New and Old Hat

Milo got his first tummy time session yesterday, and he didn't do too bad. He's not too great at lifting that big noggin for long periods of time when lying on his tummy yet, but it was good practice.


Moses got a little jealous and decided it was time he return to his activity mat. I certainly don't look forward to introducing Milo to the jumperoo. Talk about some potential for jealousy.

I think home skillet's recent camera usage has led to tweaked speed settings because everything is coming out blurry now. Blurry or not, at least I'm providing photos.

Yesterday

Moses made himself a pallet on the floor and took a nap. I kid you not. It was magical.

Then he took over the camera and dubbed himself our family photog (which is one of the reasons blogs have been light on pictures--camera batteries are dying rapidly these days).


And, we captured cuteness. Both were unsure of the set up though.

Congested (but still cute)

(yes, that is a dimple--there are dimples. Plural!)

I took Milo into the doctor this morning because his spit up looked as if he'd drank raw egg and he was incredibly upset yesterday. Our regular doctor was out so we saw a nurse practitioner we've seen once before. She said Milo is very congested and has mucus running down his throat, which causes him to gag and spit up more and aggravates any reflux he already has. All the congestion is upsetting his stomach, too, which is causing all the more discomfort. Poor kid. He's still too young for any meds so we're trying some more homeopathic methods she suggested. I'm hoping this isn't a sign of another ear infection prone kid. I blame Dave and I's horrible allergies for all ours sons' congestion issues. Grr...

On the plus side, the nurse was amazed at Milo's level of head control and repeatedly mentioned how impressed she was. As we were leaving she said he's at least 3 weeks ahead developmentally! It is crazy how much difference those 3 additional weeks gestating has made for Milo versus Moses: it seems Milo's already leaps and bounds of Moses in certain areas. There's nothing like a little sibling rivalry. Sigh.

A Conversation with Milo

We grow 'em sumo.

I had my 6 week appointment last Friday and while I've lost 30 pounds (half-way there!), Milo has gained four. He's now a hefty 13 pounds even! I knew he was big but I never would have guessed thirteen pounds. He's not covered in cute rolls but rather is the size of a tank.

To make him even cuter, he's been smiling and cooing for the last couple of weeks. He looks so much like Moses when he smiles, too. Compare the above with these of Moses:

A big bottle o' catch-up!

I've been gently reminded recently by a few readers that I haven't blogged in awhile. It wasn't my intent to abandon the blog for more than two weeks but time just seems to fly with two kids occupying my time--before I know it, the day is done and I'm too tired to string sentences together, let alone type them. Dave also took the lap top back to school with him so blogging mobility is no longer possible, and Moses' interest in the keyboard makes typing at the desk impossible while he's awake since all my sentences would undoubtedly contain extra letters, numbers, and punctuation marks. Ah, the woes of motherhood!

Despite my inability to blog, I've been writing down topics as they come to mind and these jewels to share with you today:

1. Milo's 1-month-old!
2. The characteristics of a first born
3. Fernando
4. Amigos de Fernando
5. Finger painting
6. Sickos
   
7. RIP TV
   

So, please, sit back, relax and let me regale you with the my tales o' family.

1. Milo's 1-month-old!

Time certainly flew for us. We can't believe how quickly we reached the 1 month milestone with our boy. His sleepiness and contentedness wore off almost as soon as I blogged about it and he's now awake more and grumpy/fussy for 90% of the day. I wouldn't say he's colicky but maybe fool's colicky since he exhibits all the signs of a colicky baby but inconsistently so (I'm think I'm going to copyright that).

I meant to take a picture of him at one month, but he wasn't being his cute self on camera. This was taken during his nap a couple days before.

