Ahhhh – Just when I thought I had given up on the male species, just when I was ready to throw in the towel, you guys do something miraculous that blows my mind, a curve ball of some sort.
Last night I was absolutely exhausted and baby has started the fussy thing at around 6-7 p.m. No, we will not use the C word yet because that word is banned in my household. Anyway, I was wiped out by 9 o’clock and Emory looked at me and said ‘Just go to bed, you look really tired, I will handle EVERYTHING tonight’. What? Was I hearing this correctly? Was I on a bad episode of "Punked"? I went to brush my teeth and looked at myself in the mirror, and I was starting to understand why he was offering his blessed services. I looked like something from a scary movie that needed to be on one of those make over TV shows where they just show up at your house. Chessin, if you are reading this I need to make a hair appointment ASAP... I really should not be allowed in public! Emory completely took the lead and made me go lie down.
Earlier that day, I had a migraine coming on that I kept convincing myself that it would not progress - - mind over matter…mind over matter. He knew after weeks of trying to be a super mom, girlfriend needed a break. 7 hours of sleep felt like somebody just told me I won the lottery! I still am fighting with the headache this morning, but at least I have had more than 4 hours of sleep. It does make a huge difference. Moms, you know what I’m talking about.
Tyson gave Emory a beautiful performance; only woke up twice to feed and get a diaper change, went right back to sleep, and that was that. Now, was he putting on a horse and pony show or what, because when it’s just me and him, he likes to what I call party all night. It reminds me of that Eddie Murphy song ‘Party All the Time’ because he wants to play, swing, read books, walk around, and on and on. My point being, anything BUT sleep.
Ohhh – I get it! It’s a man thing. They are both men helping one another out, sort of teaming up (well, technically Tyson is a baby, but close enough). Good job Tyson! Either way, it worked out perfectly- mommy got to sleep, daddy got to sleep, and Tyson did a great job on getting his days and nights turned back around. Well, at least for now. The jury is still out on that one!
So, here we are, 7 o’clock in the morning, and Tyson is still sleeping like a little angel. When he wakes up, we will do our normal routine, coffee shop, maybe a trip to the grocery store, and back to play time. Whoever invented that swing, God bless you. It is the only way I get anything done. Next, I am attempting the sling thing. I have been scared to use it because I’m not sure how they breathe in those things. My girlfriends have reassured me that it is ok, and to try it out. I need a little support on that one. Anyone have any suggestions on which one to buy?
That’s as far as I can think at this moment (and you wonder why women need maternity leave for so long), so I will leave on that note. A very positive one, that starts my day knowing that today is going to be a great one. As always, make it a good one! Carmen
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Mommy Diares Take 8 (I Just Can't Make This Stuff Up!)- Carmen Brown
Is she for real? I was visiting my grandmother when the phone rang. We looked at each other with a funny face and made a 5 dollar bet it was my mother. See, my mom is the type of person that calls 10 times to finish her thoughts she forgot from the first conversation. Now that I think about it, I’m a little like her. Anyway, she calls and asks to speak to me. From there, she informed me that earlier that day when she changed Tyson’s diaper, he could not stand his wipes?? What is she talking about? The baby was on wipe strike? What’s this talk – so anyway she goes on to inform me that the reason Tyson does not like his wipes because they are cold to the touch. She told me he cries and cries and hates it when she pulls out the wipe. Ok – most babies don’t like the diaper change anyway. Most of the time he is crying because he wants a bottle in his mouth. We always change the diaper before feedings.
Here’s the part that made me spit up grandma’s ice tea. She says ‘I got Tyson a wipe warmer so that way he will not go into shock’. I started laughing hysterically, and I think I hurt her feelings. A wipe warmer? Ok – I’m into some pretty new age stuff, but I have NEVER heard of such a thing. So, she came over the next day with a ‘wipe warming’ device and needless to say, we have not used it. Does anybody out there really use these? If you do, I promise not to laugh, but it seems a little bizarre. A
lright, Tyson is calling for his mommy! As always, make it a good one! -Carmen
Here’s the part that made me spit up grandma’s ice tea. She says ‘I got Tyson a wipe warmer so that way he will not go into shock’. I started laughing hysterically, and I think I hurt her feelings. A wipe warmer? Ok – I’m into some pretty new age stuff, but I have NEVER heard of such a thing. So, she came over the next day with a ‘wipe warming’ device and needless to say, we have not used it. Does anybody out there really use these? If you do, I promise not to laugh, but it seems a little bizarre. A
lright, Tyson is calling for his mommy! As always, make it a good one! -Carmen
Monday, July 28, 2008
Mommy Diaries, Take 7 (The Truth of the Matter) by Carmen Brown
You were all probably wondering when I was going to come out of this la-la land experience of being a first time mother or a parent for that matter. Even though dynamics have changed, I am still in la-la ahhhh of my child. But there are a couple of things I need to get off my chest. So, I will call this blog entry ‘the truth of the matter’.
