Well, today marks the unofficial end to my no strings attached summer. I mean...wait...I have been more tied down than ever before this summer. What I mean is, today was my last day to sleep in (props to my baby who also likes to sleep in and Jacob who is not a super early riser also). I think I made my goal of showering/getting dressed before noon every day.
Christian turns 12 weeks old tomorrow. After 12 weeks I am 'ready' to go back to work...if only my going back to work was as simple as stepping in the door and getting back to work. After 12 full weeks of being home every single day taking care of 2 boys, laundry, cleaning, cooking, shopping, making phone calls for repairs, living some days without our A/C, a microwave... now I'm going to take care of 14 kids and do all of that stuff (YIKES!). I have been working in my classroom for about 3-4 weeks already and I'm not finished. My room takes the longest to set-up and put away and when you add on two little 'helpers' you can only imagine. No, really, you couldn't. It's nearly impossible to get things accomplished with both of them with me at school, but for some reason, I keep taking them back. Evidently I don't learn my lesson too quickly or I have this high level of stress and even if I get a measly two things accomplished, I guess it's something. But what else am I suppose to do with the two little dudes?
I love summer and hotness and this has been a great summer to be a summer lover. However, I feel like I totally missed the boat on all of it. It makes me sad. I love my boys, but it's hard. Not that anyone said it was going to be easy, but it's been way harder than I ever thought it would be. I had a stack of books I wanted to read, ice cream to eat in the sun, and things for myself to do. Instead, it's been a summer of everyone else. Between Nate's work schedule that is different every week and includes some nights and now weekends, any chance for me to schedule appointments or activities for myself are non existent. I tried to take Jacob to the pool when we could or for as long as CJ would tolerate it. I do not know how full time stay at home moms do it (they don't have the stress of trying to get their work done while at home, I guess that would help!) Which brings me to good reason that 2 kids is plenty for this momma. Yes, this is a season and you're suppose to sit back and enjoy it 'cause someone once told me they grow up all too fast and you'll miss these days. That's probably true. However, I won't miss the days of screaming, crying, poop oozing from diapers.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
9 weeks old
July 19-25
Well, the straw that broke the camels back finally happened, well, it happened earlier, but finally did something about it. On the 20th, things were still not going well down the feeding path. I finally called into the clinic to talk to a nurse to discuss our feeding dilemma, who could talk to the doctor to see if what I was thinking was over the top, normal, not normal and what steps should be taken next.
So here were our issues we were facing...screaming - cannot comfort the little guy after feedings, gas, runny/dark green-black poop, short naps, not much of a spitter (so that wasn't an issue)...prolonged time period that this had been going on. This made it hard to leave the house, for anything...I got groceries at 10:15 at night this week - probably half asleep, but anything was better than taking the boys when one is whining for things on the shelf and the other is whining for his tummy hurts. So, in just over 8 weeks we are on our 3rd formula and ironically, 3rd size of diapers! I think on the 19th, Christian used his last size 1 diaper and we are now solely in 2's (he had been using 2's at night because he'd been peeing through...and even some times he's pee through a size 2 huggie, but hasn't peed through a size 2 pampers yet!)
Since the switch in formula that occurred Friday evening, life has seemed better. The screaming fits are gone, his naps are longer, his poop seems more normal...I'm thankful! No, really, this child is a different child now. It's true.
Having this issue resolved (hopefully for good) sure made cheering Nate on in his half marathon easier! The boys and I raced ahead of him several times around his route! It was fun to see him at different points, I could tell at mile 11 he was tired. Those hills around there are crazy! Nothing like what we have here as most of his training was on quite flat terrain. He ran it in 2:00:40! Quite an accomplishment for sure. We were able to enjoy the scenery around the Okoboji area Friday evening and Saturday afternoon as a family. We were all pretty tired when we got home Saturday night. Then Sunday morning I woke up with a fever. I was down for the count for 2 days and still pretty slow going on Tuesday. Now it's turned into this weird sinus drainage/cough/headache.
