How did that happen?

I believe now we are all caught up on images. Now maybe I can get back to some stories. I heard from a lot of you that you do read my blog, but not through the comments! So, I guess I should just keep plugging along.
We have entered a "How did that happen?" stage. I understand this stage is very long, and can perhaps last 20 - 50 years even. This is the stage where I look down and he has no binky, and I look up and he has the binky in his mouth. This is quite a momentous and celebratory occasion, as he loves to take out his binky, stare at it and try to put it back backwards. I still have not seen him figure it out for himself yet - but it must have happened, unless someone's ghost is around to insert bink.
Even more exciting, he was on his tummy, and then he was not. We have not yet seen him roll back from his tummy yet though the kid loves to roll onto it. Hours of Mom running to the rescue to roll him upright again, as LJ hates to be on his tummy. Why does he keep rolling onto his tummy one might ask? If you have the answer, let us know. I am looking forward to the day the kiddo rolls back all the time. But for now I will take the roll back on the aerobed (I think it was easier because he was near the edge that comes up a bit) while I was folding laundry.
And the latest "How did that happen?" - not a good one - it finally happened. The bugger woke up from his morning nap yesterday screaming. I go into see what all the commotion is about, and he is completely unswaddled and on his tummy. I wonder if we are entering the no swaddling zone, which is very sad for me. I was hoping they made those velco-cheating blankets for 12 year olds.

I realize this is only the very beginning and we have a lot of things to look forward to - be scared about... It is amazing that in one fold of pants I missed his first roll back, or in one cleaning of the bottle his first pick up the bink. Perhaps we should stop using the bink that much before he asks for it!

Manshower

We had a Manshower on Sunday. Joel then likes to say: "No, it is not kinky."

Maybe you guys know them, Pat and Keri. They are two of the nicest people anyone can be friends with. When I had my baby shower, Keri spent what must have been years scanning in photos and making a gorgeous DVD. So, I needed to return the favor to her now that she is 9 months pregnant!
Only problem, Keri DID NOT want a shower. No Shower she kept saying! She only registered after much convincing by our friend Lauren and I. So, how was I going to repay them for all of their kindness? Plus - every new mom and dad needs an ridiculous amount of stuff... How were they going to get all this stuff?
Enter the idea - Manshower! Pat is going to be at home with the little bugger most of the time anyway. He has already been given the Mr. Mom title. He asks me about mommy's afternoon outs that we will be doing. Why not throw him a manshower? We invited all of the boys, and it was held during a football game, just pizza for ordering - it all seemed to work out great!
As an extra treat, and because Keri really needed something - the girls went to the spa! Nice! Congrats Pat and Keri, we cannot wait to meet your little bundle of joy. LJ and he/she are sure to be best friends for many years to come!

Some more photos...

From our very fun Holiday extravaganza!

Miss Diana

Yesterday while Uncle Pat was having his Manshower (next post), LJ, Aunt Jennie, and both Grandmas went to Diana's house. Looks like the guy had a good time with all of the ladies!

Take note of him modeling some of his new Christmas wear.

Look at those two!
Somebody loves their Aunt Jennie!

Now the question for the day is, what should LJ call lovely ladies like Diana? Mrs. Gould? Aunt Diana? Miss Diana? I hear some people think you should not use Aunt unless it is the real blood thing, but that was not how I was raised, I have lots of non-blood Aunts and Uncles, still. Ideas? Thoughts?

And, even more provoking - is it Aunt (ANT) or Aunt (Ahhh-nnnt).

Christmas Dinner Fun

I am really behind on some photo posts, but do not have much to say since the majority of my blogs are read by Karen - and she was there. I know the Jenkins family is also a big fan of my blog too! But, they had their own fun Christmases with their little ones. So, if you are hungry for more story - comment on this post, I am not sure anyone else is reading out there!

Christmas Fun

Here are some shots from the holiday. As you can see, the excersaucer was a big hit. He once again managed to double his wardrobe, and he had more presents than anyone else in the room combined! We can't wait to see what next year will hold!

