Weight - 25 pounds 10 ounces
(weight for age = >97th percentile)
Length - 30 1/2 inches
(length for age >97th percentile)
Head Circumference - 19 inches
(head circuference for age >97th percentile)
Weight for Length percentile = 75th - 90th
Once again - he is a big boy, but when you factor in his lenght and weight - he's pretty proportional. FYI - LJ was 21 pound 3 ounces at 9 months old.
He's been crawling for months, pulling up for months, cruising for months - but still no walking (thank goodness). He's eating just fine - prefers to have nothing to do with baby food, so he eats mostly table food. He nurses around 4-5 times in a 24 hour period. The Zantac seems to be working well, so our reflux issues are under control. He's more "vocal" than I remember LJ being - he screams a lot...which I do rememeber LJ going through a screaming stage. He's more agressive and adventursome than LJ is - LJ is very aware of his abilities and is cautious with physical things - PJ would crawl off the edge of a cliff without hesitation. PJ is napping 2x a day and usually the naps are an hour and a half each - sometimes only 45 minutes. He wakes up one time at night to eat. He usually wakes up 2 or so other times and fusses/cries, but puts himself back to sleep. All-in-all, happy, healthy and just doing fine.
Friday, February 01, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
3 Days and Nights is Enough!
I've started to make a dent in this house de-cluttering. I read much of the FlyLady website almost a year ago, so I'm kind of following her suggestions, but since RJ is gone today, I'm using this as a way to really get ahead. I de-cluttered our #1 hot spot - the dining room table. Put a fresh table cloth on and put RJ's random stuff in a box. I have the back porch - aka - kids' play area in an organized state of chaos and when PJ wakes up from his nap, we are going to Target to buy yet MORE storage containers. I already know we (LJ and I) are going to have to devote 15 minutes every night to this room alone...if I don't oversee the process - everything gets all out of whack.
We went to visit baby E yesterday. This is an hour long car ride there and back. PJ slept on the way there and LJ was, as usual, great in the car. That kid can sit there and look out the window and be perfectly happy. E is a cute cute cute little boy and when I picked him up, my arms floated up in the air - he is so light. Of course, at 8 weeks old, he weighs less than PJ did at birth. PJ was very interested in trying to kiss (?) or take a bite out of (?) E's face - we'll go with kiss!
RJ comes home today - he was helping my brother and one of my brothers-in-law rebuild the boat dock at MawMaw's house. 3 nights and days alone with the kids - well, I'm ready to have some "help" again! I cannot fathom how single moms do it. I suppose you do what you have to do, but whew - I'm so glad I'm not in that situation. I have enjoyed watching movies RJ would not want to watch - last night was The Devil Wears Prada - still not as good as the book, but better than the Nanny Diaries.
We went to visit baby E yesterday. This is an hour long car ride there and back. PJ slept on the way there and LJ was, as usual, great in the car. That kid can sit there and look out the window and be perfectly happy. E is a cute cute cute little boy and when I picked him up, my arms floated up in the air - he is so light. Of course, at 8 weeks old, he weighs less than PJ did at birth. PJ was very interested in trying to kiss (?) or take a bite out of (?) E's face - we'll go with kiss!
RJ comes home today - he was helping my brother and one of my brothers-in-law rebuild the boat dock at MawMaw's house. 3 nights and days alone with the kids - well, I'm ready to have some "help" again! I cannot fathom how single moms do it. I suppose you do what you have to do, but whew - I'm so glad I'm not in that situation. I have enjoyed watching movies RJ would not want to watch - last night was The Devil Wears Prada - still not as good as the book, but better than the Nanny Diaries.
Friday, January 18, 2008
More Random Catch-up
PJ's Sleep Training:
He wakes up a couple of times a night and cries - it is rare is does so for 3 minutes solid, so he just toughs it out by himself. Since RJ is on duty unless it is 1:00 or 6:00 (the times he's allowed to eat), I just roll over and put the pillow over my ear...we are all sleeping much better.
PJ's Eating:
Pretty much all table food - with random baby food at breakfast (fruit) and dinner (meat/veggies). If there is regular food around - he's not interested in the baby food.
LJ's Potty Training:
I consider it major success that LJ has been willing to wear underwear first thing most morning and has been willing to sit on the potty. No fuss, no complaints - it has all been just fine.
Here is the problem...we get through all the underwear we own - 6 pairs. He pees very often...every 15 - 20 minutes. Not a lot, but enough. So, on the first day, I set my timer for 20 minutes, but we'd sit on the potty and nothing, but then about 5 minutes after getting off the potty - I notice he's got wet pants. Sometimes he tells me, sometimes I just notice. So...? He doesn't seem to mind being in wet underwear. He's not even trying to get to the bathroom...he just pees, like he always has. And, he obviously doesn't "hold" his urine for any amount of time. I read that others ask them to sit on the potty every hour or two - um...that is 4-5 urinations for us.
So - this is a slow process, but I suppose it'll all work out eventually. For those "old school" people out there - the current literature considers using the potty to be a developmental milestone like walking - they'll do it when they are ready and when they are ready, it'll be easy. Boys are typically ready around 3 and 1/2. Frankly, it is easier for him to be in diapers - but you didn't hear me say that.
LJ's Health:
LJ threw up yesterday morning - for the first time in his life...so, I shouldn't complain. Plus, he did it while I was at work, so RJ had to deal with it all - so, I REALLY shouldn't complain. I knew he wasn't feeling well because he asked to take a nap well before nap time - even though his blanket was in the dryer...poor kid. This morning, he's still not feeling well and has spent the morning on the couch. He hasn't thrown up again this morning - he apparently did last night, in bed, a little, but RJ took care of that this morning...LJ didn't seem to notice. This illness is likely going to put a kink in our Saturday plans...
Exciting Family News:
LJ and PJ have a new cousin!!! Aunt MJ and Uncle BJ *finally* made it through the whole adoption process and are now the proud parents of a very cute 6 week old baby EJ - who at 6 weeks is smaller than PJ was when he was born, but sleeps WAY better than PJ does now. I'm trying not to be jealous about that part! We were going to go see them tomorrow, but might postpone that a day or two depending on how LJ's health progresses. Don't want to take any chances...
Interesting (?) Family News:
We are all eating much more healthily as I have just completed Phase 1 of the South Beach Diet. I decided to do it! I'm still nursing, so I've been hesitant to do any "diet", but - in researching SBD, it makes soooo much sense to me AND it has me eating a way more healthy diet than I have been. Day 1 I even went out to lunch - Chili's. So, I did some Internet research first and found that the Guiltless Salmon is Phase 1 friendly. Salmon, black beans, and broccoli...I didn't feel deprived in the least. I found the South Beach Diet Cookbook at the library and checked it out. I really like how portions are not limited - just the sugar/enriched flour - which makes so much sense to me. I've told so many people about the concept, so I can tell you if you are interested. Or, you can just search on the Internet and you'll find information about it...I checked out books at the library. We are eating lean meats, cheese, etc...*I'm* limiting my carbs, but the rest of the family is not, but they are eating whole grains - brown rice, whole-wheat bread/pasta, etc. RJ is pretty on board because the science behind it makes sense...he still drinks Coke though! I've been very successful so far and I'm happy with the nutritional changes we are making.
He wakes up a couple of times a night and cries - it is rare is does so for 3 minutes solid, so he just toughs it out by himself. Since RJ is on duty unless it is 1:00 or 6:00 (the times he's allowed to eat), I just roll over and put the pillow over my ear...we are all sleeping much better.
PJ's Eating:
Pretty much all table food - with random baby food at breakfast (fruit) and dinner (meat/veggies). If there is regular food around - he's not interested in the baby food.
LJ's Potty Training:
I consider it major success that LJ has been willing to wear underwear first thing most morning and has been willing to sit on the potty. No fuss, no complaints - it has all been just fine.
