Wednesday, January 30, 2013

New Blog

I'm starting a new blog.  No, I'm not getting rid of this one.  The new blog is going to be strictly about baby gear, suggestions, ideas, encouragement for new parents....  If there is anything you would like to read or know about, message me.  :) 

Check it out! 

http://allaboutbabyfromonemomtoanother.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

My little biter!

This week Hudson started doing something really fun.  He started biting!  So far, he has only bitten me, and only when he gets really frustrated.  Yes, it has happened more than once.

The first time it happened I was beyond shocked.  My sweet little baby purposefully bit my arm when I was holding him!  He was mad about me taking something away, so I held him and tried to calm him down.  Well, that little stinker turned his head until he was facing my arm and took a bite out of me!  OUCH!  I reacted by saying "NO" and lightly spanking him on his bottom.  I'll admit, it was more of a reaction than a thoughtful act of discipline.  That part makes me sick to my stomach.  Whether or not you agree with spanking, it is the fact that it wasn't a thoughtful or planned response that is most upsetting to me.

This incident made me realize that we need to have a game-plan when it comes to how to discipline Hudson (and any future children).  Steve and I really need to discuss how we want to try to handle misbehavior.  That way, when something happens, there will be no question as to what action to take.

I wasn't ready for this!  Hudson is just 1 year old (in his 15th month)!  How on earth are you supposed to correct "bad" behavior in a way that is appropriate for his age and so he will understand?!?!  So far, trying to correct behavior by saying no, removing him from a situation, or putting him in timeout for a minute has only lead to a flood of tears and a baby that just wants to cuddle.  It's seriously heartbreaking because he seems more hurt and offended that I would scold him.  All he wants after being corrected is to be held and loved.  Being a parent is tough.

Anyway, I think he is biting because he can't express himself any other way.  Man, that would be extremely frustrating!  I feel bad for him, but at the same time I don't want him going around thinking it's alright to bite people when he's upset.  A friend of mine suggested trying to teach Hudson some sign language.  She said her and her husband did it, and it seemed to be working really well. That might just be on my list of things to do this week.

I am really not looking forward to this part.  I love playing with Hudson and loving on him.  I don't want to discipline him....but I guess that's part of life and being a mommy.



Hudson,

This really does hurt me 10,000,000 times more than it hurts you.  I always thought parents were so full of it when they said that.  But, it's really true.  It is our job as your parents to guide you and help you become a loving, kind, good, moral, helpful, God loving, faithful, honest, hardworking, productive adult.  It's hard.  Your daddy and I have no idea what we are doing.  There, I said it.  We have never been parents before.  This is new to us and we are going to have to learn together what works and what doesn't.  All I can say is I hope when you grow up and look back at your childhood, you are able to see that everything we did (right or wrong) was out of love and inexperience.  We are doing our best.  We love you more than you will ever know.

Sincerely,

Mommy & Daddy

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Hudson's 1st Haircut




This evening, when Steve got off work, Hudson and I met him at his barber's.  Steve has been going to this barber for years and years.  Steve needed a haircut and so did Hudson!  When we got there, we were the only one's there (which was really nice).  Steve got his hair cut first while Hudson sat on his lap and watched.  He was a little freaked out by the cape, but Barber Steve (the barber's name was Steve too) was really good!  He made the whole experience a game and kept making Hudson laugh.  He was so good with kids.




When it was Hudson's turn, he got to sit in the big boy chair all by himself.  He only cried once when Barber Steve put the cape on him.  He hates bibs so we knew this would happen.  Hudson's tears didn't laugh long though, because Barber Steve pulled out his squirt bottle filled with water and kept Hudson entertained.  He sprayed water in his mouth, Steve's mouth, and then Hudson's mouth.  Hudson thought that was really funny and laughed and laughed!







Barber Steve was amazing with Hudson.  I really wasn't expecting much because this was a BARBER SHOP not a kiddy hair cut place.  BUT Barber Steve really made Hudson's first haircut a special experience.  HE got an envelope to collect Hudson's hair in and gave me a little plastic bag so I could keep it.  He played all sorts of games with Hudson.  He let me take all the pictures and videos I wanted.  He even made a little certificate for us to remember Hudson's 1st hair cut!  It ended up being such a positive and memorable experience.















15 month checkup

Hudson had his 15 month doctor appointment today.  Where has the time gone?!?!

His appointment was at 8:00am  today.  I could kick myself for making it that early!  When I set up this appointment 3 months ago, Hudson was waking up really early (between 5:30 and 6:30) so making it for 8 seemed like a great idea.  Now that Hudson sleeps until at least 7:00 it is a little more tricky.  The 8:00am traffic didn't make things any easier either!  WHAT WAS I THINKING!?!?!



