Elliott started crawling the week of Christmas. All of a sudden, he just lunged forward and took off. He moved slowly at first, but now that he's moving he always wants to be on the floor, mobile. He's really screaching now too. The screaching has replaced the ooh ooh ooh sounds. He's found his voice I guess! Something else that is new is that Elliott is reaching he arm up in the air and moving his fingers. He'll raise his arm up at the lights, at the tree, at someone who walks in the room. Maybe it's a form of waving bye bye? Maybe it's the first step to pointing? Not sure, but it's new, cute and he does it a lot these days.
Elliott had a very nice first Christmas. I was able to take off work the week of Christmas and was so lucky to spend the time with Elliott. We had such a great time finishing up our shopping, taking naps, playing together, and reading books and cooking! It snowed on Elliotts first Christmas too, his first snow. He went to Christmas mass on Christmas eve with his mommy, daddy, grammy, and great-great uncle John. He was really good in church but was very interested in the little girls sitting next to us. I would say he was actually flerting with those girls! He was tilting his head and smiling at them, reaching out to them. It didnt help that they were smiling and waving at him too. He is such a cute baby that it's hard for people to not smile at him. I was in Barnes and Noble before Christmas with him and one woman walked by and stopped to look at him and said to me 'what a beautiful baby.' And he is. After mass Elliott spent Christmas eve dinner with his Grammy, Grandpa, Great-Great Uncle John and his mommy and daddy. On Christmas morning his grandparents came over for beakfast and he gave his Christmas gifts to his grandparents: a picture frame with one of his 6 month photos and a package of diapers! His grandmothers were opening the diapers and they were surprised to see that the diapers were for a newborn, but when mommy confirmed the diapers were for a new baby everyone screamed in excitement! Yes, Elliott is going to be a big brother in August 2010.
Elliott received so many wonderful gifts from his grandparents, santa, his aunts and uncles and cousins. He is so blessed to have so many people who love him and made his first Christmas so special. Thanks to all his loved ones who made his first Christmas so memorable.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
December 14
Elliott is really mobile now. As soon as he is put down on his back he rolls over and is up on his knees. He still hasn't figured out how to move forward more than one lunge. One day last week it he was all of a sudden able to move from his back, roll over to his tummy, then move to a sitting position. He is now flipping himself over in his crib at night and is sleeping on his tummy more often.
Elliott has had some restless nights lately. Up until now, we've been really lucky to have such a good sleeper: usually, Elliott is asleep by 7 and sleeps all night long until 6ish. Lately though, he's been waking up at midnight and will not go back to sleep. Maybe it's a growth spurt, but even though he had plenty of food during the day he was crying in hunger and after a bottle he was ready for sleep. Sometimes even after the bottle he cries. We finally decided to let him cry it out. As the books all said, it was tougher on us than on him. We turned off the monitor and let him fall asleep on his own, finally. I think all together it usually takes about an hour/hour and half before he's back to sleep. It makes for an exhausting day. Thankfully last night he slept all night with no interruptions.
Elliott is also starting to pull up on furniture. He will grab hold of his toy box and pull himself up to his knees. He can now pull himself up in his crib so the crib rail is in his mouth. Tonight he tried to pull up to the tub, so I stood him on his feet while he held on looking in at the tub while I turned on the faucets. He was really intrigued, watching the water fill the tub.
In the mornings we have a little ritual where we get him up and bring him in our room for his bottle. Aaron will feed him his bottle, then they sit in the arm chair and get out a couple of books. Elliott will handle the books, and now he can open the board book pages. He actually 'talks' to the books: de da de th de the da ba ba." Aaron will read him the book and Elliott loves it! Then, we put him on the floor with his softbound books and he 'reads' and plays with them. So, morning is book time for Elliott.
Elliott has a big appetite too. His favorite baby foods are carrots, sweet potatoes, applesauce, and he loves bananas. I've started to mash up a banana and let him taste 'real' banana. The texture is new and strange to him, so hopefully after a few more times he'll be used to it and like it. I've also tried to give him cheerios. He doesn't quite know what to do with them. He holds the o in his hand and eventually they end up on his lap and then in Max's belly. I'm just not sure if Eliott either isn't ready for pieces of real food or if he just doesn't like the food he's been offered. I am going to cook up a sweet potato tomorrow and let him give that a try.
This week we are going to put up our Christmas tree. Elliott really liked seeing his Grammy's tree this weekend - it was covered in blue and white lights and all Elliott could do was say 'oh oh' when looking at it. I hope he likes our tree! We've bought a few Christmas gifts for Elliott, but we figure that the real fun will be this weekend when we take him to see Santa on Sunday.
Elliott has the best temperament. Everyone at daycare says how happy he is, how he loves to squeal and play and laugh. It's also nice to see how he really enjoys seeing his friends when he gets there in the morning. That makes it easier on us, knowing that he likes where he is when he's not with us.
Elliott has had some restless nights lately. Up until now, we've been really lucky to have such a good sleeper: usually, Elliott is asleep by 7 and sleeps all night long until 6ish. Lately though, he's been waking up at midnight and will not go back to sleep. Maybe it's a growth spurt, but even though he had plenty of food during the day he was crying in hunger and after a bottle he was ready for sleep. Sometimes even after the bottle he cries. We finally decided to let him cry it out. As the books all said, it was tougher on us than on him. We turned off the monitor and let him fall asleep on his own, finally. I think all together it usually takes about an hour/hour and half before he's back to sleep. It makes for an exhausting day. Thankfully last night he slept all night with no interruptions.
