Yep, our little guy is just 1 month from being a year old. We've had an eventful month. Benji cut 2 new teeth (top two) within a day of each other. He has become more and more inquisitive about his surroundings, exploring everywhere and trying to pull everything off of shelves and any flat surface. He is also VERY close to walking. He uses furniture, walls, people, toys, etc to barely keep his balance. He often walks with us holding just one hand. We got Benji a push and ride toy and a short 2 weeks ago he wasn't able to walk behind it (it moved too fast). We got home from 10 days away and off he went. He is independently taking steps on a regular basis but gets very excited and falls down.
We had a great trip visiting Grandma Wendy and Zayde Mike while they were in Tuscon. Jeff stayed for a few days and then went off to an SCA war (Estrella) for 5 days. While there, Benji was his usual happy self for most of the time. Enjoying being around people. Benji missed his Papa while he was gone, becoming increasingly fussy and unconsoalable the last 2 days and was very happy to see Papa return (after being angry for a few seconds). He did really well during our 8 hour car rides, needing to stop only 3 times each way. We celebrated Benji's 11 month birthday with a cupcake, since Grandma and Zayde won't be able to be at Benji's 1 year birthday. Benji enjoyed the cake quite a bit. Pictures will follow soon, but have to wait since our camera got left in Tuscon.
As far as other things, sleep is going well. I feared we were slipping back into old habits in Tucson with tears at nap time and many waking at night and refusing to go back to sleep. Once we got home, Benji slept very well through the night (waking our usual 2 times) and had just gone down for a nap with no tears. Benji is a very good, big eater and has started to feed himself with a spoon. At breakfast this morning, Benji fed himself after I filled the spoon with cereal. Grandma and Zayde were very impressed with Benji's ability and joy in eating table foods.
So, Benji is growing, thriving, changing, smiling, giggling, amazing.
Showing posts with label sleep. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sleep. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
9 month doctors visit
We had our last visit with the doctor we chose before Ben was born. I chose to not change doctors before this visit because of Ben needing to get one of his 6 month shots again (it spilled last time). Everything that happened at the visit reinforced my decision, so next week we will be interviewing a couple of doctors.
Basic stats. 28" long, 18 lbs. 13 oz, 46.5 cm head circumference
We are struggling with Ben and sleep. He has been refusing to nap at times, fighting going to sleep at night and waking often. I have read 2 different books and tried many things. Hopefully something will help him get the sleep we all need. Naps have at least happened this week and I am getting him to bed a little easier. We shall see.
Basic stats. 28" long, 18 lbs. 13 oz, 46.5 cm head circumference
We are struggling with Ben and sleep. He has been refusing to nap at times, fighting going to sleep at night and waking often. I have read 2 different books and tried many things. Hopefully something will help him get the sleep we all need. Naps have at least happened this week and I am getting him to bed a little easier. We shall see.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Ahh, Sleep
We have reached a new milestone and I am really enjoying this one. Ben has begun to sleep through the night. Upon arriving home from MN, I was determined to help Ben sleep better and be able to fall asleep on his own, especially when he wakes in the middle of the night. I started a better bedtime routine with him which he seems to really enjoy and have tried to keep a consistent bed time (around 8 pm). Well in just a few short days, Ben only woke once and was able to get back to sleep with just a little bit of calm talking and patting his tush. On Friday night, despite my waking multiple times to check on him because I thought he should be awake, Ben slept from 10 pm to 5:30 am. Hooray, I was excited but cautious, maybe he was just VERY tired. Last night Ben slept from 8:30 pm until 5:30 am again. We'll see if it continues, but I will definitely enjoy it while I can.
The other nice thing about this is that it has allowed me to pair one of my least favorite activities with one of my favorite. In the morning when Ben wakes up, I let him eat while I pump the nearly engorged other breast. Pumping has always been a task that I did so that Jeff could feed Ben and so that I was able to go and do things without fear of Ben going hungry. It has been nice to have it be relaxing and productive (I can pump nearly twice as much when he is eating than when I am pumping alone).
Yay, sleep.....
The other nice thing about this is that it has allowed me to pair one of my least favorite activities with one of my favorite. In the morning when Ben wakes up, I let him eat while I pump the nearly engorged other breast. Pumping has always been a task that I did so that Jeff could feed Ben and so that I was able to go and do things without fear of Ben going hungry. It has been nice to have it be relaxing and productive (I can pump nearly twice as much when he is eating than when I am pumping alone).
Yay, sleep.....
