THAT is a four letter word.

Oliver, what do you want?

"That."

Oliver, what is that?

"That."

Oliver, are you hungry?

"That."

Oliver, where are you going?

"That"

Oliver, do you hear the baby?

"That."

"THAT THAT THAT THAT THAT" is about all I can get out of him.  I am extremely frustrated, bordering angry, with his lack of verbalization.  Here are 3 minutes and 45 seconds of frustration.  Look at what I'm dealing with.

He fights it so hard.  And I don't know what the right thing for me to be doing is.  I am constantly giving things names as he points them out.  We read.  He watches preschool shows.  I talk to him all day.  I try to hold out until he says the word but as you can see he is pretty stubborn... and if I insist for too long there is a tantrum and that is just no fun to deal with.  And in the end... he's going to get the damn cup, or whatever else he needs because I'm not about to deny my kid water, socks, or cheese (he did say cheese just before this actually in order to get seconds...but lets not talk about the socks, that was ugly).

Have I failed him?  Is it my fault?  Am I selfish in thinking staying at home with me was the best for him?  Should he be in daycare?  Because that's not going to happen.  We just can't do it financially or emotionally.

I do think part of the problem is that we got too into a routine and I know what it is that he wants.  And he knows I understand him.  Truth be told he is very good at communicating.  Just not with words.

So to keep from hating each other, we lightened the mood with a song.

See how stubborn he is?!  He says excuse me ("teetee") all the friggin time!!!  Whether the baby has a nice loud BM or burp, or daddy slips out a quiet burpish exhale, or he passes his own gas...Oliver is very good about calling it out and saying excuse me.  But tell him to say it and all of a sudden he can't?  Which makes me wonder if his lack of verbalization is a control thing.  He wants to make US do things.  He will clench his jaw and drag me where he wants me to go to get him what he wants me to get him, and REFUSE to say a thing, even if he has "words" or sounds for what he wants.  So is it part power struggle?

He said excuse me quickly with that one.  So see, he can do it... just wouldn't because I wanted him too.

So from these three videos you can see 1) How frustrating he can be, and B) How adorable he is.

From the table we went to his room to change his clothes and that's where we fought about his socks and slippers.  I don't even know why it was an issue, but he totally picked a fight over nothing.  And from there we sat down calmly together to read a book called The Yummiest Love by Lisa McCourt.  It's a very sweet little book.  It ends with: "I love you more than sunshine.  More than the moon and the million twinkling stars.  Thank you for being the you that you are" ....and with me in tears.

Ugh.  He is pretty damn perfect.  In the end that is just the him that he is.  He is Oliver.  That's just our Oliver.

The Boy is Crafty.

Oliver FINALLY showed some interest in crafting!  I am so happy!

It started with him sitting down on the living room floor with a coloring book and color pencils for longer than 10 seconds.  So I thought we'd give something more a try.

I had gotten these wreath kits from the mall halloween weekend.  They were being handed out for free!  I love free!  Really, they are very basic so I think we will be doing this again with materials we can pull together ourselves.

He had such a blast with this he didn't want to stop even after he had finished both wreath kits.  So I went into my scrapbooking supplies to find materials for him to make a collage.  I grabbed some thanksgiving stickers and paper and some leaf shapes I had cut out using my Cricut Expression. 

He was so proud of himself.  Just look at how he posed for his picture to be taken with his work of art.

(And by the way I can't get over his resemblance in this picture to pictures of his father at this age...crazy!)

The end results.  A wreaths for Nana and Mema's houses and a collage for mommy.

The past two or three days I have just been blown away by what a big boy he is becoming.  And this is just one more example of just how big he is getting.  Getting closer and closer to 2yrs there is just an explosion of awareness and development that has been so fun to see.  I am so excited to get creative with him and see what his imagination is capable of!  I have no doubt he will continue to amaze me.

Halloween Part 1: Music Together & Mall Trick or Treat

Oliver got his first dose of Halloween on Friday when we crashed a mother's group party at our bestie's house.  Saturday morning he was very happy to once again don his "arrrrr" (Oliver speak for pirate costume...not to be confuse with "garrrrr" for bear...any bear- teddy, panda, koala, grizzly, polar) to wear to music class.  Owen was happy (as far as I'm concerned) to wear his Mickey Mouse costume.

Music class was wonderful as always!  Luckily, the freak October snow held off long enough for my mom to make the drive up from NJ since BDNP had to work that morning.  I don't know what I would have done without her help.  Well I know I would have been stubborn and brought both boys to music class solo, but I'm glad I didn't have to... I'm not ready for that just yet! 

I'll just post a pic or two now... I have a feeling I may put more in another post because once I get going about Music Together I can't stop!

From class we drove over to the mall where Nate met up with us for the safe trick or treating.  It seems like fewer and fewer stores participate in this every year, which is a bummer because there are a crazy lot of kids who attend and the candy runs out way too quick.

