Sippy Cup Battle

The battle has been won and the war is almost over. My son drinks out of a sippy cup now!!! His favorite sippy cups are his dinosaur ones.They are made by Playtex.

His favorite cups

He only wants a bottle when he wakes up in the middle of the night. I am trying to get him to sleep through the night in his crib, so I don't think I am going to take that late night bottle from him just yet. No, he does not sleep with a bottle in his mouth. It is just a comfort thing, like a pacifier would be if he still used them. He takes a few sips and falls back asleep. The other day, he saw me throw one of his bottles away. He was so heartbroken and cried for a while. After he was done crying, he walked around the house pouting, He is over it now and still takes his sippy cup all day! He is getting so big and smart. I am proud of him. Now if I could just get him to sleep in his crib! I have just a few days to conquer that before they pack our stuff. I am going to try to make him sleep in his pack and play after that. I hope it all goes well. Wish me luck! :)

I never..

I was never willing to love so much.

I never planned to watch one cartoon 30 times a day.

I never planned to scrub chocolate out of the carpet.

I was never willing to dance around the kitchen in my socks and sing silly songs.

 I was never willing to share my food or drink with any one.

I never planned on handling someone else's boogers.
I never laughed or smiled so much.

 I never had the power to heal a wound with a single kiss.

I never had a little smile wake me in the morning.

 I was never called mommy.

...until you.

Tricks of the Trade: Clean house with a Kiddo

Speed-Cleaning Tips

Inviting Living Area

• Pick up the Play Things- get them all in a pile and sort them into the appropriate baskets. That way you don't have to keep bending over and couching down as you tidy up
• Bust the Dust-To clean your TV and your tables, use a microfiber towel. You can get it from the auto section in the discount store.
• Scent the Stage-sprinkle baking soda on the carpet and upholstered furniture, let it sit for 10 minutes, then vacuum it up with the brush attachment.
• Sock Mop- Make cleaning the floors fun for the kiddos. Everyone puts on clean, old socks then spray the floor with kid-safe cleaner. Scurry around the floor with your sock feet. Whoever has the dirtiest socks at the end...gets to pick a game, lunch, or something else fun.
• Bin It Up-Give each kid a bin. Have them collect their stuff around the house and return it to their bedroom. Anything that doesn't get collected gets tossed into a box to eventually be donated or thrown out.

Clutter Free Kid's Room

• Compete for Neat-Turn picking up into a race. See who can can clean up their space more quickly----you or the kids.
• Assign by Kind- Gather all of one kind then move on to the next. It saves time because you won't have the additional step of sorting. You can also assign each child a type of toy..Cars, Stuffed animals, Legos, etc..
• Begin With the Bin- In your kids' room, have buckets or baskets for each type of toy--dolls,puzzles,games. When ever it is clean up time, it's easy to put everything back in its place. Plus, they love to throw the their toys in the "right" bucket. Also, the plastic colorful milk crates from Walmart work well.

Tidy Laundry Room

• Lose the Lint- Use a dryer sheet over the surfaces to de-lint instantly.
• Simply Sort-  Have at least two laundry baskets- One for whites and one for colors.. you can also have more..like for towels or jeans. Have your child help sort so that you can just toss the clothes in the wash.

Gleaming Bathroom

• Team with Steam- After you get out the shower, sponge everything down: walls, windows, even the floor. Everything cleans up easier when it is wet.
• Shine in No Time- As a finishing touch, hit the mirror and other chrome with a non-streak cleaner. It is a easy way to give things a polished, "I cleaned up" look.

Sparkling Kitchen

• Stop Smells-Put a piece of lemon or lime in the garbage disposal and run it. The citrus smell will cover up any food odor in the disposal and it will make the whole kitchen smell fresh.
• Mount a Counter Assault- Put all able bodied family members to work wiping down surfaces--tables,counters, and stove top. Then have them clear the room so you can sweep the floor.
• Microwave Messes- Heat a bowl of water in the microwave for a minute or two. The steam loosens any crusty buildup inside, so you can wipe it off easily.

*** Do daily maintenance. If  you clean for a few minutes in the morning, afternoon, and evening, you won't be overwhelmed. Next time your kids are in the bath, give the toilets and sinks a quick wipe-down. Or do a five-minute toy sweep before lights-out.***

This info is from a Parents Magazine article.

