Alien Energy: Better Than Caffeine

Kiddo is hyper. I mean, I knew he was active, but I didn't realize how much more active he was compared to other kids.

When nursing, I can get hands and feet in the face. Sometimes Kiddo gets his butt hiked into the air and wiggles so much, he collapses back down again. When he wakes up in the morning, he climbs everywhere, all over - tumbling and jumping, singing, and telling stories.

This is the kind of kid that doesn't just have a second wind, he has a third, and sometimes a fourth. In order to make sure he sleeps a full night, I have to actively run him ragged. I have to force him to walk uphill and climb playground equipment for several hours if I want to ensure a solid night of sleep. Otherwise, it's anyone's guess how much he'll sleep.

And of course, once he wakes, all cylinders will be running.

But I thought this was just how toddlers were. I didn't think he was above average in his energy levels. I mean, when he first encounters people, he is often hesitant, and reserved. I thought that meant he was average.

No. I was wrong. Completely wrong. Kiddo is WILD.

I know this because we went to the park yesterday and he chased after a strange boy and threw his ball at the boy, almost knocking the poor kid down. He ran around screaming his head off (for fun, not throwing a fit). He ran the entire time. He drummed his ball. He threw his ball. He giggled and squealed and sang. And the three other kids stared at him. They functioned at a fraction of his energy. And this was after walking around the block and playing with Grandma's dog.

And at home? He ran around again, throwing all his toys every which way. He did laps for 5 minutes straight around the second floor. He squealed. He told stories. He played with his figurines. He sang songs. We had to persuade him to get a bath with heavy references to specific bath toys. And he only agreed to bath time grudgingly.

Losing my earlier baby weight took a little effort. My continuous inches lost... is no wonder. I chase a toddler. I play with a toddler. If you had a kid as active as mine, you'd be losing weight too.

Now, if I could just bottle this or develop some kind of silver bullet system, I might have something here...

In the mean time, I'll settle for watching Kiddo fixing to be some kind of alien superhero with his magical energy reserves.

And honestly, I'm okay with this.

Our Second Easter Marathon

We survived Kiddo's second Easter! Phew!

I am amazed. Truly. I say survived because the past weekend was JAM-PACKED! We stayed at my in-laws' house on Friday night. This in itself was a little trying because whenever his routine changes, Kiddo has a hard time with sleep etc. But the following morning, we had the Easter Egg Hunt at our church.

I thought because Kiddo is introverted he would hide in a corner with all the people around. I thought he wouldn't get any eggs - none. I thought, maybe this is a total waste.

I was wrong. Really very wrong - thankfully!

Not only did he get eggs, when we ran - Kiddo's one speed - into the nursery school where the young kids would hunt, he ran for the first egg he saw.

"Put it in the basket." So he did. Then he went for another, and another. He didn't pay attention to anything except the eggs, strewn around, perfect for picking up and placing in his wicker basket.

In the end, he had quite a collection, despite his slower pace (he was on the younger end of the little kids). He got to sample chocolate for the first time, as promised. He selected a Mr. Goodbar, and enjoyed it, before returning to cantaloupe and Cheerios.

Then Easter was just as busy. We had church, followed by a present Easter basket opening party, after which, we enjoyed a mid-day meal with friends. Kiddo got to play on a tricycle, which by the end, without a nap, became quite the challenge. By 4 PM, he was done. He reached his maximum. With little struggle, we buckled him into the carseat and he was asleep for the ride home in less than a minute.

It was a lot. Everyone slept solidly that night. And despite it being a lot, Kiddo had relatively few meltdowns, and we enjoyed ourselves. That said, I'm glad it was raining today (YES!!) because we could stay in and have a relaxed day. Everyone needs those, and we all earned it.

Video: Say Hello Kiddo!

In celebration of the fact that I took my GRE (one hurdle down) AND I OFFICIALLY weigh less than the month before I became pregnant, here is a cute video of Kiddo.