On Monday, Christian turned 2 months old! I can't say he really did anything monumental on that day...well, mainly because I didn't see him hardly at all. I have noticed him staring at his fists a lot lately. He enjoys his swing, play mat, stroller rides, getting his feet and legs wet at the pool (when it's not scorching out!) I refuse to take him when it's above 95ish. So we've spent a lot of time indoors this summer. We try to hit up the pool in the evening, it's not as busy, still hot and then we have a 1:1 ratio with children/parents. He smiles a lot and coos. He does not like my coughs though! He doesn't really hold a rattle on his own, we've tried to force it on his hand, but it doesn't last long. He is currently laying on his play mat where toys hang down and he's reaching out for them and making them move.
He had his two month appointment where he weighed in at 16 lbs and 9 oz! He is 24 inches long. He is in the 100th percentile for weight and 87th for height, his head circumference is also in the 100th! Yes, he's a big boy! He wears mostly 6 month clothes and some 9 month. He will probably outgrow his car seat by 6 months old!
Happy 9 weeks old dear sweet one!
Well, the straw that broke the camels back finally happened, well, it happened earlier, but finally did something about it. On the 20th, things were still not going well down the feeding path. I finally called into the clinic to talk to a nurse to discuss our feeding dilemma, who could talk to the doctor to see if what I was thinking was over the top, normal, not normal and what steps should be taken next.
So here were our issues we were facing...screaming - cannot comfort the little guy after feedings, gas, runny/dark green-black poop, short naps, not much of a spitter (so that wasn't an issue)...prolonged time period that this had been going on. This made it hard to leave the house, for anything...I got groceries at 10:15 at night this week - probably half asleep, but anything was better than taking the boys when one is whining for things on the shelf and the other is whining for his tummy hurts. So, in just over 8 weeks we are on our 3rd formula and ironically, 3rd size of diapers! I think on the 19th, Christian used his last size 1 diaper and we are now solely in 2's (he had been using 2's at night because he'd been peeing through...and even some times he's pee through a size 2 huggie, but hasn't peed through a size 2 pampers yet!)
Since the switch in formula that occurred Friday evening, life has seemed better. The screaming fits are gone, his naps are longer, his poop seems more normal...I'm thankful! No, really, this child is a different child now. It's true.
Having this issue resolved (hopefully for good) sure made cheering Nate on in his half marathon easier! The boys and I raced ahead of him several times around his route! It was fun to see him at different points, I could tell at mile 11 he was tired. Those hills around there are crazy! Nothing like what we have here as most of his training was on quite flat terrain. He ran it in 2:00:40! Quite an accomplishment for sure. We were able to enjoy the scenery around the Okoboji area Friday evening and Saturday afternoon as a family. We were all pretty tired when we got home Saturday night. Then Sunday morning I woke up with a fever. I was down for the count for 2 days and still pretty slow going on Tuesday. Now it's turned into this weird sinus drainage/cough/headache. 
On Monday, Christian turned 2 months old! I can't say he really did anything monumental on that day...well, mainly because I didn't see him hardly at all. I have noticed him staring at his fists a lot lately. He enjoys his swing, play mat, stroller rides, getting his feet and legs wet at the pool (when it's not scorching out!) I refuse to take him when it's above 95ish. So we've spent a lot of time indoors this summer. We try to hit up the pool in the evening, it's not as busy, still hot and then we have a 1:1 ratio with children/parents. He smiles a lot and coos. He does not like my coughs though! He doesn't really hold a rattle on his own, we've tried to force it on his hand, but it doesn't last long. He is currently laying on his play mat where toys hang down and he's reaching out for them and making them move.
He had his two month appointment where he weighed in at 16 lbs and 9 oz! He is 24 inches long. He is in the 100th percentile for weight and 87th for height, his head circumference is also in the 100th! Yes, he's a big boy! He wears mostly 6 month clothes and some 9 month. He will probably outgrow his car seat by 6 months old!
Happy 9 weeks old dear sweet one!
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
8 weeks
July 12-18
This is the morning that Christian woke up today, July 12th, after he slept all night long!!!! HOORAY!!! What an amazing feat! We are proud of you big fella! The entire eating 8 oz per feeding has certainly helped this out I believe.
This week we battled Jacob being sick Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday. We did not do much. We stayed home and washed hands a lot.
Happy 8 weeks old little CJ!
This is the morning that Christian woke up today, July 12th, after he slept all night long!!!! HOORAY!!! What an amazing feat! We are proud of you big fella! The entire eating 8 oz per feeding has certainly helped this out I believe.