 



Little Boys Are Made Of

What are little boys made off..........

A wee bit of DIRT and a devilish GRIN..

Curious EYES and SPAGHETTI sauce chin..

A DOLLOP of mud behind his right ear,

And a handful of WORMS in his

POCKET I fear.

You see his KNEES

through the

HOLES in his jeans.

He likes ice cream

but won't eat his

BEANS.

He's made of

 MUDPIES and

BUBBLE gum kisses

And wonder at

Christmas and

birthday WISHES.

And a heap of

GIGGLES and

wiggles and LOVE;

These are the THINGS

LITTLE BOYS are made of.

By Patsy Gaut



Vote for my kiddo Please!

Hey yall this is the best my son has done on a contest before so can yall help him out and give him a vote! Thank you!! oh and share share share :)

http://photos.parents.com/my-messy-eater/04/2012/14

Calie: The Pirate Dog

I think every child should have a animal companion. Dogs are great. My animal companion was a dog named Calie that spent almost 10 years with me. She was a Shi-zu, My mother rescued Calie when I was 8 years old. A lady was selling Calie and another dog. They were both in pretty rough shape.When my mom took them to the vet, she found out that they had been beaten and had seriously been neglected. She stopped payment on the check and brought home the dogs. I remember coming home from school and seeing this dog in my yard. She had one eye but you didn't realize it because the hair hung in her face. She was gray, black, and white. She was a little bit bigger than most Shi-zus you see now a days. She was perfect.

Calie in her early years.

 I instantly fell in love with her and she loved me back. My mom raised dogs so we always had animals around but no one was as special as Calie. Calie was a little unsociable around other dogs and it got worse when she got older. But there was one dog that Calie had a soft spot for. A black standard cocker spaniel named Mi High. She was pretty cool. She would eat anything us kids would eat and she loved tennis balls and the lake. She spent many years with us also. Calie and her were great friends. My 7th grade year Mi High was diagnosed with breast cancer. There was nothing the vets could do. My mom realized it was too bad when Mi High couldn't chase her tennis balls anymore. So in 8th grade, Mi High had to be taken to the vet to be put to sleep. I think it was one of the hardest things my mother ever had to do. After Mi High was put to sleep, Calie was depressed for a while. Calie never again liked another dog like that. Calie was truly my best friend. I turned to her many times. When my parents had problems, Calie was there for me. When my childhood friend passed away in 6th grade, Calie was there. On the worst of days, I knew Calie would be there to listen to me. For almost 10 years, Calie was by my side. She slept in my bed with me and would even take my naps with me.

Calie after losing hair.

She would watch you with her one eye and she did this funny thing where she rubbed her belly on the ground to scratch it.


One eye

She had a few litters of puppies and they were always so cute and healthy. She was a great momma dog, one of the best. My mom kept a few of her daughters. All great dogs like their momma. They are now getting kind of old.When Calie was about 8 years old, she started losing hair. It was already almost all grey by then. We never figured out why she lost her hair but it didn't really seem to bother her except that itch. She was always itching. We found some shampoos to kind of ease the itch for her. Along with the itch and hair lose, she had this strange smell. So she had to be bathed often. Some people were repulsed by her when they saw her because of the hair lose. We even had people go as far as to tell us that she needed to be put out of her misery. I did not like these people. Calie was never miserable. Even though Calie looked strange she was still so beautiful to me. If you couldn't accept and love Calie then you couldn't be in my life. Calie came before any boy or friend.  My friends even loved her. One friend called her zombie dog and pirate dog. When I left for college I know it was hard on my family including Calie. I hated that I couldn't take her with me. In January 2010, I was back from college for the holidays. I was working to cover tuition for the next semester. I met my husband at this time. I remember talking on and on about Calie to him. I said I can't wait for you to meet her. Just a few days after I met my husband, Calie left my life. She passed away on January 13th 2010. My husband never got to meet her. I remember waking up to get my little brother and sister up for school. Calie stayed on the bed to sleep. After they were awake and getting ready, I went to lay back down. Right after I lied down I heard a yelp come from Calie. I thought I hurt her leg or something. I wish it was as simple as that. Calie was having a stroke. I picked her up and ran to my parents' room. When I saw their faces I knew there was nothing they could do for her. I sat there holding Calie for what felt like forever. I couldn't stop crying and my mom said to not let her know I was scared. Just try to comfort her. About two hours later, Calie stopped breathing in my arms. I was heartbroken. I had just lost my oldest and best friend. Calie was a family member and a piece of our lives. Everyone lost her that day. My parents and I took it especially hard. Calie was about 13 years old when she died. She lived a good life with us and never went without. She was spoiled rotten.Calie meant the world to me.

