Yesterday I had a baby shower at CRMS and much love was felt! James and I had a great time with the wonderful ladies at the shower. A big thank you to Jessica, Sara and others who organized the event- we enjoyed seeing everyone, getting out of the house and James enjoyed the attention I'm sure! We received some wonderful books (who would have thunk it, from educators!?), clothing, toys, etc. James was already a well dressed little boy- wait til you see him in his new gear!
Thank you, CRMS ladies, for a good time! Thank you to those who came in to say hi to James and myself too!
8am: I think James slept okay overall but I was a bit sleepless last night. After his 2:30am feeding he was wide awake. No amount of rocking, pacifier love, or mommy love could get him to sleep. Finally something worked and he did sleep. 45 minutes later- his next feeding. And then he was up early at 6am. I guess he just couldn't wait to start his day :)
Today's plans: Well, I'm going to nap. But then James and I are going to visit some friends at the school's district office. They are anxious to meet James!
Update from Daddy:
I just wanted to thank all of Lisa's co-workers for giving James' shower yesterday. He was in a good mood when he got home, so I could tell he enjoyed himself. Since he can only drink formula now, I had to have his piece of cake for him, but it was REALLY good - thanks!! Also, thanks for all the wonderful gifts and cards - lots of fun stuff, we really appreciate your thoughtfulness and generosity!
Happy Holidays,
James Sr.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Wednesday is here!
8 am: I had to think twice about what day it was. The days are kind of blending together :)
James was a great baby yesterday. Very few fussy moments.
I've noticed that James likes to look at his own reflection. This morning it was how I got him to settle down (Calmate!) after his bottle. He was squirmy with everything else- me holding him, sitting upright, laying flat, etc- until I put him in the bassinet with his mirror by his head. He even spit out the pacifier and then was fine. I think we need to invest in some more mirrors! I've read that at this age FACES are visually interesting. I guess he likes his own pretty face :)
Jim had a nightmare last night. One small detail of it was that a lady was force feeding James lollipops made of formula. WEIRD! The other parts were pretty unpleasant and Jim's story to tell.
Today's plans: We're visiting my school again today! The wonderful ladies at my school are having a small baby shower for James.
NEW: A few pictures in Baby Album "Week Six"
11am: OMG! Jim just weighed himself and then weighed himself with James in his arms to estimate James' weight. (Thanks Christa for this suggestion!) James could be weighing 11-12 pounds!! Jim weighed himself with James a couple of times to be sure. We're thinking this can't be right but even if its only off by a pound- James is a P.I.G.!
James was a great baby yesterday. Very few fussy moments.
I've noticed that James likes to look at his own reflection. This morning it was how I got him to settle down (Calmate!) after his bottle. He was squirmy with everything else- me holding him, sitting upright, laying flat, etc- until I put him in the bassinet with his mirror by his head. He even spit out the pacifier and then was fine. I think we need to invest in some more mirrors! I've read that at this age FACES are visually interesting. I guess he likes his own pretty face :)
Jim had a nightmare last night. One small detail of it was that a lady was force feeding James lollipops made of formula. WEIRD! The other parts were pretty unpleasant and Jim's story to tell.
Today's plans: We're visiting my school again today! The wonderful ladies at my school are having a small baby shower for James.
NEW: A few pictures in Baby Album "Week Six"
11am: OMG! Jim just weighed himself and then weighed himself with James in his arms to estimate James' weight. (Thanks Christa for this suggestion!) James could be weighing 11-12 pounds!! Jim weighed himself with James a couple of times to be sure. We're thinking this can't be right but even if its only off by a pound- James is a P.I.G.!
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Poop Monster
Updated 12:30pm- Added pictures in Week Six album.
7am- We had an uneventful day yesterday. I caught up on some sleep by taking naps when James was napping. I guess that's how its supposed to be done!
My pain is gone! My body feels almost normal.
