As LJ sits guzzling his milk – and I do mean guzzling…he sucks down his morning 6 ounces in less than 2 minutes…and rarely stops to breath, I’m pondering what has happened to our “easy to put to bed” baby. On Sunday night, LJ screamed as RJ put him to bed…and that resulted in an hour and a half of work for RJ before LJ succumbed. Monday’s naps went fine and Monday night was normal. Last night (Tuesday) there was more screaming, but RJ got him to sleep within 30 minutes. BUT, last night was punctuated with a 2:00 am and a 4:00 am scream fest. RJ got him quieted down within 5 minutes, but – what the heck?! (See, I told you, RJ is the night time guy, so when he was sick last month…I missed that contribution!)
I’ll admit that we had gotten out of the habit of a bath every night – remember, baths were making him scream. Tuesday night, we did give him a bath and he went to sleep fine. It was probably a fluke, but hey, if I had to wear the same PJs every night to get him to sleep easily – I’d do it. So, we’ll start there…reestablishing a routine that includes a bath. We still had a routine, it just didn’t include a full-on bath every night…some nights it was a sponge bath.
Could he be teething – those 1 year molars?
Question – do all the other teeth have to be in before the molars come in?
Could it just be a phase?
Question – did your children (or children you know) go through entire phases where they didn’t go to bed? I have the feeling I’m not going to like the answers I get to this one.
Could he need fewer hours of sleep? I’m sure he won’t need a total of 15 hours of sleep in a 24 hour period forever (including naps, this is about how many hours he gets).
Question – wouldn’t he cut out a nap instead of shorten his night sleep?
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Sunday, December 18, 2005
More Christmas Preparations
As you know, last weekend was devoted to decorating for Christmas. I’m pleased to report that LJ has not gotten into any mishaps with the additions to the décor, nor has he insisted on too many situations in which he is told, “no, no” and sometimes forcibly moved to a more appropriate location.
With the decorations up and the Christmas music cycling through the CD player, I was able to turn my attention to holiday eats. This starts with making the spiced apple cider that will then be available for warming in the microwave throughout the Christmas season – check! Then I moved to making sure I had all the ingredients to make peanut brittle – check! Finally, I stocked up on the sugar cookie dough and decorations – check!
This weekend I have been making peanut brittle as I have several batches I must prepare for distribution to the neighbors (and for us to have plenty to eat too – good thing I have a dentist appointment in January!). RJ and I have a system that involves his coming in at the last 5 of the 295 degrees and stirring vigorously as I put in the final 2 ingredients…oh, and then he pours the sugary treat onto the prepared surface for cooling. (It is possible that I watch too much Food Network as I think you might actually care about the cooking of peanut brittle.) I have also baked the first batch of sugar cookies and they are ready for us to decorate tonight (after LJ is fast asleep). I’ll save the second batch for closer to Christmas.
So, where is LJ during all this baking…well, I try to squeeze it in while he’s napping. Yesterday, it didn’t work out so well as he woke up at about 220 of the 295 degrees. He played in the kitchen a little, but he could hear RJ rummaging around in the garage for tools to work on a car in the driveway. This made LJ want to go into the garage, but I could not oblige him as I was trying to get to 295 degrees. Eventually, I had to pick him up or chance suffering the permanent scarring that some say comes with not doing so after a certain amount of whining at the legs of mommy. LJ was all too interested in the peanut brittle I was stirring, but I managed to balance him on one hip, stir the peanut brittle, and keep him away from what was probably now 270 degrees of boiling sugar. It is a good thing I am tall!
Saturday night, we had a babysitter over while RJ and I went Christmas shopping and out to dinner. It was a leisurely shopping experience and we purchased a modest trio of age-appropriate toys for LJ’s Christmas.
I am finished with work for 2005 and shouldn’t need to return until mid-January, so look for more frequent updates on this, your favorite blog about LJ.
With the decorations up and the Christmas music cycling through the CD player, I was able to turn my attention to holiday eats. This starts with making the spiced apple cider that will then be available for warming in the microwave throughout the Christmas season – check! Then I moved to making sure I had all the ingredients to make peanut brittle – check! Finally, I stocked up on the sugar cookie dough and decorations – check!
This weekend I have been making peanut brittle as I have several batches I must prepare for distribution to the neighbors (and for us to have plenty to eat too – good thing I have a dentist appointment in January!). RJ and I have a system that involves his coming in at the last 5 of the 295 degrees and stirring vigorously as I put in the final 2 ingredients…oh, and then he pours the sugary treat onto the prepared surface for cooling. (It is possible that I watch too much Food Network as I think you might actually care about the cooking of peanut brittle.) I have also baked the first batch of sugar cookies and they are ready for us to decorate tonight (after LJ is fast asleep). I’ll save the second batch for closer to Christmas.
So, where is LJ during all this baking…well, I try to squeeze it in while he’s napping. Yesterday, it didn’t work out so well as he woke up at about 220 of the 295 degrees. He played in the kitchen a little, but he could hear RJ rummaging around in the garage for tools to work on a car in the driveway. This made LJ want to go into the garage, but I could not oblige him as I was trying to get to 295 degrees. Eventually, I had to pick him up or chance suffering the permanent scarring that some say comes with not doing so after a certain amount of whining at the legs of mommy. LJ was all too interested in the peanut brittle I was stirring, but I managed to balance him on one hip, stir the peanut brittle, and keep him away from what was probably now 270 degrees of boiling sugar. It is a good thing I am tall!
Saturday night, we had a babysitter over while RJ and I went Christmas shopping and out to dinner. It was a leisurely shopping experience and we purchased a modest trio of age-appropriate toys for LJ’s Christmas.
I am finished with work for 2005 and shouldn’t need to return until mid-January, so look for more frequent updates on this, your favorite blog about LJ.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Goodbye Balls - Hello Bows
We've decorated the house for Christmas - and we've had to make a decision. Do we decorate as always and incorporate LJ into our lives or do we decorate for a toddler and skip the "no, no" all the time. We decided on the later. So, goodbye silver, gold, red, and blue balls - hello red bows. Goodbye train around the tree - hello tree skirt. Goodbye inappropriate decorations that contain small parts and choking hazards - hello everything placed outside of LJ's reach.
It hasn't been so bad - I think LJ is slightly afraid of the tree. He went to bed one night and woke up with a big tree in his living room. He points at it a lot and says, "ohhh..." and when he touches it, he does so quickly and pulls his hand back right away.
And....
This week, he has started walking more than crawling...heck, sometimes he is practically running. So, he is officially a toddler!
It hasn't been so bad - I think LJ is slightly afraid of the tree. He went to bed one night and woke up with a big tree in his living room. He points at it a lot and says, "ohhh..." and when he touches it, he does so quickly and pulls his hand back right away.
And....
This week, he has started walking more than crawling...heck, sometimes he is practically running. So, he is officially a toddler!
