Lovies and a New Hobby?

We've now reached the point in Liam's life that he has adopted a "lovey". I call it a lovey, but it's actually his security item. Lovey just sounds so much better than diaper rag...yup, he's chosen a diaper rag as his special snuggle buddy. I guess in a way it is perfect. I have a million of them. I can bleach them. They are relatively soft and snuggly. But I had grand visions of him dragging around a blanket a la Linus from Charlie Brown (and Jessica from the Rogers family), but no. Not a stuffed animal either. He even has small stuffed animals attached to the ends of ridiculously soft, small blankets. They are absolutely adorable...but no such luck. Every morning, when I go up to his room, there he is. One arm thrown over his head, the other clutching his lovey in a death grip, usually right up by his cheek. Oh well, you can't win them all.

Although almost everything he does is a "first", we are about to approach some fairly significant firsts. First Halloween - where he will be making an appearance as a giraffe. First Thanksgiving - which is almost in time for first solids. First Christmas - which is probably why I've been on Etsy non-stop. I have to find us our family stockings (I have my eye on some Fair Isle ones at PBK). I also want Liam to have a few awesome things. All he really "needs" is clothes, but I'll be getting him a few handmade special things from people that are far more talented than I. Speaking of...I had this bright idea this weekend that I was going to learn how to knit so I could knit baby blankets for all my friends that are having babies. I bought yarn, needles and book. I learned step 1 (casting on in official knitting terms) rather quickly and was very impressed with myself. However, step 2, aka the actually knitting part...ha. I watched 47 youtube videos, read three pamphlets and still can't do it. Oh, I know how...I totally understand the process, the mechanics of it. I just can't do it and end up with the product I'm supposed to end up with. My yarn is too loose. Let's just say the knitting needles ended up on the other side of the room...several times. So much for finding something calm and soothing to do at night once Liam is asleep.

Tummy Time

I didn't know something called "Tummy Time" existed prior to reading a gazillion baby books, but apparently, it's extremely important. So, in order to work his muscles, build his confidence, keep his head from becoming flat, and all the other millions of things the baby books claim tummy time does, we have a tummy time session at least once per day. We are definitely making progress...I'm a little biased, but I give Liam an A+ in tummy time. He can lift his head up 45 degrees (sometimes a little more) and is starting to make motions like he wants to roll over - he just can't get all the parts and pieces going at the same time. He got a pretty big assist for the "on the side" picture below.

I've learned, through experience, that tummy time should always be on a blanket, even if he's already on something soft, like our bed. Unfortunately, things tend to leak during tummy time...diapers, regurgitated formula...let's just say our sheets saw the washer a few times one week and then we finally got smart (and bought a second set of sheets, just in case of a sanity lapse).

I like tummy time because I get to use it as a chance to take really awesome Liam pictures. He's so darn cute when he's trying so hard to get it all in motion. Okay...again, biased mommy...he's cute all the time. Here's some pictures from today's tummy time session. I was having more fun than he was.

I need tummy time, too, apparently. Even though I weigh less now than before I was pregnant, somehow, all the squishy parts did not go back to normal. The squishy-ness has banded together and formed a pouch (really...like kangaroo pouch minus the hole for the baby roo). I'm not even sure how you go about getting rid of said pouch. It's not where normal squishy resides...it's traveled a little farther south. Fortunately, I can pull my pants up over it AND I have shirts that have a little room at the bottom to help hide it, but still...it's not fair when I manage to delete a fair amount of squishy molecules and the remainder decide to mutiny and band together to cause ridiculousness like kangaroo pouches.

I know, I'm a broken record with the tummy troubles. I guess I figure if I bitch about it enough, maybe I'll be motivated to get off my butt and do something about it. Step one would be to give up drinking the sodas...fat (pun intended) chance. Then, I wouldn't be able to function let alone contemplate exercise. With all the amazing things that science can do, can someone please invent true "diet" Dr. Pepper?!?

