Here lately...

I need to write this post for three reasons:
1) Help me stay awake at work. (slow night)
2)  Help me stay off the evil Dr. Google.
3) Writing is just too darn therapeutic. 

I know there are many people out there with really BIG problems.  I am so thankfully for the cards I've been dealt in my life, and I truly do know that I've gotten a pretty sweet deal thus far!  I know the things I am going to vent about are small in comparison to what others are facing.  I just don't want anyone to think I am complaining.  That being said...

As Glennon from Momastery says, life is "brutiful".  I am totally feeling this right now.  The last few weeks have been beautiful but they have also been brutal. I am just going to say it.... I am worried about my sweet boy.  Whew... that is hard to type.  He was meeting and exceeding all his milestones perfectly till he reached about 8 months old.  From what I understand, lots of babies either pick communication or gross motor skills to focus on.  For example, some babies are slow to crawl but are talking up a storm by 10 month!  I think what has me so worked up is Keller is struggling to meet some of his milestones in multiple areas not just one.  

Crawling has not come easy to Keller.  He scoots everywhere he needs to go.  He will crawl on all fours sometimes but only a few steps then he switches back to scooting.  He is over 10 months old and technically should be crawling by now.  I know some babies never crawl and go straight to walking.  I promise I wouldn't worry so much about his gross motor skills if he was communicating more to us.  Here is what he is doing physically (Rachel, focus on the positives)... Scooting, pulling up on low surfaces, some cruising while standing, sits up from belly, and crawling upstairs with assistance.  Most of these he just recently started doing.  He only tries to crawl on all 4's on hard surfaces and refuses to crawl on our carpet. He will crawl a couple of steps and stops like he is hesitant about it.  I don't know if it is because he doesn't like our carpet, he is "lazy", or it is harder for him because he is such a big baby.  

Socially, he is a little social butterfly.  He is always smiling, bounces when we sing, responds to his name, and looks where we point.  He loves children and animals.  He loves to play with us and seeks our attention if we are busy doing something.  He loves reading and playing patty cake.  He will point to things in his books.  He does not know what he is pointing to, but he is interested in learning about it.  I am feel very blessed to have such a happy, loving baby.  Verbally, he is doing okay.  He does babble some and just started saying "ba" for ball.  However, he doesn't say mama or dada.  When he is hungry or sleepy he will cry for "ma".  Many babies don't say their first words till their first birthday so I am trying to be patient with his talking.  What IS concerning me is he doesn't mimic us much.   He rarely claps even though we clap 24/7.  Occasionally, after LOTS of prompting, he will clap. Waving hi and bye-bye, forget about it!  He looks at us like we are crazy.  I have been waving at EVERYTHING lately.  I decided to start baby sign language a couple weeks ago and he hates it.  I am afraid it has made him even more frustrated.  I have 4 signs that I am focusing on: milk, more, book,  and all done.  We are super consistent with signing.  Jeremy and I even sign when we are talking to each other.  I wish he communicated with us more instead of grunting and crying when he wants something.  He is saying "ba" like he is trying to say ball, which is giving me some reassurance.  We read books and sing songs ALL DAY LONG.  Lately, I have been so out of the loop with my friends and family because all I do is play, read and sing to my sweet boy.  I don't stop.  I am exhausted.  If you know me, you know how much I love TV.  It is how I unwind and I haven't watched TV in months.  I watched some while we were in Memphis and a couple of hours when the royal baby was arriving.  Y'all, I couldn't miss seeing the royal baby:)

