2 Year Old Check-Up

Tuesday, October 25, 2011 was both boys well-baby visits.

Our appointment was at 1:45 and we got there about 20 minutes early. (go me!) 

Luke fell asleep on the way over & then stayed asleep while I put him in the double stroller.  (It was our maiden voyage.)

We got Vinnie's part of the check-up done while Luke napped & then it was time to wake him up & have him weighed.

He was 32.5 inches tall and weighed in at a measly 23.5 lbs. I thought for sure we'd see some weight gain in the months since Vinnie was born (since Luke is now nursing several times a day/night) but was shocked when he hadn't grown AT ALL in that 11 weeks.

I mean I know my  milk is fatty---Vinnie is chunking right on up.

So, Luke's stats according to my internet research are:

Length for Age: 3-5%
Weight for Age: 5-10%

According to this website.

This site's calculator puts him in the 7.5% for height and the  4.7% for weight.  

The doctor said that since she didn't have Luke's records (just another way Nansemond Pediatrics sucks) she couldn't tell me how he was trending, but I assured her those numbers were good for Luke, since he wasn't even ON the charts at his 18 & 12 month well-baby visits.

He is clearly a healthy & intelligent little boy, even if he is a little peanut.  He is growing (he was 29 inches at 18 months) and is just going to be skinny like his daddy & short like his mommy.

They do not use the gigantic, million question diagnostic for growth & development that Nansemond uses, so we just went over his general behaviors and he got the a-okay from the doctor.  Since he just graduated from occupational therapy a few months ago, I already knew he was on track with all of his skills.

Baby Center

Child's Age	Mastered Skills (most kids can do)	Emerging Skills (half of kids can do)	Advanced Skills (a few kids can do)
19 months	Uses a spoon and fork Runs Throws a ball underhand Enjoys helping around the house	Understands as many as 200 words Recognizes when something is wrong (e.g., calling a dog a cat)	Washes and dries own hands with help Points to picture or object when you call it by name May know when she needs to pee
20 months	Feeds doll Takes off own clothes Dumps an object in imitation, such as throwing garbage away	Learns words at a rate of ten or more a day Can walk up stairs (but probably not down)	May start exploring genitals Draws a straight line Names several body parts
21 months	Can walk up stairs Able to set simple goals (e.g., deciding to put a toy in a certain place)	Throws a ball overhand Kicks ball forward Stacks six blocks	Names simple picture in a book Can walk down stairs
22 months	Kicks ball forward Follows two-step requests(e.g., "Get your doll and bring it here")	Does simple puzzles Draws a straight line Names several body parts	Puts on loose-fitting clothes Might be ready for a big bed Understands opposites (e.g., tall vs. short)
23 months	Names simple picture in a book Uses 50 to 70 words	Opens doors Sings simple tunes Takes more of an interest in playing with other kids	Talks about self (likes, dislikes) Asks "why?"
24 months	Names at least six body parts Half of speech is understandable Makes two- to three-word sentences	Talks about self Arranges things in categories Can walk down stairs	Begins to understand abstract concepts (e.g., sooner and later) Becomes attuned to gender differences Learns to jump

Luke can do everything on that chart, except for sing tunes.  He doesn't sing with words, just kind of hums along when we sing or if a song is on the radio.


Here's a great check-list by the Child and Adolescent Services Research Center...and Luke is on track with them as well! 


Luke didn't get any shots, since they didn't have his records and that is fine by me!  I'm willing to delay as long as I can and only get the ones I  have fully researched. :)  

Happy Halloween!!

I LOVE HALLOWEEN!

Seriously, its my favorite holiday.  Most people have a Christmas village---I have a Halloween one. :)  

So, our celebrating began on Saturday when I had to make cupcakes to donate to Seton House, for church.  I like making cupcakes and am excited to donate some more this month. 

Here is the cupcake Aaron got to help decorate:

And here are the cupcakes I donated:

Sunday was just a church day and we didn't do any celebrating, besides dressing the boys in their Halloween clothes.

On Monday, I had Grayson and Spencer all day.  Frankie came over to help me out with them, which was a life-saver.

Without Frankie's help I never would have finished my sewing on the "Monkey On My Back" carrier cover or Luke's Buzz Lightyear gloves & boots.  

