Mathew has certainly been "on the go" plenty with our big move at just four months and then many weekend trips to St. Louis, but we just took our first big family vacation. We were brave and drove to Florida. We weren't really sure what to expect, but luckily he was quite the good car rider. We bought a DVD player and that helped in those moments where he was antsy and in need of some entertainment. Otherwise he did pretty well just chilling in the backseat or napping. We took nice long stops for lunch each day of traveling, and usually stopped at a mall so he could walk, run around, and play for awhile. Unfortunately, he wasn't a great sleeper on our trip. He pretty much boycotted naps and that became rough, but night time sleep went pretty effortless luckily.
Mat and I were so appreciative to have the time off work together and able to take advantage of a family vacation. As a little girl, my parents often took my brother and I to Cardinals Spring Training for vacation, so it was quite special to now go with my own son. My brother and parents met Mat, MJ, and I in Jupiter, FL and we rented a large townhouse that was perfect for all 6 of us! We were able to attend MJ's first Cardinals game, the boys got to watch lots of practice, and we of course enjoyed lots of delicious meals out. I was even able to catch up with a girlfriend that lives in the area. It was definitely a fun filled few days with lots of special memories. I think GiGi's favorite memory had to be taking a nap with her grandson. ;)
After a few days in Jupiter, MJ and I headed to Lakeland for a couple days to see some friends. It was pretty surreal to be back in Lakeland-it still feels like home to me. It was rather bittersweet. It was great to spend time with some good girlfriends and have MJ along to show off and play with all the other kiddos. This is when he pretty much started boycotting the naps altogether, so he was more fussy than normal and I became a little rundown with a sinus infection, but overall it was such a great time! We stayed at my friend Kelley's and I really enjoyed being able to just relax with her family!
We returned home this past Monday night. Mathew was definitely pooped, but so glad to be home. He toddled around playing with his toys when we got home. The next day he napped for 5 hours, and then the following day for 7 hours!!!! Poor guy was exhausted. Unfortunately he's now come down with a double ear infection and head cold. I'm not sure if it was brewing while we were on vacation and maybe that's why he was a little fussy or if it's a result of him just being worn down, but either way he's getting lots of lovin' from mommy and daddy right now. We're expecting a week of gorgeous weather ahead, so hopefully he'll be feeling better soon and up to getting outside to enjoy it.
I posted the link yesterday for all our wonderful vacation pics....SUCH a great first family vacation! I look forward to many more to come.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Good to return to FL!
http://keyeswindingroad.shutterfly.com/1403
Here's the latest pictures from 12 months and our first big family vacation! We took a road trip (yep, 2 full days of driving with a one year old) to Jupiter, FL. Details coming soon! :)
Here's the latest pictures from 12 months and our first big family vacation! We took a road trip (yep, 2 full days of driving with a one year old) to Jupiter, FL. Details coming soon! :)
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Time to "Parent"?!
Up until recently our main responsibility has just been meeting Mathew's basic life needs. Feed baby-check, bathe baby-check, change baby-check. Don't get me wrong, even those things were pretty tough in the beginning because he constantly needed something from us. But the last several months have been such smooth sailing. He adores bath time, he's a great eater, and I guess we just got used to constantly changing diapers. Main parenting goals were keeping him alive, healthy, and happy.
But, then he turned one, and I think he somehow got the memo that he is now a "toddler." Who defines a toddler as a one year old anyways?! He's still a baby, MY baby darn it! But, I digress... So, at his one year check up they asked if he'd begun having temper tantrums and warned us that they'd probably soon be approaching and not to fret, it's a normal part of the developmental stage. I swear MJ heard what she said and understood it and decided, "Hehe, time for me to give mommy and daddy a little run for their money!" Now I know we are nowhere even near to full blown temper tantrums. Thank goodness he doesn't even know how to tell us "no!" yet. But, things have been progressing and I'm starting to wonder, Hmmmm....I guess it's time we actually have to start "parenting" him rather than just meeting his physical and emotional needs. So, I'm thinking it's time for this mama (and dada) to do a little reading. "Happiest Toddler on the Block" here we come! Lets hope it works for us as well as "Happiest Baby on the Block" did. MJ has now learned how throw himself on the ground and arch his back screaming and crying. Ummm...what is the appropriate response? Hopefully ignoring it for a moment, because that's what we're going with for now. :) Luckily it only lasts all of about 10 seconds and then he's usually ready for a cuddle or content to go about playing again. He really is such a happy little guy that the occasional scream fest is warranted every now and then I suppose. Just a little lesson though that our guy is changing once again.
