A Merry Christmas

Christopher's second Christmas was exciting for him. As per his age, he enjoyed the bows, boxes, and wrap far more than the actual presents. He has to fight Nicholas for his toys, Nicholas is all about playing with the baby toys and not sharing! I think his favorite toy is from Nana and Poppy, it's a zebra he can sit on and bounce. He just loves it. Nicholas does, too. Hopefully the zebra can survive the 40 pound baby!

The First Bump

Christopher fell and bumped his head on the concrete. It's his first walking wound. He not only has a bump but also a bruise and a little scrape. It's his first introduction into being a little boy versus a baby!

Happy First Birthday!

Christopher turned one yesterday! He received lots of phone calls, gifts, and cards from our family and friends. I think he had a great day, even though he didn't really get what was going on. He was always smiling when we sang Happy Birthday and he clapped so maybe he understood a little. He did not get to open a single present because Nicholas helped with all of them. Some of the things he received were so great that Nicholas and Sebastien were fighting over playing with them today!

My Baby

I just can't believe it, only two more days and my baby will be turning one. It just doesn't seem like a whole year has gone by since he was born. He is walking all the time, he hardly even crawls. A fourth tooth is trying to pop through now, too. If only his hair would grow a little faster . . .

Genius

Christopher is talking! He can say dog, mama, dad, ball, no, uh huh, yeah, and cat. There may be other words but I haven't identified them yet. I can't believe he is already saying things! He points right at Alli and says dog. He is just about walking all the time now. Once in a while, if he's really in a hurry, he'll crawl. For the most part, though, he is off and running. He also nods his head yes when you ask him a question. I just can't believe how fast he is doing things!

The Walker

Christopher has almost mastered the walking. He only crawls when he wants to go fast or far. It is just amazing to see him walking around. He is so proud of himself, he just laughs and smiles. Or maybe the laughter and smiles are because he knows what trouble I am going to be in for now that he's walking . . . .

The Third Tooth

Christopher has cut another tooth! It is the top left tooth this time. He wasn't even that cranky, what a good boy! I just noticed the little white poking through this morning. His first birthday party was yesterday, it was at Gymboree. He had lots of fun even though I don't think he understood it was for him. He had a little smash cake but of course my little eater would have no part of wasting food. He ate and ate and ate, only making his usual mess, he wasn't letting the good stuff go to waste!

Almost Walking

Christopher took three steps on Wednesday, five steps yesterday, and several steps today. He is going to be walking by the time we get Nana and Poppy's on Tuesday. They are in for a real treat!

Sick Again!

Mr. Christopher has a double ear infection - again! The poor baby is headed for tubes in his ears, I just know it! It seems like he picks up everything that is going around. I think we caught the ear infections just in time, though. He really hasn't been too cranky and I think it could have been much worse. Hopefully we will all be healthy for the ride to Nana and Poppy's for Thanksgiving!

Pumpkin Carving

Christopher was not very interested in the pumpkin carving this year. He looked inside the pumpkin at it's guts but that was it. He did enjoy staring at the finished pumpkins with their candles lit and the lights out. Next year he'll enjoy it more!

The Second Tooth is Here!

The second tooth is right next to the first one! Soon he'll have a mouth full of teeth and probably starting biting all of us!

The Second Tooth

I think the second tooth is just around the corner. He wants to be held all the time and is pretty cranky just like with the first one. When will it come???

Nana

Christopher loves his nana. I think he is even trying to say nana. He holds onto her like he doesn't ever want to let her go! When she first arrived he hugged her and snuggled with her like he hadn't seen her in a year. In reality it was only a week. He even leans towards her so she'll hold him, two weeks ago he would turn away and want to stay with me. It's just the cutest thing!

Zoo Boo

Christopher enjoyed Zoo Boo last night - he stayed awake the entire time! I thought he would fall asleep but he was so busy looking around at the lights and listening to everyone that he was just wide awake! His little legs were kicking and he kept clapping at everything he saw. We watched a pirate show with animals and he was watching those pirates like they were the most exciting thing in the whole world! He just couldn't take his eyes off of them! He was also eating his puffs, which are usually his favorite, but even the puffs couldn't distract him from those pirates! I think he likes his first Halloween!

