I am all packed up and ready to go to Idaho for Thanksgiving, or jet-set as I like to say...I don't know where I got that...
Anyways, I am super stoked. Seriously. I am. And I should be decorating the house for Christmas so that it will look all nice when I get back home but Zeke is taking a late nap and I don't want the noise in the closet to wake him. We where at Kait's a bit too long today probably, oh well, it happens. And it was worth it because Molly, Zeke's girlfriend and also Kait's daughter, gave him a big fat kiss. Seriously people, we didn't even tell her to! She did it of her own accord. I am glad they are listening to their mommies and falling in love but a little worried at how young they are doing it. Maybe those two should slow down!
PS Haha Kaitie, I blogged it first!
Also, as many of you know, because this comes up surprisingly often, Josh and I decided not to give Ezekiel a circumcision when he was born. We had many reasons for this decision and did a LOT of research, and we haven't regretted it for a second. Quickly put we just felt that the medical reasons to circumsize didn't really hold (and neither did the medical reasons to NOT circumsize), I knew from experience with other small boys that it wasn't "dirtier" or harder to clean, and neither of us wanted to do something, especially a painful surgery, just because everyone else does it. Not that everyone else does, I was surprised to find out how many of my friend's children aren't these days.
Anyways, I wasn't actually planning on getting into that decision or my reasons for it although I'm happy to discuss it with any of you. What I wanted to segue into was this reply to one of my ulitmate fav. blogs/bloggers and hero about this same subject. I never thought of it this way and found it so interesting.
...Something that I didn't see brought up on your comments was female circumcision (FGM) [I am fairly certain this stands for Female Genital Mutilation, am I correct?]. This practice is common all over the world. There are varying types I through III. Type III includes removal of clitoris, labia minora and majora, then sewing the vaginal opening, leaving a very small opening the size of a matchstick. I have assisted in delivering babies from women with type III circumcisions, and it was not pretty. Not to mention all of the other health problems it causes. We lived in a city that was predominately Somali. The State Department sites that 90% of Somali women have been circuited and that 80% of these circumcisions were Type III. I have spoken with many Somali women about their circumcisions over the past 5 years. They cite reasons such as, "girls will become prostitutes if we don't stop their sexual drive", "if you don't cut the clitoris it will keep growing until it's hanging down between their legs". It has also become a convenient way for women to prove their virginity before getting married. It's interesting to note that it is the older women who keep this tradition going and the #1 reason for circumcising is simple to them.... "It's the most beautiful". It's how they look, and they want their daughters to look the same. [I find this such a frightening parallel to male circumcision in the U.S.: circumcising boys without their consent because it is the way their fathers look and it is the most "beautiful" (or normal, or acceptable, or common, or least different, or usual) way for boys to look in this country. Should that alone be reason to continue this practice in our country?? Should that be a reason to continue FGM of girls in other countries!?]
This really got me thinking about my cosmetic reasons for wanting to circumcise my son, and how dangerous that line of thinking can become. [I believe that "line of thinking" has perhaps become a trap for American parents regarding male circumcision as well.] Somali women would even suggest that because we circumcise our males, it should be fine for them to circumcise females. Although there is no comparison to the degree of mutilation that it causes, I am happy to be able to report to them that we haven't circumcised any of our children, male or female. [Certainly male circumcision is much less extreme than the female circumcision spoken of here. However, regardless of the difference in extremes, I drew a huge parallel between these two and the reasons both have been carried out as long as they have.]
I of course dont want you to think that Im suggesting any of you with circumsized boys have mutilated them, or even that circumcision is a bad choice. Your choice, as long as you chose it, is the right choice, if that makes sense. I just found this so interesting that I had to share.
New look
Lol, I know, I change my look pretty often. What can I say, its fun. Also I don't do it nearly as often at Kait. And that makes it all ok doesnt it?
Anyways, thanks for your patience if you've tried to get on the last 2 days. I know its been strange.
Anyways, thanks for your patience if you've tried to get on the last 2 days. I know its been strange.
Zeke will be crawling any day now. Seriously. Josh and I's bet (Josh-before Thanksgiving; me-after) will be a close one. 8 days to go.
In other news, and this might be TMI and if so, too bad, but Ezekiel has not pooped in 1 week tomorrow. At first I thought it was just because he ate a WHOLE banana Thursday night. But now I'm getting a little concerned. I tried to feed him applesauce a couple days ago to get things going but he didn't like it. So then I tried some watered down apple juice this morning...his first juice experience. It also didn't go well. He found the apple juice in the bottle insulting or something, he wouldn't take it. So then at the grocery store I bought a tippy cup. Well he's not really ready for it yet I don't think (nor did I really expect him to be). He LOVED chewing on it and playing with it, and he even held it really well and got it into his mouth. But he wouldn't suck. And so I tried removing the little thingy that keeps it from spilling so it would dribble into his mouth. He probably got 2 ounces all over himself and 1 in his mouth...if I'm lucky... So now we are going to try pear for dinner. The taste wont be as strong as apple, I think, so maybe he will like it. And I think if he doesn't poop tomorrow I will call Dr Morgan because I am out of ideas! Any one have any?
One thing is for sure. Zeke is only allowed a half banana at a time from now on!
Also, look at Zeke's adorable hair! I bought him some product, its called Surf Hair or something like that, lol. I also cut two little sections that have been driving me insane. They were WAY longer then everything else.
Feeding himself
Ezekiel has decided he is old enough to feed himself. He used to be content with just holding an empty spoon while I fed him. But now he wants to dip his spoon in the food too, so we gave it a go last night (on Daddy's bath night...heehee). He did surprisingly well, he got well over half of it into his mouth. Still WAY messier then when mommy does it, though. So maybe this will only be a weekend, daddy bath day, treat...