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Hungry & Sleepy
Last week LJ was not only starving ALL THE TIME, but he was sleepy ALL THE TIME too. Of course, I was paranoid that he was getting sick, but that never seemed to happen. Then I decided this could be a growth spurt (and here we are full circle...growth spurts were a hot topic in our lives this time last year). This poor child could not get enough to eat, but at some point I have to say, "Look, your tummy just isn't that big. You can eat more later, but this is enough for right now." Then he'd cry and crawl over to the table and try to reach his Cheerios. If he couldn't reach them, he'd lie on the floor and wail. So, I'd decide he was tired and put him down for a nap...and sure enough, he's sleep for an hour or more. LJ's clothes still fit, so he hasn't grown at an alarming rate, but I'm expecting to notice a difference.
This week has returned to a more normal eating and sleeping pattern. I don't know how long of a delay there is between eating/sleeping and perceptible growth, but if I figure it out, I'll let you know.
This week has returned to a more normal eating and sleeping pattern. I don't know how long of a delay there is between eating/sleeping and perceptible growth, but if I figure it out, I'll let you know.
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Thanksgiving 2005
The Js had a very nice Thanksgiving holiday and it was a great way to celebrate all that we have to be thankful for in 2005. LJ's MawMaw arrived on Wednesday followed closely by my brother and his family. We set up the travel trailer in the backyard and LJ's cousins had their own place to stay. This was nice in that everyone had a bed and the cousins could stay up late, sleep-in, take naps, etc. LJ had a great time playing with all his relatives and managed to get in all his naps too.
We ate tons of food - I'd say bacon was the favorite...we managed to eat bacon just about every morning!
We watched football...and I was relieved that the score was as close as it was.
We played football - the semi-annual Thanksgiving Bowl. The non-Jfys/former-Jfys vs. the Jfys. In the final play (as the game was called due to darkness) the non-Jfys won (that is my team!).
On Friday, my sister and her family arrived and we had a birthday party for DL. He turned 8 yesterday. We ate some more, played pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey (which was not as hilarious as it was 2 years prior), and then ate some more. What a great day!
On Saturday, after the bacon and after a lunch of Thanksgiving leftovers, we (RJ, KJ, RJ and I) went to a movie while the cousins entertained LJ. J*fer was in charge as we are hoping she'll be able to arrange her class schedule so that she can be LJ's Friday companion next year. She did a fantastic job, but unfortunately the movie we intended to see was sold out and we had to settle for a choice made on the fly. It was BORING. This seems to happen to us a lot. We have the opportunity to go to a movie and we end up seeing a dud. Oh well.
The Jfys gave LJ a corn popper (you know, the kind LJ pushes and it pops) and I think LJ will love it when he is walking a little better. People ask me if the noise will bother me...so long as LJ is entertained and not clawing at my legs, his toys can make all the noise in the world! The Lfts gave LJ a little walker and he seems to enjoy it. I can't decide if was ready to start walking more anyway or if the walker has given him more confidence, but his walking has picked up in the past 2 days. He'll walk about 10 steps in a row and then he'll either lose his balance or he'll decide he wants to get there more quickly and he'll crawl! If you hold his hands and walk with him, you're committed to doing that for a while. He'll get pretty mad if you stop before he is ready.
The J family had a great Thanksgiving and hope that you did too!
We ate tons of food - I'd say bacon was the favorite...we managed to eat bacon just about every morning!
We watched football...and I was relieved that the score was as close as it was.
We played football - the semi-annual Thanksgiving Bowl. The non-Jfys/former-Jfys vs. the Jfys. In the final play (as the game was called due to darkness) the non-Jfys won (that is my team!).
On Friday, my sister and her family arrived and we had a birthday party for DL. He turned 8 yesterday. We ate some more, played pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey (which was not as hilarious as it was 2 years prior), and then ate some more. What a great day!
On Saturday, after the bacon and after a lunch of Thanksgiving leftovers, we (RJ, KJ, RJ and I) went to a movie while the cousins entertained LJ. J*fer was in charge as we are hoping she'll be able to arrange her class schedule so that she can be LJ's Friday companion next year. She did a fantastic job, but unfortunately the movie we intended to see was sold out and we had to settle for a choice made on the fly. It was BORING. This seems to happen to us a lot. We have the opportunity to go to a movie and we end up seeing a dud. Oh well.
The Jfys gave LJ a corn popper (you know, the kind LJ pushes and it pops) and I think LJ will love it when he is walking a little better. People ask me if the noise will bother me...so long as LJ is entertained and not clawing at my legs, his toys can make all the noise in the world! The Lfts gave LJ a little walker and he seems to enjoy it. I can't decide if was ready to start walking more anyway or if the walker has given him more confidence, but his walking has picked up in the past 2 days. He'll walk about 10 steps in a row and then he'll either lose his balance or he'll decide he wants to get there more quickly and he'll crawl! If you hold his hands and walk with him, you're committed to doing that for a while. He'll get pretty mad if you stop before he is ready.
The J family had a great Thanksgiving and hope that you did too!
Monday, November 21, 2005
What a Week...
Last week was perhaps the most horrific week I've known on the home front. You think I am being dramatic, but it was pretty bad. RJ was very sick most of the week and LJ had a cold/ear infection. The congestion and pain kept him up most of the night and RJ (the night-time go-to guy) was down for the count.
So, this left me.
I am not good without some sleep. I am not good during the night. I am a day person. The night depresses me. I am not as good as RJ at getting LJ to sleep when he doesn't feel well. There were nights when RJ had to get up (even though he didn't feel well) to help me. I'd get LJ to sleep in my arms and when I'd try to put him down, he'd scream. If I tried to just sit down, he'd scream. There were many times that we were both crying together. Interestingly, LJ would stop crying as soon as I'd start. RJ took my crying as a signal that I was losing my mind and would get up with him for a couple of hours. Finally, RJ and I had a talk, the result of which made me decide that I needed to change my attitude about the night. So...
We pulled out the sofa bed on the back porch, left the computer on (so that the slide show screen saver was on - LJ loves to look at our family pictures), put the TV remote next to the sofa bed, and prepared for the night. Sure enough, LJ woke up at 10:00 and I was on. I picked him up, we propped up on the bed and he watched the slide show and fell asleep. My mistake - I tried to move him to his crib. He screamed. So, we came back out, but at this time he was wide awake. We watched the slide show, I watched Melrose Place on the DVR, we read books, etc. Then, he tired out again; I rocked him to sleep and tried to sit back down on the sofa bed...screams. RJ woke up and rescued us (it was 1:00). He got LJ to sleep and in his crib by 2:30. We all slept until 5:30, when LJ was up again. I did not cry this night, so I considered it a success...the power of positive thinking.
LJ is on the mend...he's slept like normal the last 3 night and we are thankful. RJ is also on the mend and for that we are thankful - just in time for Thanksgiving!
LJ has started to scream when put in the bath. He used to love his bath and would eagerly chunk his toys in when bath time came. Now, he clings to us and tries to pull himself out. Did this happen to your children or any children you know? What did you do?!
So, this left me.
