Update on the boys Dec 31 2012

Christian Daniel!

I'm sure you remember my blog post about Christian's therapies a few months ago. Since then, he did meet with the neurologist and they came to the conclusion he has sensual tremors in his hands, and loose or weak muscles in his wrists and hands, feet and ankles, and mouth. They said through proper occupational therapy, he should be just fine. So far therapy is going great. He seems to really enjoy going and I can see his hands becoming more steady each day.

Ian Joel!

Ian has really came a long way in the past couple months. He now eats whole foods like a champ but still nurses several times a day, crawls and pulls up well, has eight teeth, and can say five words! The words he can say are: Mama, Dada, Bubba, Baba, and Bye Bye. I can't wrap my mind around how quickly he's growing. I remember when Christian was Ian's age he was standing well. To think that it's only a matter of time and he'll be walking is crazy! They literally grow right before your eyes.

Christian's Crafts!

What has Christian been up to lately..?Crafting!

Christian has definitely found his new passion. Crafting. It started out with just fine motor and sensory type "games" and then we'd end with a craft. Now he begs to do some sort of art every night. It would be easier just to show you. Enjoy!

Practicing using droppers and syringes (first 2 pics) Wipes box game. He has to use his fingers to pull items out because a clutched fist won't fit back through the hole.(second two pics)

Using fine motor skills putting pipe cleaners in a collander and more silly art with pipe cleaners

Tracing the letter "C" with stars. Showing off his art (planets and C) and the home made magnet (baby food lid painted with pic inside)

What has Ian been up to lately?

Ian Joel as of October 21, 2012

Ian is coming up on 7 months old. I don't even like saying that! SEVEN MONTHS?! That's like more than half way to a year! So what's new with the growing boy..?

He has teeth! 

Four teeth to be exact. He has 1 on top and 3 on bottom. He's been a fussy teether but teething tablets have helped a TON. I'm sure you're all wondering, "Are you going to stop breastfeeding now?" and the simple answer is no. Teeth actually do not make any difference in breastfeeding. Sure they can bite but all babies bite. You teach them not to. Whether it's biting your shoulder when you're burping them or biting at the breast, you teach them not to. If baby's latch is correct (his is), you can't really feel the teeth at all when they're nursing because the tongue covers the bottom teeth. 

He can talk!

Most of my family has already heard this first hand. He can say "Dada" perfectly. He knows who Dada is,too. He always looks right at Joel and starts babbling, "Daaa Daaa, Dada!" Joel is very proud, but he still said "Mama" first! We will be really excited when he starts acknowledging his favorite member of our family, big brother Christian. We're working on a nickname for him since Christian is such a mouth full. 

He's a scooter!

He isn't crawling just yet but he can definitely get to where he needs to be. He scoots on his belly or slides on his booty. Our house is having to be baby proofed. It isn't easy since the majority of choking hazards are Christian's toys. He gets up on his knees and rocks all the time. I'm sure he'll be crawling full speed very soon. We are in no hurry.

He's an eater!

Ok, so this isn't exactly new news but it's still his favorite thing to do. We are practicing baby led weaning, which is where you skip baby foods and just offer pieces of what you eat. You can read more about it by clicking the link. He's a professional eater at this point. He eats meats well, eats all fruits and veggies, and even breads! There isn't much he turns his nose up to. He does not like baby food at all. We thought we'd use it as a filler between breastfeeding and actual meals but he doesn't like it and wants no part of it, not that I blame him! That stuff stinks.

Our little man is growing very,very quickly. On one hand, I'm loving watching his new tricks,but on the other hand I miss him being a fragile little infant. Hug your children tight, they grow entirely too quick. 

