Wow, so much for updating every couple of weeks. I'm sure much more has happened since July than I can remember but I'll try to touch on the high points.
Ben is doing very well. He pretty much runs everywhere he goes. He's also talking up a storm. We don't always understand him. But he talks none the less. What we do understand is very clear. "No, move, stop, uh-uh, Noooooooooo" He loves being outside. The recent cold weather has put us all in "cabin fever" mood. Luckily it's warmed up a little and we've been able to let him burn off some energy outside. We took a nice walk down the road today with him in his wagon and he fell asleep on the way back. We moved out into the country at the end of November and he absolutely loves it. We've seen a lot of deer and other wildlife in the yard. It's so peaceful out here and Ben enjoys it just as much as we do.
Ben has a very strong love for music, which thrills me to no end. Some people think I'm completely crazy for getting him a drum set for Christmas but he loves it. He can also lay down some crazy dance moves! That's one of my favorite things to do is dance with him. And I must say, he's got quite the taste in music!
We're still working on his weight but he's holding steady at around 22-23 pounds. He can still wear 12 month size pants. But the pediatrician isn't worried because he's also very short. He does have a very cute little round belly when he's only in a diaper.
Well, he is currently throwing a massive fit because I won't give him another Tootsie Roll so I'll call it quits for this entry. I hope to be back sooner than later next time.
January 17, 2010
July 30, 2009
Trips, Spills and Falls....Oh My!
Ben has reached a whole new level....it's called "I'm going to give Mommy an anxiety attack and laugh while doing it". This child is much to brave and daring for 16 months of age. He wants to climb everything. He trips over his own shadow. I swear, any day now I'm going to be accused of beating my child! Thankfully, anyone who has children knows this awkward stage much too well.
The first "real" injury came a few weeks ago when he stepped on a slick flashcard on the wood floor. In a matter of seconds he went from standing, to falling, to bloody mouth. I have never seen so much blood all at once in my life. Nathon scooped him up and ran for the kitchen sink, blood pouring out his mouth all the way there. He says to me, "honey, this is bad". At this point we couldn't see through the blood to even know where it was coming from. For all I knew he'd knocked out his front teeth! I was actually surprised at how calm I was. I made a quick sprint to the back closet to get some rags. Ben was sitting on the kitchen counter with his legs in the sink. As soon as I turned on the water he instantly stopped crying and decided to play in the running water. What? Are you kidding me? All that screaming. All that blood. And now you only want to play in the water?! After cleaning up what seemed like a half gallon of blood we saw a tiny little spot on his upper gums that was the cause for all this. He walked around the house for a little bit sucking on the wet rag and all was right in the world of Benjamin. Our living room table now sports a foam edge all the way around.
Last week I was having my Monday lunch date with Nathon and Ben. Just before we got there Ben had started to fall asleep so we had to wake him up to go in and eat. He wasn't cranky for lack of sleep. He was having a grand time jumping up and down in the booth and making all kinds of noise. He didn't want to eat. What's new?! If he did take a bite he would chew it up and then spit it back out on the plate. Nathon and I finally finished and we couldn't get out of there fast enough. I don't like it when I see kids acting crazy in a restaurant and I certainly don't like it when it's my own. Being the Mr. Independent that he is now, he wanted to walk to the truck. I was in front of them and just before we got to the truck I heard a "THUD". I knew instantly what that sound was. I got turned around there before he even had a chance to cry. Nathon picked him up and said "he tripped, he's fine". That was before we realized his mouth was bleeding. He wouldn't let us have his pacifier so I assume he was swallowing his own blood. I bet that was tasty! I went back in the restaurant to get a wet paper towel. Upon closer inspection I moved his hair off his forehead and there it was. The big red, purple bruise. That's when I got really worried. He had quit crying and other than the massive "spot" on his head and a little blood on his lip he seemed fine. Nathon dropped me back off at work and I sent him home with specific instructions on what to do and to call me if he was acting weird at all, even the slightest bit. As if a little boy doesn't already act strange enough. Nathon reported to me throughout the afternoon that he was playing and acting completely normal. I even asked my nurse friend at work and I knew he was fine but I still had that nagging feeling in my gut. After I got home I called the pediatric clinic and they had an opening for 6:00. We threw everything in the car and headed over. (No pun intended) I honestly think we waited longer in the waiting room than with the doctor. She came in and we had to recount the whole story. She checked him out and told us that we could sleep easy, he was fine. I just felt so much better, even if it did cost me a $30 co-pay. She said she didn't blame me for being worried and agreed that sometimes as a parent you just need that piece of mind no matter what. So other than an ugly forehead for a few days, no damage done.
We have a trip planned to the Tulsa Zoo on Saturday. When I would see people in the mall or at amusement parks with their children on leashes I swore I would never do that and would comment on how tacky it looked. Ben is now the proud owner of a cute little monkey backpack with a leash. Excuse me, I think the term used is "Child Harness". Whatever you choose to call it, peace of mind CAN be bought in this case. My assumptions were made BEFORE I had a very active son who wanted to do everything himself and not hold our hand while walking. I guess when I start getting the funny looks I can assume the same; they are obviously not parents yet!
The first "real" injury came a few weeks ago when he stepped on a slick flashcard on the wood floor. In a matter of seconds he went from standing, to falling, to bloody mouth. I have never seen so much blood all at once in my life. Nathon scooped him up and ran for the kitchen sink, blood pouring out his mouth all the way there. He says to me, "honey, this is bad". At this point we couldn't see through the blood to even know where it was coming from. For all I knew he'd knocked out his front teeth! I was actually surprised at how calm I was. I made a quick sprint to the back closet to get some rags. Ben was sitting on the kitchen counter with his legs in the sink. As soon as I turned on the water he instantly stopped crying and decided to play in the running water. What? Are you kidding me? All that screaming. All that blood. And now you only want to play in the water?! After cleaning up what seemed like a half gallon of blood we saw a tiny little spot on his upper gums that was the cause for all this. He walked around the house for a little bit sucking on the wet rag and all was right in the world of Benjamin. Our living room table now sports a foam edge all the way around.
