Update

Life with the Gargans has been pretty chaotic lately. Daddy is working everyday at the Post Office, covering for his carrier and picking up extra hours in Express Mail when he can. Mama has been working hard at IDEXX and on networking as a Doula. Mama just missed her first birth as a Doula with a client who had less than an hour of active labor and birthed her baby at home with the help of the paramedics who arrived just in time. This means she still needs one more birth to certify.

Rayne had a visit with her pediatrician just shy of eight months old. Daddy took her to the visit because Mama had been away at a birth lasting 42 hours and needed some rest. At the appointment, it was determined that little Rayne-Rayne was way too little. She weighed in at a minute 11lbs 14oz, a gain of only 1lb 11oz since her last visit at 4 months. The doctor recommended adding formula to her diet and also said that he wanted to speak with mom, although he didn’t call mom the next day. Mom called him twice the next day and he returned her call on the following day. After complaining that he wasn’t able to reach her on the phone she provided, he went on to answer her questions and left her feeling like the reason for Rayne’s poor gain was that she was not being fed enough. It was an extremely difficult time for the Gargan family. Of course, immediately after Mama discovered Rayne’s poor weight gain, she brought her to the lactation consultant and has been monitoring her weight since. She gained 4oz in one week and they will see where she stands this week.

Lexi started dance class with her friend, Serenity. It’s a combination class of ballet, jazz, and tap. They don’t allow the parents in the room during rehearsal. It’s quite a shock to see that Lexi is big enough to not have Mommy in the room. Lexi has also been acting out lately, especially when Mama is around. The other day she came to the table to see her hot muesli with milk, sugar, and blueberries, and exclaimed, “Not this!” She proceeded to throw the bowl on the floor, after which Mama put her in time-out. When she wouldn’t calm down, Mama took away her Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle show and told her she could only get out of time out when she was ready to clean the mess. Well, that was not OK with Lexi-Mouse. She attempted to distract Mama from her obligations by wetting her pants, but Mama stuck to her guns and after putting on a clean pair of underwear, made Lexi remain in a time-out until she finally succumbed and agreed to clean up the mess. Hugs and kisses all around.

Carter has had some silly patterns of eating lately. He doesn’t eat much at all during the day and by night time he is starving. He whines and whines and his parents trip over him while trying to make dinner. He only stops if the right button is pushed, which he then exclaims, “Yes!” as in, Yes, that’s what I wanted you silly adults. Dad thinks he is getting more and more handsome everyday and even compared his 2-year-old boy to Brad Pitt.

With all the emotions and the financial strain of employing a babysitter as well as paying for gas, and the physical attention that Rayne requires, Mama has put in her notice at IDEXX. She is going to continue her work as a Doula, volunteer at the Hope House, knit longies for other moms, and most importantly take care of her children. She will make meals at home, use cloth diapers once again, and spend less on gas. Dad will pick up more hours at Pizza Hut and work more at the Post Office. Dad has also guaranteed that he will have a full-time position at the Post Office in the next two years. Hopefully, they’ll be able to hang onto their house until then.