From the very beginning…
Archive for December, 2007
His First Steps!!!
0Ian took his first steps today! We’re not talking about a step and then a stumble either. We’re talking about four or five steps without any support. He went from Jesse to me and did it all without a hitch. Unfortunately, he hasn’t done it again or we would have tried getting it on camera. :( He’s been taking tiny steps all week (the one step stumble), but now it looks like he’s getting ready to walk. He’s definitely pushing his walker and tables around more and he likes to hold on to our hands and walking. Give him until the end of January and I would be surprised if he isn’t walking completely unhindered.
10 Months!
0
He’s 10 months old and starting to walk. That’s probably the biggest thing that has occurred this month. He’s not walking on his own, but he is definitely cruising along the furniture and he’s already trying to take that first step without support. We think we’ve seen him take a step a couple of different times, but it’s always been out of the corner of our eye. But for now, he’s attempting the walking issue. Nana helped him along when she gave him the walker for Christmas. He hasn’t really used it that much yet, he’s been too busy pushing his activity tables around; but I think once he realizes what it can do for him, he’ll be all over the place. Be prepared to see him walking at the end of this month. Oh! Ian also received his third tooth – one of his top front teeth – from Santa this year. And he has another on the way.
Jesse finally gave Ian a burrito and he seemed to have taken it well. He made up one of his burritos – which includes olives, hamburger, refried beans, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, cheese, and lettuce – stuck it in the blender and presto…instant baby food. It was a little chunky, but that’s the way Ian likes it. We were going to start trying to make our own baby food at the beginning of the month, but Ian has no desire to mess with that stuff anymore. We can still give it to him occasionally, but he does not want it for every meal. We have transitioned to table food. I’m still trying to find meal combinations to give him for lunch since I’m not a big lunch fan myself, but we’re working on it.
We’re trying not to allow Ian to watch too much TV. I used to have it on a lot for background noise (now I have the laptop, I have my music) and Ian didn’t really pay too much attention to it. That changed when we put in the Muppet Show. There was nothing on TV one night and we threw it in since it’s something we both like. Ian went nuts and stayed glued to the TV the entire time they were on. He’s not a big fan of Fraggle Rock, but he likes Kermit and the gang. Our opinion – it’s better than Barney.
SLEEP UPDATE – Ian is not sleeping through the night yet, but he’s almost there. He’s still getting up at least once a night, but that’s pretty much it. There were a couple of nights that he slept through the entire night, but then we went to BC for Christmas and along the way developed an ear infection. That kind of screwed everything up. He’s starting to get better now, so I’m hoping we’ll get back to trying to sleep all night. When he does get up at night, he’s not generally up for long. It seems like he needs to reassure himself that I’m still there. We did get one surprise a couple of nights ago. Ian was in bed and Jesse & I were playing Puzzle Pirates. I was in the middle of a battle so Jesse went in to comfort Ian when he woke up. After the battle, I went in to relieve Jesse and Ian was not happy about that. He wanted back into daddy’s arms when I tried to take him. It was so cute. He clung to Jesse and they rocked together until Ian went back to sleep. That may not seem odd to many people, but Jesse never gets up with Ian at night, so Ian is always used to me. The fact that he wanted daddy and not me was amazing. It made my night.
I’m starting to think about what to do for his first birthday. I know it’s still 2 months away, but with all the family being out of town, I need to figure out where I’m going to have it. There’s no way we can have it here – we simply do not have the room. I haven’t put much thought into it, but I’m starting to plan. If anyone has any ideas, let me know.
Ian’s 1st Christmas
1I honestly have no idea what to say about Ian’s first Christmas. It’s strange, but all I can think of is where I’m going to put all his toys. He really made out in the toy department. I’m going to go through his current toys and see what we can’t pack up because he’s either outgrown them or hasn’t played with them in awhile. Yes, you do see a drum set in the first picture. You can thank Grandma Morgan for that one. Although, to be honest, Jesse and I have been looking at a percussion set and this made Jesse’s day. Now ask him if he’s still excited about the drum set after a day or two and we’ll see if he’s changed his mind. :) Ian also got a couple of activity tables from the two of us. He goes nuts over the one at our Mom’s Group and we couldn’t pass up the chance of getting him fixated on something other than our bookshelves. Among his other toys are more musical instruments and a walker that turns into a ride. He’s already trying to walk, but he hasn’t made it past the couch yet. With the walker, we’re thinking he’s going to be taking off anytime. Look out world! We’re now officially two full months away from his first birthday. Man has this year gone by.
11th Month Milestones
016 years
Here’s a look at what’s to come provided by Enfamil:
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Cruising the Furniture
This month, it may be helpful to think of your baby as an Olympic athlete. Walking is his sport. But he can’t win the gold medal without hours and hours of training. That’s why your little contender seems obsessed with standing and with hanging onto the furniture.
Sometime soon he’ll let go and take his first step. Then you’ll know it’s time to stand up and cheer. In the meantime, give your baby lots of encouragement. Standing, stepping, and balancing are all tough skills to master. And now he has to coordinate all three. Which means he needs lots of supervision, too. “Cruising” the furniture is risky business. He’s bound to wind up tumbling over now and then. A small price to pay for victory.
