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15 years ago
Monday, March 23, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Sambo's Two Month Stats
We went in for Sam's two month well-check today. Here is how he "weighs" in:
Weight: 12.4lbs (75%)
Height: 23.5 in (50%-75%)
Head: 15.5 in (25%-50%)
They (Dr. Abbott, and the nurses...who are ALL fantastic by the way) were extremely impressed at how much Sambo has grown. Shocked even. Apparently when he was born, his weight was barely in the 5%, and NOW look at him! He has pretty much doubled his birth weight, in two months! He's a chunk!
He passed all of his two month "tests" (lifting his head, following light, smiling a little, etc...) without too much trouble. Though he was kind of stubborn when he was supposed to lift his head. I blame that on him being tired and just wanting to go to sleep.
They gave him four shots and an oral vaccination. He was NOT happy about the shots (who wouldn't be?), but calmed down and promptly shut down into a deep sleep (thanks Tylenol). I have prepared myself for a fairly rough afternoon and night.
Speaking of nights, I asked Dr. Abbott about Sam's sleeping habits (or lack there of). He seems to me (us) to have a little breathing problem at around 3am every night. It seems he wakes up at that time and just has a hard time breathing. By that I mean he seems to get really congested, and stuffed up and has a hard time with drainage...which causes him to stir the rest of the night just TRYING to get back to sleep. We discussed this with her and she seemed baffled by that...in further discussion we all decided that Little Samuel is getting too much sleep during the day, and can't go back to sleep at night. Or he thinks that 3am is wake-up time and his brain says go back to sleep, but his body isn't tired anymore.
This all makes sense, and I actually mentioned to Jonathon last night that it was time that Samuel was put on a strict schedule. We just have not been able to get any sort of schedule going...with the ice storm (no electricity), then going out of town, all the company we have had...we just haven't been able to get it together. Well *I* haven't. So, hopefully things will calm down and I can get the kids on a schedule, and we can ALL start sleeping through the night. Anyone out there have any advice on a "doable" schedule for an infant and a toddler?
Also, currently, Samuel's crib is in our room. I think it is time that we move his crib out of our room. We have decided to just make the boys share Nathan's little room. With the way our house is laid out, it is best. We have two bedrooms on the main floor, and two bedrooms up stairs (the master, and Nathan's). I do not feel comfortable with moving Nathan downstairs alone. Plus we really wouldn't have any place for the office. SO, they will just share a room upstairs (its pretty tiny, large enough for a bed and a crib, that is it). I am not sure how that is going to work with Nathan. Anyone out there have any advice on kids sharing a room? I fear Nathan will wake up whenever Samuel wakes up...
So, that's the update! If you are wanting to compare Nathan and Sam at the same age, go here. Remember that Nathan's two month well check was actually when he was 10 weeks. Sam is 9.
Weight: 12.4lbs (75%)
Height: 23.5 in (50%-75%)
Head: 15.5 in (25%-50%)
They (Dr. Abbott, and the nurses...who are ALL fantastic by the way) were extremely impressed at how much Sambo has grown. Shocked even. Apparently when he was born, his weight was barely in the 5%, and NOW look at him! He has pretty much doubled his birth weight, in two months! He's a chunk!
He passed all of his two month "tests" (lifting his head, following light, smiling a little, etc...) without too much trouble. Though he was kind of stubborn when he was supposed to lift his head. I blame that on him being tired and just wanting to go to sleep.
They gave him four shots and an oral vaccination. He was NOT happy about the shots (who wouldn't be?), but calmed down and promptly shut down into a deep sleep (thanks Tylenol). I have prepared myself for a fairly rough afternoon and night.
Speaking of nights, I asked Dr. Abbott about Sam's sleeping habits (or lack there of). He seems to me (us) to have a little breathing problem at around 3am every night. It seems he wakes up at that time and just has a hard time breathing. By that I mean he seems to get really congested, and stuffed up and has a hard time with drainage...which causes him to stir the rest of the night just TRYING to get back to sleep. We discussed this with her and she seemed baffled by that...in further discussion we all decided that Little Samuel is getting too much sleep during the day, and can't go back to sleep at night. Or he thinks that 3am is wake-up time and his brain says go back to sleep, but his body isn't tired anymore.