I hardly ever make disclaimers when stating my opinion or giving advice, but this time I feel the need to do so. I will keep my disclaimer short: Men do not get offended by this next comment, it is not a blow to your ego, it is simply a truth that I have come to learn and respect. Women carry the weight of the world. There, I said it.
No matter how much you dream up a world of co-parenting when you are lucky enough to have a partner, it will change your relationship in ways you never thought possible. Now, having said that it can be a very positive thing or it can turn south. It is all up to the 2 individuals and how much they want to commit to responsibility and to the relationship. We do not roll the dice in this situation, there is nothing left to luck or chance, it is all about things working because you make them work. You make it happen. You both put in equal effort for the needs of the baby and of one another.
I will not indulge into the many details going on at my household right now, because some things should just remain private, but I will tell you this is the most challenging experience of my life. Women, we get the memo (or at least you should), as soon as we find out we are pregnant. Life changes as we know it, starting with our bodies. Hormones run wild like a mean joke on top of not being able to walk by your 9th month. I loved being pregnant until then! Ahhhh – getting up every 10 minutes to pee and then work all day was such a lovely experience. Ok, so I’m rambling, but the point I am trying to make is that take caution when you actually have that baby. Be armed with the knowledge that no matter how great your partner is, you will hold the weight of the world physically, emotionally, and take the main responsibility for you and that child. It is why God gave women the power to bear children. We were born with this amazing gift that has its up sides and it’s down sides.
If you are a woman wiping your eyes to even read this right now, have faith that you will get a break, just stay focused on what is important and tell everybody else that gets in your way to go to hell. To every man who is pissed off right now or getting offended, take a deep breath, we still love you. Even if you were father of the year award, you have no idea and just come to terms with what I am saying. It is nothing personal. I love my man, believe that. I’m just simply stating on a somewhat telepathic level to all my women friends that you are not alone. The biggest change a person can go through is bringing a child into this world. A woman is changed in every way, form, fashion possible and when I glance over right now at little Tyson, I’d do it 10 more times.
Here is where my dilemma comes in: men, if you are not stepping up, please get your ass in gear. This is hard work and a lot of sacrifice. It is actually what makes it so wonderful, it a challenge like no other. One of our challenges has been the night time take shifts ordeal. I understand during the week, I am not ‘working’ at the station, but my job is to be the best damn mother 24-7 to my newborn. That makes my job at the radio station look like a walk in the park. We need your help. This just in: women are not robots that can function 24 hours a day on no sleep. Even when you are tired, do not complain or hit the snooze button on your alarm clock. Baby does not have a snooze button. This ‘problem’ of taking turns at night can really begin to damage a relationship, and to all the Martha Stewarts out there, kiss my ass. Your relationship and love is just as important as the needs of that newborn baby. I believe in energy and how it affects everything and everyone around us. The more we help one another, the more this new life will feel loved.
Positive vibes, call me a hippie, but it is the truth of the matter. Hopefully we can overcome this, but regardless, time will not stand still and wait for us to catch up. I really consider it a privilege to get up at all odd hours and be there for Tyson. Hell, some women go their whole lives trying to have kids and never can. Tyson is a blessing. Every child is a blessing.
No matter what you are going through in your relationship to make it work, start new journeys, take on huge responsibilities, know that there is someone, somewhere who understands. Remember that joy is as equal as pain. If we did not know what the hard times felt like, we could not enjoy the beautiful moments in life that create memories. But, if you are a man reading this and have given the majority of the responsibility to the mother of your child, soften your heart – reach out to her – be a little more understanding. When we get mad at you for not doing as much as we think you should, maybe you should think about it for a minute. Reflect on what we are saying and give us a break. I know the majority of men are GREAT fathers, including mine, but you will face some sort of challenge as first time parents. If it’s not the night thing, it will be something else. All I can say is communicate, get it out there, be raw about your emotions. It will make you or break you. This is not a grey area my friends, a child is a 24-7 job that you have to roll with and be flexible.
Thank you to every woman pacing and rocking the floors right now wishing you had just 4 hours straight of sleep. When that little baby wakes up and opens his eyes, it will be all better. Just keep the love flowing inside of yourself, even if your relationship is taking a toll. Know at least this, I understand, and every other woman that has been in your shoes understands. Take care of yourself and one another. And, as always, make it a good one! – Carmen
I hardly ever make disclaimers when stating my opinion or giving advice, but this time I feel the need to do so. I will keep my disclaimer short: Men do not get offended by this next comment, it is not a blow to your ego, it is simply a truth that I have come to learn and respect. Women carry the weight of the world. There, I said it.
No matter how much you dream up a world of co-parenting when you are lucky enough to have a partner, it will change your relationship in ways you never thought possible. Now, having said that it can be a very positive thing or it can turn south. It is all up to the 2 individuals and how much they want to commit to responsibility and to the relationship. We do not roll the dice in this situation, there is nothing left to luck or chance, it is all about things working because you make them work. You make it happen. You both put in equal effort for the needs of the baby and of one another.
