Party planning for Henry's first birthday is officially underway! I'm now staring at way too many rubber duckies and ribbon and decor in my office. I really wasn't going to go overboard with the first birthday, but I guess I can't help myself. I'm so emotional/sentimental about making it to this milestone. My baby is growing up. It is so fun and sweet and sad all at the same time! Can't wait to share pics of the bday party (which I just realized is only TEN days away!!).
I'm about to ovulate. Got a positive opk yesterday, and Shaun and I got together this morning. Still holding out hope for a "surprise" pregnancy but planning on going back to the RE in the near future.
Just accomplished observing a 12 hr lamaze childbirth education class for my doula training. Yes you read that right...I'm going to be a doula! For those of you who don't know, a doula is a trained labor support person who stays with the mom from (at least) active labor through the first latch with breastfeeding. This really deserves its own post, but I'm very excited about becoming a doula!
Henry just woke up from his morning nap so I have to go, but he is changing so much right now and acting more and more like a little pre-toddler. He loves to push the garage door button to open it for his daddy in the morning, and he gave Shaun the most precious are-you-proud-of-me look this morning when he pushed it!! It was sooooo cute :).
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
11 Month Update
This is my last month update before Henry turns one...how is that possible??!! I have been a very bad blogger this month as I just realized that my last post was Henry's 10 month update. We have been super busy this past month with lots of fun summer activities, all three of us getting sick for a week (boo!), and getting to travel to Bham to spend time with our nephews and to welcome their little brother into the world. I know it took 11 months lol, but I really feel like Shaun and I have completely transitioned to parenthood and marriage with baby. Shaun is an incredible daddy (as he has always been from day one!), and I can tell that he is loving the stage that Henry is in now. He takes Henry on Saturday mornings for a little daddy/son time, and Shaun comes back talking about how much fun they had. It is so cute ;).
Now for the always ridiculously long update!
Stats:
Weight- Still hanging on to the 20 lb range...he eats like a cow, but he isn't gaining much
Height--??
Size 4 diapers
12 to 18 mo clothes
Milestones:
Standing alone/getting to standing without holding on to anything--He just started doing this in the last week/few days! Henry has been pretty cautious to let go even though he can definitely do it! This makes me think that he might be a little bit of a late walker, which I'm completely okay with since he is doing great with his other milestones.
Baby Signs--Henry added "bath" this month, but he will only do it when he sees a baby in a bath tub in one of the books we are reading. He has made the sign for "more" several times now, but he doesn't do it consistently. He is also pointing out birds and trying to make a sign but not really making the sign yet. "Fan" and "All Done" are still his two favorite signs, and he also likes to wave bye bye a lot if the mood strikes him. Dada took him to Lowe's and showed him the fans, and Shaun reported back that he LOVED it.
Words- Dada is still his favorite word, but he is added a few more! He won't say mama that much right now if at all, but I'm sure he will start saying it again soon. He is saying "duck" a lot more, and he has said "bye bye" and "baby" (but he doesn't say those on a regular basis).
Animal sounds- Henry is really interested in listening to sounds this month so we have started teaching him a lot more animal sounds. He gets so excited when he hears the birds outside! The only sounds he can make so far is moooo for cow and baba for sheep. He rarely will make the sheep sound, but he will make the mooo sound if we make it first.
Acting like a big boy- He is starting to help a little with getting dressed by pushing out his arms. Henry likes to push the garage door button to close it with one finger. Starting to point to objects to let us know that he saw it. Turning off lights. And understanding so much of what we say!
Favorite books- Henry is still in love with books! I think his favorite this month would definitely be any books with animals. I can tell he really enjoys when I make the sounds or tickle the dog's belly.
Breastfeeding- Still going well although I'm starting to feel like I will be ready to wean in a month. I know it will be sad, but it will also be good to have more freedom. But I will be really happy to make it to our goal!
Sleep- Sleep training continues after a little setback from traveling and getting sick! Henry is improving with going down for his naps and nighttime sleep so I'm happy! I've really finally realized that Henry is a sensitive baby, and he can NOT go down to sleep if he is overtired. I'm basically having to stay home with him until after his afternoon nap to make sure that he doesn't get overstimulated. I have finally accepted that this is just how he needs it for now. I'm still making an exception for one or two times a week so that we can have some social time with friends.
This is such a sweet age. I think I might say that every month, but it is so true!!
Now for some pics!
Now for the always ridiculously long update!
Stats:
Weight- Still hanging on to the 20 lb range...he eats like a cow, but he isn't gaining much
Height--??
Size 4 diapers
12 to 18 mo clothes
Milestones:
Standing alone/getting to standing without holding on to anything--He just started doing this in the last week/few days! Henry has been pretty cautious to let go even though he can definitely do it! This makes me think that he might be a little bit of a late walker, which I'm completely okay with since he is doing great with his other milestones.
Baby Signs--Henry added "bath" this month, but he will only do it when he sees a baby in a bath tub in one of the books we are reading. He has made the sign for "more" several times now, but he doesn't do it consistently. He is also pointing out birds and trying to make a sign but not really making the sign yet. "Fan" and "All Done" are still his two favorite signs, and he also likes to wave bye bye a lot if the mood strikes him. Dada took him to Lowe's and showed him the fans, and Shaun reported back that he LOVED it.
Words- Dada is still his favorite word, but he is added a few more! He won't say mama that much right now if at all, but I'm sure he will start saying it again soon. He is saying "duck" a lot more, and he has said "bye bye" and "baby" (but he doesn't say those on a regular basis).
Animal sounds- Henry is really interested in listening to sounds this month so we have started teaching him a lot more animal sounds. He gets so excited when he hears the birds outside! The only sounds he can make so far is moooo for cow and baba for sheep. He rarely will make the sheep sound, but he will make the mooo sound if we make it first.
Acting like a big boy- He is starting to help a little with getting dressed by pushing out his arms. Henry likes to push the garage door button to close it with one finger. Starting to point to objects to let us know that he saw it. Turning off lights. And understanding so much of what we say!
Favorite books- Henry is still in love with books! I think his favorite this month would definitely be any books with animals. I can tell he really enjoys when I make the sounds or tickle the dog's belly.
Breastfeeding- Still going well although I'm starting to feel like I will be ready to wean in a month. I know it will be sad, but it will also be good to have more freedom. But I will be really happy to make it to our goal!
Sleep- Sleep training continues after a little setback from traveling and getting sick! Henry is improving with going down for his naps and nighttime sleep so I'm happy! I've really finally realized that Henry is a sensitive baby, and he can NOT go down to sleep if he is overtired. I'm basically having to stay home with him until after his afternoon nap to make sure that he doesn't get overstimulated. I have finally accepted that this is just how he needs it for now. I'm still making an exception for one or two times a week so that we can have some social time with friends.
This is such a sweet age. I think I might say that every month, but it is so true!!
Now for some pics!
Playing with cousins in bham!
My fake "cheese" grin...love it!
Hanging out like a big boy with his cousins waiting for John Paul to arrive!
In love with the dog in Old Navy
He ended up pushing his stroller around by himself by the end of the night!!
Love this picture! Henry on daddy's shoulders watching the hot air balloons takeoff
Thursday, June 10, 2010
10 Month Update...my busy little bee
Oh how I love this age! It is so fun to watch Henry explore the world around him. He is busy, busy, busy! I apologize in advance for how long this post is going to be...there are so many things I want to write down for my own memory so you might want to grab a cold beverage before trying to read this in one sitting!
Stats:
Weight- still in the 20 lb range
Height-?? probably won't have another measurement until his 12 month dr visit
Size 4 diapers
Size 12 to 18 mo clothes--loving summer clothes!! (p.s. any recommendations for his first real walking shoes?)
Milestones:
Crusing!- Henry has become the master cruiser. He can cruise down our couch and any furniture in record time. It has been a new challenge for me to find places for things now that he can get into EVERYTHING!!
Speed Crawler- Henry is still continuing to crawl incredibly fast without letting his knees touch the ground. Everyone laughs when they see him crawl because it is a pretty funny sight. It is always fun to see what animal they are going to compare him to...
