Letter to Cub: THREE!

Dear Cubby,

It's your birthday! How did three years go by so fast? I know I haven't blogged much for you lately, but you should know that you are an AMAZING kid. You've managed to get the best qualities from me and your Daddy. You're our social bee, a big helper and a love bug! You have now made allowances for Daddy to sleep in 'Mamma's bed' and even ask him to "lay down!" when you want some snuggle time.

You DEFINITELY know what you want and when you want it and it's been quite a struggle for you to learn that you can't always have what you want. You're having a great time learning how to put things together and do things yourself. Your most commonly heard phrases are "No, Mom! Not YOU!" or "No, Dad! Not YOU!"

We changed daycare/schools in August and you have been thriving. Mommy was very worried you'd get lost in the shuffle with 24 kids, but you have adapted well and started staying dry and even peeing in the potty at school!! Once Mommy realized that, we buckled down and focused Labor Day weekend and had you learning all about the potty situation. You did AWESOME and are now potty-trained!

We still have our 'goke' time at night or in the morning although it seems like you are sometimes not asking for it (which is good for you!) and trying hard to be a big boy.

Never did I ever think I'd be at this point with such a special treasure as you in my life. You make me and your Daddy proud and we are happy we've been blessed with you.

♥,

Mommy

Letter to Cub 2...

Wow! Another year! Another year has flown by and I'm in awe how fast that went! I still remember the day you were born like it was yesterday! You have learned so much in this past year and are talking up a storm! You are still giving us hugs and kisses but you're telling us "no" more often. Sometimes it's a game and sometimes it's a genuine protest for not wanting to brush your teeth, take a bath, or have your diaper changed.

You give both me and your Pappa grief over EVERYTHING (terrible two's perhaps?) but you still manage to get in some snuggle time and hugs and kisses to both of us every day.

You've flown to Omaha this year to meet your long distance pal, C. 

We've had changes this year. Teresa & T3 had been a major part of your life until they moved in May. It was heartbreaking for me, as T3 was your "brother" and you absolutely LOVED Teresa.

You went to your first LIVE show - Sesame Street Live! You seemed to have enjoyed it although you didn't openly clap or get excited.

You had an AWESOME summer of swimming. You purposely put your face under the water, holding your breath and pick your head up on your own. You've jumped in unassisted into the pool for me or Pappa to catch you. You were thrilled to do it and not scared at all.

You've been to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom more times this year than I have ever been in my life so far thanks to the season passes we bought. 

You had your first sleepover/overnight away from Mamma & Pappa. I missed you so much the whole time you were away.

You went to your first concert - Rascal Flatts with Sara Evans at Sleep Train Amphitheatre. You had a GREAT time and even wound up with an inflatable guitar to go home with. Not a tear/complaint about the loud music or the late night. When you fell asleep in my arms at 9:30 p.m., I could've just melted. ♥

Your personality is really showing and you're just a silly Cub! You love things that make noise, have wheels, and you love to "color". You make tiny circles on the paper with a pen or pencil. Every day, you're growing more into a little boy and wanting to do more "big boy" things. Some days I just want to hold/squeeze you tight because I know these times only last a short while.

Every day I love you more and more and am so proud of the little boy you're becoming. I hope you know that I will always love you. ♥

Proof!

Yep! Here's proof we have a bear cub on our hands! He was so hungry, he refused to let me help open the bag to get to the biscuit... so the end result....

 

He said... WHAT???

The other day I was so exhausted and seriously needed a rest. Cubby may have gone down, but he had a bit of energy and Pappa Bear was headed out the door. So I asked him to put the gate in the hallway & close most of the doors so if Cubby wanted to get up, he could only be in my room or walk over to his room.

I closed my eyes to try and nap but woke up every few minutes hearing Cubby getting into things, making sure he was ok and back to closing my eyes. All of a sudden I feel a push against the mattress and I hear Cubby... "mooo mooo" in this kind of sing songy tone (which is what it sounded like to me) and holding out his arms to me. Keep in mind, I'm half asleep and I think he wants to be picked up to come into the bed with me.

Then he says it again, this time shoving his hands in my face and I shoot straight up out of my grogginess as I realize he said "Pooo Pooo" because I also smell it. On his hands. Ewww! He then proceeds to put his hand in the side of his diaper and I grab him and haul ass to his changing table.

