Hope you enjoyed your Christmas as much as Max enjoyed his!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Tree-mendous TEN
Whew! 2010 has been a crazy year. But that is definitely a post for another time. For now, here are some Max stats at 10 months (Dec. 12) :
-Max is weighing in at about 15 and a half pounds. His growth has slowed. Could be the increase in solids (fewer calories than milk), the increase in exercise, or just getting older.
-I have a feeling we're going to be stuck in 6-12 month clothes for awhile. I'm puzzled why Carter's has a 6-9 AND 9-12 month size when seemingly the rest of the world groups the clothing sizes into a whopping 6-12 month size. One of the many mysteries of parenthood...
-Still in size 2 diapers, but have tried on the 3s. That lil' tush will be graduating from "swaddlers" to "cruisers" very, very soon.
-Things that have made him belly laugh this month: flying with daddy, dancing with mom and dad, "Jingle Bells," silly noises, Josie doing tricks to earn treats...
-Max wants to get his hands on EVERYTHING! You really have to hold him tight and anticipate his wants when you are holding him. He has definite opinions about what he should be experiencing.
-Max had his first Thanksgiving with my family in Peru, Indiana. We also stayed with my parents in Cicero for a few nights. Max did really well with his new surroundings and new people. It was also exciting to get the baby cousins together (see below!).
A family portrait 11/25/10
He did NOT do so well on the 5+ hour drive home. We stopped at West Baden to check out the tree and to break up the long trip.
-Max saw his first big snow on December 5. He was enamored. We looked out the window at the beautiful flakes and then got bundled up to check it out firsthand. Outside, Max wasn't really sure what to think. We snapped a few pictures and then went back in the warm house.
-We've had some more sleeping struggles. Max started to sleep a lot better at night, but began getting super cranky during nap times. There could be so many reasons for this, from teething to separation anxiety.
-Now that Max can not only sit, but sit steadily for long periods of time, he started taking his baths sitting up in the tub. He HATED it the first time, but really loves it now. He's really interested in bath toys and splashing. We've got some really great pictures, but not so sure we'll sure those ;)
-Max continues to enjoy his solid foods, trying even more flavors (corn, mango, peaches). He also continues to nurse. Consequently, he is having trouble taking a sippy cup from me. He refuses to take a bottle from me also, often looking betrayed if I try. Looks like his daddy may have to teach him all about the sippy cup!
-Max will be 11 months very soon, since I am late with this post. I hope to put up Christmas pictures then! Thanks for your patience and continuing to have an interest in our little miracle man!
-Max is weighing in at about 15 and a half pounds. His growth has slowed. Could be the increase in solids (fewer calories than milk), the increase in exercise, or just getting older.
-I have a feeling we're going to be stuck in 6-12 month clothes for awhile. I'm puzzled why Carter's has a 6-9 AND 9-12 month size when seemingly the rest of the world groups the clothing sizes into a whopping 6-12 month size. One of the many mysteries of parenthood...
-Still in size 2 diapers, but have tried on the 3s. That lil' tush will be graduating from "swaddlers" to "cruisers" very, very soon.
So proud of himself after knocking over his "10 Months" blocks
-Max is SO much fun to play with and talk to. Granted, he has to be in the mood if you're going to have a conversation or garner some giggles. But he has really stretched his vocal skills this month, learning to growl and continuing to practice some shrieks.-Things that have made him belly laugh this month: flying with daddy, dancing with mom and dad, "Jingle Bells," silly noises, Josie doing tricks to earn treats...
-Max wants to get his hands on EVERYTHING! You really have to hold him tight and anticipate his wants when you are holding him. He has definite opinions about what he should be experiencing.
Another favorite activity: standing! (with help)
-Max loves to dance. His favorite form of "dancing" is shaking his head and smiling when listening to a toy's music.-Max had his first Thanksgiving with my family in Peru, Indiana. We also stayed with my parents in Cicero for a few nights. Max did really well with his new surroundings and new people. It was also exciting to get the baby cousins together (see below!).
Max will play with his feet, but has yet to put them in his mouth! Perhaps he's concerned with how the shoes may taste?
Max and cousin Charlotte attempt to ring in the holiday season (much to Charlotte's chagrin)
A family portrait 11/25/10
-Max saw his first big snow on December 5. He was enamored. We looked out the window at the beautiful flakes and then got bundled up to check it out firsthand. Outside, Max wasn't really sure what to think. We snapped a few pictures and then went back in the warm house.
