Monday, December 27, 2010

Ho Ho Hold yer own bottle

We all had a great Christmas and wore Alexiss out. Mark is off work this week and enjoying a vacation (hehehe, I've had him hard at work at home). At the snap of your fingers it seems Alexiss grows into the next phase of babyhood! Sitting up and wiggling or bouncing around is her most favorite thing to do. Daddy is super talented in "wiggle bums" and it never fails to make Alexiss smile.

Oh my goodness, the clothes she got! They are all so cute that I'll have to turn this blog into a fashion show! Christmas day was spent on Skype with grandparents and opening presents. Mark swooped her up and changed her a few times to show her outfits off. Here's the pile of presents before we started opening them, even Alexiss was stunned wondering what she's going to do!



I can't say again how helpful it's been having Mark home and having the luxury of sleeping in for three mornings in a row. Of course, I worry a little. Yesterday it was feeding time and Mark generously offered to take that round, I turn around to this:



The adorable stuffy is from Uncle Gerry and Aunt Jacqueline and is so soft and grabbable that it's quickly becoming a favorite. Poor thing is already slobbered on!

And later that day I turn around to this:



Yep, that's a remote in her hand. Next thing you know she'll be flipping through netflix selections and starting in the fridge with the door open looking for something better to eat.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Brave Little Alexiss!



Mark is tickled and wanted to share that Alexiss now tries to hold her own bottle sometimes during her feedings. She's not strong enough to do it all herself but I sure appreciate the help and initiative!

Our brave little girl had her first immunization shots yesterday. She's my daughter for sure, doing the exact opposite of what's expected! She's been sleeping since without a hint of a fever. She has been a little fussy during her waking moments and I'm giving her lots of love and cuddling. No complaints from her about soreness where they put the needle in.

She was so great on the truck ride into Strathmore but got fussy during the nekkid "measure baby" portion of the visit. She's a whooping 12 lbs 14 oz, she's gained a total of 6 lbs since being born, almost doubling her weight! Then the poor girl wasn't allowed to dress so I swaddled her in a blanket and kept her warm. She was really fussy at this point and all the nurse wanted to do was "chat" while Alexiss and I just wanted to get on with the show so to speak. Of course Alexiss settled and quieted right before the needles, the nurse seemed oblivious to her moods or at least disregarded them and didn't adapt and go with the flow. I sped her along and jumped in to interrupt her ramble and excessive concerns with postpartum depression to get back to the real reason we were there.

What is usually a negative experience has a silver lining, as they always do. I've always felt through the hardships we grow the most and come to paths we wouldn't get to through being "happy" all the time. Through this we've seemed to bond more; me through respecting her independence being an individual coupled with admiration for her blossoming personality and the way she's faced her first real negative life experience (aside from her abrupt "I'm not ready" entry into the world) and I feel from her that she's gained trust in me by being able to count and lean on me to comfort her and not taking it as something I "did" to her.

So here I sit, cuddling a sleepy Alexiss. It breaks my heart a little knowing she's not feeling well and she's really not being herself, but I'm so proud of her being brave yesterday during the shots and now while not feeling well.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Here's the mail!

We had a super fussy day yesterday, but today Alexiss let me get her ready for a fast jaunt to the post office. We had some parcels waiting at the beginning of the week but when we got to the post office it was closed! I had Alexiss's Santa letter ready to go too. ack, what a ride, Alexiss doesn't love going for car rides at all, the shorter the worse it is it seems. At least longer rides she settles in a bit for. Seven parcel's in all!

We've been watching movies and tv shows on netflix through the Wii on our new 40 inch flatscreen! Out with the third hand little cathode tv and in with the new! Alexiss actually likes watching a bit of TV and I'm happy to say she likes my all time favorite.. Blue's Clues!

Thank you to Nana, Oma and Opa, Gail, Glenn and Uncle Gerry and Aunt Jacqueline for their parcels! Can't wait to see what hides inside!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Happy 3 Month Day!


It's hard to believe 3 months has passed since Alexiss joined our family! She's keeping me busier than ever but now I get smiles and laughs between cries. She's still as impatient as ever for food and fights sleep til she can't fight anymore. There's usually a few loud cries amid her droopy eyes in protest, the daytime naps are a little easier to ease her into but I can't put her down and have to hold her the whole nap or she wakes up stunned and shocked that I would do such a thing. I'm going to start transitioning to her swing for naps and am expecting a few rough days with little napping and lots of cranky crying. It's become this game at night:

Game set-up
Players are responsible for supplying a well fed newly diapered baby (referred to as The Baby). The better prepared the Mamma player is (referred to as The Mamma) the quicker she will progress through the game. Suggestions for set up are to ensure tripping hazards are dealt with before the game starts, failure to do this could result in having to repeat the phases more times than necessary.

Phases
All Phases are actions done by The Mamma player unless otherwise stated.