This all makes sense, and I actually mentioned to Jonathon last night that it was time that Samuel was put on a strict schedule. We just have not been able to get any sort of schedule going...with the ice storm (no electricity), then going out of town, all the company we have had...we just haven't been able to get it together. Well *I* haven't. So, hopefully things will calm down and I can get the kids on a schedule, and we can ALL start sleeping through the night. Anyone out there have any advice on a "doable" schedule for an infant and a toddler?
Also, currently, Samuel's crib is in our room. I think it is time that we move his crib out of our room. We have decided to just make the boys share Nathan's little room. With the way our house is laid out, it is best. We have two bedrooms on the main floor, and two bedrooms up stairs (the master, and Nathan's). I do not feel comfortable with moving Nathan downstairs alone. Plus we really wouldn't have any place for the office. SO, they will just share a room upstairs (its pretty tiny, large enough for a bed and a crib, that is it). I am not sure how that is going to work with Nathan. Anyone out there have any advice on kids sharing a room? I fear Nathan will wake up whenever Samuel wakes up...
So, that's the update! If you are wanting to compare Nathan and Sam at the same age, go here. Remember that Nathan's two month well check was actually when he was 10 weeks. Sam is 9.
The Giant and his Little Bean
Before I had kids, I never thought I would be one to dress my kids exactly the same. However, when I found out I was having another boy, something clicked inside my brain and the need and desire to dress my boys exactly the same became so overwhelmingly apparent. I have made a deal with myself that I would only dress them the same on holidays and special occasions...and bedtime (sometimes). So, without further adeau...here is the first photos of the boys wearing the same "jimmy jams". I am TOTALLY sure that when they are 25 they will look back at these photos with complete appreciation for their mother and they will NOT try to burn them in embarrassment! ;)
And for real...was Nathan EVER as little as Sammy? Goodness, he looks like a giant in comparison! When the heck did he get so...BIG?
(And for the record, he does look like he is about ready to elbow Sambo in the face, I assure you he was not and is actually very gentle and loving towards his little bro)
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Adjustment or Just Being Two?
So...when I reported that Nathan has made the adjustment to being a big brother smoothly, I wasn't entirely truthful. He has done, under the circumstances (me being in the hospital, a little brother to take our attention, company, no power, schedule a little askew) remarkably well. The ONE thing that has happened, though, is that he has become even more attached to me than he was before. He has always been a "mamma's boy"...however, now it is very extreme. He is having extreme separation anxiety. EXTREME!
The places (i.e. Nan and Pap's, school, church, bedtime) that he used to excitedly and willingly go, have now become places of extreme anxiety. He has gotten more used to school and church the last week or so...meaning, he only whimpers when I leave him. However, going to Nan and Pap's house he has huge emotional meltdowns. He is fine if I am there and around (but he has to know where I am at at all times)...but seems to completely lose it when I go to leave, or they come and pick him up. It is heart wrenching for me to hear (what sounds like) his heart breaking and begging to "just stay with Momma". He does this a tiny bit when I leave, and Jonathon is with him, though not as bad. And when I am around, like I said, he has to know where I am at all times...and often follows me everywhere I go.
Now, within 5 minutes of me being out of sight, he normally calms down as if nothing happened...so he can't be that heart broken, can he?
My question to all you "pros" out there is: What is this? Is this being two? Is this having a little brother and adjusting? Is it all of the above? Am I doing emotional and psychological damage to him by leaving him once and a while? Is he just playing me? Am I the worst mother in the world for leaving him when he is begging for me to stay or begging to stay with me? HELP!
Gah...this mothering thing! I am trying SO hard not to screw up my kids! Is it even avoidable?
The places (i.e. Nan and Pap's, school, church, bedtime) that he used to excitedly and willingly go, have now become places of extreme anxiety. He has gotten more used to school and church the last week or so...meaning, he only whimpers when I leave him. However, going to Nan and Pap's house he has huge emotional meltdowns. He is fine if I am there and around (but he has to know where I am at at all times)...but seems to completely lose it when I go to leave, or they come and pick him up. It is heart wrenching for me to hear (what sounds like) his heart breaking and begging to "just stay with Momma". He does this a tiny bit when I leave, and Jonathon is with him, though not as bad. And when I am around, like I said, he has to know where I am at all times...and often follows me everywhere I go.
