Hello LFM Readers!
SO, she may, or may not have swallowed a very small metal ball!??!! MRP was playing with a bracelet, and next thing I know she snapped it and the charms and everything holding it together went flying everywhere. I quickly picked her up and put her in her activity center so she couldn't move and start picking them up. I look at my sneaky daughter as I grab the broom, and she oh-so-smoothly puts her hand up to her mouth and IN SOMETHING GOES! I couldn't tell if she was just blowing kisses, or if she ACTUALLY put something in.
I grabbed her cheeks and squeezed (the only way she'll open her mouth if she knows you want to get something out of there) and yelled for my Mom. I could see the little shiny ball between her cheek and her gum. I tried scooping it out while Mom jammed her head forward so she couldn't swallow...but alas, it was gone.
I don't know if it fell out, or if it went down :( My mother assures me she'll be fine, that the object has to be bigger to cause an actual problem and that it "will all come out in the end." So far, she's been fine the last two days. Who knows....
Have your kids ever swallowed anything crazy? What happened?
Until next time, watch out for those sneaky babies!
Karyn Potts
*Please leave comments below, just click!*
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
It DRIVES Me Insane!
Hello Lexington FAMILY Magazine readers!
Does it drive you insane as much as me? When you're in traffic and you look over to see a small child in a car, with smoking passengers? It KILLS me! They have no choice in the matter, and are forced to sit there and breathe in second-hand smoke. I think there should be a law, where the person driving, and anyone else participating in the act, should be pulled over and ticketed and/or arrested. Drastic? Perhaps, but then maybe they'll get it through their heads how horribly dangerous it is for their children to be breathing in this toxin?
And don't get me started on seeing kids in a car not buckled up, or in car seats!!
Until next time, use your head people!
Karyn Potts
*Feel free to comment below*
Does it drive you insane as much as me? When you're in traffic and you look over to see a small child in a car, with smoking passengers? It KILLS me! They have no choice in the matter, and are forced to sit there and breathe in second-hand smoke. I think there should be a law, where the person driving, and anyone else participating in the act, should be pulled over and ticketed and/or arrested. Drastic? Perhaps, but then maybe they'll get it through their heads how horribly dangerous it is for their children to be breathing in this toxin?
And don't get me started on seeing kids in a car not buckled up, or in car seats!!
Until next time, use your head people!
Karyn Potts
*Feel free to comment below*
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Christmas was Great!
Hello LFM readers!
I hope everyone had a nice Christmas/Hannukah/Kwanza/Solstice, etc.! Ours went swimmingly.
MRP had a nice birthday party, streamers and all :) She got some great gifts (though she could've cared less about the wrapping paper, surprisingly enough). I actually think she might have been a bit overwhelmed by all the people, toys and just plain business in the house! She LOVED her cake! I was ready for her to just cram as much as possible into her mouth at one time, but she was dainty and pincered every little bit sweetly into her mouth. That's not to say she wasn't completely covered by the end, but she WAS cute!
Christmas happened for us on Christmas Eve this year, since Brian had to work the day of (yes, Lexington, SOMEONE was watching out for you! :) She barely noticed the presents, ha! We of course opened them all up for her, just one at a time with a few minutes inbetween so she could actually gauge what was going on. Funny thing: she LOVED this talking/singing Elmo I was buying in the store; so much so, she cried and cried and cried when she thought I was putting it back. Now that she HAS it, it scares the living daylights out of her! Hahaha! Poor girl; we've put it up for a while, maybe she'll like it in a month or two? Did you ever buy your child something they were deathly afraid of?
Some updates: MRP decided to crawl up the stairs the other day! Very sneakily, while "Daddy was watching her," though he was sitting at the kitchen table opening mail while Mommy washed dishes. Hmmmmm. We didn't even notice until I asked where she was, and she made this tiny little noise. Brian found her standing (OMG) at the top of our landing (note: we have hardwood floors--talking about a painful fall!) Thank God she DIDN'T fall! If you're wondering, yes, we now have a gate at the top AND bottom of the stairs! Previously we just put a cookie sheet on the bottom stair, and she never bothered it. Of course, the one time I don't put it there..she goes! Brian now calls her the NINJA!
MRP also just got her first pair of "Big Girl OUTSIDE Shoes!" She's had these cute moccasin-y ones that we put on her just for extra layering when we go out, but now that she always wants down, I thought it was time for a more sturdy pair. We went to "this store in the mall, known for KIDS shoes" and the girl was of absolutely no help. In fact, she ran to the back room to eat her lunch when we walked in; nice huh? She finally came out drinking her drink. I said "Oh, we wanted to get her sized." She looked at me and replied "Well then you'll have to take her out of the stroller." Ummm, duh. "Oh, I know," I said. "And you'll have to take her shoes off," she said again. Are you kidding me? Do I look THAT stupid to you? So, apparently there's about two pairs of shoes that actually come in her size there--weird for a "kids only" shoe store don't you think? But I guess that's how it worked: lots of variety, but only two sizes in each style: ODD. So we left with our $56 shoes in hand, after very little help--glad my Mom was here to help me at least!! Warning: the name rhymed with "Ride Tight."
Other updates: Baby #2 seems to have what my doctor is saying is a "boy heart rate." 141-143. I guess MRP at this time was 153-157. We took bets, but she's "pretty darn sure it's a boy." Brian is thrilled of course. As am I (one of each!) But I have to admit, I'm a little sad MRP won't have a little sister to play dolls or dress up with. I didn't have a sister, and I thought this would be a fun experience for both MRP and myself....? But alas, we'll find out on my birthday in January what it is for sure (hopefully).
So, until next time, I'll keep you updated!
Karyn Potts
*Would LOVE some comments: just click below!*
I hope everyone had a nice Christmas/Hannukah/Kwanza/Solstice, etc.! Ours went swimmingly.
MRP had a nice birthday party, streamers and all :) She got some great gifts (though she could've cared less about the wrapping paper, surprisingly enough). I actually think she might have been a bit overwhelmed by all the people, toys and just plain business in the house! She LOVED her cake! I was ready for her to just cram as much as possible into her mouth at one time, but she was dainty and pincered every little bit sweetly into her mouth. That's not to say she wasn't completely covered by the end, but she WAS cute!
Christmas happened for us on Christmas Eve this year, since Brian had to work the day of (yes, Lexington, SOMEONE was watching out for you! :) She barely noticed the presents, ha! We of course opened them all up for her, just one at a time with a few minutes inbetween so she could actually gauge what was going on. Funny thing: she LOVED this talking/singing Elmo I was buying in the store; so much so, she cried and cried and cried when she thought I was putting it back. Now that she HAS it, it scares the living daylights out of her! Hahaha! Poor girl; we've put it up for a while, maybe she'll like it in a month or two? Did you ever buy your child something they were deathly afraid of?
Some updates: MRP decided to crawl up the stairs the other day! Very sneakily, while "Daddy was watching her," though he was sitting at the kitchen table opening mail while Mommy washed dishes. Hmmmmm. We didn't even notice until I asked where she was, and she made this tiny little noise. Brian found her standing (OMG) at the top of our landing (note: we have hardwood floors--talking about a painful fall!) Thank God she DIDN'T fall! If you're wondering, yes, we now have a gate at the top AND bottom of the stairs! Previously we just put a cookie sheet on the bottom stair, and she never bothered it. Of course, the one time I don't put it there..she goes! Brian now calls her the NINJA!
MRP also just got her first pair of "Big Girl OUTSIDE Shoes!" She's had these cute moccasin-y ones that we put on her just for extra layering when we go out, but now that she always wants down, I thought it was time for a more sturdy pair. We went to "this store in the mall, known for KIDS shoes" and the girl was of absolutely no help. In fact, she ran to the back room to eat her lunch when we walked in; nice huh? She finally came out drinking her drink. I said "Oh, we wanted to get her sized." She looked at me and replied "Well then you'll have to take her out of the stroller." Ummm, duh. "Oh, I know," I said. "And you'll have to take her shoes off," she said again. Are you kidding me? Do I look THAT stupid to you? So, apparently there's about two pairs of shoes that actually come in her size there--weird for a "kids only" shoe store don't you think? But I guess that's how it worked: lots of variety, but only two sizes in each style: ODD. So we left with our $56 shoes in hand, after very little help--glad my Mom was here to help me at least!! Warning: the name rhymed with "Ride Tight."
Other updates: Baby #2 seems to have what my doctor is saying is a "boy heart rate." 141-143. I guess MRP at this time was 153-157. We took bets, but she's "pretty darn sure it's a boy." Brian is thrilled of course. As am I (one of each!) But I have to admit, I'm a little sad MRP won't have a little sister to play dolls or dress up with. I didn't have a sister, and I thought this would be a fun experience for both MRP and myself....? But alas, we'll find out on my birthday in January what it is for sure (hopefully).
So, until next time, I'll keep you updated!
Karyn Potts
*Would LOVE some comments: just click below!*
Monday, November 30, 2009
Guess what MRP did this week???
Hello Lexington FAMILY Magazine readers!
This post is merely an exciting update to MRP and her development lately; though I find it completely titillating!! The day after Thanksgiving, MRP decided she was going to take a few steps at my sister-in-laws house and impress the family with her new skill. WOW, I was amazed. But as of yesterday, holy cow! Watch out ladies and gentlemen, we have a walker on our hands! She's a walking MACHINE! She finds it to be the very best game to walk back and forth between Mommy and Daddy, and gets SO excited and proud of herself, even if she falls on her bootie half way across the room. I'm so excited I can't even explain--I wish there was a way I could upload the video I got of her doing it the first time to this site...? (I'll look into it.)
