tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31481961508274692592024-03-13T04:12:24.525-07:00Haole MommaOne Haole's journey into motherhood and Living AlohaHaole Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725149209766627987noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148196150827469259.post-49793055324366273432015-03-03T16:48:00.001-08:002015-03-03T16:48:04.785-08:00Makua's Birth StoryShort: Makua James Pahukoa was born on January 27th, 2015, at 1:14 AM. He weighed 9 lbs, 9 oz, and was 22.5 inches long.<br />
<br />
Long: My due date of January 16th came and went... a familiar feeling by now, on this my third pregnancy. I was determined not to induce labor after my experience with Liloa. My delivery was complicated and painful, augmented by Pitocin and an epidural, and my recovery was long and even more painful. I thought that if I could avoid an induction, I could have a better delivery and recovery, and because I was still enrolled in school half-time and had two other young children at home who needed me, a speedy recovery was my top priority.<br />
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During the week after my due date, I had two NST's and AFI's to make sure baby's heart rate and the amniotic fluid level looked good. My doctor was okay with me going as long as 42 weeks even though baby would be pretty big by then. I was uncomfortable but willing to wait; I trusted my body and my baby to know what to do when the time came, and thought that no matter what, I could handle it.<br />
<br />
On Monday the 26th, I had a checkup with my OB, followed by my second NST/AFI appointment at the hospital across the street. My OB checked me and found I was still 5 cm dilated and 80% effaced, the same as the week before. She stripped my membranes for a fourth time, and we discussed how I could possibly still be pregnant. I remember her saying "That's insane. That's a crazy check for someone who's not in labor," referring to my dilation and effacement. I just laughed, because of course I went past due. I'm not sure why I ever thought I wouldn't. We talked about how my first two babies were OP and I said I thought maybe that's why this baby hadn't come yet; he was in a bad position and not putting pressure on my cervix. She admitted it was possible and decided to do a quick ultrasound. We found that he was head down, but facing sideways and not engaged in my pelvis. Just as I'd suspected.<br />
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My OB decided that we could do the AFI right then, since she already had the ultrasound machine on me, then said we should just do the NST in the office as well to save me the trip. We discussed induction, and talked about her schedule. I wanted her to be the one to induce me if it came to it, so I was looking at either the coming Wednesday or Friday. Wednesday she was available all day and night, as it was her on-call day. Friday she was available off and on. Friday was 42 weeks.<br />
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After thinking it over during my NST, we decided Wednesday was better. We talked about starting the induction with methods other than Pitocin; she was of the opinion that she could just break my water and I'd take it from there with no problems. I was skeptical but thought it sounded better than Pitocin. I signed the paperwork agreeing to the induction and privacy practices, and let everyone know that that was it. We were scheduled to have a baby in 48 hours.<br />
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That evening, I was thinking a lot about baby's position, and how my first two were OP, and remembered hearing about Spinning Babies. So I pulled up the webpage on my phone and started reading. I found a few exercises for moving babies who were OP, and thought I'd try them, until I saw a link to another exercise that said "try this first." It was the side-lying release, meant to evenly open up the pelvis to allow a baby to engage. I read it over a few times, then enlisted Chris to help me (since you need a partner) and did the side-lying release for a few minutes on both sides.<br />
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While I'd had braxton-hicks contractions since 18 weeks, I remember thinking "These contractions kind of hurt" at around 7:30 pm, half an hour after I'd done the side-lying release exercise. I kept shifting positions to try to get baby in the right spot. I did lots of stretching. Lots of hands and knees, cat stretches, and hip circles.<br />
<br />
At around 8, I helped the kids through their bedtime routine, finishing up their bath, tucking them in bed, and thinking "This might be it," as my contractions continued intermittently and uncomfortably. While I wasn't ready to admit it was true labor (I was scared to even think it for fear of jinxing it) I thought it would still be a good idea to finish packing my hospital bag and pulling together the last-minute things I thought I'd want.<br />
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Around 10, I was in bed, trying to rest. I had gotten really sleepy and almost wanted the contractions to stop so I could sleep, but they didn't. I'd downloaded a contraction timer app on my phone, which seemed silly at the time but was immediately helpful in watching for patterns. I saw my contractions get longer, and the intervals shorter, and finally texted my mom at 10:30 to tell her I was in labor but didn't need her yet. Originally I'd planned for her to come stay with the kids if it happened at night, but I decided I might want her with me instead. Stuck with the indecision, I just told her to wait. I can see now how that was kind of mean! I got her all keyed up and left her hanging. But after that, things started happening kind of quickly.<br />
<br />
I told Chris about the few last minute things I wanted him to do. He kept coming into the room to check on me, but I was just laying on the bed in the dark, taking it one contraction at a time. I kept feeling like I needed to pee, so I was up and in the bathroom between almost every contraction. It felt good to rest between them until about 11 PM when Chris's mom came over. He'd called her to come stay with the kids in case I needed my mom to come help at the hospital. By that time, I was swaying a bit with every other contraction. Some of them I wanted to lay down for, some I needed to move through.<br />
<br />
At 11:30, I was just thinking that the contractions were getting too intense. I had two back-to-back that were painful and immediately felt like I had to pee again. I got up and took a step toward the bathroom and felt a warm gush, and knew that my water had broken. I hurried the last few steps and made it to the toilet, peed, and tried to get the water to slow down. I had to swap out my undies for dry ones, but didn't think to put a pad on because I wasn't really leaking any more. I grabbed my phone and headed out to the living room where Chris and his mom were sitting on the couch. I said, "It's time to go. My water just broke."<br />
<br />
Chris jumped up and started running around grabbing our bags while Bridgett helped me get my shoes on. There was a short discussion about which hospital to go to; I'd wanted to go to Southwest, even though we were closer to Legacy, because I'd had a better experience there. Bridgett wanted to know if I was up for the longer car ride but I knew what I wanted. We took the Blazer, and we still joke about how Chris "took his time, meandering down the back roads" to get there. Hah! I think we made that trip in record time. I had 3 contractions between our house and there, including the one in the parking lot, and my contractions were only about 3 minutes apart by then.<br />
<br />
We got inside and went to the desk to check in. I wasn't sure what the date was so asked "Is it Tuesday yet?" Everyone looked at the clock, and the second hand swept past the 12. It was 12:00 AM Tuesday the 27th. Chris and I said "Looks like baby chose his birthday after all." I was taken to Triage and checked out, contracting the whole time. I was 8 cm and 90%, and not at all sure I could do it without drugs, but wasn't about to ask for them.<br />
<br />
I was helped into a gown in Triage, and things get a little fuzzy from here on. I remember most of it, but was so focused on my body that I lost my sense of time and wasn't able to communicate very well. The nurse who took us from Triage to our room was very nice, and she talked to me the whole time about her experience in Alaska, helping native women delivering, and talking about the beauty of birth. Her name was V (I think). We heard harps and chimes on our way to our room and she said "Ah, another angel has entered the world." I learned later that that music is played each time a baby is born there. A nice touch!<br />
<br />
In my room, Chris put our bags away and everyone else got busy. V was prepping something. The on-call OB (Dr. Morgan) came in with a young male resident and asked if I minded if he tagged along. It's a learning hospital, and I was gonna give this kid a lesson in natural childbirth! I said I didn't mind, and went back to focusing on myself. Leaning over a table during contractions felt good, as did walking. I did both until I had to be checked again. I didn't want to lay down, but did it anyway, and found I was 10 cm and probably 98%. I just had "a small lip of cervix" left.<br />
<br />
My nurse was very helpful and coached me through my contractions, reminding me "low, low" when I'd start to get breathy or breathing high. Eventually I was almost growling through those contractions. My doctor and nurse had left the room for... something. Just then, I started feeling pressure. I said so, to nobody in particular, and went back to concentrating on my body. Chris told me later that the resident was the only one there besides us, and he kind of freaked out and started suiting up like he was prepping for a natural disaster.<br />
<br />
When the OB and nurse came back, there was a short discussion. Suddenly I felt like maybe pushing through a contraction would feel good so I pushed just a little. It did feel good. Then I was being ushered to the bed while trays of instruments were uncovered and wheeled over. My nurse coached me through a couple more contractions, saying I shouldn't push yet because of the lip of cervix. She had me doing the "he - he - he" Lamaze breathing technique to keep from pushing while the OB helped to push the lip out of the way.<br />
<br />
Suddenly, I was told it was okay to start pushing. With the next contraction, I pushed. I was in pain but knew it would get better, and the most prevalent feeling was intensity. Chris had one leg and V had the other. I was on my back in the bed but feeling okay with it at that point. Baby had turned and was moving down exactly how he was supposed to. With that contraction, I got baby's head just to crowning. I could feel how far I was stretched. The OB was pouring mineral oil on me and massaging, trying to get the skin to stretch instead of tear. I lost my contraction there, with everyone cheering me on, and baby's head crowning. I remember thinking "I can't do anything but this" and panting a little as I just... held him there. I couldn't push, I couldn't let him slip back. I waited a full minute for my next contraction, just holding baby right there.<br />
<br />
With the next contraction, I pushed again. The OB was telling me to push, Chris was repeating her, and V was offering praise. Baby's head came out and the OB said "Reach down and feel your baby!" I was in a trance at this point, overwhelmed by everything happening, and said "Oh, I can feel him all right!" But I didn't reach down. The contraction was still squeezing, I was still pushing, and baby's shoulders were stuck. One was out, one was in, and there was a scramble while I was told to keep pushing, keep pushing! and the doctor and resident both had their hands on me and baby, trying to get his second shoulder out. Everyone was saying he must big, and I knew I was SO CLOSE to delivering him and SO CLOSE to being done. I couldn't take it, and started yelling at them to just GET HIM OUT already. I pushed again, and felt his second shoulder come out, and V said "Just a little one now, just a grunt," and I gave a little push and delivered my baby, all natural.<br />
<br />
There were lots of comments on his size, and when they put him on my chest I knew he was a big boy. I delivered the placenta and got 2 little stitches, all while snuggling Makua. When I was fixed up a bit, they took him to weigh him and everyone was astonished at how big he was, and how well I did. I felt really good afterward. I got that endorphin rush I'd missed with the other two, and even though it was just after 1 AM, I had enough energy to eat, drink, nurse Makua, laugh with Chris, chat with my nurses, and (finally) go pee.<br />
