Things That Go Bump In The Night

Where were you last night at 3:30am? Were you in the closet with a pot on your head? No? Well, we were. Fun times. The tornado sirens went off 2 different times last night. It was the first time we had to wake Nathaniel up and drag him downstairs to safety. He was all spaced out at first wondering what in the heck was going on. The dogs were just as confused. The dogs were in the laundry room whining while Nate and I were in the closet. (Where was Kevin you ask... against my better judgment he was watching the weather report in the other room) When the sirens stopped the first time we all crawled into bed (Yep, all 5 of us) to watch the weather channel. The wind was still really strong so we figured we better wait for the bad weather to pass through our part of the map before going back to sleep. Nate thought it was pretty cool to play with Mocha. Suddenly it was play time in the middle of the night. The sirens went off again, we hung out in the closet for a bit longer. The second time was worse since Nathaniel was awake and bored. Luckily it was quick. The winds calmed down and our middle of the night adventure was over. I could really do without the crazy weather!

 

The other bump in the night happened a few days ago. I had heard rumors, but never had it happen to me. I always laughed thinking I would think it was silly, but it ended up more creepy than silly. In the dead of the night one of Nathaniel's toys started playing. It is so much freakier than I imagined. You immediately think to yourself is someone in the house, is there a mouse, a ghost? I am not sure why a rational thought like the toy is just malfunctioning doesn't cross your mind first. After trying to figure out which toy it was (yep you learn all the different tunes on all the toys so we were humming the song out loud and narrowing the choices), then doing a full search of the house for any creepers, we tried to go back to sleep. But mostly I just laid there and wondered how does a toy malfunction just once? Seems suspicious. Luckily, my fatigue got the better of me and I just lost interest in thinking about it :)

Usain Bolt No More

My mini Usain Bolt (aka Nathaniel) is going to have to slow it down. Yep, what I feared might happen, happened. The little guy fell down and hit his head hard on the wood floor :( Kevin and I were talking while he was running around and down he went. Kevin scooped him up and that is when I saw it. The HUGE bump on his head. What is it called ... a goose egg? It was bruised and swollen. Being first time parents we of course went to the doctor to make sure it wasn't anything to worry about. I've read (and know) that bumps usually look worse than they are, but that is hard to remember when it actually happens. I also know that you shouldn't go to sleep right away after hitting your head and it was almost his bedtime. I figured I wanted someone a lot smarter than me telling me it was ok. So off we went to the urgent care.

 

The minute we got to urgent care all I could think about is that we will probably get the flu now too. Germs germs germs! We got in and out pretty quick. They even had a kids treatment room ... which was nice since there were puzzles and stuff, but all I could see were GERMS GERMS GERMS from all the rest of the sick kids. I am pretty sure I made Kevin apply hand sanitizer 10 times while we sat there and we wiped Nathaniel's hands over and over again. The Dr. looked at him, explained toddler brains and bumps and then sent us on our way with a fairly clean bill of health. I guess baby/toddler brains are packed in the skull a little tighter so when they bump their heads the brain doesn't really move like it does in adults. It is that movement that causes a lot of the side effects etc. that make the injury worse. We just need to watch him and make sure he doesn't get wobbly, seem overly irritable, too slugish or throw up. Whew... although it looks so painful :(

 

This all happened last night. Today was suppose to be a beautiful day weather wise so I had planned to go to the zoo. I was apprehensive now since he bumped his head and it hadn't been 48 hrs. I certainly didn't want him falling down again and landing in the same spot. I don't even want to let him play on the wood floors. I'm following him around like a crazy person so I decided to buy him a helmet. I figure I'll just make him wear that the rest of his life. A helmet and a bubble outfit. HA! not really. But I sure feel like it.

 

I went to the zoo anyway, but I didn't let him walk anywhere that seemed wet, uphill or downhill just to make sure he didn't fall. We had a great time. It was pretty empty. One of the highlights was the bird encounter exhibit. We were the only ones there for awhile. The birds fly all around you and land on you and stuff. Nathaniel got a kick out of it. Here is a pic of him enjoying himself (notice the huge bruise on his head) ... poor little guy.

 

 

All in all, it has been 24 hrs and he seems to be doing fine - YAY! I'm finally doing ok too after having a slight heart attack, panic attack, nervous breakdown or any other kind of attack or breakdown that happens when you see a goose egg form on the super sweet face of your child.

 

I also liked the attitude of this meerkat today. He just claimed that plant as his own. Cute.