I know many of you are sitting there saying "Oh no, it's all over now!" But really, I don't think we could've stopped her even if we wanted to. The world is now her oyster and she's ready to get out into it. Yay for MRP! The only thing that freaks me out now though, is that when she's walking, I can see her wobbling (of course right next to something that could cause severe damage to her--i.e.: bookshelf, handles to things sticking out, etc.) and my heart stops everytime she gets near something. Just call me "Helicopter Mom," because I'm hovering baby! Any suggestions to calm my nerves?
Until next time: be one with the force (gravity that is!)
Karyn Potts
*To comment below, just click the button!*
This post is merely an exciting update to MRP and her development lately; though I find it completely titillating!! The day after Thanksgiving, MRP decided she was going to take a few steps at my sister-in-laws house and impress the family with her new skill. WOW, I was amazed. But as of yesterday, holy cow! Watch out ladies and gentlemen, we have a walker on our hands! She's a walking MACHINE! She finds it to be the very best game to walk back and forth between Mommy and Daddy, and gets SO excited and proud of herself, even if she falls on her bootie half way across the room. I'm so excited I can't even explain--I wish there was a way I could upload the video I got of her doing it the first time to this site...? (I'll look into it.)
I know many of you are sitting there saying "Oh no, it's all over now!" But really, I don't think we could've stopped her even if we wanted to. The world is now her oyster and she's ready to get out into it. Yay for MRP! The only thing that freaks me out now though, is that when she's walking, I can see her wobbling (of course right next to something that could cause severe damage to her--i.e.: bookshelf, handles to things sticking out, etc.) and my heart stops everytime she gets near something. Just call me "Helicopter Mom," because I'm hovering baby! Any suggestions to calm my nerves?
Until next time: be one with the force (gravity that is!)
Karyn Potts
*To comment below, just click the button!*
Holiday, Holiday, HAPPY Day!
Hello LFM Readers!
I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving!? Brian and I had a house FULL of friends and family to eat and be jolly with; it was nice (though we almost burned the house down with the turkey pan breaking and drippings smoking up the oven and kitchen), but hey, it wouldn't be Thanksgiving without a little drama right? :P
So, after the house was put back in order, we decided to put up our Christmas Tree last night while MRP slept (MUCH easier this way, I'm sure!) I was so excited that she was awake this morning before I left for work, and was able to carry her downstairs to see her face when she saw it all lit up. I was waiting for the magic, the marvel in her eye. But, NOPE! She just kinda looked back and forth at me and the tree, confused. HA! I sat her down on the floor and took a very dark, and blurry picture of her. As I did, she crawled over to me and sat by my feet, almost for me to protect her from this "weird" thing in her living room. When I picked her back up and said "It's your Christmas Tree" over and over, she finally smiled and began pointing at it.
I can only wonder what was going through her mind: How did a tree get in my house? or How long do you think it will take me to knock it over? :) Either way, I'm overjoyed to see her reaction on Christmas day when she can go tearing into those presents; and believe me, she WILL go TEARING into them--the girl LOVES to rip paper...paper towels, toilet paper, magazines..you name it. We're constantly on the look out for rippable things! That, and the dog bowl: she lives to dump over his water onto the floor and all over herself. We've learned to keep it put on the counter until she's snuggly in her highchair.
Which brings me to her birthday! Guess who turns 1 whole year old this month?? That's right: little MRP! The Princess Party invitations have gone out, and I'm ready to make her cake. YES, I'M MAKING HER CAKE. People keep asking me where I'm going to get it from, but I think it would really mean a lot to me to be able to say "I made your first birthday cake." It may not be as beautiful as a professional one, but it will surely taste good! (I DO love baking, so I have a few tricks up my sleeve.) Though, the other question I keep getting is about what to get her..? I HAVE NO CLUE PEOPLE! I had a rough enough time buying for a friend's daughter when she turned one a few months ago. Do you buy them clothes? No, I guess not, because those are really just for their Moms. Do you buy them toys? Welllll, they MAY want some new stimulation, but they don't necessarily NEED toys, right? I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm not stingy with the toys by any stretch of the imagination, but what do you suggest for your friends to buy your child? HELP!? And wondering also: did you strip your child down for the cake festivities? Did you go crazy with decorations? What's the one thing you kept for your child's baby book about the party? And most importantly: what's your best advice to ME to stay sane?
On a whole other note: baby #2 seems to be moving right along, as far as I can tell of course. We go back to the doctor in December for a check-up, and then again in January to find out the sex. If it's up to my husband, this baby will be a boy (of course), but I've already said that since he's said it aloud, it's bound to be a girl now :P Anyone want to take a guess? Or maybe, bets? :) Anywho, off I go to decorate the house a little bit more on the outside and gear up for more Holly, Holy, Happy Days!
Until next time: steer me in the right direction!
Karyn Potts
*I would REALLY appreciate your comments/questions/etc. Just click the button below!*
I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving!? Brian and I had a house FULL of friends and family to eat and be jolly with; it was nice (though we almost burned the house down with the turkey pan breaking and drippings smoking up the oven and kitchen), but hey, it wouldn't be Thanksgiving without a little drama right? :P
So, after the house was put back in order, we decided to put up our Christmas Tree last night while MRP slept (MUCH easier this way, I'm sure!) I was so excited that she was awake this morning before I left for work, and was able to carry her downstairs to see her face when she saw it all lit up. I was waiting for the magic, the marvel in her eye. But, NOPE! She just kinda looked back and forth at me and the tree, confused. HA! I sat her down on the floor and took a very dark, and blurry picture of her. As I did, she crawled over to me and sat by my feet, almost for me to protect her from this "weird" thing in her living room. When I picked her back up and said "It's your Christmas Tree" over and over, she finally smiled and began pointing at it.
I can only wonder what was going through her mind: How did a tree get in my house? or How long do you think it will take me to knock it over? :) Either way, I'm overjoyed to see her reaction on Christmas day when she can go tearing into those presents; and believe me, she WILL go TEARING into them--the girl LOVES to rip paper...paper towels, toilet paper, magazines..you name it. We're constantly on the look out for rippable things! That, and the dog bowl: she lives to dump over his water onto the floor and all over herself. We've learned to keep it put on the counter until she's snuggly in her highchair.
Which brings me to her birthday! Guess who turns 1 whole year old this month?? That's right: little MRP! The Princess Party invitations have gone out, and I'm ready to make her cake. YES, I'M MAKING HER CAKE. People keep asking me where I'm going to get it from, but I think it would really mean a lot to me to be able to say "I made your first birthday cake." It may not be as beautiful as a professional one, but it will surely taste good! (I DO love baking, so I have a few tricks up my sleeve.) Though, the other question I keep getting is about what to get her..? I HAVE NO CLUE PEOPLE! I had a rough enough time buying for a friend's daughter when she turned one a few months ago. Do you buy them clothes? No, I guess not, because those are really just for their Moms. Do you buy them toys? Welllll, they MAY want some new stimulation, but they don't necessarily NEED toys, right? I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm not stingy with the toys by any stretch of the imagination, but what do you suggest for your friends to buy your child? HELP!? And wondering also: did you strip your child down for the cake festivities? Did you go crazy with decorations? What's the one thing you kept for your child's baby book about the party? And most importantly: what's your best advice to ME to stay sane?
On a whole other note: baby #2 seems to be moving right along, as far as I can tell of course. We go back to the doctor in December for a check-up, and then again in January to find out the sex. If it's up to my husband, this baby will be a boy (of course), but I've already said that since he's said it aloud, it's bound to be a girl now :P Anyone want to take a guess? Or maybe, bets? :) Anywho, off I go to decorate the house a little bit more on the outside and gear up for more Holly, Holy, Happy Days!
Until next time: steer me in the right direction!
Karyn Potts
*I would REALLY appreciate your comments/questions/etc. Just click the button below!*
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
LOTS of Updates!!!
Hello Lexington FAMILY Magazine readers!
Please forgive me! It seems as though I've fallen off the face of the earth, I realize, when in fact it's just the opposite. I've been soooo busy in the last few months, it's as though the world just won't stop spinning!
So, some updates on life and MRP are called for: Since my last post in July (bad Karyn!), we've been to the hospital TWICE with her, had some major milestones, and have gotten some odd news. Read on.
First trip to the ER: Let me start by saying, it was totally my fault :( Brian was raking outside, and MRP and I were just chatting with him, when I decided to take her for a walk. I brought her into the garage, put her into our orange umbrella stroller, and wheeled her out into the driveway. Here's the kicker: I didn't strap her in (even though I even second-guessed myself when I first put her into it) because I thought "Oh, I'll just be a minute, she'll be okay 'til I get her into the driveway to tighten the belt." Ha, not so much. I wheeled her out, and within 30 seconds of being out there, she leaned over and SLAM! I looked down and she was bent over in her seat with her forehead smack-dab on the ground, and she was screaming bloody murder, rightfully so. We scooped her up and she immediately had a large swollen egg on her head that was already starting to look bad. I burst into tears, and Brian took her to walk around the yard and to sing to her. Everytime I tried to take her back, I just looked at her tiny little face and cried all over again. "You realize I won't be able to put her down or sleep tonight until we take her somewhere and have her checked out, right?" I said to my husband. So off we went to the E.R. Poor little girl. We waited about 45 minutes to see a doctor (you should've seen them trying to get her temperature, or was it her pulse?, from this little tape-thing they wrapped around her toe: entertaining to say the least) and when we finally DID see the doctor, he treated me like an imbecile. He walked in and said "Oh she's fine...what did she do, hit her head on a fall?" He HADN'T EVEN LOOKED AT HER YET! Umm, yes, that's what happened. He took her head in his hands and pushed all over it, hard (it even looked painful) and was finished and signing us out in two minutes. I said "doesn't that huge spot on her head look really bad? Like it's just full of blood right there?" He turned to me and said "yeah, it's called a BRUISE" and walked out. NICE HUH?
