Friday, January 30, 2009
Have You Ever Noticed...
So, have you ever noticed that Tristan has natural cherry red lips? I noticed this before and have had a few poeple comment to me about it in the past but after I snapped this picture the other day I couldn't help but realize how colored they are! Too bad he's not a girl...he'd never have to wear lipstick!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
All About Parker - Part 3
The third installment of the "All About Parker" series is here!!
The Eating Machine
Parker loves to EAT! He still nurses about 4 times a day, but is, and has been, into food ever since we started him on solids. He definitely prefers his solid food over milk. And now he seems to favor foods he can feed himself over spoon-fed food.
Around 7 months (the beginning of December) I started giving him a few self feeding foods and he really took to the idea. I really want him to have a good relationship with food....I know this might sound weird, but Tristan is a super picky eater and I feel like maybe if I had exposed him to more foods early on (other than baby food...he was a great baby food eater) he wouldn't be this way. I tended to not give Tristan as many finger foods when he was littler for a few reasons: 1) he was my first and I was following the "book", 2) I was afraid he was going to choke and 3) I didn't want him to get super messy every time he ate.
With Parker I don't have as many "fears" and I now know what a "mess" can truly be and he doesn't rank up there yet! So that being said, Parker has been enjoying finger foods. He has had peas, carrots, pears, peaches, apples (all soft and diced), Chex rice ceral, rice krispie bar, cinnamon roll (minus the topping), waffles, Gerber puffs and other Gerber finger foods, mashed potatoes, sweet potato fries, vanilla wafers...basically I have been giving him pieces of what I am eating as long as it is soft enough and something he can reasonably eat.
The vanilla wafers were not my doing, they were actually his. One day Tristan had a small bowl of vanilla wafers in the living room for his snack and Parker got a hold of one and gnawed it down. I didn't realize it until about halfway through and by then figured he was okay to eat it. Obviously, the majority of his food is still baby food, which he definitely has preferences toward. He pretty much loves any kind of fruit and is not a huge fan of vegetables...UGH! He started out likeing all the yellow vegetables and wasn't too keen on the greens but now has started to not be such a big fan of the yellows either!
I guess the hardest part about the food thing is he has some allergy issues to deal with. I mentioned a while back that we also had him allergy tested but I never told you guys the results. According to the test, which has a 1-5 scale, 5 be the highest, Parker is allergic to cow's milk (4), peanuts (4), whole wheat (3), and eggs (2). I was extremely freaked out by these results but have since seen a really great allergist that has helped me calm some of fears and explain some things. I thought he wasn't going to be able to eat anything but he seems to be handling breads (which contain wheat flour) fine and doesn't have any skin reactions for the most part. We are taking things one day at a time and just trying things to see what his reaction will be and he may grown out of some of these allergies. For obvious reasons, we are staying away from peanuts (only 20% of people outgrow a peanut allergy and they can be extremely dangerous) and eggs which he couldn't have until he was 1 anyhow. Eggs in baked goods seem to be okay for right now. When he turn 1 he will go on soy milk instead of cow's milk.
He has a follow-up appointment in a few months with the allergist and more than likely he will be re-tested in a year, so until then we are just trying out foods and all seems to be going well!
Here's a few pictures and some video of my little eating machine!
A happy, and clean, shot of him prior to any self feeding!
He got a lot in his mouth, but a lot on him and his bib too!
The Eating Machine
Parker loves to EAT! He still nurses about 4 times a day, but is, and has been, into food ever since we started him on solids. He definitely prefers his solid food over milk. And now he seems to favor foods he can feed himself over spoon-fed food.
Around 7 months (the beginning of December) I started giving him a few self feeding foods and he really took to the idea. I really want him to have a good relationship with food....I know this might sound weird, but Tristan is a super picky eater and I feel like maybe if I had exposed him to more foods early on (other than baby food...he was a great baby food eater) he wouldn't be this way. I tended to not give Tristan as many finger foods when he was littler for a few reasons: 1) he was my first and I was following the "book", 2) I was afraid he was going to choke and 3) I didn't want him to get super messy every time he ate.
