Weight: 16lb 4oz (73%)
Height: 26.5 in (91%)
Head: 47cm (88%)
Keep up the good work buddy!!
Friday, October 7, 2011
4 Month Stats
Its hard to believe that our Nolan is 4 months old already...that's 1/3 of a year!! He continues to amaze us every day as his personality develops and he becomes more of a little person. Yesterday we had his 4 month pediatrician visit. Here's his stats:
Looks like my boy is getting long and lean! His weight percent dropped a little from his 2 month appointment so he's slimmed a bit but he remains a tall boy. That's probably why he still fits in some 3 month clothes width wide but he's too long for them.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Our "must-haves"
Now that Nolan is 4 months old, I wanted to review some of our favorite and not-so-favorite baby items. I've seen many other bloggers do this and always thought it was extremely helpful. Of course every baby and parent are different so just because we liked or didn't like something doesn't mean it will hold true for every family. But I know I love hearing real mom advice so here you go....
Aden and Anais swaddle blankets: These are by far the best and most versatile blanket out there. We used them a bit for swaddling but more so as an all-purpose blanket. Its light enough for the summer, but big enough to fold several times when more warmth is needed. I seriously do not leave the house without one of these blankets either in my bag or over Nolan! And I suggest you spend the extra money and get the real ones (not the cheaper ones from Target or Babies R Us) because they are a bit bigger and nicer quality fabric.
Boppy Pillow: This was essential at the beginning for breastfeeding!! Now, we use it a lot to prop Nolan up in a seated position or for some tummy time. He likes to sit on it on my bed and help me fold laundry :)
Fisher Price Jungle Play Mat: We set this up for Nolan when he was 2 weeks old and he has probably spent some time in it every single day since then. Its great for tummy time since there are so many things to look at, as well as for back time. He loves the lights and now that he's reaching for toys more, he's really playing with it rather than just staring at everything.
Summer Infant SwaddleMe: These are the ultimate baby burrito swaddlers! Nolan was a little Hudini with the standard swaddle blankets but for a while these were inescapable for him. Because of that darn Moro reflex where babies startle themselves in their sleep, these things were like magic for a while.
Ergo Carrier: I seriously can not say enough about our Ergo carrier! It is the most comfortable carrier, Nolan loves it, and my back doesn't hurt at all from wearing it. Both Bryan and I have worn Nolan for several hours at a time while hiking, shopping, or just around the house and we both love it. We got the Sport version since it was supposed to be cooler. I was a little hesitant at first since the baby has to face you, unlike in the Baby Bjorn where they can face in or out, but that turned out not to be an issue at all. Nolan almost always falls asleep in the Ergo and its a general rule for carriers not to let the baby sleep while facing out. The last thing you want to do is have to risk waking your child up because they fell asleep front facing! And I've heard from other mommas that the Bjorn KILLS your back and shoulders when the baby gets above 14ish pounds. Save your money and get the Ergo!!!
Motorola Video Monitor: This is one of the I-told-you-so items in our household. I wanted a video monitor and Bryan thought it would be overkill. Guess who was right?? He fully admitted early on that the video monitor was the way to go. Now when we hear little cries, we can look at the monitor to see if Nolan really needs us or if he's just moving around to get comfortable rather than trying to silently peek into his room and risk waking him up even more. These seem to range a lot in price but we've been really happy with this one and actually really like the temperature sensor to make sure his room isn't too hot or cold. No problems with interference or static and we can sit outside without losing signal.
Sophie the Giraffe: I wasn't sure about Sophie. I've heard her refered to as an overpriced dog chew toy but other mom's love her. We got her as a gift and in the past month, Nolan really loves her! Before then, he didn't show any interest in her or other toys. Something about the shape of her legs, ears, and face are perfect for his little hands and mouth. And let's face it, she pretty darn cute!
BOB Revolution Stroller: I love this thing!!! This is currently the only stroller we have and I've never felt like we needed anything else (we'll get a small umbrella stroller when Nolan's bigger). Yes, its a bit big, but its super easy to fold and unfold. It manuvers like a dream when running (we have the infant car seat adaptor and yes I run with it...totally safe in my opinion even though the makers tell you not to) and its great when walking around town or through the mall. If you are a serious runner, definitely get this stroller!