-We've had some more sleeping struggles. Max started to sleep a lot better at night, but began getting super cranky during nap times. There could be so many reasons for this, from teething to separation anxiety.
-Now that Max can not only sit, but sit steadily for long periods of time, he started taking his baths sitting up in the tub. He HATED it the first time, but really loves it now. He's really interested in bath toys and splashing. We've got some really great pictures, but not so sure we'll sure those ;)
-Max continues to enjoy his solid foods, trying even more flavors (corn, mango, peaches). He also continues to nurse. Consequently, he is having trouble taking a sippy cup from me. He refuses to take a bottle from me also, often looking betrayed if I try. Looks like his daddy may have to teach him all about the sippy cup!
-Max will be 11 months very soon, since I am late with this post. I hope to put up Christmas pictures then! Thanks for your patience and continuing to have an interest in our little miracle man!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Naughty and Nice at Nine Months
Oops! Sorry I never posted Max's 9 month post. I felt like it was unfinished...here's the Nov. 12 post, very, very late!
Well Mr. Max has 2 sides now. Generally during the day he is the Nice Max, playing, babbling, and trying new foods. At night, though, watch out! He is no longer the sweet baby that slept 8-9 hours a night. We feel like we've tried everything! The nights he has slept well, he had rolled over to his belly. Hopefully Naughty Max will figure out his days are much more fun with well rested parents and he'll get himself back on track soon. That helps to explain why I'm so late with posting, doesn't it? Tired mommy + housework+ playing with baby= 2 week tardy blog update.
The cliffnotes:
-Max has been trying all kinds of new solids. He is very happy trying new foods and playing with his spoons. The only foods he has really disliked are green beans and carrots.
-After being denied Synagis (the RSV "vaccine") by the insurance company, a wonderful nurse and doctor appealed the decision. Not only will Max get this potentially life saving shot, he will get it at home! A home health nurse administered the shot a few weeks ago, saving us a germy visit to the doctor's office. We are keeping Max out of the public for the winter to help protect him, but he still could be exposed to illnesses through family and friends. We have faith that between Synagis, "quarantine," breastmilk, and good hand washing our baby will stay healthy this winter.
-Max is a real pro at sitting alone now. He does topple occasionally, but isn't really fazed by it. He is also LOVING pulling up on our hands. The look of triumph on his face is priceless! He can balance standing on his musical table or the couch. We credit the Fisher Price Ocean Wonders jumperoo with really building some strong leg muscles ; )
-
Well Mr. Max has 2 sides now. Generally during the day he is the Nice Max, playing, babbling, and trying new foods. At night, though, watch out! He is no longer the sweet baby that slept 8-9 hours a night. We feel like we've tried everything! The nights he has slept well, he had rolled over to his belly. Hopefully Naughty Max will figure out his days are much more fun with well rested parents and he'll get himself back on track soon. That helps to explain why I'm so late with posting, doesn't it? Tired mommy + housework+ playing with baby= 2 week tardy blog update.
The cliffnotes:
-Max has been trying all kinds of new solids. He is very happy trying new foods and playing with his spoons. The only foods he has really disliked are green beans and carrots.
-After being denied Synagis (the RSV "vaccine") by the insurance company, a wonderful nurse and doctor appealed the decision. Not only will Max get this potentially life saving shot, he will get it at home! A home health nurse administered the shot a few weeks ago, saving us a germy visit to the doctor's office. We are keeping Max out of the public for the winter to help protect him, but he still could be exposed to illnesses through family and friends. We have faith that between Synagis, "quarantine," breastmilk, and good hand washing our baby will stay healthy this winter.-Max is a real pro at sitting alone now. He does topple occasionally, but isn't really fazed by it. He is also LOVING pulling up on our hands. The look of triumph on his face is priceless! He can balance standing on his musical table or the couch. We credit the Fisher Price Ocean Wonders jumperoo with really building some strong leg muscles ; )
-
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Extraordinary Eight
I can't believe it's that time again! Max is eight months old! He is such a wonderful baby and more full of personality everyday! Here are some things we are doing/ seeing/ learning now:-Max reaches for everything! He is intensely interested in what things feel and taste like. As a teacher I am very keen on sensory experiences to learn so I let him touch a lot! We just have to be careful to make sure things are clean and safe. He is particularly interested in touching drinking glasses (while we're drinking!), any kind of remote, and couches (especially when being burped). A few weeks ago I didn't know how controlled and motivated Max was to touch things so we had a little shopping moment: I showed him (in what I thought was out of his reach) a crinkly Winnie the Pooh book. He grabbed it and promptly stuck it in his mouth! No!!! That's not ours and I didn't sanitize it! Eeeek! I was equally parts charmed by his zeal and appalled that I enabled his exposure to germs. I have learned my lesson! (And yes, I bought the book.)
