Back From Texas

So I am back, finally. Have been back for a couple days, but was trying to get back in the groove. Keenan was sick on the flight there and back (with a temp.) but he seems fine now. He just isnt eating soild foods, but that should remedy itself sooner than later. Really enjoyed San Antonio, if it wasnt the states I would move there. They have this beautiful canal system, just like Venice, where you walk around downtown next to the river. You can also take a boat taxi ride to anywhere on the river (the mall, resturants etc.) We wanted to do more sightseeing than we did but the weather was not cooperating. It was about -10, I know, alot warmer than here, so I am not complaining. We saw the Alamo, and some museums an old mill and a mexican market. When we came back we were delayed 8hrs because of the fog in Dallas, but we did get first class because of it. So in all it was a good trip.

Going To Texas

So my dad suprised me and bought me a ticket to go to Texas on vacation with them. I am a little aprehensive as I have never been to the states and this will be my first time flying with an infant. I am not sure if I should bring his car seat or not. I am excited though and it should prove to be alot of fun. The flight is the only thing I am worried about.

I am not sure what I am going to do with Keenan for 4 hrs and no in flight movie. I guess I should bring alot of stuff for him to do. I wish that he would just sleep and maybe I could read.

They say that public breastfeeding is not a big thing in Texas so my parents say that I have to cover uo. Are they THAT conservative? The good thing is that Keenan rarely breastfeeds during the day so it probably wont be that big of an issue.

Well, I shall keep you posted on what happens there, boy will I ever miss my email! I am totally addicted to it!

Crying it out

I went to playgroup today and listened to all the mom's talk about how great the Cry it out method is. For those of you who arn't parents...it's when you put your baby to sleep in the crib and let them cry until they fall asleep while you wait outside the door, gut wrenching until they stop. I personally don't agree with it. Especially under 6 months of age. In psychological terms it's called extinction, ignoring a behavior until it disapears. Chris says that I can't judge other moms, and he is right, just because they do something I don't agree with doesn't make them bad parents. It's just so frustrating that this procedure actually works. I do the No Cry Sleep Solution where I am shaping the behvior that I want to change, gradually so Keenan doesn't cry. It's working for us, and I bet those other mothers must think that I am a softy. Which I am.

It's so funny how in everything you are either one extreme or the other. Cry it out or No cry (at all). Co-sleep or Crib. Attachment parent or not. And that is another thing, if asked all parents would say that they are fostering attachment with thier child, even if they don't follow "all the B's" of attachment parenting. I am afraid to tell people that I am an attachment parent because I am scared that they will think that I am saying that they arn't. For those of you interested in attachment parenting, google Dr. Sears.

Heritage O's

Keenan is growing up so fast!! I wish that it would fly by like it is. He is such a big boy, eating cheerios...well not cheerios, Heritage O's which are organic. He has been eating more solids and less breastmilk, which makes me sad because I love nursing. It's that special time just for me and him. But, he has to grow up and I will always be there, just watching it happen.

Finding New Friends

We are just getting settled in our new house in MT and looking for other mom's with babies around Keenan's age. There is this website that is set up for finding people but it seems like no one uses it so I may post something in the grocery store. Not that I really need another playgroup but it would be noce not having to leave the community. Ah the subburbs.

So I started a corespondence course with Athabasca University and it was all good. I finished three quizzes on paper that I had to finish in hour long incriments while Keenan was sleeping. Then when I called the prof to give him the anwser he says no one does them on paper anymore, that it is all done online! Then why would they hand out the paper in the first place? Grrr. The worst part is that paper works well for me because you can stop and start up at any time. With online you have to get online and do the quiz, hoping that Keenan wont wake up or you are screwed. Oh well, just another thing I have to get used to

Psyc 378

I have finally started my class from Athabasca and do the homework whenever Keenan is sleeping. He has slept in the crib for an half an hour which was a big accomplishment but I am not ready for him to leave the family bed just yet. I love to have him snuggle me close.

New House

We have moved into our new house and had a lovely first Christmas in it! The unpacking is proving to be a bit of a challenge with Keenan needing to be held all the time.I dont know how he is ever going to learn how to crawl or walk if he just screams and crys whenever he is put down. Is a little overwhelming, knowing that this is our house and that we are responisble for it. The exciting part is that this is where we are going to raise our family.

