Weight: 24 lbs, 10 oz
Height: 29.25 inches
Head Circumference: 18.25 inches
 |
| 7/22/2011 Cole's first carousel ride |
Friday, August 12, 2011
It's no surprise to me....
Cole had his 9 month check up today. In much nicer words and with a smile on his face, Dr. Jimmy said that Cole is fat, needs to go on a diet, and needs to exercise. Oh well, who cares! My baby can finally hold down his food and is happy - fat and happy!
Weight: 24 lbs, 10 oz
Height: 29.25 inches
Head Circumference: 18.25 inches
Weight: 24 lbs, 10 oz
Height: 29.25 inches
Head Circumference: 18.25 inches
Sunday, June 26, 2011
The Spit Up-Date - Part 2
We are amost two weeks post Upper GI test. The test results were 'normal.' It didn't even show that he has reflux - which I could have told them that he wouldn't spit up if they fed him while he was lying down. Of course, 'normal' is good - but it doesn't explain why he is such a horrid spitter.
Currently, we are holding off on a visit to the pediatric GI. Dr. Jimmy was trying to get us into see one because on one occasion Cole spit up his Prevacid 9 hours after he took it - which is very concerning to us. But, since the Upper GI test, Cole has been doing much, much better. Here is just a list of things we've changed in an effort to plug up our leaky faucet:
We are very hopeful that this spitting problem is only temporary, but I still wonder if we shouldn't just go ahead and see the pediatric GI.... The only thing holding me back is that he will have to be scoped - and I don't want him to have to go through that if it isn't needed - I think he will have to have anesthesia for that.....
On a happier note, Cole is sitting up very, very well. I can put him down and leave the room and not worry about him falling over on his head. He is very content to play by himself for a little while as I try to clean up here and there (ie, wash bottles and clothes!). He is starting to try to crawl! ...I am so not ready for him to be crawling.... And, we have a tooth! We can't get a good picture of it, but I'll post one as soon as I get one!
It has been a lazy Sunday afternoon. Both of the boys are asleep - which is not good because it is so late. Jeremy is asleep on the couch. Cole knocked out on a blanket in the living room floor. One minute he was playing and the next he was asleep! I wish bed time was that easy! ...why don't I ever take time for a nap? ...because there is always something for me to do - I've got dirty bottles and clothes in the dryer calling my name right now. ...ear plugs. I think I need some ear plugs!
Currently, we are holding off on a visit to the pediatric GI. Dr. Jimmy was trying to get us into see one because on one occasion Cole spit up his Prevacid 9 hours after he took it - which is very concerning to us. But, since the Upper GI test, Cole has been doing much, much better. Here is just a list of things we've changed in an effort to plug up our leaky faucet:
- We are using bottles: Since Cole is a breast-fed baby, he has never taken a bottle - until recently. So, now for every feeding with the exception of bed-time and night-time feedings, we are using bottles. This has been wonderful! You read about the convenience of breast feeding (no warming or washing of bottles), but breast feeding is really only convenient at night (in my opinion). Bottles have been able to free me! I don't feel so trapped anymore! ...as a side note, can I just say how wonderful the Avent bottles are?! We love these bottles!
- We are supplementing breast milk with soy formula: Cole was hungry. I couldn't supply the demand. So, we supplement with soy formula. I hate spending the money on formula, but at least he is adjusting well to the soy formula. The next step will be the $26 can of alementum formula, which will last no time.... I so hope that we do not have to budget for this expense!
- We are adding rice cereal to each bottle: Cole gets 1 tablespoon of rice cereal for every 2 oz of milk. This seems to have made the biggest difference.
- I am on a no dairy diet: NO DAIRY! Did you hear me?! No ice cream, no cheese, no sour cream, no cottage cheese, no milk, no cream cheese, no butter (gasp!). Do you realize that all of my favorite convenience foods and snacks contain dairy?! There will be no brownies, cakes, cookies, no chocolate, no quick stops through the McDonald's drive thru for a $0.69 cone, no fried chicken (cause they prolly dipped it in milk), no cheese burgers, no popcorn, no Cheez-its. This makes me very sad. VERY, VERY SAD - and hungry! The only thing I've found to snack on are strawberry Pop Tarts and I'm coming close to reaching my limit on those.
- We've backed off on giving him solids: We were shoving jars of baby food down his throat like they were about to expire, but we've realized that he spits up his solids on days that he was able to keep the majority of his bottles down. I feel bad that he's not getting tastier meals than bland, thickened bottles, but he's been doing so well, that I don't want to feed him things that I fear will make him barf ( as little Zack puts it). I think tonight, however, we may start to try to ease back into the solids.
