OMG this sucks

I just received every working mom's nightmare phone call.  The day care we lined up months ago was just rezoned and can no longer take our daughter.  I'm going back to work in two weeks. This is not news I know how to handle.

They referred me to another center.  I was there for a visit 20 minutes later.  It's not nearly as nice.  And how the hell am I supposed to find some place in two weeks?  With an opening for an infant??  That doesn't cost more than I make???

I was already upset about going back to work.  This is so not helping.  Researching day cares (thought I'd finished that...) was definitely not on my agenda for today!!

OMG this sucks

I just received every working mom's nightmare phone call.  The day care we lined up months ago was just rezoned and can no longer take our daughter.  I'm going back to work in two weeks. This is not news I know how to handle.

They referred me to another center.  I was there for a visit 20 minutes later.  It's not nearly as nice.  And how the hell am I supposed to find some place in two weeks?  With an opening for an infant??  That doesn't cost more than I make???

I was already upset about going back to work.  This is so not helping.  Researching day cares (thought I'd finished that...) was definitely not on my agenda for today!!

It's not all bad

So a few days ago, I posted about my chocolate addiction.  Turns out, my affinity for chocolate may not be such a bad thing!  Did you see this recent study??  Go chocolate!!

And to prove that chocolate really isn't so bad, I put on pre-pregnancy pants for the first time since May 2009!!!  I am thrilled beyond words.  It feels so awesome to be back in pants that actually fit.  Yes, I still have a gargantuan pouch hanging off my tummy - kangaroo pouches are all the rage this year!  I am so confident that I can lose the last five pounds to get back to my pre-Lulu weight, firm everything up, and lose ten more!

So bring on the chocolate.  I'll eat it while I walk!

It's not all bad

So a few days ago, I posted about my chocolate addiction.  Turns out, my affinity for chocolate may not be such a bad thing!  Did you see this recent study??  Go chocolate!!

And to prove that chocolate really isn't so bad, I put on pre-pregnancy pants for the first time since May 2009!!!  I am thrilled beyond words.  It feels so awesome to be back in pants that actually fit.  Yes, I still have a gargantuan pouch hanging off my tummy - kangaroo pouches are all the rage this year!  I am so confident that I can lose the last five pounds to get back to my pre-Lulu weight, firm everything up, and lose ten more!

So bring on the chocolate.  I'll eat it while I walk!

Best Buds

Aren't Girly and Lulu so cute?

And in other news, Lulu is really starting to play!

Best Buds

Aren't Girly and Lulu so cute?

And in other news, Lulu is really starting to play!

I take it back.

Those vaccinations do suck.  Lulu might have been a champ in the doctor's office, but she's a mess now.  She woke up from a 3 hour (sweet!) nap absolutely screaming.  I changed her diaper, and she kept screaming.  I popped a boob in her mouth - more tears.  I tried the other boob.  Nada.  She finally fell asleep on my chest, where I could feel her hot little forehead.  Where did I put that baby Tylenol?!

Two months!

Well, almost.  Lulu will be 8 weeks old tomorrow, so we went for her two-month check up this morning.  Lulu is 11 pounds 2 ounces, and 22 3/8 inches long.  And she took those pesky two-month immunization shots like a champ!

Yes, she cried.  Yes, she forgot to breath.  Yes, she turned beet red.  But after a few minutes of boob and consoling, she was passed out asleep in the car.  She's such a good girl!

So here are some two-month milestones:
- smiling back at us
- sticking her tongue out
- still not quite sure what to think about a pacifier, but not finding a thumb to suck either
- cooing
- gurgling
- holding her head up with reckless abandon
- peeing every ten seconds

Lulu has now also been on every mode of public transportation I can think of, minus boats.  We went into the city for the second time yesterday, riding the commuter train in and then hopping on the subway to get around a little more.  She loves riding in her stroller, and thinks the Baby Bjorn is awesome. 

Lulu also has two parents who adore her, four grandparents to spoil her, two great-grandmothers who think she's beautiful, four aunts, five uncles, and one canine best bud who has taken a new liking to licking her little hands and feet.  That adds up to one lucky girl!