It has been 2 years now and to this day I still miss her so much. She can not be replaced. She was one of of a kind. I hope one day my son can love a dog the way I loved Calie. I think ever child should have a great animal companion. A animal companion can never let them down and will be there to listen. This is to Calie and all other great animals out there. We love you! Thank you for the many great years!

25 Manners Every Child Needs By Age 9

1. When asking for something, say "Please."
2. When receiving something say "thank you."
3. Do not interrupt grown-ups who are speaking with each other unless there is am emergency. They will notice you and respond when they are finished talking.
4. If you do need to get some one's attention right away, the phrase "excuse me" is the most polite way for you to enter the conversation.
5. When you have any doubt about doing something, ask permission first. It can save you from many hours of grief.
6. The world is not interested in what you dislike. Keep negative opinions to yourself, or between you and your friends, and out of earshot of adults.
7. Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics, of course, it's to compliment them, which is always welcome.
8. When people ask you how you are, tell them and then ask them how they are.
9. When you have spent time at your friend's house remember to thank his or her parents for having you over and for the good time you had.
10. Knock on closed doors-and wait to see if there's a response-before entering.
11. When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling.
12. Be appreciative and say "thank you" for any gift you receive. In the age of e-mail, a handwritten thank-you note can have a powerful effect.
13. Never use foul language in front of adults. Grown-ups already know all those words, and they find them boring and unpleasant.
14. Don't call people mean names.
15. Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak, and ganging up on someone else is cruel.
16. Even if a play or an assembly is boring, sit through it quietly and pretend that you are interested. The performers and presenters are doing their best.
17. If you bump into somebody, immediately say "excuse me."
18. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and don't pick your nose in public.
19. As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else.
20. If you come across a parent, a teacher, or a neighbor working on something, ask if you can help. If they say "yes," do so-you may learn something new.
21. When an adult asks you for a favor, do it without grumbling and with a smile.
22. When someone helps you, say "thank you." That person will likely want to help you again. This is especially true with teachers.
23. Use eating utensils properly. If you are unsure how to do so, ask your parents to teach you or watch what adults do.
24. Keep a napkin on your lap; us it to wipe your mouth when necessary,
25. Don't reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed.

Valentines Day Crafts

Valentine's day is just around the corner. What do you have planned? I am still trying to get it all planned. I want to do something special for my husband and my son. I personally think that any holiday or anniversary can be celebrated with your child too. I like to include my son into everything even if it is just a little bit.  So here are some crafts for Valentines Day. These crafts are great for you and your child to do together for a loved one! Enjoy!!

I got these craft ideas from Parents.com. They have more ideas if you want to look.

Craft #1

SWEET!

-Personalize jumbo candy bars with festive wrappers and tags decorated with markers, stickers, and your child's own little fingerprints.

What you will need-

• Candy bar with an outside wrapper
• Decorative paper
• Regular and decorative (optional) scissors
• Tape
• Ink pad
• Stickers, markers, glitter

STEPS-

1. Carefully remove the outside wrapper from a candy bar and trace it onto decorative paper. Cut out the new wrapper with regular scissors and tape it on the underside of the foil-wrapped bar.
2. Use decorative or regular scissors to cut a rectangular label or packing tag to adhere to the top of the candy bar. Measure against the face of the bar to make sure it fits accurately.
3. Dab your child's finger on an ink pad. Press inked finger on paper, then rotate paper 90 degrees and repeat to form a heart. Decorate with stickers, markers, and glitter.

Craft #2

Wrap Artist!

