Last of 2014

Christmas was great.  We were spoiled by everyone. We had dinner with Aaron's family, and my dad came too.  It was all very yummy.  Bertie got a lot of toys and clothes.  Aaron and I both had the Friday after Christmas off, so we had a nice long weekend.

Work has been really busy since the move.  I had double my usual hours on my last paycheck.

Yesterday Bertie and I went to Target, as we wandered around, he held my hand.  It was really nice.  I wanted to write it down so I could remember.

I felt like I had a lot to say, but I can't think of much right now.

Here is some miscellaneous stuff:

• Gas is 2.45 here.
• It's been cold and windy for the last couple days
• Moss had been banned from the house, he's allowed in with limited privileges
• Bertram stayed up til after 9 tonight.  He just didn't want to go to bed.
• Aaron and I have started our annual tradition of watching all of Friends from the beginning
• Bertram is really into standing right now

10 months old

• Weighs about 19lbs
• Has 4 teeth
• Likes clapping his hands, and moving his head left to right (imitating)
• Loves taking a bath, and splashing in spilled water
• Like playing patty-cake and ittsy bitsy spider
• Sleeps 12 hours at night without waking (98% of the time)
• Takes 1-2 naps each day
• Thinks pulling off his socks is great fun
• Favourite toys: Charlie Bear, a wooden spoon, Aaron's glasses, anything that plays music.
• Favourite foods: crackers, ham, all fruit, sweet potato, beets
• Still nurses 4-6 times a day (short sessions, unless he's just woken up)
• Has recently discovered standing (while holding something for support).

Still isn't crawling much, just in circles, no forward or backward movement.  He's not pulling up yet either.  He had a hearing check earlier this week, and all was well there.  We got a card in the mail today saying that Bertie has a PT appointment in a couple weeks.  I assume it's an evaluation, but we'll take all the help we can get.

Year End Survey

I have a blog rolling around in my head, but Depression is back in full swing.  So I'll do this for now.

1. What did you do in 2014 that you'd never done before?
Gave birth, had surgery, breastfed, stayed overnight in a hospital, co-slept, completed a 90-day workout plan

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn't make any for 2014.  For 2015, I think I really want to work on building a savings account, and getting back in shape (and/or maybe getting pregnant again)

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Me!  Sophie, Colleen, my cousin's wife, my former co-worker.  It was a big year for babies.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No one is coming to mind, so I'll say no. (Hopefully, I'm not just forgetting).

5. What countries did you visit?
none, still.

6. What would you like to have in 2015 that you lacked in 2014?
More time outside, more money in savings.

7. What days from 2014 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
2/27: the day Bertie was born.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Not bouncing back, weight-wise, from the pregnancy.  Unlike the rest of the world, I am not losing weight from breastfeeding.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Things related to pregnancy, and the c-section.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
We got a deep freezer, but it was a gift.  Maybe the Ergo carrier.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Bertie!  He's awesome.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Can't say, just in case they read the blog (though I don't think they do).  But I'll say those who don't take care of things, to the detriment of others.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Rent, insurance for Bertie and me

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Having Bertie, my mom visiting, going to visit her, Christmas

16. What song will always remind you of 2014?
Happy

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? hard to say.  While the year has been outstanding, depression has hit me pretty hard.  I guess I'd say sadder
ii. thinner or fatter? slightly thinner, but I was pregnant then.
iii. richer or poorer? poorer!

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Been outside, exercised

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?Shopping

20. How did you spend Christmas?
With Aaron's family, Dad came.  We had prime rib and ham.  We got a lot of gifts, and were totally spoiled.

22. Did you fall in love in 2014?
Yes, with my baby boy

23. How many one-night stands?
none, duh.

24. What was your favorite TV program?
Amazing race, Project runway, Cut Throat Kitchen, Bobs Burgers

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No, I try not to waste time on hate.

26. What was the best book you read?
I barely read this year.  I guess I'll say What to Expect the first year.

27. What was your greatest musical (re)discovery?
I didn't have much time for music this year.

28. What did you want and get?
A happy, healthy baby

29. What did you want and not get?
A natural delivery, a vaginal birth, my pre-baby body back

30. What was your favorite film of this year?
Lego Movie (I didn't see many movies)

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 31, I was in Virginia with my family.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
The year was really satisfying, but I would say that no depression would have made the year much better.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2014?
Clothes with various stains on them.

34. What kept you sane?
Talking to my mom and sister, anti-depressants

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
David Tennant.

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Nothing comes to mind (again, I was very immersed in Baby this year).

37. Who did you miss?
Boy, Marmie, Brianon

38. Who was the best new person you met?
I don't meet a lot of new people

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2014:
Ask for help when you need it.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
??

Title goes here.

• Bertie has been sick for a couple days.  We went to the doctor today. He doesn't have a fever, and his ear were clear.  So it's just a virus, which is good.  But the poor kid is unhappy.  And so snotty.  He and I went to the park today, and all the baby swings were being used.  So he and I sat together on a regular swing, and didn't go high.  And Baby B just kept laying his head on my shoulder, which he very rarely does.  I enjoy the snuggles, but I hate that he feels so bad.
• I have eczema on my scalp.  It's really annoying.  I have a steroid cream, which worked well on my ears, but it's hard to get on my scalp.  Since there is hair, and all.
• I've been feeling less depressed this week.  I decided I wanted to work on my spirituality this week.  So I set different goals, and I'm following through.  But I'm still not feeling the spirit.  I talked to Aaron, he said depression can mess up things like that.  So I'll keep trying.
• The office moved this week.  So I worked about 19 hours, instead of 12.  I'm working extra next week too.  The new office is beautiful, I can't wait to see it once the furniture is moved in.
• It rained almost all week, which is good, we need it.  But I'm looking forward to having some sun this coming week.  And I'm looking forward to Christmas!

Radio Silence

Depression is making a comeback.  Ever since my mom and step-dad left it's been tough.  We had a great time while they were here.  Lots of fun, we went to San Francisco.

Nana, Papa and Bertie in front of the tree they bought for us

US at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge

Papa is the baby whisperer.  

Nana and Bertram

An even better one of Nana and Bertie.

Janet and Dennis bought us an upright chest freezer for Christmas.  We Aaron had to rearrange the garage a bit.  But it looks good.  There's not much in there right now, breastmilk and a couple ice packs.  Now that we have a little money in the bank, I'll see if I can stock it.

Work is busy since it's the end of the year, and we're moving on Saturday.  So I'll be picking up some extra hours, which is good.

I haven't been walking or exercising lately.  It's been bad.  Between the weather (rain) and depression I've probably gained 100lbs.  I need to get back on it.

I was supposed to have a dentist appointment on Thursday, but I forgot and scheduled a hair appointment on top of it.  So I need to reschedule, plus I need to make sure my insurance is accepted, since it's changed since I was last there.