i think i have my answer (as much of an answer as I think i'm going to get) to Cash's crying episode from Sunday night. I picked him up from Sylvia's yesterday and used the drive home to talk to Cash about being scared. I asked him if he had a bad dream. Now Cash is known to be rather agreeable - he often answers the same question with both yes and no and can even answer bogus questions with a "yup" so who really knows if we are getting to the bottom of this but i think we are. So, when asked if he had a bad dream Cash replied, "Yeah" and then he added, "Cash cried." I think he knows what I am talking about and I do think something frightened him in his sleep. We went on to talk about how dreams aren't real, even though sometimes they seem very real, and that Mommy and Daddy are here to keep him safe. Cash picks up on a lot even if he doesn't seem to be paying attention - days later he will mention things from old conversations. We'll keep talking about it so he knows he doesn't have to be scared but I guess this is a part of growing up for my little guy.

I shouldn't be surprised though I have been known to have some of the strangest dreams around!

we're in trouble now

Cash woke up at 3:30am this morning and was standing at the gate in his doorway calling for us. This is going to be a problem!

Cooper slept really well last night. He slept from 10pm - 2am and then again from 2:30am (after eating) - 5am. I put him to sleep on his side and tummy and he seemed to do a lot better and wasn't choking on the mucus in his throat all night.

interesting vocab

Tonight Cash told me that "My penis is squished in my diaper".

What a day...

On the way to the park Cash said, “I go to park Mommy” I said, “yes, we are going to the park”. Then Cash said, “Drive faster daddy”

I accidentally spilled Cash’s milk at lunch today – all over him. He immediately said I was naughty mommy and told me to go outside. I guess Chachi has been getting in trouble a little more than normal lately.

Well, it finally happened. Cash didn’t stay in his bed during nap time. Actually, he never went down for a nap as planned. As usual, we put him in bed at about 1pm. He had been super crazy today so we knew it was going to be a challenge to get him to nap but we put him in there. Chandler came out of the room and downstairs. A moment later Cash’s bedroom door opened and he came strolling out. We didn’t have the gate closed since it was nap time and we were both up. He of course stood at the top of the stairs and was yelling something that totally reminded me that I’m in for it with these boys.

Later – much later – on we got Cash down for a nap (about 4pm). I sent Chandler out to the store and at 5pm Cash woke up screaming. He was completely inconsolable. It was scary and sad. At first I didn’t think he was even awake when I went in his room and he let me hold him and rock him for a minute and I think he might have fallen back asleep but then he woke up again and was crying and screaming. He wouldn’t tell me what was wrong and nothing I did made him feel better. It was 45 minutes later before he stopped crying and even then he was very sensitive and didn’t want mommy or daddy out of his sight.

Cooper's Ticker

we went to the cardiologist today to check out Cooper's heart murmur. It is totally innocent and is getting smaller so there is nothing to worry about. Cooper had an EKG and an ultrasound. He is the most looked at healthy baby in the history of the world. The most interesting news of the day is that he is 22in and 11lb 3oz now.

5 week post baby check up

I went to the doc today and got a clean bill of health. I've still got quite a bit of swelling and it gets better and worse with rest and overactivity - respectively. My uterus is still not back to normal so it will be a few more weeks before i feel normal again. Other than that I'm good to go. I can start working out in another week or so - slowly at first.

I'm so tired i am sick. i have a splitting headache - enough to get me to take tylenol! my back hurts so bad its hard to breathe. my incision is painful and swelling again. I'm really glad Sarah is here to help out. There was a 30 minute rest in my afternoon today that i'm very thankful for. Each night is a new opportunity for this little one to sleep better.

Sarah and Allison visit!