I am not good without some sleep. I am not good during the night. I am a day person. The night depresses me. I am not as good as RJ at getting LJ to sleep when he doesn't feel well. There were nights when RJ had to get up (even though he didn't feel well) to help me. I'd get LJ to sleep in my arms and when I'd try to put him down, he'd scream. If I tried to just sit down, he'd scream. There were many times that we were both crying together. Interestingly, LJ would stop crying as soon as I'd start. RJ took my crying as a signal that I was losing my mind and would get up with him for a couple of hours. Finally, RJ and I had a talk, the result of which made me decide that I needed to change my attitude about the night. So...
We pulled out the sofa bed on the back porch, left the computer on (so that the slide show screen saver was on - LJ loves to look at our family pictures), put the TV remote next to the sofa bed, and prepared for the night. Sure enough, LJ woke up at 10:00 and I was on. I picked him up, we propped up on the bed and he watched the slide show and fell asleep. My mistake - I tried to move him to his crib. He screamed. So, we came back out, but at this time he was wide awake. We watched the slide show, I watched Melrose Place on the DVR, we read books, etc. Then, he tired out again; I rocked him to sleep and tried to sit back down on the sofa bed...screams. RJ woke up and rescued us (it was 1:00). He got LJ to sleep and in his crib by 2:30. We all slept until 5:30, when LJ was up again. I did not cry this night, so I considered it a success...the power of positive thinking.
LJ is on the mend...he's slept like normal the last 3 night and we are thankful. RJ is also on the mend and for that we are thankful - just in time for Thanksgiving!
LJ has started to scream when put in the bath. He used to love his bath and would eagerly chunk his toys in when bath time came. Now, he clings to us and tries to pull himself out. Did this happen to your children or any children you know? What did you do?!
Monday, November 14, 2005
Happy Birthday LJ!
Here it is...the day LJ was born. He wasn't born until 3:52 pm, and at this time last year I had not had my epidural yet...but these are trivial matters.
LJ started out the day by waking at 6:18, but he did let me rock with him for about 20 minutes...while I patted his back and he rested his head on my shoulder. This doesn't happen very often, so I treasured the moment. After he'd had enough of that, I made him is milk. In the morning he drinks 6 ounces (out of a sippy cup) of a breast milk/whole milk mix. He seems to tolerate the whole milk well and is readily accepting it now, so the weaning process has begun. For breakfast, LJ had bananas, cream of wheat and cinnamon toast and now he is playing before his morning nap - which should commence within the hour.
Oh, this morning he took, what I would call, his official first steps...there were 3 of them and he looked like Frankenstein's Monster, but they got him where he wanted to go...from the ottoman to the couch.
So, why am I home? RJ is sick. Has been all weekend. And when I say sick, I mean sick. 102 fever. He was so desperate; we got a baby sitter and spent 3 hours in the walk-in clinic yesterday. That's all I'll say...it isn't my illness, so I'm sure there is some privacy law that I've already violated in recording what I have. But, this gives me time to make LJ's birthday cake this morning.
(I see Lena and KK did this on the previous post, but...)
Please comment if you want LJ to know that you wished him a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
LJ started out the day by waking at 6:18, but he did let me rock with him for about 20 minutes...while I patted his back and he rested his head on my shoulder. This doesn't happen very often, so I treasured the moment. After he'd had enough of that, I made him is milk. In the morning he drinks 6 ounces (out of a sippy cup) of a breast milk/whole milk mix. He seems to tolerate the whole milk well and is readily accepting it now, so the weaning process has begun. For breakfast, LJ had bananas, cream of wheat and cinnamon toast and now he is playing before his morning nap - which should commence within the hour.
Oh, this morning he took, what I would call, his official first steps...there were 3 of them and he looked like Frankenstein's Monster, but they got him where he wanted to go...from the ottoman to the couch.
So, why am I home? RJ is sick. Has been all weekend. And when I say sick, I mean sick. 102 fever. He was so desperate; we got a baby sitter and spent 3 hours in the walk-in clinic yesterday. That's all I'll say...it isn't my illness, so I'm sure there is some privacy law that I've already violated in recording what I have. But, this gives me time to make LJ's birthday cake this morning.
(I see Lena and KK did this on the previous post, but...)
Please comment if you want LJ to know that you wished him a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Friday, November 11, 2005
One Year Ago...
One year ago tonight, the Js were attending a Lyle Lovett concert...and wondering if we'd make it through before Little Baby J made his appearance. Of course, we didn't know Little Baby J would be a boy. We didn't really have any idea what was ahead of us! It was an exciting time and, looking back, we didn't have any clue how fun, hard, fulfilling, tiring, hilarious, agonizing, amazing, and spectacular the last year would be. We were just happy to be able to attend this concert! I've been reading the early entries - pre-LJ - and it seems like it is impossible that a year has gone by. My baby is about to be 1!
Sunday, November 06, 2005
T-Bone
Friday morning - I was excited because I did not have any meetings at work. See, Friday is the only day I don't teach, but it is usually filled with meetings. This past Friday was a rare gem. So, I was being rather leisurely in my morning routine. Decadence of all decadence, I turned off my alarm and let LJ wake me...which he did at 6:45. RJ took him out for garage sales - their Friday morning ritual and I lollygagged while drinking tea, watching news, pumping milk, etc. Toward the end of my lollygagging...as I was transitioning into serious primping for work...I felt insanely nauseous. If I didn't know better, I would think it was morning sickness all over again (but, we know that morning sickness is not confined to the morning...oh, aren't you glad I was blogging during LJ's first trimester?!). I decided I needed to eat some toast and that made me feel well enough to continue. As I'm about to get dressed, the phone rings...
I answer it and it is RJ on the line. He asks me how I'm doing and I reply..."you know, I thought I was going to hurl earlier...I felt really sick." To which he says, "LJ and I are both fine, but we've been in an accident." All calm as can be...so, I ask where they are and head off to go meet them. I did get dressed first...and they weren't far away. All the way there I was thinking things like..."ok, he said they're fine, but there could be blood, so don't freak out if there are cuts"...AND..."I don't know how bad the accident is, but RJ would have driven home if it were a fender-bender"...AND..."My feeling nauseous earlier really isn't a big deal goof-ball, but hey...what if I felt sick right when the accident happened? What if I have an insane amount of mother's intuition?!"
When I got to the accident site, things were pretty much wrapping up. I saw RJ's truck...smashed in from the front...he obviously hit something head on. But, I didn't see the other car. The accident happened on a busy street near our house and in front of our neighbor’s mechanic shop. I went to RJ and took LJ from him...there was no blood on either of them. Then I saw the other car...a KIA SUV...hit dead-on on the driver's side. Her side-impact airbags had deployed. Both vehicles were hooked up to tow trucks, the policeman was finishing up talking to RJ...telling him who to call and when to get the report, that the other driver's insurance was up-to-date, etc. We went over to the other driver...she was not hurt and she seemed concerned that LJ was all right. She had a pink slip in her hand, so this gave me a clue that she might have been at fault. Mind you, I still have not heard what happened yet.
Once we left the scene, RJ filled me in...
