I took Jacob to the park today to make up for making him go to the mall with me yesterday. It was overcast out and rained like crazy yesterday so I had high hopes that people wouldn't be there. Yeah, not so much. Apparently everyone had the same idea. The trails were full and the playgrounds packed with kids running around.
We sat by the lake to watch people feed the ducks, found a spot on the swings, and then ventued to the baseball field to roam freely. We made it a great experience and were ready to go home.
I had Jacob in my arms and we started to the car. About half way back i stumbled. Immediately I knew I was going to fall and had to keep Jacob safe. It's strange how quickly you fall, but I could remember every part of it trying to move my body in a way to keep him surrounded and safe from the impact. When we hit the ground I had succeeded in keeping Jacob completely safe.
A jogger saw us go down and came over to help. She held Jacob for me while I regained my composure. Stupidly I looked at the gash in my knee to assess the damage and instantly began to get woozy, a minute later I was out cold.
Waking up and seeing this stranger holding Jacob scared me more than the fall or the pain. I was so glad to see her still standing closely and taking care of Jacob instead of all the other horrible scenarios that played in my head. When I woke up the next time she was still there with Jacob and now two more men. One last time out and the group was still there, but this time with 911 on the phone for an ambulance to come and mend up my knee.
I had both Michael and family on their way over to take care of Jacob, and they got their just in time to head to the hospital.
Now 12 stitches later and a lot of pain killers, Jacob is completely safe and at home, I'm healing, Michael is taking care of both Jacob and me, and I'm a bit nervous to walk around and carry Jacob.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Jacob the Explorer
Jacob has found a love for the park.
We've tried three of them so far, and with each of them he can go from fast asleep or semi-happy to ecstatic by simply climbing on play
Attacking the equipment
Up, up, and away
We've tried three of them so far, and with each of them he can go from fast asleep or semi-happy to ecstatic by simply climbing on play
The swings have been the favorite so far, but it is starting to be eclipsed by other fun equipment.
Going down slides is still a bit scary, but trying to climb up is fun
Attacking the equipment
Up, up, and away
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Grinding
Jacob has had his two front bottom teeth for a while, and now he has the two top ones in and the ones right next to them on their way.
1) It is very strange to see my little man smile with his teeth in his mouth. I never thought that would be strange, but it really is. He's had this huge smile with nothing there and all of a sudden it is a toothy smile.
2) Jacob is getting used to having teeth in his mouth by grinding them. It sounds like nails on a chalkboard and can make you cringe from across the room when he starts rubbing those teeth together. We want to get rid of this horrible racket as soon as possible, but everything seems to say it is normal. We've even taken to giving Jacob his pacifier more often than needed to pause the grinding.
6 teeth in/coming and one step closer from a baby to little boy.
1) It is very strange to see my little man smile with his teeth in his mouth. I never thought that would be strange, but it really is. He's had this huge smile with nothing there and all of a sudden it is a toothy smile.
2) Jacob is getting used to having teeth in his mouth by grinding them. It sounds like nails on a chalkboard and can make you cringe from across the room when he starts rubbing those teeth together. We want to get rid of this horrible racket as soon as possible, but everything seems to say it is normal. We've even taken to giving Jacob his pacifier more often than needed to pause the grinding.
6 teeth in/coming and one step closer from a baby to little boy.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Christmas is Coming, the Goose is Getting Fat...
I love the holidays. I love all the red and white candy cane striped decor, the crisp coolness of the weather, the smell of a fresh Christmas tree, and almost every single song about Santa and Christmas. It may not have the best meal (Thanksgiving), but it truly is the most wonderful time of the year.
For the past few year the holidays have been a blur. When I signed up to work retail, I would have never thought the marketing manager had to be there on all the holidays and work events almost every weekend during the holidays. It kind of made me forget how much I loved the holidays as a time to celebrate with family.
This year however, I sent the kids off for Christmas break on Friday and am subbing at the daycare for two days next week and then I'm off until after the new year! The house is decorated, all the gifts are bought and wrapped, we're ready for some special visitors, and I can't wait for Jacob's first Christmas.
Below are some pictures of Jacob's preparations
For the past few year the holidays have been a blur. When I signed up to work retail, I would have never thought the marketing manager had to be there on all the holidays and work events almost every weekend during the holidays. It kind of made me forget how much I loved the holidays as a time to celebrate with family.
This year however, I sent the kids off for Christmas break on Friday and am subbing at the daycare for two days next week and then I'm off until after the new year! The house is decorated, all the gifts are bought and wrapped, we're ready for some special visitors, and I can't wait for Jacob's first Christmas.
Below are some pictures of Jacob's preparations
Jacob showed us how all the cool kids are wearing their Santa hats this year
"How many days til Christmas mom? I can't tell now that I pulled the Snowman off."
Friday, December 17, 2010
The past few nights have been kind of hectic at our house which delays dinner and causes me to improvise for Jacob's dinner. The other night my quick and easy fix was a great suggestion from Jacob's Mamoo - vegetable soup. The veggies are soft, there is a broth to make it tastier and I found one with alphabet noodles - the perfect size for him to handle.
All of the foods he's had to eat so far have only been messy because of dropped pieces and mushiness, but not because of sauce yet. This however was messier than either of us expected.
All of the foods he's had to eat so far have only been messy because of dropped pieces and mushiness, but not because of sauce yet. This however was messier than either of us expected.
The start of the fun
Pretty yummy
What mess are you talking about?