Josh and I also watched Kung Foo Panda last night. Zeke thought it was sooo funny. He's always watched the TV when we watch before but this is the first time he reacted to it at all. It's also the first time we ever watched a cartoon, so that may be related. He was laughing and laughing at the Panda, however. Cracking us up for sure. Then after the first 5 or so minutes he lost interest and fell asleep. Score.
Josh and I also watched Kung Foo Panda last night. Zeke thought it was sooo funny. He's always watched the TV when we watch before but this is the first time he reacted to it at all. It's also the first time we ever watched a cartoon, so that may be related. He was laughing and laughing at the Panda, however. Cracking us up for sure. Then after the first 5 or so minutes he lost interest and fell asleep. Score.
Toys
Zeke is suddenly very interested in toys. Not only in the old classic sense of loving to hold things and put them in his mouth, either. He is beginning to play for the first time. Right now his favorite game is knocking down towers. Josh and I build them out of stacking cups or the little blocks Kait gave him (thanks Kait!). But he has also shown interest in flipping the pages of his board books, and rolling cars back and forth. He LOVES cars and especially wheels. Its ridiculous. Cars and knocking things down...sounds like a boy to me, at least he's got an interest in books too.
With this new love of toys is also a startling new ability to make messes! My son, who cant crawl yet I might add, is still somehow able to make his way across the blanket to his toy basket, flip it over, and spread it everywhere in the time it takes me to go to the bathroom. Evidence: below.
Actually with a combination of rolling and "catterpillaring" as Josh and I have named it (he lifts his but waaay in the air and then stretches out) he can very slowly make his way towards whatever he wants. This was annoying at my mindful mothers meeting yesterday because what he wanted was a little girl's coloring book and NOTHING was distracting him. He is stubborn, my son.
We also bought him a very cool toy with some money that Josh's aunt Deb sent us, to encourage him to sit up more. It sort of works. He will sit maybe 10 minutes which is longer then he ever has allowed before. Zeke's refusal to sit drives me bonkers, in case you haven't noticed. I don't know why. I've accepted his constant "serious" or "concerned" or "concentrating" (depending on who you ask) face and the fact that he rarely smiles in front of anyone but Josh and I. I've accepted that other than the "dada" he gives us every few days he doesn't babble at all. My son is almost always silent unless annoyed and I haven't even jumped to a premature diagnosis of autism (even though its been suggested, ridiculous). I have shrugged my shoulders and said that he's slightly behind socially and probably just shy. Yet this not sitting this gets to me. Maybe because he's always been so ahead physically before? Who knows. But its become a fight and therefor we picked a toy that would necessitate sitting to play with.
Other than that no Ezekiel news really. I guess a slight cough but honestly Josh and I are wondering if he is faking it. It's really shallow, like he's clearing his throat and he seems to cough the most when he is bored and we are ignoring him... It might be imitation because he's heard other's coughing recently. Then again he might also have caught the cough. Who knows.
With this new love of toys is also a startling new ability to make messes! My son, who cant crawl yet I might add, is still somehow able to make his way across the blanket to his toy basket, flip it over, and spread it everywhere in the time it takes me to go to the bathroom. Evidence: below.
Actually with a combination of rolling and "catterpillaring" as Josh and I have named it (he lifts his but waaay in the air and then stretches out) he can very slowly make his way towards whatever he wants. This was annoying at my mindful mothers meeting yesterday because what he wanted was a little girl's coloring book and NOTHING was distracting him. He is stubborn, my son.We also bought him a very cool toy with some money that Josh's aunt Deb sent us, to encourage him to sit up more. It sort of works. He will sit maybe 10 minutes which is longer then he ever has allowed before. Zeke's refusal to sit drives me bonkers, in case you haven't noticed. I don't know why. I've accepted his constant "serious" or "concerned" or "concentrating" (depending on who you ask) face and the fact that he rarely smiles in front of anyone but Josh and I. I've accepted that other than the "dada" he gives us every few days he doesn't babble at all. My son is almost always silent unless annoyed and I haven't even jumped to a premature diagnosis of autism (even though its been suggested, ridiculous). I have shrugged my shoulders and said that he's slightly behind socially and probably just shy. Yet this not sitting this gets to me. Maybe because he's always been so ahead physically before? Who knows. But its become a fight and therefor we picked a toy that would necessitate sitting to play with.
Other than that no Ezekiel news really. I guess a slight cough but honestly Josh and I are wondering if he is faking it. It's really shallow, like he's clearing his throat and he seems to cough the most when he is bored and we are ignoring him... It might be imitation because he's heard other's coughing recently. Then again he might also have caught the cough. Who knows.
Growing up
Today (since Zeke has a cough and therefor cannot go to any playdates for fear of spreading possible infections) I cleaned out Ezekiel's closet.
I took all the clothes that don't fit him, from the ridiculously small newborn outfits to the 6 month shirts that I decided just yesterday were showing a bit too much stomach and folded them all nicely, placed them into a plastic tub, and then carried them down to our storage closet. And as a sign that my emotional roller-coastering is over (for a while at least), I didn't even tear up. Yes, the unemotional, totally sarcastic Courtney is back. The Courtney that laughed at her moist-eyed husband at their wedding. NOT the new, weak, Courtney that cried when her husband said Zeke would be a man before we knew it.
A related side note: I'm working on telling Zeke I love him at least as often as I say "You're driving me nutters". He'll probably figure out my strange and maybe slightly unhealthy way of showing affection, after all, Josh has told me that every time I tell him "I will kill you" he just thinks of it as "I love you". Also, Zeke already gets his very biggest smiles when I call him naughty and spoiled. But still, maybe I should try to lessen the psychiatric bills...
Anyways, I cant believe how big he is getting. Or the fact that I will probably have to buy new pants soon...again. His legs are so long, its ridiculous trying to find anything that will fit him. Good thing I prefer his pants a good inch or two below his belly-button (yes, I am a child of the 90's) because if I put them any higher most would be well above his ankles. And dont get me started on his footsie pajamas. A couple of them also had to be put away because the poor child couldnt straighten his legs anymore. I might just cut off the feet...
