Even though I brought my camera, I didn't take a single picture from our marathon of family visits today.
First thing this morning Jesse cut the grass while Jackson and I got my car serviced. An oil change was long overdue and one of my tires was leaking. It always takes at least an hour at the car dealership. Luckily there are lots of places within walking distance, so I put Jackson in the stroller and we were on our merry way. (It was too hot to Ergo and I knew we would be sitting down for a while anyway.) I spent an hour in Bojangles sipping unsweet tea and tossing Jack in the air. A third of that time was spent in the bathroom looking at ourselves in the mirror. We enjoyed some shade and walked around a bit outside until my car was ready.
We were then off to Katie's house for our last play date of the summer with baby Connor and Jude. Jesse came with us today. Jesse and I ate a lot of fried food and brownies while chatting with friends and playing with babies. (After a slight nervous breakdown this week I am taking a hiatus from SparkPeople.)
The next stop was Aunt MeMe's house. Jackson reserves most of his talking for his parents, but he will generally talk to Christina if she plays with him with stuffed animals. My niece Emily brushed my hair and amused herself taking pictures of me in silly hats. The highlight of my day was when Emily and I both put our foot up to our ears and pretended to talk on the telephone. This was an impromptu act that we did simultaneously, which is what makes it so hilarious to me. She really is my child. Jesse watched the weather and repetitive news clips for about two hours, then Emily played with his hair.
Our final destination was dinner with my brother and sister-in-law and their children. Michael and April graciously took us out to eat at my favorite Chinese restaurant. I am fascinated by babies' interactions. Megan was extremely verbal. Jackson was very attentive but quiet. We greatly enjoyed the company and yummy food. Even though it was after 7 pm, Jackson thankfully saved his meltdown for the car ride home rather than in the restaurant.
Jackson received a bath, rub down of lotions and appointments, swaddle, and final snack before totally crashing. I am happy to report that he is once again sleeping a 6-hour stretch every night (normally from 8pm-2am).
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Clingy 4 Month Old
I am still tired, but the fact that I am able to spend as much time as I want with my son over the next three days puts me in a better mood. Here are the various things I neglected to mention yesterday in my previously overwhelmed state of mind:
I had the best dinner with my former 5th grade team last night! The highlights of the evening included a shared bottle of wine and dessert sampler, and misadventures in the parking deck that resulted in hysterical laughter. Seriously, we were laughing so hard tears were streaming down our faces and we were doubled over. It's so nice to have amazing women to connect with. This picture was taken when I was 38 weeks pregnant, but it's one of my favorites of us.
For the past two days, my sister, Christina, helped put my classroom together. The limited storage space has proven to be a real challenge. Organizing everything has been a very tedious process but Christina has kept me on track and her kids have been so helpful. I'll show before and after pictures when I am happy with my classroom.
My milk supply is a mystery to me. The first day at work I pumped exactly the same amount that Jackson drank. The second day I pumped five ounces less than what Jackson drank. Today I pumped two ounces more than he consumed. It seems to be quite a guessing game.
Jackson's new thing is he must be held at all times. When we lay him down he does a full crunch trying to lift himself up, and then gets pissed off when he falls back down. Jesse has to Ergo him if he wants to get anything accomplished. The amount of fussing has increased and Jackson seems exceptionally clingy with both of us. I don't know if this is separation anxiety, his response to me going back to work, or him just wanting to sit up and look around.
Jackson and Cowbell are developing a friendship. Cowbell has snuggled up next to him or even on top of him several times. She will even let Jackson pull her tail or ears without flinching. We're trying to work on gentle touches. Jackson is so intrigued by her.
One of the ways Jackson has learned to pull himself up is by grabbing my hair. Holy cow! I'm not sure how I have any hair left after his death grip. I made the mistake of leaning over to kiss him in his high chair and it took Jesse and I both to pry my hair from his hands. Of course, Jesse felt the need to take a picture before coming to the rescue.
I had the best dinner with my former 5th grade team last night! The highlights of the evening included a shared bottle of wine and dessert sampler, and misadventures in the parking deck that resulted in hysterical laughter. Seriously, we were laughing so hard tears were streaming down our faces and we were doubled over. It's so nice to have amazing women to connect with. This picture was taken when I was 38 weeks pregnant, but it's one of my favorites of us.