Here is the problem...we get through all the underwear we own - 6 pairs. He pees very often...every 15 - 20 minutes. Not a lot, but enough. So, on the first day, I set my timer for 20 minutes, but we'd sit on the potty and nothing, but then about 5 minutes after getting off the potty - I notice he's got wet pants. Sometimes he tells me, sometimes I just notice. So...? He doesn't seem to mind being in wet underwear. He's not even trying to get to the bathroom...he just pees, like he always has. And, he obviously doesn't "hold" his urine for any amount of time. I read that others ask them to sit on the potty every hour or two - um...that is 4-5 urinations for us.
So - this is a slow process, but I suppose it'll all work out eventually. For those "old school" people out there - the current literature considers using the potty to be a developmental milestone like walking - they'll do it when they are ready and when they are ready, it'll be easy. Boys are typically ready around 3 and 1/2. Frankly, it is easier for him to be in diapers - but you didn't hear me say that.
LJ's Health:
LJ threw up yesterday morning - for the first time in his life...so, I shouldn't complain. Plus, he did it while I was at work, so RJ had to deal with it all - so, I REALLY shouldn't complain. I knew he wasn't feeling well because he asked to take a nap well before nap time - even though his blanket was in the dryer...poor kid. This morning, he's still not feeling well and has spent the morning on the couch. He hasn't thrown up again this morning - he apparently did last night, in bed, a little, but RJ took care of that this morning...LJ didn't seem to notice. This illness is likely going to put a kink in our Saturday plans...
Exciting Family News:
LJ and PJ have a new cousin!!! Aunt MJ and Uncle BJ *finally* made it through the whole adoption process and are now the proud parents of a very cute 6 week old baby EJ - who at 6 weeks is smaller than PJ was when he was born, but sleeps WAY better than PJ does now. I'm trying not to be jealous about that part! We were going to go see them tomorrow, but might postpone that a day or two depending on how LJ's health progresses. Don't want to take any chances...
Interesting (?) Family News:
We are all eating much more healthily as I have just completed Phase 1 of the South Beach Diet. I decided to do it! I'm still nursing, so I've been hesitant to do any "diet", but - in researching SBD, it makes soooo much sense to me AND it has me eating a way more healthy diet than I have been. Day 1 I even went out to lunch - Chili's. So, I did some Internet research first and found that the Guiltless Salmon is Phase 1 friendly. Salmon, black beans, and broccoli...I didn't feel deprived in the least. I found the South Beach Diet Cookbook at the library and checked it out. I really like how portions are not limited - just the sugar/enriched flour - which makes so much sense to me. I've told so many people about the concept, so I can tell you if you are interested. Or, you can just search on the Internet and you'll find information about it...I checked out books at the library. We are eating lean meats, cheese, etc...*I'm* limiting my carbs, but the rest of the family is not, but they are eating whole grains - brown rice, whole-wheat bread/pasta, etc. RJ is pretty on board because the science behind it makes sense...he still drinks Coke though! I've been very successful so far and I'm happy with the nutritional changes we are making.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Sleep Training for PJ
First - Happy New Year! We did stay up (RJ had to convince me - I wanted to go to bed) to ring in the New Year on the East Coast...and then we went to bed. On New Year's Day we drove to S&R's house with Jfer in tow and had a really nice visit. We enjoyed seeing their house and the delicious meals S cooked for us. We were so happy to see M&B and I think S&R survived LJ at their house...he decided to feed their frog - all of the food in the container. This resulted in syphoning and cleaning the tank - once again, we are sorry. This little 3 year old is tough to reign in. Seriously 3 is CRAZY.
We have been "sleep-training" PJ for 3 nights now - here is the little journal I've been keeping (thus far)"
Night 1 - Jan 3, 2008
PJ has survived (or should I say, we have survived) his first night of "sleep training" - it wasn't that bad. We did our normal routine, but added a story in his room before we put him down - awake - for bed. Previously, he was bounced to sleep in the bouncy seat. He feel asleep on his own - no crying. Then, when he cried in the night we did a 3 minutes of crying, 1 minute of back patting - then, 5 minutes of crying, 1 minute of back patting - then 10 minutes of crying, 1 minute of back patting...and 10 minutes every time after that. He never got past 3 minutes of crying. He cried once for 3 minutes, RJ went in, patted his back - left and PJ never cried for another 3 minutes. Later in the night, he cried for fewer than 3 minutes, so we never went in. Um...I'm not holding my breath that tonight will be as good, but the first night was sooo not bad I'm kicking myself for not starting sooner. Except that RJ's parents have spent 2 -3 nights with us mosts weeks for the past few weeks and I hesitate to subject anyone to what could be a long night of crying. I just put PJ down for his morning nap - no bouncing and no nursing to sleep and he fussed for a few minutes, but now it is quiet in there.
Night 2 - Jan 4, 2008
He cried out about 3 times, but never for long enough for RJ to go in there...um - this is either a fluke or WHY DID WE NOT DO THIS SOONER?! Do you have any idea how much my quality of life will improve if I can have some down time at night AND still get a good solid 6 - 7 hours of sleep. I'd prefer 8, but 6 straight hours is so foreign to me that I *know* that alone will be monumental.
Night 3 - Jan 5, 2008
Great! - he cried out 1x (when it was not ok to eat) and put himself back to sleep quickly. He went 6 1/2 hours without eating and then 3 1/2 hours, so I'm ready to take him down to eating 1x a night and then, eventually (within a few days) 0. LJ just did all of these things on his own, so it is foreign to me to have to "teach" PJto do them.
We have been "sleep-training" PJ for 3 nights now - here is the little journal I've been keeping (thus far)"
Night 1 - Jan 3, 2008
PJ has survived (or should I say, we have survived) his first night of "sleep training" - it wasn't that bad. We did our normal routine, but added a story in his room before we put him down - awake - for bed. Previously, he was bounced to sleep in the bouncy seat. He feel asleep on his own - no crying. Then, when he cried in the night we did a 3 minutes of crying, 1 minute of back patting - then, 5 minutes of crying, 1 minute of back patting - then 10 minutes of crying, 1 minute of back patting...and 10 minutes every time after that. He never got past 3 minutes of crying. He cried once for 3 minutes, RJ went in, patted his back - left and PJ never cried for another 3 minutes. Later in the night, he cried for fewer than 3 minutes, so we never went in. Um...I'm not holding my breath that tonight will be as good, but the first night was sooo not bad I'm kicking myself for not starting sooner. Except that RJ's parents have spent 2 -3 nights with us mosts weeks for the past few weeks and I hesitate to subject anyone to what could be a long night of crying. I just put PJ down for his morning nap - no bouncing and no nursing to sleep and he fussed for a few minutes, but now it is quiet in there.
Night 2 - Jan 4, 2008
He cried out about 3 times, but never for long enough for RJ to go in there...um - this is either a fluke or WHY DID WE NOT DO THIS SOONER?! Do you have any idea how much my quality of life will improve if I can have some down time at night AND still get a good solid 6 - 7 hours of sleep. I'd prefer 8, but 6 straight hours is so foreign to me that I *know* that alone will be monumental.
Night 3 - Jan 5, 2008
Great! - he cried out 1x (when it was not ok to eat) and put himself back to sleep quickly. He went 6 1/2 hours without eating and then 3 1/2 hours, so I'm ready to take him down to eating 1x a night and then, eventually (within a few days) 0. LJ just did all of these things on his own, so it is foreign to me to have to "teach" PJto do them.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Last Blog of 2007
Happy New Year!
I doubt we'll make it until midnight - maybe for the East coast..., but I kind of doubt that too.
I'm stealing away a minute - LJ is upset that the show he was watching got cut off. Noggin is *supposed* to be on 24 hours now (this is commercial-free programming for pre-schoolers) - previously, it ended at 5:00 (and commercial-filled programming for "progressive" teenagers came on - this is a stark contrast). He was happily watching "Franklin and the Mystery of Turtle Lake" or something like that and 10 minutes in - it switched to the "Fresh Prince of Bel Air" - he was mighty upset and wanted me to fix it. I called Dish, but it is Noggin's deal, so...
PJ is crawling around the house trying to find me, I'm surprised he hasn't looked here yet.
