Monday, April 26, 2010

Melanie's Weekly Review: 4/19-4/25

Monday: So Mommy was sick overnight, and she spent a good portion of the morning taking it really easy, eating plain toast and drinking ginger ale. I probably didn't help out her recovery with my feeding requirements - I kinda sap the energy out of her anyway...
Later in the day, Mommy felt a little better so Grandma, Grandpa, Mommy and I went driving around the land to take pretty pictures. The scenery was amazing, but I wasn't the best little model this time - I still don't have enough strength to keep my head up and it was pretty bright so I didn't want to open my eyes. But Mommy has the pictures to go through, and she says she'll post them online soon.
After the photo shoot, we just chilled out at the home, eating potato rolls and potato soup, watching Bonanza and then took a long nap straight through dinner. Well, Mommy slept through dinner. I laid next to her and managed to sneak a meal or two. >:o)

Tuesday: Mommy was feeling a little bit better, but I started to get hungry!! Mommy's lack of appetite and intake of food depleted my food source - I was not happy! It also took Mommy a while to figure out what was wrong - she and Grandma thought I had the same stomach bug. But luckily they figured it out and made me a bottle from what Mommy had pumped. Later Grandma made a big, strong meal for Mommy to eat and Mommy got back on track.

Wednesday: Even though Mommy still wasn't 100%, and I still had some love to give Grandma and Grandpa, we had to go home. We had appointments to keep in Tampa. So we left at the very last minute and got on the road. I'm a pretty decent travel buddy - for three hours. Unfortunately for Mommy, the road trip from Perry to Tampa is at least 4 hours. :)
We arrived to Tampa and had to go directly to Dr. Hiben's for a weight check. I was 8 pounds, 7 ounces last time I was weighed, which was average weight gain. Mommy was concerned my weight wasn't going to be enough because of our stomach bugs. Imagine her surprise when I weighed in at 10 pounds! I'm a little porker!
Then Mommy had her appointment. Hers wasn't nearly as productive or fun as mine. Even though they took 10 vials of blood from her, they still weren't able to determine the cause of her PE. So, Mommy is going to go to a hemotologist to see if he can determine the cause.
When we got home, I was so happy. Not only was it a long day, but I was FINALLY reunited with my Daddy! He sure missed us and we missed him. We spent the night cuddling each other and catching up.

Thursday: I'm 5 weeks old today! I was a bit irritable in the morning, as I'm sure you can imagine. I had a big day yesterday and now I'm realizing that there is 75% less willing hands to hold me during the day than there was yesterday. :( I didn't give Mommy much of a chance to do much in the morning. I fussed every time she put me down. But then mommy put me in a car seat and I was out like a light!
We met Ms. Amy, Ms. Cindy, Ms. Lisa and Ms. Tabitha for lunch at PF Changs for Admin Appreciation lunch. I slept through most of the lunch, but then was passed around with the other desserts for everyone to enjoy. Everyone at Mommy's work is so snuggable, I had a great time there!

Friday: This is one of those days where we did absolutely nothing. There were so few days like this left, so Mommy and I enjoyed it as much as possible. Mommy discovered another use for the baby sling when I refused to be put down while she was cooking dinner. Even the vibrating chair wasn't acceptable! So she wrapped me up and bounced me while cutting up vegetables. My refusal to be put down carried on into the night as I refused to go to bed. Mommy and Daddy tried to put me down from 9:00 to midnight. I had so much fun being fed, rocked, burped and cooed at for 4 hours, but unfortunately I eventually collapsed from exhaustion.

