tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28672718555843558112024-03-13T16:34:50.794-05:00The place where one porkchop is required.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998183171767752noreply@blogger.comBlogger343125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867271855584355811.post-924738321138597152013-06-23T13:41:00.001-05:002013-06-23T13:41:51.113-05:0012 months under my belt. And I kind of suck. <p>Today, my son is 14+ months old.  If you’re doing the math, this means I’m over two months late writing my little boy’s 1 year blog post.  In the past two months, I’ve somewhat forgotten what he was like at 1 year exactly, so I feel like this blog entry is a poser. I will do my best to remember.  At least I was on top of it enough to take photos of the day he turned 1.  <br /> <br />Here’s my lil’ man on April 3, 2013 enjoying his first real bites of cake.  Sinful cake.  Delicious cake.  One of the reasons I had kids was so I could throw birthday parties with cakes.  <br /> <br />We had a little at home family shindig with some cupcakes I picked up at the store on the way home from work. Just call me Martha Stewart. <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VPhSf_i3Mds/Ucc_rlYhqqI/AAAAAAAAxMY/XJd_9VqQhjM/s1600-h/eIMG_3842%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="eIMG_3842" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="eIMG_3842" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ArNviBGkYI0/Ucc_suRMjgI/AAAAAAAAxMg/kE2UgeQ9QX8/eIMG_3842_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="296" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-l-Y91Ojpiyw/Ucc_tgKpOUI/AAAAAAAAxMo/MKSnhmVCKyo/s1600-h/eIMG_3843%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="eIMG_3843" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="eIMG_3843" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m1kvESQBMqQ/Ucc_udPLpxI/AAAAAAAAxMw/azStyMRsI18/eIMG_3843_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XjbK77QAcHE/Ucc_vs6rSPI/AAAAAAAAxM4/nyp-Sc3fMYw/s1600-h/eIMG_3849%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="eIMG_3849" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="eIMG_3849" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-05RQ5htgP18/Ucc_wvWroNI/AAAAAAAAxNA/ZnQjRSxaGZc/eIMG_3849_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a> <br />I believe he was thinking, “What have I gotten myself into here?!” <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--w6t0NWrQ14/Ucc_xh3rN_I/AAAAAAAAxNI/414hm3NDmPQ/s1600-h/eIMG_3851%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="eIMG_3851" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="eIMG_3851" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qqwTfNRyuPE/Ucc_ygD4paI/AAAAAAAAxNQ/mt2KbBCJkBs/eIMG_3851_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WuuZ1rcxi3A/Ucc_zy6897I/AAAAAAAAxNY/HmuDAW_A2Dw/s1600-h/eIMG_3852%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="eIMG_3852" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="eIMG_3852" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VI5imykQEmc/Ucc_0mqt1TI/AAAAAAAAxNg/mA7nkamwwnI/eIMG_3852_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ypnIJDT0pH8/Ucc_16VRkJI/AAAAAAAAxNo/887UJmTzBwo/s1600-h/eIMG_3854%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="eIMG_3854" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="eIMG_3854" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8pfg3_BB-Zg/Ucc_2mnxQsI/AAAAAAAAxNw/cWqN0x4tk04/eIMG_3854_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--kJzu-TEDfY/Ucc_31422PI/AAAAAAAAxN4/zf4_J9BQyio/s1600-h/eIMG_3860%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="eIMG_3860" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="eIMG_3860" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TUzz7cP4kW4/Ucc_4hQittI/AAAAAAAAxOA/MkWOHfu15rY/eIMG_3860_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a> <br />I stupidly put on his 12 month tie in these photos, so they were all stained with delicious icing for his actual 1 year photos.  <br /> <br />One thing I’ve learned over the past few months is that it gets progressively harder to take photos of wiggly kids.  I use props to hold his attention – things like hair brushes… <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-62DGqrbzcoU/Ucc_6eUJlUI/AAAAAAAAxOI/aCjaD_gOtao/s1600-h/eIMG_3893%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="eIMG_3893" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="eIMG_3893" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nO2unR0UTSE/Ucc_7cPwKdI/AAAAAAAAxOQ/HXgq0WCSG0A/eIMG_3893_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="350" /></a> <br /></p> <p>legos… <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pQVHjlKkajU/Ucc_9JJaBQI/AAAAAAAAxOY/Yr8NHNyuA_U/s1600-h/eIMG_3895%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="eIMG_3895" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="eIMG_3895" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6-QMoHNdEsY/Ucc_-EvQ1NI/AAAAAAAAxOg/wGfgCCw3bvE/eIMG_3895_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="307" /></a> <br />which he promptly threw at me… <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-A16xRPKBgCQ/Ucc__-imVEI/AAAAAAAAxOo/YcWoJZb3RGM/s1600-h/eIMG_3903%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="eIMG_3903" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="eIMG_3903" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9KbgaVcPHxo/UcdAA2k0n-I/AAAAAAAAxOw/Vbvif_Y6tEY/eIMG_3903_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="345" /></a> <br />and laughed and clapped about it… <br /><img title="eIMG_3902" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="eIMG_3902" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XVmAKouZMiA/UcdABo4tV_I/AAAAAAAAxO4/YoOPGiDFx4A/eIMG_3902_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZgAYLAQuCQI/UcdADaw_N0I/AAAAAAAAxPA/MF5w2ht0nyE/s1600-h/eIMG_3907%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="eIMG_3907" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="eIMG_3907" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Z6Lhu7rjjas/UcdAEWvXjXI/AAAAAAAAxPI/fSUdpIo7Igc/eIMG_3907_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="329" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0zpzlzJU_q0/UcdAGDuDZ3I/AAAAAAAAxPQ/Ld7gvSmYDS4/s1600-h/eIMG_3916%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="eIMG_3916" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="eIMG_3916" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rHOkXC7uprM/UcdAHG71g-I/AAAAAAAAxPY/77Rs8fJFAVU/eIMG_3916_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="329" /></a></p> <br /> <br />Yeah, no. <br /><img title="eIMG_3912" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="eIMG_3912" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RIXQWpBgZj8/UcdAH_4N-yI/AAAAAAAAxPg/SnOzkTTo6p4/eIMG_3912_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /> <br /> <br />Watch JoJo grow (click to expand): <br /><a href="http://www.natalie102503.com/12months.jpg"><img title="12monthcomparison" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="12monthcomparison" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Crm973i7dTc/UcdAJMhMV3I/AAAAAAAAxPo/WizjKseb1_g/12monthcomparison%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="450" /></a> <br /> <br />His birthday party, while chaotic, was pretty darn good.  We decided to do a joint birthday party with him and my niece Jocelyn since they’re only two weeks apart and are essentially twins.  Adorable little twins! <br /> <br />We went with a circus theme which, believe it or not, I had a hard time finding an invitation that would include a boy and a girl, so I just made my own.  I love the way they turned out! <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tqSBP-lLeVw/UcdALx5XaNI/AAAAAAAAxPw/agoVWm22xxI/s1600-h/fbinvite%25255B4%25255D.png"><img title="fbinvite" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="fbinvite" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hlGrS8v82yw/UcdAN9SbXHI/AAAAAAAAxP4/4OYI2dY2OYs/fbinvite_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="435" height="622" /></a> <br />The party was held at a gymnastics club where I used to work.  The kids had an absolute blast.  More children showed up than I thought would show, so it was a super crazy day with a packed party room.  Whew!  Regardless of the lack of space, the kids all had a wonderful time, and I think the parents who came also had a great time.  I mean, there were cupcakes and 7-layer dip – how can you have a bad time with that?! <br /> <br />These were seriously the best cupcakes I’ve ever had!  We got 3 dozen cupcakes, and two smash cakes from Wal-Mart for $25.  Yep.  <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-85g8rCwgtrY/UcdAQCRKs3I/AAAAAAAAxQA/efHBifDgVc4/s1600-h/IMG_3951%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3951" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3951" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RHXKKXk2dzk/UcdARECGvWI/AAAAAAAAxQI/QAvg_iyuSRk/IMG_3951_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BWrK4MTMT4I/UcdASIG4TtI/AAAAAAAAxQQ/bORsikGhjuo/s1600-h/IMG_3952%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3952" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3952" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AwzXBEFf6CU/UcdATBtHKYI/AAAAAAAAxQY/PeDvPOYnx-c/IMG_3952_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jHj84mesBOU/UcdAUx9zCHI/AAAAAAAAxQg/68hA10L32lw/s1600-h/IMG_3954%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3954" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3954" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-f_ssp9ACWOg/UcdAVnKcZpI/AAAAAAAAxQo/r2Q_snZXsiY/IMG_3954_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NMzQNY8-MFo/UcdAW7kL0JI/AAAAAAAAxQw/tJqx4OmU9Yk/s1600-h/IMG_3958%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3958" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3958" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gtVfY4CQ_4c/UcdAX2R48PI/AAAAAAAAxQ4/Vmhk_O4WwbE/IMG_3958_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a>Choosing a matching bow for the birthday girl. <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Vlf_a9XBFVE/UcdAY6GxA6I/AAAAAAAAxRA/dcvcpigpUmY/s1600-h/IMG_3974%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3974" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3974" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-S8CGnwgCOm0/UcdAZt4FwBI/AAAAAAAAxRI/PDnAmdiN3d4/IMG_3974_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hkEQojn5Tmk/UcdAar2yePI/AAAAAAAAxRQ/ajvzt0N8N3c/s1600-h/IMG_3977%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3977" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3977" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EcCIES0d_VM/UcdAbUD_zSI/AAAAAAAAxRY/zS4k0oTCxFI/IMG_3977_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--aExMxvUgLM/UcdAcjssfiI/AAAAAAAAxRg/YKey_1p40Y0/s1600-h/IMG_3981%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3981" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3981" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7TH1MAkM8E0/UcdAdchpM6I/AAAAAAAAxRo/Pfy5b7aPli4/IMG_3981_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SfEJTRrKFvM/UcdAeqArehI/AAAAAAAAxRw/a-CbrxXFE9M/s1600-h/IMG_3985%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3985" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3985" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-u-QiyuTo2sQ/UcdAfZHks0I/AAAAAAAAxR4/giIHfZmAQZY/IMG_3985_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eFh3yBTuSP8/UcdAgkIBEXI/AAAAAAAAxSA/opibGVscoPQ/s1600-h/eIMG_4011%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="eIMG_4011" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="eIMG_4011" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--nj5Wr3y8ps/UcdAhYs28kI/AAAAAAAAxSI/1uahlgCROMY/eIMG_4011_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="314" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6UVUHYWIA08/UcdAiYQUEcI/AAAAAAAAxSQ/W3LEfny5kQU/s1600-h/IMG_4003%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4003" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4003" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CK7sZU3hOgE/UcdAjOP44rI/AAAAAAAAxSY/L5fLsrsKt8c/IMG_4003_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kyYSygYXdIo/UcdAkDvhuyI/AAAAAAAAxSg/HDtNKoXYMlY/s1600-h/IMG_4004%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4004" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4004" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rD8OTBbUL6s/UcdAkjpAAUI/AAAAAAAAxSo/lpLjAXOQHQM/IMG_4004_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WgYuUZxDQ-c/UcdAl1rGoeI/AAAAAAAAxSw/o7dHQW-jjtM/s1600-h/IMG_4014%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4014" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4014" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-04_Td6hWFU8/UcdAmfQ7hUI/AAAAAAAAxS4/5_02vx-GQn4/IMG_4014_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xr-C5Q2ChQc/UcdAnmav9MI/AAAAAAAAxTA/QaIHEqz4rLw/s1600-h/IMG_4015%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4015" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4015" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bJnp9rbz3RA/UcdAoRFErcI/AAAAAAAAxTI/VzXvyP8B_wI/IMG_4015_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ac5Jt8sXCOo/UcdApcCXaQI/AAAAAAAAxTQ/Sg24zcIwWwA/s1600-h/IMG_4017%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4017" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4017" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8Vge75htv-w/UcdAqHs_6II/AAAAAAAAxTY/zzLegIyEE-Q/IMG_4017_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lG9Wd3czlrk/UcdArCO1ooI/AAAAAAAAxTg/K7OYJKt-ofc/s1600-h/IMG_4030%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4030" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4030" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hB0PE_CcZ8w/UcdAsI4IkwI/AAAAAAAAxTo/64yR5uiaQ5I/IMG_4030_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3dgeV9eQ2Ww/UcdAtGnhD8I/AAAAAAAAxTw/Fv5HymgwIE8/s1600-h/IMG_4036%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4036" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4036" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4ZA33TMLphE/UcdAtyArV_I/AAAAAAAAxT4/VzKHvYwoetE/IMG_4036_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1-XNqrpOyyA/UcdAvKyYEeI/AAAAAAAAxUA/bttaAPoQ7z8/s1600-h/IMG_4044%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4044" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4044" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SOIrwbJss9c/UcdAwJpzv6I/AAAAAAAAxUI/nyI-dQR7r84/IMG_4044_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-95B3S3ymsoc/UcdAxNputMI/AAAAAAAAxUQ/39C_4kyB2KY/s1600-h/IMG_4055%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4055" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4055" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7_18xjudygM/UcdAx5ati6I/AAAAAAAAxUY/xf4bHbWqSoM/IMG_4055_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KIMs4FYEMss/UcdAzN61XYI/AAAAAAAAxUg/USdFB-oPyl0/s1600-h/IMG_4058%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4058" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4058" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-o_rfVV_EwEE/UcdAz5s4RSI/AAAAAAAAxUo/qytL6ALlxkE/IMG_4058_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-znGANWSBlOw/UcdA1Nu-rXI/AAAAAAAAxUw/HBp9Bcz1GR0/s1600-h/IMG_4066%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4066" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4066" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6NHTwn7PTUI/UcdA2czOLMI/AAAAAAAAxU4/hG3ZsZ-0cyE/IMG_4066_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a>JoJo was not a fan of wearing a hat.  Poor Zack was not a fan of crying JoJo. <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Obs1UjltobY/UcdA3n9Zg3I/AAAAAAAAxVA/9HPsMeZCjOw/s1600-h/IMG_4073%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4073" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4073" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RFdz9dm84xk/UcdA4WZWX3I/AAAAAAAAxVI/cmK7sPTYSk0/IMG_4073_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lcHtuDCcpdY/UcdA5qoTNtI/AAAAAAAAxVQ/L4qnVlsyeIo/s1600-h/IMG_4079%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4079" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4079" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KLGCikc1Qjs/UcdA6rNAFVI/AAAAAAAAxVY/fS0b7t_Ifyk/IMG_4079_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yu5Hzv7CsZ4/UcdA7mNWuWI/AAAAAAAAxVg/_llJlMn740s/s1600-h/IMG_4084%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4084" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4084" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-T8Rybc7l2Vw/UcdA8XdCr6I/AAAAAAAAxVo/P-YwNEC4iwA/IMG_4084_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aOaME3MKIgQ/UcdA9WzIK4I/AAAAAAAAxVw/BSr6by_0OJM/s1600-h/IMG_4089%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4089" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4089" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SLZuCuT9P-E/UcdA-GbM1FI/AAAAAAAAxV4/3nCX5Bbpiyk/IMG_4089_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a>Joss decided to cry when JoJo finally stopped. <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-X1Vf0qG5C5w/UcdA_Ojom6I/AAAAAAAAxWA/j8K5nlrNf1w/s1600-h/IMG_4090%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4090" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4090" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--J1s2l95oTw/UcdBAP-_KZI/AAAAAAAAxWI/Zq_R7Mdlu5Q/IMG_4090_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pxFrEvIUzOE/UcdBBAG_SGI/AAAAAAAAxWQ/Sx6-vN-Uzps/s1600-h/IMG_4094%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4094" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4094" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8d0u_lDakjk/UcdBByhnBRI/AAAAAAAAxWY/1FHutlneYgI/IMG_4094_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a>He ate his cake with some fava beans and a nice chianti. <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0AbjEjObUoI/UcdBDnG9C-I/AAAAAAAAxWg/wI6W4pnAguY/s1600-h/IMG_4096%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4096" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4096" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-T0xacGE2OJs/UcdBEao5QKI/AAAAAAAAxWo/uIegF-2MHUI/IMG_4096_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a> <br /> <br />Anna got the joy of opening up the gifts once we got home.  The party was too short for us to do it there.  He got a lot of wonderful toys and clothes. <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VJqrfICuiKE/UcdBF2DYyGI/AAAAAAAAxWw/HNWwpND0nxw/s1600-h/IMG_4104%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4104" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4104" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZgSwfPWd7GU/UcdBGgcs00I/AAAAAAAAxW4/BKKdREP77B8/IMG_4104_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a> <br /> <br />Here are his stats: <br /> <br /><strong>Temperament: <br /></strong>Jojo is happy and content about 80% of the day.  The other 20% of the day, he’s insane.  Or, I guess I should say, he’s all boy.  He’s very strong-willed and impatient, and since he’s been in daycare around the older kids, if he doesn’t get what he wants when he wants it, he’s starting to resort to hitting and biting.  I’m nipping this in the bud right away.  Speaking of biting, we’ve been having issues with other kids picking on him in class.  He was coming home with at least two bites/week.  This has gotten better over the past few weeks, but it’s definitely hard as a mom to know that your kid is being picked on – especially when he’s such a sweet little guy.  <br /> <br /><strong>Feeding: <br /></strong>I find that Joe’s feeding habits depend on how many teeth are trying to pop out.  I find that prior to a new tooth emerging, he’s a ravenous beast.  Once a tooth pops, he’s not as hungry.  He eats most of what I put in front of him – his favorite food being eggs.  I love eggs because I can grind up spinach, turkey, beans, even broccoli, in a processor and blend them in with the eggs.  He’s none the wiser.  He gobbles them up and has no idea that he’s getting an entire meal in a small serving.  Add some fruit on the side, and voila, every service of what he needs in one simple meal.  Since we’ve had some issues with him having low iron, I try to give him as much spinach as possible, and I’ve also started giving him toddler formula enriched with iron in between his milk servings.  <br /> <br /><strong>Sleeping:</strong> <p> <br />Since I <a href="http://oneporkchop.blogspot.com/2013/01/9-months-under-my-belt.html">sleep-trained</a> him, most nights are pretty great.  He usually only wakes once or twice, if that, and he can generally put himself back to sleep.  There are a few random nights where it’s a bit rough, but he’s pretty much a full-night sleeper.  He does tend to wake up early 7 days/week (around 6:30), but I can sometimes give him a bottle (shame), and he’ll conk out for another hour or two.  This keeps me sane on the weekends ‘cause ain’t nobody got time for waking up at 6:30 a.m. on a Saturday.  I’ve also made the decision to NEVER EVER NEVER EVER let him sleep in our bed.  This is solely because I’m regretting all of that time that Anna slept in our bed since she now thinks she’s a permanent bed-buddy.  I’ve tried many tricks to try to get her to sleep on her own – nothing has worked.  I’m open to suggestions if you have any.  I just want to be back in my bed with my husband without a hot, sweaty kid in between kicking me all night long. <br /> <br /><strong>Milestones: <br /></strong>JoJo was not really walking at 1 year.  He’d taken a few steps at that point, but he didn’t start truly walking until he was about 13 months.  Now he’s ALL over the place and is nearly running.  He will still drop and crawl for a second when he loses his balance, but then he’s right back up making a dash for it.  <br /> <br />Words: <br />Mama <br />Dada <br />Nana (for Anna) <br />Uh oh <br />No (he likes saying this and shaking his head) <br />Ca for cat <br /> <br />He hasn’t really said anything else since my last update on here.  I guess his focus at this point is on gross motor.  <br /> <br /><strong>Health: <br /></strong>His allergy tests from the <a href="http://oneporkchop.blogspot.com/2013/03/11-months-under-my-belt.html">last visit</a> were inconclusive and basically said he had no known allergies.  That didn’t really explain why he had the nummular eczema.  That cleared up fairly quickly and re-emerges from time to time.  He has a few patches right now, mainly in areas where he sweats (like the crease of his arm near his elbow).    <br /> <br />He had more blood work done at another visit, and that came back showing his iron levels were pretty low.  So, we started giving him that disgusting iron supplement and feeding him more foods with iron and supplementing with fortified toddler formula.  I need to bring him back for another draw to make sure his levels are where they need to be.    <br /> <br />Here are his 1 year stats: <br /><strong>Weight: 19 lbs. 2 oz. (5th percentile) <br />Height: 2 ft. 6 in. (50th percentile) <br />Head: 18” (25th percentile) <br /> <br />Size: <br /></strong>He’s wearing 12 – 18 months clothes; size 4 shoes; size 3 and 4 diapers. <br /> <br /><strong>Siblings: <br /></strong>Anna has really started taking an active role with her brother.  She can change his diapers, pick him up and carry him, and she helps me make sure he’s safe.  She scours the floors to make sure there are no choking hazards since he puts everything in his mouth, and she’s just a really great big sister.  He’s very lucky!  She still has a lot of jealousy towards him, but that’s to be expected.  She is definitely possessive of me and will get upset when I show him a lot of attention.  Hopefully that won’t last forever.  Or maybe it will.  Yikes! <br /> <br /><strong>Some lagniappe photos from April 2013: <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0DJmRSpCt7w/UcdBIQ3bb_I/AAAAAAAAxXA/Suw4HJ3SxZY/s1600-h/eIMG_3863%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="eIMG_3863" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="eIMG_3863" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xUN762wOfvc/UcdBJU50SFI/AAAAAAAAxXI/D5IQ1k4wVoM/eIMG_3863_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gzIqA-CKuIw/UcdBLHzOf3I/AAAAAAAAxXQ/JoF6_dMefYU/s1600-h/eIMG_3864%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="eIMG_3864" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="eIMG_3864" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aqnqDnV8Cto/UcdBMC34lrI/AAAAAAAAxXY/pokwDAaOg2M/eIMG_3864_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iaEXF3opypo/UcdBNYOQ-PI/AAAAAAAAxXg/tn147yaTSFg/s1600-h/eIMG_3865%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="eIMG_3865" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="eIMG_3865" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IACZZIsOLzg/UcdBOebQwHI/AAAAAAAAxXo/DbIFJD61yUU/eIMG_3865_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WB57qMkIQl8/UcdBPI5YJ1I/AAAAAAAAxXw/K-mPi_TevhA/s1600-h/eIMG_3867%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="eIMG_3867" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="eIMG_3867" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Xe9cwIivA18/UcdBQGNeHBI/AAAAAAAAxX4/Y9B3SpEv3iE/eIMG_3867_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NzvKISrxN3U/UcdBQ0Pu-yI/AAAAAAAAxYA/XGwnrKfYyKg/s1600-h/eIMG_3868%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="eIMG_3868" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="eIMG_3868" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ns0NKiO868Y/UcdBR0V3x9I/AAAAAAAAxYI/3hkAKWg1yP4/eIMG_3868_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="412" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lZ0A7Gwk-14/UcdBTa0t-JI/AAAAAAAAxYQ/gWq-1oT-v40/s1600-h/eIMG_3871%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="eIMG_3871" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="eIMG_3871" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rAGYClVggj0/UcdBUSc3HEI/AAAAAAAAxYY/c4cKJ8Abyx4/eIMG_3871_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="316" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IGWWyiStq9w/UcdBVm0gugI/AAAAAAAAxYg/A0ndJ1GJOVk/s1600-h/eIMG_3873%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="eIMG_3873" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="eIMG_3873" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sCk9RrZ2bR0/UcdBW2MmA4I/AAAAAAAAxYo/UsCe8PJUSCc/eIMG_3873_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="654" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SK4CgjU9-H4/UcdBYQCogkI/AAAAAAAAxYw/h10dqu_EZs4/s1600-h/eIMG_3883%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="eIMG_3883" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="eIMG_3883" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ba0CpdLwS6Y/UcdBZGlOEaI/AAAAAAAAxY4/byfK254F2HE/eIMG_3883_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="258" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JCCjXKavHLg/UcdBaf7HKoI/AAAAAAAAxZA/uoDIHe33mpU/s1600-h/eIMG_3888%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="eIMG_3888" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="eIMG_3888" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-K6rRfLAR8Gc/UcdBbWocldI/AAAAAAAAxZI/sppefj5hbWI/eIMG_3888_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="293" /></a></strong></p> <img src="http://www.natalie102503.com/nataliesig.jpg" /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998183171767752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867271855584355811.post-10310097946642289402013-04-14T18:37:00.001-05:002013-04-14T18:37:14.062-05:00Happy Easter.<p>Yep, it’s weeks after the fact, but here I am posting about Easter.  This year’s Easter crept up on us very quickly, so I lovingly hit the Target $1 bins on my way home from work the day before.  I have to keep my mom-fail street cred and wait ‘til the last minute for everything. <br /> <br />Anyway, regardless of my tardiness, we decided to have Easter one day early since I’d planned on heading to my mom’s that weekend and would be knee-deep in organizing my old bedroom into a kid-friendly play room.  My mom’s house is slowly looking like an episode of Hoarders with all of the kids’ toys cluttering up every nook and cranny.  So, that’s how I spent my actual Easter Sunday – re-organizing a bedroom.  <br /> <br />I spent my Saturday morning before Easter watching my kids enjoy the little gifts that the Easter bunny brought them.  Even though it was a day early, they didn’t know, and they certainly didn’t care.  Once Anna saw her basket, everything else melted away.  I’m also proud to say that not a single candy bar or chocolate bunny made it into this year’s basket.  Actually, I’m not proud to say that, I’m sad to say that.  I didn’t get to finish off their candy this year! <br /> <br />Here are some pics of the basket unveiling: <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gj7LT80Y5E0/UWs8HFtXwHI/AAAAAAAAwVE/ngx_1jL7orU/s1600-h/eIMG_3806%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3806" border="0" alt="eIMG_3806" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MeCxV9_I0kQ/UWs8KF0yfXI/AAAAAAAAwVQ/Y0U--t8um18/eIMG_3806_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="296" /></a> <br />Anna obviously approves. <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_hFT43HMsdY/UWs8Ow1ZPaI/AAAAAAAAwVc/EbBNwgrmles/s1600-h/eIMG_3807%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3807" border="0" alt="eIMG_3807" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GoJc_bvpahw/UWs8UlHpRzI/AAAAAAAAwVk/MRUzxhc0iWE/eIMG_3807_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="294" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RqGkN_SRiQE/UWs8csnUzsI/AAAAAAAAwVs/D318WSEt4-s/s1600-h/eIMG_3810%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3810" border="0" alt="eIMG_3810" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PO5H0614xF4/UWs8h4gGkSI/AAAAAAAAwV4/YHAW2fl_m2g/eIMG_3810_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="294" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-B8kugsSLUVI/UWs8jCM_lxI/AAAAAAAAwWE/cMalymI22QA/s1600-h/eIMG_3814%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3814" border="0" alt="eIMG_3814" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zL_Mj95V0GM/UWs8oRR6p7I/AAAAAAAAwWM/NSuDSbqN-yI/eIMG_3814_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="294" /></a>These puffs are serious business, yo. <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mbA62flzyGM/UWs8usSnCrI/AAAAAAAAwWU/m6V_6SUPxvY/s1600-h/eIMG_3815%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3815" border="0" alt="eIMG_3815" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rFuD8wOCbM4/UWs8zyuNdPI/AAAAAAAAwWc/t0YCxG0RSOE/eIMG_3815_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="294" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--Emk630haZI/UWs84xvNx_I/AAAAAAAAwWk/Thcnl7EIPto/s1600-h/eIMG_3816%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3816" border="0" alt="eIMG_3816" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RcOzVxkf8Qg/UWs8-PW82II/AAAAAAAAwWs/roy9q73-5vg/eIMG_3816_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="294" /></a>The kid has to taste EVERYTHING.  Even chairs. <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TawQrES88y4/UWs9Def67iI/AAAAAAAAwW0/SBjpCFS_D7A/s1600-h/eIMG_3818%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3818" border="0" alt="eIMG_3818" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tpFazf-iNCg/UWs9Kd2sjzI/AAAAAAAAwW8/3vLKLRAG2q8/eIMG_3818_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="294" /></a>The king of side-eyes.  