Top 10: Newfound Time

The Top Ten Things I do now because I do not Pump:

As you all may know, I had to pump. It is as awful as you may imagine it. Enough with the visuals. Anywho, when he turned 4 months I decided to start to end the pumping. From 8 times a day, to none. At 8 times a day - 20 minutes to a 1/2 hour for each time - (pump for 12-15 minutes, then clean up, etc.) that adds up quickly to a lot of time! Now I have lots of time back on my hands! How will I spend it?

#10. Hanging out with the little guy of course!

9. Exercise! (has not begun yet, but will begin in the New Year... I hope...). Now, instead of 20 minutes to a half hour of pumping before my morning shower while he is napping... I can do 20 minutes to a 1/2 hour of exercise!

8. Making his own food. Since I can no longer make his own food, I thought I would make his own food. Meaning, right now we are working on fresh applesauce, mushed squash, and he has already enjoyed some organic pears. Grammie Hedy got us this great baby food machine - and we are having a ball cooking!

7. Photo sessions, as exhibited on this post.

6. Blogging. Ok, so I have been slacking lately, but I hope to get back on track.

5. Looking for something to do. Not too seriously, but trying to get back on the bandwagon somehow. Avon lady? Sell my homemade organic baby food? Grant writing for hire? Right now I am sticking with the volunteer work, so the MFA and my town are winning in this category.

4. Relax. A glass of wine comes much easier now that I do not have to worry about how it will effect the pumping. A glass of wine before bed is heavenly!

3. Communicate. Sounds weird, but I need to keep better touch with friends and family. I may even break out the pen and write a ... letter.

2. Cook. Not just for the baby! But for me. We need to focus on eating better. One of my 2010 resolutions is to make a recipe from each cookbook I own. Take that Julie Powell (from Julie and Julia). I betcha Julia Child would like me better too. Anyway, this is a way to have homemade foods, potentially healthier too! (except for the recipes I will be making from the Paula Deen cookbooks... Those will inevitably have sticks and sticks of butter). Ironic that I will be focusing on eating healthier AFTER I have stopped pumping...

and the number one thing I have time for now that I do not have to pump....

SLEEP!

(please note, most of these activities are made easier by my SAHM status. And I am thankful for that. In no way would the author like to suggest that by not breastfeeding you too will have time to be a better rested, thinner, Martha Stewart. This is purely the author's fantasy and way to help her rationalize that even though breastfeeding did not work out for her, other things can.)

Questions

I need some help from all the moms out there. Here are a few questions on the mind lately:

How do you do "meals" with your child? Now that we are adding food to his diet, I have been giving it to him with his bottle. Should we have a separate meal from the bottle? Any neat food tricks out there? Any tasty bites we should try? So far he is a cereal expert, and he tried his first fruit yesterday, pears. (he has had prunes before... but those were to get him to you know...). He is five months old, so he has some time yet before food is an important part of his diet, I realize that this is just for fun at this point. He is still getting 28 ounces a day otherwise.

The little bugger has taken to waking up at 5:30 - how do I get him to sleep later? CIO worked, but now what is with the early wake up?

Any toys that are fun and must-haves for a little guy? He is getting really into toys these days. He loves to chew on things too. I have learned Sophie is great. And, we are getting the excersaucer for Christmas. We tried the jumper last night for the first time, and what a hit!

He rolls onto his tummy, but once there is not happy. How do we get him to roll all the way? Any advice there? Also, how do I help him learn to sit up? I am slightly jealous as the babies at Gymboree and my preggo in the pool friend's kids are all sitting up now on their own. LJ is a month behind them in age so I know I shouldn't worry too much, but I would love for the little man to sit on his own!

