Who's the sucker?

After several unsuccessful weeks of trying to get Bug taking a bottle again, hours of research and reading, advise from a few experts, a variety of bottles a nipples, and even a shopping trip for sippy cups, he did it. Bug took a bottle without even a tear.

The catch is I have to be gone from the house, for several hours. Damn, he's cute and smart, and it's good to know he won't starve when I'm away.

Next up: Getting him to take the bottle from me, the lady with the boob. Don't know if I am up for the challenge until he's back to his longer sleep patterns, but the research begins.

13 Weeks

If you thought these weekly Freddie pics would cease after 3 months, you were mistaken. You can count on at least one picture a week of the boy and hopefully some news about his development for quite some time. I'd like to get back to blogging about life in general but it seems as though my time is so limited right now that documenting, if only briefly, Freddie's life is about all that can happen.


The topic of the week is sleep. With the 8-9 hour stretches of nighttime sleep he had been having for 3-4 weeks we talked about moving him to his crib. So I was plopping him in the crib to look at his "aquarium" and to just spend some time in there. I was very surprised to find him putting himself to sleep more than once in there to nap. I suppose Sammy the Seal and his other lovies should come out because he certainly moves around quite a bit in there and I know the crib should be empty to reduce the risk of SIDS.


Anyways, he's not moving to his crib. Not yet anyway. I still like being able to look over in the middle of the night and see him next to me in the cosleeper, but I must report he is no longer sleeping through the night. Each night this week he's put in a 5-6 hour stretch and after an hour of nursing and cuddling he's down for three more hours.


Since he had shortened his sleep stretch we decided to throw all caution to the wind and ditch the swaddle as well. That has meant looking at my Bug in pjs!


And seeing him without the swaddle has let me see he is working on rolling over more than I thought. I actually wonder if he is practicing rolling over during sleep and waking himself up. I open my eyes during the night to find him lying on his side and then he eventually wakes up after some struggling to roll.

Good Morning, Mom! Looking at me, waiting for me to open my eyes.

But tummy time still ain't happening. Any time on the tummy outside of the first hour after starting the day results in melt down mode. I suppose you'll never crawl my dear boy because those arms are not lifting your head, and who needs to roll from their belly to their back anyway?

Trying to get a shot of his hair, but he tracks the camera moving
his head along and won't let me get it above him.

He's not too crazy about the bumbo chair. I suppose his neck is a little weak still for it, but we're getting there. He'll tolerate it for a little while but would much prefer to sit in the bjorn babysitter.


And when watching television he likes to be held. Yes, that's right, he can't take his eyes off the tube. I thought we had some time before he'd get sucked in and turn into a zombie, but apparently not. The television grabs his attention and even makes him smile. Oh my.

Muppet, your protector, always checks on you while you nap in the travel crib.
Sometimes he lies next to it and naps as well.

I have a case of tendinitis in my left hand from lifting the Bug. The doctor recommends a cortisone injection if there isn't any relief in the next week considering it hasn't improved in the past 6 weeks. Suppose I'll get in to do that sometime in June.

We visited a childcare center today where we've been on the waiting list. The plan isn't to need childcare for another year, but we're checking things out just to be informed of our options. The center was what I expected, and had a lower child-staff ratio than I expected (3 to 1 in the infant room). We really like its convenience being a few blocks from LSU so Bug would be a stone's throw away from Charlie. It is downtown so the play yard was not ideal, but they've made a nice space for the kids. Surprisingly I didn't feel panicked about the idea of Freddie being cared for by someone else. And I imagine by this time next year, I'll see his need and desire to be apart from me and with others for part of his day.


We love our Bug. I just want him to experience everything. I'm thankful for the opportunity to help him do just that.

I left him

Today Freddie stayed at the childcare center at the gym. Our gym membership includes childcare and I figured it would be a good first step in transitioning towards having babysitters and other caretakers.

Daddy and I had a racquetball court reserved for 4:00pm so I reserved a spot for Freddie beginning at 3:30pm. Wouldn't you know upon my arrival the girl kindly pointed out that both Freddie and I were covered in poop. Poop on his leg, his outfit, my shirt. First public blow out requiring a change for the both of us was not supposed to happen along with my first time leaving him, but I remained calm and changed him and luckily Daddy had a shirt for me to use in his gym bag. I had no idea I should be carrying a clean shirt for myself in the diaper bag as well. So much stuff. It's a wonder people take babies out of the house.

