Lemon

Nate thinks our baby is a lemon and it does appear she's falling apart.  She's got some sort of reflux thing going on, she has a yeast infection rash, and she has eczema.  Not only does she need to get an upper GI scan on Monday, she also needs to see an allergist AND a dermatologist.

Thermostat Wars

My assistant and I are locked in a heated (pun intended) and thoroughly silent battle over the temperature of the library.  She keeps turning the AC on 60* while I keep setting the heat to 72*.

Look At My Baby

I ask nearly every student and teacher who even mentions Korra if they want to see a picture of her.  It's a little insane how much I want to show her off and talk about her.

Good news- we have a babysitter for next week! Bad news- Korra's rash is worse so she'll be going to the doc this afternoon.

Made blueberry muffins for the sitter in hopes of convincing her to watch Korra next week too.

"Colic"

While the sitter said that Korra was good, she also asked if she might have colic.

Light switches

Another reason this library is dumb- none of the light switches are in the places where you feel intuitively that light switches should be.  And yes, I am being that petty.

Babysitter

Today is the first day that both Nate and I have to work.  Really thankful for our college student babysitter.  I know she'll be wonderful, but I'm still a little nervous.

Christmas Parade

Today is the dreaded Christmas Parade.  Almost all the roads near our house will be blocked off from 3-8 PM.  Girls are checking out early from school to get their hair done.  Small towns are insane.

Insurance Love

Know what I think is extremely attractive?  A man who takes care of our car insurance even though I've been promising to do it for 3 days.

11 pounds!

Went to the lactation consultant this afternoon to have Korra weighed and talk about her eating issues.  She seems to feel that it's probably reflux related so hopefully the GI scan will get us on our way to figuring things out.  The good news is that Korra must be eating pretty well when she is eating since she's now up to 11 lbs 4 oz!  Guess we shouldn't be worried about her starving to death- if only she wasn't so cranky when she doesn't eat.

Upper GI

As Korra is still not eating well during the day (usually only eats a tiny bit between 7 AM and 4 PM), the pediatrician scheduled an Upper GI scan.  Here's hoping we're one step closer to figuring out what's wrong with my baby.

Quilts and Blankets

Korra now has 8 beautiful handmade quilts and crocheted blankets.  That's not even counting the several store-bought blankets.  Here's hoping she's cold-natured :)

Windows

Another reason this library is inferior to my previous one: windows, or really, the lack of them.  This library has a row of small windows near the ceiling and none in my office.  I used to have a half wall of windows in both the library and my office.  As it's barely light when I get here and leave, it would be much nicer if I could at have some windows to see the sunshine.

Balancing Thoughts

I think... I hate this school.  I hate this job.  I hate being away from Korra.

I make myself think... I love providing for my family.  I love having food to eat and a house to live in.

Working Mother

After work is just as hard as work.  I have 5 measly hours between getting home and going to sleep.  Not nearly enough to spend quality time with Korra and Nate or do the things I want to do (like cook dinner or go for a walk) much less housework.  Finding a balance is going to be very difficult.

Button and Fly

It's been almost 3 months since I wore maternity pants but I sometimes still forget that I can't just yank my pants down in the bathroom.

Receipts

About 400 kids owe library fines.  My assistant is INSISTING on printing a full page receipt for every measly 20 cent fine.  Is this a battle I want to pick?

It's Not Easier

Today is proving to be a lot more difficult than yesterday.  I already miss Korra so much I want to cry.  Even though she didn't let me sleep last night and threw up on me this morning.

For thr past 3 weeks, Korra has only woken up once between 9 pm & 7 am. Last night- 5 times! So tired.

Guess who's baby has a fungal diaper rash in all of her little fat rolls?

I Survived!

Today was not nearly as terrible as I thought it was going to be.  I missed Korra like crazy, but knowing that she ate well and that we had already done this Working Mom thing once made it much easier. 

