Thursday, September 18, 2008
Tent Time
This is what we did yesterday afternoon.
No...we haven't camped out in our backyard yet, but it's likely to happen before too long.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
Pictures From This Past Week
Edison "Eddy"(Our Special-Needs Puppy)
Ummm....This doesn't look too good.
"Preachin' "
Feety Pajamas--Yay!Thursday, September 11, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
18-Month Pictures
Hooray! Our 18-month pictures are finally here (electronically that is). If you want to look at Ryan's 18-month pictures just go to http://www.smilesbywire.com/
Customer Name: Juliette Stanfill
Access Code: LTPP0672103656JCP
Grandparents...we have some pictures for you, so before you order any you might want to wait and see what we have for you first.
Love to All,
Julie
Customer Name: Juliette Stanfill
Access Code: LTPP0672103656JCP
Here is just a preview....
Grandparents...we have some pictures for you, so before you order any you might want to wait and see what we have for you first.Love to All,
Julie
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
Head On Collision
The other evening, after the re-bath (see last post), the night didn't end there. After taking his second bath and being clothed Ryan got on his little Pooh Car. He promptly tipped over frontwards. Over he went...resulting in a head on collision with the leg of his Daddy's computer chair. Here are the results...
The pictures don't show just how awful it really is. Saturday, September 6, 2008
A Good Laugh
I have a very quick story to tell just to give you a good laugh today. For those of you seasoned in toddlerhood you'll be laughing before I finish this story.
Ryan has had a very busy day with only a very small nap. After dinner tonight I decided to give him an early bath with the intentions that he could play in the tub for as long as he wanted after which I planned to give him some "naked-baby" run time. Ryan played for a long time. After the bath I took him to the living room, dried him off, and let him go. He ran straight to his room. What was the first thing he did when he got to his room? He peed! I grabbed the towel, wiped the mess, and continued to gather his pajamas, diaper and other necessary items before he would go to bed. After the pee I thought to myself, "Well, he won't need to do that again for a while. I might as well let him play. There shouldn't be anymore messes." Boy was I wrong.... Guess what?.... His colon was full too! Ryan got two baths tonight.
Ryan has had a very busy day with only a very small nap. After dinner tonight I decided to give him an early bath with the intentions that he could play in the tub for as long as he wanted after which I planned to give him some "naked-baby" run time. Ryan played for a long time. After the bath I took him to the living room, dried him off, and let him go. He ran straight to his room. What was the first thing he did when he got to his room? He peed! I grabbed the towel, wiped the mess, and continued to gather his pajamas, diaper and other necessary items before he would go to bed. After the pee I thought to myself, "Well, he won't need to do that again for a while. I might as well let him play. There shouldn't be anymore messes." Boy was I wrong.... Guess what?.... His colon was full too! Ryan got two baths tonight.
Fall Clean-Up
We did a little fall clean-up in the yard this week. The weather has been fantastic...a perfect taste of fall. I just wish it would stay. I love fall. It is, by far, my most favorite time of year. I love the temperatures, the colors, the smells, all of it.
My new favorite picture:
Ryan was the perfect little helper while I worked in the yard.
My new favorite picture:
By the way...we will begin selling our puppies starting next Friday. To see the most recent pictures just click on the link on the sidebar entitled "All About The Puppies".
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday to my sweet baby girl. Today you would be 5 years old. Wow!...5 years! For some reason that age has always been an important one in my mind. A year when you probably would have started school. A year that marks the graduation from toddlerhood to childhood. A year of new beginnings. A year of new excitement. A year I'll never see with you.
Five years ago at 2:30 in the morning marked our exciting new journey with Brandy....
At 26 weeks I found out I was in preterm labor. At that time we were only given about a 20% chance of her making it, but if I could stay pregnant for just 2 more weeks our chances jumped to 50%. 2 weeks was the magic number we were shooting for...the average time a woman manages to stay pregnant after starting preterm labor. I stayed pregnant for 10 more weeks.
...It was about 2:00 in the morning when my water broke. I was nervous, excited, scared, and not wanting to call the nurse. The plan was to induce labor at 8:00 a.m. Things just started, on there own, a little earlier. At 2:30 I called the nurse and the excitement began. After a few hours of labor, an epidural at 7:00, Brandy Danielle was born at 8:21 a.m. weighing 6 pounds 0 ounces. She was beautiful.
