More and more, B-Boy says GA! It means many things, as I have reported previously. Mostly it means- you take this, and goodbye.
But for the past few days, it has meant something else. But before I tell you what that means, let me back up. We have a door-less cart in the kitchen that we primarily reserve for B-Boy. We stock the bottom shelf with things that would be interesting to him, but not cause too much harm or worry. Things that are there currently include reusable water bottles, the water bottles lids which are great fun to play with, a remote for the Roomba and his bottles of his favorite snacks- which are puffs. The puffs containers are filled to different levels, and make a great sound when shaken. The water bottles are various shapes and sizes; several bottles are metal and a few are plastic. Some have a hard texture, and others are soft. The water bottles are also fun to put things in, his pacifier is a big favorite- and then he can play can I get this out of the bottle?
Two days ago, I added to the items on B-Boy's shelf. Another favorite treat for B-Boy are Apple Cinnamon wagon wheels made by Gerber. They are nice to hold, crunchy without being hard, and large enough to keep him munching happily for a while. The container also makes great noise when shaken, as the top is made of rubber and the bottom is made of metal. The container is a short, fat cylinder that is large but manageable for B-Boy.
Now back to the story and why I think GA! has another meaning.
The other night, B-Boy finished his dinner, and then it was time to play. He quickly found the cylinder of wagon wheels and picked it up. He palmed the container, and crawled into the living room where I was sitting on the floor. He got to my lap, and sat down. He looked up at me with his big blue eyes, lifted the container and said "GA!".
At first I thought he wanted me to shake it to make a fun noise.Um, no.
Then I thought, "Does he want a wheel? Is he trying to ask me to give him one?" So, I opened the lid and turned the container toward him. He then reached in, selected one, put it in his mouth and CRUNCH! A few moments later, it was gone.
"GA!", he said.
"Another one?", I said and offered the container to him. Another was selected and consumed, followed by another.
Then last night, he did it again with the container of O's and also the puffs. He has mastered the new meaning of GA! and also that he can ask for what he wants. This realization is HUGE.
I think this is coming because he sees the other kids in the new class ask for things and get them. We shall see. I am enjoying the progression, and hope you are too!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
No more Bottles for B-Boy
I waited to share this news with you to be sure that it was working.
At the time of our 11 month meeting with his teachers, B-Boy was getting two bottles a day. The first was in the morning when he woke. The second was in the evening, right before bed. At daycare, he drinks from a cup.
At the meeting, his teacher mentioned that since he was drinking so well from the cup that we should go ahead and stop the bottles. We immediately stopped the morning one. I missed the morning cuddle, but B-Boy seemed to make that transition pretty well, consuming many a pancake instead.
He remained getting one bottle a day, right before bed for two reasons. First, I really enjoyed the last moment of cuddle time with him. It was the one time of the day that B-Boy would get snuggley and we would have some quality time together. Second, I had several business trips in October and November. I didn't want Neb to have to deal with the transition or any possible negative repercussions, with me out of town, so we decided to wait.
Last weekend, we decided it was time to stop the bottle. I admit, I thought it would be a difficult process. Thankfully, I was wrong. On Friday, I gave him a bath, got him dressed, read him a story and gave him a pacifier. I neared the crib and baby boy leaned toward it, clearly ready to go to sleep. I obliged and put him in... B-Boy grasped the extra pacifiers in the crib and proceeded to fall fast asleep.
He has done this every night for the past 9 days. We got lucky, he made the trasition really easy for us. His teachers were right, he was ready to get off the bottle.
We also stopped the Soy formula, and started him on Lactose-free milk (Lactaid). He is making that transition really well too. We have struggled with his milk allergy, and have had to go back to the Soy Formula several times. If the Lactaid doesn't agree with him we will try Soy milk. Fingers crossed that this goes as well as the transition off the bottle!
Another milestone he passed? At daycare, they were finally able to turn his crib around so that one side is open. That did not go so well the last time, but last week they tried again. One day, he was misbehaving (a sure sign he is tired!) and so his teacher opened the door to the classroom so he could go back inside. He crawled to his crib, put his pacifier in his mouth, crawled in and lay down to take a nap. He has slept with one wall open ever since. YAY! That should make the transition to the cot a lot easier in his new class room.
The last item we will need to transition off will be the pacifier. I don't think any of us are ready for that, and daycare has said we should target around 18 months of age to have him stop using it. Yikes. I trust their advice, they have guided us well up to this point. It will be here before we know it, but I for one don't want to rush that one.
At the time of our 11 month meeting with his teachers, B-Boy was getting two bottles a day. The first was in the morning when he woke. The second was in the evening, right before bed. At daycare, he drinks from a cup.
