PKB: Month 11

Porter Boy, it blows my mind that we are just a month away from your first birthday. Today you are 11 months old!

There's more of you to love with each passing week:

So, what's been up with you during your eleventh month?

• FOOD continues to be our biggest battle, Buddy. What (and how much) you've consumed consumes me just about every waking moment! Not sure when, if ever, I'll stop worrying about this, after the experience we've had. At this point, you are drinking anywhere from 20 to 24 ounces of formula a day -- a bottle first thing in the morning, a bottle right after your morning nap (which we refrigerate, and you finish right before your afternoon nap), a bottle after your afternoon nap, and a bottle right before bedtime. Though you're doing great with liquids, your appetite for solids leaves something to be desired. You are becoming increasingly picky, and don't show the same interest you once did in several foods. I have tried to continue offering you a variety, but we often find ourselves stuck in a rut of whole milk yogurt and banana for breakfast and grilled cheese sandwich and a fruit for lunch. You almost always pick at your dinner and eat next to nothing, no matter what Mommy serves up. I've tried to relax a bit and just let you take what you're willing to, as your stubborn self can rarely be coaxed, and never forced, to eat. Despite being a tiny guy, you can put up a mean fight! Here are the handful of new foods you've tried this month and somewhat enjoyed (at least in small amounts): 

• All that being said, you have made great strides in your weight gain! At a weight check two weeks ago, you had bulked up to 18 pounds 4 ounces, which finally brought you back up on the growth charts at the 5th percentile. Of course, I'm anxious to see that number get even higher! I love seeing your belly round out and spotting new creases in your thighs as they slowly chunk up. We're so pleased with your progress, but I think we'll be popping into the pediatrician's office again at the end of the month -- just to make sure you're still on track, as we won't go in for your 1 year checkup until a week and a half after your birthday.

• Although you are not walking yet (No complaints here!), you are officially ALL. OVER. THE. PLACE. Nothing is safe in our house now. You are quite speedy on all fours, and can be heard coming from a mile away, as you usually have some object gripped in one of your hands that you smack loudly against the wood or tile floor as you move. Stealth is not your strong suit! In addition to crawling, you cruise along our couch, ottoman, and cabinets with ease. And don't get me started on the climbing! You will scale (or at least attempt to scale) just about anything. If I am sitting on the floor against the couch, you will try to climb up the front of my body to get up onto it. And, of course, the six steps from our family room level up to our bedroom level prove far too tempting for an adventurer like you. Seriously, you are a MANIAC. If I take my eyes off of you for a minute, rest assured you'll make a break for the stairs. With supervision, you can easily climb up the whole way; the problem is, you haven't yet figured out that you can't stop and just sit back without tumbling back down. We're currently attempting to teach you how to descend the stairs backwards, in the hopes of helping you avoid sustaining any serious injuries (especially once you don't have your helmet's protection all the time!). 

• In conjunction with your "all over the place"ness, you have a newfound awareness of any and all appliances which you encounter throughout the day. If the door of the refrigerator or dishwasher is opened, you are right there underfoot trying to get your paws on what's inside. You are powerless to resist the magic that is our DVD player, and love to open the cabinet doors to try to poke at its buttons. In your room, you recently discovered the CD player down on the floor beside your glider. Despite the minimal space between the wall, the chair, and a side table, you somehow manage to squeeze yourself back there to pump up the jams.

• You keep us smiling with your funny noises and facial expressions, especially your infamous "stinker face" and its accompanying sound effects. It's hilarious how you can spontaneously turn it on; I think at this point you know that it tickles us, and are just looking for a reaction! And, of course, if Kaiser starts acting silly, you quickly join in on the fun, with lots of smiles, screeches, and waving arms. You boys love to rile each other up!

• You are becoming more and more chatty, and you've added a handful of consonant sounds (b, d, m, n, p) to your repertoire. Lately you've started saying, "Nayh nayh nayh nayh nayh!" and Daddy and I have noticed that it's often when you're frustrated or seem to be protesting something. Perhaps this is your way of saying "No no no no no!"? You don't have any words yet; of course, we're all anxiously awaiting hearing a for-real "mama", "dada", and whatever name you come up with for your big brother. 

• You have never been one to get upset when something is taken from you; usually you are easily distracted and can move on to another object or toy. However, lately this has not been the case. Whether it's my keys, the remote control, one of Kaiser's toys or puzzle pieces -- you get a death grip on something, and put up a huge stink when I gently try to pry it out of your hand. (Often the "nayh nayh nayh"s start up at this point.) You obviously have absolutely no trouble letting me know that you're ticked when you don't get your way!