...And Many More: 1 Year Well Baby Visit

12 Month Molar Drool!

Well, Kiddo is now up-to-date. He had his 12 month well baby visit on Wednesday and we got his stats:

30.75 inches long
22 lbs 14 oz
18.25 cm around his noggin

He's just above the 50% according to the clinic. I'm not sure if that's all babies, or just breastfed babies. They didn't get into that. All I know is that Kiddo is now just slightly above average in size.

I knew his growth would peter out, but I didn't realize how sharply it would drop off. To go from 90% at birth to 50% a year later seems crazy...except of course, he's normal. Everyone has always said he was perfectly normal, which is good when talking development. You want normal. I feel blessed to have normal. I really do.

Part of me thinks exceptional would be bigger, or smaller, and it would, but maybe exceptional is also smack dab in the middle. Average is how beauty is determined - the average sized nose is ideal. The average sized eyes is perfect. The average cheek bone is desirable. Not too much, not too little - each body part has a Goldie Locks zone.

Kiddo is the archetype of Goldie Locks when it comes to his body. I mean, he does have really small feet (Is that a thing for guys in mainland China? If it is, I think Kiddo could totally win that game!) and his torso is slightly longer and, okay, his hips are kind of wide... but that's nit picking. Just a cursory glance and you'd think this kid is perfect. And really, that's what parents want. That's what I wanted.

The crazy active nursing that involves butts hiked high into the air and legs going straight up past my ears is no thang compared to having a developmentally on target kid. The sassiness and explosive temper tantrums that began at 9 months or so is not a problem at all. I don't mind.

I don't mind because Kiddo hits every milestone like clockwork. My pregnancy was like that too. Everything was textbook when it came to the nausea coming  or going, the kicks being felt, his measurements in the ultrasounds etc etc. In many ways, the whole process has been perfectly average. And I thank GOD every day that it is. With everything else topsy turvy in my life, I couldn't handle Kiddo being sick. I would break. Permanently.

And because I can't handle Kiddo being sick, I was even more grateful for the series of expensive vaccines he got courtesy of MediCal. Because of insurance issues throughout his short life, Kiddo was behind on his shots. It really bothered me. I'm not one of those women who doesn't believe in scientific inquiry. On the contrary, I read and research a ton about various aspects of child health so that I can make informed decisions.

I'd like Kiddo to not die of a preventable illness, or become deaf, or sterile, or crippled for life because I was too crazy not to vaccinate. That is not a gamble I'm willing to make. Not even remotely. So I don't cry when I have to hold Kiddo still so he can get both thighs and arms pricked while he's screaming his head off. I feel relieved when he has a low grade fever and a little bruise next to the injection site because he has an injection site.

Happy Birthday Baby!

...and thanks Obama.

I have to thank the President once again for making health care available to the pleblic. Kiddo might be naturally healthy and perfect to look at, but I need a little help to keep him that way. It's nice to know I won't have to worry about something as important as my child's health.

Singing Baby

Speaking of Kiddo's antics... here he is singing.

Bi-coastal Baby Travel

Well I have like 5 post lying in wait (thank phone blogging and teething babies!). Now I finally have an hour or so to get some stuff out there and this one is sort of important, because I may or may not have access to internet for the next week or so.

You see, I'm going on a plane.

With Kiddo.

To Pennsylvania.

This week.

This guy in a small metal tube flying through the air... oh boy!

Jelly? Yeah. I thought so.

I am so excited to get out of California and visit family that I made a check list WEEKS AGO of all the things I'll need to have packed in order for me to survive traveling with an almost 9 month old. Weeks ago. And then I read it off to my mother and husband on separate occasions to make sure I didn't miss anything.

I tried Kiddo on Cheerios so we could have baby plane food.

I'm not leaving until Monday, but yesterday I packed as much as I could to make sure I had enough space... and well, just to pack.

You see, this is a big trip. It's 5 hours just flying time, not to mention the check-ins, security lines, and gate wait. Add to that the drive down to LA and the drive from the Pittsburgh airport to my aunt's on the other end and it gets gnarly. To mitigate the waits and keep Kiddo comfy, we're going to stay in a hotel in LA and then start our journey across the continent the following day.

