Last night when Joseph was beyond ready for me to pick him up to be rocked to sleep, he started his usual "Mmmma" yet last night was the first time he connected two of those sounds to say"mama". Is this really my life? Now you know I nearly flew to grab him, snuggle his sweet self, and rock him to sleep.
Another extremely rare moment was this morng when I was able to take him by myself to mass and he did not cry one and charmed all his favorite prayer warriors. It sure has been a phenomenal weekend. I even got a nap . . . heaven!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Happy 5 Months, Joseph! +50 First Things
First off, where have the last five months gone?
It seems like it has gone by too quickly. Then again, somedays seem so long. Just being honest, here. I love being able to be at home with Joseph but it does a body good to be out and about! Thankfully, we spent the day out yesterday and were able to take family pictures with my husband's whole family - immediate family (11 total). Joseph's first big family pictures! It was quite the experience, but it turned out really well. I know that my father in law kept putting off taking a large family picture until we were able to have a child in my arms and for us that made the day so surreal and amazing. It was an unforgettable experience and we are so happy that it turned out well. Joseph has been responding better to them the last few visits, but he still only wants Mama almost all of the time. Thankfully he loves his daddy almost as much as me, so that is really my only respite.
I love watching Joseph grow but it is fun to have him sleep, too :)
He is doing so well with moving around and communicating with us. He loves, loves to talk and play with his bear, ball, monkey, and little snail toys on his bouncy chair. He is rocking on his hands and knees and rolling over from his back to his belly, but gets stuck and cannot get back on his belly by himself. He did it twice and not again since. This makes for very long nights, though. He will roll over onto his belly during the night and our doctor told us he is still too young to sleep on his belly, so we have to place him back on his back. He then wakes up and the new going to bed cycle begins. We have to find a solution. Parenting suggestions welcome. He is also reaching and grabing, somewhat transferring toys and activating simple ones.
He has a new thing of being unable to tolerate a changing table at places. It is worrisome and downright silly. He does fine on his own changing pad w/pillow or on our bed but other than that, he SCREAMS like he is being tortured which is quite embarassing and make it really hard to change a poo diaper when he is thrasing around like that.
I also am fearing that I am spoiling him too much because he really likes to be held most of the time and while I am not usually bothered by this, I am thinking I am not doing him any favors getting him spoiled. I can place him in his bouncy for a while and sometimes in a play pen for about 5 minutes. Today, I placed him in his crib while I tidied up his room and he rolled over and hit his head on the rail because he pulled down the bumper to roll over.
If anyone has any tried and true methods to help me in this area, please share or even some resources that might help. I have not bought too many books because they are plain expensive and I can't seem to find much at our library to help with these concerns.
I am also needing to get him used to other people and will try to explore that more soon because he cries when he goes to most people, even his grandparents. I know we should get out more, but it has been tough on the budget with gas prices. I am thinking of looking into a mother's day out, something for 1-2 hours a week or something - for both of our sakes? Does this seem necessary or will this stage pass? You would think I would know more about parenting, but I feel so clueless most of the time.
It seems like it has gone by too quickly. Then again, somedays seem so long. Just being honest, here. I love being able to be at home with Joseph but it does a body good to be out and about! Thankfully, we spent the day out yesterday and were able to take family pictures with my husband's whole family - immediate family (11 total). Joseph's first big family pictures! It was quite the experience, but it turned out really well. I know that my father in law kept putting off taking a large family picture until we were able to have a child in my arms and for us that made the day so surreal and amazing. It was an unforgettable experience and we are so happy that it turned out well. Joseph has been responding better to them the last few visits, but he still only wants Mama almost all of the time. Thankfully he loves his daddy almost as much as me, so that is really my only respite.
I love watching Joseph grow but it is fun to have him sleep, too :)
He is doing so well with moving around and communicating with us. He loves, loves to talk and play with his bear, ball, monkey, and little snail toys on his bouncy chair. He is rocking on his hands and knees and rolling over from his back to his belly, but gets stuck and cannot get back on his belly by himself. He did it twice and not again since. This makes for very long nights, though. He will roll over onto his belly during the night and our doctor told us he is still too young to sleep on his belly, so we have to place him back on his back. He then wakes up and the new going to bed cycle begins. We have to find a solution. Parenting suggestions welcome. He is also reaching and grabing, somewhat transferring toys and activating simple ones.
