Graham is Eight Months Old

My how time is flying by. I've been looking forward to writing this update, and dreading it all at the same time. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that my second born is

Eight Months Old.

Where's the pause button on life??

So here we are - eight months old - my gosh.

Height: 29.5 inches tall

Weight: Approx. 22 lbs

Clothing:

I don't think Graham has grown much since last month. Still wearing 12 - 18 month clothing. There are some onesies that are 24 months (we wear these when we have a big fluffy butt!) but other than that clothing is about the same. We did have to get new socks though. All his Robeez socks are too small/tight so I bought some new ones that are 24 month size. The boy has some big feet!

Breastfeeding/Solids:

Graham has been doing wonderful with solid food. We did have about a week with no... err.. poops and he was quite upset, but after a lot of tummy massage and a warm bath he went. Chris and I felt so bad for him, but now he is back to being regular and a happy, content little guy.

We have now introduced meat into his diet and he LOVES it. So far he has had chicken breast, pork tenderloin and beef. I was a little nervous about feeding it to him, but he chowed down like a pro.

We are still doing three small meals a day.

Morning: Cheerios and fruit. Or toast - again it depends what I have handy.

Lunch: Fruit or veggie (depends what I have on hand)

Dinner: Meat and veggie.

We are still doing Baby led Solids which is working great for him. He doesn't like being spoon fed and he has an amazing pincher grasp. Finds the food and shoves it into his mouth.

New Food List:

Blueberries
Squash
Meat: beef, chicken and pork.
Yogurt (Greek)
Cauliflower
Broccoli
Pasta
Spaghetti

Graham still loves to nurse. I don't think we've cut down at all. Actually we haven't. He still nurses like he did before the introduction of solid food. I have a feeling weaning him is going to be difficult. Don't get me wrong - I will not force him to wean. James self weaned at 15.5 months - so if Graham wants to go longer, then that is fine. We are still nursing at least 8-10 times throughout the day. This includes nighttime feedings as well. Boy loves his boobie milk.

Sleeping:

Same as last month. There have been a few nights that Graham has only woken up once to feed, but those nights are few and far between. I have been nursing him till he is drowsy and then Chris takes over and put him into his playpen. Most nights he goes down without a fight, but sometimes he fights it and screams bloody murder for me. He has NO self soothing capabilities, which drives me nuts some nights. One night it took me till 2:30 am to get him to sleep. He would NOT settle. I rocked him to sleep three times and he would go about 19 minutes before he would wake and scream - and I mean SCREAM! Blood curdling screams. I was so upset, crying and downright exhausted.

He will go for about 4 - 5 hours on his own in his playpen (there was one night we got him into his crib for about 4 hours but that was it) then he wakes and looks for me - so into bed he comes. He will comfort nurse for about 15 minutes and fall asleep. Then usually around 2:00 am he is up again and this time he nurses - as in "I am hungry, so feed me" Then he's down till about 5:30 and usually that's another full nurse, and he drifts back off till James comes into bed - around 6:30. Then we are up. BAH! Early mornings - not my thing.

The boys will be sharing a room once we move into our new home. We will be trying to put Graham to sleep first in his crib and then get James down. I don't know how well this is going to work, but we will attempt to do this. Wish us luck!

Milestones:

No more army crawling! He is now crawling on his knees and hands and it's so freaking cute! He loves to chase after James and James loves running from him. "You can never catch me now baby Draham!"

Graham and James are starting to 'play' together more. James is showing him the ropes, and also stealing toys from him! Boys will be boys I guess. We brought out James' old Fisher Price play table and Graham just LOVES it!
We have also had a few times where Graham is standing completely on his own. Not holding on to anything, but it only lasts about 3-5 seconds.

Cruising time! Graham loves to stand and to hold onto things - he has started to cruise the furniture and his other standing toys. We have a walker toy, but he hasn't quite masters that yet! Soon though - very soon!

Another thing we noticed with Graham is how much he babbles. James babbled, but not like this. Graham now babbles "Mama, Dada, & Baba" I love cute baby babbles - it just puts a smile on my face!

I'm feeling like this early time with Graham is going by way too fast - I want to keep him little forever - but I know I cannot. I am so excited to see how he develops in the next month.

