Big Girl S was adjusting a little too well to being a big sister. She still loves helping bathe and diaper Baby E but she has some obvious hostility toward him now that he has been here a month and I haven't sent him back. Poor girl. She wants to play with him too but he can't really play yet. The transition would probably be a little easier if babies emerged ready to play soccer.
Baby E also has some reflux so after every feeding I have to hold him upright to help his poor tummy and throat for at least 20 minutes. This means I am holding him a lot and not holding her. :( I am trying to do special thing with her every day. We took a day trip to Lucerne and had a blast (stay tuned for photos) and tomorrow we are going to a book swap at Starbucks.
Baby E is trying to alert me to his presence. Gotta go.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Oh and by the way
I don't know why this is but every time I've had a baby (all 2 times lol), my computer has broken immediately afterward. So I am borrowing the husband's computer while I figure out if mine can be fixed. This is not a recipe for a happy marriage so I will have to either fix mine soon or come up with a netbook. Or something. Who knows?
Baby E - Hold Me!
The last few weeks have been simultaneously very busy and not busy the way a household with a new baby generally is. I forgot how time consuming newborns are. Every couple of hours E needs to be fed and he has some reflux so after that I hold him upright so he doesn't spit up all of the milk. He does eat less often at night than S did but he makes up for it in the evening time when he nurses all the time.
We still like going out and about. Yesterday we went to a Fasnacht celebration for kids in a nearby village and S had a blast. I put E in the Moby wrap I bought from Peppermint when I was in Texas. Let me tell you, he loves that thing! I put him in and he sleeps for a good couple of hours. Wraps can be kind of intimidating but I found a video on Youtube on how to tie the wrap and after a couple of tries, I got it down.
Let me tell you, I have somewhere around 7 baby carriers (none of them are Baby Bjorns) and I bought a stroller when E was 2 weeks. There is a reason I spent more on all my baby carriers than on my stroller even though Zurich is the land of expensive Bugaboos, and that is because baby carriers get more use IME. Baby E has been in his stroller twice and he screamed his head off both times. Put him in the wrap or ring sling and I have a quiet, sleeping baby. It is like magic.
We still like going out and about. Yesterday we went to a Fasnacht celebration for kids in a nearby village and S had a blast. I put E in the Moby wrap I bought from Peppermint when I was in Texas. Let me tell you, he loves that thing! I put him in and he sleeps for a good couple of hours. Wraps can be kind of intimidating but I found a video on Youtube on how to tie the wrap and after a couple of tries, I got it down.
Let me tell you, I have somewhere around 7 baby carriers (none of them are Baby Bjorns) and I bought a stroller when E was 2 weeks. There is a reason I spent more on all my baby carriers than on my stroller even though Zurich is the land of expensive Bugaboos, and that is because baby carriers get more use IME. Baby E has been in his stroller twice and he screamed his head off both times. Put him in the wrap or ring sling and I have a quiet, sleeping baby. It is like magic.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Baby E is here!
He was born on January 19th in quick fashion, just like his big sis. I had my 3 days postpartum care in the hospital and am now recovering at home. I will post more later but the baby is sleeping which means I should be too.
Oh, stats:
weight: 4.12 kg (9lbs 1 oz)
height: 52 cm
hair color: brown
Oh, stats:
weight: 4.12 kg (9lbs 1 oz)
height: 52 cm
hair color: brown
Sunday, January 17, 2010
40w 4d and still no baby
*sigh* I was feeling pretty lousy a couple of days ago so I thought for sure he was ready but apparently no. Oh well, I can't stay pregnant forever, right?
Another non-stress test tomorrow! Yay!
Another non-stress test tomorrow! Yay!
Friday, January 15, 2010
No Baby Yet!
It is now January 15th and still no baby. It is hard to be patient but he'll come when he's ready.
On Wednesday I had a non-stress test to make sure everything still looked good, which it did. My blood pressure is a little low but the baby's heart rate was good and he had fun kicking away.
Things are a little different in Switzerland and I am now receiving care at the hospital instead of at a regular doctor's office. When we originally moved here, I looked for a homebirth midwife because the idea of switching care at the end of pregnancy was weird to me and honestly, I prefer being at home. Well the only homebirth midwife in the area is going on holiday in January and not available.
At the hospital, I was lectured that women weren't given inductions on their due dates just because they were tired of being pregnant. LOL I hadn't asked but the midwife at the hospital assumed I wanted to be induced. *scratches head*
OK, I am tired of being pregnant but the baby will come eventually. Not on my due date apparently, but someday. Perhaps even soon.
On Wednesday I had a non-stress test to make sure everything still looked good, which it did. My blood pressure is a little low but the baby's heart rate was good and he had fun kicking away.
