We've spent the last day or so moving in. And the last week living in a hotel. So I've been a bit out of sorts and have gotten behind on here. So...as for our move...here's what you missed!
1) The move out went smoothly. Mom and dad helped us get our extra vehicle up to the new house by swinging through IN to meet us.
2) We left IN the same we entered it. All of us spent the last night there on air mattresses.
3) We took the best souvenir ever with us. (Karson).
4) We enjoyed hotel life, and contemplated moving in there permanently.
5) Karson adjusted like a champ to the new day care.
6) I concluded that I either have a short term memory, or some rose colored glasses. This whole unpacking gig is not quite as fun as I remembered it to be!
7) A box of corn starch managed to coat an entire box of pantry items with white powder. And my jeans. And the floor. And the fridge handles. And the sink. You get the point.
8) I moved the coffee maker 6 times.
9) It was a bad day to be a light bulb. We had three break in transit. Of course none of them are normal bulbs that we have on hand.
10) We arrived at a house, and made it our home.
Come see us soon!
Showing posts with label Melody. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Melody. Show all posts
Friday, August 5, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
That's how we roll.
Our Rinker family enjoyed quite a weekend! Since it will be our last hectic one for a while, we tried to pack in some fun. As a result, we may have made it a busy one after all, but hey, that's how we roll.
Friday night Justin got in some flying time and then we had taco night with Dan.
Saturday, we had a pool party with some friends from Justin's work as a sort of farewell. Karson was GREAT, and enjoyed splashing around!
Sunday we went to church for a penultimate visit. Then we took in an afternoon movie (HP). Karson did pretty well. We chose the 12:50 thinking it would be sparsely attended. And aside from a few loud sounds startling him, and needing the occasional "stand and bounce" from his mama in the back of the theater...he did great! In fact, he was quieter than most people I usually sit around!
Sunday was also time for lots of playing and reading. Karson really enjoys being read to now. He stares at, touches, ...kicks?... and coos at the books.
He also rolled from back to belly finally! He's been sooooo close for the longest time, but this was the first time he did it totally on his own. He wasn't thrilled about the result...so I'm not sure when he'll attempt it again. :-)
And THAT's how Karson rolls!
Friday night Justin got in some flying time and then we had taco night with Dan.
Saturday, we had a pool party with some friends from Justin's work as a sort of farewell. Karson was GREAT, and enjoyed splashing around!
Sunday we went to church for a penultimate visit. Then we took in an afternoon movie (HP). Karson did pretty well. We chose the 12:50 thinking it would be sparsely attended. And aside from a few loud sounds startling him, and needing the occasional "stand and bounce" from his mama in the back of the theater...he did great! In fact, he was quieter than most people I usually sit around!
Sunday was also time for lots of playing and reading. Karson really enjoys being read to now. He stares at, touches, ...kicks?... and coos at the books.
He also rolled from back to belly finally! He's been sooooo close for the longest time, but this was the first time he did it totally on his own. He wasn't thrilled about the result...so I'm not sure when he'll attempt it again. :-)
 | |||
"WHAT just happened?!" |
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Here we go again!
Justin is being relocated for work. We are very excited about the change, the location, and the opportunity. Lots to do in the coming weeks!
Ok, so I somehow made that only two bullet points, but they are BUSY bullet points!
Notice what is NOT on the list? "Find Melody a job."
Because...
I've been hired too!
We'll be sad to leave the current house, coworkers, church, and friends. During our short time, "here" has been good to us. Karson was conceived, (tmi, I know) carried and born here. It was his first home, and it will always be a special place. I do not believe that everything happens for a reason. But I do believe our time here was part of God's plan for us. We could not have asked for a better OB for Karson and me, a more understanding boss for my pregnancy/maternity, or a more perfect home for our growing family.
But we are excited to move on to the new "home", and create lots of memories there as well.
If you're thinking, "Didn't they just move"? "Who would want to pick up and relocate with a baby"? "How many homes are they going to live in?" "Sure seems like a lot of career changing?"
Well...you're right.
But for us...that's just Life As We Know It! And perhaps out of sheer ignorance...we wouldn't have it any other way!
- We have to prep our current house, list and hopefully sell it.
- Find a new house, and in the meantime coordinate the temporary living situation, including accommodating a growing and changing baby.
Ok, so I somehow made that only two bullet points, but they are BUSY bullet points!
Notice what is NOT on the list? "Find Melody a job."
Because...
I've been hired too!
