back' off the schedule

Here we are two days out of the time change and as always occurs after shifting the clocks, my kids are way messed up. It is light out earlier so my son pops out of bed at the crack of dawn (if he isn't still in the bed from his nightly sleep migration- more on that later) shouts "Mom! Can I have a snack?!" wakes up the baby and forces my bleary eyes and sleeping mind to focus on his cheery blond head. Mentally I knock him over the head with my pillow but physically I gather his warm form into my bed and try to hush the little one back to sleep. Here we are, a brand new day....
As the day goes on, we are officially flying by the seat of our pants, my little nursling becomes a grazer who sleeps during her brief feedings and doesn't want to nap. The babysitter is going to love us tomorrow because there is now no such thing as a schedule! We still have a pretty good day overall and manage to squeeze in some outside playtime even though the sun drops right after my little man's naptime.
Strangely enough, they both stay awake until the new bedtime, so why is it that when my 'alarm' calls for breakfast in the morning, it will be so stinking early again???