A quick note for today

I have had a lot of questions about Peter and his job, I guess I should clarify what is going on.

In October Peter was told that his job was no longer going to be in New Zealand and was moving to Sydney (Australia). Peter and I did not want to move to Oz and figured if we were going to relocate again we would most likely move back home.

So he was made redundant which at the time seemed like a horrible thing, being pregnant and all but in hindsight things have worked out fine. He was supposed to finish up at work at the end of January but as most things go in business they needed him longer and he agreed to stay on until April.

So now a big decision is ahead of us, since we are both unemployed at the moment - Does Peter look for work here or do we look for jobs back home. As always we have not made a decision at this point.

Peter will probably take a month off and then start to look for something. There are lots of jobs here for accountants so he shouldn't have a problem finding something.

It is great having him at home and he really enjoys spending time with Lucas, even though Lucas is sleeping a lot more now so there isn't as much time to play but I am getting moral support as Lucas cries himself to sleep. We are making headway and Lucas is crying less as he goes to sleep which is making my life a lot easier.

Peter's first day home

Today is ANZAC Day in NZ, like rememberance day except here it is a public holiday. So it was Peter's first day off! Lots of fun stuff happening today. I woke up at 7 and fed Lucas. Then Peter took over and got to sleep again (yipee, I could get used to this) until 9 o'clock, believe it or not that is now counted as a sleep in, wow how times have changed for me.

Playing daddy games and having good times, including headbutting balloons - something a Mom would never play - good thing he has a Dad to teach him crazy games, you never know when the skill of balloon headbutting will come in handy. Then Lucas went for a nap (or I should say he was supposed to go for a nap it didnt last very long). Later I went out for coffee and a walk and Peter cut the grass and went to the gym. All and all a pretty exciting day. The rest of the day we shared hanging out with Lucas and enjoyed being a family - good times.

We discovered today that if we act as soon as Lucas starts to seem tired we can get him down with out too much crying - he still cries of course, but less. It means being pretty demanding about it as in "no more pictures he needs to go to bed NOW!", "No not just one more cuddle, bed", "I know it looks like he wants to hang out with us but really he wants to go to bed". We are slowly figuring it out, as seen by our latest family picture with Lucas just about to scream his head off (he still looks pretty cool in his polo shirt though).

Now that Peter and I are both unemployed we need to start thinking (again) about where we want to live. Mr. Beaver and his family and friends in Canada are trying to lure us back to the great white north. While Mr. Bear and his Kiwi friends are enticing us with great tramping and beatutiful beaches. "Lucas where do you want to live?"

I need to remember to stop taking pictures with dirty diapers in the back ground, better yet I need to remember to throw them out as soon as I take them off him or I am going to be in trouble when he starts grabbing at things.

As Lucas is growing I get to dress him up in all the nice clothes that everyone sent down for him. Here is the latest outfit that he has grown into from Pat and Lori - "Thanks guys, I love how soft my pants are"

In case any of you are interested, have changed the settings on the blog so that you can leave comments without having to sign up so if you like feel fee.

Day 3 of the crying

Things are ticking along nicely. Lucas is crying for only 9 minutes (maximum can be 10) before he falls asleep. Still feels like a whole lot longer than that but it seems to be working. He is getting at least an hour of sleep, most times almost 2 hours which is really good. I am actually getting some things done. This morning I had a shower and brushed my teeth (sometimes the teeth get forgotten) Put on some laundry, had breakfast checked my email and now I am writing my blog. Before I would have gotten all of that done in a day not just a morning so things are looking up.

Lucas has been much more happy in the last couple of days and the crying is so much less than it was when he wasn't sleeping.

Today is Peter's last day of work and I think he is really looking forward to having some time off. He hasn't decided what he wants to do next. Any suggestions?

I am having a relaxing day today, not much planned. If the weather holds out we will go for a walk. It is nice to have some days where you don't have to go out. It is such a mission getting him in and out of the car all the time.

Some pictures of a sleeping baby - its a beautiful sight.