I took all the clothes that don't fit him, from the ridiculously small newborn outfits to the 6 month shirts that I decided just yesterday were showing a bit too much stomach and folded them all nicely, placed them into a plastic tub, and then carried them down to our storage closet. And as a sign that my emotional roller-coastering is over (for a while at least), I didn't even tear up. Yes, the unemotional, totally sarcastic Courtney is back. The Courtney that laughed at her moist-eyed husband at their wedding. NOT the new, weak, Courtney that cried when her husband said Zeke would be a man before we knew it.
A related side note: I'm working on telling Zeke I love him at least as often as I say "You're driving me nutters". He'll probably figure out my strange and maybe slightly unhealthy way of showing affection, after all, Josh has told me that every time I tell him "I will kill you" he just thinks of it as "I love you". Also, Zeke already gets his very biggest smiles when I call him naughty and spoiled. But still, maybe I should try to lessen the psychiatric bills...
Anyways, I cant believe how big he is getting. Or the fact that I will probably have to buy new pants soon...again. His legs are so long, its ridiculous trying to find anything that will fit him. Good thing I prefer his pants a good inch or two below his belly-button (yes, I am a child of the 90's) because if I put them any higher most would be well above his ankles. And dont get me started on his footsie pajamas. A couple of them also had to be put away because the poor child couldnt straighten his legs anymore. I might just cut off the feet...
I forgot
Sorry I never did post those pictures, I totally forgot about it. My brain is gone these last few days, it was taken over by extreme hormones at some point. It seems like all I've done is swing erratically from one side of the emotional spectrum to the other lately. Poor Josh.
Anyways news.... hmmm. Well I made a bunch of baby food. It was a lot easier than I thought it would be. And Zeke LOVES sweet potatoes. And I mean LOVES. He gobbles up 4 ounces in about 2 seconds flat and would still probably eat more if I let him. And 4 ounces may not sound like a lot, but it is. At least I think it is, lol, I guess I have no idea what an almost 5 month old is supposed to eat in a sitting. How much are one of those little jars? Whatever. It's more than he's willing to eat of anything else, he tends to lose interest after a while and decides he'd rather nurse instead.
We also had Grandpa Keith and Grandma Tammy visit. That was a lot of fun. Also Zeke got a card and money in the mail so pretty soon we are going to go buy some new toys...I am more excited then he is I think but that's pretty much to be expected.
Zeke says dadadadadadada ALL day now. But of course only when its just the family. He wont do it in front of people.
That's pretty much it. Pictures!
Halloween! This was Zeke's "warm" pea-pod outfit. He also had a skeleton onesie. I have more pictures but for some reason blogger wont accept them.
Here is Zeke and his freind Jordyn. We watched her a couple days this week. Ezekiel really enjoyed the company. Maybe he wants a sister?
This isn't even posed. They really did stare at each other like that for about 15 minutes. They were cracking me up. Then of course they started grabbing each other's faces so I had to move them a bit farther apart.
Zeke's first baby Mohawk! I cant believe it took me this long! It's pretty adorable.
Just Zeke being his cute self for Tammy. I love his little mouth in the first one!
Anyways news.... hmmm. Well I made a bunch of baby food. It was a lot easier than I thought it would be. And Zeke LOVES sweet potatoes. And I mean LOVES. He gobbles up 4 ounces in about 2 seconds flat and would still probably eat more if I let him. And 4 ounces may not sound like a lot, but it is. At least I think it is, lol, I guess I have no idea what an almost 5 month old is supposed to eat in a sitting. How much are one of those little jars? Whatever. It's more than he's willing to eat of anything else, he tends to lose interest after a while and decides he'd rather nurse instead.
We also had Grandpa Keith and Grandma Tammy visit. That was a lot of fun. Also Zeke got a card and money in the mail so pretty soon we are going to go buy some new toys...I am more excited then he is I think but that's pretty much to be expected.
Zeke says dadadadadadada ALL day now. But of course only when its just the family. He wont do it in front of people.
That's pretty much it. Pictures!
Halloween! This was Zeke's "warm" pea-pod outfit. He also had a skeleton onesie. I have more pictures but for some reason blogger wont accept them.
Here is Zeke and his freind Jordyn. We watched her a couple days this week. Ezekiel really enjoyed the company. Maybe he wants a sister?
This isn't even posed. They really did stare at each other like that for about 15 minutes. They were cracking me up. Then of course they started grabbing each other's faces so I had to move them a bit farther apart.
Zeke's first baby Mohawk! I cant believe it took me this long! It's pretty adorable.
Just Zeke being his cute self for Tammy. I love his little mouth in the first one!
First word!!
Zeke said "dada" this morning!! In fact daddy got so excited that Zeke said it 6 or 7 times after that to make him do it again!! And he's only 4 months, 3 weeks, and a day! Haha, I had to look it up on my myspace ticker.
I cant actually stay on forever but I wanted to let the world know. Tomorrow I'll get back on and put up some pictures and a video of Zeke eating avocado, its pretty funny, he didn't known quite what to think.
I cant actually stay on forever but I wanted to let the world know. Tomorrow I'll get back on and put up some pictures and a video of Zeke eating avocado, its pretty funny, he didn't known quite what to think.
New Pictures
No news, its been a boring week so far I guess because I have nothing to say about the past 4 days at all. Just thought I'd put up some pictures since Ezekiel is refusing to be put down and driving me absolutely bonkers. I think he woke up from his nap on the wrong side of the crib or something. Oh well for mopping today, my floors can just be dirty.