The day was very stressful for me & I had little patience with the nonsense of three little boys (Vinnie is an angel, always) so I would have gone crazy without Frankie's help.

Around 4:00 we started getting ready to go.  Vinnie was of course the easiest to get dressed.  Here is his little monkey costume, that I bought at the thrift store for $4.00!!  (It's a Carter's costume.)

Vinnie was 12 weeks old on his first Halloween.

His eyes are so red because we are ALL fighting a head cold. 

 And in action in the baby carrier:

 These are the Buzz Lightyear boot covers I made for Luke.  His costume was a hand-me-down so we had to hide a few imperfections (it was too short) and make it personalized.

 I also made cool gloves for Luke.  I took a pair of purple gloves and cut the wrists off, then I cut the fingers off of a pair of white gloves.  I slipped the purple gloves inside the white ones and sewed them together.  Wallah--purple tipped, white space ranger gloves!

The final touch (and coolest part) of Luke's costume was the Buzz Lightyear ski mask I found at Wal-Mart for $6.00.  At first he wouldn't wear it, but when the boys wanted to then he was all about it. (because you know 2 year olds--they hate sharing)

Luke had a blast pretending to fly like Buzz.  He was 2 years and 2 weeks old on Halloween.

We were supposed to go to Greenbrier Mall to trick or treat from 5:00-5:45 and then over to Central Baptist Church for Trunk or Treat, but I wasn't ready to go on time, so we just went to McDonald's for dinner, then Food Lion, and finally to Trunk or Treat.

 They had a Bounce House.  Luke had 2 or three turns, each 2 turns long (bc he was the youngest kid in there    & they let him stay in) and loved every minute of it.  I really think one of those for the back yard would be a worthwhile investment for us!

 Luke was NOT a fan of waiting in line though, so when it was time to trick or treat he got bored, really quickly.

I didn't get any pictures of him wearing them, but my friend, Liz, lent us a pair of Buzz Lightyear wings for Luke to wear too...he was SO cute!  

We ended up heading to the van by 7:15 and being home before 8 pm.  (I had to nurse Vinnie before we could leave.)  

I enjoyed our celebration & dressing the boys up.  I can't wait until next year! I told Tim my "resolution" for 2012 is to actually put up all of the decorations we own!

Pinterest

I'm a follower.  (some of the time)

So, yea, I'm on Pinterest now.  I have to say its a fun way to bookmark things, but I don't really see the addiction that others are talking about.

If I'm looking for something crafty or inspiring it is a good place to go to see what other people are doing.

So, check it out. :)

I've got the following categories/boards already:

Christmas
Products I Love
Books Worth Reading (also includes blogs)
For the Home
Arts & Crafts
Knitting
Cloth Diapering
Sewing Tutorials
Homeschooling
Shopping
Photography/Picture Ideas
Recipes
Reflux
Halloween
Thanksgiving
Toy Story Bathroom
Toy Story Ideas
Blog Ideas

So, yea,  you can see I've been busy pinning things!

The first thing I did was clean up my 10+ year old favorites list--any dead links I deleted & any that were still pertinent to me, I went ahead and added to Pinterest instead of keeping them on my Favorites list.  They are much easier to see/sort/access on Pinterest.

I downloaded the toolbar button so I can pin while I'm browsing the internet and while it does lock up, a LOT, I'm enjoying using it. :)

100 Days of Gratitude -Day 1 & Introduction

So, the buzz around the internet yesterday was that November is "Giving Thanks" month and that it is also a great time to start 100 Days of Gratitude.  
I like the idea & think it will be fun to reflect on my days & say something I am thankful for!  So, from Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2011 through Wednesday February 8, 2012, I will be keeping a record of the things I am greatful for! 


Won't you join along??


(1) Nov. 1 -I am thankful for Pet Birthday Cake ice cream & both boys asleep by 9:30. 

