MINIVANS, A MUSEUM, AND THE MEDICAL CENTER

We had a few goals today: get James' hair cut (for the 2nd time ever), research (in person) potential minivan options, and get James out of the house for a new adventure.

Cora was excited beyond belief...

Actually, she spent a majority of her day sleeping, in the carseat (no way, right?), both in and out of the car! She was SUCH a good girl today. Dad says it's because she was resting up to "give 'em hell" next week...

We visited just a couple of dealerships, looking at used Odysseys, Caravans, Town & Countrys, and Routans. Not surprisingly, we liked the Routan best. Maybe once we sell the Civic...

Then it was off to the Natural Science Museum. James loved it! We didn't bother with the stroller for him - we just let him loose. He had fun checking out a live tortoise, but liked the stuffed coyote and black bears even better. When we tried to move on to the Megalodon exhibit, he just wanted to go back to the bears...

It's not easy wrangling an excited 1.5-year-old amongst lots of other kids (and adults), while holding a newborn and pushing an empty stroller. And unfortunately, as we grabbed hold of James' hand to lead him onward, he dropped to the ground and twisted away (trying to go HIS way instead), causing something in his left arm to "pop". He started crying immediately, but we thought he was just mad that we had picked him up and moved back toward the sharks. When the crying didn't subside, we got worried. Then when he refused the comfort of his snack trap, we knew something was really wrong. We called the after hours nurse at our pediatrician's office, but the on-call doc wasn't available. So we called the ER, but they couldn't give us any advice without seeing him in person. So we called my mom. She suspected (based on our descriptions) that he might have popped his shoulder out of socket. Since swelling can make things worse, it's best to get it taken care of right away. Thus, rather than drive the hour back to Vicksburg, we took him to the nearest ER. He was so sad, with his left arm just hanging there. He screamed if we touched it. And it was torture having to put him into his carseat. Poor kid just cried himself to sleep in Jay's arms.They took care of us right away and sent him straight to x-ray. Turns out it wasn't his shoulder, but his elbow that had popped out of socket (called Nursemaid's Elbow). It took the doc all of 2 seconds to fix it. Then they sent him back to x-ray to be sure it was back in place. Within an hour he was feeling a little better (reaching out and touching things), but it was still sore (he couldn't manage to get the snacks out of his snack trap without feeling pain, and that infuriated him). He was such a trooper though...He ended up sleeping all the way home (he had only had one half-hour nap today anyway, so he was a bit overtired) and was still feeling sore when he woke up on the couch at home. I decided that since ice cream always make ME feel better (no matter what the ailment is), it was worth a shot for James too. And oooh, did it ever work! He was a new man within 15 minutes (AKA half a cup of ice cream). Then the sugar high kicked in and we were all entertained by his antics. Within another 15 minutes he was putting normal pressure on his arm and using it as usual. Thank goodness!

And should it happen again (which is likely, now that it happened once), the doc gave us instruction on how to pop it back into place ourselves. I sure hope I never have to do that though...

FIT FAMILY FRIDAY

Dad's mileage during nanny duty today? 3.5 miles. Yup, that's a lot of laps around the house.

And this evening we took James to Family Fit Night. Turns out we were the ONLY family in attendance, so we had the full attention of the staff (and their kids). James had a good time and I burned plenty of calories chasing him around. Dad, Jay, and Cora just enjoyed the show...

GRANDPA AND THE QUEEN

That's right, Cora's no princess - she RULES this household! And she has her Grandpa wrapped around her little finger... He's taken to rocking her in the glider, once his arms and knees wear out from the constant walking she requires to stay happy. He can't stand to hear her cry. He told me at lunch today that it is an average of 62 steps to circle her around the living room and kitchen. I think tomorrow we'll stick the pedometer on him so he can report his daily mileage to his cardiologist... I bet he's burning tons of calories this week! And when walking or rocking doesn't do the trick, Grandpa has found that diaper changes (or "pretend" diaper changes, where you just lay her down and jiggle her legs) make Cora happy. I don't know what it is with babies and the changing table, but whatever works. In fact, Grandpa can get Cora to smile just by saying "Pretty Girl" or "Poo Poo's" or "Poopy Girl" in a high-pitched voice. Again, whatever works...

CAMO PANTS

We got Tyson a minky camo diaper for his first birthday. Not to convert Jamie and Chris to cloth diapering, but for photographic opportunities (perhaps those 1-year portraits?). Of course, now that Margie is onboard the cloth diapering train, he just might be sporting them (as well as her own creations) at his Grandma's house...