Now, within 5 minutes of me being out of sight, he normally calms down as if nothing happened...so he can't be that heart broken, can he?
My question to all you "pros" out there is: What is this? Is this being two? Is this having a little brother and adjusting? Is it all of the above? Am I doing emotional and psychological damage to him by leaving him once and a while? Is he just playing me? Am I the worst mother in the world for leaving him when he is begging for me to stay or begging to stay with me? HELP!
Gah...this mothering thing! I am trying SO hard not to screw up my kids! Is it even avoidable?
Monday, February 16, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Deja Vu
I seem to have completely forgotten what Nathan was like as an infant...it is a good thing I blogged about it! Check it:
http://nathanielcharles.blogspot.com/2006/09/so4-weeks-old.html
The funny thing is, is that in the last week (Samuel's 4th week of life), I said the same exact things about Sammy as apparently I did about Nathan. He is filling out, it makes me sad, he eats every 3 hours (sometimes less, sometimes more, but not often), he is starting to have definite awake times, our "schedule" is panning out to be the same as Nathans, etc...
Very odd to be reading about your first born, yet it all seems to apply to your second born as well. Also, Samuel is really starting to "change looks". When he was born, *I* think he favored me more so than Nathan did, aside from his coloring (Nathan's coloring is all Frentheway), however in the last week his little cheeks have plumped up (SO CUTE!), and is beginning to resemble Nathan. He still has the dark coloring, but both Jonathon and I think his hair is getting lighter. He and Nathan will have the same color eyes (yeah!!! Nathan's eyes are beautiful, and they get that from Jonathon), but I do think Samuel will have my little head.
Anyways...that update is totally random and without pictures...
http://nathanielcharles.blogspot.com/2006/09/so4-weeks-old.html
The funny thing is, is that in the last week (Samuel's 4th week of life), I said the same exact things about Sammy as apparently I did about Nathan. He is filling out, it makes me sad, he eats every 3 hours (sometimes less, sometimes more, but not often), he is starting to have definite awake times, our "schedule" is panning out to be the same as Nathans, etc...
Very odd to be reading about your first born, yet it all seems to apply to your second born as well. Also, Samuel is really starting to "change looks". When he was born, *I* think he favored me more so than Nathan did, aside from his coloring (Nathan's coloring is all Frentheway), however in the last week his little cheeks have plumped up (SO CUTE!), and is beginning to resemble Nathan. He still has the dark coloring, but both Jonathon and I think his hair is getting lighter. He and Nathan will have the same color eyes (yeah!!! Nathan's eyes are beautiful, and they get that from Jonathon), but I do think Samuel will have my little head.
Anyways...that update is totally random and without pictures...
Friday, February 13, 2009
Spring Time PLEASE Hurry!!!
This is what we do when we are SO tired of being couped up in the house. We dis-assemble our train set and use the train table as a dance floor!
You know, because...I don't have ANYTHING to do except clean up toys...;)
(oh yes...did you notice Cars on the TV. Never fear, Lightning McQueen is back "in", and Thomas the Train has taken a hike...this week, at least.)
Brotherly Love
As I am sure I expressed on many occasions, one of my biggest fears in having another child was how Nathan would react and behave towards the new little one (and to me). Well, now that Samuel has been here a few weeks (already???), I have something to report!
Nathan has done extremely well. My apprehension and fear of the unknown is, so far, proving to be just that...fear of the unknown. Nathan LOVES his little brother, and takes the opportunity to tell everyone that, many times a day. He doesn't seem too bothered by a new addition...though he has grown completely attached to me (which I hear is normal). After all, his world has been completely turned upside down with a new baby, not to mention the Ice Storm that kicked us out of our house for a few days. Along with all that, I have found it a little difficult to be super strict on Nathan's schedule (not that I was the Nazi-scheduler before Samuel arrived, but he did have a definite nap time and bedtime...for the most part. Both of which have gotten later and later since Sam has arrived.). As a result I think Nathan does feel a little displaced and insecure about all the changes. Time is the only remedy as we all try to figure out our new normal.