 

 

Don't Walk, Run

I have mentioned this before already, but this boy is a little speedster. It is noteworthy again because it really is ALL he does. He zooms around the house all day. My sister even mentioned that Nathaniel doesn't ever walk.... but runs. Well, at least a toddler type run.. zoom zoom zoom. There is one particular scene that I think is funny. When I am downstairs in the kitchen making dinner or whatever (more likely whatever haha) and Kevin and Nate are upstairs I have a view of the hallway that is upstairs. All I see is Nathaniel run back and forth from the loft to his room. I don't mean a few times, I mean 25 times. It is great. We have been trying to get it on video, but haven't yet. I enjoy watching and forget to grab the video camera.

 

He also likes to play any game where you chase him or he chases you or the dog chases him - you get the point. He has one of those dogs you pull and it makes noise - remember those? Nathaniel doesn't pull it, Kevin and I do. He runs away from you and the dog. If you stop he picks up the dog and hands it to you so he can be chased again.

 

He is getting a lot better walking on the uneven grass outside. Yep, I said walk. The uneven ground is the only thing that slows him down. He has only had one bad spill so far. We were at Cheekwood (a big old mansion that is now a museum/botanical garden in Nashville). He was gaining speed headed on a downhill sloping sidewalk and fell forward. :(

 

Nate Note: Nathaniel is obsessed with his toothbrush. He will be whining and grabs your legs so that you will pick him up and then he just points to his toothbrush. He gets a little cranky if you don't give it to him. Normally I'd be a little more tough and say 'No', but he is teething. It looks like the chewing soothes him so I let him get away with it. Yep, he chews it, he isn't brushing his teeth :) He has 2 new teeth coming in on the bottom front. He tends to chew the toothbrush towards the back so I'm wondering if there is a molar or something starting to come through or if it is just for counter pressure. I haven't been able to feel anything so we'll see. 

 

 

Nate Note 2: We have a bird feeder outside our window.  Nathaniel will now go to the window and watch the birds.  I'll say, 'Is there any birds?' and he will run over there.  Actually, when I say that Kona goes over there too.  So basically Kona and Nate watch the birds in the morning.  It is cute. 

I Have a Day

There has been a few heartbreaking facebook posts/happenings over the past month. It is incredibly hard to imagine how people make it through some of the worst times of their lives ok (or at least I hope ok). What makes me blog about this subject is that while there is always heartbreaking or hard times that befall people these involve kids. It just feels harder to swallow when it involves kids. Whether it is a child being diagnosed with cancer, a genetic mutation or a car crash... it is hard to imagine what you would do in the same situation. You would like to think you'd handle it with strength and courage, but really deep down you feel like you'd break down and never recover. How can horrible things happen to such young souls? A question I'm sure is asked by many that have read/heard the same things as myself.

 

I thought about my answer to this question. There are a lot of possible answers. The answer is quite unique to every individual. How would you answer it? I chose to think of it this way - these tragedies allow me to put my own life in perspective. I think of my most tired, stressed out, grumpy day with Nathaniel and I realize that at least 'I have a day'. I have a day to be with him. Isn't that just the greatest thing ever. I don't care... the absolute worst day ever is still a day. I'm so THANKFUL to have another day. Unfortunately, not everyone gets another day with their little dudes and dudettes. So I'd like to say, 'thank you' to those parents who shared their heartbreak and hope their child left a mark in this world. I am (and undoubtedly others) grateful, grateful that 'I Have a Day' and it is because of these kids that I see a little more clearly the beauty in the everyday.

 

I Love you Nathaniel!!!!

What NO Pictures!

So another visit from my sister has come and gone and there is zero evidence that she was here. Yep, that's right NO pictures. How did that happen? Since the little guys arrival we might not do the most exciting picture worthy things, but you'd think we could take at least one picture. We visited Cheekwood and saw the outside train display. We went to the park and had lunch. It was the first time Nathaniel had been to a park since he has been walking. He had fun watching all of the other people and sliding down the slide on his belly. Here is a picture of us walking on the train track that is near the park. I will admit this is a rare picture and wouldn't have happened without Krista since all 3 of us are in it and that never happens. But, still no Nate and Aunt Krista pic....

 

Ok what else did we do...Surprise, surprise we went to the Opryland outlet mall. I don't get there very often and it was so much more fun to have someone to actually go shopping with. Nathaniel got a lot of play time with Aunt Krista and LOVED it! I also got some play time :) We had a sister date at Mack and Kate's ;) and then went to 3rd and Lindsley to see Escondido and Smoking Flowers. They are classified as an Indie Folk Pop band I think. My sister and I have pretty much the same exact taste in music so we enjoyed the unique sound. We also got some girl time in one day at happy hour and had a very competitive shuffle board game. Lots of laughs and movies filled in the rest of the time.