Self Settling = Torture for Moms

Today is a big day (maybe too much at once but that seems to be how I work)!

Lucas is getting his first immunization which won't be fun. On top of that I am trying to teach Lucas to self settle. Which really means when he is tired putting him in his bed and letting him cry until he falls asleep. The book ("Oh Baby", by Kathy Fray) tells me that it isn't mean and that he will get over it. It doesn't say anything about me getting over it though.

So this morning we got up at 7am we had some breakfast, a diaper change and then we played for about 30 mins until he started showing tired signs. Then I picked him up and swaddled him tight, kissed him goodnight said "night night" in my most pleasent voice, stuck him in his crib and left the room. He was quiet for a couple of minutes and I was thinking "oh this isn't too hard why didn't we do this earlier?", then the crying started. The book tells me that the crying will follow a particular pattern and it did except since Lucas is used to being rocked or walked to sleep for the last 6 weeks he took a little longer than the book predicts.

Prediction = max 20 mins of crying with breaks in between

Lucas = 45 mins of extreme crying

However I stuck it out and I had a shower and made myself busy all the while trying not to look at the clock (really I looked every couple of seconds - can't believe how long 1 minute can be, I'm sure some minutes have more than 60 seconds). Finally about 10 mins ago there has been no sound coming from his room. He now has about an hour to sleep before we start the same process again. I really hope this works. (As I write this he has been asleep, at least that is what I assume he is doing in there, for 25 mins and he is now crying again - book says that might happen and to let it go, more torture)

We are trying this because Lucas is over tired. We have known it for a while but haven't really known what to do about it. When I was reading about some of the things he should be doing at each stage of his life I realized that if we don't get his sleeping habits under control I won't be able to teach him any of these exciting things since he is a grumpy gus most of the time. This sleeping will help him to be more alert and happy in his awake times. I keep repeating the words my Mom asked me yesterday to remind me why we are doing this. She said to me "Is Lucas ever happy?". The answer simple, when he has had enough sleep yes but most of the time no.

Therefore more sleep = happy Lucas.

Repeat more sleep = Happy Lucas.

One more time More sleep = happy Lucas.

Maybe we should try that again More sleep = happy Lucas.

Pray for strength and patience to get through this and that it works.

All that being said Today this may go out the window because at 11:15 this morning Lucas is going to have some exciting play time. The little guy is going to get the shock of his life as someone he doesn't know in a place he doesn't like will jab him with a sharp needle and make him cry for another reason all together. (Not my idea of a great play time)

Why don't children come with an instruction manual??????

So just to make me happy and for those of you who haven't seen these pictures yet I figured I would post the pictures of Happy Lucas for your enjoyment. Also to remind myself that if this strategy works we will see many more of these smiles and much more often. Wish us luck!!

(Lucas is still crying as I post this!!! AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!)

Opa and Grandma

We had a whirlwind weekend with Opa and Grandma. They came in early Friday morning and we spent the day together. Opa made it all the way through the rugby game but Grandma needed to sleep around 6:30. She has been travelling so much lately she had finally had enough and needed some sleep.

Saturday Elissa and Lynda threw a shower for Lucas and I. It was a lot of fun and some very generous people gave us lots of gifts that we are looking forward to using. It's amazing how many people have wanted to wish us well and let Lucas know he is loved. Feels really good to be remembered that way. Lucas was looking cute as well in his overalls for the special occasion.

Thank you very much to all those people that sent things down with the Matters it really means a lot to us.

Sunday was an easy going day. We put lucas in the front carrier and went for a walk along the water the sun was shining all though is has gotten a little chilly.

Today we are back to normal for a little while. Opa Grandma and Aunt Elissa are basking in the sun in Fiji for the week - very jealous

I thought I would post a video of Peter with Lucas since it is how we spend a lot of our time. Peter was trying to watch playoff hockey but Lucas had other ideas and decided Daddy needed to walk him around and bounce a little to get him to settle down. Earlier today Lucas had a really stinky diaper and Daddy said he would change it - Mom had to take over half way through as Lucas peed all over Dad - his aim is getting better and better! Good job Lucas you picked the right parent to pee on.

