Yesterday was a very exciting day for the J family...we're pretty certain that LJ said his first word. His first word with meaning anyway. OK, his first word that 1) seemed purposeful and 2) we knew what he was saying. See, he's been saying dadadada for a while, but not really in reference to RJ. He also makes some sounds repeatedly...and at the same times, but we can't really figure out what he's saying or to what he is referring.
But...yesterday was different.
I was talking to LJ's Aunt M (RJ's brother's wife) and at the end of the conversation I put the phone to LJ's ear and said, "Say hi to Aunt M" (RJ and I do this whenever we are on the phone with one another) and LJ smiled and spoke a breathy "hhhi". He put the “i" sound and the end and everything. So, I said, "Oh my...do it again" and put the phone to his ear and he said it again. I got off the phone, called RJ and told him that LJ wanted to talk to him. I put the phone to LJ's ear and said, "Say hi to daddy" and he said "hi" again.
So, it is official...LJ's first word is "Hi". He only says it into the phone, but that is association for you. What a sweet boy...his first word is a greeting. I wonder if he'll be an extravert?!
What were your children's first word(s)?
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
LJ's Advice
LJ has a new cousin...a girl cousin...born Sunday, August 21st! My sister (SJ) had her baby and, just like that, LJ is no longer the youngest of the cousins. It was such a short reign, but I asked him and he said he's ready to mentor a new baby.
LJ's Initial Advice to JJ (the new cousin's blog pseudonym):
1) Nurse well - this is the only way you'll get any nutrition and you have to let you mom try this...she wants to do it and she isn't emotionally capable of changing her mind without tears.
2) Have the appropriate number of diapers a day - Your mom and dad will be counting these and, believe it or not, one too few will stress them out.
3) Sleep well - you've been through a lot and so have your parents...everyone needs to get some rest. This way, your parents will be able to e-mail pictures of you and talk to everyone on the phone about how cute you are and how much they love you.
4) Lose the umbilical cord - You don't need it and your mom and dad will be surprised at how happy they are when they no longer have to deal with it.
5) Don't cry for “no apparent reason” - your mom and dad will just change your diaper, fret because you just ate, or jiggle you around. Seriously, if you have an issue, let them know - otherwise, just take it all in without tears.
If you'll follow these simple suggestions, everyone will enjoy the first 3 months. You mom will probably cry sometimes - usually it is because she is tired, frustrated, and feels that she no longer recognizes her life. Trust me, this will pass. She'll get used to feeling tired and that feeling will replace what she used to call "feeling normal". She'll still get frustrated - so can't help you with that...she's not frustrated with you...just everything! And, soon she will recognize her life and be sooo happy that you are a part of it.
Welcome to the world JJ - from what I've seen - it ROCKS!
LJ's Initial Advice to JJ (the new cousin's blog pseudonym):
1) Nurse well - this is the only way you'll get any nutrition and you have to let you mom try this...she wants to do it and she isn't emotionally capable of changing her mind without tears.
2) Have the appropriate number of diapers a day - Your mom and dad will be counting these and, believe it or not, one too few will stress them out.
3) Sleep well - you've been through a lot and so have your parents...everyone needs to get some rest. This way, your parents will be able to e-mail pictures of you and talk to everyone on the phone about how cute you are and how much they love you.
4) Lose the umbilical cord - You don't need it and your mom and dad will be surprised at how happy they are when they no longer have to deal with it.
5) Don't cry for “no apparent reason” - your mom and dad will just change your diaper, fret because you just ate, or jiggle you around. Seriously, if you have an issue, let them know - otherwise, just take it all in without tears.
If you'll follow these simple suggestions, everyone will enjoy the first 3 months. You mom will probably cry sometimes - usually it is because she is tired, frustrated, and feels that she no longer recognizes her life. Trust me, this will pass. She'll get used to feeling tired and that feeling will replace what she used to call "feeling normal". She'll still get frustrated - so can't help you with that...she's not frustrated with you...just everything! And, soon she will recognize her life and be sooo happy that you are a part of it.
Welcome to the world JJ - from what I've seen - it ROCKS!
