4 months old - December 19th, 2012
Thursday, December 20, 2012
4 month birthday!
I'm hoping to find some time to write Ari's 4 month post this weekend...but til then I wanted to share a couple of photos from his 4 month birthday! Seriously where is the time going?!?!? I wish I could stop time and live in moments like these forever.
4 months old - December 19th, 2012
4 months old - December 19th, 2012
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Letters to Ari...3 months old
Dear Aristaeus,
Happy 3 months! We had so much fun with you this month. You are definitely growing fast and starting to show us your personality. You are still just simply perfect! We continue to look at you every day and ask ourselves how did we ever get so lucky... so blessed??!?!
Milestones/Special "Firsts" :
- You are "talking" all the time now. By talking I mean squealing. You have realized you have a voice and you use it...all day long! You squeal when you wake up in the morning, when you're playing, when we change you, even in restaurants while we're eating.
- You have started grabbing at everything. We will put a toy in front of you and you will reach out, grab it, and bring it straight up to your mouth to chew on, of course.
- At 10 1/2 weeks old you shared your first laugh with us. Daddy was lifting you up and down on his lap and you really thought that was funny. Now you giggle sporadically although the same thing doesn't always make you laugh. You do think it's pretty humorous when Mommy kisses you right under those big cheeks on your neck. Our hearts just melt every time you laugh!
- At 12 weeks old you rolled over from your tummy to your back for the first time. Mommy was sitting on the floor with you while you were playing on your activity mat. I put you on your tummy and within 5 seconds you had rolled over and looked up at me like you were so proud. You tend to give us one good roll now every day. We haven't been able to catch it on video yet, but we will.
- You went to Apollo for the first time. This was special to us because it is where we announced to the family that you were a boy several months prior. Here you are at Apollo, of course the center of everyones attention. Your Uncle Aris said he has a hard time listening to any conversations because he is always watching you.
- You had your first trip to Greektown in Chicago. We went to have lunch with your Dad's Nouno. It was so fun seeing everyone and letting them meet you for the first time.
- You traveled to Markesan to visit your Great Grandma Glisch. She lives in a nursing home and your visit was the highlight of her day..week...month! She couldn't stop kissing on you for a second.
- You also had your first trip to Marshfield to visit your Auntie and cousins. Your dad went to your cousins football game, but you stayed home with your mom and snuggled on the couch because it was too cold to go to the game. You really enjoyed spending time with everyone although you are really anxious for your Auntie to move to Milwaukee.
- You went to your first bike race called The Tour of Tosa. It was a scavenger hunt throughout Wauwatosa. After the race, everyone competed in a relay race on little girls bikes. Your daddy was on a team with all of your uncles and they didn't do so well during the scavenger hunt. They did however win the relay race. Here you are chilling with your Uncle Darwin's helmet on.
Things You Like Right Now:
- You like to put anything and everything in your mouth!!!!! Nom nom nom! Your favorite things to chew on include your hands (all the time) and Sophie the Giraffe's butt. Your hands even got a little chapped this month because they are constantly wet from you chewing on them.
- You still are a big fan of baths! You've been taking baths in the big boy tub with your Mom. You love the bubbles and have discovered the rubby ducky. You will try grabbing at it and putting it in your mouth (of course). When you get in that bathtub you are in such a good mood. You kick your lil legs so hard and make huge splashes.
- You prefer to be carried facing out because you are very observant. You want to see and be a part of everything.
- You love sitting up. When someone tries to hold you cradle style, you will lose it.
- Your Bumbo. When we originally put you in this you did not like it because it was hard work. Now that you are stronger you love it and hang out in your Bumbo multiple times throughout the day.
- You continue to like play time on your activity mat. You're even a pro at tummy time now.
- You absolutely adore your dog. You watch him constantly. He always accompanies you during tummy time/play time. He is your best bud and the two of you hang out together all day!
- You continue to be a very good sleeper. By 8:30/9 p.m. you fall asleep in the living room with your mom and dad. Then mom feeds you one more time at about 10:30. You are swaddled and in your bassinet by 11. The past couple weeks you have been waking up for a early morning feed at about 5:30 a.m. Then you go back to sleep for a couple more hours. You are really good at falling asleep by yourself. Dad swaddles you and within two to three minutes of laying you down, you are out!
Your current dislikes:
- BOTTLES! We have been practicing day after day and you still hate bottles. It doesn't matter what kind of bottle it is, what nipple it is, where you are, who is giving it to you, etc. You have taken a bottle 4 times total now, so I know you can do it. Unfortunately once Mommy goes to work you won't have a choice during the day. We are hoping the bottle starts to grow on you then.
- Starting to teeth. Yes, that's right. You show all the signs/symptoms of teething already. (irritability, drooling, biting behaviors, refusing feedings, red cheeks, etc)
- You do not like getting strapped into your car seat. Once we pick the car seat up you are fine, but you will whine and cry when we are putting you into it.
- When we put you down for a nap in your bassinet during the day, we don't swaddle you. Well, this leads to you flailing your legs all over the place and your chubby little legs getting caught in between the bars of the crib. Once you realize you can't get your leg out without help, you let us know that you are not happy.
- Being sick. You had your first cold around 11 weeks. Your poor little nose was so stuffed up and we had to continuously keep cleaning it out for you. I'd have to say you handled it like a champ though.
Your Dad:
- Gosh, your dad adores you so much. He has been taking you on practice hikes to get you ready for your first vacation coming up in December. We've had a really mild fall, weather wise - so have been spending a lot of time outdoors. Here you are getting ready to go out on your hike with Daddy.
- You are your Daddy's little protege. He has been training you for your DJ debut. Here you are helping him get ready to DJ one of his high school dances. (don't worry - the headphones are just for show)
- Daddy is looking forward to being home with you for the next 8 weeks. He is taking the remainder of his paternity leave, then it will be Christmas break, and then he has 2 more weeks off since he teaches at a year round school.
