October 2006 Babies Working Towards Our First Birthdays

[TaterBaby]

I know I haven't posted in awhile, but I have been following along. Lainey finally got her first tooth last week, at 10 months & 10 days!

Stopping bottles & formula: Yes, I hope to do both as close to 12 months as possible, but my DD needs as many calories as she can get. She eats tons of table food, including lots of dairy, and is ok with the sippy so I think it might work for us. However, if we have a calorie issue again, I'll certainly give her what she'll take.

Speaking of stopping things...do any of you have DCs that take a paci or sucks his or her fingers/thumb? I have a finger sucker and she gets it honest. I sucked mine for waaay too long, and I'd really like to avoid that with her. I don't know how to do that though! I can't throw out her fingers! I'm really not worried yet, although my husband is, but I do think it would be much easier for her to quit now rather than later. Any ideas? She sucks them to go to sleep and when she's around new people and being shy. She will not take a paci so it's not like I could switch to that and then throw it out, kwim?

[Ericka_Jarett]

Stopping pacis - Easton takes a pacifier and as of a few days ago we stopped it unless bed, then about 2 days in stopped it at bed even. Then he got that gum cut and he has had his paci in bed again, we will be getting rid of that again though in a few days. We keep one in the car seat pocket just in case.

Stopping bottles and formula - Ped said no milk until a year, so we will be moving to milk, I have an open can and possibly 1 other can of formula and once gone will go to milk fully if he will drink it. As for bottles, Easton plays with his sippy usually, going to try a straw sippy and see if that will change how he does with sippy cups. I am trying to gradually get him out of using his bottles but with the twins coming I don't want to totally shock him.

[bunnybeth]

We're back from vacation and I'm catching up at work and have a few minutes today. We had a great trip out to Iowa, Simon did great on the car trip. Then it was off to San Diego for the rest of the week. He did great on the plane ride both ways and we had a great time taking in the Wild Animal Park, aquarium and a couple of beaches. Simon is not a fan of the ocean (random splashing waves!) but does like the sandy beaches.

Midwestern We did end up going out to the Coralville mall, but didn't really spend time in the mall itself, just the children's museum. Simon didn't get much out of it, but it was a nice place where I could let him crawl and cruise and bite things, unlike at the convention center/hotel. And, our fellow con friends were there with their 18 month old DS and he LOVED it. We ended up going to HuHot for dinner and that was great, as we were a group of about 30.

Finger foods We do cooked veggies, cooked and raw fruits, rice crisps and sticky rice

Bottles We don't do many bottles, so I think we will stop them completely after 1 year old. He's getting a hang of straw cups, and I will continue to nurse him until he self-weans or at least until 2 years old. We'll see.

Paci He's stopped thumb sucking for the most part, but he has a renewed interest in pacis... only now they are for biting and tossing.

[Michelle]

Stopping Bottles - DD only takes bottles for sleeping. Other than that, she's using a sippy. We are going to move on to milk at a year. Which brings me to another question...

Do you guys use bottles to get DC asleep? If so, how are you going to make the transition to just going to sleep without a bottle? This thought scares me! I can always get DD to sleep by rocking her with a bottle.

Paci - We use them for sleeping only which drives me nuts. I really need to get her to forget about them!

[jbemommy]

I'm still not sure what we're going to do about the bottle thing. We have less than a month till he's a year, and the goal is not to use them much after a year. The only bottles he has anymore are right before nap and bedtime, so it's going to be a pain. With DD, I was still BF'ing at a year, so it wasn't an issue, and when she weaned, it wasn't a problem at all. DS uses a straw sippy, but so far has just had water in it, and I don't think he would drink enough out of it to get the amount of nutrition he's getting from the bottles. Then we have the issue about his milk allergy, and are we going to try to get him to drink soy milk or regular milk?

[Ericka_Jarett]

Michelle - Easton will usually have a bottle before I take him up to bed, most of the time we get up there and I give him his blanket and rock him a little and then put him down awake usually.

Got him a straw sippy today, we had one of the beginner sippy cups but he couldn't get the hang of holding it up and sucking on it. So want to see how he does with the straw one now.

Finally found a party store near us and got the tablecovers, napkins and a few other items for the party next Saturday. We are still debating how we will do the cake. Our local grocery store bakery gives you a free one for the 1st b-day so we are getting that one, hitting the other grocery store in our area that does that as well. Gotta see if the will make a ducky design on it. Thinking the tablecloths I will use the white as the base and cut the yellow and blue one to look like bubbles and ducks and adhere them to the white like a bathtub look. My brain has been racking at night thinking of things. We aren't going crazy since it's going to be at the park, since we have about 10 people definite and the rest are possibly.

