I am hoping to get some more ideas for questions and get this all on a video, but I'm going to have to be a little creative in doing so. But as we were walking home from the park this afternoon, I thought I'd get a jumpstart on an interview with Mr. Ian. (Post ideas for questions YOU'D like Ian to answer in the comment section.)
What is your favorite color?
Brown. It's the color of my eyes.
What is your favorite cartoon?
My favorite has orange, pink, and yellow in it!
No babe, those are colors. What's your favorite cartoon?
BLUE!
Cartoon, like shows that come on TV...
BLUE BLUE BLUE, that's my favorite color!
Oh, OK. What's your favorite cartoon?
SuperWhy. He can fly!
What is Daddy's job?
He's working right now.
Yes, but what does he do?
I don't know.
OK, where does Daddy work?
At Rackspace!
Where does Mommy work?
Mommy works at home.
What do you like to do with Seth?
Seth is taking a nap.
Yes, but what do you like to do with him?
Give him a kiss.
Where does God live?
I don't know.
What is your favorite thing to eat?
Chicken.
And that's as far as we got until he got distracted by a big truck parked on the street and then the task of getting the mail. Whenever I ask these questions again, I wonder if his answers will be the same.
Monday, January 31
Well, thanks for joining us!
Now that Seth is more active, he really likes the gymnastics place, too! It's especially great that the whole place is padded with mats and such since Seth tends to take a fall every now and then.
Thursday, January 27
Still Around
I guess the past few posts have been about Seth, so here's a little something about Ian. He's still just as busy and talkative as ever. His vocabulary and imagination are growing so much... I am always amazed and amused by this. He's still an outdoorsman, so we've been enjoying the nicer weather around here this week. He loves his cartoons and playing games on mommy's iPhone. Right now, he is obsessed with "the bad guys," and being able to "get them" usually with a gun. He finds them all over the place... on the roof, in the next room, in the car, in mommy's ear... I'm so glad I have him to protect me from all the bad guys. Here are some fun pics and a video from Christmas for your enjoyment. (How about a little Jingle Bells when it's almost February?)
Seth Stats
Seth had his nine month checkup the other day, and for those who are interested:
19 lbs. 2 oz. which is 40th percentile
29.5 inches long, 75th percentile
18.75 cm head circumference, 75th
So, he's still a tall dude with a big head. Over the last month, however, he has only gained the two ounces! John and I noticed that he looked a little slimmer, actually. I guess we can attribute that to crawling and perhaps to the little stomach virus he suffered. Everything else checked out OK at his doctor visit. We are still being careful with dairy even though he seems to be better in that department.
In other news, Seth has a beast of a cold right now. I never know how these little bodies can produce so much SNOT! When he's feeling a little better, I plan on doing a "9-month photo shoot," that is, if little man will actually stay still for a picture!
19 lbs. 2 oz. which is 40th percentile
29.5 inches long, 75th percentile
18.75 cm head circumference, 75th
So, he's still a tall dude with a big head. Over the last month, however, he has only gained the two ounces! John and I noticed that he looked a little slimmer, actually. I guess we can attribute that to crawling and perhaps to the little stomach virus he suffered. Everything else checked out OK at his doctor visit. We are still being careful with dairy even though he seems to be better in that department.
In other news, Seth has a beast of a cold right now. I never know how these little bodies can produce so much SNOT! When he's feeling a little better, I plan on doing a "9-month photo shoot," that is, if little man will actually stay still for a picture!
Monday, January 24
Mr. Milestone
Seth started crawling at the beginning of this month, and boy it's been a busy month. Shortly thereafter, he started pulling up to his knees.
This isn't really a milestone, but Daddy and Ian like to take a trek through the creek near our house. This weekend, Mommy and Seth decided to tag along. It's not stroller-friendly terrain, so we attempted the "rucksack" carry with my wrap. Seth did pretty well with it, although having the 20 lbs. strapped to my back did make for some sore shoulders.