Your Mom:
- I absolutely love reading with you. We read about three books a day at multiple points throughout the day. I'm so proud of you because you do such a good job looking at the pictures while I read. Your eyes even follow my finger as I point to the words and pictures. You are very attentive during this time and it's a part of my day that I really look forward to.
- I do your daily stretches with you for your torticollis. We do about three sets a day and we practice counting while I hold the stretches. You are actually starting to like this and smile at me as I count aloud. You see the physical therapist every two weeks and she thinks you will graduate from seeing her by your 4 month birthday.
- I really have thoroughly enjoyed my time off with you. Every single moment has been a blessing that I will always remember. I don't want our time together to end, but I have to go back to work next week. I can't tell you how much it breaks my heart to have to leave you. I've been dreading this day since the day you were born. We haven't spent a day apart for the past 13 months and now I have to leave you to go to work ...it just feels so wrong, so unnatural. I'm so sorry baby boy - I would spend every single minute with you if I could.
You mean everything to us Ari.
Love,
Your Mom
Happy 3 months! We had so much fun with you this month. You are definitely growing fast and starting to show us your personality. You are still just simply perfect! We continue to look at you every day and ask ourselves how did we ever get so lucky... so blessed??!?!
- You are "talking" all the time now. By talking I mean squealing. You have realized you have a voice and you use it...all day long! You squeal when you wake up in the morning, when you're playing, when we change you, even in restaurants while we're eating.
- You have started grabbing at everything. We will put a toy in front of you and you will reach out, grab it, and bring it straight up to your mouth to chew on, of course.
- At 10 1/2 weeks old you shared your first laugh with us. Daddy was lifting you up and down on his lap and you really thought that was funny. Now you giggle sporadically although the same thing doesn't always make you laugh. You do think it's pretty humorous when Mommy kisses you right under those big cheeks on your neck. Our hearts just melt every time you laugh!
- At 12 weeks old you rolled over from your tummy to your back for the first time. Mommy was sitting on the floor with you while you were playing on your activity mat. I put you on your tummy and within 5 seconds you had rolled over and looked up at me like you were so proud. You tend to give us one good roll now every day. We haven't been able to catch it on video yet, but we will.
- You went to Apollo for the first time. This was special to us because it is where we announced to the family that you were a boy several months prior. Here you are at Apollo, of course the center of everyones attention. Your Uncle Aris said he has a hard time listening to any conversations because he is always watching you.
- You traveled to Markesan to visit your Great Grandma Glisch. She lives in a nursing home and your visit was the highlight of her day..week...month! She couldn't stop kissing on you for a second.
- You also had your first trip to Marshfield to visit your Auntie and cousins. Your dad went to your cousins football game, but you stayed home with your mom and snuggled on the couch because it was too cold to go to the game. You really enjoyed spending time with everyone although you are really anxious for your Auntie to move to Milwaukee.
- You went to your first bike race called The Tour of Tosa. It was a scavenger hunt throughout Wauwatosa. After the race, everyone competed in a relay race on little girls bikes. Your daddy was on a team with all of your uncles and they didn't do so well during the scavenger hunt. They did however win the relay race. Here you are chilling with your Uncle Darwin's helmet on.
Things You Like Right Now:
- You like to put anything and everything in your mouth!!!!! Nom nom nom! Your favorite things to chew on include your hands (all the time) and Sophie the Giraffe's butt. Your hands even got a little chapped this month because they are constantly wet from you chewing on them.
- You still are a big fan of baths! You've been taking baths in the big boy tub with your Mom. You love the bubbles and have discovered the rubby ducky. You will try grabbing at it and putting it in your mouth (of course). When you get in that bathtub you are in such a good mood. You kick your lil legs so hard and make huge splashes.
- You love sitting up. When someone tries to hold you cradle style, you will lose it.
- Your Bumbo. When we originally put you in this you did not like it because it was hard work. Now that you are stronger you love it and hang out in your Bumbo multiple times throughout the day.
- You continue to like play time on your activity mat. You're even a pro at tummy time now.
- You absolutely adore your dog. You watch him constantly. He always accompanies you during tummy time/play time. He is your best bud and the two of you hang out together all day!
- You continue to be a very good sleeper. By 8:30/9 p.m. you fall asleep in the living room with your mom and dad. Then mom feeds you one more time at about 10:30. You are swaddled and in your bassinet by 11. The past couple weeks you have been waking up for a early morning feed at about 5:30 a.m. Then you go back to sleep for a couple more hours. You are really good at falling asleep by yourself. Dad swaddles you and within two to three minutes of laying you down, you are out!
Your current dislikes:
- BOTTLES! We have been practicing day after day and you still hate bottles. It doesn't matter what kind of bottle it is, what nipple it is, where you are, who is giving it to you, etc. You have taken a bottle 4 times total now, so I know you can do it. Unfortunately once Mommy goes to work you won't have a choice during the day. We are hoping the bottle starts to grow on you then.
- Starting to teeth. Yes, that's right. You show all the signs/symptoms of teething already. (irritability, drooling, biting behaviors, refusing feedings, red cheeks, etc)
- You do not like getting strapped into your car seat. Once we pick the car seat up you are fine, but you will whine and cry when we are putting you into it.
- When we put you down for a nap in your bassinet during the day, we don't swaddle you. Well, this leads to you flailing your legs all over the place and your chubby little legs getting caught in between the bars of the crib. Once you realize you can't get your leg out without help, you let us know that you are not happy.
- Being sick. You had your first cold around 11 weeks. Your poor little nose was so stuffed up and we had to continuously keep cleaning it out for you. I'd have to say you handled it like a champ though.
Your Dad:
- Gosh, your dad adores you so much. He has been taking you on practice hikes to get you ready for your first vacation coming up in December. We've had a really mild fall, weather wise - so have been spending a lot of time outdoors. Here you are getting ready to go out on your hike with Daddy.