Brotherly love at its finest...here is Nathan "petting" Samuel, as he does many times a day. VERY gently though.
And of course, the photo you all have been waiting for:
Brotherly Kisses.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Keeping Ourselves Entertained
So...in the recent power outage, we had to find a place to stay...since, well...we had no power and two kiddos. Jonathon thought that our house would have been "okay" to stay at, IF we didn't have the kids. However, I beg to differ, as I am soooooo not a cold weather type person. The house was FREEZING, I could NOT have stayed there...and he wouldn't have wanted to stay there with me. His ears would have started to bleed at the constant sound of my shivering (and complaining). ;)
SO, we kindly packed everything except the kitchen sink and headed to Nan and Pap's house...where we stayed (in complete warmth and luxury I might add!) for a good 5 days. Here is how we spent our days....
We ate. We ate gooood! Nan made many breakfast, lunch and dinners for us...and of course she treated us with chocolate shakes and chocolate pudding. Which, as you can see, Nathan just hated! ;)
Nathan decided to try on Nan's slippers and take a stroll around the house:
Perfect fit!!!
AND...we played...cars:
Lots and LOTS of cars:
We did really have a great time. It was like being on indefinite vacation. Like I said, we lived in the lap of luxury...our own room, bathroom and lots and lots of love. THANKS Nan and Paps for opening up your house to our chaos!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Taking Care of the Weather
We have had TONS of winter weather here in Louisville, and through all the chaos, we did manage to get out and play a little. Here is Nathan playing with cars in the snow, and then helping his Daddy shovel the driveway...
He totally enjoyed shoveling the snow, until the shovel got too heavy and he got cold...a kid after my own heart! ;)
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
We'll Leave the Lights on for ya...
Yes, we do have power (knock on wood). It was turned back on Sunday afternoon...right before the Super Bowl (conveniently!).
So...we are back in business. Trying to figure out our new normal...:)
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Not Again...
So...for the second time in less than 6 months, we have no electricity! We were hit with an ice storm on Tuesday evening...which proceeded to accumulate on tree limbs, which then began to break and fall...and well, knock out the power around the entire city (you may have heard...). Anyways. We are one of the lucky ones that won't have power for 7-10 days (that is the current estimate). We are so SUPER lucky! (can you read the sarcasm???)
Remember last September when we didn't have power for 8 days (is that correct, Jonathon? ;)), and we all said "at least it is warm out, and you don't have an infant to care for..." . Well, look here...it is FREEEEEEZING, we have an infant and a toddler...AND no electricity! I am not sure how much I can handle of this, emotionally... apparently we did'nt learn what we needed to learn (patience?) the first time.
Luckily, we have amazing family! The first night Uncle Rob and Aunt Yvette opened their very clean, kid free, home to us. They made us dinner and gave us nice comfy beds to sleep in! Then yesterday, Nan and Paps opened their door to us as well...and we have taken full advantage and moved in! We even kicked them out of their bedroom! ;) So...on the very positive side, we are warm, fed and with loving family. We couldn't ask for anything more (except electricity).
Thank you to everyone who has offered your homes, food, blankets, clothes...etc. We really appreciate it and hope you all know that the offer is reciprocal.
I will keep you updated...
Remember last September when we didn't have power for 8 days (is that correct, Jonathon? ;)), and we all said "at least it is warm out, and you don't have an infant to care for..." . Well, look here...it is FREEEEEEZING, we have an infant and a toddler...AND no electricity! I am not sure how much I can handle of this, emotionally... apparently we did'nt learn what we needed to learn (patience?) the first time.
Luckily, we have amazing family! The first night Uncle Rob and Aunt Yvette opened their very clean, kid free, home to us. They made us dinner and gave us nice comfy beds to sleep in! Then yesterday, Nan and Paps opened their door to us as well...and we have taken full advantage and moved in! We even kicked them out of their bedroom! ;) So...on the very positive side, we are warm, fed and with loving family. We couldn't ask for anything more (except electricity).
Thank you to everyone who has offered your homes, food, blankets, clothes...etc. We really appreciate it and hope you all know that the offer is reciprocal.
I will keep you updated...
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
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