Oh the Joy...

I am starting to research potential day care facilities for Cooper.  I think he needs more social interaction with children his own age as well as challenge his physical and cognitive development.  Unfortunately, I don't have the luxury of staying home full-time to aide in this and day care can provide this for him.  I am thankful for my dad in taking care of him and glad he could do it for this long.  So far, I have three facilities in mind and hope that the waiting list is not too long as I hope to get him in a few months.  I may have to pick up a few more days of work because it is expensive!  But I think this will be good for Cooper.

It's Been Awhile...

Wow, I can't believe it's been five months since I last posted on this blog.  I guess I have been lazy about updating it as well as busy with work, running around with a toddler and other miscellaneous diversions.  

Cooper is now 17 months and in true form, a toddler.  Curious, defiantly testing the boundaries, exerting his independence and running all over the place!  Fortunately, his tantrums don't last very long and he is generally a very loving, smiley and happy-go-lucky boy.  Lately, he has been a bit more cranky because he is getting his first molars, top and bottom!  This makes for a fussy eater, but that is slowly getting better as he ate a lot more today than the last week.

He definitively said his "first" word (non-mimicked and consistent) and that is "ice".  Yes, ice.  He points to the ice maker on the fridge and says "ice".  Why?  Because that's what "dada" taught him.  Cooper definitely understands more than he speaks and it's great to watch how much he understands.

On Saturday, we took him to get his picture taken with Santa Claus.  From afar, when we were paying before getting the photos taken, he waved at Santa and even started walking towards him.  Cooper, however, was more interested in the giant ornaments and presents on the floor.  Santa picked him up for the photos and although he didn't cry, he was very concerned and started holding his arms out for mommy to get him.  And boy, did he start squirming about!  Although we didn't get a smiley picture with Santa, it wasn't a bawling one.  We got a rather cute one that will be on the holiday card we are sending out and I'm proud to say that I got them ordered today!

My Big Boy

Finally took his sticky onesie picture on his birthday!
 

Almost 12 months old!

One Year Old!

I am a slacker for neglecting my blog.  I blame it on iPhoto crapping out on me, but truthfully I  have just been pure lazy.  Anyways, my baby boy is now a toddler!  On his birthday, I bought him a small chocolate mousse cake and he had more fun playing with it than eating.  It was fun  to see him get all messy and boy, was it hard to get his hair from being greasy...butter!!  I had to give him another bath in the morning to get his hair back to normal.

We had a big birthday celebration on the following Saturday where Cooper smashed and ate another cake.  It wasn't  as messy as the first cake since it was more of a cake than mousse...and less chocolate.
Fortunately, the weather was nice and was able to have more space and less mess (Cooper smashing his cake outside) on the patio.  We had a good turn out with 37 people celebrating his first birthday.  Thanks everyone for celebrating his first year of life with us!

10 Months Old

 Oh vey!  It is getting harder to capture his monthly picture because Cooper won't sit still...no less with a smile and eyes at the camera.  We had to take many photos and still I don't think we got the "perfect" shot....oh well!  C'est la vie.

Anyways, I can't believe my baby is now 10 months old and as I belatedly write this post, he will be 11 months in 12 days.  Where does the time go and why does it have to fly by?  Nonetheless, it has been just delightful.  I heart my baby boy and can't imagine life without him.  He brings great joy and fun to our lives.  We were blessed with the most loving, happy and precious boy.

Cooper is now standing without support for more than a few seconds.  He has even taken 2 steps by himself.  But I think he likes to crawl because it's faster.  I believe he'll be walking in a couple of months, though I'm not in a rush!  I get exhausted chasing after him crawling.  And I bet he'll get into more stuff when he's more mobile.

Oh what else has he been up to?  He likes to shake his head 'no' and nod 'yes'.  Loves to wave and say 'hi', but most of all, loves loves to point.  And just not point, but simultaneously raise his shoulder and tilt his head down.  He loves to clap, but mostly likes to do that with Lolo.  Cooper also has learned to climb up steps.  And much to the chagrin of mommy, his favorite word is 'dada'.  He occasionally says 'mum', but likes to call everything and everyone 'dada'.  Oh and his favorite book is 'Brown Bear Brown Bear'.  He especially loves the black sheep and smiles when the page is turned to the black sheep.  Though now he likes to point at all the animals when you turn the page.

