Well, Parker is doing much better now and his daily supplement is doing just what it should. Whew! He is sleeping better and isn't suffering from the constant tummy aches he was having before. He is also "cruising" on the furniture, crawling at an ever increasing speed, and getting into everything! He had a weird look on his face on Friday night and he stuck out his tongue with a dried up leaf on it. Eew!
Chris spent a lot of time playing with us this weekend, which was so much fun. We went to the park (despite the fact that it was a million degrees and soggy humid) and Daddy pushed Parker in the baby swing and went down a few different slides with him. Parker loved it. I can't wait until it cools off some and we can spend more than 25 minutes there before we wimp out and retreat to the AC.
Parker also discovered this weekend that he thinks sneezing is hilarious. Chris had a sneezing fit and Parker giggled. Then Chris performed a few more pretend sneezes and Parker started laughing hysterically. He has the best sense of humor. He also thinks chasing the dog around the house in Mommy's arms is a riot. What a fun age he is right now.
I don't know if a drum roll is in order, but we think Parker may have said his first intentional word last night. Chris had been saying "Dada" to him all weekend, and last night when he was changing Parker's diaper, Parker looked at him and clearly said "Dada." Why is it Dad's always win out on that one? Anyway, we're excited that we might have a little talker soon, although I will miss the crazy little language he speaks in now when he learns "real words." :) He is also starting to wave "bye bye" which is super cute.
Hope everybody is having a great Monday!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Update #2
Parker Pooped!!! Sadly, he did also throw up, but at least he pooped. Hopefully now that he's on his medicine, next time will be easier. Thank you for sending your special poo poo prayers. They worked. :)
Update
I feel better today and am not so stressed... although there still has been no relief for poor Peanut. Pray for poo poo.
-L
-L
Monday, July 21, 2008
Plugged Up.
Ever since Parker started eating "real" food, he has been pooping only 1-2 times a week. I called his nurse line to see if I should be worried, and they told me to start giving him prunes and apple juice. I did.... to no avail. So then, a few weeks ago, Parker started throwing up every time he pooped. He didn't get upset when it happened, but naturally, it was very concerning to me. We went to the doctor on Friday and they said some babies just take longer to adjust to digesting food, and prescribed Miralax once daily in his juice. 4 days later, we're still waiting for a result. There's nothing worse than feeling like there could be something wrong with your darling baby.
I've been stressed and high strung lately already, for a variety of reasons: job changes for Chris, travel, company, Chris traveling, my job demands, etc., and worrying about Parker and his health coupled with the sleep loss that is coming along with his tummy aches has put me in a funk. I feel exhausted and emotional. Hopefully it is just today that it is really getting to me and it will pass. I think a good cry might also be in order. I'm heading up on a couple of the busiest work weeks I have all year where I will be working 8+ days in a row. Thinking about it makes my blood pressure go up, but after those days are over I will be able to relax and recoup a little.
I would feel so much better if I could just go on a walk a few days a week, which is something I love to do and is great at improving my perspective, but it has been so $&*#*@ hot here lately I would die of a heat stroke if I tried to walk, let alone taking Parker along with me in his stroller. Bah! Ok, Thanks for listening to my rant. I (obviously) am having an off day and appreciate those of you who care to read my ramblings. :)
Don't worry... I'll be better tomorrow. :)
Love,
Looney Laura
I've been stressed and high strung lately already, for a variety of reasons: job changes for Chris, travel, company, Chris traveling, my job demands, etc., and worrying about Parker and his health coupled with the sleep loss that is coming along with his tummy aches has put me in a funk. I feel exhausted and emotional. Hopefully it is just today that it is really getting to me and it will pass. I think a good cry might also be in order. I'm heading up on a couple of the busiest work weeks I have all year where I will be working 8+ days in a row. Thinking about it makes my blood pressure go up, but after those days are over I will be able to relax and recoup a little.
I would feel so much better if I could just go on a walk a few days a week, which is something I love to do and is great at improving my perspective, but it has been so $&*#*@ hot here lately I would die of a heat stroke if I tried to walk, let alone taking Parker along with me in his stroller. Bah! Ok, Thanks for listening to my rant. I (obviously) am having an off day and appreciate those of you who care to read my ramblings. :)
Don't worry... I'll be better tomorrow. :)
Love,
Looney Laura
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Happy Birthday, Mima!!