I will not indulge into the many details going on at my household right now, because some things should just remain private, but I will tell you this is the most challenging experience of my life. Women, we get the memo (or at least you should), as soon as we find out we are pregnant. Life changes as we know it, starting with our bodies. Hormones run wild like a mean joke on top of not being able to walk by your 9th month. I loved being pregnant until then! Ahhhh – getting up every 10 minutes to pee and then work all day was such a lovely experience. Ok, so I’m rambling, but the point I am trying to make is that take caution when you actually have that baby. Be armed with the knowledge that no matter how great your partner is, you will hold the weight of the world physically, emotionally, and take the main responsibility for you and that child. It is why God gave women the power to bear children. We were born with this amazing gift that has its up sides and it’s down sides.
If you are a woman wiping your eyes to even read this right now, have faith that you will get a break, just stay focused on what is important and tell everybody else that gets in your way to go to hell. To every man who is pissed off right now or getting offended, take a deep breath, we still love you. Even if you were father of the year award, you have no idea and just come to terms with what I am saying. It is nothing personal. I love my man, believe that. I’m just simply stating on a somewhat telepathic level to all my women friends that you are not alone. The biggest change a person can go through is bringing a child into this world. A woman is changed in every way, form, fashion possible and when I glance over right now at little Tyson, I’d do it 10 more times.
Here is where my dilemma comes in: men, if you are not stepping up, please get your ass in gear. This is hard work and a lot of sacrifice. It is actually what makes it so wonderful, it a challenge like no other. One of our challenges has been the night time take shifts ordeal. I understand during the week, I am not ‘working’ at the station, but my job is to be the best damn mother 24-7 to my newborn. That makes my job at the radio station look like a walk in the park. We need your help. This just in: women are not robots that can function 24 hours a day on no sleep. Even when you are tired, do not complain or hit the snooze button on your alarm clock. Baby does not have a snooze button. This ‘problem’ of taking turns at night can really begin to damage a relationship, and to all the Martha Stewarts out there, kiss my ass. Your relationship and love is just as important as the needs of that newborn baby. I believe in energy and how it affects everything and everyone around us. The more we help one another, the more this new life will feel loved.
Positive vibes, call me a hippie, but it is the truth of the matter. Hopefully we can overcome this, but regardless, time will not stand still and wait for us to catch up. I really consider it a privilege to get up at all odd hours and be there for Tyson. Hell, some women go their whole lives trying to have kids and never can. Tyson is a blessing. Every child is a blessing.
No matter what you are going through in your relationship to make it work, start new journeys, take on huge responsibilities, know that there is someone, somewhere who understands. Remember that joy is as equal as pain. If we did not know what the hard times felt like, we could not enjoy the beautiful moments in life that create memories. But, if you are a man reading this and have given the majority of the responsibility to the mother of your child, soften your heart – reach out to her – be a little more understanding. When we get mad at you for not doing as much as we think you should, maybe you should think about it for a minute. Reflect on what we are saying and give us a break. I know the majority of men are GREAT fathers, including mine, but you will face some sort of challenge as first time parents. If it’s not the night thing, it will be something else. All I can say is communicate, get it out there, be raw about your emotions. It will make you or break you. This is not a grey area my friends, a child is a 24-7 job that you have to roll with and be flexible.
Thank you to every woman pacing and rocking the floors right now wishing you had just 4 hours straight of sleep. When that little baby wakes up and opens his eyes, it will be all better. Just keep the love flowing inside of yourself, even if your relationship is taking a toll. Know at least this, I understand, and every other woman that has been in your shoes understands. Take care of yourself and one another. And, as always, make it a good one! – Carmen
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Mommy Diaries Take 5- Carmen Brown
Who in the world (I would like to use another word there) came up with all of these different bottles? First of all, it’s like trying out for the Olympics when you’re pregnant, don’t do this, only sleep this way, eat only these foods, yadi, yadi, yadi.
So here we are, blessed with this beautiful baby boy and I made the choice to formula feed. There’s only one dilemma – how do I know which bottle or bottles to choose when staring at racks and racks of what seems like to be hundreds at Babies R Us???
When I was a little munchkin, it seemed so easy and natural for my parents. They just stuck a bottle in my mouth, probably one they picked up from a local grocery store, and that was that. I have now bought around 5 different types of bottles to try, different nipples, and don’t forget BPA free because, according to the experts, that chemical in plastic may kill my baby. Ok, maybe not kill, but have some screwed up life long-lasting effects.