Sunday, December 12, 2010
It's Finally Christmas in our House
We've had the tree since Monday, the presents all bought and wrapped for over a week, and the boxes of decor have been sitting in the attic ready to come down, but we've just been too busy with everything else in life to get our act together.
After going to the German Christmas Festival yesterday we finally got in the spirit to get everything done.
We pulled out the pack n' play to the living room and Jacob sat while watching us move everything around and giggled at the new pieces being brought out. We planned to get a family shot by the tree, but the only ones groomed and dressed were Scoot and Jacob. So...below are some pictures (I also learned how to add effects to them with the camera).
After going to the German Christmas Festival yesterday we finally got in the spirit to get everything done.
We pulled out the pack n' play to the living room and Jacob sat while watching us move everything around and giggled at the new pieces being brought out. We planned to get a family shot by the tree, but the only ones groomed and dressed were Scoot and Jacob. So...below are some pictures (I also learned how to add effects to them with the camera).
Teething Update
Our little guy was back to his normal self this morning and closely watched Michael and I finally set up all the Christmas decorations while playing in pack and play. We checked out the one tooth we've been watching and with it all the way out now was hoping that this round of teething pain was done.
While changing him a bit ago he was yelling at the toy in his hand and I noticed white beginning to emerge in three other spots up top. Our poor boy was miserable because he's not just handling one or two teeth...he has four upper teeth coming in at once.
I feel horrible for him and am in shock that our baby will have 6 teeth soon.
While changing him a bit ago he was yelling at the toy in his hand and I noticed white beginning to emerge in three other spots up top. Our poor boy was miserable because he's not just handling one or two teeth...he has four upper teeth coming in at once.
I feel horrible for him and am in shock that our baby will have 6 teeth soon.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Teething
A few months ago I was sitting at lunch with a girlfriend when I told her I thought Jacob was teething because of several symptoms, including extra drooling. She asked if it was like a waterfall because if it runs non-stop then you know it is teething.
He wasn't drooling non-stop, and he didn't get fussy or anything you commonly read, but within the next day 2 teeth popped out on the bottom in the middle.
For the past few weeks we've closely been watching the top center teeth and swearing they were coming any day now, but nothing. We just couldn't really be sure when they would come because he handled the first two so easily.
On Thursday Michael noticed a little white showing from Jacob's upper gums and we were so excited for the teeth to come, but we had no clue how different this experience would be from the previous set.
First, we completely understand what "waterfalls of drool" looks like now. When he's sucking on his pacifier drool is streaming down, while he's crawling drool is pooling on the floor like a map of where he's been. There is constantly drool.
Then there is the neediness. For the past couple days Jacob hasn't wanted to leave our side. In all honesty it is probably my favorite side effect of teething this time since with all his crawling and standing up it is nice for him to just want to cuddle every now and then.
Lastly, is the low-grade fever and mood change. Our little boy that smiles all the time seems to be scared to ham it up because of the pain in his mouth.
While we're still excited for these pearly whites to show up, I wish they would hurry along because I miss my feel-good all smiles little man.
He wasn't drooling non-stop, and he didn't get fussy or anything you commonly read, but within the next day 2 teeth popped out on the bottom in the middle.
For the past few weeks we've closely been watching the top center teeth and swearing they were coming any day now, but nothing. We just couldn't really be sure when they would come because he handled the first two so easily.
On Thursday Michael noticed a little white showing from Jacob's upper gums and we were so excited for the teeth to come, but we had no clue how different this experience would be from the previous set.
First, we completely understand what "waterfalls of drool" looks like now. When he's sucking on his pacifier drool is streaming down, while he's crawling drool is pooling on the floor like a map of where he's been. There is constantly drool.
Then there is the neediness. For the past couple days Jacob hasn't wanted to leave our side. In all honesty it is probably my favorite side effect of teething this time since with all his crawling and standing up it is nice for him to just want to cuddle every now and then.
Lastly, is the low-grade fever and mood change. Our little boy that smiles all the time seems to be scared to ham it up because of the pain in his mouth.
While we're still excited for these pearly whites to show up, I wish they would hurry along because I miss my feel-good all smiles little man.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Hats
Jacob has had a fascination with hats since he could tell they weren't part of your head. Early on he would laugh and grab at Michael's hat, and when we placed hats on his head he would pull them down as far as he could and give the biggest smile.
He still loves hats, but has more fun taking them off.
The other day we went to Hobby Lobby for some extra Christmas decor when I found a Santa hat that semi-fit Jacob. He was completely occupied the whole time I shopped taking the hat off each time I put it on him.
Below are some cute pictures where I tried to trick him into wearing his hat.
He still loves hats, but has more fun taking them off.
The other day we went to Hobby Lobby for some extra Christmas decor when I found a Santa hat that semi-fit Jacob. He was completely occupied the whole time I shopped taking the hat off each time I put it on him.
Below are some cute pictures where I tried to trick him into wearing his hat.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
8 Months
Little Man turned 8 months on Sunday! I can't believe he is 8 months already and growing so much.
When you're pregnant people constantly give you two pieces of advice -
1) Get your sleep now
2) Enjoy every minute of it, it goes so quickly
Although I hated hearing those while pregnant, I now see why everyone says them and would use them as my top two pieces of advice now too. It seems like just yesterday he was content laying in his play mat and batting at toys, now toys are no fun and game to play is "catch me if you can."
