Whoa, I Have A Toddler Now

When people tell you about toddlers, it always seems to be the negative stuff. They tell you about the tantrums, the attitude, their love of the word NO, how they get into everything. Yes, all of this is true... but no one ever really takes the time to tell you about how awesome toddlers are.
Here's a few reasons why I love having a toddler:

•  He follows commands. Toddlers seem to love following directions, as long as they feel like they're helping out. Fox throws away trash, picks up toys, helps me put away dishes, and I've even put him to work vacuuming. I'm not ashamed.
• Go big or go home. Everything he does, he does it whole-heartedly. Mooing at a cow? Yep, at the top of his lungs. 
• He answers my questions. It's no longer a mystery what he wants or needs. He helps me figure out what's going on in his little head, or at least narrow it down a bit quicker.
• All things are exciting. Bugs, planes, socks, the neighbor's annoying dog. He is amazed by things adults usually ignore. He helps me see the beauty in things all over again.
• He is fun. We play catch, we dance, we jump super high, we run around the house, we sing songs. We have a ton of fun together and I love every single second.

I think advice-givers have it all backwards, personally. They tell you how lovely life is with a baby, and how rough life is with a toddler. Fox is only 21 months old, but his first few months in our lives were the toughest yet. Now we have all these added perks and I'm like heck yes! I know it won't last long (so they say), so I'm enjoying it while I can.

Life With A 19-Month-Old

I've learned that when you have a busy toddler it is hard to find time to sit down and blog about it. I no longer get to plop down on the couch and catch up on my shows during his nap time. I usually spend those 2-3 hours doing stuff there's no way I could get done with him awake since he wants to get in my way and

destroy everything help... like sweeping, putting up dishes, cleaning, and doing laundry. I've also learned that the toddler/tornado metaphors are 100% truth. In a matter of minutes he can have a Tupperware cabinet cleaned out, or a toy box pushed to the opposite end of the house, leaving behind a trail of blocks and cars.
But life with a 19-moth-old isn't always bad. He follows instructions well, and that comes in handy at times. He can also tell me what he wants (or doesn't want) which takes away the guessing game from when he was younger.
In the past few months since I last updated, Fox has grown tremendously. He weighs about 26 pounds and stands 33.5 inches tall. He has 11 teeth and the 12th (his 4th molar) should be breaking through the gum any time now. Actually, there's a good possibility it already has - he just never lets me look in there. He knows all of his body parts, and he can recognize and make the noise of a rooster, cow, duck, dog, train, and truck. His favorite show is still Yo Gabba Gabba. And he absolutely loves being outside. Silence is very rare in our house. When he's not talking, he is singing, whining, or yelling.
Speaking of yelling... life is full of a lot more tantrums lately. I want to change his diaper since he just slept 10 hours and he's soaked? Screaming fit. I try to get him out of the bath? Acts like I am abducting him and tries to escape out of my arms. I tell him not to smash the dog in the face with a wooden ball? Ball gets thrown across the room. Fun times!
As much as he makes me want to pull my hair out at times, I wouldn't trade a single moment. He is so dang smart and funny! He keeps me smiling and laughing, and I am so glad I get to spend so much time with him.

Our New {To Us} Stroller

After we hiked a trail in Gatlinburg with two other families who had jogging strollers it became obvious that our little Chicco stroller just wasn't the right fit for our family. We really like being outdoors and going on mini adventures, so we need a stroller that could be ready for any type of terrain we find ourselves on. I decided to search Craigslist to see if I could find a decent jogging stroller for cheap. My friends have a BOB and a Baby Trend so I was looking for those brands in particular since I had seen them in action, but a listing for a Peg Perego stroller caught my attention (maybe because it had "DEAL!!!" in the title and I'm cheap) so I clicked it. I immediately fell in love with it based on looks alone and headed to Google to do some research on it. 

There really wasn't much online about it! I don't know if it's because it isn't sold it stores here, or maybe it is rare, or an old model. But I did find a really helpful video on YouTube about it.