Later that afternoon Brandy was taken to the NICU for observation. We knew she was going to be born with a heart defect. What we didn't know was how it was going to manifest itself. Brandy spent 10 days in the NICU. 10 very long days. She went home on Sunday, September 14th.
Brandy passed away on February 14th at about 2:30 in the morning. She was 17 months old. I will forever miss her. The pain never goes away. It just gets more bearable everyday. My heart will always have a piece missing though.
I have been wondering how this birthday, her 5th, would affect me. I've had some "not so good" days recently. I expect they are related to missing her, even if only on a subconscious level. For those who have lost a child you know those days...the tears come at every little thing and you just can't figure out why.
The other day I was listening to George Strait. Brandy really liked his music. It was one of the only things that actually seemed to bring some peace and comfort in her otherwise uncomfortable life (after her brain injury). We could put that CD on and life was good for a while. She and I used to dance for hours, eyes closed, dreaming of better days. I was listening to the George Strait albums the other day and without thinking whisked Ryan up off the floor and started dancing, eyes closed. For just a second, a very minute moment I was taken back...holding my baby girl...her dark, silky curls...her soft skin.... The tears came, rolling down the sides of my face, missing my baby girl once again. I wanted to hold on to that moment for a while longer yet I wanted to dance, a new dance, with my son. So we danced...our own dance...sweet, beautiful, and full of life.
Brandy,
I wonder...if all things were perfect...
Would you still like George Strait?
Would you still like to dance?
Would your hair still be curly?
Would it be dark and silky?
Would you be starting public school?
Or would we have decided to home-school?
What would you look like riding a bike?
Would you be petite or tall or somewhere in between?
What would be your favorite cartoon?
What would be your favorite color?
Would you like to play outside?
Or would indoors be more your thing?
What would you beg Santa to bring you this Christmas?
Would you love looking at Christmas lights at night?
What would be your favorite food?
Would your eyes still be blue?
What would you think of your baby brother?
I bet you would be a great big sister.
Would you like to color pictures to put on the refrigerator?
Would you wear glasses?
Would you like dresses or pants?
Would you make snow angels in the snow this winter?
Would you make mud pies in the summer?
Would you dance in the rain in spring?
What would be your favorite bedtime story?
Would you like to play dress-up?
Would you pretend you are a princess?
I wonder...
I wonder...
I cry.
(To read more of Brandy's story and see pictures look for the link in the sidebar on this page)
Five years ago at 2:30 in the morning marked our exciting new journey with Brandy....
At 26 weeks I found out I was in preterm labor. At that time we were only given about a 20% chance of her making it, but if I could stay pregnant for just 2 more weeks our chances jumped to 50%. 2 weeks was the magic number we were shooting for...the average time a woman manages to stay pregnant after starting preterm labor. I stayed pregnant for 10 more weeks.
...It was about 2:00 in the morning when my water broke. I was nervous, excited, scared, and not wanting to call the nurse. The plan was to induce labor at 8:00 a.m. Things just started, on there own, a little earlier. At 2:30 I called the nurse and the excitement began. After a few hours of labor, an epidural at 7:00, Brandy Danielle was born at 8:21 a.m. weighing 6 pounds 0 ounces. She was beautiful.
Later that afternoon Brandy was taken to the NICU for observation. We knew she was going to be born with a heart defect. What we didn't know was how it was going to manifest itself. Brandy spent 10 days in the NICU. 10 very long days. She went home on Sunday, September 14th.
Brandy passed away on February 14th at about 2:30 in the morning. She was 17 months old. I will forever miss her. The pain never goes away. It just gets more bearable everyday. My heart will always have a piece missing though.
I have been wondering how this birthday, her 5th, would affect me. I've had some "not so good" days recently. I expect they are related to missing her, even if only on a subconscious level. For those who have lost a child you know those days...the tears come at every little thing and you just can't figure out why.
