I thought I would do a little update on both boys since their surgeries....
John: This was the answer to (a lot of) your health problems!! :) You were running a fever almost daily (4-6 days a week) and since you had your adenoids removed you have not had one!!!! I am so happy to report that fever wise you are 100% healthy! Yahoo!!
Stephen: You have been 75% better since you had your adenoids out and tubes put in. You have not ran a fever since you had surgery, but you have had 2 ear infections, quite the runny nose and you still have the stinky "after surgery" breath. I took you back to Dr. Malone and she was not too happy that I was saying you were still sick and looking for advice. I got shouted at..... "Mrs. Patrick, I am the best ENT you can find and your pediatrician does not know what an ear infection looks like because there isn't one! His ears are red because you are holding him too tight while I look in them!" Ummm... needless to say, I will never ever step back in that lady's office. She is rude and arrogant! I took SJ to a different pediatric ENT at Children's hospital in Minneapolis. I loved the Dr we saw! He talked to me a long time about how some kids do still get ear infections (no matter how tight you hold them!) even when they have tubes. He said that if/when he gets an ear infection again I should bring him back and he will do a betadine wash in the OR. So far so good! No other ear infections, the runny nose is still here but I can deal with that~ :)
Friday, June 10, 2011
Memorial Weekend = PURE Family Time!
We had a jammed packed weekend of family fun!! Friday afternoon we loaded up the boys and headed to Danbury, WI to spend the weekend with Jana and Steve at the cabin. The drive up was nice, not much traffic and lots of kids songs .... sang by yours truly... Ryan and I! Haha! ;)
We played outside, dug in the sand, explored outside and inside. We had John's favorite for dinner, (all beef) brats, pasta, steamed broccoli and watermelon. SJ chowed down! He loved his cabin dinner in the wooden high chair. JR did pretty good at dinner- he sure loved the Alfredo pasta, I think he had 4 servings?! We played outside some more and then Ryan and I gave the boys a bath. We read some stories and then the challenge set in...... getting John to sleep. First Ryan tried to lay with him in his bed while I nursed SJ to sleep. He was quickly down for the count!! :) John was all about the word, "Morning!!" Umm, no honey.... Nighttime! SO, we drove John all around the back country roads.... for about an hour and a half. He finally fell asleep! Then, I carefully and quietly carried him from the truck to his bed, laid him down and didn't breathe as I tip-toed out of the room. Yahoo! He wasn't moving! It was time to enjoy a glass of wine with Jana and Steve.... Umm.... Nope! All the sudden, MORNING!! Morning Woof!!! (as he squatted down yelling in little Sabo's face...waking him up) Morning Nana!! Morning Bopa! Morning Mom! Morning Dad! Morning Beef?! John was up running around! Haha We thought it was pretty cute and funny too. He seemed more awake then ever, that 5 minute power nap did him wonders! However, Ryan, being the rational and realistic dad he is decided this wasn't going to work to stay at the cabin overnight. I was pretty torn, I knew John wanted to stay so badly. Jana and Steve both tried to get him to sleep, singing, books, rocking... nothing was working. So, Ryan packed up the truck and we headed home. SJ slept the whole way home, and JR fell asleep around Tobies... everyone transferred successfully from the truck into bed.... at 1am! Woof!
Saturday we we hung around at home, unpacked and then headed to the farm! My cousin Luke was having his graduation open house. We had some storms in the afternoon but it turned into a perfect evening! It was so nice for John to have tons of room to run, sheep to see and trampolines to jump on! SJ was just a little ham, enjoyed his dinner and wanted me to hold him- check!
Sunday we took the kids to Jana and Steve's and then walked to a park near their house. It was a pretty hot day! They loved their time at the park, slides, swings, tag and falls! ;) haha We walked back to J&S's for a chicken dinner.
On Monday, we played at home. We had Carlson's over for lunch of homemade grilled pizzas. Yummy! Then it was family nap time! After we all had a nice long nap we played in the water table in the backyard and then headed to a park with the boys. (Oh, but first we went to Best Buy to get a new camera disk... my last one got wrecked....hence the lack of pictures!)