Monday, August 4, 2008
Busy, Busy, Busy
Well, our trip to MN was absolutely lovely. Ben did great on both flights, sleeping through them. We had a wonderful time at the wedding and visiting with family and friends while we were in MN. Ben began to play with his toys independently while there and begin giving kisses and cuddling more. We also had an episode of Ben being ill the night before we came home. Nothing too serious, but he did experience Pedialyte for the first time.
Once we got home we went camping on the beach with some friends. It was absolutely lovely and relaxing. Ben did great with his first camping trip and enjoyed looking at the ocean.
Now we're home and the house needs cleaning, laundry needs washing, groceries need to be bought, and I have commitments that need to be met for the Synagogue. Lots to do and a little one who is used to having lots of people around to entertain him and play with him.
On a side note for Bubbe Nee, Ben is doing great sleeping in the crib at night again and even put himself back to sleep after waking up last night. He is fighting naps. He also wants to be held a lot, but we'll get back to normal soon.
Lots of photos from the trip have been loaded by Elysha and Zayde Marc and I will upload ours as soon as I have a chance.
Once we got home we went camping on the beach with some friends. It was absolutely lovely and relaxing. Ben did great with his first camping trip and enjoyed looking at the ocean.
Now we're home and the house needs cleaning, laundry needs washing, groceries need to be bought, and I have commitments that need to be met for the Synagogue. Lots to do and a little one who is used to having lots of people around to entertain him and play with him.
On a side note for Bubbe Nee, Ben is doing great sleeping in the crib at night again and even put himself back to sleep after waking up last night. He is fighting naps. He also wants to be held a lot, but we'll get back to normal soon.
Lots of photos from the trip have been loaded by Elysha and Zayde Marc and I will upload ours as soon as I have a chance.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
4 months old (yesterday)
Wow!! Our boy is 4 months old. He is so amazing. He is now regularly grasping toys and bringing them to his mouth (to chew on and relieve teething pain), rolls over at will, lifts head when on stomach well and creeps himself while on the stomach. It is really fun to see him actually interact and enjoy his toys. He complains when on his stomach, mainly because he wants to move and it is a lot of work for him. He successfully moved from my belly, over my shoulder and onto the couch today twice while we were cuddling.
Other recent accomplishments are waking only once during the night and sleeping in the crib at night instead of the co-sleeper. Due to my exhaustion and Ben's snacking all night when sleeping near me I moved Ben into his crib during the night about a week ago. He has done well. It was more difficult for me, who has gotten used to hearing him breathe next to me and checked on him umpteen times the first night we slept in separate rooms. Ben has also recently taken to biting. I used to offer him one of my fingers to chew on, but in the last couple of days I have been bitten while feeding, on the lip, and on the arm. Ben also threw himself at me in an attempt to get a mouthful of ??? (maybe cloth). I have decided letting him chew on a finger may be confusing with my telling him not to bite, so we are now offering toys to chew on when he feels the need to bite.
We also had a visit from Grandma Wendy for several days. It was wonderful to see her. Ben enjoyed spending time with her as did Jeff and I. We have some great pictures (taken by Grammy and me) that should be loaded at some point in the near future.
Now we start planning for our first airplane trip. We are headed back to Minnesota to see my folks and go to my cousin's wedding. It's amazing how much more I need to make sure I bring with us with a baby. Luckily, Bubbe Nee is going to borrow a stroller and a few other key items so that we won't need to fly with them. If anyone has any suggestions for flying with an infant, I welcome your advice. I already plan to either feed Ben during take off and landing or give him a washcloth to suck on (as he refuses pacifiers).
Other recent accomplishments are waking only once during the night and sleeping in the crib at night instead of the co-sleeper. Due to my exhaustion and Ben's snacking all night when sleeping near me I moved Ben into his crib during the night about a week ago. He has done well. It was more difficult for me, who has gotten used to hearing him breathe next to me and checked on him umpteen times the first night we slept in separate rooms. Ben has also recently taken to biting. I used to offer him one of my fingers to chew on, but in the last couple of days I have been bitten while feeding, on the lip, and on the arm. Ben also threw himself at me in an attempt to get a mouthful of ??? (maybe cloth). I have decided letting him chew on a finger may be confusing with my telling him not to bite, so we are now offering toys to chew on when he feels the need to bite.
We also had a visit from Grandma Wendy for several days. It was wonderful to see her. Ben enjoyed spending time with her as did Jeff and I. We have some great pictures (taken by Grammy and me) that should be loaded at some point in the near future.
