As Long As We're on the Subject...

I noticed a recurring theme in the latest blog entries from my co-hosts, Bubba and J.R.; being tired & sleep (or the lack of it). Sounds like they need to adopt the new mantra in our house---just assume that NO ONE has slept and DO NOT say the T-WORD (tired).

Maybe they would like to spend a weekend at my house---where my one month old son sleeps on average 45 minutes at a time at night. He then gets up, needs changed, fed, and rocked to sleep again which takes...about another 45 minutes. That's right...45 on and 45 off...over and over again, until morning. I volunteered for the job and I love the job, but it can get a little painful around 2:45 a.m. after doing that routine since 8 p.m. I know J.R. and Bubba are laughing and saying "I told you so", but I just thought it was a funny observation that the three of us would always complain about a lack of rest, but now we have totally different reasons.

So how do you 1) get the kiddo to sleep in his crib and not on your tummy all night and 2) straighten out his days and nights? I'm looking for suggestions.

I know we committed the most heinous, new parent, mistake of them all. When he wasn't feeling well, there were about 5 days where we let him sleep on top of us, just so he'd calm down and rest. BIG MISTAKE. We are paying for it now, but are going to tough it out. I don't want him in our bed when he's 6, so we've got to break him (and us) of taking the easy way out by becoming his bedroom furniture.

On a few non-baby related notes...

I am so happy that fall is here! September right through the holidays are my most favorite time of year. I love the colors, smells, foods, and feelings that come with this time of year. I am only too happy to break out the boots, sweaters, skirts, and wool jackets. I've already decorated the house with pumpkins and fall colors.

Speaking of fall clothes, as a shopaholic I have to tell you that I am NOT real excited with a couple of "trends" for fall. Okay, which 35 year old woman is REALLY going to pull the leggings out of the closet and wear them AGAIN!!?!?!?! Not this one...they were fine with my Madonna tube skirt and Cyndi Lauper shoes the first time around...but not NOW! And here's another fashion flashback that won't be making a comeback in my closet. Shoebooties, shabooties, elf boots...you know what I'm talking about here. The little tiny boots with the spike heel that cut off at the ankle and look like you're keeping the 'picture with Santa' line under control at the Mall at Robinson. These are shoes/boots that are unkind to all. Don't fool yourself. Whether your six feet tall or hobbit sized like me, these shoes do not flatter any leg. I've been wanting to say that since they were popular the first time in the 80's and I'm glad I finally got it out.

Fall tv notes...
I watched the new Survivor...they've got me. I'll watch again this season.
I want to see James Woods' new show "Shark".
I've seen Rachel Ray's new daytime show. She has a great personality and really fresh takes on traditional daytime segments, but she's really loud. I'm talking BUBBA LOUD. I have volume control on my remote...let me use it Rachel.

Final note...
The Star Party in Pink Party looks like it will be a blast. I'm doing my best to talk my husband into taking me. He is pretty stubborn about me not doing anything 'work related' while I'm on maternity leave, but I've explained to him that getting dressed in an evening gown and mask and going out for the night (for a great cause) is NOT doing work stuff. I'll let you know if I make progress because I'd love to see you there.

Take care and talk to you soon,
Kate (and John)

One Month ALREADY!!!

I know I said I would check in once a week, but you know what, parenthood kicked in! All of a sudden this constantly sleeping newborn became a constantly crying newborn...and the blog took a backseat. Here's what I've learned in the past three weeks; Baby gas is bad for the whole family, but baby gas DROPS are liquid gold.

By the way, some of you posted that I had not told you our son's name...sorry, but here it is. His name is John (he might end up with the nickname Jack) and at last weigh in he was just over 10 lbs and 23 inches long. We also have nicknamed him "Bobcat" because all of his baby noises so far are a dead ringer for the way Bobcat Goldthwait used to sound during his standup routine.

Tomorrow our son is a month old, and I'm NOT READY! During the day we've been easing him from the bassinet to the crib but last night he spent his first night in the crib. I was sad to see him already out of arm's reach (and in another room!!!) but I now know what all parents mean when you say "the time goes in a blink of an eye". I did find that you can make that time go a little slower if you stay up half the night watching him breathe on the night vision baby monitor (Thank You for the gift Grandpap Larry)!

In the meantime, I have tried to stay in touch with the outside world. I watched part of Mayor O'Connor's funeral service. Pittsburgh really is just one big neighborhood. In how many other cities would you hear about total strangers bringing trays of food, desserts, and drinks to the family home of the Mayor. Then that night the city looked great for the NFL kickoff, so it was a sad day, but a day to really be proud of the city AND its people.

I also watched the MTV video music awards....yawn. Why did I tune in? For my secret guilty pleasure. It is only here that I will admit that I LOVE the music of...Justin Timberlake. Laugh if you must, but I have his solo CD and I already bought some of the music from his new CD on Itunes.

So what's been new with you? Tell me about your summer vacation, what you thought of Charlie Batch and the Steelers the other night, how the kids are doing in the new school year, and what advice you might have for new parents. We have already figured out that you keep a boy "covered" at all times while changing him (he's peed on his own head three times and on us countless times), and that babies are really never "done" pooping (you just have to pick an opportune moment).

We have tons of funny stories to share, but I would like to do some yoga and shower while John naps so have a great week and I'll talk to you soon,

Kate