Saturday D turned 6 months old...and yesterday was the 6 month old doctor appointment.
Our BIG man is up to 18 lbs. 1 oz. and is 27 1/4 in.!! He's helping me build my biceps!
The doctor said developmentally he looks great - right on target. He also said he could see that teeth were inching up but nothing is breaking through yet. (That explains some of the crankiness our normally happy man has experienced). I even talked to him about feeding - and how we decided to do vegetables first and the doctor was on board. He thought it was great - and encourages us to keep it up and try new things with him.
The only thing little man needs to work on is the sleeping. A few months later - he's still up 3-4 times a night! The doctor suggested if we wanted to, to let him cry for 20 minutes or so, but I'm not on board with that at all. Some people can do it...I can't. Plus, I don't mind getting up with the little dude. Yes, I would like him to sleep longer, but I'm not willing to let him cry it out to get there. I let him grunt and whimper a bit - but if he's not settled in a few minutes I get up and feed or rock him back out. The problem most of the time is that he's rolled over and can't get himself back to his back...then the madness ensues. I did buy a book called "The No Cry Sleep Solution" and am trying to adopt some of the techniques they mention. We'll see if we get anywhere. Last night I tried something new and he was only up twice, and the 2nd time was 15 minutes before the alarm - so I count it as once. That's a success in my book! We are going to be moving him to his crib in the next week or two so I figure I will see some more success there too. If anyone has any no-cry tips let me know. I'm all ears. But, as I said, I don't mind getting up with him...he goes right back down and it's nice to feel needed :)
I can't believe it's been half a year! Everyone always told me time flies with a baby and they were right. It doesn't seem possible that we're here already.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
First Food!
WE DID IT!! After thoughtful planning and seeing months of our little man longingly watch us eat...tonight was the night for D to have his eating debut!!
We started with Earth's Best Organic Peas. I wanted to make my own food for his first meal - but these organics are closest to the real thing - and with work all week, running around yesterday and his 6 months photos today(!) I didn't get a chance. But, I gave the peas a taste test and they were pretty good! (I do love peas, unlike Dain who was disgusted).
D took to eating like he'd been doing it all along. A few frowny faces at first, but then just went to town. He didn't even get messy! He played for a while afterwards, nursed, and now is sleeping. Catnaps before tubby time and bedtime are his favorite.
Here's how the debut looked: (And if you watch the full video you'll realize that Penny cuts the cheese when she jumped up to glance out the window at the neighbor dogs. I watched it and realized that Dain added a "pop up" to indicate where it happens. Sorry mom, it's disgusting to laugh at I know :) If you didn't know it happened, you'd just hear Dain and I laughing about it).
We started with Earth's Best Organic Peas. I wanted to make my own food for his first meal - but these organics are closest to the real thing - and with work all week, running around yesterday and his 6 months photos today(!) I didn't get a chance. But, I gave the peas a taste test and they were pretty good! (I do love peas, unlike Dain who was disgusted).
D took to eating like he'd been doing it all along. A few frowny faces at first, but then just went to town. He didn't even get messy! He played for a while afterwards, nursed, and now is sleeping. Catnaps before tubby time and bedtime are his favorite.
Here's how the debut looked: (And if you watch the full video you'll realize that Penny cuts the cheese when she jumped up to glance out the window at the neighbor dogs. I watched it and realized that Dain added a "pop up" to indicate where it happens. Sorry mom, it's disgusting to laugh at I know :) If you didn't know it happened, you'd just hear Dain and I laughing about it).
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Much Overdo Photos
Here's some photos...it's been a while since I just posted pics, eh?
One day I inadvertently dressed us as twins
Tubby time is his FAV:
First time in a high chair at Grandma Susie's:
His first trip behind the bar when visiting Uncle Evan (twin!) at his work on Easter Sunday:
He's a keeper!
Oh, and I finally edited in the theater poster image on my other post too!
