Date Night

Drinking a Blue Moon

With seven willing babysitters, Charlie and I headed out on our first date since Bug's arrival. We headed to Red Robin, a place Charlie frequented in high school to take advantage of the endless basket of fries, and a movie.

It wasn't what I usually think of when "date" comes to mind as I didn't put on cute shoes, a fresh dress, or even lip gloss. As a matter of fact, I think I scratched off some dried milk on my shoulder when I checked myself out in the car visor mirror as we drove to dinner. Charlie didn't seem to mind.


The movie, The Proposal, was cute... romantic comedy that was good for a few laughs. And the conversation was great. I wondered if we'd talk about Freddie the entire time but we managed to discuss the state of our city, moving, work, politics, and our Bug.

Freddie managed without us, as I knew he would, and his babysitters did a fine job! I think date nights are going to require morning babysitters as well to help me catch up on missed sleep.

Looking forward to the next one...hopefully sooner than later.

Freddie's First Cereal

Charlie videoed the entire event but I've edited to just include a few highlights.

Yum!

I think he liked it. Well, he didn't hate it. He did a lot better than I thought he would, eating the entire serving of one tablespoon rice cereal and two tablespoons warm breastmilk.

We gave it a whirl at Gammie and Pudge's house so he had quite the audience, so maybe he was just performing.

He had a full, full tummy and DID NOT sleep any longer. We're going to keep it up in the evenings for a while and starting thinking about what to add next. Can't wait to discover your likes a dislikes, Bug.

17 Weeks

You're our love.

It feels like we've been three forever.

4 month well visit

Freddie's Stats:

Weight: 12 lbs 13 0z (5th percentile)
Length: 23 in (10th percentile)
Head Circumference: 42.5 inches (50th percentile)

Vaccinations:

• DTaP/DTP/Td, 2nd dose
• OPV/IPV, 2nd dose
• Hib, 2nd dose
• Rotavirus, 2nd dose
• PCV, 2nd dose

My concerns:

• Red spots in belly button and one on his penis: No worry, just hemangioma. It may get larger but will fade. It can be treated with laser if it becomes too unsightly or a problem.
  
• Dent on head: Normal skull variation. Head looks good, shape is rounding.
  
• Solids: Go for it. Typical recommendation is to begin between 4-6 months. She warned not to get my hopes up with it being the cure for no sleep. She thinks a growth spurt or teething may be to blame.
  
• Tiny boy: He is tiny but catching up with his head, and following the growth curve.
  
• Ears: All clear. Must be tugging on them just to check things out.
  
• Sunscreen: Try to wait until 6 months, or use sparingly.
  
• Insect repellent: No more than 30% DEET, and use sparingly.
  
• Milestones: Right on for everything. Continue with tummy time for as long and often as he will tolerate it, but she has no concerns with his skill development.

He smiled and smiled and talked it up as soon as she walked into the room. She laughed and commented that she usually doesn't get smiles that easily from babies. She said he was a beauty, and the college frat boys will call him a "face" boy because he's so pretty.

He's been a bit clingy and fussy today. Wondering if his vaccinations may cause some fever this time around.

We also went to see Mama's Dr. M. Freddie loved Dr. M and tracked him all around the room. Dr. M told me I had a perfect exam and to get working on a baby girl, and he promised he'll be around to deliver her.

Next well visit at 6 months.

Rolling, rolling, rolling...

Fresh over, about to scream!

On Saturday Bug rolled from tummy to back. I didn't see it but Charlie vouched for him. And then he did it again on Monday for me. During tummy time we're working on push ups. He'll relax one arm and roll in that direction. I'm not quite sure if it is intentional, but it gets a good smile out of him.

What he's really working on is rolling from back to tummy. This is what keeps the two of us up all night. He's pulling out all the stops, manipulating both feet to push off of anything that's around, and now he's figured that grabbing on to the sheet or the edge of the play mat and pulling himself over helps.

Yesterday he did it and rolled, to the right, from back to tummy. But he was not too happy about it. He was stuck lying with his arm underneath him face down on the mat. Roll him over, and he did it again.

Today he's up to more of the same, making himself angry each time but going back to it when I roll him back over. He'll figure it out eventually. That's what he's got that big head for, right?

Phone Home

Trying to reach us?

We no longer have a home phone. It rarely rang but Charlie hated to give it up since it was his phone number since college...but he didn't want to change his cell phone number either.

Well, we're looking for ways to cut back with Bug as our new expense, so the phone is going. $30 per month in our pocket to spend on other things. Trying to figure what else we can live without. I want to hold on to the gym and housekeeper year round, but we'll see.

It's all about The Daddy today

Not only is it Fathers' Day, but it is also his birthday.

Happy birthday, Daddy!

Love doberge cake!

His requests were simple:

• Up early and go for bagels at 7:00 at the bakery
• Lacrosse, at field by 8:30
• Meet me at the gym for a swim with Bug
• Go for sushi lunch (hopefully Bug sleeps)
• Hang out at home and have homemade shrimp fettuccine for dinner
  
• Doberge cake from Haydel's

See why I love this man?


