After the 3rd try... Elynor is still asleep! I think it's been at least 20 minutes. Praise God!
If this post is totally confusing you, scroll down for context.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Nomenclature
So we've had many inquiries about if/what nickname we'd like for Elynor. We've also had many inquiries RE: the origin of her name. I'll address both here:
1. First, the origin of Elynor Aline:
Ryan & I just like the name Elynor. Maybe she'll someday wish there was more to the story... but there really isn't. We did brainstorm LOTS of names and this one kept rising to the top. Finally, in June we were sitting at Ravinia and said to each other, "If she's born tonight, what would you name her?" and we both said Elynor Aline. So there it was settled. We did debate the spelling. The name Elynor can be spelled many ways (Elinore, Elinor, Eleanor, Elenor... just to name a few). Since there are so many spellings, we figured she'll always get asked how to spell it and/or it has a good chance of being spelled wrong, so we went with the spelling we liked most (because we just like y's).
Aline (pronounced Uh-Leen) is Ryan's Grandma Westrom's middle name. We love the sound of the name and also love this grandma. So there you go!
2. And RE: nicknames...
Similar to the spelling of Elynor, there are many different nicknames that can be derived from the name. Elly (or Ely, or Ellie, or Elli) seems to be the most obvious, and is the one most people are already taking to. However you could also pull out: Elle, Elyn, Lyn, Nora/h, or Nori (and maybe more). In fact, this versatility was one of the reasons Ryan & I picked Elynor over other first name choices. We like the fact that if Elynor does not want to go by her given name (at any stage of her life), she has many nickname options... many of which seem to align nicely with different stages of life.
For now, however, we are calling her Elynor. This isn't because it's what's hanging on the wall over her bed, but because we really do like the full name and don't have a strong preference (or negative preference, for that matter) to any nickname. We figure a nickname is something that she will take on naturally as she develops her personality and/or as we and others get to know her. The only thing I will say is that the name Elly sounds remarkable similar to our dog's name, Ally... so at least around our house, we'll have to be careful with that one!
1. First, the origin of Elynor Aline:
Ryan & I just like the name Elynor. Maybe she'll someday wish there was more to the story... but there really isn't. We did brainstorm LOTS of names and this one kept rising to the top. Finally, in June we were sitting at Ravinia and said to each other, "If she's born tonight, what would you name her?" and we both said Elynor Aline. So there it was settled. We did debate the spelling. The name Elynor can be spelled many ways (Elinore, Elinor, Eleanor, Elenor... just to name a few). Since there are so many spellings, we figured she'll always get asked how to spell it and/or it has a good chance of being spelled wrong, so we went with the spelling we liked most (because we just like y's).
Aline (pronounced Uh-Leen) is Ryan's Grandma Westrom's middle name. We love the sound of the name and also love this grandma. So there you go!
2. And RE: nicknames...
Similar to the spelling of Elynor, there are many different nicknames that can be derived from the name. Elly (or Ely, or Ellie, or Elli) seems to be the most obvious, and is the one most people are already taking to. However you could also pull out: Elle, Elyn, Lyn, Nora/h, or Nori (and maybe more). In fact, this versatility was one of the reasons Ryan & I picked Elynor over other first name choices. We like the fact that if Elynor does not want to go by her given name (at any stage of her life), she has many nickname options... many of which seem to align nicely with different stages of life.
For now, however, we are calling her Elynor. This isn't because it's what's hanging on the wall over her bed, but because we really do like the full name and don't have a strong preference (or negative preference, for that matter) to any nickname. We figure a nickname is something that she will take on naturally as she develops her personality and/or as we and others get to know her. The only thing I will say is that the name Elly sounds remarkable similar to our dog's name, Ally... so at least around our house, we'll have to be careful with that one!
Weight Check Visit
Elynor visited her pediatrician again this morning. They call it a 'weight check' visit. As the title suggests, the main point is to see that she's gaining the necessary amount of weight. I find the title really funny. I mean, unless she decides to become a boxer or wrestler (please, God, no...) when else in this little woman's life will she ever willingly go to an appointment called a Weight Check and will we celebrate each ounce she's gained? Actually, is this what they call those weekly check-ins for Weight Watchers? Maybe TLC should start a show kind of like The Biggest Loser called The Biggest Gainer for babies.
