Seems Like Yesterday

Phoenix is 8 months old today.  Can you believe it!  People always say time flies, and I must admit-it has.  Well, the last 2 months anyways!  The first 4 months went by slowly and peacefully.  Now we are in GO mode ALL the time.  I miss the days where he would just lay on the floor and play while I did laundry or prepared dinner.  Now, the time is spent throwing a piece in the wash, chasing him, preheating the oven, chasing him, etc.  EVERYTHING he comes in contact with goes straight to his mouth, so I can no longer trust him alone for more than .48 seconds!  He is definitely keeping me on my toes in every possible way.

The past month has been long in regards to Phoenix and his health.  We have had numerous ear infections, in both ears.  They are always accompanied by the runny nose, horrible cough, and a dislike for food other than the boobster.  He is currently fighting a double ear infection and has already had 2 rounds of rocephin.  Last night he was coughing so bad I was afraid to sleep because he kept gasping for air.  We go back Friday, so hopefully we can come up with a solution that will nip this in the bud for good.  I will say though, that by the way Phoenix acts when he is sick, you'd never be able to know anything was wrong.  The doctor even commented on Monday how she would have never known he had a double ear infection by the way he was acting.  He still plays, sleeps and nurses as if he was 100% healthy.  Jason and I truly are blessed!   

Onto more exciting news in the wonderful world of Phoenix.  He is totally scooting everywhere-more like an army crawl than anything!  He seems to have no interest in crawling the correct way, but that is okay with us.  He is getting everywhere he needs/wants to go and quickly! 

He is also mimicking more.  He tries to repeat any sound you make to him.  He also clicks his tongue like his daddy and he loves to waive "hi" and "bye."  His favorite thing to say is DaDa DaDa and I hear it ALL day long.  He is getting soo much better at turning lights off and claps his hands and smiles soo big whenever he does something he knows is going to make us proud!  He loves to be tickled!  He is soo ticklish under his ribs and his chin.  It is the cutest thing ever to hear him laugh!!!!  He also loves having his belly and inner legs kissed whenever you are changing his diaper or clothes!

He loves The Fresh Beat Band and the song Taxi, Taxi.  He laughs and watches intently whenever either of them come on the t.v.  He also loves to hear people singing.  He gets soo excited!  He STILL loves watching A Very Merry Shahid Christmas as well!!!  The phonics song is also still one of his favorites and he loves when you sing it to him.  

His schedule is a bit varied, depending on what time he wakes up in the mornings.  He usually goes to bed between 6:30-7:30, depending on if we are home or not.  He is sleeping until between 5:45-6:30, and usually takes 2 morning naps.  His naps depend on if we are home or not as well.  Then he normally takes another nap between 3-4.  He is pretty flexible, but doesn't like to miss a nap.  He has finally started falling asleep in the car, which has been great for me.  He is also eating 3 meals a day, snacking usually around twice and nursing anywhere between 4-5 times a day.  However, if he misses a meal with the boobster, he is usually fine.  He can go to bed at night without it and still sleeps through the night, which, again, is great for me.  Dinner is usually around 5:30.  However, he is not afraid to let you know when he is hungry or tired!!!

He is now wearing mostly 18-24 months in clothing.  His torso is long but his legs are short, so it makes finding outfits that fit him good pretty hard.  He is STILL in size 3 diapers.  I say still because he has been in them for the majority of his life.  Monday at the doctor he weighed in at 22.3 lbs.  He is definitely growing like a weed.  He still only has his bottom 2 teeth.  

He loves bath time and being outside.  He could sit in his swing on the back porch for hours at end.  He is content playing on the floor with all his toys or chasing Sister Sister all over the house.  He loves jumping in his johnny jumper and we recently got a walker.  He only seems to "walk" in it when you hold a sucker out in front.  It's the funniest thing ever!  

The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a
porch swing with, never say a word, and then walk away
feeling like it was the best conversation you've ever had.

Jason and I were talking last night about the past 8 months.  Its soo ironic that the 8 months of my pregnancy seemed more like 8 years, yet the past 8 months of his life have seemed more like 8 days.  He brings soo much joy to our home (i'm sure Sister Sister would say otherwise) and continues to teach us everyday.  Life has definitely changed around here but only in ways that are better for all three of us.  He reminds Jason to slow down and take a time out every now and then.  He reminds me that its okay to just get up and go without worrying if the house is clean or if dinner is ready.  Most importantly though, he reminds us what the word family really means.  He truly is our life.  Thank you God for an amazing and indescribable 8 months with our Buttah Head.  God Bless You to the Moon and Back.