With Parker I don't have as many "fears" and I now know what a "mess" can truly be and he doesn't rank up there yet! So that being said, Parker has been enjoying finger foods. He has had peas, carrots, pears, peaches, apples (all soft and diced), Chex rice ceral, rice krispie bar, cinnamon roll (minus the topping), waffles, Gerber puffs and other Gerber finger foods, mashed potatoes, sweet potato fries, vanilla wafers...basically I have been giving him pieces of what I am eating as long as it is soft enough and something he can reasonably eat.
The vanilla wafers were not my doing, they were actually his. One day Tristan had a small bowl of vanilla wafers in the living room for his snack and Parker got a hold of one and gnawed it down. I didn't realize it until about halfway through and by then figured he was okay to eat it. Obviously, the majority of his food is still baby food, which he definitely has preferences toward. He pretty much loves any kind of fruit and is not a huge fan of vegetables...UGH! He started out likeing all the yellow vegetables and wasn't too keen on the greens but now has started to not be such a big fan of the yellows either!
I guess the hardest part about the food thing is he has some allergy issues to deal with. I mentioned a while back that we also had him allergy tested but I never told you guys the results. According to the test, which has a 1-5 scale, 5 be the highest, Parker is allergic to cow's milk (4), peanuts (4), whole wheat (3), and eggs (2). I was extremely freaked out by these results but have since seen a really great allergist that has helped me calm some of fears and explain some things. I thought he wasn't going to be able to eat anything but he seems to be handling breads (which contain wheat flour) fine and doesn't have any skin reactions for the most part. We are taking things one day at a time and just trying things to see what his reaction will be and he may grown out of some of these allergies. For obvious reasons, we are staying away from peanuts (only 20% of people outgrow a peanut allergy and they can be extremely dangerous) and eggs which he couldn't have until he was 1 anyhow. Eggs in baked goods seem to be okay for right now. When he turn 1 he will go on soy milk instead of cow's milk.
He has a follow-up appointment in a few months with the allergist and more than likely he will be re-tested in a year, so until then we are just trying out foods and all seems to be going well!
Here's a few pictures and some video of my little eating machine!
A happy, and clean, shot of him prior to any self feeding!
Chowing down on some Zwieback toast
He got a lot in his mouth, but a lot on him and his bib too!
Look at the determination in his face to get those pieces
I think he got one
All that is left are those far away ones...he's trying to get them
I think he got one
Yep, in the mouth!
Taking a break to look at Mommy
Taking a break to look at Mommy
All that is left are those far away ones...he's trying to get them
Trying to drink his sippy cup
Fun video
This video is hilarious...he ATTACKS the puffs every time!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Swing, Batter Batter, Swing
Tristan got a Little Tikes t-ball set from his aunt and uncle for Christmas and absolutely LOVES it! Although he mistakenly calls the bat a golf club sometimes, he sure knows how to hit it like a bat. Check him out in these couple of videos...it still amazes me how coordinated he is since I am such the opposite!!!
Friday, January 23, 2009
You Tell Me
I can't seem to figure out what color I think Parker's eyes are so maybe you guys can help me out. Up until a few weeks ago I thought they were going to stay blue, not a bright see them from the street blue but more of a dark subtle blue, but now I just don't know.
Sometimes I still see that blue, but some times they look grayish, other times I think they are turning brown, then still other times I see greeny hazel and a lot of times I see that dark blue but with a hazel brown center and flecks. It also depends a lot on how close up to him I am or the lighting (as evidenced in a lot of his photos). I think eye color is supposed to set in by 9 months and we're just two weeks away from that so hopefully his eyes will pick a color and stay! Check out these couple of snaps from a few weeks ago and let me know what you think. If you click the picture it will enlarge so you can get a better look.
And, don't worry another "All About Parker" post is coming up soon.
