Critter Tales

Christmas in Houston

2012-01-20T21:16:00.001-08:00

This Christmas was like a return to my childhood ones in California- wearing shorts and white lights on palm trees. I can say wholeheartedly that I didn't miss the white Christmas experience of Minnesota one bit.
Unfortunately, our holiday experience was marred by Zachary's tonsillectomy on the 21st that stretched into a miserable two-week marathon of pain. I never again want to see my child hooked up to monitors showing his heart rate racing above 200 and his oxygen saturation rates in the 70's. I have gained so much admiration for women whose children suffer from chronic conditions. I honestly don't know how they do it.

Random assortment of photos follow.

Three!

2011-12-09T15:33:00.001-08:00

So, I am now a mama to a three-year-old! Zachary turned three on Tuesday and we celebrated last weekend with a few of his friends at Chuck E. Cheese. Grandma and Grandpa came down from Kansas for the long weekend and we attended the Family Christmas concert by the Houston Symphony. Zachary is delighted by all things music- especially instruments. Pictures to be forthcoming (I hope).

Update

2011-08-30T08:33:00.000-07:00

In case anyone is actually still out there, two is hard- not just two kids but Zachary at two. I never believed in the "terrible twos" before, but honestly I am just hanging on by fingernails and praying for age three.

But another reason for my blog silence can be attributed to our cross-country move. We left the cold winters of Minnesota for the blazing heat of Houston. The kids and I have been here two weeks and are still getting used to our new environment. Since I am now officially a SAHM (until I get admitted to the bar and find a job), I will maybe have more time to be a better blogger. Not holding my breath though.

Blessings

2011-03-22T18:24:00.000-07:00

It doesn't get any better than this. Every minute, even in the midst of the chaos, I realize how fortunate I am.

Our blonde bombshell

2011-03-06T09:36:00.001-08:00

Just to compare the top two are Zachary

and this is our little Caroline

Big Brother

2011-03-06T09:34:00.000-08:00

Zachary is a big brother

2011-03-02T05:32:00.000-08:00

His little sister Caroline Dorothea decided to preempt her scheduled c-section date of March 1 when my water broke at 6 am on Sunday, February 27. Pictures will soon be forthcoming, but she is smaller than big brother- only 19.5 inches and 7 lbs, 7 oz.

Chugg chugga

2010-12-22T19:31:00.000-08:00

choo choo!

Two!

2010-12-06T19:20:00.000-08:00

After a jam-packed weekend full of birthday activities (which I will detail soon), my baby turned two today. We visited the pediatrician for his two-year physical and he clocked in at 39 inches and 32.4 pounds. A big boy, indeed!

I do it, I do it!

2010-11-30T08:02:00.000-08:00

Zachary do it! I hear this refrain many times a day. Having hit the independence stage, the little man must attempt it all himself. Whether it's putting on his clothes, zipping his coat, pulling toys out, "helping" with the cooking. It's neverending. I want him to be able to be self-sufficient, but it always takes longer (and is inevitably messier) for him to "do it self." I imagine this is how parenting is from here on out.

Big Boy Bed

2010-11-25T19:50:00.000-08:00

The transition seems to be working! As excited as I am that it has not been a struggle, when I walked into the "nursery" I got a little nostalgic and weepy that my "baby" isn't there any more. I know there will be another little one in there soon enough but nothing will ever compare to bringing home my first little miracle.

Counting the cards

2010-11-23T20:06:00.000-08:00

I am very excited about the Christmas cards I have made at shutterfly. They have these really great story cards that I have included both a Christmas letter with photos inside the card. I use lots of different photo sites, but really think shutterfly has the best selection this year of both photo cards and very nice qualoity stationary cards. Check them out here and here.

I also used shutterfly to make calendars to give as gifts for the grandmas. I had made a calendar for them last year, but this year's was so much easier using shutterfly. Not only is the selection of background patterns more diverse than many other sites, but shutterfly has some unique features beyond just the display of cute pictures. I especially liked the ability to put certain dates on the calendar such as birthdays. And I even got to put pictures on the date blocks. So, for example, I put a picture of Zachary in a party hat on December 6, 2011- his third birthday. I made a point to use pictures from the right month in 2010, so it is fun to compare what he looks like with his pictures from exactly a year before. Try it for yourself
here.

And you too can blog about your shutterfly Christmas card experience and get fifty free cards through this promotion.

Frustrations and progress

2010-11-22T04:43:00.001-08:00

Food-throwing. Ugh. Every meal devolves into it. No matter what we try (taking away the food, giving only a little at a time, praising proper eating, etc.) Zachary still seems determined to throw food. Since when he eats is the only time I get to eat, it really makes it difficult to get a meal down.

But to end on a positive note, Zachary has successfully transitioned to taking naps in his big boy bed and we are going to attempt an all-nighter tomorrow night.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

2010-11-22T04:35:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, we had our first rather large snow. We are slated to get more this week. Looks like it's going to be a long winter. Sigh. (You can also see what the little man did to his nose by taking a dive on the playground at school- the day before Christmas pictures.)

Zachary's new favorite words

2010-11-09T13:28:00.001-08:00

"Boogers" and "kleenex."

More teeth

2010-10-21T08:48:00.000-07:00

Another day, another bite. That makes four times in about a week's time. Sigh.

