grilled halibut with papa mango salsa and steamed artichoke!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Gutentach!
After Bremen, we traveled to the Mosel region (not Iraq) for more wine sampling. We opted for the countryside, figuring it would be easier with a baby (which was true) and more relaxing. Peter bought Rick Steves' guide, which helped us decide where to stay & what to do. The highlight was Burg Eltz which is listed as one of Steves' must-sees. That and the restaurant at the place we were staying was FRICKIN' AMAZING - the meal (my Mother's Day treat) was not cheap, but it was a worthy splurge. Nothing German about the menu - damn fine French-inspired cuisine. The hotel was a cute B&B, but like most places the walls were super-thin. I was extremely glad that Peter had decided to lug the laptop with us because the place had wireless, and I downloaded some delightful white noise off iTunes - I highly recommend it. Only cost 6 bucks and worked like a charm.
I am very happy too b/c I finally figured out how to save my photos from my phone onto my computer - WOOOO!! It was a whole ordeal, installing software, the software not working, trying to make it work, not happening...I finally figured out a back-door way to get the photos and I couldn't be more pleased with myself. AND the baby is sleeping, Peter's making dinner...life is GOOD!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Germany
In our rush to get packed and go, we forgot USB connectors and such to upload photos - and since my phone is a CDMA and Germany is all GSM, I can't automatically upload from my phone like I normally do. We'll catch up when we get home.
I had forgotten how great the food is in Germany, especially the bread!! Big mounds of fresh, dense peasant breads every morning for breakfast. . . makes me swear up & down that I'll go to the local bakery at least twice a week when I get home, instead of merely subsisting on grossly inadequate loaves of store-bought poo that we normally eat. :)
We are in the Mosel wine region for the next 2 days, just taking it easy. Cochem is a medieval town from which we are basing our operations - it's kitschy and touristy, but small-scale and charming - a lot like St. Augustine, but older. It's raining, so we're planning on visiting wine cellars today and saving the castle hikes for tomorrow - fingers crossed that the weather is better tomorrow. Peter is chomping at the bit to "storm the castle."
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Baby's first beach trip - Crissy Field
Met up with Peter after a particularly "what-a-day" workday. Watching the dog frolick in the surf is an effective way to get rid of stress. Funny that we have to come into the city to go to the closest beach. :)
Monday, April 27, 2009
Baby monitor is ON...
I am frittering away precious Jacob napping time, but had to announce that he is taking a very rare afternoon nap BY HIMSELF - like, not on my chest, or next to me, etc. I won't make too much of it b/c it might be an isolated thing, but MAN it feels like progress!!!
We're in "sleep training" now, trying to get Jacob to sleep by himself. Starting out very easy by trying to get him to nap on his own during the day. It is fairly easy in the morning - afternoons are much more challenging, and sometimes it's tough for him to nap at all. Nighttime will still be the same bed-sharing routine probably until he's a year old or so. We'll see. For now, I'm celebrating this very small step - I probably should go before he wakes up. Jeez, what to do next before he wakes up....laundry? pay bills?? Prepare dinner??! The possibilities are endless and ooh...so enticing! Uh oh, just heard a little cry....so much for that. :)
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Napping & nappies
Peter is on a ride this morning, and so I put Jacob in the Didymos sling as I do every morning and took Teddy for a walk around the complex. He definitely prefers the Didy over the Ergo, and at this stage, it's more comfortable for me too. This is the next best thing to breastfeeding to get him down for a nap.
I just remembered what I've been wanting to rant about! CAN SOMEONE PLEASE MAKE A CLOTH DIAPER THAT DOESN'T LEAK?? And if you, gentle reader, have been lucky enough to find one that works, PLEASE let me know. So far, the only thing that works is layering - I use 2 pre-fold cloth diapers, and a wool diaper cover, and that usually works. It's really funny to see how big you can make his butt look when you put a giant diaper ensemble on him! :) Anyway, I've tried Thirsties, Bum Genius, Knicker Nappies (do you love these names??) and a few others and invariably, they leak when he urinates. So if anyone knows about a cloth diaper that works, I'm all ears!