Elliott is also starting to pull up on furniture. He will grab hold of his toy box and pull himself up to his knees. He can now pull himself up in his crib so the crib rail is in his mouth. Tonight he tried to pull up to the tub, so I stood him on his feet while he held on looking in at the tub while I turned on the faucets. He was really intrigued, watching the water fill the tub.
In the mornings we have a little ritual where we get him up and bring him in our room for his bottle. Aaron will feed him his bottle, then they sit in the arm chair and get out a couple of books. Elliott will handle the books, and now he can open the board book pages. He actually 'talks' to the books: de da de th de the da ba ba." Aaron will read him the book and Elliott loves it! Then, we put him on the floor with his softbound books and he 'reads' and plays with them. So, morning is book time for Elliott.
Elliott has a big appetite too. His favorite baby foods are carrots, sweet potatoes, applesauce, and he loves bananas. I've started to mash up a banana and let him taste 'real' banana. The texture is new and strange to him, so hopefully after a few more times he'll be used to it and like it. I've also tried to give him cheerios. He doesn't quite know what to do with them. He holds the o in his hand and eventually they end up on his lap and then in Max's belly. I'm just not sure if Eliott either isn't ready for pieces of real food or if he just doesn't like the food he's been offered. I am going to cook up a sweet potato tomorrow and let him give that a try.
This week we are going to put up our Christmas tree. Elliott really liked seeing his Grammy's tree this weekend - it was covered in blue and white lights and all Elliott could do was say 'oh oh' when looking at it. I hope he likes our tree! We've bought a few Christmas gifts for Elliott, but we figure that the real fun will be this weekend when we take him to see Santa on Sunday.
Elliott has the best temperament. Everyone at daycare says how happy he is, how he loves to squeal and play and laugh. It's also nice to see how he really enjoys seeing his friends when he gets there in the morning. That makes it easier on us, knowing that he likes where he is when he's not with us.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
December 1
Elliott had a nice first Thanksgiving. The weekend was full of spending time with family and trying new foods. Elliott tasted mashed potatoes and real sweet potatoes for the first time. He also tried a little bit of stuffing. He seemed to enjoy it.
His two bottom teeth are poking their way through, slowly but surely. It is obvious that he is experiencing some pain, so we've tried to alleviate the pain with some tylenol. He also has a cough that won't go away and a runny nose, so I took him to the doctor again yesterday. They said he sounded good and his ears looked great, so we just have to continue with the humidifier and the vicks vaporub.
Elliott is really moving fast now. When on his back, he flips over quickly onto his tummy. He flips over a lot in his crib and on several occasions in the last week I've gone into his room at night or in the morning and he's on his tummy.
Elliott also discovered a new sound 'oh.' It is so funny - he'll notice something and say 'oh' then look in another direction and say 'oh' and on and on. In the morning, when he wakes up, all we hear on the monitor is 'oh, oh, oh, oh' it's so funny!!
Elliott is also searching for toys when they fall on the floor. When I hold him on my lap and we are looking at a book, he will now drop it on the floor then lean over to look at it on the floor. I will say 'uh oh' and pick it up. TOnight, he was dropping his bath toys over the edge of his bath tub, then leaning over and reaching down to pick it up. He was straining and reaching and when he finally was able to grasp the toy, he brought it up to his mouth and gave it a big bite! Everything is going into his mouth these days due to his teething, though!
This evening Elliott was in his Exersaucer, which was butting up to the antique commode. I turned around and Elliott had pulled out the top drawer of the commode and was peering into the drawer. Another reminder that we need to secure all the drawers in the house, and soon!
His two bottom teeth are poking their way through, slowly but surely. It is obvious that he is experiencing some pain, so we've tried to alleviate the pain with some tylenol. He also has a cough that won't go away and a runny nose, so I took him to the doctor again yesterday. They said he sounded good and his ears looked great, so we just have to continue with the humidifier and the vicks vaporub.
Elliott is really moving fast now. When on his back, he flips over quickly onto his tummy. He flips over a lot in his crib and on several occasions in the last week I've gone into his room at night or in the morning and he's on his tummy.
Elliott also discovered a new sound 'oh.' It is so funny - he'll notice something and say 'oh' then look in another direction and say 'oh' and on and on. In the morning, when he wakes up, all we hear on the monitor is 'oh, oh, oh, oh' it's so funny!!
Elliott is also searching for toys when they fall on the floor. When I hold him on my lap and we are looking at a book, he will now drop it on the floor then lean over to look at it on the floor. I will say 'uh oh' and pick it up. TOnight, he was dropping his bath toys over the edge of his bath tub, then leaning over and reaching down to pick it up. He was straining and reaching and when he finally was able to grasp the toy, he brought it up to his mouth and gave it a big bite! Everything is going into his mouth these days due to his teething, though!