Phase 1. Hold The Baby juuuust right.
Phase 2. Shhh through the cries until The Baby settles or you run out of breath. (No cheating, if you are a little out of breath keep shhhing. The result of not doing this phase correctly could mean having to start at phase 1 again.)
Phase 3. Try gently to put The Baby in the crib and wrap blankets.
Phase 4. The Baby at this time may choose to rouse enough to either
a) Make the Mamma do a mini version of this game in the dark with The Baby
positioned in the crib and The Mamma hovering above.
b) Make the Mamma go back to Phase 1

Rules
Rule 1. The Baby will choose a new "juuuuust right" position every night. It is allowable to change mid-game.

Rule 2. The Mamma is permitted to ignore cries only if she is positive The Baby is fed, diapered, not too hot..etc. Following this rule can halt and postpone playing the game. Failure to follow this rule could extend gameplay.
Rule 3. The Mamma is permitted to scoop The baby and all blankets into her arms, making a tight little package. This usually happens if the Phases restart after finishing Phase 3.
Rule 4. The Baby is allowed to add rules and not tell The Mamma at anytime.
Rule 5. The Mamma is permitted to call in The Daddy to stand in for a few minutes if gameplay is longer than 3 hours or The Mamma isn't enjoying playing the game.

Winning and Gameplay
The Mamma wins when The Baby is sleeping peacefully in the crib for longer than 45 minutes. Upon winning The Mamma can play a fast solitaire version of this game. Gameplay can be anywhere from 15 minutes to 3 hours. Extreme games can go on longer. There is no time limit or ability to call a tie or forfeit the game.


mmm..What can I tell you.... I guess we are settling in and finding a routine. Alexiss's big accomplishment and milestone since laughing is rolling over on her side using her legs this weekend but it hasn't happened since. I righted her and turned for one second only to see her "shoomph" back on her side.

We braved our first power outage this morning, Alexiss was kind enough to sleep through it and not have me stumbling around in the dark. My mind was already going through the motions as I sat in bed half asleep. Mark was prepared enough to think ahead last month when the called for the snow storm so I knew I had everything I needed, that doesn't mean it's an easy feat though. Big jugs of water, a coleman stove (or side BBQ element) and propane are the things we need the most. The furnace is gas (the fan electric) and the fireplace is gas. I always call the electric company when the power is out now. It's been out twice (once in Ontario and once here) and we found out hours later, when someone finally called, that the electric company didn't know.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

These are the things I know, I know.. these are the things I know

  • Peas cannot be good for us, they smell too much like baby poo to be healthy. Kinda like the opposite as corn
  • Cheaper is sometimes better. Pampers are super thin, there's more in a package AND they passed the poop test.
  • Cheaper is sometimes better. My Compliments wipes are a bit rougher. You'd think this was bad but the result is better bum cleaning and coming out of the dispenser better.
  • Just because a baby sleeps through the night for two weeks and graduates to smacking her lips when hungry.. does not give reason to put the past behind. Just when you let down your guard and get used to these new habits.. things have a way of creeping back to crying when hungry and waking crying and hungry every 3 hours.
  • Netflix is great when you don't have cable!
  • The most embarrassing part of motherhood is not lack of personal hygiene, my sagging still-look-pregnant belly or the baby's lack for need of privacy for bodily functions, or not being able to put on your own underwear after a c-section... it's the state of distress the house is in and the horrible push to clean it before you clean yourself.
  • The most rewarding thing about motherhood are those smiles and coos and being the one person that can calm the baby after your partner laughs too loud and scares her into a crying fit. Well, being able to calm her when no one else seems to have the right moves.
  • Boogies are rewarding too! When Alexiss finally sneezes out that huge booger and I'm soo happy for her.
  • Batteries are expensive and don't last near as long in kids toys as they do in the remote, clock radio..etc. Kid's stuff are battery killers!
  • Being stuck on the couch all day is not as much fun and as relaxing as it seems, specially as I said before the house and my person are a mess. As long as little Alexiss is sleeping, eating in a clean diaper and not craving attention (aka: not cranky) then I'm a success at my new job, this is more tiring than 8 hours staring at numbers and tables on a computer.
  • I drop way too many things. Putting things away and cleaning means they aren't easily accessible carrying a baby and trying to do things one handed. I should ask Santa for one of the reaching grabby claw arm things. At least that way I'd have two hands again, four or six would be even better!
  • Eating and finishing a meal can really be a 2 hour affair. I'd give my Nana a run for her money these days!
  • Mommy brain is simply from trying to multitask and rushing to get stuff done when the baby finally gives us a few moments. Again.. personal hygiene isn't a top priority.
  • A smile in the morning IS the best way to wake up, or to be greeted with first thing.
  • A good nap IS amazing for a cranky mood, adult and baby alike.
Off to cooking, eating, cleaning, washing dishes and starting a laundry before I run out of time! Love to all!

Monday, December 6, 2010

Morning smiles!

I don't have long to write, Miss Alexiss has been enjoying my company so much that she demands it during daylight hours, even while napping. It's comforting feeling her body heat and gazing down at her as she sleeps but I keep threatening to call the labor board on her for only giving me short breaks through the day.