One day I inadvertently dressed us as twins
Tubby time is his FAV:
First time in a high chair at Grandma Susie's:
His first trip behind the bar when visiting Uncle Evan (twin!) at his work on Easter Sunday:
He's a keeper!
Oh, and I finally edited in the theater poster image on my other post too!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Weird
The very next day after posting about all the boys being born, I found out from my sister that she will be having....A BOY!
Cosmic.
Cosmic.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Back in the Saddle Again
No, not an actual saddle. I'm back in the the theater saddle...barely. But - I'll count it.
If you remember, I think, a long time ago I posted that my home-away-from-home community theater was closing - and we were going to be re-opening in Geneva. In fact, I think I mentioned that I designed our new logo - which I did! Well, guess what time it is?? Yep - our first show in the new space opens on May 1st! Who can believe it?
No, I'm not acting in this show. Having the D man is putting me on hiatus from going to rehearsals every night for a while. However, I've always maintained my place on the board of directors - and I am working on the programs and posters for our debut. It's so nice to be able to flex my unused theater muscle after so long, even if it is just designing a poster and program. I'm still involved and BACK! Hooray!
Here's the press release for our upcoming production:
GENEVA, IL – The Geneva Underground Playhouse will present its opening show in downtown Geneva, “The Best Man,” on Friday, May 1.
Performances will be May 1-3, 8-10 and 15 and 16. Two of the Sunday performances will be afternoon matinees. Evening shows begin at 8 p.m., and matinees at 2 p.m.
The shows will represent the first in the Geneva Underground Playhouse at 524 W. State St. here, in the same building with The Urban Grille restaurant.
The new playhouse is a result of work by the Board of Directors of the theater, which has as its parent organization, the First Street Playhouse Institute of Theater, a 501 3 (c) not-for-profit organization. It is the heir to the former First Street Playhouse in Batavia, which closed at the end of 2007.
The playhouse also opens thanks to cooperation from the city of Geneva and the Geneva Cultural Arts Commission, as well as from building owner Joe Stanton.
“We have received so much community support, which is fitting, because we intend to become a good member of the community,” said Eric Schwartz, executive director.
Joining Schwartz, of DeKalb, in the theater’s management, are Artistic Director Carol Bair-Calzaretta, of Schaumburg, and Technical Director Eric Prebys, of Batavia.
The other board members are: Steve Lord, president; Marie Boian-Meyer, vice president; Donna Latham, secretary; Lori Dowd; and Brenda Renaud.
“The Best Man” is an award-winning play in which Vidal explores universal, timeless truisms about corruption, humanity and the use of dirty tricks in politics. It was written about the early 1960s, another time when the political landscape was similar to today.
Tickets are $20, with the price of $15 for senior citizens 65 and older, and $15 for students. For ticket information, contact the theater, at 630-232-7683 or e-mail genevaplayhouse@yahoo.com.
If you remember, I think, a long time ago I posted that my home-away-from-home community theater was closing - and we were going to be re-opening in Geneva. In fact, I think I mentioned that I designed our new logo - which I did! Well, guess what time it is?? Yep - our first show in the new space opens on May 1st! Who can believe it?
No, I'm not acting in this show. Having the D man is putting me on hiatus from going to rehearsals every night for a while. However, I've always maintained my place on the board of directors - and I am working on the programs and posters for our debut. It's so nice to be able to flex my unused theater muscle after so long, even if it is just designing a poster and program. I'm still involved and BACK! Hooray!
Here's the press release for our upcoming production:
GENEVA, IL – The Geneva Underground Playhouse will present its opening show in downtown Geneva, “The Best Man,” on Friday, May 1.
Performances will be May 1-3, 8-10 and 15 and 16. Two of the Sunday performances will be afternoon matinees. Evening shows begin at 8 p.m., and matinees at 2 p.m.
The shows will represent the first in the Geneva Underground Playhouse at 524 W. State St. here, in the same building with The Urban Grille restaurant.
