Naps

So, this week has probably been the worst week we've had since those horrible first two weeks. Big guy decided last Friday to stop napping. Instead, he cries, screams, and essentially freaks out with any attempt I make at getting him to rest. Being put in his crib pisses him off, being rocked in my arms pisses him off, laying down next to me in bed pisses him off, the swing really pisses him off, and walking in the stroller keeps him quiet but not asleep.
Thus we've been taking a lot of car rides this week! We run errands, drive through the pricey neighborhoods and look at mansions, drive for a few minutes until we fall asleep while I sit in the driveway and read. It's rather pathetic. On the one hand I'm ok with it b/c he needs to sleep. He's so grouchy and tired. However, I'm afraid of making him only be able to sleep when we are driving places. It's a fine line of craziness!
The only positive about this is that he's been sleeping like a champ at night. Like eleven and a half hours! Which is really nice. When we went to BF group the LC T said to keep doing what I was doing and he'll eventually get back to normal. And that he doesn't know that even when he gets a good night, he still needs to nap. Silly baby! Now you can see why I haven't written about this. Driving in car all day is time consuming, can't type very well when I've been crying, and entertaining grouchy baby is a full time job! Also, I was hoping to not have to write about it. Here's to napping- I'm all for it!

Weight again

Big guy and I got weighed again. I'm down a total of 5.4 lbs, big guy is up 2.5 ounces. Must be all that oatmeal!

Hair

Ok, this is going to be kind of mushy. You've been warned. When big guy was born, he had a thick mop of really dark brown hair, it was almost black. It was also really soft and I would obsessively run my fingers through it. I loved washing it and brushing it into the "republican" style. Good friend A told me it would eventually fall out and be replaced. I couldn't believe her, his newborn hair was too perfect. Then it happened. The left side of his head started to shed first. Which was really funny because he looked like he had a twisted mullet. From the left side he had a mo-hawk. From the right side, business. All that is left of big guy's newborn hair is his tail- which hubs is always threatening to cut. Now he has light brown hair, it's a little longer than a crew cut. I call this his baby hair. It isn't as soft and can't really be styled, but I think it's more him- as it looks more like my hair color. But I still miss the newborn hair.

Blankets

Big guy loves blankets. Since he was born, he's always had blankets to sleep with. However, now he loves cuddling with them. The other day I put big guy down b/c he was screaming from exhaustion and though he wasn't anywhere near a blanket, he scooted himself up the bed to find the sheet/blanket at the end of my bed. He then proceeded to do some happy chirps and pull the sheet onto his forehead. It looked like when I get out of the shower and put a towel around my head. Then he grabbed the blanket and pulled it over his face. When I lifted it up, he had a huge grin on his face. Big guy also likes his own blankets. If one is laid on top of him and he is awake, he instantly grabs it with his hands and brings to his mouth to munch on. I wonder if he'll be a blanky kid. If I'll have to have like 30 of his favorite blankets and keep secretly trading them to wash them.

Oatmeal

Big guy started oatmeal on Friday night. The stage was set. Breastmilk was mixed with baby oatmeal in a paper bowl with cute baby spoons. A blue spoon for the big guy and a supplementary spoon to play with. Big guy sat on hubs' lap. I gave the oatmeal a stir(it's really a liquid more than a solid) and moved the spoon towards big guy's mouth and he opened up really wide and took the spoonful. Of course the majority of it came right back out in drool, but he seemed to like it. We continued to eat this way with bubbles, raspberries, and more drool expelling a good amount of oatmeal. However, he really liked eating and truthfully this is just practice for eating, as he is still breastfeeding for all of his meals. It was really cute having him open his mouth really wide and smile as he was eating. And he slept great that night to boot! I think our first oatmeal experience was definitely a success. Which also means my little man is growing up now that he's eating real food.

Windchime

I know I've written about this windchime before, but it has recently become our favorite item in the house. The windchime was $15 athe rite aid. It has a bunch of little suns alternating with redish beads that dangle around the metal tubes. Hanging at the bottom is a really big sun. Big guy loves this windchime. First thing in the morning he reaches his hand out to grab the sun. And when he sees it throuhgout the day, his face lights up with a huge smile. Sometimes he grabs the sun, sometimes he bats at it, other times he grabs he silver tubes, and occasionally he manages to grab the string holding the big sun and tries to take it with him. It really is the best $15 I've ever spent. It brings so much joy and music into our home.

inchworm

On Friday, the big guy was doing some belly time. He has this new thing of sitting upright and then launching himself forward onto his belly. Usually in an attempt to grab something interesting in front if him. And then he usually gets pissed off that he is on his belly, eventhough he can roll over onto his back- I guess it's more fun to scream and make me pick him up! Anyway, big guy was belly down and was attempting to move forward. He scrunched up his legs like a frog and lurched himself forward. He looked like an inchworm. His back would go up and then he would scoot forward again. It was funny to see! If course this only got him so far before he started to yell for me to move him instead.

