Potty training

Adam is offically potty trained!! I would say as of feb 23rd (26 months) he finally got it big time.

After playing with some of my cousins kids the on feb 9th,  we woke up the next day and he decided he wanted to wear big boy underwear.

We had tried this one other time and it was very unsuccessful .. as in 5 accidents in a matter of 3 hours. So we decided to just go with it this time.  Turns out, when they are ready, it's so much easier! 

He still had an accident every now and then but after about 2 weeks he started telling us when he had to go. 

We still use diapers at nap time and bed time but the majority of the time he is dry after his nap and even sometimes in the morning he is dry.

We started by putting him on every 45 minutes no matter what.  Then we went to every hour and then we kind of let him start telling us when he has to go. 

He does better at home than at school bit I'm sure that it's because he's busier at school and he is only sharing attention with one other child at home so its easier to get him on right when he has to go.

My goal was to have him potty trained by 2.5 but I'm happy to say we totally crushed that goal!

Adam 2 years

12-23-12

Dear Adam, 

Wow, 2 years old. It's hard to believe you've been with us for two years, but at the same time it feels like you've been apart of our lives forever.  You are so full of life and wonder.  You love to explore and true to your Daddy's wishes, you love to figure out how things work. 

You're always turning things over to check them out and exploring how things dow hat they do.  You're a joy and a delight, but you're also very stubborn.  You love to say NO and you usually don't like to do things we ask unless you've decided to do it on your own.  You go go go all day long.  You love to run, jump, play with cars, trucks, tractors (anything that has wheels) and you also love to read.  You've figured out almost all of the colors and point them out everytime you see them (yellow, orange, blue, green, purple, black, white, red). 

You know what 1 and 2 are and you like to count "1, 2, 2!!"  You've started saying two, three and even four word phrases.  you love to yell "Dadda ARE YOU"  when you can't find him. 

Your other phrases include:
Thank you, Mama
Here go Baby For you
Bye Bye
Hi
Tractor (or anything you see)Where go?
Adam's house
Wook (work)
Not day (not today)
How about
Let's see
Dada
jeep
loud
ETC:................ 

Your 2 year stats were: 23lbs10oz and 32.75" tall.  You were actually .5" taller than your daddy was at 2y2m, so that's good news in that hopefully you'll be as tall as Daddy one day! 

You're a little peanut but you love to eat, especially spaghetti, fruit, raisins, mashed potatoes, hot dogs, cookies, peanut butter, ketchup, pancakes, eggs, etc...  

You gained a baby sister within this last month and you were a little skeptical the first few weeks, but she's growing on you and you hate when she cries and tell us to pick her up.  Though, sometimes you want us to put her down so you get your own attention.

 You still take one nap a day for 1.5 hours and go to bed between 7-7:30 and sleep for about 11-12  hours. 

 This month you've also learned how to jump and you are pretty proud of yourself whenever you do it.  You are a big copy cat too, you do/say anything and everything that Mommy and Daddy do/say.  

We love you so very much and couldn't imagine our lives without you!

Ears Ears Ears

What's that you say?  Yeah, I'm talking about ears.  My little boy's ears to be exact.  He's been so miserable these past 6ish months with ear infection after ear infection and I just can't stand to have him go through it anymore.  I felt like every time we went to the doctor, he was put on yet another antibiotic and after his 5th ear infection, I said enough is enough. 

I took him to the ENT for a consult and the doctor looked in his ears and said yup, there's fluid in there and it's a cream colored fluid which isn't good.  He sent us for a hearing test and sure enough, Adam's hearing was being harmed by that fluid.  So, with that said, doc said Adam was a good candidate for tubes and we have it scheduled for Jan 17th. 

Don't get me wrong, I'd rather not get tubes in his ears, the thought of my little baby going through surgery makes me sick to my stomach, but I suppose if it's better for him in the long run and it's better for his hearing and speech, then it's what we should do.

We tried the chiropractor, but it was a bust in the ear infection department.  I wish it would have worked, however; I am at peace with this decision.  My husband and I both agree that this is the next step for Adam and we've heard great things about how tubes have worked for so many other families.