She'll be 11 weeks tomorrow and she's really grown up.. and out. She's learning to communicate for food by smacking her lips instead of crying, unless of course she sleeps a bit too long and is way to hungry to consider coordinating her tongue to do the right thing. A few people have mentioned the new trend to use sign language with babies before they can speak. Giving babies a way to communicate before they can talk! I can see frustration in Alexiss when she tries to communicate and I'm just not getting it, eventually I do what she's asking for.

I've also caught her zoning out a few times on her playmat, in the past she's cried at being overstimulated but continues to play because she can't switch her mode. She still can't fall asleep on her own, but we'll get there. Like the smacking when she's hungry, she can't do it all the time. When she's at the height of a mood it's more difficult.

She's trying to laugh too! It comes out more like she's clearing her throat, but the smile on her face tells me it's a laugh, I can't wait to hear her giggle!

Okay, she's making some noise asking for company, better go.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Just a little snore

Just a little snore
Just a little nap
Just a few minutes longer
She doses on my lap

Just a little time
Just a little rhyme
Just another morning
spent with this babe of mine

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Oh deer. Moms and Tots again!


Oh deer! Moms and Tots again today and then we headed over to Lynette's for lunch! We didn't get home until 3:00!

Alexiss has been keeping me busy, but now it's playing! yay! She's also still having trouble sleeping during the day and will only sleep in my arms after I calm her crying and stubbornness to fight sleep. That leaves me about a half hour a day to tidy up, have a bathroom break..etc. and hasn't given me much time to update.

She loves kicking my hands (or belleh) when she's in her high chair and isn't a fan of tummy time, making me wonder if she'll not be interested in crawling and go right to walking. Who knows, only time will tell.

I realized this weekend that when my mom turned 40, I remember celebrating as a nineteen year old. Alexiss will only be a year and 4 months when I turn 40! Imagine, if I'd had children earlier it's possible I'd be close to hitting grandmother years instead of mom years! The idea just baffles me.

Alexiss is loving being talked to and I'm not sure if it's the fun "peek a boo" words or the actual hide and popping out, but she's loving peek a boo! I don't know how I know when it's the right time to try things with her, but she usually responds in a very positive way.. thank goodness! Now I'm all out of baby tricks and baby play ideas.. yeah, I'm not very inventive or wise in the ways of the bebeh!

Tomorrow is a pot luck party with Mark's bible study group. They all love Alexiss and fight over who gets to hold her next. Little socialite that she is loves every minute of it.. and so do the ladies! Many have grandchildren that are grown or live far away so they get their "grandchild" fix. And while they do that, I'm going to enjoy having time to eat slowly and enjoy my food.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Mrs Cleaver syndrome hits!

I never thought I would purposely buy, use and enjoy rubber gloves....

that is all


(For the record, I got my two teas this morning, it doesn't count that the second was more like iced tea)

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Dear Santa



Dear Santa

You don't know me yet, but I can't wait to be on your "nice" list. I hope crying and being a fussy newborn doesn't put me on the "naughty" list, Mamma said she understands and I really don't mean to be such trouble, it's just that .... I'm growing and learning and sometimes that can be frustrating. I mean, really, my body won't do what I want it to when I want it to, I have to rely on Mamma to do everything for me, and she doesn't quite speak my language, I guess I'll have to learn hers.



Mamma got me a really nice plate and mug set, so I'll be sure to give you some milk and cookies every year. (I've included a picture so you know what to look for, I'd hate for you to miss it!) I've never even tasted a cookie, so you'll have to help me out here. What kind is your favorite? hmmmm I wonder what kind is my favorite. I'm sure Daddy will help me out with that one when the time is right! I'll let you know (maybe next year). I'll put out a carrot too, I heard about Rudolph and the reindeers and don't want them to think I don't appreciate their part in getting you mobile for Christmas, specially braving the temperatures in and around Calgary! Whew! It's -26 Celsius this morning! Don't let that scare you though, if a Chinook doesn't come through I'll be sure to warm up your milk for you. That's one thing I do know I love... mmmm... warm milk.

As I grow up, there's some things I've thought of to put on my Christmas List. I'll be sharing this list with family too, please don't think I'm greedy and expect you to deliver all of this too me. I've included online links to make it easier for you. I'm sure your elves can make these or run to the store for you.


Oh yeah, and when you get here don't look for a big tree to put the presents under, you'll be looking high and low, I don't want you to spend your precious time looking for something that isn't there. You see, the kitty likes to eat the branches so Mamma puts a small one on the mantle. Don't put the wrapped prezzies too close to the fire though!

Love

Alexiss Starr Faeth

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

HI Gramma and Pops!!!!

Our play dates on the weekend were great! Alexiss had lots of fun with Grace and Marv and didn't fuss too much, or not that they admitted to anyway. Alexiss has decided that she doesn't want to miss a thing and that sleep just gets in the way of that.. so.. she yawns and yawns and falls asleep for 20 min intervals in my arms but when I move to put her down and get something done... she rouses and *doink* opens her eyes. So that means I'm not getting much time to update the blog. Right now she's keeping herself busy, or rather keeping her monkey busy, on her playmat. Yesterday she visited him 4 times! But she seemed to want private time, so I removed the giraffe and parrot and left her alone with her beloved monkey for a bit.