2. The characteristics of a first born

Moses' personality is shining through increasingly more these days. The funniest (and most irritating) part to manifest lately involves his need for things to be just-so. He'll let us know something's not working for him with a pointed finger and "oh, oh, oh." He's suddenly very concerned with the cleanliness of his highchair and its tray and will point out anything that's askew. He'll alert Dave to parts of the lawn that weren't mowed. A spill on his clothes could spark WWIII, and if Milo's spittle so much as dribbles down his chin, we know the instant it happens.

This was all very cute for awhile but now it's a teensy bit annoying since there's little we can do to stop his concern but take the time to correct the offending item. Thankfully, I'm a fan of Kevin Lehman's The Birth Order Book and know this little quirk is a typical characteristic of any first born child and we've essentially created this nit-picking monster!

But what an adorable monster he is.

3. Fernando

You may remember that, while I was suffering from insomnia, I discovered that a mouse was enjoying the comforts of our kitchen . Well, shortly after that discovery, we left for Dallas and when we came back, there was no sign of the mouse (who I dubbed Fernando) so we forgot the issue. Then, a couple months later, I noticed the tell-tale signs again so we bought a no-kill trap and placed it on our counter. We caught Fernando that night and released him far, far away the next day.

Meet Fernando:

Cute, right? Moses enjoyed watching him, and I enjoyed pretending he would wear clothes and talk when we weren't looking.

4. Amigos de Fernando

We've since caught three others. Eek. The aren't so adorable in these numbers.

5. Finger (er, brush) painting

I'm trying to incorporate more activities into our daily routine, including arts and crafts, so we tried our hands, nee fingers, at painting. While we started out using our fingers, we switched to brushes because Moses was too tempted to eat or lick the paint from his hands. The Crayola finger paint was a little disappointing though because it looks like a translucent gel instead of your typical paint. All in all, we had a great time and I look forward to more art projects. Next up--stringing fruit loop necklaces (if we can avoid eating them for long enough).



(no, he didn't paint that tree but rather confiscated my painting)

6. Sickos
Since school started up again recently, it was inevitable that the sick season would start. Two weeks ago, Dave started feeling some cold symptoms and soon after Moses and I had them, too. As with any illness that comes through our door, I got the worst of it and rode the couch as much as Moses would let me. I'm hoping this winter is better than last and that Moses can stay ear-infection free for as long as possible!

7. RIP TV
Last week, our living room TV decided to stop working. That was a rough morning for me because Moses usually watches TV during breakfast so that I can get ready for the day and start chores.

The worst part is that the TV is not even a year old but outside its warranty (don't buy the Wal-Mart brand, ilo). We can't exactly buy a new one so we're stuck with Dave's old 19" set and my fifteen-year-old 13" one that needs rabbit ears. We were used to having a nice large set and pretty HD pictures so this is a bitter pill to swallow. I've already requested an HD converter box coupon though. Sigh.

Well, that covers the last two weeks. I hope to get my rhythm back soon!

Swing kid

While Milo was still sleeping this morning, Moses and I went outside to swing, mismatched pajamas and all. Moses wanted me to swing, but having recently learned better, I told Moses I couldn't because I was too big (read: fat-from-recently-carrying-a-child-for-9-months) and it hurt to squeeze my adult rear into that small swing. Upon hearing that unpleasant news, Moses decided to designate two more "kids" for me to push (notice the bubbles in the other swing). Nevertheless, Moses, the bubble twins, and I had a nice morning.

Raw: It's all the rage

Moses likes to hang around the chopping block when I'm cutting vegetables for dinner so he can finagle some raw slices from me. Last night he surprised me by requesting and eating RAW onion (this was his third slice)! He really is my child.

King of the Castle

Dave's parents and niece came down last weekend and we spent some time at our local mammoth play village. We hadn't been out there before and Moses had a lot of fun. Ignore his shorts--his normally-smooth-dressing daddy wasn't thinking (1- they are too small, 2 - he's got too many shades of blue on).

P.S. Is anyone else having issues with Firefox 3.0.1 and their ability to cut and paste? I can't move my blog pictures and text around like usual (in blogger or any other FF window) and it's disturbing my Internet chi.