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We stayed the rest of that night and the following night, opting to skip the 2nd full night my insurance would have paid for in favor of our own bed. I had sore nipples from the start but requested a shield, shells, and lanolin, and met with a lactation consultant. My milk came in before we even checked out of the hospital, and Makua was a good eater, except that he'd fall asleep after only a short time on the breast. This manifested in other feeding issues, but that's fodder for another post.<br />
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<br />Haole Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725149209766627987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148196150827469259.post-10479106384998026932014-10-30T11:01:00.004-07:002014-10-30T11:01:52.089-07:00Story of my lifeLately, it feels like my default setting is "overwhelmed." This week is getting the best of me. This quarter at school is getting the best of me. This schedule is getting the best of me. I usually take an hour of downtime each evening for myself, my sanity, my health, but it's never as it's intended to be, since I KNOW I should be doing something else. Some homework assignment that I didn't have time to finish the day before, some chore around the house that's constantly behind, some stupid daily-life task, like calling to schedule doctor or dentist appointments, or that e-mail from work...<br />
<br />
If I slow down, even for a minute, I feel like I'll stop completely. I have SO much on my plate right now, and not enough time to do it in, or hands to complete the tasks, or memory space to even remember it all.<br />
<br />
(this is a blog, so you can't see it, but I was just derailed for almost 40 minutes right there)<br />
<br />
MAN.<br />
<br />
I'm feeling the pressure at school. I am SO excited about the classes I'm taking this term; they're ones I've wanted to take for over a year (Python programming and HTML) and I've scored the best (IMHO) instructor at Clark for these topics, and I feel like I'm letting myself down because I can't put as much time into these classes as I want to.<br />
<br />
I WANT to spend a couple of hours each night just tweaking my web pages or screwing around in the Python GUI, but I can't. How could I possibly?! My family demands SO MUCH of my attention right now, and when it's not them, it's things related to them. The laundry, the dishes, the packing of the lunchboxes, the constant need for my attention to read a book or help them get dressed or undressed or change a diaper or turn on the TV or go outside or get them something to eat or drink or play with them... and that's just the kids.<br />
<br />
I love my kids (understatement of the decade). I know they're not going to need my help or want my attention forever, and I am trying to cherish every day with them because every day they get older and change and it happens so quickly, and yet so gradually... but MAN. I also need to find the time for Chris, who does just as much around the house (well, ALMOST) as I do and who also wants my attention. But what about me? I'm 7 months pregnant and average 6.5 hours of sleep each night, which isn't really enough for me even when I'm not growing a human. So which thing wins? When I have a finite amount of time in each day and more to do than can possibly get done, how do I prioritize a seemingly endless list of equally important tasks?<br />
<br />
If you know, will you tell me? I'll listen to your explanation in just a few minutes, after I finish these 2 past-due homework assignments, mail off letters to the HOA for my boss, call DHS and the kids' day care to adjust their schedule, take Liloa in for an immunization that was missed at his last appointment before they kick him out of day care on Monday, carve these pumpkins, get dinner started, let the contractors in to work on the furnace, and maybe have some lunch. If I get around to it.<br />
<br />
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<br />Haole Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725149209766627987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148196150827469259.post-66311418716956847472014-08-14T13:42:00.001-07:002014-08-14T13:42:15.182-07:00VacationLet's consider this almost two year break from blogging a vacation, shall we? Much, much, MUCH has happened in my life and I keep intending to write a catch-up series, maybe an entry for each month that I was gone, but as time goes on that task seems more daunting than enjoyable and I find myself avoiding it.<br />
<br />
So instead of saddling myself with one more freaking task, I will come back to this blog with the enjoyment it was intended to provide me. Entries will likely contain a mix of current events and nostalgia. Feel free to let your mind wander along with mine.<br />
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The reason for today's post is to brain-dump, I suppose, a lot of things that have been weighing on my mind that I'd like to unload and move on from. I have enough to deal with in my simple day-to-day goings on that I really don't need my spare brainpower to be devoted to dissecting these issues in the background. So in random order (for this is how my brain works when overloaded) here we go:<br />
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Baby #3 will be here in January. About 5 months from now, we will add a third little person (sex as yet unknown) to our household and it will be everything that a new child always is: wonderful, exciting, terrifying, exhausting, joyful, challenging... As this is my third "rodeo" I have an idea of what to expect, and as such, have no delusions about my abilities (or lack thereof) immediately following the birth. I am hoping for a slightly easier birth experience than I had with Liloa (PLEASE less tearing this time) and more support for my intense, unwavering desire to nurse one of my children for longer than a month.<br />
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Leading into... nursing. Hindsight is SO 20/20. Looking back I can see my mistakes and think "If only I had known x, y, or z at the time, I could've nursed longer!" I've always wanted to nurse my babies. I'm a firm believer in breastmilk being the best thing for babies and I admire the shit out of women who breastfeed. I tried, with both of my boys, and you can bet your ass I'll try again with this baby. I feel like I know more than I did, and am better prepared, but... I doubt myself and my abilities this time, where I didn't before.<br />
<br />
My attempts at nursing Kawika and Liloa were hard-fought and ended prematurely, both times. And I felt like a failure after each time that relationship ended. I hope the third time's the charm, as it's likely to be my last chance. But that self-doubt, oh! Add that to the logistical challenges I'm going to face being at home with all 3 kids largely on my own, and part of me is tempted to give up before I even try. But that stubborn side, that logical one that knows what's best for baby, that side that bristles every time I hear a woman nursing in public was asked to cover up, THAT side won't let me give up without a fight.<br />
<br />
In the same vein as nursing (insofar as it applies to newborn-related challenges) I've decided to cloth diaper from the get-go this time. I didn't start cloth with Loa until he was about 6 months old, and never put cloth on Kawika (until this year, for night-time diapers) so I'm a bit intimidated. However, the downright adorableness of those tiny diapers is TOO MUCH right now so I'm focusing on how fun it will be instead of how much extra laundry I'll be doing.<br />
<br />
Our Blazer is DOA. They key is stuck in the ignition and won't turn over. Google results are varied and range from the not-so-bad, "Just a jammed key, happened to me, try x, y, z, good as new..." to the awful "You'll need a replacement steering cylinder, ignition switch, and transmission." This is particularly bad news because we were planning to SELL this car to get a down payment together for a new car. My Maxima is also on its last legs, it seems, and starts slowly or not at all depending on its mood. It probably just needs the starter replaced (oh, is that all?) but that's another $300 I wasn't planning to spend on that car. Meanwhile, we'll eventually need a car that fits 3 car seats ANYWAY so let's just get rid of the two junky ones and get one nice one. Right? Oh, down payments and APR's and my credit score is WHAT?! Well, shit...<br />
<br />
And school. Oh, school! If it wasn't for having a baby in January (about 6 months earlier than I'd planned) I would take the last classes I need for my AAS in Computer Support during Winter term. I'd graduate in spring. Or I could take 20 more credits over the next 2 terms and graduate next September with 2 degrees. That was the plan. But plans change, as mine have, and now I have to think of a new plan. I am so frustrated that I am SO close to being done with my AAS and I can't quite finish it in time. I'm scared that taking a term off (or two) might turn into me never going back and finishing, which would mean the last year and a half of my life was wasted. But again, I know my limitations, and maintaining even a half-time school schedule with a newborn is... well... damn near impossible. *sigh*<br />
<br />
I thrive on challenges. I kick ass at finding solutions. I am a planner, and once I have a good plan in place, I am a master executor. But I am floundering here. I can't even think of a viable plan to continue to work on my degree(s) AND have a third child.<br />
<br />
Discarded plans:<br />
1. Take ALL OF THE CREDITS I need to finish my AAS in fall term.<br />
<i>Whoops, that's 22 credits, which means I can't work, and unless Chris has a full time job lined up for this winter (he doesn't) I can't NOT work</i><br />
2. Take 1 class in Winter term to keep my student status and make (slow) progress toward the AAS.<br />
<i>Whoops, if I'm taking less than 6 credits (half time) my children won't be able to go to day care, leaving my only option an online course, and pickings are SLIM as far as what I have left to take for my degree.</i><br />
3. Stay enrolled full time in Winter term<br />
<i>HAH, yeah right, with a NEWBORN?! Who would watch baby while I was in class, anyway?</i><br />
<br />
Current plan:<br />
1. Take 12 credits Fall term. Take Winter term off. Possibly Spring term off. Try to re-enroll in school for Spring or Summer term. Try to get day care lined up again (which involves coordinating between my school, our state's subsidy program, my job if I still have one, and Chris job). Try to find another day care that will take a 3 or 6 month old since our current provider will not. Try not to FREAK THE HELL OUT about leaving my infant in someone else's care. Go back to school for TEN MEASLY CREDITS and then... Attempt to find a job after being out of the workforce for three years? Try to finish my second AA? Or go for a BS?<br />
<br />
Backup plan:<br />
See Discarded Plan #2, plus lots of crossing-of-fingers for a 3-credit online course that will fit the "elective requirements" of my AAS.<br />
<br />
All this, and a stomach bug? Please, go on.<br />
<br />
But no, I will stop. I have spewed enough for now and this blog is starting to sound more like a pity party than a brain dump. Maybe now I can focus on something productive.Haole Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725149209766627987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148196150827469259.post-59572421917693055902012-12-01T12:00:00.000-08:002014-08-14T13:46:04.291-07:00Adventures in nursing<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><i>A blog written in hindsight, about my misadventures nursing my first two children.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">With Kawika, had I known about the 3-week-old growth spurt,
cluster feeding, and the cycle of milk production, I'd have been fine. We had
to use a shield because he had trouble latching onto my flat nipples, but I
didn't mind and he didn't mind. We were nursing comfortably up until that point
where he started cluster feeding. And I panicked, thinking my supply had dried
up or he wasn't getting enough, and I started supplementing with formula. After
that, my supply really did tank, and then I went back to work and dried up
instantly. He did just find on Enfamil. I mourned that loss, more so after
doing extensive research on nursing and newborns and realizing what had
happened.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Liloa was different in that every nurse
and LC we saw (5 total) in those early days agreed that he had a great latch.