Christian's therapy sessions

Update on Christian's Therapy

Christian has a "feeding disorder". You can read about the differences between a feeding disorder and picky eating here. He goes to therapy once a week at Sports Plus Rehab center here in Dyersburg. It is important to understand that his feeding disorder is directly connected to his sensory issues. The reason he isn't accepting of foods is because of the different textures. What we are doing in therapy is teaching him to accept different textures using all of his senses. We first have him just accept seeing the food. After that, he can try touching the food. Eventually he will learn to smell the food and lick the food which eventually leads to eating the food. When he started he would only eat tortilla chips, granola bars, and cereal. Now he eats all of that plus fries, grapes, apples, yogurt, and raisins. He has only been in therapy for 4 months. I think he is making GREAT progress!

So, what's new?

Christian has jittery hands. When he tries to write, color, button, zip, tie, or anything else that requires precision, his hands shake. They now think that he poor hand-eye-coordination as well as poor hand control.  He should be able to draw simple shapes by now, but he can not. They have written an order for him to start  occupational therapy and also have sent a request for him to be evaluated by a neurologist at Lebonheur Children's Medical Center to rule out any neurological issues. While he is there he will also be evaluated by the physical therapist there. We will keep everyone updated with whatever happens and how he progresses.

Guess who's growing?

My boys are growing!

I recently realized how behind I am in blogging! Oops.. I promise I have a good excuse. You see, between school, growing boys, Joel getting a new job and also being in school, daily life, household responsibilities, and of course networking it just honestly slipped my mind! 
Anyway, the reason you're here is not to here me ramble so now I must play catch up. Enjoy! 

Christian being a little boy!

Christian pees on everything! I swear it! 

Christian's series of birthday parties

Christian's turning 3!

Why do I feel the need to celebrate ridiculously for Christian's birthday..? Because he deserves it! Today's date is May 31, 2012. Christian's birthday isn't until June 6. So far, we've had a Chuck E. Cheese party, a swimming/watergun party, and we're still going to Nashville Shores next weekend. Here's some pics so far...

Chuck E Cheese racing game

Chuck E Cheese cake

Yummy (:

Playing in the water

Jump!

Hitting the homemade spiderman pinata his "yaya" (grandmother) made

He was so happy everyone was clapping for him!

Blowing out the candal!

Spraying Daddy

Skin isn't a sin: A breastfeeding memoir

You know what they say...  Breast is best.

When I decided to breastfeed my boys I really didn't know much about it. I quit around the time Christian was four months old. This time, with Ian, I was determined to make it further and to not have to rely strictly on a pump. I've done a lot more research this time and have been attending classes. It has definitely paid off. I wish I had known all of this with Christian. It's so easy! When 3a.m rolls around and Ian wakes, there is no having to go downstairs for a bottle, warming, feeding, washing, and then back to sleep. I simply...feed.
One of my major obstacles was nursing in public. I thought I would hear, "OMG! She's flashing her boobies!!" Nope. I've only heard one negative comment, "That breastfeeding nonsense is for the birds!" Oh, is it? Hmm.Check out THIS link! Breastfeeding is not only beneficial for baby, but mom as well! Just look at me! I've lost 34lbs since Ian was born. I feel amazing! Ian is the happiest baby and Christian is hardly ever sick! Now, I'm not going to get on a long spill about how breast is best. There is no arguing that fact. However, I would like to add a disclaimer* so nobody gets their feelings hurt.

Here's a look into my breastfeeding journey so far:

Breastfeeding just hours after his birth.

Hanging on in his favorite place in the world, Momma's chest.

Feeding Ian at the Memphis Zoo

Feeding Ian at the Zoo

Feeding Ian at Okeena Park

I think that breastfeeding is the most natural, beautiful thing a woman can offer her child. It is, however, a learning experience. I urge you to please seek help if you have trouble breastfeeding. I've hit a couple bumps in the road and even shed some tears but with the support of other breastfeeding mommies, it's now smooth sailing!

Thanks for taking time to read!
--Hollidy Kaye Magadan

*There are certain medications some women have to take that make breastfeeding dangerous, difficult, or even impossible. While breast is certainly best, it is important to understand that it isn't possible for everyone and passing judgement is just as wrong for non-breastfeeding mother, as it is towards breastfeeding mothers. We are all mothers doing what's best!