This time I ask "Did you go poo poo?" He nods yes. Smiles. Lays right down to let me change him. *sigh*

Thinking it's time to maybe start potty training?

Cub's First Keyboard

I'm a techie geek. So it's no surprise at 19 months (although it would've been earlier if Pappa Bear would've let me) that Cubby has his very own keyboard! I found it online at MamaBargains, one of those deal-a-day sites. Now why would I spend money on a keyboard specifically designed for kids when we have a kajillion keyboards already?

Well, for one thing - it's specifically designed for kids. Cubby has been allowed on the computer here and there on a site called Kneebouncers. Our super wonderful, awesome nanny/childcare provider found and shared this site with me.

All that is required to use this site? The ability to push a key. Any key. Here is where the problem lies. On a regular "adult" keyboard, they have these keys that are helpful 'tools' like the ESC, Alt, Windows keys - when pressed have a specific function. None of which I want my toddler to be able to access or use or "accidently" use a combination of these keys and who knows what will happen!

So I was THRILLED when I found this keyboard by MyPC. As you can see from the pic, the buttons are HUGE and they are missing the 'tool' keys, so now I don't have to worry about Cubby on my keyboard!!!

Oh yeah - please excuse the mess that is my desk. This is why I'm looking for a "mama's helper"...

Bye Mamma!

This morning, as I was getting ready to leave for work, Pappa Bear was changing Cubby's diaper on the changing table. So I go in to say goodbye, kiss the Cub (which he was not having), kiss Pappa Bear (THEN, the Cub wanted to kiss Mamma) and say goodbye. As I was walking away waving and saying "Bye bye!", Cubby turned to his side, waved and said "Bye Mamma!"

Oh boy, he's definitely growing up.

Say CHEESE!!!

I have to tell you - I'm amazed. Every day I'm amazed at how far Cub has grown and all that he's learned and picked up. Today, I allowed him time on the computer. This is something I've been doing on and off for about a week. Since I spend so much time on it, he's always stealing my mouse and messing with my computer. So, why not? There's this cool website for little kiddies called Kneebouncers. All it requires (besides parent supervision) is the ability to hit a key on the keyboard. It's PERFECT for Cub and other kids his age.

So, as I am watching him on the computer thinking "What a BIG BOY!" I grab the camera to take a picture and I say "Say Cheese!" not really expecting him to say it but..... he said "Cheeese!" and I snapped this photo:

"CHEEEESE!"

Happy Holidays!

So I finally made the appointment. Yep, the one where I'm supposed to get Cub's one-year photos? Oh, so I'm two months behind and decided, "Let's cram in a family photo and holiday photos too"! WTF was I thinking? We went to the Picture People. This is only our second time. The first time we went there, the girl who did Cub's photos was AWESOME and the pics I thought came out super adorable! When I called hoping to get the same girl, I was informed she no longer worked there! So they gave me an "experienced" photographer this time. Let me just say - I have no idea where her experience came from but it wasn't from posing or taking pictures.

We started off with our "family" photos and was so focused on Cub, she didn't even make note that my necklace clasp was turned around or take note of my head position/body position and whether or not me or my husband were smiling. She kept trying to get him to smile which did not work.

I finally told her it really didn't matter if his hand was in front of his face, if she waited for him to put it down she'd never get a pic! FINALLY she started snapping photos. I was NOT THRILLED with ANY of our family photos. Even Cub's pics were so-so. She had no imagination, offered props but never brought them out and only used two backgrounds the whole time. Some dark colored one and a white background.

THANK GOD I brought my own props for us and Cub or I would have been a sobbing, furious mess. Cub's pics came out OK - he's too cute to NOT want to buy any, but they weren't spectacular. I was very disappointed but at least we got these cute ones, right?

The original was a full color photo - I decided I would test out my amazing Photoshop skills on this one. What do you think?

... and here's his innocent, "I swear I was good!" look. :)

BACK!

Just thought I'd pop in here and let ya'll know how the Cub did while I was gone. A couple of small little "incidences" but other than that, he definitely missed his Mamma and Pappa Bear got him sleeping through the night (8ish p.m. to 7ish a.m.)!! Previously he was waking up between 1 & 3 a.m. in addition to between 5 & 6 a.m. Kudos to Pappa Bear for taking care of the Cub and for everyone who pitched in and provided him some support while I was gone! Now, I'm dealing with crying/whining (separation anxiety) but thankfully I have four FULL days with him before I head back to work!