Little vampires

2010-10-19T11:54:00.000-07:00

So, poor Zachary was bitten at school twice last week and then on Thursday he did the biting of the kid who bit him, so three incidents in four days (he only goes 4 days a week). I understand this is normal behavior for this age and wasn't too concerned about it.

But then I got another call this morning that he had been bit again by a different kid, this time on the face. Again, I understand that these things happen. But I feel that this level of biting rather than an isolated incident or two requires me to perhaps say something or at least inquire as to what is being done as far as prevention. I feel that it may be a lack of supervision issue.

One of the teachers left last week (abruptly- don't know if she was terminated or left) and I have not been a big fan of one of the two remaining teachers. And I wonder if this is part of the issue or what.

Zachary only has another five weeks in this class until he is transitioned to an older class, so perhaps it's not worth making a stink over? Now, I am wondering if I should start the process of putting him another school now rather than after the baby is born since that is inevitable as we cannot afford two in the current place.

It's always something, isn't it?

Arrgh!

2010-10-13T07:13:00.001-07:00

Zachary is quite ready to be a pirate for Halloween. His teacher even tells me that every time they talk about Halloween, he says, "Argh!" We are working on "trick or treat."

Some of the joys of motherhood

2010-10-05T12:43:00.001-07:00

(This is not in any way meant to be a complaint; rather, it is just a list of the things about which one must inevitably laugh.)

Figuring out at 3 p.m. that you forgot to put on black mascara despite putting on the white base
Smelling a wonderful cinnamon smell all morning and then realizing it's dried oatmeal stuck to your arm
Having a coworker pull a chunk of muffin out of your hair
Walking around most days with something on your shirt or pants
Getting strange looks for toting a sippy cup into work
Always having a wipe handy
Carrying an enormous purse with its contents spilling out

Such a big boy

2010-10-04T13:28:00.001-07:00

Last night I put Zachary in his new footed pajamas as it is getting cold here. They are size 4T! Sigh.

State Fair

2010-09-20T09:05:00.000-07:00

The Great Minnesota Get-Together is a big deal around here. Literally, over a million people attend each year. So, of course, we had to take Zachary for the annual pilgrimage. His favorite part was the tractors for sale.

Corn dogs are a must at the Fair

We had a hard time getting him off the tractors

The giant slide with Daddy

The little piggies were cute but Zachary was unimpressed by the huge boar

Big Brother In Training

2010-08-30T12:58:00.000-07:00

Zachary is very excited to become a big brother come early next March. When asked if he wants a boy or a girl, he replies, "Boygirl." Not sure how to get him one of those.

Love is in the air

2010-08-07T14:25:00.001-07:00

Zachary told me "I love you" today (sounded like "I o u"). It probably would have been more heartwarming if he hadn't been picking his nose.

A Little Beast

2010-06-14T11:15:00.001-07:00

Zachary just finished up the "semester" at the Little Gym. For the past six weeks, he has been in the the "Beasts" class (I really wish they'd come up with a better name than this but the younger ones are Bugs and Birds, so I guess they were at a loss for a "B" name). The class is for nineteen months to 2.5 years so he was the youngest in the class, but we just started him at the end in order to get him oriented before starting this summer. Anyhow, he adores going and running around the place. I am amazed at what they can get kids this little to do.

More pictures

2010-06-08T11:50:00.000-07:00

because I can

"Grilling"

At the top of the falls after the hike that should not have included the stroller

Grandpa's hat is so fun

with the May day flowers

One thing Mommy can't do

2010-06-08T07:25:00.000-07:00

We have started working on familiarizing Zachary with his bodily functions and bought a potty. He certainly isn't ready to start potty-training yet, but I wanted to start introducing some concepts.

Ever the boy, he often pees in the tub. When he did this last week, for the first time he actually noticed what he was doing and was rather fascinated. When the (ahem) stream ended, he furiously asked and signed for "more." I replied that Mommy can't make him pee more, so he thought he'd try "more, please." I couldn't keep in the snorts of laughter.

Eighteen months

2010-06-08T07:07:00.000-07:00

My little man hit the year and a half mark on Sunday. He is (what the woman who owns the B&B we stayed at a few weeks ago described euphemistically) "overflowing with joy." Or what my grandma would have characterized as "full of beans"- constantly on the go, careening from one mess to the next, and always wanting me right, right there. No, don't even think of going to the bathroom unaccompanied, Mommy.

His vocabulary never ceases to amaze me. It seems he learns a new word every day (not really, just seems that way). I have been writing them down in anticipation of his pediatrician appointment on Wednesday because she always asked and, of course, I can never think of a darn thing that he says when I have to. But, thanks to my handy list, I know he can say about 30 words in addition to "mama" and "dada."

A few photos to compare:

This time last year

Last Friday:

As summer starts

2010-06-07T07:56:00.000-07:00

and my work slows to a crawl, I was hoping to a better blogger. But I haven't been. I am toying with the idea of another blog, as I see this one as Zachary's. I have lots of snarky mommy comments to make, but generally feel bad putting them in the same place as my sweet boy's face. Le sigh.

Einstein

2010-04-24T20:16:00.001-07:00

An article in Parenting magazine claims that a "close attachment can prevent diseases, boost immunity and enhance IQ in your baby. . . "

If that's true Zachary is destined to be the smartest man in the world given how much he's attached to my hip. Only mama can console for owies, only mama can put him to bed, etc.