She doesn't like me to get myself in order in the morning, it's hard enough to get myself a tea, but today I tricked her into letting me have TWO teas! While warming up her formula I snuck in plugging in the kettle and used a tea pot to make more in one go. muahahah

She also spends time in her high chair and visits with me while I do dishes in the kitchen and I talk non stop to keep her otherwise occupied.. hey, I'm not as cute as her monkey, I gotta do something.. She's got a big holey rubber ball thingee and a rattle to keep her busy too, she likes to hold them.. although she doesn't know to do much more than that yet. And when she tires of me and her toys, she sits and blows bubbles for awhile.

Alexiss must have overhead the doctor saying how big of a girl she is, she's decided at night to go from drinking 2 oz to 4 oz!

Today we have a special welcome to Gramma and Pops! And a special thank you to Uncle Turkey! (My parents are braving the online and computer world with my Uncle's help)



WELCOME GRAMMA AND POPS!



My little dance partner is so excited! She didn't understand at first, not sure if she was drunk or stunned that my parents would buy a computer, but she eventually understood and gave an approving smile!












































Special thanks to Uncle Turkey.. she's a lumberjack, and she's OKAY!




Thanks to everyone for reading and keeping up with us! We really appreciate knowing and hearing on the phone that you are reading and enjoying the blog, that includes Nana!, Oma and Opa, Fran, Uncle Don, Aunt Gail and more!

Friday, November 19, 2010

Sleep is Bliss

The other night sleep was for sissies but last night I admit to love being a sissy. Following The Happiest Baby on the Block should be renamed The Best Sleeping Baby on the Block, Alexiss slept a staggering 9 hours last night! Yes, a straight 9 hours! To top off a great night of sleep she woke up not crying for food this morning and instead chose to stare at a wall for a bit.. that's my girl! Mom had taught me this skill well and I'm glad to see it running strong in the family. Nothing like waking to a blank wall for a spell to start a day out right!

We braved the Alberta winter and roads today to head into Strathmore for her 2 month check up. So I bundled her up in a fuzzy snow suit a few sizes too big for her, it looked so cozy though. I wonder why they don't make suits like that for adults, I don't care how many people would laugh at me, she looked so at home I was jealous. I'll have to remind myself next time to wear gloves, poor little thing had to deal with my cold hands as I undressed her and moved her to the scale. Let me tell you, she liked it not one bit! She's a staggering 10.95 pounds and is now 21.5 inches long. No wonder why she's not the tight little package she used to be!

Have you read Hop on Pop by Dr. Suess? Tonight was Muster on Mamma night. It started with the knitting, which Links takes as a hint to come and sit for a spell, add Alexiss and.. voila.. a great big cuddlefest! Multitasking at it's best. The movement as I knit actually lulls Alexiss! My left arm is getting mighty strong with all this jiggling and holding.



Another big day tomorrow. I'm so excited! Mark arranged for a neighbor to watch Alexiss while we go into town on a hot date! I think he just wants to get me out of the house and knows I won't do it without him egging me to do something. We chose to go and see the Einstein exhibit at the Telus World of Science. There's a Darwin exhibit too, but I can't see me tearing away from Einstein. I hope Alexiss and I can both behave ourselves and play nice with others. I don't know if Grace knows what she's in for tomorrow.

Well, this mamma is going while the getting is good, bed time for me! Night all!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Baby tv a la you tube!

See the things I can get into when Alexiss is calm, silly kid video's on you tube! I think I like these more than she does. I never want to assume that some things cause other's with Alexiss, it's so hard to know for sure, but I must say, she's even eating better! And last night on her play mat she wanted to lie on her side and not play!

This clip is purely selfish, I remember stumbling across PJ Katie on tv when I was in college the first time and thinking WTF!...then quickly loving the show, even as an adult!



Hallllooooo ShEEEEEp!

Monday, November 15, 2010

The Happiest Baby on the Block!

I just have to RAVE about Dr Karp and the book The Happiest Baby on the Block. Well, I didn't get a chance to read the book, but Dr Karp is a smart man and made a DVD (with a CD of soothing sounds) too! Today I finally got a chance to watch it and I really wish I'd watched it sooner! It's literally magic and transforms babies into calm comforted bundles from wailing fuss budgets!

I'd heard about it and thought it sounded like nothing special, and nothing extra than what I've been doing. I was right, but he really shows you technique for things we already know calm babies and the result is that it takes less than 2 minutes to soothe Alexiss instead of hours or portions of hours. The video actually shows it working instantly on some babies, they go from wailing messes to fine at the snap of my fingers!



So it perfects swaddling, shushing and swinging (bouncing or jiggling) adds in the colic side or upside down hold and finishes it off with suckling (the five s's). I know, what's the big deal, right? Do all those things now and it helps a bit, but not enough? Well put away that gripe water and slap me silly, but by the end of watching the DVD it had already soothed Alexiss more than doing these things even an hour before, with his little finishing touches! Better yet, it's things I already knew how to do so it's not something total foreign that takes watching over and over and trying a few times to get it just right!

