I wanted to document the efforts we go through to get food down John so that if/when there is a 2nd child, I can have a bag of tricks all ready.
I would not necessarily call John a 'picky' eater - but I would label him as a 'high-maintenance eater'.
Things he does while trying to feed him:
- turn his head almost all the way around
- grip his little lips super tight
- close his eyes
- spits or pulls EVERYTHING out the minute you put it in there
- block the food with his tongue
- clears the tray with a couple of violent sweeps of his arms
- continuously gives us the "all done" sign before he has even had a bite
- gives ALL the food to the dogs
Tricks we have used to get food down him
- hold a drink up to his mouth and then slip a spoonful in
- give him a helper spoon
- turn on the TV and get him in a trance
- chase everything with a bite of applesauce
- dip it in a sauce (ketchup and BBQ work the best)
- serve it on an adult spoon
- put the bowl on the high chair and let him play in it
Although the adult spoon and the sauce is currently working, I know those too will soon fade; so any other handy tricks you guys have are welcomed....
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Baby Paelyn Preperation
Last weekend we had a baby shower for Tina and her baby-n-waiting "Paelyn Addison Clark" who is due on April 24th. It was more like a girls day than it was a shower - and it was so much fun.
We started out here at our house for appetizers/snacks and then on to get our nails done, out to eat and then back over to Lindsay's for desert and to hang out.
There are 7 of us that came together on pledge day at Gamma Phi Beta and have been friends ever since. Christie was not able to make it, as she lives in LA, and we missed her terribly. We have all been through the typical (and not so typical) life changes throughout the past 11 years; we have faded in and out of each other lives for various reasons; and we all live in various places and lead separate lives, but at the end of the day we are all still friends and can always call each other up anytime and pick up where we left off. It is a great friendship that I treasure always.
The mother-to-be looked awesome in all of her pregnancy glory!
Here are some pictures:
(Yes, I know this has nothing to do with John, but I wanted to document this occasion, so, oh well)
We started out here at our house for appetizers/snacks and then on to get our nails done, out to eat and then back over to Lindsay's for desert and to hang out.
There are 7 of us that came together on pledge day at Gamma Phi Beta and have been friends ever since. Christie was not able to make it, as she lives in LA, and we missed her terribly. We have all been through the typical (and not so typical) life changes throughout the past 11 years; we have faded in and out of each other lives for various reasons; and we all live in various places and lead separate lives, but at the end of the day we are all still friends and can always call each other up anytime and pick up where we left off. It is a great friendship that I treasure always.
The mother-to-be looked awesome in all of her pregnancy glory!
Here are some pictures:
(Yes, I know this has nothing to do with John, but I wanted to document this occasion, so, oh well)
Friday, March 13, 2009
John's Jungle party
John's first birthday party was a jungle theme, inspired by his trip to the zoo. Thanks to all of you that were able to come, we had so much fun! And we missed those of you who were unable to come, we thought about you though!
I am not sure he ever actually ate the cake, but he sure did make a mess with it. I think Daddy got a few bites of ice cream down him too. John and I went directly to the bath after the high chair - there are no wipes in the world that could have tackled that!
He really was not overwhelmed at all, he enjoyed the whole day. The cousins stayed through the night and we had a great time playing with all of them. My how are evenings have changed?!?!
Daddy found a lot of great big stuffed jungle animals that were a big hit as well. Asher and Kaeyden rode the tiger a lot - but with Kaitlin's cautionary "be careful" warning! SO CUTE!
He got a ton of great gifts - of which I can not pick a favorite, as he has already gone through cycles with them. The day of the party, I would say it was the little hammer from the Sutton's. But in the days to follow it was the boat from the Keith's and the remote control car from the Sutton's. Now, I would have to say his favorites are the nestling buckets from us and then tent from Nana and Grandpa. In the weeks to come, when the weather gets nicer, I would be willing to bet it becomes the plastic picnic table from Great Granddaddy and Ellen and the swing from Grammy and Granddaddy. The one constant though - the books from Uncle Brent, Aunt Abbey and Cousin Brendan - he loves the Sandra Boynton books, especially the "Doggies" book. All the "little people" toys from the Phillips and the Duncan's are a hit as well! But my personal favorite is the PJs and the monkey towel from the Carr's! And I can not forget the "Mason" bull dog pup from David and Cynthia, John loves to bark at that one.
