happy photo of Snuffles!

Hi everyone!! I have 2 minutes before I have to go get Dave at the train station, and still no INTERNET service, no PHONE service and NO CABLE TV!! So--updating the blog (and doing many many things) has been a REAL challenge. Dave takes the computer to study all the time, and when I try the library computers there are just job-seekers and students HOGGING them all the beeping time. (No, I'm NOT frustrated or anything!!) I could go on and on about the logistical difficulties, but how boring, yes?

SNUFFLES is wonderful. Motherhood is wonderful. I disagree with everyone who says it's hard or who doesn't like the menial-ness of laundry, diapers, baby barf, and formula stains. It's all wonderful. But then, Snuffles is an easy baby. Dave is callling him THOR so he doesn't develop a complex from being called Snuffles all day.

He's gained a LOT of weight. He's 14 pounds now. Gained SIX pounds in two months. That's a lot when you only weigh 14 pounds. Close to doubled his weight in two months. Hungry Hungry Hippos.

In other news, I have to give my DAD a big SHOUT OUT. Thank you Dad for financing a wonderful teacher and babysitter to come stay with me for a week: My Aunt Mary. It was a wonderful lesson in expert mothering techniques, including: how to get baby to sleep when he's alone, how to bathe him best and how to keep all the balls up in the air at the same time-without imploding.

Oh--and I was able to get us a LOT more moved-in. So--what WONDERFUL HELP. I sincerely appreciate it. My Dad has been working steadily behind the scenes this whole time to ease everything for Dave and I--and it's the kind of family support that is irreplaceable and priceless. So--thank you. Family support is a wonderful thing.

So--thank you also goes to my Uncle Bob for coming out earlier this summer to help with my mom's move. Both Mary and Bob have taken their time to come help me at my Dad's request. And, I couldn't be more THANKFUL for the strong support. It's all new to me, Ms. Only-Child-like, do-everything-yourself-type person. I'm not used to all the attention, and I don't quite know how to handle it. But it is SINCERELY appreciated.

My mom has enjoyed all the companionship as well. Her health is not great, and I know she'd LOVE to participate more than she can. But the McCarthy's have been a breath of fresh air for us all.

So--incidentally, Dave got selected as Employee of the Month for September, complete with a picture in the company newsletter. And, he also seems to be getting an A (we don't know for sure because they only actually grade at the end of the semester--and there's grading on a curve) But, even without the curve, he'd be getting an A-. So--I'm proud of him---extremely proud of him! And--yes...

WE ARE BOTH EXHAUSTED. All the time.
LOVE YOU, miss you...and talk soon!

xoxoxo. Email us at schleiferkin@gmail.com.

it's like Communist Russia

Hi! We still have no internet, phone or cable after a month of calling Comcast regularly. I don't know if it's a bad work ethic, computer problems on their end or WHAT--but it's not fun! All of my neighbors experience the same thing. Both with Verizon and Comcast. It's such a surprise to me. I expected DC to be worldly and sophisticated. It's DOWN and OUT. Everyone is like "manana." I guess this is what people were talking about with Southern efficiency and Northern charm. No fun!!

In baby news--we are eating and eating. As they say on Southpark, "Chewy, chewy, chomp, chomp." And yes, I am less of a woman and morally questionable---I am feeding Isaac mostly formula because there just is no milk in the dairy. He gets like 1% people milk--and 99% formula because apparently I'm one of the 5% of humanity that just does not produce. Or, all the complications I had post-pardum interfered with my ability to establish production. Dunno. How sad! And how valiently we tried. At least the lactation consultant said I did everything possible. Still. :(

Nevertheless, we weigh like 12 pounds already. We're wearing clothes for people who are 3 months old and eating 6 - 8 ounces of formula at each feeding. Oh yeah. Ooow wee!

Isaac is still very calm and sweet. He is on a good schedule for food and I'm evaluating my choice to continue to be a marsupial. Dave wants his wife back and I want to SLEEP deeply at least sometimes. The experts have diametrically opposed viewpoints on everything--and each say their way leads to the most emotionally healthy well-adjusted child. What's a girl to do?