Last week I was having my Monday lunch date with Nathon and Ben. Just before we got there Ben had started to fall asleep so we had to wake him up to go in and eat. He wasn't cranky for lack of sleep. He was having a grand time jumping up and down in the booth and making all kinds of noise. He didn't want to eat. What's new?! If he did take a bite he would chew it up and then spit it back out on the plate. Nathon and I finally finished and we couldn't get out of there fast enough. I don't like it when I see kids acting crazy in a restaurant and I certainly don't like it when it's my own. Being the Mr. Independent that he is now, he wanted to walk to the truck. I was in front of them and just before we got to the truck I heard a "THUD". I knew instantly what that sound was. I got turned around there before he even had a chance to cry. Nathon picked him up and said "he tripped, he's fine". That was before we realized his mouth was bleeding. He wouldn't let us have his pacifier so I assume he was swallowing his own blood. I bet that was tasty! I went back in the restaurant to get a wet paper towel. Upon closer inspection I moved his hair off his forehead and there it was. The big red, purple bruise. That's when I got really worried. He had quit crying and other than the massive "spot" on his head and a little blood on his lip he seemed fine. Nathon dropped me back off at work and I sent him home with specific instructions on what to do and to call me if he was acting weird at all, even the slightest bit. As if a little boy doesn't already act strange enough. Nathon reported to me throughout the afternoon that he was playing and acting completely normal. I even asked my nurse friend at work and I knew he was fine but I still had that nagging feeling in my gut. After I got home I called the pediatric clinic and they had an opening for 6:00. We threw everything in the car and headed over. (No pun intended) I honestly think we waited longer in the waiting room than with the doctor. She came in and we had to recount the whole story. She checked him out and told us that we could sleep easy, he was fine. I just felt so much better, even if it did cost me a $30 co-pay. She said she didn't blame me for being worried and agreed that sometimes as a parent you just need that piece of mind no matter what. So other than an ugly forehead for a few days, no damage done.
We have a trip planned to the Tulsa Zoo on Saturday. When I would see people in the mall or at amusement parks with their children on leashes I swore I would never do that and would comment on how tacky it looked. Ben is now the proud owner of a cute little monkey backpack with a leash. Excuse me, I think the term used is "Child Harness". Whatever you choose to call it, peace of mind CAN be bought in this case. My assumptions were made BEFORE I had a very active son who wanted to do everything himself and not hold our hand while walking. I guess when I start getting the funny looks I can assume the same; they are obviously not parents yet!
June 9, 2009
Long Overdue!
Wow, I haven't updated the blog since Easter. I guess there just hasn't been much going on. Ben is doing well and growing much too fast for my liking. Although we are still pushing for that pound to get him to the 20 pound mark so we can get him out of the infant seat. This child is very selective about what he eats. It's not necessarily that he doesn't like what I give him, it's just that some days he likes it some days he doesn't it. Go figure! He can walk, but chooses not to and prefers scooting on his rear end. He has several walk behind toys and he goes all over the house with those, at great speed I might add, and gets into every thing! In May we made our first trip to the Tulsa Zoo with him. It was a lot of fun, as we expected. We plan on going again in the fall and we're going to try and squeeze the Aquarium in too. A couple of weeks ago we went to the Gentry Safari where he found the pigs to be quite funny. Below are a few random pictures from the last couple of months.
April 17, 2009
Ben's First Easter
On Sunday, 4/13/09, Ben celebrated his first Easter. Nathon and I anxiously awaited to color eggs with him. The trash bag was taped to the table, another trash bag with some holes served as Ben's "shield", and the dye was set out ready to go.
I'm pretty sure we had a different vision in our heads of how this was going to go. Looking back on it....why would we assume that a one year old would actually know what to do with a hard boiled egg and some colored water? Right!
We still had fun though. I helped him use the "magic crayon" to draw on an egg. I also made him a special egg.
At this particular time in his life, Ben thinks that everything is a ball and should be thrown. Eggs are rounded after all, therefore it's only right to assume you can throw them. Actually, he throws all of his toys, round or not. That's what happened to the egg we gave him. He promptly threw it down onto the table with great force and proceeded to pick the shell off. We let him play with it until he tried to eat the shell.
He also enjoyed the egg dipper and the "magic crayon". I tell you, that child will put anything in his mouth.
When we awoke on Easter morning the Easter Bunny had left something special for Ben in the living room.
He also "hid" some eggs for Ben to hunt. Daddy helped with this adventure of course. He tried to give the egg to Ben to put in his basket but he again assumed it was a round object that should be thrown.
Although the weather was horrible, we did have a great day and spent the afternoon at Nathon's grandparents house. Maybe next year he will have a better understanding of the egg dying process.
I'm pretty sure we had a different vision in our heads of how this was going to go. Looking back on it....why would we assume that a one year old would actually know what to do with a hard boiled egg and some colored water? Right!
We still had fun though. I helped him use the "magic crayon" to draw on an egg. I also made him a special egg.
At this particular time in his life, Ben thinks that everything is a ball and should be thrown. Eggs are rounded after all, therefore it's only right to assume you can throw them. Actually, he throws all of his toys, round or not. That's what happened to the egg we gave him. He promptly threw it down onto the table with great force and proceeded to pick the shell off. We let him play with it until he tried to eat the shell.
He also enjoyed the egg dipper and the "magic crayon". I tell you, that child will put anything in his mouth.
When we awoke on Easter morning the Easter Bunny had left something special for Ben in the living room.
He also "hid" some eggs for Ben to hunt. Daddy helped with this adventure of course. He tried to give the egg to Ben to put in his basket but he again assumed it was a round object that should be thrown.
Although the weather was horrible, we did have a great day and spent the afternoon at Nathon's grandparents house. Maybe next year he will have a better understanding of the egg dying process.
March 30, 2009
First Birthday Party!
Benjamin's First Birthday Party has sadly come and gone. With so much planning and anticipation I hate that it's over. We did have a fabulous time though. Lots of cake, plenty of pizza, and some good conversation with family and friends.
I started the baking on Saturday and worked most of the day. I finished decorating the Elmo cake about 10:00 that evening.
Sunday morning I started working on the Cookie Monster cupcakes. After an initial freak out moment I was able to complete them and I think they turned out pretty cute if I do say so myself.
After the guests arrived we wasted no time eating lunch. Moved on to the presents and as you can tell, Ben seemed to enjoy himself. He especially like the tissue paper and balloons.
This is his THIRD birthday cake! We took one for his One Year pictures, his grandma bought a cake for him on his actual birthday, and then this one at the party. Needless to say I think he's had enough sugar to last six months.
I picked up the plate and handed it to him thinking he might just want to put it up to his mouth.....apparently not!
All in all it was a great party. I spent many hours (and dollars!) planning and executing that party, I hope that one day when Ben is older and looks back at it he knows just how much I love him and why I worked so hard to make it great.
I started the baking on Saturday and worked most of the day. I finished decorating the Elmo cake about 10:00 that evening.
Sunday morning I started working on the Cookie Monster cupcakes. After an initial freak out moment I was able to complete them and I think they turned out pretty cute if I do say so myself.
After the guests arrived we wasted no time eating lunch. Moved on to the presents and as you can tell, Ben seemed to enjoy himself. He especially like the tissue paper and balloons.
This is his THIRD birthday cake! We took one for his One Year pictures, his grandma bought a cake for him on his actual birthday, and then this one at the party. Needless to say I think he's had enough sugar to last six months.
I picked up the plate and handed it to him thinking he might just want to put it up to his mouth.....apparently not!
All in all it was a great party. I spent many hours (and dollars!) planning and executing that party, I hope that one day when Ben is older and looks back at it he knows just how much I love him and why I worked so hard to make it great.
March 24, 2009
How Much Does A First Birthday Cost?
Allow me to elaborate. I should probably preface this by saying "yes, we MIGHT have gone overboard". Doubtful though. He is our first born (maybe only born), we waiting four years for you, cute as a button little boy. For those of you who keep up with this you might remember not so long ago when Santa was very generous as well!