Anyway,  the doctor checked his ears and said that they are looking much better!  yea!!!  Hopefully we won't have to go back for 3 months now.  :)  Wishful thinking!  Hudson is growing and developing perfectly.  He is still topping the charts in height and weight.  We have one BIG boy on our hands!  hehe  I wouldn't have it any other way!  Poor Hudson even had to get 2 shots today.  This time he knew they were coming...  When I laid him on the examining table, he started crying before he even got the shots.  That hurt my heart, knowing he was anticipating them and wasn't happy about it.  :(  He took them like a champ though and didn't even need Tylenol!  

Hudson's 15 month stats:
  • Height 33.5 inches >98%
  • Weight 25lbs 8oz 75-90%
  • Head 18.5 inches 50-75%


While there, I asked the doctor about foods Hudson could have now.  I wasn't sure if there were still any restrictions.  The doctor said the only thing we shouldn't give him are peanuts or peanut related products.  Other than that, nothing is off limits.  We have been giving Hudson a variety of foods, but have been avoiding honey because I just wasn't sure....  So, today after his appointment I picked up some honey graham crackers and cheerios for Hudson.  I thought he would like those a lot more than the plain and baby versions, plus they are a lot less expensive.  Boy, was I right!  Hudson LOVED his graham cracker.  it was really funny to watch how excited he got over every bite!  haha

I am so glad he had a good 15 month checkup.  We thank God every day for our BIG & HEALTHY boy!  He is such a blessing in our lives.  Now, I think it's time for somebody's nap! 

Monday, January 14, 2013

Temper?

I was told this day would come.  I wasn't really surprised when it finally happened.  To be honest, I laughed... a lot!

Hudson Michael Farmer,

You are getting quite the little temper!  hehe  Most of the time you just go with the flow (you get that from your daddy).  But, every once in a while when you can't have or do something you want, you throw a little (or big) fit!  You probably get this from me.  I'm not nearly as laid back as your daddy. 

It is sad and funny all at the same time to see you get worked up over not being able to play with a pen or something little like that.  It's funny because you REALLY don't care about the pen.  You just hate it when we take things away from you.  Sometimes, you get so worked up you even start stomping your feet!!!!  I have no idea where you saw this or if it is just a natural thing kids do when they are mad.... either way the first time you did it I couldn't believe my eyes.  

Another thing that drives you CRAZY is when you are tying to build a tower of blocks and they keep falling over.  You start out so happy and then get really focused and intense.  When they keep falling over after only stacking four blocks you will get frustrated and knock everything over, throwing blocks and making funny faces.  Of course I can't keep a straight face!

I will say that along with this desire to get and do what you want, you have become much more independent.  You can play happily alone for periods of time.  This gives me a chance to get a lot done that otherwise would just have to wait.  BUT, your new found independence fascinates me and I end up watching you interact with your stuffed animals and playing with your toys.  It is so amazing how much you have developed and changed over the past 15 months! 

I remember when you were first born.  I would sit and hold you all day!  You were in my arms most of the day!  We still have some cuddle time every day, but you are a busy little boy and have lots of things to explore.  I cherish every minute we have together.  I love you very much Hudson. 

~Mom

Thursday, January 10, 2013

15 months old and what's been going on at our house

I have missed a few monthly update posts on Hudson!  I could just kick myself.  It really has been a little crazy around here.  Ill get back to that later.

Hudson is now into his 15th month of life!  Time has really gone by so fast.  He is really talking now and has a nice little vocabulary.  
  • blue - bu
  • red - reee
  • yellow-  lellooo
  • green - gwee
  • hello 
  • baby
  • mama
  • daddy - dadee
  • Mickey Mouse - Mecy mo
  • banana - nana
  • slide
  • I love you - I laa lu
  • there - dare
  • no
  • yes -ye
I'm sure there's more I'm missing, plus he seems to say something new every day. 

He is wearing size 18 clothes and size 4 or 5 diapers.  He is in a size 6 shoe.  

Hudson started feeding himself with a spoon or a fork (baby fork with rounded edges). 

His favorite foods right now are:
  • bananas, he eats one almost every morning for breakfast
  • yogurt, vanilla greek
  • baby cookies (health nut right?!?!)
  • plain baby oatmeal made with milk (he has been sick and I think he likes this because it fills him up and is bland)
  • green smoothies (spinach, carrots, apples, bananas, broccoli, berries)

Unfortunately, Hudson is still battling fevers!  I don't know what is going on around here, but our whole family has been sick on and off since the beginning of November.  In fact, Hudson is going back to the doctor again this afternoon to get checked out.  It feels like we are there every week.  We aren't alone though.  We know so many families who are struggling with the same issues.  UGH  I just hope this is the end of it and we all recover soon!  Our house has been sprayed down with lysol and disinfected with wipes multiple times to try to kill any viruses that might be hanging around.  

