I just got back from another swim practice. I've only been 3 times so far :-( I don't want to start with excuses already...but boy it sure was hard to do much else last week besides school & come home and rest. I'm really hoping to get into a groove of going every Monday & Saturday at the least. It feels so good to be in the water...and so bad at the same time. I know my body shouldn't feel so achy and stiff at my age. I guess that's what happens after 4 years of pretty much complete inactivity. Staples, I want my easy button!
Layla is still refusing the bottle. I've all but given up hope. We have decided to have her eat rice cereal all day mixed with breast milk so she's still getting the protein she needs. We're moving on to the sippy cup. She hasn't gotten down the sucking part yet, but at least she puts it in her mouth and keeps it there! That's far more than we can say for the nipple of the bottle! It's amazing...she puts everything she can get her little hands on in her mouth and clamps down. Yet she won't even get the bottle nipple in her mouth! She's one smart cookie.
I'm one week into teaching and I'm enjoying it. It hasn't been too difficult to leave Layla at daycare and my students are quite nice (at least for the time being). I'm still trying to manage my time effectively while I'm there as I can't get there until about 15 minutes before the students arrive and have no desire to stay late because I want to go pick up Layla. Most of my personal plan time is spent pumping (and setting up and getting comfortable). Once the students start turning in work to grade I'm going to have to figure something out so I'm not stuck with piles of ungraded papers that I have to take home. My main goal this year is to not take any work home with me.
Jeremy & I spent all weekend cleaning our carpet. What a chore! When we move, if we decide to get light carpet again I'm going to be much better about taking care of it on a regular basis so it doesn't get to the point of this carpet! I sanitized all of Layla's hard toys and a few of her plush ones. Now all that's left is the rest of our house! If you (or anyone you know) have the gift of organizing & cleaning, I would love to allow you to practice your talents on my house! I'm at a loss of what to do with all our "stuff." I'm sure it can all fit neatly in our limited storage spaces...I just don't have an eye for that kind of thing.
I just ate ice cream & brownies...does that completely nullify my efforts at swim practice tonight???
Layla turns 6 months next week. Where has the time gone?!?! I'm excited to compare her 6-month pictures to her 3-month ones. Just by looking at the 3-month pics and back at her, I don't see much of a change...but I'm sure comparing pictures side-by-side, I'll see tremendous growth. I'm also looking forward to her 6-month appointment to see how much she weighs now. However, I'm not looking forward to another round of shots! I'm thinking about taking the entire day off so I can just spend time with her. We'll see.
Nights are beginning to turn cool (for good?) which is getting me in the mood to fill up our hot tub for the season. I'm very much looking forward to getting in this winter as I missed the entire hot tub season last year because I was pregnant or recovering from my c-section! Ahh, my back is yearning for the heat & bubbles as I type.
It's late (I'm such a fuddy-duddy!) and I need to be getting ready for bed. This getting up early to go to work has been quite hard to get used to after 5.5 months.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Bottle troubles
Layla has been in daycare full-time for two days now and she has wanted nothing to do with her bottle. Today they tried 5 different types of bottles and she wouldn't take any of them. She's never been the best at drinking from a bottle...but we've always been able to manage at least 2 oz. They are having no luck at all! Tomorrow I suggested they not feed her food mid-morning and just do the bottle around 11:30 and see how that goes. My guess is that she's just not hungry enough to go for the bottle. She has been eating every 4 hours at home with a little food occasionally in between. They've been feeding her an entire jar around 9 and then trying to feed her a bottle about 2 hours later.
I'm hoping things go better tomorrow with our new strategy!
I think I've learned my lesson - fear of "nipple confusion" is silly! At least for babies who had no problems latching on right away. I am definitely starting the bottle very early on next go around!
I'm hoping things go better tomorrow with our new strategy!
