13 Months

Justin. Handsome. You are now 13 months old. That is crazy; crazy like Charlie Sheen crazy. But, as you get bigger (something you are VERY good at), you simply get more fun. This month has been more difficult for Mama and Daddy, and you, but still - you make us smile and feel blessed every. single. day. Here is what you are up to:

We have spent a little more time outside. It is hard not to when visiting Gammy and Papa. Cousin Annabelle grabs shoes and takes them to their owner, saying 'Ousside', which means she wants a ride on Papa's John Deere Gator. She wins that battle almost every time. 

You are dealing with separation anxiety. You scream when we go downstairs to switch laundry or even take Izzers outside. Somedays at daycare you let it be known that you do not approve of us (read: Dada) leaving. I'm talking real tears Dude. 

Just after your first birthday, we switched you from formula to whole milk, and *gasp* took away your bottles. Luckily, you did very well with the cold-turkey change. It took you a few days to really "get" the sippy cup, and we did offer you the bottle (with water) once to make sure you were getting enough to drink, but you weren't having it! We are not missing the cost of formula or bottle liners at all. We took away bottle at your pediatrician's recommendation - the thought being that it would be easier to make the connection that milk comes in sippy cups, and milk is what you get. I'm glad it worked so easily - if only everything worked that easily ;)

Football season started and you are again cheering for Iowa. Thank heavens you were asleep for the last half of that ISU debacle - I don't want that monstrosity of a game to haunt your mind. Though it may explain some of your sleeping problems . . . (see last section). 

Just in case you someday lack enthusiam about getting in the bath, I have documented your current feelings about the "splish splash". The pictures below demonstrate your dramatic nature when you hear the water running inside the tub. 

Your hair has grown by leaps-and-bounds this month and it just does not lay down/lay straight. We are finished trying to contain the curl - it will not have it!

 As the weather has gotten cooler, we have pulled out your fall clothes. You, for the first time, are actually wearing clothes intended for babies your age. You wear mostly 12-18 month clothes right now, though some 18-24 month clothes (okay, all of your pants are bigger, or 'loose' fitting), and even some 12 month shirts fit you!

You have started walking in your fourteenth month, but at 13 months you were mostly cruising and taking 2-3 steps at a time. Your first steps came at the doctor's office on August 18. You took 2 steps towards Mama and fell into my arms. :)

Your toys are all over the house, though we wouldn't have it any other way. You still prefer to be pushed on your riding toys and get crabby when we leave you to push on your own. 

You give kisses, and the headbutts have reduced in frequency. My nose appreciates that. 

You continue to love Izzers, and think that every animal you meet should treat you as Izzers does. You hold your fingers out to cats expecting them to lick your fingers as Iz does, and get confused when they do not. Then you push your fingers into their faces? Oh well, you'll learn. We think he is saying 'Izz'.

And now for the big elephant in the nursery - your sleep, or lack thereof. Right after your first birthday - just a couple days after switching you to whole milk and taking away the bottle, you started waking in the night. But this waking is much different than before. When you awoke previously, you would fuss a little bit, and then either a) put yourself back to sleep, b) take a bottle or something to drink and go right back to sleep, or c) respond to some soothing measure by Dada (typically he gets up as I sleep through about anything) and fall asleep again. But not this - this is screaming fussing. You just fuss and scream. You want picked up - you want put down - you want to be held - you dont want to be held - you aren't wet - you aren't thirsty - you aren't hungry - you aren't too cold - you aren't teething (you did have one tooth pop up this month, but it's nothing I would contribute this much fussiness to). It's like having a colicy baby again in some ways. You will fall asleep with us, but then scream again as soon as we put you in your crib. Most nights you only go back to sleep after sleeping in the rocker with Dada for an hour. And this happens anywhere from 1-3 times a night. It has been very consistent since your first birthday.

