Time Flies!

Wow it's been a while!! I guess time just flies by as life happens. Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, my birthday, Valentine's day - have all come and gone! Cael is now 2.5 years old, and he is turning into quite the young brute! He is 110% boy - everything is cars, trucks, monster trucks, planes, helicopters and trains. Being fearless, he jumps off our bed and couch. He is smart, sassy, funny and getting so big! He is rather defiant (can someone say Terrible Twos!?), the pickiest eater I have ever encountered, and is a ball of energy - going from 8 am to 10 pm without a nap! Don't judge us, we're having sleep issues. Lack of naps is only the beginning. He's currently sleeping in our bed every night, and has been for several months. Like I said, don't judge!

The last we checked, which was sometime last month, Cael weighed in (at home) at 31 pounds, and measured about 36 inches tall. Both of these are around the 60th percentile, which I'm happy about. Considering the boy doesn't eat anything good! And it's not without us trying. Basically, all he wants to eat nowadays is cereal, cookies, pancakes and pasta. More recently, we tried the Dannon drinkable yogurt, which he loves. So I'm happy he's getting some nutrition from that. We were giving him Pediasure for a while, but it made his poop green, and seemed to give him gas issues.

Speaking of poop, we started back cloth diapering a few months ago. Money has been tight, and we were out of disposable diapers, so we just started using the cloth diapers. However, we switched back to disposables about 2 weeks ago because Cael's bowels have been completely and utterly uncontrollable. Probably from his poor diet. So that made changing disposable diapers disgusting and difficult.

Matt is still a stay-at-home dad. Am amazing SAHD, might I add. He's applied to so many jobs over the past several months, and finally heard back from a local Post Office. We'll see how that goes. As for me, work is going great. I love my job and what I do with such passion, and I'm so happy I've been given the opportunity to get back into it. I'm finally feeling like I'm fitting in where I work. It's taken a while, but I guess that's to be expected when you move to a completely new place, and join a team that's been established for a while. Either way, I'm finally feeling like I'm part of the "team".

Two-years (Plus) Three Months

March 5, 2014 - This is a post I started writing, but never finished. I guess I started it with the intention of finishing it, but with the holidays and work, I forgot about it and never posted it. Well, here it is, without anything new added to it. I'll be writing a new post soon to update with everything :)

I finally stopped tracking Cael's age with months. I now say "I have a 2 year old". Mostly because it's easier, but also because I'm sure I'd get some funny looks by saying "I have an almost 27 month old". :::Btw, I had to count on my fingers just now to figure out he was almost 27 months, because I don't really keep track anymore::: The time is really flying by, and Cael has changed so much over these past 2 years. I just looked back at pictures of Cael when he was a baby-baby, and he looks so different. He's really grown into a handsome little boy, and I really don't think my heart can take much more of that. It's just going so fast.

The poor Little Guy has spent the last 4 weeks sick. It started with a doctor visit on the 6th, and a diagnosis of a right ear infection and viral cold. This was preceded by 5 days of high fevers and lethargy (we figured it was viral and just had to run it's course. Matt and I aren't usually ones to rush right to the doctor), and was followed by 10 days on Amoxicillin (some of which were while we were visiting Long Island). Cael was fine for a couple days following the end of his antibiotic. Fast forward to Wednesday of last week, and Cael's 103.5 fever returned, as well as his crankiness, clinginess and lack of sleeping at night in his own crib. Matt brought Cael back to the doctor this past Friday, even though his fever was pretty much gone. I just couldn't shake my gut feeling that his ear infection didn't go away fully. Plus, I noticed his left ear seemed very sensitive, as he screamed bloody murder when I cleaned it. Turns out he now has a double ear infection, and a new prescription for Augmentin. Today was day 5, and he seems to be improving markedly. He's fell asleep in his crib for the past 2 nights (plus tonight), which is HUGE! His bedtime routine has been so messed up lately, and Matt and I haven't had our bed to ourselves in about a month. Cael usually wakes up in the middle of the night sometime, and ends up in our bed. Baby steps though. I'm happy that he's been going to sleep on his own, in his own bed, and didn't rely on me laying down with him for the past 3 nights. I'm truly hoping this continues.

