Awake Training for Parents: A very funny letter from a fellow baby

Dear Fellow Babies,

OK, here's my situation. My Mommy has had me for almost 5 months. The first few months were great – I cried, she picked me up and fed me, anytime, around the clock. Then something happened. Over the last few weeks, she has been trying to STTN (sleep thru the night). At first, I thought it was just a phase, but it is only getting worse.

I've talked to other babies, and it seems like its pretty common after Mommies have had us for around 5-6 months. Here's the thing: these Mommies don't really need to sleep. It's just a habit. Many of them have had some 30 years to sleep – they just don't need it anymore. So I am implementing a plan. I call it the Crybaby Shuffle.

It goes like this:

Night 1 – cry every 3 hours until you get fed. I know, it's hard. It's hard to see your Mommy upset over your crying. Just keep reminding yourself, it's for her own good.

Night 2 – cry every 2 hours until you get fed.

Night 3 – every hour.

Most Mommies will start to respond more quickly after about 3 nights. Some Mommies are more alert, and may resist the change longer. These Mommies may stand in your doorway for hours, shhhh-ing. Don't give in. I cannot stress this enough: CONSISTENCY IS KEY!! If you let her STTN (sleep through the night), just once, she will expect it every night. I know it's hard! But she really does not need the sleep; she is just resisting the change. If you have an especially alert Mommy, you can stop crying for about 10 minutes, just long enough for her to go back to bed and start to fall asleep. Then cry again. It WILL eventually work. My Mommy once stayed awake for 10 hours straight, so I know she can do it.

The other night, I cried every hour. You just have to decide to stick to it and just go for it. BE CONSISTENT! I cried for any reason I could come up with:

-My sleep sack tickled my foot.

-I felt a wrinkle under the sheet.

-My mobile made a shadow on the wall.

-I burped, and it tasted like rice cereal. I hadn't eaten rice cereal since breakfast, what's up with that?

-The dog said "ruff". I should know. My Mommy reminds me of this about 20 times a day. LOL.

-Once I cried just because I liked how it sounded when it echoed on the monitor in the other room.

-Too hot, too cold, just right – doesn't matter! Keep crying!!

-I had drooled so much my sheets were damp and I didn't like it touching me.

-I decided I was sick of all the pink in my room so I cried.

It took a while, but it worked. She fed me at 4am. Tomorrow night, my goal is 3:30am. You need to slowly shorten the interval between feedings in order to reset your Mommies' internal clocks.

Sometimes my Mommy will call for reinforcements by sending in Daddy. Don't worry Daddies are not set up for not needing sleep the way Mommies are. They can only handle a few pats and shhing before they declare defeat and send in the Mommy.

Also, be wary of the sleep sheep with rain noises. I like to give Mommy false hope that listening to the rain puts me to sleep sometimes I pretend to close my eyes and be asleep and then wait until I know Mommy is settling back to sleep to spring a surprise cry attack. If she doesn't get to me fast enough I follow up with my fake cough and gag noise that always has her running to the crib. At some point I am positive she will start to realize that she really doesn't really need sleep.

P.S. Don't let those rubber things fool you, no matter how long you suck on them, no milk will come out. Trust me.

Sincerely,
Baby J

My ticker

Today we had my 6 month heart doctor appointment. I got dressed in an easy to take on / off comfy outfit. We arrived right on time (a few minutes late, but close enough) and they showed us to our room. they checked my weight (16lbs 5 oz) height (26.75") and listened to my heart.

They then did my blood pressure (92 over 65 i think) and then stuck these funny little stickers all over my body. the stickers were a little cold but didn't hurt at all. Then the dr. attached some wires to them and i looked just like a robot! i guess i passed that test because a few minutes later i was disconnected from being a robot and they made us go into another room. They covered me in warm goopy stuff and then put some wand thingy on my chest. I kept trying to help move the wand around because i wanted to see more of the cool, one-of-a-kind picture of my ticker. it was really neat to see! i could hear this awesome noise too. Mama and Daddy said it was of my heart, and i liked hearing it. they also turned on the cool colors for the pictures and i saw the red and blue lights dancing all over my heart. it was nice

so, long story short and the part you're all waiting for - my holey heart has shrunk!!! it's decreased 50% (big words huh?) and the dr. said that the likelihood of my needing to get a procedure to fix it is slim to none. he said that if it doesn't close up entirely on its own in a few years that the only thing i won't be able to do is scuba dive. now, that does put a definite damper on my future plans of being a great white shark scuba diver hunter... but that's ok. I'll find another activity to scare the crud out of mama and daddy

my 6 month check up

Yes, i'm almost 7 months but today i had my 6 month check up. Long story short - I'm perfect. but those following at home already knew that.

