Grumpy Today ... and Lucky Last Week

Too much loud crying from infant son. 
Painful nursing sessions for the first time in three months. 
Cluttered house not yet unpacked from holiday travels.  Lonely from not enough conversation today. 
Feeling like a caged animal in my house.
Limited Christmas Fund Budget due to income halved without second paycheck.
Unglamorous dinner tonight of mini venison meatloaves (loafs?) and spaghetti.

Grumpy and overwhelmed.


Last week... lots of company and giggles with my sister and BFF. 
Cheerful baby tended to by other family members.
Non-eventful nursing sessions made me consider BFing as "Easy".
Cleaned up house due to lots of company motivating me.
Feeling free as a bird.
Panera and Baked Potato soup, followed by Fabulous Food at my parents' house.

I wish I could have bottled up that time last week!

Can Anyone Guess What This Photo Is All About?

Go on... comment with a caption that you think will explain the photo!

Multi tasking...

Quiche and pumpkin pie in the oven, left over ham and beans reheating in a crock, a deer roast marinating in BBQ sauce in another slow cooker for Husby's work lunches, frozen rolls rising on the counter, gigantic mess in the kitchen, "I Saw Three Ships Come Sailin' In" aka Pirate Christmas song playing, Husby unpacking and doing laundry, baby napping, and time for email checking...

Fabulous Thanksgiving Adventures... Long Post!

Fabulous Thanksgiving Adventures... don't they always include family, pumpkin pie, and relaxation time on a couch?  Mine do! So too was this year's holiday weekend.

Sniff Kisses from Uncle Larry and time on Aunt Jeannie's lap.

It was full of relatives doting on my baby.  That kid is getting so used to having multiple adults smiling at him and encouraging his play time.  And used to my mom buying him goodies, like new jammies, a super soft fleece blanket to play on, and an exersaucer.  This child is not lacking in the affection department!

This toy was a HIT!  He stood up and sang the whole time he was in it.

It also included some time watching Say Yes To The Dress marathon with my family while we played a funny game.  For the first time since our camping days when we played Sorry! as a family, my dad played with us!  This is something significant... he doesn't do board games.  But he played this game with us!

Friday lunch... Super YUMMY.

There were very little shopping occasions this weekend... I think only fuel, breakfast at McD's, and a bag of pretzels! Oh, and Husby and my father both bought more historical collectible firearms at an auction, but that doesn't really count for Black Friday Shopping, now does it? This doesn't mean I have all my Christmas shopping done... on the contrary, I have only three or four gifts purchased.

We played another neat game at my husband's maternal grandmother's house, a Landolt family standard... Chicken Foot Dominoes.  As always, Grandma was ruthless and spared no mercy for her son, two grandsons, and grand daughter in law.  This time, I was in charge of keeping score... have I mentioned that I frequently cheat in games?  So... my point column wasn't always added accurately!

Here, you see there are CHICKEN FOOT THREE AND CHICKEN FOOT TWO, and I am PLAYING CHICKEN FOOT FOUR.

We look super intense, but promise... it was lighthearted and goofy.

I think I've mentioned that I don't live in the same town as I grew up in, or in the same town that Husby grew up in.  So birthdays, holidays, and get togethers mean that we travel.  I used to resent having to pack (well, unpack is worse!) and spend an extra four hours of our weekend in a car, but I have started to be okay with the drive time.  Its time that I can just sit and talk to my husband. We are never alone together during these weekends away with family; in fact, we barely see each other on weekends with our family as we are involved in different activities.  So spending time with him alone just talking is a great chance for us to get closer.  Its also a great time to chill out/sleep/relax/chat on the phone if the other spouse is napping/driving.  That is why we trade drivers, though Husby does put in more than his fair share of driving.

