9 mos Well Check

Hailey had her 9 mo well check today...a month late.  We either couldn't get in with the our pediatrician or I had a meeting, so it happened late this time.  Dr. V was very pleased with her growth and progress.  She is staying steady to her growth chart.  Here's her stats for today:

Wt:  16.6 lbs = 15%
Ht:  27 3/4 inches = 55%
Head Circumference:  17 inches = 25%

At the 9 mos check no immunizations are given.  The information we received states that she should be saying singe words by age 1, like "mama" and "dada."  She should be eating more and more table food, that she is expressing her feelings well, she has memory (so she knows when I walk away I will return), and she should be trying new things.  Yes, Hailey is doing all of this.  I am so fortunate to have a healthy, developing baby. 

Paige went with us to the check up and watched Dr V give Hailey's exam, then asked Dr V for her stethoscope and proceeded to give Hailey the same exam that Dr V had given, she even opened Hailey's diaper and checked inside.  Very sweet.

Time

I find it so difficult to get things done in the morning.  Hailey goes back down for her nap at 9:30-10ish , but i have to keep Paige quite so she won't wake up Hailey (anyone with a toddler knows they love to hear their own voice).  So I try to get Paige outside, corral her in the family room or in her bedroom.  But that means that I can't do anything around the house like laundry, breakfast dishes, sweeping, dusting, etc.  As a result I end up doing these things late a night when both are asleep.  Any suggestions on how to keep at toddler at bay so I can get stuff done?  I'm thinking I'll just hire a housekeeper...

Walking?

Hailey is growing so fast. I think she will definitely walk by her first birthday. Here she is today crawling behind her lion toy.

This is Paige on the same toy just about the same age as Hailey is now.


My sweeties!

Facebook

I am a user of Facebook.  It's a social network (I emphasize the word "social" here) where you can post comments about your "status" and read the status of others who are your "friends."  I really enjoy using it as a way to keep up with people who live far away and the women that I went to college with.  We seem to be at the same points in our lives with husbands, children and work...we have even been able to plan a couple "girls weekends" just by using Facebook.  However, there are others who ask to be your friend like co-workers, etc.  I created a list so that those folks only have certain information and limited access to my posts.  It's amazing how people react when they can't see your information!  It makes me wonder that if we weren't "friends" in this online phenomena, would we be friends otherwise?  I seriously may have lost a couple friends this week because they were on this limited information list.  Perhaps being a real friend the old fashioned way is more fun and true?  I hope that we can teach the girls ways to use the Internet effectively, be true friends with people whom they really want and know the difference between real and fake.  After this incident, I may consider giving Facebook up and move on to only being a "superior blogging mom" as one of my other blogging friends discussed last week.  (Wink. Wink.) 

Playing together

Yesterday, I wasn't feeling that well. Both girls had finally gotten over runny noses and I didn't want to risk them getting another chill and sick again, so we stayed inside most of the day.  As a result they really started playing together!  Paige wants Hailey with her.  They love wrangled, played blocks and Paige even allowed Hailey to play "animals" with her.  It is so cute!  I know I'm their mother, but really, it's so sweet to see them playing together.  It makes me so happy that they have each other forever.  Yay for sisters! 

Laundry

It just must be the age, both girls are about 9 1/2 months in these pics.  They fit in the laundry basket, it's still not too heavy to carry with them in it and they can't yet climb out.  Could possibly be the best age!?!

Hailey




                                                                                                       Paige

Monkey, Cat, Zebra

Today again called for the Costco baby trip.  We buy the Kirkland brand diapers because they are absolutely wonderful.  They hold well, no leaks, they are a great price and they come in bulk so I don't have to buy diapers every week.  A case will last us 6 weeks.  The different sizes have an assigned animal.  Hailey graduated from the 1-2 size which is a monkey to the size 3 which has a cat.  Paige is still in size 4, the zebra, and if potty training begins to take, will never make it to the elephant.  So right now we have a cat and a zebra.  Hope the zebra hides well in the tall grass, because the cat is getting to be a speed crawler (who also stands!). 

