Preschool for Troy and Justin

Both boys started preschool this past week. They have been precious about going to school.

Troy needs a little extra structure and interaction with some kids his age. Justin needs to be around peers for his speech development. So we kept Troy at our church preschool and added Justin in with him.

On the first day, Justin was so excited to go along with Troy. As we were walking him to the car, he was pumping his fists while yelling “yay! yay!”. His preschool has carline drop off which makes it SO easy to drop them off. For their first day, Brian and I both went to drop him off. As he was being walked away from our car, he was looking back at me as if to say, “uh, what are you doing to me and with whom am I leaving?” He’s done great this week (he only goes part of the week) and has been pretty worn out at naptime.

Troy, on the other hand, is in the “three” year old class although he turns four about a month after he starts school. Either way, he already has some buddies in his class and will probably do a great job at getting them in trouble with him. Typical boy I suppose. He LOVES preschool so this is a good thing for him. They are practicing the red/yellow/green light system. Basically each kid starts on the green light. If they get in trouble, they are moved to the yellow light and two (sometimes more) warnings will then put them on the red light. The kids are somewhat bribed by candy or goodies as a reward to staying on the green light.

So each day this week his teachers said he had “a great day” and had been a good boy. Wednesday, I asked him how his day had been and he told me he had a bad day. Specifically, he said he got in trouble for throwing bark at other kids. He raised his hand to a certain level above his head and said that they are big kids and were “this” tall. I asked him about this at least 4-5 times. Each time he said he was put on the red light. Then, he said his friend Walker and Brady were put on the yellow light for throwing bark at other kids.  This was confusing because his teachers had specifically said he had been so good. Come to find out, after getting the details from his teachers, he never got in trouble. What gives? Why make up the story?

So we did find out that he got put in time out one day this week for jumping on a kid after his toy was taken away. Nice. Nice.  So I realize I need to read books on raising boys. Just need to carve out the time and do it.

I made these little matching outfits with fabric from Dr. Seuss’ Oh The Places You Will Go! It’s so adorable! Anyway, as I was taking a picture of Try, I realized that I forgot to hem one leg of his pants. Luckily it was just that one side so it didn’t take long to fix it.

Justin is TWO?!

Words cannot describe how I feel about this sweet little boy turning two. He is our little miracle…in so many ways. Justin has stretched our faith, made us question our lives and parenting skills and brought us so much joy!

He’s talking more and more although there is a lot we don’t understand. There is a bunch of gibberish! He loves copying his brother – in what.ever.he.can. He’s funny and really likes to make people laugh. If someone is laughing, he will start laughing just for the heck of it. We are beginning to see a silly side to Justin which is so much fun. He has the sweetest smile but it’s SO hard to catch on the camera.

His favorite toys are his Scout (Leap Frog puppy) and his Buzz and Woody dolls from Toy Story. His favorite movie is Nemo (we think) or the shapes and sizes Leap Frog video (with Scout). Favorite food is plain Greek yogurt, fish sticks, pouches (any kind) , cheerios, raisins and my homemade shakes (chalked full with kale).

On his actual birthday, Brian had to go out of town for work. So he stuck around long enough to take Justin (and me) to breakfast. Of all places, we chose iHop. Couldn’t have picked a better place for him. He ate all of his silver dollar size pancakes, bacon and some eggs. We passed (on his behalf) when they offered him cherry pie (or something like that) for his b’day meal. Syrup was enough sugar for the morning.

He LOVES outside. Waves and says “bye” or “bye bye” to every single car passing our corner. The gator is a favorite. He can hit off of a tee and likes to kick balls. Justin is content playing by himself but doesn’t like to be alone in a room. He’d rather be playing next to Troy than in another room alone. He’s becoming increasingly interested in Blaine and has recently started calling him “bebe”.

28 pounds

33.7 inches

25-50%

Size 5 1/2 shoe

That evening, I took the three boys to dinner at Venditori’s, our local Italian restaurant. It’s a staple for a free birthday meal on that special day. Of course they didn’t check his ID but if you’re an adult, they take your ID and verify your birthday is that exact day. I know this post isn’t about me but, seriously…I took 3 kids on my own to a restaurant. The youngest was 6 months and the oldest: 3 1/2. Yep, I love Justin THAT much!

Justin is Walking!

At 16 1/2 months, he started taking a few steps and one week before he turned 17 months old, he took 10+ steps! Yay!!! After working with him daily on taking steps and getting to the point of walking, this has been a HUGE milestone! Babies born with clubfeet walk at all different times. Some walk early (by a year) and others are older than two. To be in the middle is awesome for us! Praise for Justin and a huge accomplishment….oh, and he’s pretty proud of himself also.