I doubt we'll make it until midnight - maybe for the East coast..., but I kind of doubt that too.
I'm stealing away a minute - LJ is upset that the show he was watching got cut off. Noggin is *supposed* to be on 24 hours now (this is commercial-free programming for pre-schoolers) - previously, it ended at 5:00 (and commercial-filled programming for "progressive" teenagers came on - this is a stark contrast). He was happily watching "Franklin and the Mystery of Turtle Lake" or something like that and 10 minutes in - it switched to the "Fresh Prince of Bel Air" - he was mighty upset and wanted me to fix it. I called Dish, but it is Noggin's deal, so...
PJ is crawling around the house trying to find me, I'm surprised he hasn't looked here yet.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
It Was a Very Merry Christmas
The Js had a great Christmas 2007 - it seemed to sneak up on us and then it was over in a flash, but we slowed it down and enjoyed it. Christmas Eve day is what really seemed to fly - we wrapped presents and tried to clean the house a bit, but going to Mass at 5:00 - which is 30 minutes after LJ's nap ends - that made things pick up quickly. LJ was a very good boy at church (we did not go to the church with the cry room) and PJ mostly was...he wanted to crawl around everywhere and he managed to bang his head a couple of times. The people behind us commented on how well-behaved they were as I think they rather enjoyed watching the show that is trying to keep everyone on their best behavior. One time, LJ told *ME* that if I tried to stop him from sitting on the floor, I'd have to sit in the naughty chair. One look and the words "you don't tell mommy to sit in the naughty chair" nipped that in the bud. Let's just say, LJ is testing the limits. Which reminds me - terrible twos??? Why have I heard nothing about age three? Two was nothing.
After church we went out to eat and that went pretty well - although we were pushing PJ's bedtime. He's not too into baby food if he sees that other food is available, so he's getting more table food and much sooner than LJ did. Once home, LJ put out the cookies (he and I made them together) and milk for Santa, we dressed the kids in their new, matching pajamas, and put them to bed. And then we wrapped presents, made one last batch of peanut brittle, finished the laundry, etc.
Christmas morning - LJ actually slept late?!? I couldn't believe it. I had a loose schedule planned as RJ's family would be arriving for brunch around 10:00 - the plan did not call for little boys sleeping in! He finally awoke to see that Santa had filled his stocking and left a note thanking LJ for the cookies. LJ had fun opening his presents and PJ's presents and PJ had fun playing in all the wrapping paper. We finished unwrapping, got dressed and got PJ down for a nap right before the first of RJ's family arrived. The rest of the day was spent eating, visiting, playing and napping - it was a really nice day!
Both the kids have colds = LJ seems to be tolerating his illness just fine while PJ seems bothered by his inability to breath. I think he knows we were about to let him fend for himself when he wakes at night, so he manufactured this virus to delay it - little does he know - it is inevitable.
After church we went out to eat and that went pretty well - although we were pushing PJ's bedtime. He's not too into baby food if he sees that other food is available, so he's getting more table food and much sooner than LJ did. Once home, LJ put out the cookies (he and I made them together) and milk for Santa, we dressed the kids in their new, matching pajamas, and put them to bed. And then we wrapped presents, made one last batch of peanut brittle, finished the laundry, etc.
Christmas morning - LJ actually slept late?!? I couldn't believe it. I had a loose schedule planned as RJ's family would be arriving for brunch around 10:00 - the plan did not call for little boys sleeping in! He finally awoke to see that Santa had filled his stocking and left a note thanking LJ for the cookies. LJ had fun opening his presents and PJ's presents and PJ had fun playing in all the wrapping paper. We finished unwrapping, got dressed and got PJ down for a nap right before the first of RJ's family arrived. The rest of the day was spent eating, visiting, playing and napping - it was a really nice day!
Both the kids have colds = LJ seems to be tolerating his illness just fine while PJ seems bothered by his inability to breath. I think he knows we were about to let him fend for himself when he wakes at night, so he manufactured this virus to delay it - little does he know - it is inevitable.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
200th Post
Have YOU read them all?
This will likely be short because I hear PJ playing in his crib. I'd prefer him to nap, but he seems bent on keeping those short today. Yesterday was almost 2 hours in the morning and almost 2 hours in the afternoon, but I guess they can't all be days like that.
Things are busy, yet slow, around the J house. RJ is working on the garage and this keeps him busy and keeps our house full as his parents have been very generous with their help. From what I can tell - they are almost to the point that the garage 'looks finished' from the outside - yet has no electricity or water, so it isn't really finished. Plus, there is the issue of the driveway and parking area to be finished. But, progress is definitely being made.
PJ says Mama and Dada - to the correct people...and some days - it is all MAMA MAMA MAMA all the time. I finally decided I'd had enough of this acid reflux business and took him to the doctor. He is now on 2ml of Zantac 2x a day - and we do think it is helping. He has had a much more pleasant disposition and has not been clinging to my leg, begging me to pick him up as much as he had been. He now eagerly opens his mouth for his food - he had been pinching his lips together. And, the best is - he is sleeping MUCH better at night. As I understand it, the Zantac doesn't keep him from spitting up, etc. - it just reduces the acid production, so the spit up, burping, etc. is not painful.
LJ is starting to do simple math. I'm not kidding - he'll be playing and I'll hear him say, "If I have 3 cars and I take one away, now I have 2 cars" - and stuff like this. So, he's not interested in using the potty, but he's adding and subtracting cars like a pro.
I'm busy making peanut brittle, mailing out Christmas cards, and hiding gifts from children and husbands.
This will likely be short because I hear PJ playing in his crib. I'd prefer him to nap, but he seems bent on keeping those short today. Yesterday was almost 2 hours in the morning and almost 2 hours in the afternoon, but I guess they can't all be days like that.
Things are busy, yet slow, around the J house. RJ is working on the garage and this keeps him busy and keeps our house full as his parents have been very generous with their help. From what I can tell - they are almost to the point that the garage 'looks finished' from the outside - yet has no electricity or water, so it isn't really finished. Plus, there is the issue of the driveway and parking area to be finished. But, progress is definitely being made.
PJ says Mama and Dada - to the correct people...and some days - it is all MAMA MAMA MAMA all the time. I finally decided I'd had enough of this acid reflux business and took him to the doctor. He is now on 2ml of Zantac 2x a day - and we do think it is helping. He has had a much more pleasant disposition and has not been clinging to my leg, begging me to pick him up as much as he had been. He now eagerly opens his mouth for his food - he had been pinching his lips together. And, the best is - he is sleeping MUCH better at night. As I understand it, the Zantac doesn't keep him from spitting up, etc. - it just reduces the acid production, so the spit up, burping, etc. is not painful.
LJ is starting to do simple math. I'm not kidding - he'll be playing and I'll hear him say, "If I have 3 cars and I take one away, now I have 2 cars" - and stuff like this. So, he's not interested in using the potty, but he's adding and subtracting cars like a pro.
I'm busy making peanut brittle, mailing out Christmas cards, and hiding gifts from children and husbands.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
The Christmas Tree
Good news - PJ isn't being too persistent so far as the Christmas tree and the train go. As usual, I thought it would be terrible and it hasn't been that bad. This is me...the pessimist (I choose to believe I'm a realist), RJ is the optimist (I choose to believe he's an idealist). I still say it is better to think the worst so you are pleasantly surprised when the worst doesn't happen...this is preferable to being disappointed, but RJ wouldn't be disappointed if he thought PJ wouldn't play with the tree and he did. The take home message here: PJ isn't bothering the tree and this is good.
The tree and the outside lights are all the decorations we have up right now. LJ "helped" with the tree and PJ clawed at my legs and wanted me to pick him up the whole time I tried to help. This means that RJ pretty much put the tree up by himself AND it took longer than usual due to the help. But, LJ was so proud of himself for helping. Today, he helped me dust the house...which he is pretty good at - for a 3 year old.
