Tonight I discovered that one of the neighborhood cats has sprayed all over the plastic bathtub. (We have been keeping it out on the deck) Fantastic. I discovered this when I brought it in and filled it with hot water in the sink and the whole kitchen smelled of steamy, destinctively feline piss. The cats were totally spooked out. I guess so much for that one. Oh well, she had just about outgrown it anyway.
Today Kristin from daycare had to take her daughter to the dentist, so I had to get Bean at 12:30. Of course, I figure this out on the phone with marc while I am sitting in trafffic on the DC beltway at 9:00... I got to the jobsite, dropped off paint, worked for a half an hour, and drove back to Baltimore. Despite the hectic morning, Bean and I had a nice afternoon... it was sunny for a change and not quite so cold, so we went for a nice long walk. It felt like when I wasn't working all summer.. God I miss that!!! She was really happy today and we had fun.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Olive has been pretty good the last few nights. Earlier this week she had a cold and made our lives miserable. When she gets that congested, she wakes herself up all the time. I was trying to explain it to people at work who don't have kids; the best way I could describe it is as if the snooze alarm goes off every 40 minutes all night long, only you have to get up and go in to another room to turn it off. Combine that with meeting the carpool to DC at 5:30am, and you have a recipe for one bitchy zombie by Wednesday. So, I'm glad she's feeling better.
Marc had band practice Thursday night, so it was just me and Bean. It was really fun actually. I finally started to see that it can be fun... I know that sounds weird. But sometimes it seems like I'm checking off a list of a series of chores; bath, change into jammies, bottle, etc etc. all in order to get her to go to sleep so I can relax (ie. collapse in a heap) or do something else. Like load the dishwasher. But Thursday was really fun; she had dinner, we took a bath and played with bubbles, we read some books, spent some time in the bouncy seat laughing. It was great. We had some nice "quality time" when I was putting her to sleep. There's just no way to describe how I feel when she's looking into my eyes as she falls asleep. And that helps me a lot; I've really struggled with feeling guilty about being a little bit emotionally distant. You feel like you're a terrible person if you aren't pining away every moment of the day that your baby is in daycare and counting the minutes until you can get home again. (I blame advertising!) Don't get me wrong, I'm always excited and happy to see her when I pick her up; but I am confident that she's happy and safe and I don't worry about her all day. So yeah, I'm starting to feel like maybe I'm not so bad at this after all. She is awesome.
Marc had band practice Thursday night, so it was just me and Bean. It was really fun actually. I finally started to see that it can be fun... I know that sounds weird. But sometimes it seems like I'm checking off a list of a series of chores; bath, change into jammies, bottle, etc etc. all in order to get her to go to sleep so I can relax (ie. collapse in a heap) or do something else. Like load the dishwasher. But Thursday was really fun; she had dinner, we took a bath and played with bubbles, we read some books, spent some time in the bouncy seat laughing. It was great. We had some nice "quality time" when I was putting her to sleep. There's just no way to describe how I feel when she's looking into my eyes as she falls asleep. And that helps me a lot; I've really struggled with feeling guilty about being a little bit emotionally distant. You feel like you're a terrible person if you aren't pining away every moment of the day that your baby is in daycare and counting the minutes until you can get home again. (I blame advertising!) Don't get me wrong, I'm always excited and happy to see her when I pick her up; but I am confident that she's happy and safe and I don't worry about her all day. So yeah, I'm starting to feel like maybe I'm not so bad at this after all. She is awesome.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Well; It's January 13th already. Happy New Year everyone. The holidays were crazy. I can't believe we're halfway through January. Olive will be 8 months old on the 21st!
Olive has been up to new stuff lately; She now sits up on her own. She's mastered rolling over, but can't quite sit up from lying down yet. I think she's going to be one of those walk before you crawl types; She doesn't show any interest in crawling yet really, but she always wants to stand up, and can stand for several minutes without any problems. I don't think it has occurred to her yet to take a step forward. She's making some more noises, "Ma Ma Ma" mostly. That is sort of the universal distress call for when she's scared or tired or frustrated with something. It isn't directed at "me" per se, its more like "I need help!" I have been thinking about trying some basic sign language and seeing if that works; some of the Moms swear by it. It's "food" and "more" that are apparently the most effective, go figure. She's on mostly formula at this point, she still gets a little breastmilk every day, but for various reasons, (work, daycare, stress, hormones) we are gradually weaning her off of it. I had originally planned on trying to make it to one year, but my job intervened. I think if I were home with her it would be easier, but it was kind of the beginning of the end when she started daycare. I am still feeling a little guilty, but I am trying not to beat myself up about it too much. The "natural" parenting gurus would be horrified, but it just wasn't working for me anymore. And if I've learned anything throughout this process, it's that you just gotta go with what works.