I'm 16 pounds exactly, 26.25" tall and have a huge head to hold all of my brains. My hips are perfect, no ear infections and still no teeth.

i got 2 more shots today... they're really crazy about all these shots. I only cried for a second because they startled me. One minute they're wiping cold stuff on my legs and the next they're sticking me with needles. You'd cry to. After wards, Daddy made me an airplane and i was the tallest in the room! it's hard to cry if you're flying.

Mama is wrapped around all my fingers...

I had such a fun time playing in a jumper at my new friend Maya's house on Sunday that Mama found me one that night on Craigs List! Mumsie went to pick it up and Mama put it together once she walked in the house after work.

I love it!

I showed Daddy how much I love to jump in it this morning. He was smiling really big! I think he wanted to get in it too and jump. it's too small for him though.

It's a little too big for me so Mama put some foam block thingys below my feet so i could get in some good jumping. It has so many things to play with; a mirror, an elephant that is stuck in a clear plastic thingy (poor thing) and some other buttons i like to push.

i love it! check out this video I had Mama take of me

my first play group data, Mama crafts and I learned how to....

so, today was my first real play group date. Mama and I were "ladies who lunch" yesterday but I'm not counting that because they were weird. But today was great! Mama and i had a super long bath this morning and then I napped a little while Auntie Nina and Mama crafted. They were painting poor Leon's feet funny colors and making him step on some canvas. I pretended to be sleep so that I wouldn't be next. I'm always thinking.

After my nap, Mama put me back into the tub for another bath. I've had a bit of an upset tummy which is making Mama nervous because now i have red bumps on my tush! they don't hurt and Mama is doing a wonderful job of putting desitin on my tushy. it's just red and inflamed. It bothers Mama more than it bothers me. but, i lost track of where i was going with this post.

Oh yeah, so after my nap and bath, i played for a little while and then some more of mama's baby group friends came by. I played with them for a while. it was fun! there's a boy Gregory, who is 1 day older than i am. I could do more stuff then he could! Mama was really proud of me. I could tell even though she kept telling him he was such a big boy.

Another friend, Maya was born in June i think. She's 22 lbs!!! i'm 15 lbs! i can't believe how big she is. Her mommy, Ute, is a pretty tall lady, so maybe she'll be tall! I felt like such a peanut next to her.

Mama made a painting with my feet too. I wasn't able to escape it. She mentioned that she messed a part of it up so i'm getting the feeling we'll be doing it again tomorrow after our sign language class. sigh

oh yeah - GUESS WHAT?!? I can sit up by myself!!! I can do it for about 10 minutes now. Then I like to take a closer look at the carpet. Mama says I topple over, but I'm just inspecting the carpet. Someone's got to see if those little ants are gone! :0D I like to sit up. It's so much easier to see where all of my toys are. That sneaky mama keeps putting them a little out of my reach so that i have to lunge for them. so annoying. i squawk at her to bring them closer, but she doesn't listen, so i have to roll over to them.I can't sit up yet by myself, but once i'm sitting i can stay there. Then of course something on the carpet will catch my eye and i want to take a look at it.

well, time for rest. i have to get up in a couple of hours to make sure mama is ok and isn't missing me too much

i'll have mama post a picture tomorrow of how well i'm sitting up!!!

Mama ordered my Xmas Card!

5x7 Folded Card

View the entire collection of cards.

Connecticut bound

Had a great time in Virginia. Now my chauffeur erm I mean mama is driving me home to daddy

We are stopped at the Maryland house to get gas, pee and so mama can pump.

It's not easy to get a butt change in the backseat of a car!



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October 2 - Chatting it up with Nana and Mama

i'm really chatting it up!