This isn't the exact one I have, but it was the closest thing I could find. Mine is just a GT3, not the GT3 ForTwo (which means mine doesn't have the seat for the basket, but it does have a spot for an older child to stand on the back).

Here are some pictures of the stroller I got.

There are several stock pictures on Google, but unfortunately not as many articles.

Fox likes to hang his leg off the side and seems to be quite comfy!

A few things I really like about my stroller:

1. The color. I love love love the color green for Fox. Does anyone else associate a certain color with their kid, or am I the only weird one?
2. The hand brake. Also that I can lock the wheels by using the hand brake instead of trying to work those little levers on the back of the wheels with my feet.
3. The large basket. My big ol' diaper bag could get lost in there, where with my old stroller I had to use my foot to cram it in there so I could fit more stuff.
4. It rides like a Cadillac. If Fox knew what that meant I'm sure he would agree. 
5. The price. I saw this bad boy for sale on Amazon for $699.95 and I paid 1/4 of that for it in excellent used condition. Cha-ching!

I am so thankful that I stumbled across that Craigslist listing, because this stroller is perfect for us and I can't wait to take it on some fun adventures.

An Update and an Instagram Photo Dump

It has been almost two months since I have made a post, and lot has happened in the last several weeks! So here's a little update for ya.
- Fox developed a love obsession for Yo Gabba Gabba. We can't even grab the remote without him getting excited and dancing in front of the TV thinking we are about to turn it on for him.
- His vocabulary has exploded yet again. He is starting to speak more clearly, and now we are focusing on manners. He is stubborn just like his daddy and it is like pulling teeth to get him to say "please" and "thank you".
- He had a rough few weeks of sickness. He got another ear infection which made it his second ear infection in less than 3 months. About a week and a half after he finished his antibiotics he came down with strep throat so he got put back on another antibiotic, and then he developed an eye infection because of it. He was absolutely miserable and it killed me seeing him that way!
- At his 15 month visit in January he weighed 22.7 lbs and was 32" tall, and last week at his sick visit he weighed 24.4 lbs.
- We found an awesome stroller on Craigslist for a heck of a deal. I will dedicate a separate post about how much I'm in love with it.
- Fox had his very first popsicle. I didn't take any pictures because he wasn't feeling good (the popsicle was an attempt to soothe his sore throat) but he loved it!
That pretty much sums it up! Now for some random Instagram photos...

Chatterbox

Fox is such a talker now! He has a good mix of baby babble and real words. There are around 20 words he knows and can identify, and he repeats several random words we say [like "psycho"].

Here's his current vocabulary list:
- Hello
- Hey
- Bye Bye
- See Ya
- Night Night
- Daddy
- Momma
- Titan [our dog]
- Dog
- Who's That? "whosat"
- Here You Go "heego"
- Bath
- Teeth
- Ball "baa"
- Yeah
- This
- No
- Uh Oh
- Banana "nla nla" [not sure why he puts the L sound in there...]
- Yay
- Paci "dadi"
- Milk "muh"
- Fish

Yesterday he started saying Poo Poo, Blanket, and Diaper after me. So we may be adding that to this list soon. And I swear he has correctly identified a boobie twice on both Brent and I, but I can't bring myself to say that is part of his vocabulary yet haha. We are also working on his animal sounds. He barks like a dog "ruff ruff" and makes monkey sounds "ooh ooh ahh ahh" and occasionally will quack like a duck. He also says a bunch of stuff that I have no idea how to translate. His little voice is so stinkin' adorable and he always has such enthusiasm about everything.

He also amazes me every single day with how much he knows. I told him something he picked up off the floor was trash, and he went and threw it away. I didn't even know he knew what the trash can was! And yesterday Brent was bringing firewood upstairs and when Fox saw him, he ran over to the fireplace and excitedly pointed and said something I couldn't understand.

After doing some reading online, it seems like Fox falls right into place with other average 15-month-olds. Maybe a tiny bit ahead. But to me, he'll always be my little genius! Haha :)

The Ending of a Breastfeeding Journey

437 days. 

I am so proud of that number. Why? Well, because breastfeeding isn't a walk in the park. And I am so glad I made it so long without giving up.