Saturday: We all slept in a little this morning and then slowly made our way out into the real world. Mommy and Daddy went to Buy Buy Baby and Babies R' Us, just browsing the aisles. Mommy and Daddy did buy some formula as a back up/supplement in case Mommy didn't pack enough lunch for my upcoming days with Gramie when Mommy goes back to work.
Then we went grocery shopping , where I WASN'T forgotten this time - thank goodness.
After that, we went home for a relaxing afternoon. Well, that was the plan until Gramie called and said she was on her way with company to see me. I was super excited to meet more adoring fans! After a quick meal, I chilled out while Mommy and Daddy rushed to put the groceries away and tidy up as much as possible before our company arrived. Then I met Ms. Nancy, a longtime friend of Gramies. Aunt Bobbie also came over, and she's so much fun! She loves to talk to me, and I love talking to her!
After my adoring fans left, Mommy and Daddy finished cleaning. Well, Daddy cleaned while Mommy cleaned for 5 minutes at a time - then I insisted she held me. Mommy felt pretty bad about not being "a help" to Daddy, but I have needs too! Mommy then decided we needed to do a mini-home improvement project after cleaning the shower. So we packed up and headed to Lowes. I slept through the whole thing, but Mommy said that was exactly what she needed me to do - so I felt I contributed!

Sunday: We did absolutely nothing again today. And this marks the beginning of the end of Mommy's freedom. She goes back to work full-time on Monday, May 3rd. She's scared, happy and sad about leaving me with Gramie while she returns to "normalcy". I don't even know what that word means... but I'm in denial. She'll never leave me!
Mommy says that we have a lot to do this week, and I'm ready for my next adventure!

Friday, April 23, 2010

Wiggles and Sneezes

I've been meaning to post this video for a while now. On April 6th, Melanie caught a case of the wiggles and sneezes - and I caught it on video! Enjoy!

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Melanie's Weekly Review: 04/12-04/18

Monday: Well, as I said last week I was refusing to settle down for a nap, planning on going to sleep early and waking up just in time for bedtime so Mommy and I can party into the wee hours of the morning. Mommy didn't like my idea though... she woke me up around 7:00. But I still went to bed an hour later than usual! Mommy's trying hard to solidify a nighttime routine so I won't be confused when she goes back to work in May. I understand, but sometimes you got to remind these adults that everything doesn't go according to plan - and I LOVE to remind Mommy of that as often as I can!

Tuesday: Today wasn't a bad day for me... just same ol' same ol' - laying about the house, doing a bunch of nothing. But Mommy? She flipped out. Apparently my refusal to be set down, Tonka's refusal to leave me alone and a pacifier were the cause of an emotional breakdown.
You see, I've been spoiled all my life by being held, so when Mommy tries to lay me down to sleep, I wake back up and fuss until I'm back in her arms again. I see nothing wrong with this!
As for Tonka, he still hasn't gotten used to me yet. Everytime I cry, he barks at me, which makes me cry harder. And then when I'm in his reach he's either sniffing or licking my hands or feet. But he is a good indicator to Mommy when I have a dirty diaper!
This is all normal behavior, so the pacifier was the real catalyst. Mommy didn't realize that Chunk took it from me until it was too late and Chunk and Tonka both destroyed it. I guess my slobber on the pacifier combined with the chewyness of the rubber is just too much for them to resist. This is the second pacifier that they destroyed and Mommy felt helpless, hopeless and responsible all at the same time.
So Mommy called up Daddy and asked him to bring home some chocolate. Then when Daddy came home, Mommy abandoned us and took a quick walk outside. But Mommy came back real soon - she said it was hot and she wasn't feeling well enough to walk anymore. Luckily the walk and chocolate did the trick and Mommy turned normal again.

Wednesday: Again, a whole bunch of nothing happened. But when Daddy came home, he volunteered to take care of me alllll afternoon. It sure is fun to hang out with Daddy! We watched TV in his room - something called Stargate Universe, or something like that. Well, he watched the TV while I watched the wall.

