I received this link through one of my parenting email newsletters...
It made me laugh. Thought I'd share. I may have to pick up the book in it's entirety.
The Perfect Baby Handbook
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Oh no...
Well, I just uploaded a ton more pictures and video clips from the camera to my home desktop computer. I edited the red-eyes, added captions and got all organized. Then, I highlighted the desired photos and clicked "Upload to Web Album" just like normal. Well, something got stuck on the third picture and the computer froze. Eh... it happens. I tried the Control-Alt-Delete to get to the task manager, but got nothing. Uh oh. I figured I would just do a hard reboot and start over.
I held the power button down... heard the machine power off, and I waited a few moments. I pushed the power button again and heard the machine power up but it's like it's suddenly not connected to the mouse or the screen. The monitor is dark and I can't see anything. The mouse isn't lit up and now I'm at a total loss. I tried manually flipping my KVM switch but nada. I normally would go make puppy dog eyes at Greg and see if he could come save the day, but he's got a huge paper due in 12 hours and he wants nothing to do with me and/or my computer issues at the moment.
I wouldn't be totally freaking out except that once I knew I had the footage on the computer, I cleared the memory card. Yikes. The other weird thing is that I think my backup on my home computer hasn't run in a while.... I'm starting to panic.
Fingers crossed that something is just loose and power will be restored and all photos and videos will make it to the web (or at least to the big backup drive) in the near future. There were some really great pictures from our weekend with the Morlans and some cute video of Atticus on his 9 month birthday and video of Atti eating strawberries in the front yard...
Sigh... it will be ok, right?
I held the power button down... heard the machine power off, and I waited a few moments. I pushed the power button again and heard the machine power up but it's like it's suddenly not connected to the mouse or the screen. The monitor is dark and I can't see anything. The mouse isn't lit up and now I'm at a total loss. I tried manually flipping my KVM switch but nada. I normally would go make puppy dog eyes at Greg and see if he could come save the day, but he's got a huge paper due in 12 hours and he wants nothing to do with me and/or my computer issues at the moment.
I wouldn't be totally freaking out except that once I knew I had the footage on the computer, I cleared the memory card. Yikes. The other weird thing is that I think my backup on my home computer hasn't run in a while.... I'm starting to panic.
Fingers crossed that something is just loose and power will be restored and all photos and videos will make it to the web (or at least to the big backup drive) in the near future. There were some really great pictures from our weekend with the Morlans and some cute video of Atticus on his 9 month birthday and video of Atti eating strawberries in the front yard...
Sigh... it will be ok, right?
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
9 Months - Are you kidding me?
Monday was Atticus's 9 month birthday. Can you believe it? He's been out longer than he was in! :-)
The details:
Height: 30 inches (90-95%)
Weight: 21 lbs and 6 oz (50-75%)
Long and lean. Of course, I still think he's got some pretty pudgy thighs. My friend, and nurse at the office, Angie, came by while we were waiting for the doctor and chatted for a few moments. It's always good to see her. I still think it's funny that Angie is a nurse at the office. What a small world. I hadn't seen her since high school, so we're really having a good time catching up. I hope we're able to get together soon with our boys so they can all met. Angie has two little boys, Ian and Owen.
During our appointment, Dr. Owens was very patient with me and answered all my "first time Mom" questions. Do I need to worry about his ankles cracking? Apparently no. Do I need to worry that he seems to have a really high pain tolerance? Apparently no. (I'm still a little worried about that one though... not sure why, just am.) What about citrus fruit? All clear. Yogurt? All clear. The tugging at the ear? Ear drum is perfect - most likely teething. (See earlier post about lack of sleep...)