So what does a First Birthday Party cost?
* Balloons $35.00
* First Year Pictures $120.00
* Decorations and Party Favors $75.00
* Cake Supplies $40.00 (including an Elmo head pan!)
* Blue Sprinkles for Cookie Monster Cupcakes $25.00 (This has a special place on the list. After going to buy all of the cake making supplies I found it difficult to locate the blue sprinkles I needed to make the Cookie Monster Cupcakes. I found some sugar crystals but it just wouldn't do. Because this is Tuesday and the party is on Sunday I ordered the sprinkles online and paid more for the next day air shipping than the product!)
* Pizza/Food $100.00
* The memories and photos we will have....absolutely priceless!
Now, lets just hope that people show up to eat all this food and cake! And hopefully I can pull off this Elmo cake.
Here's to a Happy Birthday on Thursday and a great party on Sunday. I can't believe my baby is already a year old! Pictures will be posted after the party.
So what does a First Birthday Party cost?
* Balloons $35.00
* First Year Pictures $120.00
* Decorations and Party Favors $75.00
* Cake Supplies $40.00 (including an Elmo head pan!)
* Blue Sprinkles for Cookie Monster Cupcakes $25.00 (This has a special place on the list. After going to buy all of the cake making supplies I found it difficult to locate the blue sprinkles I needed to make the Cookie Monster Cupcakes. I found some sugar crystals but it just wouldn't do. Because this is Tuesday and the party is on Sunday I ordered the sprinkles online and paid more for the next day air shipping than the product!)
* Pizza/Food $100.00
* The memories and photos we will have....absolutely priceless!
Now, lets just hope that people show up to eat all this food and cake! And hopefully I can pull off this Elmo cake.
Here's to a Happy Birthday on Thursday and a great party on Sunday. I can't believe my baby is already a year old! Pictures will be posted after the party.
February 23, 2009
Our Trip to Branson
We have officially went on a two night trip away from home with Benjamin. Until this trip I had only stayed over night somewhere with him once and he stayed the night with my aunt alone one time. Not that we were expecting it to be difficult, it just happened to be our first weekend away so it's being documented as such.
My sister Heidi lives in Florida and was visiting for two weeks. My other sister, my brother, and all the kids and spouses went up to Branson and stayed a couple of nights. Their mom (technically they are half siblings) rented a HUGE four bedroom condo that had a living area, full kitchen, and dining area. It was the nicest place I've ever stayed, that's for sure!
Because Ben was born in March this was also our first opportunity to take him swimming in the indoor pool. He wasn't too thrilled about it but he enjoyed kicking his feet in the hot tub.
After swimming we headed back up the the "house" and enjoyed a few good laughs watching everyone play the Wii. My niece, who is almost four, can beat you every time in boxing. It's quite comical to watch! We knew Ben was getting tired so after changing him into his pajamas and giving him his bed time bottle I decided to retire him to the room. He doesn't sleep well away from home unless it's in bed with Nathon and I. Knowing this, we took his pillow. After he was born this was the only thing that got US any sleep at all because it's the only way HE would sleep. Needless to say, he's getting a bit big for it but it still serves it's purpose. I put him in the middle of the bed, strapped it around between his legs and turned on the TV. He was sitting up happily watching something about alligators on Animal Planet. About ten minutes later I peeked in to check on him and found the following.
Poor little guy was exhausted and fell asleep just like that. After everyone had a good laugh and we got sufficient pictures as proof I leaned him back and he never even cracked an eye bawl open. The best part is, the next day when I put him in there for a nap, I found this.
On Friday we went down to the Branson Landing to stroll around because the weather was really nice. We didn't take our stroller because of limited space. Upon arriving we knew right away that Ben and all of his "stuff" was going to get heavy in a hurry. We found a school bus to rent for $5.00 and it worked great! That is my niece, Kara, in the back of the bus.
We went to Build-A-Bear and Benjamin made "Hopper" the frog. For those who are unfamiliar with this place, you name and print a birth certificate for your creation. Succumbing to the pressure of coming up with a name on the spot we decided Hopper was appropriate for a frog and that he became. He does love that frog though! He actually picked it out even. We held up a penguin and the frog and he studied them and then pointed (no kidding!) to the frog and grabbed it. It was the cutest thing.
We had a really good time and I think Ben enjoyed it as well. I even forgot the formula for his bottle when we went out to dinner Friday night but he was a trooper. We ordered him some mashed potatoes and that seemed to hold him over.
Until next time...hugs from Benjamin!
My sister Heidi lives in Florida and was visiting for two weeks. My other sister, my brother, and all the kids and spouses went up to Branson and stayed a couple of nights. Their mom (technically they are half siblings) rented a HUGE four bedroom condo that had a living area, full kitchen, and dining area. It was the nicest place I've ever stayed, that's for sure!
Because Ben was born in March this was also our first opportunity to take him swimming in the indoor pool. He wasn't too thrilled about it but he enjoyed kicking his feet in the hot tub.
After swimming we headed back up the the "house" and enjoyed a few good laughs watching everyone play the Wii. My niece, who is almost four, can beat you every time in boxing. It's quite comical to watch! We knew Ben was getting tired so after changing him into his pajamas and giving him his bed time bottle I decided to retire him to the room. He doesn't sleep well away from home unless it's in bed with Nathon and I. Knowing this, we took his pillow. After he was born this was the only thing that got US any sleep at all because it's the only way HE would sleep. Needless to say, he's getting a bit big for it but it still serves it's purpose. I put him in the middle of the bed, strapped it around between his legs and turned on the TV. He was sitting up happily watching something about alligators on Animal Planet. About ten minutes later I peeked in to check on him and found the following.
Poor little guy was exhausted and fell asleep just like that. After everyone had a good laugh and we got sufficient pictures as proof I leaned him back and he never even cracked an eye bawl open. The best part is, the next day when I put him in there for a nap, I found this.
On Friday we went down to the Branson Landing to stroll around because the weather was really nice. We didn't take our stroller because of limited space. Upon arriving we knew right away that Ben and all of his "stuff" was going to get heavy in a hurry. We found a school bus to rent for $5.00 and it worked great! That is my niece, Kara, in the back of the bus.
We went to Build-A-Bear and Benjamin made "Hopper" the frog. For those who are unfamiliar with this place, you name and print a birth certificate for your creation. Succumbing to the pressure of coming up with a name on the spot we decided Hopper was appropriate for a frog and that he became. He does love that frog though! He actually picked it out even. We held up a penguin and the frog and he studied them and then pointed (no kidding!) to the frog and grabbed it. It was the cutest thing.
We had a really good time and I think Ben enjoyed it as well. I even forgot the formula for his bottle when we went out to dinner Friday night but he was a trooper. We ordered him some mashed potatoes and that seemed to hold him over.
Until next time...hugs from Benjamin!
January 22, 2009
Benjamin's First Haircut...or Chop Job!