The new playhouse is a result of work by the Board of Directors of the theater, which has as its parent organization, the First Street Playhouse Institute of Theater, a 501 3 (c) not-for-profit organization. It is the heir to the former First Street Playhouse in Batavia, which closed at the end of 2007.
The playhouse also opens thanks to cooperation from the city of Geneva and the Geneva Cultural Arts Commission, as well as from building owner Joe Stanton.
“We have received so much community support, which is fitting, because we intend to become a good member of the community,” said Eric Schwartz, executive director.
Joining Schwartz, of DeKalb, in the theater’s management, are Artistic Director Carol Bair-Calzaretta, of Schaumburg, and Technical Director Eric Prebys, of Batavia.
The other board members are: Steve Lord, president; Marie Boian-Meyer, vice president; Donna Latham, secretary; Lori Dowd; and Brenda Renaud.
“The Best Man” is an award-winning play in which Vidal explores universal, timeless truisms about corruption, humanity and the use of dirty tricks in politics. It was written about the early 1960s, another time when the political landscape was similar to today.
Tickets are $20, with the price of $15 for senior citizens 65 and older, and $15 for students. For ticket information, contact the theater, at 630-232-7683 or e-mail genevaplayhouse@yahoo.com.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The Boys
Turns out - it's raining men...
Okay it only seems like that. Everyone I know that's had/having babies lately seems to be having boys! Something must be in the water...everywhere...
Anywho - it seems to have been all boys for awhile on the Meyer side of Dain's family. Dain's grandparents have 6 great grandchildren - and, you guessed it, they're ALL boys! All of them were together for the first time on Easter Sunday, and we even got a photo. Of course, not everyone is looking - that's impossible! Plus there were about 25 cameras taking pictures! Dig D's little sweater vest though! :)
Okay it only seems like that. Everyone I know that's had/having babies lately seems to be having boys! Something must be in the water...everywhere...
Anywho - it seems to have been all boys for awhile on the Meyer side of Dain's family. Dain's grandparents have 6 great grandchildren - and, you guessed it, they're ALL boys! All of them were together for the first time on Easter Sunday, and we even got a photo. Of course, not everyone is looking - that's impossible! Plus there were about 25 cameras taking pictures! Dig D's little sweater vest though! :)
Monday, April 13, 2009
The Great Food Debate
The D man is obsessed with food. Yep - loves it. Watching US eat that is. He can't get enough. He stares longingly at the food - watches us take every bite - and even tries to grab at crackers and our drinks! This is a tell-tale sign that he's ready to move on to some food of his own.
I guess I never really thought about food for him. Just figured I'd just feed him when it was time. But - there's a thought process that goes along with it. How will he do? Is it really time? What should we try first? How often are we going to have to have "solids" a day? Will this mess up my breastfeeding efforts?
After listening to my mom and sisters talk about how they started with cereal, and having known many people that did - I always thought that would be the route I'd go. However - I've read about starting with fruits or vegetables first. They're supposedly easier to digest than grains on a tummy that's only had breastmilk - and my babysitter even said she started her kids on vegetables and since then they've always liked vegetables. Instead of say, fruit first - then the vegetables aren't as sweet, thus not as appealing.
I talked to my best fried/sister-in-law/soon to be Registered Dietician, Stephanie, and she said there's really no right or wrong answer. She DID study at a more holistic school who also suggested vegetables & fruits first - but people have done different things for centuries - and all babies turn out fine somehow :)
The one thing I know for sure is that I want to make my own baby food when I can, and buy organic jarred food...as well as organic cereals for him. Dr. Sears, who wrote The Baby Book (and The Attachment Parenting Book - which you've seen that I have) even helped develop the cereal brand that I decided on, and even found at my local Jewel and BOUGHT along with organic jarred Peas and Pears by Earth's Best - wo make the GREAT chlorine-free disposable diapers I use sometimes. I figured it's best to be prepared for that first meal...whenever we decide to start it...
