This morning while enjoying some waffle together, Gavin amazed both of us with standing straight up (slowwwly) from squatting to standing...several times! I was overjoyed to see his own reaction to doing this. He was fully aware of trying something new; gaining confidence.
What a great start to the day!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Made it through a year! :)
How is my baby now a one year old?! According to my updates from babycenter.com, he's now a "toddler." Nah...still a baby to me.
We celebrated Gavin's first birthday Sesame Street style. We had it at a clubhouse that we were lucky enough to have connections to reserve--however, even with it being covered on three sides- Mommy needs to realize that an outdoor party in early February (even in Florida) is probably not the best idea! It was cold, windy and damp- and..of course, Gavin ended up getting a cold (at least one other child did, too). So, next year- indoors.
It's amazing to reflect back on the past 52 (54 weeks now) weeks. I can remember when I referred to Gavin as X number of "weeks" old; then at some point it went to X number of months old. I am forever thankful that the first couple months of being a first time Mom are FOREVER OVER. There is no sugar-coating that while it was wonderful to look at my precious baby- the majority of my thoughts were on how dang tired and desperate I was; wondering if it would ever get better.
Life will not. ever. be the same (for like another decade or so--ahhh). But, life is richer every day having a family; being a Mom. Growing independence of my "toddler" is at times trying (God's grace with growing my patience is unbelievable) but also wonderful to experience. It's so nice that I can now sit Gavin down in the morning after our cuddles with a sippy of milk, some cheerios/toast/waffle in the living room and put on a baby einstein/veggie tales DVD and finish getting myself ready for work (Note: Dogs must be either outside or in another room with door closed or they WILL steal cheerios/toast/waffle).
Changing a diaper is an acrobatic feat for Gavin and a major obstacle course for Mommy or Daddy. Restraining my child on the changing table is an every day occurrence at this point. He's got SO to much else to do rather than lay down; but is instantly happy once that pee or poo diaper is changed and he's on his merry way.
NINE teeth and counting...a molar has arrived and brought the worst diaper rash thus far. Brushing teeth: another time of minor baby/toddler restraint. I let him "brush" his own teeth with a baby toothbrush for a minute or two, then get in there for a few real brushes...heaven forbid Mommy try to protect those gorgeous little teeth---enter a crying, writhing of the body moment- both in the morning and after bath at night. I've got to get smart share some of the tooth brushing fun with Daddy. Daddy's current status is WAY to fun/painless.
Combining words: yesterday Gavin said "dadda momma" in a row while we were all at the dinner table. He also said something that sounded like "amen" after our dinner prayer! On another note: spaghetti dinner ended up everywhere other than in Gavin's mouth/stomach (except for some bread). Our strategy for dinner: don't stress about it- he's a big breakfast and lunch eater- usually could care less about consuming much at dinner. Apparently this is "normal," babies/toddlers consume most of their calories before dinner time. He also gets a bottle of milk before bed (then rudely has his teeth wiped by Mommy to prevent bottle decay).
Gavin is taking his time with walking; as he has with other gross motor developments :) In observing my child thus far with this type of developmental milestone, with new toys and with new people/situations; he likes to observe first/take his time and then go for it. Smart boy! :) He's walking along everything he can; pulling Mommy's pants/shorts, etc. down as he pulls himself up on me and standing unassisted for short periods of time.
In closing, today is St. Valentine's Day. Any chance to acknowledge those I love is welcomed. It's also important for me to acknowledge the ONE who shows me how to love and loves more perfectly that I could ever be capable of- God.
Mommyhood continues....
We celebrated Gavin's first birthday Sesame Street style. We had it at a clubhouse that we were lucky enough to have connections to reserve--however, even with it being covered on three sides- Mommy needs to realize that an outdoor party in early February (even in Florida) is probably not the best idea! It was cold, windy and damp- and..of course, Gavin ended up getting a cold (at least one other child did, too). So, next year- indoors.
It's amazing to reflect back on the past 52 (54 weeks now) weeks. I can remember when I referred to Gavin as X number of "weeks" old; then at some point it went to X number of months old. I am forever thankful that the first couple months of being a first time Mom are FOREVER OVER. There is no sugar-coating that while it was wonderful to look at my precious baby- the majority of my thoughts were on how dang tired and desperate I was; wondering if it would ever get better.