Surviving and Thriving

Yesterday marked two months for Liam - it's hard to believe how much he has changed in just this short amount of time. We both managed to make it through my first week (okay, three days) of work, but that boy is bound and determined to make a morning person out of me. He likes to get up bright and early in the morning, earlier than I consider acceptable. I can't complain too much - I do get to catch up on the TV I miss at night by watching the DVR at 5:30 in the morning when he's having a bottle - but I've been up at 6am both days this weekend. I can't tell you the last time I was up that early on both days of the weekend...it may not have ever happened. Even during pregnancy, I'm used to having Thomas yell at me (for the fourth or fifth time) to get out of bed at 10am (or later). The result of the early morning wake-up calls? I've turned into Thomas and go to bed while the sun is still up.

I've lost all my pregnancy weight and then some, so my new goal is to now get the belly back in shape...not that it was really in shape to begin with, but something a little more solid than the bowlful of jelly that I'm working with now. I've done plenty of Liam curls, dead-lifts, and squats, but those aren't going to make the stomach conform. I can, however, carry groceries into the house now by the double armful now. I guess that counts for something, especially since I braved HEB by myself today (sans Liam - he was at Oma's) while Thomas went to the Texans game. Liam or no Liam, HEB requires two people - at least for this family. One person to push the cart and one person to run all over the store as we realize things we forgot, even though they are on the list right in front of us.

Mommyhood has brought on several new hobbies/habits. First, I've become a coupon clipper. No, not one of those extreme coupon crazies, but either Thomas or I will take the time to go through the Sunday paper to see if any of the deals work for us. We've been managing to save about $20 each HEB run...I consider that fairly successful, and we can't believe we haven't done this all along. Second, I'm addicted to Etsy. I haven't bought anything yet, but with so many friends either with babies or having babies, plus Christmas coming on, my credit card is about to see some serious action. I don't have time to be Martha Stewart, but I do (typically) have the means to pay for other people to be! :) I've also been playing fantasy football with the boys, and have managed to be in 1st place for the past two weeks (this has caused some hostility...apparently girls aren't supposed to be good at fantasy football). Not to worry too much, boys. Now that I've returned to work, I can't really spend any significant amount of time doing research, and I see a few rough weeks in my future.

Our lives have been completed turned upside down the past two months, but I wouldn't trade our life now for anything, jiggly stomach included...that's why Spanx exists!!

The End is Near

Tomorrow marks 8 weeks on the planet for Liam. Man, has time gone by fast (it DID NOT go by even close to this fast during my time in the hospital...that felt like months). At least I've been wrapping up my maternity leave in style. Friday (aka the "Final Friday of Fun"), I had lunch with Liam, Frank and PJ down on the Kemah Boardwalk and spent some time walking around, enjoying the weather, and watching the boats sail by (I like to watch boats, not be on boats). Friday night we headed over to poker at Jessica and Dusty's where it was BYOB (bring your own baby). Liam finally got to meet his girlfriends, the minis. Although I can't say there was love at first sight, they definitely have things in common...love of bottles, ability to require diaper changes at a moment's notice, needing to be held by Mommy...hey, it's a start! I can't believe how big the minis are and how amazing they are - I can't wait for Liam to have control over his head and limbs like they do - it will be great to not have to worry about Liam headbutting me and for him to really be able to play in his favorite gym (although he can really give the big bee a good walloping). I didn't win at poker (and neither did Thomas), but I was happy to make a donation to the three champions for all the fun we had :)

Saturday, Thomas, Liam and I ventured downtown for a trip to Pottery Barn Kids. Taking me to PBK is always a very dangerous prospect, and now that they have "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" themed things, it is now also extremely dangerous to take Thomas there as well. We did manage to escape from there without too much damage to the bank account, and headed to lunch at PF Chang's. Liam managed to do some serious snoozing right up until I spooned my orange peel chicken on to my plate...oh the joys of motherhood ;-). Not to worry, the Kamas family is always (HA!) prepared. Since Thomas can eat at light speed (or faster...perhaps he's part neutrino), he downed his lunch and took over for me after a quick run to the bathroom for water to fill up bottle #2 - time to start bringing six oz with us - not four! Of course, when you are in that area, you have to get Sprinkles Cupcakes (it's a rule in our household), which I snacked on last night and plan on chowing on again today. I did yell at Thomas for getting too many cupcakes (there is such a thing when the finally-not-pregnant lady is trying to lose weight...in most normal cases, no such situation exists), but obviously, that is no longer a concern for me - I've given in to the deliciousness.

