And the first mess goes to...

Today Michael and I both had day long events going on that took more energy than a normal relaxing Sunday.

Michael had to wake up early (actually it seemed a lot earlier last year before Jacob was in our life and sleeping in was a normal weekend thing) to meet his buddies so they could be one of the first ones at the stadium to tailgate. This is a normal home game thing, but this game was important because it was Texans vs. Cowboys. Yelling at the top of your lungs, playing washers in the sun and drinking can be very exhausting.

While Michael was cheering on the team I was part of a 5 person team hosting a shower for a good friend. My main responsibility for the shower was the invitation, but I got there early to help set up. I have to admit that when I first saw how many people were hosting the shower I was nervous because I thought it would get confusing and there are some strong people on the hosting list that I thought would take over...not even close to reality. I was there first, then came the host with the decorations (that were so amazing and I'm in awe of her craftiness and design abilities) so we got the house set up, then came the food which we all prepped together and everything else fell in place. However, after being there for almost 6 hours I realized I had only sat down for about 45 minutes.

Once I got home Michael didn't want a salad or the chicken I had started to defrost so as we discussed where to get dinner from I prepared pumpkin for Jacob. Michael agreed to feed Jacob while I looked at menus online when from the corner of my eye I saw pumpkin fly through the air as Michael let out a yell. I couldn't help but laugh thinking he dropped the spoon or Jacob had hit it out of his hand.

It was more than just the spoon, the entire bowl of pureed pumpkin had been splashed across the breakfast nook.

Poor Jacob just stared with a contemplative look, either wondering why he was in his chair and not being fed yet, or why his daddy got to throw food all over yet he isn't even allowed to smear his face with food without getting a quick wipe down.

Trick or Treat

The other day I was driving through the back of our neighborhood and saw a house completely decked out in Halloween decor. Now we've never even come close to being in the running for yard of the month but more than a month early is just ridiculous.

I understand it is common practice to decorate for Christmas a month early, if not even a bit earlier, but it just doesn't seem the same for Halloween.

On that note though, more than a month early I am trying to figure out what Jacob's costume will be and we think we're set on an idea.

BAMM BAMM!

I'm trying to find this in an infant costume, or start finding pieces to create it. The best part is I got Michael to agree to as Barney.

Next step after costumes...figuring out what exactly we're getting dressed up for besides just passing out candy.

Graduating

We've been trying sippy cups every now and then without much luck. We tried Playtex First Steps and Dr. Browns training cups, but with two teeth in and more coming all he wanted to do was chew on the spout.
This afternoon while looking for a shower gift for a friend we wandered the aisles of Babies R' Us for things that Jacob "needs." This included foam covers for the fire place area plus coffee table and other safety items that we'll quickly need, a larger bath tub, some books. I also found some soft spouted sippy cups by Pampers that we got to add to our collections of cups to try.
Jacob sat in the cart instead of his carrier for the hour we were there. Although the toys and bright colors in every aisle drew his attention he was absolutely fascinated with the registry list (and later the coupons in my hand when we went to the grocery store - he has something for paper) and he sat so well for the first 45 minutes. A guy can only shop for so long I guess because after intently searching for items that were not in the spot they should have been I turned around and he was leaned over one of the side pillows and fast asleep.
Anyway...the main part of this post: This afternoon I put Jacob's meal in the new sippy cup and after a little chewing and playing he had it down.
My little boy is growing up and moving on from the bottle. Maybe we can get that great sleep schedule back again now too :)

Does Not Share Well

On Thursday I came into the daycare with lesson sheets ready for my class of 2-4 year olds. I had a plan and knew it was going to be a good day.
As I got the room ready for the day I noticed Jacob's teacher wasn't there and began to wonder where she was and who was going to watch the babies. No sooner did I start to think about it when one of the other teachers came over and told me that Valerie was out for the day and I would be covering the nursery. Considering that morning I had just told Michael how badly I wanted to spend the day with Jacob, this was perfect!
It ended up being easier than I thought it would be with the 7 month old that crawls everywhere and over everything (including the babies) and the 4 month old that cries non-stop. I was able to keep them happy and entertained.
Surprisingly, the problem child was my little boy.
Although he never cries and naps for long stretches with Valerie, he wouldn't sleep for more than 5 minutes in his crib that day. In order to get him to sleep he had to be in my arms and the second I put him down to take care of one of the other babies he would scream at the top of his lungs.
On the upside though - he found a new favorite toy to play with while sitting - a mini piano. He gets the biggest smile pounding on the keys.