My perfect kind of day.


And for the record, Bug did NOT sleep through sushi lunch even though he was worn out from his swim!

16 Weeks

4 months old, Freddie. That's a big deal.

Why can't I get my thumb?

I love you high as the sky, deep as the ocean, and big as the world. That translates to a whole lotta lovin' on Bordeaux Street.

If I can't have my thumb I'll go for the feet!

No new tricks this week, but you are getting better with lifting your head and shoulders during tummy time. Glad I went with the fast track advanced sessions rather than putting you in remedial tummy time. I knew you'd come through.

Happiest standing

Wondering how long it'll be before you roll over from front to back. You work on that all the time but usually you just spin yourself in a circle, 360 degrees, and never quite get enough oomph to throw yourself over.


When you're particularly happy and seem as though you are trying to express that to us, you pound those tiny fists against your sides over and over. Don't worry, I'm working on the video of that one.


Hours of entertainment...

3 month baby pictures

Photographers are expensive...very expensive. I am now motivated to get out my camera and work on learning how to use it better!


As much as I wanted some fancy Bug photos, I opted for some cheapie ones to document his growth and to make the family happy. Joining the baby club for $20 at Olan Mills, which you can find in Kmarts all over, gets unlimited sittings all year and then photos for $5 a sheet.


There were 6 poses and of course I bought one sheet of each pose. Why not, right?


While I have visions of showing up to take pictures at Kmart each week just to see what the photographer does when I roll in week after week with Bug in some ridiculous outfit, I'll most likely take him there for 6 month, 9 month, and 12 month photographs.


Now I am scheduling in photo sessions right after tummy time to practice taking photos on all different settings with this fancy camera I have so I am able to figure out how to best capture Bug without paying big bucks.


In the meantime marvel at that cheesy grin courtesy of the baby club!

The real deal

Last week Freddie had a leaky diaper during morning cuddle time. Wet bed. I stripped the sheets. Damn it. They had just been changed.

This morning Freddie had a leaky diaper during morning cuddle time. Wet bed. Screw it. It'll dry.

The laugh

I hesitated to even load this video here, because it barely scratches the surface of what is Bug's laugh. Unfortunately, he becomes hypnotized by any camera so it can be difficult to capture his personality in its full glory.

Ah well.... consider this a sneak preview. I'll continue to work on getting another clip.


Charlie and Bug

Getting close

I sure hope we're close to finishing. There is still lots of trim work to be done.


But the tile is done, and it looks great.



I must note here that I am 99% sure this is NOT the tile I picked out. We were debating on two tiles which had a slight vaiation in tone. With the marble for the vanity in mind, I selected one, and looking at this tile I think we got the other installed. I am tempted to go over to the tile place just to take a look, but I'm not disappointed now, so probably best I just not even worry about it. But I know for next time to write down the tile I want and take a sample to compare when the tile arrives at the house. Lesson learned. I actually hope I never do this again! Or Charlie ever does a remodel again!

15 Weeks

I've been working the last two days so I left your Dad in charge of the weekly picture. Let's see what he got...


A happy boy.


Desperate to stand. I hate to tell ya Freddie, it will be some time before you get to stand so I'd really, really like for you to cooperate during tummy time rather than worry about this stand up stuff.


He also is very proud of the two of you for improving your bottle sucking skills so he got a picture of your empties today...


I think you took a total of 5 ounces during two feedings in the 7 hours I was gone. You got up during the night to squeeze in an extra nursing last night and I wonder if that's what's in store for me tonight.

He also got a shot of the "feeding station."


Sitting upright on the counter is your preferred position for accepting the bottle. I won't mention who had that idea.

Making eyes at Daddy at dinner

Some of what's going on at 15 weeks:

• You discovered our ears! You are always tugging on them, which if you were cranky, I'd wonder if they were bothering you.
  
• You are so easy to get a laugh out of. I LOVE it. Everything is funny. And if you think it's funny, I think it's funny. Life is nice like that.
• Still love your thumb. Actually you love both of them and do your best to jam both of them in at the same time.
• You slurp when you eat. And smack. And do a little happy dance while in my arms. And finally throw yourself back with milk all over your face when you're done. Very dramatic.
• I'm beginning to feel a little guilty for eating in front of you. It is almost as though you are begging. I can't decide if you are really interested in food or if you are just interested in what I am doing.
• I'm singing. I hate singing, but for you, anything. You really do like it. I'm probably destroying any chance you'd possibly have at having a well trained ear.
• We're playing peek a boo.
• Grabbing at everything, and putting it straight in your mouth. Your coordination has improved dramatically this week.
• It's also fun to watch you explore things with your feet. You've been kicking at the dangling objects on your "gym" and especially love to make a bag rustle when it's near your feet.

I know all of this stuff is typical infant development, but it is so much fun to watch you do things and discover things and see your personality develop. Something new every day.

Bug in Flight

Freddie took his first airplane trip this weekend. We left on Friday morning on a 6 am flight and returned home Sunday evening. We went to Oklahoma City for the weekend to visit GG and Aunt Mary. He did great in flight with minimal fussing.

