Gag Reflexes

Just like my Dada did as a little boy, I have a high gag reflex. Real food (not puréed baby food) feels weird in my mouth and every time EVERY TIME my Mommy gives me pieces of food to eat, I gag on the texture and puke everything up. All over the place. Mom said enough is enough(!) and stopped trying to give me real food. So much for baby led weaning. The doctor recommended we introduce interesting textures to my mouth to get me to adjust...a bristled finger brush or tooth brush, textured chew toys, etc. Mom is also starting me on puffs and Cheerios. She thought if I like chewing on the Baby MunMuns (Rice wafers), I would like these. Guess what?! ((GAG!!!!!))

Hi!

I just looked at my Dada and said, "Hi!" It was so cute.

I did it!

I did it! I crawled today!! Watch out world!

I Pulled Myself Up!

Thursday when Daddy came to pick me up from the children's development center, the ladies told my Daddy about my BIG accomplishment...I pulled myself up for the first time by myself! And I just stood there holding on all by myself! I was very proud of my accomplishment and so were my parents! AND I just did it again this morning...yay me!

Scooting & My new "Hat"

Last week, I started attempting to crawl. I can't quite master the art of crawling just yet...I haven't been able to push up all the way on my knees...but I am able to scoot along on the floor. The only downside is, I can't move forward. I scoot backwards and it makes me very angry! What all of this backwards mobility means is that crawling is just around the corner. The ladies at childcare said this is the step right before crawling. Every object on the floor has to be out of the way now, so I don't put it in my mouth...Heston's typical mess: toys, bottle caps, foam bullets to his Nerf gun, etc. has to be picked up! Mom and Dad are constantly checking the floor area for all of these things. It isn't easy!

On a slightly less exciting update, I got my plagiocephaly helmet last week. It's not exactly something to be happy about, but it will make my adorable head a little more symmetrical, since I favor one side when I sleep, so Mommy is relieved to finally have it. My head shape has been worrying her for 8 months! The hassle of wearing this the next few months will all be worth it, when I finally have a perfectly round head...Mommy says I may want to shave my head for the "bald is beautiful," look and my head will be ready for it when the time comes. 

I still look cute, see!

First Words!!

This weekend, Daddy went on a boys trip with Papa and Uncle Brent and I was home with my Mommy and big brother Heston. On Friday after my Daddy left in the morning, I woke up and cried, ready for my Mommy to get me. She came into my room and took me to my changing table to put on a fresh diaper. Well, I was hungry and ready to eat...Instead of my normal boisterous babble (I babble A LOT when I wake up!) I looked her right in the eye and said one word, "Buub." One might be confused as to the meaning of this word, but my Mommy new clearly what I meant. (Switch out the two vowels with another vowel and think milk!) Mom found this to be hilarious! My brother didn't know this word until he was five, but I'm a quick learner. On the same day, while my Mommy put me down to do something in the kitchen, I wanted her attention. I yelled, "Mama! MA-MA!" She couldn't believe her ears!! I got a lot of praise for that...so I've been saying it all day. When Oma came over that evening to help out, she said the word Mama and I turned and looked right at her! So there is no question about my understanding of the word. Daddy came home Sunday afternoon and the day was filled with a bunch of activities...most revolving around my big brother's social life: Baseball games and Halloween parties...Grammie, Papa, & Oma attending the game, and then Daddy taking me home while Mommy took Heston to his party. I got to spend some time with my Daddy. He fed me, gave me a bath, and I took a nice long nap. When Mama and Heston came home, I was sitting on my Mama's lap and I looked right at my Dad and said loud and clear, "Dada!" So in 2 days, I spoke 3 new words! My parents are delighted to see some new developments.

Sitting Up Without the Boppy!

How cute am I sitting all by myself without the boppy to support me?! This was a first today!!

2 Teef!

Breaking News: The second toof is breaking through! I can't chomp down on stuff enough...like my Mommy's hand!

Hand-Eye Coordination

This week, there has been a dramatic change in my hand-eye coordination. I'm getting much better at being able to grasp things, hold onto them to study and play with, direct them to my mouth, etc. It keeps me much more content because I can entertain myself! See, here I am able to hold toys and chew on them: 

Sitting up!

Guess who has mastered the art of sitting up?! This guy! Mom came to pick me up from childcare on Thursday and I was sitting up in the play ring all by myself with a toy. She showered me with praise and I was very proud and had a beaming smile on my face. Dad marveled later at how quick I'm picking up on new things...mom worries the crawling stage will be here very soon and the floors will have to be free and clear of Heston's superheroes and figures. Baby-proofing will be a difficult task! Get ready Mommy, it's almost here!!