Today will be football (did I mention that I am in first place in Fantasy Football? That's right...ahead of all the boys!) and relaxation. Then, it's just Monday and Tuesday and back to work on Wednesday. Yikes!!!

Postpartum...Check!

Today was my six week postpartum appointment. I'm happy to report that everything checks out okay and I was given the go-ahead to resume "normal" life...whatever that means these days. The appointment was actually a little bit of a letdown. After nine months of exciting appointments where you discover something new, hear a heartbeat, have an ultrasound, or any or all of the above, a brief chat and a prescription for birth control just really didn't do it for me. I did have to take a test, though. Just a few quick questions to make sure I'm not nuts - passed with flying colors. Still not as exciting as an ultrasound.

I guess it's about time to start getting it back together. I've actually had a strong urge to get the house in order - postpartum nesting, perhaps? I've cleaned and organized and recycled and donated and just have a few more things to tackle before I think I will have satisfied my itch. Impressive? Not really...I've been on massive "spring cleaning" kicks before and always feel the better for it. I'm more impressed that I managed to find the stamina to make it happen. That has been one of the most challenging aspects of recovery - I had NO energy. Even passing Liam off to Oma Frank and taking naps still did nothing for my energy levels. It's hard to function much less decimate closet clutter with the amount of energy I was working with...but it's all better now. Game on, closets of the Kamas household.

It's also back to work soon. That makes me a little nervous. I'm not worried about the work aspect - and I can't wait to see my co-workers and getting back to business - I'm worried about getting up, getting dressed, getting Liam ready, and making it out the door before 10am. I could totally do it if work started at 10:30ish...since it's more like 8ish, I'll have to find a system that works so I don't have to wake up at 5am to get started. I still have to get some sleep!

A Record Breaking Weekend

Frank and I set out for Central Texas at 7am on Friday morning. One McDonald's stop, a U-turn, three hundred red lights on Hwy 6 (don't ask), a stop at Sonic for Frank's diet vanilla coke, one diaper change, 4 oz of formula and a stop in Cameron to see Judy later...we finally arrived in Rogers a little after noon. Frank spent the next two hours showing off her grandbaby to anyone and everyone that would pay attention, heathen high school students included. The first comment from just about everyone was how much little Liam looks like a mini-Thomas (well...except he's not so mini). Liam did very well, especially since we was passed around so everyone could get in baby snuggle time (hey, I understand...I like to snuggle other people's babies, too).

After a quick stop at the bank and a visit to see his Great Uncle Eddie and Great Aunt Melba, we got a phone call from Judy asking us to go pick up her dog from Belton. No problem, we were closer, but at this point I was fiending for a nap. I had only slept about 3 hours the night before and about the same Wednesday night as well with NO NAP thanks to a cardiologist appointment (which went very well, I might add...only one more month of medication and then if all looks good, no mas!) Still, there was more to be done. We got the dog back to Judy's and then headed for the Mexican restaurant that Judy and John eat at apparently almost every night. No kidding, before we even sat down, Judy had her drink and the waitress didn't even bring menus because everyone at the table already knew it by heart (except me). Frank had met a lot of Judy's friends while she was staying with her while finishing up the school year and they all had to see the little man. I finally had to put my head in my diaper bag and start trying to sleep before they decided it was time to leave.

I caught a much-needed nap at Judy's house - not even quite an hour, but it's amazing what getting just a short catnap will do for you - and then headed to Beth and Chris' house so they could meet Liam. We stayed there until about 10pm and then headed into Temple to Uncle Jake and Aunt Tammy's house. After catching up until about 1am, we decided to head to bed. Liam had already been asleep on Tammy for about an hour, and since I had had such a long day, Thomas said he would take the first shift....which didn't come until after 7am! Solid sleep...it was A-MAZ-ING! After a horrible breakfast (sorry Jake, Tammy and Andrew - Thomas picked the restaurant), we headed out to visit Tiffany and then went out to the grandparents' house where Liam got to meet his great-grandma and great-aunt and spent good time snuggling with everyone.