Well, we did it. We gave Ben his first haircut over the weekend. I'd been contemplating it for a few weeks now but just wasn't sure how to go about it. I had no idea where to take him and have it done. Quite frankly I didn't think a quick little snip was worth paying to have done when I could perform the task all on my own. However, it was much easier said than done. My poor child appears that a weed whacker attacked him in his sleep! Okay, so maybe it isn't THAT bad, but it isn't great either.
After putting him in the seat, Nathon trimmed over one ear and then I did the other. I don't advise this, as neither side matches. He became to squirmy in the seat and I had given up. Or so I thought. I was determined to get those long hairs out of his eyes. We went back to his room and he sat on the changing table playing with the lotion bottles and I was able to do the "chop". It might not be perfect but there is no more hair hanging in his face and the long mess on the back of his neck is trimmed. This is not the best picture. After the ordeal he was tired and fussy and refused to take a good picture!
Hopefully it will grow out a bit....quickly!
After putting him in the seat, Nathon trimmed over one ear and then I did the other. I don't advise this, as neither side matches. He became to squirmy in the seat and I had given up. Or so I thought. I was determined to get those long hairs out of his eyes. We went back to his room and he sat on the changing table playing with the lotion bottles and I was able to do the "chop". It might not be perfect but there is no more hair hanging in his face and the long mess on the back of his neck is trimmed. This is not the best picture. After the ordeal he was tired and fussy and refused to take a good picture!
Hopefully it will grow out a bit....quickly!
January 5, 2009
Benjamin's First Christmas
Wow....what can I say other than "WOW"?! We had a wonderful First Christmas with Ben and our families. Everyone had a bit of a cough and runny nose but nothing too bad to stop the fun.
Nathon's mom and brothers came over on Christmas Eve and we opened a bunch of presents that were from us.
We didn't want to haul them all over the place and then back home again! Ben had a few fussy moments when the toys couldn't come out of the box fast enough but other than that it was great. By the way, who had the ridiculous idea of putting so much tape/wire/cardboard/plastic/etc. on all those toys? Talk about waste!
Christmas morning Ben awoke to a few things from Santa and a letter telling him had been such a good boy. On to Aunt Sandra's house we went. More presents to open here.
NaNa and PawPaw finally showed up and we went at it again. They got him a Radio Flyer Pony and the Sing Along Stage.
Needless to say it was so much fun! As you can see in this picture he got more than he needed and more than we have space for.
Actually that was just the mess when we got home Christmas night. They are a bit more organized now but I still have toys from wall to wall in the living room. I think we will concentrate on spring and summer clothes for his birthday in March....I'm pretty sure he doesn't need any toys!
Nathon's mom and brothers came over on Christmas Eve and we opened a bunch of presents that were from us.
We didn't want to haul them all over the place and then back home again! Ben had a few fussy moments when the toys couldn't come out of the box fast enough but other than that it was great. By the way, who had the ridiculous idea of putting so much tape/wire/cardboard/plastic/etc. on all those toys? Talk about waste!
Christmas morning Ben awoke to a few things from Santa and a letter telling him had been such a good boy. On to Aunt Sandra's house we went. More presents to open here.
NaNa and PawPaw finally showed up and we went at it again. They got him a Radio Flyer Pony and the Sing Along Stage.
Needless to say it was so much fun! As you can see in this picture he got more than he needed and more than we have space for.
Actually that was just the mess when we got home Christmas night. They are a bit more organized now but I still have toys from wall to wall in the living room. I think we will concentrate on spring and summer clothes for his birthday in March....I'm pretty sure he doesn't need any toys!
December 19, 2008
Ear Tubes Are In!
Well, I'm only a week late but they say "better late than never", right? As you know Benjamin had tubes put in his ears last Friday, 12/12/08. I'm happy to report that it went great!
We checked in at 6:00 that morning and they started all of the necessary procedures. They took him back just before 8:00 and he was back in my arms by 8:20. I didn't even think I was going to cry but a nurse stuck her head around the curtain and said "they wanted me to let you know they started the procedure" and I couldn't hold it any longer. He was very fussy for a bit which we were told is a side effect of the anesthesia, not from pain. He drank two bottles of water that they gave him. Just before 9:00 we were released to go home. Usually he hates getting into his car seat but this time I guess he knew it meant he could get out of there so he quit crying when we put him in it instead of starting to cry. He fell asleep in the car and slept for an hour or so at home. When he woke up he took a look around, gave me a big grin and proceeded to start playing with his toys like usual. You would have had no clue anything was done to him!
After he had his lunch we headed out to have our own lunch and do a bit of Christmas shopping. I think he thoroughly enjoyed his day with Mommy and Daddy, as we don't get to do that often.
He has a follow up appointment on Monday, 12/22/08, just to make sure everything looks good. We had antibiotic ear drops to put in his ears for five days and he was so good every time I put them in. He also received a nice delivery with a very cute plush Cookie Monster and balloon from his Grandma.
I hope everyone is having a great holiday season. Merry Christmas!
We checked in at 6:00 that morning and they started all of the necessary procedures. They took him back just before 8:00 and he was back in my arms by 8:20. I didn't even think I was going to cry but a nurse stuck her head around the curtain and said "they wanted me to let you know they started the procedure" and I couldn't hold it any longer. He was very fussy for a bit which we were told is a side effect of the anesthesia, not from pain. He drank two bottles of water that they gave him. Just before 9:00 we were released to go home. Usually he hates getting into his car seat but this time I guess he knew it meant he could get out of there so he quit crying when we put him in it instead of starting to cry. He fell asleep in the car and slept for an hour or so at home. When he woke up he took a look around, gave me a big grin and proceeded to start playing with his toys like usual. You would have had no clue anything was done to him!
After he had his lunch we headed out to have our own lunch and do a bit of Christmas shopping. I think he thoroughly enjoyed his day with Mommy and Daddy, as we don't get to do that often.
He has a follow up appointment on Monday, 12/22/08, just to make sure everything looks good. We had antibiotic ear drops to put in his ears for five days and he was so good every time I put them in. He also received a nice delivery with a very cute plush Cookie Monster and balloon from his Grandma.
I hope everyone is having a great holiday season. Merry Christmas!
December 1, 2008
Ear Tubes Procedure Scheduled
Wow, is this time of year busy or what?! We have had so much going on that I haven't updated this nearly as often as I would like.
As some of you know already, Ben has had horrible problems with his ears. Every time we think an ear infection cleared up another one decides to take up home in his poor little ears. After four visits to the pediatric clinic in the last eight weeks we were referred to an Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor. We met with him this morning. He went over everything with us, good and bad, about putting tubes in his ears or not getting them. After much discussion we have decided that this might be the best approach as opposed to pumping him full of antibiotics every three weeks.
We had planned on having this done after the first of the year when things slow down a bit. On a whim I decided to call my insurance company to inquire about Ben's deductible. It has been satisfied. Therefore, if we have this done before 12/31/08 we will only have to pay 20% instead of 100%. Another call to the ENT clinic and we have a date, 12/12/08 he will have the procedure done.