On the same subject, I am trying to figure out what is ultimately better for the environment -it would seem like a straightforward problem - disposables are made mostly of plastic and use up landfill space. But it takes a lot of water to rinse out & clean cloth diapers. But it's definitely cheaper to use cloth - right now I'm "hedging" and using a combination of both. Thoughts?
Friday, April 24, 2009
Babes in dreamland
2 funny dreams about our 10 week old son, Jacob. Last night, I dreamed we were in an airport terminal, running to catch a flight. Jacob jumped out of my arms and started running himself - I said, "Amazing! He's walking at 3 months!!!?" The funniest part about it was seeing the body of an infant tearing down the corridor. I'm sure I laughed in my sleep.
The second dream - I'm lying down on my side, getting a relaxing massage - a slow, circular pressure on my lower back. Then I realize that my son who's applying the pressure, except that it's not a massage at all - he is kneading his head into my back to wake me up and feed him! I think that these dreams are indicative of the LACK of sleep I'm getting - but at least I'm entertained.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
SNC00226.jpg
I took Jacob into the city for shoe shopping, then stopped by Pat's new place on the way home. Just before heading over to Pat's, Peter, Jacob and I were taking a little coffee break at the Westin St. Francis, when Jacob blew out his diaper - it was epic, all over his pants, all over MY pants and onto the chair. No biggie - at least that's what I told myself over and over as I dashed for the Ladies' Room - wouldn't you know there was no changing table. Fortunately, I had a spare outfit and a Ziploc bag - WHEW! Hours later, he is as you see - happy as a clam, in his Uncle Pat's lap.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Thursday, April 09, 2009
I caught a smile!
Jacob was 8 weeks old yesterday - this kid is so resilient, it's amazing. He had 2 shots yesterday, and after hours of napping (no coaxing or shushing required - he was OUT), he's smiling again. He was originally scheduled for FOUR SHOTS (!!) but I put the kabbosh on that - at a mere 2 months of age, 2 shots per visit is quite enough, thank you. It kills me to put him through it - I have to remind myself that we all went through it, though my own experience with it was pretty traumatic - and comfort him as best I can after each visit. My pediatrician had a great idea for when they're older and they know what's coming - have a wrapped present ready for them to open after their shot. I think I'll throw in a scoop of ice cream, too - I'll need it just as much as he will!
Monday, April 06, 2009
All is quiet...
Wow, I actually have some time to write stuff - now if I could only think of everything I wanted to blog about! So it goes with the Mommy Brain . . . Jacob slept from 11pm til 5:30am last night, which was AMAZING. Would have been great except that I had a nightmare that was like a scene cut from the Exorcist - ugh! But the weird part was waking up from it - Peter had already gone to work. Jacob was right next to me (we're bed-sharing), totally undisturbed, even though I'm pretty sure I was mumbling out loud during the nightmare - and I felt strangely calm and more protective of Jacob than anything else. I guess that being a mom - knowing that I had to keep it together for my kid - had a calming effect. I went back to sleep until 7:15 or so - just had breakfast, Jacob is taking his morning nap, and we'll go walk the dog soon. Life is so, so good. :)
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Ice cream on a Sunday
Went on a hike with friends and had ice cream afterwards. This place serves up the good organic stuff & is way too close to where we live. www.threetwinsicecream.com
Friday, March 27, 2009
Couldn't help myself...
I've been going through his clothes today and playing dress-up. This is his "I love Big Dumps" t-shirt from Keystone.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Passport photo!
Yesterday we went to the post office to get Jacob's passport application. We are going to Germany in early summer. I was surprised that they make you hold your baby out like this for the photo - probably was instituted after Homeland Security came into being. It used to be that 1 or both of your parents would take the picture with you while you were held. Bizarre that they do it this way now, if you ask me - maybe they do it as a means of targeting potential infant combatants! In any event, Jacob totally took it in stride.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Finding the rhythm
Baby O. continues to delight & surprise. He is consistently sleeping in 3-4 hr. blocks & eating round the clock. I absolutely love this swing. It's like a tricked out SUV. Music, vibrations, soothing white noise, oh and it swings him into blissful quiet alert or sleep! Then Mom can get HER "num-nums " too!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Friday, March 06, 2009
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Woo hoo! No hands!