We are very hopeful that this spitting problem is only temporary, but I still wonder if we shouldn't just go ahead and see the pediatric GI.... The only thing holding me back is that he will have to be scoped - and I don't want him to have to go through that if it isn't needed - I think he will have to have anesthesia for that.....
On a happier note, Cole is sitting up very, very well. I can put him down and leave the room and not worry about him falling over on his head. He is very content to play by himself for a little while as I try to clean up here and there (ie, wash bottles and clothes!). He is starting to try to crawl! ...I am so not ready for him to be crawling.... And, we have a tooth! We can't get a good picture of it, but I'll post one as soon as I get one!
It has been a lazy Sunday afternoon. Both of the boys are asleep - which is not good because it is so late. Jeremy is asleep on the couch. Cole knocked out on a blanket in the living room floor. One minute he was playing and the next he was asleep! I wish bed time was that easy! ...why don't I ever take time for a nap? ...because there is always something for me to do - I've got dirty bottles and clothes in the dryer calling my name right now. ...ear plugs. I think I need some ear plugs!
 |
| I am thankful for empty clothes baskets. Thank you, Jeremy, for helping to keep our clothes baskets emptied. |
 |
| I am thankful for trips to the park with my boys. |
 |
| I am thankful for these Avent bottles. |
 |
| I am thankful for amazon.com. I cannot tell you how much money we've saved by buying diapers through the subscribe and save program. Not only are the huggies we buy a deal, but they are delivered for free right to my door step. Finding a box of diapers on my door step is the high light of my day! |
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
The Spit Up-date
Yesterday I said that Cole's spitting up was some better and for the most part that seems to be an accurate statement. However, yesterday after I posted, his spitting up was the worst we'd seen it. He wasn't able to keep his medicine, milk, or solids down - most days are somewhat similar, but yesterday was awful. Last night was also rough; I was finally able to go to bed at 12:30 am - this was after we started the bed time routine at 7:00.
After discussions with the nurse again, we've scheduled an upper GI test for tomorrow morning. Please keep us in your prayers - I hope to not find that there is a problem, but if there is a problem I'd like to be able to find it so we can more effectively treat it. Updates will come.
 |
| I spend my days wiping up puddles. |
Monday, June 13, 2011
Lucky Number Seven
Thursday evening, I did not cook dinner. Jeremy said he was going to take me out to the Blue Ribbon Cafe so I could try their shrimp and grits. I was excited. So, here's my review: Shrimp and Grits - creamy, luscious, fluffy, melts in your mouth; Seafood Bake - cheesy, creamy, makes you feel good. The cheese sauce in my Seafood Bake would make a fantastic mac and cheese. I give the Blue Ribbon Cafe two thumbs up!
Saturday evening, we ate at Wimpies Home Cooking (I think that is their name...). It was just ok. Maybe the hamburger steak isn't their specialty. Or maybe the Powlas family spoiled us on their <awesome> hamburger steak and gravy. We've decided that we'll give Wimpies one more chance, but probably not any time soon.
On our way to the Blue Ribbon Cafe on Thursday I spotted this big, wooden, castle type thing way off on the right. It was raining on our way home so we didn't investigate. On Saturday, I noticed that it was across the street from Wimpies. After we ate, we investigated and found that the big castle thing is a fantastic park! There were swings, slides, sand, monkey bars, tires to crawl through, bridges to cross, rope ladders to climb, and tons of places to crawl into and hide! I see many trips to Scramble Alley (that's its name) in our future!
We put Cole in the baby swing and gently pushed him. It was his first time and he wasn't really all that excited about it - he was actually quite frightened but he calmed down and really came to enjoy it!
So, we've been in Soddy Daisy for three months now and it seems like home. The small town feel is comforting and familiar. We can't go anywhere without someone stopping us to chat or coo at Cole. I've wondered if they are sincerely stopping us to chat or if they are scoping us out because they've never seen us before! (I know how these small towns operate!)
Since we've been here, we've been hit with sickness. Cole has had the stomach virus twice, and Jeremy and I have had it once ourselves. Jeremy had to spend a few days in the hospital after he had it - that virus was some nasty stuff and it affected Jeremy and me differently than it affected Cole. We've been healthy for about 6 weeks now and I hope this streak continues!
