Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Twenty Seven and Twenty Eight weeks old

Actual: Twenty Seven weeks (March 10th - March 16th)
Corrected: Fourteen
Weight: 12 lbs. 3 oz. (March 15th)

We had a snowstorm that kept Andrew home during the week. Unfortunately, it also cancelled physical therapy for the day. I'm trying to be really good about working with Evan every day at 11 am. He still refuses to nap during the day, so at least we can have a little bit of order in the morning.

Evan is doing a great job of actively pushing his head up while he's on his tummy. It's like he flipped the switch for this part of his development.

Evan is also finding his voice. He's very chatty in the morning. Typically, he'll talk to me while we're getting him dressed for the day and after he's had first breakfast. 

The video is of his response to having his head rubbed. It's not a guaranteed way to make him smile, but more often than not it will generate one.

Momma? Does my mohawk make me look like a bad boy?

Fuzzy outfit! Wiggle and groove time, dude!

Tell me more Daddy. So Link lives in the Deku tree?
  
Woo hoo! I'm a lucky little boy!

Uh Daddy? I don't understand a whole lot of this Dante story,
but I do like that you're reading to me in Italian.

Your face isn't scratchy like Daddy's.

Sometimes I wake up HAPPY in the morning!

Well I would! (And I figured out how:
by making a MASSIVE mess in my pants shortly after this was taken.)

Actual: Twenty Seven weeks (March 17th - March 23rd)
Corrected: Fifteen
Weight: 12 lbs. 7.5 oz. (March 23rd)

Well this has been a huge week for Evan:

1. Rolled from right side onto back. This is really more assisted than him doing it completely on his own. He does seem pretty pleased with himself when he does it though!

2. First sleep-over at Gma and Grampa's. Andrew was away on business (first time and longest he's been away from Evan). We escaped Buffalo for a few days. Evan got to experience sleeping in a crib for the first time - he loved it. Annndddd....

3. Discovered just how awesome the sailboat mobile is at Gma's. I have never heard this kid chatter and shriek from happiness like he did when the sailboats were racing. I do think I hate the song "Rock-a-Bye Baby" though. Probably too early to start hating kid songs though...

4. Starting reaching for letter links held above his face. Evan has favored his letter B for a few weeks now. He's now reaching (albeit clumsily) for his letters on a more regular basis. This is something the therapists want us to keep working on.

5. Went on errands! In the real world! My mom and I introduced Evan to Errands. (Next time, we'll introduce him to Returns.) We're starting Evan out in smaller stores that I know will be quiet and not very crowded. I'm still leery of end of season germs so we'll avoid Target, Wegmans and the mall for a while. He was so well behaved. I learned that I am adaptable to nursing in the car. I was a little curious to see how Evan and I would do without the milking chair and boppy.

6. Went in the swing for the first time - Evan's still deciding if it's fun. We found a new-to-us swing at a consignment shop in Webster (Toy Go Round). After seeing how much he enjoyed the mobile and knowing he likes it when the car is moving - I figured he would like the swing. The jury is still out. He'll go in it for a few minutes at a time. I think it will grow on him!

7. Graduated from the bassinett to the pack 'n play. Sniff, sniff! Evan has outgrown the bassinett. The 80 year old bassinett has been in the family and passed around for anyone to use. I am so thankful that Evan was able to sleep in it. It was so beneficial (especially for the weeks that he was on the heart monitor). We're (okay me), not ready to put him in the crib yet so Evan will reside in a pack n' play for a little while. The new video monitor should come in a few days so maybe I'll be ready to move him into the crib by then.

Evan is definitely starting to discover that he can make noises. Every time I try to record him, he clams up. He was shrieking at my parent's and giggles while Andrew dance/hops. It's so exciting watching him discover new things. It's almost hard to believe he started out so small and frail.

We're battling some pretty icky cradle cap. I've switched to every day baths (instead of every other). Thankfully, Evan likes bath time. I think it's also another little clue to him that it's time for bed. The cradle cap doesn't seem to bother Evan; just me. The doctor doesn't seem worried about it. I just hope it really doesn't bother Evan.