Our technique was perfect, good job! And we didn't need a shield, even with my
flat nipples. But it hurt like... FIRE. Needles. Nails. Cheese grater. And
after less than a week, my nipples were so cracked they bled. I had canyons
across both nipples stretching onto my areolas. I bled during nursing, and
cried, and bled when I pumped, and cried, and all the lanolin, gel pads, ice
packs, heat packs, and shields did NOTHING to help. It got to the point where
when he'd start showing hunger signs, I'd cry, just THINKING about the
impending pain. So I stopped nursing, and gave him a bottle. The Similac was
hard on his stomach; he got very gassy and constipated and I felt terrible,
knowing I had what he needed and I couldn't bring myself to give it to him
because of my own pain. I intended to nurse him again, bring my supply back up,
resume that relationship that I really, REALLY wanted, just as soon as those
fissures healed a little. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I tried. I didn't want to wait too long,
for fear of supply issues. I took herbal lactation blend supplements, ate
oatmeal, and pumped when I wasn't nursing him, to try to maintain some milk.
And it still hurt. So. Bad. But as soon as I'd healed a little, we tried
nursing again, with a shield this time, and I was back to the unbearable pain.
So we took another break, a little longer. During this break, we switched him
to Similac Sensitive, and he was a much happier baby, and by the time those
huge, deep cracks had healed and I'd gotten over enough fear to try again,
Liloa wasn't really interested in nursing anymore. He got what he needed faster
and with less effort from the bottle. Thus ended my attempt at nursing my second
child. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">In hindsight, I think his latch was good -
to start. But then he'd slip down. I don't know if he'd get lazy, or shift
around during feeding, but his latch would change to a bad one and I didn't
notice. I didn't take him of and relatch him, because I was just so grateful
that he was eating at all. And it's so hard to see those things in the middle
of that postpartum haze where everything seems blown out of proportion. I was
hurting from a third degree perineal tear and episiotomy, and it hurt to sit.
Kawika was only 18 months old and needed more of my time and attention than I
could give him. Chris had to go back to work, and my mom was... busy? I needed
so much more help in that time than I got. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Maybe next time will be better.</span></div>
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Haole Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725149209766627987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148196150827469259.post-20231011837053413452012-10-20T23:20:00.000-07:002013-06-11T23:25:04.369-07:00Liloa's Birth Story<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Short version:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Liloa
Christopher was born on 10/15/12 at 4 pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He weighed 8 lbs 12 oz and was 21 inches
long.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Long version:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our due
date of October 7<sup>th</sup> came and went with me being dilated to 4 cm and
50% effaced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My doctor was sure I’d go
into labor on my own, but we scheduled an induction for the 15<sup>th</sup>
(41w1d) just in case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As it turns out,
Liloa was very comfortable and the eviction was served.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We arrived at the hospital at 6:45 AM on the
15<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nurses checked me
in but then realized that we weren’t on the schedule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My doctor’s office had forgotten to send over
some paperwork so the hospital wasn’t aware that we were supposed to be
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They put us in a waiting room and
called my doctor, who confirmed that we wanted to go ahead with the induction,
and then they showed us to a L&D room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I got into a gown and discussed the plan with my nurse, who was very
nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was a strange experience, going in for an induction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re not already in labor so there’s
nothing to focus on, like contractions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You’re just... waiting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
started the pitocin drip by 7:30 AM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
wanted to deliver without any drugs or interventions at all, but because it was
an induction, I had to reevaluate my plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had to be monitored continuously, but Liloa kept moving around and the
monitors weren’t able to keep a continuous line on his heart rate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was doing fine, but every time I’d move
around, they’d lose him on the monitor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Only, they kept telling me to keep moving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took walks with my IV pole, one hand
holding the monitor in a spot I hoped they’d get a good reading from, and kept
getting called back to have the monitor adjusted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was OP, or “sunnyside up” so it was hard
to get a good reading on him, and then I’d move, or he would move, and we’d lose
his line completely, and everybody was getting frustrated but trying not to
show it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They increased the pitocin in small amounts hourly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We watched the morning news, Let’s Make A
Deal, and The Price is Right while I waited to feel something more than these
irregular, only-slightly-uncomfortable contractions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 10:30 my doctor checked me and I was at a
5, and she decided to break my water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They turned the pitocin up again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By noon the contractions were painful and I was doing Lamaze
breathing techniques and sitting on a birthing ball to keep things progressing
while managing the pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next 2
hours were intense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My body had finally
got the clue that we were DOING something and started to contract on its
own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Between the pitocin contractions and
my contractions, I was in a lot of pain and not able to relax much between
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The breaks between contractions
were short and the pain never went away completely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because Liloa was OP I was having some mild
back labor too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Standing and swaying
helped me through the contractions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
nurse tried to get me to lay down for a while, since I’d been on my feet all
morning trying to get Liloa to turn, but when I laid down and couldn’t move
like I wanted to the pain felt completely unmanageable.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By 1:45 I’d had enough of the cluster contractions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lamaze breathing was making me panicky
and Chris (quite frankly) was no help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He spent most of my labor surfing the internet on his phone and
occasionally tossing a “Good job babe” my way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I asked for the epidural.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
anesthesiologist was there very quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I signed the paperwork and got up on the bed so she could do what she
had to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had 4 very intense
contractions during the whole procedure and was reduced to tears and shaking by
the time she was done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they let me
lay back, my nurse checked me while we waited for the epi to kick in and I was
8 cm dilated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was 2:45 PM.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At 3 PM Chris wanted to run home and let the dog out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We live close to the hospital, and I was in a
good place pain-wise, so I was OK with him going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nurse told him it was a good time to go,
so he left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The epidural was good; much
better than the one I had with Kawika.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
could still feel the contractions and they were still a little painful; they
felt like early labor pains, no longer the uncontrollable monsters I’d been
having.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could move my legs with almost
no assistance, and I didn’t feel nauseous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Overall, I was very pleased.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At 3:30, my doctor came in to see how I was doing and
decided to check me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d been dozing a
little since Chris left at 3 and was kind of irritated that she had come back
so soon to bug me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as soon as she
put her hand down there I noticed that I felt different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her eyebrows shot up and she said “Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re... 10 centimeters and plus 2
station!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s have a baby!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nurse looked at me and said “You’d better
call him.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I called Chris, who didn’t
answer, so I sent a text: “Come back, don’t dawdle, we’re ready.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The nurses and my doctor started setting everything up,
chatting about cars and the weather and the recent string of bicycle thefts in
my doctor’s neighborhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone was
suited up and they put my legs in the stirrups just as Chris walked in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked around wild-eyed, took off his
jacket, came to stand by my head, gave me a kiss and my doctor said “Okay,
here’s a contraction, and, push!!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
was just in time!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It became obvious pretty quickly that Liloa wasn’t
tolerating the pushing very well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d
only pushed 3 times through 1 contraction and they were having me shift from
side to side, take deep breaths, and push even harder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the 2<sup>nd</sup> set of pushes, my
doctor got very serious and I started to feel scared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They put an oxygen mask on my face and put
NICU on standby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My doctor leaned over
and said “Listen, Julie, you need to get him out NOW.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can do this, he’s almost here, but you
need to get him out.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One more
contraction, and I pushed so hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had
to hold it for 10, take a quick breath, and push for 10 again, and again, and
again... I felt a strange sensation and someone said “Here’s his head.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glanced at Chris and he was looking at the
baby, looking scared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pushed again and
delivered his shoulders and body, and... silence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Half a minute, maybe, while my doctor and a
nurse rubbed him and suctioned out his mouth and nose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could see he was blue, and not moving
much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Suddenly he gave a huge cry, and everyone seemed to give a
collective sigh of relief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They put him
on my chest and toweled him off a little more, and he was very pink and very
noisy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chris and I kissed each other,
and kissed Liloa, and marveled at how long his fingers and toes were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His head wasn’t the slightest bit cone
shaped, and despite delivering him sunnyside up, he didn’t have any marks on
his face from my pubic bone like Kawika did when he was born.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The doctor spent a good 20 or 30 minutes stitching me
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realized that I’d been up in the
stirrups with her doing her thing down there for quite some time and asked
Chris.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said “It’s bad, babe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s real bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She cut you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It turns out she gave me an episiotomy to help Liloa out faster because
his cord was crushed when he was down in my birth canal and he wasn’t getting
enough oxygen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the episiotomy,
because I was still pushing so hard, I tore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had a 3<sup>rd</sup> degree tear and a hematoma.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But Liloa is perfectly healthy and suffered no ill effects
from his birth experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Overall, he’s