Well, I guess healthy is a relative term - Cole's spitting up has been awful and he's been constipated. After a discussion with a nurse at Dr. Jimmy's office last week, Dr. Jimmy changed Cole's medicine. We've also been supplementing Cole's feedings with at least one bottle of formula a day. We realized that Cole was not getting enough to eat - that is why he has been screaming and not able to poop; he needed more liquids in his diet. So with more food and new meds, he has been much happier (and so have we)! He is still spitting up, but for the most part we are not soaking everything in sight anymore. I actually feel like I might be able to take him places or to others' homes and not worry about him ruining something by spewing all over it. This is a first. And it only took 7 months to get there.
Yes, that's right. He's 7 months old! He is sitting up, rolling all over the place, eating solids, jumping in his Johnny Jump Up, hiking his rump in the air in prep for crawling, and "rollin' 'em up"! He loves to eat bananas, any way you give them to him! From a jar or frozen! He loves to take a stroll in his stroller whether we are just walking the cul-de-sac outside or at the mall. He finds it fun to roll off of his blanket onto the hardwood floor (and then he spits up and smears it all over mom's clean floor)! {side story: Yesterday he was in his Johnny Jump Up while I was mopping the kitchen. I always put a rug under the J.J.Up so he doesn't hurt his feet on the hard floor - the J.J.Up is in the door way where the hardwood and the tile meet, so I had to move the rug to mop. Well, he spit up in the floor and then smeared his feet all in it! He looked like he was ice skating! But oh, how happy he was to be sliding all over!) ok, end of side story!} He likes to play pat-a-cake and you'll often find him doing "roll 'em up" when he's playing by himself or when he's supposed to be sleeping. He loves to take a bath and has been sleeping through most nights (in his own bed)!
He is still a big boy. At his 6 month check up he weighed 18 lbs 9 oz and was 26.25 inches long. He is still wearing his 6-9 month clothes, so I think his weight gain has slowed down just a bit but he is definitely getting taller by the week. He is now able to sit in his walker and get some toes on the floor! It won't be long and I'm going to be chasing him all over this house!
 |
| 12 weeks |
 |
| 13 weeks |
Saturday evening, we ate at Wimpies Home Cooking (I think that is their name...). It was just ok. Maybe the hamburger steak isn't their specialty. Or maybe the Powlas family spoiled us on their <awesome> hamburger steak and gravy. We've decided that we'll give Wimpies one more chance, but probably not any time soon.
 |
| 14 weeks |
 |
| 15 weeks old |
 |
| 16 weeks old |
On our way to the Blue Ribbon Cafe on Thursday I spotted this big, wooden, castle type thing way off on the right. It was raining on our way home so we didn't investigate. On Saturday, I noticed that it was across the street from Wimpies. After we ate, we investigated and found that the big castle thing is a fantastic park! There were swings, slides, sand, monkey bars, tires to crawl through, bridges to cross, rope ladders to climb, and tons of places to crawl into and hide! I see many trips to Scramble Alley (that's its name) in our future!
 |
| 17 weeks old - notice the empty house.... Moving day was the same day as Cole's 4 month check up. |
 |
| 18 weeks old |
 |
| 19 weeks old |
 |
| 20 weeks old |
 |
| 21 weeks old |
 |
| 22 weeks old |
 |
| 23 weeks old - Easter Sunday. Cole's face is broken out because I fed him green beans. We stayed at home and there was no Easter Egg Hunt. This was the week of sickness - on this day, Jeremy was in the bed and he spent the next few days in the hospital. |
 |
| 24 weeks old We took time to take his belated Easter pictures since we'd had a rough week before! |
 |
| 25 weeks old |
 |
| 6 months old - professional Olan Mills pic |
 |
| 26 weeks old |
 |
| 27 weeks old |
 |
| 28 weeks old |
 |
| 29 weeks - Eating a frozen banana |
 |
| 30 weeks old - at the park |
He is still a big boy. At his 6 month check up he weighed 18 lbs 9 oz and was 26.25 inches long. He is still wearing his 6-9 month clothes, so I think his weight gain has slowed down just a bit but he is definitely getting taller by the week. He is now able to sit in his walker and get some toes on the floor! It won't be long and I'm going to be chasing him all over this house!
 |
| 7 months old |
Monday, May 9, 2011
Here's To New Beginnings....
