Nelsonblog

Evan has been doing very well when it comes to taking naps and sleeping through the night.  For the last two days I have been able to put Evan in  his bed (wide awake) and he has been able to put himself to sleep.  The same thing has held true for his night time routine – we have been able to give him his last bottle, rock him for a minute or two and while he is still awake take him up to his bed and tuck him in for the night.  He hasn’t fought us – which has been very nice.  Evan sleeps about 9 hours each night – but the last two mornings he has started our day bright and early at 5:30 a.m. – but I guess I can’t compalin too much since I get to sleep through the night now.

Of course, right as I am writing this – my son is fighting his 2nd nap today – he had an explosive pooplosion and it took a while to clean it up that I didn’t get him down in time for his nap.  I have found there is a time window of when Evan will go down easily for his nap – if I miss the window he has a harder time calming down and will usually fight it (even though he is exhausted).

I’ve noticed that Evan is becoming a creature of habit.  I had read a book on scheduling and started Evan that way and in time he has set his own schedule and for the most part is pretty predictalble.  It’s amazing how just a few weeks ago I felt so uncertain about what to do and what my son needed and when he needed it and now I’m starting to figure him out (well, a little more).  There are still the unexplainable cries at times but for the most part (knock on wood) I  have been able to figure it out.

Many people had told us that the first three months are rough, but the it gets better.  IT IS SO TRUE!!!  So, good news for us and all of our friends that are expecting babies – expect the first few weeks/months to be a little tough – but it does get better.  I am so thankful for my precious son – love you Evan!

Have we mentioned that Evan LOOOVES to chew on his little fingers?

He’s so studious about it too- like it’s a chore. He’s almost systematic in his gnawing (well gumming to be precise). I imagine his thought processes like so: ‘Hmmm- the third wrinkle on my second knuckle on my index finger on my left hand tastes like SO. Check.

The fourth wrinkle tastes like so. Fascinating.”

And so on…

Here’s some photographic evidence to back up my hypothesis:

Okay, that last one was just cute.

Happy 1st Father’s day to my dear husband.  We are truly blessed that we are able to celebrate this day with our son – Evan.  He is growing so fast and is discovering so much – he is absolutely amazing.

Happy Father’s day to our fathers as well – thank you for being an example to us of what it means to be a good parent.  We appreciate you!

Had a great first real reading experience today-

The book in question was, as you’ll see, ‘One Fish, Two Fish’ by the esteemed Dr. Suess. I must admit, it has been quite a while since I picked that one up- the plot was a little thin, but all in all a good read-

Evan was very interested in the book, to my suprise. I thought he would have spent the whole time staring at the ceiling, but he stared at every page and followed my finger when I pointed at things! Very impressive indeed, my boy. Isn’t he great?

To be honest, he only lasted throught the first 3/4 of the book. … Heh-heh, who am I kidding- that’s EXCELLENT, son. You keep that up!
Oh! I was able to document ANOTHER AMAZING FEAT of my son this week!

Presenting to you, the INFAMOUS NELSON RAISED EYEBROW!!

My pride knows no bounds.

Wow. It is hard to imagine – but Evan is now 12 weeks old. I am thankful that we are able to count the weeks that he has been safe and alive. Things are calming down and we are getting into a routine.

Evan is feeling much better – his cold is getting less and less and his cough seems to be going away as well. I’m feeling pretty good today and Chris is still on the mend (he got the cold last). I just hope we don’t keep cycling the germs through the family.

So, what has Evan been up to lately? A few more milestones…

Napping in his bed – in the last week Evan has been sleeping more often in his bed for his nap time. We still use the swing at times but Evan is doing great at sleeping for at least an hour at a time in his own bed.

Grasping things – Evan grasped his first toy this past week. He was lying on his playmat and he grapped the hand of a monkey that hangs over his head. He has been exploring his ability more to grasp things and has also held the monkey’s hand as well as grasping his blanket and clothing.

Talking - we sure have a talker on our hands! He loves to talk to his toys, the ceiling, the carpet, his hand, his parents and anything else that catches his eye. I was trying to talk on the phone with my mom this past week and Evan was in the background talking so loud that I was having a hard time hearng my mom. I haven’t found the MUTE button yet on this kiddo!

Rolling to his side – I have been practicing with Evan and helping him roll side to side and to my surprise this past Friday Evan rolled onto his side by himself. Next step is to roll onto his tummy – all in good time. He’s doing so well!

Discovering - Evan has discovered his tongue. He has been pushing it out more often and I can see him testing it and what it can do. His eyes get big when he licks his hand – he’s probably wondering why his hand keeps getting wet when it comes in contact with this strange muscle in his mouth (his tongue)

Eating - Evan eats 5 times a day starting around 7 a.m. and ending around 8:30 p.m. I’m still breastfeeding and then finishing up with a bottle. The breastpump went back to the hospital this past Monday – I sure don’t miss the thing. It has been a mixture of feelings not being able to breastfeed fully – but I did my best and that’s okay with me.

Sleeping - Evan is an angel! For the last month Evan has slept through the night. This past week he has been stretching his sleep from 7 to 8 hours to 9 hours. We’ve been able to get him to bed around 9:00 p.m. and Chris and I have a little time to just the two of us – it has been nice to visit with my husband. Evan is a high priority in my life – but my husband and marriage are of great importance as well and can’t be neglected.

Growing, growing, growing – Evan is already outgrowing his 6 month clothing and going into 9 month clothing and it won’t be long until he’s wearing 12 month clothing. I put a new outfit on him this week that was 9 months and it already looks small – my goodness. Who in the world designs these baby clothes and their sizes?? A HUGE thanks to Brian and Tammy for the hand me downs – they have been so helpful!

Phooey.  Stupid cold. 

Our first family sickness.  Whee. 

He’s got a cold.  Poor little guy.

He’s been sneezing and coughing the last few days- It doesn’t seem to have affected his mood yet.  *crosses fingers* 

Sue just got him back from the doctor.  Where…  he got a rectal thermometer reading-  whoo-whee!  He was NOT happy!

He’s 16.8 lbs!  O.o  My goodness. 

The doctor tells us we can expect him to be sick for about a week and a half- and the cough will probably last another few days on top of that.

Wish us luck! 

We took Evan to Disneyland yesterday.  Met our friends Steve and Nalaina there- We had a blast- tho Evan wasn’t all that enthused, really.  He even got to go on a RIDE!  Buzz Lightyear shooting gallery!  He HATED it- (hence me holding his pacifier in).

More Disneyland pics:

We had a great time.