I'm a little nervous of course just because it's my child and anesthesia is involved but we have been assured that it's a very simple, quick procedure. Hopefully this will put an end to his ear problems. Without having it done we run the risk of speech and hearing problems among many other scary things because of the fluid build up. I'm confident that we have made the right decision.
Look for another update after the procedure. Until then.....many more hugs from Benjamin!
As some of you know already, Ben has had horrible problems with his ears. Every time we think an ear infection cleared up another one decides to take up home in his poor little ears. After four visits to the pediatric clinic in the last eight weeks we were referred to an Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor. We met with him this morning. He went over everything with us, good and bad, about putting tubes in his ears or not getting them. After much discussion we have decided that this might be the best approach as opposed to pumping him full of antibiotics every three weeks.
We had planned on having this done after the first of the year when things slow down a bit. On a whim I decided to call my insurance company to inquire about Ben's deductible. It has been satisfied. Therefore, if we have this done before 12/31/08 we will only have to pay 20% instead of 100%. Another call to the ENT clinic and we have a date, 12/12/08 he will have the procedure done.
I'm a little nervous of course just because it's my child and anesthesia is involved but we have been assured that it's a very simple, quick procedure. Hopefully this will put an end to his ear problems. Without having it done we run the risk of speech and hearing problems among many other scary things because of the fluid build up. I'm confident that we have made the right decision.
Look for another update after the procedure. Until then.....many more hugs from Benjamin!
November 12, 2008
My Name Is Heather And I Let My Son "Cry It Out"
That's the first step isn't it, to admit the problem? Well, I guess it's not really a "problem" but it still upset me. When I was pregnant I SWORE that I would not be one of those mothers who let her child cry it out. Guess what? Guilty!
Benjamin has been fighting off ear infections, teething, and some breathing trouble for a few weeks now. When this all started he had decreased his eating tremendously. At one point he had lost almost ten ounces. After many trips to the pediatric clinic he was prescribed a different antibiotic (the first one made him throw up), a steroid for a few days, and an inhaler for a week to help with his breathing and congestion. Throw the diarrhea into that mix and it made for one heck of a couple of weeks! He is finally feeling better and has started eating again.
The problem? He no longer sleeps through the night as he has since two months of age. There were a few really bad nights when he didn't want to sleep at all and he ended up in bed with us to spare my sanity. He's to a point of only waking up around midnight to eat. But he won't go back to sleep after that. I put him in his crib still awake and he cries. I rock him until he's asleep, put him in the crib and he instantly opens his eyes and the crocodile tears start flowing. This went on for about four days until I decided he can't keep coming into our bed with us. Not to mention it leaves me about seven and a half inches of bed space for a much larger body and it's uncomfortable! So, on Monday night (or Tuesday morning depending on how you want to look at it) I let my son cry it out. Nathon was already gone doing the paper route so I figured, "what do I have to lose?" He wouldn't wake Nathon up and we would break this. He cried for a little bit, and then would be quite. Cry a little more, quite, moan a bit, quite, scream, quite, etc. As I lay in the bedroom across the hall I listen to all of this on the monitor with my heart about to burst at every whimper. No, I will not cave! I'm happy to report that I didn't. I don't, however, know who fell asleep first....me or Ben! I guess you could call it a success but I still felt terrible.
Tuesday night was much better. He woke up to eat at 12:30 and I put him back in bed. All was well for a little bit and he started fussing. Thankfully I went with my gut and went in there. He had made one massive diaper for me! Changed that, rocked him for a bit and off to dream land he went. Hopefully I can say the same tonight......
Benjamin has been fighting off ear infections, teething, and some breathing trouble for a few weeks now. When this all started he had decreased his eating tremendously. At one point he had lost almost ten ounces. After many trips to the pediatric clinic he was prescribed a different antibiotic (the first one made him throw up), a steroid for a few days, and an inhaler for a week to help with his breathing and congestion. Throw the diarrhea into that mix and it made for one heck of a couple of weeks! He is finally feeling better and has started eating again.
The problem? He no longer sleeps through the night as he has since two months of age. There were a few really bad nights when he didn't want to sleep at all and he ended up in bed with us to spare my sanity. He's to a point of only waking up around midnight to eat. But he won't go back to sleep after that. I put him in his crib still awake and he cries. I rock him until he's asleep, put him in the crib and he instantly opens his eyes and the crocodile tears start flowing. This went on for about four days until I decided he can't keep coming into our bed with us. Not to mention it leaves me about seven and a half inches of bed space for a much larger body and it's uncomfortable! So, on Monday night (or Tuesday morning depending on how you want to look at it) I let my son cry it out. Nathon was already gone doing the paper route so I figured, "what do I have to lose?" He wouldn't wake Nathon up and we would break this. He cried for a little bit, and then would be quite. Cry a little more, quite, moan a bit, quite, scream, quite, etc. As I lay in the bedroom across the hall I listen to all of this on the monitor with my heart about to burst at every whimper. No, I will not cave! I'm happy to report that I didn't. I don't, however, know who fell asleep first....me or Ben! I guess you could call it a success but I still felt terrible.
Tuesday night was much better. He woke up to eat at 12:30 and I put him back in bed. All was well for a little bit and he started fussing. Thankfully I went with my gut and went in there. He had made one massive diaper for me! Changed that, rocked him for a bit and off to dream land he went. Hopefully I can say the same tonight......
October 20, 2008
Colorful Diapers!
Everyone warned me about this. I finally experienced Ben's first "new food" diaper. I picked him up yesterday from a nap and I could feel a lump on his behind. I put him down to change his diaper and there it was.....a nice, hard, colorful deposit for me. He had carrots for the first time the night before, therefore this particular diaper was green with a pretty orange swirl effect to it. This morning it was much softer with more orange mixed in making it a somewhat drab olive color. Anybody care for war paint? I must admit, it was funny to see such a change.
The trying of new foods is still going good. I haven't found anything yet that he just absolutely hates. He isn't as crazy about the green beans now that he's had other choices but still eats them. I went back to Ozark Natural Foods last week to restock. I've got a freezer full organic veggies and fruits cooked up for him. He eats better than we do. I've never bought organic food for us! Has anybody seen the produce at Wal-Mart lately? I'm almost certain my dogs might turn their nose up to some of that stuff. Harp's on the other hand had a very nice selection last time I was in there.
Smile and enjoy the pretty fall foliage!
The trying of new foods is still going good. I haven't found anything yet that he just absolutely hates. He isn't as crazy about the green beans now that he's had other choices but still eats them. I went back to Ozark Natural Foods last week to restock. I've got a freezer full organic veggies and fruits cooked up for him. He eats better than we do. I've never bought organic food for us! Has anybody seen the produce at Wal-Mart lately? I'm almost certain my dogs might turn their nose up to some of that stuff. Harp's on the other hand had a very nice selection last time I was in there.
Smile and enjoy the pretty fall foliage!