The boys have both been sick. PJ has had a fever since Sunday - with today being his first day without. LJ had a fever yesterday and the night before. Yesterday, he asked to go to bed at 10:30 in the morning and slept until 1:30. I had him go back to bed at 3:00 and got him up at 5:00. He slept well last night (PJ did not) and seems OK today. I think PJ is realizing he's hungry due to the lack of eating he's done over the past 3 days...that's what I'm going with anyway.
I'm off of work until January, so I am getting used to being home all day...let's say I'll likely get used to it just in time to go back to work.
While putting up the Christmas tree, LJ and PJ were playing in a box together. I asked LJ if he's happy to have a little brother to play with...he said, "oh yes!" Then I asked if he thought he'd like another little brother one day, he said "oh yes!...or...maybe a little girl!" I thought this was very funny. He is in a phase where he points out things that are for girls and things that are for boys. I think the defining characteristic of girl things is that they are pink.
The tree and the outside lights are all the decorations we have up right now. LJ "helped" with the tree and PJ clawed at my legs and wanted me to pick him up the whole time I tried to help. This means that RJ pretty much put the tree up by himself AND it took longer than usual due to the help. But, LJ was so proud of himself for helping. Today, he helped me dust the house...which he is pretty good at - for a 3 year old.
The boys have both been sick. PJ has had a fever since Sunday - with today being his first day without. LJ had a fever yesterday and the night before. Yesterday, he asked to go to bed at 10:30 in the morning and slept until 1:30. I had him go back to bed at 3:00 and got him up at 5:00. He slept well last night (PJ did not) and seems OK today. I think PJ is realizing he's hungry due to the lack of eating he's done over the past 3 days...that's what I'm going with anyway.
I'm off of work until January, so I am getting used to being home all day...let's say I'll likely get used to it just in time to go back to work.
While putting up the Christmas tree, LJ and PJ were playing in a box together. I asked LJ if he's happy to have a little brother to play with...he said, "oh yes!" Then I asked if he thought he'd like another little brother one day, he said "oh yes!...or...maybe a little girl!" I thought this was very funny. He is in a phase where he points out things that are for girls and things that are for boys. I think the defining characteristic of girl things is that they are pink.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Are My Cousins Coming Today?
LJ asks this almost everyday...and when the answer is, "No, not today" - sometimes he cries. He cried a lot these days...everything seems to be of utmost importance to him. He's also getting to be a bit devious, as in he'll tell anyone anything he thinks he needs to tell them to get what he wants. I'll go so far as to say he is "lying", but I'm not sure he realizes he is not telling the truth or if he thinks what he is saying *is* the truth. Example: He took the cushions off the new couch and started jumping on the couch (where did he get this idea?) and Grandma asked him if he's allowed to jump on the couch - apparently, LJ said yes...well, this is not the case. Actually, we've never experienced him trying to do this before said instance, so perhaps he thinks he is allowed to do this - he's never been told he can't...because it hasn't come up until now. I view it as a "please don't eat the daisies" kind of thing...do I really have to tell you that you can't take the cushions off the new couch and jump on it?!? It seems that with a 3 year old, I do.
PJ is doing lots of babbling and LJ and PJ are starting to "play with each other". LJ likes to get in the crib with PJ and look at books. It is pretty cute.
PJ is doing lots of babbling and LJ and PJ are starting to "play with each other". LJ likes to get in the crib with PJ and look at books. It is pretty cute.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Thanksgiving and Other Musings...
We've been talking about Thanksgiving around the J house - my favorite holiday...all of the food and none of the gift buying. Plus, it involves planning - what to eat, recipes, who brings what, and what time everything needs to happen in order to all be ready at the same time...this is what my brain was made to do! I've been telling LJ who is coming over and what we're eating and he is very excited. In fact, he is so excited that yesterday he asked if it was Thanksgiving and when I said, "not today" - he cried. It was hard not to laugh, but he was truly sad that it wasn't Thanksgiving. I guess I've done a good job of describing it.
LJ had his 3 year check-up. He's perfectly healthy. He told the Dr., "I do NOT want a shot" - luckily, he did not need a shot. He is remaining true to his growth curve weighing in at 45 pounds (insane) and 41 inches tall. Thankfully, his height is as "above average" as his weight. He's a big 3 year old. I'm trying not to think about it.
PJ is totally into mama right now. He follows me around the house and paws at my legs until I pick him up. If he's the slightest bit tired, he will cry until *I* hold him. I'm sure this is a classic phase, but I don't remember LJ wanting my attention so much - I'm sure I've just forgotten. PJ is a super-proficient crawler and he's learning how to get down from pulling up - this is favored over his falling down! He's up to two meals of solid food a day, but NO peaches. They do not sit well with him.
I don't know what we're going to do about the Christmas tree this year - there is no way PJ will leave it alone. He'll try to pull up on it, he'll try to put the train in his mouth, he'll try to eat the tree...no doubt about it. LJ was an infant his first Christmas and by his 2nd he was old enough to obey "no no no", so this is new territory for us. I can't imagine not having the tree, so perhaps we'll get the baby gate out and sequester PJ to the back porch.
LJ had his 3 year check-up. He's perfectly healthy. He told the Dr., "I do NOT want a shot" - luckily, he did not need a shot. He is remaining true to his growth curve weighing in at 45 pounds (insane) and 41 inches tall. Thankfully, his height is as "above average" as his weight. He's a big 3 year old. I'm trying not to think about it.
PJ is totally into mama right now. He follows me around the house and paws at my legs until I pick him up. If he's the slightest bit tired, he will cry until *I* hold him. I'm sure this is a classic phase, but I don't remember LJ wanting my attention so much - I'm sure I've just forgotten. PJ is a super-proficient crawler and he's learning how to get down from pulling up - this is favored over his falling down! He's up to two meals of solid food a day, but NO peaches. They do not sit well with him.
I don't know what we're going to do about the Christmas tree this year - there is no way PJ will leave it alone. He'll try to pull up on it, he'll try to put the train in his mouth, he'll try to eat the tree...no doubt about it. LJ was an infant his first Christmas and by his 2nd he was old enough to obey "no no no", so this is new territory for us. I can't imagine not having the tree, so perhaps we'll get the baby gate out and sequester PJ to the back porch.
Monday, November 12, 2007
LJ's B-day Party
We celebrated LJ's 3rd birthday on Sunday with a lunchtime party (for family who were either in town because they live here or were in town helping with our "barn raising"). We decorated with Thomas the Tank Engine in mind - and *I* think it turned out very nice. For the craft, participants decorated a 9-piece blank puzzle for LJ, so he has several new puzzles to put together. I do have to say that you can tell who created each puzzle...and this is actually very interesting to me.
For lunch, we ate pizza from a new establishment...you take it and bake it at home. We discovered this place (which is right next to our grocery store) and have eaten this pizza once a week since. It is GOOD. For dessert, we feasted on a "cupcake" cake decorated in...a Thomas theme. When we put the cake in front of LJ, he commanded, "everybody sing to me" and when asked what his favorite part of his party was, he'll say, "when everybody sang to me." - so make of that what you will.
He does seem to know that tomorrow is his "real birthday" and not his "birthday party", but I think that is because we've been talking about how he'll use the potty when he is 3. I'm fairly certain he does not *want* to use the potty, so he'll take an "out" he can and this is why he's wrapped his brain around the fact that he is not yet 3. We'll have to see how this potty thing will go - with people in town to "build the barn" and then Thanksgiving AND the fact that he has 3 primary care givers....well, this all seems to make the command performance on the potty a bit difficult to manage. Perhaps the full-force push will come in a couple of weeks when I'm off work for a good while?
PJ has 2 teeth.
For lunch, we ate pizza from a new establishment...you take it and bake it at home. We discovered this place (which is right next to our grocery store) and have eaten this pizza once a week since. It is GOOD. For dessert, we feasted on a "cupcake" cake decorated in...a Thomas theme. When we put the cake in front of LJ, he commanded, "everybody sing to me" and when asked what his favorite part of his party was, he'll say, "when everybody sang to me." - so make of that what you will.
