Why do they have to grow up so fast? He's only 19 months but it feels like yesterday he was crawling. I look back at old pictures of him when he was so tiny-3 months old and it brings tears to my eyes. It also brings smiles and laughs at the expressions. I will never take another moment for granted as they fly by and you can never get them back.
Friday, April 4, 2014
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Spirited Child
Having a Spirited Child is difficult! I"ve discovered that is exactly what my son, Rowan is.
He is determined, stubborn, temperamental, clingy yet independent, seems to require little sleep and all resulting in a mom (and dad) feeling a little like they are loosing their mind.
Everyday there is an episode of Rowan crying and throwing some form of a temper tantrum - usually him hitting his head off something- and myself and most others would just say "Oh that's just Rowan" when others would stare at me and my wild child. That statement wouldn't be incorrect, as it is who Rowan is, but instead of calling him difficult, cranky, moody,ect... I will try to make a better effort at calling him what he is - spirited. I am not going to lie - I envy some of my friends and how generally relaxed and "easy" their children are. I envy the parents at playgroup who gather in a circle and sing songs while their children join in - meanwhile mine is crawling across the room exploring and if I attempt to make him participate he throws a fit. I've even questioned myself about this; "is it something I did during pregnancy," "is it my genetics," "am I spoiling him too much?." In all reality the answer to all of those questions is no. He is just unique. He is more energetic. He is more sensitive. He is more intuitive and observant. He is very independent. It is myself (and others) that have to learn to accept this and how to work with him instead of against him. I feel it is really silly that many people have the same answers for every child when every child is different. I also feel it is inappropriate for others to judge ones' parenting style - they are simply trying to do their best. Perhaps try putting yourself in their shoes and if you do not have enough information to do that it is best not to judge at all.
At the end of it all I love my little boy more than anything in this world. I love that he's independent, I love when he wants to hug me, I love his little giggles and crazy personality...and sometimes it's those things that also drive me nuts! :P
It is a learning process we are both in together!
He is determined, stubborn, temperamental, clingy yet independent, seems to require little sleep and all resulting in a mom (and dad) feeling a little like they are loosing their mind.
Everyday there is an episode of Rowan crying and throwing some form of a temper tantrum - usually him hitting his head off something- and myself and most others would just say "Oh that's just Rowan" when others would stare at me and my wild child. That statement wouldn't be incorrect, as it is who Rowan is, but instead of calling him difficult, cranky, moody,ect... I will try to make a better effort at calling him what he is - spirited. I am not going to lie - I envy some of my friends and how generally relaxed and "easy" their children are. I envy the parents at playgroup who gather in a circle and sing songs while their children join in - meanwhile mine is crawling across the room exploring and if I attempt to make him participate he throws a fit. I've even questioned myself about this; "is it something I did during pregnancy," "is it my genetics," "am I spoiling him too much?." In all reality the answer to all of those questions is no. He is just unique. He is more energetic. He is more sensitive. He is more intuitive and observant. He is very independent. It is myself (and others) that have to learn to accept this and how to work with him instead of against him. I feel it is really silly that many people have the same answers for every child when every child is different. I also feel it is inappropriate for others to judge ones' parenting style - they are simply trying to do their best. Perhaps try putting yourself in their shoes and if you do not have enough information to do that it is best not to judge at all.
At the end of it all I love my little boy more than anything in this world. I love that he's independent, I love when he wants to hug me, I love his little giggles and crazy personality...and sometimes it's those things that also drive me nuts! :P
It is a learning process we are both in together!
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Friday, June 14, 2013
big deal
It was a big deal when you were born. When you took your first poop and peed on daddy . It was a big deal when you took your first smile. When you laugh in a tiny cry that you made. It was a big deal our first time changing your diaper. It was a big deal we got to hold you and realized how fragile you were. It was a big deal when you successfully breastfed and I felt so proud. It was a big deal ehen we gave you your first bath . It was a big deal when you finally drank enough of your bottle and we could take you home. It was a big deal when you were able to hold things. And when you sat up on your own. It was a big deal when you tried food for the first time. And when you played with the dogs. It was a big deal when your first tooth broke through through and when you started to crawl. It was all a big deal because you are our life.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Where does time go?!
Rowan is now 7 months! I can't believe it! Seriously...where does time go?? people weren't kidding when they said they grow up so fast. After realizing this, it made my decision to go back to work before the year is over easy. There is no way I want to miss any milestones or ANYTHING in his first year. After that even, but definitely in his first year...
Let's see where he is at, at this point... Rowan is:
1) Rolling from back to tummy and tummy to back
2) He now sleeps on his back instead of his tummy - NO idea why that happened
3) He is eating small amounts of solids. Unfortunately (because of constipation) his favourite thing is dairy. He loves yogurt and cream cheese.
4) When we hold his hand, he can hold himself up (standing). He is not yet sitting unassisted, but he is trying and can for a few seconds.