The other day I was listening to George Strait. Brandy really liked his music. It was one of the only things that actually seemed to bring some peace and comfort in her otherwise uncomfortable life (after her brain injury). We could put that CD on and life was good for a while. She and I used to dance for hours, eyes closed, dreaming of better days. I was listening to the George Strait albums the other day and without thinking whisked Ryan up off the floor and started dancing, eyes closed. For just a second, a very minute moment I was taken back...holding my baby girl...her dark, silky curls...her soft skin.... The tears came, rolling down the sides of my face, missing my baby girl once again. I wanted to hold on to that moment for a while longer yet I wanted to dance, a new dance, with my son. So we danced...our own dance...sweet, beautiful, and full of life.
Brandy,
I wonder...if all things were perfect...
Would you still like George Strait?
Would you still like to dance?
Would your hair still be curly?
Would it be dark and silky?
Would you be starting public school?
Or would we have decided to home-school?
What would you look like riding a bike?
Would you be petite or tall or somewhere in between?
What would be your favorite cartoon?
What would be your favorite color?
Would you like to play outside?
Or would indoors be more your thing?
What would you beg Santa to bring you this Christmas?
Would you love looking at Christmas lights at night?
What would be your favorite food?
Would your eyes still be blue?
What would you think of your baby brother?
I bet you would be a great big sister.
Would you like to color pictures to put on the refrigerator?
Would you wear glasses?
Would you like dresses or pants?
Would you make snow angels in the snow this winter?
Would you make mud pies in the summer?
Would you dance in the rain in spring?
What would be your favorite bedtime story?
Would you like to play dress-up?
Would you pretend you are a princess?
I wonder...
I wonder...
I cry.
(To read more of Brandy's story and see pictures look for the link in the sidebar on this page)
Last night I had a crazy dream
A wish was granted just for me
It could be for anything
I didnt ask for money
Or a mansion in malibu
I simply wished, for one more day with you
One more day
One more time
One more sunset, maybe I'd be satisfied
But then again
I know what it would do
Leave me wishing still, for one more day with you
First thing I'd do, is pray for time to crawl
Then I'd unplug the telephone
And keep the tv off
I'd hold you every second
Say a million I love you's
That's what I'd do, with one more day with you
One more day
One more time
One more sunset, maybe I'd be satisfied
But then again
I know what it would do
Leave me wishing still, for one more day with you
(Diamond Rio "One More Day")
A wish was granted just for me
It could be for anything
I didnt ask for money
Or a mansion in malibu
I simply wished, for one more day with you
One more day
One more time
One more sunset, maybe I'd be satisfied
But then again
I know what it would do
Leave me wishing still, for one more day with you
First thing I'd do, is pray for time to crawl
Then I'd unplug the telephone
And keep the tv off
I'd hold you every second
Say a million I love you's
That's what I'd do, with one more day with you
One more day
One more time
One more sunset, maybe I'd be satisfied
But then again
I know what it would do
Leave me wishing still, for one more day with you
(Diamond Rio "One More Day")
(Un)Labor Day Weekend
We didn't do any labor at all last weekend. We had a great weekend. Ryan's Gammaw and Pappaw came up from Texas to visit us. We pretty much sat around the house enjoying life. Of course between Ryan and the puppies we had plenty of entertainment, excitement, and never a dull (boring) moment.
Ryan tried on Pappaw's boots. He needed a little help standing up for the picture.
Ryan tried to eat his Uncle Paul's boots. Notice his intensity in how he inspected them first.
Ryan got to sit on his Pappaw's and Gammaw's Harley. He really liked the sound it made.
This is his "I'm seriously cool" face.
Ryan even got to take some pictures. (He got away with a whole lot more with his Pappaw than he does with his Mama.)
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Hanging Out
Everyone is just hanging out. Here is a picture of Ryan just hanging out in his highchair. He has learned how to climb up in his chair, turn around and sit down. He can also climb out again. Notice, however that the chair is sitting very near to the ground. He thinks he's a big boy. For some reason on this particular day he climbed in the chair and just sat there.
Here is a puppy hanging out in the food bowl. The puppies aren't eating crunchy food yet, but I had put a bowl of it in the pin for Zoe. This puppy took possession of the bowl.