His parents did well too, managing to get everything through security without bickering, changing diapers in public restrooms, and some in flight nursing. Airports make Charlie's stress level run high and I tend to be on another planet with so many interesting people to watch, but this trip we focused and made out just fine. I am also getting better with nursing in public but with Bug enjoying his food so much, slurping and kicking his feet frantically, it can be difficult to be discreet.

While I usually have 2 bulging carry-ons, I stuck to the diaper bag. I knew there'd be no opportunity to use my computer, jot notes, or read a book. But I should get better about fitting my big camera in the diaper bag and then maybe I'd be better about taking pictures.

My only picture: Bug, Charlie, and GG

We also kept baby gear to a minimum, only taking the car seat, stroller, baby bjorn, and the travel crib. I must say that the Bjorn travel crib is a fantastic piece of baby travel gear, easy set up and breakdown. It literally takes 30 seconds to set it up and 30 seconds to pack it up. I highly recommend it for travelling parents. It is pricey, but worth it.

Even though we brought the crib and set it up, Bug slept between us in the bed. I wanted some family snuggles and we had room in the king sized bed.

One thing we've decided we need is a little stroller for travel. Next time we'll check the car seat and have a stroller that folds easily that Bug can be strapped right in to.

And I suppose schlepping Bug all over town with me paid off because he didn't seem out of sorts on the trip. He just went with it all.

The idea of travel with Bug was a little scary but now I can now plan trips with confidence.

14 Weeks

My rough measurements since we don't go to the doctor until you're 4 months.

• Weight: 13 pounds
• Length: 24.5 inches
• Head circumference: 16.75 inches

You discovered your feet this week. You've been eying them quite a bit and grabbing hold. I wonder how long it'll be before you figure out they can reach your mouth. You are also reaching for so many things. It makes me smile to watch you bat at the toys on your "gym" and react to their movements.

Your daddy insisted your shirt was on the right way...
Sorry Daddy, snaps in the back on baby shirts!

You are also enjoying facing forward in the bjorn carrier. You coo and squeal and kick all the way around the park. From the reactions of those we pass I bet you are giving them the eyes and flashing your smile.

Wanting to stand at every opportunity, and trying to balance!

We're working on tummy time so you can strengthen your arms and work on rolling. You pretty much hate it, but adding the television has made it tolerable in short stints. I can't believe I am manipulating you with the television already.

Using the tube to motivate you during tummy time!

The childcare center at the gym didn't kick you out this week. The girl there has got your number..."I will not be ignored!" She figured out you need to be part of the action and facing the world.

Check out my swim diaper!

You're getting back to longer sleeps, logging 7-8 hours the past few nights. Thank you for that! If you are not swaddled you tend to roll onto your side to sleep and you look so very cute.

Napping with your favorites: froggie and Daddy's gym shorts. Both feel so soft.

And you took a bottle...thank god. You will not do it if I am in the house, or I suspect if you've seen or heard me in the last hour or so. You just know you can get the real deal, don't you.


We are reading books together at night, which as far as I can tell, you enjoy. You swipe at the book and look intently as I read. We're trying to figure out a bed time routine around here. It'll be good for all of us.


My favorite thing right now is your full on laughing. I can't manage to get it on video because even at this young age your expressions and mannerism change as soon as the camera comes out. your laugh is amazing, charming, infectious.


I watched you sleep last night for a good while. I wanted very much to pick you up and snuggle you and just hold you for a while. I didn't have the heart to disturb you, but kinda wish I had given in and set your little head in the crook of my neck.

Waiting for sushi!

It won't be like this forever. Hell, it won't be like this for very long. Tonight we snuggle.

Stewed Chicken

made by my grandmother, Danny

My great grandmother, Maumie, used to make this. She made it the best, but my grandmother does a pretty good job too. I suppose I should start practicing, because we sopped up every drop of gravy on the plate.

This recipe is an estimate. Nothing yummy from my grandmother's kitchen is an exact recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 whole chicken, cut into parts
• 2 onions (It'd be acceptable to use the "holy trinity" here...onions, bell pepper, and celery)
  
• 5 cloves garlic
• a bunch of parsley (flat leaf! "Don't even think about buying that curly stuff. That's just garnish!")
• 8-10 cups water or chicken broth
  
• salt and pepper

Directions:

• Brown chicken in a heavy pot, set aside.
• Combine oil and flour and make a dark roux.
• Add in chopped onions and garlic, stirring constantly to not burn.
• Add chicken
• Add water or broth, just enough to cover chicken.
• Simmer until chicken is tender.
• Add entire bunch of chopped parley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Serve over rice!
  

Be sure to have some bread to sop up that gravy! Danny says this should be served with a scoop of potato salad and some green beans cooked down with pickle meat. A good ole country meal.

Wondering about that roux? Combine the oil and flour in a heavy pot and stir constantly over a low fire allowing the flour to brown, but not burn. Sounds easy enough, right? Making a good roux, the foundation of Cajun cooking, is tricky. It needs to be dark here in the south, something difficult to achieve without burning it.