Mima Beth came to town this past weekend and we had such a nice visit. She arrived Thursday, Chris cooked us a delicious dinner, and on Friday Mima helped with Parker while I worked from home. On Saturday we went to Lowes and I got all of the supplies I needed to sand, prime, and paint our coffee table, which I did, but it was a lot more work than I thought it would be. Whew! On Sunday we took Mima out for a celebratory birthday dinner since her birthday was yesterday. What a nice weekend!
As always, Mima took lots of pictures and sent them to us yesterday! Hooray! As you can see, we had lots of fun with our Peanut!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Parker's first 4th of July!
This past weekend we spent the 4th of July with friends up at Lake Blue Ridge in Georgia near the Tennessee border. We stayed at a really cute cabin with 10 other people, ate lots of good food, played in the lake, and visited with friends. Here are some photos!
For New Moms to Be...
I have a few friends who are expecting babies right now, and one of them asked me for some advice on what to register for. Now, as you know, I'm no expert. I've only had one baby and he's only 8 months old, but here was what I came up with. If you have a baby and have things to add to this, or have different thoughts on various products, please comment so my other expecting friends can benefit from your experiences! Parker may not have liked something that your baby really enjoyed! :)
1. Diapers- are you planning to do disposable or cloth diapers?
We have only done disposable diapers mostly because we are a super busy working family and just couldn't imagine either laundering cloth diapers or being organized enough to manage a diaper service routine. If you want to be as earth friendly as possible and have time/energy to make it happen, go for cloth. I will note, however, that I read in one of my books that the amount of water used in laundering diapers may be as damaging as the waste created by disposables. Not sure how credible that is. If you choose disposable, pick a diaper receptacle you like to register for. Let people know exactly what kind of diapers you want (we really liked Pampers Swaddlers- ask for size 1 and up. If you have a bigger baby they won’t fit in NB size for long). If you have a small/average baby, you can buy the number of NB size w/ gift cards.
2. Feeding- are you planning to bottle feed or breast feed?
If planning to formula feed, even partially, ask for gift cards to places that sell formula. This is one of the most expensive baby items! You won’t know which formula is a best fit for your baby until you try a couple, but ask your doc for some suggestions. When we supplement we use Enfamil Lipil. Parker likes it, but it does give him more gas than breast milk. Also pick a bottle set to register for (we use Avent, and I know a number of people who swear by Dr. Brown’s).
If planning to try and breast feed, I would recommend waiting to buy an expensive pump. I know a few moms who planned on breast feeding, bought a $200 pump, and then it didn’t work out for some reason. They are easy enough to pick up once you know that feeding is going to work for you.
*Of course I have to include a plug encouraging you to breast feed! It is such a fulfilling experience and is great for baby!
3. Where is baby going to sleep?
I knew I wanted Parker to be in the same room with us for the first few months, so we wanted the cuddle nest and a pack’n’play to have in our room. This is totally up to your parenting preferences. Some families choose to put baby in the crib from day one, which would be convenient for you since your room is right across the way. I would do a lot of reading about what your options are and what feels like a fit for you. I feel like my parenting style is a very close fit with the “attachment parenting model: Dr. Sears,” but there are lots of other books out there. Co-sleeping is not for everybody, but once again, we have definitely enjoyed the special bonding time it allows.
4. Car seats/etc.-
-I don’t know that I would get a “travel system” again. I would get a nice, lightweight*, carseat and one of those handy metal frame buggies you can plop it into for the first 8 months when you need to. Make sure your carseat can fit into a grocery cart child seat! Mine weighs a ton and would not fit there so it was impossible to grocery shop! Then, pick a nice stroller to use from 6 months on with the following features: reclining seat, baby tray with space for sippy cup and cheerios, mommy tray with place for water bottle and keys, canopy. I haven’t found the perfect stroller with these features that will fold up and fit in a car trunk, but I’m sure its out there! Definitely go on line and read customer ratings before buying anything.
