Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Maddox's Stats
Maddox had his 6 month well visit on September 16th. He weighed 15 lbs 2 oz (9th percentile!) and was 26.5" long (50th percentile).
Friday, September 5, 2014
Maddie Moo Moo
It's safe to say I've been slightly overwhelmed the last few months and blogging was not a priority. It's really not entirely or even mostly because of Maddox so I will not blame my sweet (ok not always so sweet) third child, Maddie Moo Moo. I'm really going to try and do better about blogging because as I get older, have more kids, etc. etc. my memory is starting to fade. Sssshhhhh DO NOT TELL NICK I said that ;) And I really want to remember as much as I can from these days. Having said that, here's a quick recap of Maddox's life so far...
Our hospital stay was pretty uneventful and we went home as planned after three days. In the hospital and during our first day and night at home, Maddox was an angel. Seriously, a peace of cake! He slept all the time, wherever and however we put him down, and with as much noise or silence there currently was in the room. Nick even said he seemed to be the most laid back baby and maybe our easiest one. Boy were we WRONG!!! It literally lasted a day. One. That's it. After that and for the next six weeks give or take, he wouldn't sleep at night unless he was being held. Our nights were rough. I would sit in the glider holding him and snoozing as best I could but still careful not to really fall into a deep sleep since he was in my arms or on my lap in the boppy. During the day he would sleep for hours in the car seat after taking his brothers to school but for some reason at night, that wouldn't happen either. I even drove him around for almost an hour a few times to get him into a good deep sleep but as soon as we got home, he would wake up within minutes. We also tried the swing but that didn't work either. He would also nap during the day on the boppy in our bed but due to SIDS risks, we wouldn't do that at night. The only reason it was okay during the day was because I was right there, awake, checking on him constantly.
During one of my visits to Atlanta, I decided to try the Dex Baby Day Dreamer. Tamara had sent me the info a few weeks before but I wasn't sure if it would be okay for night sleep and it came with a pretty price tag so I just tucked it away in the back of my mind. Fast forward a few weeks and many more sleepless nights, and this mama was desperate to try anything! Thankfully it worked! He actually slept in it. I have no idea what was so different about this chair but I didn't care. I slept in my bed for the first time in MONTHS!!! Maddox slept in it for naps too and loved it. Unfortunately, this didn't last and we were back to square one with him and figuring out where he would sleep. One night, we randomly tried the swing again for the millionth time and it worked. He slept in it all.night.long. I actually woke up in the middle of the night to check on him! So then we started putting him the swing at night and he would sleep there for hours, wake up in the middle of the night to eat and then I would put him in the day dreamer. That was our new routine.
One night he would not settle down. No matter what we did, unless he was latched on, he was screaming. I was beyond exhausted so Nick was trying to settle him down and finally needed a break himself so he put him in his crib. Within 20 minutes Maddox was sound asleep. And even during those 20 minutes he didn't really freak out. Cry? Yes. Scream bloody murder continuously? No. WOW!!! We felt like we made it! We made it through the worst of it and he was finally going to turn a corner. He was sleeping 12-13 hours in his crib and just waking once in between to eat and go right back to sleep. He would still cry every night at bedtime. Of course that part was difficult to hear every night and we didn't know why he wasn't adjusted yet but it was better than the alternative so we were content. Unfortunately, that only lasted a few weeks and once he hit four months, he began waking up a lot again. The next few weeks were a challenge again. Getting him to fall asleep and stay asleep for more than 45 minutes was a rarity. And he's up every 3 hours so basically it's like having a newborn all over again. I've tried unswaddling him, the magic sleepsuit, putting him down awake...you name it and nothing has worked. We started thinking he was eating too much right before bedtime so I stopped feeding him. We skipped nursing and just read to him, sang him a song and put him in his crib. He still cries sometimes after 45 minutes or an hour but it doesn't seem as bad (or maybe we've just gotten used to it?) and he falls back asleep. He usually sleeps from 7pm until 11pm but then he's up every 3 hours to eat and fall back asleep. I want to wean him of those night feedings or at least one of them but he actually eats. It's not like he is just soothing himself back to sleep so I'm not sure what to do. I know medically speaking, eating cereal or any food doesn't help a baby sleep longer but I'm kind of hoping when he starts eating in a couple of weeks maybe that will do the trick!
Also, to back up a little and explain what he does at night. He screams. He screams a lot. He wants to be carried but only a certain way, facing out with one arm under his legs and one on his belly and walked around the house. Forever. He was colicky the first few months. He had a few bloody stools so we thought maybe he had an allergy. I gave up dairy for a month to see if that would help and it didn't change a single thing.
Okay now on to the good stuff! During the day he's so sweet! And cuddly and has a smile that just melts your heart! I know all babies do but it has to be said. There is seriously nothing I love more than a toothless baby grin! He's been a great eater from the start. He latched on immediately and we've had no problems. He loves to suck. I'm actually surprised he hasn't figured out how to suck his thumb or fingers yet but we'll see what happens. He started rolling over a few weeks ago. Tummy to back on July 1th and back to tummy on July 27th in his crib and the next day just on the ground.
He also has the best lashes. Seriously. The best! I think I speak for all women when I say it's just not fair when boys have gorgeous, long lashes. He's also got quite a few ticklish spots. And his giggles are contagious. Jackson can get him going just by looking at him or saying one word to him the car. He's so sweet to Maddox. Bennett is too but doesn't always understand how gentle he needs to be.
So now (almost) six months have past and while they have been the most difficult six months of my life, I try to focus on the positives as much as I can and thank God for my sweet boys.
Our hospital stay was pretty uneventful and we went home as planned after three days. In the hospital and during our first day and night at home, Maddox was an angel. Seriously, a peace of cake! He slept all the time, wherever and however we put him down, and with as much noise or silence there currently was in the room. Nick even said he seemed to be the most laid back baby and maybe our easiest one. Boy were we WRONG!!! It literally lasted a day. One. That's it. After that and for the next six weeks give or take, he wouldn't sleep at night unless he was being held. Our nights were rough. I would sit in the glider holding him and snoozing as best I could but still careful not to really fall into a deep sleep since he was in my arms or on my lap in the boppy. During the day he would sleep for hours in the car seat after taking his brothers to school but for some reason at night, that wouldn't happen either. I even drove him around for almost an hour a few times to get him into a good deep sleep but as soon as we got home, he would wake up within minutes. We also tried the swing but that didn't work either. He would also nap during the day on the boppy in our bed but due to SIDS risks, we wouldn't do that at night. The only reason it was okay during the day was because I was right there, awake, checking on him constantly.
During one of my visits to Atlanta, I decided to try the Dex Baby Day Dreamer. Tamara had sent me the info a few weeks before but I wasn't sure if it would be okay for night sleep and it came with a pretty price tag so I just tucked it away in the back of my mind. Fast forward a few weeks and many more sleepless nights, and this mama was desperate to try anything! Thankfully it worked! He actually slept in it. I have no idea what was so different about this chair but I didn't care. I slept in my bed for the first time in MONTHS!!! Maddox slept in it for naps too and loved it. Unfortunately, this didn't last and we were back to square one with him and figuring out where he would sleep. One night, we randomly tried the swing again for the millionth time and it worked. He slept in it all.night.long. I actually woke up in the middle of the night to check on him! So then we started putting him the swing at night and he would sleep there for hours, wake up in the middle of the night to eat and then I would put him in the day dreamer. That was our new routine.
