The family that Crocs together, ROCKS together!
We bought Ana her first pair of clogs today. Wearing Crocs, as Simeon always says, is like walking on marshmallows and that is an experience we are not about to deny our daughter. Plus, they are just the cutest little things I have ever seen and I couldn’t resist.
Baby, Mama, and Daddy Crocs all in a row!
Tonight Ana reached a milestone I had hoped we wouldn’t experience for several years, if at all. She had her first visit to the Emergency Room. As we do every evening, I placed Ana in her Bumbo on the counter while I cleaned up the kitchen after dinner. However tonight, in her even increasing physical prowess, she managed to push her legs or arch her back or twist just right (it all happened so fast it was hard to tell) that the Bumbo flipped over and Ana fell off the counter and on to the wood floor. I ran over, grabbed her up and and quickly looked her over to make sure she was ok. I was instantly relieved to find her conscious and with no major injuries. Then I braced myself for the scream that was to come. And did it come.
I hugged my poor screaming baby like my life depended on it. By that time Simeon had run into the kitchen and he promptly went into “protective Daddy mode” to make sure everyone was ok. I leaned Ana back to let Sim look her over and instantly panicked when I realized there was blood on my shirt. We looked Ana over and discovered a small amount of blood coming from inside her mouth. We quickly realized she must have bitten her lip when she fell (damn those two and a half teeth!) and grabbed her an ice pack to put on her mouth. Thankfully, the bleeding stopped just about as quickly as it started.
Once I calmed down a little bit and stopped shaking, I told Sim to call the pediatrician to see if we should take her in to the emergency room, or at the very least what we should do to make her feel better. Not knowing exactly what hit the ground when she fell, I had to assume the worst and instantly thought of a brain injury. While Sim searched for the pediatrician number, I did everything in my power to soothe Ana, all the while still looking her over for signs of pain. Finally she started to calm down and we noticed a red bump forming on her forehead. While she was screaming her entire face was red and the bump was indistinguishable, but with her normal color back the red lump was quite menacing and very obvious.
Finally we got a hold of the on call doctor who asked a myriad of questions and deduced that based on the height of the fall and the size of the bump we should take Ana in to the Emergency Room. So we grabbed her blankie and an ice pack bear and loaded her into the car. She was pretty exhausted by this point and kept trying to fall asleep. Thoughts of concussions still in our heads, we decided to keep her awake and did so the only way we knew how–by singing the Gilmore Girls theme song (her current favorite) over and over.
By the time we got to the E.R. she was already looking a million times better and starting to act like her normal self. In fact, during the course of our visit she giggled and flirted with the admitting doctor, played peek-a-boo with a nurse, and tried to grab every stethoscope she could find. After giving her a thorough exam, she was deemed fit to leave the E.R. and we were given instructions of things to watch for in the next 24 hours.
I know these things happen, and I am sure some of you will think we overreacted and you may be right. However, we were following our doctor’s orders and trying to do what was best for our daughter. I know if we hadn’t taken her in, I would have made myself sick worrying about what might be wrong with her and what I could have done to help make her better. My daughter is the most important thing to me and taking care of her is my number one priority. Besides, if she is going to be anything like her mischievous daredevil parents, this is just the first of MANY trips to the Emergency Room for the Bateman family.
I will be the first to admit it: I am a brand snob. Or as my college marketing professor would say, I am “brand loyal” (which just sounds nicer anyway). Now, I am not exactly sure why I am, because I certainly wasn’t raised that way. In fact, quite the opposite. My parents were always buying generic and it proved to be just as good as the more expensive alternative. However as an adult, I have found the adverse to be true. I am perfectly willing to pay a little more for a superior product. The few times I have tried to save a couple bucks buying the store brand has actually backfired because I end up going back and buying my tried-and-true name brand in addition because the generic didn’t live up to my expectations.
Now I could probably make a million excuses as to why name brands are better; for example additional capital, extensive marketing resources, and superior research and development teams. But this is my soap box and I don’t need to justify my opinions. The bottom line is I trust my name brands and they have yet to let me down.
Case in point: diapers. Now I have been a loyal Pampers user since the hospital send us home with Ana and a lovely pack of Pampers Swaddlers. We were given a couple packages of Huggies as gifts but every time we put one on Ana’s little heiny they would leak. So I tucked them in the back of the closet “for emergencies only” and high-tailed it to the store to buy some more Pampers. Recently the time came when Ana became too big for the Swaddlers and I thought if ever I was going to make the switch to a different brand, now was the time.