Since Cael has been to the doctor twice in the past 3 weeks, we got a weight on him. Our scale at home is far from accurate, and I'm trying to weigh Cael every 2 months, just for fun, to see how he's growing. His first visit in the beginning of the month, when he really wasn't feeling well, he weighed in at 29 pounds. I'm sure at some point before that, he had broken 30 pounds, but since he didn't have much of an appetite, I think he lost some weight. Then this last doctor visit, he weighed in at 30 pounds 8 ounces! Little porker gained about 1.5 pounds in 2 weeks, thanks to his appetite being back. That made me feel better. We then measured how tall he was. This is probably not the most accurate, but we got roughly 36 inches. All in all, that's about the 70th percentile. Makes me happy!

Cael talks up a storm now!

My Baby Is Two!!

Two I said!! I can't believe it.

We didn't have a party this year. We didn't even have a theme. I was going to attempt a Mickey Mouse cake, but that would have been the only theme-type thing. So I just went with cupcakes. Cupcakes in ice cream cones though! Much more yummy. We had only a few of our friends over, Matt's brother and niece, and us. There were 8 of us total. It was really nice and small, and I didn't have to worry about feeding anymore. Money has been tight, which is why we didn't do a party. But it turned out awesome, and Cael was happy, which is all that matters.

Cael loved the cupcakes I made - half with chocolate frosting, and the other half with vanilla. So much, that he ate 2! But he wasn't too fond of the cones, so Mommy ate those :).

Matt was in charge of getting Cael's gifts this year, since I didn't have time to with work. Cael loved them all! His gifts consisted of some trucks, cars and motorcycles - all of Cael's favorites. Our best friends got Cael a T-Ball stand, and our other friend got him a motorcycle that does wheelies. It was really nice, and was all stuff that will keep him busy for a while (hopefully).

Oh yea. I updated Cael's birthday ticker at the top of the blog page. It saddened me greatly to select the "2 year old" ticker, which meant he's on his way to 3. But we have a year until then!

Stats and Updates:
We had Cael to the doctor for his 2-year old well-visit a few days after his birthday. Both Matt and I were anxious to see how this visit would go. Initially, we were worried about how the Dr would feel about Cael's speech. But since he started to "explode" with words and phrases, we grew less anxious. We also were wondering how much he weighed and how tall he was. We did a few measurements at home, but for some reason, the office measurements are "official". So...At 2 years old, Cael weighed in at 28 pounds 5.5 ounces and measured 36.25 inches tall. Also, his big noggin measured 50 cm, which is in the 90th PERCENTILE! And, he's above the 50th percentile for both weight and height, which is awesome!

Second most awesome thing from Cael's appointment, is that the doctor is pleased with, and not worried about Cael's speech! This is huge, because we worried for a while as to whether he was delayed or not. It's nice to hear that he's where he should be. She said he's a boy, and they start talking later than girls, but tend to do developmental things faster than girls. And she sees no reason to worry because of the advances he's been making.

He got his flu shot, and his 2nd Hep A vaccine. His next well-visit isn't until he's 3!!

What a difference a year makes!!

16 Months Old

December 5, 2012 - January 4, 2013

Little Man is doing so much at this point, and is getting so big. As of 16 months old, he can successfully feed himself, which is a biggie; dance; hug the puppies; and LOVES loves loves 'reading' books.

I am most proud that Cael can use utensils to feed himself. He's a little messy, but that's to be expected. So from now on, we just give him his food with a spoon or spork, and he feeds himself. It makes mealtime a lot easier for us, because we can enjoy our meal without having to feed Cael. Hes getting to be such a big boy.

Cael loves to dance. Although dancing for Cael consists of bobbing up and down when he hears music, it's still dancing. He can be in the other room, and hear something on tv, and he'll come running to the living room to see. He'll stare at the tv, and then just start dancing. I love it.

At this point, Cael's most favorite thing to do, is look through books. The kid is OBSESSED with books. He'll be extremely quiet in his room, and we'll be wondering what he's doing. When I peek in his room to see what mischief he's up to, I'll find him quietly sitting on the floor surrounded by books, and he'll be flipping the pages. He will also constantly hand you a book for you to read to him. His favorite books are cardboard car and truck books. Matt tells me that throughout the day, Cael will want Matt to read the same book over and over again. So much so, that Matt has memorized them.

