Elijah decided to go on a nursing strike for two days. Well, maybe I'm kind of exaggerating calling it a strike, but I had never experienced anything like it since I began nursing him. He would fuss each time I would put him on my breast and he would refuse to eat. What do I do? I google "fussy at the breast" and found some helpful informationl. P and I think it may have had to do with some sort of developmental growth because we have been noticing that he is so much more aware of his surroundings and wants to constantly look around. It is as if something clicked for him and he can't but help to look around and soak in every little thing he can. He would even fight sleep so that he could stay awake and look.
The last two days, I lhave had to carry him and walk around while I nursed. For whatever reason he would nurse like that. But, forget about sitting on a nice soft chair. When he would nurse, he would suck for a few seconds, pull off and look around, suck again, and the whole routine would go on like that. I had gotten so used to my barracuda son who would nurse ever so efficiently.... We also noticed that as this happened, he was able to lift his head off the floor almost at 90 degrees during tummy time and stay in that position longer than a few seconds. Now, he pushes himself up and looks around... We also wondered if the change in his nursing pattern had to do with the fact that he might have been overly tired or stimulated. Our week has been very full in Santa Rosa. He has been meeting lots of new people and going to new places with his parents every day. So, his fussiness may have been due to just being tired too. I know I was starting to feel fussy towards the end of the week because I was feeling tired! ;) I tell you, sometimes parenthood is a big guessing game! He definitely keeps us on our toes and he is only 12 weeks old! ;) But yesterday, he went back to his regular eating routine and decided to call off the strike. Let's just say mom is really relieved that she doesn't have to carry him and walk around the room while having a little man suck on her breast!
I have decided that I am going to start a blog for Elijah because it would be easier to keep track of his milestones and post photos. However, I will be requiring that people sign in to see the blog. I'll let you know when it is ready.
Showing posts with label parenthood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label parenthood. Show all posts
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Check it out
Our friend, Jeff Liu spent a Saturday morning a few weeks ago taking photos of Elijah and us. We really love his style and it was fun having a friend take photos of us. Jeff definitely has a gift! He posted some of the photos along with some of our thoughts and reflections on becoming parents on his blog. If you want to check it out, you could go to this link:
http://kairosphotographs.blogspot.com/2009/03/eiljah-paul-graf.html
http://kairosphotographs.blogspot.com/2009/03/eiljah-paul-graf.html
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
One of the best things about being a mom...
is that I am greeted every morning with the biggest smile and a happy squeal as soon as Elijah sees me .... What a way to start off the day each day!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Two months!
Elijah turned two months old on Sunday. I can't believe two months have gone by already. Now, I really believe those repeated words of advice, "Enjoy every moment because it is going to go by quickly!"
Today, Elijah had his two months doctor's appointment. He received the recommended immunization shots and he did great! P and I were anticipating that he would be screaming in pain, but he didn't, as we heard that babies cry hard when getting the shots. He cried briefly but was quickly comforted and before we knew it, it was over. I was so proud of him. He developed a slight fever in the late afternoon so we gave him Tylenol and he seems to be doing fine. I noticed that he was more clingy today than he usually is and wanted to be held more. I think he has a pretty mellow, easy-going temperment. He is a sweet, sweet baby.
The stats:
He is growing nicely. His height (23 inches) and weight (11 pounds 14ounces) were both in the 50th percentile. His head circumference was in the 25th percentile. His head is not growing as quickly as other parts of his body but it is nothing to be concerned about.
Every day he seems to be talking more. I love listening to P and Elijah discuss Obama's stimulus package, how the microwave works, and songs that rhyme the words cute and poop. They also like to sing worship songs together. It is really endearing to watch. P and I are secretly afraid that his first words will be "so cute!" because we say this all the time... ;)
Elijah had his first experience sleeping through the night. He slept from 7:30pm-ish to about 6:30am. Lately, he has been sleeping 7-8 hours, but last night was the longest stretch ever. You would think that I would have had a good night sleep, but I was up multiple times engorged and in pain because my body is now having to adjust to his longer stretch of sleep which equals less feeding at night.