Anyhoo... I'm happy to report that she's back up the birth weight (11 lbs. 3 oz. on the dot). This means a couple good things for her mama & daddy:
1. We can stop waking her for middle of the night feeds! That's right, no more setting the alarm. We can now just wait for our little human alarm to wake us (and cross our fingers that she doesn't do so until, say, 7am!?)
2. We can start introducing a bottle. We possibly could have done this sooner, but since she started on a bottle and getting her to go away from it was so difficult, the MD suggested we wait a little longer. But today she gave us the clearance to give it a go! I'm super excited about the prospects of feeling a little more free when we're out & about and also about others periodically helping w/ the feedings. Pray that she takes to it!
The MD also gave some advice RE: Elynor's gassiness (see previous post). First, she encouraged me that these things usually pass in a matter of weeks (phew)... She also suggested using some Infant Milicon (we'll see) and she suggested propping her mattress onto an angle with a telephone book (so this is what telephone books are used for these days, I wish I'd taken one from the pile in our foyer). Finally, in inventorying my past few days of eating, I realize I probably contributed to the issue with some salad I had for dinner on Tuesday night. I honestly thought all those food warnings were a little silly (or hoped they wouldn't influence us), but I don't think we've escaped. I think I'll have to cut out certain types of lettuce and legumes for a little while. Good thing I've got candy corn (see previous post).
For some reason, I find these pediatrician appointments both calming and reassuring. They see so many children with so many issues that, while not minimizing my situation, her lack of incredible concern gives me some perspective. Too bad I can't bring her home with me to calm me at 9pm.
Anyhoo... I'm happy to report that she's back up the birth weight (11 lbs. 3 oz. on the dot). This means a couple good things for her mama & daddy:
1. We can stop waking her for middle of the night feeds! That's right, no more setting the alarm. We can now just wait for our little human alarm to wake us (and cross our fingers that she doesn't do so until, say, 7am!?)
2. We can start introducing a bottle. We possibly could have done this sooner, but since she started on a bottle and getting her to go away from it was so difficult, the MD suggested we wait a little longer. But today she gave us the clearance to give it a go! I'm super excited about the prospects of feeling a little more free when we're out & about and also about others periodically helping w/ the feedings. Pray that she takes to it!
The MD also gave some advice RE: Elynor's gassiness (see previous post). First, she encouraged me that these things usually pass in a matter of weeks (phew)... She also suggested using some Infant Milicon (we'll see) and she suggested propping her mattress onto an angle with a telephone book (so this is what telephone books are used for these days, I wish I'd taken one from the pile in our foyer). Finally, in inventorying my past few days of eating, I realize I probably contributed to the issue with some salad I had for dinner on Tuesday night. I honestly thought all those food warnings were a little silly (or hoped they wouldn't influence us), but I don't think we've escaped. I think I'll have to cut out certain types of lettuce and legumes for a little while. Good thing I've got candy corn (see previous post).
For some reason, I find these pediatrician appointments both calming and reassuring. They see so many children with so many issues that, while not minimizing my situation, her lack of incredible concern gives me some perspective. Too bad I can't bring her home with me to calm me at 9pm.
Fingers Crossed...
Before
After #1PAUSE: It's been about 3 minutes and I hear the screaming. I'll be back.
Okay, I'm back... after about 5 minutes, here she is... doesn't she look sound asleep? Fingers are crossed again.
After #2A ha! this Detective Mama thought. I have a clue. After taking a nap together (many sources will say this is bad, so don't tell... it's hard to nap when you're scoping out your sleeping baby) I consulted some more sources and thought I'd solved it - she has gas, which is making it hard for her to sleep flat on her back! This would explain the legs pulling up and also how she is comfy sleeping on her tummy or in the upright position. And after this sleuth work, I noticed many more toots while she layed on her tummy.