Now I know what you're probably thinking, they don't help everyone and yes, I understand that.  But if there is a chance that it will help my little man, well then by gosh I'm going to do it.  Sometimes ear infections can lead to hearing problems, which it has for for Adam, well if it's not caught early enough, it can lead to speech problems and I definitely don't want him to have problems speaking because we neglected to find a remedy sooner.

What about your kids?  Any of them have tubes?  If so, I want to hear the good, the bad and the ulgy because I'd rather be prepared than blindsided!

Picky eating habits!

I believe it is far too early to have reached the picky eating stage, but alas we are here.  At about a week before his first birthday, Adam decided that he only wanted to eat fruit.  Now don't get me wrong, a kid loving fruit is great, no?  Yeah, but not so great when it's the only thing he will eat.

He was sick this past week with yet another ear infection, which marks #5, but who's counting...  (I've scheduled an appt with the ENT doctor for January, don't you worry) 

Anyway, back to the picky eating.  This past week has been difficult in the eating department.  At dinner, Adam would decide he only wanted to drink his milk and have nothing to do with food.  We finally got him to start eating a little, but that consisted of peaches, pears and bananas.  We went to the doctor yesterday for his ear infection, and sure enough he had lost about 1 lb in the last week due to his new eating habits, among other things (but I will spare you those details). 

Do/did you have experience with a picky eater?  What did you do?  We will try anything!  He's almost 1 and only weighs 20 lbs!  I use to have a chunker for a baby, now he's a skinny mini!

I'm hoping this will be a short lived phase, but only time will tell.  We're having lasagna tonight, and he LOVES spaghetti (or at least he use to), so maybe he'll eat some of that.  Who knows!

Look out world!

And at exactly 9 months 3 weeks and 1 day, Adam decides it's time to walk.

I don't know about you guys, but I count this as walking.... This was at the beginning of the night tonight and as the night wore on, he got better and better at walking.  At one point, he even went from sitting, to squatting to standing and then took off walking.  So proud of my little man!

Sneak peak: Family photos and Adam's 6 month photos

First tooth and 6 month check up

Adam got his first tooth on June 26th.  Just three days after he turned 6 months!  It was a sad time for him, as he seemed to be in a lot of pain from it.  He didn't sleep well for about three nights straight, but as soon as it came through a bit more, our happy little guy came back!  I can't believe my baby has a tooth already!

We had Adam's 6 month appt on June 27th and due to his irritability and a slight sore throat, we postponed shots for about a week and half as to not make him even more miserable.

Stats for his 6 month check up:
Adam was 18lbs 6 oz (75%)
He was 25 1/2 " long (50%)
His head was 43.5 cm (50%)

He sure is a growing boy!  We won't go back until his 9 month check up, so I'm assuming these numbers will be quite different then!

6 Months

Dear Adam,

Where does the time go?  Seriously, you are a 6 month old baby?  I no longer have a newborn or an infant!  I cannot believe how fast the last 6 months have gone, but I know the next 6 will probably go just as quickly.  Your personality is really showing these days and we are so lucky to have such a wonderful baby!  You seem to learn new things everyday.  I know all moms say that, but really, I know you're going to be so intelligent, because you already are!

We haven't had your 6 month appointment yet, but I know you're going to be weighing at least 17-18 lbs.  Not sure on your length, but I'll make sure to fit that in here after next Monday.  You're wearing sizes 6 months, 9 months and even a lot of 12 months.  Your 6 month stuff only fits if it is Carters brand, and even that is getting too small. Your 9 month clothes fit really well and some of your 12 month stuff (onesies, shorts, etc...) fits just fine.  A lot of shorts do not fit you if they aren't at least 9 months and sometimes those don't even fit.  Your belly is just too big for them, but that's ok!  You are adorable nonetheless.  You're still in a size 3 diaper, but I'm assuming we will quickly move to the size 4 soon.

You can sit perfectly now, but when you get bored of sitting, you just fall over.  Just yesterday, you decided that everyone would be better done standing.  You try as hard as you can to pull up on mommy, your bumbo and your play gym, and when you get to a stand you get so excited that you fall.  You still need help standing as you are very shaky, but I'm impressed for 6 months!  No signs of crawling yet, but I'm sure you will do that when you're ready.