Baby Signs- This month Henry added "all done" and "fan" to his small but fun baby sign vocab. He gets so excited when he does the sign for all done, and I respond, "all done??" And he gets very happy when I ask him if he is all done...he almost always immediately responds with the sign. I think he is getting close to doing the sign for bird and bath so it will be fun to see if he does those this month. One little cute baby sign story is that we were out in the parking lot of wa.lmart the other day and a helicopter flew by. Henry was making the sign for fan, and it didn't even click with me until I told Shaun later that he thought it was a flying fan lol. He also made a sound that sounded like a helicopter and when I told Shaun that we saw a helicopter..he made the sound again!!
Words- no new words this month...:(...just mama and dada and a lot of cute baby talk. Except for maybe yum and baby, but I can't say for sure as I've only thought I've heard him say both several times.
Mimicking- Henry is really getting into the stage where he loves to mimic any sound that we make or facial expression. It is so funny to me when he does this! The other day we were reading a book with animals, and I made the sound that horses make, and he made it back! so cute!!
Diaper Changes/Getting Dressed- Henry HATES it. He rolls over...screams...tries to crawl away...it is actually pretty funny. I'm starting to use the safety straps on the changing pad cover so that I can actually get the boy changed!! I have the coolest, neatest household items like remotes for him to play with and he still is not having it at all.
Dance with me Henry--(y'all do know that is a song right?? I need to learn all of the lyrics!!) Henry has started to dance and bounce his little booty when he hears music. I've been waiting for this day for so long because I absolutely adore baby booty dancing :). He has also started to sing with us sometimes. I have a song that I made up that he loves called "my hen hen henry," and he will try to hum the same rhythm with me at the hen hen henry part.
Peekaboo- It took me forever to figure out that Henry was trying to play peekaboo with us. He kept leaning his head over to one side in his high chair, and I just thought he was doing it to be silly. I finally figured out one day that he was "hiding." I always play peek a boo with him by hiding under his tray so that was what he was trying to do :).
Outside- Henry goes nuts if I ask him if he wants to go bye byes or go outside. He loves it!! He just oozes with delight when I open the garage door. Even just a simple trip to the mailbox is pure heaven for him.
Favorite toys- Anything and everything he can get into! And a vtec helicopter and tool box shape sorter.
Favorite books- Can't even pick one! His favs are touch and feel books! His Aunt Vicki just gave us a ton of his cousin Samuel's baby books (thanks vicki!!), and he is having the best time with his new books. He makes me read to him before every nap and after every feeding!! I absolutely adore this time because it is the only time during the day that he will actually lay on me and be still. He also figured out how to turn the page of the books this month so it has been fun to let him turn the page.
Breastfeeding- Breastfeeding is going really well, and I don't feel like quiting any time soon. The biting thing was only for a day or two until he figured out he was hurting mommy. The only thing that is different this month is that he has a strong preference on when to switch sides. Feeling a little conflicted because I know some people start to think it is strange after 12 months and also wondering (and this really is a post that needs to be by itself but I don't have time right now so I will mention...) if I need to quit to give us more time to get pregnant on our own. Doctors seem to not count breastfeeding months as "fertile" (and I use that term lightly around here) months, and I would like to give it some time before I have to start that process again. Feeling like my clock is ticking....weird feeling to have at 26.
Self-feeding- Henry is about 90% feeding himself now. I will feed him yogurt or oatmeal but other than that...he feeds himself. I was really not sure about this stage but now that we are in it...I love it! Henry is still at the stage where he loves everything which makes me job a lot easier! For those of you who have a little one around the same age, here is what we are eating these days (just a typical day...this does vary!). (Just a few Cheerios are always at the beginning of every meal while mom gets things ready!)
Breakfast- Banana (about 3/4), Strawberries (2 to 3) and Wheat Oatmeal mixed with whole milk
Lunch- Turkey, 1 sandwich sliced cheddar cheese, whole wheat bread, green veggie, fruit (blueberries etc)
Afternoon snack- fruit and cheerios or cheese or yogurt
Dinner- Meat of what we are having for dinner, green veggie, fruit, wheat bread
Nighttime sleep/naps--yikes. I don't even know if I can talk about this right now. Henry is sooo cute (if I say so myself), soooo sweet, sooo funny, such a great eater and crawler....but he is NOT a good sleeper. Never has been from about night two from the hospital. We are in the middle of sleep training because I had a moment where I realized that the night waking wasn't working for him, and it wasn't working for me. In fact, I realized that he cries so much every night to get me to come to his room that by sleep training him...I was actually saving him from crying in the future. Night one- was off and on crying for a hour (I didn't go in at all...just set a timer and checked on him via video monitor because I knew I would pick him up if I went in there and just make him madder or give in!!). Night two- two little whimpers at 4 am and 5 am...up for good at 5:30 am (not so bad for the second night!!). And now he sleeps until five and then the poor booger will not go back to sleep. 5 AM is sooooo early! It is still dark. So I've decided that I will go get him at 6 AM but not before 6. I'm thinking that within a week or two of doing this that he will hopefully sleep past 5 AM. Morning nap is actually pretty good right now, but he wants to go down early because he is so tired from getting up at 5. A big shout out to my friend Alison for helping me via email with the sleep training!! She encouraged me to keep him up closer to his normal nap time, and he took a nice 2 hr nap, and we were on schedule the rest of the day!!
One note that I do want to make about all of this is that I've never seen Henry so happy. He is already reaping the rewards of having uninterrupted nighttime sleep, and it makes me feel good as a parent that I did what was right for him. If you are reading this and thinking that you could never do that...well that was me too. But I had to do what was best for Henry and for me and although it was hard (like many decisions we have to make as parents)..I'm so happy I did it. I did have Henry's doctor check his ears and to do a complete look over on him to clear us for sleep training. He was completely on board and said we better do it now, or we were going to have trouble on our hands when he is a toddler.
Mommy update- The sleep deprivation has been tough, but I'm loving this summer with Henry. We are having the best time together, and I'm just soaking up these golden baby days as I know they are going way too fast.
Now for some pics if you have made it this far!! I'm going to start with a few cell phone pics sorry for the low quality.
I love this picture!!
Shaun built this upholstered cover for our fireplace so that Henry can have a safe play area!!
And yes he is wearing Christmas pjs in june :)
Cheerio/Food problem from post below...solved! I just shake the rug out every couple of days, and it has a rubber back so it washes great! For some reason...it looks so much better when the cheerios are on a rug lol.
Matching! Right before we hit the beach!
He LOVED the beach.
Family pic!
In an effort to be real on this blog...here is a pic from the weekend we will never forget...Henry's first ear infection. If he wasn't sleeping in his carseat (the only place he would sleep), he was screaming.
Clap, Clap, Clap
Also have some post on www.prayingforalittleone.blogspot.com...give me some comment love over there because I'm feeling a little down about lack of comments. Wondering if anyone is still reading?!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Lazy or Enjoying life
blogging from my backyard again while henry sleeps in his outdoor swing (he has an ear infection and won't sleep laying down...never knew how bad an ear infection could be...wow. poor guy.): Currently there are enough cherrios to fill up an entire bowl of cereal on my kitchen floor, laundry on our love seat, laundry in the washer waiting for the dryer, and no dinner is prepared (yet...i am going to make spaghetti and salad). I sometimes question whether I'm being lazy (not doing my job) or because i dont stress about having the perfect house, I'm able to enjoy life with henry and shaun. I know there are a lot of sahms that clean in the evenings (like kitchen and laundry), but i find myself in my pjs as soon as henry is in the bed for the night, and i pretty much refuse to do anything productive in the evening. shaun and i eat dinner and watch our fav shows, and the only thing productive you might see us do is to take our plates to the sink (and maybe some couponing). i thrive on down time. I like to chill, visit, eat slowly...does this make me lazy? Maybe it does but for now the cherrios are going to stay on the floor, and im just going to sit here and watch Henry sleep.
Friday, May 21, 2010
lately.
I'm typing this post from my phone in my backyard while i watch boo boo sleeping in his swing so excuse the typos and quick random thoughts.
I've been thinking about a few things that i think i might have forgotten to write about in hen's 9 mo post and wanted to jot some of those down before i forget...
