Kate is 6 months old

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Dear Kate,

I can't believe you are six months old - halfway to your first birthday! You are no longer a little baby, that's for sure. You're sitting up and squirming all around. You're cutting teeth and growing hair (slowly but surely). How did you get so big?? Here are some things you do:

* You love to blow raspberries. You especially like to do this to entertain yourself in your crib when you first wake up.

* When you're not blowing raspberries, you're squealing. You think it's funny when other people join in with you.

* You can sit up! You've been doing this for about 3 weeks now, and you're getting stronger every day. I have to be right next to you because you are still teetery.

* Teeth are no fun! Your mouth has been sore for a bit over a week, and it's making you cranky! We're not used to this side of you. Teething has thrown off your sleep schedule and your feedings. Poor baby!

* We tried to stop swaddling you cold-turkey, but you don't know how to sleep with your arms and legs flailing around. Your legs don't fit in the Miracle Blanket anymore, so we now swaddle just your arms and put your SleepSack on over that.

* You have been to the swimming pool a few times now. You love to watch the other kids play, and you seem to enjoy the water.

* You're eating solid foods now. You don't like rice cereal (who could blame you?), but you seem to enjoy applesauce and bananas.

* You love playing in your ExcerSaucer, and you judge other toys by how easily you can get them in your mouth.

*You went on your first plane trip this past month to visit your relatives in Minnesota. You were a doll during the flights, and all of your relatives were thrilled to meet you!

We can't believe how big you're getting and how fast time flies by. You're so much fun, and you bring immense joy to our lives. We love you!

Love,
Mama

Clothes: 6-9 and 6-12 month sizes

Weight: 17 pounds, 2 ounces

Length: 27 inches

Diaper size: 2-3

Sleep: 7:30 pm - 7 am

Naps: 8:30-10:30, 1:00-3:00, & a late afternoon catnap

Food: 4 bottles per day totaling about 30 ounces and one feeding of solid food


Here are your monthly poses with your elephant. What a difference from three months to now!


Here are some pictures we took today in the backyard. I caught some cute ones with your Kirby girl!






My Book Habit

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When we were in Minnesota, one thing on my to-do list was to visit The Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul. When we visited two years ago, I happened across it just when author Kate DiCamillo was there (author of Because of Winn Dixie). I was able to meet her and get a couple of books inscribed to my class and autographed. To me, it was like meeting a celebrity! It was important to me to get back there.

Being in The Red Balloon to me is like being a kid in a candy store. It reminds me of the fictional "Shop Around the Corner" in the movie You've Got Mail. Because the store has many authors come for signings, they have many autographed books on their shelves. I probably shouldn't have asked the sales lady for help finding the autographed ones, because she started pulling books left and right and piling them all around me. Talk about pressure to purchase! It was OK, though, because we were on vacation, right? Here's what I walked out with:

Higgledy-Piggledy Chicks by Barbara Joose, illustrated by Rick Chrustowski (signed by the illustrator).
This is an author I like. In this picture book, baby chicks learn what safe and what's not on the farm.


Bedtime for Mommy by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrated by LeUyen Pham (not signed - this is just one I had to have).
AKR is an author I have mentioned on my blog before. Her ideas are fresh and funny to kids and adults alike. This one is another role-reversal story. A little girl puts her mommy to bed while Mommy stalls just as a child would.

One Pup's Up by Marsha Wilson Chall, illustrated by Henry Cole (signed by the author).
Marsha Chall is a Minnesota author, so I decided to go local with one of her books. It's as cute as can be! It's a rhyming counting book with text that sometimes is a tongue-twister. "4 pups drink. 5 puppies huddle. 6 puppies piddle in the middle of the muddle." It counts to ten puppies, then counts backwards. The circular ending will have kids begging you to reread it!

Julia Gillian (and the Art of Knowing) by Alison McGhee (chapter book signed by the author).
I haven't read this one, but it's one I bought for the library last year. It's well reviewed and the first in a new series.

Judy Moody Goes to College by Megan McDonald (chapter book signed by the author).
I read the first Judy Moody book, and along with the Stink books about Judy's brother, these are popular with the kids. Megan McDonald is a big name, so I decided to get this autographed copy.

Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer Holm (chapter book, not signed).
I had to get this one after reading several starred reviews and blog buzz. I liked Jennifer Holm's book Penny from Heaven, so I know I'll love this one too. It's historical fiction set in during the depression.