You LOVE the swing! I'm glad you like it, because you won't nap in your crib. I think in your 8 weeks of life, you have taken one nap in your crib that has last more than an hour...it was a 3 hour one! So, we typically try the crib first, and if it doesn't go, we do the swing. It bothers me, but not that much, because he sleeps his entire night in the crib. I also think it helps his tummy because he's a bit more snug in the swing and bent - helps that gas get pushed out?
This is a 6-12 month onesie! Yikes boy! We got this as a gift and it's funny. Just don't let it go to your head.
Enjoying some Sunday afternoon lounge around time! We typically flock to the baby. Look at these shades of blue in these eyes!
This week we battled Jacob being sick Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday. We did not do much. We stayed home and washed hands a lot.
Happy 8 weeks old little CJ!
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
7 weeks old
July 5-11
A week into the new sensitive formula....it's helped...some. You still get fussy and mad, but not to the extent. You are still wearing size 1 diapers but only because we want to finish off those before we go to size 2! Unreal! Most 3 month clothes aren't fitting to well these days and have you mostly in the 6 month apparel. Oh, it's probably because on Monday - July 9 you started drinking 8 oz bottles! You eat more than any other baby I know! :)
Yes at 6 weeks and 5 days, you have found your thumb...hand! You've never been super huge into your pacifier, fall asleep at night without it...in fact, you go to sleep on your own. We just lay you in your crib and asleep you fall. However, there is something about you that you don't sleep in your crib during your naps. I'm not sure what. You'll fall asleep and only stay sleeping for 20 minutes or so...not cool! So into your swing you go and sleep much better, I think it's part of the entire feeding issue we're having. You intolerance to your formula. Yes, that's still going on....sigh. But we love you and love your happy moments that you do give to us each day.
On your 7th week day, we went to a park so that big brother could play with other adopted children. It was a great time, in fact, mommy needed it. You're not easy in the fact of how fussy you are after you eat. It's very draining. But, honestly, I got to talk to other adoptive moms and connected with a gal whose child was quite similar to Christian in his struggle to tolerate his food. I was given some great advice from someone who listened to what I was dealing with and who dealt with the same thing herself. She knew how exhausted, drained and frustrated I was. I figured I would try to hold out until his 2 month appointment in 2 weeks. We'll see how that goes.
A week into the new sensitive formula....it's helped...some. You still get fussy and mad, but not to the extent. You are still wearing size 1 diapers but only because we want to finish off those before we go to size 2! Unreal! Most 3 month clothes aren't fitting to well these days and have you mostly in the 6 month apparel. Oh, it's probably because on Monday - July 9 you started drinking 8 oz bottles! You eat more than any other baby I know! :)
On your 7th week day, we went to a park so that big brother could play with other adopted children. It was a great time, in fact, mommy needed it. You're not easy in the fact of how fussy you are after you eat. It's very draining. But, honestly, I got to talk to other adoptive moms and connected with a gal whose child was quite similar to Christian in his struggle to tolerate his food. I was given some great advice from someone who listened to what I was dealing with and who dealt with the same thing herself. She knew how exhausted, drained and frustrated I was. I figured I would try to hold out until his 2 month appointment in 2 weeks. We'll see how that goes.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
6 weeks old
June 28-July 4
Evidently, as I typed this several weeks later...I cannot remember much of what we did and have no pictures to prove anything. So, I'm going to assume that this is when things started going from not great to worse...Christian has been VERY fussy, colicky, SCREAMING, not happy, you can't calm him down in these fits until the gas passes or he quits for whatever random reason.
And yes, let's just confirm, June 28 was an AWFUL day. I took some time as I'm writing this to go back to our baby connect app on our phones that we track his feedings/diaper changes/mood...and yes, June 28 was a day to forget about. It was finally in that day that we decided to go from regular formula to the sensitive. He's been eating 6 oz at a time and in size 1 diapers. He gets up once a night to eat, diaper change and back to bed, fairly fast - a half hour or so.
Jacob and I were able to get some beans picked and he helped me cut them so we could freeze them! Hooray for fresh veggies in the winter!
We headed to Omaha for a quick trip for Nate to do a little bit of work and we hung out with family! It was so great as I was able to get some relief from a fussy baby with Aunt Miranda's arms :). Jacob also was super brave and stayed 2 extra nights to hang out with his cousins. This gave me an entire day at home to CLEAN!!! It felt great.