One night he would not settle down. No matter what we did, unless he was latched on, he was screaming. I was beyond exhausted so Nick was trying to settle him down and finally needed a break himself so he put him in his crib. Within 20 minutes Maddox was sound asleep. And even during those 20 minutes he didn't really freak out. Cry? Yes. Scream bloody murder continuously? No. WOW!!! We felt like we made it! We made it through the worst of it and he was finally going to turn a corner. He was sleeping 12-13 hours in his crib and just waking once in between to eat and go right back to sleep. He would still cry every night at bedtime. Of course that part was difficult to hear every night and we didn't know why he wasn't adjusted yet but it was better than the alternative so we were content. Unfortunately, that only lasted a few weeks and once he hit four months, he began waking up a lot again. The next few weeks were a challenge again. Getting him to fall asleep and stay asleep for more than 45 minutes was a rarity. And he's up every 3 hours so basically it's like having a newborn all over again. I've tried unswaddling him, the magic sleepsuit, putting him down awake...you name it and nothing has worked. We started thinking he was eating too much right before bedtime so I stopped feeding him. We skipped nursing and just read to him, sang him a song and put him in his crib. He still cries sometimes after 45 minutes or an hour but it doesn't seem as bad (or maybe we've just gotten used to it?) and he falls back asleep. He usually sleeps from 7pm until 11pm but then he's up every 3 hours to eat and fall back asleep. I want to wean him of those night feedings or at least one of them but he actually eats. It's not like he is just soothing himself back to sleep so I'm not sure what to do. I know medically speaking, eating cereal or any food doesn't help a baby sleep longer but I'm kind of hoping when he starts eating in a couple of weeks maybe that will do the trick!
Also, to back up a little and explain what he does at night. He screams. He screams a lot. He wants to be carried but only a certain way, facing out with one arm under his legs and one on his belly and walked around the house. Forever. He was colicky the first few months. He had a few bloody stools so we thought maybe he had an allergy. I gave up dairy for a month to see if that would help and it didn't change a single thing.
Okay now on to the good stuff! During the day he's so sweet! And cuddly and has a smile that just melts your heart! I know all babies do but it has to be said. There is seriously nothing I love more than a toothless baby grin! He's been a great eater from the start. He latched on immediately and we've had no problems. He loves to suck. I'm actually surprised he hasn't figured out how to suck his thumb or fingers yet but we'll see what happens. He started rolling over a few weeks ago. Tummy to back on July 1th and back to tummy on July 27th in his crib and the next day just on the ground.
He also has the best lashes. Seriously. The best! I think I speak for all women when I say it's just not fair when boys have gorgeous, long lashes. He's also got quite a few ticklish spots. And his giggles are contagious. Jackson can get him going just by looking at him or saying one word to him the car. He's so sweet to Maddox. Bennett is too but doesn't always understand how gentle he needs to be.
So now (almost) six months have past and while they have been the most difficult six months of my life, I try to focus on the positives as much as I can and thank God for my sweet boys.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Maddox's Stats
Maddox didn't have an appointment yesterday but Jackson and Bennett did so I took the opportunity to put him on the scale. He's 3 1/2 months and weighs 13 lbs and 8 oz.
And of course I forgot to blog (shocker) with his stats at his last well visit on April 23rd but he was 10 lbs 3 oz.
And of course I forgot to blog (shocker) with his stats at his last well visit on April 23rd but he was 10 lbs 3 oz.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Maddox's stats
Maddox had his first well visit this morning. A little delayed since our new pediatrician was out of town last week and didn't have any appointments earlier this week.
2 weeks and 2 days old
8 lbs 4 oz (born 7 lbs 3 oz, left the hospital on 03/14/14 at 6 lbs 13 oz)
20.5" (the nurse actually did the best job I've seen in measuring him so I'm going with this one being accurate and not the one in the hospital)
2 weeks and 2 days old
8 lbs 4 oz (born 7 lbs 3 oz, left the hospital on 03/14/14 at 6 lbs 13 oz)
20.5" (the nurse actually did the best job I've seen in measuring him so I'm going with this one being accurate and not the one in the hospital)
Maddox's Birth Story
As I mentioned in my previous post about my pregnancy, I had started having contractions and early signs of labor a few weeks before my due date. I was put on medicine and tried to take it easy as much as possible when you live out of town and have two very active boys to take care of too! The weeks passed and some days were better than others but each Monday brought some relief as we were getting closer and closer to full term and my scheduled c section date of Wednesday, March 12th. On Monday, March 10th, I was 39 weeks and my mom arrived in town. After Bennett and Lila both decided to come before their scheduled c section dates, she wasn't taking any chances by coming the night before this time ;)
We enjoyed lunch with my mom and hung out the rest of the day since the boys were on spring break that week. The rest of the day was uneventful for me besides a few contractions here and there. We all went to sleep that night looking forward to another day of fun with Nana before our newest addition arrived...or so we thought. At 4 am I woke up in PAIN! It was bad. It took me a few seconds to realize it was a contraction but not long after that I had another and another and they were all just as painful. I started timing the contractions and they were 5-6 minutes apart already. I tried to go back to sleep but couldn't because they were too painful. After an hour or so, they got even closer together and finally at 6 am I woke Nick up and told him he should go ahead and get ready because I was pretty sure it was baby time. I woke my mom up and tried to tell her no big deal but we were going to the hospital. She, of course, jumped out of bed in true mom fashion haha. Then the "fun" began...
We arrived at the hospital shortly after 7 am and were taken to an observation room and hooked up to the monitors. My contractions were anywhere from 3 to 5 minutes apart and pretty strong. Nick was watching the monitor and said they were in the 100 range...whatever that meant. After about an hour, the nurse came in and checked me. I was still just around 2 cm but she said she didn't want to really force it since my doctor wasn't responding to her page. Another half an hour to an hour went by and she came back in saying Dr. Purdy had called back but was sick and wouldn't be able to come in that day. She said he told her to give me more Procardia (the meds I had been on for weeks to stop the contactions) and watch me and then send me home and he would see me tomorrow morning for the scheduled c section. She left the room and I looked at Nick and thankfully saw the same look on his face that no doubt was on mine. SEND.ME.HOME?! What?!??? We talked about it and agreed we weren't comfortable with that and weren't sure why sending me home was the right thing to do. In the meantime, I texted a friend of mine who was also one of the nurses at Dr. Purdy's office asking her who the on call OB was that day. She responded and also asked if I was okay and what was going on. I explained the situation and her immediate response was "Don't leave the hospital. Seriously." Well, that was enough reassurance for me. We were staying put one way or another.
The nurse returned and I asked her what the plan was. She said the medicine seemed to have lessened the intensity and frequency (they were in the 50-60 range and only 5-6 minutes apart now) so I could go home and come back if they "felt" much worse. I told her I was not comfortable going home and risking a VBAC at home after two c sections and if there was another option with the on call doctor. She said she would send the on call doctor in to see me once she arrived to do her rounds. After she left, I received another text from the nurse/friend that said she spoke to the on call doctor who also agreed (woohoo!) that I should NOT go home and said she would section me that day. Katie (nurse/friend) told me to just stay put, she wasn't sure what time but it was definitely baby day. What a relief?!