Around this same time last year, as we were surprising our families with news of a pregnancy, Jeremy was contemplating applying for a new job with TVA as a training instructor at their Sequoyah Nuclear Plant in Soddy Daisy, Tennessee. With a new addition coming it seemed to be the opportune time to make more 'life changing' decisions. A move to TVA and Soddy Daisy would mean a better work schedule and a closer drive to our families in Alabama. So we said we had nothing to lose, and Jeremy applied and waited....
And waited....
And waited....
And then we got the call for an interview - it was July. Jeremy drove up to Soddy Daisy alone on his single off day during a two week work stretch for his interview and to scope out the potential territory. He loved the vibe he got and the area! ...but was he to get an offer? So, here we were, waiting again... and the whole time we waited, my pregnant belly just got bigger and bigger!
Cole was born November 10th and just a few days after we got home from the hospital, the call came in! Here it was, the long awaited offer! ...but what do we do now?! Decisions, decisions.... We weighed our options - it was clear and yet muddy all at the same time.... but, in the end, we chose to take ahold of new opportunities, and to raise our family in Soddy Daisy, Tennessee.
So, Jeremy's first day with TVA was March 14th. During a mid-February house hunting trip, we found the home of our dreams and closed on our home on March 18th. So, here we are - Tennessee residents.
For me, leaving Augusta was very bittersweet. I was so excited about our new opportunities - the church family we were going to be joining, the beautiful area and scenary, the weather, Jeremy's new schedule (NOT SHIFT WORK), the shorter trip it was going to be to visit family.... But I was so heart broken to be leaving all of my friends - I cried as I drove Cole and myself to meet up with Jeremy in our new hometown. Sometimes we have to make sacrifices to better our families - I knew that if our expectations of Soddy Daisy weren't bloated and fluffy, that not only would Jeremy and I be better Christians and parents, but I believed that as a result, Cole would have a greater chance of being the best Christian and parent he could be one day as well. So far, Soddy Daisy has been a great move for us!
We've had a lot to happen in our lives since we arrived here two months ago. I hope to find time this week to update you all on our current lives. We are doing well and I hope that you are, too!
And waited....
And waited....
And then we got the call for an interview - it was July. Jeremy drove up to Soddy Daisy alone on his single off day during a two week work stretch for his interview and to scope out the potential territory. He loved the vibe he got and the area! ...but was he to get an offer? So, here we were, waiting again... and the whole time we waited, my pregnant belly just got bigger and bigger!
Cole was born November 10th and just a few days after we got home from the hospital, the call came in! Here it was, the long awaited offer! ...but what do we do now?! Decisions, decisions.... We weighed our options - it was clear and yet muddy all at the same time.... but, in the end, we chose to take ahold of new opportunities, and to raise our family in Soddy Daisy, Tennessee.
So, Jeremy's first day with TVA was March 14th. During a mid-February house hunting trip, we found the home of our dreams and closed on our home on March 18th. So, here we are - Tennessee residents.
For me, leaving Augusta was very bittersweet. I was so excited about our new opportunities - the church family we were going to be joining, the beautiful area and scenary, the weather, Jeremy's new schedule (NOT SHIFT WORK), the shorter trip it was going to be to visit family.... But I was so heart broken to be leaving all of my friends - I cried as I drove Cole and myself to meet up with Jeremy in our new hometown. Sometimes we have to make sacrifices to better our families - I knew that if our expectations of Soddy Daisy weren't bloated and fluffy, that not only would Jeremy and I be better Christians and parents, but I believed that as a result, Cole would have a greater chance of being the best Christian and parent he could be one day as well. So far, Soddy Daisy has been a great move for us!
We've had a lot to happen in our lives since we arrived here two months ago. I hope to find time this week to update you all on our current lives. We are doing well and I hope that you are, too!
 |
| May 8, 2011 - Mother's Day Cole is 6 months old. |
Monday, January 31, 2011
You haven't heard the whole story yet....
So, the night my water broke was pretty funny and I've failed to fill you in yet! Here's the whole story.....
So, we'd decided that we'd have Sonic for dinner. So, I had to go pee before we left (you knew I had to say something about peeing - every pregnant story has to include something about the potty!). Well, while in the bathroom, I began to feel nauseous. So, when I got out of the bathroom, I told Jeremy that I really didn't want to throw down a greasy burger, so I started rummaging around the bottom cabinets in search of a can of chicken noodle soup. Well, I didn't find one so I stood and WOW; what was that?! I said, "Oo..., ooo..., OOOO...!" and grabbed the front of my pants! Jeremy said, "Did you pee on yourself?!" I took off toward the bathroom and it happened again.... I said, "Do you really think I peed on myself when I just went to the bathroom?!"