We went to Ithaca after Christmas to visit my family; My aunts were all fighting over Olive. I am posting the picture of Bean being held by Carol with Mary and my mom in the background. My uncle Andy, who is a great photographer, got some great shots of the family and I want tomake sure he gets due credit for the great photos! I love the picture of her standing with that grin on her face. She sooo looks like she's up to something, doesn't she? She looks like her father there. It was great to see everyone, some of my relatives had never met her, so it was fun. Grandma got her all kinds of new toys to play with.
Speaking of new toys, grandma also got Mommy a new sewing machine which I am so excited about. I took a sewing machine basics class last weekend and I may take some sewing classes this spring. I'm mostly into making quilts and toys for her, but I wouldn't mind learnign how to sew from a pattern. We'll see. I have also been feeling the creative pull of sculpture and painting again, and I'd like to pursue it if I can. I have a few ideas rolling around in my head. I just have to make time for that stuff. It's just so important. I truly believe that creativity is what keeps you young.
I have another busy week coming up, I will be in Annapolis. Work was slow there for awhile but seems to be picking up again. It's definitely exhausting. Just when you think, "Oh it's the weekend and I can sleep in." Wrong. I woke up this morning at 7:30 to a big gummy grin in my face. Very cute. Very early, but very cute. It's harder to get little things done around the house, like posting blogs and photos, let alone laundry and dishes. But in general, I think we are adapting pretty well.
Anyway, I am trying to post a little more frequently, so we'll see how my resolution holds up.
Olive has been up to new stuff lately; She now sits up on her own. She's mastered rolling over, but can't quite sit up from lying down yet. I think she's going to be one of those walk before you crawl types; She doesn't show any interest in crawling yet really, but she always wants to stand up, and can stand for several minutes without any problems. I don't think it has occurred to her yet to take a step forward. She's making some more noises, "Ma Ma Ma" mostly. That is sort of the universal distress call for when she's scared or tired or frustrated with something. It isn't directed at "me" per se, its more like "I need help!" I have been thinking about trying some basic sign language and seeing if that works; some of the Moms swear by it. It's "food" and "more" that are apparently the most effective, go figure. She's on mostly formula at this point, she still gets a little breastmilk every day, but for various reasons, (work, daycare, stress, hormones) we are gradually weaning her off of it. I had originally planned on trying to make it to one year, but my job intervened. I think if I were home with her it would be easier, but it was kind of the beginning of the end when she started daycare. I am still feeling a little guilty, but I am trying not to beat myself up about it too much. The "natural" parenting gurus would be horrified, but it just wasn't working for me anymore. And if I've learned anything throughout this process, it's that you just gotta go with what works.
We went to Ithaca after Christmas to visit my family; My aunts were all fighting over Olive. I am posting the picture of Bean being held by Carol with Mary and my mom in the background. My uncle Andy, who is a great photographer, got some great shots of the family and I want tomake sure he gets due credit for the great photos! I love the picture of her standing with that grin on her face. She sooo looks like she's up to something, doesn't she? She looks like her father there. It was great to see everyone, some of my relatives had never met her, so it was fun. Grandma got her all kinds of new toys to play with.
Speaking of new toys, grandma also got Mommy a new sewing machine which I am so excited about. I took a sewing machine basics class last weekend and I may take some sewing classes this spring. I'm mostly into making quilts and toys for her, but I wouldn't mind learnign how to sew from a pattern. We'll see. I have also been feeling the creative pull of sculpture and painting again, and I'd like to pursue it if I can. I have a few ideas rolling around in my head. I just have to make time for that stuff. It's just so important. I truly believe that creativity is what keeps you young.