The official debut of the Ergo Baby Carrier with Infant Insert. Baby Carrier was generously donated to us by my wonderful in-laws in Portland. Infant insert was purchased for a fraction of the retail price - have I mentioned recently that I LOVE CRAIGSLIST!?
I'm liking this carrier a lot because it distributes Jacob's ever-increasing weight evenly on my back. The sling does that too, provided that you design your wrap that way. It's nice to have both options - and even better, to have a baby who falls asleep in one of these - could I ask for more??
I'm liking this carrier a lot because it distributes Jacob's ever-increasing weight evenly on my back. The sling does that too, provided that you design your wrap that way. It's nice to have both options - and even better, to have a baby who falls asleep in one of these - could I ask for more??
Friday, February 27, 2009
Another big day out
After my dr. appointment, Peter and I took Baby J and the dog out for a walk - this trail is right across the street from where Jacob was born. He was lulled right to sleep by the rocking of the stroller. May I just say that the BOB stroller is (and I mean this in the best way possible) the HUM-V of jogging strollers!!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
The Force is strong in this one!
Jacob is a very strong little kid, and he eats like a lumberjack. He weighed 8.11 at birth, and 1 week later, he weighed 9.3!! He makes a mockery of any swaddle blanket that we tie. His arms are out of it before we're even done tying it. This morning, his prowess reached new heights - I woke up to find him scooching his way to my side of the bed - while he was still swaddled!!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Heart stealer
Jacob is starting to smile!! Amazingly, he is sleeping in 4 hour blocks too.
Hope it lasts...
Jennifer Ockner
415-971-0949
Hope it lasts...
Jennifer Ockner
415-971-0949
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Second time out
Weather was overcast but the temperature was perfect. Jacob slept blissfully the entire time. Teddy got to swim and play fetch. Mom and Dad got out for a nice walk and much-needed fresh air - and PEETS coffee!!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Happy place
My brother's girlfriend suggested giving us these amazing robes for Xmas and I cannot thank her enough.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Quick! Before he wakes up!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Introducing Jacob Patrick Ockner
Baby jacob arrived on Feb.11th at 1:10pm. Mom, dad and baby are doing great. More soon. Much love to all!
Monday, February 09, 2009
going into labor
still the early stage so Peter is testing out the new camcorder while I lie down and take it easy.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Still preggers......
Two days past the due date...........and feeling fine. I'm FINE! Loving the attention, in fact. And doing my best not to focus on being OVERDUE, especially when it could go on for a while - my mom carried me and my brother for 2 weeks before getting induced!
The whole concept of a "due date" is rather frustrating - and hardly scientific - it's as though doctors were at a complete loss on how to calculate human gestation. The fact that it's calculated according to the first day of the mother's last monthly cycle (April 22nd in my case) is a big tip-off - it's entirely unrelated to when conception occurs!
Consider that Peter and I did not, as Peter says "pull the goalie" (his term for trying to get pregnant!) until after May 10th (beginning of our honeymoon). Does that mean that the baby is actually 38 weeks and 3 days, or thereabouts??
In a way, it's nice that some things remain a mystery with respect to modern science. That said, I'm doing my best to let it go and not obsess - I'll leave the calendar counting to Peter! :D The Little Dude will come out when he's ready, and I will continue to enjoy my late mornings, yoga classes and eating whatever I want. :) Although, if and when we get to a certain point, there are all sorts of fun and creative ways to encourage labor. Sex, specifically orgasms, come recommended because they release oxytocin! Now honestly, if you had your choice between a romp in the sack with your honey, and taking Pitocin (oxytocin) through an IV needle, or having your O.B. manually "thin your membranes," which would YOU choose as your first course of action? And then, there's always castor oil....yummy!
As I contemplate these options, we wait for Baby O.'s arrival....despite my relatively low level of anxiety, it is like sitting in front of an oven, waiting for the button on a Butterball turkey to pop out!!