Sweet Potatoes

Sad news. Keenan's great granny Jean passed away last Thursday, a week tomorrow, so we have had family staying with us during the mourning. It was great to have Chris' cousins (Jill and Chandra) around as they loved(left today) to play with Keenan and we had adventures(like going to Banff). Just sad circumstances. Keenan has been a little bunged up so I am starting something other than rice cereal for him to keep things moving. We had sweet potatoes for the first time today.

Juice

It's been a busy time that is for sure! We have our possesion date, late December, so we will be living with Chris' parents a little while longer. Which is okay, I am just so anxious to get in my own place.Keenan eats cereal everyday now, and when he turns 6mos I will be introducing sweet potatoes. He had juice for the first time on the first and he wouldnt settle for bed, not sure if it was related or not, we have tired the juice again today so we shall see how it goes. He hasnt been a good sleeper these last few days so I am a walking zombie, but thats okay, still wouldnt trade for anything in the world.

Swimming Lessons

Started swimming today! Keenan loves it! He was splashingg in the water and getting really excited! If I could let go he would probably swim all around the pool. The concept that they are trying to teach is to get the ears in the water so when they are older it wont be a problem. Keenan already let me put his ears in the water so he is already ahead! Its daddy's turn next Monday, I wil let you know how that works out.

Lindsay

Still waiting for our house to finish. Not doing much just spending time with the boy. We go to yoga every friday and playgroup right after. Then starting Nov 7 we will be doing swimming every monday morning, We went for coffee with Lindsay who we met at LLL and that was fun, will be going to another meeting on the first monday of next month.

Swimming

Keenan is developing great. He reaches out to grab things, plays with his feet, rolls over and eats rice cereal. He is becomming a big boy! I can't believe that he is going to be 5months old on Tuesday! No longer a little baby! We have established a routine and he sticks to it pretty well. Up at 1030am nap at 1130-1200 another big nap from 2-4pm then nap at 7-730pm and then bed at 10pm.
We went swimming for the first time yesterday and Keenan loved it so much that I have putt him in lessons! He was laughing and kicking! We had so much fun.

Teething

The last few days have been long. I have been pretty tired and not able to do what I have wanted...Finish replying to all my emails. Keenan is teething for sure. He is so drooly and goobery and constantly has something in his mouth. I feel sorry for him but there is nothing that I can do. He is starting to like to play by himself so I will begin to have a little more time. My corespondence course came in the mail so I will have to start that..we shall see how it goes.

4 Months

I can't believe that Keenan is already 4 months old! He has grown so much just in the last month! He is holding his head up when I put him on his tummy and he likes to sit fully not slanted down at all. We just got an excersauser from a friend on our online parenting group for free! He's not big enough yet but he will be soon!
Mommy feels a little displaced right now as mommy is living at granny Barbs and Grandma Ruths on a rotating schedule. It's good because it gives me time with my own family and Chris' family some time without me.

Poor Baby

I think Keenan had his first bug. He was really not having a good time being ill. Chris is always away so we don't get to see him often, which sucks. It kinda makes me irritated that I have the baby day in and day out, but I guess that is what being a mom is!

Bad Day

Keenan isn't feeling so well today. He has a real sour stomach , so he has been spitting up a whole lot more. He is really cranky as well. I gave him gripe water for the first time today. I am at my moms because chris is out of town again. :(

Breastfeeding Clinic BAD

I am so unbelievably mad! The breastfeeding clinic called and told me that they needed my appointment so they are discharging us! And this is right after a week from hell, giving him formula that I now know he doesn't need. Why couldn't they have told me this before????? I am so steamed!

Lonely

I have been so down and lonely the last couple of days because no one is around. Chris is working and my mom and barb are on vacation so I have had no contact with people. My grandparents did come out last week so that was a blessing.
With my breastfeeding issue I have been taking it hard, and everyone says that i have to do what is best for keenan... i know that, it just really sucks and makes me have to redefine what kind of mom i want to be.

Internet Woes

Still no internet, so I have to use my parents instead! Keenan has only gained a pound this last month so the doctors want me to suppliment more with formula, which is okay with me but I dont know how Keenan will react.(gastrointestianlly) Granny Barb comes home nect week so we are excited and waiting to see how she reacts when she sees how big Keenan has gotten. My parents are going on vacation so my mom is getting as much of him as she can!
I am going to go to the next lll meeting in McKensie towne so i am excited about that. Our house is quickly being made which is great...thats all for now!