Some of the things the last month has brought us:
1) The word "no" is a joke. We're reaching the point where it is no longer just playing all the time, but time to parent now and Jacob finds it hilarious. As soon as he hears the "no" he turns his head to face you and gives the biggest, full face encompassing smile, then returns to what he wants to do. We haven't quite figured out how to get over this one.
2) Everyone who sees him eat is amazed by his love of food. Jacob cries the loudest when there is no more food on his tray in front of him, or when we're eating and he isn't (which has made it much harder to go out to eat). If we're out to eat he's quick to reach for what I'm eating, even if it is a giant chicken sandwich...looks good to him.
3) He eats what we eat. Buying and making pureed food is almost a complete thing of the past. For breakfast Jacob loves yogurt, cottage cheese, pancakes, toast and fruits. Lunch and dinner bring pretty much everything else. He hasn't found anything he can pick up that he doesn't like.
4) The pincer grab is starting to evolve, but his favorite way to stuff his face is to grab a handful and jam whatever he can into his mouth. Once a little is swallowed he's quick to replace it with more food.
5) The boy can move - and quickly! I can't turn my head now without Jacob being on the opposite side of the room. He knows how to do a real crawl, but still loves the army crawl because it is just so much faster.
6) All our tables are cleared now. Anything on the table is fair game for Jacob to grab, there's just no getting around that.
7) He started the month starting to pull up but crying because he couldn't get down, within a week or so that problem was gone and he easily goes up and down now whenever he pleases, but now that he's mastered it, he doesn't see the need to stand as much anymore.
8) Laughing - whether he is crawling down the hall with us chasing him or we're tickling him Jacob's laugh is contagious. The best laugh is the one he now does with food he likes. With each bite he takes he gives a long goofy laugh to show how much he likes it and the pattern lasts through the whole meal.
9) In his carseat he knows if I say up it means he is about to get out and raises his hands and arches his back to make it easier.
10) High Fives and Kisses - Mainly the high fives are for Michael and me, but he has been known to give out a few. However, the kisses have been reserved only for his monkey blanket. If I have the blanket near him and say kisses he moves his head closer to it and closes his eyes, but if I say it near me or anyone else he looks at me and smiles.
11) For most of the month the babbling was gone and replaced with clicks and clacks. I've never heard a baby make these noises before and the only thing we could come up with is that he was repeating the kiss noises we normally give him. Thankfully he has moved on to watching our mouths and trying to imitate what we say and I no longer have to worry.
Before I know it he'll be 1!
When you're pregnant people constantly give you two pieces of advice -
1) Get your sleep now
2) Enjoy every minute of it, it goes so quickly
Although I hated hearing those while pregnant, I now see why everyone says them and would use them as my top two pieces of advice now too. It seems like just yesterday he was content laying in his play mat and batting at toys, now toys are no fun and game to play is "catch me if you can."
Some of the things the last month has brought us:
1) The word "no" is a joke. We're reaching the point where it is no longer just playing all the time, but time to parent now and Jacob finds it hilarious. As soon as he hears the "no" he turns his head to face you and gives the biggest, full face encompassing smile, then returns to what he wants to do. We haven't quite figured out how to get over this one.
2) Everyone who sees him eat is amazed by his love of food. Jacob cries the loudest when there is no more food on his tray in front of him, or when we're eating and he isn't (which has made it much harder to go out to eat). If we're out to eat he's quick to reach for what I'm eating, even if it is a giant chicken sandwich...looks good to him.
3) He eats what we eat. Buying and making pureed food is almost a complete thing of the past. For breakfast Jacob loves yogurt, cottage cheese, pancakes, toast and fruits. Lunch and dinner bring pretty much everything else. He hasn't found anything he can pick up that he doesn't like.
4) The pincer grab is starting to evolve, but his favorite way to stuff his face is to grab a handful and jam whatever he can into his mouth. Once a little is swallowed he's quick to replace it with more food.
5) The boy can move - and quickly! I can't turn my head now without Jacob being on the opposite side of the room. He knows how to do a real crawl, but still loves the army crawl because it is just so much faster.
6) All our tables are cleared now. Anything on the table is fair game for Jacob to grab, there's just no getting around that.
7) He started the month starting to pull up but crying because he couldn't get down, within a week or so that problem was gone and he easily goes up and down now whenever he pleases, but now that he's mastered it, he doesn't see the need to stand as much anymore.
8) Laughing - whether he is crawling down the hall with us chasing him or we're tickling him Jacob's laugh is contagious. The best laugh is the one he now does with food he likes. With each bite he takes he gives a long goofy laugh to show how much he likes it and the pattern lasts through the whole meal.
9) In his carseat he knows if I say up it means he is about to get out and raises his hands and arches his back to make it easier.
10) High Fives and Kisses - Mainly the high fives are for Michael and me, but he has been known to give out a few. However, the kisses have been reserved only for his monkey blanket. If I have the blanket near him and say kisses he moves his head closer to it and closes his eyes, but if I say it near me or anyone else he looks at me and smiles.
11) For most of the month the babbling was gone and replaced with clicks and clacks. I've never heard a baby make these noises before and the only thing we could come up with is that he was repeating the kiss noises we normally give him. Thankfully he has moved on to watching our mouths and trying to imitate what we say and I no longer have to worry.
Before I know it he'll be 1!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Starting to look a lot like Christmas
Today Michael went to pick up our new entertainment center from the warehouse with a very helpful friend. While they waited in line to load everything up I stayed home and watched Jacob and our friend's daughter (who is in love with Baby Jacob).