I was having a rough few days, with very little sleep, thanks to the entire family having head colds.  
I managed to get out and do the grocery shopping, restocking our supply of Pet Birthday Cake ice cream.  That stuff is DELICIOUS.  It is seriously the best ice cream I've ever eaten. (Its better than Cold Stone Creamery's cake batter flavor!)  
I also got at least two weeks' worth of meat and plenty of other food and supplies.  It is such a blessing to be able to buy groceries without worrying about going over a certain amount or not having enough money to buy the little treats we enjoy.  I am glad that Tim's new job gives us that security and for now we can afford a few luxuries (like ice cream!)  
So, really, I'm thankful for Tim's job and the security the boys and I have, knowing Daddy is taking good care of us and meeting our needs.  (and sacrificing his own to spoil his wifey)  
I was also very thankful that I finally got Luke to bed at 8 pm and then that I was able to get in bed with Vinnie at 8:40.  I am so tired that just laying down to nurse him, knowing I didn't have to get up again any time soon (Tim was on his way home) was so nice.  


So, starting small and not too deep, but there you have it, that's what I'm thankful for today.

100 Days of Gratitude List

1-Nov. 1- Ice cream, Tim's job, the boys going to bed early
2-Nov. 2- Good friends
3-Nov. 3- My husband
4-Nov. 4-Good medicine/health insurance
5-Nov. 5-Doing fun things with my family
6-Nov. 6-Lazy days at home with my boys
7-Nov. 7-  My washing machines
8-Nov. 8-A great pediatrician
9-Nov. 9- Beth
10-Nov. 10- Cute clothes!

11-Nov. 11- For our military security!
12-Nov. 12-Lots of housework getting done
13-Nov. 13- Bounce House
14-Nov. 14-my planner (gotta love pencil & paper)
15-Nov. 15- MOPS & my new friends
16-Nov. 16- Ci Ci's Pizza coupons
17-Nov. 17-Tim NOT having class or meetings tonight!
18-Nov. 18-Alone time
19-Nov.19- Housework done & groceries bought!
20-Nov.20- Laundry!

21-Nov. 21- Mom & Dad loving on the boys
22-Nov. 22-Being an American
23-Nov. 23-Not having to cook
24-Nov. 24-Family, friends, love ones, God
25-Nov. 25- Shopping deals in store & online
26-Nov.26-Lazy days
27-Nov. 27- Quiet time in the car
28-Nov. 28- Left-overs
29-Nov. 29-Simultaneous naps

Nov. 30- Dec. 4 Missed :(

30-Dec. 4-The Hayes Family
31-Dec. 5- Tyler
32-Dec.6-End of the semester for Tim
33-Dec.7-Indian Summer
34-Dec.8-4 Months w/ Vinnie
35-Dec.9- Baby Laughter
36-Dec.10
37- Dec. 11
38-Dec. 12
39-Dec. 13
40-Dec. 14

11 Week Old Check-up & Follow Up Appointment

Tuesday, October 25, 2011 was both boys well-baby visits.

Our appointment was at 1:45 and we got there about 20 minutes early. (go me!)

Luke was asleep in our double stroller, so we started with Vinnie.

He weighed in at 11.2 lbs and was 23.5 inches long.

I can't remember & didn't write down what percentiles they said the boys were in, but my internet research is putting Vinnie at:

Weight for Age: 10-25%
Length for Age: 50-75%

According to this website.

This site says his weight for age is 15.3% & that his length for age is 40%.

I'm not too crazy about the percentiles though, because I've become a believer in "look at the kid, not the numbers."

Since we declined any shots in the hospital, Vinnie was due for 3 shots that covered a wide variety of vaccines.  I don't like to get more than 2 at a time, so we opted to skip the Hep B shot for a while longer.

Now, I'm regretting getting him 2 shots, because he ended up getting lumps under both shots, one of which was warm to the touch & red.  So, he's on his first ever dose of antibiotics (Keflex) for a possible infection in the shot site. :(

His other reactions to the shots were that he slept from about 3:00 until 7:00, nursed for about 5 minutes & then fussed to sleep (in the car) and didn't nurse again until about 2:00 am, then not again until the morning.  He was super-mega cranky all day long and I couldn't put him down, get him to sleep or nurse all day.

I took him to the doctor and then of course, he was all smiles, but they did give me the antibiotic for his leg, so it wasn't a wasted trip.  After that he was all better.

The rest of his doctor's appointment was fine, he got all the usual things checked and she asked me about his nursing habits and other little things.

This practice doesn't do the million question long paperwork that Nansemond uses so I didn't have any list to check out his progress by, I guess I'll have to look it up myself.