This evening Elliott was in his Exersaucer, which was butting up to the antique commode. I turned around and Elliott had pulled out the top drawer of the commode and was peering into the drawer. Another reminder that we need to secure all the drawers in the house, and soon!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
November 25
Elliott's two bottom front teeth decided to poke through today. Ironically, Elliott was in a really good mood today. We picked him up at lunchtime and he was really babbling and having fun. After an afternoon nap and bottle, when we were playing I noticed that I could see those little teeth peeking through his gums. We got out an icecube for him to suck on and could hear the sharp teeth scraping on the ice. Finally!! Months of drooling and biting and hands in his mouth and we finally have a tooth! It will be interesting to see how the next couple of days turn out for Elliott.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving! We are both looking forward to spending time with our families and our little guy.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving! We are both looking forward to spending time with our families and our little guy.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Sunday November 22
I had to take down Elliott's mobile this week. It was quite a sad moment since this is such a cute decoration and he loves looking at it! However, when he is sitting in the crib I will catch him grabbing the mobile and pulling it down toward his mouth. We also lowered his mattress this week. When he's sitting in the crib he is now pulling himself over to mouth the railing. While this is really cute to see, it's apparent he is getting much stronger and I can only imagine one day soon that he will be pulling himself up completely.
So, we did some baby proofing this week.
Elliott is rolling over a lot now. If he's on his back, within a few minutes he's flipped onto his tummy and he's commando crawling backwards. He's pretty slow at it, but he's definitely mobile now. I think the last thing we have to do to completely baby proof the living space is to put up the drawer/cabinet locks.
Elliott is definitely teething. You can see the swollen little spots on his lower gums. When the teeth will finally cut through is a more uncertain. It seems like he's been teething for months, with the nonstop drooling at least! But this week he's had his hand in his mouth more and today he was downright cranky and nonconsolable, which is not like him at all. We wrapped up an icecube and let him suck on it, which he really liked. He went through two ice cubes before he was distracted enough to play.
He is also eating really well these days. This week, he Elliott ate bananas for the first time. I love seeing him when he tries a food that he likes - he smacks his lips together and then lets out a big approving screech! He also ate beef quite well in the last week, especially if it was followed by a spoonful of peaches or applesauce. Tonight we gave him turkey and pears. He was in hog heaven!
This week is Thanksgiving and we are so thankful for so many things, I can't even begin to list them all, but foremost, we are thankful for our health. We are so fortunate for our good health and for the excellent health insurance that we have through Koch. Next we are thankful for our families. We love seeing our family frequently and wish we could see our Washington family more often. Finally, we are so thankful for each other. Aaron, Elliott, Max and I love spending time with each other every day. There is nothing more important!
Have a happy Thanksgiving!
So, we did some baby proofing this week.
Elliott is rolling over a lot now. If he's on his back, within a few minutes he's flipped onto his tummy and he's commando crawling backwards. He's pretty slow at it, but he's definitely mobile now. I think the last thing we have to do to completely baby proof the living space is to put up the drawer/cabinet locks.
Elliott is definitely teething. You can see the swollen little spots on his lower gums. When the teeth will finally cut through is a more uncertain. It seems like he's been teething for months, with the nonstop drooling at least! But this week he's had his hand in his mouth more and today he was downright cranky and nonconsolable, which is not like him at all. We wrapped up an icecube and let him suck on it, which he really liked. He went through two ice cubes before he was distracted enough to play.
He is also eating really well these days. This week, he Elliott ate bananas for the first time. I love seeing him when he tries a food that he likes - he smacks his lips together and then lets out a big approving screech! He also ate beef quite well in the last week, especially if it was followed by a spoonful of peaches or applesauce. Tonight we gave him turkey and pears. He was in hog heaven!
This week is Thanksgiving and we are so thankful for so many things, I can't even begin to list them all, but foremost, we are thankful for our health. We are so fortunate for our good health and for the excellent health insurance that we have through Koch. Next we are thankful for our families. We love seeing our family frequently and wish we could see our Washington family more often. Finally, we are so thankful for each other. Aaron, Elliott, Max and I love spending time with each other every day. There is nothing more important!
Have a happy Thanksgiving!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
November 15
For the last couple of weeks, I've been trying to keep the pacifier out of Elliott's mouth when he's not going to sleep, as he doesn't seem to be 'talking' enough. Interestingly, he's not drooling nearly as much now. But even better, he's starting to babble more. Between the creeping on the floor and the constant 'bah bah bah bah' he's becoming a very entertaining baby!! Grammy was over last night and she thinks Elliott was trying to say 'da da da.' He does seem to be trying out the d, th, and ba sounds.
Elliott ate applesauce for the first time yesterday. As expected, he loved it! His eyes got realy wide and after he ate his first bite he screached and smiled and moved his head in toward the spoon for another bite. Aaron couldn't feed him fast enough, as between each bite Elliott was screaching for more. Aaron picked up some peaches and pears to feed him over the next week. That should be fun!
Last night Elliott started to get really fussy. We think he is about to have a couple of teeth poke through. You could practically see them in his mouth, but he doesnt hold still long enough for us to have a good look. He keeps rubbing his tongue on his bottom gums though, and his hand is in his mouth a lot more now. We gave him some tylenol before bedtime and I think this really helped as he slept through the night until almost 630 this morning.
I went in to Elliott this morning and he was laying on his tummy looking around. This is the first time he's flipped over in his crib (that I know of anyway). I don't want to be too comfortable in saying this, but from what I've read if the baby is able to flip over while in the crib then the risk for SIDS is significantly lowered. One less thing to worry about now I guess.
Elliott is now wearing 18 month size pants and sleepers. He was wearing 12 month Gerber sleepers - the ones with the zippers are so easy for diaper changes - but they must shrink because he's already too big for them. Last night he wore an 18 month sleeper. The sleeper was a bit long but it was snug in the torso. All of his pants are 18 month, and he's still able to wear some 9-12 month onesies but they're getting small on him. I can't believe how big he's getting!!