I take it back.

Those vaccinations do suck.  Lulu might have been a champ in the doctor's office, but she's a mess now.  She woke up from a 3 hour (sweet!) nap absolutely screaming.  I changed her diaper, and she kept screaming.  I popped a boob in her mouth - more tears.  I tried the other boob.  Nada.  She finally fell asleep on my chest, where I could feel her hot little forehead.  Where did I put that baby Tylenol?!

Two months!

Well, almost.  Lulu will be 8 weeks old tomorrow, so we went for her two-month check up this morning.  Lulu is 11 pounds 2 ounces, and 22 3/8 inches long.  And she took those pesky two-month immunization shots like a champ!

Yes, she cried.  Yes, she forgot to breath.  Yes, she turned beet red.  But after a few minutes of boob and consoling, she was passed out asleep in the car.  She's such a good girl!

So here are some two-month milestones:
- smiling back at us
- sticking her tongue out
- still not quite sure what to think about a pacifier, but not finding a thumb to suck either
- cooing
- gurgling
- holding her head up with reckless abandon
- peeing every ten seconds

Lulu has now also been on every mode of public transportation I can think of, minus boats.  We went into the city for the second time yesterday, riding the commuter train in and then hopping on the subway to get around a little more.  She loves riding in her stroller, and thinks the Baby Bjorn is awesome. 

Lulu also has two parents who adore her, four grandparents to spoil her, two great-grandmothers who think she's beautiful, four aunts, five uncles, and one canine best bud who has taken a new liking to licking her little hands and feet.  That adds up to one lucky girl!

My chocolate lover

I'm having a clandestine affair.
A torrid romance.

With chocolate.

It's getting harder and harder for me to hide all the chocolate I've been eating from Hubby.  In part because the chocolate (and cookies and cocoa) are all over the place.  And also because my once slimming waistline has stopped slimming.

I'd rather have chocolate than anything else.  More than sex.  More than new shoes.  More than jewelry.  More than a quiet, happy baby.  Ok, yeah.  I'd rather have a quiet, happy baby than chocolate.  But it's close!

My chocolate lover

I'm having a clandestine affair.
A torrid romance.

With chocolate.

It's getting harder and harder for me to hide all the chocolate I've been eating from Hubby.  In part because the chocolate (and cookies and cocoa) are all over the place.  And also because my once slimming waistline has stopped slimming.

I'd rather have chocolate than anything else.  More than sex.  More than new shoes.  More than jewelry.  More than a quiet, happy baby.  Ok, yeah.  I'd rather have a quiet, happy baby than chocolate.  But it's close!

Got Beer?

My milk supply has plummeted in the last few days.  I have no idea why, but it's very frustrating.  Lulu is sucking as hard as she can for very little.  I can hear the swallowing slow way down, and the sucking speed up and intensify.  Then her little face turns bright red.  Then she starts punching my chest with her little hand.  And then she starts wailing.  And this is after five minutes of eating.  I obviously don't have enough for her!

So I asked my mom if she had any tips to get my supply back up.  She told me to drink beer!  So I happily cracked a cold one.

Has anyone else ever heard of drinking beer for milk??  Does anyone have any other tips for me??

Got Beer?

My milk supply has plummeted in the last few days.  I have no idea why, but it's very frustrating.  Lulu is sucking as hard as she can for very little.  I can hear the swallowing slow way down, and the sucking speed up and intensify.  Then her little face turns bright red.  Then she starts punching my chest with her little hand.  And then she starts wailing.  And this is after five minutes of eating.  I obviously don't have enough for her!

So I asked my mom if she had any tips to get my supply back up.  She told me to drink beer!  So I happily cracked a cold one.

Has anyone else ever heard of drinking beer for milk??  Does anyone have any other tips for me??

A word of advice for new moms

If it's been, say, seven weeks since you last wore earrings, GO PUT THEM IN RIGHT NOW!