He has a new thing of being unable to tolerate a changing table at places. It is worrisome and downright silly. He does fine on his own changing pad w/pillow or on our bed but other than that, he SCREAMS like he is being tortured which is quite embarassing and make it really hard to change a poo diaper when he is thrasing around like that.
I also am fearing that I am spoiling him too much because he really likes to be held most of the time and while I am not usually bothered by this, I am thinking I am not doing him any favors getting him spoiled. I can place him in his bouncy for a while and sometimes in a play pen for about 5 minutes. Today, I placed him in his crib while I tidied up his room and he rolled over and hit his head on the rail because he pulled down the bumper to roll over.
If anyone has any tried and true methods to help me in this area, please share or even some resources that might help. I have not bought too many books because they are plain expensive and I can't seem to find much at our library to help with these concerns.
I am also needing to get him used to other people and will try to explore that more soon because he cries when he goes to most people, even his grandparents. I know we should get out more, but it has been tough on the budget with gas prices. I am thinking of looking into a mother's day out, something for 1-2 hours a week or something - for both of our sakes? Does this seem necessary or will this stage pass? You would think I would know more about parenting, but I feel so clueless most of the time.
Friday, May 13, 2011
50 First Things
Tonight was the first time for Joseph to have some sweet potatoes. He ate about 3 baby spoonfuls and he ate it up. He has been eating cereal for about 10 days and he likes the transition to new food choices. I was really unsure about starting it this early, but his doctor reassured me that he was ready. Sigh.
I have been enjoying my days with him so much, he is getting more fun everyday and I am loving seeing his personality develop. However, today was quite dramatic. We got a random check in the mail from overpaying a bill earlier this year so I was able to schedule a haircut and highlight. I asked my aunt to join me to help occupy Joseph. Last time I went for a cut, he did well. Well, he threw a fit. Huge fit for her and I was all foiled up and stinky with junk. It was all for vanity (a little for practicality). We survived. He fell right asleep as soon as we put him in his carseat to leave. It was nuts. He slept for two hours after that.
Thankfully, despite holding him while my hair was cut, it turned out really good and I am happy about it. I cut off probably at least six inches or more. I was trying to get rid of some gray (I am really gray these days). I usually embrace it, but when I was wearing a ponytail (for the last five months) it showed up so clearly. I do love my do, but I am still getting used to my reflection. My husband loved it. Joseph was grabbing big chunks of it and now I hope he can't quite get to big of a handful.
I have been enjoying my days with him so much, he is getting more fun everyday and I am loving seeing his personality develop. However, today was quite dramatic. We got a random check in the mail from overpaying a bill earlier this year so I was able to schedule a haircut and highlight. I asked my aunt to join me to help occupy Joseph. Last time I went for a cut, he did well. Well, he threw a fit. Huge fit for her and I was all foiled up and stinky with junk. It was all for vanity (a little for practicality). We survived. He fell right asleep as soon as we put him in his carseat to leave. It was nuts. He slept for two hours after that.
Thankfully, despite holding him while my hair was cut, it turned out really good and I am happy about it. I cut off probably at least six inches or more. I was trying to get rid of some gray (I am really gray these days). I usually embrace it, but when I was wearing a ponytail (for the last five months) it showed up so clearly. I do love my do, but I am still getting used to my reflection. My husband loved it. Joseph was grabbing big chunks of it and now I hope he can't quite get to big of a handful.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
50 First Things
I have just a few minutes to write, it has been a great day!
Joseph is trying to show off around here and tries to get up on his hands and knees, which I could have waited a few months for but the real milestone we are celebrating is the fact that he slept so well last night. He went down around 8:30 pm and woke up at 5 am!
WOOOOOHOOOOO!!!!
We needed some rest and he blessed us!
I love this boy! Sometimes I just look at him and still cannot believe that I was able to get pregnant and give life to this sweet child! Each moment with him is a gift!
He has a problem of rolling completely over in his sleep and when we find him like this we have to turn him over, per pediatrician. It is quite scary and makes me worry that I won't always get to him in time, I sleep really hard even though he is right beside our bed. He doesn't cry when this happens.