[bunnybeth]

Totally forgot to post the 9 month WBV updates yesterday, we went in to the ped right before vacation:
Height: 30" (90%)
Weight: 19 lb, 12 oz (35%)

[maplekitty]

Michelle - I have the same worry! Robyn also takes a bottle to fall asleep with naps and bedtime! I don't know how she's going to do if I just put her to bed cold turkey...especially since she doesnt really like to "cuddle" or let me rock her.
The only thing I can think of is starting to give her a sippy cup of warm water instead?? I have no idea!! I'm really worried about this too!!!

eta: i found this article that has some good suggestions that might also work with an infant:

http://www.drgreene.com/21_595.html

[MidwesternGal]

DS will not eat banana chunks, but apparently he *will* eat a decades old refrigerator sticker he pulled from the back of the unit.

Go figure. :rolleyes:

I told DH I should just start putting finger foods on the floor and in "forbidden" places and he's sure to start eating them in no time at all! :p

[Rippy1010]

DS will not eat banana chunks, but apparently he *will* eat a decades old refrigerator sticker he pulled from the back of the unit.

Go figure. :rolleyes:

I told DH I should just start putting finger foods on the floor and in "forbidden" places and he's sure to start eating them in no time at all! :p

LMAO!!! So true, MWGal! My DS does not like the texture of "real" bananas either ... but he likes the pureed bananas. :rolleyes:

[Sept&Oct06Moms]

Updated to Here

Board News: Ladies, please check the front page and pm Oct06moms with any updates that need to be made.

The new thread will start October 1st We will post birth stats and 1 yr stats, the rest will stay on this thread. Pictures - we will post the birth and a recent photo of your little one, if you like. If there is anything on this thread you want to have changed or removed prior to October 1st (this thread will be closed then, things become permanent when that happens) please pm Oct06moms. The next thread will run for a year, unless post count gets too high.

[marathongirl]

Ericka - all my info is good. Thanks for keeping up with this all!!!

Kenswife - Congrats!!!

I'll see if I can catch up on QOTDs

Bottles - DS hasn't taken a bottle in about 4 months. His choice. He either nurses or takes a sippy cup. He's great with the cup.

Milk - we go back to the allergist right after DS's 1st b-day so we'll have a better idea how to proceed then.

Finger foods - puffed corn, rice chex, or rice pasta in shapes.

Hope all is well with everyone!

[Lily]

Thank you everyone for your responses. It’s good to know that we’re all thinking about this transition.

Disliking Solids All of a Sudden – I have a friend whose daughter is also spitting out/throwing her baby food and table food. She says that she’ll pour Gerber puffs out on her tray and put a spoonful in when she eats a puff. :) Hopefully it’s just a stage some of the babes are going through.

Pacifiers – Sometimes I wish DD still used her pacifier, but she weaned herself from it around 5 months.

Michelle – I also use a bottle to get DD to sleep for naps and bedtime. This is one of the things I’m worried about since she falls right to sleep this way. I might try to use the sippy cup and see if that works. Although, I am worried about giving her whole milk before sleeping since I’ve heard it can cause tooth decay because of the sugar pooling around the front teeth. I’ve read to allow 15 min. of awake time after the bottle to allow them a chance to swallow all of the milk. Ugh, so many things to think about.

Maplekitty – Giving warm water instead is a good idea.

[AmyS]

Climbing- Anyone have a crazy climber? AJ is climbing like crazy! He climbs into the bathtub, onto the coffe table and just yesterday figured out if he stands on his Noah's Ark toy he can climb over the back of an old couch we have in the basement. :eek: I know they are curious and want to explore at this age, but should he really be climbing onto stuff this much at this age? I thought it didn't come until later. I want to take him to Gymboree sooooooo bad, but all of the classes for his age are during his 2 nap times. *sigh* I told DH we need to get him some sort of Little Tikes thing to put in the basement so he has something appropriate to climb on, but DH said we can't $$ one until late September.

I realized it's been a while since I've posted any pics. Here's one from his 9 month pics.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a123/amy_stanis/rockingchair.jpg

[Ericka_Jarett]

Climbing - Easton has learned that he can grab the gate on the stairs and stand up on the last step, does this non-stop. About 2 months ago he climbed onto a toy while in his superyard, he also learned to put his toes in he holes of the superyard and he tries to climb up on it.

The other night he climbed hubby's legs to get on the couch.