I think I've learned my lesson - fear of "nipple confusion" is silly! At least for babies who had no problems latching on right away. I am definitely starting the bottle very early on next go around!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
A More Positive Outlook
I'm beginning to feel better about teaching this year. There have been many frustrations over the course of these last 2 months...but I've given it to God and am looking on the positive side of things from here on out! At least that's my goal :-)
I was in and out of my classroom all last week and it feels much better now that it's not just a blank lecture hall. Yes...lecture hall...in middle school! Now all I have to do is plan...and it would really help if I could find my plan book from last year!
This is the first time in 5.5 months that I actually need to look presentable on a daily basis. This poses quite a problem since I still don't fit into any of my old clothes :-( So yesterday and today I went on a shopping spree (with money that we won't have until I get my first paycheck). I'm just going to have to realize that my body may never go back to what it used to be. That doesn't mean I'm giving up hope! I just know that it will take a while and in the mean time I need clothes to wear!
Last week we took Layla into daycare for 3 hours on 2 different days to see how she adjusted. Well...honestly...to see how I adjusted. I didn't do bad at all! Of course I had many things on my mind and to accomplish in those 3 hours, so that helped. But I think it's a good sign of things to come. Although I'm not looking forward to the days when she cries when I leave...there was a dad there both days I went that was dealing with that issue. Heartbreaking!
Layla did just fine, too! She was really busy watching all the toddlers run around! She had tummy time, play time, swing time, and even napped! Next week she'll be in the infant house...I'm hoping this doesn't lead to boredom on her part.
One thing I'm not quite sure what to think of is the fact that they changed her diaper 3 times in that 3 hours!!! I'm not sure if this is because she was the only infant there and they had nothing better to do...or if she was fussy and they tried changing her diaper to see if that would help (which it won't b/c she's not one to fuss with a wet diaper...dirty, sometimes now that she's eating food, but not wet). I told them that if she gets fussy it's probably because she's tired (she's such a good baby!). Really the only other time she fusses is if she's bored. And yes, we may be a bit lax on how often we change her diapers...but a ratio of one an hour?!?!?! Come on! Anyway, I have a feeling if this rate keeps up we're going to have to factor in a huge increase in diaper costs once school begins!
All-in-all, I'm feeling much better about this school year. New clothes, new school, new room, new students...all that's missing is a new house!
I was in and out of my classroom all last week and it feels much better now that it's not just a blank lecture hall. Yes...lecture hall...in middle school! Now all I have to do is plan...and it would really help if I could find my plan book from last year!
This is the first time in 5.5 months that I actually need to look presentable on a daily basis. This poses quite a problem since I still don't fit into any of my old clothes :-( So yesterday and today I went on a shopping spree (with money that we won't have until I get my first paycheck). I'm just going to have to realize that my body may never go back to what it used to be. That doesn't mean I'm giving up hope! I just know that it will take a while and in the mean time I need clothes to wear!
Last week we took Layla into daycare for 3 hours on 2 different days to see how she adjusted. Well...honestly...to see how I adjusted. I didn't do bad at all! Of course I had many things on my mind and to accomplish in those 3 hours, so that helped. But I think it's a good sign of things to come. Although I'm not looking forward to the days when she cries when I leave...there was a dad there both days I went that was dealing with that issue. Heartbreaking!
Layla did just fine, too! She was really busy watching all the toddlers run around! She had tummy time, play time, swing time, and even napped! Next week she'll be in the infant house...I'm hoping this doesn't lead to boredom on her part.
One thing I'm not quite sure what to think of is the fact that they changed her diaper 3 times in that 3 hours!!! I'm not sure if this is because she was the only infant there and they had nothing better to do...or if she was fussy and they tried changing her diaper to see if that would help (which it won't b/c she's not one to fuss with a wet diaper...dirty, sometimes now that she's eating food, but not wet). I told them that if she gets fussy it's probably because she's tired (she's such a good baby!). Really the only other time she fusses is if she's bored. And yes, we may be a bit lax on how often we change her diapers...but a ratio of one an hour?!?!?! Come on! Anyway, I have a feeling if this rate keeps up we're going to have to factor in a huge increase in diaper costs once school begins!
All-in-all, I'm feeling much better about this school year. New clothes, new school, new room, new students...all that's missing is a new house!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Excellent Night!!!