Graham, you bring such joy to my life - as well as your brother's and Daddy. You make our family complete and it's been so amazing to watch you grow. Happy Eight Months little guy!

Much love
xoxo

James can sing

James is finishing up his last few days at preschool. He doesn't really understand that he won't be going throughout the Summer, but that's ok. He starts again in September and will be going three days a week rather than just two!

I wanted to share this - He asked if we could 'video' him singing his favorite song ' Twinkle Twinkle Little Star'

I think it's super cute (but I am totally bias)



I will also be doing an update on James in the next few days regarding his speech (and letter pronunciation), potty learning and how he feels about being a big brother! I cannot believe that he is almost 3.5 years old.

Times really does fly when you are having fun!

Much love
xoxo

Another Wordless Wednesday

Mummy Fail

Today... today I yelled at James, and scared him. I failed.

We've been trying to understand where he is coming from - trying not to say 'No' and to talk about how he is feeling at a particular time. But nothing is working. He still is defiant - stomps around and talks back. When asked to do simple tasks, we get sassed.

Yes, I know he is 3.5 years old - but at 3.5 years old I do expect some respect and to listen.

I got frustrated with James - I yelled (loudly I might add) and his crying became uncontrollable. He was sobbing - and said to me I sacred him.

I don't want to be that Mum. A Mum whose child is afraid of her. I broke down and cried with him - apologizing over and over again. Only to hear "I'm sorry Mummy. Don't cry... I love you" That just tugged on the heart strings even more.

After he settled down and we both stopped crying, I tried to explain why I yelled and told him Mummy shouldn't have yelled and that she was very sorry - and that Jimmy needs to use his ears to listen to what Mummy and Daddy ask. I don't know if it got through to him - but after that.... god I feel like a terrible person.

I failed tonight as a Mum.

Tomorrow is a new day - I have learned from my mistake tonight and am looking forward to a new day.

Live and learn.

Much love
xoxo

We've hit a wall

I haven't posted much in the past week - and there is a good reason for it. Chris and I have been dealing with a very snarky, mouthy, frustrated little boy.

James has been going through... something. What? I do not know. It all started when he got sick a couple of weeks ago. I totally understood why he was grumpy, and upset. Poor boy was sicker than a dog. But during that time, he became a non listening, snarky little boy, who's attitude changed like *snap* that!

When asked to do simple day to day tasks such as brushing his teeth, getting dressed or even just sitting to eat - he yells, and talks back. His new favorite thing to say is "Whatever Mummy/Daddy." He yells, screams and demands us to do things. He's being defiant, and to be honest I just don't know what to do.

We practice gentle parenting. I WILL NOT - let me repeat that... I WILL NOT spank, hit or swat my child. I was spanked as a child and I refuse to raise my children that way. We have tried time outs, which just lead to him throwing an even bigger fit. I've tried time ins where we both sit down and talk about what was done, and why we are doing what we are doing. Threats are a joke, and taking toys away hasn't had any effect on him whatsoever.

I will admit that I am not the most patient person in the world, and there are times I yell. I feel awful afterwards. I try to stay calm and use my words rather than getting upset and yelling at him, but sometimes - that doesn't happen!

I have asked his teacher if he listens at school and she said he is wonderful. Does as he is told and helps out. So what the hell am I doing wrong??

We need consequences in this house - but I have no idea what to do. I have exhausted my techniques and they haven't helped in the slightest bit.

We've hit a wall, and don't know where to go from here. He has his really good days, where the day goes smoothly, then there are days where he's so mouthy and I need  to walk away.

I'm at a loss - I need advice - WE need advice.... HELP!!

Wordless Wednesday - A Stash Shot

Finally!

Today Chris and I signed papers to our very first home! I mean let me correct myself - we have lived together for more than five years, but today we BOUGHT our first town home!

If you would have told me two and a half weeks ago we would be signing off today, I would of called you crazy. But here we are!

We went to look at a couple of town homes in a complex not far from where we rent from now. The first one was saw - that was it for me. I wanted it! But I decided not to say anything until we saw the other one. The second one just didn't feel right. It seemed cold. Personally, it just wasn't for me. So Chris and I talked about it and our realtor took us back to look at the first one again.