Cell Phones and Gum

When bringing your class to the media center, it would be awesome if you, the teacher, wouldn't sit there chewing gum and playing on your cell phone.  Really.

Korra Ate!

Korra ate for Nate!  Anxiety level decreased by half!

Here I Go

About to head off to school and I'm much less anxious than I was last time.  I thought for sure the idea of an entire week would be more than I could handle, but I think the fact that I've already done this once actually helped even more than I hoped it would.

Back to School

Trying to prepare for a full week of school.  I have all my lunches packed, all our dinners planned out, and all my clothes laid out.  Here's hoping all this preparation makes the week go smoothly.

Babysitter Worries

I just found out our babysitter will be having surgery this week and won't be able to watch Korra.  Thankfully, the two days Nate has to work are also the college's Reading Days, so a wonderful college student we know said she's be able to babysit.

Carseat Vomiting

What is with that carseat?  Today Korra vomited all over herself and the carseat as soon as we pulled into the grocery store parking lot.  Ugh.

Thanksgiving Recap

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  Not only did I get to spend the week with all of Nate's family, but my mom, dad, brother-in-law Chris, and cousin Julie (plus our friends Roger, Rachel, and Rose!) all came the day after Thanksgiving.  I have to say the best part of the week were all the people who were willing to walk around with Korra whenever she was fussy.  I'm not sure who got more spoiled by that- me or her!

Korra has decided her carseat is the best place to poop. We've already had 2 blow-out diapers on the drive home & we still have at least another hour to go.

I thought Korra was too young to really notice her toys (much less have a favorite) but I was wrong. She coos and smile at this butterfly rattle every time.

Apparently, in the past 5 weeks since we've last taken a long car trip, Korra has decided she does not like riding in the car.

Here We Go

Getting ready to leave with the in-laws to the cabin.  Here's hoping Korra will sleep (or at least not scream the whole time) on the drive up.

Baby Swap?

Who is this baby who is taking a 2 hour nap?

Button-Busting Bust

Put on a button-down shirt this morning, but just realized I can't wear it.  Turns out my waist-line isn't the only thing that is bigger post-baby.

Packing

Doing laundry and getting Korra's and my bags packed for our trip to the cabin with Nate's family tomorrow.  Nate will join us on Wednesday after work.

Korra Helps

As you know, Korra sometimes demands to be held.  So we've taken to putting her in the carrier while we do chores.  Today Korra "helped" me wash dishes and "helped" Nate vacuum.

Peanut Butter M&Ms

Today was really, really hard.  But it's not anything that a weekend of snuggling with Nate and Korra (and a large dose of peanut butter M&Ms) won't fix.

Eat, Baby!

If Korra would eat for Nate (she refused to eat all day), going back to work would be a lot easier for all of us.

Really Hard

Just 2 more hours until I'll be home with Korra but I'm really struggling right now.

Inbox

It took all morning, but I finally finished going through my email inbox.

"You're Back!"

A lot of the kids seem happy to see me. It's nice.

Time to Pump

Locked in the equipment room- First time pumping at school.

New Assistant

I wish my sub could be my assistant.

Nightmare

So during the little bit I actually slept last night, I dreamed that when I went back to school from my maternity leave (as I am doing today) and that I was visibly already pregnant again.

Anxious About Tomorrow

Went to school for 3 hours. Somehow feel both more and less anxious about tomorrow.

Inspiration Pictures

I just put a bunch of pictures on my flash drive (I've posted a few favorites below).  I'm going to put them on my computer at work tomorrow.  My hope is that it will comfort and inspire me.

Ask And You Shall Receive

Asked my sub if she would be willing to come in tomorrow to help with the Book Fair and she said YES!

My Busy Sub

Just got an email from my sub asking if we could reschedule our meeting this afternoon.  Honestly, I'd like to ask if instead she could come in tomorrow.  And maybe stay most of the day.  I mean, she did schedule a Book Fair for this week... I don't really want to have to close it out on my first day back.