Long story but he has kept fluid on his ears since after he turned a year old. This is all that we know – hearing tests aren’t being passed and the next step is tubes. Tomorrow (Wednesday) morning, we’re going in and he’s getting tubes. Praying that this eliminates the fluid sitting in his inner ears and will correct any issues.

Justin at 15 Months

Is still such a baby to me. Perhaps this happens with the second (and subsequent) child(ren)?

He surprises me each day. Learning new things, playing and interacting more. The child seems to have his own little language. His words are few: mama, dada, ight, da (dog), titi (kitty), A-ugh (amen), ah duh (all done).

Justin wakes up happy…..until his diaper is changed. He’d much rather be roaming around on the floor. He seems very content crawling and cruising around on things. We work with him everyday on pushing things around and he’ll do it – just to pacify us. He couldn’t care less about walking.

As a parent of a child born with clubfeet, I can honestly say that I didn’t know if he would be doing what he’s doing now. Speaking of pulling up to stand and cruising around, I can’t be more proud of the progress he’s made. This kiddo was in casts for the first 3 months of his life, then in braces full time for the next 3. Of course he still wears his braces at night. It’s become a way of life for us. No, it isn’t my favorite thing to do and I’m sure he’d be happier without them but he knows no different and is happy nonetheless.

Okay, so he’s still sleeping through the night. In his mouth are 4 teeth on the top with two chompers on the bottom. And, I felt 4 molars in the back. Considering his first tooth came in at 11 months, he’s also tolerated teething quite well! A few random nights he did fuss but nothing to cause us any concern. He eats like a champ and is generally a loving child.

The most recent development is an attachment to his Mother! Where did this come from? He loves to lay his head down on ones’ shoulder and tuck his arms underneath his little body while being held. But, he loves his mother so much! Gotta admit it’s not something I push away from, instead I welcome it with open arms.

He admires his brother. His brother – the one who runs everywhere and is high strung. Yep, that one. If Justin hears Troy running down the hall, Justin takes off in the opposite direction and is so excited when Troy “catches” him. I can see the sweet bonding taking off right before my eyes.

Although not the most flattering picture, you can see J’s long face here. He still has the dimple in the middle of his nose. It makes him, well, Justin! He has large feet for a clubfoot child with big hands and long fingers. He also has puffy lips which are just precious.

On his right foot, one toe overlaps the other. It’s ever so slightly now. Used to be more pronounced. When he stands, all toes are flat. I suspect this is a temporary overlap.

Stats:

24 pounds (might be closer to 25) – 75th percentile

32.2 inches – 85th percentile

Head – 18 inches – 20-25th percentile

Precious in every way!

We be swangin’!

Our neighborhood has a pretty nice park for kids about a mile and a half from our home. Gave Brian a little while to get some yard work done and I took the kids to the park!

So I took these few photos….and left my camera! Didn’t realize it until I received an email from our neighborhood saying they found my camera. Luckily I had not erased my memory card and there was something with my name on it. In any event, I checked the card tonight and there were a few funny photos taken by and of some teenage boys. Since I don’t know them, I won’t post them. But, let’s just say they were funny.

And I’m grateful that my camera has been recovered! While it would be nice to get a new one, it isn’t a reason to file an insurance claim right now, right?!

I made these dino t-shirt transfer shirts with the silhouette. Aren’t they cute!

Justin LOVES the swing!

Precious J

Justin is a special little boy….especially when he doesn’t want to take a nap. These days, he’s trying to drop one nap. If he misses one in the morning, he does great in the afternoon. On the other hand, if he naps in the morning, he won’t nap in the afternoon. One afternoon last weekend, I was lucky enough to spend some quality time with this sweet child.

He stood, bobbled his head (like he was dancing), laughed…and just plain enjoyed being outside with me.

Not much hair but it’s growing a little bit.

He had a blast playing with pine straw….moving it from the flower bed onto the concrete, then back, then back again.

His toes…the right one still crosses over a bit. But flattens out somewhat when he stands. Wonder if it will flatten out entirely?

Watermelon!

Summers as a child for me consisted of swimming, sun and watermelon. My wish is for my kids to experience the same thing. Justin tried watermelon for the first time….and loved it!

….and baby Blaine may have loved it, too

Deliciousness….

Oh What a Week…is it Friday yet?

