Let's see, where to start? Elliott is such a happy baby, I really am so blessed that for the most part, all he does is jump up and down on my lap and shriek with happiness and babble endlessly. We have the best conversations during the day - sometimes I feel like he really understands everything I'm saying to him!
Our daily routine is pretty much set now, and the whole napping thing has definitely improved although if I miss that "window" - then it is a whole other story. I have gotten him used to going down for a nap while he is still awake (and in his crib), and he'll talk to himself for a bit, fuss and then usually fall asleep on his own. Only on some occasions do I have to intervene and rock him a bit and put him down but we are trying hard to wean that out since we never have to do that at bedtime. Thankfully he is still sleeping like a champ at night - now he goes down just before 9pm and up the next morning at 9 am - but lately I've noticed a few times he would wake up in the middle of the night (3 am or 4 am) wanted to eat, then going back to bed until the usual wake up time. I'm hoping that it is just a growth spurt and nothing permanent - I know I'm spoiled with long sleep but I would like to keep it that way thankuverymuch!
At the last ped appointment, I told the doctor that I thought my little guy was showing signs of teething so she felt around his gums and confirmed that she could feel a tooth coming up on his bottom right side but she said it hasn't cut through the gums yet. Isn't it a bit early for teething? He's been a drooling machine (we go through at least 5 bibs a day if not more) and loves shoving anything into his tiny mouth to gnaw on.
He's on the 'smaller side' for babies his age, but when I think about it, Elliott was born 2 weeks early and also started at 5 lb 6oz so he had a lot of catching up to do - he is now 13.5 lbs. I'm not bothered by his weight until my friends (who've also recently had babies) start commenting "oh he's so tiny" or "wow he's super lean" - it makes me feel like a bad mother and that I'm not feeding him well enough! Most of the time I just bite my tongue and remind them that he was born early and was at least 2 - 3 lbs lighter at birth than their 'big' babies and just hope that they get the hint and shut up. Then I go home and vent to my hubby that I can't stand how they keep saying E is small when I think he has been doing great at gaining weight and his pediatrician still says he's doing great. Am I being overly sensitive here? How else can I get my friends to stop making those comments? (and it's only the ones with babies)
As for my weight, well, that's a whole other story. I haven't been great at taking care of myself and well, it shows. I still have the flabby pouch and at least 20 lbs to lose before my ideal weight, and given that I'm a small frame gal, every lb shows :( I know that it will take a while to get off but I get frustrated when I look at pictures of myself and just feel uncomfortable in this body that is so foreign to me. I signed E and myself up for a Mommy and Baby Fitness class starting next week - so if all goes well, I'll be on the right track to getting my body back!
Right now hubby and I are looking into where we can go for a family vacation. We want low key, but also love trips with activities where we can go and do stuff, vs. just lying around on a beach (plus I ain't getting into no swim suit just yet). Any suggestions welcome - especially love to hear where you've been with your wee one at this age.
My grandpa (mom's side) passed away last week at the age of 91. I never knew him well as my grandparents all live in Hong Kong so I've only met them a total of 6 times in my life, but the sadness of his passing still hurts as it hurts to see my mom sad. My parents are flying back for the funeral tomorrow, and will be there for 7 weeks. I am a bit of a mess because ever since E was born, my mom has been around to help out and we hang out at least a few times a week, sometimes I'll even drop E off and go get some errands done. Now that they will be gone for so long, I won't have that support that I'm so used to and frankly, I'm a bit scared to 'go it alone'. I know I'm lucky to have family so close by, but because I've always had it, it will be the first time I will be 'on my own' without my mom here and I hope I can survive. Hubby and I tousled around the idea of joining them in Hong Kong for a few weeks but the reality of bringing E on an international trip for our very first family trip seemed a bit too daunting of a task, and we are not brave enough yet to embark on a 15 hour flight with a complete time change that would throw us all off. These upcoming weeks are going to be tough but I hope that I can keep busy by the new class I'm taking with E and hanging out with friends. We still may end up taking vacation in April if we can find something that makes sense financially and fits what we are looking for.
I will try to keep up with my posts more often as I miss writing and keeping up with you all!
My first thought when I saw his picture was "He's getting so big!!"...so I don't think you need to worry too much about him being "lean". Ella is also on the "lean" side, but I've learned you just have to take the comments in stride.
ReplyDeleteAs for vacations, Ella will get to see a lot this year! I'm bringing her to New York and Seattle for work, and then our whole family is going to Hawaii in August. My husband may be in Korea for the month of June, and I also debated if we should join him, but decided against it.
Hang in there!!
he is perfect! ignore those comments! love his hair!!!
ReplyDeleteOmigosh he's so big! I can't believe five months have passed already. Sounds like you're really enjoying your time with him! Try not to be too hard on yourself, your body has been through a lot and your little guy has been your primary focus. I'm sure you'll be back to your old self in no time!
ReplyDeleteWendy!!! So nice to hear from you! I've missed you!!!! You're little man is so stinkin' adorable. Look at all that hair! Addy's is coming in sllooowwly but mommy was bald until she was 3 so I'll take it!
ReplyDeleteAddy is also on the "small" side & even the doctors said something last time (she went from 55%tile to 21st) & after freaking out about it for a week, I realized she was happy & healthy & I was no longer going to obsess about it. Are your friends babies formula fed? Seems those friends of mine point it out the most.
I am also sorry for your loss. Close or not a death in the family is never easy.
My kiddo is about the same age and weight and I always thought he's a bit of a chunker! Clearly your friends have fat babies, cause ours are perfect. :)
ReplyDeleteAs for the travel, I recommend avoiding the long car rides. Or maybe driving at night.
As long as Elliot is staying roughly along the same growth curve as he's been on since the beginning, he's perfectly fine. I know it's hard not to take it personally, but you're doing great. :)
ReplyDelete