Max right before he reached for and knocked over the blocks!
-Max continues to smile and giggle constantly. He finds the simplest things hilarious. From Aunt Ashley clapping her hands like an alligator to Daddy making "num num" noises while eating a snack. I think the key is repetition. I read that babies love repetition because it makes them feel smart and secure. Repetition is easy when the reward is constant baby belly laughs! I swear I made dog woofing noises for an hour the other day because I could not get enough of Max's elation!
Max right before he reached for and knocked over the blocks!-Max can now roll over both ways. He doesn't roll from belly to back often, but is now eager to roll from back to belly. He learned by grabbing my hand and pulling his own weight up. He enjoys tummy time when he can play his light-up piano. Tummy time is still not quite his favorite activity.
-My tiny baby is now sitting up on his own! He is also learning to sit without putting the weight on his arms (in what John dubs the gorilla position). He is starting to reach for things or play with toys while sitting up. He still loses his balance so the Boppy or I are always right there.
Max refusing to be propped against the chair- sitting on his own!
-I am sad to say our house is still not baby-proofed. When your baby is 3 months early, priorities are elsewhere. I know we need to get moving since it is just a matter of time before our go-getter figures out he can roll or army crawl to get around. Any suggestions on how to start this enormous task?
Max refusing to be propped against the chair- sitting on his own!-We have had some stumbles in trying to get Synagis for Max (the RSV "vaccine"). However, a wonderful nurse has helped us in a tremendous way and we should be all set for protecting Max this RSV season.
-We have also had some stumbles in gaining weight this month. Nothing has changed much with Max's diet but he got "stuck" at 13.6 pounds for awhile. We are proud to report he is now 14.2 pounds (14 pounds, 3.6 ounces)! He has also started tasting solids. I say tasting because he doesn't actually eat much. A lot of rice cereal down the chin!
-Max has gone through a few "phases." One week he spent nearly every minute with his tongue hanging out of his mouth (Jordan style!) and the next week he enjoyed screeching loudly (ask Grandma Mary and Grandpa Alan about hearing that one from 5 hours away!). The current fad is "biting" his lower lip. Max sort of tucks his bottom lip under his adorable gums. Can't wait to see what's next!
-Our last outings before RSV-season-induced-quarantine included visiting the Chihuliy glass exhibit at Cheekwood (Nashville) and going to Stanley's pumpkin patch (Hanson). My normally very photogenic baby chose pumpkin patch down to make a lot of "stink faces." He'd wrinkle his noise and contort his mouth. The best pictures we got were sort of straight faced with a rare half smile or two. Maybe it had to do with his "costume"...
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Monday, October 4, 2010
Max meets Charlotte
Max and I made the trek to Fort Wayne, IN this weekend to meet his new cousin Charlotte. Charlotte Leigh was born 2 weeks ago to my sister Allyson and her husband Jesse. We were relieved that she was born full term. It was funny to hold Charlotte this weekend. She is around 6 pounds and felt so light! You would think I would see her as gigantic compared to my February newborn (who was not even half Charlotte's size!). However, when you look at the pictures, you will see why Charlotte seemed so little. Max is such a big baby now! He's had a little trouble gaining weight the last few weeks, but is as happy as ever. He was thrilled to entertain my family this weekend with lots of shrieks, giggles, and coos.
Allyson with Charlotte (11 days old), Colleen with Max (7.5 months)
Max's reaction to his cousin? Cool feet! (Her sleeper had little bears and Max thought they were the best toys!)
The proud grandparents! 2 grandbabies in one year!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Spectacular Seven!
