Poor Baby / Scared Mommy

In the last few weeks, Aubrey has given us a bit of a scare. Several times, usually while eating and drifting to sleep, she has made a sudden jerking motion. She balls up her hands into little fists, and pulls them tight to her chest or cheeks, pulling her legs up to her tummy, and dropping her chin to her chest. She's totally tense for a few seconds and sometimes has a blank stare as well. During these 3-5 seconds "episodes" as we've come to call them, she is unresponsive to our voices or touch. Once they pass however, she is not scared or hurting, but instead goes about her business happily.

After a few of these, I was freaked out enough to call the pediatrician. Of course we spoke to the Dr. on call, who did little more than say, "Hmmm..." and scratch her head. She was stumped. She suggested we try feeding Aubrey in a slightly upright position, in case the episodes had something to do with reflux. We did, and the episodes seemed to subside, and so we wrote them off as freakish baby heartburn.

Well yesterday, the episodes returned with a vengeance. She had about eight over the course of the day, which prompted me to call the pediatrician in a panic and insist we be seen. Luckily, we were able to see our own Dr. who is tentatively exploring three different avenues:

1. It could, in fact be reflux, which apparently causes all sorts of strange symptoms and behaviors. However, if it were, Aubrey would likely be showing signs of discomfort associated with spitting up acid-y milk. She has yet to seem bothered by it at all, however.
   
2. It could be forceful myoclonic jerks, affectionately known as "those full body jerks that happen just when you're drifting off to sleep, and jolt you instantly awake." Apparently, they can be quite pronounced in babies. She's not sure about that though, because they aren't always happening when she's going to sleep, just usually.
3. Or, it could be some type of seizure. Not the full-body, shaking-on-the-floor-type everyone thinks about, but the blank stare, "I'm here, but I'm not here" type. She wasn't sure about this option either though, because usually there is some type of repetitive movement associated with these, even if it's just a repeated fluttering of eyelashes, or a hand moving back and forth. Either way, we really, really, really hope it's not seizures.

However, to be safe, and rule out the worst case scenario, Dr. D. suggested further testing. So, this Monday at 9:15 a.m. Aubrey will undergo her first ever (and hopefully only!) electroencephalogram, or EEG. That's the one where they stick lots of little suction cup-looking things with wires onto your scalp and measure your brain waves while you sleep. Apparently babies who have seizures or forms of epilepsy have different brain wave patterns than babies who don't. Even while sleeping, these patterns emerge.

So needless to say, I am petrified. From what I understand, it won't hurt her at all, and shouldn't even be uncomfortable for her. We're supposed to bring her into the appointment feeling tired so that she'll be sleeping and still for the test. It will all be over in an hour and a half, and then a pediatric neurologist will read the scan, and our Dr. will get back to us. Just the thought of seeing my baby hooked up to such a scary looking contraption is enough to make my heart race. I just hope, hope, hope that the results are normal, and that we can begin to explore other, more tolerable, manageable, and benign avenues.

3 months old!

We've made it three whole months! Hooray! Aubrey is such a happy baby. She's like her daddy in that she's very good natured, and it takes quite a bit for her to get really upset. On the rare occasion when she does however, WATCH OUT! She is all smiles and giggles when we get her out of her crib in the morning, and as long as we keep her fed and well rested, she typically stays that way all day.

Some of her favorite things are:

• Lying on her changing table and watching herself in the mirror
• Listening to her big sister's voice
• Looking at the alphabet magnets on the fridge while I make dinner
• Bath time
• Being swaddled
• Having cooing and squealing "conversations" with anyone who will participate
• Her pink binky

Some of her least favorite things are:

• Tummy time
• Teething (yes, it's early, but there are two on their way in!)
• Being left along to play (she prefers to interact and be social)
• Her car seat
  

I've been especially impressed with Camryn these past few months. She has been the best big sister!!! She is so proud of Aubrey, and tells strangers, "This is my baby sister!" all the time.

She hasn't shown any signs of jealousy or resentment towards the newest member of the family, but instead has made the transition from "only" to "big sister" much more easily than we made ours from "parents of one" to "parents of two." Aubrey is so lucky to have a big sister that loves her so very much.

Some of Camryn's favorites about being a big sister are:

• Helping Mom and Dad (retrieve, throw away, clean up anything baby related)
• Giving Aubrey her binky
• Singing to her sister
• Helping with bath time
• Having her photo taken with "her baby"
  

Happy Wedding Day

Congratulations to my cousin Jennifer and her new husband, John! They were married Friday evening, and Camryn was beside herself with excitement about the wedding. It seems as though life in our house has a running commentary, thanks to her. She doesn't miss a thing, and when a special event is coming up, watch out, because you will hear ALL about it!