But, then he turned one, and I think he somehow got the memo that he is now a "toddler." Who defines a toddler as a one year old anyways?! He's still a baby, MY baby darn it! But, I digress... So, at his one year check up they asked if he'd begun having temper tantrums and warned us that they'd probably soon be approaching and not to fret, it's a normal part of the developmental stage. I swear MJ heard what she said and understood it and decided, "Hehe, time for me to give mommy and daddy a little run for their money!" Now I know we are nowhere even near to full blown temper tantrums. Thank goodness he doesn't even know how to tell us "no!" yet. But, things have been progressing and I'm starting to wonder, Hmmmm....I guess it's time we actually have to start "parenting" him rather than just meeting his physical and emotional needs. So, I'm thinking it's time for this mama (and dada) to do a little reading. "Happiest Toddler on the Block" here we come! Lets hope it works for us as well as "Happiest Baby on the Block" did. MJ has now learned how throw himself on the ground and arch his back screaming and crying. Ummm...what is the appropriate response? Hopefully ignoring it for a moment, because that's what we're going with for now. :) Luckily it only lasts all of about 10 seconds and then he's usually ready for a cuddle or content to go about playing again. He really is such a happy little guy that the occasional scream fest is warranted every now and then I suppose. Just a little lesson though that our guy is changing once again.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Mathew Alan Jr.'s 1 Year Stats
MJ had his one-year well baby visit this week. His current stats are:
Weight: 21 lbs. 5 oz., in the 25th percentile
Head: 46 1/2 cm., in the 50th percentile
Height: 30 1/4. in., in the 55th percentile
He received all his vaccinations and had his blood drawn to do a lead level check as well. Of course he was not too fond of any of it, and as always it breaks my heart, but I'm glad it's done. We're now done with the monthly Synagis shots as well so the good news is that as long as he stays healthy, we don't have to visit the pediatrician or get any shots for a whole 6 months!!
MJ seems to be developing right on track. All the typical benchmarks and milestones they asked us about he seems to have already met or be working towards. When I think how many concerns we had this time last year as he was still in the NICU, it's just amazing how wonderfully healthy he's turned out! No breathing complications or delays in milestones as we were prepared could be expected. Besides getting RSV at 11 months, we went nearly a whole year without a single call or trip to the doctor with a sick baby....not so much as a diaper rash even!
So, at one year, what is the little guy up to? He loves drinking from his sippy cup now. He usually has a few glasses of whole milk and we're trying to be better about incorporating a glass of water in a day as well too. He is still a great eater. I wouldn't mind plumping him up a bit more, but he already eats just about anything and everything we give him. He likes exploring a little bit with his own fork or spoon, but doesn't quite grasp it. He eats just about anything that we eat, just in tinier pieces of course. He's still a great sleeper...sleeping about 12 hours at night and either one long or two shorter naps during the day depending upon our schedule. He's pretty consistently wearing 12 month clothes now, but the longer he gets, I think we'll be on to 18 month pants before we know it. He loves playing, and his new favorite toy is his VTech Learning Train that he got for his birthday. He also still loves books, books, books! Of course despite all the toys and books, what he really wants to get his hands on the most is the TV remote! What's with boys and their remotes?!
MJ will be taking his first long road trip and vacation a week from today. We are heading to Florida for some spring training fun and time with family and friends. We decided to drive. We broke down and bought a little DVD player for the car to help keep him entertained on the long drive. We tested it out on our way home from St. Louis after this birthday weekend, and it seemed to be a hit. He watched Baby Einstein like nobodies business. Hopefully we'll be able to drive during his naps, a few hours of his night time sleep, and take some nice long rest breaks at parks or mall play areas so he can get some playtime in. Any traveling tips with a one year old are welcome! :)
I just can not believe how much my sweet little boy has changed in one year. To go from a tiny little guy who was unable to breathe on his own, grasp a pacifier, or smile at me to a running, giggling, 6-tooth, wonder just AMAZES me. I'm in awe of God's work!
Weight: 21 lbs. 5 oz., in the 25th percentile
Head: 46 1/2 cm., in the 50th percentile
Height: 30 1/4. in., in the 55th percentile
He received all his vaccinations and had his blood drawn to do a lead level check as well. Of course he was not too fond of any of it, and as always it breaks my heart, but I'm glad it's done. We're now done with the monthly Synagis shots as well so the good news is that as long as he stays healthy, we don't have to visit the pediatrician or get any shots for a whole 6 months!!