Henry loves, loves getting his teeth brushed...or watching us brush our teeth. he thinks it is the best thing ever. i have this little song i sing while i brush them and he gets so excited when i start to sing the song.
Henry hates getting his diaper changed or clothes changed...ive tried songs, toys, holding him down, saying no and telling him he needs to lay down. he does seem to be getting better about getting dressed now that i talk him through it and use the same words. it is amazing what a contrast this is from the early baby days when he would giggle and coo during diaper changes (awww).
Henry also loves to play peek a boo...it is a guaranteed laugh/smile, and I even think he is starting to try to play it with us.
He also goes nuts over books right now. Every time after he nurses, he leans as far as he can over to the books and when I ask him if he wants to read a book...he does his little whinny grunt that he does to say "yes" until I start reading. And the best part is that he now turns the pages..love it :).
did i mention that i love him to bits? i think i might have mentioned it but just wanted to say it again. okay just wanted to write those thoughts down because time is just going by fast, and I'm doing every thing I can to soak up this sweet age. I know I'm going to blink, and my baby boy is going to be a toddler.
I've been thinking about a few things that i think i might have forgotten to write about in hen's 9 mo post and wanted to jot some of those down before i forget...
Henry loves, loves getting his teeth brushed...or watching us brush our teeth. he thinks it is the best thing ever. i have this little song i sing while i brush them and he gets so excited when i start to sing the song.
Henry hates getting his diaper changed or clothes changed...ive tried songs, toys, holding him down, saying no and telling him he needs to lay down. he does seem to be getting better about getting dressed now that i talk him through it and use the same words. it is amazing what a contrast this is from the early baby days when he would giggle and coo during diaper changes (awww).
Henry also loves to play peek a boo...it is a guaranteed laugh/smile, and I even think he is starting to try to play it with us.
He also goes nuts over books right now. Every time after he nurses, he leans as far as he can over to the books and when I ask him if he wants to read a book...he does his little whinny grunt that he does to say "yes" until I start reading. And the best part is that he now turns the pages..love it :).
did i mention that i love him to bits? i think i might have mentioned it but just wanted to say it again. okay just wanted to write those thoughts down because time is just going by fast, and I'm doing every thing I can to soak up this sweet age. I know I'm going to blink, and my baby boy is going to be a toddler.
Monday, May 10, 2010
9 Month Update!
I'm writing a 9 month update post, which means my little guy's first birthday is less than three months from now...how is that even possible??!! We just continue to fall in love with him more and more every day. This age is so fun (I do realize I say this every month)!
Stats:
Weight- 20 lbs 6 ounces (50th percentile)...Height (75th percentile)
Size 3 diapers (but last box in that size--already buying size 4 when I find them on sale--see post below)
12 mo clothes--Loving summer boy clothes. Mainly dressing Henry in polo shirts and shorts or john johns
Milestones:
Mobile!- Henry is completely mobile now as he can crawl very fast from room to room. It is so fun to watch him explore the house and to follow after us like a little puppy dog. His new mobility does make my job a little harder at times because I have to be watching him very closely but at the same time, he is soooo much happier now that he can get where he wants to go. His crawl is really cute because he doesn't let his knees touch the ground. I think the carpet was bothering him so he decided just to lift both knees.
Pulling up- This is just a recent development, and he still doesn't seem to know that he can do it because he isn't pulling up on everything yet, but we've seen him do it many times. He also will side step (slightly cruising) when he is standing and playing.
Baby Signs- I know everyone has their different opinions about baby signs, but I'm so glad that we introduced signs to Henry. This month he has mastered fish (smacking his lips together--too cute), and he makes the sign every time he sees a fish especially with his toy fish in his bath tub. He started sniffing and winking too (which is the sign for flower...although I don't know for sure if he has put that one together yet). Still shaking his head "no," but he won't do it when we ask him to anymore because he would rather do his new tricks lol. He is also clapping and waving bye bye. Signs we are working on now: drink, milk, more, bath, ball, flower, hat, water.
Words- Oh how Shaun and I are loving hearing our names. He for sure is associating us with our names and not just babbling anymore. Henry goes nuts when he sees his dada and says his name over and over. Tonight, Shaun came home while Henry was getting a bath, and he looked up at him and said clearly "hey dada." Shaun and I just looked at each other like...."what did he just say that??." It was very cute. Henry says mama more often when he wants me to feed him or if he needs something because he knows his mama takes care of him :). But for the record for Henry...his first word was dada, second was duck and third was mama. Really looking forward to hearing more in the coming months.
Word recognition- So fun to continue to see that Henry is starting to understand more and more of what we are saying. One of my fav moments of the day is to ask Henry when he is in his high chair if he wants to look outside. He gets soooo excited and looks at the window, and I open the blinds.
Favorite toys: Anything that isn't a toy lol. wires, toilet paper, trash cans, drawers, doors, hinges...etc.
Favorite books: A new book that mimi gave Henry that has pictures of babies in it...he loves it.
Eating/Nursing:
Breastfeeding- still going strong. I did notice a temporary decrease in my supply when I started my first cycle this past month, but I think we are back to normal now. He just got his top two teeth (got his two bottoms at 6 mo), and he has really started biting me hard recently. Obviously going to have to figure out how to get that to stop or we might be weaning sooner than I would like (goal/desire is to make it at least a year).
Finger foods- This month has been an interesting transition to finger foods. Henry loves to eat just about anything that he can feed himself, and he is starting to refuse baby food (and mama feeding him). I'm still trying to give him a jar or so at every meal with the finger foods, but he would much rather feed himself at this point. Some of his favs...LOVES cheerios, strawberries, turkey/chicken/beef, carrots, peas, olives, bananas. It is definitely messier, but so fun to watch him feed himself (and gives me some extra time in the kitchen for chores too).
Nighttime sleep/naps:
Oh we had some major issues with sleep this month (are you surprised lol?). I think it was a combo of a sinus infection, the top two teeth coming in, and the main problem was that he learned a new skill at the beginning of the month (going from tummy to sitting)--he didn't know how to get himself back to laying down. The good news is that for the most part, Henry is now going down easily for his naps and for night sleep. I guess it pays to stay consistent even during the rough times :). One thing that I think definitely helped is that I extended the time that I rocked him before putting him down. With all of the changes this month and mobility, I thought he might need some extra wind down time, and mama was right :). I still lay him down awake, but he is pretty drowsy by the time I put him in his bed.
Nighttime sleep- he is still waking around 4AM and sometimes around midnight. I'm tired. I'm ready for a full night's rest. And yes I'm going to have to do something, but it can't involve too much crying because I can't let him cry for long.
Now for a few pics:
Stats:
Weight- 20 lbs 6 ounces (50th percentile)...Height (75th percentile)
Size 3 diapers (but last box in that size--already buying size 4 when I find them on sale--see post below)
12 mo clothes--Loving summer boy clothes. Mainly dressing Henry in polo shirts and shorts or john johns
Milestones:
Mobile!- Henry is completely mobile now as he can crawl very fast from room to room. It is so fun to watch him explore the house and to follow after us like a little puppy dog. His new mobility does make my job a little harder at times because I have to be watching him very closely but at the same time, he is soooo much happier now that he can get where he wants to go. His crawl is really cute because he doesn't let his knees touch the ground. I think the carpet was bothering him so he decided just to lift both knees.
Pulling up- This is just a recent development, and he still doesn't seem to know that he can do it because he isn't pulling up on everything yet, but we've seen him do it many times. He also will side step (slightly cruising) when he is standing and playing.
Baby Signs- I know everyone has their different opinions about baby signs, but I'm so glad that we introduced signs to Henry. This month he has mastered fish (smacking his lips together--too cute), and he makes the sign every time he sees a fish especially with his toy fish in his bath tub. He started sniffing and winking too (which is the sign for flower...although I don't know for sure if he has put that one together yet). Still shaking his head "no," but he won't do it when we ask him to anymore because he would rather do his new tricks lol. He is also clapping and waving bye bye. Signs we are working on now: drink, milk, more, bath, ball, flower, hat, water.