Our second trip to the hospital was HORRIBLE, to say the least. MRP had started for about a week to get fussy at night, and was throwing up every time I tried to give her a new food. And that's what we chalked it up to--not liking the new foods. Soon she stopped drinking her bottle, and then getting sick over and over again. The day we got her in to the pediatrician, she was already on her 5th set of clothes. I was told after a 3-4 minute exam, that it was just a stomach bug, and to give her some Pedialyte to keep her from getting dehydrated. She liked the orange flavor and drank two (of her) bottles that night. Then next morning, she was getting sick again, coughing, and had a temperture. Swine Flu? Who knows. We called and they made us an appointment for 6PM since the waiting room was so full. However, 20 minutes later, they called back and said they were too worried about her symptoms and her age, and that they were calling in the on-call doctor to examine her. We got there very quickly, and that's when everything went down hill. They had to use a catheter to get a urine sample, and were having ME hold her arms down to do it.(Don't they PAY people to do this?) I cried uncontrollably of course, so they had to have Brian come in and do it. Then they had to get a blood sample. He came out of the room, (as the professional he is, this surprised me), and said "I'm never doing that again, ever." We were told to take her to the hospital to admit her ASAP. "Do not stop for food, do not go home, go straight there," they told us. As you can imagine, I was a basketcase. I called my Mom and could barely speak. MRP was admitted to the hospital for about two days to receive fluids. We thought for sure there was no way that she'd sit on that bed for that long, without all her toys or the ability to get down on the floor and crawl around. Boy were we wrong. She was so out of it, she just layed there. Again, it was HORRIBLE. They tested her, and just kept saying "stomach bug." We think they were just scared to say "stomach FLU."
Little MRP was also bitten a few weeks ago by our family beagle, Buddy, that we've had for YEARS! She was crawling towards his bed in the living room and stopped just short of it. Buddy usually could care less what she does or where she is, but something just struck him the wrong way I guess, and he lunged for her face. THANKFULLY, she only had a mark at her hairline, and not on her face, but blood was everywhere, and Brian had to give her a bath just to clean her up. We're now keeping Buddy separated from her with a gate, but he was punished so badly, he's been behaving much better lately. I know some of you are sitting there saying "Get rid of him!" but I rescued him from such a terrible existence, I can't imagine getting rid of him.
Now some milestone updates:
* MRP will be turning one year old next month. Any suggestions on planning a successful birthday party for her age? Anything you did that your kid(s) loved?
* MRP can now walk about 4-5 steps between Brian and I, but still likes to crawl to get to places faster. How exciting; she'll soon be a little monster :P
* Her new favorite thing to do while eating (and a great tool for Mommy to keep her fingers out of her mouth) is to High Five! She thinks it's hilarious, and when I stop doing it, she grabs my hand to keep going. So sweet.
* The other big news? You've guessed it--we're expecting again! (I know, everyone at once: OHHH MYYYYYY!!) Believe me, this baby, much like MRP, was not planned :) Estimated due date of baby #2: May 27th. So far, everything's going swimmingly. Not much sickness, just tired all the time (of course). We had our first sonogram the other day--crappy pictures again--same woman that we had with MRP, but everything "looked great!"
So, as long as this post is, at least you've been caught up on MRP and have heard the BIG NEWS! Stay tuned for a new blog (I promise :)--I guess I don't have to write that one about "Keeping the Spark Alive" now right? :P
Until next time, expect the unexpected!
Karyn Potts
*To comment--would LOVE some!--click the button below*
Please forgive me! It seems as though I've fallen off the face of the earth, I realize, when in fact it's just the opposite. I've been soooo busy in the last few months, it's as though the world just won't stop spinning!
So, some updates on life and MRP are called for: Since my last post in July (bad Karyn!), we've been to the hospital TWICE with her, had some major milestones, and have gotten some odd news. Read on.
First trip to the ER: Let me start by saying, it was totally my fault :( Brian was raking outside, and MRP and I were just chatting with him, when I decided to take her for a walk. I brought her into the garage, put her into our orange umbrella stroller, and wheeled her out into the driveway. Here's the kicker: I didn't strap her in (even though I even second-guessed myself when I first put her into it) because I thought "Oh, I'll just be a minute, she'll be okay 'til I get her into the driveway to tighten the belt." Ha, not so much. I wheeled her out, and within 30 seconds of being out there, she leaned over and SLAM! I looked down and she was bent over in her seat with her forehead smack-dab on the ground, and she was screaming bloody murder, rightfully so. We scooped her up and she immediately had a large swollen egg on her head that was already starting to look bad. I burst into tears, and Brian took her to walk around the yard and to sing to her. Everytime I tried to take her back, I just looked at her tiny little face and cried all over again. "You realize I won't be able to put her down or sleep tonight until we take her somewhere and have her checked out, right?" I said to my husband. So off we went to the E.R. Poor little girl. We waited about 45 minutes to see a doctor (you should've seen them trying to get her temperature, or was it her pulse?, from this little tape-thing they wrapped around her toe: entertaining to say the least) and when we finally DID see the doctor, he treated me like an imbecile. He walked in and said "Oh she's fine...what did she do, hit her head on a fall?" He HADN'T EVEN LOOKED AT HER YET! Umm, yes, that's what happened. He took her head in his hands and pushed all over it, hard (it even looked painful) and was finished and signing us out in two minutes. I said "doesn't that huge spot on her head look really bad? Like it's just full of blood right there?" He turned to me and said "yeah, it's called a BRUISE" and walked out. NICE HUH?
Our second trip to the hospital was HORRIBLE, to say the least. MRP had started for about a week to get fussy at night, and was throwing up every time I tried to give her a new food. And that's what we chalked it up to--not liking the new foods. Soon she stopped drinking her bottle, and then getting sick over and over again. The day we got her in to the pediatrician, she was already on her 5th set of clothes. I was told after a 3-4 minute exam, that it was just a stomach bug, and to give her some Pedialyte to keep her from getting dehydrated. She liked the orange flavor and drank two (of her) bottles that night. Then next morning, she was getting sick again, coughing, and had a temperture. Swine Flu? Who knows. We called and they made us an appointment for 6PM since the waiting room was so full. However, 20 minutes later, they called back and said they were too worried about her symptoms and her age, and that they were calling in the on-call doctor to examine her. We got there very quickly, and that's when everything went down hill. They had to use a catheter to get a urine sample, and were having ME hold her arms down to do it.(Don't they PAY people to do this?) I cried uncontrollably of course, so they had to have Brian come in and do it. Then they had to get a blood sample. He came out of the room, (as the professional he is, this surprised me), and said "I'm never doing that again, ever." We were told to take her to the hospital to admit her ASAP. "Do not stop for food, do not go home, go straight there," they told us. As you can imagine, I was a basketcase. I called my Mom and could barely speak. MRP was admitted to the hospital for about two days to receive fluids. We thought for sure there was no way that she'd sit on that bed for that long, without all her toys or the ability to get down on the floor and crawl around. Boy were we wrong. She was so out of it, she just layed there. Again, it was HORRIBLE. They tested her, and just kept saying "stomach bug." We think they were just scared to say "stomach FLU."
Little MRP was also bitten a few weeks ago by our family beagle, Buddy, that we've had for YEARS! She was crawling towards his bed in the living room and stopped just short of it. Buddy usually could care less what she does or where she is, but something just struck him the wrong way I guess, and he lunged for her face. THANKFULLY, she only had a mark at her hairline, and not on her face, but blood was everywhere, and Brian had to give her a bath just to clean her up. We're now keeping Buddy separated from her with a gate, but he was punished so badly, he's been behaving much better lately. I know some of you are sitting there saying "Get rid of him!" but I rescued him from such a terrible existence, I can't imagine getting rid of him.
Now some milestone updates:
* MRP will be turning one year old next month. Any suggestions on planning a successful birthday party for her age? Anything you did that your kid(s) loved?
* MRP can now walk about 4-5 steps between Brian and I, but still likes to crawl to get to places faster. How exciting; she'll soon be a little monster :P
* Her new favorite thing to do while eating (and a great tool for Mommy to keep her fingers out of her mouth) is to High Five! She thinks it's hilarious, and when I stop doing it, she grabs my hand to keep going. So sweet.
* The other big news? You've guessed it--we're expecting again! (I know, everyone at once: OHHH MYYYYYY!!) Believe me, this baby, much like MRP, was not planned :) Estimated due date of baby #2: May 27th. So far, everything's going swimmingly. Not much sickness, just tired all the time (of course). We had our first sonogram the other day--crappy pictures again--same woman that we had with MRP, but everything "looked great!"
So, as long as this post is, at least you've been caught up on MRP and have heard the BIG NEWS! Stay tuned for a new blog (I promise :)--I guess I don't have to write that one about "Keeping the Spark Alive" now right? :P
Until next time, expect the unexpected!
Karyn Potts
*To comment--would LOVE some!--click the button below*
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Diaper Disaster (WIN A PRIZE!!!!!!!!!)
Hello Lexington FAMILY Magazine readers!
Picture it: you're on your way out the door, and you hear "Honey, you might want to come see this." You see your husband standing in the living room, taking off his top shirt and wonder exactly what's going on. You're late and need to get on the road. You walk into the next room, only to see your child playing in their exersaucer, happy as can be. You're confused, what's the problem? Your husband points and says "look down." You bend over and there, you see it: liquid poo, running down her legs, while she tap dances in the puddle at her feet. You look at the baby's face and she smiles, laughs joyfully, and waves her favorite little lamb in the air and continues on without a care in the world.