Speaking of which, Cael (and Matt) has adjusted really well to having Matt home with him all day. It was exactly a month of me working when Cael turned 16 months old. In that month, Matt has proven that he is an amazing stay-at-home-dad. When I say amazing, I mean incredible. I get home from work, and the dishes are done, the laundry is done, and both Cael and Matt are so happy to see me. Matt has such a set routine with Cael in the morning, and I love it. If it's nice out, they go for a walk, with the dogs, in the morning for about 30 minutes. Then it's play time, lunch time, nap time, then more play time. Then Mommy comes home from work.

Only a few days after Cael turned 16 months, we had his 15 month appointment. Yes, it was a month late, which drives me nuts, but we had no choice because we were without insurance for about a month. I am proud to report that Cael has finally caught up weight-wise and height-wise. He weighed 24 pounds, which is the 35th percentile, and was 31.5 inches tall, which is the 50th percentile. At his 12 month appointment, his percentile for weight and height was 22nd and 11th percentile, respectively. I'm so glad my little man has caught up!

Finally, Cael has been able to point out a few body parts if we ask him what they are. Matt and I were concerned about his lack of speech, since he's not really saying any words. He repeats "dadadada", but not quite in the correct context; He also says "nice" when gently petting Killian or Tyson; And more recently, it sounds like he says "thanks" after we hand him something. We asked the Pediatrician if we should be concerned about his lack of speech, and she said to give it until 18 months. And that toddlers can just start talking overnight, and he doesn't show any signs of delay or autism. That made Matt and I happy to hear.

Cael loves to read!

Bed-head!

Out to eat on one of our Sunday morning breakfast outings.

"Second" season that he's seen snow.
However, this is the first time he's ever acknowledged it.

Brownie mix licker!

49 weeks old!!

Today, Cael and I went upstate to go camping with my family. The big fair is going on this week where my mom is camping, and since I couldn't go last year because of being on bed rest and so close to my due date, I really wanted to go this year. And I was even more excited to bring Cael to his first fair. Since the fair is going on all week, we'll probably be staying until either Thursday or Friday. So, there's 52 weeks in a year, right? But based on logistics, most times, there's a little over 52 weeks that make up the year. For Cael, he turns 1 when he is 52 weeks and 2 days old. That means, he is only 3 weeks and 2 days away from turning 1. Yes, I'm crazy. But we all knew that already :). 

I can't believe that in under a month, I'm going to have a 1 year old! When did that happen?? I feel like it was only last week that I delivered him. It's insane how fast time flies. Most baby books, websites, and people consider 1 year olds "toddlers". I, however, being the crazy person that I am, refuse to do so. I will be considering Cael an "infant" until he is either 2, or until I become comfortable with the idea. Besides, that's how baby clothes run, anyway. I just can't accept the idea that my Little Man is growing up. I feel like he'll be heading off to college next week.

Making a mess of a tupperware cabinet!

Speaking of turning 1, I really need to get the ball going on Cael's parties. I have all the supplies, but when it comes to food, I need to figure that all out. We'll be getting the cakes from stores, and I think we decided on getting long hero's as well. For the PA party, I have friends and family making baked ziti, macaroni salad, chicken and seafood salad, which helps a TON! We don't have a lot of money to fully cater the parties, so I'm extremely thankful for their help. With everyone helping, we will definitely have enough food. I just have to order the hero and cake when I get home. 

Cael goes for his 1 year well-visit on the 10th. I think he'll only be getting 2 shots, and possible a finger prick to check his iron levels. I was anxious to see what he weighed and couldn't wait, so I put him on a scale (in just a diaper) and weighed him last week. He weighed 20 pounds even! My little peanut. My guess is that he'll weigh 20 pounds 5 ounces by his appointment (in just a diaper). I really want to know how long he is, and what his head circumference is. If I'm not mistaken, I believe the last time his head circumference was checked was either 2 or 4 months. I was surprised they didn't check it at his 6 month and 9 month appointments, but I guess all doctors are different. Although, I thought measuring the head was standard procedure, to make sure everything in the head seems normal. Oh well. 

Snuggles for Mommy

Even though he can take several steps in a row on his own, he still prefers crawling. Which is fine by me. I guess he figures he can get to where he wants much faster by crawling. But I'm sure he will be walking in no time. He's getting braver, and more confident in himself, and is taking more steps on his own.