Toddlerhood

2010-04-23T09:14:00.000-07:00

Because he hit the magic number of 16 months, Zachary "transitioned" up to the toddler class at his school. I think he was most excited by the new toys they have in that room. I prefer having him with kids older than him- some of the kids are only a month older, but they range up to two years old. He likes that his buddy is in the class with him again.

At his sixteen-month appointment (we had trouble with scheduling at the fifteen-month), he weighed 26.2 pounds and was a whopping 33.5 inches. [Given that I am just shy of 63 inches, one can imagine that it won't be long before he's looming over me.)

Zachary's speech capabilities have exploded almost overnight. He says so many things and it's a random assortment of words- dog, ball, car, bubble, all done- I understand, but "backpack" (yes, very clearly backpack), "owl," "girl," and "whale" seemed rather strange to me.

He loves his trucks and pushing things around. And his books, he can be absorbed by reading for the longest time. I imagine he is already in the running for nerddom like both his parents.

Most days, when I see how beautiful and amazing he is, I still just pinch myself because I can't believe he's mine.

Flower power

2010-04-16T04:58:00.000-07:00

I have been drowning in work and sick kid at the same time. Sigh. But because I never want to forget the first flower Zachary gave to me . . .

We were outside (Zachary's location of choice- he puts his jacket on over his pajamas and bangs the front door with his fist to be let out in the morning) and Zachary spotted a dandelion. He plucked it and handed it to me. My heart melted. I told him thank you and put it in my hair. When he saw it in my hair, he proceeded to pull it out (in a rather painful fashion). His next move was to attempt to put in his very boy short hair. Despite several attempts, it wouldn't stay, so he threw into the street.

Thank you, Easter Bunny

2010-03-16T08:57:00.000-07:00

Zachary thought the Easter Bunny was quite fascinating on Saturday morning. He was very intrigued by the bunny's glasses and tophat (a very well-dressed bunny this was). Zachary patted Mr. Bunny's hand and gave him five when the bunny was walking around. But when it came time to sit on Mr. Bunny's lap, you would have thought he was a psycho killer by Zachary's attempt to wriggle away from him. The photographer was able to snap one fairly decent shot, but most of them look like stills from a horror movie (minus any blood shedding, of course).

Easter photos

2010-03-12T13:38:00.000-08:00

Check out those shoes- just because he's a boy doesn't mean I can't buy him fun shoes.

We hope to go visit the Easter Bunny this weekend.

In the blink of an eye

2010-03-10T19:36:00.001-08:00

my baby became a little man. Sigh.

Round and round we go

2010-03-09T12:35:00.001-08:00

It seems like we alternate being sick in our house. I don't think all three of us have been well at the same time for more than five minutes at a time.

Despite our sickies, Zachary has reached his 15-month milestone. I am still amazed every time I looked at him that he is such a little boy and not at all a "baby." Some of his favorite pursuits right now include pushing and pulling his "popper" lawn mower and sitting. I had removed one of the couch cushions in the living room as I was cleaning up a spill on the side (love the ease of micorfiber!). Since the couch was now essentially lower, Zachary co-opted this area and sat reading books to himself. Usually, he will bring me book after book to read (over and over each one), but on the day he got to sit on the cushionless couch, he was all about being cosy with his books by himself. It was the cutest darned thing.

I struggle with his limits testing- like throwing a tantrum when he is told no and redirected. I know intellectually that he is not developmentally able to comprehend some things, but it can be frustrating when he laughs at correction and repeats the behavior. He is still very clingy and usually prefers mama, which is a mixed blessing. Poor Daddy feels left out at times.

My sick little Valentine

2010-02-15T07:03:00.000-08:00

Zachary woke up Saturday night about an hour after going to bed. He was having none of the pat-pat-pat on the back that will usually put him back to sleep. So, I picked him and we rocked a bit. And then out of nowhere, spews and spews of vomit. We got him (and me- most of it was on me) cleaned up and resumed sitting in the glider. A few minutes later- another vomiting episode. We repeated this dance five more times before heading to the emergency room (per the on-call doctor's instructions).

Some iv fluids and anti-nausea meds later, we left the ER at 4 am. Sunday morning, Zachary seemed somewhat better and was tolerating food. And then, more vomit and a fever erupted in the evening. He did manage to mostly sleep through the night, but was still feeling pretty crummy this morning. His school is closed today, so Daddy had planned to stay home with anyway. No fun trip to the zoo as planned for the boys though.

The part about parenting that I hate the most- the helpless feeling when I can't do anything for my kid. I can try to give him medicine or hold him, but I can't actually make him feel better.

More pics

2010-01-26T08:23:00.001-08:00

These are from the a playdate at the beginning of January

in the ball pit

"talking" with a friend

climbing all around

January also meant moving to the "big" tub from the large single-basin kitchen sink

Swallowing problems and full-time working

2010-01-26T07:36:00.001-08:00

On December 31, Zachary had a barium swallow study that showed that he had silent aspiration. Essentially, his swallow is delayed because of a low trigger point and he aspirates thin liquids. The recommendation was to thicken his liquids to the point of honey-thickness. This didn't go so well. I have abandoned it because he was not aspirating or showing the vomiting symptoms with eating that initiated the study in the first place. And for the last month, he hasn't had an episode. Until this weekend. It seems that there is a connection between congestion, coughing and the vomiting. I don't think the aspiration issue completely explains it. And at this point, I am not exactly sure what course to follow. Sigh.