He had been southbound in the inside lane of a 4 lane road with a turn lane. There was a truck with a trailer (also southbound) in the outside lane (on his right). This truck was stopped and wanting to turn right onto a side street. The KIA was wanting to turn left onto the road (to go north on the street on which RJ was traveling south). RJ thinks the truck with trailer made her feel like she had to get going because it was waiting for her to move so it would have room to make the right turn (these trucks with trailers need a lot of room I guess). So she pulled out and RJ slammed on/started pumping his brakes and tried not to hit her right in her door, but did just that. Apparently, in the biz...this is called T-Boning someone. Hence...T-Bone! Yep, RJ has earned himself a new nickname...and you have to say it like Krueger on Seinfeld...T-BOOONE.
Upon screeching tires and thudding impact, LJ burst into tears...RJ thinks the loud noise scared him. RJ pulled out his cell phone and made his first ever call to 911. RJ says that LJ was just staring up at him with tears streaming down his face and screaming sobs coming from his mouth...he was probably wondering why daddy was not comforting him and why, in the midst of no comfort, daddy was playing with LJ's favorite toy (the cell phone). Fortunately, there was a policeman behind him (the accident was not too far from the police station) almost immediately. The other car had slid across the intersection and was on the other side of the road...she is lucky she wasn't hit again on her way over. RJ unbuckled LJ and they cautiously exited the vehicle and walked across the street. The other driver was fine, but was crying and wanting to know if the baby was all right. After all was said and done, we did take LJ to the doctor...just as a precautionary measure to make sure everything seemed fine.
So, T-Bone's truck is history...he was looking into buying a new truck anyway, this makes the decision for him!
My mother’s intuition nausea occurred approximately 7 minutes prior to the accident, so I guess it was just garden-variety nausea and not some super-great 6th sense.
Hope you had a less eventful end of last week!
Love,
MJ, LJ and T-Bone
I answer it and it is RJ on the line. He asks me how I'm doing and I reply..."you know, I thought I was going to hurl earlier...I felt really sick." To which he says, "LJ and I are both fine, but we've been in an accident." All calm as can be...so, I ask where they are and head off to go meet them. I did get dressed first...and they weren't far away. All the way there I was thinking things like..."ok, he said they're fine, but there could be blood, so don't freak out if there are cuts"...AND..."I don't know how bad the accident is, but RJ would have driven home if it were a fender-bender"...AND..."My feeling nauseous earlier really isn't a big deal goof-ball, but hey...what if I felt sick right when the accident happened? What if I have an insane amount of mother's intuition?!"
When I got to the accident site, things were pretty much wrapping up. I saw RJ's truck...smashed in from the front...he obviously hit something head on. But, I didn't see the other car. The accident happened on a busy street near our house and in front of our neighbor’s mechanic shop. I went to RJ and took LJ from him...there was no blood on either of them. Then I saw the other car...a KIA SUV...hit dead-on on the driver's side. Her side-impact airbags had deployed. Both vehicles were hooked up to tow trucks, the policeman was finishing up talking to RJ...telling him who to call and when to get the report, that the other driver's insurance was up-to-date, etc. We went over to the other driver...she was not hurt and she seemed concerned that LJ was all right. She had a pink slip in her hand, so this gave me a clue that she might have been at fault. Mind you, I still have not heard what happened yet.
Once we left the scene, RJ filled me in...
He had been southbound in the inside lane of a 4 lane road with a turn lane. There was a truck with a trailer (also southbound) in the outside lane (on his right). This truck was stopped and wanting to turn right onto a side street. The KIA was wanting to turn left onto the road (to go north on the street on which RJ was traveling south). RJ thinks the truck with trailer made her feel like she had to get going because it was waiting for her to move so it would have room to make the right turn (these trucks with trailers need a lot of room I guess). So she pulled out and RJ slammed on/started pumping his brakes and tried not to hit her right in her door, but did just that. Apparently, in the biz...this is called T-Boning someone. Hence...T-Bone! Yep, RJ has earned himself a new nickname...and you have to say it like Krueger on Seinfeld...T-BOOONE.
Upon screeching tires and thudding impact, LJ burst into tears...RJ thinks the loud noise scared him. RJ pulled out his cell phone and made his first ever call to 911. RJ says that LJ was just staring up at him with tears streaming down his face and screaming sobs coming from his mouth...he was probably wondering why daddy was not comforting him and why, in the midst of no comfort, daddy was playing with LJ's favorite toy (the cell phone). Fortunately, there was a policeman behind him (the accident was not too far from the police station) almost immediately. The other car had slid across the intersection and was on the other side of the road...she is lucky she wasn't hit again on her way over. RJ unbuckled LJ and they cautiously exited the vehicle and walked across the street. The other driver was fine, but was crying and wanting to know if the baby was all right. After all was said and done, we did take LJ to the doctor...just as a precautionary measure to make sure everything seemed fine.
So, T-Bone's truck is history...he was looking into buying a new truck anyway, this makes the decision for him!
My mother’s intuition nausea occurred approximately 7 minutes prior to the accident, so I guess it was just garden-variety nausea and not some super-great 6th sense.
Hope you had a less eventful end of last week!
Love,
MJ, LJ and T-Bone
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
The End of Daylight Savings Time
In the week preceding the time change, be it fall back or spring forward, I start the routine of saying, "this is what it'll look like at (insert time here) next week." The time change is always something to which I look forward. Now that there is a toddler in my life, the end of daylight savings time is something that I feared. Feared is a strong word, but it accurately expresses my emotion. Sleep is a tenuous thing with a toddler. Many things can disturb the routine...teething, over stimulation, "growth spurts", and other seemingly small events. I can't imagine that gaining a whole hour would not have an affect. LJ usually goes to bed by 7:30, but this will be what he's previously known as 8:30, so he should be tired and this would be good. BUT...think about the morning. He usually wakes up between 6:30 and 7:30, but this will now be 5:30 - 6:30...not good. But, LJ seemed to get through the transition without a hitch. He went to bed a little later the night of the switch and slept all the way until 7:00 (8:00 in the time to which he was accustomed). The next day he refused his afternoon nap, but I wasn't home (RJ was), so I didn't have to suffer through that one. Obviously, this led to an early bedtime, but he slept until 7:30 the next morning and all has really been fine since.
I (and I think RJ agrees) am having a tough time with the time change. It gets dark so early and I get tired when it gets dark! I'll be really tired and I'll look at the clock and it is 6:45...WHAT?! I still have at least 2 hours before I can go to bed! I'm exhausted at the end of the day!
Is daylight savings time really necessary?
I (and I think RJ agrees) am having a tough time with the time change. It gets dark so early and I get tired when it gets dark! I'll be really tired and I'll look at the clock and it is 6:45...WHAT?! I still have at least 2 hours before I can go to bed! I'm exhausted at the end of the day!
Is daylight savings time really necessary?
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Give the Cup to Mommy
We thought we were such good parents, or LJ was such an obedient boy, or some combination of the two. When we first started to give LJ water in a sippy cup, he’d drop it off the side of his high chair when he no longer wanted it. We “worked” on this and thought he understood “give the cup to mommy” as eventually he started handing it to me when he was finished. Well, that is so over.
