Naps are becoming more of a regular thing now. When he is with me, he gets 2 naps around the same time of day. He is also eating better now. The past few days he has been eating his baby food as well as downing his bottles. Cheerios are a staple for every meal, too. It is formula, break, Cheerios, then baby food.
He is not "crawling," but he is getting much better at scootting to wherever he needs to go. Pretty soon nothing will be safe. We will be chasing around a little boy who just doesn't want to stop.
He is up to about 19 lbs. now. He actually lost weight the last two months (0nly a few ounces). I stopped pumping as much at school. Therefore he was only eating about 8 oz. for 8 hours while I was gone. We also found out in the process that he is very allergic to milk. I am phasing out breast-feeding. I am finally ready to be done. I wasn't making enough for Malachi since I wasn't pumping as much, and it is just starting to get on my nerves. I successfully breast-fed Malachi for over 9 months. This was my first year teaching and my first child. I feel very successful. I was hoping to make it to 6 months. I think I might be able to breast feed my next child longer, but I will definitely do a few things differently. I am very happy, though, with how things have gone.
If you have any soy formula coupons that would be a big help. Just send them to me. Thanks so much for all your love and support. It has been great to have all the family nearby in spirit.
Monday, May 29, 2006
Monday, May 22, 2006
Naps??? What are they???
I don't know why, but Malachi has decided that naps are no longer for him. The main problem---his body still needs those naps (and so do Moms and Dads). It's not me who needs the nap. Malachi needs to nap in order to be manageable in the evening, afternoon, and morning. Tonight he cried almost non-stop. I had rushed home from work because he was crying for Daniel and wouldn't calm down. Things were going down hill quickly. I hope that this is a quick phase and will quickly disappear when a new tooth breaks through his gums. It's just so hard to deal with a crying child when he barely cries twice in a typical day. Lord, help us to get through this stage of his life gracefully, and please keep me sane during these times of EOG's when my stress level is high and my students' behavior is at an all time low. There are only 11 more days of school until August. We can do this.
At least he's still sleeping through the night!!!
He is also figuring out how to get around. He is scooting on his tummy very well. He can almost get those knees up underneath him and move but not quite yet. He gracefully falls to his back from the sitting position and will play on his back and tummy. He can do just about anything he sets his mind to. As I watch him play, my motherly instinct is to help him reach a toy that is far away. But then I stop. He has got to learn how to do it for himself, and normally he does. He is becoming less and less frustrated when he cannot reach things on the first try. He keeps persevering. Way to go, son! You will always make your Mom proud. Remember that when times get tough (and even when they're easy), God will be there for you just like your Dad and Mom. He's not afraid to let you stumble and fall, but He will always help you back up again. He may catch you before you fall, and often He will carry you through stages in your life. I know that you are a little young for this lesson yet, but just remember the words that we have encouraged you with. I hope that we (your Dad and Mom) will always be a shining example of Christ's love for you. I love you, Malachi.
At least he's still sleeping through the night!!!
He is also figuring out how to get around. He is scooting on his tummy very well. He can almost get those knees up underneath him and move but not quite yet. He gracefully falls to his back from the sitting position and will play on his back and tummy. He can do just about anything he sets his mind to. As I watch him play, my motherly instinct is to help him reach a toy that is far away. But then I stop. He has got to learn how to do it for himself, and normally he does. He is becoming less and less frustrated when he cannot reach things on the first try. He keeps persevering. Way to go, son! You will always make your Mom proud. Remember that when times get tough (and even when they're easy), God will be there for you just like your Dad and Mom. He's not afraid to let you stumble and fall, but He will always help you back up again. He may catch you before you fall, and often He will carry you through stages in your life. I know that you are a little young for this lesson yet, but just remember the words that we have encouraged you with. I hope that we (your Dad and Mom) will always be a shining example of Christ's love for you. I love you, Malachi.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Big Cousins are the Best!
Callie and Malachi tried to go swimming on Saturday. The water was tooooo cold. So we spent 3 minutes in the pool. We walked back to the house and let the two kids have fun in the tub. Malachi loves to look and play with Callie. Callie loves to show Malachi how to play with his toys. Callie was even talking to Malachi like we talk to babies. In a sweet voice, "Did you get wet, Malachi? Did you? Are you dry now? Are you?" It was just the most precious thing in the world.
Avery didn't go swimming with us this time, but Malachi loved looking and smiling at her. For current pictures of Avery, go to Callie and Avery's site.
Happy First Mother's Day!!!
Lesli and I celebrated our first Mother's Day together at church this past week. We each received a giftcard from Real Family Fellowship. Thank you Malachi for making my first Mother's Day (and every day) very special.