[Roxygirl]

Definately in the climber group over here to. Glad to hear she's not the only one. The other day she climbed up DH's legs onto his lap on the couch. I found her on the bottom level of the cat stoop the other day too. I swear every time I turn around she's into something else.

[MichelleRenee]

We have a climber too. He climbs and stands on everything, which is actually becoming a problem in the living room we thought we had babyproofed! He can even climb stairs, which makes me very nervous at other people's houses. Luckily we don't have any stairs.

AmyS: adorable!!!

[bunnybeth]

AmyS Great pic, he's just smiling away. Where did you get the Bears jersey? My dad would be thrilled if DS came wearing one of those for a visit.

[Jenzen01]

I visited Ada on my noon hour, and she was saying "up, up, up!" when she climbed into my lap. I'm counting it as a word ...

So cute ....

We think she's also using "daddy" correctly and possibly "baba" for bottle. I think there are really some words amidst all the babble, which is constant.

She just started cruising a little this weekend ... and she's climbing up on things, but she only gets up on her knees. She's really starting to get into trouble ... the No. 1 problem area being our entertainment center. What is it about latches????

[kate's mom]

QOTD- Anyone know what they are getting their DC for birthday or xmas presents?

Birthday- We will be getting DD an oversized chair with her name on it from Pottery Barn. (Same thing her sister got for her first birthday)

Xmas- no clue, but have to do something since she has an older sister and she will catch on.

Looking for some good ideas.
Thanks

[Ericka_Jarett]

QOTD - b-day: a FP musical build turtle that goes with the Peek a Block building blocks and a Weebalot Castle (says 18 months, but we figured what the heck) We bought him a FP Little People Dump Truck that talks just the other day as well, but he got that already. (We sort of cheated and had the Turtle and Weebles since after Christmas, they were clearanced)

Christmas - no clue yet, haven't gotten that far in our thinking, we have twins on the brain first. Will depend on what some of his gifts are for his b-day as well.

[maplekitty]

birthday gifts: we're keeping it minimal because we know she'll get overloaded from g'ma and her b-day party. We plan on giving her her gifts from us on teh froday of her actual birthday because the next day will be her party. So far I've got her a new pair of Robeez in the next size up, a little fearie doll, who knows if I'll pick up anything else, but really I doubt she even understands, LOL

[AmyS]

AmySWhere did you get the Bears jersey? My dad would be thrilled if DS came wearing one of those for a visit.

I got it at Target. I've seen them at Walmart too. I'm not sure of your DS's size, but the jersey AJ is wearing is a 3T. They run small. Usually he wears 24 month. I bought that one at first but it was skin tight. I took it back and held it up to a 2T and they were the same.

B-day and Christmas Since we have such a climber we were thinking of getting some kind of Little Tikes climbing toy and putting it in the basement. I've been checking out CraigsList and trying to find one on clearance at a store. No luck yet. Christmas I have no idea.

[MidwesternGal]

Climbing--Most definitely. He's all over.

Bday Gifts--We're getting DS a ride-on toy. Additionally, we're getting him one of those super-annoying xylophone piano things, because we let him play with one in Wal-Mart and he had super-turbo grip on it and wouldn't let go!

Xmas--Not really sure. Probably a few smaller things. Our house is TINY and we don't have room for much. Plus, g'ma and g'pa on both sides will spoil him rotten, as he is still the only g'kid. I have a bright plastic workshop bench I picked up at a yardsale for only $15 that is fairly large and will take up quite a bit of room when he's ready.

AmyS--Cute picture!! What a doll!

[TaterBaby]

Bday gifts: I think I'm also doing a comfy chair for DD, probably PBK or similar. She LOVES books so I thought I'd create a cute area of her to "read".

I've also thought about a rocking horse of some sort, like Babystyle's lamb one.

http://a940.g.akamai.net/7/940/449/0002/www.babystyle.com/images/product/21062_MID_r.jpg

Or, a toy storage system for her room like this is another possibility. I'm determined not to go overboard so one idea will be for bday and one for Christmas. We'll let everyone else spoil her!

http://www.potterybarnkids.com/pkimgs/rk/images/products/200735/0008/img44m.jpg

[MichelleRenee]

Birthday/Xmas gifts: We already know that for his birthday we are buying him the Radio Flyer Pathfinder Wagon:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v498/AngelyWangely/2700_hero_A.jpg

It will be perfect for our trips to the zoo!

I am not sure about Christmas yet.

[MichelleRenee]

I forgot, we are kind of going back and forth on buying this for Christmas:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v498/AngelyWangely/41VQJ52GA1L__AA280_.jpg

(ETA: We sat him on one this weekend at a friend's house and he loved it, but his legs are way too short. But it is for 12M-3Y.)

