I had an unexpected guest poster hijack my blog after Camden and I went to bed last night. Below is Matt's take on being a first time daddy:
Leading up to the birth of your first child, everybody tells you how much your life is about to change. I think those people are generally speaking about a lot less sleep and a lot more responsibility. They were right about those things but these have been the biggest changes I've noticed in myself since Camden arrived about 100 days ago:
*My understanding of the depth of unconditional love has been completely changed.
*I often find myself jogging to my car when I'm leaving work so I can get home to see him sooner. Fortunately, being winter, it is dark when I leave the office so the people I work with don't think I am that happy to get of there!
*As I approach my thirtieth birthday, I think I can count the times I have cried in the last decade on one hand. However, now I find myself with tears in my eyes about a dozen times a week. When Camden and I make eye contact and he smiles ear to ear with his tongue poking out just a little I can't help it.
*I have a new found respect for all parents. I don't remember anything in my life before kindergarten but I now realize my parents were busting their asses for years prior to when my memories started.
*My life before Camden got here seems so insignificant. Little daily things I would previously be concerned with I also don't seem to notice.
*I now believe there is such a thing as a healthy obsession. I have about a nine hour limit on how long I can be away from him. I usually have to pull up a picture at about the 4 hour mark.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
And so it begins.
Even though Camden is not yet 4 months old, I decided to go ahead and start a little bit of sleep training--just some simple stuff. So here's what I've implemented as of 2 days ago:
*An earlier bedtime. Gone are Camden's night owl days. Right now, he is going to bed at 9:30. We are gradually working towards an 8pm bedtime- maybe earlier.
*No (or limited) napping on Mommy. Camden is now taking some naps in his crib and in his swing. However, we've traded one problem for another. Instead of napping for 1-2 hours like usual, he is now taking 30-40 minute "catnaps". Frustrating? Yes. But hey- babysteps. We're making progress.
*Putting Camden down to sleep when he's awake. Normally, I laid him down at night when he was completely and totally zonked out. Like, so deeply asleep that an earthquake wouldn't wake him. I was worried about how he'd handle soothing himself to sleep. And so far, it's been hit and miss. Sometimes, he falls asleep easily. Sometimes, he rolls around and grunts until I come and get him. No crying so far though, which I consider a huge plus. I do believe that the key to this method is to put the baby down when he or she is a little tired but not yet to that fussy/tired stage.
*Sleeping in his crib. I loved having him in bed with us, but I think we were keeping each other up. Matt or I would roll over during the night and Camden would stir a bit. And then Camden would stir an hour later and wake me up.
*A bedtime routine! Believe it or not, we didn't have much of a nighttime routine with Camden. Sure, he'd get a bath. Yep, I'd read him a book or two. Of course he was changed into his pajamas. But it was never really at a consistent time or in a consistent order. So now, one hour prior to his bedtime each night, we follow the same routine in the same order: bath, lotion/massage, pajamas, read 2 books, some horrible singing from Mommy, nurse and rock, then bedtime.
So, that's where we're at right now. And we've still got a ways to go. But I'm proud of our progress so far. I'm posting this so I can hold myself accountable and make sure I keep up with this sleep training, even on the days (and I'm sure there will be plenty) that I'm tempted to cave and return to our old ways.
In other big news....Camden rolled over yesterday! He was doing the dreaded tummy time and all of a sudden he was on his back again. I think he surprised both himself and me. I was ridiculously proud of him.
*An earlier bedtime. Gone are Camden's night owl days. Right now, he is going to bed at 9:30. We are gradually working towards an 8pm bedtime- maybe earlier.
*No (or limited) napping on Mommy. Camden is now taking some naps in his crib and in his swing. However, we've traded one problem for another. Instead of napping for 1-2 hours like usual, he is now taking 30-40 minute "catnaps". Frustrating? Yes. But hey- babysteps. We're making progress.
*Putting Camden down to sleep when he's awake. Normally, I laid him down at night when he was completely and totally zonked out. Like, so deeply asleep that an earthquake wouldn't wake him. I was worried about how he'd handle soothing himself to sleep. And so far, it's been hit and miss. Sometimes, he falls asleep easily. Sometimes, he rolls around and grunts until I come and get him. No crying so far though, which I consider a huge plus. I do believe that the key to this method is to put the baby down when he or she is a little tired but not yet to that fussy/tired stage.
