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.)

Time Flies

I'm three months old tomorrow? Get outta Dodge!

What Have I Been Up To??

Monica's having a growth spurt so I've been doing a whole lot of nursing and not a lot of sleeping. She's three months old on Thursday and it seems like she reverted back to newborn-ness in some ways. Last week, she was starting to soothe herself to sleep, sleeping for about 8 hours a night and really being more independent. Now, we have a tougher time getting her to sleep (a la six weeks of age) and she is going for maybe 5-6 hours a night, if we're lucky. As with most things, I know it's a stage, but I'll be excited to have this one over and done. It must be very uncomfortable to be growing so fast! Kevin has been a huge help while she's going through this stage. Thank God for hands-on Daddies!

One thing that I've noticed with our Little One is how fast they change and grow. It is such a whirlwind! In the thick of it, I often have a hard time remembering how fast everything passes. Some nights, some hours seem like an eternity, but they really are so fleeting. Yet, it is important to live the fleeting moments well, since the care and compassion we show our daughter, even at this early age, really does have eternal significance. She is the precious little life that God has given us to love and care for. I'm so thankful he gives all of us the grace to thrive on even the toughest days, and nights!

"Abandoning Our Plans for Christ"

I was reading a meditation (same title as this post) in Magnificat today, and this excerpt really hit home, especially in being a new mom and accepting all that comes with that.

Whoever trusts in God gains quality in his life, in his potential, in security, and in his way of life. Surely all of us have plans in mind. This is good, but let us not make the mistake of remaining alone, convinced only of our own plans, of only what we want, because God tells us, "With me you can work miracles"... For sure, if you want to love, you have to renounce your immediate plans and your modern conveniences because without the cross, it is true that you cannot love. You cannot love the woman who gives her life for you, who renounces everyting to stay with you. You cannot even love your children who expect a smile or a word from you. You do not have time because you are focused on fulfilling your own little plans. True love always comes with an ability to renounce, with a sacrifice; and then that sacrifice becomes concrete love.
Mother Elvira Petrozzi

I Just Didn't Know-Motherhood Lessons Learned the Hard Way

That would be the title of my book concerning first time motherhood. Here are a few topics I would address:

1. Breastfeeding.
There will be tough times. You may have to do some wrestling and/or swaddling to accomplish a good feeding. You may have to eat copious amounts of food (read milkshakes, butter etc.) to make milk that will fatten up the baby. Gassy babies often equal unhappy babies.

2. Sleep. Respect the baby's needs or all will go insane. When the baby sleeps, you sleep.

3. Crying. Sometimes you just need to walk away and do a bit of that yourself.

4. Isolation. Do what you can to stay connected to the outside world and get out. There are some long days at the homestead, but it's important to make the effort.

5. Personal Hygiene. Shower. Brush teeth. Change underwear. Repeat at least daily.

6. Prayer. Do lots of that.

That's my list so far. I'm sure there will be more tidbits as time goes on.

Here are some recent pics. Lovin' the Bumbo!