Well ladies and gentleman, that was my morning just the other day! I ended up holding MRP in the air, (Brian calls this "the no-roll zone!") while he stripped her down and basically gave her a bath with wipes and wrangled a new outfit onto her. (Boy that child loves to be nakey!) As we finished our much appreciated teamwork, we realized we had just missed a "Kodak Moment!" We should've totally taken a picture of that--surely that would've been worth some money in some sort of contest right?
SO, my question to you is: what's the best diaper disaster story you've experienced with your child? I want to know! Were you out somewhere without a napkin to your name? Did your child "go" on someone? Is there a theme park involved? Did you buy the wrong size? Was there a bath afterwards (for you?) It doesn't matter how old your children are now; I'm looking to hear the BEST story you've got! Details count!
The winner will win a family-friendly package of books, games, and tickets to the Lexington Children's Theatre! To enter: click the comment button below and post your story, with name and email address. (If for some odd reason you feel uncomfortable doing this, please feel free to send your contact information to my email with the first sentence of your story as a reminder of which one is yours---Karyn@lexingtonfamily.com)
I look forward to reading your replies!
Until next time, who's on diaper duty?
Karyn Potts
*To comment, click below*
Picture it: you're on your way out the door, and you hear "Honey, you might want to come see this." You see your husband standing in the living room, taking off his top shirt and wonder exactly what's going on. You're late and need to get on the road. You walk into the next room, only to see your child playing in their exersaucer, happy as can be. You're confused, what's the problem? Your husband points and says "look down." You bend over and there, you see it: liquid poo, running down her legs, while she tap dances in the puddle at her feet. You look at the baby's face and she smiles, laughs joyfully, and waves her favorite little lamb in the air and continues on without a care in the world.
Well ladies and gentleman, that was my morning just the other day! I ended up holding MRP in the air, (Brian calls this "the no-roll zone!") while he stripped her down and basically gave her a bath with wipes and wrangled a new outfit onto her. (Boy that child loves to be nakey!) As we finished our much appreciated teamwork, we realized we had just missed a "Kodak Moment!" We should've totally taken a picture of that--surely that would've been worth some money in some sort of contest right?
SO, my question to you is: what's the best diaper disaster story you've experienced with your child? I want to know! Were you out somewhere without a napkin to your name? Did your child "go" on someone? Is there a theme park involved? Did you buy the wrong size? Was there a bath afterwards (for you?) It doesn't matter how old your children are now; I'm looking to hear the BEST story you've got! Details count!
The winner will win a family-friendly package of books, games, and tickets to the Lexington Children's Theatre! To enter: click the comment button below and post your story, with name and email address. (If for some odd reason you feel uncomfortable doing this, please feel free to send your contact information to my email with the first sentence of your story as a reminder of which one is yours---Karyn@lexingtonfamily.com)
I look forward to reading your replies!
Until next time, who's on diaper duty?
Karyn Potts
*To comment, click below*
Surprise, Surprise!
Hello Lexington FAMILY Magazine readers!
A friend of mine back home in Missouri informed me recently that though her son is just two days younger than my little MRP, she is now pregnant with baby #2!!!!! WOW. I can only imagine! Two children under the age of 2; talk about a handful!
While there for a visit, our kids (sort of) played together on her living room floor. When I got up for a drink, MRP began to cry while her son sat happily in his jumparoo. She began to entertain both of them, and then you could literally see the light bulb go on above her head. She turned to me and said "Oh my gosh, this is how it's going to be, isn't it? I'm going to be going back and forth between them all the time!" I laughed and concurred "YUP! Sorry!" :P
Though I feel sorry for her, the situation has gotten me thinking: when will we have OUR second child? I'd like for them to be close together--close enough to play together, but far enough a part that I'm not pulling my hair out (is that second stipulation even an option? LOL)
How far a part are your children? Do you like it that way, or would you plan differently if you had the chance? What do you feel are the pros and cons of having them close together? Do you have two girls, two boys, or both? How many children do you have?
I have to admit, I'm very scared to have another girl. I am a girl who grew up with two older brothers (who themselves are 15 months a part!). I came along five years later; I'm what my parents labeled the "Welcomed Surprise!" I have no clue what it's like to have a sister, and as horrible as some of you may think this sounds, I enjoy that fact. Not because I didn't really have to share my toys with someone else, but more because I believe the relationships between brothers and a sister is very much different from that of two (or more) sisters. I remember going to friend's houses who had older sisters, and feeling so confused and annoyed with their relationship. Always yelling at eachother for wearing eachother's clothes, touching eachother's hairbrush or shoes. That kind of thing just doesn't happen between boys--I had the attitude of "get over it, she took your stuff," or "don't touch it, it's not yours." I'm nervous to experience that situation in my parenthood!
I guess we'll see what happens WHEN it happens.
Until next time, keep on the look out for surprises!
Karyn Potts
karyn@lexingtonfamily.com
*To comment, click below; I welcome your feedback!*
A friend of mine back home in Missouri informed me recently that though her son is just two days younger than my little MRP, she is now pregnant with baby #2!!!!! WOW. I can only imagine! Two children under the age of 2; talk about a handful!
While there for a visit, our kids (sort of) played together on her living room floor. When I got up for a drink, MRP began to cry while her son sat happily in his jumparoo. She began to entertain both of them, and then you could literally see the light bulb go on above her head. She turned to me and said "Oh my gosh, this is how it's going to be, isn't it? I'm going to be going back and forth between them all the time!" I laughed and concurred "YUP! Sorry!" :P
Though I feel sorry for her, the situation has gotten me thinking: when will we have OUR second child? I'd like for them to be close together--close enough to play together, but far enough a part that I'm not pulling my hair out (is that second stipulation even an option? LOL)
How far a part are your children? Do you like it that way, or would you plan differently if you had the chance? What do you feel are the pros and cons of having them close together? Do you have two girls, two boys, or both? How many children do you have?
I have to admit, I'm very scared to have another girl. I am a girl who grew up with two older brothers (who themselves are 15 months a part!). I came along five years later; I'm what my parents labeled the "Welcomed Surprise!" I have no clue what it's like to have a sister, and as horrible as some of you may think this sounds, I enjoy that fact. Not because I didn't really have to share my toys with someone else, but more because I believe the relationships between brothers and a sister is very much different from that of two (or more) sisters. I remember going to friend's houses who had older sisters, and feeling so confused and annoyed with their relationship. Always yelling at eachother for wearing eachother's clothes, touching eachother's hairbrush or shoes. That kind of thing just doesn't happen between boys--I had the attitude of "get over it, she took your stuff," or "don't touch it, it's not yours." I'm nervous to experience that situation in my parenthood!
I guess we'll see what happens WHEN it happens.
Until next time, keep on the look out for surprises!
Karyn Potts
karyn@lexingtonfamily.com
*To comment, click below; I welcome your feedback!*
Say Say O' Playmate....
Hello Lexington FAMILY Magazine readers!
While trying to drum up some good candidates for a focus group this week, (ask me how you can get involved--first meeting: August 3rd at 6:30 PM at Copperfield Clubhouse), I've realized, that I am not friends with a lot of other Moms! :(
Of course the other Moms in the office will already be at this meeting, so they're not an option to ask. I poked around and realized that I really only know a handful of other Moms on a personal level. So my question to you is this: how did you meet other Mommy's in the same boat as you? Was it through church, work, your husband's work friends, old college roommates?
We go to church, but don't know many of the parishioners on a first name basis (our own fault--that's another one of my goals this year); the Mommy's at my work all have older children; it's hard connecting with Brian's work wives because, well, they're MEN! so you have to go through two other people to get to the wife!; and I didn't go to college in Kentucky.
So what am I to do? I'm sort of the first in my group of friends to have a child (yes, I'm the pioneer :) Perhaps you have a suggestion? Or already have a playgroup in mind I can join with Margee? I'm trying to find kids around her age-range (she's almost 8 months---can you believe it?), to about 3-4 years old. This way she has some influence from older children who can teach her things and help her out. Any takers? Maybe we could start our own playgroup? Let me know!
Until next time: .....Come out and play with me!
Karyn Potts
karyn@lexingtonfamily.com
*To comment: click below, I appreciate your feedback!*
While trying to drum up some good candidates for a focus group this week, (ask me how you can get involved--first meeting: August 3rd at 6:30 PM at Copperfield Clubhouse), I've realized, that I am not friends with a lot of other Moms! :(
Of course the other Moms in the office will already be at this meeting, so they're not an option to ask. I poked around and realized that I really only know a handful of other Moms on a personal level. So my question to you is this: how did you meet other Mommy's in the same boat as you? Was it through church, work, your husband's work friends, old college roommates?
We go to church, but don't know many of the parishioners on a first name basis (our own fault--that's another one of my goals this year); the Mommy's at my work all have older children; it's hard connecting with Brian's work wives because, well, they're MEN! so you have to go through two other people to get to the wife!; and I didn't go to college in Kentucky.
So what am I to do? I'm sort of the first in my group of friends to have a child (yes, I'm the pioneer :) Perhaps you have a suggestion? Or already have a playgroup in mind I can join with Margee? I'm trying to find kids around her age-range (she's almost 8 months---can you believe it?), to about 3-4 years old. This way she has some influence from older children who can teach her things and help her out. Any takers? Maybe we could start our own playgroup? Let me know!
Until next time: .....Come out and play with me!
