Sorry for the long title. This post includes two experiences that have contributed to my now thrown-out, and incredibly painful back.
Air mattresses do not make good trampolines. Plain and simple.
The other night, my husband was lying on the air mattress in the living room, which I had pulled out for Activity Days. As I was sitting above him on the couch, I had a funny thought. Wouldn't it be so awesome if I jumped off the couch, onto the air mattress, knees first, and bounced my husband?! We could then laugh hysterically at my ridiculous antics. Great plan right? Well, the idea was a little too enticing to resist, so I went ahead and took the plunge. WHACK! POP! Moan... As I hit the air mattress, my knees sank right to the ground, producing a hideous popping noise, and bright red marks on my knee caps. My husband, instead of laughing, proceeds to ask me if I'm alright. I manage to move my aching self back onto the couch and while mumbling ouch, confirm that there is no serious damage. My knee has not been the same since. I speculate that this was the first blow that contributed to my back pain.
High chair resistance training, and not on purpose!
A very generous and kind friend of mine, bought us a high chair the other day. As we were trying to assemble it, we were having a very hard time putting two of the pieces together. I had to literally step on the two pieces, to get them in place. Once I got them into place, I figured out that the reason we were having so much trouble, was because the base of the seat was crooked! I looked at the instructions again and realized we had put the pieces together out of order. By the time I had realized this, however, my friend had left, and so I was on my own. Me versus high chair. Again, we had put the pieces together out of order, so naturally my thought process is, pull the parts apart again, fix the crookedness, and put it back together! Genius! One problem: the high chair was ridiculously hard to get together in the first place. How much harder would it be to get apart? Especially now that it was in crooked?
Well, I put my feet on either side of the base, my hands on the back of the chair, and pulled. I pulled and pushed, pushed and pulled, and nothing happened. I put oil in the space where the two parts connected, and still nothing. I even tried putting scissors into the little holes where the buttons that hold the seat back and the base together were, and still NOTHING! I was sooooo frustrated. As I was pulling on the back of the high chair, I started to feel some pain in my lower back, but I would not be defeated! I kept trying and trying to no avail, until I finally gave up. I then realized that I could pull on the lever at the back of the seat and it would adjust the crooked part of the chair. After doing that a couple of times, the chair was perfectly normal, and I had pulled or thrown out my back, trying to fix it for nothing. Needless to say, Friday night the pain started, hitting a peak yesterday morning, and making sitting in church pews today unbearable.
What did I learn from all of this? You guessed it. Air mattresses are not for jumping onto, no matter how funny you might think it could be, and high chairs will always win the battle. Everytime.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Birthday Gifts of the Baby Kind
I recieved 3 birthday gifts today from my dear son Nathaniel. The first requires a little back story:
We had a another blow-out of epic proportions yesterday. Green, smelly, puddle making proportions. You're welcome for the mental picture. I had to take the sheets, and mat off of the bed to wash them. I was also incredibly busy getting things ready for Activity Days that would be taking place at my house later that evening. Well, we get through Activity Days, everyone goes home, and we are exhausted. You can guess what comes next right? We fell asleep on the bed before putting the mat and sheets back on. No big deal right? You wouldn't think so.
So, this morning I wake up, and Vincent is already up with Nathan. Pretty routine, Vince changes his diaper, and then gives Nate to me so I can feed him, and Vince can finish getting ready for school. This morning, Nathan was eating, and had finished all but about an ounce of his bottle, and he starts to choke, due to a faster nipple on his bottle than he's used too. Before I know what's happening, he has projectile vomited all over my nice, clean, un-made bed. No mat to catch it. I of course take care of Nathan, who is covered in breakfast re-runs, and try my best to soak up the wet nastiness that is now my bed. Turns out formula soaks into the mattress really well! I had to put a towel on the bed and press down to get the formula to come out and soak into the towel. The bed took a couple of hours to dry. Needless to say, I will be returning to size 2 nipples for my Avent bottles for at least a while longer. This was present #1.