I asked fellow mothers for their opinions and the consensus was the vast majority used Huggies. Some even used Kirkland (Costco’s generic) stating that they were the same, if not better. I even heard a rumor that they are made by the same company. So I did some cost comparisons and discovered that the cheapest (name brand) diapers were in fact the Huggies at Costco. In fact, when Costco is offering a coupon, they are actually cheaper than the Kirland brand. So I headed off to Costco, with my coupon in hand, and bought me a package of Huggies. And I have to admit, I felt a little guilty doing so. Pampers had always treated me right and I felt like I was betraying an old friend as I hauled the box to my car. I justified it to myself by thinking of the money we would save over the years. Sure it’s only a penny or two a diaper, but until Ana is potty-trained, that is A LOT of diapers.
Then it happened. The diaper leaked. I can only assume this is karma’s funny way of telling me I should have just left a good thing alone. Naturally, the diaper would leak when we were out of town, leaving me with a limited supply of clothes and no washing machine at my disposal. Oh and did I mention that the diaper leaked ON ME? Yeah. I was nursing Ana when suddenly we were both very warm. And very wet. The diaper leaked through her outfit, through her swaddle blanket, and soaked my clean jeans. Just lovely.
Now it’s only been one leak so far. The first of many, if history repeats itself. However, I am not totally unreasonable-I am willing to give Huggies another shot. (Mostly because I still have the better part of a case sitting in Ana’s closet.) But the next time the diaper leaks you better believe I will be taking advantage of the Costco return policy and taking back the rest of the diapers.
I know I did the research, both opinions and financial, and all signs pointed to Huggies, but I think it all comes down to the magic rule of parenting: YOU do what works best for YOUR family. My sister had a theory that certain diapers just work better on certain babies. Two of her children were Huggies babies and the third was Pampers. Go figure. So maybe Ana was just meant to be a Pampers kid. And at this point I am more than willing to spend a couple extra cents per diaper on my favorite brand. If nothing else, the peace of mind alone is worth it to me.
Dear Ana,
I am so excited because today you turn eight months old. Eight is my favorite number and I am hoping this will be my favorite month. I don’t think this will be hard to accomplish because each month with you quickly becomes my favorite. Getting to know you and watching your personality emerge has been the most amazing opportunity, one that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Your Grandpa Larry is always telling the story about how I teethed on jerky. Last week while we were camping your cousins decided to see if you would like to chew on the dried beef and gave you a piece. You gladly chewed and gummed away at the salty snack, much to the delight of your eager audience. Well, I guess you take after your mother in that respect so we can go ahead and make that our own little family tradition.
Also last week on our camping trip you and I were sitting on our air mattress with Grandma Nana when all of a sudden we heard the most awful, nails-on-the-chalkboard grinding noise. And it was coming from you! I couldn’t figure out what you could possibly have in your mouth to make such an awful noise. But Grandma Nana, being so wise in her motherly (and now grandmotherly) wisdom said that you must have cut another tooth. Sure enough, I peeked inside and discovered you have a new tooth on the top. Grinding your (three!) teeth together has become a great pastime for you. I keep telling you that you won’t have any teeth left at the rate you are going, but that doesn’t seem to phase you in the slightest.
Over the last month you have gotten very good at baby talk and will sit and jabber away for hours. Only recently have you actually started saying “words.” I use the term loosely because while you will say them on your own and even repeat them with prompting, you don’t associate them with anything. Much to your father’s delight, you have gotten very good at Dada. In fact you have a “Daddy Repertoire” consisting of Da da da da, Da-deee, and DAD. I capitalize Dad because that is how you say it. In a very serious, stern voice. It’s not “Dad” but “DAD.” And you just love to practice saying it. In fact the other day you said it while you were crying which just about broke your father’s heart. I’d say that you are doing very well at wrapping him around your finger. Keep up the good work, kiddo.
We have discovered that you have the sweetest disposition. When we read books together you always make me pause on the pages with people or animals while you lean in and gently kiss the page. Sure, the kisses are mostly just slow open-mouthed head-butts, but they are kisses nonetheless.
While you are gentle and sweet, you are also female so you are able to change your mood at the drop of a hat. You can be laughing, contently playing with a toy and without even missing a beat you start crying. I have always wondered why crying and laughing, for being such opposite reactions, sound so much alike. I assume it must be to facilitate you in going from one emotional extreme to the next.
You have also learned how to use your cries to communicate your want for things. Now most people would say cries come naturally, but these cries are anything but natural. They are just about the most fake, annoying cries you can make and you use them whenever you see something you want. But more often than that, you use them when we have taken something away from you. Your dad calls it your Don’t-Take-That-Away-From-Me cry, which pretty much sums it up.