Now, LJ doesn’t just drop the cup off the side as though he is musing the effects of gravity…no, he throws it and he puts some english on it too. There is no in-between time either. He’s either drinking from his cup or chunking it. Where did the comprehension go? Was it ever there? Were we just fooling ourselves into thinking that he was “obeying” us? Is this a boy thing or a toddler thing?
On the off chance that he just wants to test me, I’ve decided to stop reacting to it. Maybe with no reaction from me, he’ll decide it isn’t worth it. I am contemplating not giving him the water cup once he chunks it…unless he points at it on the floor and screams (which he does a lot now), but then I think of how thirsty I would be if I were eating what he’s eating and I cave and offer him a drink. For a brief moment we share a connection as I provide for his need, then he rips the cup out of his mouth and wildly throws it to the floor. And, you know how I feel about that.
Now, LJ doesn’t just drop the cup off the side as though he is musing the effects of gravity…no, he throws it and he puts some english on it too. There is no in-between time either. He’s either drinking from his cup or chunking it. Where did the comprehension go? Was it ever there? Were we just fooling ourselves into thinking that he was “obeying” us? Is this a boy thing or a toddler thing?
On the off chance that he just wants to test me, I’ve decided to stop reacting to it. Maybe with no reaction from me, he’ll decide it isn’t worth it. I am contemplating not giving him the water cup once he chunks it…unless he points at it on the floor and screams (which he does a lot now), but then I think of how thirsty I would be if I were eating what he’s eating and I cave and offer him a drink. For a brief moment we share a connection as I provide for his need, then he rips the cup out of his mouth and wildly throws it to the floor. And, you know how I feel about that.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Now THAT Was Funny!
Well, I don’t know what is going on with you Little Baby J fans…the 90210 pictures were funny (I thought), yet no comments?! What does a blogger have to do?!
I’m home early today so that RJ could attend a meeting this morning. So, I’m catching up on some home things while LJ is taking his morning nap. Just thought I’d check in (oh, and chastise you for not commenting in a L O N G time)!
Have a most excellent weekend.
I’m home early today so that RJ could attend a meeting this morning. So, I’m catching up on some home things while LJ is taking his morning nap. Just thought I’d check in (oh, and chastise you for not commenting in a L O N G time)!
Have a most excellent weekend.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Feel the Music
Little LJ is a dancer. If he hears music, he's dancing. It started with a side-to-side motion with his head and upper body, but now he bounces his knees and grooves to the tune. I have to say, we didn't teach him this and we don't dance around the house...he just picked it up. I guess dancing is a natural thing that humans just "do". Oddly, he even dances when RJ or I are singing...so he can tell that we are not just talking (neither of us sing well). This is amazing.
His favorite "songs" to which to dance:
The 90210 Theme
The Melrose Place Theme
I also have to add that, LJ watches the TV while dancing to these theme songs and I think he is clearly enamored of Jennie Garth. When her picture comes on, he looks at me and smiles really big. Maybe he thinks that it is me on the TV...not that I look like Jennie Garth, but he is only 11 months old. I am relieved that he does not do this when Tori Spelling is on...she looks a little odd to me.
Oh, and don't worry. He really only watches the opening credits to these shows...after that, he is playing. I realize there will come a time when I will have to watch these shows without him as he will reach the age of more understanding. Until then...dance away little LJ!
For those of you who did not follow 90210 and/or Melrose Place, I present the following:
Jennie Garth (on the right) (That's Tiffani-Amber Theisen on the left AKA Valerie)
Tori Spelling
So, now you are in "the loop"!
His favorite "songs" to which to dance:
The 90210 Theme
The Melrose Place Theme
I also have to add that, LJ watches the TV while dancing to these theme songs and I think he is clearly enamored of Jennie Garth. When her picture comes on, he looks at me and smiles really big. Maybe he thinks that it is me on the TV...not that I look like Jennie Garth, but he is only 11 months old. I am relieved that he does not do this when Tori Spelling is on...she looks a little odd to me.
Oh, and don't worry. He really only watches the opening credits to these shows...after that, he is playing. I realize there will come a time when I will have to watch these shows without him as he will reach the age of more understanding. Until then...dance away little LJ!
For those of you who did not follow 90210 and/or Melrose Place, I present the following:
Jennie Garth (on the right) (That's Tiffani-Amber Theisen on the left AKA Valerie)
Tori Spelling
So, now you are in "the loop"!
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Splish Splash
LJ has graduated to the bathtub. Yes, he is almost 11 months old and he has just started taking a bath in the bathtub in the last few days. See, things were working out just fine when we bathed him in his little tub in the kitchen sink. He’d play with whatever toy we put in his hand and RJ would scrub him clean all while standing up relatively straight. So, why mess with a good thing? The good thing had been getting more complicated. It started with a little thing – like LJ wanting to play with the sink stopper. Big deal…we let him play with it. Then LJ wanted to play with the dish brush. We let him play with that. We’d chuckle as LJ would play with the squirt hose…”oh, isn’t it hilarious how he puts that in his mouth?! He’ll sure be surprised it he actually sprays it while it is in his mouth” – ha, ha, ha! All the while, the adults are sparing themselves the agony of having to crouch over the edge of the bathtub. We decided we’d need to transition when LJ turned on the garbage disposal. It was no big deal…it’s not like he is sitting in the sink. He’s in a tub which is sitting in the sink. But, LJ was getting to nosey for the kitchen-sink bath, so we switched him to the bathtub.
LJ loves his bath! He chases his rubber ducky around and dumps water out of his cups. He doesn’t cry at all when I pour water over his head to wash and rinse his hair. He really couldn’t be more pleased. I, however, am fed up with the bat mat. We haven’t had one before, so I bought the one with 21 suction cups…guaranteed to stick to the bottom of the tub. Whatever. It looks like LJ is on a flying carpet. I’m constantly trying to shove those suction cups onto the bottom of the tub.
With the new bathing location come two changes to the night-time routine. First, LJ takes his bath at 7:00 and is in bed by 7:30. We’d been thinking he needed to go to bed a bit earlier anyway and with the need to be in a better mood for the bathing experience, we moved everything up ½ an hour. Second, I am doing the bathing now. Previously, RJ had bathed LJ almost every night. I’d step in on a handful of occasions – usually when RJ wasn’t at home, but RJ bathed LJ for 11 months! He still gets him ready for his bath and puts him in his pajamas, but I do the playing and scrubbing. I guess we are starting a new era in LJ’s life!
LJ loves his bath! He chases his rubber ducky around and dumps water out of his cups. He doesn’t cry at all when I pour water over his head to wash and rinse his hair. He really couldn’t be more pleased. I, however, am fed up with the bat mat. We haven’t had one before, so I bought the one with 21 suction cups…guaranteed to stick to the bottom of the tub. Whatever. It looks like LJ is on a flying carpet. I’m constantly trying to shove those suction cups onto the bottom of the tub.