So James was a poop monster this morning. I told Jim that HIS son went through not just one diaper at one wake-up, not two, but THREE. I changed his diaper immediately when he woke up because I could smell him before I could see him. Yuck! Then he ate. Then I smelled poop so I changed him. He also tried to pee on me but I caught it with a cloth. Just as I was putting the clean diaper beneath him, an explosion of poop came out! I caught most of it with the clean diaper but some ended up on me. UGH! And then he tried to pee on me again! I didn't catch all of that so I had to change his clothing. So now he's all clean but I'm traumatized.
I guess there was a major happening yesterday. Jim says that James LAUGHED for the first time yesterday! He then also smiled at Jim five times. James loves his Daddy :)
(Ummm, I have yet to have James smile at me.)
7am- We had an uneventful day yesterday. I caught up on some sleep by taking naps when James was napping. I guess that's how its supposed to be done!
My pain is gone! My body feels almost normal.
So James was a poop monster this morning. I told Jim that HIS son went through not just one diaper at one wake-up, not two, but THREE. I changed his diaper immediately when he woke up because I could smell him before I could see him. Yuck! Then he ate. Then I smelled poop so I changed him. He also tried to pee on me but I caught it with a cloth. Just as I was putting the clean diaper beneath him, an explosion of poop came out! I caught most of it with the clean diaper but some ended up on me. UGH! And then he tried to pee on me again! I didn't catch all of that so I had to change his clothing. So now he's all clean but I'm traumatized.
I guess there was a major happening yesterday. Jim says that James LAUGHED for the first time yesterday! He then also smiled at Jim five times. James loves his Daddy :)
(Ummm, I have yet to have James smile at me.)
Monday, December 11, 2006
Late Start
Sorry for my late start this morning- I usually add a journal entry before noon! I took a nap this morning with James after a long night. James was fine- he slept and ate like usual but *I* was sleepless due to more pain. I'm weaning and not pumping at all now- it hurts like hell.
James is especially beautiful this morning. His skin is clearing up (he's had baby acne and dry skin) and he looks beautiful in blue. He really needs a bath though! I do too- a relaxing bubble bath would be nice :)
I don't think anything else is new. Sometimes it feels like we're in that movie Groundhog's Day where Bill Murray lives the same day over and over and over and over... Haha.
The homepage picture is our beautiful boy this morning! He was calm and alert so I took his picture.
I added a new video yesterday, More Pacifier Love.
James is especially beautiful this morning. His skin is clearing up (he's had baby acne and dry skin) and he looks beautiful in blue. He really needs a bath though! I do too- a relaxing bubble bath would be nice :)
I don't think anything else is new. Sometimes it feels like we're in that movie Groundhog's Day where Bill Murray lives the same day over and over and over and over... Haha.
The homepage picture is our beautiful boy this morning! He was calm and alert so I took his picture.
I added a new video yesterday, More Pacifier Love.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Sunday morning
James makes this hilarious sound when he's desperately in love with his pacifier or frustrated, one of the two. We captured it on video this morning when Jim was playing with James on the floor. Its not as desperate as he usually sounds but he's making the definite "oy oy" sound we've come to love (and laugh at)!
We had a fairly peaceful night with James. He had his feedings at 8pm, 11:30pm, 3:30am, and then at 6am. He went a little longer between feedings than normal but I'm learning not to get used to it. He changes things up often to keep us on our toes, I think!
A new thing (Jim says) is James crying/yelling out in his sleep as if he is in pain or gassy. I think he's always done this but just not as loud as now. Its leading to a lot of false alarms, where we think he's waking up and we get out of bed to go to him, but then when we get to him he's fine and back to sleep! Again, he's trying to keep us on our toes!!
Tia Ana was here for a visit yesterday. She loves James :)
Plans for today: just the usual weekend stuff- Jim is going grocery shopping, and we'll both do stuff around the house.
We had a fairly peaceful night with James. He had his feedings at 8pm, 11:30pm, 3:30am, and then at 6am. He went a little longer between feedings than normal but I'm learning not to get used to it. He changes things up often to keep us on our toes, I think!
A new thing (Jim says) is James crying/yelling out in his sleep as if he is in pain or gassy. I think he's always done this but just not as loud as now. Its leading to a lot of false alarms, where we think he's waking up and we get out of bed to go to him, but then when we get to him he's fine and back to sleep! Again, he's trying to keep us on our toes!!