One request, can you all please keep C (Patiently Waiting) in your prayers. She is have a big week in Omaha this week and will have surgery this Thursday. Please surround her in prayer and that God will bring her full healing!
Joseph is trying to show off around here and tries to get up on his hands and knees, which I could have waited a few months for but the real milestone we are celebrating is the fact that he slept so well last night. He went down around 8:30 pm and woke up at 5 am!
WOOOOOHOOOOO!!!!
We needed some rest and he blessed us!
I love this boy! Sometimes I just look at him and still cannot believe that I was able to get pregnant and give life to this sweet child! Each moment with him is a gift!
He has a problem of rolling completely over in his sleep and when we find him like this we have to turn him over, per pediatrician. It is quite scary and makes me worry that I won't always get to him in time, I sleep really hard even though he is right beside our bed. He doesn't cry when this happens.
One request, can you all please keep C (Patiently Waiting) in your prayers. She is have a big week in Omaha this week and will have surgery this Thursday. Please surround her in prayer and that God will bring her full healing!
Monday, May 9, 2011
50 First Things
Even though there were tough moments on Friday, our weekend was amazing. We drove to Baton Rouge for a first communion mass for Emma. While we were there, we got to shop a bit! Joseph made his first trip over the Mississippi River and made his debut at Bass Pro Shops! Babies r us did not interest him. He did well, overall, for mass and were early enough that I got to enjoy some time in adoration, best Mother's Day gift ever.
The after party wa not a hit for Joseph and we made a early departure. My husband did most of the nighttime duty as gift to me and it was so wonderful.
It was really great to celebrate Mother's Day this year with our Moms and Joseph. Very low key & perfect!
The after party wa not a hit for Joseph and we made a early departure. My husband did most of the nighttime duty as gift to me and it was so wonderful.
It was really great to celebrate Mother's Day this year with our Moms and Joseph. Very low key & perfect!
Friday, May 6, 2011
50 First Things - The first awful one!
I was totally a mindless mother today for a split second and it could have had horrible consequences. Thank the Lord and Joseph's guardian angels that he is perfectly fine. It was clearly the most scary moment that I have ever lived through and I consider my lesson learned.
All I can say is that kid is FAST and I cannot take my eyes off of him for a milisecond.
I can't say more because my heart is still in shock.
All I can say is that kid is FAST and I cannot take my eyes off of him for a milisecond.
I can't say more because my heart is still in shock.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
50 First Things
We are starting some itty bitty amounts of cereal (made very thin with his milk) and it is downright funny.
Today was the first time he actually took the spoon and food and accepted it. Our household has been filled with lots of giggles. The faces he makes are hilarious! We love, love, love every single second!
We tried a bit on Tuesday and a bit on Wednesday, but today he did so much better. Like I said earlier, it is just a bit (a few drops, really) but he is doing so well accepting the spoon, he just doesn't know what is on his tongue and it makes him a bit horrified :)
Today was the first time he actually took the spoon and food and accepted it. Our household has been filled with lots of giggles. The faces he makes are hilarious! We love, love, love every single second!
We tried a bit on Tuesday and a bit on Wednesday, but today he did so much better. Like I said earlier, it is just a bit (a few drops, really) but he is doing so well accepting the spoon, he just doesn't know what is on his tongue and it makes him a bit horrified :)
What can I do for you?
Mother's Day is fast approaching and while I still feel a bit odd about it, like I am still a foreigner in a distant land, I want to do something for you, my dear readers.
While many in our IF circle have recently been given a new child to love, there are still some precious hearts in amazing women still holding onto God's promises of a growing family. I want to do something special for all of you ladies who may be experiencing strong feelings of desire, longing, and a true and holy desire to be fulfilled in your vocation.
I know there will still be tears in my eyes this mother's day. Mostly, for God's promise being fulfilled in Joseph . A few tears are bound to fall because of what I now know what I have lost in not being able to nurture Sam and Nicky in the way I get the opportunity to nurture Joseph.
I have realized that all of the hills and valleys that have led us to Joseph were necessary. Yet, the truth is that the journey to him was hard, sad, and long. All of this is being said to let you all know that I do wish to join you all in prayer in a special way this mother's day. All of you have a mother's heart and nurture little souls in this world and I want to nurture your soul by praying for you and your special intentions.