5) He can't crawl but he uses his arms to move around in a circle.
6) He bounces like a mad man in his jolly jumper
I'm sure I could go on and on about his little milestones. Now - the unfortunately he is only 15 lbs. Only 1 more lb than he was at 5 months. His pediatrician isn't concerned at this point. He just wants me to keep track of his weight and make sure he isn't losing weight because he is only in the 5th percentile. Having said that, he has tripled his birth weight being born at 4lbs 12oz! So, in all honesty I'm not worried. He really is a fighter!! :)
We were having issues with serious constipation and after trying multiple methods (natural) including suppositories, the biggest improvement came from changing his formula from Similac Advanced to Good Start. Good Start actually has a noticeably lower amount of Iron in it which was just enough to help him out. What a relief! Something else I learned from this too is that President's Choice formula (without added Iron and Omega's) is pretty much the exact same as Nestle Good Start formula! So, for those needing/wanting to keep their costs down (and who doesnt?!), PC's formula is a great option. The powered form costs only $13.99 compared to Good Start's 28.99! We often use the liquid cans for convenience and it is only $27.99 for a case!
An even BIGGER announcement is that Rowan is now SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT!!! WOO HOO!!
It was very hard to do, but we did sleep training with him. After doing A LOT of reading of methods and trying (although halfheartedly), we came to the conclusion that we were just going to use Dr. Ferber's method. I spoke to a few ladies at baby group I go to and they used this method with great success, so I decided to try it. I'm not going to say its easy. Listening to your child scream and cry at 2am isn't exactly easy, but I will say it is FAST. This method worked after only 3 nights! I know many people have mixed feelings about this method of training and because of that parents must do what works for them and what they are most comfortable with. I also believe though that the method itself is misunderstood. You do not simply close the door and let your baby cry for as long as it takes while never comforting it. We went in every 15 minutes, put our hand on his back then left gradually stretching it out to 30 minutes. Anything more is too stimulating for Rowan and it keeps him up.
So, at the end of the day I am now sleeping!! :) I can now go to bed and read for a bit or watch a movie before bed because I know I'm going to get enough sleep. I can not even explain how exciting this is for me! It's important to be grateful for the simple things in life and you learn that when you become a parent.
So as Rowan has his afternoon nap, I wanted to take the time just to reflect and "report" on how things have been going.
I will go now and the chronicles will continue at another time!
Cheers and Blessed Be,
Stacey
Let's see where he is at, at this point... Rowan is:
1) Rolling from back to tummy and tummy to back
2) He now sleeps on his back instead of his tummy - NO idea why that happened
3) He is eating small amounts of solids. Unfortunately (because of constipation) his favourite thing is dairy. He loves yogurt and cream cheese.
4) When we hold his hand, he can hold himself up (standing). He is not yet sitting unassisted, but he is trying and can for a few seconds.
5) He can't crawl but he uses his arms to move around in a circle.
6) He bounces like a mad man in his jolly jumper
I'm sure I could go on and on about his little milestones. Now - the unfortunately he is only 15 lbs. Only 1 more lb than he was at 5 months. His pediatrician isn't concerned at this point. He just wants me to keep track of his weight and make sure he isn't losing weight because he is only in the 5th percentile. Having said that, he has tripled his birth weight being born at 4lbs 12oz! So, in all honesty I'm not worried. He really is a fighter!! :)
We were having issues with serious constipation and after trying multiple methods (natural) including suppositories, the biggest improvement came from changing his formula from Similac Advanced to Good Start. Good Start actually has a noticeably lower amount of Iron in it which was just enough to help him out. What a relief! Something else I learned from this too is that President's Choice formula (without added Iron and Omega's) is pretty much the exact same as Nestle Good Start formula! So, for those needing/wanting to keep their costs down (and who doesnt?!), PC's formula is a great option. The powered form costs only $13.99 compared to Good Start's 28.99! We often use the liquid cans for convenience and it is only $27.99 for a case!
An even BIGGER announcement is that Rowan is now SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT!!! WOO HOO!!
 | |||||||||
| Music to my ears!! |
So, at the end of the day I am now sleeping!! :) I can now go to bed and read for a bit or watch a movie before bed because I know I'm going to get enough sleep. I can not even explain how exciting this is for me! It's important to be grateful for the simple things in life and you learn that when you become a parent.
So as Rowan has his afternoon nap, I wanted to take the time just to reflect and "report" on how things have been going.
I will go now and the chronicles will continue at another time!
Cheers and Blessed Be,
Stacey
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Update
things have been really going well with Rowan. He is growing quickly. I understand now when people say they grow really fast and to enjoy what time you have with them. He is now teething at only 4 months and I can say it is a definite challenge. I feel really bad for him the amount of pain he must be going through. I've tried everything it seems from Tylenol 2 amber necklaces and camomile tea. It's all really large learning experience.
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