Although we had taken Jonas to Victoria several times before, it seems that this past weekend was his first 'real' time. All the other times were BW (before walking). Now it feels as if he has a new conciousness; he has the ability to really get around and check things out all on his own. BW he sat back for the ride abit more.
Jonas visited cousin Taagen this past weekend - Taagen is 11 months older than Jonas and is a total superstar talker. It was soooo cute to watch them interacting with each other. They (of course) played trucks, did art, danced to music and ate together. It was very special.
Two new advancements in Jonas's 14 months is that he can now use a spoon really well and he is really beginning to socialize with other tots. When once Jonas wouldn't really care or notice when other tots came up close and communicated or took his toy, he now appears to be trying to communicate and will get realllly angry if other child attempts to take away his toy. I really noticed it when Taagen was struggling to understand how to share his toys with Jonas - Jonas would cry out in anger if anything was taken away from him in mid play.
Another learning aspect for Jord and I is teaching Jonas not to throw....sometimes. Since the beginning we cheered on Jonas's throwing. Now we have realized that Jonas needs to learn when and where it is appropriate to throw something. At first I thought that maybe I would have to put an end to all throwing but I have since revised this idea and am now explaining to Jonas about throwing. It is my goal that he will soon understand what things are appropriate to throw, such as a ball and not his lunch. I hope that he soon understands that throwing sand and rocks around other people is also a big no no. So far he is listening to me and seems to understand.
ANyhow, I am out of time. Later aligator from the mumma-ship.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
14 Months
It's probably been about two or thee weeks since Jonas and I spent the afternoon indoors. Seriously.
Today we went to parents and tots at the community center and spent the morning singing songs, playing in sand, sharing turns on the slide and sharing snacks. Jonas is so busy all morning that he usually falls asleep on the way home. He just plays so hard - and he has this thing with those little flinstone-like cars; he can sit right inside and scoot around - he LOoves those cars. I try and encourage him to check out other stuff but he always goes back to the cars.
This afternoon, after his 2 hour nap, Jonas didn't seem like his usual happy energetic self so I decided that we would chill out indoors for a change. We did some crayon drawings, washed the floors and some other random activities. It was actually a nice change.
Our house has gotten quite dirty and messy over these past few weeks. Most days we are outside getting the yard ready for summer. Our garden this year is the biggest yet - so far we have planted lettuce, kale, spinach, chard, cauliflower, bush beans, broccoli, pole beans, radishes, cucumbers, kiwi, peas. The strawberry patch, blueberry bushes and raspberry bushes are growing beautifully-I am hoping we have as many strawberries as we did last year! Also, I am hoping that we get some peaches - so far our beautiful peach tree hasn't produced anything - but this year there are just so many pink blossoms so I am hoping... We also have apple, pear and cherry trees to plant asap. So you can see we are crazy busy at the moment - not to mention the new native garden we have put together among other already established gardens that needed some work as well. There are just so many, too many projects that I want to complete in the next month, so we'll see.
Jonas, of course, spends his time with us in the garden and around the yard, forever exploring. I am completely lenient as far as his explorations into mud, puddles, weed piles, rock piles and soil piles. He gets very very dirty every single day and maybe thats why our house is so dirty with sawdust and random dirt and sticks all over, but really, I do love to see him having a great time exploring everything.
On a typical day Jonas will wake up at 7ish. He still sleeps between us in our bed and although he still nurses two or three times a night I seem to be quite well rested lately. I still have an occassional nap with Jonas at his nap time, but I have noticed my energy levels are quite high - I am able to get alot of stuff done in a day whereas 6 months ago I might have been exhausted!
Since Jonas gets alot of milk in the early morning, he is never very hungry until late morning. Jord and I have some coffee together and watch Jonas race around the house and entertain us. Neither of us can imagine anything better than being entertained in our own living room by our little guy first thing in the morning! Then we usually walk Jord over to work, say hello to the horses and chickens, maybe grab a few eggs, check out any trucks or excavators or dump trucks that may be nearby and then we head to one of the gardens to check out any new growth...And our day begins!
Other things that Jonas enjoys lately is rearranging all of our drawers, getting his own snacks out of his snack cuppboard, getting his own cups and bowls out of his utensil drawer, he likes to be with other kids, he loves grooving to music in his bedroom, he likes the library and the grocery stores, he absolutely lOVEs to visit his grandparents and Autie and cousins. He loves his animals. He loves MANY books now. His favourite foods seem to be beans, almond butter on wraps, sprouts and olives. But really, if he is hungry he eats everything on his plate including spicey dishes.
I must say that Jonas has a really great life; living close to family, living in nature and spending everyday exploring freely. We will be living in the city for about 3 years starting in Sept, actually we will be living right on campus in family housing at SFU. Its gonna be a great adventure for all three of us and although we won't be living in the beauty we live in now, the city will have so much to offer us and I plan on taking in as much as I can while I am there!
Today we went to parents and tots at the community center and spent the morning singing songs, playing in sand, sharing turns on the slide and sharing snacks. Jonas is so busy all morning that he usually falls asleep on the way home. He just plays so hard - and he has this thing with those little flinstone-like cars; he can sit right inside and scoot around - he LOoves those cars. I try and encourage him to check out other stuff but he always goes back to the cars.
This afternoon, after his 2 hour nap, Jonas didn't seem like his usual happy energetic self so I decided that we would chill out indoors for a change. We did some crayon drawings, washed the floors and some other random activities. It was actually a nice change.
Our house has gotten quite dirty and messy over these past few weeks. Most days we are outside getting the yard ready for summer. Our garden this year is the biggest yet - so far we have planted lettuce, kale, spinach, chard, cauliflower, bush beans, broccoli, pole beans, radishes, cucumbers, kiwi, peas. The strawberry patch, blueberry bushes and raspberry bushes are growing beautifully-I am hoping we have as many strawberries as we did last year! Also, I am hoping that we get some peaches - so far our beautiful peach tree hasn't produced anything - but this year there are just so many pink blossoms so I am hoping... We also have apple, pear and cherry trees to plant asap. So you can see we are crazy busy at the moment - not to mention the new native garden we have put together among other already established gardens that needed some work as well. There are just so many, too many projects that I want to complete in the next month, so we'll see.
Jonas, of course, spends his time with us in the garden and around the yard, forever exploring. I am completely lenient as far as his explorations into mud, puddles, weed piles, rock piles and soil piles. He gets very very dirty every single day and maybe thats why our house is so dirty with sawdust and random dirt and sticks all over, but really, I do love to see him having a great time exploring everything.
On a typical day Jonas will wake up at 7ish. He still sleeps between us in our bed and although he still nurses two or three times a night I seem to be quite well rested lately. I still have an occassional nap with Jonas at his nap time, but I have noticed my energy levels are quite high - I am able to get alot of stuff done in a day whereas 6 months ago I might have been exhausted!
Since Jonas gets alot of milk in the early morning, he is never very hungry until late morning. Jord and I have some coffee together and watch Jonas race around the house and entertain us. Neither of us can imagine anything better than being entertained in our own living room by our little guy first thing in the morning! Then we usually walk Jord over to work, say hello to the horses and chickens, maybe grab a few eggs, check out any trucks or excavators or dump trucks that may be nearby and then we head to one of the gardens to check out any new growth...And our day begins!
Other things that Jonas enjoys lately is rearranging all of our drawers, getting his own snacks out of his snack cuppboard, getting his own cups and bowls out of his utensil drawer, he likes to be with other kids, he loves grooving to music in his bedroom, he likes the library and the grocery stores, he absolutely lOVEs to visit his grandparents and Autie and cousins. He loves his animals. He loves MANY books now. His favourite foods seem to be beans, almond butter on wraps, sprouts and olives. But really, if he is hungry he eats everything on his plate including spicey dishes.
I must say that Jonas has a really great life; living close to family, living in nature and spending everyday exploring freely. We will be living in the city for about 3 years starting in Sept, actually we will be living right on campus in family housing at SFU. Its gonna be a great adventure for all three of us and although we won't be living in the beauty we live in now, the city will have so much to offer us and I plan on taking in as much as I can while I am there!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
13 Months
Do all toddlers make up their own sound effects? Is it a boy thing only or what? Jonas is just so funny, for a few months now he will push his tractor walker around and make these grunt like growls. Now, with the Tonka truck he received from his Uncle, he makes more sound effects...the other day someone gave him these little cars and again he is pushing them around the house with such focus and of course making all these sound effects. I didn't teach him the sounds. And the only thing he really watches on TV are nature shows - you know the ones with the narrator...he loves those!