So please send me you special intentions by email or in the commment section, whichever you feel comfortable with and know that you are being held in love and prayer, all ways.
While many in our IF circle have recently been given a new child to love, there are still some precious hearts in amazing women still holding onto God's promises of a growing family. I want to do something special for all of you ladies who may be experiencing strong feelings of desire, longing, and a true and holy desire to be fulfilled in your vocation.
I know there will still be tears in my eyes this mother's day. Mostly, for God's promise being fulfilled in Joseph . A few tears are bound to fall because of what I now know what I have lost in not being able to nurture Sam and Nicky in the way I get the opportunity to nurture Joseph.
I have realized that all of the hills and valleys that have led us to Joseph were necessary. Yet, the truth is that the journey to him was hard, sad, and long. All of this is being said to let you all know that I do wish to join you all in prayer in a special way this mother's day. All of you have a mother's heart and nurture little souls in this world and I want to nurture your soul by praying for you and your special intentions.
So please send me you special intentions by email or in the commment section, whichever you feel comfortable with and know that you are being held in love and prayer, all ways.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
50 First Things
I knew when I started this commitment to blog for 50 days in a row that it would be hard to follow through on, but possible.
Well, it proved impossible yesterday.
We had Joseph's 4 month well baby visit yesterday. I know, we are almost three weeks late for that, but I try to postpone the shots a little.
He was a complete angel before the appointment. The operative word there is "before."
He even went with me to the grocery store before that and charmed all the little hearts there, but he would have nothing to do with being laid down on that exam table. Nothing.
All the nurse tried to do was measure his height and head. He pitched a fit. If I could have just known what his mind was thinking, I would have love to so that I would have know just the right way to console him. Poor nurse, she thought this was just a passing moment. I wish that it was just passing, but even putting him down on the little scale proved nearly impossible. We tried twice to put him down on his back and he literally tried to roll out (yes, even above the raised sides). So after consoling him for a minute, I tried to place him 0n his tummy and he still wanted nothing to do with that scale. He literally tried to climb out. It was then that I heard the nurse whisper ever so softly, in complete disbelief, "That has to be the first time that has ever happened." Lights, camera, action. It is all my fault, I started this little 'first' series and he did not want to disappoint.
If you are wondering at this point, was he this way in the waiting room and the answer would be no. He was an angel in the waiting room, the most usual place to cry or maybe that is just me wanting to cry - we were at the doctor's office for 1 1/2 hours. Are you serious, do you really expect someone not to cry after they have been waiting to see you for 1 1/2 hours?
There were good moments when I was able to entertain him enough to not cry. I was so thankful there was a window with a great view of a busy street because me describing all of the action and him watching it soothed him. The doctor finally comes in, almost tiptoeing, asking me is he is always like this and I said "I don't know who this kid is!" He only acts that way at certain times, for example Mass, pictures, baptism, and now her office. It was painful. For all of us.
She examines him, as he is crying in my arms and by now it is way past naptime and once she is done, he stops crying and turns on his big blue eyes and smile and she eats it up. She clearly sees that he is virtually fine. She did see big evidence that alot of his frustration was coming from his teething. He even cried more before the shots than with the shots.
I was blown away at the damage a 4 month old could do to the paper they put on the exam table! He would use it to grasp to roll over. You put him down on his back and he is rolling over fast!
It was clearly one of my tougher moments in being his mommy but then I thought his good energy for moving is a very healthy thing and for that I am grateful.
As soon as we hit the parking lot, he was fine.
So for his 4 month check up, he is weighing 15 lbs 6 oz (75th %) and measuring 26 in. tall (90th %).
Well, the boss (also known as Joseph) is telling me he is hungry so gotta get rolling off of the computer!
Well, it proved impossible yesterday.
We had Joseph's 4 month well baby visit yesterday. I know, we are almost three weeks late for that, but I try to postpone the shots a little.
He was a complete angel before the appointment. The operative word there is "before."
He even went with me to the grocery store before that and charmed all the little hearts there, but he would have nothing to do with being laid down on that exam table. Nothing.