Ok, so fast forward about 10 minutes and we are still trying to figure out whether my water has broken or not... The books say it will be a small gush, and I wasn't sure that it was a small gush or not, but I wasn't sure what it was if it wasn't my water breaking.... So, I'm laying down and standing up repeatedly trying to get it to happen again, and realized that I'd not seen Jer in a few minutes. So, I went to look for him. You'll never guess what he was doing.... HE WAS CLEANING TOILETS! Yes, that's what I said, cleaning toilets! So, I stood in the hallway laughing at him because he was nesting and then realized that I could walk - my hip had been in such pain for a week and a half- and then I laughed harder! ..and he laughed, and we just had a good 'ole time right there in the hallway!
But then there was still the question, "What do we do? Did your water break or not?" So, we made a few phone calls and finished packing the bags and decided to head on to the hospital.
Ok, so, remember what we were doing when this all started? That's right, we were discussing dinner. So, fast forward another 10 minutes and we're pulling into the McDonalds drive thru! Yes, that's right, McDonalds! I didn't eat anything just in case the anesthesia made me sick, but Jer did! And of all things, he HAD to have a McRib ('cause you know they were only for a limited time!) Well, you cannot eat a McRib and drive.... So, I'm steering the car that is taking me to the hospital because I'm in labor.... and, can I just say that that McRib stunk so bad and everytime he put his hands close to me, I could still smell the BBQ sauce! YUCK!
Alright, if you want to read about the labor part, you can read my post from November.
Now, fast forward about 12 hours.... Our families had driven all night and had finally made it to the hospital. Little did they know, they were in for a culture shock! The gypsy's were also having a baby that day! I've heard that everywhere you turned there were gypsy women and girls! I didn't see it that day, but I have seen them on another occasion at the hospital. ...that's all I'm going to say about that, because apparently they read about themselves on the internet... Here is a blog entry I found so that those who don't know about them can catch up! http://stillstandingforhim.blogspot.com/2008/02/irish-travelin.html
Oh, the memories we've made!
So, we'd decided that we'd have Sonic for dinner. So, I had to go pee before we left (you knew I had to say something about peeing - every pregnant story has to include something about the potty!). Well, while in the bathroom, I began to feel nauseous. So, when I got out of the bathroom, I told Jeremy that I really didn't want to throw down a greasy burger, so I started rummaging around the bottom cabinets in search of a can of chicken noodle soup. Well, I didn't find one so I stood and WOW; what was that?! I said, "Oo..., ooo..., OOOO...!" and grabbed the front of my pants! Jeremy said, "Did you pee on yourself?!" I took off toward the bathroom and it happened again.... I said, "Do you really think I peed on myself when I just went to the bathroom?!"
Ok, so fast forward about 10 minutes and we are still trying to figure out whether my water has broken or not... The books say it will be a small gush, and I wasn't sure that it was a small gush or not, but I wasn't sure what it was if it wasn't my water breaking.... So, I'm laying down and standing up repeatedly trying to get it to happen again, and realized that I'd not seen Jer in a few minutes. So, I went to look for him. You'll never guess what he was doing.... HE WAS CLEANING TOILETS! Yes, that's what I said, cleaning toilets! So, I stood in the hallway laughing at him because he was nesting and then realized that I could walk - my hip had been in such pain for a week and a half- and then I laughed harder! ..and he laughed, and we just had a good 'ole time right there in the hallway!
But then there was still the question, "What do we do? Did your water break or not?" So, we made a few phone calls and finished packing the bags and decided to head on to the hospital.
Ok, so, remember what we were doing when this all started? That's right, we were discussing dinner. So, fast forward another 10 minutes and we're pulling into the McDonalds drive thru! Yes, that's right, McDonalds! I didn't eat anything just in case the anesthesia made me sick, but Jer did! And of all things, he HAD to have a McRib ('cause you know they were only for a limited time!) Well, you cannot eat a McRib and drive.... So, I'm steering the car that is taking me to the hospital because I'm in labor.... and, can I just say that that McRib stunk so bad and everytime he put his hands close to me, I could still smell the BBQ sauce! YUCK!
Alright, if you want to read about the labor part, you can read my post from November.