Just like his sister. <br /> <br /><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CYh_kzINntg/Sj5dhoiAXlI/AAAAAAAAAbo/4vt6o7VlIc4/IMG_5921_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" /> <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DX2ouLM2rQ4/UWs9L7PQGLI/AAAAAAAAwXM/cPWGgv-cfpE/s1600-h/eIMG_3824%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3824" border="0" alt="eIMG_3824" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dlJh386afK4/UWs9NQhY9oI/AAAAAAAAwXU/z0FoPj4F9no/eIMG_3824_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="294" /></a>As expected, he cared more about his sister’s loot than his own.  I guess outlet plugs and puffs just aren’t cool anymore. <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OVu3uHqFCeY/UWs9VLb5a8I/AAAAAAAAwXc/Iz1zMwc_pAM/s1600-h/eIMG_3827%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3827" border="0" alt="eIMG_3827" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wFFvEWj8oK0/UWs9cFCZgFI/AAAAAAAAwXk/H_FmWyWX8MI/eIMG_3827_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="294" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZjIVaXemSkU/UWs9jS8h4sI/AAAAAAAAwXs/DSa_yYhfjD0/s1600-h/eIMG_3829%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3829" border="0" alt="eIMG_3829" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XPWCNAyhmGo/UWs9pdl-t-I/AAAAAAAAwX0/eZvZKnN5zxQ/eIMG_3829_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="294" /></a> <br /></p> <p> <br />I hope you and yours had a fabulous Easter with lots of egg dyeing and BBQ! <br /> <br /></p> <img src="http://www.natalie102503.com/nataliesig.jpg" /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998183171767752noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867271855584355811.post-32576389825915103032013-03-15T19:50:00.001-05:002013-03-15T19:50:25.693-05:0011 months under my belt.<p>As I quickly approach the one year mark with Joseph/Joe/JoJo (I still have no idea what I’m going to call the kid), I honestly can’t believe how quickly the year has flown.  I know I keep saying that, but it seriously blows my mind, man.  I mean, one minute <a href="http://oneporkchop.blogspot.com/2012/04/stork-paid-us-little-visit.html">I’m in the hospital having my baby</a>, the next minute I’m freaking the heck out because his one year birthday is right around the corner, and I’ve done nothing – NOTHING – to prepare.  And I’m not just saying that.  I’ve really done nothing.  Who wants to help me put together a party.  I will pay you.  <br /> <br />…with beer. <br /> <br />God, help me.  <br /> <br />First, pictures.  Now that I have a new camera battery charger, I didn’t have to use my phone to take crappy shots.  I could use my nice camera to take crappy shots.  Photographer I am not. <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-e-MvxQ7cU-Q/UUPBIbrOUeI/AAAAAAAAwKs/EZHYumopaA8/s1600-h/eIMG_3775%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3775" border="0" alt="eIMG_3775" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZtJX0dHXBY8/UUPBJpMqbQI/AAAAAAAAwK0/EK1jX6x_66A/eIMG_3775_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="330" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1Y0_30QtSCA/UUPBL4gBWxI/AAAAAAAAwK8/-yEHhYC19uE/s1600-h/eIMG_3793%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3793" border="0" alt="eIMG_3793" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EWyCR0RLlRM/UUPBNFxwiPI/AAAAAAAAwLE/a8ZmH3wtrLM/eIMG_3793_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="331" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1zmD80Hl0SM/UUPBPD1Qo2I/AAAAAAAAwLM/wMmkhoxP6CU/s1600-h/eIMG_3797%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3797" border="0" alt="eIMG_3797" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XSdgnIiWmy8/UUPBQWjnvqI/AAAAAAAAwLU/gtJMpECaWV8/eIMG_3797_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="438" height="339" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BCBy57aFj5M/UUPBSZCASMI/AAAAAAAAwLc/bc0mEm3WqGk/s1600-h/eIMG_3803%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3803" border="0" alt="eIMG_3803" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eKR3VmAiIts/UUPBTWjS-YI/AAAAAAAAwLk/T8864YaRc6E/eIMG_3803_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="337" /></a> <br />If you’ll notice, the photos that are blog-worthy are fewer and fewer each month.  That’s because this kid refuses to sit still for longer than 20 seconds.  As you can tell in the last shot, he’s already totally over it and ready to move on in life.  Photos with Anna?  Heck no.  He’s not havin’ it.  Oh well, I tried. <br /> <br />The majority of his photos look like this: <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-abgHyV7VziU/UUPBVO9U0xI/AAAAAAAAwLs/TVkxa52Cqyk/s1600-h/IMG_3804%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3804" border="0" alt="IMG_3804" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-270CpeZswvQ/UUPBWdoh-zI/AAAAAAAAwL0/3ElByIb2P24/IMG_3804_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="443" height="299" /></a>  <br />Here’s a monthly comparison (click to see it enlarged): <br /><a title="Click to enlarge" href="http://natalie102503.com/11monthcomparison.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="11monthcomparison" border="0" alt="11monthcomparison" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1qLq_msNCZw/UUPBXoF89AI/AAAAAAAAwL8/FTLBF2uFEr4/11monthcomparison%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="442" height="457" /></a>  <br /><strong>Temperament</strong>: <br /></p> <p>Impatient is the word of the month.  Joe wants what he wants when he wants it, and if he doesn’t get it, your ear drums will pay dearly.  He’s still a very sweet little boy, and he still gets lots of compliments from daycare and other people who watch him, but Lord have mercy the kid has melt-downs of epic proportions if he doesn’t get what he wants (usually food, sometimes attention).  I think he’s really coming into his own these days and understanding his wants and needs.  And while I welcome this assertiveness as I know it means he’s blossoming into a toddler, I do have to say that I admit the more passive days of old.  <br /> <br /><strong>Feeding: <br /></strong>Bottomless pit = Joe (my husband and my son).  There are no foods that he turns away from at this point.  Green beans?  Yes.  Peas?  Yum.  Squash, carrots, chicken and rice?  Heck yes!  He’s not quite eating table food yet although I do think he’s ready.  I’ve been giving him yogurt melts and puffs, and he’s mastered the fine art of eating those, so I do think he’s ready to move on to more substantial foods now.  I do have some concerns about his lack of weight gain and small size (more on that later) considering he eats so much yet never gets any bigger.  <br /> <br />Per his pediatrician’s recommendation, today I started mixing his formula with whole milk.  I’m hoping that 1) he will tolerate it well and 2) it will help him put some much needed chub on those bones. <br /> <br /><strong>Sleeping: <br /></strong>Sleeping goes well most nights. After the <a href="http://oneporkchop.blogspot.com/2013/01/9-months-under-my-belt.html">sleep training technique</a> was used, he manages to stay asleep most nights all through the night.  If he wakes up and cries, I just let him cry it out for a few minutes, and he usually puts himself back to sleep.  I try to not give him a bottle in the middle of the night, but there have been a few nights here and there where he refuses to fall back asleep, and to save my sanity, I give in and give him a bottle.  We do what we have to do in the midst of sleep deprivation. <br /> <br /><strong>Milestones</strong>: <br />He’s still not walking yet, but he’s standing for longer periods of time on his own.  He will let me lead him around, and he will move his feet to walk, so I know it’s only a matter of time.  <br /> <br />He’s had a bit of a verbal explosion over the past month, so I’m wondering if he’s going to be a verbal child.  Here’s what he can say so far (and attribute it correctly): <br />- Mama <br />- Dada <br />- Ann (for Anna) <br />- Ca (for cat) <br />- Baba (bottle) <br />- Uh (for uh oh) <br /> <br />He understands certain phrases like “go ni-night” or “look at the birds” (and I point to his <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GiU8BgoIwxk/T2Dcjlgcb_I/AAAAAAAAonI/zr10oN9uBGM/eIMG_7813_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800">mobile</a>) or “did you go poo poo?” – I say that one a lot.  <br /> <br /><strong>Health</strong>: <br />There’s always drama on this front.  It seems like my poor boy is always sick with something.  This month?  Skin lesions. Or the correct medical term is <a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000870.htm">nummular eczema</a>.  After the first lesion popped out, I was convinced he had ring-worm.  Once the lesions started popping up in different areas, I knew we were dealing with something entirely different, so I took him in to the pediatrician for a look-see.  So, he has skin allergies to something – food, environment, stress, who knows?  Needle, meet haystack.  After a horrific blood draw at the doctor, hopefully we will have some answers.  They’re going to run an allergy panel on him, check to see if he has gluten allergies or whatever else may cause the eczema.  Good times. <br /> <br />For now, I have to put some cream on the lesions twice/day, use fragrance free detergents, don’t try anything new food-wise, and hope and pray to baby Jesus that the environmental allergens aren’t coming from my precious cats.  That was the pediatrician’s first question – do you have any cats?  She also said that based on his swollen eyes that it’s probably for sure an allergy.  We just have to figure out from what.  <br /> <br />I was also concerned about Joe’s small size, so I brought it up.  When they weighed him there, he’d only gained 1 ounce since his NINE MONTH visit.  ONE OUNCE!  Granted, he’s had some really awful stomach viruses (Oh yeah, I haven’t mentioned that yet), so she said that could be a set-back for him, but he’s in the 5th percentile with weight now, and it’s definitely worrisome.  Hopefully the tests will come back with something conclusive.  I don’t know.  We shall see. <br /> <br /><strong>Size</strong>: <br />As mentioned above, my kid is small.  He’s much smaller that most of the infants in his class.  And now that it’s confirmed he’s in the 5th percentile for weight, I don’t imagine he’ll be growing out of his 9 months – 12 months clothes anytime soon.  Still in size 3 diapers.  Size 3 – 4 shoes.  <br /> <br /><strong>Activities</strong>: <br />My mom and sister came over a few weekends ago and brought the kiddos with them.  It’s always totally crazy and chaotic in my house with four kids, but we have such a great time.  Anna and my nephew Jackson had a picnic in the back yard.  Please excuse the powder puff outfit Jackson had on.  He obviously dressed himself.  Future blackmail photos?! <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-N7qcsDBgESk/UUPBZpF6SGI/AAAAAAAAwME/GpB345LQy_o/s1600-h/IMG_3752%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3752" border="0" alt="IMG_3752" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_4CjIukxo5s/UUPBa6B6eXI/AAAAAAAAwMM/b1vEzI5jwcE/IMG_3752_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="438" height="296" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SMXeNdGOGX8/UUPBcywIVaI/AAAAAAAAwMU/vfABisILqN4/s1600-h/IMG_3754%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3754" border="0" alt="IMG_3754" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-G8AdTjnhb5o/UUPBeBLn9CI/AAAAAAAAwMc/j1bPKP5mh0A/IMG_3754_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="438" height="296" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-E-ixz69bwGo/UUPBfdITbUI/AAAAAAAAwMk/pG68DdDyMGo/s1600-h/IMG_3756%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3756" border="0" alt="IMG_3756" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RNjWokMsUSM/UUPBgVR2Z_I/AAAAAAAAwMs/AVdsa9uO-aI/IMG_3756_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="295" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FsYwB8zXt7A/UUPBitlQGFI/AAAAAAAAwM0/NFdr_A3aBoo/s1600-h/IMG_3758%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3758" border="0" alt="IMG_3758" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LymsuQYD96g/UUPBj0GWa2I/AAAAAAAAwM8/U5l9RKB68qA/IMG_3758_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="295" /></a>  <br />And of course the “twins” (Joe and my niece Jocelyn) were having crib wars.  <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1jcFokaSY_w/UUPBlcNjxMI/AAAAAAAAwNE/QAhVQV6D9r4/s1600-h/eIMG_3760%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3760" border="0" alt="eIMG_3760" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UfjM1zVkjjo/UUPBmmpF7fI/AAAAAAAAwNM/i7s1v5ajKPk/eIMG_3760_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="433" height="292" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qlAjsCi5E-A/UUPBoGXgzXI/AAAAAAAAwNU/sUja9G_vEJ0/s1600-h/eIMG_3763%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3763" border="0" alt="eIMG_3763" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9Rt6BgZEX1k/UUPBp43NRdI/AAAAAAAAwNc/0FlS8_SyJzo/eIMG_3763_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="294" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--3jQjL2boQY/UUPBr8dMLAI/AAAAAAAAwNk/S18_HbUfAH8/s1600-h/eIMG_3764%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3764" border="0" alt="eIMG_3764" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--jhM2wU0bZo/UUPBsxfBNrI/AAAAAAAAwNs/e2v5UDmOjDE/eIMG_3764_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="286" /></a> (And before you call CPS on me, yes, that outlet has been covered – I’d just taken off the bumper earlier that day.) <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YT6fWRfjqGQ/UUPBubRUy0I/AAAAAAAAwN0/gW4tv_7O5VI/s1600-h/eIMG_3769%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3769" border="0" alt="eIMG_3769" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FlDr1VRG2O8/UUPBvTDCjOI/AAAAAAAAwN8/Tr6QpXRQkpw/eIMG_3769_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="294" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-G2e2vmmu6gM/UUPBzDtUXrI/AAAAAAAAwOE/nrq5AoZH3zk/s1600-h/eIMG_3773%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3773" border="0" alt="eIMG_3773" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5GHmGueOieU/UUPB0I2MHwI/AAAAAAAAwOM/THyei5JFk3U/eIMG_3773_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="296" /></a>Joe obviously doesn’t like being woken up.  Poor kid. <br /> <br />’Til next month.  Or in Natalie time, two months from now. <br /> <br /></p> <img src="http://www.natalie102503.com/nataliesig.jpg" /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998183171767752noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867271855584355811.post-34887600092692680572013-02-23T11:28:00.001-06:002013-02-23T11:40:43.142-06:0010 months under my belt (belated).<p>I'm a horrible baby mama in getting these blogs written in a reasonable amount of time.  This is the amount of free time I have lately... 0.  Between work, driving to and from work (my commute is about an hour now), getting the kids from daycare, trying (operative word is trying) to get in a gym workout/run a few times/week, having the ability to actually sit down and write a blog is not within my scope of accomplishment. <br /> <br /></p> <p>But, alas, I'm here now, so let's do it. <br /> <br /></p> <p><strong>Temperament</strong>: <br />Jojo is still an angel.  A squeaky, snotty angel, but an angel nonetheless.  He's a bit more impatient these days and will squeal like a large, scary bird when he doesn't get his bottle or next bite of food right away.  His teachers have even commented how he fusses when OTHER babies are eating.  Chill, boy, chill.  He's still a charmer with his big smile and sweet eyes.  He's great with other babies and other people. <br /> <br /></p> <p><strong>Feeding</strong>: <br />The boy is a pig.  He's drinking about 6 - 8 ounces of formula every 90+ minutes.  He isn't too keen on the purees, so we've started introducing regular foods to his diet as well.  He's tried bananas, apples, grapes (cut up super tiny), some cheesy biscuits we got at a local restaurant, and puffs.  He does great with most of the foods although he will get a bit gaggy from time to time - especially with the grapes.  His pincer grasp function is great, so he can feed himself the bits of food.  I'm still not comfortable with the more solid types of food, so he's still eating mostly purees and just drinking his bottles.  <br /> <br /></p> <p><strong>Sleeping</strong>: <br />He's still doing great sleeping through the night.  He will wake up every once in a while with a cough, but I go in his room and give him a pacifier (he only takes it when he's sleeping), and he falls right back to sleep.  He's still napping every 90 minutes or so based on the sleep cycle our pedi recommended, but he does have days where he just flat out refuses to nap still.  <br /> <br /></p> <p><strong>Milestones</strong>: <br />He had a huge month last month with his milestones, but these past few weeks have been pretty quiet.  He's perfected his crawl, and he's able to pull himself and stand while holding onto something.  The other day he stood back from the coffee table and actually stood on his own for about 2 seconds, but once he realized he wasn't holding on, he quickly sat himself down. I keep trying to get him to take a few steps with me while holding his hands, but he doesn't like that too much.  He sits down and is like, "Hell naw."  </p> <p>He's started blowing raspberries and will mimic you if you do it back to him.  He's also saying one syllable words like da for dada and uh for uh oh.  When I say certain words to him, I can see the little cogs going in his mind, and I know he's just so ready to blurt it all out.  One day, son. <br /> <br /><em>Addendum: He’s clapping and saying dada now.  (2-23-13) <br /> <br /></em> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:090f0865-0ddd-4e51-84ba-e174349356a8" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="82c47224-24eb-4d51-92f7-5862075f2f57" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IWZwd32CZA&feature=youtube_gdata_player" target="_new"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LTwXgf9xOMg/USj79unk8lI/AAAAAAAAwKQ/fwZx0KdxWIQ/videocdb33aedb7ea%25255B37%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('82c47224-24eb-4d51-92f7-5862075f2f57'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"421\" height=\"236\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/-IWZwd32CZA?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/-IWZwd32CZA?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"421\" height=\"236\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> </p> <br /> <br /> <p><strong>Health</strong>: <br />Well, he still has the snot-nose and the cough, but we have official word from the ER docs that he just has a chronic cold and nothing more than that.  After a pretty big scare one night when his temp was super high, we decided to take him to the ER to make sure he was OK.  After a chest x-ray and full exam, and another RSV test, they ruled out everything other than a common cold and instructed us to just keep suctioning that funk out.  I also got him a cool mist humidifier that I leave on in his room all night. I actually want one for my room now!  It's the perfect white noise, and it makes his room feel so cool and comfortable.  I haven't noticed much difference other than his cough sounds better.  We've taken him to multiple doctors since he's had RSV, and they've all told us that he will have this over-production of mucous until he's a bit older.  RSV is bad stuff, yo. <br /> <br /></p> <p><strong>Size</strong>: <br />He hasn't really grown much lately.  We're still stalled at him being in size 3 diapers and 9 - 12 months clothes.  He's super long, so most of his pants are high-waters.  Size 3 shoes. According to the ER doctor, his 7 month old daughter could eat my son alive, so he’s definitely a peanut. <br /> <br /></p> <p><strong>Activities</strong>: <br />We haven't been able to do much as a family lately - NO TIME!  Hopefully this summer we can all go to Destin for a weekend.  I think the kids would love the beach! <br /> <br /></p> <p><strong>Siblings</strong>: <br />I'm still dealing with the sibling jealousy with Anna.  If I so much as look a JoJo or play with him for a few seconds, she immediately jumps in front and wants me to play with her only.  I'm trying my best to make her feel like she's loved and there's no reason for her to feel insecure, but she still seems pretty insecure about Joe.  So, now I've instituted Anna and mommy time where we go in my bed and have girl talk about her day/my day.  She tells me about her boyfriend Mason and how she's going to marry him at school, etc.  It's kind of adorable.  I hope she knows how important she is and that my love for her has not been replaced, it's just grown.  How do you deal with this as a mom of two? <br /> <br />To add one more checkmark to the mom-fail category, I somehow managed to misplace my camera  battery charger and didn’t realize it until I was ready to take Joe’s 10 month photos (a week late, mind you).  So, I had to use my cell phone, and of course the quality is total crap.  I figure some pictures are better than none, so here are his 10 month photos. <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iLOnBRfMxP0/USj7-zIvd8I/AAAAAAAAwIM/qfR8wlHlxuc/s1600-h/e2013_%2525202_21_20_40%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="e2013_ 2_21_20_40" border="0" alt="e2013_ 2_21_20_40" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sa7hRex5Udg/USj8AeeyR2I/AAAAAAAAwIU/6wsLUyynThI/e2013_%2525202_21_20_40_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="582" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9O1DAXel8Kg/USj8BxHy43I/AAAAAAAAwIc/WRLR3O4mOXM/s1600-h/e2013_%2525202_21_20_48%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="e2013_ 2_21_20_48" border="0" alt="e2013_ 2_21_20_48" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IrDRjo7dd9c/USj8DWa624I/AAAAAAAAwIk/32o6my7qwTo/e2013_%2525202_21_20_48_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="582" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4KBW_yOxyyA/USj8E1sZZjI/AAAAAAAAwIs/dMqlBb70S2g/s1600-h/e2013_%2525202_21_20_55%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="e2013_ 2_21_20_55" border="0" alt="e2013_ 2_21_20_55" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bl4PZ0sjQNE/USj8GOIoVJI/AAAAAAAAwI0/S5bask9P4Hk/e2013_%2525202_21_20_55_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="581" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z0GjwfJhBoo/USj8HtAGuDI/AAAAAAAAwI8/mvZXndDVGp8/s1600-h/e2013_%2525202_21_21_%2525206%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="e2013_ 2_21_21_ 6" border="0" alt="e2013_ 2_21_21_ 6" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VPDnNOVweKY/USj8IwFM8KI/AAAAAAAAwJE/u1A1k777Rfc/e2013_%2525202_21_21_%2525206_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="585" /></a> <br /> <br />Watch my baby grow:  <br /><a href="http://www.natalie102503.com/10monthcomparison.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="10monthcomparison" border="0" alt="10monthcomparison" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3uQPjY79D-c/USj90u_8EQI/AAAAAAAAwKU/y9vf7bHSwEo/10monthcomparison%25255B8%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="430" height="1474" /></a> <br /> <br /></p> <img src="http://www.natalie102503.com/nataliesig.jpg" /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998183171767752noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867271855584355811.post-30200669096638359162013-01-13T18:09:00.001-06:002013-01-14T09:16:42.532-06:009 months under my belt.Happy belated 9 months, little JoJo. First, as always, pictures. <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PhCHXCx2lIw/UPNMP6ZmpZI/AAAAAAAAvpk/u7xFPuyhMLw/s1600-h/eIMG_3719%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="eIMG_3719" border="0" height="315" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LpiBLsnxHk0/UPNMRgbGcBI/AAAAAAAAvps/So0tZaPiPFU/eIMG_3719_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="eIMG_3719" width="435" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zYdKb8b3oRU/UPNMTqbRreI/AAAAAAAAvp0/Uo6wAoc4fn0/s1600-h/eIMG_3720%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="eIMG_3720" border="0" height="348" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hYEfx_ET_Hs/UPNMU6albCI/AAAAAAAAvp8/rRkHu_tq_co/eIMG_3720_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="eIMG_3720" width="432" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KSfOnx6Ox3k/UPNMXGbWsvI/AAAAAAAAvqE/_4WGVxg5u5c/s1600-h/eIMG_3726%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="eIMG_3726" border="0" height="334" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xxuuVRjQSCw/UPNMYUwLcdI/AAAAAAAAvqM/VoTVWDgLkxs/eIMG_3726_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="eIMG_3726" width="431" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ke8QS855nDM/UPNMagFBpUI/AAAAAAAAvqU/rwqZhE8soUk/s1600-h/eIMG_3728%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="eIMG_3728" border="0" height="332" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oi0eqbgL22M/UPNMb05ez4I/AAAAAAAAvqc/W2tgTvd02zc/eIMG_3728_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="eIMG_3728" width="435" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uAssGYRZCgg/UPNMdu9iFrI/AAAAAAAAvqk/GrdcpRChmG8/s1600-h/eIMG_3738%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="eIMG_3738" border="0" height="608" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AXGgviTstfk/UPNMfHtyfLI/AAAAAAAAvqs/78dYflj2fOA/eIMG_3738_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="eIMG_3738" width="433" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bg30vB8tIu4/UPNMg1KtMpI/AAAAAAAAvq0/Lo8ODO51SXc/s1600-h/eIMG_3740%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="eIMG_3740" border="0" height="573" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mkHIP6TRLvA/UPNMieWn9WI/AAAAAAAAvq8/dtCGvDe-960/eIMG_3740_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="eIMG_3740" width="435" /></a>We are in the midst of teething hell. This photo session went sour very quickly. <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NIQ8o_sDQxM/UPNMkKkpO_I/AAAAAAAAvrE/malqDxXzrDo/s1600-h/eIMG_3741%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="eIMG_3741" border="0" height="599" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7eGns1blZnc/UPNMmB9fPcI/AAAAAAAAvrM/Shg658JXQPw/eIMG_3741_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="eIMG_3741" width="437" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FCL8_dF89Z4/UPNMoEoYsnI/AAAAAAAAvrU/K_TveAUGEwY/s1600-h/9monthcomparison%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="9monthcomparison" border="0" height="1508" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YpNljGqaet0/UPNMshoehKI/AAAAAAAAvrc/rBWSYgc8RU0/9monthcomparison_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="9monthcomparison" width="440" /></a> <br /> <br /><b>Temperament: </b>The happiest baby on the block? Yep, that’s Joe. Well, except for his 9 month baby photos. Sweet, happy, smiles easily, laughs all the time – he’s just a true joy to be around. And I’m not the only person who thinks this. Random strangers comment on his disposition. His teachers love him. Relatives, friends, checkout cashiers at Target – everyone comments on how happy he is. I think he’s going to be just like his dad in that respect, so yay! I think he’s cutting more teeth, so he hasn’t been <i>as</i> happy, but even with teeth popping out all over the place, the kid is still a trooper. <br /> <br /><b>Feeding</b>: <br />I’m very sad to say that I’m no longer nursing. JoJo basically made the decision on his own to stop nursing, and he self-weaned when I wasn’t really expecting it. After starting back at work and being away from him so long during the day, he just got used to bottles and enjoyed the ease of them. I’m glad I made it to 8.5/9 months, but I’d be lying if I said I was ready to stop. Granted, I didn’t like having to pump in the middle of the day, but I enjoyed the bonding time with him and felt proud of myself to have made it this long. <br /> <br />Oh well, now my body is truly my body, and I can drink as much caffeine as I want without having to worry about keeping him up all night. I have to keep telling myself this so I won’t be too upset about it. He’s thriving on formula at this point (just like Anna did), putting on weight, finally growing hair. I just don’t think my milk had enough calories or fat for him, so at least I feel like he’s in a good place. <br /> <br />He eats solids about twice/day – usually carrots, squash. We gave him some puffs, and he’s doing a great job using his pincer grasp to put the puffs into his mouth. Although he realized he could dump the puffs out on the floor and eat them like a dog, but that’s another story for another day. <br /> <br /><b>Sleeping</b>: <br />Thanks to our wonderful, new pediatrician, my son finally sleeps through the night! Amazing, amazing news! At his 9 month well-baby visit, she somewhat scolded me for putting up with his sleepless shenanigans and explained, in-depth, how to sleep train. After one night, ONE, the kid STTN. I kid you not. Granted, he still wakes up at least once nightly and whines, but after about 1 minute, he puts himself back to sleep. It’s glorious. GLORIOUS! <br /> <br />I’ve moved him to his crib now, so not only does he sleep there at night, he also naps there during the day. The kid wasn’t even napping before, but now he naps every 2 hours for an hour at a time. The doctor explained that babies have a 90 minute cycle – wake, eat, play, sleep. That’s it. She says that if you watch for cues at the end of 90 minutes, you will see that your baby is tired. So, I tried it, and she’s right. Within 90 minutes of waking, JoJo starts rubbing his eyes, fussing more than usual, burying his head in the carpet – stuff like that. <br /><br />Edited to add:<br />I've had a few people contact me about how I was able to sleep train Joseph. Here's what I wrote to a friend of mine about the methods I used per my pediatrician's instructions.<br />
<br />
<div class="_38 direction_ltr">
<br />
My
pedi uses three different methods - the 90 minute baby sleep program,
Ferber, and, um, I forgot the third. FAIL. Anyway, she says that with
her own two, she was able to use different pieces of each method to find
a way that works best for most.<br />
<br />
Every 90 minutes, a baby cycles. A typical cycle would be this:<br />
<br />Wake<br />Eat<br />Play<br />Sleep<br />
<br />
So,
every 90 minutes, your child should be taking a nap. The more your
child naps, the better she will sleep during the night. So, if you
follow this schedule exactly, you'll notice that at the end of the 90
minutes, she will give you sleepy cues - fussy, rubbing eyes, pulling at
ears, etc. Put her to bed using this method...<br />
Turn off the
lights in the room, put on a sound machine or whatever white noise
machine you want, rock her and sing her favorite song or read her a
book, then put her down in her crib without saying a word.<br />
You
have to make sure that you do this same exact method every time without
changing anything up. Rock, sing, read, put to sleep w/o speaking.<br />
<br />
Walk out of the room.<br />
<br />
Give
her one minute. If she fusses, go back in, rub her back or her head
and walk out without saying anything. Wait three minutes. Do the same
if she's still fussing. Wait 5 minutes and do the same. Wait 8
minutes, etc. Keep doing this cycle by spacing out every 3 minutes
until you reach an hour. If she's not asleep within an hour, wake her
up for a while more and then start it over again. Don't deviate from