Your child can transform plain tissue paper into a work of art straight from the heart. Set out cups of paint and sheets of tissue paper in a solid color, and decorate with two thumbprints joined together to form a heart.

Craft #3



Sealed With A Kiss

This year, skip pricey store-bought cards. Instead, purchase plain card stock, patterned paper, pretty buttons, and ribbon, then let the kids go to town to create more personal Valentine's wishes.








Craft #4








Buttoned Up!






Patterned paper, buttons, and string for hair create little figures that are, well, cute as a button.







Craft #5









Magnetic Force




These simple memo magnets are the perfect craft for your little cupid. To make, paint small wooden hearts, let dry, and glue a magnet on the back. It's a charming way to display cards and photos.










Craft #6









Sweets for the Sweet!







Dress up mini chocolate bars with a creative wrapper for the cutest candy ever. Measure out a section of paper by using the candy wrapper as a guide. Cut it out and cover with love messages, stamps, stickers, or little drawings, then secure around the bar with tape. This makes a quick and easy Valentine's gift for your child's friends.

Change Ahead

In a few weeks, my life is going to really change. We move to Colorado in a few weeks. My husband is getting out of the Army and we are moving back to his home state. All of his family is in Colorado.We will be moving into a house with his mom,his brother, his sister, their other halves, and their kids. There will be a total of seven adults and four kids in one house. All the children are 5 years and under. I am going to have to start work again. I will being working mornings so that I can spend my evenings with my husband and son. I have always spent my days with Dillon,my son.I have worked nights since he has was born. And on the days that I worked mornings/afternoons, my husband was always home with him. I wish I could always be a stay at home mommy, but we also have to have money. I hope Dillon takes well to the change. We have our own little routines here and now we won't be able to keep those routines. It is safe to say that I am scared. I have never lived in such a big city. Until I met my husband, I had always lived in the country. I am from the deep south and now I am moving even further away from my family. I am moving into a house with people that I have only met a few times. I also found out today that we may be moving into a smaller house than expected. This really disappointed me. I am very unsure about this transition. I have always wanted my own place. I want to be able to decorate and create an amazing room for my son. I will not be able to do this until my husband and I get our OWN place. I like my space and I am sort of a loner. I do not do well around a lot of people. I get overwhelmed and moody. I hope that maybe I can over come this. Colorado is beautiful, but I miss Louisiana so much. When I left Louisiana, I thought I wouldn't miss it but I was very wrong. Now for me to be with my husband, I have to live in Colorado. I will never get to live in Louisiana again. That realization really gets me lately. I am homesick and I wish my family could watch Dillon grow. He is my parents' first and only grandchild so far. They have missed out on almost every bit of his first year. I send them pictures and videos as much as possible but they just aren't the same.
I understand that my husband wants to be with his family. He has been away for almost 5 years. His mother is very sick. He also lost his father a little over a year ago. His father passed away suddenly from pneumonia in his sleep in November 2010. It was three days before Dillon was due. My husband left for Colorado a few days later. I thought he was going to miss our son's birth. But Dillon ended up being a week late,I guess he wanted to wait for his daddy. The doctors had to induce me and Dillon was born on Thanksgiving.
I have always wanted to make the right choices especially since Dillon was born. I want the best for him. Every morning many thoughts occur to me. I wonder if I will make the right choices for my son and myself today? Does my son know I love him more than anything? What can I do to better myself for my son and myself? 
 I hope that one day everything just falls into place. I love my son, my husband, and my family with all my heart. I strive to do what I can for them. I am doing what I can to accept this change. I will make the best of it. I hope that is all gets easier soon. I know that many many people in this world have much more in their lives to handle. I am sorry for those out there that have it so bad. I hope that some day all of their prayers are answered and their dreams come true.
I am so thankful for the life that I have and the people I have in it. I hope this year brings great things. I know that I am a lucky person and I will never take that for granted.

Today With My Son

Today, my son and I spent the whole day together. We went to the PX. We wandered around there for a few hours. I let him loose in the toy section. He found a toy cell phone and bubbles. I ended up getting him some bubbles, a toy cell phone, a new jacket,and two new sippy cups with dinosaurs on them. I got him some chicken nuggets, apple slices, and chocolate milk for lunch.

