He had a bad day

Poor Sydney... had a bad day yesterday. I had called to change his 3pm well child appointment to an earlier time, thinking that he would be napping at 3. Turns out, the little stinker protested napping until 12noon and then we had to wake him to go to the doctor.

There, he got 4 shots. OUCH, Ouch, ouch, ow! (And if that wasn't bad enough, he got a blood draw, too.)

I'm SO GLAD that Mike comes along to the appointments so that he is "the bad guy". Plus, I still do not "do" needles well.

Sydney was subjected to a urine test to rule out diabetes; turns out, there is nothing wrong with him - he just must LOVE, Love, love to drink. (Or maybe it is just super fun to say "Ahhhh!") We're waiting for lead levels to come back yet - sometime next week.

Sydney's weight has been in a holding pattern for months now. He keeps growing taller and has been hovering near the same weight. We're pretty sure that the fact that he is a little pinball machine has something to do with the lack of weight gain. (His highest was 20#6 ounces, but then, he has dropped back into the upper 19's on and off since February.)

Here are his latest stats:

EYES: 

bright blue

HAIR: 

white blonde

TEETH: 

6 (4 uppers, 2 lowers)

HEAD CIRCUMFERENCE: 

47.5cm (80th percentile)

WEIGHT: 

holding steady... 

currently 20# 3 ounces (20th percentile)

HEIGHT: 

30 1/2" (75th percentile)

DIAPERS: 

Size 3 during the day.

Size 4 Huggies Overnights at night to help prevent leakage and reduce excessive laundering of cribsheets and mattress pad(s).

Sydney: The Graduate

This afternoon, Sydney and I graduated from the Natural Milk Network Breastfeeding Support Group at the hospital where Sydney was born. 

Within an hour of birth, we attempted to breastfeed, as well as the next two weeks out. Sydney grew EXTREMELY FRUSTRATED with it before we even left the hospital, but we later discovered at the home health visit that he was not "transferring milk." In layman's terms, he was sucking with incredibly poor form and therefore, getting little-to-no-milk out of all of his efforts. (That would explain why he had lost more than 10% of his body weight after birth.) He had been fed by a feeding tube ran down the side of our fingers, by syringe and by bottle, but he had grown to protest the breast, which was heartbreaking for a new mom.

Mike had offered to take Sydney upstairs and show him boobs on the computer, in an attempt to let him know that BOOBS ARE GOOD. When Sydney was nearly two weeks old (June 9, 2009) Mike had arranged a meeting with one of the lactation consultants to meet with us because we desperately wanted Sydney to breastfeed. (It was growing old to continue pumping and feeding around the clock while everyone, but Mommy was feeding the baby.) We met with Kathy Murphy and to our surprise, she showed us how to calm Sydney down enough for him to stop hating my breast and to enjoy some yummy milk. We looked at each other in amazement as he was really doing it! And when we went home, I had feelings of a new hairstyle - where you never know if you'll be able to do it yourself once you get home, but Sydney did GREAT!

And from that point on, he became "A BOOB MAN". (11 months, 3 weeks and 2 days ago.)

I had wanted to breastfeed for a year, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. At this point, Sydney shows NO SIGNS of wanting to stop anytime soon. (And to be honest, I am TOTALLY OK with that!) I'm SO GLAD we got the hang of it and had this wonderful bonding experience.

We got a certificate of graduation today. Here's part of it:

Thank you Mommy for giving me what is best.

Thank you Mommy though I put you to the test.

Thank you Mommy for your tender loving touch.

Thank you Mommy, I love you very much.

Thank you Mommy for all the things you do.

Thank you Mommy for the milk that comes from you.

Lifeguard on duty in Guard pool

Lise and Claire, from across the street, came over to enjoy the kiddy pool this afternoon with Sydney. We had filled it a few night ago, but this morning, I discovered that the pool was empty so, it must have a hole in it. Mike brought a new one home today and we filled it up... by connecting a hose to the hot water from the washing machine. Then, to cool it down, we threw a few ziplock baggies of ice cubes into the water. It was PERFECT for splashing. Soon, however, after Claire and Sydney had competed in a few "races" in the grass, there was a boatload of grass in the pool, but the kids didn't seem to mind too much. Claire decided that they should come back to swim another time in "Cindy's pool". (She doesn't understand that it is SYD; to a 3-year old, it must all sound the same.)

3 year old Claire, 13-month-old Lise and 12-month old Sydney play in the pool.

Let Freedom Ring and a new baby swing

Today, Sydney was dressed in red, white and blue seersucker shorts and a red and navy baseball tshirt. He looked very patriotic and VERY CUTE! (Mommy also wore red, white and blue - showing her American spirit on this national holiday.) As usual, Daddy simply wore one of his MANY bright blue work shirts.

This afternoon, we enjoyed LOTS of sunshine. Right as Daddy was getting home from work, Mommy and Grandma Carol passed off the baby and ran to Kohl's so that I could purchase an American flag and two bunting flags for the front of the house - in honor of Memorial Day.