I read in a local paper that Gerber made plastic bottles, BPA free, and seemed to be the answer to all my mental dilemmas. Let’s just say they are great little bottles, but the milk leaks out from the nipple producing not only a mess, but those god awful things mom fears the most: bubbles!!! Bubbles only mean one thing – gas – and do you know what gas means – screaming baby making faces like the way you look when you are constipated on the toilet. These ‘leaky’ bottles were getting on my last nerve at 3:00 a.m., so I ventured out back to the baby super store to get even more confused. Being this little, it just does not make sense to me to get these huge bottles - I want something small, user friendly, BPA Free, and easy to hand wash. Remind you, as I’m searching these huge shelves, I have had all of 4 hours of sleep (co-parenting is our next subject) - Just when I thought the world of bottles had got the best of me, my friend Chezley brought me over a ‘Dr. Brown’s’ bottle. She said it was the only bottle that worked for her son when he had really challenging gas issues. So, we tried it!! Halleluiah! It is a strange looking bottle, but it works wonders. It has not been the complete solution (I’m not sure there is one), but his gas pains have decreased big time. Ahhhh – happy time is back in full effect. Any suggestions for gassy baby? Hit me up at Carmen@987simon.com . Make it a good one!
So here we are, blessed with this beautiful baby boy and I made the choice to formula feed. There’s only one dilemma – how do I know which bottle or bottles to choose when staring at racks and racks of what seems like to be hundreds at Babies R Us???
When I was a little munchkin, it seemed so easy and natural for my parents. They just stuck a bottle in my mouth, probably one they picked up from a local grocery store, and that was that. I have now bought around 5 different types of bottles to try, different nipples, and don’t forget BPA free because, according to the experts, that chemical in plastic may kill my baby. Ok, maybe not kill, but have some screwed up life long-lasting effects.
I read in a local paper that Gerber made plastic bottles, BPA free, and seemed to be the answer to all my mental dilemmas. Let’s just say they are great little bottles, but the milk leaks out from the nipple producing not only a mess, but those god awful things mom fears the most: bubbles!!! Bubbles only mean one thing – gas – and do you know what gas means – screaming baby making faces like the way you look when you are constipated on the toilet. These ‘leaky’ bottles were getting on my last nerve at 3:00 a.m., so I ventured out back to the baby super store to get even more confused. Being this little, it just does not make sense to me to get these huge bottles - I want something small, user friendly, BPA Free, and easy to hand wash. Remind you, as I’m searching these huge shelves, I have had all of 4 hours of sleep (co-parenting is our next subject) - Just when I thought the world of bottles had got the best of me, my friend Chezley brought me over a ‘Dr. Brown’s’ bottle. She said it was the only bottle that worked for her son when he had really challenging gas issues. So, we tried it!! Halleluiah! It is a strange looking bottle, but it works wonders. It has not been the complete solution (I’m not sure there is one), but his gas pains have decreased big time. Ahhhh – happy time is back in full effect. Any suggestions for gassy baby? Hit me up at Carmen@987simon.com . Make it a good one!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Mommy Diaries Take 5 – Carmen Brown
I know I can tend to get philosophical at times, but this is one of those Buddha moments that I could capture in a bottle. Finally, after a long sleepless night, I took a 3 hour nap when Emory got off work –ahhhhh –the feeling of a new mommy’s head hitting the pillow. It’s magical in its own right. After waking up, I fed my little sunshine and now I am chilling on the back patio to silence. The sun is just starting to set, and it is amazing. All of these vibrant colors are popping through the clouds – yellows –orange – golden hints. I think after having a child, I am actually starting to notice all of those ‘little’ things I took for granted before. At some point we grow up and become these people called adults. Yeah, that’s great financially, sexually, and not to mention your right to a great martini, but we forget about that innocence we once embraced. I think that’s a large part of why I am having so much fun with this mommy thing: it’s every excuse and more to look back at the world through a new set of eyes. Trust me, I have my moments where I question what the hell I’m doing, but when I least expect it, it all makes sense once again. Learning something new and fresh everyday has got to be the coolest thing ever. Part of my ‘pre-mommy’ attitude was also getting into a rut of the same ol’ –same ol’. Yeah, we have our laughs in the morning and I absolutely adore my job (I’m not just saying that because my boss is reading this), but when we come home at the end of the day it can become very routine. I had been saying before I got pregnant that I wanted to get back into a hobby like photography or bike riding – scrapbooking – I even considered going back to school to take a culinary class. Spice is the variety of life, and I get bored very easy! Thank god for my calling as a radio host because you guys always throw me a bone to play with! Just when I thought life was getting too routine for my taste, I saw that little stick that said ‘YES YOUR PREGNANT’!! Now, I’m going to be honest with you, I had a total freak out fest! My mouth dropped wide open, and I’m not even sure I could speak for the first 5 minutes. No – it couldn’t be – how was I going to do this, what about my crazy schedule, what about the fact I have never really even held a newborn, Oh God – Help!!! I was sitting all by myself in the living room and was in complete denial. So what does every good woman do – Call my OBGYN and demand I come in immediately and do a urine test. How could a test from a drug store possibly be right? Who do they think they are (ha-ha)!! So I called the doctor’s office and said ‘I need to see you RIGHT AWAY!!’ They informed me that they were packed and did not really have time at the moment, but to come in later. Oh no – I was not even trying to hear that. I cried and pleaded and eventually they felt sorry for me and said ‘be here in 5 minutes’. That was that. I got in my car and drove like a crazy women not knowing that day was about to change my life forever. At this point, I had not called Emory, because remember – I’m still in denial. They gave me a little cup, it took all of 3 seconds to put that stick in it, and the nurse said with a HUGE smile ‘Congratulations, your pregnant!!’ If you could have seen the look on my face, it was priceless. I knew I wanted to have kids one day, but I had no idea that today was the day!! I remember the nurse sitting me down in room and handing me box of tissue with a confused look her face. It wasn’t like I was 18 years old in an after school special, I was old enough and mature enough to be at a point in my life when women start thinking about having children! I left the doctor’s office confused, happy, not knowing really what to think. All I knew was that Emory was in for the surprise of his life! I waited for him to come from work and we had the ‘talk’. Let’s just say that was the beginning of the rest of our lives. It was amazing to go from 5 weeks pregnant and look at him today and think to myself ‘that lived inside of me!!” Wow! It’s hard to believe that little boy was curled up for 9 months inside my tummy. When I have my 2nd child (did I already say that) I at least have some idea of what is balled up all cozy inside that big belly! Ok –I am already talking about more kids – Let me sign off on that note. Make it a good one!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Mommy Diares Take 4- Carmen Brown
First of all, what in the world was I thinking when I scuffed down that blueberry muffin really fast this morning! Ahhhh- -my tummy feels like there is another baby floating in the first trimester. It’s become a morning ritual – change diaper, fix bottle, feed Tyson, pack baby in car and head down to the local coffee shop. I’m not sure how I could survive sleepless nights without a shot or two of espresso. There are certain things we take our moms advice on, and one of them - don’t take the baby out in crowded places before they are at least a month old.
So, with that being said, the only 2 places we venture to is the coffee shop and walks in the park in the stroller. Life with a newborn is a rewarding job and very tiring at the same time. Anybody who tells you different is full of it or has a round the clock nanny. Some nights we sleep 4 hours straight through without interruptions, and then other nights we get 2 hours here – 2 hours there. Lately it has been the 2 hour plan as my body is used to getting up and down. In fact, I was so tired the other night, I woke at like 3 a.m. to fix his bottle and kicked the entire trash can over in the kitchen. I actually debated whether or not to even pick it up or see if I could make it magically disappear. Needless to say my magic wand broke, so I was scrubbing the floor with what I think was Windex (not sure).
The first week home I ran on pure adrenaline, but now I’m feeling the effects of sleepless syndrome. I’m taking applications for overnight nannies (just kidding)!
Well, the good news to this reality check is that even when I am exhausted to no end, Tyson opens those beautiful blue eyes and stares at me and I swear he is saying ‘Thank you Mommy’. Call me crazy, but he talks just by looking at me – or maybe he’s telling me I should really do something with my hair and find a new pair of sweat pants!! Now if he starts singing Bruce Springsteen lyrics check me in to the mental ward (ha-ha)! Alright, I have a good hour to doze before we drink some more milk!! Yummm!! Make it a good one!
So, with that being said, the only 2 places we venture to is the coffee shop and walks in the park in the stroller. Life with a newborn is a rewarding job and very tiring at the same time. Anybody who tells you different is full of it or has a round the clock nanny. Some nights we sleep 4 hours straight through without interruptions, and then other nights we get 2 hours here – 2 hours there. Lately it has been the 2 hour plan as my body is used to getting up and down. In fact, I was so tired the other night, I woke at like 3 a.m. to fix his bottle and kicked the entire trash can over in the kitchen. I actually debated whether or not to even pick it up or see if I could make it magically disappear. Needless to say my magic wand broke, so I was scrubbing the floor with what I think was Windex (not sure).
The first week home I ran on pure adrenaline, but now I’m feeling the effects of sleepless syndrome. I’m taking applications for overnight nannies (just kidding)!