any of it.<br />
You will need to give her a lovey. My pedi recommended
carrying it around in your shirt for a few hours (especially if you
nurse) so your smell will be on it. Once she has the lovey, she will
use that in place of comfort from you.<br />
<br />
Anyway, this is the gist of
it. It worked for us in one night. Now he just goes to sleep on his
own without much intervention at all. I don't even have to rock him or
sing to him. He will fuss for a minute or two, but once he knows it's
time to sleep, he's out. And he stays out all night. He wakes up still
at 3 a.m., but he goes back to sleep within about 1 minute. And I no
longer have to give him a bottle in his bed which is HUGE.<br />
Let me know if you have any other questions. Good luck!</div>
<br /> <br /><b>Milestones: </b>- He’s gone from army crawling to full-on crawling on his hands and knees. <br />- He can easily pick himself up to standing if he’s holding on to something. <br />- He has started semi-cruising around furniture (takes one or two steps) <br />- He’s saying “mama” and knows it relates to me. He’s attempting to say other words like “baba” <br />- He has 6 teeth and more on the way (not sure how many are popping up at this point since every time I try to feel, he nearly bites my finger off) <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mZ_DJ_xazhg/UPNMumVslhI/AAAAAAAAvrk/7YhvZbKgg-I/s1600-h/9months%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="9months" border="0" height="294" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cKrVwPZAy_k/UPNMvvUA7PI/AAAAAAAAvrs/2AM2_xxVdoY/9months_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="9months" width="433" /></a> <br /> <br /><b>Health: </b>Health-wise, Joe has been doing fairly well. He’s still snotty and has random coughing episodes. At his 9 month well-baby visit, the doctor said that since he had a case of RSV, he will always have reactive airway disorder (I think that’s the name) where his body will go into over-drive anytime he contracts a respiratory infection and produce excess phlegm. It’s all in his upper chest and not cause for too much concern, but she did say to keep an eye on it and give him breathing treatments if he seems to have issues breathing (which he did last night – thank God for our nebulizer). <br /> <br />Other than that, he’s been doing really well. <br /> <br /><b>Stats: <br />Head – 17 1/2” (25th percentile) <br />Length – 28 1/4 (50th percentile) <br />Weight – 19 (25th percentile) </b> <br />He’s still long and lean, but given his activity level, it’s to be expected. He’s always active and all over the place when he’s awake. <br /> <br /><b>Size: </b>He’s wearing size 9 – 12 months clothes; 12 months pants for the length. Size 3 diapers. Size 3 shoes. <br /> <br /><b>Activities: </b>We celebrated Christmas this year with both kids, and it was such a blast watching Anna and Joseph play together. I will post pics and a recap soon. <br /> <br /><b>Siblings: </b>Lots on this front this month. Anna has kicked into jealous-overdrive and has somewhat turned against Joseph. She still loves him, but she’s very protective of me and will step in anytime I’m trying to play with Joseph or take care of him. She wants all of my time to be focused on her, and I’m just not sure how I can do this without neglecting Joseph. It’s been a really hard balance trying to keep her feeling loved and still having bonding time with my baby. I thought I was going to just by-pass the sibling rivalry at least for now, but Anna is more than making up for it lately. How do you deal with sibling jealous/rivalry in your household? I’m up for any suggestions here. <br /> <br />I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year. Hopefully your year has been great! <br /> <br />
<img src="http://www.natalie102503.com/nataliesig.jpg" /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998183171767752noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867271855584355811.post-49468640739399531722012-12-10T21:52:00.001-06:002012-12-10T21:52:12.500-06:008 months under my belt & Merry Christmas!<p> <p> <p> 8 months.  2 weeks late (again), yes, but at least I’m trying, right?  Working 5 days a week in the office has really zapped all of my blogging energy, so I do what I can when I can.    <br /> <br />Here’s my little man for his photo session (which was taken right around 8 months).  <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yOSwyhO8JoE/UMaseqbbncI/AAAAAAAAvc8/udxRU3B9BPY/s1600-h/eIMG_3527_thumb2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3527_thumb2" border="0" alt="eIMG_3527_thumb2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AvHJEvhfgXM/UMasfylZ-AI/AAAAAAAAvdE/PJZ6N8lL59o/eIMG_3527_thumb2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="429" height="527" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1SQ5Wcgg-4g/UMasgzqGIKI/AAAAAAAAvdM/Duhtpee9Qos/s1600-h/eIMG_3528_thumb2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; 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border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="8monthcomparison_thumb3" border="0" alt="8monthcomparison_thumb3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9_bSjKxqxSc/UMatAgFriFI/AAAAAAAAvgY/TtF06FxXH8c/8monthcomparison_thumb3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="448" height="1197" /></a> <br /><strong>Temperament: <br /></strong></p> <p>Happy.  That’s the one word I would use to describe Joseph.   He’s very easy going, very adaptable to new people and new situations, always smiling and laughing, rarely does he get fussy.  He started a new daycare last week, and his teacher put on his daily report that he had the best first day ever and was smiling and laughing the whole day.  Yep, that about sums him up.  They just left out the part where he’s a ball of energy and constantly into everything.  <br /></p> <p> <br /><strong>Feeding:</strong> <br />I’m still nursing, but at this point it’s mainly for comfort.  Since starting work, my supply has dwindled quite a bit.  I don’t even have to pump in the middle of the day anymore.  He prefers the bottle now.  Since <em>I’m</em> not ready to quit nursing just yet, I’ll continue as long as he will let me.  Call me selfish, but I’m just not ready to quit yet.  <br /> <br /></p> <p>He seems to be less fond of solids these past few weeks, and I’m not really sure why.  He honestly doesn’t seem to have a preference for anything at this point.  I’ve been mixing his vitamins and probiotics with his food, so maybe he’s on to me?</p> <p> <br /> <br /><strong>Sleeping: <br /></strong>Nightmare.  Total nightmare.  He’s sleeping worse now than he did as a newborn.  The major problem with this?  I have to work now.  How I’m able to function is beyond me.  It’s amazing just how sleep deprived one can be.  He typically goes to bed around 8:30ish (sometimes a bit earlier) and wakes at 12.  Again at 2.  Again at 4.  Again at 6.  Yes.  No matter what I do before bed – feed him solids, formula, nurse, make him stay up longer, make him take more naps during the day, shorter naps during the day – none of it makes any difference.  So, I’m about to start using the Ferber method on him to see if I can get the boy to learn how to self-soothe.  At this point, I know that’s the problem.  He refuses a paci most days, so my options are pretty limited.  <br /> <br /><strong>Milestones:  <br /></strong>This month has been HUGE as far as milestones go.  Here’s what he’s working on currently: <br /> <br />- He can sit up all on his own <br />- He can army crawl super fast <br />- He’s starting to lift his butt up in the air and his legs straight in an attempt to stand <br />- He’s starting to rock on his knees and hands in an attempt to crawl <br />- He can stand with assistance and even walks a few steps <br />- He can stand while holding on to something <br />- He’s starting to pull himself up in his pack-n-play to peer over the side</p>       <br /> <br />Here’s a video of a few of those things: <br />  <br /><iframe height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DGxLuKj5OGs" frameborder="0" width="420" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <br /> <br />He’s sprouting about 6 teeth (that I’ve been able to count).  It’s crazy how quickly all of his teeth are coming in.  <br /> <br /><strong>Health</strong>: <br />He still has a nasty cough, but things seem to be getting better.  Still snotty, but I guess that’s to be expected.  It seems like kids his age are always snotty.  He had a bad diaper rash for a few days, but some extra-strength Butt Paste really helped.  <br /> <br /><strong>Size: <br /></strong>He’s wearing 9 – 12 months clothes and size 3 diapers.  Size 2 shoes.  He’s super long and has out grown most of his pants.  <br /> <br /><strong>Activities</strong>:  <br />We took the kids to see Santa this year at Bass Pro Shops.  The Santa there is so nice and believable.  Now that they have a ticket system where you make an appointment and only have to wait about 10 minutes, it’s much easier to get a good shot with the kids.  <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IopNMzMN7uo/UMatBgxtc6I/AAAAAAAAvgg/fWP44EPn0NQ/s1600-h/santa_thumb2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; 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border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="0024_thumb2" border="0" alt="0024_thumb2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Rmzx3Q5GfYs/UMatnkDgegI/AAAAAAAAvko/Z8at0Dm7XI0/0024_thumb2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="296" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AQimD0-Ydls/UMatosWoLFI/AAAAAAAAvkw/oeN0bxDcFBA/s1600-h/0025_thumb2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="0025_thumb2" border="0" alt="0025_thumb2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wPJNGVAuKgE/UMatpzJWqRI/AAAAAAAAvk4/BF7ZxoV4x6E/0025_thumb2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="296" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5dsbffyEXJA/UMatq5icCbI/AAAAAAAAvlA/y_l-c2tbSS0/s1600-h/0026_thumb2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="0026_thumb2" border="0" alt="0026_thumb2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RZcm8NgA8Rg/UMatr2iVMjI/AAAAAAAAvlI/adw2FhvA2KA/0026_thumb2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="298" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Mp0jhe737m0/UMats0bt18I/AAAAAAAAvlQ/XXlKYJer7vc/s1600-h/0027_thumb2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="0027_thumb2" border="0" alt="0027_thumb2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nPQymlGPPas/UMatt_2FaLI/AAAAAAAAvlY/bloI4CzUIJU/0027_thumb2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="296" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CQD-cQ1R_U0/UMatu7mCuTI/AAAAAAAAvlg/Dxf_jUgmpEs/s1600-h/0028_thumb2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="0028_thumb2" border="0" alt="0028_thumb2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EfHAEwXSNxg/UMatvxP3YFI/AAAAAAAAvlo/oHM37HDn4TA/0028_thumb2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="297" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nBYHJc9I5BE/UMatw5Y72nI/AAAAAAAAvlw/gN42lE3fBnY/s1600-h/0029_thumb2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="0029_thumb2" border="0" alt="0029_thumb2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-W3FAdqbkXg4/UMatyKXq67I/AAAAAAAAvl4/F-xalx3rwL4/0029_thumb2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="433" height="631" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2gEDg8yCRiQ/UMatzJXZURI/AAAAAAAAvmA/RFq2PI_DhWU/s1600-h/0030_thumb2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="0030_thumb2" border="0" alt="0030_thumb2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XtlJ-lxOuvg/UMatz8HihqI/AAAAAAAAvmI/QkhyXcwOTlI/0030_thumb2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" height="295" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-L4HqX7893TM/UMat1fOxQRI/AAAAAAAAvmQ/_7BP4xiAW3M/s1600-h/0032_thumb2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="0032_thumb2" border="0" alt="0032_thumb2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-B2nmpJJ6FZk/UMat2n4MLTI/AAAAAAAAvmY/gkg9qzpPD0E/0032_thumb2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="432" height="653" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nltCCQ6gtVM/UMat39PAsHI/AAAAAAAAvmg/Uahvhc5eHX8/s1600-h/0033_thumb2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="0033_thumb2" border="0" alt="0033_thumb2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jV4ns3DWMCM/UMat44LNVdI/AAAAAAAAvmo/rFWa0raHc3I/0033_thumb2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="657" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8BnWuuEssSs/UMat55C93wI/AAAAAAAAvmw/4chvDJFIJxg/s1600-h/0034_thumb2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="0034_thumb2" border="0" alt="0034_thumb2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PNGNNkAc9SY/UMat634kJ2I/AAAAAAAAvm4/qCYeA-1Ah1A/0034_thumb2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" height="294" /></a> <br /> <br />From our family to yours, may you have a blessed Christmas and a very happy New Year.  <br /><img src="http://www.natalie102503.com/nataliesig.jpg" /></p></p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998183171767752noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867271855584355811.post-79769674123673783682012-11-18T11:26:00.001-06:002012-11-18T11:27:37.655-06:007 months under my belt. <p>So, here I am writing the 7 month post two weeks late. Technically JoJo (Joseph, Joe, Little Joe – we’ve yet to figure out what we’re going to call him) is 7 months and 2 weeks as of the date of this post, but I’m going to assume that Joseph at 7 months and 2 weeks is the same Joseph at exactly 7 months.  <br /> <br />Here’s my little man for his photo session (which was taken right around 7 months). <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XBwCFMtQ2ZA/UKkZcfKWX8I/AAAAAAAAugM/F8LxwSMInCs/s1600-h/eIMG_3472%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3472" border="0" alt="eIMG_3472" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9aVle0V95So/UKkZdt41-BI/AAAAAAAAugU/0AXcgUu_L58/eIMG_3472_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="317" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-73HM4cUm0Tg/UKkZgilzl1I/AAAAAAAAugc/ULYhBRCozfg/s1600-h/eIMG_3474%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3474" border="0" alt="eIMG_3474" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vorHLf9IgAQ/UKkZiG11RNI/AAAAAAAAugk/5Kb70GNSugI/eIMG_3474_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="317" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZfWx17zwI08/UKkZkBMO8jI/AAAAAAAAugs/Cfqk_fGIAIk/s1600-h/eIMG_3477%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3477" border="0" alt="eIMG_3477" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ww9E3ZtiH1g/UKkZliTx6qI/AAAAAAAAug0/nRPExhx5jZs/eIMG_3477_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="443" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wUDjglkkJKI/UKkZn3k3NFI/AAAAAAAAug8/FTC35binpFU/s1600-h/eIMG_3479%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3479" border="0" alt="eIMG_3479" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-APvmHEe_Lw4/UKkZplq4sKI/AAAAAAAAuhE/Qg4DXt8dWRY/eIMG_3479_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="424" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-t30fPDi9xyY/UKkZroYXwQI/AAAAAAAAuhM/fL7cj07r85M/s1600-h/eIMG_3489%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3489" border="0" alt="eIMG_3489" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-orU8AbRCM7c/UKkZtZO_GGI/AAAAAAAAuhU/3gczKEn6Dqs/eIMG_3489_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="430" height="436" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jmacBj529qE/UKkZvI-VQdI/AAAAAAAAuhc/28bji-fGfzU/s1600-h/eIMG_3493%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3493" border="0" alt="eIMG_3493" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NQV8TqfTvbE/UKkZwXU4jwI/AAAAAAAAuhk/6kl96tCXLdw/eIMG_3493_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="430" height="404" /></a>Looks like he’s whispering sweet nothings into the owl’s ear. <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sp3OAxzJf6c/UKkZ0HzBBzI/AAAAAAAAuhs/j1iIwbb_Xls/s1600-h/eIMG_3494%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3494" border="0" alt="eIMG_3494" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ao3Y7RfjnhE/UKkZ1q6O98I/AAAAAAAAuh0/I4I6K_3-Y0w/eIMG_3494_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="430" height="393" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6ZKEefsveWI/UKkZ3QJjBpI/AAAAAAAAuh8/2Js_m8i3nzI/s1600-h/eIMG_3506%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3506" border="0" alt="eIMG_3506" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BcWBpu4CK0Y/UKkZ4tUXjSI/AAAAAAAAuiE/agxx67GQwSw/eIMG_3506_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="429" height="484" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-t2F2w9aBqOw/UKkZ6WaEAjI/AAAAAAAAuiM/toZvzEAfNhs/s1600-h/eIMG_3507%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3507" border="0" alt="eIMG_3507" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cOMIEUwQbOE/UKkZ8f-0I4I/AAAAAAAAuiU/1DXNBGSUS0M/eIMG_3507_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="432" height="650" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-a1slrciL9AI/UKkZ99tCL8I/AAAAAAAAuic/zv5yCK7PMg8/s1600-h/eIMG_3508%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3508" border="0" alt="eIMG_3508" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_GRQkJN3rWs/UKkaBlgM47I/AAAAAAAAuik/d6DBmoacFCs/eIMG_3508_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="427" height="643" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WH1px0sL4F0/UKkaDszTrQI/AAAAAAAAuis/kJTjYE7ataI/s1600-h/7monthcomparison%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="7monthcomparison" border="0" alt="7monthcomparison" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iAVtbppRdQE/UKkaFrpKy-I/AAAAAAAAui0/RU_53hHw-Q4/7monthcomparison_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="1166" /></a>  <br /><strong>Temperament: <br /></strong></p> <p>Now that Joe is becoming more mobile, I can definitely see into my future, and it’s going to be a hectic place.  He’s very strong and wild, and every little boy trait that I see in crazy little boys I’m now starting to see in my own little boy.  I didn’t have to baby proof much with Anna.  I have a feeling that I’ll have to bubble wrap my house once this little man is totally mobile.  <br /> <br />Despite his wildness, he’s still the sweetest baby I’ve ever been around.  He smiles and laughs and has no fear of strangers or new places.  He’s a charmer for sure.  <br /> <br />He rarely fusses or cries, and when he does fuss, it’s usually because he’s tired or hungry.  Even then he quiets very quickly when I pick him up or give him what he needs.  Rarely have we had a total melt-down where a little TLC didn’t fix him. <br /> <br /><strong>Feeding:</strong> <br />I started my new job this past month and was a bit worried about if I’d continue nursing.  I’ve made it work thus far and am happy to say that I’m still going strong in this department.  I just have to pump once daily at work, and I nurse Joe the rest of the time when I’m with him.  Since I don’t quite make enough milk, he’s supplemented with formula while he’s at daycare.  He does great with the transition.  My new goal is to make it to 9 months.  And then 1 year.  I’m not going to put any pressure on myself at this point because I’ve made it a lot longer than I ever thought I would.  He’s healthy, happy, and thriving regardless, so I’m content. <br /> <br />He loves the following solids: <br />Squash <br />Sweet potatoes</p> <p> <br />Turkey and carrots (YUCK) <br />Bananas <br />Pears <br />Carrots <br />Apples <br /> <br />He doesn’t like: <br />Green beans <br />Peas <br />Mixed vegetables <br /> <br /><strong>Sleeping: <br /></strong>Well, we’ve finally transitioned him once and for all into the Pack-N-Play.  The Rock-N-Play is not a safe sleeper once the infant can sit up and move.  Even strapped in, the baby can easily wriggle his/her way out and fall out of the sleeper.  If I were to have another child (God no), no way would I use this again.  It’s too hard to transition the baby out of the sleeper into something flat – at least it was in our case.  <br /> <br />So, a few nights of sleeplessness, and here we are with a baby who finally sleeps flat on his back.  However, I’d be lying if I said he sleeps through the night.  If anything, he still sleeps like a new born, and I have to admit that I’m exhausted.  Even in the Rock-N-Play, he was still up every 4 hours.  Now he’ll go to sleep early (around 7:30/8) and wake up at midnight.  Then again at 3 a.m. and every hour after until I wake up for the day.  It’s pretty miserable.  I honestly have no idea how I’m still functioning on such little sleep, but I guess I’ve adapted.  I just fear he’ll never sleep all the way through the night.  <br /> <br />I eventually want to transfer him to his nursery crib, but it’s on the other side of the house, and no way am I trekking across my house every hour in the night just to pop his paci back into his mouth. <br /> <br /><strong>Milestones: <br /></strong>Joe is progressing so quickly!  He can sit up on his own for a while, but I’m still not 100% comfortable leaving him since he does still topple over.  <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cNgVQNxJm74/UKkaHyFz9lI/AAAAAAAAui8/CNMf0OO6Oxs/s1600-h/situpcrawl%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="situpcrawl" border="0" alt="situpcrawl" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Fiu5RVJ1FHA/UKkaJLpj6SI/AAAAAAAAujE/iCAI6nJz3xw/situpcrawl_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="520" /></a></p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hrL6g7rhdUY/UKkaLLsB2wI/AAAAAAAAujM/oOchzR6X3AY/s1600-h/situpcrawl2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="situpcrawl2" border="0" alt="situpcrawl2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2duZ21T-aLw/UKkaMTJ0SVI/AAAAAAAAujU/by7ET0uwzwM/situpcrawl2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="362" /></a>  <br />While he’s  not quite crawling, he’s definitely kind of pin-wheeling his way around a room.  He’s able to turn himself 360 degrees and roll around to get to where he needs to go.  Last night Anna and I were playing with him in his room, and he lifted his butt up a few times in an effort to scoot himself.  He’s almost there. <br /> <br />His two bottom teeth are almost fully in, and he’s getting a top tooth which makes him look a little like a vampire.  I guess it’s the incisor tooth?  The pointy one.  <br /> <br /><strong>Health</strong>: <br />Well, as expected, starting J at a new school invited a new round of germs into our house.  Both Anna and J have a nasty cough that makes our house sound like a TB ward at night.  <br /> <br />We took Joe to the pedi, and she put him on antibiotics because she said he was in the beginning stages of an ear infection.  Two rounds of antibiotics later, and he still has the infection.  He also has a nasty cough and a runny nose.  No fever, though.   <br /> <br /><strong>Size: <br /></strong>He’s wearing 9 – 12 months clothes and size 3 diapers.  Size 2 shoes.  He’s super long and has out grown most of his pants.  <br /> <br /><strong>Activities</strong>:  <br />We took the kids to a pumpkin patch this past month, and it was a total cluster.  My sister brought her two kids, so trying to corral four kids was nearly impossible.  We spent the majority of the time trying to tame Anna and my nephew Jackson, and the rest of the time trying to appease two crying infants who were hungry and tired.  Never again.  Until next year has erased all of these bad memories and we stupidly bring them all there again. <br /> <br /><strong>Siblings:</strong> <br />Anna is still very much mom #2 to Joe.  She loves taking care of him and is even strong enough now to pick him up for a few seconds.  <br /> <br /><img src="http://www.natalie102503.com/nataliesig.jpg" /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998183171767752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867271855584355811.post-6063205414668915062012-11-04T18:17:00.001-06:002012-11-04T18:29:28.285-06:00Fabulous fours. <p>Another lovely year has passed, and now I have a four year old.  Granted, I’m almost a month late posting this birthday post for Anna, but at least I’m posting it at some point, right?  I still get half a brownie point, I think.  <br /> <br />This year went by so quickly that I barely remember much of it with being pregnant, having a baby, losing a job, getting another (great) job, and just life in general.  I will say that losing my job and getting to spend nearly 5 months at home with my kids was probably the best blessing of my life.  Getting to spend that time with Anna and watch her grow into the precious little (big) girl that she is today was priceless to me.  <br /> <br />So, what’s new with Anna?  Well, she’s in a new school now and absolutely loves it.  She gets to spend some time with her brother there, so I think it makes her feel like the cool kid on the block.  <br /> <br />She’s well mannered and says “yes, ma’am” and “thank you” about 90% of the time.  The other 10% is spent on the ground screaming and crying, but that’s because she’s a moody little 4 year old with a very strong will, so I just roll with it and carry around a bible and crucifix to keep the devil away.  <br /> <br />She loves and adores her grandparents and cousins, and her favorite thing ever is to go to MiMi’s (my mom) house or stay for a few days at Maw Maw and Paw Paw’s (my in-laws) house.  </p> <p> <br /> <br />She’s hilarious and witty and very funny for a 4 year old.  Not cheesy, knock knock funny, but she seriously says things that will make you laugh for minutes.  Granted, I can’t remember any of them now because I fail, but just envision Jay Leno with less chin and curlier hair, and you have my daughter. <br /> <br />She’s very nurturing with her brother, very maternal with her baby dolls, and very loving with her dad and me.  She’s just a sweet kid.  I can’t say it enough. <br /> <br /></p> <p><b>Anna’s favorites</b>: <br /><b>Color</b>: Blue <br /><b>Food</b>: Raviolis (yeah, I feed my kid from a can sometimes, sue me – I take what I can get with her because she’s a VERY picky eater)  <br /><b>TV Show</b>: Woody Woodpecker, Curious George <br /><b>Movie</b>: She’s not a big fan of movies – they don’t hold her interest long <br /><b>Song</b>: She likes whatever we listen to, so lots of old school music and electronica.  Quite an eclectic mix, I’d say. <br /><b>Saying</b>: She likes to say the word “actually” a lot.  “Well, actually, I don’t like those pants.” <br /><b>Toy</b>: She likes her brother a lot.  He’s her toy. <br /><b>Person</b>: Mom, dad, MiMi, Maw Maw and Paw Paw <br /><b>Animal</b>: Chloe although she calls her White Harley. <br /><b>Snack</b>: Chips <br /><b>Drink</b>: Milk, water, or sweet tea <br /><b>Pastime</b>: She loves jumping on her bed.  <br /><b>Height/Weight</b>: 40 1/2 (75% percentile); 36 lbs. (50th%) <br /> <br />So, we decided to do the low-key (we’re poor) thing this year and just have a little mini-party with just us.  We woke Anna up that morning with a showering of balloons.  She absolutely loved it!  <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2-6iq-nfbHM/UJcFA30AHjI/AAAAAAAAt84/VUYqtJYNQdc/s1600-h/eIMG_3424%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3424" border="0" alt="eIMG_3424" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-X8kDRIvdUCI/UJcFBhJ1E3I/AAAAAAAAt9A/3nKMJps2O_Q/eIMG_3424_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="296" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9TTz3mHtIIU/UJcFDbdP3bI/AAAAAAAAt9I/SPwMBPDtmbY/s1600-h/eIMG_3425%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3425" border="0" alt="eIMG_3425" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KcivHEf1iO0/UJcFEUs6-eI/AAAAAAAAt9Q/m3F3N694MPE/eIMG_3425_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="338" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LzIJhFdRQ8k/UJcFGJcmLXI/AAAAAAAAt9Y/kVVV2OKCebg/s1600-h/eIMG_3428%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3428" border="0" alt="eIMG_3428" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rrBUcVLgLds/UJcFHDfxM7I/AAAAAAAAt9g/rXT42jEMC5w/eIMG_3428_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="329" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-flm9PuaFJHc/UJcFIjiKLJI/AAAAAAAAt9o/B461-zGCl6E/s1600-h/eIMG_3429%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3429" border="0" alt="eIMG_3429" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-c68OCNXJzO4/UJcFJvFOc6I/AAAAAAAAt9w/_96m96soCxs/eIMG_3429_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="296" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WTNTEWG_tUk/UJcFLGQLR_I/AAAAAAAAt94/qenVGS7lGLM/s1600-h/eIMG_3430%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3430" border="0" alt="eIMG_3430" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZHNg2u1eD2s/UJcFMMI49_I/AAAAAAAAt-A/FujXXKn2sL0/eIMG_3430_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="295" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cRLZqZR021A/UJcFNjBfr9I/AAAAAAAAt-I/QakUBkDkTQs/s1600-h/eIMG_3434%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3434" border="0" alt="eIMG_3434" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yxfQ3qU7Onc/UJcFOrhfGsI/AAAAAAAAt-Q/jwb1_wyTOQU/eIMG_3434_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="430" height="293" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aPz8SZucpZo/UJcFP0cZlkI/AAAAAAAAt-Y/pt8qtYNFqII/s1600-h/eIMG_3437%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3437" border="0" alt="eIMG_3437" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UTwS6LHYFhc/UJcFQ0OwL5I/AAAAAAAAt-g/yRyIhvooayU/eIMG_3437_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="429" height="290" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RIzcd7xsKJA/UJcFSQXbkOI/AAAAAAAAt-o/4reGNdI0Wqw/s1600-h/eIMG_3422%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3422" border="0" alt="eIMG_3422" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ss7aCDj6xrM/UJcFTPU4n4I/AAAAAAAAt-w/HdBF1gfyFUQ/eIMG_3422_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="430" height="292" /></a> <br />At this age we can get away with giving her $1 bills.  <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CXXpX_pRFQ0/UJcFUaU7FNI/AAAAAAAAt-4/GsqgY21yorM/s1600-h/eIMG_3446%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3446" border="0" alt="eIMG_3446" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yND6rnbgU-4/UJcFVVRfTjI/AAAAAAAAt_A/ltBLD-Dm7YQ/eIMG_3446_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="438" height="297" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ip1bQwHJCE0/UJcFXNVPBuI/AAAAAAAAt_I/JzCEGfbKSH8/s1600-h/eIMG_3449%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3449" border="0" alt="eIMG_3449" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oCLT7u4hu8M/UJcFYEfCORI/AAAAAAAAt_Q/zkYWIV_YOQA/eIMG_3449_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="296" /></a> <br />Hey, I want in on some of that action! <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Gp0zmscpDQY/UJcFaKKnCSI/AAAAAAAAt_Y/loo9Gze6FBE/s1600-h/eIMG_3451%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3451" border="0" alt="eIMG_3451" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yWo0WGouGfQ/UJcFbMY1NEI/AAAAAAAAt_g/qgKzzsZKSb8/eIMG_3451_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="366" /></a> I call this clutter corner.  I imagine every house with kids has this if you’re lacking a play room.  