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Todd’s excited to spend lots of time with family – August 7, 2015
This month, my sister and her kids came up from Oregon for what has become an annual summer vacation. We usually split the time at our house (north of Seattle, WA) and our condo (in Wenatchee).
Last year was the only exception: they still came up, but not to do all the fun stuff mentioned below. We were #WaitingForTodd to be born. That was no vacation (at least for me)!
Here’s what we did on each fun-packed day this year….
AUGUST 7
Family arrived on Friday! Todd was so happy to see his aunt and cousins. It was like, “See ya later, mama!” We took a short stroller walk to the library before Eric got home from work, then Todd got to open his first 1st birthday present(s) early. (Thanks, guys!!)
Todd helps set up the beds for our house guests – August 7, 2015
AUGUST 8
We had a morning soak in the hot tub before us girls went to the Taylor Swift concert. That meant Eric was in charge of two kids for the entire afternoon/evening! Note that it was ~8 year old Eli who pointed out that the movie “Stand By Me” had “a lot of bad words.” (Rated R!)
Hot Tubbin’ – August 8, 2015
AUGUST 9
En route to our condo in Wenatchee, we stopped in Leavenworth for a late lunch/early dinner at South. It’s a restaurant with Latin cuisine that different people over the years recommended we check out. It was okay, but nothing worth getting excited about. They do give the kids Wikki Sticks, though…
Eli with his Wikki Sticks glasses – August 9, 2015
In Wenatchee, we took Todd for his first “car cart” ride at the grocery store.
Riding in a car cart – August 9, 2015
AUGUST 10
In late morning, we rolled, strolled, and/or biked for 6.15 miles along the Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail.
On the Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail – August 10, 2015
In the afternoon, we cooled off in the condo pool. Todd tried his covered pool float for the first time, while chewing on vegan squid. Before it was time to go, I dunked his head underwater for the 1st time. He handled it well!
Elisa & Todd – August 10, 2015
AUGUST 11
August 11th last year was Todd’s due date. Obviously this August 11th was a LOT more fun!
When my sister and her kids come to Wenatchee during the summer, it’s a tradition to play certain games that Karin and I loved in the 80’s (Stop Thief and Lost Treasure…remember those??)
It’s also tradition to spend a day at Slidewaters in Lake Chelan. That’s what we did on Tuesday. At first, Todd was content to simply attempt putting every rock he could find in his mouth. He wasn’t too impressed with the “Aqua Zoo” area for little kids. Pretty quickly, though, he realized how fun it was to slide down the small slides with Eric (they’re actually fun for all ages). In the afternoon, we all floated on tubes in the Lazy River.
Elisa & Todd at Slidewaters – August 11, 2015
AUGUST 12
On Wednesday we took a short hike (1.89 miles total) up Beehive Mountain. Todd enjoyed his ride in the Ergobaby™ carrier. (We don’t use it enough!) After that, we stopped by Beehive Reservoir.
Todd – August 12, 2015
Beehive Mountain – August 12, 2015
After getting sweaty in the heat, another trip to the pool was in order. This time, Eric did the “Todd dunking”…
That night, Todd was so tired that he bagged out on Ashley on the couch. We teamed up to change his diaper, don a onesie, then move him to his bed. He never woke up!
Todd & Ashley – August 12, 2015
AUGUST 13
On Thursday, Ashley had the great idea to do some miniature golfing in Leavenworth, at Icicle Junction.
Mini golf in Leavenworth – 8/13/15
Afterwards, we ate lunch at Munchen Haus, where they have vegan dogs loaded up with all the good stuff: tons of different mustards, warm sauerkraut, onion, relish, and jalapenos (if you like).
Finally, we checked out the vegan fudge selection at The Flavor Express. They had 3 options. All were excellent, but the chocolate raspberry was phenomenal. I should have bought more than a 1/4 pound!
And– a third trip to the pool!
Eric & Todd – August 13, 2015
AUGUST 14
While we all packed up to go back home on Friday, we engaged in another tradition: watching “Honey I Shrunk the Kids.” (We have a pretty sweet collection of VHS movies at the condo!)
Other highlights for the week (that I didn’t already mention):
- Slumber party-type sleeping arrangements for our guests (in a small house/small condo!)
- There was a little “tree incident” (enough said!)
- Todd loved when his cousins shared their Os cereal with him
- Hanging out on the condo deck
- Watching movies (“Harry & the Hendersons,” “Father of the Bride”)
Todd & Eli on the deck – August 12, 2015
I think that’s a wrap!!
Todd – August 10, 2015
C’mon, Eric- the water’s fine! – August 10, 2015
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!
Freeheel Vegan 