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6.5 months old – March 4, 2015
SEVENTH MONTH (FEBRUARY 21 – MARCH 21)
WEEK 27 (PARTIAL WEEK)
Isn’t this an interesting way to start a blog post…
On February 25th, Todd started his morning by pooping in the toilet for the 41st consecutive day. He went a lot so I figured he was done. After I put him on the incontinent bed pad that I use for his “diaper free” time, I walked away briefly to start some laundry. When I came back, I discovered that he’d pooped on the mat. More?! Yikes!! Fortunately, he hadn’t yet rolled in it. Phew…crisis averted!
Later that day, I gave Todd his first taste of (organic) 100% peanut butter by letting him suck a thin smear off my finger. So far, so good re: food allergies. Check out this article…
Study finds peanut consumption in infancy prevents peanut allergy (NIH clinical trial)
February 25, 2015
Here’s a BIG milestone! This week Todd sat himself up for the first time! For a few days prior, he’d gotten so close. On February 26th, he did it for Eric, but I was in another room. I missed the first instance, but then Todd repeated his new skill 3 more times within about 10 minutes. He showed that he could do it with a bulky diaper on, too.
To sit up from his belly, he starts on all fours, then he gets himself into something like a “pigeon” yoga pose (with one leg drawn way up so that his foot is right under his butt), then he manages to bring the other leg under/around, and finally pushes up with his arms.
Highlights:
- 1st sit-to-stand without help – by pulling up with the wooden rods of a chair (at Mission Ridge, 2/22)
- took one arm out of his long sleeve shirt (2/22)
- doing “down dog” and “pigeon” yoga poses to attempt sitting up or crawling
- record sleep, 11.75 hrs (2/24 to 2/25)
- using fingertip to deliberately feel the corner of a book (2/25)
- 1st time sitting up from belly (2/26)
New (vegan) foods this week:
- minestrone soup
- chickpea fritter & Romesco sauce (made with pistachio, roasted red pepper, kidney beans & more)
- lick of peanut butter
- chocolate “shake” (made with frozen bananas, coconut milk, soy milk & cocoa powder)
- peach oatmeal banana jarred organic baby food
- angel hair & pasta sauce with Field Roast Italian Sausage
“Green” (brown) smoothie aftermath – February 26, 2015
WEEK 28
Geez, Louise! Now that Todd learned how to sit up, he will NOT stay on his back for dressing and diaper changes. He whips over to his belly and launches himself up to sitting in literally less than 5 seconds. I had to break out the larger (size medium) cloth diaper covers to give myself more room for error, as I fasten his diaper while attempting to restrain Todd in a sitting position. It’s not always easy!
In the last week, I noticed that Todd’s ability to weight shift when standing has gotten to where he now purposefully adjusts his feet after he’s up, to seek better traction and balance. Before, his feet would remain where initially planted.
He’s a little boy, not a baby – February 28, 2015
Developmental Highlights:
- 1st time sitting up in his bed (2/27)
- 1st time (briefly) sitting with legs extended instead of flexed (3/1)
- 1st unsupported standing of ~10 seconds (after assist to be “placed,” 3/3)
- sit-to-stands with close supervision but no assist, using dresser drawers, couch, and stacked couch cushions. Todd lets go with one hand, then both.
- from standing, when he “plops” down, it’s more often straight down on his butt rather than doing the “Nestea Plunge.”
Sitting up in bed – March 3, 2015
Other Highlights:
- during his bath, Todd kept wanting to drink the water (3/1)
- repeatedly flicking the nipple of his bottle with his left index finger
- started using size medium cloth diaper covers (3/2)
- started using #4 (Fast Flow) Philips Avent bottle nipples (3/3)
- tapping toys together to make noises
- moving mouth like he’s chewing gum
- loves his daily green smoothies
Bath time – March 1, 2015
New (vegan) foods this week:
- dried fig (loved it!)
- cucumber stick
WEEK 29
Scary moment! On March 5th, I was going to brush my teeth, so I put Todd in the middle of my queen-sized bed, completely surrounded by 2 body pillows and 2 regular pillows. He was playing with a toy when I took my eyes off him for just a minute to step into the bathroom. When I came out, I saw him frog-leaping so fast toward the corner of the bed. He was nearly over a pillow and he would have certainly gone over the edge next, if I hadn’t launched through the air and grabbed him.
It used to be that pillows were an easy way to put up a “barrier” or to “cushion” hard surfaces while he sat. Now– we have to be very careful because the pillows are acting as an invitation for Todd to leap-frog and scramble over them…or he does a seated lurch toward them…or he tries to use them to stand up.
This video is from Week 30 but it shows what he does…
Eric took a vacation day on Friday March 6th, so we stopped for lunch in Leavenworth, at the Munchen Haus Bavarian Grill & Beer Garden, on the way to our condo in Wenatchee. Eric and I enjoyed the Vegetarian Wurst (made with Field Roast) and a porter. Todd enjoyed the bun!
Munchen Haus Bavarian Grill & Beer Garden – March 6, 2015
Exploring the condo grounds – March 6, 2015
March 10th was the day that Todd “finally” pooped in his diaper. It was just a little bit, and I was able to get him to the toilet to finish a lot more. Then it happened again that evening. So, for the record, he officially went 52 days without pooping in his diaper. Not too shabby, eh?