Here are some pictures from the day:
I am not sure he ever actually ate the cake, but he sure did make a mess with it. I think Daddy got a few bites of ice cream down him too. John and I went directly to the bath after the high chair - there are no wipes in the world that could have tackled that!
He really was not overwhelmed at all, he enjoyed the whole day. The cousins stayed through the night and we had a great time playing with all of them. My how are evenings have changed?!?!
Daddy found a lot of great big stuffed jungle animals that were a big hit as well. Asher and Kaeyden rode the tiger a lot - but with Kaitlin's cautionary "be careful" warning! SO CUTE!
He got a ton of great gifts - of which I can not pick a favorite, as he has already gone through cycles with them. The day of the party, I would say it was the little hammer from the Sutton's. But in the days to follow it was the boat from the Keith's and the remote control car from the Sutton's. Now, I would have to say his favorites are the nestling buckets from us and then tent from Nana and Grandpa. In the weeks to come, when the weather gets nicer, I would be willing to bet it becomes the plastic picnic table from Great Granddaddy and Ellen and the swing from Grammy and Granddaddy. The one constant though - the books from Uncle Brent, Aunt Abbey and Cousin Brendan - he loves the Sandra Boynton books, especially the "Doggies" book. All the "little people" toys from the Phillips and the Duncan's are a hit as well! But my personal favorite is the PJs and the monkey towel from the Carr's! And I can not forget the "Mason" bull dog pup from David and Cynthia, John loves to bark at that one.
Here are some pictures from the day:
Friday, March 6, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
12th month
Our 12th month was a month of emotional growth for the whole family. I personally think this was one of John's biggest months, but hard to describe it milestones. He is more independent, holding him does not fix everything anymore, in fact, it can make it worse sometimes. He may not be speaking yet, but you can tell he understands what we are saying to him, whether he chooses to act on it is a different story. He also communicates with us so much more - he jabbers all day long, but he also points and changes his voice and facial expressions when he is trying to tell us something.
Some other things that happened this month:
- walks really well now
- learned to stand up from a sitting position
- dropped his sleep sack, starting to sleep with a blanket
- went down to one nap
- got his last 2 front teeth on the bottom
- uses his sign for "all done" ALL THE TIME, not sure he totally understands what it means
- had really bad congestion for over a week
- loves to be outside
- turned his car seat around!!!!
Some other things that happened this month:
- walks really well now
- learned to stand up from a sitting position
- dropped his sleep sack, starting to sleep with a blanket
- went down to one nap
- got his last 2 front teeth on the bottom
- uses his sign for "all done" ALL THE TIME, not sure he totally understands what it means
- had really bad congestion for over a week
- loves to be outside
- turned his car seat around!!!!
Monday, March 2, 2009
12 month well visit
We went for our 12 month well visit last week and we got another clean bill of health. The Doc said that he was slightly ahead in development (like I needed a doctor to tell me that!).
We got the green light on whole milk, unrestricted diet and no bottle. We started the whole milk - he did not skip a beat. However, I do not think it is keeping him full through the night, so he is waking up a lot earlier, thus effecting the nap again (never ending cycle). We have tried eggs and peanut butter and he likes them just fine. We have not, however, taken the bottle just yet. With the party this past weekend, we did not want to make any drastic changes. I will probably start this process Wednesday (unless I can come up with another excuse to put it off).
Stats:
Weight: 23 pounds 12 ounces (63%)
Height: 31.5 inches (91%)
Head: 18.75 inches (82%)
We got the green light on whole milk, unrestricted diet and no bottle. We started the whole milk - he did not skip a beat. However, I do not think it is keeping him full through the night, so he is waking up a lot earlier, thus effecting the nap again (never ending cycle). We have tried eggs and peanut butter and he likes them just fine. We have not, however, taken the bottle just yet. With the party this past weekend, we did not want to make any drastic changes. I will probably start this process Wednesday (unless I can come up with another excuse to put it off).