Now we start planning for our first airplane trip. We are headed back to Minnesota to see my folks and go to my cousin's wedding. It's amazing how much more I need to make sure I bring with us with a baby. Luckily, Bubbe Nee is going to borrow a stroller and a few other key items so that we won't need to fly with them. If anyone has any suggestions for flying with an infant, I welcome your advice. I already plan to either feed Ben during take off and landing or give him a washcloth to suck on (as he refuses pacifiers).
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Our first play date
Ben and I went to visit a friend, Sandra, and her 5 month old for a play date yesterday. We had a great time (as Sandra and I always do). The boys are a bit young to do much interacting, but her son was having fun rolling over onto Ben. It was really nice to just sit and chat and talk about baby things from someone who is going through similar things.
I was able to weigh Ben, since they have a scale. He is now 13 lbs. 11 oz. Oh, and he is also able to wear a couple of 6 to 9 month outfits without looking like he is swimming in them.
Other updates....Ben is fighting naps. I have come to count on this time to get some stuff done, have some time free, and not have him in my arms. I think it may be the pre-teething that is making him uncomfortable. The only time he naps anymore is in my arms. He wakes within 5 minutes of being put down. He is also sitting, unsupported for 4 to 7 seconds. Not much, but quite good for his age. He is also regularly rolling to his side from his back, sucking on 3 fingers (on both hands, no choice of which 3 and sometimes from both hands at once), and playing with rattles and grasping them a bit.
We have some fun pictures from the play date, but no time to upload them now. They will be coming soon.
I was able to weigh Ben, since they have a scale. He is now 13 lbs. 11 oz. Oh, and he is also able to wear a couple of 6 to 9 month outfits without looking like he is swimming in them.
Other updates....Ben is fighting naps. I have come to count on this time to get some stuff done, have some time free, and not have him in my arms. I think it may be the pre-teething that is making him uncomfortable. The only time he naps anymore is in my arms. He wakes within 5 minutes of being put down. He is also sitting, unsupported for 4 to 7 seconds. Not much, but quite good for his age. He is also regularly rolling to his side from his back, sucking on 3 fingers (on both hands, no choice of which 3 and sometimes from both hands at once), and playing with rattles and grasping them a bit.
We have some fun pictures from the play date, but no time to upload them now. They will be coming soon.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
I'm gonna swaddle you!
This is a common "threat" in our home for the last month and a half.
Swaddling is a wonderful thing that Ben has come to appreciate. When he is crying inconsolably for any length of time, especially if we suspect he is tired, we often swaddle him with one of these swaddling blankets. Twice today when he has been tired, fighting sleep, and crying I have swaddled him to a wonderful result. First he calmed down and lay in his crib cooing and smiling at us. Later, I swaddled him and he nearly immediately fell asleep. He stops crying now as soon as the first side is wrapped around him.
We also always swaddle him when he goes to sleep, otherwise he will start awake after a very short time. I prefer to use the Swaddle Baby, but when it is very warm or sometime during the day at nap times I just swaddle him in a receiving blanket. This only works for wrapping his arms, as he is too long and will kick any attempt to restrain the legs with the blanket. I often use a second blanket for his legs.
I now realize that with the heat of summer I need to make new linen blankets so that Ben can have the comfort of being swaddled with out the heat of the flannel blankets. I purchased one Swaddle Baby and was able to use it to make a pattern and make two more, so making one out of linen or cotton won't be too difficult. It's just finding the time and energy to sew.
The original Swaddle Baby:
The 2 blankets I made:
Swaddling is a wonderful thing that Ben has come to appreciate. When he is crying inconsolably for any length of time, especially if we suspect he is tired, we often swaddle him with one of these swaddling blankets. Twice today when he has been tired, fighting sleep, and crying I have swaddled him to a wonderful result. First he calmed down and lay in his crib cooing and smiling at us. Later, I swaddled him and he nearly immediately fell asleep. He stops crying now as soon as the first side is wrapped around him.
We also always swaddle him when he goes to sleep, otherwise he will start awake after a very short time. I prefer to use the Swaddle Baby, but when it is very warm or sometime during the day at nap times I just swaddle him in a receiving blanket. This only works for wrapping his arms, as he is too long and will kick any attempt to restrain the legs with the blanket. I often use a second blanket for his legs.
I now realize that with the heat of summer I need to make new linen blankets so that Ben can have the comfort of being swaddled with out the heat of the flannel blankets. I purchased one Swaddle Baby and was able to use it to make a pattern and make two more, so making one out of linen or cotton won't be too difficult. It's just finding the time and energy to sew.