He has been drinking out of his sippy cups really well lately. He is so smart. When he is done drinking out of his sippy cup, he will put it back in his cup holder on his stroller or highchair.
After he ate lunch, I took him to the nice playground beside the PX. He loved it!
He got to play with other children. He ran all over and slide down slides. He loves sliding down head first. He hit his head again. He was running towards a older boy when he ran into a pole. Again, it didn't phase him. He just kept going. Maybe, I should buy him a helmet. :-)

We stayed at the park for about a hour or more. We then went and picked up his daddy from work. Dillon was such a good boy today. I love spending so much time with him. He now has very red cheeks. I think it was from the chilly wind today or maybe the sun too. He had a very eventful day. Hopefully, he sleeps all through the night tonight. I have plans for us tomorrow too. I am still trying to lose weight so we are going for a long walk tomorrow. Hopefully, it won't be really cold. After our walk, we are going to the playgrounds here at our complex. They aren't nearly as big or nice as the ones on post, but he still has fun. If it isn't too cold, we will spend most of our day outside. He LOVES being outside. I want to spend as much time with him as possible because it will be really different when we get to Colorado in a few weeks. I better get to bed soon so that I will have plenty of energy to keep up with him tomorrow. I wish I had a quarter of the energy he has. Goodnight yall! Remember to always cherish the little moments with your wonderful children.

Emergency Info Sheet

Emergency Information Sheet

Child/Children’s full name(s):___________________________________________________
________________________________________
Date of birth: ____________________________

_________________________________________

Home address: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Closest major intersection:______________________________________________________

Any allergies, medications or special conditions:_____________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Police Department: ____________________________________

Fire Department: ______________________________________

Poison Control:1-800-222-1222

Other Emergency #: _____________________________________

Insurance provider: __________________________________________Insured name and ID: __________________________________ Group ID: _________________ Policy ID: _________________

Insurance provider phone: ________________________

Mom’s full name: __________________________________________
Preferred phone: _______________________________________

Other phone: __________________________________________

Dad’s full name: __________________________________________
Preferred phone: ________________________________________

Other phone: __________________________________________

Emergency contact 1: __________________________________________Phone: _______________________________________________

Relation: ______________________________________________

Emergency contact 2: __________________________________________Phone: _________________________________________________

Relation: _______________________________________________

Pediatrician: __________________________________________Address: _________________________________________________________________________

Directions:_________________________________________________________________________

Pediatrician phone: ______________________________

Preferred hospital: __________________________________________Address:__________________________________________________________________________

Directions______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hospital phone: __________________________________

Dentist: __________________________________________Dentist phone: ___________________________________

Neighbor(s): __________________________________________________

Address:_______________________________________________________________________

Phone: __________________________________________



Travel Checklist: For traveling With a Baby/Toddler

Travel Checklist: For Traveling With Baby or Toddler

____ Diapers: Remember, you can never have enough diapers. Pack one for each hour you’ll be traveling and then throw in a few more, just in case!

____ Diaper changing pad: If your diaper bag doesn’t already come with one, you can pick up disposable or inexpensive pads at most supermarkets or baby stores.

____ Plastic bags for storage These will come in handy when it comes time to store dirty diapers and clothes.

____ Formula, water, or juice (depending on baby)

____ Snacks for you and baby:In case your trip is delayed and you both need something to munch on.

____ Extra bottles, nipples, and/or sippy cups (depending on baby’s age)

____ Breast pump (if used)

____ Bra pads (if used)

____ Nightlight: For those middle-of-the-night changes

____ First-aid kit: Always have one on hand with pain relievers safe for baby and supplies to treat minor injuries.

____ Sling or front carrier:An easy and hands-free way to tote baby around when you’re on the go.

____ Play center/crib/bouncer: A lightweight and portable play center or bouncer is perfect for both play time or nap time.

____ Inflatable baby bathtub: You’ll be glad you brought it when it comes time to wash baby.

____ Car seat: Remember, car seats can also be used on planes.

____ Collapsible stroller: A lightweight stroller will be easy to store in the back of your car or in overhead compartments on a train or plane.