Karyn Potts
karyn@lexingtonfamily.com
*To comment: click below, I appreciate your feedback!*
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Baby Shower Ideas: Got Any?
Hello Lexington FAMILY Magazine readers!
On this dreary, stormy day I have decided to break from work for a moment to do a little research. Nope, it's not on parenting or the latest fashion trends for Mommies. I'm trying to plan a baby shower!
My Sister-In-Law (SIL), is due with a little boy in October. Yay! Another little playmate for MRP! I've already told her she'll have someone to boss around and dress-up (much to his dismay I'm sure!) in about a year when he's crawling :P
SO, my other SIL and I have decided to get a jump on the party planning. Any ideas? We've both been to some great showers, and are trying to remember what it was about them that made them so fun. Was it the theme? (I.E.: Bugs, dinosaurs or ducks?) The games? (Do preggos REALLY like having their belly measured with ribbon?) The food and cake? (Stay away from spicy!) The gifts?
Speaking of gifts: sidenote here: there's a fantastic new website called Wishpot.com Wishpot.com offers a unique, free of charge baby registry service that allows mommies and parents-to-be to find, save and share lists of things found from not just one but from any site on the world wide web, making the possibilities for baby shower gifts endless! Wishpot also offers price comparison and sale alerts to keep registries within every guest’s budget, as well as gift ideas & tips from baby experts and even other registered parents-to-be. How exactly does Wishpot work? It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3. 1 – sign up. 2 – download the Wishpot button to your toolbar. 3 – go shopping! While browsing your favorite baby gift sites on the net, drag and drop items you like into the Wishpot button on your toolbar. The items will be automatically added to your registry. Set any price comparisons or sale alerts, then send to your family and friends! It's THAT EASY!
Now that we have the gifts part taken care of, we need suggestions for creative invitations, themes, games, where to get a fantastic cake--the works! Lay it on me people, I need choices!
Until next time, party like it's 1999!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click below. Feel free to become "A Follower" of this blog!*
On this dreary, stormy day I have decided to break from work for a moment to do a little research. Nope, it's not on parenting or the latest fashion trends for Mommies. I'm trying to plan a baby shower!
My Sister-In-Law (SIL), is due with a little boy in October. Yay! Another little playmate for MRP! I've already told her she'll have someone to boss around and dress-up (much to his dismay I'm sure!) in about a year when he's crawling :P
SO, my other SIL and I have decided to get a jump on the party planning. Any ideas? We've both been to some great showers, and are trying to remember what it was about them that made them so fun. Was it the theme? (I.E.: Bugs, dinosaurs or ducks?) The games? (Do preggos REALLY like having their belly measured with ribbon?) The food and cake? (Stay away from spicy!) The gifts?
Speaking of gifts: sidenote here: there's a fantastic new website called Wishpot.com Wishpot.com offers a unique, free of charge baby registry service that allows mommies and parents-to-be to find, save and share lists of things found from not just one but from any site on the world wide web, making the possibilities for baby shower gifts endless! Wishpot also offers price comparison and sale alerts to keep registries within every guest’s budget, as well as gift ideas & tips from baby experts and even other registered parents-to-be. How exactly does Wishpot work? It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3. 1 – sign up. 2 – download the Wishpot button to your toolbar. 3 – go shopping! While browsing your favorite baby gift sites on the net, drag and drop items you like into the Wishpot button on your toolbar. The items will be automatically added to your registry. Set any price comparisons or sale alerts, then send to your family and friends! It's THAT EASY!
Now that we have the gifts part taken care of, we need suggestions for creative invitations, themes, games, where to get a fantastic cake--the works! Lay it on me people, I need choices!
Until next time, party like it's 1999!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click below. Feel free to become "A Follower" of this blog!*
Solid Foods, not just for adults anymore!
Hello LFM readers!
It's time! We've reached the 6 month mark--woohoo! At our visit to our favorite Ped., we were told little MRP can now start SOLID FOODS (I never thought we'd make it this far :P). Apparently, solid foods can be started at 4 months for bottlefed babies, but not until 6 months for breastfed. Which is just fine with me; it's 2 months less we've had to actually buy her "food."
So, to the store we went for rice cereal. Well, that's not completely true...I bought it 2 weeks ago because I was so excited about this milestone!
Directions specifically from doctor said 2 Tbs., but literature from doc's office said 2 tsp...hmmm. I go for the Tablespoons. I mixed it up in a small bowl and got out my soon-to-be trusty purple spoon that I've been letting her stick in her mouth lately, just to get used to the feel of it. Well, of course she was adorable--her little tongue didn't know what to think! I wish I could've fed her and taken pictures at the same time (Brian was working unfortunately). I did the "airplane" noises and everything! She loved it, but was soon over it. She didn't eat that much really; note to self: go for the teaspoons next time. She soon began to cry and get fussy, obviously done with her new "meal."
This experience, although perhaps trivial to some, is the first of many exciting ones in my book! She'll be on this cereal a few weeks, and then gets to start vegetables, and then eventually fruit. Ahh, my baby is "so big!"
Wondering: what were some of your favorite milestones? Did your child have a favorite (or NOT favorite!) baby food? Have they changed their mind since? Let me know! Looking forward to hearing from you!
Until next time: yum yum!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click below...and feel free to "become a follower"!!!!*
It's time! We've reached the 6 month mark--woohoo! At our visit to our favorite Ped., we were told little MRP can now start SOLID FOODS (I never thought we'd make it this far :P). Apparently, solid foods can be started at 4 months for bottlefed babies, but not until 6 months for breastfed. Which is just fine with me; it's 2 months less we've had to actually buy her "food."
So, to the store we went for rice cereal. Well, that's not completely true...I bought it 2 weeks ago because I was so excited about this milestone!
Directions specifically from doctor said 2 Tbs., but literature from doc's office said 2 tsp...hmmm. I go for the Tablespoons. I mixed it up in a small bowl and got out my soon-to-be trusty purple spoon that I've been letting her stick in her mouth lately, just to get used to the feel of it. Well, of course she was adorable--her little tongue didn't know what to think! I wish I could've fed her and taken pictures at the same time (Brian was working unfortunately). I did the "airplane" noises and everything! She loved it, but was soon over it. She didn't eat that much really; note to self: go for the teaspoons next time. She soon began to cry and get fussy, obviously done with her new "meal."
This experience, although perhaps trivial to some, is the first of many exciting ones in my book! She'll be on this cereal a few weeks, and then gets to start vegetables, and then eventually fruit. Ahh, my baby is "so big!"
Wondering: what were some of your favorite milestones? Did your child have a favorite (or NOT favorite!) baby food? Have they changed their mind since? Let me know! Looking forward to hearing from you!
Until next time: yum yum!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click below...and feel free to "become a follower"!!!!*
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Classes (Part Deaux)
Hello Lexington FAMILY Magazine readers!
I'm just updating--some LFM readers and I have joined forces, and have decided to sign up for Swim Classes at the Beaumont YMCA this summer! And I have to say, I'm very excited that little MRP will be in the "Shrimp" class! :) How adorable is that? I hope she loves the water and takes to it like a fish, like her Mom did!? I am SAD to say however, that after signing up for the class, I realized I would actually be IN the water with her, therefore having to go bathing suit shopping (I can hear the painful groans leaving your mouths as I write this!)
Eh, whatever. I sucked it up and bought what my friend calls "my first swim-dress, aka 'Mom-Suit'" It's black, of course, with little hawaiian flowers on it. Maybe I should've gone for blue, and then I could've blended into the scenary-- the pool?
We've also signed up for an evening music class. It's a bit pricey, but it's for 12 weeks, so it evens out to a nice average. She'll have her own little instrument kit we can play with at home too. I can't wait to see how she reacts to all the sounds and movement...and all the other babies! Another friend and I signed up together, so it will be good for me to get some social time in too.
Brian is going to alternate classes with me so he has the chance to see MRP's development in the classes too; has more daddy-daughter bonding time, and can mingle with other parents. I'm excited he's still just as involved today as the day she was born <3 What a good husband!
So, until next time: fill those summer schedules!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click below!*
I'm just updating--some LFM readers and I have joined forces, and have decided to sign up for Swim Classes at the Beaumont YMCA this summer! And I have to say, I'm very excited that little MRP will be in the "Shrimp" class! :) How adorable is that? I hope she loves the water and takes to it like a fish, like her Mom did!? I am SAD to say however, that after signing up for the class, I realized I would actually be IN the water with her, therefore having to go bathing suit shopping (I can hear the painful groans leaving your mouths as I write this!)
Eh, whatever. I sucked it up and bought what my friend calls "my first swim-dress, aka 'Mom-Suit'" It's black, of course, with little hawaiian flowers on it. Maybe I should've gone for blue, and then I could've blended into the scenary-- the pool?
We've also signed up for an evening music class. It's a bit pricey, but it's for 12 weeks, so it evens out to a nice average. She'll have her own little instrument kit we can play with at home too. I can't wait to see how she reacts to all the sounds and movement...and all the other babies! Another friend and I signed up together, so it will be good for me to get some social time in too.
Brian is going to alternate classes with me so he has the chance to see MRP's development in the classes too; has more daddy-daughter bonding time, and can mingle with other parents. I'm excited he's still just as involved today as the day she was born <3 What a good husband!
So, until next time: fill those summer schedules!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click below!*
Breastfeeding in the WHITE HOUSE
Hello LFM Readers!
As I nurse my daughter at night, my mind slowly drifts about wondering things, as many minds do when they're forced to slow down for a moment. I wonder what the future will be like, what the past was like (we didn't have cell phones, or even cordless phones when I was born; what will the world be like when MRP has kids???) My mind of course drifts back to work and the many tasks I have to accomplish the next day.