Moby Wrap: I wasn't sold on the Moby Wrap at the beginning, mostly because it was summer time and that thing is darn hot! But now that its cooler, I'm liking it more. Also, I think I like it more now that Nolan is getting bigger (which is the opposite of what I originally would have thought). I like using it for different holds, like facing out, and our newest favorite is the hip carry. Overall, I would suggest getting some sort of wrap as they are fairly cheap compared to other carriers and there's nothing like having your baby snuggled up next to you!
A good camera: This is one of the most important things I think you can invest in. I got Bryan a Cannon DSLR for his 30th birthday and we both agree its one of the best gifts ever. We just have a base model but he has many different lenses for it that really improve the quality of the pictures. I've posted many pictures on here and on facebook that just wouldn't be as good with just a point and shoot camera. (I should give Bryan credit here for being a good photographer too!)
Other thoughts: I would suggest both a swing and a bouncy seat as they are helpful but Nolan neither loves or hates his. He spends 20 minutes in the morning in his bouncy seat while I make coffee and my breakfast and he's been napping in his swing lately (interestingly, not while its swinging!). The one thing I will suggest is to spend the extra money on a swing that plugs in so you don't have to worry about batteries. We have this one. And for the bouncy seat, get one that vibrates and does not have an automatic shut off. We have been known to run across the room when we hear Nolan stirring from a nap when the vibration shuts off!
As for things we aren't as thrilled with, we really don't have anything like that. We didn't go too crazy with unnecessary baby things. For example, we skipped the Diaper Genie in leu of a regular trash can with a lid. The Diaper Genie refills are expensive and its not that hard to put a new garbage bag in our can every day. We didn't bother with a Bumbo as I think they are a waste of money and I've read they aren't the best for developmental reasons (they don't allow the baby to exercise the muscles used to sit up on their own). I just use the Boppy pillow if I want to prop Nolan up in a seated position. The one thing we did buy that I haven't used yet are The Ultimate Crib Sheet. The book Baby Bargins recommends them but I haven't used them and it seemed harder to put this on and off the mattress than just switching the actual crib sheet. We did buy a foam mattress so its lighter to pick up when changing the sheets compared to coils.
So there you have it! I'll probably think of other "must-haves" and I'll update here if I do. Other new mom's (or experience moms for that matter), please feel free to post some of your favorites or no-so-favorite baby items too!
Isn't it amazing how much stuff one tiny human needs??
Things we love and can't live without for birth to 4 months!
Aden and Anais swaddle blankets: These are by far the best and most versatile blanket out there. We used them a bit for swaddling but more so as an all-purpose blanket. Its light enough for the summer, but big enough to fold several times when more warmth is needed. I seriously do not leave the house without one of these blankets either in my bag or over Nolan! And I suggest you spend the extra money and get the real ones (not the cheaper ones from Target or Babies R Us) because they are a bit bigger and nicer quality fabric.
Boppy Pillow: This was essential at the beginning for breastfeeding!! Now, we use it a lot to prop Nolan up in a seated position or for some tummy time. He likes to sit on it on my bed and help me fold laundry :)
Fisher Price Jungle Play Mat: We set this up for Nolan when he was 2 weeks old and he has probably spent some time in it every single day since then. Its great for tummy time since there are so many things to look at, as well as for back time. He loves the lights and now that he's reaching for toys more, he's really playing with it rather than just staring at everything.
Summer Infant SwaddleMe: These are the ultimate baby burrito swaddlers! Nolan was a little Hudini with the standard swaddle blankets but for a while these were inescapable for him. Because of that darn Moro reflex where babies startle themselves in their sleep, these things were like magic for a while.
Good Burp Cloths: Don't even bother with those small little strips of fabric they call burp cloths. Go with the Gerber Cloth Diapers. And get a ton of them! Between the laundry, diaper bag, and every room in the house, you will use a lot of them.
Ergo Carrier: I seriously can not say enough about our Ergo carrier! It is the most comfortable carrier, Nolan loves it, and my back doesn't hurt at all from wearing it. Both Bryan and I have worn Nolan for several hours at a time while hiking, shopping, or just around the house and we both love it. We got the Sport version since it was supposed to be cooler. I was a little hesitant at first since the baby has to face you, unlike in the Baby Bjorn where they can face in or out, but that turned out not to be an issue at all. Nolan almost always falls asleep in the Ergo and its a general rule for carriers not to let the baby sleep while facing out. The last thing you want to do is have to risk waking your child up because they fell asleep front facing! And I've heard from other mommas that the Bjorn KILLS your back and shoulders when the baby gets above 14ish pounds. Save your money and get the Ergo!!!