We'll be sad to leave the current house, coworkers, church, and friends. During our short time, "here" has been good to us. Karson was conceived, (tmi, I know) carried and born here. It was his first home, and it will always be a special place. I do not believe that everything happens for a reason. But I do believe our time here was part of God's plan for us. We could not have asked for a better OB for Karson and me, a more understanding boss for my pregnancy/maternity, or a more perfect home for our growing family.
But we are excited to move on to the new "home", and create lots of memories there as well.
If you're thinking, "Didn't they just move"? "Who would want to pick up and relocate with a baby"? "How many homes are they going to live in?" "Sure seems like a lot of career changing?"
Well...you're right.
But for us...that's just Life As We Know It! And perhaps out of sheer ignorance...we wouldn't have it any other way!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Things I wish I had known about pregnancy:
This is in honor of a sweet friend who is carrying her first. Good luck and enjoy this special time!
**********
Things I wish I had known about pregnancy:
That when people say "sleep all you can now"...they mean it. I never quite found time to nap often. Then I hit the can't sleep at night phase. Then I went in to labor at 2:00 am. Then I breastfed and took care of all night time feedings. Even when Karson starting sleeping through the night, I sometimes still got up to pump in the middle of the night, and my morning routine now starts at 5:15...unless he gets up earlier. Could I have stockpiled sleep so I would be better rested now? No. But I am jealous of the pregnant gal who not only had an excuse to snooze, but had plenty of time to do so and just didn't realize it.
That losing control over when you sleep, eat, and pee because of this special new guest...is excellent practice for the flexibility in your life that will soon be required.
That you should love your prepregnancy/first trimester body. You may never see it again.
That you should also love your pregnancy body. It's a special time, and carrying life is a beautiful thing. Also...when else can you be fat and have people say "awww"?
That everyone knows everything about pregnancy, and wants to tell you. (Guilty!) You know you can't sleep on your back, right? Have you been talking to your baby? Should you be eating that? Argh! It can be overwhelming! Just know that those busy bees are mamas who can't help but try to mother you through this process too. They mean well, even if they drive you nuts.
That eating "for two"...while fun at the time...is a bad idea. You don't actually need 4,000 calories, no matter how irresistible cheese fries and root beer floats become.
That you WILL be ok, as will your baby. I googled, read, and wondered way too much. Pregnancy is stressful enough without having a panic fit when someone scolds you for eating a ham sandwich once, or for drinking something with yellow 5 in it. What? You're probably just glad to find something that doesn't make you heave! Make educated decisions, and do your best. Then try to relax a little!
That you can love someone so much it hurts, before you even meet them.
That you'll let go of any privacy issues/inhibitions you have. Anyone who wants to touch your belly will. You'll find yourself discussing bodily functions with complete strangers. You'll be "checked" and on display more than any of us care to think about. Then the baby arrives, and you'll find yourself nursing in front of people when you swore you never would, and much to the dismay of anyone who has to listen to you...you'll be obsessed with poop. It happens to the best of us.
That staring at your belly will become the most fascinating experience you've ever had. And despite the fact that those sweet kicks eventually become painful at times, and even keep you up at night...you'll miss that feeling.
That you should have never said "My kid won't..." You don't know. He just might. I didn't plan for my kid to use a pacifier. Nor did I think we would leave the house with dried boogers, return home with no pants due to a diaper failure, borrow a bottle from a cousin at a restaurant, let him stare at the light box (ok, TV) so I can pee in peace. And we still have a long way to go! My guess is the parent of that kid throwing a tantrum in aisle 2 used to judge the bad kids in the grocery store too. Don't judge. Don't say never. Just wait...your day in aisle 2 is coming.
That 9 months can last 2 years.
And most importantly...that it's totally worth it. Whatever your "cons" are...excessive weight gain, sleepless nights, swollen feet, puffy face, hemorrhoids, weird diet restrictions, stretch marks...or any combination thereof...it's absolutely without a doubt worth it. Worth it when you feel those tiny flutters for the first time. Worth it when you see that healthy growing baby on the ultrasound, and hear that beautiful heart beat. Worth it...when you finally get to meet the special invader, and look in to the eyes of your first, true love.
**********
Things I wish I had known about pregnancy:
That when people say "sleep all you can now"...they mean it. I never quite found time to nap often. Then I hit the can't sleep at night phase. Then I went in to labor at 2:00 am. Then I breastfed and took care of all night time feedings. Even when Karson starting sleeping through the night, I sometimes still got up to pump in the middle of the night, and my morning routine now starts at 5:15...unless he gets up earlier. Could I have stockpiled sleep so I would be better rested now? No. But I am jealous of the pregnant gal who not only had an excuse to snooze, but had plenty of time to do so and just didn't realize it.