So--it's now the end of September. Our new life and routines are in full force. We now know if we're going to make it through the next 4 years with our assumptions. Can we handle everything we set out for ourselves?!! Answer: YES. Resoundingly.
Being a new mom is NOT hard for me. At all. And working + school is totally manageable for Dave. Big sigh of relief there.

The hard parts right now are just THE MESS of the new house move in--which--will get better--and SURPRISE: caretaking. For those of you who've ever had the experience--you know what I'm talking about. For those of you who haven't--be glad. I hope you never do! That's about all I'll say about that.

Pictures are hard--I'm technologically challenged and everything is everywhere--including the special cords and such.

WE TOTALLY MISS all of our friends who--mostly--have babies and children--and it's lonely here :( We're very-much looking forward to a visit from Isaac's Aunt Mary coming very soon!

MISS YOU! Email us at schleiferkin@gmail.com.

we are alive, just super pre-occupied!

Hi!

OK--I can't believe it's been 100 years since my last post. So much has happened. We MOVED! Our new house is very nice--though, at the moment, every square inch is covered with boxes, packing material, dead bugs, and dog hair. So--it doesn't FEEL that nice right now. It is very nice. Probably nicer than any place Dave or I have ever lived.

And--we have the ever-present technology challenges. That's what happens when I'm in charge of the technology. Consequently, I'm sitting at Caribou Coffee blogging to you and we haven't had a phone, tv or internet service in I don't know how many days.
It should be resolved soon.

In doggie news, Merlin is on doggie Prozac. He BIT a couple neighbors, and family members, so, now we're on special doggie training and doggie psyche meds to see if we can turn the situation around.

In David news, he is apparently excelling in school and work. I guess participating in the discussions is a large part of your grade--and people can be very intimidated by the Socratic format of the classes. Dave has been doing very well in that department--and those of you who know Dave--know that he hates to speak words out loud--so this is a big deal for him. He is a happy camper. (A happy camper who has to eat TAKE OUT at every meal at this point--I digress.)

In Isaac news, by day 18, he had gained one pound, 7 ounces, which, I guess is a lot. He should have only gained 13 ounces. So--he's doing good. He has lots of nicknames now---Munchie, Snuffles, Lumbley. Mostly he goes by Snuffles--because he makes Snuffel-ly noises. It's very cute.

He continues to be a dreamy, calm, sweet child. I lucked out! We'll see what happens when he starts to walk and talk.

In Grama news, Grama is frustrated by the lack of TV and phone and the MESS, as we all are. She helps a lot with feeding and holding the baby. Which, is what happens 99% of the time. Daisy ate some of her favorite shoes (oops!), so it's just run of the mill family life.

As for ME--I finally feel like a human being. YAY! Complete with driving, sitting down, sleeping on my back, walking with normal ankles and getting to have MARGARITAS. Which, I still need to do.

That's our life in a nutshell. More photos as we restore our technology. :)

Kisses!

at this point, it's just comical.

The good news:
Either--I've accepted the pain as my new NORMAL...
or
I'm in less pain...
or
I just really needed to VENT!

I am feeling better--physically. Things are becoming easier. I feel more like a human being.

And---generally I'm finding the responsibility of motherhood to be quite pleasant and managable. I am biased, but Isaac is the most pleasant, easy-going child I've come across in a long time. He's pretty straightforward in terms of his needs. And, it's pretty easy to 'read' him.

And---I guess my life experiences thusfar have been WAY MORE CHALLENGING than this is, (so far), and I'm kinda like--what's the beef? What's so hard about this? Maybe being 38 and having had my whirly bit around the world and such--I'm ready for the 'sacrifices' which actually seem like FUN to me.

So--AT THIS POINT my health is COMICAL. There are new levels today of HORROR and vile-ness. I will not disgust you with details. Can you guess what the doctor says? Yes, that's right, it's NORMAL. And there is a NEW 4" tear inside the nether regions that are my insides. Wonderful.

The lactation lady said I AM DOING EVERYTHING A PERSON COULD POSSIBLY DO TO BE ABLE TO BREASTFEED. When do you ever get validation like that?! She said my milk has not come in yet. Whatever. Yesterday I was quite MOPEY at the news. Today, I am Zen. It is what it is. I guess my new health symptoms remind me, this is not an ordinary situation, and perhaps it's better to focus on getting well--instead of demanding things be a certain way.