4 and 5

We can officially check ear infections 4 and 5 off our list now as well.  Phoenix started the snotty nose/cough thing again a few days ago so I took him to see the doctor this morning.  Double ear infection.  I told her I was ready to do tubes-TOMORROW.  He got another rocephin shot and she said if he wasn't 100% better tomorrow-bring him back for round 2.  Then again on Wednesday if necessary.  We are going for a follow-up on Friday to see how they are doing and to discuss tubes.  My poor baby can't keep going on like this.  Thank God, he doesn't act sick or like he is hurting.  He is still the best baby in the world.  Speaking of baby, I can't believe he is about to be 8 months old and I am already starting to plan his 1st birthday.  So Sad :(

ZOOrific Day

Thank God Phoenix is finally healthy again.  Going on almost a week, so I thought today would be the perfect day to get out!  It's February 23rd and the temperature was in the low 80's!  Got to love it!!!  I decided at about 6:00 this morning that today would be a fantastic day for the zoo!  I was soo excited because Phoenix loves being outside and the weather was going to be just perfect!  This was our first "big boy" outing and I was just sure he'd love it!

 It was just going to be me and him, but luckily we convinced Aunt Jenn Jenn to go with us and be the photographer!  

We got there and I was soo excited to see him "interact" and "talk" to the animals.  It wasn't long after being there that Jennifer and I realized we were more excited about seeing the animals than he was!  He preferred to watch the passerby's!  We started with the flamingos and I must say-they freaked me out just a bit.  I've never gotten that close to them before and they really are a bit freaky!  A little too close for my comfort.  Good thing Aunt Jenn Jenn was with us!

I really wanted to take him in to feed the birds but that exhibit was closed.  I thought he would love it.  I guess, since I went ahead and got the season pass, we'll have to hit that next go around.  Most of the animals were sleeping and the ones that were awake, Phoenix really didn't have any interest in.  

He did enjoy the petting zoo though!  Notice my big boy standing all on his own!

He had no interest in the elephants, sea lions, zebras, monkeys, or any other animal really.  However, he loved being outside and enjoyed watching all the people!

Overall, I think the experience was great!  The weather was perfect, there weren't a lot of people there and Phoenix got to experience a zoo!  We didn't stay too long, but before we left we made sure to take a couple "extra" pictures.  These are a few of my favorites!

I feel soo blessed to have the opportunity to just pick up and go to the zoo.  Phoenix is teaching me everyday that its okay to just "get up and go" without worrying about every little detail.  I thank him daily for that!  

EXTRAS:

-Phoenix now waves hi and bye (mainly with his left hand)

-He is now attempting to sign "MORE"

-He is starting to stand while holding on to things.  He can't get up yet, but if you stand him, he's more than happy to hang on.  Sometimes he gets brave and tries to let go!

-At the doctor last week he weighed in at 21.6 lbs.

-Mama's Buttah is turning 8 months next week.  So sad :(

Still Checking off the List

Monday and Tuesday morning Phoenix finally started acting like he was feeling better.  What a great Valentine's present for us!!! However, that all changed Tuesday afternoon.  Phoenix did NOTHING but sleep and nurse all afternoon.  Not like him at all.  He wouldn't eat or play.  Just wanted to be held, nurse and go back to sleep.  Tuesday early evening we noticed he was real lethargic and burning up.  We took his temp around 5.  It was 102.  We gave him motrin and a warm bath and put him to bed.  He woke up around 3 this morning.  Again with a 102 temp.  I gave him motrin around 4 and he went back to bed.  He woke up again at 6:30, nursed and went back to sleep.  I called the doctor and got him an appointment for 9:45 this morning.

He has been pooping like 5-10 times a day the past few days and was now just being totally lethargic.  He wasn't eating nor drinking (other than nursing), so I was afraid something was seriously wrong with him.

We got to the doctor and they tested him for the flu and checked his blood.  Flu came back negative.  Thank God!  At least we had one thing going in our favor.  In the meantime, we discovered he has an ear infection in the right ear.  Thats 3 in the past 2 1/2 months.  I brought up tubes.  As much as I would hate to put my baby to sleep for the procedure, I know he can't keep going on like this.  She said general rule of thumb is 5 in a year.  At this rate, we'll be there before the poor kid turns 1.  I opted for a shot of antibiotic instead of the oral dosage.  He cried.  I cried.  We both cried for what seemed to be forever; but, its a one time deal and he's done, plus it will take effect quicker.  Just a 15 minute wait afterwards to make sure he doesn't have a reaction  We also got another script for the numbing drops for his ears.  I just don't understand why the antibiotic we finished up this morning for the left ear didn't stop this one.

He also has the nasty fever virus thats going around.  She said it will likely last 3-4 days and he may very well break out in rash all over his body.  Breaks my heart to even think about.

Poor Phoenix has been through it lately.  He is sleeping now and just soo pitiful.  I pray that he is healed soon and he can once again start enjoying life.

On a more positive note.  We had a very blessed Valentine's Day as a family of 3.  He is such a trooper!  Phoenix, you have created more love in your mama and dada than you'll ever be able to comprehend.  We love you to the moon and back Buttah Head!
 

Checking off the List

Here in the Lang household, we have been checking things off the list left and right.  Unfortunately, its not the list I really want to complete.

Let's see....all of this has occurred in the last 2 weeks.  It all started with a runny nose.  No big deal-just an endless stream of green gooey nastiness coming from the nose.  The poor kid couldn't stop sneezing and his nose just drizzled snot ALL the time.  No need for the doctor though.