Another thing he is starting to do, is wanting to feed himself with the spoon. He'll reach for the spoon, scream "ahhh!", and then I'll hand him the spoon. He'll then guide it into his mouth, take the food off the spoon, and then hand it back to me for more. Wash, rinse and repeat. It really is so cute, and fascinating to see his understanding of spoon feeding begin.

My Little Man is growing up so fast..

He loves this rocking cow. Great find at a consignment store!

My favorite picture

What a silly man!! Two binks!?

9 Month Appointment

Being out of the house for 4 hours in the morning
was just too much. He passed out in Wegman's

Yesterday, Cael had his 9 month well visit. I can't believe he's 9 months old already! Honestly, where has the time flown to?? This appointment was with a new doctor, and although Matt and I have been going to him for the past 6 years, and he's a wonderful doctor, I was still leery. For what reason, I have no clue. As it turns out, he's wonderful (as I should have expected), and Cael didn't cry once - even when he was having his private parts poked and prodded. He'd always cry with the other doctor when he was examined.

He didn't need any shots today, which I was happy about. So it was a fairly simple, and quick appointment. He weighs 18 pounds 11 ounces and is 27.5 inches long! The doctor couldn't give me the percentages, but according to my phone app, they're in the 10-25% range. I just found a calculator online (http://www.infantchart.com/), and for weight, he's in the 20th %, and height the 23rd %. Still a peanut, but a consistent peanut. I'm so happy that he's been consistently growing despite the tons of moving around he's doing! He's just perfect.

Yay for having a real lunch for the first time!
Steamed apples and carrots!

I had a few questions regarding his sleeping issues for the past 4 nights, and whether he had another ear infection. Fortunately, his ears looked good. After explaining his normal bed time routine, and how he was waking a few times during the night for the past 4 nights (where only nursing would put him back to sleep), he concluded that he's in a growth spurt. Wonderful! However, it does make sense, because he has seemed way more hungry during the day (we went from 2 cubes to 4 cubes for breakfast within a week!). He suggested feeding him more solids during the day, including giving him lunch, and continuing to let him nurse when he wants, which is still around every 3 hours. Of course, I was concerned that letting him nurse at night would get him into the habit of waking every night, and undoing what we started at 6 months old, but last night he was back to normal. Yesterday, he had lunch, and a big dinner, and was asleep by 8:15. He slept until 4 am this morning, nursed, and then went back to sleep until 6:30. I hope it's not just a coincidence, and that feeding him more yesterday is what he needed.

We also started a multivitamin with fluoride in it, for Cael's teeth. Cael's cousin has been taking fluoride for a while now, so I figured I'd ask about it. I didn't know they had it combined with the multivitamin, so that makes it much easier! He's only got 2 & 1/4 teeth (counting the incisor that's starting to come through), but since we have well-water, I'm glad I asked about the fluoride. I want him to have nice, strong teeth like his mommy, so it's best we get a head start on it.

Doing really well with the big-boy cup

The doctor decided that we won't get the 9-12 month blood work to check his iron and lead levels. Because the house we live in is only about 10 years old, he's at a reduced risk for lead poisoning. And I guess he's not too concerned about his iron levels, since he's been getting a multivitamin since he was about 3 months old. I know most babies get the blood work done, so I hope it's not a big deal that we don't. So overall, it was a great appointment. We got back on September 10th for his BIG appointment - 1 year well visit with shots! It's going by so fast!

Speaking of being 1 year, I'm finally coming to terms with the idea that my baby is going to be a year old in 3 months, and realized that it's really right around the corner. I haven't done anything yet for his party, not even picking a date. I think Matt and I decided that we'll have 2 parties for Cael - one here in PA, and one on Long Island for my family, some of Matt's family, and our friends. I feel like it's "tacky" - for lack of a better word - but since we're stretched so far from family and friends, I want everyone to be able to join in on the celebration of Cael's first birthday.

