Isaac just started saying his own name differently. He used to say "sa-sai" and now he's started saying "i - eh". Haha...it's so cute (although I kinda miss "sa -sai").
We found one of Mike's old phones that he lost a while ago. We charged it up and gave it to Isaac because he is obsessed with phones. He loves it!!
He knows all his letters now. He doesn't go through his ABC's in order yet...but he can identify all the letters. He will randomly sing part of the song in order...but has yet to do it from A to Z.
He now counts from 1 - 20! He can do 1 - 12 all on his own, and he will randomly do 15 - 20 but he usually needs a little prompting to get him all the way through. He can also count from 10 - 1 backwards. What a little smarty pants.
After my recent miscarriage I have been thinking a lot about what a blessing Isaac is. I always knew he was, but it is easy to take it for granted sometimes. I had all but forgotten the many struggles we went through trying to conceive a child. Before we had conceived him, I had come to terms with the fact that we may not ever have children of our own. I really was at peace with that...I had decided that God may not give us children of our own, but that He would take care of us and we would be okay if that were the case. But he did choose to give us a child, and I am just so thankful for him. But God would've been the same God...just as good...if He had chosen not to.
It is a little difficult being taken back to those thoughts and feelings again. I have to admit that after we were blessed with Isaac, I guess I thought that battle was over...I got this false sense that we would no longer have any problems having children. Getting pregnant so quickly kinda confirmed that in my mind...but now I'm remembering back...the difficult time we had...could be ahead of us again...and i am determined not to be consumed like I was before...to make sure that my faith in Him grows even stronger than it did the last time. I know He is in control and will do what is best for us...not because He chose to give us a child the first time around...but simply because He is God. I'm really trying not to let my worries and fears sneak up on me...I just keep giving them right back to Him and reminding myself of who He is and His promises. To give us life to the full. To do what is best for us. To fight our battles and be victorious. To give us joy, and peace that passes all understanding.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
19 Months
Isaac is up to so many new things...it is hard to keep up with them all. He is repeating so many more words and actual phrases. We will say something to him that we've probably said a billion times before, but all of the sudden it comes back out of his mouth! It is so cute. Today I told him after lunch "you are such a mess"...and I hear "su a mes". haha.
He is identifying a lot more things as well. He asks for many of his books by name now...He actually knows enough about what is going on in the book to ask for it! He asks for moon (good night moon), gowiwa (good night gorilla) and Jesus Loves Me (I can't even write how he says that one...but it is SO cute!!). I'm not sure why this amazes me...I guess every little new thing is amazing. :)
I was a little late scheduling his 18 month appointment, so we have to wait until Feb 10th for any statistics (weight, height etc...). He is doing so well though. I just can't get enough of him. :)
He is identifying a lot more things as well. He asks for many of his books by name now...He actually knows enough about what is going on in the book to ask for it! He asks for moon (good night moon), gowiwa (good night gorilla) and Jesus Loves Me (I can't even write how he says that one...but it is SO cute!!). I'm not sure why this amazes me...I guess every little new thing is amazing. :)
I was a little late scheduling his 18 month appointment, so we have to wait until Feb 10th for any statistics (weight, height etc...). He is doing so well though. I just can't get enough of him. :)
Sunday, January 11, 2009
18 months
My boy is 18 months now! So hard to believe. He is talking better everyday...he knows and says all the names of the characters on Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and My Friends Tigger and Pooh. He knows his numbers and counts pretty well on his own. He's just started identifying and saying some of his letters. We will be driving down the road and he will see a letter on a sign or something and say "B". It's really cute.
He's started napping better again, still not as good as he was before, but I'll take it! He has started wanting to do things on his own...including (but not limited to) feeding himself. He pretty much refuses to eat any food that I am feeding him...doesn't matter if he loves it or not. He has to do it. I have been trying to give him foods that he is most successful with...ideally finger foods, but he is really wanting to us his fork and spoon (which he has definitely not mastered yet)...so I have to give in sometimes. Foods like applesauce, yogurt, cereal etc...he ends up wearing more than he's eaten...but oh well...he will get it soon enough.
He loves for us to read to him, and he just got a magnadoodle for Christmas that he draws at for hours! He loves to color and play with his alphabet toy. I would be lying if I said he didn't love to watch TV...what kid doesn't...we try to limit his TV time, but he loves Mickey & Tigger! He also likes Handy Manny, Veggie Tales and Little Einstiens. He really likes the praise baby videos too. He doesn't sing too much yet, but he absolutlely loves music.
I will be scheduling his 18 month check up soon...I think he weighs about 26 pounds...but I'll know for sure after his appointment. He has cut about 6 more teeth, so he has a total of 11. 3 top middle, 4 bottom middle, and all 4 molars. He's still really good natured...I mean he has his moments like they all do...but over all he's really a good boy and we just adore him!
He's started napping better again, still not as good as he was before, but I'll take it! He has started wanting to do things on his own...including (but not limited to) feeding himself. He pretty much refuses to eat any food that I am feeding him...doesn't matter if he loves it or not. He has to do it. I have been trying to give him foods that he is most successful with...ideally finger foods, but he is really wanting to us his fork and spoon (which he has definitely not mastered yet)...so I have to give in sometimes. Foods like applesauce, yogurt, cereal etc...he ends up wearing more than he's eaten...but oh well...he will get it soon enough.
He loves for us to read to him, and he just got a magnadoodle for Christmas that he draws at for hours! He loves to color and play with his alphabet toy. I would be lying if I said he didn't love to watch TV...what kid doesn't...we try to limit his TV time, but he loves Mickey & Tigger! He also likes Handy Manny, Veggie Tales and Little Einstiens. He really likes the praise baby videos too. He doesn't sing too much yet, but he absolutlely loves music.
I will be scheduling his 18 month check up soon...I think he weighs about 26 pounds...but I'll know for sure after his appointment. He has cut about 6 more teeth, so he has a total of 11. 3 top middle, 4 bottom middle, and all 4 molars. He's still really good natured...I mean he has his moments like they all do...but over all he's really a good boy and we just adore him!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Christmastime activities.
We had a great Christmas with our family and friends. Isaac seemed to enjoy the festivities for the most part. Late nights combined with poor naps made things a little "interesting" at times, but overall I would say he did quite well. He was still a little uninterested in the actual opening of the gifts...but he did enjoy all the new toys and books that he became the proud new owner of.
After the first big snow fall a week or so ago, we decided to go sledding with some friends. I thought it would be a fun new family thing to experience. As we arrived we bundled up appropriately and prepared for Isaac's first trip (with dad) down the hill. I watched them as they set off and waited to see them expecting to hear great tales of joy and laughter. As they approached, I realized that was not at all what I was about to hear. Aparently as they took off they started picking up more speed than Mike had expected. As he put his feet down in an attempt to slow them down, he showered both of them with cold, wet snow. Isaac burst into tears and immediately started screaming for "Mama"! When Mike brought him to me he reached toward the car and started saying "bye bye...bye bye!". Needless to say, he was finished. Mike and I took a few more trips down the hill and then we packed up and put Isaac out of his cold misery.
The very next day we bundled up again and headed out into the bitter cold to see the wonders of Christmas history at Greenfield village with Mike's family. It was the coldest day of the year, but we had already put our money into it...so we headed out regardless. We did get some yummy cider and hot chocolate...and Isaac got to see Santa up on the rooftop. When we ask Isaac what Santa says he replies "ho, ho, ho". It is so cute. There were several moments that I lost all feeling in my legs, and I was sure I had frostbite, but once we made it to the car all was well and we all survived.
Just before Christmas, we had our friends Jess and Justin over to take some Christmas pictures for us. It was really fun to sit back and watch the process as Justin followed Isaac around with the camera. If you have ever tried to photograph a toddler, you know how the scene is. I felt like the scene was total chaos...chasing Isaac around, rearranging his position, straightening his clothes, combing down his hair, trying to rescue innocent glass ornaments from impending doom, making silly faces and sounds, trying to find anything to occupy him in one location for more than 30 seconds...as I was taking it all in, I had to wonder how on earth we were ever going to get any decent pictures out of this. but when I saw what Justin was able to capture, I was in awe. I think one of the things I liked best about them was the chaos! Haha! These photos truly capture Isaac...this is him...messy hair, chubby cheeks, mischevious grin, tooth filled giggles...and all. I will cherish these memories for the rest of my life.
After the first big snow fall a week or so ago, we decided to go sledding with some friends. I thought it would be a fun new family thing to experience. As we arrived we bundled up appropriately and prepared for Isaac's first trip (with dad) down the hill. I watched them as they set off and waited to see them expecting to hear great tales of joy and laughter. As they approached, I realized that was not at all what I was about to hear. Aparently as they took off they started picking up more speed than Mike had expected. As he put his feet down in an attempt to slow them down, he showered both of them with cold, wet snow. Isaac burst into tears and immediately started screaming for "Mama"! When Mike brought him to me he reached toward the car and started saying "bye bye...bye bye!". Needless to say, he was finished. Mike and I took a few more trips down the hill and then we packed up and put Isaac out of his cold misery.
The very next day we bundled up again and headed out into the bitter cold to see the wonders of Christmas history at Greenfield village with Mike's family. It was the coldest day of the year, but we had already put our money into it...so we headed out regardless. We did get some yummy cider and hot chocolate...and Isaac got to see Santa up on the rooftop. When we ask Isaac what Santa says he replies "ho, ho, ho". It is so cute. There were several moments that I lost all feeling in my legs, and I was sure I had frostbite, but once we made it to the car all was well and we all survived.
Just before Christmas, we had our friends Jess and Justin over to take some Christmas pictures for us. It was really fun to sit back and watch the process as Justin followed Isaac around with the camera. If you have ever tried to photograph a toddler, you know how the scene is. I felt like the scene was total chaos...chasing Isaac around, rearranging his position, straightening his clothes, combing down his hair, trying to rescue innocent glass ornaments from impending doom, making silly faces and sounds, trying to find anything to occupy him in one location for more than 30 seconds...as I was taking it all in, I had to wonder how on earth we were ever going to get any decent pictures out of this. but when I saw what Justin was able to capture, I was in awe. I think one of the things I liked best about them was the chaos! Haha! These photos truly capture Isaac...this is him...messy hair, chubby cheeks, mischevious grin, tooth filled giggles...and all. I will cherish these memories for the rest of my life.
You can see the others at:
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| Isaac 18 mo |
Friday, December 12, 2008
Numbers and Naps
At 17 months, Isaac has started identifying numbers. It started one day when I took a diaper out the box and he saw the number on it and said "five". I thought it was a fluke, so I waited a few minutes and after he was distracted for a bit, I took out his number book and asked him where the five was. He pointed right to it. It was such a surprise to me! It just seemed a little early to me for him to be identifying numbers...but we went with it and started reading through his number book every day. In a matter of days he was identifying several numbers, and now he can identify numbers 1 - 10, he can say numbers 1 - 13, and he is starting to count in order! What a little smarty pants. :) I thought I should get him started on letters, but he doesn't seem terribly interested yet. When I mix letters in with his numbers, he tosses them aside and continues with the numbers...lol.