That night, we had a crew over at Jake and Tammy's for more meet and greets with Liam (Tammy & Jake - we owe you big! Thanks for everything and hopefully Tammy got some sleep before work!) However, after listening to Jake and Thomas tell stories about things they did when they were young, I'm strongly considering packing up my sweet little boy and running...no bad influences from Uncle Jake or Daddy...I can't believe both of them survived to adulthood, or at least still have both eyes and all their fingers and toes. ;-)

After two busy, busy days, Liam rewarded us with another 6 hour sleep...woohoo! On Sunday, after breakfast and then a quick stop at the grandparents, we were fighting the wind on the way home, and made it to the house with ZERO stops. He slept the entire way and for a few minutes even when we got home. This much straight sleeping definitely sets a Liam record. We had a lot of stuff to unload (apparently, babies require lots and lots of equipment, more than even my SUV can hold because Frank is bringing back some of it that we didn't need for a few days), but the first thing I noticed was that something smelled funny in our house. We found out that MECO was locked in the closet under the stairs since Thursday night and had left us some "gifts". Even though Dad came and checked on the dogs every day, MECO never cried and let him know he was in the closet. Even after clearing out the blankets and running them through the wash, the closet still smells. Guess what I'm doing this week...grrr.

The Swing of Victory...and the Agony of Defeat

We've discovered a valuable weapon in the "Get Liam to Sleep" crusade - his swing. True, we've known for quite some time that he enjoys his swing, but we had yet to unleash its true potential. When employed at night, the swing can get us around four hours of sleep and once even put him to sleep from 11pm to 5:15am...that's six UNINTERRUPTED hours of sleep. Do I feel guilty for allowing my son to sleep in his swing and not in his bed? Absolutely not. I've long said that whatever works and doesn't hurt the kid is fair game - and that rule applies to all the babies I know. As long as a kiddo isn't being adversely affected, there will be zero judgment from this momma. Liam sleeps in his bed most of the time (and on his grandma the rest), so I'm not really worried about him spending too much time in his swing.

There is one other almost sure-fire way to put Liam to sleep, and that is to take him on a car ride. We have yet to make the 1:30am trek to the car to drive around the neighborhood for hours in hopes of lulling him to sleep, but I have no doubt that if it comes to that, he'll be in that car seat faster than you can say Tylenol PM. I've heard the stories from friends...I have no doubt that one day this will become a reality in the Kamas household.

So...the other day I attempted to put on pants...real pants. I've lost all my pregnancy weight, so (in my mind, at least) it made sense that I could wear my normal pants. Ha...the weight may be gone, but the current shape of my tummy certainly isn't back to normal. Although I could get the pants on (a small victory), there was no way I was going out in public with that much postpartum saggy belly flopping over the sides (hang head in shame). My stomach muscles haven't returned to normal, and until I get the blessing from the doctor to resume exercising, lifting, and all-around normal life in general, there really isn't anything I can do about it. Feeling very defeated, I've opted to continue to wear maternity pants (really, I can't complain too much...stretchy, elastic waist pants are comfortable) when in public and pajama pants when at home. I did manage, however, to wear an old pair of shorts that I found in my drawer that pre-pregnancy wouldn't even stay up. Not sure how to chalk that one up...on one hand, it's real clothes. On the other hand, they might as well be maternity clothes because of all the extra room they (once upon a time) had. Soon enough, I'll be cruising the neighborhood with Liam in an effort to rectify my present situation. Until then, I'll just enjoy my elastic-waist pants.

Baths and Reflections

So the last post pretty much glossed over one of Liam's first major milestones - his first bath. The picture here is actually of his second bath because he wasn't exactly in modesty mode during his first bath, and I'm sure at some point in his life he will appreciate that I didn't publish a picture of his man bits for all the world to see. Knowing that Liam doesn't like being a naked baby, we figured that baths wouldn't go so well. Turns out, he LOVES baths. He just lays in the warm water and doesn't fuss or fidget. He even likes it when Thomas rinses him off with the crab cup with the holes in the bottom that make it like a shower for him. Baths also apparently make him sleepy. We've had naps in excess of 4 hours post-bath. Believe me, even if they say you only need to bathe baby every few days, if a bath gets me a four hour nap, we are having daily baths.