Sometimes I still see that blue, but some times they look grayish, other times I think they are turning brown, then still other times I see greeny hazel and a lot of times I see that dark blue but with a hazel brown center and flecks. It also depends a lot on how close up to him I am or the lighting (as evidenced in a lot of his photos). I think eye color is supposed to set in by 9 months and we're just two weeks away from that so hopefully his eyes will pick a color and stay! Check out these couple of snaps from a few weeks ago and let me know what you think. If you click the picture it will enlarge so you can get a better look.
And, don't worry another "All About Parker" post is coming up soon.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
All About Parker - Part 2
Are you ready for your next dose of Parker? There's no video but bunches of pictures, enjoy!
A Total Momma's Boy
So, I finally have MY baby! As you know, Tristan is a total Daddy's boy and pretty much always has been. But, Parker is all about MOMMY! He's just now starting to go to other people...for the longest time if anyone else was holding him he'd pretty much cry if he saw me or heard my voice but as soon as I grabbed he'd be perfectly quiet and happy as can be. Up until a few weeks ago if I was holding him he'd never put his arms out to go to anyone (and he still rarely does but it has happened recently that he wanted to got to Victor). And if anyone else was holding him and I came near him he'd automatically reach his arms out to me.
A sight I have become used to
I have to say, I absolutely LOVE it! I love having a child that is all about me...I am sure it will change as he gets older but I am going to relish in it now while it lasts!
Mommy lovin' on Baby Park
Two goofballs
Aahhh, there's a good one
Even better, we're smiling
Are you tired of us yet?
Did I mention I just LOVE this little guy? And I think he likes me too!
Happy, happy
Alright, this is the last one, I promise
The Chewer
Parker has been drooling and chewing on anything he could get his hands on since about 3 months. It didn't matter what it was, he'd chew on it. I actually think it was him that caused my cell phone to stop working earlier this week. I took it in to the Sprint Store since it kept powering off and they told me that water had gotten into the battery. I knew it hadn't been dropped or submerged in any water and the only thing I could think of was that when Park gets a hold of my phone it goes straight to his mouth, along with all the slobber and drool! Funny, I would have thought Tristan would be the first of the two of them to break a cell phone!!
Chewing his duck
Trying to figure out how to get the whole thing in his mouth
A Total Momma's Boy
So, I finally have MY baby! As you know, Tristan is a total Daddy's boy and pretty much always has been. But, Parker is all about MOMMY! He's just now starting to go to other people...for the longest time if anyone else was holding him he'd pretty much cry if he saw me or heard my voice but as soon as I grabbed he'd be perfectly quiet and happy as can be. Up until a few weeks ago if I was holding him he'd never put his arms out to go to anyone (and he still rarely does but it has happened recently that he wanted to got to Victor). And if anyone else was holding him and I came near him he'd automatically reach his arms out to me.
A sight I have become used to
I have to say, I absolutely LOVE it! I love having a child that is all about me...I am sure it will change as he gets older but I am going to relish in it now while it lasts!
Mommy lovin' on Baby Park
Two goofballs
Aahhh, there's a good one
Even better, we're smiling
Are you tired of us yet?
Did I mention I just LOVE this little guy? And I think he likes me too!
Happy, happy
Alright, this is the last one, I promise
The Chewer
Parker has been drooling and chewing on anything he could get his hands on since about 3 months. It didn't matter what it was, he'd chew on it. I actually think it was him that caused my cell phone to stop working earlier this week. I took it in to the Sprint Store since it kept powering off and they told me that water had gotten into the battery. I knew it hadn't been dropped or submerged in any water and the only thing I could think of was that when Park gets a hold of my phone it goes straight to his mouth, along with all the slobber and drool! Funny, I would have thought Tristan would be the first of the two of them to break a cell phone!!
Chewing his duck
Trying to figure out how to get the whole thing in his mouth
Nope, still not working
Giving it the good ole fashioned college try, but he just can't find a way to fit that whole duck in his mouth!
A boppy pillow...hey, whatever works right?