Words- Oh how Shaun and I are loving hearing our names. He for sure is associating us with our names and not just babbling anymore. Henry goes nuts when he sees his dada and says his name over and over. Tonight, Shaun came home while Henry was getting a bath, and he looked up at him and said clearly "hey dada." Shaun and I just looked at each other like...."what did he just say that??." It was very cute. Henry says mama more often when he wants me to feed him or if he needs something because he knows his mama takes care of him :). But for the record for Henry...his first word was dada, second was duck and third was mama. Really looking forward to hearing more in the coming months.
Word recognition- So fun to continue to see that Henry is starting to understand more and more of what we are saying. One of my fav moments of the day is to ask Henry when he is in his high chair if he wants to look outside. He gets soooo excited and looks at the window, and I open the blinds.
Favorite toys: Anything that isn't a toy lol. wires, toilet paper, trash cans, drawers, doors, hinges...etc.
Favorite books: A new book that mimi gave Henry that has pictures of babies in it...he loves it.
Eating/Nursing:
Breastfeeding- still going strong. I did notice a temporary decrease in my supply when I started my first cycle this past month, but I think we are back to normal now. He just got his top two teeth (got his two bottoms at 6 mo), and he has really started biting me hard recently. Obviously going to have to figure out how to get that to stop or we might be weaning sooner than I would like (goal/desire is to make it at least a year).
Finger foods- This month has been an interesting transition to finger foods. Henry loves to eat just about anything that he can feed himself, and he is starting to refuse baby food (and mama feeding him). I'm still trying to give him a jar or so at every meal with the finger foods, but he would much rather feed himself at this point. Some of his favs...LOVES cheerios, strawberries, turkey/chicken/beef, carrots, peas, olives, bananas. It is definitely messier, but so fun to watch him feed himself (and gives me some extra time in the kitchen for chores too).
Nighttime sleep/naps:
Oh we had some major issues with sleep this month (are you surprised lol?). I think it was a combo of a sinus infection, the top two teeth coming in, and the main problem was that he learned a new skill at the beginning of the month (going from tummy to sitting)--he didn't know how to get himself back to laying down. The good news is that for the most part, Henry is now going down easily for his naps and for night sleep. I guess it pays to stay consistent even during the rough times :). One thing that I think definitely helped is that I extended the time that I rocked him before putting him down. With all of the changes this month and mobility, I thought he might need some extra wind down time, and mama was right :). I still lay him down awake, but he is pretty drowsy by the time I put him in his bed.
Nighttime sleep- he is still waking around 4AM and sometimes around midnight. I'm tired. I'm ready for a full night's rest. And yes I'm going to have to do something, but it can't involve too much crying because I can't let him cry for long.
Now for a few pics:
First Mother's Day...so sweet (my hubby is the best!). I was emotional all weekend.
Mother's Day...going into church.
Enjoying his baby pool...loving this warm weather!
Perfect example of "toys"...and this was so cute because he knew to smile for the camera.
Not a good pic of it, but he starting blinking/winking and closing his eyes with a cheesy camera smile.
You can somewhat see his top teeth if you look closely too :)
Oh how I love my little boy. I'm so blessed.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
"Saving Money is Making Money"
One of my favorite quotes from my hubby is "saving money is making money" (especially since he likes to spend money lol). Such a simple statement, but it is so true. We could both have huge salaries and drive really nice cars with large car payments but at the end of the month if all we do is break even...then are we ever making money?! As a stay at home mom, I feel that it is important for me to "make" money by saving money for our family. And I really have felt like I've failed in being as resourceful as I need to be to keep us in a good place financially. So lately I've been starting to get into couponing, and I never knew it could be so much fun! It is so funny to me that once you get into the mindset that you are going to save money how savings just seem to start coming to you. I even found coupons in my bushes this past week! Shaun put all of our spending last month into an excel spreadsheet and the amount of money we were still paying in eating out was unbelievable! We are literally spending all of our free money in eating out. Shaun was still going out to lunch every day which was a habit we started when we were both working so now I'm making him a lunch every morning. And the huge bonus for me is that means that sometimes he will get off a hour earlier since he was working through lunch! I'm now going to work toward providing most if not all of our meals at home every week. I was cooking before just not as much on the weekend! In order to save the most money, I have to plan in advance what we are eating to get the most out of my grocery budget. I really look forward to the challenge of seeing how much money I can save and how little I can spend to feed us!
If you are thinking about going down to one income or saving money: (not that I'm an expert as I'm just starting to really focus my energy on this)
Most of my coupon/saving ideas I get from moneysavingmom.com (just go to the top and click stores and there you can find the stores in your area and the deal ideas for this week)
Used reliable vehicles (hondas)-no car payment=we can afford for me to stay at home
Remember the tax savings--You will most likely move down a bracket and so you aren't losing as much money as you think you are!
Cooking at home and bringing lunch to work!
I love the walm.art brand boneless skinless chicken breasts in a freezer bag. One bag=7 bucks=6 cups of cooked and diced chicken. I just pull out whatever I need like 2 or 3 breasts and auto-defrost in the microwave instead of trying to remember to set it out long before dinner. And I've also boiled the whole bag and diced the chicken and froze the chicken in freezer ziplocs with 2 cups each...perfect for a quick casserole or soup!
Baby clothes--amazing what consignment and yard sales have for super cheap and really high quality/hardly worn clothes! Also, you might be able to find a friend that you can just borrow clothes from if your baby was born in the same season the following year.
What are your money saving tips?? Anything cheap and easy that you like to make for dinner? Pass them along!
If you are thinking about going down to one income or saving money: (not that I'm an expert as I'm just starting to really focus my energy on this)
Most of my coupon/saving ideas I get from moneysavingmom.com (just go to the top and click stores and there you can find the stores in your area and the deal ideas for this week)
Used reliable vehicles (hondas)-no car payment=we can afford for me to stay at home
Remember the tax savings--You will most likely move down a bracket and so you aren't losing as much money as you think you are!
Cooking at home and bringing lunch to work!
I love the walm.art brand boneless skinless chicken breasts in a freezer bag. One bag=7 bucks=6 cups of cooked and diced chicken. I just pull out whatever I need like 2 or 3 breasts and auto-defrost in the microwave instead of trying to remember to set it out long before dinner. And I've also boiled the whole bag and diced the chicken and froze the chicken in freezer ziplocs with 2 cups each...perfect for a quick casserole or soup!
Baby clothes--amazing what consignment and yard sales have for super cheap and really high quality/hardly worn clothes! Also, you might be able to find a friend that you can just borrow clothes from if your baby was born in the same season the following year.
What are your money saving tips?? Anything cheap and easy that you like to make for dinner? Pass them along!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Fighting Sleep
For the past couple of weeks, Henry has been fighting his naps and nighttime sleep like a little warrior. It all started when he learned how to push up from his tummy to sitting. I tuck him in nice and comfy and the moment I walk out of the room...he sits up and starts crying. Well no one can fall asleep sitting up so I usually have to go in several times to lay him back down. He will scream so loud when I lay him back down but then he usually quiets down until he pushes himself back to sitting again. Eventually, he gives in and just stays down and falls asleep, but this is getting a little exhausting for me and for Henry. Any tips or advice? Or I will even take a "oh yeah I remember that...it will get better soon."
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
And I thought I couldn't possibly love you more...
It is hard to even begin to describe the love I have for Henry. I wanted to share this little story that I wrote for Henry, and I hope to print it out and laminate for us to read together some day soon.
My heart was beating out of my chest the moment I looked over at the test sitting on our bedside table. It was positive, and I couldn't believe my eyes. At that moment, I knew you were with us...growing inside mommy's belly. And I thought I couldn't possibly love you more...
But then I did. Daddy was squeezing my hand as we looked up at the screen. And there you were just as tiny as a coffee bean with a beating heart. ba bum ba bum ba bum. And I thought I couldn't possibly love you more...
But then I did. Weeks later, a nice nurse told us, "it's a boy!!!" And even though we knew all along, your daddy and I were so happy when we found out for sure. You were kicking and stretching, and I thought I couldn't possibly love you more...
But then I did. It was your birthday August 7, 2009 and the doctor told me just one more push and at that moment you came out of mommy's belly and into my arms. Your daddy and I could not get over how beautiful you were and that we could finally hold you. You were wide awake just looking around at everyone. It was love at first sight, and I thought I couldn't possibly love you more...