Unfortunately, none of these sources really gave good tips on helping a gassy baby get to sleep on their back. Lots of tips for while they're awake, but few for while they're asleep. So for today I'm taking the 'whatever it takes' approach. I let her sleep on her tummy (shhh.. don't tell the tummy sleep police, she was supervised) this morning. And, as you can see in the 3rd picture, I've attempted to put her on a bit of an angle with the pillow under her back. Tonight we will put some books under her mattress to provide a safer version of the angle. And, so far so good... still no screams and I think I've been typing for over 5 minutes!
Ahhh... the adventures of mamahood! Who knew all those years of watching Murder She Wrote, Law & Order, and CSI would come in handy!
FINAL UPDATE: Here come the screams again.... AHHHHH!!!! One more try and then I'm giving in for this round.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
The Truth of the Matter...
Yesterday my friend Julie (mom of 3-month-old, Luke) asked me if I'm liking this mom gig yet. At first I was a little caught off guard by the question. Afterall, aren't I supposed to be loving it? I carried this child for 9 months... the last of which rather uncomfortably... all the while anxiously awaiting her arrival. Isn't it supposed to be like finally exiting the plane to your dream vacation, or finally walking down the aisle to marry your fiance?
But the truth of the matter is, I could not positively answer her question. My honest answer was... um, I guess, maybe, sometimes, like, between the hours of 7am and 4pm. When I really thought about her question, I realized it was one probably only another mom or dad, possibly as close to my shoes as she is, could have the honesty and wisdom to ask. 2.5 weeks ago I could not have imagined being asked, or asking, that question. But yesterday, the very act of being asked seemed to free me to honestly reflect and answer.
The truth of the matter is since my 1:30pm post on Monday, things have been more difficult. Elynor hasn't necessarily done anything different, but my emotions and fatigue seem to have gotten the best of me. By Monday evening I was wiped and had a minor meltdown (well, maybe major, you should ask Ryan). My recovering body was hurting and Elynor was screaming as we tried to get out the door for small group... and... AHHHHH!!!! as soon as Ryan walked in the door I lost it. We decided I should not only stay home that night, but I should take several steps back and just relax at home this week, not only limiting the outings, but forcing myself to just sit and sleep. Limit the chores, limit the visitors... let my body heal and get to know my daughter.
I did my best with this yesterday, but again, by the time Ryan got home, I was in meltdown mode. Maybe it has something to do with it getting dark around that time. Yes, of course, by that time I'm tired, etc. But that's not going to change. I think it has more to do with my attitude. For some reason, by the end of the day I find myself just wanting to get away... clock out, if you will, just like any other job. When I snap to the realization that there's no clocking out - that it just keeps going - that's when I go into bitter, bad attitude (mean to Ryan) mode. I'll spare you all the specific negative thoughts I have and words I say to my husband and simply say this is not how I want to live.
During some counsel from Ryan and some prayer last night, I was reminded of the following truths. So today I start a new day of motherhood with the following as my guides. Do I expect to never meltdown again? No. Do I expect to automatically start always liking or even loving this? No. But do I expect to make the best of this phase - the portion God has granted me - as much as I can? Yes. That's what I want to model for my daughter and really what living a joyful life is all about.
But the truth of the matter is, I could not positively answer her question. My honest answer was... um, I guess, maybe, sometimes, like, between the hours of 7am and 4pm. When I really thought about her question, I realized it was one probably only another mom or dad, possibly as close to my shoes as she is, could have the honesty and wisdom to ask. 2.5 weeks ago I could not have imagined being asked, or asking, that question. But yesterday, the very act of being asked seemed to free me to honestly reflect and answer.
The truth of the matter is since my 1:30pm post on Monday, things have been more difficult. Elynor hasn't necessarily done anything different, but my emotions and fatigue seem to have gotten the best of me. By Monday evening I was wiped and had a minor meltdown (well, maybe major, you should ask Ryan). My recovering body was hurting and Elynor was screaming as we tried to get out the door for small group... and... AHHHHH!!!! as soon as Ryan walked in the door I lost it. We decided I should not only stay home that night, but I should take several steps back and just relax at home this week, not only limiting the outings, but forcing myself to just sit and sleep. Limit the chores, limit the visitors... let my body heal and get to know my daughter.