In this next picture, I actually stood Seth up, and he held on to the coffee table. But just today, he pulled up to a stand by himself. Uhoh... I've had a hard enough time adjusting to our little crawler. I'm not sure that I'm ready for the next steps... literally!
Seth is still an awesome eater, and I just finished another round of baby-food making. I added beans to the menu and also included garlic and herbs with his veggies. He's also enjoying blueberries and carrots as favorites right now. The other night we attempted some self-feeding... peas and blueberries. This is a milestone for mama, because wow, what a mess. I don't like messes. But he was so happy and proud of himself. I know he'll be a messy eater for a while, so I better start getting used to it. My baby is growing up!
Since he's become more mobile, it's been fun to go places like the gymnastics place and the park. We have to keep the plug in though because otherwise he puts everything (like wood chips) in his mouth. Like his brother, he loves to be outside. Today he laughed and laughed while he was in the swing.
This isn't really a milestone, but Daddy and Ian like to take a trek through the creek near our house. This weekend, Mommy and Seth decided to tag along. It's not stroller-friendly terrain, so we attempted the "rucksack" carry with my wrap. Seth did pretty well with it, although having the 20 lbs. strapped to my back did make for some sore shoulders.
In this next picture, I actually stood Seth up, and he held on to the coffee table. But just today, he pulled up to a stand by himself. Uhoh... I've had a hard enough time adjusting to our little crawler. I'm not sure that I'm ready for the next steps... literally!
Seth is still an awesome eater, and I just finished another round of baby-food making. I added beans to the menu and also included garlic and herbs with his veggies. He's also enjoying blueberries and carrots as favorites right now. The other night we attempted some self-feeding... peas and blueberries. This is a milestone for mama, because wow, what a mess. I don't like messes. But he was so happy and proud of himself. I know he'll be a messy eater for a while, so I better start getting used to it. My baby is growing up!
Thursday, January 20
Farewell Bouncy Seat
An ode to the bouncy seat
With bold print in blue
You cradled my children
And they both adored you.
But now the time has come
At around 8 months of age
When the children grow out of
That bouncy seat stage.
I bought you at a garage sale
For $3 so cheap,
And you offered a place,
To sit, rock, and sleep.
For a weary mom's arms
Or a baby in tears
You were truly a help
In these early baby years.
But children, they grow
They crawl, walk, jump, run
And so my dear bouncy seat
Your time is now done.
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| Ian James, March 2008 |
 |
| Seth Evan, May 2010 |
Saturday, January 15
Mother of Two
It should probably go without saying that having two kids is harder than just having one. However, there are several areas in which I struggle to find a good balance. Perhaps it will always be a challenge since my attention now has to be split between two kids who have different needs and personalities. It's also strange to me that I love them both so much (and equally, of course) but some days I'm just not too fond of one or the other. Let's just say overall, it's a constant learning experience... and balancing act!
For example, I am always struggling with the schedule of things. Ian likes to go and do. I truly think that Seth does, too, now that we've gotten over his dislike of riding in the car. Mid-morning is an ideal time to get out and go somewhere... a play area, a park, even shopping. Both Ian and I welcome the chance to get out and about, but poor Seth, alas, that is naptime. He really functions better overall when I stick to a good nap schedule for him. He's actually pretty compliant when we go somewhere, however. I find myself trying to find a good balance between offering activities for Ian, yet honoring Seth's need for sleep. I think this probably should mean that we don't go somewhere EVERY day, but once in a while.
Seth is at a pretty cute age these days. He's crawling. He's babbling. He's expressive. It's hard not to just goosh over everything he does, you know... baby him. But this is also hard with a toddler around... who doesn't understand why we would praise his brother so much for crawling. Duh, I can crawl, too, Mom. I've been doing it for years, in fact. I can tell that Ian's not too crazy about Seth getting more attention than he used to. Ian would probably prefer the baby blob who doesn't say or do much.