Countdown by Deborah Wiles (chapter book, not signed).
This is another book that I've read a ton of buzz for. It's already a favorite for the Newbery Award, which won't be given until January. It's another historical fiction book, but this one's set in the 60s during the Cuban Missile Crisis. It's got tons of period photographs in the book and text variation, so it looks interesting from first sight. Another book for my "next read" stack.

I'm so excited about these new additions to my book shelves. Normally I'd be itching to share these titles with kids, but now that I'm not in a school, I will share them with you! Happy reading!

Minnesota 2010

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We've been home for over a week now, so it's about time to post about our trip to Minnesota! Both sides of Nick's family live in or near the twin cities, including his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Kate was introduced to them all, and everyone was smitten. She did well on the plane, sleeping during most of the flights and only squawking a few times. We were able on most days to keep to her schedule, so she traveled very well. It was a relaxing trip with most days just hanging out with family. We were at Nick's grandparents' farm near Stillwater, the town where Nick was born, for the first half of the week and moved on to his mom's side of the family for the second half. Thanks to everyone for their hospitality!

I think this was my fourth trip to MN with Nick. Each year we take pictures in the corn fields out at the farm. Unfortunately, I lost lots of photos when my computer crashed a couple of years ago, but I do still have our picture from my first trip there when Nick and I were just dating. I don't remember when it was, though!

Maybe summer of '03?
Compared to now...
(And baby makes three!)

Here's our Flickr album of the entire trip...




Quick Update

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Took Kate to the doctor today for another weight check. She weighed 15 pounds, 1 ounce. Thanks to formula/bottle feeding, she's almost back up to her original growth curve! When I expressed concern over how little she eats total each day, he didn't seem worried since she's growing well now.


He did give her a prescription for Zantac for possible reflux and an Epi pen (yikes!) for her milk protein allergy (confirmed).

Feeling somewhat better about it all...

Kate is 5 months old

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Dear Kate,

I can't believe that it was 5 months ago that you arrived on the scene. Time sure flies, doesn't it? You're developing your own little personality a little more each day - both sunny and laid back, a great combo! You rarely get truly upset, so I typically know exactly what's wrong when you do. Even today, when your nap had to come late because of church, and you were fussy in the car, I could still make you laugh and smile in the midst of your cries! You're very flexible with your schedule, and you don't mind being out of your normal routine. (That's just like your 'go-with-the-flow' daddy!)

Now that I will stay home with you, we're going to work on changing your schedule a bit. I'm hoping you'll learn to sleep in a bit later now that we don't have to get going so early in the morning. Most nights you sleep very well. You may start to toss and turn, but you can get yourself back to sleep without us coming up to replace your pacifier. Speaking of the paci, enjoy your last month with it. It won't be long before we try to phase it out. (We'll see how well Mama and Daddy stick to that!)

Here's a list of the things you've been doing this month:
* You cried real tears the other morning... you were hungry and ready to get out of your crib, and you had actual tears coming out of your eyes, and your eyelashes were wet. It broke my heart!

* You found your thumb a few days ago. You always have loved sticking your whole fist or a few fingers in your mouth, but you finally figured out how to make a fist and just keep your thumb out. You enjoy practicing your new talent. Let's just hope you ditch the habit sooner than your mama did (age 7!).

* You rolled over a few weeks ago! You actually did it for the first time over with Aunt Mindy and cousin Chase. You were having some tummy time and flipped right over. Aunt Mindy said it looked like you were already a rolling pro - she didn't realize that was your first time. You showed Mama your new talent that night, and the next day you even rolled from back to tummy. Wow!

* Speaking of tummy time, you don't hate it quite so much as you used to. You tolerate it for a few minutes before you get mad now. You get really mad if you can't remember how to roll over.

* You are beginning to experiment with your voice more. It's so cute to hear you carry on and on with little squeals and gurgles.

* Your seahorse toy is one of your faves. It is absolutely adorable when you hug and cuddle it when you're trying to go to sleep. It plays very relaxing classical music that even makes me close my eyes.

* Two other toys you are big enough to enjoy now are your exer-saucer and jumper. You love to reach out and bat at all the toys on your exer-saucer, and you are all smiles and giggles when you get in your jumper. It's one of your favorite things for sure.