Your pediatricians office suggested trying soy milk to rule out a slight lactose intolerance. That didn't work. We have tried letting you cry for a little while, but you only get madder. We have tried food and water when you wake. We have made sure you are getting enough to eat during the day - again, not a problem. The latest idea is that you are having night terrors, or nightmares. Supposedly it is a phase. We'll see. My chiropractor has said he can help with that. I don't love the idea, but I don't love not sleeping, or thinking that he is actually having night terrors. Thus, we have given up letting him cry, though we usually give him a minute or two 'just in case' he can put himself to sleep. We don't want him to get in the habit of calling for us and we come running; but we don't want him scared and alone either. He has a simple, calm bedtime routine, and we put him drowsy, but awake so we know he can put himself to sleep.

Sorry for the novel, but if we ever get caught up on sleep and have another baby, I like having this as a reference! You are taking one nap that lasts about 90 minutes to two hours.



You have seven teeth now! You got 'written up' TWICE at daycare for biting. Bad behavior Justin :(

Until next month . . .

OMG

Last week my Handsome gave me kisses on request. Today, he gave me a headbutt. Then I got another one. In addition to that fun, we are now dealing with:

Separation Anxiety
A whole lot of fussiness
Sleeping (well, not sleeping) like a one-month old
Nightmares? (his doctor thinks maybe)
Wanting to be held/not wanting to be held/wanting to be put down/wanting held
Something resembling temper tantrums

If you need me, I'll be calling the pharmacy to verify just how long birth control lasts and doubling that.

I adore you darling boy, but we went through a few months of fussiness/colic - we've paid our dues. For heaven's sake, work with us :) Love, Mama

P. a . r . t . . . why? Because Justin is 1!

Justin's first birthday party was a huge success. Granted, it took me over 8 hours to make cupcakes and frosting - our definition of 'success' is a little different than the average bear family's. And Justin has been a bear lately :/ A grizzly cub, in fact. Anyway - back to the topic at hand: The First Birthday Party. Many people say they are more for the parents than the baby, and I completely agree. I would've called it a "Hey, We Survived Our First Year as Parents" party, but that would've been tacky. 

The theme was 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar". The invitations (totally outsourced) were sent out in advance, and Tank was excited for the big day. Mama and Dada, on the other hand, were exhausted from all of the work in the week leading up to the party. Nah, we were pretty darn excited too. 

We worked hard to get the living room (you know, THE room we had done anything to since moving into this house) ready to go and decorated. Dada spent the day before your party chopping off half an inch of the large shelf holding the tv - as it turns out the shelves on the right are about an inch smaller than the ones on the left - which you really can't tell until you try to put them in there. Oh well; Nothing a borrowed saw, four hours, and lots of swearing couldn't fix ;)

Justin's monthly pictures were on display anchored in pails full of candy meant to go home with guests, but were forgotten (at least that is what Baby Daddy told me). 

Even Izzers got in the spirit. 

The food was (mostly) based on the book. There was fruit salad and apple-pear-snicker salad, brats and burgers with fixings, deviled eggs, and cupcakes. The drinks were cleverly labeled, if I do say so myself; juice boxes and water bottles labeled 'Caterpillars' and adult beverages labeled 'Butterflies Only'. 

The cupcakes - no, the Damn Cupcakes. In the weeks before the party, I debated as to whether I should spend the money to have the gourmet cupcakery in town make them, or whether I should make them myself. Ultimately I decided that it just wasn't worth the $70 it would cost to buy them. So I made them myself. Eight hours, three trips to the store, two ruined batches of frosting, one ruined smash cake, and a drink later, they were done!! I already have someone lined up to make them for his next birthday party - seriously. And if that person fails me in a year, I have absolutely no qualms spending $70 on cupcakes. 

People - We are very lucky that so many of our guests could make it and we are all glad that you came :)

The Rundown:

First things first: The Family Picture

This makes the third or fourth family photo we have :) 

After some mingling, grilling, and foodening (that's 'eating' in non-Mitch speak), it was time for a good old fashioned cake smashing . . . and Justin did not disappoint. After singing 'Happy Birthday', he dug right in. 

 Then, after the rest of us scarfed our cupcakes, it was time for gifts. Justin helped pull a few strings and was very enthusiastic to play with his gifts, or at least the boxes. 

Whassat Mama?

Just what I've always wanted - A HANGER!!