He does seem to know that tomorrow is his "real birthday" and not his "birthday party", but I think that is because we've been talking about how he'll use the potty when he is 3. I'm fairly certain he does not *want* to use the potty, so he'll take an "out" he can and this is why he's wrapped his brain around the fact that he is not yet 3. We'll have to see how this potty thing will go - with people in town to "build the barn" and then Thanksgiving AND the fact that he has 3 primary care givers....well, this all seems to make the command performance on the potty a bit difficult to manage. Perhaps the full-force push will come in a couple of weeks when I'm off work for a good while?
PJ has 2 teeth.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Fall Back
Whoever decided this was a good idea obviously did not have young children...they don't really care what time it is. They get tired at "bed time" and the wake up at "good morning time". Prior to "fall back" - PJ was in bed around 7:30 pm with LJ in bed around 8:00. They would both wake up around 7:00 am. Sure, sometimes they wake up around 6:30, but will usually entertain themselves until 7:00 - 7:30. Sunday, I got up at 5:50 am and PJ didn't make it past 6:30 pm for bed time. This morning - I heard children talking to themselves at 5:30 - and the "mama, I had a good nap" call came by 6:30. Remember when falling back meant YOU got an extra hour of sleep?
We all have colds - and I burned my fingers on a cookie sheet heated to 450, but that is a longer story than I want to type with burned fingers.
Progress on the garage is underway. Concrete slab is poured, building has been delivered, curb cut for the relocated driveway apron will be poured tomorrow. I believe I heard something about RJ's brother BJ coming tomorrow and this means some portion of the building will be erected. RJ is super-excited, but super-tired...being the director of all of this work is a big job.
We all have colds - and I burned my fingers on a cookie sheet heated to 450, but that is a longer story than I want to type with burned fingers.
Progress on the garage is underway. Concrete slab is poured, building has been delivered, curb cut for the relocated driveway apron will be poured tomorrow. I believe I heard something about RJ's brother BJ coming tomorrow and this means some portion of the building will be erected. RJ is super-excited, but super-tired...being the director of all of this work is a big job.
Friday, October 26, 2007
PJ's 6 month Stats
PJ had his well-check today and the stats are:
Weight - 20 pounds 7.5 ounces (90th - 95th percentile)
Length - 28 1/2 inches (>97th percentile)
Weight for length percentile - 25th - 50th
For comparison - LJ's 6 month stats were:
Weight – 17 pounds 15.5 ounces (50th percentile)
Length– 26 ¾ inches (75th percentile)
Weight for length percentile - 50th - 75th
I'm sure this isn't so interesting for the average reader, but I find it fascinating!
PJ had is current on his immunizations and had 1/2 his flu shot today - he gets the other 1/2 in a month.
LJ, RJ, and I all had our flu shots today as well - and we all did just fine with it. LJ got a Blue's Clues sticker for his efforts.
The dr. was not impressed with my tale of reflux and took my recounting the events in stride. He suggested we feed him earlier at before bed so the food has time to digest...which we are already doing. I knew that would be the extent of it. You can't look at PJ and think he's suffering nutritionally - and if there is no nutritional deficit, they are want to do anything about reflux.
Weight - 20 pounds 7.5 ounces (90th - 95th percentile)
Length - 28 1/2 inches (>97th percentile)
Weight for length percentile - 25th - 50th
For comparison - LJ's 6 month stats were:
Weight – 17 pounds 15.5 ounces (50th percentile)
Length– 26 ¾ inches (75th percentile)
Weight for length percentile - 50th - 75th
I'm sure this isn't so interesting for the average reader, but I find it fascinating!
PJ had is current on his immunizations and had 1/2 his flu shot today - he gets the other 1/2 in a month.
LJ, RJ, and I all had our flu shots today as well - and we all did just fine with it. LJ got a Blue's Clues sticker for his efforts.
The dr. was not impressed with my tale of reflux and took my recounting the events in stride. He suggested we feed him earlier at before bed so the food has time to digest...which we are already doing. I knew that would be the extent of it. You can't look at PJ and think he's suffering nutritionally - and if there is no nutritional deficit, they are want to do anything about reflux.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
The Reflux
I have "The Reflex", by Duran Duran going through my mind, but alas - The Reflux is not nearly so nice...
I'm beginning to think that PJ might be suffering from acid reflux. He isn't much of a crank during the day, but he does spit up (usually more than once) every time after he eats - sometimes 2 or so hours later. As mentioned in the previous entry, he projectile vomited (2x) about 3 hours after having some applesauce and rice cereal...well, a few nights ago I tried some solids again...bananas and rice cereal. He threw that up too. He has eaten bananas previously and not thrown up. It really seems as though this reflux has gotten worse as he's gotten older. Looking back, I can see signs that he's always had it, but now it seems worse - with the vomit and all. There are other symptoms, like he is angry while nursing...he pulls off, not in a distracted way typical for his age, but he is crying and fussing. We are lucky if we nurse for 10 minutes a session. I thought he was fussy because he'd drained the breast, but when I pump I get 3-4 ounces out of each breast, and I doubt he's pulling 3-4 ounces in 3 minutes...right? Also, his voice is hoarse and raspy - which I read is another sign.
All of this to say - I'm beginning to think this is at least part of his problem at night. He arches his back, turns himself over on his tummy, but doesn't sleep that way...he starts crying - ALL THE TIME. Sometimes, he goes right back to sleep - other times (more often) he cries and arches his back while we're trying to comfort him. If/when we pick him up, he typically has a juicy burp or two. So, perhaps he's waking up and crying because he's in pain from acid reflux? I don't know that there is much to do other than ride it out and adjust his eating habits. He has his well-visit on Friday, but I'm pretty sure the Dr. will not be impressed (the American meaning, not the Canadian meaning - which I've come to know means "angry"). PJ is growing just fine and he's pretty content during the day (with some research, I've come to know he is a 'happy spitter' (he's got juicy burps, spitting up a lot, etc., but isn't cranky about it) and does not suffer from GERD (these babies are cranks) - it is just the night time that is driving us batty!
So far, we have taken the course of action which includes- smaller, more frequent meals and upright for about 30 minutes after. This has caused us to re-do his night routine...from bath, nurse, bed to nurse, upright for a bit, bath, bed. No big deal, but a change due to the reflux. I've read that 4-5 months is the peak and we did start to notice the signs around 4 months. As with all things baby-related, it seems we can always look at it as "things are only going to get better" - of course, different things pop up all the time...!
Oh, and let me add - PJ is pulling himself up to a standing position when he is near something that is head-height for him as he crawls around the house. Um...he'll be 6 months old tomorrow - this seems rather early for so much mobility...yikes!
I'm beginning to think that PJ might be suffering from acid reflux. He isn't much of a crank during the day, but he does spit up (usually more than once) every time after he eats - sometimes 2 or so hours later. As mentioned in the previous entry, he projectile vomited (2x) about 3 hours after having some applesauce and rice cereal...well, a few nights ago I tried some solids again...bananas and rice cereal. He threw that up too. He has eaten bananas previously and not thrown up. It really seems as though this reflux has gotten worse as he's gotten older. Looking back, I can see signs that he's always had it, but now it seems worse - with the vomit and all. There are other symptoms, like he is angry while nursing...he pulls off, not in a distracted way typical for his age, but he is crying and fussing. We are lucky if we nurse for 10 minutes a session. I thought he was fussy because he'd drained the breast, but when I pump I get 3-4 ounces out of each breast, and I doubt he's pulling 3-4 ounces in 3 minutes...right? Also, his voice is hoarse and raspy - which I read is another sign.