I am in the midst of planning his one year birthday party.  I have started making the invitations and hope to get them out by this week.  It will be a small affair with mostly family, but will most likely invite a few friends as well.

Anyways, all is well and I just can't believe it's almost summer.  But I am ready for some warm and sunny days!!

Happy Mother's Day :)

Oh The Headache...

If we ever decide to have another child, I won't have any problem detecting my ovulation period. Pre-pregnancy, I have had abdominal pain and cramps during ovulation, but ever since I had Cooper, it has gotten worse.  And not only that, but now I also experience bloating, headaches and nausea.  Oh the fun!  Fortunately, it only lasts a few days; but then the pre-menstrual symptoms (which are pretty much the same for me) starts up and then I again suffer.  I haven't had to take Midol since I was a teenager and looks like I'll to start up again.

On The Mend...I hope!

Cooper is doing better this morning!  He ate another four ounces at 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.  I think he's making up for the lack of fluid intake yesterday.  I checked his temperature again when he awoke from his nap around 6 a.m. and it was 98.5 degrees.  I re-checked it at 9:30 a.m. and he was up to 99.4 degrees; but so much better than 102 degrees!  Yay, no Tylenol to be administered....he really doesn't like it.  He should be winding down for a nap, but he's too busy playing!

Still Sick :(

Cooper slept with us last night since he wasn't feeling too well.  I had to elevate his head up so he'd have an easier time breathing.  He wouldn't let me put him down unless I held him for awhile, but eventually was able to fall asleep in the middle of us.  We checked his temperature before we went to bed and it was 101 degrees F.  Poor baby!  Chuck has an aversion to checking his temperature since it has to be done rectally.  I bought one of those temporal artery thermometers, but they aren't as accurate.  Plus, I'm the one that usually checks it.  But since I didn't have my contacts in and my glasses are broken, Chuck had to check it early this morning.  It spiked up to 102 degrees F.  Partly, I think, is because he was covered in blankets and the bedroom was warm too.

Unfortunately, Cooper hit his head on our head board and woke up.  Thus, we checked his temperature, gave him some Tylenol and then proceeded to drink 4 ounces of milk.  That's encouraging!  Poor boy, his nose gave him a little trouble with eating; but it wasn't as bad as yesterday.  Despite having a fever and stuff, he's still feeling good to eat.

Well, I can't sleep.  It's was around 3:30 a.m. when he woke up and two hours later, here I am.  Cooper is now sleeping soundly on my chest while I am typing away.  I hope he feels better today and his temperature goes down.  I hate to worry about him and have him be sick.

Sick Baby

Cooper started with a runny nose yesterday.  Though he enjoyed himself at his first swim lesson, he seemed particularly tired and was sucking his thumb more.  I'm thinking he was a bit sick before swimming, but he wasn't symptomatic.  I stayed home from work today and with the help of my dad, as Cooper wasn't very cooperative, attempted to remedy a runny and stuffy nose.  Mostly, so Cooper could he without gagging and coughing up his milk.  Otherwise, he was pretty happy playing with toys.

Since he did have a slight fever of 100.4 deg. I did call the nurse at our doctor's office. She said we were doing all the right things, told me what to watch for and if he had a fever for 3 days or his symptoms worsen, to call the doctor.  So, I have been doing saline drops and then suctioning, the humidifier is on and have drawn up a steamy bathroom for the sake of breathing easier.  I know he isn't feeling too bad as he's been pretty happy and only gets fussy if he's getting tired or I tried to wipe his nose!  And he hasn't had any troubles napping...he's on his 3rd one now.

The biggest problem is the eating.  Poor baby can't drink his bottle and breathe very well simultaneously.   I have reverted back every two hour feedings, two ounces at a time which takes him awhile to finish because of his stuffy nose.  But he is still eating his solids, so that's good.  Just worried about him getting dehydrated.   Hope this passes quickly.  I don't like seeing him sick.

