After some trying episodes with Ellie on Monday night and Tuesday afternoon, things settled down. The rest of the week was pretty easy by comparison, and that's that.
-ED
Sunday, September 30, 2007
All is well
After some trying episodes with Ellie on Monday night and Tuesday afternoon, things settled down. The rest of the week was pretty easy by comparison, and that's that.
-ED
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
It finally happened...
Ellie's been a wonderful baby thus far. We have no complaints whatsoever. With that said, EM had to work late last night and I ran into my first real tough time with the little one. I didn't try any new tricks to work through it, I just waited for EM to get home and do what only a mother can do. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a very long and painful wait.
Today, Ellie revisited last night's ugly pattern. This time I lasted about an hour before I decided it was time to try a new trick. I've read about it, I've heard others talk about it and I figured it was just a matter of time before I had to do it myself... the car ride. So screaming and fussing, I put the little one in her car seat and off we went. Once the car started, the fussing stopped. Then, after a few miles, she was out. We came home, I put her in the crib and all was right with the world again.
It's trying times like today and last night that really test a parent's resolve. However, I then read the paper and everything was put in proper perspective. Please hug and love your children more and, as you do, say a prayer for Keri, Copeland and Kellyn.
-ED
Today, Ellie revisited last night's ugly pattern. This time I lasted about an hour before I decided it was time to try a new trick. I've read about it, I've heard others talk about it and I figured it was just a matter of time before I had to do it myself... the car ride. So screaming and fussing, I put the little one in her car seat and off we went. Once the car started, the fussing stopped. Then, after a few miles, she was out. We came home, I put her in the crib and all was right with the world again.
It's trying times like today and last night that really test a parent's resolve. However, I then read the paper and everything was put in proper perspective. Please hug and love your children more and, as you do, say a prayer for Keri, Copeland and Kellyn.
-ED
Saturday, September 22, 2007
The week in review...
For some reason this was a week in which I just couldn't get my blogging done. It wasn't especially busy or anything like that, I just couldn't get it done. So here is a very brief overview of what happened during the second full week of daddy daycare: we went to EM's work and had lunch with EM as we celebrated Ellie's three months of life; AK came by with some great clothes for the birthday girl; we went for a couple of walks; Ellie spent some time with Nanny; and Ellie, EM and AK, among others, went to Rock the Block. I think that's it... those are the highlights of the week that was. Again, not overly busy and nothing real exciting... just a nice, full week... which is fine by me.
-ED
-ED
Monday, September 17, 2007
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Change
Today, instead of daddy daycare we have nanny daycare. Between me needing to get some yard work, etc., completed and Nanny not being able to turn away an opportunity to be with Ellie, we made the change. I worry a little bit that Ellie will be difficult since this is a break from her norm; however, then I think about Nanny raising EM (and Ellie's uncle) and I realize Nanny's had to deal with much worse. Miss you, baby girl! Thanks, Nanny!
-ED
-ED
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Where were you?
I wasn't planning on posting today.
Normally, I'll reflect on a posting idea for a day or so before I make a decision to post or not - I just try to piece it together in my head before sharing it with the world. However, something I saw just a few minutes ago compelled me to enter a post about today's sad, sad anniversary.
Today is a clear, sunny Tuesday... just as it was six years ago. Today I'm off from work... just as I was six years ago. And as I was flipping the channels, MS NBC was broadcasting the event, in real time... just as it happened six years ago. Right then and there I was transported back to that awful, awful time.
Over the generations, people have asked one another "where were you?" It's a simple question that recognizes the incredible impact one event can have on so many lives. It happened when the Challenger exploded, it happened when Kennedy was assassinated, it happened when Pearl Harbor was attacked, just to name a few; and now, of course, it is a question asked in reference to this tragic day six years ago.
EM and I had just left a home improvement store with some painting supplies for a kitchen remodel. We stopped at a local paint store to obtain one item that the other store didn't have. When we tried to get service, we realized that the store staff was mesmerized by the images on the TV so we innocently asked what was going on never even imagining what we would hear and see next. So there we stood, like the others, frozen to the story and the images unfolding in front of us.
As we drove home we intently listened to the radio for more information; and, when we arrived home we tuned into the news for more of the same. It was a long, long painful day and all I could do was stare, and sob, while trying to absorb the magnitude of it all. I hope to never again feel the feelings I felt that day, but I know it's just a matter of time before I do.
I don't recall exactly when, but we learned in the moments following those despicable acts that a member of EM's family perished in the Pentagon. I never met Patrick Dunn. I don't know much about him other than what has been written which includes the heart-wrenching fact that his wife was three months pregnant when he died.
