On Sleep and Other Things

Sleep. I'm been pretty lucky to have a kiddo who has always bee a pretty good sleeper. Sure, we've had our challenges now and then and sleep is always worse when Logan is sick or going through a weird phase in his growth.  But I'm lucky enough to get a full nights sleep and if we all went to bed at the same time, I'd easily have 10 hours of solid sleep under my belt. I know that is not so for everyone, even with toddlers who should, ideally, be sleeping through the night by now. But some kids are just different and we're going through a very challenging sleep stage with Logan.

For the last several weeks, Logan has been fighting his naps and the process of going to bed at night with every fiber of his being. At daycare, he has no problem (of course!) but at home, he will fight it until we're both red in the face with frustration and confusion. We try everything by rocking, reading, singing, and saying goodnight to everything in sight. He is aware it's bed time but refuses to stay in bed. Now he needs his closet light on, which is only so he can see his toys better. The most extreem thing he does to get attention is...poop. I know, I did just say that!! But is anyone else's toddler doing this, or has done this? I mean, he will go three times before he's "done" and find new excuses to get out of bed. It takes almost an hour every day to get him ready and staying in bed. Once he's asleep, he stays asleep, but there have been a lot of tears as we try to maintain control, discipline  and care while enforcing the time for going to bed is NOW.

I realize that this is also a critical time in Logan's life in which he is learning how to express himself with words, actions and less than desirable behaviors to get what he wants. It is so easy to give in. But we don't want to set an example that he can have whatever he wants when he wants it. The time change this morning was not actually as bad as I thought it would be. He ended up sleeping almost an hour later than he normally would have (thanks to the darkness!) but has since been super cranky after his nap. We've been cutting an hour off his nap time to help him be more ready for bed by 8pm. So far, no difference, but I'm hoping that adjustment helps us all go to bed happier.

So, any advice veteran mamas??

***

In other news,

• my belly has popped this weekend. WOAH!


• I have done more than 6 loads of laundry today and there are stil 3-4 left to do.


• B cleaned up the yard yesterday, pruned all our bushes and mowed for the end of the year maintenance--it all looks amazing!


• I'm obsessed with Smarties and blueberry muffins right now.

Currently...11wks

(11wks with Logan)

As I've already said, this pregnancy has been so different than my first with Logan. I know all pregnancies can be different but I am truly surprised by how night and day they really are. First of all, I cannot BELIEVE I am already 11wks. Feels like just last week we were finding out! This time did not seem to go as quickly with Logan. I remember the 1st trimester dragging on and on and that that the 2nd trimester was much quicker. Secondly, all my cravings, symptoms, etc are just different. Most of the morning sickness is gone. Only every so often will I feel yucky and like nothing sounds good to eat. Also, the fatigue is wearing off, which is nice (though as I type I am really tired--must be from getting up early to do my face make-up!). Last time I feel like I was tired forever. All the time. Staying up past 9pm has been nice.

And can I just say WOW to my bump?! I seriously had to go back through my photos to see what I looked like last time (thank goodness for those photos!) and this bump is more defined, for sure. Click the link above to see for yourself. Another major difference is how laid back I am about all the aches and pains that are normal. I feel like my experience and education in pregnancy and childbirth has eased my mind. I know that if the pain is sudden and goes away, it has to be round ligament pain, which I had lots of last time. I know that if it sticks around, I can call my midwife and she will tell me what to do. But guess what? I have only called her ONCE this entire pregnancy when I had food poisoning. Last time, I called the nurses all.the.time. I knew them all on a first-name basis. Maybe it was a first-time-mom worry or just that I did have a few issues. I have not had any spotting whatsoever, cramps, or anything else which might be concerning. I feel so lucky this time. I feel so blessed that I know what my body is doing and is capable of.  Do all second timers feel like this?

Our lives are in such a different place this time, which must be why it feels like the weeks are just flying by. My cousin is living with us, I'm in school, working full time, and dealing with a toddler who fights his naps and doesn't go to bed until 10pm (more on that later). Whatever these differences mean, I feel positive that all is well. We should hear a heart beat next week (Thursday) when I'm 12wks.

Stats:

Total Weight Gain: 4.5 pounds. I lost a pound somewhere in there last week. I'm sure after all the candy I've been enjoying that my weigh in on Monday will be different!

Continuing Symptoms: fatigue, though less often.

Maternity Clothes: I love maternity pants. The belly band is working out fine, but not having to readjust it every so often is nice!

Sleep: sleeping well!

What I’m Eating: I am a walking cliche: I ate 3 pickles without stopping last night.

Cravings: salty things, smarties, BBQ chicken, spaghetti

Movement: none

Labor Signs: n/a

Special Pregnancy Moments: When a co-worker pointed out how cute my bump is looking. I love getting to that point where I finally look pregnant and not chubby!

***

Logan is currently...

Loving his dinosaur costume and plastic pumpkin bucket. He was very excited to take it to school today and he carries his pumpkin around the house and puts odd items in it like socks and a stuffed kitty.

Looking at everything out the car windows. He is constantly telling me "Mama, look at that ______!" Fill in the blank. Car lights, moon, orange sky, school bus, truck...you name it.