August 22 – Mama and Daddy are on vacation

Mama and I had some good quality cuddle time at 2am this morning after I ate. She explained that she and Daddy were going on a little vacation to Las Vegas and that I would be staying home with Mumsie. She said that they would be gone for 5 sleeps… well, I’ve already been asleep 5 times today and they’re not back yet. Not sure where Mama learned how to count but I’ll find a different math teacher that’s for sure.

I've been having loads of fun with Mumsie and Abuela Lita while I wait for Mama and Daddy to come back home. Mumsie put me in my rocking swing and I had lots of fun listening to music and swinging away!



Mumsie and I went for a walk and had a lot of baths! I love my baths. Mama even put little love notes around the house for me to find! Mumsie and I found one on the mirror in the bathroom so that when I had my bath, I could read how Mama and Daddy love me! We also found a love note near the changing table and a note in my crib wishing me sweet dreams! Mama and Daddy are so sweet, even though i'm not entirely sure that they realize I can't read yet. Mumsie read it to me and pointed out the words, so i think i have the hang of it now. :0D

Oh a super funny thing happened when Abuela Lita was changing me - i pooped on her! HAHA. i'm sure she didn't think it was funny, but i had a great big chuckle out of it! Mama laughed when Mumsie told her about it.

Mama left some spreadsheets for Mumsie and Lita to fill out to track what goes and what comes out of me! Mumsie has been doing a great job of filling it out. Mama is so happy to see that i'm eating, peeing and sleeping. She definitely needs a vacation if she thinks that pee is entertainment!

Mama and Daddy called me a lot and it was nice to hear their voices. Mumsie even showed me some pictures they sent her. I wish i had a cell phone so they could send me photos directly. Maybe when i turn 3 months.

Mumsie and I called Mama when it was time to go to bed. Mama and I go through the list of everyone who loves me. I think it's a shortened list because we'd still be chatting otherwise!

I'm having lots of fun with Mumsie and Abuela Lita, but I miss Mama and Daddy. I know they're having fun but next time i'm going with them!

August 18 – Celebrating being 12 weeks old with long walks and waterfalls

Mama told me when I woke up this morning that we were going to go see Grandpopi. He and Auntie Marie are finally back from france and he couldn’t wait to see me! Auntie Marie had to work but Mama said that she wished she could see me too. Mama was excited to show Grandpopi my new kick-tushy stroller! It’s a 3-wheel jogging stroller with cup holders, speakers to play some of my favorite tunes by Cyndi Lauper, Paul Simon and Elton John and it even lets me recline back so I can sleep without getting a hunchback. Mama did a ton of research on it and was excited to show it off.

I slept during the car ride to Grandpopi’s house and then we drove to where we were going to walk. We were going to walk at the Croton Harmon Bridge. At least that’s where I think we went walking. If not, don’t blame me… I’m just a baby. We walked across a bridge and we stopped a few times to take some pictures. Mama was a little nervous but she even took me out of the stroller for a picture on the bridge. She didn’t get too close for fear of dropping me. After that bridge, we took a long hike over some dirt / gravel pathways down a really long hill to the bottom of the waterfall thingy. Grandpopi then walked me over to a chain link fence and we took some more pictures. The waterfall sounded like my sound machine! It was great. I slept pretty well.

A little while later, once Mama and Grandpopi were done taking photos and walking over bridges, we hiked back up the long, winding hill and went in search of some food. I woke up super hungry in the car and kept yelling at Mama to make sure she knew I was hungry. She said she knew it but still didn’t produce a boob or a bottle for me to eat. Sheesh. We got to Grandpopi’s house so he could take his car to the restaurant and Mama finally gave me a bottle. I worked up such an appetite from my hiking, that I sucked down my measly 2.5 oz and wanted more. Mama took me inside and fed me. Once I was milk drunk, they put me back into my car seat and we drove to lunch. I guess Mama and Grandpopi were hungry too. They put me on top of the table at lunch and remembered to bring in my comfy sheep blanket that Auntie Marie made. It was chilly in the restaurant and I walked something warm on my legs, which were still sore from that crazy nurse shooting them. I drifted in and out of dreaming of my ladybug and monkey friends to smiling and spitting up at Grandpopi.

After lunch, Mama and I drove home because she had a dr. appt with Dr. Ofer. Dr. Ofer delivered me and while I wanted to go and say hi to him, I was too tired to argue when Mama said that I would be staying home with Mumsie. Besides, I like it when Mumsie comes over because she’s always saying that “deli order 29 is ready for pick up”. She seems to get a real kick out of it, which I think is funny.

