Fox hopes all you mugs have a super happy Christmas and he'll be catchin' you all at the one year mark in 2010.

Happy First Thanksgiving, Fox!

Thanksgiving elicits many emotions for me. It's my favorite holiday... before the stress of Christmas shopping... but also with Christmas on the horizon. Holidays come and go too soon and time with family is fleeting but I'm thankful for all the memories. I miss both of our fathers around this time. My dad's birthday is November 17th. My birthday is always around Thanksgiving. So, Thanksgiving is laden with many bittersweet memories and emotions.

Fox, as you experience your first Thanksgiving, let me just say that you are what I'm most thankful for. God has blessed me with a happy baby boy and each day is a gift with you. You are my sunshine and I'm excited to see each and every new step you make. Every day you amaze me and you bring such joy to our lives. I'm so thankful that you're healthy. I'm so thankful that you're able to stay at home with your Daddy and form a deep bond each day. You are my perfect sweet little angel boy Tink! To say you make our lives interesting would be an understatement.

I love you and hope you have a wonderful day - I know I will.

Mommy

10 Months!!

Happy 10-Month Birthday!

We love you very much. You light up our lives!

This will be a quick post. It's late and I've had a very busy weekend.


Recent milestones:
11/14/09 - Fox learned to stick out his tongue. Silly Tink!
10/24/09 - Fox learned to wave. Think royal family.
10/06/09 - Fox learned to dance. He loves to "squat" (for lack of a better word) in time to the music. When he can, he waves his arms around. So cute!
10/01/09 - Fox learned to clap. He usually does this with a chorus of yays.

Teef!!!

Guessing these little beauties came in sometime during the day yesterday. It was a chore just getting this shot, but soon enough I guess he'll have a mouthful and it'll be old hat...but for now...ROCK ON FOX!!!

Top 3 Worst Things Fox Has Put In His Mouth (To Date)

In order of occurrence...

1. A dog toenail (not sure how that happened, it was just there)
2. A dog treat (that one was a saga unto itself)
3. A snail (if this kid ends up being French, I'm gonna...)

Jailbird

Now that Fox is officially crawling and pulling himself up, he's completely into everything and loves to yank on the cords of my laptop while I'm trying to working...when he's taking a break from attempting to baby-handle all the electronics under the TV set. So, last night we went and bought him a corral. He hates it. I tried to reason with him that it was tons more room than his pack-n-play, and while I was holding him he seemed to agree, but the moment I put him down in there, it was a regular jailhouse riot. My mom says he'll get used to it. Then again my mom says a lot of things...

Somebody get this kid a metal cup so he can run it across the bars...

8 months old today!

Happy 8 months, Fox!

Mommy and Daddy love you very much. I can't tell you how much my life has been enriched with your smiles, laughter, and hugs. I can't wait for many more years to come!

You're my sweet Tink!

Love,

Mommy

Labor Day

It's been awhile but I'll include a longer post on the fabulous world of Fox very soon! On Monday (Labor Day) we went to Centennial Park where Fox played in the grass. I think he could have sat there all day pulling up grass and attempting to put it in his mouth. Mommy and Daddy kept intercepting it before he could actually swallow it.

He's growing and changing and trying new things. It's pretty awesome and I think I could enjoy it even more if I could get a few hours of uninterrupted sleep (hint, hint Fox!). More later!

Just a few new pix...

Is there someone behind me?

First ride in the "big boy" seat of the shopping cart.

This is his new favorite face...

My own halo so soon? Thanks!

Latest Tricks...

He did this with his mouth...

He did this with his mouth too...

Boo?

He flirts...

He enjoys Swedish horror lit...

He's always got a good joke...

And he'll smooch with just about anyone (or anything).

The Tink is a Half

Today, at 8:36AM, marked the official six month point for our Fox the baby. We celebrated by taking him to the doctor for his six month check up, complete with three shots. YEA! The good news is that the doc is just as pleased with his progress as he has been every visit since he saw him at two weeks.