I know it's probably best to consult with my pediatrician before doing all this. However, at D's FOUR month appointment he had said we could really dilute some cereal and give to him if we wanted - just mostly for practice. There's not really a nutritional need for it that young. Anywho - his 6 month appointment is a week from tomorrow - so I am guessing we'll just wait until then to confirm everything with Dr. Link.
He looks like he's fine on food for now eh?
I guess I never really thought about food for him. Just figured I'd just feed him when it was time. But - there's a thought process that goes along with it. How will he do? Is it really time? What should we try first? How often are we going to have to have "solids" a day? Will this mess up my breastfeeding efforts?
After listening to my mom and sisters talk about how they started with cereal, and having known many people that did - I always thought that would be the route I'd go. However - I've read about starting with fruits or vegetables first. They're supposedly easier to digest than grains on a tummy that's only had breastmilk - and my babysitter even said she started her kids on vegetables and since then they've always liked vegetables. Instead of say, fruit first - then the vegetables aren't as sweet, thus not as appealing.
I talked to my best fried/sister-in-law/soon to be Registered Dietician, Stephanie, and she said there's really no right or wrong answer. She DID study at a more holistic school who also suggested vegetables & fruits first - but people have done different things for centuries - and all babies turn out fine somehow :)
The one thing I know for sure is that I want to make my own baby food when I can, and buy organic jarred food...as well as organic cereals for him. Dr. Sears, who wrote The Baby Book (and The Attachment Parenting Book - which you've seen that I have) even helped develop the cereal brand that I decided on, and even found at my local Jewel and BOUGHT along with organic jarred Peas and Pears by Earth's Best - wo make the GREAT chlorine-free disposable diapers I use sometimes. I figured it's best to be prepared for that first meal...whenever we decide to start it...
I know it's probably best to consult with my pediatrician before doing all this. However, at D's FOUR month appointment he had said we could really dilute some cereal and give to him if we wanted - just mostly for practice. There's not really a nutritional need for it that young. Anywho - his 6 month appointment is a week from tomorrow - so I am guessing we'll just wait until then to confirm everything with Dr. Link.
He looks like he's fine on food for now eh?
Monday, April 6, 2009
March for Babies
I was shopping with my mom & sister this weekend. My sister wanted to get some maternity clothes - so we headed to the outlet store where I got many of mine. This was fine with me as I needed a new nursing bra anyways (sorry if this is too much info boys) and they sell great ones there!
At the checkout - I saw little March of Dimes fundraiser $1 keychains - so I was going to buy one. I totally support March of Dimes - and their research regarding preemies, etc. HELLO I had a preemie - though you wouldn't know it now.
Anywho - the saleswoman pointed out these super cute bracelets that they also had for $1 - and said how she bought them as favors for a baby shower for her niece recently and they were a huge hit. The full dollar goes to March of Dimes, the store doesn't take any of the money. So - I bought one, and I love it. I also love Destination Maternity for selling these items.
I looked up March of Dimes this morning at work and saw that there is a March for Babies on April 26th in my area!! I want to DO this!!! Anyone want to join?!? It's a 6.4 mile "march" for babies - I believe along the Fox River - and you're encouraged to BRING your baby...this means my little preemie can come too.
For more info on the amazing work of the March of Dimes - go to their website: March of Dimes
At the checkout - I saw little March of Dimes fundraiser $1 keychains - so I was going to buy one. I totally support March of Dimes - and their research regarding preemies, etc. HELLO I had a preemie - though you wouldn't know it now.
Anywho - the saleswoman pointed out these super cute bracelets that they also had for $1 - and said how she bought them as favors for a baby shower for her niece recently and they were a huge hit. The full dollar goes to March of Dimes, the store doesn't take any of the money. So - I bought one, and I love it. I also love Destination Maternity for selling these items.
I looked up March of Dimes this morning at work and saw that there is a March for Babies on April 26th in my area!! I want to DO this!!! Anyone want to join?!? It's a 6.4 mile "march" for babies - I believe along the Fox River - and you're encouraged to BRING your baby...this means my little preemie can come too.