Role Model

There is a new 7 month old at Jacob's day care and the boy climbs, crawls and walks along the wall. He is just go, go, go and I couldn't be more excited.
Although he is a bit energetic and really strong I have high hopes that he will be a good example for Jacob as he learns to move around.
I've been subbing in the class next to Jacob for the past several days and every now and then I get to go watch the nursery for an hour. Watching the two boys stare at each other and the way Jacob follows every move Caleb makes me believe it will be no time before he's crawling around.

He has been able to roll to get where he wants for a while now, but normally stays near his blanket (never on it though), but last night when I got home Michael even noted that you have to watch him because he's traveling so much now. Jacob was on the blanket when Michael went to grab Kleenex. He turned around to see Jacob across the room by the fireplace.

On the same line of role models, I've met a few not so good ones while working at the center. Mainly they're in my class - 2-4 year olds. There are nine in my class; 7 girls and 2 boys, and about 6 of them are alpha kids. I'm surprised I still have a voice after constantly explaining why we do not hit each other under any circumstance and then repeatedly saying, "go to time out."

I truly can't stand the bullying going on, but the worst part is the lack of potty training. I've had to change two poopy diapers for a 3 year old. These kids barely fit on the changing table.

I'm ready to get in the classroom with older children, but this experience had definitely shown me a few ways I want to make sure I raise Jacob.

Back to Work

I've taken about a month off from blogging, but am finally getting back to it. In fact I've taken a month off a lot of things, and have spent 99% of my time with Jacob. I admit for the past several weeks I have become an over involved mom...and I've loved every minute of it to be honest.

I'm ready to enter the real world again.

Jacob is now 5 months and moving all over the place. He isn't crawling, but he scoots and rolls across the room to reach whatever toy he's focused on or to just explore. He doesn't see the point of staying on the soft, clean blanket that I lay out for him.

He also has his two bottom teeth. They aren't completely there yet, but have fully poked through the gums.

His personality is showing more and more every day and I can't wait to start sharing again, but first I need to find the charger for my camera battery. Really hope I can find it before Michael realizes I can't find it.

Crazy Busy

I've been really lack with my posts lately. I just never realized how busy I would be staying at home. With him scooting around now and always wanting to play the only free-time I get is when he's napping.

The only problem is the only way that Jacob takes a good nap is if I'm holding or near him. We're working on the crib napping, but that means there are only 10 minute breaks between calming him down.

I have loved every second of it though, and hopefully we'll get into more of a routine and I can get back to updating regularly.

Tomorrow Jacob goes to daycare in the morning so that I can go take my last test for teaching and I'm thinking of keeping him in for the day so I can start packing for an upcoming trip and finish the laundry that has been building up.

I love how Jacob has playmates at day care and the interaction he gets there, but does it make me a bad mom to take a day off from being mom to get stuff done?

Ready...Set...GO!

Ok, we haven't really gotten to the go part but, it's easy to see on the horizon.

As of Friday morning I hadn't seen Jacob roll over yet. By the end of the day he had shown off his new skill twice.
Now I can't put him down for a second without him quickly turning over to his stomach. Yesterday he even started rolling over and over and over. He's not quite sure how he gets from his stomach to his back, but he's working on it now too.

All day long we play on the blanket now. He rolls over and spends up to 15 minutes throwing his bottom in the air and scooting forward slowly but surely. Even though there is no crawling yet I can't keep him on his blanket. It seriously takes him less than a minute to find his way off the blanket and onto the carpet. Even with several blankets this activity continues.

I didn't realize I'd already have to start watching where he goes.

Feet!

Jacob is all about his feet now.
It started with the right foot constantly raising high with his hand wrapped around the toes and slowly transformed into both feet.
We can't put him down or sit him in his chair with out the feet coming up. He's obsessed and it is adorable.
The only down side...diaper changes are next to impossible now. Having those legs up help for part of it, but then I find myself trying to pull them down so I can get the diaper positioned. As soon as I get one leg down the other pops up.




If you're new to this blog...welcome! I hope you enjoy.