Evidently, as I typed this several weeks later...I cannot remember much of what we did and have no pictures to prove anything. So, I'm going to assume that this is when things started going from not great to worse...Christian has been VERY fussy, colicky, SCREAMING, not happy, you can't calm him down in these fits until the gas passes or he quits for whatever random reason.
And yes, let's just confirm, June 28 was an AWFUL day. I took some time as I'm writing this to go back to our baby connect app on our phones that we track his feedings/diaper changes/mood...and yes, June 28 was a day to forget about. It was finally in that day that we decided to go from regular formula to the sensitive. He's been eating 6 oz at a time and in size 1 diapers. He gets up once a night to eat, diaper change and back to bed, fairly fast - a half hour or so.
Jacob and I were able to get some beans picked and he helped me cut them so we could freeze them! Hooray for fresh veggies in the winter!
We headed to Omaha for a quick trip for Nate to do a little bit of work and we hung out with family! It was so great as I was able to get some relief from a fussy baby with Aunt Miranda's arms :). Jacob also was super brave and stayed 2 extra nights to hang out with his cousins. This gave me an entire day at home to CLEAN!!! It felt great.
The 4th of July meant 6 weeks old for Christian!
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
5 weeks old
June 21-27
Just over 4 weeks old...loves to follow faces! He's especially attracted to Jacob and Jacob's voice!
Such a sweet face...there's no way he can get mad...yeah right!
Happy 5 weeks old sweetie! You wear mostly 3 - 6 month clothes and there's even a few 9 month items that must run small that you fit into! YIKES!!! And despite all the happiness you portray in these pictures, you're quite fussy, that's hard on your mommy.
Just over 4 weeks old...loves to follow faces! He's especially attracted to Jacob and Jacob's voice!
Such a sweet face...there's no way he can get mad...yeah right!
All sweet and ready for bed.
After church photo sessions seems to be my favorite right now! Aren't they adorable?!
This little one stole a few hearts today, I think :) Love him!
His little smiles keep getting bigger :)
On a fishing day with church friends, he slept basically the entire time in his car seat. This cute little hat no longer fits him at 7 weeks old :( Seriously!
Grandpa Rusty & Grandma Katie came for a visit! It was fun to see them and of course Jacob devoured all of the attention that he got from them as well :) Thanks for the visit...and now CJ has a T-Rex shirt to match Jacob's! He'll fit into it all too soon.
Happy 5 weeks old sweetie! You wear mostly 3 - 6 month clothes and there's even a few 9 month items that must run small that you fit into! YIKES!!! And despite all the happiness you portray in these pictures, you're quite fussy, that's hard on your mommy.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
4 weeks old
June 14-20th
At 3 weeks old, turning four...his skin is recovering. It was in some pretty hefty weird states lately, pealing EVERYWHERE! I feel like we are finally getting it under control at least on his stomach and face.
His feet as you can tell are still shedding...
This picture was not turned side ways...arg! I can't find a way to rotate it once it's put in here...annoying. I love how his little tongue is sticking out.
All snuggled up after bath time. He loves his baths!
And mommy snuggle time is great...no one takes moms pictures with the kids...I'm always the one taking pictures, so every once in awhile a self-portrait has to happen so I can prove that I did spend time with my kids :).
Dad came home from work exhausted, so I told him to go take a nap...he did as well as CJ..oh, and Louie! awe!
At 3 weeks old, turning four...his skin is recovering. It was in some pretty hefty weird states lately, pealing EVERYWHERE! I feel like we are finally getting it under control at least on his stomach and face.
His feet as you can tell are still shedding...
This picture was not turned side ways...arg! I can't find a way to rotate it once it's put in here...annoying. I love how his little tongue is sticking out.
All snuggled up after bath time. He loves his baths!
And mommy snuggle time is great...no one takes moms pictures with the kids...I'm always the one taking pictures, so every once in awhile a self-portrait has to happen so I can prove that I did spend time with my kids :).
Dad came home from work exhausted, so I told him to go take a nap...he did as well as CJ..oh, and Louie! awe!
Happy Father's Day, Nate!
Christian's first smiles were on Father's Day! So sweet.
Happy 4 weeks old Christian James!
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