Tia Ana was here for a visit yesterday. She loves James :)
Plans for today: just the usual weekend stuff- Jim is going grocery shopping, and we'll both do stuff around the house.
Saturday, December 9, 2006
Its the weekend!
I'm up a little earlier than I expected because James didn't take all of his bottle this morning and I expect he'll be up in the next few minutes, crying and wanting the rest of it. I also couldn't go back to sleep with the upcoming excitement of our first trip to the mall! We're leaving this morning to do some Christmas shopping.
Last night Uncle Joe and Aunt Kathy came to visit. Joe gave James his bottle and watched my diaper demonstration. Next time he'll be able to do it :)
James has decided to go back to his 2 1/2 hour schedule. I knew I was speaking too soon when I was bragging about his maturity!
We have our Christmas plans set now. We're spending Christmas Eve with Jim's family, Christmas Day with mine. On Christmas Eve we're going over to Grandma Laura's (over the river and through the snow...!) I'm sure it will be a wonderful, memorable Christmas! James won't remember it but I'll be sure to document it with pictures and video (we have a new camcorder from Grandpa Frank & Grandma Julie). Yay!
Well, I'm going to take advantage of the quiet morning (James and Jim are sleeping) and do some things around the house.
Thanks for reading this!
Last night Uncle Joe and Aunt Kathy came to visit. Joe gave James his bottle and watched my diaper demonstration. Next time he'll be able to do it :)
James has decided to go back to his 2 1/2 hour schedule. I knew I was speaking too soon when I was bragging about his maturity!
We have our Christmas plans set now. We're spending Christmas Eve with Jim's family, Christmas Day with mine. On Christmas Eve we're going over to Grandma Laura's (over the river and through the snow...!) I'm sure it will be a wonderful, memorable Christmas! James won't remember it but I'll be sure to document it with pictures and video (we have a new camcorder from Grandpa Frank & Grandma Julie). Yay!
Well, I'm going to take advantage of the quiet morning (James and Jim are sleeping) and do some things around the house.
Thanks for reading this!
Friday, December 8, 2006
Pacifier Love
Last night James loved his pacifier. He loved it so much he wouldn't sleep between feedings. I couldn't figure out the source of his frustration- I changed his diaper, carried him in the Bjorn, fed him, held him, everything. I did give him his pacifier too but he spit it out. Finally he took the pacifier and was happy. It was a very difficult four hours though! But as my Mom told me, I should be and am thankful for every breath he takes, every burp, every cry, and every smile. He is a wonderful, handsome baby.
This is a short video called Pacifier Love. Its from this morning though.
Not too much else happening. Mommy (me!) is taking a short break later today to get a haircut. I also have to buy more formula because we're not sure if James is loving the current one. He's been spitting up more than usual and has been irritable. James was probably just missing Daddy who was at Pool last night. Or missing Grandma Rose because she isn't here to visit (this was my Mom's suggestion for his unhappiness last night :)
Thanks for visiting our Babysite! Please sign our guestbook so we know you were here!
**Did you know you can click and save to your computer most of the pictures in the Baby Albums? If you can't figure out how, let me know.**
lisa_tauer@yahoo.com
This is a short video called Pacifier Love. Its from this morning though.
Not too much else happening. Mommy (me!) is taking a short break later today to get a haircut. I also have to buy more formula because we're not sure if James is loving the current one. He's been spitting up more than usual and has been irritable. James was probably just missing Daddy who was at Pool last night. Or missing Grandma Rose because she isn't here to visit (this was my Mom's suggestion for his unhappiness last night :)
Thanks for visiting our Babysite! Please sign our guestbook so we know you were here!
**Did you know you can click and save to your computer most of the pictures in the Baby Albums? If you can't figure out how, let me know.**
lisa_tauer@yahoo.com
Thursday, December 7, 2006
Am I smiling now?