 So I took the first step today in party planning - I picked a date, and booked a place to have his PA party. It literally only took 10 minutes, fortunately. There's only so many Saturday's around September 4th, and I knew where I wanted to have the party. It's going to be at a local township park, that rents out pavilions for the day for only $75. There's a playground near by, and the pavilion has electricity and a refrigerator. And we have it all day, from 8am to dusk. It should be fun! Now, I just have to figure out everything else! A theme, picking and mailing invitations, decorations, food, getting CAKES, favors. Jeez! But it will be a blast, and the more I think about it, the more excited I get. I should have bought the "It's My 1st Birthday" onesie I saw at BRU yesterday, but I decided against it because I was naive, and thought I had a ton of time left. Uh yea, reality check - I have 3 months! I have a feeling the next 3 months are going to fly by.

5 Months Old!!

(And also 22 weeks old)

I'm writing this a little late in the week, but better late than never is what I always say. At 5 months old, Cael has been developing by leaps and bounds! I previously thought that he was interested in the world around him, and thought his excitement of all things around him was amazing. But this past week, he has amazed me even further (which I'm starting to realize will continually happen). Even more than before, he is reaching for EVERYTHING! But with both hands now. He realized that he can reach and grab for things by using both hands, and bringing them together. He started doing that early this week. He's getting quick too! Plates of food, mugs of hot tea, pens, wires, his toys, blankets. Everything. He just wants to grab it and put it in his mouth. His fine motor skills are developing nicely, too. He is now able to pick up his pacifier from wherever it is, and if it's not oriented correctly, turn it around, and put it in his mouth. It's just incredible how much he's developing, and how quickly.

His weight, on the other hand, is still staggering. I weighed him naked yesterday (February 10), and he weighed exactly 14 pounds. A little over a week ago on the 1st, he weighed 14.3 pounds. I used an app on my phone to track diapers and feedings (yes, still), and it has a growth chart in it. It's been pretty accurate compared to the pediatrician's chart. He moved up a little on the chart last week, but now that he's at an even 14 pounds, he's at the 5th percentile again. I was having a major loss in my milk supply, but that did get better with the pumping and supplements. So I know he is getting more milk than previously. He goes to the pediatrician next Thursday for a weight check, so I'm anxious to see how much he officially weighs, and what percentile he falls into. He was supposed to go this past Thursday, but we couldn't make it for reasons I'll get into later.

As of Monday, Cael started doing something that I absolutely adore. He reaches for me now. I LOVE this so much. It let's me know he loves me, needs me and wants me. As selfish as this sounds, I almost need this. We've been down on Long Island since Thursday the 2nd visiting my mom, and on Monday, we visited a bunch of people. One of them was Cael's great-grandpa from Matt's side. As soon as I handed Cael to him, he started screaming for me, and looking around for me. When he saw me, he actually turned his body towards me, and reached both arms out towards me. He then slightly threw his weight forward, as to lunge for me. Since then, he lunges even more. This brings me to the other thing he started doing this past week. Since the moment we came to LI, Cael became a Stage 5 Clinger. He didn't want anyone other than myself to hold him. And if they did, he would scream bloody murder, and reach for me. Especially when my mom held him, and I saw she was "hurt" by it. We kept joking that we'd put a frame around mom's face, like Skype. But finally, after a week, he did get used to mom. I was afraid it was a phase he was going through, and that he wouldn't go to Matt when we got home. But it was just because we were in a new place.

Now onto the reason that we had to miss Cael's appointment. We were supposed to go back this past Wednesday (3 days ago), but as of late Monday night/early Tuesday morning, I developed a fever. I had a headache all day Monday, and was tired, but thought it was from being out since 10 Monday morning, and running all over the place. Apparently not. I had aches, pains, chills and was freezing. Then 2 days later, on Wednesday, I got a sore throat and stuffy /tunny nose. This happened last time I was on Long Island. As soon as I got home from that trip, I got a fever, sore throat and stuffy nose. However, this time was slightly different. On Thursday afternoon, after Cael and I woke up from a nap, I noticed I had a crusty eyebooger in the inside corner of my left eye. Well, long story short, I had pink eye. Yes, for the first time since elementary school, I had pink eye. By the end of the day, i had pink eye in both eyes. My fever also broke that morning, so I though I would be going home Friday. But after telling Matt, he said to stay longer if I needed too, that he didn't want to get sick. So another few days I was a staying.