TO add to the fun, at the beginning of January, I returned to work full-time (although only four days a week). As I predicted, I hate it. And it's only going to get worse, since in February, it will be five days a week. I could rationalize two (or maybe three) days a week in my head that I was still spending the majority of Zachary's waking hours with him. And now, I'm not. Additionally, I feel like I am in a constant rush. Rushing to get him to daycare in the morning and get to work, rushing to leave the office in afternoon, rushing to get him something to eat for dinner when we get home. Always thinking ahead and not living in the moment. I hate it, hate it, hate it.

First haircut- January 9

2010-01-26T07:30:00.000-08:00

I owuldn't say Zachary needed a haircut, but his hair was straggly and uneven and I just don't care for little boys' hair being over their ears. So, off for his first haircut we went. He was fairly cooperative, if a bit suspcious of what all was going on with those scissors.

After

Christmas

2010-01-26T06:41:00.000-08:00

(Trying madly to catch up on all the things on which I have fallen behind)

Just for comparison, this was last year's Christmas:

And this was Christmas morning 2009

Most of the presents were for the little man

Christmas Eve before church

I like Daddy's special cranberry sauce

I figured out my new basketball hoop in just one day (and now I like to throw anything in the basket- dog toys, books, Little People, etc.)

Beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2009-12-22T10:51:00.000-08:00

Trying out my new snowsuit

Not so sure about all this white stuff

Mama, get me out of here

Candy cane, mmmm

Finding a Christmas tree

Even though I am a big boy, next to Daddy, I still look small

Birthday fun

2009-12-22T10:39:00.000-08:00

First Mommy made me clean (no, I really just think the duster is the best toy ever-next to the broom, of course)

Balloons are fun!

Hanging out with the boys (Daddy and Grandpa)

The big cake

A snowman cake just for the birthday boy

Bring it on

An initial try

The aftermath

Thanksgiving photos

2009-12-22T10:30:00.000-08:00

Catch-up

2009-12-22T10:20:00.000-08:00

A terrible blogger I have been. I could blame lots of things-all very valid- sickness, birthday, holiday preparations, work craziness- but mostly I just need a few more hours in every day.

Developmentally, Zachary has been walking very well for weeks now and he scampers up the stairs at our house way too fast for his old mama. He insists on "walking" down the stairs with help and refuses to learn how to go down backwards on his knees or on his bum. Transition to a cup and whole milk has been a frustrating challenge. Although he wil drink down water out of his cup, Zachary wants nothing to do with the white stuff. I am hesitant to take away the last bottle for fear he's not getting enough nutrients.

A few weeks back we celebrated the little man's birthday. He seemed mostly confused by the proceedings and showed no interest in the gifts at all. Cake, on the other hand, he was a big fan of. And ballons are his new favorite!

At his 12 month appointment, he weighed in at 25.5 pounds (exactly triple his birth weight) and 32 inches long. The length of his torso is requiring 3T pajamas, which end up looking funny as the legs are too long. We have been fighting the neverending runny nose and repeated ear infections since November, so are quite friendly with the doctor's office.

The visit with Santa was tolerated as long as we kept jingling the reindeer bells. It looks like we will be snowed in as we celebrate Christmas here, so lots of new toys to open will keep us occupied.

Pictures to come . . .

Gobble, gobble

2009-11-26T19:58:00.000-08:00

Little man took to his Thanksgiving feast like he hadn't eaten in weeks. The big winner of the evening- cranberry sauce.

Happy Thanksgiving and let the Christmas countdown begin! Well, actually it is the home stretch to the "big 1" birthday first, but I most excited about sharing Christmas with the little guy this year- so bring it on!

Children's Museum

2009-11-21T20:22:00.000-08:00

In order to get a preview of the place to which Grandma is getting us a family membership for Christmas, Zachary and I took a little trip to the Children's Museum. he enjoyed the grocery store setup and all of the water attractions. but we had to retreat to the area for toffler (Habitot) after another id pushed him down, on purpose.

Here are some pictures:

All by his little self

2009-11-11T18:38:00.000-08:00

Zachary walked across the entire length of the living room by himself tonight- more than five yards. I guess he's an official walker now.

Halloweenie

2009-11-01T19:54:00.001-08:00

Look Ma, no hands!

2009-10-12T20:08:00.000-07:00

On Thursday night, Zachary took his first independent steps. He was attempting to chase the dogs and I couldn't get up fast enough to hold his hands so he just kept on going and took a good five to six steps until he reached something to grab onto.

My little pumpkin

2009-10-06T18:25:00.001-07:00

is ten months old today. Thanks to our second trip to urgent care in the last week (for ear infection), I know that he is 24 pounds (clothed) and 31.5 inches.

Toy Suggestions

2009-09-30T19:03:00.000-07:00

Birthday and Christmas is coming quicker than you know (and the grandparents have already been asking), so I would love to hear toy suggestions for the 12-18 month set.

A Little Better

2009-09-30T19:02:00.000-07:00

at daycare yesterday. He cried, of course, when I left, but when I called the school, I was told he had stopped after a few minutes and had been doing well all day. The teacher even gave him an award for it. Wouldn't it be nice to get an award just for not crying all day?