• As far as fine motor skills go, besides being able to feed yourself with your fingers (which, like I said, you may be able, but not always willing to do), you have started using your index finger to point to things, most often when we're reading a book. You aren't able to point to things to identify them yet; instead, you seem to just be drawing attention to the pictures. You can also put items into a container, like placing play food in a bowl or play cookies into your cookie jar. 

• You popped a fifth toofer this month -- your upper right lateral incisor on 9/10. You've become less fond of brushing your teeth ever since Mommy had to start periodically cleaning them with baking soda, on account of that fact that the iron drops you take for anemia turn your pearly whites a dull gray. (Fortunately, you've gotten used to the supplement, and now don't throw a fit and try to spit it out when I stick the syringe in your mouth. Hopefully your newfound cooperation will help with the yucky staining dilemma!)

• Besides the previously-mentioned appliances, one of your favorite things to play with is the piano (the real one, not the toy one). At every opportunity, you crawl over to it, pull yourself up to standing, reach your arms way up high, and tap on the keys. It's a real treat when Daddy picks you up and sets you on the bench to play with him. You two make beautiful music together. :) As with Kaiser, we sincerely hope that playing an instrument -- even if not the piano -- is in your future!

• You love, love, love bathtime with your daddy and brother. Usually Mommy listens from downstairs while cleaning up in the kitchen and getting your bedtime bottle ready, and it always sounds like my three guys are having a blast. Not long ago, you learned how to splash -- and I mean splash! The last time I had bath duty, you were pounding your palms down on the water hard enough to send it flying way outside of the tub. Of course, Kaiser's reaction to your splashing only encourages you more. You always crawl back and forth from the front to the back of the tub several times, and you love stand up in there. Despite our best efforts to remind you to sit on your bottom to stay safe, it's never long before you pop right back up again! Someday you'll learn...right?

• You still fit in a size 2 diaper during the day, but I've started putting you in a size 3 at night to help avoid nasty blowouts. Once we finish up with our current pack, I think we'll move up to size 3 all of the time. You are finally outgrowing some of the clothes that you seem to have worn for so long, and depending upon the brand are wearing size 6-12 months or size 9 months. Just this past weekend, Daddy ventured up into the attic to bring down several tubs of baby clothes. I'm so anxious to dress you in the adorable fall outfits that Kaiser had; I hope that they don't swallow you! Grow Baby, grow!

As if there wasn't enough already, here's some more sweetness from this past month:

"I'm really better at knocking these down than building with them."

Got yourself stuck in the corner, did ya?

Daddy acting as your personal wind machine.

Seriously? That highchair strap can't taste better than real food.

Horsin' around in Big Brother's room.

"Hi Mom."

Swinging away.

(Someone threw a BIG ole hissy when I tried to take away those peas!)

Smiley stinker.

"Daddy's home!"

Mr. P, we just can't get enough of your silly squeals and your gap-toothed grins. Your feisty self definitely keeps us on our toes, and we wouldn't have it any other way. It's so hard to believe your first year is wrapping up, and we can't wait to celebrate you next month! Love you lots and lots and lots. 

XOXO 

Hug It Out

Relatively uneventful Saturday at the Braly Casa, but I thought I'd share a precious moment I witnessed this morning. Kaiser had finished his breakfast, and Porter was still sitting in his high chair, waiting for Mommy to clean him up. I turned and saw Big Bro standing a couple of feet away, arm outstretched, looking at Little Bro with a sweet smile. Of course, Porter took him up on his offer and grabbed his hand right away.

Best buds.

Then, without any prompting from me, Kaiser decided he was a hugging mood, and Porter was the lucky recipient. Though hugs aren't all that uncommon around here, I was surprised when he didn't stop at just one, but gave him several in a row, despite knowing that I had pulled out the camera.

Feelin' the brotherly love!

"Hey, I'll take another one if you don't mind..."

A simple gesture, but one that brought a smile to their momma's face and heart this morning. :) I am blessed.

Look Out, Bruno...

Yesterday a special friend of ours was having a rough day, so Kaiser thought singing her a song might make her smile. It took a bit of convincing to get him to perform it on camera, and as you'll see, he encountered a few more distractions than he would have in a recording studio. :) 

For those of you unfamiliar with this lovely song by the talented Mr. Mars, you can listen to the complete version here. Though Kaiser was a bit shy and reluctant to belt out all of the lyrics, rest assured that he knows most of them, thanks to hearing his momma's not-so-sweet voice sing them so often...

We love you just the way you are, Miss Amanda!