A bathtub hoop. The first time we put this in the tub he would not turn away from it - he spent the entire bath sitting (WHICH DOES NOT HAPPEN), looking at it, with his back to us. He has since gotten over sitting. 

 Every kid gets a Harley for his first birthday, right?? No, just mine? ok!

He loves to push the buttons until the rock music comes on - then he dances. He does not get the dancing from me, either. I know, you are all surprised on that one. 

Justin's Toy Garage - or part of it, complete with a Little People Car Race Ramp, Little People Farm (He likes to carry around the sheep?!?), Farm Tractor, and Ball Popper. 

It is a good thing these parties only happen once a year. 

Morning Chores . . .

What Parenting Has Taught Me - Year 1

1. I know nothing about parenting. I know what works for my baby; not your baby. Some of the stuff I read in parenting books before Justin was born did not work for him. For example - Justin did not like to be swaddled. No matter how tight we safely got the swaddle, he broke out by morning. I found advice in all sorts of places - books, parents, friends, and a LOT from my sister. I was grateful to have those resources. 

2. Moms can be really mean to each other. Here I was, pre-baby, pregnant, walking around under this happy little cloud thinking all moms were helpful and nice. They're not. Pick nice ones to talk to and avoid the rest. There are a lot of issues that are personal choices - Breastfeeding v. Formula Feeding (y'all know what that one did to me); Whether the baby sleeps in the parents room or his/her nursery; To pacifier or not to pacifier; Center Daycare or In-home daycare; Stay at Home Mom or Working Mom; etc. and some women will just FORCE THEIR ULTIMATE OPINIONS DOWN YOUR THROAT. I had to ignore them and realize that I had to do I thought was best and safest for my family, and learn how to give "the look" and walk away.

3. It seriously takes a village. I have the utmost respect for honest-to-God single moms out there. God Bless you women. I have a fabulous husband/Baby Daddy who is not afraid to change diapers or take Justin to Target himself, and who will play with Justin on Saturday mornings so I can sleep in. In addition - We both have families that ADORE our son and jump at the chance to watch him. We have had a good number of date nights to keep our own relationship healthy and to just have a break while knowing he is safe, cared for, and loved. I seriously cannot thank them enough. To do that ALL by yourself is amazing. 

4. I should be less judgemental. I think Annabanana slept in her carseat for the first two months of her life, and I was all like, 'Seriously M? Her carseat?'. And then my baby was born, and didn't sleep more than 90 minutes a time for a week, and I called my sister and was all, 'So, exactly how does this carseat thing work?'. Turns out, it didn't help JFrog sleep anymore than being in his crib (probably like the swaddle), but I learned my lesson. Whatever safely makes life easier for the baby makes life easier for the rest of us. I got a bunch of advice on everything from feeding to toys from M and it has made my life easier. Oh, and that screaming baby in the aisle in Target? Likely not the mother trying to ruin my shopping trip as I previously thought. More than likely the child is simply throwing a temper tantrum and she is trying to condition the behavior. 

5. You may not feel super connected to your baby at first, and that is okay. Every single sitcom that has had a childbirth on an episode has glamorized this phenomenon - Mother gives birth to baby that she has carried for nine months; Mother falls instantly in love with baby; Mother and baby skip off into field of daisies singing Kumbaya, forever one magical family unit. Just like that. That didn't happen for me. They say that for the mother, this connection happens at the moment of birth; but for the father it takes awhile - until some event happens that makes the man realize, 'This is my child'. I think that was the case for me as well. It was when Justin first started smiling, and he went from being a blob to "my baby", thinking that he may recognize me on some level more than "food", that the connection was formed. I do not think it is a bad thing at all. Call it hormones or whatever you like - that's the way it was for me and is for many women. 

6. Never say Never. I bought a video baby monitor. I said I wasn't going to - that they preyed on anxiety ridden parents who couldn't survive on just an audio monitor. To be truthful, we had an audio monitor, but when we moved it picked up a lot of interference. Also, when Justin moved into his own room, I wanted to be able to see him without getting out of bed - there ya go - I'm hypocritical and lazy :) Also, Baby Daddy has traveled since we got it and I feel a little safer knowing that I can peek on Justin anytime I want to make sure he is safe. AND - I waited until I found one on sale at 50% off :) It is easy to be smug when your baby sleeps five feet from you. 