But then I did. It was before the sun even rose into the sky, and you and I were awake because as a baby you needed to eat a lot at night. You stopped eating for a second and looked up at me and smiled. And I thought I couldn't possibly love you more...
But then I did. Your daddy had you in the air flying you like an airplane, and you had perfect form like you always do with your head up and your arms to the side. You giggled so much that you hardly took a breath, and it was the cutest sound I ever heard, and I thought I couldn't possibly love you more...
But then I did. You were sick with a fever, and you didn't feel good at all. It made me so sad that you were sick, and I couldn't wait for you to feel better. As I wiped your soft forehead with a cool washcloth, I thought I couldn't love you possibly more.
But then I did. You had been practicing for weeks and trying so hard to crawl. We were playing in my room, and I stacked some blocks up for you. You took four big crawls forward and knocked them down. I was so proud of you for trying so hard like you always do, and I though I couldn't possibly love you more.
But then I did. and then I did again and again. You see Henry...my love for you will never stop. It will just continue to grow and grow. I couldn't possibly love you more than I do today....but I will.
And I Thought I Couldn't Possibly Love You More
Copyright 2010
But then I did. Daddy was squeezing my hand as we looked up at the screen. And there you were just as tiny as a coffee bean with a beating heart. ba bum ba bum ba bum. And I thought I couldn't possibly love you more...
But then I did. Weeks later, a nice nurse told us, "it's a boy!!!" And even though we knew all along, your daddy and I were so happy when we found out for sure. You were kicking and stretching, and I thought I couldn't possibly love you more...
But then I did. It was your birthday August 7, 2009 and the doctor told me just one more push and at that moment you came out of mommy's belly and into my arms. Your daddy and I could not get over how beautiful you were and that we could finally hold you. You were wide awake just looking around at everyone. It was love at first sight, and I thought I couldn't possibly love you more...
But then I did. It was before the sun even rose into the sky, and you and I were awake because as a baby you needed to eat a lot at night. You stopped eating for a second and looked up at me and smiled. And I thought I couldn't possibly love you more...
But then I did. Your daddy had you in the air flying you like an airplane, and you had perfect form like you always do with your head up and your arms to the side. You giggled so much that you hardly took a breath, and it was the cutest sound I ever heard, and I thought I couldn't possibly love you more...
But then I did. You were sick with a fever, and you didn't feel good at all. It made me so sad that you were sick, and I couldn't wait for you to feel better. As I wiped your soft forehead with a cool washcloth, I thought I couldn't love you possibly more.
But then I did. You had been practicing for weeks and trying so hard to crawl. We were playing in my room, and I stacked some blocks up for you. You took four big crawls forward and knocked them down. I was so proud of you for trying so hard like you always do, and I though I couldn't possibly love you more.
But then I did. and then I did again and again. You see Henry...my love for you will never stop. It will just continue to grow and grow. I couldn't possibly love you more than I do today....but I will.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
8 Month Update!
My little buddy is 8 months old today. I can't believe it. This was a huge month as far as development for Henry. It seemed like he was changing and doing something new on a daily basis. By the way...I know I get very detailed on these but I do that for me so I can remember! I don't want to forget these sweet little changes.
Stats:
Weight- Thankfully we haven't had a sick visit this month so I couldn't tell you!
Size- Definitely growing though....wearing mostly 12 months now (some 18 month sizes!)
Milestones:
Mobile without forward crawling!- This has been of course the biggest change. Henry has gone from just sitting and playing to almost crawling. He can get pretty much anywhere he wants to go with a scoot, lunge, rocking, and a few rolls. It all started especially when we went down to Orlando for a friend's wedding. We were in the car all day except for lunch at cracker and when we got him out to play at my friend's house in Orlando, he immediately got up on his knees and started rocking! I guess he had a lot of energy built up from the long day in the car and maybe he was thinking "man if I could just get out of this carseat I would...." He was fighting naps and going down for the night like crazy in FL (was doing fine in the pack n play in AL at my parent's house before we left for FL) because he was learning a new skill. Every time we would check on him to try to calm him...he was rocking his little heart out! He was also an expert backwards crawler although he is no longer using that since he has decided he wants to go forwards. Now he is doing this thing where he is keeping his hands on the ground but he is completely locking out his legs. It is like he thinks he has to walk to crawl...poor guy if he only knew how close he was when he was on his knees! (pic below to explain)
Word recognition- I can tell that Henry is starting to understand the meaning of some of the words that we use on a regular basis. Words like....more, night night, kiss, bye bye, eat, out, milk. Cute story--this could fall under the nursing category but I will just go ahead and share it here. Henry is such a distracted eater so I usually don't say a word when he nurses because I don't want to distract him more. Well I decided to try using some of the words/phrases that I use for solid feedings for nursing. When Henry pulled off to look around, I said "more" and he went right back to eating. I use that all of the time now, and it keeps him on task. Really surprised me that it worked!
Standing- Henry is getting really great at standing. He loves to stand and play with his Leap Frog music table or with trucks on top of an ottoman. He is not pulling up yet, but I'm sure it is coming soon!
Big boy crib- Which brings me to my next point, we had to drop Henry's mattress down. I cried when Shaun did it because it was just such a symbol to me of how fast he is growing up! The reason we decided to go ahead and do it is because he seems close to pulling up to stand, and he was somehow able to tear down his tiny love mobile (which is NOT tiny) and the camera for his video monitor.
Walker- Say what you want about walkers in the comment section...I know someone is going to say something. But for a very limited time every evening while I work in the kitchen, Henry has a blast walking/running back and forth and all around the kitchen. His favorite thing to do is to stay right by the dishwasher and to reach as far as he can possibly reach to try to get a fork or spoon. He is trying so hard! I usually plant a "safe" plastic cup or spoon for him to reach so that I don't have to snatch a fork out of his hand (although I had to do that today)
Waving Bye Bye- Henry just squeaked this one in for this month as he did it tonight at church. I also thought I saw him wave on Monday to this little kid that was waving to him outside a pizza place, but I was like "did he just do that....no...but did he?" I actually didn't see him wave at church because Shaun had him, but Shaun said it was very obvious. He was moving one arm up and down and then opening and closing the other hand to wave. I always move his arm up and down when we say bye to Shaun every morning so that is probably why he was doing that!
Tummy to Sitting position- Just another example of the new mobility...Henry has no problem going from tummy to sitting, and I'm always surprised to look over and see him sitting when I left him on his tummy.
Shaking his head- Shaun and I can't get enough of Henry shaking his head...it is sooo cute. He doesn't know he is saying no yet so I guess it will stop being as cute once he uses it to tell us no. The first time he ever did this was again in FL at our friend's wedding, Shaun was holding him and another guy started shaking his head at Henry, and Henry just started doing it. We couldn't believe it. Well Henry quickly learned that we thought it was hilarious so now he does it for us all of the time. And he shakes his head when a stranger comes up...like "hey look what I can do?" He also uses it to communicate..."hey don't put me to bed" and "oh I'm so happy"
Favorite toys- Anything he isn't supposed to have or things around the house like empty bottles, paper, door hinges...and he loves white tags! he will play with the white tag on any toy including his taggie book. He also really likes his trucks and leap frog music table and any balls!
Favorite books- Still loves "little cow" and "i love you more than" and "my little lovebug"
Eating/Nursing:
Breastfeeding is still going well despite being distracted. I hope to have a separate post about breastfeeding in the near future. 4 feedings a day and one night feeding
Eating--he loves to eat! 3 meals a day with stage 2 foods
Nighttime sleep and Naps:
Naps are getting better and better with time. I'm just trying to be consistent, and I hope that one day that pays off to longer naps. In the meantime, I try not to let Henry's tendency to take short naps bother me too much!