For the last few months, Evan has been on a new insurance through Andrew's work. While the customer service department is amazing, the coverage is kind of crummy. (Something that was difficult to determine when you're picking an insurer from a list. We knew the coverage wasn't going to be as great as it was when we were all on my insurance, we had no idea the issues that we would have on the new one.) We have to call about every bill and don't even get me started on his reflux medication. While Evan was in the hospital, we knew that we should look into Child Health Plus. Unfortunately, I could never find the time to fill out the paperwork and enroll Evan. We finally enrolled Evan into Child Health Plus (starting in April) and it is going to be amazing. For a child like Evan who is in and out of doctor's appointments, everything is covered. Instead of paying for insurance through Andrew's work, we pay directly to the new insurance company. Everything is covered. I tell you this not to spark a debate on Obamacare or anything, but just to say that Child Health Plus may be worth looking into if you have (or are going to have) a child. From what I understand, it's not beneficial if you have more than one child since you pay per child. While we would never have stopped Evan from getting treatment or medication, it is nice to know that we don't have to worry about fighting the insurance company to pay anymore. (Special thanks to my mom's broker that figured out what I had filled out incorrectly on the form. Seems I'm out of practice on form filling out.)

A few videos:
Dancing and Giggling with Daddy: http://vimeo.com/89910714
I'm not sure about this: http://vimeo.com/89911043
Evan loves the sailboat mobile: http://vimeo.com/89961685


Yay stripes! And yay for the letter O with no edges to jam in my eyes.

So you're telling me, you like to run errands? Forgive me, but you wouldn't have returns to do
in the first place if you just didn't buy the stuff, right?

I love plaid! And bare feet!

Oh Grampa, they took me to all these consignment shops
and a knick knack shop. Next time I want to stay at home with you and organize tools.

Whoops I lost my jammies!

Oh my goodness. This regatta is awesome.
I think the yellow boat is winning. Wait no, the polka dot. Oh man, I just don't know!
(Now I can't wait to see the SBJSA Alumni regatta this summer!)

Excuse me, I'm talking to Grampa and you're interrupting. 

Who likes foxes? Why I do!!

I love bath time. Momma says to ignore the old stained tub.

Every morning we have family snuggle time. Sometimes I make Daddy late for work. Heehee

So this is Vera? Meh. I think my letters are better.

I like to wiggle around when I go to sleep.

Resting up for some more errands!

Geesh. All these consignment stores start to look the same after a while.
Am I doing "Guy shopping with glazed look" properly?

Make another silly face Uncle Owey! You're funny.

I like Barnes and Noble. I think I want to go to story time.

Momma you were right, Panera bread is so awesome. 

I like doing tummy time with Daddy.

So Daddy, when Momma comes home I'll be super cranky
as if I've never eaten. She'll think it's a fun joke.


Sunday, March 23, 2014

Twenty Five and Twenty Six weeks old

Actual: Twenty five weeks (February 24th - March 2nd)
Corrected: Twelve weeks
Weight: 11 lbs. 3 oz (February 27th)

We had great news from the eye doctor this week. He said that Evan is out of the danger zone with his right eye (remember the left eye was cleared a few weeks ago). Up until this point, all of Evan's eye appointments have taken place at the Eye Clinic within the hospital. The eye doctor has his special instruments and nurses that can apply the eye drops. We've graduated from the Eye Clinic and will now see the eye doctor at his regular office, conveniently right down the road from us. The doctor said that Evan is too big to use the instruments (they look like torture devices to hold the lids open if needed - thankfully Evan usually cooperated and only had them used once). Throughout the appointment, Evan kept following the doctor which made it a little difficult for him to check the eyes. Evan was a champ and didn't even get cranky this time!

Evan hit another milestone this week: he slept for 6 hours and 48 minutes. (Not that we're counting or anything.) Andrew fell asleep on the couch, assuming that I would be rolling Evan out to feed him. Well, 4 am came around and Evan finally woke up! Maybe we've turned the corner. :)

During therapy this week, Evan also reached for his Eric Carle rattle. He was a little jerky doing it, but it was a definite reach! We're continuing to work on tummy time and tracking. Evan does a great job with tracking. He actively follows Andrew and I when we move. He also follows the phone during FaceTime!

I <3 robots.

Just doin' my leg lifts and crunchs. Gotta keep this body lookin' good for the ladies.

So I'm a first mate, but I'm not sure what that means. Hopefully it means I'm first mate of cuteness.

Oye, these photo shoots are getting reeeeeaaaalllllly old.

Why yes, this IS my B! It makes me happy.

I'm a happy little burrito.

Hair fuzz!
Actual: Twenty six weeks (March 3rd - March 9th)
Corrected: Thirteen weeks
Weight: 12 lbs. 1 oz (March 9th)

We had our six month visit at the pediatrician. Unfortunately, Evan received another round of shots. Thankfully, he calms down after a few circles around the room. The doctor is very pleased with his progress. Hopefully we can start rice cereal within the next month or so. Evan wore his sun glasses to the doctor's office. While we were waiting to go in, he put one hand on each side and pulled them off all on his own. I guess he's done wearing them unsupervised. Don't want him poking his eyes out after all!