I am a worrier by nature.  It is something I struggle with on a daily basis.  My mind is a very dangerous place.  Some of my fears are that I started too late and this is all my fault.  I know, I know... you don't even have to say it!  Also, I fear Keller will have some of my learning disabilities.  I hate this fear the MOST!  I will never forget how embarrassed I was in school because I didn't write or read all well as some of my peers.  I know I am fine and I even think I am pretty smart.  I just have to work harder than some but you NEVER forget those embarrassing moments!  I am trying to be patient but it concerns me that he is slightly behind in multiple areas.  If he was only behind in one area, I could justify that he is putting all his energy and focus towards that area and will "get" the other stuff in due time.   I am probably overreacting, however, I just want the best for Keller.  If there are any delays, I know how important early intervention is.  I am trying to be proactive by getting Keller around more children.  He started a baby class at Project Help.  I am looking to enroll him into a music class and we recently joined the Discovery Center.  I am hoping this will spark his interest in communicating with us. Today was especially discouraging.  So, I decided that I am going to call Keller's pediatrician to catch him up to speed and see if he has any recommendations.  I could wait till his 12 month appointment but I am afraid I will worry myself sick till then. Until I talk to the doctor, I have promised myself I will stay off the computer too!

Jeremy is being a trooper, but I know he hates seeing me worry so much.  It takes something really big to worry my husband.  I am so thankful to have him help keep me grounded.  Without Jeremy I would be a hot mess!  Does anyone have any similar experiences they can share?  Please pray for my sweet boy and for his crazy mama too.  Pray I can turn my mind off and focus on loving my precious son  Thank you for listening!

Blue

Your eyes are crazy blue right now!  I hope they stay this color.  I took these pictures on my 30th birthday.  We were in the car on a family adventure.  

I did not edit his eyes much AT ALL.  There was one corner that was a bit dark that I touched up but that was it.  This is all you buddy!   I am melting away now...

7 month pictures

Baby Toms

LOVE

Seriously  LOVE!

Chubby  fingers

Baby in a bucket

 

Here we are with Jennifer!  I love Keller's gangster expression!

Meeting Glennon!

She is exactly how you thought she would be and then some.  Mom and I had a blast!

Keller 8 MONTHS

Weight: 21 lbs

• You got up on all 4's on 4/26.  We try and help you get up on all 4's but you always cry and act like we are hurting your feelings.  Crazy kid! 
• You were recovering from your first virus.
• You love to turn the pages while we are reading you a book.
• You started whining this month.  You whine mostly when you want me to pick you up.
• You LOVE to bang on things.  You are always banging on whatever is in front of you.
• You pucker your lips when you are sleeping.
• 4 teeth in two weeks = one tired mama and baby.  I cannot wait till you get a break from teething.  It has been constant for a couple of months and I am done seeing you uncomfortable.
• We went for a very quick trip to Memphis.  You had your 6 month pictures taken by Jennifer.  We cannot wait to see them soon!
• You said your first word, "mama".  I was telling myself it was baby babble but Miss Courtney confirmed it on 4/29/13.  You say "mama" when you are hungry or super sleepy.
• You are always bouncing/ rocking when you are standing or sitting. I love it because it looks like you are dancing and bouncing to a beat!
• You can now jump really well in your Johnny Jump Up.
• You are grabbing for EVERYTHING.  We really have to watch what we put near you.  You even grab for things that are out of reach for you. Your favorite thing to grab is still my hair.
• You rub your right foot when falling asleep, just like your mama.
• You are OBSESSED with finding Madison.  I have to keep Madison away when trying to feed you baby food because she just distracts you.  You never eat when she is around.  The moment you see her nothing else matters.  However, I hate to tell you but the feelings are not mutual:) 
• Your Daddy finally graduated.  You missed your morning nap because of graduation. Afterwards, it only took a couple of minutes for you to fall asleep in your daddy's arms.  My heart melted into a big puddle. 
• Most of the month, I thought you were a picky eater because you were not liking baby food at all.  We were really battling to get you to eat any baby food.  On 5/14/13 you cut your 6 tooth and FINALLY we were taking a break from teething.  Thank you Lord!  You have 4 top teeth on top and 2 bottom teeth at 7 1/2 months old.  Once you stop teething, you started eating baby food again.  Now, you get upset because we aren't feeding it to you fast enough!!!  Could you make up your mind please:)
• You give the best belly laughs to you daddy.
• You love bath time even more now that you sit up.  Lots of splashing,
• You love to go walking in the jogging stroller. 
• You were in your first car wreck.  Thankfully, nobody was hurt.  Someone rear ended us on Memorial.  Granddaddy was there in 10 minutes and checked you out.  Minus being a little scared when she hit us, you were completely okay.  I don't think it scarred you for life :)
• You are now reaching for us to pick you up.
• You love eating cheerios.  You have great fine motor skills and really working on the pincher grip.  You pretty much had the pincher grip down at 7 months.
• When we are eating, you start making a smacking noise because you want to eat like us.
• I am realizing how laid back you are when you are not teething.  Everyone comments on how easy going you are.  You definitely didn't learn this from me but I'll take it!
• Your favorite food is pears, nothing else compares.
• Granddaddy showed you how fun it is to play in the sink water.
• Your next favorite thing besides Madison is other children.  The loudest I've heard you belly laugh was at your godbrother, Grayson. 