Day by Day

I've been talking to many moms this week about,well, just being a mom.  It is amazing how much work parenting really is to be a "good" parent.  I know, "good" is subjective and my motto usually is "do whatever works for you."  I remember before I became a parent I had all the answers, then I became one.  Trying to provide a good foundation for an actual human being is hard work.  I try to give Paige options throughout the day so she has to think and do what is best for her.  But sometimes, she thinks of a third option that is just not appropriate.  So then what?!  I don't want to say "no" to her, so I try to distract her by asking her a question or going back to my original two options.  Sheesh! 

Also I find tyring to divide my time between two little ones very challenging.  For example, Hailey usually likes to take her second nap around 2pm.  Well, today Paige wanted to play outside at 1:30pm and Hailey wasn't exhibiting sleepiness yet so I took both out.  At 2:30pm Hailey started fussing and even though I had warned Paige before that we may need to go in soon to give Hailey her nap, it was still a struggle to get everyone rounded up for Hailey to go inside and take a nap.  Then because by then it was 3pm, Paige was fussy too and needed her nap.  Hailey won't nurse with Paige around so I had to put Paige down first, then put Hailey down.  This just seems so backwards because Hailey is the baby and should get the care first, but that just doesn't work. 

Anyway, so many decisions made in just that little half hour of time and so many people soothed and cared for.  Reminds of the "If you Give..." books.  We have If You Give a Cat a Cupcake. 

Being a mother is wonderful, but I think the hardest job in the world.  I wouldn't trade it for anything.  I love my day by day and minute by minute life right now.

Leaps & Bounds

Last week found many changes and growth for our little Hailey.  She began standing in her crib by pulling herself up on the rail.  She started eating solid foods instead of only puree.  She loves peaches, banana and pasta!  She also is starting to wave.  She waves to herself, but I think she has the association that it's a form of communication.  We go out every morning to wave goodbye to Dada, so she must be making the connection.  We are also working on the sign for "finished."  And she said the sound "mama."  It seems she is doing things so much sooner than Paige did, I need to look back in Paige's baby book to know for sure.  Here is a picture that B took of Hailey and our speical boy, Woolly. 

         

Brusha, Brusha, Brusha

Brian usually gives the girls their bath but for some reason I got them in tonight.  Hailey has 6 teeth now (I know I have posted about those things lately) so I handed her a toothbrush to start practicing brushing.  Paige then needed to try too.  They are looking at me brushing my teeth as a demonstration.  Papa will be so proud! 

Makes me think of the sleep over scene in the movie Grease: 

Brusha, Brusha, Brusha
Get the new Ipana
With the brand new flavor
Its dandy for your teeth
Brusha, Brusha, Brusha
New Ipana toothpaste
Brusha, Brusha, Brusha
Knock out
Decay Germs Fast, Fast, Faster
You're sure alright
Ipa--

Dishwasher

Hailey finally found the throne of the dishwasher tonight.  She's been crawling up to it, but not climbing on to it.  Well tonight, I turned my back and then again and there she was!  You can tell Brian and I went at from both angles with our iPhones.  Appears Paige needed to help too. 

This is a picture of Paige at just about the same age because Hailey is wearing these pajamas now making her debut on the the dishwasher throne too. 

More Animals

Paige cannot get enough of her "animals."  Tonight while I was putting Hailey down & Brian was cleaning the kitchen she brought most of her animals downstairs (I try to keep them all upstairs in one spot). Here some are all lined up & then she put them on the stool. Dada was able to play too after the dishes were done. (I should note that she lined up some toys at the Montessori school we went to earlier this week, the principal said this was very appropriate behavior for a 2 year old.  Rock on, Paige!)

"I Know Numbers" class

Today I took Paige to a little 45 minute class offered by the city at the community center. It is called "I Know Numbers" and it is suppose to familiarize kids 2-6 years with numbers 1 to 10. It mostly consisted of 4 year olds who were much more advanced than Paige. But Paige did great in trying to sit still for the story and doing the art projects. I choose this class because the description read that no parent involvement was needed.  Since I have Hailey too, I needed one that the teacher would supervise. However, I don't think this description was quite accurate. I definitely needed to be with Paige at every part of the class. But like I said, despite her age & me tending to Hailey as well, Paige did super great. Here is a picture of one of the art projects she did in the class. It is a number 1 that she glued red felt pieces to. She really liked doing this project. I hope the rest of the classes go smoother and the teacher plans activities that aren't so involved, like singing and dancing with numbers.  We'll see! 