Being almost three weeks postpartum, I've had plenty of time to stop and think about my overall labor and delivery experience. First, I know I owe Aunt Debs an unbelievable amount of gratitude for serving as our Chief of Communications (among the many other things I know she did behind the scenes). Everyone that I talk to says how wonderful it was to get updates...and I know she played a significant role in keeping the crazy to a minimum. Second, I don't care what anyone says, no matter how hard I try to block out the events of July 31 and August 1, I will always remember how much pain I was in (and how good it felt when the epidural finally started working). There was no "magic forgetting" that happened as soon as Liam arrived that people talk about. Oh, it was worth it, don't get me wrong, but not something I plan on signing up for again (by which I mean 37 hours of labor, not necessarily another kiddo...that's TBD). Three, the final nurse in Labor and Delivery (my fourth one...I went through three shift changes during the whole process) was absolutely amazing. She never left my side, except for her quick lunch break, and did everything she could to make sure I was comfortable...and she got all the icky stuff - water breaking, fever, c-section...
all the wonderful parts.

Of course, I can't forget how awesome Thomas was. He got to see a lot more than he probably ever wanted to. I'm kinda confused why they would send a husband out of the room for the epidural (which, really, in the whole process was probably one of the most mundane things that happened), but not for any of the other parts. He could have left if he wanted to during any of the other parts (he toughed it out, though...or remained over on the side...he didn't always want a front row seat to the action), but they don't even give dads-to-be an option to stay during the epidural. Strange...but, whatever. Thomas probably didn't want to see that giant needle. I'm glad I didn't have to see it, but I guess it couldn't have been too big. I saw the (magic!) catheter that was in my back - it was tiny! I did the whole epidural thing twice - nothing to it really. Actually, the whole L&D experience sounds like a MasterCard commercial - Three IV tries, 2 epidurals, 1 c-section - bill TBD (I'm sure it's on its way)...Liam Weston - priceless :)

Ups and Downs

It's been awhile since my last posting and there are a few reasons for that. First, it's fairly important to make sure you aren't in a lack-of-sleep induced stupor when publishing something on the internet for all the world to see (case in point - Thomas has now started pointing out my grammar/spelling mistakes on my blog - a complete role reversal). Second, until last night and today, my days (and nights) have consisted of diapers, formula, laundry and napping (and watching lots of TV on the couch with Frank in the downtime...Nate Berkus at 12 - can't stand him, Days of Our Lives at 1pm - it hasn't changed in 20 years, and Ellen - love her - at 2). Third, the single most exciting event (again, until last night/today) was the celebration that little man's umbilical cord had fallen off and we could finally give him a real bath (bad, bad parents - it fell off on Tuesday and he continued to be "spot-cleaned" until tonight - blame it on sleep deprivation, again).

Bunco was last night, so I got in some good girl time (much needed), but why was today such a big day? After waking up at 7:55am and getting dressed in 5 minutes flat (I told you I could do it, Frank), it was off to the OB to get my two week blessing. Big Event #1 - Little Dude was born 17 days ago - I've lost 33 lbs since then (jeez...why can't it always be that easy?!?). Big Events #2 and #3 - Blood pressure has returned to normal after causing some concern in the hospital and my incision has been blessed by the doctor as "damn near unnoticeable" (I'm paraphrasing...slightly). I can drive again, but no lifting, exercise, baths (very sad), or any other "activities" (sorry, Thomas) until further discussion at the next appointment in 4 weeks. Post-doctor, it was off to Frank's house for a diaper change, feeding, and then running around for errands. This may seem like a small thing to most people, but for the past two weeks, I've seen the walls of my house (with one small excursion to the pediatrician thrown in). It felt good to get out and see the world. Other big events? A stop at Sam's, Space Center Houston (for some last minute space-related essentials for a special not-so-little-anymore dude coming to my house tomorrow), Dickinson BBQ, and Target (truly a big event...it has been WEEKS since I stepped foot in Target).