If you can find it in the midst of this chaos, her birthday present was a little scooter. <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IcWDTyukiHE/UJcFce422vI/AAAAAAAAt_o/dgrvaQov2PE/s1600-h/eIMG_3454%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3454" border="0" alt="eIMG_3454" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kaq8fX1jsZE/UJcFdfNqcEI/AAAAAAAAt_w/F72Pep-OLgA/eIMG_3454_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="422" height="522" /></a>She was very excited! <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HiV_S1lgMts/UJcFeifgapI/AAAAAAAAt_4/ZF62z6WEI9w/s1600-h/eIMG_3459%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3459" border="0" alt="eIMG_3459" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mCDl4goYPZk/UJcFfmf1mVI/AAAAAAAAuAA/wlusOEWsp10/eIMG_3459_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="428" height="622" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hdgJgBVquaI/UJcFhN0nQDI/AAAAAAAAuAI/4tDCsWRbRgQ/s1600-h/eIMG_3465%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3465" border="0" alt="eIMG_3465" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Nh7dv9AQIA0/UJcFifnpWyI/AAAAAAAAuAQ/CU-XF457eF8/eIMG_3465_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="430" height="772" /></a> <br />And since I’m the world’s best mom, I was encouraging her to ride it without shoes or a helmet! <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fJmkolnXYA8/UJcFjysC2QI/AAAAAAAAuAY/UZDUWq16tEE/s1600-h/eIMG_3467%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3467" border="0" alt="eIMG_3467" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7OlWQ7v1M7g/UJcFlSUJepI/AAAAAAAAuAg/ePL2MccsQ1I/eIMG_3467_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="433" height="343" /></a></p> <p> <br />Then my brain kicked in, and I made her come inside and gear up before CPS came by to take her away. <br /> <br />We had a very low-key day for a very special little girl.  Happy birthday, sweet Anna Kate!  We love you so much! <br /> <br /></p> <img src="http://www.natalie102503.com/nataliesig.jpg" /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998183171767752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867271855584355811.post-86060484261909038292012-10-06T00:07:00.001-05:002012-10-06T00:07:16.249-05:006 months under my belt.<p>The days are flying by like seconds. It’s scary to think that 6 months ago I was laboring in a hospital when it really only feels like 6 minutes ago.  Both of my kids will be married with their own kids before I can blink.  <br /> <br />Here are Joseph’s 6 month photos.  He is just getting over RSV (more on that in a bit), so, once again, he was under the weather for these photos (and it really shows near his eyes).  Our photo session was very brief today! <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2nXhwQwXDEI/UG-7sIudVhI/AAAAAAAAt24/ZyuvYPCWks0/s1600-h/eIMG_3351%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3351" border="0" alt="eIMG_3351" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-T1HHS5FM7As/UG-7tRpOEII/AAAAAAAAt3A/346X5lIT4S4/eIMG_3351_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="432" height="350" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2Cb85BkhA-0/UG-7vMF0JQI/AAAAAAAAt3I/OGCB76_Wn18/s1600-h/eIMG_3356%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3356" border="0" alt="eIMG_3356" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RFBBp7jTQto/UG-7wb2_YMI/AAAAAAAAt3Q/JML7T7Gqpuo/eIMG_3356_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="432" height="357" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cdLYrhk34QM/UG-7yBF_YgI/AAAAAAAAt3Y/waej-kgmYuI/s1600-h/eIMG_3361%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3361" border="0" alt="eIMG_3361" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Re229tnjRoA/UG-7zM6c_1I/AAAAAAAAt3g/W6uA7xPplzg/eIMG_3361_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="294" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KD2ekSBfJOc/UG-71KJc4oI/AAAAAAAAt3o/PD35BgYy2rI/s1600-h/eIMG_3364%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3364" border="0" alt="eIMG_3364" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ptmnkLkW0q4/UG-72H4imOI/AAAAAAAAt3w/qz0v-45_ix0/eIMG_3364_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="338" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3NsayaAHQ_U/UG-74FAxSQI/AAAAAAAAt34/-himBjgB3Qo/s1600-h/eIMG_3373%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3373" border="0" alt="eIMG_3373" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-a9rssXlu_RM/UG-75Jo6BCI/AAAAAAAAt4A/hf6IH0EzcyE/eIMG_3373_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="344" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZfCSOdEMGp8/UG-77HfsJKI/AAAAAAAAt4I/WCc2QL_dgUY/s1600-h/eIMG_3374%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3374" border="0" alt="eIMG_3374" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-E6cu7TtKOLk/UG-78S9keZI/AAAAAAAAt4Q/urARF27bmn0/eIMG_3374_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="433" height="326" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-swPPMdBnCP4/UG-7-fHueyI/AAAAAAAAt4Y/obYLiUlTjYA/s1600-h/eIMG_3385%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3385" border="0" alt="eIMG_3385" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-v2NyA6fR-h0/UG-7_QTfTgI/AAAAAAAAt4g/E3EHHLkHvVc/eIMG_3385_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="433" height="340" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LsRp6R0IvME/UG-8BSQMFyI/AAAAAAAAt4o/uCpirEZ_21Q/s1600-h/eIMG_3397%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3397" border="0" alt="eIMG_3397" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pOg0cWZvj9U/UG-8CUMVoZI/AAAAAAAAt4w/eqAp0Httdp4/eIMG_3397_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="432" height="335" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SoVkA4zCrXc/UG-8DtZ21pI/AAAAAAAAt44/ziIzsTAmcYI/s1600-h/eIMG_3403%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3403" border="0" alt="eIMG_3403" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-35zMZTHUyEA/UG-8E3rn6zI/AAAAAAAAt5A/bZZdPHTAD38/eIMG_3403_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="430" height="408" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2JmBaUrvm_g/UG-8GEkydrI/AAAAAAAAt5I/v5xsAY5t9kk/s1600-h/6monthcomparison%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="6monthcomparison" border="0" alt="6monthcomparison" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-klqynROYk3Q/UG-8HxkguwI/AAAAAAAAt5Q/762o5EYHuv0/6monthcomparison_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="855" /></a> <br /> <br /><strong>Temperament: <br /></strong>This monthly temperament update has somewhat been skewed since Joseph has been sick pretty much the entire month.  My poor baby contracted RSV somewhere (I’m thinking when I took him to church and he stayed in the baby room), so he’s been a bit fussier and needier this month.  We’re at about two weeks of dealing with this junk right now, and prior to that he was dealing with a cold/sinus crap from the pollen in the air.  Even with all of that funk, he’s still pretty content and happy, still smiles and giggles all the time, still enjoys pretty much everything.  Loves his mama.  <br /> <br /><strong>Feeding: <br /></strong>Well, I made it to my six month breastfeeding goal, and I’m so excited that I made it this far.  I will be starting a new job on the 15th, so I’m on the fence as far as if I’ll continue pumping and nursing.  I probably will because, at this point, it kills my heart to think about stopping, but I’m not going to feel any guilt (at least I won’t let myself) if things don’t work out past this point.  I just really enjoy it now, much more than I ever thought I would.  And since Joseph is our last, I want to hold on to it as long as I can.  <br /> <br />Other than that, we started him on solids at exactly 6 months (Wednesday, October 3).  I put it off as long as possible because if I can be honest here, it’s kind of a pain in the butt.  A sloppy, crazy pain in the butt!  <br /> <br />Anna was the first to feed him, and she did a great job.  His first meal other than boob milk/formula was squash.  <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vMHl3m914SM/UG-8JgOblwI/AAAAAAAAt5Y/OqJFE1p6rzw/s1600-h/eIMG_3321%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3321" border="0" alt="eIMG_3321" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5kX_1wtk7Nw/UG-8Ki3xy9I/AAAAAAAAt5g/enVQ4sGgMr0/eIMG_3321_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="296" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-frYH4YeZ3_4/UG-8L5yyiAI/AAAAAAAAt5o/Eayk-EByi1k/s1600-h/eIMG_3323%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3323" border="0" alt="eIMG_3323" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7464Aa1ZL5M/UG-8M9pkYZI/AAAAAAAAt5w/lxItlfBHZvE/eIMG_3323_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="298" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-A5plLPRypOQ/UG-8OLxjOyI/AAAAAAAAt54/ge6buiJKhr4/s1600-h/eIMG_3325%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3325" border="0" alt="eIMG_3325" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_ioAvgOBt3M/UG-8O_xSAuI/AAAAAAAAt6A/qJdMQfEcDSg/eIMG_3325_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="296" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0Rn6Yz2MNbM/UG-8QTDpZmI/AAAAAAAAt6I/JYR5GXlS26s/s1600-h/eIMG_3331%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3331" border="0" alt="eIMG_3331" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-y4uRRzkFztY/UG-8RhvtdvI/AAAAAAAAt6Q/Bpm50lTb_50/eIMG_3331_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="296" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0Vmy9nE87A4/UG-8S09dPuI/AAAAAAAAt6Y/tL_187vOxbY/s1600-h/eIMG_3345%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3345" border="0" alt="eIMG_3345" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-57_EibDJoyg/UG-8URqurVI/AAAAAAAAt6g/s2w2t6nWehY/eIMG_3345_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="432" height="384" /></a> <br /> <br /><strong>Sleeping: <br /></strong>Well, the pack-n-play didn’t quite work out.  He hated it.  So, he’s back in his RNP sleeper and strapped in like he’s wearing a strait jacket.  I have no idea what we’re going to do to transition him to his crib.  He still refuses to nap/sleep in his crib, too.  Le sigh.  I love the RNP sleeper, but it does set a rather ridiculous precedent that no standard crib mattress will be able to live up to.  <br /> <br />Joseph isn’t 100% consistent with his nightly sleep ritual.  He still wakes up some nights more than once, others only once, sometimes not at all.  He’s just a mixed bag.  <br /> <br /><strong>Milestones</strong>: <br />Joseph is flipping from front to back and back to front like it’s no one’s business.  He’s also sitting up constantly in his swing and RNP.  He’s not quite ready to sit up on his own on a flat surface yet, but I know he’ll be there shortly. <br /> <br /><img src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/564405_10152132159455562_1654054809_n.jpg" width="425" height="565" /> <br />Such a little creeper. <br /> <br />He has two teeth on the bottom (front).  Anna didn’t get teeth until well past her first birthday, so I was a bit shocked to see not one but TWO of those little suckers.  So cute, though!  <br /> <br />He started eating solids on Wednesday, October 3.  First on the menu: Squash. <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-smPOar4AyMs/UG-8V3pR0tI/AAAAAAAAt6o/pdnwKpnaT6Y/s1600-h/milestone1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="milestone1" border="0" alt="milestone1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YIEQBzpQQO0/UG-8W9w7ZaI/AAAAAAAAt6w/qcimlB5qgeg/milestone1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="374" /></a> <br /> <br /><strong>Health</strong>: <br />Unfortunately, my guy has had a rough month this past month.  He was diagnosed with RSV on Monday, September 24th.  He is only the second case his pedi’s office had seen this year.  He had a weird bark cough which I initially thought was croup.  So, moms, if you’re wondering what an RSV cough sounds like, click below.  <br /> <br /></p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:b250f8af-6bfe-4aa2-958f-f7c2d1484688" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="af03c9fd-1a43-49df-b4b7-5004b0aa458f" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUdRIRThe1Y&feature=youtube_gdata_player" target="_new"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0QKRZeOAkJo/UG-8XlmX1NI/AAAAAAAAt64/VLoUcNiiMLw/video248574e4240c%25255B35%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('af03c9fd-1a43-49df-b4b7-5004b0aa458f'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"419\" height=\"235\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/fUdRIRThe1Y?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/fUdRIRThe1Y?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"419\" height=\"235\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div><div style="width:419px;clear:both;font-size:.8em">Joseph’s RSV cough</div></div> <br /> <br />I’ve been having to give him breathing treatments – initially every four hours around the clock.  He slept through the night ones, so that was great.  He didn’t fuss or fight the daytime ones too much. <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0wPis3BPG5w/UG-8YyEIKKI/AAAAAAAAt7A/Z1k_K3BRNxc/s1600-h/photo%25252813%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="photo(13)" border="0" alt="photo(13)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NenFoYhv-pU/UG-8ZyiV5RI/AAAAAAAAt7I/uantJCuFQtI/photo%25252813%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="423" height="426" /></a> <br /> <br />And then Anna wanted to give her baby a treatment as well.  ATTENTION: THIS IS NOT JOSEPH, THIS IS A BABY DOLL.  A VERY REAL LOOKING BABY DOLL.  THIS BABY FREAKS ME OUT ON A DAILY BASIS.  I HATE THIS BABY.  <br /><img src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/644495_10152126713585562_1762168723_n.jpg" width="423" height="562" /> <br /> <br />So, I brought Joseph in for his 6 month pedi appointment on Wednesday, October 3.  He checked out fine although his chest is still “junky” from the RSV.  One thing that did concern his pedi was his weight.  Here are his stats: <br /> <br /><strong>Height</strong>: 26.5 (50th percentile) <br /><strong>Weight</strong>: 14 lbs. 12 oz. (10th percentile) <br /><strong>Head</strong>: 17” (40th percentile) <br /> <br />While he’s gaining at each appointment, he’s still on the lower end of the chart.  She wasn’t too concerned about it since he’s so darn active all.the.time, but she did instruct me to feed him solids three times/day vs. the regular two times/day that is recommended at this age.  He may have been down a few ounces from being sick, but I’m definitely feeling a bit let down that maybe my boobs aren’t giving him the nourishment he needs.  He’s also super pale, paler than I’ve ever seen him.  Granted, Joe and I are one shade from mime paint, but Joseph is just way too pale.  I’m hoping that the solids will put some meat on that boy’s bones and help him get his color back.  He just looks so pitiful and wiped out all the time.  <br /> <br />Other than that, he’s meeting all of his milestones, early even, so he’s right on track with everything.  He’s just my lil’ peanut.  <br /> <br />Since he was still under the weather, his pedi recommended we bring him back within a week for his 6 month shots.  I was glad she decided that because my poor baby has been through enough these past few weeks.  Round the clock breathing treatments, nose running like a faucet, pale like a vampire –poor kid doesn’t need shots just yet! <br /> <br /><strong>Size</strong>: <br />He hasn’t grown much since the last time I posted.  He’s still wearing 9 months clothes (I think I’ve even put him in a 12 month outfit because he’s so long).  He’s in a size 3 diaper.  Size 2 shoe. <br /> <br /><strong>Activities: <br /></strong>We haven’t really done much this month, but we did go to an off the beaten path pumpkin patch.  It was so off the beaten path that we were the only people there which was quite nice.  <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XwjU3O6MxZ8/UG-8a5KtCmI/AAAAAAAAt7Q/MS-Gnu9G-D0/s1600-h/photo%25252814%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="photo(14)" border="0" alt="photo(14)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4y0c2WVWsLs/UG-8cK91VWI/AAAAAAAAt7Y/LzLCZ3pkRLU/photo%25252814%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="430" height="576" /></a>Two Joes <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WdZmzGfFBSs/UG-8dZOaksI/AAAAAAAAt7g/QtgzVcgqlJA/s1600-h/photo%25252816%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="photo(16)" border="0" alt="photo(16)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PA8U_CGoxIY/UG-8gRwCmqI/AAAAAAAAt7o/l8nkBX4fhJQ/photo%25252816%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="581" /></a>Anna wore this costume everywhere we went that day.  Eh, why not? <br /> <br /><strong>Siblings</strong>: <br />Anna and Joseph are little buddies.  She’s really taken a motherly approach to sisterhood with him, if that makes any sense.  She treats him like he’s her child – very gentle, kind, loving.  It’s adorable to watch.  She was so excited to be able to feed him his first solid, and he took it from her better than he does from me, actually.  <br /> <br /> <img src="http://www.natalie102503.com/nataliesig.jpg" /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998183171767752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867271855584355811.post-54266370286402568912012-09-22T14:42:00.001-05:002012-09-22T14:42:07.116-05:00Off the couch I fall. <p>So, after having 2 kids in a 4 year time span and hitting the 34 year mark, the baby weight didn’t just fall off after I had Joseph like it did with Anna.  Two weeks after Anna was born, I was back in my skinny jeans.  Two weeks after J was born, I was unable to breathe in my bath robe.  <br /> <br />Something had to be done.  So I did it. <br /> <br />I started the Couch to 5K program right around the 5 week mark after having Joseph.  I used to run quite a bit pre kids and even managed to hit the treadmill quite a bit after Anna was born.  It’s something I’ve always enjoyed and a way for me to feel like I’m healthy in some capacity (I eat like total crap).  So, after being out of the loop for a while, I dove back in and haven’t looked back since. <br /> <br />It was a very slow process at first.  Using old running shoes that were well past their lifespan certainly didn’t help.  I had major knee issues that I forced myself to run through.  A new pair of shoes, many hours of icing myself down, and bottles of Naproxen later, I’m now running again, and this time I’m in it for the long haul. <br /> <br />It took me about 8 weeks to start seeing any results which was pretty frustrating, but once my body realized it was being used again, the baby bulge started coming off, and I started getting stronger and stronger with each run. <br /> <br />I set a challenge for myself right before I had Joseph to train and run in a 5K before the fall.  I’m proud to say that I met my goal, and I’m even surpassing it by running in additional 5ks (my friend and I are running in the Breast Cancer Awareness 5k in October) and maybe even a 10k if I feel brave enough.  At this point, though, I’m just proud of my accomplishments thus far and am going to enjoy the moment. <br /> <br />Joe was nice enough to join me (he used to be a runner although he’s not been very active with it over the years) at the Saints Back to Football 5K in NOLA.  There were about 5000 runners who showed up that day, and while it was pretty claustrophobic to be around so many people, once we started running, it was fabulous.  The energy was intense. <br /> <br />Here I am before the race showing just how fabulous my time was going to be: <br /><img src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/557471_10152086174375562_1476075940_n.jpg" width="412" height="547" /></p> <p>I basically didn’t want to die, so I paced myself very slowly just to be on the safe side.  I am also kicking myself that I didn’t eat any chicken on a stick after the race. <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-N63t64l1iY0/UF4UbOVQfEI/AAAAAAAAt00/Ka-Jc0i2l08/s1600-h/photo%2525289%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="photo(9)" border="0" alt="photo(9)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hb7nhxNr7Fo/UF4UcSAOmCI/AAAAAAAAt08/tsDwouCNRP4/photo%2525289%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="428" height="573" /></a>A small section of the crowd.  <br /></p> <p> <br /><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="photo(10)" border="0" alt="photo(10)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AwWMuJ57hxE/UF4UdZ6MU7I/AAAAAAAAt1E/vOkSHujmiNE/photo%25252810%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="429" height="574" />Rounding the bend to see the Super Dome.  What a glorious site to behold since I was about to die at that point. <br /> <br /><img src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/431295_10152086285570562_1236994398_n.jpg" width="432" height="574" />I made it without stopping to walk once!  I wasn’t last either.  WOOT!  My eyes look like that because they were sweating. <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DS15TCJvjMg/UF4UeuKOQJI/AAAAAAAAt1M/lig2ZDprUp8/s1600-h/photo%2525288%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="photo(8)" border="0" alt="photo(8)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qzUijNaqNM4/UF4UfupN1VI/AAAAAAAAt1U/6Td1NxkthbI/photo%2525288%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="585" /></a> <br />Pretending to lick this man’s sassy shorts.  I was just shy of photo  bombing their photo.  <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iqhDOzh_4Ow/UF4UgylndWI/AAAAAAAAt1c/nVh8gOy5-o4/s1600-h/photo%25252812%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="photo(12)" border="0" alt="photo(12)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zC9I5Px68cA/UF4UieO387I/AAAAAAAAt1k/MFwsrbp3bgU/photo%25252812%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="428" height="573" /></a>The hubs and I in all of our sweaty glory! <br /> <br />Video of me crossing the finish line.  Take a Dramamine because it’s hella shaky! <br /> <br /></p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:33d523bf-5dbb-4b5b-aa98-5fc37f849c48" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="12faf40c-000c-42f7-b68f-9c623c988334" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFV274QoF7o" target="_new"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RlQGYx7pAPY/UF4UjKhfO6I/AAAAAAAAt1s/uxtOoB_zpBY/videocb1e547cad1f%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('12faf40c-000c-42f7-b68f-9c623c988334'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"408\" height=\"229\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/PFV274QoF7o?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/PFV274QoF7o?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"408\" height=\"229\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div><div style="width:408px;clear:both;font-size:.8em">Natalie finishes!</div></div> <p> <br /> <br />My results: <br /></p> <p>Overall: 1798 out of 4089 <br /></p> <p>Women: 708 out of 2291 <br /></p> <p>F 30-34: 149 out of 466</p> <p>Age/Grade: 43.29% <br />Place: 1709 <br /></p> <p>Finish: 34:26 <br />Pace: 11:05 <br /></p> <p>Tag Time: 34:26 <br /></p> <p>Gun Time: 45:23 <br /> <br />I am happy to say that I feel more fit now than pre-kids, and it’s all because I got my butt off the couch and started moving again.  The Couch to 5K program is absolutely amazing for anyone who is willing to put in the time and effort.  By following the marathon not sprint mentality, you slowly work your way up to long hauls of running time.  It truly works!  <br /> <br />After the 5K program, I started the 10K bridge program, but I really don’t have an hour a day to run unless I want to neglect my kids, so for now I’m going to work on running faster miles and adding on more difficult challenges with my runs (inclines, arm weights). <br /> <br />If you’re on the fence about this program, start today.  I promise you won’t regret it! <br /> <br />If you’ve had success with the program, let me know.  I’d love to hear your feedback about how it worked for you!  <br /> <br /></p> <img src="http://www.natalie102503.com/nataliesig.jpg" /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998183171767752noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867271855584355811.post-85730930095430179262012-09-22T14:01:00.001-05:002012-09-22T14:01:29.581-05:00Toof.<p>It’s happening this time a lot more quickly than with Anna.  Joseph is getting a tooth.  This would be really exciting if I weren’t still nursing, but since I am, all I can do is shudder at the thought of what may happen with that precious little tooth.  <br /> <br />At least he’s cute! <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--Q3UvpTA3xQ/UF4LA7o-XkI/AAAAAAAAtzg/h4zv6JJC5gg/s1600-h/tooth%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="tooth" border="0" alt="tooth" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--dyUS6lM8BU/UF4LBySqeoI/AAAAAAAAtzo/_BBMASE371w/tooth_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="397" /></a> <br /> <br /></p> <img src="http://www.natalie102503.com/nataliesig.jpg" /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998183171767752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867271855584355811.post-45725669863873719052012-09-18T13:11:00.001-05:002012-09-18T13:16:27.804-05:00Rollin’ Rollin’ Rollin’ Part DeuxI went out of town this past weekend for my annual girls’ weekend, so I missed yet another milestone. My mom told me that Joseph spent the entire weekend rolling from back to stomach. I put him on the floor to see, and within a second, he was rolling over like a little pro. I’m so proud of my man! <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998183171767752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867271855584355811.post-96862994537074902012-09-17T18:29:00.001-05:002012-09-18T13:05:07.334-05:005 months under my belt.I’m getting behind on my monthly posts because the days are flying by like seconds. How do I already have a 5 month old child? And a near 4 year old?! Say wha? <br /> <br />Here are his (and Anna’s) 5 month photos. By the way, my baby doesn’t look like Mr. Clean in real life. I have no idea why his little hair sprigs don’t show up in these photos. I think he’s going to be blond like his daddy was. Awww! <br /> <br />(Little Joe wasn’t feeling 100% the day these photos were taken yet he still smiles and has fun.) <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BLL5Wcv_xhM/UFex7Z1vFsI/AAAAAAAAtvs/g7ZfSNYjUlY/s1600-h/eIMG_3230%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="eIMG_3230" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aJkNOiNZnAA/UFex8vOIrxI/AAAAAAAAtv0/LcsNuDAPoKw/eIMG_3230_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="eIMG_3230" width="440" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-viCN_XWJ9A4/UFex-mRDKfI/AAAAAAAAtv8/dAVdGP3pb4A/s1600-h/eIMG_3235%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="eIMG_3235" border="0" height="427" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-t0Opiy_UWmM/UFeyAK7P4vI/AAAAAAAAtwE/F6tNuYhi0uw/eIMG_3235_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="eIMG_3235" width="435" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LnNle3fYq0o/UFeyCOiCMtI/AAAAAAAAtwM/MHbl3Ay8xbQ/s1600-h/eIMG_3236%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="eIMG_3236" border="0" height="347" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AfReJnCtNmU/UFeyDpReyVI/AAAAAAAAtwU/SpHUwMaNcGE/eIMG_3236_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="eIMG_3236" width="438" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZHGsz9fUBtY/UFeyFuAdR6I/AAAAAAAAtwc/pqfHRT_XS4M/s1600-h/eIMG_3250%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="eIMG_3250" border="0" height="551" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LslafatT7R4/UFeyGykfhEI/AAAAAAAAtwk/CfOJtk6JPFA/eIMG_3250_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="eIMG_3250" width="438" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Fvf_0NXaZ2w/UFeyI_CEv-I/AAAAAAAAtws/iGm8NyXlMMU/s1600-h/eIMG_3253%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="eIMG_3253" border="0" height="353" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-j5JV3VRyicg/UFeyKdaZU1I/AAAAAAAAtw0/dbw6MMQukII/eIMG_3253_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="eIMG_3253" width="436" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CnPlW7BkI1A/UFeyMaS980I/AAAAAAAAtw8/qww-2O1Wgcc/s1600-h/eIMG_3259%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="eIMG_3259" border="0" height="353" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-87CF2R8SwQQ/UFeyNmL9EtI/AAAAAAAAtxE/NcFeZ-QLMac/eIMG_3259_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="eIMG_3259" width="436" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pa8JYx3wxVc/UFeyPjiNRTI/AAAAAAAAtxM/l51unbwqjKo/s1600-h/eIMG_3273%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="eIMG_3273" border="0" height="461" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--GrUfPrzloU/UFeyROSmAsI/AAAAAAAAtxU/L8oqNUaSpzM/eIMG_3273_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="eIMG_3273" width="432" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FTb2YMpoAT0/UFeyTP9hOcI/AAAAAAAAtxc/D0x9Rts0l1k/s1600-h/eIMG_3275%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="eIMG_3275" border="0" height="324" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-f7754jIkkok/UFeyUcR5yYI/AAAAAAAAtxk/X2T_s6thTH0/eIMG_3275_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="eIMG_3275" width="435" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wrTJ8IxFE9M/UFeyWLHQJhI/AAAAAAAAtxs/on6eJs5av90/s1600-h/eIMG_3287%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="eIMG_3287" border="0" height="364" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--AzDerywQaI/UFeyXpnNKYI/AAAAAAAAtx0/iqqadcCPNLg/eIMG_3287_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="eIMG_3287" width="436" /></a>Help me, help me now. <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-x8n3abxC7yc/UFeyZ_sGdoI/AAAAAAAAtx8/SWyNKs3EQyc/s1600-h/5monthcomparison%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="5monthcomparison" border="0" height="867" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LZeSv809XWw/UFeybs-HICI/AAAAAAAAtyE/LOtk0O-kMms/5monthcomparison_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="5monthcomparison" width="443" /></a> <br /><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><b><span style="font-size: small;">Temperament:</span> </b>I have the happiest little guy on the planet. He’s just so content and happy about 95% of the time. The other 5%, while he can be fussy, he’s still smiling in between the cries. He soothes very easily and is pretty much content once he’s able to nurse or included in whatever activity is going on at the time. He’s very aware of his surroundings and people around him, and he enjoys sitting up and being part of the group. <br /> <br />He also adapts well to new situations and people. He’s just as happy and content around family members as he is around me. This is wonderful because it allows me to get away every once in a while. <br /> <br /><b><span style="font-size: small;">Feeding:</span></b><br />