an easier baby than Kawika was, and that’s saying something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re truly blessed!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dmvSS7w9DWo/UbgT63eIZoI/AAAAAAAAA3s/4sD0RaiZXmc/s1600/a_bigloa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dmvSS7w9DWo/UbgT63eIZoI/AAAAAAAAA3s/4sD0RaiZXmc/s320/a_bigloa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AkB1aLgpbOI/UbgT6WZACOI/AAAAAAAAA3o/15bAv8lfTJA/s1600/a_cuteloa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AkB1aLgpbOI/UbgT6WZACOI/AAAAAAAAA3o/15bAv8lfTJA/s320/a_cuteloa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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Haole Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725149209766627987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148196150827469259.post-79555772395782104752012-10-05T12:52:00.000-07:002012-10-05T12:52:09.063-07:00Almost, almost<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dyi8w1yqrSI/UG8uFFgXmlI/AAAAAAAAAzs/F7QeS1AuloA/s1600/39w4d.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dyi8w1yqrSI/UG8uFFgXmlI/AAAAAAAAAzs/F7QeS1AuloA/s400/39w4d.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">39w4d</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So close!<br />
<br />
I had a checkup yesterday afternoon and it was determined that I am 4 cm dilated and 60% effaced. What a great start, for not even being due yet! I had the good doctor strip my membranes hoping to get things moving but all I've seen so far is a slight increase in cramping and low back pain and some extra *ahem* <i>material</i> making its way out. Of the slimy variety. Gross.<br />
<br />
I have another appointment scheduled for the 10th if there's no baby by then, where she'll probably strip my membranes again and then marvel at how I could possibly still be pregnant. She scheduled an induction date for the 15th, laughing the entire time. "There's no way you'll still be pregnant by then. It would be some freak of nature thing!" She's the expert; I only hope she's right. I'm still hoping for this weekend, but a day or two relaxing and finalizing things wouldn't be awful, either.<br />
<br />
Coco reminded me that today is the 5th. And rent is due on the 5th. I'm not sure my brain has been processing anything other than baby-related news for the last week or so. I had to check our bank account to make sure we even had enough (we do) and call Chris to remind him to drop off a check. He said he thought about it yesterday but didn't say anything because he knew today was payday. Duh, I still would have appreciated a reminder since it had obviously slipped my mind ENTIRELY, as evidenced by the fact that I didn't mention it ONCE during the last week, which is so unlike me. Men are so oblivious.<br />
<br />
Kawika had a GREAT last day at day care, of course. This week at drop off he hardly fussed at all, didn't actually cry, and by Thursday morning he was happily reaching for his teacher and waving bye-bye to me. He was happy as a clam when I picked him up and gave his teacher kisses. I don't know if it's that he finally got used to it, just in time for me to pull him out, or if he somehow knew it was his last day. Either way it makes me kind of sad. I almost wish I could afford to keep him there at least a couple of days per week, but if I'm not working, I just can't. <br />
<br />
When I picked Kawika up yesterday I made it a point to clean out his cubby and grab everything that was his so 1) It wasn't in the way and 2) So we could use it. One of the teachers also handed me a handful of art projects and I thought "Wow, that's a lot of art!" Well it turns out that it's not his! Some poor little kiddo named Emese is now missing all of their art. Don't worry, Emese's parents, it's safely on my garage work bench and I am planning on bringing it back. I love every stupid preshus random crayon scribble Kawika made on a leaf-shaped cut out that probably held his attention for all of 30 seconds, and I'm sure you want your child's version, so never fear. It will be returned. I won't even ask for ransom. Haole Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725149209766627987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148196150827469259.post-47180735909396796612012-10-03T15:57:00.001-07:002012-10-04T11:35:18.584-07:00Byron Carol<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YMRCuBWP2oE/UG3WvtGJ6TI/AAAAAAAAAzU/gp7x-ZBFcX8/s1600/grandpa_hunting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="508" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YMRCuBWP2oE/UG3WvtGJ6TI/AAAAAAAAAzU/gp7x-ZBFcX8/s640/grandpa_hunting.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rest in peace, grandpa. You were loved; you will be missed.</div>
Haole Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725149209766627987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148196150827469259.post-27144040146093378212012-09-28T12:58:00.000-07:002012-09-28T12:58:49.445-07:00Belly, bellyOkay, first, my 38 week photo:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b-tIFZxnFwY/UGX943E1hGI/AAAAAAAAAy8/hQY7SzKt08o/s1600/38+wks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b-tIFZxnFwY/UGX943E1hGI/AAAAAAAAAy8/hQY7SzKt08o/s400/38+wks.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Also, I colored my hair. Yay, red! Chris is a little disappointed; he says I look like a ginger. Whatever, I like it, and if you didn't want me to do it you should have said so when I asked your opinion a week ago instead of saying "Whatever, babe, it's your hair, do what you want." Because of course my reaction was "Yeah, it is, and I will!"<br />
<br />
Now for some possibly-exciting-but-also-meaningless-news: I'm dilated to 3.5 cm! Or I was as of yesterday afternoon when my doctor checked my cervix. I've had a LOT of Braxton-Hicks contractions this last month, and on Wednesday this week I actually went home early because I had so many. They were not consistent, ranging from 3 minutes apart to 12 minutes apart, but it went on ALL DAY LONG. It was tiring. It was uncomfortable. I went home and laid down and finally fell asleep at 11:30. When I woke up Thursday, they had stopped. Then I got another dozen or so Thursday before my appointment. I've had another dozen or so today. I don't mind, really. They're uncomfortable but not painful, and if they're helping with the dilation and effacement, keep 'em coming!<br />
<br />
It's exciting to me because I only dilated to a 2 before starting "real" labor with Kawika and he was a week overdue. To be dilated to 3.5 with a week (and a few days) until my due date... well... that's exciting! It makes me think that this kiddo will make an early entrance. I'd really like an October baby, though, so I hope he doesn't come <i>quite </i>yet.<br />
<br />
I have it on relatively good authority that he will make his appearance on the 4th. I will let you know, of course.<br />
<br />
In the mean time, I'm getting everything finalized this weekend. No more procrastinating. After my Lovely Ladies Lunch, which is planned for this Saturday, I'm going to IKEA for more organizational-type things. Then I'm getting a pedicure. Then I'm going to supervise while Chris moves the 2nd dresser out of our room and sets up the pack n play. Then I'll endlessly organize and reorganize the baby's diapers and pj's so we're ready. It all sounds like a lovely plan; hopefully it works out that way.<br />
<br />
In the mean time, I'm going to try to ignore this cycle of BHC/back pain/BHC/back pain. It sucks.Haole Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725149209766627987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148196150827469259.post-1971986422033819152012-09-20T11:47:00.003-07:002012-09-20T11:47:26.026-07:00Bunch of SickosThe day care funk persists. Kawika still has a runny nose, though it's not green any more. He's also developed a chest cough now, as he's not able to blow his nose and I can't keep up with the snot-sucking when he's out of my care all day, so of course the drips made their way down. The cough sounds awful and he whimpers a little after a hard cough like it hurts him. Poor baby.<br />
<br />
Saturday he was pretty miserable, so we hung out at home together all day. Mostly he laid on me and whined.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IeP074VGYrI/UFtgwwrggoI/AAAAAAAAAxA/cEHGo_-UsiI/s1600/sick-baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IeP074VGYrI/UFtgwwrggoI/AAAAAAAAAxA/cEHGo_-UsiI/s400/sick-baby.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Absolutely pathetic.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When the baby Advil kicked in and the fever would recede a little, he'd play quietly with whatever was at hand. <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJ5I4Pt6P9g/UFthL1Ae04I/AAAAAAAAAxI/etyy646PBHA/s1600/sick-day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJ5I4Pt6P9g/UFthL1Ae04I/AAAAAAAAAxI/etyy646PBHA/s400/sick-day.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just before our 2nd shirt change of the day. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I am also infected with what I presume is a modified version of the funk. My nose is runny and I'm slightly feverish. My throat has that awful swollen feeling during the day and the obnoxious tickle at night. I went home early once this week and called in sick the day after. As that day was already paid for and Kawika is acting normally, I took him to day care to avoid scheduling confusion. It was nice to be home by myself for a while, but I kept thinking that I heard him down the hall and occasionally felt guilty for not keeping him with me. I'm at home, why shouldn't I be watching my own kid?<br />
<br />
Chris convinced me that it was fine; normal even, to have other people watch your kids while you take care of yourself for a little while. I think it's karmic retribution that has him stuffed up, scratchy-throated, sweating, and puking today. Either that or another case of the funk. <br />
<br />
Funk aside, Kawika seems to be getting used to daycare. Just in time for me to yank him out again! LOLz. No really, he only gets upset when I drop him off now. He's happy when I pick him up and the teachers say he spends less time needing to be held every day. Yay! He even made me some art yesterday:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qP3idHDBOk4/UFthlPk2EaI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/b2Qo36Hk0xI/s1600/Daycare-art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qP3idHDBOk4/UFthlPk2EaI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/b2Qo36Hk0xI/s400/Daycare-art.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paint, marbles, bucket: toddler masterpiece</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's obviously pure genius. I'm going to have to frame it. I love how it was labeled "Ball," too. Does it have to be a ball? Why not an abstract representation of our planet? Or Kawika's interpretation of a different planet? Or perhaps an underwater scene? The possibilities are endless! Quit stifling my child's creative genius! Har har. Who am I kidding? He probably sat on his teacher's lap and half-heartedly pushed the bucket away so she was forced to finish the project for him. Stubborn little bug.Haole Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725149209766627987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148196150827469259.post-16552663041768498352012-09-18T20:02:00.000-07:002012-09-20T12:02:35.133-07:00CravingI was really, really craving some fresh fruits and veggies tonight and not really feeling 100% healthy, so I figured I'd hit up Jamba Juice. They put fruits and veggies together, see, where you can't taste the veggies, and then they can add all kinds of amazing potions and powders to "boost" your smoothie into super-healthy realms. I convinced Chris to come because he promised me a family outing and also, I'll buy you a damn smoothie, get in the car.<br />
<br />
So we loaded up and drove to Jamba Juice. It's not super close to home, but not super far, either. I got a Cold Blaster (lots of C-vitamin fruits with Immunity and Antioxidant Boosters) and Chris got something purple that didn't taste as good as mine. HaHA! Anyway, it was totally worth it. Just ask Kawika. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pTOVKZma4BI/UFtnW0zdwDI/AAAAAAAAAxo/Y5GOJpuWpi4/s1600/101_0227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pTOVKZma4BI/UFtnW0zdwDI/AAAAAAAAAxo/Y5GOJpuWpi4/s400/101_0227.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RIqEYBZHJL0/UFtncSG9-fI/AAAAAAAAAxw/4TR_Wv561oA/s1600/101_0228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RIqEYBZHJL0/UFtncSG9-fI/AAAAAAAAAxw/4TR_Wv561oA/s400/101_0228.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, chest clip, I know. We hadn't started driving yet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I sat in the back seat with him on the way home because I just KNEW that
if I didn't share he would screech the whole way home. As it was I
could barely pry the cup out of his hands to get some myself. I think
he gave himself a brain freeze though, so that was
justified/entertaining. =D<br />
<br />Haole Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725149209766627987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148196150827469259.post-77484692914907675182012-09-12T10:52:00.000-07:002012-09-20T12:17:49.950-07:00Day Care DramaThe day care drama continues.<br />
<br />
We had a screwy week last week what with the long weekend. Kawika didn't go to my mom's on Monday, but he went to day care on Tuesday, and by Wednesday night he had green snot dripping out of his nose. Mom was going out of town for the weekend and couldn't watch him Friday, so I shuffled his day care schedule, moving his usual Thursday to Friday. He was still sick Friday morning though, so instead of returning him to the center to spread the funk to others, we kept him home. When yesterday rolled around and we went to the center, he wasn't having any of it. I couldn't even set him down to sign him in at the front desk; he immediately started to cry. Poor sweet boy!<br />
<br />
After talking to the director, it was determined that he'd likely adjust faster if his days at the center were back to back; since he's really too young to understand the Tues-Thurs pattern, it just seems like he's doing something different every day and it's probably pretty unsettling. I know my mom needs her Thursdays, so instead of shuffling, I just added in Wednesdays for the next few weeks. Now he will attend 3 days per week, in a row, and go to my mom's on Mondays and Fridays. I really, really hope this is better for him and he has an easier time. I hate picking him up at the end of the day and seeing his tear-stained face. I just envision him crying all day long when nobody's holding him, which I know they can't do all the time. <br />
<br />
Part of it is his age; he's aware of mom and dad and grandma, and knows that "all the other people" are NOT mom, dad, and grandma, and that's just unacceptable (to him). Part of it is the constant switching in his schedule. I'm hoping the consistency of being at the center 3 days in a row will help. I could tell my mom was disappointed when I told her last night that she wouldn't be watching Kawika today, but I think it's probably better for both of them. I know she's tired and watching him tires her out faster. I know he needs to adjust to the day care environment.<br />
<br />