Always good advice. I miss you, thanks for your emails :)

only tears and swear words

...and NO MILK. OK--like a half ounce each time I pump--which feels like all the $^%&*#--ing time.

I guess pain interferes with milk production.

Oh--and NO SLEEP. Not because BABY won't sleep. HE DOES. For FIVE HOUR STRETCHES. Because mommy sweats like a prize-winning HOG at the North Carolina State Fair. Yeah. Every hour, like clock-work. Did you know, night sweats feel like a FREIGHT TRAIN roaring through your body? It's very disorienting---especially if you WERE asleep.

So--yeah. We are going on 14 days of continuous, intense, acute pain like I have never known. All apparently very NORMAL.

&*()$# THAT!

Seriously, I boast about completing sprint-distance triathons, and running half-marathons--nary shedding ONE tear, EVER, mind you. And come on--LABOR was EASY (ok, manageable...) for me. WHAT THE $#%^&?

Those of you who know me well, know that I don't swear a lot. But--this is like nothing I've ever experienced, and it feels UNENDING. So--I feel justified. I didn't prepare for this!

Isaac is an angel baby. Yes, like, feed him, burp him, change him and he sleeps for 3 hours during the day and 4 - 5 at night. Take him anywhere, and he is pleasant and chipper if he is awake, and generally--he isn't. THANK GOD.

We all think he's advanced. He holds up his head, he rolls over, and he will stick out his tongue if you stick yours out. He's gained what feels like a whole pound since last Tuesday. (This could all be random...?)

MAN--It's a GOOD THING. Otherwise, I would go completely wacko.

Oh---and THANK GOD for my mom--who can hold him, feed him, burp him, and just be there so I can take a shower and go to the (OK--TMI)

Oh--did I mention, I cook, I clean, and I walk dogs and run the house as if none of this is going on? So--everyone is fine---EXCEPT ME. :( :( :(.

Whining, and crying--why didn't anyone else tell me about this? Is it because no one else I know experienced any of it? Can I just check myself back in to the post-partum wing...!? Please?

$%^&*() :(. Ciao for now.

enquiring minds want to know :)

Hi everyone!

So many of you have emailed me! THANK YOU-- I love getting your emails :)

You're probably SAD that I didn't respond yet!!! I am sorry!

I have a TRIFECTA of PAIN that is kicking my BUTT and I have never experienced anything like it:

a cracked / badly bruised tailbone
plus
a hematoma (huge blood blister resting on top of it to the left)
plus
swollen ankles--which those of you who've had these lovely things KNOW
that they're not just ugly and embarrassing, you actually have to shlep
you're tree trunk legs around and IT HURTS like the dickens.

Oh, and let's not forget your run-of-the-mill ORDINARY childbirth damage, which I sustained plenty of, you know what I'm talking about.

Basically, the COMBINATION means that, it's extremely difficult, if not impossible to be comfortable on any surface what-so-ever---AND---it's also extremely difficult to stand and walk around. GREAT! The doctor said today I will be laid up for 8 - 10 weeks like this. Good times.

So--I am a suffering patient. All my extra moments go to showering because it's the only type of renewal and rest I can get these days.

Plus---access to the internet at home has become a nighttime thing only. Dave takes the computer to work now.

In happier news, Lumbley has gained weight and surpassed his birthweight already! He was due to weigh in today around 8 lbs, and he was 8 lbs. 4 oz. What a cutie patootie! The Pediatrician gave us a gold star. :)

He is the most well-behaved, self-soothing infant I've come across, and he is so downy soft and sweet-natured. He seems to be a happy baby.

I don't know how Dave is doing because we never see eachother. Seriously! We knew it would be like this--it's TEMPORARY!!

So--I miss you, love you all, and sincerely appreciate your emails. AND I am so distracted with pain, hopped up on meds and just trying to get through the day these days with doggies, a disabled mom, and the baby and keeping Dave fed.

I PROMISE to respond soon!! xoxoxooxoxoxox.

just for mommies...

