Yesterday was Jack's 18 month well baby check. Not only did he do great but the appointment reassured me that I am doing something right.
His stats:
34 inches (90th percentile)
25.8 pounds (48th percentile)
His pedi was pleased with his speech and how many words he is saying. She said that anything between 4 and 20 words at his age is perfect. Jack is at the high end of that range so I can stop worrying. His speech was the only thing that I was concerned about, mainly because he doesn't pronounce words correctly all the time.
Despite the long wait at the doctor, Jack was in good spirits. He was interested in all the things the doctor and nurse were doing. This is the first time that he didn't cry when they checked his ears or put the tongue depressor in his mouth. His tubes look good and are placed correctly with no sign of infection.
We have a healthy boy! That was pretty evident while watching him climb the play structure and interact with the other children. He is such a ham and is starting to really imitate others. When one child would yell or screech, Jack would do the same. While annoying, I consider that a learning milestone so I am happy when he does stuff like that.
He received two booster shots and I am not sure if it was the shots or just being tired, but my child slept from 7:15 to 3:00 without waking up! I am sure this trend won't continue and I am certainly not taking it for granted but boy was it nice!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Things I Love
This is a post about things I love. Because, let's face it, we can all use a little happy.
* When my son grabs a book and climbs in my lap for me to read it.
* Starbucks Caramel Macchiatos. I may or may not buy one every morning ; )
* My car. A Ford Escape. Best 20 grand ever spent.
* My family, duh. I feel this is too obvious of an answer.
* Pancakes at Biscuit's Cafe
* Sleeping in (which comes very rarely!)
* Yankee Candle Macintosh scented candles
* Animal and baby videos on America's Funniest Home Videos
* When I ask Jack for a kiss and he comes at me with an open mouth. It cracks me up.
* Having no more morning sickness with this pregnancy
* Facebook
* When Jack is really interested in something, he opens his mouth really wide.
* Pretty much every cute thing my son does.
* The fact that my new job comes with very little drama. Soooooo not what I have experienced in the past. Love this!
I am going to try and make an effort to bring this topic up again. Back when I kept a journal, I made a point to write five things every night that I was either grateful for or that I loved. It's such a good way to remember the good things rather than focusing on the bad.
* When my son grabs a book and climbs in my lap for me to read it.
* Starbucks Caramel Macchiatos. I may or may not buy one every morning ; )
* My car. A Ford Escape. Best 20 grand ever spent.
* My family, duh. I feel this is too obvious of an answer.
* Pancakes at Biscuit's Cafe
* Sleeping in (which comes very rarely!)
* Yankee Candle Macintosh scented candles
* Animal and baby videos on America's Funniest Home Videos
* When I ask Jack for a kiss and he comes at me with an open mouth. It cracks me up.
* Having no more morning sickness with this pregnancy
* When Jack is really interested in something, he opens his mouth really wide.
* Pretty much every cute thing my son does.
* The fact that my new job comes with very little drama. Soooooo not what I have experienced in the past. Love this!
I am going to try and make an effort to bring this topic up again. Back when I kept a journal, I made a point to write five things every night that I was either grateful for or that I loved. It's such a good way to remember the good things rather than focusing on the bad.
Another Similarity
I frequently check my blog to see what "milestones" I had with Jack and when. I was curious to see when I first felt him kick for sure. I do remember it was a Friday and I was at work and when I looked back into old posts, I determined it was at 17 weeks and 1 day.
Yesterday was 17 weeks and 1 day and I was hoping for a repeat milestone. The day came and went with nothing.
Today, I felt the baby kick for the first time. 17 weeks and 2 days! I can't believe it is so close to when I felt Jack for the first time. Isn't that crazy?
I know it was the baby and not gas because it was three little thumps in the same exact spot. Go figure, that is exactly what I felt with Jack.
Seriously, this pregnancy is so similar in some respects but so different in others!
Yesterday was 17 weeks and 1 day and I was hoping for a repeat milestone. The day came and went with nothing.
Today, I felt the baby kick for the first time. 17 weeks and 2 days! I can't believe it is so close to when I felt Jack for the first time. Isn't that crazy?
I know it was the baby and not gas because it was three little thumps in the same exact spot. Go figure, that is exactly what I felt with Jack.
Seriously, this pregnancy is so similar in some respects but so different in others!
Friday, August 5, 2011
Uhhh Yes It Was a Surprise
I am not sure when it became okay to ask someone if their pregnancy was planned or not, but I got asked this yesterday. I was so caught off-guard that I didn't know what to say other than the truth.
Scene: I was at the grocery store briefly after work to buy some milk and cereal.
Cashier: How are you? How is that cute little boy you have?
Me: He's doing good. He is going to be a big brother actually.
Cashier: Oh really? How old is he again?
Me: 18 months. He will be almost 2 when this baby comes.