Stats:
Weight: 23 pounds 12 ounces (63%)
Height: 31.5 inches (91%)
Head: 18.75 inches (82%)
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Happy Birthday Baby Boy!
1 year ago today:
1:30am - I have a super painful contraction that wakes me from a deep drug induced sleep. I guess it was instinct, but I immediately jumped out of bed just in time for my water to break (SO glad about that).
This is where it goes fuzzy for me again - I only remember bits and pieces.
Carl and my Dad had just gone to bed after watching a movie, so they got VERY little sleep (as if I got more). Carl went to wake my mom and then I insisted on getting in the shower; even in the state of mind I was in, I knew it was imperative to be clean before going to the hospital (you taught me well Mom!). Carl called his parents and they headed up to the hospital.
The next thing I remember is my Dad taking some pictures and then we were in the truck. The ride to the hospital was painful, I felt every bump in the road as if I was being dragged behind the truck. When we got to the hospital it was after hours so we had to go through the emergency room. THEY MADE ME CHECK IN AND SIGN PAPERS STANDING UP! To this day I still have trouble believing that I had to do this. I remember tying my jacket around my waste because apparently your water does not just break once, but it keeps coming (too much information for some of you, I know, but you'll survive). Please note the series of pictures of this event - and notice the lady in behind the window - it sure looks like she is telling me to calm down, doesn't it?
Then I jump ahead to getting in bed and getting all hooked up, only to find that I still had not made any progression. I asked for the epidural and then I think after I got comfortable and we knew there was no hurry, we sent the grandparents home to try and get some sleep.
They brought Carl a cot and we both tried to get some sleep - not much luck, knowing what was ahead.
Later that morning, grandparents come back and still no progression on my part. Dr. Sara Robert came in and explained that there was a window of 12-18 hours after the water breaks that the baby needs to be delivered or the risk of infection gets too high.
At this point John's heart rate would drop with every contraction. Due to this and no progression, the Dr. asked us if we wanted to have a c-section or wait a couple more hours and potentially have to have an emergency c-section. In the case of an emergency, Carl would not be able to be in the room. So the choice was clear; c-section it was. Although I was sorely disappointed, as I did not want a c-section. But, in hind site, his head is perfectly round and my recovery was super fast.
We get all prepped and they wheel me back. While they are prepping me for surgery, Carl had to wait outside. The anesthesiologist kept poking me with a pin around my waist and asking me if I could feel it - I kept saying yes. Although I think it was in fear that he would not give me enough drugs, I really don't think I felt it. I deeply regretted the amounts of medicine they gave me for the next 2 days.
I can not explain to anyone what a c-section is like. I was so nervous and was on so much medicine - all I could do was talk, I remember that I just kept talking. I don't really remember what I was talking about, but I just kept talking, and talking. There was no pain - but the pressure - OH THE PRESSURE - It truly feels like an elephant is sitting on top of you. It is the utmost, with out a doubt strangest feeling in the world. All the while, I am asking the Dr.'s to stop pulling my insides out for one second so I can lean to the side and puke in my little pink bucket (that pink bucket and I became very good friends)
Carl had the video going for some of this, and taking pictures during the rest of the time. He only peeked around the scary blue curtain a couple of times.
2:48 - Dr. Robert says "he has such big feet" and then... the most precious sound in the entire world - John's first cry. They brought him to me and then Carl says the Dr. nodded to the anesthesiologist to knock me out; he must have, because I really do not remember anything else until we wheeled out into the waiting room (although I think these memories are more from the pictures than my mind).
Next thing I remember is everyone standing in the hospital room and Carl handed me John for the first time - it was a moment that I will cherish forever and never forget. I cried, Carl cried, well, everyone cried except John. It was a moment of pure bliss. Then...enter pink bucket! UGH! It was constant.