This was taken earlier this week, the result of Zeke's newest game, entitled I Want Whatever Mommy Has. It started with my food. That's classic. Then the crochet hooks, I got that, they are shiny and easy to hold. Then there was the apple he held all day long. But a can of tomato sauce? I put my foot down at the cheese grater one night, which started off Zeke's very first fit.
I love this game, really.
Here is one of Zeke's new booties. Now that Zeke naps with me I've been a crocheting fool. Oh yeah, did I mention that yet? Yes, my son who sleeps 10 hours every night alone in his crib with only 1 or 2 wake-ups refuses to nap alone...AT ALL. Trust me, I've tried. So I spend 2 or 3 hours a day now either reading or crocheting...sometimes I watch TV or get on the net, all while holding him.
Fighting him during the day was messing him up at night. And I LOVE our nights recently. So I gave in. He'll outgrow it and its getting me caught up on the Viscount de Bragelonne.
And this is that hat I mentioned, cute huh? I'm making a few more for Zeke's friends soon. I also need to find a cute girl hat to make Molly too. She will only marry Zeke if I bribe her lol. Or at least bribe her mom!
Isn't this adorable? Kim took it at the Arboreum and I just love it for some reason.
Zeke playing.
Playing with his toes and *kind of* sitting up. I don't think he will ever really sit up. He gets so mad when you make him try. Trust me, this lasted about 6 seconds for the picture. He flops right over, and when you try to pull him back up he locks his knees so you cant.
I don't know why I bother, he's such a stinker. He wont ever try anything until HE wants to.
This was taken earlier this week, the result of Zeke's newest game, entitled I Want Whatever Mommy Has. It started with my food. That's classic. Then the crochet hooks, I got that, they are shiny and easy to hold. Then there was the apple he held all day long. But a can of tomato sauce? I put my foot down at the cheese grater one night, which started off Zeke's very first fit.
I love this game, really.
Here is one of Zeke's new booties. Now that Zeke naps with me I've been a crocheting fool. Oh yeah, did I mention that yet? Yes, my son who sleeps 10 hours every night alone in his crib with only 1 or 2 wake-ups refuses to nap alone...AT ALL. Trust me, I've tried. So I spend 2 or 3 hours a day now either reading or crocheting...sometimes I watch TV or get on the net, all while holding him.
Fighting him during the day was messing him up at night. And I LOVE our nights recently. So I gave in. He'll outgrow it and its getting me caught up on the Viscount de Bragelonne.
And this is that hat I mentioned, cute huh? I'm making a few more for Zeke's friends soon. I also need to find a cute girl hat to make Molly too. She will only marry Zeke if I bribe her lol. Or at least bribe her mom!
Isn't this adorable? Kim took it at the Arboreum and I just love it for some reason.
Zeke playing.
Playing with his toes and *kind of* sitting up. I don't think he will ever really sit up. He gets so mad when you make him try. Trust me, this lasted about 6 seconds for the picture. He flops right over, and when you try to pull him back up he locks his knees so you cant.
I don't know why I bother, he's such a stinker. He wont ever try anything until HE wants to.
The wonders of Josh
Im a bit bored at the moment, the baby is asleep and my husband at home depot. So I will use this as an excuse to publicly humiliate him. I was just looking at pictures today, trying to pick what I will use for the collage I am putting up in the kitchen (that big empty wall is finally getting to me). And I thought, hey, why not do a history of Josh? Pretty much my husband over the last 4 years with various stages of facial hair.
The respectable days... Josh HATES that last picture. Its part of why I love it so much. I will admit he did not put on the hat willingly.
Perhaps turning into a pirate?
I take it back... a mountain man.
Or a cuban?
Haha. I just love it. I should keep taking pictures of him, I haven't been as often lately. Not only do I fully enjoy them but I bet Zeke will someday too.
Anyways, all of this beside I have accomplished things this week, really. I finished a bunch of wash clothes and another hat for Zeke. And this one is REALLY cute, I followed a pattern and everything, which I've never done before. I'm making some matching booties and then I will take a picture. Also I made applesauce. And canned it and everything. It is gorgeous, if I do say so myself. ;) And I do.
The respectable days... Josh HATES that last picture. Its part of why I love it so much. I will admit he did not put on the hat willingly.
Perhaps turning into a pirate?
I take it back... a mountain man.
Or a cuban?
Haha. I just love it. I should keep taking pictures of him, I haven't been as often lately. Not only do I fully enjoy them but I bet Zeke will someday too.
Anyways, all of this beside I have accomplished things this week, really. I finished a bunch of wash clothes and another hat for Zeke. And this one is REALLY cute, I followed a pattern and everything, which I've never done before. I'm making some matching booties and then I will take a picture. Also I made applesauce. And canned it and everything. It is gorgeous, if I do say so myself. ;) And I do.
Arboretum
Zeke refused to be happy even though I went to the Arboretum specifically to get good pictures. I think he was cold to be honest. Oh well, next year perhaps? Kelly and Kim were bribing their boys and it seemed to work fairly well...too bad Zeke is too little to bribe! I'd be all over that. Next year I'll try again...with jelly beans. Thanks for meeting me anyways girls!
Pumpkin Patch
Wow, I finished those photos fast. What can I say? Zeke took a long nap yesterday and I don't clean on Sundays.
Also a size update since we got shots this morning: Zeke is 17 pounds 3 ounces and 27.5 inches tall. 90th and 95th+ percentiles respectively. We have an inch and a half in our carseat left. We may have to buy a new one before Thanksgiving....
Greenbluff
Josh and I went to Greenbluff yesterday. Sadly it was our first trip this year! Zeke was too young for me to attempt it, so we missed the strawberries, and the cherries, and the peaches, and the tomatoes :( We had a lot of fun however and picked apples, and a pumpkin, and even got some late prunes. We both agreed that next year we will make up for it by going an extra lot. Plus, how much fun will it be when Zeke can enjoy it more? I must say, even this time he was pretty pleased, he loves being outdoors so much. Next year will be even better.
