April 2, 2005
Pope John Paul II
Before his death, I was only peripherially aware of Pope John Paul II and how he affected/influenced my life and the world I live in. As the head of Catholic church, he always seemed beyond me and the concerns of my everyday life. Now that he has passed away, he seems like he was much more approachable than I ever imagined. Though I consider myself a practicing Catholic, there are many policies and positions the Catholic church holds that I don't agree with. While John Paul II shaped and dictated those policies and positions, his death has touched me in unexpected ways. The strength of his convictions and his faith and his love and devotion to God's humanity will continue to instruct and inspire me for many years to come.
April 3, 2005
New Baby
Here's a picture of my newest baby. Isn't he beautiful? If you want to review the full specs, you can go here. Otherwise, the important things to note are it's weight (15 lbs), the Ultegra components, and the clipless pedals. I'm certainly looking forward to biking this year and I'm not at all dreading the challenging Danskin course. It's amazing what 5 hours at 360 Cycleworks and my husband's credit card can do for my exercise enthusiasm!
April 11, 2005
Test Subject
Magda participated in her first experiment today at the Children's Research Lab. I think she had a better time than is apparent in this photo. The cap had sensors on it that measured her brain activitiy while viewing a selection of faces on a computer screen. There were approximately 5-10 different faces that would flash onto the screen. Each face was used numerous times. The test dealt with memory and recognition. I'm suppose to get information on the test results when the study is complete.
All in all it was a positive experience for both Magda and me. I look forward to participating in future studies.
April 12, 2005
Ever Changing
After 2 months of feeding and pumping every three hours (or thereabouts), I've finally returned the hospital grade breast pump I've been using to help increase my milk supply. I'm not sure that it did anything to increase my supply, though I do think it helped make my supply more reliable. And if nothing else, it eased my mind about Magda's eating woes since it was something I could tangibly point to and say "I'm trying". Even though the electric pump is gone, I still intend to keep pumping - I'll just use the hand pump that Elizabeth lent to me.
This may sound maudlin, but I think I'm going to miss the pump. It had become part of my family routine. It helped me learn the importance and value of setting Magda down to play on her own for at least a portion of the day (it was impossible to hold/physically interact with her while attached to the pump). It's rhythmic whirring was soothing and relaxing. And having to keep the equipment clean for each use forced me to become more organized it the kitchen.
April 13, 2005
WooHoo! Danskin Training!
Danskin training has officially started. The first meeting (which is all about the paperwork and introducing the components of heart zone training) went smoother than it ever has before. Congrats and awe to our head coach (Tracy), assistent coach (Jennifer R.), Queen Maureen, the workout leaders, and especially to the athletes.
I think our workout schedule is going to work out for us and for the team. The plan is to go to the running workouts on Wednesdays with Magda and leave her with her Daddy for the Saturday morning workouts. Magda is proving to be a big hit with the whole croud. She went with me to the first meeting and was a perfect angel baby the whole time.
One of the other workout leaders is as pregnant this year as I was last year. I really enjoy talking with her about pregnancy and childbirth and maternity clothes and etc. I find it to be great fun to be part of the Motherhood Club.
April 14, 2005
Too Loose
I think I may be reading too much into this, but I couldn't help getting excited when I had to tighten my water bottle belt when running this evening. On the one hand, I think it means that I've started to shed some inches (though the scale has yet to confirm this); on the other hand, I can't help but wonder if the belt got somehow loosened in the past couple of days. In any event, it is psychologically encouraging and is definitely getting me fired up to stick to my ever evolving workout schedule.
April 15, 2005
Cephalopods Are Cool
I was just doing a quick news scan when an article about Aurura caught my eye. She's a Giant Pacific Octopus living at the Alaska SeaLife Center. She's been guarding and carring for her eggs since last May and they are now beginning to hatch. It sure would be cool to go see them in person. You can read more about her and her brood on the facilities website.
April 20, 2005
Congested
Aweful, aweful Monday night. Magda was extremely congested two nights ago and consequently had trouble sleeping. It's such a heartbreak to hear here struggling to pull air through all the mucus in her nose! I knew it was really bad when she refused to nurse to sleep.
We ended up sleeping sitting upright for about 2 hours in the rocking chair. Then we moved to the guest bed at 6:30am (Stepan dealing with computer problems until 4am) and then into our bed at 7:30am. Her congestion had eased somewhat by then and she stayed in bed until 11:30am.
We continue to use the saline nose drops and the aspirator to help clear her up, but she hates that and usually ends up crying when I do it (I imagine her nasal passages are tender). Of course when she cries, she just produces more mucus. So it's round and around we go! Yesterday, I purchased an essential oil blend that contains eucalyptus oil. I add it to frangrance free lotion and rub it on her chest - that seems to help tremendously. I also tried to find the Vics Vapor Rub for children, but had no luck at Walgreens.
She slept solidly last night though she did so in our bed. She's getting to be so big and she moves around so much in her sleep that I ended up sleeping at the foot of the bed to ensure that she get a solid nights sleep. She sleeping still and her breathing is sounding tons better. I have a feeling that today is going to be a much better day (is there an emoticon for fingers crossed? If so, insert it here.)
April 30, 2005
Rocked to Sleep
I don't think I'm ready to stop breast feeding and I really hope Magda isn't either. In addition to the incredible closeness we share through breast feeding, it sure is an easy solution to most of my Baby Girl's woes.
Magda didn't nurse to sleep tonight. I know that supply wasn't an issue because she would latch on then pop off and I could feel the milk dripping (a very disconcerting sensation). I ended up rocking her to sleep...does this mark the end of an era? or was it just an anomaly? I guess only time will tell.