BabyCenter

Child's Age

Mastered Skills (most kids can do)

Emerging Skills (half of kids can do)

Advanced Skills (a few kids can do)

1 month	Lifts head when lying on tummy Responds to sound Stares at faces	Follows objects briefly with eyes Vocalizes: oohs and aahs Can see black-and-white patterns	Smiles, laughs Holds head at 45-degree angle
2 months	Vocalizes: gurgles and coos Follows objects across field of vision Notices his hands Holds head up for short periods	Smiles, laughs Holds head at 45-degree angle Makes smoother movements

Well, that's a check + for Vinnie, he does all of those things.  He doesn't do the things in the advanced skills for 2 month olds yet. So, we'll have to up the tummy-time to get him there!

Here's a great check-list by the Child and Adolescent Services Research Center....Vinnie is right on track according to them too!

WebMD has a great check-list with lots of good information there too.  Again, he's right on track!

I can't believe how quickly Vinnie is growing up...I know that this first year will just fly by, but I am actually looking forward to seeing what kind of little boy he will become.

PUJ Bath Tub

A few weeks ago, we decided we needed a baby bath seat for Vinnie.  We never had one for Luke & I never really thought I'd be a mom to use one.  Then, we got into the habit of giving our gassy, colicy, fussy boy a bath in the kitchen sink 2-3 times a day and baths got to be a chore.  

I had a read a good review of a new "seat" (on one of my favorite Mom blogs....www.momdot.com) called the PUJ tub so I decided to check Craigslist to see if I could find a used one within our budget.  It was my lucky day, I guess, because I found one for $5!  This tub retails for $40 new!  

We are technically NOT using it correctly.  We give Vinnie sink baths so that he can soak in the warm water, which helps him relax and relieve some gas.  SO, we NEED the sink to be full of water & not drain.  The PUJ tub clearly states that it is NOT intended for use in this way & that you should NOT have a plug in the basin you are using.  

We do not use the PUJ for hands-free bathing, rather we use it to give our backs/hands a break when we are standing at the sink for 20 minutes while Vinnie has his bath.  

The PUJ tub uses magnets to go from being a flat piece of foam to a chair shaped bath seat.  The magnets are very strong and require two hands to undo.  

I was quickly able to figure out which side of thesink the PUJ would fit in best (though it does fit in both sides) and get started giving Vinnie a bath.  

I do fill the sink 1/2 way with water before I start.  When I first put Vinnie in, I put him in the sink without the PUJ.  I like to wash his hair in the water where I can "dunk" his head to rinse it.  He also likes to splash around a bit.

When I'm ready, I take the PUJ and slip it in the sink (holding Vinnie in one arm & the PUJ in the other) so that the seat fills with water but the tub is still suspended/supported by the sides of the sink.

Then I set Vinnie in the PUJ and finish washing him up.  You CAN let go, if you use common sense, which makes it nice to do a 2 handed wash of the baby.  Your hands are technically still ON them, but you aren't actually holding their weight up.  

I generally wash Vinnie up really quickly, splash some clean water on him from the faucet and then turn it off, so he can soak in the water pooled around his belly.  

If you are using the PUJ as directed that water will drain pretty quickly, so you kind of have to keep the faucet going if only to refill the little seat every couple minutes.

The way we use it, the seat stays full of water all around the middle parts of Vinnie, with his chest & feet out of the water.  His tummy is where its important though (since the warm water helps relieve gas) so it is working nicely for us.

Since we bought the PUJ (ours was 2nd-hand, already loved by 2 kids) Vinnie has only had 1 "tub" bath & all the rest have been in the sink.  I LOVE giving my babies tub baths and letting them play in the water, but the PUJ is just so convenient, its our go-to when Vinnie needs washed up!

Steps for bathing a baby with the PUJ tub:

1. Find a ridiculously cute baby that needs/wants a bath.

2. Fold both sides of the PUJ up until the magnets catch.  Rest the PUJ in your sink.

Right basin

Left basin

 3. If this is your first time--take a dry run to see which side baby fits in best while still allowing the faucet to reach baby.

 Step 4: Set the water temperature to a comfortable warm and turn the faucet so it runs into the PUJ but not onto baby.

Step 5: Add a naked baby.

Step 6: Wash that baby up! I find that I can scoop water from between his legs and beside his belly to use to rinse him with.  This makes washing his hair & toes SO much easier, since I don't have to worry about his head going under.