For more info on the amazing work of the March of Dimes - go to their website: March of Dimes
Friday, April 3, 2009
Cultured at 5 Mos.
My little dude is getting some "culture"!
My babysitter took him in tow with her and her 3 kids and her sister and her two kids to the Kohl Children's Museum in Glenview today. All I knew is that it was supposed to be amazing for kids - and that they'd be gone most of the day if I called. When I told my office mate - who is from the area - that's where they were going - she was so excited for them, and told me how great it was...so I looked it up!
This place is amazing! Here's some info:
--------------------------------------------
History
Kohl Children's Museum of Greater Chicago was founded in 1985 as an extension of the Kohl Teaching Center in Wilmette, one of four such centers in Illinois and Israel conceived by Dolores Kohl in 1972 and supported by the Dolores Kohl Education Foundation. Offering creative methods of enhancing traditional approaches to teaching, Kohl Teaching Centers provided training and educational resources to teachers and helped them incorporate hands-on experiences into their classrooms. Kohl Children’s Museum was founded to continue reaching educators and extend its service to meet the growing needs of families and the community at large through interactive exhibits and hands-on programs.
In 1998, Sheridan Turner became the Museum’s president and CEO and Dolores Kohl stepped away from the day-to-day operations of the Museum, expressing a strong desire for the Museum to be funded by the community that had come to rely on its services. With new leadership in place, the Museum’s Board of Trustees, led by Board Chairman Frederick H. Waddell of Northern Trust, conceived and realized plans for a new facility in Glenview, just five miles from the original Wilmette location, which opened to the public in 2005.
Location
Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago is located on an 8.8-acre parcel of land in the center of The Glen in Glenview, at 2100 Patriot Boulevard, Glenview, Illinois 60026.
Facility
Total square footage of the Museum is a 46,700 square feet, with 23,000 square feet of public space. An additional 2-acre outdoor exhibit space, Habitat Park, allows for Museum attendance to be less weather-dependent.
Accessibility
We think it's important that the Museum be equally available to guests with any level of physical, visual, auditory, or cognitive challenge. All public areas are 100% ADA-compliant. The facility and all exhibits have been designed using the principles of universal design, which go beyond accessibility with an approach that uses multi-sensory experiences as educational tools. These experiences allow all guests with any level of physical, visual, auditory, and cognitive ability to experience the Museum and its offerings.
A Green Building
It’s important for us to be good stewards of the environment in order to maintain a world that our children can enjoy for many years to come. Kohl Children’s Museum has created an environmentally friendly, energy-efficient facility that has earned Silver-level certification as a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) building from the U.S. Green Building Council.
Signage and activities provide children and families with hands-on learning opportunities about environmental concerns in both the indoor and outdoor exhibit spaces, accessible year-round.
Exhibits
Kohl Children’s Museum houses 17 hands-on, interactive exhibits that support the strategic direction of the Museum as outlined in its mission statement and key beliefs. Exhibits include:
* Adventures in Art
* All About Me
* City on the Move
* Cooperation Station
* Discovery Maze
* Habitat Park
* Hands On House
* McCormick Tribune Main Street
-Car Care
-Doll Day Care
-Dominick’s
-Pet Vet
-Play Library
-Potbelly Sandwich Works
* Music Makers
* Nature Explorers
* Water Works
* A 1,200 sq. ft. Traveling Exhibit Gallery
Outreach Programs
For many years, the Museum has reached out to underserved and at-risk communities through its Early Childhood Connections program, working primarily with Chicago Public Schools. The Museum is now able to offer its programs to families in Wheeling and Waukegan, and has also developed outreach programs on anti-bias initiatives and healthy lifestyles in 2007 and 2008.
------------------------------------------------
Isn't that great? I am so impressed with the thought that went into every detail of this amazing place. More info is on their website here.
Plus my mother-in-law's maiden name (and my brother-in-law's first name) is Kohl. Makes me wonder if there's a connection. :) Either way I am impressed by this place and want to take D back someday myself! My babysitter said he had a great time, all the babies in the place looked like they were overstimulated and loving it!