My milk supply is a mystery to me. The first day at work I pumped exactly the same amount that Jackson drank. The second day I pumped five ounces less than what Jackson drank. Today I pumped two ounces more than he consumed. It seems to be quite a guessing game.
Jackson's new thing is he must be held at all times. When we lay him down he does a full crunch trying to lift himself up, and then gets pissed off when he falls back down. Jesse has to Ergo him if he wants to get anything accomplished. The amount of fussing has increased and Jackson seems exceptionally clingy with both of us. I don't know if this is separation anxiety, his response to me going back to work, or him just wanting to sit up and look around.
Jackson and Cowbell are developing a friendship. Cowbell has snuggled up next to him or even on top of him several times. She will even let Jackson pull her tail or ears without flinching. We're trying to work on gentle touches. Jackson is so intrigued by her.
One of the ways Jackson has learned to pull himself up is by grabbing my hair. Holy cow! I'm not sure how I have any hair left after his death grip. I made the mistake of leaning over to kiss him in his high chair and it took Jesse and I both to pry my hair from his hands. Of course, Jesse felt the need to take a picture before coming to the rescue.
Under Pressure
It is 6:30 a.m. and I am typing with one hand as my peaceful, sleeping son is cuddled against my chest. I have been awake with him since just before 5 a.m. where he once again had an explosive diaper. (This never once happened in cloth diapers!) Jesse changed his diaper while I tried to clean the sheets. After nursing Jackson in bed, Jack decided he wanted to play. Jesse went downstairs with him, but I couldn't sleep since the amount of time I have with Jackson is very limited now. Jesse has been sleeping the past hour while Jackson and I talked and played. Now both boys are resting and my mind is running faster than my one hand can keep up with.
My body aches. I am mentally and physically drained. I haven't had a schedule in four months. I haven't had to organize a classroom from scratch and familiarize myself with a new school in three years. I have never had to pump anywhere besides the comfort of my own home or hotel room. I have never left my son for more than 4-5 hours. Until now...
When I do something I am passionate about, I give it my all. When I am at work, I am a teacher. When I am at home, I am a mother. The two do not collide. I told Jesse last night that I'm afraid I forget I am a mother while at work, and then think little of my job once home. I'm going to be a half-ass mom and teacher!
I am so worried about overcommitting myself at work. I've already been asked to coach Girls on the Run. All eyes are on me with this Strategic Staffing position, and I feel the weight of an entire grade level on my shoulders. Forget my class of 20 students. I am expected to miraculously get the 46 kids (78%) NOT reading on grade level ready for middle school by May.
Jackson drank 14 oz of milk while I was at work. I only pumped 9 ounces. Thankfully Jesse has an entire freezer full of hundreds of ounces of milk. But this extra stash gives me little peace of mind as I lay awake worrying about providing for my child. My new goal is to breastfeed for 6 months, then introduce solids and cow's milk.
I love being at work and I love being home. I am not unhappy in either place and I enjoy what I do. So why can't I sleep? Why am I so drained? Why do I feel under so much pressure?
My body aches. I am mentally and physically drained. I haven't had a schedule in four months. I haven't had to organize a classroom from scratch and familiarize myself with a new school in three years. I have never had to pump anywhere besides the comfort of my own home or hotel room. I have never left my son for more than 4-5 hours. Until now...
When I do something I am passionate about, I give it my all. When I am at work, I am a teacher. When I am at home, I am a mother. The two do not collide. I told Jesse last night that I'm afraid I forget I am a mother while at work, and then think little of my job once home. I'm going to be a half-ass mom and teacher!
I am so worried about overcommitting myself at work. I've already been asked to coach Girls on the Run. All eyes are on me with this Strategic Staffing position, and I feel the weight of an entire grade level on my shoulders. Forget my class of 20 students. I am expected to miraculously get the 46 kids (78%) NOT reading on grade level ready for middle school by May.
