Tuesday, June 28, 2005


Robert with his nebulizer mask... kinda scary, huh? Posted by Hello

Sicker than we thought...

I thought I'd take Robert to the doctor just to get him checked out before we leave for vacation. I wanted to be sure that there wasn't anything seriously wrong (ear infection, etc) before taking him on a plane.
Dr. Novak was able to see us this morning. I originally called Bobby's mom to see if she could take him, since I was at work. She said okay. Then, I felt guilty. The ratios at work were such that I was able to leave for a few hours. Boy am I glad that I decided to go. (Bobby's mom came too - just in case she will have to take him at some point in the future).

Robert was all smiles at the doctor. He spent a large majority of the morning sleeping, so he was well rested. The nurse weighed him... he gained 10 oz since his last visit, less than 2 weeks ago! holy cow! He didn't have a fever, which was good.

Dr. Novak really listened to Robert's chest/lungs. He concluded that Robert has Croup, a combination of symptoms and illnesses caused by a virus. Basically it affects the windpipe and voicebox. He put Robert on a series of Nebulizer treatments - Albuterol (a steroid) and Pulmacort - both of which I am familiar with from working in the daycare. The treatments are both in liquid form and are placed in a 'vial' to be vaporized. Robert breaths in the vapors via a pediatric face mask (which he hates) and his airways are relieved. Sounds complicated, and it pretty much is.
Doctor Novak suggested that we bring the Nebulizer with us on vacation too. Ugh... more to carry! :)
We didn't end up going back to work, but will return tomorrow.

Bobby has a sinus infection, and was prescribed 3 medications. Our house is just about one drug short of a pharmacy.

Saturday, June 25, 2005

Robert is sick :(

I knew it was bound to happen... I anticipated it, actually. I, myself got sick first (on Wednesday). It started with just a sore throat, then frequent sneezing. Robert started sneezing the next day and I just knew he was getting what I had. I was (and still am) so sad for him. He also developed a bad cough... mostly when he cried. We have been giving him tylenol and letting him rest. Thursday night was a disaster... he slept all day at school and was wide awake and sick all night at home... it was a long night for a sick and sleep deprived mom! Robert stayed home from school with Daddy on Friday and Grandmom Trif came to babysit on Friday night while mom and dad attended a wedding. By then, he seemed to be coming around to his happy self again.

Today, his cough persisted, but he was in great spirits. I hope we cought it before it became something worse. Dr. Novak is on vacation until Tuesday, otherwise I would try to get him an appointment.

As for mommy... well, I am still feeling a bit under the weather. I can't taste or smell anything and my throat is hurting pretty badly.

Poor Bobby... he started feeling it today, as well. We're just a bunch of Sick Trifs. :(

Monday, June 20, 2005


Robert tried on his dad's christening outfit... he didn't like it very much :( But he looked very cute, nonetheless! Posted by Hello

Thursday, June 16, 2005

2 month check-up

Today was Robert's 2 month check-up (we're a bit off schedule because of the changeover to Dr. Novak). Here are his stats:

Weight: 12 lbs 3 oz (up 2 lbs 2 oz) - 55-60th pecentile
Length: 25 1/4 inches (up 2 1/4 in) - 90th! percentile
Head circumfrence: 40 cm (up 2 cm) 50th percentile

Once again, Robert is looking healthy and mostly above average. He was all smiles and very talkative with the nurses and with Dr. Novak... Until he got his shots - 4 of them, 2 in each leg, ouch! I never saw his face get so red! So far, we haven't had to give him tylenol... he was a little cranky close to bed time, just whiny really. Poor little guy. :(

Dr Novak encouraged "Ferberizing" - letting Robert fall asleep on his own, rather than in our arms. He said we should start trying that in a few weeks.
He also said that we can start Robert on rice cereal sometime next month. I was surprised that he suggested it so early, since most of the babies that I work with don't start cereal until sometime between 4 and 6 months - breastfed babies not until 6 months at the earliest.
I am in no rush to start the cereal. We will probably try it sometime after we get back from vacation - mid july.
Our next appointment isn't until the end of August! That seems so far away!

Tuesday, June 14, 2005


This is for the "Book of Mondays" Gotta love that smile! Posted by Hello

Robert had fun in the pool on Saturday.... Nevermind that Mommy had to wear clothes since she is too fat for a suit these days! Posted by Hello

Oliver was playing "Ring around the Robert" at Gram and Pape's pool last Saturday! Posted by Hello

Back to work woes

We have survived two whole days at school/work. The first day, Robert did suprisingly well. He was unable to hold off for his feedings, but I only ended up having to give him an extra 2 oz of formula throughout the day. He is still getting the breast in the morning, mid day and in the evening. He is doing very well with it. I am also able to pump a few times a day and its working out well.
Today, Robert was even better adjusted... he sat and played well. He is the youngest baby in the class... the next youngest is 6 weeks older than he. He doesn't quite interact with the other babies. It makes me sad that he doesn't seem to 'play' yet, but that will come in time.

As for Mommy... well, I am having mixed feelings. Sometimes during the day I think that I can't wait to quit and at other times I think that I need to be there and its good for us. I am still not quite sure how I feel. I just keep thinking about the $5k it is going to cost us to have him under MY care for the next year. I had a chance to inquire my supervisor what can be done as far as an additional discount... it makes sense for me to have free daycare when my son is under my own direct supervision. However, its not possible because he 'counts' when it comes to budgeting for salaries and such. I get very upset when I think about it...
I am very fortunate that I get to be with my son AND work at the same time... thats a definate plus.
For now, I want to stay full time for as long as I can. The extra money will be nice, especially around the holidays. Perhaps in January I will consider going part time. I would never quit completely... I think its good for both of us.
Robert is pooped... school wears him out. Mommy too, but surprisingly not as much as she thought.


And finally... Robert LAUGHED today! I was changing his diaper and I thought he was just gasping for air. Low and behold... it was a realy hearty belly laugh! I was so happy! He's just so cute... and getting so big!

Sunday, June 05, 2005

Going back to work...

Well, its almost that time... back to work for mom - and school for Robert. Maternity leave went so fast, I can't believe Robert will be 10 weeks old tomorrow!

I will be going back to work on June 13th. I consider myself so fortunate to be able to share my son's first year of life at daycare with him. If I were not so fortunate, I probably would not be returning to work, as it has been a tough decision and one we have been weighing very carefully. For now, I will be working 9 hour days, 4 days a week. We will have off on Mondays, which will make for nice long weekends!

My mom is betting that I won't last more than 2 weeks. I must admit, I have been reluctant when it comes to thinking about going back. But I think the routine will be great for us and Robert will really benefit from the interactions with the other children. I'm not ready to give it up all together, and maybe will consider going part time if full time becomes too much for me.

Unfortunately, I have to pay tuition! It is at a discounted rate, but still absurd since my child will be in my care all day long.

We shall see...

Hey there! Posted by Hello