Daycare difficulties

2009-09-24T10:37:00.000-07:00

Last week, I went back to work two days a week until the end of the year, at which time I will have to go back to full-time. Zachary started daycare at a wonderful school that I really liked. Unfortunately, Zachary doesn't seem to have the same feelings.

He has been getting so upset that he will throw up. Despite his wonderful eating at home, he has a hard time settling down to eat at the school. Also, the loud noises of the other kids seem to be setting him off.

This week, after consultation with the director, I have taken him every day- sort of an immersion therapy, with the thought that it is too difficult for him to adjust with the big time lapse between Thursday and the following Tuesday. I don't know that it's made a difference.

I am having a terrible time leaving my poor little man, knowing how miserable he is. He also is all messed up at home- exhausted, but not sleeping well. I keep being told that it will get better, but it is difficult to even imagine that at this point.

September 18, 2009

2009-09-24T10:34:00.000-07:00

Because I never want to forget

the day my beautiful boy said the word I have been waiting so long to hear- "Ma-ma"

Now, the fact that we were in the much-visited Target makes me wonder if it was because we were at the "mother ship," but I will take what I can,

Since then, he keeps on babbling- "mamamamama" although "dadadadadada" is much more prevalent.

Hugs and kisses- because I never want to forget

2009-09-09T21:38:00.000-07:00

Zachary has been giving wonderful bear hugs for about 6 weeks now. But now, when prompted to "kiss mama," he gives the most wonderful and sloppy open-mouthed kisses usually accompanied by a lick or two.

Summer Loving Happened So Fast

2009-09-09T19:29:00.000-07:00

I just don't know where August went. I have been attempting to cram in every possible adventure for Zachary and I before I go back to work two days a week starting next Tuesday. All three of us went to visit the grandparents in Kansas and to the State Fair (a must do in this place). Zachary and I have been to the zoo and the conservatory and to the pool repeatedly. For reasons I can't figure, except for a top tooth possibly coming into play, sleep has been a patchy experience.

Additionally, we have been visting his school once a week to get him used to the classroom. Tomorrow, I am actually leaving the building while he gets to hang out there. I am so dreading next Tuesday. The mommy guilt is incredible.

For his nine-month appointment last week, he weighed in at 22.5 pounds (80th percentile) and 30.5 inches (95th percentile). I am still waiting to hear the elusive "mama" and crawling is likely going to be skipped. Zachary cruises very well and is starting to get brave about moving from one piece of furniture (or an adult leg) to the other. His favorite activity is walking while holding hands. He gets rather upset when I don't immediately take the hands he throws up in the air.

I can't believe I am starting to ponder ideas for a first birthday party!

Pictures from July

2009-08-04T20:13:00.000-07:00

Cheese!

My favorite playthings are cardboard

I like to steal Daddy's glasses

Out and about

2009-08-04T18:47:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, the little man turns eight months and we are getting closer and closer to my return to work and his introduction to daycare. We are still struggling with naps and they still aren't happening in the crib. Sigh- I really don't know what else to try and fear that they are going to hate me at daycare. As a result of the napping dilemma, we get out and about a lot. In the last few weeks, we've been to the zoo, the Washington County fair and a myriad of park and swim trips.

It amazes me how such a young baby can physically stay awake. He seems determined not to miss a thing- except crawling. Zachary apparently sees no need for that. He still screams as if we are sticking bamboo shoots under his nails when he is put on all fours. He is capable of rocking and scooting but the wailing that occurs must make the neighbors think we are killing him. Instead, he is all about standing- he wants to be vertical all the time. Too bad he hasn't figured out how to get in that position by himself.

Seven Months old today

2009-07-06T19:28:00.000-07:00

The little man got his pictures done at Target for his seven-month milestone. He flirted with the photographer big time.

He is over 29 inches and over 20 pounds (we'll get a more official weight tomorrow afternoon).

And this evening, while holding hands, he took steps on his own- he looked like he was marching.

A soggy little firecracker

2009-07-04T19:16:00.000-07:00

We took Zachary for a walk in the nearby park on the Fourth of July with the two dogs. It was Zachary's first ride in the front of the stroller sans car seat. At the dog park, Zachary and I split off with one of the dogs (who isn't allowed at the dog park because it isn't entirely fenced and he runs off) and continued on the trail. I decided Zachary looked sleepy and put down the back of the stroller so he was lying down. About ten minutes into our walk, it started to sprinkle. And then the skies opened and a deluge came down. I attempted to take cover under a tree, but decided to forage ahead because surely it would stop raining quickly.

I was wrong. It rained so hard, I couldn't open my eyes because my contacts were virtually glued shit from water. So, there I was walking along with my stroller and completely soaking wet dog, everyone miserable. Poor little Zachary was covered at the top but his legs were soaked. When we got him home, he was so scared and cried as I tried to get him changed into dry clothes.

Oh did I mention, I was wearing a white shirt? Talk about embarassing. My husband is still laughing about this experience, but I haven't gotten to that point yet.

Scooting Along

2009-06-26T19:52:00.000-07:00

Zachary now falls to his tummy from sitting up when he bravely reaches long distances for his toys. Oh, how he hates his tummy! But he is able to scoot along on it-backwards- as he fusses and fusses at the indignity of it all. He can also scoot forward when he is on his back- it's rather comical to watch.