I wouldn't be true to the intention of this blog (remember, full disclosure, warts and all) if I didn't say that I've been hit with a bit of the "baby blues" the past few days. It's not horrible, and it's completely normal, but try convincing your husband you aren't crazy when you are in bed cuddling your little baby and five seconds later you are crying your eyes out and can do nothing to stop it (and nothing started it). Getting out and about definitely helps, but I'm pretty sure sleep deprivation plays a large role. Your hormones are out of whack and you are supposed to function on the same amount of sleep (or less) the Navy Seal wannabees get during Hell Week? Tom Cruise can bite my butt if he thinks any of this is "in my head". It's real, but fortunately, not debilitating. I feel for the women that get it hard, and am thankful that medication exists that can help lift people out of the funk (again, bite me Tom Cruise...I remember when you were mean to Brooke Shields). Yesterday was a good day (0 tears) and today has been pretty good, too (just a few tears, and some more now as I write this...but, again, I promised to be open). Fortunately, I have a great support system, and got really great advice from some FWBs (Friends With Babies) that it's normal, natural, and they all went through it, too. It actually doesn't bother me too much - most of the time, it's fleeting and I'm happy just as fast as I was sad - but it is hard when a crying spell hits when I'm holding the little man. I don't want him to look at me and see an unhappy person (enter guilt which usually equals more tears)...especially when I couldn't be more thrilled to snuggle up with him. This, along with the sleep deprivation, will soon pass and I'll be back to my (new) normal self. Fortunately, neither the blues nor lack of sleep seems to run much interference on sarcasm (i.e. my sense of humor). No need to send out the cavalry, friends and family, I promise, I'm okay...just writing about it is therapy enough...no need for any Hallmark moments. If I need to talk to someone, I promise, I will. FWBBs (Friends With Belly Babies), I'm passing on the advice that the FWBs gave me - it's fine, it's normal, and I'm here if you need me once you lose the belly.

Since I apparently get to have my pregnancy (well, post-pregnancy) moment of crazy (and well deserved, I might add) after all, I think I'll chalk this week up in the positive column...assuming I can get at least three uninterrupted hours of sleep at some point tonight.

Liam's Got Mail

Technically, Liam received his first piece of mail months ago when Aunt Debs sent him a postcard from the shuttle launch in Florida. However, a mere 12 days after his birth, and only 11 since we filled out his birth certificate information and a request was sent to the Social Security office, imagine our surprise when TODAY in the mail was his first official, government document - his Social Security card. Apparently, some form of our government manages to function in a timely fashion. I would also like to take the time to point out that the federal government managed to respond to a request even faster than Comcast, and I'm pretty sure Comcast has fewer "customers" to keep up with (Thomas and I have been waiting for our rebate for switching providers since May...after significant battles and numerous phone calls, supposedly it's in the mail).

I guess all we need now is his birth certificate and he'll be 100% official. I told Thomas we didn't need a special birth certificate, but apparently, one with the Texas flag and "Native Texas" written on it will be arriving in our mailbox in the near future. Only Texas would make a special birth certificate announcing the baby as a native Texan - as if the birth certificate stating he was born in Texas wasn't enough proof. Sometimes you just have to laugh...and then order another plain birth certificate because you aren't going to want to hand that one over to anyone that needs a copy.

In terms of my recovery, I'm doing pretty well. I still don't move very fast, and I can't bend way down, like to put Liam in his swing, but overall, I'm pretty functional. It's surprising how fast you can feel better after what is considered major abdominal surgery. I finished one of my prescriptions and actually have a little left of my main painkiller prescription - one that during the first few days at home I took every four hours like clockwork, much like I pushed the magic epidural button every 20 minutes while in the hospital. Lack of sleep continues to be the biggest hurdle, although now I'm also convinced I have carpal tunnel syndrome. My hands hurt a lot when I wake up in the morning and my symptoms are very similar to what Thomas describes, and we know he has carpal tunnel. Apparently, carpal tunnel is very common in postpartum women and it typically goes away. Here's hoping...

I did managed to pull all the surgical tape off my incision this morning, too. They are supposed to fall off about a week after you go home...I was at a week + 2 days, so I decided to peel them off myself. Much like getting the IV or epidural taken out, the worst pain was the fact that the tape was stuck to hair and you just have to suck it up and pull (or have the nurses do it). You know where the c-section incision is (roughly), so just imagine what I'm talking about here...not pleasant. I'm fairly positive I'm going to have a charge on my hospital bill for a back wax...or maybe that comes complimentary with the epidural. ;)