The whole concept of a "due date" is rather frustrating - and hardly scientific - it's as though doctors were at a complete loss on how to calculate human gestation. The fact that it's calculated according to the first day of the mother's last monthly cycle (April 22nd in my case) is a big tip-off - it's entirely unrelated to when conception occurs!
Consider that Peter and I did not, as Peter says "pull the goalie" (his term for trying to get pregnant!) until after May 10th (beginning of our honeymoon). Does that mean that the baby is actually 38 weeks and 3 days, or thereabouts??
In a way, it's nice that some things remain a mystery with respect to modern science. That said, I'm doing my best to let it go and not obsess - I'll leave the calendar counting to Peter! :D The Little Dude will come out when he's ready, and I will continue to enjoy my late mornings, yoga classes and eating whatever I want. :) Although, if and when we get to a certain point, there are all sorts of fun and creative ways to encourage labor. Sex, specifically orgasms, come recommended because they release oxytocin! Now honestly, if you had your choice between a romp in the sack with your honey, and taking Pitocin (oxytocin) through an IV needle, or having your O.B. manually "thin your membranes," which would YOU choose as your first course of action? And then, there's always castor oil....yummy!
As I contemplate these options, we wait for Baby O.'s arrival....despite my relatively low level of anxiety, it is like sitting in front of an oven, waiting for the button on a Butterball turkey to pop out!!
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
New camera! New phone too!
I took this yesterday with my new super-fat 5 megapixel camera, which came with my Samsung Omnia Smartphone! It was originally going to be an iPhone (Xmas present), but I didn't want to go thru the hassle of starting a new plan. Besides, Apple has gotten enough of my money recently. Makes a difference having a nice camera! And hopefully I'll become adept at sending texts, checking email & such with 1 hand while holding bambino in the other.
Less than a week from my due date and I'm still able to hike with Teddy on the ridge - WOOO!
Less than a week from my due date and I'm still able to hike with Teddy on the ridge - WOOO!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Bonsai
This was originally Misty's idea, I think - back when I was dead-set against having a "theme" for the nursery. When I looked at Pottery Barn & other stores, all I saw were unimaginative, uninspired themes and garish designs - no WAY was I going to do wall-to-wall baseball/football/basketball knick-knacky stuff, all slathered in yellow and baby blue. Brilliant woman that she is, Misty suggested the idea of doing just a nature theme, with a bonsai tree as one of the main features! Once she got me thinking along those lines, I got very excited. Now we are (SLOWLY) collecting only the cutest, most adorable Japanese knick-knacks we can find - little stuffed frogs, mostly - and yesterday we found this beautiful bonsai. Peter is going to build some kind of shelf to protect it from falling into the stairwell during an earthquake. The nursery is officially my favorite room in the house!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Swaddle practice
Peter and I are going through baby stuff - cloth diapers, swaddle cloths, etc., and "breaking the seal" by actually trying out some of these new products. Here you see Peter practicing his swaddling technique on Baby O.'s teddy bear. Peter arranged the stickers on the crib and on the wall.
Friday, January 23, 2009
A muddy dog is a happy dog
Where there's mud, Teddy will find it, roll in it and bring it home. At this time of year, we just let it go - he gets hosed off, falls asleep and we're all happier for having gone on a hike together.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Nursery is almost done!
Funny to think that I didn't want to turn the office into a nursery initially - let alone get a crib! Now it's our favorite room! The nesting instinct is truly an amazing thing.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Baby O.'s first "head shot"
The actual picture is admittedly underwhelming, but the good news is that his head is down & in position! WOO HOO! This will likely be the last ultrasound before he comes out to meet the world. We're at 36 weeks as of Tuesday, January 6th. The countdown continues. . .
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Day in the city
Teddy came with me to the city today. After morning errands, we hiked up to Corona Heights and played in the dog park. This picture was taken at the top - dog park is just below, and downtown SF is off to the left. I used to run up this hill a few times a week - today, it took roughly 30 minutes to walk all the way up!
Teddy is truly the "practice baby" - I'm trying to take him with me wherever I go in order to get used to toting a kid around. I KNOW it's not the same, but for now, that's all I got to practice with. I'm 35 weeks along, so at most, I have 6 more weeks until the Little Dude arrives!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)