Adding a Degree of Difficulty
July 28, 2010 at 4:59 pm | Posted in The Cutlet | Leave a commentTags: Pepco, The Happiest Baby on the Block
Apparently, a higher power decided that it wasn’t difficult enough to raise an infant. Instead, we had to be given an increased degree of difficulty. We had to raise an infant without the use of electricity.
On Sunday afternoon, a storm blew through Montgomery County, and knocked our power out. Sadly, this is not a rare occurance, as this is the third time that we’ve lost power this year.
Our condo association posted a notice saying that Pepco’s estimated time of restoration was 9:30 PM that night. We figured that wouldn’t be so bad. We cooked dinner on the gas stove, put the Cutlet down early, and went to sleep.
Of course sleep isn’t a fluid thing for us these days. It comes in short bursts with several waking periods through the night. Every time I awoke, I expected to see that the power had been restored. And each time, I was left disappointed.
When I woke for the last time in the morning, we were still without the convenience of electricity, and I realized that Pepco is either a bunch of big liars or really bad at getting power restored. Probably both.
I should probably mention that waking up in the morning has taken on different meaning for me since the Cutlet arrived. It used to be that an alarm was set, and shortly after it sounded, I would get out of bed and start to get ready for work. An alarm clock is no longer necessary, as the Cutlet works far better than any electronic device.
The Cutlet is apparently a morning person. After her final feeding of the night, the Cutlet isn’t keen on slipping back into a restful slumber. Basically, if it is after 6:30 AM, there is little chance of her going back to sleep. On those few occassions when she does sleep, it isn’t wonderful, silent restful sleep. No, it is what they call active sleep, in which she flails her arms, squirms about, and makes odd noises. This is very effective in keeping her father awake.
Basically, my getting out of bed in the morning is an act of surrender. It’s when I come to the realization that the child has no intention of letting me sleep any further, so I get out of bed and take her into our living room.
Normally, spending time with the Cutlet in the morning isn’t too bad. She’s usually alert and reactive and it is fun to interact with her at these times. Plus, I can either read or watch television. Without electricity, all I can do is try to read by flashlight, a task that is much more difficult while trying to balance a squirming baby.
After enough time has passed that I didn’t feel guilty about waking Mrs. Cutter, I took the Cutlet into the bedroom and got ready for work. On my drive to work, every traffic light that I came to was out, and I realized that the problem was not limited to our neighborhood. When I arrived at work, I found that the power was out there as well. Hooray for bonus vacation days.
We were fortunately able to save much of our frozen food by evacuating it to Squinty’s place. Don’t think too highly of him though, since he wouldn’t let us have any of his cupcakes. (To be fair, he did bring a box of them over to us on Saturday)
We got word that afternoon that power had been restored, and so we became hopeful. That hope was quickly squashed as we got further reports that shortly after power was back, something was heard to explode, and our neighborhood was thrust back into darkness.
After dinner, we headed back to our darkened abode. We tried to go about our usual routine. But the usual routine becomes much more difficult when you only have candlelight to work with. For instance, when trying to change a diaper or calm a screaming baby in the night, it helps to be able to see what you are doing.
We’ve found that when the Cutlet screams during the day, it is unplesant but ultimately bearable. When the Cutlet screams during the night when you want to be sleeping, it is much less so. When the Cutlet screams in the night, and you’re stuck in the dark, and haven’t showered in over a day, it is enough to drive a person insane.
The power outage continued for another day. It wasn’t so bad. I went to work, and Mrs. Cutter passed the time between feedings. We were able to cook some dinner on the stove.
And then 8 PM came.
For whatever reason, the Cutlet does not seem to like the 8 PM hour. Just about every night, right around that time, she becomes an inconsolable crying machine. There doesn’t seem to be anything wrong with her, she just likes to cry. And when she cries, she cries hard. I’d say the term “tortured cat” best describes the sound she makes.
To calm her, we decided to take the approach laid out in the book “The Happiest Baby on the Block” and try to create a womb-like enivronment for her. This would involve swaddling (wrapping her tightly in a blanket). Most babies are said to enjoy this. The Cutlet does not. Her reaction to having her limbs wrapped is similar to how Cavaliers fans reacted to LeBron James’ decision.