We spend alot of time outside in the garden or at the ocean. The other day Jonas went and 'helped' Grandpa J plant some trees; he also helped Grandpa J bring a big log to the mill on the excavator - helping with Jill's cabin! Jonas was not afraid in the least, in fact, he was totally excited!
Jonas still loves to have many books read to him and reread each day. We do word books and shape books and also longer story books which he can usually sit through. We try to get to the library every other week to pick out new books in the children's section. Everyone just loves to see his big smile and babble talk as he walks around the library. We still have our own favourite books and I am patting myself on the shoulder for buying so many kids books at garage sales before Jonas was born. We are slowly making our way through them and probably will be for years and years to come.
We've been cross country skiing together a few times this year - I pulled Jonas around on the sled whereas Jordan had him in the backpack. We are planning to do some snow camping in the next month or so.
Until Jonas started taking his first steps at 11.5 months, we had been easily successful with alot of diaper free days (cloth for outings and plastic at night). But then Jonas started getting really upset on his little potty so my reaction was to put it away and not let him get too worked up over it. After a month or so we bought a toilet insert and instead of saying 'potty' we said 'toilet'. It worked a few times and then, again, he straightened his legs and got mad. And then after rereading the diaper free book again (certain parts) I decided to take his little potty out of storage and just put it in the living room instead of the bathroom. I thought maybe the bathroom was upsetting him... So here we are now having him pee (sometimes) in the potty in the living room. He still gets mad at times and I have to distract him by reading to him. If he continues to get mad I guess I will have to stop again and try again later. It will be easier in the summer when he can be outside more and bottomless. Any suggestions?
I have slowed down abit with my Physiology and Anatomy course. Its a huge amount of information to take in and I have decided to take the course in the prescribed 10 month part time format. That's a little more do able. But at the same time I have moved ahead with working toward my Doula certification in order to build up on labour and postpartum experience before I go to UBC.
I don't know if any of you have read either of Ina May's books, Spiritual Midwifery or Guide to Childbirth, but after reading these books again, now that I have had the experience of childbirth, I can really understand the books and all they encompass. I had no idea before having Jonas, how truly awesome and liberating and empowering giving birth can be. Its amazing. Its been 13 months since I had Jonas and when I go through the whole labour in my minds eye, I am still able to see some things so clearly, but the most clear of all is my feelings of the whole event and just being so deep inside of myself and working with my body. And then all the laughter that erupted from me the moment that Jonas came out, that feeling is still so close and so clear. I think that all of this is coming up because of all the studying I am doing in prep for the Doula course coming up. At my birth I had 2 midwives and a student midwife. It was perfect in that I felt supported and well taken care of.
I think that I would definitely have a doula the next time I give birth, unless, of course, there is another student. The midwives main concern is the health of the baby and mother and then of course they are incredibly supportive and knowledgeable. Whereas the father is there to support the mother and to witness the birth of his child. When the midwives are busy with the clinical aspects of the labour, or the father is away on the phone, in the bathroom or eating or else in a position of fatigue or not knowing what to do while the mother is having a particularly hard contraction, the doula can support the father and or mother. She can share knowledge, help with massage or just anything that is needed for the mother or father in any aspect except clinical and decision making. She is the rock that is there to see the mother and father through to the birth and beyond. The doula will also write a birth story as well. I have all the notes that the midwives took during labour and delivery and I have my fragmented memory and Jordan's as well, but its just not the same as a full run down of events from clinical to emotional. And it is definitely an event that I would never want to forget!
We spend alot of time outside in the garden or at the ocean. The other day Jonas went and 'helped' Grandpa J plant some trees; he also helped Grandpa J bring a big log to the mill on the excavator - helping with Jill's cabin! Jonas was not afraid in the least, in fact, he was totally excited!
Jonas still loves to have many books read to him and reread each day. We do word books and shape books and also longer story books which he can usually sit through. We try to get to the library every other week to pick out new books in the children's section. Everyone just loves to see his big smile and babble talk as he walks around the library. We still have our own favourite books and I am patting myself on the shoulder for buying so many kids books at garage sales before Jonas was born. We are slowly making our way through them and probably will be for years and years to come.
We've been cross country skiing together a few times this year - I pulled Jonas around on the sled whereas Jordan had him in the backpack. We are planning to do some snow camping in the next month or so.
Until Jonas started taking his first steps at 11.5 months, we had been easily successful with alot of diaper free days (cloth for outings and plastic at night). But then Jonas started getting really upset on his little potty so my reaction was to put it away and not let him get too worked up over it. After a month or so we bought a toilet insert and instead of saying 'potty' we said 'toilet'. It worked a few times and then, again, he straightened his legs and got mad. And then after rereading the diaper free book again (certain parts) I decided to take his little potty out of storage and just put it in the living room instead of the bathroom. I thought maybe the bathroom was upsetting him... So here we are now having him pee (sometimes) in the potty in the living room. He still gets mad at times and I have to distract him by reading to him. If he continues to get mad I guess I will have to stop again and try again later. It will be easier in the summer when he can be outside more and bottomless. Any suggestions?
I have slowed down abit with my Physiology and Anatomy course. Its a huge amount of information to take in and I have decided to take the course in the prescribed 10 month part time format. That's a little more do able. But at the same time I have moved ahead with working toward my Doula certification in order to build up on labour and postpartum experience before I go to UBC.
I don't know if any of you have read either of Ina May's books, Spiritual Midwifery or Guide to Childbirth, but after reading these books again, now that I have had the experience of childbirth, I can really understand the books and all they encompass. I had no idea before having Jonas, how truly awesome and liberating and empowering giving birth can be. Its amazing. Its been 13 months since I had Jonas and when I go through the whole labour in my minds eye, I am still able to see some things so clearly, but the most clear of all is my feelings of the whole event and just being so deep inside of myself and working with my body. And then all the laughter that erupted from me the moment that Jonas came out, that feeling is still so close and so clear. I think that all of this is coming up because of all the studying I am doing in prep for the Doula course coming up. At my birth I had 2 midwives and a student midwife. It was perfect in that I felt supported and well taken care of.
I think that I would definitely have a doula the next time I give birth, unless, of course, there is another student. The midwives main concern is the health of the baby and mother and then of course they are incredibly supportive and knowledgeable. Whereas the father is there to support the mother and to witness the birth of his child. When the midwives are busy with the clinical aspects of the labour, or the father is away on the phone, in the bathroom or eating or else in a position of fatigue or not knowing what to do while the mother is having a particularly hard contraction, the doula can support the father and or mother. She can share knowledge, help with massage or just anything that is needed for the mother or father in any aspect except clinical and decision making. She is the rock that is there to see the mother and father through to the birth and beyond. The doula will also write a birth story as well. I have all the notes that the midwives took during labour and delivery and I have my fragmented memory and Jordan's as well, but its just not the same as a full run down of events from clinical to emotional. And it is definitely an event that I would never want to forget!
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
And Labour started exactly a year ago today....
It was a year ago today that I sat at my computer, blogging in the morning, when I became uncomfortable in my chair. I took a bath to ease the discomfort but by then I was having contractions that were already 3 minutes apart. I remember so well how giddy and excited I became when I was trying to decide if it was real contractions or not. I talked to my sister, my mom and my mom in law on the phone to figure out what to do next. I was just sooo excited! I had to take the ferry over to town, so I drove myself over and Janet met me. It was so very exciting....I remember writing the note for Jordan, who was at that moment wondering around the woodlot with his dad, doing some map work. Of course it was the one day I could not reach him by cell phone!
And I can't believe its almost been a whole year since Jonas became a physical part of our lives. I could not imagine my life without Jonas. He has added so much depth and joy to each and everyday. Not a moment of any part of any day is wasted. It is always full and busy; especially now that he is so mobile and interesting. I must admit he was cute in his first few months, but once he hit that 6 month age, he really became alot of fun! And now that he is a few hours short of being a year old he is non stop excitement.