Saturday, August 20, 2005
LJ's Day
The following is mostly so that I will remember when my children ask me…or when we have the next child – it is frustrating when people can’t remember such vital information, but I know that I won’t remember either!
A Typical Day in the Life of LJ – at 9 months of Age
(and it have been this way for approximately 6 weeks)
Somewhere Around:
6:00 – 7:00
Up for the Day
7:00
Milk
7:30 – 8:00
2-Mile Stroll with Mom and/or Dad
8:30 – 9:00
Breakfast (4 oz Fruit + Oatmeal + Fruit Puffs)
Play
9:30 – 10:30
Milk and 1 – 2 Hour Nap
Upon Waking
Play
12:30 – 1:00
Lunch (4 oz Veggie + Cheese + Veggie Puffs)
Play
2:00 – 3:00
Milk and 1 – 2 Hour Nap
Upon Waking
Snack (Graham Cracker + Yogurt/Cheese)
Play
5:00
Milk
6:30 – 7:00
Dinner (4 oz Simple Recipe + Barley + Table Food)
Play/2-Mile Stroll with Mom and Dad
8:00 – 8:30
Bath, Milk, Bed
He normally goes down for a nap/the night while awake, plays with his bears, and then falls asleep on his own. Sometimes Daddy has to go in and pat him on the back.
Just so you won’t think, “What is in this post for me”…I have some news. The travel trailer is going to be picked up on Saturday, September 17th – in Ohio by RJ and a cohort of guy friends…they are making a road trip of it. On the way, RJ is dropping me and LJ off at my sister’s house and we are staying there for the weekend. I need to tell her that!
And, I should have some news to report concerning Phase I of the bathroom remodel.
A Typical Day in the Life of LJ – at 9 months of Age
(and it have been this way for approximately 6 weeks)
Somewhere Around:
6:00 – 7:00
Up for the Day
7:00
Milk
7:30 – 8:00
2-Mile Stroll with Mom and/or Dad
8:30 – 9:00
Breakfast (4 oz Fruit + Oatmeal + Fruit Puffs)
Play
9:30 – 10:30
Milk and 1 – 2 Hour Nap
Upon Waking
Play
12:30 – 1:00
Lunch (4 oz Veggie + Cheese + Veggie Puffs)
Play
2:00 – 3:00
Milk and 1 – 2 Hour Nap
Upon Waking
Snack (Graham Cracker + Yogurt/Cheese)
Play
5:00
Milk
6:30 – 7:00
Dinner (4 oz Simple Recipe + Barley + Table Food)
Play/2-Mile Stroll with Mom and Dad
8:00 – 8:30
Bath, Milk, Bed
He normally goes down for a nap/the night while awake, plays with his bears, and then falls asleep on his own. Sometimes Daddy has to go in and pat him on the back.
Just so you won’t think, “What is in this post for me”…I have some news. The travel trailer is going to be picked up on Saturday, September 17th – in Ohio by RJ and a cohort of guy friends…they are making a road trip of it. On the way, RJ is dropping me and LJ off at my sister’s house and we are staying there for the weekend. I need to tell her that!
And, I should have some news to report concerning Phase I of the bathroom remodel.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Finally - Teeth
We are proud to announce that little LJ is not "seedless" (as we, his parents, were beginning to believe). In the past week, he has cut two bottom teeth. He seemed unphased by the process as we noticed no increase in fussiness, drool, or other so-called teething-related maladies. The teeth are, of course, perfect specimens and have broken completely through the gums...now, they just need to get taller? longer? - whichever it is.
I am back at work this week. It hasn't been too much of a change. I was getting up between 6:00 and 7:00 anyway - this is when LJ is ready for the day, so getting up early isn't a struggle. I'm only in the office until noon, so it isn't like I have a whole, long day ahead of me. And, I got a new computer at work...RJ is jealous that my monitor has the speakers incorporated - instead of externally sitting on my desk. At any rate, my first few days back have been consumed with getting everything set up the way that I like it on this new computer. Classes start the week after next, but the students are starting to arrive and we have to wait at restaurants again.