A True Kiwi Bloke

Lucas and I have been cooped up inside all week, the rain is still coming down. Today we have had a touch of sunshine but not enough to get out for a walk.

Tomorrow is a big day here, Peter's parents (Grandma and Opa) arrive. We are really looking forward to the visit. I can't wait to have someone else that wants to walk around and dance with Lucas to stop the crying. I am also looking forward to seeing them!

We have had a few new developments. Although Lucas seems to becoming camera shy, every time we get the camera out he stops doing his new talents. Lucas is starting to coo a little bit. Yesterday I taught him how to stick out his tounge which he really enjoyed giving a big smile after he had accomplished it and then what I take as a little giggle (it was probably just a burp). Lots of fun.

Lucas got dressed up in his All Blacks gear this week. Looking sharp! Good thing I got it on him as it is starting to get a little small. I had to undo the top button but we figure he looks more Kiwi than ever, a pretty cool guy!

Weather

Winter is just around the corner and here that means a lot of rain. So today Lucas and I stayed inside to avoid the rain and to catch up on the sleep we missed out on last night.



Yesterday we had some windy weather but no rain until later in the evening so Peter and I were able to take Lucas out for a walk. It was a little chilly and quite windy so Lucas was dressed for winter. Our walk took us along the water, past horses and some mangroves. It would have been nice to introduce Lucas to all these amazing things however miraculously he slept the ENTIRE time. Apparently the expensive buggy we bought is not as enjoyable as the much cheaper front carrier. Good news means I can finally get out of the house for a quick walk without a screamer.



On the rainy days we get to play inside. Lucas is getting better at playing and is actually able to spend more time looking at things. He is good at letting me know when he has had enough though. Enjoy

After reading all the books and following all the rules (Peter will tell you I like to follow rules) you get to a point where they have to be broken just so you can get some things done. We have discovered that Lucas will go for a nap during the day as long as he is laying on his tummy. So rules out the window if it works and I get some time without carrying him around I say we go for it. (It means I am actually typing this post with both hands - it is amazing how much faster it is than my one handed typing, although I am getting much better.) I am paranoid though and check on him every 2 minutes to make sure he is still ok. Lucas is like this crazy puzzle that is changing all the time, books/midwives tell us lots of things and give us some good advice but in the end we have to go with what works for us I guess.

I have heard from quite a few of you that you are enjoying reading the blog and watching the videos. Apparently Lucas has become a celebrity at Pat and Lori's house with his movies being played on the big screen. Thank you for all your comments. I am enjoying writing it and I love being able to share Lucas with those of you that are far away. Stay tuned there are more videos to come

Still growing

Lucas has hit 4 kilos!!! He is now 1 kilo heavier than his birth weight. So Lucas has reflux/heartburn which makes him a bit grumpy at times. We thought he needed food but turns out I was over feeding him which made his tummy hurt and throw up. He has gotten much better now and has actually had a couple of naps during the day, although most of the naps happen in my arms. I thought I would include a picture of him at his finest. Note the bags under my eyes and Lucas's double chin!

Lucas and the Leafs

Lucas spends most of the day awake. He feeds a lot. When I spoke to a midwife the other day for an unrelated issue she seemed to think that Lucas was over tired. She gave me this system of how to settle him in his crib. Which basically involves letting him cry it out. Also using a soother to get him to go to sleep without feeding. Well I tried it for most of yesterday. It was torture! Lucas screamed the house down since he is so used to being carried around until he falls asleep being placed in his bed to go to sleep without an extra gulp of milk was not his cup of tea. I couldn't handle that so I decided to try a soother. I really didnt want to use a soother figuring we could do without it. Since he wouldnt stop crying and I was close to tears listening to him I decided to give it a try. I put the soother in his mouth and presto he stopped crying - until he realized that he wasnt going to get any milk out of it and as you can see from the picture he decided he didnt want anything to do with it. I have tried it a couple of times since to no avail. However I am now back to carrying him around until he falls asleep. Oh well I like having him close as well - hopefully my back holds out.