With the new bathing location come two changes to the night-time routine. First, LJ takes his bath at 7:00 and is in bed by 7:30. We’d been thinking he needed to go to bed a bit earlier anyway and with the need to be in a better mood for the bathing experience, we moved everything up ½ an hour. Second, I am doing the bathing now. Previously, RJ had bathed LJ almost every night. I’d step in on a handful of occasions – usually when RJ wasn’t at home, but RJ bathed LJ for 11 months! He still gets him ready for his bath and puts him in his pajamas, but I do the playing and scrubbing. I guess we are starting a new era in LJ’s life!
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Lazy Weekend
The Js had a pretty lazy weekend, but that is good. We haven’t had a “break” for a while. Needless to say, the bathroom did not get finished, but to be finished, RJ is down to painting the doors and baseboards. That is pretty darn close!
Saturday night, LJ had a babysitter. She got here in time for us to make it to church before heading out to the film festival. The festival itself was about how we imagined it would be, so it did not disappoint. But, one of the films was replaced by another as the rights had been sold or something to that effect. This other film was 80 minutes – replacing the 35 minute originally slated for the last slot of the evening. RJ and I had to leave early as we told LJ’s sitter we’d be home by midnight. Frankly, I was pooped anyway! LJ was his usual great self and the sitter said it was the easiest babysitting job she’s ever had.
The next morning, we went out for breakfast and then all seemed pretty tired. So, LJ went down for his nap and then RJ and I went down for ours. The entire J family napped from 9:30 – 11:30 on Sunday! Then we decided to go to another church’s bazaar for lunch – we had yummy bar-b-q. That afternoon we just lazed around and played together.
It was a great weekend.
LJ has started standing without holding onto anything…not for too long, but he did it several times yesterday. Walking seems to be on the horizon!
Saturday night, LJ had a babysitter. She got here in time for us to make it to church before heading out to the film festival. The festival itself was about how we imagined it would be, so it did not disappoint. But, one of the films was replaced by another as the rights had been sold or something to that effect. This other film was 80 minutes – replacing the 35 minute originally slated for the last slot of the evening. RJ and I had to leave early as we told LJ’s sitter we’d be home by midnight. Frankly, I was pooped anyway! LJ was his usual great self and the sitter said it was the easiest babysitting job she’s ever had.
The next morning, we went out for breakfast and then all seemed pretty tired. So, LJ went down for his nap and then RJ and I went down for ours. The entire J family napped from 9:30 – 11:30 on Sunday! Then we decided to go to another church’s bazaar for lunch – we had yummy bar-b-q. That afternoon we just lazed around and played together.
It was a great weekend.
LJ has started standing without holding onto anything…not for too long, but he did it several times yesterday. Walking seems to be on the horizon!
Friday, September 30, 2005
Looking Forward to the Weekend
It is finally below 100 degrees - whoop!
There are cupcakes left over from RJ's b-day - whoop! whoop!
RJ is going to finish the bathroom (you won't believe how good it looks) - whoop!
RJ is going to think about getting started on the central A/C (this is a start) - WHOOP!
LJ has a babysitter Saturday night (RJ and I are going to a film festival) - whoop! whoop!
Hope you have a great weekend!
LJ is still napping, it is 4:30, and I'm about to go cut up LJ's cheese for his snack, un-pause 90210 and start watching.
There are cupcakes left over from RJ's b-day - whoop! whoop!
RJ is going to finish the bathroom (you won't believe how good it looks) - whoop!
RJ is going to think about getting started on the central A/C (this is a start) - WHOOP!
LJ has a babysitter Saturday night (RJ and I are going to a film festival) - whoop! whoop!
Hope you have a great weekend!
LJ is still napping, it is 4:30, and I'm about to go cut up LJ's cheese for his snack, un-pause 90210 and start watching.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
I'm Still Standing
LJ has started to “cruise”. If at all possible (and, I have to tell you, sometimes he seems to do the impossible), LJ will use furniture, people, standing objects, etc. for support and will try to “walk” rather than crawl. We hear this is the precursor to walking, but who knows when he’ll decide to venture forth unaided? He has “stood” unassisted several times, but I don’t think he realized he was doing it.
He is also getting into more “trouble” these days. He is into everything and gets more frustrated now. If he can’t get a toy to do something he desires, he cries at it. He has started to “yell” at me too. Instead of just crying, he yells in his baby vernacular and I don’t really know what he’s saying, but I can tell he’s giving it to me. He does say “mamamamama” during these times, so I think he is actually talking to me. Yesterday, he was pretty mad when going down for his afternoon nap. We had the most trouble we’ve had in several months…I think I’ve been taking it for granted – how easily he’s been going down for naps and bed.
A top tooth has come through and another is on its way, so it won’t be long before LJ has four teeth total. We have started brushing his teeth as a part of his night time routine and he seems to really enjoy that. No tooth paste – just the brush.
My favorite thing that little LJ is doing has to do with his stuffed dog, “Plopper”. He knows who Plopper is and if you say, “Where’s Plopper?” LJ will look for him, crawl to him and give him hugs and kisses. Sometimes LJ will bring Plopper to me or to RJ so that we can give him hugs and kisses. He certainly has affection for Plopper…so much so that Plopper is taking a tumble through the washer and dryer while Little Baby J is napping.
He is also getting into more “trouble” these days. He is into everything and gets more frustrated now. If he can’t get a toy to do something he desires, he cries at it. He has started to “yell” at me too. Instead of just crying, he yells in his baby vernacular and I don’t really know what he’s saying, but I can tell he’s giving it to me. He does say “mamamamama” during these times, so I think he is actually talking to me. Yesterday, he was pretty mad when going down for his afternoon nap. We had the most trouble we’ve had in several months…I think I’ve been taking it for granted – how easily he’s been going down for naps and bed.
A top tooth has come through and another is on its way, so it won’t be long before LJ has four teeth total. We have started brushing his teeth as a part of his night time routine and he seems to really enjoy that. No tooth paste – just the brush.
My favorite thing that little LJ is doing has to do with his stuffed dog, “Plopper”. He knows who Plopper is and if you say, “Where’s Plopper?” LJ will look for him, crawl to him and give him hugs and kisses. Sometimes LJ will bring Plopper to me or to RJ so that we can give him hugs and kisses. He certainly has affection for Plopper…so much so that Plopper is taking a tumble through the washer and dryer while Little Baby J is napping.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
21SS
The J family has taken possession of a 2006 Rockwood Roo 21SS Hybrid Travel Trailer! It is SUPER COOL!
We left for the first leg of our trip last Friday at 8:30 am. Around noon, we arrived at my sister ML's house - where LJ and I would stay while RJ and "the guys" (MK, MK, and BJ) drove to Ohio to secure the new purchase. BJ arrived not too much later and the MK's arrived around 3:30. The guys took off around 4:00, leaving LJ and me to have a wonderful weekend with the L family.
LJ was a perfect angel the entire weekend. I think the L family thinks he never cries, never whines, and is never in a bad mood. Seriously, he was that good. LJ's cousins camped out on their parents' floor, so LJ and I each had our own room. This was very nice and allowed me to get much better sleep than I would have without my own room. CL and DL entertained LJ all weekend and LJ really seemed to enjoy his time with them. CL is in Kindergarten, so I learned a song about "yellow" and have been singing it ever since. She also likes to tell you what letter words start with and she is very skilled at this. I threw her some curve balls though...like what does “write” start with...and she seemed to take it pretty well! We went to DL's first flag football game and he chased down a break-away run and kept the other team from scoring a touchdown. It was very exciting!