I had been pleased and fascinated with how loving Ian had been toward his little brother so far. Well, that was before Seth actually became a threat... little man now goes after Ian's toys, requires more attention at meal times, and actually interacts with mom and dad who love to see his new developments. Things happen so rapidly for babies starting at this age, and let's face it, the advancements are slowing down for Ian. I need to find the balance to help Ian know that we are just as proud of what he can do, too.
So, there are days when Seth's cuteness just warms my heart while Ian's back-talking and defiance receive my cold glare. And don't get me wrong... it goes the other way around, too. Some days when Seth is fussy, I just wish he could tell me what's wrong. So, while I'm frustrated at his lack of ability to communicate, I am enthralled to converse with my toddler who loves to come up with wild stories and tell me all about his day.
While it's hard enough trying to figure out the proper balance of attention and consideration to give to each child's needs, let's not forget the needs of mom and dad which often get overlooked. Now that is probably a blog post in and of itself, and as our family dynamics continue to change as we all get, well... older, it will be interesting to see what challenges lie ahead. But there is also excitement to be had... from little things like the boys playing together even at such a young age and the quiet times John and I enjoy after the boys go to bed... and big things like a trip to Sea World or visiting family and friends.
So, I love being a mother of two and having our little family of four. With all the good and even the bad, it's really like nothing I could ever imagine... which is precisely why it keeps me on my toes!
For example, I am always struggling with the schedule of things. Ian likes to go and do. I truly think that Seth does, too, now that we've gotten over his dislike of riding in the car. Mid-morning is an ideal time to get out and go somewhere... a play area, a park, even shopping. Both Ian and I welcome the chance to get out and about, but poor Seth, alas, that is naptime. He really functions better overall when I stick to a good nap schedule for him. He's actually pretty compliant when we go somewhere, however. I find myself trying to find a good balance between offering activities for Ian, yet honoring Seth's need for sleep. I think this probably should mean that we don't go somewhere EVERY day, but once in a while.
Seth is at a pretty cute age these days. He's crawling. He's babbling. He's expressive. It's hard not to just goosh over everything he does, you know... baby him. But this is also hard with a toddler around... who doesn't understand why we would praise his brother so much for crawling. Duh, I can crawl, too, Mom. I've been doing it for years, in fact. I can tell that Ian's not too crazy about Seth getting more attention than he used to. Ian would probably prefer the baby blob who doesn't say or do much.
I had been pleased and fascinated with how loving Ian had been toward his little brother so far. Well, that was before Seth actually became a threat... little man now goes after Ian's toys, requires more attention at meal times, and actually interacts with mom and dad who love to see his new developments. Things happen so rapidly for babies starting at this age, and let's face it, the advancements are slowing down for Ian. I need to find the balance to help Ian know that we are just as proud of what he can do, too.
So, there are days when Seth's cuteness just warms my heart while Ian's back-talking and defiance receive my cold glare. And don't get me wrong... it goes the other way around, too. Some days when Seth is fussy, I just wish he could tell me what's wrong. So, while I'm frustrated at his lack of ability to communicate, I am enthralled to converse with my toddler who loves to come up with wild stories and tell me all about his day.
While it's hard enough trying to figure out the proper balance of attention and consideration to give to each child's needs, let's not forget the needs of mom and dad which often get overlooked. Now that is probably a blog post in and of itself, and as our family dynamics continue to change as we all get, well... older, it will be interesting to see what challenges lie ahead. But there is also excitement to be had... from little things like the boys playing together even at such a young age and the quiet times John and I enjoy after the boys go to bed... and big things like a trip to Sea World or visiting family and friends.
So, I love being a mother of two and having our little family of four. With all the good and even the bad, it's really like nothing I could ever imagine... which is precisely why it keeps me on my toes!
Monday, January 3
Anxious Anxiety
I wondered how closely the words anxiousness and anxiety were related... seems like the former meant something you were more excited about while the latter meant more like worry. Well, either way, I am excited and worried about this upcoming weekend. Several months ago, I signed up for a scrapbook retreat, and it's hard to believe the time is actually here. Why am I excited? Well, if you haven't noticed, I have two really cute kiddoes, a love for scrapbooking, and therefore projects to catch up on! Why am I anxious? Well, here are two reasons...