Pull Up

Big guy did a semi-advanced skill two days ago. He was sitting on my lap next to his floor gym. It has four bars that are above him that hold dangly stuff for him to bat at. He had one of the bars in his hand. He grabbed it really hard and pulled himself up a few inches and then immediately fell back in my lap. Hmmm, maybe this walking thing will happen sooner rather than later.

I know, I know. People keep saying, enjoy when he doesn't move, because once he starts, he won't stop. But honestly, the kid is nineteen and a half pounds. He's heavy. I'll enjoy when he can walk, trust me. Until then, I'll have killer biceps.

We were having such a good week...

We were having a great week... until today. Monday the big guy decided to just start eating properly again, every three hours, both sides, with no fuss. He was napping great. We were out and about visiting people, getting chores done, playing, dancing, pretty much a fantastic week. Then today came. Grouchy, over tired, refusing to nap. As I write this he is upstairs in his crib b/c I needed a break from him screaming at me. He cried for maybe two minutes and now is squirming, groaning, and blowing raspberries. The tough thing is that he's so freaking cute. It's so easy to be mad, but I can't stay mad for long. I have to keep reminding myself that he's a baby and crying and screaming are how he communicates. Sigh.

weight check

Ok, so it's been one week since starting weight watchers. I went to weigh-in and lost... 1.6 pounds! The funny thing is that my body feels different. Even if the weight loss is minimal. Big guy got weighed and lost half an ounce. which is no big deal. This is the first time he has lost weight since those first 2 weeks. again, no big deal. And it doesn't have anything to do with the fact that I am on a diet.

Finally...

Sunday- a truly enjoyable day. We started off with our normal walk. Big guy was surprisingly in a good mood, as saturday's walk he whined the entire time. We came home, took a nap and ate really well- all day actually. Our big adventure was to the duck pond. We had lots of fun feeding ducks, geese, and a huge snapping turtle. It was really cool. We were going to attempt oatmeal today, but big guy was pretty grouchy and I didn't want him to be in a foul mood for our first foray into eating real food.

Instead we played and hung out. Hubs was upstairs vacuuming, so big guy and I stayed downstairs. I layed down a blanket and put big guy on his back. Then I put a toy he really likes (leiderhosen bear- a gift from grandma S from Switzerland) next to him. And he very easily rolled himself onto his belly to grab the bear! Ta-da!!! It was so cool! Big guy also now exclusively sleeps on his side in his crib, while moving himself in full circles. It's really funny. We rounded out the day with a trip to the supermarket and visit to a local college to walk around, grab flowers, and stare at trees. A totally lovely day!

Hobbies

Prior to having big guy, I would say my favorite things to do were hanging with the hubs, sleeping, watching tv, reading, and photography. Now having big guy- I see the hubs alone at night downstairs for some tv watching after the big guy is in his crib. TV has been nonexistent except for when I'm with the hubs. Big guy is just too aware of it and stares. Sleeping is truly treasured now. I take what I can get. Though I feel like I now can survive with much less sleep. Photography is now consumed with taking pictures of the big guy. He is so photogenic, it's fun taking pics of him.

Which leaves reading... When big guy was first born, I was so exhausted that the thought of reading made me want to pass out. But I recently started reading again and read an awesome series that hubs had read last year... on the kindle! And after finishing all five books in three days it made me think that I was getting back to being myself. I have a few books now back in the line-up that I am waiting to be published. yay!

Weigh-in

Today being Thursday we got weighed. Prior to this we went for our morning walk, ate breakfast, took a nap, and went to the park. We tried out a new park- near grandpa J and grandma C's house. I think it's a bit old for big guy b/c there are a lot of slides. But we sat on a swing for the first time. Very cool. Big guy liked holding onto the chain. We walked across one of those bridges that bounces slightly. Which was cool b/c the texture is different from normal ground and you can see the mulch underneath. Then we walked in mulch which was really fun and really messy. Big guy liked the mulch the most. He tried several times to bend over and pick up a handful! Following the park, we took another short nap. Then we got up and played on our floor mat and exersaucer. More naps and playing followed!

We made it to BF group and I spoke with T- the lactation consultant about the refusal to nap and eat. She said it could be teething- he always drools so much when we are there. She said to just keep doing what I'm doing- which is just offering him a chance to eat often and when he's sleepy. We also discussed his starting oatmeal and she said to give it to him in he morning if he is sleeping well at night ( which he has been recently- probably due to the immense amount of activities we do during the day!) she also said the oatmeal may settle him down for the rest of the day! Promising! Then she showed him off to the other moms with younger babies. It's so funny that she does that every week. Secretly, I'm thrilled- we could be a BF poster. Big guy was the same weight as last week, which is great, as they are supposed to slow down after four months. All in all, a pretty great day!