Well, the good news to this reality check is that even when I am exhausted to no end, Tyson opens those beautiful blue eyes and stares at me and I swear he is saying ‘Thank you Mommy’. Call me crazy, but he talks just by looking at me – or maybe he’s telling me I should really do something with my hair and find a new pair of sweat pants!! Now if he starts singing Bruce Springsteen lyrics check me in to the mental ward (ha-ha)! Alright, I have a good hour to doze before we drink some more milk!! Yummm!! Make it a good one!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Mommy Diaries Take 2 & 3- Carmen Brown
All Is Right With The World As Long As I Have You – Carmen Brown
Yesterday morning I woke to these thoughts running through my head, as cuddled my son in bed. All is right with the world as long as I have you. In the first week everything seemed like such a blur. I wasn’t even sure who had come to visit me in the hospital. Ahhh –The beginning of motherhood, trying to put one foot in front of the other, not knowing what to expect next and learning as you go along. I am writing to all new mothers and fathers who are starting this journey and maybe we can figure out a couple of things together! It is now going on week three and home for a full week. As you know, I had a caesarian and my doctors kept a tight eye on me and the baby for a good while. One of my biggest fears was coming home with this newborn baby, not knowing what to do (even with all the books in the world), figuring out what to do and how to do it, and introducing Tyson to the dogs. That was huge for me. My dogs have been my babies for so long, I could not bear the thought of something going wrong. Every obstacle I like to look at as a challenge so I’m not so overwhelmed. So, we walked in the house and did it. It did not take long for the dogs to adjust, but I was not letting go of the baby for 2 seconds. I pulled an all nighter, pacing the floors, checking to make sure he was breathing, learning how to prepare his bottle, trying to figure out the whole swaddle ordeal, and thoughts going on and on of what I had to do next. We just want to give it our all as first time parents and do everything right. Finally Emory had to carry me off to bed and force me the lay down because I was failing to realize I had just had major surgery. That’s the next topic of discussion! To every mom who has had a caesarian, the pain seems to hide itself as we care for our babies and then eventually it will catch up with us when we least expect it. My only bit of advice is TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! Now, as I say that to you, I am up doing 3 loads of laundry (go figure). When family offers help –YOU TAKE IT!! If somebody wants to cook your favorite dish, don’t argue. Tyson is blessed to have all his grandparents on both sides and they have been a HUGE help. I would have not slept last night if Emory’s mom would have not spent the night. Emory and I are learning we need to nap when the baby naps, and sometimes that is SOOOOO hard to do. It is a MUST though! We share equal parenting duties. We have always worked as a team in our relationship, so that has flowed over into our new parent roles. It is so important to have a support team, whether it be a friend, husband, mom, sister…whomever!! Let me take this moment and say how much I look up to single moms. BLESS YOU! I’m not sure how you do it, but you are the strongest breed of all. I look at all my single mom friends in a whole new light now. How in the hell do you do it! So, we have made it. The first 2 weeks of the honeymoon face – baby sleeping like an angel, very little crying, little eyes opening here and there. Entering week three is totally a big turnaround. Tyson is starting to notice the big world around him and his body functions are starting to catch up to normal. What does this mean? Now my real parenting skills are being put to the ultimate test. He is now crying off and on for extended periods of time, is he getting colic? Does he have blow out gas issues? Is he allergic to his formula? Do I need to do more to try to sooth him in these moments of break downs? These are real questions running through my head, and I think I’ll seek advice on how to enter this 3rd week armed with as much knowledge as possible – you know the drill –Let’s call his doctor and she can guide us in the right direction!! Even though she does not have psychic powers (how I wish she did!), she will be able to educate us on what to look for when it comes to real issues verses just fussy baby syndrome. We all have off days, right? I’m hoping these crying spells are nothing serious, just a case of I want my mommy to cuddle and love me. He seems to calm down when I rock him in a little ball, sort of like he was in the womb. Here comes an entire new chapter I will keep you updated on, but for now, it’s time to get mommy a cup of coffee and a Tylenol! For now, make it a good one! J
****************************************************
Since we have covered the beginning of week three in baby land, let’s talk about some new mommy issues. These are the issues they never talk about in the pretty paperback books and if they do it’s such a polite way – Martha Stewart way of putting it. So, let’s get down to it and maybe once again we can help each other out here!
Ok, so you're home from the hospital and you have tried many times to ‘go number 2’ and it seems like it will never happen as your stomach gets bigger and bigger from all that gas. As I looked in the mirror for the first time, I felt like I was 5 months pregnant! Ahhhhh –It hurts, right? Now if you are lucky and never had this problem, then please refrain from comments. The nurses never really talk about it for your short stay in the hospital other than that general comment ‘have you gone yet?’ Yeah right!! Let me be the first to tell you whether you have had a caesarian birth or the good ol’ fashion way, expect this to haunt you in the first couple of weeks. Don’t panic!!
My best advice is to stock up on these items: Colace (a type of stool softner that works wonders, but expect it to take time), Preparation-H (laugh now, but trust me, it will be your best friend), Tux medicated wipes (the best thing since white bread), and very mild laxatives. Also, I have added into my diet a variety of fiber heavy items. Whichever works for you –eat it, drink it, love it! The more you eat fresh veggies and drink fluids every day, the better off you will be. Here is part two of what they did tell me in that stupid book – where did my appetite go? After having a major surgery, it has been almost impossible for me to hold solid foods down without getting completely sick to my stomach. Try oatmeal. Before I checked in for my vacation at the hospital, I hated oatmeal – well guess what – now I love it and eat it every morning. Maybe it’s the blandness of it that settles well with me. Not sure on that one. Also, ginger ale and sierra mist have also treated me well.
Whatever you do, take it easy. My doctor had to remind me last week that this would be a 6 week healing process (even though I was out of the bed walking 4 hours after my surgery). Maybe I should have chilled a bit more, but live and learn, right? I am now able to drive after 2 long weeks of driving mrs. Daisy (ha-ha), so that feels great. You will be told not to pick up anything heavier than your baby, and take that advice. You will regret it in pain if you try to overdo it – trust me, I thought I was superwoman – WRONG. I ended up in bed for a couple of days going ‘why did I not listen to that woman in the white coat’.