We also left him with a friend for two hours while we went to a counseling session. It was weird being out without him, but it was great to be able to do that and not worry knowing he was in good hands. She said he was easy and mellow.
Even after two months, I still don't get tired of staring at him...it's too wonderful and marvelous to see and hold this small human being....God's design is absolutely marvelous and wonderful. I am in wonder of it all.
Today, Elijah had his two months doctor's appointment. He received the recommended immunization shots and he did great! P and I were anticipating that he would be screaming in pain, but he didn't, as we heard that babies cry hard when getting the shots. He cried briefly but was quickly comforted and before we knew it, it was over. I was so proud of him. He developed a slight fever in the late afternoon so we gave him Tylenol and he seems to be doing fine. I noticed that he was more clingy today than he usually is and wanted to be held more. I think he has a pretty mellow, easy-going temperment. He is a sweet, sweet baby.
The stats:
He is growing nicely. His height (23 inches) and weight (11 pounds 14ounces) were both in the 50th percentile. His head circumference was in the 25th percentile. His head is not growing as quickly as other parts of his body but it is nothing to be concerned about.
Every day he seems to be talking more. I love listening to P and Elijah discuss Obama's stimulus package, how the microwave works, and songs that rhyme the words cute and poop. They also like to sing worship songs together. It is really endearing to watch. P and I are secretly afraid that his first words will be "so cute!" because we say this all the time... ;)
Elijah had his first experience sleeping through the night. He slept from 7:30pm-ish to about 6:30am. Lately, he has been sleeping 7-8 hours, but last night was the longest stretch ever. You would think that I would have had a good night sleep, but I was up multiple times engorged and in pain because my body is now having to adjust to his longer stretch of sleep which equals less feeding at night.
We also left him with a friend for two hours while we went to a counseling session. It was weird being out without him, but it was great to be able to do that and not worry knowing he was in good hands. She said he was easy and mellow.
Even after two months, I still don't get tired of staring at him...it's too wonderful and marvelous to see and hold this small human being....God's design is absolutely marvelous and wonderful. I am in wonder of it all.
Friday, March 06, 2009
Sad...
My friend's son who was diagnosed with a genetic abnormality while she was pregnant went to be with Jesus. He lived for seven days. She posted a video celebrating his birth where you can see the deep love that the family shared for him. Now that I am a mom, his death affects me even more deeply... I am deeply sad with her and I am praying for God to sustain and comfort her in her time of loss.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Elijah excercises his voice!
Elijah (7 weeks) has been cooing a lot lately and it is one of my favorite things to do with him--talk! Here's a video of him talking to me about the objects he sees.
Friday, February 27, 2009
New Things...
I have been steadily going to the breast feeding support group starting a couple of weeks after Elijah's birth. Initially, I started going because I wanted to receive some help with the latch and to ask my questions about nursing. It is a wonderful resource for new moms! Besides the available resources (i.e. a weight scale to see Elijah's weight gain progress), what I have been also enjoying is making new friends. Initially, new friendships started out with saying hi and catching up at the weekly support group meeting. But, a couple of weeks ago, I felt like we were at a place where I can initiate with them and invite them to go to a Mommy and Me movie together. We had a fantastic time at the movie and lunch afterwards, and now it has evolved to "play dates," walks, and lunch after the support group meeting. I am looking forward to getting to know them better as I have been praying for opportunities to meet unbelievers in a natural way.
At the same time, it has been interesting for me to watch different people's responses to me when I tell them that I am a m'ssion'ry. Sometimes people's reactions make me feel as though I had just said I make a living as an auditor for the IRS or something like it. You can tell that they were not expecting to hear the "m-word" as my "profession" and I could see them fumble for what to say next because they feel uncomfortable. However, it also has been very freeing for me to be able to share what I do and who I am without being ashamed. It's too bad that the initial reaction for most people is suspicion and I can tell that they are wondering whether they want to continue getting to know me. I have been praying that the initial suspicion and awkwardness would be changed to trust, friendship, and openness, and I feel like God has been answering my prayers.