Cooking water. The kitchen is not the most kid-friendly arena in our home right now. I feel like once the space is just our own again I will let him in the kitchen with me more. But for now, he is obsessed with taking my egg beater/salad dressing maker and filling it with water and ice and then passing the water between the cup and other bowls. He loves water play!

Catching a cold that's been caught. We're going on almost 2 weeks now and his cough is just terrible, however he has no other symptoms and just has to ride it out. We treat it with benedryl at night to help him sleep and the same if he's extra snotty in the morning.

Missing his grandparents. He talks about them every time we are in the car. His memory is amazing. I picked my mom up one day and took her home. The next several days after he kept asking if we were going to pick up Lolly. I hate meeting that question with a "no, not today honey".

I am currently...

Loving being pregnant again. I loved it the first time and I love it again. I love the experience and how growing a baby simplifies the important things in life.

Looking for boots and some damn leggings!! I've looked everywhere. I think I tried on 30 different pairs of boots this weekend and NO place I went had a decent pair of legging. I'd like to live in those for the remainder of my pregnancy and one pair is not going to cut it.

Cooking very little lately. I'm not much for cooking anyway and even less so while pregnant. The microwave is my friend. And my cousin, who's an amazing cook.

Catching up on Call the Midwife! I did not realize I'd missed three episodes! So I caught up yesterday and oh, how I love that show!! I love how ever birth is depicted with real, raw labor and pushing and that not every birth is dramatic (as shown in TV and movies so often). I could go on forever.

Missing my family out East. There little beach town is under water and sand right now. I wish I could be there to help clean up.

Devastation.

UPDATE: I just saw an update from my aunt that they were able to access their house via boat and while there is lots of water damage, the most severe seems to be to the garage and they lost a car. SO much better than expected! I'm not sure if they were able to go inside so that update will have to wait.

I cannot find very many words to assert the feelings I have right now on this "wordless" Wednesday, and yet I must write something. Some of my closest family members have an incredible house in Lavallette, NJ. You may remember our visit to the beach with them in June. The small beach town is an island or peninsula, or whatever they call it, between the Atlantic Ocean and Barnaget Bay. My family has the most beautiful house, sitting right on the bay with their boats and crab traps securely attached to their doc. Next door is the house they own that my grandmother lived in for a few years. Her house is much smaller and the epitome of a beach house. We stayed in her house in June, playing bubble hockey, watching The Graduate, and staying up late drinking lots of alcohol--our Colorado blood could handle more than we imagined at sea level!

Over the last few days, Hurricane Sandy has crushed this town. Sand and water have covered and destroyed countless houses, roads, lights, bridges, boats, cars, and the boardwalk....It is nothing like it was just days ago. This is the first time in my life I have been so closely related to family in a weather crisis. Sure, we've had our share of snow storms and been "trapped" at home to play in the snow for days, but never without power, heat, water, fuel, etc. My family evacuated their home and are on the mainland now, without power, fuel, heat...we are trying to only keep up with them minimally as we do not want their cell phones to die before the power is restored.

I am so heartbroken. This town will never be the same again. I've been there nearly 10 times over the years and never have the seen weather like this, even when Irene came through last year. I'm praying for everyone and their safety. Possessions are just things, but I cannot imagine how devastating loosing everything so quickly like this could be.

Dear Logan

 

It's time for a letter, son. You're more than a two and a half year old now. The way you have grown and changed since you turned two has moved mountains! You are such an incredible, smart, strong-willed, loving little boy. We told you a few weeks ago that I'm having another baby--you're going to be a big brother! When we ask you if the baby is a boy or girl, you usually say boy first, then we ask if it's a brother or sister and you say sister...you know we are so excited to give you the blessing of a built in best friend and sibling that we will be happy no matter who happens to be floating around in there. We'll just need your help picking out a boy name.

You have not been to the doctor in several months, but I'm pretty sure you're around 28 pounds and 34-36" tall, maybe more. You're in size 8 shoes now and wearing big boy undies most of the time now! (I apologize for this embarrassing fact). Your vocabulary is amazing. You speak full sentences now and whenever you're speaking for yourself, you say "Logan wants juice" or "Logan, I, Logan go play outside"...so the structure of your language is not solid, but that is totally normal for your age, and will be for awhile. We talk in the car every morning on our way to school and you love telling me how orange the sky is as the sun comes up, that you took your shoes off, and "Ohhhh Logan SOooooo hungry!" That last phrase we hear all.the.time. :0

This holiday season is going to be so much more thrilling than the last few years. You're almost three and understand (and LOVE) candy, you'll be even more fascinated with the lights on Christmas trees and houses and I cannot wait to see your face light up when you open presents this year. We are starting a new tradition this year with our gift giving: something to wear, something to read, something to share and something you want. I hope that by the time you read this letter we are still doing this.

I love you, Logan. You bring so much light to our lives and put so many smiles and laughs on our faces. We are so proud of how you're growing and learning to be a person in our world. Don't ever forget that and always know that we're hear for you, always.

