Archive for August, 2009

Diary, Diary…

Author: Sophia

Aug 31

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This weekend went pretty well. Eli seems to be getting better. He is still on his meds.

Julian and I went to Sam’s club Saturday evening. He did pretty good in the store. He sat on the cart the entire time . We were goofing off the entire time. He was busy counting the isles and reading. We added one more snack on his list that he could have. Sam’s club had this frozen lemonade flavored cones. They are  assorted, fruit flavored snacks and most important they are dairy free. He was pretty excited about that.  By the time we got home he was pretty tired, he ate supper and fell asleep while i was putting on his socks.

He has been waking up pretty early lately. He wakes up and starts playing with his toys. His dad usually wakes up with him and go get him breakfast.

Eli has pretty much figured out who everyone is. He loves following us with his eyes everywhere we go. I got to cuddle with both of them on the couch on Sunday. This was very good, given how hard it has been getting Julian off the computer. He tries to come sit on my lap too whenever he sees me hold the baby.  Today i was rocking Eli, talking to him, kissing on his chunky cheeks and Julian was laying on the couch, with one hand on his chin just looking at me. I felt bad. I know i shouldn’t but i did.  I smiled at him and said I love you J. He smiled, and kept on watching us.

They are both my kids and i love them with all my heart, but honestly as a mom, sometime it is hard not feeling guilty because you find yourself, spending more time with one than the other, even for just a day.  I think it is good to be conscious about it, so you are able to of course work on it.  When the baby fell asleep i got on the floor with Julian, asked him to show me what he has learned so far. He loves getting the attention, i guess , so do all kids.

I knew things will change, i think physically and mentally i was prepared for it, but emotionally it is a work in  progress. I don’t even know how long this lasts. It has been what almost 3 months since Eli was born?  So when Julian throws some of his temper tantrums every now and then,  i know he is acting out. When he runs to our room and gives himself a time out because both mommy and daddy want him to behave , i know he can’t express his emotions vocally yet, so he runs away..so I say, i am still the adult, the mom, and have to always do what is best for him, even when he may not like it.

For the most part, We have  great moments..we have our laughs, we have our wow moments,  we have our belly times, and many more…it is the mommy emotional times that naturally mommy feels guilty about that , i have to admit.. i can’t help it. My husband always says Julian is fine. He will get used to it, he is growing up, then he reminds me of the big picture. Julian has his own little brother. Someone to play with, someone to grow up with, hopefully become best of friends , and no matter how things turn out, they will always have each other.

Then i look at myself, i look at both my boys, and smile, then tell myself this is just a rough patch in mommy’s world.  I  tell myself that  am going to agree with daddy on this. Having Eli was not only best for mommy and daddy, but for Julian as well. Then  flahback to when Julian does come and kisses his brother, or comes and want to hold him, i smile even more and my heart swells…I feel lucky and blessed to have them in my life.

We will work on mommy’s emotions. Mommy will need to tell herself, she is a great mother who  has her doubts,  and that is ok.  That as long as she is able to find time for both her kids, she will be ok.

So do you have more than one child, how do you do it? Trust me i would love to know. Do you ever feel guily for spending more time with one, other than the other?

Motherhood, i won’t want it any other way.

Be blessed!

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Swine flu…

Author: Sophia

Aug 31

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According to the CDC, here’s what you should know about the  novel H1N1  or  swine flu virus.

It is contagious and can spread from one  person to another  through coughing or sneezing by an infected person.

one may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after. This can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with the new H1N1 virus.

The symptoms of novel H1N1 / swine flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus

Also, CNN posted this  ”A vaccine against H1N1 is being tested but is not expected to be available until at least mid-October and will probably require two shots at least one week apart, health officials have said. Since it typically takes a couple of weeks for a person’s immunity to build up after the vaccine, most Americans would not be protected until sometime in November”

CDC recommended  to take these steps to protect yourself

-Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
-Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners* are also effective.
-Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
-Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
-If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.
- Also get your over counter supplies that way you do not have to run into the stores when you do get sick.

In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish or gray skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Severe or persistent vomiting
Not waking up or not interacting
Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

for more about the swine flu visit : http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/qa.htm

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My Saturday

Author: Sophia

Aug 29

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I actually had some sleep last night. Eli slept longer than i expected. He slept for 4 hrs straight. He woke up at 4 AM in pain, i gave him some Tylenol and finally slept around 5:45AM. We didn’t get up till about 8:45AM. So far one of my boys is fully medicated and sleeping. The other one is playing and jumping  around like an energizer bunny.  Yes, i baked him a  lemon cake this morning..i think i gave him more than i intended to. That sugar has kicked in pretty good.