Me picking apples.
Zeke wanted an apple to hold.
Ok, Zeke wanted LOTS of apples to hold! He laughed as I kept piling them in with him.
Josh looking for prunes.
Zeke wanted a prune too but I had to take it away when he tried to eat it.
When we got home Ezekiel STILL wanted to hold at least one apple. He thought it was a really fun toy until he got bored and threw it across the kitchen, giving it a big ol bruise. Oh well.
We also got some really great pictures of Zeke in the pumpkins. You don't get any of those today because they, along with some more I will take later this week, will be his "4 month" pictures so I'm taking the time to work on them a little in photoshop before I "reveal" them.
Its my goal to finish them this week, though, so don't get too anxious. I will also be making and canning applesauce for Zeke. Or at least trying! I'll admit I've never canned anything in my life, nor even SEEN anything canned. It might be interesting. I said, "How hard can it be?" and Josh gave me one of those looks that he likes to give me when I'm biting off more than I can chew. He knows better than to say anything but I know that look! I will show him. I can do anything with the Lord who gives me strength, also with a combination of wiki-how and youtube.
Me picking apples.
Zeke wanted an apple to hold.
Ok, Zeke wanted LOTS of apples to hold! He laughed as I kept piling them in with him.
Josh looking for prunes.
Zeke wanted a prune too but I had to take it away when he tried to eat it.
When we got home Ezekiel STILL wanted to hold at least one apple. He thought it was a really fun toy until he got bored and threw it across the kitchen, giving it a big ol bruise. Oh well.We also got some really great pictures of Zeke in the pumpkins. You don't get any of those today because they, along with some more I will take later this week, will be his "4 month" pictures so I'm taking the time to work on them a little in photoshop before I "reveal" them.
Its my goal to finish them this week, though, so don't get too anxious. I will also be making and canning applesauce for Zeke. Or at least trying! I'll admit I've never canned anything in my life, nor even SEEN anything canned. It might be interesting. I said, "How hard can it be?" and Josh gave me one of those looks that he likes to give me when I'm biting off more than I can chew. He knows better than to say anything but I know that look! I will show him. I can do anything with the Lord who gives me strength, also with a combination of wiki-how and youtube.
Thoughts
I have been struck by many thoughts the past few days.
1. I wished the old wives tales were true and starting solids meant longer breaks between feedings. But then I was glad they weren't (or at least aren't for my little fatty) since cereal is pretty much nutritionally useless, even the expensive organic whole-grain stuff that I buy. Also call me crazy but I really really enjoy breastfeeding. It's becoming the only time my son will cuddle me. All he wants these days is to play. Josh has started wrestling with him and its so hilarious to watch, Zeke just loves it.
Sorry, my train of thought kind of de-railed.
2. I wondered when it will hit Zeke that we are two separate people. I read this happens anytime between 6-12 months. Then I wondered when it will hit me. I've been away from him a few times now. Josh and I have had "dates", also I get my mom's night once a month. But it always feels strange. I dont know if I will ever feel completely separate from him.
3. A call today: Me "Hello?". On the line "Hi, sweetie..." What is sadder? That Dr Morgan's nurse calls me sweetie and starts reminding me about Z's appointment Monday before even introducing who she is or that it was unnecessary because I recognized that is was her? We are in that office WAY too much.
Also I've been thinking a lot about school for Zeke. (Yes, I am the mom that starts thinking about this when her son is 4 months old) I really really want to get him into Montessori but let's face it, there is no guarantee that Zeke will be accepted, it's a very competitive program and no matter how much breast milk and Faulkner I stuff into that child he is going to be who he is going to be. I am also considering the APPLE program, its less competitive but requires a LOT of parent kissing-up (serving on boards, volunteering in the classroom) to be accepted. Its really intriguing to me, however, and I think might be well worth it. Then there is also Catholic school (the only private we can afford) some of which around here are very well though-of. Then of course public is always an option, its kind of hit and miss in Spokane but worlds better than anything I grew up with in Idaho and if Josh and I are careful when we buy a house we could end up in a district better than any alternative choice.
Just a lot to consider. And absolutely useless right now because hey, its like 6 years away. Also so much will affect the choice that cant be anticipated like what public school we are assigned to and Zeke's personality. An independent child would thrive in Montessori, on the other hand APPLE would allow me to be much much more involved and would be a better transition for a more needy kid. Then I was thinking that it would also depend on how many more I had at home at the time, what kind of effort I could really put into it.
Which led me to the real thought. I've always wanted a huge family. 4, 5, 6 kids. But now I'm wondering if that's still true. I mean, a lot of kids would be great. But I want to do so much for my children. I want them to have so many opportunities. And the sad but very true fact is, there is only so much "me" to go around. I can give a lot more to 2 or even 3 children then I could to 4 or 5. I mean, number 5 is not going to be read to every day like Ezekiel has been, he wouldn't get any of the alone time Zeke has enjoyed. If I've got 4 others at home, I can't volunteer in Zeke's classroom or go on field trips or help him with his homework as often. Josh and I could handle 2 playing soccer or hockey or whatever but probably not 5.
I know a lot of the above isn't really important. You don't have to play soccer to be a well balanced human ect. But its something I'd like to do. And I know lot of mom's have quite a few children (or plan to) and handle it wonderfully, their kids do get time each and they do handle all the conflicting schedules with grace. Some of you read this blog. Go you, seriously. I'm not saying YOU cant do it. I'm saying maybe I cant.
Just a thought.
1. I wished the old wives tales were true and starting solids meant longer breaks between feedings. But then I was glad they weren't (or at least aren't for my little fatty) since cereal is pretty much nutritionally useless, even the expensive organic whole-grain stuff that I buy. Also call me crazy but I really really enjoy breastfeeding. It's becoming the only time my son will cuddle me. All he wants these days is to play. Josh has started wrestling with him and its so hilarious to watch, Zeke just loves it.