Still crossing my fingers for something awesome to happen later this year, like... I don't know. Powerball? I suppose in order to WIN the lottery you should PLAY the lottery, but a girl can dream.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WplxF5-riHc/UFtrvrlEsCI/AAAAAAAAAyk/zSZu6Ax6MZs/s1600/101_0222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WplxF5-riHc/UFtrvrlEsCI/AAAAAAAAAyk/zSZu6Ax6MZs/s400/101_0222.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dream BIG</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Haole Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725149209766627987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148196150827469259.post-22062726164647930132012-09-04T21:57:00.000-07:002012-09-20T12:16:13.047-07:00Labor Day - no laborWell, I didn't go into labor over Labor Day weekend (hooray! and boo! simultaneously). We did get some quality family time while camping at the coast though. For the last few years, we've gone to the same campground for Labor Day weekend. It was Chris's uncle's tradition, really, but it seems he's passed the torch, as he didn't come this year. Chris and I reserved (and paid for) two camp sites way back in January, which is when you have to reserve them for Labor Day if you actually want a spot. We expected a few aunts and uncles or cousins to come with, but nobody seemed to be in the camping mood this year, except for us. Luckily we were able to get a refund for the second site when we checked in.<br />
<br />
The sites that we reserved were OK. Well, one was OK, one was awesome. We'd never camped at those specific sites before and we seemed to strike gold, since the one that we chose (out of the two we could pick from) was totally awesome. Last year's site sucked, and the year before was just OK, so Chris and I decided that V-9 would be our new spot from here on out. It's in a great location within the park, decently sized, and you can't really see your neighbors. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mWr6t8C2byM/UFC3kHXgAfI/AAAAAAAAAwA/rSYI69W03f4/s1600/LaborDayCamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mWr6t8C2byM/UFC3kHXgAfI/AAAAAAAAAwA/rSYI69W03f4/s640/LaborDayCamp.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Sorry for the poor quality; it's a share of a share! Speaking of neighbors, though, we actually had some nice ones this year. The group across from us (the only ones we could see consistently) caught a LOT of crab, more than they could eat, and they brought us a plate on our second night there. I attribute that to the fact that Kawika was very charming. Every time one of them would walk over the little hump between their site and the road to use the water faucet, he'd call out "Hi!" like they were long-lost friends.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-25TxDu21U_E/UFC9T625SlI/AAAAAAAAAwg/aJdcGkzle6s/s1600/LaborDayCamp3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-25TxDu21U_E/UFC9T625SlI/AAAAAAAAAwg/aJdcGkzle6s/s400/LaborDayCamp3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snuggling the belly</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tjyxlsgaP5k/UFC9ZuktCfI/AAAAAAAAAwo/vwmnqO8XBcI/s1600/LaborDayCamp4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tjyxlsgaP5k/UFC9ZuktCfI/AAAAAAAAAwo/vwmnqO8XBcI/s400/LaborDayCamp4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My budding photographer</td></tr>
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Chris took a few good ones, too, that I should steal from him. There's one of the three of us that's just hilarious; none of us is doing the same thing or looking in the same direction. It's one of those crazy ones that just happen to work because you snapped it right when you did, not a second before or after. Oh well, here are a few more that I took.<br />
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<br />
We got good use out of our hiking backpack-style baby carrier. We took walks to the beach, me waddling along, Chris packing Kawika on his back. Days were warm and sunny. Nights were chilly but somehow the three of us fit on our queen-sized air mattress (and Wonton too!) and we were plenty cozy. Kawika likes camping, as near as I can tell. He seemed to have fun running around the site and getting into stuff, anyway. I'm already looking forward to next year, when we'll have TWO little boys. Oh my goodness, I'm going to have TWO KIDS.<br />
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I'd better pack my hospital bag; I still haven't gotten around to that! ;)Haole Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725149209766627987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148196150827469259.post-68361628537273267542012-08-30T11:41:00.004-07:002012-08-30T11:41:54.238-07:00OverscheduledWow, what a crazy week! <br />
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Chris started his new business this week: lawn care. He's been out every day taking care of some long-overdue-for-a-mow properties that a property management company hired him to handle. I think in a few cases they haven't been mowed in months, multiple. Chris is coming home telling me stories of weeds as tall as him in a side yard; 3 passes over one lawn just to get it down to a manageable height, and overgrown brambles. So he's been working his butt off during the day, coming home to eat & nap, then going to his night job. I'm so proud of him for being motivated enough to handle this; it will help us out so much when I'm on maternity leave with a reduced income. It just sucks that we don't get much family time right now.<br />
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Meanwhile, Kawika has started day care. He still goes to my mom's three days per week, but the other two he's enrolled in a local center. He's only gone twice now, and drop off this morning was rough for us both. I think the first day I dropped him off he didn't realize I was going to LEAVE him there. We'd visited twice before and I was there with him while he played. This morning, he knew I was leaving and was NOT okay with it. I finally just had to hand him to his teacher and watch the sobbing start. It's heartbreaking, seeing your sweet little baby's face crumple up, the tears start flowing, the chubby little hands reaching out for you... it just makes me sick remembering. I hope he's cheered up a little. I hope he has fun with the other kids and interacts and gets to play with new, fun things that will make him forget he was so sad. I don't have much hope for this, though. When I picked him up after day 1, he was tired, whiny, hungry, and his eyes were all red like he'd been crying a lot more than they said he was. I hope this transition phase doesn't last long. I can't handle more days of crying all the way to work.<br />
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I'm exhausted. I'm almost 35 weeks along now, and very uncomfortable. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken at work after I dropped K off at day care for the first time</td></tr>
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This baby is running out of room and doesn't seem to realize it. He's still very active, and it's getting really painful. He's head down, which is awesome, but that means his strong little legs are constantly pushing out on the top of my belly, and his busy little hands are usually fluttering around behind my pubic bone, which just feels... weird. His head is usually planted firmly on my bladder, which gets a painful jolt every time he rolls or stretches his legs.<br />
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I get a lot of Braxton-Hicks contractions. I think they're doing something too, because it looks like I've been losing pieces of my plug. I know it can and likely will regenerate at this point, but that doesn't mean it's not exciting nonetheless! I had a dream last night that I went into labor and didn't have anything packed for the hospital. I think my subconscious is telling me to get on the ball.<br />
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On a happier note, we are going camping this weekend. It's Labor Day (ominous foreshadowing?) weekend, which means 3 days off work. I can't even express how happy I am that we are going away as a family to get some quality time together. I just wanna snuggle the crap out of my boy while I still have extra time and empty arms.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KsyGwx4-DM0/UD-zlY_CjjI/AAAAAAAAAvo/aufD3Os9IJ0/s1600/PBnJ.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KsyGwx4-DM0/UD-zlY_CjjI/AAAAAAAAAvo/aufD3Os9IJ0/s400/PBnJ.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After a pretty successful attempt at feeding himself his own PB&J sandwich</td></tr>
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And while he still wants to =) He's getting too big, too fast for my taste.Haole Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725149209766627987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148196150827469259.post-86967856012587246102012-08-28T10:43:00.000-07:002012-08-30T11:42:25.795-07:00Day Care, Day 1Today is Kawika's first day of real, actual day care. I didn't really want him to go to day care but it needed to happen sooner or later. Chris just started his own business doing landscaping-type work. He had an opportunity (60+ properties just waiting for someone to come maintain them on a regular basis) and took it. I'm proud of him for his initiative there. He only needed a little help from me to get the ball rolling, but now he's out there working his butt off during the days, and still keeping the night job. I'm not sure how long that will last before he's completely burnt out, but that's just how it's going for now.<br />
<br />
Needless to say, he can't take Kawika with him all over town mowing lawns. And my mom, bless her, will be taxed enough watching Kawika the 3 days per week that I pressured her into signing up for. So Tuesdays and Thursdays for the next 6 weeks, Kawika will attend the day care center that I chose. I did a lot of research on available options in our area, checked out their licenses and complaint histories, facilities, programs, schedules, and teachers. I really liked the Christian option close to our house (surprising, as I am agnostic at best), but it was just too much money, and they actually were missing a few of the amenities of the other centers I toured. The one I settled on is, I suppose, at the low-income end of things. I don't see that as a bad thing, though. It's affordable (barely), fairly close to home, has a good daily schedule and a USDA food program. Their outside play area is fully contained and kid-sized. The inside room has lots of different stations for different activities. It may not be in the best part of town, but it's certainly not the worst.<br />
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Kawika and I had gone there twice before so he could get a little acclimated. I talked to the teachers while he wandered and played. He seemed to enjoy it. But still... Dropping him off this morning was hard. I managed to keep it together until I got out the front door, thank goodness, but I've been a mess ever since. Seriously, I'm tearing up right now just writing this. But I just called to check in and he seems fine. He cried for about 10 minutes after I left (saw that coming; the look on his face when he realized I was leaving and he was staying was devastating). But after the crying he went back to playing, ate a good breakfast, ate a morning snack, and they were just getting ready to go play outside. He loves playing outside, so I'm glad he gets the opportunity to do that every day, with other little ones his age.<br />
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I'm still worried about nap time, lunch time, and this evening. I don't want him to hate it there, and I don't want him to throw a fit when I take him back on Thursday. I really hope he has fun and gets used to spending time with other kids.<br />
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On another note, we dog-sat for my brother this past weekend. He has an Australian Shepherd named Zeus. Aptly named, as he is the god of frisbee. Or rather, the god of fetch. That dog will play fetch until he's falling-down exhausted, which we did a number of times. He only stays exhausted for about half an hour. It was a definite change, having a bigger, high-energy dog in the house. Kawika, of course, loved him. By Saturday morning he could say "Zeus" and was snuggling him every chance he got. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RUWgG7oDVZw/UD0CFKzuQvI/AAAAAAAAAu8/1RoDF0oTMNs/s1600/zeuslove.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RUWgG7oDVZw/UD0CFKzuQvI/AAAAAAAAAu8/1RoDF0oTMNs/s320/zeuslove.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puppy kisses!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BTytUjhVCz4/UD0CP5GFanI/AAAAAAAAAvE/8LIls-pOnno/s1600/zeus2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BTytUjhVCz4/UD0CP5GFanI/AAAAAAAAAvE/8LIls-pOnno/s320/zeus2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awwww</td></tr>
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Apparently, we need a bigger, snugglier dog. After Zeus went home,
Kawika kept asking about him, then trying to snuggle Wonton, who just
growls a little then runs away. What a turd! A second dog will have to wait, though. I think the second baby will keep me more than busy enough for the next year.Haole Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725149209766627987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148196150827469259.post-73495592405587617682012-08-22T10:48:00.001-07:002012-08-22T10:48:05.836-07:00Daily HoroscopeI have my home page set up with a few personal gadgets. I like launching one page and seeing lots of different, entertaining things on it. Incidentally, because my home page is iGoogle, it will be going away next year, but that is neither here nor there at this point. Next year is next year and I will probably, hopefully, get around to finding a substitution for iGoogle within the next year. Of the gadgets on my home page, one is a Lilypie ticker telling me exactly how old Kawika is, lest I forget. I also have local movie times, NFL scores, a random funny quote, a sneak peek of my e-mail inbox, and my daily horoscope, among others. <br />
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Today's horoscope was so inspiring, I wanted to keep it. So here it is:<br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, August 22, 2012</span>
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By <a href="http://www.dailyhoroscope.com/free-astrology/rick-levine-bio" target="_blank">Rick Levine</a></div>
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This is your special time of
year to be reinvigorated by the radiant Sun's life force. Although you
may start off in a bad mood, your attitude improves throughout the day.