Speaking of puppies...we have a special needs puppy. We've had one who hasn't been acting quite right for a couple of weeks. More than likely he hasn't been "acting right" all along but since the first 3 weeks I really don't do anything with the puppies because Zoe does all the work I hadn't noticed any problems. He sits around with his tongue hanging half-way out all the time. He's super small, and because of a physical anomaly he walks funny. We think he has suffered a brain injury (probably at or before birth). The only thing we can equate it to is CP in a child. He is the sweetest little guy though. When I pick him up he just melts in my hands. He loves to be loved. I will be taking this puppy to the vet next week to see if the doctor can render an opinion on his quality of life. If he can live pain free and thrive despite his disabilities we will not request the unthinkable. We will most likely keep this puppy as an addition to our family unless we have someone who desperately wants and is ready to care for a special needs puppy. If you or someone you know wants and will love this special needs puppy I will part with him. You will have to convince me, however, that you will indeed be the best home for him. You see...I have a weekness for and an intense propulsion to fight for little ones like him...whether animal or person.
Here is a puppy hanging out in the food bowl. The puppies aren't eating crunchy food yet, but I had put a bowl of it in the pin for Zoe. This puppy took possession of the bowl. 
Speaking of puppies...we have a special needs puppy. We've had one who hasn't been acting quite right for a couple of weeks. More than likely he hasn't been "acting right" all along but since the first 3 weeks I really don't do anything with the puppies because Zoe does all the work I hadn't noticed any problems. He sits around with his tongue hanging half-way out all the time. He's super small, and because of a physical anomaly he walks funny. We think he has suffered a brain injury (probably at or before birth). The only thing we can equate it to is CP in a child. He is the sweetest little guy though. When I pick him up he just melts in my hands. He loves to be loved. I will be taking this puppy to the vet next week to see if the doctor can render an opinion on his quality of life. If he can live pain free and thrive despite his disabilities we will not request the unthinkable. We will most likely keep this puppy as an addition to our family unless we have someone who desperately wants and is ready to care for a special needs puppy. If you or someone you know wants and will love this special needs puppy I will part with him. You will have to convince me, however, that you will indeed be the best home for him. You see...I have a weekness for and an intense propulsion to fight for little ones like him...whether animal or person.Thursday, August 28, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
The Pictures...
Yea...I'll get to that in a minute. First, here is a picture of Ryan rocking himself in the chair in which his daddy was rocked as a baby. Cute!
Okay...the pictures....they....
...didn't happen! Thursday morning Ryan woke up and looked like he'd slept with a family of mosquitos. I thought "oh great, he has a mosquito in his room." The problem was he kept getting more and more "bites" throughout the day. It didn't take too long before I decided maybe it wasn't that we'd just experienced a major infestation of mosquitos in my house. I watched welps emerge throughout the day. The next morning he had even more bumps...some big welps other small red marks.
I took Ryan to the doctor. He had a viral infection and the doctor said it "hit him hard". He said to keep an eye on it and gave me a list of things to look for warranting a return visit. I called JCPenney's and cancelled our appointment for the pictures. It was a good thing too because Friday ended up being one accident after another. He took off running and fell into the corner of the file cabinet. That ended up being one big, huge, yellow, nasty bruise on the right side of his forehead. Later that evening as we were getting ready to go out to dinner Ryan yanked the hair dryer off the chair. Where did it land? On his left eye...leaving it with a nice bruise the next day. Now that I think about it, Ryan looked pretty rough. The restaurant crowd probably wondered what had happened.
Now Ryan favors sides...for hitting his head that is. He has a spot on the right side of his forehead that he manages to always hit when he falls. When the tumble starts we know where he's going to land...on that right forehead.
Oh...and by the way...the rash was completely gone Saturday morning. :)
Okay...the pictures....they....
...didn't happen! Thursday morning Ryan woke up and looked like he'd slept with a family of mosquitos. I thought "oh great, he has a mosquito in his room." The problem was he kept getting more and more "bites" throughout the day. It didn't take too long before I decided maybe it wasn't that we'd just experienced a major infestation of mosquitos in my house. I watched welps emerge throughout the day. The next morning he had even more bumps...some big welps other small red marks.I took Ryan to the doctor. He had a viral infection and the doctor said it "hit him hard". He said to keep an eye on it and gave me a list of things to look for warranting a return visit. I called JCPenney's and cancelled our appointment for the pictures. It was a good thing too because Friday ended up being one accident after another. He took off running and fell into the corner of the file cabinet. That ended up being one big, huge, yellow, nasty bruise on the right side of his forehead. Later that evening as we were getting ready to go out to dinner Ryan yanked the hair dryer off the chair. Where did it land? On his left eye...leaving it with a nice bruise the next day. Now that I think about it, Ryan looked pretty rough. The restaurant crowd probably wondered what had happened.