At the meeting, his teacher mentioned that since he was drinking so well from the cup that we should go ahead and stop the bottles. We immediately stopped the morning one. I missed the morning cuddle, but B-Boy seemed to make that transition pretty well, consuming many a pancake instead.
He remained getting one bottle a day, right before bed for two reasons. First, I really enjoyed the last moment of cuddle time with him. It was the one time of the day that B-Boy would get snuggley and we would have some quality time together. Second, I had several business trips in October and November. I didn't want Neb to have to deal with the transition or any possible negative repercussions, with me out of town, so we decided to wait.
Last weekend, we decided it was time to stop the bottle. I admit, I thought it would be a difficult process. Thankfully, I was wrong. On Friday, I gave him a bath, got him dressed, read him a story and gave him a pacifier. I neared the crib and baby boy leaned toward it, clearly ready to go to sleep. I obliged and put him in... B-Boy grasped the extra pacifiers in the crib and proceeded to fall fast asleep.
He has done this every night for the past 9 days. We got lucky, he made the trasition really easy for us. His teachers were right, he was ready to get off the bottle.
We also stopped the Soy formula, and started him on Lactose-free milk (Lactaid). He is making that transition really well too. We have struggled with his milk allergy, and have had to go back to the Soy Formula several times. If the Lactaid doesn't agree with him we will try Soy milk. Fingers crossed that this goes as well as the transition off the bottle!
Another milestone he passed? At daycare, they were finally able to turn his crib around so that one side is open. That did not go so well the last time, but last week they tried again. One day, he was misbehaving (a sure sign he is tired!) and so his teacher opened the door to the classroom so he could go back inside. He crawled to his crib, put his pacifier in his mouth, crawled in and lay down to take a nap. He has slept with one wall open ever since. YAY! That should make the transition to the cot a lot easier in his new class room.
The last item we will need to transition off will be the pacifier. I don't think any of us are ready for that, and daycare has said we should target around 18 months of age to have him stop using it. Yikes. I trust their advice, they have guided us well up to this point. It will be here before we know it, but I for one don't want to rush that one.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Walk, Do Not Run
This week, B-Boy has been walking like CRAZY .
He is walking longer, stronger and more frequently. He has gone from walking with 4 steps, to 8 steps, to 22 steps... to too many steps to count!
As the week progressed, his balance got better and he started pivoting on his feet to turn. Then came pulling up to take off walking. He started with getting help from us, to pulling up on chairs, to now getting up on his own with nothing around. He will squat to pick something up and then POP!, up he goes. Or, if he falls, will get on all fours with his feet flat on the floor. Then, POP!, up he goes.
He is so proud of himself too. He gets a huge smile on his face and makes a noise HA! that lets you know how pleased he is with himself. Of course, every time I took out the video camera, he would immediately fall down and start crawling. I don't think he wants you to see his new trick!
But rest assured, people have seen it, and he showed off while GranE was here. I hope to get some footage for you soon.
He is walking longer, stronger and more frequently. He has gone from walking with 4 steps, to 8 steps, to 22 steps... to too many steps to count!
As the week progressed, his balance got better and he started pivoting on his feet to turn. Then came pulling up to take off walking. He started with getting help from us, to pulling up on chairs, to now getting up on his own with nothing around. He will squat to pick something up and then POP!, up he goes. Or, if he falls, will get on all fours with his feet flat on the floor. Then, POP!, up he goes.
He is so proud of himself too. He gets a huge smile on his face and makes a noise HA! that lets you know how pleased he is with himself. Of course, every time I took out the video camera, he would immediately fall down and start crawling. I don't think he wants you to see his new trick!
But rest assured, people have seen it, and he showed off while GranE was here. I hope to get some footage for you soon.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving!
This was B-Boy's second Thanksgiving, and it was a good one.
Last year, B-Boy was swaddled in the My Little Lamb swing in the living room. He slept most of the day, and we were able to have a nice dinner in the dining room between his feedings. We were frazzled, and appreciated being able to eat the entire meal uninterrupted. The holiday stands out because it was the first holiday that we dressed B-Boy in costume. (Halloween didn't count because you are SUPPOSED to dress up for that holiday!)
The costume won the award for "Best use of Felt"... and still makes me smile.
This Thanksgiving was a great one. GranE was here for the first time for this holiday. My mom was still feeling sick, so she was unable to join us. The day went well, GranE and Neb took B-Boy for a walk and then played golf while he took a nap. When they returned, the turkey was finished cooking and we were able to have a nice quiet meal while B-Boy slept.