*Sleeping in his crib. I loved having him in bed with us, but I think we were keeping each other up. Matt or I would roll over during the night and Camden would stir a bit. And then Camden would stir an hour later and wake me up.
*A bedtime routine! Believe it or not, we didn't have much of a nighttime routine with Camden. Sure, he'd get a bath. Yep, I'd read him a book or two. Of course he was changed into his pajamas. But it was never really at a consistent time or in a consistent order. So now, one hour prior to his bedtime each night, we follow the same routine in the same order: bath, lotion/massage, pajamas, read 2 books, some horrible singing from Mommy, nurse and rock, then bedtime.
So, that's where we're at right now. And we've still got a ways to go. But I'm proud of our progress so far. I'm posting this so I can hold myself accountable and make sure I keep up with this sleep training, even on the days (and I'm sure there will be plenty) that I'm tempted to cave and return to our old ways.
In other big news....Camden rolled over yesterday! He was doing the dreaded tummy time and all of a sudden he was on his back again. I think he surprised both himself and me. I was ridiculously proud of him.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Worth the Wait
Dear Camden,
Tomorrow you will be 3 months old. Three months isn't a long time, yet I can hardly remember what my life was like before you. You are, without question, the best part of every day.
At 3 months you:
-Smile. A LOT. You have a large, gummy grin that just melts my heart.
-Are very talkative. Your favorite phrase is "Ah Goo!"
-Love bath time and you just learned how to splash.
-Are starting to discover your feet. Sometimes I find you just staring at them. Who can blame you? They're the cutest feet in the world.
-Sleep in your co-sleeper in Mommy and Daddy's bed. You normally wake up to nurse once per night.
-Love to kick your feet and squeal when you get excited. This often happens when you're getting your diaper changed. I'm still not sure why you enjoy that so much.
-Nap about every 2 hours during the day. Most often, you take your naps on Mommy.
-Can grip your rattle and other small toys.
-LOVE your reflection in the mirror. No matter what your mood, if you're placed in front of a mirror, you break out into a huge grin upon seeing your reflection.
-Are terrified of the vacuum cleaner and other loud noises.
Overall, you are a happy baby with a sweet personality. I truly couldn't ask for a better son. It wasn't an easy road to get you here, but I'd turn around and walk that road again without hesitation. You were absolutely, without a doubt, worth the wait.
Love,
Mommy
Tomorrow you will be 3 months old. Three months isn't a long time, yet I can hardly remember what my life was like before you. You are, without question, the best part of every day.
At 3 months you:
-Smile. A LOT. You have a large, gummy grin that just melts my heart.
-Are very talkative. Your favorite phrase is "Ah Goo!"
-Love bath time and you just learned how to splash.
-Are starting to discover your feet. Sometimes I find you just staring at them. Who can blame you? They're the cutest feet in the world.
-Sleep in your co-sleeper in Mommy and Daddy's bed. You normally wake up to nurse once per night.
-Love to kick your feet and squeal when you get excited. This often happens when you're getting your diaper changed. I'm still not sure why you enjoy that so much.
-Nap about every 2 hours during the day. Most often, you take your naps on Mommy.
-Can grip your rattle and other small toys.
-LOVE your reflection in the mirror. No matter what your mood, if you're placed in front of a mirror, you break out into a huge grin upon seeing your reflection.
-Are terrified of the vacuum cleaner and other loud noises.
Overall, you are a happy baby with a sweet personality. I truly couldn't ask for a better son. It wasn't an easy road to get you here, but I'd turn around and walk that road again without hesitation. You were absolutely, without a doubt, worth the wait.
Love,
Mommy
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Fat Man
This too shall pass, this too shall pass.
I keep repeating that mantra to myself.
We've reached it, folks. The 3 month growth spurt. And if I thought the 6 week spurt was exhausting, let's just say that one was practically a relaxing vacation compared to this new spurt.
During the day, Camden nurses every hour. At night, he nurses every 2 hours. He has new dimples on his thighs and about 3 chins to show for all of his hard work. As for me? Well, I've just learned that it's pointless to try to do anything other than sit on the couch with a boob out during these spurts.
Simply put, I am exhausted. But this too shall pass. And might I add that my little man looks adorable as a little Fat Man.