Love,

Mama

Currently...10 weeks!

I am currently..... 

 

Worrying about my sanity. My plate is so full right now. I need a major break from EVERYTHING.

 

Listening to lots of classical music at work. And sometimes, nothing. I rarely get a moment of silence right now and classical music is mellow, calming and peaceful.

 

Wishing that I was a stay at home mom who could send my kid to day care and sleeeeeeeeeeeep.

 

Observing the lovely snow outside!! So pretty!

 

Considering who I am going to vote for in this damned election. There, I said it. This election sucks and is so hard for me. Ugh I cannot wait for it to be over!

***

10 weeks

Total Weight Gain: 5.5 pounds. Still all in the girls. ;)

Continuing Symptoms: Nausea had gone away for several days, until today of course. I'm also still really tired, even if I get 10 hours of solid sleep.

Maternity Clothes: Since my belly is growing more, the belly band is working out better, so no not this week.

Sleep: sleeping well!

What I’m Eating: Whatever sounds good. Right now, nothing sounds good and I usually resort to chicken noodle soup on days like today.

Cravings: I was craving pasta yesterday.

Movement: none

Labor Signs: n/a

Special Pregnancy Moments: Nothing more special that STILL being pregnant!! That is always such a blessing. I wanted so badly to make it to the 10th week. Even though it is still the first trimester, I felt like that was a huge accomplishment health wise. Grow baby Grow!!

Currently...

I am going to start including a weekly or biweekly bump update with the currently posts as I feel they can work together. Find the bump update below.

Logan is currently....

Feeling like a two and a half year old. He's been extra stubborn, saying "no" to just about everything and doing the opposite of what he's asked. I've been told that three is worse than two and I think that might be true.


Drinking juice and milk, his faves.

Looking for something for him to get into that he's not supposed to be messing with. He wants to mess with anything mechanical, switches, buttons, etc.

Dreaming of going back to the farm. Logan loved the animals and the pumpkins, he's asked to go back almost every day this week.

Making his own decisions. Since I'm in a human growth class, it is very obvious that he is in a "just right" stage in which everything must be just right for him. For example, he refused to take his pjs off yesterday morning and so he went to day care in his pjs. Not the battle I'm willing to fight.


I am currently.....

Feeling yucky most days. I'm insanely tired, nauseous and overall not in the best mood.

Drinking tons of water! Gotta stay hydrated!

Looking for ummmm I'm not sure. I have sat her an thought about it and I have no idea what I'm looking for! haha

Dreaming of SLEEEEEEEP.

Making an effort with everything I do. Pregnancy is so much harder with a toddler, full house and busy job.

***

9 weeks

Total Weight Gain: 3.5 pounds. I lost a good pound last weekend with the food poisoning.

Continuing Symptoms: nausea, fatigue, hunger

Maternity Clothes: ummm I'm embarrassed to admit that I'm in my work mat pants now. I was just too uncomfy and my belly band is annoying.

Sleep: sleeping well!

What I’m Eating: just about anything. Not a fan of meat right now.

Cravings: Veggies, greasy foods

Movement: none

Labor Signs: n/a

Special Pregnancy Moments: I suppose a little bump qualifies. I love looking pregnant and everyone at work points it out to me. A boss even asks if I'm having twins and as far as I know, just one is in there.

Epic.

My weekend was epic. Epic in that nothing went as planned, everything pretty much sucked and the only epic part that was good is how much time Logan got to spend with his grandparents.

Early last week, B and I decided it was time to get away. We were overdue for some quality alone time and what better way to spend alone time than in Black Hawk, the only place in CO where you can gamble your little heart (and money) away. It's in the mountains and not a long drive so we booked a hotel and looked forward to the getaway.

Friday night we packed up and left. Logan spent the weekend with his grandparents, which he LOVED, as did they. You will NEVER hear me say this again, but thank goodness for facebook! My mom was awesome in posting photos from their weekend:



 

Watching the sun rise.

 

Morning paper with Pop Pop.

Chess, of course! With Pop Pop.

We arrived and checked into our hotel, which was also a major casino and I think that is just how it works there. Most hotels are also casinos. Anyway, we were starving and headed down the hill to a bigger casino for what we were hoping to be a fancy-ish dinner. We ordered our food and waited awhile. It was almost 9pm by the time we ate. I had some pasta with chicken and B had an omelet. Yes, an omelet. Then we went and lost a lot of money. It was weird and disappointing, but we tried. We've both had luck in the past, but that was just not our night.

Then we went back to the hotel and withing 4 hours, I was in the bathroom all.night.long with food poisoning. Ever had that? Ever had that AND been pregnant?! No fun. In fact, I would not wish such a night on Mitt Romney. We barely slept. There was not a store in town so B had to drive into the canyon to get me some meds. The ride home was horrible. We had plans to play poker, watch a movie and have another nice dinner and NONE of that happened. In stead, I remained in the fetal position all weekend.

I'm at work today and it sucks. I'm tired and weak. Drinking tons of water to stay hydrated. And all I want to do is leave and go to bed. Sometimes, though, you have to tough it out and that is exactly what I'm doing now.