Ultimately, thanks to a special swaddling sheet (the baby straightjacket) and some dedication by her parents (“You will be swaddled whether you like it or not!”), she was eventually swaddled, and by some miracle, calmed down and eventually settled into peaceful sleep.
It was a good night. There were no screaming fits, and at a couple of points, I actually got concerned, because I didn’t hear her. She was sleeping that soundly.
By the way, being concerned that you can’t hear your baby sleeping is one of the dumbest things a parent can do. Enjoy those brief moments of peace, as you’ll miss them dearly when they are gone.
In the morning, after a false start (the lights came on for fifteen minutes and then went out again), our power was finally restored! I could get ready for work with the benefit of artificial light!
And now that we’ve gotten through dealing with a screaming child without power, anything else that parenthood throws at us will be a snap. At least I can only assume so.
Back to Work
July 20, 2010 at 5:17 pm | Posted in Pop Culture, The Cutlet | Leave a commentTags: All-Star Game, Bad News Bears, Funny People
After two weeks off to deal with the Cutlet, I have returned to work this week. So far, it hasn’t been too bad. I was worried that I might feel like a zombie throughout the day. But although I still would enjoy the luxury of taking a midday nap, I’ve been able to function well enough. I think it helps that I am generally good without getting a full night’s sleep, and that I don’t drink coffee.
The Cutlet’s sleeping habits are still a work in progress, as we have bad nights mixed in with the good. Last night was a good night, as she only woke up when hungry and generally let us sleep for the rest of the night. I think I may be learning more effective ways to get her to go to sleep quickly, but I don’t want to speak too soon. It seems like every time we’ve got her figured out, she changes things up on us. She’s a clever child – perhaps too clever.
My two weeks off reminded me of how I spent my July ten years ago. Much like this year, the days of July 2000 were spent not working, but back then it was simply because I was unemployed and had nothing to do.
I had graduated from college in May, and was searching for a job. Admittedly, I wasn’t searching especially hard, mostly because my parents were still graciously paying my rent. Why did they do this? Because in theory, I was trying to find a job (“It’s a difficult job market!”), and still had several months on my apartment’s lease, so I couldn’t move back home even if I wanted to.
My days were spent waking up whenever, going to the gym, eating fast food, taking naps, and going out drinking. Occassionally, I’d do something like go to the zoo or Smithsonian or just walk along the National Mall. My life was carefree and jolly.
Ten years later, much has changed. My two weeks away from work were far from carefree. I was trying to get as much stuff done as possible in between (and sometimes during) periods watching the Cutlet. I decided to thoroughly clean the condo, going as far as to scrub the bathroom walls and various kitchen surfaces which hadn’t been cleaned since we moved in. Mrs. Cutter appreciated the effort, but may have become a little frightened by my dedication to the cleaning process.
We’ve noticed that time moves somewhat differently with a baby. Despite getting out of bed around 7 AM each day, I’m still amazed at how quickly the end of the day comes. There isn’t nearly as much time to get stuff done as you might think. On the other hand, when dealing with a screaming baby in the middle of the night, time can move painfully slow.
During my time at home, I did a lot of TV watching. When you’re sitting with a sleeping infant who you do not want to disturb, TV is one of the few things you are limited to.
We watched the movie “Funny People.” Can anyone tell me what the point of this movie was? It was like Judd Apatow said “I’m tired of making immature guy comedies. I’m going to make an indulgent film that, despite being marketed as a comedy, isn’t actually funny.”
Actually, this is a huge dislike of mine: Comedies that aren’t actually funny. As far as I’m concerned, a comedy should make me laugh. It’s like when people tell me how funny Wes Anderson movies are. I realize that some of the broad concepts in the movies might be humorous, but afterwards, it shouldn’t have to be explained to someone why it was funny.
As for Funny People, it couldn’t seem to figure out what it wanted to be. Was it a slacker comedy about a group of aspiring standups? (Which could have been funny given the cast) Was it about an asshole trying to find redemption when faced with his mortality? (Could have been a decent drama with humorous elements if not starring Adam Sandler) Was it a bromance between Sandler and Seth Rogen? (Could have worked if they were just allowed to be funny) Or was it a really weird romantic comedy? (Even this might have worked in a way)
Apatow tried to make the movie all of these things and the result is a painfully long (Almost two and a half hours!) mess of a movie that you become angry with because it keeps going on and doesn’t seem to have a point.