Actually, I am less worried about Ian than Seth. Grandpa Alan is coming to make it an official "boys" weekend, and I know he will be able to help a lot with Ian who will love having Grandpa around. Seth, however, we'll... let's just say he's a fussy one... and a mama's boy... and not even weaned, yet. I actually expected to have him weaned by now just because we had so many feeding issues several months ago. But things got better, and nursing is going well. We even had a period when he wouldn't take a bottle. Sheesh!
He took a bottle at Mother's Day Out today, so hopefully John won't have any trouble feeding him this weekend while I'm gone, and I guess I'll just keep up by pumping. I know John is not looking forward to dealing with Seth's fussiness, so hopefully he will shape up! His naps have been a lot better lately, but I don't know how much of his routine is dependent on mama. I guess we'll find out... and maybe he'll snap out of some of his bad habits without mom here to enable him. Or John could just hold Seth for the whole weekend, and he'd be perfectly happy with that.
Actually, I am less worried about Ian than Seth. Grandpa Alan is coming to make it an official "boys" weekend, and I know he will be able to help a lot with Ian who will love having Grandpa around. Seth, however, we'll... let's just say he's a fussy one... and a mama's boy... and not even weaned, yet. I actually expected to have him weaned by now just because we had so many feeding issues several months ago. But things got better, and nursing is going well. We even had a period when he wouldn't take a bottle. Sheesh!
He took a bottle at Mother's Day Out today, so hopefully John won't have any trouble feeding him this weekend while I'm gone, and I guess I'll just keep up by pumping. I know John is not looking forward to dealing with Seth's fussiness, so hopefully he will shape up! His naps have been a lot better lately, but I don't know how much of his routine is dependent on mama. I guess we'll find out... and maybe he'll snap out of some of his bad habits without mom here to enable him. Or John could just hold Seth for the whole weekend, and he'd be perfectly happy with that.
Saturday, January 1
For the Non-Facebookers
I know I posted about it on FB, but we have grandparents who aren't on there, so I thought I'd share these pics real quick. For Christmas, I took advantage of a Groupon that offered half-price tickets to Sea World. After Ian turns three, he will no longer get free admission there, so I thought now would be a good time to go. Realizing that taking a toddler to a series of sit-down-and-be-still shows along with his fussy-pants brother could've been a disaster, we were thankful it turned out to be a very good day!
Ian did sit through the shows just fine... and his favorite was one called Azul where there were people doing lots of flips and acrobatics along with dolphins, beluga whales, and flying parrots. It was truly beautiful, and Ian was ecstatic. He kept shrieking with joy and clapping... our whole section loved this kid. Oh... and when everyone clapped, Seth would clap, too. Super cute!
Ian really has no fear. He rode the roller coaster with me! He had trouble understanding the concept of waiting in line, though.
We ended the day with a Sesame Street show and had the opportunity to meet these guys afterward. Ian was very disappointed that they wouldn't talk, though, and kept saying, "They don't talk! They don't talk! I want them to talk!" We told him they were tired from singing during their show.
Ian did sit through the shows just fine... and his favorite was one called Azul where there were people doing lots of flips and acrobatics along with dolphins, beluga whales, and flying parrots. It was truly beautiful, and Ian was ecstatic. He kept shrieking with joy and clapping... our whole section loved this kid. Oh... and when everyone clapped, Seth would clap, too. Super cute!
Ian really has no fear. He rode the roller coaster with me! He had trouble understanding the concept of waiting in line, though.
We ended the day with a Sesame Street show and had the opportunity to meet these guys afterward. Ian was very disappointed that they wouldn't talk, though, and kept saying, "They don't talk! They don't talk! I want them to talk!" We told him they were tired from singing during their show.
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