When we arrived early on Friday morning at my parents' home in the country, we sat around the living room.  It was relaxed, casual, almost sleepy.  Then Husby said, "Geez, there's a big bird out there!".  We kind of ignored him, because we were discussing something more fun than ornithology.  A few minutes later he said, "Wait.  That's a bald eagle!  Go look at it".  Sure enough, it was.  It landed on a tree just a few feet from the deck.  We took some pictures of it, and it stayed within the tree line for quite awhile.  I felt like it was an omen.  A good one.  I mean, we never see bald eagles too often.  And they are the symbol of America!  So that was neat.

He visited for ten minutes.

So today we went to a family reunion that was for my maternal grandfather's family.  My grandfather's sister, who is my great aunt, and her husband, daughter, and son-in-law were the only people there who were not in my grandmother's family.  That is to say, it felt more like my Gramma's get together than her deceased husband's family gathering.  Gramma's three daughters came, one son-in-law, three grand daughters, one grandson-in-law, four grandsons, three great-grandsons, and one great-grand daughter came.  We didn't actually do much of anything... which was okay.  For some reason, I have an unhealthy fear and unfair annoyance about reunions, which I know I shouldn't harbor.  I think its my pride not accepting humble backgrounds... or its feigning chumminess with people I just don't see much.  I have found reunions to feel artificial bonding times. I think that its odd to need an occasion to meet with others who you are supposed to really care about.  I find that you can share genetics and a family tree, but not really share much else in common.  I know, its a sucky attitude. But I said I am working on it!

               

   Large group of those related to Tom Cooley, my grandfather, who established the church.

My Aunt, My Mom, My Sister share a laugh. 

My first cousin, once removed, Greta enjoyed laughing at my baby.    My sister also enjoyed laughing and playing with my baby. 

You'll notice a lot of BabyWearing when I don't feel comfortable having lots of people hold him or I am worried he is overstimulated.   Its okaky for us both, getting to snuggle.

Ooo, I've also got to remark about my cute son and sweet mom.  She bathed him twice in her super large sink, and he had fun both times!  He is just starting to view bathtime as a new play time.  Usually though, he doesn't kick too much.  He just seems to enjoy experiencing the water around him.  I'll close with a few cute photos from then!

Nana doing the bathing duties and Baby H showing off his elephant towel, another gift from his Nana.

Letters To Completely Different Shows...

Dear Jack Bauer,

You have quite a talent for distracting my husband with your shenanegans.  Ever since he started to watch your Season 1 DVD a year ago, he has been hooked!  I think he is much more aware of conspiracy theories and his desire to be armed for protection is reinforced. 

But, can you please stop doing things like cutting off dead people's fingertips and killing people by biting through the caratoid artery in the neck?  That is really grosses me out. 

I cannot watch your show because it is too suspensful and therefore, I do not sleep easy at night.  You keep my husband occupied so I can type on the computer and online shop, so thanks for that.

Oh, another request... enough with the BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP all the time.  Yeah, its dramatic, but really, we know that the seconds are counting up to twenty four hours.  That sound drives me nuts!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Haid




Dear writers of Glee,

You really are hitting it out of the ballpark.  Love your show.  Love the quick wit with which you pen.  As a former high schooler and high school teacher, I can relate to much of the plot lines and the one-liners.  However, you must know that very few high school kids think that fast and deliver punch lines with so much ease and without profanity.  I appreicate your talent and the way you are beefing up the image of artsy kids everywhere.  I am suddenly wishing I was in a show choir and could dance.  Okay, actually, I am wishing that there was a Finn to sing to me and a Mr. Shoo to dance like a 90s boy band member to make me giggle.

Fondly,
Mrs. Haid





Dear Rick Steves,

Can you please go to another continent? Europe is great and all, but you've been there, done that.  I'd like to see South America and learn about local traditions. 

Respectfully,
Mrs. Haid




Dear Vote Counters and statisticians of Dancing with the Stars,

I'm a loyal fan.  Really and truly.  But you've so let me down in the last few seasons with the "winners" of your show.  All of America really voted for Donny, Shawn, and Brooke?  When there were clearly much more talented and less annoying dancers out there?  And hotties like Gilles?  I think you are pulling the wool over our eyes.  I don't for a second believe you are running a legit operation.  I don't know ANYONE who voted for those guys.