Then, on Saturday, a cough decided it wanted to partake in all the fun.  A cough that wanted to rid all the "junk" inside, but my poor baby just couldn't figure out how to get it out.  Sunday it got worse.  Worse to the point he was either gasping for a breathe or gagging himself from coughing soo hard.  It was violent.  This time, memories of his breathing issues started flooding my mind, so I called the doctor first thing Monday morning.

Took him in to see the doctor Monday afternoon.  She said the nose and cough would just have to run its course.  There was absolutely nothing more I could do to help him.  The visit wasn't all a waste.  While we were there, she discovered an aweful looking left ear.  She said there was no doubt in her mind if we weren't there today, we'd be there within 2 for sure.  It was already that bad.  Instead of amoxicillion-due to the hives from the last ear infection-we got our script for omnicef and were on our way.  Yes, this is 2 ear infections in 2 months.

We got home and he started his medicine.  The cough continued to get worse.  Tuesday evening-day 2-on the medicine, he developed a rash all around his mouth.  We narrowed it down to 1 of 3 things.  The medicine-since its a cousin to amoxicillion.  Second, we thought maybe Jason rubbed something on him, even though he had washed his hands and changed his shirt before touching him.  We also thought it could have been an allergy to eggplant.  He had it for dinner and it was the first time I'd given it to him.  Again, I called the doctor.  They didn't return, my call, that evening, but thankfully neither did the rash.

The doctor finally returned my call Thursday morning.  She thinks the rash was a viral infection. It was kind of a blessing that she was just now returning the call because I kept Phoenix on the medicine and she said she would have told me to quit giving it to him.

The rash didn't return but my poor kid was pitiful.  He couldn't catch a break.  Thursday, I couldn't help but notice how he would start screaming bloody murder whenever I would change his diaper.  He did everything in his power to escape from me and I tried my best to just hurry and get it over.  Not once did it cross my mind that there might be a reason for his actions.  That night, once Jason got home, I made him hold Phoenix down while I changed him.  Low and behold-there was a reason for his prior behavior.  The poor kid had red splotches all on his little butt.  Not diaper rash.

I was talking to a friend this morning and she said it was probably a yeast infection caused from the medicine.  She told me to call the doctor and get him Nystatin.  So, that's just what I did.  The nurse was pretty sure that was the problem as well.  I swear, my poor baby just can't catch a break.

Needless to say, with all this going on in our household, we haven't ventured too far.  We did go to the library (probably a big mistake on my part) and church.  Unfortunately, we were not able to make the kids Mercedes run this morning and we will not likely be leaving the house tomorrow either.  The weather is just too cold and I can't take the chance of him getting any worse.  Good luck to all the runners.  We are soo proud of each and everyone of you.  Suki is blessed beyond belief.

I pray my baby starts feeling better soon.  I hate seeing him soo uncomfortable.  He hasn't been napping very well, but thankfully, sleeping at night hasn't been interrupted.  He is constantly fussy and just wants to be held ALL the time, all while still fussing.  He does love bath time though, so I've definitely looked forward to that every night.

So, we can say we've checked off the weather-caused snotty nose and cough.  Our second ear infection (first in the left ear), a viral infections, as well as a yeast infection.  I hate this list.

Best Friends

Phoenix LOVES Dixie.  However, the poor, old dog doesn't like to be messed with.  Phoenix, now in the early stages of crawling, scoots all over the place just so he can touch his big sister.  Dixie avoids him at all costs.  Its quite funny, yet Phoenix doesn't think so at all.  He gets soo excited every time he sees her and watches her walk around the house in awe.  I feel soo bad for him because Dixie wants NOTHING to do with him.  Dixie was a good sport the other day and allowed Phoenix some playtime.  It was too cute!

Phoenix loves playing with his sister.  He wants to hang out with her all day long, unless there is someone else present in the room.  And no-its not ME!  I like to think of myself Mama-enough to be able to admit its his DADDY.

It was obvious by last night, who the best friend really is.  Phoenix is NOT a cuddler.  He doesn't want to be rocked before naps or bed and won't-for the life of me-just let me hold him like a baby.  Jason, although not able to rock or snuggle him, gets a different reaction from Phoenix.  Phoenix just stares at him-a look of admiration sparkling in his eye.  If Jason is in the room, he won't eat from me, listen to me when I talk to him, or pay me any attention.  As soon as Daddy comes in the room-its Daddy and no one else.  I love it!  The look in my son's eyes when he sees his daddy melts my heart everytime.  I don't know how Jason does it, but the man hangs the moon in his sons eyes. Last night, he actually snuggled with his daddy-for a long time too! Long enough for him to fall soundly asleep in his arms.  This was the first time in his life he actually "snuggled" with either mama or daddy.  Jason was soo excited.  I was too, however; I must admit-I was a bit jealous.  I love the bond these two have and look forward to seeing their many adventures in the future.