He had a nice snack of Eggplant when he woke and when it was time for dinner, he feasted on Turkey, baked beans (which is a huge favorite of both Neb and B-Boy), and applesauce. He really enjoyed it, and went on a sugar high afterward. The sugar crash came hard, and he fell asleep shortly after 7.
All in all a great day. We all had fun, and enjoyed the time we spent together. GranE goes home tomorrow, and will be missed. We look forward to her next visit.
Last year, B-Boy was swaddled in the My Little Lamb swing in the living room. He slept most of the day, and we were able to have a nice dinner in the dining room between his feedings. We were frazzled, and appreciated being able to eat the entire meal uninterrupted. The holiday stands out because it was the first holiday that we dressed B-Boy in costume. (Halloween didn't count because you are SUPPOSED to dress up for that holiday!)
The costume won the award for "Best use of Felt"... and still makes me smile.
Gobble Gobble!
This Thanksgiving was a great one. GranE was here for the first time for this holiday. My mom was still feeling sick, so she was unable to join us. The day went well, GranE and Neb took B-Boy for a walk and then played golf while he took a nap. When they returned, the turkey was finished cooking and we were able to have a nice quiet meal while B-Boy slept.
He had a nice snack of Eggplant when he woke and when it was time for dinner, he feasted on Turkey, baked beans (which is a huge favorite of both Neb and B-Boy), and applesauce. He really enjoyed it, and went on a sugar high afterward. The sugar crash came hard, and he fell asleep shortly after 7.
All in all a great day. We all had fun, and enjoyed the time we spent together. GranE goes home tomorrow, and will be missed. We look forward to her next visit.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Meeting the New Teacher
On Friday the 19th, we met B-Boy's new teachers. B-Boy has spent some time with them, but this was our first opportunity to meet with them. There are eight kids in the class, two teachers and one aid that floats between the two adjoining rooms.
He moves up to his new class on the 29th of this month, and has been lucky to be able to go visit the new room several times to play. His new teacher is a sweetie, and his current head teacher says she thinks it is a good match. We talked about B-Boy's likes and dislikes, and what we could expect in the new room. I almost jumped for joy when I heard that I would be able to go and play with him in the room. It was my understanding that I would not be able to do so. So YAY! I am really looking forward to playing with him there.
After we got to know each other, we got to see his new room. There are no cribs in the room, so there is lots of room to run around and play. They have cots for nap time that are stored in a closet when not in use. The cots are like a plastic frame that lays flat on the floor, which surprised me because I thought they would be raised. I can't wait to see how B-Boy does without the restriction of walls to his bed. I am not so sure that is going to be easy.
The kids also get to go outside to play on the playground... but in order to do so he has to wear shoes.
So later in the week... in he went with his new shoes. I took him to the new room to play, and all the kids were going outside to the playground. We went out to join them and I am so glad we did. It was a beautiful day, with a high of 74 degrees and B-Boy was able to play comfortably without a jacket.
He had a blast pushing a toy around the playground and I just love the look of pure joy on his face on the bottom one. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
He moves up to his new class on the 29th of this month, and has been lucky to be able to go visit the new room several times to play. His new teacher is a sweetie, and his current head teacher says she thinks it is a good match. We talked about B-Boy's likes and dislikes, and what we could expect in the new room. I almost jumped for joy when I heard that I would be able to go and play with him in the room. It was my understanding that I would not be able to do so. So YAY! I am really looking forward to playing with him there.
After we got to know each other, we got to see his new room. There are no cribs in the room, so there is lots of room to run around and play. They have cots for nap time that are stored in a closet when not in use. The cots are like a plastic frame that lays flat on the floor, which surprised me because I thought they would be raised. I can't wait to see how B-Boy does without the restriction of walls to his bed. I am not so sure that is going to be easy.
The kids also get to go outside to play on the playground... but in order to do so he has to wear shoes.
So later in the week... in he went with his new shoes. I took him to the new room to play, and all the kids were going outside to the playground. We went out to join them and I am so glad we did. It was a beautiful day, with a high of 74 degrees and B-Boy was able to play comfortably without a jacket.
He had a blast pushing a toy around the playground and I just love the look of pure joy on his face on the bottom one. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
Now this... THIS is fun!!!
B-Boy gets a haircut
Actually, he got several of them cut! Hee hee.
GranE and I took B-Boy to get his first official haircut this week. I have cut his hair several times at home but now that he is mobile it is much more difficult (and dangerous!). He turns his head so quickly to see what Mommy has in her hand, and will take off if not strapped into his high chair. Just not good.