Pooh Bear

Christopher was Winnie the Pooh at the Halloween party - for about two minutes! He was sweaty the instant Uncle Markie put the costume on and we took a few pictures and then the costume was off! I guess we'll do the same thing for Halloween and it will look like he participated in his scrapbook at least!

Cascade + Poison Control = ?

Luckily it ended up being nothing. I thought Christopher swallowed some liquid Cascade but after a frantic phone call to the Dr's office and then poison control, things were just fine. It turned out that if he had swallowed some, he would have immediately thrown up the juice he was drinking. Since he didn't throw up, he didn't actually swallow any. The lesson I have learned is to make sure the dishwasher is shut before running to the bathroom.

The First Tooth!

Christopher has his first tooth! After the virus, flu shot, and many nights of keeping Nana awake - a tooth has appeared! He is nine and a half months and his first tooth is here! It is just barely poking through but it's the cutest thing I have ever seen!

Poor Baby

Christopher caught what Nicholas has, cough, fever, runny nose. It's so much fun when both are sick! Luckily my mom is here to save the day! He has to have breathing treatments for the rest of the week and I am going to watch to make sure it's doesn't get worse. Poor little thing, it always ends up in his chest. Buying the ventilator was best investment I ever made! We have used it so many times it has paid for itself. It would have cost me a small fortune if I had rented it everytime he needed it!

No Hands!

Christopher is about to take off running. His latest trick is to let go and try to take a step. He keeps falling down but that doesn't stop him from getting back up and trying it again! I think it's only a matter of time before the walking starts, he is very determined!

Mamamamama

I think Christopher is starting to say Mama! When he wants me to pick him up he either pulls himself up to standing using my pants or puts his hands up in the air and says what I think is Mamamamama! I just love it!

Say it is so!

I think Christopher called out for mama yesterday! He was in his crib crying because it was nap time and he wasn't cooperating. Then it sounded like he yelled out mamamamama, I really think he did!

Sick Baby

Christopher was the grouchiest he has ever been in his short 9 months all day yesterday. Today I thought he was feeling better until after we dropped Nicholas off at school. Nicholas must have been making him feel better because once he was gone, the screaming started up again. Then he feel asleep and sneezed in his sleep. What came out should not be described! So off we went to the Dr's office and he has an ear infection. Poor little guy, he never did stop eating, though!

Look Mom - No Hands!

It is hard to believe that Christopher is going to be 9 months this week. He is such a daredevil he even lets go now when he is standing up. I think he'll probably be walking tomorrow! He just wants so much to be apart of everything to do with Nicholas that he is just going to take off running to keep up! When he lets go and lets out that squeal of delight he is just the cutest thing I have ever seen!

Are You Kidding Me?

Just try to guess what Christopher is saying - you will never guess so I will just tell you - he is now saying Da, Da, Da. I know, it's hard to believe, I wish it wasn't so, but it is. Luckily he says it to me, Kristyn, Nicholas, Patty, even one of the father's at the hockey rink. Oh my.

Another Step Closer

This little guys is determined to walk. He is starting to try and pull himself up on things. He almost did it this afternoon while holding onto the TV cabinet. He is just all about going after Nicholas, he must know he is missing out on great stuff with his big brothers Nicholas and Sebastien!

Big Boy Food

I guess what they say about the younger siblings wanting to do everything the older ones do is true. Christopher wants to eat everything Nicholas is eating. So far I have let him try pancakes, rolls, crackers, ice cream, popsicles, peas, corn on the cob, french fries, bananas, and graham crackers. He tries to take everything we are eating out of our hands. I can't believe that I am letting him try all of these things. Nicholas was not allowed to have any "big people food" until he was one. Even then he was very restricted because I was so nervous about choking. I remember getting upset with my mom and dad because they gave him toast, a taste of spaghetti sauce, and a popsicle while Jason and I were on vacation one time. My how things change!