(But don't worry, I'll still text in and watch faithfully.)
- From a concerned viewer.




Dear Darren Star, fantastic writer for Sex and the City,

So excited to see your latest work.  So, so excited.  Just thinking about it makes me want to re-watch all six seasons of SATC.  I wish I was as funny and quotable as you.

From, an admirerer

2,473

Two thousand, four hundred seventy three.

The number of emails that are unread in my husband's hotmail inbox. 
To the email address he's had for about five years.

Who knows just how many are in there TOTAL, since he doesn't use any folder system and does not delete messages that are read or spam. 

Good grief!  I saw this amount as I clicked through the screens to get to my email inbox (which actually has 12 unread messages and six well used folders to organize messages).

Baby Alarm Clock

My son was our alarm clock this morning, and unfortunately, we could not figure out how to hit his snooze button.  He woke up three times during the night, which is unusual for him, and meant that I got very little continuous sleep!

 After twenty or so minutes of Husby trying to calm him, he said, "Well, babe... wanna get up for the day? Its probably 6:30, so we could get an earlier head start to your parents' home."

"Ugh... blemmmmchacah," I mumbled sleepily.  Which meant, only if you drive and we stop for some caffeine later.

As it so happened, it was really only 5 AM, so we got a very early start to the day.  So early that we could have made several door buster deals and still arrived at my parents' home before breakfast.

Perhaps I will use him next year to help me wake for Black Friday shopping, which is something I certainly would like to do at least once in my life.

Post Pregnancy Hair Loss

Sure, I read about this in the pregnancy and new mama books.

But I didn't really believe it to be true.

Hair loss?  No way! Not me! That's soooweird.

But the last three times I've washed my hair, I have large CHUNKS of hair tangled in my fingers as I shampoo.  EEEEK.  So, I rub my palms together, rolling up these monster hairballs, and put them in the trash.  I mean, there's nothing else to do!

I don't look noticeably balder.  And I do have naturally thick hair.  So probably its like my hair is just a regular thickness.  Or at least I hope.

The freaky part is just HOW MUCH HAIR comes out.  For instance, I often lean over my son's changing table and play a little game of sharing kisses with him.  The other day I did so and he pulled my hair. Oops, I mean HE PULLED MY HAIR OUT OF MY HEAD!  About fiftteen strands of hair clenched in his little fists!  I let out a big yelp, which caused the baby to let out a big yelp. 

I think I've learned that in order to prevent the acceleration of my post-pregnancy hair loss, I won't lean over his changing table, not unless I have my hair pulled into a ponytail!
 

Four Months Old!

In a few days, my son will be four months old. 

FOUR MONTHS of mothering under my belt.

Four whole months of breastfeeding.

Four months and counting on diaper change and cloth diaper washing. 

Four months of sleep deprivation. 

Four months of intermittent makeup use. 

Four months of snuggles with someone shorter than me.

Four months of living in a house with two males who share the same first and last names 

Four months of trying to anticipate and react to my baby's every need. 

Four months of learning how to be selfless and to resist selfish tendencies. 

Four months of rapid-fire photography. 

Four months of searching for misplaced pacifiers.

Four months of consequences of reflux.

Four months without working outside the home for money.

Four months experiencing life as a mother.

Four months of extreme thirstiness and a deflating stomach.

Four months transitioning into the role of mother, a role that has become increasingly more comfortable, more full filling, more interesting, easier, less stressful, and entertaining.

FOUR MONTHS!  We've survived. He's thrived.  Hurray!

Thankful

This year, my list of blessings is much longer to count.  This past Sunday, our pastor preached about gratitude and the reasons why Christians are to praise God. 

I feel challenged by this quotation:  Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it".  Or conversely, its like giving someone a wrapped gift, but they refuse to open it. How frustrating that would be! 

It is my goal and intention to write out my thankfulness in Thank You note format to God.  I need to express my gratitude for a life that is abundant in blessings. 

 

Nervous About Something Silly...

