You are currently browsing the tag archive for the ‘Ski’ tag.
Todd at 4.5 months old – January 5, 2015
FIFTH MONTH (DECEMBER 21 – JANUARY 21)
WEEK 18 (Partial Week)
Todd started his fifth month by having a breakthrough in his sitting balance abilities. Prior to this week, I could let go of Todd in unsupported sitting for only a few seconds at a time. On December 22nd, I was able to let go for 30 seconds, 50 seconds and 75 seconds. On December 23rd, Todd sat unsupported for 1.5 minutes. Something just clicked for him!
On the 23rd, I was helping Todd open up a present from Eric’s mom (“Grammie”). I don’t know if it was the gift (a LeapFrog “lap pup”) or the cute Santa paper, but Todd suddenly burst out giggling/laughing. He did it 3x…so cute! The last time (the 1st time) we heard him spontaneously giggle was November 17th. Eric and Eli (Todd’s cousin) were able to provoke more giggles on December 24th (and after).
Coffee break on the way to Oregon – December 24, 2014
On Christmas Eve, we drove to Bend, Oregon for an extended family visit. Todd met my aunt Elaine & uncle Jeff and my sister’s parents (“Nana & Grampy”) for the first time that evening. I cried on Christmas day when I looked at the hand-sewn alphabet book that my aunt made for Todd. She put so much love and work into it! We will treasure it forever.
Todd with his grandpa – December 24, 2014
Todd with his great aunt Elaine – December 24, 2014
Todd’s ABC Book from Aunt Elaine
Sample page from the ABC book. Every page so creatively planned and expertly sewn!
Todd’s “main” Christmas gift was an Evenflo ExerSaucer® Beach Baby Saucer. He also got his first baby doll, several books, toys and clothes. I’m thankful for my generous family!
Todd in his new ExerSaucer – December 25, 2014
Highlights–
- 1st unsupported sitting for 30 seconds & longer (12/22)
- 2nd spontaneous giggle/laugh (3x – 12/23)
- 1st time using potty seat in public restroom, at my sister’s house and my parent’s house (12/24)
- 1st time meeting great aunt Elaine & great uncle Jeff (12/24)
- 1st Christmas (12/25)
- getting very “wriggly”
- arches back in bouncy seat
- holding onto both feet with hands
- tried bringing his toes to his mouth
WEEK 19
In Bend, Todd’s sleep routine was upset because his overall daily routine was different. Duh– I’m stating the obvious, right? Todd resisted sleeping in the Pack ‘n Play travel bed. For the first 4 nights, we didn’t fight him and he ended up sleeping at least part of each night in the swing or car seat.
On the 5th night (December 28th), I put my foot down because I really want him to learn that the bed is the bed at night time! So– after he was fed, burped, diapered, etc., and after I picked him up twice, I finally Iet him “cry it out.” It took about 30 minutes of crying before he finally slept. On subsequent nights (4 more), he went to bed without much trouble.
In Bend, we cross country skied 3 times (at Virginia Meissner Sno-Park). On December 28th, Eric and I took turns watching Todd. On December 29th, my parents babysat Todd in the ski shelter. Eric and I got to ski together for the first time this season…Yay! On January 31st, my mom babysat Todd at the house while we went skiing. On January 1st, my sister watched Todd while we did a short snow hike along the Deschutes River.
Highlights–
- 1st scrape (forehead bled when he fell forward and hit a Lego piece – 12/26)
- Tough love “Pack ‘n Play Training” (12/28)
- 1st times leaving Todd with a “babysitter” (12/29, 12/31 & 1/1)
- after being propped, sits unsupported with more confidence…i.e. he moves his arms and legs and “rocks” himself…until he falls over.
Eric & Todd playing in the snow at Meissner – December 28, 2014
Cross country skiing at Meissner – December 29, 2014
Cross country skiing at Meissner – December 31, 2014
Snow hike along the Deschutes River – January 1, 2015
WEEK 20
We drove home on January 2nd. That morning, we found Todd sleeping on his side in the travel bed. Leading up to this day, Todd seemed increasingly frustrated by having his legs “trapped” inside the sleep sack. That night, I started dressing him in footed sleepers for bed. He proceeded to sleep for a record 10-hour stretch!
On his side in the travel bed – January 2, 2015
We stopped at a Chipotle Grill for lunch on January 2nd. Inside the restaurant, I sat Todd on my lap while I ate most of my Sofritas salad. Then it occurred to me that he could probably sit up safely in one of the high chairs, with close supervision. Todd looked pretty proud of himself sitting up like a big boy!