He has also started to sing a little bit. Since I love to sing, I think this is especially precious! He just sings a few lines from the songs he hears on Playhouse Disney. He is so cute.
On the not so good side, for some reason Isaac has not been napping well lately. Until recently, he would go down around 1pm and sleep until at least 4pm...sometimes 5pm! Lately though, when I put him down he chatters away in his crib...sometimes for HOURS! He didn't fall asleep until after 4pm two days in a row, and the other days it was 2:30 or 3pm. I'm not really sure what to do...I feel like he is way to young to be completely giving up his naps...plus, I am not ready to give them up! Haha! I like the little break in the day to get some things done. Do I continue to lay him down at 1pm and let him work it out...or do I move his nap later? He's not crying or upset...he's just not sleeping. Argh...any advice would be welcomed and appreciated.
Thanks!
He has also started to sing a little bit. Since I love to sing, I think this is especially precious! He just sings a few lines from the songs he hears on Playhouse Disney. He is so cute.
On the not so good side, for some reason Isaac has not been napping well lately. Until recently, he would go down around 1pm and sleep until at least 4pm...sometimes 5pm! Lately though, when I put him down he chatters away in his crib...sometimes for HOURS! He didn't fall asleep until after 4pm two days in a row, and the other days it was 2:30 or 3pm. I'm not really sure what to do...I feel like he is way to young to be completely giving up his naps...plus, I am not ready to give them up! Haha! I like the little break in the day to get some things done. Do I continue to lay him down at 1pm and let him work it out...or do I move his nap later? He's not crying or upset...he's just not sleeping. Argh...any advice would be welcomed and appreciated.
Thanks!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
New Update Site
I have decided to create a new update site for Isaac. Mainly because I am paying a monthly fee for the babysite that I no longer wish to pay.
Here's the scoop. Our little guy is now 16 months old. He is always going, going, going...he stops to eat and sleep and that is about all.
He has recently started developing a vocabulary! He started repeating words we would say to him several months ago, and we knew he recognized words because he would respond accordingly...i.e. go get your ball - he would get his ball...go get a book - he'd get a book...and so on. But now he is actually saying words on his own and recalling things on his own. I could try to list all the "words" he knows, but he is seriously adding new ones daily. Some that come to mind now...He identifies and says most of his body parts...eye, nose, head, mouth, teeth, hand, knee, and foot. He says and identifies several objects...ball, shoe, butterfly, moon, sun, star, car, bone, tigger, and pooh. We just realized that he knows the word "five" and holds up five fingers when he says it (I think he actually learned that from giving a "high five" or from the subway commercial about 5 dollar footlongs...he likes that one). He says and identifies lots of people's names...dada, mama, maaa (uncle mike), mama (grandma), papa (grandpa), ada (uncle jon).
He says milk, lunch, nite nite, paa (up), dow (down)...when we ask him if he is stinky he says poo poo (which he also says for "open" when he is standing at a door). And he recently started saying his name "sa sa" (Isaac).
He is really so smart and such a good boy. He has his typical meltdowns from time to time, but all I do is wait it out (which really doesn't take long) and he's on to something else. It is funny the things he picks up simply from his human nature...like biting...we didn't teach him that...he just tried it one day (I put a stop to that one QUICK) and hiding. When he gets something he knows he shouldn't have...such as the television remote...you will find him in the corner behind the couch.
He is still very healthy. I think he may have inherited his mommy's seasonal allergies, but a bit of a runny nose and a few days of a congested cough were the worst things we've had to endure as of late. He's about 25 pounds and 32 inches now. He's finally catching up with his clothes...haha! For the first time since he was newborn he's actually wearing clothes sized consistent with his age range.
Today, we went to the park to enjoy the 70 degree day in November! He had a blast. Like I said earlier...he just didn't stop. I was trying to get some good fall pictures, but it wasn't easy with my moving target. I did manage to get a few. Hope you enjoy!
Here's the scoop. Our little guy is now 16 months old. He is always going, going, going...he stops to eat and sleep and that is about all.
He has recently started developing a vocabulary! He started repeating words we would say to him several months ago, and we knew he recognized words because he would respond accordingly...i.e. go get your ball - he would get his ball...go get a book - he'd get a book...and so on. But now he is actually saying words on his own and recalling things on his own. I could try to list all the "words" he knows, but he is seriously adding new ones daily. Some that come to mind now...He identifies and says most of his body parts...eye, nose, head, mouth, teeth, hand, knee, and foot. He says and identifies several objects...ball, shoe, butterfly, moon, sun, star, car, bone, tigger, and pooh. We just realized that he knows the word "five" and holds up five fingers when he says it (I think he actually learned that from giving a "high five" or from the subway commercial about 5 dollar footlongs...he likes that one). He says and identifies lots of people's names...dada, mama, maaa (uncle mike), mama (grandma), papa (grandpa), ada (uncle jon).
He says milk, lunch, nite nite, paa (up), dow (down)...when we ask him if he is stinky he says poo poo (which he also says for "open" when he is standing at a door). And he recently started saying his name "sa sa" (Isaac).
He is really so smart and such a good boy. He has his typical meltdowns from time to time, but all I do is wait it out (which really doesn't take long) and he's on to something else. It is funny the things he picks up simply from his human nature...like biting...we didn't teach him that...he just tried it one day (I put a stop to that one QUICK) and hiding. When he gets something he knows he shouldn't have...such as the television remote...you will find him in the corner behind the couch.
He is still very healthy. I think he may have inherited his mommy's seasonal allergies, but a bit of a runny nose and a few days of a congested cough were the worst things we've had to endure as of late. He's about 25 pounds and 32 inches now. He's finally catching up with his clothes...haha! For the first time since he was newborn he's actually wearing clothes sized consistent with his age range.
Today, we went to the park to enjoy the 70 degree day in November! He had a blast. Like I said earlier...he just didn't stop. I was trying to get some good fall pictures, but it wasn't easy with my moving target. I did manage to get a few. Hope you enjoy!
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| November in Michigan??? 11-5-2008 |
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Isaac's First Year
The first week Date: 06/28/2007
Isaac saw the pediatrician Monday. He said Isaac is doing really well. After the appointment Isaac had his first lunch date out on the town with Mom and Dad at Panera. Then we stopped by my Mom's for a visit.Things are getting settled here at home. Isaac had a little trouble early on. He was very fussy, especially at night. We thought he might have colic, but it turns out it was mostly because he was just starving! My milk didn't fully come in until he was about 5 or 6 days old, so he just wasn't getting enough to keep his little tummy satisfied. Then he would get really really upset and make his little tummy really really upset.Once my milk came in and he could get a good feeding, he started doing much better! He's still a little fussy at night, but not so frustrated and inconsolable. Right now our biggest challenge is he just has his days and nights mixed up. I'm really not sure how to get him on the right schedule, so for now I just nap whenever I can during the day and prepare to be awake until at least 3 or 4 am when he settles down again and sleeps for about 4 hours.Another challenge we have had is with our dog Bailey. He is actually doing a little better with the whole transition than I expected, but it is still quite an ordeal. He is just very excited and in Isaac's face every minute. We just try to give him small doses of Isaac time and work hard to get him to calm down. Once he is calm we give him lots of praise and affirmation. Hopefully one day he will adjust and not be so crazy about him.Even with the struggles, there are times that are just so precious (as any mother knows). I just sit and stare at him. I know he won't be like this or look like this for long. He will start changing day by day and time will go so fast. He makes the funniest faces and I just can't help but laugh at him sometimes. We just enjoy every moment we can with him.
2 - 3 weeks.Date: 07/13/2007
Getting on the internet to update things is harder than I expected. Little Isaac requires my full attention when he is awake and when he sleeps...I try to sleep! He is doing really well. At his 2 week apointment he had gained all of his weight back and even more! He was 8lbs. 9oz. He is nursing really well and starting to develop somewhat of a schedule. He still gets up to eat every 2 -3 hours at night...but he is not nearly as fussy about it. We no longer think he has colic, he just has some fussy spells here and there and we are learning how to get through those a little better.He has started his social life. He loves car rides and being outdoors. We have been out and about to our family 4th of July party, a day at the lake, Friday afternoons at Mommy and me group, and fun with friends at the park. It will be fun when he can interact a little more, but obviously I don't want to rush to the next stage...we are enjoying him so much right now. :)Time to eat...gotta go!
4 weeks. I'm one month old today!Date: 07/19/2007
After one heck of a meltdown, Isaac is sleeping soundly and I have a few moments to catch up on some blogging. We seem to be getting past some of the setbacks we've had with nursing. Hopefully things will continue somewhat comfortably. Isaac is starting to make more sounds, cooing and ooing and ahing. He also smiles from time to time. I'm not sure it is a real smile yet…it is usually pretty random and not in response to anything…so it is most likely gas or something…but it is still stinkin' cute! He can follow us with his eyes for a few moments and he seems to be able to focus on things that are pretty close to him. He loves to go outside. If he is in the middle of a meltdown and I take him outside he almost always calms down instantly. He also loves car rides. He hates sneezing, spitting up and burping. He almost always cries every time he does any of those things. He doesn't cry for long...just long enough to let you know he's not at all happy about it.He had his first real bath today (7/19). His cord fell off a few weeks ago, but I just couldn't bring myself to try the real bath...I kept giving him sponge baths. He actually did very well. He didn't cry at all and he seemed to really enjoy it! Most people think he looks like Mike. I do see it, especially in his nose. Many people who knew my Dad also say that he looks like him. He does mostly in his mouth and chin. I have some of my dad's baby pics and it is really strong resemblance. He's just a little cutie!
5 weeks.Date: 07/27/2007
Well, unfortunately I was wrong about the nursing problems. Nursing has not been kind to me at all. It has become pretty painful. The lactation consultant thought that we might have thrush. I took Isaac to the dr. Tuesday and he does not have it, so that is good news. I went to the dr. Wednesday and found out that I have mastitis (infection) and possible yeast infection from nursing(thrush). I have to take meds for 7 days and hopefully that will help everything. I have been taking them for 2 days so far and things are better, but I still feel pain...so I'm a little worried, but maybe after 7 days it will really work.Isaac is 9 lb. 11 oz. now. He's really starting to gain some weight. I see it mostly in his cheeks and belly. :) He seems to have accepted the fact that he will sneeze and spit up from time to time and it is not so bad. He doesn't put up quite the fuss about it anymore. :) He is smiling more and I think he is responding to Mom and Dad's voice. He really follows Mike's voice and smiles at his face too. He does the same for me, but I think he gets tired of seeing my face all the time. I think seeing daddy is such a treat for him. :) He loves his daddy!