Elliott is sleeping in our bed this morning. We love the weekend mornings where we can snuggle with him and he falls back to sleep between us. When he wakes up we'll give him some more applesauce and it will be playtime!
Elliott ate applesauce for the first time yesterday. As expected, he loved it! His eyes got realy wide and after he ate his first bite he screached and smiled and moved his head in toward the spoon for another bite. Aaron couldn't feed him fast enough, as between each bite Elliott was screaching for more. Aaron picked up some peaches and pears to feed him over the next week. That should be fun!
Last night Elliott started to get really fussy. We think he is about to have a couple of teeth poke through. You could practically see them in his mouth, but he doesnt hold still long enough for us to have a good look. He keeps rubbing his tongue on his bottom gums though, and his hand is in his mouth a lot more now. We gave him some tylenol before bedtime and I think this really helped as he slept through the night until almost 630 this morning.
I went in to Elliott this morning and he was laying on his tummy looking around. This is the first time he's flipped over in his crib (that I know of anyway). I don't want to be too comfortable in saying this, but from what I've read if the baby is able to flip over while in the crib then the risk for SIDS is significantly lowered. One less thing to worry about now I guess.
Elliott is now wearing 18 month size pants and sleepers. He was wearing 12 month Gerber sleepers - the ones with the zippers are so easy for diaper changes - but they must shrink because he's already too big for them. Last night he wore an 18 month sleeper. The sleeper was a bit long but it was snug in the torso. All of his pants are 18 month, and he's still able to wear some 9-12 month onesies but they're getting small on him. I can't believe how big he's getting!!
Elliott is sleeping in our bed this morning. We love the weekend mornings where we can snuggle with him and he falls back to sleep between us. When he wakes up we'll give him some more applesauce and it will be playtime!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
November 12
Elliott is starting to 'creep' on the floor. I first noticed this the other night. He was on his tummy and is raising himself up on his arms, and he's pushing himself backwards. He's moving his legs and his little butt is in the air as he rotates himself around in a circle. I think he was surprised to realize that he was moving himself, although I think he was trying to move forward and instead he moved himself backwards.
He did this again last night too. He creeps right off the blanket and onto the carpet. He stops and thinks about the new textures that he's feeling with his hands, and he seems to think about this a great deal before patting the floor over and over with his hands.
We took Elliott to the doctors office tonight for an H1N1 vaccination. I have no qualms about giving him this vaccine. We know some folks who think the vaccines are the governments way of keeping down the people...those folks are in Lawrence and I guess it's good we moved out of Lawrence - Never-Never-Land. I digress...
Elliott is eating more baby foods now. We gave him sweet potatoes/corn mixture and he gobbled it up. Tonight he really enjoyed the carrot/spinnach mixture. He does NOT like the ground chicken in a jar. Based on the smell, I can't say I blame him. Max sure likes the smell.
Speaking of Max, Elliott is really laughing now when Max comes near him. E holds his hands up to Max and Max licks his hands while Elliott practically collapses in laughter. Those two are going to be good buddies!!
We are so fortunate to have Max as our Little Pup and so fortunate to have Elliott as our Little E.
He did this again last night too. He creeps right off the blanket and onto the carpet. He stops and thinks about the new textures that he's feeling with his hands, and he seems to think about this a great deal before patting the floor over and over with his hands.
We took Elliott to the doctors office tonight for an H1N1 vaccination. I have no qualms about giving him this vaccine. We know some folks who think the vaccines are the governments way of keeping down the people...those folks are in Lawrence and I guess it's good we moved out of Lawrence - Never-Never-Land. I digress...
Elliott is eating more baby foods now. We gave him sweet potatoes/corn mixture and he gobbled it up. Tonight he really enjoyed the carrot/spinnach mixture. He does NOT like the ground chicken in a jar. Based on the smell, I can't say I blame him. Max sure likes the smell.
Speaking of Max, Elliott is really laughing now when Max comes near him. E holds his hands up to Max and Max licks his hands while Elliott practically collapses in laughter. Those two are going to be good buddies!!
We are so fortunate to have Max as our Little Pup and so fortunate to have Elliott as our Little E.
Monday, November 9, 2009
November 9
Elliott had a lovely weekend. On Saturday he went on a stroller ride with Grammy, Mommy and Max. He took a little nap with the sunshine on his face. On Sunday he spent some time visiting with his Grandma and Grandpa Mullikin. Overall, a nice weekend out and about. We were preparing for a fussy baby weekend after his shots, but for the most part he was in a pretty good mood. He was a bit fussy on Sunday, but that seems to be a pattern that I'm noticing - by the time Sunday rolls around, Elliott is wiped out. Maybe too much playing on Saturday? The departure from his daily routine might be confusing to him.
We are starting to teach E sign language. We started with the word 'eat.' Every time we feed him in the highchair we say the word and the sign. Soon we'll start teaching him 'more' and 'drink.' It will take many months before he understands and starts to use the sign, but it will be so rewarding when he does.
Elliott is starting to cry or screech when he wants something and it is out of reach. When I get him out of the bath at night, he really wants to sit up but he cant sit himself up just yet. He screeches until I help sit him up. And then, he cries and fusses until I give him the travel size bottle of baby lotion. He LOVES to put this little pink bottle of lotion in his mouth. He will practically gag himself with the bottle. And then he gets mad at it and screeches in frustration. I really wonder what is going through his mind when he does this!! It's really funny...he does not want anything else, just this silly little bottle. When he drops it and it's out of reach, look out!! He'll let you know that he's not happy!!