Letter to Cub...

Dear Cub,

As I sit here and type this letter to you, I am getting all choked up and tears are welling up in my eyes. It is so hard for me to believe that a year ago tomorrow at 7:15pm, you entered the world and forever changed our lives. So many emotions happen when a baby arrives, but especially one as special as you. I have always been a planner and had planned everything out for your arrival. Little did I know that you were going to wreak havoc on my plans and forever change my life.

You were due to arrive on November 3rd and your Auntie Lena was keeping her fingers crossed that you were going to arrive on her birthday. I was PLANNING on working until October 24th and then have a week or so before you arrived... But nope. You were already in the womb, working your way out and throwing a monkey wrench in my plans. Two weeks early, you arrived. Six pounds, 13 ounces and 19 1/4 inches long. Here you were:

Nothing can ever explain the emotions and feelings of your arrival and all that followed. Most of it was a blur and as I try to look back and remember it's just so hard. We have a kajillion pictures of you from when you arrived all the way up to this point. Trying to remember holding you as a little Cub and how sweet you were, so new to the world. I am in awe of how much you've grown, how much you've learned and how much life has changed for the better with you in it.

It's no secret that I've struggled to adjust with the changes that came with you in our life but with each passing day, I am more grateful that you're here. My heart seems to overflow and burst with love for you so much. No matter how tough a day I'm having, I can't wait to get home and squeeze you and feel like the world has been righted for me because you're there.

At ONE YEAR, you've done so much. You're walking and starting to talk (Mamma, Mum, DaDa, Duh (dog), Hi, Hey). You make Mamma's scrunchie face. You clap, laugh, giggle, love to be thrown up in the air. With only 4 teeth, you munch on food like there's no tomorrow, especially anything that Grandma makes for you. :)


You love the water and you're learning to swim.

You're learning new things at the Little Gym every week We'll get you flexible like a bendy straw soon enough! You're already into cars and make the 'car noise' whenever you're pushing something.

You help me out by pushing the laundry basket and closing the dryer door. You help Daddy do the dishes (more like unload the dishes). You dance to music and shake the maracas or anything else that makes noise. You've learned to blow a whistle, hum the kazoo and bang on the drums (tell me you aren't a musician in the making!).

You've gone on your first plane ride, vacationed in Sedona, Arizona, saw the Grand Canyon and went on an off-road Hummer Tour.

 You've gone to your first Rivercats baseball game, your first Kings basketball game.

You have many friends and girlfriends (better watch out for those Daddies) and you are LOVED. There really are no words to describe the well of emotions that you bring to me, but you should always know that you are our precious Cub and you mean the world to us.

Happy Birthday my Son. I love you.

Good News, Bad News

Over at Domestic Dork on Sunday is Good News, Bad News! So, the point? Just list your good news and bad news and then link up your post over at Domestic Dork to share your news and see others!

The Good News: Cub has started to walk on his own randomly. Don't try to get him to do it or he won't. Just watch him out of the corner of your eye...

The Bad News: We have yet to baby-proof the house and he LOVES getting into the cupboards and trash cans. Yuck!

The Good News: Cub is a growing, happy baby!

The Bad News: We just spent another $100 on clothes for the next 6 months or so... :(

The Good News: He now has two teeth coming in on top!

The Bad News: He's teething and it's no fun for ANYONE.

Count 'em...

1, 2, 3! On Cub's 10 month birthday (21st) he took his first THREE steps! He was so proud of himself as we looked on.

Today, he took 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 steps!! I cannot believe that our little Cub will be walking soon! He's so excited and proud of himself. We cheer him on but I think he's decided he doesn't like all the attention. Ha!

Luvin' the Cub!

For those of you who follow me, I have been absent via blog lately. Except for blogging about fabulous contests! I'm totally in love with cloth diapers and have recently branched out and purchased my first set to try on our own. If it all works out, we'll be canceling our diaper service and buying more! Woo hoo!!! I guess I'm turning into a 'crunchy' kind of Mamma! LOL!!! Who knew I had it in me?? :)

Anyway, I don't have much to say but here's some pics of the Cub!!

E took this pic my first day back at work...




















Cub managing his own bottle of Mamma's milk!




















Our first family trip to the park with Pappa Bear luvin' on the Cub!















Cub eating his foot!




