Thursday: Today we ran errands! It was time for Mommy's weekly blood-draw to check her levels, and then we went to the mall for some mall food! Mommy got lo-mein and ice cream. I didn't really approve of her choice of diet - I saw no veggies or fruit or meat in this meal, did you? But I'll find a way to get the nutrients I need!
Later that night, I wasn't satisfied with what Mommy prepared for dinner. So Mommy broke down and gave me a bottle of formula. It wasn't as tasty as I remembered it being, but I still sucked most of it down anyway. I say most of it, because I'm one of the messiest bottle feeders ever!

Friday: We began the day right, with a massive throw up all over Mommy. I tried to tell her I wasn't feeling well, and I was waking her up every 10 minutes to be burped, but she wasn't doing it well enough. So I took matters into my own hands and notified my belly to do it's thing. After the deed was done, I was worried Mommy would be upset with me, but she just looked down at me and asked, "Do you feel better?" I sighed with sheer contentment and then went back to sleep while Mommy took a shower.
Then we met Michelle for lunch - I think I'm going to like this lady! When we were at her office she insisted on holding me the whole time and kept my pacifier readily available in case... wait a second... she was only keeping me happy so I'd be quiet! Well, I'll show her next time! Then Mommy had a cheeseburger. I guess that's a little better than lo mein and ice cream - at least we have beef!
Then when Mommy got home, we went grocery shopping with Daddy. Which wasn't too exciting... until we got to the frozen food isle. After Mommy and Daddy debated over which frozen pizza to get, Mommy said, "Okay, let's go." But Daddy didn't move. Mommy then said, "I'm ready, let's go." Then Daddy pointed out that Mommy was walking away from and about to abandon the stroller - WITH ME IN IT! So Mommy felt a little foolish and careless for a while. I mean really, how can you forget about me?!
After that much activity, you understand that I was tired. So I skipped my 2am feeing time and slept from 10pm - 5am! Mommy sure was happy with me!

Saturday: Daddy took care of me while Mommy packed the car for my very first ROAD TRIP! It took Mommy a whole 2 hours to get us out of the house, and the trunk was stock full of baby equipment. Then we were off to Gainesville for my cousin's birthday party - Wil's, Wyatt's and Elsie's! The road trip was a sucess, I slept most of the way and only started fussing 3 minutes from the house.
We had so much fun at the party - I was passed around from family member to family member and enjoyed their company. Even though it was my cousin's party, I think I was the main attraction! :) But boy - that Elsie sure got into her first birthday cake. I hope I get that much frosting on my cake!
We stayed pretty late, since we were going to Perry that evening. But Grandma rode with us to keep Mommy awake. Mommy and Grandma talked the whole way while I slept the whole way. We got to Perry around 9:30, just in time to meet Great Grandpa and wish him goodnight. Great Grandpa is a sweet guy - he said he's too nervous to hold me but I've managed to slink into his arms a couple of times. I've learned it's hard to say no to me!

Sunday: Today Grandpa and I went to Tallahassee to meet Great Grandma, Great Aunt Karen and Great Uncle Richard. I was on my best behavior, even though Mommy did pull me out of my deep sleep in my carrier... Great Grandma is nice and soft, I loved cuddling with her and Aunt Karen rocked me the whole time she held me. Uncle Richard didn't ask to hold me, but I know he was enjoying me too.
After a few in-town errands, we headed back to Perry just in time for a fish-fry dinner of trout, shrimp, chicken, hush-puppies, fries, grits and salad. Mmmm-mmm! I think I'm going to like visiting Grandma!
After dinner though things went sour, literally. Mommy complained of an upset stomach and went to the bathroom. Seemed to me like Mommy had more than an upset stomach - she was puking and pooping more than I was! The rest of the night, Mommy made frequent trips to the bathroom. So everytime I woke up, Grandma woke up with me to make sure everything was okay and that I wouldn't be abandoned with a halfway done diaper or something while Mommy had to throw up. She's a great big help, isn't she?