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Sleep is for sissies

It's been a busy few days since I've updated, Alexiss hasn't given me much time to do anything outside of feeding, playing, holding her and preparing formula.

This week there was one night I didn't get to sleep at all. The worst part was having to go to the bathroom for hours and not being able to! I get stressed trying to keep her quiet and not wake Mark at night so he can get in a good sleep and be able to get in a good work day. By the time she finally settled I had too much to do. So there I was, at 1:00 in the morning, washing bottles and making formula! As I was finishing up she seemed to stir so I though, heck, I'd wait for her to wake up, no sense sleeping for 20 min and having her wake me... well don't you know, the little trickster slept like that, rousing and settling back in, for over two hours! I was still awake when Mark woke up for work at 4:00 am and in the worst of moods! If ever I was going to run away from home, that would've been it. Mark was so sweet the next night, he had Thursday off for Remembrance Day and stayed up with her all night Wednesday and let me get my first real night's sleep since Sept 17th when we went into the hospital to be induced! It was pure heaven and really boosted my patience level, even now, I'm feeling much more calm and able to deal.

The night awake and the night sleeping made me realize a few things. The night Mark let me sleep showed me that her crying isn't as obtrusive to sleep as I feared and stressed about, so I'll worry less about her waking Mark. When "on duty" I don't sleep very deep and am able to rouse as the slightest stir, this has given me a fear that she'll wake Mark, which proves untrue. By the time Mark does wake, I've been at it for hours. He usually sticks his head out to ask if I need anything. Me being me wants him to sleep, and even if I do need something (a bathroom break even), I'll say no and make him go back to bed! So we learned, if and when Mark wakes because of her crying, instead of asking, he'll come out and hold her while I take care of me for 5 to 10 min.

We all went (Mark, Alexiss and I) into Carseland for a Remembrance Day ceremony. Alexiss slept the whole way through and had two people very very interested in getting a peek. One little two year old boy was just enthralled with her and wanted nothing more than to get super close to her, it was so innocent and sweet. I think he was leaning in to kiss her when his mom (or aunt) stopped him. I couldn't help but let him go, it was so sweet and full of love and wonder, I'm finding I'm not as super protective with her personal space as I thought I'd be. I've had no fear of her being hurt. The other was a older great grandmother, she kept saying how precious Alexiss way and was outside of herself, again, the love and wonder shone through. If Alexiss would have stirred I'd have let the woman hold her for a short while, but Alexiss was sound asleep. This woman has 8 grandchildren and great grandchildren (not sure how many)and she seemed to be struck with a love and appreciation for the life Alexiss represented to her. From the very young to the older, I love that.

Just as I'm about to update the little cute monster stirs, lets out a weak exclamation that could be a lazy cry and falls back asleep, must be getting close to feeding time. What can I say, she takes after me in her unwillingness to wake once asleep.

She's been fussy the last few days. Notice I say days not nights and that's something I'm thankful for. Her eating process has been lacking, she's been lazy with it; with sucking, swallowing and burping. I think that's part of the reason for the fussiness honestly, but a little Corb tonight and she finally calmed enough to get a few hours sleep. She's been up all day and, believe it or not, not crying for all of it. We've had some play time, zone out time and happy time complete with smiles and her attempt at a laugh or coo of delight. She loves playing with me when I change her diaper, she loves having her diaper off and always brings her legs up so I can't put a new one on! Then we usually sing and act out "The Wheels on the Bus". I know, not very original, but she likes it and usually gives me a smile then kicks her legs for me to do it again.

Today I bought two girly frilly dresses and an adorable seasonal sleeper for her to wear for Christmas/Yule, I'm not telling what the sleeper is, you'll have to wait. I can't wait to put her in them and take some pictures! Maybe they'll be winners to put in with thank you cards, I have yet to get some good pictures to print off to send, let alone find the time to write the thank you cards. I feel horrible not sending them out but know I'll be able to soon and give it the proper attention instead of just mailing something that's not personal and heartfelt. I got her a dish and mug set too! They are Santas and meant for milk and cookies for Santa. I didn't think I'd see such a cute set again and it'll be fun to start with something she'll take out year after year.

Today while Mark was with her for some reason he said she blatantly asked for tummy time! Very odd since she's not been a fan of being on her tummy up until now and even more odd that Mark knew exactly what she wanted!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Yawn

Up all night, half my fault (from 2:00 am) and half Alexiss's (until 2:00 am).

Just wanted to tell all you family and friends reading that I've updated permissions and now anyone can leave comments... if you so wish.

Love and Light

Nighty Night

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Ribbit! Hopped off to Moms and Tots.



Last night Alexiss decided that 2:30 am would be a good time for a feed and to stay awake for a bit, she finally let me take a nap around 5:30ish and I was happy we woke up in time to zoom into town to check out our local Moms and Tots program at the church. There were about six moms who have obviously been going for awhile. I was a little shy but Alexiss wasn't! I fear she's going to be a little social butterfly, she loves being held by other people and was awake and checking things out the whole time... we'll until she got cranky and hungry an hour later.