-We LOVE our Britax roundabout convertible carseat. We began using this when Parker outgrew his infant seat. You could, technically, just use it from the beginning, but you couldn’t tote it around like an infant seat, which comes in pretty handy. I would definitely recommend this brand for the future even though it is more expensive. They are very well made and comfortable for baby.
Other things we like:
Evenflo Exersaucer- very entertaining and a good way to keep him busy in one spot while making dinner or doing laundry!
Canus Goats Milk baby products- very soothing on the skin and smell amazing!
Door Frame bouncer- endless entertainment for baby and parents!
Fisher Price portable booster seat- this is great when you are traveling to a place without a high chair. You could even use it on a picnic. Parker was able to use it starting at 6 months and it straps onto any normal kitchen chair and is only about $25.00. Great for grandma and grandpa’s house!
Those are the main areas, now, I can tell you a few things we didn’t use (and you’re welcome to them!):
1. Tummy Time mats…. Babies can have tummy time anywhere and aren’t old enough to care about the mat when they need to be doing “tummy time”.
2. Exercise mats with things that hang down to play with…. Once again, Parker usually just wanted to play on a blanket with toys he could really get a hold of. He did, however, like to watch a mobile in the crib.
3. Bumbo seat- some people swear by these, but for the price, I didn’t think it was all that great. At first he just sort of slumped over in it, and by the time he fit it better it just annoyed him to be so immobilized.
4. Baby Bjorn carrier- For heavens sake don’t spend $100 on one of these things. The other brands do exactly the same thing and you can find them anywhere for around $25.00!
I’m sure I’ll think of more later, but this is a start!
1. Diapers- are you planning to do disposable or cloth diapers?
We have only done disposable diapers mostly because we are a super busy working family and just couldn't imagine either laundering cloth diapers or being organized enough to manage a diaper service routine. If you want to be as earth friendly as possible and have time/energy to make it happen, go for cloth. I will note, however, that I read in one of my books that the amount of water used in laundering diapers may be as damaging as the waste created by disposables. Not sure how credible that is. If you choose disposable, pick a diaper receptacle you like to register for. Let people know exactly what kind of diapers you want (we really liked Pampers Swaddlers- ask for size 1 and up. If you have a bigger baby they won’t fit in NB size for long). If you have a small/average baby, you can buy the number of NB size w/ gift cards.
2. Feeding- are you planning to bottle feed or breast feed?
If planning to formula feed, even partially, ask for gift cards to places that sell formula. This is one of the most expensive baby items! You won’t know which formula is a best fit for your baby until you try a couple, but ask your doc for some suggestions. When we supplement we use Enfamil Lipil. Parker likes it, but it does give him more gas than breast milk. Also pick a bottle set to register for (we use Avent, and I know a number of people who swear by Dr. Brown’s).
If planning to try and breast feed, I would recommend waiting to buy an expensive pump. I know a few moms who planned on breast feeding, bought a $200 pump, and then it didn’t work out for some reason. They are easy enough to pick up once you know that feeding is going to work for you.
*Of course I have to include a plug encouraging you to breast feed! It is such a fulfilling experience and is great for baby!
3. Where is baby going to sleep?
I knew I wanted Parker to be in the same room with us for the first few months, so we wanted the cuddle nest and a pack’n’play to have in our room. This is totally up to your parenting preferences. Some families choose to put baby in the crib from day one, which would be convenient for you since your room is right across the way. I would do a lot of reading about what your options are and what feels like a fit for you. I feel like my parenting style is a very close fit with the “attachment parenting model: Dr. Sears,” but there are lots of other books out there. Co-sleeping is not for everybody, but once again, we have definitely enjoyed the special bonding time it allows.
4. Car seats/etc.-
-I don’t know that I would get a “travel system” again. I would get a nice, lightweight*, carseat and one of those handy metal frame buggies you can plop it into for the first 8 months when you need to. Make sure your carseat can fit into a grocery cart child seat! Mine weighs a ton and would not fit there so it was impossible to grocery shop! Then, pick a nice stroller to use from 6 months on with the following features: reclining seat, baby tray with space for sippy cup and cheerios, mommy tray with place for water bottle and keys, canopy. I haven’t found the perfect stroller with these features that will fold up and fit in a car trunk, but I’m sure its out there! Definitely go on line and read customer ratings before buying anything.