You've learned what whining will get you.  You whine when you don't get what you want and you give the saddest face, though we know it's completely fake.  You get really excited when Daddy gets home at the end of the day and you always greet him with a huge smile and even some giggles from time to time.  Speaking of giggling, you like to do it all of the time!  Everything is funny, especially when someone makes silly faces.  You've mastered holding your hands out whenever someone comes in the room to see if they will pick you up. You're also starting to clap.  We always sing Patty cake Patty cake and we always clap and say yeahhhh when you do something really well.  Sometimes you will do it directly after we do it, otherwise you will do it on your own.

You've begun to explore the kitties and your puppy more.  Everytime they come into the room you stop what you're doing and watch them.  Allie and Bear get close enough for you to "pet" them and grab their hair and neither seem to mind.

You officially HATE sleeping on your back.  You never sleep on your back anymore, so we just automatically place you on your tummy to sleep.  If we do place you on your back, you think it's time to play, so you lay there chattering and playing with your feet.  Speaking of feet, you always want to try to eat them.
Here's what' you've been up to this month, Adam:

Your routine is starting to straighten out.  You are eating a 6-7oz bottle at approximately 7am, followed by some oatmeal and a fruit, then bottles 10am, 1pm, 4pm, then a dinner of veggies at 5:30, bath at 6:30 followed by your 8oz bottle with oatmeal.  You sleep from 7pm-5:30am most nights, though mommy wishes you would sleep until at least 6.  I know I know, I shouldn't complain! You've moved to the big bathtub because you've outgrown your infant one.

You were baptized on Father's day and everyone said how good of a baby you are. You didn't cry one bit during the baptismal or the rest of church.

So many people still think you're a girl and then when they find out your a boy, they say that you're too pretty to be a boy.

Little boy, you are the joy of our lives.  Thank you for being apart of our family and making it that much better. I cannot wait to see the little boy you are growing into in another 6 months! Happy 1/2 birthday little man!

Love,

Mommy & Daddy

Adam's Baptism & Father's Day

We had Adam baptized on Father's Day and the day was perfect.  The whole family attended and we had a brunch afterwards.

 Hubby and I with Adam at his baptisim

 And again

With everyone that attended the Baptismal minus Pammy!

Adam with his Godparents- Uncle Brandon & Aunt Natalie

With my family

With Hubby's family

With Hubby's Grandparents

Us with Adam and his Godparents

It was a perfect day!  Thanks to my mom who helped me get my house cleaned and helped me make many of the items we had for brunch. I didn't take any pictures during brunch because I was too busy. Thanks to everyone who came and all of the wonderful gifts that Adam received.  We are all truly blessed!

The world of solids

We've embarked upon the solids department here in our household.  It's been fun, maybe more fun for me than Adam though. 

Here's what solids have looked like for us:

• We started with rice cereal which was a big fat fail.  Adam hated it and would frown everytime I would put a bite in his mouth.
• Next up was oatmeal.  Adam loved oatmeal and still does.  We started oatmeal at about 4 months 3 weeks.
• Next we moved on to veggies.  I wanted to try as many veggies as we could before we started fruits.  He had sweet potatoes (+), squash (-), green beans (+), peas (+), and carrots (-).  (+ means he liked it - means he didn't like it)
• After we tried the veggies, we introduced a few fruits after 5 months 2 weeks to put in the mix.  So far he's had bananas (+), pears (+), peaches (completed hated these), and apples (+)
• Since he's about 6 months I've started trying to make some of his food. So far I've attempted avocados (+), bananas, and sweet potatoes.  
• We also give him mum mum's once in awhile and he loves them.  He's finally figured out that when a small piece breaks off in his mouth, he is supposed to chew it and swallow it.
• Once he hits 7 or 8 months maybe we'll introduce some yogurt and a few more fruits and veggies depending on what the doc says.

This has definitely been an experience to say the least.   I'd like to try making a few more of his foods, but I'm nervous to do so.  Not sure why.  How do you guys store your food if you make it and how long is it good for in the freezer?  I'm still buying some of his foods, just to mix it up a bit since I haven't made very many options for him.  Also, what kinds of finger foods did you start with and at what age?

