A Party

Today was my little sisters' hampsters birthday party. Yes you read that right. We love to party soooo much that we even use the animals as an excuse. There were cupcakes and juice boxes, a hamster race, and party favors. The hamsters received gifts and were sung to. The girls had a blast.

Cabin Fever

Isolation is becoming a running theme in my life. It's not like there really is much of a choice when you have a newborn baby. It's different though when you have 4 older kids and a husband that works 7 days a week. The walls are closing in. Combine that with the fact that it has been a long winter and it's a sure fire recipe for cabin fever. The problem is there really aren't a lot of things to do in this little town. Especially kid friendly things. I'm not even really comfortable taking the baby out much at this point, but a little fresh air might do us good. Well, now that I think about it we both have allergies and the "fresh" air might actually drive us crazy, but you know what I mean. Next week my friend from Florida is coming to visit and meet the baby. I'm so excited. It will be nice to have someone to talk to for a few days.

Sleep

Or absolute lack thereof. So far this is my biggest obstacle. When to sleep?? For one thing, the baby chokes when he is lying flat on his back. We even bought an air-flow head elevator and it didn't help. Plus he has allergies and if he's not propped up he gets congested really easily. Congested and choking just really isn't my style. He will not sleep in his infant seat or car seat either. In fact he hates his car seat along with riding in the car. What does he like you ask? Well, hanging out right in Mom's arms, preferably nursing of course. This is fine most of the time, but I am beginning to feel the effects of very little sleep. I have to be up at 6:30 to get Chiggie to school on time and once the girls are up any chance of sleeping is over anyway. Hopefully he starts sleeping for longer stretches soon so that I can too!

3 Weeks

I must say he is darn cute, but demanding as well. When it's time to eat it is TIME to eat. He doesn't like to wait at all. I don't blame him really, but sheesh I can't always just drop everything at a moments notice. The nights are long and short all at the same time. Long in the sense that every time I wake up I can't believe it's only been 2 hours since I was up last. Short in the sense that before I know it it's morning and I'm exhausted. I'm nearly positive he's up over 8 pounds now and some of his little bitty pj's are almost getting too short for him. He's growing much faster than any of the girls ever did.

His novelty with the girls hasn't worn off at all. They still absolutely adore him. They're used to him now, but if they don't see him first thing in the morning they want to know right away where he is. It makes me happy to see that they share the same love for him that I do. I finally caved and bought a Moby Wrap and I love it. He seems to like it so far too. I just really needed something for walks and when I'm trying to do light housework. This way we're both happy.

I had a doctors appointment today to have my blood pressure checked again. Unfortunately it was 150/110 so I had to go on medication. Hopefully that helps and I don't have to take it for long. Other than that I really feel pretty much back to normal. I know I need more sleep, but that will come I'm sure.

Happy Easter

Today went amazingly well. Accept for the part where our bedroom ceiling collapsed, buy hey other than that it really did go great. We were up in plenty of time for the girls to Easter egg hunt, enjoy their baskets, and get ready for church on time. The Easter Bunny was even practical and left a basket full of milk storage bags and diaper wipes for the baby! The girls thought that was pretty funny.

We made it to church early. It felt good to be back. I haven't been since I was put in the hospital the week before the baby came. He was dedicated today which was nice as well. After we got home we made a nice lunch of ham, potatoes, rolls, asparagus, and deviled eggs. My Mom , Step-Dad and little sisters joined us. I ate way too much, but of course have no regrets. Overall it was a wonderful day to celebrate the 2nd chance we've all been given. I hope everyone else had a great day as well!

Ready or Not

Today was kind of stressfull and I hate that. Not that it was stressfull, but more how I let myself react to the stress. Life is unpredictable and I need to be more flexible. I know this and I plan to work on that. Here are the baskets all ready for the bunny.
The King and the girls colored eggs while Buster and I were spectators this year.

Appointments

Today was by far the busiest day we've had around here since the baby came. He and I had to be up at 6:30 this morning just to start getting ready. His appointment went great. He weighed in at a whopping 7#8ozs and is 19 1/4 " long. Obviously growth is not a problem. He was even cooperative for the rest of the exam. He doesn't have to go back until he's 2 months old and then he'll get his first set of shots.

My appointment was a little more complicated. It turns out my ear is no longer infected. The problem is my ear drum is now dull, discolored, and inverted. The doctor couldn't even get it to budge at all. Normally they try a high dose of steroids and if that doesn't work tubes is always an option. I've already had tubes though, so I'm not completely sure that would even help. Unfortunately I can't have the steroids because my blood pressure is too high. It was 170/110 in the office today. I could take medication for the blood pressure possibly allowing the steroids but that medication isn't safe while breast feeding. Why do things have to be so complicated. I have the option of pumping for 4-5 days while taking the meds and then going right back afterwards. It would be frustrating to quit nursing just to take a few days of unsafe medication.

Then again pumping around the clock for 5 days does seem overwhelming. I HATED the 24 hrs that I had to do that. I have another appointment next Friday at 11 and have to decide by then. I'm really too tired to even think about it right now. When my ear isn't hurting it seems like no big deal, but when it starts bugging me, usually at night I want it fixed right away. Again, why is nothing ever easy??