We are having a great time with out visitors. Sarah and Allison both arrived on Wednesday night and we haven't stopped since then!
Thursday the girls babysat so I could go to a big planning meeting at work which was much appreciated. After I got home we went to dinner at a little local place for salad and pizza. We were all pretty tired and the kids didn't last long so we ate and ran.
Friday, while Chandler worked, the girls and baby boys (minus Cash who was at daycare) went to the shops and lunch. We ate at Town Square so we could walk around outside and window shop but really the reason we went there is so we could stop at Yogurtland on the way out. We all had a great day and plenty of fresh air. Later that night we went to Rob & Mary Ann's for a little bbq and to see Elise before she went back up to school. It was nice for everyone to see Sarah and meet Bobby. Grandma Vegas enjoyed having another one of her great grandchildren around and Cash couldn't get enough of Anna's kitty, Lucy. We were all pretty tired by the end of that night and missed bedtime by at least an hour (if not more for Bobby).
Saturday we had big plans to go down to see the new City Center but trying to get 4 adults and 3 children out of the house, packed up into the cars and into the public is quite a daunting undertaking. Once we got into the car I realized it had gotten a little later than I thought and we changed our plans to just go out to lunch since we were having Cash's birthday party later that day and I still needed to go to the grocery store and decorate Cash's cake. And, this way we could stop back by the yogurtland and get a little fix for the day!!
Saturday night we had the Oswalts over to celebrate Cash's birthday. We had 6 adults and 6 children (ages 3 and under) in the house! It was great. I made the crockpot mexican chicken and we had tacos with all the toppings. Cash and Addie had a great time running around and eating candy and the babies were all well behaved. Cash didn't like us singing Happy Birthday to him and covered his ears so we sang very fast. The best part for him was blowing out the candle and relighting it and blowing it out - a lot!
Sunday was a very special day. We got Cash and Cooper baptized at our new church, Holy Spirit. The church isn't built yet so mass is held in the gym but it was special nonetheless. We got to church at 9:30 - getting out of the house was a process that started at 6am - and quickly went through the process with Father Bill. We got the boys' certificates and waited for mass to start. They were the only ones getting baptized so it was all about them and Father Bill gave them "shout outs" 3 times during mass. Cash was less than thrilled about getting "dunked" but got over it quickly after one loud objection. Cooper slept most of the time so he didn't mind getting doused. Allison and Sarah did very well as Godmothers and proxies for the missing Godfathers. They lit their candles without incident and we got out of there just as Cash was unraveling. Mary Ann took us to Red Rock country club for lunch with Grandma after which is pretty funny since its one of the places Allison has already been in Las Vegas! Overall the day was a big success and I am happy and proud that my boys are officially Catholics. Chandler is next! Although we're gonna have a hard time getting him into a white gown!
Allison left Sunday afternoon and we just vegged out and let the boys play.

Cooper at 5 weeks

Cooper is doing much better at getting his pipes working. He is passing gas much easier and he is pooping more frequently. His toots stink like rotten chicken though. He is awake more and seems to be getting into a little bit of a routine - at least he is eating and sleeping at some of the same times throughout the day.

Lifesaver

Folex carpet stain and spot remover is awesome. Tonight, while Chandler wasn't paying attention (had to get that in), Cash drew all over the sofa cushion with a red pen. Not a little pen mark, but a huge scribble all over the cushion. I saw it and thought i was going to have to just flip it and give up. But i remembered that i have this stuff called Folex and decided that i would give it a try - what could it hurt. So i did and the stain came right out. nothing remains! its awesome, you should all get this wonder product.

Cash 2 year check up

Cash had a good check up. He threw a downright fit when they tried to weigh and measure him. He is 31 lbs 1 oz. His weight, height and head all measure at about the 75th percentile. He is growing well and there are no real concerns. he got one little shot and we got out of there. He doesn't have to go back until he is 3 years old.
Dr. Goebel gave me a couple of things to help Cash's eczema - we'll see if they work. Dr. Glasser came in and chatted for a few minutes and met Cooper - she remarked how much he and Cash look alike and then said that he looks like he's growing well.
Cooper also got a little shot. they both handled it well.

Cooper at 4 weeks

Cooper had his 4 week check up today.
weight: 10lb 5oz (>50%)
height: 22in (>50%)
head: 37cm (<25%)

He's doing well. I mentioned to the doctor that he seems very fussy and has a really hard time passing gas and pooping. And also that he seems to have a lot of congestion. She had a couple of theories and suggestions.
First she said that she could tell Cooper has a lot of gas because of the way his belly was all bloated and then when she listened to it she heard lots of gurgling. She said we can give him Mylicon drops as often as necessary - they can't hurt. She also said that we could give him a little (half ounce) apple juice mixed with a little (half ounce) of water to see if we can kick his bowls into gear. She said that she thinks he is gassy because he is congested and breathes through his mouth and takes in a lot of air.
She looked in his nose and saw a LOT of mucous. This mucous was making him feel pretty lousy i think and he's even vomited big blobs of mucous a couple times. She showed me how to use saline spray and suction out his nostrils properly. Keeping his nostrils cleaned out will help him sleep better and hopefully keep him from taking in so much air.
Overall he is doing well. We'll go back in a month or so for our first round of vaccinations. Cash's turn is tomorrow for his 2 year check up!

