Saturday, December 31, 2011
Another day with dad...
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Opening his first present
Merry Christmas everyone. I'm hoping to do a comprehensive post about Christmas, but for now here's a video of Callan opening his first Christmas present from Santa! (It's a little boring, but I needed to take it for posterities sake).
Merry Christmas! Hope Santa was good to you and that you are spending this day with people you love.
Merry Christmas! Hope Santa was good to you and that you are spending this day with people you love.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Crazy Eights!
Dear Callan-
You are now 8 months old. Holy cow, how did that happen? This year has flown by at an incredible speed and I know it only goes faster from here. You had an amazing month, as you do most months, and each day is more fun than the last. You're at this point where you definitely aren't a baby and not quite a toddler, but you have tons of personality.
Your personality is so fun and I love imagining what it is you're thinking sometimes. You are so curious. Everyone comments on that -you hear noises and you'll immediately perk up and try to figure out where it's coming from. You see a speck on the floor and you need to investigate. A new texture or anything out of "place" you need to figure out. It's nice to know that you have good hearing and excellent eyesight, but does your exploration always have to conclude with you putting it in your mouth?!? You are definitely very tactile and love touching things, but why does the touching have to extend to your tongue? I try to tell myself you're just building your immune system, but when you tried to hoover the bottom of your tub to figure out what that blue spot was at the bottom (spoiler alert, it's the temperature gauge) I just thank my lucky stars that your dirty bath water was already drained.
You are a mover and a shaker and will.not.sit.still. Changing you used to be a quick and easy process, but now you are not content to just lie there. You need to sit, stand, crawl, pull up, roll over, really anything other than relax. You've been like this for awhile, but I was really hoping it was a phase. On the floor you love crawling your peg-legged crawl and you are such a boy and will crawl over, around and on top of anything in your way. You also love standing and trying to let go to stand on your own, but you're not quite there yet. You cruise on the furniture and on the gate, but you are a little cautious and it's funny to watch you try to determine the distance you can reach out with your other hand. There's such intense concentration that you can almost see the wheels turning in your brain -if only there were thought bubbles so we could see exactly what you are thinking. It's funny that you're cautious about that, because for everything else, you are a daredevil and have no fear. Given the opportunity you'd be willing to crawl right off the side of the bed, couch, changing table or anything where you could fall. Most babies love "flying", but your favorite part is when you fly and then the person pretends to drop you. Or when people scare you.. you will jump a little and you can tell you got scared, but then you'll start laughing.
Speaking of laughing, you are one of the smiliest, giggliest babies I know and I love that about you. Even when you're having a crummy day you still are able to let out a few laughs and smiles. It makes me feel like I'm doing something right. This past month has been crazy for me at work and I sometimes only get home to see you to bed, but those snuggles you give out are amazing and I hope you never get too old to do that. You've also learned to wave hello and good bye (we think) and you always wave with a smile. I love that. We're also trying to teach you to kiss and you sometimes will when prompted, but often times it's a messy slobbery kiss -we'll have to work on that! One of the funniest things you'll do is try to kiss someone through the slats of your crib or through the gate. I told your dad that it'll be a good skill to know when you're in jail, but he didn't think that was funny.
You're also talking/babbling a lot this month. You definitely have "mama" down and we think you're using it correctly as you'll often scream for me and once I'm there, you'll calm down. I guess that separation anxiety kicked in this month because you will fuss a bit when I leave you or walk away. I do know it is short lived because once I'm out of sight, you're ok. It's still tough for your dad to put you to bed at night or to comfort you when you wake up because you will scream for your mama and will not be happy until I arrive. You did manage to say "dada"a few times, but you're not saying it with the same consistency as "mama". You should really throw your dad a bone and start saying it more often.
Eating has been about the same. We consistently do dinner with you and you love food, especially finger foods. Given the choice between oatmeal/applesauce/yogurt or finger foods, you will pick finger foods every time. I think after Christmas you'll start doing lunch with Adelia because Luke will be starting lunch and I know you won't tolerate being excluded from the fun.
This month you got to see Santa. You are obviously too young to understand Christmas and the hoopla around Santa, but you were a good baby and we got your first picture. You had just woken up from your nap and you weren't up for smiling quite yet, but you didn't cry and you were definitely more fascinated with this guy with a beard. This year's picture was definitely more for mom (and the grandparents) than it was for you, but I'm glad we got it since I sometimes feel like we miss out on doing those typical "first" things.
I can't believe 2011 is almost over and that you're already 8 months old. Looking back on the past year, we (as a family) have been blessed with many things, but the one most obvious blessing has been you. You are a complete joy and it has been fun to watch you grow and develop, to see your dad be a dad and to see us grow as a family.
We aren't traveling to Boston or Montreal this year (for the first time) and although that makes me sad, I'm excited to start our own family traditions. They say Christmas is better when you have kids, and I know for sure my Christmas is better this year because of you.
Merry Christmas and happy 8 months bubs. You are the best and I love you. I can't wait to see what 2012 brings.
Love,
Mama
You are now 8 months old. Holy cow, how did that happen? This year has flown by at an incredible speed and I know it only goes faster from here. You had an amazing month, as you do most months, and each day is more fun than the last. You're at this point where you definitely aren't a baby and not quite a toddler, but you have tons of personality.
Your personality is so fun and I love imagining what it is you're thinking sometimes. You are so curious. Everyone comments on that -you hear noises and you'll immediately perk up and try to figure out where it's coming from. You see a speck on the floor and you need to investigate. A new texture or anything out of "place" you need to figure out. It's nice to know that you have good hearing and excellent eyesight, but does your exploration always have to conclude with you putting it in your mouth?!? You are definitely very tactile and love touching things, but why does the touching have to extend to your tongue? I try to tell myself you're just building your immune system, but when you tried to hoover the bottom of your tub to figure out what that blue spot was at the bottom (spoiler alert, it's the temperature gauge) I just thank my lucky stars that your dirty bath water was already drained.