<br />I’m a few weeks shy of my 6 month goal, and I’m happy to report that all is well in boob land! I will hopefully be starting a new job soon, so we’ll have to see how the whole pumping situation will go, but ideally I would like to make it to a year now. I never thought I’d say that, but here we are. He’s made it especially easy this go round, and my supply has basically kept up with his demand. <br /> <br />I went on my annual girls’ vacation this past weekend (more on that later), and he took a bottle like a champ the whole time I was gone. So, I think it will work out just fine with him going to daycare eventually and having bottles there. I pumped enough on my vacation to carry him for quite a while, and since I’ll be pumping at work, hopefully we can keep him on mostly BM until the 1 year mark when he’ll switch to whole milk. <br /> <br />No solids yet – I’m waiting until he’s 6 months, so that’s right around the corner. <br /> <br /><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Sleeping: </b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">While we’ve somewhat weathered the <a href="http://oneporkchop.blogspot.com/2012/08/4-months-under-my-belt.html">4 month wakeful</a> storm, Joseph is still not the world’s best sleeper. He usually goes to bed around 9:30 – 10 p.m. and wakes for his first night feeding around 3 a.m. Again at 5 a.m. Again at 7 a.m. Some days he will nap for an hour here and there. Other days, not so much. <br /> <br />We will have to move him out of his RNP sleeper now (in fact, I will do that tonight). He’s almost fallen out of it twice – once at my mom’s house, and once last night. Even buckled in, he’s somehow able to wriggle himself to a position that is no longer safe for him. I am hoping he does well in the pack-n-play since it’s flat and he’s used to being elevated. We shall see. <br /> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Milestones: </b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">In a month’s span, he’s hit some major milestones! He started flipping from stomach to back around 4.5 months. Then, while I was away on vacation, he flipped from his back to his stomach, and he’s been doing it incessantly ever since. I put him on the floor on his back. BAM, he’s on his stomach. He’s starting to move his legs in a way that mimics crawling, so I imagine it’s only a matter of time before he’s more mobile. Eeek! <br /> <br />He can sit up on his own with very little assistance. Where is my little baby?! <br /> <br />He’s also very verbal and is cooing and communicating more with lots of squeals and baby talk. He is even murmuring (ugh, 50 Shades ruined that word for me) mamamama, and while I know he has no clue what it means yet, it’s still cute to hear. <br /> <br />I also feel a little sharp tooth coming in on his bottom gum. I really am NOT ready for him to have teeth yet. Anna didn’t pop a tooth until well after her first birthday. <br /> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Size: </b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We just moved him up to size 3 diapers. If he keeps growing at this speed, we’ll need to buy him some Depends. <br /> <br />He’s wearing 9 month clothes and size 1 shoes. <br /> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Activities: </b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">We introduced the Jumperoo just a few weeks ago, and so far he loves it. Well, for about 15 minutes, that is. Anything longer than that, and he has a meltdown. We have to put a pillow beneath his feet so he can reach, but he’s quite enamored with the different lights and sounds and spinny things. <br /> <br />He’s kind of over his swing at this point. He’ll swing for a while and get really fed up with the motion. <br /> <br /><b><span style="font-size: small;">Siblings:</span></b> <br />Joseph loves his big sister. He smiles and laughs at her all the time, even when she’s not trying to be funny. I think they’re going to have a close relationship because she’s super protective of him, and he definitely loves her. It will be fun to watch them interact. <br /> </span><br />
<img src="http://www.natalie102503.com/nataliesig.jpg" /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998183171767752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867271855584355811.post-18901643951772337882012-08-28T19:51:00.001-05:002012-08-28T19:51:08.386-05:00Sit up or shut up.<p>While giving Anna a bath tonight, I look over at the RNP sleeper and see my son sitting up completely on his own.  He just sat there staring at us like some little baby creeper.  Of course I had my phone within grabbing distance and got a quick shot.  Then I had to capture it in a milestone picture because I’m an awesome mom like that. <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WLa61DJ7UK4/UD1ncgcLKyI/AAAAAAAAtgo/GzcQDJ9UrXI/s1600-h/4monthsitup%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="4monthsitup" border="0" alt="4monthsitup" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pJZW9rb6A30/UD1nenJi7aI/AAAAAAAAtgw/rRcgZ3eHnRM/4monthsitup_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="442" height="692" /></a> <br />Oh, and there’s a hurricane that just made landfall, so you can clearly see my priorities are set right.  Bunker down?  Nah, I’ll just take photos of my kids.  <br /> <br /></p> <img src="http://www.natalie102503.com/nataliesig.jpg" /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998183171767752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867271855584355811.post-7275019510733933902012-08-15T18:42:00.001-05:002012-08-15T18:42:27.588-05:00Rollin’, Rollin’, Rollin’<p>So, today Joseph accomplished a pretty significant milestone, one I’ve been waiting for for a while.  He rolled!  From belly to back, that is.  Anna basically came out of the womb with the ability to roll, so I assumed J would be inclined to do so as well.  Four months later, here we are!  <br /> <br />The saddest aspect of all of this is that I missed it completely.  Yep.  Anna, Joseph, and I were all in his room having a tummy time pow wow.  I took my eyes off of him for one second while he was on his tummy, and the next time I looked at him, he was on his back.  The kid turned over with lightning speed.  Anna got to witness the whole thing, and I think she was more excited than I was.  Too bad I didn’t get it on video, but at least I got my camera and snapped a photo to remember the day. <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-N0KECO9SgOw/UCwz05bLG-I/AAAAAAAAtTQ/ZdGPUpV-Lgk/s1600-h/joe4monthmilestone%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="joe4monthmilestone" border="0" alt="joe4monthmilestone" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_2ajnzP4NIY/UCwz4bzYeMI/AAAAAAAAtTY/d3Y8SC228Tk/joe4monthmilestone_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="434" /></a> <br /> <br />Past milestones (watch J grow): <br /><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aRRikZzhPpc/T-KNqXRPGkI/AAAAAAAAsb8/nKEQHEu-dbY/giggled_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" /> <br /><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SBuKYNkez_w/T-KN6bQFcqI/AAAAAAAAscM/AJqQCMm3qtc/eIMG_8875%25255B4%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" />  <br /></p> <img src="http://www.natalie102503.com/nataliesig.jpg" /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998183171767752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867271855584355811.post-59466128844110622832012-08-09T14:25:00.001-05:002012-08-09T14:25:46.583-05:004 months under my belt. <p>Whaddaya know, Joe?  I have a four month old.  And I’ve been introduced to the hell known as the <a href="http://www.becomingmamas.com/why-hello-there-world-or-the-4-month-wakeful-period-its-for-real/">4 MONTH WAKEFUL</a>.  I was able to gloss over this weird anomaly with Anna, so I never had the wonderful experience of newborn-like night wakings, cluster feedings from hell, and raging ADHD that affects Joseph’s every waking minute.  What’s that, a toy?  What’s this, a boob?  Who’s that, daddy?  Look up, look down, look around, look sideways, latch, unlatch, laugh, cry, drool, kick, drop it like it’s hot. <br /> <br />Mama is tired.  And I’m worried this new wakeful Joe is here to stay for good.  Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely adore his newfound interest in basically everything, but I feel like I’m dealing with an entirely new baby here.  He went from the most chill baby on the planet to Elmo on speed in a matter of weeks.  <br /> <br />Help.  Please help. <br /> <br />Oh well, at least he’s adorable and sweet pretty much all the time.  Who needs sleep or the ability to function without having a baby attached to your boob? <br /> <br />Here are some recent photos of my little lad and lassie.  </p> <p> <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-f1UbTlwI3DE/UCQOGaObtAI/AAAAAAAAtNM/s7qCO6JyqeA/s1600-h/eIMG_3121%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3121" border="0" alt="eIMG_3121" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jXjxUV2BMVo/UCQOHZm47II/AAAAAAAAtNU/zZIZ08FLyKU/eIMG_3121_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="331" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hNUbxi7YklU/UCQOIhxK_0I/AAAAAAAAtNc/stT6kDjztm8/s1600-h/eIMG_3123%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3123" border="0" alt="eIMG_3123" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UaZ1sEFUO_Y/UCQOJpgCg_I/AAAAAAAAtNk/CZ7wqIBJKQw/eIMG_3123_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="647" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HBaD0oVnZNo/UCQOLO1N1GI/AAAAAAAAtNs/2dHevAZ8Uws/s1600-h/eIMG_3124%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3124" border="0" alt="eIMG_3124" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9Fd3n6YlXsc/UCQOMHN8tzI/AAAAAAAAtN0/YaKKTJxawXQ/eIMG_3124_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="653" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-H3qsoMnm2yU/UCQONf1pYlI/AAAAAAAAtN8/D35auRvZTj0/s1600-h/eIMG_3128%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3128" border="0" alt="eIMG_3128" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-drVjsLcFHGM/UCQOOZB0lAI/AAAAAAAAtOE/ydDVCmBj0pg/eIMG_3128_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="654" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bSDq6l1S6ws/UCQOPosu5jI/AAAAAAAAtOM/-Vddsdydrm0/s1600-h/eIMG_3129%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3129" border="0" alt="eIMG_3129" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0gWIkR0FbUI/UCQOQ9A0agI/AAAAAAAAtOU/JrByrQr5e2M/eIMG_3129_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="610" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ic9q7xIDiSo/UCQOSywSSSI/AAAAAAAAtOc/wEwA8iFpVF8/s1600-h/eIMG_3137%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3137" border="0" alt="eIMG_3137" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rPTuo7pde1E/UCQOT7HlvKI/AAAAAAAAtOk/Dq86Ddnlmj4/eIMG_3137_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="296" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GpwH6RxI2WE/UCQOVudfqTI/AAAAAAAAtOs/SgCoxvbHMrY/s1600-h/eIMG_3144%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3144" border="0" alt="eIMG_3144" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vwCu2dUBDHs/UCQOXBaCo_I/AAAAAAAAtO0/Q0CejbnYIJA/eIMG_3144_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="438" height="607" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uPeKL7d0vJY/UCQOYq5IAuI/AAAAAAAAtO8/ghMnfE20U3o/s1600-h/eIMG_3146%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3146" border="0" alt="eIMG_3146" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WZrlP80XMNg/UCQOabuDYcI/AAAAAAAAtPE/xArBmeDyW1s/eIMG_3146_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="679" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dWiHM1sfmjs/UCQObyiMJTI/AAAAAAAAtPM/_GM_niqlrWQ/s1600-h/eIMG_3148%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3148" border="0" alt="eIMG_3148" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5GmFYpqLQ8M/UCQOdh7-0mI/AAAAAAAAtPU/sbzMLXVnYAk/eIMG_3148_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="658" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sVnwvmwnfaI/UCQOfMCK-aI/AAAAAAAAtPc/eZXo-uWZWmE/s1600-h/eIMG_3149%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3149" border="0" alt="eIMG_3149" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-N-01YJiDX7o/UCQOiBD8VCI/AAAAAAAAtPk/sVYqRaYdigo/eIMG_3149_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="622" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VLBZaoh2E8I/UCQOkGsqktI/AAAAAAAAtPs/S0ZJ7I7Y7Ok/s1600-h/eIMG_3161%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3161" border="0" alt="eIMG_3161" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o0jtnATvkMY/UCQOlgz2Y6I/AAAAAAAAtP0/dSMVlUV1_7Q/eIMG_3161_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="658" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mslZ7TYddnI/UCQOnS6AlaI/AAAAAAAAtP8/bnBKUSNLAyE/s1600-h/eIMG_3170%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3170" border="0" alt="eIMG_3170" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-f7tLbwd0VhA/UCQOoVqo-fI/AAAAAAAAtQE/eKviJ6V5-gY/eIMG_3170_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="433" height="381" /></a></p> <p> <br /> <br />This month in InstaGram and mobile uploads: <br /> <br /><img src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/c0.0.403.403/p403x403/251925_10151954040250562_1439347308_n.jpg" /> <br />Rockin’ his purple Bumbo! <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JbJiclbhi7Q/UCQOpp5lSnI/AAAAAAAAtQM/v-O7qxfVgfQ/s1600-h/396929_10151922540685562_748586647_n%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="396929_10151922540685562_748586647_n" border="0" alt="396929_10151922540685562_748586647_n" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-T62EN3FVv2o/UCQOqx9AvrI/AAAAAAAAtQU/hVw_5kJDYvw/396929_10151922540685562_748586647_n_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="442" /></a> <br />He’s not too happy about his hair transplant. <br /> <br /><img src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/s720x720/562878_10151960721585562_661914854_n.jpg" width="439" height="331" /> <br />Joe and his favorite cousin Jocelyn!  We call them the twins since they’re only two weeks apart! <br /> <br /><img src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/622012_10151953824110562_1083685209_o.jpg" width="438" height="330" /> <br />Anna drew a picture of Joe.  I think the resemblance is uncanny. <br /> <br /><img src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/399531_10151946643670562_366450649_n.jpg" width="435" height="578" /> <br /></p> <p>Anna decided to paint her own toe nails.  <br /> <br /><img src="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/552391_10151944333500562_1530059093_n.jpg" width="435" height="577" /> <br />My sweet, smilin’ baby. <br /> <br /><strong>Watch me grow!</strong> <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rRHXPgos-VM/UCQOs5azK0I/AAAAAAAAtQc/V0K1THuvj4k/s1600-h/4monthcomparison%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="4monthcomparison" border="0" alt="4monthcomparison" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-II9A9Inp5Aw/UCQOuIHM8iI/AAAAAAAAtQk/NTTf4XQ5iwU/4monthcomparison_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="441" height="580" /></a> <br /> <br /><strong><font size="3">Temperament:</font> <br /></strong>As I mentioned above, we’re in 4 month wakeful hell at this point.  While Joseph is still an absolute pleasure of a baby, he’s definitely had his baby awakening and spends the majority of his day kicking and cooing and looking around like a mad man.  You can see the little baby wheels and cogs turning in his head, and it’s so cute to watch him really take in his surroundings and find so much joy in the little things.  <br /> <br />He’s a very sweet and happy baby, rarely cries unless he’s hungry or in pain from gas.  When he does cry, he’s easily calmed by me and instantly starts smiling again.  He enjoys playing with his big sister, too.  His face lights up when he sees her.  <br /> <br />He’s great with strangers and family members as well although his preference is always for me.  Probably because he knows I’m his food source.  The boy is smart! <br /> <br /><strong><font size="3">Feeding:</font> <br /></strong>Those first few weeks after having Joseph, I was worried that I would ruin his perfect latch if I gave him a bottle, so I waited until he was about 4 weeks.  He took to a bottle perfectly fine, so I figured all was well.  <br /> <br />I recently lost my job, so I’ve been at home and able to nurse him throughout the day.  I guess he’s gotten used to this method because now he’s flat out refusing bottles.  This is a serious issue because 1) I will hopefully find employment soon and will not be able to nurse him all day and 2) How am I supposed to go anywhere without him if he won’t take a bottle from anyone?  Mama needs her independence!  <br /> <br />So, yesterday I went to Tarjay and bought some ridiculously expensive bottles – Tommie Tippie and Advent – they’re both “close to nature” bottles that supposedly have a close shape to a boob.  Of course my child is no chump, so fooling him with a synthetic nipple isn’t easy. <br /> <br />He flat out refused the Tommie bottle.  I tried again later with the Advent, and after about 10 minutes of forcing it in his mouth (that’s what good moms do, right), he finally succumbed to it and actually drank it all down.  I gave him about 4 oz. of breast milk in the first bottle and then followed up with some formula, and he drank both bottles.  WOOT!  Now I just need to keep feeding him at least once/day with a bottle to get him used to it again.  <br /> <br />Other than that, nursing is going really well.  I made it past my four month first goal and really have no plans of stopping at this point.  It’s just so easy!  Of course once I go back to work and have to pump while I’m there, I may change my tune.  I absolutely HATE pumping.  I’d at least like to make it to 6 months. <br /> <br /><strong><font size="3">Sleeping:</font></strong></p> <p> <br />Joseph is a mixed bag when it comes to his sleeping habits.  Some nights he goes long spurts and only wakes to eat once or twice.  Other nights he’s up like a newborn.  I blame it on the 4 Month Wakeful and hope it’s just something that goes away soon.  I can deal with the frequent night feedings while I’m out of work, but I can’t imagine dealing with that and having to work all day.  I know moms do it all the time, so I’ll deal, but man will that be hard! <br /> <br />His naps suck now.  He used to nap for 3 – 4 hour spurts.  Now I’m lucky if he naps for an hour.  Naps at my mom’s house?  Fagheddaboudit!  The kid refuses to nap anywhere but in his swing which is definitely not a good thing since his swing isn’t exactly portable.  We go to my mom’s house every other weekend, and the kid doesn’t sleep at all during the day.  He’s also a very light sleeper, so any noise will wake him up.  I hate having to prance around and be quiet while he sleeps, but sometimes I don’t have a choice if I want to get things done. <br /> <br /><strong><font size="3">Health/Milestones:</font> <br /></strong>Since we’ve introduced the Bumbo and I’ve been working with him on his neck exercises, he’s doing a great job holding his head up and steady.  The wobbles are almost completely gone now.  <br /> <br />He’s also started turning from side to side while on his back.  He hasn’t flipped over entirely yet, but it’s getting closer.  He really enjoys grabbing his feet, so when he does, he flips to his side and then back on his back again.  I’ve been working with him during tummy time to see if he’ll flip over completely, but he’s holding out on that.  That’s OK, no pressure, kid.  In your own time, my sweets. <br /> <br />He’s very alert and very aware of everything around him.  He definitely knows our voices and will turn his head to see us.  He also loves looking at himself in the mirror.  I believe these are all little bitty milestones along the way.  <br /> <br />He can grab most things and clutch on to them for dear life.  He really enjoys his play mat with the dangly toys.  He will kick and coo for at least 30 minutes and totally entertain himself by grabbing at the toys.  <br /> <br />He had his 4 month shots a few days ago which pretty much sucked.  I HATE seeing him in pain.  This time Joe went with me, so he got to experience the torture as well.  It was so sad.  :( <br /> <br />He had to get 3 shots (Hep B, Polio, DTP combo, Hib, Pneumococcal Disease) and an oral vaccination for Rotavirus. </p> <p> <br /> <br /><strong>Stats: <br />Height: 24.5” (10th – 25th percentile) <br />Weight: 13 lb. 11 oz. (5th – 10th percentile) <br />Head: 16.5” (25th - 50th percentile) <br /> <br /></strong>I will be honest and say that I’m kind of surprised at his low percentages here.  He’s huge in comparison to babies his age, and people are always commenting on how big he is.  I know the weight is right since I was there when they took it, but I’m still not certain his height was measured correctly.  He’s super long.  The Dr. wasn’t concerned, so I’m not either, but I am still a bit surprised at his stats.  I need to bulk this boy up! <br /> <br />Here are his birth, 1 month, and 2 month stats: <br />Birth: <br /><strong>Weight: </strong>7 lbs. 12 oz. <br /><strong>Height: </strong>20.5” <br /><strong>Head</strong>: 13.5” <br /> <br />1 month:</p> <p><strong>Weight: </strong>9 lbs. 8 oz. (50th%) <br /><strong>Height: </strong>22 1/4” (75th – 90th%) <br /></p> <p><strong>Head: </strong>14 3/4 (50th%) </p> <p> <br />2 months: <br /></p> <p><strong>Weight</strong>: 11 lbs. 10 oz. (50th%) <br /><strong>Height</strong>: 23 3/4” (75th – 90th%) <br /><strong>Head</strong>: 16” <br /> <br /><font size="3"><strong>Size: <br /></strong><font size="2">I think I’m most surprised about his stats because the kid is in 9 months clothes.  I had to go through all of his drawers and cleaned out 3 bags of clothes, many of which he never even wore.  Some of the 9 months clothes he’s wearing are a little snug.  <br /> <br />He’s also in a size 2 diaper and is pretty much teetering on the brink of those being too small for him.  Oy vey! <br /> <br /><strong><font size="3">Activities:</font> <br /></strong>He enjoys his play mat and grabbing at the toys.  I also bought him one of these toys from <a href="http://www.yoyo.com/p/sassy-bumpy-ball-112661">yoyo.com</a> (LOVE this store): <br /> <br /><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://ts2.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=4993325318931741&id=b3a6b5be9f7b6f45c05ec8a90b579ba3" /></font></font></p> <p>He really enjoys grabbing the different bumps and looking at himself in the mirrors.  It’s a great toy because he can easily grab it and is entertained by the noises and different textures.  <br /> <br />Other than that, there’s not much you can do with a 4 month old.  He likes sitting in his bumbo for about 20 minutes.  After that, it’s like he gives himself motion sickness and starts spitting up.  So odd.  <br /> <br /><font size="3"><strong>Siblings:</strong></font> <br />Anna is in love with her baby brother.  He recognizes her and lights up when he sees her.  She’s also pretty great at changing his diapers and fetching me stuff that I need.  She wants him to go wherever she goes and always makes sure he’s included.  “Anna, we’re going to Chuck-E-Cheese!” “Is baby Joe going?”  “Of course!”  “OK, good!”  <br /> <br />Since he’s bigger and she’s more aware of things, I feel more comfortable letting her hold him or watch him if I have to leave the room for a few minutes.  It’s nice having a second set of eyes.  <br /> <br /></p> <img src="http://www.natalie102503.com/nataliesig.jpg" /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998183171767752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867271855584355811.post-77269093375214928392012-07-11T23:18:00.001-05:002012-07-11T23:18:02.509-05:00Inner artist. <p>Anna’s favorite activity these days is coloring and painting.  Joe and I enjoy watching her creative side come out, and it makes us happy to see her so proud of her work.  She loves it when we scan in her artwork and “show it to our friends” (aka post it on Facebook) – it makes her feel special.  <br /> <br />I’m sure no one else really cares, but it makes her happy, and I’m a proud mama, so why not? <br /> <br />Here are her latest accomplishments.  The child colors better than me!  And yes, we do have more than one color for her, but her color of choice today was orange. Oh, and she also just learned how to write out her name.  <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dZIFrUpJYfA/T_5P4vlp3cI/AAAAAAAAtMU/dHOsAuH-QSU/s1600-h/img010%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="img010" border="0" alt="img010" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uf36ZDlu-mM/T_5P5ulF7XI/AAAAAAAAtMc/ib_hr4-dyVg/img010_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="433" height="310" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uDH-oKeNR8Y/T_5P7EvW-AI/AAAAAAAAtMk/FPbjizP2jaw/s1600-h/img019%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="img019" border="0" alt="img019" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5mjrYssZwD4/T_5P7y2VlgI/AAAAAAAAtMs/I20eShmCFy4/img019_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="433" height="198" /></a> <br /> <br />I picked up some water colors for her to use, and she created this beautiful piece.  I think this is frame worthy! <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iZoZAd9RrAE/T_5P9RY3fXI/AAAAAAAAtM0/dQIrFw0TCbY/s1600-h/img015%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="img015" border="0" alt="img015" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yr1MzrqJ-JA/T_5P-XADyQI/AAAAAAAAtM8/goxc41P1DK8/img015_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="585" /></a> <br /> <br />My plan is to scan in each piece of art and eventually print them all out on a canvas to hang.  I’ve seen it done on Pinterest, but I’m too lazy to post a link to it right now.  Just use your imagination.  </p> <p> <br /> <br />Do you do something similar with your children’s artwork?  How do you keep it all organized?  <br /> <br /></p> <img src="http://www.natalie102503.com/nataliesig.jpg" /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998183171767752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867271855584355811.post-44125933346225205482012-07-10T18:12:00.001-05:002012-07-10T18:12:59.735-05:00No dentures necessary. <p>Since I fail as a mom, I’m finally just getting around to bringing Anna in for her first dentist visit.  I’m not quite sure why it’s taken me this long.  Perhaps I was expecting to  be hauled away by CPS because, by some fluke occurrence, all of Anna’s teeth were rotting out of her mouth.  By all appearances, her teeth look perfectly fine, but what if the dentist started prodding around and discovered that my child’s mouth made a meth addict’s teeth look healthy?  <br /> <br />I mean, they are a little black. <br /><img src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/c0.0.403.403/p403x403/547493_10151905635515562_276233197_n.jpg" /> Totally kidding.  The black areas on her teeth are because she ate a crayon.  I let my kid eat crayons sometimes.  Another fail. <br /> <br />Perhaps my dentist apprehension was because I was projecting my own insecurities on my child.  You see, I take great care of my teeth, and by all outward appearances, they’re very nice and healthy.  However, genetics threw me a curveball and made my teeth the kind of teeth that will always need upkeep.  I had many cavities as a child and young adult through no fault of my own (or my parents).  I’m just one of those fabulous anomalies who was dealt a crappy hand in the teeth department.  Joe, on the other hand, has fabulous teeth with zero cavities, so the tooth gods were obviously smiling brightly on him the day they designed his teeth. <br /> <br />Since I like my teeth and want to keep them, I’m always at the dentist making sure everything is looking A-OK.  If not, I pay a ridiculous amount of money to bring me up to code.  <br /> <br />I wanted to avoid this nightmare for Anna. <br /> <br />And, fortunately, I have! <br /> <br />My child had a great first dentist experience and walked away with a clean bill of health.  Zero cavities.  Beautiful teeth (even if they’re a bit spaced out like Spongbob’s).  And she blew everyone away by how polite and calm she was the entire time.  She really enjoyed the experience which makes me happy.  I don’t want her to have any negative associations with the dentist.  <em>Even though we live in the south, I feel it’s pretty important to keep your teeth*</em>, so hopefully we’re starting her out on the right foot. <br /> <br /><em>*I was making a little funny.  I don’t think all southerners are toothless, just most of them.</em><em> <br /></em> <br />Here she is being a big girl in the dentist chair. <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GiszAVkcduw/T_y26NGyvnI/AAAAAAAAtLw/la8TfwjJ7Ok/s1600-h/photo%2525281%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="photo(1)" border="0" alt="photo(1)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kRzdpvmxqfg/T_y27WcNs1I/AAAAAAAAtL4/nrL9C9CiaW0/photo%2525281%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="438" height="586" /></a> <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aZQtG0QyN6E/T_y28yI8gWI/AAAAAAAAtMA/7FlgUj5XcxA/s1600-h/img008%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="img008" border="0" alt="img008" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-05ow57ZXQcA/T_y2-oLn9pI/AAAAAAAAtMI/8I5eI4Tka7A/img008_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="425" height="667" /></a>And here she is smiling crazy next to the hippo. <br /> <br />Anna is ready to go back, so I’d say today was a total success!  We’ve now started the every six month dentist visit process, so I can reclaim my good mom card, right? <br /> <br /></p> <img src="http://www.natalie102503.com/nataliesig.jpg" /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998183171767752noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867271855584355811.post-37855615037659452122012-07-05T17:42:00.001-05:002012-07-05T17:42:44.672-05:00Happy 4th! 3 months under my belt.<p>I hope you had a wonderful 4th.  Ours was great – we spent the day with family and ate lots of delicious food.  It was the first time the majority of my family met Joseph and my niece Jocelyn, so it was really fun seeing everyone interact with the babies.  In just a few years, our family went from being kid-less to having a Duggar sized brood at our get togethers.  <br /> <br />Some pics from the day: <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hWB-d0GOYlw/T_YTTGAZ1pI/AAAAAAAAsxA/o3DuH7d2IJM/s1600-h/eIMG_3040%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3040" border="0" alt="eIMG_3040" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pwTocxUcL4o/T_YTZY23WvI/AAAAAAAAsxI/7TQKyAydDSA/eIMG_3040_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="553" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pFBjkDt6iao/T_YTitP5J3I/AAAAAAAAsxY/Lgjzq-U9Z2o/s1600-h/eIMG_3043%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3043" border="0" alt="eIMG_3043" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KQbSl8PPT-c/T_YToOFya5I/AAAAAAAAsxg/M3WXBligzfs/eIMG_3043_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="433" height="292" /></a>Joe’s face is pretty hilarious in this photo. Anna is a nut! <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AIg__5fJrMU/T_YTv57P66I/AAAAAAAAsxo/pOK20NiDgJE/s1600-h/eIMG_3048%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3048" border="0" alt="eIMG_3048" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Yzu51hR26iY/T_YT5F-UkwI/AAAAAAAAsxw/0GMV-kVIHIw/eIMG_3048_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="692" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-w_2l1Hp3ThE/T_YT-eFTvmI/AAAAAAAAsyE/T9Izj6wzGVM/s1600-h/eIMG_3050%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3050" border="0" alt="eIMG_3050" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-c2FWzhaQOBA/T_YUHWPyKNI/AAAAAAAAsyQ/NDzjHRObFsc/eIMG_3050_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="338" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jLfCQw4Ya7w/T_YUQGGhMmI/AAAAAAAAsyY/x7vQaTI5gBs/s1600-h/eIMG_3057%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3057" border="0" alt="eIMG_3057" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fS6fXSqCRFY/T_YUXXKS4yI/AAAAAAAAsyg/D3tBiffJECw/eIMG_3057_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="312" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Kqcscu0Mp2E/T_YUfXBWkoI/AAAAAAAAsyo/Uitjh3RN8R8/s1600-h/eIMG_3059%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3059" border="0" alt="eIMG_3059" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vea9dET43A0/T_YUgkXCztI/AAAAAAAAsyw/6xYLBFu0aps/eIMG_3059_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="295" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JjLHuGWUSzs/T_YUm93YZ9I/AAAAAAAAszA/vF5C-Y1adQU/s1600-h/eIMG_3069%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3069" border="0" alt="eIMG_3069" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--oSGaEVwIkQ/T_YUtv_kKXI/AAAAAAAAszI/Ow0pOWY9hPY/eIMG_3069_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="294" /></a>Anna decided she was tired of taking photos. <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Sx2yrILAZSg/T_YUz5us7_I/AAAAAAAAszQ/V31NeKH_x-4/s1600-h/eIMG_3076%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3076" border="0" alt="eIMG_3076" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pdboXvUjTKM/T_YU7ZA0KLI/AAAAAAAAszY/XnZh-ZfeeVU/eIMG_3076_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="296" /></a> L to R: My nephew Jackson, niece Jocelyn, Joe, Anna <br />Just a few minutes prior to taking photos, Jackson poured an entire orange drink down the front of his shirt.  Sometimes you just have to roll with it!<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hAgXzfIddg8/T_YVDhVUIHI/AAAAAAAAszg/39XMl71y2Vw/s1600-h/eIMG_3079%25255B5%25255D.jpg"> <br /> <br /><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3079" border="0" alt="eIMG_3079" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-G08o_uN_R0Y/T_YVHTlpGbI/AAAAAAAAszo/6DyPPZkxWfo/eIMG_3079_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="293" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0EtbKRWs5Mw/T_YVIsz2aeI/AAAAAAAAsz0/JdCKLsNPKCw/s1600-h/eIMG_3088%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3088" border="0" alt="eIMG_3088" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-n4tHCzllhrI/T_YVQps1FTI/AAAAAAAAs0E/x5tCCf1EyXo/eIMG_3088_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" height="292" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-73HSuVSq0kc/T_YVYWALPoI/AAAAAAAAs0M/fkxxBDNaOPE/s1600-h/eIMG_3096%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3096" border="0" alt="eIMG_3096" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Pp1W9flvM_E/T_YVccjK0II/AAAAAAAAs0U/TwUoZEY4jO0/eIMG_3096_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="432" height="352" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-onAfrmmOjms/T_YVhX1yV_I/AAAAAAAAs0c/MUnvvb0VdkM/s1600-h/eIMG_3098%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3098" border="0" alt="eIMG_3098" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SwlCrRbF4YA/T_YVneZIbmI/AAAAAAAAs0k/MDYCqUjPHOs/eIMG_3098_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="357" /></a> Oops, looks like someone partied too hard on the 4th! <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wcjV38T7XAU/T_YVricIOYI/AAAAAAAAs0w/yjf75k8HQOM/s1600-h/318717_10151886153935562_45191210_n%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="318717_10151886153935562_45191210_n" border="0" alt="318717_10151886153935562_45191210_n" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eSBhKsqUpl4/T_YVzWemGII/AAAAAAAAs08/aQeHRrPSvvQ/318717_10151886153935562_45191210_n_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="439" /></a>Little Joe with his death ray eyes!  Mine are looking rather death rayish as well.  <br /> <br />Joe had to work, so we didn’t get to take a family photo.  Oh well, next year! <br /> <br />_____________________________________________________ <br /><font size="3"><strong>How do I already have a three month old? <br /> <br /></strong><font size="2">So, time is going by way too quickly.  It seems like I just peed on a stick, and now I have a three month old baby and a nearly 4 year old toddler!  Prior to having Anna, I remember people always telling me to cherish every moment because it all goes by so quickly.  They were right.  Sometimes I’m almost scared to blink for fear that I’ll open my eyes and have a teenager.  As it stands now, Anna is a threenager and is already training me on how to deal with those pesky teen years.  Surely a teen can’t be any sassier than a three year old.  <br /> <br /><strong>Joseph’s 3 month shots:</strong> <br /></font><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-e1tn4B8R9M0/T_YV6-hrBfI/AAAAAAAAs1E/LNH_qWce04A/s1600-h/eIMG_2984%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_2984" border="0" alt="eIMG_2984" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QDQZtrDputU/T_YWDiamYnI/AAAAAAAAs1M/86UqMKtxftw/eIMG_2984_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="359" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ipQ1CK8EJ3s/T_YWMLYnGEI/AAAAAAAAs1U/jDFMSavr2Co/s1600-h/eIMG_2988%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_2988" border="0" alt="eIMG_2988" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fzVKm4gYuvQ/T_YWObCRWyI/AAAAAAAAs1c/xa6C34bqU0E/eIMG_2988_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="296" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nTb0ZPKOOXs/T_YWTu60PoI/AAAAAAAAs1s/wr3EmgKYhuU/s1600-h/eIMG_2990%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_2990" border="0" alt="eIMG_2990" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sxoqceEUOLI/T_YWXkRU6aI/AAAAAAAAs14/PgS-WOrxDC4/eIMG_2990_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="574" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Vx4YZSYdEsg/T_YWc7Dh-QI/AAAAAAAAs2A/WqhAbi0Ce_M/s1600-h/eIMG_3000%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3000" border="0" alt="eIMG_3000" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-B1dQ6gBF1h8/T_YWksitf7I/AAAAAAAAs2I/BZawHiDK88I/eIMG_3000_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="430" height="593" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cHzCk_A381w/T_YWsEGFmbI/AAAAAAAAs2Q/gukCNfqJj-E/s1600-h/eIMG_3015%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3015" border="0" alt="eIMG_3015" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XB0DGIX1fh4/T_YW1Ic31rI/AAAAAAAAs2Y/eeTAGO7ManY/eIMG_3015_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" height="324" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OCOX7KU-y10/T_YW9XSNiEI/AAAAAAAAs2g/Qu41rpgC8u4/s1600-h/eIMG_3027%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3027" border="0" alt="eIMG_3027" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ajmJz3CnO1I/T_YXElSIg5I/AAAAAAAAs2o/NB3vZ1hW64c/eIMG_3027_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="514" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HhEMZrhaFPQ/T_YXM4JVQXI/AAAAAAAAs2w/TZJsyjksEb8/s1600-h/eIMG_3030%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3030" border="0" alt="eIMG_3030" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--KWqvUDY9rU/T_YXUeiHjII/AAAAAAAAs24/QsJ_Yo5ijYs/eIMG_3030_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="339" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ByQ5Krw9yHY/T_YXbLBS62I/AAAAAAAAs3A/tx7Mftz1N_w/s1600-h/eIMG_3035%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3035" border="0" alt="eIMG_3035" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rDrSx1oavZs/T_YXcY-5CDI/AAAAAAAAs3Q/vRzBwf4RJy0/eIMG_3035_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="428" height="580" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GLKEr3Mv5FM/T_YXj5BCVaI/AAAAAAAAs3c/me_f3s-ZQQw/s1600-h/eIMG_3036%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_3036" border="0" alt="eIMG_3036" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-d9OJN233G3E/T_YXshA93PI/AAAAAAAAs3k/RAv4o3HK_Tg/eIMG_3036_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="427" height="556" /></a> <br /></font>Watch me grow… <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lr9I3Jm9NEA/T_YXyQc9rRI/AAAAAAAAs3s/tiUJFTLIxNs/s1600-h/3monthcomparison%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="3monthcomparison" border="0" alt="3monthcomparison" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GMW12HoqPR0/T_YX3abXdiI/AAAAAAAAs30/dfvhg0wsMIU/3monthcomparison_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="576" /></a>  <br /><strong>Temperament: <br /></strong>Joe is still a sweet little baby although he’s officially found his “bark” and has started to fuss more to let me know when he’s hungry/lonely/needs a diaper change/bored.  I think I jinxed myself by Googling “Why doesn’t my baby ever cry?” because now he definitely cries.  And as I’ve posted before, his cries aren’t normal baby cries, they’re great big bird cries.  Buzzard squawks.  They’re a little scary and deafening.    <br /> <br />Despite the squawking, he’s still a very chill and happy baby.  He smiles all the time.  He’s started giggling although most of the time he lets out one giggle and then chokes on his own spit.  He’s very alert and aware of his surroundings and spends a lot of time taking in everything around him.  <br /> <br />He’s great with people, strangers and family alike.  He will readily smile at anyone, and he will also go to anyone and will be content with them.  He takes after his sister.  She was always very happy with whomever was holding her at the time, and we’ve never had any issues with her adapting to new people and situations.  Hopefully Joseph will follow suit.  <br /> <br /><strong>Feeding: <br /></strong>Joseph is still nursing and is an old pro by now (so am I).  I’m super confident nursing in public and have done so many times (always with a cover).  I never thought I’d ever be comfortable enough to nurse in public, but he makes it easy, and once you get past the initial scariness of it, it’s not bad at all.  Aside from the first time I nursed in public, I’ve yet to have any negative reaction, and even if I did, at this point I don’t really care what anyone thinks.  Empowerment, I’ve got it! <br /> <br />My initial goal was to nurse until at least 4 months, but at this point I really don’t see any point in stopping then.  As long as he keeps up his latch, I’ll continue feeding him.  I enjoy it and love the bonding time with him.  I also love how easy it is to just up and leave and not have to worry about packing bottles and formula.  I do have to supplement from time to time just to keep up with his spurts, but I’d say he’s about 98% BM.  <br /> <br />I have noticed lately that he has been feeding more frequently (within the last week or so).  I’m not sure if it’s a spurt or if he’s using me as a human pacifier.  He hates a regular pacifier, so I’m not really sure how to combat this.  I keep trying to give him a paci, but he gags and spits it out.  Maybe when he’s older?  Or maybe he’ll never take one.  I had a full blown paci addict with Anna when she was his age.  <br /> <br /><strong>Sleeping: <br /></strong>This is Joseph’s typical sleep cycle - <br />9:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.: nurses <br />10 p.m.: Falls asleep in his swing <br />11 p.m.: Move him to his RNP sleeper <br />3 a.m.: Wakes up for his first night feeding <br />5 a.m.: 2nd feeding of the night <br />7 a.m.: 1st morning feeding <br />9 a.m.: Up for the day/feeding <br /> <br />So, the first stretch is about 5 hours.  Not bad at all.  I believe that’s officially sleeping through the night.  He’s been doing that for a few weeks now.  <br /> <br /><strong>Health/milestones: <br /></strong>He’s started grabbing at objects that are placed in front of him.  I bought him a play mat with dangly toys, and he really goes wild grabbing at the toys.  He kicks out his feet and flails his arms all over the place.  One of the toys has long rings that hang down, and he will grab them and hold on to them for a minute or so at a time.  <br /> <br />His head is still a bit wobbly.  He does a great job keeping it in line with his body when I pull him to a seated position, but as soon as his head is level with his body, he droops it forward (almost like it’s too heavy).  At this point with Anna, she had full control over her head and was easily able to hold it upright with very few wobbles.  I know all kids develop at different rates, so I’m going to just keep working with him to strengthen his neck muscles.  We’ve been doing lots of tummy time activities, and he’s doing a great job lifting his head off of the ground.  Like most people, though, he hates exercise, so I try to only “torture” him 5 – 10 minutes/day.  <br /> <br />He’s doing great following me with his gaze and making tons of eye contact.  He immediately recognizes my voice/Joe’s voice/Anna’s voice and breaks into a smile as soon as he hears us.  He will turn in any direction he hears us, and he will even sometimes lift up his head to look around for us.  He’s an observant little guy for sure. <br /> <br /><strong>Size: <br /></strong>I’m pretty sure he’s nearing the 6 months size at this point.  He’s mostly in 3-6 months now, and the majority of those clothes are too short for him (the onesies).  He has a super long torso and short legs, so most of the onesies he wears cut him off and give him a camel toe.  <br /> <br />His feet are growing, too.  He’s finally able to wear some of the shoes my sister passed along to me from my nephew.  I had him in some the other day, and my sister said that Jackson wore those when he was 9 months old.  My kid is a big guy for sure.  <br /> <br />He’s still wearing size 1 diapers but will need to move up to 2 once we use the rest of the big box that Joe’s parents gave us.  <br /> <br /><strong>Activities: <br /></strong>He seems to be losing interest in his swing.  He still loves it and spends tons of time in it, but he also likes being in his crib looking at the mobile or laying on the ground under the toys on his play mat.  He’s definitely hitting that stimulation period where he needs to be entertained.  His swing has a little mirror and mobile on it, so he will watch that until he falls asleep.  He loves looking at himself.  Mr. Vain.  <br /> <br />He’s still pretty good when we take him places although the last few times we’ve taken him out to eat, I’ve had to nurse him as soon as we get there.  I guess he doesn’t want to be left out.  He also hates his carseat.  He’ll be OK in the seat for a while, but if he’s in there for a few hours or so, he gets super fussy (understandably).  I get claustrophobic just looking at his seat.  <br /> <br /><strong>Siblings: <br /></strong>It’s quite obvious that Joe is smitten with his sister and vice versa.  He recognizes her now and lights up when he sees her.  Anna is very maternal with him and will comfort him if he cries or will change his diaper when I ask her to (and she does a great job).  It’s adorable seeing them interact together.  I can’t wait to see how they play when he’s older although I don’t want to rush anything now.  Sometimes I wish I could just freeze time.  <br /> <br />They’re getting so big so fast.  <br /> <br />_____________________________________________________ <br /><strong><font size="4">Lagniappe photos from Instagram:</font> <br /> <br /><img src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/531322_10151885583385562_1766977346_n.jpg" width="422" height="422" /> </strong></p> <p>4th of July <br /> <br /><img src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/534628_10151870234255562_1076638481_n.jpg" width="418" height="418" /> I spy some hair (and a claw mark from his man claws) <br /> <br /><img src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/552873_10151847901295562_925619483_n.jpg" width="421" height="421" />His lashes finally started growing in!  The bald cat look is going away. <br /> <br /><img src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/198384_10151838590360562_1669685012_n.jpg" width="417" height="417" />Baby feet beneath the nursing cover. <br /> <br /><img src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/542378_10151833091785562_631708727_n.jpg" width="425" height="425" />Daddy and Anna at CEC on Father’s Day! <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cUt8CUstKP4/T_YX8Te5SiI/AAAAAAAAs38/ZUJ-5aIfHSM/s1600-h/2012-06-17%25252019.57.52%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2012-06-17 19.57.52" border="0" alt="2012-06-17 19.57.52" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-U1yPk0GFA3M/T_YX-tc9YKI/AAAAAAAAs4E/GLoOjxq8J1U/2012-06-17%25252019.57.52_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="430" height="433" /></a> <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-btgkHQFV2S0/T_YYBkAVaWI/AAAAAAAAs4U/1jf-y0Lui50/s1600-h/2012-06-17%25252019.32.08%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2012-06-17 19.32.08" border="0" alt="2012-06-17 19.32.08" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-i90-PQ5eyo0/T_YYGghj4oI/AAAAAAAAs4c/aN4cnAcFUCY/2012-06-17%25252019.32.08_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="427" height="572" /></a> <br /><img src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/179501_10151829882250562_663959050_n.jpg" width="425" height="425" />Sweet cousins <br /> <br /><img src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/599077_10151824491750562_608876280_n.jpg" width="423" height="423" />Anna is using Joe’s toes as her piggy bank. <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pjcDIu87Ay4/T_YYNOegfAI/AAAAAAAAs4k/pgD2tFEYO6w/s1600-h/joedad%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="joedad" border="0" alt="joedad" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UV3_IUsjmpc/T_YYVhWiycI/AAAAAAAAs4s/GEQInEg5EG8/joedad_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="424" height="427" /></a>A picture of Joe when he was a baby next to Joseph.  It’s pretty uncanny, right?!  <br /> <br /></p> <img src="http://www.natalie102503.com/nataliesig.jpg" /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998183171767752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867271855584355811.post-85271598818387383532012-06-20T22:00:00.001-05:002012-06-20T22:00:49.020-05:00Baby giggles.<p>So darn sweet. <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m_dshVBhSrw/T-KNpUvYHVI/AAAAAAAAsb0/8hT85hS2Q2w/s1600-h/giggled%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="giggled" border="0" alt="giggled" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aRRikZzhPpc/T-KNqXRPGkI/AAAAAAAAsb8/nKEQHEu-dbY/giggled_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="433" height="400" /></a> <br /> <br />Last milestone…watch me grow: <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Qp3QStiG7mM/T-KN2f_eDfI/AAAAAAAAscE/efR7rGLwc6E/s1600-h/eIMG_8875%25255B4%25255D%25255B4%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_8875[4]" border="0" alt="eIMG_8875[4]" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SBuKYNkez_w/T-KN6bQFcqI/AAAAAAAAscM/AJqQCMm3qtc/eIMG_8875%25255B4%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="434" height="352" /></a> <br /></p> <p> <br />Some pictures with sissy: <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UEfYIr_Z8jw/T-KN8fjpjEI/AAAAAAAAscU/UMkjmjajlWs/s1600-h/e2964%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="e2964" border="0" alt="e2964" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WAIYYbMFS-w/T-KN9taNHHI/AAAAAAAAscc/JR5PA0m-BOI/e2964_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="296" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zx_Q6SoZoy4/T-KN_c8IPqI/AAAAAAAAsck/o29MNPcyQ7E/s1600-h/eIMG_2956%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_2956" border="0" alt="eIMG_2956" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wY4R8kRL-d8/T-KOAcmTG1I/AAAAAAAAscs/RUkDdSirH3E/eIMG_2956_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="337" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ul0cZKqTMFc/T-KOB_PfZxI/AAAAAAAAsc0/Y5RNQzQXtNY/s1600-h/eIMG_2958%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_2958" border="0" alt="eIMG_2958" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o0pv4qOFSnM/T-KOC90PvkI/AAAAAAAAsc8/z_vAaDl2API/eIMG_2958_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="433" height="294" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KRSRxPh37ng/T-KOEoCAOHI/AAAAAAAAsdE/9zV_53KrW7U/s1600-h/eIMG_2962%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_2962" border="0" alt="eIMG_2962" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-N5HsWYfD_vI/T-KOGvXFxtI/AAAAAAAAsdM/vETpvbW5tjc/eIMG_2962_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="432" height="293" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-J_t7d6XsExU/T-KOLE2t4GI/AAAAAAAAsdU/EQoWFPjFUgo/s1600-h/eIMG_2963%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_2963" border="0" alt="eIMG_2963" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-k4_3G6O4fsA/T-KONtizcBI/AAAAAAAAsdc/5iKSos73kZY/eIMG_2963_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="432" height="293" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rhjYbiaSHtI/T-KORQ2A1CI/AAAAAAAAsdk/Zj10jPnsBa4/s1600-h/eIMG_2970%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_2970" border="0" alt="eIMG_2970" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4UYW63-zNQo/T-KOTHi6EFI/AAAAAAAAsds/00FNs7-w5_w/eIMG_2970_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="430" height="292" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DiwGj4mAjQI/T-KOVolozPI/AAAAAAAAsd0/q-WSyQ49KKw/s1600-h/eIMG_2972%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_2972" border="0" alt="eIMG_2972" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JiJwn29XM8c/T-KOX3vi2mI/AAAAAAAAsd8/tLXWWUMgNXs/eIMG_2972_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="427" height="290" /></a>  <br /></p> <img src="http://www.natalie102503.com/nataliesig.jpg" /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998183171767752noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867271855584355811.post-76981277217766360322012-06-10T15:46:00.001-05:002012-06-10T15:46:05.493-05:002 months under my belt.<p>Although it’s belated, I’m finally getting around to writing Joseph’s two month post.  It’s not my fault that I’m almost a week behind.  It’s my camera’s fault.  You see, my nearly brand new camera had some issues, so I had to send it to Canon for repair.  $250 and nearly 3 weeks later, I finally got my camera back and could take Joseph’s 2 month photos.  I’m not exactly pleased that I had to spend that much to repair a camera that was a few months shy of being under warranty, but that’s neither here nor there.  The part that makes me most mad is that I missed out on three weeks worth of photos of my kids.  They grow so darn fast, so that’s like a lifetime of photos.  <br /> <br />Here are a few cell phone photos in no particular order from the past month.  They’re horrible quality (thanks Droid), but at least it’s something. <br /> <br /><img src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/547742_10151709043820562_504386135_n.jpg" width="423" height="562" /></p> <p> <br />(May 13, 2012) <br />Joe decided to cover up his baldness with his cousin Jocelyn’s fancy hat. <br /> <br /><img src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/461620_10151725543780562_159881564_o.jpg" width="430" height="323" /> <br />(May 17, 2012) <br />Anna wanted to share her doll, Rose Nylund, with her baby brother.  <br /> <br /><img src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/467354_10151726986485562_607546734_o.jpg" width="428" height="322" /> <br />(May 17, 2012) <br />I was finally able to catch a smile on camera. <br /> <br /><img src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/460936_10151729365020562_248748623_o.jpg" width="431" height="324" /> <br />(May 18, 2012) <br />It’s like a daycare up in this place!  Joseph and his cousin Jocelyn. <br /> <br /><img src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/554490_10151717246615562_1070235639_n.jpg" width="435" height="578" /> <br />(May 15, 2012) <br />My poor baby was sick this past month.  She had a 104.3 fever that day.  When I took her to the Dr. they said she tested positive for some viral infection (the name escapes me) that only causes high fevers and nothing else.  <br /> <br /><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Zj8OI8M-VtQ/T8ZqGvzV5MI/AAAAAAAAr0g/zyLuDBZZUKo/s1024/IMG_8797.JPG" width="439" height="297" /> <br />(May 8, 2012) <br />This photo OWNS me.  Joe’s facial expression is hilarious, and Jocelyn’s is even funnier. <br /> <br /><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U7ne0GaOx4Y/T9TjtOgm-pI/AAAAAAAAsVQ/kho7dsriOzE/s640/2012-06-07%252013.28.37.jpg" width="434" height="576" /> <br />(June 7, 2012) <br />Just spending some quality time together under the mobile. <br /> <br /><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pLleQzss2Qw/T9Tj2GPcRaI/AAAAAAAAsVY/lI7M_G9oZGU/s640/2012-06-05%252016.00.27.jpg" width="422" height="560" /> <br />(June 5, 2012) <br />More QT together. <br /> <br /><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X1yvSYdrrhs/T9TkEfMxvkI/AAAAAAAAsVg/iMRwgOud-qc/s912/2012-05-30%252009.59.16.jpg" width="427" height="321" /> <br />(May 30, 2012) <br />A huge smile for the camera! <br /> <br /><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8zNrDv-cBiU/T9TkcfC1_qI/AAAAAAAAsVw/aG6fVHzkfUo/s912/2012-05-16%252018.32.07.jpg" width="439" height="330" /><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tJv6UEMO-y4/T9TknRp-wzI/AAAAAAAAsV4/ediMRoFzg7I/s912/2012-05-16%252018.32.57.jpg" width="438" height="332" /> <br />(May 16, 2012) <br />Watching the tele together. <br /> <br />Here are Joseph’s 2 month photos: <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DXCND02a6aA/T9UGTLeaj9I/AAAAAAAAsWY/JLmOtwLOgOA/s1600-h/eIMG_0012%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_0012" border="0" alt="eIMG_0012" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5P7z2Z5Kk3k/T9UGVvDyheI/AAAAAAAAsWg/J-ZkF8LyZ90/eIMG_0012_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="438" height="659" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9MTwtQdfvP4/T9UGXqR1b5I/AAAAAAAAsWo/7_oX0zYHVic/s1600-h/eIMG_0013%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_0013" border="0" alt="eIMG_0013" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UMTvfffPr9Q/T9UGZbsX6zI/AAAAAAAAsWw/Yj5L8IvYcF8/eIMG_0013_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="438" height="659" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bip0qKHS2lw/T9UGa8mZxRI/AAAAAAAAsW4/Xc_lmAwtHpY/s1600-h/eIMG_0016%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_0016" border="0" alt="eIMG_0016" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KrAmlwpy5W4/T9UGcsOeldI/AAAAAAAAsXA/l9rw8_jWCvk/eIMG_0016_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="656" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4iJBEGR3Ods/T9UGep8-ONI/AAAAAAAAsXI/SlyD2VMiRBs/s1600-h/eIMG_0018%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_0018" border="0" alt="eIMG_0018" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BKo8-yF8RNU/T9UGgJDoa8I/AAAAAAAAsXQ/ReMBQqnLqrw/eIMG_0018_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="532" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NE5eyKlD6tk/T9UGiBOS2BI/AAAAAAAAsXY/8TkE2p5wiMU/s1600-h/eIMG_0022%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_0022" border="0" alt="eIMG_0022" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-28blXWHW8_4/T9UGj6JdrFI/AAAAAAAAsXg/TwQ90qAcIew/eIMG_0022_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="295" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DplkY677Nhg/T9UGl96DClI/AAAAAAAAsXo/1lNYDVK8JEs/s1600-h/eIMG_0024%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_0024" border="0" alt="eIMG_0024" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dnQdKYNKIPI/T9UGofyj75I/AAAAAAAAsXw/V9KHAyQ1n1I/eIMG_0024_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="295" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VnoSmr_DMDg/T9UGqMxCQkI/AAAAAAAAsX4/ScGoPk6caKw/s1600-h/eIMG_0026%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_0026" border="0" alt="eIMG_0026" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9LWD9iWS2uQ/T9UGr0tUhbI/AAAAAAAAsYA/BDX6vg8eQ_0/eIMG_0026_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="653" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Bsdf1kfBMKw/T9UGuJ9OLsI/AAAAAAAAsYI/mzoO9rPidd0/s1600-h/eIMG_0029%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_0029" border="0" alt="eIMG_0029" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hvnoy_wueok/T9UGv97Ts7I/AAAAAAAAsYQ/iedQd31jYsw/eIMG_0029_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="344" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UmSMZQcS10o/T9UGx5LidEI/AAAAAAAAsYY/BYKmpLT6YRw/s1600-h/eIMG_0036%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_0036" border="0" alt="eIMG_0036" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cMjQyg74pRc/T9UGz3-RJGI/AAAAAAAAsYo/SbuJm2vOLRY/eIMG_0036_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" height="664" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VFp9RKDu_jk/T9UG1yGDruI/AAAAAAAAsYw/a3VE73pK2bc/s1600-h/eIMG_0039%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_0039" border="0" alt="eIMG_0039" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zScuzePn8uY/T9UG37WJl0I/AAAAAAAAsY4/73rZaGpAHoY/eIMG_0039_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="629" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QbNOfRxv_7Y/T9UG5zrNgwI/AAAAAAAAsZA/l229ru7HwE4/s1600-h/eIMG_0041%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_0041" border="0" alt="eIMG_0041" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-a8FS-jfPnRk/T9UG7jS5pzI/AAAAAAAAsZI/ateOSSfSTiw/eIMG_0041_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="438" height="516" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-o-q_c5Z_XE8/T9UG930LBoI/AAAAAAAAsZQ/41Fsl4GbRI4/s1600-h/eIMG_0044%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_0044" border="0" alt="eIMG_0044" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Chfo-7PODxw/T9UG_obF0tI/AAAAAAAAsZY/Q6jDeDq7QvQ/eIMG_0044_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="529" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-m5gVYl6-Dog/T9UHB27B19I/AAAAAAAAsZg/sH_60xIPy2Q/s1600-h/eIMG_0047%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_0047" border="0" alt="eIMG_0047" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EcnxSsIH62M/T9UHDvI9KzI/AAAAAAAAsZo/IHabggHZBOE/eIMG_0047_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="483" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uyMGWX0Earc/T9UHGCyf3zI/AAAAAAAAsZw/iGu6Gkn8PgQ/s1600-h/eIMG_0050%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_0050" border="0" alt="eIMG_0050" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2aG61YSF4Ag/T9UHHitbyXI/AAAAAAAAsZ4/IAQiNabH59M/eIMG_0050_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="295" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aoDYleq6QBI/T9UHJus0DqI/AAAAAAAAsaA/XoWpHjyc1ok/s1600-h/eIMG_0054%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_0054" border="0" alt="eIMG_0054" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GocPFFIyOEA/T9UHLe_34YI/AAAAAAAAsaI/nEFIjLNIs1M/eIMG_0054_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="441" height="582" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RGE1v4_b0gA/T9UHNaMjsEI/AAAAAAAAsaQ/TbUvDaWYHrE/s1600-h/eIMG_0056%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_0056" border="0" alt="eIMG_0056" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IZN0il79tbI/T9UHPAXNqjI/AAAAAAAAsaY/1qXvCnHyXbQ/eIMG_0056_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="438" height="516" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3mr3oi6bRkM/T9UHQw3fyBI/AAAAAAAAsag/TItF5h0tyOw/s1600-h/eIMG_0061%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_0061" border="0" alt="eIMG_0061" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-C5cjZ3F-8Mg/T9UHS7BXUPI/AAAAAAAAsao/BrTkYWYHK2Y/eIMG_0061_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="655" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zm0vOhbtTVw/T9UHUkaTq2I/AAAAAAAAsaw/9sRmKvXc8t0/s1600-h/eIMG_0063%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_0063" border="0" alt="eIMG_0063" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-a1k5XfOke1A/T9UHWDjy-wI/AAAAAAAAsa4/NHXzacj_1vE/eIMG_0063_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="661" /></a> <br /></p> <p> <br />And since I love comparison shots, here are his 1 month/2 month shots together: <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-k7hEwZTZOow/T9UHYpLe0yI/AAAAAAAAsbA/-mkRUde7DJ8/s1600-h/2monthcomparison%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2monthcomparison" border="0" alt="2monthcomparison" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IsAdNzBmVgY/T9UHaHz9MmI/AAAAAAAAsbI/88PnS9M9wfQ/2monthcomparison_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="523" /></a> <br /></p> <p> <br />Anna/Joseph 1 and 2 month comparison shots.  