Here is my theory ‘Happy Mommy – Happy Baby’ so make sure to take care and be gentle with your body. It will get better, I promise. Just give it time! For now, Tyson is sleeping, so I am going back to ‘nap’ until we drink another scrumptious bottle! Make it a good one!
Yesterday morning I woke to these thoughts running through my head, as cuddled my son in bed. All is right with the world as long as I have you. In the first week everything seemed like such a blur. I wasn’t even sure who had come to visit me in the hospital. Ahhh –The beginning of motherhood, trying to put one foot in front of the other, not knowing what to expect next and learning as you go along. I am writing to all new mothers and fathers who are starting this journey and maybe we can figure out a couple of things together! It is now going on week three and home for a full week. As you know, I had a caesarian and my doctors kept a tight eye on me and the baby for a good while. One of my biggest fears was coming home with this newborn baby, not knowing what to do (even with all the books in the world), figuring out what to do and how to do it, and introducing Tyson to the dogs. That was huge for me. My dogs have been my babies for so long, I could not bear the thought of something going wrong. Every obstacle I like to look at as a challenge so I’m not so overwhelmed. So, we walked in the house and did it. It did not take long for the dogs to adjust, but I was not letting go of the baby for 2 seconds. I pulled an all nighter, pacing the floors, checking to make sure he was breathing, learning how to prepare his bottle, trying to figure out the whole swaddle ordeal, and thoughts going on and on of what I had to do next. We just want to give it our all as first time parents and do everything right. Finally Emory had to carry me off to bed and force me the lay down because I was failing to realize I had just had major surgery. That’s the next topic of discussion! To every mom who has had a caesarian, the pain seems to hide itself as we care for our babies and then eventually it will catch up with us when we least expect it. My only bit of advice is TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! Now, as I say that to you, I am up doing 3 loads of laundry (go figure). When family offers help –YOU TAKE IT!! If somebody wants to cook your favorite dish, don’t argue. Tyson is blessed to have all his grandparents on both sides and they have been a HUGE help. I would have not slept last night if Emory’s mom would have not spent the night. Emory and I are learning we need to nap when the baby naps, and sometimes that is SOOOOO hard to do. It is a MUST though! We share equal parenting duties. We have always worked as a team in our relationship, so that has flowed over into our new parent roles. It is so important to have a support team, whether it be a friend, husband, mom, sister…whomever!! Let me take this moment and say how much I look up to single moms. BLESS YOU! I’m not sure how you do it, but you are the strongest breed of all. I look at all my single mom friends in a whole new light now. How in the hell do you do it! So, we have made it. The first 2 weeks of the honeymoon face – baby sleeping like an angel, very little crying, little eyes opening here and there. Entering week three is totally a big turnaround. Tyson is starting to notice the big world around him and his body functions are starting to catch up to normal. What does this mean? Now my real parenting skills are being put to the ultimate test. He is now crying off and on for extended periods of time, is he getting colic? Does he have blow out gas issues? Is he allergic to his formula? Do I need to do more to try to sooth him in these moments of break downs? These are real questions running through my head, and I think I’ll seek advice on how to enter this 3rd week armed with as much knowledge as possible – you know the drill –Let’s call his doctor and she can guide us in the right direction!! Even though she does not have psychic powers (how I wish she did!), she will be able to educate us on what to look for when it comes to real issues verses just fussy baby syndrome. We all have off days, right? I’m hoping these crying spells are nothing serious, just a case of I want my mommy to cuddle and love me. He seems to calm down when I rock him in a little ball, sort of like he was in the womb. Here comes an entire new chapter I will keep you updated on, but for now, it’s time to get mommy a cup of coffee and a Tylenol! For now, make it a good one! J
****************************************************
Since we have covered the beginning of week three in baby land, let’s talk about some new mommy issues. These are the issues they never talk about in the pretty paperback books and if they do it’s such a polite way – Martha Stewart way of putting it. So, let’s get down to it and maybe once again we can help each other out here!
Ok, so you're home from the hospital and you have tried many times to ‘go number 2’ and it seems like it will never happen as your stomach gets bigger and bigger from all that gas. As I looked in the mirror for the first time, I felt like I was 5 months pregnant! Ahhhhh –It hurts, right? Now if you are lucky and never had this problem, then please refrain from comments. The nurses never really talk about it for your short stay in the hospital other than that general comment ‘have you gone yet?’ Yeah right!! Let me be the first to tell you whether you have had a caesarian birth or the good ol’ fashion way, expect this to haunt you in the first couple of weeks. Don’t panic!!
My best advice is to stock up on these items: Colace (a type of stool softner that works wonders, but expect it to take time), Preparation-H (laugh now, but trust me, it will be your best friend), Tux medicated wipes (the best thing since white bread), and very mild laxatives. Also, I have added into my diet a variety of fiber heavy items. Whichever works for you –eat it, drink it, love it! The more you eat fresh veggies and drink fluids every day, the better off you will be. Here is part two of what they did tell me in that stupid book – where did my appetite go? After having a major surgery, it has been almost impossible for me to hold solid foods down without getting completely sick to my stomach. Try oatmeal. Before I checked in for my vacation at the hospital, I hated oatmeal – well guess what – now I love it and eat it every morning. Maybe it’s the blandness of it that settles well with me. Not sure on that one. Also, ginger ale and sierra mist have also treated me well.