Like I said, exciting, but also... well. Kiddo is almost 9 months old. He's an active little guy. He's messy. He's excitable. He's talkative. When he's at all hungry or tired, he can be a real bear. This is not the kind of thing most people like on a plane. I'm hoping he'll be in a good mood, smiling and laughing the whole way.

Oh, and I also hope he poops on Monday - not Tuesday our flying day. Yeah. Pray for "No Poo Tues." Seriously. Pray.

The Joys of an 8.5 Month Old

It's been a while since I gave a specifically Kiddo milestone update and a LOT has been happening. While some of it is a little nervous making, most of it spreads smiles and laughter throughout our house. So here's an overview of everything going on with Kiddo:

1. 2 bottom teeth are through and the rest are all in various stages of poking through the gums - even his MOLARS!
2. Kiddo says: mommy, mom, okay, yea, hi, hello, dada, kitty, cat, dog, I get and I want my mommy plus tries to say a whole lot more (working on grandma and granddad currently).
3. Has stopped crying as much and instead uses words (calls for me instead of crying unless the world is ending).
4. Shakes his head when someone says no or oops or when he means no/answers a question.
5. Tries to nod, but looks more like he's going berserk with head shaking instead. Should have this down, what? Next week I guess. :-)
6. Pulls himself up...everywhere.
   
7. Plays hiding and chasing games.
8. Follows basic instructions (i.e. come here or no or stop or pet nicely).
9. Tries to read his books (babbles aloud while looking at them).
10. Sings himself to sleep sometimes.
11. Has begun cruising - so far he moves between 2 objects or 3 feet (whichever comes first), but he's working hard at extending that.
    
12. Wants to stand without support (but can't)
13. Walks with assistance from adults
14. Tries to fit toys together (things that look like they go together, as well as ones that don't!)
15. Tries to brush his own teeth (not too bad at it either!)
16. Tries to crawl in the tub (much to everyone's chagrin).
17. Feeds himself (with a spoon it's questionable...with just food it's only slightly less so).
18. Wants to explore everything - especially unusual textures and cord/strap like objects. 
19. Likes to snuggle up to Daddy while sleeping (about a third to half the time).
20. Absolutely hates shirts over his head now.
21. Has specific favorite stories he wants read over, and over, and over again.
22. Attempts to have conversations and fluctuates voice as though asking questions or making statements.
23. Gives Mommy/Daddy/grandparents kisses.
24. Blows raspberries on Mommy/Daddy to make her/him laugh.
25. Gives Mommy/Daddy/grandparents hugs.

In short, he's just getting even more adorable. It's kind of ridiculous. He still loves watching people. He's still good buddies with Java the Cat. He's still cranky when he doesn't get a good nap and his hair always has a party while he sleeps. Oh, and most importantly, he still smiles when he sees me upon waking or from across the room.

Still, he's growing so fast. I don't want to miss anything! I feel like if I blink he'll be 25 and getting married....

It's important to remember to be in this time, enjoying the present. Even when Kiddo's sobbing or wailing or frustrated because he doesn't know how to do something yet, I know this only happens once. Every moment is a treasure. Every moment is a joy.

Six Months: From Basic to Playing

Kiddo has now moved from wanting the basics into a new era. He doesn't just want his diaper changed. He isn't just hungry. He isn't just tired.

He is all these things AND he wants to play.

Everything and anything can be a toy for him, from daddy's drinking straw to the maple dining table. He gets so distracted by his "toys" that he forgets his other needs until he's aching with hunger or falling down tired.

This means I have to anticipate him a bit more than before, which isn't easy considering his routine is changing. We had something down and now everything is different. Nap times have changed, eating habits have changed, even when he has dirty diapers has changed.

I feel like this is probably a trend that will last throughout parenthood; if you think you have a routine, it's already changed.

Sheesh.

Talk about stressors.

The plus about this discovery period is he can entertain himself for short periods of time. He also sits up, which means I don't have to constantly prop him up (although I still do that frequently). These seemingly small steps are huge leaps towards independence in both mind and mobility. It's exciting, scary, and at the same time sad.