We have an appointment for Elliott to get H1N1 vaccine on Thursday. I've been anxious about E getting the flu so hopefully this will prevent him from contracting H1N1.
Tonight Elliott was able to put himself to sleep again. Put him in his crib almost asleep and he was able to drift off all by himself. We are so lucky!!
We are starting to teach E sign language. We started with the word 'eat.' Every time we feed him in the highchair we say the word and the sign. Soon we'll start teaching him 'more' and 'drink.' It will take many months before he understands and starts to use the sign, but it will be so rewarding when he does.
Elliott is starting to cry or screech when he wants something and it is out of reach. When I get him out of the bath at night, he really wants to sit up but he cant sit himself up just yet. He screeches until I help sit him up. And then, he cries and fusses until I give him the travel size bottle of baby lotion. He LOVES to put this little pink bottle of lotion in his mouth. He will practically gag himself with the bottle. And then he gets mad at it and screeches in frustration. I really wonder what is going through his mind when he does this!! It's really funny...he does not want anything else, just this silly little bottle. When he drops it and it's out of reach, look out!! He'll let you know that he's not happy!!
We have an appointment for Elliott to get H1N1 vaccine on Thursday. I've been anxious about E getting the flu so hopefully this will prevent him from contracting H1N1.
Tonight Elliott was able to put himself to sleep again. Put him in his crib almost asleep and he was able to drift off all by himself. We are so lucky!!
Friday, November 6, 2009
November 6
Elliott got his six month shots today, as well as his first flu shot. He was such a big boy - only cried for a minute, then we distracted him and he was smiling and laughing in no time.
Dr. Chavez has grown a beard. Elliott really studied the doctor when he came in the room, and Dr. Chavez got up close to Elliott and as Elliott studied him, he would gently reach out to try and touch his beard. He hesitated to actually touch his face though, but it was so cute as he really really wanted to!! It was fascinating to watch how Elliott responded to someone new, and someone with a beard! I don't think he's ever seen someone with a beard - it will be fun to see how Elliott responds to his first visit with Santa Claus!!
Dr. Chavez gave Elliott an A+. He is now 93% in weight down from 94%, which pleased Dr. Chavez. Elliott weighed 21 pounds 9 ounces and is 27 3/4 inches. He's 79% in height and 50% in head circumference. Elliott shakes his head a lot these days and I was worrying that this was some sign of autism, but Dr. Chavez quickly put that fear to rest - he said this is common in babies and they do it just because they can. Same with the squealing - Elliott likes to hear his own voice!
After the doctor visit Aaron took Elliott home, and the two fellas took a nap and then played. Elliott was in a fantastic mood this afternoon. He was giggling, smiling, screaching, playing. He was one happy baby. He ate up his dinner, splashed and played in the bath, and then snuggled a bit for his night time prayers. Every night we say our prayer to his guardian angel (thank you Aunt Heather/Godmother for the prayer card) and his Now I Lay Me... prayer. Usually he falls asleep as I rock him, but tonight he was still awake after prayers and lullabyes (Somewhere Over the Rainbow). So, I decided to take him into his room and lay him in his crib. He was able to put himself to sleep! He's done this before, but usually with a bit of fussing. Tonight, no fussing. He quietly laid in his crib before drifting off to sleep. What a good baby!!
We are so fortunate to have a healthy, strong baby. We are truly blessed, and we are so thankful for the support and love we have from our families. Thank you to all of Elliott's grandparents for your love and support, and your presence in his - and our-lives. We love you so much and Elliott loves you too!
Dr. Chavez has grown a beard. Elliott really studied the doctor when he came in the room, and Dr. Chavez got up close to Elliott and as Elliott studied him, he would gently reach out to try and touch his beard. He hesitated to actually touch his face though, but it was so cute as he really really wanted to!! It was fascinating to watch how Elliott responded to someone new, and someone with a beard! I don't think he's ever seen someone with a beard - it will be fun to see how Elliott responds to his first visit with Santa Claus!!
Dr. Chavez gave Elliott an A+. He is now 93% in weight down from 94%, which pleased Dr. Chavez. Elliott weighed 21 pounds 9 ounces and is 27 3/4 inches. He's 79% in height and 50% in head circumference. Elliott shakes his head a lot these days and I was worrying that this was some sign of autism, but Dr. Chavez quickly put that fear to rest - he said this is common in babies and they do it just because they can. Same with the squealing - Elliott likes to hear his own voice!
After the doctor visit Aaron took Elliott home, and the two fellas took a nap and then played. Elliott was in a fantastic mood this afternoon. He was giggling, smiling, screaching, playing. He was one happy baby. He ate up his dinner, splashed and played in the bath, and then snuggled a bit for his night time prayers. Every night we say our prayer to his guardian angel (thank you Aunt Heather/Godmother for the prayer card) and his Now I Lay Me... prayer. Usually he falls asleep as I rock him, but tonight he was still awake after prayers and lullabyes (Somewhere Over the Rainbow). So, I decided to take him into his room and lay him in his crib. He was able to put himself to sleep! He's done this before, but usually with a bit of fussing. Tonight, no fussing. He quietly laid in his crib before drifting off to sleep. What a good baby!!