Nighttime sleep- well here we are at 8 months and I'm still not getting a full nights sleep. But it is my fault!! Completely! I kept feeding Henry whenever he woke up because it was just the sweetest and easiest thing to do instead of using a paci or whatever. Well now I'm Henry's paci. I was having to get up at 12 AM and 4 or 5 AM for a feeding. I told Shaun about my frustrations, and he just happened to still be awake that night (last Saturday) when Henry woke up at 12 AM. I was about to get up when I heard Henry scream really loud and then stop. I looked at the monitor, and Henry was out with his paci! Shaun had gone in there to put his paci in just to see what he would do. Shaun replaced the paci at midnight for 3 nights straight and guess who didn't even wake last night at midnight...yep! So my fault all along! So now I'm going to wait a few more days and then work on the 5 AM.
Now for the pics!!
Okay I need to post the pics from Easter and more but I'm just too tired so I'm going to have to post some more later!
Stats:
Weight- Thankfully we haven't had a sick visit this month so I couldn't tell you!
Size- Definitely growing though....wearing mostly 12 months now (some 18 month sizes!)
Milestones:
Mobile without forward crawling!- This has been of course the biggest change. Henry has gone from just sitting and playing to almost crawling. He can get pretty much anywhere he wants to go with a scoot, lunge, rocking, and a few rolls. It all started especially when we went down to Orlando for a friend's wedding. We were in the car all day except for lunch at cracker and when we got him out to play at my friend's house in Orlando, he immediately got up on his knees and started rocking! I guess he had a lot of energy built up from the long day in the car and maybe he was thinking "man if I could just get out of this carseat I would...." He was fighting naps and going down for the night like crazy in FL (was doing fine in the pack n play in AL at my parent's house before we left for FL) because he was learning a new skill. Every time we would check on him to try to calm him...he was rocking his little heart out! He was also an expert backwards crawler although he is no longer using that since he has decided he wants to go forwards. Now he is doing this thing where he is keeping his hands on the ground but he is completely locking out his legs. It is like he thinks he has to walk to crawl...poor guy if he only knew how close he was when he was on his knees! (pic below to explain)
Word recognition- I can tell that Henry is starting to understand the meaning of some of the words that we use on a regular basis. Words like....more, night night, kiss, bye bye, eat, out, milk. Cute story--this could fall under the nursing category but I will just go ahead and share it here. Henry is such a distracted eater so I usually don't say a word when he nurses because I don't want to distract him more. Well I decided to try using some of the words/phrases that I use for solid feedings for nursing. When Henry pulled off to look around, I said "more" and he went right back to eating. I use that all of the time now, and it keeps him on task. Really surprised me that it worked!
Standing- Henry is getting really great at standing. He loves to stand and play with his Leap Frog music table or with trucks on top of an ottoman. He is not pulling up yet, but I'm sure it is coming soon!
Big boy crib- Which brings me to my next point, we had to drop Henry's mattress down. I cried when Shaun did it because it was just such a symbol to me of how fast he is growing up! The reason we decided to go ahead and do it is because he seems close to pulling up to stand, and he was somehow able to tear down his tiny love mobile (which is NOT tiny) and the camera for his video monitor.
Walker- Say what you want about walkers in the comment section...I know someone is going to say something. But for a very limited time every evening while I work in the kitchen, Henry has a blast walking/running back and forth and all around the kitchen. His favorite thing to do is to stay right by the dishwasher and to reach as far as he can possibly reach to try to get a fork or spoon. He is trying so hard! I usually plant a "safe" plastic cup or spoon for him to reach so that I don't have to snatch a fork out of his hand (although I had to do that today)
Waving Bye Bye- Henry just squeaked this one in for this month as he did it tonight at church. I also thought I saw him wave on Monday to this little kid that was waving to him outside a pizza place, but I was like "did he just do that....no...but did he?" I actually didn't see him wave at church because Shaun had him, but Shaun said it was very obvious. He was moving one arm up and down and then opening and closing the other hand to wave. I always move his arm up and down when we say bye to Shaun every morning so that is probably why he was doing that!
Tummy to Sitting position- Just another example of the new mobility...Henry has no problem going from tummy to sitting, and I'm always surprised to look over and see him sitting when I left him on his tummy.
Shaking his head- Shaun and I can't get enough of Henry shaking his head...it is sooo cute. He doesn't know he is saying no yet so I guess it will stop being as cute once he uses it to tell us no. The first time he ever did this was again in FL at our friend's wedding, Shaun was holding him and another guy started shaking his head at Henry, and Henry just started doing it. We couldn't believe it. Well Henry quickly learned that we thought it was hilarious so now he does it for us all of the time. And he shakes his head when a stranger comes up...like "hey look what I can do?" He also uses it to communicate..."hey don't put me to bed" and "oh I'm so happy"
Favorite toys- Anything he isn't supposed to have or things around the house like empty bottles, paper, door hinges...and he loves white tags! he will play with the white tag on any toy including his taggie book. He also really likes his trucks and leap frog music table and any balls!
Favorite books- Still loves "little cow" and "i love you more than" and "my little lovebug"
Eating/Nursing:
Breastfeeding is still going well despite being distracted. I hope to have a separate post about breastfeeding in the near future. 4 feedings a day and one night feeding
Eating--he loves to eat! 3 meals a day with stage 2 foods
Nighttime sleep and Naps:
Naps are getting better and better with time. I'm just trying to be consistent, and I hope that one day that pays off to longer naps. In the meantime, I try not to let Henry's tendency to take short naps bother me too much!
Nighttime sleep- well here we are at 8 months and I'm still not getting a full nights sleep. But it is my fault!! Completely! I kept feeding Henry whenever he woke up because it was just the sweetest and easiest thing to do instead of using a paci or whatever. Well now I'm Henry's paci. I was having to get up at 12 AM and 4 or 5 AM for a feeding. I told Shaun about my frustrations, and he just happened to still be awake that night (last Saturday) when Henry woke up at 12 AM. I was about to get up when I heard Henry scream really loud and then stop. I looked at the monitor, and Henry was out with his paci! Shaun had gone in there to put his paci in just to see what he would do. Shaun replaced the paci at midnight for 3 nights straight and guess who didn't even wake last night at midnight...yep! So my fault all along! So now I'm going to wait a few more days and then work on the 5 AM.
Now for the pics!!
Didn't they look cute at the wedding....awwwh!
Henry's Baptism
Happy to be at such a neat mall (orlando)
Before Downtown Disney...
After Downtown Disney :)
"Okay enough with the pics already."
Yes...We were matching ;)
Love.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Whew!
I need a vacation after my vacation! March literally felt like it didn't exist for me because it went by so fast. We had so much going on this past month with Henry's baptism, visiting my parents, and a road trip to a great friend's wedding weekend in Orlando. It was a very fun month, but I'm looking forward to some down time. Once I finally get the house clean and Henry's drawers and closets changed out with his new size, I'm just going to chill and spend a lot of time with Henry outside strolling or swinging on our porch (we got a new swing for Henry!). My plan for meals this summer is to grill at least once or twice a week because number one...it is delicious and number two...it doesn't make a mess! I'm just trying to soak up this time with a simple life with just one little sweet baby boy because he is already growing up way too fast. I have a lot of updates on my hen hen (who is currently taking forever to fall asleep tonight but not crying just playing), but I will save those for his EIGHT(!) month post in a few days. Just wanted to update! yay spring!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
7 Month Update
Henry turned seven months old today and looking back on this past month, it is hard to believe how much he has changed in one month. I'm going to try to remember everything, but I'm sure I will forget some things.
Stats:
- Weight- I have no idea...we haven't had a sick visit or a regular one (yay!)
- Size 3 Pampers Baby Dry--no longer in swaddlers and since the switch....no more leaks and they do great overnight (12 hours=very heavy but dry diaper)
- Wearing size 9 months in some things but mainly 12 months
Milestones:
- Saying dada often...still doesn't associate it with Shaun but still sweet to hear (I love when he just mouths it like a whisper instead of saying it loud like he is practicing-so cute)
- Signing "out" when he wants to get out of his jumper or walker
- Looking around objects to see something (like if I'm in the way of seeing his daddy...he will lean over to one side until he catches a glimpse)
- Using pincher grasp to pick up small gerber star puffs (this was just this past week--I started putting two on his tray at dinner and at first he would only rake for them. After a few days, he caught on and used his thumb and pointer finger to pick it up. The first time was adorable because he was concentrating so hard. His little hand was slightly shaking as he ever so carefully brought it up to his mouth.)