This week's fun has centered around the introduction of popsicles (pureed fruits frozen into those clever popsicle makers from Target) and cheese. He has been delighted with both.

Six month photos

2009-06-18T19:02:00.000-07:00

Leaving on a jet plane

2009-06-18T18:49:00.000-07:00

Zachary went to California and his first airplane ride went smoothly.

He thought flying was quite fun and was glad not to share a seat.

Great-Grandma was overjoyed to meet her first and only great-grandchild from her first (and best) grandchild.

He practiced crawling with Grandma

Zachary loved meeting Aunt Shannon for her graduation

He enjoyed hanging out with Grandpa at the graduation

More pictures

2009-06-09T20:29:00.000-07:00

Half Birthday!

2009-06-06T14:47:00.000-07:00

Zachary is six-months-old today. We went for a professional photo shoot this afternoon (as opposed to our usual Target portraits). He had the best time giggling and laughing at the photographer. We even got some naked baby butt shots (and Zachary left behind a little wet spot on the blanket). Hopefully, we will have them to share next week.

At the beginning of this week, he went into the pediatrician for his shots and six-month appointment- measuring 28 inches and weighing in at 19 pounds, 2 ounces.

His tooth finally cracked through the surface and he has been having some rough nights as a result. We are hoping these will soon resolve and our wonderful baby who sleeps through the night soundly will return. We are still struggling with naps. I can't get him to sleep except in the car or on me.

Although he has rolled a handful of times from belly to back, Zachary isn't much interested in repeating. He sits on his own wonderfully though and will generally sit upwards of fifteen minutes without tipping over. He also can "creep" himself forward when he is on his back- he looks like a little inchworm.

What a joy he is when he giggles with delight. How blessed I am.

This picture is from about 10 days ago.

Tips wanted

2009-05-31T05:26:00.000-07:00

It is looking very likely that I will be going to CA with Zachary by myself earlier than planned because of an imminent death in the family. The original plan was for all three of us to go, stay four nights, and come home together. Now, I will be traveling by myself with baby and staying at least ten days, maybe more depending on how scheduling works out. My parents already have a pack and play for him and some other items and I know there is nothing I can't buy once I get there, if need be. But I am an anxious flyer and a terrible overpacker, so I need all the travel advice I can get.

Pictures as requested

2009-05-11T19:22:00.000-07:00

Time has been a bit crunched of late, so gettign pictures uploaded was a bit delayed.

Five months old

2009-05-05T20:25:00.000-07:00

My beautiful boy is five months old. And 28 inches long! And just over 18 pounds. The time has simply flown by and I look at my little miracle and no longer see a baby but an emerging little boy.

Ay yi yi

2009-05-05T20:24:00.000-07:00

For Cinco de Mayo, we celebrated by introducing avocado. Baby guac received a neutral response.

Food is FUN

2009-04-26T14:56:00.001-07:00

Because I Always Want To Remember

2009-04-20T20:22:00.000-07:00

(Taking a page out of Jen's book)

We have been practicing "nose kisses" where Zachary will stand (with some help with balance) on my lap and we will rub noses. Yesterday, as he was standing there, he reached his hand out to feel my face and then leaned his nose into mine. Heart melting.

Pondering of the day

2009-04-19T19:42:00.001-07:00

It has been bugging me for a while, but why is it exactly that there are cargo pants for babies? What the heck do they need to carry around? And the fake pockets and the fake flies on little boys pants- yeah, those are necessary.

Vittles

2009-04-14T19:24:00.000-07:00

The strapping young man has moved on to solids. So far, rice cereal has been a bust and squash has met with an undecided fate. Pears, however, seem to have made the hit parade. Tomorrow, we are trying sweet potatoes.

Official Four-Month Stats

2009-04-08T08:30:00.000-07:00

Zachary had his four-month pediatrician appointment this morning (and is currently sleeping off the shots). His height is 26.5 inches, which puts him at the 93rd percentile. And his weight is 16 pounds, 9 ounces, and the 81st percentile. It's no wonder he's almost out of his nine-month sleepers.

Four-Months-Old Today!

2009-04-06T08:34:00.001-07:00

And we're celebrating by experimenting with a sippy cup at lunch today. After Zachary's appointment and shots on Wednesday, we will start with some cereal, but the last two days we have been "practicing" by trying out the spoon with formula at breakfast and dinner times. He thinks it's wonderful, but is still eyeing my food suspicious that he is missing out.

Zachary also has a white spot on his gum that I think looks like tooth potential. It would explain why he stopped seeping through the night two weeks ago and just resumed his normal good sleeping habits two nights ago.

A few more pictures from March

2009-03-25T20:17:00.000-07:00

Hopping Down the Bunny Trail

2009-03-25T19:52:00.001-07:00

We visited the Easter Bunny at the Mall of America on Monday. Zachary didn't cry at the big white creature, but kept rubbing the "fur" of his paw, intrigued.

Like Hannah

2009-03-25T19:38:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, similar to Hannah (1 Samuel 1), we dedicated our precious son back to the Lord who gave him to us. Although it is not traditional for Presbyterians to use baptismal gowns, Zachary wore the gown hand-made by my great-grandfather's wife. The last baby to wear it was my Aunt Carol who is losing her battle with cancer and whose time left can be counted in a matter of weeks. Zachary has his father's last name and his paternal grandfather's name as a middle name. This was the one piece of my family that I could give to him.