So this week, I’ve technically been a single mom. For those single moms out there – I do have the utmost respect for you. I’ve been spoiled – I’m not always a single mom. So I can/have/will/do get used to having help. When it’s taken away, well, there’s an adjustment period. Like taking a Butterfinger away after I’ve had only one bite. I can get over it but the taste lingers and I want more!

B has been working – and traveling – a LOT. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining. I’m grateful for his job and I truly feel that he is doing what God wants him to do. That’s what I want, too! I won’t say exactly when he’s gone until he’s returned (for those stalkers out there – LOL!).

I’ve also gone back to work this week. Part time – thank goodness. Just decided to bite the bullet, force myself and the kids to get in a routine and do it. So far, so good. Justin is adjusting better than I could have hoped.

Even had time to spend some QT with the boys and snap some pictures. Don’t get me wrong, it is a mess around here! But it is fun.

He has never been given an opportunity to feed himself with a spoon…until now. Messy stuff.

Big eyes.

B is on his way home now….thank goodness. I am off tomorrow! Yay!

Justin at Two Months

Time has, as usual, been flying by. Little man is already two months old. He’s becoming more and more animated every day.

I took several shots of him trying to get a two month photo. He smiles, just not when I want to take a picture of him smiling.

His casts were permanently removed the day he turned two months old. He has been SO happy since. Eating much more, smiling, kicking and cooing.

Here he is taking his first bath. His brother was RIGHT there saying “bath, bath, bath”. We finally told him he could take a shower – and he seemed to be okay with Justin taking a bath by that time.

JUST woke up….stretchy stretchy  

 

We get these funny faces when he is smiling.

Showing off his new dancing shoes.

So he was a tiny little fella at his two month checkup. He did fantastic with the shots – I didn’t even notice he had them. No tylenol needed at all.

Stats:

Weight: 10.4 pounds
Height 22.4 inches

Head: 14.7 inches

Club Feet – Third Casting

We should be counting our blessings. Everything went well today. Carlos unwrapped his casts (these are casts that you actually peel off). Justin stretched his legs, and then we used wipes to give him a little bath. Yes, wipes! Little J won’t get a “real” bath until the casts are off for good.

J did fuss a little bit as Dr. Doyle manipulated his feet. But, he said that J is doing great with the treatment. He said “just to be on the safe side”, he will have him come back next week for another manipulation and casting. Then, he’ll have the tenotomy. We are so excited! Weren’t expecting him to be able to get the tenotomy soon. But, since he’s doing so well, he will be ready for it. Dr. D even said that he would rather do the tenotomy versus not and added that he’s regretted not doing it when he thought he didn’t need to. So, this means that J is doing great but will still get the tenotomy to be on the safe side.

Whether he will be sedated is still unsure. Because of the heart condition, Justin may not be a good candidate for the anesthesia. He has to talk to J’s cardiologist and determine whether it’s a good idea or not. He did say that Justin did well with the manipulation and didn’t wiggle much so it may not be an issue. He likes to put his patients to sleep just in case the child or baby wiggles or moves during the procedure.

Here are some photos from today:

Before and After:

No, we didn’t choose purple…that was all they had. At least it isn’t pink!

Justin’s Birth Story – How his daddy helped born him (Bradley Childbirth Method)

A few months into my pregnancy with Troy, in remission from the arthritis and feeling like a superstar (physically), B and I decided to try the natural childbirth method. The Bradley Method was appealing and there was an instructor in our area. Our instructor was nothing less than interesting. I may elaborate one day. The whole pregnancy, labor and delivery went pretty well. Not easy but good.

When I found out I was pregnant with Justin, I wanted to try the natural childbirth route again. B is super supportive so he was on board. I ate right but splurged a bit more than with Troy (I had cake more than once!). Exercised but not as intense as I did when pregnant with Troy (also was chasing him around so that makes up for some exercise, right?). Ran until I was 37 weeks – but only could run a mile or so before I had to walk the rest of the way. The bike, elliptical and walking became my friends.

I felt great during the pregnancy with both children. Had more energy the last month with Justin than I did with Troy.

So, what happened? Due date was 2/24/11. I was serious when I said I didn’t want him coming early….and he didn’t. But, it happened much faster than I anticipated.

Thursday, 2/24, I rode to bunco with my friends, had some ribs and other stuff. I even had a teeny-tiny bit of wine. Contractions? No – only Braxton Hicks. Got home around 9:30 that night. I had a couple of mild cramps. By 11, I got in the bathtub because I couldn’t sleep. I watched an episode of Royal Pains on the computer (while in the tub) and noticed that I was having those cramps every 7 minutes. I started counting the duration and they were about 30 seconds.