March 9, 2015
Developmental Highlights:
- 1st time “butt walking” from sitting (he kind of bounced himself forward) (3/6)
- from sitting, he started lurching forward with a lot of momentum– toward a toy or something that he wanted to use for standing himself up
- gets in and out of a half-kneeling position frequently
- 1st full kneeling, in crib– to reach up for his musical aquarium (3/9)
- rapid inhales/exhales so that his lower lip moves in and out, often done when concentrating
Kneeling in crib – March 9, 2015
Other Highlights:
- lots of smiles and laughs daily
- gets very excited about various things: mouth agape and arms wave
- shaking toys
- does not like to stay put for diaper changes and often cries in protest
- loves to help play the guitar with Eric
- 1st time using the portable high chair for eating at a restaurant (Cafe Rio, 3/7)
- visitors at home: Eric’s parents and brothers (Jeff and Darren, 3/11)
- 1st time meeting Uncle Darren (3/11)
Todd meets his Uncle Darren – March 11, 2015
New (vegan) foods this week:
- homemade corn muffin
- corn tortilla
- spicy BBQ sauce with broccoli
Eating broccoli – March 9, 2015
WEEK 30 (AND PART OF 31)
On March 12th, we had a nice family gathering because Eric’s brother, Darren, was in town visiting from Wyoming. We went out to eat at Jimmy’s Pizza & Pasta, in Stanwood, where you can get a superb vegan pizza. Todd loved being the center of attention and he enjoyed tearing apart tomato slices!
Todd with his Grammie, Cousin Kylie, Uncle Darren, Uncle Jeff, mama & dada – March 12, 2015
Todd with Cousin Kylie & Grand dad – March 12, 2015
Cousin love! – March 12, 2015
Jimmy’s Pizza & Pasta – March 12, 2015
On March 14th one year ago, we found out that our 18 week old fetus was going to be Todd Patrick…a boy…instead of Emmy Todd…a girl. This outfit was one of 3 that I purchased for Eric back then, to tell him the news. Little Dude, Big Plans! (See this “20 Week Ultrasound” post for the picture of Eric holding up this onesie one year ago.)
Little Dude, Big Plans –
March 14, 2015
On March 16th, I decided it was time to stop writing down the amount of every bottle fed to Todd during the day and night. It’s a not a bad idea after almost 7 months, huh?
Standing alone – March 12, 2015
Developmental Highlights:
- sometimes able to sit down in control (instead of always “plopping” down)
- more receptive to spoon feeding and helps pull spoon to mouth
- improving ability to move food in his mouth: “chewing,” tongue lateralization, managing particles (to swallow or bring forward and out)
- 1st time “kissing” me and trying to “feed” me some of his dinner (3/13)
- 1st 20-second unsupported standing and without assist for placement (3/18)
- 1st coordinated crawl across living room (3/18)
- 1st stand up in crib (3/19)
- beginning “couch cruising” after standing himself up with couch (3/19)
- able to pick up and drop green peas
Other highlights:
- loves frog-leaping on my bed into pillows surrounding him, like a pinball machine
- sitting at the keyboard in his booster seat to play piano
- no more changing table…too unsafe!
- noticeable preference for rubbing items (including bottle nipple) against his left upper “molars”
- sucks his lips in so he looks like an old man without his dentures in
- likes touching our faces with index finger during bottle feedings
- says “ma ma ma” and “a ba ba” frequently
- making clicking sounds with his mouth
- Out to eat at Jimmy’s Pizza & Pasta with Eric’s parents, Eric’s 2 brothers, and our niece (3/12)
- Visit to a friend’s house (Sebastian & family, 3/12)
- appeared very scared by me folding some tissue paper (3/13)
Playing the keyboard – March 14, 2015
New foods this week:
- dark chocolate
- tomato slices
- steamed cauliflower
- homemade tempeh bacon
- homemade tempeh Rueben with sauerkraut
- Gardein Fishless Filet & Crispy Tenders
- coleslaw & cabbage leaf
- homemade peanut butter and banana muffin
- pears and mango jarred organic baby food
- sweet potato jarred organic baby food
Eating Tempeh Rueben – March 16, 2015
SEVENTH MONTH WRAP-UP
Food–> Todd seems to be an adventurous eater and his fine motor skills are improving rapidly. I try to feed him solids about twice per day. In the morning, I consistently give him green smoothie and maybe a pancake/mini muffin. In the evening, I give him bits of whatever dinner we’re having.
As of the end of this month, he’s down to the bottom of his 39th can of organic soy formula. Every time we open a new can, I record the number! How many cans do you think we’ll go through before he’s all done with “formula milk?”
Sleep–> Todd continues to sleep ~10-ish hours per night, and he might wake up once in the night ~1-3x per week. One thing that’s changed in the last week is that he’s back to being basically asleep when I put him in his crib at night. He literally wears himself out all day and he’s ready to crash after his last bottle feeding. I’ve been enjoying extra cuddle time rocking him in my glider chair before I put him in bed.
Snuggles before bed – March 17, 2015
Toileting–> After his “off day” on March 10th, Todd’s been back to doing all poops in the toilet ever since!
Well, I guess this post started and ended on the topic of poop. I swear I didn’t plan it that way, haha!
See you next month!
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
Freeheel Vegan 