* At nap times and bedtime you're still getting swaddled in your Miracle Blanket. It's getting too small for you, and you're able to get your legs free most of the time now. It's hard to stop using it, though, because if we don't use it, you wake yourself up with flailing arms. I think it will just take some practice for you to get used to sleeping without it. We will miss our little Kate burrito! (Must post picture/video of the Kate burrito soon!)

* One new thing you're doing is stuffing towels, bibs, clothes and anything fabric in your mouth. Yum!

* You're becoming more interactive with the games we can play with you. Just yesterday, Daddy was holding you, and I played game where you looked at me to one side, then you'd turn your head to the other side as I popped over there. You kept turning from side to side as I popped back and forth. I thought it was pretty advanced for a 5 month old!

* We've tried rice cereal using a spoon a few times now. You have no clue what to do with the spoon or the food. You spit it all out and make funny faces. It's a good thing we still have time before you have to start eating solids. You'll get the hang of it soon!

* You don't like to eat. Sometimes you'll just take an ounce at a feeding and call it quits. Please cooperate, sweet girl!

* You just starting arching back much of the time. You're obviously uncomfortable. Is it reflux? Even in the bathtub or in your little chair, you push back. You prefer being flat on the floor.

I count myself so blessed to be your mama. Daddy and I love you SO much!

Love,
Mama

Clothes: a smattering of 3-6 months, 6 months, and 6-12 months - anything to fit your length!

Weight: 14 pounds, 8 ounces (June 3rd)

Length: close to 26 inches by my measurement

Diaper size: 2

Sleep: 8:30pm - 6 am

Naps: 8-10/10:30, 12:00-2:00, & one late afternoon doze

5 month pose with elephant

...compared to the 4 month pic


...compared to the 3 month pic

And this one's just for fun because it warms Mama's heart!



Our Skinny Minnie

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Kate is on the whole a happy girl... except when it’s time to eat. I was breastfeeding exclusively, and Kate would scream after just a few minutes. (This was the case from the beginning, before she ever got a bottle. It got worse after I came back to work and she was getting 2 bottles a day.) I knew she wasn’t getting enough when I nursed her, but she seemed to have cute little baby fat rolls and was growing, so I tried not to worry about it. Boy was I wrong. When we went to the doctor for her 4 month appointment, she had only gained 1 pound in two months! She had dropped two growth curves on the weight chart. For length, she continued to be in the 95th percentile. Tall and skinny – she takes after Nick! The doctor said to try supplementing to see if her hunger was satisfied or not. Or not was right. I was bottle feeding her another 4 ounces at least after attempted feedings. She continued to scream while I nursed her, and would calm down as soon as I gave her the bottle. The bottle was easier, and I didn’t want to battle anymore. I stopped breastfeeding. I feel like such a failure, but it’s what seemed right. It hasn’t turned out to be the magic answer, but at least she's eating more. I took her back in for a quick weight check a couple of weeks later, and she had gained 2 pounds, 4 ounces! Yea, Kate!


We experimented a little with formula. She got a rash after having a little of it one day. I told the doctor, and he said to have some Benadryl on hand when I tried it again. I figured it was just a skin irritation from the formula, though, because it was only around her mouth. Ooooh, no – wrong again. A few nights ago Kate took her first full bottle of formula. 8 entire ounces down the hatch. She got the rash around her mouth again, and I figured it was fine. I try so hard not to be that mom who is worried about every little thing. I guess I should have worried, because when I went to get her from her nap, she was covered head to toe with hives. As I lifted her out of her crib she proceeded to vomit her entire feeding. (Well, almost the entire feeding. She saved some to vomit the next hour.) We gave her the Benadryl and listened to her breathing really closely. She seemed fine. She slept with us that night, and by morning, all her hives were gone. I was so thankful that Nick was home that night – he’s been out of town a ton. I would have been really freaked out if he weren’t there. All this to say Kate has a milk protein allergy.


Now we're trying to figure out if we should use the Nutramigen (the ultra expensive hypoallergenic stuff) or soy. The N. seems to cause discomfort - she arches back all the time now. The soy is much cheaper, but she doesn't like the taste very well. If we can go with the soy, so much the better, but we might be able to get insurance to cover the cost of the N.


Pray for us as we try and figure all of this out. Can you tell this is weighing on my mind constantly? I just wish there was a magic answer! The positive thing is that she's now gaining weight, even if she still doesn't have the best appetite. I'll probably go back next week sometime for another weight check.

It all boils down to this...