MJ seems to be developing right on track. All the typical benchmarks and milestones they asked us about he seems to have already met or be working towards. When I think how many concerns we had this time last year as he was still in the NICU, it's just amazing how wonderfully healthy he's turned out! No breathing complications or delays in milestones as we were prepared could be expected. Besides getting RSV at 11 months, we went nearly a whole year without a single call or trip to the doctor with a sick baby....not so much as a diaper rash even!
So, at one year, what is the little guy up to? He loves drinking from his sippy cup now. He usually has a few glasses of whole milk and we're trying to be better about incorporating a glass of water in a day as well too. He is still a great eater. I wouldn't mind plumping him up a bit more, but he already eats just about anything and everything we give him. He likes exploring a little bit with his own fork or spoon, but doesn't quite grasp it. He eats just about anything that we eat, just in tinier pieces of course. He's still a great sleeper...sleeping about 12 hours at night and either one long or two shorter naps during the day depending upon our schedule. He's pretty consistently wearing 12 month clothes now, but the longer he gets, I think we'll be on to 18 month pants before we know it. He loves playing, and his new favorite toy is his VTech Learning Train that he got for his birthday. He also still loves books, books, books! Of course despite all the toys and books, what he really wants to get his hands on the most is the TV remote! What's with boys and their remotes?!
MJ will be taking his first long road trip and vacation a week from today. We are heading to Florida for some spring training fun and time with family and friends. We decided to drive. We broke down and bought a little DVD player for the car to help keep him entertained on the long drive. We tested it out on our way home from St. Louis after this birthday weekend, and it seemed to be a hit. He watched Baby Einstein like nobodies business. Hopefully we'll be able to drive during his naps, a few hours of his night time sleep, and take some nice long rest breaks at parks or mall play areas so he can get some playtime in. Any traveling tips with a one year old are welcome! :)
I just can not believe how much my sweet little boy has changed in one year. To go from a tiny little guy who was unable to breathe on his own, grasp a pacifier, or smile at me to a running, giggling, 6-tooth, wonder just AMAZES me. I'm in awe of God's work!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Mathew's Birthday Extravaganza!
Mathew's first birthday celebration was a very special time! We were planning on heading to St. Louis for the weekend to celebrate his birthday, and we were afraid we almost weren't going to make it. Mat and I got food poisoning Wednesday night and were completely laid up all day Thursday. Luckily though by Friday we were feeling well enough to pack up the birthday boy and hit the road.
Saturday we had his one year portrait taken. We'd seen our friends little girl's one year pics and absolutley fell in love with them, so we decided to use the same photographer. MJ was a little fussy and out of sorts from traveling, so he did a fair amount of crying, but luckily he cheered up once he realized how yummy this cake was! Here's a peak at one of our faves:
After his photo session we headed to Mat's Aunt Lorrie's salon. She gave MJ his very first haircut. It was hard for me to part with those sweet baby curls, but it was getting a little unruly. Even after this haircut, his hair is still curly so we're thinking he might have curls around to stay for awhile. MJ wasn't so sure about getting sprayed with the water bottle, but after that he did great! He sat in mommy's lap and held onto Cuddle Bear. I think he got nice and relaxed and sleepy from his hair cut.
The next day was MJ's first birthday party with his grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, and just a couple of our close friends. It was great to have everyone together to celebrate MJ's first year of life. We had some yummy food, opened presents, visited, and chowed on cake. After two days in a row of cake, MJ was quite wound up. We headed back to Dubuque shortly after his party and we were all quite tired by the time we got home. MJ is used to going to bed about 8:30, but he was so wound up that night he didn't go to sleep until midnight. I even had to rock him to sleep for a good 15 minutes. Noramlly he's great about just lying him down in bed awake and he goes to sleep on his own, but I must admit it felt like a huge treat to me to be able to spend that time with him just rocking and having him cuddle. I was reflecting back on the year and treasuring that moment with him.
Two days later was MJ's real birthday and we celebrated quietly here with just the three of us. It was perfect. We were just so happy to be together and have the time with him. I worked in the morning and Mat worked in the afternoon so we each had our alone time with him during the day, and then that night we had dinner, presents, and cake together as a family.