Fall is my favorite time of year and I keep telling LJ that he is going to love October and November...especially since our travel trailer is ready! The jury is still deliberating if RJ will go get it or if we will have it delivered, but we are looking forward to weekend camping trips this fall. Sign up now to get in the que of people who want to go on a weekend excursion with the Js!!
I am back at work this week. It hasn't been too much of a change. I was getting up between 6:00 and 7:00 anyway - this is when LJ is ready for the day, so getting up early isn't a struggle. I'm only in the office until noon, so it isn't like I have a whole, long day ahead of me. And, I got a new computer at work...RJ is jealous that my monitor has the speakers incorporated - instead of externally sitting on my desk. At any rate, my first few days back have been consumed with getting everything set up the way that I like it on this new computer. Classes start the week after next, but the students are starting to arrive and we have to wait at restaurants again.
Fall is my favorite time of year and I keep telling LJ that he is going to love October and November...especially since our travel trailer is ready! The jury is still deliberating if RJ will go get it or if we will have it delivered, but we are looking forward to weekend camping trips this fall. Sign up now to get in the que of people who want to go on a weekend excursion with the Js!!
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Lemon DNE Pickle
I didn’t think it possible to find a food that LJ would turn down. Sure, there are some foods for which he opens his mouth less enthusiastically, but he opens his mouth nonetheless. We have found two distasteful foods: lemons and Gerber Beef and Carrots.
The lemon we tried at a restaurant. At first, he shoved it in his mouth as eagerly as any “thing” – he puts every “thing” in his mouth. He screwed up his face into a reaction that you would associate with…well, eating a lemon, but he kept gnawing on it nonetheless. Then, he dropped it. So, I picked it up and started to hand it to him and he forcibly shoved my hand away. This, dear reader, was a first. Prior to this, he has not pushed a food away. I’ve suspected that he didn’t really care for some foods, but he would continue to open his mouth. I think he is the perpetual optimist…always hoping the next spoonful would hold something different and more palatable…like bananas. But, with lemons he has learned that a little realism is a good thing.
Gerber Beef and Carrots we tried here at home. I started giving him “simple recipes” which are a fruit or a vegetable mixed with some sort of meat (turkey, chicken, beef, etc. – hmm…I not really sure what the etc. would be, but…). He does enjoy sweet potato and turkey and he likes pears and chicken. He liked beef and carrots ok, but I think that was due to his optimism (see above). The second day of beef and carrots…they were left over and had thus been in the refrigerator. I thought, “no one wants to eat cold beef and carrots,” so I warmed it in the microwave a bit – just enough to take the chill off. He ate a bit, screwed his face into an expression we have come to associate with eating a lemon, and shuddered. So, I tried another bite and…yep, he forcibly pushed my hand away.
I’m not giving up on the Beef and Carrots, but I am giving up on the lemon. I don’t think he is lacking in any nutrient that a lemon provides, so I’m not concerned.
Oddly enough, he rather enjoyed a dill pickle spear at a local hamburger/laundromat yesterday. Yes, you read that correctly. There is a place here that is a restaurant (with super-good hamburgers) connected to a laundromat. So, you enjoy a great burger, a piece of to-die-for peanut butter pie (unless, of course, eating peanuts might cause death for you – “hi” SJ) and smell fabric softener all at one time.
The lemon we tried at a restaurant. At first, he shoved it in his mouth as eagerly as any “thing” – he puts every “thing” in his mouth. He screwed up his face into a reaction that you would associate with…well, eating a lemon, but he kept gnawing on it nonetheless. Then, he dropped it. So, I picked it up and started to hand it to him and he forcibly shoved my hand away. This, dear reader, was a first. Prior to this, he has not pushed a food away. I’ve suspected that he didn’t really care for some foods, but he would continue to open his mouth. I think he is the perpetual optimist…always hoping the next spoonful would hold something different and more palatable…like bananas. But, with lemons he has learned that a little realism is a good thing.