Keller 29-32 WEEKS

Keller 7 MONTHS

Weight: 20 lbs

• You are now sitting up.  You love sitting up like a big boy and seeing what is going on around you.
• You can scoot in your baby walker.
• You have tried peas and peaches.  Not a fan of peas.
• You are doing so much better in the car, however, you still have a limit.
• You love spitting your baby food out and laugh when it goes everywhere.
• You have the cutest chunky baby legs.  Once we started the baby food, they really seemed to plump up.
• Mama is surprised you still have the birthmark above your right eye.  Doctor said it would go away by 6 months.  I think it is cute so I wouldn't mind if it never goes away.
• You had a great 6 month check-up.  Genetics are starting to take a role and you are getting longer and leaner (besides those chunky legs). Doctor is not worried about the eczema and says you will probably out grow it.  Doctor also gave us the green light to feed you more baby foods.
• You are now giving us some really good belly laughs.  Especially, in our bed right before bedtime.
• The later it is during the day, the more likely you are to get over stimulated.
• Baby tears are so sad.
• We sing to you all the time.  Seriously, your instantly stop crying when we sing to you.  It is amazing.
• You right foot moves nonstop during your feedings.
• You love pears and carrots.  They are by far your favs.
• You favorite song is, "This Little Light of Mine."
• Your favorite toy is your light up ball.
• Lots of baby babble these days.  "Dadadadadadadada" over and over again.
• Still surviving teething... thanks to mama's BFF, Sophie.
• You were baptized Easter morning.  It was a very special day.  Your whole family was there to support you and love on you.  After Easter service, we had a celebration at Grandmother's house.  
• Your top fangs are coming in before the top middle teeth.  They are really bothering you.
• When you want something like a toy, you will wave to it.  I know you are not really waving but it looks like you are.
• You had your first plane ride ever.  We got you some wings to prove it.  You didn't sleep either way but you didn't get upset either.  I was very proud of you.  Even the stewardess commented on how well behaved you were.
• We went to Columbus to visit your BFF Abbott Hall.  We went to the zoo, ate good food, and played with Abbott's cool toys.  You love Aunt Ashley's home cooked baby food.  We went to the park and you had your first experience in the swing.
• Your top fangs came in on 4/16/13.  Two teeth at once is just not fair!
• You had your first fever of 101.2 on 4/16/13.
• You got your first virus on 4/20/13 and it lasted a couple of days.  The runny nose lasted almost two weeks though.  
• You are poping out teeth like crazy these days!  You got your 5th tooth on 4/20.  Between the virus, fever, and teething I had one pitiful baby:(
• You love watching your shadows while jumping in your Johnny Jump Up.