1st time sitting in a high chair – Chipotle Grill – January 2, 2015
At home, on January 3rd, we tested our own high chair. Eric tried feeding Todd some formula with a new spoon that Todd got for Christmas. It was cute to see Todd’s reaction. At least one time he actually sipped and swallowed.
On January 6th, Todd saw the pediatrician for his 4-month check-up. He was 13 pounds, 6 ounces, 24.6″ tall and had a 41 cm head circumference. His growth trends have remained unchanged since the 2 month appointment, except that his height is up 2 percentiles. (Weight = 6th percentile. Height = 12th percentile. Head circumference = 18th percentile.)
Todd was given the same vaccines as the 2-month appointment, and he only cried for a few seconds.
This week Todd started making a variety of sounds. For a few consecutive days, he literally seemed to practice a different sound every day. It’s fascinating to witness his language development!
Highlights–
- No more sleep sacks. Started wearing footed sleepers to bed (1/2)
- 1st 10-hour sleep stretch (1/2 to 1/3)
- 1st time sitting in a high chair (Chipotle Mexican Grill – 1/2)
- 1st time being spoon fed (formula – 1/3)
- Moved swing from living room to bedroom for naps (1/4)
- 1st time visiting family at Eric’s parents’ house (1/4)
- 2 fast rolls from belly-to-back (1/5). (He still doesn’t roll belly-to-back very often.)
- 4-month pediatrician appointment (1/6)
- making distinct “m” sounds with lips pursed together
- making “b” sounds
- sticking tongue out and/or blowing spit (and grinning about it)
- making “squeak” sounds and squealing
January 4th audio clip, “m” sounds:
January 5th audio clip, “spit blowing”:
January 7th audio clip, “squeaks”:
3 Generations – January 4, 2015
WEEK 21
On January 10th, we took Todd on a short hike to the Big Four Ice Caves. He seemed to enjoy his first trail ride in the 3-wheel stroller and checking out the scenery (including the morons down in the cave).
Big Four Ice Caves – January 10, 2015
Big Four Ice Caves Trail – January 10, 2015
This week, I decided it was time to get a library book and DVD on baby sign language. On January 12th, I started learning signs and teaching them to Todd (and Eric).
Here are some of the signs we’ve used so far: mama, dada, “formula milk,” eat, toilet/bathroom, diaper, love, more, “all done,” bird, frog, cat, fish, monkey, animal, ball, book, car, snow and apple.
This is a good website resource: Baby Sign Language. Highlights–
- 1st giggle provoked by mama (1/9)
- 1st time using the 3-wheel stroller on a hiking trail (Big Four Ice Caves – 1/10)
- 1st 10.25 hr sleep stretch (1/12 to 1/13)
- making “growl” sounds
- making sounds: “om-pa” & “up”
- silently opening and closing his mouth & “mouthing” sounds: “ma”
- waking up “chatting” to himself in his crib in the mornings
January 11th video clip:
WEEK 22 (Partial Week)
On January 16th, we went to our condo in Wenatchee once again for a ski weekend. I’m pleased to report that Todd slept in his Pack ‘n Play travel bed without a struggle: On the 16th he cried for just a couple minutes and on the 17th he went to sleep without any crying. Phew!
Both days at the ski area, we put Todd in the day care for a couple hours. He did just fine and Eric and I got to ski together. Win-win! Highlights–
- 1st time in formal “daycare” (Mission Ridge Childcare – 1/16, 1/17)
- “accidental” quick belly-to-back roll (1/18)
- making sounds: “ba”
January 20th audio clip, “baba”:
FIFTH MONTH WRAP-UP
Sleep–
After we got back home from our Christmas holiday in Oregon, Todd had a span of 7 out of 9 nights when he’d wake up crying/hungry after only being in his crib for ~2.5 hours. Just as I started getting used to this “11 PM Wake-up,” it suddenly stopped.
Todd closed out his fifth month with a super awesome night time sleep pattern. On January 12th, Todd started a record, 9-day stretch (and we’re still counting…crossing fingers!) of sleeping from the ~8 PM hour to the ~5/6 AM hour without interruption (8.25 hr minimum per night and 9 hr average per night).