I kept in touch with RJ throughout his trip with a check-in in the AM and a check-in in the PM and it sounded like he was having a good time, but was getting very little sleep. Going to get the trailer was not only a fun adventure, it saved us about $1000.00 over having it delivered...even with the current price of gas.
The guys pulled up to the driveway around 2:30 on Sunday afternoon and I saw the trailer for the first time. My first reaction was, "it looks just like the brochure"...which says good things about the brochure and thus, I was not disappointed as my expectations had been properly set. We went inside and it was hard to get a good feel for it because it was "turtled" (not expanded at all) and it was HOT and the newness was making my eyes water. But, all in all, I could tell I was going to like it. We left to come home and pulled in around 8:00 pm. Towing the trailer did not seem bad and I was not nervous about having it back there. I remember dad towing many things as a child and being somewhat stressed by the possibilities of what might come undone, what might fly off, what might wobble, etc. This seemed very easy and none too precarious. I was very pleased.
It wasn't until last night that I got to go into the trailer and really look around. The side slides out and opens up a ton of floor space. The couch and dining table are in the slid out part. We didn't put the two bunk ends down, but RJ says we'll do that tonight. There are cool cubby storage places all over and it is just super cool. I'm sure you will want to go camping with us!
We left for the first leg of our trip last Friday at 8:30 am. Around noon, we arrived at my sister ML's house - where LJ and I would stay while RJ and "the guys" (MK, MK, and BJ) drove to Ohio to secure the new purchase. BJ arrived not too much later and the MK's arrived around 3:30. The guys took off around 4:00, leaving LJ and me to have a wonderful weekend with the L family.
LJ was a perfect angel the entire weekend. I think the L family thinks he never cries, never whines, and is never in a bad mood. Seriously, he was that good. LJ's cousins camped out on their parents' floor, so LJ and I each had our own room. This was very nice and allowed me to get much better sleep than I would have without my own room. CL and DL entertained LJ all weekend and LJ really seemed to enjoy his time with them. CL is in Kindergarten, so I learned a song about "yellow" and have been singing it ever since. She also likes to tell you what letter words start with and she is very skilled at this. I threw her some curve balls though...like what does “write” start with...and she seemed to take it pretty well! We went to DL's first flag football game and he chased down a break-away run and kept the other team from scoring a touchdown. It was very exciting!
I kept in touch with RJ throughout his trip with a check-in in the AM and a check-in in the PM and it sounded like he was having a good time, but was getting very little sleep. Going to get the trailer was not only a fun adventure, it saved us about $1000.00 over having it delivered...even with the current price of gas.
The guys pulled up to the driveway around 2:30 on Sunday afternoon and I saw the trailer for the first time. My first reaction was, "it looks just like the brochure"...which says good things about the brochure and thus, I was not disappointed as my expectations had been properly set. We went inside and it was hard to get a good feel for it because it was "turtled" (not expanded at all) and it was HOT and the newness was making my eyes water. But, all in all, I could tell I was going to like it. We left to come home and pulled in around 8:00 pm. Towing the trailer did not seem bad and I was not nervous about having it back there. I remember dad towing many things as a child and being somewhat stressed by the possibilities of what might come undone, what might fly off, what might wobble, etc. This seemed very easy and none too precarious. I was very pleased.
It wasn't until last night that I got to go into the trailer and really look around. The side slides out and opens up a ton of floor space. The couch and dining table are in the slid out part. We didn't put the two bunk ends down, but RJ says we'll do that tonight. There are cool cubby storage places all over and it is just super cool. I'm sure you will want to go camping with us!
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
NSV
That stands for Non-Specific Virus and that is from what LJ is slowly recovering. Let’s backtrack to last Thursday and I’ll document the specifics of this non-specific (read: we’re not sure which - of the gabillion viruses out there – has inflicted LJ) infection.
Thursday
LJ took a 3 hour nap in the AM and then seemed to want to nap again rather quickly upon waking. I took him up to work to bring RJ some lunch and he (LJ) was not his normal magnanimous self. When we got home, I put him down for his afternoon nap and he slept 3 more hours. I thought this odd and wondered if he was going to outgrow his clothes while he slept (you know, excessive sleep can indicate a growth spurt). Excessive sleep can also indicate an illness. Upon waking, LJ felt hot to the touch, so I took his temperature…axillary, of course (I can easily add the 2 degrees necessary to approximate the rectal temperature, thus allowing all involved to avoid the discomfort of the rectal method). 102.5 (that's 104.5 rectal)– this is not good and I’m sure LJ feels terrible. His appetite was not compromised and that night we gave Tylenol and went to bed…expecting a terrible night. Surprisingly, he slept well and the next morning he appeared to be fever free.
Friday
I stayed home…you know, a sick baby needs his mother. LJ seemed ready for a nap rather early and did not seem interested in checking in with all his toys. Instead, he crawled into my lap and just sat. This is unprecedented. So, he went down for a 2-3 hour nap and upon waking, the fever was back. With the fever came loss of appetite. We repeated the process from the day before and once again, LJ spent a lot of time sleeping or in my lap. He even slept on my chest while I lay on the couch. Unprecedented.
Saturday
LJ had a fever upon waking, so we called the doctor and went in on Saturday morning. After a very thorough examination, we heard the diagnosis – NSV. Nothing too harmful - let it run its course. Sounds good to us…no ear infection and no antibiotics…great. So, we were prepared to let it run its course. And, then the diarrhea started. Not too bad though…remember, he’s lost his appetite, but we are trying to stress fluids. Saturday night, he slept fine, but his toys were starting to miss him.
Sunday
No appetite, no fever, yes diarrhea. LJ did play more and seemed to feel better, so his toys were very happy. Through all of this, LJ has been sleeping like a champ…but on Sunday, he did not want an afternoon nap. We figured he was finally feeling better and wanted to catch up with the happenings of his toys.
Monday
LJ woke around 6:30 (not unusual) with a rash all over his body. Looking back, I saw this rash on his neck the night before, but thought it might be from his clothes or water accumulating under his chin – he’s skilled with the sippy cup, but sometimes he doesn’t swallow it all real well. This rash is a new symptom, so we decide to head back to the doctor. RJ has to take him alone as I am in class all morning. Let me just tell you, when women see a man (without spouse) bring his child to the doctor…they do a lot of looking. Of course, both the J men are rather dashing, so that may explain it. The same doctor evaluated LJ and solidly concluded…NSV. A rash is not uncommon with NSV and he confirmed that it is not chicken pox or measles or any SPECIFIC virus (read: virus they’ve bothered to name) and to let it run its course. The doctor congratulated us on not being parents who don’t feel good unless we leave with a prescription. I told RJ to make sure to tell the doctor that we do not need a prescription unless he thinks it necessary…we just don’t want to mess up by not taking our baby to the doctor when we should. Doc said that if we had seemed unrelenting on Saturday, he would have gone ahead and prescribed penicillin. Then, LJ would have presented with this rash and we would have had to assume that he is allergic to penicillin…you have to err on the side of caution. Then, he would have had to live his whole life without access to penicillin. He says he sees college students all the time…they think they are allergic to penicillin because they had a rash after taking it when they were a kid. He thinks, they likely aren’t allergic to penicillin…they are the victim of the overuse of antibiotics in non-bacterial situations. I found this fascinating as RJ related his visit to me.