We managed to get in an hour on the court and a swig of a cold soda afterwards before the childcare center was calling because Freddie was "a little fussy." I could hear him over the phone. He wasn't being a "little" fussy but I knew what she meant....come get this kid, now! Poor guy was screaming his head off and didn't seem to care that I pointed out the other babies sitting in the bouncy seats sucking pacifiers and completely content to look around the room.

He was fine. Tired and probably hungry, but fine. Maybe it would be better to stick him in there in the morning when he's a little more predictable but we'll give it a few more shots in the evening before giving in and creating a new plan.

I was fine too, poop and all. I only checked my cell phone 3 times to make sure I had a signal and the ringer was on, and I didn't feel overly anxious when I saw the number pop up on the phone.

We're getting our money's worth out of this gym membership with Freddie's pool time, my exercise time, and my babysteps in leaving him in childcare and learning baby care on the go.

Home Stretch

Putting in final touches before the tile men arrive on Monday. Filling the tub last night revealed a tiny drip in the drain, so that will be redone tonight. But I think the end is in sight and Charlie will soon have a lot more free time to soak in the new tub.

Bug's First Day at the Pool

In the locker room

I know you can't tell from the photo, but Bug LOVED the pool. He is so very tired in the picture after 1.5 hours in the water. He actually took an almost 2 hour nap after we left, something that is unheard of from him.

After searching for just the right swim diaper for Bug and a mommy suit for me we were finally able to get to the pool today. It was a stormy day, so we waited for the rain to slack off to make a dash for the car. The rain and the start of summer vacation meant the indoor pools were a little crowded and Bug got lots and lots of attention. The white haired ladies doing their aqua aerobics had lots of stories about their grandchildren to share with Bug and me.

He was so stimulated in a new place with so many voices and sounds. The tone inside was a new sound for him with the "echo"iness of the room with the pools. He was also getting that tongue out to test the salty water (the pools are saline rather than chlorinated).

He did more floating than the kicking and splashing he does in the tub. He wanted to be on his back, and was happy to turn his head from side to side to partially submerge his face. I think I'll have to peek in on the "water babies" swim class to get some ideas of what to do with him and to build up my courage to get his face underwater! Hoping there will be a swim class in August when he is old enough (6 months) to attend.

It is quite a bit of work getting us suited up and in the pool as well as dried off and back in the car, but I'm getting used to that "everything takes lots of time and stuff" routine. That I can manage. I still haven't thought out a clear plan for when the swim diaper leaks after a blowout.

Lovin'

"There Are No Short Cuts To Quality"
Don't we know it.

• A napping babe
  
• Hummus every day
• Time for me
• Pulling weeds
  
• Sweet watermelon
  
• Sore muscles
• A blooming garden
• Afternoon showers
• Iced mochas with soy
  

Orzo and spinach

When I went through a take out from Whole Foods for lunch 3 times a week phase what seems like many, many years ago, I used to always get this yummy orzo concoction. I suppose it was a pasta salad, but I just remember the spinach and it being unbelievably yummy. I haven't looked for it at Whole Foods in a while as I try to stay away from the prepared foods and bakery section for fear of losing control so I am not sure if it is even a regular staple there currently.

There are lots and lots and lots of variations of this recipe online, but I made this based on memory and what I had on hand. Next time if accounting for this when making my shopping list I think I'd like to toss in some purple onion and use feta. One recipe included marinated artichoke hearts which would be a nice addition as well, but I don't think the Whole Foods variation had artichokes.

Regardless, all options are easy, yummy, and healthy.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz uncooked orzo
• 8 ounces spinach
• 1/2 pint grape tomatoes, cut lengthwise
• 6 oz Gorgonzola cheese
• garlic
• olive oil
• kosher salt

Directions:

1. Cook orzo until aldente
2. Brown garlic in olive oil (I do not like raw garlic)
3. Toss all ingredients together
   
4. Let sit so spinach will wilt a tad
   

12 Weeks

Freddie, you are three months old today! That means you were joining us around this time one year ago as UmBabay, even though we wouldn't know it for several weeks. We celebrated with cupcakes.