Things are a little different in Switzerland and I am now receiving care at the hospital instead of at a regular doctor's office. When we originally moved here, I looked for a homebirth midwife because the idea of switching care at the end of pregnancy was weird to me and honestly, I prefer being at home. Well the only homebirth midwife in the area is going on holiday in January and not available.
At the hospital, I was lectured that women weren't given inductions on their due dates just because they were tired of being pregnant. LOL I hadn't asked but the midwife at the hospital assumed I wanted to be induced. *scratches head*
OK, I am tired of being pregnant but the baby will come eventually. Not on my due date apparently, but someday. Perhaps even soon.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
About Attachment Parenting
When my daughter was born 4.5 years ago, I didn't know attachment parenting from string theory. I probably could have guessed which one was which in a multiple choice exam but otherwise I was pretty clueless. A few twists of fate pushed me in the direction of attachment and natural parenting.
My choice in pediatrician. I chose someone who was pro-breastfeeding and not-so-much on the medical interventions, unless they were necessary of course. Since I have always been reluctant to take medications for minor matters, we clicked. I asked for a recommendation for a health care provider for my pregnancy and birth and I was referred to a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) who had been delivering babies for over 30 years. She was perfect for me BTW!
My location. I lived in Seattle at the time. Tends toward the crunchy side. Being born and raised there, I just thought it was "normal life" but moving around a little has shown me that normal life doesn't always resemble Seattle life. For example, I don't really stick out as a natural person in Seattle because there are people who are just so much more... In Texas though, I was the hippie freak that doesn't shave.
Switzerland is really pretty similar to Seattle. There are a bunch of beautiful people in one area and a lot of crunchy people in another. I don't really stand out. Our neighbor took her two kids on a 2 day bike ride when her youngest was 2 months old.
My parents. I won't elaborate on that.
Anyway. I tend to do things my own way and not really fit in anywhere but that is perfectly fine with me.
Proto-baby is making it difficult to concentrate so I am going to hit publish and make some food.
My choice in pediatrician. I chose someone who was pro-breastfeeding and not-so-much on the medical interventions, unless they were necessary of course. Since I have always been reluctant to take medications for minor matters, we clicked. I asked for a recommendation for a health care provider for my pregnancy and birth and I was referred to a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) who had been delivering babies for over 30 years. She was perfect for me BTW!
My location. I lived in Seattle at the time. Tends toward the crunchy side. Being born and raised there, I just thought it was "normal life" but moving around a little has shown me that normal life doesn't always resemble Seattle life. For example, I don't really stick out as a natural person in Seattle because there are people who are just so much more... In Texas though, I was the hippie freak that doesn't shave.
Switzerland is really pretty similar to Seattle. There are a bunch of beautiful people in one area and a lot of crunchy people in another. I don't really stand out. Our neighbor took her two kids on a 2 day bike ride when her youngest was 2 months old.
My parents. I won't elaborate on that.
Anyway. I tend to do things my own way and not really fit in anywhere but that is perfectly fine with me.
Proto-baby is making it difficult to concentrate so I am going to hit publish and make some food.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Moving to Two Kids
Welcome to the January Carnival of Natural Parenting: Parenting resolutions!
This post was written for inclusion in the monthly Carnival of Natural Parenting hosted by Code Name: Mama and Hobo Mama. This month we're writing about how we want to parent differently — or the same — in the New Year. Please read to the end to find a list of links to the other carnival participants.
This new year, life will be changing at my house. Baby Bounce is due
to arrive January 13th but I am assuming he will be born a week late
like his big sister. That is the reason that 'estimated' usually
modifies due date anyway.
So what does this mean? I really don't know. I've been reading the
book, Siblings Without Rivalry
, for some insight on how to introduce the baby to big sister S. I like the basic theme of the book where it is not my job to ensure S and her baby brother are bffs but rather set them up to be able to negotiate adult relationships. I am certainly far from bestest friends with my siblings and a lot of that has to do with our personalities but some of that has to do with our unable to resolve conflicts between each other.
I would love for my kids to be good friends but I don't have a map on
how to make that happen, hence the book. S is very excited to have a
baby brother coming and I hope that sentiment will continue after he
is born. I tend to set a lot of the tone for the house and I hope that
2010 will prove to be a successful year for me as mama.
Wish me luck!
• To Yell or Not to Yell — The Adventures of Lactating Girl
• It Is All About Empathy: Nurturing a Toddler's Compassion Potential — Baby Dust Diaries
• To my babies: this year… — BluebirdMama
• Mindfully Loving My Children — Breastfeeding Moms Unite!
