Dean at Two Months
Tuesday, July 20th, 2010
I am having a hard time taking good pictures of Dean. It's not that he isn't the most adorable baby but he goes a little bug-eyed as soon as I point a camera at him. And, he squinches up his face so it looks like he has three chins. Dean can't have an aversion to the camera already, can he? I have taken tons of pics and I could find only a few that show what a cutie he really is. So, I am going to have to resort to the nekkid pics of him- look at that cute little tush!
And, yes, I am courting disaster. I have been peed on quite a few times in the past month. You would think I would learn to shield myself but you would be terribly wrong. My son has the ability to shoot at a perfect 60 degree angle and with the force of a geyser. But, baby urine doesn't really bother me. Poop is a different matter. I've been covered in my son's waste and it is ALL Jimmy's fault. My husband, ever frugal, decided to buy the cheapest diapers he could find at WalMart (Dean's enormous growth meant we had to go up a size- newborn swaddlers don't cover everything anymore!). Here's the thing: we can get Huggies or Pampers from Amazon or Diapers.com for 13 cents apiece. The cheapie, generic brand are nine cents. But, we have to change Dean at least twice as often AND do an extra load of laundry because of all the outfit changes Dean and I must do in a day. These diapers do not absorb a teaspoon of matter. Everything gushes out of the sides and top in a horrific poop-plosion every time our son goes number two which is about 5- 6 times a day. So, we are actually spending MORE money and dumping MORE diapers in landfills than if we just bought the name brand diapers. Since I have ranted on my soapbox, Jimmy has seen the error of his ways...although it might be because he wanted me to shut up. I am not going to probe too closely.
We have discovered how to get Dean to sleep: by rocking and holding him. As soon as we put him in his crib, WAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!! That boy has us snowed. Oh, and our son can fight sleep. He'll doze with eyes 3/4 of the way down because he KNOWS that if he succumbs to sleep, he's gonna be put down. While it is enjoyable to have such a snuggly baby, we still need our rest. Sasha was the same way, though. However, Dean will spend some time in his swing, bouncer, and playmat (usually enough for me to get in a few gulps of food or get Sasha ready for camp). He can actually amuse himself for five minutes!
Our boy has become so healthy this past month. His eyes aren't flooded with mucus, his skin has become all pink and white dimples, and he rarely snorts anymore with congestion. He is a chubby, beautiful baby! Dean has started grinning this month- big ole' toothless smiles. I am powerless when he bestows one upon me. His whole face just lights up and his big blue eyes crinkle. We have no idea how he has blue eyes (I have almost black eyes and Jimmy's are the color of Chinese tea leaves) and I am praying that they never change.
Sasha at Three Years 1 Month
Thursday, July 8th, 2010
Sometimes I feel like Sasha is already a teenager. She is very particular about her clothes, loves to have her nails done, and has an obsession with shoes. She can sulk with the best of them. And, now it's her attitude. I'll see Sasha chatting with her Daddy and I'll ask a question. Our daughter has taken to responding in a very loud voice, "I'm NOT talking to you!!!!" Really, missy? It seems like my child's bossiness is out of control. Sasha has lectured my mother-in-law on how and when to hold Dean. Sasha will not let anyone speak when she's on the potty- apparently, she needs to concentrate. Jimmy and I are trying to control this latest development by talking to her in a stern voice and telling her she needs to talk politely. Need I mention that we are failing? Even timeouts are losing their effect. This demand to have things a certain way is just a phase, right? I worry that it is a reaction to all the change in the household, her way of regaining some control. But, she should learn that she can't walk all over us. Who am I kidding? We are softies. Must....be....firm!
It's so wierd that she is so pushy at home when she is the complete opposite on playdates and with her friends. Sasha is always the follower, eager to please. She allows the other child to be the alpha and is content to chase after him/ her (even the younger kids- one of her buddies is 6 months younger and sets the rules). It does make her popular as a playdate and there are a bunch of boys smitten with her. One even does a funny little strut around Sasha. Anyway, I am glad Sasha is friendly and very social. I just don't want her to be pushed around or be unduly influenced. Too late....
At camp, the latest fad among the tots are these rubber bands they wear as bracelets, Silly Bandz. Last week, she came home upset because one of the boys was "not nice" and wouldn't share. Sasha wanted to know if we could buy some right away. How can there already be peer pressure? I have not succumbed yet (although it would make for a good bribery tool!). I wonder what will happen once she starts preschool next month, what things she will HAVE to have. I am trembling in my chair as I think about it.
Sasha also discovered Otter Pops at camp. Her father (sucker) bought her one for a quarter and now she is obsessed! Mmmmm....high fructose corn syrup and dyes!!!! She'll whine for one for an hour after camp is over. So, i am compromising. I bought a popsicle maker and we filled it with juice. Now, I can in semi-good conscience allow her one a day. Sasha loves to help make them so that is an added benefit!
Sasha's swimming has improved so much. Must be all the daily practice. My fears of drowning are slowly easing as her skills sharpen. It's fun to watch her be able to play and jump with the older kids.
Sasha continues to love her brother and talk about him. She loves to brag about him to strangers (she told one that Dean love to drink from my booby). There has been a few jealous fits but the loving kisses still continue. And, she worries when he is upset.
It's been a tough adjustment for all of this past month. Trying to negotiate the needs of both my children hasn't been easy. I want to always be able to give them my full attention but that isn't possible. The most important thing is to be able to find time- even if it is just five minutes- to snuggle and show my daughter that I love her so very, very much.