Kyla - 3 months
Malachi - 10 months
Friday, May 12, 2006
First Baseball Game
The Kannapolis Intimidators are a single A minor league team. They are the farm team for the White Sox. Several teachers, their spouses, and children were invited to attend the game along with all-you-can-eat hot dogs and hamburgers. It was a blast! Malachi didn't really watch much of the game, but he enjoyed taking in all the new people and objects around him. He didn't eat any of the ballpark food, but I was prepared with snacks and a bottle for Malachi. We also started out the night with shorts and a t-shirt, and we ended it with long-sleeved shirts and pants. There were lots of people who wanted to hold him, and Malachi was able to "play" with one of the two free Thunder Stix. We didn't stay for the whole game, but we all made it until the beginning of the 8th inning. Here's another first for you kiddo. Who know's what's next?
The Kannapolis Intimidators are a single A minor league team. They are the farm team for the White Sox. Several teachers, their spouses, and children were invited to attend the game along with all-you-can-eat hot dogs and hamburgers. It was a blast! Malachi didn't really watch much of the game, but he enjoyed taking in all the new people and objects around him. He didn't eat any of the ballpark food, but I was prepared with snacks and a bottle for Malachi. We also started out the night with shorts and a t-shirt, and we ended it with long-sleeved shirts and pants. There were lots of people who wanted to hold him, and Malachi was able to "play" with one of the two free Thunder Stix. We didn't stay for the whole game, but we all made it until the beginning of the 8th inning. Here's another first for you kiddo. Who know's what's next?
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Dear Malachi,
You are the most precious little boy on the face of the earth. You are growing so quickly. About two weeks ago you started feeding yourself some food. It is so funny. At first, you would scoop your hand down to get the food and at the same time, you would move your head down to the food with your mouth open. Now you are confident enough to do it without moving your head.
Sometimes you get the food in between your thumb and finger. Other times you just get the food in your hand and stick almost your whole hand in your mouth. It works for you, though. I am very proud of you. You don't like to pick up messy food like spaghetti, but you can pick up fruit/veggie puffs, cheerios, and pieces of bread. This makes me very happy. It is just one step closer to you being a more independent eater. That means I will have more time to worry about feeding myself instead of feeding you. I still rarely get to eat my food while it is hot, but that's ok. You are very important to me.
Mobility. Now there is a new subject that you just haven't conquered yet. I like this stage of your life. I don't have to worry about you falling down the stairs or getting into something that you should not. If you put you down and walk out of the room briefly, you will still be in the same spot that I left you. Don't worry about getting behind in school or in life or something like that. You are a very smart, capable little man. You will start crawling or walking whenever you are ready. People in the world try to rush these things. You can do it whenever you set your mind to doing it.
You are still sleeping through the night. Again, this makes me very happy. It only took nine and a half months, but you are finally sleeping through the night. I get to sleep 8 hours a night or however much I can get in before 7 am.
The past few weeks we have been having problems with Mommy making enough milk for you. She messed it up a little by starting on regular birth control pill (which she promptly stopped when she realized what had happened). Then, last week I got a stomach virus. All the stored up milk was used. You nursed through most of the virus but did not catch it. Thank goodness. I wouldn't want my worst enemy going through that. Today I stayed home from work to nurse you and try to get my milk supply up and going again. I am also taking Fenugreek which will hopefully help increase my milk, too. You have developed an extreme allergy to formula. Monday was not a fun day for your Great-grandma or me. So, if there is no milk from Mommy you have to drink juice or water. You weren't too fond of that either yesterday.
Malachi, I just have so much fun watching you grow and interact with other people. You love to watch what is going on around you. Sleep is not an option if you are in a new place. That's ok. I love that you take it all in. You love to play with your toys and spill them all out of the basket, bucket, or gym. You love playing little games with your Daddy, too. I know that he can't wait until you can go out in the backyard and play ball. I almost bought you some balls today to play with, but we just can't afford it right now. You have enough toys to play with.
Sleep sweetly in your crib each night and each nap. I am totally looking forward to this summer when I get to spend lots of time with you, and maybe even go on a date with your Daddy without you. We'll let you hang with the other family. Keep being sweet and flexible. I can't wait to see you become a true little boy and toddle around.
I love you forever and always.
Mommy
You are the most precious little boy on the face of the earth. You are growing so quickly. About two weeks ago you started feeding yourself some food. It is so funny. At first, you would scoop your hand down to get the food and at the same time, you would move your head down to the food with your mouth open. Now you are confident enough to do it without moving your head.