6 weeks.Date: 08/04/2007
Well, we made the decision to move Isaac into his nursery this week. He went to the nursery on Tuesday 7/31 when he turned exactly 6 weeks old. I didn't think it would be difficult at all for me, but it was a little emotional. Just for the first night really. Then he actually started sleeping MUCH better, so I knew it was a good decision for both of us.Wednesday was the first night he slept 6 hours! Essentially he is "sleeping through the night" but he still gets up a little earlier than mom would like to. :) It is okay though cuz he goes right back to sleep for a few more hours after eating, so I can catch a few extra ZZZ's.Isaac is smiling a lot and he recognizes Mom and Dad for sure now. He smiles responsively to us now...it's really cute. He likes to give other people smiles too...but he saves the big ones for Mom or Dad. I can't wait to hear his little laugh!!
7 weeks.Date: 08/11/2007
The only new thing I have noticed this week are a few tears. I went to get Isaac in the morning a few days ago and he had real tears streaming down his cheeks. I haven't noticed them yet again, but that's okay cuz it makes me sad to see them! :)Isaac stayed alone with Daddy for the first time this week. He was a little bit sad. Unfortunately for Daddy, I was gone during the heart of his "fussy" time, so they didn't get to have much fun. Soon they will be having lots of fun together!For the most part, Isaac is doing really well. He eats, plays, and sleeps all right on schedule...the last few days he has had a really fussy time between 7p - 9p. He still goes down for bed pretty easily, so we just have to get through it! Most nights he is sleeping for about 6 hours, but he's had a few where he only goes about 4 hours. I have adjusted pretty well, since he goes right back to sleep after eating it really hasn't been so bad.I have seen my dr. and eveything looks great. I seem to have made a full recovery from the C-section so I am clear to start activity again. I have been walking...Isaac seems to love walks! Since it has been so hot, some days I meet some other moms at the mall and we walk there. It is really nice to be officially out and about again. :)
8 weeks.Date: 08/20/2007
It is so hard to believe that 8 weeks have passed already. We are all doing great! Isaac has started sleeping longer through the night. I have to admit, it is very very nice! Several nights this week he slept from 10 or 11 pm until 7 or 8 am! One morning he slept until almost 9 am and I started to worry a little...when I went to check on him he was wide awake! Just content as could be staring at the teddy bear on his crib bumper.He has also started what appears to be very early communication with us. He makes several sounds now and if we repeat these sounds back to him, he will continue as if having a conversation. He smiles really big when we repeat things to him and then is so proud of himself when he does it again.He seems to be growing so much. His next appt is not until Sept 4th, so I am really anxious to see how much he has grown. He is eating all the time and getting really strong. He already holds his head pretty well when on his tummy or being held up on our shoulder. These stages all come and go so fast...I hope to keep better track of them so I can remember as much as possible! :)
9 - 10 weeksDate: 09/04/2007
These last few weeks have flown by! Isaac is doing really well. He's still sleeping really well and starting to interact more and more. He loves "talking" with people and even "talking" with the little toys on his play mat. He's started scooting around the floor when he is on his back. I have to keep an extra close eye on him now since he doesn't stay put! :) He's really started exercising those little legs of his. He just loves to kick them ALL the time.His favorite things are his swing, his playmat, car rides, walks in the stroller, and shopping (okay maybe that's mommy's favorite!). Also he has discovered his fingers and actually prefers them to his pacifier for the moment. Mike is trying desperately to break this habit already...but I think at this point we are fighting a losing battle. ;)He had his first trip to another state on 9/1 when we drove to Indiana for my cousin's bridal shower. He did really well! The car ride was about 3 hours and he barely made a peep! He had his 2 month appointment Tues 9/4 (which was actually the day he turned 11 weeks) and the doctor said he looks great! He's holding his head really well and interacting as they would expect at this stage. He was 11 lbs. 10 oz. (50th percentile), 24 inches long (90th percentile!), and his head was 16 inches (60th percentile). He's growing way too fast! He's such a little man now...no longer a tiny little newborn. I miss it already. :)
11 weeks.Date: 09/10/2007
Isaac had his first laugh this week. We were at my Mom's talking to him and he just started laughing! It was so sweet. I spent the rest of the week trying to get him to do it again, but no luck yet. Soon he will be laughing all the time (hopefully)!He also saw his first Michigan football game (on TV). A must for all Gregg men. Unfortunately, the game was a huge disappointment. Isaac didn't seem to care (at least not as much as his Grandad, dad, and uncle Jon). He just enjoyed the company. :)
12 weeks. 3 months!Date: 09/11/2007
I can hardly believe that my little guy is already 3 months old! He is really growin' and experiencing new things every day.He had his 3 month pictures taken this week. He did such a great job. He was so relaxed and calm. He only cried once and the photographer actually let me feed him to calm him down. I was so happy cuz the pictures we got afterward were some of the best!I haven't been able to get Isaac to laugh again, but he is SO smiley all the time. He is kicking and moving his little legs so much. He has started rolling from his back to his side, but not quite all the way over yet. He LOVES to talk. He talkes all the time to mommy, daddy, friends, and even his toys! We are still working on tummy time...he just doesn't like to be on his tummy at all. I bought a little play mat to encourage him...hopefully it will help.That's about all for this week. More to come!
13 weeks.Date: 09/22/2007
Well, I am so glad that I bought the tummy time mat. It does seem to be helping AND it encouraged Isaac to roll over. :) He is now rolling over from his belly to his back. Sometimes he protests and refuses to do it...but if you catch him in a good mood he will do it several times. I have pictures and I caught it on video. So cute!He also decided to laugh for us again. His Grandma (Karen) came to watch him and he just thought her stories were so funny. He laughed for her a few times, it was so cute. Haven't been able to get it on video yet...but I will!!I returned to the praise team this weekend for the first time since my 8th month of pregnancy. I really enjoyed it and Isaac did so well. Grandma watched him in the afternoon on Saturday and then brought him to meet me at the church. After the first service Isaac had his first visit in the nursery. It was a perfect introduction. He just went for part of the service and there was only one other child in there with him. He loved it. When I came to get him he was all smiles in a swing. Sunday morning was a little different. I didn't plan the feeding schedule quite as well, so when I came to get him he was MORE than ready to see me. But it was still a good day over all. :) He also went with me to choir practice. I was a little concerned the volume would be a little overwhelming for him, but when it started he fell asleep and slept nearly the entire time. So precious!
14 - 15 weeksDate: 10/01/2007
Isaac had his first plane ride! We went to Florida for my cousin Lisa's Wedding, and I must say Isaac did really well traveling for the first time. I got advice from some friends and packed a few bottles for him. This was the best decision I could've made. He started to fuss shortly after we boarded the plane, so I gave him the first bottle. He took that during the take off, fell asleep for the majority of the flight, woke up just as we started decending and took the second bottle during the landing! It was perfect!He was a little out of sorts during our stay in FL. Nothing major, but just not quite his happy self. I think he wasn't sleeping very well. He wasn't getting the good daytime naps that he usually gets. He did however still sleep through the night (for the most part). He woke up earlier than he (or I) am used to lately, but it wasn't too terrible.The flight home was about the same, with the exception of one mid-flight meltdown (it ended up being gas in his tummy). So over all...very good!During our time in FL Isaac found his feet! He has started grabbing for them, not quite sure if he really knows what he is doing yet...but he does actually get a hold of one of them every once in awhile. He also started rolling over from back to belly. I am in shock! I can't believe he is rolling over in both directions at 3 months old. What next!?!?After we got home I noticed many more sounds coming out of our little guy. (talking sounds) :) He is no longer satisfied with the quiet little ooohs and aaahs... now he just loves to make all kinds of sounds including high pitch squeals and raspberries.Finally, he really gave us a good 30 minutes of belly laughing the other day! We were actually able to get it on video. For some reason he thinks our two dogs are extremely hilarious. He was hysterical!
16 - 17 weeks.Date: 10/22/2007
Our little guy is officially 4 months old now. I can hardly believe it! He is making all new sounds and just loves talking and squealing all day long.He has started to sit up a little on his own, but he still needs assistance. He sits pretty well in his bebe pod chair and in his new exer-saucer. I do keep a close eye on him though because every once in awhile he likes to take a nose dive or arch his little back right out of the seat!He is so active and alert. The only time he is still is when he is sleeping. Even then, he must be fidgeting at night cuz when I come to get him in the morning he is never in the position I left him in. Most often he has turned at least 90 degrees and sometimes a full 180 degrees! He no longer sleeps in his swaddle blanket. He decided to escape out if it every night, so I quit wrapping him in it. I was a little worried at first because it seemed like he just couldn't calm down if he wasn't wrapped up, but sure enough he cried for a minute or two and then found his fingers and drifted right off to sleep. I was so relieved.We visited the pumpkin patch yesterday so he could pick out his first Halloween pumpkin. We had a great time and got some really good pictures. Hope you enjoy!
18 - 19 weeks.Date: 11/01/2007
Isaac survived his first Halloween! We had a party at our house and Mike was so excited to exercise his creativity for such an event. We found a little dragon costume for Isaac and Mike painted a t-shirt with windows so I could be a building. Isaac was Godzilla and I was a building. The idea was a hit. :)Isaac is doing really well. After the Halloween party he had a rough night...he woke up every two hours (and of course I had stayed up WAY too late enjoying the festivities)! That is the first time he has done that since he was 6 weeks old. He seems to get a little worked up in overly social situations and has a hard time winding down. But, the next night he was right back to normal. He is becoming very aware of himself lately. He studies his hands and his feet very intently, and he LOVES to stick out his tongue. He even grabs hold of it sometimes! I think he may actually be starting the teething process. I haven't seen anything yet, but he is a little more fussy than normal and he has a runny nose, drools and chews on things constantly, and grabs at his ears sometimes. These things could all be from the change of seasons too I guess. Only time will tell if he starts cutting teeth, then we will know. He is also sitting up a little better, but not completely on his own yet...he's getting so big...it makes me happy and sad all at the same time!
20 - 21 weeks.Date: 11/14/2007
Fall is mommy's absolute favorite time of year. I am desperately trying to enjoy the last few days of decent weather and gorgeous fall color before the dark days of winter are fully upon us. I took Isaac out in the back yard for a little fall photo shoot (see 4 month album). He didn't really seem as excited about the idea as I was, but I got a few good pics. :)It is getting hard to keep track of when Isaac does what now! A few new things I have noticed include: sucking his thumb (in addition to his fingers), complete roll overs (back to belly to back again!), reaching out for things, and moving in his exersaucer/walker. He doesn't move a lot, but there is some side to side movement going on...and he can turn around in the seat...its sort of hard to explain without visual access to the contraption I am speaking of, but I'm sure you get the point. :)Isaac has been doing so well. He seems very strong and healthy, and he still sleeps through the night. No update on the teeth yet...still don't see anything but lots of drool! He won't be at the doctor again for a few more weeks, but I had him on our scale yesterday and he was about 13.5 lbs. I think I will be starting him on cereal soon, he seems to be ready. He very often wants more after his feedings and he studies us while we eat all the time. It will be fun to start something new. I'm going to try and get it on video. Until next time...enjoy!