My baby's growing up. He's almost 6 months old and rushing towards toddlerhood. Who knew every milestone could make Mommy cry?

Super Baby Talk and Other Advanced Milestones

Remember how I said my alien kiddo is a super baby? Yeah. It keeps coming.

Last week he started repeating the word "Hi." Before that he was imitating the word "Hello" as well as his gummy mouth could say it. Last night he started adding "How are you?" and "I love you."

I have witnesses. I'm perfectly serious about this.

Is your jaw on the floor? Because mine was.

Obviously kiddo doesn't understand the meaning behind all these words he's imitating, but his verbal brain has clearly passed into overdrive. He talks ALL the time (Is this the result of two minister grandparents? I canna say!). He also appears to attempt singing.

We already know he likes music (He watched The Voice and The Sing-Off as avidly as any fan - and cries when it goes back to talking!). He's recently begun to "talk" while people are singing, and stops when the music stops. It's adorable!

Can I just remind everyone this kid is only 15 weeks old? That's CRAZYPANTS!

In other news, kiddo is: holding his hands together, passing things from one hand to the other, rolling over and back again (with effort), sitting up supported by his hands, bearing weight on his feet (held securely by Mom in her lap), grasping toys easily (and bringing them to his mouth), and even rolling his ball back and forth!

All of this is REALLY exciting for many, many reasons! I'm pretty sure I don't have to worry about kiddo's development at all, except to keep up with it (which is a challenge I will gladly take!).

Has your baby wowed you with their development? Leave a comment below! I'd love to read your story!

One Buff Mommy

Maybe moms with kids in the fifth percentile can't say this -I don't know -  but having a baby makes you buff. Well, having my baby makes me buff. Specifically, carrying my baby or just making sure he doesn't wriggle off my lap makes me buff.

Holy Toledo does kiddo put me through the paces!

Kiddo, you see,  needs to be held - like all the time. He is a cuddle bug. He doesn't need to be held by me all the time (sometimes he wants Daddy or his grandparents) but he does want to be held. You see, he wants to participate in the conversation - be a part of the action. He also likes to move like all the time. It's kind of like having a mixture between a Shake Weight and kettlebell workout. Oh and let's not forget he's not getting any lighter.

I've read babies slow their growth at 6 months. Then again they slow down around 12. Seeing as kiddo is sporting 9 month clothes at this point I'm looking forward to the slow down (Incidentally, if you were thinking of gifting us new or gently used pieces, please only 12 months and up - and of the longer torso variety!).

I mean, he's got socks with non-skid pads on the soles! He can't even crawl!

Anyway the result is mom's arms are more buff than ever. I have an indent when my bicep contracts that is more noticeable (at least to me) than ever before. My legs are boasting significantly more muscle. All this is very exciting because it means my metabolism is speeding up and therefore that extra baby weight (etc) is disappearing.

I'm guessing that when kiddo goes mobile I'll go through my own transformation as I end up chasing him around everywhere. I'm crossing my fingers!

2 Month Well Baby Visit

Yesterday kiddo had his 2 month well baby visit at 10 weeks old.

We really lucked out with a great doc a block away from home who has 25 years experience. This man was phenomenal. He genuinely loves kids and has a great bedside manner. He made us feel comfortable and informed us in no uncertain terms that kiddo is perfect...if on the bigger side.

Spiderman Band-aid!

Remember the last weight update? He was 13 lbs 6 oz at 6 weeks. Just 4 weeks later...he gained 2 pounds! He is now 15 lbs 6 oz!

*blinks*

I might have to compete in one of those crazy challenge runs using kiddo as a training tool...just wearing him is a workout!

And how long is kiddo? A whopping 25 inches! This kid has grown a crazy amount. He was 21.25 inches at birth! He's grown almost 4 inches in 2.5 months! That means he's in the 95% for both height and weight. He's perfectly proportioned.