So, essentially - we've got a great kiddo at this point. We were given the go ahead to try pretty much any food, including most table food. Today, we tried frozen strawberries in the front yard. I figured since the blueberries were such a hit... and yep, strawberries were good too. Definitely my child. He has yet to meet a fruit that he doesn't like. And, while I had high expectations of making my own baby food - which still could happen - so far, we've been sticking with Earth's Best, Gerber Organics and a new one... Happy Baby. Atticus normally has at least one jar of food for breakfast, lunch and dinner with some cereal thrown in once a day as well. Of course, he discovered yesterday that he can "blow bubbles" with food in his mouth. The bubble blowing was cute as could be until he discovered he could do it with a mouth full of spinach and green beans. Ewwwww. We've also begun experimenting with Cheerios. Right now, Atti just sort of pushes them around on the tray and throws them on the floor. He wants to put just about everything else in his mouth, so I'm surprised he hasn't put the Cheerios in there yet. It's coming.
He's close to crawling - a bit behind all of his female friends.... but I'm not too concerned. He can stand unassisted for about 15 seconds or so. He's not cruising around the furniture, but I'll be that's soon. The only other thing he hasn't done - which I find a bit surprising - is he hasn't pulled up yet to a sitting or standing position in the crib. He's incredibly strong, and I'm surprised he hasn't figured out that he's capable of doing so. Which reminds me... Greg and I REALLY need to lower the mattress in his crib this weekend BEFORE he figures out how to pull to a sitting or standing position!
Atticus has found his preferred sippy cup. So far, it's the blue Born Free cup. We have a couple of Avent ones as well - but thus far, the "blue cup" is the favorite. I think he likes chewing on the spout as much as he does drinking... but hey, it works. He's only drinking about an ounce or so of water a day. Now that it's hot outside, I'm trying to encourage more water.
Only other thing to mention is that we think he's starting to distinguish between me and Greg verbally. During the day when he's talking... or when we were at the softball game (see video on our Picasa site) Atticus is all about Da-da-da-da. But lately, especially during the middle of the night screaming sessions... it's all Mmm-mmm-mmm. Great. He's finally figuring out the "mmm" sound and he's only using it when he's crying uncontrollably. Fabulous.
That about covers it. We'll have another nurse visit for shots in 4 weeks before we head to New York. On the amended Dr. Sears schedule, he wouldn't be due for more shots - but since we're using a formal daycare in NY, we have to play by their rules, so I've had to bump up some of the shots that I had been delaying. I'm not thrilled, but it's not the end of the world.
The details:
Height: 30 inches (90-95%)
Weight: 21 lbs and 6 oz (50-75%)
Long and lean. Of course, I still think he's got some pretty pudgy thighs. My friend, and nurse at the office, Angie, came by while we were waiting for the doctor and chatted for a few moments. It's always good to see her. I still think it's funny that Angie is a nurse at the office. What a small world. I hadn't seen her since high school, so we're really having a good time catching up. I hope we're able to get together soon with our boys so they can all met. Angie has two little boys, Ian and Owen.
During our appointment, Dr. Owens was very patient with me and answered all my "first time Mom" questions. Do I need to worry about his ankles cracking? Apparently no. Do I need to worry that he seems to have a really high pain tolerance? Apparently no. (I'm still a little worried about that one though... not sure why, just am.) What about citrus fruit? All clear. Yogurt? All clear. The tugging at the ear? Ear drum is perfect - most likely teething. (See earlier post about lack of sleep...)
So, essentially - we've got a great kiddo at this point. We were given the go ahead to try pretty much any food, including most table food. Today, we tried frozen strawberries in the front yard. I figured since the blueberries were such a hit... and yep, strawberries were good too. Definitely my child. He has yet to meet a fruit that he doesn't like. And, while I had high expectations of making my own baby food - which still could happen - so far, we've been sticking with Earth's Best, Gerber Organics and a new one... Happy Baby. Atticus normally has at least one jar of food for breakfast, lunch and dinner with some cereal thrown in once a day as well. Of course, he discovered yesterday that he can "blow bubbles" with food in his mouth. The bubble blowing was cute as could be until he discovered he could do it with a mouth full of spinach and green beans. Ewwwww. We've also begun experimenting with Cheerios. Right now, Atti just sort of pushes them around on the tray and throws them on the floor. He wants to put just about everything else in his mouth, so I'm surprised he hasn't put the Cheerios in there yet. It's coming.