And not surprising you had your eye on the red velvet. Red seems to be the color you're most interested in.


I am loving being your mama and watching you grow and change everyday. Each day brings something new...you change that fast.


You've got some dimples, which I can't seem to capture in a photo. The right cheek has a more pronounce dimple than the left, and your grin is so big and cheeks so chunky that the dimples are becoming more obvious.


When we got you home every piece of clothing was too big for you. Within the first week we had 2 outfits that fit you nicely. This week I packed up a big stack of clothes you've already outgrown. Your 3 month clothes are fitting perfectly.


I must admit that you fell of the couch while in my care. You're scooting so much and just wiggled yourself right off the sofa while I was getting my coffee. I heard the thud and then the scream. You looked so pitiful face down on the floor, waving your limbs, but stopped your cries as soon as I picked you up and apologized.

Can you see my hair?

You seem to be sucking on your arm and our fingers all the time and you're drooling oodles. I know you won't cut teeth for some time but I can't help but wonder if this is an early teething sign.

Self portraits are tricky with three!

You continue to be a good sleeper, sleeping from 10-7 (or 9-6) each night. Your morning naps are fairly predictable but I am still trying to figure out your afternoon needs.

And everyone was right, at three months we've turned a corner and things seem to be clicking. At least for today, and that's enough for me.

The progress continues

I know you've all been wondering about that master bath project...the one that was started when we bought the house. The one that was going to be finished before Freddie's arrival. The one that didn't get finished before Freddie came but was definitely going to be done before Jazzfest.

Well, Jazzfest has come and gone and the bathroom still ain't done. But the last few weeks have brought the most obvious progress yet and we may actually be in the home stretch.

We've got sheetrocked walls!

Toilet will go here.

And the walls have been painted.

The shower stall awaits tiling.

The tile guys have been called and we are to set a date for tile installation within a few weeks.

Corner tub just fits here. It was the one and only tub that fit!

Lee came over this past weekend and helped Charlie set the tub. He's got to finish the drain and a few small details to have it ready to be tiled.

Because every post needs a picture of Bug.

No completion date given to me but if I'd have to guess I'd say right after the 4th of July. Perhaps we'll do my birthday toast on the new commode.

11 Weeks

Freddie, you love those hands. The tips of a few of your fingers are peeling and I am sure it because you suck them so much!

You are making more and more sounds. I also love it when you respond to our sounds. I think the next few weeks should be lots of fun with your exploring your voice and becoming more responsive.

Sleepy boy, about to go down for a nap

You got your very own gym membership this week, so as soon as your swim diapers arrive, we'll be at the pool. We'll also see how I feel about possibly leaving you with someone else at the childcare center so I can lift weights for an hour or so.


I think your eyes are getting darker and will soon be brown but your Papi disagrees. Your hair is getting redder for sure and Charlie thinks you are well on your way to being the red headed class clown.

You are always sticking that tongue out. Wondering if you're part snake!

I am enjoying spending all day with you and seeing you take in the world around you. Your eyes are so wide open when we go somewhere new. You seemed to be in awe of the racks and racks of colors at Macy's. I am a bit overwhelmed in the department store too, don't worry, you'll get used to it.

Pulling your head away from the pillow!

We need to get you on that tummy more but you are so resistant. I keep looking at those developmental milestones and think you're right on target for everything except those needing to be built through tummy time, the most notable being lifting that head way up! You'll get it, I know. Lifting that big ole brain is going to take awhile.

I love you, Bug. You're absolutely perfect.

Splish Splash

Bathing is his absolute favorite activity right now. Please excuse my whiny voice. The things Freddie has to put up with. The video gives just a glimpse as he is winding up for lots of splashing and smiling. it is the first two minutes of the bath and he is just getting into moving all appendages at once to make as big a splash as possible. I'll have to take another video when Charlie is home so the camera can be far enough away to stay dry!