22 weeks - 5 months!Date: 11/19/2007
Our little guy is officially 5 months now. It is amazing how fast the time passes. I did decide to start him on some rice cereal. They said to start between 4 and 6 months so I chose to go with the middle. :) He does really well with the cereal and eating from a spoon. He really doesn't have any trouble at all with it. He seems to really like the cereal too. He has total recognition now of what is about to come. When he sees the cereal bowl he gets really excited. Same thing with his bottles. I am still nursing, but he gets a few ounces in a bottle after his cereal to help wash it down...when he sees the bottle...look out! He wants it sooner than NOW!He has become somewhat more mobile lately. He rolls all over the place. On more than one occasion we have left him on the floor for a moment only to come back and find him several feet from where he started. Once he got under our ottoman (everything but his head). So we now know not to leave for very long! He also rolls all around in his crib. When he rolls to his belly he often wakes up very angry about it. I guess he is too tired to roll back over, so sometimes we go in his room, roll him over, and run out without being noticed. He goes right back to sleep!I recently bought some Christmas outfits for his 6 month portraits. I'm so excited! He will have his 6 month dr. appt next month too. I always like to find out how much he's grown and confirm that he is healthy. I have stepped on the scale with him recently and he was 14 lbs. We also checked his length ourselves and he was about 26 inches. Coming right along!
6 monthsDate: 12/20/2007
Wow, we have had such a busy month! I really kept meaning to update sooner, but it just didn't happen. :)Isaac is learning more every day. It is really hard to pinpoint when he does something new now. Things I have noticed in the last month...he supports himself so much better now when sitting or standing in his exersaucer. He still can't quite sit up unattended, but he's getting there. :) He is still rolling and scooting to get where he wants to go. No actual crawling yet, but he looks like he's working on it. He keeps pulling his knees up under him, but he's not sure what to do with his arms yet. He just pulls up his knees and plants his face in the ground. He really reaches for things he wants now...it is so cute. You can tell he feels accomplished when he grabs them or frustrated if he can't get them. I just love to watch him and see the thoughts rolling through his brain.Another fun "first" was Isaac's first big snowfall! Dec 15th, 2007. It was really more fun for me since he had no clue what was going on, but I got him out in the snow to take a picture before I put him to bed. It turned out cute. :) I had to mark the moment!He had his 6 month doctor appointment and she said he is a healthy little guy. He really is a little guy though...only in the 5th percentile for his weight. He has been dropping in the percentile ever since he was born. She wants to check him again in 6 weeks. I guess if he drops again, they may have me supplement some formula and do some blood tests. (let me be clear...his weight is not dropping, he just isn't gaining enough so he is dropping in the percentile of babies his age). Other than that, she is pleased with his health and development. Oh, and no teeth yet!He also had his 6 month portraits taken. They didn't go nearly as smoothly as the 3 month, but they still captured some great moments. While we were taking them I thought for sure it was going to be a waste cuz he just wasn't cooperating. But then I saw them and there were so many good ones, I had trouble choosing!! I posted them here...and some new snapshots in his 5 month album...hope you enjoy!
6 months - babbling and forward motion!Date: 01/08/2008
Isaac had such a great Holiday season! He did so well visiting all of his family and friends. Each time I expected a rough night or an emotional meltdown, he just decided to prove me wrong. He was happy and social most of the time and when he was tired he had no problem at all sleeping. We had several family members here on Christmas day and he still took both of his naps up in his room with a house full of people.Several nights we had to keep him up later than we normally do and I thought for sure he would have trouble sleeping through the night...Not a bit! Each time he slept great...like he always does. I have been so BLESSED to have such a good sleeper thus far. :)On New Years Eve as we were getting ready to go to our friends New Years Party, we noticed Isaac making new sounds. He has moved past the ooohs and aaahs to dadada and lalala! No mama yet...but we are working on it. ;) Mike has been working a lot lately so we will both get on the phone to say hi to him. Isaac loves it and he knows exactly what to do. He smiles when he hears Mike and he usually responds with his dadada or lalala. I don't think he really knows the dada connection yet, but it is so cute!He certainly seems to be trying more to "communicate" with us. I have started some minimal sign language with him, knowing he won't really respond yet, but hoping he will start to understand what we are doing. Also, working with him screaming for things. Trying to teach a 6 month old that he doesn't have to scream for his food...challenging. Of course I don't spend too much time and energy on it not knowing what he really understands yet...I just encourage him to calm down and continue with what I'm doing. :)Just today I witnessed some forward motion while Isaac was playing on the floor! It is hard to say if this is really the first time...he's been working on it for awhile. He is definitely getting better at getting where he wants to go on the floor. He rolls, then rotates, then scoots...and he is very determined.He's eating all kinds of veggies...green beans, peas, carrots and squash...he seems to really like everything but the peas. He will eat them, but it takes a little more work (and usually some trickery with a little rice cereal). We are moving on to sweet potatoes soon and then the fruits!! I'm pretty confident he will like the fruit.I think I have caught up on everything for now...his appointment for his weight check is Feb 1st. I think he is gaining some, but I thought that last time too, so we'll just have to see I guess. Happy New Year!
7 months - Army CrawlDate: 01/24/2008
Well, Isaac just turned 7 months on Jan 19th. I can't believe how quickly this time has passed. He is less like a little baby every day! Sometimes it is a little sad, but mostly very exciting to see him growing and experiencing new things.He's pretty much done using his swing...he's way to "busy" to sit still in it for very long anymore. He's also started using his high chair. Until recently we had been feeding him in the swing or in his bebe pod chair...but I decided it was time...mostly because my back was hurting from sitting on the floor to feed him! :) He's eating pretty much everything we give him...oatmeal, rice, green beans, peas, carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, pears, bananas, prunes and apple sauce. We've also introduced him to the "sippy" cup, although he hasn't really figured it out yet. It seemed like he was getting less intereted in nursing for a few weeks...I had started giving him 1 bottle a day...but now he seems to be more interested in nursing again! My goal is to nurse until he is a year...so we will see if he continues to do well (and if I continue to do well...especially when he gets teeth!). I may keep trying a few bottles here and there to make sure he will wean okay.Perhaps the most exciting new development is that he started crawling on Jan 22nd! We were all together in the family room enjoying some evening play time when all the sudden Isaac started moving toward the toy he wanted. He has been moving for awhile (scooting in circles and rolling), but now he actually has determined forward movement on his belly, and he is getting some significant yardage! He's not quite up on his hands and knees yet...he's doing more of the "army" crawl. Of course I got it on video...check it out in our video clips.His next dr. appt. is Feb 1st to check his weight. I really feel like he is doing well...he seems to be growing so much (of course I thought this last time too...so we'll just have to wait and see). Also, Isaac is being dedicated in our church child dedication service on Saturday. We are so excited. We know that Isaac was a huge blessing from the Lord and we want to make the public committment to do our best to teach him to love and serve the Lord. I believe that He has wonderful plans for Isaac's life and I can't wait to see the Lord's will for him.Until next time...
7 months - Copy Cat!Date: 02/01/2008
Isaac had his Baby Dedication service last Saturday. It was really nice. Thank you to all of our family and friends who came to support us. We love you!Isaac has started mimicking us when we make certain sounds. He "clicks" his tongue and if we do it, he recognizes the sound and can mimic it back to us. He's so proud when he does it too. :)He makes sounds when we pat our hand over his mouth (like the little Indian sound - I know that is not terribly pc, but I couldn't think of any other way to describe it - sorry!). He can actually make the sound himself! He uses the back of his hand...and again, sometimes when we do it...he recognizes it and mimics that too. Little cutie. He still hasn't mimicked any word sounds yet...but we'll be working on that (specifically mama). :)He gets really excited when we start counting to 3. We start with 1 and he gets really focused...then 2, he often starts laughing in anticipation of whatever joyous event is about to follow 3! It is so cute...he does it nearly every time...even when he's upset, sometimes he will calm down when we just start counting (it doesn't usually last long, unfortunately).Isaac had his dr. apt today to check his weight. He is 14 lb. 10 oz. and 27.75 inches. He is still dropping on the weight charts. His last check at 6 months he was in the 5th percentile and now he is less than 3rd percentile at 7 months. The dr. recommended that I try to get a few more calories in him each day, so I will start giving him a little formula each day along with nursing, until his 9 month check-up. She didn’t seem to think he needed any testing done now because he is very healthy otherwise and his height is still growing normally. So overall, pretty good news!After his appointment we enjoyed some time out in the snow that fell this morning. Well, we mostly enjoyed it... I think snow is a little too cold and wet for Isaac at this point...maybe he'll enjoy it more next year. I got some great pics though!
8 - 9 monthsDate: 03/18/2008
I already knew that I haven't been very good at updating lately...but I had no idea I basically missed an entire month!! Isaac will be 9 months old tomorrow.Isaac's 8th month was really good. :) He is such a good boy! He's so happy and expressive. He is talking up a storm (no real words yet...but lots of chatter!) He says da-da-da, ya-ya-ya, ba-ba-ba and now finally....ma-ma-ma!! Like I said, no connection yet to me, but at least he's getting the idea. ;) He reaches for what he wants and babbles to us like he is telling us exactly what he is looking for. So cute!After his 7 month appointment, I did start giving him some formula. He is still nursing some, but the extra formula does seem to be helping him gain a little weight (at least it looks like it is...I really don't know for sure). He is also eating all kinds of baby food now...including the meats (pureed meat...ew). He eats everything we have given him...he obviously likes some more than others...but the worst protest he has are a few funny faces...and the occasional raspberry with a mouth full of food. Even still, he will continue to eat whatever it is that we are giving him. He recently started feeding himself finger foods! We have just started with the little cereal puffs...he loves them. Last update in the culinary category...he has had his first "adult" or non pureed foods...banana slices and baked potato pieces.We took a drive to SC to visit our good friends the Asaros. Up to this point the longest car ride Isaac had taken was 4 hours to Indiana. I was a little worried, but overall he did a great job. We drove through the night hoping he would sleep for most of it. He didn't sleep as well as we had hoped...he just woke up more than I'm used to. He would cry for a few mintues (probably cuz he just wanted to roll over and curl up with his little blanket) but then he would just drift right back off to sleep. Our trip home was a little more difficult. We hit a snow storm in Ohio, which made our trip much longer! He wasn't too happy, but he slept off and on and eventually we made it. :) That is about all I can think of right now. He is still just army crawling, but he does love to push up on his hands and knees...he just doesn't go anywhere. He is also starting to climb on things and pull up...not really to his feet...more on his knees...but it is so cute! Oh, and no teeth yet! :) Next appt. March 31st.9 monthsDate: 04/08/2008 Isaac recently had his 9 month check up and everything is going really well. He has started to go back up on the weight charts (he is up to 5% from below 3%) so they do not seem as concerned anymore. He was 17 lb 4 oz, 29 in and his head was 18 in. He is a very happy and healthy baby boy!We have started giving him a few more "finger" foods. He likes to feed himself his cereal puffs, whole peas, and whole pinto beans. He has also had some cheese and yogurt. He is such a good eater...he just eats up everything we try.About a week ago, I woke up to hear Isaac chatting away in his crib. This is a daily occurrence so I just slowly let myself wake up and made my way in to get him. Much to my surprise, he was standing in his crib! He was quite proud of himself, but immediately burst into tears when I left to get the camera...poor little guy...I had to get a picture! He is pulling himself up on everything now. He stands really well (with assistance) and is starting to take a few steps while holding on to something. He has very little desire to sit still now...he wants to MOVE! He still resorts to his army crawl when he really wants to get somewhere…he has not actually crawled on his hands and knees yet. He can however crawl up the step we have between our family room and the kitchen. Imagine my surprise when I turned around from making my morning coffee to see Isaac under the kitchen table!He has started recognizing some words recently. He has a toy Monkey that makes a "monkey" sound when you press it. When he sees it he will mimic that sound. At first we thought it was a coincidence, but he quite intently points to this monkey and makes the sound...and he does it nearly every time he sees the monkey. SO cute!!! He also knows the word "jump"...when we say it he jumps! And the word "light"...he looks up at the light and points to it sometimes. I guess it won't be long before he is actually speaking these words. Wow, how fast the time has gone.