All of this to say - I'm beginning to think this is at least part of his problem at night. He arches his back, turns himself over on his tummy, but doesn't sleep that way...he starts crying - ALL THE TIME. Sometimes, he goes right back to sleep - other times (more often) he cries and arches his back while we're trying to comfort him. If/when we pick him up, he typically has a juicy burp or two. So, perhaps he's waking up and crying because he's in pain from acid reflux? I don't know that there is much to do other than ride it out and adjust his eating habits. He has his well-visit on Friday, but I'm pretty sure the Dr. will not be impressed (the American meaning, not the Canadian meaning - which I've come to know means "angry"). PJ is growing just fine and he's pretty content during the day (with some research, I've come to know he is a 'happy spitter' (he's got juicy burps, spitting up a lot, etc., but isn't cranky about it) and does not suffer from GERD (these babies are cranks) - it is just the night time that is driving us batty!
So far, we have taken the course of action which includes- smaller, more frequent meals and upright for about 30 minutes after. This has caused us to re-do his night routine...from bath, nurse, bed to nurse, upright for a bit, bath, bed. No big deal, but a change due to the reflux. I've read that 4-5 months is the peak and we did start to notice the signs around 4 months. As with all things baby-related, it seems we can always look at it as "things are only going to get better" - of course, different things pop up all the time...!
Oh, and let me add - PJ is pulling himself up to a standing position when he is near something that is head-height for him as he crawls around the house. Um...he'll be 6 months old tomorrow - this seems rather early for so much mobility...yikes!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Random Catch-up Entries...
PJ has cleared: rice cereal, sweet potato, squash, carrots, pears, and bananas. He's tried peaches, but that night he slept HORRIBLY, so I didn't give him peaches a second day. Instead, I gave him apple sauce yesterday. Later that evening, he projectile vomited 2x within a 20 minute period of time...right before bedtime...and RJ was not home. LJ has never vomited (knocking on wood), so I've made it almost 3 years having to deal with nobody's vomit but my own. It is truly pathetic to watch a 6 month old (almost) be so sick. Of course, there is no warning as to when this will occur, so I immediately have visions of cleaning this up all over the house. Luckily, (knocking on wood) PJ did not vomit again and seems to be fine...RJ is having gastro-intestinal woes today, so perhaps there is a "touch of something" in the air. Or, perhaps PJ's system did not care for rice cereal and apple sauce, but those are so bland I have a hard time thinking he's allergic. I will say there was an aroma of baby-food peaches after the expulsions, but he ate those over 24 hours earlier, so is it possible he would wait that long to react? I have no solid food planned for today...I'm sure you can understand.
PJ is crawling. Full-on crawling. He's been mobile for about 4 weeks, but now he's got coordinated arm/leg movement.
LJ is a singing fool. He knows several songs and, while not in great tune, sings them well (thanks to Jfer and to PJ's delight).
LJ has hit the terrible-twos - with less than 1 month to go. He just isn't listening and isn't as compliant, so he's spent some time in the naughty chair. Once, the naughty chair wasn't doing the trick (he seemed to be enjoying himself too much), so I made him stand with his nose on the wall.
LJ is, for the most part, a very happy, loving, sweet boy - this is why we know he *can* be such a good boy!
LJ is excited that Uncle B's tractor is in our driveway! RJ is starting to get the site ready for the delivery of his garage (steel building) on November 2nd. Then - construction begins...I've been told that, with the help of the male J's (brothers and father), it'll take 2-3 weeks. I remain hopeful this is true because I know how thrilled RJ is to finally have his garage - I'll let you know.
MJ is not getting on the computer as much because it seems that LJ and PJ have less and less time where they are simultaneously occupied...one or the other always seems to need my attention.
MJ realizes how much she took for granted how easy it used to be to jump out of the car and run in to get something. Now, she wishes there was a drive-thru grocery store.
I (I’ll cease with the MJ) enjoyed two weekends of “me” activities. One – some girlfriends from college came to town and we partook in college activities. Very much fun – although, I stayed up way too late! The other – I went on an overnight “mom’s only” trip with some of the ladies from my mommy message board. It was nice to be able to visit with them without having to keep 95% of my attention on my children! I think we decided to make it a 3x a year occurrence.
PJ is crawling. Full-on crawling. He's been mobile for about 4 weeks, but now he's got coordinated arm/leg movement.
LJ is a singing fool. He knows several songs and, while not in great tune, sings them well (thanks to Jfer and to PJ's delight).
LJ has hit the terrible-twos - with less than 1 month to go. He just isn't listening and isn't as compliant, so he's spent some time in the naughty chair. Once, the naughty chair wasn't doing the trick (he seemed to be enjoying himself too much), so I made him stand with his nose on the wall.
LJ is, for the most part, a very happy, loving, sweet boy - this is why we know he *can* be such a good boy!
LJ is excited that Uncle B's tractor is in our driveway! RJ is starting to get the site ready for the delivery of his garage (steel building) on November 2nd. Then - construction begins...I've been told that, with the help of the male J's (brothers and father), it'll take 2-3 weeks. I remain hopeful this is true because I know how thrilled RJ is to finally have his garage - I'll let you know.
MJ is not getting on the computer as much because it seems that LJ and PJ have less and less time where they are simultaneously occupied...one or the other always seems to need my attention.
MJ realizes how much she took for granted how easy it used to be to jump out of the car and run in to get something. Now, she wishes there was a drive-thru grocery store.
I (I’ll cease with the MJ) enjoyed two weekends of “me” activities. One – some girlfriends from college came to town and we partook in college activities. Very much fun – although, I stayed up way too late! The other – I went on an overnight “mom’s only” trip with some of the ladies from my mommy message board. It was nice to be able to visit with them without having to keep 95% of my attention on my children! I think we decided to make it a 3x a year occurrence.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
RJ's B-Day
RJ celebrated his #&th birthday over the weekend...and what a celebration it was. You all know how much I enjoy planning events such as this - and we had some family coming into town for another event anyway, so...I took this excuse to plan a shin-dig and ran with it.
The theme was "cars" - and not the Disney movie. Guests included MawMaw, my brother and his family and my niece ES (her first time to come to our house and our first time to see her in a L O N G time) and her boyfriend B. These people were all going to be in town anyway, so don't feel slighted if you weren't invited...no one was really "invited", they just showed up! We hope that ES will feel as though she can just show up anytime she so desires.
Ok, back to the party - I went all out with the theme...the table:
The craft table - where people made their own license plate:
The menu was hamburgers, hot dogs, brats, chip, veggies, dip, baked beans, cake, ice cream, candy, candy, candy, and candy. LJ was in little boy heaven. The games included: A "road rally" to find the cake, Red Light/Green Light, Marshmallow races, "RJ Says", Pin the Balloon on the Firetruck, and Musical Chairs. Every time a person/team won a game, they got a prize and RJ got a Matchbox car...which, of course, LJ has inherited. Many guests were so generous as to bring gifts, so RJ has worn a new t-shirt, bought a weed-eater, and run his remote-control cars all over the house (with LJ laughing and chasing after them). It was BIG fun and we had a great time.
(LJ is having trouble limiting his candy intake, so we are having to intervene in a big way.)
Thursday, September 27, 2007
PJ Update
This entry is dedicated solely to PJ - who, as #2, has very little dedicated solely to him.
Tuesday marked PJ's 5th month, if we are going strictly by date...April 25 - Sept 25. But, if we are marking time by weeks - Wednesday marked PJ's 22nd week. If we consider a month to be 4 weeks, as it generally is, then PJ is 5 months, 2 weeks. I suppose it doesn't matter all that much...unless you are a parent who is waiting until PJ is 6 months old to start solid food. (I know I *can* feed him solids whenever *I* want, but all research indicates that it is not necessary, potentially causes/intensifies allergies, won't make them sleep any longer, etc.) With LJ (I promise not to mention him too much in this post dedicated solely to PJ), I counted down the time until I could give him solid food because feeding an infant solid food was such a novelty. With PJ, I counted down the time until I could give him solid food because he seems to want it so desperately. He intently watches every morsel of food go into people's mouths, he grabs at anything he can on my plate and tries to shove it in his mouth, he'll claw his way across the floor if LJ has something PJ deems to be food and at a level which he can feasibly army crawl his way toward...this kid just seems to be ready to eat. So, we did it - we gave him his first solid food - Sweet Potato. He opened his mouth and swallowed it down as though he's been doing this for months. In fact, RJ was feeding him sweet potatoes while he (RJ) was eating chocolate cake. RJ turned his attention toward LJ for a split second and PJ went after that cake. We have it on video - it is hilarious - you must ask to see it when you are at our house. So, PJ is on his way to a diet that includes more solids. Sweet potato passed the 3 day allergic reaction test, now he's on day three of rice cereal, and then we'll try squash.