He is doing very well eating off of a spoon and doesn't quite get the concept of trying to feed himself yet. That's ok though, he'll learn on his own time.  He's also doing very well with a sippy cup.  We're only allowing him 4oz of water a day and he usually doesn't even drink that much.  It seems his appetite for milk has gone down, but I'm also relating that to the crazy 90-100 degree (+10000 degree humidity) weather we're having here in good ol Iowa.  Gotta love it.

More updates to come as we dig deeper into the world of new foods! 

Adam's 5 months!

I cannot believe that you are 5 months old already, Adam!  You have grown so quickly and it is amazing.  You're developing new skills everyday and all I can do is watch in awe as you master new things.

Here is what you're up to this month:

• You have mastered rolling from back to belly, but somehow have "forgotten" how to roll from belly to back, so you get angry and don't even try to roll back to your back.  
• You can sit mostly unsupported, but I'm afraid you'll fall backwards and hit your head (since you've already done that once!)
• Everything goes into your mouth
• While you are on your belly, your little legs move like you're going to crawl, but your arms just aren't strong enough yet.
• You hold your head up beautifully, and you are starting to push onto your arms while you're on your belly, but still need some work in that area
• You babble all of the time.  We can tell when you are getting tired because you start to chatter up a storm in a low voice.
• You chatter yourself to sleep most nights and for most naps.
• You're quite stubborn and get upset when you don't get your way, ALREADY!
• You've started baby food.  You hated rice, and loved oatmeal. You've tried Squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, peas and bananas.
• You smile constantly.  If someone talks to you, you immediately smile. 
• You can't get enough attention from anyone.  You recognize Mommy and Daddy a mile away.
• Since you're home with mommy all day long, you get so excited when Daddy gets home.
• When you wake up in the mornings, you just chatter until someone comes to get you.  You are so happy when we finally do and smile and giggle a lot.
• Daddy can get you to giggle the most, you love flying in the air and when we play "don't drop the baby".  It's when Daddy pretends like he's going to drop you and you laugh and laugh about it.
• You're finally sleeping 9-11 hours at night.  Some nights you wake up and we have to help you get back to sleep, but you're doing pretty well.  
• You're weighing in somewhere around 16.5-17lbs and are probably about 26-27" long, though I haven't measured you yet this month.
• Lastly, you've started drinking out of a sippy cup, but haven't mastered the idea of it yet.  You get very angry when it doesn't work the way you want it to.

I'm so proud of you little man.  You are so smart and I love watching you develop.  I love each new stage that you embark upon and I cannot wait to watch you learn more new things.  Though, I have a feeling that I'll regret saying that because you are just growing up far too fast! 

We love you with all of our hearts and you have made our lives so much better by being apart of them!

Love,
Mommy & Daddy

Changes & updates

We've had a lot of changes around our house these days.  Some better than others. 

Easter was so much fun.  It was Adam's first Easter and we were able to celebrate with both sides of our families. We celebrated on Saturday with The hubby's family and Sunday with mine.  Adam did great on the 2.5 hour car ride to and from my in laws.  We got a lot of great pictures while we were there.  Grandma and Grandpa bought Adam some cute new toys to play with, and I know he'll love them.

Adam 4/23/11 (4 months)

4 Generations

Our first Easter as a family

Grandma with Adam

Sunday it was off to Easter with my family.  I didn't get many pictures because everyone was busy helping to get things ready for dinner.  Mom never takes a moment to relax while we are all there, so it's hard getting pictures of her and Adam.  (next time, I swear!)  

 With Aunt Natalie

Pammy came for a visit!

On April 25th we decided that since Adam was waking every single morning at 1:00am to eat, that it was just out of habit and not because he actually needed the feeding.  He was getting about 35-40oz and cereal in the morning and at night, so he was getting plenty of food.  The first night, he woke up at 1:00am so Daddy went in to check on him.  He covered him up, turned on his music and left the room.  Adam cried for about 2 minutes and fell right back to sleep.  The next night, he woke up at 4:00am and we repeated the same routine, he cried for about 5 minutes that time and went right back to sleep.  The next night, Adam slept 10 hours.  We started putting him to bed between 7:00-8:00pm and he usually sleeps until 5 or 6am.  We usually try to keep him in bed until 6:30am and not feed him until 7:00am.  That way he's use to going 12 hours at night and hopefully he will start sleeping that long eventually.  

