9 Months

We celebrated Jackson's 9-month birthday with a bang.  ha! We went back to Dr. Wilson this morning because he had fever, and sure enough he had two infected ears, and one had ruptured!  Other than the fever, you couldn't tell he felt bad today.  (Yesterday was a different story though). 

We were at the doctor last week for his 9-month appointment (even though it was a sick visit).  He weighted 18 pounds, 1 ounce and was 28 inches long.  His head circumference is 17.5 inches around.  He's not very big, but he is long.  If he continues at this rate, he will be well over 6 feet tall.  

We had his month photo shoot, and tried to get in the same spot, but he was having NONE of it. 

So then we just got in the floor, and he perked up. 

I can't believe he's 3\4 of a year old.  Yes, I am already starting to plan his first birthday party! 

This face just says "I am a stinker!"  Can't you tell? 

I wanted him to stand up holding Brent's hand, but he didn't want to do that either.  

He is eating three bottles a day, and having three meals a day.  A typical day goes something like this:

6 am - 7-8oz bottle

8:30 am - breakfast:  4T oatmeal and 3-6oz of fruit

9-10 am - nap

11:30 am - 6 oz bottle

12:00 pm - lunch:  3 oz veggie and maybe a fruit

2-3 pm - nap

4:00 pm - juice and snack (graham crackers, puffs, yogurt)

6:30 pm - dinner:  meat, veggies, and sometimes cheese pieces

He's really gotten to where he wants to feed himself, but he's not quite ready for all table food yet.  I can see the light at the end of the tunnel though

Stay tuned for other updates...this mama is going to bed! 

Fun with Gamma!

Gamma was here this week visiting, and we enjoyed catching up.  She couldn't believe how big he has gotten since July.  He took right to her and really enjoyed playing and reading with her every night.

Someone likes to read!  He's recently started pulling his books out and looking at them.  Makes mommy proud! 

Reading with Gamma 

He looked so cute today after church.  I wanted to go to Wye Mountain and stick him in some daffodils, but we didn't want to drive all that way.  My petunias have blossomed out, so we tried that.  He wouldn't sit down there on the stones, but he did want to stand up and hold my hand.  He's gotten so big in the past month, and it blows my mind.  I can't wait to see him in his Easter outfit! 

He also started saying "mama" this weekend (in a non-whiney voice), so I am tickled about that!  

We love you so much Little Man! 

We are very glad the weather is warm these days, but the pollen is absolutely horrible right now.  He's been sneezing and coughing from drainage

Lately

Gamma got here last night, so we've had lots of playing and snuggling today.  Jackson took up with her really quickly and was giving her hugs before he went to bed.  He hasn't see her in person since he was three weeks old, so he's definitely changed since then!  She was amazed at how big he is, and how much he can do.  Last weekend we put up the exersaucer and got out this little push toy.  He loves it and can walk behind it pretty good.  He hasn't gotten brave enough to take any steps by himself yet though, although I think by Easter he will be.

I can't wait until he can start folding clothes! 

Peek-a-boo!  Last night he was in the bathtub and put his face in the water.  It was too funny, because he looked at me like I did something!  ha! I think he's going to be a little water baby.  

His hair is a little curly after bath time, and I love those little curls in the back. 

Daddy put a sock on my head! Silly Daddy!  

This past week I've thought he's acted weird.  At night he was fussy and after he goes to sleep, about an hour he would squirm like he couldn't get comfortable.  Today he was drooling and chewing on everything, so I did a little searching and sure enough we have a brand new tooth coming through.  This is the third one on the bottom. 

We're going to have lots of fun with Gamma this week! 

Thirty

I haven't talked about this in a while, but I thought I would share a personal milestone that I've reached this week.  When I was pregnant, I gained 40 pounds, and was disappointed to realize that only half of that was gone after having Jackson.  (It was his fault and not the Blue Bell Cookie Dough ice cream, right). ha!  In September I had lunch with a dear friend who had lost a lot of weigh at the Diet Center, so I paid them a visit to learn more.  I've dieted all my life, and know that genetics plays a big factor in my situation, but I was over my comfort level and had to do something.  I needed a lifestyle change and encouragement.  The Diet Center's program was just what I needed.  The program that I'm on allows for 3 protein bars or shakes a day, plus a meal comprised of protein, veggies, one starch, one fat, dairy, and something additional (like fat free dressing or salsa).  This also helped me because it allowed me to still fix dinner at night, and most nights, what I fix for me is also what Brent eats.   I weigh in a couple of times a week, and it only take 15 minutes, which is good for my busy schedule.

Its taken me a little longer than I anticipated, but I finally hit the 30 pound mark on my scale at home this morning!  (So basically since June, I've lost 50 pounds).  I did really good through the holidays, but January and February were hard months for me.  Most of my problems is control and getting my mind right.  I just want to be normal, and I've come to realize that I cannot eat like normal people do.  I can gain weigh so easily, and I have to keep an eye on the scale every couple of days just to keep it in check.  I have allowed splurges and have had days when I didn't care, but for the most part it has been a very positive experience.  In fact, it's the best thing that I've ever done health wise.  So if you're looking for a change, go see Kristin, Jerry Ann, or Denise at the Diet Center in the Heights.  They have been so encouraging - especially on those days when the scale when in the wrong direction.


This was taken in October 2011, a couple of weeks after I started the program.



This was taken this week.  I can definitely tell in my face, just I just have to work on other areas! ha!

I've had to buy a few new spring clothes because all the ones from last year were maternity, but I did have some that fit from two springs ago.  One thing I am still struggling with is working out.  It seems like I have errands to run during lunch and that's the only time I can go to the gym. I'm also still have foot/ankle issues, so that's not helping me either.  I feel better when I work out, but I'm hoping this summer I can get back into a serious workout again.  I'm planning on at least getting outside more now that the weather is warmer and Spring is here. 

I know it's not much, but I've whittled away at it over time, and I won't lie to say that I'm proud of my results.  I will keep going, keep fighting the fight, keep running the race......