More Flipping

This flipping onto my tummy is a piece of cake now...I can do it effortlessly and I'm able to roll of my play mat onto the rug...I did that this morning and Mom was shocked! I always have a huge smile on my face because I'm so proud of myself. Mom says it's time for my big brother to keep his small toys off the floor, because I can possibly reach them to put them into my mouth! The baby proofing is about to start because I'm about to be mobile!

It is HERE!!

My tooth has broken through!! I haven't let my parents sleep for two days straight and I refuse to take a decent nap, so I've been fussy with a capital F. It has been a long 48 hours for all of us!! But this morning, I grabbed my mommy's finger and chomped down...then immediately cried because that made my tooth break through. Mom felt it! Everybody is hoping that will make things a little less miserable for me, now that it has broken through. A little Motrin will help with that too! I'm sure if one is here, another will follow soon, so this all-night waking may not go away for a while. Daddy is miserable without his beauty sleep, so he hopes the others come fast so we can move on!! 

Flipping

I've got it DOWN now...I can flip on both sides!! I first flipped onto my back about 2 months ago before the 4th of July. Well this morning I flipped onto my Tummy and everyone saw it, as Mommy was on the couch and Daddy and Heston were about to walk out the door for school and work. I couldn't let them miss the excitement! Everyone was proud and I got kisses of praise from my big brother!

No Sign of Teeth

Still no sign of teeth and I'm 6 months...Mom says enough already, let's see them! I'm teething constantly and nobody is getting any sleep around here. Have I mentioned I'm sharing a room with my big brother? So Mom and Dad don't make me cry it out and swoop in the minute I make a peep in my bed. But I'm as cute as a button (X10) and Mommy doesn't mind these middle of the night snuggles...until morning when she is dead tired and has to go to work. Teeth, it's time...no more delay!

Saturday, I had my first real food. Mom was waiting to get a picture of me making a funny face when I first tasted it, but it never came. I loved my food! I had peas and sweet potatoes...then I had bananas on Sunday. MUCH better than that rice cereal they've been feeding me the past few months!

Flipping!

Over the Fourth of July, we went to the beach for BB's family reunion. It was my first beach experience and so much fun!! While I was there, I flipped over for the first time in my pack 'n play. I had a big smile on my face when my daddy found me, I was very proud of myself for such a big accomplishment!

An another milestone note, my Mommy laced my bottle of breast milk this evening with rice cereal. I was NOT into it and repeatedly swatted the bottle away. But Mom says it's time for solids because she needs to sleep at night. I'm up a few times a night these days due to teething and being hungry, so anything to keep me full and asleep for a long time, she's willing to try! (She has been run down these days, after fighting sickness for a month plus). Maybe I'll try it again tomorrow...it might be an aquired taste!

Teef!

Guess who has a tooth coming in?! Me!! I've been drooling a lot the past few weeks and trying to gnaw on my hand or my mommy's hand (I can't quite hold anything to chew on just yet), so my parents knew it was only a matter of time before a tooth arrived. I've been a little fussy too, much to mommy's frustration, because there is little she can do to help since I can't hold a teething ring. Just a little numbing gel on my gums to ease the discomfort. But it looks like I'm following in my big brother's footsteps and getting teeth early. Bring on the steaks!

I'm Still A Shrimp!

This says it all:

But I'm filling out, getting chubby, and looking completely adorable! I'll catch up eventually!

Developments

This week, I've discovered my tongue. It's so cool, I can stick my tongue out, chew on it, etc! I've been practicing non-stop and my Mommy got a picture of it so you can see. 

I've also made a significant change in my sleeping habits. Two days before my mommy had to go back to work, I decided to start sleeping through the night...and did it 6 nights in a row so far! Mom and Dad are THRILLED! 

About 2 weeks ago, I started blowing spit bubbles. Not sure why I love to do this so much, but I do it all the time! And a week or so before that, I started talking back when I'm spoken to, I make cooing noises and also little squeals. Basically from month 2 and on, there have been small little developments that I have made that my parents find adorable!

Back To Work: A Note From Mom

I'm very sad that my maternity leave has come to an end, but what a wonderful 3 months it has been! I loved having Leif all to myself for so long and I wouldn't trade that time for anything! The one-on-one time we had, when Daddy and big brother were out of the house at work and school, is priceless bonding time and I feel very fortunate to have had the chance to establish that mother-son connection. He has grown so much from when we first brought him home when he was only a tiny 5 pounds. Tom and I feel that we were blessed with extra time with him because he was born so early and even though it was scary for us at the time, (he was so small!) we got our tiny little peanut early and all my worries of a busy schedule, work stress, and our house situation just melted away and the focus could be on happiness with my little one!