Gerber Beef and Carrots we tried here at home. I started giving him “simple recipes” which are a fruit or a vegetable mixed with some sort of meat (turkey, chicken, beef, etc. – hmm…I not really sure what the etc. would be, but…). He does enjoy sweet potato and turkey and he likes pears and chicken. He liked beef and carrots ok, but I think that was due to his optimism (see above). The second day of beef and carrots…they were left over and had thus been in the refrigerator. I thought, “no one wants to eat cold beef and carrots,” so I warmed it in the microwave a bit – just enough to take the chill off. He ate a bit, screwed his face into an expression we have come to associate with eating a lemon, and shuddered. So, I tried another bite and…yep, he forcibly pushed my hand away.
I’m not giving up on the Beef and Carrots, but I am giving up on the lemon. I don’t think he is lacking in any nutrient that a lemon provides, so I’m not concerned.
Oddly enough, he rather enjoyed a dill pickle spear at a local hamburger/laundromat yesterday. Yes, you read that correctly. There is a place here that is a restaurant (with super-good hamburgers) connected to a laundromat. So, you enjoy a great burger, a piece of to-die-for peanut butter pie (unless, of course, eating peanuts might cause death for you – “hi” SJ) and smell fabric softener all at one time.
Monday, August 08, 2005
Kiss Mommy
LJ has demonstrated the ability to understand and follow (the key, I believe) a simple command. We discovered this a couple of days ago and have been testing our hypothesis to make sure we were not observing some anomaly. We feel confident enough to publish our findings.
If we say, “kiss Mommy” or “kiss Daddy”, this sweet child will open his mouth and put it on the proper person’s cheek. I’m always elated and reply with, “I have a kiss for LJ” and I give him a kiss on the cheek. I won’t lie…he gives a wet, sloppy kiss, but I cherish each and every one. Sometimes, I even get a kiss without asking…those are even sweeter.
Now that we know he can understand and follow a command, I’m trying to decide what we should work on next. I’m considering:
“Bring me a cookie” (but, I think he’d eat it before it got to me),
“Go sweep the floor” (of course, he does this as he crawls around all day…and, sadly, his knees and feet are visibly filthy at the end of the day),
“Answer the phone” (but, he breaths heavily, so the caller would likely hang-up)
I know, I’ll insert “tell your daddy to…” in front of each of those and that should work for a day or two!
If we say, “kiss Mommy” or “kiss Daddy”, this sweet child will open his mouth and put it on the proper person’s cheek. I’m always elated and reply with, “I have a kiss for LJ” and I give him a kiss on the cheek. I won’t lie…he gives a wet, sloppy kiss, but I cherish each and every one. Sometimes, I even get a kiss without asking…those are even sweeter.
Now that we know he can understand and follow a command, I’m trying to decide what we should work on next. I’m considering:
“Bring me a cookie” (but, I think he’d eat it before it got to me),
“Go sweep the floor” (of course, he does this as he crawls around all day…and, sadly, his knees and feet are visibly filthy at the end of the day),
“Answer the phone” (but, he breaths heavily, so the caller would likely hang-up)
I know, I’ll insert “tell your daddy to…” in front of each of those and that should work for a day or two!
Thursday, August 04, 2005
The Clouds Have Parted
LJ seems to be on the mend. We took him to the doctor on Monday…just to make sure his ears were clear; and they were. He’s back to his normal sleeping routine – which is sooo good! I was a little concerned that this illness would mess everything up, but it didn’t.
FYI: LJ weighs 21 pounds 3 ½ ounces.
We did go to waterbabies on Tuesday and we had not missed “baby bobs”! Yea! Unfortunately, LJ does not care for “baby bobs” all that much. In case you can’t imagine, “baby bobs” are where you blow in the baby's face to make him hold his breath and then you pop him under and back up. Once baby comes back up, you cheer and act like he just did the best thing in the whole world. All three babies in our class cried. Today was the last day for our class. LJ got a t-shirt that he’ll be able to wear when he’s 3…it is way too big. It was enjoyable and has only served to strengthen my conviction that we need a pool in our backyard. Then you’d really want to come visit us!
FYI: LJ weighs 21 pounds 3 ½ ounces.