Now, fast forward about 12 hours.... Our families had driven all night and had finally made it to the hospital. Little did they know, they were in for a culture shock! The gypsy's were also having a baby that day! I've heard that everywhere you turned there were gypsy women and girls! I didn't see it that day, but I have seen them on another occasion at the hospital. ...that's all I'm going to say about that, because apparently they read about themselves on the internet... Here is a blog entry I found so that those who don't know about them can catch up! http://stillstandingforhim.blogspot.com/2008/02/irish-travelin.html
Oh, the memories we've made!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Wowza!
Where has the time gone?! Ok, before we talk about that, can I just say that I am the best wife Jeremy Bailey has ever had?! I, yes, I, cooked him breakfast before he left for work yesterday morning! ...scrambled eggs and microwave pancakes... It was the first time in our marriage that I have ever cooked breakfast before he left for work - it may never happen again, so he better have cherished the moment!
Ok, so back to what you all want to hear about - WE GOT A CAT! We named her Melba. She's a house cat and uses the litter box nicely, which I am just tickled about! She is the most beautiful black and white cat I've ever seen, with long hair and a big fluffy tail! I just love her to death! We let her eat off of our good dishes and sleep on our bed. We will be taking her to church with us on Sunday so that she can hear about God. ...ok, ha, you got me - I'm a liar! ...but I bet that I sure had some of you going! We aren't really going to take her into church, we'll just leave her in the car so that everyone can see her when they leave!
And now what you've all been waiting for.... DRUM ROLL! (...and I've just got to throw this in there.... "Eddie, I wouldn't be more surprised if I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet." ...love that movie!) Cole is now 11 weeks old! There, I said it; are you happy? What? More? You gotta be kidding me!
So a lot has happened since my last post. We've got reflux. We've got Zantac (which by the way, only costs me $5, but the receipt says that my insurance saved me $75! GASP!). We've gained weight which means we're wearing bigger diapers. Oh, you want me to start at the top... pushy, pushy, you....
So we enjoyed our white Christmas in Alabama. And, yes, it really snowed on Christmas Day. James Spann, one of our heroes, said that it was the first time Alabama had ever had a white Christmas in the history of the record books, but some of us remember at least a Christmas Eve in which there was snow and ice present- I remember this because I fell up (yes, UP) the steps at my grandparents' house. So, anyway, Cole's first Christmas was a white one. The grandparents and aunt loved and kissed all over Cole while he was there and when we brought him home, he. was. rotten. Any semblance of a schedule was eradicated. Gone. Zilch. Nada.
So the first week after the spoilage, we had to go to the doctor because Cole's ears were seeping yellowish goo from the lobe and behind the ear. He basically has eczema really bad. We were prescribed an antibiotic ointment and were advised to grease him up with Aquaphor to keep him supple. (Ok, so the doc didn't actually use those words... apparently my vocab is superb when I'm sleep deprived. Guess that's why I had good grades in my lit and writing classes.... However, my spelling is not so superb, so thank you spell check!) During this week, his sleeping habits only exhibited themselves during the daylight hours and his spitting up increased dramatically from the amount it had been in previous weeks. I attributed this to him being fussy about his ears. (At this appt he weighed 13 lbs 1 oz.)
So the next week, when his ear issues were cleared up, he was still fussy and the spitting up was awful! Jeremy called one evening on his way home from work and I told him we had a 'puke fountain.' His carpool guys thought that one was funny...! Oh, if they'd been here to see it! So that night, there was no sleeping going on for Cole and me. It was just not going to happen. Everytime I did get him to fall asleep, he'd sense that I was going to put him down and so he'd either pop his eyes open and look around or he'd puke; or he'd do both... This was also the week that my clothes washer broke. Oh joy. A puke fest and a broken washer = fun and resourseful times. Yay me! NOT! So on that Thursday morning, Jeremy came in to say bye before he left for work and Cole and I were so pitiful that he stayed home from work! I was probably worse off than Cole was - Jeremy told me to go to bed, so I did - no argument from this one! And he tended to Cole for a few hours, which ended up being easy peasy because Cole was finally ready to sleep! Cole went to the doc that day and that is when the Zantac was prescribed. (At this appt he weighed 13 lbs 8 oz.) That Thursday night and Friday were a new experience for me - I had a totally different child on my hands! He slept without grunting and tossing. He ate without puking. And, we had clean clothes because the washer was delivered (and I thought we were going to wear it out that weekend!)