That losing control over when you sleep, eat, and pee because of this special new guest...is excellent practice for the flexibility in your life that will soon be required.
That you should love your prepregnancy/first trimester body. You may never see it again.
That you should also love your pregnancy body. It's a special time, and carrying life is a beautiful thing. Also...when else can you be fat and have people say "awww"?
That everyone knows everything about pregnancy, and wants to tell you. (Guilty!) You know you can't sleep on your back, right? Have you been talking to your baby? Should you be eating that? Argh! It can be overwhelming! Just know that those busy bees are mamas who can't help but try to mother you through this process too. They mean well, even if they drive you nuts.
That eating "for two"...while fun at the time...is a bad idea. You don't actually need 4,000 calories, no matter how irresistible cheese fries and root beer floats become.
That you WILL be ok, as will your baby. I googled, read, and wondered way too much. Pregnancy is stressful enough without having a panic fit when someone scolds you for eating a ham sandwich once, or for drinking something with yellow 5 in it. What? You're probably just glad to find something that doesn't make you heave! Make educated decisions, and do your best. Then try to relax a little!
That you can love someone so much it hurts, before you even meet them.
That you'll let go of any privacy issues/inhibitions you have. Anyone who wants to touch your belly will. You'll find yourself discussing bodily functions with complete strangers. You'll be "checked" and on display more than any of us care to think about. Then the baby arrives, and you'll find yourself nursing in front of people when you swore you never would, and much to the dismay of anyone who has to listen to you...you'll be obsessed with poop. It happens to the best of us.
That staring at your belly will become the most fascinating experience you've ever had. And despite the fact that those sweet kicks eventually become painful at times, and even keep you up at night...you'll miss that feeling.
That you should have never said "My kid won't..." You don't know. He just might. I didn't plan for my kid to use a pacifier. Nor did I think we would leave the house with dried boogers, return home with no pants due to a diaper failure, borrow a bottle from a cousin at a restaurant, let him stare at the light box (ok, TV) so I can pee in peace. And we still have a long way to go! My guess is the parent of that kid throwing a tantrum in aisle 2 used to judge the bad kids in the grocery store too. Don't judge. Don't say never. Just wait...your day in aisle 2 is coming.
That 9 months can last 2 years.
And most importantly...that it's totally worth it. Whatever your "cons" are...excessive weight gain, sleepless nights, swollen feet, puffy face, hemorrhoids, weird diet restrictions, stretch marks...or any combination thereof...it's absolutely without a doubt worth it. Worth it when you feel those tiny flutters for the first time. Worth it when you see that healthy growing baby on the ultrasound, and hear that beautiful heart beat. Worth it...when you finally get to meet the special invader, and look in to the eyes of your first, true love.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Energy-less Wednesday
I stopped for my first cup of coffee this morning.
If being a mommy is supposed to allow you to thrive on 4-5 hours of sleep, I seem to be an exception.
Also, turns out I still hate coffee.
In other news, both Karson and I seem to be transitioning well. He has taken to Mima very well, and has shown her lots of smiles. Aside from being exhausted, I have returned to the working world with relative ease.
There will still be a "wordless" post later today. Stay tuned!
If being a mommy is supposed to allow you to thrive on 4-5 hours of sleep, I seem to be an exception.
Also, turns out I still hate coffee.
In other news, both Karson and I seem to be transitioning well. He has taken to Mima very well, and has shown her lots of smiles. Aside from being exhausted, I have returned to the working world with relative ease.
There will still be a "wordless" post later today. Stay tuned!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Skeletons in my Closet
Ok, so there are probably no skeletons in there, but there is certainly some CHAOS GOING ON.
I like to think that Justin and I keep our house picked up. Admittedly some things have a strange home...(crock pot in the hallway closet, china in the spare bedroom, Justin's dress shirts in a spare bedroom, luggage crammed behind Karson's dresser, canned green beans in the laundry room.) But they do in fact HAVE a home, and I can generally tell you where that home is, including which drawer most kitchen gadgets are in.
But I have a confession...my name is Melody and my closet is a disaster. I had it nice and organized when we moved in last spring. Then I went on a diet and a few things got shifted around. Then I got pregnant and bought a few early maternity clothes. Then I got largely pregnant, and had to exclusively wear maternity items, but refused to clear a spot for them, so it got ugly fast. Pants weren't on hangers, but draped over top of my "skinny" pants. Maternity, large non maternity, and clothes I borrowed from Justin were all mixed in where ever they would fit, and if they didn't fit, I semi folded them and crammed them in the corner.