October 17, 2008
I Love My Husband! (And Family)
Apparently I picked a good apple! A bit sour at times, but still pretty good. Nathon is the best dad I've ever seen. He's changed just as many diapers as I have. During those first few months of sleepless nights he lost just as much sleep. He's fed Ben just as many bottles as I have. All while never complaining. We've had our off days and there have been occasions where I certainly thought I was going to ring his neck but at the end of the day he's still my other half.
October 26, 2008 will officially be nine years we have spent together. Of course there have been bad days, and really bad days even. Would I take any of it back? Probably not. We are a team. He is my "baby daddy" and I wouldn't have it any other way. He is my king and I am his queen. Things have definitely changed over the last nine years but nothing for the worse. Sure, he used to open the car door for me. I don't have time for that anymore. I'd rather just get in and go. He used to send me flowers every once in awhile. I finally got up the nerve to tell him that I'd rather just have the money to buy a new pair of shoes. Flowers die, shoes only go out of style! We don't have as much time for "us" anymore but that's okay. I'd choose to sit back and watch him play with Ben any day as opposed to dinner and movie alone.
Four years after a doctor told us "you probably won't have a baby" we have completed our family. While it was a dirt road with potholes at times, it was mostly smooth terrain. There may have been a flat or two but I think it was just a nail in the road. After a quick fix we were on our way. I've realized more than ever how important family really is. It's easy to shrug off a phone call or not take the time to visit with family. Please excuse my language but I would like to put this bluntly: "Life is too damn short!" Cliche? Maybe, but it's true. I want to absorb and savor every minute that I have with my husband, child, and family. We don't come on this earth with an expiration date. I may expire tomorrow or I may expire 62 years from now. There is no guarantee.
With that said, thank you too all of my family who have been there through the good and bad. Each and every one of you have touched our life in one way or another. Here's to the next 60 years!
October 26, 2008 will officially be nine years we have spent together. Of course there have been bad days, and really bad days even. Would I take any of it back? Probably not. We are a team. He is my "baby daddy" and I wouldn't have it any other way. He is my king and I am his queen. Things have definitely changed over the last nine years but nothing for the worse. Sure, he used to open the car door for me. I don't have time for that anymore. I'd rather just get in and go. He used to send me flowers every once in awhile. I finally got up the nerve to tell him that I'd rather just have the money to buy a new pair of shoes. Flowers die, shoes only go out of style! We don't have as much time for "us" anymore but that's okay. I'd choose to sit back and watch him play with Ben any day as opposed to dinner and movie alone.
Four years after a doctor told us "you probably won't have a baby" we have completed our family. While it was a dirt road with potholes at times, it was mostly smooth terrain. There may have been a flat or two but I think it was just a nail in the road. After a quick fix we were on our way. I've realized more than ever how important family really is. It's easy to shrug off a phone call or not take the time to visit with family. Please excuse my language but I would like to put this bluntly: "Life is too damn short!" Cliche? Maybe, but it's true. I want to absorb and savor every minute that I have with my husband, child, and family. We don't come on this earth with an expiration date. I may expire tomorrow or I may expire 62 years from now. There is no guarantee.
With that said, thank you too all of my family who have been there through the good and bad. Each and every one of you have touched our life in one way or another. Here's to the next 60 years!
September 30, 2008
Six Month Checkup
Ben had his six month well baby check on Monday, 10/29/08. We saw Dr. Payton again. I really like him a lot. He is very upbeat and positive. He was thrilled that I was cooking organic foods for Ben. He is a gardener and we have heard about his purple hull peas on more than one occasion. He weighed in at 15 lbs 10 oz which he said was perfect! Not too thin, not too fat. He was 26.57 inches long, which was two inches longer than at his four month appointment. He reported that to be in about the 75th percentile. I don't remember what his head circumference was but it was at the 50th percentile and he again said it was perfect. Got another round of shots. This time he received a flu shot in addition. He did very well. Cried after the initial poke but as soon as I picked him up and cuddled him he quit crying and was fine. Ears checked out good, the infection is gone. Thank goodness! Oh, and he almost has two bottom teeth. They are just above the surface and I can see/feel them if I pry his mouth open long enough. Once they are more visible I will post some pictures. I got his high chair last week from Amazon. After arriving home I assembled it while Nathon was mowing the yard. Apparently Ben was tired. After I was finished I put him in it for a "test drive". Less than five minutes later I took this picture. Enjoy and until next time....more hugs from Ben.
Sweet Potatoes!
This week's new food was sweet potatoes. He loved them! He's taking each new food like a champ. Although, he did not care for diluted apple juice. I got a very funny face when we tried that.....both times! Pictures with the orange face, too cute!
September 29, 2008
A Few New Pictures
I have finally figured out how to post pictures on here. Gee, took me long enough! Anyway, here are a few of my favorite new ones.
September 22, 2008
Green Beans!
Last week I went to Ozark Natural Foods and bought a pear, two sweet potatoes, and some green beans to cook for Ben. I spent Saturday morning cooking, blending, and freezing his "meals". Saturday afternoon we had success! His first taste of green beans went well. Not even much of a funny face, he just ate them up.
Toward the end he seemed more interested in playing with the bowl so I gave him the spoon and dumped the little remaining puree onto his booster tray and he had the best time playing in it with his fingers. On Sunday I had to take a jar of green beans because I was out of the house all afternoon. He didn't care for that variety too much. He liked the organic home cooked much better which could end up being good or bad. We shall see. I think we'll move onto sweet potatoes in a few days. I just can't believe he is eating "real food" now. It seems like only yesterday he would barely take two ounces of formula at a feeding.
Another note, he can almost sit unassisted.
I still stay close by for the wobbles but he'll sit and play with his toys for a couple of minutes before he loses his balance. Still doesn't care too much for tummy time and screams but that's OK.
More to come next week....until then, lots of love from Ben!
Toward the end he seemed more interested in playing with the bowl so I gave him the spoon and dumped the little remaining puree onto his booster tray and he had the best time playing in it with his fingers. On Sunday I had to take a jar of green beans because I was out of the house all afternoon. He didn't care for that variety too much. He liked the organic home cooked much better which could end up being good or bad. We shall see. I think we'll move onto sweet potatoes in a few days. I just can't believe he is eating "real food" now. It seems like only yesterday he would barely take two ounces of formula at a feeding.
Another note, he can almost sit unassisted.
I still stay close by for the wobbles but he'll sit and play with his toys for a couple of minutes before he loses his balance. Still doesn't care too much for tummy time and screams but that's OK.
More to come next week....until then, lots of love from Ben!
September 8, 2008
3:27 AM - Gas Station Diaper Change
To quote a very good friend of mine in reference to the diaper bag, "it's like American Express....don't ever leave home without it!" I know this now.