Then on Friday morning, Cael developed a fever of 101.3. With swollen, painful eyes (but no fever!), I gave Cael infant Tylenol. It worked wonders, and he was feeling himself shortly after. But it was a pajama day for him, that's for sure. His fever only lasted for yesterday, and this morning, the swelling mess that was my left eye was all better! It was still a little red, but no more gunk. My right eye was still a little gunky and definitely swollen, but as the day wore on, the swelling went away. Currently, as I write this, my eyes feel about 95% better, and Cael and I are going home tomorrow.I cant wait to see Matt, and for Matt to see all the new things Cael can do now.

There's some speculation as to where I got the pink eye from. My siblings joked that someone farted in my face; my mom says it's because I change Cael's poopy diapers; and I say it's from when we went to the park. Who the heck knows where it came from, as long as it's going away now. AND, I hope we've taken all the precautions so that Cael doesn't get it. I think it went away so quickly because I immediately started using CVS brand Pink Eye Drops. They work wonders!

As I just mentioned, we went to the park on Tuesday. I had gone a few hours without a fever or chills, so mom suggested getting outside for a little while. It wasn't too cold out, so I suggested going to the park with Cael. This would be his first time, so I was excited, and needed to get pictures of this (of course). I sat on a swing with Cael, put him in a baby swing and pushed him, and went down the slide with him. Mom and I got a bunch of pictures and videos, so I'm happy about that. We had fun, came home, and then I felt exhausted and run down. Cael and I relaxed for the rest of the day.

Finally, we started rice cereal on the day he turned 5 months old. He loved it!! And he did so well with eating it too, and didn't make a big mess like I thought he would. However, after 2 days of rice cereal, Cael broke out with a rash on his cheeks and chin. I called the pediatrician, and it turns out he is most likely allergic to the rice cereal. We were told to stop it for a week, and then we can try again. If he gets a rash again, then it's the rice cereal. He'll have to be fed oatmeal cereal then, and we'll have to see how he does with that. I'll see if we'll try the cereal again on Monday or Tuesday.

4 Month Appointment!

We took Cael to his 4 month pediatrician appointment today for a physical and his second round of shots. We had to leave super early because the appointment was at 8:30, so we left the house at 7:15. Matt wasn't very happy about that, considering today was his day off, but he managed.

The appointment went well. However, his growth curve is slipping a bit. Our little peanut weighs 13 pounds 7 ounces, and is 25.5 inches long. Percentile-wise, that's the 5th percentile for weight and 75th percentile for height. Three weeks ago, he weighed 13 pounds 8 ounces, and was in the 25th percentile for weight. That means he lost 1 ounce in 3 weeks, and dropped from the 25th percentile to the 5th percentile. The doctor wasn't overly concerned, but he was a little concerned. He brought up the curve slipping, and said that he wanted us to bring him back in 1 month to recheck his weight.

He wants me to give Cael both breasts at one feeding, with 10 minutes on each side, instead of one breast at a time, which is what I was doing. He said that should hopefully help with him gaining weight. I did bring up that Cael has been eating for only 7-8 minutes on one side at a feeding, and will then play around with my nipple. He'll suckle for a few times, come off, cry, then re-latch. And repeat all that. Or sometimes, instead of crying, he'll smile. The pediatrician said that he could be becoming distracted or bored, which is why he's doing that. But he said to try and have him eat on both sides. Hopefully that will help him gain a little by next month.

The pediatrician also brought up giving Cael rice cereal. It is suggested to start between 4-6 months of age. I asked if we had to start giving cereal now, at 4 months, especially for weight gain. He said that we didn't need to, and that it's up to us for what we wanted to do. We could wait until 6 months if we wanted. He could tell that I wanted to exclusively breastfeed for the first 6 months, and then start solids and cereal (with breastfeeding, still, of course). I asked if we started cereal now, could we wait until 6 months for fruits and veggies. He said of course, that it's actually recommended to start solids at at least 6 months of age. That infants younger than 6 months old have an immature digestive tract, and that actually giving fruits and veggies prior to 6 months can cause problems, including infections. I knew that, but wanted to see what he was going to tell me. I'm glad that we're on the same page.

That all being said, I think that Matt and I might start introducing cereal at around 5 months old. It makes me sad to think that he'll be getting nutrition from somewhere else other than just me, but it's what he will need. He's growing up, and I need to come to terms with that.