Of course as all of this was going on, I was still in the observation room in labor, i.e. pain!!! They moved me to an actual room and started an IV after a failed attempt in my right arm which is still bruised two plus weeks later. The nurse advised my c section was set for 2 pm and Dr. Purdy decided he was going to come and the on call doctor would just assist him. Nick and I were extremely confused. Was he sick or just didn't want to work that day? And if he was sick, why was he coming in to perform a c section and spread his germs? Luckily we found out he had a hypertensive crisis the day before but his meds were adjusted and he was better now but to be on the safe side, Dr. Bender-Ralph would assist in the OR.
At about 1 pm I started to get extremely uncomfortable and not just from the contractions. The room they moved me to was hot and even though Nick adjusted the thermostat, it wasn't cooling off fast enough. I also had the leg compression machines hooked up which only added to the heat. And of course the foley catheter was put in before any pain meds which added to my discomfort. I'm not sure of the exact time but sometime before 2 pm when they took me back to the OR, I started freaking out! I was MAD!!! I was so hot, sweaty, uncomfortable, and in pain that I was over it and getting really pissed that no one was moving faster to get me back to the OR and at least give me the spinal! I am not sure what I said to Nick but he just let me freak out and agreed with me and tried to fan me with the tiniest piece of paper the nurse gave me that was so helpful (note sarcasm!). I didn't understand why I had to sit there for so long just waiting and laboring.
After what seemed like a lifetime, they finally wheeled me back to the OR. The team was AWESOME! Once I actually got back to the OR, everything went smoothly. During my last c section, this was when I had an anxiety attack and lost it but this one was very different. The CRNA and the anesthesiologist were ah-mazing! From the second I met them, they were both so attentive and calmed my fears. They made sure to work around my contractions instead of during them and I hardly felt a thing! Right before and during the surgery, they talked to me about everything that was going on and everything that had nothing to do with the surgery. They really helped ease my anxiety about the c section and make me feel comfortable. A few minutes passed and then Nick was by my side again and we were ready to start! I do remember "feeling" more during this c section than the other two. I felt a lot of jostling around and pressure but of course no pain. It also seemed like it took longer to get to the baby. I remember asking a couple times what they were doing because I felt like they had been in there for quite some time already. Then finally I heard Dr. Purdy say the head was out and that I would feel one more major pressure push and then release and he was out. And SCREAMING!!! Oh boy, did he have a set of lungs on him! At 2:39 pm we welcomed our third son, Maddox Thomas Kelly into the world. The doctors moved the curtain up so I could see him all fresh and new covered in gunk, something I had requested a couple weeks prior. I also wanted to attempt a little skin to skin right away but that didn't happen. Of course as soon as I saw him, the floodgates opened and I was in love. They took him to the side of the room and wrapped him up as quickly as possible while he screamed his baby head out. Then they brought him back over to me and put his face right next to mine and let me give him a kiss and touch his head and he quieted down for those few seconds. It was one of the best moments of my life. Of course after that he left with Nick to go to the nursery and I had to stay in the OR while they closed me up. We were waiting to hear his stats and had to call the nursery to find out. He was 7 pounds 3 ounces (our biggest son!) and 18.5" long (supposedly...see next post re: first pedi visit).
On their way to the nursery they stopped by the nursery to introduce Maddox to his big brothers and Nana who were anxiously awaiting the news of his arrival and the big reveal of his name!
Thankfully, they were done in the nursery and I had no complications post surgery so we were all back in the room about an hour later and I was able to nurse. Maddox latched on right away! I couldn't believe it but was so thrilled and relieved. Once I finished nursing, Maddox got a bath and all cleaned up right there in the room with us while his dad and brothers watched. We all just hung out for a couple hours before Nick took the boys to dinner and back home for the night.
We enjoyed lunch with my mom and hung out the rest of the day since the boys were on spring break that week. The rest of the day was uneventful for me besides a few contractions here and there. We all went to sleep that night looking forward to another day of fun with Nana before our newest addition arrived...or so we thought. At 4 am I woke up in PAIN! It was bad. It took me a few seconds to realize it was a contraction but not long after that I had another and another and they were all just as painful. I started timing the contractions and they were 5-6 minutes apart already. I tried to go back to sleep but couldn't because they were too painful. After an hour or so, they got even closer together and finally at 6 am I woke Nick up and told him he should go ahead and get ready because I was pretty sure it was baby time. I woke my mom up and tried to tell her no big deal but we were going to the hospital. She, of course, jumped out of bed in true mom fashion haha. Then the "fun" began...
We arrived at the hospital shortly after 7 am and were taken to an observation room and hooked up to the monitors. My contractions were anywhere from 3 to 5 minutes apart and pretty strong. Nick was watching the monitor and said they were in the 100 range...whatever that meant. After about an hour, the nurse came in and checked me. I was still just around 2 cm but she said she didn't want to really force it since my doctor wasn't responding to her page. Another half an hour to an hour went by and she came back in saying Dr. Purdy had called back but was sick and wouldn't be able to come in that day. She said he told her to give me more Procardia (the meds I had been on for weeks to stop the contactions) and watch me and then send me home and he would see me tomorrow morning for the scheduled c section. She left the room and I looked at Nick and thankfully saw the same look on his face that no doubt was on mine. SEND.ME.HOME?! What?!??? We talked about it and agreed we weren't comfortable with that and weren't sure why sending me home was the right thing to do. In the meantime, I texted a friend of mine who was also one of the nurses at Dr. Purdy's office asking her who the on call OB was that day. She responded and also asked if I was okay and what was going on. I explained the situation and her immediate response was "Don't leave the hospital. Seriously." Well, that was enough reassurance for me. We were staying put one way or another.
The nurse returned and I asked her what the plan was. She said the medicine seemed to have lessened the intensity and frequency (they were in the 50-60 range and only 5-6 minutes apart now) so I could go home and come back if they "felt" much worse. I told her I was not comfortable going home and risking a VBAC at home after two c sections and if there was another option with the on call doctor. She said she would send the on call doctor in to see me once she arrived to do her rounds. After she left, I received another text from the nurse/friend that said she spoke to the on call doctor who also agreed (woohoo!) that I should NOT go home and said she would section me that day. Katie (nurse/friend) told me to just stay put, she wasn't sure what time but it was definitely baby day. What a relief?!
Of course as all of this was going on, I was still in the observation room in labor, i.e. pain!!! They moved me to an actual room and started an IV after a failed attempt in my right arm which is still bruised two plus weeks later. The nurse advised my c section was set for 2 pm and Dr. Purdy decided he was going to come and the on call doctor would just assist him. Nick and I were extremely confused. Was he sick or just didn't want to work that day? And if he was sick, why was he coming in to perform a c section and spread his germs? Luckily we found out he had a hypertensive crisis the day before but his meds were adjusted and he was better now but to be on the safe side, Dr. Bender-Ralph would assist in the OR.