Sorry, my train of thought kind of de-railed.
2. I wondered when it will hit Zeke that we are two separate people. I read this happens anytime between 6-12 months. Then I wondered when it will hit me. I've been away from him a few times now. Josh and I have had "dates", also I get my mom's night once a month. But it always feels strange. I dont know if I will ever feel completely separate from him.
3. A call today: Me "Hello?". On the line "Hi, sweetie..." What is sadder? That Dr Morgan's nurse calls me sweetie and starts reminding me about Z's appointment Monday before even introducing who she is or that it was unnecessary because I recognized that is was her? We are in that office WAY too much.
Also I've been thinking a lot about school for Zeke. (Yes, I am the mom that starts thinking about this when her son is 4 months old) I really really want to get him into Montessori but let's face it, there is no guarantee that Zeke will be accepted, it's a very competitive program and no matter how much breast milk and Faulkner I stuff into that child he is going to be who he is going to be. I am also considering the APPLE program, its less competitive but requires a LOT of parent kissing-up (serving on boards, volunteering in the classroom) to be accepted. Its really intriguing to me, however, and I think might be well worth it. Then there is also Catholic school (the only private we can afford) some of which around here are very well though-of. Then of course public is always an option, its kind of hit and miss in Spokane but worlds better than anything I grew up with in Idaho and if Josh and I are careful when we buy a house we could end up in a district better than any alternative choice.
Just a lot to consider. And absolutely useless right now because hey, its like 6 years away. Also so much will affect the choice that cant be anticipated like what public school we are assigned to and Zeke's personality. An independent child would thrive in Montessori, on the other hand APPLE would allow me to be much much more involved and would be a better transition for a more needy kid. Then I was thinking that it would also depend on how many more I had at home at the time, what kind of effort I could really put into it.
Which led me to the real thought. I've always wanted a huge family. 4, 5, 6 kids. But now I'm wondering if that's still true. I mean, a lot of kids would be great. But I want to do so much for my children. I want them to have so many opportunities. And the sad but very true fact is, there is only so much "me" to go around. I can give a lot more to 2 or even 3 children then I could to 4 or 5. I mean, number 5 is not going to be read to every day like Ezekiel has been, he wouldn't get any of the alone time Zeke has enjoyed. If I've got 4 others at home, I can't volunteer in Zeke's classroom or go on field trips or help him with his homework as often. Josh and I could handle 2 playing soccer or hockey or whatever but probably not 5.
I know a lot of the above isn't really important. You don't have to play soccer to be a well balanced human ect. But its something I'd like to do. And I know lot of mom's have quite a few children (or plan to) and handle it wonderfully, their kids do get time each and they do handle all the conflicting schedules with grace. Some of you read this blog. Go you, seriously. I'm not saying YOU cant do it. I'm saying maybe I cant.
Just a thought.
Sucess!
Zeke slept 8 and a half hours straight last night! Wow! (after 6 hours I made Josh check his breathing because I was too scared to)
And then today a successful 2 and a half hour nap! Ok, Ok, all but the first 45 minutes were in my arms while I read. But I am happy anyways.
And then today a successful 2 and a half hour nap! Ok, Ok, all but the first 45 minutes were in my arms while I read. But I am happy anyways.
oh so many updates
An update on Zeke's allergies: I can now officially eat cheese. We have tried it on numerous occasions now with no dire effects. Milk- not so much. While he didn't scream and scream like he used to, he still had pretty bad gas and some nasty diapers. I figure he couldn't have been comfortable. But we are on our way!
An update on his kidneys: We are now only once a day meds. Although we have been switched to a new kind and Zeke is NOT a fan. I dont blame him, it smells like cough syrup.
An update on sleeping: Since implementing my new plan, nights have been awesome! Once we started a schedule and routine he went right back to his old 8 o clock bedtime, which I LOVE because it gives Josh and I some "us" time. He wakes up once around 2 in order to eat and moves into our bed between 5 and 7 the second time he wakes up. Then he sleeps with me until 8. We are pretty much were we were a month ago, to be honest. A trip and a sickness and another sickness threw us all off. Also, his new non-napping made things a lot harder.
And naps, surprisingly, are still a stickler. Who ever heard of a baby that sleeps at night well but doesn't nap? I thought those were easier!
Anyways, I haven't been allowing any sleeping past 5 o clock because it throws off his night. The problem was he was just taking 15 minute snoozes here and there all day and then crashing at 6 and napping 2 hours and waking up at 8. So what I've been doing this week is any time he gets tired from 12-4 I encourage it and try to get him to take a nap. Still 15 minutes later he is up.
So what has been happening is that in the later afternoon I give up any chance of him napping and lay down with him. Then he will nap for an hour, two hours, even three hours. This is great but I cant lay down with him every day! But at the same time he HAS to have a nap or its meltdown city, and I think 2 even would be best.
Soooo, I will pick a time this week (or maybe 2 times) where I will really commit to napping. I will feed and rock and put him in his crib with his sleeping blanket (this was designated to be a sleep association earlier in our struggles). When he wakes up in 15 minutes I will rock again. And again. And again if I have to. Until he has slept at least an hour. I will get nothing done during this time but the plan is just to get him used to sleeping during the day. Sleeping by himself will be the next step.
This is pretty much how I've been night training. And if I can do it at night, I am sure I can do it during the day!
By the way, here are some great pictures! Just being super cute, plus his newest hat. Although I have to take a hat-break to make some washclothes. Now that he is eating solids I need some!
An update on his kidneys: We are now only once a day meds. Although we have been switched to a new kind and Zeke is NOT a fan. I dont blame him, it smells like cough syrup.