I did my best with this yesterday, but again, by the time Ryan got home, I was in meltdown mode. Maybe it has something to do with it getting dark around that time. Yes, of course, by that time I'm tired, etc. But that's not going to change. I think it has more to do with my attitude. For some reason, by the end of the day I find myself just wanting to get away... clock out, if you will, just like any other job. When I snap to the realization that there's no clocking out - that it just keeps going - that's when I go into bitter, bad attitude (mean to Ryan) mode. I'll spare you all the specific negative thoughts I have and words I say to my husband and simply say this is not how I want to live.
During some counsel from Ryan and some prayer last night, I was reminded of the following truths. So today I start a new day of motherhood with the following as my guides. Do I expect to never meltdown again? No. Do I expect to automatically start always liking or even loving this? No. But do I expect to make the best of this phase - the portion God has granted me - as much as I can? Yes. That's what I want to model for my daughter and really what living a joyful life is all about.
"Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus." Colossians 3:17 (written by the apostle Paul, who spent much of his ministry in prison... no matter how much I don't like this new gig, it's definitely better than living in a prison.)
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men (or baby...)." Colossians 3:23
"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control." Galatians 5:22-23 (joy and patience are my focii this week...)
from a fave song... "The joy of the Lord is my strength..."
Monday, October 1, 2007
Searching for a Smaller Budget Hairdresser
So I need a haircut. Nothing fancy... probably just a few inches off the bottom and my bangs trimmed. It's probably longer than it's been my entire life, which I thought would be good for post-baby ponytails. But it's now too long to even consider wearing down. And I hope someday in the not-so-distant future I'll be able to be a sans-ponytail mama (and maybe also stop wearing sweats everyday, which for now I blame on my still healing incision).
Unfortunately, the stylist whom I love and has kept me well-coiffed for several years doesn't quite fit into the post-baby budget. At least not in the post-baby, mama's 60% maternity leave then 0% leave-of-absence budget. I know I should have considered this months ago, but I think I was living in denial while enjoying my remaining trips to my beloved stylist.
So I share this with you not to whine, but to ask for your advice. Can anyone recommend a talented Chicago stylist who might better fit into this mama's budget? For now I just need a cut, but ideally, this person could also do color down the road... I prefer they be in the city, but if there's something great in the burbs, please share. Thank you!
Unfortunately, the stylist whom I love and has kept me well-coiffed for several years doesn't quite fit into the post-baby budget. At least not in the post-baby, mama's 60% maternity leave then 0% leave-of-absence budget. I know I should have considered this months ago, but I think I was living in denial while enjoying my remaining trips to my beloved stylist.
So I share this with you not to whine, but to ask for your advice. Can anyone recommend a talented Chicago stylist who might better fit into this mama's budget? For now I just need a cut, but ideally, this person could also do color down the road... I prefer they be in the city, but if there's something great in the burbs, please share. Thank you!
Day One Solo Mama: So Far So Good
Today feels like my first official day on the job as Solo Mama. That's right, for the past 2 weeks each of Elynor's grandmas have carried much of the load... easing me into this new gig. But today it's just me, the baby, and the dog (who can feel like a 2nd child)! Last week I was pretty apprehensive about how things would go. But as Ryan & I manned the fort together this weekend, I think my confidence and enthusiasm about taking the reigns on this new role grew.And a little over 1/2 way through this first solo shift, I'm happy to report, "So Far, So Good". Thanks to a dreery morning, both Elynor & I have enjoyed a few cozy naps together on the couch (after 5 tries at shhhing her to sleep, I gave in for some snuggle time), I got a shower before Ryan left, I'm on my 2nd load of laundry and emptied the dishwasher. As you can see from the photo, Elynor is now napping in her bouncy seat (a loaner from her friend Anni - don't worry, after this photo I did put something under her neck!). I put her in there as an experiment, not expecting her to stay for more than 5 minutes. But I'm now taking advantage of her contentment... making some iced tea, eating lunch, and now enjoying some computer time. Ally has also cooperated today. After needing some attention this morning, she has since slept lazily next to Elynor & me. The sun seems to be coming out now, so maybe we'll venture out for a walk a little later. Or take another nap!
I know not every day will be easy, or even good, in this new role. So for now I'm celebrating the sweetness of this first 1/2 day!
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