At about 1 pm I started to get extremely uncomfortable and not just from the contractions. The room they moved me to was hot and even though Nick adjusted the thermostat, it wasn't cooling off fast enough. I also had the leg compression machines hooked up which only added to the heat. And of course the foley catheter was put in before any pain meds which added to my discomfort. I'm not sure of the exact time but sometime before 2 pm when they took me back to the OR, I started freaking out! I was MAD!!! I was so hot, sweaty, uncomfortable, and in pain that I was over it and getting really pissed that no one was moving faster to get me back to the OR and at least give me the spinal! I am not sure what I said to Nick but he just let me freak out and agreed with me and tried to fan me with the tiniest piece of paper the nurse gave me that was so helpful (note sarcasm!). I didn't understand why I had to sit there for so long just waiting and laboring.
After what seemed like a lifetime, they finally wheeled me back to the OR. The team was AWESOME! Once I actually got back to the OR, everything went smoothly. During my last c section, this was when I had an anxiety attack and lost it but this one was very different. The CRNA and the anesthesiologist were ah-mazing! From the second I met them, they were both so attentive and calmed my fears. They made sure to work around my contractions instead of during them and I hardly felt a thing! Right before and during the surgery, they talked to me about everything that was going on and everything that had nothing to do with the surgery. They really helped ease my anxiety about the c section and make me feel comfortable. A few minutes passed and then Nick was by my side again and we were ready to start! I do remember "feeling" more during this c section than the other two. I felt a lot of jostling around and pressure but of course no pain. It also seemed like it took longer to get to the baby. I remember asking a couple times what they were doing because I felt like they had been in there for quite some time already. Then finally I heard Dr. Purdy say the head was out and that I would feel one more major pressure push and then release and he was out. And SCREAMING!!! Oh boy, did he have a set of lungs on him! At 2:39 pm we welcomed our third son, Maddox Thomas Kelly into the world. The doctors moved the curtain up so I could see him all fresh and new covered in gunk, something I had requested a couple weeks prior. I also wanted to attempt a little skin to skin right away but that didn't happen. Of course as soon as I saw him, the floodgates opened and I was in love. They took him to the side of the room and wrapped him up as quickly as possible while he screamed his baby head out. Then they brought him back over to me and put his face right next to mine and let me give him a kiss and touch his head and he quieted down for those few seconds. It was one of the best moments of my life. Of course after that he left with Nick to go to the nursery and I had to stay in the OR while they closed me up. We were waiting to hear his stats and had to call the nursery to find out. He was 7 pounds 3 ounces (our biggest son!) and 18.5" long (supposedly...see next post re: first pedi visit).
On their way to the nursery they stopped by the nursery to introduce Maddox to his big brothers and Nana who were anxiously awaiting the news of his arrival and the big reveal of his name!
Thankfully, they were done in the nursery and I had no complications post surgery so we were all back in the room about an hour later and I was able to nurse. Maddox latched on right away! I couldn't believe it but was so thrilled and relieved. Once I finished nursing, Maddox got a bath and all cleaned up right there in the room with us while his dad and brothers watched. We all just hung out for a couple hours before Nick took the boys to dinner and back home for the night.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
My last pregnancy...bittersweet
I meant to write this post weeks ago right as I was at the end of my pregnancy and really over it. But time got away from me and things got a little crazy and here I am two weeks after Maddox was born so I'll do my best to remember. I'm thinking I'm not that far from it so it should still be pretty accurate.
Last month I came across a post being shared on fb (http://sarahbessey.com/learning-live-ache/) about the "ache" and I think she's right. Even in the middle/end of my most difficult pregnancy (compared to my other two, I know others have it much worse), I could relate. I knew that some day I will miss it. So what better way to make part of the ache go away other than writing about the things I WON'T miss?!
My first pregnancy was probably the easiest. I was tired and had heartburn towards the very end but other than that, it was a very uneventful pregnancy with regards to pregnancy symptoms. And when you don't have any other kids to worry about, you can take naps, relax, and generally take it easy. My second pregnancy was pretty similar. I had some nausea but nothing too bad. The heartburn was way worse but again manageable. This last pregnancy was different from the beginning! I was always nauseated and spent quite a bit of time in the bathroom waiting to get sick and actually got sick a few times. Again I know this could have been much worse but for me it was bad. The heartburn was ridiculous. Insanely ridiculous. It started at 16 weeks! I remember thinking that was way earlier than the other two times but I tried to stick it out. I really try not to take meds in general and especially when I'm pregnant but in the third trimester I got to the point where I couldn't handle it anymore. The OB reassured me that the meds were safe and there was no reason to be uncomfortable and unable to eat for another month plus. With my first two pregnancies, I gave up caffeine. I know you're technically allowed some caffeine but I just gave it up and was pretty much okay. With this pregnancy I was miserable!!! I had the worst headaches and I couldn't shake them. I tried to avoid meds again but even if I took Tylenol I still couldn't get relief. So again my doc told me one cup (or actually three) of coffee was okay! I normally only drink one cup so I went back to my regular routine of one cup of coffee in the morning and that seemed to help. I was also huge! I got way bigger way faster this time too which only led to me being more uncomfortable. I was having such a hard time sleeping. It was almost painful to lay on my side and switching sides was quite an ordeal. The baby was so low for a long time that if I was up and about for awhile then I would almost feel like I would have to hold my belly up. Then the fun started around 36 weeks. I began having contractions and they wouldn't go away. The more I did or didn't do, the more regular they became. The doctor gave me some meds (yup more meds) to stop the contractions. I was on Procardia for the last few weeks. The side effects were awful. It's a blood pressure medicine so it made me feel extremely light headed and nauseated all the time. And I had to take it every 3-4 hours so I had to set an alarm at night to make sure I kept up with it which of course led to more lack of sleep.
I know everything I just wrote sounds like I'm complaining but I just want to remember it. All of it. And years from now (or maybe even months?) when I get the ache and think I had great, easy pregnancies and want to do it all over again, I can read this and remember more accurately. Of course, I would do it all again in an instant. I am so blessed to be able to carry each of my children safely until their healthy arrival at 39+ weeks. And there is still so much I love about being pregnant. I will miss that special time that only I have with my babies before they're born. I will miss feeling them kick for the first time and every time after that as the feeling gets more pronounced and then so strong that you can actually see it! I will miss feeling their hiccups. I will miss feeling their pointy body parts poking out. I will miss their other pointy body parts in my ribs. I will miss all the emotions that come along from the moment I found out I was pregnant until the moment I heard their first screams in the OR.
Last month I came across a post being shared on fb (http://sarahbessey.com/learning-live-ache/) about the "ache" and I think she's right. Even in the middle/end of my most difficult pregnancy (compared to my other two, I know others have it much worse), I could relate. I knew that some day I will miss it. So what better way to make part of the ache go away other than writing about the things I WON'T miss?!
