I don't like cottage cheese.

Baby proofing, we don't need no stinkin' baby proofing!

Well, maybe we do. Ryan is into everything right now. He crawls everywhere and pulls himself to standing. No attempts at walking yet, which is just fine with us. The helmet has come in handy in protecting his noggin against major spills. Undoubtedly, there will be an adjustment period with some natural consequences when the helmet comes off. No idea when that will be. We keep hoping it will be around his birthday. It all depends on how fast his head grows.

We're in a holiday frenzy here. On Tuesday, we are leaving to drive to Crestline to spend Christmas with Diane's family. Baby's first road trip! Wish us luck!

It's been quite a month

November had us gripped in a fog of sickness and infection.

Our sweet dog, Tucker, declined rapidly after back surgery and passed away on the 30th. We miss him terribly and are sad at the missed opportunity for Ryan to grow up with such a great dog. They had already formed a special bond. They were very sweet and gentle with each other. We're glad to have some great pictures of the two of them.

On the other hand, Olive is enjoying once again being an only dog. Ryan has a special tone and unique "words" that he uses to "talk" to her. She is not impressed.

We're looking forward to a relaxing holiday time and it's also time to say goodbye to 2009.

Helmet Update

Ryan got his helmet (cranial band) a week ago. There was a break in schedule for the first few days of hours on and off. He's now wearing it 23 hours a day. So far, we've been blessed that he's had no complications adjusting to the band. His head is a little sweaty when we take it off but nothing too bad. There are no bright red pressure points or other issues. We feel very lucky. Ryan also doesn't seem to mind it at all. He continues to be the happy, goofy little boy that he's always been. It hasn't changed his sleep habits either. He gets about 12 hours a night. Mobility hasn't been an issue. He isn't crawling yet but is moving all over the place.

In other news: He loves to sit in front of his bin of books and pull them out and look at them. There are times that he fusses because he wants to be next to his books.

We Made a Decision

We finally made the decision that we will start helmet therapy for Ryan's head asymmetry. The aggressive repositioning had shown some improvement the first month. In the past month and a half he's basically shown no improvement. His asymmetry remains around 10 mm. He had a scan today for his helmet and it will be ready for initial fitting on the 19th. I'll be spending a lot of time between now and then kissing that fuzzy little head. After he gets his helmet, I'll only be able to cuddle his cute noggin for 1 hour a day.

This has been an agonizing decision. Here's a link to an article that helped us.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A14258-2005Mar7?language=printer

Favorites for Now

Ryan's favorite things as of today:

mom and dad (given a choice between the two, probably dad)

food - He's a baby bird just holding his big mouth open waiting for the food to come.

electronic singing plastic book - time with this toy has to be rationed (it's really annoying)

baths - He's a splashing fool.

peek-a-boo - especially when mom jumps out in the doorway

screaming at the most random times

using his tongue to explore his two (yes, now two) teeth (this leads to some interesting expressions)

any toy with a mirror

Teddy Bear Parade

It's the 24th annual Teddy Bear Parade today. I've only been involved with the last 14 though. The weather is nice and of course the whole school will turn out to watch. The kids all bring their teddy bears from home to cheer on the first graders when they march.

I wish Ry could be here. Next year he'll get more out of it. He does like to be out around people.
Now that he sits so well on his own, I've been just setting him down whenever I need to. Unfortunately for him, he's a dog magnet. He's been knocked over twice and he's not a big fan of being knocked over. Thanks, Tucker and Olive. They each have scored one.

Tooth and other new things

I forgot to mention that Ryan has a tooth now. Just one little tooth on the bottom. He does some funny little lip things now as he checks it out. We discovered that he's mastered turning from back to tummy when we went to get him up in the morning and he was sleeping on his tummy. Now I feel like I have to check on him more because one time his face was smashed into the mattress.

Ryan is working hard on becoming mobile. He scoots sometimes. He gets up on his knees sometimes. He leans over and puts his hands on the ground when he's sitting sometimes. Eventually, he'll coordinate everything and take off crawling. All good things in all good time. The house isn't anywhere near baby proofed yet.

I got him to eat a whole jar of peas by dipping the spoonful of peas into pears. And wonder of all wonders, he likes green beans! (Is that my kid?)

Again, No Helmet Yet

We went in for another head scan. Ryan's asymmetry was down again but just by .5mm. Since we had seen visible improvement, I think we were under the impression the numbers would be better. Because of that, we weren't prepared to make the decision to band (get the helmet) that day. We are again waiting another month and seeing if more progress is made. He will be 8 months at the time, still within the range to see good progress with the band if we start at that time.

This has been such a hard decision. I know in some ways we are in denial that Ryan needs the STARband. I just looked at his head all weekend knowing that he definitely needs the helmet. I can honestly say I cried and I know there will be more tears in the future.

More Solid Foods

So far, Ryan has tried rice cereal, oatmeal cereal, bananas, sweet potatoes, peas and prunes. The prunes were introduced on purpose after Mike described his latest bowel movement as "an acorn." Ryan loves his cereal; likes sweet potatoes and prunes; gags on peas and most recently goes on strike for banana.