We walked through the place again, and I looked at Chris and I said I feel like I was at home. He agreed. We went home that night - knowing that NOTHING was in place to buy this town home. We kicked everything into high gear.

Once we got the bank side figured out, we took Chris' parents to see the place. We didn't necessarily need their approval, but we wanted their opinion. Both of them really liked it - so we slept on it. Chris and I talked about it, and said that if we could get it for a certain price we would go for it.

I mean it has everything we need. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, an outdoor space - plus a friend of mine and her husband had just put in an offer as well... I mean COME ON!

We decided to put in an offer. My goodness, that is so damn scary. We waited and waited and finally heard something. We knew they were not going to accept our first offer - so they countered and we countered back. They came back and we offered again, finally we agreed upon a price. What an adrenaline rush. We managed to stay within our budget!!

We had the home inspection on Monday - and everything was great. We knew going in that it would need a new roof, but Chris and I are totally prepared for that. Nothing else needs to be done either. The kitchen has been redone, as has the upstairs bathroom. Chris is all excited as he has a project in the future. There is a bathroom downstairs that can use an upgrade. It's just a half bath, so we decided we would put in a full shower and what not. (Talk about getting ahead of ourselves)

After the home inspection, we proceeded with the purchase. We had almost all our ducks in a row. I called the lawyers today, so that was that. Our down payment money is ready to go - so all that was left was to sign the subject of removal papers and then we can go ahead with the lawyers and whatnot. I still feel dizzy from everything that I have learned. There is just so much to know.

Signing those papers was nerve wracking. I kept thinking to myself "Are we really doing this?" I'm still kind of in shock. But after that I realized its not going to be much different than what we are doing now. We will still be paying roughly the same amount each month so it's not any different. Except for the fact that we OWN it!

I am so excited to move out of our rental and into our new home. Oh and to paint! I'm so excited to paint! James will continue to go to the same preschool, which is awesome for him and for us. He loves his school. So now all we can do is sit and wait. Wait for the documents to be processed, and then that's it!

We take possession on July 26th - eight days after my 26th birthday. SO EXCITING!

EEEKK!!

Today has been a great day!

Much love
xoxo

Wordless Wednesday - Art

Feeling Under the Weather

I would say that James is a very healthy toddler. In his short 3.5 years of life he's only been sick less than a handful of times.

I remember just before his first birthday he got sick with a cold and that lead to a swollen/blocked tear duct. He was fevered and was just generally upset. That didn't last very long - a few days and he was better.

When he was 18 months he got Roseola. Now that was scary. He spiked a fever quick and broke out into a rash. We actually took him to the ER as we had no idea what was going on. He was lethargic, and not himself. They quarantined us, as I had said that the splotchy rash started behind his ear. They thought he had the measles. But in the end it wasn't - thank God! They sent us home and within 3 days he was back to normal.

Since then - he's only had maybe two colds - and I don't know if I would even consider them colds. More being stuffed up - runny nose but generally got better within a few days.

So when my little man woke up one morning last week coughing up a storm I was concerned. His cough sounded wet, and he was fevered. I asked if he was feeling ok - "Sure Mum. I feel ok" *COUGH COUGH COUGH* I called his teacher and said he wouldn't be in for school. I don't like sending him in even if it's a little cough. The day progressed and he got more warm, and cranky. We gave him a bath to cool him down and it did help - but James just wasn't himself.

We went out that day to look at homes and I knew something was up. He wasn't happy, or giggling. He was reserved, quiet and looked tired. He would start crying for no apparent reason and would be inconsolable. On Friday, he was again, fevered, (100.2), not eating and cranky. I summed it up to having a cold. He was like a leaky faucet. His nose was gross. I hate runny noses.

Saturday was TERRIBLE. James was angry, mean, rude and so not James. He barely ate anything all day, but was sucking back water like it was going out of style. He did eat a full dinner, but after that, everything changed. He went to the bathroom and got a Q-Tip. Now this may not seem odd to you, but James is seriously afraid of them. Don't ask why - because I do not know. But he grabbed one and said "Mum, my ear is itchy" I knew exactly what was going on. I took one look and his flaming red ear and knew - He has a goddamn ear infection.