Pre Shot & Post Shot

Stats:

Weight: 18.5 lbs (75%)

Length: 27.5 in (85%)

Head: 44.7 (75%)

Tastes like Jet’s Pizza

Tink Feet and Turtle Buddy

As promised, he’s developing and changing rapidly, almost daily. One of his most recent accomplishments has been rolling over to his belly…unfortunately he hasn’t quite gotten the hang of rolling back to the other way, and this frustrates him. And frustration is a bit of a key word here. He’s a very observant little dude, watching every move we make, especially when we’re eating (I’ll get to more of that in a moment), and seems to want to sit up, stand up and run around not now, but NOW. The doc says sitting up on his own is right around the corner, a couple of weeks, a couple of days, we shall see. I think he’s got the strength, but not quite the balance based on a few test runs done under controlled conditions. Get the balance right, Fox! (That was for all you Depeche Mode fans out there.)

Car watching at Noshville in the Village

He’s also become Mr. Grabby. We’ve noticed in the past two or three days alone that his accuracy with his hands for what he wants to get a hold of has improved dramatically. And once he gets it…well, if it’s your hair, best be prepared to lose a few strands. When he gets up in the morning and when he goes down at night, he’s all hands, reaching mainly for your face and smiling or cooing and then digging in with his little fingers (and brother, those nails are sharp). Two or three times during a work day when I’ve tried to put him down for a nap that he was fighting, the only way I could get him to settle was to lay down next to him and he immediately reached for my face, put his hand on my cheek and fell asleep within ten seconds. A very odd way to go down, but highly endearing and just as a good an excuse as any to grab a few quick winks for myself as well.

Oh, hi!

We’ve been treated to a variety of new sounds as well. Two of his favorites seem to be the “motor boat” (with spit at no extra cost) and a quick, high pitched “Ee-yah!” that really does ripple the eardrums. He also likes to take a deep breath when he’s extra wound up and give a big, long sigh, but instead of going “down” like normal, human sighs do, the Tink’s sigh seems to increase in volume and tone as he goes. And finally, there’s the low, drawn out grunt, a similar noise to one my grandmother used to make when she was trying to get up out of her chair, and in Fox’s case, he uses it for any time he’s feeling frustrated, anything from not being able to sit up properly like he so desperately wants, to not being fed fast enough.

Boo!

And speaking of food…let’s get to that right now. We started him on first foods like brown rice cereal, etc around four months and slowly began adding things in from there. At this point he’s tested and approved apples, carrots, sweet potatoes, banana, banana-mango, blueberry-apples and most recently, winter squash. The only thing he hasn’t gone for is peas and avocado. The testing ground is the dinner table, the testing time is just after we eat and Karla is the chief test administrator, while I take note of his reactions and record them for future feedings. At this point he’s eating a fruit or vegetable or a mixture with cereal two or three times a day, along with a bottle or boob (ha, boob) throughout. We’ve also gotten him this little mesh net deal that you stick a piece of fruit in and he can suck out the juice without risk of choking on the pulp, etc. I’m sure all you seasoned parents out there know exactly what I’m talking about, including the proper name (which is not “little mesh net deal”).

Jungle Tink

I guess that’s about it from Tinkville. Check in later on and we probably won’t have posted, but check in a bit after that and maybe we will have.

And oh yeah, he also eats socks.

He rolled over!

Finally!! He rolled from his back all the way to his stomach today (repeatedly). Now he just needs to figure out how to roll from his stomach to his back. As it stands, much frustration will ensue (for all of us) if he doesn't master that part soon. =)

Updates on the incredible Fox...

William is on a camping trip and I'm home alone with Fox. I don't really get a lot of one on one time so I'm enjoying it. Right now he's in my lap asleep.

Lately he's changing lightning fast -- I feel repetitious saying that. It is worth repeating that the first few months speed by and so many changes happen. It's one crazy ride and I'm trying to savor each moment.

5/07/09 - Fox found his feet.