8-16: Two month check-up 2 weeks late

Today was a very very long day. Mama and Mumsie woke me up at 3:30 to feed me, change me and put me in a car seat. Not sure why since I was sleeping perfectly fine in RyRy’s crib. We left Uncle Mikey’s house at 4:00. I fell asleep pretty quickly once those crazy adults started the car and we took off. We stopped around 7 I think so I could eat and get another diaper change. We then stopped a couple more times to eat, change diapers and so Mama and Mumsie could go to the bathroom too. I hung out in the back seat with my ladybug friend and my soft monkey. The shoulder dogs were a little jealous that I had so many friends and I had to talk to them a lot so they knew that I loved them too.

We made it home around 10:30. Daddy got home around 12:30, which was great! I sure did miss him.

Not only was today filled with a long drive from Virginia home, but it was also my two-month appointment with Dr. Dobos. I haven’t seen him in about 6 weeks and I guess he missed me because he had Mama and Daddy bring me on in. The nurse measured me and weighed me. I was in a good mood so I didn’t even pee on the scale although by the end of the appointment I would wish I had!

Dr. Dobos was happy to see that I had grown 2 inches (I’m now 23” tall!) and gained some weight (ladies never discuss their weight so if you want to know, too stinkin’ bad!). He listed to my heart, looked in my ears and stuck something up my nose. He humored Mama with her weird questions about my tugging on my ear, eating, pumping, weight gain and ear infections. He made me smile and giggle and he said he liked the sound of my voice! Mama told him that I don’t really like tummy time (she was downplaying it because I HATE IT!) and he said that while I had excellent head control, it was important to get tummy time because it would help me crawl. Blah. Who wants to crawl anyway? I like to stand.

Once Dr. Dobos was done poking and prodding me, it was time for some crazy nurse to come in. Mama and Daddy gave me some baby Tylenol stuff at the start of the appointment ,which tasted kinda like a purple jolly rancher, but with sand in it. Daddy help my hands and I thought we were playing a game. Mama came and put her head near mine and gave me kisses. I should have known something was up because last time she did this was 6 weeks ago and I got poked with something sharp. Before Mama knew it, that crazy nurse stuck 2 SHOTS in my legs! One on each side. I’m glad I didn’t have more legs because I’m sure she would have stuck those too. That nurse gets some weird pleasures out of making babies scream. So NOT cool. Those shots hurt something fierce. I screamed for about 5 minutes and Mama cried a little… frankly she shoulda cried more. Those things really hurt! I bet she never has to get shots otherwise she wouldn’t make me get them. She keeps telling me that she knows it hurts, but I dunno if I’m buying that. If you know something is going to hurt, why do it? Seems strange to me.

Mama and Daddy got me dressed and we headed out of that painful place. We went to get Daddy’s hair cut and I slept in the car. Mama drove around with me for a while and then we went back to get Daddy.

Afterwards, we drove home to get ready to go out to dinner with Auntie Marie, Uncle Eddie, Auntie Alli and Uncle Rob in Fairfield. Mama put me in a really super cute brown outfit that finally fit (my big head has a hard time gong through it, but Mama said that just means I’m super smart) and we headed out. Mama and Daddy said that if they felt at all during the dinner that I was unhappy, that they’d skedaddle on outta there. We get to the restaurant and I am SUPER uncomfortable. I’m hot yet a little clammy, my legs are hurting from where that crazy nurse shot me, I’m uncomfortable in that god awful car seat and I just want a pony. Or ice cream. I could be swayed in either direction.

Mama and Daddy got to the restaurant and Daddy swaddled me in my special doggy blanket and carried me inside. Auntie Alli and Auntie Marie were so excited to see me. I was tired of crying so I let them fawn over me. It doesn’t get the least bit tiring hearing how cute I am and how I look like my beautiful Mama.

We were shown into a private room in the back under the guise that it had a huge table to fit everyone. Mama and Daddy joked was so that we wouldn’t scare the other people eating their dinner. Mama and Daddy didn’t understand that I was trying to warn everyone around me of the crazy nurse that got BOTH of my legs!