An update on sleeping: Since implementing my new plan, nights have been awesome! Once we started a schedule and routine he went right back to his old 8 o clock bedtime, which I LOVE because it gives Josh and I some "us" time. He wakes up once around 2 in order to eat and moves into our bed between 5 and 7 the second time he wakes up. Then he sleeps with me until 8. We are pretty much were we were a month ago, to be honest. A trip and a sickness and another sickness threw us all off. Also, his new non-napping made things a lot harder.
And naps, surprisingly, are still a stickler. Who ever heard of a baby that sleeps at night well but doesn't nap? I thought those were easier!
Anyways, I haven't been allowing any sleeping past 5 o clock because it throws off his night. The problem was he was just taking 15 minute snoozes here and there all day and then crashing at 6 and napping 2 hours and waking up at 8. So what I've been doing this week is any time he gets tired from 12-4 I encourage it and try to get him to take a nap. Still 15 minutes later he is up.
So what has been happening is that in the later afternoon I give up any chance of him napping and lay down with him. Then he will nap for an hour, two hours, even three hours. This is great but I cant lay down with him every day! But at the same time he HAS to have a nap or its meltdown city, and I think 2 even would be best.
Soooo, I will pick a time this week (or maybe 2 times) where I will really commit to napping. I will feed and rock and put him in his crib with his sleeping blanket (this was designated to be a sleep association earlier in our struggles). When he wakes up in 15 minutes I will rock again. And again. And again if I have to. Until he has slept at least an hour. I will get nothing done during this time but the plan is just to get him used to sleeping during the day. Sleeping by himself will be the next step.
This is pretty much how I've been night training. And if I can do it at night, I am sure I can do it during the day!
By the way, here are some great pictures! Just being super cute, plus his newest hat. Although I have to take a hat-break to make some washclothes. Now that he is eating solids I need some!
sleep
I update my blog far too much lately.
Anyways, now that Zeke is healthy and back at home and life is somewhat normal I am finally going to put him on that schedule I've been considering. I really really enjoyed him doing his own thing. You know, falling asleep when he felt like it and all. It used to work. He woke up around 8, napped thru-out the day, and went to bed at 8.
But these days its not working. Mostly because he doesn't fall asleep anymore. He's become far far too busy for such things apparently. Sometimes he'll take a good nap at like 6pm (yes, that late nap that all mothers know about and dread) Then he's up until 11. Most days he just sleeps 15 minutes here and there. And he's cranky. And I'm cranky. Also Josh is cranky because he comes home to 2 very cranky people.
Sooooo. 2 naps a day, buddy. From here on out! (haha, Im probably dreaming!)
The plan is thus: I figure he almost always wakes up between 8 and 8:30 (except crazy mornings like this one when he slept in until almost 10...but he was also up until almost 2 am...yeah...). But Anyways, if he wakes up around 8 I can get him to stay up until 12 easy. We are very busy in the mornings and generally head home from somewhere or another around that time. He always falls asleep in the car. I cant stop this so I will use it. It will be his first nap. Today this worked wonders. He woke up in his seat when we got home but it was easy to just nurse him back down.
Then he'll do a second nap at like 4 I think. I'm not sure about this yet. It may not be long enough from his first one for him to accept it, but I don't want it to be too late or he wont go to sleep and while Josh and I aren't totally set on 8 like it used to be we want him down by 9 at least. And he definately needs 2 naps Im pretty sure. He's only 4 months.
THEN at 8 or 8:30 we will reinstate out bedtime routine! We kinda did this for a while but then realized it was silly since he went to sleep with or without it. But we will re-instate because this is important in all the books. I think mine will go bath, nurse, and rock (with book or songs). Even though most books say NOT to nurse and NOT to rock...I dont care. Their reasoning is you don't want to do it forever but I wont mind nursing at night until he's 18 months or so and Im sure he'll oppose rocking before I do!
So yeah, sound good?
Any advice?
Anyways, now that Zeke is healthy and back at home and life is somewhat normal I am finally going to put him on that schedule I've been considering. I really really enjoyed him doing his own thing. You know, falling asleep when he felt like it and all. It used to work. He woke up around 8, napped thru-out the day, and went to bed at 8.
But these days its not working. Mostly because he doesn't fall asleep anymore. He's become far far too busy for such things apparently. Sometimes he'll take a good nap at like 6pm (yes, that late nap that all mothers know about and dread) Then he's up until 11. Most days he just sleeps 15 minutes here and there. And he's cranky. And I'm cranky. Also Josh is cranky because he comes home to 2 very cranky people.
Sooooo. 2 naps a day, buddy. From here on out! (haha, Im probably dreaming!)
The plan is thus: I figure he almost always wakes up between 8 and 8:30 (except crazy mornings like this one when he slept in until almost 10...but he was also up until almost 2 am...yeah...). But Anyways, if he wakes up around 8 I can get him to stay up until 12 easy. We are very busy in the mornings and generally head home from somewhere or another around that time. He always falls asleep in the car. I cant stop this so I will use it. It will be his first nap. Today this worked wonders. He woke up in his seat when we got home but it was easy to just nurse him back down.
Then he'll do a second nap at like 4 I think. I'm not sure about this yet. It may not be long enough from his first one for him to accept it, but I don't want it to be too late or he wont go to sleep and while Josh and I aren't totally set on 8 like it used to be we want him down by 9 at least. And he definately needs 2 naps Im pretty sure. He's only 4 months.
THEN at 8 or 8:30 we will reinstate out bedtime routine! We kinda did this for a while but then realized it was silly since he went to sleep with or without it. But we will re-instate because this is important in all the books. I think mine will go bath, nurse, and rock (with book or songs). Even though most books say NOT to nurse and NOT to rock...I dont care. Their reasoning is you don't want to do it forever but I wont mind nursing at night until he's 18 months or so and Im sure he'll oppose rocking before I do!
So yeah, sound good?
Any advice?
First food!