Oh No, Here Comes Trouble

Christopher is on the move! He can crawl forwards, not very quickly but he is moving where he wants to go when he wants to. He crawled for the first time at Aunt Wendy's on the 22nd and he sat up from laying down for the first time at Grampie's on the 21st. It was a big weekend for the little guy. Nicholas is in trouble - his toys are no longer safe!

A New Discovery

While in the bathtub tonight, Christopher was watching the water pour down from the faucet. As I watched, he reached up and tried to grab the water with his hands. When it didn't work, he tried again. Then he tried again and again, well, you get the picture! It was the cutest and sweetest thing to see him trying to grab that water with his hands. He is just so curious!

Picture Day

Christopher had pictures taken today with both of his brothers. Yes, I said both of his brothers. Sebastien has decided that Christopher is his brother, too. So all three had their picture taken and I just can't wait to see them! Nicholas and Christopher had their picture together and individually, too. Everyone smiled and laughed and I think the day was successful!

Still working at it

Not quite crawling forward yet but boy can he go backwards! I think I'll start putting his toys behind him, then he won't be so frustrated!

Oh No

Someone is almost crawling and I can't believe it! He gets up on all fours and rocks back and forth. He is an expert at crawling and scooting backwards, he just needs to work on forwards. Nicholas is in big trouble when Christopher masters all this. There is not going to be a single truck that will be safe!

Teething Torture

Poor Christopher has yet to cut a tooth. They are right there, I can feel them desperately trying to get through, but not quite yet. Those teeth are making him cranky and turning him into a drool machine, that's for sure! I can't believe how quickly he is changing!

Beach Baby

We went to the beach yesterday and it was Christopher's first trip there. I wasn't too sure how he was going to like it but he was thrilled. He enjoyed relaxing on the blanket with his toys and sippy cup. Then he took a leisurely float in the water. I think he drank half the Gulf but he didn't seem to mind that it was salt water. Then he watched the boys swimming from his blanket. I think if he could crawl I would have been in big trouble. He really wants to be where the boys are!

The Squirt Gun Fight

Nicholas and I were having a squirt gun fight out on the patio after dinner tonight. Christopher was fussy so I was holding him on my lap. Nicholas was just squirting me at first but then ended up getting Christopher because he couldn't see us through my squirts at him. At first we thought that Christopher was crying but he was hysterically laughing at Nicholas every time he squirted him. He was just laughing and wiggling his arms and legs, he was ready to join in the fight!

Six Months

Christopher will be six months tomorrow, it's so hard to believe! He is going for his check up with Dr. Thole and I am very interested to see how much weighs! He is just growing so fast I can't catch up! He is now rolling from his front to his back, before I know it he'll be crawling and we are all in trouble then!

The Best Hugs

Christopher is giving hugs! He puts his arms around you and lays his head against you, it is just the sweetest thing! He absolutely loves it when you hold him and snuggle with him. He just loves to snuggle!

Sippy Cup

I gave Christopher a sippy cup to test out for the first time yesterday. At first he stared at me and the sippy cup as if I was crazy. When I put it in his mouth and he realized there was something good in there, he grabbed it and started putting it in his mouth himself. He just loved it. As soon as I figure out how to put pictures on here, Kristyn, then I can show off his new skill!

A New Treat

Nicholas let Christopher lick his popsicle today and boy was he excited! I was holding Christopher on my lap and Nicholas was sitting next to us eating his popsicle. All of a sudden I look down and Christopher's tongue is hanging out and he is actually licking the popsicle that Nicholas is holding for him. When he pulled it away, Christopher let out the biggest laugh I have ever heard! Nicholas kept letting him lick it over and over so he could hear him laughing. It was the cutest thing!

Sick Again

Christopher can not go more than a week or so without some kind of illness. The poor little guy has not had it easy. Maybe he'll end up with a fantastic immune system and earn perfect attendance every year in school. Anyway, this time he has an ear infection and bronchitis. He is on antibiotics and the breathing machine again. He's still pretty happy, though!