Introduction to Government

I feel awkward in the house when the housekeeper comes to clean. I feel like I should be jumping up to pitch in. Then again, I'm also one of those people that cleans before she gets here.
So yesterday morning after Jacob and I woke up, instead of playing and reading before his morning nap I ran around the house picking up odd ball object strewn across the house. Many were put away, but the majority were thrown into the guest room (which needs a week long reservation so we can clear a path for the guest to get to the bed, and forget about closet room). Then as Jacob started to close his eyes I packed him up so we could get out of the house and do something I've been trying to do for a while.
I have made three attempts to change my last name to Michael's but was rejected each time because I just couldn't get the right documents together. If you are planning on changing your name after marriage, DO NOT throw away your license with your maiden name once you get your new one, and/or KEEP your passport with your maiden. I have no official documents with my maiden name and it seemed impossible to get my SS card changed.
We pulled up to the office 30 minutes before they opened and got in line behind the 18 other people needing help who must have gotten there an hour early to stand out in the already high 90's temps. As they opened the doors and we filtered in I heard a lady behind me say that she had come after lunch the other day and there were 100 people in front of her...a little heat to be number 19 seemed to have been the smarter option.
Just before my number was called Jacob began to stir for his bottle and I realized how happy I am he can hold his own bottle now. We walked up to our window and explained to the lady how hard I've tried and handed over my folder of documents to state who I am from birth certificate to college ID, and even expired club membership card from when I was a teen. She explained that it would be difficult, but she thought she could do it.
10 minutes of silence later she explained that officially she needed another document of identification, but since it had only been 2 years she let it slide. Woo Hoo!
This morning as I woke up I started to wonder about the two years part since when I had read through the paper work it said anything over two years (which I am by about 3 months) would require more explanation; when suddenly it hit me that maybe having Jacob with me helped out.
Can you really guilt trip the government by wanting the same last name as your adorable child?
I'm not sure if that's what helped me get through without the proper pieces, but I'm so not against it.

Yummy Sweet Potatoes

We aren't starting with sweet potatoes for a while, but they freeze well and seemed easy to make. This is the start to my baby food stash.

I used the Wiltons's individual brownie silicone pan to freeze cubes and it worked out perfectly.
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Below are a few pictures to show off my first attempt at my new found domesticness.

Bag of sweet potato cubes

Frozen sweet potato cubes ready for Jacob

My Little Mover

Jacob rolled over again today, and of course I didn't see it.

I thought he was getting ready to fall asleep, so as he settled in I got on the computer to look for shower invites for a friend. All of a sudden when I looked down he wasn't in eye view. I move forward to see if he had just scooted to a different area (which he does often now) and was surprised to see him laying on his belly head up in the air just looking around.

So...roll number 3 and I have yet to see one.

Helpful People

People love to say that the younger generations have no manners and only care about themselves. I've never really seen this, I mean there are people out there who could use a lesson or two from Mrs. Post, but for the greater whole people are nice.

I hear "please" and "thank you" every day, watch people hold the door open for others, and pick up and return dropped items.

Maybe it is just a different type of good manners and helping when needed instead of just interjecting that people aren't noticing.

One of my biggest pet peeves, and Michael agrees, is when we're out in public and Jacob lets out a little cry; people come out of the woodwork to say he's hungry. If I fed Jacob every time he let out a little sigh he would be the biggest baby you've ever seen. I think it gets on my nerves as bad as nails on a chalkboard because they are so freaking persistent and if you don't reply, "oh my gosh, you are so right. I'll go feed him now," they just stare at you like you don't know what you're doing.

Any way, I had two helpful incidents today, one I liked and one that was just uncomfortable.

1) I was standing in line at Barnes & Noble hoping the line would actually start moving because I was running late for my lunch date. The whole time in the store Jacob had been smiling and laughing as I showed him pictures in books. Not a single frown or cry the entire time in the store. As we're standing in line he let out a small cough. Nothing drastic at all, just a quick one cough. I bent over to ask him if he was alright. The older gentleman in front of me told me he knew why he did that, so I smiled to listen if maybe I had him positioned in a way that was constricting or something I had never heard of.
"He cries because the light is bright and he can't process it like our eyes, you should put the shade up over him so it doesn't bother him. Most mothers don't know that."
I told him he was happy and didn't cry, it was just a cough and he repeated himself.
I said thank you and smiled then picked up a book to comb through while waiting.
Two minutes later, "you aren't going to put the shade up?" as he glared at me.
Seriously?!?