I've loved watching him change and grow...developing new abilities, discovering new things (this week, he has discovered his tongue!) and getting cuter and cuter by the minute. 

It will be tough being away from him 3 days a week, but I'm thankful to have a job that allows me to work part time and be home with him the other 4 days! I look forward to the time he can have on Mondays with his Grammie just like Heston did.

Lots of Laugs, Smiles, and "Talking"

It's amazing how time flies...there have been so many wonderful moments and they haven't exactly been documented on this blog because life is busy! About 3 weeks ago, I started making lots of little laughing noises and I really love to "talk." It all started with my Daddy talking to me and I would just sit and listen to him and his deep melodious voice and make cooing noises back. Then those little cooing sounds became "talking" in response to him. Mom couldn't believe it because I never did this with her! So my Daddy and I talked back and forth a lot and eventually I included my Mommy in on this special interaction. I talk and I smile back and they think it is the SWEETEST thing.

I've recently gotten an activity mat for playtime and tummy time. I really love it...especially the mirror! I love staring at myself! I also like the little animals that hang down around me and twirl around with the music...I play contently in this for about 20 minutes, talking and cooing and what sounds very much like a happy squeal. Then I'm done and ready to be held!

Mommy has been working very hard to establish a schedule for me the past month and she feels like a wizard for getting me on it so quickly. We've all enjoyed good sleep at night the past month and I'm starting to go down around 7:00 p.m., giving my parents some down time in the evening, and then waking around 6:30/7:00 a.m, with only one feeding in the middle of the night. Sometimes, if I've had a tiring day, I'll skip the middle of the night feeding and sleep right through it. I've also been doing great with my naps. Although I may not always nap on a perfect schedule, I usually take two solid naps a day. This was my Mommy's goal: getting me on a sleep schedule before maternity leave is up. Mom says: "VICTORY!"

Last week, I went to my church childcare for the first time. It was really hard for my Mommy to leave me, but I did fine. I didn't sleep very well, but I sure did when I got home...Mommy was amazed at how long I napped and she had to wake me for a feeding before going right back down at 7:00 p.m. There was so much excitement in my nursery at church that I didn't want to spend it napping. The sweet ladies in the nursery say I will adjust to the noise and excitement eventually. When Mommy picked me up, I heard her voice and I was wide eyed looking around for her! We were both happy to be back together after a long day.

Maternity leave is coming to an end and this is Mommy's last week before she goes back to work (3 days a week). It'll be a tough transition for both of us because the past 3 months have been so very wonderful having our time together. Thankfully we will still have our 4 full days together each week once she goes back, but that doesn't make the change any easier!

Sleep!

LOTS of little changes happening in my world...for starters, I've slept through the night twice! I've gotten up early in the morning each time, but that's because my big brother woke me and everyone up because of an ear ache and a nightmare. But I slept 7 consecutive hours in my bed and Mommy and Daddy seem well rested too! Once I've had my early morning feeding, I love to sleep in...after my parents get me out of my crib in the wee hours of the morning, I sleep in their bed and I'm content there for hours. I'm not an early riser like my big brother!!
Another exciting thing happening is that I'm starting to laugh...it's a cross between a coo and a giggle...Mom thinks it's cute!

This is a little late, but we celebrated Grammie's 60th birthday last week...HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRAMMIE!!

Sleeping In My Crib!

Since my parents brought me home from the hospital, I've slept in their bed. This co-sleeping arrangement all stemed from a very scary dusky episode I had the day after I was born, where I briefly stopped breathing. My parents were scared it would happen again, so naturally they wanted to keep an eye on me at night and the co-sleeping bed was bought and I've been in their bed ever since. It got to a point where I had to be with my Mommy ALL the time and I even had to be held during naps. This was fine the first few weeks, but I wore my Mommy down! So she started introducing naptime in the crib a little bit at a time...putting me in there when I was already asleep. Gradually, after many weeks of persistence, she put me in my crib awake to see if I would fall asleep on my own. A little musical crib thingy gave me something to look at and keep my attention while Mom left the room. I cried being left on my own and she'd come and soothe me...every time and sometimes it would take quite a while to get me to sleep. (Feeding, changing diaper, soothing, laying me down & repeat!) Well...last night, after a warm bath and a big meal, she bundled me up, put me in bed wide awake, and waited. I made a lots of little noises as I listened to my music and watched the pretty lights. After about 15 minutes WITHOUT crying, I eventually drifted off into a deep sleep!! I slept for almost 4 hours!! Mom was thrilled...she fed me and then put me back in my crib, where I slept another 3 until I was hungry again. I went back in the crib a third time in the wee hours of the morning, but eventually the noise of people waking (my brother) woke me up and I was done with the crib. That means everyone in the household slept a full nights sleep! (Praise The Lord!) It wasn't an easy process, but a constant pattern paid off. We will try it again tonight!

