California Visit

We have had a very busy week. Lots of time with Grandma and Granpa. Noticed that Peter has another tooth. Of course, it is not the molar that he has been working on for months. We had a visit from one of my uncles. Christmas was wonderful and fun with lots of books for Peter. We played on the beach and in the water a little bit. Peter did not like the water because the wave was too big. We had a play date with oen of my friend's little ones. We also got to see our cousin Jessica. This morning he woke up all happy, after a night of screaming, and we think another tooth is breaking through. We hope it is. For the first time, he gave us all kisses. That really told us that he is feeling better. He is also saying Bye and waving so we think he knows that we are flying to Oregon today.

One last piece of news. I got a phone call last night from my friend who was pet sitting. Stormy passed away some time over the weekend. We have known that it was coming as he was getting sicker and sicker since his buddy died over the summer. We will be burying him when we get home (if we can dig well because we had another 3 inches of snow yesterday).

We hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas (Noel a very Merry Birthmas) and have a wonderful New Year. We look forward to spending time with all of you in the next coming year.

Visiting Santa

New Look

Due to technical difficulties for some looking at the blog, we have had to go to a Blogger template. I will try to make it look like an original template as soon as I learn how to play with Photoshop Elements.

We just arrived in Southern California yesterday. The plane ride was good for the most part, but Peter did not take a nap all day. Thank goodness for DVD players. He just loves Seasame Street, especially Seasame Beginnings where all of the characters are babies. He only screamed during the dedescent because he was tired of being confined on my lap, the DVD player had to be turned off, and he was hot. It could also be beacuse he is sick yet again but so is the rest of the family.

We will update with some photos as the week goes on. We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and we will see all of you soon.

Stair Climbing

Sorry it is sideways but I just had to video tape it.

Added bonus, he started crawling this weekend. It is a funky crawl.

Doctor Visit (again)

We had a doc appt. and Peter ended up with a chest x-ray that showed that he most likely has Pneumonia, so we are treating him as if it is. We caught it really early on luckily. The poor thing has been hacking away for weeks but has been teething too.

Tomorrow, hopefully we are off to Zoo Lights, weather permitting of course. A little rain is OK though because his stroller has a plastic raincover that complete covers him.

Little Drummer Boy

I shot some great video of our Little Drummer Boy (video 1 and video 2)

We hope you enjoy!

Can you blow your nose?

Peter has a really bad cold and his first ear infection. We found out on Saturday that if you let him have the tissue, he will blow his nose and then eat the kleenex. I love the first part but not the second. He always makes us laugh.

Because of his cold, we have been using the vapor bath stuff which bubbles. Peter learned a new word this week. Bubble. He loves to say it and says it often when he sees bubbles. He includes the bubbles in the bath, the bubbles that he has on his binky of spit, and the bubbles that they have a daycare. He is so funny and so excited when he sees bubbles. It is amazing that he is saying it all of the time. Our little chatterbox is starting to actually make sense.

Allergist

Our findings from the allergist are a nightmare. Peter came up allergic slightly to dairy (so he thinks he will grow out of it), cat dander, dest mites, and WHEAT!! We did not see the that coming. He did not find him to be allergic to soy.

Our game plan is to cut out wheat for the rest of this week and then this weekend let him have his usual amount. Then see what happens. The doctor does not think the wheat is going to be so much of an issue. We are just going to have to limit it more.

I had a break down about it and then went shopping. We did pretty well at Fred Meyer's (our local Kroger store) and got him rice bread, gluten free cookies, gluten free crackers, etc. Then I made him fried chicken without any dairy or wheat. He loved it. We will just try this out and then hopefully just do a limited amount of dairy.

1st True Steps

I am going to count today as the first day Peter ever walked. We decided that the previous steps had extra momentum but today he did not need that. He let go of Rob and kept walking to me. We played the back and forth game for a while and it was so much fun. All three of us were laughing so hard. Unfortunately, that meant that Peter was laughing so hard that he fell down and went boom but it was fun until it lasted. I think he is going to be walking everywhere soon. We will just have to wait and see.

Ouch

The scrapbook page says it all.

P.S. We turned Peter's carseat around last night and he is really confused but loves to smile at his mom.