- You are your Daddy's little protege. He has been training you for your DJ debut. Here you are helping him get ready to DJ one of his high school dances. (don't worry - the headphones are just for show)
- Daddy is looking forward to being home with you for the next 8 weeks. He is taking the remainder of his paternity leave, then it will be Christmas break, and then he has 2 more weeks off since he teaches at a year round school.
Your Mom:
- I absolutely love reading with you. We read about three books a day at multiple points throughout the day. I'm so proud of you because you do such a good job looking at the pictures while I read. Your eyes even follow my finger as I point to the words and pictures. You are very attentive during this time and it's a part of my day that I really look forward to.
- I do your daily stretches with you for your torticollis. We do about three sets a day and we practice counting while I hold the stretches. You are actually starting to like this and smile at me as I count aloud. You see the physical therapist every two weeks and she thinks you will graduate from seeing her by your 4 month birthday.
- I really have thoroughly enjoyed my time off with you. Every single moment has been a blessing that I will always remember. I don't want our time together to end, but I have to go back to work next week. I can't tell you how much it breaks my heart to have to leave you. I've been dreading this day since the day you were born. We haven't spent a day apart for the past 13 months and now I have to leave you to go to work ...it just feels so wrong, so unnatural. I'm so sorry baby boy - I would spend every single minute with you if I could.
You mean everything to us Ari.
Love,
Your Mom
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Memory Box?!?!
Hi ladies...thanks for all the input on Ari's bottle issues. We were really excited on Saturday because he actually drank from a bottle...2 times. He definitely showed us he can indeed do it. We distracted him with the Badger game and he was latched perfectly and full on sucking. Then a few minutes later we introduced it to him again away from the Badgers and success...he drank from it again and actually finished the bottle. Well, we have been continuing to practice every day since and nada, zilch, nothing! I told my husband the other day that this problem we have - well, it's a good problem to have! Last year at this time we were recovering from a miscarriage. I feel so fortunate that our biggest worry right now is getting our son to take a bottle. We are blessed!
I am wondering if any of you ladies can help me with something. I am looking for a "memory box" to store all of Ari's keepsakes in. (ultrasound photos, baby book, hospital band, hat from the hospital, etc) I've done a bit of searching on etsy, but haven't found anything yet. If you have one...would you mind sharing where you got it or ordered it from? Thank you!!!
I am wondering if any of you ladies can help me with something. I am looking for a "memory box" to store all of Ari's keepsakes in. (ultrasound photos, baby book, hospital band, hat from the hospital, etc) I've done a bit of searching on etsy, but haven't found anything yet. If you have one...would you mind sharing where you got it or ordered it from? Thank you!!!
12 weeks old - how did that happen so fast?!?!
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Ari has the bottle blues
Advice needed...
We have been trying for about 3-4 weeks now for Ari to take my breast-milk through a bottle. He is not having it! We practice a few times every day and I am starting to freak out as I am returning to work in 2 weeks and he still doesn't have it down.
He just doesn't realize he needs to suck!! He moves his tongue around and plays with the nipple, even gnaws on it with his gums. As he's playing some milk comes out and he will swallow it, but he gets very little and I don't think we could even classify it as a "feeding". He will play with it contently for about 5 minutes, but soon after that he starts to fuss. I have a fast let down, so the doctor suggested a fast flow nipple, which we are still working with now. My doctor said if we don't get it down before I start work, Ari will most likely not get the calories he needs during the day and will be up all night wanting to eat. So I realize he won't starve, but being up all night on top of returning to work isn't too appealing to me either.
Here are things we've tried:
* different kinds of bottles, including those that are advertised as mimicking the mom's breast (medela, tommee tippee, dr. browns, playtex)
* different nipples (slow, medium, fast)
* different holds and a variety of different locations
* we have made attempts when it is feeding time and when it is not feeding time
* Daddy usually makes the attempts, but I have tried too
* I have left the house so he doesn't hear, see, or smell me
* we've started to feed on the breast, pulled him off the breast and quick slipped in the bottle nipple trying to "trick" him into sucking
* I don't give him the breast immediately after trying the bottle, so he doesn't associate the two as a cause/effect sort of relationship.
I really don't believe he is doing it to be stubborn necessarily. I don't think he's sitting there thinking... "Hmmm...if I don't eat from the bottle, I'll get what I want...the booby!" I just don't think he has made the connection yet that if he sucks he can satisfy his needs.
I'll take any advice you might have. My husband and I are pretty open minded and willing to try almost anything.
And here's a pic of our little guy at 11 1/2 weeks. :)
We have been trying for about 3-4 weeks now for Ari to take my breast-milk through a bottle. He is not having it! We practice a few times every day and I am starting to freak out as I am returning to work in 2 weeks and he still doesn't have it down.
He just doesn't realize he needs to suck!! He moves his tongue around and plays with the nipple, even gnaws on it with his gums. As he's playing some milk comes out and he will swallow it, but he gets very little and I don't think we could even classify it as a "feeding". He will play with it contently for about 5 minutes, but soon after that he starts to fuss. I have a fast let down, so the doctor suggested a fast flow nipple, which we are still working with now. My doctor said if we don't get it down before I start work, Ari will most likely not get the calories he needs during the day and will be up all night wanting to eat. So I realize he won't starve, but being up all night on top of returning to work isn't too appealing to me either.
Here are things we've tried:
* different kinds of bottles, including those that are advertised as mimicking the mom's breast (medela, tommee tippee, dr. browns, playtex)
* different nipples (slow, medium, fast)
* different holds and a variety of different locations
* we have made attempts when it is feeding time and when it is not feeding time
* Daddy usually makes the attempts, but I have tried too
* I have left the house so he doesn't hear, see, or smell me
* we've started to feed on the breast, pulled him off the breast and quick slipped in the bottle nipple trying to "trick" him into sucking
* I don't give him the breast immediately after trying the bottle, so he doesn't associate the two as a cause/effect sort of relationship.
I really don't believe he is doing it to be stubborn necessarily. I don't think he's sitting there thinking... "Hmmm...if I don't eat from the bottle, I'll get what I want...the booby!" I just don't think he has made the connection yet that if he sucks he can satisfy his needs.