My first pregnancy was probably the easiest. I was tired and had heartburn towards the very end but other than that, it was a very uneventful pregnancy with regards to pregnancy symptoms. And when you don't have any other kids to worry about, you can take naps, relax, and generally take it easy. My second pregnancy was pretty similar. I had some nausea but nothing too bad. The heartburn was way worse but again manageable. This last pregnancy was different from the beginning! I was always nauseated and spent quite a bit of time in the bathroom waiting to get sick and actually got sick a few times. Again I know this could have been much worse but for me it was bad. The heartburn was ridiculous. Insanely ridiculous. It started at 16 weeks! I remember thinking that was way earlier than the other two times but I tried to stick it out. I really try not to take meds in general and especially when I'm pregnant but in the third trimester I got to the point where I couldn't handle it anymore. The OB reassured me that the meds were safe and there was no reason to be uncomfortable and unable to eat for another month plus. With my first two pregnancies, I gave up caffeine. I know you're technically allowed some caffeine but I just gave it up and was pretty much okay. With this pregnancy I was miserable!!! I had the worst headaches and I couldn't shake them. I tried to avoid meds again but even if I took Tylenol I still couldn't get relief. So again my doc told me one cup (or actually three) of coffee was okay! I normally only drink one cup so I went back to my regular routine of one cup of coffee in the morning and that seemed to help. I was also huge! I got way bigger way faster this time too which only led to me being more uncomfortable. I was having such a hard time sleeping. It was almost painful to lay on my side and switching sides was quite an ordeal. The baby was so low for a long time that if I was up and about for awhile then I would almost feel like I would have to hold my belly up. Then the fun started around 36 weeks. I began having contractions and they wouldn't go away. The more I did or didn't do, the more regular they became. The doctor gave me some meds (yup more meds) to stop the contractions. I was on Procardia for the last few weeks. The side effects were awful. It's a blood pressure medicine so it made me feel extremely light headed and nauseated all the time. And I had to take it every 3-4 hours so I had to set an alarm at night to make sure I kept up with it which of course led to more lack of sleep.
I know everything I just wrote sounds like I'm complaining but I just want to remember it. All of it. And years from now (or maybe even months?) when I get the ache and think I had great, easy pregnancies and want to do it all over again, I can read this and remember more accurately. Of course, I would do it all again in an instant. I am so blessed to be able to carry each of my children safely until their healthy arrival at 39+ weeks. And there is still so much I love about being pregnant. I will miss that special time that only I have with my babies before they're born. I will miss feeling them kick for the first time and every time after that as the feeling gets more pronounced and then so strong that you can actually see it! I will miss feeling their hiccups. I will miss feeling their pointy body parts poking out. I will miss their other pointy body parts in my ribs. I will miss all the emotions that come along from the moment I found out I was pregnant until the moment I heard their first screams in the OR.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
What does Jackson want to be when he grows up?
On our way to school this morning Jackson told me he's been thinking about what he wants to be when he grows up. He said he wasn't sure yet but he had a few choices. He said either a doctor, a race car driver or a balloon man. It was very hard for me to contain my giggles! We talked about it a little bit and I explained that a balloon man doesn't really work every day all day so maybe that could just be a hobby or something he did on the side. Thankfully, he agreed!
And a little back story to the balloon man...we went to the Meridian Mardi Gras festival on Saturday and waited in line forever to get a hat made out of balloons. When we got home, Jackson started taking his apart and making different things out of it so I think he was just fascinated at how you could manipulate the balloons and use your imagination to create anything you wanted.
And a little back story to the balloon man...we went to the Meridian Mardi Gras festival on Saturday and waited in line forever to get a hat made out of balloons. When we got home, Jackson started taking his apart and making different things out of it so I think he was just fascinated at how you could manipulate the balloons and use your imagination to create anything you wanted.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
My Sweet Benny
When I pick up Bennett from preschool in the carpool line, the teachers put him in the car and he immediately comes to my side and gives me the biggest hug! It is the sweetest thing and makes my day. The only downside is that sometimes the teachers actually put him in his car seat right away even though he's reaching for me saying "hug" and then he cries until I stop the car and get out to give him a hug. I don't always give in but I just can't help since all he wants is a hug and I know one day that won't be the case.
Bennett's Potty Training Success (months late!)
We started potty training Bennett in the same way we did with Jackson, right after he turned two. Stripped him down one Saturday morning and hung out at home while giving him lots and lots to drink. He wet himself a few times and really didn't get the concept at all. So just like I did with Jackson, we didn't force it and we put him back in diapers for several weeks and just kept talking to him about the potty and even let him sit on it while getting the bath ready or waiting to brush his teeth. I would have liked to attempt it again a month later but we were heading to the beach and I knew it wasn't a good idea to try it when we would be out of our routine for a week and then home for a week and then in Atlanta for another week. I decided to wait until we were home for a longer period of time which was August.
So on August 10th, we started out the morning the same way stripping him down and giving him lots to drink. I wasn't really confident that it would work this time either but Bennett totally surprised us and he nailed it! Immediately!!! He definitely had a couple accidents that first day but the second day he only had ONE accident and by the third day, he was totally going on his own!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This Mama was shocked and of course over the moon excited after the horrible potty training experience I had with his older brother.
The only set back we had was when he started preschool a couple of weeks later. For some reason, he did fine the first week but then the second week of school, he wouldn't go at school. His teacher said she asked him and would try to take him but he refused. He had a couple accidents at school but in general he would just hold it....for four hours! He definitely has better bladder control than his big brother! Luckily he snapped out of that phase after a few weeks and went back to using the potty at school.
He also stopped wearing diapers for naps almost immediately. I kept him in them for a few weeks just to be sure but he continuously woke up dry so I figured I should stop wasting diapers. Here's hoping his next big boy step (moving to a regular bed) goes as smoothly!
So on August 10th, we started out the morning the same way stripping him down and giving him lots to drink. I wasn't really confident that it would work this time either but Bennett totally surprised us and he nailed it! Immediately!!! He definitely had a couple accidents that first day but the second day he only had ONE accident and by the third day, he was totally going on his own!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This Mama was shocked and of course over the moon excited after the horrible potty training experience I had with his older brother.
The only set back we had was when he started preschool a couple of weeks later. For some reason, he did fine the first week but then the second week of school, he wouldn't go at school. His teacher said she asked him and would try to take him but he refused. He had a couple accidents at school but in general he would just hold it....for four hours! He definitely has better bladder control than his big brother! Luckily he snapped out of that phase after a few weeks and went back to using the potty at school.
He also stopped wearing diapers for naps almost immediately. I kept him in them for a few weeks just to be sure but he continuously woke up dry so I figured I should stop wasting diapers. Here's hoping his next big boy step (moving to a regular bed) goes as smoothly!
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Baby Update 21 Weeks
How far along: 21 weeks
Total weight gain: 11 lbs (My how things are different with the third!)
General disposition: Great!!!
Sleep: Eh, not so great but it's ok.
Best moment this week: Seeing the look on Jackson's face when he felt the baby move! Love! Love! Love!
Movement: Lots and lots and finally getting stronger and strong enough for others to feel.
Labor signs/Body changes of note: Nothing really.
What I miss: This week I really wanted some sushi!!!
What I am looking forward to: Meeting my SON! We decided to find out the gender this time and now all I want to do is hold my baby boy and see his sweet face! I am trying not to rush through this pregnancy because it will more than likely be my last and I know I will miss it but I'm so anxious to meet him! First things first though...we have to decide on a name!!!
Total weight gain: 11 lbs (My how things are different with the third!)
General disposition: Great!!!
Sleep: Eh, not so great but it's ok.
