Jr is 6 months! 26 week highlights! Jr's Stats for the 1st 6 months!

A half a year! My beautiful, precious baby boy turned a half of year on Thursday. It's hard to believe that just 6 months ago Jr was born! It was a hot summer day in July, which is quite the contrast from Thursday's cloudy and chilly day.

I've been trying to update everything that the lil peanut has been up to lately, but find myself writing here and there between dr visits, trying to get things done around the house, running errands, going on a date, playing Settlers of Catan until the wee hours (staying up all night one night to play--I really have no idea what we were thinking), enjoying having my parents around, and most of all spending time with my family. It has been supper nice having my parents here and I am sad they had to leave yesterday. Every time our family comes and then has to leave, I all of a sudden get "family sick." I miss them so much and want to live closer to all of our family so Jr can grow up with his cousins and we can watch our nieces and nephews grow up too.

So Jacob has been pleading with me lately to let him tell his version of the past week he has had, so here's Jacob's blog entry and 26 week highlights:

Mommy and Daddy got home Tuesday night from Houston. Daddy had to have surgery on his ankle, so Gma and Gpa took care of me while they were gone. When they walked through the door I couldn't believe my eyes and just stared at them as they went all googly eyed over me. I guess they missed me or something. Daddy is doing great and recovering a lot better and faster than he has with the previous surgeries. He doesn't even walk around like he just had surgery on his ankle. Mommy is doing pretty good too. She's had a lot of redness in her left eye since Christmas and the dr told her last week she had pink eye. He gave her some stuff to help her out, which it did some what but she ended up going to the eye dr to have it checked out again. He told her that she has and inflamed and infected eye. She is continuous putting these drops in her eyes in hopes of clearing up everything. She's lucky that she has been pumping and saving lots of milk, since she can't feed me what she is pumping now because of the medicine. I'm very thankful that my Mom is doing everything she can to see that I am breastfeed for a year. To this day I haven't a major cold or infection of any sort, which I have a feeling is because I get only the best stuff that a baby can have!

On Thursday I turned a half a year! Mommy and Daddy bought me a big cookie that said, "Happy 6 months Jr!" I, of course didn't even get to take a bite of it, but Mommy had fun taking my picture with it. I also went to the dr for a check up and those yucky shots (the same ones I got at 4 months, plus the flu shot). I did great at the dr office. Mommy and Daddy let me sit on the table all by myself and I went crazy grabbing onto all the paper. The dr couldn't believe how well I sit up and how well proportioned I am. The shots didn't seem to bother me like they did at 4 months, maybe it was because Gma and Mommy gave me some good tasting medicine to help with the pain. Nonetheless, I did great the rest of the day and slept like a champ (of course).

Here's my stats from my 6 month old visit:
Weight: 19 lbs 13 oz Length: 27 in Head: 17.7 in
Compared to when I was born and was a little peanut:
Weight: 6 lbs Length: 20 in Head: 13.1 in

The past couple days have flown bye so fast with Gma and Gpa playing with me all the time. Gma loves to feed me my bottle and food, of which I try to help her out by grabbing the spoon as it goes into my mouth. Sometimes I get it in a little too far, which causes me to almost gag a little. I really can't wait until I get to feed myself. Mommy lets me drink from a cup that has some great tasting, cool refreshment called water. Mommy and Gma have started giving me little puffs to eat occasionally too; I think it's hilarious when Gma crushes them in my mouth. So far Mommy has me eating oatmeal (which I just started and prefer it over barely), all green and yellow veggies, pears, applesauce, and bananas. I love eating applesauce and pears the most. I love riding around in my cars and being outside. Mommy took me on the trampoline for the first time this week and I absolutely loved it. I want to grab everything in sight and when I grab onto it I don't want to let go. Here's some of this past week's highlights in a nutshell.