10 monthsDate: 04/23/2008
Isaac understands more words now. He knows the word "ball" and says "ba" when he has one or sees one. We sing him a song that starts "tick tock, tick tock" and when we are done singing he rocks side to side and says "ta-ta". I think he is starting to understand the word "kiss". I only get one sometimes when I ask...so I'm not sure if that is because he doesn't understand, or just doesn't want to. :)Perhaps the biggest language achievement is that Isaac started signing the word "more". I do some minor, very basic sign language with him and he just started doing it back! He definitely knows the sign for "more", although at this point I'm not sure he completely understands the meaning. To him it means I want something and when I do this I get something. :) I also think he is close to doing the sign for "eat". He has done it a few times, but not as regularly as "more".He is pulling himself up on everything and starting to take a few steps while holding on. It is really cute and he feels so accomplished when he does this. The only down side is he FALLS all the time now! I am trying not to be over protective about it, but it is hard! It is taking all I have in me not to run and scoop him up each time. Most of the time he doesn't even cry, but sometimes he does...even then, most of the time he isn't hurt...just frustrated (uh-oh...kind of like his mommy!). He has been hurt very few times, and at most just a little bump on the forehead. Growing up is hard (for mommy too). :)Finally, NO TEETH yet! I'm not really worried about it...just starting to wonder when they will peek their way out.He seems to be growing and developing so well. He is our little pride and joy!
11 monthsDate: 05/19/2008
Isaac turned 11 months old today! I simply can't believe that he is almost a year old.He is signing a little more now. He signs more, eat, all done, bye bye, hi and help. He recognizes and associates more words now as well...he knows ball, monkey, dog, daddy, blankie, and baby. He gives us kisses too! He doesn't actually say all of these words, but he definitely knows what they are. :)For the first time in his life, he has started being a little picky with his food. He just decides he doesn't really like something...and doing raspberries with a mouth full of food is his main form of protest. My only guess is that he may be done with baby food. I think I am going to start trying some more table foods and see how he does.He recently started crawling on his hands and knees and he is pulling himself up to standing and getting around quite well that way...as long as he has something to hold on to. He's very courageous and sometimes gets himself into trouble. Fortunately he hasn't really hurt himself yet, but I do have to keep a close eye on him!His favorite things right now are baby einstein videos, monkeys, yelling with his daddy and his blankie. We lost his little brown blankie for one evening...I didn't realize how attached he really was until it was gone. I tried to replace it with little blue blankie...but he was having nothing to do with that. I'm so glad we found the brown one!! All is well again.Isaac is such a joy! He is just so happy and full of wonder. I love to see him discover and learn new things every day. Still no teeth. I'm quite sure they are coming soon...evident by the constant drool and chewing on everything in site! I think by my next update he will likely have a few teeth poking through. :)
1 year!Date: 07/24/2008
It has been awhile since my last update. Partly because things have just been busy, but mostly because I think I've been in denial about having a one year old! My baby boy is now a year old (actually 13 months!). He is doing so much and changing more each day. He didn't get his first tooth until after his birthday. The first one came through on June 22, followed promptly by the second, and now he has two coming through on the top. Teething has been a mildly unpleasant experience for him, but overall he has really done quite well with it (compared to some of the horror stories I've heard about teething).He has been crawling for quite some time now...when he first started, he did the "army" crawl...flat on his belly for SO long. He did eventually get up on his hands and knees and then started pulling up and "cruising" around everything. (all this when he was about 9 or 10 months old). He has yet to walk completely on his own without holding on...but it sure looks like he's going to any minute now.He knows so many words now...he doesn't actually say many of them, but he is recognizing them and associating words with the appropriate objects or people. He's repeating words really well now...he will repeat many words that we say back to us (not always exactly right, but close enough). He also communicates quite well with very basic sign language. He knows eat, drink, milk, more, please, help, & all done. As far as he's concerned he can carry on an entire conversation. He is so vocal and just chatters and squeals and laughs all the time. It's quite comical to watch him tell an entire story that no one but him has any understanding of and then totally crack himself up. He also loves to read his books now. He will sit down with a book and start babbling nonsense, pointing to each page like we do when we read to him. It's so cute. He loves to give hugs and kisses now too. I LOVE it. He's just so very sweet!!According to the "charts" he's still on the small side for his weight although you would never guess it by looking at him. He's got such a round little face now and a pudgy belly. He is still such a great eater...He's really not too picky and doesn't give me too much trouble at mealtimes. He is totally on table foods (no more pureed baby foods!) and He's off the bottle and drinking milk out of his sippy cups.He's still a really great sleeper for me too! Although it does seem that he is trying to take it down to one nap during the day...he will go down for his first nap without any fuss and at bedtime he just goes right along with it. Even if he protests for a moment...he really doesn't give us trouble. It doesn't take him long at all to settle himself down and drift off to sleep. Occasionally he will talk with himself for awhile, that is really funny. I hardly ever have to re-enter the room to get him back down. Even in the middle of the night...if I go in there and make sure he has his blankie and tell him "nite nite", he gets back to sleep in no time. He consistently sleeps 11 to 12 hours every night! I am so thankful for all of this and pray every day it continues!!!I'm just so thankful for this past year and what a good boy Isaac has turned out to be. I have been so blessed and he has made mothering just so easy on me. He is social and loves people, loves other kids, loves playing in the nursery and at the park, is so good natured, and is just a happy healthy boy. I couldn't ask for anything more.
Toddler Date: 08/13/2008
Well it's official. I am the mother of a toddler! :)Isaac took his first steps on July 25th. As any 13 month old, he got off to a rough start. Unfortunately he decided crawling was a lot easier. He took steps for about 3 days and then quit. :(He did eventually decide to give it another try and on August 13th he started walking again. He adjusted to it much better this time and within days was walking like a pro!As you can imagine keeping up with a this website has become increasingly difficult with a toddler. Haha! At Isaac's 12 month check up he weighed 21 lbs. 1 oz. and was 31.5 inches long. He is as happy and healthy as ever! He has 4 teeth now. Middle bottom 2 and middle top 2. He is working on a molar now I think...fun stuff. Another milestone...on August 10th he had his first haircut! :) I'll have to download some pictures of it when I have more time.The dr. gave me some handouts about what to expect in this new phase. The first one was titled "temper tantrums". I thought...good thing I haven't had to deal with this yet. Well, Isaac must have read the paper on the way home, cuz it literally began that same day!! I'm exaggerating a little...but it wasn't long before his little independent nature was discovered and along with it the frustrations of not being able to do anything and everything he wants to.It really hasn't been bad at all...he does have his moments...but we are learning how to deal with them. ;)His next check up (15 mo) is 9/10/08 so I will have some new updates after that!
Growth Chart
06/19/2001
0 weeks
8 lbs. 2 oz.
22 inches
06/25/2001
1 weeks
7 lbs. 6 oz.
21.75 inches
07/05/2007
2 weeks
8 lbs. 9 oz.
22 inches
07/24/2007
5 weeks
9 lbs. 11 oz.
22 inches
09/04/2007
11 weeks
11 lbs. 10 oz.
24 inches
10/08/2007
16 weeks
13 lbs. 2 oz.
25.5 inches
12/17/2007
6 months
13 lbs. 15 oz.
27.25 inches
02/01/2008
7 months
14 lbs. 10 oz.
27.75 inches
03/31/2008
9 months
17 lbs. 4 oz.
29 inches
05/02/2008
10 months
18 lbs. 5 oz.
29 inches
06/23/2008
12 months
21 lbs. 1 oz.
31.5 inches
Isaac saw the pediatrician Monday. He said Isaac is doing really well. After the appointment Isaac had his first lunch date out on the town with Mom and Dad at Panera. Then we stopped by my Mom's for a visit.Things are getting settled here at home. Isaac had a little trouble early on. He was very fussy, especially at night. We thought he might have colic, but it turns out it was mostly because he was just starving! My milk didn't fully come in until he was about 5 or 6 days old, so he just wasn't getting enough to keep his little tummy satisfied. Then he would get really really upset and make his little tummy really really upset.Once my milk came in and he could get a good feeding, he started doing much better! He's still a little fussy at night, but not so frustrated and inconsolable. Right now our biggest challenge is he just has his days and nights mixed up. I'm really not sure how to get him on the right schedule, so for now I just nap whenever I can during the day and prepare to be awake until at least 3 or 4 am when he settles down again and sleeps for about 4 hours.Another challenge we have had is with our dog Bailey. He is actually doing a little better with the whole transition than I expected, but it is still quite an ordeal. He is just very excited and in Isaac's face every minute. We just try to give him small doses of Isaac time and work hard to get him to calm down. Once he is calm we give him lots of praise and affirmation. Hopefully one day he will adjust and not be so crazy about him.Even with the struggles, there are times that are just so precious (as any mother knows). I just sit and stare at him. I know he won't be like this or look like this for long. He will start changing day by day and time will go so fast. He makes the funniest faces and I just can't help but laugh at him sometimes. We just enjoy every moment we can with him.
2 - 3 weeks.Date: 07/13/2007
Getting on the internet to update things is harder than I expected. Little Isaac requires my full attention when he is awake and when he sleeps...I try to sleep! He is doing really well. At his 2 week apointment he had gained all of his weight back and even more! He was 8lbs. 9oz. He is nursing really well and starting to develop somewhat of a schedule. He still gets up to eat every 2 -3 hours at night...but he is not nearly as fussy about it. We no longer think he has colic, he just has some fussy spells here and there and we are learning how to get through those a little better.He has started his social life. He loves car rides and being outdoors. We have been out and about to our family 4th of July party, a day at the lake, Friday afternoons at Mommy and me group, and fun with friends at the park. It will be fun when he can interact a little more, but obviously I don't want to rush to the next stage...we are enjoying him so much right now. :)Time to eat...gotta go!