Even our dirty laundry, which was usually organized by "load" in one of four white baskets got hectic when I started using two of those for Karson's room without replacing them. Add in some bathrobes, a vacuum cleaner, and a jewelry cabinet, and I've got a mess on my hands.
Want to see?
Don't judge.
Better yet, DO judge, that's partially why I'm showing you.
There. I did it.
And yes, those neatly organized polos belong to Justin. Annoying. :-)
Anyway, my hope is that by showing you a "before", I'll certainly have to be motivated to show you an "after"!
The reason I keep putting it off is aside from straightening it up, I need to completely go through everything in there. There are maternity clothes, clothes that were too small BEFORE I got pregnant, worn out shoes, and things that may fit but I never where them. In fact, among this mess is one pair of jeans that fit, a handful of favorite work shirts, and a pile of t-shirts that I wear all the time. I don't even know what the rest is!
My reward for going through the mess?
A shopping spree! I have Christmas money, Birthday money, and gift cards that I've been saving for when I lose the baby weight.
Which means...there's another "before" shot we need to acknowledge as I take on this journey...
I like to think that Justin and I keep our house picked up. Admittedly some things have a strange home...(crock pot in the hallway closet, china in the spare bedroom, Justin's dress shirts in a spare bedroom, luggage crammed behind Karson's dresser, canned green beans in the laundry room.) But they do in fact HAVE a home, and I can generally tell you where that home is, including which drawer most kitchen gadgets are in.
But I have a confession...my name is Melody and my closet is a disaster. I had it nice and organized when we moved in last spring. Then I went on a diet and a few things got shifted around. Then I got pregnant and bought a few early maternity clothes. Then I got largely pregnant, and had to exclusively wear maternity items, but refused to clear a spot for them, so it got ugly fast. Pants weren't on hangers, but draped over top of my "skinny" pants. Maternity, large non maternity, and clothes I borrowed from Justin were all mixed in where ever they would fit, and if they didn't fit, I semi folded them and crammed them in the corner.
Even our dirty laundry, which was usually organized by "load" in one of four white baskets got hectic when I started using two of those for Karson's room without replacing them. Add in some bathrobes, a vacuum cleaner, and a jewelry cabinet, and I've got a mess on my hands.
Want to see?
Don't judge.
Better yet, DO judge, that's partially why I'm showing you.
And yes, those neatly organized polos belong to Justin. Annoying. :-)
Anyway, my hope is that by showing you a "before", I'll certainly have to be motivated to show you an "after"!
The reason I keep putting it off is aside from straightening it up, I need to completely go through everything in there. There are maternity clothes, clothes that were too small BEFORE I got pregnant, worn out shoes, and things that may fit but I never where them. In fact, among this mess is one pair of jeans that fit, a handful of favorite work shirts, and a pile of t-shirts that I wear all the time. I don't even know what the rest is!
My reward for going through the mess?
A shopping spree! I have Christmas money, Birthday money, and gift cards that I've been saving for when I lose the baby weight.
Which means...there's another "before" shot we need to acknowledge as I take on this journey...
Here's hoping I can show you a couple of after photos...sooner rather than later!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Progress!
I'm slowly but surely getting a handle on how to do something other than feed, change, and cuddle with Karson. Today I have already showered AND had lunch, and it's not even 12:30! :-)
Big victory for me!
AND there's a load of clothes in the wash.
AND I've picked up around the house.
AND I've ran the dishwasher.
AND...he's been a bit needier this morning. We had a bit of a cluster feed between 6:00 am and 10:00 am, but he's resting peacefully now.
And Mama has managed to put on real clothes, remembered to wear deodorant, and has a full belly of her own.
Nice
Big victory for me!
AND there's a load of clothes in the wash.
AND I've picked up around the house.
AND I've ran the dishwasher.
AND...he's been a bit needier this morning. We had a bit of a cluster feed between 6:00 am and 10:00 am, but he's resting peacefully now.
And Mama has managed to put on real clothes, remembered to wear deodorant, and has a full belly of her own.
Nice
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Checking in on Mama - 10 days past birth
Ten days have passed since Karson's birth. Ten days since my body went through the most traumatizing thing it's been through ever! (Or at least since I was the baby in that same scenario...)
Here's an update...
Recovery:
I'm feeling surprisingly well. I've had only two naps in the last ten days, but am pulling some sort of strange energy from somewhere. I say strange because I'm normally the type who struggles if I don't get 8 hours of sleep. The pain has not been super bad. More sore and uncomfortable than anything. Although I occasionally realize I've over done it.