Now I know that's the end of my week, but I don't want to leave you guys hanging. Mommy is feeling much better now. She was able to get most of it out of her system over the course of the night. But for more on our trip to Perry, you'll have to tune in next week! We're having a ball!

Monday, April 12, 2010

Melanie's Weekly Review: 4/5-04/11

Mommy said that people really don't want to hear how she's doing - they really want to hear how I'm doing. And you know what I say to that? Smart people! :)

Monday: We went back to Dr. Hiben's for my weight check-up and I gained 7 ounces! So I'm now a whopping 8 lbs, 8 ozs. Dr. Hiben came over to check me out, since Mommy and Daddy wanted him to look at my belly button (my umbilical cord still hasn't detached). He said it'll take a while longer, since Mommy had to give me a bath and get my belly button wet. So now I get to have alcohol rubbed on my belly to dry it out - something I do NOT appreciate. Ouchie!
Dr. Hiben said I was perfect - well, duh! And since he didn't stick me with any needles, I decided not to pee on his exam table this time. ...THIS time...

Tuesday: Gramie stopped by for a nice long visit! I sure like it when she comes over, she holds me practically the whole time. Mommy and Gramie hung out while waiting for Daddy to come home and then we all went to Chilis for a late lunch/early dinner. I ordered the southwestern egg rolls and mini-tacos. But then I fell asleep and Mommy ate my meal! That's just so wrong, I was looking forward to a little variety in my diet.

Wednesday: We did absolutely nothing all day, which meant that Mommy was able to feed me all day - and I sure took advantage of her! Mommy discovered the following day that I was sleep eating for a large portion of the afternoon, which made me very difficult to put down at bed time. Heh! Well, it was nice while it lasted... breakfast in bed.

Thursday: Today was my show and tell day! To prepare, Mommy gave me another bath. She did all right - but didn't follow Dr. Hiben's instruction on keeping my belly button dry. Well, she tried to, but I proved to be a little too squirmy.
Gramie showed up, and we went to the doctor's first so Mommy can do her weekly blood draw. She came back a little weird looking and said they took 10 vials of blood from her to hopefully find out what caused the blood clot. But my Mommy's a warrior - she can take it.
Then we went to Mommy's workplace to show me off and talk to Ms. Amy. We went in and I was surrounded by adoring fans, just as it should be. Mommy went to sit down at her desk to rest, and Ms. Amy and Gramie stayed with me to make sure no one gave me a cold or stomach bug (Mommy says those brokers will work through influenza to close a deal). Everyone wanted me to open my eyes, but I was a little sleepy still from the car ride. I did open one eye a little after a while - my signature "Popeye" face. I slept through most of the office visit, until Ms. Amy changed my diaper (on the conference room table! What a rebel!). After that a few people saw me awake... it couldn't have been prevented. I was awake and hungry! But Mommy, that big ol' meanie, said I'll eat later and we had to go.
So we were able to stop by Daddy's work place, just in time for afternoon break. There weren't as many people there but they made a big enough fuss over me. It was pretty warm so I didn't even wake up a little for them. Daddy was so happy I came by though - he was dying to show me off.

Friday: I threw Mommy for a loop this morning during what seemed like a routine diaper change and dirtied 3 diapers in less than a minute. That has to be a record! But you know, records are meant to be broken, so I'm working on 4! Then I took a quick nap to prepare for FAMILY TIME!
Aunt Betsy, Uncle Jason, Cousin Wil and Cousin Elsie came by to visit me. I think I'm going to like hanging out with my cousins when I get older and we can play together. Right now though, they damage my REM cycle. Aunt Betsy was nice and snuggly though - I like her! We hung out at home and chatted and snacked until Daddy came home. Then after an early dinner we went to the neighborhood park. Again, something that will be more fun for me when I get a little older but it wasn't too hot outside so I just napped in Mommy's arms while Wil and Elsie expelled some pent-up energy. After we said goodbye to them, I crashed and wouldn't wake up till bedtime. :)

Saturday: What a boring day! No one came to visit me today... Mommy and Daddy said they enjoyed having a Saturday to themselves, but I like visitors! Daddy hung out with me in the morning while Mommy slept in. I guess she can't handle my partying hours... wuss! But Daddy had a bottle so we had a good time together. Then Mommy and Daddy cleaned house a little then we went grocery shopping. That's about it... Yeah! Talk about lame!