Baby Gate

I had training this evening and the first thing that my husband told me afterwards was that he had to call him mom because of what Peter did. So my mind starts racing and wondering what happened and of course Rob has a long pause. He finally tells me that Peter was playing around and went out of sight and got really quite (a mom's worse nightmare sentence). Then he procedes to tell me that he hears a small giggle from the stairs. Come to find out, Peter climbed the stairs all by himself. He giggled when he was two away from the top. Peter was very proud of himself. I guess that bottom baby gate will be up from now on.

Peter's Appt.

We went to the nutrionist and it was awful. She told me that his tests came back negative for allergies so she doesn't believe that he is allergic to milk or anything else. She did not help with anything and told me that it is pointless to go to an allergist even if the GI doctor said that it was a good idea. I was so mad!! On top of it Peter had a gas attack when we were there until dinner time. It was just not good. I am so frustrated!! Isn't there someone who can help me figure what is going on with my child??

One positive, Peter is up another pound from last month. He is now 24lbs. 12oz. I guess the pack 'n play changing table is going to have to be put away because there is a 25lb. weight limit.

1 other thing, Rob is not going to have surgery until after the new year. The doc wants to give it a chance to heal on it's own.

Halloween

Happy Halloween

Uh Oh

This evening at dinner, clear as a bell, Rob and I heard "Uh Oh". We were not expecting that to come out of Peter's mouth because we have never heard it before. We just cracked up laughing. All through dinner, Peter continued to say it over and over. He really is playing with his language skills.

1st Steps (but I don't believe it) & Kisses

I was on the phone this evening with Christy and ran upstairs to do the laundry. When I came down, Rob told me that Peter had walked 4 full steps!! He walked from his rocker to the ottoman. I can't believe it though because it doesn't truly happen unless you see it for yourself, right? I know though that it will be my turn to see it real soon.

Some other news, Peter is in love with blowing kisses. We introduced the concept to him on Saturday. He started with licking his hand. It was so cute but a little disgusting, especially since he had just stuck his finger in a goat's mouth at the zoo. On Sunday, he got the kissing part. On Monday, he got the sound effects with it. Today, we were leaving the library. I told him to tell the library goodbye. He waved. I told him that we really like the library and he blew it a kiss. Just too cute.

Moving Around

Peter had a great time moving around the house yesterday. Go to Video
to look at the video. Go to the 06 Oct-Nov section to see it. Enjoy

New Photos

I just uploaded some fair, baseball game, Zoo Boo, and pumpkin patch photos. They are at Photos. Look under 06 Sept. - Oct.

Signing

Peter did his first sign of milk early in September. He does not usually use it but sometimes does at inopportune times, like when we are in the car on the way home and then he screams because he does not get what he wants. Today he signed more. He nicely did it when he wanted more crackers. The problem with sign is that he plays with it and does it when he does not mean that word. I guess children do that with takling also. Speaking of talking, he is talking more and more. He sort of did the sign for all done today but he sure said it clear. At least clear enough for Christy to know that he said it. Language is such an amazing discovery for children at this age.

Baseball

This is not really about Peter but rather Peter's parents. I am a Mets fan, having spent many summers in New York. Rob is a Cardinals fan, due to my mother in law used to visit and go to Cardinal games when she was growing up. Tonight's game is hard because we both want our teams to win. It is tight. We are going into the 8th inning and it is a 1:1 tie. I just so hope the Mets win!! Then maybe let the underdog Tiger's win just because they are the underdogs and have not been there for years. Luckily, Peter knows his true identity, a Mariner's fan 1st (Met's fan second, just don't tell his father).

GI Appt.

We had Peter's GI appt. yesterday. He was 23lbs. 6oz. and 31 inches long. The doc said that he believes that Peter is allergic to milk protein (this is a true allergy to milk not lactose intolerance). He is to have no milk products and a huge list of what that looks like on labels. The doc did tell us to try out soy again. We have an appt. with a nutrionist in 2 weeks and a follow appt. in 2 months. We are happy to have answers.

P.S.

Peter has his GI appointment at Mary Bridge tomorrow. We will see what they have to say. Hopefully I will have more to update Tuesday because I have a late night class tomorrow.