He started the morning wondering why this crazy girl wanted to hold him so much
Then he taught her how to play with the activity table
Once the guys got home, the furniture was mostly set up and naps were attempted we all went out to the Christmas Tree farm. Although we didn't get a tree during this visit Jacob loved being out there. He smiled pretty much from the time we entered the area until we left.
Feeling his first Christmas tree.
Then he did a great job posing in front of the trees - so adorable
Spreading holiday cheer to friends
And after a long day he still smiled and posed as we sat him with various Christmas cut-out characters.
I wish I hadn't cut the head off of Tigger on this one
He started the morning wondering why this crazy girl wanted to hold him so much
Then he taught her how to play with the activity table
Once the guys got home, the furniture was mostly set up and naps were attempted we all went out to the Christmas Tree farm. Although we didn't get a tree during this visit Jacob loved being out there. He smiled pretty much from the time we entered the area until we left.
Feeling his first Christmas tree.
Then he did a great job posing in front of the trees - so adorable
Spreading holiday cheer to friends
And after a long day he still smiled and posed as we sat him with various Christmas cut-out characters.
I wish I hadn't cut the head off of Tigger on this one
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Yum Yum Yum
I feel like all the posts lately have been about Jacob's ability to move around the house and what he's eating now, but that's not going to change with this post.
Tonight was completely unplanned to try something new. Jacob went down for a nap around 5:30 PM because he didn't sleep much during the day and I figured I could wake him up at 6:30 for dinner. Michael and I made our dinner and sat down to eat at 6, and after we both took our first bite we began hear rustling on the monitor soon followed by the echoing sound of crying. Michael ran to the nursery and I yelled after him to just let him wake up and bring him out for dinner so he could eat with us.
I pulled out the diced pears for him to eat because he's loved the peaches this way and he started gobbling them up. Then I added the diced carrots and peas we were having with dinner, and he didn't love them, but he ate them and didn't just leave them sitting there. At that point I decided we didn't have to worry about the whole making him his own dinner thing. I tore off pieces of my baked chicken and added it to Jacob's tray. He went crazy with it all.
It's strange how this simple meal made me so happy and excited. We've talked several times about starting to feed Jacob what we're eating (when it is healthy) but this was the first time that we fully did that.
Scoot liked the new meal too and waited semi-patiently for pieces to drop
Tonight was completely unplanned to try something new. Jacob went down for a nap around 5:30 PM because he didn't sleep much during the day and I figured I could wake him up at 6:30 for dinner. Michael and I made our dinner and sat down to eat at 6, and after we both took our first bite we began hear rustling on the monitor soon followed by the echoing sound of crying. Michael ran to the nursery and I yelled after him to just let him wake up and bring him out for dinner so he could eat with us.
I pulled out the diced pears for him to eat because he's loved the peaches this way and he started gobbling them up. Then I added the diced carrots and peas we were having with dinner, and he didn't love them, but he ate them and didn't just leave them sitting there. At that point I decided we didn't have to worry about the whole making him his own dinner thing. I tore off pieces of my baked chicken and added it to Jacob's tray. He went crazy with it all.
It's strange how this simple meal made me so happy and excited. We've talked several times about starting to feed Jacob what we're eating (when it is healthy) but this was the first time that we fully did that.
Scoot liked the new meal too and waited semi-patiently for pieces to drop
Monday, November 29, 2010
Cheese Please
Today we tried a couple new things.
Breakfast - Cottage cheese and diced peaches. Peaches went well, and he even smiled for the peaches with cottage cheese on them, but the instant he got just a spoonful of cottage cheese in his mouth he'd act like he was chocking to death and couldn't spit it out fast enough.
Lunch - We added American cheese slices to the end of lunch today and I think we have a new favorite.
For me?!?
I'm afraid Jacob is getting to know that good things come from Diapers.com boxes.
Poor thing - there's nothing special in it, just stuff we are storing for a garage sale. However, he doesn't seem too upset.
Poor thing - there's nothing special in it, just stuff we are storing for a garage sale. However, he doesn't seem too upset.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Oh the Places You'll Go
Less than a week ago Jacob learned to pull up and stand with support. He now can't find any reason to be on the ground and will use anything he can find to help him get up.
The window is a great place to see the world and stand for a bit.
The crib is no longer for sleeping, it's now just another place to party.
And it's always nice when Scoot stops by for a visit.
Above everything - don't lock him in anywhere!
Run, run, run all around the house we go.
The window is a great place to see the world and stand for a bit.
The crib is no longer for sleeping, it's now just another place to party.
And it's always nice when Scoot stops by for a visit.
Above everything - don't lock him in anywhere!
Run, run, run all around the house we go.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Sweet Naps
All the guys in my life are currently napping.
In bed is Michael. Trying to sleep off the remnants of the bug that has swept through our house.
Next to me on the couch is Scoot. Not really napping because he's sleepy, but more as something to do while he waits for someone to get up and move.
On my chest is Jacob. He started his nap in the crib but decided laying on me is more comfortable.
I need to wake Jacob up for dinner, but with as quickly as he grows I know these sweet moments are fleeting.
In bed is Michael. Trying to sleep off the remnants of the bug that has swept through our house.
Next to me on the couch is Scoot. Not really napping because he's sleepy, but more as something to do while he waits for someone to get up and move.
On my chest is Jacob. He started his nap in the crib but decided laying on me is more comfortable.
I need to wake Jacob up for dinner, but with as quickly as he grows I know these sweet moments are fleeting.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Thank Goodness for Naps
A couple months ago all I wanted to do was see Jacob roll, now he doesn't stop moving.