The picture on the homepage is from this morning. I think James is giving us real smiles now! Jim swears that his "first smile" was a couple of days ago- James was wide awake and looking up at Jim. I guess this makes sense since I always smile when I look at Jim too :)
Please see the guestbook entry from Daddy Jimmy. I was pleasantly suprised to see that Jim had written something and then I laughed when I read it. Jim did have an early morning today- waking up at 3am with James and then he was unable to get back to bed. Jim then took the 6am feeding and cared for James until I woke up at a lazy 8am. Super Dad!
With James' mature age of 1 month, we've had a change! He has put himself on a 3 hour schedule now. He has his bottle every 3 hours now, instead of the old 2 1/2 hour schedule. This means just a little bit more sleep for us at night :)
Oh, and a funny story that I forgot to share from my school visit. I was feeding James his bottle in the middle of a group of kids. One of my students, Tope (pronounced Toe-pay), tugged my arm and said, "Ms. Lisa, you must be distracted. You're feeding him with the bottle at the wrong angle. He'll get air bubbles." It was hilarious because it was a 12 year old telling me I was doing something wrong! But she was right. I looked down and saw that the bottle was horizontal and not at the right angle like she said. She told me that she works at her church's nursery with all the babies and is a "pro". In the same breath she told me that she would love to babysit.
Well, we don't have much on our schedule today. We'll just enjoy James today- as always! :)
Please see the guestbook entry from Daddy Jimmy. I was pleasantly suprised to see that Jim had written something and then I laughed when I read it. Jim did have an early morning today- waking up at 3am with James and then he was unable to get back to bed. Jim then took the 6am feeding and cared for James until I woke up at a lazy 8am. Super Dad!
With James' mature age of 1 month, we've had a change! He has put himself on a 3 hour schedule now. He has his bottle every 3 hours now, instead of the old 2 1/2 hour schedule. This means just a little bit more sleep for us at night :)
Oh, and a funny story that I forgot to share from my school visit. I was feeding James his bottle in the middle of a group of kids. One of my students, Tope (pronounced Toe-pay), tugged my arm and said, "Ms. Lisa, you must be distracted. You're feeding him with the bottle at the wrong angle. He'll get air bubbles." It was hilarious because it was a 12 year old telling me I was doing something wrong! But she was right. I looked down and saw that the bottle was horizontal and not at the right angle like she said. She told me that she works at her church's nursery with all the babies and is a "pro". In the same breath she told me that she would love to babysit.
Well, we don't have much on our schedule today. We'll just enjoy James today- as always! :)
Wednesday, December 6, 2006
Happy One Month Birthday!
James is one month old today!!! I can't believe that this month has gone by so fast! Looking back on the pictures, he really has changed a lot :)
I made a visit to my school CRMS yesterday to visit with the staff and students. James was a HUGE hit- he had many admirers. The kids were disappointed I wouldn't let them hold James, but there were really just too many of them. James did do really well with the crowd, it was a group of 70+ multicultural kids- a lot of color in that room!
I found out that I'm missing out on NBC Nightly News visiting my school on Tuesday to do a story on how we're closing the achievement gap at my school. Its pretty exciting to be recognized like that!
Oh, my solo outing with James was a success. I had no problems with the carseat or carrying his stuff. He wasn't at all fussy (except when he wanted his bottle). Actually, giving him a bottle was the best thing because that was in the middle of all those kids and I'm sure it was pretty calming for him.
Why didn't I take pictures?!!
Speaking of pictures, I added more Christmas pictures to the Christmas Sneak Peek Album and then to the Week Five album. Enjoy! We only picked ONE for our Christmas cards but I didn't include that one. You'll see that hardly any of the pictures have James with his eyes open. He wasn't the most cooperative subject! But he is pretty darn cute!!!!!
Tuesday, December 5, 2006
First solo outing
Today I'm taking James to CRMS to visit my other kids (and the staff)! I don't want to attempt going out to dinner with them (honor roll celebration) but I agreed to come and visit for half an hour or so. I'm nervous about taking James out by myself (I've never maneuvered the carseat into the base or carried it) and then about the cold. Also, will he cry a lot? Will I have a fussy baby?