Life will not. ever. be the same (for like another decade or so--ahhh). But, life is richer every day having a family; being a Mom. Growing independence of my "toddler" is at times trying (God's grace with growing my patience is unbelievable) but also wonderful to experience. It's so nice that I can now sit Gavin down in the morning after our cuddles with a sippy of milk, some cheerios/toast/waffle in the living room and put on a baby einstein/veggie tales DVD and finish getting myself ready for work (Note: Dogs must be either outside or in another room with door closed or they WILL steal cheerios/toast/waffle).
Changing a diaper is an acrobatic feat for Gavin and a major obstacle course for Mommy or Daddy. Restraining my child on the changing table is an every day occurrence at this point. He's got SO to much else to do rather than lay down; but is instantly happy once that pee or poo diaper is changed and he's on his merry way.
NINE teeth and counting...a molar has arrived and brought the worst diaper rash thus far. Brushing teeth: another time of minor baby/toddler restraint. I let him "brush" his own teeth with a baby toothbrush for a minute or two, then get in there for a few real brushes...heaven forbid Mommy try to protect those gorgeous little teeth---enter a crying, writhing of the body moment- both in the morning and after bath at night. I've got to get smart share some of the tooth brushing fun with Daddy. Daddy's current status is WAY to fun/painless.
Combining words: yesterday Gavin said "dadda momma" in a row while we were all at the dinner table. He also said something that sounded like "amen" after our dinner prayer! On another note: spaghetti dinner ended up everywhere other than in Gavin's mouth/stomach (except for some bread). Our strategy for dinner: don't stress about it- he's a big breakfast and lunch eater- usually could care less about consuming much at dinner. Apparently this is "normal," babies/toddlers consume most of their calories before dinner time. He also gets a bottle of milk before bed (then rudely has his teeth wiped by Mommy to prevent bottle decay).
Gavin is taking his time with walking; as he has with other gross motor developments :) In observing my child thus far with this type of developmental milestone, with new toys and with new people/situations; he likes to observe first/take his time and then go for it. Smart boy! :) He's walking along everything he can; pulling Mommy's pants/shorts, etc. down as he pulls himself up on me and standing unassisted for short periods of time.
In closing, today is St. Valentine's Day. Any chance to acknowledge those I love is welcomed. It's also important for me to acknowledge the ONE who shows me how to love and loves more perfectly that I could ever be capable of- God.
Mommyhood continues....
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Closing in on a year
Planning Gavin's 1st birthday has me thinking back on what has almost been 365 days of being a Mom in "my path in Mommyhood." Thankfully some memories are far enough away that they don't immediately evoke some anxiety, ie. the horrendous sleep deprivation of those first few weeks. You can just not compare it to anything--that much lack of sleep and learning how to be a Mom! Once again- nothing short of God's position in my life could have gotten me through that with (most of) my sanity. Hopefully in the FUTURE (not near future), the 2nd go-round will not be as traumatizing. :)
So, Gavin's recent developments:
1. I keep forgetting to say that he helps me put on his clothes; he's helped by putting his arms through arm holes for a month or so now. He recently will stick his foot out when I'm holding him to put shoes, socks or slippers on. :) So cute. Good thing there are ways to cover those fat yummy baby toes or I'd gnaw on them all the time!! :)
2. Dude has 8 teeth and LOVES to bite in to apples- yes, apples with them. This we have to watch closely because if he's eating anything thicker than stage 3 baby food, he's most likely chip-munking it in his cheeks. (For those unfamiliar with this made-up phrase: he stockpiles food in his cheeks for hours on end, if left alone). This also poses another hazard---check baby's mouth/cheeks before nap time!
**Note: Gavin stole an apple yesterday from Stephanie's son (daycare provider)! :)
3. Standing- buggy boy is standing unassisted for a few seconds at a time. Also transferring in standing position from one toy to the next or from one chair or from one part of the counter---anything he can balance himself on!
4. Dog bowls (food and water): Gavin's obsession. He run-crawls (very fast crawling) towards them if left in his eye sight. He's soaked himself and the surrounding floor a couple times now. Fun times with baby!