A STORY IN PICTURES
Hey, what are you two doing?
Are you going to feed me?
Heres me and my cereal!
Give it to me!!!
Oh that's good!
I want more!
Aaaaaaand a video!
PS, Yes that is a measuring spoon. I was not following the 7 P's and hadn't bought a baby spoon yet. My dad always said, prior proper planning prevents piss-poor performance! (I heard that a LOT, and now so does Josh, and soon so will Zeke though it might become 6 P's...piss really isn't an appropriate word...)
So just Saturday I was telling Melanie (Ezekiel's grandma) that I thought Zeke might be ready for some food (or at least some very watery cereal) but I wanted to wait until his meds were 1 time a day instead of 3 times, i.e. next week. You see, though I'd planned on waiting another month (when he's 5 months) to introduce solids, Zeke has been getting hungrier and hungrier at night. Nursing sometimes an hour straight and then again 2 hours later! Plus he's been watching me eat and mimicking my motions like opening my mouth and chewing. And forever grabbing my food. All signs of solid readyness, though he cant sit in his highchair yet without slumping over.
But like I said, his meds are 3 times a day currently and the nurses warned me might upset his tummy till hes used to them. So I thought we will try next week when he hits 4 months and is on the meds only once a day.
Then Saturday night Zeke nursed and nursed and nursed. And I was empty, and he was still hungry! This has never happened before! Not even close! So we thawed a bottle and he ate another 3 ounces! Then Sunday night it looked like it would happen again! So out came the fancy organic cereal. And let me tell you Zeke loved it! (It actually doesn't taste bad, it was really sweet, although this is probably because I made it with breastmilk and my breastmilk is somehow vanilla flavored. Its kind of gross its so sweet.) Any-whos he kept leaning forward and opening his mouth for more so he must have liked it. And for a first feeding he swallowed quite a bit of it, he really had the tongue motion down!
This morning I made it a bit thicker (I think it was too thin last night but I didn't want him to choke) and he gobbled 2 Tbl down at once without breathing it seemed! So he must have been ready. Its so much fun. In a few weeks we'll do vegetables!
Dr Morgan gave me a kind of ridiculous feeding schedule that I will probably follow to a T because Im a first-time mom and rather fond of schedules.
1st month- cereal morning and night.
2nd month- cereal morning, veggie night.
3rd month- cereal and fruit morning, veg afternoon, veg and fruit at night.
4th month- cereal and fruit, veg and fruit, meat and veg
I dont know what happens after this. I'll be tired of such a strict schedule and do whatever I want, probably. Josh thinks this will happen before 4 months. Maybe. I wouldn't be suprised. Once he can eat small chunks it'll be a lot easier to pick bits from my food to give him. I'm a really healthy eater so I don't see why not.
And now a picture just for fun!
Tom Cruise ain't got nothing on this baby!
As if I could really tell a picture in stories huh? You knew I'd also write forever! A picture may be worth 1,000 words but so are 1,000 words right?
Hey, what are you two doing?
Are you going to feed me?
Heres me and my cereal!
Give it to me!!!
Oh that's good!
I want more!Aaaaaaand a video!
PS, Yes that is a measuring spoon. I was not following the 7 P's and hadn't bought a baby spoon yet. My dad always said, prior proper planning prevents piss-poor performance! (I heard that a LOT, and now so does Josh, and soon so will Zeke though it might become 6 P's...piss really isn't an appropriate word...)
So just Saturday I was telling Melanie (Ezekiel's grandma) that I thought Zeke might be ready for some food (or at least some very watery cereal) but I wanted to wait until his meds were 1 time a day instead of 3 times, i.e. next week. You see, though I'd planned on waiting another month (when he's 5 months) to introduce solids, Zeke has been getting hungrier and hungrier at night. Nursing sometimes an hour straight and then again 2 hours later! Plus he's been watching me eat and mimicking my motions like opening my mouth and chewing. And forever grabbing my food. All signs of solid readyness, though he cant sit in his highchair yet without slumping over.
But like I said, his meds are 3 times a day currently and the nurses warned me might upset his tummy till hes used to them. So I thought we will try next week when he hits 4 months and is on the meds only once a day.
Then Saturday night Zeke nursed and nursed and nursed. And I was empty, and he was still hungry! This has never happened before! Not even close! So we thawed a bottle and he ate another 3 ounces! Then Sunday night it looked like it would happen again! So out came the fancy organic cereal. And let me tell you Zeke loved it! (It actually doesn't taste bad, it was really sweet, although this is probably because I made it with breastmilk and my breastmilk is somehow vanilla flavored. Its kind of gross its so sweet.) Any-whos he kept leaning forward and opening his mouth for more so he must have liked it. And for a first feeding he swallowed quite a bit of it, he really had the tongue motion down!
This morning I made it a bit thicker (I think it was too thin last night but I didn't want him to choke) and he gobbled 2 Tbl down at once without breathing it seemed! So he must have been ready. Its so much fun. In a few weeks we'll do vegetables!
Dr Morgan gave me a kind of ridiculous feeding schedule that I will probably follow to a T because Im a first-time mom and rather fond of schedules.
1st month- cereal morning and night.
2nd month- cereal morning, veggie night.
3rd month- cereal and fruit morning, veg afternoon, veg and fruit at night.
4th month- cereal and fruit, veg and fruit, meat and veg
I dont know what happens after this. I'll be tired of such a strict schedule and do whatever I want, probably. Josh thinks this will happen before 4 months. Maybe. I wouldn't be suprised. Once he can eat small chunks it'll be a lot easier to pick bits from my food to give him. I'm a really healthy eater so I don't see why not.
And now a picture just for fun!
Tom Cruise ain't got nothing on this baby!As if I could really tell a picture in stories huh? You knew I'd also write forever! A picture may be worth 1,000 words but so are 1,000 words right?
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