Pre-School

This morning Paige and I toured the Pre-School that we want to send her.  It is a Montessori school and I was thrilled with what it has to offer.  It seems that the Montessori perspective/theory looks a developing the person first.  So in the early primary class Paige will learn self control, respect for others and how to do things for herself, in addition to the beginnings of the 3 Rs.  When we arrived the principal met us and took us immediately to the early primary class where Paige was able to participate.  She was not afraid and went straight for some building blocks where the teacher guided her in play.  The Montessori theory includes letting the child explore, then showing by demonstration with no words and then giving a gentle smile of reassurance when the child does the activity as shown.  Paige did several activities like this and the teacher guided her in each one.  The principal then asked if it were ok to leave Paige in the class while we toured the rest of the school.  I asked Paige what she wanted to do and she said, "I stay here."  There was no crying or anxiety, she stayed and played/learned.  I then went the the primary class and secondary class.  All of the students were engaged in their own activities, well behaved and soooo quiet!  (Yes, an exclamation point after "quiet.")  I was amazed.  Students were making their own snack, pouring their own juice from glass pitchers, folding towels, coloring, using templates, sitting on their spots on the circle, finding their own coats and putting them on, etc.  It seems true that letting children explore, providing guidance and positive reassurance really does work.  I saw it in person!  This is absolutely the theory that Brian and I like to use with our children, it just is sometimes difficult to do at home all the time, especially with such a strong will that Paige possesses.  I know this will be the best place for her. She will learn using this method not only from Brian and me, but others as well who are actually trained to do it.  Yippee! 

I took her to the school as incentive to potty train.  Before going and while there I mentioned that to stay and come back she needed to go "potty on the toilet."  Upon leaving she said, "I go potty on the toilet!" and at the car, "I go potty on the toilet!" and in the car, "I go potty on the toilet!"  When we got home, we put panties on right away and made attempts to "go potty on the toilet." Nothing yet, but we're making progress and I hope to get her trained soon.  She is really ready for school as her behavior in the class showed today.  Just need to be potty trained to attend.  I know she can do it!

PS... I suppose I should mention that today is 1/11/11.  Nothing significant happened today in the T household.  Just growing babies with new little things every other minute...hence this blog. 

"Dada"

Hailey had been babbling really well for about a month now.  She of course, has "Dada" down very well.  I keep saying "ma, ma, ma, ma" to her, but nothing.  Only "dada," "huh," "muh," "baba," etc.  Paige said "dada" before "mama" too.  I'll keep trying.

Strike or Low Supply?

I'm still having trouble nursing Hailey.  I can still feel her bottom teeth.  It's not terrible and I try really hard to get her latched on correctly every time.  It looks right, but I can still feel those darn teeth.  She's also been tugging and pulling.  Yesterday, we had a really bad session, so I gave in and gave her a bottle.  She drank the whole 4 oz.  Then I went to pump after to make sure I kept my supply.  I got very little milk.  So I ask, did she drink it all or is my supply low?  I'm leaning towards a low supply since we've had an incorrect latch for a few days now, which can mean she's not extracting enough at our sessions, therefore bringing down my supply.  So, I guess it's back to the pumping grind tomorrow to see if I can increase my supply. 

New Care Giver

Last month I spent the better half of it screening through and interviewing care givers for the girls.  I found a wonderful woman who I just "clicked" with.  Sounds strange, because there were others who were really qualified, (ie, one had a Master's degree in early childhood ed and another a foster mom for years).  But I just felt really comfortable around Miss E.  We share the same passion for health and desire to be at home with our children.  She understood that I just couldn't take the girls to a daycare.  I know daycares can be great, but I just can't do it.  I only work about 20 hours a month out of the house so having someone come to the house was an option for us.  I took advantage of it. 

Today was Miss E's first day with the girls.  This morning of course went awful before she arrived.  Paige knew I was leaving and I think didn't want me to go as she insisted on playing "animals" when she got up.  I told her I would play for a little bit, but needed to get breakfast made and everyone dressed.  She proceeded to scream at the top of the stairs, "Mama, please play animals with me!"  Very loud and multiple times.  I started to cry.  It was awful.  I didn't want to leave her, I too wanted to play animals.  It was hard to leave once Miss E got here, but I did.