Cashier: Wow, was this a planned baby? That seems like a short time period between babies.
Me: Uhhh, no it wasn't planned, but we are more than happy.
Yikes! How uncomfortable. I am an honest person so when asked, I tell people. But I didn't think it was really okay for an almost stranger to ask.
While I have said before that this baby was a surprise, that doesn't mean he/she isn't very much wanted. When I found out I was pregnant, I was in a state of shock for at least a day. Not because I didn't want the baby, but because it took 18 months to get pregnant with Jack. We did the whole planned timing thing and with this one, it honestly took one time. I don't mean that to be hurtful for anyone who has difficulties conceiving, I really don't. Another thing that I was in shock about was that our house is so small and I didn't know how we could handle another baby, or how we could afford another baby in daycare.
After the initial shock wore off (with huge help from my husband who was also shocked, but very happy), I became excited. I get to experience the baby stage again! This time around, I was determined to enjoy pregnancy and try and be more relaxed when the baby came.
It's amazing how my mentality changed literally overnight. One day I was in shock and the next I was already in love with my baby and wanted desperately for him/her to be healthy. So even though this baby was not planned, we definitely WANT this child.
Back to the comments from the grocery store cashier. I didn't think it was unusual for babies to be born approximately two years apart. My brother and I are two years apart. I have a friend who has two babies under one. My mother-in-law is one of 7 siblings, 5 of them born within 5 years of each other (5 under 5, wow). And, am I okay to be slightly offended that I was asked if my pregnancy was planned? Asking this question is almost like asking how much someone weighs, or if they breastfeed, both of which are uncomfortable questions to be faced with.
I suppose the point of this post is that yes, my child was a surprise, but nonetheless, we are excited and can't wait to meet our new little one. Secondly, don't ask a person if their pregnancy was planned unless you are good friends, and even then, it's awkward.
Scene: I was at the grocery store briefly after work to buy some milk and cereal.
Cashier: How are you? How is that cute little boy you have?
Me: He's doing good. He is going to be a big brother actually.
Cashier: Oh really? How old is he again?
Me: 18 months. He will be almost 2 when this baby comes.
Cashier: Wow, was this a planned baby? That seems like a short time period between babies.
Me: Uhhh, no it wasn't planned, but we are more than happy.
Yikes! How uncomfortable. I am an honest person so when asked, I tell people. But I didn't think it was really okay for an almost stranger to ask.
While I have said before that this baby was a surprise, that doesn't mean he/she isn't very much wanted. When I found out I was pregnant, I was in a state of shock for at least a day. Not because I didn't want the baby, but because it took 18 months to get pregnant with Jack. We did the whole planned timing thing and with this one, it honestly took one time. I don't mean that to be hurtful for anyone who has difficulties conceiving, I really don't. Another thing that I was in shock about was that our house is so small and I didn't know how we could handle another baby, or how we could afford another baby in daycare.
After the initial shock wore off (with huge help from my husband who was also shocked, but very happy), I became excited. I get to experience the baby stage again! This time around, I was determined to enjoy pregnancy and try and be more relaxed when the baby came.
It's amazing how my mentality changed literally overnight. One day I was in shock and the next I was already in love with my baby and wanted desperately for him/her to be healthy. So even though this baby was not planned, we definitely WANT this child.
Back to the comments from the grocery store cashier. I didn't think it was unusual for babies to be born approximately two years apart. My brother and I are two years apart. I have a friend who has two babies under one. My mother-in-law is one of 7 siblings, 5 of them born within 5 years of each other (5 under 5, wow). And, am I okay to be slightly offended that I was asked if my pregnancy was planned? Asking this question is almost like asking how much someone weighs, or if they breastfeed, both of which are uncomfortable questions to be faced with.
I suppose the point of this post is that yes, my child was a surprise, but nonetheless, we are excited and can't wait to meet our new little one. Secondly, don't ask a person if their pregnancy was planned unless you are good friends, and even then, it's awkward.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Cravings
While I don't have many cravings this time around (yet), I do have some pretty noticeable and strange ones.
I have been craving red meat like crazy. Steaks and cheeseburgers are sometimes all that I want. When I was in Denver the last time I ate red meat for dinner every night and it was divine. I must be slightly anemic since I usually don't crave meat in any form. I was borderline with Jack so I would not be surprised if I was again. Even extra iron tablets don't seem to help.
I am also craving vinegar based stuff. If I make a sandwich, I load it with mustard. My go-to sandwich the last few days has been sliced cheese and mustard. That's it. Pickles are also another vinegar based food that I want. I could (and have) eat pickles straight from the jar. I keep buying a huge jar and it is usually gone within a few days. The only downfall to this is the salt that they must contain. At least pickles start out as a vegetable!
In my third trimester with Jack I would drink orange juice like it was going out of style. While I am not in my third trimester yet I imagine I will have some funky cravings.