Whatever you do, take it easy. My doctor had to remind me last week that this would be a 6 week healing process (even though I was out of the bed walking 4 hours after my surgery). Maybe I should have chilled a bit more, but live and learn, right? I am now able to drive after 2 long weeks of driving mrs. Daisy (ha-ha), so that feels great. You will be told not to pick up anything heavier than your baby, and take that advice. You will regret it in pain if you try to overdo it – trust me, I thought I was superwoman – WRONG. I ended up in bed for a couple of days going ‘why did I not listen to that woman in the white coat’.
Here is my theory ‘Happy Mommy – Happy Baby’ so make sure to take care and be gentle with your body. It will get better, I promise. Just give it time! For now, Tyson is sleeping, so I am going back to ‘nap’ until we drink another scrumptious bottle! Make it a good one!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Baby News by Carmen Brown
Finally the day we have waited on for so long is here! Tyson Isaiah was born July 1, 2008. He is now 10 days old and life has changed completely! I know we hear everybody say this over and over, but I never knew love could be this strong, could make my heart stop at one glance, I never knew I could give so much of myself to another little life.
Mommy and baby are doing great (he is sleeping right now, so I can blog for the first time!)
Tyson came out like a champ at 7pds.And 4 oz. We had to stay in the hospital for a week and Tyson spent time in intensive care for the first day. We went through MANY hours of labor before the doctors finally decided a caesarean was needed. I guess he is stubborn like his mom! He just was not going to budge. I pushed for almost 4 hours, so that was that. We were both tired and needed a plan B at that point. Coming home from the hospital was a major transformation, but it went a lot smoother than I thought.
If you know me well, you know I have dogs, so we had to allow a slow transition to allow the puppies to understand what was going on. It only took about 24 hours and the dogs transitioned great. They actually check on Tyson constantly to make sure their new little friend is OK. Life being a new mommy is the best job I have ever had (not that I don’t love Jeff and Skip –ha-ha). The sleepless nights and around the clock care has come very easy to me. Yes, it is hard and we catch ourselves rubbing our eyes, but I cannot get enough of my baby boy! Everyday it’s something new. It makes me smile just to get a glimpse of his eyes slowly opening. He is exploring the world we take advantage of everyday, but think about it, everything is new to him. It’s the gift of innocence. It’s the beauty of the unknown. God is good. One thing I have learned the most through this experience is that the best things in life are unplanned. It’s the one’s that knock us off our feet when we least expect it. Love is the most powerful force in this world.
Ok- Baby needs a bottle! I will check back in very soon!!! Don’t forget to check out the website 987simon.com to see pics as I put them up. Thank you for all your love, prayers, and support. It means so much to me and my family. I truly love you guys, and I will be back soon. Right now I am starting my family and making every moment count. If you would like to email me directly, I would love to hear from you. Carmen@987simon.com Make it a good one! Carmen
Mommy and baby are doing great (he is sleeping right now, so I can blog for the first time!)
Tyson came out like a champ at 7pds.And 4 oz. We had to stay in the hospital for a week and Tyson spent time in intensive care for the first day. We went through MANY hours of labor before the doctors finally decided a caesarean was needed. I guess he is stubborn like his mom! He just was not going to budge. I pushed for almost 4 hours, so that was that. We were both tired and needed a plan B at that point. Coming home from the hospital was a major transformation, but it went a lot smoother than I thought.
If you know me well, you know I have dogs, so we had to allow a slow transition to allow the puppies to understand what was going on. It only took about 24 hours and the dogs transitioned great. They actually check on Tyson constantly to make sure their new little friend is OK. Life being a new mommy is the best job I have ever had (not that I don’t love Jeff and Skip –ha-ha). The sleepless nights and around the clock care has come very easy to me. Yes, it is hard and we catch ourselves rubbing our eyes, but I cannot get enough of my baby boy! Everyday it’s something new. It makes me smile just to get a glimpse of his eyes slowly opening. He is exploring the world we take advantage of everyday, but think about it, everything is new to him. It’s the gift of innocence. It’s the beauty of the unknown. God is good. One thing I have learned the most through this experience is that the best things in life are unplanned. It’s the one’s that knock us off our feet when we least expect it. Love is the most powerful force in this world.
Ok- Baby needs a bottle! I will check back in very soon!!! Don’t forget to check out the website 987simon.com to see pics as I put them up. Thank you for all your love, prayers, and support. It means so much to me and my family. I truly love you guys, and I will be back soon. Right now I am starting my family and making every moment count. If you would like to email me directly, I would love to hear from you. Carmen@987simon.com Make it a good one! Carmen
Monday, July 7, 2008
More words from Skip
It was great seeing everyone over the 4th Fest. I was hot in the day and wet that night, but it was great to hear such great music. Thanks to everyone!
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