She's really starting to come into her own interacting and choosing what she wants to do with her awake time. I read an article the other day about lacking sleep and keeping control by a fellow Raveller that really put my attitude in check and honestly, I'm getting back what I'm giving. I remind myself she's relying on me to help her do what she can't do for herself and she's not doing it deliberately or to turn my life upside down. After reading it, it occured to me that times when it's hardest to love someone is when they need your love the most.

She's into some of the 3-6 month clothes now and the length is fitting her just fine.



She's starting to hold her soother! When it falls out of her mouth she tries to put it back in, but she usually ends up sucking on the rim. Her soother isn't an all the time kind of thing and she doesn't rely on it horribly. I'm thankful for that. I never understood giving kids soothers until Alexiss.

Mark decided after feeding her to turn her blanket into a pirate hat. She's so in love with him! As soon as he comes home she's all smiles and she stares at him in awe as long as he'll let her... or until she gets hungry.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Happy Birthday Gramma!

In honor of Gramma's Birthday, I'm posting a picture taken when Alexiss was born and my Mom came to visit.



It's hard being so far away, she's growing so quick! This past Thursday and Friday she was eating a LOT, so I decided to use the Wii to weigh her this weekend and she surprised us by weighing in at 9.5 lbs! No wonder why she was hungry! So, I've recalculated how much she should be eating and we're feeding our growing girl! The good news is that she's started to monitor herself and now doesn't seem to be gorging and overfilling herself. It makes it a lot easier to trust her when she tells me she's still hungry.

She's changing so much! The new cry is actually a cry to go back to sleep, so I bundle her up and rock her until she settles. I swear her real hair is coming in, you see, she's been bald for about two weeks or more with a fringe of hair along her neck... like an old man's mullet, lol, but now her crown is filling in with dark hair.

Today our music was Cat Stevens



..okay, this only took me two hours. lol Time to get her settled enough so "I can start dinner for once.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Jim Henson's The Storyteller - Stone Soup

It was a bit of a rough night, but after three good days and two good nights.. who's complaining! Certainly not me! Poor Mark though, I knew he wasn't working today so I enlisted his help, sometimes (okay, not sometimes.. usually) his aura is more calm than mine and it seems to calm her down a bit easier. She tends to feed feed feed at night to get ready for a good night's sleep, we try to space it so we can measure what she's eating and give her time to digest what she just had. Last night after she finished fussing and eating, she wanted juuuust one more, so I gave in, and you know she took three sips and quickly fell asleep! Then she slept for 5 1/2 hours! Of course, mamma doesn't get to sleep that long with getting her settled as she half dozes and getting things prepared for the next feeds, but it was a good sleep. I'm starting to love weekends with Mark home to help... once I gave up my need to control.... now I get one time a day on weekends to wake up without having to worry about Alexiss and what she wants before I can open my eyes and run to the bathroom. Today I am happy to say I picked up my knitting and knit a few rows instead of spacing out on the computer!

I swear in the past few days she's been trying to laugh! Tummy time is still a little rough going but we'll get there.



Today we watched Jim Henson's The Storyteller - A short story on youtube. The Storyteller usually puts a new spin on old favorites.. because that's what storytellers do. This one features the storyteller himself and tells a tale of his hard times, it also includes him making stone soup! I'm sad I can't embed the video, but there's always a magic link! Click click!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Two good (happy) days!




Two good days in a row! Not sure if it was the new bouncy burping method, the new Playtex VentAire bottles or the new "Good Start" formula. She's sleeping better and eating better. Today she actually stopped before gorging herself and filling her tummy up too much.

She's also mastered getting her thumb in her mouth. What a quick learner!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

fun things online

This little interactive animation from the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago amazed me, it shows where the baby is throughout pregnancy. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click "Make Room for Baby Interactive"

This creative list of "Top 20 List Of Things I Wish I Had Known About Newborns Before Having One" had me in stitches, specially:

1.) A “newborn” and a “baby” are two completely separate creatures. All new parents who tell you how awesome parenthood is, this is because they now have a baby, and have forgotten what it was like having a newborn. The baby is interactive, has thoughts and emotions, plays with you, makes cute noises. A newborn does 4 things only: cries, eats, sleeps and poops. Your role right now as parents of a newborn is to give love to someone who doesn’t know you exist (remember that girl/guy from high school? Just like that) Your role is to help your newborn to survive the next 3 months to the baby stage, where you’ll then start to have fun.

5.) Babies’ respiratory systems are not very well developed when they’re born, so it’s quite normal to have them snort, squeak, squeal, croak, make all sorts of pig noises, sound like they’re coughing up a lung, etc. Basically, every moment they’re alive, they sound like they’re taking their dying breath, so you stop worrying about it pretty fast. This gradually improves over the first month.

and

18.) Newborns do not understand the irony of you crying at them.

Monday, November 1, 2010

A little about Alexiss

Alexiss has become a Corb Lund fan! The tempo and Corb`s voice soothe her when she`s fussy, she loves when I tap out the beat on her bum. Here`s a sample of Corb.



Mark loves to sing her too, his choices are usually; Neil Diamond, a sample of his Christian favorites with groups like Needtobreathe and the song `Wondering Where the Lions Are`by Bruce Cockburn.