Best moment this week: Seeing the look on Jackson's face when he felt the baby move! Love! Love! Love!
Movement: Lots and lots and finally getting stronger and strong enough for others to feel.
Labor signs/Body changes of note: Nothing really.
What I miss: This week I really wanted some sushi!!!
What I am looking forward to: Meeting my SON! We decided to find out the gender this time and now all I want to do is hold my baby boy and see his sweet face! I am trying not to rush through this pregnancy because it will more than likely be my last and I know I will miss it but I'm so anxious to meet him! First things first though...we have to decide on a name!!!
Monday, October 14, 2013
Baby Update 18 Weeks
How far along: 18 weeks
Total weight gain: 8 lbs (Whoa!!!)
General disposition: Generally good. I don't know if that means I'm getting used to the headaches or they've almost gone away but either way, I'll take it! And the nausea only hits about once a week so that's good too.
Sleep: Having a hard time getting comfortable and staying asleep. Only getting up once to use the bathroom but I can't always fall back asleep right away...or for hours!
Best moment this week: Emerson asking where the baby was :)
Movement: No big kicks or localized movements but I can feel him/her moving from one area to the other.
Labor signs/Body changes of note: Just getting rounder in general.
What I miss: Eggs. I could really go for a couple eggs over medium right now.
What I am looking forward to: Feeling the baby move more often.
Total weight gain: 8 lbs (Whoa!!!)
General disposition: Generally good. I don't know if that means I'm getting used to the headaches or they've almost gone away but either way, I'll take it! And the nausea only hits about once a week so that's good too.
Sleep: Having a hard time getting comfortable and staying asleep. Only getting up once to use the bathroom but I can't always fall back asleep right away...or for hours!
Best moment this week: Emerson asking where the baby was :)
Movement: No big kicks or localized movements but I can feel him/her moving from one area to the other.
Labor signs/Body changes of note: Just getting rounder in general.
What I miss: Eggs. I could really go for a couple eggs over medium right now.
What I am looking forward to: Feeling the baby move more often.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Who's in control?
For over a year, I have debated in my mind and with Nick whether or not we should and would have another child. We had always said we wanted three but sometime during Bennett's first year, Nick said he wasn't set on three anymore. So if you know me at all, you know that this uncertainty drove me crazy. I am a planner. I am a planner. I am a PLANNER. And while this third child we both dreamed of previously was never going to be an Irish twin (born within a year) of Bennett's, I had still planned he/she would arrive sometime in our future. We talked about it many times and neither of us knew how to make the decision. There was the rational way about it taking into account finances (loans, private school costs, etc. etc. etc.), logistics (car, bedrooms, etc.), and what we wanted for our family. Then there was the somewhat irrational way of talking about it and I only say irrational because there wasn't anything specific backing up us "wanting" another child, we just wanted them.
During this last year, I kept thinking of advice I had given friends and friends had given me. If you're unsure, you should go for it. In twenty years, you will never look at that child and regret them. But if you don't, you may regret not trying. I also had a friend tell me she knew her family wasn't complete. She always felt like someone was missing until she had another baby. I wasn't sure if my wanting to have another child was the same as feeling like someone was missing. Since our first two were kind of far apart at four years, we didn't want to wait and have another four year or even three year gap. Bennett just turned two so that meant we were theoretically running out of time. After realizing, we were never going to rationally and absolutely come to a decision, we decided it was time to let go of our control and planning (yes, I was able to do that and it was even my idea!), and leave it up to God.
So today, on July 12th, 2013, I type this through tears of joy and anticipation (and a little anxiety of course) because I am 4 weeks and 3 days PREGNANT! I am due March 18, 2014...yes you read that right, March not May in case you're thinking of the same joke Nick made when I told him ha! Our hearts are full and my cup runneth over. Thank you God for another beautiful miracle and choosing me to be a Mama all over again.
During this last year, I kept thinking of advice I had given friends and friends had given me. If you're unsure, you should go for it. In twenty years, you will never look at that child and regret them. But if you don't, you may regret not trying. I also had a friend tell me she knew her family wasn't complete. She always felt like someone was missing until she had another baby. I wasn't sure if my wanting to have another child was the same as feeling like someone was missing. Since our first two were kind of far apart at four years, we didn't want to wait and have another four year or even three year gap. Bennett just turned two so that meant we were theoretically running out of time. After realizing, we were never going to rationally and absolutely come to a decision, we decided it was time to let go of our control and planning (yes, I was able to do that and it was even my idea!), and leave it up to God.
So today, on July 12th, 2013, I type this through tears of joy and anticipation (and a little anxiety of course) because I am 4 weeks and 3 days PREGNANT! I am due March 18, 2014...yes you read that right, March not May in case you're thinking of the same joke Nick made when I told him ha! Our hearts are full and my cup runneth over. Thank you God for another beautiful miracle and choosing me to be a Mama all over again.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
How do you want your eggs?
We can finally ask Benny how he wants his eggs! A little over a year ago, we found out Bennett was allergic to eggs (http://thekellylife.blogspot.com/2012/02/allergieschild-2-round-1.html). Luckily after a visit to the allergist for the skin and blood test, we learned that he had a high possibility of outgrowing his allergy. Since it had been over a year, we decided to give it another shot. Nick made himself some eggs for breakfast on Saturday and naturally Bennett wanted some of whatever was on Nick's plate. Nick gave him one bite and waited a few minutes. Nothing happened. Bennett wanted more so Nick gave him a couple more bites. Still nothing happened. Last year the reaction was immediate so I was very hopeful but Nick said sometimes it can take a couple hours. I am very happy to say that hours later, Bennett had NO reaction to the eggs! It isn't likely Jackson will outgrow any of his food allergies but I am thankful that Bennett has outgrown his egg allergy. I don't know if this Mama can handle many more allergic reaction scares!
Sunday, April 28, 2013
I love bedtime!
I really do love bedtime and it's not because I'm ready for some alone time without the boys. On some days, sure I am counting down until the day is over and they are in bed but every single night, our bedtime routine makes my heart happy. On a normal night we each read to one of the boys, Jackson is allowed to read to himself and then I go and tuck him in one last time. This is when I get the extra cuddles and "I love yous." And yes, I realize at this age, he's trying to gain a few extra minutes of time before bed but I'll take it!
When it's my night to read to Bennett, I sit in the glider and wait for him to bring me two or three books and his "nia nia" and then he climbs onto my lap. I read to him and then we get up to turn out the light. He insists on doing this himself and lately has gotten a kick out of doing it with his foot (no pun intended)! Then I sing to him. I don't have a great singing voice but my sweet baby doesn't know or doesn't care. He just lays his head down on my chest and we sway. Some of my favorites to sing "I sing you a song" (sweetest lyrics http://www.take-note.org/I_Sing_You_a_Song.pdf), "A bushel and a peck," and "You are my sunshine" which I used to sing to Jackson when he was a baby and still do upon request! After I'm done singing, I say "Night night" and he immediately pops his head up off my chest, puts each palm on my mouth one at a time for a kiss and then leans his head in for a kiss on his forehead. Then one last big hug and "I love you" and I lay him down.
I wish I could freeze these moments. Forever.