 

Having her here is always so fun. I miss her ALL the time, but especially after she leaves because I am reminded how much I need her in my life. I say 'need' specifically because I'm a more complete person with her around. It helps to have someone around you can bounce stuff off of like cooking tips, clothing choices, new tv shows, current event topics or any goofy personal stuff. You can email/talk/text but nothing beats 'in person'. I know wanh wanh... but I just feel so fortunate to have a sister whom I can't get enough of and can't wait to see again.

 

I guess it is time to get back to Nate and I's routine (sans Aunt Krista)...

Super Speedster

I now look like a crazy person when I shop. I will, on occasion, let Nathaniel out of the buggy to walk around when we are at the store. What this little act of courage really means is that I am no longer shopping, but instead chasing an out of control super speedster toddler around. He just takes off at full speed in any direction. He doesn't care where he is going or where he has been. He doesn't care that he just entered the women's underwear area full speed babbling loudly. Yes, the super speed walk usually comes with a super speed babble. I guess he is narrating his own adventure like Morgan Freeman would do. 

If someone was watching they would just see this flash of toddler zip by and then by again and then by again. He could care less about following me or listening to me. He is completely in some new world of freedom where only he knows what is happening. Luckily he is so busy just zooming around he has no time to touch or get into anything. I'm sure that won't last, but for now I'll take it.

I think I finally understand kid leashes hahaha... but I'm afraid if I had one of those he'd be pulling me around like the dogs do when they are on a leash :) I know it is crazy to let him out of the buggy acting all crazy, but there isn't a happier walk full of joy anywhere - how can I possibly not just watch (chase) and smile. Of course he is fully restrained in a parking lot! So next time you are alone walk as fast as you can, loudly babble something exciting and just BE as HAPPY as possible! Spend a minute in the mind of a toddler.

I'm so excited I can hardly contain it

Woo Hoo

 

New Skills

The Dreaded Nose Pick.... Aaaaahhh he found his nose recently. Kevin has been sick and blowing his nose so I can only deduct that he learned this skill from his dad! Although to Nathaniel's credit he has actually pulled out a prize or two so maybe the pick was warranted.... NOT! Is this the start of teaching manners? A lot of the people I pull up next to in the car could use this same lesson. I'm amazed at how many people don't think anyone can see them in their car.

 

 

The King Kong ... He picks up his train track and accessories like he is King Kong. Those people, trees, trains and cars don't always make it around the track. He also has ZERO attachment to stuffed animals and thinks it is quite funny to chuck them out of the crib.

 

 

The Disaster Dude... He can easily clear a drawer or shelf in under 30 seconds. Every single thing gets thrown backwards in super speed. If he is standing up it is this smooth underhand backwards throw.

 

 

The Houdini - Nathaniel is now at the proper heighth and has good enough balance to be able to open doors. We have the pull lever type door knobs. You used to be able to contain him by just shutting the door, not now. He hasn't figured out how to unlock it yet so that is our new trick (although I hide it from him when I lock/unlock it since he watches intently. I think he is trying to learn how I get out... he is a sneakster) I don't have a picture of this, but I am pretty sure you can only imagine how mobile this little guy is nowadays.

 

 

This is actually Kona's new skill.... The Expert Toy Goer Arounder.... Kona loves to lay on this ottoman in the afternoon when the sun shines in the window on it. She attempted to lay on it after Nathaniel had put all of his blocks up on it. She was pretty smooth and didn't knock any over.

 

 

15 Month Appt.

Celebrate good times, come on, do do do do do do do do come on.... so why am I celebrating??? Because the shots are almost over Woo Hoo. I hate those dreaded vaccines. Besides the fact that they seem to be controversial these days, which makes me feel guilty every time we get them - They HURT!! Now I don't buy into most of the controversy, but it still makes you second guess yourself. Most kids that aren't vaccinated don't get sick merely because most kids around them are vaccinated, it isn't because they didn't necessarily need the vaccine. Thimerosal isn't in any child vaccines anymore (except non single dose flu). The vaccines are far more pure than they ever have been - far less antigens are injected to get the same result. In fact most kids are exposed to far more antigens on a daily basis than what are in those vaccines. Plus, and this is especially true when they are young, they have some of the power of your immune system so they are better able to build up an immune response. 

 

 

I read quite a bit on the subject - most articles, while sounding official, were opinion pieces with very little science to back up claims. While I'm not some Harvard scientist I completely understand how vaccines work, chemicals used, what makes a legit scientific study, etc etc. Now, that being said you can't underestimate the power of paranoia. I get it. You don't want to do anything to your tiny tiny little person that may hurt them. However, the flip side isn't usually represented. Maybe people should be a little paranoid that their kid might get meningitis or mumps or hep B... There were a few things that I was uneasy about concerning vaccines and I think are very valid concerns. The amount of aluminum contained in the shots. Now, don't get me wrong, aluminum is a very important part of the effectiveness of a vaccine and is very much needed. I just think there should be more published or given to you at your pediatrician's office regarding the amount in the vaccines your child is going to get at any one time. It is common to get 3 vaccines at one time (how much aluminum is that for that particular visit?) I also think getting more than 3 is WAY too much. 2 is probably ideal, but then you do have to have your child go through that little trauma more times (is that actually more unhealthy?). 