____ Diaper rash cream

____ Baby wipes/Tissues

____ Travel-size bottle of baby wash

____ Travel-size baby lotion

____ Trave-size antibacterial hand gel

____ Extra pacifiers (if baby uses one)

____ Clothes

____ Socks

____ Booties/shoes

____ Washable bibs

____ Baby neck/head pillow




I LOVE this pillow!!!

Activities for Infants 8-12 Months Old

These activities help with development. And of course they are fun for you and the baby.

• Let your baby feed himself. This gives your baby practice picking up small objects (cereal, cooked peas) and also gives him or her experience with textures in their hands and mouth. Soon your baby will be able to finger feed an entire meal.
• Put toys on a sofa or sturdy table so that your baby can practice standing while playing with the toys.
• Turn on a radio or stereo. Hold your baby in a standing position and let your baby bounce and dance. If your baby can stand with little support, hold him or her hands and dance like partners.
• Make a simple puzzle for your baby by putting blocks or Ping Pong balls inside a muffin pan or egg carton.
• Your baby will be interested in banging objects to make noise. Give your baby blocks to bang,rattles to shake, or wooden spoons to bang on containers. Show your baby how to bang objects together.
• Find a big box that your baby can crawl in and out of. Stay close by and talk to your baby about what he or she is doing. "You went in! Now you are out!"
• Play imitation games like Peekaboo and So Big. Show pleasure at your baby's imitations of movements and sounds. Babies enjoy playing the same games over and over.
• You can make a simple toy by cutting a round hold in the plastic lid of a coffe can. Give your baby wooden clothes pins or Ping-Pong balls to drop inside. (make sure the edge of the coffee can won't cut you baby)
• A good pastime is putting objects in and out of containers. Give your baby plastic containers with large beads or blocks. Your baby may enjoy putting socks in and out of the sock drawer or small cartons (Jell-O, tuna, or soup cans) on and off shelves.
• Read baby books or colorful magazines by pointing and telling your baby what is in the picture. Let your baby pat pictures in the book.
• Let your baby play with plastic measuring cups, cups with handles, sieves and strainers, sponges, and balls that float in the bathtub. Bath time is a great learning time.
• Say "hi"and wave when entering a room with your baby. Encourage your baby to imitate. help your baby wave to greet others. Waving "hi" and "bye" are early gestures.
• Mirrors are exciting at this age. Let your baby pat and poke at herself in the mirror. Smile and make faces together in the mirror,
• Play hide-and-seek games with objects. Let your baby see you hide an object under a blanket,diaper,or pillow. If your baby doesn't uncover the object, just cover part of it. Help your baby find the object.
• Play Pat-a-Cake with your baby. Clap his or her hands together or take turns. Wait and see if your baby signals you to start the game again. Try the game using blocks or spoons to clap and bang with.
• Let your baby make choices. Offer two toys or foods and see which one your baby picks. Encourage your baby to reach or point to the chosen objects. Babies have definite likes and dislikes.
• Your baby will begin using his or her index fingers to poke. Let your baby poke at a play telephone or busy box. Your baby will want to poke at faces. Name the body part as your baby touches your face.
• Play ball games.Roll a ball to your baby. Help your baby, or have a partner help him or her roll the ball back to you. Your baby may even throw the ball, so beach balls or Nerf balls are hreat for this game.
• Your baby will play more with different sounds like "la-la" and "da-da." Copy the sounds baby makes. Add a new one and see if your baby tries it, too. Enjoy your baby's early attempts at talking.
• New places and people are good experiences for your baby., but these can be frightening. Le tyour baby watch and listen and move at his or her own speed. Go slowly. Your baby will tell you when she is ready for more.

Poptart Toes

My son has this weird habit. He likes to stomp on his food. I have seen him stomp his food many times. I watched him stomp on a chicken strip once. He stomped it three times and then ate it. No, I didn't take it from him, because I was laughing to hard. He will put his feet on his highchair tray just so he can rub his feet in his food.