For the first few weeks of being a mom, I really didn't care what I looked like.  Earrings are uncomfortable to sleep/nap/doze with, so I left them off.  Earrings be damned!  It's not like anyone cared how I looked anyway, right?

For the past few weeks, I've been meaning to start wearing them again.  Maybe not every day, but I do feel just that much more dressed and complete with them in.  And besides, the only two pairs I ever wear are gorgeous and were expensive.  They deserve some wear time. 

BUT I kept forgetting to put them in.  Until this morning.  When I had to force them in.  OUCH!

So here's my word of advice.  Go put your earrings in right now.  Even if only for an hour or two.  Don't let your ears start closing like I did!!

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Put on some green and celebrate!

Lulu and I are visiting my office today.  My coworkers can't wait to meet her, and I can't wait to catch up on the latest office gossip!!

A word of advice for new moms

If it's been, say, seven weeks since you last wore earrings, GO PUT THEM IN RIGHT NOW!

For the first few weeks of being a mom, I really didn't care what I looked like.  Earrings are uncomfortable to sleep/nap/doze with, so I left them off.  Earrings be damned!  It's not like anyone cared how I looked anyway, right?

For the past few weeks, I've been meaning to start wearing them again.  Maybe not every day, but I do feel just that much more dressed and complete with them in.  And besides, the only two pairs I ever wear are gorgeous and were expensive.  They deserve some wear time. 

BUT I kept forgetting to put them in.  Until this morning.  When I had to force them in.  OUCH!

So here's my word of advice.  Go put your earrings in right now.  Even if only for an hour or two.  Don't let your ears start closing like I did!!

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Put on some green and celebrate!

Lulu and I are visiting my office today.  My coworkers can't wait to meet her, and I can't wait to catch up on the latest office gossip!!

Play Group

My play group went really well today!  Not that the three babies ( at 5 and 6 weeks old) were really playing... but what fun for a few moms to catch up!  We got to address all the little questions we've all, as new moms, have had in the last few weeks, and see how we stack up against each other.  I know it was really helpful for me to see:

a) I'm not alone
b) I'm doing a good job
c) We all go through the same stuff
d) We're all good moms

Plus, it was a lot of fun!  I am usually a fairly shy person, so I'm really proud of myself for going out on a limb to invite the other moms over.  I met the one mom through the birth class at the hospital, and the other through the pre-natal yoga class.  We didn't know each other very well, which could have ended in disaster.  But I guess this is what truly makes someone a mom - hanging out with people you might not have anything else in common with. 

I was hoping for a 2 hour visit.  A little lunch, a little chatter.  But they stayed from 11:30 till 4:00!  I'd say that's a pretty successful play group!  I'm really glad I did this.

Play Group

My play group went really well today!  Not that the three babies ( at 5 and 6 weeks old) were really playing... but what fun for a few moms to catch up!  We got to address all the little questions we've all, as new moms, have had in the last few weeks, and see how we stack up against each other.  I know it was really helpful for me to see:

a) I'm not alone
b) I'm doing a good job
c) We all go through the same stuff
d) We're all good moms

Plus, it was a lot of fun!  I am usually a fairly shy person, so I'm really proud of myself for going out on a limb to invite the other moms over.  I met the one mom through the birth class at the hospital, and the other through the pre-natal yoga class.  We didn't know each other very well, which could have ended in disaster.  But I guess this is what truly makes someone a mom - hanging out with people you might not have anything else in common with. 

I was hoping for a 2 hour visit.  A little lunch, a little chatter.  But they stayed from 11:30 till 4:00!  I'd say that's a pretty successful play group!  I'm really glad I did this.

Go me!

