For those of you craving more Monica pictures...

Here you go!

A little update for those who are really interested in Monica's eating patterns...Monica is on soy formula now, since we're pretty sure she has a milk sensitivity or allergy. We're dealing with reflux too, and feedings are still a cause for screaming, though she's happy happy afterwards 90% of the time. We've also added rice cereal to the bottle to thicken it up. It seems to be a bit helpful, but the last couple bottles have been rough too. We just can't figure her out! She's still hanging in there and so are we.

In other Monica news, she is becoming much more independent and can now roll from her belly to her back, when she feels like it anyway. She also loves to sing and read stories before bed (hence her new reading glasses!). It's really fun to see her becoming a little person, and I know there is so much more to come!

More Potential Sanity

Here's a great idea...

Make ahead freezer meals! A couple hours can give you days' worth of meals just waiting in the freezer. Yes, please!


30 day cooking freezer meal recipes

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Here's to Sanity

For those of you who are close to us or have spent more than three hours with our daughter, you know that Monica is NOT a good eater. It is unclear what the problem is (reflux, gas???) but, bottom line, most feedings are cause for screaming. Afterwards, she's happy as a clam. If only they could talk...

At any rate, this apparent discomfort has caused much grief for all and has resulted in me not making enough breastmilk for her. The past couple weeks have been rough, most likely because our little punkin has been rather hungry. The switch to formula has begun.

I feel some guilt, as happens to many moms when they stop breastfeeding. But, it came down to the fact that I felt bound for a mental institution if I went on one more day. I wasn't sleeping and couldn't think of anything but her sleeping and eating habits. Within 48 hours of the decision to stop breastfeeding, we are all happier.

And, bathtime is fun again! Seriously, she might be the cutest baby ever.

Something to Warm Your Heart

In the dank days of winter and the duldrums of bad economic reports, here's a little sunshine! Some friends of ours have had the opportunity to care for a boy named Allan who is here in the States from Uganda undergoing numerous surgeries and therapy to gain the use of his limbs. Installments of his story are here. Whenever I read about him, I can't help but smile. I hope I can pass on some smiles to you too.

Overseas Bathroom Humor

Kevin and some of his colleagues have been doing work for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, a Japanese company. Occasionally, his boss and other coworkers have taken trips to Japan and had opportunities to experience the culture. One of the interesting experiences to be had is the food, and not just raw fish, seaweed, and other delectibles. Japanese candy is also really interesting. Their sweets are not like ours. They are much less sugary. For instance, Kevin brought home a green tea flavored Kit Kat (tasty!) and green tea flavored hard candy (bitter...not so tasty.) Here is another Japanese yummy you won't find here in the States: Mr. Poop Candy. Yes, it really looks like poo. Check out this link for a picture and explanation.

Why on earth would you want to stick something like that in your mouth?!

On the mend...I think...

Monica seems to be doing better today, but it's hard to tell since it's still pretty early. Yesterday, by noon, she was going downhill quickly. I think one indication of her feeling unwell is screaming in the bathtub. Normally, this is her favorite time of the day, the great equalizer. No matter what was happening pre-bath, even getting her undressed in the bath routine makes her start to smile and coo. The past couple nights, bathtime has not been happy time.

Being a brand new mom and not knowing a whole lot of infants in my time, I tend to get stuck in her phases, thinking that she will always fuss about this or be moody about that. I think some of that is being at home and not getting out much either. But, at this point in her life, Monica needs to be at home a lot because she takes a lot of naps, and if she misses a nap, it's really rough for the rest of the day. Sleep and routine are really important, and Monica has a temperament that thrives on routine and predictability. I suppose many babies are like this.

However, I am finding that balance needs to be pursued. If I just fall into taking care of Monica's needs and not making a concerted effort to take care of myself-praying, showering, exercising, eating well, engaging in some enjoyable activities-I am definitely not the mom I aspire to be.

Here are a couple of pictures I took today. It is really tough to capture her precious little smile on the camera. I think it's the flash. She usually just ends up looking surprised or completely freaked out.

Loosely connected thoughts and happenings

I'm pretty sure that Monica is dealing with her first cold. She's not super congested, but she's listless, tired, and doesn't want to eat all that much. There's been a whole lot of soothing goin' on.

I have a deep-thought, musing post in the works, but there just hasn't been the time nor the brain cells to really get it together. I feel that way a lot these days. For instance, Kevin got me the complete Theology of the Body and the companion commentary by Christopher West for my birthday. I have every intention of starting to plow through it, but I always seem to get thwarted by nap time, feeding time, or pure exhaustion. I also had every intention of getting out today, but alas, a baby who needs some extra love trumps that.

Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans. (Translation: Some days are spent in a rocking chair.)