I know that I haven't written about this yet, but he is now taking steps. He has been taking steps for about 2 weeks now, but its hard to say that he is WALKING because its only 4-9 steps at a time. So its been a very gradual process. I am not sure if these personality traits will stay with Jonas his entire life, but at this point I can say that he is very focused, methodical, strong and careful. He listens well. He sits and stacks his blocks and gets really focused in his play. He loves visiting family and loves playing with his cousins. He loves to watch Livia dance and he loves to dance while she dances. I loves to carefully examine Camerons bionicle toys. He loves going for walks with Dad in the big backpack. He still has all of his baths with mom or dad or mom and dad. He still sleeps between mom and dad all night. He goes to sleep each night quite easily. He still breastfeeds every three hours throughout the night and only 3 times during the day. He helps to put his toys away into their baskets and knows where certain things belong, like his brush and comb in front of his mirror in his bedroom. He has all of his naps on his futon on the floor of his bedroom where more often than not mom or dad will nap with him. He naps twice a day. Jonas enjoys trips to the library, grocery store and parents and tots which is our new outing each week.
His new love is also finger painting....
....and body painting.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
My sweet little boy...
Monday, January 21, 2008
Dad is now SAHD
(stay at home dad) For the next 6 weeks anyway. I have embarked onto a journey into the world of anatomy and physiology, a 6 credit course meant to be taken over 10 months, a course I hope to complete in 6 weeks. phew.
Isn't life already hectic you may wonder. Well, it is and that's why I haven't found any time to sit down, gather my thoughts and update this blog. Also I haven't been here because the Christmas season, our fave festivity, was jammed packed with family, baking, eating, friends and a whole whack of activities.
And because life has been just so busy this past while, whenever I do have a moment to myself, I try to run, hike, ski and most recently get to a Bikram Yoga class. Wow, when I went to my first class over the holidays I was so invigorated by working so hard I kind of got addicted. Too bad its all the way in Courtenay...
And OF course the main reason life is busy busy busy is because my little Jonas is becoming an intense little toddler.
Its as if over these past few weeks his personality has really began to shine through. He is such a fast crawler, he is sooo mobile! And strong. He pushes whatever furniture he can across the floor-his high chair, chairs, books, balls...anything he can budge into motion. He enjoys to play pass with the ball and he loves to play tag crawling style. I am not sure when he will actually walk because he is such a mobile crawler, but it could be anytime really.
A couple of weeks ago we all got the flu and Jonas got sick with strep throat again. The only time he has ever been sick was with strep throat in Sept; at which time, if I remember correctly, he began, while sick, to sooth himself with his thumb. Since then he has soothed himself back to sleep each night (usually) with his thumb. Until this second time he has had strep throat and all the sudden its as if he forgot his thumb and he hasn't used it since! Strange! Now he is back to nursing more frequently throughout the night.
He also seems to have formed abit of separation anxiety - when once we could leave him alone with one of the grandparents for a few hours, he has begun to get angry when we both leave. He is fine with either one of us alone, but lately when we have gone out together he has become quite upset with alot of tears. So, at the moment we keep him close and I go along with his frequent nursing throughout the night. Its just a phase I am sure. Jordan figures it is just something in his development at the moment - maybe getting ready to walk or maybe teething.
Jonas still loves to eat, but doesn't like the pureed food as much as before. He likes the real thing - so we give him lots of veggies, smoothies, crackers with almond butter, beans etc... Its funny that he won't really take pureed fruits/veggies anymore, but he can never get enough of the green smoothies I share with him...
Yesterday we took Jonas up to the mountains and skied around while pulling him around in a special sled. It was beautiful and I can't wait to go again. I can't wait to put him on some skis when he is abit bigger. haha.
And by the way - I have been keeping up with all you mom bloggers out there-good for you to keep the updates coming even though I am sure you have about as much free time as I do these days!!!
And Lisa, I am sooo excited for you!!!!!!
Isn't life already hectic you may wonder. Well, it is and that's why I haven't found any time to sit down, gather my thoughts and update this blog. Also I haven't been here because the Christmas season, our fave festivity, was jammed packed with family, baking, eating, friends and a whole whack of activities.
And because life has been just so busy this past while, whenever I do have a moment to myself, I try to run, hike, ski and most recently get to a Bikram Yoga class. Wow, when I went to my first class over the holidays I was so invigorated by working so hard I kind of got addicted. Too bad its all the way in Courtenay...
And OF course the main reason life is busy busy busy is because my little Jonas is becoming an intense little toddler.
Its as if over these past few weeks his personality has really began to shine through. He is such a fast crawler, he is sooo mobile! And strong. He pushes whatever furniture he can across the floor-his high chair, chairs, books, balls...anything he can budge into motion. He enjoys to play pass with the ball and he loves to play tag crawling style. I am not sure when he will actually walk because he is such a mobile crawler, but it could be anytime really.
A couple of weeks ago we all got the flu and Jonas got sick with strep throat again. The only time he has ever been sick was with strep throat in Sept; at which time, if I remember correctly, he began, while sick, to sooth himself with his thumb. Since then he has soothed himself back to sleep each night (usually) with his thumb. Until this second time he has had strep throat and all the sudden its as if he forgot his thumb and he hasn't used it since! Strange! Now he is back to nursing more frequently throughout the night.
He also seems to have formed abit of separation anxiety - when once we could leave him alone with one of the grandparents for a few hours, he has begun to get angry when we both leave. He is fine with either one of us alone, but lately when we have gone out together he has become quite upset with alot of tears. So, at the moment we keep him close and I go along with his frequent nursing throughout the night. Its just a phase I am sure. Jordan figures it is just something in his development at the moment - maybe getting ready to walk or maybe teething.
Jonas still loves to eat, but doesn't like the pureed food as much as before. He likes the real thing - so we give him lots of veggies, smoothies, crackers with almond butter, beans etc... Its funny that he won't really take pureed fruits/veggies anymore, but he can never get enough of the green smoothies I share with him...
Yesterday we took Jonas up to the mountains and skied around while pulling him around in a special sled. It was beautiful and I can't wait to go again. I can't wait to put him on some skis when he is abit bigger. haha.
And by the way - I have been keeping up with all you mom bloggers out there-good for you to keep the updates coming even though I am sure you have about as much free time as I do these days!!!
And Lisa, I am sooo excited for you!!!!!!
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Nap Time Drama, Night Time Trauma
Over the past several days, at nap time or bed time, when I nurse Jonas, he seems to get a huge burst of energy. Could it be changes in my milk? Hormones? Perhaps Jonas doesn't actually need the nap, just a cuddle, some milk and a few moments of quiet before heading back into world of learning and discovery. I am not sure. Maybe when he starts rubbing his eyes and getting cranky, all he needs is a little quiet time and not an actual sleep. Yet today when he did this, I waited abit longer until he really looked more tired and then I just lay next to him without offering to nurse and he just sucked his thumb and fell asleep. hmmmm.
Night time has gotten a little out of control over these past few days. When we all get into bed together, Jonas will seem tired, then nurse, then get a huge burst of energy - he starts smiling and crawling back and forth between Jordan and I. Usually, after Jonas falls asleep, its our special time to read or relax together in bed. We need to do something different, but I am not sure yet. Jonas has always been a very easy baby to put to sleep.
Last night got so ridiculous that I ended up putting him to bed on the futon next to the bed. He finally fell asleep, but since he was not right next to us, he began to wake up every three hours(I think).
I will have to be more aware of whats going on tonight - but these nights that I am monitoring the situation, I don't sleep as well. But maybe in the long run I will get more sleep if I figure it out now.
I am thinking about having Jonas spend his first night away from us soon. hmm. Its harder than I thought, I keep avoiding it. Now that he is crawling I am even more apprehensive, but I think its something healthy that needs to be done sometime soonish....maybe this can be a little 'treat' for Grandpas Jerry and Jill when they get back from their travels in the Dominican...hehe.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Too Much To Remember!
In my memory, in my tired, tired mind, I remember the first six months with Jonas. As if they were years ago. But no, those first six months were not so long ago. Jonas ate, slept and needed his diaper changed all day and all night. I adjusted to motherhood and never felt guilty for feeling abit bored with my little lump of love. Of course he was sweet and great and it was one of the most exciting changes in my life - but WOW things have certainly progressed from any sort of boredom with motherhood.