You are a mover and a shaker and will.not.sit.still. Changing you used to be a quick and easy process, but now you are not content to just lie there. You need to sit, stand, crawl, pull up, roll over, really anything other than relax. You've been like this for awhile, but I was really hoping it was a phase. On the floor you love crawling your peg-legged crawl and you are such a boy and will crawl over, around and on top of anything in your way. You also love standing and trying to let go to stand on your own, but you're not quite there yet. You cruise on the furniture and on the gate, but you are a little cautious and it's funny to watch you try to determine the distance you can reach out with your other hand. There's such intense concentration that you can almost see the wheels turning in your brain -if only there were thought bubbles so we could see exactly what you are thinking. It's funny that you're cautious about that, because for everything else, you are a daredevil and have no fear. Given the opportunity you'd be willing to crawl right off the side of the bed, couch, changing table or anything where you could fall. Most babies love "flying", but your favorite part is when you fly and then the person pretends to drop you. Or when people scare you.. you will jump a little and you can tell you got scared, but then you'll start laughing.
Speaking of laughing, you are one of the smiliest, giggliest babies I know and I love that about you. Even when you're having a crummy day you still are able to let out a few laughs and smiles. It makes me feel like I'm doing something right. This past month has been crazy for me at work and I sometimes only get home to see you to bed, but those snuggles you give out are amazing and I hope you never get too old to do that. You've also learned to wave hello and good bye (we think) and you always wave with a smile. I love that. We're also trying to teach you to kiss and you sometimes will when prompted, but often times it's a messy slobbery kiss -we'll have to work on that! One of the funniest things you'll do is try to kiss someone through the slats of your crib or through the gate. I told your dad that it'll be a good skill to know when you're in jail, but he didn't think that was funny.
You're also talking/babbling a lot this month. You definitely have "mama" down and we think you're using it correctly as you'll often scream for me and once I'm there, you'll calm down. I guess that separation anxiety kicked in this month because you will fuss a bit when I leave you or walk away. I do know it is short lived because once I'm out of sight, you're ok. It's still tough for your dad to put you to bed at night or to comfort you when you wake up because you will scream for your mama and will not be happy until I arrive. You did manage to say "dada"a few times, but you're not saying it with the same consistency as "mama". You should really throw your dad a bone and start saying it more often.
Eating has been about the same. We consistently do dinner with you and you love food, especially finger foods. Given the choice between oatmeal/applesauce/yogurt or finger foods, you will pick finger foods every time. I think after Christmas you'll start doing lunch with Adelia because Luke will be starting lunch and I know you won't tolerate being excluded from the fun.
This month you got to see Santa. You are obviously too young to understand Christmas and the hoopla around Santa, but you were a good baby and we got your first picture. You had just woken up from your nap and you weren't up for smiling quite yet, but you didn't cry and you were definitely more fascinated with this guy with a beard. This year's picture was definitely more for mom (and the grandparents) than it was for you, but I'm glad we got it since I sometimes feel like we miss out on doing those typical "first" things.
I can't believe 2011 is almost over and that you're already 8 months old. Looking back on the past year, we (as a family) have been blessed with many things, but the one most obvious blessing has been you. You are a complete joy and it has been fun to watch you grow and develop, to see your dad be a dad and to see us grow as a family.
We aren't traveling to Boston or Montreal this year (for the first time) and although that makes me sad, I'm excited to start our own family traditions. They say Christmas is better when you have kids, and I know for sure my Christmas is better this year because of you.
Merry Christmas and happy 8 months bubs. You are the best and I love you. I can't wait to see what 2012 brings.
Love,
Mama
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Guess this is why overalls are so popular
Monday, December 12, 2011
Best Picture
Huge took this picture today and I don't know what makes me laugh more, the picture itself or the caption Huge put on the picture. Man these boys are cute (but seriously, how big is Callan? These boys are only 10 days apart!).
In my head, it's as if the two of them are up to no good and they just got caught red-handed. Luke is thinking to himself "oh shit" while Callan grabs his hand and thinks "okay, whatever you do, don't tell them." |
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Fighting the funk...
Recently I have subtly been fighting the funk (although if you ask Huge it probably hasn’t been so subtle because the poor guy has been getting the brunt of it). Things at work aren’t the greatest and I just feel like my life is a mess (in a disorganized kind of way). Work is "messy", my house is "messy" (although that one probably doesn’t need quotes, it actually IS a mess) and therefore my life seems messy. Nothing is actually wrong, it’s just been little things that have been building up and causing me to stress and feel out of balance.
For those of you that know me, I’m not one to stress about things. One of my strong suits (in my opinion) is my ability to stay pretty level headed and pragmatic, but somehow this snuck up on me and it all came to a head last night. I was in a BAD mood –I was stuck at work later than I wanted to be (again), I felt like I was not getting what I need to be getting done at work but I am also unwilling to work 12 hour days and my frustration level hit its peak. I ended up yelling at poor Huge and I realized that something has to give. Part of the problem is that I’m still trying to find that work/life balance. I thought I would be better at it by now, but I have to realize that I’ve only been back to work for 4 months and I need to cut myself some slack. I also need to find a way to make work more manageable because, like I said before, I’m not willing to work 12+ hour days and to be honest, I would love a 9-5, but I’ll settle for a 9-10 hour day and maybe I just need to manage my expectations more.
On top of the stress of work, I’m also subconsciously stressed about the upcoming year. As excited as I am for Huge’s new venture, it also scares me. I’ve always been the "bread winner" in our relationship and although I am more than happy to relinquish that title (anytime now), I’m ok with it. But with Huge starting his own business, it makes my responsibility that much greater (and if you refer to what I said earlier, that area of my life isn’t going the smoothest). So I think we just need to get on the same page about what our plans are (financially) for the upcoming year and how he envisions his schedule to be. I’ve never been real co-dependent on Huge, probably due to our extended long-distance relationship, but I do enjoy spending time with him and would love to have some family time. So although the traveling aspect of his job doesn’t bother me too much, I’m worried about the time he’ll be spending on projects while he’s home now that he won’t have regular business hours.