All Grown Up and Going to SCHOOL!

This morning was an exciting one for our precious firstborn: It was his preschool orientation day! After dropping off Baby Bro at Miss Jenni's house, Kaiser and Mommy were looking forward to having "just you and me" time and going to meet his teacher, see his classroom, and meet some brand new friends. My handsome fella even agreed to pose for a few "Orientation Day" pictures. (Consider it a trial run for your official "First Day" photo shoot next week, Buddy!)

A little nervous, perhaps?

Nah!

He cracks himself up.

There's the money shot.

We arrived at school at 10:15, and immediately upon setting foot into his classroom, Kaiser made a beeline for the toys and joined several other kiddos who were already playing. Meanwhile, I visited with his teacher, Mrs. S, and his teacher's aide, also Mrs. S. We had been introduced at parent orientation a couple of nights ago, but I enjoyed the opportunity to ask a few more questions and share a little more info about Kaiser with them -- particularly with regard to his potty training status. (It is still surreal that I'm now attending these types of meetings as the parent instead of as the teacher!) I tried my best to distract Kaiser from playing with trucks long enough to introduce him to his teachers and show him where he'll hang his backpack, but was only partially successful. I was so proud of him, though, when he let me know he needed to go potty and, with my help, used the one attached to the classroom successfully!

After a bit, Mrs. S announced that it was cleanup time, and all of the mommies and children gathered on the floor to listen to her read the story Mouse's First Day of School. Each of the kiddos was given a picture from the book and helped tell the story by placing it on a felt board at the appropriate time. We sang a couple of songs, including "Jesus Loves Me", and then moved over to the tables to do a simple craft. 

Gluesticks make him happy.

"Look what I made!"

We also were asked to bring along a family photo, which we glued on a construction paper heart, labeled with our names, and put up on a bulletin board with the rest of the students' families. Before we knew it, it was 11:00, and orientation was over. We said goodbye to "the Mrs. S"es and told them we'd look forward to seeing them next Wednesday!

The mother who serves as classroom coordinator had invited everyone for a picnic/playtime at North Park afterward, but weather was looking ominous, so she suggested moving it to a McDonald's down the road, instead. We swung back by Jenni's to pick up Porter, and then the three of us headed that way. Though I didn't get any pictures of the kiddos playing at lunch, they all had fun running wild, while I enjoyed getting to know a few of the other mommies. I was happy to find out that one of the boys in Kaiser's class lives just a couple of minutes away from us in the next neighborhood! 

All in all, a great start to what we hope know will be a wonderful year for our Kaiser J. It still hasn't fully sunk in that my baby is now a big boy who will say goodbye to his mommy for two mornings a week, pick up a backpack, and get dropped off at school, but I am so excited to see how he grows from this new experience!

Our Labor Day Weekend

It's hard to believe that the long holiday weekend has already come and gone, and that we're well on our way into September! Here's a recap of our days since I last posted:

On Friday after Porter's helmet appointment, our family of four went to Schenley park for some playground time together. I felt like such a wimp, as I was complaining about the heat and it was only in the mid-high 80s. I'm going to be a wreck when we head back south someday! In my defense, it was very humid, and I had dressed inappropriately expecting cooler temps.

Sittin' on the sidelines, watching the big boys play.

"Race you down the slide!"

Showing off his climbing skills for Daddy.

Spinning around and around and around...

Holding on tight!

Running around gave this dude red cheeks and a sweaty head.

"Time to go yet, Mommy?"

Soon it was time to eat, and we opted for lunch at Murray Avenue Grill in Squirrel Hill. That afternoon, while the boys were napping, Brett snuck out to play nine holes of golf, then had to work as team doc at a high school football game. Kaiser, Porter, and I had a fun evening together playing in the basement, followed by bathtime, where Kaiser was talkin' trucks, and Porter had a few things to say, as well...

Sibling silliness before bed.

Saturday I don't exactly know what possessed me, but before Kaiser woke up I decided that today was the day we would start to potty train. We've dabbled in potties and big boy underpants before, but I felt it was finally time to get down to business -- pun intended. I'll surely do a full post later on documenting our highs and lows along this (hopefully not endless) journey, but suffice it to say that I've contemplated throwing in the towel already! Here are some pics of how we spent our day (which, aside from a long walk for Mommy and a couple of errands for Daddy during naptime, was spent entirely indoors):

Blessing the breakfast he prepared for us in his play kitchen.

Studly self-portrait.

Just like his daddy. :)

Decorating thank-you cards for his grandparents.

Making a quick trip to the grocery store for a few things. 

Mr. Potato Head fun.

"I don't get it."

Brett can teach us all a thing or two about Play-Doh construction.

If only spine surgery weren't his calling...

Careful with the plastic knife, Kiddo.

Kaiser specializes in destroying Daddy's creations.

"How come all I get is an empty container?"

Sunday a cough that Porter had had for a couple of days got really nasty, so we stayed home from church and got hardcore about potty training. Like, trash the diapers (or, at least, throw them in a trash bag and store them away for use by future babies), wear underpants 24-7 serious! Aside from a quick family trip out to Target to pick out more Toy Story undies and Matchbox trucks for rewards, we were homebound again. I was way too concerned about pee and poop to take lots of pictures, so here is what we've got:

 I think he was excited about a new mattress pad?

 Sleepy bear snuck into our room to say goodnight to Berkeley.

Reading all about diggers and cranes before turning in for the night.

Monday we stayed home once again (other than Brett going into work early and me running to the grocery store during nap), and though it was a yucky day outside anyway, the stir-craziness started to sink in. I have a feeling these next couple of days of house arrest as potty training bootcamp continues are going to take their toll. Heck, they're already taking their toll! But it will all be worth it in the end -- right? Right?!? As always, prayers appreciated!

Excited about the new scraper he earned for his pottying efforts!

 Thank goodness this one was easy peasy!

 Thought it would be fun to "fall" down the stairs.

 A little finger painting to pass the time.

Would rather play with his sound machine than get ready for bed!

Although it wasn't your typical Labor Day weekend and was full of unexpected challenges (which, I'll admit, I totally asked for!), I loved having so much quality time with all three of my guys and look forward to ushering in a new fall season with them!

Porter Update: State of the Head

So, this morning we went in for Porter's much-anticipated visit with the orthotist. It's been exactly 3 months since he started wearing a helmet to correct his plagiocephaly, and this is the point during treatment when they conduct another head scan to assess how much progress he's made. I was excited to learn from Daddy last night that there were no surgeries scheduled today, so he would most likely be home early enough to accompany us to the appointment!

The last few times we've been in for check-ups, we've met with Jenna, and she was our orthotist again today. First up was the scan; Porter was stoked to sport the stocking cap once again. (You can check out his first stocking shot here.)

 Home Skillet.

Unfortunately, the scan that was a breeze back in May was not so easy this time around. Porter flipped out when Jenna laid him down on the machine, and despite the presence of Mommy and Daddy and the props that she used, he did not want to stay still for the mere 1.5 seconds needed to capture a 3-D image of his head. It took several tries and a lot of teamwork, but we finally got one that Jenna thought was usable. 

Of course, he was happily jabbering as soon as we sat back down. 

We had to wait a few minutes for Jenna to do some work on the computer. She confirmed that he'd been still enough for the scan to line up successfully, and then printed out the report to share with us. Here is what we saw:

The red outline is his head on May 17th, when the original scan was taken, and the black outline is today's scan. As you can see, his noggin has definitely gotten bigger, and in particular has filled out a bit on the back right side, where his flat spot is. The difference in the diagonal measurements was 8.9 millimeters, and is now 6.5 millimeters; we want this number to decrease, so that is a movement in the right direction. Again, there is no "magic number" that we're trying to reach here, but Jenna did say that insurance typically covers a difference of 6 millimeters and up, so his case is still serious enough to warrant a helmet by their standards. Personally, Porter's mommy and daddy feel like we see a much bigger difference than the outline/numbers seem to indicate. Jenna said this is not unusual, as what we have on paper is really just one "slice" of his 3-dimensional head.

Part of our time was also spent discussing the timeline of treatment from here on out. Jenna said that they encourage parents to keep their babies in their helmets until they turn one year old, and Brett and I agreed that that's kind of what we envisioned. (We have a trip to the Homeland planned over his birthday, and we'd like to show him off to our Okie family and friends helmetless!) She also said that some parents decide to kind of ease out of the helmet by just putting it on their kiddos at nighttime, which is an option we may consider. 

After that, Jenna took Porter's helmet back to grind down a couple of spots. Here's what my boys were up to while she was out of the room:

Daddy read Peter Pan to Kaiser...

...and helped scratch Porter's itchy head.

The brothers tried to share the light-up spinner...

...unsuccessfully.

Oh, and Porter made friends with an ambiguously-raced baby with neon blue eyes and a creepy smile. :)

We made another appointment for October 3, at which time we hope to get Porter cleared for helmet removal! (At least during his waking hours, that is. We'll see...) So exciting to see a light at the end of this tunnel!