Dean at One Month
Sunday, June 20th, 2010
This is Dean! I promise to write his birth story soon (within a year) but I am afraid the gory details of a NATURAL BIRTH would put off my remaining three readers. Our poor little boy got off to a rough start. Besides being in NICU for three and a half days, he came down with a cold and clogged tearducts within the first two weeks. He was a mucous-y congested mess. I felt so bad for the little guy. Plus, he had to contend with an older sister who loves to maul/ show affection. Sasha has squished him quite a few times with her hugs. It's good to know that his instinct to flinch and scream in terror is strong.
Dean has been a pretty mellow baby. He loves to eat (now that he can- apparently you lose appetite when you are unable to breathe) and has gained back everything and more that he lost at the hospital. In fact, he weighs the same amount that Sasha did at two months. Since Dean is more than willing to guzzle every hour, we've had to put him on a feeding schedule. My poor, poor boobs. At least I know how to position him so I haven't had the bleeding or scabs!
Dean is not a sleeper so Jimmy and I look horrid. Extreme exhaustion does not do wonders for the complexion. I look about 45. Our son will occasionally do three hours in a row but that is not enough. My sister and mom have visited a few times and they have been kind enough to amuse Buddy Boy from 4AM to 7 which allowed us a little rest. We've really missed them (and their FREE night nursing) when they've left.
We are now a complete family. Although Dean is so cute and snuggly (I love touching his fuzzy head- so much hair!), I can't wait to see how he develops! How will his personality grow? But, I am still going to try to appreciate every single moment because as Sasha has taught me, it goes by too quick.
Sasha at Three Years
Tuesday, June 8th, 2010
How is it possible that I gave birth to this wonderful quirky child three whole years ago? On one hand, I feel like Sasha has always been in my life; a huge amount of my cherished memories now include fingers sticky from food and grime, a heartbreakingly wide grin, and twinkly brown eyes. I never knew I could feel this amount of love, laughter, and exasperation (usually all at the same moment). Our daughter has enriched my life like a gooey sundae on top of a lava cake. It may leave me stained and with a stomache-ache, but it was totally delicious (and worth it).
Sasha picked out most of everything for her birthday party from the balloons to the cupcakes (she helped me make the stawberry and chocolate confections the morning of her party). She received many wonderful gifts and had a great time although she wasn't as exuberant as she was on her second. There were no impromptu dances or songs although she did manage to open her presents in 3 seconds flat! Still, it was delightful to celebrate another birthday with my precious baby!
Sasha welcomed her new baby brother, Dean, this month. Her schedule was severely interrupted. She was woken at 2:30 AM and driven to Nona & Grandpa's house for a "sleepover" (fortunately, my mother-in-law being a very inventive woman, had a myriad of projects and activities planned to keep Sasha entertained). Then, Dean had some problems and we had to stay at the hospital for longer than expected (5 days). Sasha handled it like a trooper. She was pretty good with Jimmy and an angel at the hospital. Although she insisted on holding her new brother, she was very gentle and didn't disturb any of his breathing tubes/ wires. Jimmy and Sasha brought bagels everyday for lunch while I was at the hospital. I missed her so much during my stay and insisted that we all go out to a special dinner at Sweet Tomatoes. The nurses took such great care of Dean that I felt no regrets leaving for an hour to pay attention to my firstborn. I am afraid that the guilt of separation made me overindulgent and Sasha was allowed to have cake, cookies, AND icecream during dinner. I think we did manage to get a bit of mac n' cheese down her. Maybe.
When we all came back from the hospital, Sasha had to get used to another routine (and having her hair brushed again after a week of wildness and uncontrolled curls). Although she was very concerned about Dean's health ("Is baby still sick?" 300 times a day) and repeatedly exclaimed, "I am so glad you and baby brother are home!", Sasha still had to deal with not getting as much attention and not being able to manhandle and carry her brother as much as she wouldl have liked. There was more whining, temper tantrums, and pretend illnesses. However, overall, she adjusted very well. Jealousy was really kept to a minimum and Sasha delighted in being helpful. She aided in checking and changing the diaper ("PEEEEYOOOOOOOO!!! Baby is stinky and has a big poopy!!!") and she is completely responsible for picking out all of Dean's outfits. As for the latter, she already has a much better sense of fashion so I have no worries about my son looking awful.
Sasha started camp this month. Her first camp was a gymnastics/ dance/ swimming camp. By the time she would come home in the afternoon, Sasha was ready for a three hour nap! This made it worth the exorbitant price alone. Also, my Nadia Comenici now knows how to do a forward and backward roll AND a sort-of almost cartwheel. Needed life skills, right? Oh, and a C-drop....whatever that is....the instructors tell me things and I just nod and pretend I know. Did I mention how exhausted Sasha is afterwards? Let me repeat how important that is. Her second camp is more like pre-school. They study a different animal a day and do arts/ crafts, cook, read, and sing. The teachers brought in worms, rabbits, and a tortoise. I can't believe the worms didn't get squished or that the rabbits and tortoise didn't have a massive heart attack from 10 little kids poking at the cages and stuffing lettuce through the holes. Sasha made her first independent friend and they managed to get in a little trouble together. I have a feeling that they were bad influences on each other.
Jimmy and I have been trying to plan activities for Sasha so that she doesn't feel neglected. We take her swimming almost everyday, and once Dean felt better, resumed the playdates. It is so wonderful that Jimmy's summer schedule has been relatively light. Everything has been so much easier with an extra set of hands. The grandparents and Aunt Beck have stepped up with extra visits and playdates. My father-in-law took us to the aquarium which was loads of fun. Well, except that Sasha got yelled at for taking a starfish out of it's tank instead of just petting it. Starfish are hardy, right? A little trauma probably makes it stronger! It has me....
