straus_in_kaz : We need grandmas

Current mood:

drained

We need grandmas
Switched at the orphanage? This is not what the brochure made it sound like. Hi folks. We’re exhausted. Shortly after the entry last night Asella decided to rapidly come down with a nasty head cold and can barely breathe through her nose. We were up all night while she tried to sleep, would not let us put her in the playpen, and generally was very fussy. Today was a lot of the same. She had her moments (see picture) and still wants to play every now and then, but she’s not a happy camper. On top of it, she’s teething and in a totally foreign environment. We’re not sure what the evening has in store for us, but we’re not optimistic.

So not too much to describe today. Sorry. Between us, we got about 2 hours of sleep, so the creative juices are not flowing. And she wont let us put her down (we’re trying to be mindful of our apartment neighbors.) Right now we’re watching Finding Nemo and Sarah is feeding her dinner. Some kind of rice goop.

Wish us a better tomorrow. Catcha later.

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Hi, guys
(Anonymous)
2006-05-07 08:24 (link)

I'm feeling good and bad for you all at the same time. I'm so happy for you that you are done with your "visits" and on to the real thing. I'm bummed for you that Asella's body had the bad sense to give her a massive head cold right now. Some tricks you may or may not be able to try (aside from the garlic saturation): mentholatum on her chest under some secure clothes (so she can't get to it), one of those bulb syringes to get the green stuff out, or boiling water to increase the humidity in your apt.

Another thing, about those neighbors? I remember when Shelby was little and fussy and I was always overly worried about upsetting the neighbors. (I lived in apartments until she was 5.) What I've since realized is that what seemed incredibly loud and unbearable to me, was just so much "normal" mayhem for the rest of the world. They heard it but didn't pay any more attention to it than you do to sirens on the street, or traffic noises, or birds outside. Since it's not their problem, they dismiss it. The only time it registers and feels like they need to pay attention is when they think a kid is in danger or hurt and not being attended to.

In short, don't worry about letting her cry herself to sleep in her playpen. Maybe she needs a good cry to help her get over her change in circumstances. She's gone through a lot and she's allowed to be a little upset.

And, while I'm sorry you're both getting so little sleep, it does improve your initiation to the parent club. Welcome to the world of always putting your kids' needs above your own. It isn't always easy. Especially when your body is in a state of shock. Somehow you will always find a way and you'll come to learn that you are capable of so much more than you ever used to be able to comprehend. The world has just become a new place for you.

Good luck. Congratulations. "Better tomorrow". And grab those catnaps when you can! -Nina

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(Anonymous)
2006-05-07 10:20 (link)

Hey guys,
Hang in there. I've heard rumors that all babies get fussy now and then. You know you've gotten yourself an adorable child who is normally an angel. Every now and then the Straus "genes" are going to make her a little devilish. You can do it! And she'll soon have Grandmas to help, and an aunt and uncle who will be happy to stay with her in Denver if you want a night out. (Offer valid only while we're there. Unless you want to pay our babysitting fees in the form of airline tickets.) You'll all be home soon.
Much love,
Asella's Auntie Ryane

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The joys of a cold....
(Anonymous)
2006-05-07 12:15 (link)

Hey you two...isn't it fun to have a kiddo w/a cold? Both of mine have one right now...actually, this is round two for them this month. My suggestions to you would be if you can, have her sleep on top of one of you so she is elevated, or you can try a slightly puffy pillow (not one that will gobble her up or anything like that), maybe an rolled up blanket or towel will do the trick. I would pick up some saline solution & use it before and you suction her nose. You can also use a q-tip to gently loosen any crusty boogies & other gunk in her nose (like around the inner edges of her nose, etc). Humidity is a good thing, so the entry above would help, since you probably don't have a humidifier. If you have any decongestant, I'd use that too. I've had pretty good luck w/dimetap, pediacare, & little colds. First & foremost, do what you think is best, but if any info I've given you helps, then I'm thankful it worked for you to. Things will get better & sleep will become a thing of the past, but you'll get used to it. It's all worth it. :-)

Hang in there & congrats!

Annette

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