I told Brian that something was going on and if he had something he needed to get done, he might need to do it soon. And pack a bag, which he did. I did tell him not to be alarmed but just to be aware. He and I both thought it would be a day or two at the earliest when the baby would make his debut.

We went walking around midnight. At 2 in the morning, I told Brian to call Tracey to see if she could come over and stay the night. She came around 2:30. He asked if we should go to the hospital and I told him I wasn’t sure because I wasn’t in a lot of pain. He called the hospital and was told that if I wanted to have a natural childbirth, I would need to stay at home as long as possible. Hmmm. Okay? Okay? The cramps had become a little more than cramps and were lasting longer. I tried to lay down but couldn’t really sleep. Began altering between the shower, the tub and walking around. The contractions were bearable and weren’t that intense but were closer and closer together.

At 3:30 when the contractions were consistently 3 minutes apart and lasting 60-90 seconds, I told Brian we needed to leave. I still felt really great, ate something (what, I don’t remember), was able to talk just fine but every now and then had a strong contraction that I couldn’t talk through.

Found out Dr. A was on call – my doctor! I was so excited! Was in a room by 4:15 and was ONLY 4 centimeters. The nurse said that she would need to check with Dr. A to see if he wanted to admit me and make sure I was in labor. I wanted to tell her that I knew I was in labor but didn’t. This isn’t my first rodeo! Dr. A came in and said that he saw on facebook just a few short hours ago that I was saying goodbye to Justin’s due date. He said he wasn’t expecting me.

So, of course I got in a room. My birth plan was to be monitored intermittently. I needed to be monitored for 20 minutes. Of course it wasn’t good enough (the baby’s heart rate would drop when I had a contraction) so I had to stay on there longer. I was in the bed for part of the time, then would sit and rock on my exercise ball. When I felt like I needed to walk around, I said I needed to go to the bathroom. That would work for a little while and I could get off the monitors.

So….I had back labor….again. Lovely! Last time, it was the same way but I thought it was because the baby was posterior. Not. So. I have back labor – I’m one of the lucky ones. If you don’t know, it is apparently supposed to be the most intense labor. This was intense. I have no idea what time it was but it got very, very intense. No other words can describe it (or not in my vocabulary anyway).

I never lost control but the plan to have Brian rub my back was thrown out the window. Even when he touched my back, it hurt! I kept thinking that each contraction was closer to having the baby, God isn’t going to give me more than I can handle, I prayed for God to provide me with strength.
As I laid on the bed (again), I had either 2 or 3 contractions in which my whole body shuddered. I had never felt that feeling before and I moaned (I’m not a moaner or a screamer). Intensity! It was at that point that I told Brian that I couldn’t handle the pain if I wasn’t very dilated. The nurse said she didn’t think I would be very dilated either. After talking about it and Brian trying to talk me out of it, I called the nurse into the room.

She said, “Oh, it looks like you’re working hard through those contractions now”. Oh, really – you can tell? Really?

I told her that if I wasn’t progressing (and she said she didn’t think I was), I would need some help to get through between the contractions. I asked about Stadiol (I’ve heard horror stories but I felt like I needed some help). People say it “takes the edge off” and at that point, I felt like I needed the edge to be taken off. She talked to me about it and I wasn’t sure. She left. Five minutes later I called her back and wanted something to help out with in between contractions. As she was walking out the door, Brian asked her to check me. She said she would but didn’t think I had progressed much. It had been maybe an hour?

I was 8-9 cm. Talk about a burst of energy! I knew I was almost there! Didn’t need any medicine at that point. Things sped into motion! The nurse said she couldn’t believe I had progressed that much, I told her I had to go to the bathroom (to get off the monitors) and walked around. She even made a comment about thinking I should be a natural childbirth instructor – hmmm… okay. There was a shift change about to take place so another nurse, Cynthia, was called in to help.

While the nurses were trying to get the room, bed and stuff ready, I was walking in circles in the room. I was holding my stomach to try to help with the pain. Walking helped more than anything. Strangely enough, I was able to talk. The contractions were constant.

Then, all of a sudden, I felt the baby drop. I never felt that before with Troy (but I wasn’t walking around either). I made an “oh” sound and said that I needed to push as I sat on the bed.