We did go to waterbabies on Tuesday and we had not missed “baby bobs”! Yea! Unfortunately, LJ does not care for “baby bobs” all that much. In case you can’t imagine, “baby bobs” are where you blow in the baby's face to make him hold his breath and then you pop him under and back up. Once baby comes back up, you cheer and act like he just did the best thing in the whole world. All three babies in our class cried. Today was the last day for our class. LJ got a t-shirt that he’ll be able to wear when he’s 3…it is way too big. It was enjoyable and has only served to strengthen my conviction that we need a pool in our backyard. Then you’d really want to come visit us!
Monday, August 01, 2005
Sick and Tired
I can no longer say that LJ has not been sick :-(
Saturday, we were in a large city visiting friends. The day was great…we went to MK’s (LJ’s Godfather) parents’ house and they have a pool, so LJ got to practice all his waterbabies moves. We were disappointed because we had been promised “baby bobs” all week long, but we never got around to them in class…so we could not practice “baby bobs” over the weekend. Far be it from us, LJ’s parents, to usurp the judgment of the waterbabies teacher. Saturday evening, we had a little backyard cookout to celebrate MK and SH’s engagement and all was fine and good. Then…little LJ woke up every hour throughout Saturday night. It was obvious from the sound of his breathing that he was stuffed up. And, it was obvious from the heat he was generating that he had a fever. We “woke up” Sunday and decided to leave ASAP…and get the dreaded 3-hour-ride-with-a-sick-baby over with. Did I mention that neither RJ nor I were feeling particularly well ourselves? The ride wasn’t too bad, but it took longer than 3 hours.
Last night was the most hideous night I can remember. I think it wins over the first nights that LJ was home from the hospital. At least we were “in shape” then. Getting consecutive sleep can very easily “uncondition” you from being able to function without it. But, I think his fever broke somewhere between 2:30 and 5:00, so that was good.
LJ was feeling better today…runny nose, seemed to tire easily, yet wouldn’t nap longer than 45 minutes. He played and laughed and ate, so I think he is on the mend. We did not go to waterbabies today…you have to be fever-free for 24 hours before you can resume your normal schedule. My mom taught me that…as a kid, I hated it…as an adult, it just sounds reasonable. If LJ doesn’t sleep well tonight…well, I just won’t think about that. Neither RJ nor I felt great today either, so we all need some rest.
I bet they did “baby bobs” at waterbabies today.
Saturday, we were in a large city visiting friends. The day was great…we went to MK’s (LJ’s Godfather) parents’ house and they have a pool, so LJ got to practice all his waterbabies moves. We were disappointed because we had been promised “baby bobs” all week long, but we never got around to them in class…so we could not practice “baby bobs” over the weekend. Far be it from us, LJ’s parents, to usurp the judgment of the waterbabies teacher. Saturday evening, we had a little backyard cookout to celebrate MK and SH’s engagement and all was fine and good. Then…little LJ woke up every hour throughout Saturday night. It was obvious from the sound of his breathing that he was stuffed up. And, it was obvious from the heat he was generating that he had a fever. We “woke up” Sunday and decided to leave ASAP…and get the dreaded 3-hour-ride-with-a-sick-baby over with. Did I mention that neither RJ nor I were feeling particularly well ourselves? The ride wasn’t too bad, but it took longer than 3 hours.
Last night was the most hideous night I can remember. I think it wins over the first nights that LJ was home from the hospital. At least we were “in shape” then. Getting consecutive sleep can very easily “uncondition” you from being able to function without it. But, I think his fever broke somewhere between 2:30 and 5:00, so that was good.
LJ was feeling better today…runny nose, seemed to tire easily, yet wouldn’t nap longer than 45 minutes. He played and laughed and ate, so I think he is on the mend. We did not go to waterbabies today…you have to be fever-free for 24 hours before you can resume your normal schedule. My mom taught me that…as a kid, I hated it…as an adult, it just sounds reasonable. If LJ doesn’t sleep well tonight…well, I just won’t think about that. Neither RJ nor I felt great today either, so we all need some rest.
I bet they did “baby bobs” at waterbabies today.
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