Babies will poo in the most inconvenient places. The airplane was just the beginning.
After sleeping a few hours in my cousins house in southern Iowa, we drove further north to see my grandmother in the nursing home before attending my grandfather's memorial service. Upon arriving at the nursing home, we realized that my 6 month old niece had not only blown out of her diaper onto her cute dress, but also onto the carseat. Poo Number 1.
We spent some time with gramma and took photos and then headed to the church where the women's group had made our family lunch. Abby also ate and immediately filled her diaper. Poo Number 2.
As she often does, Abby had a second go-around. Thank goodness Rob was holding her and sat near an exit during the memorial service. Poo Number 3.
After the service the women's group had a reception for us during which my niece has a second go-around messing up the second cute outfit and ended up wearing her 3 1/2 year old sister's outfit (much too big of course). Poo Number 4.
On Sunday afternoon, my brother had arranged for our family to have professional photos taken. All dressed up, we took several of the entire family and then decided we should have some of just the three little girls. As Abby "posed" for these photos she filled another diaper (luckily grunting and smiling look about the same for babies). Poo Number 5.
Rob changed all of Abby's poopy diapers this weekend - he is definitely the best daddy a little girl (or her momma) could ask for.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Travelling with infants: mini-vans are amazing
So my brother, my sister-in-law, our two nieces (3 1/2 years and 6 months) and the three of us loaded in a mini-van (until this weekend, I never wanted nor needed a mini-van). When the ads say it seats eight, it does not mean comfortably with three carseats. Unfortunately, Rob was the one stuck between two carseats in the back - thank God for Rob's patience; he watched Finding Nemo countless times, a few without sound with some dialogue spoken by a 3 1/2 year old. Rob also has a sore spot on his leg from where one of the carseats had a knob.
So not only did the mini-van have a DVD player so that our niece could watch Finding Nemo again and again, but the passengers in the front half could simultaneously listen to the sixth Harry Potter book on audio.
And the icing on the cake was the GPS system which directed us all over the midwest and home again while finding places to eat along the way and purchase the latest Harry Potter book. Although I will admit, it often informed us we were on "unverified" roads since we did travel on gravel several times.
... All with room for luggage in the back.
So not only did the mini-van have a DVD player so that our niece could watch Finding Nemo again and again, but the passengers in the front half could simultaneously listen to the sixth Harry Potter book on audio.
And the icing on the cake was the GPS system which directed us all over the midwest and home again while finding places to eat along the way and purchase the latest Harry Potter book. Although I will admit, it often informed us we were on "unverified" roads since we did travel on gravel several times.
... All with room for luggage in the back.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Travelling with an infant, Part 1
Overall, I would say that our first plane ride with Abby was a success; she was awake but not too fussy for most of the flight. However, we did learn a couple of lessons.
I should have known better being a science teacher, but we packed pre-mixed formula in the diaper bag believing it would be easier than trying to pour powder in an airport or on the plane. What I had not accounted for was the fact that we use Playtex drop-ins, not solid bottles and so when the cabin pressure was less than the pressure inside the bottle we ended up with formula all over (luckily I had packed them in ziploc bags and so the diaper bag was not completely soaked, just a few damp spots).
The second lesson we learned was "how to change a poopy diaper on a plane." I had read that you could put a changing pad across the tiny bathroom sink, but as Rob approached the lavatory carrying smelling baby and diaper changing necessities, the flight attendant explained it would be much easier to sit on the floor in front of the main door. So with a small audience, our hero daddy, changed a very poopy diaper on an airplane.
I'm sure we will learn more as the weekend progresses.
I should have known better being a science teacher, but we packed pre-mixed formula in the diaper bag believing it would be easier than trying to pour powder in an airport or on the plane. What I had not accounted for was the fact that we use Playtex drop-ins, not solid bottles and so when the cabin pressure was less than the pressure inside the bottle we ended up with formula all over (luckily I had packed them in ziploc bags and so the diaper bag was not completely soaked, just a few damp spots).
The second lesson we learned was "how to change a poopy diaper on a plane." I had read that you could put a changing pad across the tiny bathroom sink, but as Rob approached the lavatory carrying smelling baby and diaper changing necessities, the flight attendant explained it would be much easier to sit on the floor in front of the main door. So with a small audience, our hero daddy, changed a very poopy diaper on an airplane.
I'm sure we will learn more as the weekend progresses.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Stupid Air Conditioner!