The next memory I jump to is his first feeding - just a couple hours into this world - he latched right on like he was a pro. Breastfeeding is one of the hardest things a woman can do, but wow - that moment was incredible. Oh except I had to interrupt him and give him back to Carl several times so I could lean into the little pink bucket.
We stayed in the hospital just 2 more nights - and I remember it being SO HOT, we had broken our air conditioning and it was the first few days of hot weather in Texas, so the window did not help either. I remember not eating ANYTHING until about 4:00 in the morning, the nurse brought me some yogurt that I was able to keep down. Carl's cot was the most pitiful thing I had ever seen.
The day you were born was the most incredible day of our lives, sleep deprived, but running on pure love!
We love you!
1:30am - I have a super painful contraction that wakes me from a deep drug induced sleep. I guess it was instinct, but I immediately jumped out of bed just in time for my water to break (SO glad about that).
This is where it goes fuzzy for me again - I only remember bits and pieces.
Carl and my Dad had just gone to bed after watching a movie, so they got VERY little sleep (as if I got more). Carl went to wake my mom and then I insisted on getting in the shower; even in the state of mind I was in, I knew it was imperative to be clean before going to the hospital (you taught me well Mom!). Carl called his parents and they headed up to the hospital.
The next thing I remember is my Dad taking some pictures and then we were in the truck. The ride to the hospital was painful, I felt every bump in the road as if I was being dragged behind the truck. When we got to the hospital it was after hours so we had to go through the emergency room. THEY MADE ME CHECK IN AND SIGN PAPERS STANDING UP! To this day I still have trouble believing that I had to do this. I remember tying my jacket around my waste because apparently your water does not just break once, but it keeps coming (too much information for some of you, I know, but you'll survive). Please note the series of pictures of this event - and notice the lady in behind the window - it sure looks like she is telling me to calm down, doesn't it?
Then I jump ahead to getting in bed and getting all hooked up, only to find that I still had not made any progression. I asked for the epidural and then I think after I got comfortable and we knew there was no hurry, we sent the grandparents home to try and get some sleep.
They brought Carl a cot and we both tried to get some sleep - not much luck, knowing what was ahead.
Later that morning, grandparents come back and still no progression on my part. Dr. Sara Robert came in and explained that there was a window of 12-18 hours after the water breaks that the baby needs to be delivered or the risk of infection gets too high.
At this point John's heart rate would drop with every contraction. Due to this and no progression, the Dr. asked us if we wanted to have a c-section or wait a couple more hours and potentially have to have an emergency c-section. In the case of an emergency, Carl would not be able to be in the room. So the choice was clear; c-section it was. Although I was sorely disappointed, as I did not want a c-section. But, in hind site, his head is perfectly round and my recovery was super fast.
We get all prepped and they wheel me back. While they are prepping me for surgery, Carl had to wait outside. The anesthesiologist kept poking me with a pin around my waist and asking me if I could feel it - I kept saying yes. Although I think it was in fear that he would not give me enough drugs, I really don't think I felt it. I deeply regretted the amounts of medicine they gave me for the next 2 days.
I can not explain to anyone what a c-section is like. I was so nervous and was on so much medicine - all I could do was talk, I remember that I just kept talking. I don't really remember what I was talking about, but I just kept talking, and talking. There was no pain - but the pressure - OH THE PRESSURE - It truly feels like an elephant is sitting on top of you. It is the utmost, with out a doubt strangest feeling in the world. All the while, I am asking the Dr.'s to stop pulling my insides out for one second so I can lean to the side and puke in my little pink bucket (that pink bucket and I became very good friends)
Carl had the video going for some of this, and taking pictures during the rest of the time. He only peeked around the scary blue curtain a couple of times.
2:48 - Dr. Robert says "he has such big feet" and then... the most precious sound in the entire world - John's first cry. They brought him to me and then Carl says the Dr. nodded to the anesthesiologist to knock me out; he must have, because I really do not remember anything else until we wheeled out into the waiting room (although I think these memories are more from the pictures than my mind).