I'll take any advice you might have. My husband and I are pretty open minded and willing to try almost anything.
And here's a pic of our little guy at 11 1/2 weeks. :)
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
It's Moments Like These....
It's moments like these .... that I wish would never end, that I will never forget, that makes the wait so worth it, that makes my heart feel all warm and bubbly inside, that make me super emotional - bring on the tears!
This was the 2nd time ever that Ari laughed (10 1/2 weeks old). After nursing, he just leaned back on his boppy and started giggling at me. I was sick and was losing my voice...I think he thought I sounded funny.
I wish this moment could have lasted forever...snuggling during Ari's mid-afternoon nap
Moments like these are truly priceless.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Letters to Ari...2 months old
Dearest Ari,
Happy 2 month birthday! You officially turned 2 months last week Friday and we had such a busy weekend I didn't have time to post until today. You are absolutely perfect! Your Dad and I are so in love with you. We thank God every day for you and feel so "complete" now that you are here. I feel like I was born to be a mommy, your mommy. You can tell from the two pictures below that you are changing ...fast!
Milestones/Special "Firsts" :
- You hold your head up like a champ now. You can see from the pictures above that this is a huge change from your first month. When you first started holding it up, you were this cute little bobble head. Now you turn your head from side to side real fast and think it is the coolest thing ever. You even get this real proud look on your face while you do it. I love it! I get a kick out of you every time you do it. Your neck muscles are getting real strong!
- You are growing like a weed! You had your 2 month pediatrician appointment yesterday and you are 13 pounds 11 ounces and 26 inches long now. Your doctor said you are very, very long and to put it into perspective for us, she said that you are as long as an average 5 month old. I think you get your long legs from your Mommy. :) Here you are at the doctor!
- You had your first trip to Door County. We had so much fun! The weather was gorgeous! You hung out at the campsite where we sat around the campfire, cooked over the campfire, went on a hike, climbed a very tall tower to check out the fall colors, and spent time with your family/friends. At night, it got pretty cold - so we stayed at a hotel a few miles away from the campgrounds. Here are a few pics from our special trip together.
- You tried taking Mommy's breast milk from a bottle for the first time. Let's just say you're not a fan - you are going to need some more practice. You just play with the nipple and don't realize that you need to suck to eat. You even smile while you're doing it.
Things You Like Right Now:
- "Play Time" ...in between your feedings/naps you spend about 45 minutes to an hour playing. You really enjoy your Infantino play mat. You will lay underneath it for a good 20 minutes kicking your legs, cooing, and swatting at the animals that are hanging from above. You also really like your toy bar on your bouncer. You bat at it and watch the pieces spin with bug eyes.
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Your Mom:
Happy 2 month birthday! You officially turned 2 months last week Friday and we had such a busy weekend I didn't have time to post until today. You are absolutely perfect! Your Dad and I are so in love with you. We thank God every day for you and feel so "complete" now that you are here. I feel like I was born to be a mommy, your mommy. You can tell from the two pictures below that you are changing ...fast!
1 month old
2 months old
Milestones/Special "Firsts" :
- You hold your head up like a champ now. You can see from the pictures above that this is a huge change from your first month. When you first started holding it up, you were this cute little bobble head. Now you turn your head from side to side real fast and think it is the coolest thing ever. You even get this real proud look on your face while you do it. I love it! I get a kick out of you every time you do it. Your neck muscles are getting real strong!
- You are growing like a weed! You had your 2 month pediatrician appointment yesterday and you are 13 pounds 11 ounces and 26 inches long now. Your doctor said you are very, very long and to put it into perspective for us, she said that you are as long as an average 5 month old. I think you get your long legs from your Mommy. :) Here you are at the doctor!
- You had your first trip to Door County. We had so much fun! The weather was gorgeous! You hung out at the campsite where we sat around the campfire, cooked over the campfire, went on a hike, climbed a very tall tower to check out the fall colors, and spent time with your family/friends. At night, it got pretty cold - so we stayed at a hotel a few miles away from the campgrounds. Here are a few pics from our special trip together.
Snoozing on Mommy's chest at the campfire
On our hike to the lake
You with your Daddy & Uncles
Eagle Tower - What a great view!
- You went to your first football game to watch your cousins play. It was pretty chilly so we were able to try out your new bunting. You snuggled with your Auntie Shelley for the first half of the game and then went to the truck for the 2nd half because it was too chilly. You were really proud of your cousins, even though their team didn't play too well that night. Here you are with your cousins after the game.
Things You Like Right Now:
- "Play Time" ...in between your feedings/naps you spend about 45 minutes to an hour playing. You really enjoy your Infantino play mat. You will lay underneath it for a good 20 minutes kicking your legs, cooing, and swatting at the animals that are hanging from above. You also really like your toy bar on your bouncer. You bat at it and watch the pieces spin with bug eyes.
Mesmerizing
- Fall walks ... Daddy and I take you on a walk almost every day (weather permitting, of course). You look around wide-eyed for most of the walk, but towards the end you tend to take a much needed snooze.
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An afternoon walk at Humboldt Park
- Bath Time ... You still really enjoy bath time. Now that you are so long, you've grown out of your bath tub because you kick your legs so much and your feet hit the bottom which pushes up your head and comes pretty close to hitting the top of the bath. You know what that means!?!? Time for big boy baths! Now you take your baths with Daddy in the big boy bath tub. You love this so much (and so does Daddy).
You smile throughout your entire bath
- DADDY! Daddy can always get a smile out of you, any time...day or night. You follow him around the room non stop. Even when you are sitting on my lap, you will do whatever you can to turn your head and face Daddy. You even smile at him when he's not even looking at you. This definitely melts my heart.
