A Hot, Dark Night

That is what last Thursday was.  As soon as I started to pray our power stayed on when the storms rolled in, our lights flickered.  They came on again, but in the middle of my sigh of relief the house again went dark and only to stay that way.  Awesome.  At least we don't have gates up for the dogs anymore. One time, in the not so distant past, as soon as our lights went out, Chris sprung into action.  Like Captain Flashlight or something.  He declared he would  get us some light and ran at full speed straight into a dog gate.  The gate was still standing, but Chris fell flat on his face over it with a big "Hurumph"!  He just laid there.  It was hilarious! I mean, those gates were always there, but I guess when it goes dark you lose your memory, too? I was anything but amused this time, though.  Everything changes when you have a baby.  Several survival/exit strategies were running through my mind.  But Chris tried to reassure me that the lights would be back on soon and a "plan" was not necessary.  I insisted he call and at least get a time estimate.  When he returned and I inquired about what he had learned, Chris mumbled "6-12 hours".  What? That's a long time as hot as it is with a baby!  Chris still was of the opinion that this trial would not last long.  I said that's fine, we can go to bed but I would stay awake and monitor Cohen as he slept and the rising temperature. It was miserable. Chris and Cohen slept fairly well, but I was wide awake.  When Cohen woke up at 1 AM, he was pretty warm.  We just kept thinking the lights and TV and everything would come on and freak us out at any time.  So, by 3 or 4 AM, we decided to pack up and go to my parents' house.  Soon after, Chris came back home to get ready for work only to find the power back on.  Cohen and I stayed and slept for awhile, though.  Talk about beyond exhausted after that! It's all relative, though. 

I am a bit distracted as I type this because Cohen is rolling like crazy!  He has become quite the pro.  He is partial to his right side.  He just sounds aggravated and upset when he is trying, which always upsets me, but I must let him work it out.  He is also taking in an occasional child's program here and there. So is Chris!  I think Chris is rather enjoying this second childhood thing.  Cohen really gets to kicking, too. He'll be watching a show or listening to music and sitting in his chair and he will really get to going!  He also has longer conversations with us. But I do believe his new favorite hobby is pulling my hair on both sides and not letting go.  Another breakthrough occurred because Chris donned his swim trunks and joined Cohen in the bath tub and Cohen loved it!  Dad holding him makes things less scary.  Hurray for big boy baths!

Yesterday was Cohen's 4 month appointment with shots.  He did so well, only crying for a short time before letting dad console him.  Once again, I handled the whole ordeal worse than him.  Cohen got a great report! The doctor said his head looks really good and that Cohen's tummy time must be going well.  I guess all that intimidation and the threats worked on me!  The reason Cohen is already in 6 month clothes was verified for us when we found out he is 26 inches long and in the 90th percentile for height!  Cohen weighs 14 pounds, 11 ounces and is in the 50th percentile, so getting big!

We are looking forward to getting out more when the weather gets cooler.  Right now, Cohen gets so warm if we are out at all  and lugging all his stuff makes me sweat before we leave the garage! We are ready to welcome fall!

And now, just a few pics:

15 weeks

Hanging with the monkeys!

Bright blue eyes

What they like best!

Swingin'

16 weeks

Ready to try the bath tub

After all, it's not too bad!

An expert roller

Watching Sesame Street

17 weeks

Growth Spurts

I am happy to say the 3 month growth spurt is over, for now! Another translation for growth spurt is grumpiness, sleeplessness, and general fussiness.  Cohen has once again returned to sleeping about 7 or more hours a night with a short nap in the morning and late afternoon and a long nap in early afternoon.  He has bounced back, but I don't think Chris or I have.

The biggest news is that Cohen rolled over on his stomach from his back!  He was in the middle of his first play date with his friend Caleb and borrowing his play gym.  Cohen really wanted to see the pictures of the colorful animals on the play gym mat.  He has not shown as much enthusiasm for rolling over since.  I am beginning to think he is rather bored with his play gym and maybe it is becoming too small.  He just lays in the middle of it with his arms spread out daring it to do something interesting and surprise him.  I wish we could buy the one Cohen's friend has that matches his swing, but they are surprisingly expensive!  So, we will probably need to go with the diaper purchase instead.

Cohen is also enjoying TV.  He was very interested in the Presidential address last night and he is also fond of game shows and children's programs.  He sits in his bouncer with his hands propped on his knees and makes occasional, and sometimes often, exclamations at the TV.  If a commercial or something not as colorful comes on, Cohen will lose interest and start to get upset.