So then the next week was his two month check up. He got a good report (of couse, because this was the third week in a row we'd seen the doc!) He weighed 13 lbs, 8 oz which was the 90th percentile for his age (so he didn't gain any weight over this week) and he was 23.25 inches long, which was the 60th percentile. He is a big boy! That was two weeks ago and I can tell that he is even bigger now. We are bumping up to a size 2 diaper - we had an extracurricular bath yesterday, so there will be no more size one diapers used in this house after the rest of this small pack is used up. ...again, yay me.... I've also been looking through his 3-6 month clothes to see what we have and what needs to be washed. He wore one of his 3-6 month sleepers yesterday and it fit him pretty well, which surprised me!
Ok, ok, ok... I must confess.... We aren't taking Melba to church. We don't let her sleep on our bed or eat off of our good dishes. Melba doesn't have a big fluffy tail and she isn't quite as beautiful as I've made her out to be. Hmm... I might even say that she isn't even the least bit on the pretty side.
Cole has become very sociable over the last few weeks. He coos and squeals all the time and loves to play with his hanging toys. He is also becoming very independent. He will lay in his crib and have a morning chat with himself before he calls for me to come and get him to eat. One day this week his chat lasted an hour! He will also play by himself and have just the best time swatting at his toys! He has started to self soothe by sucking on his hand and fingers. One morning I caught him acutally sucking his thumb! He has also started putting himself asleep at nap time - if we could only get him to do this at night!
Jeremy's schedule has changed at work and he no longer has to work nights! His new schedule has rocked my world but I'm getting used to it and what a pleasant change it is to have him home every evening and every weekend! I think Cole is enjoying it, too! Wednesday evening Jeremy came through the door calling Cole and his little eyes lit up so! He was excited to see his daddy!
Well, actually, I've not been honest with you... we don't even have a cat. I just made up that whole story about Melba!
Ok, so back to what you all want to hear about - WE GOT A CAT! We named her Melba. She's a house cat and uses the litter box nicely, which I am just tickled about! She is the most beautiful black and white cat I've ever seen, with long hair and a big fluffy tail! I just love her to death! We let her eat off of our good dishes and sleep on our bed. We will be taking her to church with us on Sunday so that she can hear about God. ...ok, ha, you got me - I'm a liar! ...but I bet that I sure had some of you going! We aren't really going to take her into church, we'll just leave her in the car so that everyone can see her when they leave!
And now what you've all been waiting for.... DRUM ROLL! (...and I've just got to throw this in there.... "Eddie, I wouldn't be more surprised if I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet." ...love that movie!) Cole is now 11 weeks old! There, I said it; are you happy? What? More? You gotta be kidding me!
 |
| 11 weeks old and already hogging the remote! He is wearing a 3-6 month sleeper in this pic. |
So a lot has happened since my last post. We've got reflux. We've got Zantac (which by the way, only costs me $5, but the receipt says that my insurance saved me $75! GASP!). We've gained weight which means we're wearing bigger diapers. Oh, you want me to start at the top... pushy, pushy, you....
So we enjoyed our white Christmas in Alabama. And, yes, it really snowed on Christmas Day. James Spann, one of our heroes, said that it was the first time Alabama had ever had a white Christmas in the history of the record books, but some of us remember at least a Christmas Eve in which there was snow and ice present- I remember this because I fell up (yes, UP) the steps at my grandparents' house. So, anyway, Cole's first Christmas was a white one. The grandparents and aunt loved and kissed all over Cole while he was there and when we brought him home, he. was. rotten. Any semblance of a schedule was eradicated. Gone. Zilch. Nada.
 |
| Christmas Eve |
 |
| Christmas Eve - Maw Maw and Paw Paw Posey's first meeting with Cole! |
 |
| Christmas Eve - 5 generations: Great Great Grandfather Pugh, Maw Maw Posey, Grandmommy Wells, Jess, and Cole |
 |
| Christmas Eve - Cousins meeting for the first time: Will, born September 6th, and Cole, born November 10th. |
 |
| Christmas Eve - Playing together already... or fighting, you decide! |
 |
| Christmas Day - Our white Christmas was just beginning! |
 |
| Christmas Day - in our pajamas to open gifts from Santa! |
 |
| Christmas Day - all tuckered out! |
 |
| Christmas Ninja! |
So the first week after the spoilage, we had to go to the doctor because Cole's ears were seeping yellowish goo from the lobe and behind the ear. He basically has eczema really bad. We were prescribed an antibiotic ointment and were advised to grease him up with Aquaphor to keep him supple. (Ok, so the doc didn't actually use those words... apparently my vocab is superb when I'm sleep deprived. Guess that's why I had good grades in my lit and writing classes.... However, my spelling is not so superb, so thank you spell check!) During this week, his sleeping habits only exhibited themselves during the daylight hours and his spitting up increased dramatically from the amount it had been in previous weeks. I attributed this to him being fussy about his ears. (At this appt he weighed 13 lbs 1 oz.)