26 week highlights:
-I officially turned 6 months!
-I sit great all by myself and love sitting and playing with my toys.
-I went to the dr for my 6 month old check up and shots. I did great and the shots didn't even bother me the rest of the day. Everybody can't believe how big I'm getting. I weigh what mom weighed when she was a year old, however she has 2 inches on me. I wonder how big I'll be at a year?! Mom's 6 month old stats: 16 lb 3 oz 26 3/4 in. Mom's 12 month old stats: 19 lb 9 oz 29 in.
-Gma & Gpa took care of me and helped out Mom and Dad around the house.
-My hair is really starting to come in thick, blonde and wavy. I have perfect Mohawk hair and Mommy thinks it's fun to always put it in a Mohawk and Daddy loves to mess up all my hair.
-I officially moved to the big bath tub. Well actually they just put my little bath tub in the big bath tub and now I splash like crazy.
-I continue to eat and sleep like a pro. Mommy started giving me oatmeal, which I absolutely love. I also love eating fruit in the mesh bag and drinking water from my sippy cup.
-Ate a record amount at night....18oz of milk. I couldn't believe it myself. Mommy and Gma put me down, but I was still hungry so I protested and continued to eat a little more until I was full, happy, and most of all ready for a good nights sleep. So at night I now drink 18 oz occasionally!
-Lately I've been going crazy with my tongue. I stick it out, chew on it, and am just always messing around with it.
-Although I still have no teeth that Mommy and Daddy can see, I can feel them coming in like crazy. Mommy hopes that I don't get them for awhile, since the later I get them the better the teeth I should have. I love to get my mouth on things and then just go back and forth like crazy.
-I love playing peek-a-boo!
-Bounced on the trampoline for the first time with Mommy.
-Continue to talk, laugh, and smile all the time. Everybody always says what a great and happy baby I am.
-Jenna came and took my 6 month old pics! I can't wait to see how they turned out and have Mommy show me off to everybody!

Jacob's stats for the first 6 months:

7/21/09 (birth)
Weight: 6 lb
Length: 20 in (6%)
Head: 13.1 in

7/27/09 (1 week)
Weight: 6 lb
Length: 19.5 in
Head: 13.1 in

8/3/09 (2 week)
Weight: 6 lb 4.5 oz
Length: 20 in
Head: 13.5 in

8/24/09 (1 month)
Weight: 7 lb 14.5oz (7%)
Length: 20.5 in (11%)
Head: 14.4 in (15%)

9/21/09 (2 month)
Weight: 11 lb (34%)
Length: 21.5 in (7%)
Head: 15.5 in (37%)

10/21/09 (3 month)
Weight: 14.8 lb
Length: 24.5 in

11/21/09 (4 month)
Weight: 16 lb 6.5 oz (78%)
Length: 25 in (52%)
Head: 17 in (74%)

12/21/09 (5 month)
Weight: 18 lb
Length: 26 in

1/21/10 (6 month)
Weight: 19 lb 13 oz (87%)
Length: 27 in (73%)
Head: 17.7 in (83%)

Jacob, you are a child of God, His treasured possession. He created you in His own image. He chose the day for you to be born. He has a plan and a purpose for your life!

1st time away from Jr, Letter to Jr, 25 wk highlights

Yesterday A and I headed down to Houston for A’s surgery. We were scheduled to go to Mexico, but had to cancel since we had babysitters (my parents) to watch Jr while we were gone. Since we didn’t want to drag the little burger along we decided to go ahead and have the surgery and try to schedule a trip for later.

Today A had surgery to remove some bone spurs on his ankle. All went well and he’s doing great and we should be able to head home tomorrow evening. This is the first time I’ve been away from Jr for an extended period of time since he’s been born and to say I miss him would be an understatement. I decided to write Jacob a little letter to tell him how I feel right now.


Dear Jacob-

I miss ya so much and can’t wait to see you tomorrow. This is the first time I’ve been without you since you were born and I can’t stop thinking about you. Every time I look at the clock I think about what you are probably up to and wish I could be there playing, snuggling, or holding you.
This past month I’ve been prepping for what it would be like not to have you around for a couple days. I took a ton of pictures/videos of you on my phone and can’t stop looking at them. I constantly look at your pictures on the internet and on our computer. Looking at your beautiful blue eyes, huge Gerber smile, and the radiating happiness that comes from your face makes my day light up! You look so much like your Daddy; oh how lucky I am to have you both in my life.
You mean the world to me and I am so thankful that God has blessed me with you as my son. I prayed and dreamed about you all the time before you were born and ever since I’ve had you’ve your Dad and mine’s world complete. We couldn’t imagine life without you in it. You make us smile all the time and you truly light up our world. You make our hearts’ melt and you truly are our gift from God.

I didn’t know exactly how I would feel without you being in my arms all the time and after a couple hours, I just wanted to hold, squeeze and kiss you. I wonder what new things you’ll be doing when I get to see you. I wonder if you’ll squeal and move your arms like crazy when you see me.