I realize that there are a lot of variables that I can’t control now and instead need to focus on those aspects I can. I need to find more balance in my life and to declutter the mess and the best way to do that is to make a plan of attack, and a list! (I love lists.) First, I need to figure out some time to exercise. I haven’t done hot yoga in a long time, but I remember how much I loved it. It was hard, but after class I always remember how I felt detoxed, relaxed and accomplished. There’s a studio near the house that does evening classes at either 7:30 or 8:30 and if I can commit to going once a week, I think that will do a lot in terms of getting my balance back. I also should get back to running, but I think for now I’m just going to commit to a once weekly yoga class. Second, I made a date with Huge to sit down and make a plan in regards to our finances and our plan for next year. And then finally, I’m going to get into the Christmas spirit. I love the holidays and all the hoopla that surrounds them (the lights, the music, the food, family/friends, etc) and for some reason I haven’t embraced it this year. But, I’m going to. We have plans to decorate on Sunday and we put together a last minute Christmas Open House… so gosh darn it, I’m going to get in the holiday spirit!
Now I’ve acknowledged the funk and made a plan to fight it, I already feel a thousand times better. Now if only those knots in my neck and back would disappear as well… I should take a page out of this kid's book. Look how relaxed he is –he fell asleep on the swing!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Guess he knows what no means...
Sunday, November 27, 2011
First family Thanksgiving
Friday, November 25, 2011
Day with dad
So far, so good.
Happy (day after) Thanksgiving!
I was hoping to get the perfect picture to accompany Callan's first Thanksgiving post but I was too busy enjoying the day to get it. Hope everyone had a great turkey day and hope you got to spend it with people you love (or at least thinking about them).
Callan, Huge and I have a lot to be thankful for this year, and this time of year always makes me a little more sentimental than normal. Thanksgiving kicks off the start of the crazy holiday season and it's easy to get caught up in the huddle and bustle. But try to remember the spirit of the holidays and remember all you have to be thankful for and remember to give those you love a little extra squeeze (after yesterday's food-stravaganza there's a little bit more of me to squeeze! Now excuse me while I try to keep my eyes open at work today. Looks like that fancy venti holiday coffee is calling my name...what's a few more calories?)
Callan, Huge and I have a lot to be thankful for this year, and this time of year always makes me a little more sentimental than normal. Thanksgiving kicks off the start of the crazy holiday season and it's easy to get caught up in the huddle and bustle. But try to remember the spirit of the holidays and remember all you have to be thankful for and remember to give those you love a little extra squeeze (after yesterday's food-stravaganza there's a little bit more of me to squeeze! Now excuse me while I try to keep my eyes open at work today. Looks like that fancy venti holiday coffee is calling my name...what's a few more calories?)
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Dear Callan -SEVEN!
Dear Bubs-
Today is your seven month birthday. Holy moly, 7 months? You're a bonna fide child now. How the heck did that happen? I guess I should get a refund on that time freezing machine I bought on QVC. This month has been ridiculous, but in the best way possible.
You got to go back to Boston to visit Nana and Papa as well as some of mama's friends this past month. While we were there you got to have a play date with Mabel. She's a few months older than you, but you are about the same size! It was so fun to see you guys play together and it made me wish we lived closer.
You've got such a personality and I love watching it develop. You are such a happy kid and I'm taking all the credit for it! People might try to tell you it's inherent, but I think it's due to your amazing parents! You still love bath time and love splashing around in your yellow ducky tub. At some point we'll need to transition you to the big tub and you'll probably lose your mind with the space you'll have to splash around. You don't mind water in your face (which makes washing your hair a breeze) and I can't wait to take you swimming, although it could be dangerous since you have no fear. One of the (many) cute things I love about you is your crazy hair. Dad calls it your radish top as it sticks straight out from the top of your head. I'm a little sad because it's starting to fall down and that is just one more thing from your "babyhood" that is almost gone.
We've slowly been introducing solids to you via baby led weaning. Although your main source of nutrition is still milk, it's been fun watching you discover food. You only have two teeth (the bottom ones) but you've done lots of vegetables and some meat and so far you seem to be enjoying all of it (except for curry, you've tried it a couple of times and have not been a fan). We incorporated some baby oatmeal into your diet in an attempt to get you some additional vitamins and iron (after we were reprimanded by the doctor) and since we also started some finger foods with you, we figure you'll also get some in the dry cereal. We haven't tried Cheerios yet, but right now rice Chex are a favorite of yours -I think you enjoy the crunch. Most days we do one meal (usually dinner although it's probably not even a full meal with you) and if we go out on the weekends we'll do those meals as well. You are so well behaved in restaurants and people are so impressed with you as you'll sit there and "eat" while everyone else does too. To be honest, I'm loving this baby led weaning thing because it allows you to feed yourself and frees up my hands so I can eat too (yes, your mama's a piggy)!
We are also giving you a little bit of water or milk during dinner and it's so cute to watch you drink (or attempt to drink) from a cup. I wanted to try and avoid the sippy cup since that's just another thing to wean you from, so we've been doing either a straw or a real cup and a shot glass is the perfect size for you to hold.
Speaking of shaking, you continue to be a squirmy worm and have taken it to a whole new level this month. Changing your diaper or your clothes has turned into something akin to wrestling a small animal, a ferrel animal at that. You flip over, try to sit, stand or really do anything other than lie peacefully on your back. You LOVE standing and will do it whenever you get the opportunity -even in your crib when you should be lying down and sleeping. Speaking of which, your sleep this past month has not been great and I really wish you would improve. I think you're paying me back for being so smug about your sleeping habits before, and if that's the case, lesson learned -you can go back to the old ways now. Your newest "trick" has been waking up in the middle of the night screaming bloody murder. You settle down immediately if someone goes in to hold you, but getting you back down to sleep in the crib is where the problem lies. Sigh, I would love that baby that slept 10+ hours in a row... if you see him, can you send him back my way? Tell him I miss him.