Last Day

Today is my last day of maternity leave. Knowing I only have to work one day before having 9 more days off makes it much more tolerable.

Thank Yous

I'm going to school tomorrow to meet with my sub.  Guess I have to finish the Thank You notes to the teachers.

Snuggle Time

Everyone wants to snuggle with Nate.

Aisle Dancing

It's a lot more socially acceptable to dance to the Christmas music down the aisles of the grocery store when you're holding a baby.

Car-seat Blow-out

Had a diaper blow-out in the car on the way to the grocery store. Had to clean up & change her in the back seat while she screamed. Not fun.

Advice, Please

What do you do when your baby is ONLY happy when being held?  Is this a "bad habit" that needs to be remedied?   I don't mind holding her, but I'm not the one who will be home with her all day.

12 + hours

Another post about sleeping...

Korra's been asleep since 9 PM.  She's woken up twice to eat, but has gone right back to sleep.  I'm both curious and nervous about what this will mean for her daytime naps (as pathetic as those normally are).

Changing Table Cat

Nobby keeps climbing up on the changing table.  He thinks it's an excellent place to take a nap.

Night-time Sleep

Despite Korra's spotty napping during the day, she's fallen into quite a lovely sleep pattern at night.  I put her to bed at 9 PM and she sleeps until 2 or 3 AM.  After nursing, she goes right back to sleep until 6 or 7.  I'm pretty happy with this arrangement- I hope it continues!

Unpaid

My paid maternity leave (aka sick leave) has ended after 10 weeks.  Today is my first unpaid day.  I go back to work on Friday.

Only 20 minutes

Korra has only slept for a total of 20 minutes in the last 7 hours.  Though we are both very tired (and cranky) only one of us seems to want to sleep.  Guess who that is?

GRE Tutor

Helping my brother study for the GRE makes me feel super smart. Those years of teaching 8th grade math have really paid off!

Creativity Cookies

I just made the most amazing cookies- and all without a recipe!  To a basic cookie dough, I added oatmeal, graham cracker crumbs, chopped peanuts, chocolate chips, and peanut butter chips.  I'm super proud of these absolutely delicious cookies!

Chat with AL

Currently chatting on Facebook with AL.  I have to ask her to explain her texting abbreviations about every other sentence, but still enjoying catching up with her.

Snotty Korra

I'm not sure which is more sad- Korra's little congested snuffling or how she screams when I use the bulb syringe to clean out her nose

Same Weight

Just got weighed at the doctor's office. Still 10 lbs to lose :(

Things Korra Hates

Her reflux medicine, getting out of the bath, having snot sucked out of her nose, putting on long-sleeved shirts.
As I inflicted all of these horrors upon her in the past hour, she is one unhappy baby.

Baby Carrier

Baby carriers must not be very commonly used in this area because I get a lot of inquisitive stares on my daily walks with Korra.

Good Babysitter

Had a good chat with the neighbor who will be watching Korra. Feeling a bit better about going back to work.

Subject Line: Unprofessional

When I send you an email regarding my maternity leave, I think it's more than a little unprofessional to send me a reply with the subject line "hey."  Especially as we have never met in person.

Cover Letters

I've already applied for 3 jobs today with plans for at least 7 more.  Only difficulty- writing cover letters!  How can I make sure it's obvious how awesome I am?

Mocha Visit

Korra and I are going to get a mocha and visit Nate during his break at Starbucks.

Working Mom

I know that millions of women go back to work after having a baby.  I know I have to go back to work to support my family.  I know that there will be parts of my day at school that I will really enjoy.  And yet these reminders are not making the thought of going back any easier.

Dark Too Early

I always forget how this time of year- right after daylight savings- puts me in a bit of a funk.  I need more sunlight.

More Issues with Payroll

Of course, the payroll office lost the letter from my doctor.  I can't decide if they are inept of just determined not to allow me to use my sick days for maternity leave.