Napping on Daddy's chest
- A good night's sleep. Yes, that's right. You really appreciate a good night worth of rest, just like your mom. Your bedtime is around 11:00 p.m. and you usually sleep til 7:00 in the morning. You're still sleeping in your bassinet next to our bed, but now you find a way to scoot your body down the length of the bassinet. You scoot so far down that your legs touch the bottom of the bassinet. When we wake up in the middle of the night to check on you, we have to gently pick you up and put you at the top of the bassinet again. We have started the discussion about moving you to your big boy crib, definitely will be harder on Mommy than you.
- Your doggy. You definitely notice your dog Buckwheat now and will follow him with your eyes as he walks past you. You two have already had some special moments.
- The Snot Sucker...Yes, you actually like when Daddy sucks the boogies out of your nose. You get real quiet and have this look of contentment on your face. I'm pretty sure you like how it feels.
- Visits from your Auntie...Your Auntie Shelley comes all the way from Marshfield to visit you. She has been here almost every weekend since you were born. She loves playing with you, snuggling you, and watching you grow! Oh and she also loves to spoil you. Your auntie is a huge contributor to your wardrobe. :)
Sitting with Auntie at brunch
- You prefer to sit upright now with your back up again our chests. That way you can look around the room at everyone and everything in sight. When someone tries to cradle you, you have a fit. You are not just a teeny newborn anymore and you want everyone to know it!
Your current dislikes:
- You were not impressed with the Packers early on in the season.
Really?!?!
- Tummy Time...You could really do without tummy time. You spend most of your tummy time practicing your whines, instead of practicing lifting your head. Then after about 5-10 minutes of whining, you will get really mad and start to cry. However, tummy time is really important and we still make you do it every day...multiple times a day. Doctors orders!
- Your stretches...You have a mild case of torticollis and we have to do 3 stretches with you multiples times throughout the day. The doctor said your torticollis started when you were in the womb and now we need to work on correcting it. One of the stretches is pulling your head to the side so the bottom of your ear lobe touches the top of your shoulder. You absolutely HATE doing this stretch. Makes sense, I would hate something that hurts me too. Don't worry, you are starting physical therapy this week and the doctor is sure we can correct it.
- Not being swaddled...We tried putting you to bed without being swaddled a couple nights. You didn't really like it. We put your legs in a sleep sack, just didn't swaddle your arms - and you woke up a few times during the night. Your arms flail all over the place and I think the flailing alone is what woke you up. Needless to say, we're back to full out swaddling.
Your Dad:
- Your Dad has had off the past two weeks from work. He works at a year round school and part of their schedule is a 2 week break in October. He is so happy to be home with you!
- Your Dad has had off the past two weeks from work. He works at a year round school and part of their schedule is a 2 week break in October. He is so happy to be home with you!
You take at least 4 naps on his chest every day. Watching the two of you together is so special to me. Your Dad loves you so much.
Getting ready to go on a walk
- Daddy is very excited about an upcoming trip we have to Arizona during Christmas break. We have lots of hikes planned and will be visiting The Grand Canyon. He was SO excited when you started holding up your head like a big boy because you need to have good control of your head before you can go in the Kelty backpack. He even pulled out the backpack for you to try out. The picture below is evidence that you really like the backpack. In just a couple more months, you will be hiking with us in Arizona...so exciting!
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You trying to convince your Daddy that you're ready...:)
- Really enjoys breastfeeding you. You still eat every 2 hours during the day up until your bedtime and I really love that time we have together. I feel so blessed that breastfeeding has come naturally for me and that I am able to provide you with such great nourishment. I feel good knowing that you need me every two hours. I am already sad about the feedings I will miss with you when I go back to work.
- Unfortunately, I have to start preparing to go back to work. I still have 4 and a half weeks left with you and I am embracing every single day to the fullest. In preparation, I've started pumping so that I can have lots of milk frozen for you in storage.
- I thought I had daycare all figured out for you. You will be starting mid-January. But now that you are here, I'm just not completely satisfied with what I had originally envisioned. Something just didn't feel "right" with the home daycare that was referred to us, so we are starting a new search process for a new place. We want your daycare to be close to the east side, so we can easily come check on you from work during the day and get to you as soon as possible after work. The search continues!
- I really can't explain how much I love being your mom. I look at you all day long and am just so happy. I kiss your cheeks and neck over and over. I hope you can feel how much you are loved. I thank God every single day for sending me you.
Love,
Your Mom
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
The First Few Minutes of Ari's Life
Here is the video of Ari being born. I don't know if you remember from my posts when he was born, it was quite a traumatic labor and C-section. It wasn't the typical, pull the baby out and hear its beautiful cries. Ari was 11 days late, went through a lot of distress during labor, and had a bowel movement in the womb before he arrived. I'm so grateful to the doctors who worked on Ari that day. They first helped clear his lungs of all the meconium and then helped him breathe. Afterwards, he spent about 2 hours in the NICU. Eight weeks later it is still hard for me to watch this. I so vividly remember laying there during those moments of silence as I was waiting to hear whether or not my son was okay. It sure was a scary experience, but all that matters is that he did arrive safe and healthy...my prayers were answered. :)
Monday, October 15, 2012
Ari's Flexible Schedule
Little Ari is already 8 weeks old and is such a good baby who seems to really like his little routine. I'm enjoying my maternity leave with him so much and can't even envision sending him to daycare come January. Being home with him is such a blessing and these days home with Ari will always have a special place in my heart.
A day during the week in our life right now looks something like this...
7:00 a.m. (give or take a half hour) - Ari wakes up. He is such a happy baby come sunrise. He is pretty content for the first 5-10 minutes of being awake and will hang out in his bassinet and squirm about, stretch, and kick his legs up and down. After about 10 minutes of that, he whines a bit to let me know that he is ready to start the day. I then pick him up and lay him in bed in between my husband and I. We both turn to our sides to face him and just stare at him in awe, feeling so blessed that he is really ours. This lasts for about another 10 minutes until Ari realizes that he is hungry.
During the day, I feed Ari every 2 hours. He is exclusively breastfed and a typical feeding from start to finish takes us about 15 minutes.