Jonas 1 week old
It was right around the six month mark that Jonas was more than ready for solids; much to my surprise!
He has now weaned himself quite abit and although I occasionally feel a little weird that he is not so needy for my milk, I know that it is there for him whenever he wants. My milk production, in response to his weaning, has slowed down abit. I do miss the closeness of breastfeeding all the time, however, I am enjoying my freedom and the ability to fit into my old bras!
Since around the six month mark and his introduction to solids I can definitely say that Jonas has become a very exciting little guy. It seems like he started crawling and pulling himself up all at the same time. He is soooo fast. He likes to go up the stairs over and over again. He has this fascination with pushing items across the floor and following as fast as he can. He pushes balls, blocks, Tupperware....ANYTHING that moves across the wood floor. He talks and sings all the time. He loves to swim. He loves Bower the dog more than ever. At the moment he enjoys books with flip up pics. He likes to turn the pages. He plays with his puzzle board. Theres just so much going on right now.
He still sleeps from around 7PM to about 7AM with a few feeds in between. Since our US road trip, he sleeps with us each night; sometimes starting in his futon on the floor next to our bed. Throughout the day Jonas will last about two hours before needing an hour nap. So this means he still naps about three times a day. It is more difficult to get him to sleep now that he is a crawler. When once he always fell asleep with a nursing session, he now likes to be walked to sleep, which his dad does best. Jordan is the king of putting Jonas to sleep at the moment. Jonas just rests his head on his chest as Jordan paces around the house and he quickly falls asleep. Its his preference at the moment. I'm okay with that (haha)
He still sleeps from around 7PM to about 7AM with a few feeds in between. Since our US road trip, he sleeps with us each night; sometimes starting in his futon on the floor next to our bed. Throughout the day Jonas will last about two hours before needing an hour nap. So this means he still naps about three times a day. It is more difficult to get him to sleep now that he is a crawler. When once he always fell asleep with a nursing session, he now likes to be walked to sleep, which his dad does best. Jordan is the king of putting Jonas to sleep at the moment. Jonas just rests his head on his chest as Jordan paces around the house and he quickly falls asleep. Its his preference at the moment. I'm okay with that (haha)
One interesting development over the past several days is that Jonas is holding his pee and poop for the potty. I had been very keen to try diaper free. But being tired etc etc I just tried to do cloth as much as possible (more so in the past 2 months) and kind of just forgot about doing diaperless for any real length of time. Jordan began taking off the diaper as Jonas was pooping and leaving it off. All this time I have brought Jonas into the bathroom while one of us are going and telling him what is going on. And I can't even count how many times I have gone while Jonas is in his sling/carrier. So maybe Jonas already knew what to do. So to bring us to the present, Jonas is crawling around bottomless and we haven't had an accident yet. He still wears cloth for naps and outings, but for the most part is currently diaper free. Its totally cute because every time I sit him on his potty he grunts a bunch even when he is only peeing.
We took Jonas out for his first snowfall but at the time didn't seem overly impressed. He just stared and stared.
Over the weekend I took my little niece to The Nutcracker which was sooo great! My mom came as well, so it was a sort of three generational 'date'. Livia was in AWE of the sugar plum faerie and was so excited to talk with her after the performance.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Adventures of Mum and Jonas
I know, I know, I will post some more American Roadtrip pics really soon. Maybe even tonight. If I have time.
I don't know if any of you can relate, but if you haven't blogged in awhile and then you do, the next one is always easier. There's just that something about doing it that first time when you haven't in awhile. If you know what I mean!
Here are some pics from this week. I have been helping on the woodlot with some treeplanting. Its been hard to steal any family away to babysit, so we have brought Jonas out for a few hours of work!! 
mamamama and Jonas in the BIG truck after work.
mamamama and Jonas in the BIG truck after work.
Jonas tired and ready for a nap!
taking a walk around the property on a cold and sunny Autumn morning...
visiting the many animals at Grandpa J's.....Mum feeling a little sketched out by the baby horse...
Monday, November 19, 2007
9 Months
I don't think that time has ever moved so quickly. Its hard to believe we are reaching 9 months as a new family. And never before has the truth of constant change been so apparent. Nothing remains the same, not even for a moment.
We spent 3 weeks travelling around California; Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, Solvang and the gorgeous and warm beaches. ahhh. We went to Las Vegas and spent some time with relatives. The trip was ultra budget, so we ate alot of cheapo Mexi food, camped and stayed at relatives places. We encountered the wild fires in Southern Cali, experienced an earthquake at Sally and Keiths (near San Fran) and drove into the middle of a horrifying lightening/thunderstorm/tornado. The United States is a scary place and I now understand why they are all so damned scared. Just joking...haha. Anyway. It was a great trip and I can't wait to go down there again. Jonas was a great little road tripper.
We left Canada with a toothless cutie pie and came back with a teething two toothed mad child crawler!
We are in the midst of our little guy transitioning from 7pm to 7am night sleeper and three 1.5 hour day napper to a totally active 10-12 hour sleeper with two naps a day wild child. Jonas is ridding himself of his early morning nap and getting into a later morning nap and afternoon nap. Its as if he doesn't want to miss a single thing. Sometimes he will sleep for only 20 minutes and then awaken FULLY recharged.
I absolutely LOVE my newly mobile boy. He climbs the stairs, enjoys Downward dog yoga positions and is beginning to surf the furniture. His face brightens when he sees any animal, but especially Grey the Cat and Bower the Dog. He loves his books more than ever and delights in turning the pages. He loves to crawl after the balls that he pushes forward. He loves his blocks and rattles. He has the most adorable seat dance in the world - when I turn on some music he rocks out big time. He is a great talker and singer. He has a new wooden puzzle which he loves to pull apart and eat.
Speaking of eating, Jonas loves his food. It doesn't seem like the is anything yet that he doesn't like. His nursing has gone done quite abit and my breasts are returning to a nice size. He only feeds when falling asleep at nap time or at night. Often when he nurses at night, he will roll into his dad to fall asleep. It is very sweet.
Jordan seems to have the upper hand at getting Jonas to sleep at nap time lately. He holds Jonas firmly and walks around the house. Jonas fall asleep quickly. I have been planting trees at the woodlot recently, so sometimes I am away from Jonas for 5 or 6 hours! He seems to be doing fine but I also notice for the first time he has become more clingy to me. I am fine with that and therefor spend lots of quality time with Jonas after work, singing, reading and playing with him. I only have a day or two left and the trees will be finished and then all will be back to regular routine.
I have tried not to get too caught up in thinking about baby number two and when and if it Will actually happen. I try not to think to far into the future and past as I am trying to be conscious of being fully present in each moment. Its a hard task, but its something that I am trying to stay aware of. BUT I have been brought back to the question of another baby because a couple of days ago my period finally showed up after a year and a half. I was very celebratory and abit giddy that day. It felt good. I felt like I was normalizing again. I also thought that there is the chance that I could now probably get pregnant again. For the moment I think that I will just enjoy the transition into my normal self pre pregnancy. For awhile anyway.
We spent 3 weeks travelling around California; Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, Solvang and the gorgeous and warm beaches. ahhh. We went to Las Vegas and spent some time with relatives. The trip was ultra budget, so we ate alot of cheapo Mexi food, camped and stayed at relatives places. We encountered the wild fires in Southern Cali, experienced an earthquake at Sally and Keiths (near San Fran) and drove into the middle of a horrifying lightening/thunderstorm/tornado. The United States is a scary place and I now understand why they are all so damned scared. Just joking...haha. Anyway. It was a great trip and I can't wait to go down there again. Jonas was a great little road tripper.
We left Canada with a toothless cutie pie and came back with a teething two toothed mad child crawler!
We are in the midst of our little guy transitioning from 7pm to 7am night sleeper and three 1.5 hour day napper to a totally active 10-12 hour sleeper with two naps a day wild child. Jonas is ridding himself of his early morning nap and getting into a later morning nap and afternoon nap. Its as if he doesn't want to miss a single thing. Sometimes he will sleep for only 20 minutes and then awaken FULLY recharged.