I cleaned up a bit, and still have more to do, but i am waiting on Shil to get back so i can go get my cleaning supplies. I am out of cleaning bleach. Given that i have a sick one around, i am going to get on my hands and knees and hopefully get to fully clean my place.

You would think because i got some sleep i won’t feel tired, but i am. I have Julian’s CD’s on so that music is making me feel so sleepy. I think Eli likes it. He acts like he is going to get up then i guess hears the music and falls back asleep. I haven’t talked to my mom this week…I miss her a lot.  A 30 year old woman here, but i still need my mother every once in a while. I feel like no matter what i am going through, good or bad, when i talk to my mom  she makes everything better. Sometimes all she does is just listen as i gab and most of the time that is all that i need and then i feel better.

I am smiling to myself now as i can hear my husbands voice in my head.. call your father, you really need to talk to your dad sophia. You know i know my dad misses me too, but i don’t think he does as much as my mom, lol.  My husband always reminds me to call my father because he is a dad now, and must imagine when the boys grow up and have moved across the country leading their lives, he must fear that they won’t call often  to check up on him either.

You really have to understand though African fathers can be strict. I grew up fearing my father.  Everyone in the family would make me go ask dad for things, i would reharse over and over what i would say to him back then…and funny though , he always said yes. I never understood why my brothers never went to talk to him themselves.  They always said you are the girl he will never say no to you. lol. What a silly concept.  He is a great father though…As i grew older, i begun to understand him more. Despite his flaws he was a good father. He made us what we are today, we learned from him, learned to sieve what to take with us and what to avoid so we don’t  make some of the mistakes he did. At least i know i have …so far. So when i do call dad.. The conversation is usually shorter compared to mom. He asks about the boys, about my husband, checks on my progress lifewise… then he asks whether i need anything.  I guess That is enough, and at least he is there for me and my family.  I can always tell though that he is proud, so it is a good thing..for me.

Time to go feed Eli..

Have a good weekend

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America’s 10 Best Places to Grow Up

Author: Sophia

Aug 28

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America’s 10 Best Places to Grow Up
1. Virginia Beach, Va.
2. Madison, Ala.
3. San Jose, Calif.
4.Overland Park, Kan.
5. Boston
6. Denver
7. Rochester, Minn.
8. Cedar Rapids, Iowa
9. Plano, Texas
10. Edison, N.J.

This was posted on Yahoo news.. We are planning to move to Overland Park, KS  beginning of next year. I am glad it made it on that list.  When you have children,  location matters a lot.

For more see the link below.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnews/20090820/ts_usnews/americas10bestplacestogrowup

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Signs of Illness:

Author: Sophia

Aug 28

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If a baby has any of these signs, call your Doctor:

- Fever over 101 degrees F (38.3 degrees C)
- Won’t eat for 2 feedings in a row
- Vomits 2 feedings in a row
- Has loose, watery green stools
- Acts “Sick”

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Eli’s 2 Month Checkup and Immunizations

Author: Sophia

Aug 28

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Eli had his follow up appointment on that ear infection today. Still not good. That Amoxicillin is not killing this bacteria, so the Dr prescribed another antibiotic for him and took a bacteria culture for testing… we will need to follow up in 2 weeks  to see how the ear is doing and to test his  hearing.  Yes, every time a baby has an ear infection they usually don’t hear that well due to all that fluid in the middle ear.

He weighed 15lbs  and was 23 1/2 inches long.  I am exclusively breastfeeding him. I plan to breastfeed him for about 2 years.  I have been really fortunate, that i have quite a supply of milk. I know some moms struggle with supply. I won’t  introduce solids till he  is 6 months old.

His Dr decided to go forth with his immunizations today. One of the vaccines he received today was the  Rotavirus Vaccine which is an oral (swallowed) vaccine.  This virus prevents severe diarrhea and vomiting in kids.  Since he swallowed this, there is only one way to come out. When it comes out, we get into contact with it, we get it. Yeah. We have to make sure we wash our hands thoroughly with soap following baby’s diaper change as this is a live virus that they gave him.

I know there is alot of controversy about whether to vaccinate or not, but i am all for vacinnations. 

Here’s how vaccines work – Immunity from vaccines: Vaccines are made with the same bacteria or viruses that cause a disease, but they have been weakened or killed to make them safe. A child’s immune system responds to a vaccine the same way it would if the child had the disease. This means he will develop immunity without having to get sick first. We all know getting sick sucks and it can be deadly..

The vaccines Eli received today will protect him against 8 deadly diseases.