I've learned the beauty of baby gates and can cover any appliance or opening under a table with pillows. He finds the most unstable of things to pull up on, and once he's up he gets angry because he's not quite sure what to do next.
For a couple days getting down was as traumatic as not know what to do once standing, however as of today he's getting better at falling down into a sitting position as long as I'm close enough to clap and cheer.
From here on out life gets fun.
First "Real" Trip to the ER
On Tuesday night I picked up groceries and Michael picked up Jacob. When he got home he complained that the day care had once again fed him more than we normally do. This has been an ongoing problem that I thought I fixed. For some reason the director of the center is quick to say he's a big baby and then exceed my feeding plan by not only increasing the amount of bottles given, but also increasing the amount in them. We grumbled about it and decided that Michael needed to go in and talk to her since my efforts seemed to have had only a short-term affect, then we went on with our lives. We started our dinner and I fed Jacob.
Around 7:30 Jacob threw up so we bathed him all seemed fine. Then it happened again, and we started to worry a bit. One more time and phone calls were made and we got instruction from the doctor on call to feed him a couple ounces of formula with a medicine dropper. He still couldn't keep it down so we headed off to the ER around 10:30.
There were about 30 people in the waiting room so we figured we were in for a long night, but within 20 minutes our name was called and Jacob went in for triage. She sent us to the next waiting room and even told us we were next. We honestly thought we were in luck and it would be a simple process.
40 minutes later we were called in to a treatment room and told we were 4th in line. Still not bad.
3 hours later we told them we were leaving because we'd been sitting in a room with a narrow bed and tiny stool for 3 hours, had no clue what the doctor even looked like, and had been told 5 times that it should only be 10 more minutes. One nurse even told us that 2 hours was normal waiting time for an ER then walked off when I told her we'd already been there twice that.
5 minutes later the doctor showed up.
He talked a lot, but we understood from him that he couldn't diagnose it as a stomach bug because there were no other signs. He gave Jacob a 1/2 tablet of Zofran and then we waited to see if that would help him keep something down. They couldn't find any Pedialyte so Jacob got his first taste of Jello - and he LOVED it.
After 6 hours in the emergency room we were finally able to take our sleepy little man home and get 3 hours of sleep until the appointment with our normal pediatrician.
The alarm clock went off 30 minutes before our appointment, we both woke up but Jacob stayed asleep between us, so we nodded off again for 15 minutes. Luckily the doctor's office is close and we still made it right on time. I've never been so happy to only have to sit in the waiting room for 5 minutes.
We discussed the entire night with our doctor (who I have many times said I love because of how good she is) and her simple conclusion was that he had been overfed during the day and his stomach just couldn't take anymore that night.
I talked to Jacob's teacher and told her that he wouldn't be coming in for the rest of the week since I canceled the sub posting I had. She felt horrible and wasn't the one in his room on Tuesday, and I still fully trust her. She is the main reason we want to keep that day care. However, Michael will be talking to the director and letting her know this is the last straw...I'm just glad he's had some time to cool down now.
Around 7:30 Jacob threw up so we bathed him all seemed fine. Then it happened again, and we started to worry a bit. One more time and phone calls were made and we got instruction from the doctor on call to feed him a couple ounces of formula with a medicine dropper. He still couldn't keep it down so we headed off to the ER around 10:30.
There were about 30 people in the waiting room so we figured we were in for a long night, but within 20 minutes our name was called and Jacob went in for triage. She sent us to the next waiting room and even told us we were next. We honestly thought we were in luck and it would be a simple process.
40 minutes later we were called in to a treatment room and told we were 4th in line. Still not bad.
3 hours later we told them we were leaving because we'd been sitting in a room with a narrow bed and tiny stool for 3 hours, had no clue what the doctor even looked like, and had been told 5 times that it should only be 10 more minutes. One nurse even told us that 2 hours was normal waiting time for an ER then walked off when I told her we'd already been there twice that.
5 minutes later the doctor showed up.
He talked a lot, but we understood from him that he couldn't diagnose it as a stomach bug because there were no other signs. He gave Jacob a 1/2 tablet of Zofran and then we waited to see if that would help him keep something down. They couldn't find any Pedialyte so Jacob got his first taste of Jello - and he LOVED it.
After 6 hours in the emergency room we were finally able to take our sleepy little man home and get 3 hours of sleep until the appointment with our normal pediatrician.
The alarm clock went off 30 minutes before our appointment, we both woke up but Jacob stayed asleep between us, so we nodded off again for 15 minutes. Luckily the doctor's office is close and we still made it right on time. I've never been so happy to only have to sit in the waiting room for 5 minutes.
We discussed the entire night with our doctor (who I have many times said I love because of how good she is) and her simple conclusion was that he had been overfed during the day and his stomach just couldn't take anymore that night.
I talked to Jacob's teacher and told her that he wouldn't be coming in for the rest of the week since I canceled the sub posting I had. She felt horrible and wasn't the one in his room on Tuesday, and I still fully trust her. She is the main reason we want to keep that day care. However, Michael will be talking to the director and letting her know this is the last straw...I'm just glad he's had some time to cool down now.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
6 Months at a Glance
It has been a while since I've posted...there just hasn't been time. Subbing has ended up being more than I ever thought it would be, my consulting job, and most of all the most adorable almost crawler that explores every part of the house.
I always knew that our house was a bit cluttered, but the more that Jacob explores and begins to pull himself up the more I notice clutter. So, while I'm playing with him I try to unclutter each piece he pulls himself up on. It isn't the fastest process, but I'm finding it manageable.