Of course, the remote
One of his favorite things to chew
Socks...not sure how comforting these are on his gums
But, if he has them on he pulls them right off and sticks them in his mouth
I've reached the point that I dodn't even put them on anymore unless we are going outside and he has to have them
Showing off his bare feet
Giving it the good ole fashioned college try, but he just can't find a way to fit that whole duck in his mouth!
Chewing on a toy
A boppy pillow...hey, whatever works right?
Of course, the remote
One of his favorite things to chew
Not sure if he is chewing or licking it, but he's for sure trying to get it in his mouth!
Socks...not sure how comforting these are on his gums
But, if he has them on he pulls them right off and sticks them in his mouth
I've reached the point that I dodn't even put them on anymore unless we are going outside and he has to have them
Showing off his bare feet
With all the drooling and chewing I was sure that he was going to have a tooth by at least 6 months, although I wasn't looking forward to it because of the nursing thing! Well, 6 months came and went and still no tooth, then 7 months, no tooth. Finally a few days before Christmas I felt his bottom left front tooth poking through his gums...I was so excited when I felt it and then a little worried how it was going to feel if he decided to bite me. I now know how it feels and I can tell you, it's not so good! About 10 days later his bottom right front tooth poked through and now he has two cute little bottom teeth.
Do you see those two little teeth?
I think teeth change the way babies look...not bad, he just looks different, not so babyish!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
All About Parker - Part 1
In an effort to get this blog back up to date I have been putting up a lot of posts with little text and mostly pictures. I have actually been feeling pretty guilty about this since I like to think of this blog as my "digital baby book" for my kiddos where I can document the happenings of their fun-filled little lives and lately I feel like I haven't talked about Parker's wonderful developing personality or told you about all of the new and exciting things he's doing. So, now that I'm caught up from the holidays and all I am going to overload you with a series of posts all about what my little baby has been up to for the last month or two!
All I can say is grab a snack and get ready for a some long posts with my words, pictures and even a little video!
The Happiest Baby on the Block
Parker has to be the happiest baby around. Seriously, he only cries if he wants to be held, is hungry, needs his diaper changed or some other true necessity. He's usually happy in his car seat, the stroller, playing on the floor or just about anywhere else. He loves to play peek-a-boo and has the cutest laugh ...I just love to hear that belly laugh! He is also at the age where he is interested in any and everything. If he is close enough to get his little hands on it then he will for sure grab it...this includes Tristan's milk and juice cups and his snacks. He actually managed to gum/chew down two vanilla wafers yesterday!!!
Lovin' his big yellow balloon
He seriously held onto the balloon string for 30 minutes
He Wants To Be Just Like His Big Brother
Wherever Tristan is at is where Parker wants to be! He LOVES to play with Tristan's toys...so funny to think that I would never have let Tristan play with half the toys Parker plays with at this age. I guess that is just how it goes when you have more than one of them!!
Making some lovely music on Tristan's keyboard
Check out this video of him singing into the microphone
Another VERY Animated Kid
A Huge "Bed Hog"
Yes, Parker is still sleeping in our bed. I know, I know, I'm never going to get him out but I just can't help it, he's such a cuddler and it is so much easier since I am still nursing him. At night he usually falls asleep while I am holding him, so I lay him down on his side facing me and that's where he sleeps all night, most of time, at least. Some nights I lay him in his pack 'n play in our room after he falls asleep but he's usually back in our bed within a couple of hours. I know people say this is a bad habit, but we did it with Tristan, and he's in his bed all night now (most of the time, we do still have an occasional night wakening when gets in bed with us). I think it makes them feel safe, secure and loved...and what could be wrong with that?
The Cutest Baby To Ever Wear A Hat
Aahhh, the hats. I just love a baby in a hat. Tristan was at the great hat wearing age (you know, when they are too too young to constantly pull them off) during the summer and Parker is at this age now during the winter, so I get too break out a whole new set of hats!!! I just love how he looks in a hat...his big bug eyes are the center of attention when that little bald head is all covered up! Unfortunately, he has been pulling off his hats recently so they might soon come to an end...at least I got a few months of hats!