As for me, I have postponed my decision to remove my tonsils.  I'm going to follow up with my doctor soon.  My allergist called today and told me I have a higher than normal eosinophil count in my nose.  I guess I have what you call NARES, non-allergic rhinitis eosinophil syndrome.  He said if I was symptomatic again, then see my doctor.  Luckily, I am asymptomatic.  He also said I might have asthma which is news to me, but since fighting this last cold; it felt that way and still having bouts of breathing issues.  I'm hoping I'll be back to my normal self which has been way long, not since I've given birth!!

9 Months Old

Cooper has been learning a lot of new skills, mostly towards the end of the 8th month and mastering them as he turned 9 months just a week ago.  Now a proficient crawler, he is maneuvering fast around the house.  Fortunately, he stays away from the kitchen and hallway so I haven't been putting up the gates...yet.

He knows 'no' though doesn't necessarily obey and usually cries (not actually crying) in protest when I don't want him to touch the humidifier or the laptops' cords.  Chuck and I haven't totally baby-proofed the house, but have plugged unused outlets and bought a power strip cover so he wouldn't pull the plugs out.  We bought a outlet cover for his room, but he doesn't play in there much.  So we have much yet to do with proofing the house, but he is not alone and we keep a watchful eye on him.  But still, we'll have to do it soon because you just never know.

Cooper also has been pulling himself up to stand and has tentatively been letting go and able to stand without support for a max of 10 seconds.  He knows how to sit himself down with great eccentric control and is getting a good workout by stooping and squatting.  Cooper is also cruising furniture.  We have a very strong baby boy here!

He is also such a babbler and loves to babble.  He just said 'mum' a few days ago.  A week ago, it was all about 'dada' and then 'nana' and now 'mum'!  He also loves to wave, clap his hands as well as point with his index finger.

The doctor said he is doing great.  He is in the 75-90th percentile for height and head circumference and in the 50th percentile for weight.  Doctor said that was normal as he is more active and burning more calories.  He isn't losing any weight and has gain over 2 lbs. since his last check-up. He's a hefty 20 lbs. 7.5 ounces and boy, do my arms feel it!!!

Anyways, Cooper is doing so well and just can't believe that he'll be one in 3 months!!

I was thinking that if we ever wanted another child (and Chuck does, I'm still on the fence) and wanted them to be 2 years apart, then we'd have to start trying in October!!  Ummmm, no!!!  "I'm just not ready", I told Chuck; to which Chuck said "We can wait until December".  Oh really!!!!

Feeling Blah

I hate being sick.  But I don't know if I'm sick or if it's because of my congestion issues.  I'm hoping the allergist tomorrow will shed light on my nasal and sinus congestion.  I have a good ENT who referred me to an allergist as I have no clue if specific allergens in my environment are causing my poor sinuses and nasal passages to be congested.

Fortunately, the CT scan of my neck showed no abnormal masses and my lymph nodes are normal.  I guess the lymph nodes on my left neck is more palpable and prominent than on my right side.  It's always bothered me and all the doctors assured me they were normal, but I'm glad that a diagnostic test confirmed it.

He did say that removing my tonsils would be a good idea.  I have cryptic tonsils and they, especially my left one, gives me problems.  I have a follow up appointment in April and I'm pretty sure I'll go ahead with the surgery.  I'm not looking forward to it at all as I heard it's really painful and the down time is a couple of weeks.  But if it helps, then I'm willing to go through with it.  My wonderful mom said she'd take time off from work to help me at home with Cooper.  Thanks Mom!!

And Happy Birthday Mom!

A Very Active Boy

Cooper is a full-fledged crawler.  But he likes to pull himself up to stand more than crawl.  He's been cruising on the furniture and I can't keep my eyes off him because he's always trying to stand on anything he can get his hands on.  He has also tried to stand up without support, but can't do it...yet.  Anyways, I am going to be one busy mom once this boy knows how to walk because he will get into everything...EVERYTHING.  Cooper is so curious about everything.  