The original Swaddle Baby:
The 2 blankets I made:
Friday, April 4, 2008
Our growing boy
A couple of quick things while Benji is sleeping:
He has outgrown his Newborn outfits that have feet because he legs are too long and his feet are too big. Our boy has large hands and feet and long arms and legs. His feet are over 3" long.
We finally made it back to the doctor's office for a weight check (yes, that makes 4 visits there in 15 days since we came home from the hospital). The doctor is very pleased. The rash he had has gone away, his eyes are looking good, he is healing from the bris well and he gained 13 oz. in 7 days. Ben now weighs 8 lbs. 2.5 oz (or he did at 4 something p.m. on April 3rd).
He continues to eat quite well and sleeps well too. The last two nights he slept in the co-sleeper instead of on mom or dad for the majority of the night.
In other news, we have a wonderful neighbor who has been cooking for us and is bringing over some casseroles to top off the cupcakes she made for us a few days ago.
Oh, and Benji had his first full bath last night. He really seemed to enjoy floating in the water with me just supporting his head. It's all the little things like that that are so amazing. **sigh**
He has outgrown his Newborn outfits that have feet because he legs are too long and his feet are too big. Our boy has large hands and feet and long arms and legs. His feet are over 3" long.
We finally made it back to the doctor's office for a weight check (yes, that makes 4 visits there in 15 days since we came home from the hospital). The doctor is very pleased. The rash he had has gone away, his eyes are looking good, he is healing from the bris well and he gained 13 oz. in 7 days. Ben now weighs 8 lbs. 2.5 oz (or he did at 4 something p.m. on April 3rd).
He continues to eat quite well and sleeps well too. The last two nights he slept in the co-sleeper instead of on mom or dad for the majority of the night.
In other news, we have a wonderful neighbor who has been cooking for us and is bringing over some casseroles to top off the cupcakes she made for us a few days ago.
Oh, and Benji had his first full bath last night. He really seemed to enjoy floating in the water with me just supporting his head. It's all the little things like that that are so amazing. **sigh**
Saturday, March 29, 2008
The current status of things
All continues to go well. We have been blessed with a baby who cries little and loves to be held. We have been working on giving him opportunities to spend time lying a variety of places on his own, both at night and during the day.
He is growing and eating lots. Despite the doctor's initial concern about weight gain (or loss), on Thursday he weighed 7 lbs. 5 oz., only 2 oz. shy of his birth weight. He has likely met or surpassed that today. He changes daily, as newborns do and loves to look around at things during his awake aware times.
We have 2 days alone, as the grandparents have headed home or off on short vacations in California. It has been very wonderful to have the help and support of our mothers during this transition phase and there are a couple of things that will likely be challenging until my incision heals, but we will get by.
Jeff goes back to work Sunday night/Monday morning, so I will have my nights alone and my daytime with him sleeping. I'm not too concerned about night time, as long as Benji continues to sleep relatively well. We really have only had 2 tough nights, the night after his bris and the night after we went to fighter practice. The hardest part about that has been that while I am still partially asleep, he is crying and not willing to eat. I find I'm just not awake enough to realize that maybe something else should be done to calm him. It is coming along and things will hopefully be not too bad.
The bris was lovely and our mohel was great. We had a small ceremony at home with close friends and family. Benji did amazingly well during the whole thing and there are great pictures to be uploaded in the near future.
He is growing and eating lots. Despite the doctor's initial concern about weight gain (or loss), on Thursday he weighed 7 lbs. 5 oz., only 2 oz. shy of his birth weight. He has likely met or surpassed that today. He changes daily, as newborns do and loves to look around at things during his awake aware times.
We have 2 days alone, as the grandparents have headed home or off on short vacations in California. It has been very wonderful to have the help and support of our mothers during this transition phase and there are a couple of things that will likely be challenging until my incision heals, but we will get by.
Jeff goes back to work Sunday night/Monday morning, so I will have my nights alone and my daytime with him sleeping. I'm not too concerned about night time, as long as Benji continues to sleep relatively well. We really have only had 2 tough nights, the night after his bris and the night after we went to fighter practice. The hardest part about that has been that while I am still partially asleep, he is crying and not willing to eat. I find I'm just not awake enough to realize that maybe something else should be done to calm him. It is coming along and things will hopefully be not too bad.
The bris was lovely and our mohel was great. We had a small ceremony at home with close friends and family. Benji did amazingly well during the whole thing and there are great pictures to be uploaded in the near future.
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