In addition to finding out that kiddo is growing perfectly and looks completely normal developmentally, he got 4 vaccines because we're following the CDC schedule for vaccination. Apparently the one oral vaccine was more delicious than his vitamin D drops he takes daily. The 3 shots in his thighs were something else entirely.

Ironman Band-aid!

I haven't seen kiddo wail like that since the newborn screening. The poor kid was so upset. I picked him up and nursed him, whispering soothing words in his ear. Eventually he settled down, however it wasn't over.

For the rest of the day he cried whenever his thighs were touched. That night he had a low grade fever and for once wasn't sweating. He also wasn't nursing as well. I gave him pain reliever and sat up with him to try to get him to nurse which he did. Then the fever broke and he was so sweaty it soaked through 3 layers of towel. He even had pink crystals in his diaper the next morning he'd lost so much water (Needless to say we nursed extra long this morning.).
He was actually cranky until 8 pm today, when he finally began smiling again.

I hated this past day but I'd rather deal with a mild vaccine reaction and cranky baby than have to sit next a crib in the hospital wondering if my baby's going to live or die or survive with life-long health issues or disabilities. It breaks my heart to see kiddo in mild discomfort, but I can live with that if it means keeping kiddo healthy.

I Know My Baby Will Be...

There's this thing about parenting; you want your kid to be special. You want your kid to be awesome. The thing is, every kid isn't. But just like the Bible, you can find evidence even at the youngest ages that your kid is amazing or has some kind of cool something or other.

Just don't be surprised if your kid isn't...especially.

Keep in mind, I'm saying this as much to remind myself as to help you out. Really. I'm doing the same thing. So, I figured I would provide you some entertainment at the expense of myself...

I know kiddo is going to be an artist because he stares at paintings and gets really excited when you stare at the same painting he likes.

I know kiddo is going to win eating contests because, well, he seems to be shooting for the most milk in a 24 hour period.

I know kiddo is working on his vampirism because he flinches every time he goes into direct sun (or maybe just a goth?).

I know kiddo is going to be a big burly man not only because he's at the top of the growth charts, but because he's a ginger.

I know kiddo will play soccer because he kicks...a lot.

I know kiddo will walk before crawling because he hates tummy time and loves to be on his feet.

I know kiddo will be a musician because of his large hands and the fact he cries when the music gets turned off.

I know kiddo will be a social butterfly because he prefers to sit at the table on someone's lap at dinner than to be relegated to the pak n' play.

And finally...I know kiddo will be a genius. That one's obvious...I mean, he's got us for parents. ;-)

What do you swear your kid will be and why? Leave a comment below!

Happy Halloween!

Because we've been going through a bit of a wonder week with kiddo, I've really only had time to work on my next novel (sorry the blog has been lacking). I do however have a few posts floating around my mind.

Since his five week wonder week, kiddo began social smiling (at six weeks, on October 15 he gave me the biggest smile ever for the very first time). After his seven week wonder week, he began cooing (starting on October 25) and then this past Monday (October 28) he gave a little giggle for the first time.

It's been a big leap forward for kiddo.

As such, I thought you'd appreciate a few cute pics of the adorable little alien with his doting parents.

Wishing you all a safe, happy, and chocolate filled Halloween!

6 Week Giant

Remember how I wasn't sure if kiddo was a giant? Well, he is. Today at our final postpartum appointment at the birth center we weighed him. Keep in mind he's exactly 6 weeks. Keep in mind the average - the average - breastfed baby gains 5-7 ounces per week...

13 lbs 5 oz.

Seriously.

Who needs free weights?

Remember how much he was at birth? 9 lbs 8 oz. Then at the first (or was it second? It was the first week anyway!) appointment he actually lost 10% of his birth weight and was 8 lbs 9 oz...sooo he's gained over 4 lbs since that time.

F-O-U-R POUNDS!

The average baby puts on about T-W-O by their 6 week mark. 2. That's it. Just 2.

It would appear that kiddo will stay in the 90th percentile and I'm crossing my fingers for athletic scholarships in his future.

It could happen. Christian's family does that sort of thing, and I was always really good at school. The combo seems likely. So Ivy League it is? Crossies!