We are so fortunate to have a healthy, strong baby. We are truly blessed, and we are so thankful for the support and love we have from our families. Thank you to all of Elliott's grandparents for your love and support, and your presence in his - and our-lives. We love you so much and Elliott loves you too!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
November 5
Elliott was unusually tired this evening. He had about 3 one hour naps at day care today, and he had a big appetite, but he was exhausted tonight...which meant he wasnt in a happy baby mood. He loves his sweet potatoes and tonight he even liked eating green beans and barley!
The day wasnt any different really from any other day...Elliott was awake by 630, day care by 745, home at 545, dinner at 6, bath at 640, bottle at 7, asleep by 710. I'm not kidding - this is our routine, Monday - Friday. Elliott comes to expect it, and I think this is why he seems so happy and unstressed, and why he sleeps so good. Most parents i've talked to say how lucky we are that he sleeps almost a full 12 hours, and I agree...we are. But on any given day, we only get to see him awake for about 2 - 3 hours.
It's been difficult for both Aaron and I knowing that Elliott spends his entire day with people other than his family. That's why I encourage his grandparents to visit him while he is at day care. It's so important to us to make sure that E knows that he has family who love him.
Getting over to visit E over lunch is often very challenging for Aaron and I. We used to work 10 hours every day before having a baby, and neither of us intend on staying until 6 or later every night anymore, especially since Elliott is asleep by 7 - so we both work through lunch instead and often work at home after E goes to sleep.
So I guess this is a 'wordy' way of saying Thank You to his grandparents for visiting him during the day. It gives me a sense of comfort knowing that you are there for him, and for us. And the truly lucky one is Elliott: he is so blessed to get to know you!
Tomorrow Elliott gets his 6 month shots at 2PM. Aaron and I both are going to the doctor with him. Elliott will also get a flu shot, and if it's available, an H1N1 shot. He's about 90% over his cold, so hopefully he can still get his shots tomorrow. Since he's been sick, we keep his room really warm with the humidifier and have been using Vicks on his chest at night, and I think this has really helped.
I cant believe he's 6 1/2 months old already! Before we know it, he'll be 1!! I think this is the last round of shots until he turns 1, thankfully.
The day wasnt any different really from any other day...Elliott was awake by 630, day care by 745, home at 545, dinner at 6, bath at 640, bottle at 7, asleep by 710. I'm not kidding - this is our routine, Monday - Friday. Elliott comes to expect it, and I think this is why he seems so happy and unstressed, and why he sleeps so good. Most parents i've talked to say how lucky we are that he sleeps almost a full 12 hours, and I agree...we are. But on any given day, we only get to see him awake for about 2 - 3 hours.
It's been difficult for both Aaron and I knowing that Elliott spends his entire day with people other than his family. That's why I encourage his grandparents to visit him while he is at day care. It's so important to us to make sure that E knows that he has family who love him.
Getting over to visit E over lunch is often very challenging for Aaron and I. We used to work 10 hours every day before having a baby, and neither of us intend on staying until 6 or later every night anymore, especially since Elliott is asleep by 7 - so we both work through lunch instead and often work at home after E goes to sleep.
So I guess this is a 'wordy' way of saying Thank You to his grandparents for visiting him during the day. It gives me a sense of comfort knowing that you are there for him, and for us. And the truly lucky one is Elliott: he is so blessed to get to know you!
Tomorrow Elliott gets his 6 month shots at 2PM. Aaron and I both are going to the doctor with him. Elliott will also get a flu shot, and if it's available, an H1N1 shot. He's about 90% over his cold, so hopefully he can still get his shots tomorrow. Since he's been sick, we keep his room really warm with the humidifier and have been using Vicks on his chest at night, and I think this has really helped.
I cant believe he's 6 1/2 months old already! Before we know it, he'll be 1!! I think this is the last round of shots until he turns 1, thankfully.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
November 4
Elliott is feeling much better. He slept all the way through the night last night and woke up in a great mood this morning. He has his appetite back and is smiling and squealing again.
Yesterday I picked him up at day care and he was sitting on the floor next to one of the teachers and another baby. The other baby was trying to get Elliotts pacifier (it was attached to his bib). I guess he didnt like that so he started yanking on her bib. It was so funny!
We've been putting him on the floor at home in the evenings, and he's rolling onto is back from his tummy and his tummy from his back now. Tonight we opened up a present from Grandpa & Grandma Mansfield - handheld 'instruments'! One of the instruments plays music and lights up and he was so excited with this new toy! He would bang his hands on it to make it play, and he was smiling and squealing!
Tonight when we were getting him ready for his bath he made another discovery...he seems to have found that there are interesting body parts usually hidden by his diaper - he's busy exploring and everything is interesting to him these days!
We took some great video of tonight with the new toys. As soon as I figure out how to upload and edit I'll post the videos.
Yesterday I picked him up at day care and he was sitting on the floor next to one of the teachers and another baby. The other baby was trying to get Elliotts pacifier (it was attached to his bib). I guess he didnt like that so he started yanking on her bib. It was so funny!
We've been putting him on the floor at home in the evenings, and he's rolling onto is back from his tummy and his tummy from his back now. Tonight we opened up a present from Grandpa & Grandma Mansfield - handheld 'instruments'! One of the instruments plays music and lights up and he was so excited with this new toy! He would bang his hands on it to make it play, and he was smiling and squealing!
Tonight when we were getting him ready for his bath he made another discovery...he seems to have found that there are interesting body parts usually hidden by his diaper - he's busy exploring and everything is interesting to him these days!