I was given a blog makeover package from my bloggy friend, Mindy.  I felt so excited until I read about the process of how it happens.  I have to let this graphic designer be a blog administrator on the blogger site.

Yep, I know that is how she will install it.  Yep, I get that.  But the weird paranoid part of me is uncomfortable sharing that with her! I don't know her, for crying out loud.  I am suer she is a talented individual that behaves professionally.  But... I haven't ever shared a password with anyone!

And so far, I've always designed my blog headers or at least fiddled with different templates.  I know that I have no brain power or ambition when it comes to learning HTML code, so I should just give in.  But I am nervous.

Overtired

Overtired is a word used to describe what its like for a baby to be awake longer than normal or what is healthy for him.  When my son is overtired, he jams his fingers into his eyes and starts to make this odd whining/groaning noise that soothes him to sleep.  Sometimes though, its very difficult to coax an overtired baby to sleep.  Its like he has been up so long that he has gotten a second wind and intends to spread grumpiness around the family.

 

I feel overtired today. I had a Big Day yesterday, which involved being out and about for most of the day.  Doing shopping.  Nothing too strenuous! I was helping a friend select a more comfortable wardrobe, so its not like I was carrying heavy rocks around or doing long division in my head (two things that I think would make me reasonably tired!). 

 

I also have had two close friends over as company since Sunday afternoon, and I know I do tend to get extra doses of adrenaline when I have company.  I think I get anxiety my company being less than comfortable, so I want to clean and make things perfect for them.  Only now with a baby, I can make things half perfect for them, because I am constantly interrupted or distracted by him.  So I guess half perfect is just regular/standard.  Ha!  I guess its better than mostly imperfect!

 

So this weekend I scrubbed my floors and cabinets in the kitchen.  This task hasn't been done since June. I had a good burst of energy to do it on Saturday, but I feel like I am still recovering!  Isn't that odd?  I mean, I have been unpregnant four months now. I already had swine flu, so its can't be that making me tired.  My baby is starting to sleep for about 6 hours at night, and then another four hours in a row after that, so I am getting more sleep.  But, Iamstillsotired.sosososotired.

 

I think the excitement of the last year has left me a bit overtired.  Just like my son, I am a bit fussy and I feel like jamming my fingers in my eyes.  

 

I think I will take it easy for today and TRY to take it easy (naps!) over this Thanksgiving traveling weekend.  Taking it easy will mean that I won't make culinary creations, complain about things (so draining!), or be the one to drive to and fro.  I will participate in all the activities, but I will be a bit more muted and lackadaisical.

 

 

Company, Company!

My sister Rachie and my dear friend Ann have come to visit. Their stays are overlapping, which meant that Baby H could have twice the attention from aunties!



We spent the day shopping downtown at our favorite places, including a Missouri artisan shop called Bluestem, which is my absolute favorite place to look (to buy would mean I would have a dozen wooden spoons and odd metalwork art objects cluttering the house and an empty pocket book). We also went to the Candy Factory, which is like a glimpse into Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. I won't share the other stores we went to, because we purchased gifts for others who read the blog there... hint... downtown shops!

We had a tasty lunch at Shakespeare's... YUM! And then returned home for Rachie to play baby sitter while Ann and I went to Barnes and Noble! I am thankful for my superfun Monday, though I do wish I had taken a photo of me with those lovelies, too!

Quote: "You've Never Been Excited About Cake Before"

Another random comment made by someone that really got to me.

Here's the scene - I'm out having Chinese food with my mom, sis, baby (of course, he isn't eating egg drop soup... not yet!), and gram.  It had just been my sister's birthday, and she had received three magnificent cakes.  We're talking SUPER TASTY cakes.  And photogenic ones, too.

And for the three days prior to this conversation, I'd been watching Cake Boss marathons on television at my parents' home.  I had cake on the brain.

"Ooo, you've got left over cake? Maybe we should stop by for a slice!" I said.

"Oh, hun. That's unlike you! You don't get excited about cakes.  You would have never said that in the past", commented my grandmother.