Sunday Max was officially 7 months old (4 months adjusted). We were busy with traveling home from Nashville so didn't get to catch you up. We spent the weekend in Nashville visiting family, shopping, golfing (John), and going to Max's first football game. Max rooted on the Vanderbilt Commodores for about an hour before heading back to get tucked in for the night. John's parents have season tickets and that's how they met Colleen Reilly, a nurse practitioner at the Children's Hospital. Max was her patient for a few weeks in April. It was so great to see her Saturday night. I think she really enjoyed seeing how well Max is growing and getting to hold him too!
Without further ado, info about this month in little man's life:
Max is a VERY social baby. He "talks" often. With all the people he visited with this month, he at least gave a smile to each one (if not also some enthusiastic coos). When he goes shopping with me I get a lot of comments about how "bright-eyed" he is. He is also willing to be held by friends and family alike. Just watch out for random spit-up! Great Uncle Mike got a present all over his arm and shoe when he was holding Max this month!
Max's last weigh in was 13 pounds, 6 ounces. His growth has slowed, but his doctor said that typically happens around 6 months. I think he burns a lot more calories with his activities!
Max's calorie-burning activities include some serious jump time in his jumperoo, bumbo sitting, assisted standing, toy-grabbing, and LUNGING for anything that catches his eye. His favorite "toy"? The TV remote in the kitchen. Almost as soon as you enter the room, he spots the remote, leans his entire body towards it, arms spread wide. He could push the buttons forever.
Maxwell wears 3-6 month clothes. They're still a little large on him, but we make it work. He still wears a combination of sizes 1 and 2 in diapers.
His hat size is 6-12 months. The kid has a big noggin. It's a cute noggin though. It may look bald in most pictures, but he really does have hair. His hair is still pretty blond, but some family members think it is getting darker. The giant bald spot on the back of Max's head is finally sprouting! Hooray!
Max has met his first baby friends. He "played" with Grayson, Aubrey, Addison, and Conner. At the Hasenour house, Max was the youngest. He was fascinated with the other babies, watching them play sitting unassisted or walk.
The newest sound in Max's repertoire is "bbbbb" (think motor noises). One book described this as "razzing." It cracks me up how serious Max is when he makes his new sound. And he doesn't quit quickly, preferring to "razz" until his chin is thick with bubbles.
Max continues to think his daddy is hysterical. A little baby talk can go a long way when it comes from John's mouth. I also discovered that some goofy dancing from mom can also illicit some belly laughs.
I'll leave you with a few of Max's 6 month photos, taken by C-rich Photography.
Without further ado, info about this month in little man's life:
Max is a VERY social baby. He "talks" often. With all the people he visited with this month, he at least gave a smile to each one (if not also some enthusiastic coos). When he goes shopping with me I get a lot of comments about how "bright-eyed" he is. He is also willing to be held by friends and family alike. Just watch out for random spit-up! Great Uncle Mike got a present all over his arm and shoe when he was holding Max this month!
Max's last weigh in was 13 pounds, 6 ounces. His growth has slowed, but his doctor said that typically happens around 6 months. I think he burns a lot more calories with his activities!
Max's calorie-burning activities include some serious jump time in his jumperoo, bumbo sitting, assisted standing, toy-grabbing, and LUNGING for anything that catches his eye. His favorite "toy"? The TV remote in the kitchen. Almost as soon as you enter the room, he spots the remote, leans his entire body towards it, arms spread wide. He could push the buttons forever.
Maxwell wears 3-6 month clothes. They're still a little large on him, but we make it work. He still wears a combination of sizes 1 and 2 in diapers.
His hat size is 6-12 months. The kid has a big noggin. It's a cute noggin though. It may look bald in most pictures, but he really does have hair. His hair is still pretty blond, but some family members think it is getting darker. The giant bald spot on the back of Max's head is finally sprouting! Hooray!
Max has met his first baby friends. He "played" with Grayson, Aubrey, Addison, and Conner. At the Hasenour house, Max was the youngest. He was fascinated with the other babies, watching them play sitting unassisted or walk.
The newest sound in Max's repertoire is "bbbbb" (think motor noises). One book described this as "razzing." It cracks me up how serious Max is when he makes his new sound. And he doesn't quit quickly, preferring to "razz" until his chin is thick with bubbles.
Max continues to think his daddy is hysterical. A little baby talk can go a long way when it comes from John's mouth. I also discovered that some goofy dancing from mom can also illicit some belly laughs.
I'll leave you with a few of Max's 6 month photos, taken by C-rich Photography.
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