My journey started in the hospital, when the nurse handed me my tiny, hungry baby. I will always remember the first time he latched. The look on his face said it all. I knew I was doing the right thing for him and I when I saw that look of satisfaction.

We faced several obstacles over the last 1 year, 2 weeks, and 10 days. One was the STUPID nipple shield. I hated that thing! If you've ever used one, you know just how annoying and frustrating these things are. Another, and probably my biggest obstacle, was pumping. I loathed the entire act from start to finish.

But in that moment when your baby is nursing, his eyes getting heavier and heavier, and he dozes off and looks so peaceful with a full belly and in a milk drunken stupor, all of the struggles are 100% worth it.

I started the weaning process just after Fox's first birthday, eliminating nursing sessions and giving him milk in a cup. Slowly making my way to this past month where he was only breastfeeding once at night. This past Monday night after putting him down for bed I realized -- he hadn't asked for my milk at all. I have been allowing him to nurse at night whenever he asked because I felt he was attached and not ready to let go of that last session just yet. Or maybe I was the one attached. Either way, it slipped both of our minds. Then tonight rolled around and the same thing happened. He went to bed happy and content -- without nursing.

my little milk drunk baby :)

A very rare occasion - he is sitting still!

It is a very bittersweet feeling.

There were many challenges, but I'd do it over again in a heartbeat.

And I sort of already miss it.

Done With Antibiotics!

Our prescription of Amoxicillin said to give it twice a day for 10 days, but tonight we gave Fox the last drops left in the bottle after only a week. So that's it, we're done. Right? Gosh I hope so. He is acting much better, we have no stains in our cloth diapers, and it didn't upset his tummy. Hopefully our first ear infection is under our belt and he doesn't have any more, ever! Fingers crossed...

Surprise! Fox's First Ear Infection

I was always relieved when I'd take Fox to the doctor thinking he had an ear infection and the doctor would assure me it was just teething. He was always tugging his ear, never wanted me to touch them, and hated to lay down except to sleep. After a few false alarms I stopped worrying every time he'd mess with his ear.
Well yesterday he had a runny nose and a productive cough so I decided to take him in to get checked out because he ALWAYS gets sick on a Friday and I hate waiting all weekend not knowing what's up. So while we were in there she was shining the light in his ear and like every other time she has to get her little ear wax tool and remove some junk that's in her way. She checked his right ear and said it was all clear, then checked his left ear and after fighting with some ear wax for a bit, she said "It's his ear." I was so surprised! She told me his other symptoms were an upper respiratory infection caused by the infection. Boo :(
When she told me she was going to put him on an antibiotic a million things went through my head... yucky poop! Ruined cloth diapers! Diaper rash! But luckily I have amazing, knowledgeable friends who helped me with what to do. I got him some yogurt, a probiotic from the pharmacy, and said who cares about stains in my diapers. And my Grandma El's just arrived in the mail. So I am fully prepared for whatever the antibiotics bring my way!

Fox is One Year Old

What an exciting year!

My little 7 pound newborn is now a 20 pound toddler. In such a short time, he has went from a baby who slept all day to a little boy who practically runs across the living room floor. I cherish every single hug, kiss, and giggle. I never miss an opportunity to get in the floor and chase him on all fours. Surprisingly I haven't shed a tear and I think it is because even though I miss the tiny, wrinkled infant... I love more what he is growing up to be.

Watching Fox learn and grow has been so amazing! I have been able to witness every single milestone and I feel so blessed to be able to do so. His first smile, his first laugh, rolling over, sitting up, crawling, pulling up, walking, and everything in between. His vocabulary is growing and I swear he picks up a new word or two each week. Currently he can say hello, bye, daddy, who's that, yes, eat, and momma (which is very rare). He points at everything, understands when I ask him a question ("Where's your cup?") or give a command ("Give me your paci."), and he has different gestures to let us know what he wants. He amazes me each day with what he knows. 

 

This first year has been so great and I thank God every day for such an awesome little boy.