LJ's 12 Days of Christmas

As the Books say to sing to the little guy, I have created my new 12 Days of Christmas especially for him. He loves it, especially the five part. Family, you are encouraged to learn this for Christmas:

On the 12th day of Christmas my Mommy gave to me 12 Harrods' Bears

11 bowls of rice

10 squeaky toys

9 adorable outfits

8 poopy diapers

7 gymboree classes

6 new best friends

5 kisses from Aunt Jennie....

4 grandparents

3 great grandparents

2 smelly dogs,

and

A cranky old Aunt Pat from Woodside, Queens.

Missed Florida

I decided to post some photos from Florida that were taken in our absence. Other than this and a few quotes, which I will list below... I am not quite sure what went on!
Grammie called the first morning with him and said: "He is so wonderful, he sleeps."

As with most travels, my little guy was a little irregular. Grumpy calls up on Sunday to announce: "Prunes are effective."

He does not like oatmeal.

I packed way too many outfits!

Winter

Winter has set in. As you can see above, I am getting pretty good at bundling up the little joy. Since we do not have one of those "bundle me" car seat things, I just dress him warm and stick a blanket around him. He usually comes out like a little sweat monster. But, at least he is not cold?
With the holidays around the corner we have been having a lot of celebration. Usually at our house to accommodate his early bedtime. Though Saturday we made our first trip to Hingham to visit Auntie Bobo and Uncle Nick in their new awesome house! LJ especially loves the bathrooms.

We had the Kings and Keri over on Friday night in what seemed like it could have been a New Years celebration. One of my friends asked me what we were doing for New Years this year - and now that there is little buddy, there is no question. We will be at home, watching the tv. We are not quite the glamour kids anymore (though I am not sure we ever were on New Years).
I am still waiting on word about Florida, so I am sorry Part 2 is late, or will continue to be missing! In the meantime I hope to keep you updated. I have a post I must save because it involves someone's Christmas present. Otherwise all is status quo. The little bugger still likes to roll on his tummy and then proceeds to scream in anger that he is on his tummy. He does this ALL THE TIME. No longer can mom drop him on his mat and go to the bathroom! I am looking forward to if Santa brings us that Excersaucer thing.
Other excitements - he is trying to crawl. Far from it, believe me... But when he is on his tummy he is trying to move forward so much (it usually ends with him backward about an inch or two). It looks like he might be doing an army crawl by New Years.

He is also eating well. He likes his rice and oatmeal with bananas. But, don't dare try to give him straight oatmeal. Not a fan. He is starting to get a bit bored with it I think, so I might try a veggie pretty soon. Peas? Squash? I was going to try to wait until five months. But, hey, he is a Hall and we like to eat.

I have stopped pumping too. Which is a whole nother story for a whole nother time. I still feel guilty which is sad. But, hey - there are still 100s of ounces left in the freezer!

Hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season!

Florida, Part 1

We are back!

I could bore you with the horribleness (it is a word now) of the airport and plane ride. Eh, I guess I cannot complain too much as he really was an angel. It was the rest of the airport and people that stunk. But, then again, I have never been a fan of flying. Add cranky child, hungry mom with no usual pre-plane booze, and really dirty bathrooms and things do not turn out too well. But we survived. And, have learned. No matter what the cost, you need a third seat for your child. Either that or first class so at least they can bring Mommy her wine.
All I will have to say about the plane ride is that I can now go on Survivor and do the last challenge where you have to stand or sit in an awkward position for a long time. I am really good at this. For fear the child would start screaming I tried to stay still for the entire 3-1/2 hour flight down. The flight home was tough though.

So, I will share some photos. I am hoping that Grammie Hedy will send in a write-up of the weekend with the guy. We just saw him at the pool on Saturday and then again on Monday. So, she has some time to fill in!

91 Year Old Crazies

And no, I am not talking about Aunt Pat. She is 90.

Today we went shopping with Auntie Bobo. It was a great time. A fabric store with lots of colors to overwhelm and excite the little man. I carried him most of the time, as you can imagine fabric stores are not too stroller friendly. We went to help Bobo pick out some fabric for her new home, but of course I ended up with over $100 worth of fabric myself... But that is a story for another blog of a different name.