My Loud Mouth Baby
While eating lunch the other day with a friend of mine (who also happens two have two little boys around the same age as mine), she said to me "I think you have the loudest kids I've ever heard"! I could have been offended by this, but completely wasn't because it's probably true! I think it's safe to say that Tristan is loud (he doesn't talk, he screams everythings!), but Parker, oh my gosh, this kid is a squealer! He will shriek at the top of his lungs just to hear his own voice and it's so loud that your ears ring a little bit. He's always babbling and making noises...I think he just likes to hear himself "talk" (refrain from any comments you may be thinking right now).
All I can say is grab a snack and get ready for a some long posts with my words, pictures and even a little video!
The Happiest Baby on the Block
Parker has to be the happiest baby around. Seriously, he only cries if he wants to be held, is hungry, needs his diaper changed or some other true necessity. He's usually happy in his car seat, the stroller, playing on the floor or just about anywhere else. He loves to play peek-a-boo and has the cutest laugh ...I just love to hear that belly laugh! He is also at the age where he is interested in any and everything. If he is close enough to get his little hands on it then he will for sure grab it...this includes Tristan's milk and juice cups and his snacks. He actually managed to gum/chew down two vanilla wafers yesterday!!!
Lovin' his big yellow balloon
He seriously held onto the balloon string for 30 minutes
He Wants To Be Just Like His Big Brother
Wherever Tristan is at is where Parker wants to be! He LOVES to play with Tristan's toys...so funny to think that I would never have let Tristan play with half the toys Parker plays with at this age. I guess that is just how it goes when you have more than one of them!!
Making some lovely music on Tristan's keyboard
Check out this video of him singing into the microphone
Another VERY Animated Kid
As you might (or might not) know, Tristan is so animated and expressive, and I think Parker is going to be the same way. He makes some of the funniest faces you can imagine, especially when eating or seeing/hearing something new. His giant eyes and the change of his eyebrows just give him away.
A Huge "Bed Hog"
Yes, Parker is still sleeping in our bed. I know, I know, I'm never going to get him out but I just can't help it, he's such a cuddler and it is so much easier since I am still nursing him. At night he usually falls asleep while I am holding him, so I lay him down on his side facing me and that's where he sleeps all night, most of time, at least. Some nights I lay him in his pack 'n play in our room after he falls asleep but he's usually back in our bed within a couple of hours. I know people say this is a bad habit, but we did it with Tristan, and he's in his bed all night now (most of the time, we do still have an occasional night wakening when gets in bed with us). I think it makes them feel safe, secure and loved...and what could be wrong with that?
The Cutest Baby To Ever Wear A Hat
Aahhh, the hats. I just love a baby in a hat. Tristan was at the great hat wearing age (you know, when they are too too young to constantly pull them off) during the summer and Parker is at this age now during the winter, so I get too break out a whole new set of hats!!! I just love how he looks in a hat...his big bug eyes are the center of attention when that little bald head is all covered up! Unfortunately, he has been pulling off his hats recently so they might soon come to an end...at least I got a few months of hats!
My Loud Mouth Baby
While eating lunch the other day with a friend of mine (who also happens two have two little boys around the same age as mine), she said to me "I think you have the loudest kids I've ever heard"! I could have been offended by this, but completely wasn't because it's probably true! I think it's safe to say that Tristan is loud (he doesn't talk, he screams everythings!), but Parker, oh my gosh, this kid is a squealer! He will shriek at the top of his lungs just to hear his own voice and it's so loud that your ears ring a little bit. He's always babbling and making noises...I think he just likes to hear himself "talk" (refrain from any comments you may be thinking right now).
For a couple of weeks he LOVED to make that razberry sound with his lips. He would do it all day long whereve he was, so I had to video him one day before Christmas. I am so glad I did because now he rarely does it...he's moved on to new sounds. Enjoy the couple of videos.
Well, that's it for Part 1, keep checking back for the next post all about baby Park!
Well, that's it for Part 1, keep checking back for the next post all about baby Park!
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