There is so much more I could write about you, but I don't have the time or energy -instead I'm going to save it all for you. Each month seems to go by faster and faster and I'm just not prepared for how much you've changed. This week is Thanksgiving, and in addition to the pies and stuffing, I'm taking time to be thankful and to count my blessings because I truly am lucky to have such wonderful family and friends (who are my family) as well as you, bubba, and daddy. This week kicks off the holiday season and although we won't be travelling this year to see family, we'll spend time together as a new family creating new traditions and memories and relishing your first Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year. This really is a magical time of year and I can't wait to share it with you.
You are the best.
Love,
Mama
Today is your seven month birthday. Holy moly, 7 months? You're a bonna fide child now. How the heck did that happen? I guess I should get a refund on that time freezing machine I bought on QVC. This month has been ridiculous, but in the best way possible.
You got to go back to Boston to visit Nana and Papa as well as some of mama's friends this past month. While we were there you got to have a play date with Mabel. She's a few months older than you, but you are about the same size! It was so fun to see you guys play together and it made me wish we lived closer.
 |
| Teasing Mabel |
 |
| Showing Mable the intricacies of the box |
 |
| You loved the faces Nate was making |
We've slowly been introducing solids to you via baby led weaning. Although your main source of nutrition is still milk, it's been fun watching you discover food. You only have two teeth (the bottom ones) but you've done lots of vegetables and some meat and so far you seem to be enjoying all of it (except for curry, you've tried it a couple of times and have not been a fan). We incorporated some baby oatmeal into your diet in an attempt to get you some additional vitamins and iron (after we were reprimanded by the doctor) and since we also started some finger foods with you, we figure you'll also get some in the dry cereal. We haven't tried Cheerios yet, but right now rice Chex are a favorite of yours -I think you enjoy the crunch. Most days we do one meal (usually dinner although it's probably not even a full meal with you) and if we go out on the weekends we'll do those meals as well. You are so well behaved in restaurants and people are so impressed with you as you'll sit there and "eat" while everyone else does too. To be honest, I'm loving this baby led weaning thing because it allows you to feed yourself and frees up my hands so I can eat too (yes, your mama's a piggy)!
 |
| I think you have a little something on your face |
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| Something to quench your thirst |
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| A quiet moment of play -where you're not moving! |
Physically you've done a lot this past month and you're developing at lightening speed. It's funny because you were a little "late" to the rolling, and I was convinced you could do it, but you just didn't want to. Well to prove me wrong, you seemed to go at lightening speed once you decided to become mobile and you went from rolling, to crawling to standing and now you're attempting to master walking, but hopefully that is still MONTHS away -seriously, months because mama can't handle you not being a baby. I joke with people that I trip you when you try to walk, but don't worry, I'm not really doing that (or at least not admitting it to the internet!). I also joke that you're not even that good at crawling -you have the funniest crawl that I call a peg-legged crawl since you like to use one knee (your right) and one foot (your left) to propel yourself forward. If you wear baggy pants it's hard to tell that you're using a foot instead of a knee and it just looks like you shake your butt a lot when you move.
Speaking of shaking, you continue to be a squirmy worm and have taken it to a whole new level this month. Changing your diaper or your clothes has turned into something akin to wrestling a small animal, a ferrel animal at that. You flip over, try to sit, stand or really do anything other than lie peacefully on your back. You LOVE standing and will do it whenever you get the opportunity -even in your crib when you should be lying down and sleeping. Speaking of which, your sleep this past month has not been great and I really wish you would improve. I think you're paying me back for being so smug about your sleeping habits before, and if that's the case, lesson learned -you can go back to the old ways now. Your newest "trick" has been waking up in the middle of the night screaming bloody murder. You settle down immediately if someone goes in to hold you, but getting you back down to sleep in the crib is where the problem lies. Sigh, I would love that baby that slept 10+ hours in a row... if you see him, can you send him back my way? Tell him I miss him.
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| Good morning sleepy head. You might not have slept through the night, but you still are cute |
You are the best.
 |
| Happy 7 months! |
Love,
Mama
Monday, November 21, 2011
On our own
Although I'm not known for my cooking skills, I didn't have any complaints about dinner tonight!
We started eating dinner together with Callan and although real meals aren't replacing milk, he's been getting kind of demanding about food when you eat in front of him. I think he gets that from me -I mean, who likes to watch other people eat?!? I told Adelia about this new "quirk" and she sent this picture today of the boys watching her eat applesauce. Hysterical! Luke looks desperate and Callan just looks sad. Poor kid, he does love applesauce.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
Don't mind me
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Top of the morning
That last post has been up for way too long! Time for a cute picture.
This is what greets us in the morning... It's a good thing we skipped the middle setting and lowered the crib all the way down. This kid is out of control.
This is what greets us in the morning... It's a good thing we skipped the middle setting and lowered the crib all the way down. This kid is out of control.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Sobering Realization
I hesitated to write this post because I'm embarrassed by what happened to prompt this topic, but then if I didn't write, this would be disingenuous and not a true reflection of what's going on. I guess that's why they say that history is written by the victors -they can determine what to document and what to exclude. Anyway, that is a very long winded introduction to what has been on my mind today, which is a bit more serious than most posts I type out here.