Don't blink

While I wasn't paying attention Cooper has grown like a weed. Its probably the biggest thing I am worried about - is the baby gaining weight and growing. Since we got a pass to go directly to our 1 month visit and skipped our 2 week visit I have been assuming everything was going well but didn't really know. I kept asking Chandler, "do you think the baby is growing" - he'd say "i think so???" but not terribly convincingly.
I tell you that, to tell you this...Cooper is a challenging baby. He has what I would call a very immature gut. Cash would grunt and moan in the night but was always able to be calmed and would end up sleeping. Cooper is so fussy compared to Cash. He will actually cry (for a long time) because he is gassy or uncomfortable. Of course it is much worse at night. He can't figure out how to burp or pass gass for hours and will get so red in the face trying. He also doesn't poop very easily. So all this equals very little sleep in our house and acknowleding that Chandler has to get up and go to work in the mornings I have spent the last week in the downstairs bedroom with Cooper. Last night, Saturday night, I was allowed to come back and sleep in my own bed since Chandler didn't have to get up for anything on Sunday. I was quite shocked when i laid Cooper in the bassinet after only one week of being downstairs and he barely fits in the baby box. I couldn't believe it. He was practically hanging over the edge. So i guess he is growing! we'll know for sure when we go to our 4 week appointment on tuesday his exact measurements.



December 21, 2009




January 9, 2010

Today Cash got the 2nd installments of his seasonal flu and H1N1 shots. so he is fully vaccinated and next year he will only need one shot for these. We also got his haircut since he was starting to look like a downright raggamuffin! He's nice and groomed for his visitors next week. It only took 3 lollipops to get through the day!
Also, Cash doesn't like the bright sun. He used to say the sun was hot but we finally figured out that he actually meant that the sun was bright when he would ask to wear mommy or daddy's glasses. So today we got him his very own pair of awesome wayfarers. He looks awesome!

We went and had a picinic lunch at the park afterwards to reward Cash for being such a trooper - he didn't love either experience today. Cash loves the park. He is fearless and will go down the biggest slides without a second thought. I have a bit of a heart attack when I see him climbing all over the place but I guess he'll be ok - Chandler and/or I aren't ever too far behind (or in front).
Cash has also really started to like the swings. He didn't like these at all until now and when we'd put him in the swings he'd cry to get out. We like our park but sometimes it gets way too crowded on the weekends in the afternoons. We usually go in the mornings which is much better because the big kids aren't there yet. The big kids are always the problem - playing too fast, too rough and without keeping their eyes out for the little kids.

Happy 2nd Birthday Cash

Dear Cash,
Happy Birthday. You are a wonderful little boy who brings so much love and laughter to our home. With every day you get funnier and smarter. You know just how to be cheeky and make your daddy and I laugh out loud without getting yourself in trouble. It is amazing how bright you are - definitely our shining star. You are learning so much, so quickly, that each day you bring a new word home and you develop new skills. Lately you really like to color and draw but even more you like to instruct mommy and daddy on what you'd like us to draw - maybe you'll make a good teacher like daddy. You have a really easy personality and rarely do you get upset. When you are unhappy it doesn't last long before you are smiling and playing again. You are as tough as nails. You can fall down or bump your head and you'll just shake it off and get right back up. It sometimes worries mommy but you never seem to be phased by it. You have a never ending curiosity and will ask questions about everything you see. I only hope I am satisfying your thirst for knowledge. I think i am because your vocabulary is very impressive - you repeat everything we say so we are careful to only use language that you can use too! Daddy asked me if I was sad that you were growing up. My answer to him was no, I am so excited for you to become a bigger boy and experience all the things big boys can do like ride a bike and play t-ball.
You are the best part of my day - all day. When I get to crawl in your bed each morning and see your big smile and cuddle with you for a few minutes before we both get lost in the day it reminds me how lucky I am to be your mommy. I love you so much son. Thank you for making me a mommy 2 years ago.
Love & kisses lovebug,
Mommy

Vaccinations save lives

I know that my sisters and I all vaccinate our children so this post is for anyone who might wander upon my blog. Whether it is on a modified schedule or all at once, one thing is for sure - vaccinations save lives. Please keep up with vaccinations for your children and if you don't consider the other children that will be affected if your child gets sick and spreads disease. A friend of a friend lost her 8 week old baby last night because someone failed to vaccinate their child for Pertussis and baby Gavin contracted it. www.natalienortonphoto.com
Rest in peace baby Gavin.

bad mommy

i know i shouldn't but i had to. last night was a bad night and Cooper didn't sleep at all so at about 5am I put him in his carseat where he fell asleep for a few hours. It isn't something i want to make a habit of but i think sitting up helps him a little.