Another lovely phase we are experiencing is separation anxiety. You have an extreme Mommy Attachment. Now this is totally naturally and to be expected, as I am with you all the time, but it has gotten to the point where you will cry if I walk out of the room for even a second. And you can forget about me letting someone else hold you. These are unforgivable offenses. Your father says “there is Mommy and then there is everyone else” because sometimes you won’t even let him hold you. You will cry and look towards the door to try and find me. This is all bittersweet for me, because while I love that you love and need me so much, occasionally I have to leave you. I mean, sometimes I really gotta pee!
Now I know a lot of this sounded pretty intense, and a non-parent would read this and decide they will never have children. But these are all just phases that prove you are learning, discovering, and developing. Also for every whine or cry, there are five times more smiles and giggles. And I would be completely lying if I didn’t say that every minute I spend with you is the happiest of my life.
All my love,
Mama
Yesterday Simeon, Ana and I returned from a week long camping trip at Cove Palisades State Park. Simeon and I have talked about it a bunch and decided we don’t want Ana to grow up being all prissy. We want her to be comfortable in the woods and not be afraid to get dirty. So get dirty we did.
We played in the dirt, splashed in the lake, and took Ana on her first boat ride. It was great to get out of town and enjoy the outdoors. I always forget how beautiful the stars can be away from the lights of the city. Not to mention the sounds of nature. Well, except those owls hooting at 2am. That I could live without.
Sure it can be nice having doors that don’t zip shut or not storing your food in melting ice, but on the other hand I didn’t think twice about the layer of dirt on my feet or the fact that I didn’t brush my hair for a couple days. I want my daughter to have a variety of experiences in life and now we can add camping to that list.
Thankfully my mother along with my niece and nephews, Emmitt, Emily and Hayden were there to help out with our camping experience. We all had a great time and you can see all of our camping pictures here. Enjoy!
Well, I did it. I finished the last Harry Potter book. While I am still in a haze from reading the entire 759-page book in about 30 hours (stopping only to eat, sleep and take care of Ana) I am deeply mourning the fact that there will never be another Harry Potter book. Sure, I will continue to re-read the series, allowing myself to slip into the mystical world J.K. Rowling created. I will be able to share the books with my daughter and experience the wonder and magic with her. But still. This is the ending of an era, and for that reason I am saddened.
While you will find no spoilers here, I will admit that there were deaths. So very many deaths. But there was also life. For each feeling of sadness, despair, and anger there was also happiness, laughter, and love. I am still trying to process all I have read, but I welcome anyone who wants to discuss the books to email me or leave a comment. As a courtesy to those who have yet to finish, I urge you not to leave any information in the comments. But I will say this: Oh. My. God.
As the seventh and final Harry Potter release date quickly approaches, die hard fans such as myself have to do all they can to prevent the last book in the series from being ruined. Leaks and spoilers run rampant on the Internet, the news, and just about any media you come across. Wanting to actually enjoy the story the way J.K. Rowling intended, I plan to attend my local Barnes & Noble Midnight Magic party with my girlfriends then quickly haul ass home, lock myself in my house, and read the book cover to cover before anyone can ruin the story. So my isolation starts now. I am avoiding the Internet. I am ignoring the news. And I am using my husband as my own personal shield from the outside world. So things will be a little quiet over here for a bit as I do all I can to preserve the literal and figurative magic of the final book. I’ll be back, eyes glossed over I am sure, once I have finished my copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Anyone leaving comments with spoilers will have their IP banned quicker than I can say “Azkaban!”
I was just watching a TiVoed segment from yesterdays Today show (I don’t normally record the Today Show but there was an interview with Daniel Radcliff about the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix movie that I wanted to watch) that mentioned how the majority of mothers are overstressed and therefore unhappy. Well I am pleased to report on this issue, I remain a minority. And it is in no small part due to the amazing people in my life.
I am a firm believer in the old adage that “it takes a village to raise a child.” While on day to day matters from diaper changes to middle of the night feedings, I may be the representing member of the village, the majority of the time I have help, or at the very least, support. I am surrounded by wonderful people who really step up to make my life what it is and I just want to take a moment to that them for all that they do.
Thank you to my best friend, Heather, who has been there for me going on 15 years. She is always there whether I need a coffee break, a trip to the zoo, or just some time to vent.
To my girlfriends, Megan, Kimberly, and Kerry “with a K,” who support me in my Harry Potter addiction and are willing to talk for hours on end theorizing about the series, critiquing the movies, or even discussing the merits of Sirius Black’s butt.
To Carole, Chelle, Jen, and the mothers in my playgroups who remind me that I am not alone in this and are always there with a lovely anecdote, some motherly advice or even just a friendly smile.
To Freedom, a friend and co-worker, who, asking for nothing in return, offered to babysit Ana yesterday so Simeon and I could watch the latest Harry Potter movie.
To Megs, who gets me out of the house, keeps me sane, and never fails to bring a smile to Ana’s face.