I stopped crying for a while so Mama and Daddy could eat dinner and have a beer. Then Auntie Marie and Uncle Eddie dropped the bomb… they were moving to Orange County, California!!! I couldn’t believe it. I tried to make sense of why they would leave Connecticut since I was there and head to California where I definitely was not. After a little while, I just couldn’t take it anymore and started to yell at them about moving. Mama and Daddy felt badly so they paid and we went home. I was so sad that Auntie Marie and Uncle Eddie are moving but am happy that we have a cool place to visit!

We got home and I ate and slept but my schedule is so far gone. Mama still felt terrible about the horrific shot lady that we cuddled for a long time. I like getting cuddles but don’t like getting shots!

August 8 - walks and playdates make for a very long day!

Today I took Mommy to the Danbury Mall to walk with Allison and Alex. We had a great time and Allison told us that Alex's heart is doing loads better and they will know more about next steps in 5 weeks. Alex has a heart murmur just like me, but hers is much worse and will most likely need surgery. Mommy was so sad when she heard that from Allison and gave me lots of hugs and kisses and told me she was happy that mine seemed so minor (in comparison).

Mommy made Alex a pink taggie blanket just like what she made me. Hers has a little brown fuzzy doggy in the middle. Mommy said she really made it for me first, but asked if she could give it to Alex because she thought she could use some cheering up. I said of course! It was the first time I gave a present to a friend! :D It felt good to give something to a friend and cheer her up.

We walked around for a long time. Mommy and Allison sure can chit chat! i got hungry so mommy fed me downstairs near some fountain. she had a cool cloth thingy so she could cover up my head. She said she didn't want me to feel self conscious about eating and maybe drooling a little. She's so funny. I don't care if people see me eat! i watch other people eat all the time.

After lunch, she put me back into that silly car seat and we headed to Babies R Us, Mommy has been looking for a new stroller for me that would let me lay down instead of sitting up when going for walks. She decided to check out the BRU in Danbury versus the one in Milford that we had checked out before. I was crying when we got to the BRU parking lot because I was so tired of being in the car seat and super hungry. Mommy grabbed me out of the stroller and carried just me into the store. We went into the family changing room where she changed me and fed me.

Once I had been watered and changed, it was time to get down to business. Mom and I walked over to the stroller section and a nice guy helped us out. Mommy laid me down in a whole bunch of different contraptions to see how i would fit and if i liked it. We found one we liked pretty quickly so we checked out and headed out to visit with Auntie Gabby.

I slept in the car most of the way and woke up just as we were pulling into the driveway. Auntie Gabby was outside throwing a wet slobbery tennis ball to some strange dog I haven’t ever seen before. He was a golden retriever named Ranger… and boy was he stinky! Skyler and Cartman aren’t so stinky and I am happy about that! Auntie Gabby ordered a yummy smelling pizza for dinner; it had mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese and broccoli with some sour cream drizzled on top. It smelled really tasty. Mommy had a couple of slices and told me I could try some later. I kept opening my mouth for a bite, but Mommy said I’d taste some in my milk later. I was a little bummed because it smelled so good now, but later would work too I guess.

Auntie Gabby wanted to hold me so Mommy let her. I was getting really tired and cranky and kept crying. Auntie Gabby thought it was because I didn’t like her. Not true! I like her just fine. But you try being held by someone you haven’t seen in 2 months when you’re tired. No thank you! I just wanted Mommy and I wanted to go HOME!

Finally Mommy got the message and into the car we went. We then had to drop Auntie Gabby off at the car place somewhere on the way home. I couldn’t believe it. At this pace I was never getting home and into a nice warm bubble bath. I cried and cried. Mommy felt really badly for not being able to get into the backseat with me but she explained that she was driving and if she got into the backseat than the car would have to drive itself and it doesn’t know how. Sheesh. How hard can it be?

I finally stopped crying and fell asleep. We dropped Auntie Gabby off and continued on home. I tried to send Mommy “no more stops” brain waves and I think it totally worked because our next stop was home! She quickly brought me inside and then tried to put me back to sleep. I gave her a hard time because I had been trying to go to sleep for a few hours and now she wanted me to go to sleep. No way lady! You have to train these adults otherwise they just expect you to sleep on their schedule. HAH!

While Mommy was putting me to sleep Daddy put together my new stroller! I can’t wait to try it out tomorrow on my morning promenade.