Poor Nate

I think Nate has almost had as hard a day as Korra. He had to be at work at 5 am and had to go back in the afternoon for a meeting. Then he had to wait for almost an hour at the pharmacy to pick up Korra's prescription. Just when he gets home and sits down, a neighbor friend asks if he can run an errand for her- and of course he does it because he's just that wonderful. Hopefully he'll get to rest tonight.

Shots Are Good

Besides the obvious upside to immunizations, another plus- Korra's been sound asleep for 3+ hours!

2 month check-up recap

Korra now weighs 10 lbs 5 oz and is 22 in long. That puts her in the 30th percentile for both weight and height. The doctor seems to think Korra's tummy troubles are caused be acid reflux, so she's got a prescription for that. As for the shots- 3 to her little thighs- she handled it about as well as could be expected. Screamed for a while and now she's just occasionally making really pathetic whimpering sounds in her sleep. Poor baby.

Impatient Patient

Been waiting for 90 minutes & still haven't seen the doctor. Korra's getting hungry, I have to pee, & we're both ready for a nap.

Monitor Freak-Out

I woke up in a panic at 2 AM because I realized the baby monitor wasn't plugged in and the battery had gone dead.  With Korra sleeping in her own room and our doors closed (to keep heat in and cats out), I can't hear her at all without the monitor.  Plugged it back in and sure enough she was crying.  No idea if she'd been awake 2 minutes or 2 hours, but either way I felt terrible.

2 Month Check-Up

Korra and I are going to the pediatrician this morning- going to get weighed, measured, get some shots (eek!), and I'll hopefully get some advice about Korra's digestive issues.

No Posts

I haven't posted at all today because it has been utterly uneventful.

Girl Scout Songs

I was singing old Girl Scout songs to Korra (it's amazing how many I still remember!) and realized she could be a Girl Scout one day.  I could be her troop leader.  I could teach her (and her little friends) these songs.  I know it's weird, but it's the first time I really realized that I have a DAUGHTER.  Not just a baby, but a daughter.

I Miss Her!

I did not anticipate feeling so anxious about being away from Korra for just 3 hours. Movie date was good but I missed my baby.

First Date!

Nate and I are about to leave Korra with a babysitter (my teacher friend TK) for the first time so we can go on a date to see Wreck-It Ralph.

New Hat

I made Korra a new hat.  Like it?

Motivation Pants

I'm still 10 lbs up from my pre-pregnancy weight and I think I'd be totally fine with that (and the way my body looks) if I had pants that fit.  I have 3 pairs of pants that do not give me an atrocious muffin top and since only one of those pairs are appropriate to wear to school, I am very motivated to lose that last bit of baby weight before I go back to work.

Water Baby

Korra absolutely loves the bath.  I think she'd stay in there all day if we let her!

Too Soon?

I may have put away Korra's newborn clothes too soon.  These 0-3 months still seem too big.

Moby Wrap

I love putting Korra in the Moby wrap and going for our daily walks. No matter how fussy she is, she calms down and eventually falls asleep. It's like magic.

Newborn Clothes

Put away all of Korra's newborn clothes. I can't believe my baby's so big!

Another Cousin!

I can finally announce it- Nate's brother Dan and his wife Genevieve are having a baby in April!  That means Korra will have 2 cousins coming that month!

PS- Laura and Genevieve told me their big news only 2 days apart and then swore me to secrecy- it almost killed me that they didn't know about each other until after Korra was born!

More Great-Grandparents!

My parents will be here in a bit with my other set of grandparents!

Runny Nose

I've been ignoring my runny nose for 2 days.  Now my throat is starting to hurt.  I guess I have to admit it- I have a bit of a cold :(

Scratch That

I had big plans to clean the house today while Nate is at work.  Korra apparently planned to be fussy and be carried around all day.  Guess whose plans won out?

2 months!

How can it be that I'm astonished that 2 months have passed but at the same time feel as though she's always been a part of our life?