Since I’m an “early to bed, early to rise” person, I go to bed shortly after Todd does. Seriously– I’ve never felt more rested in my adult life! And it is nice that Todd wakes up before Eric leaves for work so that they can spend at least a few precious moments together in the morning.
Daytime naps take place in the swing (at home) or car seat (away from home). The morning nap is the more predictable, longer nap (up to 3 hours). The afternoon nap is shorter and really unpredictable. Sometimes Todd “decides” he doesn’t need it. To his credit, if he declines his second nap, he usually stays pleasant and then he zonks out real quick when it’s time for night night!
Ready for bed – January 2, 2015
Toileting–
There’s not much new to report regarding Todd’s toileting. We continue to “potty” him on the toilet throughout each day. This month, he peed up to 10x per day in the toilet (average ~6x per day). Occasionally he pees on me, on the way to the toilet!
Todd pooped in the toilet on most days. There were 13 “misses.” That includes a few times that he went a little bit in the diaper and then finished in the toilet. For 3 mornings in a row (1/3, 1/4 & 1/5), Todd woke up with messy poopy diapers, which was very unusual. Fortunately, that didn’t last! As I’ve mentioned before, his soy formula poops are typically formed “logs.” A couple days recently, Todd had a couple “pudding poops,” and he did have his first legitimate “blow-out” on January 15th. Fun stuff, huh?
Todd has shown that he is comfortable going “pee-pee” or “poo-poo” in toilets in a wide variety of locations (public restrooms, family’s homes, and friends’ homes). In fact, the “tide turned” during the Seahawks playoff game on January 18th right when Todd did a big poop in our ski friend Scott’s toilet…haha! AKA “Todd’s Magic Poop.”
As of month’s end, Todd is transitioning into size 3 disposable diapers for night time. He’s wearing mostly 6-month size clothes. Some 3-month clothes still fit but they won’t for much longer.
Physical Skills–
Presently, Todd prefers to sit and play on the floor or stand and play in his ExerSaucer. He can sit unsupported with close supervision and stay balanced for several minutes at a time. He can maintain his balance a lot of the time even when he turns his head, looks up, moves his arms and legs, rocks himself, and reaches out for toys. Of course, once he does lose his balance he can’t stop himself from falling over fast (usually backward).
Todd tolerates some tummy time but that’s about it! He can press up with arms extended and hold his head up vertically. He can roll both ways but he doesn’t roll every day.
Playing in Todd’s bedroom – January 13, 2015
Todd actively seeks out anything he can put in his mouth. If I read a book to him, I make sure he has a toy in hand or else he tries to suck the pages. When I put him in his bouncy seat, I make sure he has a toy to hold. When I put him in his swing for naps, I give him a toy to play with before he falls asleep. He sucks on any part of his clothing (or mine) that becomes accessible to him. If I put a bib on Todd, he just gathers it up and puts it in his mouth (I don’t use them much for that reason). He sucks on his “face wiper” washcloths.
With his hands, he tries to “pick” the prints off fabrics. He tries to pick the moles off my arm. He grabs at my hair (ouch!). He’s starting to be able to hold his own bottle.
January 16, 2015
Feeding–
Todd drinks ~4-8 oz of organic soy formula at a time, totaling ~30-34 oz per day. We’re looking forward to introducing solid foods in another month. He seems to be getting interested in our food. That’s all for now!
Snuggle pile – January 19, 2015
Todd at 17 weeks old (almost 4 months) – December 18, 2014
FOURTH MONTH
(NOVEMBER 21 – DECEMBER 21)
WEEK 14
It’s the sleep week! Todd started his 4th month with an epic 9.25 hour sleep on November 21st to 22nd. Then, on November 28th to 29th, he set another record! I actually had to wake him up at the 9.75 hour mark because we had leave the house. I didn’t get to find out how long he would’ve gone. In the same week, he also had an 8.25 hour sleep, an 8 hour sleep and a 7.75 hour sleep. Yay, Todd!
On November 22nd, we took Todd to our condo in Wenatchee for the first time. That afternoon, we took him to the Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort for the first time. We had a couple beers in the Hampton Lodge to kick off the season.
Todd in the papasan chair at our condo – November 23, 2014
At the condo, Todd slept in the Pack ‘n Play in my bedroom. It was rough that night because he woke up at 2 AM to eat and then he cried and cried before he went back to sleep at 3:15 AM. Fortunately, this crying-in-the-middle-of-the-night-episode was just a “one-time thing.”