We couldn't have asked for a better birthday celebration for our sweet little one. It's crazy to think he's a year old, but yet when I think about how much has changed in this past year it's almost hard to believe it's all happened in only a year! He is such a blessing and we can't imagine our lives without him. We hope you enjoy some wonderful pictures from his birthday celebrations! Just click on the title of this post to go to the shutterfly website full of pics.
Saturday we had his one year portrait taken. We'd seen our friends little girl's one year pics and absolutley fell in love with them, so we decided to use the same photographer. MJ was a little fussy and out of sorts from traveling, so he did a fair amount of crying, but luckily he cheered up once he realized how yummy this cake was! Here's a peak at one of our faves:
After his photo session we headed to Mat's Aunt Lorrie's salon. She gave MJ his very first haircut. It was hard for me to part with those sweet baby curls, but it was getting a little unruly. Even after this haircut, his hair is still curly so we're thinking he might have curls around to stay for awhile. MJ wasn't so sure about getting sprayed with the water bottle, but after that he did great! He sat in mommy's lap and held onto Cuddle Bear. I think he got nice and relaxed and sleepy from his hair cut.
The next day was MJ's first birthday party with his grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, and just a couple of our close friends. It was great to have everyone together to celebrate MJ's first year of life. We had some yummy food, opened presents, visited, and chowed on cake. After two days in a row of cake, MJ was quite wound up. We headed back to Dubuque shortly after his party and we were all quite tired by the time we got home. MJ is used to going to bed about 8:30, but he was so wound up that night he didn't go to sleep until midnight. I even had to rock him to sleep for a good 15 minutes. Noramlly he's great about just lying him down in bed awake and he goes to sleep on his own, but I must admit it felt like a huge treat to me to be able to spend that time with him just rocking and having him cuddle. I was reflecting back on the year and treasuring that moment with him.
Two days later was MJ's real birthday and we celebrated quietly here with just the three of us. It was perfect. We were just so happy to be together and have the time with him. I worked in the morning and Mat worked in the afternoon so we each had our alone time with him during the day, and then that night we had dinner, presents, and cake together as a family.
We couldn't have asked for a better birthday celebration for our sweet little one. It's crazy to think he's a year old, but yet when I think about how much has changed in this past year it's almost hard to believe it's all happened in only a year! He is such a blessing and we can't imagine our lives without him. We hope you enjoy some wonderful pictures from his birthday celebrations! Just click on the title of this post to go to the shutterfly website full of pics.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Happy Birthday to MJ!
I've been looking forward to celebrating this day for awhile now. I vividly remember last year on March 9th, Mat and I saying to each other that we couldn't ever imagine March 9th being a happy day for us and just how sad that made us feel. While I think the memory of the fear of that day will always be there, I'm soooo pleased to say that we've turned this March 9th into a happy day! Seeing our baby boy toddle around laughing, smearing cake all over himself, and playing with new toys just reminds us how far we've come. Can you believe that just one year ago MJ was lying in a NICU on a ventilator, Mat was at a hotel with my brother trying to get a few hours of sleep, and I was alone at the hospital lying awake wondering how my baby was. Our brand new family was all separated and devastated. Now tonight, after spending lots of time with our little guy, MJ lies upstairs sleeping peacefully, Mat is watching tv, and I am here blogging. God is sooo good! We are so incredibly thankful for our precious miracle.
We've had lots of birthday fun over the past few days. Many more pics and videos to come, but I wanted to share a couple favorite videos from today. The first is Mat going in to get MJ out of bed this morning:
The next video is us finishing up MJ's birthday dinner with him. I made spaghetti and meatballs and cupcakes. He got nice and messy and then had a bath afterwards. Hopefully you can hear these two videos; the volume wasn't the best. Pardon our horrible singing skills. ;)
We've had lots of birthday fun over the past few days. Many more pics and videos to come, but I wanted to share a couple favorite videos from today. The first is Mat going in to get MJ out of bed this morning:
The next video is us finishing up MJ's birthday dinner with him. I made spaghetti and meatballs and cupcakes. He got nice and messy and then had a bath afterwards. Hopefully you can hear these two videos; the volume wasn't the best. Pardon our horrible singing skills. ;)
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Binky FOUND!
Remember the pathetic little "I heart Mommy" binky that I blogged about a couple weeks ago? It was found!!! Mat found it today cleaning out the car. We didn't lose it in Blockbuster after all. Ahhh, it's the little things in life that make a mama happy! :)
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