It was fun to have Anny and Abby at the office all day on Monday! It was not fun, though, to return to the heat-box of a house in the afternoon.
On Sunday after a family nap we noticed that all three of us woke up sweaty. Poor Abby had even left a little sweat stain on our bed. When we looked at the thermostat and it said that it was at 86 degrees, we knew we had a problem! An immediate call was placed to the AC repair folks, and they were there first thing on Monday morning.
After assessment they decided we needed two parts that can only come from York, and we had two options: wait 3-5 days for standard delivery or pay $$$$$ for overnight. We paid for overnight.
In the meantime we were searching for ways to keep Anny and Abby cool. I had to be at work anyway, so I was fine! After quick trips to the post office and bank, they had only killed an hour and the house was still insanely hot. We decided that they just needed to come to the office for lunch and hang out for the afternoon.
Abby had not been sleeping well because she was insanely hot. Here at the cool office, though, she went to sleep pretty quickly. We made a makeshift bed from pillows off of the office couch, put together on my office floor:
She slept for hours!
We looked at options of places to stay Monday night, but ended up sleeping in our basement because it was easier than packing up stuff for all three of us for one night out of the house. (This was the night of the previously mentioned La Leche meeting, so we were out during the evening.)
Tuesday the two girls went out to lunch, to doctors offices, to friends houses to keep cool. We got several offers (one almost hostile!) of places to stay if the AC did not get fixed. It did get fixed Tuesday afternoon and it was comfortable by bed time.
When I got home Wedesday, though, I as greeted with "it's out again." We called, they came immediately and fixed it. We're keeping a close eye on it today.....
We're off to Saint Louis and Iowa for the weekend, so you won't see new pictures until we return. You will probably see a dozen or more at that point, though!
On Sunday after a family nap we noticed that all three of us woke up sweaty. Poor Abby had even left a little sweat stain on our bed. When we looked at the thermostat and it said that it was at 86 degrees, we knew we had a problem! An immediate call was placed to the AC repair folks, and they were there first thing on Monday morning.
After assessment they decided we needed two parts that can only come from York, and we had two options: wait 3-5 days for standard delivery or pay $$$$$ for overnight. We paid for overnight.
In the meantime we were searching for ways to keep Anny and Abby cool. I had to be at work anyway, so I was fine! After quick trips to the post office and bank, they had only killed an hour and the house was still insanely hot. We decided that they just needed to come to the office for lunch and hang out for the afternoon.
Abby had not been sleeping well because she was insanely hot. Here at the cool office, though, she went to sleep pretty quickly. We made a makeshift bed from pillows off of the office couch, put together on my office floor:
 |
| From July 2007 |
She slept for hours!
We looked at options of places to stay Monday night, but ended up sleeping in our basement because it was easier than packing up stuff for all three of us for one night out of the house. (This was the night of the previously mentioned La Leche meeting, so we were out during the evening.)
Tuesday the two girls went out to lunch, to doctors offices, to friends houses to keep cool. We got several offers (one almost hostile!) of places to stay if the AC did not get fixed. It did get fixed Tuesday afternoon and it was comfortable by bed time.
When I got home Wedesday, though, I as greeted with "it's out again." We called, they came immediately and fixed it. We're keeping a close eye on it today.....
We're off to Saint Louis and Iowa for the weekend, so you won't see new pictures until we return. You will probably see a dozen or more at that point, though!
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
La Leche Meeting
Since breastfeeding has not come easily for us, a friend suggested we find a La Leche meeting for support. Initially, I called the group leader to ask when and where the meetings were held and got an earful of advice despite explaining that we were working with a great lactation consultant. So I arrived at the meeting with trepidation that these extremist, breastfeeding moms would condemn me for having a low milk supply and our need to supplement with formula.
In addition, I purposefully chose a meeting that was in the evenings and open to fathers so that Rob could attend with us. So when we arrived for our first meeting, I was more than my usual quiet, introverted self, being fearful of the spoken and unspoken judgements that might be made against me and my insufficient ability to breastfeed. Rob also had his worst fears realized when he was the only adult man in the room (there were, of course, several baby boys and toddlers - but no other dads). It was like having a big spotlight on the three of us and not in the, "ooh, look at the adorable baby" way that we are getting used to.