She`s starting to learn how to use her arms and hands; reaching out to the hanging toys and mirror on her play mat and the illustrations of her new book `Just the way you are`by Max Lucado. For some reason I find special delight watching her try to suck her thumb, when her hand just won`t move right, she moves her head and uses her other hand to help guide her thumb to her mouth.

With our new lease on life (thanks to Zantac) Alexiss has started to enjoy her waking hours and she thanks us with smiles! Mark got the first few smiles but I`m starting to get them now too. She`s also starting to move her head to follow us and watch us, yesterday I played `follow me`and she had so much fun! While she was in Mark`s arms I walked to one side and called her name and she smiled, then I slowly walked behind him to the other side and she followed me the entire time!

During our daily feed, awake and normal interactions I usually call her Bubba or Beauty, depending on my mood and her demeanor.

I love the little mmmuahahaha sound she makes when she`s verbal and just starts sucking on her soother or bottle. Sad to say it`s usually when she`s crying.

Gypsy - Wiccan Lullaby



Heaven's gift to me just the way you are,
A new aged child from a distant star.
It feels so good just to be
So close to your love. You are heaven's gift to me.

You are so sweet and pure just the way you are.
Mama's precious jewel. Daddy's rising star.
There's so much in life for you to see.
And so much to be. You are Heaven's gift to me.

La la la la la la, la la la la la,
La la la la la la la, la la la la la la la,
La la la la la, la la la la,
La la la la la, la la la la la la la

Heaven's gift to me just the way you are,
A new aged child always in my heart.
There's so much in life for you to be,
And so much to see. You are heaven's gift to me.

La la la la la la, la la la la la,
La la la la la, la la la la la,
La la la la la la, la la la la la,
La la la la la, la la la la la la la.

La la la la la la, la la la la la,
La la la la la la la, la la la la la la,
There's so much in life for you to see,
And so much to be. You are heaven's gift to me

Spirit of the Plants by Lisa Thiel from the Journey to the Goddess CD



The spirit of the plants
Has come to me
In the form of a beautiful
Dancing green woman
(Repeat)

Her eyes filled me
With peace
Her dance filled me
With peace
(Repeat)

The spirit of the plants
Has come to me
In the form of a beautiful
Dancing green woman
(Repeat)

Her eyes filled me
With peace
Her dance filled me
With peace
(Repeat)

The spirit of the plants
Has come to me
And has blessed me
With great peace
(Repeat)

Her eyes filled me
With peace
Her dance filled me
With peace
(Repeat)

The spirit of the plants
Has come to me
In the form of a beautiful
Dancing green woman

Blackbird



Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
All you life
You were only waiting for this moment to be free

Blackbird fly, blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night
Blackbird fly, blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise

A little muse named Lucy

This little girl came to me in 2008 (I think) and told me she was sitting under a tree, then she was silent. I wrote the sentence down and asked Mark if he thought it was the beginning or end to Lucy's journey and he quickly said the end but I immediately thought it was the beginning. Perhaps we were both right, maybe the reason she told me no more is because she did tell me her whole story and if I sat quietly and patiently observing her sitting under the tree we could share some enchanting moments together. Maybe, just maybe, the wind would blow right and the sun would catch my eye.

She was right and on a quiet Saturday morning with a purring Links in my lap and Mark sitting beside me I drank the coffee Mark had made I slipped away with my new little friend Lucy. What she shared wasn't long but it was enchanting all the same. I dare not add to the story to make it longer without her sharing it first.

She was right and I enjoyed the journey shared with her. I think Lucy and I might have a few more journeys together. Perhaps one day they will find an illustrator and Alexiss can have her own little special books featuring Lucy.

_________________________________________________________

Sky Enchantment

On a day that was not too hot nor too cold, the wind was not to strong, nor to still, Lucy was slowly walking among the tall grasses in a farmers field. Now, don't worry this farmer was her neighbor and knew Lucy loved the creek that ran through his property. He was happy to let her wander and enjoy the part of the farm that he was too busy to enjoy himself.

As Lucy walked along the edge of the water gazing at her wavy silver smile in the water below a dragonfly came skittering across the ripples and stopped, flashing back an irridescant smile of his own. As she focused on the smile it became clear that somehow the dragonfly had become the size of a horse. She looked around in amazement and was surprised to find it was her body that shrunk not the dragonfly that grew. The dragonfly continued to smile in an inviting way, summoning Lucy to hop on and take a little afternoon ride on his back.

Lucy had never ridden a horse and definitely had never ridden a dragonfly! She fearlessly hopped on the dragonfly and off they flew! The dragonfly lurched from side to side looking for some kind of direction from the rider but recieving none. Lucy held on with all her strength and quickly learnt that Drafy leaned with her and turned in the same direction, he slowed down when she leaned back and went faster when she leaned forward. Giving all her might, she leaned forward and Drafy whizzed by puffy cattails and croaking frogs with long tongues. Just in time Drafy pulled up and they missed a collision with a large hidden rock. Everything melted away leaving only white marshmallowy clouds in Lucy's view, the clouds softly parted and allowed them through leaving wisps and tendrils in their wake.