Alien, Giant, or Super Baby?

My kid is too big. I mean really.

At his second well baby visit we discovered he'd gained 9 oz in 4 days (since he was weighed at the midwife postpartum visit). He's only worn 3 month size since he was born, though he might have gotten away with newborn depending on the make...maybe...probably not.

Actually...not.

I discovered today that he is too long for his 3 month sized sleepers. Thankfully I only have one that is a footie sleeper. The other one is open at the ankles, so he might be able to wear it a little longer. I'm crossing my fingers because they're so darn cute but I'm not getting my hopes up.

Because kiddo is so long, I decided to take out some of the 3-6 month sized sleepers that we have. They look a little too long off...but on? My guess is he'll fill them out more than I think.

And that's just the sleepers.

When kiddo was born he was swimming in the 3 month sized onesies by most companies. The only one that seemed to fit alright was Gerber. So my mother, awesome woman that she is, bought us some more Gerber onesies. And of course now I can barely get them over his head or pulled down around his middle. Yes, I think I have to retire that set.

Sigh.

This kid is just shy of 6 weeks old and he's already grown out of some 3 month sized clothes (alright...probably the rest of them are just around the corner)! Thankfully my family and friends supplied me with a ton of 6 month sized clothes...so I'm hoping that will carry me to the 3 month mark...but once I get to 9 and 12 months, I'm basically screwed (Christmas anybody?). I have a much smaller stash of clothes for that size...and my guess is kiddo is going to run into that size by February.

My question is now, is kiddo an alien, a giant, or a superbaby? I'm just not sure. Maybe all three? I think I may need to buy stock in Trader Joe's or something.

My Baby is an Alien Superhero

"This is my son, Kal-El."

That's probably what I should be saying when people meet kiddo. Instead I picked a completely non-superhero name (Yes, it was inspired by a prince of Amber, but still...not a superhero!).

Why should kiddo have a superhero name? Well..because he's a super baby. I say this being completely objective, and not letting my motherly pride taint my description. If anything, his actions in his almost 2 weeks of life scare me.

At 9 days old this kid rolled over. I have 2 additional witnesses to this crazy act. He shouldn't be doing that until 4 months. He's been smiling since about 4 days old. He's been sucking on his hand/fingers since he popped out. Did I mention that he could hold his head up by 5 days old? Yeah...that's something he shouldn't have been able to do until like a month or more old.

This kid is on the fast track.

Last night he not only rolled over, but if his arm hadn't gotten caught under him, I think that kid would have started crawling. Believe me...I wouldn't say this unless it was true. I'm not being hyperbolic here. Christian swears he's trying to copy sounds and faces of other people. I'm not sure on that one, but I know when I copy him, he stops to consider what is happening and tries to change what he does with his mouth and the noises he's making...so maybe that's happening too?

Any way I look at it, it's scary. It's scary because it looks like kiddo is going to need a lot of stimulation as he gets older to stave off boredom. He's going to need challenging toys that allow him to explore his environment and flex his mental muscles. Puzzles are going to be our new best friend. And so are blocks. I'm going to have to try to figure out how to expose him to art and music in age appropriate ways (Can you tell I've been reading about this stuff?). I think chess is very much on the docket (Christian will be so pleased.). School seems so far away at 5 years, but at the same time, if kiddo keeps on this fast track, it's something Christian and I will need to plan for because kiddo may be too advanced for it to work well for him.

Of course, I could be getting ahead of myself. I could be. But my gut says babies don't crawl after a few weeks of life. That's unusual. And of course there's more helpful info out there on delayed milestones than there is for advanced milestone achievement.

So...I'm sort of flying blind here, with my alien super baby in tow. And even though the prospect of trying to keep up with his speedy development is a little scary, it's also an exciting challenge. And I'll just keep his crazy achievement record away from moms who are worried about delayed development...I mean, assuming it continues. But, I expect it will. I mean, I was advanced with language and art, so why not kiddo be advanced physically? Seems just as likely.

I just hope he doesn't start walking by 6 months. I don't know if I'll be able to keep up!