[Jenzen01]

For anyone interested ...

I received a catalog in the mail yesterday exclusively for 1st birthdays. The Web site is www.1stwishes.com.

[MichelleRenee]

For anyone interested ...

I received a catalog in the mail yesterday exclusively for 1st birthdays. The Web site is www.1stwishes.com.

That is the website I ordered our supplies from. They came in the mail yesterday and everything is SO cute! I ordered one of the personalized banners and I am really impressed with the quality - esp. since it was only $15!

[bunnybeth]

Presents How have I not thought about this before??? Great QOTD! I'm collecting ideas from all of you. So far, I'm liking the wagon and rocking horse best. Oh, maybe a sled for Christmas, we have some good not-to-scary hills around us.

I got it at Target. I've seen them at Walmart too. I'm not sure of your DS's size, but the jersey AJ is wearing is a 3T. They run small. Usually he wears 24 month. I bought that one at first but it was skin tight. I took it back and held it up to a 2T and they were the same.
Thanks! I'll have to look at Target the next time we go. And, thanks for the head's up on the sizing, I'll have to make sure DS is with to size it correctly.

[Michelle]

Maplekitty - Thanks for posting that article on bottle feeding the other day, that was really helpful.

Gifts - I went into Babystyle a couple of weeks ago and fell in love with the rocking animals! They are adorable. I'm not sure if I'll be able to get one for Madison's birthday because I put her on it and her feet did not touch but hopefully by Christmas they will!

Is anybody as excited for Christmas as I am? I feel like this will be dd's first Christmas because last year she was too small to enjoy anything. This year will be so much fun! Ripping open presents, laughing, staring at the lights. Well, other than the fact that I'm afraid of a falling Christmas tree! :)

[TaterBaby]

Michelle, VERY jealous that you have a brick & mortar Babystyle. Did you see the duck rocker by any chance? What's your opinion? It's a few $ cheaper on their site and it says 12 months - 100 lbs, whereas the other animals say 18 months - 40 lbs.

[nic]

I just ordered DS's birthday invitations/thank you notes from Vistaprint:


http://www.vistaprint.com/vp/ns/livepreview.aspx?Log=0&doc_id=425093466&page=1&width=145&renderMode=3&langid=1


I'm doing a monkey theme so I thought these would be cute.

[kate's mom]

MichelleRenee We got my first DD that wagon for her first xmas and she loved it and still does. Definately one of the best presents ever. We spent the ENTIRE Christmas day pulling her around in it.

Loving all the other ideas!

[mimieliza]

I feel like this will be dd's first Christmas because last year she was too small to enjoy anything. This year will be so much fun! Ripping open presents, laughing, staring at the lights. Well, other than the fact that I'm afraid of a falling Christmas tree!

Yes, I feel this way. Christmas last year was a blur (and not particularly fun) with seven-week old, colicky DD. This picture pretty much sums it up:

http://mimieliza.smugmug.com/photos/119338645-M-1.jpg
She was so not into it.

[MidwesternGal]

"1st" Xmas Feelings--YES! Last year sucked. DS was crying, wouldn't BF *or* take a bottle for anyone, we had to go to both sets of parents within 48 hours and then to our extended families within the SAME 48 hours, all several hours drive away from our home and each other's homes. OMG. It SUCKED. I'm not looking forward to planning out our Xmas "route" this year, either. At least it'll be a little bit more fun since DS is older.

[Ericka_Jarett]

Christmas - this year we are staying home. I already told my mom that if she wants to see the kids will have to come to our place, she totally understood and said it's better that way. She said that her and my dad never made us go anywhere Christmas Day as we wanted to play with our new toys so the Grandmothers and Uncle came to us instead. Last year Easton was 3 months and we drove in what was suppose to be a 5 hour drive (took 10 hours because of traffic) to Williamsburg, VA to spend it with his grandmother, mother and other family. It was craziness. No one really cared that we were there, the baby didn't like all the loud voices of all of the people (they all have Southern accents and talk REALLY loud), we didn't get to open gifts until everyone got there, which also meant we didn't eat dinner until everyone was there it was suppose to be at 3, ended up being 6 before we ate, 7 before gifts (I had one that they almost forgot to even give me from my IL's (knew what it was since I asked for it) and Easton got 1 from his cousin that was there, all the others had been wrapped and waiting alllllllll day for him to open) DH and I already said we are not going through that again especially this year with the twins being only 1-2 months old. My mom will probably come for a few hours to visit as she will live in NJ at that time.