Trunk Strength

Many of you know that Peter has had some delays with his gross motor (moving around). Well, last Monday, he did something wonderful to show how strong he is getting. He got mad at Rob and threw himself on the ground and screamed at us. Once he got over his tantrum he rolled to his belly, pushed up into crawling, and sat himself up!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is huge. This has been a major concern and the reason why we got a PT eval in August. We are very excited to see him progressing. This weekend, even though he was a little sick, he has been everywhere. He does not listen to the word no and goes EVERYWHERE. He loves tor cruise around the furniture, stand up and then plop himself down, and try to get into things. He is loving it. We are trying to be calm as he falls but he is getting a lot better. I guess we better finish baby proofing the house.

Peter and I went to the last Mariner's game of the season with Noel and Christy, Jane and Ted, and LeRyna (Rob's new teaching partner). Rob was home with a sprained knee. It was a fun game but very busy with a 13 month old.

On top of this, we have been having a fussy boy. We thought he was teething and that he was getting a new tooth on the bottow. Within two days, he had two new teeth on the bottom. What a surprise!!

Today we had a weight check for Peter because he really hasn't been gaining any weight. He was 22lbs. 9 oz. two weeks ago when he was sick. He was 23lbs. 15oz. today. I think it is because he suddenly started eating everything in sight this weekend. We did try Goat's Milk and I think it is a no go so we are going to try rice milk tomorrow. We will see what that brings. GI appt. in two weeks. I just want answers!!

Halloween Costume

Peter tried on his Halloween costume today. He is just so cute being the little dinosaur.

Daddy's Crutches

Rob hurt himself yesterday at school and sprained his knee. Peter has found the joy in playing with Daddy's crutches.

Cabinets

Peter finally figured out how to get into the cabinets. He loves seeing what is hiding.

Digital Scrapbooking

Tooth #5 and definitely Allergic to Dairy

Yesterday, Peter was getting tickle attached by Rob and I noticed a little extra white in his mouth. There happened to be a new tooth. We really didn't notice him fussier due to the fact that he has been so sick lately. Peter is no longer drinking milk. Rob missed every other day of work last week because Peter was getting sick from the dairy. I have missed every other afternoon this week because Peter got stomach flu and had another dairy issue. We have an appointment with a Pediatric Gastrointestinal (GI) doctor at Mary Bridge, out local children's hospital, on October 16. Hopefully we can start figuring out what is going on.

Scrap Love

You should check out my other blog Scrap Love.

Walking 3 of 3

Here is the final video.

Walking 2 of 3

This one is a very short clip.

Walking 1 of 3

This is one of three videos.  We hope you enjoy.

So Behind

I am so behind and have not updated Peter's stuff for quite a while. I am so sorry but the beginning of the school year is quite busy. We have not even had time to do Peter's 12 month portraits that I do around the house. We did do so at Picture People and they turned out pretty good.

Peter had 3 wonderful birthday parties. Since then, we have been busy getting into our routine. Peter did try to do milk but that only lasted for 2.5 weeks because it started to make him sick. We are going to next try soy milk. We will see how that goes.

I will have a video of Peter walking with some assistance posted very shortly. Here really is starting to cruise around the house. When not walking with a little assistance, he is going all around butt scooting. This mobility means that he is getting into everything. Mobility is a blessing and a curse.

Otherwise all is well. We hope all is well with your family too.

Night Issues

Peter has been an awful sleeper the last while and has only wanted to sleep in our bed. We did cry it out last night and I crashed. Rob was up most of the night. One time Rob went in there, he found Peter sitting criss cross applesauce (Indian style), looking as if he was trying to figure out how to pull up to get out of the bed. This is the first time Peter has sit up on his own. I know Rob was so frustrated but it is hilarious at the same time.

Rob is currently upstairs sleeping with Peter for his afternoon nap.

Bday Invite

I just got Peter's invites done for two of his three birthday parties. (Don't use this info to show up to a party because, like I said there are three different parties. What a party boy I have?!?)This is the basic layout of it. I can't believe that we are preparing for my baby to turn ONE!! I just love the invite.

Standing

Peter stood today!!! He was sitting by Rob's side and Rob was sitting in our arm chair. Peter wanted up and started climbing up the arm chair and Rob's leg. Before Rob knew it, his son was standing next to him. He did it a second time right after lunch. Peter was so proud of himself. He was all smiley and excited. You could see his pride shining through!