Spring Break!

Last week was spring break for my big brother and my mommy started getting worried about the idea of being trapped at home due to cold dreary weather with a hyper redhead and sweet little me for a whole week. When she found out that Daddy's Aunt's condo was available, she jumped at it and we went down the following day! Aunt Lisa and Lila came with us and we had a fantastic time! The change of scenery is just what we all needed. The weather was chilly, rainy, and windy at times, but the indoor pool and hot tub gave us something to do (to wear my brother out). We ate at the Original Oyster House and at Cobalt, went to Souvenir City, and had breakfast from Cafe Beignet, and watched the movie Frozen. I was perfect the whole trip, during the car rides and during dinners out...Mom is brainstorming what other fun trips we can take because I was so good!

My first beach experience:

This is me chilling poolside in the shade:

I hung out at the indoor pool in my bouncy seat, giving my family an hour plus to swim each time. The warmth, noise, and activity made the perfect place for me to watch the fun and nap (I sleep better in noisy places!).

 

The Original Oyster House:

Souviner City!

 

 All in all, a very fun first spring break for me! We were sad my daddy couldn't join us, but he had fun catching up on sleep and getting tons of errands done while we were gone... :)

Moby Wrap

Well it's not Rocket Science, but you would think that it was based on how long it took my Mom to figure it out (without any instructions)...but she finally got this darn Moby thing to work. After several failed attempts over the course of a month, she finally packed it up (with exclamations of "Oh screw it!"). But we went to the zoo yesterday and saw several ladies blissfully wearing them with their babies snuggled close and she decided to try it one more time. She did it! And I loved it! Yay Mom!

Gift to Mom

I gave my mom a big old smile this morning after she changed my diaper. She was thrilled!! Who knew a smile could cause so much joy?

Smiles!

I smiled for Oma this weekend and it was my first deliberate smile! Then I did it again for Oma a few hours later. Mom was so excited to witness it, but wonders why the heck she's tried so hard for smiles but I hold out and give them to others. She noticed I've been on the verge for days. Yesterday, my Dad and Brother got a smile and today I finally smiled a little for my mom (but I wasn't looking at her!) Oma was pretty excited she got the first one...grandma's have a special bond with their grandchildren!

Magic

So there is something magic about this car seat...Mom doesn't know what it is, but I sure do sleep well in it! Mom picked up coffee and then drove us around and I slept the whole time. When we came home, I continued to sleep! She said my brother NEVER slept in the car, but screamed the entire car ride. It's the magic seat! (Thank you Aunt Alison and Uncle Chris for the loaner!)

Doctor's Appointment

Today was my 1 month checkup. My mom was shocked that I am now 7 lbs. 13 oz...I would have been at least an 8 pounder if I was born on my due date! Everything checked out great, but Mom & Dad's concern about my jaundice was legitimate...my Billiruben levels were kind of high, so we are awaiting lab test results tomorrow to make sure nothing else needs to be done to get it down  (it could be just what they call "breastmilk jaundice"). Mom has been worried about this for 3 weeks but was told I should be in the clear...clearly Mothers know best and should trust their instincts! (Update: The lab results confirmed it's breastmilk jaundice...yay!).

Here I am on my way to the doctor...it was 31 degrees this morning, so I had to bundle up.

Here I am jumping for joy at the news that I gained weight:

After the doctor, we went to the grocery store. Exciting stuff! Mom got stopped by so many people who thought I was the cutest thing. (Naturally). Mom was thrilled I slept the entire time...My crying episode at the doctor sure wore me out! I slept for almost an hour when we got home too, so Mom got groceries unpacked, cleaned out the fridge, took out the trash, and did a load of laundry. (It's the simple things!)

This is me at the grocery store looking adorable:

 

So as you can tell, it was an exciting and eventful day. Happy 1 month to me!