One Month Old Today

Hard to believe a whole month has gone by already. Time is just flying. In a month we have been taught so many new life lessons, just to name a few.

• A crock pot/slow cooker is the best way to cook a meal (thanks Mom) when you have time in the morning during a nap but you know there will be no time close to dinner time
  
• Baby vomit can make a lot of laundry - three outfits in one day for Mom and Lucas
  
• Sleep is highly over rated
  
• Lack of sleep can make me cry at small silly things
  
• Peter is better at burping than me
  
• Lucas can poo a lot over 300 diapers in one month
  
• Diaper/Nappy rash is red and really hurts a little guys bum
  
• Not all diaper rash creams work on all babies
  
• Hiccups can be cured with something called gripe water
  
• Cold dinners aren't really that bad
  
• TV at 3 in the morning really isn't worth watching
• A clean diaper is fun to poo in
  
• Leaving the house requires meticulous planning and taking with you almost everything your child owns
  
• Babies are loud sleepers
  
• Little boys willys need to be pointing down or they pee right out of the diaper
  
• The mall is the safest place to go for an outing
  
• Going out with friends means all driving seperate so if your kid all of a sudden decides that you should not be out you dont have to ruin everyone elses plans for the day as well as your own
  
• Swaddling can get you a couple more minutes (sometimes hours) of sleep
  
• Babies don't like to be cold
  
• Maternity pants aren't just for women who are still pregnant
  
• You can type really fast with one hand
  
• You can train yourself to use the mouse with your left hand
  
• Babies see in black and white for the first little while
  
• Getting one load of laundry done in a day or loading the dishwasher or sweeping the floor is a huge accomplishment (note only one thing per day is permitted at this stage - Lucas frowns on productivity)
• Washing something red with a load of whites still makes everything pink
• A sleeping baby is a beautiful sight

I am sure there are more things but this is a short list of all the changes that have been happening in our lives so far. People always say when you have a child life changes - that is definelty an understatment. I now look forward to Peter being home so that we can go for a family walk around the block - no tramping or weekends away yet (although there may be a weekend in April - fingers crossed)

Peter Gives it a Go!

It is a hard job feeding the little man all the time so we are giving Peter a try. I was a little nervous that Lucas would not take the bottle or that he would get "nipple confusion" (so it is called). True to form though he doesn't care where the food comes from as long as he is being fed. Peter should be proud that his son is taking after him.

Today Lucas spent some time under his toys and really seemed to be enjoying himself. He swatted away at the little orange flower with the mirror in it staring at it as it swung back and forth. I figured I had a little time so I left him in his room enjoying himself. A couple of seconds later I hear this horrible scream Lucas is crying. I figure oh no maybe the toy fell on him. I run into the room only to find that Lucas had swatted the toy so many times that it was wildly swinging back and forth. Poor little Lucas was almost cross eyed trying to focus and figure out what was going on. So he has learned to look at things and is able to swat at them but really isn't too sure that the two things go together.

We had a great night last night I got 2 4-hour blocks of sleep! I couldn't believe it when I saw the time - thanks little man I feel like a new person

Taking Time Out With Dad

Lucas has taken to like laying on our chests! I think he likes how warm it is. It does mean a lot of walking around with him, but who can complain about that. Peter really likes the time he gets to spend with Lucas. It looks like Lucas is in good hands - big ones anyway!

This week Lucas started focusing on things and actually started to grab and swat his toys. Makes for a lot of time watching him and hoping to see him learn more and more new things.

It is amazing how much time I spend just looking at him. Lots of kisses and hugs are given as well. I am excited for the day he can hug me back. I don't want to rush him though.

The last two days the weather has started to turn to fall. We have had rain and the temp has been a little cooler. It is going to be a new learning curve soon as we dress Lucas for the changing Auckland weather. The secret is to layer which means more clothes and of course more laundry. Hard to believe how much laundry a little guy can make in one day. Likes to keep our washing machine going as much as possible.