5/23/09 - Fox has been handsy... reaching, grabbing everything in site, succeeding more often than not.

6/03/09 - Fox started making lip smacking sounds. He sucks and acts like he wants some food... either that or he acts like he has peanut butter stuck to the roof of his mouth. =) We went to Guido's with Sally and the kids and we gave him more lemon to taste.

6/06/09 - Fox put his feet in his mouth. He discovered that this week but this is the date I documented it on camera. Yummy...

6/06/09 - We also tried avocado. He was not too pleased, even though it's one of our favorite foods. We'll give it another go soon. Pre- and post-avocado photos are below. It looks promising at first... and then, well... er... not so much.


6/06/09 - Wow, so many new things in one day. He also had is first ever 'do - of course he faux-hawked it! Check it out! He's a bit "too cool for school" here.


On another note, I had the best first Mother's Day ever!!! William Fox left really sweet notes around the house for me to find... I feel a bit weird sharing this but felt that I should for posterity's sake - so, so sweet! And being the big, emotional baby that I am, I had tears in my eyes as I found each one. I couldn't wait to read the next one I'd find.

5/10/09

Mommy, this is where you change me and put on all my outfits that keep me both warm and stylish. I’m sorry when I sometimes spit up on them (or worse), but I sorta can’t help it right now. But really, you don’t mind, you love helping me along and that makes me love you!

Mommy, this is where you give me a bath, even when I don’t think I need one. It’s just one of the many ways that you know what’s best for me and I always feel so good and snuggly once we’re done and you wrap me up and dry me off and tell me how much you love me. I love you too!

Mommy, this is where you sit every day. This is your spot. This is where I look when you’re away and wish you were here. When you are here I’m very happy because this is where you play with me and hold me and feed me and tell me you love me, and that’s what makes me such a happy baby!

Mommy, this is where you keep the milk that you pump for me. I know it’s not always easy or comfortable to do that, but I want you to know how much I appreciate all the hard work you put into it. Your milk keeps me healthy and makes me feel safe and it makes me feel loved. Knowing that you put so much effort into making sure I feel this way is why I smile when I sleep!

Mommy, this is where you carry all the things I need to keep me happy and secure when we’re out shopping or having dinner or seeing friends. I’m sorry I can’t always predict or control when I’m going to get hungry or have an accident, but the fact that you’re prepared means you understand all of that and since you love me, you don’t mind…thank you for that!

Mommy, this is where you put me to sleep every night. I know I’m growing and getting bigger and will soon not be able to fit here, but I want you to know that it will always be my favorite place to sleep because when I wake up and I can look over and see you sleeping -- you are so pretty and so sweet and I’m sorry when I have to cry and wake you, but it’s only because I want you to hold me so much (and I’m a little hungry too)!

Mommy, this is your car and I’ve only been in it once. I can’t wait until I’m bigger and can ride in it some more. Please be careful when you’re going places, always wear your seatbelt, always use your turn signal, always look out for those big, mean, scary SUVs and always remember that I’m here with a smile waiting for you when you get home!

Mommy, this is where you sit and eat dinner. I’m looking forward to joining you when I’m bigger, but for now, please eat lots of healthy good foods so that I can get stronger faster and join you that much sooner in my highchair. I promise to only throw foods I don’t like, and never, ever at you…because you’re my mommy and you’re always so good to me!

Mommy, don’t think I don’t know what you’re doing in here when the door is closed and the fan is on. I’ve heard you say you DON’T do this sort of thing, but that’s just you being funny and it makes me laugh. Don’t you wish you could wear a diaper like me and someone could change you? No? Good, ‘cos that would just be silly!

Mommy, this is where you keep some of my neat clothes. Since I can’t read yet I don’t know what any of them say, but I’m sure it’s all nice stuff, right? I love it when you dress me because even though it’s not always fun, you’re always smiling and laughing and trying to make me feel better about it…and that makes me smile and laugh and feel better!