I'd better get moving this morning. I want to give James a bath after his next feeding at 10:30 so that he's a beautiful, clean baby :)
I don't think I have any other James news. I did take 100+ pictures yesterday for our Christmas cards. I put a couple more teaser pics in the Baby Album. My plan is to use one or more for Christmas cards. I know the Grandmas are probably wanting to see all of the pictures but I'm going to torture them a little by holding out :)
Off I go!
I'd better get moving this morning. I want to give James a bath after his next feeding at 10:30 so that he's a beautiful, clean baby :)
I don't think I have any other James news. I did take 100+ pictures yesterday for our Christmas cards. I put a couple more teaser pics in the Baby Album. My plan is to use one or more for Christmas cards. I know the Grandmas are probably wanting to see all of the pictures but I'm going to torture them a little by holding out :)
Off I go!
Monday, December 4, 2006
It snowed!
JAMES IS FOUR WEEKS OLD TODAY!!
It snowed and I tried to show it to James but he wasn't interested. He hasn't been as interested in his bottle either so I don't know what to think. I think he had a growth spurt last week (explaining his P-I-G ways) and now its over. He doesn't seem to be as hungry or desperate for food. We're also thinking that maybe we're overfeeding him, mistaking his cries for hunger too often. We're quick to give him a bottle and maybe we should try other distractions first. I do love a chubby baby though!
Please see the Baby Album "Christmas Sneak Peek" for some new pictures. I'm taking pictures for our Christmas cards. These are not the best pics- you'll have to wait for those!
Also, there is a new short video. This is how James lets us know he is awake, needs a diaper change, or is hungry. This video was taken at 8am this morning. Good morning Sunshine!
It snowed and I tried to show it to James but he wasn't interested. He hasn't been as interested in his bottle either so I don't know what to think. I think he had a growth spurt last week (explaining his P-I-G ways) and now its over. He doesn't seem to be as hungry or desperate for food. We're also thinking that maybe we're overfeeding him, mistaking his cries for hunger too often. We're quick to give him a bottle and maybe we should try other distractions first. I do love a chubby baby though!
Please see the Baby Album "Christmas Sneak Peek" for some new pictures. I'm taking pictures for our Christmas cards. These are not the best pics- you'll have to wait for those!
Also, there is a new short video. This is how James lets us know he is awake, needs a diaper change, or is hungry. This video was taken at 8am this morning. Good morning Sunshine!
Sunday, December 3, 2006
Some changes
So we've had some changes! James is now drinking formula. We've noticed some changes in his mood- he seems to be calmer. And he's sleeping well and immediately after his feeding- no fuss. I hope I don't jinx ourselves by writing this :) Jim and I were up every 2 1/2 hours still, but the feedings seem to be faster and easier. Oh, and another not so pleasant change- uh, the poopy diapers. They smell now. TMI?
We had a visitor this last week and I didn't mention it or take a picture. What was I thinking?! My friend Anna came over to see Baby James and she did NOT take him :) She had told me that he was so cute she'd steal him. I'll have to snap some pictures next time.
And we have great news! Tia Kristina is coming to visit over Christmas!!!!!!! I'm so excited for James to meet his Auntie (Tia). Kristina's husband, Gilbert (Tio), is overseas and she's able to leave her work for a while. This will be the first Christmas in a long, long time that the three sisters will be together. I'm beyond thrilled. (And can you imagine my Mom's happiness?!?!!)
Today's plans: Jim is at his Great Aunt's this morning to set up her computer/internet. I'm on Mom duty for the morning but James is napping so maybe I'll get something done from my to-do list. Later, the only thing planned is a nap (for me) and a bath for James.
Picture: I only seem to remember to take pictures when James is peaceful and sleeping. Here is a picture from this morning (Sunday).
Guestbook: Let us know you were here! Sign our guestbook with a message for James. :)
We had a visitor this last week and I didn't mention it or take a picture. What was I thinking?! My friend Anna came over to see Baby James and she did NOT take him :) She had told me that he was so cute she'd steal him. I'll have to snap some pictures next time.