See Below…

Diphtheria
- You getit when you come in contact with someone that has it.
- symptoms include a thick covering on the back of the throat making it hard to breathe
-It can cause breathing issues, heart failure, and death

Tetanus
-You get it from a cut or wound. It is not contagious
-symptoms include painful tightening of muscles all over the body
-It can cause stiffness of the jaw so the victim can’t open his moth to swallow and can lead to death in some cases.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
-You get it from infected person
-symptoms are violent coughing spells that can make it hard for a baby to eat, drink, or breathe, and can last weeks
- can cause pnemonia, seizures (jerking and staring spells), brain damage and death

HIB
- You get it from contact with an infected person
- there may be no signs from mild cases
- can lead to meningitis ( infection of the brain and spinal cord coverings), pneumonia, blood infections, joints, bones, and covering of the heart, brain damage, deafness and death

Hepatitis B
- You get it from contact with blood or body fluids from an infected person.
- Symptoms include tiredness, diarrhea and vomiting, jaundice ( yellow skin or eyes) pain in the muscles, joints and stomach
- can lead to liver damage, liver cancer, and death

Polio
-You get it from close contact with an infected person. It enters the body through the mouth.
- symptoms include a cold like illness, or there may not be any signs
-can lead to paralysis, or death

Pneumococcal
- You get it from contact with an infected person
- symptoms include fever, chills, cough, and chest pain
-can lead to meningitis, blood infections, ear infections, pneumonia, deafness, brain damage and death

Rotavirus
-Contact with other children who are infected
- severe diarrhea, vomiting and fever
-can lead to dehydration, hospitalization and death

 When I got him home i gave him Tylenol right away as he had started being a little fussy.  He was given the shots on his thigh. For swelling and redness on the spots they suggested placing a cool , clean washcloth over the sore area, Tylenol for pain, or give him a bath the water soothes the area.

When i left home for work he was sleeping. Poor a guy, all he wanted me to do today is just hold and cuddle him.

I am glad it is Friday. I will get to spend 2 full days with him at least.

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Potty Training…yes, Julian.

Author: Sophia

Aug 27

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Potty Training .. Is it true it is easier for girls than boys?  I don’t know.  I recall potty training my little sister.  She learned fast!

So for moms getting ready to call this an easy task…

You think it is easy? wait till you try… Man it can be a challenge. It is truly a test of patience. There can be days when you start by singing the no no no song, other days you are singing praises…you did it! great job! and clapping, hi fives, and the rewards….mmmh mmmh mmm. Who knew i could bribe my own son to go use the potty. It worked , for a very long time till Eli came along.

Yes i use to bribe him with honey Graham crackers, lol. This are his favorite crackers. I used to buy that huge box from Sams club and hide them. I would only leave enough for the day. Like i said, they worked…Till along came a sibbling..little brother called Eli.

mmh..I wonder whether he felt like Eli snatched the attention right from under his feet. We spend time alone with him  often. Someone at work actually mentioned this to me today, ‘ imagine how much attention he would get if he stops using the potty all together’ mmmmh… I guess this makes sense.

Julian was fully potty trained before June 8th 2009. He used to potty and come back saying he did it. He would wipe, flash then wash his hands. Then he started seeing how happy mommy was when cleaning up Eli. Then he saw how happy daddy was when he would open the diaper and find it was only wet, ..yes he tries to clear the room anytime he knows Eli has taken care of his business, of course when am home . Diaper duty is usually mommy’s when mommy is home.

So Julian decided he will only use the potty to pee. He would hold on till we put that pull up on before nap or bed at night then he would poop. Yes, i said it . Poop. Do you know the difference between a 30 year old poop and a 3 year old’s … yes?… none. none.  Then he calls …’daddy dadddyyyy , come clean it up’  OMG.. You get there frustrated, raising your tone, and when you are done.. he tells you  ‘ok, i won’t do it again’ ‘ok, daddy’ ‘ok, mama’..yeah right Julian. Well yesterday i saw him moving around like his thighs were stuck together..yes that little dance. I led him to the potty. He screamed , no let me go mama..stop it , let me go’ well i decided to let him know if he did not sit i was going to take away his computer.

That threat didn’t work. So i took off his  pants. He screamed for them, i said no. I closed the door and i sat on the floor and watch him cry. He eventually sat on the potty and pooped.

This morning he peed in his pants. He came and told me he needed clean pants…’mama am wet, give me pants’ oh boy. Whatever happened to my fully potty trained 3 year old Julian!

