You Otter Know

Co-sleeping was not in the plan.  But it is what it is, and, le sigh, the past week was this: 

She's not so small anymore.  Her head knocks against mine and I wake up.  I don't sleep so well and my neck and shoulders hurt.  But, I guess she's having some sort of tough time, so she needs me... and I know I should cherish it, since it will all change... and then I might miss it.  

Original photo: North American Otter from Nature Canada. 

Now sleep in it! (Part: I've lost count)

Finally!  Step "I've forgotten now": James's toddler bed turns back into a crib for Emma. 

So glad the instructions are in that envelope stapled to the bed rungs, else they'd definitely been lost by now.  

Paul keeps Emma away for as long as he could, and then she's in the room with me... and tries to help.  We definitely have to keep an eye on her -- just like her brother, it won't be long before she starts taking things apart to figure them out.  

Safe Indoors, Growing

He is fine.  I tell Mom/PoPo nothing. 


I sorted through more gifts / hand-me-down clothes.  They're oh, so cute!  But, (too bad?) James is growing and actually too big for them!

More evidence: He's filling up the box.  

Hey, who's sleeping in the bed?

Two Month Follow-Up

James is now 8 lbs 6 oz!  The rate of growth is not as impressive as the 4 weeks before, but it's still an above average rate.

Though the diapers are still "bad" (green goo), I think James has been slightly happier and less cry-y... Anyway, the pediatrician has given the go ahead for part 2 of the food experiment: I go off the diet.  Yay!  Chocolate and cheese and bread and crackers!  Though I was probably a little over strict (soy oil turns out to be o.k. as it does not contain soy protein)

I thought being able to eat would me happy, but it was really after a one hour nap that things started looking / feeling a bit up.

Fingers crossed this all works.

_______ when he sleeps...

"Sleep when he sleeps..." seems to be the "newborn golden rule".  But how do people do it?

I've been thinking about it for a while.

If I slept when he slept, when would there be a chance to go to the washroom, cook, etc.?

I know I've been stretching it trying to clean, tidy up, see people, answer emails in his sleeping (my waking hours) and I feel rough.  More rough than I did a couple weeks ago.  I must have used up all my reserves... and there's not much to look forward to at the moment (this weekend will be me doing taxes).

And what Mom said "What would you eat if I wasn't here?"  She thinks he's difficult right now (I actually think we're in a good stretch).  Anyway, I try to reassure her (and myself ): Paul would cook and I would probably cook too, but in big batches.  Oh, and simple one pot meals (nothing like these feasts and complicated soups they've been making me).  And yes, the microwave!  Fresh cooking or recooking items every meal takes a long time.  I also don't say, but know I'd probably cook while wearing him if he doesn't want to settle...

I wonder too if I'd sleep more or less if she's not here.  Less available time (she's not here to hold / soothe him), but fewer expectations too (less cleaning). 

Things I Did Wrong

1. Fell asleep with James in my arms after nursing him on the couch.
2. Took him to bed with me when he wouldn't settle down.
3. Left him to gurgle on his own when he was awake instead of playing with him.
4. Wearing him in the k'tan and eating -- leaving crumbs on his head.

But he's pretty happy today and I'm got some sleep...
Chalking this up to just doing what I have to do.

On Nails

James is restless and fussy.  I tried wearing him again and yes, he calmed down and fell asleep.  A win, right?  But is that what we want?  Him having these long stretches of sleep during the day?  Le sigh.  Is this a sign that something is wrong?

Well, either way, he was still enough for me to get a clipper onto his tiny finger nails.  Not sure when it happened, but his nails are no longer soft enough just peel.  (Soon they'll be stronger than mine!)