PJ is going to crawl any day now. I know it seems early and we can't believe it ourselves, but he's going to do it. He's been flipping from back to front for a good long while now. Once on his front, he's pretty good at manipulating himself around and he shows zero desire to flip from front to back. He can do it, but I don't think he sees any point in it...I mean, no one ever got anywhere (ie - toward any food) by lying on their back! In the past couple of days, PJ has pushed himself up on his hands and feet - aka bear crawl position - and then he lowers himself to his knees and rocks back and forth. I suppose he could maintain this for quite a while without any forward movement, but I think he is ready to get around and he seems to be a very physically determined child.
PJ now has a crib in his room. We had to go buy one as LJ still loves sleeping in his - and we are in no hurry to have him out of it. It was a hand-me down from my sister, so we have only had to purchase one crib over the course of two children. This crib is a "convertible", so we'll have to figure out what to do when LJ is in a bed...do we convert this crib to a toddler bed and put PJ is LJ's crib or what? But, we'll make that decision when we have to! PJ's "theme" is jungle animals - very cute sheet, bumper, and blanket. The greens coordinate well with my super awesome green rocker/recliner in his room. The whole set-up looks really cozy and I wish I could curl up in there and sleep. We're hopeful that it will be a soothing sanctuary for PJ and that he'll love his crib as much as LJ loves his!
Tuesday marked PJ's 5th month, if we are going strictly by date...April 25 - Sept 25. But, if we are marking time by weeks - Wednesday marked PJ's 22nd week. If we consider a month to be 4 weeks, as it generally is, then PJ is 5 months, 2 weeks. I suppose it doesn't matter all that much...unless you are a parent who is waiting until PJ is 6 months old to start solid food. (I know I *can* feed him solids whenever *I* want, but all research indicates that it is not necessary, potentially causes/intensifies allergies, won't make them sleep any longer, etc.) With LJ (I promise not to mention him too much in this post dedicated solely to PJ), I counted down the time until I could give him solid food because feeding an infant solid food was such a novelty. With PJ, I counted down the time until I could give him solid food because he seems to want it so desperately. He intently watches every morsel of food go into people's mouths, he grabs at anything he can on my plate and tries to shove it in his mouth, he'll claw his way across the floor if LJ has something PJ deems to be food and at a level which he can feasibly army crawl his way toward...this kid just seems to be ready to eat. So, we did it - we gave him his first solid food - Sweet Potato. He opened his mouth and swallowed it down as though he's been doing this for months. In fact, RJ was feeding him sweet potatoes while he (RJ) was eating chocolate cake. RJ turned his attention toward LJ for a split second and PJ went after that cake. We have it on video - it is hilarious - you must ask to see it when you are at our house. So, PJ is on his way to a diet that includes more solids. Sweet potato passed the 3 day allergic reaction test, now he's on day three of rice cereal, and then we'll try squash.
PJ is going to crawl any day now. I know it seems early and we can't believe it ourselves, but he's going to do it. He's been flipping from back to front for a good long while now. Once on his front, he's pretty good at manipulating himself around and he shows zero desire to flip from front to back. He can do it, but I don't think he sees any point in it...I mean, no one ever got anywhere (ie - toward any food) by lying on their back! In the past couple of days, PJ has pushed himself up on his hands and feet - aka bear crawl position - and then he lowers himself to his knees and rocks back and forth. I suppose he could maintain this for quite a while without any forward movement, but I think he is ready to get around and he seems to be a very physically determined child.
PJ now has a crib in his room. We had to go buy one as LJ still loves sleeping in his - and we are in no hurry to have him out of it. It was a hand-me down from my sister, so we have only had to purchase one crib over the course of two children. This crib is a "convertible", so we'll have to figure out what to do when LJ is in a bed...do we convert this crib to a toddler bed and put PJ is LJ's crib or what? But, we'll make that decision when we have to! PJ's "theme" is jungle animals - very cute sheet, bumper, and blanket. The greens coordinate well with my super awesome green rocker/recliner in his room. The whole set-up looks really cozy and I wish I could curl up in there and sleep. We're hopeful that it will be a soothing sanctuary for PJ and that he'll love his crib as much as LJ loves his!
Saturday, September 22, 2007
As LJ Says...
There are several noteworthy things that LJ has said of late. I submit the following for your reading pleasure:
After dinner last night, RJ said, "It is time to clean up" - meaning, it is time to clean up the dinner dishes. To this, LJ replied, "Why? Who is coming over?"
See how he is already trained in the art of our cleaning habits...we just have people over often enough to keep our house from getting really out of hand as that is the only motivation strong enough to encourage us to use our "free" time cleaning.
In the car a couple of evenings ago, LJ took a toy away from PJ. I told LJ that was not nice and to give the toy back to PJ. To this, LJ said, "I want you to go away PR. Go back to the doctor where you belong."
I struggled very hard not to laugh out loud while RJ explained that we are all a family and we belong together - not with the doctor. Very funny stuff.
And, just now - as I'm typing this, LJ came over, patted my wet, freshly-washed hair and said, "your hair looks pretty nice Mama"
- and we'll just leave it at that for now.
After dinner last night, RJ said, "It is time to clean up" - meaning, it is time to clean up the dinner dishes. To this, LJ replied, "Why? Who is coming over?"
See how he is already trained in the art of our cleaning habits...we just have people over often enough to keep our house from getting really out of hand as that is the only motivation strong enough to encourage us to use our "free" time cleaning.
In the car a couple of evenings ago, LJ took a toy away from PJ. I told LJ that was not nice and to give the toy back to PJ. To this, LJ said, "I want you to go away PR. Go back to the doctor where you belong."
I struggled very hard not to laugh out loud while RJ explained that we are all a family and we belong together - not with the doctor. Very funny stuff.
And, just now - as I'm typing this, LJ came over, patted my wet, freshly-washed hair and said, "your hair looks pretty nice Mama"
- and we'll just leave it at that for now.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Impulse Control?
Where to begin? I'm going to try to create a picture for you - but I doubt you will truly grasp what I'm going to tell you...since many of you haven't seen LJ's room.
1:00 - nap time. All goes normally. When LJ goes down for a nap, he usually plays for a bit (sometimes up to an hour) in his crib, but he eventually falls asleep.
Around 1:45, PJ wakes from his nap and I start feeding him.
2:00 - I hear a thump and then LJ crying. I put PJ in his bouncy seat - (he was none too happy about being cut-off mid-meal) and go to LJ's room.
I open the door and the first thing I see it a puddle on the floor and a tipped over bottle of rubbing alcohol. This had previously been on the chest of drawers next to LJ's crib. This is a tall chest of drawers and everything has been put out of his reach...thanks to the "band-aid" incident a few weeks ago. My eye goes from the puddle to see that LJ is standing in his crib with the front of his shirt pulled over and behind his head, but his arms are still in it. He has taken off his pants and his diaper, so he is void of clothes...except on his arms. The clock radio, lamp, piggy bank, and various pictures and frames (notice I list them separately - they were separated...and one, ripped in half) in his crib. And, remember LJ is crying...he is upset because his pacifier is on the floor - As if I'm going to come in, see this sight, pick up his pacifier, hand it to him and walk away.
I scolded him pretty harshly as I cleaned up the mess and re-clothed him...telling him that the lamp is dangerous, I'm really sad that he ripped the picture, etc. and he cried and cried all the while telling me that he doesn't know why he did it. Finally, he yawned as he said he was sorry. I took all fun things out of his crib (toy and book) and told him he'd be wise to just go to sleep.