Your Daddy and I can’t stop thinking about you and are so excited to come home and see you. We can’t wait to see you and “Get you!”

I love you so much and will always be here for you,
-MOM


Here’s what Jr has been up to lately:
25 wk highlights:
-Jr continues to eat like a champ. He still eats the usual things at breakfast, lunch, dinner and his night bottle.
-Jr started eating pears this week. He definitely loves them over his bananas.
-Jr sits all the way up in his high chair when you feed him. He tries to help you by grabbing the spoon (with his left hand) and puts it into his mouth. Sometimes he puts it in just a little too far and almost gags himself; self feeding is definitely a learning experience.
-Jr is mastering the sippy cup (minus the stopper in the sippy cup). He didn’t really understand the concept of sucking to get something, so we took the stopper out and he thinks it’s the greatest thing ever. He loves to drink the water from his cup and will bring it up, take a drink and then take it down and repeat.
-The “Raptor” is back! Jr started squealing all the time lately and sounds exactly like a little raptor dinosaur.
-Jr loves to jump around in his jumperoo and goes nonstop when he’s in it. He used to jump from one leg to another, but now he loves to do a squatting motion and then jump off both feet. It’s so much fun watching him go crazy jumping around.
-Jr is a great sleeper. He continues to sleep 11 hrs at night and takes a morning, afternoon, and evening nap.
-He got to try out his new baby/toddler sled that Grandma and Grandpa got him for Christmas. It worked great and he loved sitting up while Mommy ran around with him in the snow.
-Jr also got to wear his new snowsuit. The jacket fits just right and he has room to grow into the pants.
-Jr continues to reach and grab for everything. He usually succeeds in grabbing everything in sight and to the mouth it goes.
-Each day he sits up better and stronger on his own. He hates laying down and definitely prefers to see the world from an upright position.
-Was away from Mommy for the first time for an extended period of time.
-Grandma and Grandpa McBride are taking care of Jr for a couple days, while Daddy and Mommy went to Houston so Daddy could have surgery on his ankle. Jr is doing great thus far and we will hopefully get to see him tomorrow night to tuck him in for bed.

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."- Colossians 3:15

24 wk highlights and our growing baby boy!

Jr is 25 weeks today and is up to all new sorts of things and growing by the minute. I can’t believe what was once my little peanut has becoming my little man.

24 week highlights:

-This is probably the most notable week in a long time. With the 6 month mark just around the corner (9 days from today) Jr is turning into a little boy right in front of us.

-Jr has turned into Mr. Independent! He thinks he is a big boy now and wants to do everything for himself. I have a feeling this is only the beginning.

-Along with being Mr. Independent, he also wants everything within reach and if he can’t get to it he gets mad. He rakes any object toward him with his hands. His fine motor skills are starting to really develop. It’s so much fun watching him grasp and pick up big and small objects.

-Jr is increasingly easily distracted. He’s intensely interested in the world around him, and his rapidly evolving brain zeroes in on things that are new and different. So when he’s a little cranky, we use his growing interest in this new world to our advantage by making a funny noise, singing a song, gently banging a pot, play in front of the mirror, play with the train, take wagon rides (and watch the singing puppies along the way) — any change from the norm may snap him out of his grumpy mood.

-He started making noises like something is taking his breath away. Thinks it’s hilarious and finds great fun in making Mommy and Daddy laugh.

-Each day Jr continues to sit longer and stronger by himself and definitely prefers to sit over anything else.

-While taking his weekly picture with Scooby, he finally noticed that Scooby was behind him and couldn’t help but laugh and stare at him. It was truly a priceless moment the instant he turned around and saw Scooby. This is the first time he sat all by himself for the picture and didn’t have to lean on Scooby.

-He can stand and hold onto something for about 2-5 min or so before his legs get tired and he goes back to his favorite position (sitting).

-Jr rolls all the time to the left and right sides when he’s on his back, but doesn’t really care to roll completely onto his belly. He will royally lay on his side forever and play with his toys before he’d even think about rolling to this tummy.

-Although we can’t see any indication of teeth below the gums, we know they’re coming by so many teething signs. Jr drools more than a Saint Bernard (he wears a bib all the time and it’s drenched every time it gets changed), chews on everything like a puppy, and gets grouchy out of nowhere just like a pregnant lady, and from all that we conclude that the teeth must be coming.

-Jr sleeps like a champ at night from 8:45ish PM- 8:00 AM! He’s been making a little more noise/stirring around at night (teething we assume), but is able to put himself back to sleep despite that!