Just as soon as he was doing well sleeping, he got a cold :-(  That was no fun for anyone, because it was on the hottest day of the year so far.  It was 85 degrees and our bedrooms are upstairs, so it was HOT.  Poor baby had a fever, runny nose and watery eyes and it was blazing hot.  Definitely not fun for him or anyone.  He is just now getting over his cold, so we're trying to get him back on his normal schedule.

On May 9th we decided to start veggies.  He was almost 4.5 months.  We tried squash first, and he LOVED it. He couldn't get enough of it.  I still try to feed him cereal by spoon once a day and cereal in his bottle at night and then one serving of veggies at dinner time.  We are just now starting his second veggie which is sweet potatoes and those didn't go over as well.  I'm wondering if his cold is making it taste funny, so we'll try again tonight now that he is feeling better.

Adam is nearly 5 months and he can sit up by himself for a short time, but then falls to the side or backwards, so we have to be careful.  He also rolls from belly to back a lot, but hasn't really started rolling back to belly yet.  He does roll to his sides all the time and always sleeps on his side at night.

He's discovered how fun his play-bouncer is and he loves to play with the different toys on it now. 

Mother's day was beautiful.  The weather was perfect, in the 70's and sunny.  We met my family for breakfast and then headed home so Adam could take a nap.  After his nap we headed to the park.  It was Adam's first time at the park, so he wasn't sure what to think.  After the park we went for a walk to get ice cream.  Adam and hubby got me a pedicure and flowers and they were so pretty! My parents also got me a pedicure for mother's day, so that was an added treat!  Definitely a great first Mother's Day.

 Before breakfast

At the park

Exploring

My two boys

Just an extra picture because I can.  It was 85 degrees out and HOT and Humid.  So, we played in the water a bit and Adam seemed to like it.  I can't wait until we can go to the pool!

That's all for now.  Hope you all had a wonderful Easter and a Happy belated Mother's day to all of you Mother's out there!

April 14th, 2010

I can't believe I forgot to post this..... Here goes...

Baby Adam,

One year ago, today, my life changed dramatically.  It was the day I found out that you would be joining our family.  It was the beginning of our new life, knowing we would have a family in about 9 months.  We didn't know who you would be or what you would look like, but we loved you so much already!  No words can explain the way I felt when I found out I was going to be a mother.  It was the most amazing feeling in the world.  Thanks for making our lives so much better, baby boy.  We love you more than we could have ever imagined.

Love forever and always,
Your Mommy & Daddy

16 Weeks

Seriously, where did the time go?  My little guy is 16 weeks already!  I'm so amazed by all of the things he can do already!  He jabbers all the time, he LOVEs to talk and when people talk to him.  He's rolled from belly to back, though it's been a couple weeks since he's done it.  He now rolls from back to side and almost to his belly, but his arm gets in the way.

We still swaddle him at night, but during naps he sleeps without the swaddling.  Since he's learned how to roll on his side, I frequently find him asleep during his naps on his side with his hands laying on his face.  He sucks on his fingers/hands all of the time.  Whatever he can get his hands on, goes in his mouth... We are in trouble, I swear.  He will not take his pacifier anymore, unless he's desperately hungry but that doesn't happen often.

We're trying cereal this weekend!  Cannot wait! I'm anxious to see what he thinks.  Thanks for the advise here and here.  It's always nice getting your opinions and tricks of the trade! :-)

Just because I love posting pictures of our little guy, here he is doing his new thing.  The tripod pose!  Enjoy!

And another, just for fun

A little fresh air

It's been getting a bit warmer around here... And by warmer, I mean about 55-65 degrees.  So, today, I decided to take Adam out for a walk.  My parents bought me a new Jeep baby carrier to wear when I take Adam on walks and I think he loved it!  You be the judge :-)

Before our walk

After our Walk

I think he fell asleep about 10 minutes in.  Too cute! I'm loving the carrier and think we will use it often.