Learning Time

We are in the process of changing Jewell's schedule to be more like ours in regards to eating. She was eating around 7 times a day because her solids and bottles were all separated. My doctor said it was time to change it to be more like our eating times. Jewell has done "okay" with this. I have learned that this requires snacks. I'm currently looking for snacks that don't require my assistance in feeding. Jewell isn't too much of a fan of Cheerios and Puffs. She likes to suck on them, and spit them back out! Hopefully we can find something she'll like.

Another thing we are working on is the Sippy Cup. I have tried several different kinds. The one I've had the most success with is the soft tip. However, Jewell still thinks it's a chew toy, or a toy to bang around!


Something that I have been learning is to let Jewell explore things... I am a true book lover. I take excellent care of my books. I never open a book completely for fear of hurting the binding. As you can see, book loving for Jewell is a bit different.

9 Month Appointment

Jewell is growing up! We went to visit the doctor today for our well visit :). I must say I was so relieved it was a well visit finally! Jewell is now weighs 18 lbs 6 oz. She's almost tripled her birth weight! She's 27 inches long, and her head circumference is 47 1/2 cm. I can't believe she's so big.

Jewell's ears looked great! They said the tubes were definitely working already. I was relieved!

The Doctor was a bit concerned at first about a few milestones she hasn't reached. I was even more concerned though. Jewell doesn't crawl, which isn't a big deal. We were both concerned with the lack of rolling, pulling up, and standing. Jewell never tries to stand, even when I hold her up. She gave me some exercises to do with her to try and help it. The doctor would like her to use a Jumpster to try and get her to use her legs more. I have one, but the door kind, which results in screaming :(. So I'm now looking for a used one (that sits on the floor) or one to borrow for just a few months. They are very expensive! Anyways, I really wasn't too upset when I left. She's just slower than average children. I knew that already since she's was only baby in her baby room at daycare (during the school year) that wasn't crawling, pulling up, or standing.

When I left she reminded me to do lots of tummy time. I really did want to look at her and say, "You come try that then, because all she does is cry." Oh well. I'm just glad she's physically doing well. And that her ears are much better!

9 Months

I really wanted to write this yesterday since it was her official day to turn 9 months! But with Jewell getting Tubes put in, I felt like I should cater to her all day instead of blogging :).

Jewell is officially 9 months. What's happened in those 9 months?
1. She's had 8 rounds of antibiotics due to ear infections, so we got her Tubes yesterday.
2. She's learned to babble. She likes to say Ba-Ba over and over again!
3. She's learned to master sitting. Really, I believe she is going to be OCD because she is so particular on how she sits.
4. She's learned to grab things super well.
5. She's learned to take 2, 2 hour naps!
6. She's learned to eat 3 solids a day, finally.
7. She can pick up finger food....but doesn't eat it! Haha.
8. She's learned to laugh, giggle, and try to move all over the place.

Favorite Foods: Chicken and Rice, squash, peas, mixed veggies, yogurt, and bananas!

Favorite Books: Farm Animals, Dr. Seuss, Daisy Fairies, and Clifford!

Favorite Toy: Basically anything that flashes and makes noise

Favorite Animal: Daisy (our dog)

She's grown so much these last 9 months. What a blessing she is to our family :).

Jewell's Tubes

Today we took Jewell to Patewood Medical Center for her tubes. We had to be there at 6 AM! The surgery was at 7:30 and took less than 10 minutes. Jewell did fantastic. I was fine, until I heard her screaming in recovery! She was confused and really wanted her bottle. We got home around 8:15 and gave her a bottle. Jewell enjoyed about 4 ounces and then wanted play! After about 45 minutes of playing I could tell she was exhausted so I put her down for a nap. Things seem to be going well. She still has fluid in her left ear so we plan to finish this antibiotic. Hopefully we can be antibiotic free after this! Here are a few pictures of her in her surgery gown. She was so cute! Every time I snapped a picture she opened her mouth really wide!

Swing Time

Today we decided we needed to go to the Park. We headed out shortly after Jewell's morning nap. Jewell just loved the swing! She is so tiny!




While at Cleveland Park we ran into a friend from work that has a sweet little girl around Jewell's age. The girls had a great time playing together :).

Smiling Faces

The last 2 days have been fabulous. Jewell is on the mend, which makes for a happy Mommy! She's napping again, and playing. We are still working on eating more, but we're doing better :).

Today we had our typical lazy Saturday morning. We fed Jewell, watched the news, drank coffee, and played with Jewell. I love these mornings together. I then left Jewell with Matt for some much needed Daddy/daughter time and headed out to get Daisy her shots. Jewell loved it, Daisy...not so much. I have the scratches to prove it!

Once Jewell woke up from her 2 hour morning nap, we headed to JCPenney for Jewell's 9 month pictures. I decided to get them taken the weekend before her tubes since her surgery is actually on her official birthday. Jewell seemed to have a blast getting her picture taken. We even took a few of Matt and Jewell together since it's Father's Day. Which of course made me spend twice the amount I had budgeted. In the end, I feel it was money well spent. Enjoy the pictures!

First Week

I have been looking forward to this week for months! My first week home with Jewell for the summer. I must say this week has been nothing short of its trials. Jewell has a double ear infection, and she's very fussy. I do believe she's also teething....continually! Needless to say, I'm exhausted. Yesterday was a day full of crying and no naps. This isn't exactly how I planned to spend my summer with her. I'm just thrilled to know that as of the 15th (on Jewell's 9 month) we will be on the road to recovery. Jewell gets her tubes, and I hear it's a difference of night and day. I will be praying that it is. I never thought I'd actually look forward to letting someone cut a hole into my child's ear. Who would? But boy am I ready! I love her, and I can't wait for her to get better.

No pictures, just drool and spit-up so far! Hopefully today will be better ;).