Layla fell asleep in her crib with no crying and no pacifier!! She slept from 9pm-8am with about 25 minutes of wake-time to eat. She fell back asleep after maybe 2 minutes of crying. What a glorious night! Now I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that it wasn't a fluke and will continue once school begins next week.
We've tried the "crying it out" method of falling asleep this week. Basically you go in after 3 minutes of crying and console & caress but don't pick up. You then wait 5 minutes, 7 minutes, 10 minutes...and then keep going back every 10 minutes. I think each new night you're supposed to wait a bit longer before going in the first time, but we kept it at 3 minutes. 7 minutes is the longest we've had to wait.
Wednesday night she cried for about 30 minutes. That was not fun AT ALL! However, I think this is very tame compared to stories I've heard from other parents.
Thursday night was about 20. Friday night 15ish. Saturday night was maybe 5 minutes. And last night was nothing!!!
We're still giving her a pacifier for naps during the day.
I might also add that I feel schedules are for the birds...not for babies! We have given up on a schedule...at least for the time being. I'm sure once school & daycare begin we'll see more of a consistent schedule emerge.
We've tried the "crying it out" method of falling asleep this week. Basically you go in after 3 minutes of crying and console & caress but don't pick up. You then wait 5 minutes, 7 minutes, 10 minutes...and then keep going back every 10 minutes. I think each new night you're supposed to wait a bit longer before going in the first time, but we kept it at 3 minutes. 7 minutes is the longest we've had to wait.
Wednesday night she cried for about 30 minutes. That was not fun AT ALL! However, I think this is very tame compared to stories I've heard from other parents.
Thursday night was about 20. Friday night 15ish. Saturday night was maybe 5 minutes. And last night was nothing!!!
We're still giving her a pacifier for naps during the day.
I might also add that I feel schedules are for the birds...not for babies! We have given up on a schedule...at least for the time being. I'm sure once school & daycare begin we'll see more of a consistent schedule emerge.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Ugh!
It's 5am and I've been up for 2.5 hours :-( Why is it that I can't sleep on nights Layla sleeps the best????
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Mighty Molly
The summer of 2002 I lived in Colorado with roughly 20 other college students from around the country. Although it was only 10 weeks, it was one of the sweetest seasons of my life. I grew more than I could have ever imagined both spiritually and personally that summer. There is a lot that has happened in my life since then that I can directly attribute to the trust I placed in God that summer.
One sweet woman I met that summer, Becca, has recently shown such faith and hope that I'm not sure I could show in a similar situation. Her precious daughter, Molly Ann, was born June 13 and went to be with her Heavenly Father a week later. Her story is truly inspiring.
I have found my own faith challenged through my dear friend. Would I continue to look up to God in awe and admiration? Would hope and love shine through or would anger and hatred emerge? Would my faith be strengthened or fall to the wayside? Could I look at it as a part of God's wonderful masterplan and share the love of Jesus Christ through it all? I would hope so...but I'm not sure.
I encourage you to read the reflections of Becca's parents. I pray that your faith is strenghtened and encouraged as you see God's love abound through Molly and her beautiful family. I have links posted in the top right corner if you would like to read more of Mighty Molly's story.
One sweet woman I met that summer, Becca, has recently shown such faith and hope that I'm not sure I could show in a similar situation. Her precious daughter, Molly Ann, was born June 13 and went to be with her Heavenly Father a week later. Her story is truly inspiring.
I have found my own faith challenged through my dear friend. Would I continue to look up to God in awe and admiration? Would hope and love shine through or would anger and hatred emerge? Would my faith be strengthened or fall to the wayside? Could I look at it as a part of God's wonderful masterplan and share the love of Jesus Christ through it all? I would hope so...but I'm not sure.
I encourage you to read the reflections of Becca's parents. I pray that your faith is strenghtened and encouraged as you see God's love abound through Molly and her beautiful family. I have links posted in the top right corner if you would like to read more of Mighty Molly's story.
Oh the frustrations!