On Sunday (8/31/08) Nathon and I woke up just after 1:00 in the morning to go do the paper route. For those that don't know, Nathon is doing a paper route for extra money and I go help him on Sundays. The papers come later that day and there are more of them to roll. Now that football has started they come even later. They will not go to press until the Razorback game is over. Ben normally just sleeps in his car seat while we roll papers and then about the time we get home he is ready for breakfast. This particular Sunday he decided he was hungry just after 2:00. I made his bottle and sat on the concrete floor of the warehouse feeding him. He was wide awake and enjoying himself. Not long after that I started to smell something rather unpleasant. Sniff, sniff....I smell it again. Yep, you guessed it, dirty diaper. Me being the idiot that I am didn't bring a diaper, I only brought the bottle. (I'm still trying to figure that one out. When I have a logical answer as to WHY I didn't take a diaper I'll get back to you.) He usually sleeps the entire time. Here is my logic in my pea brain. On a normal night he goes to sleep about 9:00 and sleeps until 6:00 or 6:30 in the morning. So, even though he is sleeping in the car he sleeps all night. On any given normal night he doesn't get a diaper change until the morning because he sleeps all night.
We finally decide to face the inevitable fact that the diaper has to go. Not knowing what time the papers were actually going to come we decided it best if I just run to the gas station down the road instead of going all the way across town back home. I go into the Pilot Travel Center. TRAVEL CENTER! They don't sell diapers. Down the road I go to a hole-in-the wall gas station. Mind you it's 3:00 AM. I see them, my saving grace. "Bunnyhop" brand, size 5 diapers. I know what you are thinking....size 5? Yes, it's all they had. I stood there and contemplated my options. Oh wait, I didn't have any other options! Size 5's it was and we would make it work. I pay for them and ask for the restroom. In a dark little hallway I go into the "nice" bathroom. After covering the floor with paper towels I lay Ben down and take off the diaper. Oh yes, nice slimy poop. I'm wetting paper towels trying to wipe his bottom. Frantically, I keep wetting paper towel after paper towel only to smear it around on his behind. There is also no soap in this bathroom. I just know that he's going to pee everywhere any second. All the while, he thinks this is just way too much fun. He was laughing and smiling at me the entire time. Deep down I knew I'd be laughing too if our roles were reversed. Strangely enough, I did find it somewhat humorous. Finally, I get him clean. On to the diaper. I'm pretty sure I've never heard of Bunnyhop brand diapers. For good reason. These things were as old fashion as the good old Nokia cell phone that had changeable face plates. They had sticky tabs. When was the last time you saw a diaper that had the actual sticky tab that you could not reposition if you got the diaper on crooked? Quite literally, this thing was up to his arm pits. (He wears size 2 diapers right now) I got it on the best I could and just prayed that he didn't have to go again until we got home.
Back to the warehouse. Still, no newspapers. They showed up at 4:00 and we were out to deliver just before 5:00. We got done with five minutes to spare. The papers have to be delivered by 6:45 on Sunday. Thank goodness...home is in our sites. By this time Ben was happily back asleep enjoying a nice nap. Upon arriving home Nathon took Ben back to change the diaper. I warned him. After much laughter we got a "real" diaper on him and fed him breakfast. After which we commenced with our "Sunday Snuggle" time as we do every Sunday after paper delivery and all enjoyed a rather comforting few hours of sleep. That is the day we let Ben come into our bed and sleep with us for a little while. Kind of his reward for being so good during the paper route. I find this rather comical now that we made it through.
Word from the UNwise: Don't EVER assume anything when it comes to babies bowel movements.
Stop laughing!
On Sunday (8/31/08) Nathon and I woke up just after 1:00 in the morning to go do the paper route. For those that don't know, Nathon is doing a paper route for extra money and I go help him on Sundays. The papers come later that day and there are more of them to roll. Now that football has started they come even later. They will not go to press until the Razorback game is over. Ben normally just sleeps in his car seat while we roll papers and then about the time we get home he is ready for breakfast. This particular Sunday he decided he was hungry just after 2:00. I made his bottle and sat on the concrete floor of the warehouse feeding him. He was wide awake and enjoying himself. Not long after that I started to smell something rather unpleasant. Sniff, sniff....I smell it again. Yep, you guessed it, dirty diaper. Me being the idiot that I am didn't bring a diaper, I only brought the bottle. (I'm still trying to figure that one out. When I have a logical answer as to WHY I didn't take a diaper I'll get back to you.) He usually sleeps the entire time. Here is my logic in my pea brain. On a normal night he goes to sleep about 9:00 and sleeps until 6:00 or 6:30 in the morning. So, even though he is sleeping in the car he sleeps all night. On any given normal night he doesn't get a diaper change until the morning because he sleeps all night.
We finally decide to face the inevitable fact that the diaper has to go. Not knowing what time the papers were actually going to come we decided it best if I just run to the gas station down the road instead of going all the way across town back home. I go into the Pilot Travel Center. TRAVEL CENTER! They don't sell diapers. Down the road I go to a hole-in-the wall gas station. Mind you it's 3:00 AM. I see them, my saving grace. "Bunnyhop" brand, size 5 diapers. I know what you are thinking....size 5? Yes, it's all they had. I stood there and contemplated my options. Oh wait, I didn't have any other options! Size 5's it was and we would make it work. I pay for them and ask for the restroom. In a dark little hallway I go into the "nice" bathroom. After covering the floor with paper towels I lay Ben down and take off the diaper. Oh yes, nice slimy poop. I'm wetting paper towels trying to wipe his bottom. Frantically, I keep wetting paper towel after paper towel only to smear it around on his behind. There is also no soap in this bathroom. I just know that he's going to pee everywhere any second. All the while, he thinks this is just way too much fun. He was laughing and smiling at me the entire time. Deep down I knew I'd be laughing too if our roles were reversed. Strangely enough, I did find it somewhat humorous. Finally, I get him clean. On to the diaper. I'm pretty sure I've never heard of Bunnyhop brand diapers. For good reason. These things were as old fashion as the good old Nokia cell phone that had changeable face plates. They had sticky tabs. When was the last time you saw a diaper that had the actual sticky tab that you could not reposition if you got the diaper on crooked? Quite literally, this thing was up to his arm pits. (He wears size 2 diapers right now) I got it on the best I could and just prayed that he didn't have to go again until we got home.
Back to the warehouse. Still, no newspapers. They showed up at 4:00 and we were out to deliver just before 5:00. We got done with five minutes to spare. The papers have to be delivered by 6:45 on Sunday. Thank goodness...home is in our sites. By this time Ben was happily back asleep enjoying a nice nap. Upon arriving home Nathon took Ben back to change the diaper. I warned him. After much laughter we got a "real" diaper on him and fed him breakfast. After which we commenced with our "Sunday Snuggle" time as we do every Sunday after paper delivery and all enjoyed a rather comforting few hours of sleep. That is the day we let Ben come into our bed and sleep with us for a little while. Kind of his reward for being so good during the paper route. I find this rather comical now that we made it through.
Word from the UNwise: Don't EVER assume anything when it comes to babies bowel movements.
Stop laughing!
September 5, 2008
Here I go...
Well, this is my first official blog entry. I was never a person who thought I would join the blogging world. However, for those with children you quickly learn how hard it is to keep everyone updated. Therefore, my blog has officially been created.