My babysitter took him in tow with her and her 3 kids and her sister and her two kids to the Kohl Children's Museum in Glenview today. All I knew is that it was supposed to be amazing for kids - and that they'd be gone most of the day if I called. When I told my office mate - who is from the area - that's where they were going - she was so excited for them, and told me how great it was...so I looked it up!
This place is amazing! Here's some info:
--------------------------------------------
History
Kohl Children's Museum of Greater Chicago was founded in 1985 as an extension of the Kohl Teaching Center in Wilmette, one of four such centers in Illinois and Israel conceived by Dolores Kohl in 1972 and supported by the Dolores Kohl Education Foundation. Offering creative methods of enhancing traditional approaches to teaching, Kohl Teaching Centers provided training and educational resources to teachers and helped them incorporate hands-on experiences into their classrooms. Kohl Children’s Museum was founded to continue reaching educators and extend its service to meet the growing needs of families and the community at large through interactive exhibits and hands-on programs.
In 1998, Sheridan Turner became the Museum’s president and CEO and Dolores Kohl stepped away from the day-to-day operations of the Museum, expressing a strong desire for the Museum to be funded by the community that had come to rely on its services. With new leadership in place, the Museum’s Board of Trustees, led by Board Chairman Frederick H. Waddell of Northern Trust, conceived and realized plans for a new facility in Glenview, just five miles from the original Wilmette location, which opened to the public in 2005.
Location
Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago is located on an 8.8-acre parcel of land in the center of The Glen in Glenview, at 2100 Patriot Boulevard, Glenview, Illinois 60026.
Facility
Total square footage of the Museum is a 46,700 square feet, with 23,000 square feet of public space. An additional 2-acre outdoor exhibit space, Habitat Park, allows for Museum attendance to be less weather-dependent.
Accessibility
We think it's important that the Museum be equally available to guests with any level of physical, visual, auditory, or cognitive challenge. All public areas are 100% ADA-compliant. The facility and all exhibits have been designed using the principles of universal design, which go beyond accessibility with an approach that uses multi-sensory experiences as educational tools. These experiences allow all guests with any level of physical, visual, auditory, and cognitive ability to experience the Museum and its offerings.
A Green Building
It’s important for us to be good stewards of the environment in order to maintain a world that our children can enjoy for many years to come. Kohl Children’s Museum has created an environmentally friendly, energy-efficient facility that has earned Silver-level certification as a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) building from the U.S. Green Building Council.
Signage and activities provide children and families with hands-on learning opportunities about environmental concerns in both the indoor and outdoor exhibit spaces, accessible year-round.
Exhibits
Kohl Children’s Museum houses 17 hands-on, interactive exhibits that support the strategic direction of the Museum as outlined in its mission statement and key beliefs. Exhibits include:
* Adventures in Art
* All About Me
* City on the Move
* Cooperation Station
* Discovery Maze
* Habitat Park
* Hands On House
* McCormick Tribune Main Street
-Car Care
-Doll Day Care
-Dominick’s
-Pet Vet
-Play Library
-Potbelly Sandwich Works
* Music Makers
* Nature Explorers
* Water Works
* A 1,200 sq. ft. Traveling Exhibit Gallery
Outreach Programs
For many years, the Museum has reached out to underserved and at-risk communities through its Early Childhood Connections program, working primarily with Chicago Public Schools. The Museum is now able to offer its programs to families in Wheeling and Waukegan, and has also developed outreach programs on anti-bias initiatives and healthy lifestyles in 2007 and 2008.
------------------------------------------------
Isn't that great? I am so impressed with the thought that went into every detail of this amazing place. More info is on their website here.
Plus my mother-in-law's maiden name (and my brother-in-law's first name) is Kohl. Makes me wonder if there's a connection. :) Either way I am impressed by this place and want to take D back someday myself! My babysitter said he had a great time, all the babies in the place looked like they were overstimulated and loving it!
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