I love the friend who suggested La Leche, but I'm not sure I have the fortitude to attend another meeting. As a new mom, however, I am finding the courage to speak for my baby's and my needs more often. So, in true Anny fashion, I may just build my own support group instead.
In addition, I purposefully chose a meeting that was in the evenings and open to fathers so that Rob could attend with us. So when we arrived for our first meeting, I was more than my usual quiet, introverted self, being fearful of the spoken and unspoken judgements that might be made against me and my insufficient ability to breastfeed. Rob also had his worst fears realized when he was the only adult man in the room (there were, of course, several baby boys and toddlers - but no other dads). It was like having a big spotlight on the three of us and not in the, "ooh, look at the adorable baby" way that we are getting used to.
I love the friend who suggested La Leche, but I'm not sure I have the fortitude to attend another meeting. As a new mom, however, I am finding the courage to speak for my baby's and my needs more often. So, in true Anny fashion, I may just build my own support group instead.
Friday, July 13, 2007
One Month Check-up
Yesterday was Abby's one month check-up! Things are going really well, and the doctor is very happy with her progress.
Stats:
Weight: 8 pounds 15 ounces
Length: 21 1/2 inches
We were given some exercise ideas to make sure that she gains some muscle tone that will be essential when it comes time for crawling. They are fun for us, and seem to be fun for her!
One of the exercises is to put her on her tummy and put her hands under her chest, as shown above. She really likes to push herself up and look around! (I blew the picture up too much from the original, which is why she looks so grainy. There are other pictures in the album.)
We don't like to have our little baby cry, but she had plenty of reason to cry yesterday. Shots! We have seen her cry before. We have seen her scream before. This was unlike any other scream or cry we've had so far. One shot in the leg and one prick in the foot to take a blood sample. Mom and dad even made it through with flying colors.
Unless something pops up, we will not be going back for a month. Then it's more shots, and more sleep! (Our doctor is a fan of four hour feedings at four weeks, and sleeping through the night between six and eight weeks!)
Go ahead, tell me how cute my baby is!
Stats:
Weight: 8 pounds 15 ounces
Length: 21 1/2 inches
We were given some exercise ideas to make sure that she gains some muscle tone that will be essential when it comes time for crawling. They are fun for us, and seem to be fun for her!
 |
| From July 2007 |
One of the exercises is to put her on her tummy and put her hands under her chest, as shown above. She really likes to push herself up and look around! (I blew the picture up too much from the original, which is why she looks so grainy. There are other pictures in the album.)
We don't like to have our little baby cry, but she had plenty of reason to cry yesterday. Shots! We have seen her cry before. We have seen her scream before. This was unlike any other scream or cry we've had so far. One shot in the leg and one prick in the foot to take a blood sample. Mom and dad even made it through with flying colors.
Unless something pops up, we will not be going back for a month. Then it's more shots, and more sleep! (Our doctor is a fan of four hour feedings at four weeks, and sleeping through the night between six and eight weeks!)
Go ahead, tell me how cute my baby is!
Thursday, July 12, 2007
One Month Old!
I will update with specifics from a pediatrician appointment this afternoon later, but wanted to post a fun picture. The arm in the picture is that of Anny's dad.
 |
| From July 2007 |
My mom and sister are coming up this weekend! We're very excited to see them!
More later!
Monday, July 09, 2007
Some Success in the Pink Battle
We have had some success in the battle to have some colors in our life. Colors other than pink, that is.
I will admit publically now, though, that I hesitate to take her out in just a blue onesie. All to often people think she's a boy. We have a blue and white dress/skirt thingy that helped, but I have decided that she can wear pink socks whenever we go out to keep people straight. Even the outfits that we have with other colors (see below) have pink in them, so they match!
We had a few adventures over the weekend, but nothing too wild. Farmers Market and Babies R Us are old hand for her now. We did end up at Franklins last night as our favorite eatery has closed without our knowledge. Very sad. Franklins was nice, though, especially since we had company. It may become our go-to place with visitors now, though it is a really loud on Friday and Saturday nights.
This week we have Anny's Dad with us until Wednesday, than my mom and sister are coming in Friday night for the weekend. Lots of fun times!