Her comment caught me off gaurd... and made me wonder if I wasn't supposed to like cake. If I'd given her the impression that I wasn't into dessert or something.  If the fact that I am still packing extra pounds post pregnancy means I am eating cake like everyday. 

This totally gave me a food complex. Yes, its true. I used to restrict my food. I used to limit desserts.  I rarely ate in front of family members, and I convinced myself I wasn't into desserts.  It was part of an eating disorder! That's why I never made comments like that! 

Of course, my grandmother never knew about that struggle, and she doesn't know that comments like that make me feel bad about myself. She couldn't know that it was a triggering remark.  Or that I felt major guilty like I shouldn't ever think about eating cake since I didn't use to and I used to be thin. 

Yet another random quote that got into my head. 

Quote: "You're the Happiest I've Ever Seen You"

Lately, people have told me things about myself that have really made me think. I decided to write them down and ponder them, so I could finally get them out of my head and on paper.

Here's one: "You must really enjoy being a mom.  I have never seen you so happy."

This off hand comment was made at a social function about three days after I delivered my son.  A close friend said it. I was really surprised that she said it.  So surprised that my comment was "Ehmmm, yes."

I was exhausted.  I had a teeny baby in my charge, and I knew very little about him.  I had house guests and minimal time for personal affairs like showering or blogging or sleeping.  Happy? Happiest ever?  Was I a total grump bunny before?

Then I realized... I met this girl when I was pregnant the first time in 2007.  We were both pregnant, actually.  She went on to have a lovely, healthy baby, and I... didn't.  I experienced hard-core, faith-questioning depression.  We remained friends, but I realized she never knew me as a woman who was carefree and blissful.  I was totally NOT blissful as a mom of a miscarried little one.

So I am probably the happiest she has ever known me.  Maybe my outward appearance conveys this happiness better than it did in the past now that I have a little one to dote on and interact with.  I'm not sure.

Is this the happiest I've ever been?   Is this the happiest I will ever be?

No, on both occasions, I think.  This baby has only lessened my saddness by adding joy to my life.   I have much more joy in my life to temper out the bad stuff.  Its like when I first fell in love with my husband... my close friends noticed a big change in my demeanor and said I must be in love, that I must be truly happy.  Husby had just added a larger portion of joy into my life.

I think that as my circle of loved ones grows through extended family, friendships, or perhaps more children, people will continue to say "You're the happiest I've ever seen you" because I will continue to grow in happiness.

Trip Down Memory Lane: June 2004

Recipe for Wine Tasting:

Suitable college apartment to host event

Wine glass, one per person

Corkscrew and/or pronged bottle opener

Variety of local wines, mostly sweet and semi-sweet

Girls, giggling, all older than 21

Light hors d'oeurves, such as crackers, grapes

Large window of time to enjoy conversation and, of course, the vino

Proof of That I Am Not a Single Momma: Significant Ring Finger Jewelry

A ring finger that contains an engagement ring AND a wedding band. 

That means when I am in public tending to my baby I don't have to dodge the wondering look of nosy passerbys.  I have noticed more than a few critical onlookers checking out my ring finger. I bet they were clucking to themselves, "Single mother, poor thing.  Rough way to go! No wonder her hair is a mess and she hasn't got her stuff together...".  I'm not totally sure that is what they were thinking... but its my guess! Its the same people who judged me as a trampy unwed mother a few months ago!

I've just recently been able to put both onto my fingers. I know pregnancy water weight, swelling of joints caused by the prosteglandin, and puffiness caused by IV fluids.  And I know... pregnancy just made my hands fat.  Fatter than what my normal is, which made me feel self concious.  I looked at some pictures from the summer and noticed that my fingers were sausage puffy.  And in some photos, I was trying to hide my hands out of embarressement.

But now, I've got thin fingers and a wedding ring ensemble! Hurray!

I don't have abnormally skinny fingers or anything.  And they aren't really long, either.  When I played piano, I felt like they were much longer and more elegant.  They were nimble, too.  Actually, I used to do a lot of MSN Messenger, so maybe the instant messaging was to credit for my digit dexterity, not the piano lessons!  