I have another busy week coming up, I will be in Annapolis. Work was slow there for awhile but seems to be picking up again. It's definitely exhausting. Just when you think, "Oh it's the weekend and I can sleep in." Wrong. I woke up this morning at 7:30 to a big gummy grin in my face. Very cute. Very early, but very cute. It's harder to get little things done around the house, like posting blogs and photos, let alone laundry and dishes. But in general, I think we are adapting pretty well.
Anyway, I am trying to post a little more frequently, so we'll see how my resolution holds up.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Happy Solstice Eve Everybody!
Yikes, I have been so busy I haven't updated in awhile. Well, my crazy jobsite in DC is finally winding down. It's a good thing, because it was really starting to burn me out; getting up at 4am every day and dealing with DC traffic. We will probably start back there in the Spring sometime. It's almost Christmas, which I can't believe. We have Raley family Christmas on Sunday which should be fun. Olive went to a Christmas Party today for my work and was exceptionally charming. It was nice because there were a lot of people there who had never seen her.
We also had a Mom's group cookie swap that I hosted last weekend which was great. It was nice to see everyone and catch up; Since I've been back at work I haven't seen many of them.
Let's see... what's new with Olive? She has mastered rolling over now, which is good. She's sitting up, but I still keep pillows around her because she still takes a header or two now and then. She's getting better though. We don't have any carpet because of the cats (Rocky pees on them immediately) so the hardwood floor can be a bit unforgiving. She has also been very vocal lately and is using lots of vowel sounds... I have heard her say "Ma Ma Ma Ma" a few times, but it's just the sounds, I don't think it's an actual word; Although Kristin at Daycare swears she's said MaMa. I'm sure it will be any day now. Other than that, not too much beyond the usual hoilday craziness. Tomorrow is the Winter Solstice... The first steps towards summer. -M-
We also had a Mom's group cookie swap that I hosted last weekend which was great. It was nice to see everyone and catch up; Since I've been back at work I haven't seen many of them.
Let's see... what's new with Olive? She has mastered rolling over now, which is good. She's sitting up, but I still keep pillows around her because she still takes a header or two now and then. She's getting better though. We don't have any carpet because of the cats (Rocky pees on them immediately) so the hardwood floor can be a bit unforgiving. She has also been very vocal lately and is using lots of vowel sounds... I have heard her say "Ma Ma Ma Ma" a few times, but it's just the sounds, I don't think it's an actual word; Although Kristin at Daycare swears she's said MaMa. I'm sure it will be any day now. Other than that, not too much beyond the usual hoilday craziness. Tomorrow is the Winter Solstice... The first steps towards summer. -M-
Sunday, December 2, 2007
The past few weeks have been busy, but fun. We had a nice Thanksgiving here at our house. Sue, George and Naomi came down, and so did Sue and Al. John and Mary Tyler surprised everyone by driving up for Thanksgiving from Baton Rouge. I cooked am amazing turkey this year; I brined it with Earl Grey and Lapsang Souchong tea for 24 hours first with lots of lemon and it was fantastic. We also had keeve and BEcky and Max join us as well, and it was very fun. The grandparents were in town for the weekend and got to spend time with Olive. She was very impressed with Grandma's exceptional Peek-A-Boo abilities.
Since Thanksgiving, work has been really busy for me. We have a huge project going on now at the Franciscan Monestary in Washington DC that has a very tight deadline and we are working long hours to try to finish it in time. I have been trying to not be too hard on myself lately, but I do feel like I am falling in to a bit of Supermom syndrome. I'm feeling so scattered; I forget things and I can't seem to get anything done. Last week it took me three days to get a gallon of milk. It sounds ridiculous, but I just could not seem to get to the store to get it. I put Marc's cell phone "somewhere safe" two weeks ago and have no idea where it is. I always thought that Supermom syndrome was for moms with ballet practice and science projects... you know, trying to do things above and beyond everyday. For me, its more like I have to try to not be so hard on myself for not getting the basics done, like laundry and dishes. I feel like if I'm making dinner, I'm not spending enough time playing with her. If I put her down to go do laundry, I'm ignoring her. But if I don't, by the time she's in bed around 7:30 or 8:00, I'm starving and exhausted and we have peanut butter and jelly for dinner again. (Which, I know, in the grand scheme of things is not such a big deal.)