I will admit publically now, though, that I hesitate to take her out in just a blue onesie. All to often people think she's a boy. We have a blue and white dress/skirt thingy that helped, but I have decided that she can wear pink socks whenever we go out to keep people straight. Even the outfits that we have with other colors (see below) have pink in them, so they match!
 |
| From July 2007 |
We had a few adventures over the weekend, but nothing too wild. Farmers Market and Babies R Us are old hand for her now. We did end up at Franklins last night as our favorite eatery has closed without our knowledge. Very sad. Franklins was nice, though, especially since we had company. It may become our go-to place with visitors now, though it is a really loud on Friday and Saturday nights.
This week we have Anny's Dad with us until Wednesday, than my mom and sister are coming in Friday night for the weekend. Lots of fun times!
Friday, July 06, 2007
New Pictures Today
Unfortunately Anny's mom had to make an early exit from our house to go to Iowa to be with her family. This means that we lose our extra set of hands a week earlier than we had planned on, but her time with us has been so well spent that I think we should be set.
Nana - thanks for all that you did while you were here! We can't thank you enough!
Since I neglected the 4th of July pictures I have uploaded a few taken very early this morning for your viewing pleasure. (And ooooh-ing and ahhhh-ing!)
Here's one to wet your appetite!
Wish us luck and send good thoughts! We will just have to pace ourselves, right?
Update: Anny and I decided to pull the other pictures down from the web. They were not flattering to anyone when we looked at them again!
Nana - thanks for all that you did while you were here! We can't thank you enough!
Since I neglected the 4th of July pictures I have uploaded a few taken very early this morning for your viewing pleasure. (And ooooh-ing and ahhhh-ing!)
 |
| From July 2007 |
Here's one to wet your appetite!
Wish us luck and send good thoughts! We will just have to pace ourselves, right?
Update: Anny and I decided to pull the other pictures down from the web. They were not flattering to anyone when we looked at them again!
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Bad Dad
So yesterday was the highly acclaimed Fourth of July. We did go over to introduce Abby to Evan and Luke, two boys that will be like cousins to her as she grows up. Evan is 2 1/2 years old and was excited to meet A-Ba. Very cute. Luke is 2 1/2 months old and didn't really notice the strangers in his house! He has grown by leaps and bounds since we saw him a month or so ago! Abby won't get that big, right?
The reason that I'm a bad dad is that we didn't take any pictures! None. Zero zip zilch.
Common excuses:
Left the camera at home. Nope, put it in the diaper bag.
Left the diaper bag in the car. Nope, and thank goodness! Two wet diapers while we were there!
Left the camera in the bag and forgot about it. Nope. The camera (and the cousins camera) was sitting on the kitchen table the whole time!
What it really boiled down to is that when Abby was awake, Evan was running and Luke was asleep. When Luke woke up, with Evan still running, Abby went to sleep. They all ate at the same time, but in very different manors. The stars just did not align.
So, all of that is to say that there are no photo updates, but there should be by the end of the week!
The reason that I'm a bad dad is that we didn't take any pictures! None. Zero zip zilch.
Common excuses:
Left the camera at home. Nope, put it in the diaper bag.
Left the diaper bag in the car. Nope, and thank goodness! Two wet diapers while we were there!
Left the camera in the bag and forgot about it. Nope. The camera (and the cousins camera) was sitting on the kitchen table the whole time!
What it really boiled down to is that when Abby was awake, Evan was running and Luke was asleep. When Luke woke up, with Evan still running, Abby went to sleep. They all ate at the same time, but in very different manors. The stars just did not align.
So, all of that is to say that there are no photo updates, but there should be by the end of the week!
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
You Ask, You Receive
Many of you have requested new pictures to be shared.
I present: July 2007
Tomorrow is the Fourth of July and we'll be heading over to a friends house for a grilled picnic lunch. Abby will get to meet Evan and Luke for the first time. You may recall that they are two of the three later-in-life suitors!
Updates:
Last Saturday Abby lost her umbilical cord stump! That's a milestone.
She's eating between three and four hours apart - 4 during the night means we get two shifts of good sleep!
Now that she is catching a nap, I should too. Enjoy the pictures and look for more tomorrow night!
I present: July 2007
Tomorrow is the Fourth of July and we'll be heading over to a friends house for a grilled picnic lunch. Abby will get to meet Evan and Luke for the first time. You may recall that they are two of the three later-in-life suitors!
Updates:
Last Saturday Abby lost her umbilical cord stump! That's a milestone.
She's eating between three and four hours apart - 4 during the night means we get two shifts of good sleep!
Now that she is catching a nap, I should too. Enjoy the pictures and look for more tomorrow night!
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