OK everyone, let's face it: girls want to KNOW the real deal about what went down. And, guys, well, let's just say, it is not their most comfortable topic of conversation. So--read at your own risk...

At 1:00 am on Sunday, I started feeling a lot of sensations. I had no idea what labor was supposed to feel like--except the word 'contraction' seemed to mean a squeezing feeling. I felt like someone was blowing air inside me-lots of pressure. I'd heard of Braxton-Hicks (false labor) and my mind was thinking "I WILL be pregnant forever." So--naturally, I blew it off as not something I needed to deal with in the middle of the night.

By 4:00 am, I thought, "Hmmm. Maybe I should at least let Dave know what's going on." I did. We decided to continue to sleep as there was no set pattern.

By 7:00 am, I was tracking the timing. The menstrual 'cramps' I thought I was having were between 3-5 minutes. The 'contractions'--aka a squeezing feeling only happened twice in that timeframe. I still thought it was BH.

By 10:00 am, we dropped off our doggies and went to the hospital. The nurses immediately stuck us in a labor and delivery room, and I was still like "is this really time?" despite the fact that I had been admitted and all hooked up to the monitors.

As you know, I was trying to do a HypnoBirth. This plan quickly went out the window, when I attempted to listen to my tapes at this point and the sensations were entirely too sensational.

The nurses checked me, I was 5 centimeters. I could handle the pain, but I was a little on edge. One of the nurses suggested I have something to just dull the pain--like a margarita. I love margaritas, so I said yes! This was an IV margarita. I started talking about cartoons, and Dave said he was freaked out.

Oh, and for whatever reason, I normally talk very softly, but I could barely anunciate anything this whole time. I was like a whispering whisp, and I'm sure Dave was completly annoyed. He seemed to understand my whispers though.

At 8 centimeters, the doctors said there was lots of meconium in the amniotic fluid. They requested I do an Epidural, so they could control when the baby took his first breath. I said, of course!

We had called Dave's parents right at 10 when we were admitted, and this was sometime around 3:45 pm. They were still on the road! I was on the phone with my mom as often as I could be given my loopy status mentally--just giving her the play-by-play.

At 9 and a half centimeters, I started pushing, and minutes later, Isaac was here!
I said "is he out yet?" because I didn't really feel any pain! Short and Sweet! Dave's parents arrived minutes later--despite really wanting to be a part of the day.
None of us expected things to run so smoothly. Especially me, because I was convince I would be pregnant forever.

OK--but, before you HATE me---listen up! I had emesis of about 4 gallons (don't ask what emesis is) around 4:30 pm. And, by 8:00 pm, I was hemorraging with many ladies arms up my who-ha with no pain medication. No fun. Pushing here, pressing there, trying to get out all the clots and stop the blood. Then again, around 11 pm or so, same fun times. This time they said I had a hematoma (blood blister) under my uterus on my left side. Ouchie!

Recovering has been lots of crying jags from pain, and lots of comments like "I broke my geneckteckessoink (pronounced ga-ZING-ga-de-DOINK)"--as in..."That conundrum invokes shpilkes in my geneckteckessoink"...exactly. My back is so weird, I can't sit down like a normal person. My ankles are still like trunks, and I lounge like Jabba the Hut. Depressing when you have actual responsibility.

OH--AND--not to mention, I'm the only woman who at 7 days past--has NO MILK supply. I have perfectly formed, fem-bot--style idyllic nipple delivery mechanisms, and I've been Pumping-in-Style religiously with my Medela equipment every 3 hours. And--yes, a quarter of an ounce TOTAL each time. Breast surgery to remove cysts and possibly "Hypo-plastic Breast Syndrome" (not enough milk ducting by nature) gives me a 50% chance of normal production AFTER 6 weeks of religious pumping.

Dave's mom was a lifesaver last week. And my mom is helping with tons of holding, burping, feeding and comforting. I could not have asked for better help or a nicer baby. Isaac slept for 5 hours last night. He just eats, sleeps, burps and ya know. If he cries, it's for like a minute. I know. You hate me. Just remember, it's "the HONEYMOON period." OK?

We miss you. Email us at schleiferkin@gmail.com.