They look pretty much identical! <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5HxGH4U5R5k/T9UHc6fqs9I/AAAAAAAAsbQ/4Kf1WEAAEfc/s1600-h/annajoecomparison%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="annajoecomparison" border="0" alt="annajoecomparison" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eKEEgnxCnq8/T9UHe9Uz2dI/AAAAAAAAsbY/-JUr-xvyAjA/annajoecomparison_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="520" /></a> <br /> <br /><strong>Temperament: <br /></strong>Joseph is the calmest, sweetest, most easy going baby I’ve ever been around.  I know I keep saying this with each post, but I still can’t believe how wonderful this little baby is.  I’m kind of amazed by him.  Had he been my first-born, I would’ve probably had an entire litter of children Duggar style.  Anna was a very easy going baby, too, but Joe is even more so.  I think he definitely takes after his easy going dad.  <br /> <br />He rarely cries.  In fact, the only time I’ve ever heard him truly cry was when he just got his shots at the Dr.  That was heart breaking.  When he’s upset, he just kind of squeaks and squeals and flails around, but it’s not that ear piercing infant cry that I was expecting (and dreading).  <br /> <br />He goes through growth spurts every few weeks where he’s a bit fussier/more agitated than usual, but he’s still pretty easy going even at the worst of it, so I can’t complain.  <br /> <br />He loves to smile which makes me so happy.  Anna, God love her, was a very hard baby to get to smile.  Short of standing on your head and making monkey sounds, it was nearly impossible to get her to crack a smile.  She’s full of personality now, but as an infant she refused to smile for us.  As soon as Joe hears my voice or sees me, he lights up.  I love it! <br /> <br /><strong>Feeding: <br /></strong>Joseph is still doing great with nursing.  He averages about every 3 hours for a feeding, sometimes more, sometimes less.  He actually went 7 hours two nights in a row, and I thought we finally crossed over into the sleeping through the night territory, but that pretty much stopped, and he went back to every 2 – 3 hours.  If he’s in his swing, he seems to sleep for longer stretches throughout the day.  I’m not sure if he’s outgrowing his Rock-N-Play sleeper because he’s so long, but it seems like he’s not as comfortable in it for long periods of time.  <br /> <br />I’ve had to supplement with formula a few times when I’ve been out and about without him (if he’s at home being watched) because I just haven’t built up a freezer stash at all.  I’m pretty lazy with pumping this time around.  I hate it so much, so I avoid it at all costs.  <br /> <br /><strong>Sleeping: <br /></strong>As I said above, we hit a 7 hour span two nights in a row, but that stopped.  He’s still waking every 2 – 3 hours.  He starts out sleeping the longest stretch right after his 9/10 p.m. feeding.  He sleeps for about four or five hours at that point.  Then each time he wakes up to feed, it’s less and less of a span.  5 hours to 3 hours to 2 hours to 1.5 hours and then he’s up.  <br /> <br />I’ve gotten used to the sleep interruption although it seems like I just close my eyes and am up again even though it’s been three hours.  I must fall back asleep very quickly.  <br /> <br /><strong>Health/milestones: <br /></strong>He hasn’t been spitting up hardly at all.  I’m glad since he was projectile vomiting for a few days.  It’s pretty alarming to see that!  <br /> <br />I did notice that he has <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diastasis_recti">diastasis recti</a> – his stomach bulges when he’s straining or grunting.  It’s pretty alarming to see a huge lump like this, but his pediatrician (and Dr. Google) says it’s pretty common and typically resolves on its own without causing any issues. <br /> <br />Here’s what it looks like: <br /><img src="http://www.umm.edu/graphics/images/en/17155.jpg" /> <br /> <br />You can kind of see it in this photo although in real life it’s definitely more pronounced: <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iLpmgdzLJLc/T9UHg6tw3sI/AAAAAAAAsbg/DTDhxepPD9g/s1600-h/IMG_8765%25255B37%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8765" border="0" alt="IMG_8765" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bGTvG1dT9zE/T9UHilVYKZI/AAAAAAAAsbo/ebdjceNrhYQ/IMG_8765_thumb%25255B40%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="658" /></a> <br /> <br />I had total mom brain and spaced and missed his 2 month appointment, so I had to re-schedule it for this past Friday.  Here are his stats: <br /> <br /><strong>Weight</strong>: 11 lbs. 10 oz. (50th%) <br /><strong>Height</strong>: 23 3/4” (75th – 90th%) <br /><strong>Head</strong>: 16” (may not be exact, she didn’t write it down, but I recall her measuring the head around 16” or so) <br /> <br />He had to get 3 shots (Hep B, Polio, DTP combo, Hib, Pneumococcal Disease) and an oral vaccination for Rotavirus.  It was pitiful when he got his shots – he’s never cried so loud.  Anna was such a trooper and held his hand the entire time.  She was so comforting and caring.  She’s a true nurturer.  She’s also very protective.  She said this to the nurse: <br /> <br />”Please be careful with him.  His head is soft.”  <br /> <br />They got a kick out of that.  She was really putting on a show the entire appointment.  I think she was relieved she wasn’t the one getting the shots for once.  <br /> <br /><strong>Size</strong>: <br />He’s out growing size 3 and quickly approaching 3 – 6 months.  In fact, he skipped the 0 – 3 month size completely.  I had an entire drawer full of 0 – 3 that he never even wore.  Bummer!  He’s just so darn tall that most 0-3 and 3 months clothes are too short for him.  He has the Urkel effect in mostly everything he wears.  <br /> <br />He’s in size 1 diapers.  They fit him well but probably will be outgrown in the very near future.  We have huge boxes of them, so I’m hoping he’ll stay in them a bit longer.  <br /> <br /><strong>Activities</strong>: <br />Not much to report on this front.  He’s in his swing for most of the day.  He loves it!  He’s still great when we take him places.  Most of the time he just sleeps or he quietly looks around.  Every once in a while he’ll take a paci when he’s fussy, but he still hasn’t quite mastered keeping them in his mouth.  <br /> <br />We took him to Chuckie Cheese the other day, and he slept for most of the time we were there.  He woke up halfway through and was a bit fussy, so I had to take him out of his car seat and hold him for a while.  <br /> <br /><strong>Siblings: <br /></strong>Anna is a lot calmer with him now.  She’s very protective and loving with him.  She still wants to hold him quite a bit and gets really upset when I tell her no sometimes, but she’s toned it down a lot.  It was pretty overwhelming those first few weeks because she thought he was her baby.  <br /> <br />She’s very gentle with him, and it’s to the point where I feel comfortable leaving her around him without constantly being by her side.  She will attend to him if he needs a blanket, and she’s even changed his diaper (and did a great job) a few times without my help.  Well, I was a silent observer.  <br /> <br />It’s really cute to see them interact, and I’m looking forward to watching them play together in the near future.  I’m sure she will get sick of him stealing her toys! <br /> <br /></p> <img src="http://www.natalie102503.com/nataliesig.jpg" /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998183171767752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867271855584355811.post-9709210052390805102012-05-11T12:38:00.001-05:002012-05-11T12:38:02.601-05:00A smile.<p>I always wish I would’ve kept better track of Anna’s milestones.  I used to keep them saved in a Word document, but when my laptop crashed, I lost everything.  I’m sorry, Anna.  Don’t let my lack of posts about your early months make you think mommy loves you any less.  <br /> <br />Since the Internet is forever, I’m going to keep track of J’s milestones on my blog.  I figure this is the fool-proof way to keep track unless blogger goes out of business.  <br /> <br />First milestone… <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HNN2GY4pS0k/T61OYjZDfZI/AAAAAAAArZ4/bIbW5tVxppI/s1600-h/eIMG_8875%25255B4%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_8875" border="0" alt="eIMG_8875" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wPy2kQpcxdM/T61Od9qrnsI/AAAAAAAAraA/iSt8Uek1lI4/eIMG_8875_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="436" height="353" /></a>  <br />Granted, he’s not smiling in this picture, he’s looking more like Dr. Evil than anything else, but I promise you he did look at me and smile for at least 20 seconds today.  He was wide awake, too, so I know it wasn’t a gas smile.  I’m looking forward to many more smiles! <br /> <br /></p> <img src="http://www.natalie102503.com/nataliesig.jpg" /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998183171767752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867271855584355811.post-56960930643978742022012-05-10T19:26:00.001-05:002012-05-10T19:26:31.864-05:00Baby J’s nursery details!<p>I’ve gotten quite a few emails/messages from people inquiring about the details of J’s nursery.  I know that when I was in the planning stages and using Pinterest day and night, it was always so frustrating when I’d see something I loved and not be able to find any identifying information about where it could be purchased or how it was done.  <br /> <br />Let’s get started. <br /> <br /><strong><font size="4">The walls/Paint: <br /></font></strong></p> <p> <br /><a href="http://oneporkchop.blogspot.com/2012/01/week-29-and-updates.html">Some of my closest friends came in to town</a> to help me paint the walls and kick start J’s nursery decorating. <br /> <br /><strong>Brown paint color: PARK FOUNTAIN (Valspar, Lowes) <br />White paint color: WEDDING BELLS (Valspar, Lowes) <br /> <br /></strong>We kind of winged the paint job since we honestly had no idea what we were doing, but my friend Beth took what she learned at my house through trial and error and created a fantastic tutorial on how to paint beautiful stripes.  <a href="http://www.unskinnyboppy.blogspot.com/2012/02/lazy-girls-timesaving-tips-for-painting.html">Check it out here</a>! <br /> <br />We only painted one main wall in stripes and painted the other walls in Park Fountain.  I think this gives the room great balance and doesn’t overwhelm the small space.  The stripes actually make the room look more spacious! <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rlla-w2h6Pk/T6xbDStxnbI/AAAAAAAArPs/MR4FRMVa6eo/s1600-h/IMG_74105.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7410" border="0" alt="IMG_7410" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CGR3ly6gm7w/T6xbEbTxaoI/AAAAAAAArP0/UsFMruNGqDo/IMG_7410_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="653" /></a> <br /> <br />Due to the layout of the room, it’s hard to get a decent shot): <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-a8-25Z_8bD0/T6xbFs14ZMI/AAAAAAAArP8/qVtivAtru6w/s1600-h/eIMG_88065.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_8806" border="0" alt="eIMG_8806" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-n0ktp6EF_gk/T6xbGjOXOPI/AAAAAAAArQE/ocKiummMBkU/eIMG_8806_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="441" height="287" /></a> <br /></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TL-dfvOJIhc/T6xbIH6dS5I/AAAAAAAArQM/6UkLfTcehAM/s1600-h/eIMG_88095.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_8809" border="0" alt="eIMG_8809" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oXWo5rAquzU/T6xbJHyLc8I/AAAAAAAArQU/ZDphx5MxJZU/eIMG_8809_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="279" /></a>  <br /> <br /><font size="4"><strong>The bedding/crib details:</strong> <br /></font></p> <p> <br />The first official purchase I hade for J’s nursery was the crib bedding.  I scoured Craigslist for a few days and came across this entire bedding set for $45.  At the time, it was retailing in stores for $300, but it looks like it’s been discontinued most places or is selling for about $150 now.  It was a fabulous score for me since the bedding was in mint condition and fit perfectly with the modern/funky theme I wanted for the nursery. <br /> <br /><img src="http://www.natalie102503.com/bedding.jpg" width="432" height="394" />  <br />I found the set online <a href="http://www.raspberrykids.com/dwell-studio-baby-crib-set-dots-chocolate.html">here</a>.  You may be able to find it somewhere online cheaper than this.  Just type in <em><strong>Dwell Chocolate Dots crib bedding</strong></em>.  <br /> <br />Here’s the bedding in the nursery: <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uXpX98zZStA/T6xbKmAQEZI/AAAAAAAArQc/ksXV_TOFALY/s1600-h/eIMG_74445.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_7444" border="0" alt="eIMG_7444" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lHAz_GAGqjo/T6xbL8x3pII/AAAAAAAArQk/68e3x7kcowU/eIMG_7444_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" height="298" /></a>  <br /></p> <p>The crib is a <a href="http://www.wayfair.com/Sorelle-Gia-4-in-1-Convertible-Crib-in-Espresso-971-E-UO1409.html">Sorelle Gia</a> crib that I purchased from csnbaby.com before Anna was born.  It’s held up very nicely, and is super sturdy and solid.  I highly recommend this line of furniture.  <br /> <br /> <br /><font size="4"><strong>The dresser/changing station: <br /> <br /></strong></font><font size="2">I’d say the one thing that caused me the most angst with this nursery was the dresser/changing table.  The matching dresser to the crib is still in Anna’s room, so I needed to buy a new one.  Since funds were limited, I wasn’t able to find anything I liked in stores or online, so I improvised and hit the local thrift shops.  <br /> <br />I found this beauty in need of some major TLC: <br /><img src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/418447_10151296649120562_742925561_22906013_480747343_n.jpg" width="436" height="328" /></font> </p> <p> <br />And turned it into this (with Joe’s help, of course): <br /><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Qzpg7dEM4D4/T2DcbbLmkxI/AAAAAAAAomM/2SoyO0vMdQE/eIMG_7799_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" /> <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ec_WULHe4Xc/T6xbNKPsGZI/AAAAAAAArQs/M0S3f0ci2ns/s1600-h/IMG_78165.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7816" border="0" alt="IMG_7816" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AEqCBa2Qvhw/T6xbOyAsFnI/AAAAAAAArQ0/FxMr3_yzaZs/IMG_7816_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="655" /></a>  <br />We decided to keep the original hardware pulls since they were still in great condition and looked fabulous with the paint. <br /></p> <p> <br /><strong>Total cost: About $100 ($70 for the dresser and $30 for paint/supplies) <br /></strong> <br />I’m not sure of the paint color name since it’s not listed on the can top, but here’s a picture of the numbers. <br /> <br /><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bsgRXEIZP58/T05pAT9-_NI/AAAAAAAAoFo/3qZJjWKTuKY/IMG_7670_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" />  <br /></p> <p> <br /><font size="4"><strong>The curtains: <br /> <br /></strong></font><font size="2">I’d have to say that other than the dresser, the chevron curtains are my favorite feature of the nursery.  <br /> <br />Since they’re hand made by my good friend <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Peachy-Keen-Designs/60959831866">Kent</a>, you won’t be able to find them in stores, but I purchased the fabric from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/hbfabrics">HB FABRICS on Etsy</a>.  It was $8.75/yard, and I needed 7 yards of fabric.  The ceilings in the nursery are 10’ high, and I wanted to hang the curtains about 10” above the top of the window and have them drape. <br /> <br /></font></p> <p><font size="2"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8ogtzJkocM4/T6xbQkOX2jI/AAAAAAAArQ8/OA02rpCkl4c/s1600-h/IMG_88245.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8824" border="0" alt="IMG_8824" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KR5LJHjFnik/T6xbSj6w0hI/AAAAAAAArRE/FbP3QskT0h8/IMG_8824_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="429" height="646" /></a>  <br /> <br /><strong><font size="4">The artwork:</font></strong> <br /> <br />I was able to DIY the artwork in the nursery based on some images that I found on Etsy.  I love being able to customize them to my exact needs and play around with the design elements a bit.  <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nCXub37Fd14/T6xbVWsfJSI/AAAAAAAArRM/hCV3wmy4ajc/s1600-h/IMG_77305.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7730" border="0" alt="IMG_7730" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oQw7nIztr7I/T6xbWs_BlrI/AAAAAAAArRU/E8IoqppCAkk/IMG_7730_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="294" /></a> <br /></font></p> <p>The original design is from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56013429/16x20-abc-print-navy-bluegreen-abc-art">Trendypeas on Etsy.</a>  <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Hq0RUYrBIpc/T6xbYmoYatI/AAAAAAAArRc/-veNLSkDWpA/s1600-h/eIMG_88405.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_8840" border="0" alt="eIMG_8840" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_R-kK01ryeA/T6xbZ_qEY9I/AAAAAAAArRk/r80ChdCMGxg/eIMG_8840_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="313" /></a> <br />The original design is from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/75547943/modern-custom-birth-announcement-baby">Urban Tickle on Etsy</a>. <br /> <br />The frames are just some old frames that I found around my house that I spray painted with Valspar Exotic Sea.  <br /> <br /><img src="http://unsimpleliving.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/p1060117.jpg?w=640&h=853" width="428" height="568" /> <br />Image from <a href="http://unsimpleliving.wordpress.com/category/diy-projects/spray-paint/">unsimpleliving.wordpress.com</a>. <br /> <br />The J on the top is just a last minute thing that I decided to do.  I just bought a letter from Michael’s and painted it with some left over paint I had from another project (that just happened to match perfectly). </p> <p> <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tsY_6V0MAMw/T6xbbeHbnII/AAAAAAAArRs/FMKsVzS3_PA/s1600-h/IMG_88315.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8831" border="0" alt="IMG_8831" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-K2XAiXLS__s/T6xbdLZkSJI/AAAAAAAArR0/fdHNamH_AiM/IMG_8831_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="656" /></a>  <br />The little bunting at the bottom was made from the left over scraps that were used to create these letters: <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5I5UkWGe_B0/T6xbfTjiCgI/AAAAAAAArR8/gS_7Sg4OMu0/s1600-h/eIMG_77145.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_7714" border="0" alt="eIMG_7714" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9uEh3acaet8/T6xbgjByYpI/AAAAAAAArSE/wuLs0HA64uk/eIMG_7714_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="430" height="358" /></a> <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dRdsHeJBOpQ/T6xbjZW8YtI/AAAAAAAArSM/c43nYUfxhyM/s1600-h/eIMG_77175.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_7717" border="0" alt="eIMG_7717" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-g-0cZr_-99s/T6xblQBXWKI/AAAAAAAArSU/6oOIBI9pOUg/eIMG_7717_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="430" height="340" /></a> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rxeOMO94g2E/T6xbm-vsucI/AAAAAAAArSc/WwdMRt8G9jI/s1600-h/eIMG_78215.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_7821" border="0" alt="eIMG_7821" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rp5GleAGvvQ/T6xbptt0ikI/AAAAAAAArSk/6WlgNDLHj74/eIMG_7821_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="429" height="646" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zxx3Dh5ebVI/T6xbqxNc0_I/AAAAAAAArSs/AFEgZ4f3PIc/s1600-h/eIMG_77975.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_7797" border="0" alt="eIMG_7797" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-f_cmYwuQgXI/T6xbsCxbHDI/AAAAAAAArS0/frAMz8-rxxE/eIMG_7797_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="428" height="589" /></a> <br />I decided to frame the J at the very last minute and am very pleased with how it turned out.  I was lucky that the J fell smack dab in the center – it was a happy accident that I couldn’t replicate if I tried. <br /> <br />My sweet friend <a href="http://halfofvamh.blogspot.com/">Allison</a> made each of these letters for the nursery using this as inspiration: <br /> <br /><img src="http://media-cache6.pinterest.com/upload/168251736048486897_YcGycTYb_f.jpg" /> <br /><a href="http://jennibowlinstudioinspiration.blogspot.com/2011/09/back-to-school-with-briana-johnson.html">Instructions can be found here</a> <br /> <br /></p> <p>My friend Allison is also making the artwork that will hang behind the crib.  She hand-painted all of these canvases, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with how they turned out!  Since my husband is a huge car enthusiast, I wanted to incorporate his love of muscle cars into the nursery.  He already has visions of working on cars with his son (and daughter).  <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bdOLgwMJ7HM/T6xbuQlSSHI/AAAAAAAArS8/QgXTUhFCy0U/s1600-h/2012-05-059518-45-31954216.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2012-05-059518-45-3195421" border="0" alt="2012-05-059518-45-3195421" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cJeMeXyZY48/T6xbvhHNE1I/AAAAAAAArTE/j8b8NHv4c6g/2012-05-059518-45-3195421_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="438" height="252" /></a> <br /> <br /> <br /><font size="4"><strong>Lagniappe:</strong></font> <br /></p> <p> <br /><strong>The orbs: <br /></strong><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ifXDXBb8BGQ/T6xbxZA2PTI/AAAAAAAArTM/zOlFbl5MwFQ/s1600-h/IMG_88145.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8814" border="0" alt="IMG_8814" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7FbVsXiDZrE/T6xbykufn4I/AAAAAAAArTU/dH0rm53yaXU/IMG_8814_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="294" /></a> <br />The orb and star cluster is pretty darn amazing (especially in person).  <br /> <br /><a href="http://shop.marthastewart.com/Martha-Stewart-Crafts-Celebrate-Blue-Accordion/A/B004286VP4.htm">Blue orbs are from the Martha Stewart Crafts Celebrate line – blue accordion lanterns</a> (looks like they’re discontinued or out of stock most places).  I got these from Overstock, but they only have the green set left.   It was about $14 for 6. <br /> <br />The other lanterns (brown and orange) are from <a href="http://www.justartifacts.net/6quot-red-orange-chinese-japanese-paper-lanter6.html">Justartifacts.com.</a>  This place had the best prices on orbs, super fast shipping and a great selection of colors. <br /> <br /><a href="http://www.ebay.com/sch/glassvotivecandleshop/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2654">The star lantern was purchased from Ebay. It was hard finding an aqua star, but this seller came through</a>.   <br /> <br /><strong>The bird mobile:</strong> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-J9I1D0zF0ds/T6xb0ES-ITI/AAAAAAAArTc/8v1eyTcdl40/s1600-h/IMG_88425.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8842" border="0" alt="IMG_8842" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7gXaKcHOLD8/T6xb1Zk2dqI/AAAAAAAArTk/zBnuGQEKhZk/IMG_8842_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="296" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0t6HChpvLw0/T6xb20Va5OI/AAAAAAAArTs/88VJk3bAsNs/s1600-h/IMG_88435.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8843" border="0" alt="IMG_8843" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-j9TWcjxkHt8/T6xb4ggwtoI/AAAAAAAArT0/jLSNVRUZPxo/IMG_8843_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="294" /></a> <br /></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RsapBAo6Pa4/T6xb6nCyhxI/AAAAAAAArT8/BG3fZN5i1R4/s1600-h/IMG_78065.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7806" border="0" alt="IMG_7806" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RQgF_voQ99o/T6xb7hiTLFI/AAAAAAAArUE/Z6lvZmFOXb8/IMG_7806_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="432" height="293" /></a>I stole idea from <a href="http://designdininganddiapers.com/2011/07/baby-es-modern-bird-inspired-nursery/">designdininganddiapers.com</a> and made a few modifications. <br /> <br />I liked the more natural look of the twigs since the brown matches the bedding/crib.  I added the mini-orbs to fill it in since I only ordered 6 birds (I would recommend 8 for this project).  I got the orbs from <a href="http://www.justartifacts.net/3quot-turquoise-blue-chinese-japanese-mini-paper-lanterns310.html">JustArtifacts.com</a>.  The twig circle is from Michael’s.  <br /> <br />The birds are from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/90819089/fabric-birds-for-diy-mobile-project-or">The Fish Box</a> on Etsy.  Melissa was wonderful to work with, and the birds turned out so beautifully!  Plus, her prices are incredible!   <br />  <br />The center of the wreath is just a regular pom tissue ball that I made from a YouTube tutorial. <br /> <br /><strong>The pillows:</strong> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uT2NyoDrofA/T6xb9ZsSw0I/AAAAAAAArUM/6DfqDhMRvbY/s1600-h/IMG_78499.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7849" border="0" alt="IMG_7849" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gRFdnwZxQAo/T6xb_u5_vtI/AAAAAAAArUU/bBRMZpebM1U/IMG_7849_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="294" /></a> <br /></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yY-8vJnazFk/T6xcBbTx7XI/AAAAAAAArUc/4OEXlc28-qA/s1600-h/IMG_78525.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7852" border="0" alt="IMG_7852" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aFm3ODSoKRw/T6xcCYNyHBI/AAAAAAAArUk/pDy-lVUCWlQ/IMG_7852_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="294" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ywszlEdCj_Y/T6xcE_ib2fI/AAAAAAAArUs/Q2acuPSY504/s1600-h/IMG_78535.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7853" border="0" alt="IMG_7853" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-beM-xzUub6Y/T6xcFzO2UeI/AAAAAAAArU0/sLKhYatXgME/IMG_7853_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="438" height="297" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fX6B3AWfyWU/T6xcHoStVsI/AAAAAAAArU8/paOST-lkbmU/s1600-h/IMG_78545.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7854" border="0" alt="IMG_7854" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--FhYXx9_1K4/T6xcI6SvrhI/AAAAAAAArVE/vZCu8Fu699A/IMG_7854_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="296" /></a> <br /> <br />My friend <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Peachy-Keen-Designs/60959831866">Kent</a> sewed these pillowcases for me and embroidered them.  I couldn’t be happier with the way they turned out!  The aqua dot fabric is from fabric.com.  The striped fabric is from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Studio25Fabrics">Studio 25 Fabrics on Etsy</a>.  The Chevron is remnant fabric from the curtains from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/hbfabrics">HB Fabrics on Etsy</a>. <br /> <br /><strong>The changing pad</strong>: <br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Peachy-Keen-Designs/60959831866">Kent</a> also made two changing pad covers for his changing pad. <br />  <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7CNT78wYzoY/T6xcLKQMVVI/AAAAAAAArVM/rVwVzSNV3RU/s1600-h/IMG_78585.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7858" border="0" alt="IMG_7858" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gYxQ8EGmATc/T6xcMgpFpYI/AAAAAAAArVU/G0NXVv1H0H8/IMG_7858_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="296" /></a> <br />The fabric used is <a href="http://www.fabric.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=45985cbb-eb17-444c-8272-97ce92c063b9">Kaufman Minky Cuddle Night Owl Orange/Brown</a> from fabric.com <br /> <br /></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rjHbGPBHHGQ/T6xcOxTGoLI/AAAAAAAArVc/TFAQH-V8k0c/s1600-h/eIMG_86915.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_8691" border="0" alt="eIMG_8691" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hUqcaluB4JQ/T6xcQB6g2iI/AAAAAAAArVk/jL5oy2-IG-U/eIMG_8691_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="295" /></a> <br />This is the other changing pad cover she made me.  I don’t have any photos of it without Joseph on it.  :) <br /> <br />It’s <a href="http://www.fabric.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=1c6b149a-06d5-4620-8bce-a928c5166bd6">Minky Cuddle Dimple Dot Turquoise</a> from fabric.com. <br /> <br /><strong>The rocking chair</strong>: <br />Joe’s grandmother gave us an old antique rocking chair that she purchased a while back.  I love the clean lines of it and think it fits nicely in the nursery.  <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9jc8wq8kC4I/T6xcRvwgfFI/AAAAAAAArVs/PITxN6n32IA/s1600-h/IMG_88565.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8856" border="0" alt="IMG_8856" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gsWGbtfYqLg/T6xcTB5yCpI/AAAAAAAArV0/Yk4AYtcLXi8/IMG_8856_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="438" height="659" /></a> Eventually I’d like to add some bookshelves to the wall next to the rocking chair, but I have to wait for Joe to get motivated to do this.  I should just empower myself and learn how to cut wood on my own.  This is the tutorial we will use: <a href="http://ana-white.com/2010/10/plans/ten-dollar-ledges">$10 ledge shelves</a> <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eu27NZ6OS5w/T6xcUmKz_0I/AAAAAAAArV8/ZpgIDlug1L8/s1600-h/IMG_88516.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8851" border="0" alt="IMG_8851" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_llRvle40cQ/T6xcWOMu5iI/AAAAAAAArWE/Cw06LMKFBDw/IMG_8851_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="656" /></a> <br /></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2VfxFx0K3kM/T6xcYsi8GrI/AAAAAAAArWM/BVx4dZbdZwY/s1600-h/IMG_88535.