So when he is done feeding, he spends about an hour being awake and alert, which I call his "play time". He will sit in my lap and play with one of his toys. Playing at this point is staring at the toy with bug eyes, grasping the toy, and bringing the toy up to his mouth. He also gets a session in of tummy time on his play mat, which he does not like one bit. After tummy time, he spends a good 15 minutes nice and content cooing and batting his arms at the mobiles hanging from his play mat. After play time, he is pretty tuckered out and will start giving me an ornery whine, which I know means he needs a nap.
I cuddle him up with me on the nursing chair or couch and he sleeps until it's time to feed again and then we start the routine all over again. I'll be honest, most of the time when he is napping I just hold him. I may be spoiling him and pay later, but I really enjoy our cuddle time. If I have something pressing around the house that I absolutely need to get done, I will put him in his swing for one of his naps. As he gets a little older, I guess I need to start laying him in his crib for naps so he acclimates to that before starting daycare.
Once Daddy gets home from work around 4:00, he hangs out with Ari in between feedings and this is when I get things done around the house like laundry, dishes, cleaning, walking/playing with Buckwheat, etc. When those things are finished, I take Ari and Daddy takes care of making dinner. :)
Ari's last feeding is around 10:30 p.m. After this feeding Daddy changes him, swaddles him, and lays him in his bassinet for bedtime. Some nights, Ari will instantly fall asleep. Other nights, he will whine and squirm for about 10 minutes before dozing off. I'm really proud of him that he is able to fall asleep on his own so nicely. Then, he sleeps through the night! This started around 3 1/2 weeks and everyone told us, "Enjoy it while it lasts, but be prepared that it probably won't". Well, so far it has still lasted. We are completely aware that this could change at any time, but so happy with the amount of sleep we have all been getting.
I titled this post Ari's Flexible Schedule, because I don't walk around with a watch and time everything out perfectly. If we don't start feeding til 2 hours and 15 minutes after the last feeding, that is okay. Or maybe we had a really messy diaper, so we might have a bath during "play time". Some days we pack up in the stroller and go for a walk with Buckwheat in between feedings. If he seems a little fussy before 2 hours hits, I might feed him earlier. Ari is a really easy baby to read. I can tell easily by his whines or the tone of his cries what he needs. Once his needs are met, he is calm, cool, collected and content. He really is a happy baby...I feel so blessed!
The weekends are when we do most of our errands and visits with the family, but we definitely adhere to our feedings every 2 hours...although sometimes we stretch it to 3 when we are out of the house.
A day during the week in our life right now looks something like this...
7:00 a.m. (give or take a half hour) - Ari wakes up. He is such a happy baby come sunrise. He is pretty content for the first 5-10 minutes of being awake and will hang out in his bassinet and squirm about, stretch, and kick his legs up and down. After about 10 minutes of that, he whines a bit to let me know that he is ready to start the day. I then pick him up and lay him in bed in between my husband and I. We both turn to our sides to face him and just stare at him in awe, feeling so blessed that he is really ours. This lasts for about another 10 minutes until Ari realizes that he is hungry.
During the day, I feed Ari every 2 hours. He is exclusively breastfed and a typical feeding from start to finish takes us about 15 minutes.
So when he is done feeding, he spends about an hour being awake and alert, which I call his "play time". He will sit in my lap and play with one of his toys. Playing at this point is staring at the toy with bug eyes, grasping the toy, and bringing the toy up to his mouth. He also gets a session in of tummy time on his play mat, which he does not like one bit. After tummy time, he spends a good 15 minutes nice and content cooing and batting his arms at the mobiles hanging from his play mat. After play time, he is pretty tuckered out and will start giving me an ornery whine, which I know means he needs a nap.
Play time
I cuddle him up with me on the nursing chair or couch and he sleeps until it's time to feed again and then we start the routine all over again. I'll be honest, most of the time when he is napping I just hold him. I may be spoiling him and pay later, but I really enjoy our cuddle time. If I have something pressing around the house that I absolutely need to get done, I will put him in his swing for one of his naps. As he gets a little older, I guess I need to start laying him in his crib for naps so he acclimates to that before starting daycare.
Once Daddy gets home from work around 4:00, he hangs out with Ari in between feedings and this is when I get things done around the house like laundry, dishes, cleaning, walking/playing with Buckwheat, etc. When those things are finished, I take Ari and Daddy takes care of making dinner. :)
Yay! Daddy's home from work.
More Daddy time
Ari's last feeding is around 10:30 p.m. After this feeding Daddy changes him, swaddles him, and lays him in his bassinet for bedtime. Some nights, Ari will instantly fall asleep. Other nights, he will whine and squirm for about 10 minutes before dozing off. I'm really proud of him that he is able to fall asleep on his own so nicely. Then, he sleeps through the night! This started around 3 1/2 weeks and everyone told us, "Enjoy it while it lasts, but be prepared that it probably won't". Well, so far it has still lasted. We are completely aware that this could change at any time, but so happy with the amount of sleep we have all been getting.
I titled this post Ari's Flexible Schedule, because I don't walk around with a watch and time everything out perfectly. If we don't start feeding til 2 hours and 15 minutes after the last feeding, that is okay. Or maybe we had a really messy diaper, so we might have a bath during "play time". Some days we pack up in the stroller and go for a walk with Buckwheat in between feedings. If he seems a little fussy before 2 hours hits, I might feed him earlier. Ari is a really easy baby to read. I can tell easily by his whines or the tone of his cries what he needs. Once his needs are met, he is calm, cool, collected and content. He really is a happy baby...I feel so blessed!
The weekends are when we do most of our errands and visits with the family, but we definitely adhere to our feedings every 2 hours...although sometimes we stretch it to 3 when we are out of the house.
Happy boy!
We love you too Ari! More than you could ever even imagine!