Without going into too many (embarrassing) details, I went to a daytime wine event that turned into a drink-fest and I over indulged (to say the least). Before anyone calls DSS on me, Callan was well cared for under the watchful eye of a babysitter and I was not doing this over indulging while caring for him. But, I was over zealous to say the least and definitely not in any condition to care for my child (if I had to) and the sobering realization I had today was that how massively irresponsible that was of me. It's embarrassing enough to be a 30-something-year-old out drunk, but now that I'm a mom, more importantly Callan's mom, that is just unacceptable. I realize this and the more I think about it, the more embarrassed I get about it. What if something had happened to the babysitter and I had to go home or what if something happened to Huge and I had to be in charge after the event... there was no way that would have been possible.
There was an article I read recently on jezebel.com and the author was commenting that a baby is supposed to cramp your style, but "Facebook photos of friends and acquaintances began to confirm what we'd suspected was happening to everyone but us: People with babies were getting on with their lives immediately". She talks about her isolation and confinement but, "if we were looking for other friends with babies to commiserate with our newfound hermitage, they were too busy on vacations overseas, out seeing new movies or taking their baby to Bonnaroo to be around for a quick chat."
I know we lucked out and Callan is a very easy baby and because of that we've been able to take him out and about with us, altering his schedule a little bit in order to accomplish whatever we have on tap for that day. I've prided myself on the fact that we take Callan out with us and our lives haven't changed too drastically since his arrival. Granted we don't go out as much as we used to, but at the age of 6 months, Callan has been to many, many restaurants, on multiple plane rides and to concerts in the park, but now I'm thinking maybe I'm doing this wrong... maybe I'm still clinging on to my former life a little bit -one that was childless and carefree and just cramming Callan into it? I don't know. I know I'm over thinking this and I should just chalk up yesterday to a lesson learned, no harm no foul... but for some reason I'm taking this one a bit rougher and it's making me think a bit harder. Maybe it's the realization that there is no "off duty" time when you become a parent... I've always said that I can handle the baby and toddler stage, but what freaks me out is thinking of being the parent to a teenager, but I certainly will be. I guess at that point I'll have many years of parenting experience under my belt and will be better equipped to handle it, but sometimes I have to remind myself that I'm an adult and now I'm responsible for another little human. I sometimes joke with Huge when our house is a disaster with laundry everywhere and dust you can see with the naked eye, that we need to start living like adults, but I wonder when do you feel like an adult? I can live with the fact that my life has changed and honestly, I wouldn't want to go back to my "old" life anyway -not when I have this:
Without going into too many (embarrassing) details, I went to a daytime wine event that turned into a drink-fest and I over indulged (to say the least). Before anyone calls DSS on me, Callan was well cared for under the watchful eye of a babysitter and I was not doing this over indulging while caring for him. But, I was over zealous to say the least and definitely not in any condition to care for my child (if I had to) and the sobering realization I had today was that how massively irresponsible that was of me. It's embarrassing enough to be a 30-something-year-old out drunk, but now that I'm a mom, more importantly Callan's mom, that is just unacceptable. I realize this and the more I think about it, the more embarrassed I get about it. What if something had happened to the babysitter and I had to go home or what if something happened to Huge and I had to be in charge after the event... there was no way that would have been possible.
There was an article I read recently on jezebel.com and the author was commenting that a baby is supposed to cramp your style, but "Facebook photos of friends and acquaintances began to confirm what we'd suspected was happening to everyone but us: People with babies were getting on with their lives immediately". She talks about her isolation and confinement but, "if we were looking for other friends with babies to commiserate with our newfound hermitage, they were too busy on vacations overseas, out seeing new movies or taking their baby to Bonnaroo to be around for a quick chat."
I know we lucked out and Callan is a very easy baby and because of that we've been able to take him out and about with us, altering his schedule a little bit in order to accomplish whatever we have on tap for that day. I've prided myself on the fact that we take Callan out with us and our lives haven't changed too drastically since his arrival. Granted we don't go out as much as we used to, but at the age of 6 months, Callan has been to many, many restaurants, on multiple plane rides and to concerts in the park, but now I'm thinking maybe I'm doing this wrong... maybe I'm still clinging on to my former life a little bit -one that was childless and carefree and just cramming Callan into it? I don't know. I know I'm over thinking this and I should just chalk up yesterday to a lesson learned, no harm no foul... but for some reason I'm taking this one a bit rougher and it's making me think a bit harder. Maybe it's the realization that there is no "off duty" time when you become a parent... I've always said that I can handle the baby and toddler stage, but what freaks me out is thinking of being the parent to a teenager, but I certainly will be. I guess at that point I'll have many years of parenting experience under my belt and will be better equipped to handle it, but sometimes I have to remind myself that I'm an adult and now I'm responsible for another little human. I sometimes joke with Huge when our house is a disaster with laundry everywhere and dust you can see with the naked eye, that we need to start living like adults, but I wonder when do you feel like an adult? I can live with the fact that my life has changed and honestly, I wouldn't want to go back to my "old" life anyway -not when I have this:
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
What a weekend
This past weekend we took another family trip out east to see my family. It was a busy, busy weekend but it was great to see some family and friends, especially since we won't be making it back for the holidays. The weekend started off a little rough when I realized that I forgot two important things -my medication and my pump parts! Gah. It was frustrating and I may have taken it out on Huge, but isn't that what he's there for?
We arrived in Boston on Saturday and spent the afternoon hanging out at nana and papa's.
My brother and sister-in-law come over and then the 6 1/2 of us went out to dinner. Callan was great and enjoyed dinner out. Sunday was a busy day that started with brunch with my friends Julie and Lauren. We hadn't seen each other in awhile so it was great to catch up.
That afternoon we went to the mall so I could pick up the forgotten things and to meet up with my friend Teresa. Huge went to photograph an event that night (the reason that prompted this trip) and Callan and I hung out at nana and papa's. Monday was busy. Callan had a play date with Mabel (and her parents Lisa and Nate). It was so fun to see them and to watch Callan and Mabel interact. Last time they met, Callan was only about 6 weeks old and they were both very stationary. This time we couldn't get those two to sit still. Also, Callan is almost 3 months younger than Mabel but is the same size as her!