We finally got approved to continue physical therapy. His first appointment in a month is tomorrow. He is doing so much more since the last time he went. He rolls over, spins on his tummy and sits without much assistance.

Busy Saturday

Ryan went to the Original Pancake House for the first time. He sat in his high chair and played with toys. We introduced him to banana. It's not necessarily his favorite but we'll keep giving it to him. From there we all went to the Bobcat Chase. By nine in the morning, it was in the nineties! Ryan lasted until 9:30 so Mike took him home for a nap. I stayed and did the half mile parent/teacher walk.

Ryan hung out in the waiting room of Lens Crafters while I had my eyes examined. Mike was there with him. He was holding court and flirting with everyone there. I thought I heard his voice at one point from the back. My prescription had run out for contacts and I tore my last pair in the morning. What timing! Thank goodness they have Saturday appointments.

Our little boy had his first big boy bath in the bathtub. He was getting too long for the sink. He had a blast splashing and kicking in the tub. The bath wound him up quite a little. I don't think we'll be adding a bath to our bedtime routine.

Big Boy

Ryan sat in a high chair at a restaurant and ate his cereal. His first dinner out! It was nice that they sat us in the back by ourselves so he wasn't distracted by too much.

He then got his first shopping trip at Walmart. Mike put a musical book toy in his lap on a lark. I don't think I'll let that happen again. The look of glee on that little boys face sold me. We came home with the annoying musical book. It's batteries may "run out" soon.

Right now he's in his crib wearing his new glow-in-the-dark skeleton pajamas. I hope he's not staring at himself and staying awake. I hear babbling.

No Helmet, Yet

Ryan had his head scanned again yesterday. It was accomplished much faster this time. The trick was let him suck on a bottle. That kid will get through anything if he can be eating.

His measurements actually got better. He went from being 13mm off to 10mm. The orthotist seems fairly conservative and we're going to wait on the helmet for now. We'll go in a month from now for another scan. If he's gotten worse or stayed the same, we'll opt for the helmet at that time. So, in the mean time we're trying some repositioning to keep him off the flat spot especially at night when he sleeps. No easy task now that he can roll over. If we can get him to around 6mm (normal deviation) than we won't have to helmet at all.

Ry is eating lots of cereal. Next week, we'll introduce some new foods. I can't wait to see his reaction. The video camera will have to be out for that. He's rolling from tummy to back in both directions and very close to getting back to tummy. I claim he just lacks motivation. The mechanics and strength seem to be there. No teeth quite yet. Soon, I'm sure.

I have to say that when I look at his sweet little face, I'm often overcome with emotion still. He's a little miracle. I never expected to feel so much for such a little one.

First Day of School

I survived another first day of school. Of course, we didn't get everything done. Filling in first graders on all the basics seems to take forever. I only had two kids write on their desks today. You'd think there were some things you didn't have to tell them. "Don't write on your desk." Seems pretty obvious to me.

On another note, little one is still not napping at daycare. AHHHHHHH!

sad

My cousin Joe was killed in a motorcycle crash last night. I'm sad. As a mother, I'm sad that a son is gone. As a daughter, I'm sad that a father is gone.

Ryan's 1st Blog Entry

mmmmjnmnnnmnmn nnnm nv nnv zQ` nZ n

Seriously!

This was Ry's nap schedule: (as written by daycare)

Naps:

8:45 - 9:00

11:15 - 11:35

1:00 - 1:05

1:45 - 2:10

Are those really considered naps? Seriously?

I put him down at 4 when we got home. It's been 1/2 hour. I expect him to sleep at least until 5. On the plus side, his eating schedule was every 3 hours today instead of every 2 hours. Poor boy just needs to sleep!

Getting Better

Today was a better day at daycare. He did cry to be fed every two hours but they held off a little. He really doesn't need to eat that often. He really just needed to take a nap.

I gave him baby oatmeal cereal instead of rice cereal. (He had gotten a little backed up.) His first response to the new cereal was to gag. Eventually, he got into it. That kid is not one to refuse food.

I've decided that some things that I usually do to get my classroom ready just aren't going to get done this year. I just have different priorities now. I don't really want to devote all day prepping things. I have to ask myself: If I don't (fill in the blank), will it impact my teaching or my students' academic experience? If the answer is no, it's not happening.

First Day at Daycare

Ryan had a rough first day at daycare. He barely napped (which I predicted) and he ate too often. When he continued to fuss and wouldn't sleep, they fed him. He immediately fell asleep in the car on the way home and is napping now. I hope he can adjust and be able to nap at daycare. Poor thing was exhausted. At least when we stopped by the Molls for a quick hello, he had smiles for Adrienne, Ellie and Richard! What a trooper.

I was able to get a lot done at school and didn't worry much. Given how today went, I may worry more tomorrow.

Time Flies

Wow! Ryan turns 6 months in a week. I can't believe it! I'm going to try and keep the blog updated on a more regular basis. Here's what's happening with us:

Ryan's torticollis has caused him to develop plagiocephaly (flat spot on his head). He has been evaluated for a corrective band also called a helmet. They compare two diameter measurements of the skull and compare them. His measurements are 13 mm off. The normal range is 0-6 mm. We return on Aug. 20 for a rescan and will make a final decision on treatment at that time.