[TaterBaby]

ITA about the crappy 1st Christmas! In fact, before last year's was over, I let everyone know that we would be staying home this year and they could come visit us if they wanted to see us. DD had been in daycare about 2 weeks at that point and had her 1st cold, which turned into her 1st ear infection, which led to us getting in to see a dr. on Christmas Eve while out of town. We were all miserable! I'm very much looking forward to a nice quiet Christmas at home this year.

[MichelleRenee]

What I remember most about last Christmas Eve is thinking I didn't need my pump when we went to family's house an hour away because I would just BF, not getting a free moment to BF DS, and spending the day totally engorged and in pain!

But I do also remember how cute T was in his Christmas jammies covered in his Christmas blankie while he took his morning nap after we opened our presents on Christmas Day. It was just the 3 of us and it was Heaven!

[Ericka_Jarett]

MichelleRenee - that's so cute.

We had Easton in his santa suit (was only going to be until the family got there, but it ended up he was in it all day because they all came late, he never even got to wear his cute green velvet overalls because of them.) Forgot to add to the above, we were only able to grab something for breakfast and then the rest of the day his grandmother was in the kitchen, reheating the food she insisted on having to make the night before. Well of course by the time family got there most of the food was already heated 2-3 times and actually not even hot anymore. So much was processed or precooked that it could have been a few hours Christmas Day to get everything together, instead of her spending 2 days cooking. DH and I said that same thing, heck I made us a big Christmas dinner and it only took me 2 hours from start to finish and we had everything. (Sorry that was a pet peeve of mine last Christmas) Can't wait to spend a nice Christmas home with our 3 kids.

[TaterBaby]

What I remember most about last Christmas Eve is thinking I didn't need my pump when we went to family's house an hour away because I would just BF, not getting a free moment to BF DS, and spending the day totally engorged and in pain!

OMG. How could I forget? I thought the same thing, that I wouldn't need my pump, only DD had an ear infection and had NO appetite. We were 4 hours away and staying overnight. I leaked EVERYWHERE and resorted to standing over the bathroom sink expressing milk by hand. Yes, this Christmas will be much better. :D

[Michelle]

Taterbaby - Sorry I did not get back here sooner to answer your question. Unfortunately I don't remember too much because the first time I saw them was in the store so I didn't even get a chance to compare them. I should be back at that mall within the next couple of weeks so I can let you know when I go back! :) I'm on the hunt too, so I'll be specifically planning on going back to Babystyle.

Christmas - I can't wait!!!!

[Ericka_Jarett]

Yeah, got the cakes ordered. Both cakes are free, which is even better. :) One is 1/8 sheet and the other is 1/4 sheet. Gotta love the grocery stores that give free cakes for 1st b-days. Now anxious to see what they will look like, since I was trying to have them make them as much of the bathtub ducky theme as possible. Will post pics once we get them on Saturday.

[maplekitty]

Yeah, got the cakes ordered. Both cakes are free, which is even better. :) One is 1/8 sheet and the other is 1/4 sheet. Gotta love the grocery stores that give free cakes for 1st b-days. Now anxious to see what they will look like, since I was trying to have them make them as much of the bathtub ducky theme as possible. Will post pics once we get them on Saturday.

oh i never thought about seeing if grocery stores do that!! what stores are they? or are they local stores?

[Ericka_Jarett]

They were chain stores. Probably not up in Canada though, so you may want to check your local grocery store and see if they offer free 1st b-day cakes.

(For those in US, Acme Markets (Albertson owned) gave a 1/4 sheet (think was a $15 value) designed with balloons or something else free, choice of cake flavor and icing. Giant for those in PA, they offer a 1/8 sheet with design you want and choice of cake flavor and frosting ($10 value) You can order them for certain date of pickup, just take the birth certificate when ordering. Giant said if no one was in the bakery you could get a cake from the display)

[MichelleRenee]

I leaked EVERYWHERE and resorted to standing over the bathroom sink expressing milk by hand.

Me too! It was terrible, and since I didn't know what I was doing my boobs were all bruised afterwards!

[Ericka_Jarett]

What a day we had. Went shopping for all the food for Easton's party, the store was so crowded, but at least Easton was good through it all. I have to go tomorrow and get the cakes, balloons, pretzels and ice. Also need to get Easton's haircut in the am so he can get a bath and a nap in before the party starts.