To my family who are always there when I need them, are willing to do anything for me in a moments notice, and who never fail to stop in for a welcomed visit.
To Simeon, who supports me in all that I do, loves me unconditionally, and allows me to have the perfect life that we have created together. For being the kind of husband who never forgets a birthday or anniversary, who always puts me first, and who never forgets to put his dirty clothes in the laundry. For being the kind of father who never misses one of Ana’s doctor appointments, who takes off from work early to watch a Baby & Me swim class, and who is always willing to let me “tag out.”
To my beautiful baby girl, Ana, who has changed my life in the most amazing way, who never fails to make me laugh, and is the first person who had actually caused me to cry tears of happiness.
I love you all and am so happy you are a part of my life, a part of my village. Thank you.
Dear Ana,
Today you turn seven months old, which may not seem all that exciting to you, but it is very exciting for your father and I. Actually we are pretty much constantly excited because over the last month you have had so many firsts. The one that impacts our lives the most has been the addition of eating solid foods. Rather than just nurse you for every meal, I now have to plan ahead. I set you in your Bumbo, with a bib around your neck and a spoon in your hand, and prepare your baby puree and cereal. But rather than being an inconvenience, it is actually the highlight of my day. I love watching your reactions to the various tastes and textures. So far you have eaten rice cereal, avocados, bananas, sweet potatoes, applesauce and prunes. You are still not sure about this whole food thing, and spend a large portion of the meal gagging…which I will gladly take over spitting or throwing up any day! As long as you keep opening your mouth for more, and reassuring me with a smile from time to time, we are going to keep right on trying new foods.
About two weeks ago you and I started a Baby & Me swim class, which at your age isn’t so much about swimming as introducing you to the water. We sing songs, splash around, and play with fun water toys. At first you were a little skeptical, but once you realized there were other babies and toddlers in your class you were very excited. You spend the majority of the time kicking and splashing around as you watch all the other children around you.
As a result of your swim class, I have noticed your increased confidence with water in general. You now play in the water during bath time where as before you merely sat still in the water while we cleaned you up. Now we have toys to keep you entertained–and keep the bath water in the tub and not all over my kitchen! But your favorite part is when we rinse you off because you constantly try to drink all the water we spray at you. Your Daddy lets you take occasional sips and we watch you wiggle and shake with all the excitement.
Your bottom front teeth are totally visible now, and while we got a slight reprieve from the torment of teething for a couple weeks, the obvious signs are back once again. You have an abundance of drool, spontaneous shrieks of discomfort and the most obvious sign of all, you chew or bite on everything. You love chewing on your Daddy’s cold pop can or my water glass more than anything else.
In the last couple weeks you have really gotten good with your hands. I have to keep a really close eye on you because you are suddenly able to grab just about anything within a couple feet radius. I think you also view my hands as an extension of your own because as soon as I pick something up you instantly stick out your hand for me to give it to you.
Every night as part of your bedtime routine you read a story with your father. But only recently have you actually started showing signs of favoritism in your reading material. In particular you enjoy the Fluffy, Snuggly, Cuddly Baby Animals book. It is a touch and feel book we bought to teach you how to gently pet animals. You love the book so much you have taken to “reading” your book alongside Daddy outside of our nightly rituals. Apparently you inherited both your parents love of reading.
On two separate occasions in the last month you have been with a babysitter. That is, someone other than your mother or father. While it was important to help you adjust to being around someone other than your parents, it was equally important for your father and I to go out on a date. Even if all we did was go out to dinner and ended up talking about you the majority of the time anyway. One thing we did discover on both of these occasions was your You-Are-Not-My-Mama cry. Now I would never in a million years wish tears upon you, but a tiny part of me was happy that you missed me. You wanted me. As soon as I picked you up and wrapped you in my arms I saw the smile spread across your face and you knew all was right in the world again. Just know, my sweet little girl, I will always come home to you and I will do everything in my power to keep that beautiful smile on your face.
All my love,
Mama
Ana’s first 4th of July went wonderfully. Sure we had to give one of the dogs a sedative (Molly, naturally) and I wasn’t able to fall asleep until the last residual fireworks trailed off well after midnight, but Ana wasn’t disturbed at all. In fact it got so loud in our neighborhood at one point that Simeon was sure our baby monitor wasn’t working and went to check on Ana just to find her sleeping soundly in her crib. What a perfect little angel.
But before she slipped off into her peaceful slumber, we took her outside to share with her the simple pleasure of fireworks. Well, sparklers anyway, because really who are we kidding? Sparklers are the best part of the 4th of July anyway, right? She was a little skeptical but kept her cool despite the smoke drifting into her face. You can see all the pictures here.