On November 23rd, we skied for the first time this season. Eric and I took turns in the lodge. We love Mission Ridge for many reasons, but especially because there are so many people that we see and ski with year after year.
Todd meets some of the boys at Mission Ridge – November 23, 2014
I’d been sick with a cold since November 18th. On November 24th, it seemed like Todd was getting his first cold. He had an obvious runny nose and more frequent sneezing. The next day he was back to “normal.” Odd! Meanwhile, my cold was awful and lasted >2 weeks!
We drove to Bend, OR on November 27th for Todd’s first Thanksgiving and second trip to Bend.
A Vegan Thanksgiving – November 27, 2014
Highlights:
- 1st 9.25 hour sleep (11/21 to 11/22)
- 1st visit to condo (11/22)
- 1st visit to ski area (Mission Ridge – 11/22)
- 1st 9.75 hour sleep (11/28 to 11/29)
WEEK 15
On November 28th, we took Todd to the Juniper Swim and Fitness Center for his first pool experience. He’s always been content in his bath, and he reacted similarly in the warm children’s pool. We all had a blast!
!st pool swim – November 28, 2014
On November 29th, Todd visited Santa for the first time. He was calm in Santa’s lap and just checked out everything around him. Ashley and Eli have been going to see this same Santa since they were tiny.
1st Santa Visit – November 29, 2014
Todd seemed to discover his feet (visually) for the first time when my mom (“grandma”) was playing with him. He also started playing with a new toy during our visit.
Playing with a new toy – November 28, 2014
Back home again, Todd rolled from back to sidelying a few times on December 1st. He was getting sooo close to rolling fully from back to belly.
This was the week that I started doing Elimination Communication (EC) with Todd, with consistency. See my last post for all the poop! Baby Todd’s First Week of Potty “Training (3.5 months)
Highlights:
- 1st time in a pool (Bend, OR – 11/28)
- 1st Santa visit (Bend, OR – 11/29)
- 1st poop and pee in sink (12/1)
- Visitors at home: Eric’s parents (12/2)
- 1st pee and poop in toilet (12/3)
- rolling from back to side
- tries to “pick” candy cane off his pants
Showing off his new Christmas outfit from Grandma – December 2, 2014
WEEK 16
We spent the weekend in Wenatchee and we skied both days. On December 5th, Todd possibly said the word “hi” to Eric. On December 7th, I noticed that Todd was touching his left foot (with his left hand) for the first time, while on the changing table.
Mission Ridge Ski Area – December 7, 2014
On December 8th, Todd was doing a lot of rolling from back-to-sidelying to attend to his toys. During tummy time, he was lifting his head to vertical and propping himself up with his forearms.
He started grabbing his left foot and toes regularly. It makes it much more difficult to fasten his diaper because he wants to keep his legs drawn up.
Todd plays with his foot – December 9, 2014
On December 9th, Todd had a major breakthrough!! He rolled fully from back-to-belly (toward the right) for the first time. I was too slow to catch it on video. After Eric got home, Todd graciously repeated the feat another 2 times, and it was funny watching him get hung up on a toy that I named “Mr Pippins.”
Right after rolling from back to belly for the first time – December 9, 2014
And get this– Not only did Todd roll from back-to-belly for the first time, but he also rolled from belly-to-back for the first time that same day (and Eric was home to see it!) I wonder how common that is?
On December 10th, Todd repeated his back-to-belly (toward the right) and belly-to-back rolling. It took Todd a lot of time and effort to achieve his belly-to-back rolls. One time, though, he did it quickly and by accident. He was on his belly, up on his forearms with his head vertical at the time. He must have turned his head and somehow that “flipped” him over. It happened super fast! He had a very surprised look on his face and I laughed!
After Eric got home from work on December 10th, Todd managed to roll from back-to-belly toward the left for the first time. From the 11th onward, Todd readily rolled from back-to-belly toward both sides. He did not repeat the belly-to-back rolling for another week, though.
Highlights:
- 1st pee in condo toilet (12/5)
- Possibly said “hi” (12/5)
- 1st time “sledding” (in car seat at Mission Ridge – 12/6)
- 1st poop in condo toilet (12/6)
- 1st time touching foot (12/7)
- 1st pee in public restroom toilet (12/7)
- 1st time rolling from back-to-belly, toward the right (12/9)
- 1st time rolling from belly-to-back, over the left shoulder (12/9)
- 1st time rolling from back-to-belly, toward the left (12/10)
- new sound, “gee”
- holds head up high and supports himself with forearms on tummy
- looking at his groin in the mirror without a diaper on
- sitting with assist from boppy pillow
WEEK 17
On December 13th, we took Todd to the Lynnwood Pool, for his 2nd pool experience. There, they have a session called, “Beach Swim.” We used the shallow pool/play area and family hot tub. Todd is very content in the water. He doesn’t seem to mind when we float him on his back with his head in the water. He loves to be zoomed around on his belly.