New Pics

We just had a great weekend up at Lake Coeur d'Alene with our friends Noel and Christy and Noel's family. You can find the pictures at Yahoo . Look under August. I hope you enjoy.

P.S. I am staying with Tacoma for teaching. Some great things have happened and I will be teaching Preschool with them.

Before and After

We wanted to share with you before and after surgery shots. We hope you like the progress his eye has made. We sure are pleased.

Tub 2

Tub 1

This was shot when it was almost 100 degrees.

Mid July

Mid July, Peter was trying to figure out how to pull up and walk

Early July

Right befor leaving for Sandy for Mt. Festival, I put Peter in the Pack and Play.  He decided that he was not going to sit down.  This was the first extended time that he stood without an adult.

Tiny Steps

Rob and I were hanging out yesterday. One time Rob was on the floor with Peter and had him standing between his legs, until Peter start to walk out of the space. He got a few steps before Rob got hold of him. Later, I was sitting on the couch and Peter was walking along the ottoman. He kept walking past the ottoman to the glider to get to Rob. It was a good three steps before he got to Rob. He was walking tall and very confidentely. It was very scary for us but very exciting for Peter. I guess we better finish baby proofing because we are going to have a little one going everywhere soon.

P.S. I ordered the cord on ebay because I had not found it at any stores. There should be pictures up later next week.

Where, oh, where did the little cord go??

Ok, Ok; I promised pictures because I "thought" I found the cord for the camera. No, it was not the right one. Why do they all have to look a like. That was actually the cord for the old Palm Pilot. I was so bummed when I sat down and tried to plug it in.

Now my questions is, "Where did it go?" My husband and hunted all around the house. I have looked too. I have not seen it since the day we left to go to my in-laws earlier this month. Is it in Oregon? Is it playing hide and seek in our house? I have no clue but I hate making everyone wait for the pictures of the progress of Peter's eye and the bruise he got last weekend. I promise it is all on the camera ready to be uploaded. It just needs that pesky cord. Hopefully soon. Maybe I will get one on the way home from the car's oil change.

P.S. My job situation is still pending. I will let everyone know what I am teaching next year as soon as I know. Until then, I am studying away and have fully finished one class so far.

More Teeth, Updates, and Bruises

The Sunday after surgery, a week ago, Peter woke up giggly. He giggled his way through his morning and all the way through breakfast. I finally reached into his mouth and "WOW" his top tooth finally came in. It was so nice to have a giggle boy once again. He had been cranky since school got out.

This last Sunday, the one next to it started coming in too. It is still partial hiding but some of it is out.

Speaking of surgery, I need to upload the before and after shots of surgery. By the Monday after surgery, his eye looks as if nothing ever had happened to him. Now above it, it looks like something happened, he has a big bruise from a fall. He is just trying to walk everywhere and is trying to let go of us. If is SO SCARY!!! He thinks it is fun until he goes bump and bump and bump. He fell three times within an hour yesterday morning.

Pictures will be uploaded soon now that I found the cord. I will try to do that tomorrow along with lots and lots of homework. I'd better go to bed as snugglebutt is already slumbering.

We're Home

The surgery is done and Peter is great. He is a little tired but otherwise great! We should see a difference in a few days.

Sugery Tomorrow

Tomorrow is surgery day. Peter will have surgery on his clogged tear duct. It will be a quick procedure but they still will put him under. The bummer part is that he can't have solids after 4am but can be breastfed until 8. We have to be at the hospital by noon and surger is 1:30pm. We will let you know how it goes.

Exploration

I have really gotten into digital scrapbooking. I hope you enjoy.

1st 4th of July

I just did my first digital crop.  Here are the results. 

Angela Sharrow - American Tradition Kit, PSPX, Font is Angelina

1st Scrap

I have started to scarpbook digitally.  It is a lot easier with trying to keep up with Peter.  Here is my first full layout.

Cutest Kid Contest

We want you to see the cutest kid ever! Vote for Baby 5093 to win the "Baby, You're a Star!" contest hosted by Evenflo.Click here to vote now.This little cutie could win a $10,000 scholarship and become a face for Evenflo, so be sure you cast your vote daily (voting is allowed once a day).