Jackson drank 14 oz of milk while I was at work. I only pumped 9 ounces. Thankfully Jesse has an entire freezer full of hundreds of ounces of milk. But this extra stash gives me little peace of mind as I lay awake worrying about providing for my child. My new goal is to breastfeed for 6 months, then introduce solids and cow's milk.
I love being at work and I love being home. I am not unhappy in either place and I enjoy what I do. So why can't I sleep? Why am I so drained? Why do I feel under so much pressure?
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
4 Months Old
Happy 4 Months Old, Jackson Lee! We sure do love seeing your beautiful face each morning.
You are too busy looking around at the world around you that you no longer cuddle on Mommy and Daddy's chest. Look how much you've grown.
You are too busy looking around at the world around you that you no longer cuddle on Mommy and Daddy's chest. Look how much you've grown.
 |
| Two Days Old |
 |
Two Months Old Four Months Old |
Monday, August 8, 2011
Weekend in Pictures
FridayFriday was a playdate with Jackson's favorite friends, Jude and Connor. I'm glad Jack likes them, since I happen to be a fan of their moms. Jackson and Connor were bullied by Jude during floor time. Time to toughen up the boys!
After surviving a monsoon on the interstate, Jesse and I enjoyed eating out at a barbecue restaurant that night.
Saturday
Jesse was still in quite the mood on Saturday, so Jackson and I ran errands. At the time I left I didn't know where I was going; I just wanted to get out of the house. We ended up at Concord Mills. Too bad I totally forgot that it was tax-free weekend. I'm pretty sure Jackson was overwhelmed as he totally crashed once we got home.
As an Ergo lover, I have never taken Jackson out and about in a stroller. It was such a pain in the ass! My challenges included trying to get him through the doorway before the doors closed, not running over anyone or getting runover by the hundreds of people stampeding past us, and using public restrooms. I think I'll stick to baby carriers!
After resting up, Jackson proved what great head control he has acquired by relaxing in the bumbo.
Jan and Jeff came over for a pleasant evening visit. They even brought us Japanese take-out and delicious lemon ice cream. After a rocky start, the day ended on a high note.
Sunday
Jackson awoke screaming bloody murder (polar opposite from his usual behavior). Both Jesse and I were on edge while trying to calm him. I was relieved that Jackson fell asleep on the way to church and was all smiles for the nursery volunteers. After church I went clothes shopping while Jesse purchased several weeks worth of disposable diapers.
The whole Harwood family enjoyed hamburgers and hotdogs on Sunday night in Rockwell. Jesse grew up in the country so Jackson was able to see his first cows in person. (His reaction was apathetic.)
Much like his father, Jackson is a creature of habit. A strict bedtime routine is followed that begins at 7:30 with Jackson asleep by 8. Knowing his routine well, I told Jesse before we drove to Jan and Jeff's that we need to leave by 7:30. We didn't leave until nearly 8 and severely paid for it! When Jackson gets himself so worked up he gasps for breath repeatedly and continues to rip the pacifier out of his mouth. It was a loud car ride home, but Jackson eventually fell asleep holding my hands in the back seat. (And yes, I had to either sit in the back seat or listen to hysterical cries for 40 minutes.)
Monday
Monday morning brought my first workday (a half day). We had our first ever blowout diaper early this morning that resulted in doing a load of baby clothes and washing the sheets and mattress pad.
Before driving off to work, Jesse and I enjoyed a FREE breakfast from Ikea. They give away a free breakfast (scrambled eggs, bacon, and potatoes) every Monday from 9:30-11.
Once at school, my teammates and I worked on our newsletter and grade level rules and procedures. It feels good to get back into the swing of things.
I am pleased to say that I was able to pump 5 oz, which was exactly the amount Jackson drank while I was away for four hours.
Next on the agenda was moving out of my old classroom so that I can move into my new classroom tomorrow. My strong, kind husband loaded up both of our cars while I nursed Jackson on the floor.
Unfortunately our day resulted in a headache as Jackson fought sleep for hours. Between 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Jackson slept a grand total of one hour. We took his temperature to make sure he didn't have a fever. I lost all patience with him after two hours of fussing. He didn't scream the entire day, but he was very cranky on and off and downright miserable the final hours before bed. I put his pacifiers in the freezer and he enjoyed sucking on the cold ones. I pray that we get rest tonight!