Look back over your previous year to take stock in what you've
accomplished, re-evaluate your present path, and visualize the year
ahead. Blow out the candles in your imagination and make your wishes
come true.</div>
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My horoscopes lately have been eerily accurate. Most of them have been reminding me to focus on the now while keeping my future plans alive. Planning for changes to come, looking for opportunity, and seizing openings for growth or personal development. Perhaps it's true what some people say, that horoscopes will always apply to you if you look for the connection hard enough. For me, that's not been the case. Sometimes they're right on and sometimes they're not. I certainly don't make huge life changing choices based on some guy's interpretation of my astrological chart, but I find horoscopes entertaining, and I like to use the accurate ones as validation that I'm moving in the right direction.</div>
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I liked today's horoscope mainly because it was so optimistic. I've been feeling very optimistic lately; the choices I'm making that are leading to big changes in my personal and professional lives are scary, but they're more exciting than anything else. I am EXCITED about what's coming. New baby, new business, new directions. I have lined up 7 of 10 puzzle pieces to ensure that the next few years of my life are happy, productive, and fulfilling. Those 7 pieces were the biggest ones; piece 8 is in the works and hopefully will fall in the right way so that I can officially make a decision. The last 2 pieces are just details. Important details, but details nonetheless. I'm so close!! </div>
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Sorry to be so vague, but until I've got ALL my ducks in a row, I'm hesitant to shout things from the rooftops. In the meanwhile, though, chew on this:</div>
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Ooh, a tiny, cryptic picture!! What do you suppose it means??</div>
Haole Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725149209766627987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148196150827469259.post-64404071437872614542012-08-17T09:20:00.002-07:002012-08-17T09:20:17.376-07:00Not Bad For A ThursdayWe're in the middle of a real PNW heat wave. The temperatures have been over 85 degrees MULTIPLE DAYS in a row, with yesterday's temperature nearing 100 degrees, and a forecast for the same (if not hotter) today. UGH.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, my friend Kate invited Kawika and me over to her sister in law's house. Kate and her husband Andrew are house-sitting this week, and Andrew's sister's house has a pool. A <i>heated, in-ground pool. </i>This is a rarity here in Vancouver. At least, I think it's a rarity. I didn't have any friends growing up who had pools, let alone heated, in-ground pools. As an adult I know a handful of other adults who have pools. But who needs a pool here? It rains 9 months a year and the other 3 we rarely get above 85 degrees, which is totally bearable. Anyway. They have a pool. It is too hot outside. We get to use the pool. Heck yes!<br />
<br />
We went swimming! After I got home from work, I packed up some swim gear and the kiddo and we drove to Kate's SIL's house for some Popeye's on the back porch, followed by much gleeful splashing, floating, and general watery fun.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2no0gLgLlPs/UC5qfL4XBwI/AAAAAAAAAt4/xcjHNxsFSW4/s1600/16aug12-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2no0gLgLlPs/UC5qfL4XBwI/AAAAAAAAAt4/xcjHNxsFSW4/s400/16aug12-2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharky trunks!</td></tr>
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Also, watermelon. Lots of watermelon, in Kawika's case. What can he say? It was good! I'm not usually a fan of watermelon. The texture weirds me out and the flavor is underwhelming. Kate apparently knows the secret to picking a fantastic watermelon though, for this one was tasty, not mealy, and juicy. I guess the secret for the extra pop of flavor is a sprinkling of lime juice. Who knew?? I ate two pieces myself. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hZW3amf58Ok/UC5qgQzKraI/AAAAAAAAAuA/DGFX3YWF4Qk/s1600/16aug12-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hZW3amf58Ok/UC5qgQzKraI/AAAAAAAAAuA/DGFX3YWF4Qk/s400/16aug12-3.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nom nom nom</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gdg_CF4BUZ4/UC5qljrj41I/AAAAAAAAAuI/653M3EcTqIc/s1600/16aug12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gdg_CF4BUZ4/UC5qljrj41I/AAAAAAAAAuI/653M3EcTqIc/s400/16aug12.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nom nom nom nom nom</td></tr>
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I only wish I'd gotten some photos of Kawika actually IN the pool, but I was too busy trying to keep him from drowning himself. The boy has no caution! He literally jumped off the edge of the pool into the water with zero regard for what comes AFTER the oh-so-fun jump. Hint: mouthful of water, coughing. Followed by accusing glares at momma "WHY DID YOU LET ME DO THAT, MOM?" <br />
<br />
After swimming we had snacks, drank some Gatorade, and packed up to go home. Good thing he was already in cozy, dry jammies, because he zonked out in the car. It was only about 8 pm, but he didn't wake up when I got him out of his car seat, when Wonton barked hello, or when I transferred him to his crib and smooched his fuzzy head. Aahhh, the deep sleep of an exhausted waterbaby! <br />
<br />Haole Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725149209766627987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148196150827469259.post-565553699932153112012-08-10T15:27:00.000-07:002012-08-10T15:27:46.313-07:00Cleaning OutGosh, I need some kind of reminder to come update more regularly. Not that you care. Not that you're reading this or anything. See, I've made up a fake audience in my head; people who read my blog and get upset when I don't update regularly enough. <br />
<br />
"Shame on you," they say accusingly. "Why start a blog if you don't intend to keep it up to date?" My bad. Truth in fact; I'd like to keep it more updated just for ME. I don't journal anymore and as a result I find that I'm missing large gaps of time in my mind. I've always had a poor memory, and writing helps me relive my past, even if I temporarily forget it. Letting all one of you share in the memory-recording is just a bonus. <br />
<br />
Speaking of journals, Chris and I got on a nesting kick last weekend and reorganized the 3rd bedroom. The one that was going to be a nursery but was doubling as storage/Kawika's play room. We decided not to turn it into a nursery just yet. Frankly, we need the storage/office/play space away from the living and family rooms, and Little Dude is going to be in our room for the first few months anyway, so... why not just keep it as-is? With a healthy dose of reorganization, of course. Well, we finally went in and just did the damn thing. Moved the book shelf in, put the books on the shelf and out of the closet, consolidated all of the holiday decorations and gift wrap supplies in a clear tub, stored some of the bigger baby things in the attic that Kawika has outgrown and Little Dude won't need right away, ... We did a lot. We also went through the last few boxes of "office" type stuff we'd had in the closet, sorting everything into keep/shred/recycle piles, and separating the keepsakes from the important papers we need to keep on hand.<br />
<br />
During this process, I came across my old journals and photo albums. I spent a few minutes reminiscing, then packed them away safely in an airtight tub that will go in the attic. I enjoy reading my old journals (usually, when they're not unbearably vapid) but it felt good to stick them away somewhere knowing they wouldn't be bothered for a while. It also felt really good to get that closet organized!<br />
<br />
I'm still trying to find a solution for Little Dude's clothes, now that he won't have his own room. I suppose I could still use the closet for his clothes, I just need to get a lot more baby hangers. A lot.<br />
<br />
Making room for the new and getting rid of the old, reorganizing the important and letting go of the insignificant. It feels good! Perhaps my nesting fit has manifested in more than one area of my life, since I find myself wanting to go in a new direction professionally, as well as with home closet organization. Maybe I'm just so frustrated with the aspects I cannot control that I feel the need to change my surroundings so that they're easier to manage. Whatever the case may be, the thought of the possibilities in front me is thrilling. I hope to update you all with some very good news in the coming months, but if you could just keep me in your thoughts, I'd appreciate it. A little good karma goes a long way.Haole Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725149209766627987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148196150827469259.post-5775472584956626542012-07-15T10:44:00.000-07:002012-08-10T11:37:33.713-07:00Day Trippin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I took a couple of days off work last week. The weather was beautiful in town so we decided to make the most of it. We rented a car and went on a few day trips. One day we went to Seaside, but I don't have pictures of that because it was cold, gray, and rainy. It was 90 degrees in town! It should have been more like 75 at the beach, but it wasn't. We made a short trip of it. Walked around the boardwalk, checked out some shops, had an early dinner. It was disappointing, to say the least. So the next day, we decided to drive up the gorge instead, knowing we'd have much better weather closer to home. </div>
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We went to the Vista House lookout. It was beautiful up there! Kawika was his usual charming self, making friends with strangers and smiling at everyone who walked by.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wonton the adventure doggie!</td></tr>
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Then we drove to Multnomah Falls. It was very, very crowded and despite driving around for about 10 minutes there was NO parking to be found. They'd closed the overflow parking lot for some reason, so everyone was creeping around the tiny lot directly in front of the falls, stalking people who miiiight have been walking to their cars. We decided it wasn't worth the aggravation and drove a little further to the smaller, much less crowded Horsetail Falls.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About 28 weeks pregnant here</td></tr>
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Bonus, you can actually walk down to the foot of the falls and feel the spray off the rocks if you want. Or, you know, if the person holding your leash forces you to.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He was more a reluctant adventurer here</td></tr>
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Poor spoiled doggie doesn't like to get his toes wet.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aloha!</td></tr>
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It was a good trip. We definitely got the most out of our rental car and enjoyed its far superior (to my car) gas mileage. Man, I need a new car!<br />
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Poor, poor, spoiled little doggie. =)Haole Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725149209766627987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148196150827469259.post-50212146773719701252012-07-12T13:14:00.002-07:002012-07-12T13:14:12.469-07:00My waterbabyBecause I know that all one of you was waiting anxiously for a "Kawika in the bath tub" post, here it is. <br />