It took Oliver a few times, but he warmed up to the idea of trick or treating.  It was so beautiful.  My heart broke just a little bit watching him go up to get candy and hold up his bucket... big brown eyes wide and shining with wonder at this new experience.  Nate says he even said trick or treat a few times... well his version of trick or treat, which is "Cheek-chee"...kinda.

He's just getting so big.  So independent.  It's happening way too fast for me.  The ride home from the mall took longer than normal (nasty slushy snow!  With the precious babies in my car you can be sure I took my time!).  As expected Oliver fell asleep in his carseat, and my heart broke even more gazing on that sweet little face- safe, secure, content and chubby.  I love how cute he is sleeping in the car (hate that it screws up his nap schedule, but love the cute!).  But it makes me so sad looking at the smoothness of his cheeks, listening to the adorable sound of his breath in it's sleepy rhythm... because I can't keep it.  That face won't be there forever.  That cheek will be rough and stubbly someday.  That sleepy inhale will be a man's deep snore.  And I will love that man because he is my baby... but you can bet your life I will miss that baby with all my heart.  I already do, and he's still right here.

Owen was there too... but he had no idea.  Sleepy kid.

Made for each other

Oliver was blessed with a best friend from birth.  It's so amazing to look back at their side-by-side growth and development.  What started as a big 5 month(ish) difference has become a hardly noticable (except that one talks and the other...ahem, Oliver!.... refuses to use real words) age/size difference.

The most beautiful thing about this friendship is the innocent and genuine love they have for each other.  They give each other hugs and kisses and light up when they get to see each other (even though they don't actually play together...Oliver is still at the side by side play stage in development, not so much co-play yet). 

 Us mommies were laughing the other day with the thought of the future embarassment we can dish out when we get to remind a pair of too-cool teens how they used to hug and kiss right on the mouth... we need to make sure we capture that one of these days, what's better than a blackmail photo!?

 

Tuesday Tummy Time!

36weeks down! 28 days till baby's due date!

I honestly don't know how this kid is going to stay up in there 4 more weeks BUT you just never know with these buggers do ya? 

Now let's all pretend we have X-Ray vision and can take a peek at little Baby Owen:

Courtesy of BabyCenter.com

"Your baby is gaining about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. She's shedding most of the downy hair that covered her body, as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Next week, your baby will be considered full-term. Most likely she's in a head-down position, but if she isn't, your practitioner may suggest scheduling an external cephalic version, where she'll try to turn your baby by manipulating her from the outside of your belly."

I don't think there's any need for that manipulation BabyCenter is talking about.  This kid is riding loooooow and good to go.  Seriously.  There is so much weight on my pubic bone I feel bruised most of the time and have had to break out the ice pack.  Sorry...TMI?  There's no such thing with pregnancy!

My BH contractions are getting PAINFUL! and low and I've even had back contractions when I switch positions at night.  Not fun.  Scary....yet exciting.  After next week it will be mostly exciting knowing that at 37 weeks Owen will be considered full term and any labor would hopefuly not be stopped at that point.  With Oliver at home and family out of state I can't play around with the whole going-to-the-hospital/going-back-home thing. 

Feeling the way I've been feeling I really see this kid coming a week early at least, but I'm pretty sure almost every pregnant woman has had the same thought and been wrong.  I have an appointment tomorrow (the lovely strepB swab) so hopefully we'll learn what's going on down there in Babylandia. 

In the meantime- we are working on planning for what will go down at go time, making out instructions for Oliver's care, and packing the hospital bag!  It's time to get serious with this baby prep!

Tuesday Tummy Time!

Sorry I missed last weeks Belly Update.  Not my fault...you can totally blame AT&T for losing service after Irene passed through CT.  Instead of backtracking I'm moving right along to this week.  This kid makes my stomach move in the funniest most amazing ways! I am definitely starting to feel the weight of baby getting into "go" position.

Here's what it looks like at 35 weeks:

Courtesy of BabyCenter.com

"Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight."

I got dressed pretty decently to go out for breakfast so I had my mom take advantage of the opportunity to take pictures. 

I think this is my favorite one.

Oliver wasn't in a picture taking mood I guess. 

O well.



Oliver's 18 Month Appointment

This has been sitting as a draft for a while now....oops...guess I'll finish.

Someone remind me never to schedule Oliver's doctor appointmet during a nap time!

Here he is just 2 exits away...I'm trying sooo hard to keep him awake.

He was all over the place waiting for the doctor.  During the exam he was AWFUL!  I so wish BDNP was there to help me.  It was terrible!

 

The exam as torture apparently.  He's NEVER behaved like that before.  He hated getting measured, he hated getting looked at, and he hated being held on the table for a shot (I don't think the shot bothered him so much as the fact that he had to sit still to have it).

Check out the single tear that hung around for a while, it was so heartbreakingly cute just chilling on his cute little face.

Thomas the Train sticker made things much better.  He has a new obsession with trains that we didn't even mention to the nurse so when she gave him this his reaction was too cute.