Ok, so there's so much more that is uber-interesting about my little guy but it's SO LATE---8:37pm----and I'm tired and recovering from a cold this sweet baby gave me this past weekend! :)
More exciting adventures to come. :)
So, Gavin's recent developments:
1. I keep forgetting to say that he helps me put on his clothes; he's helped by putting his arms through arm holes for a month or so now. He recently will stick his foot out when I'm holding him to put shoes, socks or slippers on. :) So cute. Good thing there are ways to cover those fat yummy baby toes or I'd gnaw on them all the time!! :)
2. Dude has 8 teeth and LOVES to bite in to apples- yes, apples with them. This we have to watch closely because if he's eating anything thicker than stage 3 baby food, he's most likely chip-munking it in his cheeks. (For those unfamiliar with this made-up phrase: he stockpiles food in his cheeks for hours on end, if left alone). This also poses another hazard---check baby's mouth/cheeks before nap time!
**Note: Gavin stole an apple yesterday from Stephanie's son (daycare provider)! :)
3. Standing- buggy boy is standing unassisted for a few seconds at a time. Also transferring in standing position from one toy to the next or from one chair or from one part of the counter---anything he can balance himself on!
4. Dog bowls (food and water): Gavin's obsession. He run-crawls (very fast crawling) towards them if left in his eye sight. He's soaked himself and the surrounding floor a couple times now. Fun times with baby!
Ok, so there's so much more that is uber-interesting about my little guy but it's SO LATE---8:37pm----and I'm tired and recovering from a cold this sweet baby gave me this past weekend! :)
More exciting adventures to come. :)
Saturday, December 25, 2010
yes, two posts in one day!
He loves the vacuum cleaner
such a good helper- thanks Uncle Matt for the closet organizer!
good oral hygiene!
On our way to Amber's wedding, 11/20/10
Blessings of Christmas
It's Christmas today! I haven't blogged (again) in several weeks. We have been very blessed this year and above all else- we are thankful for our Savior, Jesus Christ: His birth, His life here on Earth, His sacrifice and blood shed on the cross and God's faithfulness of his ascent to Heaven for our sins. Grace= unmerited mercy; I am so thankful for God's grace in my life- being a Mom bears (bares?) a whole new meaning for this grace.
Happenings in DePaola-ville:
Gavin met Santa and did not cry---see photo---he did have his fly- trap mouth pose on! haha. He also enjoyed the boxes and gift bags much more than the toys themselves at first today.
Gavin is crawling EVERYWHERE and...pulling UP on everything! He's stood unassisted three times (that I've seen) for a couple seconds before plopping on his hiney! He also has developed a bit of shy/coyness around people- he'll lay his head down on your chest and play shy for a few minutes until he warms up to the new person. So cute! TEETH- HE HAS 8 OF THEM! And yes, I'm still braving breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding: at almost 11 months, it is certainly winding down. Gavin can now take a whole bottle of formula. He nurses with me morning and night and takes two bottles of a mixture of b.milk and formula (during the work week); I'll nurse him throughout the day when we're together on the weekends. Certainly it is clear that nursing at this point is at least half for comfort. While I enjoy our special time together, I'm tiring of pumping during the day. I think we'll transition very shortly to no more pumping during the day so when Gavin is with me, he'll have bottles during the day and nurse morning and night as usual.
Illness: Gavin had a pretty bad cold towards the end of November. We ended up having to take him to the after hours' peds. clinic (around 7pm) because he was wheezing and had shallow, labored breathing. We were there until about 8:30pm, he was still in a pretty good mood through all of it! He was not happy when we nebulized him for the first time. I was singing as many songs as I could think of to try to keep him calm. He did 72 more hours of neb. treatments and was fine after that. Scarey to have a sick baby, though! We are praying he does not inherit Mommy's asthma.
I talked to Gavin today about his "Grammy," the name I gave my Mom for him. I often mention her in whispers during prayer while he is nursing at night so I can hide any choking up. :) Today I talked about her during his lunch and found myself really missing her and imagining just how wonderful she would be with him. I show her his pictures and tell him she is his guardian angel. It is bittersweet to try to figure out how best to talk to Gavin about her. Being a motherless mother sucks but having been blessed with the 20 years I had with her is priceless.
Gavin has so many people who love him! John's Mom- Mimi had us over (as a tradition) Christmas Eve for baking cookies and opening gifts with the cousins (and Aunts and Uncles). Gavin didn't do any cookie cutting but I'm sure he'll be up at the table next year. :) We got to see Popsy (John's Dad) today for dinner; it's also his birthday. We'll see Grandpa Larry and Grandma Robbie (my Dad and Stepmom) tomorrow. Gavin will meet his Uncle John for the first time in early January- lot's going on!