When it's my night to read to Bennett, I sit in the glider and wait for him to bring me two or three books and his "nia nia" and then he climbs onto my lap. I read to him and then we get up to turn out the light. He insists on doing this himself and lately has gotten a kick out of doing it with his foot (no pun intended)! Then I sing to him. I don't have a great singing voice but my sweet baby doesn't know or doesn't care. He just lays his head down on my chest and we sway. Some of my favorites to sing "I sing you a song" (sweetest lyrics http://www.take-note.org/I_Sing_You_a_Song.pdf), "A bushel and a peck," and "You are my sunshine" which I used to sing to Jackson when he was a baby and still do upon request! After I'm done singing, I say "Night night" and he immediately pops his head up off my chest, puts each palm on my mouth one at a time for a kiss and then leans his head in for a kiss on his forehead. Then one last big hug and "I love you" and I lay him down.
I wish I could freeze these moments. Forever.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Bunny Ears!
I've tried twice before to teach Jackson to tie his shoes. And by try, I mean show him once and help him once before him loosing interest and giving up. Last month, he needed new shoes for school and BEGGED me for lace ups instead of velcro and I gave in. I've asked some friends for their opinions and advice on how to teach kids how to tie their shoes but there wasn't one method that stuck out. This morning we tried again. I went through all three methods with him a couple times and then we decided the bunny ears was the way to go. He wasn't that into it and said he couldn't do it and it was too hard and whined through it all but it took less than TEN MINUTES!!! Then of course he was so excited and went around the house showing Nick and Bennett.
Learn to tie your shoes - CHECK!
Next up:
Ride a bike without training wheels
Learn to tie your shoes - CHECK!
Next up:
Ride a bike without training wheels
Monday, April 15, 2013
Not so chatty Bennett
If my memory serves me correctly, Bennett is following in his brother's footsteps as far as his verbal development. I remember thinking Jackson didn't say many words and then once he turned two, his vocabulary erupted. Bennett will be two in five weeks (FIVE?!) and so far isn't very talkative. I started making a list of his words earlier this year just to keep track and here's what we've got so far:
Uh oh (he used to say uh uh)
No
Mama
Dada
Jackson (says all.day.long)
Lila
Nana
Jiddu (Diddu)
Shoes
Sock (caw)
Please
Thank you (doodoo, sometimes confused with Jiddu lol)
Cracker
More
Ball
Nose
Eye
Hi
Bye bye
Nia nia (his blankie)
Down
Up
Off
Tickle
Book
Night night
Car
Choo choo
Vroom vroom
My ball
Pop pop
Mimi
Lilly
Chocolate (ca-ca)
Outside (ide)
Hat
Poo poo (I'm hoping this means potty training will go a little smoother)
Blue
Mooooo (cow)
Quack quack
Roar
Bubble
Change
Auntie (FINALLY!)
Milk (mo)
He seems to be on a roll now and is learning at least one new word a week. He has perfected the inflections but not always the pronunciation which just makes it cuter.
Uh oh (he used to say uh uh)
No
Mama
Dada
Jackson (says all.day.long)
Lila
Nana
Jiddu (Diddu)
Shoes
Sock (caw)
Please
Thank you (doodoo, sometimes confused with Jiddu lol)
Cracker
More
Ball
Nose
Eye
Hi
Bye bye
Nia nia (his blankie)
Down
Up
Off
Tickle
Book
Night night
Car
Choo choo
Vroom vroom
My ball
Pop pop
Mimi
Lilly
Chocolate (ca-ca)
Outside (ide)
Hat
Poo poo (I'm hoping this means potty training will go a little smoother)
Blue
Mooooo (cow)
Quack quack
Roar
Bubble
Change
Auntie (FINALLY!)
Milk (mo)
He seems to be on a roll now and is learning at least one new word a week. He has perfected the inflections but not always the pronunciation which just makes it cuter.
Back for good! Maybe...
I haven't blogged in a very long time! To be exact it's been a year but we have had a lot going on and between not having time and not thinking anyone reads my blog, I decided it was okay to just let it go. But I am also realizing that my memory (while awesome) isn't perfect and I'm going to want to remember or document more of these times. I'm not sure how often I'll post but hopefully it will at least touch on the big stuff.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Bennett is 10 months old...give or take a week ;)
Oops I forgot to blog last week but in my defense it's been a very hectic month of going back and forth to Atlanta. One of those trips was to celebrate sweet little Lila's 1st birthday! I can't believe she's already one and that means Benny is just 8 weeks away from his birthday. Seriously, how is that even possible? I adore the baby phase! Even with the sleepless nights, I just love it and now I can't believe it's almost over.
This last month has been a big one for Benny Bear. He started crawling a little over a month ago but now he's not only gaining speed, he pulls up on everything and has even started to walk while holding on to things like the couch or table. He hasn't perfected getting back down to the ground from a standing position so I hear a lot of thuds and thumps during the day. He hasn't been able to stand alone yet and I doubt that will come anytime soon. His feet are so chunky and are never flat, he's always on his toes. He loves to play with toys, especially Jackson's big boy toys. He is almost always happy and unless he's having stranger anxiety, he'll shoot anyone a smile that just melts your heart. As my mom says, even his eyes smile. He can clap and is starting to give high fives. We're working on "Soooo big" but aren't quite there yet. He can make kissing sounds by smacking his lips together so I'm trying to get him to make the connection that those are kisses. He babbles a lot and it's so sweet to hear. Mama, mmmm, and Dada are the main ones even though I'm not sure he knows yet what he's saying. He says mmm and Mamamama a lot when he wants food so maybe he does know it's me, who knows. I still love hearing it :) And Jackson will tell you he heard Bennett say Jackson one night.
His sleeping habits haven't changed much. He still goes to sleep very easily for naps and at night. He wakes up once during the night for a quick feed and then goes back to sleep. I'm ready for uninterrupted sleep but once a night isn't that bad and I do love our one on one time...even if it's at 4am!
Bennett's eating slowed down drastically a few weeks ago and I wasn't sure if he just wasn't into the chunkier foods or just annoyed with eating all together but luckily he's back to normal. He is trying new foods almost every day. I will give him a small portion of whatever we are having for dinner and then he usually gets fruit and yogurt for breakfast and vegetables and fruit for lunch. A few weeks ago we tried scrambled eggs and he had an immediate reaction. We waited a few weeks but knew the next step was to try something with eggs so last Monday I made him a pancake for breakfast. Not only did he love it but he had NO REACTION!!! I was so happy. I will continue to try little things like that until we can figure out how sensitive he is to eggs but at least we know it's not extreme. We had introduced a sippy cup a few months ago with water. He can bite it, tip it up and somewhat suck the water out but he doesn't really drink it. One day, he got a hold of my water bottle and went to town drinking my water through the straw. So next time I was at Target (which obviously was pretty soon) I picked up some straw cups for him and he loves them! He also loves the veggie puffs. Once he's done eating his main "dish," all I have to do is show him the container and he literally squeals with joy and his little feet start kicking under the high chair. It's adorable!
These pictures were very hard to take and I didn't really get any great ones but here you go...I love the look on his face in the first one, as if he's trying to be sneaky and grab the turtle!