New layout? Check. Deadline reminders? Check. Create new marketing plans for clients A, B and C? Check. PUMP????? Reluctantly, check. I know breastfeeding is the very best possible thing I can do for my child. She gets tons of vitamins, nutrients, and immunities. Plus I'm saving $money$ !! But hooking up little suction cups and tubes to your boobs, and then to a machine to simulate the so-called natural action of a real child nursing, is...unnatural! It's awkward to say the least.
And having to ask for a private space to do it is quite annoying as well. Our office is very open and works somewhat like a newsroom. I share my large office with two other women; the only person with their own office is our Publisher, who is in and out and only in attendance on particular days (what they are, no one seems to know, as they are always changing from week to week). I hate having to go in and ask for her to stop whatever she is doing so I can use the room for all of ten minutes, especially when it seems to be a burden to her.
So I often wonder: where would I breastfeed if I were FIRST LADY? :P Obviously I would have secret service with me when I was out and about. Could you see their face? "Hi, um, I was wondering if you could step out of the suburban for a few minutes so I could bust out my boobs and attach them to this device to squeeze out some juice for the First Child? Don't worry, everything will be "secured!" Seriously though, I'm thinking the woman has people and cameras following her everywhere she goes. How could she privately do something so, private? I doubt they would let me borrow the Oval Office! I understand they have their own living quarters, but even there I'm sure they have prying eyes.
MRP likes to throw the cover-up blanket I have off of her head now. Which I understand, I would hate being hot under there too. And it's not really a question of modesty, it's just that I don't feel like stripping down for coworkers or women in the Macy's Lounge in the middle of the afternoon!
I think about how much easier it would be just to give MRP a bottle filled with formula, but then I also realize that by breastfeeding, I am doing what's best for HER, not what's best for ME. Isn't that what having kids is all about? :)
So until next time, remember to sacrifice a little of yourself for the betterment of your child--I'm sure the First Lady would find a way! :)
Karyn Potts
*I welcome your questions/comments: click below*
As I nurse my daughter at night, my mind slowly drifts about wondering things, as many minds do when they're forced to slow down for a moment. I wonder what the future will be like, what the past was like (we didn't have cell phones, or even cordless phones when I was born; what will the world be like when MRP has kids???) My mind of course drifts back to work and the many tasks I have to accomplish the next day.
New layout? Check. Deadline reminders? Check. Create new marketing plans for clients A, B and C? Check. PUMP????? Reluctantly, check. I know breastfeeding is the very best possible thing I can do for my child. She gets tons of vitamins, nutrients, and immunities. Plus I'm saving $money$ !! But hooking up little suction cups and tubes to your boobs, and then to a machine to simulate the so-called natural action of a real child nursing, is...unnatural! It's awkward to say the least.
And having to ask for a private space to do it is quite annoying as well. Our office is very open and works somewhat like a newsroom. I share my large office with two other women; the only person with their own office is our Publisher, who is in and out and only in attendance on particular days (what they are, no one seems to know, as they are always changing from week to week). I hate having to go in and ask for her to stop whatever she is doing so I can use the room for all of ten minutes, especially when it seems to be a burden to her.
So I often wonder: where would I breastfeed if I were FIRST LADY? :P Obviously I would have secret service with me when I was out and about. Could you see their face? "Hi, um, I was wondering if you could step out of the suburban for a few minutes so I could bust out my boobs and attach them to this device to squeeze out some juice for the First Child? Don't worry, everything will be "secured!" Seriously though, I'm thinking the woman has people and cameras following her everywhere she goes. How could she privately do something so, private? I doubt they would let me borrow the Oval Office! I understand they have their own living quarters, but even there I'm sure they have prying eyes.
MRP likes to throw the cover-up blanket I have off of her head now. Which I understand, I would hate being hot under there too. And it's not really a question of modesty, it's just that I don't feel like stripping down for coworkers or women in the Macy's Lounge in the middle of the afternoon!
I think about how much easier it would be just to give MRP a bottle filled with formula, but then I also realize that by breastfeeding, I am doing what's best for HER, not what's best for ME. Isn't that what having kids is all about? :)
So until next time, remember to sacrifice a little of yourself for the betterment of your child--I'm sure the First Lady would find a way! :)
Karyn Potts
*I welcome your questions/comments: click below*
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Time for Class(es)!
Hello LFM Readers!
Just wanting to see a consensus here: at what age did you start enrolling your children in developmental and physical/motor-skill building classes? MRP is going to be 5 months old next week, and I'd love to start her in some fun classes where I can meet other Mommy's and get out a bit with other adults.
I know there's Kindermusik, Musikgarten, Music Matters, Gymboree, and I'm sure there's more out there. I know some are more music-focused, and others are music and motor-skill building; I'm just wondering what people's opinions are of each? Most are advertisers with us, and tell us they get great response from our readers, so I know all of them are very popular. I'm just thinking that we should try some new things with her--we read books, dance in the living room, and have baby gyms for her to lay under and swat at toys, and even a Little Einstein Exersaucer-type thing that she likes. But I think now is the time to broaden her horizons. She just gets SO excited when she does something new--I love the look on her face: complete AMAZEMENT! Five months old is a good age to start, right?
I'm also thinking about doing some "Mommy-and-Me" classes at the YMCA (probably Beaumont). I was a competitive swimmer for 13 years, and I'd be overjoyed if MRP followed in my footsteps. Really I'd just be overjoyed if she liked the cold water in general! Are their pools heated? Plus, we have a new business coming to town: Baby Boot Camp! It's for pre- and post-natal Moms! It sounds intimidating, but it's really not! We met with the owner/instructor named Kimberly Summers. She'll be teaching classes at Centenary Methodist Church on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and also at the AmStar Theatre on Nicholasville Rd. at Brannon Crossing on Saturday mornings. The good news is, the first class is FREE! Just go to the website (www.babybootcamp.com) and search for classes in KY, and click on the icon on the right to get your class free (that's not something that happens much these days! :)
So there. MRP and I are getting on the Smart & Sassy wagon! Won't you join us??? You can contact me here by leaving a comment, or by emailing me direct at Karyn@lexingtonfamily.com
Until next time: Get Moving!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click the link below*
Just wanting to see a consensus here: at what age did you start enrolling your children in developmental and physical/motor-skill building classes? MRP is going to be 5 months old next week, and I'd love to start her in some fun classes where I can meet other Mommy's and get out a bit with other adults.
I know there's Kindermusik, Musikgarten, Music Matters, Gymboree, and I'm sure there's more out there. I know some are more music-focused, and others are music and motor-skill building; I'm just wondering what people's opinions are of each? Most are advertisers with us, and tell us they get great response from our readers, so I know all of them are very popular. I'm just thinking that we should try some new things with her--we read books, dance in the living room, and have baby gyms for her to lay under and swat at toys, and even a Little Einstein Exersaucer-type thing that she likes. But I think now is the time to broaden her horizons. She just gets SO excited when she does something new--I love the look on her face: complete AMAZEMENT! Five months old is a good age to start, right?
I'm also thinking about doing some "Mommy-and-Me" classes at the YMCA (probably Beaumont). I was a competitive swimmer for 13 years, and I'd be overjoyed if MRP followed in my footsteps. Really I'd just be overjoyed if she liked the cold water in general! Are their pools heated? Plus, we have a new business coming to town: Baby Boot Camp! It's for pre- and post-natal Moms! It sounds intimidating, but it's really not! We met with the owner/instructor named Kimberly Summers. She'll be teaching classes at Centenary Methodist Church on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and also at the AmStar Theatre on Nicholasville Rd. at Brannon Crossing on Saturday mornings. The good news is, the first class is FREE! Just go to the website (www.babybootcamp.com) and search for classes in KY, and click on the icon on the right to get your class free (that's not something that happens much these days! :)
So there. MRP and I are getting on the Smart & Sassy wagon! Won't you join us??? You can contact me here by leaving a comment, or by emailing me direct at Karyn@lexingtonfamily.com
Until next time: Get Moving!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click the link below*
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
A Wish
Hello Lexington FAMILY Magazine readers!!
I've been spending a lot of time lately, just staring at my beautiful little MRP. When she sleeps, when she plays, when she eats. I sit there contemplating everything she knows and doesn't know, and I've come up with this:
She doesn't know about war or weapons. She doesn't know hate or betrayal. She doesn't know loneliness, sadness or disappointment. She doesn't know hurt, bitterness, or what a lie is. She doesn't know hunger. She doesn't know fear. She doesn't know viciousness, or pain. She doesn't know racism. She doesn't know violence, poverty or rejection. She doesn't know abuse of any kind, homelessness, or even death. And I wish I could keep it this way.
On the other hand, I am grateful for what she does know at this point: she knows laughter and smiles. She knows tickles and wonderment. She knows both excitement and amazement! She knows hugs and cuddling; warmth and kisses. She knows protection and trust. She knows Mommy and Daddy--don't forget her beagle Buddy! She knows baths, and sing-song. She knows sweet voices and evening walks. She knows flowers and sunshine. She knows....LOVE. And I wish I could keep it this way.
I know what you're going to say, that these things are "all a part of LIFE," but that doesn't make these wishes any less hoped for. Hopefully she'll be able to find her way through all of these experiences, and still end up a positive person. I reallyyy wish I could just wrap her up in a bow and stick her in my pocket forever, but I guess that will never happen. :)
Until next time, make some wishes for your child and try to make them come true!