4 weeks. I'm one month old today!Date: 07/19/2007
After one heck of a meltdown, Isaac is sleeping soundly and I have a few moments to catch up on some blogging. We seem to be getting past some of the setbacks we've had with nursing. Hopefully things will continue somewhat comfortably. Isaac is starting to make more sounds, cooing and ooing and ahing. He also smiles from time to time. I'm not sure it is a real smile yet…it is usually pretty random and not in response to anything…so it is most likely gas or something…but it is still stinkin' cute! He can follow us with his eyes for a few moments and he seems to be able to focus on things that are pretty close to him. He loves to go outside. If he is in the middle of a meltdown and I take him outside he almost always calms down instantly. He also loves car rides. He hates sneezing, spitting up and burping. He almost always cries every time he does any of those things. He doesn't cry for long...just long enough to let you know he's not at all happy about it.He had his first real bath today (7/19). His cord fell off a few weeks ago, but I just couldn't bring myself to try the real bath...I kept giving him sponge baths. He actually did very well. He didn't cry at all and he seemed to really enjoy it! Most people think he looks like Mike. I do see it, especially in his nose. Many people who knew my Dad also say that he looks like him. He does mostly in his mouth and chin. I have some of my dad's baby pics and it is really strong resemblance. He's just a little cutie!
5 weeks.Date: 07/27/2007
Well, unfortunately I was wrong about the nursing problems. Nursing has not been kind to me at all. It has become pretty painful. The lactation consultant thought that we might have thrush. I took Isaac to the dr. Tuesday and he does not have it, so that is good news. I went to the dr. Wednesday and found out that I have mastitis (infection) and possible yeast infection from nursing(thrush). I have to take meds for 7 days and hopefully that will help everything. I have been taking them for 2 days so far and things are better, but I still feel pain...so I'm a little worried, but maybe after 7 days it will really work.Isaac is 9 lb. 11 oz. now. He's really starting to gain some weight. I see it mostly in his cheeks and belly. :) He seems to have accepted the fact that he will sneeze and spit up from time to time and it is not so bad. He doesn't put up quite the fuss about it anymore. :) He is smiling more and I think he is responding to Mom and Dad's voice. He really follows Mike's voice and smiles at his face too. He does the same for me, but I think he gets tired of seeing my face all the time. I think seeing daddy is such a treat for him. :) He loves his daddy!
6 weeks.Date: 08/04/2007
Well, we made the decision to move Isaac into his nursery this week. He went to the nursery on Tuesday 7/31 when he turned exactly 6 weeks old. I didn't think it would be difficult at all for me, but it was a little emotional. Just for the first night really. Then he actually started sleeping MUCH better, so I knew it was a good decision for both of us.Wednesday was the first night he slept 6 hours! Essentially he is "sleeping through the night" but he still gets up a little earlier than mom would like to. :) It is okay though cuz he goes right back to sleep for a few more hours after eating, so I can catch a few extra ZZZ's.Isaac is smiling a lot and he recognizes Mom and Dad for sure now. He smiles responsively to us now...it's really cute. He likes to give other people smiles too...but he saves the big ones for Mom or Dad. I can't wait to hear his little laugh!!
7 weeks.Date: 08/11/2007
The only new thing I have noticed this week are a few tears. I went to get Isaac in the morning a few days ago and he had real tears streaming down his cheeks. I haven't noticed them yet again, but that's okay cuz it makes me sad to see them! :)Isaac stayed alone with Daddy for the first time this week. He was a little bit sad. Unfortunately for Daddy, I was gone during the heart of his "fussy" time, so they didn't get to have much fun. Soon they will be having lots of fun together!For the most part, Isaac is doing really well. He eats, plays, and sleeps all right on schedule...the last few days he has had a really fussy time between 7p - 9p. He still goes down for bed pretty easily, so we just have to get through it! Most nights he is sleeping for about 6 hours, but he's had a few where he only goes about 4 hours. I have adjusted pretty well, since he goes right back to sleep after eating it really hasn't been so bad.I have seen my dr. and eveything looks great. I seem to have made a full recovery from the C-section so I am clear to start activity again. I have been walking...Isaac seems to love walks! Since it has been so hot, some days I meet some other moms at the mall and we walk there. It is really nice to be officially out and about again. :)
8 weeks.Date: 08/20/2007
It is so hard to believe that 8 weeks have passed already. We are all doing great! Isaac has started sleeping longer through the night. I have to admit, it is very very nice! Several nights this week he slept from 10 or 11 pm until 7 or 8 am! One morning he slept until almost 9 am and I started to worry a little...when I went to check on him he was wide awake! Just content as could be staring at the teddy bear on his crib bumper.He has also started what appears to be very early communication with us. He makes several sounds now and if we repeat these sounds back to him, he will continue as if having a conversation. He smiles really big when we repeat things to him and then is so proud of himself when he does it again.He seems to be growing so much. His next appt is not until Sept 4th, so I am really anxious to see how much he has grown. He is eating all the time and getting really strong. He already holds his head pretty well when on his tummy or being held up on our shoulder. These stages all come and go so fast...I hope to keep better track of them so I can remember as much as possible! :)
9 - 10 weeksDate: 09/04/2007
These last few weeks have flown by! Isaac is doing really well. He's still sleeping really well and starting to interact more and more. He loves "talking" with people and even "talking" with the little toys on his play mat. He's started scooting around the floor when he is on his back. I have to keep an extra close eye on him now since he doesn't stay put! :) He's really started exercising those little legs of his. He just loves to kick them ALL the time.His favorite things are his swing, his playmat, car rides, walks in the stroller, and shopping (okay maybe that's mommy's favorite!). Also he has discovered his fingers and actually prefers them to his pacifier for the moment. Mike is trying desperately to break this habit already...but I think at this point we are fighting a losing battle. ;)He had his first trip to another state on 9/1 when we drove to Indiana for my cousin's bridal shower. He did really well! The car ride was about 3 hours and he barely made a peep! He had his 2 month appointment Tues 9/4 (which was actually the day he turned 11 weeks) and the doctor said he looks great! He's holding his head really well and interacting as they would expect at this stage. He was 11 lbs. 10 oz. (50th percentile), 24 inches long (90th percentile!), and his head was 16 inches (60th percentile). He's growing way too fast! He's such a little man now...no longer a tiny little newborn. I miss it already. :)
11 weeks.Date: 09/10/2007
Isaac had his first laugh this week. We were at my Mom's talking to him and he just started laughing! It was so sweet. I spent the rest of the week trying to get him to do it again, but no luck yet. Soon he will be laughing all the time (hopefully)!He also saw his first Michigan football game (on TV). A must for all Gregg men. Unfortunately, the game was a huge disappointment. Isaac didn't seem to care (at least not as much as his Grandad, dad, and uncle Jon). He just enjoyed the company. :)
12 weeks. 3 months!Date: 09/11/2007
I can hardly believe that my little guy is already 3 months old! He is really growin' and experiencing new things every day.He had his 3 month pictures taken this week. He did such a great job. He was so relaxed and calm. He only cried once and the photographer actually let me feed him to calm him down. I was so happy cuz the pictures we got afterward were some of the best!I haven't been able to get Isaac to laugh again, but he is SO smiley all the time. He is kicking and moving his little legs so much. He has started rolling from his back to his side, but not quite all the way over yet. He LOVES to talk. He talkes all the time to mommy, daddy, friends, and even his toys! We are still working on tummy time...he just doesn't like to be on his tummy at all. I bought a little play mat to encourage him...hopefully it will help.That's about all for this week. More to come!
13 weeks.Date: 09/22/2007
Well, I am so glad that I bought the tummy time mat. It does seem to be helping AND it encouraged Isaac to roll over. :) He is now rolling over from his belly to his back. Sometimes he protests and refuses to do it...but if you catch him in a good mood he will do it several times. I have pictures and I caught it on video. So cute!He also decided to laugh for us again. His Grandma (Karen) came to watch him and he just thought her stories were so funny. He laughed for her a few times, it was so cute. Haven't been able to get it on video yet...but I will!!I returned to the praise team this weekend for the first time since my 8th month of pregnancy. I really enjoyed it and Isaac did so well. Grandma watched him in the afternoon on Saturday and then brought him to meet me at the church. After the first service Isaac had his first visit in the nursery. It was a perfect introduction. He just went for part of the service and there was only one other child in there with him. He loved it. When I came to get him he was all smiles in a swing. Sunday morning was a little different. I didn't plan the feeding schedule quite as well, so when I came to get him he was MORE than ready to see me. But it was still a good day over all. :) He also went with me to choir practice. I was a little concerned the volume would be a little overwhelming for him, but when it started he fell asleep and slept nearly the entire time. So precious!
14 - 15 weeksDate: 10/01/2007
Isaac had his first plane ride! We went to Florida for my cousin Lisa's Wedding, and I must say Isaac did really well traveling for the first time. I got advice from some friends and packed a few bottles for him. This was the best decision I could've made. He started to fuss shortly after we boarded the plane, so I gave him the first bottle. He took that during the take off, fell asleep for the majority of the flight, woke up just as we started decending and took the second bottle during the landing! It was perfect!He was a little out of sorts during our stay in FL. Nothing major, but just not quite his happy self. I think he wasn't sleeping very well. He wasn't getting the good daytime naps that he usually gets. He did however still sleep through the night (for the most part). He woke up earlier than he (or I) am used to lately, but it wasn't too terrible.The flight home was about the same, with the exception of one mid-flight meltdown (it ended up being gas in his tummy). So over all...very good!During our time in FL Isaac found his feet! He has started grabbing for them, not quite sure if he really knows what he is doing yet...but he does actually get a hold of one of them every once in awhile. He also started rolling over from back to belly. I am in shock! I can't believe he is rolling over in both directions at 3 months old. What next!?!?After we got home I noticed many more sounds coming out of our little guy. (talking sounds) :) He is no longer satisfied with the quiet little ooohs and aaahs... now he just loves to make all kinds of sounds including high pitch squeals and raspberries.Finally, he really gave us a good 30 minutes of belly laughing the other day! We were actually able to get it on video. For some reason he thinks our two dogs are extremely hilarious. He was hysterical!
16 - 17 weeks.Date: 10/22/2007
Our little guy is officially 4 months old now. I can hardly believe it! He is making all new sounds and just loves talking and squealing all day long.He has started to sit up a little on his own, but he still needs assistance. He sits pretty well in his bebe pod chair and in his new exer-saucer. I do keep a close eye on him though because every once in awhile he likes to take a nose dive or arch his little back right out of the seat!He is so active and alert. The only time he is still is when he is sleeping. Even then, he must be fidgeting at night cuz when I come to get him in the morning he is never in the position I left him in. Most often he has turned at least 90 degrees and sometimes a full 180 degrees! He no longer sleeps in his swaddle blanket. He decided to escape out if it every night, so I quit wrapping him in it. I was a little worried at first because it seemed like he just couldn't calm down if he wasn't wrapped up, but sure enough he cried for a minute or two and then found his fingers and drifted right off to sleep. I was so relieved.We visited the pumpkin patch yesterday so he could pick out his first Halloween pumpkin. We had a great time and got some really good pictures. Hope you enjoy!