This last month has been a big one for Benny Bear. He started crawling a little over a month ago but now he's not only gaining speed, he pulls up on everything and has even started to walk while holding on to things like the couch or table. He hasn't perfected getting back down to the ground from a standing position so I hear a lot of thuds and thumps during the day. He hasn't been able to stand alone yet and I doubt that will come anytime soon. His feet are so chunky and are never flat, he's always on his toes. He loves to play with toys, especially Jackson's big boy toys. He is almost always happy and unless he's having stranger anxiety, he'll shoot anyone a smile that just melts your heart. As my mom says, even his eyes smile. He can clap and is starting to give high fives. We're working on "Soooo big" but aren't quite there yet. He can make kissing sounds by smacking his lips together so I'm trying to get him to make the connection that those are kisses. He babbles a lot and it's so sweet to hear. Mama, mmmm, and Dada are the main ones even though I'm not sure he knows yet what he's saying. He says mmm and Mamamama a lot when he wants food so maybe he does know it's me, who knows. I still love hearing it :) And Jackson will tell you he heard Bennett say Jackson one night.
His sleeping habits haven't changed much. He still goes to sleep very easily for naps and at night. He wakes up once during the night for a quick feed and then goes back to sleep. I'm ready for uninterrupted sleep but once a night isn't that bad and I do love our one on one time...even if it's at 4am!
Bennett's eating slowed down drastically a few weeks ago and I wasn't sure if he just wasn't into the chunkier foods or just annoyed with eating all together but luckily he's back to normal. He is trying new foods almost every day. I will give him a small portion of whatever we are having for dinner and then he usually gets fruit and yogurt for breakfast and vegetables and fruit for lunch. A few weeks ago we tried scrambled eggs and he had an immediate reaction. We waited a few weeks but knew the next step was to try something with eggs so last Monday I made him a pancake for breakfast. Not only did he love it but he had NO REACTION!!! I was so happy. I will continue to try little things like that until we can figure out how sensitive he is to eggs but at least we know it's not extreme. We had introduced a sippy cup a few months ago with water. He can bite it, tip it up and somewhat suck the water out but he doesn't really drink it. One day, he got a hold of my water bottle and went to town drinking my water through the straw. So next time I was at Target (which obviously was pretty soon) I picked up some straw cups for him and he loves them! He also loves the veggie puffs. Once he's done eating his main "dish," all I have to do is show him the container and he literally squeals with joy and his little feet start kicking under the high chair. It's adorable!
These pictures were very hard to take and I didn't really get any great ones but here you go...I love the look on his face in the first one, as if he's trying to be sneaky and grab the turtle!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Allergies...child # 2 round # 1 :(
Last night we gave Bennett eggs for the first time. Immediately after the first bite, he began to rub his mouth and eyes. I continued giving him a few more bites but then his face starting getting red. Even though he was rubbing his eyes viciously, I had a feeling that wasn't the reason for the redness. I stopped feeding him, completely wiped his hands and face down and waited...within MINUTES he had small rash-like bumps all over his face (mostly around his mouth and forehead) and his eyes began to swell. I took him upstairs and gave him a bath. We gave him some Benadryl. He was breathing and acting normally, thank God! He went to sleep and woke up a couple times which isn't much more than normal. Of course, Nick and I both went in a couple times to check on him throughout the night.
This morning he woke up with his eyes even more swollen but the redness and rash were gone. While changing him I noticed he had the same rash on his stomach and legs. I consulted with Dr. Dad who asked an attending he worked with and we gave him more Benadryl. He seems to be improving so we'll just wait and see.
We'll wait some time but next we have to try simple things that contain egg like pancakes. I'm really hoping and praying his allergy isn't severe and is only to eggs and doesn't include anything made with eggs. Here are some pictures of what he looked like last night and this morning, poor little Benny Bear :(
This morning he woke up with his eyes even more swollen but the redness and rash were gone. While changing him I noticed he had the same rash on his stomach and legs. I consulted with Dr. Dad who asked an attending he worked with and we gave him more Benadryl. He seems to be improving so we'll just wait and see.
We'll wait some time but next we have to try simple things that contain egg like pancakes. I'm really hoping and praying his allergy isn't severe and is only to eggs and doesn't include anything made with eggs. Here are some pictures of what he looked like last night and this morning, poor little Benny Bear :(
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Bennett is 9 months old!
SO much has changed in our little Benny's life in the last month! He is still the same as far as his demeanor, pretty quiet (big change from months ago when he talked ALL THE TIME!) and so so happy. He's meeting his milestones especially stranger anxiety! He's quite the Mama's boy and if I'm being honest, I can't say that I mind. He now has 4 teeth, the two on the bottom and now two on the top and boy can he use them! He bit Nick and left a mark the other night on his shoulder but Nick won't be getting much sympathy from me (or any other nursing mom for that matter!). He puts his arms up and reaches for you when he wants to be picked up, especially out of the car seat or high chair, it's super cute.
And the biggest/latest change is that he is now officially crawling! He's been on all fours for quite some time and he has been scooting backwards for over a month. On Saturday, just one day shy of 9 months, he finally got it! It was pretty funny to watch. He would get up on all fours, stick one leg straight out behind him, hold it there for a couple seconds and then lunge it forward. He's still moving kind of slow but definitely has it figured out. He has also started to reach up with one arm and try to grab hold of anything higher up whether it is his crib rail, my pant leg, ANYTHING! Time to bring out the baby gates and probably getting close to lowering the crib too!
Bennett has been eating everything when it comes to fruits and vegetables but everything so far has been pureed. Last night we gave him pieces of avocado and banana. He did really well. It's crazy to see how much gums can do without teeth! We'll probably give him some pasta and rice soon and then some meat. I'm still nervous about him choking even though we've been though all of this before with Jackson. And of course, I'm worried that he might be allergic to something so I'm definitely making sure we try certain foods with Dr. Daddy is home! We're planning on giving him eggs soon but waiting on peanut butter and shellfish at least until he's one.
Here are his monthly pics...definitely a challenge getting him to sit still, all he wanted to do was move and put the stuffed animals in his mouth!
And the biggest/latest change is that he is now officially crawling! He's been on all fours for quite some time and he has been scooting backwards for over a month. On Saturday, just one day shy of 9 months, he finally got it! It was pretty funny to watch. He would get up on all fours, stick one leg straight out behind him, hold it there for a couple seconds and then lunge it forward. He's still moving kind of slow but definitely has it figured out. He has also started to reach up with one arm and try to grab hold of anything higher up whether it is his crib rail, my pant leg, ANYTHING! Time to bring out the baby gates and probably getting close to lowering the crib too!
Bennett has been eating everything when it comes to fruits and vegetables but everything so far has been pureed. Last night we gave him pieces of avocado and banana. He did really well. It's crazy to see how much gums can do without teeth! We'll probably give him some pasta and rice soon and then some meat. I'm still nervous about him choking even though we've been though all of this before with Jackson. And of course, I'm worried that he might be allergic to something so I'm definitely making sure we try certain foods with Dr. Daddy is home! We're planning on giving him eggs soon but waiting on peanut butter and shellfish at least until he's one.
Here are his monthly pics...definitely a challenge getting him to sit still, all he wanted to do was move and put the stuffed animals in his mouth!
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