Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Baby Talk

It's contagious. I wish I had caught it on camera because this moment was priceless. I was singing to McKenzie about her feet, something along the lines of, "I tickle your toe, a do-ba-do-ba do..." and Dustin's brother, who was doing dishes in the same room, chimed in "do-ba-do-ba-do-ba-do-ba-dooooo." I started laughing, he had no idea why. I proceded to tell him that he has a nice singing voice and he looked at me dumbfounded. Apparently he had no idea he was singing along.

He is moving out this weekend into an apartment with a stranger...hope he doesn't sing to her about tickling her toes.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

The 'Rents

Normally I use this blog to keep you updated on baby, but I'm sure some of you are curious about how Dustin and I are doing too. Together with Dustin's brothers, sister-in-law, and some friends, we formed an indoor soccer team. Last night was our first game and if our team name is any indication, "Hurtin' 4 Certain," we're really just in it to get some exercise. We lost 4-1 but we got to spend time together while we were losing so it was fun.

Dustin went back to work last week after a too short xmas break. Work is good, though. He is liking the school and is making good connections there. Unfortunately, some of the kids are still testing him everyday. In his construction class students have now pulled the handle on the emergency safety shower twice (leaving water all over the wood floor) so Dustin has about had it with them. He is working hard to be a visible member of the school community and is now working with a student and the principal to draft a plan for making dugouts for the baseball fields.

He's also keeping busy with side work. He recently completed a rustic mantle for a local campground and he might be putting wood flooring in his colleague's home over his next vacation. Even though it's work, Dustin gets to work in his shop, which he mostly enjoys, and he learns a few new things from each project he takes on.

I was recently hired by Professional Tutors of America (sounds important, huh?) to tutor elementary students. Each student gets two hours of tutoring per week and I can take on as many students as my schedule allows. I haven't started this job yet because I have to get fingerprinted first. I also put an ad on Craigslist and have been working with a 16-year-old boy for over a week now. He doesn't really need academic tutoring, but he doesn't do any school work and is failing all his classes. His dad said that even if I'm just reading the newspaper while his son works it's better than he was doing before. The kid really just needs personal motivation and now I'm another adult in his life trying to get him to do things he doesn't want to do. It's a little awkward, but since the dad is willing to pay me $30/hr I figure it's worth my time.
We try to get out as a family whenever possible. Recently we took a short walk in the woods behind our house to try out the backpack carrier that Matt bought us for Christmas. McKenzie loves being outside and we look forward to warmer days when we can really get some use out of the pack.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Dear Mom and Dad,

I know that technically your lives changed forever when I was born 7 1/2 months ago, but you have no idea what's in store for you. Now that I'm crawling and pulling myself up onto everything I see, your lives are REALLY going to change. Here's a few things you ought to know.

First of all, there's no need for you to put my toys away. I prefer to have them scattered all over the floor and under all the furniture. It makes my travels more interesting.

Oh, and mom, no matter how fast you think you are or how many times you take it away, I will get your shoe into my mouth before you can get there. You better find a secret hiding spot for them, but remember, I'm watching.

I know that you think it's cute when I'm a "nudie baby," but if you don't want me crawling around the house half naked you better learn some new wrestling moves because I'm not easy to pin down.

I LOVE eating and cheerios are fun to put in my mouth, but it's also fun to watch Kona pick up all the food I drop. Sorry if you think that's wasteful.

And while I'm on the subject of Kona, you might want to warn him. I love him very much and he is so fascinating. Anytime he lies even in the same room as me I will go for him. That goes for his toys too (especially his beloved tennis ball).
I know that I look adorable in that Princess towel I got for Christmas...but I'm still going to pee on it before you can get a diaper on me. It's what I do.

Finally, I know that you might not be ready for all this so I'll go a little easy on you at first. I'll be sure to give you lots of smiles to remind you why you love me so much.
With Love,
Your Pumpkin Kenzie :)
P.S. Mom, sorry about the sleeping situation. I just love you so much that I want to see you ALL the time!

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Sleep Campaign Fails, Mom Hangs Head in Shame

Storrs Mansfield, CT- When 28-year-old new mom, Kristen Ricci, took on the challenge of teaching her baby to sleep through the night this past November she never dreamed it would be so hard. After the first week she was feeling great about the progress McKenzie was making. She was falling asleep on her own without being rocked by her mother and each night she cried for a shorter period of time. Unfortunately, just when things were looking up, a couple pearly whites threw a wrench in the works.

Two new teeth, both on the bottom, wreaked havoc on McKenzie's sleep pattern and mom gave up trying to get it back on track until the teeth were completely in. That's when the holidays hit. And this year, they hit hard. Four families, four Christmases and many late nights deemed a sleep routine impossible and, in turn, both mom and baby shared many quiet, late night and early morning moments trying to get baby back to sleep. Just when Ricci thought things couldn't get worse, McKenzie's nose began to run and her usually happy demeanor turned sour. McKenzie wanted to be comforted and only her mama would do.

After a couple of completely sleepless nights and one visit to the pediatrician, Ricci learned that baby Kenzie had an ear infection. Now, with the help of antibiotics, Ricci hopes McKenzie will be able to sleep again. "I know plenty of parents whose kids sleep through the night so there has to be hope for us too," Ricci says, adding, "I haven't had more than three or four consecutive hours of sleep in eight months. I'm tired."