Mommy, this is where I’ll sleep when I get bigger. I sure am going to miss you when I’m in my own bed in my own room, but I want you to know that it’s ok, that it’s just part of me growing up and that I’ll be fine in here, so don’t worry about me. Do you promise? Ok, that makes me so happy!

Mommy, this is what you use to turn on all my favorite shows. I really only have one that I like a lot, but I’m sure there are others I will enjoy too. I can’t wait to get bigger so that we can go to movies together and everyone can see me out with my pretty, sweet, wonderful mommy. They’ll all be jealous ‘cos I have the best one ever!

Mommy, I’m sorta tired of this swing. Ok, thanks!

Mommy, this is where you wash all my bottles and all the things that you need to pump your milk so that I can eat when you’re not around. I just want you to know that I appreciate you getting up extra early and staying up extra late to mke sure that I have the best in everything. I’ll be on solids one day, don’t worry!

So that's what's been going on these past couple of months. I can't believe it will be 5 months on Monday! He's almost halfway to a year! Crazy stuff!

Cha-cha-changes!

And I ain't just whistlin' Bowie. We've got lots going on here at the Gladstones of Rock. Our Fox the Baby is growing like a weed, making new discoveries daily and, most fun of all, developing a very easy going, fun personality.

Not only has he found both his hands and his feet, he's figured out, at least partially, what he can do with them. With the feet it's 99% kicking...in the air while being changed, in the tub while being bathed and especially in daddy's stomach just because it gets a good reaction. Now his hands have developed a more sensible use...grabbing! His aim is a bit off sometimes, but once he gets it, he's latched. Lucky for Karla he's not getting too much in her hair (yet), but he'll squeeze your finger a-one good time and loves certain little toys that are just the right size and weight for him right now. He also loves his little lion blanket, which is basically his new best friend.

The other day we were at Trader Joe's and I kept putting items in his lap and Karla would have to go behind me and take them out and put them in the cart. Well, she didn't see me put in a pack of chocolate covered mixed nuts (which are awesome btw) and when we looked down, he was picking them up and looking at them. Don't believe me? See below.


I just weighed him earlier and according to my calculations he's 15.5lbs, which explains A LOT...like why carrying him in his car seat is more like dragging him. Not sure he's grown much past the 24+ inches from a few weeks ago, but we'll have all the official stats in about 10 days when we take him in for his (eek) 4 month check up.

As for schedules and sleeping, etc, things have been better overall but last week was a bit rough on the sleep department, especially for Karla who is trying to get up with him as much as she can. But we're bathing him about every night and trying to get him in bed between 8 and 9 and typically he settles pretty well.

He's finding his voice these days, experimenting with different sounds and cries and just general racket, which can get pretty loud at times. He's outright laughed at least 3 or 4 times, which is absolutely awesome and I want to say nearly every or every time has been because of Karla. He definitely loves his mama. When she holds him he always looks over at me and smiles and I'm 100% convinced that it's because his mama's got him and he wants me to notice that. When I hold him it's more of a "Yeah, this dude again...hey, mama, come get me!"

He also had his first jaunt out to the zoo last weekend. It really wasn't the best of conditions what with unexpected heat and massive crowds, but we got some fun pictures.




I have to say that as much as I sorta fought it, I've really enjoyed having the iPhone for candid, by the moment shots, especially during the day, that I can then share with Karla, etc. I believe most all of the pix featured here today of courtesy of said device. Go modern technology!

Well, as I said, 4 months check up next week, which means more shots and more tears from mama and cringing from daddy, but he's our tough boy and after an initial squeal will likely settle back into his normal, mellow self.

Ok, I'd better post this while he's asleep 'cos it's close to his next feeding time and Mr. Hyde comes out more often than not at those times. :-)

3 Months

Here are some of the photos from the recent "photo shoot" Fox had (man, he sounds like a rock star). We had pics taken at our home Saturday. While for most folks, the idea of not having to cart a baby to a studio sounds great - for us messy housekeepers, it was a bit of a work-out. We did our best to make our house presentable in time for the photos. Naturally, he was super smiley BEFORE the photographer arrived. Nick Gilbert and his wife Ashton were so nice and great to work with! Here is their website: www.ncgimages.com. Thanks goes out to Jeff and Michelle for letting us know about Nick. We love the pictures!