After the play date we went into town and met the girls (Warner, Barrett/Carr and Jenn) for lunch. That night Huge and I went out to dinner sans Callan with our friends Grover and Juli to Harvest in Cambridge. That meal deserves it's own post, but needless to say, it was an amazing dinner and we were given the royal treatment (one of the hidden perks of Huge's job).
Somehow through all the coming and going, Callan decided to learn another new skill. He's been doing his peg-legged crawling (using one knee and one foot) since the beginning of the month, but he's decided that's not good enough. While at my parents, Callan decided that he needs to pull himself up on things and he wants to walk! The funniest thing was this box at my parents house that was a big hit with Callan. He could climb on it, bang on it and use it to push around the living room like a walker. I am NOT ready for this! Would it be ok if I just keep him strapped down or tie his legs together?
The poor kid did not sleep well the entire time we were in Boston. He's usually a champion sleeper, but we were unable to get a good night's sleep with him (and even his naps were a bit rough). I don't know if it's teething (he's getting a second), or new skills (crawling/pulling up/walking) or what, but he did not sleep well and that meant neither did mama!
Today he was back with Luke and Adelia and one happy camper to get back to his own routine.
However, he hasn't quite recovered from the weekend and the time changes. He went to bed without dinner tonight although we'll have to see how long he stays asleep. Wowsers, what a weekend. I'm exhausted just typing it all out!
We arrived in Boston on Saturday and spent the afternoon hanging out at nana and papa's.
My brother and sister-in-law come over and then the 6 1/2 of us went out to dinner. Callan was great and enjoyed dinner out. Sunday was a busy day that started with brunch with my friends Julie and Lauren. We hadn't seen each other in awhile so it was great to catch up.
That afternoon we went to the mall so I could pick up the forgotten things and to meet up with my friend Teresa. Huge went to photograph an event that night (the reason that prompted this trip) and Callan and I hung out at nana and papa's. Monday was busy. Callan had a play date with Mabel (and her parents Lisa and Nate). It was so fun to see them and to watch Callan and Mabel interact. Last time they met, Callan was only about 6 weeks old and they were both very stationary. This time we couldn't get those two to sit still. Also, Callan is almost 3 months younger than Mabel but is the same size as her!
After the play date we went into town and met the girls (Warner, Barrett/Carr and Jenn) for lunch. That night Huge and I went out to dinner sans Callan with our friends Grover and Juli to Harvest in Cambridge. That meal deserves it's own post, but needless to say, it was an amazing dinner and we were given the royal treatment (one of the hidden perks of Huge's job).
Somehow through all the coming and going, Callan decided to learn another new skill. He's been doing his peg-legged crawling (using one knee and one foot) since the beginning of the month, but he's decided that's not good enough. While at my parents, Callan decided that he needs to pull himself up on things and he wants to walk! The funniest thing was this box at my parents house that was a big hit with Callan. He could climb on it, bang on it and use it to push around the living room like a walker. I am NOT ready for this! Would it be ok if I just keep him strapped down or tie his legs together?
The poor kid did not sleep well the entire time we were in Boston. He's usually a champion sleeper, but we were unable to get a good night's sleep with him (and even his naps were a bit rough). I don't know if it's teething (he's getting a second), or new skills (crawling/pulling up/walking) or what, but he did not sleep well and that meant neither did mama!
Today he was back with Luke and Adelia and one happy camper to get back to his own routine.
However, he hasn't quite recovered from the weekend and the time changes. He went to bed without dinner tonight although we'll have to see how long he stays asleep. Wowsers, what a weekend. I'm exhausted just typing it all out!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
6 month appointment
On Monday (October 31st) Callan went in for his 6 month well baby visit. Officially 6 months, 9 days old Callan aced the visit with flying colors. After months of being off of it, he finally made it onto the height and weight chart! At 21 pounds, 29 inches and a head circumference of 17.5 inches, he is in the 90th percentile for weight, >95th percentile for length and 60th percentile for head. He is growing bigger and stronger each day. He had another round of vaccines and his first flu shot. In previous appointments it seemed like he was bothered by the shots and needed more cuddles and nursing time, but this time he handled it like a champ and so far has not been affected.
I will say that we did have a bit of an interesting doctor's appointment. Our pediatrician that we had been seeing is gone so we were with a new doctor and I don't think our philosophies really meshed. Granted, I realize he's a board certified doctor and went to medical school, etc, so he is probably much smarter than I am, but for certain things I'm not sure I can take his word as gospel. Huge and I discussed it and we agree that we don't think this doctor is for us, but we will continue to go to the practice as we love everything else about it. Although I won't go into specifics, there was a bit of fear mongering that occurred and this particular doctor definitely saw things more in black and white/right and wrong and for certain things he wanted to let us know we were wrong. I know that we're not perfect parents and this is more than just that knee-jerk reaction you get when you're being attacked... he pretty much wanted to let us know that we were inadvertently poisoning our child by letting him chew on things not meant for babies, that we were weak because we were letting him call the shots by allowing him to eat in the middle of the night (this might be true) and that we are depriving him of nutrition/vitamins by skipping iron fortified cereals and doing baby led weaning (an approach to solids that many doctors do not seem to agree with). I will say he convinced us to get more iron into Callan's diet as he is anemic (makes sense since mom is too -although after doing some research after we left, Callan's numbers are almost normal), but his bedside manner could use some work! We had heard from others that you either love or hate this doctor and although I won't say we hate him, we just don't love him like we did our last. We have another appointment in a month with the same doctor so Callan can get the second round of the flu shot and the other vaccines (they split the 6 month vaccines since there are so many), but his next well baby visit at 9 months will be with another doctor. (Although now that I've had some time to think about it, this doctor wasn't so bad... maybe we'll go back. I just remember being pretty upset at the appointment... now, not so much. Maybe I just have a bad memory?)