On a different note, someone asked me recently how my times with God has been since becoming a new mom. It definitely looks different. During the first couple of weeks, I wondered about how it would work for me, and for now it works to pray during nursing times and to spend some time in the Word while I pump for the next morning feeding. Since I am feeding about every two to three hours, it means that I get to spend about 10-20 minutes every two to three hours in prayer. I am usually wide awake when I am nursing so it works out well for me. I read my Bible while I am pumping for the next morning feeding. I figured instead of just sitting there holding the bottle, I can also read the Word. I can get fed while I get ready to feed! (Corny, I know!!) I'm sure how I spend time with God will look different and it will constantly evolve for the first few years of Elijah's development, so I am praying for creativity. In some ways, I feel like I am connecting with God more frequently and throughout the day as there is a natural rhythm to life and schedule that comes with nursing.
Here is Elijah's update:
Elijah is now seven weeks old, weighs eleven pounds. He is sleeping longer through the night--the longest stretch was seven hours last night! I am starting to see a pattern in his sleep--at least with bed time and morning wake-up time. He likes to go to bed around 6:30pm and wakes up around 6:30am. He is very observant and likes to look around and study an object with intensity. I could tell that he recognizes us, gives us smiles, and talks. He is the happiest after a good night sleep and restful naps. We enjoy watching him play on his own on the play mat and I love hearing him talk. He has definitely found his voice, as well as his hands! I'll post a video later of him talking...
At the same time, it has been interesting for me to watch different people's responses to me when I tell them that I am a m'ssion'ry. Sometimes people's reactions make me feel as though I had just said I make a living as an auditor for the IRS or something like it. You can tell that they were not expecting to hear the "m-word" as my "profession" and I could see them fumble for what to say next because they feel uncomfortable. However, it also has been very freeing for me to be able to share what I do and who I am without being ashamed. It's too bad that the initial reaction for most people is suspicion and I can tell that they are wondering whether they want to continue getting to know me. I have been praying that the initial suspicion and awkwardness would be changed to trust, friendship, and openness, and I feel like God has been answering my prayers.
On a different note, someone asked me recently how my times with God has been since becoming a new mom. It definitely looks different. During the first couple of weeks, I wondered about how it would work for me, and for now it works to pray during nursing times and to spend some time in the Word while I pump for the next morning feeding. Since I am feeding about every two to three hours, it means that I get to spend about 10-20 minutes every two to three hours in prayer. I am usually wide awake when I am nursing so it works out well for me. I read my Bible while I am pumping for the next morning feeding. I figured instead of just sitting there holding the bottle, I can also read the Word. I can get fed while I get ready to feed! (Corny, I know!!) I'm sure how I spend time with God will look different and it will constantly evolve for the first few years of Elijah's development, so I am praying for creativity. In some ways, I feel like I am connecting with God more frequently and throughout the day as there is a natural rhythm to life and schedule that comes with nursing.
Here is Elijah's update:
Elijah is now seven weeks old, weighs eleven pounds. He is sleeping longer through the night--the longest stretch was seven hours last night! I am starting to see a pattern in his sleep--at least with bed time and morning wake-up time. He likes to go to bed around 6:30pm and wakes up around 6:30am. He is very observant and likes to look around and study an object with intensity. I could tell that he recognizes us, gives us smiles, and talks. He is the happiest after a good night sleep and restful naps. We enjoy watching him play on his own on the play mat and I love hearing him talk. He has definitely found his voice, as well as his hands! I'll post a video later of him talking...