ALLERGIC RHINOSINUSITIS

Newest potential diagnosis for James? Allergic Rhinosinusitis. This could be the cause of all his problems over the past few months: the multiple ear infections, chest infection, sinus infections, and recurring conjunctivitis, runny nose, and cough. I knew his ear recheck this morning wouldn't be an "all clear" appointment based on the runny nose and cough that started up again over the weekend (just before he finished his final dose of antibiotics), so I'm just glad we have one more chance to heal him before the ENT referral comes down. And at least he's not contagious (no fever). One more round of antibiotics (the super strong, yucky-tasting kind), an Rx for Singulair and Pediatex, and more eye drops. Good thing James is a good sport about taking meds...

(Hanging out with his Grandpa in the doc's waiting room)

MY HUSBAND THE GRAD STUDENT

Jay started his first day of grad school today via the Distance Education Program in the Soil and Water Science Department at the University of Florida! I'm so proud of him for taking the initiative to go back to school, and I wish him the best of luck during this first semester.

He was so cute this morning getting his textbooks together and ironing his shirt. And he was a good sport to pose for a "First Day of School" photo for me. Then, on the drive to work, he corrected my grammer. Oi vey! Day One as a student and he's already in school mode... Perhaps I should ask you all to wish ME luck!

CAMP GRANDPA

In further preparation for daycare, Cora started Camp Grandpa this morning!

Yesterday was training: how to heat breastmilk bottles, how to swaddle a fiesty 2-month-old, and how to use the Bjorn (since Cora prefers to be carried above all else, and that can be exhausting): My Dad is a wonderful Grandpa to his 3 (soon to be 4) grandkids. He didn't really need any training. We're so excited that he was able to come out and help us for a couple of weeks, and to keep Cora out of daycare until she's 3-months-old. And we're super happy that Cora and James are getting to spend this time with their Grandpa. Stay tuned for more adorable pictures as the fun at Camp Grandpa continues...

(And thanks to MB for the awesome "Camp Grandpa" blog post title)

CAPTAIN DESTRUCTO: STRIKE 1

This is the first incident of James destroying something (of value, anyway).

We're sure it won't be the last.

CHANGING OF THE GUARD

This morning we sadly said our goodbyes to Aunt Margie at the airport, right after picking up my Dad for his turn at 2-weeks of nanny duty:

Thank you so much Aunt Margie for making my return to work as stress-free as possible, getting Cora on a feeding schedule, and keeping up with the laundry and housework so that we were able to spend more time with our babies in the evenings. We're going to miss you!

Lots of love from Team Lindsay

TRIP TO THE HAT

We decided to prolong the extreme cleanliness of our kitchen (thank you Margie!) for as long as possible and go out to eat tonight. So we all piled into the Jetta and headed to El Sombrero:

(This is why we need a bigger car...)

Cora and James thought it was strange to have Daddy in the backseat:

James polished off the guacamole at the end of the meal, when the rest of us were already finished eating. He ate it straight off Margie's fork. Then he wiped his face clean when we told him to:

I wanted a photo of Margie with my babies, but James wasn't cooperating, so Jay had to jump in:

I did get a cute one of just Margie and Cora though:

BACK IN THE KITCHEN

I forgot to blog our last meeting of the Ethnic Supper Club, and it's been a while since we've created any culinary magic, but we're back in the kitchen this month! Tonight's meal incorporated a broad Southeast Asian theme. On the menu were Chicken Perkedel, Rendang Beef, Thai Coconut Soup, Yellow Rice, Gado Gado, and Sweet Striped Cookies. Here's the gang about to enjoy the spread:

PLAYING DRESS-UP

Aunt Margie had fun playing dress-up with our baby doll today:

PRETTY PORTRAITS

Cora Mae at 2-months-old

Portraits by Jay

KITTY COSLEEPING

CORA'S FIRST BRITCHES

When I first entered the world of cloth diapering, I was overwhelmed by the choices of types (fitted, pocket, AIO, AI2, etc.) and brands (BumGenius, Fuzzi Bunz, Rumparooz, Thirsties, etc.). Nearly an entire year went by before I learned that those brands were just the tip of the iceburg... there is a whole CULTURE to this cloth diapering thing. I was amazed to learn about WAHM diapers (made by Work At Home Moms) and how coveted they can be. Yes, you read that right. COVETED! This culture of cloth diapering mamas literally drool over certain WAHM brands, styles and fabric selections.

