Peanut is 1 Today (he was on 9/7/09 when I wrote it originally)

A year ago today at this time, he was almost 3 hours old. I think right about now I was being wheeled to my room and he was in the nursery getting his first bath. MTH was at home eating pizza and sleeping. He had been up with me since midnight. My friend, Britgirl, came over later that day. She said that Peanut was the youngest baby she'd ever seen. He certainly was for me too!

It's been a fun and hard year. We didn't get much sleep for the first 9 months. Peanut just couldn't figure out how to sleep 10-12 hours in row.

I never finished this post but decided to post this short piece that I did write. I'll keep trying to get back into blogging.

Of Course

When I think about coming to do a post, I can't think of anything to say. I'll be back. I promise.

Peanut's First Foods

Logan has been enjoying trying new foods. Well, he didn't really like the rice cereal but once we started on the fruits and veggies, he's been chowing down. So far, he's tried and liked butternut squash, sweet potatoes, avocado, bananas, carrots and yogurt. The foods we're planning to try next are asparagus, cottage cheese and actual cheese.

Although he loves to put things in his mouth, he doesn't have any interest in feeding himself. He's happy as a clam to sit there and let me feed him. He's still a mess when we're done.

The only downside that I see to solid foods is what comes out the other end. Quite a bit smellier than before. I guess that now I can dream of one of the next big milestones - potty training :)

That brown rice cereal, not so good.

Mmmm - carrots are good!

I think I like butternut squash too.

Isn't he beautiful?

Logan
Originally uploaded by ET K

ETK took this beautiful picture of Peanut on Sunday when she came to visit. I just love looking at it! It's going to be my wallpaper at work. He may have some teeth in that mouth very soon. He seems to be teething now.

Peanut's Growing!

He had a well baby doctor's appointment yesterday. He weighs 14 pounds
7 ounces. He is 27 1/4 inches! So, he's tall and skinny. We need to
buy the next carseat soon. We also have to get this house babyproofed.

Peanut's Favorite Books

He now has some favorite books

1. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
2. Peek-A-Who?
3. Hand Hand Fingers Thumb
4. Good Night Moon, The Counting Book

I'll update this list in a few months. I'm sure he'll branch out soon.

Posting from my iPhone

I may actually update my blog more often.

I figured out the word I wanted

I hope that the Democrats are gracious and don't gloat too much.

Tired of Hearing It

As you may have noticed, I don't usually air my opinions here especially if they're of the political or religious nature. But, after Tuesday's election, I just had to post about this thought.

Why do people like to say dramatic but untrue things? On Facebook, I have an interesting set of friends. Most of my "newer" friends are more liberal and therefore were very behind Obama. Given that I'm from South Georgia, a lot of my "older" friends there were behind McCain (not sure if anyone was very behind him though). Note that "newer" mean that I've met them in the past 10 years or so and "older" means that I've known them a long time. Anyway, it was fun to read the statuses of people on Tuesday and Wednesday. But, I was definitely annoyed by the people who had backed McCain talking about how small business owners better watch out. Or how socialism will have a negative effect on our country. Please, like we're going to become a Communist country or even like France. We're the United States of America with a mostly centrist leaning populace. We just hear the most from the two extremes.

I do really hope that there will be compromise. I hope that there's not too much pay back from the Democrats after 8 years of Republicans. Then, we'll just be in the same place we are today (or even worse). I do have hope that it'll be different.

Life Changes

It's funny how life changes. I've always thought of life as changing little by little but have figured out that the big ones actually happen quite suddenly (even if not always unexpectedly). Like having a child. I was pregnant for almost 9 months but it was still quite a big change having a child. We had to learn (and are still learning) how to take care of him. His only means of communication is crying. It can be frustrating when you can't figure out which cry he's crying (hungry, tired, dirty diaper, bored, etc). He's supposed to stop crying when Mommy holds him, right? Wrong.

When he first came home, he was still "asleep". That is, he was still waking up to the world. Well, he's woken up a lot more now. He has a harder time feeding now because he sees things around him. It takes his attention. He can't seem to focus. It also seems to be interfering with his ability to go back to sleep after eating. Thus, he seems to be getting overtired from the day and won't sleep as well at night as he was. But, all in all, I can't complain. He really doesn't cry that much. It's just little spurts here and there.

Really, the biggest change is the fact that life cannot be planned. Peanut is King. He decides when we go for a walk, when we have dinner, when I go to bed, when I wake up. Of course, I get to hold the cutest, most wonderful little baby whenever he makes these decisions.

The reason I was thinking about life changing is that yesterday was our wedding anniversary. Although from the outside, our wedding didn't seem to be a life changing event (we already lived together in a house that we had bought together), the wedding cemented our lives together and set us on the course for having our little Peanut almost 3 years later. We went out for dinner last night while my sister was nice enough to watch him (and even feed him a bottle). While out, we talked about great restaurants we used to go to and other such "past" events. But, MTH received an email from his Mom with pictures of Peanut. It pulled us into the present and we were happy to be there.

