Mommy's slacking!

Sweet boy, I have been having so much fun watching you grow that I've forgotten to update this blog! Here are some fabulous things that are happening.

First, these are all the art projects you've done at Day Care through November. So beautiful!

And here's another fantastic photo of you from the day before Thanksgiving at Day Care.

You are just so cute. You don't even KNOW!!

Okay so what else is happening... We are trying to teach you Mommy, Daddy, please, and thank you in sign language. So far, you use the "more" sign when you want just about anything. It's like you're saying, "Yes, that's a good idea. I would like that." And you're not really picking up on the other signs yet. You don't say any words either, but I am pretty sure you'll be one of those kids that starts speaking in full sentences right away.

You love music. I need to keep better track of which commercial songs you love the best. Certain songs have you in a trance! (BTW, I'm so sorry that you're already enthralled with TV. I tried to keep you away from it, but...some people in our house just like TV way too much.) You don't dance yet, really, but you do play air drums when you hear certain songs, which is kinda like dancing.

When I took you to the doctor the other day to get the rest of your 1-year shots, you were 19 lbs 10.1 oz. You're just my petite lil guy! Which is just find with me, because the smaller you are, the longer you'll stay in my arms.

Right before Thanksgiving, we got some photos taken of you. You are just the most photogenic baby ever. And Katie did such a wonderful job capturing your personality. I have entered a few photos into a Facebook competition giving away a "crawl-on" role on a TV show. We'll see! Here are a few of my faves:

LOVE YOU, BABY!!!

Quick Little Update

I wanted to be sure to mention that you're starting to use sign language finally! Mariah and Samara have both said they've seen you sign, but Daddy and I didn't until earlier this week when you signed "more" when you were hungry! Then today, you signed "milk" when you got up. 

You are just so smart, Troy. As much as it hurts my heart to know that you're growing up, it's so fun to watch!! 

Love you, Baby!

Funny sounds

The other day, out of the blue, you started rolling your Rs. It was so silly, and it was like you knew you could do it all along. Now, every once in a while, we'll hear you start making that sound as you're playing. It doesn't seem to be related to anything yet, but you'll copy us when we do it. So silly!

*edit--here's the video!!

Love you, Baby!

Smarty pants!

I just have to share this story from Samara (at day care):

"Troy cracks me up! Because Bobby (the other baby) wants to play with whatever Troy has, if Troy wants something Bobby has, Troy will get a toy that makes sounds and starts hitting it to get Bobby's attention, and as soon as Bobby drops his toy to go for what Troy has, Troy will run for the other toy! I thought it was a coincidence when I saw Troy do that once... But I've seen him do it twice already!!!"

Lil stinker!

Love you, Baby!

It's Your Birthday!

And here's the rest of the story.

...Just after 3:30am, the midwife came in and declared me a 10. Daddy called your grandparents and Auntie May May into the room for the action. I pushed for 30 minutes--the last 10 of which I had bad hiccups that interrupted my pushing--and you entered our world at 4:10am with a full head of hair and a strong pair of lungs! And Grandma Lety had the honor of cutting the cord. For the most part, a wonderful experience.

My sweet, Troy, I can't explain how you have changed my life. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me, and I am so happy to celebrate you today. You are walking, saying a word here and there when you want to, playing pat-a-cake and peek-a-boo, behaving very well at day care (by not touching the tile),  playing catch with whoever wants to play, and drumming on anything and everything. You are amazing and I'm in awe of you.

Thank you for letting me be your mommy.

LOVE you, Baby.

One Year Ago

A year ago today I was in the hospital, wondering how long it was going to be before I got to meet you. I woke up at 4:30 in the morning with my first contraction. It took a long time for the next one to come, but pretty soon they were coming regularly. I made sure to eat a bowl of cereal late in the morning, because someone told me that once I get there, I would likely not be able to eat. So, checked food off the list! Then I got ready like I would on any other Sunday: took a shower, styled my hair, and put on make up.

By 11:40am, contractions were 5 mins apart and getting more intense. I called Labor and Delivery and they told me I should probably make my way to the hospital. We checked in to triage at 12:30pm, where I wasn't even examined until 1:40pm. I was 3cm and 90% effaced. They wouldn't admit me until I was 4cm, so they stripped my membranes--holy ouch--and had me walk the halls for a while. I was already in so much pain and miserable, I was dreading the rest of the process. I couldn't relax through my contractions at all.