Ugh!! It Was Like Peanut Butter... Probably TMI, I Know.

Baby H finally had a bowel movement.  Finally.

This no pooping thing really caused a stir in our house.  We'd check in with each other after each diaper change, and with each puff of foul smelling gas that was passed, we'd wonder if it was the time.   Baby H's misadventures with farting.  Blech.

So, TWELVE days after his last one, he filled the diaper.  I felt so relieved. 

I hope sincerely that I never have to have this much thought devoted to bowel movements again... EVER.  I know its one of those live and learn things.  My pediatrician kept reassuring that all would be fine.  My friends with babies indicated it was a long time, but probably not abnormal. 

And, FYI, if a baby is having pooping problems, the fecal material will look like pebbles.  I saw peanut butter in his diaper, not pebbles.  I am so  glad adults don't have to worry about those odd descriptors for their poops.

Oh, But I Must!

Today, I have a long list of must do this-es.  Because I've been doing a lot of that-s lately (out and about, traveling, lazy mornings with my kid, reading journals and blogs online, sorting through digital photos, etc).

 

So I am banning myself from my computer, including EMAIL, effective at 10 AM this morning!  I mean, like actually TURN OFF THE LAPTOP.  Seriously!   And I won't come back until...

 

• I've cleaned my bathroom ew... honest but totally gross... haven't scrubbed it since the day before labor started... total lack of nesting!
• I have sorted and prepared the cloth diaper laundry to be put back into his diaper drawer... yes, a draw back of cloth diapering is preparing the diapers to be stacked up... not a huge deal, but involves placing microfiber inserts into the pockets of the diapers.
• I have located the mortgage payment booklet...can't blame the baby for misplacing this one!
• Mopped the kitchen floors....Another thing that hasn't been done in two months, easily...
• Put away the Halloween decorations that have been on the closet floor
• Vacuumed everything, everywhere
• Made a nutritious lunch for myself
• I've completed my Couch to 5K for the two days I've missed
• Seriously considered our Christmas Wish Lists...okay, I know this is a fun one, but its something I've been putting off

While I enjoy browsing Amazon.com and checking my email or facebook every five minutes, its something I cannot do today and be responsible with the rest of my life.  So my Internet life is on hold... and I wonder how long?

 

Its so me to have to come back to my blog to check my To Do list... and then get side tracked, so I am writing it down on paper!

Cute Baby Photo of the Week...

Little Baby Haid is fast becoming Medium-Sized Baby Haid! He wanted to stop by with a little greeting for you, lovely blog readers. So, "Hi!" from Baby Haid!

One Way You Can Tell I Am Different Now Than Before I Was a Mother...

I've discussed poop via email. 

I would have never dreamed of doing so before motherhood.



Excerpt from email conversation with pediatrician:

Dr. W,
I know you say that exclusively breastfed babies shouldn't have pooping problems. I just wanted to double check though about this situation... since I think its weird.

Baby used to poop after nearly every feeding, similar consistency and amounts. This week he has only pooped once. After three days. It was like butterscotch pudding. Copious amounts. He hasn't pooped for two days now, which is a lot like the last time of going (or not going:) after three days.

Is it fine?
Thanks.


yep, its ok. I prefer to think about it as that Breast milk is so nutritious, that there is nothing left to come out as poop. My son (6 months) poops every 9-10 days. As long as its no pebbles when it comes out, we are good.
- Dr. W.

Dr.W,

We're on day nine of the poop strike. Is there something more I can be doing to help my gassy baby besides tummy massage and frequent feeding?

Thanks.


I expect the doctor will send me another "chill out about the pooping" email.

Trip Down Memory Lane: February 2005

What: First photo as home owners (or mortgage signers!)

Who:Mee, about four months pre-Mrs. Haid, and my then-fiance, who was actually Mr. Haid then, too, as he is now.

Where: Standing in front of our home the afternoon after we signed the contracts and were given the keys

When: A chilly February 2005 afternoon, a few months shy of my undergrad degree and in the middle of my high school biology student teaching semester

Why: We could not continue to live at his house, a true bachelor pad with four other smelly guys and a dog, nor with my single roommate in a teeny apartment.