However, despite my feelings of nagging maternal inadequacy, she is doing really well. She has been squealing and screeching like crazy the past few days. All of a sudden, Tummy Time is not the torture is was before. In fact, she kind of likes it. She has even been working on her rollover technique and is getting better and better at it every day. She's started eating more and more solid foods too, which she loves. We gaev her oatmeal and the n apples with blueberries and she was thrilled. We're still working on sitting up unaided, but we're getting very close. Maybe by Christmas.
So, that's what we're up to. Mom's group Cookie Swap is Dec.16th; I'm going to have a house FULL of moms and babies. Should be interesting. I'm really looing forward to it. I think I'll make my chocolate mint cookies this year. More later! Mariah
Since Thanksgiving, work has been really busy for me. We have a huge project going on now at the Franciscan Monestary in Washington DC that has a very tight deadline and we are working long hours to try to finish it in time. I have been trying to not be too hard on myself lately, but I do feel like I am falling in to a bit of Supermom syndrome. I'm feeling so scattered; I forget things and I can't seem to get anything done. Last week it took me three days to get a gallon of milk. It sounds ridiculous, but I just could not seem to get to the store to get it. I put Marc's cell phone "somewhere safe" two weeks ago and have no idea where it is. I always thought that Supermom syndrome was for moms with ballet practice and science projects... you know, trying to do things above and beyond everyday. For me, its more like I have to try to not be so hard on myself for not getting the basics done, like laundry and dishes. I feel like if I'm making dinner, I'm not spending enough time playing with her. If I put her down to go do laundry, I'm ignoring her. But if I don't, by the time she's in bed around 7:30 or 8:00, I'm starving and exhausted and we have peanut butter and jelly for dinner again. (Which, I know, in the grand scheme of things is not such a big deal.)
However, despite my feelings of nagging maternal inadequacy, she is doing really well. She has been squealing and screeching like crazy the past few days. All of a sudden, Tummy Time is not the torture is was before. In fact, she kind of likes it. She has even been working on her rollover technique and is getting better and better at it every day. She's started eating more and more solid foods too, which she loves. We gaev her oatmeal and the n apples with blueberries and she was thrilled. We're still working on sitting up unaided, but we're getting very close. Maybe by Christmas.
So, that's what we're up to. Mom's group Cookie Swap is Dec.16th; I'm going to have a house FULL of moms and babies. Should be interesting. I'm really looing forward to it. I think I'll make my chocolate mint cookies this year. More later! Mariah
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Foods
Foods we have tried so far and reactions:
Squash... Not a big hit
Sweet Potatoes... Moderately better
Carrots... Tolerable
Sweet Potatoes & Corn... Now we're talking
Peas... What are you trying to do to me?!
Squash... Not a big hit
Sweet Potatoes... Moderately better
Carrots... Tolerable
Sweet Potatoes & Corn... Now we're talking
Peas... What are you trying to do to me?!
Olive has been extremely happy all weekend. She has been giggling and squealing and generally being as adorable as possible. This week, all the grandparents will be here for Thanksgiving, which will be nice. We attended Sue and George's 25th Anniversary surprise lunch on Saturday and we all had a good time. I'm always amazed at how good she is out at restaurants. I don't know how long that will last, but I'm enjoying it while it does. We gave her a bath in the sink tonight because she's getting a little big for her bathtub and she really loves to splash around in deeper water. I know this kid is going to be a swimmer. Much like her Dad, she loves the water and is completely at ease in it. This week she has also discovered her ears, and was fascinated to find that she has a tongue. It's a short week for me too, since I am taking off Wednesday to cook and clean the house while she's at daycare. This year I am attempting Tea brined turkey... I am using a combination of Lapsang Souchong and Earl Grey to add a smoky flavor and finishing it off with a ginger plum glaze. Should be pretty yummy. I am also trying to finish up a sweater I started knitting her that I am hoping ot have done for Thanksgiving day. I have one sleeve to go, then to put it together. (What, me? Put unrealistic demands on myself? Never!) So hopefully I'll finish it up. I am really looking forward to a few days off work... but it does make me wish I actually had paid holidays; but that's another gripe. Anyway, so here are some updated pictures. Here's the link to Photobucket where there are many more pictures...
http://s198.photobucket.com/albums/aa77/mariahgillis/
More later this week!
http://s198.photobucket.com/albums/aa77/mariahgillis/
More later this week!
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