Oh and I'm addicted to Instagram. If you are too...please comment and leave me your username so I can follow you! :)
Sunday, October 7, 2012
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Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Letters to Ari...1 month old
Dearest Ari,
Happy 1 month birthday! I cannot believe you have been here for a whole month already. Your Dad and I have a hard time thinking back to a time that you weren't here. I said "What did we ever do without him?" to your Nonee and she said "Dream about having him" and that is the truth. Before you arrived all we did was dream of the day we could hold you in our arms. So happy you are finally here and also so excited to celebrate your 1 month birthday today.
Milestones/Special "Firsts" :
-You have just started SMILING and we love it. At first, we were wondering if they were real smiles or if it was just your reflexes and/or coincidences. But after many more smiles, we're sure you are actually smiling because you are happy!!! You even mimic our smiles when we gaze at you. Every morning we take you out of your bassinet as you are waking up. We unwrap your sleep sack and you give us a smile every morning as you are stretching. You are SO happy when you wake up...we love it! It's one of my favorite parts of the day.
- You had your first bath and you LOVED it. Mommy gave it to you while Daddy was at work and she video taped it so your Dad could see too. Your little legs did a lot of kicking and you were all smiles and I trickled the warm water all over you.
- You attended your first "Brothers Brunch" with all your uncles. Daddy and I get together with all your uncles every Sunday morning for brunch. We used to all sit around the table and talk about how excited we were for you to get here. Now you're here and we just were so ecstatic to be sitting around the table WITH you!
Things You Like Right Now:
-You love the park by our house. Before you were here, your dad and I would always take Buckwheat there and play fetch with him behind the firehouse. It was so much fun taking you there for the first time. It was a gorgeous day and you were so comfy, you decided to take a nap while there. Buckwheat enjoyed himself too, playing fetch while you were snoozing.
- As I mentioned above, you love baths! Every bath you've had has been pleasant. Your eyes light up and get real big as I wash you - you are very alert. You've only peed once so far during your baths...I'll consider myself lucky. :)
- You are definitely a morning person! You are so happy and content when you wake up, while being changed, and during your first feeding.
Your current dislikes:
- 7:00 p.m. until bedtime at home = fussy time! It's like clock-work. When we are home and 7:00 rolls around you decide it is time to fuss. You are just plain ornery at this time. You do a lot of whining and demand our full attention. We try a variety of things to soothe you and as soon as we find one that works, it only lasts for about 15-20 minutes. Then you get bored and we start all over again finding something to soothe you. Things that work (sometimes): walking around the house holding you, bouncing you in your BabyBjorn Babysitter bouncer, rocking you, and tummy time on Daddy's chest. You are wide awake during this time and do not take any snoozes. Daddy and I sure don't mind this time though, because we know as soon as we put you in your bassinet around 11:00 p.m. you will sleep through the night.
- Johnson's Hand and Face Wipes. I like to use these on you as a quick way to "freshen up" before heading out for the day or before a visitor comes over. You? Not so much! You cry every time I gently use these and are so relieved when it's over.
- You hate getting a onesie put over your head when getting dressed. Your Dad and I stretch out the collar of the shirt before putting it on you, so it doesn't constrict on your face - but you still hate it! How dare we! You let out some pretty might wails during this time.
Your Dad:
- Your Dad is still adjusting to being back at work. And I will be honest, he absolutely hates leaving you every morning to go to work. It's hard for him to leave his beautiful baby boy to head to work and be stressed out there. I know that you are his inspiration to get through each day. He daydreams about coming home to you and is so excited to see you when he walks in the door each day.
- Daddy handles fussy time and I love him for it. Your fussy time also happens to be Mommy's bed time. I fall asleep on the couch or in my chair around 7:30/8:00 p.m. Your Dad lets me sleep (only wakes me up for feedings) while he finds ways to soothe you. Even before I was pregnant with you, this has been my bedtime. My body just tends to shut down at this time, so I am so thankful that Daddy is willing to take care of you during this time frame.
- Is starting to adjust to being peed on. He is even starting to think it's funny. I think it's humorous how this past week you only felt the need to pee on him (thank you). We were doing real well for awhile until this past Sunday, you decided to pee on him 3 or 4 times in one day!
Your Mom:
-Is healing up quite well. I'm finally starting to feel more myself. I am less sore and my incision feels a lot better. I'm looking forward to my postpartum doctor appointment next week. I'm hoping to be "cleared for exercise" so I can start toning up again. For the time being, I am just enjoying going on walks with you as my exercise. Although carrying you around all day is also getting me back into shape.
- Went out for the first time without Daddy's help last week. We made a trip, just the two of us, to Target last week. I was really proud of myself as I drove with you alone for the first time, lifted you in and out of the car (in the rain), and strolled around Target with you picking up the necessities for the week. Considering I was only 3 weeks past my surgery, I felt amazing! I definitely became more confident that I could handle outings with you on my own.
- Is looking forward to your 1 month appointment next week. I'm praying that you have continued to gain weight since we both seem to be enjoying our current feeding routine. I'm still feeding you every 2 hours during the day, which I think really helps you sleep through the night.
- Is just so happy! I want you to know that I am not sugar coating these posts/letters to you. YOU are a wonderful baby and taking care of you makes me (and your dad) so happy. I don't ever get frustrated with you when you are cranky...I really don't. I just keep thanking God that I have the opportunity to experience your crankiness and especially, motherhood. Even when I am dead tired and have trouble keeping my eyes open, I look down at you and I just smile. I'm so grateful that God chose me to be your Mom. I wouldn't trade in any second of this! I struggled for years to have you and would do it all over again (ten times over) without hesitation knowing at the end of it all I would get to have you.
Oh and Buckwheat....he just adores you!
Love,
Your Mom
Happy 1 month birthday! I cannot believe you have been here for a whole month already. Your Dad and I have a hard time thinking back to a time that you weren't here. I said "What did we ever do without him?" to your Nonee and she said "Dream about having him" and that is the truth. Before you arrived all we did was dream of the day we could hold you in our arms. So happy you are finally here and also so excited to celebrate your 1 month birthday today.