Fresh Air

Mom and I have been couped up for a month, so we decided to get some fresh air. We went to our property down the road and it was my first time seeing where my future house will be. Mommy & Daddy have been dreaming about life in our new home...a perfect place for a household of boys because we will have beautiful acreage to run around and be wild! Our outing reminded mommy today how all her hard work with the house plans...and life in a miserable rental house...will eventually pay off. My arrival 5 weeks early prevented her from finishing the drawings, but it's all good...They will be finished soon (hopefully)! In the meantime, our HGTV marathon watching is giving mommy lots of inspiration while we've been home the past month.

Here I am at the entrance to the property...a great place for a nap in the sun. 

Here I am at the top of our property...the rocks in the background will be fun for my brother and me to climb on one day!

 

As we were driving back home, we spotted daphodil bulbs sprouting in several yards...Spring is almost here!! A welcome sight for us since we've been indoors for so long!

Wardrobe Changes & Starbucks Run

First, I did this to mommy and me...

(That would be pee).

Then we both had to be cleaned up and changed. Mom decided to go on a Starbucks Run for caffiene. She got me all bundled up and ready to go...

...and then I pooped.

1 Month Old

Tomorrow I will be one month old! My parents can't believe how quickly time flies and how much I've grown in a short time. I have my doctors appointment tomorrow to see my growth progress. As we approach my due date (when I was SUPPOSED to be born), I am filling out and looking more like a full size baby and not a premie...even my newborn clothes actually fit me now instead of swallowing me.

I've been a really good sleeper the past week, but here is the catch...my Mom has to sleep with me. (Which Mom recognizes is not the best scenario). My cosleeping bed is not being used other than to provide a barrier between Mom & Dad. Now that I'm a month old and my breathing issues are no longer a concern, my Mom wants to transition me to my crib. Noooo! I love snuggling with my Mommy while I sleep. I also like to be held ALL the time during the day. Mom just goes with it, since I should technically still be in her belly and I wasn't ready to be separated from her just yet. 

I had my newborn photoshoot finally...it has been rescheduled twice, due to snow and my big brother got a virus that caused hives all over his body. My brother and I had a few shirtless shots, so the hives had to be completely gone for the photo session. My parents are excited about the pictures, but I didn't do a whole lot of sleeping, so there may not be many perfect still shots of me resting peacefully, like you see in so many newborn photos.

Here is a picture of me sleeping at home in the swing...Mom may get 20 minutes of free time while I'm in the swing before I cry to be held.

3 Weeks Old

Today, I am officially 3 weeks old! There hasn't been much to report, but a few small developments make my Mommy happy: Two days ago, I started focusing my eyes a little better, so I can make eye contact and look at whoever holds me. I also have good control of my head...my BB mentioned how active I am already for such a small baby! I kick my legs, move my head around, and grab with my hands really well. The amazing thing to my parents is I would still be in my Mom's belly right now, with all this movement. Even though I'm still tiny, I'm filling out a little because I'm such a good eater...I want to eat every 2 hours (or close to it...sometimes every hour and a half, which makes my mommy exhausted). My big brother tells my Mom, "It's time to milk again, mommy," when he sees me getting fussy. By the way, my 5 year old brother says he wants my milk too...Mom says no! My jaundice is still giving me a fake tan glow, but it's almost gone because of my good eating & constant pooping, so my parents are relieved. That's pretty much all I do right now: eat, poop, sleep, cry...in no particular order. 

Last week, my brother was home from school with me and my mommy because of "snow days." It was a looong week for all of us, but we survived. Mom is just looking a little rough!

My Birth Story

My Grammie wrote all about my birth on her blog...all the details are there about why I arrived early and all the excitement of my birth coinciding with the great "snowpocalypse" of 2014! Check it out! http://www.gracieandco.com/sleepover-2014/

I Like My Pacifier! (Mom's Thrilled!)

Mom said this keeps me busy...so I won't want to eat ALL day long. She's thrilled I'll take a paci, because my big brother never liked them...

Goodbye Fat Feet

My mommy would like me to announce that the swelling on her feet, caused by preeclampsia & toxemia, has officially gone away one week and three days after my arrival (but who's counting). She seems very excited about this tidbit of news...she said something about being able to wear shoes again...but I'm not really sure how this involves me and why it is blog worthy. But yay Mom!

Double Fisting

In the past 24 hours, I have discovered something...my fists! My mom dressed me in a onsie yesterday that didn't cover my hands and there they were...little balled up fingers that I can suck on! My mom has to pry them out of my mouth to feed me because I get a little confused when it's eating time, thinking my fist is food...she pulls one hand away from my mouth and I instantlly put the other hand in!