About 40 minutes later I think Mommy learned her lesson and so I passed out. I could hear them talking about the stroller and I know that Mommy was showing Daddy all the features. He liked the big tires, the speakers you could connect to your ipod / iphone and how it folds up pretty small. I just smiled and kept dreaming about my walk!

My insomniac parents

Today I got to take a bath with daddy! It was so fun. Daddy held my head up and I was floating! Mommy washed me with sone soft cloths and then the coolest thing happened (and no I didn't pee in re bath.. I did think about it though) - daddy sat me up in the tub like a big girl! I was holding my head up and looking at all my bath toys (thanks auntie gabby). Mommy then took my hands and smacked me on the water. It's apparently called splashing and it was Awesome!! I kept trying to pick ip the water so i could play with it outside of the bath but it's sneaky and wanted to stay in the tub. I don't blame it because I wanted to stay in the tub too!

After my bath we went for a walk and then Nana came over. She fed me and then I took a nap while mommy and daddy took shower. I tried to tell them that's baths are WAY more fun because you can splash!

When they were done we headed north to Joann fabrics. Mommy wanted to make me a little blanket with ribbons on it so I could grip it and feel different textures. While there mommy decided to get some other colors so she could make some as baby presents for some of her friends and my future friends. Daddy was super cranky pants and tired of shopping at Joanns so he took me to the car. (don't listen to him if he says I was the cranky one.... All lies!) mommy and nana finished up and joined us

We then headed to the mall so mommy, daddy and nana could eat. I slept while they stuffed their faced and then we headed home so we could drop off nana and then go to Home Depot to get some outdoor furniture for mumsie. I wasn't ready to leave the mall and I cried and cried! They didn't listen to me and we drove home anyway. Mommy thought I would like some strip of bumps on the road so she kept driving over it. Daddy told her that it wasn't good for the tires and I tried to tell her that everyone around us was going to think she was milk drunk!

I was tired from crying about not being ready to go home and trying to tell mom to stop driving on the awake strips and fell asleep about 5 min from the house.

Mommy was so rude and woke me up to go inside to eat. I ate even though I just wanted to sleep... But I figured if I ate, she'd Change me and then let me sleep finally! But noooooooo she feed me, changes me and then puts me back in that stupid car seat. Off to home depot we went. I slept in the whole 5 minute car ride there and to mumsies house. Daddy had to put together the furniture so mommy and lita yook turns holding me.

Finally once we were done we went hime. Of course now I'm freaking wide awake and not tied at all. Daddy kept trying to rock me o sleep but nope... Wide awake. That's what they get!

Uncle brad and auntie nina came over and had some dessert with us. Daddy tried again to put e to sleep and once again I foiled his plans. After uncle brad and auntie Nina left, mommy fed me and rocked me to sleep. I finally succumbed to slumber!


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9 weeks old and got some great news

I am 9 weeks old today! Today started out great! Daddy gave me a bath in the morning and a walk outside with both mommy and daddy! So fun. Then I took a little nap and when I woke up abuella Lita was there. Mommy fed me and laid me down to sleep in my crib. Then mumsie came and gave me another bath! Apparently I'm a super stinky girl. But that's ok. I LOVE my baths.

After my bath it was time to get ready to go to the Danbury mall for a play date with Mommy's friend, Allison's daughter, Alex. Mommy and Allison were going to hang out and Alex and I were going to stroll around.

On our way there, mommy got a call from her diabetes dr and he said that not only is the diabetes 100% gone but that she's not even pre-diabetic! How awesome is that? Best 9 week birthday present ever!

We had fun at the mall and I slept a lot! Mommy said I must have needed my beauty rest but I told her I was already beautiful. She agreed!

Mommy was a little sad bc allison told her that alex also ha a heart murmur but that hers is really bad and will most likely need surgery really soon. Mommy gave me an extra tight hug and kiss and told me she was so thankful That we all have our health

It was a great day and I made a new friend.

July 13 - Sleeping, noises and why i'll need therapy one day

I fell into a nice sleep tonight in my car seat. Mommy and Daddy were watching some TV while I snoozed.

Daddy thought it'd be cool to grab some video of me sleeping... especially when i started moving my arms! I was in a nice dream... thinking about bath time. Mommy then thought it'd be funny to drop a spoon on a plate to watch my reaction since i still have that newborn moro reflex

watch the video!