Karyn Potts
*I'd love some comments! Just click below!*
I've been spending a lot of time lately, just staring at my beautiful little MRP. When she sleeps, when she plays, when she eats. I sit there contemplating everything she knows and doesn't know, and I've come up with this:
She doesn't know about war or weapons. She doesn't know hate or betrayal. She doesn't know loneliness, sadness or disappointment. She doesn't know hurt, bitterness, or what a lie is. She doesn't know hunger. She doesn't know fear. She doesn't know viciousness, or pain. She doesn't know racism. She doesn't know violence, poverty or rejection. She doesn't know abuse of any kind, homelessness, or even death. And I wish I could keep it this way.
On the other hand, I am grateful for what she does know at this point: she knows laughter and smiles. She knows tickles and wonderment. She knows both excitement and amazement! She knows hugs and cuddling; warmth and kisses. She knows protection and trust. She knows Mommy and Daddy--don't forget her beagle Buddy! She knows baths, and sing-song. She knows sweet voices and evening walks. She knows flowers and sunshine. She knows....LOVE. And I wish I could keep it this way.
I know what you're going to say, that these things are "all a part of LIFE," but that doesn't make these wishes any less hoped for. Hopefully she'll be able to find her way through all of these experiences, and still end up a positive person. I reallyyy wish I could just wrap her up in a bow and stick her in my pocket forever, but I guess that will never happen. :)
Until next time, make some wishes for your child and try to make them come true!
Karyn Potts
*I'd love some comments! Just click below!*
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The Great Weight Debate
Hello LFM readers!
MRP is now more than four months old, and I'm feeling....gross. When I first found out I was pregnant, I was SO good about my diet, and eating (and not eating) exactly what I was supposed to according to her growing stages and trimesters. (It helps that I naturally crave cold vegetables in the summer and fruit all year round.) Toward the end however, I craved drive-through and junk food; horrible I know.
After her delivery, the weight seemed to literally fall off my body. I was super-excited! I vowed to breastfeed for the rest of my life if this is how it was going to be! Now though, I find that I'm still eating the way I was towards the end of my pregnancy, and the weight has stopped falling off, and is actually creeping back on! :(
I wasn't the thinnest person to begin with, so seeing this body morph over and over again doesn't make me very happy (who would it?) I need to get with the program already! But which program will be best?
I've done Weight Watchers in the past, and it's worked. But I feel like I've done it so many times==vicious cycle. I'm not about to start spending money "for the food" with Jenny Craig--though congrats to '80's star Valerie Bertinelli,--or never be able to go out to eat again because "my meals are delivered to my door" via Nutri System.
My husband tells me that he just doesn't understand how people can have such issues losing weight. This coming from a man almost 6 feet tall, and 140 lbs. at best. (Note: I hope my daughter has his build! :P) He believes in the good ol' fashioned "Eat less, move more" theory. Whatever.
I belong to a popular gym in town, but it's not very family-friendly, and I find that no matter my good intentions, that is all they are--intentions. I'm thinking of joining Jazzercise. I figure it's close to the house, it's only an hour long commitment, and I can be in and out and home again before MRP and Brian can miss me. Any thoughts? I'm looking for some good women to join with, or meet there to keep me motivated. Any takers, or does anyone already go?
I NEED to do something. I can already see MRP running around the house, and me trying to keep up with her. I'd like to make the life change now (though I feel I've said that a million times), and teach her to be fit and healthy. HELP! Take me up on my offer--lets do this together!
Until next time, I need workout partners and motivators!
Karyn Potts
*Comment here, or reach me at: Karyn@lexingtonfamily.com
MRP is now more than four months old, and I'm feeling....gross. When I first found out I was pregnant, I was SO good about my diet, and eating (and not eating) exactly what I was supposed to according to her growing stages and trimesters. (It helps that I naturally crave cold vegetables in the summer and fruit all year round.) Toward the end however, I craved drive-through and junk food; horrible I know.
After her delivery, the weight seemed to literally fall off my body. I was super-excited! I vowed to breastfeed for the rest of my life if this is how it was going to be! Now though, I find that I'm still eating the way I was towards the end of my pregnancy, and the weight has stopped falling off, and is actually creeping back on! :(
I wasn't the thinnest person to begin with, so seeing this body morph over and over again doesn't make me very happy (who would it?) I need to get with the program already! But which program will be best?
I've done Weight Watchers in the past, and it's worked. But I feel like I've done it so many times==vicious cycle. I'm not about to start spending money "for the food" with Jenny Craig--though congrats to '80's star Valerie Bertinelli,--or never be able to go out to eat again because "my meals are delivered to my door" via Nutri System.
My husband tells me that he just doesn't understand how people can have such issues losing weight. This coming from a man almost 6 feet tall, and 140 lbs. at best. (Note: I hope my daughter has his build! :P) He believes in the good ol' fashioned "Eat less, move more" theory. Whatever.
I belong to a popular gym in town, but it's not very family-friendly, and I find that no matter my good intentions, that is all they are--intentions. I'm thinking of joining Jazzercise. I figure it's close to the house, it's only an hour long commitment, and I can be in and out and home again before MRP and Brian can miss me. Any thoughts? I'm looking for some good women to join with, or meet there to keep me motivated. Any takers, or does anyone already go?
I NEED to do something. I can already see MRP running around the house, and me trying to keep up with her. I'd like to make the life change now (though I feel I've said that a million times), and teach her to be fit and healthy. HELP! Take me up on my offer--lets do this together!
Until next time, I need workout partners and motivators!
Karyn Potts
*Comment here, or reach me at: Karyn@lexingtonfamily.com
NOT a Seasonal Blogger
Hello Lexington FAMILY Magazine readers!!
I'm promising at this moment, NOT to be a "seasonal blogger!" However, I'm sure many of you understand, and DID warn me in advance: once you become a Mommy, all things fall by the wayside! I look around at closets I want to reorganize, a garage that needs cleaning out, laundry that needs putting away and a dog that needs a bath. But I decide rather, that I'd like to love all over MRP for a few long hours instead; because the way I feel being her Mom is like no other. Nothing makes me happier. It's like any piece of advice or warning anyone's ever given me about parenthood, and the feelings that come with it, have suddenly come true.
"It's like you're falling in love for the first time; but it's completely different, like nothing you've ever felt before."--Dana Tackett
"I never realized JUST how all-consuming it was going to be until it happened. One day I surprised myself in the mirror: I had BROWN eyes, unlike the beautiful BLUE ones I had been staring at for months."--Laurie Evans
"Suddenly I realized that, there was another reason I was the bread-winner. I now had this whole other person who I was responsible for. Though, asking me to give you a quote about how my life changed and how I felt when we had Jack, is like asking me the meaning of life itself-indescribable."--John Lynch
"It's like taking a piece of your heart and putting it out into the world. You just want to protect it, and make sure nothing ever happens that will ever make it hurt."--Glenda Isaac
"After ten years of waiting, seeing our own little miracle for the first time brought a huge sense of wonderment. How can a new Mom, Dad and Grandma fall in love in an instant?! We new she was a gift."--Adoptive Mom, Teena Whaley
"It's surreal when they're born. I got to be the first one to hold each one, and that was hands-down the greatest moment in my entire life; and I got to do it four times!!"--Wynn Storton
"I didn't feel like a mom when I gave birth. The twins were in the NICU and it took days before I could even hold them. I was so scared they would die that I was almost scared to love them. I got to hold Mara when she was 4 days old. When the nurse laid her incredibly tiny body on my chest, Mara sort of sighed and curled her hand in my hair. All of a sudden, that's when I knew I was a mom and that, no matter what, I loved my little angels."--Laura Hover-Skiles
"I never thought I'd be dancing around my 2-year-old daughter's room with pom poms, but I'll do anything to make her happy and see that smile. She lights up my world."--Kyle Becker
"It was the most profound sense of peace. I realized that I had finally found the pot of gold at the end of my rainbow. God had surely sent me the best He had."--MY Mom, Peggy Lind
Alright, so obviously the last quote makes me cry--I've always been very close to my Mom. I think I can finally understand what it's like to have a daughter. To love her unconditionally, and whole-heartedly...there are just no words.
Until next time, love them as much as you can.
Karyn Potts
*Please share your feelings, comments, etc.*
I'm promising at this moment, NOT to be a "seasonal blogger!" However, I'm sure many of you understand, and DID warn me in advance: once you become a Mommy, all things fall by the wayside! I look around at closets I want to reorganize, a garage that needs cleaning out, laundry that needs putting away and a dog that needs a bath. But I decide rather, that I'd like to love all over MRP for a few long hours instead; because the way I feel being her Mom is like no other. Nothing makes me happier. It's like any piece of advice or warning anyone's ever given me about parenthood, and the feelings that come with it, have suddenly come true.
"It's like you're falling in love for the first time; but it's completely different, like nothing you've ever felt before."--Dana Tackett
"I never realized JUST how all-consuming it was going to be until it happened. One day I surprised myself in the mirror: I had BROWN eyes, unlike the beautiful BLUE ones I had been staring at for months."--Laurie Evans
"Suddenly I realized that, there was another reason I was the bread-winner. I now had this whole other person who I was responsible for. Though, asking me to give you a quote about how my life changed and how I felt when we had Jack, is like asking me the meaning of life itself-indescribable."--John Lynch
"It's like taking a piece of your heart and putting it out into the world. You just want to protect it, and make sure nothing ever happens that will ever make it hurt."--Glenda Isaac
"After ten years of waiting, seeing our own little miracle for the first time brought a huge sense of wonderment. How can a new Mom, Dad and Grandma fall in love in an instant?! We new she was a gift."--Adoptive Mom, Teena Whaley
"It's surreal when they're born. I got to be the first one to hold each one, and that was hands-down the greatest moment in my entire life; and I got to do it four times!!"--Wynn Storton
"I didn't feel like a mom when I gave birth. The twins were in the NICU and it took days before I could even hold them. I was so scared they would die that I was almost scared to love them. I got to hold Mara when she was 4 days old. When the nurse laid her incredibly tiny body on my chest, Mara sort of sighed and curled her hand in my hair. All of a sudden, that's when I knew I was a mom and that, no matter what, I loved my little angels."--Laura Hover-Skiles
"I never thought I'd be dancing around my 2-year-old daughter's room with pom poms, but I'll do anything to make her happy and see that smile. She lights up my world."--Kyle Becker
"It was the most profound sense of peace. I realized that I had finally found the pot of gold at the end of my rainbow. God had surely sent me the best He had."--MY Mom, Peggy Lind
Alright, so obviously the last quote makes me cry--I've always been very close to my Mom. I think I can finally understand what it's like to have a daughter. To love her unconditionally, and whole-heartedly...there are just no words.