 

 

Now, if Nathaniel would have shown any side effects I may have used a delayed or abbreviated vaccination schedule, but he didn't so I went full steam ahead. Overall, to each their own. It is your child and you should do what makes you most comfortable. Who knows maybe in 20 years some of the opinions will be proven accurate and I will feel bad I vaccinated. But after reading, I felt most comfortable vaccinating, but it certainly doesn't mean I enjoyed that super red, crying boy I'd get to see every couple of months :( Regardless, we are almost done.... only one more shot at the 18 month appt. CELEBRATE YAY!!!

 

Ok enough blabbering and on to the good stuff

 

The stats.

 

 

9/30 - He was born and was 21 inches tall and 8 lbs 7 oz
10/11 - He was 11 days old and was 21 inches tall and 8 lbs 9 oz
10/24 - He was 3 and 3/7 wks old and was 21 3/4 inches tall and 9 lbs 9 oz
12/1 - He is 2 months old and 24 inches tall and 11 lbs 10 oz

1/20 - He is 3 1/2 months old and 25 3/4 inches tall and 14 lbs 8 oz

3/30 - He is 6 months old and 27 inches tall and 17 lbs 4 oz
6/28 - He is a lil under 9 months old and 28 3/4 inches tall and 20 lbs 12 oz
10/1 - He just turned one and is 30 3/4 inches tall and 22 lbs 11 oz

1/3 - He is 15 months old and 32 1/4 inches tall and almost 24 lbs

 

Nathaniel fell into the 25-50% range for weight based on his height (closer to the 50% so the doctor wasn't concerned at all). I figure it is the 13 miles he walks every day. He is just a so so eater, which may be part of it. I am starting to think he is a texture guy. He really doesn't like things with much texture and still eats purees just fine. That is how he is still getting some protein and servings of vegetables. I have added smoothies to his daily routine. I sneak in some silken tofu and spinach. He still has a big head (have I mentioned that before?) he always falls in the 90% to over 100% for head size. I don't know how he balances himself on those tiny feet with such a big head ;) Kids aren't designed very balanced are they, it is a wonder they are ever able to walk upright.

 

Everything else looked good. The Dr. didn't have any concerns and said he looks and acts like a typical 15 month old :) The next appt is his 18 month.

Nathaniel and Mocha hanging out

 

Pictures

Yay, the pictures posted.... maybe I can start adding them again :)

The boys watching the Packers

Nathaniel showing off his ASU pjs and his *Happy* walking skills

Whooosh

That is me blowing the dust off the blog. Wowza does time fly when you are having fun, or Christmas, or shopping, or entertaining visitors, or giving belly rubs to the dog, or eating 10 lbs of chocolate. Have you forgotten what Nathaniel even looks like? It has been so long he must be in preschool by now. Or at least we should be interviewing preschools by now, right? We get enough flyers in the mail so I'm starting to think we should be interviewing preschools. Really, that isn't even a joke.

 

I'd post some pictures of Nathaniel, but we don't have any. All the pictures are just blurs shaped like a little boy. He doesn't stop moving. We have a fast camera and it still can't get pictures of him without some part of his body being blurred. I'm thinking of putting a pedometer on him out of curiosity. How many steps does this energizer boy take in a day? Up the stairs too (not down yet). If you have been to our house we have a few pretty good circular tracks that he uses. He circles the kitchen, the stairs and the dining room. He stops in varying rooms on occasion to grab some sort of gadget/object that he then walks around with and leaves in random spots. I've found a pair of my socks in the trash, shaving cream in the closet and sippy cup lids in the bath tub. He moves and moves fast.

 

It has been fun watching him explore as a bipedal while watching the reaction of our quadruped's. He is at the dog's height now so he gets a few kisses from Kona and some bumps from Mocha. When Mocha gets excited he tends to circle you - well that is fine except Nate doesn't quite have the balance of a statue yet so on occasion he loses his balance. If he is cranky he cries, if not he laughs. It is barely a tap so the little guy is just fine.

 

My hands are getting sore from the lack of typing I have done in a month so I better sign off... let's see if I stick to my resolution of blogging more in 2013... hahaha just kidding I didn't make any resolutions. (that might have been a good one though - I know the grandparents are getting antsy for some new pictures)

 

Happy New Year!