In case you didn't know, back in June I went to an interview at a middle school and was offered a job. I was told I'd be teaching a mix of Literature and Grammar. However, a teacher currently employed there was trying to get on at a high school...and if that happened, I would be teaching Literature all year. This was what perked me up to the idea of a new school! I LOVE reading!! It was also helping me deal with the fact that I'll be enrolling Layla in daycare to teach. At least I'll be doing something I enjoy.
Anyway, I go in today only to find out that now I'm teaching Grammar all year! I was not a happy camper, to say the least! Basically, someone who was only on a temporary contract last year was given the position to teach Literature all year...what?!?!?! That was completely against what I was told at my interview.
While I was talking with the principal, she mentioned that she's still got hiring to do (b/c she was making small talk with me) and mentioned a 0.67 Grammar position. I thought about asking about it for a split second and didn't for a few reasons. So I left and met Jeremy out at the van in tears b/c I do NOT want to be teaching Grammar all year...I've done it before and it's simply boring!
We were headed home and to make a long story a little shorter, we turned back around so I could explain to the principal that I was passionate about Literature and wasn't looking for a Grammar-only position and that I was interested in the 0.67 position so I could be home a little sooner for Layla.
The principal told me the 0.67 position would typically be 8-1pm, but this one would be 10-3:15 because the students are in specials first thing in the morning. There would be a lunch in there, but no prep times. Knowing me, with no preps, I'd be getting in around 9:30 (maybe sooner) to work...so I really wouldn't be home that much more for Layla. And I'd be doing work during non-paid times. Plus I'd only get 0.67 benefits instead of full-time benefits. So I decided to stick with the position I have. However, the principal did tell me she's going to work so I can get 2 Literature classes. So I'm now hoping that I have 2 Lit and only 3 Grammar, instead of 5 Grammar classes. Better...but not what I have been looking forward to all summer (and told I would have). On top of that...they gave the new teacher the 2 GT classes (which always have better-behaved students!)!
Okay...enough of my grumbling. Hopefully going in and getting my classroom all setup and looking better than just a white room with no windows will help lift my spirits a little. Although I have a sneaking suspicion that this other lady they hired has a room with windows, bookshelves and cabinets!!! Oh wait...I said no more grumbling. I better stop....
Anyway, I go in today only to find out that now I'm teaching Grammar all year! I was not a happy camper, to say the least! Basically, someone who was only on a temporary contract last year was given the position to teach Literature all year...what?!?!?! That was completely against what I was told at my interview.
While I was talking with the principal, she mentioned that she's still got hiring to do (b/c she was making small talk with me) and mentioned a 0.67 Grammar position. I thought about asking about it for a split second and didn't for a few reasons. So I left and met Jeremy out at the van in tears b/c I do NOT want to be teaching Grammar all year...I've done it before and it's simply boring!
We were headed home and to make a long story a little shorter, we turned back around so I could explain to the principal that I was passionate about Literature and wasn't looking for a Grammar-only position and that I was interested in the 0.67 position so I could be home a little sooner for Layla.
The principal told me the 0.67 position would typically be 8-1pm, but this one would be 10-3:15 because the students are in specials first thing in the morning. There would be a lunch in there, but no prep times. Knowing me, with no preps, I'd be getting in around 9:30 (maybe sooner) to work...so I really wouldn't be home that much more for Layla. And I'd be doing work during non-paid times. Plus I'd only get 0.67 benefits instead of full-time benefits. So I decided to stick with the position I have. However, the principal did tell me she's going to work so I can get 2 Literature classes. So I'm now hoping that I have 2 Lit and only 3 Grammar, instead of 5 Grammar classes. Better...but not what I have been looking forward to all summer (and told I would have). On top of that...they gave the new teacher the 2 GT classes (which always have better-behaved students!)!
Okay...enough of my grumbling. Hopefully going in and getting my classroom all setup and looking better than just a white room with no windows will help lift my spirits a little. Although I have a sneaking suspicion that this other lady they hired has a room with windows, bookshelves and cabinets!!! Oh wait...I said no more grumbling. I better stop....
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