When we got home, Grandpa Lowell had taken over watching Sydney so that Daddy could plant some strawberries in the front of the house. While Grandma Carol was out for a walk, Mommy and Daddy hung the bunting flags under the sunporch windows and they looked VERY NICE.

Before dinner, Daddy and Grandpa hung Sydney's new swing (a birthday present from Grandpa) from the two large eyelet hooks that were affixed to the ceiling of the sunporch when we bought the house. They were a perfect fit for his new swing; although, rather high off of the ground. 

Sydney tried out his swing, which is the first time he has ever sat in a swing (other than his mechanical infant swing when he was a baby). He seemed to like it, especially when we said "WEEEEEEE!" or attempted to tickle his feet. 

I'm sure glad that Sydney does OK in a swing... as they make Mommy motion-sick.

New toys, new skills and poop in the tub

This morning, we broke out some new toys from Sydney's birthday. We started with puzzles. (He has seen puzzles only once before... briefly at the library.) He was super excited with himself when he was able to pick up the piece(s) by the little red peg (handle). His face showed pure pride!

A short while later, we pulled out the Fridge Farm. Sydney LOVED all of the talking and songs that it plays, as well as attempting to move the child-safe magnetic pieces. WHAT A GREAT TOY! (We had seen it at Lucy's house once and he LOVED IT!) He loved to dance to the music.

He also dances when I say to him "Wiggle, wiggle, shake, shake". He gets his groove on and shakes his little booty. (It is SO CUTE!)

After breakfast, in an attempt to clean raspberry seeds off of Sydney's bare belly, we hopped (together) into the tub. I scrubbed him down and then I showered while Sydney played in the water collecting at my feet. I climbed out and dried off, keeping a close eye on him as he squatted in the water and splashed his hands. All of a sudden, he stopped splashing for a few seconds. Then, he stood up and I saw COUNTLESS turds in the bottom of the tub. YUCK! (Thankfully, I had already stepped out!) Of course, he looks at them like "Hmmm, I wonder where those came from?" and attempted to play with one. Completely grossed out, I scooped him out of the tub and washed his hands in the sink. After diapering him, I took him to wash his hands and feet in the kitchen sink. Then, I had to figure out how to get the gross water to drain from the already slow bathtub.

I placed Sydney into his Baby Einstein; although, he put up QUITE a fight with his legs, protesting all the while. He thought it was MUCH BETTER when I started "Sesame Street's Follow that Bird" movie on the wide screen computer.

I scooped the turds out with the litterbox scooper and threw them into the toilet. Drained the tub and refilled it with HOT water, adding dishwasher detergent powder. Turned on the jacuzzi jets and let it scrub itself clean. (Of course, the shower curtain had to be washed, too since it had hung into the poopy water.) On the bright side, at least it was NOT diarrhea. 

What a day!

Wondered how I got so lucky that today's poop was not ONE GIANT TURD like usual. Gosh, parenthood is never dull!

What a good little boy

Following Sydney's birthday excitement, he had a late bedtime and irregular awakenings in the night last night. This morning, he nursed around 3:30, woke again around 5:30 (but I ignored that call) and then again at 6:30. Eventually, after having a nursing snack and visiting with Grandpa Olson & Beamer, it was time to go back to bed. That is, until Uncle Mike arrived and decided that it was time to wake up. 

We went to Galena today for my first visit. Sydney fell asleep with 5 minutes to spare; then, refused to fall back asleep for fear of missing something. It wasn't until the ride home until he fell asleep. While browsing the streets of Galena, it was confirmed that: INDEED, WE HAVE A VERY GOOD LITTLE BOY! Despite being tired... or OVER-TIRED... he was NOT fussy in any way, shape or form.

What a good little boy!

Sorry, little man... we will TRY to get back into a normal routine again so that you can function at optimum performance level(s).

What a difference a year makes (and Birthday Thanks)

What a difference a year makes!

In 365 days, you have changed A LOT! You outgrew your SharPei puppy look and grew into your skin. 

You mastered the art of breastfeeding after a VERY ROUGH start. 

You went from a newborn-sized diaper to a size 3.

You grew from 21" long to 30.5" long 

AND gained from 8 lb. 11 oz. to 20 lb. 3 oz.

(Although, you have been hovering around that same weight since February - when you learned how to walk. Because you are like a pinball machine and never stop moving, we are having a hard time getting you to gain any weight.)

You learned how to: smile, hold up your head, recognize mommy and daddy, support your own weight on your legs, coo, laugh, eat solid foods, pet a cat or dog, play peek-a-boo/Pat-A-Cake/SO BIG/When you're happy and you know it clap your hands, babble, crawl, walk, run, dance, turn the pages of a book, play in the sand, drink from a cup, feed yourself, climb UP stairs, communicate MILK/MORE/DRINK, wave bye-bye, blow kisses, splash in the bathtub (or the water bowl of our cats or dogs Beamer/Bishop), turn on/off the television, retrieve your shoes when we tell you to, push your cars around, pull a wagon, climb the outside of your playpen, shimmy down backwards off of our bed... the list goes on and on...  

By your first birthday, you have acquired six teeth and warmed MANY hearts with your presence! You ARE loved.