It was too much, Lucy couldn't hold on as they soared straight up. Her fingers grasped blindly for something to hang onto but it was no use. She found herself falling through the air spinning and flipping as she watched the river get closer. As the wind was rushing at her Lucy didn't realize that she was getting bigger again. Drafy flew by and caught her eye just in time to wink before he shrunk down to normal from Lucy's perspective.

Lucy landed safely on a day that was not too hot nor too cold, the wind was not to strong, nor to still, Lucy continued slowly walking among the tall grasses in a farmers field.

______________________________________________________

Enchantment

Lucy quietly sat under the canopy of leaves made by the oak tree.

It was a sunny fall day and Lucy was simply enjoying the warmth of the sun mixed with the coolness of the wind. As she listened to the rustle of the leaves the wind seemed to also carry a song, it was the sweetest sound, an enchanting sound.

Lucy began to feel happy, content and very relaxed. The sun shining on objects glinted and glittered slightly. The leaves of the oak seemed to shine and the green seemed a little brighter. The sun shone through each leaf and each became a wonderful world of its own, the veins became maps of roads.

Then she looked to the sky and noticed the clouds had clearly become shapes of some of her favorite things: sheep, ice cream cones, cats and very comfortable chairs perfect for reading. A bright blue iridescent sparkle closer to her caught her eye. With wonderment Lucy put her finger out, palm up, to see what it was . A cute little iridescent mayfly landed on her finger as if to say hello.

Lucy quietly sat under the canopy of leaves made by the oak tree.

My Life, My Starr

Written long ago in high school, never did I know someday I would have a little treasured star to cuddle and love.

My Life, My Star

My star
My life
Lead the way
I will follow
Once in awhile
Go astray
But help me back
Lead the way
Pave the roads
Clear the branches
Help me
Don't change me
Just help me
Lead the way
But let go
Let me astray
For I will come back
After I've learned
or did
What I wanted
By myself
I will come back
For one reason
You
My life
My star

Faeth



Faith begins where worry ends.


While I'm uploading pictures, here is the Faith decoration that we bought while at the hospital that reminded us to have Faith and have Faeth. It was so appropriate, I'm always amazed that the messages we need and the things we need in life are there in front of us... if we only keep our eyes open for them.

Ta-Da!




This Aug 07 2010 Mutts comic could not be more fitting for our little Starr. This is how I picture her saying hello to the world and how I picture her celebrating her many future accomplishments. Nothing egotistical, nothing too extravagant, just a simple "ta-da!"

6 Weeks


A month of breastfeeding and fighting for proper latching and me not confident I was able to care for myself enough to give enough quality milk made switching to formula a hard and good decision. At 6 weeks she's eating approximately an oz and hour! Her cheeks are getting sooo chubby!

At her last Drs Appt on Oct 21, she weighed in at 8.1 pounds and had grown a full inch!

Alexiss had a really bad week, crying well over 12 hours two days in a row. Last appt we had at the doctors they mentioned that it sounds by her behavior that she could be suffering from acid reflux and if it got worse they could give her a prescription for Zantac. Well, on Friday I broke down and called them back to ask for a prescription. I've only been giving it to her since Friday and already she's a different baby! She played on her mat three times yesterday, usually she's too tired or cranky and would only play once every few days. She smiled more yesterday and was interactive with Mark and I. These are all things that she's done minimally in the past, crying takes a lot out of a girl, she was either awake and fussy most of the time or catching up on sleep because the reason for the crying was keeping her up.

Because of the acid reflux, she doesn't like to lie flat in her crib and we didn't have anything suitable to safely put her into, so she slept on my chest for a few nights, it was the only way she would sleep. We'd had a swing given to us, but it positioned her awkwardly. This weekend I went to WalMart and bought a swing/cradle combination that has a mobile, sounds and a seat that allows her to be rocked in two positions. Yesterday it was a success and she loved sitting in it and staring at the mobile, last night was an even bigger success when she slept in it and didn't cry and insist on being upright on my chest all night.

Introducing our little Starr




Alexiss Starr Faeth Anderson was born on Sept 21st at 7:59 PM. Four induction attempts over 5 days, 3 IVs, 2 epidurals, 3 attempts to see Resident Evil on hospital breaks, countless supportive doctors and nurses routing for us, one bout of jaundice, one week stay at the hospital and a C-section. Through it all she was strong and comfortable enough to give the doctor a run for his money. Her heart rate stayed strong and our faith stayed strong through the long ordeal and in the end we met eye to eye and beautiful face to face. She weighed 6 lbs 14 oz, 51 cm long.

The name Alexiss means to bring change with drastic outcomes, she overcomes adversary and is a confident woman with great storytelling ability. Starr is my grandmother's middle name, in her 90s this is her first (and maybe only) great grandchild. Faeth was added at the hospital, having faith became our mantra for our long hospital stay, we bought a plaque that read "worry ends where faith begins" and we kept saying "we have to have faith". The odd spelling is me putting a faery spin on it.