July 14 - Milk drunk and a happy sleeper

I'm milk drunk!

July 17 - Giving Mommy a bath is hard work

I woke up this morning and guess where i was! I was in Virginia. All I know is I was sleeping next to daddy and then when I woke up, i was in Virginia! Sure there were some stops along the way in the car and I woke up in some place called New Jersey to eat... but I thought I was dreaming.

We got to Uncle Mikey's house around 11am. We would have gotten there around 10am, but Mommy and Mumsie kept having to go to the bathroom to pee... They should have been prepared like me and worn a diaper. Taking care of these adults is harder than one would think! Thank goodness they have me.

We arrived and I did a few minutes of video chat with RyRy and Auntie Helene. Then I was fed and watered and put back down for a nap.

Once I woke up, Mommy decided that I should have a bath since I didn't get one last night. I told her that was A-Okay with me, because I LOVE my bath time! love love love

but, i told her that she was stinky too and needed one. She threw on a bathing suit and got me all nakey and we got into the bath. Mumsie was there to help me get in and out of the tub.

the water was so wonderfully warm! Mommy held my head and my butt was floating around! it was so nice to be in such a large tub. Usually I'm either in the sink or in my little tub. It was nice to be able to spread out! I got all soaped up and had lots of fun floating around. Mommy found one of RyRy's squirting toys, a little red crab, which Mommy sprayed on me. It was so much fun.

July 19 - The day Mommy tried to kill me

Today started out great. Mommy slept until 5am and then I woke her up (don't want her getting to used to sleeping) so she could feed me. Then I went to sleep until 7. I woke up, Mommy fed me again and then she put me in RyRy's crib. I slept for a little while then I woke up. I wasn't crying to she left me in the crib alone so I could hang out with RyRy's cool wall hanging and the ceiling fan.

When I was tired of what the wall hanging and ceiling fan were having to say, I started to squawk a little so Mommy would come and get me. I then hung out downstairs for a little while and then Mommy and Mumsie took me back upstairs to have a bath. i sure do love my baths.

Mommy thought that it would be a good time to cut my finger nails. She did a great job on the first hand and I was having lots of fun splashing around in the sink. It's like my own personal bathtub!

Mommy then started to do my other hand (the one farthest away from her). She did all of my fingers just perfectly. Then it was time for the thumb. She took out a HUGE pair of scissors and the next few seconds are just a blur. I have no idea what happened. I was playing in the water and then the next thing I know, i have a hot sharp pain on the top of my thumb where my skin used to be. My Mommy tried to kill me by cutting my thumb skin along with the nail! There was blood, my blood, EVERYWHERE! Can you believe it? I yelled at her... more like SCREAMED at her. Who does that? Why did she think THAT would be a good idea? I couldn't believe it. My poor thumb bled so much it's now completely deflated because all of the blood completely drained out into the bath. Such a mess. Mommy ran out of the bathroom (don't worry, Mumsie was making sure I didn't bleed to death or drown in the bath) to get some ointment. Mommy put it on my poor decapitated thumb (and yes I mean decapitated... the poor head of my thumb was taken clear off!) Mumsie said that I could stay in the bath longer since Mommy tried to kill me. Frankly, they should have let me stay in the bath all day. It's the least they could do to make up for the fact that my thumb is now permanently deformed.

Can you see the cut? It's hard to see, but it's there. trust me.




- Mommy's comments - first off, Miss Emma is a bit dramatic. Yes I did cut the top of her thumb along with the nail, i didn't use scissors and there were like 4 drops of blood. We both cried... I think I cried harder than she did.

June 30 - I'm 5 weeks today... and guess what i got for a present

We got back from Uncle Mikey, Auntie Helene and RyRy's house last night. I was so excited to see Daddy. Then we had to take him to work! It wasn't fair but I was happy I got to see him before I went to bed.

Mumsie spent the night last night to hang out with me... and I guess to help Mommy a little. I slept really well and woke up at 4am for an early breakfast before my 7am doctor appointment at the hospital. Mommy was a little nervous about my dr. appt because it was a i had to get an ultrasound on my heart. After I ate and was put into my milk coma, Mumsie burped me while Mommy pumped some milk for storage. Once I was all fed, watered and burped, I passed back out. Mumsie shook my legs for me for a while which helped me go into a nice deep sleep. Mommy slept for about an hour then it was time to get up and get ready to get Daddy before my dr. appt. We were running late because I was a super hungry girl and we left the house at 7am instead of 6:45. So to make a long story short, we got Daddy and hoofed it to the hospital as quickly as we could. We get there, fill out the paperwork and waited our turn.