He's close to crawling - a bit behind all of his female friends.... but I'm not too concerned. He can stand unassisted for about 15 seconds or so. He's not cruising around the furniture, but I'll be that's soon. The only other thing he hasn't done - which I find a bit surprising - is he hasn't pulled up yet to a sitting or standing position in the crib. He's incredibly strong, and I'm surprised he hasn't figured out that he's capable of doing so. Which reminds me... Greg and I REALLY need to lower the mattress in his crib this weekend BEFORE he figures out how to pull to a sitting or standing position!
Atticus has found his preferred sippy cup. So far, it's the blue Born Free cup. We have a couple of Avent ones as well - but thus far, the "blue cup" is the favorite. I think he likes chewing on the spout as much as he does drinking... but hey, it works. He's only drinking about an ounce or so of water a day. Now that it's hot outside, I'm trying to encourage more water.
Only other thing to mention is that we think he's starting to distinguish between me and Greg verbally. During the day when he's talking... or when we were at the softball game (see video on our Picasa site) Atticus is all about Da-da-da-da. But lately, especially during the middle of the night screaming sessions... it's all Mmm-mmm-mmm. Great. He's finally figuring out the "mmm" sound and he's only using it when he's crying uncontrollably. Fabulous.
That about covers it. We'll have another nurse visit for shots in 4 weeks before we head to New York. On the amended Dr. Sears schedule, he wouldn't be due for more shots - but since we're using a formal daycare in NY, we have to play by their rules, so I've had to bump up some of the shots that I had been delaying. I'm not thrilled, but it's not the end of the world.
Sleep... A lost art
Perhaps my child is channeling all of his recent newborn friends? Perhaps he's going to get an entire mouthful of teeth all at once? Perhaps he's suddenly developed separation anxiety? Perhaps his brain is trying to process so many new things that it just can't turn off?
I don't know, but it's making me very very tired.
When you have a newborn and you're waking every couple of hours to feed him or her, it's expected. You're nourishing a new life. You're providing comfort to a small person who's spent their entire life in a little ball in your belly. When your bouncing baby is 9 months old... you kind of want to sleep in more than 4 hour stretches. Seriously. I'm freaking exhausted.
Atticus has a nighttime routine. It's nothing new. It used to work like a charm. Even if his day had ups or downs, the nighttime routine was always consistent, and he went to sleep without a hitch. Then came vacation. (I know, I still owe everyone a detailed run blog post about vacation.) Since our return to the states, sleep (and the lack thereof) has been a big - let me rephrase - BIG issue. He doesn't want to sleep. Why do kids fight sleep so much? I just don't understand.
Tonight we're trying something new. We've moved his bedtime up by approximately 30 minutes. Bath time started at 7:30, followed by a quick book, nursing and bed. Well, it's it's now 8:33 and I think (by glancing at the monitor behind me) that he has finally fallen asleep. The bath went well, we read one of our favorite books, Pajama Time, yada yada... but the moment I laid Atticus in the crib, all hell broke loose. Crying, kicking, flailing all around....
Let's hope he stays asleep. At least until say... 4 am. I know not everyone has infants or toddlers that sleep through the night. Bless those who still get up in the middle of the night with their toddlers... but oy, vey - it's bloody exhausting.
I don't know, but it's making me very very tired.
When you have a newborn and you're waking every couple of hours to feed him or her, it's expected. You're nourishing a new life. You're providing comfort to a small person who's spent their entire life in a little ball in your belly. When your bouncing baby is 9 months old... you kind of want to sleep in more than 4 hour stretches. Seriously. I'm freaking exhausted.