I'm feeling very proud of myself.  Here's what I did yesterday:

• Took my BIG exam - and definitely at least passed!  It's an essay test, so I won't know my results for a little while.  But the grades are Fail, Pass and High Pass.  I'd love a high pass, but I'm happy to just not fail!
• I arranged a play date!  I met a couple other women through my prenatal yoga class.  Baby S was born the same day as Lulu (right down the hall!), and Baby J was born a few days later.  I am usually really shy and I barely know these women, so I really put myself out there to do this.  This is a big step for me!
• I WENT TO THE GYM!  First time in almost a year.
• I pumped a whole 5oz in one go!  I don't know about any of you other new moms, but pumping is difficult.  And there's such little guidance in the matter.  I wish someone at the hospital had asked if I was planning on pumping, and then given some tips on how and when to start.  I'm fast realizing that I should have started immediately, instead of two weeks ago.  There's no way I'll have enough pumped to send with Lulu to daycare in a few weeks.  And so far, she's not a fan of formula.  Oops!

And after everything I did yesterday, I even cooked dinner!  Go me!

Go me!

I'm feeling very proud of myself.  Here's what I did yesterday:

• Took my BIG exam - and definitely at least passed!  It's an essay test, so I won't know my results for a little while.  But the grades are Fail, Pass and High Pass.  I'd love a high pass, but I'm happy to just not fail!
• I arranged a play date!  I met a couple other women through my prenatal yoga class.  Baby S was born the same day as Lulu (right down the hall!), and Baby J was born a few days later.  I am usually really shy and I barely know these women, so I really put myself out there to do this.  This is a big step for me!
• I WENT TO THE GYM!  First time in almost a year.
• I pumped a whole 5oz in one go!  I don't know about any of you other new moms, but pumping is difficult.  And there's such little guidance in the matter.  I wish someone at the hospital had asked if I was planning on pumping, and then given some tips on how and when to start.  I'm fast realizing that I should have started immediately, instead of two weeks ago.  There's no way I'll have enough pumped to send with Lulu to daycare in a few weeks.  And so far, she's not a fan of formula.  Oops!

And after everything I did yesterday, I even cooked dinner!  Go me!

Oops!

Soo... I have a HUGE exam tomorrow.  I need to pass so I can finish this stupid masters degree.  Have I studied?  Not really!

I've been far too busy playing scrabble on facebook in between feedings and diapers to study!

Oops!

Soo... I have a HUGE exam tomorrow.  I need to pass so I can finish this stupid masters degree.  Have I studied?  Not really!

I've been far too busy playing scrabble on facebook in between feedings and diapers to study!

Hide and Seek

Where is Lulu?

Hide and Seek

Where is Lulu?

Home again, Home again

Jiggity Jog!

Lulu went for her first plane ride last week!  She was a champ during both flights, sleeping the whole time.  You can bet your bottom that the passengers around me were skeptical at first, and happily surprised when we touched down.  Yep.  I flew with Lulu by myself.

This included driving to the airport.  Parking in a lot where I have a free pass.  Taking the bus to the airport.  Checking bags.  Navigating security  And terrifying passengers left and right.  All.  By.  Myself.

Why would I do such a thing with a 5 week old?  So she could meet her great-grandmother!  My grandmother was over the moon to be holding her first great-grandchild.  It's all she's ever wanted.  In turn, Lulu gave her great-grandmother an enormous smile.  A real one!  Not one of those content looking smirks.  Not one of those "I'm burping" grins.  And definitely not an "I'm about to wail" grimaces.  A real smile!  She was a little shy with them the next few days, but has been smiling like she was born to do it ever since.  Even I have gotten some great ones!

It is so heartwarming to see your baby smile at you :)

Home again, Home again

Jiggity Jog!

Lulu went for her first plane ride last week!  She was a champ during both flights, sleeping the whole time.  You can bet your bottom that the passengers around me were skeptical at first, and happily surprised when we touched down.  Yep.  I flew with Lulu by myself.

This included driving to the airport.  Parking in a lot where I have a free pass.  Taking the bus to the airport.  Checking bags.  Navigating security  And terrifying passengers left and right.  All.  By.  Myself.

Why would I do such a thing with a 5 week old?  So she could meet her great-grandmother!  My grandmother was over the moon to be holding her first great-grandchild.  It's all she's ever wanted.  In turn, Lulu gave her great-grandmother an enormous smile.  A real one!  Not one of those content looking smirks.  Not one of those "I'm burping" grins.  And definitely not an "I'm about to wail" grimaces.  A real smile!  She was a little shy with them the next few days, but has been smiling like she was born to do it ever since.  Even I have gotten some great ones!