If anyone knows why I am craving vinegar, let me know! It must be some sort of vitamin or mineral I am lacking.
I have been craving red meat like crazy. Steaks and cheeseburgers are sometimes all that I want. When I was in Denver the last time I ate red meat for dinner every night and it was divine. I must be slightly anemic since I usually don't crave meat in any form. I was borderline with Jack so I would not be surprised if I was again. Even extra iron tablets don't seem to help.
I am also craving vinegar based stuff. If I make a sandwich, I load it with mustard. My go-to sandwich the last few days has been sliced cheese and mustard. That's it. Pickles are also another vinegar based food that I want. I could (and have) eat pickles straight from the jar. I keep buying a huge jar and it is usually gone within a few days. The only downfall to this is the salt that they must contain. At least pickles start out as a vegetable!
In my third trimester with Jack I would drink orange juice like it was going out of style. While I am not in my third trimester yet I imagine I will have some funky cravings.
If anyone knows why I am craving vinegar, let me know! It must be some sort of vitamin or mineral I am lacking.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Jack is 18 Months
I have a baby that has gone from this:
To this:
I love this picture because it shows just how active he is all the time and that face is priceless. He smirks a lot which usually means he is up to no good.
What Jack is up to at a year-and-a-half:
* He is active. Moving all the time. He is still not the type of kiddo that sits and plays with toys. Instead, he is much more interested in running, climbing, getting into things, climbing some more and jumping. I keep thinking he will surprise me one day and just sit and play.
* One of the only times he is quiet is when I am reading to him. He will often go get his favorite book (First 100 Words) that has pictures in it. He will turn the pages and ask "Dat?" while I tell him what each object is. He can identify almost every picture in the book if you just ask him where xxxxxx is. It's so cute to see his brain working.
* We have a picky eater. While he has his favorites and will eat readily when they are served, he doesn't much like trying new foods. Right now, and these change on a daily basis, your favorites are any kind of fruit, especially pears, ravioli, spaghetti, and Crunchin' Crackers.
* You sleep exclusively in your crib now (Halleluah!). You still wake up about 3 times a night but at least you are sleeping in your own bed. This has been a life saver for mom. She gets better sleep and even if you don't want to admit it, so do you. You go to sleep around 7:00 and wake up around 6:00. Dad still brings you to bed with him for an hour in the morning while I shower, but that is just fine with me.
* You have a pediatrician appointment on the 15th, but I swear, you have grown in height and weight. I kept telling Daddy that I didn't think you are heavier but the last few days it's been harder for me to carry you so I bet you have put on a pound or two. Your 18 month clothes, which were too big for you a month ago, are fitting you just right now. You wear 18 month clothes and size 4 diapers.
* The absolute favorite thing of your's is to play outside. It doesn't matter if all you do is pick up rocks and sticks. You are definitely an outside boy! We have a small pool in the backyard for you to splash in but you are more interested in just running around and exploring. If I try to bring you back into the house you usually will throw a tantrum.
* Sesame Street has become your favorite show. It used to be Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, but lately, you are much more interested in Sesame. You especially love Elmo and Monster Clubhouse. I don't think I have seen you so entranced in anything!
* We are working on identifying body parts. You know eyes, nose, mouth, ears, head, feet, belly, belly button, bottom and a couple more. Even though you can't say them, you definitely know what they are.
* Speaking of words, you say about 15 different words consistently. I have just recently discovered that your paci is called "Bah". Not sure where that came from, but if you say "Bah" it means you either want a bottle or your paci. We are trying to wean you off both though, much to your dismay.
I am sure I am forgetting to put some important things in here but you are growing so much that it's hard to remember everything! You continually surprise us with just how much you know. Every day it's something new and we get overjoyed to see your brain working!
You are loved by all buddy. Keep up the learning and growing! You have a little brother or sister that is going to be looking up to you soon.
To this:I love this picture because it shows just how active he is all the time and that face is priceless. He smirks a lot which usually means he is up to no good.What Jack is up to at a year-and-a-half:
* He is active. Moving all the time. He is still not the type of kiddo that sits and plays with toys. Instead, he is much more interested in running, climbing, getting into things, climbing some more and jumping. I keep thinking he will surprise me one day and just sit and play.
* One of the only times he is quiet is when I am reading to him. He will often go get his favorite book (First 100 Words) that has pictures in it. He will turn the pages and ask "Dat?" while I tell him what each object is. He can identify almost every picture in the book if you just ask him where xxxxxx is. It's so cute to see his brain working.
* We have a picky eater. While he has his favorites and will eat readily when they are served, he doesn't much like trying new foods. Right now, and these change on a daily basis, your favorites are any kind of fruit, especially pears, ravioli, spaghetti, and Crunchin' Crackers.