They didn't tell me what percentile he is in but I'm assuming he is still 75th-90th like the last few times.  I was told that at 33 3/4" he is the height of a 22 month old.  He weighed in at 29 lbs.  I was actually surprised that he hadn't hit/passed 30lbs, but I have noticed that while he is still my chunky boy he has definitely slimmed down and shot up.

The biggest concern I had going into the appointment was hearing whether or not my boy is on track with his verbal skills.  I really have had the opinion that he should be speaking a lot and doing so clearly by now.  I've been worrying about this for a while even though at 15months I was told by he pediatrician he is on target.  In my opinion there wasn't as much progress as there should have been.  But the pediatrician was again happy with where he is and not concerned.  If at 2 years he hasn't made more progress we'll consider some speach therapy I guess.  I was thinking he'd need to start that now so that's good news.  And in the week leading up the appointment and the week following I have definitely noticed his babbling has become more conversational and he is repeating more.  So yeah, this mommy is breathing a little easier.  Not that I was overly concerned, just a little bothered...the kid is not shy around other people, definitely has no hearing problems and is very good at following directions and learning routines.  In short- my boy is a quiet genius!

Tuesday Tummy Time!

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Tuesday Tummy Time!

Today marks 32 weeks!

I can't believe how fast this has gone by!  It's so amazing that I've grown another person in my body.  A human-friggin-being! Crazy! And I'm not the only one busy gestating... my sister in law is due two weeks after I am with her first baby.  I'm getting a niece!  Sooooo excited to have a little girl in the family to love and spoil and accessorize.  We are headin up to New Hampshire this weekend for the baby shower.  Can't wait to celebrate baby Arabella Marie!

Here is what things are looking like on the inside:

 Courtesy of BabyCenter.com:

"By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth."



18 Months

My little boy is getting so big.  Soooo big!

Last night I brought him to Panera for dinner and this kid was a hit!  He was so well behaved and ate so much.  EVERYONE in the restaurant was completely head over heals with him.  I appreciate friendliness, really I do, and I know my son is just about the best thing on earth...but can I eat please?  Can I take a bite without having to cover my full mouth with my napkin, swallow half chewed sandwich, and answer questions directed at a child who can't speak. 

I will say this though, I love being able to say "he's one and a half" when asked his age.  So much easier than the months.  Not until you are a mother do you understand why women tell you how old their kids are by month.  In the first two years every month makes such a difference.  I can't just say he's 1... 16 months is so different from 12 months.  Well now I can say one and a half and be done with it.

Next Thursday is his 18 month checkup.  Can't wait to hear his stats.  He is still a very big boy, my chunky monkey.  But he's really slimmed down and sprouted up.  I love hearing what percentile he is.  And sooo smart!  This little boy is sooooo smart!  He follows instructions so well, and understands everything we say to him.  He certainly communicates and knows how to make himself understood.  He nods and shakes his head now (his enthusiasm is HILARIOUS!).  But the kid refuses to use words.  I feel like he should be much more verbal than he is.  A few months ago I was ready to get him enrolled in speech therapy.  But I was talked down by BDNP, a close friend, and other moms from Feb 2010 birth group on BabyCenter.com.  At his 15 month appointment the pediatrician assured me he is doing great and is right on track.  I guess we'll see what she thinks now. I've heard around 18 moths something clicks and there's a verbal explosion.  I'm very eagerly awaiting that.

Here's my big baby boy a year ago today.  Oh my heart just can't take it!

Tuesday Tummy Time!

It's the Final Countdown!

(I hope you all read that the way I heard it in my head- a la Europe 1986... not that I know ANY other part of that song)

Aaaaanyway... we are down to single digits in our week countdown! 9 weeks to go!

Courtesy of BabyCenter.com

"This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy."

This baby is so loved already!  I can't wait to see him.  Since the 3D ultrasound I feel like we've been introduced.  I feel like I know his personality already- easy going and cuddly.  And he's strong.  Did I mention cute?

It's time to break out the free and clear detergent.  I fished through Oliver's old clothes and I am super excited to dress Owen in them.  AND last OB visit went great.  Got an ultrasound... baby measures 50th percentile and placenta moved up so it's not too close to my cervix at all (aways a good thing).  Also...passed my GTT! Yippeeee!  (FYI- I celebrated that news with lunch from Wendys.)

Get Ready to be AMAZED!

   I MADE THIS! ok BDNP helped...but I did (am doing) the baking!

3D Ultrasound of the Little Stinker at 29weeks 6days



MUCH better than the 3D Ultrasound of Little Monkey at 34 weeks!

 What a difference right?!  We paid $200 for the 3D session with Oliver at A Stork's Studio in Orange...and look at the quality compared to the 3D scan we got free! My mom works in a hospital and hooked us up!  We wanted to go to them with Oliver too (they had just gotten the machine and where installing it around the same time we went to have it done) but the scheduling didn't work out to go down to NJ for it.