Present #2 was a lot less messy, and much cuter than the formula re-runs. We went to the pool today, as we usually do on Thursdays for play group, and got into the water. Nathan was happy as can be, chilling like a snow flake in winter, in his little floaty. Eventually, he started to fuss in his little floaty, so I pulled him out and we began to float around the pool together. Out of nowhere, he takes his little right hand, and starts to beat the water with it, making quite the splash! He proceeded to get water in his face and all over me, but I couldn't help but be proud that my son had taught himself how to splash. Nathan even mimicked me splashing later on, and had quite the party with the water. This was present #2.
Present #3 is a combination of a relief, and a nightmare. Nathaniel is getting another tooth in his bottom gums, right next to his deluxe model tooth (the tooth he was born with). I am relieved that the tooth has broken the gums, because Nathan is more himself, but I am terrified at the prospect of him getting more teeth. He is only 6 months after all. I guess the sooner we get it over with the better right? Crankiville here we come... This was present #3.
Put everything together, and you get a soggy, drooly, splash of a birthday, all wrapped up in baby smiles and giggles. It was rough to begin with, but finished out on a high note. I am looking forward to what this new year of life has to bring, and future gifts of the baby kind. I just hope they are a little less wet, and a little less sharp.
We had a another blow-out of epic proportions yesterday. Green, smelly, puddle making proportions. You're welcome for the mental picture. I had to take the sheets, and mat off of the bed to wash them. I was also incredibly busy getting things ready for Activity Days that would be taking place at my house later that evening. Well, we get through Activity Days, everyone goes home, and we are exhausted. You can guess what comes next right? We fell asleep on the bed before putting the mat and sheets back on. No big deal right? You wouldn't think so.
So, this morning I wake up, and Vincent is already up with Nathan. Pretty routine, Vince changes his diaper, and then gives Nate to me so I can feed him, and Vince can finish getting ready for school. This morning, Nathan was eating, and had finished all but about an ounce of his bottle, and he starts to choke, due to a faster nipple on his bottle than he's used too. Before I know what's happening, he has projectile vomited all over my nice, clean, un-made bed. No mat to catch it. I of course take care of Nathan, who is covered in breakfast re-runs, and try my best to soak up the wet nastiness that is now my bed. Turns out formula soaks into the mattress really well! I had to put a towel on the bed and press down to get the formula to come out and soak into the towel. The bed took a couple of hours to dry. Needless to say, I will be returning to size 2 nipples for my Avent bottles for at least a while longer. This was present #1.
Present #2 was a lot less messy, and much cuter than the formula re-runs. We went to the pool today, as we usually do on Thursdays for play group, and got into the water. Nathan was happy as can be, chilling like a snow flake in winter, in his little floaty. Eventually, he started to fuss in his little floaty, so I pulled him out and we began to float around the pool together. Out of nowhere, he takes his little right hand, and starts to beat the water with it, making quite the splash! He proceeded to get water in his face and all over me, but I couldn't help but be proud that my son had taught himself how to splash. Nathan even mimicked me splashing later on, and had quite the party with the water. This was present #2.
Present #3 is a combination of a relief, and a nightmare. Nathaniel is getting another tooth in his bottom gums, right next to his deluxe model tooth (the tooth he was born with). I am relieved that the tooth has broken the gums, because Nathan is more himself, but I am terrified at the prospect of him getting more teeth. He is only 6 months after all. I guess the sooner we get it over with the better right? Crankiville here we come... This was present #3.
Put everything together, and you get a soggy, drooly, splash of a birthday, all wrapped up in baby smiles and giggles. It was rough to begin with, but finished out on a high note. I am looking forward to what this new year of life has to bring, and future gifts of the baby kind. I just hope they are a little less wet, and a little less sharp.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Deep Dodo
The other day I went shopping with my friends for my birthday. We brought Nathan along because Vincent was at school, and I didn't even think about getting a babysitter. Everything was going great! We were trying on clothes, Nathan was happy, we were all finding things we liked, and then the unthinkable happened...