Cub trying out some lettuce on Mother's Day!

We've Made It!!!

... to six months. Holy ca-schmoly! My boy is now 6 months old! I'm in utter shock at how FAST the time flew. It seems like just yesterday we just brought him home and we were struggling with learning to breastfeed. Today he's wearing the next size up in diapers and diaper covers. Once again, his bottom looks bigger than the rest of his body thanks to the cloth diapers.

He had has well baby checkup on Tuesday and everything was great! He weighed in at 15lbs 11.5oz and measured 25.5 inches. He got half of his vaccinations and then is when the fun started... he started to feel a little warm Tuesday evening and finally about 9pm I gave him some Tylenol. His underarm temp was about 99 and he still seemed to be in good spirits. Yesterday morning he was doing about the same so I gave him more Tylenol. Then, early afternoon he started in on the whining and he felt even warmer so I finally took a rectal temp - it was 104!

I called the advice nurse and gave him a dose of Motrin and his temp went down a little but it's now settled at about 101. It was a rough night last night... there is nothing worse than seeing your son's pouty lip and tears because he doesn't feel well and there's nothing you can do about it. It just breaks your heart. He finally went to sleep around midnight-ish and woke up a few times during the night to moan/cry a little bit and then back to sleep.

I feel like I barely slept - I kept getting up to check on him, feel his head and make sure he wasn't too warm or too cold. This morning he still has a temperature of about 101 but he seems to be in good spirits and nursing fine. I'm keeping my fingers crossed his temperature will come down today and that he'll be back to his normal self soon.

Anyway, Happy 6 Months my baby boy! Mamma loves you sooo much!

Pears, Sweet Potato, Avocado & Potato

These have been our cub's first foods. It has been quite an adventure into the world of solids - and nothing as spectacular as the changing of poop! Although I would've liked to have actually SHOWN you how it changes, I know not everyone likes to look at poop. Ha! :) It's been interesting being a mom/parent. You never think you'd be sooo interested in someone else's bodily functions but it can really clue you in on what's going on with your baby. Anyway, I just wanted to share some photos of my boy eating his first four foods! Enjoy :)

Pappa feeding cub pears

Let me try Pappa!

Yah, these sweet potatoes are good...

Oh yah! Avocado is BETTER than sweet potato!

Eh - potato is a little bland but it'll do...

Pears!

So tonight, I get a wild hair up my a$$ and decide to take my first stab at making baby food. Pears. Thought I would only use a little, but then realized I needed to steam more than what I did. Boy couldn't wait so I boobed him and then handed him over to Pappa so I could finish up. It really is super easy to make your own baby food. The only thing is that it can be a pain to make some every day so it's probably better to make a bunch and then freeze it. I however, don't have the trays to freeze yet, so I only made a little bit. So I think it came out ok - not as runny as I think it should've been. So I decide to try and feed it to Boy. Let me tell you - he was READY! Although he did make a funny face, he kept trying to grab my hand for more. :) So I guess he liked it! I probably should've put him in his high chair to feed him instead of leaving him in his Johnny Jump Up but oh well - here are some pics:




Here's a video of Daddy also feeding him pears - very exciting!

Growing!

It is truly AMAZING at how fast babies grow. Today Boy had his four month checkup. He is staying within his growth curve and is doing well! At birth, Boy was 6lbs 13oz and 19.25 inches long. Today he measured 24.5 inches and weighed in at 14lbs 5.7oz!

Milestones: He's now smiling all the time, laughing, cooing and 'talking'. He's able to grab and hold objects for a short period. He can stand if we help him and he has STRONG legs. He also has a grip that even his Pappa says can hurt. He's found his hand and tries to eat it constantly. He's also finally found his thumb and is sucking on it here and there.

Activities: He will lay on his back on his playmat and play with the objects that are dangling above his head. He'll play in his exersaucer, push buttons and slide the beads on the wire. In his high chair he spins his alphabet wheel.

I cannot believe that only four months ago this precious boy arrived and turned my world upside down!

The Start of Laughter...

So E has been teaching our boy how to dance. Since our cub has such strong legs and tends to stand when supported - what better time to introduce him to groove to the tunes? Boy really likes it and just laughs and laughs with his Pappa so I've been trying to catch it on video for a few days and FINALLY I did! So here it is - a minute long video for your viewing and listening pleasure. By the way, have I said how cute I think our cub is??? :)