He wiggles and squirms. It is a sure fire way to change his mood when he's a grump, crying for who know what reason. He likes getting out and being bundled and cuddled in a towel, but once he figures out the bath his over, he usually has quite the meltdown.

Mother's Day

• an afternoon nap
• a new onesie for Bug
• wild cherry snowball
• long walk in the park
• iced mocha
• pedicure
  
• morning snuggles

Mine, all mine

I got my baby, my baby boy. But I've learned, he may look like me, but he's not mine.

The excitement over our pregnancy and growing baby for 40+ weeks was shared by so many friends and family all over the world. We felt the love and excitement as people checked in on the blog, sent emails, and regularly made contact to see how Um BaBay was doing. We got notes and cards and gifts even from people we had never met, but were eagerly anticipating our becoming three. We felt the love. We knew Bug would be loved.

And he was loved, we were loved, upon his arrival. We felt it. Everyone loved our boy.

But it wasn't until the past few weeks, really beginning at the crawfish boil where we were surrounded by so many people eager to get their hands on Freddie that I realized Bug is every bit yours as he is mine. I'm not expecting any contributions to the diaper, grocery, or college fund from anyone, and I completely feel the responsibility to teach him how to be responsible and appreciative and compassionate. Don't worry there. But I have an overwhelming sense that Freddie is so much more than my baby boy.

As much as I want him to be a LSU Tiger loving pacifist, I know his GG, Charlie's grandma, is going to teach him how to trash talk any teams oppposing the OU Sooners. And while I have every intetnion of enrolling him in classical piano lessons and loading Brahms on the ipod, his Papi, my daddy, is is going to have that fist pumping out the car window to "Hotel California" as they drive around town as soon as he's able to get the beat.

I know that's only the begninning. He's yours to love. He's a better kid because of it.

10 Weeks

So big!

Freddie you are in the double digits now! And things are starting to feel so much more manageable that I am considering getting a sibling for you one day. No promises, but maybe, just maybe I could do another 10 weeks of this. I think it has something a lot to do with your sleeping between 7-8 hours each night.

Making eyes at the light fixture

I walked with another new mama at the park this week. Her boy is a few days younger than you and only sleeps for 3-4 hours at a time. Not my baby, he's a superstar.

Looking for your thumb

He also spit up the entire time we walked. Not my baby, he's a superstar. Thankfully the only time you're spitting up is at your first feeding after your long sleep. I am sure it is because you gorge yourself after being without food for so long.

Still looking

She also talked about her reluctance to leave the house with her boy. Not your mama, she's a superstar.

Hello, you're 10 weeks old and you've been to 7 days of Jazz Fest, and made it from start to finish everyday and even smiled and cooed through the dash to the car during the thunderstorm, and then slept for almost 8 hours! SUPERSTARS we are. No doubt.

Is that it?

Not only are you a superstar, but you are so damn cute. We are always talking about how sad other parents must be because they don't have the cutest baby ever. I know what you're thinking...your parents are dorks, not superstars!

We love hearing you jabber away. You're getting more and more vocal each day and there have also been some laughs! You love that thumb of yours and have gotten loud smacking on it especially when you're tired.

Yep, found it.

You've also got a droopy eye when you're tired, just like me. My daddy still tells me he can tell when I'm tired because of that droopy eye.

We are having so much fun with you Freddie. I've got quite the summer planned for us. A summer for superstars.

The Festing Continues

We made it again for four more days at the fairgrounds.


Freddie meant having lots of gear and plenty of shade, but Charlie had it all figured out...chairs with canopies, blankets, umbrellas.

I am so glad we brought him. We're doing our job and making him a New Orleanian through and through.

What kid can say they saw Tony Bennet and Bon Jovi at the 2009 Jazzfest?


Those were his two very favorite performances.


He was really impressed by those two. Look at that face during Bon Jovi...


He wasn't quite as impressed with Neil Young...


Freddie got to hang out with the guys. Charlie was happy to hang out as well.


And he got some attention from the ladies!


Once again we enjoyed the weekend at the fairgrounds.


It was lots of music and food,


...and lying around...


...enjoying friends and family.



It was different being out with Freddie, but we're learning how to make a new way and enjoy life as three.