I pulled the stroller out of the dressing rooms, and was perusing the clothings racks when my dear friend went to say hello to Nathan. I said she could pull him out of the stroller if she wanted and she did. When I had finished looking at the items on the rack, I turned around and walked back to where Nathaniel and my friend were. My poor friend was holding Nathan, by the arms, as he stood on the ground as best he could, her hand covered in poop, and so was Nathan. When I asked what happened, she told me that the poop had squirted out of his diaper when she picked him up. I proceeded to wipe her hand, and Nathan down, while we hurriedly told the sales clerk we would be right back. We left our other friend in the dressing rooms, and walked quickly to the Subway next door.
Picture it: I was walking in front, dangling Nate in front of me, holding him by the his armpits and apologizing to people as we passed. My friend walked quickly behing with both the diaper bag and the stroller, trying to open doors, and retain some of our dignity. At least Nathan was calm through the whole experience, because we were quite the sight see! I hope someone got a good laugh.
We make it to the tiny bathroom inside Subway, and there is no changing table. Seriously?! Ugh. Its a good thing diaper bags come with those little changing mats. I pulled mine out, and took off Nate's onesie, changed his diaper and cleaned the poop off of him, and his onesie as best I could, with the help of my friend. She washed her hands as I'm digging through the diaper bag looking for the spare change of clothes that I ALWAYS have with me for just such occasions as this, and I find only a pair of khaki pants. Great. Not only will I go down in infamy as the mom who's child poops all over her friends, I will also be known as the redneck mother who lets her child roam free and wild in the open air, with nothing on save his diaper.
We wander back into Maurice's and my other friend had come out the dressing rooms wondering where on earth we had gotten too. We explained the situation as the sales clerk proceeds to tell us how she thinks its great that he's so "free." She calls the other sales clerk over to look at Nathan in all his glory. Again, at least Nathan was happy with being naked. He was smiling at everyone and having a great old time!
We made our purchases, and left the store with my naked son in tow, and funny memories that will last a life time.
Definitely a banner day in the crazy territory that is Mommahood. This has been one shopping trip that I will never forget.
I pulled the stroller out of the dressing rooms, and was perusing the clothings racks when my dear friend went to say hello to Nathan. I said she could pull him out of the stroller if she wanted and she did. When I had finished looking at the items on the rack, I turned around and walked back to where Nathaniel and my friend were. My poor friend was holding Nathan, by the arms, as he stood on the ground as best he could, her hand covered in poop, and so was Nathan. When I asked what happened, she told me that the poop had squirted out of his diaper when she picked him up. I proceeded to wipe her hand, and Nathan down, while we hurriedly told the sales clerk we would be right back. We left our other friend in the dressing rooms, and walked quickly to the Subway next door.
Picture it: I was walking in front, dangling Nate in front of me, holding him by the his armpits and apologizing to people as we passed. My friend walked quickly behing with both the diaper bag and the stroller, trying to open doors, and retain some of our dignity. At least Nathan was calm through the whole experience, because we were quite the sight see! I hope someone got a good laugh.
We make it to the tiny bathroom inside Subway, and there is no changing table. Seriously?! Ugh. Its a good thing diaper bags come with those little changing mats. I pulled mine out, and took off Nate's onesie, changed his diaper and cleaned the poop off of him, and his onesie as best I could, with the help of my friend. She washed her hands as I'm digging through the diaper bag looking for the spare change of clothes that I ALWAYS have with me for just such occasions as this, and I find only a pair of khaki pants. Great. Not only will I go down in infamy as the mom who's child poops all over her friends, I will also be known as the redneck mother who lets her child roam free and wild in the open air, with nothing on save his diaper.
We wander back into Maurice's and my other friend had come out the dressing rooms wondering where on earth we had gotten too. We explained the situation as the sales clerk proceeds to tell us how she thinks its great that he's so "free." She calls the other sales clerk over to look at Nathan in all his glory. Again, at least Nathan was happy with being naked. He was smiling at everyone and having a great old time!