Monster First Birthday

Sunday, September 30, we celebrated Fox's first birthday.With the help of my family and friends it all came together nicely. Here are a few pictures from his big day!

A few of his gifts and the drinks

One of the centerpieces made by me. The monsters were cut with my Cricut using the Mini Monsters cartridge.

Cute balloon banner inspired by Pinterest

The birthday boy in his high chair

Momma & Fox

Ceramic "1" I found on sale at Michael's and a few of the cupcakes I made

The smash cake I baked and the lettering was cut out with a Cricut Cake

This idea was inspired by a friend. Water bottles wrapped with duct tape. I found the monster tape at Target.

He had a blast!

11 Month Old Update

Fox is zooming all over the place on two feet! He started taking steps about a month ago, but this past week he has gotten really brave and he's letting go and walking everywhere. And he has also started making turns while he's walking instead of just making a straight path across the floor. Once he makes it to his destination he claps.

He has two adorable little teeth on bottom and I think he may be working on a third although I can't see anything so I have no idea which one it may be. For those of you who are wondering -- he has NOT bit me yet! And boy am I thankful.

He is doing really good with meal times. He eats food I've pureed, jarred baby food, whole fruits and cooked veggies, and loooves his whole grain Cheerios and Goldfish. Pretty soon we are going to start giving him pieces of meat from our supper... I was waiting until he had enough teeth to chew but he's doing good with just his front two so I think he's about ready.

Birthday plans are coming together. We have the park picked out, invitations made, envelopes addressed, and almost all of the decor made. All we need to do is book the park (on the agenda for tomorrow), send out the invites (I plan on getting them in the mail on Saturday), and figure out the menu. Then wait as the month of September flies by!

Big 10

Fox turned ten months old on Monday!

Some of his latest accomplishments:

• Dances to music and "sings" when someone is singing to him
• Walks by himself for a few steps
• Copies us when we shake our head, wave, laugh, or scream
• Picks up food and feeds himself a lot more now
• Gives kisses
• Blows kisses

Two more months to go until he's a whole year old! It's gone by quick but I am so fortunate to be able to spend most of my time with him.

First Steps

This morning Fox was standing at his little music table taking a breather after I'd chased him all over the living room. I held my arms out for him to come to me and didn't expect him to do anything since I've never done it before. Well he just started walking towards me like he'd done it a million times! He made about 4 steps and fell into my arms. I was so excited I screamed and cheered, picked him up, and smothered him with kisses. Since this morning he has gotten super brave. He's been letting go and trying to take steps a lot today. I can't wait until his daddy gets home so he can show off his new skill!

Nine Months

Sorry so late updating, but Fox is now 9 months old! He spent his 9 month birthday celebrating his cousin's birthday at a barnyard bash with a petting zoo and pony ride. He also got to go swimming this month for the first time, and he absolutely loved it.
Fox and I spend most days together and he has some serious separation anxiety. I can't leave the room without him crying or trying to follow me. Even when Brent is home he still freaks out. As long as I am in the room with him he's perfectly fine and will go play with his toys. I really hope he gets over this stuff FAST!

Some new things Fox started doing in the past month:

• Playing Pat-a-Cake both by himself and when we say it or do it
• Pulling up on and cruising along furniture
• Standing by himself for a few seconds
• Babbling all kids of nonsense
• STILL not saying momma! Grrr....
• Does the hand gesture for "come here"
• Calls the dogs by clicking his tongue
• Walking behind toys

 His growing hasn't slowed down yet and he eats like a piggy! At his 9 month checkup he weighed 19.2 lbs and was 28.25" tall.

Birthday Planning and Reflection

Three months to go until Fox turns one. Every single parent I come in contact with has told me to "cherish every moment because it flies by" and so I have. I am so lucky to have witnessed him smile, laugh, roll over, sit up, crawl, and pull up for the first time. I have been a mamarazzi and taken pictures of him nearly every day (I stopped posting them on Facebook all the time, but you can follow me on Instagram @haleynicole71 to get your Fox fix). I smother him with kisses, suffocate him with hugs, and attack him with tickles. We laugh together and sometimes I want to cry together. But I wouldn't change a thing.