Guess I'll have to open the guest room door soon so that he'll motivate me to work on that too!
New things in the past month:
- Jacob has been getting up on all fours for the past couple weeks and rocking back and forth. He's starting to get the crawling motion down, but I think he realizes that he can go faster with his army crawl, so he gets a little irritated with the whole real crawling thing.
- There is no stopping him! Once Jacob started moving I was able to put pillows up to block him, but now those are just a fun obstacle to climb over. In fact, one of his favorite activities is climbing over me. I'm running out of options to keep him in one area.
- Real solids...not just purees. I don't think I've ever said the word puree more, but it looks like I'm nearing the end of that. At the beginning of this month Jacob was unsure about the puffs and Gerber Cheeto looking things, but now he can grab them from his highchair tray and get them to his mouth with no problem at all. He can also handle bananas, avocados and little pieces of bread.
- Every nap and bed time are spent in the crib. This is a big feat for both Jacob and me! It started with naps, then moved to the first couple hours of bed time, and now the whole night. I don't want to jinx it, but it has been amazing and he sleeps so much better in there.
- Smiles and laughs are the best thing on Earth. Every time I come into Jacob's view he gets the biggest smile. We play games and he laughs. You smile at him and he smiles. It is the best feeling in the world.
- Not a developmental milestone, but new for the month; I joined a mommy group. So far I've only gone out for wine with them, but I do have plans to do more. Next week I'm doing another wine outing (which is nice to make new friends and get some time out), zoo trip with the mom and kids, then a family pot luck dinner. Really excited and hope this goes well.
On Friday Jacob turns 7 months. I can't believe how time is flying by.
I always knew that our house was a bit cluttered, but the more that Jacob explores and begins to pull himself up the more I notice clutter. So, while I'm playing with him I try to unclutter each piece he pulls himself up on. It isn't the fastest process, but I'm finding it manageable.
Guess I'll have to open the guest room door soon so that he'll motivate me to work on that too!
New things in the past month:
- Jacob has been getting up on all fours for the past couple weeks and rocking back and forth. He's starting to get the crawling motion down, but I think he realizes that he can go faster with his army crawl, so he gets a little irritated with the whole real crawling thing.
- There is no stopping him! Once Jacob started moving I was able to put pillows up to block him, but now those are just a fun obstacle to climb over. In fact, one of his favorite activities is climbing over me. I'm running out of options to keep him in one area.
- Real solids...not just purees. I don't think I've ever said the word puree more, but it looks like I'm nearing the end of that. At the beginning of this month Jacob was unsure about the puffs and Gerber Cheeto looking things, but now he can grab them from his highchair tray and get them to his mouth with no problem at all. He can also handle bananas, avocados and little pieces of bread.
- Every nap and bed time are spent in the crib. This is a big feat for both Jacob and me! It started with naps, then moved to the first couple hours of bed time, and now the whole night. I don't want to jinx it, but it has been amazing and he sleeps so much better in there.
- Smiles and laughs are the best thing on Earth. Every time I come into Jacob's view he gets the biggest smile. We play games and he laughs. You smile at him and he smiles. It is the best feeling in the world.
- Not a developmental milestone, but new for the month; I joined a mommy group. So far I've only gone out for wine with them, but I do have plans to do more. Next week I'm doing another wine outing (which is nice to make new friends and get some time out), zoo trip with the mom and kids, then a family pot luck dinner. Really excited and hope this goes well.
On Friday Jacob turns 7 months. I can't believe how time is flying by.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Changing Seasons
Houston really only has two seasons, unbearable summer, and comfortable winter. Fall and spring are simply one to two week transition periods from summer to winter. Even though we don't have all the seasons I still want to celebrate them, so this weekend I got Jacob out to the pumpkin patch for some cute fall pictures.
In college we had this pumpkin patch near campus called Pumpkinville that I went to every year I was at Bonas. They made apple cider, the roads on the drive out there were covered in red and golden brown leaves, there was a chill in the air, and best of all were the pumpkin doughnuts. Because of Pumpkinville I have yet to enjoy any other local pumpkin patch in our area. After researching every place with pumpkins in our area I finally settled on Dewberry Farms about an hour away because it seemed like they made it an event and the pumpkins were in the fields they were grown in.
After about 40 minutes on the road I decided that this was a good idea because there couldn't be too many other crazy moms like me wanting to drive out to the middle of the country for a pumpkin patch when you're sure to pass about 5 on the way. It was a good thought until we pulled up and there were men stationed on horses across a dozen lanes of long parking directing the traffic.
The line to get in:
Once we got in we realized it was so much more than a pumpkin patch. There were a dozen attractions for kids, a snow cone hut where you got to choose between 20 flavors of syrup and put it on yourself, cannons to shoot ears of corn from, farm animals, and even pig races. Next year Jacob will love Dewberry farms!
This year we paid the entrance fee but only got to use the pumpkin patch, flowers and farm animal areas. They made for adorable pictures!
My aboslute favorite:
In college we had this pumpkin patch near campus called Pumpkinville that I went to every year I was at Bonas. They made apple cider, the roads on the drive out there were covered in red and golden brown leaves, there was a chill in the air, and best of all were the pumpkin doughnuts. Because of Pumpkinville I have yet to enjoy any other local pumpkin patch in our area. After researching every place with pumpkins in our area I finally settled on Dewberry Farms about an hour away because it seemed like they made it an event and the pumpkins were in the fields they were grown in.