2) After lunch we ran to the grocery store. I'm a bit of a nut when it comes to parking at the store. I normally don't care how far I am unless it is about to storm and care mostly about parking next to a cart return because I always return my cart. It feels weird to me to leave it in an empty spot or just floating around. For the past week it has been over 100 hot with sticky humidity so I was checking the lot to find a spot near a return and closer to the store. Finally I pulled in as the cart guy emptied the return near me.
I grabbed Jacob in his carrier, diaper bag, and my coupon/shopping list binder and started walking to the store without a second thought about it.
There is one cart guy that I see every time I go and when we pass I smile and say hi. Well I see him start coming down the lane where I parked and turn back around as I'm walking to store, but I just thought he was checking to see if his partner had cleared the lane. As I get up to the front he is rolling a cart out and meets me in the drive lane with a cart and then helps me load Jacob's carrier in it.
That simple action went so far and beyond anything he ever had to do and although I didn't mind carrying everything, it was really nice to have that help.

I think everyone tries to help others just some action are more bold than others...which doesn't make them better.

Yum Yum Time

During Jacob's 4 month appointment it was decided that cereal should be started.

Admittedly I've been ready; there was a box of cereal and package of spoons sitting on our dining room table not so patiently waiting to be used. Although I was ready, I also know that the time to start solids is debatable and I wanted to talk to our doctor before moving ahead in case waiting til we were closer to 6 months was better.

We discussed his spit up issue and how it is a constant thing (she doesn't believe it is an issue since he's gaining weight so well, but wants to watch if it gets worse or doesn't start easing up soon) and also about how we cut back the amount we were feeding him because it was way too much. We try to keep Jacob at 36 oz a day, but still sometimes go over because he demands more.

That's when the dr. said to start cereal now to help with both those issues.

The next afternoon Jacob had his first feeding in his high chair, and he loved every minute of it.

First he was determined to tip over the bowl.


Then he started stealing the spoon from me and returning it once it was empty.



And at the end he was upset there wasn't any more.


I love that he likes this new feeding time so much, but just a couple days into and I'm already trying to find a way to push diaper changes off on Michael now.

4 Months

Today Jacob is 4 months old!

I honestly can't believe that 4 months have gone by and what an amazing kid Jacob has become. When he smiles his whole face brightens and no matter what mood you're in, you can't help but smile back.

- He started laughing at the beginning of this month, but it scared him. Now he smiles big and laughs with no fear of the noise. Sometimes just talking to him can bring out a laugh, but kisses and dips are always good for a guaranteed laugh.
- Jacob began showing interest in his toes a few weeks ago, but only when he was sitting scrunched over and they were easy to get to. Then he started reaching for them whenever he was sitting and just last night he began to bring them up to play with while laying down. He looks like a little monkey in his play gym holding toys with his hands and feet.
- So, so, so close to rolling over. He's done it once completely from each side, but is trying from back to tummy all the time. Once he gets his arm out of the way he'll be rolling all over the place.
- Sitting doesn't seem too far off. He can balance him self in my lap and is starting to put his arms on his legs to balance by himself. He is still learning to push with his arms though because most the time he puts his arms down and then just folds completely in half.
- Toys all the time! He loves all his toys now.
- Teething toys make him so happy. They can be bumpy plastic, water filled, chilled or even vibrating. He loves them all and drools all over them.
- The walker is the best thing on Earth. He loves to stand in the walker, and although he is learning how to make the lights and sounds go off, he is happy as a clam just standing there and chewing on the seat. This has made making dinner so much easier. Jacob plays in his walker in the kitchen and scoots around (always backwards and sideways) the whole time we cook.
- He loves to talk. I have never seen a baby talk so much. I think he even gets louder every day.

Home All Day

I'm no longer employed. Actually, I'm still on payroll for today, but it is my first day not going in the office.

We woke up with Michael, got ready for the day and have played, played, played. It is so different than when I was on maternity leave. During those first 12 weeks I fed Jacob, held and talked to him for 20 minutes until he fell asleep then repeated through the day.

Now we play with toys and explore new things. His personality dominates everything we do.

We actually have a busy day planned of waiting in line at government offices, grocery shopping and tons of laundry, and I'm sure we'll get to it, but we've had so much fun this morning and now as Jacob naps it is nice to take a little break.