It is so heartwarming to see your baby smile at you :)

Baby Weight

I don't know how I am ever going to lose the baby weight.  At least while I'm still home.  Lulu might not be in my tummy anymore, but I swear I'm still getting cravings!  I could eat chocolate all day, every day.  Lord help the cookie within a 1 mile radius - it's mine!  I feel like I eat all day.  And when I'm not eating, I'm thinking about the next time I can eat.

I know you're supposed to eat more while breastfeeding.  But like 500 calories more.  There are 500 calories in that one cookie I'm about to attack... Forget the cinnamon buns, hot cocoa, grilled cheeses, and handfuls of M&M's.  I don't feel ready to leave Lulu at the daycare at the gym, and the weather is too crappy to take her for walks.  And if I spend one more dollar at the mall, my wallet is going to scream.

So what's a new mom to do?  I've lost 30 of the 40 pounds I gained, leaving me with 10 more pounds of baby weight + 10 pounds I'd like to lose.

20 pounds people.  And I need help!  How can I stop these sugar cravings??

Baby Weight

I don't know how I am ever going to lose the baby weight.  At least while I'm still home.  Lulu might not be in my tummy anymore, but I swear I'm still getting cravings!  I could eat chocolate all day, every day.  Lord help the cookie within a 1 mile radius - it's mine!  I feel like I eat all day.  And when I'm not eating, I'm thinking about the next time I can eat.

I know you're supposed to eat more while breastfeeding.  But like 500 calories more.  There are 500 calories in that one cookie I'm about to attack... Forget the cinnamon buns, hot cocoa, grilled cheeses, and handfuls of M&M's.  I don't feel ready to leave Lulu at the daycare at the gym, and the weather is too crappy to take her for walks.  And if I spend one more dollar at the mall, my wallet is going to scream.

So what's a new mom to do?  I've lost 30 of the 40 pounds I gained, leaving me with 10 more pounds of baby weight + 10 pounds I'd like to lose.

20 pounds people.  And I need help!  How can I stop these sugar cravings??

Post-Baby Intimacy

From what I have experienced throughout pregnancy and the first few weeks of being a mom, no one tells you anything actually relevant to being pregnant or a mom.  "Sleep now while you can," and "Sleep while the baby sleeps" are about as much information you get.  You hear that your feet swell during pregnancy, but no one tells you that your whole face swells too.  You hear that being a mom is "hard," and that "baby blues" are normal... but no one ever tells you how hard or how much you'll cry. 

And most importantly, no one tells you how much sex hurts after you're finally cleared for it!  To be fair, my mom mentioned something about it while we were watching daytime tv the week after Lulu was born.  But she kind of glossed over the topic.  (Who wants to talk about sex with their mom anyway?)  But what I don't understand is not even the doctor gave me a heads up to buy some KY.  It's all an evil conspiracy! 

On the other hand, it was really awesome to know that my husband stills thinks I'm sexy.  Wobbly tummy and all!

Post-Baby Intimacy

From what I have experienced throughout pregnancy and the first few weeks of being a mom, no one tells you anything actually relevant to being pregnant or a mom.  "Sleep now while you can," and "Sleep while the baby sleeps" are about as much information you get.  You hear that your feet swell during pregnancy, but no one tells you that your whole face swells too.  You hear that being a mom is "hard," and that "baby blues" are normal... but no one ever tells you how hard or how much you'll cry. 

And most importantly, no one tells you how much sex hurts after you're finally cleared for it!  To be fair, my mom mentioned something about it while we were watching daytime tv the week after Lulu was born.  But she kind of glossed over the topic.  (Who wants to talk about sex with their mom anyway?)  But what I don't understand is not even the doctor gave me a heads up to buy some KY.  It's all an evil conspiracy! 

On the other hand, it was really awesome to know that my husband stills thinks I'm sexy.  Wobbly tummy and all!