I made his chocolate lollipops this afternoon and got his tablecloth worked on a bit (hoping the bubbles and ducks stay on it now) I made the mac salad and spinach dip, while DH made a fruit dip and pretzel/veggie dip. and then he worked on the fondant ducks and even made Easton so he can be sitting in the tub holding a little ducky. I can't wait to see the cakes and then with Jarett's creations on it. We will of course have photos for all to see. Although the party is not until 3, know we will be running around doing last min things most of the morning. My bff and her family will be coming by early to help us out.

Jarett got a photo canvas for free and we just received it in the mail today, it came out great and he wants to bring it tomorrow to show everyone. It's really quite big, it's a picture he took of Easton and I the day before we were doing that Trash the Dress session a while back.

Can't believe my baby's 1st b-day party is tomorrow already, time flew soooooo fast.

[kenswife]

Wow, Ericka, you're an inspiration! Not only are you running around doing errands, but you're managing it while pregnant (with TWINS nonetheless)!! Sounds like Easton's going to have a great day. I totally understand what you mean by time flying by soooo fast. It's unbelievable to me sometimes to sit back and look at my kids and think how fast time has gone by for us.

Christmas ~ My faaaavorite time of year! I can't believe there's less than 4 months left. I have absolutely zero ideas for presents for b-day OR Christmas but I think I'll start looking around soon for ideas. We just have soooo much already (with the older kids) that it's hard to get new ideas.

[Ericka_Jarett]

You can see the need for a haircut, these were taking at the party location earlier this week.

http://www.uglyduck.com/proof/easton/misc/DSC_6992.jpg

The canvas we just got: http://www.uglyduck.com/proof/easton/misc/DSC_7071.jpg

The fondant creations: http://www.uglyduck.com/proof/easton/misc/DSC_7067.jpg

[Roxygirl]

Erica: Wow you're husband is so talented. You must feel so blessed. NOt to mention an adorable son and what I am sure are two very cute twins on the way.

[Ericka_Jarett]

thanks Roxy.

Everyone loved the cake creations and we had a really good time at the party today. Easton and I got there at 3 (when it was starting) with already 3 guests there but the rest of the guests were with me at the house so it was ok.

Easton got quite the haul of stuff today. He got the gifts we gave him, money, pair of pants and 3 onesies from grandma, $50 gc for Talbot Kids and a box of 198 Pampers from Uncle Michael, Dr Suess book, Baby Noah music CD (matches the DVD we got at his shower) and a v-tech my 1st laptop from a couple from our old church, a slew of books and a little people lil' movers airplane from another couple from our old church and a Discovery Baby Boom Box from my bff and her family (they also got the girls matching outfits)

We didn't give him his own cake to smash since we did photos of that already, but we did give him a corner of one of his cakes and just let him go to town, we got it on video as well as photos. DH has to upload the pics still but will post once they are up.

[maplekitty]

glad the party went well Ericka!! Can't wait to see the pictures!

[Ericka_Jarett]

Pictures:

http://www.uglyduck.com/proof/easton/1st_bday/DSC_7119.jpghttp://www.uglyduck.com/proof/easton/1st_bday/DSC_7118.jpghttp://www.uglyduck.com/proof/easton/1st_bday/DSC_7120.jpghttp://www.uglyduck.com/proof/easton/1st_bday/DSC_7123.jpghttp://www.uglyduck.com/proof/easton/1st_bday/DSC_7125.jpghttp://www.uglyduck.com/proof/easton/1st_bday/DSC_7131.jpg

[AmyS]

It sounds like it was a great day Ericka!!

[Lily]

Ericka - Great pictures! It sounds like Easton had an excellent 1st birthday party.

[AmyS]

Birthday present: I think DH and I finally have AJ's present figured out.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a123/amy_stanis/jitcrunch.jpg

We just found out this morning and we're still in a bit of a shock. We weren't quite planning on it yet, maybe a few more months, but we are happy. Surprised, but happy. May 10, 2008 seems to be the due date I'm calculating from web sites.
I really doubt any here knows me IRL, but if you should happen to know me or someone who knows me, please do not share. We haven't told anyone yet.

[Ericka_Jarett]

Congrats Amy!!!!

[MidwesternGal]

Ericka--Love the canvas. Ans Easton looks like he had a BLAST at his birthday party!!! Glad you had fun.

AmyS--CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[maplekitty]

congrats Amy!!! :)

[Lily]

Amy - Congratulations. Have a H&H 9 months.

In case you all didn't know, Carter's is having a 50% off sale through Sep. 12. I got DD 2 - 5 pc. bodysuits, 4 pants, and 2 - 2pc. outfits for only 60.00. I was very happy. :)

Thanks everyone for the birthday gift ideas. There were some good ones.