Next thing I remember is everyone standing in the hospital room and Carl handed me John for the first time - it was a moment that I will cherish forever and never forget. I cried, Carl cried, well, everyone cried except John. It was a moment of pure bliss. Then...enter pink bucket! UGH! It was constant.
The next memory I jump to is his first feeding - just a couple hours into this world - he latched right on like he was a pro. Breastfeeding is one of the hardest things a woman can do, but wow - that moment was incredible. Oh except I had to interrupt him and give him back to Carl several times so I could lean into the little pink bucket.
We stayed in the hospital just 2 more nights - and I remember it being SO HOT, we had broken our air conditioning and it was the first few days of hot weather in Texas, so the window did not help either. I remember not eating ANYTHING until about 4:00 in the morning, the nurse brought me some yogurt that I was able to keep down. Carl's cot was the most pitiful thing I had ever seen.
The day you were born was the most incredible day of our lives, sleep deprived, but running on pure love!
We love you!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Happy Birthday Week: The Day Before
I am sure I will tell this story for many years to come and I am sure that it will change a little bit every time. Hopefully I will look back and this and remember what REALLY happened (if it has not changed too much after just 1 year)
Note: John was born on a Sunday.
Saturday morning about 6:30am I woke up with some small contractions and I was extremely uncomfortable. It was not unusual at this point in a pregnancy to not sleep well, so I really did not think anything of it. I proceeded to get up quietly and go into the kitchen to start my routine. To my surprise, I was having the contractions pretty regularly; so. I started to count, sure enough they were about 10-12 minutes apart. I could not wait any longer, I woke up Carl; I had a special feeling.
I could only restrain a little while longer before calling to wake up our parents. My Mom knew too, she started planning and getting things ready for what was to come.
Carl and I tried to go about the day, but of course were too nervous and excited. Carl decided we needed another recliner THAT DAY, so he rearranged the living room furniture and off we went furniture shopping. Who does that?!
All the while, I have been jotting down the contractions on a piece of paper and they were consistently 10-12 minutes apart, but they were not getting stronger or faster.
My Mom and Dad got in the car and headed to Texas about 6:30 pm.
Around 9:00 I decided to call my doctor to tell her about the day. She had me go to the hospital right then.
This trip to the hospital I remember vividly. We calmly and collectively got the bags in the car, kissed the dogs goodbye and headed out the door. We went straight to labor and delivery as it was not past hours yet. They checked me in and I signed all paperwork while I was comfortably in a bed, what a great idea?!?!
I was not in a lot of pain, uncomfortable, sure, but not pain; so I did not even think abut drugs at this point. They checked me and I was not dilated at all. They kept us for 2 hours and then checked again, still no progress. My Mom and Dad were at the hospital by this point. The doctor gave me the option of staying or going, I opted to go (don't regret). They gave me an option of a sleeping pill or not, I opted to have one (regret).
This is where it all gets a little fuzzy and any reminders would be helpful.
The next thing I remember is Carl putting me in bed. It is about midnight on Saturday night.
To be continued....
Note: John was born on a Sunday.
Saturday morning about 6:30am I woke up with some small contractions and I was extremely uncomfortable. It was not unusual at this point in a pregnancy to not sleep well, so I really did not think anything of it. I proceeded to get up quietly and go into the kitchen to start my routine. To my surprise, I was having the contractions pretty regularly; so. I started to count, sure enough they were about 10-12 minutes apart. I could not wait any longer, I woke up Carl; I had a special feeling.
I could only restrain a little while longer before calling to wake up our parents. My Mom knew too, she started planning and getting things ready for what was to come.
Carl and I tried to go about the day, but of course were too nervous and excited. Carl decided we needed another recliner THAT DAY, so he rearranged the living room furniture and off we went furniture shopping. Who does that?!
All the while, I have been jotting down the contractions on a piece of paper and they were consistently 10-12 minutes apart, but they were not getting stronger or faster.