A little after 4pm, they finally checked me again and I was 4cm, so they officially admitted me. As soon as I was in the bed, I requested an epidural. To HECK with that pain, Man. No way. Anyway, once I settled down and couldn't feel my legs, I was a much happier camper...until the midwife told me my labor had stalled. Since I had been sitting at 4cm for a while, she mentioned pitocin. I was totally against it at first, so she left me alone for another hour and my water finally broke. She came in to check and said she still felt a water bag in there, so she used a hooked tool to break the rest of the bag. Weird.

After slow dilation (and some major tummy troubles), I stalled again at 7cm for another couple hours, so I finally agreed to accept a small dose of pitocin. I tried to catch up on some rest while it did its thing...

And I'll finish the rest tomorrow, on your birthday.

Love you, Baby!

Walking Like a Pro

Quick update on your walking progress:

Yesterday, you started showing a lot more confidence in your walking abilities. And today, you've walked across the front room several times. Seems like it's just what you do now!

Love you, Baby!

Massage

This is just a short one, but I HAD to share.

This morning, I sat down at Daddy's feet while he sat in a chair so that he could massage my sore shoulders for a minute. I was holding you in my lap at the time. After he was done, I put you down and went over to my laptop, which was on the couch. I sat down in front of it to do some work, and you came over to me. You stood up behind me and I thought you were maybe playing with my hair or my t-shirt, but Daddy pointed out that it looked like you were trying to massage my shoulders, just like he had done. He said you weren't really playing with anything, just kinda patting/rubbing my back.

SO. SWEET.

Love you, Baby!

Your birthday is drawing near.

It's almost impossible to believe that you have been in my arms for nearly a year. Like, what?! How is this even possible? I swear it was just yesterday that I was hoisting my feet up on my desk, trying to relieve some of the excessive swelling. But I digress.

So, now that you are 11 months old, you are really starting to turn into a regular little person! You are very good at standing, and you even take a few steps here and there. Last night you actually took the most steps you've ever taken! We were in the kitchen, and I reached my arms out to you, and you just kept coming! It was probably a good 8 steps. Daddy got to see, too, because he was on the couch reading. We tried to get video of you taking steps, and you took a few, but not as many as the first time. I'm guessing that you'll officially be walking within the next week.

Another piece of news since my last post is that you are now in day care. Even though my desire is and will always be FIRST to stay home and take care of you, second to have someone care for you at the house, this has turned out to be such a blessing. Miss Samara is fantastic. And she says you are doing great. You're even learning to follow her rules and obey! (You're my child, so this surprises me immensely.) Here's a cute story from her:

“He learned FAST not to go on the tile. Last week, I always had to sit right in the way and block that section. Now I can sit other places in the room and just say, ‘Troy…,’ and he instantly stops and looks at me. He just stares for a while…I think waiting until I turn around maybe. But since I continue looking, he just crawls off somewhere else. Not one time today has he touched the tile. He stares at the tile…wishing to touch it…but that’s as far as he goes.”

Then she sent this photo:

LOOK AT YOUR PRECIOUS FACE!

Okay, now it's time for photo/caption time to explain some other awesome things!

Your first whole broccoli. You LOVE it!

You decided to steal Natalie's corn dog. Omnomnom!

Our first trip! This is Brandy taking you, Teagan, Trig, and Sienna for a ride.

Pure love (Look at that hair!)

Grandpa and Nana came to help us put up some ceiling fans, so we got a pick of y'all!

And now for the videos:

Rocker like Daddy--You love music. Daddy has even given you some drumsticks, and those are your new favorite toys. You love to play on anything!

Playing catch with Brother

Swinging!--This is at the Brimhalls'.

Riding on Mama's Legs--I put you on my legs once, and now you come up to Daddy and I and want a ride!

Love you, Baby!

One small step for man...

YOU TOOK ONE!!

I was in the kitchen washing dishes on Sunday evening (8/3), and you were standing against the dishwasher. I backed away a little bit, put my hands out, and said, "Come here, Bubbas!" You let go of the dishwasher, bent your knees and stood free for a few seconds. Then, you took one step towards me!

You're close. So close!

LOVE YOU, BABY!

More Walker Walking

See?? Told you you're getting better every day! (Sorry this video isn't in high def.)

http://youtu.be/mYJpbmDw8Yw

LOVE YOU, BABY!