- Finally locking his arms in a push-up on his tummy
- Starting to sleep the entire 12 hours without a feeding (first time was last night so I'm not expecting it to be quite just yet but we are close--usually just a 4 or 5 am feeding)
- "Walking" in his walker on our kitchen floor...just figured out how to go forward and not just backwards
- Sitting independently (although I still sit nearby because he will throw himself back sometimes)
- TEETH!! Two cute little bottom teeth came out this month. He worked on them while he was five months old and they popped out when he was six months old without too much fussiness.
Eating/Nursing
- Not too much to report all is going well with breastfeeding...he is still speedy, and we still have approx. five feedings per day
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner--starting some stage 2 foods but mainly still on stage 1. Can't really tell what Henry's favs are anymore because he gobbles up everything. He even leans forward for me to put his bib on...he is ready to chow down!
Naps
- Well naps were going well most of the month, but they haven't been going as well the past week. I'm going to thank tooth #2 for that as well as I feel like Henry is "learning" a new skill. He rolls over to his tummy now when I put him to bed, and this makes him get upset. It seems though like he might be turning into a tummy sleeper because he is doing it in his sleep at night.
Now for the pics...
First time in a baby swing--loved it!
Working hard doing my push-ups
Loves his ducky tub....best 10 bucks I've ever spent on baby gear!
Hanging out with mommy in the nursing room at church because I'm too cool for nursery :)--today.
I was not a happy camper today but you wouldn't be able to tell from this pic. Happy 7 months to me!
A silly new post below too....just keeping it real here!
"Well you never know"
Lately, I've been told by many "well....you never know," in reference to the fact that sometimes a couple can have infertility problems the first time but then can subsequently have a surprise pregnancy. And since we aren't preventing...well they are right, I guess we don't really know....stranger things have happened when two people get together on a regular basis ;). On one hand, it is an encouraging and happy thought that it is possible that we could never have to find ourselves trying to conceive in a doctor's office again and would instead enjoy hearing the "you do know how that happens" comments. But on the other hand, it means that I have to have this tiny little nagging thought in the back of my brain that it is possible that I could be pregnant or have two close together in age. I don't think about it too much because I really feel that we will continue to have a difficult time conceiving (endometriosis/high fsh/poor ovulation), but at the same time we all know that God can do anything. For my readers who have been with me from the beginning, you know how addicted I was/am to peeing on sticks. If it wasn't an ovulation predictor kit test (by the way for those who are trying...answer ovulation test strips pack of 20 were my fav)...it was a pregnancy test way too early at like 8 days past ovulation. I pretty much couldn't help myself and spent way too much money on tests. Well I must confess that recently I had the urge again to take a test. It just hit me all of a sudden in my bathroom because I've been dealing with frequent urination issues lately (mind automatically jumps to pregnancy instead of UTI!). I searched and searched through my bathroom cabinets. There were NO new tests (I know...shocking). But I did find some positive pregnancy tests from when I found out I was pregnant with Henry (I can't throw them in the trash...they are too pretty to look at) so I did what any normal infertile person would do, and I peed on the old stick. The second line didn't get any darker so I called it a negative and went about my day/week/month. I just felt the need to get that off my chest so thanks for listening. Hi my name is Courtney and I'm a POAS addict.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Remember This
I'm starting a new series of posts "Remember This" that are basically notes to myself to remember sweet things about Henry. Feel free to skip these short posts or read along as Shaun and I might be the only ones that find these posts interesting
The first feeding of the day (still have a night feeding around 12 am and 5 am) is such a sweet time with Henry. He is full of giggles, squeals, and he wants to talk so he says dada to me like he is trying to tell me about his dreams. He is almost too excited to eat because he is so excited about starting his day. We sit in the rocking chair in his room next to the window, and I love how the sunlight hits his little face and beautiful eyes.
The first feeding of the day (still have a night feeding around 12 am and 5 am) is such a sweet time with Henry. He is full of giggles, squeals, and he wants to talk so he says dada to me like he is trying to tell me about his dreams. He is almost too excited to eat because he is so excited about starting his day. We sit in the rocking chair in his room next to the window, and I love how the sunlight hits his little face and beautiful eyes.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Praying for a Little One--for Lisa
Go over to prayingforalittleone to read Lisa's story and leave a comment letting her know that you are praying for her. I know it will mean a lot to Lisa to hear of perfect strangers taking a moment to pray for her.
"For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:20
"For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:20
Sunday, February 28, 2010
We did it!!
Henry made it an entire church service without the nursery workers paging me! (if you don't know what I'm talking about see separation anxiety post below). Well....maybe not an entire church service...I picked him up as soon as I could tell the sermon was coming to a close. Another confession is that I lurked around the hall by the nursery, sat in an empty dark classroom, and then found myself walking outside around the church to the narthex so that I could even listen more closely. I left the church service after the first two hymns because I just couldn't stomach the anxiety of thinking that Henry was losing it in the nursery, and I needed to know that he was okay. Thank you all for the many wonderful suggestions and encouragement. So what did we do? Well we skipped sunday school, put him down for his morning nap later so he would be fresh, packed a bottle of juice for comforting (mostly water--I know...don't give me the speech...he only had a little), and daddy helped with dropping off. Henry and Dada also spent Saturday morning together picking up chicky breakfast and going to l.owes. When I picked up Henry, you could tell that the sweet nursery workers were proud of themselves for keeping him happy the whole service (as they should be!). They told me that he cried right at first when he was dropped off but that they were able to calm him down. I know it couldn't have taken that long since I was snooping by song #3. Oh the love I have for this little boy. I really thought I couldn't possibly love him more when I first held him in my arms but approaching seven months the bond and love is just too much to even put into words. Not saying this is the end of our nursery/babysitting problems but happy to see some progress!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Remember This
I'm starting a new series of posts "Remember This" that are basically notes to myself to remember sweet things about Henry. Feel free to skip these short posts or read along as Shaun and I might be the only ones that find these posts interesting.
(There is another new post below as well so please give me your advice on that)
A couple times a week, Henry and I go to Shaun's work to either bring him lunch from home or take him out to lunch. Today when we pulled in to Shaun's office, Henry started squealing with delight and throwing up his arms. He was sooooo happy. I was confused at first while all of a sudden he went from quiet to excited, but then it hit me that he actually knew we were going to see his daddy. The building is really tall and is very distinguishable from other buildings around our area, and I guess he has started to figure out that his daddy is in the tall building during the day. He kept his eyes locked on the front doors, and he could hardly contain his excitement. When Shaun walked through the doors, his face lit up, and he squealed again with happiness. It warms my heart so much to see the relationship that Shaun and Henry have already in just six months. They really have a special father-son relationship. So cute :)
(There is another new post below as well so please give me your advice on that)
A couple times a week, Henry and I go to Shaun's work to either bring him lunch from home or take him out to lunch. Today when we pulled in to Shaun's office, Henry started squealing with delight and throwing up his arms. He was sooooo happy. I was confused at first while all of a sudden he went from quiet to excited, but then it hit me that he actually knew we were going to see his daddy. The building is really tall and is very distinguishable from other buildings around our area, and I guess he has started to figure out that his daddy is in the tall building during the day. He kept his eyes locked on the front doors, and he could hardly contain his excitement. When Shaun walked through the doors, his face lit up, and he squealed again with happiness. It warms my heart so much to see the relationship that Shaun and Henry have already in just six months. They really have a special father-son relationship. So cute :)
Separation Anxiety
Henry is having a really hard time in church nursery these days. I get paged EVERY Wednesday night and Sunday morning. I rush as fast as I can to the nursery to find my little man crying this awful cry. The only other times besides nursery that I've heard him cry like this is when he gets his shots so that should tell you how bad it sounds. It is impossible for him to fall asleep in nursery because he is not used to tuning out other babies crying and bright lights so I thought his crying was just related to being overtired. But this past Sunday, I got paged early in the service, and Henry was crying like crazy. I picked him up and cuddled with him in a rocking chair, and he immediately started getting happy. He was even smiling at the other nursery workers. They have been telling me for weeks that he is spoiled, and they have been begging me to go back to work (it always cracks me up when they say that!). I gave him back to a nursery worker, and he was being sweet and cuddling with her while I was in the room talking to them. I decided to try to leave the room to see how he would react since he was calm and happy again. They said he watched me the entire time I was leaving the room, and the moment I shut the door...he started screaming again. I guess this confirmed for me that he is having some separation anxiety issues. Part of me wants to just think that is the sweetest thing ever that he is upset because he doesn't have his mama, but the other part of me knows that it is best for him and for me to have a few moments away from each other. I can count on one hand the amount of times I have left Henry (except for church nursery) always for a short amount of time and the amount of bottles he has taken on two hands. We don't have any family in town, and it sure is a lot of money to hire a babysitter for the night, and I don't like to pump (excuses, excuses, excuses). I know we need to start getting better about planning some dates and maybe some mommy time twice a month or so. I have gotten pretty close to giving up on nursery for Henry and just keeping him with me at church, but I know he is going to have to go at some time so we might as well keep trying. Tonight I'm going to just drop him off for ten minutes so that he can have some play time and maybe I will just try to increase that time from week to week. Any advice on this??