You may have noticed the new link on the blog for Hyena Cart - a conglomeration of online WAHM retail shops (sort of similar to ETSY), named after an animal known for stalking its prey. In a similar fashion, these mamas stalk the diapers they hope to purchase. Crazy, right? Well, I was fascinated (of course) and had to give it a try. Especially when I came across the "Tweet Tweet" pattern being offered in an AI2 diaper (a style I had been interested to try) by one of the most well known and respected WAHM shops: Bebe Britches. So last Thursday, as the clock ticked toward her weekly 6pm EST stocking time, I sat at my computer and clicked the refresh button repeatedly. My heart beat faster. It was so exciting! There were 111 shoppers online, including me. And then it happened. My computer refreshed and the "Buy Now" button opened up. I clicked on it as fast as I could, and wouldn't you know it, I got my diaper! I won! And isn't it gorgeous?

And as if you now don't think I'm crazy enough on my own, I think I have gotten my Aunt Margie so interested in this whole culture of cloth diapering mamas that she's going to go into business for herself. Sorry Uncle Daryl. Of course, I can't WAIT to be her tester!

Leave a comment if you have an idea for a shop name for her. Maybe something with "Grand" or "Fluff" or "Bottoms"... She's taking any and all suggestions.

SHE'S "MOSTLY" AVERAGE

Cora had her 2-month well baby exam this morning. We showed up on time, and Cora slept for most of the 45 minutes we were in the waiting room, in her carseat. Shocking, I know, but she had kept Jay and I up most of the night, so I guess she was pretty tired. "Talk to the hand":Once in the exam room, she was awake and happy to lay alone on the exam table, look around and "coo" at the lights, and flash me some smiles (and goofy faces).
She's getting better at sucking on her fist (and sometimes just the fingers or thumb).She was a good sport for the good doctor, all calmness and zero fuss, even for the ear and throat examinations. She passed the milestone tests of smiling, tracking, and babbling. However, she did get in trouble for her dislike of tummy time... Because she prefers to look to the right (Have you noticed? Just check out all her photos posted here and elsewhere), she is developing a minor flat spot on the back right side of her head. And this is causing the front right side to bulge out a tiny bit. I noticed this starting to happen about 3 weeks ago, but you can only see if from the perfect angle, so it really is very slight. The cure? More tummy time! So, like it or not, Cora will be exercising her neck muscles for longer stretches each day (with our assistance - the good doc gave me some tips), and when we're playing with her during floor time, we're suppose to lay her on her left side. Should be fun...

Her official stats today are 10 lbs 12 oz and 22 inches (average) and 36.5 cm (5th percentile). She gained 28 oz total in the past month, so right around 1 oz per day, which is the expected rate for a breastfed baby. While her length didn't change, I'm not surprised - I TOLD you they measured her wrong last time! What baby grows 3 inches in a month? She was probably closer to 21 inches at 1-month-old. And her head circumference is nothing to worry about. She's on the curves, and the pediatrician said she'll likely move up the curves as she ages. Besides, she started out small.

And finally, before we exited the office, it was time for some vaccinations. We're splitting Cora's shots just as we do for James, so she had just 2 today: Prevnar and Hep B. She'll get Pentacel in a couple of weeks (that's the big 5-in-1 shot). She also had Rotateq today, the oral vaccine, which we wanted her to get before she starts daycare and is exposed to more germies. She was not a happy camper during any of it... It took the nurse a while to get the Rotateq in, as she kept fussin' and gagging and spitting (See? She really does get "spittin' mad"!), and she screamed during the shots. If I hadn't been holding it in, I bet her paci would have flown across the room she was so angry! Luckily, she calmed down as soon as I picked her up. And me? I wasn't even phased. Those shots were nothing compared to the drama of the IV earlier this month... "What's up Doc?"

EARNING HIS KEEP

James has ALWAYS enjoyed "helping" us vaccum, so a couple weeks ago (when we decided he was strong enough and coordinated enough) we bought him his very own. And I'll tell ya, the boy knows how to use it! If only his attention span was not that of a 1-year-old...

ALL ABOUT CORA: 2-MONTHS-OLD

From 1-month to 2-months, she gained almost 2 lbs (she weighed 10.8 lbs on the home scale tonight).