Weight Watchers

Today big guy and I joined weight watchers! Yay! It was a long time coming. Since we have been struggling with eating and sleeping- I had been avoiding going. But surprisingly we were in a good mood and well fed today. I looked at the clock and we rushed out the door. We paid, got weighed, and went to the meeting. It was really long. In true form, big guy was a total flirt and was silent until the meeting started. We walked around a lot and looked at pics while trying to listen.

Then they explained the points system. And yes, I get extra points for nursing. No worries- the big guy will get his calories. I get 30 points during the day and it is mostly how I eat now- fruits, veggies, whole grain, you know the healthy stuff. The only thing I really need to bulk up on is protein! So, we'll see how I do. My goal is 15 pounds by September and then another ten to get back to my pre-baby weight.

I started out pretty well today, but was starving by dinner. And of course ended up eating pizza for dinner. Oops! I have to remember that I have to eat all of my points during the day and hit my food quotas. It's going to be hard!

Grandparents

Big guy and I have had a whirlwind two days of grandparents visiting! Tuesday we had lunch at the local bagel place with my dad and step-mom. It was super fun, though big guy slept through the eating part. Which was a good thing b/c he was really cranky and avoiding naps! Then we strolled over to the bookstore and grandpa J bought him a puzzle. Grandma C of course showered him with praise and kisses! Then today-Wednesday- we saw grandma Dino who came over during lunchtime and played with us for an hour. I love watching her be so proud of him. Finally, Grandma S came for dinner and big guy was all smiles! Whew!

Roll over... The other way

Big guy rolled over today from back to front. Not surprisingly, I was in the bathroom hanging up a towel. I had known for a while that he was going to do it b/c he is always turning on his side now. Harumph! Some day I hope to see all the rolling over in every direction.

Squirmy

Big guy is really squirmy. He is always moving when he is awake- I explain it to others as active. His legs, arms, hands, mouth, whatever are always moving around and doing stuff. He doesn't like to sit still. My mom always used to say that I was really squirmy as a baby. She hated it when I tried to lay in bed with her, as I had a penchant for kicking. Turns out the big guy got my squirminess.

Not only does he move while he is awake, he also moves while he is sleeping. Last night I put him in his crib facing one way and when I got him in the morning he had rotated 180 degrees. It was really impressive! When big guy lays next to us in bed he is always moving. Arms flail, legs kick out, and he makes the best sighs. He is a very active dude. We were visiting someone the other day who saw him beboppin' along and said, "oh dear, he isn't going to walk. He's going to run." I better enjoy the non running now!

The right side

So, the past few nights big guy has woken up with his right leg hanging out of the crib in between two slats. Sometimes he is awake, but last night, he was completely asleep. The first time it happened, was around 10:30, I went over and he was still sleeping. I pulled his leg back in and rotated him to face the other way. Another squeal around midnight. Leg hanging entirely out, but he was still sleeping. Same deal, I pulled him back in and rotated. Then the third time I heard a squeal his right foot was hanging out. I was sick of moving him and wanted to see if he would correct it himself. Plus, he was still asleep. Finally, I heard a cry around 2 and he had rotated himself 90 degrees and was wide awake. I look in the crib and he has a huge smile on his face, like he's just hanging around having a good time. I picked him up and he gave me a big grin and started gumming my face. I handed him to hubs. Around 3, I wake up and big guy is back in his crib, but hubs isn't in bed. I grab big guy and put him in bed with me. He passes out in seconds. Hubs returned to bed, a little perturbed that a baby was in his spot, but shrugged and laid back down, but only asking if I had replaced him- hehe!

When I woke up, big guy's head was in the hubs's armpit and his feet were pointing at me (to the right). This got me thinking that when big guy lays next to me, his right foot is always kicking me. and when I was pregnant with big guy, I could always feel his right foot jabbing me in the side. So, I think the big guy is right footed. If that is even a term? I wonder if that means he'll be right handed?

We are refusing to nap

Big guy went on a napping strike for several days this past week. I almost went crazy. The low point was when we were both crying, yelling, and not eating. See, I was feeding big guy when he was sleepy from the nursing strike. We were to the point that he didn't really need to eat that way anymore when I guess something changed. Whether it was our weekend visitor, the excessive heat (ugh, really beastly), or the fact that we weren't as active b/c of the heat, the big guy was in no mood to eat or sleep. Very stressful for mama bear. I actually called the Dr b/c I was really worried something was wrong. Not only was he not napping, he was crying at night and refusing to sleep. Not normal crying, but the "I'm scared" crying, with tears and coughing b/c he was so upset. Big guy spent two nights in our bed.