Intervention

Moses' latest bout of weirdness involves lotion drinking. Yes, lotion drinking. We have to be extra careful to keep lotion bottles out of his reach or else we'll find him snuggled up with a bottle, sipping the contents from the spout. Ew.

Proud Papa

While I was out grocery shopping, I received this text message about Moses from Dave:

"He totally got in his chair and started watching Primal Grill..."

If you know Dave at all, you know he loves his barbecue and is a loyal follower of all things Steven Raichlen--so this development made him one doting dad.

Com(id)a

Well, it's that time again. Moses fell asleep while eating. I think I'm going to start a whole new blog just for those pictures since it's all I seem to post lately. I might just start adding captions, too, in the same way icanhascheezburger.com has done with LOLcats.

This is probably one of my favorite asleep-at-the-meal pictures so far because he was obviously still eating when he fell asleep--hand on fork, hand in bowl.

(yup--Moses is still in his pjs--for the first time in awhile we didn't have anywhere to be today so we're having a lazy day.)

Out for a Stroll

As a baby gift, I received my dream stroller from my Dad and Sally. I know I previously said I wanted a Phil & Ted's Sport but after doing more research, I decided on the BOB Stroller Strides Duallie* because it allows me to either walk or jog with two, and with the infant seat attachment, we can get outside sooner rather than later. Ultimately, I want to start running again, but for now, we're just using it for long walks to the park.

On Monday morning, we walked a mile to the park, played, and then walked back. Aside from a couple of Milo's outbursts, the walk went great! The stroller handles so well---it's easy to push through grass and sand, turns on a dime (really!), takes bumpy sidewalks like a charm, and fits though our doorways. It must be cozy, too, because Moses fell asleep on the return trip.



Of course, that tiny nap threw Moses off schedule and he ended up crashing mid-play that afternoon.
*No, I don't do Stroller Strides but wanted the extra amenities the stroller has to offer (handlebar console, exercise bands, and workout manual). The stroller comes with a free week's worth of classes so I'll definitely give it a try but $45 a month for classes is tough when I'm not bringing in money. Shoot, maybe I'll just follow behind our local class and copy their workouts--I suppose there's nothing to stop me (except extreme embarrassment)! Ha!

Toddler-ese

"My-mo" is how Moses pronounces Milo. It just warms my heart every time I hear it. He occasionally sing-songs it as a "Myyyyyy-mo," and it's the sweetest song in the world.

Milo: Two Week Check-Up

Mr. Milo is two weeks old today! How do we celebrate? With a cold stethoscope, a tongue depressor, and a heel prick! We sure know how to party.

Milo's first appointment with our pediatrician was this morning. It was a pretty early outing for us, especially since I'm still trying to master getting out the door with two kids' diapers, drinks, toys, blankets, etc. Thankfully, I was able to drop Moses off at his Gran's on the way so that I could devote my attention to Milo at this first visit and Moses was guaranteed a much better time than I could have provided.

As for the appointment, all looked well and sounded great to Dr. Gray. Milo's growing like a weed: he's already 9 pounds 8 ounces (oddly, he didn't lose more than a few ounces in the hospital) and 22 inches.

Milo had the nasty heel prick test too, and after screaming fantastically for a couple minutes, he calmed and cooed himself to sleep. His little noises had the nurses giggling. Milo is a very noisy sleeper despite being at complete peace. Happy two weeks my little piglet!

My daily dilemma

Most days the boys will nap at the same time and I'm met with the same daily dilemma: Do I clean? Do I nap? Do I waste hours online? It's so difficult to make a choice because various parts of my mind are itching for different decisions.

Yesterday, I desperately wanted to sleep but Moses was being stubborn about napping. Despite acting tired, he just wanted to PLAY! WITH! CARS! Finally, in early afternoon, he crashed while playing with those cars.