Motorola Video Monitor: This is one of the I-told-you-so items in our household. I wanted a video monitor and Bryan thought it would be overkill. Guess who was right?? He fully admitted early on that the video monitor was the way to go. Now when we hear little cries, we can look at the monitor to see if Nolan really needs us or if he's just moving around to get comfortable rather than trying to silently peek into his room and risk waking him up even more. These seem to range a lot in price but we've been really happy with this one and actually really like the temperature sensor to make sure his room isn't too hot or cold. No problems with interference or static and we can sit outside without losing signal.
Sophie the Giraffe: I wasn't sure about Sophie. I've heard her refered to as an overpriced dog chew toy but other mom's love her. We got her as a gift and in the past month, Nolan really loves her! Before then, he didn't show any interest in her or other toys. Something about the shape of her legs, ears, and face are perfect for his little hands and mouth. And let's face it, she pretty darn cute!
BOB Revolution Stroller: I love this thing!!! This is currently the only stroller we have and I've never felt like we needed anything else (we'll get a small umbrella stroller when Nolan's bigger). Yes, its a bit big, but its super easy to fold and unfold. It manuvers like a dream when running (we have the infant car seat adaptor and yes I run with it...totally safe in my opinion even though the makers tell you not to) and its great when walking around town or through the mall. If you are a serious runner, definitely get this stroller!
Moby Wrap: I wasn't sold on the Moby Wrap at the beginning, mostly because it was summer time and that thing is darn hot! But now that its cooler, I'm liking it more. Also, I think I like it more now that Nolan is getting bigger (which is the opposite of what I originally would have thought). I like using it for different holds, like facing out, and our newest favorite is the hip carry. Overall, I would suggest getting some sort of wrap as they are fairly cheap compared to other carriers and there's nothing like having your baby snuggled up next to you!
A good camera: This is one of the most important things I think you can invest in. I got Bryan a Cannon DSLR for his 30th birthday and we both agree its one of the best gifts ever. We just have a base model but he has many different lenses for it that really improve the quality of the pictures. I've posted many pictures on here and on facebook that just wouldn't be as good with just a point and shoot camera. (I should give Bryan credit here for being a good photographer too!)
Other thoughts: I would suggest both a swing and a bouncy seat as they are helpful but Nolan neither loves or hates his. He spends 20 minutes in the morning in his bouncy seat while I make coffee and my breakfast and he's been napping in his swing lately (interestingly, not while its swinging!). The one thing I will suggest is to spend the extra money on a swing that plugs in so you don't have to worry about batteries. We have this one. And for the bouncy seat, get one that vibrates and does not have an automatic shut off. We have been known to run across the room when we hear Nolan stirring from a nap when the vibration shuts off!
As for things we aren't as thrilled with, we really don't have anything like that. We didn't go too crazy with unnecessary baby things. For example, we skipped the Diaper Genie in leu of a regular trash can with a lid. The Diaper Genie refills are expensive and its not that hard to put a new garbage bag in our can every day. We didn't bother with a Bumbo as I think they are a waste of money and I've read they aren't the best for developmental reasons (they don't allow the baby to exercise the muscles used to sit up on their own). I just use the Boppy pillow if I want to prop Nolan up in a seated position. The one thing we did buy that I haven't used yet are The Ultimate Crib Sheet. The book Baby Bargins recommends them but I haven't used them and it seemed harder to put this on and off the mattress than just switching the actual crib sheet. We did buy a foam mattress so its lighter to pick up when changing the sheets compared to coils.
So there you have it! I'll probably think of other "must-haves" and I'll update here if I do. Other new mom's (or experience moms for that matter), please feel free to post some of your favorites or no-so-favorite baby items too!
Isn't it amazing how much stuff one tiny human needs??
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Nolan's Noises
From the minute he was born, Nolan was a noisy baby. He was always making these sweet sounds like he was talking to us. Over the past 4 months, those noises have evolved into babbles, "aaah....gooos", and finally laugher. I seriously think that baby giggles are one of the most amazing sounds in the world...they melt my heart!