7. No two babies are alike; Do NOT try comparing them. Annabanana walked at 10 mos. Justin wasn't crawling by then. Justin said Mama months before Annabanana. Justin weighs nearly 7 pounds more than a baby three weeks older than him. When they say that babies just reach milestones at different ages, and it is okay, IT IS OKAY. Leave it at that. 

Resolution Check-In

Now that our Handsome is a year old and more than half of the year has passed, it is time for a check in of our New Years Baby Resolutions. Seriously - when we made these, Justin was only 4 months old. Crazy. Let's get started shall we . . . 


1. Watch our language - We don't want JFrog to become 'That Baby' - the one who drops the Fbomb at daycare. I would much rather hear 'Momma' before any other expletive (or dad for that matter ;) )


Technically 'Mama' beat out everything else (he really is a smart boy), but we could do a better job of this. Overall the bad words have decreased, and when one of us slips up (ahem, usually me), the other (ahem, Mitch) will gently remind (ahem, nag - and then let one slip himself).

2. Watch less television - We've been addicted to a few shows lately - one being Breaking Bad which focuses around a high school chemistry teacher who cooks meth. JFrog's medicine comes in bottles with syringes to measure out the appropriate dosage. Again, we hope he doesn't see one lying around and try to put it in his elbow


So, Breaking Bad is an incredibly fabulous, and incredibly non-kid-friendly, show. We are happy to report that our son has yet to react to any television show, and to be honest, really has not seen any TV of note. We don't watch any while he is awake, and he doesn't see any at daycare. We don't find ourselves to be crazy, TV-hating parents; we just don't get much time with Justin during the work week and would rather spend that time playing or going for walks. Around Tank's birthday I realized that he has no idea who Elmo, Big Bird, Mickey Mouse, or Spongebob is; and I am perfectly okay with that. 

3. Instill Appropriate Values in JFrog - the basics - that he should respect his elders, not trust strangers, not be prejudiced, and avoid scientologists, the french, and republicans like the plague


Possibly my proudest moment as a Mama came last week when Justin got the TV remote and turned from The Today Show (I really don't understand the hype around Good Morning America) to FOX News. Now, I know what you are thinking - something like "OOOOOOOOOOHHHHH MMMMMMMYYYYYYYYYY GGGGGGGGGOOOOOOOODDDDDDDDDD NNNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO". Trust me - that was my exact thought as well. But then - he pushed the mute button, and I realized that my baby is a liberal genius, and I was so proud :)

4. That we act appropriately financially so JFrog doesn't starve - We're hoping (jinx) to make a major purchase this year so we've been good at monitoring our budget. Plus, our little tank is already over 17.5 pounds (that's an average 'rate of gain' of more than 0.5 pounds a week - his grandpas will appreciate that terminology)


We bought our house in May and have yet to default on anything - yay! We are taking more steps to become financially aware and take control of everything financial, so we hope to continue this. Also, Justin is about 25 pounds, so we have obviously been able to afford his food. I consider that to be an amazing feat of greatness as well. 

5. Play nicely with Izzers - Izzers is not a fan of being grabbed by small children, as we learned with Annabanana (she only got a small handful), so we need to teach Justin early to 'pet nicely'. Annabanana is very curious and tries to catch Izzers - it's pretty cute.


This could use some work. Justin loves Izzers. He sticks his hand out to her; she licks it; he laughs; all is great with the world. Until he gets the crazy eyes that is, and with one loud shriek, he grabs for her tail with his chubby little hands and we have to pry her fur out of his hands. We'll label this one 'in progress'. 

6. Teach Justin while playing with him - Much of the first three months was spent trying to calm Justin when his 'colic flared' so we spent lots of time rocking. carrying, swinging, or trying to distract/stimulate him with lights and sounds. We now can actually play with him and it's been great! Hopefully we can help him develop many skills along the way.


I think not watching TV while he is awake has helped a lot with this one. We do all sorts of things - we play with his riding toys, have him walk holding onto our hands, play with blocks, read books, etc. It is so fun to see him make little connections in his mind and figure things out. 