A little intro....Nathon and I had our first child, Benjamin Carter, on 3/26/08. I am SO in love with that little guy! He has changed my entire world.
Before you have a child you think your life is complete, that you are always busy, you only do laundry once a week, the dishwasher is never full, you can live off of frozen pizza and ice cream, or that you can stay out until 10:00 every night with no worries. All of that comes to a halt but it is worth every drop of sweat and tears. I find myself surveying every square inch of his tiny little clothes looking for stains to treat before washing. I make a special point to read the labels on all the laundry care products. Does it have dyes? Is it hypoallergenic (just in case)? I can stand happily at the side of his crib and just watch his chest rise and fall while he sleeps peacefully. After he goes to sleep for the night I continue my cleaning routine but always make one final check before I crawl into my own bed. His clothes are organized in his closet better than the queen of England. Shirts, two-piece outfits, sleeveless one-pieces, short sleeve one-pieces, long sleeve one-pieces.....go to the next size range and use the same pattern. I know, pathetic isn't it? But, there will come a day when he is 14 and his laundry is strewn about on his bedroom floor with chip crumbs and I will once again look back and realize that my extra efforts were meaningful. I do it because I want to, not because I have to. You do a lot of things when you are a parent simply because you want to. It may not benefit you in any way, shape, or form but you enjoy doing it. You look twice at every nook in the bottle lids and make sure you scrubbed them clean. The kitchen counter is so clean in order to prepare bottles that you could operate on it. (At least the section for bottle preparing.....I make no comment on the rest of the counters) Every Sunday I look at the store ads for the best prices on baby items. Couple a sale price with a coupon and it can make your day! I now understand why you see people in the store stocking up on diapers when they are on sale. Sure, I might have nine packages of diapers in Ben's closet but you can never have too many and I assure you, they will get used. I do have to admit though, you don't use near as many as you might think. When I found out I was pregnant I was scared to death that we would never have diapers. Well, that's because in my mind he would use 27 diapers a day. That figure was off just a little bit. You will find yourself lining the toys up just so along the walls of the living room. Swing - check, Playard - check, Bouncy Seat - check, Exersaucer - check, Ride-on toy he can't even use for a year - check....the gang's all there! Eventually I'm going to run out of room along the living room perimeter but for now that is home for all these toys. They each have a very specific place. People often question me about my crazy antics and suggest that I may be a bit OCD. My response? Yes, thank you for noticing. I'm not afraid to admit it. Do you know why I do these things? Because some day, not very far away, I won't have time to. The satisfaction of seeing those toys ever so perfect is gratifying. Don't get me wrong, I like a good mess too. Some of you might remember my bedroom as a kid. Scary, I know. After becoming a Mom you realize how much the little things really do matter. You also realize just how much the little things don't matter too. It is perfectly fine to leave the dishes in the sink overnight if it means another half hour of turning that Leap Frog block from side to side while singing every tune. Even though you know every song and can recite it on cue; the delight in his eyes and the smile on his face makes it worth it. When you see that first smile, or hear that first giggle it all makes sense. All the wondering, worrying, throwing up, sleepless nights while carrying your child are all worth it. Well worth it. My life will never be the same and I am so thankful for that. Benjamin is my little gift from God.
I will use every fiber of my body to ensure he is loved and cared for. I will never take life for granted. I will stop and smell the roses. I will read the story just one more time. I will appreciate all the little things in life. I will tell him how much I love him every single day for the rest of my life.
Before I have time to realize it, he will be an adult. My wish to him is that one day he will read this and understand the love I have for him is greater than I could ever express in words.
A little intro....Nathon and I had our first child, Benjamin Carter, on 3/26/08. I am SO in love with that little guy! He has changed my entire world.
Before you have a child you think your life is complete, that you are always busy, you only do laundry once a week, the dishwasher is never full, you can live off of frozen pizza and ice cream, or that you can stay out until 10:00 every night with no worries. All of that comes to a halt but it is worth every drop of sweat and tears. I find myself surveying every square inch of his tiny little clothes looking for stains to treat before washing. I make a special point to read the labels on all the laundry care products. Does it have dyes? Is it hypoallergenic (just in case)? I can stand happily at the side of his crib and just watch his chest rise and fall while he sleeps peacefully. After he goes to sleep for the night I continue my cleaning routine but always make one final check before I crawl into my own bed. His clothes are organized in his closet better than the queen of England. Shirts, two-piece outfits, sleeveless one-pieces, short sleeve one-pieces, long sleeve one-pieces.....go to the next size range and use the same pattern. I know, pathetic isn't it? But, there will come a day when he is 14 and his laundry is strewn about on his bedroom floor with chip crumbs and I will once again look back and realize that my extra efforts were meaningful. I do it because I want to, not because I have to. You do a lot of things when you are a parent simply because you want to. It may not benefit you in any way, shape, or form but you enjoy doing it. You look twice at every nook in the bottle lids and make sure you scrubbed them clean. The kitchen counter is so clean in order to prepare bottles that you could operate on it. (At least the section for bottle preparing.....I make no comment on the rest of the counters) Every Sunday I look at the store ads for the best prices on baby items. Couple a sale price with a coupon and it can make your day! I now understand why you see people in the store stocking up on diapers when they are on sale. Sure, I might have nine packages of diapers in Ben's closet but you can never have too many and I assure you, they will get used. I do have to admit though, you don't use near as many as you might think. When I found out I was pregnant I was scared to death that we would never have diapers. Well, that's because in my mind he would use 27 diapers a day. That figure was off just a little bit. You will find yourself lining the toys up just so along the walls of the living room. Swing - check, Playard - check, Bouncy Seat - check, Exersaucer - check, Ride-on toy he can't even use for a year - check....the gang's all there! Eventually I'm going to run out of room along the living room perimeter but for now that is home for all these toys. They each have a very specific place. People often question me about my crazy antics and suggest that I may be a bit OCD. My response? Yes, thank you for noticing. I'm not afraid to admit it. Do you know why I do these things? Because some day, not very far away, I won't have time to. The satisfaction of seeing those toys ever so perfect is gratifying. Don't get me wrong, I like a good mess too. Some of you might remember my bedroom as a kid. Scary, I know. After becoming a Mom you realize how much the little things really do matter. You also realize just how much the little things don't matter too. It is perfectly fine to leave the dishes in the sink overnight if it means another half hour of turning that Leap Frog block from side to side while singing every tune. Even though you know every song and can recite it on cue; the delight in his eyes and the smile on his face makes it worth it. When you see that first smile, or hear that first giggle it all makes sense. All the wondering, worrying, throwing up, sleepless nights while carrying your child are all worth it. Well worth it. My life will never be the same and I am so thankful for that. Benjamin is my little gift from God.
I will use every fiber of my body to ensure he is loved and cared for. I will never take life for granted. I will stop and smell the roses. I will read the story just one more time. I will appreciate all the little things in life. I will tell him how much I love him every single day for the rest of my life.
Before I have time to realize it, he will be an adult. My wish to him is that one day he will read this and understand the love I have for him is greater than I could ever express in words.
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