Eating Grass

Tonight, Rob and I planted our two trees that we got during the Spring.  One is an Alberta Spruce and the other, my Mother's Day present, is a Japanese Maple.  While doing pictures with Peter and the trees, he discovered there is something new to eat in the yard!  Grass! 

Peter Cooling Off

Today was over 90 degrees.  Rob and Peter found a great way to make Peter happy!  They played with the fan.  I came down from studying and found them giggling and walking towards the fan and falling backwards.  We thought we would share the fun with you.  Hope you enjoy!

Father's Day at the Ball Park

We spent Father's Day at Safeco Field watching the Mariner's Game. They won 5 to 1 against the Giants. Melissa, Blake, Sydney, Noel, Christy, and Ted all joined us for the trip on the train and the game. It was lots of fun but Peter did not like the loud noise of the cheering. That could have been beacuase he did not take a nap all day until he was in the stroller once the game ended. We had a great day with great friends and some great dads.

Peter's Nap

Yesterday, I called Rob while I was at work and he told me that Peter had fallen asleep on the floor with his toy. My first question was, "Is he sick?" then, "Did he knock himself out with the gym?" Both answers were no, the right answer was he played himself to sleep. As you can tell, he was a very busy boy. He even slept like this for an hour.

A Day at the Zoo

Today was Peter's first time at the zoo. I took my Kindergartners to the zoo and Rob and Peter joined us. They joined my group of three boys so I was completely out numbered. We had a great time. Peter enjoyed the interactions with my students.

My roses bloomed and are beautiful!!

Our little gardener

My little gardener! I didn't know that he would be his daddy but he is more and more everyday!! He wouldn't smile for a picture for me but was very interested in the rocks that he was around. Soon, he will help us arrange where our trees and flowers go.

9 month video

Peter and I were doing his 9 month pictues this morning and he decided to grad his bear and have some fun. 

9 Months

Peter had his 9 month doctor visit today. He is 21lbs. 15oz. (which is only a 1 lb. gain in the past 3 months) and 29inches long. She had a little concern about him not walking or cruising and said to come back in next month if he is still not moving. If it doesn't change, she is going to send him to PT. I don't think we will need to because Peter is starting to figure it out on scooting on his butt. She also got us hooked up with an optholmoligist (sp?) to take care of his clogged tear duct. All else is good.

#2

Tooth #2 just broke through for Peter!! So, he has his first two bottom teeth. Yeah!

8 Months

Tulips

Spring is a amazing thing in the Northwest. The tulips are out and always give you hope of summer. Today was a sunshiny day and Peter and i took advantage of it.

Happy Easter

Happy Easter!!

Teething

Peter had his first tooth finally come through his gums on Saturday, Tax Day. He has been chewing on everything in sight. Boy, is that tooth sharp. One down, how many more to go??!!??

Eastee Eggs

Peter was really enjoying his Easter eggs today.

Sandy Toes

Today we met my cousin Jessica and her boyfriend, Matt, at Ruby's in Oceanside. Before we met up with them, Peter and I went down to the beach and Peter got introduced to sand. He seemed to love the way that it felt in his hands and between his toes. It was very funny to watch him play with it. Lunch was great with Jessica and Matt. Can't wait to see her again next time we visit California.

7 Months

1st Plane Ride

We are getting ready right now for Peter's first plane ride. Peter and I are flying to Southern California to visit my parents who have not seen him since he was 3 weeks old. We are excited yet nervous, especially about going through security. Just the balancing act of baby, stroller, carseat, diaper bag, and pump have kept me up since 4:30. I know it will all work out and be easier then expected but the unknown and TSA are scary. We will let you know how it went later!

Trip to Seattle

We went into Seattle today, Sunday. We went through Pike's Place Market. We had a great time. The sun was out, it wasn't too cold, and Peter was very interested in everything and everyone. After the market, we headed to University Village. Peter ate out for the first time and was so excited that he got his peaches all over him. We then went shopping for a bit and headed home. All of the boys slept in the car.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Report Card Helper

Today was the day to get report cards done. Peter was in a mood that he only wanted his mommy. I was trying to get work done but it was not working. As you can see, Peter wanted to help. Luckily the boys all went shopping and report cards were finished quickly.

Snow in March?!?

We woke up to snow on the ground this morning. There was not very much but enough to do a nice dusting. Peter and I went and took pictures in it early this morning because we knew that it would be gone after school, which it is (atleast in Tacoma). Here are our pictures.