Cohen's last chiropractic appointment last week went well. She worked on his neck and right shoulder.  The neck always has a few spots because of trying to hold up his head and all the tummy time and we figure his right shoulder needed work since he prefers to roll on that side.  Otherwise his growth and development looked good!  He is growing so fast!

That's about all.  Chris did get his Vibe, but had to drive a ways to get it.  (Thanks April!)  So now, Cohen and I can get out more!  Although the current gas prices are a major deterrent.  But, we have the option.  So, be looking for us out there! Who knows, we may pull up beside you!  I am getting a little  more brave in venturing out with a baby.  And Cohen is improving on car rides. He plays and occupies himself for a short time.  But, if we hit his cycle wrong, we are sure to have screaming and crying all the way home!

And now for the most current and fashionable pictures:

Not sure about being 14 weeks old

Mooove over world!

With his buddy again

Play date with Caleb

More fun

Cohen can't wait to sit in his Bumbo!

We love his crazy hair!

Pesky bath time

Talkative, Bath Tub-Hating, NASCAR Enthusiast

That's right. That is where little Cohen is in life these days.  He is growing into such a pint-sized person lately with his own personality, likes and dislikes, and habits.  His latest interest and passion we (and he) have discovered is NASCAR.  Much to Chris's delight, Cohen watched the race with much excitement, attention, and awe for more than an hour the other week.  We put him in his swing facing the race and he was completely mesmerized by the sound and colors and the little cars going round and round the track!  He was also talking non-stop as if to exclaim to us all these things he was seeing.  He wouldn't even look at us or acknowledge us during this time.  So, I went over and recorded this latest hobby of his:

Usually I can't record him or snap pictures of him very easily.  I have been attempting to catch Cohen's smile on camera or camcorder for weeks now and he has that radar that goes off when I am looming with one of them.  When I approach, he immediately stops whatever he is doing and scowls at me with a look on his face that tells me he is not a circus monkey and he will not be cooperating.

The other big deal is trying to get him to take a bath in an infant tub.  He is not having it.  Chris has been humoring me as I attempt different approaches and purchase different styles of tubs, foolishly thinking it will make a difference and he will magically appreciate all of the special features that attracted me to the tub.  I almost made the huge mistake of buying the top of the line "whirl pool" infant bath that was only marginally on sale, but when I was hauling it to the check-out Chris oh-so-calmly asked what kind of batteries it took and read off the box, 10 "C" batteries, I kept on walking back to the shelf.  I think the problem is we were instructed to sponge bathe Cohen longer than usual because of medicine the doctor put in his belly button.  So now, when we lower him gently into a warm just-his-size tub, he screams and flails his arms and legs and the tears fall. We have given up for now. We are optimistic that once he is able to hold his head up completely and especially sit up, he will not be so frightened by this ritual we make him participate in.

Cohen's recent schedule or lack thereof has been exhausting.  On Saturday, Cohen woke up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at 3AM, ready to start the day.  Chris and I alternated entertaining him, but nothing could redeem the way we were left feeling that day.  Then just yesterday, Cohen took a four hour nap even though I know we are not to let him sleep more than three hours during the day. He was just so peaceful! And lately his naps have been shorter and easily interrupted.  Anyway, it took us three hours to get him to bed at night.  We finally drug ourselves into bed at 11 PM exhausted from the "wear Cohen out" activities.  He is still sleeping 5-9 hours at night, but the way he breaks them up are killers!

Cohen recently reminded us he has graduated from "newborn" to "infant" when Chris attempted one of the soothing techniques we learned in class by loudly shhhhshing him when he was fussy and he instantly broke into tears .  Things are changing, for sure.  Cohen loves to roll on his right side and pivot himself around in a half circle.  He is pulling my hair and honking our noses as he reaches for anything and everything.  He now does tummy time propped up on the boppy with a musical turtle in front of him that he pushes the buttons to re-start the music when it has stopped!  Whenever we go anywhere, Cohen wants out of his car seat and to be carried around to see everything going on around him. We are trying to keep up and adapt to Cohen's ever-changing abilities and preferences.  It is quite a ride!

11 Weeks

Go team!

Caleb, Cohen and Jackson-Best friends!