Monday Night
This needs its own title as LJ slept HORRIBLY last night.
Tuesday
Today, he seems to be all right. His appetite is back. His diapers seem less loose. He still has a rash. No fever. But, he took a 3 hour nap this morning and is working on 2 ½ hours this afternoon.
With the one horrible night I am instantly thrown back into the worry of, “Will he sleep tonight? Please let him sleep tonight!” Just like that. That is an emotion I have not felt for at least 2 months.
Thursday
LJ took a 3 hour nap in the AM and then seemed to want to nap again rather quickly upon waking. I took him up to work to bring RJ some lunch and he (LJ) was not his normal magnanimous self. When we got home, I put him down for his afternoon nap and he slept 3 more hours. I thought this odd and wondered if he was going to outgrow his clothes while he slept (you know, excessive sleep can indicate a growth spurt). Excessive sleep can also indicate an illness. Upon waking, LJ felt hot to the touch, so I took his temperature…axillary, of course (I can easily add the 2 degrees necessary to approximate the rectal temperature, thus allowing all involved to avoid the discomfort of the rectal method). 102.5 (that's 104.5 rectal)– this is not good and I’m sure LJ feels terrible. His appetite was not compromised and that night we gave Tylenol and went to bed…expecting a terrible night. Surprisingly, he slept well and the next morning he appeared to be fever free.
Friday
I stayed home…you know, a sick baby needs his mother. LJ seemed ready for a nap rather early and did not seem interested in checking in with all his toys. Instead, he crawled into my lap and just sat. This is unprecedented. So, he went down for a 2-3 hour nap and upon waking, the fever was back. With the fever came loss of appetite. We repeated the process from the day before and once again, LJ spent a lot of time sleeping or in my lap. He even slept on my chest while I lay on the couch. Unprecedented.
Saturday
LJ had a fever upon waking, so we called the doctor and went in on Saturday morning. After a very thorough examination, we heard the diagnosis – NSV. Nothing too harmful - let it run its course. Sounds good to us…no ear infection and no antibiotics…great. So, we were prepared to let it run its course. And, then the diarrhea started. Not too bad though…remember, he’s lost his appetite, but we are trying to stress fluids. Saturday night, he slept fine, but his toys were starting to miss him.
Sunday
No appetite, no fever, yes diarrhea. LJ did play more and seemed to feel better, so his toys were very happy. Through all of this, LJ has been sleeping like a champ…but on Sunday, he did not want an afternoon nap. We figured he was finally feeling better and wanted to catch up with the happenings of his toys.
Monday
LJ woke around 6:30 (not unusual) with a rash all over his body. Looking back, I saw this rash on his neck the night before, but thought it might be from his clothes or water accumulating under his chin – he’s skilled with the sippy cup, but sometimes he doesn’t swallow it all real well. This rash is a new symptom, so we decide to head back to the doctor. RJ has to take him alone as I am in class all morning. Let me just tell you, when women see a man (without spouse) bring his child to the doctor…they do a lot of looking. Of course, both the J men are rather dashing, so that may explain it. The same doctor evaluated LJ and solidly concluded…NSV. A rash is not uncommon with NSV and he confirmed that it is not chicken pox or measles or any SPECIFIC virus (read: virus they’ve bothered to name) and to let it run its course. The doctor congratulated us on not being parents who don’t feel good unless we leave with a prescription. I told RJ to make sure to tell the doctor that we do not need a prescription unless he thinks it necessary…we just don’t want to mess up by not taking our baby to the doctor when we should. Doc said that if we had seemed unrelenting on Saturday, he would have gone ahead and prescribed penicillin. Then, LJ would have presented with this rash and we would have had to assume that he is allergic to penicillin…you have to err on the side of caution. Then, he would have had to live his whole life without access to penicillin. He says he sees college students all the time…they think they are allergic to penicillin because they had a rash after taking it when they were a kid. He thinks, they likely aren’t allergic to penicillin…they are the victim of the overuse of antibiotics in non-bacterial situations. I found this fascinating as RJ related his visit to me.
Monday Night
This needs its own title as LJ slept HORRIBLY last night.
Tuesday
Today, he seems to be all right. His appetite is back. His diapers seem less loose. He still has a rash. No fever. But, he took a 3 hour nap this morning and is working on 2 ½ hours this afternoon.
With the one horrible night I am instantly thrown back into the worry of, “Will he sleep tonight? Please let him sleep tonight!” Just like that. That is an emotion I have not felt for at least 2 months.
Thursday, September 08, 2005
LJ Loves...
I think the blogger world demands that instead of "LJ Loves" it should be "LJ HEARTS"...or maybe it isn't the blogger world, but a personality attribute that many bloggers possess?!
At any rate, I present you with a current list of LJ's favorites:
Sleeping through the night - 10 1/2 - 11 hours...we couldn't be more pleased
Taking good naps - AM and PM around 1 1/2 - 2 hours each
"Talking" to the bears in his crib before he goes to sleep and after he wakes
Eating - and he must have whatever we are eating...he knows the difference and won't tolerate it
Eating cheese - yes, I must list this separately, he loves it that much
Drinking water - he probably sucks down 12 ounces a day (he's very skilled with his sippy cup)
Putting things on top of other things - it doesn't always work, but he likes to try
Turning the pages in his books - he "talks" like he's reading them
Listening to his favorite book "Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You" - I do a superb job with the sounds
Crawling rapidly to RJ or me when we come home from being away
Giving kisses - sometimes on the mouth; sometimes they are more like a lick
Climbing up and over or up and onto things
Looking at himself in the mirror
Opening the mail box
Saying "hi" on the phone - but not always...I guess he has to want to talk to you!
At any rate, I present you with a current list of LJ's favorites:
Sleeping through the night - 10 1/2 - 11 hours...we couldn't be more pleased
Taking good naps - AM and PM around 1 1/2 - 2 hours each
"Talking" to the bears in his crib before he goes to sleep and after he wakes
Eating - and he must have whatever we are eating...he knows the difference and won't tolerate it
Eating cheese - yes, I must list this separately, he loves it that much
Drinking water - he probably sucks down 12 ounces a day (he's very skilled with his sippy cup)
Putting things on top of other things - it doesn't always work, but he likes to try
Turning the pages in his books - he "talks" like he's reading them
Listening to his favorite book "Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You" - I do a superb job with the sounds
Crawling rapidly to RJ or me when we come home from being away
Giving kisses - sometimes on the mouth; sometimes they are more like a lick
Climbing up and over or up and onto things
Looking at himself in the mirror
Opening the mail box
Saying "hi" on the phone - but not always...I guess he has to want to talk to you!
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