Sometimes you get the food in between your thumb and finger. Other times you just get the food in your hand and stick almost your whole hand in your mouth. It works for you, though. I am very proud of you. You don't like to pick up messy food like spaghetti, but you can pick up fruit/veggie puffs, cheerios, and pieces of bread. This makes me very happy. It is just one step closer to you being a more independent eater. That means I will have more time to worry about feeding myself instead of feeding you. I still rarely get to eat my food while it is hot, but that's ok. You are very important to me.Mobility. Now there is a new subject that you just haven't conquered yet. I like this stage of your life. I don't have to worry about you falling down the stairs or getting into something that you should not. If you put you down and walk out of the room briefly, you will still be in the same spot that I left you. Don't worry about getting behind in school or in life or something like that. You are a very smart, capable little man. You will start crawling or walking whenever you are ready. People in the world try to rush these things. You can do it whenever you set your mind to doing it.
You are still sleeping through the night. Again, this makes me very happy. It only took nine and a half months, but you are finally sleeping through the night. I get to sleep 8 hours a night or however much I can get in before 7 am.
The past few weeks we have been having problems with Mommy making enough milk for you. She messed it up a little by starting on regular birth control pill (which she promptly stopped when she realized what had happened). Then, last week I got a stomach virus. All the stored up milk was used. You nursed through most of the virus but did not catch it. Thank goodness. I wouldn't want my worst enemy going through that. Today I stayed home from work to nurse you and try to get my milk supply up and going again. I am also taking Fenugreek which will hopefully help increase my milk, too. You have developed an extreme allergy to formula. Monday was not a fun day for your Great-grandma or me. So, if there is no milk from Mommy you have to drink juice or water. You weren't too fond of that either yesterday.
Malachi, I just have so much fun watching you grow and interact with other people. You love to watch what is going on around you. Sleep is not an option if you are in a new place. That's ok. I love that you take it all in. You love to play with your toys and spill them all out of the basket, bucket, or gym. You love playing little games with your Daddy, too. I know that he can't wait until you can go out in the backyard and play ball. I almost bought you some balls today to play with, but we just can't afford it right now. You have enough toys to play with.Sleep sweetly in your crib each night and each nap. I am totally looking forward to this summer when I get to spend lots of time with you, and maybe even go on a date with your Daddy without you. We'll let you hang with the other family. Keep being sweet and flexible. I can't wait to see you become a true little boy and toddle around.
I love you forever and always.
Mommy
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Praise the Lord!
Malachi has made such an easy transition from sleeping in our room to sleeping in his own crib in his own room. I'm glad Mom and Dad have a big house with lots of rooms. Every night since my last post, Malachi has slept through the night. He did wake up this morning around 5am, but I just went in his room and gave him his pacifier. It was on the other side of the crib. He went back to sleep until almost 8am. He is sleeping 12 hours straight at night now. I just want to thank the Lord for an easy transition from our room to his. He cries very little and goes to sleep within minutes. Daniel and I have been truly blessed to have a child who is easy going and easily managed. He is a great sleeper, loves to ride in the car and walk around outside and the mall. He is growing so much each day. I can't wait until I am done with school for the summer and get to spend some much needed time with my son.
He isn't crawling or walking still. He is close to crawling, but he often gets frustrated quickly on his tummy. I am enjoying playing with him. His skills are getting more refined. He still can't really pick up food very well, but he can grab something bigger very easily. When he reaches for a toy, he gets it on the first try and without searching with his hands much. Right now he is sitting beside me on the floor. He just picked up a piece of paper and is playing with it. Now he picked up a second piece of paper and has one in each hand. Maybe I need to warn Grammy about not leaving random papers on the floor. Anything within reach is fair game. I love you Malachi!
Malachi has made such an easy transition from sleeping in our room to sleeping in his own crib in his own room. I'm glad Mom and Dad have a big house with lots of rooms. Every night since my last post, Malachi has slept through the night. He did wake up this morning around 5am, but I just went in his room and gave him his pacifier. It was on the other side of the crib. He went back to sleep until almost 8am. He is sleeping 12 hours straight at night now. I just want to thank the Lord for an easy transition from our room to his. He cries very little and goes to sleep within minutes. Daniel and I have been truly blessed to have a child who is easy going and easily managed. He is a great sleeper, loves to ride in the car and walk around outside and the mall. He is growing so much each day. I can't wait until I am done with school for the summer and get to spend some much needed time with my son.
He isn't crawling or walking still. He is close to crawling, but he often gets frustrated quickly on his tummy. I am enjoying playing with him. His skills are getting more refined. He still can't really pick up food very well, but he can grab something bigger very easily. When he reaches for a toy, he gets it on the first try and without searching with his hands much. Right now he is sitting beside me on the floor. He just picked up a piece of paper and is playing with it. Now he picked up a second piece of paper and has one in each hand. Maybe I need to warn Grammy about not leaving random papers on the floor. Anything within reach is fair game. I love you Malachi!
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