Atticus has a nighttime routine. It's nothing new. It used to work like a charm. Even if his day had ups or downs, the nighttime routine was always consistent, and he went to sleep without a hitch. Then came vacation. (I know, I still owe everyone a detailed run blog post about vacation.) Since our return to the states, sleep (and the lack thereof) has been a big - let me rephrase - BIG issue. He doesn't want to sleep. Why do kids fight sleep so much? I just don't understand.
Tonight we're trying something new. We've moved his bedtime up by approximately 30 minutes. Bath time started at 7:30, followed by a quick book, nursing and bed. Well, it's it's now 8:33 and I think (by glancing at the monitor behind me) that he has finally fallen asleep. The bath went well, we read one of our favorite books, Pajama Time, yada yada... but the moment I laid Atticus in the crib, all hell broke loose. Crying, kicking, flailing all around....
Let's hope he stays asleep. At least until say... 4 am. I know not everyone has infants or toddlers that sleep through the night. Bless those who still get up in the middle of the night with their toddlers... but oy, vey - it's bloody exhausting.
Hospitals
After our trip to the hospital in Tel Aviv, I was hoping to avoid them for a while. Alas...no.
Grandpa Mike is in the hospital in Round Rock. The good news is that we moved him today from ICU to a regular room and that he is improving. His cough is slightly better and his heart rythyms seem to be a bit more under control. Grandma Jeanne is having a rough go as well with trying to care for Grandpa and with her knee/hip really bothering her. She's been putting off knee replacement surgery on her right knee - partly out of fear from what happened with the left knee - and partly so she could concentrate on Grandpa. But... since she's been favoring the knee so much, it's started to affect her hips as well. Ugh. No rest for the weary.
Bubbe went to the doctor today as well to ask about her legs cramps and other assorted ailments. I need to check in with her and/or my Mom to see how that went.
For now... let's hope Grandpa is back to his usual goofy self in no time. Hospitals are no fun. Once we get him up and running, we can concentrate on the rest of us...
Grandpa Mike is in the hospital in Round Rock. The good news is that we moved him today from ICU to a regular room and that he is improving. His cough is slightly better and his heart rythyms seem to be a bit more under control. Grandma Jeanne is having a rough go as well with trying to care for Grandpa and with her knee/hip really bothering her. She's been putting off knee replacement surgery on her right knee - partly out of fear from what happened with the left knee - and partly so she could concentrate on Grandpa. But... since she's been favoring the knee so much, it's started to affect her hips as well. Ugh. No rest for the weary.
Bubbe went to the doctor today as well to ask about her legs cramps and other assorted ailments. I need to check in with her and/or my Mom to see how that went.
For now... let's hope Grandpa is back to his usual goofy self in no time. Hospitals are no fun. Once we get him up and running, we can concentrate on the rest of us...
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Blueberries!
Oh my goodness... these photos just don't do Atticus justice. Since Atti is teething and enjoying chewing on just about everything - I thought it might be fun to put some frozen blueberries in this little net popsicle stick thingy that he has. It's a way to introduce new foods that lets the kiddos suck on the food without choking on any little pieces. Anyways, Andrea stripped Atti down to his diaper, filled the teether with frozen blueberries and took him outside to the porch. She said it took him only a moment or so to figure it out and to go nuts chomping on the blueberries. He came into the house looking like he'd gotten into a fight with the girl from Willy Wonka!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Easter Sunday
Well... It was closed too! D'oh!
But... We did have a nice walk and Atticus had a good nap! Hopefully his toes didn't get sunburned along the way. This picture is from my cell phone of him crashed out during the walk.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Reaching
Ok... so I have miles of updates yet to do from our vacation, but I wanted to share this little tid-bit. Atticus has started reaching when he wants to be picked up, or when he wants to go to another person. It's sweet. It almost makes up for the sudden relapse in sleep patterns and the middle of the night screaming. :-)
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