[Lily]

Oh yeah... I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend. :)

[kate's mom]

Ericka The party looked GREAT!!

AmyS CONGRATS!!

[bunnybeth]

Ericka Looks like you had a great party! I can't believe we're already into the first birthday parties on this thread. :D

Amy Congrats!

Lily Thanks for the heads up on that sale, I love Carter's stuff and Simon really needs things in the next size up.

[MidwesternGal]

Lily--Oooh, I'm sad because we just moved away from the only Carter's store in the state! Darn! I love Carter's stuff!
__________________________
This morning, I watched my friend's son for her while she went to a prenatal appointment. Her son is 1 year older than mine, and OHMYGOODNESS, I am sooo tired! I spent the whole morning trying to keep my 10m old DS from hitting her kid on the head with various toys (his new thing is to smack stuff together to hear what sounds they make) while keeping him happy even though my DS was "stealing" his toys, and interpreting what in the world her kid was saying to me. Our two kids are total opposites--he was quiet and reserved and mine was well, kinda nuts. I'm sooo not looking forward to next year at this time if my DS doesn't calm down!

In other news, I just found out my 3rd IRL friend is pregnant. . . lots of spring babies on the way, counting this group and them!

[marathongirl]

Happy 1st Birthday Easton! Beautiful cake Ericka!

Congrats AmyS!

[Rippy1010]

Congrats, AmyS!

We just mailed out Logan's birthday invitations. His party is set for 9/22. It feels like it is right around the corner, and it's stressing me out a little!

In other news, LOGAN IS FULL-FLEDGED WALKING! He started with a couple steps the day after his 11-month birthday, and now he is unstoppable ... he walks all around. I can't believe it!!!

In pg-related news, my first appointment was yesterday. They were unable to find a heartbeat, and so I will be going in for an ultrasound on Monday to determine viability, size, and dates. At this time, I'm not going to freak out ... I have a lot of "fluff" left over from my pregnancy with Logan, plus I'm early, plus I have a tilted uterus ... all of which makes it less likely to find the heartbeat. So, I'm staying calm about it. :)

[Ericka_Jarett]

Thanks marathongirl. I can't believe this day last year I was in giving birth to Easton.

Yeah Logan for walking. He just wants to keep you on your toes Rippy. :)

[MichelleRenee]

Whoah... this page is hard to read suddenly. Is it just me or does everyone have to scroll a ton. ??

Anyways, just here to report that after a week on antibiotics T still has fluid on his ears. If the fluid isn't gone by Friday they are going to extend his prescription. I am almost wishing they woudl just do the tubes. T is misreable and I can't keep missng work! The poor guy has a bruise on his ear from pulling on them so much. Ugh.

[Ericka_Jarett]

MichelleRenee - no issues here with scrolling, I am on a laptop and I don't even have the page full screen. Too bad about T

[Bubeleh]

Happy Birthday Easton!

[kate's mom]

Happy Birthday Easton.

Michelle I hope T is feeling better. Your poor guy has had so many ear infections, I hope the Dr. will tell you that you can get tubes.

[Ericka_Jarett]

Thanks ladies.

Easton had his 12 month WBV, got 2 shots. He now weighs: 19lbs 3 1/2oz (7%) & is 30 1/4" long (55%) and his head is 18 1/2" (48%) He gained about 2 lbs since his 9 month WBV and he is almost a full 2" taller. His head size increased 1/2".

[jbemommy]

I ordered Steven's cake today. I got some first birthday stuff with a car, train, and airplane on it, so I ordered a train cake. We aren't having a big party since we don't have any family living near us. My mom and both my grandmothers are coming to visit, so it'll just be them and us.

Steven just got a new tooth, this time without so much fussiness! He is standing alone for quite a while, and taking a few steps. He is quite the climber--he climbed all the way into his high chair yesterday. I forgot to put the tray back on when he was done eating, and DD said, "Mommy, look what your son is doing." :p He was back up in the seat! I'm dreading when he gets a little taller b/c his goal in life now is to get up on the couch, but he's not quite tall enough.

[MidwesternGal]

So are we all hanging out in chit-chat the last few days, LOL??

Went garage sale-ing this morning and picked up a shopping cart for DS plus 3 other toys. Of course, I had to be dumb and got one wet, so now it doesn't work quite right. Oh well. Picked up a homemade ice cream maker for DH so now we are adding that to DS bday menu!

ETA: jbemommy--My DS is *trying* to climb up the couch but so far, he is SOL. If he get about an inch taller, I'm dreading it!!