18 - 19 weeks.Date: 11/01/2007
Isaac survived his first Halloween! We had a party at our house and Mike was so excited to exercise his creativity for such an event. We found a little dragon costume for Isaac and Mike painted a t-shirt with windows so I could be a building. Isaac was Godzilla and I was a building. The idea was a hit. :)Isaac is doing really well. After the Halloween party he had a rough night...he woke up every two hours (and of course I had stayed up WAY too late enjoying the festivities)! That is the first time he has done that since he was 6 weeks old. He seems to get a little worked up in overly social situations and has a hard time winding down. But, the next night he was right back to normal. He is becoming very aware of himself lately. He studies his hands and his feet very intently, and he LOVES to stick out his tongue. He even grabs hold of it sometimes! I think he may actually be starting the teething process. I haven't seen anything yet, but he is a little more fussy than normal and he has a runny nose, drools and chews on things constantly, and grabs at his ears sometimes. These things could all be from the change of seasons too I guess. Only time will tell if he starts cutting teeth, then we will know. He is also sitting up a little better, but not completely on his own yet...he's getting so big...it makes me happy and sad all at the same time!
20 - 21 weeks.Date: 11/14/2007
Fall is mommy's absolute favorite time of year. I am desperately trying to enjoy the last few days of decent weather and gorgeous fall color before the dark days of winter are fully upon us. I took Isaac out in the back yard for a little fall photo shoot (see 4 month album). He didn't really seem as excited about the idea as I was, but I got a few good pics. :)It is getting hard to keep track of when Isaac does what now! A few new things I have noticed include: sucking his thumb (in addition to his fingers), complete roll overs (back to belly to back again!), reaching out for things, and moving in his exersaucer/walker. He doesn't move a lot, but there is some side to side movement going on...and he can turn around in the seat...its sort of hard to explain without visual access to the contraption I am speaking of, but I'm sure you get the point. :)Isaac has been doing so well. He seems very strong and healthy, and he still sleeps through the night. No update on the teeth yet...still don't see anything but lots of drool! He won't be at the doctor again for a few more weeks, but I had him on our scale yesterday and he was about 13.5 lbs. I think I will be starting him on cereal soon, he seems to be ready. He very often wants more after his feedings and he studies us while we eat all the time. It will be fun to start something new. I'm going to try and get it on video. Until next time...enjoy!
22 weeks - 5 months!Date: 11/19/2007
Our little guy is officially 5 months now. It is amazing how fast the time passes. I did decide to start him on some rice cereal. They said to start between 4 and 6 months so I chose to go with the middle. :) He does really well with the cereal and eating from a spoon. He really doesn't have any trouble at all with it. He seems to really like the cereal too. He has total recognition now of what is about to come. When he sees the cereal bowl he gets really excited. Same thing with his bottles. I am still nursing, but he gets a few ounces in a bottle after his cereal to help wash it down...when he sees the bottle...look out! He wants it sooner than NOW!He has become somewhat more mobile lately. He rolls all over the place. On more than one occasion we have left him on the floor for a moment only to come back and find him several feet from where he started. Once he got under our ottoman (everything but his head). So we now know not to leave for very long! He also rolls all around in his crib. When he rolls to his belly he often wakes up very angry about it. I guess he is too tired to roll back over, so sometimes we go in his room, roll him over, and run out without being noticed. He goes right back to sleep!I recently bought some Christmas outfits for his 6 month portraits. I'm so excited! He will have his 6 month dr. appt next month too. I always like to find out how much he's grown and confirm that he is healthy. I have stepped on the scale with him recently and he was 14 lbs. We also checked his length ourselves and he was about 26 inches. Coming right along!
6 monthsDate: 12/20/2007
Wow, we have had such a busy month! I really kept meaning to update sooner, but it just didn't happen. :)Isaac is learning more every day. It is really hard to pinpoint when he does something new now. Things I have noticed in the last month...he supports himself so much better now when sitting or standing in his exersaucer. He still can't quite sit up unattended, but he's getting there. :) He is still rolling and scooting to get where he wants to go. No actual crawling yet, but he looks like he's working on it. He keeps pulling his knees up under him, but he's not sure what to do with his arms yet. He just pulls up his knees and plants his face in the ground. He really reaches for things he wants now...it is so cute. You can tell he feels accomplished when he grabs them or frustrated if he can't get them. I just love to watch him and see the thoughts rolling through his brain.Another fun "first" was Isaac's first big snowfall! Dec 15th, 2007. It was really more fun for me since he had no clue what was going on, but I got him out in the snow to take a picture before I put him to bed. It turned out cute. :) I had to mark the moment!He had his 6 month doctor appointment and she said he is a healthy little guy. He really is a little guy though...only in the 5th percentile for his weight. He has been dropping in the percentile ever since he was born. She wants to check him again in 6 weeks. I guess if he drops again, they may have me supplement some formula and do some blood tests. (let me be clear...his weight is not dropping, he just isn't gaining enough so he is dropping in the percentile of babies his age). Other than that, she is pleased with his health and development. Oh, and no teeth yet!He also had his 6 month portraits taken. They didn't go nearly as smoothly as the 3 month, but they still captured some great moments. While we were taking them I thought for sure it was going to be a waste cuz he just wasn't cooperating. But then I saw them and there were so many good ones, I had trouble choosing!! I posted them here...and some new snapshots in his 5 month album...hope you enjoy!
6 months - babbling and forward motion!Date: 01/08/2008
Isaac had such a great Holiday season! He did so well visiting all of his family and friends. Each time I expected a rough night or an emotional meltdown, he just decided to prove me wrong. He was happy and social most of the time and when he was tired he had no problem at all sleeping. We had several family members here on Christmas day and he still took both of his naps up in his room with a house full of people.Several nights we had to keep him up later than we normally do and I thought for sure he would have trouble sleeping through the night...Not a bit! Each time he slept great...like he always does. I have been so BLESSED to have such a good sleeper thus far. :)On New Years Eve as we were getting ready to go to our friends New Years Party, we noticed Isaac making new sounds. He has moved past the ooohs and aaahs to dadada and lalala! No mama yet...but we are working on it. ;) Mike has been working a lot lately so we will both get on the phone to say hi to him. Isaac loves it and he knows exactly what to do. He smiles when he hears Mike and he usually responds with his dadada or lalala. I don't think he really knows the dada connection yet, but it is so cute!He certainly seems to be trying more to "communicate" with us. I have started some minimal sign language with him, knowing he won't really respond yet, but hoping he will start to understand what we are doing. Also, working with him screaming for things. Trying to teach a 6 month old that he doesn't have to scream for his food...challenging. Of course I don't spend too much time and energy on it not knowing what he really understands yet...I just encourage him to calm down and continue with what I'm doing. :)Just today I witnessed some forward motion while Isaac was playing on the floor! It is hard to say if this is really the first time...he's been working on it for awhile. He is definitely getting better at getting where he wants to go on the floor. He rolls, then rotates, then scoots...and he is very determined.He's eating all kinds of veggies...green beans, peas, carrots and squash...he seems to really like everything but the peas. He will eat them, but it takes a little more work (and usually some trickery with a little rice cereal). We are moving on to sweet potatoes soon and then the fruits!! I'm pretty confident he will like the fruit.I think I have caught up on everything for now...his appointment for his weight check is Feb 1st. I think he is gaining some, but I thought that last time too, so we'll just have to see I guess. Happy New Year!
7 months - Army CrawlDate: 01/24/2008
Well, Isaac just turned 7 months on Jan 19th. I can't believe how quickly this time has passed. He is less like a little baby every day! Sometimes it is a little sad, but mostly very exciting to see him growing and experiencing new things.He's pretty much done using his swing...he's way to "busy" to sit still in it for very long anymore. He's also started using his high chair. Until recently we had been feeding him in the swing or in his bebe pod chair...but I decided it was time...mostly because my back was hurting from sitting on the floor to feed him! :) He's eating pretty much everything we give him...oatmeal, rice, green beans, peas, carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, pears, bananas, prunes and apple sauce. We've also introduced him to the "sippy" cup, although he hasn't really figured it out yet. It seemed like he was getting less intereted in nursing for a few weeks...I had started giving him 1 bottle a day...but now he seems to be more interested in nursing again! My goal is to nurse until he is a year...so we will see if he continues to do well (and if I continue to do well...especially when he gets teeth!). I may keep trying a few bottles here and there to make sure he will wean okay.Perhaps the most exciting new development is that he started crawling on Jan 22nd! We were all together in the family room enjoying some evening play time when all the sudden Isaac started moving toward the toy he wanted. He has been moving for awhile (scooting in circles and rolling), but now he actually has determined forward movement on his belly, and he is getting some significant yardage! He's not quite up on his hands and knees yet...he's doing more of the "army" crawl. Of course I got it on video...check it out in our video clips.His next dr. appt. is Feb 1st to check his weight. I really feel like he is doing well...he seems to be growing so much (of course I thought this last time too...so we'll just have to wait and see). Also, Isaac is being dedicated in our church child dedication service on Saturday. We are so excited. We know that Isaac was a huge blessing from the Lord and we want to make the public committment to do our best to teach him to love and serve the Lord. I believe that He has wonderful plans for Isaac's life and I can't wait to see the Lord's will for him.Until next time...
7 months - Copy Cat!Date: 02/01/2008
Isaac had his Baby Dedication service last Saturday. It was really nice. Thank you to all of our family and friends who came to support us. We love you!Isaac has started mimicking us when we make certain sounds. He "clicks" his tongue and if we do it, he recognizes the sound and can mimic it back to us. He's so proud when he does it too. :)He makes sounds when we pat our hand over his mouth (like the little Indian sound - I know that is not terribly pc, but I couldn't think of any other way to describe it - sorry!). He can actually make the sound himself! He uses the back of his hand...and again, sometimes when we do it...he recognizes it and mimics that too. Little cutie. He still hasn't mimicked any word sounds yet...but we'll be working on that (specifically mama). :)He gets really excited when we start counting to 3. We start with 1 and he gets really focused...then 2, he often starts laughing in anticipation of whatever joyous event is about to follow 3! It is so cute...he does it nearly every time...even when he's upset, sometimes he will calm down when we just start counting (it doesn't usually last long, unfortunately).Isaac had his dr. apt today to check his weight. He is 14 lb. 10 oz. and 27.75 inches. He is still dropping on the weight charts. His last check at 6 months he was in the 5th percentile and now he is less than 3rd percentile at 7 months. The dr. recommended that I try to get a few more calories in him each day, so I will start giving him a little formula each day along with nursing, until his 9 month check-up. She didn’t seem to think he needed any testing done now because he is very healthy otherwise and his height is still growing normally. So overall, pretty good news!After his appointment we enjoyed some time out in the snow that fell this morning. Well, we mostly enjoyed it... I think snow is a little too cold and wet for Isaac at this point...maybe he'll enjoy it more next year. I got some great pics though!