Friday, January 23, 2009
Fifteen Days Old
I can't believe it has been fifteen days since Elijah joined our family. In some ways, my life without him feels like a distant past. People have told me to really enjoy each stage of your child's development because it goes by really quickly.... I believe them. Perhaps it is because of fatigue, but there are ways in which the last fifteen days feel like a big blur to me too.... the days all kind of seem to stick together, if you know what I mean. In my effort to remember some of the highlights from this week, as we had lots of our "firsts" with Elijah as a family, I want to jot them down.
Sunday--Elijah went to his first Sunday service at Epicentre! He was fed right before we went to church and he slept through the whole service and through all the "aww's" from his admirers.
Mon.--We went on our first outing to Borders. Both dad and mom were starting to go stir crazy so while dad went to the gym to climb, Elijah and I went to the book store. It was a nice treat!
Tues.--Barack Obama was sworn in as the President. Of course, I missed the whole inauguration but I intend to watch it when I get a chance. If and by the time Mr. Obama serves two terms in the office, Elijah will be eight years old!
Wed.--Elijah had his first appointment with his pediatrician. We learned that he had gained a lot of weight! Not only has he gained his birth weight back, but he weighed in at 7 pounds and 7 ounces. Yeah!! I guess he is getting enough milk. After the pediatrician appointment, Elijah and I went to a breastfeeding support group so that I could get some more helpful tips about breastfeeding. I came in with all my questions and found the time just helpful and encouraging.
P and I also had our first sit down meal out for lunch. Like usual, Elijah slept.
Thurs.--I had my two week postpartum appointment and all looked good. I am really grateful for all the prayers because my recovery from emergency c-section has been quick and smooth. I am no longer on any drugs and I can move around with no problems. I am excited that I can finally drive again!
My in-laws also came in to town and we all went out for sushi dinner. This time around Elijah was awake, but he eventually fell asleep. He did great and we enjoyed a meal out with our in-laws before P left for Thailand.
Fri.--P left for Thailand this morning. I felt totally emotional and cried... He's been so supportive and a great partner during our transition. I look forward to seeing him in 10 days. Thanks to my mother-in-law, I got a four hour stretch of uninterrupted sleep this morning while she took care of Elijah. It felt so good!
I do plan on posting some more recent photos but my internet connection at home isn't that great...I'll eventually post when I have more time or better internet access. ;)
Sunday--Elijah went to his first Sunday service at Epicentre! He was fed right before we went to church and he slept through the whole service and through all the "aww's" from his admirers.
Mon.--We went on our first outing to Borders. Both dad and mom were starting to go stir crazy so while dad went to the gym to climb, Elijah and I went to the book store. It was a nice treat!
Tues.--Barack Obama was sworn in as the President. Of course, I missed the whole inauguration but I intend to watch it when I get a chance. If and by the time Mr. Obama serves two terms in the office, Elijah will be eight years old!
Wed.--Elijah had his first appointment with his pediatrician. We learned that he had gained a lot of weight! Not only has he gained his birth weight back, but he weighed in at 7 pounds and 7 ounces. Yeah!! I guess he is getting enough milk. After the pediatrician appointment, Elijah and I went to a breastfeeding support group so that I could get some more helpful tips about breastfeeding. I came in with all my questions and found the time just helpful and encouraging.
P and I also had our first sit down meal out for lunch. Like usual, Elijah slept.
Thurs.--I had my two week postpartum appointment and all looked good. I am really grateful for all the prayers because my recovery from emergency c-section has been quick and smooth. I am no longer on any drugs and I can move around with no problems. I am excited that I can finally drive again!
My in-laws also came in to town and we all went out for sushi dinner. This time around Elijah was awake, but he eventually fell asleep. He did great and we enjoyed a meal out with our in-laws before P left for Thailand.
Fri.--P left for Thailand this morning. I felt totally emotional and cried... He's been so supportive and a great partner during our transition. I look forward to seeing him in 10 days. Thanks to my mother-in-law, I got a four hour stretch of uninterrupted sleep this morning while she took care of Elijah. It felt so good!
I do plan on posting some more recent photos but my internet connection at home isn't that great...I'll eventually post when I have more time or better internet access. ;)
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