• January Carnival of Natural Parenting: Resolutions — Code Name: Mama
• Imperfect Mother — Consider Eden
• Resolutions — Craphead (aka Mommy)
• FC Mom's Parenting Resolutions 2010 — FC Mom
• What’s in a Resolution? — Happy Mothering
• January Carnival of Natural Parenting: Parenting resolutions — Hobo Mama
• Natural Parenting Resolutions — Little Green Blog
• This year, I will mostly... — Look Left of the Pleiades
• Parenting Resolutions — The Mahogany Way
• I Resolve to Breastfeed In Public More Often — mama2mama tips
• Moving to Two Kids — Megna the Destroyer
• Use Love — Momopoly
• My parenting resolutions — Musings of a Milk Maker
• Talkin' 'bout My Resolutions — Navelgazing
• Parenting Resolutions — One Starry Night
• Invitations, not resolutions — Raising My Boychick
• No more multitasking during kid time — The Recovering Procrastinator
• I need to slow down, smell those roses AND the poopy diapers — Tales of a Kitchen Witch Momma
• Resolutely Parenting in 2010 — This Is Worthwhile
This post was written for inclusion in the monthly Carnival of Natural Parenting hosted by Code Name: Mama and Hobo Mama. This month we're writing about how we want to parent differently — or the same — in the New Year. Please read to the end to find a list of links to the other carnival participants.
This new year, life will be changing at my house. Baby Bounce is due
to arrive January 13th but I am assuming he will be born a week late
like his big sister. That is the reason that 'estimated' usually
modifies due date anyway.
So what does this mean? I really don't know. I've been reading the
book, Siblings Without Rivalry
, for some insight on how to introduce the baby to big sister S. I like the basic theme of the book where it is not my job to ensure S and her baby brother are bffs but rather set them up to be able to negotiate adult relationships. I am certainly far from bestest friends with my siblings and a lot of that has to do with our personalities but some of that has to do with our unable to resolve conflicts between each other.I would love for my kids to be good friends but I don't have a map on
how to make that happen, hence the book. S is very excited to have a
baby brother coming and I hope that sentiment will continue after he
is born. I tend to set a lot of the tone for the house and I hope that
2010 will prove to be a successful year for me as mama.
Wish me luck!
******
Please take time to read the submissions by the other carnival participants:
(All the links should be active by noon on Jan. 12. Go to Hobo Mama and Code Name: Mama for the most recently updated list.)
• To Yell or Not to Yell — The Adventures of Lactating Girl
• It Is All About Empathy: Nurturing a Toddler's Compassion Potential — Baby Dust Diaries
• To my babies: this year… — BluebirdMama
• Mindfully Loving My Children — Breastfeeding Moms Unite!
• January Carnival of Natural Parenting: Resolutions — Code Name: Mama
• Imperfect Mother — Consider Eden
• Resolutions — Craphead (aka Mommy)
• FC Mom's Parenting Resolutions 2010 — FC Mom
• What’s in a Resolution? — Happy Mothering
• January Carnival of Natural Parenting: Parenting resolutions — Hobo Mama
• Natural Parenting Resolutions — Little Green Blog
• This year, I will mostly... — Look Left of the Pleiades
• Parenting Resolutions — The Mahogany Way
• I Resolve to Breastfeed In Public More Often — mama2mama tips
• Moving to Two Kids — Megna the Destroyer
• Use Love — Momopoly
• My parenting resolutions — Musings of a Milk Maker
• Talkin' 'bout My Resolutions — Navelgazing
• Parenting Resolutions — One Starry Night
• Invitations, not resolutions — Raising My Boychick
• No more multitasking during kid time — The Recovering Procrastinator
• I need to slow down, smell those roses AND the poopy diapers — Tales of a Kitchen Witch Momma
• Resolutely Parenting in 2010 — This Is Worthwhile
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Saving for an Espresso Machine
Before we moved to a small village without a coffeeshop, I thought long and hard about what I really need on a day to day basis. Basically it boiled down to needing an espresso machine. Not just any espresso machine, mind you, but a good one.
Around Zurich, most of the machines are Nespresso branded and run between 100-200 CHF. The problem with the Nespresso branded machines is they take cartridges of ground beans and I object to the waste generated by individual packaging. The husband's work has a combo espresso/coffee machine that uses whole beans and the machine grinds these immediately before brewing the coffee. Of course I am lusting after this machine but it is somewhat pricey. I did find a cheaper home version but it is still expensive.
So I plot of a way to come up with the cash for this machine. Hopefully I will have one before my birthday - in April.
Around Zurich, most of the machines are Nespresso branded and run between 100-200 CHF. The problem with the Nespresso branded machines is they take cartridges of ground beans and I object to the waste generated by individual packaging. The husband's work has a combo espresso/coffee machine that uses whole beans and the machine grinds these immediately before brewing the coffee. Of course I am lusting after this machine but it is somewhat pricey. I did find a cheaper home version but it is still expensive.
So I plot of a way to come up with the cash for this machine. Hopefully I will have one before my birthday - in April.
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