Swimming in Lynnwood – December 13, 2014
After the swim, we went to Babies R Us to buy a Graco Contour Potty Ring ($11.99). This allows Todd to face the “normal” way while sitting on the toilet, and it makes it easier for me to hold him there. At home, Todd demonstrated that he could “pee pee” and “poo poo” on the new seat.
Using the new toilet seat – December 14, 2014
On December 14th, we set our hot tub to 98 degrees and we enjoyed a family soak. It was the first of a ~twice weekly routine. Todd is a water baby!
1st time in our hot tub – December 14, 2014
On December 16th and 17th, Todd finally repeated his belly-to-back roll. (He hadn’t done it since the 10th.) It’s still a struggle for him. He can do it with or without a diaper on, but it’s easier without, since he can draw his knees way up underneath him.
Highlights:
- 2nd pool swim (Lynnwood, WA – 12/13)
- 1st time using new potty seat (12/13)
- Eric’s 6 week post-op date (Dr. Snip). He still has live “swimmers” (12/13)
- 1st time in our hot tub (12/14)
- Visitors at home: Eric’s parents (12/17)
- when sitting, uses arms more to prevent falling forward
- “couch standing” with supervision
- haven’t noticed him playing with his left foot anymore
- Eric plays the keyboard and sings to Todd
WEEK 18 (Partial Week)
On December 19th, we drove to our condo late in the evening (a 2.5 hour drive). Todd had a hard time settling for bed so he ended up sleeping in his car seat for 5 hours that (Friday) night.
I’m finding that I really miss not having my rocker/glider chair when we’re away from home. Even if Todd is super alert and physically “hyper” before bed at home, once I start rocking and feeding him in the chair, he turns to putty in my arms. Away from home, it’s not as easy to settle him without that chair.
Todd rolled from belly-to-back over his right shoulder for the first time on the morning of December 20th. (Before that, he could only roll belly-to-back over his left shoulder.)
We skied on the 20th and poor Todd didn’t nap for very long that day. Although he was clearly tired, he had another rough time getting to bed that (Saturday) night. He was eventually able to fall asleep on my bed, with me. I moved him to his Pack ‘n Play bed a couple hours later. I feel bad that our weekend ski routine seems to disrupt his smooth weekday sleep “schedule” at home.
As of now…
During weekdays at home, Todd typically gets a really long nap (~2.5 to 3 hours) in his swing every morning, and then a somewhat shorter nap (~1.5 to 2.5 hours) in his swing every afternoon. Alternatively, he may sleep for one of his naps in his car seat, when I take him in the car for shopping or outside in the stroller for a walk. He typically goes to bed very easily at home, at about 8:00-8:45 PM. He sleeps until about 4 or 5 AM.
Todd’s toilet use continues. He pees and poops every day while sitting with support on his potty seat on the toilet. Since December 3rd, only 3 small nuggets of poop didn’t make it into the toilet (on 12/7, 12/17, and 12/20). Eric and I typically try to sit him on the toilet upon waking from nighttime sleep, upon waking from naps, after eating (a few times), and other times when awake.
He’ll usually pee on the toilet about 5-9 times per day. The most he’s done in one day was 15 pees on the toilet (on 12/19). I keep track of dry diapers and I get excited when he has them! I still wash a large load of cloth diapers every other day, but the diapers I do wash are not saturated. Sometimes I can skip the pre-rinse cycle.
FOURTH MONTH WRAP-UP
Other things to remember about Todd’s fourth month:
- More spitting up
- Grasps and manipulates toys. Doesn’t drop them as much.
- Everything goes into his mouth. Lots of drool. Using bibs now.
- Still has an eczema rash on his head and bilateral limbs (elbows, knees)
- Makes “exclamation” sounds on changing table
- Prefers to play with toys in sitting rather than lying down
- Eric sings and plays music to Todd
- Getting close to being able to sit unsupported
- Still wears some 3-month size clothes, but fits best in the 6-month size
Freeheel Vegan 