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| Callan seems skeptical of mama's memory too... |
Clearly Callan is a healthy, happy little boy and no doctor is going to tell me otherwise!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Play ball
This kid will laugh at anything. His newest fascination -balls being thrown in the air. He thinks they are hysterical.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Happy Halloween!
Baby chef wishes you all a Happy Halloween. Hope you're cooking up some fun tonight.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Rough housing
First it looks all innocent...
And then he goes rogue.
And then he goes rogue.
I sure hope these boys like each other...
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Dear Callan -6 of one, half a dozen of something
Dear Callan-
Today is your 6 month birthday (now it's yesterday -I started this on your actual birthday but didn't finish it until the day after. Oops). Do you know what that means? That means you need two hands to count the number of months old you are and that half of a year has already passed. HALF.A.YEAR -another half of a year and you'll be a whole year old (that's how math works). That is ridiculous. Do you hear me? Ridiculous!
Before I started this newsletter I did something that I don't usually do -I reread the previous letters and you know what I found out? I write every month about how fast the month has gone by, how much you've developed and how great the month has been. Well, I don't want to disappoint, so let me tell you. This month, month 6, has been crazy. It's gone by way too fast, you've developed at lightening speed and it's been an amazing month!
So much has happened I can't even wrap my mind around it and to be honest, it seems like it all happened in the past few weeks. This month also included wonder week 26, and boy was it a wonder week! On your 6 month birthday you decided to pop your first tooth. We've been able to feel it for a little while and your dad claimed he's seen it before, but today was the first day I could see it -so that means it didn't count until today. Haha, that's how it works in mama's head. Last week you figured out how to get to a sitting position from your belly, which is an amazing feat and now you do it all the time like it's nothing. Now it kind of seems like you're trying to stand/walk, although I would really prefer you learn how to crawl first. But if we're being honest, I wish you would skip the mobility thing altogether. Rolling and army crawling is all my mind can handle right now as it's already being blown on a daily basis and can't handle any more. For some reason in my head you stopped aging around 3 months, so it takes me a minute (or two) to calculate how old you really are. I wonder when you're 30 if I'll still have to do this kind of math in my head.
Anyway, other physical developments this month: You do this really cute downward dog pose and you move your feet/legs (it seems like you're really good at yoga -you do downward dog, cobra, pigeon and happy baby). Good thing you're kind of top heavy otherwise you'd be standing! You are really good with your hand eye coordination and we've taken advantage of this by starting you on solids. So far you've had apples, apple sauce, bananas, mango, pear, green beans, baba ganoush on pita bread, home fries, cheesy grits and kale. So far you've seemed to like everything although it is hard to judge since we only give you a few teaspoons at a time. Your dad and I are excited to introduce all sorts of foods and flavors to you and now that you can sit up in a high chair in restaurants, I think the introduction of foods is going to increase.
We are still nursing and you're taking the bottle from us before bed and from Adelia during the day. A few weeks ago I thought you were starting to wean as you showed for the first time a preference for the bottle over the bewb and I was actually pretty sad about it, more so than I expected. Thankfully it turned out just to be a bit of a nursing strike so I don't have to say good bye to that quite yet. As we slowly introduce more solids to you, I'm sure we'll naturally start to wean and hopefully I'll be more prepared.
You are still the curious creature who loves to look, listen and touch. You touch everything and like to feel and grab different thing. You especially love touching peoples faces, but we need to work on your "gentle" touches. You still love to put everything in your mouth and you've started this new habit where you'll put a toy in your mouth and then decide not to hold it with your hands anymore and continue on your business either sitting and reaching for other toys or rocking on all fours. It's incredibly cute, but it makes me compare you to a puppy -I mean, a really cute puppy, but using your mouth to transport objects like that is kind of what dogs do!
It seemed like overnight you could sit up and then you've decided to do all these other things -it's been a crazy month. As you can imagine, you are a squirmy worm, which makes diaper changes and getting dressed really interesting as you refuse.to.sit.still.
Your sleep this month has been a little erratic. I don't know if it's because of a growth spurt, you're cutting teeth, wonder weeks or what, but you still wake up at least once in the middle of the night and lately you've been waking up a few times in the hour or two after you go down. You do this cute thing when you're getting ready to fall asleep where you roll over to your side or onto your belly and stick your butt up in the air. As much fun as I have with you when you're awake, I could watch you sleep for hours. There has been a lot of talk recently about the banning/outlawing of crib bumpers. When you're older you're going to realize we had one on your crib and might wonder why we would put you in that kind of danger. Well the thing is kid, your dad and I nicknamed you danger baby and part of that is because you enjoy slamming your body from side to side in the crib like a pinball. I don't know if you're just trying to figure out the dimensions or if you would keep rolling if you could, but I feel like the bumpers are there for your protection. Plus, you like to snuggle up next to them to sleep and a bumper is much more snugly than the wooden slats of a crib. So for now the bumpers are staying on.
This month your babbling has really increased and recently (as in, within the last week) you finally started opening your mouth when you talk. It was very cute before that you would talk/hum with your mouth shut. You've finally opened your mouth, but that also means you now talk a lot louder than you did before! We're trying to work on your "indoor voice", but (shockingly) you haven't grasped that concept. You are much more talkative and you do this really cute thing where you stick out your tongue -it's like you're rediscovering it. I'm trying to teach you how to blow raspberries, but so far you've only gotten the sticking out the tongue part down.
You still love bath time and since you can sit up, it's made it much easier for us. You love splashing and don't seem to mind too much when water hits your face. I still want to take you for swim lessons and am so excited to take you swimming when we're on vacation. We only bathe you a couple times a week because you have such dry, sensitive skin, but I think you would let us do it every day. Thankfully we've never had a problem bathing you and now that you can splash you're really having fun.