Sunday: Daddy and I hung out while Mommy slept in again. I don't know why - I gave her 6 straight hours of sleep last night! Mommy said that had something to do with weekends and Daddy wanting to spend time with me. Yeah, whatever Ma - you're pawning me off, I get it. After that, It looked like it was going to be another lame day... until Dana and Ken convinced Mommy and Daddy that we could all go out and see a movie together! So my first movie at a movie theater - Clash of the Titans! It was a little loud, but I didn't add to the soundtrack - Mommy brought me plenty to snack on... although I would have enjoyed some popcorn...

So far, this week is looking a little slower, but I'll do my best to find some way of having my fun! Right now I'm refusing to take a nap. I plan on crashing around 4:30 so I'm good and rested for Mommy's "bedtime". Muah-hahahahahaa!!!

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Melanie's Photo Shoot

Thank you for your patience while I photoshopped! We had a little case of baby acne and I figured I could take care of a few wrinkles on myself while I was at it. :)
If you're interested in ordering any pictures for yourself, I also set these up under Snapfish under the same name. Go here: http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=3711325007/a=30746255_30746255/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

Monday, April 5, 2010

A Review of Last Week, by Melanie Haven Pitt

Hey folks, Melanie here - giving you a review of the highlights of last week.

Monday: Mommy, Grandma and I went to two whole doctors offices! The first doctors office was for Mommy to draw blood, so Grandma and I stayed in the car. After that, we went to Dr. Hiben - he's my pediatrician. I was ready for him too! After getting a vaccine shot, I let him know exactly how I felt about him by peeing all over his exam table. Heh! Shows him! After that I hung out with Mommy, Grandpa, Grandma, Gramie and Daddy... well, I hung out, they did some more home repairs and cleaning. But I was introduced to oldies music. It's not that bad!

Tuesday: Grandma and Grandpa left today. Mommy and I were kinda bummed. Mommy because she says she likes communicating with her parents. I tried to tell her I'm a great listener, but I haven't developed the power of speech yet. As for me, I was bummed because Mommy doesn't hold me as I slept like Grandma and especially Grandpa do. She says I was being spoiled with being held so much and it was turning me into a brat at night. I sure miss my grandparents!
Well, we went to Labor of Love to follow up with our midwife, Bea. It was pretty much a sit down, making sure Mom isn't crazy - I mean making sure she doesn't have postpartum depression. I tell you, Labor of Love was much better than Dr. Hiben's! I was held, not forced to strip to my diaper, didn't get a shot, and cooed over like crazy. That's my kinda doctor appointment!

Wednesday: Mommy made another MD appointment at the last minute to her regular doctor to follow up on her PE. We spent three whole hours at the doctors, trying to figure out what the ongoing treatment plan was for the PE. Come to find out, Mommy's doctor didn't review the hospital records, so Mommy asked them to please follow up with her once they have. What a waste of time!
Then it was my turn to get frustrated. Later that night Mommy decided my milk-neck needed cleaning so she decided to give me a bath. First she doused my entire head in way too much baby shampoo and it ran into my ears and eyes. Then she drowned me in cups of rinse water, completely filling up every hole on my head with water. I screamed at her, "Why don't you just hold me by the ankles and dunk me a couple times while you're at it?". She didn't hear me though. Then she became so frustrated she just did a little wipe down of the rest of my body - the dirtier part! - and dried me off. I wish I could say I got even with her and kept her up all night, but I was too traumatized & exhausted by the whole experience.