We took some great video of tonight with the new toys. As soon as I figure out how to upload and edit I'll post the videos.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
October 31, take 2
The tiger costume my colleague loaned us is, when looking at it, huge. When I saw it for the first time I thought "no way E can wear this, it's enormous." Turns out, the costume was too small. Elliott is too long to fit into it. No big deal though, Elliott wore an orange jack o'lantern onesie and his trick or treat sweat pants and his 'my first halloween' bib. I think it worked out much better than the tiger suit.
E had a great day today - we went out running errands as a family. E loves his new car seat - it's a Britax that we purchased off of Amazon. He falls asleep almost immediately when we are in the car. We went to visit Grandpa Sheahon at the smoke shop, then off to Barnrd's for lunch, where E sat in a highchair at a restaurant for the first time. He was so good in the high chair. He was banging his hand on the table but was really good, didn't cry, didn't make a fuss....he was smiling and enjoyed watching us eat and looking around at all the people in the restaurant.
After that it was off to Babies R Us and a visit with E's Great Grandma Nelson. He really enjoyed visiting his Great Grandma and meeting her cats. This was the first time E saw cats, and he was very intrigued. Grandma Linda and Grandpa Larry came over while we were there and Grandma Linda had E in stitches with paddy-cake. He was giggling and smiling and clapping. I really need to start carrying that video camera around with us.
After a very long and active day, Elliott had his bath at 630 and was sound asleep at 645. The clocks turn back tonight, which means he might wake up at 5AM for breakfast. We hope to circumvent that by waking him at 10 for a bottle. Oh, forgot about this: we fed E peas tonight. He enjoyed them, but I could tell that he was thinking about the taste. We only gave him half a serving, and then he ate up his carrots and sweet potatoes, then a bottle. We are so lucky that he has a healthy appetite and likes to try new tastes.
I bought a cute outfit for his photos tomorrow. He's going to be adorable!!
E had a great day today - we went out running errands as a family. E loves his new car seat - it's a Britax that we purchased off of Amazon. He falls asleep almost immediately when we are in the car. We went to visit Grandpa Sheahon at the smoke shop, then off to Barnrd's for lunch, where E sat in a highchair at a restaurant for the first time. He was so good in the high chair. He was banging his hand on the table but was really good, didn't cry, didn't make a fuss....he was smiling and enjoyed watching us eat and looking around at all the people in the restaurant.
After that it was off to Babies R Us and a visit with E's Great Grandma Nelson. He really enjoyed visiting his Great Grandma and meeting her cats. This was the first time E saw cats, and he was very intrigued. Grandma Linda and Grandpa Larry came over while we were there and Grandma Linda had E in stitches with paddy-cake. He was giggling and smiling and clapping. I really need to start carrying that video camera around with us.
After a very long and active day, Elliott had his bath at 630 and was sound asleep at 645. The clocks turn back tonight, which means he might wake up at 5AM for breakfast. We hope to circumvent that by waking him at 10 for a bottle. Oh, forgot about this: we fed E peas tonight. He enjoyed them, but I could tell that he was thinking about the taste. We only gave him half a serving, and then he ate up his carrots and sweet potatoes, then a bottle. We are so lucky that he has a healthy appetite and likes to try new tastes.
I bought a cute outfit for his photos tomorrow. He's going to be adorable!!
Saturday October 31
Elliotts first Halloween! A colleague of mine loaned us a tiger costume for Elliott to wear tonight, since we were pretty slow on the draw picking one out. NExt year we'll order one in July so we have a good costume.
Elliott started bringing his hands together on Thursday. We've been clapping at him quite a bit lately trying to get him to mimic us. Aaron was getting him ready for a bath Thurs night and E started clapping. It was soo cute! And on Friday when I dropped him off at day care he was on the floor, and when he looked up at me, he clapped! We've also tried to have him on his tummy more while at home. E loves to sit up and not lie on his tummy, but I don't think he's rolling back and forth as much as he should at 6 months. The other night he rolled from his tummy to his back, then back on his tummy. I guess that's progress!
Another exciting development is that we can now put E in his crib when he's feeling sleepy, turn on the RockAByeBaby lullaby music (U2 greatest hits in lullabye), he drifts off to sleep. The Rock A Bye Baby music is awesome! It's a great way to expose E to some classic music, but with a xylephone and glockenspiel. Aaron picked up Willie Nelson too. We got tired of always listening to Baby Bach, Baby Beethoven and Baby Mozart. It's funny to hear Sunday Bloody Sunday in a lullabye format!
Elliott has a cold again. He has a runny nose and a cough, but no fever. He's been in a really good mood lately too, so I'm not too worried at this point. We've been using the humidifier and cleaning out his nose with saline, which seems to do the trick.
Today is Halloween. We're going to go to Toys R Us and pick up some more toys to have at the house. I think he needs some balls and maybe some musical toys. He really likes the toys at daycare that make music, so we'll look at something like that for home. We are having professional photos done tomorrow, so I need to pick up a cute holiday outfit. Thank goodness for my colleague who has an 18 month old boy - she encouraged me to get these photos done now in time for the holiday cards! These photos will double as E's 6 month photos...I know what grandparents are getting for Christmas :)
Elliott started bringing his hands together on Thursday. We've been clapping at him quite a bit lately trying to get him to mimic us. Aaron was getting him ready for a bath Thurs night and E started clapping. It was soo cute! And on Friday when I dropped him off at day care he was on the floor, and when he looked up at me, he clapped! We've also tried to have him on his tummy more while at home. E loves to sit up and not lie on his tummy, but I don't think he's rolling back and forth as much as he should at 6 months. The other night he rolled from his tummy to his back, then back on his tummy. I guess that's progress!