And, he was in great need of a haircut. So, off to Sports Clips we went. I thought that the TVs, football on said TVs and all the bright colors would distract him long enough to get his hair cut. They took him right away, and we decided the best way would be for B-Boy to sit in my lap. GranE was sweet enough to take photos for us.
A gown was wrapped around his neck, and he sat down quietly, taking everything in. To be sure he was comfy, I gave him a pacifier, which worked like a charm. The woman who cut his hair was really sweet and patient... but most importantly- FAST!
She cut one side, and then I moved him to sit on the other leg, so that he could get the other side cut. No complaints. YAY!
Then she cut the top, front and then the back. All was well until the very end.
When she brought out the clippers. B-Boy tolerated the clippers for a few moments, and then crawled up my lap to put his head above my shoulders. She finished pretty quickly and then brought out the hair dryer to get the fallen pieces of hair off of him. Big mistake, because the melt down began.
He started to cry, and then we decided we were indeed done. GranE took him outside while I paid the good folks at Sports Clips. It was a great haircut, and I cannot get over how much older he looks now!
What do you think?
GranE and I took B-Boy to get his first official haircut this week. I have cut his hair several times at home but now that he is mobile it is much more difficult (and dangerous!). He turns his head so quickly to see what Mommy has in her hand, and will take off if not strapped into his high chair. Just not good.
And, he was in great need of a haircut. So, off to Sports Clips we went. I thought that the TVs, football on said TVs and all the bright colors would distract him long enough to get his hair cut. They took him right away, and we decided the best way would be for B-Boy to sit in my lap. GranE was sweet enough to take photos for us.
A gown was wrapped around his neck, and he sat down quietly, taking everything in. To be sure he was comfy, I gave him a pacifier, which worked like a charm. The woman who cut his hair was really sweet and patient... but most importantly- FAST!
She cut one side, and then I moved him to sit on the other leg, so that he could get the other side cut. No complaints. YAY!
Then she cut the top, front and then the back. All was well until the very end.
When she brought out the clippers. B-Boy tolerated the clippers for a few moments, and then crawled up my lap to put his head above my shoulders. She finished pretty quickly and then brought out the hair dryer to get the fallen pieces of hair off of him. Big mistake, because the melt down began.
He started to cry, and then we decided we were indeed done. GranE took him outside while I paid the good folks at Sports Clips. It was a great haircut, and I cannot get over how much older he looks now!
What do you think?
How do I look?
Thoughts from GranE
YAY! GranE came to visit for Thanksgiving, and B-Boy is so excited she is here. She has been here for the week, and goes home Friday morning.
The visit has been a good one, especially because GranE and Neb have been able to play golf several times while she is here.
I asked her to jot down her impressions of B-Boy since she doesn't see him everyday. She was nice enough to put her thoughts to the blog! Thanks GranE... I really appreciate it.
As usual, I snapped a photo of them. And in case you are wondering, he does not have a UNI-Brow... he bonked himself with a cup that gave him a bruise on the bridge of his nose.
The visit has been a good one, especially because GranE and Neb have been able to play golf several times while she is here.
I asked her to jot down her impressions of B-Boy since she doesn't see him everyday. She was nice enough to put her thoughts to the blog! Thanks GranE... I really appreciate it.
Thanks GranE... We really appreciate it. It is nice to hear another perspective! And for those of you wondering about the hairdresser, the story is coming in a blog post. I promise!
My impressions of B-Boy
He’s certainly well-adjusted. He is happy most of the time, engaged in things around him, and receptive to all manner of attention. He laughs readily. He seems to have a lot of self confidence and easily responds to changes in his environment. He can go from crying to calm in a very short time. He’s not shy. The new experience with the haircut shows quite a lot about him. It was a completely new environment, but Mommy was there to talk with him and smile at him. He tolerated getting his hair combed, being moved from side to side so that the hairdresser could get to the other side, and kept pretty still while using his pacifier. He only fussed when the clippers were about to be used on his neck and when the blow dryer was put on.
All in all, a confident little boy who can tackle new adventures with a minimum of unhappiness. He loves to play and seeks attention from Mom and Dad. He seems very attentive and bright. He’s not as shy as his Dad was when Neb was that age. Neb let others take over and I don’t think B-Boy will do that.
He’s absolutely gorgeous. Great smile. Beautiful body. He seems to have gotten a terrific start in life and there’s no reason to think that he won’t achieve great things and have fun while doing it. Mom will make him sensitive to others, and Dad will make him laugh at everything.
GranE
As usual, I snapped a photo of them. And in case you are wondering, he does not have a UNI-Brow... he bonked himself with a cup that gave him a bruise on the bridge of his nose.
I like playing with GranE!
I'm bigger than I was last time, right GranE?
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