Grown Up Time

For the past couple days I've noticed Michael and I get snippy with each other and taking offense to things that were said in jest. This is completely not like us, especially over stupid stuff.

For example:
1:20 AM Thursday morning. I've just sat down in bed with Jacob in my arms.
Michael: Did he wake up?
Me: No, I just decided it was a good time to wake up and hold him.
Michael: I was just asking. (with a humph and then he was back to sleep in 5 seconds)

I was a little snarky saying it, but in all honesty I was just joking at what a silly question it was.

There have been a hundred of those examples just as pointless and I blame exhaustion and the fact that we don't take time out for each other as much as we should. The time we have with Jacob is so limited we spend every spare minute playing with him or doing chores.

Finally last night, after another feelings hurt joke and then checking to make sure everything was ok, I said we need a date night.

I don't know if it was just saying it or planning to go to the movies, but when Jacob fell asleep we were back to our old selves. Joking without feelings getting hurt. Laughing and smiling non-stop. It was the best.

From now on we will definitely make room for grown up time. It doesn't have to be much, but a little goes a long way.

Almost the Weekend!

*If you're new to Little T's Journey, then welcome. I started this to share Jacob's progress with friends and family across the country and it's morphing in to sharing progress and so much more.*

I started a goal at the beginning of the week to post a picture of Lil' Man every day and that quickly failed. I have been taking pictures, but they just aren't making it on the blog. Maybe I should start with once a week and then add to that.

So HAPPY it is almost the weekend! This was my last full week of work, and I can't wait to spend more time with Jacob. He's falling asleep earlier in the evening which is great for time with Michael but only gives me a couple hours a day with Jacob during the week. The best part though (and I don't want to jinx myself again) is that he is sleeping better now. I'll post more about that later and hope it is not a fluke.

No big plans for the weekend, but I saw a blog (and can't remember where, but will give credit when I do) where she painted her pantry door with chalkboard paint. I took the idea to Michael and he fell in love with the concept of the paint and would like to do the whole house in it now. So that and cleaning out the fridge are my two big projects for the weekend. Can't wait to see how it comes out and will definitely share.

Like a lil' Piggy

For some reason I secretly thought that after giving birth to Jacob not only would I go back to my pre-pregnancy weight, and (here's the kicker) I might even lose a couple pounds from that. I mean I didn't really gain much during pregnancy and everyone told me, "It's all baby." Made complete sense in my mind.

Almost 4 months after and I've come to realize that I liked tight fitting shirts because everything in my closet I put on makes me look pregnant still. Only 7 pounds to go, but my body looks like it has 20 something pounds to go.

There is one secret I've learned though that will help me reach my goals - flavored water. I was doing great losing weight and not snacking and then all of a sudden I started snacking daily on chips and cookies. I couldn't figure out what had changed and why I felt I constantly needed to eat again.

All of a sudden it hit me. I was no longer bringing the flavor packets for my water to work with me anymore. The flavor packets have a sweet enough taste that it curbs my needs for sweets.

This morning I stocked up on Crystal Light packets and even a box of Arizona Iced Tea Arnold Palmer packs (because that is my favorite drink on Earth), and I've already lost my need to snack and craving to break into my lunch at 11.


Hopefully I'm back on track again.

Limbo

I am now down to about one week left at my current job and the start of a career change. It is starting to really freak me out.

I've been in marketing since my Junior year of college when I took on working with the small town community theatre, then I interned with Fisher-Price (absolutely amazing in every way), followed by Corporate Communications with Corning Inc., then an internship that morphed into a job for a medical ID company and lastly my current position of marketing and special events manager for a local outlet mall. Marketing has been all that I've done, and I have a proven track record of being good at it.

Now I've quit my job and I'm not quite sure what to do next.

When we decided to try to get pregnant I enrolled in the community college for teacher certification classes. I was burnt out on retail marketing and the long commute, love kids and wanted to have the holidays and summer off to spend with our new baby. The plan was perfect in my head. The only hitch is nobody told me how hard it is to get hired.

In one week I'll be without a job. I'm excited to spend time with Jacob, but not working is completely new to me. I've put in to be a teacher's aide and also substitute for several districts, and Jacob's daycare has offered me a job. It's just trying to figure out what to do next and if the daycare job is stepping back from my goal of teaching.