After about 40 minutes on the road I decided that this was a good idea because there couldn't be too many other crazy moms like me wanting to drive out to the middle of the country for a pumpkin patch when you're sure to pass about 5 on the way. It was a good thought until we pulled up and there were men stationed on horses across a dozen lanes of long parking directing the traffic.
The line to get in:
Once we got in we realized it was so much more than a pumpkin patch. There were a dozen attractions for kids, a snow cone hut where you got to choose between 20 flavors of syrup and put it on yourself, cannons to shoot ears of corn from, farm animals, and even pig races. Next year Jacob will love Dewberry farms!
This year we paid the entrance fee but only got to use the pumpkin patch, flowers and farm animal areas. They made for adorable pictures!
My aboslute favorite:
Saturday, October 9, 2010
First Big Scare
**This post was done a week ago, but it took me a while to download the picture to finish it**
Yesterday was Jacob's 6 month check-up. There may be something strange about me, but I love these visits. Our pediatrician is amazing and she is always impressed with Jacob so it is kind of my chance to show off every little thing he does with someone that really needs to know.
For the past few days though Jacob has been a bit snotty, and starting on Thursday it began to sound like the congestion was in his chest. Thursday night he woke up several times because of the congestion and his stuffy nose. The more it sounded like it was in his chest the more worried we got. By the morning Michael decided to take a half day so that he could come to the appointment with me.
Doctor believe it is Croup plus seasonal allergies, but warned us to come in next Tuesday if it isn't gone by then just in case it is something more that she wasn't detecting. She told us we're doing the right thing by making the bathroom into a steam room and advised us to get a cool mist humidifier. After that he got his vaccines, plus flu shot and off we went.
The rest of the evening went great. The humidifier worked great, Jacob got a bath, all was good.
Around 10:30PM Michael got me from bed saying Jacob felt warm. We did an ear temp check and he was at 101.3. We figured the winter sleeper he was in and his warm swing weren't helping the situation so we took him outside for a bit then brought him back in to take off the sleeper.
His temp immediately began to drop to a safe zone and we gave him some medicine to bring down the now low grade fever.
As Michael and I paced trying to figure out what to do I couldn't help but take a second of how cute Jacob was as he wondered why on Earth we woke him up, but was ready to play.
Yesterday was Jacob's 6 month check-up. There may be something strange about me, but I love these visits. Our pediatrician is amazing and she is always impressed with Jacob so it is kind of my chance to show off every little thing he does with someone that really needs to know.
For the past few days though Jacob has been a bit snotty, and starting on Thursday it began to sound like the congestion was in his chest. Thursday night he woke up several times because of the congestion and his stuffy nose. The more it sounded like it was in his chest the more worried we got. By the morning Michael decided to take a half day so that he could come to the appointment with me.
Doctor believe it is Croup plus seasonal allergies, but warned us to come in next Tuesday if it isn't gone by then just in case it is something more that she wasn't detecting. She told us we're doing the right thing by making the bathroom into a steam room and advised us to get a cool mist humidifier. After that he got his vaccines, plus flu shot and off we went.
The rest of the evening went great. The humidifier worked great, Jacob got a bath, all was good.
Around 10:30PM Michael got me from bed saying Jacob felt warm. We did an ear temp check and he was at 101.3. We figured the winter sleeper he was in and his warm swing weren't helping the situation so we took him outside for a bit then brought him back in to take off the sleeper.
His temp immediately began to drop to a safe zone and we gave him some medicine to bring down the now low grade fever.
As Michael and I paced trying to figure out what to do I couldn't help but take a second of how cute Jacob was as he wondered why on Earth we woke him up, but was ready to play.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
The Good
Too cute for words. Jacob crawled under our coffee table today and through to the other side.
The Bad
Apparently I can't leave magazines out anymore.
The Ugly
Thank goodness there are no pictures. I was on the phone sitting next to Jacob in his bouncy chair when I looked over to see poop every where. I'm sure Michael was ecstatic to walk in just in time to help.
Too cute for words. Jacob crawled under our coffee table today and through to the other side.
The Bad
Apparently I can't leave magazines out anymore.
The Ugly
Thank goodness there are no pictures. I was on the phone sitting next to Jacob in his bouncy chair when I looked over to see poop every where. I'm sure Michael was ecstatic to walk in just in time to help.
Biggest Fan
Before Jacob was born Michael bought an Astros hat from Babies R' Us. This was sweet since much of our early relationship was spent at Minute Maid Park watching the Astros attempt to get to the World Series. He wasn't thinking about any of that at the time though; he's just a sports guy.
Since buying that hat he has been on a mission to find some Texans gear that fits Jacob. He even agrees to go to baby stores to see if they have any Texans stuff out yet.
Right before the season started I found a cute Texans outfit in Jacob's size and surprised him by putting Jacob in it for the first game. He loved it and took pictures on his phone to show people at the game, then came home in a great mood because they won.
Next week was an away game and once again Jacob had to wear the outfit. Although it was a close game, Texans won again.
For the third game Michael went to the game and I had to go to a baby shower so Jacob had family watch him. Michael trusted me to put the outfit on him again and reminded me several times before heading out. I got the onesie on, but with the crazyness of the morning I didn't get the pants on and instead placed them in the diaper bag with directions to put them on before the game started. That afternoon the Cowboys kicked the Texans butts and Michael blamed me because Jacob never got his pants on.
Guess the luck ran out on that outfit because Michael decided to dress him in this outfit for the last game.