Anyway kiddo, 6 months has come and gone and each day you still continue to amaze me. Even on your grumpiest day, you're a joy to us and your dad and I are having so much fun with you. We've turned into those people who think their kid is the best/smartest/funniest/cutest and want to share their accomplishments with everyone. I guess in a way that's what this blog has turned into since you have so many people in your life who are far away and want to keep up with you. You are truly blessed and lucky to have this extended family of friends and family and I hope you realize how lucky you are.
Well if you made it this far you deserve a prize. As your dad says, this is your whole bag of tricks in one short video!
I love you bubbers and you are truly amazing. I know everyone says that about their kids, but for you, it's true *wink*. You are a happy, smiley baby that makes us happy and smiley. I love you more than words can express and I hope I continue to tell you as much as I do now. I wouldn't trade you for anything and I'm so honored and proud to be your mama.
Happy 6 month birthday bubs.
Love,
Mama
Today is your 6 month birthday (now it's yesterday -I started this on your actual birthday but didn't finish it until the day after. Oops). Do you know what that means? That means you need two hands to count the number of months old you are and that half of a year has already passed. HALF.A.YEAR -another half of a year and you'll be a whole year old (that's how math works). That is ridiculous. Do you hear me? Ridiculous!
Before I started this newsletter I did something that I don't usually do -I reread the previous letters and you know what I found out? I write every month about how fast the month has gone by, how much you've developed and how great the month has been. Well, I don't want to disappoint, so let me tell you. This month, month 6, has been crazy. It's gone by way too fast, you've developed at lightening speed and it's been an amazing month!
So much has happened I can't even wrap my mind around it and to be honest, it seems like it all happened in the past few weeks. This month also included wonder week 26, and boy was it a wonder week! On your 6 month birthday you decided to pop your first tooth. We've been able to feel it for a little while and your dad claimed he's seen it before, but today was the first day I could see it -so that means it didn't count until today. Haha, that's how it works in mama's head. Last week you figured out how to get to a sitting position from your belly, which is an amazing feat and now you do it all the time like it's nothing. Now it kind of seems like you're trying to stand/walk, although I would really prefer you learn how to crawl first. But if we're being honest, I wish you would skip the mobility thing altogether. Rolling and army crawling is all my mind can handle right now as it's already being blown on a daily basis and can't handle any more. For some reason in my head you stopped aging around 3 months, so it takes me a minute (or two) to calculate how old you really are. I wonder when you're 30 if I'll still have to do this kind of math in my head.
 |
| Your form could use a little work -maybe nana can help. |
 |
| Having brunch in your Halloween costume -don't worry we don't normally dress you up like this. |
You are still the curious creature who loves to look, listen and touch. You touch everything and like to feel and grab different thing. You especially love touching peoples faces, but we need to work on your "gentle" touches. You still love to put everything in your mouth and you've started this new habit where you'll put a toy in your mouth and then decide not to hold it with your hands anymore and continue on your business either sitting and reaching for other toys or rocking on all fours. It's incredibly cute, but it makes me compare you to a puppy -I mean, a really cute puppy, but using your mouth to transport objects like that is kind of what dogs do!
It seemed like overnight you could sit up and then you've decided to do all these other things -it's been a crazy month. As you can imagine, you are a squirmy worm, which makes diaper changes and getting dressed really interesting as you refuse.to.sit.still.
Your sleep this month has been a little erratic. I don't know if it's because of a growth spurt, you're cutting teeth, wonder weeks or what, but you still wake up at least once in the middle of the night and lately you've been waking up a few times in the hour or two after you go down. You do this cute thing when you're getting ready to fall asleep where you roll over to your side or onto your belly and stick your butt up in the air. As much fun as I have with you when you're awake, I could watch you sleep for hours. There has been a lot of talk recently about the banning/outlawing of crib bumpers. When you're older you're going to realize we had one on your crib and might wonder why we would put you in that kind of danger. Well the thing is kid, your dad and I nicknamed you danger baby and part of that is because you enjoy slamming your body from side to side in the crib like a pinball. I don't know if you're just trying to figure out the dimensions or if you would keep rolling if you could, but I feel like the bumpers are there for your protection. Plus, you like to snuggle up next to them to sleep and a bumper is much more snugly than the wooden slats of a crib. So for now the bumpers are staying on.
This month your babbling has really increased and recently (as in, within the last week) you finally started opening your mouth when you talk. It was very cute before that you would talk/hum with your mouth shut. You've finally opened your mouth, but that also means you now talk a lot louder than you did before! We're trying to work on your "indoor voice", but (shockingly) you haven't grasped that concept. You are much more talkative and you do this really cute thing where you stick out your tongue -it's like you're rediscovering it. I'm trying to teach you how to blow raspberries, but so far you've only gotten the sticking out the tongue part down.
You still love bath time and since you can sit up, it's made it much easier for us. You love splashing and don't seem to mind too much when water hits your face. I still want to take you for swim lessons and am so excited to take you swimming when we're on vacation. We only bathe you a couple times a week because you have such dry, sensitive skin, but I think you would let us do it every day. Thankfully we've never had a problem bathing you and now that you can splash you're really having fun.
Anyway kiddo, 6 months has come and gone and each day you still continue to amaze me. Even on your grumpiest day, you're a joy to us and your dad and I are having so much fun with you. We've turned into those people who think their kid is the best/smartest/funniest/cutest and want to share their accomplishments with everyone. I guess in a way that's what this blog has turned into since you have so many people in your life who are far away and want to keep up with you. You are truly blessed and lucky to have this extended family of friends and family and I hope you realize how lucky you are.
Well if you made it this far you deserve a prize. As your dad says, this is your whole bag of tricks in one short video!
I love you bubbers and you are truly amazing. I know everyone says that about their kids, but for you, it's true *wink*. You are a happy, smiley baby that makes us happy and smiley. I love you more than words can express and I hope I continue to tell you as much as I do now. I wouldn't trade you for anything and I'm so honored and proud to be your mama.
Love,
Mama
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