Even thought Hudson has been under the weather lately he has been in a remarkable mood.  He is always so happy and funny.  His little personality is just the sweetest.  I love him so much.  This age is really so fun!

As I was saying earlier, things have been a little chaotic at our house.  We got back and finished with all the Holiday activities.  Then everyone in our house came down with a cold or virus.  Shortly after that we found a house we LOVED.   WE met with realtors and decided to go for it.  We had a showing at our house (a lot of cleaning had to be done before that).  The family loved our house and wanted a second showing.  We did a final walk through on the how we fell in love with and were ready to put in an offer when we found... dun dun dun MOLD!  It was a mess and totally disappointing.  After a lot of discussion we decided not to go through with the purchase of that home.  We searched and searched for another house, but couldn't find anything we were happy with.  The family that had been looking at our house wanted to make an offer (of corse that would happen) be we had to tell them the situation and take our house off the market.  There is absolutely nothing else out there that we want!  So, we are going to keep looking, and hopefully in the spring we will find something we like and start the whole process over agin!  haha  

Wow, I'm exhausted (both physically and mentally) from thinking about all that has happened in the past few weeks.

O, and Steve and I celebrated our 4 year wedding anniversary!  These we taken before Steve and I headed out to celebrate.  We went to dinner at a nice restaurant here in town.  It amazes me how fast time goes by!  Four years have already passed sense our wedding day.  I love Steve more and more every day and look forward to many (many many many many) more years together.




That brings us to today.  All of us are recovering and or have colds (or a virus).  Hudson goes to the doctor and I'm watching a friend's babies this afternoon while she takes her other kiddo to the doctor.  O and our house is really clean right now.  I wonder how long that will last.  hehe


**** Steve took him to the doctor on Friday and we found out he had another double ear infection, so now he is taking antibiotics and that seems to be helping.  He still has a low fever and lots of congestion and drainage, but I think he is slowly getting better*****

Saturday, January 5, 2013

The moving bug...


I LOVE looking at houses and dreaming of our future and where we will be....  It's so easy and fun to imagine where we will live, what we will be doing, how fun it will be to decorate a new (or new to us) house....  I love looking at design magazines and fabrics.   I love picking out furniture for rooms I don't currently have and planning their arrangements along with the coordinating window treatments.




I don't actually DO anything though.  Nothing gets purchased, its all just planning.   1) because the house we live in now is tricky and I have done all I can do!  2)  I'm cheep!  I know this is not where we will be too much longer (years maybe but not super long term) and I can't bring myself to spend money on something short term or do anything crazy!


Anyway, after Christmas we came home, unpacked, and looked around at all our "stuff".  Between Hudson's mountain of toys, cloths, suitcases, decorations.... I felt completely overwhelmed, claustrophobic even.  I feel like a tiny crab who has outgrown its shell and needs to go shell shopping for a bigger, more spacious home.  I caught the moving bug (which is the cousin of baby fever).  haha They seem to go hand in hand.


Yes, this is really dumb.  I try not to waste my time thinking about this stuff, because we are really FINE and it probably wouldn't hurt to get rid of some junk around our house anyway to make more room.  A lot of it really is baby and kid stuff though!  And for as little as babies are, their gear is big and bulky!  I am really kicking myself now for not saving boxes that some of Hudson's stuff (swing, jumper....) came in!




Kids are little.  Why on earth does everything for kids take up so much room?  At some point (not now) we are going to want to have another baby and I really don't know that our current house is going to be able to contain us without some serious purging!  I have been watching HGTV and a lot of people who are moving bring up a good point.  They want to either move or renovate before they have a second (or third or fourth) baby.  Apparently moving with children can be hard.  I don't know how we would do it with Hudson, let alone another little one added to the mix.



So, that has me to where I am now, really thinking it might be time to leave our 1st place for more space elsewhere.  Sigh

I know that this "issue" is small and insignificant.  We are so blessed and it seems silly with everything else going on in the world to think about houses and design and more space.  Well, all I can say is everyone dreams/thinks about something.  This so happens to be my thing.  :)  I enjoy organizing, thinking about, and creating pretty things.  It's fun.  I know I'm not alone in this either, or else there wouldn't be television channels and magazines, and books completely devoted to the subject.

BUT THEN, I think about how much work it would take to pack up everything and relocate it..... ugh  I moved a lot when I was little and really enjoyed it.  I loved living in a new place and meeting new people.  As long as my family was there, I was good.  Now, I realize that my parents probably didn't enjoy the moving process nearly as much.  :(  SOOOOOO exhausting!