8 - 9 monthsDate: 03/18/2008
I already knew that I haven't been very good at updating lately...but I had no idea I basically missed an entire month!! Isaac will be 9 months old tomorrow.Isaac's 8th month was really good. :) He is such a good boy! He's so happy and expressive. He is talking up a storm (no real words yet...but lots of chatter!) He says da-da-da, ya-ya-ya, ba-ba-ba and now finally....ma-ma-ma!! Like I said, no connection yet to me, but at least he's getting the idea. ;) He reaches for what he wants and babbles to us like he is telling us exactly what he is looking for. So cute!After his 7 month appointment, I did start giving him some formula. He is still nursing some, but the extra formula does seem to be helping him gain a little weight (at least it looks like it is...I really don't know for sure). He is also eating all kinds of baby food now...including the meats (pureed meat...ew). He eats everything we have given him...he obviously likes some more than others...but the worst protest he has are a few funny faces...and the occasional raspberry with a mouth full of food. Even still, he will continue to eat whatever it is that we are giving him. He recently started feeding himself finger foods! We have just started with the little cereal puffs...he loves them. Last update in the culinary category...he has had his first "adult" or non pureed foods...banana slices and baked potato pieces.We took a drive to SC to visit our good friends the Asaros. Up to this point the longest car ride Isaac had taken was 4 hours to Indiana. I was a little worried, but overall he did a great job. We drove through the night hoping he would sleep for most of it. He didn't sleep as well as we had hoped...he just woke up more than I'm used to. He would cry for a few mintues (probably cuz he just wanted to roll over and curl up with his little blanket) but then he would just drift right back off to sleep. Our trip home was a little more difficult. We hit a snow storm in Ohio, which made our trip much longer! He wasn't too happy, but he slept off and on and eventually we made it. :) That is about all I can think of right now. He is still just army crawling, but he does love to push up on his hands and knees...he just doesn't go anywhere. He is also starting to climb on things and pull up...not really to his feet...more on his knees...but it is so cute! Oh, and no teeth yet! :) Next appt. March 31st.9 monthsDate: 04/08/2008 Isaac recently had his 9 month check up and everything is going really well. He has started to go back up on the weight charts (he is up to 5% from below 3%) so they do not seem as concerned anymore. He was 17 lb 4 oz, 29 in and his head was 18 in. He is a very happy and healthy baby boy!We have started giving him a few more "finger" foods. He likes to feed himself his cereal puffs, whole peas, and whole pinto beans. He has also had some cheese and yogurt. He is such a good eater...he just eats up everything we try.About a week ago, I woke up to hear Isaac chatting away in his crib. This is a daily occurrence so I just slowly let myself wake up and made my way in to get him. Much to my surprise, he was standing in his crib! He was quite proud of himself, but immediately burst into tears when I left to get the camera...poor little guy...I had to get a picture! He is pulling himself up on everything now. He stands really well (with assistance) and is starting to take a few steps while holding on to something. He has very little desire to sit still now...he wants to MOVE! He still resorts to his army crawl when he really wants to get somewhere…he has not actually crawled on his hands and knees yet. He can however crawl up the step we have between our family room and the kitchen. Imagine my surprise when I turned around from making my morning coffee to see Isaac under the kitchen table!He has started recognizing some words recently. He has a toy Monkey that makes a "monkey" sound when you press it. When he sees it he will mimic that sound. At first we thought it was a coincidence, but he quite intently points to this monkey and makes the sound...and he does it nearly every time he sees the monkey. SO cute!!! He also knows the word "jump"...when we say it he jumps! And the word "light"...he looks up at the light and points to it sometimes. I guess it won't be long before he is actually speaking these words. Wow, how fast the time has gone.
10 monthsDate: 04/23/2008
Isaac understands more words now. He knows the word "ball" and says "ba" when he has one or sees one. We sing him a song that starts "tick tock, tick tock" and when we are done singing he rocks side to side and says "ta-ta". I think he is starting to understand the word "kiss". I only get one sometimes when I ask...so I'm not sure if that is because he doesn't understand, or just doesn't want to. :)Perhaps the biggest language achievement is that Isaac started signing the word "more". I do some minor, very basic sign language with him and he just started doing it back! He definitely knows the sign for "more", although at this point I'm not sure he completely understands the meaning. To him it means I want something and when I do this I get something. :) I also think he is close to doing the sign for "eat". He has done it a few times, but not as regularly as "more".He is pulling himself up on everything and starting to take a few steps while holding on. It is really cute and he feels so accomplished when he does this. The only down side is he FALLS all the time now! I am trying not to be over protective about it, but it is hard! It is taking all I have in me not to run and scoop him up each time. Most of the time he doesn't even cry, but sometimes he does...even then, most of the time he isn't hurt...just frustrated (uh-oh...kind of like his mommy!). He has been hurt very few times, and at most just a little bump on the forehead. Growing up is hard (for mommy too). :)Finally, NO TEETH yet! I'm not really worried about it...just starting to wonder when they will peek their way out.He seems to be growing and developing so well. He is our little pride and joy!
11 monthsDate: 05/19/2008
Isaac turned 11 months old today! I simply can't believe that he is almost a year old.He is signing a little more now. He signs more, eat, all done, bye bye, hi and help. He recognizes and associates more words now as well...he knows ball, monkey, dog, daddy, blankie, and baby. He gives us kisses too! He doesn't actually say all of these words, but he definitely knows what they are. :)For the first time in his life, he has started being a little picky with his food. He just decides he doesn't really like something...and doing raspberries with a mouth full of food is his main form of protest. My only guess is that he may be done with baby food. I think I am going to start trying some more table foods and see how he does.He recently started crawling on his hands and knees and he is pulling himself up to standing and getting around quite well that way...as long as he has something to hold on to. He's very courageous and sometimes gets himself into trouble. Fortunately he hasn't really hurt himself yet, but I do have to keep a close eye on him!His favorite things right now are baby einstein videos, monkeys, yelling with his daddy and his blankie. We lost his little brown blankie for one evening...I didn't realize how attached he really was until it was gone. I tried to replace it with little blue blankie...but he was having nothing to do with that. I'm so glad we found the brown one!! All is well again.Isaac is such a joy! He is just so happy and full of wonder. I love to see him discover and learn new things every day. Still no teeth. I'm quite sure they are coming soon...evident by the constant drool and chewing on everything in site! I think by my next update he will likely have a few teeth poking through. :)
1 year!Date: 07/24/2008
It has been awhile since my last update. Partly because things have just been busy, but mostly because I think I've been in denial about having a one year old! My baby boy is now a year old (actually 13 months!). He is doing so much and changing more each day. He didn't get his first tooth until after his birthday. The first one came through on June 22, followed promptly by the second, and now he has two coming through on the top. Teething has been a mildly unpleasant experience for him, but overall he has really done quite well with it (compared to some of the horror stories I've heard about teething).He has been crawling for quite some time now...when he first started, he did the "army" crawl...flat on his belly for SO long. He did eventually get up on his hands and knees and then started pulling up and "cruising" around everything. (all this when he was about 9 or 10 months old). He has yet to walk completely on his own without holding on...but it sure looks like he's going to any minute now.He knows so many words now...he doesn't actually say many of them, but he is recognizing them and associating words with the appropriate objects or people. He's repeating words really well now...he will repeat many words that we say back to us (not always exactly right, but close enough). He also communicates quite well with very basic sign language. He knows eat, drink, milk, more, please, help, & all done. As far as he's concerned he can carry on an entire conversation. He is so vocal and just chatters and squeals and laughs all the time. It's quite comical to watch him tell an entire story that no one but him has any understanding of and then totally crack himself up. He also loves to read his books now. He will sit down with a book and start babbling nonsense, pointing to each page like we do when we read to him. It's so cute. He loves to give hugs and kisses now too. I LOVE it. He's just so very sweet!!According to the "charts" he's still on the small side for his weight although you would never guess it by looking at him. He's got such a round little face now and a pudgy belly. He is still such a great eater...He's really not too picky and doesn't give me too much trouble at mealtimes. He is totally on table foods (no more pureed baby foods!) and He's off the bottle and drinking milk out of his sippy cups.He's still a really great sleeper for me too! Although it does seem that he is trying to take it down to one nap during the day...he will go down for his first nap without any fuss and at bedtime he just goes right along with it. Even if he protests for a moment...he really doesn't give us trouble. It doesn't take him long at all to settle himself down and drift off to sleep. Occasionally he will talk with himself for awhile, that is really funny. I hardly ever have to re-enter the room to get him back down. Even in the middle of the night...if I go in there and make sure he has his blankie and tell him "nite nite", he gets back to sleep in no time. He consistently sleeps 11 to 12 hours every night! I am so thankful for all of this and pray every day it continues!!!I'm just so thankful for this past year and what a good boy Isaac has turned out to be. I have been so blessed and he has made mothering just so easy on me. He is social and loves people, loves other kids, loves playing in the nursery and at the park, is so good natured, and is just a happy healthy boy. I couldn't ask for anything more.
Toddler Date: 08/13/2008
Well it's official. I am the mother of a toddler! :)Isaac took his first steps on July 25th. As any 13 month old, he got off to a rough start. Unfortunately he decided crawling was a lot easier. He took steps for about 3 days and then quit. :(He did eventually decide to give it another try and on August 13th he started walking again. He adjusted to it much better this time and within days was walking like a pro!As you can imagine keeping up with a this website has become increasingly difficult with a toddler. Haha! At Isaac's 12 month check up he weighed 21 lbs. 1 oz. and was 31.5 inches long. He is as happy and healthy as ever! He has 4 teeth now. Middle bottom 2 and middle top 2. He is working on a molar now I think...fun stuff. Another milestone...on August 10th he had his first haircut! :) I'll have to download some pictures of it when I have more time.The dr. gave me some handouts about what to expect in this new phase. The first one was titled "temper tantrums". I thought...good thing I haven't had to deal with this yet. Well, Isaac must have read the paper on the way home, cuz it literally began that same day!! I'm exaggerating a little...but it wasn't long before his little independent nature was discovered and along with it the frustrations of not being able to do anything and everything he wants to.It really hasn't been bad at all...he does have his moments...but we are learning how to deal with them. ;)His next check up (15 mo) is 9/10/08 so I will have some new updates after that!
Growth Chart
06/19/2001
0 weeks
8 lbs. 2 oz.
22 inches
06/25/2001
1 weeks
7 lbs. 6 oz.
21.75 inches
07/05/2007
2 weeks
8 lbs. 9 oz.
22 inches
07/24/2007
5 weeks
9 lbs. 11 oz.
22 inches
09/04/2007
11 weeks
11 lbs. 10 oz.
24 inches
10/08/2007
16 weeks
13 lbs. 2 oz.
25.5 inches
12/17/2007
6 months
13 lbs. 15 oz.
27.25 inches
02/01/2008
7 months
14 lbs. 10 oz.
27.75 inches
03/31/2008
9 months
17 lbs. 4 oz.
29 inches
05/02/2008
10 months
18 lbs. 5 oz.
29 inches
06/23/2008
12 months
21 lbs. 1 oz.
31.5 inches
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