Zachary made nary a peep during the "sprinkling" and apparently was quite the ham by smiling and blowing bubbles at the congregation as our pastor presented him by walking him down the center aisle. I believe the over-sixty crowd was swooning.

Wearing of the green

2009-03-16T09:18:00.001-07:00

With a grandmother whose last name is Delahanty, we take St. Patrick's Day pretty seriously around these parts.

Our son- the hockey player

2009-03-06T18:19:00.000-08:00

This one is for mrslady1975.

No, we don't beat him. This is what happens when we fail to clip his fingernails every few days. We figured since he is toothless and looks like he has been in a fight with a hockey-stick-weilding fiend, he should wear his San Jose Sharks onesie and socks.

Mommy Haircut

2009-02-28T20:05:00.000-08:00

On the day my baby hit twelve weeks (and peaked past 15 pounds), I caved and got the mommy cut. It's not super short, but at shoulder length, it's shorter than I have been in a long time. But I just couldn't stand the little darling hanging by fistfuls of my hair any longer.

And a few more

2009-02-21T19:56:00.001-08:00

A few February pics

2009-02-19T12:26:00.001-08:00

The case of the rashy baby

2009-02-18T19:13:00.001-08:00

Just call me Nancy Drew (minus the cool convertible, blonde hair, and Ned).

At Zachary's two-month appointment last week, he still had some cradle cap and a little bit of excema. The pediatrician recommended baby oil for his head and a brushing out and slathering him in Eucerin and Aquafor. The first application of baby oil on Tuesday resulted in a bright read head for baby Z. I figured that he of the so-sensitive skin that we still have to use washcloths and not wipes on his tender derriere was sensitive to the fragrance listed as the only other ingredient beside mineral oil. And didn't repeat that process. For the rest of the week and weekend, I slathered him in the lotions to no avail. So, this weekend I tried the hard core Aquafor repeatedly all day. On Monday, he was so covered in a rash that he looked like he had a sunburn. So, we made a trip to the pediatrician (a fill-in as his regular one was out for the day) who was stumped and referred us to a dermatologist who we visited later that afternoon. The dermatologist presccribed two steroidal potions and gave me sample lotions. I was also advised to wash all his clothes in Tide Free and dress him in only cotton and to go back to giving him liquid formula instead of the powder we had just started.

By Tuesday, he had started to look a little better. This mornign he woke up all bright red again and all scratched up. I finally started lookign at all of the the ingredients of the different products we had used in the last week and the common deonoimator?- mineral oil. I didn't think someone could be allergic to mineral oil and it is one of the most common remedies for cradle cap and excema. But, apparently, for a small few it can cause a rash. So, all of the products we have purchased this week will be headed for the trash can.

To my little Valentine

2009-02-15T18:50:00.000-08:00

I stare at you and can't imagine my life without you. Just like your daddy did, you opened up a part of my heart I didn't know I had. I think of the years to come when you will make me little valentines that I will always treasure. And I ponder the day when I will no longer be the first woman in your heart and you bring home that special girl. But nothing will replace this very first Valentine's Day with my new love.

Two-month appointment

2009-02-09T19:43:00.000-08:00

The appointment went as well as can be expected. He is 24 inches (although the nurse never really stretches him out so I suspect he is a bit longer) and weighed 13 lbs, 13 oz. So 89 percentile for weight and 83 for height. I am going to have to pull out the six-month sleepers here because he has reached the bottom of the toesies.

I was almost in tears immediately following his shots. His cries were so pitiful- as if to say, "How could you let this happen to me, Mommy." For the remainder of the day, he slept in my arms and cried when he was awake. Poor little guy.

But here are some pictures from last week (of happier times):

Finally, a picture of a smile. He has smiled a lot but never when I can get it on camera

This is his warm-up routine prior to a half roll

Loving sitting at the kitchen table in his chair

Just for fun

Sleep mania

2009-02-09T04:29:00.001-08:00

Zachary has been asleep in his bed for 10.5 hours now and is still going. And this was after I said I didn't think he would sleep well last night because I couldn't get him to eat much of his bottle because he was so tired. And I, of course, slept terribly because I kept waking up sure that his stirring meant he was awake.

Unfortunately, we are going to have to wake him soon for him to go to his two-month pediatrician appointment. Poor little guy, to be awakened from peaceful slumber for shots.

Shhh

2009-02-03T19:22:00.000-08:00

I don't want to jinx it again, but last night Zachary slept for seven straight hours, this followed 6.5 the night before. He is still not tolerating taking naps unless held but at least night time sleep is going well. I am going more actively to try to get him down starting on Thursday. Tomorrow, we are going for two-month pictures.
We went back to the mom's group today and he weighed in at 13 pounds, 9 ounces. The sleeves of his three-month sleepers are getting too short and his toes are at the very bottom. The middles are still swimming on him, but it looks like I am going to have to pull out the six-month sizes pretty soon.