We have joined The Little Gym and Cooper has his first class on the 18th of March.  We'd be going earlier, but I have an obligation to work the next Friday or else we would have joined earlier.  It'll be great for Cooper to interact with other babies as well as develop his motor skills.  We also went to baby story time last Tuesday at the Ballard Public Library and Cooper enjoyed it as well.  So, The Little Gym and story time are two things will do regularly.  I have also thought about joining a PEPS group, but I'm still on the fence.  

Anyways, here are some cute photos of baby boy as well as a video of my silly boy in his crib.

Sumo wrestler!  

Those books look like fun toys.

See my two teeth!!

Wiggle Worm

I was adventurous and attempted to take Cooper's 8 month old picture by myself.  And it was hard.  Since he is more mobile and unable to sit still for any length of time, I didn't get a good picture of him.  It didn't help that he was already grumpy because he really needed a nap.  

We also have a crappy camera.  Oh how I hate our camera.  It's really old and doesn't take very good pictures.  Our really nice digital SLR camera is still backordered and won't get it until March...arrrgh!  So, we broke down and bought a nicer point and shoot camera.  It is way better than our current one. Now we will have two nice cameras which is worth it because we take a lot A LOT of photos.  How could I not with such a cute baby!  And boy does he ham it up for the camera.  Once that red light goes off, he just smiles...most of the time.  It makes me laugh every time! 

Anyways,  Cooper has definitely kept me busy.  I can't keep my eyes off of him because he loves to stand.  He is always pulling himself to stand up.  He has been using the coffee table, sofa, bookcase, chair, toy box, his ride on toy, standing activity toy...you name it, he'll stand.  And he's cruising as well.  So, it is really time to baby proof!!!!  

Trying to get at the camera.

Hamming it up for the camera.

Always standing....his favorite!

Birthday...

Cooper turned 8 months yesterday!!  Picture pending and will be uploaded by tomorrow, I promise.  But it's the first birthday that is occupying my mind today.  I'm thinking of some ideas for a theme and boy, it's harder than a wedding one!  Well, just as hard.  Anyways, I still haven't made up my mind if we are going to throw a small, intimate one with family or have a big bash....I have plenty of time for planning as we have 4 more months until he turns one.

Fun Day

We took Cooper to a free introductory class at Gymboree Play + Music.  And boy, did we have a good time.  It was nice because it was small with only two other babies and their parents.  There was a boy who was only a day older than Cooper and they both got along really well.  I'm thinking of enrolling Cooper, but want to try out The Little Gym.  We are signed up for their intro class on Friday.  The only downside about The Little Gym is the class is only offered on every Friday whereas Gymboree has one on Saturday (as well as 2 other times during the week and open gym time 4 times a week).  But once he is 10 months, The Little Gym offers classes 4 times a week.  We'll see how they compare to Gymboree.  The Little Gym is more expensive, but not by much.

It's Time...

It's time to baby proof the house.  Cooper made the leap from commando crawling/creeping to crawling on hands and knees!  I believe I'll have my hands full and eyes open....

Growing Up Too Fast

I'm wishing time to slow down.  It feels like the weeks are just passing by too quickly and Cooper is growing too fast in such little time.  I can't believe in six days he'll be eight months and in four months a year old already!

I have loved watching him grow.  He is such a delightful baby boy and love him so much.  I can't get enough of hugging, kissing, smiling, playing and talking to him.  I am so fortunate that I am afforded the opportunity to work only one or two days a week and my job allows me to work weekends so that I can spend as much time with him.  I love work, but I love being with my baby boy more.  I don't think I'd be completely happy being a full-time mom though since I love working as a therapist!  It's just the right balance.

As I have said, baby boy has been doing so much.  A couple of weeks ago, he learned to pull himself up to stand.  He's getting around creeping though he has been able to do a few times crawling on hands and knees.  And he now has his pincer grasp and two bottom teeth!  I'm tempted to start finger foods, but I think I'll wait another month.  I'm terrified about him choking.  I did experiment and gave him a teething biscuit.  He did pretty good, but I got freaked out when a piece broke in his mouth.  I fished it out, yanked out the biscuit from his hand and gave him a few good whacks in the back for good measure...he  gave me a good wailing!  I felt pretty bad, but I was scared.  I'll need to get brave, but I'll wait for another month.