Cora is an eating machine. She nurses almost constantly in the evenings (yay), and much more through the night than I expected at this age (often 2-3 times). She now drinks 4 oz bottles at 9am and 3pm while I'm at work. And when she's hungry, you'd better feed her immediately. She could care less if she just ate 20 minutes ago. In reaction to this feeding frenzy, her upper thighs have developed marshmallow-shaped rolls and I've started calling her "Chunk-a-lunk". Oh yeah, and she grew out of her newborn clothes last week.

In related news, she is also affectionately called "Stinkerbell" lately. She can't be Stinkerdoodle like her brother, since that's his nickname, but she is now competing with his newborn ability to clear a room. Luckily, her air bubbles come out the front end far more often than the back... (She's an excellent burper, by the way. Very juicy.)

And remember what a great sleeper Cora was last month? Well, that lasted another 2 weeks, then at 6-weeks-old she started acting like a newborn... Refusing to go to bed (i.e. stay asleep longer than 10 minutes) until 10pm, sometimes later. Refusing to sleep by herself (needing to be held and walked around FOREVER, or needing to sleep with Mama). And fighting the swaddle, yet refusing to sleep without it. Thankfully, this new trend may be turning around over the past few days (we all hope).

She is still not a fan of Tummy Time. While she prefers to be held in a similar position on our chests, she'll be darned if she'll tolerate it on the ground, even with the mini Boppy pillow. We can get 2-3 minutes of grunted effort before she starts to fussin', followed shortly by screaming for rescue. Have I mentioned that this child has quite a set of lungs on her? Oh yes, she does. As well as a flair for the dramatic already.

So, I will state again for the record: as long as you give Cora what she wants, when she wants it, she's an easy baby. Otherwise, she lives up to her firey name...

(By the way, she did NOT enjoy her first dip in the pool today... in case you can't tell)

In other news, she is becoming more and more interactive with us. She "coos" and "crows" and "talks" to us, gives us big beautiful smiles, intently stares at our faces and other objects, turns her head to follow us when we walk past her, actively tracks objects, and has started in with the crazy leg kicking while laying on her back during floor time (which she tolerates in short spurts, as long as you are right there with her - she is definitely not an "independent" personality yet). She is quickly moving out of the "baby lump" phase, and we're loving it.

GRAND TIME AT THE SPLASH PARK

James and Cora had fun at the Splash Park with their Grand Aunt Margie this morning, before the heat of the day kicked in. The fountains were really going strong...

DRUMROLL PLEASE...

We found out today that we're going to have a brand new NIECE on January 7th!

I guessed correctly (based on Taryn's sweets cravings), and Team Lindsay couldn't be happier. Now Miss Cora will have a buddy close in age, just like James. Of course, she and Baby Girl Bacon (names are still under discussion) won't be quite as close as James and Eli (who are a mere 3.5 weeks apart), but 7 months won't be much of a difference after the first year or so anyway. This is so fun! Congratulations David and Taryn and Eli!

(And now I have another excuse to buy bows and bloomers!)

TRICKS TO AVOID TODDLER TANTRUMS

These tricks are currently working for us. (Most of the time, anyway.)

Trick #1 - Do not take an object away from the toddler. Instead, ask the toddler to hand you the object, then thank them.

Trick #2 - Don't tell the toddler "no, you can't play in the fridge/dishwasher/makeup drawer/trash can". Instead, tell the toddler that you are "all done" and ask them to help you shut the door/drawer/lid, then thank them for "helping".

Trick #3 - Do not eat/drink things in front of your toddler that you wouldn't want them to have. Instead, be prepared to share everything. Or have something special just for them that they don't have to share with you. It's only fair.

Trick #4 - Don't ever walk away from your needy/separation anxiety-ridden toddler. Instead, tell your toddler where you are going and that you'd like them to come with you and help. Then if they don't follow, at least it's their choice.

Trick #5 - Distract. Then distract again. And then distract some more. Eventually the toddler will forget what it was you were initially trying to distract them from.

Positive reinforcement, saying thank you, and hand clapping for a job well done are working wonders in our household these days as well.

Bring on the Terrific Twos!

BEST FRIENDS IN PARADISE

It's been harder than ever to keep up with my best buds, now that we're dealing with a 5-hour time difference (not to mention 2 little time-suckers in our household), but it's OK. We know they're healthy and happy, and that's all that matters when it comes down to it.

(Thanks, Robyn, for sending some new photos today - LOVE YOU GUYS!)