Milestones/Special "Firsts" :
-You have just started SMILING and we love it. At first, we were wondering if they were real smiles or if it was just your reflexes and/or coincidences. But after many more smiles, we're sure you are actually smiling because you are happy!!! You even mimic our smiles when we gaze at you. Every morning we take you out of your bassinet as you are waking up. We unwrap your sleep sack and you give us a smile every morning as you are stretching. You are SO happy when you wake up...we love it! It's one of my favorite parts of the day.
You smiling at your Dad
You smiling during your first bath!
First Brother's Brunch
-You had your first "day trip" at 4 weeks old. We left early in the morning and went to The Original Pancake House for breakfast. Next, we stopped at our favorite store "Little Monsters" and your Auntie spoiled you and bought you some adorable new outfits. Then we went out to Cedarburg for the annual Wine & Harvest Festival. Your Stokke stroller worked like a charm and your Daddy had so much fun strolling with you. This festival really meant a lot to me. I had been going to this for about 4-5 years before you arrived. I would always sit and gaze looking at other mothers and their babies and dream of one day bringing you to the Festival. It was surreal being there again and actually finally having you. After the Festival, we went to our favorite place for dinner "Sala" and sat outside. Your Auntie was there and your Uncle Aris joined us too. It was a perfect way to end our day out.
Here we are together at the Festival
- You have started sleeping through the night! According to my friends and family members with children, we are pretty lucky. You like your routine and when we put you in your bassinet around 11:00 each night, you settle fairly quickly and sleep until 6:00 or even 7:00 in the morning. When we lay you down at night, your Dad and I snuggle and just listen to you as you squirm around a bit and make some grunting noises as you drift off to sleep. We love listening to you! I end each night thanking God for another amazing day with you and pray that He keeps you safe.
-You love the park by our house. Before you were here, your dad and I would always take Buckwheat there and play fetch with him behind the firehouse. It was so much fun taking you there for the first time. It was a gorgeous day and you were so comfy, you decided to take a nap while there. Buckwheat enjoyed himself too, playing fetch while you were snoozing.
You snoozing while Mommy watches over you
See, I told you Buckwheat was happy!
Love
- You are definitely a morning person! You are so happy and content when you wake up, while being changed, and during your first feeding.
Early morning changing
- You like being "out and about". Your Dad and I are a very active couple and we are so pleased with how well you already adjusted to being active with us. You are such a good baby and I'm not just saying that. Every time we go out (dinners, family visits, grocery trips, festivals, parks, etc.) you are so content!
- 7:00 p.m. until bedtime at home = fussy time! It's like clock-work. When we are home and 7:00 rolls around you decide it is time to fuss. You are just plain ornery at this time. You do a lot of whining and demand our full attention. We try a variety of things to soothe you and as soon as we find one that works, it only lasts for about 15-20 minutes. Then you get bored and we start all over again finding something to soothe you. Things that work (sometimes): walking around the house holding you, bouncing you in your BabyBjorn Babysitter bouncer, rocking you, and tummy time on Daddy's chest. You are wide awake during this time and do not take any snoozes. Daddy and I sure don't mind this time though, because we know as soon as we put you in your bassinet around 11:00 p.m. you will sleep through the night.
- Johnson's Hand and Face Wipes. I like to use these on you as a quick way to "freshen up" before heading out for the day or before a visitor comes over. You? Not so much! You cry every time I gently use these and are so relieved when it's over.
- You hate getting a onesie put over your head when getting dressed. Your Dad and I stretch out the collar of the shirt before putting it on you, so it doesn't constrict on your face - but you still hate it! How dare we! You let out some pretty might wails during this time.
Your Dad:
- Your Dad is still adjusting to being back at work. And I will be honest, he absolutely hates leaving you every morning to go to work. It's hard for him to leave his beautiful baby boy to head to work and be stressed out there. I know that you are his inspiration to get through each day. He daydreams about coming home to you and is so excited to see you when he walks in the door each day.
- Daddy handles fussy time and I love him for it. Your fussy time also happens to be Mommy's bed time. I fall asleep on the couch or in my chair around 7:30/8:00 p.m. Your Dad lets me sleep (only wakes me up for feedings) while he finds ways to soothe you. Even before I was pregnant with you, this has been my bedtime. My body just tends to shut down at this time, so I am so thankful that Daddy is willing to take care of you during this time frame.
- Is starting to adjust to being peed on. He is even starting to think it's funny. I think it's humorous how this past week you only felt the need to pee on him (thank you). We were doing real well for awhile until this past Sunday, you decided to pee on him 3 or 4 times in one day!
Your Mom:
-Is healing up quite well. I'm finally starting to feel more myself. I am less sore and my incision feels a lot better. I'm looking forward to my postpartum doctor appointment next week. I'm hoping to be "cleared for exercise" so I can start toning up again. For the time being, I am just enjoying going on walks with you as my exercise. Although carrying you around all day is also getting me back into shape.
- Went out for the first time without Daddy's help last week. We made a trip, just the two of us, to Target last week. I was really proud of myself as I drove with you alone for the first time, lifted you in and out of the car (in the rain), and strolled around Target with you picking up the necessities for the week. Considering I was only 3 weeks past my surgery, I felt amazing! I definitely became more confident that I could handle outings with you on my own.
- Is looking forward to your 1 month appointment next week. I'm praying that you have continued to gain weight since we both seem to be enjoying our current feeding routine. I'm still feeding you every 2 hours during the day, which I think really helps you sleep through the night.
- Is just so happy! I want you to know that I am not sugar coating these posts/letters to you. YOU are a wonderful baby and taking care of you makes me (and your dad) so happy. I don't ever get frustrated with you when you are cranky...I really don't. I just keep thanking God that I have the opportunity to experience your crankiness and especially, motherhood. Even when I am dead tired and have trouble keeping my eyes open, I look down at you and I just smile. I'm so grateful that God chose me to be your Mom. I wouldn't trade in any second of this! I struggled for years to have you and would do it all over again (ten times over) without hesitation knowing at the end of it all I would get to have you.
Oh and Buckwheat....he just adores you!
Love,
Your Mom
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