Evan started "giggling" this week! Andrew does this weird hop dance thing while he's holding Evan. Apparently, Evan thinks it's the bee's knees. I can't quite get him to make the noises.

Got my sailboat outfit on, snuggling in my sailboat blanket. Man, I sure know how to match!

Fuzzy wuzzy was a bear, fuzzy wuzzy was a bear. Momma! When am I going to get hair?!

Nom, nom, nom. I love my B.

Goin' to the doctor's office. These bees are awesome!

Monday, March 17, 2014

Happy Go Lucky Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Sorry for the break on the blog... a certain someone prefers that I spend all my time snuggling him. It's hard to turn him down when he's being adorable!

With Evan's permission, hopefully I'll have time to post what I've been trying to get out for the last week! Wish me luck.

Anyway - Happy St. Patty's Day!

Love, Evan

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Six months old SIX MONTHS OLD!

So I've had a few people ask me when we'll celebrate Evan's birthday. We will celebrate his birthday on the day that he was born - September 1st. (Plus there's a good chance every few years he'll have the day off for Labor Day!) Evan's due date was December 8th. Most full term babies aren't even due on their actual due date.

I can't believe that Evan is 6 months old. People say that it goes by fast and I feel like such a cliche by saying that it does. Thankfully, Evan is adjusted to 3 months, so I guess it's not going too fast. :)


Evan continues to amaze Andrew and I. The first time he slept for almost 6 hours, we were shocked; especially since I woke up to the dog peeing on the floor and not an angry baby. I wonder if Evan would have continued sleeping if I wasn't scolding Layla...


Evan loves to suck on his thumb. I know, I know. It's cute now, but not so cute when he's sucking it at 6 years old. Let him be cute now! We'll worry about the long term thumb sucking later. Ever since he started connecting with his thumb 100% of the time, the binkies have lost their charm. Kind of a bummer for those moments when he's so worked up even the thumb won't solve the problem.


I can't believe he's almost too big for the bassinet. I finally had to take the bumper and stuffed animals out to give Evan enough room to stretch out. I am so not ready for him to move up to his crib. Do you think it would be bad if I slept in the crib with him?


We're still working on taking naps. Evan is a huge cuddle bug. He is definitely a morning kid (just like his Momma) and is fine hanging out in his rock n' play or bassinet while I slam some cereal or take a shower. Once the bell tolls noon though, the switch flips and he has to be snuggled. Thankfully I can wear him in the baby carrier so I can still get things done around the house. He'll nap while I clean. He's a smart cookie and knows when I sit down. He helps keep me motivated by screeching every time I sit. "Okay Evan, I know I should be cleaning instead of taking a break." He's a good supervisor. I know my days of carting him around while I worry about my task list are numbered. Pretty soon he'll be ruling the roost 100% of the time. To quote Andrew though: "Dude! I'm old, I gotta sit down for a second!"


Evan and I can't wait for Spring. I think by the end of the month we'll be out in public (slowly and weather dependent). I know I won't be running errands like I used to, but it will be nice to take him places so I don't have to save up all my outings for Saturday or Sunday. We've got a fun shopping cart blanket to break in! Should his first outing be to Target or Wegmans? I feel like this is a big decision. I'm also looking forward to putting some serious mileage on the stroller. The library is right down the road (and just a block further is Dairy Queen). Evan is going to love the fresh air.


I'm so excited to see what our little munchkin is going to do next. From day one he was a fighter (literally - he kicked the doctor on the way out!). I just know he's going to continue to amaze us all.


Thank you to everyone for their continued love and support. I feel like Evan's successes are in part to all of your support. Andrew and I were held up by all of you, which in turn made us stronger for Evan when he needed us the most. If he hasn't paid you back in snuggles yet, let me know. He is an excellent snuggler and would love to snuggle you.


Hugs!




Day One - September 1
The journey begins...
One Month old - October 1
Look at all his hair!

Two months old - November 1
Just came off the ventilator from his hernia surgery the night before.
This was after his first feeding in about 48 hours.
Three Months old - December 1
The two seconds he was okay with being shoved in the basket.
Four Months old - January 1
Playing video games with Daddy.
Five Months old - February 1
Holy cats! He's growing right out of the bassinet!


Six Months old - March 1
Happily tracking the rattle that Daddy is shaking like a mad man.