And we have great news! Tia Kristina is coming to visit over Christmas!!!!!!! I'm so excited for James to meet his Auntie (Tia). Kristina's husband, Gilbert (Tio), is overseas and she's able to leave her work for a while. This will be the first Christmas in a long, long time that the three sisters will be together. I'm beyond thrilled. (And can you imagine my Mom's happiness?!?!!)
Today's plans: Jim is at his Great Aunt's this morning to set up her computer/internet. I'm on Mom duty for the morning but James is napping so maybe I'll get something done from my to-do list. Later, the only thing planned is a nap (for me) and a bath for James.
Picture: I only seem to remember to take pictures when James is peaceful and sleeping. Here is a picture from this morning (Sunday).
Guestbook: Let us know you were here! Sign our guestbook with a message for James. :)
Saturday, December 2, 2006
Oh what a night
Early A.M.
Jim and I are much too tired to write an entry today. We will be catching up on our sleep all day today so there won't be anything worth blogging about :)
James had some sleep issues last night and early this morning. I think I've been up since his 1am feeding, but partly because I'm having some other issues too. The milk supply situation is not going well. I am in pain!! I think we might be going to formula very soon.
James is wide awake and says hello!
Jim and I are much too tired to write an entry today. We will be catching up on our sleep all day today so there won't be anything worth blogging about :)
James had some sleep issues last night and early this morning. I think I've been up since his 1am feeding, but partly because I'm having some other issues too. The milk supply situation is not going well. I am in pain!! I think we might be going to formula very soon.
James is wide awake and says hello!
Oh what a night
Early A.M.
Jim and I are much too tired to write an entry today. We will be catching up on our sleep all day today so there won't be anything worth blogging about :)
James had some sleep issues last night and early this morning. I think I've been up since his 1am feeding, but partly because I'm having some other issues too. The milk supply situation is not going well. I am in pain!! I think we might be going to formula very soon.
James is wide awake and says hello!
Jim and I are much too tired to write an entry today. We will be catching up on our sleep all day today so there won't be anything worth blogging about :)
James had some sleep issues last night and early this morning. I think I've been up since his 1am feeding, but partly because I'm having some other issues too. The milk supply situation is not going well. I am in pain!! I think we might be going to formula very soon.
James is wide awake and says hello!
Friday, December 1, 2006
Initiation
I am officially a Mom. James spit/vomited on me twice last night. I was in my third shirt of the night when Jim came home from pool. I tried feeding James at 9pm but he wouldn't fall asleep and seemed to have some stomach issues. Finally we put him in our room until his 11:30pm feeding because he wanted his pacifier. I had him next to our bed so I could keep replacing it.
After that, it was back to normal. He feeds really well. At night, by keeping the lights dim and interaction to a minimum, he's able to fall asleep immediately after his diaper change and feeding. He's still up every 2 1/2 hours though. Jim got up at 3am (as I was finishing his 2:30 feeding) because he couldn't sleep. Poor Jim ended up staying up and he took over the next feeding. I was able to sleep four hours straight! I got up at 7am to relieve Jim again.
I think Jim is downstairs in the basement napping.
I was going to take James on some errands but now I don't feel up to it. I haven't ventured out with him (alone) yet and I need to practice. I hope to become a pro this weekend :)
New pics: Grandma Julie made James a knit hat! Tia Ana gave knitting lessons and this is her first project. She did real good! :) See pics in Baby Album "James-Week Four"
After that, it was back to normal. He feeds really well. At night, by keeping the lights dim and interaction to a minimum, he's able to fall asleep immediately after his diaper change and feeding. He's still up every 2 1/2 hours though. Jim got up at 3am (as I was finishing his 2:30 feeding) because he couldn't sleep. Poor Jim ended up staying up and he took over the next feeding. I was able to sleep four hours straight! I got up at 7am to relieve Jim again.
I think Jim is downstairs in the basement napping.
I was going to take James on some errands but now I don't feel up to it. I haven't ventured out with him (alone) yet and I need to practice. I hope to become a pro this weekend :)
New pics: Grandma Julie made James a knit hat! Tia Ana gave knitting lessons and this is her first project. She did real good! :) See pics in Baby Album "James-Week Four"
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