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He's almost as good as a trained monkey! Look at this trick!<br />
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But it's not just the bath that's great, it's ALL water that is apparently amazing.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who needs "toys" when you can play in the sink?</td></tr>
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<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-picasa-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4BsdOdLaRac/T_8mE7ooZ_I/AAAAAAAAArw/WOhYPtQgYsw/s1600/101_0170.AVI"><param name="movie" value="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fredirector.googlevideo.com%2Fvideoplayback%3Fid%3D3943420079e7c44f%26itag%3D18%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1344713492%26sparams%3Did%2Citag%2Csource%2Cip%2Cipbits%2Cexpire%26signature%3D11F0140FD106312B765F58D2CA8DA98B4355A868.58EDEB66625B3EFA8A703798E4C100A6625CD886%26key%3Dlh1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fredirector.googlevideo.com%2Fvideoplayback%3Fid%3D3943420079e7c44f%26itag%3D18%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1344713492%26sparams%3Did%2Citag%2Csource%2Cip%2Cipbits%2Cexpire%26signature%3D11F0140FD106312B765F58D2CA8DA98B4355A868.58EDEB66625B3EFA8A703798E4C100A6625CD886%26key%3Dlh1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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And if THAT wasn't enough "baby in the water" fun for you, stay tuned for next time when I share the ridiculous number of photos we took when Kawika got into his own personal swimming pool for the first time. Woo!Haole Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725149209766627987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148196150827469259.post-13817512219495900432012-07-06T21:43:00.000-07:002012-07-17T09:45:50.738-07:00July 4thFor the 4th we went to Jason and Mahina's house, and lots of other family came over too. Kalae and Corinna came with Kanoa and Auntie Puni, Makana was there, and Uncle Wayne brought Grandmama. It's a rare treat to have Auntie Puni, Uncle Wayne, and Grandmama all together, considering Uncle lives in Seattle and the women live in Hawaii. I was really glad to spend some good time with Auntie, Uncle, and Grandmama. I'm even happier because Kawika warmed up to them right away. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kawika with his great grandma Edie</td></tr>
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A proud moment for me as a mom was when Uncle Wayne got out of his truck and Kawika walked right up to him, put his arms out, and said "Up!" He'd never met Uncle before. I would think that it would be intimidating for a toddler to see a huge man he'd never seen before (Uncle is a Kapua in every sense of the word) but it was like he knew he was family. When Uncle picked him up, Kawika even gave him a kiss. Mahina, who was watching from the end of the driveway with me, elbowed me excitedly and said "You're raising him right, girl!" I'm not sure how much credit I can take for that, but it made me proud nonetheless.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Wayne, Auntie Puni, and Grandmama Edie</td></tr>
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We had lots of fun bbq'ing and just hanging out. Kawika ran around all OVER the place. You'd think he'd had more than an hour nap that day! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Playing football" with daddy</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goofing</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocking the KARMMA gear and enjoying a little snuggle</td></tr>
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But he really only had an hour nap that day. I ended up taking him home a little before 9 pm. The fireworks were just getting started but he was exhausted and I had to work in the morning, so we left. I shouldn't have bothered; he napped on the 15 minute car ride home and was suddenly raring to go again when we got home. He didn't go to sleep until closer to 11:30, though I also blame the neighbors and their M-80's. <br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for celebrating on the Fourth of July. Team America and all that. But does it have to be so damn LOUD, like, right outside my baby's bedroom window? I would totally let it slide if it was JUST that night, but the 5 nights of explosions prior and the 3 afterward really got on my nerves. Not gonna lie.<br />
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All in all though, it was a great day and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I love Chris's family like my own and feel very loved in return when we spend time together. I'm really, really, REALLY looking forward to visiting them all when we go back to the islands in April of next year.<br />
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<br />Haole Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725149209766627987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148196150827469259.post-68362021607624696962012-06-22T14:20:00.001-07:002012-06-22T14:20:16.974-07:00THNGVB, or, Patience is an Acquired TasteI was going to make a post about how funny Kawika is in the bath tub, because he's VERY funny in the bath tub. He loves the bath tub. He loves the water, he loves playing with the knob, he blows bubbles and splashes his toys around and generally has a grand old time. He usually screeches when I take him out, even if I've let him sit in there until he's pruny and the water isn't warm anymore. But instead, I am sharing with you an e-mail that I just received. My mom wrote it, and it's... well, you'll see. <br />
<br />
As a small side note before launching into this, I hope you've read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Alexander-Terrible-Horrible-Good-Very/dp/1416985956/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340399444&sr=8-1&keywords=book+alexander+bad+day" target="_blank">Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day</a>. <br />
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Email Subject: Kawika's THNGVBD<br />
<br />
My mommy said we were going to Grandma's house. I love Grandma's house. <br />
When we got there she told my Grandma I was full of beans. I don't know what that means, but Grandma didn't look too worried.<br />
<br />
Grandma made my favorite cereal, I ate quite a lot. Then she gave me
blueberries. I love blueberries. Then she gave me a new berry called a
raspberry. <br />
Grandma said it was good. I took a bite and about threw up. I gave it
back to grandma - right in her face. She can have it if she likes it so
much. <br />
<br />
Then we played blocks. I'm tired of blocks. We played ABC cards. I'm
tired of ABC cards. We visited the chickens. Grandma brought old berries
down for the chickens as a treat, but I wanted them. Grandma said "no"
but I tried to get them anyway and made a mad face at Grandma when she
wouldn't let me have them.<br />
<br />
I wanted to walk so Grandma put me down and I crunched gravel with my
shoes. When I looked up I saw blueberries! I love blueberries. Grandma
said, "No those blueberries are not ready yet, they are green." I don't
know what she means, they looked good to me, so I grabbed a whole bunch
and yanked them off the bush. Grandma made the "no no" face and said
she needed to carry me now. <br />
<br />
When we went in to wash our hands, I picked up Scooter's dish. I loved
watching the water pour out all over the floor. Grandma sighed her
heavy sigh and used a towel to clean up my shoes, then she cleaned
the big puddle on the floor. She was busy so I decided to go walking. I
thought it would be fun to close the door. Grandma said, "Kawika
Michael, don't close that door." I giggled because it was going to be a
funny joke. I pushed the door shut but it wasn't the door, it was the
folded up ironing board. I don't know what an ironing board is, but it
pushed the door closed and crashed on the wall. It scared me pretty
bad. It scared Grandma too. She said, "you could have been smashed
flat as a pancake". I love pancakes. I don't know why she's so worried
all the time. She moved the ironing board to the laundry room and
closed the door. She really should have thought about that before. <br />
<br />
At second breakfast, Grandma made omelets. I love omelets. It had eggs
and ham and cheese but she also put in asparagus, spinach, peppers and
onions. I don't know what she was thinking. I ate the good stuff and
put the rest on the floor for the doggies. She made a face and said I
was trying her patience. I don't think I like patience if it has
vegetables in it.<br />
<br />
I took a drink of milk then threw my cup on the floor. I forgot I was
supposed to put it on the table like a big boy. The next time I wanted a
drink, water came out because Grandma had rinsed the cup. I tried to
take a sip then threw my cup on the floor. Grandma picked it up. I
threw it again, and again and again...grandma said, "if you're all done
with your milk I will put it away." I wasn't done with my milk, I
was frustrated that no milk came out of the hole. I yelled and threw
the cup to tell her I was mad about it but she wasn't listening. When
she went to put it back in the refrigerator she got a funny look on her
face and tried to take a sip. She turned and looked at me and said she
was sorry, she didn't realize the first time I threw it on the floor it
knocked the sippy piece out. She washed it up, fixed it and brought it
back to me. Silly grandma. I drank lots of milk and put my cup on the
table like a good boy. <br />
<br />
When I yawned, grandma said it was story time so we read Brown Bear. I
wanted to turn the pages but Grandma said I needed to slow down. I
wanted to show her how much I loved the book so I grabbed it and gave it
a kiss. Grandma laughed. Then I decided to see how the book tasted so
I bit it. Grandma said, "please be kind to the book, it's old." So I
gave it another smooch and a quick bite then tossed it on the floor.
Grandma said, "Kawika Michael, I have no more patience left today." I
thought that would make her very happy because I had some at second
breakfast and it wasn't very good, but she looked a bit cranky.<br />
<br />
We went in for a nap, but I wanted to dance instead. Grandma played my
favorite phonics song on her computer, but she shook her head "no no"
when I tried to push the buttons. She pushes the buttons, I don't know
why I can't push the buttons. She said I was very tired when I yelled
about it. I decided to show her I was not tired so I got off the bed and
stomped away. She picked me up and gave me my blankie and binky -
stupid blankie, stupid binky. I threw them away, then I wanted them
back, then I threw them away again, then I wanted them back. I don't
like grandma's singing today, I don't like rocking or swaying, I don't
like pat-a-cake and I would really like to pull her picture off the
wall, but Grandma says I can not touch it. I would not settle down, so
Grandma said, "I give up, let's try a walk instead."<br />
<br />
We went for a stroller ride. I love stroller rides. I didn't feel
sleepy though, I felt pretty perky. When we got back I decided to play
with blocks and noticed Bella outside. I love Bella. I decided to use
my dog whistle to see how many dogs would come out of Grandpa's office
and run on the deck. I made a magnificent shrieking sound that always
makes the dogs bark like crazy. Grandpa poked his head out of the
office and said, "I have a conference call and I'll need it quiet in
here, maybe you should take him for a drive while I'm on the phone." He
looked a little cross. I think Grandma made him eat patience at second
breakfast. <br />
<br />
Grandma and I went for a drive. I fell asleep after a little while.