Cash continues to amuse his father and I. Lately he will pee in his diaper and rush over to me and say, "big diaper!". He also picks up really heavy stuff (i'm so worried he'll end up with a hernia) and say in this really deep and breathless voice "heavy". He loves to read books and right now his favorites are the Fire Engine Book and Duck and Goose find a Pumpkin. He also likes to talk about what things say - mostly animals but sometimes he'll ask me about objects that dont say anything - that's when i have to get creative. He is so aware of everything and for Cash everything has its place. Chandler and I usually sit in the same seats for dinner but if we sit in different seats Cash will make us move. He asks for "big bites" but will also ask for things to be "cut up" if he can't manage the bite. He still doesn't like to brush his teeth.

Cash really likes going to school. last night when he came home he cried (screamed really) "I wanna go back to Sylvia's", "Please back to Sylvia's", "Go back to Emma". So i guess he's having a good time.

brothers

each morning when Cash wakes up he asks to see Cooper and climbs up into mommy and daddy's bed to see him.
I just want to remember that for when they are older and fighting each other!!

Cash's last week as a 1 year old

Cash is such an amazing little boy sometimes I forget he isn't 2 already. The past year has been a really amazing one for this little guy. Cash has learned to walk, talk, run, talk more. He has moved from a crib to a big boy bed. And gotten a new brother. He is getting more and more independent and can do so much more on his own. He is also starting to recognize things like when he goes to the bathroom in his diaper and when he has feelings (like sad or happy).
He is such a special boy. I am sad he is growing up but also glad that he is getting bigger and getting to experience new fun things as a bigger boy.
Some things that Cash really likes now:
His dummies - of course! He now keeps his dummies in a "dummy bag" that is attached to the guard on his bed. We try to keep the dummies for use in the car and at bed and nap time but sometimes he sneaks them out. He also thinks he's pretty sneaky when he puts Cooper's dummies in his mouth.
His blanket. This blanket has healing powers and also makes going to bed and taking a nap so much easier.
Mimi & Danny. Who knew that these two would still be at the top after all this time. They do everything togehter.
Firetrucks - or any sort of transportation or construction vehicle.
Coloring. He loves to sit on the floor and color in coloring books or draw on his new easel. this is really something that we can all do together.
Asking questions. Cash asks questions nonstop! Often the questions have no answers, like, "what are you doing mommy." It is fun trying to come up with answers for Cash - because he'll keep asking questions until he gets an answer he likes.
Candy or sweets. Lollipops are his new favorite. Good thing he also likes tangerines and raisins too.
Cash still does not love to brush his teeth and would go forever without a bath if we let him.
We'll have a little party at Sylvia's house on Friday with his friends Emma, Gabby and Austin and then we'll wait to have a family party when Sarah, Bobby and Allison get here.

Cooper - week 3

Cooper is doing well but he is really fussy. I guess he needs to grow into his digestive system but he seems to have a really hard time passing gas and going poop. He is eating often but i'm not sure how much he is getting because he eats really quickly. I think he gets a little frustrated because he chokes on my milk sometimes. I have to pump before I feed him to make sure he gets some of the fatty milk and not just the watery stuff.
He is into size 1 diapers now and is too long for most of the newborn clothes but fits nicely into the 0-3 month stuff and some 3 month stuff.
We finally found a bathtub that I like. With Cash we went through about 3 tubs and i hated them all for one reason or another. The tub we found is just a regular plastic infant tub but it has an attachement that looks like a hammock that the baby lays in until he is old enough to sit up a little more. Cooper has had a couple baths now and it seems to be the best nap inducer ever!

Please don't think i am a bad mother but...

I much more enjoyed being a first time mother. Not because i don't love my babies and not because i don't want a house full of them but because the ignorance and arrogance I felt when we brought Cash home was a much easier feeling than the second time around. Cash is such a good boy and raising him seemed so easy and he has turned out so well that all I do now is want to repeat my steps with Cooper - exactly. But the problem is I don't think i actually "did" anything to make Cash the way he is so now i'm having a real problem replicating that. Also, I need to realize Cash and Cooper are different people and they just might be different in the end - no matter what I do.