The Spencer Chronicles...: March 2015

Sunday, March 22, 2015

Conversations with Isaiah 06.004

Isaiah found a piece of paper on the floor...

"A fortune fell from the sky! I'll read it to you.

'Become what you become.'

That's a good one!"

Saturday, March 21, 2015

Micah @ 3 Years

Stats

26 lb, 4 oz (5%)

35 1/4" (7%)

Good grief, I can't believe my bug is THREE!

And he's FINALLY growing. Since last fall he's gone up TWO sizes! I bet he's a lot closer to average than he's pretty much ever been since he was born. Doctor's appointment is in a few days so we'll see what they have to say.

Speaking of doctors...we are back to the hematology clinic this week as well. Micah was too small to test when they diagnosed him with vonWillebrand's. So now we've got a multiple-hour appointment where they will draw blood, give him the factor X (I can't remember it's name) through an IV, then draw his blood again. (Sounds like tons of fun with a super active 3 year old and a 4 month old, right?) The purpose of this torture is to make sure that this stuff will help him clot so if he should ever need surgery they can give it to him to prevent excessive blood loss.

He never did get one of his bottom middle teeth. Our first attempt at a dentist appointment didn't go so well, so they didn't even try for x-rays. He only got the top row of teeth cleaned despite watching his brother going first and the lady showing him everything. I'm glad they didn't push it, though. The tech didn't give in right away but she also didn't push him. Ironically if the actual dentist had done the cleaning Micah would have been fine. He likes old men.

Potty training is going really well. I always forget the hell that is the beginning of the process. But, starting it when Esther was only a few weeks old was probably a good idea (I didn't think so after about 2 days, but now I'm glad that I didn't give up). She pretty much slept for the hours I spent sitting in the bathroom, waiting for him to go. Anyway, he finally got it, had a small set back, and is doing awesome now. He only wears diapers at night, and even then he will stay dry most days. He doesn't even wear one at nap time anymore! He's not 100% yet, forgetting to tell me if he's really tired or involved in playing. And pooping. Oh goodness, pooping is hit-or-miss. He will only poop in the potty if I catch him and make him go sit. Then it's a fit, but he'll do it and then he's so excited. Every so often he will have a few days in a row where he will tell me he has to poop...but it never lasts long. Boys!

Also, I have no idea how to teach a boy to aim.

In the past couple of months I've made some real progress with Micah sleeping in his own bed. I don't regret co-sleeping but his father was never any help with making progress toward transitioning to his own bed. Once it was just me it really only took a few days, a few tears, and a little bit of transitioning. Since January Micah's gone from sleeping in my bed, with me in it (meaning I was in bed at 7:30 every night) to falling asleep in his bed. Naps are full time in his bed...or Isaiah's, depending on the day. He will still climb in with me sometime in the middle of the night, but does occasionally stay the whole night in his bed. It's a process, and I'm okay with how it's going so far.

Micah's birthday one of many firsts. Since his father and I are divorcing, we are now taking turns with birthdays. It's the first birthday that I don't get to celebrate the day-of. I get to see him in the morning and before bed, but Micah and Isaiah are spending the day with their dad.

Micah's had more change than any of us over the past year. He's dealt with the move, new baby, and daddy moving out but he's also done the potty training and sleeping changes. He's definitely having some attitude lately and I'm not sure if it's from all of that or just from being 3. Micah and Isaiah are both on a waiting list for play therapy so I hope that helps him deal with all the changes. More are definitely coming in the future!!

Comparing...

Micah	Isaiah
26 lb, 4 oz (5%)	35 lbs (75%)
35 1/4" (7%)	37 1/8" (50%)

Sunday, March 15, 2015

Esther @ 4 Months

Stats

15 lbs, 4 oz (76%)

25" (70%)

Well, another month has come and gone! It's been a rough one too. Without making this all about me...all the bad news is just wearing me down and I'm grieving the loss of a relationship even though it wasn't salvageable.

Esther's had a rough couple of weeks, too. She's already getting teeth...and decided to start on the top. The corner of her top right tooth poked through about a week ago. Actually, scratch that...looking again I think it's actually her top to the right of the middle. Crazy girl. I keep going back and forth on if I think her bottom middle ones are coming too. Either way, she's been a fussy mess for a bit. I'm hoping she gets some relief soon.

Possibly related to the teeth is a distinct lack of good sleep during the day. I think she would be consolidating naps if she could just stay asleep. But she doesn't, unless she's sleeping on me. I can still put her down in bed during the day and she will fuss for a minute then fall asleep on her own...but it never lasts long. The longest she will sleep is 45 minutes, when her sleep sheep thing turns off. I can't sneak in there to keep it going because she wakes up...but she falls asleep soooo much better when it's on! And I know she will sleep longer because I will occasionally take a nap with her (one of the perks of unemployment!) and then she will sleep for hours! I think I just need to try a sound machine that doesn't switch off and see if that will help during the day.

Thank goodness spring is finally here! Esther loooooooves to go outside. Sometimes it's the only thing I can do to calm her down. The double stroller I got a while back sure comes in handy now. If all else fails I can pop the little ones in it and go walk until Esther wipes out.

Esther has really started watching me when I'm eating. I think she may be ready to start trying foods as soon as she is sitting up a bit better. I will probably do the same as with Micah and skip the jars of baby food and go right to tiny bits of real food. I have already let her start tasting things, and she always makes faces. No matter how interesting she things it is, I'd bet food is going to be pushed right back out of her mouth.

I got out the jumper yesterday and so far that's a winner. Its something she will hang out in for a bit before she gets fussy. She's been enjoying the walker a lot recently too. Anything that keeps her upright! She haaaaates laying down! Front or back, its usually instant tears.

Sibling love is still in full swing too. The boys are still infatuated with their sister and I love how easily she smiles for them. I think she hates laying down because she can't really keep track of what they're up to, so she's almost always sitting or (her new favorite) standing. Obviously she's still getting help at this point but I'm starting to wonder if she will be an early walker so she can keep up with them.

Esther also loves to talk. And giggle. Oh goodness, she's a cutie. Sitting her in my lap and having a conversation (even though I have no clue what's being said) is the greatest thing. She will also giggle and shriek for her brothers...or, as I found out one day, at pictures of her brothers. And she will give us the biggest smiles. I wish I could get a picture of one, but electronics don't make her smile like that.

Esther is also growing like a weed. The new clothes I got her last month are starting to be too small. I put her in a 9-month onesie yesterday and it was just barely too long for her...but not so long that she couldn't wear it. I'm so glad I didn't buy much for her in 6-month! Between the weather change and the growth they only lasted a few weeks. I just hope she doesn't get too big for the Easter dress I already bought her because I can't find it in the next size up.

And so we're off onto another month. I predict a lot of outside activities including zoo trips, visiting playgrounds, and bike rides (for the boys). Hopefully Esther will get some relief from those teeth moving in. And who knows what else!

Comparing...