Thankfully, I still was able to get in a power nap before the craziness set in again.

Night Cap

There's nothing like a little yogurt before bed...

Like night and day

It seems Milo is falling into the easier-second-child stereotype I've frequently heard about, and I couldn't be more thrilled (and dumbfounded) by his mellowness. I wouldn't say Moses was a difficult baby--okay, maybe I would--but he never slept for longer than 20 minutes at a time, refused to sleep on his back, was very difficult to soothe, and didn't allow anyone but Dave and I to care for him. Of course, he's my little boy and I love him all the more for those long sleepless nights and difficult days, but I will say it's nice to have an easier baby this time around. I'm sure my very writing of this post will jinx Milo's easy-going disposition, but at least I'm documenting this beautiful time.

Milo's been a dreamy sleeper and eater and even soothes himself back to sleep with little effort. He's a sound sleeper too, sleeping through Moses' untimely lawn mowing episodes and the occasional toddler fit.

Moses is vacillating between being a helpful big brother and jealous sibling, which is understandable. One minute he'll offer his juice to Milo or show concern for his crying, and the next he'll throw a fit over Milo sitting in his bouncy seat or being held by Mommy. Overall, he's really done a great job accepting his new brother and the changes he's brought with him and been a tender, shining poster child for big brotherhood.

Week 1 Mash Up

I've started several posts over the course of the week but haven't completed any due to the overriding need for sleep, food, or child care. The following is a mash up of some of those incomplete posts:

I knew there'd be an adjustment as we transitioned from one child to two, but I didn't realize how much easier one child is in comparison. Now, I find it difficult to find the time to sleep, clean, and even eat. I've heard people say that pregnancy weight comes off much quicker with a second child, and now I know why! I'm constantly on the go and rarely have time to indulge in anything except Moses' leftovers. Every moment of craziness is worth it though because we have these moments to enjoy:

On Friday, we had our first (and last!) trip to the grocery store as a threesome. Between the nearly two hours of prep work required to leave the house with two children in tow and the chaos that ensued towards the end of our shopping trip, I must have burnt 2000 calories. If the Steeplechase can be an Olympic event, shopping with two should also be a sport. Moses did well standing in the basket of the shopping cart but found the grocery goods at his feet too tempting not to step on them. Once we had that issue resolved, Milo woke up. Let me say that steering a shopping cart, minding a toddler, and feeding a newborn is not a task for the weary. Checking out got even hairier. I think I may have scared the young woman behind me in line into lifelong abstinence. I've since resolved to take only one child to the store with me for now until I have better mastery of two (and maybe a third arm).

Moses is using a spoon like a pro now, and this week, he mastered eating yogurt, cereal, and soup with minimal mess. As a cereal fanatic, I couldn't be prouder of my little Cheerios eater. There's nothing like enjoying a breakfast of toasted oats together in the morning while his little brother snoozes. His obsession with yogurt is a little scary at the moment, but I guess there are much worse foods he could be addicted to.

Moses has also started climbing tall furniture and reaching counter tops with the help of a toddler-sized chair he's had for ages but only recently found worth his time. I've had several mini-heart attacks this week as I've found him on top of our desk, laying atop our console table, and (once!) at our butcher block with a knife. These recent events have me reconsidering our household layout and I expect we'll be doing a lot more toddler-proofing in the coming days.

Dave's parents and niece also stopped by on Saturday to see Milo and Moses (and us, too). Milo enjoyed all the attention from his grandparents and Moses was giggling non-stop with his cousin, Jasmin.

I aim to start posting regularly again soon and will be sure to post more pictures of the boys, too. Poor Milo's life hasn't been chronicled nearly enough as it should have been at this point, but I'm going to make an earnest effort to get the camera out more these days.

Just like old times

Thank goodness Moses hasn't let the recent changes in our household affect his tendency for inopportune sleeping.