The new outfit does include the same pants...guess they're lucky pants since they won again.
Since buying that hat he has been on a mission to find some Texans gear that fits Jacob. He even agrees to go to baby stores to see if they have any Texans stuff out yet.
Right before the season started I found a cute Texans outfit in Jacob's size and surprised him by putting Jacob in it for the first game. He loved it and took pictures on his phone to show people at the game, then came home in a great mood because they won.
Next week was an away game and once again Jacob had to wear the outfit. Although it was a close game, Texans won again.
For the third game Michael went to the game and I had to go to a baby shower so Jacob had family watch him. Michael trusted me to put the outfit on him again and reminded me several times before heading out. I got the onesie on, but with the crazyness of the morning I didn't get the pants on and instead placed them in the diaper bag with directions to put them on before the game started. That afternoon the Cowboys kicked the Texans butts and Michael blamed me because Jacob never got his pants on.
Guess the luck ran out on that outfit because Michael decided to dress him in this outfit for the last game.
The new outfit does include the same pants...guess they're lucky pants since they won again.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Happy (half) Birthday to you
Half birthdays are almost important as birthdays, especially if you haven't had a birthday yet. This explains why I was that annoying mom today and told everyone at his day care while I was subbing that today is Jacob's 1/2 birthday.
Every night after Jacob has gone to sleep Michael and I look at each other and talk about how amazed we are with how much he has grown and how we still can't believe this little man came from us. This discussion every night reminds us how blessed we are.
Some of the things Jacob does now:
-Last night he scooted from the middle of the floor in his room, to the hall, all the way through the hall, and into the living room chasing a magazine.
- Holding the bottle is no longer even a challenge. He goes crazy when he sees the bottle and then grabs and steers the bottle to his mouth.
- On the same note it is impossible to get the bottle from him until he's completely done. Most of the time once he's done he'll chew for a bit and then finally throw the bottle down.
- There are two teeth in the center-bottom of his mouth and more on the way. These first two came easy, but the next few look like they'll be a little more troublesome.
- He said "goo" the other day. Just once, but that's enough for me to count it.
- He slaps, hits, and bangs on everything. Seriously, everything.
- He's sitting for longer and longer stretches. If he has something to lean back on he's steady for a good while with no problem, and if there's nothing around him he can go a few minutes.
- Any time I walk into the room that Jacob's in he looks over towards my voice and gives the biggest most adorable smile.
Every night after Jacob has gone to sleep Michael and I look at each other and talk about how amazed we are with how much he has grown and how we still can't believe this little man came from us. This discussion every night reminds us how blessed we are.
Some of the things Jacob does now:
-Last night he scooted from the middle of the floor in his room, to the hall, all the way through the hall, and into the living room chasing a magazine.
- Holding the bottle is no longer even a challenge. He goes crazy when he sees the bottle and then grabs and steers the bottle to his mouth.
- On the same note it is impossible to get the bottle from him until he's completely done. Most of the time once he's done he'll chew for a bit and then finally throw the bottle down.
- There are two teeth in the center-bottom of his mouth and more on the way. These first two came easy, but the next few look like they'll be a little more troublesome.
- He said "goo" the other day. Just once, but that's enough for me to count it.
- He slaps, hits, and bangs on everything. Seriously, everything.
- He's sitting for longer and longer stretches. If he has something to lean back on he's steady for a good while with no problem, and if there's nothing around him he can go a few minutes.
- Any time I walk into the room that Jacob's in he looks over towards my voice and gives the biggest most adorable smile.
Picture of my big boy as promised.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Hidden so Obviously
On Saturday night one of Michael's friends came over to watch football and play Madden...typical guy stuff. Since I can handle one football game, but not multiple games back to back plus a football video game thrown in there I decided to bake again and spent the entire night in the kitchen (I wish I had my camera to take pictures of them because the cupcakes came out so delicious and I decorated them all like little pumpkins and pies).
At some point having both ovens running made it extremely too hot in the kitchen so I joined the guys. As Justin was talking to me I had a direct view into the dining room when I noticed the camera battery charger that I had been missing for over a month. I did my best to keep in the conversation for the next couple minutes but all I wanted to do was jump up and grab the charger (and of course call out to Michael that I hadn't lost it after all)!
We've torn the house apart looking for this silly thing and all along it was sitting in plain sight on top of the bar cart where we normally store the camera bag. How had we not seen it before?
Because I have a charged battery now I was able to download the pictures that have been sitting there forever, so as Jacob gets ready to turn 6 months tomorrow, I'm happy to show off some 4 month old pictures of him and his love for the TV remote.
Oh look! There is that beautiful remote.
I must HAVE you.
I got it! I got it!
There is nothing better than the remote.
At some point having both ovens running made it extremely too hot in the kitchen so I joined the guys. As Justin was talking to me I had a direct view into the dining room when I noticed the camera battery charger that I had been missing for over a month. I did my best to keep in the conversation for the next couple minutes but all I wanted to do was jump up and grab the charger (and of course call out to Michael that I hadn't lost it after all)!
We've torn the house apart looking for this silly thing and all along it was sitting in plain sight on top of the bar cart where we normally store the camera bag. How had we not seen it before?
Because I have a charged battery now I was able to download the pictures that have been sitting there forever, so as Jacob gets ready to turn 6 months tomorrow, I'm happy to show off some 4 month old pictures of him and his love for the TV remote.
Oh look! There is that beautiful remote.
I must HAVE you.
I got it! I got it!
There is nothing better than the remote.