I absolutely LOVE my newly mobile boy. He climbs the stairs, enjoys Downward dog yoga positions and is beginning to surf the furniture. His face brightens when he sees any animal, but especially Grey the Cat and Bower the Dog. He loves his books more than ever and delights in turning the pages. He loves to crawl after the balls that he pushes forward. He loves his blocks and rattles. He has the most adorable seat dance in the world - when I turn on some music he rocks out big time. He is a great talker and singer. He has a new wooden puzzle which he loves to pull apart and eat.
Speaking of eating, Jonas loves his food. It doesn't seem like the is anything yet that he doesn't like. His nursing has gone done quite abit and my breasts are returning to a nice size. He only feeds when falling asleep at nap time or at night. Often when he nurses at night, he will roll into his dad to fall asleep. It is very sweet.
Jordan seems to have the upper hand at getting Jonas to sleep at nap time lately. He holds Jonas firmly and walks around the house. Jonas fall asleep quickly. I have been planting trees at the woodlot recently, so sometimes I am away from Jonas for 5 or 6 hours! He seems to be doing fine but I also notice for the first time he has become more clingy to me. I am fine with that and therefor spend lots of quality time with Jonas after work, singing, reading and playing with him. I only have a day or two left and the trees will be finished and then all will be back to regular routine.
I have tried not to get too caught up in thinking about baby number two and when and if it Will actually happen. I try not to think to far into the future and past as I am trying to be conscious of being fully present in each moment. Its a hard task, but its something that I am trying to stay aware of. BUT I have been brought back to the question of another baby because a couple of days ago my period finally showed up after a year and a half. I was very celebratory and abit giddy that day. It felt good. I felt like I was normalizing again. I also thought that there is the chance that I could now probably get pregnant again. For the moment I think that I will just enjoy the transition into my normal self pre pregnancy. For awhile anyway.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Sunshine
Its been just over a week now and we've checked out the Oregon coast and it's sand dunes; we've seen the Redwoods of N.California and we've visited relatives in Modesto. Jonas got to meet his Aunt Sally and Uncle Keith who spoiled him with a ton of love and attention. Jonas hung out with his uncle in his legendary garage and played with plastic bottles and talking stuffed animals. Jonas began eating 'Mexican' food during this visit (rice and beans). We also took the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) into San Francisco where we walked from Market St all the way to the Fisherman's Wharf with Jonas in his BOB stroller. Jonas barely slept as he was so excited with all the action around him. We took the trolley back to the Bart and didn't get back into Modesto until after dark - Jonas was so tired! His nickname from Uncle Keith is 'hey you, Whale Boy!'
From Cali we have headed over to Nevada where we are staying more relatives in Las Vegas. Again, Jonas is being spoiled with a ton of love and attention from his Uncle Allen, Auntie Dorothy and Cousin Nolan. Nolan is 12 and is so wonderful with Jonas - he is trying really hard to teach Jonas how to crawl forward. Maybe we will have a crawling babe when we return home.
The weather is deliciously warm and sunny; Jonas has been an excellent traveller and everything has gone fairly smooth - camping was nice, visiting has been fun and car travel no problem. Well, only a little problem with the car, but we are getting that fixed right now....
From Cali we have headed over to Nevada where we are staying more relatives in Las Vegas. Again, Jonas is being spoiled with a ton of love and attention from his Uncle Allen, Auntie Dorothy and Cousin Nolan. Nolan is 12 and is so wonderful with Jonas - he is trying really hard to teach Jonas how to crawl forward. Maybe we will have a crawling babe when we return home.
The weather is deliciously warm and sunny; Jonas has been an excellent traveller and everything has gone fairly smooth - camping was nice, visiting has been fun and car travel no problem. Well, only a little problem with the car, but we are getting that fixed right now....
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Today Our Adventure Began
and Jonas popped his first tooth out! We were a little surprised because there has been no real indication that Jonas has been teething....a couple of months ago I thought he was teething and yet its now that his first bottom tooth has poked out. While eating breakfast and visiting with cousin Taagen and family in Vic this morning, Jordan thought he felt something sharp in Jonas's mouth, but Jonas wouldn't let us look and we figured it was nothing - he hadn't been showing any teething signs or anything, so it was a bit of a surprise when later I felt the little tooth poking out.
Before I get to our little adventure at the moment, I will do a quick update.
It's only been a few weeks since my last post, but how the world grows and changes when you have a little 7.5 month old bouncing baby. Jonas's toncilitis and fever cleared up and life returned to its normal beat...swim lessons have been really fun and I highly recommend them for mums and babes. Jonas loves to kick and splash and blow bubbles and drink the warm peee water (haha) and stare at the lights. He can also hold his breath while we go under water together or he goes alone. So far he has never fussed and at the end of each session we go to the hot tub or sauna for a few minutes before dressing and (for Jonas) quickly falling asleep.
A couple of weeks ago I attended a Vipassana retreat which was was non residential and lasted the entire weekend. I went home at lunch to breastfeed and came home again in the evening. It was a really refreshing experience for me as it allowed me to relax, contemplate and just centre myself. I learned A different type of meditation about ten years ago - Transcendental Meditation, which is a focused practice that really works well to calm and quiet the mind. Vipassana is very different as it encourages one to be aware of the processse of the mind; it is very forgiving. I enjoyed it so much because I was able to really focus on myself and explore all that I felt needed to be attended to in my life. I came out feeling clear and rejeuvenated. On the homefront, Jordan and Jonas did wonderful together.
At the moment we are making our way through Oregon and down to California and Nevada for a few weeks. I will keep posting...
Before I get to our little adventure at the moment, I will do a quick update.
It's only been a few weeks since my last post, but how the world grows and changes when you have a little 7.5 month old bouncing baby. Jonas's toncilitis and fever cleared up and life returned to its normal beat...swim lessons have been really fun and I highly recommend them for mums and babes. Jonas loves to kick and splash and blow bubbles and drink the warm peee water (haha) and stare at the lights. He can also hold his breath while we go under water together or he goes alone. So far he has never fussed and at the end of each session we go to the hot tub or sauna for a few minutes before dressing and (for Jonas) quickly falling asleep.
A couple of weeks ago I attended a Vipassana retreat which was was non residential and lasted the entire weekend. I went home at lunch to breastfeed and came home again in the evening. It was a really refreshing experience for me as it allowed me to relax, contemplate and just centre myself. I learned A different type of meditation about ten years ago - Transcendental Meditation, which is a focused practice that really works well to calm and quiet the mind. Vipassana is very different as it encourages one to be aware of the processse of the mind; it is very forgiving. I enjoyed it so much because I was able to really focus on myself and explore all that I felt needed to be attended to in my life. I came out feeling clear and rejeuvenated. On the homefront, Jordan and Jonas did wonderful together.
At the moment we are making our way through Oregon and down to California and Nevada for a few weeks. I will keep posting...
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Seven Months
Just over seven months and sick for the first time. Tonsillitis. It has been lame for all of us but especially for Jonas. Last week started off great - I began my Pilate's classes, Jonas and I had our first swim lesson together, baby group, dinner with friends and then BANG!! First Jonas was grumpy and acting very different and then within a couple of hours, fever and total irritability. So fast.
And for those of you reading this with multiple kids, saying ya ya whatever, well this was our first time. Kids just get so sick!
We saw the doc and after taking his temp, which was 39deg, he checked everything else and when he saw his throat he was like yes tonsillitis. I asked if tonsillitis is related to thrush, like serious thrush, but he said no that that wasn't it. Just wondering. I wonder if it has anything to do with it????
Anyway. He had the fever for a couple days, slept lots, cried at night.
Now that the fever has broke he is just a little grumpy and absolutely refuses to leave my side (or I mean let me leave HIS side). We are sleeping together and he spends the day in the sling or the ergo carrier (I bought the Ergo after the Bjorn went missing after our Vic trip this summer)
These last few days have been long and trying. But a big glass of wine and a few minutes alone each night while Daddy tends to Jonas is all I need...hehe, and NO I am not an alcoholic....Mums need a quick unwind sometimes too.