Anywho, upon leaving the fabric store I noticed a distinct stench. Before I could announce my curiosity about said stench, Bobo confirmed it. Uh, oh. The little munchkin had been holding his #2 for at least a day (a new excitement ever since we started him on cereal), so I knew it was going to be bad. Especially since my star pooper formerly went about 4 times a day. Sorry for the graphics, but they add the to story, trust me.

Also, sidebar. He was wearing his blowout pants. Every time I put him in the damn dinosaur jeans he blows out and it is a mess. Those pants can walk on their own they have so much stain remover on them. I should have known better.

Oh, and I forgot to mention too - fabric store - in Lynn. Not the most exciting, or comforting city in the world. Really, I thought - this is not the "city of sin" people say it is. Until what happens next.

I decide the fabric store would not have a suitable venue for poop changing, and I need to drop stuff off at my car anyway. Bobo confirms what I wanted to do anyway - a quick diapey change in the trunk of the car will be fine. So what if it is 50 degrees out, it will toughen the guy I think. But in all seriousness, I really didn't think that would be too bad. Max 1 minute without clothes, and the guy was roasting in his car seat and in the hotter than africa fabric store anyway, he could use a cool down.

So, I proceed to do the deed. And immediately notice my 1 minute maximum was going to be more like 10 with a stark naked baby. Blow out city. And, while changing him I do the unthinkable and put the clean onesie on before dirty diaper is changed, but I figure it is cold - he needs something on. Of course, the little dude pees all over the only clean onesie I have left and his sweatshirt all while kicking the poop all over me, my fancy diaper bag, and his last clean binky. Nice. At least the bugger is laughing through it.

Next stop, the crazy 91 year old. This psycho woman comes rushing over (as fast as she can rush, if you can imagine) with her walker, screaming "bad mother!" or something to the effect. And proceeded to tell me he was cold. Yes, thank you lady, I get it. And continued to tell me these things until I cursed at her to get away. Bobo tried a nicer statement "don't you need to go shopping?" But I cursed. Something clicked in this lady and after I cursed she decided to start calling me a good mother, but not until after she first asked if I was the grandmother. WHAT?

I like to think that if Aunt Pat was there, she would have surely kicked this woman's ass. We finally got him all suited up. So what if there was a little pee. I pretty much got 95% of remnants of poop off, which I decided was good enough at the time. Good thing I brought an extra coat for the guy! And off to lunch we went. The little pooper was so happy with himself that he chugged a bunch of formula and proceeded to sleep through lunch, and the ride home.

The moral of the story is, do not change diapers on the streets of Lynn. No matter what the temperature. I will now always look at these fabulous seat cushions and throw pillows and think of poop.

Turkey Day

Here are some shots of the little man with Nana on Turkey day! He seemed to love being the center of attention all day long. And, boy did it exhaust him as he took a few long naps! We are decided we were most thankful for him, of course!
And, we cannot wait until next year when he will be throwing mashed potatoes all over my nice dining room!
In other news, the cry it out at night seemed to work - the only thing is he still wakes up, generally once in the middle of the night, and cries for 5-10 minutes. Does this go away? We ignore it as per the cry it out rules, but I am thinking I am sick of this... Any thoughts?
He is loving his cereal, and we are quickly going through our frozen milk supply. I am down to only pumping twice a day and can see giving it up altogether within the next few weeks. I will still lug the damn thing down to Florida, but at least I do not have to pump in the airport. Gross.
This week there is lots of prep for our Florida trip. I am still nervous about traveling, but will do it. We are renting a car seat down there, and needed to buy another stroller so he will have something to sit in at the airport. What a nightmare with the stroller! I am against having more than one, and just wanted an umbrella stroller - but our munchkin is too young for one of those, so we had to get a Maclaren (with recalled changes). Our Uppababy is too big for us to take to gate check. Any advice? I am thinking we will use it for the weekend, and then try to return it... Don't tell R'us.