So in honor of Nolan's 4th month birthday, here are two videos of my little man "talking"
An hour old and he already had a lot to say
4 months old. I just love those giggles and that smile!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
We have to train him?!?!
Why did no one tell me that you have to actually train your child how to sleep? Here I was thinking that babies just knew how to sleep. I mean, why else would people use the phrase "sleeping like a baby*"??
I naively thought that as babies got older, they would start sleeping more on their own. I'm sure some babies do, but from what I've been reading, most babies have to learn to sleep. How does one learn to sleep? Enter the phrase that has been uttered daily in our house for the last week: Sleep Training. Fortunately, there are tons of books written by sleep experts on this subject. Unfortunately, there are tons of books written by sleep experts on this subject. Why didn't my kid come with a personalized manual? Sleep training does not have to be "put your kid in their crib and leave them crying until they fall asleep!" If you take the time (not that I have much free time!), you can find a method that you are comfortable with and adapt it to what's right for your child and your family.
As you can see, I've been doing some reading...and making multiple trips to the library!
The main issue for us...the dang pacifier!
He falls asleep almost instantly when you give it to him, but guess what happens when it falls out?? Once or twice a night wouldn't be so bad, but as my inlaws can attest from their recent trip to visit, its become more like 6-8 times per night! One night he woke up crying for the paci 3 times in an hour and 15 minutes...that's not healthy for him OR for us!! So we are starting to train him not to need the paci to fall asleep and to self soothe (another phrase uttered daily in our house) so he can fall asleep and stay asleep by himself.
Its been a week of sleep training and things are getting better but I'm not ready to say we have the paci problem solved yet. I'll be sure to give a full update on what we are doings, how its working, and how things are going soon!
*Whoever coined this phrase obviously never had kids! I might just punch the next person that says this to me when they see him sleeping peacefully. Do they not know how much effort it sometimes takes just to get him to fall asleep....let alone stay asleep???
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
2:30am
The feel of your rhythmic breathing on my neck
The smell of sweet milky on your breath
The sound of your little coos
The sight of your dreamy smiles
Our cheeks next to each other as I rock you to sleep
Sometimes being awake at 2:30am isn't so bad...
Friday, September 9, 2011
East Coast Trip: Part 2
Let's just say, my last post was a bit premature and we are back to night wakings every 1-2 hours. Because I don't think I could put two cognitive sentences together right now, instead I'll share some pictures of the second part of our East Coast trip. After a week in PA with my family, we headed north to spend time with Bryan's family and some friends.
First we took the train up to NY to Bryan's parent's house
We spent a beautiful day on Lake George
Then we were off to Boston so Nolan could meet his Great Nana
Poppy was so happy to finally meet Nolan!
We took a trip to have lunch with my old coworkers. Here's Nolan with the ladies :)
I'd like to thank our wonderful friends A and R for letting us stay at their place while we were in Boston. Nolan got to test out their house for when Baby S arrives!
With all the travel, time zone changes, and people, Nolan did AWESOME and of course everyone loved meeting him. Lucky us that he decided to save his sleep strike for when we got home :)
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
A light...
I am happy to report that after a loooong 10 days and even longer 10 nights, Nolan seems to be resuming his normal* sleep patterns. I really think the regression was part of his three month growth spurt since it started the same week he turned 3 months (on a side note, how is my baby already 3 months old!?!?). This was the first growth spurt that really hit us this hard and for this many days so it was rough on all of us. There were quite a few tears, (his and mine), lots of night wakings, and too short naps, but hopefully we are on the tail end of things.
With the exception of last night when he had some bad gas that was waking him up (note to self...don't eat any more flax seed muffins while breastfeeding), he's been going down at night around 8:00-8:30pm and not waking up until 4:00-4:30am. Yes, you read that right...8 hours of sleep!! Not even a peep looking for his paci.
We're still working on lengthening his naps more since he seems to wake up after about 40 minutes for every single nap. We'll get there...one nap at a time! Baby steps, right?
Thank you to all who emailed me with their support, suggestions, and words of encouragement. I know I'm not the first to go through this, but its nice to hear reassurance from other parents out there!
*I'm learning that there isn't truly a normal for a baby...once you think they are on a schedule BAM...they change it!! But that's what keeps you on your toes, right?? :)
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