I keep repeating that mantra to myself.
We've reached it, folks. The 3 month growth spurt. And if I thought the 6 week spurt was exhausting, let's just say that one was practically a relaxing vacation compared to this new spurt.
During the day, Camden nurses every hour. At night, he nurses every 2 hours. He has new dimples on his thighs and about 3 chins to show for all of his hard work. As for me? Well, I've just learned that it's pointless to try to do anything other than sit on the couch with a boob out during these spurts.
Simply put, I am exhausted. But this too shall pass. And might I add that my little man looks adorable as a little Fat Man.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Birthmark Blues
I can't count the number of times that a doctor has asked me if the fist-sized port-wine stain birthmark on my lower back is a burn. Even when I was getting my epidural, the anesthesiologist paused and said, "Is this a birthmark, or...?"
"Yes," I answered before he could finish. "Just a birthmark."
So, wouldn't you know it- Camden came out with his very own port-wine stain birthmark to match his Mommy's. Only his birthmark covers his left thumb, part of his hand, and a small portion of his wrist.
At his first pediatrician's appointment, they talked to us about potentially having the birthmark lasered off. I figured we'd give him that option when he's older, if it's something that bothers or embarrasses him. And then I thought very little of it again- until his next pediatrician's appointment.
Again, she mentioned the birthmark and told us how easy it would be to have it lasered off. She went on to say that she strongly recommends having it removed at Camden's age, rather than waiting until he's old enough to ask to have it removed like I had planned. This is because the birthmark, while not very large on such a tiny baby's hand, will continue to grow in size as Camden grows. She explained that if we have it removed now, it might take 2-3 treatments. But if we wait until he's, let's say, 12 or 13 years old, it might take 7-8 treatments. And, of course, there's the cost to consider. Insurance doesn't cover birthmark removal (unless the birthmark is on the face) and the cost will be significantly lower at this age than it would be when he's older.
So, in March we have a consultation appointment scheduled with a dermatologist at Duke that our pediatrician highly recommended. I am dreading it. I asked the pediatrician about the pain involved and she said that it would feel like a rubber band snapping on his wrist. And if you read my vaccination post, I'm sure you know how I feel about seeing Camden in any kind of pain.
We'll see how the consultation appointment goes. I'm trying not to worry about it until then. Frankly, I think the birthmark is adorable, but I realize that Camden might not feel the same way when he's 35 with a half-purple hand. Decisions, decisions.
"Yes," I answered before he could finish. "Just a birthmark."
So, wouldn't you know it- Camden came out with his very own port-wine stain birthmark to match his Mommy's. Only his birthmark covers his left thumb, part of his hand, and a small portion of his wrist.
At his first pediatrician's appointment, they talked to us about potentially having the birthmark lasered off. I figured we'd give him that option when he's older, if it's something that bothers or embarrasses him. And then I thought very little of it again- until his next pediatrician's appointment.
Again, she mentioned the birthmark and told us how easy it would be to have it lasered off. She went on to say that she strongly recommends having it removed at Camden's age, rather than waiting until he's old enough to ask to have it removed like I had planned. This is because the birthmark, while not very large on such a tiny baby's hand, will continue to grow in size as Camden grows. She explained that if we have it removed now, it might take 2-3 treatments. But if we wait until he's, let's say, 12 or 13 years old, it might take 7-8 treatments. And, of course, there's the cost to consider. Insurance doesn't cover birthmark removal (unless the birthmark is on the face) and the cost will be significantly lower at this age than it would be when he's older.
So, in March we have a consultation appointment scheduled with a dermatologist at Duke that our pediatrician highly recommended. I am dreading it. I asked the pediatrician about the pain involved and she said that it would feel like a rubber band snapping on his wrist. And if you read my vaccination post, I'm sure you know how I feel about seeing Camden in any kind of pain.
We'll see how the consultation appointment goes. I'm trying not to worry about it until then. Frankly, I think the birthmark is adorable, but I realize that Camden might not feel the same way when he's 35 with a half-purple hand. Decisions, decisions.
Monday, February 1, 2010
What's that on your bottom, ma'am?
Okay, so nobody really asked me this. But they could've. And probably should've.