Are you really 10 months old?

I almost can't believe it. We are already in the planning stages of your first birthday!! Didn't you JUST come out of my tummy?? Sheesh!

Anyway, some fun things have happened over the last month! (I've posted photos and videos at the end of this post.) First of all, I'd like to report that you and I did just fine while Daddy was in South Africa. You did manage to open up a "baby-proof" bottle of extra-strength Tylenol, but you didn't swallow any pills. Suffice it to say, I won't let you play with those bottles anymore, no matter how much you love the rattle sound. You've also become quite verbal. You were babbling before, but now you always have something to say. And you're getting sassy! It's adorable now, but I'm pretty sure it won't be so cute when you're telling us off in a year or two. ;^}

We took a trip to Bakersfield and got to visit with Macey and Lyla, which was REALLY fun! Brother got to come, too, which made the car ride more bearable. Then, your first July 4th, we went to the Farmers' house and you got to swim in this awesome floaty thing. You LOVED it! I know you're going to be a great swimmer, as soon as Mommy can get you some proper lessons.

One of the coolest things that happened is I acquired a walker toy for you. And as much as we dread the fact that you'll be running all over the house soon, it was so cute to watch you learn how to use it! You get better and more confident each day!

Our only struggle right now is sleep. You're having a hard time, and therefore so are Mommy and Daddy. But we'll get it!

Here are my favorite moments from the past month!

We finally like eggs!

Don't worry, Troy, I won't show your girlfriends this photo. Muahahahaha

Cousin love!!

Sunday selfie! You were Momma's helper at church while Daddy was gone.

Mari took this while Daddy was in S. A. Silliest face ever!

Your July 4 outfit. I just...I can't! SO CUTE!

Fourth of July fun at the Farmers'

This was 2 days after you turned 10 months, but it's just too perfect to not include!!

Bathtime Splashes Video

Chatterbox Video

Walker Video--This was only a day after you got this toy. You're already much better with it!

LOVE YOU, BABY!

And we're 9 months old...

I cannot believe how quickly time has flown. You've now been on the outside as long as you were on the inside. And let me just say, I enjoy THIS side of it much better. You are truly the best thing about my world.

Alrighty, on to the news--Daddy is in South Africa. He left a few days ago--June 19 to be exact--and will be gone until July 8. So far, you and I have done okay. Someone toilet-papered our house, and you aren't resting very well at night, but other than that, we're just fine. We get to talk to Daddy this week on Skype which helps, but next week we won't be able to at all, so I'm sure we'll both be a little bit sad.

I took you to the pediatrician on Friday for a check up. You've hardly gained any weight because you are SO active, and it doesn't seem like you've gotten much taller, either. But the doctor thinks the nurse didn't quite measure right. In any case, your stats were 17lbs 10 oz and 26 inches. You're doing much better at standing up next to things, and you're even inching along the couch, so I'm guessing that in another month or so, you'll be walking. Yikes.

You talk all the time. I love hearing you make new sounds, and get excited. And the other day, Logan and I heard you singing in the car. It was to a Stephen Curtis Chapman song, and it made me cry. I hope you love to sing as much as I do.

You're getting another tooth, and you've decided it's okay to bite me when I'm empty. That's fun.

Oh, and your newest thing is laughing at me when I get stern with you. I'm trying to teach you some behavioral things, and, well...you're having none of it. As soon as I give you the "look", you laugh! And, of course, it breaks me down and I laugh, too. I love you, but I sure hope that I'm not such a softy when you REALLY mess up! ;^}

LOVE you, Baby!

TOOTH!

Late last night, you were having a particularly rough night. We assumed it was because you were teething, and sure enough, when I went to put some Oragel on your gums, I felt a tooth! Your very first! I know it doesn't feel great, but this is a big deal. I'm excited that you're growing, but also sad, because it reminds me that you won't be my little baby forever.

*sigh*

Love you, Baby!

8-month Happenings

Some wonderful things are happening, Sweet Boy! The bestest thing EVAR is that you are saying, “Mama!” You babble it sometimes, but you definitely say “Mama” when you are hungry or when you want me to pick you up. It’s the sweetest things and I love it and don’t ever stop. You also say, “Baba,” which means Daddy in Chinese, so I’m thinking you’re already multi-lingual. You’re a genius, after all.