Visiting lolo and lola in Olympia.

Picking out a toy.

Using a pacifier as a teether.

7 Months Old

Last week, Cooper turned 7 months old!  I can't believe in 5 months, he'll be a year old.  Time flies by too fast.  He is growing way too fast!  Though I'm sad that he's growing too fast, I'm thoroughly enjoying watching him grow up.

He's commando crawling and getting around pretty well.  Tonight he was able to get his legs moving forward and get one arm forward before he lost his balance and ended up on his belly.  With minimal assist, he was able to get to a sitting position from his tummy.  Oh so close, but needed a little bit of help from his mommy/physical therapist!  From a sitting position, he's able to pull up to stand if holding onto his hands.  I'm betting in a couple more weeks, he'll be able to crawl.  

Cooper's been really interested in eating and has a good appetite.  He's been eating 3 meals a day.  I usually give him oatmeal mixed with fruit for breakfast, and a serving of fruit and vegetable each for  lunch and dinner time.  He pretty much likes all types of fruit and vegetables, although he didn't care much for avocado.  He made a yucky face every time I fed it to him.  I would say papaya and either carrots or cauliflower are his favorites.  I love making baby food because the commercial ones don't have much variety.  Tomorrow, I'll be making him more butternut squash and try making peas and sweet potatoes for the first time.  

Last night was the first night that he slept 8 hours without us having to wake up and comfort him.  And he slept the full 8 hours in his crib!   I fed him and then he went back to sleep for another 2 hours, but in our bed with me.  I have to admit I'm more anxious separating myself from sleeping with him.  It's just so comforting to sleep next to him.  But I don't want him to get into that habit of sleeping with us.  We're still sleeping on the floor of his room, but will hope to transition into our room in a couple of weeks....if mommy can handle being that far away!

Loving tummy time all the time!

Check out my first tooth!

I love my wheels...it makes lots of sounds.

I like to stick my tongue out a lot. 

New Developments

I haven't been an avid picture-taker since the holidays.  I really don't know why, but maybe because I have been fighting yet another cold that HB gave me.  I'm still recuperating from it....lingering congestion and phelgm.  Sigh.  Fortunately, Cooper has a super-immune system and didn't get sick.  So, I haven't gotten a picture of Cooper's first tooth cropping up or him on his hands and knees!

Yesterday, we noticed a 1/4" or maybe even less of his bottom right tooth showing through!  Ahhh, no wonder he's been in such a cranky and whiny mood!!  But sure enough, it's getting through the gum line and it's sharp.  It's still hard to tell that it's there, but if he smiles really wide or laughs you can tell that he's getting his first tooth.

For a couple of weeks, Cooper has been getting on his hand and knees.  It's so amusing to watch as initially he really struggled.  He'd get his knees underneath him, slowly but surely yet his hands underneath as well and then laboriously, but successfully hold his head up.  Now, he's able to do it easily and has been able to rock back and forth.  He has gotten one knee forward, but alas he flops down on his belly.

I'll have to get pictures of both soon enough.  I can't wait until our new camera arrives!!  Until then, our crappy one will have to do.

A Fighting Battle

Cooper does not like sleeping in his crib.  When I put him down in it, he cries and cries.  Poor guy!  He's gotten used to sleeping with us.  But he's got to learn to like it because he can't sleep with us forever.  Last night, I couldn't handle him crying so I broke down and picked him up after 20 minutes.  He slept with me.   But today, I was strong and steadfast.  I put him down for a nap in his crib.  Usually, I would let him nap on me, but this is a habit that I need to break too.  Once, he was yawning I put him down.  And did he put up a fight.  For 33 minutes, he was crying.  But now, he's been napping for 32 minutes!!  I'm hoping he'll sleep for another 28 minutes for a solid hour nap...cross our fingers.