Today, Camden and I ventured out with my mom into the slushy leftovers of our snowstorm in search of a Miracle Blanket. I've read about these blankets on other blogs and after doing a little independent research, decided I must own one. Like, right this very second.
You see, I have to swaddle Camden every night. If I don't, he will sleep no more than one or two hours. Without the tight confines of his swaddling blanket, his little arms flail around everywhere and he often startles himself awake. I've swaddled him with basically no problem since birth. However, lately, as he's grown bigger and subsequently stronger, he's decided that it's his mission to bust out of his swaddling blanket. And, judging by the noises he makes at night while trying to do so, you would think it takes super-human strength to accomplish this mission. Last night, after listening to him groan and struggle to free his arms for an hour, I decided to set him free. And for one glorious moment, he enjoyed having his arms out, as he stretched them high above his head. And then, thirty seconds later, he startled himself and started crying, reminding me and himself why the swaddle is not optional at night.
So, off we went to Target and Wal-Mart in search of this blanket that, if you believe the user reviews, lives up to its name by helping babies to sleep longer stretches at night. This is because it's softer, more comfortable, and doesn't allow the child to "break free"-- the art that Camden has all but mastered.
On our way to Wal-Mart (which is my nemesis, by the way), we made a pit-stop at Starbucks. Mom ran in to grab us some coffee while I nursed Camden in the car. And then it happened. One loud squirt. Then another, and another. I knew what was coming, so I lifted him up and checked his back. Just as I suspected, there was poop running up it. I quickly cleaned him up and we continued on our quest to find the Miracle Blanket.
I walked through Wal-Mart and was disappointed to find that they didn't carry the blanket. I hurried back to my Mom's car, where she waited with Camden. And then I saw it: mustard-yellow poop on the car seat where I had been sitting. And I knew what that meant: if there was baby poop on my seat, surely there was baby poop on my butt. I did a quick spin for my mom so she could verify that I had, in fact, just walked through Wal-Mart with mustard colored poop on the seat of my jeans. Classy.
After our failed attempt to find the Miracle Blanket, my mom ordered it from Amazon. It should arrive tomorrow. I will let you know if it does, in fact, work miracles. Stay tuned.
Today, Camden and I ventured out with my mom into the slushy leftovers of our snowstorm in search of a Miracle Blanket. I've read about these blankets on other blogs and after doing a little independent research, decided I must own one. Like, right this very second.
You see, I have to swaddle Camden every night. If I don't, he will sleep no more than one or two hours. Without the tight confines of his swaddling blanket, his little arms flail around everywhere and he often startles himself awake. I've swaddled him with basically no problem since birth. However, lately, as he's grown bigger and subsequently stronger, he's decided that it's his mission to bust out of his swaddling blanket. And, judging by the noises he makes at night while trying to do so, you would think it takes super-human strength to accomplish this mission. Last night, after listening to him groan and struggle to free his arms for an hour, I decided to set him free. And for one glorious moment, he enjoyed having his arms out, as he stretched them high above his head. And then, thirty seconds later, he startled himself and started crying, reminding me and himself why the swaddle is not optional at night.
So, off we went to Target and Wal-Mart in search of this blanket that, if you believe the user reviews, lives up to its name by helping babies to sleep longer stretches at night. This is because it's softer, more comfortable, and doesn't allow the child to "break free"-- the art that Camden has all but mastered.
On our way to Wal-Mart (which is my nemesis, by the way), we made a pit-stop at Starbucks. Mom ran in to grab us some coffee while I nursed Camden in the car. And then it happened. One loud squirt. Then another, and another. I knew what was coming, so I lifted him up and checked his back. Just as I suspected, there was poop running up it. I quickly cleaned him up and we continued on our quest to find the Miracle Blanket.
I walked through Wal-Mart and was disappointed to find that they didn't carry the blanket. I hurried back to my Mom's car, where she waited with Camden. And then I saw it: mustard-yellow poop on the car seat where I had been sitting. And I knew what that meant: if there was baby poop on my seat, surely there was baby poop on my butt. I did a quick spin for my mom so she could verify that I had, in fact, just walked through Wal-Mart with mustard colored poop on the seat of my jeans. Classy.
After our failed attempt to find the Miracle Blanket, my mom ordered it from Amazon. It should arrive tomorrow. I will let you know if it does, in fact, work miracles. Stay tuned.
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