Peanut's Talented

He can burp while eating!

A Day in the Life - Peanut

Cry

Dad hugs me

Eat
Sleep

Coo and make cute noises

Mom cuddles me

Cry

Pass gas
Coo and make cute noises

Eat
Need my diaper changed
Do Tummy Time!!

By Ourselves (Almost)

Logan and I made it by ourselves today. Of course, we were eased into the transition as my Mom didn't leave until around 11am today. So, she held him while I was getting ready. Tomorrow morning will be the real deal.

He was a good boy today. He was awake for a while in his Pack and Play bassinet while I did a few things around the house but he didn't cry too much. I, of course, checked on him every few minutes and he ended up only making a couple of cries and then just lay there looking around. We also had a visitor. A friend who used to live in Richmond who now lives in Colorado happened to be in town. MTH even came home to visit with us. She held Peanut for a while and he slept peacefully in her arms.

He's asleep now. I'm hoping that he's not slept too much today and then won't sleep tonight. We had a little problem with sleeping last night but I think it was a new parent mistake. It's all of a sudden gotten cooler and I think that he a little cool. As soon as I picked him up and put him on my stomach, he fell right to sleep. We're going to put a hat and socks on him tonight. He's swaddled and wearing a onesie at night but the feet portion of the swaddle is only one layer and of course, there's nothing on his head. Hopefully he'll sleep more soundly tonight. I took a nap this morning so that helped me make it through the day.

Creamed Corn

My Mom brought some creamed corn with her from Baxley. I haven't had this dish in a long, long time. It's one of the best dishes in the world. Creamed corn is not made with cream (although my Mom does put in a touch of milk to keep it from being too watery). It's the way you cut the corn off the cob. Instead of cutting the corn right at the cob, you cut it away from the cob and it lets the juice out of the corn (which is creamy). Then, my Mom adds a small bit of butter, a little milk and salt and pepper. So good!!!

2.718 makes it with bacon fat which of course is even better :)

Phoebe

Amazingly, Phoebe is holding up very well with Peanut in the house. The beginning was not good. Peanut decided he needed a diaper change the moment we walked in the door from the hospital. But, the Pack and Play was not set up yet so we had to get everything together and do it on the couch. Well, he was crying loudly so Phoebe had to check out what was going on. But, we didn't want her there so MTH's Mom was pushing her to get away. She started puffing up but did not swat or bite (I think there may have been a little hissing). Then, Peanut decided to pee right straight up into the air (see Automatic Sprinkler picture below :) I'm sure a video of the scene would have been great especially it took three of us to change him. Needless to say, we've gotten a lot better. And, Phoebe has been a little curious but has not jumped into the Pack and Play, co-sleeper or the changing table! She doesn't get on our bed that much anymore. The good part though is otherwise she seems pretty much the same. When she's content, she holds her tail in the air and she's doing that again.

On Facebook

There's a group on Facebook called "Yeah... I'm from Baxley...". The description:

Budlight Presents: "Real American Heroes"
Today we salute you Baxley Residents,
For all those people from the "BIG" town of Baxley that no one has ever hear of and others look at you funny when you tell them that's where you are from. You are blessed my friend to live in the town with only 5 red lights, 6 fast-food establishments, a Wal-Mart and no movie theatre or mall. Because it could be worse you could be from Alma or Hazlehurst! So crack open an ice cold bud light Baxley Residents we know you know everybody's business in town.

Pretty funny if you're from Baxley. When I was growing up, there were only 3 red lights, 2 fast food establishments and no Wal-Mart. They've really come up in the world!

Peanut Update

I know that pretty much all of my readers are people I know but still for my own purposes, here's an update :)

He arrived on Sunday, 9/7/08, at 11:59am. He weighted 6 lbs and 13 oz and measured 19 inches. When we left the hospital on Tuesday, his weight was 6 lbs and 9 oz. Yesterday, at his first doctor's appointment, he had already gained by 2 of those lost ounces!! He's a growing boy.

Tofu

We like tofu.

I made two meals this week with extra firm tofu. MTH loved both of them. Check out the Veggie Tofu Stir Fry and the Italian Veggie Tofu Pasta Salad.

Many things make these great:
1. Tofu is cheap but good.
2. Lots of veggies so it's good for you.
3. Quick and easy to make.

Nabil In... Baxley

I couldn't ask for a better introduction to the nightlife in Baxley. Yes, one of the main things people did in high school was ride up and down the strip (US 1 from Hardee's to Dairy Queen). He doesn't actually show that but he alludes to it. I believe that he ends in a place that's called Traditions. It was one of the first "bars" in town. There may actually be more now. Anyway, have fun watching. And, if you search Youtube, you'll also find:
Nabil In... Alma
Nabil In... Waycross

Supposedly, he also filmed Nabil In... Blackshear but it's not posted.

Evolution of the Belly, Part 5

For comparison's sake, here's some pictures in the same outfit!


May 7th, 2008


September 1st, 2008


August 8th, 2008


August 18th, 2008 (just 10 days later!!)