Until next time, love them as much as you can.
Karyn Potts
*Please share your feelings, comments, etc.*
Monday, February 23, 2009
LONG OVERDUE...this post that is!
Hello LFM Readers!
This news posting is well overdue, and for that I apologize. But as you can guess, I've been a bit busy. It's official: I am now a part of the largest club in the world: Parenthood! MRP (as I am initializing her--sorry, still paranoid over identity-theft people), is doing fabulously. Let me fill you in:
I went into the hospital on Sunday night at 8PM, and got a dose of Cytotec, a cervix-softening pill. If you've read past posts and are now wondering, yes, the internal for this about killed me. I was dilated to 2 when the nurse gave it to me. Soon I was contracting, and before I knew it, I was being checked again *OOOUUUUCH*, and was at 4. "Thank God," I thought, this meant I could now get an Epidural. They didn't want me to have it until I was moving along nicely, so not to slow down progress.
I was nervous for the procedure, but I knew it'd be worth it. I have to say though, until that point, I was proud of myself for breathing through the pain. Go me! (And Brian! He was my ROCK. I had him reading "This event happened on this date in history" facts off his iPhone to keep my mind on other things, as if that were possible in the slightest.)
My anesthesiologist came and inserted the needle in my back. I BARELY felt it! It was just a little pinch, and it was over. Getting the IV lock in my arm hurt worse, and longer, than the Epidural!
Four hours after getting the Cytotec, I was at 9.5!!!! The stuff was amazing. I obviously wasn't going to need the Pitocin, and I obviously wasn't going to make it to the next morning when my original doctor (the crazy "Stripping the Membranes" woman) was going to be delivering me. Side note: when I first got to the hospital, the nurse attending me told me how my doctor had "hands of steel" and how when she delivered her own child a few months before, the doc stayed working in the office until she was dilated to EIGHT, and then came over and gave birth. WOW. Realizing she wouldn't be the doctor for this momentus event, made me smile just a bit. :) I mean I'm a toughy, but if she delivered like that, what was she going to expect from me?
Next thing I know, I'm feeling the contractions again, and I'm told that I must have a "hot spot," or spot on my body where the Epidural doesn't take. Is that possible? No one told me THAT! The anesthesiologist came back and gave me another shot of juice. Good to go.
Soon after, the doctor came in and told me it was about time to push. She and the nurse warned me that most people don't figure out how to actually push and use their muscles for about half an hour, so to be in for the long haul. Boy did I surprise them!
I had my Mom on the left (who, by the way, almost passed out from placing my foot on her corotid artery by her neck. The pressure being put on it made her dizzy and having to sit down--NOT something I was prepared for in the midst of pushing a baby out! Suffice to say, she was okay and was able to stand up after a little while, and was a huge help, the way I knew she would be :) Brian was of course then on my right side. Forty minutes later, at 5:50 on Monday morning, little baby girl MRP was here! The docs and nurses weren't the only ones surprised by this. I was so relieved. From the time I entered the hospital to when I delivered, was only 9 hours and 50 minutes!
The downside: I apparently "tore," losing A LOT of blood, and was about to pass out directly after. They gave me Stadol just as I closed my eyes and hit the pillow. The saddest part is that I completely missed out on the experience of holding her and seeing her face when she was first born. My memories are in flashes. I can remember seeing the doctor initially hold her up, and then someone holding her in front of my face, and Brian helping me hold my arms out for .2 seconds, before I heard my Mom tell him that he better take her since I was out of it.
The following time (I'm not sure how long it really was) I was totally out of it. I couldn't open my eyes or speak, but I could hear everything going on around me. I wondered why the doctor was still working on me. I could hear Brian's family come in and out, holding baby and making comments. I recognized their voices, but laid there like a slug. All I wanted was a drink of water, my mouth was so dry.
I woke up around 8:30AM, in a darkened room. Brian was asleep on the couch, and MRP was no where to be found. I noticed a tray of (eww, hospital) food next to me. Some sort of cold meat and green beans, I wasn't about to eat it! Soon he woke up, and I was moved to another room. The nurse brought MRP in to see me; finally, some time to bond.
As you can see by the photo, MRP is now two months old and SO adorable. She's making little noises, laughing and smiling. She's sticking her hands in her mouth, and deciding which toys she does and does not like. I have so much to write about her and her development so far. Please, stay tuned, because I already have a TON of questions for all you Moms (and Dads) out there!
Until next time: I DID IT! Mommyhood has begun!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, click below--any feedback is welcome*
This news posting is well overdue, and for that I apologize. But as you can guess, I've been a bit busy. It's official: I am now a part of the largest club in the world: Parenthood! MRP (as I am initializing her--sorry, still paranoid over identity-theft people), is doing fabulously. Let me fill you in:
I went into the hospital on Sunday night at 8PM, and got a dose of Cytotec, a cervix-softening pill. If you've read past posts and are now wondering, yes, the internal for this about killed me. I was dilated to 2 when the nurse gave it to me. Soon I was contracting, and before I knew it, I was being checked again *OOOUUUUCH*, and was at 4. "Thank God," I thought, this meant I could now get an Epidural. They didn't want me to have it until I was moving along nicely, so not to slow down progress.
I was nervous for the procedure, but I knew it'd be worth it. I have to say though, until that point, I was proud of myself for breathing through the pain. Go me! (And Brian! He was my ROCK. I had him reading "This event happened on this date in history" facts off his iPhone to keep my mind on other things, as if that were possible in the slightest.)
My anesthesiologist came and inserted the needle in my back. I BARELY felt it! It was just a little pinch, and it was over. Getting the IV lock in my arm hurt worse, and longer, than the Epidural!
Four hours after getting the Cytotec, I was at 9.5!!!! The stuff was amazing. I obviously wasn't going to need the Pitocin, and I obviously wasn't going to make it to the next morning when my original doctor (the crazy "Stripping the Membranes" woman) was going to be delivering me. Side note: when I first got to the hospital, the nurse attending me told me how my doctor had "hands of steel" and how when she delivered her own child a few months before, the doc stayed working in the office until she was dilated to EIGHT, and then came over and gave birth. WOW. Realizing she wouldn't be the doctor for this momentus event, made me smile just a bit. :) I mean I'm a toughy, but if she delivered like that, what was she going to expect from me?
Next thing I know, I'm feeling the contractions again, and I'm told that I must have a "hot spot," or spot on my body where the Epidural doesn't take. Is that possible? No one told me THAT! The anesthesiologist came back and gave me another shot of juice. Good to go.
Soon after, the doctor came in and told me it was about time to push. She and the nurse warned me that most people don't figure out how to actually push and use their muscles for about half an hour, so to be in for the long haul. Boy did I surprise them!
I had my Mom on the left (who, by the way, almost passed out from placing my foot on her corotid artery by her neck. The pressure being put on it made her dizzy and having to sit down--NOT something I was prepared for in the midst of pushing a baby out! Suffice to say, she was okay and was able to stand up after a little while, and was a huge help, the way I knew she would be :) Brian was of course then on my right side. Forty minutes later, at 5:50 on Monday morning, little baby girl MRP was here! The docs and nurses weren't the only ones surprised by this. I was so relieved. From the time I entered the hospital to when I delivered, was only 9 hours and 50 minutes!
The downside: I apparently "tore," losing A LOT of blood, and was about to pass out directly after. They gave me Stadol just as I closed my eyes and hit the pillow. The saddest part is that I completely missed out on the experience of holding her and seeing her face when she was first born. My memories are in flashes. I can remember seeing the doctor initially hold her up, and then someone holding her in front of my face, and Brian helping me hold my arms out for .2 seconds, before I heard my Mom tell him that he better take her since I was out of it.
The following time (I'm not sure how long it really was) I was totally out of it. I couldn't open my eyes or speak, but I could hear everything going on around me. I wondered why the doctor was still working on me. I could hear Brian's family come in and out, holding baby and making comments. I recognized their voices, but laid there like a slug. All I wanted was a drink of water, my mouth was so dry.
I woke up around 8:30AM, in a darkened room. Brian was asleep on the couch, and MRP was no where to be found. I noticed a tray of (eww, hospital) food next to me. Some sort of cold meat and green beans, I wasn't about to eat it! Soon he woke up, and I was moved to another room. The nurse brought MRP in to see me; finally, some time to bond.
As you can see by the photo, MRP is now two months old and SO adorable. She's making little noises, laughing and smiling. She's sticking her hands in her mouth, and deciding which toys she does and does not like. I have so much to write about her and her development so far. Please, stay tuned, because I already have a TON of questions for all you Moms (and Dads) out there!
Until next time: I DID IT! Mommyhood has begun!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, click below--any feedback is welcome*
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