My bigger discomfort has been my belly. At first it was so saggy and floppy (how's that for a visual) that it hurt when I walked. I ended up wearing jeans because they had the firmest belly panel. When I shrank down enough to wear my bella band I used that for a couple of days. But it's gone down a LOT in the last few days. I still have a bit of a belly, but it's not bad at all. And no soreness there remains.
The other belly pain has been the cramps and contractions I had during the early breastfeeding days. Literally as bad as some of my early labor contractions. Thankfully that seems to be subsiding.
Breastfeeding:
Breastfeeding has gone pretty well. Karson has always latched well. It was a trying time to go through the colostrum days waiting on milk to come in. We ended up supplementing with formula a bit during days 2 and 3 because he just seemed so hungry. Even with that, he dropped from 7 lb 7 oz to 6 lb 12 oz. (Still within the acceptable range and he has since rebounded and gained even beyond his birth weight.)
On day 3, we were "cleared" to go home...as soon as he had a wet diaper (after the circumcision it was a requirement before he could go home.) We waited 14 hours for that pee. And as if I wasn't physically and emotionally stressed enough, one dear soul chimed in with "just think, if you weren't breastfeeding you could have him at home right now." Luckily my mom is a huge supporter of breastfeeding and was a great cheerleader. Justin has also been very supportive, and for that I am grateful.
I've weighed him before and after feedings a few times the last couple of days and he's getting between 2 and 3 ounces per feeding. On track for this stage! More importantly, I can gain comfort that he is eating enough by paying attention to him. He has enough wet and dirty diapers, and is content for 2.5 or more hours after a feeding. In fact it's rare for him to go less than 3 in between, and at night we've had stretches as long as 4.5 hours.
Weight loss:
I have lost 17 of the 33 pounds so far. And with minimal effort. I'm drinking water like a champ, and breastfeeding is obviously helping. I look forward to being able to be a bit more active in the near future to get rid of the remaining pounds and tone up a LOT.
So that's how I'M doing! And since you probably stopped by to hear about Karson instead...I'll attach a pic of our beautiful baby boy. I know I'm biased...but is he perfect or what?
Here's an update...
Recovery:
I'm feeling surprisingly well. I've had only two naps in the last ten days, but am pulling some sort of strange energy from somewhere. I say strange because I'm normally the type who struggles if I don't get 8 hours of sleep. The pain has not been super bad. More sore and uncomfortable than anything. Although I occasionally realize I've over done it.
My bigger discomfort has been my belly. At first it was so saggy and floppy (how's that for a visual) that it hurt when I walked. I ended up wearing jeans because they had the firmest belly panel. When I shrank down enough to wear my bella band I used that for a couple of days. But it's gone down a LOT in the last few days. I still have a bit of a belly, but it's not bad at all. And no soreness there remains.
The other belly pain has been the cramps and contractions I had during the early breastfeeding days. Literally as bad as some of my early labor contractions. Thankfully that seems to be subsiding.
Breastfeeding:
Breastfeeding has gone pretty well. Karson has always latched well. It was a trying time to go through the colostrum days waiting on milk to come in. We ended up supplementing with formula a bit during days 2 and 3 because he just seemed so hungry. Even with that, he dropped from 7 lb 7 oz to 6 lb 12 oz. (Still within the acceptable range and he has since rebounded and gained even beyond his birth weight.)
On day 3, we were "cleared" to go home...as soon as he had a wet diaper (after the circumcision it was a requirement before he could go home.) We waited 14 hours for that pee. And as if I wasn't physically and emotionally stressed enough, one dear soul chimed in with "just think, if you weren't breastfeeding you could have him at home right now." Luckily my mom is a huge supporter of breastfeeding and was a great cheerleader. Justin has also been very supportive, and for that I am grateful.
I've weighed him before and after feedings a few times the last couple of days and he's getting between 2 and 3 ounces per feeding. On track for this stage! More importantly, I can gain comfort that he is eating enough by paying attention to him. He has enough wet and dirty diapers, and is content for 2.5 or more hours after a feeding. In fact it's rare for him to go less than 3 in between, and at night we've had stretches as long as 4.5 hours.
Weight loss:
I have lost 17 of the 33 pounds so far. And with minimal effort. I'm drinking water like a champ, and breastfeeding is obviously helping. I look forward to being able to be a bit more active in the near future to get rid of the remaining pounds and tone up a LOT.
So that's how I'M doing! And since you probably stopped by to hear about Karson instead...I'll attach a pic of our beautiful baby boy. I know I'm biased...but is he perfect or what?
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