* You sleep exclusively in your crib now (Halleluah!). You still wake up about 3 times a night but at least you are sleeping in your own bed. This has been a life saver for mom. She gets better sleep and even if you don't want to admit it, so do you. You go to sleep around 7:00 and wake up around 6:00. Dad still brings you to bed with him for an hour in the morning while I shower, but that is just fine with me.
* You have a pediatrician appointment on the 15th, but I swear, you have grown in height and weight. I kept telling Daddy that I didn't think you are heavier but the last few days it's been harder for me to carry you so I bet you have put on a pound or two. Your 18 month clothes, which were too big for you a month ago, are fitting you just right now. You wear 18 month clothes and size 4 diapers.
* The absolute favorite thing of your's is to play outside. It doesn't matter if all you do is pick up rocks and sticks. You are definitely an outside boy! We have a small pool in the backyard for you to splash in but you are more interested in just running around and exploring. If I try to bring you back into the house you usually will throw a tantrum.
* Sesame Street has become your favorite show. It used to be Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, but lately, you are much more interested in Sesame. You especially love Elmo and Monster Clubhouse. I don't think I have seen you so entranced in anything!
* We are working on identifying body parts. You know eyes, nose, mouth, ears, head, feet, belly, belly button, bottom and a couple more. Even though you can't say them, you definitely know what they are.
* Speaking of words, you say about 15 different words consistently. I have just recently discovered that your paci is called "Bah". Not sure where that came from, but if you say "Bah" it means you either want a bottle or your paci. We are trying to wean you off both though, much to your dismay.
I am sure I am forgetting to put some important things in here but you are growing so much that it's hard to remember everything! You continually surprise us with just how much you know. Every day it's something new and we get overjoyed to see your brain working!
You are loved by all buddy. Keep up the learning and growing! You have a little brother or sister that is going to be looking up to you soon.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Mish Mash
I am not sure why but every time I type that title, I think of the giant in the Mickey Mouse version of Jack and the Beanstalk. He pronounces pistachios like "mishmashmios". Meh, I am weird.
* Our weekend was awesomely busy. Being that I work from home now, I get a wee bit stir crazy during the week. To counteract it, I like to go out and do "stuff" during the weekend. This weekend, we did the following: Went to the farmers market, got Jason a new phone, went to Target and Kmart in search of a play structure but settled on a pool, went to Enchanted Playhouse so Jack could burn off some energy, went to Ikea to get my new desk and chair and then out to dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings.
* Jack has been sleeping pretty good the past two months. He still wakes about 3-4 times a night but he has been sleeping exclusively in his own crib. Last night was a different story. He must have had an upset stomach because Jason or I had to hold him the entire night. He was screaming and crying and obviously wasn't feeling good. Jason sat with him on the couch, I sat with him on the couch and then finally, I brought him to bed with me at 3:30 where he passed out cold. Poor guy.
* I am almost 16 weeks and officially wearing maternity pants. I was able to squeak by with my other jeans, but now the bellah is a little too poofy to be able to do that. Jason took a picture of me last night and I look more pregnant at 16 weeks with this baby then I did with Jack at 23 weeks. Yikes!
* We are going cloth with this next baby and I am overwhelmed. It's so so so overwhelming to know which diapers to buy, but we are starting out with pockets. So far I have purchased a Fuzzibunz and a Flip. Thanks to Erin's awesome posts about cloth diapers, I am really doing my homework. I want to get about 8 more covers and 20 inserts before the baby comes. I also have a diaper pail liner bookmarked on Amazon that comes with a wet bag. And I also need to get a sprayer to clean the poo. Seriously, I am a smart person, why am I so overwhelmed?
* Want to see my fancy new desk? It's not really fancy, but it's better than what I use right now (the couch. No, seriously). It fits just right in the spot we are putting it in temporarily, which is great. Our house is getting quite cramped. I will be so so so glad to move to a bigger place whenever that is.
* I made the tastiest corn chowder in the crock pot this weekend. Paired with a ham and a crusty baguette from the farmers market, I was in heaven. I didn't take a picture since it just looked like a big bowl of yellow, but the recipe is here. My Memere used to make the best corn chowder so this dinner reminded me of her. I miss you Memere!* Next weekend I am going to cook dinner both nights. One night I will be making a white trash casserole. You will have to stay tuned for why I say it's white trash. The other night I will be making spaghetti pie which is a favorite in our house.
* Can I say how excited I am for some upcoming outings? On the 21st of August our family is going to Enchanted Forest for a play day. My cousin's daughter Hazel (who is almost 2) will be there as well as Jack and everyone in my aunt's family. So fun! And my sister and I are heading to the State Fair at the end of the month. It will be Jack's first time and I am thinking he will love the animals.
To end this post, here is a video of Jack in the bouncy castle at Enchanted Playhouse this weekend. He had such a good time!
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