Daycare starts tomorrow. I'm sure I'll be a wreck but baby will be fine. I know that! I will try to stay busy getting my classroom ready for the new school year. The students start on the 19th. My goal is for him to stay through lunch time.

Ryan is a wonderful, happy funny baby. He is eating rice cereal with gusto and enjoys sitting up with help. He babbles quite a bit and sounds like he's saying "day, day, day, day."

I need to get some pictures up soon.

Hello Clean Car Seat, Goodbye Onesie - WARNING TMI

We had quite a weekend. I would like to recap two incidents:

Incident #1: We were all ready to go to the grocery store. Ryan was in his car seat and spit up/threw up all over his car seat. I don't think there was a surface untouched by "cottage cheese." There was no way around the fact that the car seat had to be disassembled and completely washed. It was amazing how many parts there are. Everything went into the wash - seat cover, straps, buckles - you name it. The canopy was the only thing that didn't need to be washed. In the mean time, Ryan got his first ride in the other car seat in the BMW.

Incident #2: Ryan had a truly amazing poop blow-out. It was so bad that we cut his onesie off (thanks for the idea Christina) instead of pulling it up over his head. That onesie was a little small anyway and we really didn't want to spread things around anymore.

I know we're in for many more incidents as parents. We're just trying to keep our sense of humor and take it in stride. The best part is that Ryan smiles and laughs through it all too!

Back on the Blog Again

Wow! It's been awhile. I was looking at the last post. The funny thing is that on the same night as it was posted my water broke and Ryan was born the next day.

The last 10 weeks have been something!

I'll catch everyone up with a few highlights and from now on I'll try and be more timely.

Ryan Charles was born at 3:49 p.m. on Feb. 16. He weighed in at 8 lbs. 11 oz. and was 21 inches.

12 hours of labor, two hours of pushing and an epidural and he was out!

Ryan was crammed in and on the big side. The side effect was that he developed torticollis, a contraction of the neck muscle on one side of his neck. He had a pronounced head tilt and only turned one way. He is getting physical therapy and has shown lots of improvement. It did make breast feeding hard and uncomfortable for him. He has developed a preference for bottle feeding. So, I'm pumping and he's getting breast milk by bottle.

We spent several late nights with what we thought was colic. It was later discovered that Ryan is allergic to cow's milk protein which passes into the breast milk he eats. I am now on a dairy-free diet and he is doing great.

Mike and I feel truly blessed by our little guy. He is smiling and laughing a ton. He definitely loves his dad. He smiles and giggles when he sees him in the morning and when he comes home at night. Knock on wood, he's been sleeping 9-10 hours a night for the last two weeks. That helps with everyone's mental health and we can enjoy each others company!

More updates to come and pictures!

Stork Airlines - Update

Ladies and Gentleman in the terminal, could we have your attention please.  

As we are all anxiously awaiting the arrival of Stork Airlines flight 21009, we wanted to let you know that ground control has given the word that this flight appears to still be "delayed".   The flight crew has tried just about every tactic to get the engines going with no avail.   

If the ground crew cannot get the engines working by Tuesday, this flight will be scrubbed and the passengers will be rerouted to Stork Airlines flight 21709, which has a guaranteed take off  for destination Stanford's Lucille Packard Hospital some time on Tuesday. 

Should we get more updates we will let you know.  

We greatly appreciate your patience during this delay.

Stork Airlines

I'm a BAD BAD Blogger

My name is Diane and I'm a bad blogger.  It's been almost a month since my last post.

I made it through the 100th day of school and then some.  Today was my last day of work.  I'm excited to be focussing on baby now and I'm totally at ease with my long-term sub who will be teaching the rest of the year for me.  

I still need to pack my hospital bag.  The baby's bag is packed.  If you know Mike, you know that his bag is also packed.  Car seats have been professionally installed.  I think we're ready.  

As of last Monday, I'm 1 cm and 75% effaced.  No real contractions yet.  I have another appointment on Monday.  We might know more then.  I will post pictures of the finished baby room this week as long as I don't go into labor.  

WOW!

My wonderful friends, Carole, Carrie, Janelle and Jen threw me a great baby shower yesterday.  I am really blessed to have such great friends and to be able to work with them too.  They went above and beyond - could have fed an army.  Thank goodness though - I didn't have time for dinner before breast feeding class.  I think most everyone from school came and I was totally overwhelmed by their generosity.  One of the best parts was reading their advice and name suggestions.  I don't think we'll take Trish's suggestion of Algonquin though.

The parents of my students also put on a  baby shower this week.  My class decorated burp clothes, bibs and onesies for the baby.  The best has to be the one with the light saber on it.  I'm lucky to have supportive parents this year and it will be very strange to leave them and their kids mid-year.  

I am now starting to feel a little more ready for B-Dub to arrive.  Not sure about actual labor and delivery but at least we have a car seat so they'll let us take him home!