Happily, I think I figured out that the big guy was bored. When we do lots of fun activities outside of the house or have people come visit us, he was much better at eating and napping. Figures that the big guy would be my son, as I am the biggest homebody! But I know it's good for him to be exposed to new stuff, new people, and new experiences, so I am more than willing to go explore. Somehow simple errands become adventures. The Dr did make me feel better, she said there were any number of reasons why he was off his game. Then we chatted about starting oatmeal... stay tuned!

Wipe his cheeks

In the morning when big guy wakes up, I take him to the changing table and get him ready for the day, which includes taking off nighttime clothes, changing diaper, wiping down diaper area with a wipe or two, and putting on a pair of pants until it becomes too hot for them. The other day hubs came in with the big guy and said he would get him ready. Fabulous! Hubs asked my procedure and I told him the above. Hubs gets to the wipes part and I said, "Don't forget the cheeks!" Hubs gets a quizzical look on his face and takes the wipe and wipes big guy's face cheeks! I burst out laughing and said, "No, his butt cheeks." It was a nice way to start the day!

Raspberry breast milk

Big guy has a new thing- while he's eating, he will take a big mouthful of breast milk and blow a raspberry. Thus making, raspberry breast milk. Sounds pretty good- doesn't it?

Duck pond

Big guy and I walked to our local pond the other morning armed with sun protection and some stale italian cookies. After a quick walk, we got to the pond which was mostly filled with geese. Big guy's eyes opened very wide as the geese got closer. I guess they look cooler than ducks b/c they are big and have bold black and white colors. I started crumbling up the cookies and throwing them in the pond. This attracted lots of geese and elicited lots of honking. BIg guy loved it. At one point he tried to grab the fence, I think in an attempt to go for a swim. Then some cute ducks found a hole in the fence and came near us. It was really cute seeing big guy look at them as they waddled and honked. It is definitely one of our new favorite spots.

Playdate and ham

On Thursday, big guy and I went to BF group and got weighed- 19lbs 5oz! Like I said, he's a big guy. Big guy is always the talk of BF group. He loves being naked for all the ladies. They ooh and ahh over his size- did I mention his thighs are like turkey drumsticks with delicious rolls? It's funny b/c I never feel the need to reciprocate to another mom or baby- I know this sounds harsh, but I was never one to moon over babies even before I had a baby! This time big guy was such a ham! He was showing off his standing, sitting, raspberries, screeching/talking to the other babies. The ladies lapped it up! I even got stopped on the way out by another group of ladies about the thighs. They are delectable!

After we were finally able to go, we went home to eat and met up with hubs to meet some peeps he works with- one couple- R and C have a baby FR who is six weeks old. She was so cute and tiny. She was doing the yelpy cry that newborns do- man, it made me think that I am so glad we aren't at six weeks anymore. It was fun hanging out with adults and we went to get pizza after. Big guy was still hamming it up. Hubs remarked that he was in an awfully good mood and I said that is always how he is with people. Hubs just hadn't seen it. Surprising, b/c hubs is also a very entertaining person. Thus I am never bored. Inevitably we were having such a great time that big guy took a huge poop. And by huge, I mean it got all over me. The evening was over after that!

Hey you off to the zoo

The title of this post is in reference to an early dating email hubs wrote to me. In our eight and a half years together, we've always wanted to go to the zoo. I finally went on Wednesday and took big guy instead. Grandma Dino came with us. The weather was perfect! Sunny, eighty degrees, with a slight breeze. Only thing was we were there during prime sun beamage- I got pink, but big guy was unaffected- yay! We got there around eleven am. Grandma Dino treated- which was very nice. big guy was asleep for the first couple of birds, primates and camels, but luckily he woke up right outside the children's zoo. He saw ducks, geese, ponies, a rooster, and a cow statue. He liked the ducks the most! Next we moved on to the big cats, reptile house, small mammals( where we breastfed for the first time in public- not too bad.), then we saw flamingoes and somewhere around the bears the big guy drifted off to sleep. Grandma Dino and I saw the rhino and giraffes. We had a really great time and I think we'll become members- it pays itself off in two and a half visits per year! And I know big guy will only become more interested in all the animals! This time, besides the duck, I think he really enjoyed seeing all the people and the kids running around.

Elephant noises

Big guy came to work with me again on Monday. we were in the boss's office chatting when he attempted to put his whole hand in his mouth and blow a raspberry at the same time. The result? An elephant trumpet that boss, me, and big guy thought was pretty funny! I love those raspberries- especially when they are packed with drool. Then they are super fun. Nothing is better then getting hosed down by a baby!