We were called in quickly and then Mommy and Daddy had to take my clothes off so that the lady could put some icky goop on me. I was less than pleased with this nasty goop being on me, but Daddy laid down on the bed with me for some snuggle time. He was a trooper so I let him put his finger in my mouth. That seemed to calm his nerves down. Mommy sat down near the lady who was waving a wand thingy around on my chest in the goop. After a while, I fell asleep because it was really boring just laying there.

The goopy lady asked Mommy and Daddy "they didn't hear this at the hospital when she was born?" Mommy said "uh, no... does this mean she still has it?" The goopy lady said "oh yes it's still there". Mommy said she was disappointed and had hoped that I would have grown out of it by now. The lady didn't think it was that funny and said that no, i hadn't grown out of it but that i was still little.

Once we were done we left and headed to go get Mommy and Daddy some breakfast. I had already eaten so I was still full and sleepy. After they were fed and watered, they headed to Mommy's office to drop off her laptop and to show me off to her co-workers. Mommy and Daddy had fun showing me off. Everyone ooh'd and aww'd over how cute I was and how little i was. I tried to tell them i wasn't little... i'm 5 weeks old!!!

after we were dont at Mommy's work, we went home to relax for an hour before my one month doctor appointment. Mumsie was still at my house so I got to say hi again. Daddy said he wanted to take a little nap and I thought that was a good idea so i did too. Mommy stayed up to pump again and to pick vegetable's from the garden.

We got to the doctors office just in time for the appointment... well, a little late, but close enough. Daddy got me undressed while Mommy filled out some paperwork and paid. They weighed me and measured me. I am 8 pounds 13 ounces and still 21 inches. My head size is good though. Mommy can't remember if it's 34 or 38 cm, but the dr. said i was in the 75th percentile. so that's good i guess.

The doctor checked me out and said that i was growing beautifully. Mommy told him what the goopy lady said about her being shocked that the hospital didn't catch the heart murmur and that 'oh yeah it's still there'. Mommy said that it freaked her out and the doctor reiterated that i was growing well, gaining weight so there was no reason to think that it was anything horribly serious. After the doctor was done, the nurse came in to finish up the appointment. She mentioned that the dr. called the hospital and told them that they should not have freaked mommy out by telling her what they did. I like my doctor. he sticks up for Mommy. Daddy put his finger back in my mouth and Mommy got down real close to my face to talk to me while the nurse got ready to give me a shot. I wasn't scared but Mommy told me that it might pinch. I put on my brave face and let them talk to me and keep their finger in my mouth. The nurse asked Mommy to hold my hand and then she jammed that needle in my leg. Man did it hurt like crazy! I was not a happy camper and Mommy looked like she might cry. I was pretty angry about getting poked. Not fun at all. I can't believe that's what i got for my 5 week birthday present. i was expecting a pony or maybe a new outfit... but 2 doctor appts PLUS a shot? i have GOT to work on Mommy and Daddy's idea of presents.

after the dr. appt and my lovely shot, i ate some more in the car then we went to Walmart to pick up some liquid acetametaphane (sp?)in case I take after Mommy and don't react well to shots.We got home and Mommy and Daddy ate lunch while I slept. Then they finally picked out my birth announcement and ordered it. Then they watched Transformers 2. I woke up a little while later, ate, spit up which apparently warranted a bath.. so add that fun thing onto my already super duper birthday. Once i was done with my bath, I got dressed and then we went for a walk. Mommy found the bug netting so i wouldn't get eaten up. I fell asleep on the walk for a little bit then when we got home Mommy let me help her clean up the jungle. She calls it the garden, but it sure looks like a jungle to me!

Then Mommy and Daddy finished watching their movie. I helped Mommy work out her calf / leg muscles by letting her bounce me on my bouncer chair.

let's hope that my 6 week birthday goes better than my 5 week!!

I'm here!

Mommy and Daddy finally got their act together today and have ordered my birth announcements.

here's a sneak preview!

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