7. Foster Justin's Sense of Humor - We need to teach him what is funny and what is not - for example - Making farting noises = Funny, Pulling Momma's Hair = Not Funny; Daddy's Dance Moves = Funny, Turning on the Waterworks while getting his diaper changed = Not Funny


Still needs work. He has replaced Mama's hair with Mama's glasses. The waterworks have stopped - though luckily he was never bad with that - he only erupted a dozen or so times. A good razzie will get him still, and if you need him to laugh, Aunt Issa can come up with something that will make him giggle. 

8. Raise a Gentleman - I refuse to believe that 'Boys will be Boys', and will do my best to raise Justin to be kind, courteous, and an all-around little Gentleman


Well, he has yet to open the door for me, and sometimes will fart at the dinner table, so we have some room for progress here. However, he doesn't smack Annabanana when she takes his toys (which happens often :) ), so that is a plus. 

12 Months: OMG

(Editor's note - Baby Daddy is psuedo-ghostwriting this post, so he apologizes if this post does not meet your usual expectations...)

Wow my darling boy - you are seriously a year old. It seems unreal. At the same time, it seems like yesterday and yet so long ago that we brought you home from the hospital. I never realized how much you would turn my life upside down, but I couldn't be more grateful for the change. You are by far the best part of my life! Here is the update from your twelfth month. (this paragraph by Baby Mama)

First, we'll start with this month's chair photo. As you can see, we haven't regained the patience to sit in our chair for the Mommarazzi, but we did not crawl off this time ;). In fact, we did our first successful dismount from the blue chair afterwards. Mama was so proud.

In other movement news, Justin is perfecting the art of shuffling from shelves to furniture to pieces of technology he shouldn't mess with. We have crawling mastered, and have attempted to stand a few times without any support.  Before long Baby Mama and Daddy will be chasing Justin as he's motating on two limbs instead of four.

Tank got to leave state lines for the first time in his 12th months with us, as we went to the Twin Cities to visit friends, go to the Como Zoo, and buy shelves to store all of Justin's stuff. He did really well, rode in the car without much fussing for 3.5 hour each way, slept well in his pack and play, and didn't try to eat Winston (Boge's cat). All and all, a very successful first trip.

The zoo's fun and all guys, but really, it's 90 degrees out and you want to go through The Jungle exhibit? Do you know how curly my hair is going to get?

Told you.

Justin's sleep habits have become much better in the last month. He typically gets 10 hours in at night, and usually takes a nap during the day. Both Baby Mama and Daddy are jealous of how well he sleeps.

NOM NOM NOM

As you can guess by the nickname Tank sticking, Justin is not picky when it comes to eating. We've stopped giving him purees (which just seem soooo yummy. . .  er, wait), and we seem to have stopped pretending to be a furry tailed animal at the supper table - both of which are pluses. Juicy fruits (mandarin oranges, watermelon) appear to be favorites, while Tank will doze over you to get at some ice cream.

Everyday I'm shufflin'

Justin has his one-year appointment next year, so we'll have updated height and weight then, but we're pretty sure he's still on the upper end. He is wearing size 18 month tops and 18-24 months pants, though we have to roll them up 2-3 times because they're too long :) He wears a size 4 diaper during the day and a size 5 nighttime diaper at night. 

This picture doesn't make one think of trouble the next 18 years... no sir.

Justin loves his bath time. We've had to stop him from catapulting himself into a bath a couple of times, and have to close the bathroom door when it is not bath time to keep him from going in. We have yet to see how long he'd stay in there before wanting to come out, but our guess is that we could use a sun dial and be okay.

Here Dad, I'll help set up the stuff that Momma wants up in less than 48 hours ;).

Health wise, we made it through the first year without a fever, and made it through the 12th month without any doctor's visits, and without the nebulizer.

Oh man, I am so high up right now. Must. Hang. On.

Guys, I don't know about you, but I should be moving right now.

Justin has really started paging through his books this month, and will sometimes sit with you long enough for you to read to him.

Return of the Super Dude!

Thanks for visiting! ;)