When EM was three months pregnant, Ellie was becoming very real for us. We knew she was a she. We knew she'd be named Ellie Rose. We knew, at least for that stage of the pregnancy, that she was doing well. So it was at that point that EM and I could really start to dream, together, about our baby girl. And we could share in the excitement of wondering what was to come. Patrick and Stephanie were robbed of that; Allie, of course, was robbed, too.
It's all so, so sad and senseless. But now when Ellie asks that inevitable question at least there will be some semblance of an answer, and that is a good thing.
-ED
Normally, I'll reflect on a posting idea for a day or so before I make a decision to post or not - I just try to piece it together in my head before sharing it with the world. However, something I saw just a few minutes ago compelled me to enter a post about today's sad, sad anniversary.
Today is a clear, sunny Tuesday... just as it was six years ago. Today I'm off from work... just as I was six years ago. And as I was flipping the channels, MS NBC was broadcasting the event, in real time... just as it happened six years ago. Right then and there I was transported back to that awful, awful time.
Over the generations, people have asked one another "where were you?" It's a simple question that recognizes the incredible impact one event can have on so many lives. It happened when the Challenger exploded, it happened when Kennedy was assassinated, it happened when Pearl Harbor was attacked, just to name a few; and now, of course, it is a question asked in reference to this tragic day six years ago.
EM and I had just left a home improvement store with some painting supplies for a kitchen remodel. We stopped at a local paint store to obtain one item that the other store didn't have. When we tried to get service, we realized that the store staff was mesmerized by the images on the TV so we innocently asked what was going on never even imagining what we would hear and see next. So there we stood, like the others, frozen to the story and the images unfolding in front of us.
As we drove home we intently listened to the radio for more information; and, when we arrived home we tuned into the news for more of the same. It was a long, long painful day and all I could do was stare, and sob, while trying to absorb the magnitude of it all. I hope to never again feel the feelings I felt that day, but I know it's just a matter of time before I do.
I don't recall exactly when, but we learned in the moments following those despicable acts that a member of EM's family perished in the Pentagon. I never met Patrick Dunn. I don't know much about him other than what has been written which includes the heart-wrenching fact that his wife was three months pregnant when he died.
When EM was three months pregnant, Ellie was becoming very real for us. We knew she was a she. We knew she'd be named Ellie Rose. We knew, at least for that stage of the pregnancy, that she was doing well. So it was at that point that EM and I could really start to dream, together, about our baby girl. And we could share in the excitement of wondering what was to come. Patrick and Stephanie were robbed of that; Allie, of course, was robbed, too.
It's all so, so sad and senseless. But now when Ellie asks that inevitable question at least there will be some semblance of an answer, and that is a good thing.
-ED
Friday, September 7, 2007
Whatever happened to...
I've had a couple of people (who shall remain nameless) ask me "why aren't there any pictures of grandpa?" or "why aren't there any pictures of Q?" on the blog. Quite simply, Grandpa is usually behind the lens and Q is usually under the bed (I still don't think he's entirely comfortable with Ellie). However, in an effort to put the matter to rest, I offer the following:
Grandpa and Ellie napping
Q on the bed rather than under it, but still far away from Ellie
-ED
Grandpa and Ellie napping
Q on the bed rather than under it, but still far away from Ellie
By the way, day three of daddy daycare has gone relatively well even considering there was a blow-out. In fact, all of you dear readers who have had to deal with a blow-out will be glad to know that I changed Ellie without messing anything, particularly her, up. Yeah me!
-ED
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Much better
For those of you keeping score at home, I'd just like to note that day two of daddy daycare was decidedly better than day one. No significant fussing took place, and we even got a walk in today! It's still not as easy as I thought it would be, but that's OK. She's a very good baby, and I'm very fortunate to have this opportunity.-ED
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
And the day turned to night
When Ellie cried herself to sleep, around noon, it didn't last long. However, it was just enough of a nap to get me through the next period of activity: I fixed myself lunch and heated her bottle. Her feeding went well and sated her enough that I could shower and get ready for the dentist without incident. Nanny arrived on time and I was off... only to have to take a long ^&*%#$ detour... thanks for the non-warning DOT! As such, I was five minutes late for my appointment. Aargh!
Anyhow, upon my return, I learned that Ellie napped for 45 minutes for Nanny and I walked in the door to find EM feeding a very content baby girl. From there Ellie did nothing but nap. I think the poor thing was tuckered out from fighting sleep, and me, for the better part of the morning. Also, in retrospect, I think she was a bit traumatized; after all, she'd never spent a day without mommy.