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
For THIS Child I Prayed
Several months ago, I remember receiving a devotion from Sarah's Laughter (you can find more information about their ministry and even an online video chat support group here) about Hannah and the verse that this blog is based on 1 Samuel 1:27 "For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him." The author of the devotion imagined that if we were able to hear Hannah speak those words that the emphasis would be on "this." For this child I prayed. All of the tears, all of the heartache, waiting, and prayers..it was for this child. The moment that I saw Henry's face...I got it...I remember thinking, "I know you. I've just been waiting for you." For this little one we prayed. I still remember the pain of infertility like it was yesterday, and I still process things through the lenses of infertility but I understand why I had to experience it now. We were waiting for Henry. I was just praying for A baby, but God wanted to give us Henry. I desperately cried out for God to hurry up and give us A baby, but He knew all along that His plan was much greater than ours.
For this little one we prayed...
and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of Him.
For this little one we prayed...
and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of Him.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
6 months....What??!!
So I know that I start pretty much every monthly update on Henry with "I can't believe he is...," but I really, really can't believe that my little buddy is six months old already. A half of a year! This was by far the fastest and sweetest six months of my life. I just love him to bits. I love the way his skin feels...the way he smells (his breath smells so sweet!)...the facial expressions he makes. I just can't get enough of my sweet little boy. This has been a huge month of development and changes for Henry. He is growing up so fast!
Stats:
Weight- 18 lbs 14 ounces at six month checkup on Monday
75th percentile in height and weight
Size 3 diapers
Wearing size 6-9 months clothes but already starting to outgrow them!
Milestones:
Starting to speak in single consonants...mainly babababa but we have heard dada and mama in there somewhere :). Love listening to him talk!
Sitting up with little if any support. I love watching Henry sit and play. He looks like such a big baby. He is no longer content for long laying on his back to play. He wants to be sitting up which requires mommy since he hasn't completely figured out yet that he can't throw himself back. But I did setup the pack and play yesterday, and he really enjoyed sitting in a corner playing (yay!).
Fine Motor Development--This is where I've especially noticed a significant difference this month. Henry is getting his hands on everything. He can grab something so fast that I can't even get it before he has it in his hands. He picks up small items...rakes or reaches for toys or paper or whatever he can find and transfers them easily from hand to hand. His paci tricks are pretty impressive. If his paci falls out in the crib next to his ear or on top of his head, he can reach back without looking and pop it back into his mouth. It is so funny to watch him on the video monitor. And he even kept stealing his little friend's toy at a super bowl party this weekend. Hmmm...wonder what this means for when he is a toddler??!!
Stranger/separation anxiety-- I keep getting paged to calm Henry down in the nursery because he has started crying really, really hard, and they can't get him to stop. We are working on trying to figure out a sunday and wed night routine that will hopefully prevent this from happening. His cry is soooo sad...I never hear that cry when I'm around. It is a very distinct--scared/in pain cry.
Tummy Time- Henry is starting to grunt a lot on his tummy because he wants to move. He is sticking his butt in the air and starting to tuck his feet under his butt to try to scoot.
Eating- Breastfeeding is still going great. He is super fast! One thing that is new this month is that he has to keep his "free" hand busy the entire time he is nursing by touching my face, lips, grabing my nose, pulling my hair (ouch....trying to get him to stop that!)...it is precious. I guess six months is when most people think it is normal to quit because I've had a lot of people asking me if I'm weaning lately. My goal is still a year but of course we will just have to see how it goes. The thought of quiting makes me really sad. Henry loves solids, and we are now having a breakfast, lunch and dinner. His favs are green beans, carrots (loves them), and applesauce.
Sleeping- Giving up the dreamfeed this week, and Henry is sleeping through the night now. Naps are so much better this month thanks to the routine and CIO but if he gets overtired then forget it!! And I almost feel like he might be starting to go to two naps soon...is that possible?
Favorite Toys- Henry loves boxes and anything that doesn't look like a real toy lol. He also loves his taggie ball and keys.
I have been blogging a lot in my head (does anyone else do that?) so I hope to have time to blog more soon. Until then....here are some sweet pics from this month.
Stats:
Weight- 18 lbs 14 ounces at six month checkup on Monday
75th percentile in height and weight
Size 3 diapers
Wearing size 6-9 months clothes but already starting to outgrow them!
Milestones:
Starting to speak in single consonants...mainly babababa but we have heard dada and mama in there somewhere :). Love listening to him talk!
Sitting up with little if any support. I love watching Henry sit and play. He looks like such a big baby. He is no longer content for long laying on his back to play. He wants to be sitting up which requires mommy since he hasn't completely figured out yet that he can't throw himself back. But I did setup the pack and play yesterday, and he really enjoyed sitting in a corner playing (yay!).
Fine Motor Development--This is where I've especially noticed a significant difference this month. Henry is getting his hands on everything. He can grab something so fast that I can't even get it before he has it in his hands. He picks up small items...rakes or reaches for toys or paper or whatever he can find and transfers them easily from hand to hand. His paci tricks are pretty impressive. If his paci falls out in the crib next to his ear or on top of his head, he can reach back without looking and pop it back into his mouth. It is so funny to watch him on the video monitor. And he even kept stealing his little friend's toy at a super bowl party this weekend. Hmmm...wonder what this means for when he is a toddler??!!
Stranger/separation anxiety-- I keep getting paged to calm Henry down in the nursery because he has started crying really, really hard, and they can't get him to stop. We are working on trying to figure out a sunday and wed night routine that will hopefully prevent this from happening. His cry is soooo sad...I never hear that cry when I'm around. It is a very distinct--scared/in pain cry.
Tummy Time- Henry is starting to grunt a lot on his tummy because he wants to move. He is sticking his butt in the air and starting to tuck his feet under his butt to try to scoot.
Eating- Breastfeeding is still going great. He is super fast! One thing that is new this month is that he has to keep his "free" hand busy the entire time he is nursing by touching my face, lips, grabing my nose, pulling my hair (ouch....trying to get him to stop that!)...it is precious. I guess six months is when most people think it is normal to quit because I've had a lot of people asking me if I'm weaning lately. My goal is still a year but of course we will just have to see how it goes. The thought of quiting makes me really sad. Henry loves solids, and we are now having a breakfast, lunch and dinner. His favs are green beans, carrots (loves them), and applesauce.
Sleeping- Giving up the dreamfeed this week, and Henry is sleeping through the night now. Naps are so much better this month thanks to the routine and CIO but if he gets overtired then forget it!! And I almost feel like he might be starting to go to two naps soon...is that possible?
Favorite Toys- Henry loves boxes and anything that doesn't look like a real toy lol. He also loves his taggie ball and keys.
I have been blogging a lot in my head (does anyone else do that?) so I hope to have time to blog more soon. Until then....here are some sweet pics from this month.
First time riding without the carrier in the big stroller...he loved it!
First time in the cart without the carrier...liked it for a little bit, but couldn't handle it for long.
First time in high chair
I can sit-up!
Henry loves his jumper saucer
Playing in the pack n play...he loves that book too!
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