10 Weeks In...

Quoting my friend Erin, "So handsome."

Well, we've been as bad about posting post-birth as pre. And so it goes. And it goes well too. Fox is growing and changing daily in ways so subtle and yet overwhelmingly apparent that we sometimes don't realize it until we're already used to it (if that makes sense).

At his doctor's visit last week he was officially 12lbs 11oz and 24 3/4 inches long. He's very tall for his age, I want to say 90th percentile or something. And he gets that honestly from both Karla and myself, so it's pretty much what we expected. He's also a strong little tyke. The doc was very impressed with his ability to hold his head up and his arms/legs out when held in the "airplane" pose.

Aunt Amber

On the home front he's nearly always an agreeable baby. This is my second full week (I think) keeping him on my own while working. He's pretty good with going down or at least being non-fussy and really, he's very independent and enjoys being on his own, though not necessarily alone. If he's in his bouncy seat and smiling/gooing at us, we've had to learn to resist the urge to pick him up and bring that bundle of laughs closer 'cos he inevitably starts to fuss and squirm, "Put me back, man!" Now when he's hungry, sleepy or feeling poorly he's all about snuggles and cradling. And now that he's able to sit up (if I wedge him between some cushions) he really loves to just sit and hang out and watch things around the room. And watching has really been a big change lately. When changing him, he'll follow us around the room while we get him a new outfit, etc, usually smiling the entire time. And that's another thing, he LOVES his changing table. It's definitely his happy place and where I take him when I'm trying to calm him down for whatever reason regardless if he needs changing.

We started "soak" baths about three or four weeks ago and he seems to like them quite a bit. He gets a little squirmy putting most anything over his head, but with most stuff that startles him/makes him cry out, he's usually over it in a second or two and back to cooing or smiling or telling me not to make the diaper so tight this time.

Comfy?

His looks change all the time, even at various angles, but we've pretty much decided that he looks quite a bit like me as a baby (only cute) and a lot like my father, which is amazing in a sad way. We wish both our fathers could have met him down here 'cos they'd have been proud, but we do appreciate them letting him come down here from heaven to be with us.

Ok, I'm gonna cut out the mushy stuff.

I'll be leaving on a work trip on Wednesday and I can honestly say I'm gonna miss the little rascal. My favorite thing each day is when I get him up in the morning, when he's laying there staring at the ceiling and then sees me and smiles. And to me that's a good trade since Karla gets the "get home from work" smile, which is equally good stuff.

Proud mama!

Ok, it's late and I need to go to bed. Holler.

Feet

Fox just discovered his feet yesterday. He can spend hours (okay, that's overdoing it) minutes looking at them. He just happened to look down and realize "Huh, these two things are attached to me... Interesting!"

That is all. =)

Oh, and he weighs 12 lbs now and is 24 inches long.

Thankful

It's been awhile since I've posted - been busy being a new mommy and just soaking it all in. After reading the blog on baby Jonah, I felt like I should update our blog. Please keep them in your prayers - as I can only imagine the fear and heartache they are feeling right now. Through God all things are possible.

Fox just discovered he has hands this week. I guess that's his newest milestone. He usually just lifts one fist up in front of his face and holds it there for awhile - so completely enthralled. I know his arm has to get tired after doing that for awhile.

Sorry for the short post but I just wanted to say I am so thankful for our little one! I feel blessed and so happy to have him in our lives. I feel like he's enriched our lives for the better. And to think, William and I considered never having kids. Even this early on, I can't imagine not having Fox in our lives. Okay, enough gushing. I guess I'm a bit emotional after reading about baby Jonah.

Goodnight, sleep tight!