World Kidney Day

Thursday, March 9 is World Kidney Day. Over the last 1.5 years, I have had the opportunity to chat on www.connected-moms.com with a mom who's son, Gavin, has Chronic Renal Failure. 3 months ago, his dad gave him the greatest gift of life, one of his kidneys. Tomorrow, I will be wearing green in honor of this day. Please join me and do the same.

6 Month Photos

6 Month Doc Visit

Good doc appt. today. Peter is 20lbs 14oz. and 28.5 inches long. He has only gained just over a pound during the last two months. All else is well and now we will start eating thicker foods. Our next visit is at 9 months.

Poor Peter

We have all been battling a head cold and thought that Peter wasn't going to get it this time, but no such luck. We went to the doctor's to make sure it is only a cold and luckily, that is all it is. We also found out that he is 20lbs. 10oz. He has only gained 15oz. over the last 2 months. I guess he is growing into himself.

Peter

A New Member of the Household

No, it is not another child (unless you want to call at 30 something that). Noel Webster is joining our household because he got a job here. Christy will be in Texas at the Houston Zoo until she can get another zoo job in our area. There goes the scrapbook room but good friends are more important.

Oregon Trip

We had a great weekend in Oregon. We did a lot of visiting and a lot of shopping. We got to visit Great Grandma Felix, the Optimist , and Jenny and Dan on Saturday. On Sunday, we visited with Timm's, Jones', and Ericksons'. It was very busy but lots of fun. We are also excited that we purchased an Ergo Baby Carrier and a Techno XT stroller. We love using the Ergo and look forward to using the stroller. Both make taking Peter places much easier.

While at the Timms', Peter decided to play. He talked to Sydney and looked at Ryan. Peter also enjoyed watching everyone so much that he decided to sit up for over 5 minutes without assistance. It was very exciting!!

Learning More and More

Peter has had a very busy week. On Wedensday, he surprised Paula (Daycare Provider) by rolling over two rolls in a row. How exciting! Before we know it, he may be rolling all around the floor. We defintely know that putting him on the bed to chill is a major no no now!!

Yesterday, Peter was saying goodbye to one of the staff in the office. We showed him how to wave and said "Say bye, bye!" He opened and closed his hand waving and said "I, I" (long vowel verion). We know that it is not real words for him yet but in a matter of time he will be using real words to talk off our ears, not just his babbling.

Today we are off to Oregon to go visit Grandpa Bob, Grandma Lori, some more family, and friends. We should have a fun weekend. I hope it is not too cold though. It is suppose to be in the teens in Sandy. Oh my goodness, cold!

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! Peter's first Valentine's day was full of not wanting to take naps and crabbiness but some fun mixed in. Look at that amazing smile! He also had some giggles. Peter's favorite thing is for you to say "Boo" and if he is in a silly mood he will crack up laughing. I never knew that a baby's laugh would make you laugh so hard! He is defintely a goof like his father.

We hope that you had a wonderful Valentine's with your family and have a great holiday weekend. Hopefully we will catch up with some of you this weekend.

Growth Spurt?

All Peter has done for the last few days is eat and sleep. The only thing I can figure out it is, is a growth spurt. For breakfast the other morning, he was a little piggy and had a whole container of sweet potatoes, rice cereal, and a bottle. I just can't believe how much he is eating.

More Updates

I played some more and added a guest book along with other things in the right hand column. I hope you enjoy.

Watch Me Grow

I just updated our Yahoo Photos with our 5 month growth pictures. Click on "Watch Me Grow" to see how big Peter is getting.

Peter 

Time Flies

I have been so bad on keeping up with Peter's first. I really should have written it down but timme never seems to be available to do so. Maybe this will be a better way to keep up with it. Peter is 5 months old!! I can't believe it. He is rolling over, rolling around, sitting up with help, grabbing at things, giggling, smiling all of the time, talking (not real words but still very talkative), and loves to play. Every morning and evening he is eating solids also. So far, he eats rice cereal, greenbeans, carrots (but these are a no no for right now), sweet potatoes, and pears. I truly can't believe that 5 months have passed but am so happy to see Peter growing and happy! I am so excited to see what is in store for us as this year continues.