Grandma said I only slept for about 10 or 15 minutes, but it felt like a
long time to me. When we got back I had lunch. Grandma made my little
bunny crackers dance along the side of my tray. That was very funny. I
tried it too and will have to show my mommy the dancing bunnies. After
they dance, you chomp them. It is VERY funny. When it was time to go
home, grandpa gave me a big hug. Grandma looked tired when she took me
out of the car seat, but she smooched my forehead and told me she loved
me even when I was full of prunes. I'm confused about whether I'm full
of beans or prunes but either way I hope my daddy is ready to play. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Find somewhere else to put your "clothes," woman, I'm using this!</td></tr>
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<br />Haole Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725149209766627987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148196150827469259.post-40647619407901745102012-06-18T21:20:00.000-07:002012-06-22T14:34:52.199-07:0024 Weeks6 months!! Holy crap!! I feel like my belly really popped out after my 20 week photo. I definitely look pregnant, and people are no longer afraid to ask when I'm due for fear of angering a woman who is simply disproportionately chubby. On the other hand, my boss eyed my belly and said something about my being "gone soon" to which I replied "October isn't THAT soon" and he laughed because, no, it isn't, and yet, how freaking huge am I going to be by then?! *sigh* Maybe I should lay off the pudding cups.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look, not in the ladies room at work!</td></tr>
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I took and passed my glucose tolerance test with flying colors, only
crashing on the couch for a little while with a raging headache in the
late afternoon. I expected it, though, and Chris was on hand for baby-wrangling while I recovered from the sugar crash. I don't know WHAT I'm going to do with two kids. TWO. KIDS. And a full time job and a partner with a full time job and daycare is so expensive, my GOD. I've been really fortunate in my daycare situation thus far. My mom is able to watch Kawika 4 mornings a week and Chris watches him all day Mondays and every afternoon. That will change when Little Dude gets here, and I have yet to hash out the details of HOW, but I know that it MUST, for this arrangement simply won't work for two. But I don't have the energy or the will to freak out about that right this moment. Matter of fact, I think I'll go find some more pudding.<br />
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<br />Haole Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725149209766627987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148196150827469259.post-79920692003365118002012-06-13T12:39:00.000-07:002012-06-13T12:39:03.223-07:00MurphyYesterday was Chris's birthday. I had planned to come home from work and do all of our normal evening stuff while simultaneously making a (very easy) cake to celebrate. I would also put off dinner for Chris and myself, so that we might have an evening/dinner together without the baby. Heaven forbid. And apparently Murphy's Law dictates that it was not to happen, too. It was a disaster. Let me tell you about it.<br />
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First, the cake. It actually turned out VERY well. I think. It LOOKED great, and when I turned it out of the baking dish, a teeny bit stuck to the glass and I tried it and it was delicious. However, that's all the cake I got. That's all the cake anyone got, birthday boy included. At least, until he got home from work around 1 AM. Then he had more. I know because I saw that it was cut into this morning as I was packing my lunch, but it was very sad, with a couple of slices missing and the unlit candles still stuck in the top.<br />
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Then, the dinner. Kawika ate his happily and without complaint. He had leftover noodles with steamed veggies, a slice of cheese, and strawberries for dessert. I also gave him a taste of frosting when I was icing the cake. He wasn't too impressed, but I'm totally OK with that. No more sweets for you, kiddo! <br />
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The dinner I was going to make for Chris and myself wasn't anything complicated. He wanted Loco Moco, a Hawaiian dish consisting of rice, a hamburger patty with gravy, and a fried egg on top. Certainly not very nutritious or health-conscious, but you're entitled to eat whatever you want on your birthday, I say. <br />
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Chris had gone out to meet some cousins and friends "DUDE, COME HAVE A DRINK, IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY!!" and promised to be back "soon" and asked me to hold off on cooking, unless I was hungry. I wasn't, so he left, and I hung out with Kawika. Kawika started doing his "sleepy" stuff around 6:30 so I tossed him in the bathtub, hoping Chris would make it home in time for goodnight kisses at 7. <br />
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We drew the bath out a little since K was having so much fun, and by the time he was out of the tub and getting into jammies, Chris was back home and starving. I started to cook, knowing I shouldn't have, since K wasn't in bed yet, but Chris volunteered to put him to bed because he was hungry and I was the food machine, apparently. <br />
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We spent the next 2 hours tag-teaming trying to get Kawika to go to sleep. I don't know why last night was so different. I don't know why he decided to be difficult the ONE night in over 2 weeks that it's been even remotely important to me that he go to bed and stay there. He's been a great sleeper lately. We do our little bedtime routine, he goes to sleep, he stays asleep until I get him up in the morning to go to grandma's for day care. <br />
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Perhaps it was because Chris didn't follow the routine. That was my first thought. The first time we switched off because Chris was hot, hungry, and frustrated, and I'd finished cooking the burgers and the rice (but not the gravy or eggs), I tried the routine. I pulled him out of his crib, gave him his sippy of milk, we read 2 books, brushed teeth, and went back to his chair to snuggle up. Singing, rocking, and snuggles, then back in the crib. 2 minutes later, BAM crying baby. Chris went back in to soothe him and I returned to the stove to make the gravy and eggs. <br />
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Finished making the gravy and eggs, and Kawika still won't go to sleep. So I tried my hand again. I finally got him down and went back to the kitchen. Chris was already on the couch with a plate "Sorry babe, I tried to wait for you..." It's fine, really, I knew he was hungry and by this point any illusions I'd had of a nice "grownup" evening before he had to go to work were shattered. I made a plate and went to join him on the couch. I'd just sat down when... BAM crying baby.<br />
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And I let him cry. He wasn't screeching this time, or hyperventilating, or even sobbing, really. He was whining, interspersed with snuffles and the occasional wail, then silence. I know not every parent subscribes to CIO, and normally, neither do I. But both of us had been at this for close to 2 hours. We were BOTH hungry, and hot, and frustrated. I was eating dinner at 9 instead of my usual 6:30 so I was feeling a little woozy. And dang it, Kawika was FINE. He just wanted US, and come ON, KID, I WANT 15 MINUTES TO EAT, OVER HERE.<br />
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We finished dinner, and Chris asked if I wanted him to go back in. I said no, I'd take care of it. And I did. By the time I emerged at 9:45, Kawika was out stone cold, the dinner dishes were cold on the counter, and Chris was getting ready for work. <br />
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"I'm sorry your birthday sucked so bad," I told him, on the verge of tears. "I don't know what his deal was tonight." He just sighed and told me not to worry about the dishes; he'd clean up when he got home. We exchanged "love yous" and he went to work. I cleaned the kitchen, gave Wonton a few scraps, and fell into bed around 11. We didn't even get to eat the cake.<br />
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This morning, when I went to wake Kawika up, he was still dead to the world asleep.<br />
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Whatever, kid, your cute little butt in the air won't make me forget about last night. Well, not entirely. Come here, imma pinch your buns and smooch your face!!Haole Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725149209766627987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148196150827469259.post-28761264299807623972012-06-06T09:37:00.001-07:002012-06-06T09:37:36.724-07:00Directions<br />
Kawika is going forward. He's walking like he's been doing it all his life instead of just a week or two. He stops mid-stride to change directions, laughing at the person (usually me) he HAD been heading toward as their face changes from excitement to "Hey, where are you going? I wanted to chew on your cheeks!" He walks in tight little circles, then laughs when he gets dizzy and falls down. He walks backward, looking over his shoulder and giggling at his ingenuity. <br />
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He's also given up bottles, cut another molar, and learned to pet the dog nicely. I'm sure Wonton appreciates that last one more than daddy and I do, but it's still pretty exciting. He loves the lawnmower and will shriek and toddle to it as fast as his little legs will carry him, then grab on to the handle and make a "Bbvbbvbbbv" noise with his lips to imitate the sound of the motor while grinning at me. He knows the word "up" and says it when he wants to be held, but also when he picks himself up off the floor. He's become a much better sleeper, and rarely wakes at night needing comforting. <br />
<br />I wish I had better quality video to share, but I don't, so this will have to do for now. Look at this BS, capturing my child's precious memories on a shitty cell phone... UGH. <br />
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Yes, I have a neat little camcorder. Yes, I have a new(ish) digital camera that has a video mode. No, I don't use them because my phone is always nearby and those things never are and I suck.<br />
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<br />Haole Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725149209766627987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148196150827469259.post-47403862846401554052012-06-04T19:00:00.000-07:002012-06-06T09:51:15.243-07:00Little DudeI've nicknamed this baby Little Dude. Since Chris and I are still on the fence with names, I've assigned a nickname so that I'm not constantly saying "baby" when talking about him. It's not really confusing, since I never called Kawika by that nickname (I don't think) and I usually use K's name when talking about him. Although sometimes I DO call Kawika "baby" so that could get confusing pretty quickly. Whatever, they're both babies! Don't mind the 13-month old toddling around, eating a banana, and making car motor noises while pushing his Tonka truck across the floor!<br />
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Anyway, we had another ultrasound this morning. As Little Dude was only 18 weeks at our official anatomy scan, he was still on the small side for getting good pictures, and we had the <a href="http://www.haolejulie.blogspot.com/2012/05/ultrasound-recap.html" target="_blank">worst ultrasound tech ever.</a> So we had to go back for more pictures. Also, my doctor wanted to keep an eye on my cervix (not literally, because EW) so they checked that too. Fun fact: my cervix is holding strong and not funneling, even with pressure. I sense another delivery date that is a week past my due date.<br />
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They got the shots they needed to confirm everything is healthy and developing normally, and informed me that he is laying "variable transverse" which means "mostly sideways with his head toward your right side but he was rolling around too so maybe sometimes he changes and we don't really know." Either way, whatever, just put your head down before too long, dude, cuz... momma don't want no c-section. Also, they didn't TELL me that he's on the small side, but I Know How To Read Good, and when the technician was taking measurements of Little Dude's head, abdomen, and leg bones, the averages were all coming up a week behind our actual gestational age. I had a feeling he would be smaller than Kawika, so we'll see if that hunch plays out in, oh, 4 months? (OMG 4 MONTHS I NEED TO GO SHOPPING FOR BABY THINGS AND ORGANIZE THE CLOSETS AND MOVE THE DRESSERS AND GET THE PACK AND PLAY BACK FROM MY MOM'S HOUSE AND-) *gasp* Easy, girl, easy!!! <br />
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Stupid important doctor business and nesting frenzy aside, they also got some good 3-d shots of Little Dude's face. Here, look! Creepy alien baby!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Gun Show</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Or, doing "The Tebow"</td></tr>
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Cool, huh? Technology, man, I tell you what.<br />
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I think he knows I'm talking about him, because he's currently in there raising all kind of hell. "What is this bladder doing here?! SAMURAI KICK!!" Haole Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09725149209766627987noreply@blogger.com0