Jonas, of course, has kept on eating solids right through his sickness. He is a big eater and will complain when he doesn't get his applesauce or sweet potatoes or whatever else is on the menu that day. Although he is eating solids, Jonas still nurses quite abit; maybe every four hours or so. I am wondering when my period will arrive? It could be anytime I suppose. I wonder what the chances of getting pregnant again without getting a real period is. I know that I could ovulate first and get prego before ever having a period. Hmm, well, its a topic that has been discussed and if it happens then that's just great. We go back and forth, actually. Sometimes we want it to happen now and sometimes we talk about it happening in like 5 years from now or maybe never...we'll see.
My first best friend ever died recently. I had not talked to her in many many years and had only recently reconnected with her via the currently popular FACEBOOK.. Her death was tragic; the event has brought me back in time. I pulled out old journals and diaries. I must have started writing about my life quite soon after I learned to write because my first journals were about me and Larisa. I remembered what a magical time that age was. We spent our time climbing trees, building go carts and being 100% wild and free. We must have been 7 or 8 at the time. Childhood is so precious and short and I must say that mine was pretty great. I hope that Jonas will experience the innocence and freedom that I was so lucky to have.
And for those of you reading this with multiple kids, saying ya ya whatever, well this was our first time. Kids just get so sick!
We saw the doc and after taking his temp, which was 39deg, he checked everything else and when he saw his throat he was like yes tonsillitis. I asked if tonsillitis is related to thrush, like serious thrush, but he said no that that wasn't it. Just wondering. I wonder if it has anything to do with it????
Anyway. He had the fever for a couple days, slept lots, cried at night.
Now that the fever has broke he is just a little grumpy and absolutely refuses to leave my side (or I mean let me leave HIS side). We are sleeping together and he spends the day in the sling or the ergo carrier (I bought the Ergo after the Bjorn went missing after our Vic trip this summer)
These last few days have been long and trying. But a big glass of wine and a few minutes alone each night while Daddy tends to Jonas is all I need...hehe, and NO I am not an alcoholic....Mums need a quick unwind sometimes too.
Jonas, of course, has kept on eating solids right through his sickness. He is a big eater and will complain when he doesn't get his applesauce or sweet potatoes or whatever else is on the menu that day. Although he is eating solids, Jonas still nurses quite abit; maybe every four hours or so. I am wondering when my period will arrive? It could be anytime I suppose. I wonder what the chances of getting pregnant again without getting a real period is. I know that I could ovulate first and get prego before ever having a period. Hmm, well, its a topic that has been discussed and if it happens then that's just great. We go back and forth, actually. Sometimes we want it to happen now and sometimes we talk about it happening in like 5 years from now or maybe never...we'll see.
My first best friend ever died recently. I had not talked to her in many many years and had only recently reconnected with her via the currently popular FACEBOOK.. Her death was tragic; the event has brought me back in time. I pulled out old journals and diaries. I must have started writing about my life quite soon after I learned to write because my first journals were about me and Larisa. I remembered what a magical time that age was. We spent our time climbing trees, building go carts and being 100% wild and free. We must have been 7 or 8 at the time. Childhood is so precious and short and I must say that mine was pretty great. I hope that Jonas will experience the innocence and freedom that I was so lucky to have.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Bringing Peace Within...
For the first time ever, in the 5.5 years we have known each other, Jordan and I got sick. A really really bad cold, together, at the same time. Nothing is worse than being sick while its hot outside. Its been about ten days and we are now feeling much better. I have not gotten much done during this time...we still have stuff to move from the trailer. I always like things to be neat and tidy and orderly and I have been abit grumpy lately at being too tired to do much. I think I need to let go abit more. Not let things like housework get to me...but its hard cause I am in the house all day long, looking at all that needs to be done, but I guess on the other hand I should be out and about more than I have lately...but I HAVE been sick...
Jonas, with the kick ass immune system, sniffled for a day and that was about it. He's been a happy boy, playing out on the deck with water and frozen raspberries, watching mum pick strawberries (we have had buckets and buckets since June and they are still coming strong!!). 
I don't know if its from being sick or lack of sleep but I've given off some neg vibes lately and I am not sure if anyone has noticed - namely my sister, mom, Jord and mum in law...sorry guys, I've been a grump!
Tonight I found some peace, well, really I did. At the Tidemark Theatre in CR, The Island Centre For Positive Living hosted a really cool event where all faiths in the area were invited to come and celebrate peace and diversity. It was an interfaith celebration called 'A Season For Peace and Non Violence'. I enjoyed myself because I felt that these different faiths that came together were truly supportive of peace; the fact that they put aside differences and came together proves that. I am wondering where the Catholics were?? Haha. I grew up in a sort of Catholic family, but really, just a family that is very spiritual and we would go hiking or skiing on Sundays - not church. I did go to Catholic school and was Baptised by renowned radical Jesuit Jim Roberts - but I would say that at this point I can take bits and pieces from many religions and make it my own spirituality. Some of the groups that came forth in this celebration tonight were the Baha'i, Tibetan Buddhist, United Church, Stolo Nation, Wicca, Sikh, and The Centre For Positive Living. Very eclectic. I think that how Jonas will be brought up spiritually will be several posts down the road..but I am sure I will give it great thought..not that I haven't already...
Now, for my little poll up top about immunisations, I am truly interested to find out where people are at with this. Maybe most people don't care, but its something that is important to me. There is so much misinformation out there, so much controversy. Even before Jonas was born I was reading as much as I could on the topic. I found each side really interesting because its almost like a trend. Some people seem to read a book and make their decision on that, they always believe in conspiracy. Then on the other side of the immunisation spectrum there are those that believe all that the nurse/doctor have to say without any question.
And after so much thought and research by both Jordan and I, we decided to do most of them. I could go on and on but after looking at where we are headed as a family I couldn't imagine not getting them. After being in India and seeing so many people ravaged by something like polio I knew I had to think long and hard about my immunisation standpoint. If we were to stay secluded on our Island or in our country, then, hey, maybe I wouldn't immunize. But our plans include alot of travel and work abroad. If little Jonas contracted something like Polio we probably would not be able to get help in time. We look forward to immersing ourselves wherever we go and I can't wait for the day that Jonas is running around with a bunch of kids in some foreign faraway place...
And I know that ours is a culture of fear; but it is my job to protect my son in the ways that I feel important.
And I know that I may be an idealist in raising my first (and perhaps only??) child, but I want to know that I have always done my best.
okokokok, its late and time for bed.
Jonas, with the kick ass immune system, sniffled for a day and that was about it. He's been a happy boy, playing out on the deck with water and frozen raspberries, watching mum pick strawberries (we have had buckets and buckets since June and they are still coming strong!!).
I don't know if its from being sick or lack of sleep but I've given off some neg vibes lately and I am not sure if anyone has noticed - namely my sister, mom, Jord and mum in law...sorry guys, I've been a grump!
Tonight I found some peace, well, really I did. At the Tidemark Theatre in CR, The Island Centre For Positive Living hosted a really cool event where all faiths in the area were invited to come and celebrate peace and diversity. It was an interfaith celebration called 'A Season For Peace and Non Violence'. I enjoyed myself because I felt that these different faiths that came together were truly supportive of peace; the fact that they put aside differences and came together proves that. I am wondering where the Catholics were?? Haha. I grew up in a sort of Catholic family, but really, just a family that is very spiritual and we would go hiking or skiing on Sundays - not church. I did go to Catholic school and was Baptised by renowned radical Jesuit Jim Roberts - but I would say that at this point I can take bits and pieces from many religions and make it my own spirituality. Some of the groups that came forth in this celebration tonight were the Baha'i, Tibetan Buddhist, United Church, Stolo Nation, Wicca, Sikh, and The Centre For Positive Living. Very eclectic. I think that how Jonas will be brought up spiritually will be several posts down the road..but I am sure I will give it great thought..not that I haven't already...
Now, for my little poll up top about immunisations, I am truly interested to find out where people are at with this. Maybe most people don't care, but its something that is important to me. There is so much misinformation out there, so much controversy. Even before Jonas was born I was reading as much as I could on the topic. I found each side really interesting because its almost like a trend. Some people seem to read a book and make their decision on that, they always believe in conspiracy. Then on the other side of the immunisation spectrum there are those that believe all that the nurse/doctor have to say without any question.