I decided on his first birthday theme of monsters about 4 months ago. Since then I have collected invitations, goody bags, thank you cards, a onesie, and a bib for when he eats his cake. I have been searching Etsy and party blogs like crazy and pinning all kinds of stuff on Pinterest. Here is some of my inspiration.

 

 

I hope I can catch the 'crafty bug' so I can get some motivation and try to make some of his decorations. If not, then I'll have to get some help from my crafty friends lol.

Wordless Wednesday - PJs

That's his FIRST name?

Many people hear my son's name and immediately think of the animal. As cute as they may be, they did not inspire us to name our first born after them.

Fox is actually named after a man born in Kentucky on November 1, 1878. That man is Brent's great great grandfather. It took some convincing on Brent's part to get me to agree to the name and honestly I still wince a little when I tell strangers because they usually either love it or hate it, and always have something to say about it. No matter what people say - I adore the name. It may be a bit strange, but it is easy to pronounce and spell unlike a lot of unique names now.

Our first issue over his name came up when we were trying to get his birth certificate. The lady told us it wasn't ready and ended up calling the hospital who told her his name wasn't in their system at all. Weird. She then proceeds to tell me I need to call the hospital to get it sorted out. Turns out she was searching as if his last name was Fox. Of course as soon as I pointed out her mistake she quickly took my money and handed over the birth certificate.

Next occasion was at the pharmacy waiting to pick up his prescription of Zantac. The pharmacy tech asks "What's the first name?" and Brent answers "Fox." Then the guy says "That's his FIRST name?" Nope kid, we lied.

Even though we have hit a few little bumps with it, for the most part people compliment his name and say it is either "cute" or "cool." I knew Fox was going to be one of a kind (how could he not with parents like us?) and he deserved a one of a kind name to fit.

Silly Boy

My handsome boy is now eight months old and he is such a silly boy! His personality is really starting to show and I could seriously sit and play with him all day. He cracks me up! 

A few new things he's doing now:

• Crawling on all fours
• Pulling up
• Clapping
• Saying "dada" and "baba"
• Waving at strangers and when you say "hey" or "bye bye"
• Mocking us when we shake our head, growl or roar, scream, sing, and clap
• He has taken a few side steps while standing at a toy table

I took him outside and sat him in the grass for the first time the other day and he didn't think it was very fun. I snapped a few pictures and this one above was one of my favorites... drool on his shirt and everything!

A Little Update

My little guy amazes me every day with how much he is learning, doing, and growing.

Some of the things he is currently doing:

• Sitting up for long periods of time and playing by himself 
• He knows what to touch on his toys to get them to light up and make noise
• Drinking from a sippy cup with a straw like a champ
• Going from crawling position to sitting up, and from sitting up to crawling position
• Rocking back and forth on his hands and knees and lunging forward while in this position
• He puts one knee forward like he wants to crawl, then collapses to his belly after one try

I absolutely love how much he loves me. He looks to me with adoration and I just melt into a puddle of mush! He is such a momma's boy and I can't complain :) His little personality is starting to show and he is such a silly guy.

Bye-Bye Sanity

Teething.

I've always heard it was a bear but I had no idea it could be so awful.

Fox has been drooling like crazy and rubbing his fists (and everything else he could reach) on his gums... but that was about it. Up until two days ago. Then started the fussiness. Then yesterday started the crappy naps - I'm talking 2.5 hours in a 12 hour span compared to the usual 4.5 to 5 - and the screaming and crying non-stop. 

I've given frozen fruit in a mesh feeder, Tylenol, rubbed vanilla on his gums, and even resorted to teething gel. Nothing is helping. So today I'm going to go buy some Motrin and Hyland's Teething Tablets and order an amber necklace and throw his stupid hazelwood necklace in the trash! I am so upset that it isn't helping even though they claim to be good for teething. Apparently the amount of amber on the strand determines its effectiveness, and the amber on the hazelwood necklaces are pretty much just there for looks.

Please keep me in your thoughts. This is rough!