My Mom and Dad got in the car and headed to Texas about 6:30 pm.
Around 9:00 I decided to call my doctor to tell her about the day. She had me go to the hospital right then.
This trip to the hospital I remember vividly. We calmly and collectively got the bags in the car, kissed the dogs goodbye and headed out the door. We went straight to labor and delivery as it was not past hours yet. They checked me in and I signed all paperwork while I was comfortably in a bed, what a great idea?!?!
I was not in a lot of pain, uncomfortable, sure, but not pain; so I did not even think abut drugs at this point. They checked me and I was not dilated at all. They kept us for 2 hours and then checked again, still no progress. My Mom and Dad were at the hospital by this point. The doctor gave me the option of staying or going, I opted to go (don't regret). They gave me an option of a sleeping pill or not, I opted to have one (regret).
This is where it all gets a little fuzzy and any reminders would be helpful.
The next thing I remember is Carl putting me in bed. It is about midnight on Saturday night.
To be continued....
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Happy Birthday Week: Changes
John - you have changed and bettered our lives in so many incredible ways. The most important is how you have filled our lives and our hearts with a new kind of love and joy that only a parent can share with their child. Our days are brighter, our smiles are bigger, our love is stronger, and our hearts are yours!
Other life changes since you were born:
- I have much more sympathy for parents and patience for screaming kids (not sure Carl shares this change with me)
- I can not watch sad movies with children involved
- Showering is a luxury, not a necessity
- Sleeping is a luxury, not a necessity
- Laundry takes a lot longer after pre-treating EVERY baby shirt we own
- We never watch live TV so if there is a tornado, we will not know about it until the next day
- I can not sing - but I do it anyway (in public nonetheless) because the itsy bitsy spider makes you smile (again, Carl has not adopted the public part of this one either)
- I try to find the parking space NEAREST the shopping cart return thing.
- I can accomplish in a 30 minute nap what used to take me several hours
- In a 12 month period - I went through 3 bra sizes - and unfortunately the last and most recent is not the one I would have chosen!
- The house is much darker since you became mobile - no lamps (cords) or nightlights
- My homepage went from some news site to "babycenter.com"
- I put A LOT more thought into what we all eat everyday, you are a growing boy, but lately a picky eater.
- The carpet and rugs are wearing a lot faster, as it seems to be a natural tendency for everyone to sit on the floor these days.
- I do not see the outside world after 5:30 pm or so. I did not even see Christmas lights in our neighborhood this year.
- Eating a meal with only 1 sized spoon in my hand is an exception to the rule.
- I spend more on your clothes than mine.
I can not wait to see the changes the 2nd year will bring!
Other life changes since you were born:
- I have much more sympathy for parents and patience for screaming kids (not sure Carl shares this change with me)
- I can not watch sad movies with children involved
- Showering is a luxury, not a necessity
- Sleeping is a luxury, not a necessity
- Laundry takes a lot longer after pre-treating EVERY baby shirt we own
- We never watch live TV so if there is a tornado, we will not know about it until the next day
- I can not sing - but I do it anyway (in public nonetheless) because the itsy bitsy spider makes you smile (again, Carl has not adopted the public part of this one either)
- I try to find the parking space NEAREST the shopping cart return thing.
- I can accomplish in a 30 minute nap what used to take me several hours
- In a 12 month period - I went through 3 bra sizes - and unfortunately the last and most recent is not the one I would have chosen!
- The house is much darker since you became mobile - no lamps (cords) or nightlights
- My homepage went from some news site to "babycenter.com"
- I put A LOT more thought into what we all eat everyday, you are a growing boy, but lately a picky eater.
- The carpet and rugs are wearing a lot faster, as it seems to be a natural tendency for everyone to sit on the floor these days.
- I do not see the outside world after 5:30 pm or so. I did not even see Christmas lights in our neighborhood this year.
- Eating a meal with only 1 sized spoon in my hand is an exception to the rule.
- I spend more on your clothes than mine.
I can not wait to see the changes the 2nd year will bring!
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