I also watched the 2005 remake of the Bad News Bears. I seem to remember liking the original when I watched it as a kid, even though I’m sure I saw an edited for TV version. I re-watched it a few months ago, and it just came off as kind of dated – which is understandable.
I didn’t have huge hopes for the remake, yet found myself entertained. While most of the original’s plot points were still in place, they modernized it just enough – although may have gotten a little too PC with the diversity of the team members.
I actually watched the entire MLB All-Star Game! I’ve blogged about my general disinterest in the All-Star Game before, but I’ve found when you record it and then watch it at 6 AM while trying to entertain a fussy baby, it becomes much more palatable.
It might have helped that it was a close, competitive game, and that the National League won for the first time since 1996. I watched the entire game in 1996 too, mostly because I had my wisdom teeth taken out the day before, and I couldn’t really do much else.
And with that, another work day is complete. Now to go home, see my child, and hope that she doesn’t spend tonight wide awake and screeching like a cat. Just gotta keep repeating: Calm, happy, sleepy baby. Calm, happy, sleepy baby.
The Journey Begins
July 15, 2010 at 10:35 am | Posted in The Cutlet | 2 CommentsTags: Holy Cross hospital
It’s been awhile since my last blog, but I finally have a chance to write and tell you all about what I’m sure you’re dying to hear…my thoughts on LeBron James signing with the Miami Heat!
Then again, since that particular subject may have been played out by the national media, instead I’ll tell you a little bit about the birth and early life of my child. As I go along, I’ll share with you some lessons Mrs. Cutter and I have learned so far.
Some people reading this who are parents, and even some who are not, may laugh at this, thinking that we have no idea what we’re doing. Some of you may absolutely disagree with some of the things we’ve done. But that just leads me into my first lesson learned.
Lesson Learned: Every parent and child is different, and there is no perfect solution that works for everyone
Mrs. Cutter and I read books about pregnancy and child care, and we received advice from many sources. You’re going to hear many conflicting opinions on just about every subject when it comes to child care. And most people are going to be convinced that their way is the absolute best. But ultimately, each parent has to decide what is best for their own child. As long as you aren’t doing something that is harming the child, I don’t think there is any real wrong way to raise your child.
Anyway, on the morning of July 3rd, my life changed forever. Mrs. Cutter told me that she was in labor, and we would have to head to the hospital. Fortunately, since it was the Saturday morning of a holiday weekend, there wasn’t much traffic on the Beltway and we made it to Holy Cross hospital in short time.
Lesson learned: Have your wife go into labor in the morning
This will allow you to get a full night sleep and feel fully rested, so that you’ll be better prepared to handle what is ahead. Also, if possible, have your wife go into labor on a weekend (a holiday weekend is a bonus) so that traffic is alleviated.
Lesson learned: Take a tour of the hospital and child birth classes, but don’t expect to remember anything when the time comes
Once we arrived at the hospital, despite the hospital tour and the classes, my mind had gone almost completely blank. I couldn’t remember where we were supposed to go or what we were supposed to do. Fortunately, the hospital staff took Mrs. Cutter where she needed to go, and I just kind of followed along.
Lesson learned: Epidurals can make labor much more pleasant for everyone
After we got checked in, Mrs. Cutter’s labor pains intensified. She was wearing a sensor that tracked contraction strength, so I could kind of see how much pain she was in. And as we went along, the contraction strength kept increasing.
So after we were moved into the labor and delivery room, Mrs. Cutter requested an epidural. I obviously know nothing about the pains of childbirth beyond what I’ve read or been told. And I can fully understand those women who choose to go without medication (See the first lesson learned). But before she received the epidural, Mrs. Cutter was in pain and unhappy. Afterwards, she was in a much better mood, and the contractions simply washed over her. So as far as Mrs. Cutter and I are concerned, epidurals are good.
Lesson learned: In case of emergency, giving birth in a hospital is preferable
I know that some women prefer to give birth in the comfort of their own home, but for us, that was never an option. And as things turned out, we were glad that we were in a hospital.