All the nurse tried to do was measure his height and head. He pitched a fit. If I could have just known what his mind was thinking, I would have love to so that I would have know just the right way to console him. Poor nurse, she thought this was just a passing moment. I wish that it was just passing, but even putting him down on the little scale proved nearly impossible. We tried twice to put him down on his back and he literally tried to roll out (yes, even above the raised sides). So after consoling him for a minute, I tried to place him 0n his tummy and he still wanted nothing to do with that scale. He literally tried to climb out. It was then that I heard the nurse whisper ever so softly, in complete disbelief, "That has to be the first time that has ever happened." Lights, camera, action. It is all my fault, I started this little 'first' series and he did not want to disappoint.
If you are wondering at this point, was he this way in the waiting room and the answer would be no. He was an angel in the waiting room, the most usual place to cry or maybe that is just me wanting to cry - we were at the doctor's office for 1 1/2 hours. Are you serious, do you really expect someone not to cry after they have been waiting to see you for 1 1/2 hours?
There were good moments when I was able to entertain him enough to not cry. I was so thankful there was a window with a great view of a busy street because me describing all of the action and him watching it soothed him. The doctor finally comes in, almost tiptoeing, asking me is he is always like this and I said "I don't know who this kid is!" He only acts that way at certain times, for example Mass, pictures, baptism, and now her office. It was painful. For all of us.
She examines him, as he is crying in my arms and by now it is way past naptime and once she is done, he stops crying and turns on his big blue eyes and smile and she eats it up. She clearly sees that he is virtually fine. She did see big evidence that alot of his frustration was coming from his teething. He even cried more before the shots than with the shots.
I was blown away at the damage a 4 month old could do to the paper they put on the exam table! He would use it to grasp to roll over. You put him down on his back and he is rolling over fast!
It was clearly one of my tougher moments in being his mommy but then I thought his good energy for moving is a very healthy thing and for that I am grateful.
As soon as we hit the parking lot, he was fine.
So for his 4 month check up, he is weighing 15 lbs 6 oz (75th %) and measuring 26 in. tall (90th %).
Well, the boss (also known as Joseph) is telling me he is hungry so gotta get rolling off of the computer!
Monday, May 2, 2011
50 First Things!
This is how I would imagine Joseph would talk about his day!
"Today was phenomenal! I was on TOP of the world! I got to ride on my Daddy's shoulders for the first time! It was so much fun! I got to giggle, wiggle, and dribble! Oh, Daddy . . . .I love you!"
"Today was phenomenal! I was on TOP of the world! I got to ride on my Daddy's shoulders for the first time! It was so much fun! I got to giggle, wiggle, and dribble! Oh, Daddy . . . .I love you!"
Sunday, May 1, 2011
50 First Things: Divine Mercy Sunday/2nd Sunday of Easter!
Just when I think I would not have anything to report on today, Joseph decides to show off, again!
Seriously, Joseph you can slow down!
I placed him in the middle of our king size bed and I ran to the bathroom which is right in the master bedroom and he rolled from his back to his tummy. I quickly ran back to the doorway to watch him and he pushed himself back over on to his back. He did it like it was nothing. I really thought we had a while before this would start happening, but I was wrong. The truth is he could wait for another week or longer to do it again which I don't mind.
I really only did tummy time with him after he reached 4 months. So this is all taking me by suprise.
We made a trip to tar.get today to get a video camera, but did not purchase one because we want to price it some more. He did well in tar.get which is a total treat!
He is still not sleeping well. Although we got one 2 hr. stretch last night.
Seriously, Joseph you can slow down!
I placed him in the middle of our king size bed and I ran to the bathroom which is right in the master bedroom and he rolled from his back to his tummy. I quickly ran back to the doorway to watch him and he pushed himself back over on to his back. He did it like it was nothing. I really thought we had a while before this would start happening, but I was wrong. The truth is he could wait for another week or longer to do it again which I don't mind.
I really only did tummy time with him after he reached 4 months. So this is all taking me by suprise.
We made a trip to tar.get today to get a video camera, but did not purchase one because we want to price it some more. He did well in tar.get which is a total treat!
He is still not sleeping well. Although we got one 2 hr. stretch last night.
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