“Bye-Bye”
One of the highlights of parenting happens in these last months of your baby’s first year. You’ve been talking to your baby all his life. Suddenly one day he’ll start talking to you. A world of communication opens up when your child starts putting words to objects and people.
Expect him to start small. Sentences are beyond him. So are big words. He might start with single syllables. “Da” for Daddy or “buh” for bye-bye. Simple and sweet. You’ll never forget the way he says his first words.
Becoming More Independent
Your baby is so determined to walk, he’ll try almost anything that works. What happens if he takes two big steps? Two little steps? Should he hold the crib rail with his right hand or left? He’s conducting experiments. He’s also learning that there’s more than one way to do things. The freedom to experiment gives your baby’s confidence a boost.
One small step for your baby is a big step for his independence. Freedom is thrilling. You might feel a little wistful, watching your baby cruise around the room. He’s not a cuddly little newborn anymore. But he needs you as much as ever. Pretty soon you’ll be walking hand in hand.
Brain Teaser
Did you know…many of your baby’s experiences, as well as connections in the motor areas of his brain, help him learn to walk?
Did you Know
Baby talk may start to take on some real meaning now. He’s also beginning to comprehend some of the words directed at him, especially if you add familiar intonations and facial expressions.
Activity
With all that physical activity, your baby may need help calming down. Reading to him can help him relax.
Standing On His Own Two Feet
Your baby is steady enough on his feet to stand on his own. At some point between 9 and 14 months, he’ll take his first step. And even though his little feet might not take him far, it’s a giant step for both of you. Until then, he’ll be “cruising†along the furniture, testing his balance, and trying to push himself to go just one baby step farther. It’s all part of his new self-confidence and independence.
Party Preparations
Believe it or not, it’s time to start preparing for your baby’s first birthday. But before you stock up on invitations, think about a small gathering of just your immediate family. At this age, too much noise is apt to upset your baby. So the fewer the people, the merrier. But feel free to have as many balloons and streamers as you like. And a cake that’s big enough to photograph. Or anything else that makes you happy. After all, this is your celebration as much as your baby’s. You’ve made it through one year of motherhood.
Look What’s Coming
* It’s been an eventful year — for the two of you!
* Learn about her nutritional needs in the coming year.
* Upgrade her toys, she’s moving on.
Life past baby food
216 years
As everyone is aware of by now, Ian has started eating table foods now. It’s gotten to the point where he doesn’t even like regular baby food anymore. I can give him some and he’ll take a little of it, but as soon as Jesse or I sit down with food, he’s right there all hungry again. So now I’m looking for good lunchtime meals. It’s been so long since I actually made myself lunch that I’ve sorta forgot what it entails. I’ve picked up some things that I think Ian should be able to eat, but I’m looking for more suggestions. I’ve already received some help, so if there’s something I’m missing, please chime in.
- Applesauce
- Cottage Cheese
- Sliced soft lunch meat (towards 1 yr)
- Toast (w/grape jelly)
- Crackers
- Graham Crackers
- Rice
- Spaghetti (Noodles and Sauce)
- Cooked Frozen Peas/corn
- Boca Burgers (really good idea, cut into pieces)
- Boca Chix patties
- Watermelon (fresh food feeder)
- Cantaloupe (fresh food feeder)
- Bananas
- Soft Granola Bars (fruit center)
- Mashed Potatoes
- Baked Apple (easy in microwave/toaster oven)
- Mac n Cheese
- Oatmeal
- Biscuits
- Hard Bread
- Soups/Stews (just make sure the pieces are cut)
I was also given these suggestions for when Ian started 3rd foods, but he’s way past that.
- Canned Foods: (microwave for 20 seconds the warm ones)
- Green beans
- Cream corn (nutritional value?)
- Peaches
- Mixed veggies (potatoes, carrots etc, good with shredded cheese)
- Diced/cut carrots (cut these smaller-carrots are slippery)
- Pears
- New Potatoes
- Peas
- Ravioli (cut smaller of course)
- Gerber Pasta Pick-ups (cut smaller)
What I’ve learned about baby food
016 years
Ever since Ian started eating baby food, I’ve learned some things that are handy to know.
- Don’t buy 1st foods – I know the doctor says to start off with the first foods (i.e. squash, carrots, applesauce, etc), but the only difference between the 1st foods and the 2nd foods is the consistency and you’re suppose to thicken it up with cereal anyway. Why waste the money on the smaller containers when you’re just turning it into the next stage?
- Rice cereal can be troublesome – It’s the first type of cereal we’re suppose to start out on, but next time, as soon as I can migrate to oatmeal cereal, I’m going to. Rice had a tendency to bind Ian up so much, that it affected his sleep. At 4 months old, I wanted to get more sleep at night, not less. He was sleeping so well until we tried the rice cereal.