-We LOVE our Britax roundabout convertible carseat. We began using this when Parker outgrew his infant seat. You could, technically, just use it from the beginning, but you couldn’t tote it around like an infant seat, which comes in pretty handy. I would definitely recommend this brand for the future even though it is more expensive. They are very well made and comfortable for baby.
Other things we like:
Evenflo Exersaucer- very entertaining and a good way to keep him busy in one spot while making dinner or doing laundry!
Canus Goats Milk baby products- very soothing on the skin and smell amazing!
Door Frame bouncer- endless entertainment for baby and parents!
Fisher Price portable booster seat- this is great when you are traveling to a place without a high chair. You could even use it on a picnic. Parker was able to use it starting at 6 months and it straps onto any normal kitchen chair and is only about $25.00. Great for grandma and grandpa’s house!
Those are the main areas, now, I can tell you a few things we didn’t use (and you’re welcome to them!):
1. Tummy Time mats…. Babies can have tummy time anywhere and aren’t old enough to care about the mat when they need to be doing “tummy time”.
2. Exercise mats with things that hang down to play with…. Once again, Parker usually just wanted to play on a blanket with toys he could really get a hold of. He did, however, like to watch a mobile in the crib.
3. Bumbo seat- some people swear by these, but for the price, I didn’t think it was all that great. At first he just sort of slumped over in it, and by the time he fit it better it just annoyed him to be so immobilized.
4. Baby Bjorn carrier- For heavens sake don’t spend $100 on one of these things. The other brands do exactly the same thing and you can find them anywhere for around $25.00!
I’m sure I’ll think of more later, but this is a start!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
So Much News!!!
Well, I have 9 minutes before I need to head over to pick up Peanut, so I'll see how efficiently I can cram all of our news into one quick blog. My trip to Oregon was fun, fast, not particularly relaxing, but worth the while. Parker did quite well on the plane minus a few little outbursts because of hurty ears, but to mommy it felt like we were on the plane for about 30 hours instead of 6. We got into Portland around 11 pm on Tuesday and spent the next day visiting with family, shopping, and driving. On Wednesday we got the VERY EXCITING NEWS that Chris had been offered a job at Cartoon Network, which he happily accepted. As he said over the phone "That was great: I got a three week vacation, a three thousand dollar raise, and a job I like better!" Not too shabby!
On Friday my parents, peanut and I went to the Roseburg Arts Festival and chatted with some local artists that my parents know from the community. That was fun since I have been going to that event since I was Parker's age! I bought a couple of pretty photographs to bring home.
On Saturday we had a party for some of our family friends to come over and meet Parker. He met Jan and Dick, Virginia (our neighbor), Francis Sohn, Manya, Judy, and got to see auntie Leah again. That night we went out to eat with the Mullers (Leah's fam) at my favorite Chinese resteraunt. Yummy!
Uh oh.... two minutes to go.... Ok- So we drove up early Sunday, saw Aunt Kathy, uncle Paul, and my cousin Kristin and her husband Mark and their two cute kiddos, Cassie and Luke. Then we headed over to Auntie April's house and visited with her and Auntie Fletcher for a few hours. We had a nice dinner with my folks and the aunties and the next morning were back on the plane! Whew. I think that's about it.
Gotta run!
Love,
L
On Friday my parents, peanut and I went to the Roseburg Arts Festival and chatted with some local artists that my parents know from the community. That was fun since I have been going to that event since I was Parker's age! I bought a couple of pretty photographs to bring home.
On Saturday we had a party for some of our family friends to come over and meet Parker. He met Jan and Dick, Virginia (our neighbor), Francis Sohn, Manya, Judy, and got to see auntie Leah again. That night we went out to eat with the Mullers (Leah's fam) at my favorite Chinese resteraunt. Yummy!
Uh oh.... two minutes to go.... Ok- So we drove up early Sunday, saw Aunt Kathy, uncle Paul, and my cousin Kristin and her husband Mark and their two cute kiddos, Cassie and Luke. Then we headed over to Auntie April's house and visited with her and Auntie Fletcher for a few hours. We had a nice dinner with my folks and the aunties and the next morning were back on the plane! Whew. I think that's about it.
Gotta run!
Love,
L
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