This is our new favorite find. Zachary loves sitting up at the table with us and finally we can actually eat meals without holding him. Now, I am on the lookout for a front carrier that is actually easy to get on and doesn't make me feel like a mountaineer.

growing like a weed

2009-01-28T19:23:00.000-08:00

Zachary and I went to a new mom's group yesterday where he weighed in (clothed) at 13 pounds, 2 ounces. The other moms were most impressed by his ability to burp simply by removing the bottle from his mouth which he demonstrated quite admirably (and loudly) as we were going through introductions.

I learned rather coincidentally last week that despite not being a fan of his bath, Zachary loves having running water over his head. My attempt at getting rid of his nasty cradle cap has resulted in a bedtime ritual that gives him much satisfaction. He looks like he is receiving the best massage ever.

Today I was much surprised when I left him on the floor while I ran to the bathroom and returned to find he had rolled onto his side. Of course, I couldn't get him to repeat this feat while I was watching despite repeated attempts throughout the day.

Tomorrow is my birthday, so Zachary and I are headed to Mall of America because (1) it is the only place I know that has covered parking so I don't have to push the stroller through the snow and (2) I have gift cards. This will be our first stroller outing and the farthest we've ever gone with just the two of us.

Here's a few photos from last week:

Jinxed

2009-01-24T18:19:00.000-08:00

Of course, as soon as I posted about Zachary's lovely sleep habits, he threw a wrench into the plans. On Tuesday night, he went back to only a five-hour stretch and then the last two nights he has only done four hours at a time. I hope to get him back on schedule tonight.

Three-peat

2009-01-20T08:19:00.001-08:00

Zachary has slept six hours at night for three nights in a row. The first time he did it was on Saturday and I figured it was a fluke because we had taken him out for the evening and he was exhausted. But wonderfully enough he has repeated it Sunday and Monday nights.

Currently, he is sleeping on his activity mat where he fell asleep during tummy time. I have left him sleeping on his tummy and I am sitting right next to him listening to him breathe. He looks so comfortable plus I was so relieved that he fell asleep on his own for a change and not on me.

I am getting the hang of

2009-01-15T19:53:00.001-08:00

holding up my head, but I get tired.

Back on track

2009-01-09T08:22:00.000-08:00

As he near his five-week milestone, the darling one seems to be on a schedule this week, with the exception of Wednesday night (and as a result Thursday). He wakes around 8 am, then eats every three hours (an astonishing amount, if you ask me for such a little baby, but at the top range that the pediatrician said was normal). After his last feeding around 11 p.m., he will sleep for a good five hours until 4:30. Zachary is all about the food. In addition to eating great quantities, he obviously enjoys his meals. He flaps his arms enthusiastically, windmilling and flailing about. And when he is done (and he always finishes, never pushes a bottle out of his mouth), following that pout of regret and having the bottle removed from his mouth, he usually smacks his lips and has the most contented look of fat happiness I have ever seen.

His big difficulty is in getting to sleep. He will fall asleep just fine but as soon as he is put down, he is bright-eyed. I love rocking him to sleep, just not three times. The last few nights I have been successful with patting his tummy until he finally goes back to sleep.

I think today he intentionally smiled, as opposed to his usual smiles in his sleep only. He is also pursing his lips to mimic an "ooo."

I can't believe he'll be five weeks old tomorrow.

Hopes Dashed

2009-01-06T16:30:00.000-08:00

I guess I ought to give up my presidential ambitions since I am now a boy mama.

All Tuckered Out

2009-01-03T10:46:00.001-08:00

Like father, like son

Hitting the Bullseye

2008-12-29T18:31:00.000-08:00

In an effort to do our part for the economy (and because I have only been to church and medical appointments since December 4th and was getting a little stir crazy), we made our first retail expedition con kiddo. There seems to be something magical in that little car seat because again Zachary slept through it all despite the 50% clearance on Christmas items at Ta.rget.

All was calm

2008-12-26T15:55:00.000-08:00

Zachary made his first appearance at church on Christmas Eve. Despite his fussiness 30 minutes before arriving, he slept beautifully through the entire service and we all sighed with relief.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T13:50:00.000-08:00

to all (and wishing any new parents a somewhat silent night).

A perfect ten

2008-12-23T11:31:00.000-08:00

Ten-pounder, that is. At his two week (really 17-day) well-baby check, our son clocked in on the scale at an even ten pounds- so he gained a pound in a week. Can't say he's not getting enough to eat. His weight is at the 80th percentile for his age and his length is at 87th percentile.

The pediatrician pronounced him "perfect." This is the third doctor to do so. His grandma agrees.

Pumping like a fiend and hearing subliminal voices

2008-12-23T06:30:00.000-08:00

Because of low blood sugar at birth (thanks to my gestational diabetes), Zachary was given a bottle of formula right away. He apparently thought the bottle was the greatest invention ever since it requires very little effort to get to the good stuff and breastfeeding has been too troublesome for him to learn as he is an "impatient eater." Even the lactation consultant was at her wit's end because when he gets hungry he wants to be fed yesterday.

My supply has not kept up with his voracious needs but I am pumping and thanks to the suggestion of the lactation consultant- "power pumping." I swear the pump is sending me subliminal messages. I just know it is beating out a different message each time I turn it on. Sometimes, I hear "lactate, lactate." Other times, it is "Zachary, Zachary." And occasionally, there are some made-up words. Maybe it's the sleep deprivation? Or maybe the thing is possessed?