Saturday
Jesse was still in quite the mood on Saturday, so Jackson and I ran errands. At the time I left I didn't know where I was going; I just wanted to get out of the house. We ended up at Concord Mills. Too bad I totally forgot that it was tax-free weekend. I'm pretty sure Jackson was overwhelmed as he totally crashed once we got home.
As an Ergo lover, I have never taken Jackson out and about in a stroller. It was such a pain in the ass! My challenges included trying to get him through the doorway before the doors closed, not running over anyone or getting runover by the hundreds of people stampeding past us, and using public restrooms. I think I'll stick to baby carriers!
After resting up, Jackson proved what great head control he has acquired by relaxing in the bumbo.
Jan and Jeff came over for a pleasant evening visit. They even brought us Japanese take-out and delicious lemon ice cream. After a rocky start, the day ended on a high note.
Sunday
Jackson awoke screaming bloody murder (polar opposite from his usual behavior). Both Jesse and I were on edge while trying to calm him. I was relieved that Jackson fell asleep on the way to church and was all smiles for the nursery volunteers. After church I went clothes shopping while Jesse purchased several weeks worth of disposable diapers.
The whole Harwood family enjoyed hamburgers and hotdogs on Sunday night in Rockwell. Jesse grew up in the country so Jackson was able to see his first cows in person. (His reaction was apathetic.)
Monday
Monday morning brought my first workday (a half day). We had our first ever blowout diaper early this morning that resulted in doing a load of baby clothes and washing the sheets and mattress pad.
Before driving off to work, Jesse and I enjoyed a FREE breakfast from Ikea. They give away a free breakfast (scrambled eggs, bacon, and potatoes) every Monday from 9:30-11.
Once at school, my teammates and I worked on our newsletter and grade level rules and procedures. It feels good to get back into the swing of things.
I am pleased to say that I was able to pump 5 oz, which was exactly the amount Jackson drank while I was away for four hours.
Next on the agenda was moving out of my old classroom so that I can move into my new classroom tomorrow. My strong, kind husband loaded up both of our cars while I nursed Jackson on the floor.
Unfortunately our day resulted in a headache as Jackson fought sleep for hours. Between 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Jackson slept a grand total of one hour. We took his temperature to make sure he didn't have a fever. I lost all patience with him after two hours of fussing. He didn't scream the entire day, but he was very cranky on and off and downright miserable the final hours before bed. I put his pacifiers in the freezer and he enjoyed sucking on the cold ones. I pray that we get rest tonight!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Fashion Show
This totally conceited post is in memory of Mom, who always appreciated a good fashion show. (Or she at least amused me!)
Until this weekend, I had very few work appropriate clothes that fit. From January onward I've more or less worn solid colored t-shirts and yoga pants every single day. The only thing I own that fits is dresses. Unless I want to pump naked at school, these dresses aren't going to cut it.
After spending every penny of my $100 budget, I am the proud new owner of 2 dress pants, 4 shirts, 1 cardigan, and a new purse. (The handles of my purse were literally hanging on by a few threads.) Unfortunately I need to hem the pants. I still plan to browse thrift stores for a few extra shirts. I already have a few skirts and a pair of jeans to get me through the work week.
Voila!
Until this weekend, I had very few work appropriate clothes that fit. From January onward I've more or less worn solid colored t-shirts and yoga pants every single day. The only thing I own that fits is dresses. Unless I want to pump naked at school, these dresses aren't going to cut it.
After spending every penny of my $100 budget, I am the proud new owner of 2 dress pants, 4 shirts, 1 cardigan, and a new purse. (The handles of my purse were literally hanging on by a few threads.) Unfortunately I need to hem the pants. I still plan to browse thrift stores for a few extra shirts. I already have a few skirts and a pair of jeans to get me through the work week.
Voila!
Saturday, August 6, 2011
It's Official--We've Discovered Our Feet
More likely than not, Jackson can now be spotted holding his feet. Love it!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)