I am explaining this habit of my son's so that you will understand the rest of this post.This morning I gave him a little bit of chocolate chip poptart. This was the first time he had tried a poptart. Of course, he loved it and made a mess with it. I cleaned him up and dressed him. The rest of the poptart was on the counter. Today I found out that he is now tall enough to reach the counter. I turned my back on him for a second, so I could go put clothes away. While I was gone, he realized that the poptart was on the counter. He decided since it is his anyways that he doesn't have to wait for me to give it to him. I came back into the living room to find a chocolate faced boy stomping his poptart into my living room carpet. I do not understand why he feels the need to stomp his food. But now I have the chocolate gooey center of a poptart stuck to my carpet.This boy is such a mess. I just can't stay mad at him. We are renting this house and move out in a few weeks. So, I am sure my landlord will charge us for the carpet.
Ruined carpet (a material possession)--$$$.$$ (I don't know how much the landlord will charge us.)
A chocolate faced boy smiling at me with poptart between his toes--PRICELESS
Who doesn't LOVE a toddler with poptart between his toes?

A Bump on the Head

Dillon is almost 14 months now. He has been walking since he was 9 months. He is a perfect walker except he has my clumsiness and coordination. Poor boy! He is always bumping into things. He gets tiny bruises on his legs, but they never seem to bother him. He will fall down and get right back up. He likes to run now. He pushes his shoulders back and puts his hands behind him when he runs. It makes him look like he is holding a invisible cape and is about to take off flying. Today, he was running from his bedroom with his blanket in one hand. He was in his running stance with his blanket trailing behind him. When he reached the living room, he tripped over his blanket and fell head first onto the coffee table. It was very loud and sounded like it hurt.He held his breath for a few seconds then started screaming! I was by his side instantly. I made sure his teeth were okay and then I noticed the big scrape on his head. It is a pretty big scrape and will be all bruised up tomorrow. This is his first real injury, but it doesn't seem to phase him. He is already causing trouble again in his little footy pajamas. I picture him saying "Mommy stop worrying it is just a bump on the head but I would like some chocolate milk." Haha. Oh! What a boy!

Babies: 6 Months

Here are some things you should expect with a 6 month old. A few tips on feeding,safety,development, and shots.

• Development
• Motor:
• Usually can roll both ways
•  Sit with support
• Stand and bears weight
• Language:
• Smiles,laughs,squeals
• Babbling with single consonants like dada,mama,baba
• Babbles back and forth
• Starts to recognize name
• Social:
• May start to have stranger anxiety
• Development--what to expect
• sit without support by 7-8 months
• Begin finger feeds by 7-8 months
• Crawl by 8-10 months
• Pull to standing by 9-10 months
• Drink from cup by 9-10 months
• Teeth often start erupting at 6-9 months
• Feeding & Nutrition
• Breast feed or iron-fortified formula until 12 months old.
• Baby should drink 7-8 ounces of formula 4 times a day, 28-32 ounces in 24 hours.
• Formula intake should not exceed 32 ounces a day.
• Multi-vitamin if breastfeeding.
• Begin to use sippy cup
• May give water,limit 100% juice to 2-4 ounces a day
• Solid foods 2-3 times a day
• Single grain cereals (rice,oat,etc.)
• Make with breast milk or iron fortified formula
• feed with spoon
• Pureed baby foods( Stage 1,then Stage 2)
• Start with veggies, then fruit.
• One new food every 3-5 days
• Start meats by 7-8 months
• Avoid foods that could cause choking
• Popcorn,raisins,hot dogs,corn,peanuts,hard candy,etc.
• No eggs until 12 months of age
• No honey until 12 months of age
• Supervise all eating
• Finger feeding by 7-8 months
• Oral Health
• Don't put you baby to bed with a bottle
• Brush baby's teeth with soft toothbrush using water
• Safety
• Infant car seat in back seat
• Rear facing until at least 20 pounds AND at least 12 months old.
• Don't use baby walkers.
• No smoking in home or car
• Childproof home
• Install safety devices on cabinets and drawers
• Use gates for stairs
• To avoid falls,lower mattress of crib and keep sides up
• Set water heater at no more than 120 degrees F
• Never leave baby alone near water (including the bathtub)
• Keep medicines,cleaning supplies,paint,etc. out of reach or locked up.
• Poison control number 800-222-1222
• Sleeping
• Develop bedtime routine
• Transition object like blanket may be helpful
• Put infant into crib while still awake
• Should be sleeping through night
• Make middle of the night response brief and boring
• Usually 2 naps per day
• Immunizations that your baby may receive
• Pediarix #3(Hepatitis B + DTap + IPV)
• Prevnar #3 (Pneumococcus)
• Rotateq #3 (Rotavirus)-oral vaccine
• +/- HIB (Haemophillus influenza B0
• +/- flu shot (Influenza)