[Michelle]

So are we all hanging out in chit-chat the last few days, LOL??

I think everybody on cc has been hanging out in chit-chat these days! I love to read about the drama! :)

[Mrs-Mac]

I'm still around also. I don't post much, but follow along. Grace is doing well. Getting her 3rd tooth. We went on vacation to Myrtle Beach. She LOVED the water - didn't really care for the sand. And she did really well on the plane. She's starting to stand by herself, but in the mean time, she's pulling up and walking holding on the the couch.

I'm starting to wean. We introduced cow's milk last week (mixed with EBM). I'm ready to be done with pumping and nursing. I'm not pumping enough and the new teeth kind of hurt. I'm so happy I was able to make it this long, and part of me is sad to start, but I'm also ready. She's eating really well. She eats pretty much anything...table food, purees, anything.

Hope everyone else is doing well.

[MichelleRenee]

Yay! I wondered if we would combine with the September mommies soon.

Things have improved here. DS's dr extended his antibiotics rx 10 additional days (I didn't realize it will be for that much longer!) I have to say that within the first 2 days we have seen a HUGE improvement. Before we couldn't even rock him to sleep because he would try to sit up as soon as we laid him down. He would also just scream all day unless we were holding him or pushing him in a stroller. We'd get 5 minute increments of him being OK playing on the floor, and then he'd scream some more.

So this weekend has been better and I am so glad for him and for myself!

We are gearing up for Fall. I love the change of seasons because I get to start using a new "wardrobe" for him. We have a lot of fun fall activities planned: T's first Fall Foliage Tour, (We went on it last year while I was 38 weeks pregnant!), carving pumpkins, Halloween, and, of course, his first birthday party! Planning is going well.... I hope it is for everyone else! Can't wait to see pics!

[Maxicat]

We are still here. I read much more then I post.

Lauren and I went down to the beach last week with my mother. She really likes swimming in the pool but is a little concerned about the ocean and she really does not like sand except to eat.

She pulls up all the time and walks along the furniture. Lauren is now pointing to my husband and saying "da da" and then will point to me and say "ma mah". She is a lot more work now and takes constant supervision. We have had to lock up all drawers and cabinets, block stairs etc. The dogs are a little more in love with her because she can play more.

[jbemommy]

Steven is walking! He'd been taking some steps here and there, but this weekend started walking across the living room. Exciting and scary!

[Jenzen01]

I'm here.

Ada is doing well, but quite a bit behind many of the kids on this thread. She's pulling up on everything, but no where close to walking or standing alone. She's super wobbly when I try to get her to stand by herself. I just now started finding her standing in her crib after naps.

She's started saying a few things: "Up," for one. Lots and lots of babble, and I think she's saying "dada" for DH. It's her favorite word to babble, so we hear it all the time. She says the beginning of words, like "ga" for Gabe.

She's really getting into trouble these days. I swear, this girl can get things into her mouth faster than Gabe did. I'm constantly panicking about what she's got in her mouth. My favorite? Her hair clip. Yeah, she pulled it out and shoved it all the way. I only saw the tip of it sticking out of her mouth as she crawled across the floor. No more hair clips for this little girl.

My MIL taught her to "high-5" this weekend, and Ada thinks it's hilarious. She's a very funny girl ... quite the ham. It's almost ridiculous the amount of comments we get when we're out, because she flirts with everyone in the stores.

I just switched to whole milk yesterday. I breastfed up to 9.5 months, and then did a month and a half of formula. I hate formula, and I don't want to spend any more on it. By the way, have any of you heard of using goat's milk for babies? I've heard of several people using it instead of formula ... something about the proteins being smaller.

That's all from here.
Jen

TM - Please change my age to 30.

[Rippy1010]

Yay, Steven!!!

[bunnybeth]

Simon is still working on walking, but has yet to take an unsupported step. He's getting into climbing though. Up the stairs, after the cats, into the laundry basket. :p Funny boy.

Could you update DHs age to 29? And mine to 29 while you're at it, my birthday's this week. Otherwise, good to go for the next thread.

[Bubeleh]

New thread sounds exciting. Please change my age to 29, DH to 31 and DS name to E

Congrats on the new walkers.

DS got his eigth tooth this weekend, to a little half step but we are not counting it yet. He is cruising and hand walking everywhere, and unfortunantely I think switching to 1 nap a day!!!!

[maplekitty]

please update my age to 26 and DH to 30

[Sept&Oct06Moms]

UPDATED TO HERE

Please Visit Our New Thread:
Watching Our Toddlers Grow!!!! (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36348)