And after so much thought and research by both Jordan and I, we decided to do most of them. I could go on and on but after looking at where we are headed as a family I couldn't imagine not getting them. After being in India and seeing so many people ravaged by something like polio I knew I had to think long and hard about my immunisation standpoint. If we were to stay secluded on our Island or in our country, then, hey, maybe I wouldn't immunize. But our plans include alot of travel and work abroad. If little Jonas contracted something like Polio we probably would not be able to get help in time. We look forward to immersing ourselves wherever we go and I can't wait for the day that Jonas is running around with a bunch of kids in some foreign faraway place...
And I know that ours is a culture of fear; but it is my job to protect my son in the ways that I feel important.
And I know that I may be an idealist in raising my first (and perhaps only??) child, but I want to know that I have always done my best.
okokokok, its late and time for bed.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Sleep, Play, Eat All Day Long...
I may have mentioned this in an earlier blog, but we have really entered into a whole new stage with Jonas. Although I did enjoy the first 6 months - it was tough at times. Transitioning into motherhood, feeding all the time etc...
We are at an amazing time in Jonas's development. All senses are going strong and Jonas explores/plays all day long. He is too active to breastfeed for long, except if he is going down for a nap. He does take the time to sit and eat some solids, 3 times a day to be exact. Nothing too exciting yet, just applesauce and root veggies and some peas. He also likes to eat pieces of rice and puffed millet. He prefers a cup of tea or water while he eats at his high chair. No interest in feeding himself as of yet.
He loves his own room. He takes his 3 naps each day on his bed no problem - of course still falling asleep at the breast. And yes, I have been told that feeding him to sleep at the breast is a badbad habit, but, hey, it works so well for us. I think I am gonna go on my tuition on that one.
I love it when I check up on him while he naps to discover him playing quietly with a toy he has wiggled to. He gets around quite well now, but is not 'officially' crawling. His toys include various rattles, household items, blocks (wood and cloth) and balls. Sometimes I will sit Jonas in front of his basket of toys where he will play for quite awhile. He plays well alone. Sometimes very quietly and sometimes quite loudly.
Jonas no longer does the high pitched 'veloceraptor' sound. Its funny, because I remember the last time he did it. I am not sure if its because of this particular incident that he stopped or if it was by chance. Anyway, a few weeks ago I was shopping, browsing through some books. Jonas was in the baby carrier and a few teenaged girls were flipping through magazines behind me when out of nowhere Jonas lets out his high pitched veloceraptor scream and the girls jumped and screamed, freaked right out, which in turn freaked Jonas out and I couldn't help but laugh to the point of tears and the girls began laughing. It was so funny and Jonas just looked so surprised and confused! I have never heard the sound again...
Monday, August 27, 2007
Back Home
Dear Jonas,
We are now back at home and you are very excited. With all of your new awareness at 6 months, you are staring out our huge windows, following the beams and just taking it all in.
You also have your very own bedroom -perfectly suited for you. We have put a little futon on the floor and all of your toys and books are easily accessible for you. For now, as we make the slow shift into sleeping in our own beds, this is where you will nap each day. At night time you will (for the most part) be sleeping on a mattress next to our bed. Last night was our first night at home and also our first night with this new arrangement. I didn't sleep much, but I think you slept fine. After having you sleep in the crook of my arm for the past 6 months (except those first few weeks in the bassinet) in our bed, it was hard not to feel you next to me, breathing and cuddling so close. It felt so strange last night...every hour I woke up to make sure you were still okay, even though you were only a couple of feet away from me! I think that this new sleeping arrangement is for the best, to begin spacing your night feeding now that you have begun solids. You are now so much more active and I need to sleep more in the night to be able to keep up to your impending crawling exploratory period...
Here is some stuff to describe you at 6 months:
* you are a very very light sleeper
* so far you love apples, sweet potato and squash (...well, that's all you've eaten)
*you are refusing the bottle at the moment and will only take your liquids from my breast or a cup
*you are still teething, but no teeth have come out yet - to soothe your aches you like to chew on cold cloths and when the pain gets worse we give you a homeopathic remedy which usually calms you, but when the pain is really bad we give you some Tylenol and that always works
*you are excellent at entertaining yourself for long periods of time...half an hour sometimes!
*for as long as I remember, you love books. You are able to sit through your favourites, you also like to touch and chew at them as well.
-your all time faves are :5 Little Speckled Frogs and Bunnies Go To School
*your favourite music includes:
-Putumayo Kids 'World Playground'
-Quiet Time Raffi
-Thomas Mapfumo
-Kiban Ahluwalia
-Putumayo Kids 'Animal Playground'
-The Be Good Tanyas 'Hello Love'
-Putumayo 'Arabic Groove'
*your favourite outfit - no clothes, no diaper
*your favourite activities include:
-being outside,
-watching mamamama working in the kitchen,
-laughing at Bower the dog,
-staring at trees,
-cuddling with Dad in bed,
-bath time
*you like camping and road trips
Love Mum
We are now back at home and you are very excited. With all of your new awareness at 6 months, you are staring out our huge windows, following the beams and just taking it all in.
You also have your very own bedroom -perfectly suited for you. We have put a little futon on the floor and all of your toys and books are easily accessible for you. For now, as we make the slow shift into sleeping in our own beds, this is where you will nap each day. At night time you will (for the most part) be sleeping on a mattress next to our bed. Last night was our first night at home and also our first night with this new arrangement. I didn't sleep much, but I think you slept fine. After having you sleep in the crook of my arm for the past 6 months (except those first few weeks in the bassinet) in our bed, it was hard not to feel you next to me, breathing and cuddling so close. It felt so strange last night...every hour I woke up to make sure you were still okay, even though you were only a couple of feet away from me! I think that this new sleeping arrangement is for the best, to begin spacing your night feeding now that you have begun solids. You are now so much more active and I need to sleep more in the night to be able to keep up to your impending crawling exploratory period...
Here is some stuff to describe you at 6 months:
* you are a very very light sleeper
* so far you love apples, sweet potato and squash (...well, that's all you've eaten)
*you are refusing the bottle at the moment and will only take your liquids from my breast or a cup
*you are still teething, but no teeth have come out yet - to soothe your aches you like to chew on cold cloths and when the pain gets worse we give you a homeopathic remedy which usually calms you, but when the pain is really bad we give you some Tylenol and that always works
*you are excellent at entertaining yourself for long periods of time...half an hour sometimes!
*for as long as I remember, you love books. You are able to sit through your favourites, you also like to touch and chew at them as well.
-your all time faves are :5 Little Speckled Frogs and Bunnies Go To School
*your favourite music includes:
-Putumayo Kids 'World Playground'
-Quiet Time Raffi
-Thomas Mapfumo
-Kiban Ahluwalia
-Putumayo Kids 'Animal Playground'
-The Be Good Tanyas 'Hello Love'
-Putumayo 'Arabic Groove'
*your favourite outfit - no clothes, no diaper
*your favourite activities include:
-being outside,
-watching mamamama working in the kitchen,
-laughing at Bower the dog,
-staring at trees,
-cuddling with Dad in bed,
-bath time
*you like camping and road trips
Love Mum
Saturday, August 25, 2007
All Grown Up
Jonas is a big boy now. Well, not quite, I suppose, but he now has (as Jordan and I call it) HUMAN POO. Gone are the purely breast fed yellow and pleasant smelling baby poops; now we have the real stuff. Jonas still mainly breastfeeds, but he does have small amounts of solids 2-3 times a day. Last week was sweet potatoes, this week has been apples.
I can tell you, nothing feels more natural and satisfying than going over to Jerry and Jill's and picking apples and plums from the trees, peas from the garden and berries from the bushes. It feels so good to take this stuff home and prepare it for Jonas and us.
Without alot of conscious effort, our diet has been very 'raw' this summer. On the whole I am feeling quite good and healthy, considering I still feed Jonas throughout the night. I recently bought a dehydrator and have been using it non stop making crackers, veggie chips, sun burgers and nori chips. In a week or so I would like to start dehydrating apples, pears and anything else I can find around the property. I am also going to make lots of applesauce. Anyone out there know what would be healthiest - canning the applesauce or freezing it??
Jordan just got back from spending a couple of days hiking at Strathcona Park. Of course I was a little jealous, but I think it was a good little break for all of us. Just to have some time alone.