Before bed, we gave him some Tylenol for the pain. He was slapping his ear, and crying. I felt helpless. He slept for about 2 hours before he woke up SCREAMING. I went in to calm him down and he fell asleep again - but shortly woke up after that. He didn't want to leave my side, so I sat down with him. Chris suggested we move him to the hide a bed with him. So that's what we did.

Around 12:30am my poor little guy woke up crying again. The Tylenol must have worn off, so we got him another dose and he moved into bed with me. He slept well after that - I didn't.

Chris took him to the clinic yesterday morning. Of course James screamed his head off while the Doc checked his ear. (James really has a complex with Doctors - We don't know why...) Sure enough - he has an ear infection. Doesn't surprise me. I used to get them when I was younger. They gave us a prescription for Amoxicillin. To be taken 3 times a day for the next 5 days, Thank god he's ok with taking it.

After the first dose he was like a changed little boy. Last night he slept almost all night - didn't wake up crying and seems to be in better humor. Thank goodness.

My little man is on the mend. I hate seeing my bubs sick.

Stressful...

WOW! I never knew that house hunting would be this damn stressful.

Dealing with the bank, work, crunching numbers - gosh, I feel like my head is going to explode. I have not slept well in the past week. I can't seem to turn my brain off.

Not to mention Graham is going through 'something'. I don't know if he's teething, or going through a growth spurt (he always seems to be going through one) but Monkey Moo is clingy, cranky and is nursing non stop. Jimbo is also sick and is cranky and SO... oh how do I put it nicely -  he's being a turd.

Anyways, we have found a Town Home that we fell in love with. We put in our offer a couple if nights ago and after some countering we agreed upon a price! Now everything is subject to a House Inspection, The Strata Minutes and financing.

We have our financing, and we have gone over the Strata Minutes - now it all comes down to the Home Inspection on Monday. I feel like everything was put on fast forward.

I never thought in my wildest dreams I would own my own home before I was 30 (I'll be 26 this July) This is one of the biggest steps Chris and I have taken together. Bigger than kids - and marriage.

We are so excited and nervous all at the same time. Fingers crossed that the Home Inspection goes well and there is no major 'house issues'.

More to come! Enjoy your weekend!


Much love
xoxo

Wordless Wednesday

On the Hunt

Chris and I went and looked at a couple more town homes today.

First, let me say these were MUCH better than the two we saw on Sunday.

The first one we saw - I love. it is exactly what we are looking. Two stories, three bedrooms, one and a half baths. The half bath could easily be converted into a full bath and Chris likes the idea of having a small project. Almost everything has been updated. So there isn't a lot of work to be done. Maybe some new paint and a few fixtures. It's within our price range, which is great. It's made our list!

We also saw one more in the same complex area. A little more pricey - updated and clean - but Chris and I both agreed that it wasn't for us. It's the same layout as the other one, but for whatever reason - it didn't WOW us.

We are going back tomorrow to look at it again and then will go from there. We are in a lease till the end of July so that is a HUGE factor - but if it's meant to be, it will be!

I am so excited!

Much love
xoxo

Looking for our own home

Ok, I am spilling the beans!

Chris and I are looking to purchase our very first Townhouse! The decision came after crunching some numbers, and its time!

We actually went to look a couple places tonight and let me tell you... I REALLY hope it gets better. Our realtor was recommended from our Mortgage Specialist, and he seems very nice. Asked a lot of great questions for us.

The first place we saw was... for lack of better words a BIG piece of shit. It had an odor... just - bleh! It was filthy, and just not at all what we were expecting. We then looked at another home in the same complex. It was like night and day.

While, the second place was old as well, it was well kept, had a new kitchen and was CLEAN! But in the end, it just wasn't for us.

We are looking at a few more on Tuesday and hope that those ones bring us something better.

I have a feeling this is going to be a very LOOONG process.

Wish us luck!

June? Really?

Ok, so it's June... Didn't we just start a new year?? How is it JUNE!!?

Chris and I have a lot happening in the coming months. I can't say what, just yet. But I will inform you when I can.

I can and will say, something BIG is going to happen. A step forward...

Happy Saturday!