Mrs. Cutter’s labor was progressing well. We had some of our family visit, and everything seemed to be fine. But then, the doctor noticed that Mrs. Cutter had a fever, and as a result, the baby had an elevated heart rate.
Mrs. Cutter was immediately given medication to try to fight the infection, but the doctor warned her that the elevated heart rate was dangerous for the baby. She would be fine for now, but if the fever continued for much longer, the baby would have to come out quickly.
The fever didn’t subside enough, so Mrs. Cutter had to begin the process of pushing. Unfortunately, the baby did not make enough progress, so Mrs. Cutter was taken in for an emergency C-section. This was not a pleasant experience for Mrs. Cutter as she was feverish (and as a result, shaking somewhat violently), and could feel some sensation.
But thankfully, the procedure was successful and Baby Cutter (aka The Cutlet) was born! She weighed in at a robust 7 pounds, 15.8 ounces. I was able to take several pictures of the baby, but I also happened to glance at the operating table.
Lesson learned: Do not look at your wife’s innards
There are some things you just don’t want to see. I can say that Mrs. Cutter does have a lovely pancreas though.
Lesson learned: The first night is difficult
Mrs. Cutter was patched up, and the baby was cleaned up. We were then moved into our room where I had some dinner and Mrs. Cutter attempted to feed the baby. Unfortunately, she was feeling stoned from all the drugs she had received, she was still immobile from the waist down due to the epidural, and she was physically and mentally spent from the whole process.
Lesson learned: Take advantage of the nursery
While the new parents are exhausted, the new baby tends to be wide awake. They don’t know what’s going and are constantly hungry. So they cry. They cry a lot. And new parents don’t necessarily know how to deal with a constantly crying baby. So it isn’t a bad idea to just let the nurses care for the child for at least a couple of hours while you get some rest.
Lesson learned: Holy Cross hospital is an ideal place to have a baby
All of the nurses and staff were friendly and helpful. More importantly, the maternity suites are all private, which means you don’t have to share with another family. It’s tough enough getting sleep when you’re dealing with your child. If you also had to deal with another child (and its family), I don’t know if sleep would be possible. Plus, they had nice sleeping couches for husbands so I didn’t have to spend the night on the floor.
Lesson learned: Diaper changes are scary at first, but they get easier
The next day, I got to change my first diaper. Some people were shocked that I had never changed a diaper before (why would I?) but now, I had no choice. Unfortunately, this was not a small deposit in the diaper. It was big and it was messy. Plus, the Cutlet’s ankle tags kept getting in the mess and making things worse. The Cutlet was screaming. I think I was screaming. Meanwhile, the still immobile Mrs. Cutter was laughing and taking pictures.
After a little time, we finally got through the ordeal, and I’m happy to say that after that, the task didn’t seem nearly so daunting.
Lesson learned: Parenthood is the realization that there’s a screaming baby and you’re the one who has to deal with it
We spent another couple of days in the hospital. We continued to take advantage of the nursery, but finally, we brought the Cutlet to her home.
The first night home did not go easy. We were still exhausted, and the Cutlet did not take well to sleeping in a new environment. She cried all night, and unlike in the hospital, we didn’t have the luxury of having nurses deal with her.
Lesson learned: A crying baby is not cause for panic
We have learned that sometimes babies cry. Sometimes it is because they’re hungry. (OK, most of the time it is because she’s hungry.) But sometimes, the baby just cries because she feels like crying, or because she’s in an unfamiliar situation. You may just need to let her settle down a little. If you give them a couple of minutes to cry it out, they sometimes are able to calm themselves down.
Lesson learned: Get sleep whenever possible
Of course, sometimes they can’t calm themselves down, and you can’t calm them down either. Those are going to be rough nights.
Even on the best nights, long peaceful sleep is not going to happen. Babies need to eat just about every couple of hours. Which means that someone (and sadly for Mrs. Cutter, since she’s the one feeding the baby, this is typically her) is going to have to get up every couple of hours. This means that it is crucial to get rest whenever you can.
Lesson learned: Raising a child is an experience like no other
Even though we’ve only been parents for the briefest of times, we have already experienced so many new things. We knew that despite the books and classes, we really had no clue as to what was about to happen to us. But we’re happy to say that is a joy finding out. Each day with the Cutlet is a new experience for both us and her, and we’re looking forward to many, many more.
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