My "Smile File"

Well, today was my last day of work. It's bittersweet - more sweet than bitter, though. Maybe like semi-sweet chocolate chips. :) I know I'll be back one day, but today I'm feeling sentimental, so just bear with me.


After 6 years in education, I hung up my hat today. Although, I think it's fair to say "hats" plural. In this profession I have worn so many: guide, mediator, manager, entertainer, salesman, and even mother. I have laughed with many students, prayed with several, cried with a few, and rocked and held one so tightly as I thought my heart would burst for her. They've had attention deficit disorders and potty problems, anger issues and family hangups. Add in a kleptomaniac, and it was quite a circus at times!

In one of my interviews the principal asked, "Which is more important in the teaching profession: the art of teaching or the heart of it?" Without hesitation, I answered, "The heart." Even though I love keeping current in my field and continually learning the best ways to teach, at the end of the day it's all about the kids. It's the relationships that matter. It's about helping them become whomever it is they're going to be.

I stopped and prayed as I turned out the library lights when I left this afternoon. I praised the Lord for providing me the job as librarian this past year. I thanked Him that I now get to stay home with Kate. I prayed for "my" kids. I hope that I'm remembered.

Thinking in Poetry

I know it may sound odd to you, but as a former writing teacher and lover of literature, I often make up poems. Here's one I wrote in my head when I was feeding Kate in the dark the other morning. I was thinking about how much I'm looking forward to finally staying home with Kate full-time, and how in just a few months it will have felt like a long time ago that I started staying home. Does that make any sense? In the dark, I felt for the pad and pen I knew were handy and scrawled my words, not knowing if it was even legible. It was. Here's my poem...


Isn't it strange
how time
sneaks up on you
then flies away?
The moments we
dread/anticipate
tiptoe up behind us
then
seem like
forever ago,
fleeing as
distant memories.



Kate is 4 months old

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Dear Kate,


You are just getting more and more fun each day! It's fun to see your happy personality developing. Here are some things about you:

*You have found your feet. You are constantly holding your legs or feet, and you love to get your toes in your mouth. Gross!

*You are great at tracking toys now. It seemed like one day you weren't doing it and the next day you were! Back and forth, up and down, you are a tracking pro!

*You're still a great sleeper, but some nights you wake up at 3 am and fuss or even cry. All it takes is your paci back in your mouth, and you drift right off to sleep again. No feeding necessary! I know we'll probably regret giving you your paci (we don't want you to get too dependent on that), but while I'm still working for a few more weeks, we'll do what we have to to get a few more Zs. We still swaddle you to sleep for most of your naps and definitely every night. You like to feel cozy and secure. Again, we might start to wean you off the swaddling, but we'll wait until I'm home full time. We don't want to mess with your pattern right now.

*You are a giggle box now! It's so funny that for your 3 month post, I said you weren't laughing yet, but it was that same night that you gave us your first giggle! You only giggle for Mama right now, but everyone enjoys hearing you! You open your mouth so big, and it seems like you're trying really hard to make the laugh come out. It's hysterical!

*You're getting into your toys now. You take things we hand you (even with 2 hands), and you have good aim with getting your toys into your mouth. Gram excitedly called me at work one day to tell me that you'd put your paci back in your mouth all by yourself! You're so talented.

*You hate tummy time. Back at your 2 month appointment, the doctor told us to do 5 minutes of tummy time, three times a day. You get more like 20 seconds one time per day. You fuss and scream on your tummy, and it makes you so upset that you stay mad even when I pick you back up and try to calm you. So much for that!

*Maybe it's because of the lack of tummy time, but you're still not rolling over. It seems sometimes like you're close, but I'm not sure when this milestone will happen for you.

*You seem to be growing like a weed! We go back to the doctor for your 4 month appointment on Monday, so we'll know then how much you officially weigh and how long you are.

I love to come get you in the mornings and see you grin up at me as I lift you out of your crib. It's so funny when you're half-crying, half-smiling/giggling. You're hungry, but you're just so glad I'm there. You're such a cutie-pie! I can't wait to spend every day playing with and loving on my sweet girl.

Love,
Mama

Clothes: 3-6 months and Carter's 6 months (These are starting to get too small!)

Weight: 12 pounds, 4 ounces

Length: 25 1/4 inches

Diaper size: 2

Sleep: 8:30/9 pm - 6 am

Naps: 8-10/10:30, 12:00-2:00, & one late afternoon doze

4 month pose with elephant

compared to the 3 month picture

And a quick video clip of our giggly girl: