New things for baby?

Sue asked me yesterday if there was anything that I would need/want for baby boy (we really need to decide on a name, getting tired of this generic talking of him....) and it got me thinking! It is different when the second is the opposite gender because you need new clothes, decor, etc....but what about when its the same? Do I need any new things? Obviously my bouncer, swing, play mat, stroller are all still good....and I don't think there has been any major new baby invention invented in the last year that I would need? I bought a double stroller which I am excited about and new bedding which is totally adorable.

So, any suggestions for things I need the second time around that I may not already have or need to replace?? Only 4 more months to go. I need to get working on the room before I am too tired to do it! :)

Prayers for Courtney

My younger cousin Courtney has been battling Cystic Fibrosis her whole life but the last couple of years it has become harder on her and her body. Over the weekend, she had to be admitted into ICU in Dallas and put into a medical induced coma to relieve her of the over 50lbs she had gained in fluid in just a couple of days. Her older sister Megan started a blog for her to keep everyone updated on her status. As of now, no news is good news and the dialysis seems to be working and doing it job of reducing the swelling and fluid. If you had a moment, please add my cousin Courtney to your prayer list! She is an awesome girl and a fighter and I know she will beat it this time to!

http://www.courtneylynnhill.wordpress.com/

Just some fun pics from the weekend...

ECI Appointment

First of all, thank you guys for all the great advice and words of encouragement!  SO, after a long talk with Allison and a very well timed trip to Austin and visiting with the in-laws' good friend who is a professor of Speech Pathology (specializing in infants and toddlers no doubt!) @ UT....I decided to go ahead and set up an appointment to talk to some one at ECI.  

Both Al and Babs (the prof) think that Zach is perfectly normal and actually very bright, may just need a little help!  Babs biggest thought was that 1) for someone who seems very advanced in some areas (physical, social, etc) it stands out some that he isn't using words/sounds that much and 2) Zach has been so busy perfecting all his other skills and figured out ways to get what he wants without using his voice...that he may have just become somewhat lazy to it.  He uses his hand/fist grabbing sign and grunts to get what he wants and hey, why not, cause it works! ;-)  

Both of them also think that waiting till 18 months or even later would not do any harm, but since it's on my mind now, why not go ahead and contact them and see what they think.   It is quite possible he won't even qualify and then it can put my mind at ease...and if we do, then we can start working now as it will be easier now than later!  The main thing is, I can tell Zach gets frustrated by his silly mommy and daddy not knowing what he wants which in turns frustrates us all well so I want to do what I can to help my son!  The 1st appointment is July 7th and is mostly paperwork and such and then we will schedule a follow up appointment for the actual assessment.  Looking forward to it and getting so tips if nothing else! Stay tuned!

Father's Day weekend

We ventured over to Austin this weekend to visit Matt's dad and step mom for the weekend.  We had not been to visit since, gasp, Hurricane Ike when we escaped our powerless town home.  The weather seemed cooler to me than the Houston heat so for that alone it was nice!

It was so nice for Zach to spend some time with his grandparents and I definitely think they enjoyed seeing him too.  Manda did a fabulous job of baby-proofing before we got there so I was able to let Zach roam freely without having to worry at every turn what he was going to get in to.  They have a fabulous back yard full of lots of stairs, paths, bridges, plants etc and Z totally enjoyed just wandering around the yard and checking it all out.  Also spent some time at their neighbor's pool and the baby pool the g-parents bought.  The highlight for Zach probably was the Cozy Coupe they bought for him!  Manda and I put it together while Zach was napping and the men were off golfing.  We opened the box while Z was still awake thinking it would be a simple process...and about 100 pieces tumbled out of the box.  I decided perhaps nap time would be a better time to try!  But Z had just as much fun sitting and playing in the body of the car before it was all put together then he did when he woke up and got to ride in the real thing!

All in all, we just had a lovely time hanging out with family and watching everything that Z Man does!  

And of course a very Happy's Father's Day to my dad, Matt, and Dan!  You guys are the best and such a great example to Zach and soon to be little brother of what a man should be! :)

 

Late Talker

So...I think Z is a late talker. I try not to get too concerned, but then I do not want to be that oblivious parent either. We discussed it at his 15 month appt and doc said not to worry too much until after 18 months. He says momma and ball ALL the time and occasionally Da (dad) and uh oh. I have noticed with the lessening use of the paci, we are babbling and grunting MUCH more but those clearly are not words. I try not to compare to my friend's kids, but of course we all know that never happens.