We played outside, dug in the sand, explored outside and inside. We had John's favorite for dinner, (all beef) brats, pasta, steamed broccoli and watermelon. SJ chowed down! He loved his cabin dinner in the wooden high chair. JR did pretty good at dinner- he sure loved the Alfredo pasta, I think he had 4 servings?! We played outside some more and then Ryan and I gave the boys a bath. We read some stories and then the challenge set in...... getting John to sleep. First Ryan tried to lay with him in his bed while I nursed SJ to sleep. He was quickly down for the count!! :) John was all about the word, "Morning!!" Umm, no honey.... Nighttime! SO, we drove John all around the back country roads.... for about an hour and a half. He finally fell asleep! Then, I carefully and quietly carried him from the truck to his bed, laid him down and didn't breathe as I tip-toed out of the room. Yahoo! He wasn't moving! It was time to enjoy a glass of wine with Jana and Steve.... Umm.... Nope! All the sudden, MORNING!! Morning Woof!!! (as he squatted down yelling in little Sabo's face...waking him up) Morning Nana!! Morning Bopa! Morning Mom! Morning Dad! Morning Beef?! John was up running around! Haha We thought it was pretty cute and funny too. He seemed more awake then ever, that 5 minute power nap did him wonders! However, Ryan, being the rational and realistic dad he is decided this wasn't going to work to stay at the cabin overnight. I was pretty torn, I knew John wanted to stay so badly. Jana and Steve both tried to get him to sleep, singing, books, rocking... nothing was working. So, Ryan packed up the truck and we headed home. SJ slept the whole way home, and JR fell asleep around Tobies... everyone transferred successfully from the truck into bed.... at 1am! Woof!
Saturday we we hung around at home, unpacked and then headed to the farm! My cousin Luke was having his graduation open house. We had some storms in the afternoon but it turned into a perfect evening! It was so nice for John to have tons of room to run, sheep to see and trampolines to jump on! SJ was just a little ham, enjoyed his dinner and wanted me to hold him- check!
Sunday we took the kids to Jana and Steve's and then walked to a park near their house. It was a pretty hot day! They loved their time at the park, slides, swings, tag and falls! ;) haha We walked back to J&S's for a chicken dinner.
On Monday, we played at home. We had Carlson's over for lunch of homemade grilled pizzas. Yummy! Then it was family nap time! After we all had a nice long nap we played in the water table in the backyard and then headed to a park with the boys. (Oh, but first we went to Best Buy to get a new camera disk... my last one got wrecked....hence the lack of pictures!)
Stevie Joe played with Ryan at the park- he crawled in the sand and grass, swung on the swing, went down the slides and played peek-a-boo with his daddy! <3
While I played with ran after John! :) We swung! John was not able to get on the swing himself when we got to the park, but by the time we left he could do it alone!!!
John loved the slides! There were 2 really high ones (enclosed and safe!) It was nice because the slides went slow... so JR could sit as he went down. (Usually he will lay on his tummy and go feet first because he loses his balance going so fast)
John climbing in the "Itsy Bitsy! He named it all by himself- I was quite impressed! This was not the safest thing to climb on at his age, but I was watching very close and saved a few slips. While he was climbing, he sang the whole time-- "Itsy Bitsy, Itsy Bitsy"
Water table fun in the backyard!
Love you John! XO
On Tuesday, Ryan decided to stay home one more day! We were just having so much fun spending all of this time together we were not ready for it to end yet. So, we packed the boys up and headed to the MN Zoo. It was a BLAST!
While John was walking on this ledge, he came across a snake! Yuck! Ryan and I are not snake people....
We saw tons of animals outside, had our picnic lunch we packed in the farm area, and played at the park in the Zoo. I think John's favorite part was the cows. (ahhh, the way to his mommy's heart) He was so excited about them, fed them and pet their heads...right between their eyes.
I love family time! That weekend was the best ever!!!!! I know none of us are looking forward to Ryan's classes starting again....
Stephen's Stats at ONE
I took SJ to his well child Dr visit on Tuesday. He passed all of the development questions except the clapping part! They asked my at his 9mo appointment if he was clapping... no. Then again...no, he still isn't! However, I am not worried about his development at all! Clapping will come...we will just need to do more "Patty Cakes" :)
Weight: 20lbs 14 oz (21%)
Height: 29 inches (24%)
Head Circumference: 18 inches (29%)
Weight for length ratio: 55%
He is a solid little boy, but growing just perfectly! The Dr ordered some labs to check a few things that were off at a prior appointment.