- Gerber Graduates – The fruit and veggie puffs are awesome; the dried fruit is better than what you can find in the produce section; and they have these little meals that Ian can pick up with his fingers. Everything fits perfectly into his little hands and he can feed himself. He’s extremely messy when he tries to feed himself, but he can do it. These are perfect to teach and learn on, but I wouldn’t depend on them for everyday meals and snacks. For one, once Ian started eating more and more, they get to the point where you need more to keep him happy and that is just too expensive. By the time Ian mastered the fruit puffs, he was already eating animal crackers and pretzels.
- Just in case 3rd foods – The stage 3 foods from Gerber are nice to have on hand. Once Ian started wanting table food, I stopped using them as meals for him. However, there have been times they’ve come in handy. For instance, when I make something he can’t have or I’ll stash a couple jars in his diaper bag in case we’re out and about and he’s hungry for more than dried fruit. They are good for snacks during the day and when you’re traveling and you can’t share your meal. Plus, they only have six different types, so he gets bored with them fast.
- Juice – Start juice when you start the baby food. I didn’t start giving Ian juice until he was six months old and he wouldn’t take it at all. At the time, he was still getting breastmilk, so I don’t know if that had anything to do with it, but he would not take the juice. I’ve also found that he’ll take the mix fruit juice better than apple juice or any other single type juices. Once I started mixing up the foods and giving him meals (aka chicken noodle or beef vegetable), he started taking juice a lot more.
- Water / Hot & Cold – It took us awhile to get Ian to drink water. Mainly because it always ended up being warm. He does not like anything cold. He’s getting better at it now, but that first bite still gets an ugly face. It wasn’t until we could get him to take cold water that he started taking other things that are cold. I’m not talking about going cold turkey and going from hot to cold within moments, but definitely start cooling down water until the baby could handle it.
I feel like there is more than I haven’t mentioned yet, so I’m going to continually update this. I can’t think of anything else right this minute, but I know something will come to me.
Just like daddy…
1I can’t remember what he was doing, but Jesse was messing with Draccus and Jaxon out in the living room and Ian just had to see what was going on. He was so curious about what Jesse was doing, that we couldn’t keep him away.
I can’t remember if I’ve said anything in the past, but Ian has started to figure out that he can stand on his own. He’s not doing it for long periods of time, but he’s been able to do it for longer and longer. It’s almost as if he can do it as long as he doesn’t realize it. Once you point it out, that’s when he falls down.
Kermit Rules!
1The one thing Jesse has put his foot down about is that he doesn’t want Ian to get caught up in the “child fabs” – aka Barney, Blues Clues, Elmo, Teletubbies, Dora the Explorer, etc. However, he doesn’t have a problem with the Muppets. In fact, neither does Ian.
Our cable went out tonight so we decided to watch some Muppets (we have season 1, but we need season 2) and Ian can’t get enough of them. At the moment, Ian can’t get close enough to Kermit or Frozie and he’s just riveted to the TV. We’re going to have to be careful when we have the Muppets on.
2am Playtime
016 years
So yeah, last night Ian decides to wake up about 2am. I try comforting him in his crib since he’s not sitting up yet. That didn’t last long. He sits up and I bring him out into the living room to rock. Oh my god, you would have thought I was smothering the poor boy. He did not want to rock, be held, nothing. He was throwing such a fit and at 2am in the morning. So I put him on the floor and he’s as happy as a lark. He races off to his toy chest and starts to play. Since he’s happy now, I go to pick him up so we can rock and go back to sleep. Again with the screaming and fidgeting. Put him back on the floor….smiles and laughs all around. My son wanted to get up and play at 2am.
By this time, Jesse and I are both up and we’re trying to figure out what to do. Ian doesn’t want to cuddle or go back to sleep, but both of us want him to sleep because we’re tired. So we decide that Jesse is going to stay up with Ian, while I go back to bed and get some sleep. The theory is he can sleep in, while I normally get up with Ian in the morning. Plus Jesse was already on his laptop and he was saying he wouldn’t be able to sleep knowing Ian was up anyway.
I should also mention that we had already tried giving him a 4oz bottle (he’s only been getting 4oz since we’re trying to wean him off of a night bottle). He took it and wanted to go back to playing. After I was able to sleep for about 30 minutes, while Jesse and Ian were in the living room, I get back up and fix Ian a 6oz bottle. He takes that with no problem and still wants to play. So I decide, if he wants to play, he can do it in his crib while we sleep. That lasted all of 5 minutes. However, I was able to get him to go back to sleep after a few minutes. I’m not sure how long it took me, but the last time I saw the clock, it said 3am.
If he does this to us tonight, he’s going to play in his crib. I have had to do that in the past; where Ian gets up for his bottle, but doesn’t want to go back to sleep. I’ve been able to put him in his crib and he’ll jabber away for a bit before going back to sleep. For some reason, it didn’t work last night.
Burrito Time!
0So at Jackie’s goading, I prepared Ian’s first burrito. Lets see what we have on here…
Refried beans, seasoned beef, onions, taco cheese, black olives, tomatoes, guacamole, sour cream, and lettuce…
Ian got 1/3 of it, I finished the rest for him…
Will it Blend?
yes.
and the final reaction…
All in all he seemed to like it. Good boy.