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8853" border="0" alt="IMG_8853" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sq5NU8Ce56E/T6xcZ7HxOsI/AAAAAAAArWU/6CMHgydM1TU/IMG_8853_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="294" /></a> The beautiful blanket draped on the chair was hand-made by my good friend Alyson.  This is the the pattern – <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/chevron-baby-blanket/">Chevron Baby Blanket pattern</a>. <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6C_tMYsCXYA/T6xccAzgwEI/AAAAAAAArWY/mkqY2Ox-KYg/s1600-h/IMG_78625.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7862" border="0" alt="IMG_7862" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AnPX5_-XVoQ/T6xcde1H1oI/AAAAAAAArWk/CpugSjaUI3c/IMG_7862_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="432" height="293" /></a> <br />Aly informed me that this was actually the back side of the throw, but both sides are so beautiful that it was hard for me to tell! <br /> <br /><strong>The rugs</strong>: <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SYsBDffg9To/T6xcfiVMYhI/AAAAAAAArWs/4lK0AnrwPj0/s1600-h/IMG_78675.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_7867" border="0" alt="IMG_7867" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-70R26XFZ4V4/T6xcg467roI/AAAAAAAArW0/pmj0uM_DzfU/IMG_7867_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" height="298" /></a> <br />I found the orange rugs at Big Lots.  They were $5 a piece.  What a steal! <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IfoRA-4znCQ/T6xcjBGajaI/AAAAAAAArW8/Djg6nDW83oc/s1600-h/IMG_88595.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8859" border="0" alt="IMG_8859" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-s5IV_1HpsKY/T6xclUnpQ9I/AAAAAAAArXE/yFWzOQ4sNxg/IMG_8859_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="294" /></a> <br />This blue rug is from Hobby Lobby for $14.  I love how it is in a star shape and is the exact aqua color I need for the nursery! <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QNg9am6JO-A/T6xcnpbZ0fI/AAAAAAAArXM/Nh77UYuuo8U/s1600-h/IMG_88605.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8860" border="0" alt="IMG_8860" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ftBI432Cgjc/T6xcomOrj5I/AAAAAAAArXU/hv7RWk_Seb4/IMG_8860_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="296" /></a> <br /> <br /><strong>The lamp:</strong> <br /></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rF06hZ2aSP4/T6xcp9jLwmI/AAAAAAAArXc/7oOlg0M1_7E/s1600-h/IMG_88505.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8850" border="0" alt="IMG_8850" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JNDm5maHNxc/T6xcq1ieaVI/AAAAAAAArXk/tFOzj0hjtK4/IMG_8850_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="653" /></a> <br />I just found a lamp that I’d been storing in the attic and painted the base with the Valspar Exotic Sea spray paint.  I didn’t have to prime or sand the base at all.  It went on evenly and dried very quickly. <br /> <br /><strong>The old car on the dresser: <br /></strong> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-m4XkGp1Sq9E/T6xcsZa10yI/AAAAAAAArXs/5t7hqbfIuX4/s1600-h/IMG_88485.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8848" border="0" alt="IMG_8848" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Y7L-JA-7JM4/T6xctTYV6FI/AAAAAAAArX0/7E1JPhDEtTI/IMG_8848_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="438" height="297" /></a> <br />I found this at Hobby Lobby and fell in love with it immediately.  I love the rustic look of it and how it ties in nicely with his nursery.  I think it was about $15, but it was 40% off the day I went.  <br /> <br />There are still a few more items that I’ll be adding over time, so check back soon.  Hopefully I’ll have some bookshelves installed in the near future.  I think that will be the finishing touch on the nursery! <br /> <br />Please let me know if you have any other questions about any of the features of the nursery. <br /> <br /></p> <img src="http://www.natalie102503.com/nataliesig.jpg" /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998183171767752noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867271855584355811.post-30848765039201368202012-05-03T18:29:00.001-05:002012-05-05T11:21:17.597-05:00One month under my belt.<p>Today marks Joseph’s one month  baby-a-versary.  I can’t believe he’s already been here four weeks nor can I believe I’ve managed to survive these four weeks with a newborn and unruly toddler.  Now only did I survive, I conquered.  I am woman, hear me ROAR! <br /> <br />I’d like to say that it was a rough, baby boot-camp experience, but Joseph has gone pretty easy on me, so I really can’t complain or take credit where it’s not due.  My daughter, on the other hand, has been a crazy little bi-polar toddler who has taken me to the depths of insanity and picked me back right before I hit the brink.  Little did I know that my biggest beef in these early weeks would be with my precious, angelic (snort) daughter.  <br /> <br />This is a typical day in my house: <br /></p> <p>Baby wakes up.  Anna wakes up.  Baby is hungry.  Anna wants to hold baby. <br /> <br />”Mommy, please I hold the baby?” <br />”No, Anna, I have to feed him right now – you can hold him in a few minutes.” <br />”Mommy, I want to hold the baby NOW!” <br />”No, Anna, he has to eat.” <br /> <br />Anna turns into Reagan from The Exorcist.  Sans pea soup or peeing on the floor in front of party guests. <br /> <br />The tantrums last for about 10 minutes.  Then I have to hear how she’s no longer my friend, how I’m mean, how she doesn’t want to talk to me anymore.  I have a toddler/tween hybrid.  Not fun. <br /> <br />Oh well, outside of her tantrums, she’s actually a tremendous help.  She’s fetched me many diapers, wipes, burp cloths, Boppy pillows, glasses of water – you name it – she’s my personal gopher.  She also loves her brother more than life itself, so those moments where she’s not throwing a tantrum are quite sweet.  <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-E7fYXPxLmIQ/T6MNOsbZr9I/AAAAAAAArIs/ectswYM15qo/s1600-h/eIMG_8639%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_8639" border="0" alt="eIMG_8639" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Hu-WCz5dz_M/T6MNTqt8NJI/AAAAAAAArI0/zc7GaKeWcPk/eIMG_8639_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" height="298" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qg0v2PJtYow/T6MNVvQtOEI/AAAAAAAArI8/DT8IzTfvdCE/s1600-h/eIMG_8647%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_8647" border="0" alt="eIMG_8647" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7bMWEy-0EHo/T6MNasxOA_I/AAAAAAAArJE/4uADdQDgsTM/eIMG_8647_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="653" /></a> <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-h4_W3j5yhAI/T6MNdh9IHoI/AAAAAAAArJM/JpcKuGn8SpI/s1600-h/eIMG_8655%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_8655" border="0" alt="eIMG_8655" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-z_4rBYO3n00/T6MNgTcypVI/AAAAAAAArJU/5SiUPUVNj2k/eIMG_8655_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="432" height="293" /></a></p> <p> <br />Yep, she even changes diapers! <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NuuvGwAQYxw/T6MNjS2sbLI/AAAAAAAArJc/QGi1-oL1Ews/s1600-h/IMG_8722%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8722" border="0" alt="IMG_8722" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Vd5QMQm6REQ/T6MNk9Vn47I/AAAAAAAArJk/ZjPAz3p1VsY/IMG_8722_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="438" height="297" /></a> She got to feed him his second bottle even though she was a bit distracted by the tele. <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hVSNxAzEgKk/T6MNn3-oggI/AAAAAAAArJs/OeeePhKeoUs/s1600-h/eIMG_8703%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_8703" border="0" alt="eIMG_8703" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PiRiGkRil3Y/T6MNpjLr96I/AAAAAAAArJ0/_e9LxKcVNI0/eIMG_8703_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="438" height="297" /></a> Then she helped me give him his first bath. <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hPGwVBlCAv0/T6MNsELRxGI/AAAAAAAArJ8/Cf1ZuwyhfgE/s1600-h/IMG_8688%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8688" border="0" alt="IMG_8688" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-P4IAABsJFDE/T6MNtb73lhI/AAAAAAAArKE/IBVrM_FCOFA/IMG_8688_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="438" height="297" /></a> She actually got in with him as well and didn’t even splash him once! <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qmBQ58cxiMw/T6MNwyt9RsI/AAAAAAAArKM/ag6RCAwhV2k/s1600-h/IMG_8691%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8691" border="0" alt="IMG_8691" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5IDEScRFX_U/T6MNybGqCgI/AAAAAAAArKU/eResNmPLABQ/IMG_8691_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="296" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ENG_mgIl0L0/T6MN1NPw9FI/AAAAAAAArKc/UIPiHCD4seE/s1600-h/IMG_8677%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8677" border="0" alt="IMG_8677" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GfqROVa4hYA/T6MN2Zvi5tI/AAAAAAAArKk/pSOAeB7IDzE/IMG_8677_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="295" /></a></p> <p> <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TI_5TymsrL0/T6MN4pcE-jI/AAAAAAAArKs/CUx1-DVa9mA/s1600-h/IMG_8679%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8679" border="0" alt="IMG_8679" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vCVFDAc_YBg/T6MN6IQ67gI/AAAAAAAArK0/DIGZII6TmsQ/IMG_8679_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="296" /></a> He was a little unsure at first, but he quickly warmed up to the idea of a bath, and now I think he’s a huge fan! <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aivjgB5bi14/T6MN8vxNEFI/AAAAAAAArK8/reS9rQzvJ14/s1600-h/IMG_8704%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8704" border="0" alt="IMG_8704" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Pt-hKjJUR-M/T6MN-O6hkiI/AAAAAAAArLE/q__hElPv2l8/IMG_8704_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="442" height="300" /></a> So fresh and so clean. <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QtyslcSfSnM/T6MOBevLSpI/AAAAAAAArLM/X8CemUwgsUo/s1600-h/IMG_8708%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8708" border="0" alt="IMG_8708" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-C6u23jtDnBE/T6MODGfKUwI/AAAAAAAArLU/OoQrOAdeJu8/IMG_8708_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="443" height="300" /></a> One can never have too much baby feet.  Much like cowbell. <br /> <br />Random photos: <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RpJmgGhtQIY/T6MOGjeb0uI/AAAAAAAArLc/WNUC-GoxxI4/s1600-h/IMG_8724%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8724" border="0" alt="IMG_8724" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KnImB8JxggM/T6MOH3CM8lI/AAAAAAAArLk/7c_FHq4g4AE/IMG_8724_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="298" /></a> I finally found a swaddle he can’t break!  My little baby burrito. <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bU_K2lCnHB4/T6MOKgGD-PI/AAAAAAAArLs/mZMW_Rgu1cA/s1600-h/eIMG_8739%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_8739" border="0" alt="eIMG_8739" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5AAToNE66W0/T6MOM1VEONI/AAAAAAAArL0/73drOM5yF_k/eIMG_8739_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="656" /></a>My littlest Sproleja!  Meet the newest member of the Who Dat Nation.  We still love the Saints! <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KqIMfphPca8/T6MOPedMlpI/AAAAAAAArL8/KgMj7mZkKGE/s1600-h/eIMG_8740%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_8740" border="0" alt="eIMG_8740" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FVdL438FBCo/T6MOTKJ7jWI/AAAAAAAArME/yOIFcET6M10/eIMG_8740_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="441" height="664" /></a>Yep, those baby legs are ridiculously huge on him.  Special thanks to <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CB8QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbontempsbeignet.blogspot.com%2F&ei=bAGjT4SQIoyi8gSZyaXaCA&usg=AFQjCNHe647OVZ0zorbAMhcvfaDqEW1_Qw&sig2=3PchMcSzATJpCGMCam00wA">Liz at Bon Temps Beignet</a> for the adorable onesie and my good friend <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CB0QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmandyford.blogspot.com%2F&ei=mgGjT_j9KYmE8ASt-dH5CA&usg=AFQjCNGpVrTZF4bnFAWEuYYwl2J8JyhiUw&sig2=wVbUJVWrsVJd0yI4sQKY2A">Mandy at This Girl’s Life</a> for the adorable hat!  Who dat! <br /> <br />Here are Joseph’s 1 month photos (with Anna and by himself): <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LVFw5w7YnLw/T6MOV6q8mEI/AAAAAAAArMM/PzeGQXo-bGc/s1600-h/IMG_8751%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8751" border="0" alt="IMG_8751" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1JHY6CGP39g/T6MOfUxoR8I/AAAAAAAArMU/QIuzckZIdns/IMG_8751_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="655" /></a> They were both thrilled. <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Q2G48nO3_V4/T6MOiv4lHhI/AAAAAAAArMc/9pgSUFfzhW0/s1600-h/IMG_8753%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8753" border="0" alt="IMG_8753" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9V0jLm1d7IM/T6MOk8AzAHI/AAAAAAAArMk/BswUIXKaLiw/IMG_8753_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="656" /></a> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-R7mgOzjaSR4/T6MOpaDr7qI/AAAAAAAArMs/VsrAPKa0lOY/s1600-h/eIMG_8755%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_8755" border="0" alt="eIMG_8755" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-skQR5lohAVo/T6MOqnBXjOI/AAAAAAAArM0/sDdrEyyRoJs/eIMG_8755_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="327" /></a> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-n204tJov_vY/T6MOtzc4mQI/AAAAAAAArM8/R_LqzLPn0Xk/s1600-h/eIMG_8756%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_8756" border="0" alt="eIMG_8756" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_HnwZ3-605o/T6MOwRV0uVI/AAAAAAAArNE/nT4Ax4s34jU/eIMG_8756_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="438" height="332" /></a> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-w-JmLZ31u9c/T6MPKa9TVmI/AAAAAAAArNM/BYINVOcsV-o/s1600-h/IMG_8768%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_8768" border="0" alt="IMG_8768" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZejKU1tB_MM/T6MQOlppVNI/AAAAAAAArNU/xLumbEj8Zjw/IMG_8768_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="656" /></a> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YdLdBdIayfk/T6MRUolS9ZI/AAAAAAAArNc/aXBNVyvxUk4/s1600-h/eIMG_8777%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_8777" border="0" alt="eIMG_8777" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sVcQh6U1bfc/T6MRV9XwhTI/AAAAAAAArNk/d1G9OEcCsq4/eIMG_8777_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="335" /></a> His tie says 1 month even though it’s hard to make out.  I need to work on this for next month.  I’m just learning how to use my camera. <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-D8PU4ZQS0eU/T6MTjhLUM4I/AAAAAAAArN0/LQF8MTTbOeo/s1600-h/eIMG_8778%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_8778" border="0" alt="eIMG_8778" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-V9enOZ52eeI/T6MTqwCXnqI/AAAAAAAArN8/9LMUWJpESgM/eIMG_8778_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="371" /></a> <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--UdN-hj9xXc/T6MUBRjsF6I/AAAAAAAArOE/WNG68uTh5Ug/s1600-h/eIMG_8779%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="eIMG_8779" border="0" alt="eIMG_8779" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zqSv09iKO4E/T6MUJk6w3cI/AAAAAAAArOM/N8enB8UYCcs/eIMG_8779_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="333" /></a>  <br />So, here’s my monthly update about baby J. <br /> <br /><strong>Temperament: <br /></strong>Joseph is the sweetest little baby.  I know lots of moms probably say that about their children, but I really mean it.  The only time he fusses at all is when he’s hungry.  He’ll even sit in a dirty diaper without complaining.  I’m like, “DUDE, what the heck?!  Speak up, little one!”  His cry is a little insane, though.  He sounds like an injured bird.  Not a little bird like a blue jay, but a huge, gawking bird like a buzzard.  SQUAAAAK.  Yeah, I like to avoid that at all costs, so when he cries, he promptly gets the boob.  <br /> <br />He’s more awake lately which is difficult since there’s not much you can really do with a newborn.  Joe bought him a swing since Anna broke our last one, so I’m counting down the days until I see that beautiful box from Amazon.  I think he’ll enjoy being in a swing vs. his Rock N Play Sleeper thing (which we love, by the way).  He needs some movement to be content.  Since he won’t take a pacifier (EEEEK), and I don’t want to be his human pacifier, I figure a swing is the next best thing.  I appreciate the Attachment Parenting method, but it’s just not for me, so holding him all day is not an option. <br /> <br /><strong>Feeding: <br /></strong>I am kicking ass and taking names when it comes to breastfeeding.  Actually, baby Joe is kicking ass since he’s a perfect little latcher.  I’ve even nursed in public a few times, well, mainly in my car, but I’m definitely feeling more empowered every single day.  I did have a bit of a bad experience the other day at my OB check-up.  As soon as I arrived there (with both kids in tow, no less), J started with his buzzard cry, so I had no choice but to give him the boob.  I went into the bathroom to get situated and cover myself with my hooter hider.  When I came back out in the waiting room and sat down, this older couple sitting across from me promptly got up and switched seats to the other side of the waiting room facing away from me.  It made me feel really embarrassed and like I’d offended them.  <br /> <br />I was not exposed in any way at all as I was covered with a huge nursing cover.  However, after talking it over with my friends who are all pro-BFing, I realized it was their ignorance to be offended by a natural process, so screw ‘em!   <br /> <br />I’ve tried pumping in between sessions, but I guess at this point I’m making just enough to keep him satisfied and anything over that depletes my supply for his next feeding.  I’ve pumped only a few ounces for the freezer, and every time I do that, he cluster feeds for the rest of the day.  I don’t think I’ll ever build much of a freezer stash, so I may have to supplement with formula for a few days once I go back to work until I can pump enough for each day.   <br /> <br />I’m just glad that he’s able to go between the bottle and boob w/ no issues.  He’s had three bottles so far and has taken them with no problems and nursed shortly thereafter with no problems.  I waited until he was almost 3.5 weeks before I offered his first bottle.  It’s just so much easier to offer the boob and not worry about fixing a bottle that I was in no hurry and still wish I didn’t ever have to give him a bottle just because I’m so lazy.   <br /> <br /><strong>Sleeping: <br /></strong>He’s definitely more awake these days.  I was concerned about his sleepiness in the beginning, but now he’s definitely coming into his own in the awake department.  He’ll go about 3 – 4 hours in between feedings at night and about 2 – 3 hours during the day.  When he’s done feeding, instead of going right back to sleep, he’ll usually just look around for a while or fuss again and want more.  I’m still pretty lucky that he sleeps for 3 hours spurts during the night.  He even went 5 hours one night!  Let’s hope that he’ll go that route again soon.  <br /> <br /><strong>Health/Milestones: <br /></strong>Joseph’s 1 month appointment is tomorrow.  I’ll post back his stats once I get them, but I know he’s definitely gaining weight.   <br /> <br /></p> He still has eye gunk, so I need to find out why it’s not going away and what the heck it is. It may be a clogged duct like Anna had. I’m not sure. <br /> <br />His belly button stump fell off at exactly 3 weeks. I was so glad to see that nasty thing go away! <br /> <p> <br /><strong>Update:</strong> <br />His 1 month appointment went very well.  He’s had some spit-up issues (think Exorcist projectile vomiting episodes) a few times, but his Pedi assured me that as long as it’s not a daily occurrence (which it isn’t, thankfully), that it’s probably just reflux.  He doesn’t act like he’s in pain when he has the episodes, so I’m going to hold off on any reflux medications until absolutely necessary. <br /> <br />The eye gunk is a clogged duct.  Anna had the same problem.  These usually resolve in a few months, so I’m not too concerned.  I’m supposed to massage the corner of his eye three times/day to help release the tears.  <br /> <br /><strong>Stats:</strong> <br /><strong>Head: </strong>14 3/4 (50th%) <br /><strong>Weight: </strong>9 lbs. 8 oz. (50th%) – this is a gain of nearly 2 lbs. in two weeks! <br /><strong>Length: </strong>22 1/4” (75th – 90th%) – tall just like mama! <br /> <br /><strong>Activities: <br /></strong>I managed to bring both kids to Target by myself.  My mission was to buy cat food, but I walked out $75 poorer and almost forgot the cat food.  It was a nice experience because Anna was well behaved, and Joseph slept the whole time.  I was absolutely terrified to make this outing on my own, but I knew I’d have to do it eventually, and I had cabin fever and was desperate for some Target popcorn.   <br /> <br />Now that I’ve broken the “mom of two who brings her kids out in public” fear, I feel like I’m a real mom of two now.  It’s certainly not easy getting to places on time with two kids, but I did manage to get to my OB appointment FIVE minutes early!  I was so proud.  <br /> <br /><strong>Siblings</strong>:    <br />I covered this at the top of my blog. :) <br /> <br /></p> <img src="http://www.natalie102503.com/nataliesig.jpg" /> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998183171767752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2867271855584355811.post-72643950515516316702012-04-16T16:11:00.001-05:002012-05-05T11:31:36.267-05:00Still standing.So, tomorrow marks Joseph’s 2 week birthday, and even though it’s not a monthly mark, I figured I’d blog about what’s been going on in our world since we brought our bundle of joy home with us. <br /> <br />Since I like to break things down into categories, I’ll go ahead and start here… <br /> <br /><b>Temperament</b>: <br />I feel like I hit the baby jackpot with my little guy. He’s the calmest, sweetest little baby I’ve ever been around. I thought I had it fairly easy with Anna, but Joseph has taken it to a whole new level. He rarely fusses – the only time he does is when he’s hungry or needs a diaper change. Even when he’s at his fussiest, he’s still pretty mild mannered and only cries for brief periods of time. He’s also easily calmed down by the “shush” sound, and he loves being swaddled and close to people (me especially). <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_UAEXeqZ9Gg/T4yKr_Ih1ZI/AAAAAAAArFU/Rh_p2JK2sgI/s1600-h/eIMG_83796.jpg"><img alt="eIMG_8379" border="0" height="300" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7k978Om2aGU/T4yKtpHrnGI/AAAAAAAArFc/HZj87fjH2mU/eIMG_8379_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="eIMG_8379" width="435" /></a> <br /> <br /><b>Feeding: </b>Breastfeeding is going pretty well. At this point with Anna, I was giving her more bottles than straight BFing, and she was starting to have a lazy latch/difficulty getting latched. I had to exclusively pump for months with her, so I wanted to avoid that this time around. I haven’t given Joseph a bottle yet although I did cave in and give him a pacifier one night when he woke more than normal. He’s not really a fan of the pacifier at this point, but I think it’s because even the smallest one is still too big for him. <br /> <br />He’s currently eating every 2 to 3 hours, sometimes every 4. He eats for about 30 minutes (15 minutes/boob). I change him in between boobs, and after he’s done he falls asleep pretty easily and is good for another 2 – 3 hours. I’ve honestly gotten more sleep since he’s been born than I did while I was pregnant with him. I guess having pregnancy insomnia for 9 months really helps you build up a tolerance for sleep interruption. <br /> <br />I will start pumping probably next week to build up a freezer supply. At this point, I’m unable to go anywhere without him since I’m his only food source. Plus, Joe hardly gets to see him since he’s always with me. I think he’d like to be able to feed his son once before he goes off to college! <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bfeGqCRl5pM/T4yKvFDb3sI/AAAAAAAArFk/gavk3PrY-jY/s1600-h/EIMG_83755.jpg"><img alt="EIMG_8375" border="0" height="295" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AU0ANWPi4y8/T4yKwNq5v0I/AAAAAAAArFs/WuleaKcnSGE/EIMG_8375_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="EIMG_8375" width="435" /></a> <br /> <br /><b>Sleeping</b>: <br />Joseph pretty much sleeps about 22 hours/day with very few moments of alert/awake time in between. I was honestly worried about his sleepiness since I didn’t have that issue with Anna, but I got confirmation from some friends that this is totally normal with some newborns and that I just got lucky with him. We’ll see how this pans out. I’m sure it won’t be like this forever – especially since I’m jinxing myself by typing it out! <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pTNdjPyuMRg/T4yKx_8q5aI/AAAAAAAArF0/996FzWuisMs/s1600-h/eIMG_83725.jpg"><img alt="eIMG_8372" border="0" height="291" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YDTO7csFkwU/T4yKymqPksI/AAAAAAAArF8/iV549Mzcm5A/eIMG_8372_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="eIMG_8372" width="431" /></a> <br /> <br /><b>Health</b>: <br />Joseph has had an eye infection since we left the hospital. We were told that it is fairly common for newborns to have eye infections in the first few weeks of life, so he’s been on an eye antibiotic since we got home. I was a bad mom and didn’t give it to him every 8 hours around the clock initially, so he still has some gunk issues, but we’re staying on top of it now and are hoping it clears up soon. <br /> <br />At his first pediatrician appointment, he’d gained 4 oz. and was nearly back up to his hospital weight. <br /> <br />hospital weight: 7 lbs. 12 oz. <br />weight when he was discharged: 7 lbs. 5 oz. <br />weight at first pedi appointment: 7 lbs. 9 oz.<br />
<br /> <br />According to the measurements at the appointment, he’s already grown an inch (21.5”), but the nurse said that the hospital measurements aren’t always 100% accurate, so it’s hard to say if he’s really grown that much or not. Just looking at him, I can tell he’s getting bigger for sure. <br /> <br />His circumcision has healed perfectly. It looks totally normal, and we no longer have to put Vaseline on the tip (thank God). <br /> <br />We’re still waiting for that darn belly button stump to fall off! I’m excited to give him his first real, non-sponge bath, but we have to wait until the belly button stump is gone. I apply alcohol to it daily, but it’s still holding on for dear life. <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0iF_2DrCciY/T4yK0SyaBzI/AAAAAAAArGE/LqmxyBwMFmk/s1600-h/eIMG_84994.jpg"><img alt="eIMG_8499" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-49JfiIkXpJc/T4yK1p8Q7QI/AAAAAAAArGM/UIJqS5GgBhc/eIMG_8499_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="eIMG_8499" width="407" /></a> <br /> <br /><b>Activities: </b>Since I get cabin fever very easily, we’ve already taken J a few places – Target and Chili’s (my two favorite places on earth). He got a little fussy in Target, but we were able to check out before he had a meltdown. He slept the entire time at Chili’s. I’ve yet to nurse in public, so I’m scared to bring him too many places at this point. There aren’t many options for nursing mothers, and I’m not empowered enough at this point to just whip it out and feed him anywhere. <br /> <br />As you’ve seen peppered in between each category, I’ve added some newborn photos that I took of Joseph. I took them when he was 9 days old, but unfortunately he chose that time to be wide awake throughout most of the session. So, I only got a few decent shots where he wasn’t crying and fussy. Oh well, at least I got a few. <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PZQucvxt49M/T4yK3IiNi3I/AAAAAAAArGU/Ekm1ybOJEho/s1600-h/eIMG_83645.jpg"><img alt="eIMG_8364" border="0" height="285" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-V853eDWtEDw/T4yK4ZswAfI/AAAAAAAArGc/jlhRCIf7GhA/eIMG_8364_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="eIMG_8364" width="437" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TjqcIdxus1g/T4yK6O5SS2I/AAAAAAAArGk/9ZWmhKoJD8w/s1600-h/eIMG_83945.jpg"><img alt="eIMG_8394" border="0" height="296" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iNaXtGmB0Do/T4yK7WHrFBI/AAAAAAAArGs/Ho1EOjD3mN8/eIMG_8394_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="eIMG_8394" width="436" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EaH2XWyCg4E/T4yK8ppTHFI/AAAAAAAArG0/CPVt1USY0Rg/s1600-h/eIMG_85175.jpg"><img alt="eIMG_8517" border="0" height="298" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wQ8qGZEDQEo/T4yK9SJzuZI/AAAAAAAArG8/CKPPEozF68Y/eIMG_8517_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="eIMG_8517" width="439" /></a> <br /><b>Siblings</b>: <br />
Anna has been a great help with Joseph. She’s helped me give him sponge baths, change his diaper, gotten me supplies when I need them, etc. She’s totally in love with her brother, but she also wants to own him. I think she’s having a hard time understanding that Joseph is not her baby, and that’s probably all my fault. I tried to really pump her up while I was pregnant to let her know that Joseph was coming and that we’d need her help once he was here. I think she just assumed she’d be his mom and that I would be the helper. <br /> <br />She’s also had some issues with jealousy and needs a lot more attention lately. If I start feeding him, she immediately becomes clingy and wants me to hold her (which is nearly impossible with a baby in your lap). She also gets upset and tells me to not feed the baby. Then when I do, she throws a tantrum for what seems like hours. It’s been very frustrating these past few weeks, and I’ve lost my temper more than I care to admit. Who would’ve thought I’d have more problems with my toddler than my newborn? I hope the new car smell eventually wears off of the baby and Anna soon realizes that we still love her very much and nothing has changed (or will change) in that department. I think it will just take time. <br /> <br />We’ve kept Anna out of daycare these past few weeks and plan on keeping her home while I’m on maternity leave (to save money), but I may send her at least one day/week just so she can have some interaction outside of us. I want her to still feel like she’s living a normal life. So much has changed for her. <br /> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Fts1Z86d83k/T4yK_S5qrjI/AAAAAAAArHE/8W0qBw4veUc/s1600-h/eIMG_845811.jpg"><img alt="eIMG_8458" border="0" height="336" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-P7DO_sxwifQ/T4yLAg4gW8I/AAAAAAAArHM/C_pfywUaNRw/eIMG_8458_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="eIMG_8458" width="439" /></a> <br />So, that’s where we are now! I hope to keep my blog updated with everything this time around. I would add more pictures here, but all J has been doing is sleeping, and there are only so many sleeping photos I can take of him. :) <br /> <br />
<img src="http://www.natalie102503.com/nataliesig.jpg" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922998183171767752noreply@blogger.com7