Here's a sampling of Friday's commentary:
Who's gonna be there?
Will Austin be there?
I want to have cake!
Will it be banana cake?
Can I dance?
Is she gonna open her presents?
Will she be a princess?
Can I be a princess?
I will be Cinderella and Daddy will be my Prince Charming!
Why is that lady wearing a pink dress?
Mama let me wear sparkly chapstick!
I want ice cream with my cake.
Let's dance!

Whew! No wonder we're tired!

The girls all dressed up before we left.

Aubrey hangin' with Uncle Tomas (a.k.a. 'Mas)

Cinderella and her prince :)

Once in a lifetime

A happy birthday surprise...
So today is my mom's birthday. At her request, the whole family got together for brunch at Mother's Bistro downtown. (Table for 10 please!) The streets were crawling with people, even at 10:30 in the morning, as they waited in (a very long) line to hear democratic candidate Barack Obama speak at the waterfront this afternoon. So we didn't think much of it when Mother's was buzzing with gobs of people too.




Soon however, we started to notice that this was no average Sunday. Our service was quick and snappy. The waitress grabbed my plate before I could take my last bite, and there were these guys in black suits and earpieces lurking here and there. So, we thought we might get lucky and catch a glimpse of Mr. Obama on the way out. Not quite...

As we neared the side exit, we noticed a large crowd gathered outside. The people were smiling, and snapping pictures like crazy. As we rounded the corner, we realized it wasn't Obama after all, but former president Bill Clinton and his daughter Chelsea! So we joined the throngs of onlookers. After all, it's not everyday that you get to see a former prez up close and personal. Good thing I happened to have my camera in the diaper bag!

Well, after shaking many hands, chatting up the crowd, and posing for some pictures, the Clintons made their way inside. We kept waiting for the bistro staff or secret service to shuttle us out, but they didn't, so we lurked a little longer. The wait staff was frantic, and as we eavesdropped, we learned that the Clintons were making their way to the table we just vacated! Who knew?

Camryn was confused as she watched so many adults hurry and scurry about.
"Who's here?" she asked.
"It's Mr. Clinton," we told her. "He used to be the president."
"And who's that lady?" she wondered.
"That's Chelsea, his daughter."
"The Chelsea who cuts my hair?" she asked with excitement in her voice.
Uh. Not quite.

Soon, they made their way inside, and right past our whole family. They stopped politely, shook our hands, and chatted briefly with Camryn. She learned that both Camryn and Chelsea start with the letter "C," and she shared with them that today was her grandma's birthday.

Mr. Clinton admired Camryn's smile, and told her that with it, she had quite a future on the campaign trail. "You got it, kid," he laughed.

Of course we couldn't pass up this opportunity to get some photos for her wall of fame. After all, meeting a president is a once in a lifetime opportunity! Happy Birthday Mom!

Summer is on it's way

Although it's a tad warm, we've been enjoying the sunny days lately...

Camryn relaxing in the back yard. (Note the bright yellow Crocs. I wasn't going to get away with purchasing any other color. "Yeyyow" is her absolute favorite!)

Learning to play hopscotch. :)

Our first run of sprinkler season.

Enjoying the view...She can't wait to participate next summer!

Warm fuzzy

Awww... Just a quick pic of Aubrey as she waited, wrapped up in her fuzzy blanket, as I got her bath ready. Doesn't she look like she's starring in an ad for toilet paper, or dryer sheets, or something else equally as soft and fluffy?

Happy Mother's Day

Or, "Happy Mudda's Day," as Camryn said to me at breakfast. :)

I wonder if my fabulous and well meaning husband knew what he was in for when he suggested, "Why don't you get out of the house for awhile on Mother's Day? Go do something fun. See a movie, go out to lunch, whatever. Don't worry, I'll take care of the girls." Hee, hee. Who was I to argue???

So, after starting my day with some extra Zzzz's, and strawberry waffles (my favorite!), my sister and I spent the afternoon with our mom shopping and dining sans strollers, diapers, and feeding breaks. Although heavenly, and much enjoyed, it felt strange too. Without all of that kid paraphernalia to heft around, I felt a bit naked. (You mean all I have to carry is my purse? No stroller to push? No carseat to lug? No diaper bag? Sippy cup? Tuckered out toddler?) Weird. But nice.

I returned home energized, and ecstatic that I could listen to my own music, at whatever volume I deemed necessary all the way there. The girls seemed to have a fun day at home with dad (he chose not to fight the "I want to wear my PJs all day" battle), and he was still willing to BBQ salmon for dinner! Yum!

By bathtime, I think a day in my shoes was taking it's toll on dear old dad. Though he was happy to take over my usual activities all day, he was beginning to drag. His usual mental sharpness had dulled, and he was ready to hit the hay soon after the girls.

I know my husband understands how hard full time mommies work. But I think a "Happy Mudda's Day" for me yesterday, was truly enough to make him look forward to going to work today.

"Fodda's Day" on the other hand, ought to be a piece of cake. Just another day for me... :)

Just kidding. I love you, honey.