So far his dad has been reminding him to go pee again. As for the poop we have to look for the signs , and make him go sit on the potty while we sit at the door and wait. Honestly, i thought we were done. Mmmh what now? I guess we have to start all over again. One thing for sure, we are definitely not giving him pull ups. I won’t give in :)   We are going to start reading in the potty again. I used to take a book and sit on the floor while he sat on the potty. Before he knew it he would relax and go. We used to sing  his favorite rhymes sometime . We  will  definitely continue to praise him even when he just pees. Boy o boy… I want my Julian back on track.

What am really telling myself is, relax, don’t make a big deal out of this. Give it time. I mean, he will potty …eventually :)

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Why Babies Cry..

Author: Sophia

Aug 27

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I know am not the only mother that has heard  this from her husband at some point: Why  is  the baby crying?   With time,  parents  can tell  apart the different cries like when ..

1. They are sick
2. They are hungry
3. They have a poopy diaper
4. They need to burp
5. Gas
6. Teething
7.Tired
8. Want you to hold them
9. If they are too cold or too hot
10. Something  stuck  or pinching on their skin

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Eli

Author: Sophia

Aug 26

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Eli is sick and in pain today. I am at work and called to check up on how he was doing and all i heard from the background was Eli crying.  I felt soo bad, guilty, and so i decided to call the nurses line at children’s mercy to see what i can do for him with that ear pain.

The nurse called me back and i asked her if i could just give him some Tylenol for the pain. She wanted to know the background, and how much he weighed.  Age wise he may be young, but  he is a chunky one,  weighing 15 lbs,   he can handle the Tylenol. She said we could give him 0.8ml every 4 hrs as needed for pain….If this doesn’t work they want us to call back.

I was glad i could give him at least the Tylenol. I called his dad back and asked him to give him some Tylenol.  He is still up, he hasn’t gone back to sleep since waking up an hour ago. I am trying not call home too much to check up on him.

Everytime i hear him cry,  i get knots on my stomach.  I imagine worse. I can’t wait till i get home and hold him.  Julian was already sleeping, but when i get home i will take his temp as well. His dad said he was a bit fussy today too…so i think both boys must have caught a bug.

I guess it is part of growing up, there are several growing pains encountered on the way.  We can only be grateful for  medicine. 

I am also grateful for my own mother. I can imagine now what she went through with all of us kids, and what she still has to go through daily. When can you ever stop worrying too much about your kids? I can’t imagine never thinking about mine right now…

To all the mothers out there, keep on keeping on. You all have a tough job to do. Raising kids is no walk at the park for sure, and it may not be for everyone either.  I love my kids and treasure every moment with them. The challenges i face as i care for them have made me a stronger person. I pray that I do right by them daily.

So, I tell myself …

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Baby Ambilical Cord

Author: Sophia

Aug 25

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The baby ambilical cord stump  takes an average of 2 weeks to fall off.

Now, Julian’s took 21 days to fall off . the  discharge Dr had  instructed us to clean that area around the cord  with alcohol swaps daily. 21 days … I stopped telling my mother it was still there. She reminded me how mine had fallen off faster than that. Then when i asked other moms they said a week others said 2 weeks and then i got scared…I called the hospital to find out whether something was wrong with my son’s…the pediatrician asked me whether the base looked infected, and i said no. She told me to watch out for  hardness, redness on that  skin around the base of the cord, if this was normal  then not to worry . .

With Eli it took only 7 days, and this was with not touching it, no cleaning with water or alcohol. The attending pediatrician told us not to do anything with it. I told her with Julian they had us clean the area around it with alcohol, and she stated that cleaning with alcohol would delay the separation process because it was killing the normal bacteria around the area.

The first  2 weeks at home we were only sponge bathing Eli as he was circumsized as well. We were told not to bath him till both his ambilical cord and the circumsion ring had fallen off.  Anytime water got around the area, i would just pat dry with a wash cloth.

Also i made sure the diaper was folded so it wasn’t pushing on the stump.  and of course made sure no urine was getting there :) Yes, boys can pee that far, sometimes  to your face, chest, tummy.. lol

I know sometimes parents get  different instructions on care  based on Doctors experiences, some will tell you to use alcohol swabs, some will tell you to use water only, and others will say don’t do anything.  If you have a new baby and are confused on what to do or how to care for the cord, there you have it. We didn’t mess with it with Eli and it fell off within 7 days, we used alcohol swabs twice daily with Julian it took 21 days.

Hey if it takes longer than the average time to fall off, don’t stress over it. They do finally fall off. If it really starts to bother you that much, you can always talk to your pediatrician.  No matter what, do not try to pull it off, even if it looks like it is almost falling off..Let it fall off on it’s own.  If you see a little fluid, or blood in that area after it falls off, no worries it is normal and it will heal after a couple of days.

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