We're also anxiously awaiting the arrival of George- he continues to grow healthier and is now 38weeks gestation! Prayers for Aunt Tootie that he has smaller head and shoulders for as smooth a delivery as possible. :)
More pics to come soon!
Merry Christmas,
Lauren
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
November 16, 2010
I couldn't think of a clever title or pick just one new thing that is going on in the DePaola house, so the date sufficed.
I haven't blogged in over a month- whew, time flies by! My new goal- blog once/month. Because I probably won't write all of these things down the old fashioned way; I better at least type them!
New:
1. Mommy got a job! A professional job- one that I can justify all of those $$$ spent on graduate degree loans. God is amazing: I got hired BEFORE my degree is technically over- 4 more weeks (allllmost there). This had been a large stressor; operating on one income was quite a lesson in frugality; we can see an end in sight- which is good since we all see mounting bills in sight. Another wonderful thing about this job is that it has "regular" hours so I can be home at a reasonable time after work and not worry about on call, home visits, etc. **On a sad note: Gavin and I will no longer be able to join our play group on Wednesdays; thankfully there will be a monthly Saturday get together.
2. Gavin has 5, yes 5- teeth! YES he has nipped me several times- no full chomping down--ahhh, scary. Everything is still in tact- so we're good to go for now. It's amazing how many people I have saying- wow, you're still breastfeeding him?! He is 9 months people- not 3 years old! It's interesting to look back at the historical shifts in perspectives of breastfeeding- not too long ago many pediatricians were urging our grandparents to stop breastfeeding (if they did at all) by 3-4 months and use formula. The prevailing thought was that formula provided more of what baby needed, was cleaner, and/or you were "poor" if you couldn't provide formula for your baby. Research has come a LONG way (take a look at THIS position paper)
3. Gavin has learned how to push up to sitting position by himself (and thankfully knows how to get back down- although he has forgotten how once or twice in the middle of the night).
4. We lowered his crib because of: #3 AND TODAY- John found him STANDING in his crib and gnawing on the railing!! wow- what a time of LOTS of developmental gains- something is new weekly it seems. :)
5. He's had TWO haircuts. Good thing, too- the most recent cut was done by someone other than Tara and needless to say- Gavin will not be going back to this other person. The positive thing- this boys' hair grows so quickly he'll have his baby look back in no time! :)
6. finger foods: Feeding Gavin with a spoon can at times be very challenging because he increasingly wants to feed himself. A good thing; however, frustrating at times when you're in a hurry! Also lots of food in the eyeballs, ears, etc. when he feeds himself- haha.
7. Pointing: Gavin points at EVERYTHING- such a cute little chubby index finger!
8. Gavin has noticed he can see birds flying and planes in the air. It's so neat to "rediscover" these simple, yet amazing things through a baby's perspective.
9. Baby babbles- he's VERY adamant with some expressions which is SO hard not to laugh at. I continue to LOVE all of the sounds he can come up with (aside from whining in the middle of the night and early morning hours).
10. KISSES: Gavin has started to give kisses- wide, open mouth kisses; HILARIOUS. :)
Mommyhood is such a blessing and an amazing journey. What a gift to be able to view the world from a new little human's eyes. I can't get enough of loving on my little guy and pray every night that John and I will look to God's guidance in how to raise him best.
Off to bed :)
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
What do you mean you're 8 months old?!
How do 8 months fly by so quickly? I have two very different perceptions of time that all fall within the last 8 months:
1. Time seemed to move ever-so-slowwwwwly during those first eh--two months or so (can we say sleep deprivation?!).
2. Now- the weeks just go by so quickly! Example: my little baby is now 8 months old! (and I'm eternally celebrating my 29th birthday from here on out!)
So, what's occurred since my last blog on 9/11 (I'm a slacker):
*Gavin has more syllables in his repertoire: ma-ma (yay!!); dee dee; buh, buh (he's also doing this clickly noise recently with his tongue).
* He's holding the sippy cup all by himself and has NO self-control. He tries to drink the whole thing in one tilt! He seems to think that water is the best thing ever(besides Mommy's milk, of course) so we'll try to keep it that way for as long as possible.