Another exciting development is that we can now put E in his crib when he's feeling sleepy, turn on the RockAByeBaby lullaby music (U2 greatest hits in lullabye), he drifts off to sleep. The Rock A Bye Baby music is awesome! It's a great way to expose E to some classic music, but with a xylephone and glockenspiel. Aaron picked up Willie Nelson too. We got tired of always listening to Baby Bach, Baby Beethoven and Baby Mozart. It's funny to hear Sunday Bloody Sunday in a lullabye format!
Elliott has a cold again. He has a runny nose and a cough, but no fever. He's been in a really good mood lately too, so I'm not too worried at this point. We've been using the humidifier and cleaning out his nose with saline, which seems to do the trick.
Today is Halloween. We're going to go to Toys R Us and pick up some more toys to have at the house. I think he needs some balls and maybe some musical toys. He really likes the toys at daycare that make music, so we'll look at something like that for home. We are having professional photos done tomorrow, so I need to pick up a cute holiday outfit. Thank goodness for my colleague who has an 18 month old boy - she encouraged me to get these photos done now in time for the holiday cards! These photos will double as E's 6 month photos...I know what grandparents are getting for Christmas :)
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Tuesday October 27 2009
Eliott woke at 230AM last night. I changed his diaper and rocked him for a bit and gave him his pacifier. He continued to cry. I gave him a bottle but he only ate about 2 ounces and didn't want any more. He just did not want to go to sleep. Leaving him alone in his room made him cry, but he was only wanting to play. At 4AM Aaron and I decided that we were going to let him cry it out. This was the first time we did this. Previously if E woke up in the middle of the night, a bottle was all he required before drifting off to sleep again. For some reason, he was not pacified with a bottle or anything else. It was tough listening to him cry, even though we turned down the monitor the lights would still flash red when E would make a noise. Eventually at 430 he fell asleep; soon after, his mommy fell asleep.
We didnt visit E at daycare today. He seems to be doing well so we don't visit him during the day as often as we did when he first went to daycare. I like the room leads now so I feel comfortable leaving him there. He is so happy to see me though when I pick him up in the evenings. It's nice to see the teachers interacting with him when I arrive, instead of always finding him in a swing when I would initially drop in for a visit or when picking him up in the afternoons.
This evening he was in such a good mood. Aaron was making pig sounds and Elliott was squealing with laughter. He's really starting to laugh a lot more these days. He will giggle at any instance of silliness. We fed him squash for the first time tonight. He didn't like it as much as sweet potatoes, so we only gave him a few teaspoons of the squash. Next, it was carrots, sweet potatoes and barley. We are looking forward to getting him on the green vegetables and eventually fruits!
When I was getting him ready for the bath tonight, he started squealing. He really likes taking baths. By the time he's down to his diaper his arms are moving up and down with such excitement! When I put him in the tub tonight all he did was splash. It was as though he had just discovered that he could splash the water with his hands. Every time he takes a bath I wish I had the video camera going.
Aaron is out of town tonight, so hopefully E sleeps well. I often say to Aaron that I do not know how single parents handle an infant on their own. We rely on each other so much in taking care of Elliott - from washing bottles, preparing bottles, preparing the humidifier, doing his laundry, feeding him, bathing him, rocking him - we have a good routine down and when he's gone I realize just how much I rely on him! Aaron is a fantastic father and an amazing husband.
We didnt visit E at daycare today. He seems to be doing well so we don't visit him during the day as often as we did when he first went to daycare. I like the room leads now so I feel comfortable leaving him there. He is so happy to see me though when I pick him up in the evenings. It's nice to see the teachers interacting with him when I arrive, instead of always finding him in a swing when I would initially drop in for a visit or when picking him up in the afternoons.
This evening he was in such a good mood. Aaron was making pig sounds and Elliott was squealing with laughter. He's really starting to laugh a lot more these days. He will giggle at any instance of silliness. We fed him squash for the first time tonight. He didn't like it as much as sweet potatoes, so we only gave him a few teaspoons of the squash. Next, it was carrots, sweet potatoes and barley. We are looking forward to getting him on the green vegetables and eventually fruits!
When I was getting him ready for the bath tonight, he started squealing. He really likes taking baths. By the time he's down to his diaper his arms are moving up and down with such excitement! When I put him in the tub tonight all he did was splash. It was as though he had just discovered that he could splash the water with his hands. Every time he takes a bath I wish I had the video camera going.
Aaron is out of town tonight, so hopefully E sleeps well. I often say to Aaron that I do not know how single parents handle an infant on their own. We rely on each other so much in taking care of Elliott - from washing bottles, preparing bottles, preparing the humidifier, doing his laundry, feeding him, bathing him, rocking him - we have a good routine down and when he's gone I realize just how much I rely on him! Aaron is a fantastic father and an amazing husband.
First Post
Elliott is 6 months and 1 week old!
Unfortunately, I haven't kept up with his baby book, although I have marked down his major milestones. I'll plan on posting those milestones on here eventually.
So, the purpose of this blog is to document the life of Elliott!
Unfortunately, I haven't kept up with his baby book, although I have marked down his major milestones. I'll plan on posting those milestones on here eventually.
So, the purpose of this blog is to document the life of Elliott!
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