Going to get fireworks on his first Fourth of July

12 Weeks

Intimidated by the sweet tea

Kinda preppy sometimes

Hanging out with mom

13 Weeks

Gettin' Jiggy With It

It's difficult to believe that Cohen was 12 weeks old yesterday.  This little boy has brought so much joy in such a short time. Cohen is reaching for things and holding onto them longer.  His neck is stronger and he holds it up for quite awhile without wobbling too much. He loves the little stuffed animal blankets that he can hold, pull up to his face and suck on. He seems to have established more of a routine these days.  He has been going to bed between 8:30 and 10 and then sleeps until 5 AM or so. Previously he would go back to sleep, but not lately.  He wants to play a bit, then I can usually get him back to sleep but only for an hour or less. Then he is up for the day!  The next time window is critical to me getting a shower. Cohen will play, but usually gets bored and tired when I am in the middle of drying my hair.  Plus it never fails that I hear that noise and see that face that says we need to visit the changing pad as soon as I get out of  the shower.  At that time, Cohen is ready to eat and take a nap around 9 or 10.  He may sleep a half hour or three hours.  Then by 1 or 2 he is napping again.  My problem is, I have a difficult time with that old rule, "Sleep when the baby sleeps".  I see those times (if I am not holding him) as the time to catch up on things like laundry.  That must be why I am so exhausted, reminiscent of the "early days" after Cohen was born. 

Going out is still a challenge.  Sometimes he is happy and content but other times he is cranky and hungry.  The hardest part is not knowing what we will get.  Even when he is perfect, he is still high-maintenance.  And Chris thought I was! When we go out to eat with him, I might as well order my food cold. 

Cohen probably wouldn't have minded missing his first Fourth of July.  Not a big fan of the loudness and bright lights. I learned this when I cautiously took him out just to watch my special firework, "Pooping Puppy" because it was harmless enough.  Then the loudest one we had was set off and it was back into the house in tears. Broke my heart.  I will probably remember that forever.  After I calmed him down, he sat in front of the Boston Pops concert and fireworks on TV and was quite interested for awhile. I tried to watch the ones Chris and my family were setting off all evening, but I couldn't see much from the window.  You know it was a fun time when Chris comes in covered in black firework soot and must spend an hour the next day cleaning up our driveway and the neighbor's across the way! It was a late, long night for Cohen, though.  Hopefully, it will be more fun for him next year.

One of the things Chris loves to do with Cohen lately is sing and dance. I don't think Cohen fully appreciates this activity yet, though!  Some day.... So below is the promised  video of this rather entertaining spectacle.  The next video we refer to as Cohen's  "lip wave".  This was taken as he was first discovering his tongue and all of its powers.  He was also starting to imitate our faces and expressions.  Enjoy!

 

 

So Now, Fireworks Aren't My Favorite

 I have had this post ready for some time, but I have been waiting to see if we could figure out how to post a video. We have some cute ones! No such luck so far.  Chris is working on compressing the files or something. No pressure or anything, Chris:)  Anyway, I will post them when we can.

I used to really enjoy the Fourth of July and all the fireworks.  In fact, I am sure I still will on the 4th.  However, it has become apparent to me that this will be a long week.  We live in the middle of firework central where you can pretty much shoot off anything.  It is also a sport for all of our neighbors.  Particularly past 10 o'clock at night. As I type this, several fireworks are going off-in the middle of the afternoon!  Now, I don't consider myself Miss Stodgy Pants, but with the combo of dogs and baby I have changed my once care-free position a smidge.  Fireworks go off, dogs bark, baby wakes up or can't go to sleep at all.  Sigh....a long week indeed.

 To pick up where I left off last post, Cohen's first road trip went rather well!  He slept pretty much the entire way down and half the way home.  Overall, he was the perfect baby. Bring his play gym along and he doesn't care where he is!  The same facts that exist here, existed there. He was upset if he was hungry, tired, or overstimulated. But, we really enjoyed visiting some of my family, some of Chris' family, and my cousin's wedding was beautiful!  We wish our family lived closer because we never get to spend enough time with them.  But, we never spend enough time with our family that lives here, either.  Time just gets away. There are so many people we want to see and spend time with, but it's just not very easy any more.  Life is so complicated yet so simple.  Plus, Cohen and I are somewhat hermits.  I want to get out and see people and do things, but sometimes the thought of it is overwhelming. Also, we are looking for a new car. (Chris has decided on a Pontiac Vibe if you know of one that is for sale!)  The only one I have right now during the day has no A/C. No bueno.  So, that limits my outings during the day.

Cohen is really teaching me that things are out of my control, which I knew was coming!  I can have the best, well-executed plan to go out or do something and he has other ideas that makes it a no-go.  And I am late everywhere for a reason, now.  The diaper bag will be packed, the dogs put away, I am dressed, Cohen is dressed and we are buckling him into the car seat then we hear that all-too-familiar noise and look on Cohen's face that means we need to make another stop at the changing pad. I think I am adjusting fairly well or at least improving as the days go by in being more flexible!