Now Ryan favors sides...for hitting his head that is. He has a spot on the right side of his forehead that he manages to always hit when he falls. When the tumble starts we know where he's going to land...on that right forehead.
Oh...and by the way...the rash was completely gone Saturday morning. :)
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Puppies: 4-weeks old
Here are some pictures of the puppies. They are now 4-weeks old. They have started eating "real" food that is *extra moist*. They are very cute, however they have reached that age when they are more independent and Zoe (mom) doesn't want to have much to do with them. The next two weeks, while busy, messy, and at times irritating, will go by fast. It will then be time for the puppies to go to their new homes. Will you provide a new home for a puppy? :)
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Fully Clothed
Here's proof that my son does indeed have clothes. Most of the pictures this summer have been those cute diaper pictures. Here's the reason why:
A story: I got Ryan dressed yesterday and he looked super cute. (You know those days when you find just the perfect outfit and your child goes from cute to super cute.) He was wearing a new onesie and some pants that just happened to match perfectly.
The weather has been much cooler than usual around here this week. We decided to go outside and enjoy the cool weather. I thought to myself, "there's no mud, we won't play in the waterhose, he should stay fairly clean." Boy was I wrong. We have a small swimming pool that we used a few times during those 105 degree days, but Ryan has never really seemed interested in it. In fact on the days we went swimming as a family in our little pool he wanted out as soon as he went in the water. For some reason on this particular day he was interested in it enough to scale the side (don't worry the top ring had lost its air and the pool only had about 3 inches of water). As soon as he stepped in the water his feet slipped out from under him (did I mention it had started to turn green on the bottom...eewww...I know). Down he went and there went his super cute, super clean outfit. Ugh. This picture was his second change of clothes for the day...
I think he ended up with 3 changes of clothes before the day was over. Now you know why I never dress my child. Why bother if he only gets to wear his clothes for 5 or 10 minutes. Truth be told, though, he did wear clothes today and managed to stay *acceptably* clean all day long.
A story: I got Ryan dressed yesterday and he looked super cute. (You know those days when you find just the perfect outfit and your child goes from cute to super cute.) He was wearing a new onesie and some pants that just happened to match perfectly.
The weather has been much cooler than usual around here this week. We decided to go outside and enjoy the cool weather. I thought to myself, "there's no mud, we won't play in the waterhose, he should stay fairly clean." Boy was I wrong. We have a small swimming pool that we used a few times during those 105 degree days, but Ryan has never really seemed interested in it. In fact on the days we went swimming as a family in our little pool he wanted out as soon as he went in the water. For some reason on this particular day he was interested in it enough to scale the side (don't worry the top ring had lost its air and the pool only had about 3 inches of water). As soon as he stepped in the water his feet slipped out from under him (did I mention it had started to turn green on the bottom...eewww...I know). Down he went and there went his super cute, super clean outfit. Ugh. This picture was his second change of clothes for the day...
I think he ended up with 3 changes of clothes before the day was over. Now you know why I never dress my child. Why bother if he only gets to wear his clothes for 5 or 10 minutes. Truth be told, though, he did wear clothes today and managed to stay *acceptably* clean all day long.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
SUV
Or maybe I should call it his ATV.
Speaking of cars, I'm hoping that with my new job we can get a new(er) vehicle before too long. The car we're driving has nearly 150,000 miles on it and is beginning to show some signs of wear and lack of dependability. God is so good to provide. He always has and always will. I'm excited about the possibility of seeing that provision sooner (maybe within a year) rather than later (2+ years). Any ideas of a good vehicle that gets pretty good gas mileage for a growing family is welcome. I have a couple of ideas in mind, but I'd love your opinion (just don't be offended if I don't agree--:) )
Today was a good day. Ryan and I went shopping. I had to get groceries. We've been scraping around for what to eat because the cupboards, pantry and refrigerator have been empty for a while now. The good thing is that all of those areas have been cleaned recently. It's much easier to clean the fridge when there's no food in it.