Yesterday when I picked up Z, his teacher mentioned that another kid in his class was receiving speech therapy help from ECI which is a free program for 0-3 year olds for all kinds of developmental delays including speech. She asked the speech therapist about Zach because he doesn't talk much and the lady said she could give us her info if we wanted to have him tested. Of course, my heart swelled and eyes welled a little because of course no one wants anything wrong with their babies...but at the same time, it is a concern of mine too and I appreciate his teacher looking out for his well being too.

Zach follows tons of commands (helping make the bed with the pillows, retrieving things we ask of him, brushing his teeth when asked, putting things in and taking things out, etc), he is physically developing fine meaning his walking/running/balance is great; no sensory issues...the boys just isn't saying words yet.

So, what to do? Any one have experience with EarlyChildhoodIntervention (also known as Keep Pace or Head Start) or a similar program? Should I have them check out Z now or wait until after the 18 month appointment? Thoughts?

According to their website, these are the milestones that when not being reached, should call ECI:

WHEN SHOULD ECI BE CALLED?
if a baby was premature or weighed less than 3-1/2 pounds
if a 3-month old does not hold a rattle
if a 6-month old doesn't look toward voices or noise
if an 8-month old is not sitting
if a 12-month old does not say mama or dada
if a 12-month old cannot pick up small objects such as food, toys or a spoon
if a 12-month old does not play with toys if a 15-month old is not walking

Room Re-dos!

Bedding arrived and it is super cute! Can't wait to start working on his room! Now will come the hard part...cleaning out that room, and more importantly the CLOSET!, and getting furniture for Zachary.

The great debate over twin vs. full is still going on. The issue is a twin would definitely be a space saver as Zach does love to play in his room....versus a full which he would prob have for the rest of his life...or at least college! ;-) Mom told me to get over it and we could get another bed in 10+ years if he needs it. LOL. Or I guess could pass on to #2 or beyond if there is a beyond. I went to Babies 1st yesterday and found a set I really like, PLUS it is 15% off through the end of the month. Need to get M over there and see what he thinks I guess. Takes 4-6 weeks to come so I guess we have a little bit of time still to decide.

We are headed to Austin tomorrow to see Grandpa Dan and Manda! Last time we went up there was during IKE so it will be quite a different experience with the walking tornado there now. Last time he was barely scooting. Hopefully we can find some activities to tire him OUT! :)

New Bedding

Little Man's bedding is due to arrive tomorrow....I am most excited to see it!  Still cannot figure out what to do with Zach's room and probably need to decide sooner than later.  The summer is passing quickly and October will be here before we know it!  Oh my!!

Baby Pool at the Neighborhood Pool

OK.....so what is the rule on the baby pool in the neighborhood?  Is there an age limit there?  I find myself turning into that "old lady" lately!  I don't mind older kiddos being in there...but when they start running and jumping and splashing and are surely old enough to be in the big pool....I think they need to be in the BIG POOL!  The baby pool ALWAYS fills up with kids during Adult Swim.  Which is fine but then when adult swim ends, shouldn't they go back?  A couple of weeks ago, Z and I were there on our own.  Adult swim ended...but these three 8ish year old did not.  They decided to start swimming in circles to create a "whirlpool".  It was fine at first because Zach was siting on my lap watching.  But when he was ready to play again, I could not let him go because of the under toe they created!  And then, one of them swam into him and knocked him over!  That's when I finally had to say something "You kids need to be careful when there are babies in here!"  And that's when I got the "mean old lady look" as they scurried back off to the big pool!  

So, what would you say? When kids you think are too big are in the baby pool, would you say something or wait for their parents to notice?  Would it be okay to mention it to the life guards?  Thoughts!  What do you think?

Mommy & Me Monday....+ Daddy!

Today was the day of get crap done.  We had appointments this morning with an electrician and the pest control man.  Both came in their allotted times and were finished by noon.  Zach had a bad night sleep.....but that equalled an over 3 hour nap!  Can I get an Amen to that please? :)

Electrician hung our 2 new chandeliers (breakfast and dining area) and they look really good.  Very happy to have no more builder lights there!  Pest man came a bit later and all good there too.  Glad to have those 2 things checked off my list.  After pest left..we still had time since Z was napping so I was able to organize laundry room with the new Target storage bin thingie we bought, clean the hardwood floors, sweep, and some other odds and ends while Matt mowed and tended to the lawn.  Go Us! :)

When Z finally woke up, we all had a late lunch and played around the house for a bit.  The pool behind our house is closed on Mondays so we packed up and went to the other neighborhood pool.  It has one of those water mushroom/splash pad thingies.  Z was scared at first when I took him over by the shooting water but when Zach went with Matt, he liked it!  We spent almost 2 hours at the pool.  I think Z would have stayed longer but it was getting close to dinner so momma called it a night.

We ended the evening enjoying fajitas with my parents and simply being entertained by the antics of Zachary.  He was quite funny tonight!  My parents got to see the very cool toy box that Grandpa Dan built for Zachary.  It is beautiful, I need to take some pics of it.  Z likes it more as a climbing device now or to throw anything he can get his hands on into it.  I can also envision a day when one or both of the boys will be in it for some kind of "magic trick" or something too!  

Anyway, all in all a very good family day!  I am off tomorrow too but Z will have to go in to school while I attend my appointments.  

Hope everyone had a great weekend and enjoy the week!

Happy 5 Year Anniversary to Us!

Ok....so I am 2 days late but I couldn't let the weekend slip by without wishing my wonderful honey a happy anniversary!  I can't believe sometimes that 5 years have already passed...and other times it seems like more!  I know its cliche, but I am so blessed to be married to my best friend.  We have had quite a ride so far, with ups and downs, but thankfully more ups than downs.  Matt makes me laugh and can comfort me like no other and gives me the best hugs ever...and he rubs my feet!  The last year has definitely been the craziest part of the ride so far.  Adding our little monkey into the mix definitely makes things more interesting but oh has brought us so much joy too.  I love to see Matt with Zachary together and it's getting better and better as Z gets older.  They LOVE to play and I can see how much Zach loves his daddy too.  They can play in a way where I just don't get!  It's too sweet!  I look forward to see how things are when #2 arrives in the fall <3

Anyway, Happy 5th Anniversary honey!  I am blessed to have you as my husband and I look forward to many many more years to come!  

Summer Fun!

I am totally digging the summer traffic since school got out.  It is seriously like half the time.  FABULOUS!  So I can leave later in the morning and still get to work early....and leave same time in the afternoon and get home earlier.  Woohoo!

And the other great thing....the POOL IS OPEN!  We are fortunate that one of our neighborhood pools is just behind our house so we can walk over there in like 2 minutes!  Fun!  We decided to take advantage of that tonight and go for a quick swim before the evening activities.  Zach is loving the baby pool and cruising around it and splish splashing  away.  We even ran into Robin, Paul and Daylan tonight which was a nice surprise!

Looking forward to many more summer adventures to come! 

Big Boy Furniture?

Starting to look for new furniture for the Z Man since we will be using his stuff for his little brother soon enough. Rox let us borrow their toddler bed so we will for sure start off in that, but will still go ahead and get a bed, dresser, and nightstand probably. I cannot decide on a twin bed, twin with trundle, full, or bunk beds. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Today Has to Be Better...

Apparently I must have had a hormone imbalance yesterday...I was quite emotional for some reason but think I am better today! ;-) Zach still hates mornings and getting dressed (which makes it hard for me to leave in the mornings) but Esther and Matt were able to get him smiling before we left today at least...until it was time to get into the car and he got upset again.

Not sure why this started all of a sudden. He usually seems happy when I pick him up at school and Matt says he is always fine once they start driving too. So is it just the saying good-bye to me part? Z is definitely in a mommy attachment stage that is for sure. I guess I will just keep asking his teachers about it and hope he grows out it!

Hair Puller?

I know...how could a face so adorable be so feisty?  He pulled Charley and Julia's hair on Saturday when I was opening presents and that's really the first time I had ever seen him do that, besides occasionally to me.  In fact, he hardly even pulls my hair at all anymore so I thought that was the end of that phase and Saturday was perhaps just because he was tired or just being a boy.  Well apparently, he had a big day of hair pulling at school today.  

His teacher said he was intent on doing it all day.  Apparently he will randomly do it but today it was like an all day affair.  I think he knew he had done wrong because when I picked him out of the high chair he was having his snack in....he buried his head in my neck as we talked about his day with his teacher.  Usually when I pick him up he is chatty and smiley but today he was almost shy.  His teacher came over to give him a hug and he gave her his sheepish/guilty grin...the reason no one can stay mad at him!  He is one of his teacher's favs and she takes him along with her places during the day so perhaps he is just wanting more of her attention?

I called mom cause I was upset and she googled it did some research and everything came back that at this age it is merely a means for attention, not anything malicious or mean.  I guess when he is used to getting our undivided attention at home, going to school and having to share the time, it would be hard!

Any words of advice on this one?  Unfortunately when I am not with him most of the day, it is hard because I am not the one disciplining him.  And at this age too, I don't know that he even understands most discipline actions?  Thoughts?  Add this to the mommy guilt for the day....

Here is what babycenter had to say, http://www.babycenter.com/0_hair-pulling_11553.bc.  Guess its fairly common if they have articles on it too! ;-)

Working Monday

This is the 2nd week in a row I have had to work on a Monday again. While it all evens out (next week I will be off 2 days), I am missing Zach and I's special time together! I want as much time together while it is just the 2 of us before we add the newest addition to the family!! We had such a good weekend and I don't think either of us wanted to be apart this morning. I must admit I shed a tear or two on the drive in this morning...topped off by hearing "I Can Only Imagine" which always bring the lump in the throat out thinking of Rachel.... I just pray that he knows how much Matt and I love him even if we do have to work. The mommy guilt was in full force today but I stopped and reminded myself I am doing only what I am able and am just thankful for all the time we do get together!

Zachary is just growing up so quickly. I marvel at recent pictures of him. Where did my little baby boy go? He still looked like a baby at his 1st birthday...even though he had been running since he was 10 months old! His face was still round, not much hair, less teeth....But recent pics show a slowly fulling head of hear, a mouth full of teeth, less full cheeks and he even has hair on his legs! If only I could stop the hands of time for just a few moments to really soak it all in.

I have my monthly doctor appointment today and still cannot believe at times that we will be adding to our family in just a few short months. I pray endlessly that Zach will adjust okay to the new addition and that he won't kill the baby (we are in a bit of a smacking phase right now!) ;-) And I pray that the boys will be the best of buddies all their lives. Sibling rivalry can run deep and I hope that while some levels of competition is healthy, that they will be able to see past some of it too. And I pray that Matt and I can give to the boys enough attention and time that they will both deserve but in my head sometimes seems impossible since they will both be at demanding ages. But I know that others before us have made it through and so will we....just hoping I don't screw it up too badly!

All the things that whir through my head these days when I am up not sleeping at night or commuting to work every day!!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Thanks to my family and friends for a good birthday weekend!  Zach and Matt gave me some lovely James Avery earrings, a Carlos Lee shirt, and a book!  Good job boys!

Saturday we had our 1st book club babies play date and it was a BLAST!  Becky had her house and yard all decked out with toys and we each brought a dish for the brunch.  Food as always was delish as was the company!  The girls were all super sweet too with some birthday presies for me and some goodies for little guy #2!  What a surprise!  I was not expecting that and very touched!  So blessed to have such thoughtful and kind girl friends!  What would I do without you girls?

I don't now about all the other kids...but the morning wore Zach out!  He snoozed in the car and then for awhile at home too.  Unfortunately it was not long enough for me!  HA!  We ended up spending most of the rest our afternoon in our own backyard too playing in the pool and running around.  Z was definitely tuckered out from the day and was down for bed before we even left for the night.  My folks were nice enough to come and watch Zachary for the evening too so Matt and I could go to dinner.  We went to Damian's and it was DE-lish!  And of course always nice to get out for some one on one time and to eat a meal without a little person on my lap ;-)  

Nothing major today, just some much needed chores around the house and errands.  Zach was such a delight today, we had fun just running around and being together.  

All and all, a very nice weekend!  Only bummer is I have to work tomorrow.  Too many people out this week so I am working my Monday off....but the following week I am off Monday AND Tuesday so I guess it will make up for it :)  Matt and I's 5 year anniversary is this week too so let the celebrating continue!!

And here's a cute pic of my little guy...he was having a blast in his tunnel this morning!!

Nice afternoon

Had a half day today and spent the afternoon with my mom doing some shopping! It has been FOREVER since we have done that, especially sans Zachary!

I stopped in at GAP and got a couple of cute t-shirts for Zach and #2 on sale.  I love their onesies. They are so soft and cute.  I don't want to buy too much for him because I have TONS from Zachary still but then I want him to have some of his own things too.  I picked up 2 pair of jammies at Macy's this week and now the 2 onesies.  Zach had a wardrobe by this point so at least the little fellow has a couple of things!  