You’ve also started pulling yourself up into a stand. You don’t do it often. You prefer to sit down or kneel, but you’re getting there.

Then, last week, you woke up with--get this--Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease! We don't know from where you contracted it, but it's all over your hands. Here are some photos of the first and last days of this virus.

Now, here are some other of my favorite shots from the last month.

Your very first swim!

8 months old already. (I'm so sorry about your face. Your dr thought it was ringworm so we were using some harsh medicine on your face, which only made it WORSE, because it was just a sensitive skin issue, not ringworm. We've changed pediatricians.)

For a couple days, you were yelling a lot and waving your arms! So cute.

Daddy took this while you were in the bath.

Your first taste of refried beans!

At the Volunteer Appreciation BBQ at church, you gnawed on your first whole strawberry.

Now, here are a few of my favorite video clips!

Trying a pickle

Laughing at brother again (w/ Daddy)

Love you, Baby!

Pillow

You are so smart.

You were hanging out with Daddy and I while we were folding clothes on our bed this evening. You decided to crawl over to a pillow and lay your head down. I said to you, "Aw, you like the pillow?" And you said, "Pillow." Right in front of Daddy and I both! We were both stunned and a little freaked out, but so ecstatic.

Nana says that I had a vocabulary of 15-20 words by the time I was 10 months. Can ya beat me??

LOVE YOU, BABY!

7 Months Old

You are just too precious! I don't have very much to say in this post, but I do have a lot of photos to show! I will say that you are now officially crawling. You don't do it unless you see something you REALLY want--which is typically something we don't want you to get your hands on, like a cell phone or the cat--but you do know how. You've also started sleeping on your side, which is completely adorable...just like everything else you do.

Here are some photos that we had taken of you. I wanted to get 6-month shots, but then I broke my elbow and wasn't able to get you to the mall by myself, so I had to wait a couple weeks. After the first photoshoot, I wasn't 100% thrilled with any of the pics, mostly because I forgot to bring props. Then a week later, you were already 7 months old, so I changed one of your outfits and brought props. Below are a few of my favorites!

You'll notice on a couple of these, your skin doesn't have the red patches. I want you to know that you are BEAUTIFUL with or without them.

 

Oh, and Happy Easter!

OH! And you got your first haircut! It was a very slight trim, actually.

We had to give you that cup so that you'd stay focused on something and keep your head still!

LOVE YOU, BABY!

6 1/2 Months ALREADY?!

Sweet boy, you listen to me and you listen good--SLOW DOWN!! Your daddy and I are already lamenting just how fast you are growing, and while we are beyond proud of you, we know that you aren't going to be a baby for long, and it makes us sad. Because--seriously--you have got to be one of the sweetest, most cuddly, most precious babies ever to have rolled around on this earth!!

Speaking of rolling--let's talk about milestones. First of all, you are very close to crawling! You are able to pick your belly up off the ground and rock back and forth on your hands and knees, so we know that means you'll be crawling soon! And I wouldn't say you're not mobile...because you can roll aaallllllll over the place! And you scoot backwards. It's so cute. The next big step you've taken in life is you started eating solid foods! I gave you your first taste of avocados on Sunday, March 9, and here is what you thought about them: http://youtu.be/TjsjTJB6fAQ

So far, you have also tried (in this order) sweet potatoes, acorn squash, bananas, apples, and peas. Next will be butternut squash and then some other green veggie. Just not sure which yet. Then soon you'll get eggs. And daddy is capturing all the exciting food-age with his GoPro! So far, you have loved each food you have tried, which makes me SO happy!

We have also discovered that your big brother is your favorite person! He makes you laugh just by saying hello to you. Here's what you think about him being destructive: http://youtu.be/2MHWlQKKJAk

At your 6-month Well Baby check-up, which was on March 21, you weighed 16 lbs, 13.5 oz, and you were 25.5 in long. So you are growing just fine! I was going to get your 6-month photos take that day, too, but I had fallen and fractured my elbow, and couldn't get you in and out of the car seat by myself, and Kathryn, who was able to help me get you to the doctor, wasn't available to help me get you to the photographer. :-\

Below are some of my favorite photos from the past month or so. I just love looking at you!!

This is from the day we celebrated Grandma Nadene's life. I just want you to know that she loved you SO much and she prayed for you every day. You would have loved her.

Cuddling with Momma

At the doctor for your 6-month check-up

Sweet potatoes!

Love you, Baby!