When I returned, both girls had been fed, Hailey took a 2 hour nap and she and Paige were playing "animals" upstairs.  She even got Hailey to take a bottle.  It was wonderful.  I was delighted to return to happy babies.  Everyone was on THE schedule and our afternoon went great.  I was really pleased.  Nice to have the ease of mind that I choose a good care giver.  Now, let's hope Miss E stays with us forever! 

Little objects

One of the first things I noticed about Paige when she started playing with toys was that she loves to sort. She has grown to really enjoy playing with her "animals" which started as a barn set with different animals including a horse, cow, rooster, etc. She received another barn set this Christmas as well as Disney characters. Today she lined most of them up on her crib rail, then asked to get into her crib and said, "Look Mama, the animals are marching.".

Wagon to mailbox

Today we walked to the mailbox using the new wagon. Along the way we met up with our neighbor who told me she is turning 92 tomorrow. She is really spry! I see her walking to the grocery store, pulling weeds & she drives a brand new Cadillac. I hope I'm healthy like that when I'm 92.

Dada Home

Having Brian home is wonderful.  He really does help with the girls when he is here.  Today, I put Paige down for her nap and Hailey was getting sleepy too.  He walked around with Hailey (since he can't nurse to put her down for a nap) and since it was chilly today, he wrapped her in his sweatshirt.  I came down to a sleepy, warm baby who was ready to head up to her room for some milk and dreams.  Can't you just tell they are father and daughter?  I call all three (Brian, Paige and Hailey) my triplets.  So similar.  Thanks Dada!

Nursing

I am just thrilled that Hailey latched on and nurses.  It really does make things easier, especially with a 2 year old in the house as well.  I can just run up and feed Hailey without the hassle of making a bottle.  However, because she is so efficient at it, she does not take a bottle well at all.  Brian can get her to take one, but my mom and our previous babysitter have a really difficult time with it. 

I am considering going on a girls weekend to see my sorority sisters from college, but don't want to deal with the pumping while there and I'm not sure how Hailey would do in taking a bottle for an entire weekend.  Also, I really have no idea how often or length of time that I feed Hailey to even think about a pumping schedule when I'm gone.  I really want to go and see all my girlfriends.  It's been about 2 years since we did this last, but I may just have to be a mom.  Which is glorious, but a weekend get-away does sound divine as well. 

I think I have also mentioned that Hailey is teething.  About two nights ago, she decided to teethe on me.  I didn't think much of it at midnight and 3am, since I just wanted sleep.  I felt that it hurt a bit, I can feel her bottom teeth rubbing, but again, just was focused on getting her back to sleep so I could do the same.  The next day I felt further discomfort and noticed a blister.  I went online, and it appears to be a milk blister.  Or a surface pore where milk comes out that is clogged.  I cannot get it unclogged!  I've tried, hot compress, warm shower, even popping it a bit, and then nursing after each, with no prevail.  It really is one of the most uncomfortable pains I have ever felt and believe me, I've experienced some pain in my life.  What to do?  I continue to nurse and make sure each time she has a good/correct latch, but with that darn blister I still feel those bottom teeth.  The sources say you should not feel the teeth with the correct latch.  UGH!  I'm hoping she gets better and I prevail at healing and getting the latch improved.  Because, I LOVE nursing.  The bond, the convenience, the nutrients, the immunities, the benefits for me, need I go on?

Harvest

Today it was a bit warmer & the sun was out. Paige has been climbing the walls this week because it's been so chilly & we've been staying inside. (In the 50s, which is "frightful" for us desert dwellers.). So OUT we went to uncover the garden & pick the radish. We harvested about 20 radish & still have some growing. We obviously can't eat that many radish so we gave them to the neighbors. Here's our radish bounty. Paige was very conscious that they needed to be washed before we ate them.



Then, I decided to tackle the lemon tree which is bursting with lemon growth. I probably picked about 75 lemons & there is still a ton on the tree. Paige graciously took each lemon as I picked it and laid it in the bucket or on the ground. I tried to get her to count them, but she still stops at three. Most went with my mom to take to the girls at work, some went to the neighbors, plan to mail some to granny & papa & I'm looking at lemon recipes now. Whew! Any suggestions on what to do with them is appreciated. Here's just a sample of the lemon harvest.