Thursday: Not much happened during the day until Gramie and Great-Aunt Bobbie came to visit. Aunt Bobbie sure knows how to rock and I was happy - I was back to being held while I slept! Then Gramie told Mommy and Daddy to go out and have a nice early dinner while she stayed with me. I never saw Mommy move so quickly! I guess I could have been upset, but Gramie's better than Mommy and Daddy anyway. Gramie even gave me a much needed manicure while my parents were away!

Friday: Mommy's lost it - she started cleaning the house... It wasn't that bad, I just had to cry a little bit longer to get attention and Mommy's hands smelled like bleach. But most of the day was spent in my favorite toy - a bouncy, vibrating chair with fishies that gurgle when I kick them. It got better once Daddy came home, he played with me while Mommy finished her cleaning project.

Saturday: Mommy said I was going to get another bath and I flipped out! What did I do to deserve such torture? But it wasn't that bad - Mommy had a new tub she borrowed from Gramie that was my size and it helped out a lot. Sure the bath was a little too warm, but I got used to it. At least Mommy didn't get that much water in my ears this time! And I did smell extra sweet for Family Time!
Gramie came over with my very first easter basket! It was severely lacking in candy, but I guess she didn't want me to spoil my meals with Mommy... oh well, there's always next year. We took lots of pictures with the most annoying contraption I've met yet - bunny ears. Who's great idea was it to make bunny ears for babies? Well, I made Mommy and Gramie quite aware of how I felt about them, that's for sure. I then met Great-Aunt Jay and Great-Uncle Ronnie. They brought over some cute outfits and Aunt Jay tried to get me to open my eyes. Nice try, lady! Afterwards we did what we do best - hung out & chilled out!

Sunday: Happy Easter! The morning was just Mommy and Me while Daddy took Tonka to the dog park, which made me happy. Tonka's all right, I guess, but he's just too hyper for me and he tries to wake me up by licking my hands. In the afternoon we went to Aunt Bobbie's house for lunch. Since I don't have teeth yet to eat, I settled for a long nap instead. I was woken up afterwards to be entertainment. I performed well enough, I think! Everyone loves me.

Now we're on to today. We have a follow-up appointment with that mean ol' Dr. Hiben. Mommy's got a lot more questions for Dr. Hiben and Daddy want's to make sure my belly button is okay, my stub is still in place and it disturbs Daddy.

Friday, April 2, 2010

From Tuesday to Friday - oh what a difference!

Tuesday: woke up around 10:30, made breakfast, visited with Mom and Dad - cried uncontrollably but still wished them a safe journey. Began wondering what the hell did I get myself into. Called Brian, cried that my parents were gone and that I was lonely. Took a shower, somehow... went to an MD appointment with Melanie. Managed to "cook" dinner for Brian (Is it really cooking if all you do is heat up a ham and nuke some potatoes?). Crashed after a couple hours of TV.

Friday: woke up at 9am after only waking up with Melanie twice during the night (huzzah!!). Ate a hearty breakfast, spent a little time with Melanie. Took out the trash, laid down the contact paper under the sink and moved the cleaning supplies back under the sink, washed the dishes, took down the Pack N' Play (we decided to use the crib in Melanie's room instead of having the Pack N' Play next to the bed) did some good old fashioned floor-scrubbing with bleach and elbow grease, spent more time with Melanie, took out the maternity clothes, brought back the regular clothes, then went grocery shopping at Walmart and Publix.

*Lick finger, touch toosh* - tsssst!! I'm on fire, baby!

Melanie herself is also doing well, for those of you reading this for an update on her. She's doing what newborns do best - use the most diapers possible and keep their parent's guessing. It'd be nice to figure out if Melanie is making a routine for us to modify, or if she's playing it by ear.

By the way, I'm not being ungrateful - the thank you cards are on the way!! I've been so blessed with so many of you that I'm just having difficulty keeping up! Love to you all!