-Jr naps for about 30 min in his crib and then anywhere from 30-60 min in his swing during his day naps.

-His hair is coming in blonde and is definitely going to be a hit with the girls with his blonde/brown hair and big, beautiful blue eyes. His hair is so thick on top and is almost in his eyes because it’s so long.

-The neighbors babysat the other day for a little bit and Jr seems to be fascinated by their little boy Jacob. The whole time they played, Baby Jacob (as they call him) would stare at their Jacob and wanted everything he had.

-Jr can move his car walker around a little. He can move his push car to the side and forward a little. He moved it to the side the other day so he could pet Rambo (neatest thing to see)!

-Rambo makes Jr laugh and smile all the time. They’re already forming a bond to become best buddies in the future.

-Jr squeals, laughs, talks/babbles (saying dadadada, babababa, and a lot of things I don’t even know how to type), blows bubbles, and will give you the most pouty face you’ve ever seen if he’s upset.

-Jr insist he needs to sit up in his highchair now too. He will no longer lean back for you to feed him; he thinks he should sit up and help you feed him (like I said before Mr. Independent)! I started taking his shirt off, because sometimes we end up with food everywhere and on everything (again I have a feeling this is only the beginning of that).

-Jr. will give you a high five if you put your hand out there first. He will reach his hand out to touch yours, which gives the appearance of a high five.

-At 23 weeks Jr tried bananas, rice cookies, teething biscuits, and his sippy cup all for the first time. Wasn’t real sure about the sippy cup, tried to chomp on it and didn’t understand if something was suppose to come out or not, so we took the stopper out and he had some white grape juice of which he seemed to enjoy.

-Jr has started eating bananas on a regular basis now (only fruit so far). He didn’t know what to think of them at first, but seems to be taking a liking to them now.

-Jr’s little menu looks like this on a typical day: Breakfast= 3 tbsp cereal (w/ 2 oz milk), 1 tbsp fruit, 5-6 oz milk. Lunch= 3 tbsp cereal (w/ 2 oz milk), 2 tbsp vegs, 5-7 oz milk. Supper= 1.5 tbsp cereal (w/ 1 oz milk), 1 tbsp fruit, 2 tbsp vegs, 5-6 oz milk. Night bottle= 13-16 oz of milk. Continues to eat at 8,12,4,8.

-Has hung out with Mom for the past 3 days, since Daddy had to take a trip. He’s been so good and Mommy is extra thankful for that.

I had this sent to me in an email and thought it was pretty funny.

Five signs your baby may be teething:
• She looks like the winner of her own personal wet T-shirt contest.
• When she chews on her fist, the expression "self-cannibalizing" leaps to mind.
• You've exhausted all other explanations for her crabbiness.
• You've exhausted all other explanations for your crabbiness.
• When you look in her mouth, you see teeth. (Although obviously no teeth yet).

“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy.”-1 Peter 1:15-16

New Year, Calling an Audible & 23 week highlights

Sometimes in life you just have to call an audible and this couldn't be more true then what we're experiencing right now with Jr and life in general.

I can't believe its been over week since I've updated on what Mr. Jr has been up to, but life has been a whirlwind lately....hints calling an audible the past three days. Tuesday Jr just wasn't himself and got a little off his normal routine. It could be anything from him not going the bathroom like normal (therefore causing tummy troubles) to these wonderful things called teeth. So between tummy and teeth this week has been trying on Mom, Dad, and Jr. Wednesday night have been the longest mommy day so far. Jr was fussy most of the day until the evening and clearly didn't feel good; everything from his cries to hardly eating at all has all been off lately. He'd cry and cry until he wore himself and fall asleep. I did get him to take 2 shorter naps in the morning and then a long one from 2-4 (this one he took in my arms and to me it felt like I was in heaven as he lie peacefully sleeping). The rest of the evening went pretty well and he sleep 11.5 hrs last night. Nonetheless, I hope the teeth come soon and quickly.