 |
| 5 weeks old |
 |
| 5 weeks old - upset that Momma had to go to the doctor! |
So the next week, when his ear issues were cleared up, he was still fussy and the spitting up was awful! Jeremy called one evening on his way home from work and I told him we had a 'puke fountain.' His carpool guys thought that one was funny...! Oh, if they'd been here to see it! So that night, there was no sleeping going on for Cole and me. It was just not going to happen. Everytime I did get him to fall asleep, he'd sense that I was going to put him down and so he'd either pop his eyes open and look around or he'd puke; or he'd do both... This was also the week that my clothes washer broke. Oh joy. A puke fest and a broken washer = fun and resourseful times. Yay me! NOT! So on that Thursday morning, Jeremy came in to say bye before he left for work and Cole and I were so pitiful that he stayed home from work! I was probably worse off than Cole was - Jeremy told me to go to bed, so I did - no argument from this one! And he tended to Cole for a few hours, which ended up being easy peasy because Cole was finally ready to sleep! Cole went to the doc that day and that is when the Zantac was prescribed. (At this appt he weighed 13 lbs 8 oz.) That Thursday night and Friday were a new experience for me - I had a totally different child on my hands! He slept without grunting and tossing. He ate without puking. And, we had clean clothes because the washer was delivered (and I thought we were going to wear it out that weekend!)
 |
| 6 weeks - the cutest SOCKS ever! |
 |
| 6 weeks old - spending time with Aunt Mandy |
So then the next week was his two month check up. He got a good report (of couse, because this was the third week in a row we'd seen the doc!) He weighed 13 lbs, 8 oz which was the 90th percentile for his age (so he didn't gain any weight over this week) and he was 23.25 inches long, which was the 60th percentile. He is a big boy! That was two weeks ago and I can tell that he is even bigger now. We are bumping up to a size 2 diaper - we had an extracurricular bath yesterday, so there will be no more size one diapers used in this house after the rest of this small pack is used up. ...again, yay me.... I've also been looking through his 3-6 month clothes to see what we have and what needs to be washed. He wore one of his 3-6 month sleepers yesterday and it fit him pretty well, which surprised me!
 |
| 7 weeks old - excited that Daddy is home! |
 |
| 7 weeks old - loving bath time with Mommy! |
 |
| 7 weeks old - cutest Charlie Brown ever |
 |
| 7 weeks old |
Ok, ok, ok... I must confess.... We aren't taking Melba to church. We don't let her sleep on our bed or eat off of our good dishes. Melba doesn't have a big fluffy tail and she isn't quite as beautiful as I've made her out to be. Hmm... I might even say that she isn't even the least bit on the pretty side.
 |
| 8 weeks old |
Cole has become very sociable over the last few weeks. He coos and squeals all the time and loves to play with his hanging toys. He is also becoming very independent. He will lay in his crib and have a morning chat with himself before he calls for me to come and get him to eat. One day this week his chat lasted an hour! He will also play by himself and have just the best time swatting at his toys! He has started to self soothe by sucking on his hand and fingers. One morning I caught him acutally sucking his thumb! He has also started putting himself asleep at nap time - if we could only get him to do this at night!
 |
| 9 weeks old - we didn't make it out of the house in this outfit... he puked on it when we put him in his carseat! yay me! |
 |
| 9 weeks old - stylin' and profilin' |
 |
| 9 weeks old - look at my chunky legs and gut! |
Jeremy's schedule has changed at work and he no longer has to work nights! His new schedule has rocked my world but I'm getting used to it and what a pleasant change it is to have him home every evening and every weekend! I think Cole is enjoying it, too! Wednesday evening Jeremy came through the door calling Cole and his little eyes lit up so! He was excited to see his daddy!
 |
| 10 weeks old - sucking on my hand is my new favorite thing to do |
 |
| 10 weeks old - look how long I am! |
 |
| 10 weeks old - BOO! |
 |
| 10 weeks old - Daddy took me for a walk outside in the yard and I feel asleep before we got back inside.... |
 |
| 10 weeks old - I love my swing! Momma loves my socks! |
Well, actually, I've not been honest with you... we don't even have a cat. I just made up that whole story about Melba!
 |
| 11 weeks old - playing with my hanging toys |
 |
| 11 weeks old |