It'll be interesting to see if all of this late day napping impacts her sleep pattern tonight. Nevertheless, at least Ellie and I survived today and hopefully we both learned a little something that will help with the upcoming days so that they might be a little less trying for us both. Time will tell. I love you Ellie Rose!
-ED
Anyhow, upon my return, I learned that Ellie napped for 45 minutes for Nanny and I walked in the door to find EM feeding a very content baby girl. From there Ellie did nothing but nap. I think the poor thing was tuckered out from fighting sleep, and me, for the better part of the morning. Also, in retrospect, I think she was a bit traumatized; after all, she'd never spent a day without mommy.
It'll be interesting to see if all of this late day napping impacts her sleep pattern tonight. Nevertheless, at least Ellie and I survived today and hopefully we both learned a little something that will help with the upcoming days so that they might be a little less trying for us both. Time will tell. I love you Ellie Rose!
-ED
The first morning...
Daddy daycare opened this morning at 6:30am. EM woke me up to let me know she was leaving and that Ellie last fed around 5am. Good start. That meant I could count on sleeping some more which is key for someone who got off work at 12:30am and crawled into bed around 1am.
Around 8:30am the little one started to stir. I got up, fixed her bottle and checked on her. More good news: as our eyes met, I was greeted by the most wonderful smile. I changed her wet diaper, and it was play time.
After about twenty minutes of interaction, Ellie decided she was hungry - not a problem since daddy was smart enough to get the bottle ready in advance. Ellie took almost four ounces, no problem. In fact, she was still making hungry faces when done with the first four so I prepared two more ounces. While doing that, I unloaded the dishwasher. As it turns out, I was so preoccupied with the dishwasher that I overheated her bottle. More good news: daddy and Ellie had more time to play while the bottle cooled.
Once done with feeding and taking it all in for a few minutes, Ellie started to fuss around five 'til ten. I'm pretty sure it was the "I'm tired, but I don't want to sleep" fuss; and, from there it was all downhill. I tried to get her to nap. She'd go about five minutes and then fuss again; this went on for twenty minutes. Then EM called to check on us which kind of set us back some more. Then while rocking Ellie, I noticed two neighborhood dogs running loose. I put Ellie in the crib and worked on corralling the little run-a-ways (I know this won't win me any parenting awards, but I couldn't let the doggies get hurt). By the time I got back in, Ellie was in full fuss mode. After trying everything I could think of without success, I finally decided around 11:30am to let her cry herself to sleep.
So here I sit, at 11:52am, and Ellie is finally sound asleep. The first morning of daddy daycare is nearly in the books, and it's been a full day already. I still have to shower, eat lunch, feed her, hand her off to Nanny and make it to the dentist by 2pm. EM should be home by 3:30pm to help out, so wish us luck and stay tuned for updates... as I'm not quite sure what it is I got myself into.
-ED
Around 8:30am the little one started to stir. I got up, fixed her bottle and checked on her. More good news: as our eyes met, I was greeted by the most wonderful smile. I changed her wet diaper, and it was play time.
After about twenty minutes of interaction, Ellie decided she was hungry - not a problem since daddy was smart enough to get the bottle ready in advance. Ellie took almost four ounces, no problem. In fact, she was still making hungry faces when done with the first four so I prepared two more ounces. While doing that, I unloaded the dishwasher. As it turns out, I was so preoccupied with the dishwasher that I overheated her bottle. More good news: daddy and Ellie had more time to play while the bottle cooled.
Once done with feeding and taking it all in for a few minutes, Ellie started to fuss around five 'til ten. I'm pretty sure it was the "I'm tired, but I don't want to sleep" fuss; and, from there it was all downhill. I tried to get her to nap. She'd go about five minutes and then fuss again; this went on for twenty minutes. Then EM called to check on us which kind of set us back some more. Then while rocking Ellie, I noticed two neighborhood dogs running loose. I put Ellie in the crib and worked on corralling the little run-a-ways (I know this won't win me any parenting awards, but I couldn't let the doggies get hurt). By the time I got back in, Ellie was in full fuss mode. After trying everything I could think of without success, I finally decided around 11:30am to let her cry herself to sleep.
So here I sit, at 11:52am, and Ellie is finally sound asleep. The first morning of daddy daycare is nearly in the books, and it's been a full day already. I still have to shower, eat lunch, feed her, hand her off to Nanny and make it to the dentist by 2pm. EM should be home by 3:30pm to help out, so wish us luck and stay tuned for updates... as I'm not quite sure what it is I got myself into.
-ED
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Uh oh
Today is EM's last day at home before returning to work... that means daddy daycare opens for business at 6:30 am - sharp! EM's upset. I'm nervous. And Ellie, as far as we know, is oblivious to it all. Fasten your seatbelts!
-ED
-ED
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