Mom and I met at Sur La Table and she bought me some presents for my birthday.  All things which she felt I really needed but I also wanted too (hahaha)....a tomato knife, a new ice cream scoop, and new place mats!  I love my quilted ones I have...but mom is right, they aren't really functional since Matt and Zach are messy...unless I want to be doing wash every day!  So these are these cool ones that look almost basket weave like, but they are washable, hypoallergenic, and something else they say.  Tested tonight and just rinsed under the sink and wa-la!  Thanks mommy! :)

Then we happened to pop into a lighting store...I have been looking for chandeliers for the breakfast and dining room since we moved in.  The house has the builder brass ones in and I like more of the wrought iron look.  Anyway, walked in and saw this one that I immediately loved.  Checked out the price and thought...oh well...but low and behold, they were having a sale and they were all like 40-50% off!  SO, not only did I find one for the dining but the breakfast area too!  I cannot wait to get them installed, it will be a face lift for the rooms!

All and all, good afternoon with my mom.  I am so lucky to have a great relationship with her and I cherish all the time we spend together.  Love ya, mom!  

one of those days

Do you ever have one of those days where you are just a little bummed about A,B, and C things going on in your life....but then you feel guilty because you have X,Y, and Z to be thankful for? Some days it is tough to separate those things that can get you down and remember the blessings you do have at the same time! Think I will be saying some extra prayers tonight! :)

Crazy 8s

My funny, sunny friend, C, tagged me for the Crazy 8s meme. She writes a funny and fabulous mommy and other stuff blog if you haven't checked her out before! So here we go!

The rules:
1. Mention the person who tagged me.
2. Complete the lists of 8.
3. Tag 8 more bloggers and tell them they've been tagged.

The lists:

Eight things I am looking forward to.
1. Our Book club Babies 1st playgroup meeting/brunch on Saturday!  Oh yeah, and perhaps we shall celebrate my birthday a little too! :)

2. The weekend

3.  Being able to stop calling baby "baby" or "it" and putting a name with him soon!

4. Celebrating our 5 year anniversary on June 12th!  Perhaps we will be able to get a night away on our own too!

5. Getting AT&T U-verse this summer.  I am so over Comcast. Our internet and DVR has been cranky the last several weeks and that ain't cool!

6. Our girls getaway to Phoenix this summer...I will be doing nothing but SPA-ing and SUN-ing!

7. My cousin, Lec's wedding in October...praying I can make it!

8. Christmas with 2 babies!

Eight things I did yesterday.
1. Went to church.

2. Scarfed my yummy BW3 wings down in about 5 minutes thanks to a very grumpy little boy!

3. Got to relax during said grumpy boy's 3 hour nap after not so fun lunch.

4. Saw Topol in Fiddler on the Roof with mom!

5. Marveled over how my little monkey is looking more like a little boy and less like a little baby....

6. Discussed baby names.

7. Stayed up too late.
8. Played in the back yard with my boys!

Eight things I wish I could do.
1. go on vacation

2. knit

3. eat ice cream every day

4. stay at home more with Z

5. take better pics with a real camera

6. sleep past 7am

7. sleep comfortably

8. sleep IN!!

Eight shows I watch.
1. How I Met your Mother

2. The Big Bang Theory

3. Medium

4. All My Children

5. Rules of Engagement

6. The Batchelorette

7. New Adventures of Old Christine

8. Just about anything on Sprout or Noggin

Eight favorite fruits.
1. Pineapple
2. Strawberry

3. Cantaloupe

4. Raspberries

5. Grapes

6. Apples

7. Bananas

8. Cherries

Eight places I'd like to travel.
1. Greece

2. Any beach

3. Back to Paris

4. Spain

5. Hawaii

6. San Francisco

7. NYC for a shopping/broadway/girls weekend

8. Chicago

Eight places I've lived.
1. Morgan City, Louisiana

2. Richardson, TX

3. Spring, TX

4. College Station- Tree House Village, Sorority House, Sundance

5. Edinburgh, Scotland

6. Apartment on buffalo speedway

7. the townhome

8.  Our new house!!

Tagging:
ok, I will come back and tag later....Gotta figure it out and I am tired!  Good night!

MOM TO BOYS!!

It is official....I am a mommy to two boys! Just as I predicted, there is another Wittliff boy on the way!  The ultrasound was good and all looks good and healthy!  

Baby boy is weighing about 14oz so far.  He looked very cramped in there to me though, is he a big boy?  The tech was a little speedier than we would have preferred but he did check all the parts out at least.  We were waiting on pins and needles even though we both already felt he was a HE as the tech went through everything.  And then he says very matter of factly, "Looks good, have a nice day"  And we quickly replied "well, what is it?!?!?"  "Oh..you don't know?  Its a boy"  Well thank you very much!

So, good thing I have saved everything cause this boy has a full wardrobe ready and waiting.  I will redo the nursery though,  want something a little brighter this time.  Got my eye on a train crib set from land of nod....too cute!