Birthday Thanks:

Uncle Mike & Aunt Karin - 

for the Army uniform 

(which will be a GREAT costume when Sydney gets bigger!)

Grandma Carol - 

for the colorful balloons and the bag of goodies - 

bubbles, balls, bucket, shovels, sidewalk chalk and gift of money

Grandpa Lowell - 

for the swing

Aunt Sue, Uncle Willy, Rachel & Kristen - 

for the Elmo doll and talking book

Aunt Betty -

 for the “Guess How Much I Love You” book 

(which is one of mommy’s favorite children’s books)

Grandma & Grandpa Olson -

 for the box of summer clothes and summer jammies

Mommy & Daddy - 

for the two puzzles, the Sesame Street ABC book, 

the Sesame Street “Follow that Bird” movie, 

the talking Fridge Farm and a life preserver

Great Grandma - 

for the $20 check

Happy 1st Birthday Sydney!

Hand-made party invites for Sydney's first birthday:

Inside:

Made a carrot cake and cream cheese frosting. Made a paper template of a monkey face so that I could dust cocoa powder onto the cake. Should have used chopped walnuts instead because the cocoa was BLOWING around. Sydney is not an art critic yet though; he smiled at the MONKEY, MONKEY, MONKEY on his cake.

Also, I made a banana cream pie and created a NUMBER ONE out of banana and decorator frosting.

Sydney showed off his skills at the table: SO BIG!

And, check out this SUPER CUTE "Birthday Boy" tshirt (and a matching bib, not pictured.)

Following our serenading of "Happy Birthday" and blowing at the candle, Daddy gave Sydney the candle to lick off the frosting. Sydney decided to eat the candle. (Guess we can't save that one until he turns TEN!)

It appears that Sydney has lost some of the THRILL of  eating wrapping paper (like he did at Christmas). We got the most reaction out of his ELMO present from Aunt Sue, Uncle Willy, Rachel & Kristen. The BIG BIRD movie and SESAME STREET alphabet book from mommy & daddy also sparked a BIG SMILE on his face. (This kid LOVES Sesame Street, as demonstrated this morning as he sat on the floor in front of the recliner, watching his favorite muppet friends!) He also recognized the bottle of bubbles from Grandma Carol. (Sydney LOVES bubbles! In fact, we contemplated getting him a bubble mower for his birthday this year, especially since he LOVES to watch Mike mow the lawn, but it was rated for 2-year-olds; maybe next year, little buddy!)

Dear Sydney,

For nine months, I had waited to meet you, wondering what you would look like, how you would act and who you would become. I felt you inside of me, keeping me company, as well as dancing on my bladder and conducting exercise classes inside of my womb. I talked to you (inside my belly) so that you would recognize my voice when the day came that we would finally meet. Towards the end of my pregnancy, I would wake up each day wondering if TODAY was the day that we would get to sing "Happy Birthday to you!"

One year ago today, we welcomed you into this world and our lives have NEVER been the same. Gone are the days that we can pick up and go at a moment's notice because much thought, planning and preparation now goes into all of our trips, as well as LOTS and LOTS of extra LOVE! As parents, we try to think of everything we'll bring to satisfy your needs, as well as to occupy your curiosity and inquisition. We don't travel light, but each day is a wonderful, new adventure and we are SO HAPPY that you are here to join us on our journey.

I have discovered that being a stay-at-home mom is hard work, but is the most rewarding job in the world! This has been THE BEST YEAR OF MY LIFE (with YOU in it) and I look forward to many, many more!!! 

I love you little man!   Love, Mommy

P.S. Sydney, Thank you for sharing your crackers...

and your love - with mommy!

Scuffs, scrapes and smiles

This afternoon, we noticed that our neighbor friends had just arrived home and were standing in their driveway inspecting their strawberry strip so, Sydney and Mommy went over to say HELLO. 13-month old LISE and 3 year old CLAIRE absolutely LOVE Sydney (or "Cindy" and Claire pronounces it) and he LOVES THEM!

Sydney and Claire were having races in the driveway. Obviously, Claire always won, but she is a lot taller and has 2 more years of experience at running. He sure had fun though! (He did, however, fall down and scuff his knee, but it didn't seem to stop him from finishing the race.)

Later, at home, he was demonstrating some new skills - as he started to climb the step ladder in the kitchen. (Little stinker!) Somehow, he slipped, and cut/bruised his leg.

Despite some bumps and bruises today, he's still a smiley, happy kid. (We'll hope to refrain from bumps to his face before his birthday party.)

Thanks for playing (photos)

Grandma Carol came to town late last night and woke to the sounds of pitter-pattering feet running in the hallway upstairs. Surprisingly, Sydney played SHY this morning and clung to Mommy's pajama bottoms - pulling them down a little more with each tug. He warmed up quickly though... perhaps the unseasonably warm temperatures helped in that.... just kidding!

Grandma Carol took Sydney for a stroller ride this afternoon, as well as had a playdate in the sandbox; although, I think Sydney was the only one who actually played.

Thanks for playing, Grandma Carol!