We shopped and shopped. I found some great deals at Sears today. I was able to get Ryan some clothes for very reasonable prices. It was one of those sales where they took 40% off the lowest ticketed price. What I didn't realize was that the ticket price on the items did not reflect that discount. The price was already cheap and when I went to the counter and found that they were actually 40% cheaper than the already cheap price...man was I excited! I wish I would have spent more time there and got a few more things for Ryan. He is now wearing 18-month sizes in one-piece clothes (onesies, jumpers, etc.). His torso is so long. He still wears 12 month pants and for anything to actually fit him around the waste it would probably need to be 3-6 month size.
While I was at the mall I also scheduled with JCPenney's for Ryan to get his 18-month pictures taken next Saturday. He hasn't had any professional pictures taken since February. Now I just have to figure out what he should wear. Does anyone have any ideas for the pictures...props, poses, clothing, etc.? I'm wanting the pictures to be fun, lively, and cute, but I'm at a loss of what to bring and what to ask for.
Well, I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. I must go do some laundry now....
Julie
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
It's A.......................10!
Perfect score! I thought it was about time I go with an Olympic theme. I've really been enjoying the Olympics. Now on to the important stuff...
Ryan is 18 months old! Can you believe it?! He actually turned 18 months on Monday, but today was the day of his 18-month well child exam. He scored well in all areas. The doctor was pleased with his development as well as his growth. He still isn't on the growth charts although with a preemie that's not uncommon. The doctor said it may take at least until he is 2 before he ever reaches the chart.
If you're interested in seeing where he is on the charts go to This Site . (It's a really cool site.) His birthday is 2/11/07. His weight is 20 pounds. His height is 29.5 inches. I don't remember what his head circumference is, but I do know that it's the closest to the charts of all his measurements. I did the combined length/weight chart. I only mention the charts because it's interesting. No one, including myself, is or has been concerned about his growth. We have an amazing doctor who has always reassured me that as long as he is growing in a consistent manner then there is nothing to be concerned about.
I don't know about this boy.... He really doesn't like the nurse. The nurse walked in and it was constant screaming...screaming when I took off his clothes...screaming when she measured his head...screaming when he was placed on the scale...screaming when she measured his length...screaming whenever she touched him. Ugh! You know when you go to the pediatrician's office and you hear some kid screaming in the room next door, and you think, "man, that poor kid". Well, I had "that kid" today. What's funny though is that as soon as the nurse left the screaming stopped (with the exception of the little fits he threw because I wouldn't let him play with the blood pressure cuff bulb). I figured as soon as the doctor entered the room he would start screaming and crying again...wrong! When Dr. S. walked into the room Ryan reached out to him to be held. He walked over to him and practically crawled up in his lap. Ryan could have cared less that I was in the room at that moment. He loves his doctor!
One last thought on our doctor visit. The nurse he detests has only given him his 2-month shots, well before the age of remembering. His dislike can't be related to associating her with pain. Ohhh...one last *last* thought (I know, I'm a bit wordy tonight)...Ryan has an ear infection in his left ear. He started an antibiotic tonight.
Ryan actually stacked about 4 blocks the other day. Yay!!! He usually just knocks down the tower if we are playing with blocks. For the longest time he's hated seeing things stacked and would immediately sweep across the tower with the furry of a hurricane. Yesterday he saw me stacking the blocks and instead of dive-bombing my tower he started building his own tower! Wow! I'm really excited!
"Considering"
Undoubtedly he's considering what to put in his mouth next. :)
"Look mom, it's a great big spoon."
Ryan is 18 months old! Can you believe it?! He actually turned 18 months on Monday, but today was the day of his 18-month well child exam. He scored well in all areas. The doctor was pleased with his development as well as his growth. He still isn't on the growth charts although with a preemie that's not uncommon. The doctor said it may take at least until he is 2 before he ever reaches the chart.
If you're interested in seeing where he is on the charts go to This Site . (It's a really cool site.) His birthday is 2/11/07. His weight is 20 pounds. His height is 29.5 inches. I don't remember what his head circumference is, but I do know that it's the closest to the charts of all his measurements. I did the combined length/weight chart. I only mention the charts because it's interesting. No one, including myself, is or has been concerned about his growth. We have an amazing doctor who has always reassured me that as long as he is growing in a consistent manner then there is nothing to be concerned about.