Product Review: Aden and Anais Swaddle Blankets

I am a firm believer in swaddling. I read the H. Karp research about it for comforting a small infant.  I read E. Pantley's reasons for swaddling for sleep. Nearly every infant care and parenting book promotes swaddling, but I've found that so few parents that I know actually do it... or do it correctly.

My good friend Ann gave me one of the Aden and Anais swaddle blankets for a baby shower.  I loved the dinosaur print and the light feel of the fabric... my baby was a summer baby!  It wasn't until I actually used the blanket to wrap Baby H that I realized how lovely they were.

So I ordered 4 more.  I ordered from Cotton Babies, but diapers.com and Target.com also have them. 

Now we've got dinosaur, giraffe, hippo, monkey, and bird prints.

In the first weeks of my son's birth, I went through three of these blankets a day due to spit ups or diaper leaks.  I really needed the extra blankets!  I also used them to block out sunlight on his stroller, for a tummy time mat, and to put flat in his moses basket.  These were indispensable.

In the first three months of his life, my son was swaddled for each nap and nighttime sleep.  Provided I wasn't lazy and actually wrapped him properly, he could not break free from the swaddle.  On occasion, I'd see a little fist had worked its way up through the wrapping, which was super cute.  He still stayed mostly wrapped, however.

Now that my baby is larger and more active, I use two swaddle blankets to wrap him.  He stays cozy and warm and secure.  He sleeps so much better (read: longer, quieter, restfully) when he is wrapped.

The small flannels that are used for newborns in a hospital are NOT adequate swaddle blankets.  They are much too small for even a two week old infant!  I have several of these receiving blankets, but I only use them as towels, burp up catchers, and liners on the changing table.  They simply aren't good enough for wrapping a baby.

I fully recommend purchasing one or more of these for family with a newborn, especially if they are trying to implement The Happiest Baby on the Block ideas.  The price does seem high at first, but I know they can be reused for subsequent children and are quite durable.  I don't regret purchasing the extra four blankets! 

A word of caution... I think they smell a bit weird when they come out of the package.  I think the plastic packaging has some odor or something.  After two washes, they were perfectly odorless.  And when laundering, there are some fabric pills, but I understand that muslin acts that way in the dryer. 



 

Saturday Snippet: Drive Thru Panera!!

I've been wanting to write weekly weekend updates, but by the time I finally get to it, its Tuesday, and I am not sure that the topic is still relevent!

I have to write about a neat thing from this weekend.

A Panera with a drive thru window.

Are you kidding me?  How awesome is this?  There are days when I crave a good Napa Chicken Salad Sandwich, but its just too much effort to tote the baby from the parking lot to the order area to the seating area and then dash back up for my meal.  A drive thru ordering system would make so much sense and help this new momma out!

Because I had lunch with my mother and sister, I had lots of help entertaining Baby H.  In fact, I was able to nurse him in the restaurant, something that is really difficult to pull off if I am alone!  Then, I was able to eat my caesar salad and most of my sister's macaroni and cheese while they loved on my son. 

Meal Plan Monday

Meal Plan for the Week:

Monday - Roasted Butternut Squash and Turkey Sausage, Stewed Lentils and Tomatoes
Tuesday - Roasted Red Potatoes with Rosemary, Turkey Roast
Wednesday - Black Bean Soup
Thursday -  Haluski with Pancetta
Friday  - ? Perhaps dinner out or a nice treat from my Wednesday shopping trip

Notes:

• I am hoping the lentils will taste better as leftovers.  I was not impressed!
• For some reason, I bought a lot of Jenni-O products and need to sort through my freezer.
• My goal for serving fresh veggies and beans and reducing our meat intake is happening!  Its a lot more prep than say, a frozen lasagne, but I am finding chopping veggies more than somewhat therapuetic.
• I've gotta clear out the freezer to make way for some of Husby's Fall 09 Deer!