Cohen had his second treatment at the chiropractor last week.  We really think it is helping curb his fussiness and helping him sleep better at night.  Lately he has been sleeping through the night and going 6 to 8 hours without waking up.  Chris took Cohen to "Boot Camp for Dads" class that he had participated in before Cohen was born, but this time he helped teach the class.  Anyway, the facilitator had asked him and another "veteran" dad about sleep.  Chris answered that Cohen sleeps through the night and has off and on for weeks and the facilitator was quick to point out that this was not the norm and not to expect it.  And others say if we have another one, not to expect the early days to be this easy. But, we will take the sleep where we can and appreciate our fairly easy to take care of baby! We are just so glad he is healthy!

We had been killing ourselves to get our required tummy time in any way we could. Chris was researching it and I was trying all sorts of things out at home and using a plethora of distractions, but we could really only get him to be content for five to ten minutes at a time.  Thirty minutes four times a day was just not happening no matter what!  I am enjoying reading all of his books to him in segments while we are trying to get through this dreaded activity. I breathed a sigh of relief when the chiropractor said if we were doing it a couple of times a day for ten minutes we should be good.  That is a lot more doable!

Overall, Cohen is smiling and "talking" more. He loves his hands and tries to reach for things and is playing with some toys more.  He is getting more control over his neck and loves to look around . It never gets old watching him and playing with him.  Every day is something new in the midst of his old routine. We are loving it!

And now some current pics:

9 weeks

Lil' froggy

Sock monkey outfit

10 weeks

Tummy time

Kind of a smile!

More tummy time

Trying to be creative with tummy time! This is probably the one he tolerates the longest.

Little Bug

8 Week Tears

We have been busy! I can't say exactly with what, though. I guess just the new day-to-day stuff.  Cohen did have his dreaded 2 month check-up yesterday.   He is still doing very well except for the threat of a helmet if I don't make him do enough tummy time. Yikes!  So, 30 minutes four times a day of tummy time for all of us to endure from now on. Other than that, he weighs exactly 11 pounds which puts him in the 50th percentile and is 23.5 inches long and in the 75th percentile.  The nurse explained all the shots and why they were necessary and the side effects, etc. but that doesn't prepare you for the actual giving of shots.  Cohen probably did better than me, though. You see, so far, Cohen doesn't really cry a lot.  So, pretty much every time he wails, I cry.  He cried for a little while, then Chris comforted him and we gave him a bottle. He then fell asleep.  Whew!  It was still difficult to look at his bandaged thighs, even though it was Mickey Mouse.  The other concern is that we leave tomorrow on our first road trip to go to my cousin's wedding about 5 or 6 hours away.  That should be a challenge. I am already having a difficult time packing for a baby!

Other exciting news is that Cohen is starting to smile!  Especially for my dad. He must think Grandpa is pretty funny!  He absolutely loves his play gym and  lays under it looking at all the animals, the color-changing smiley face, himself in the mirror and dances to the music. This is the new solution to taking a shower! I just bring him into the bathroom with his play gym.  However, I have not looked at the instruction manual in detail and the darn music turns off after a short time. So Cohen is going at it dancing and moving and talking and then he is just still. Completely still, looking up quizzically at the center of his play gym.  I'll need to fix that!  Cohen is also sucking on his hands and playing with them more.  He has grown out of his newborn clothes and is sometimes awkwardly wearing his 3 month clothes.  It seems as though most of the country has wide but short kids?  A lot of his outfits fit at the snaps but have a ton of extra room on the sides. He's just a tall little guy!

I can tell Cohen's personality is starting to come out. He is sweet and easy-going.  He is playful and cuddly.  The other day I put him in bed with me and he was kicking and moving until he was right next to me. He then rolled on his side and fell asleep touching me. Sweetest moment ever! But, never again since I learned this is a no-no because of SIDS.  That is my new worry.  It seems so random and I want specifics. Most nights I watch him breathe while he sleeps telling myself I will do this all night,  then I succumb to sleep and trust the Lord to watch over him like He has Cohen's entire life.  But, like one nurse told me, there will always be something to worry about.  We have already learned to rely on God so much during the pregnancy that we just need to continue!

Bath time!

Fun on the puppy mat!

Where he spends a lot of his day!

First outing in the jogging stroller!

7 weeks

Turtle, turtle!

More time under the play gym

 

Proof that we do tummy time!

Not sitting still at 8 weeks