*No crawling yet but lots of rolling around and scooching of the legs but still going backwards :) I'm really trying to remind myself that it's OK to not rush crawling.
*He's getting close to the milestone of a pincer grasp
*New foods: He's enjoying cheerios, and small pieces of cheese, cooked veggies and fruits. He also had some hashbrowns (the shredded kind). Scout and Molly are starting to realize that Gavin really does come with perks!
*Giggling---he's been doing this for at least a couple months but I LOVE IT and why not mention it again; it's always fun to find new ways to make him giggle.
*SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT: Yay, Mommy was consistent and he now sleeps until at least 5:30. I do NOT get him out of the crib until 6am. This is the new learning he's doing; if I started getting him out at that time now- it probably would continue for years to come. So, if he wakes at 5:30- I stay in bed until/if it gets to an urgent cry and go pat and shush him until 6 (not a minute sooner). THIS IS HARD TO DO but I know it will pay off. At 6- I turn the lamp on and say "good morning" and nurse him so he gets the idea. I have a GREAT sleep book for babies that is really balanced with reasonable guidelines and suggestions. Here's the author's website- click HERE. I've seen her book at the library as well if you don't want to buy it.
*Teeth meeting nipple=ouch. He's only done it once so far and it wasn't as bad as I anticipated from all of the horror stories I've heard but it wasn't a laughing matter, either. He got a bit startled when he felt me pull back and wince; I then said no biting Mommy- we'll see if that works.
It's 10:00 and I'm ready for bed. Mommyhood is so rewarding and I'm thankful every day for God's blessing of Gavin to John and I. Each night as I'm rocking him I say a little prayer of this thankfulness and hope that one day Gavin will know God and desire a relationship with him, too.
I'll have some great pictures after this weekend- we're going to the pumpkin patch!
1. Time seemed to move ever-so-slowwwwwly during those first eh--two months or so (can we say sleep deprivation?!).
2. Now- the weeks just go by so quickly! Example: my little baby is now 8 months old! (and I'm eternally celebrating my 29th birthday from here on out!)
So, what's occurred since my last blog on 9/11 (I'm a slacker):
*Gavin has more syllables in his repertoire: ma-ma (yay!!); dee dee; buh, buh (he's also doing this clickly noise recently with his tongue).
* He's holding the sippy cup all by himself and has NO self-control. He tries to drink the whole thing in one tilt! He seems to think that water is the best thing ever(besides Mommy's milk, of course) so we'll try to keep it that way for as long as possible.
*No crawling yet but lots of rolling around and scooching of the legs but still going backwards :) I'm really trying to remind myself that it's OK to not rush crawling.
*He's getting close to the milestone of a pincer grasp
*New foods: He's enjoying cheerios, and small pieces of cheese, cooked veggies and fruits. He also had some hashbrowns (the shredded kind). Scout and Molly are starting to realize that Gavin really does come with perks!
*Giggling---he's been doing this for at least a couple months but I LOVE IT and why not mention it again; it's always fun to find new ways to make him giggle.
*SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT: Yay, Mommy was consistent and he now sleeps until at least 5:30. I do NOT get him out of the crib until 6am. This is the new learning he's doing; if I started getting him out at that time now- it probably would continue for years to come. So, if he wakes at 5:30- I stay in bed until/if it gets to an urgent cry and go pat and shush him until 6 (not a minute sooner). THIS IS HARD TO DO but I know it will pay off. At 6- I turn the lamp on and say "good morning" and nurse him so he gets the idea. I have a GREAT sleep book for babies that is really balanced with reasonable guidelines and suggestions. Here's the author's website- click HERE. I've seen her book at the library as well if you don't want to buy it.
*Teeth meeting nipple=ouch. He's only done it once so far and it wasn't as bad as I anticipated from all of the horror stories I've heard but it wasn't a laughing matter, either. He got a bit startled when he felt me pull back and wince; I then said no biting Mommy- we'll see if that works.
It's 10:00 and I'm ready for bed. Mommyhood is so rewarding and I'm thankful every day for God's blessing of Gavin to John and I. Each night as I'm rocking him I say a little prayer of this thankfulness and hope that one day Gavin will know God and desire a relationship with him, too.
I'll have some great pictures after this weekend- we're going to the pumpkin patch!
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