PJ finished eating while I called RJ to tell him about "his son". We laughed about it and concluded that LJ just couldn't help himself. He likely got one thing off the chest of drawers and then kept going...I guess he must have hoisted himself up onto it a bit - that's the only way he could have reached everything. I guess we should be thankful that he didn't hurt himself or drink the rubbing alcohol - (there, I said the required things, so don't chastise us :-) )
I had to go wake LJ up from this nap - I think he figured he'd better wait until I came to get him. I asked him to tell me what we talked about before his nap and he pointed to the chest and said, "those things do not belong in my crib" - then I asked about his diaper and he said, "it does not belong in my crib either." (we told him last week that he cannot take his diaper off in his crib, so I was glad he repeated it - we'll give the potty training update later) I was satisfied, but I bet RJ will have a few words to say when he gets home.
1:00 - nap time. All goes normally. When LJ goes down for a nap, he usually plays for a bit (sometimes up to an hour) in his crib, but he eventually falls asleep.
Around 1:45, PJ wakes from his nap and I start feeding him.
2:00 - I hear a thump and then LJ crying. I put PJ in his bouncy seat - (he was none too happy about being cut-off mid-meal) and go to LJ's room.
I open the door and the first thing I see it a puddle on the floor and a tipped over bottle of rubbing alcohol. This had previously been on the chest of drawers next to LJ's crib. This is a tall chest of drawers and everything has been put out of his reach...thanks to the "band-aid" incident a few weeks ago. My eye goes from the puddle to see that LJ is standing in his crib with the front of his shirt pulled over and behind his head, but his arms are still in it. He has taken off his pants and his diaper, so he is void of clothes...except on his arms. The clock radio, lamp, piggy bank, and various pictures and frames (notice I list them separately - they were separated...and one, ripped in half) in his crib. And, remember LJ is crying...he is upset because his pacifier is on the floor - As if I'm going to come in, see this sight, pick up his pacifier, hand it to him and walk away.
I scolded him pretty harshly as I cleaned up the mess and re-clothed him...telling him that the lamp is dangerous, I'm really sad that he ripped the picture, etc. and he cried and cried all the while telling me that he doesn't know why he did it. Finally, he yawned as he said he was sorry. I took all fun things out of his crib (toy and book) and told him he'd be wise to just go to sleep.
PJ finished eating while I called RJ to tell him about "his son". We laughed about it and concluded that LJ just couldn't help himself. He likely got one thing off the chest of drawers and then kept going...I guess he must have hoisted himself up onto it a bit - that's the only way he could have reached everything. I guess we should be thankful that he didn't hurt himself or drink the rubbing alcohol - (there, I said the required things, so don't chastise us :-) )
I had to go wake LJ up from this nap - I think he figured he'd better wait until I came to get him. I asked him to tell me what we talked about before his nap and he pointed to the chest and said, "those things do not belong in my crib" - then I asked about his diaper and he said, "it does not belong in my crib either." (we told him last week that he cannot take his diaper off in his crib, so I was glad he repeated it - we'll give the potty training update later) I was satisfied, but I bet RJ will have a few words to say when he gets home.
Monday, September 10, 2007
WHAAA!
This is me crying - something has possessed PJ and it is not something good. We've had major sleeping issues for the past 5 days and I'm so sleep deprived I fear there will be ramifications in other areas of my life. I'm sure RJ feels the same way, but he's generally more optimistic (we won't go into the pros/cons of such an approach in this post) than I am. PJ, not being our first child, has the benefit of our wisdom, but - PJ, not being our first child, does not respond to our wisdom in the same manner as our first child did. This is monumentally frustrating.
Let's see, where to begin? Wednesday night was a horror show as PJ woke (no joke) every hour. See, up until now - he'd been going from 8:00ish to 4:00ish without waking, so this was our routine. When he wakes up every hour - this deviates from the routine in a rather significant manner. RJ is "on duty" until 3:00, but I think (my brain is foggy) that we relented and I fed him around 2:00. So, all was well until 3:30 when I took him out to the couch and we slept (fitfully) until 6:00 when I relented and fed him again. Thursday was not much better, but I managed to get PJ to take an hour-long nap while I slept next to him on our bed. Thursday night was a tad better, but still - he was up several times and I think I fed him 2x that night. At this point, I'm hoping he's just going through a growth spurt and if he gets enough to eat, he'll pipe down. This suspicion seems to be confirmed as Jfer had a rather sleepy time with him on Friday (Jfer, correct me if I have Wednesday and Friday confused because I'm seriously brain dead). This follows the growth spurt formula. A day or two of inconsolable fussiness and wanting to eat all the time followed by a day or two of "unwakable" sleep. Terrrific! Problem solved. And, Friday night was rather normal - original normal, not most recent normal.
Saturday, Grandma, Grandpa, Mom Mom (great grandma), and great aunt and uncle came for a visit and that all went well and was a nice time. LJ managed to get a shortened nap time in, but PJ's nap time was shortened as well and we were already working on a sleep deficit...not good for Saturday night...back to horror show. Sunday was a busy day of finishing up laundry and going to the grocery store all before 3:30 when Jfer arrives for 3 hours of sitting while RJ and I go to work (this is an every Sunday thing and, while it sounds no fun (well, it isn't that pleasant), it is a great help to the regular work week). PJ had napped in a normal way on Sunday, but I think he needs a late afternoon nap and sometimes he doesn't get it/allow himself to go down for it. So, he was ready for bed when bedtime came...until 11:30 when he'd have no part of laying down. I believe I fed him and he was ok, after MANY attempts to put him down, until 4:00, when I fed him again.
Look, he's basically crying every hour or two at night...for the past several nights. Sometimes, he passes some gas and then settles down...sometimes, he's just not happy and we can't tell why. Maybe he has an ear infection? Growth spurt? WHAT???? Remember how PJ was "the happiest baby"? WELL??????
Let's see, where to begin? Wednesday night was a horror show as PJ woke (no joke) every hour. See, up until now - he'd been going from 8:00ish to 4:00ish without waking, so this was our routine. When he wakes up every hour - this deviates from the routine in a rather significant manner. RJ is "on duty" until 3:00, but I think (my brain is foggy) that we relented and I fed him around 2:00. So, all was well until 3:30 when I took him out to the couch and we slept (fitfully) until 6:00 when I relented and fed him again. Thursday was not much better, but I managed to get PJ to take an hour-long nap while I slept next to him on our bed. Thursday night was a tad better, but still - he was up several times and I think I fed him 2x that night. At this point, I'm hoping he's just going through a growth spurt and if he gets enough to eat, he'll pipe down. This suspicion seems to be confirmed as Jfer had a rather sleepy time with him on Friday (Jfer, correct me if I have Wednesday and Friday confused because I'm seriously brain dead). This follows the growth spurt formula. A day or two of inconsolable fussiness and wanting to eat all the time followed by a day or two of "unwakable" sleep. Terrrific! Problem solved. And, Friday night was rather normal - original normal, not most recent normal.
Saturday, Grandma, Grandpa, Mom Mom (great grandma), and great aunt and uncle came for a visit and that all went well and was a nice time. LJ managed to get a shortened nap time in, but PJ's nap time was shortened as well and we were already working on a sleep deficit...not good for Saturday night...back to horror show. Sunday was a busy day of finishing up laundry and going to the grocery store all before 3:30 when Jfer arrives for 3 hours of sitting while RJ and I go to work (this is an every Sunday thing and, while it sounds no fun (well, it isn't that pleasant), it is a great help to the regular work week). PJ had napped in a normal way on Sunday, but I think he needs a late afternoon nap and sometimes he doesn't get it/allow himself to go down for it. So, he was ready for bed when bedtime came...until 11:30 when he'd have no part of laying down. I believe I fed him and he was ok, after MANY attempts to put him down, until 4:00, when I fed him again.
Look, he's basically crying every hour or two at night...for the past several nights. Sometimes, he passes some gas and then settles down...sometimes, he's just not happy and we can't tell why. Maybe he has an ear infection? Growth spurt? WHAT???? Remember how PJ was "the happiest baby"? WELL??????
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