Okay, so the next few minutes were the most difficult. My body tried to take over and push the baby out. I was trying to let it – because I felt like I needed to. But, the nurses wanted me to wait for Dr. A. I told Cynthia that I had to push anyway. She told me that I would cause more damage if I let my body take over. Talk about mind over matter! I had to concentrate on breathing and keeping the baby from popping out. It was amazing how I was able to regain control over the situation – but it was difficult. Dr. A came in, I had 4 controlled pushes and the nurses said I had one more push to go. They had to tell me when I had a contraction. For some reason, I couldn’t feel it anymore. Last push, 5th push, and he was born at 6:28 in the morning at 8 pounds and 21 inches long. That is about 2 hours and 15 minutes at the hospital. I was surprised but very happy! I felt wonderful.

Dr. A asked me if I was ready for my “pit” – or Pitocin. Most mothers at EAMC receives this after they have a baby – even if you didn’t know it, you got it! You may have thought it was fluid but it was Pitocin. Two bags is customary. It is to make the uterus contract and prevent hemorrhaging. Dr. A knew I wasn’t a fan. I didn’t want to be stuck on the bed after the baby was born. He gave me the option to not have it. So I didn’t. I was comfortable with this decision because I was in the hospital. They should be able to help me if something happened. Problems? None! I’ve heard, and been told, that there is intense cramping after birth with the 2nd and subsequent children. I didn’t have that problem. Not-at-all!

The next 15 minutes were very special. I was able to hold Justin although he wasn’t breathing right. The nursery nurse (Leellen) was super sweet and was trying to help clear out J’s passageways. We took photos. I can see now from the photos that he was “dusty” – or almost blue. Glad I didn’t notice before. She took him over to the baby holder thing and I didn’t see him again until almost 7 hours later before he was taken to UAB.

Nine hours after Justin was born, I was released from the hospital. I took some Midol. My mom suggested I get the Rx from Dr. A filled so I did. Three hours after that, we were on our way to Birmingham. The walk from the parking garage to the NICU was at least half a mile. That means I was getting some exercise. In between it all, I was pumping every 2 hours. The next morning (Saturday), I took one of the pills from The Rx I had filled. Assuming that the prescription helped with the pain, I took it once a day for the next two days. That third day, I read the bottle and insert….it wasn’t pain medicine but was to help with excessive bleeding! I laughed out loud once I found out that it wouldn’t hurt me. And I thought I was taking some good pain medicine. The Midol was working just fine.

Some photos:

Not J’s most glorious moment…

 

My wonderful doctor. I thanked the Lord that he was on call when I went into labor. And, J was born just in time (he was about to go off call).

  

Through the ringer today….

almost literally. I was hoping to try and not “baby” my baby. Well, that’s going to be hard to do. It seems as though if something isn’t going to go just right, well, it’s going to happen to Justin!

It began last Friday with his PKU test that didn’t take at UAB – so an appointment was made to get more blood taken today. And, he was scheduled for, well – to be circumcised. Didn’t happen while we were at UAB and I wanted Dr. G to do the procedure because of the type he does and it’s supposed to be maintenance free – and problem free.

First of all, for a baby to have a PKU test, they need to be pricked in their heel. Guess what, Justin has casts – from his toes to his thighs. That appointment didn’t work and we’ll have to go back later.

Next, he had his procedure without a hitch. I stayed with him for about an hour before leaving. Two hours later and a diaper full of blood, we headed back to the hospital. Guess what? In the 28 years that Dr. G had done this procedure, he had never had a problem. Justin was lucky number one (maybe my mom and I shouldn’t have written a shamrock on his cast). A few hours later, the problem was fixed and we headed home.

Little man is worn out. I think I’ll baby him for now – until the next time!

Justin is Two weeks!

So now we have been at home exactly the same amount of time Justin was in the hospital. I’m glad to be home!!! It is great being able to wake up to feed my child in the middle of the night knowing he is at HOME with us!

Cousins: Ryder (6 weeks), Troy (17 months), Justin (1 week)

In the blue day gown I made for him. Buttons are from my grandmother (or great grandmother) – either way, they’re old!

  Two Weeks…     

Let’s see, this is what this ball of energy is doing:

• eating every 2-3 hours during the day and 3-4 (or 5) hours at night
• sleeping a lot
• learning to (sort of) cry – more like a whimper
• lift his legs (casted) up in the air
• projectile spit up (twice). Brian described it as from the movie Poltergeist
• look around more and more
• turn toward his brother making noises
• go to the bathroom – a lot
• whimper quite a bit while trying to latch on – I have to remind myself it’s a process
• sleeping in the bouncy seat during the day and Moses basket at night

My mom has been with us all week. Although it’s J’s second week, it’s only his first week at home. She’s been very helpful with cleaning, cooking and helping with J and our wild child, T! Thanks KK!!!