Re-checked his lead levels, still slightly elevated but they have come down from what they were.
Iron: Still very low, we are upping his iron Rx to a higher dosage. I hope that helps.
His hemoglobin was good (11.4) but one of the "agents" was too low... so that needs to be re-checked again.
(always something!)
Eating:
Stephen eats whatever we are serving for a meal. He will eat anything and everything. He has a very healthy appetite and rarely isn't hungry. Some favorites:
Breakfast: YoBaby yogurt, blueberries, strawberries, eggs, wholewheat waffles
Lunch: deli turkey meat, cheese, fruit, avocados
Dinner: homemade grilled pizza, enchiladas, steak, mashed potatoes
...and the list goes on! He does a little "happy dance" while he is in his chair waiting for food! I have been impressed at the fact that very little food falls on the floor, he rarely will pick up his plate and spill it. All in all, meal times are a success with Stephen!
Nursing:
I DID IT!!!! OK, We did it!! ;) I made it to a year! When I was feeling very overwhelmed with the whole exclusive nursing I wanted to just, "be done" but, I pushed through and decided I would nurse in the morning when he woke up, after lunch and before bed. Much more do-able!!! I started giving him formula mixed with some whole milk around 10.5 months for meals. Then, as it warmed up and he seemed more thirsty, I have been giving him water in between meals. He is a thirsty fella! I tried a bunch of different sippy cups and the best ones I have found are the 'Take and Toss' cheapies at Target. I love them!
As long as Stephen is happy nursing, I plan to continue nursing him 2-3 times a day. And, as of now he is an addict! hahaha Ahh, what a sense of accomplishment for me-- I am very happy I pushed through and did it for him.
Sleeping:
Stephen is a very easy baby! I simply lay in him his crib awake (after he is done nursing) put a little receiving blanket over his legs and tummy and sing him a little song while rubbing his belly. "Nighty night little Stevie Joe, nighty night. Shhhhh. Shhhhh. Night Night, mommy and daddy love you. Playing time will be here soon. Close your eyes, night night little Beef" Then he turns his head to the side and goes to sleep. ~AmAzInG~ When SJ wakes up he is always smiling for ear to ear and jumping in his crib. So nice to wake up to a cheerful baby!
He goes to bed at 8pm and will sleep until 6:30/7:30am. Then, most mornings he will take a nap around 10-12 and then again from about 2:30-4. OR if we are not home in the AM for his nap, he will just take one nap from 1-4.
Talking:
He has been a pretty quite baby, but in the last 2 weeks he has learned "MOM" Now, he says it all the time, and with authority too! It is loud and he means business! He also says, "Num Num Num" when he wants to eat or is eating. I have heard him say "dad" but he hasn't been using it yet consistently or directly at Ryan yet. Soon though!! :)
Walking:
Not yet! YAY! I don't think I am ready for 2 boys that walk (in different directions) yet. Since we have been outside playing all the time lately, SJ isn't a huge fan of crawling on his hands and knees in the grass. So, he crawls up on all fours, it is quite funny to watch! In the past week he has started to stand up all alone! I was shocked the first time he did it and it only lasted a couple seconds. But, now he is able to stand for close to 20 seconds (before he falls or John pushes him over! haha) It will be soon that the walking begins....eeek!
Stephen LOVES to play with toys! He will sit on the floor and play with a toy for a looong time. I am always so surprised at how content he is to be playing and exploring toys. He isn't one to rip everything out of my kitchen cabinets, he will look on them, and only pulls out all of the towels/dish rags. He got a little drum for his birthday and he bangs on and does a little booty dance to the music. Super cute!
SJ is a mommas boy and I love it! I remember handing John to other people and he wouldn't even react about the possibility of me leaving. I would joke around that I should start pinching him so he would cry. ;P With Stephen he cries whenever I put him down or hand him to anyone else. He wants to snuggle with me all the time, or at lease be in a close distance. And, I am fine with it! :) I know it is good for him to get used to other people which I make sure to have him exposed to other family members and Ryan (Of course!!) but I like that I am his "lovey" instead of a blanket or a tootsie.