Jill spent an afternoon with Jonas and I laid out in the sun and started reading The Birth House by Ami McKay at Rebecca Spit. It was such a treat! Usually when we have someone take care of Jonas, Jordan and I will go out and do something like hike, run, clean - always something active. It was just nice to be lazy for a few hours! While I had time alone, Jill took Jonas in his new stroller through the community centre trails and then down to the ocean for a swim. They then ate black berries all the way home - Jonas is still pooping out the seeds! 
Anyway, Jonas was very happy and I think it was absolutely wonderful that he went on this little adventure with Jill and had some time to connect with her. Jonas is very lucky (and we all are!) because there are 3 SETS of grandparents - and soon they will all live nearby! My parents will be moving from the Kootenays in the next couple of months!!
After spending the summer in the trailer aka 'The Family Cottage', we are moving back into our house! We made a little money, so it was definitely worth the sacrifice but I must say that we are all more than ready to be back home. Just in time for Jonas's crawling...
I can tell you, nothing feels more natural and satisfying than going over to Jerry and Jill's and picking apples and plums from the trees, peas from the garden and berries from the bushes. It feels so good to take this stuff home and prepare it for Jonas and us.
Without alot of conscious effort, our diet has been very 'raw' this summer. On the whole I am feeling quite good and healthy, considering I still feed Jonas throughout the night. I recently bought a dehydrator and have been using it non stop making crackers, veggie chips, sun burgers and nori chips. In a week or so I would like to start dehydrating apples, pears and anything else I can find around the property. I am also going to make lots of applesauce. Anyone out there know what would be healthiest - canning the applesauce or freezing it??
Jordan just got back from spending a couple of days hiking at Strathcona Park. Of course I was a little jealous, but I think it was a good little break for all of us. Just to have some time alone.
Jill spent an afternoon with Jonas and I laid out in the sun and started reading The Birth House by Ami McKay at Rebecca Spit. It was such a treat! Usually when we have someone take care of Jonas, Jordan and I will go out and do something like hike, run, clean - always something active. It was just nice to be lazy for a few hours! While I had time alone, Jill took Jonas in his new stroller through the community centre trails and then down to the ocean for a swim. They then ate black berries all the way home - Jonas is still pooping out the seeds! Anyway, Jonas was very happy and I think it was absolutely wonderful that he went on this little adventure with Jill and had some time to connect with her. Jonas is very lucky (and we all are!) because there are 3 SETS of grandparents - and soon they will all live nearby! My parents will be moving from the Kootenays in the next couple of months!!After spending the summer in the trailer aka 'The Family Cottage', we are moving back into our house! We made a little money, so it was definitely worth the sacrifice but I must say that we are all more than ready to be back home. Just in time for Jonas's crawling...
Friday, August 17, 2007
Solid Food
Ok, so I may be a little overinformed and probably misinformed as well. And so some people may think, its not a big deal. But as a mom, it is a big deal what I feed my son.
He is teething and growing and doing all these new things at once. He is also, all of a sudden, totally into our food. I am caught unprepared. I thought he wouldn't be into solids until 9 months or so...I thought breastmilk would keep him interested. Now he wants food...our food.
So I first fed him a little mashed banana. But then I remembered afterward that the only food I have any sensitivity toward is the banana. oops. gotta keep him away from that one for abit longer. Then a few days later I fed him some avocado with a little water. I then breastfed him afterwards as most books/internet suggest. He was really quite fussy for the rest of the day. Not with gas, and maybe it had nothing to do with the food, maybe it was just the teething. I don't know.
But now that I think of it, avocados don't even grow around here. Shouldn't I be feeding him something that is locally grown? Something that we have actually evolved to eat. Isn't eating locally grown foods far better, nutritionally and for our systems, than something imported that our bodies aren't even evolved to eat? hmmm. I don't know the answer. But I do no, however, that something grown locally whether organic or not, will have more nutrients that something that was picked and shipped here for far away. So, what should I feed my son as his first solids?
Maybe I will skip the mangoes, banana and avocado and pick some peas and squash from the garden...
There is just so much info out there, so many opposing studies. Local or organic, ideally, I guess, locally organic. To cook or to do raw for baby?
We all want the very best for baby. We want them to avoid creating food allergies and sensitivities later in life, we want them to build strong digestive fire, we want them to stay away from as much GMO's as possible, we want them to eat organic and avoid all the deadly toxins. Life isn't perfect, but as a mom I want to provide the best beginnings as possible.
Any suggestions/stories of first solids for baby?
He is teething and growing and doing all these new things at once. He is also, all of a sudden, totally into our food. I am caught unprepared. I thought he wouldn't be into solids until 9 months or so...I thought breastmilk would keep him interested. Now he wants food...our food.
So I first fed him a little mashed banana. But then I remembered afterward that the only food I have any sensitivity toward is the banana. oops. gotta keep him away from that one for abit longer. Then a few days later I fed him some avocado with a little water. I then breastfed him afterwards as most books/internet suggest. He was really quite fussy for the rest of the day. Not with gas, and maybe it had nothing to do with the food, maybe it was just the teething. I don't know.
But now that I think of it, avocados don't even grow around here. Shouldn't I be feeding him something that is locally grown? Something that we have actually evolved to eat. Isn't eating locally grown foods far better, nutritionally and for our systems, than something imported that our bodies aren't even evolved to eat? hmmm. I don't know the answer. But I do no, however, that something grown locally whether organic or not, will have more nutrients that something that was picked and shipped here for far away. So, what should I feed my son as his first solids?
Maybe I will skip the mangoes, banana and avocado and pick some peas and squash from the garden...
There is just so much info out there, so many opposing studies. Local or organic, ideally, I guess, locally organic. To cook or to do raw for baby?
We all want the very best for baby. We want them to avoid creating food allergies and sensitivities later in life, we want them to build strong digestive fire, we want them to stay away from as much GMO's as possible, we want them to eat organic and avoid all the deadly toxins. Life isn't perfect, but as a mom I want to provide the best beginnings as possible.
Any suggestions/stories of first solids for baby?
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Big Changes
In a week Jonas will be 6 months old. I feel as if we have gone through a big transformation over the past 3 weeks. Jonas has gone from mellow Buddha baby to non stop inquisitive, energetic and playful baby.When once you were satisfied to sit on mamas lap, stare/hit your mobile or stroll around outside, now you are playing, rolling around everywhere, sitting, squirming forward/crawling, making high pitched screams....we have nicknamed you the Velosiraptor because the sound you make is very animalistic sounding. Its tough on the ears,...but you also make other very pleasant sounds as well. It all seems to have happened so quickly.
You are also really into watching us eat and drink. You get very upset if you aren't with us at the dinner table, so now we put you in your Bumbo seat right on the table. That was ok maybe once, but you insisted on eating as well.
We tried, about a week ago, to give you your first 'solids'. We were eating dinner at Grandma Janet and Opa Case's house and you were sitting in their high chair. You were sooo adamant about eating so I mashed some banana and you ate it - eagerly. Your spit out reflex is completely gone which means, along with your eagerness for our food, that you are now ready for some solids.
Throughout this 3 week growth spurt of yours, you have been abit fussy. With all that growing, I don't blame you one bit!
I think that some of the funnest times lately is when all three of us are laying in bed. You love to entertain us with your babbling, yelling, squirming/crawling and, well, just your new wild antics...
This summer has been so incredibly busy! We had visitors non stop for about 5 weeks and then we went to Vancouver for a little week long vacation.
My 8 year old nephew, Cameron, came to stay with us for 3 weeks. THAT was busy, but lots of fun as well. Did some camping. My parents also visited; they are selling their house in the Kootenays and moving to Vancouver Island in the fall! Very excited about that. Had friends visit. Phew!
Vancouver was great. The vacation that both Jordan and I really needed. A breath of fresh air. How funny does that sound? Our island, where everyone flocks to for summer vacationing, we leave for the city for our vacation. I suppose its nice because it gives new perspective and therefor invigorates. We stayed with our good friends who just purchased a new house in Vancouver; we had a brand new suite all to ourselves. This was nice so that we could move about freely with Jonas; he napped lots without interruption etc etc...
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