We made our purchases, and left the store with my naked son in tow, and funny memories that will last a life time.
Definitely a banner day in the crazy territory that is Mommahood. This has been one shopping trip that I will never forget.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Nathaniel Edward Methot: My Firstborn Son
On January 16, 2012, at exactly 7:32 pm, Nathaniel Edward Methot was born (for deets on labor/delivery, please see my other blog: themethotexperience.blogspot.com. It is the post entitled: A Child is Born). Nathan weighed in at 7 lbs 11 oz, and was 20.5 inches long. He has my nose, and Vincent's toes and eyelashes. Nate is the most adorable baby boy on the face of planet earth.
Nathaniel was born with a tooth! It was like we got the deluxe model baby, with a tooth included, and red hair!
We tried to breastfeed, but due to a high pallet in his mouth, he couldn't get a good latch. He takes a bottle well, and everyone is much happier. Especially Momma, because this means Daddy can also get up in the night with him if he cries for food. (He currently sleeps through the night, but it was great that Vince could help out when Nathan wasn't sleeping through the night. Momma needs her rest too)!
Nathan started to roll over at 4 months, and has been rolling all over, ever since. He is currently 6 months old, gets up on his hands and knees, smiles at everyone (with the cutest, cheesiest little toothy grin that just plain melts your heart), and is generally a good natured little man.
Nate (as Vince calls him) is very into faces and pulling peoples hair. If you have a face, he will grab it. If you have hair that hangs down, he will grab that too. He is one strong little boy! If he grabs your hair, there is no garuntee that you will be getting it back... EVER!
Nathan is such a blessing in my life. He lights up the world around him with his sweet smile, and playful nature. He is my little ray of sunshine, and I can't imagine life without him. I am one happy Momma!
Nathaniel was born with a tooth! It was like we got the deluxe model baby, with a tooth included, and red hair!
We tried to breastfeed, but due to a high pallet in his mouth, he couldn't get a good latch. He takes a bottle well, and everyone is much happier. Especially Momma, because this means Daddy can also get up in the night with him if he cries for food. (He currently sleeps through the night, but it was great that Vince could help out when Nathan wasn't sleeping through the night. Momma needs her rest too)!
Nathan started to roll over at 4 months, and has been rolling all over, ever since. He is currently 6 months old, gets up on his hands and knees, smiles at everyone (with the cutest, cheesiest little toothy grin that just plain melts your heart), and is generally a good natured little man.
Nate (as Vince calls him) is very into faces and pulling peoples hair. If you have a face, he will grab it. If you have hair that hangs down, he will grab that too. He is one strong little boy! If he grabs your hair, there is no garuntee that you will be getting it back... EVER!
Nathan is such a blessing in my life. He lights up the world around him with his sweet smile, and playful nature. He is my little ray of sunshine, and I can't imagine life without him. I am one happy Momma!
Friday, July 20, 2012
Introduction: Welcome to Methotville
There once was a boy and a girl. They fell in love, and got married. Soon after that, this boy and girl decided to expand their little family and welcomed a healthy baby boy on January 16, 2012. Welcome to Methotville.
This blog is a place for me to share my experiences as a new momma. I am excited, and terrified all at the same time, at the prospect of being responsible for someone other than myself. I do know this however, there is no greater love on this earth than the love a mother has for her child.
Spoiler alert: This blog may or may not contain some or all of the above: blackmail pictures, baby smiles, cute videos, happy memories, baby poop, bath time, mishaps, success stories, nap time, spit-up and lots of love. You have been warned...
This blog is a place for me to share my experiences as a new momma. I am excited, and terrified all at the same time, at the prospect of being responsible for someone other than myself. I do know this however, there is no greater love on this earth than the love a mother has for her child.
Spoiler alert: This blog may or may not contain some or all of the above: blackmail pictures, baby smiles, cute videos, happy memories, baby poop, bath time, mishaps, success stories, nap time, spit-up and lots of love. You have been warned...
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