We had a great time with PJ, Shan, Mom and Dad over New Year's. We celebrated New Year's Eve by having a wonderful turkey and ham meal followed by lots of presents. It was so much fun opening gifts and getting to celebrate Christmas again. All of us (except Jr who was sound asleep) stayed up for the new year playing Deal or No Deal on the Wii. I was high for a long time with $802,000, but of course that didn't last long as I have one of the most competitive husbands ever and he of course had to go break it and win the million dollars. Sunday through Tuesday we stayed up till past 1 in the morning to play Settlers of Catan. PJ, Shan, Dad, and A were playing it Saturday before PJ and Shan had to leave. They all said it was a lot of fun and some how convinced my mom and I to play with them (Dad and A), which was a terrible move on our behalf because now we too are addicted and have played the game way too much. It was so funny because we'd start playing at night, baby in carrier in all and as soon as he went to bed the real game faces came on up late we'd stay again. It was so much fun playing with mom and dad, but I'm clearly paying for this week, oh well it was worth it:) So between eating way too much, playing Deal or No Deal and Settlers of Catan, laughing way too hard, and smiling so much my cheeks hurt.........life's been good!!! It's been a great New Year thus far and I can't wait to see everything this year has in store for the Carriker Clan.

*Side notes:
*A has some bone spurs on his ankle and just like with Jr, we are calling and audible here too. We aren't sure what we're going to do about them, but have to decide very quickly.
*A is cleared from pt and is good to go with his "New" shoulder. He's worked so hard since his surgery getting his strength back and clearly it's paid off. He goes back to Houston tomorrow to get it officially cleared by the dr.
*It snowed about 4 inches last night, but we haven't been able to try out his new sled or snow suit yet, because it's too cold but maybe the snow will stick around for awhile and we can go out when it warms up just a bit. Plus maybe by then he'll be back to feeling like himself and not sick and all out of whack.
*Gma Adeline is back home and doing great. I hope this year goes better than the last for the McBride Clan.
*Aleah turned 1 today! It's hard to believe it's been almost a year since we've seen her. I really hope we get to see them sometime this off-season.
*We're officially in the off-season. A's first year here they won 3 games, then 2 his 2nd, and now 1 his third; I wonder what this next year will bring us.

23 week highlights:
-Celebrated his 1st New Year! Of course, he slept through the actual new year, but he celebrated New Year's Eve opening gifts and eating lots with Gma, Gpa, PJ and Shannon.
-Jr can sit all by himself for quite some time. Out of all the positions (laying tummy/belly, standing, etc.) he definitely prefers just to sit and play with his toys.
-Jr can stand if he's holding onto something. He likes to stand and hold onto his activity walker.
-He continues to eat the usual 3 tbsp veggies with 1 tbsp cereal, along with 6-8 oz of milk. This past week he hasn't eaten as much as usual, down to about 6 oz rather than 8.
-Jr continues to sleep like a champ at night (11 hrs).
-Although we still can't see any teeth, we know they are coming. Between everything in the mouth, drool (soaks his bibs all day long), fussiness, etc., we know these could be some long months.
-Jr loves to talk and laugh. He has one of the biggest smiles ever and looks like the Gerber baby.
-Jr moved up to 18 mo clothes. His sleepers are 9 months, but all shirts are 18 mo.
-Jr moved up in diaper size, too. He went from 2 to 2-3 and as soon as he finishes the 2-3 box, he'll be in size 3.
-He started rolling to the right now. Jr always would roll to his left no matter what, but started rolling to the right this week.
-He got so many presents this Christmas. He got a car walker, John Deere precious moment from Gpa, an activity sit & walker, a car he can be pushed around in, a ball, a train, blocks, a snow suit, sled, bath toys and so much more.
-Jr loves to be pulled in his wagon. If he's ever fussy it seems to calm him down almost instantly. I wonder how many laps we've made around the house so far.
-Jr also loves to be pushed around in his car. His feet touch just enough that he can push along a little. He really loves to just go cruising around the house.
-Helped Gma and Mommy take down the Christmas decorations. We did however leave the train up, because he is a source of good entertainment!
-Continues to go crazy in his jumperoo and loves watching the train go around while he jumps around.
-His fine motor skills seem to improve by the day. It's so much fun watching him discover this whole new world.
-Sits up in his bath and splashes like crazy while giving him his bath. He loves to play around in his bath tub and gets mad when you get him out (this is only the beginning of that I have a feeling).
-Jr got to sit in the big boy high chair. We all went out for lunch and he got to sit in the high chair at the table. He did great and loved looking at everyone. I don't think the ladies next to us knew what to think since we have a noise machine on our hands; he talked the whole time.
-Went and celebrated Annie's birthday on New Year's day! Jr did great and was a hit with all the ladies! He especially loved all the balloons.

“[Be Holy] Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.”- 1 Peter 1:13