I don't know about this boy.... He really doesn't like the nurse. The nurse walked in and it was constant screaming...screaming when I took off his clothes...screaming when she measured his head...screaming when he was placed on the scale...screaming when she measured his length...screaming whenever she touched him. Ugh! You know when you go to the pediatrician's office and you hear some kid screaming in the room next door, and you think, "man, that poor kid". Well, I had "that kid" today. What's funny though is that as soon as the nurse left the screaming stopped (with the exception of the little fits he threw because I wouldn't let him play with the blood pressure cuff bulb). I figured as soon as the doctor entered the room he would start screaming and crying again...wrong! When Dr. S. walked into the room Ryan reached out to him to be held. He walked over to him and practically crawled up in his lap. Ryan could have cared less that I was in the room at that moment. He loves his doctor!
One last thought on our doctor visit. The nurse he detests has only given him his 2-month shots, well before the age of remembering. His dislike can't be related to associating her with pain. Ohhh...one last *last* thought (I know, I'm a bit wordy tonight)...Ryan has an ear infection in his left ear. He started an antibiotic tonight.
Ryan actually stacked about 4 blocks the other day. Yay!!! He usually just knocks down the tower if we are playing with blocks. For the longest time he's hated seeing things stacked and would immediately sweep across the tower with the furry of a hurricane. Yesterday he saw me stacking the blocks and instead of dive-bombing my tower he started building his own tower! Wow! I'm really excited!
"Considering"Undoubtedly he's considering what to put in his mouth next. :)
"Look mom, it's a great big spoon."Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Fearless
The house we stayed in while at the lake has stairs everywhere...a couple of stairs going up to the kitchen...5 or 6 stairs going down to one of the bedrooms and the bathroom...a flight of stairs going up to the second floor bedroom...stairs going up the front porch...stairs going down the back porch.
He practiced his stair *climbing* abilities all weekend long. He can scale a flight of stairs in the amount of time it takes to finish this sentence. He's fast! The problem comes with his lack of grace in descending those stairs. He doesn't see individual stairs; he sees the top and he sees the bottom. The bottom is where he wants to go so why not just take off running.
Of course with the flight of stairs we were always well within arms reach of our fearless 2-footer. Tumbling down those stairs would have ended our beautiful weekend in a most sudden and unpleasant way. I am, however, one of those parents who believes in the "live and learn" kind of thinking, so don't call the authorities on me when I admit that, yes, my son tumbled down the stairs leading to/from the kitchen. The stairs going down from the kitchen were only 2 carpeted steps leading to a plushly padded carpeted floor. I tried to show him how to balance with the rail. I tried to show him how to scoot down the steps on his rear. (He thought that was great fun but couldn't figure out how to scoot far enough to the end to gently bounce to the next step...he still ended up going head first...I know...I know...don't ask). I tried to show him how to back down the stairs. Eventually everyone in the house (besides me) ran to the stairs to escort Ryan to the bottom of the 2 measly steps. Ohhh the kid has it easy.
By the way...did you know that stairs are great exercise? :)
Ryan thinks stairs are great!
He practiced his stair *climbing* abilities all weekend long. He can scale a flight of stairs in the amount of time it takes to finish this sentence. He's fast! The problem comes with his lack of grace in descending those stairs. He doesn't see individual stairs; he sees the top and he sees the bottom. The bottom is where he wants to go so why not just take off running.
Of course with the flight of stairs we were always well within arms reach of our fearless 2-footer. Tumbling down those stairs would have ended our beautiful weekend in a most sudden and unpleasant way. I am, however, one of those parents who believes in the "live and learn" kind of thinking, so don't call the authorities on me when I admit that, yes, my son tumbled down the stairs leading to/from the kitchen. The stairs going down from the kitchen were only 2 carpeted steps leading to a plushly padded carpeted floor. I tried to show him how to balance with the rail. I tried to show him how to scoot down the steps on his rear. (He thought that was great fun but couldn't figure out how to scoot far enough to the end to gently bounce to the next step...he still ended up going head first...I know...I know...don't ask). I tried to show him how to back down the stairs. Eventually everyone in the house (besides me) ran to the stairs to escort Ryan to the bottom of the 2 measly steps. Ohhh the kid has it easy.
By the way...did you know that stairs are great exercise? :)
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