Baby Sleep Basics:6-9 months

6-9 months

• Typical sleep at this age. By age 6 months, most babies sleep a total of 11 1/2 to 15 hours a day (between nighttime sleep and naps) and are capable of sleeping for long stretches at a time. Between the ages of 6-9 months, many babies consolidate their daytime sleep into two naps, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Don't be concerned,though, if your baby continues to take three naps a day. Keeping consistent times for bedtime and naps will help regulate your baby's sleep patterns.
• Ready for sleep training. If your baby hasn't yet settled into a sleep pattern that fits your family life, now might be a good time to try some type of sleep training. Sleep training methods can help your baby go to sleep more easily, sleep for longer periods at night, and keep more regular hours.
• Sleeping through the night. If your baby now sleeps for nine or ten hours at night, it means your baby has figured out how to settle back to sleep--a sign that you are raising a good sleeper. If your baby isn't yet sleeping at least five or six hours straight, you are not alone. Many babies still wake up at night for feedings in the 6-9 month stage---though most are ready for night weaning, if that is what you choose. But babies this age don't necessarily wake up because they are hungry. We all wake up several times every night for brief periods of time. And as adults, we put ourselves back to sleep each time--so quickly we don;t even remember it in the morning. If your baby hasn't mastered this skill, he or she will wake up and cry during the night even if your baby isn't hungry.
• Waking up again. Babies who were great sleepers may suddenly start waking up at night or have difficulty falling asleep between 6  and 12 months of age. Why? Sleep disturbances often go hand-in-hand with reaching major milestones in cognitive and motor development and separation anxiety. At 6 to 9 months, your baby may be learning to sit up,crawl, or possibly even cruise or walk--quite a list of achievements! Not surprisingly, he or she may not want to stop practicing their new skills at bedtime and may get so excited that he or she will wake up to try sitting up just one more time.Separation anxiety could also be the cause of your baby's wake-up calls. Waking up and finding you not there may cause some distress. But your baby will probably calm down as soon as you enter the room and greet him or her.
• Develop and follow a bedtime routine.  If you haven't already established some sort of bedtime ritual,start now. A bedtime routine should help your child wind down and get ready for sleep, and at this stage your child will really begin to participate. Whether your routine includes giving your baby a bath, playing the quiet game, getting your child ready for bed, reading a bedtime story or two, or singing a lullaby, make sure you do it in the same order and at the same time every night. Babies like having routines and schedules they can count on.
• Keep your child on a consistent schedule. You will both benefit from having a daily schedule that includes set times for bed and naps. That doesn't mean your baby has to eat lunch at exactly 12:15 every day, but it does mean you should try to stick to a fairly predictable schedule. If your baby naps,eats,plays,and gets ready for bed at about the same time every day , he or she will be much more likely to fall asleep easily.
• Encourage your child to fall asleep on his or her own. To nap well and sleep through the night at this age , your baby has to learn to fall asleep on his or her own. Try putting your baby down before he or she nods off,so they can practice. If your baby cries, the next move is up to you. Do wait at least a few minutes to see if your baby is really upset or just fussing a little before settling down.
• Try putting your baby to bed earlier. If your baby is used to going to sleep after 8:30 p.m. and suddenly begins to wake up during the night, try making his or her bedtime a half-hour earlier. Surprisingly, you may find your baby is more likely to sleep through the night.
• Practice being "unstuck." Children who are learning to sit or stand up may practice their new skills at night in their crib and get stuck in a upright position once they are sitting or standing up. If this is happening to your baby, you will need to teach him or her how to lie back down. Take a week or two to help your baby practice getting "unstuck,"not necessarily in his or her crib but wherever you are spending time together. Make it a game--sit your baby up and lay him or her back down. Do the same with standing, helping your baby sit down at first and then encourage your baby to do it on his or her own.