Keller 25-28 WEEKS

 

 

 

 

Keller 6 MONTHS

Weight: 18 lbs 7 oz 68%

Height: 26.5 80%

Head: 71 %

• You love your Sophie.  Mama and daddy might love her more though.  Teething baby + Sophie = we can survive teething.
• Downside to cloth diapers, you had your first yeast rash.  Downside to yeast, mama had to wash your diapers 5 times to properly sanitize them.  Yeast stay away!
• Well, mama went back to work part-time this month.  It was HORRIBLE those first few days.  I would think about you all the time.  Instead of coming into your room to watch you sleep two times a night, I would come in 4 or 5 times.  I missed you so much and I felt like such a mean mommy leaving you.  I am so thankful that I have a job where I can be part-time!
• Your favorite game to play is, "taking daddy's glasses off".
• Baby food you have tried: Butternut squash and sweet potatoes
• You are now officially a "booty up" sleeper!
• You love your baby walker and blocks.
• 2nd tooth on  3/4/13.
• This is random, but you laugh when we clean your hands.  It is so funny!
• Miss Courtney keeps you while mama goes to work.  You love her and she loves you too.  I am very thankful to have someone I can trust to watch you.  I know you are in good hands.
• We were still struggling with afternoon nap so "Baby Boot Camp 2013" happened at 5 months.  Baby boot camp, AKA "crying it out" was necessary with me going back to work.  You were not taking your afternoon naps and needed to be on a schedule.  I am not going to lie, the first two days were brutal.  Thankfully, we didn't have to worry about you crying it out during your morning nap and at bedtime.  You always went down pretty easy during those times.  However, afternoon naps were a different story.  Mama left the first two days we let you cry it out.  Daddy is the stronger one in this department.  We did check on you every 5-10 mins to let you know we love you and rubbed your back.  Each day got better and by the end of the week we were on the right track. 
• You tried avocados and got really sick.  We cannot try them again for a few months.  Not worth the poopy mess anyway!
• You are still tripoding like a champ!
• "Baby Boot Camp" turned out to be the correct decision for you because you now LOVE your crib.  I mean you really, really love your crib.  It is so cute.  Most of the time you don't wake up crying anymore.  You will talk and play after you wake up.  Mama loves it because I will let you play for a bit before I come get you.  
• You love the Barney song.  You will be crying and we start singing it and you will immediately stop.  EVERY. TIME.  So even though it might be is the most annoying song in the world, we will sing it to you over and over again to keep you happy.
• Daddy accidentally ate an avocado puree mixed with breast milk.  Good times:)
• Another positive from letting you "cry it out" is you smile and squeal when we go get you out of your crib. 
• You always manage to pee in our bed when we are changing your diaper. 
• You are teething constantly.  You are always chewing on your hands and have a face full of drool.
• You love when daddy does superman.
• When you are on your belly, you have a routine of rotating between push-ups and your skydiving move.  We think it's hilarious.  Aunt Claire nicknamed it the skydiving move because you totally look like you are skydiving.
• You now can jump in your Johny Jump Up.  
• You are incredibly strong and you also love to fight us during diaper changes.  Especially, right before bed it is really bad.  Daddy usually holds you down, while mama races to change your diaper and put on your jammies.  Sometimes singing to you will help but not always. 
• I could tell something was wrong by your crying.  It was a different cry than I am used to.  So I ran to your room and sure enough you had a leg and an arm stuck in the crib rails.  We have a breathable bumper, but it was pushed down.
• You are still a mama's boy but daddy is not far behind at all.  In fact, I bet in a couple of months daddy will be your favorite. 

Love you and happy 1/2 year.  I cannot believe how fast the last 6 months have been.  They have been the best 6 months of our lives.  We love you so much!

Congrats JEREMY!

My hubby just graduated with his Ed.D. this month.  We are beyond thrilled to have school behind us.  There was definitely some difficult times during his program.  Especially last summer when Jeremy was gone for 9 days and I was on bed rest.  However, Jeremy would say last summer was easy compared to his first year in the program.  Multiple times I thought Jeremy was seriously going to quit due to stress. None of that matters now because YOU ARE DONE!!!  I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!   This is a huge accomplishment to get your doctoral degree at the age of 28! (Yes, he was the baby in his program) 

Keller hanging with the guys.

Jeremy receiving his diploma

My boys!

Keller fell asleep on his daddy.

We had a party two weeks later to celebrate graduating....

Love my little family.

Isn't he a PRECIOUS!

Whoop, whoop!

Monthly Updates...

Get ready, I am about to blast you with weekly photos and monthly updates.  I am so behind!