Weight: 20lbs 14 oz (21%)
Height: 29 inches (24%)
Head Circumference: 18 inches (29%)
Weight for length ratio: 55%
He is a solid little boy, but growing just perfectly! The Dr ordered some labs to check a few things that were off at a prior appointment.
Re-checked his lead levels, still slightly elevated but they have come down from what they were.
Iron: Still very low, we are upping his iron Rx to a higher dosage. I hope that helps.
His hemoglobin was good (11.4) but one of the "agents" was too low... so that needs to be re-checked again.
(always something!)
Eating:
Stephen eats whatever we are serving for a meal. He will eat anything and everything. He has a very healthy appetite and rarely isn't hungry. Some favorites:
Breakfast: YoBaby yogurt, blueberries, strawberries, eggs, wholewheat waffles
Lunch: deli turkey meat, cheese, fruit, avocados
Dinner: homemade grilled pizza, enchiladas, steak, mashed potatoes
...and the list goes on! He does a little "happy dance" while he is in his chair waiting for food! I have been impressed at the fact that very little food falls on the floor, he rarely will pick up his plate and spill it. All in all, meal times are a success with Stephen!
Nursing:
I DID IT!!!! OK, We did it!! ;) I made it to a year! When I was feeling very overwhelmed with the whole exclusive nursing I wanted to just, "be done" but, I pushed through and decided I would nurse in the morning when he woke up, after lunch and before bed. Much more do-able!!! I started giving him formula mixed with some whole milk around 10.5 months for meals. Then, as it warmed up and he seemed more thirsty, I have been giving him water in between meals. He is a thirsty fella! I tried a bunch of different sippy cups and the best ones I have found are the 'Take and Toss' cheapies at Target. I love them!
As long as Stephen is happy nursing, I plan to continue nursing him 2-3 times a day. And, as of now he is an addict! hahaha Ahh, what a sense of accomplishment for me-- I am very happy I pushed through and did it for him.
Sleeping:
Stephen is a very easy baby! I simply lay in him his crib awake (after he is done nursing) put a little receiving blanket over his legs and tummy and sing him a little song while rubbing his belly. "Nighty night little Stevie Joe, nighty night. Shhhhh. Shhhhh. Night Night, mommy and daddy love you. Playing time will be here soon. Close your eyes, night night little Beef" Then he turns his head to the side and goes to sleep. ~AmAzInG~ When SJ wakes up he is always smiling for ear to ear and jumping in his crib. So nice to wake up to a cheerful baby!
He goes to bed at 8pm and will sleep until 6:30/7:30am. Then, most mornings he will take a nap around 10-12 and then again from about 2:30-4. OR if we are not home in the AM for his nap, he will just take one nap from 1-4.
Talking:
He has been a pretty quite baby, but in the last 2 weeks he has learned "MOM" Now, he says it all the time, and with authority too! It is loud and he means business! He also says, "Num Num Num" when he wants to eat or is eating. I have heard him say "dad" but he hasn't been using it yet consistently or directly at Ryan yet. Soon though!! :)
Walking:
Not yet! YAY! I don't think I am ready for 2 boys that walk (in different directions) yet. Since we have been outside playing all the time lately, SJ isn't a huge fan of crawling on his hands and knees in the grass. So, he crawls up on all fours, it is quite funny to watch! In the past week he has started to stand up all alone! I was shocked the first time he did it and it only lasted a couple seconds. But, now he is able to stand for close to 20 seconds (before he falls or John pushes him over! haha) It will be soon that the walking begins....eeek!
Stephen LOVES to play with toys! He will sit on the floor and play with a toy for a looong time. I am always so surprised at how content he is to be playing and exploring toys. He isn't one to rip everything out of my kitchen cabinets, he will look on them, and only pulls out all of the towels/dish rags. He got a little drum for his birthday and he bangs on and does a little booty dance to the music. Super cute!
SJ is a mommas boy and I love it! I remember handing John to other people and he wouldn't even react about the possibility of me leaving. I would joke around that I should start pinching him so he would cry. ;P With Stephen he cries whenever I put him down or hand him to anyone else. He wants to snuggle with me all the time, or at lease be in a close distance. And, I am fine with it! :) I know it is good for him to get used to other people which I make sure to have him exposed to other family members and Ryan (Of course!!) but I like that I am his "lovey" instead of a blanket or a tootsie.
Stephen turns ONE~!
I didn't realize how much different it would feel to have SJ turn one then it did to have John turn one. I am much more sad about the fact that my baby is no longer a baby... he is ONE. Now, when people ask me how old my kids are I need to say, 1 and 2. That also means I can no longer use the I am still working on loosing my pregnancy weight.... umm... hello! Your "baby" is one! That excuse has officially ran its term. I have no excuses left, I just simply need to get back to my pre-pregnancy self. And, boy am I ready! It is draining in so many ways to be over weight. Ugh. Oh wait!! This isn't a weight blog, it is a blog about Stephen!!!!
We planned a birthday party for Stephen on his actual birthday, June 3rd. We invited all of our immediate family, spouses/GFs/BFs, and Ryan's grandparents. Almost everyone came to our house on that hot Friday night! Ryan L and Jinette came early and helped me wash chairs, set up the table in the backyard, pick up the cakes, watch the boys, bathe and dress them! I thought I was "ready" HA little did I know I needed their help! Thank you!!
The party started at 5:30 and everyone staggered in as their work week ended. :) Sara stayed home because she had a cold and didn't want to spread her illness to SJ because he had surgery this week (Again!) Alana was working at St. Olaf for their reunion weekend. She was cleaning dorms to get them ready for the alumni to come and stay in them. And, Grandma and Papa Brown stayed home at the last minute because of possible sever weather in the western suburbs. Other then that, it was game on! Jana provided dinner for everyone of brats, fruit salad, potato salad and baked beans. The perfect meal for a hot summer night! John served 'ice tea' to everyone, even if they didn't ask for it. Stephen was so cute, he wore a shirt that said "Birthday Boy," enjoyed his dinner and loved his cupcake!!! We opened presents....John opened everyones gifts and sat around and chatted. It was a perfect night. Happy Birthday Stephen! XO
Birthday Boy Stephen!
Nummy! SJ waiting for his "smash cake" A cupcake...
First bites... NUM NUM NUM
Birthday kisses form mommy. I love you Stevie Joe!
Momma and her boys!
SJ was a little 'heat struck' and full of sugar from the cupcake and frosting.
Washing it all down with cold milk
Big brother John enjoying his cupcake too!
SJ and his Godfather, Mark. (With Auntie Jinette in the background!)
John "helping" Stephen open his gifts...
Gifts all around! ....
Grandma and Popa Lais: Wheelbarrow, bath toy and Button puzzles
Kelli and Dan: Elmo Camera and Drum
Mark: Sock and Shoes
Grandma and Bopa Patrick: Swim shirts, Beach Bags, and Professional pictures of the boys
Lauren: "Patrick was a saint, I AIN'T!" Shirt
Alana: Pat the Bunny Book
Glennie Ann: Card and money for his college fund
Grandma Evie: Card and money for his college fund
Mom and Dad: Sand and beach toys and a toy truck to play with outside.
THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR COMING AND CELEBRATING STEPHEN WITH US! FAMILY MEANS EVERYTHING TO US!! XXXOOO
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Getting behind...
To all of my mommy blogging friends: Don't let yourself get behind!!
I feel so overwhelmed about being behind, I think all day about what I need to type on here so that the boys have an 'up to date' "baby book" .... BUT, finding the time to catch up is daunting! I would need to be blogging all day for about a week to update the blog on all of the exciting cute things that are happening at the Patrick's. Boring for you? Maybe. But, I love this treasure I have been creating. It will be something I hope the boys will value as they grow up and start their own families.
Here is to catching up!! Jana has John at the MN Zoo today while Stephen and I have a day at home. I did 3 loads of laundry, cleaned the house, made dinner and now that my 'chores' are done.... BLOG TIME! :D
I feel so overwhelmed about being behind, I think all day about what I need to type on here so that the boys have an 'up to date' "baby book" .... BUT, finding the time to catch up is daunting! I would need to be blogging all day for about a week to update the blog on all of the exciting cute things that are happening at the Patrick's. Boring for you? Maybe. But, I love this treasure I have been creating. It will be something I hope the boys will value as they grow up and start their own families.
Here is to catching up!! Jana has John at the MN Zoo today while Stephen and I have a day at home. I did 3 loads of laundry, cleaned the house, made dinner and now that my 'chores' are done.... BLOG TIME! :D
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