Scooter

Christopher has started to get up on all fours while on his stomach! It seems way too soon to me but time is just flying by. He is already 5 and a half months! I think he is going to be crawling anytime now. He wants to get to Nicholas and his toys, I can see it in his eyes!

The Exersaucer

Christopher absolutely loves his exersaucer. I can put him in there and he will stay occupied for almost an hour! He just moves around in the circle and tries to eat every toy there is. Nicholas loves to grab the toys from him and get in it when Christopher is not. Good thing Christopher doesn't mind sharing yet . . .

Feed Me!

Our little Christopher, who is really not so little, just loves his food! The only time he is cranky or demanding is when it's time to eat! His face turns red and he screams and screams until that food comes. If he screams for too long forget trying to give him cereal, fruit, or vegetables, you have to get right to the bottle. Once he calms down and gets about halfway through that bottle, then you can try using the spoon. He is just so cute that I really don't mind the screaming, sort of.

Spitting

Christopher has figured out how to make noises and spit, I guess it's called a raspberry, at least that's what Kristyn calls it. He makes the noise and spit flies everywhere. The first time it hit Nicholas he wasn't so impressed. He was complaining that the baby spit on him and said eww gross! Nicholas has no idea what is yet to come . . .

Rolling Over

Christopher is rolling over from his back to his front! When he is laying on the floor it's like he can't stop himself from doing it and then gets frustrated when he's stuck on his stomach. We videotaped it, it's just so cute to watch!

Giggles

You should hear this little guy giggle! He just loves to laugh, giggle and smile. He cracks us up! He can almost roll over from his back to front, too. He just amazes me everyday!

Teething

Yes, it's true. Christopher is teething. I can feel a little tooth pushing through and his gums are hard. He was so upset today that he cried for Kristyn and she couldn't calm him down. I put him in his car seat and was just going to let him cry on the way home until Patty heard him. She should really be known as the baby whisperer. She picked him up and he stopped crying right away. Thank goodness she was there!

The Best Sleeper

Christopher has been going to bed around 8 or 8:30 and sleeping all the way until 5 or 6. I can't believe it has happened so quickly! Nicholas still woke up around 3 at this age and that seemed to last forever. I guess Christopher must know that his mom deserves some kind of a break right now! He really is the sweetest little guy!

Our Big Guy

Christopher already weighs 17 pounds! He goes for his 4 month check up on Thursday and I just can't believe how fast time flies! We dressed him up as an Easter bunny, he was furry and white with a big fluffy tail! If only I knew how to add pictures to this blog I would so everyone could see how adorable he looked! He is wearing 12 month clothes already, I can't believe all the cute things I bought that he was never able to wear because he grew so quickly!

Still Stuffy and Coughing

This little guy is still stuffy all the time and coughing. The worst is at night which is pretty scary. This week he is going to see a respiratory specialist who specializes in infants from 0-6 months. Hopefully we will get some answers soon!

Smiley

Even though this little guy has not had it easy, he smiles more than any baby I have ever met! He loves to be on the floor with Nicholas. Nicholas makes him smile and kick his feet and wave his little hands around. Nicholas talks to him or pets his head and he starts smiling again.

Alli

We have gone from acid reflux to possibly being allergic to our dog, Alli. Last night I gave Christopher Benedril and we slept in the spare room away from the dog. It worked like a charm! He did not have a coughing fit or struggle to breathe. He was a little raspy but nothing at all like our usual nights. He only had trouble one time instead of over and over through the night. So poor Alli is off to the kennel for a week to see if she is the problem or not. Poor dog . . .

Acid Reflux?

Christopher was back in the Dr's office on Thursday because Wednesday night he decided to stop breathing not just once but twice. Although it didn't last too long, it was enough to turn his face bright red and me to almost dial 911. So Dr. Thole examined him and said that his lungs are clear. This is great since he had that bronchilitis and now we know it's cleared up. So she thinks it might be acid reflux and has put him on medicine. We also went for a chest x-ray just to make sure everything was developed correctly and that his lungs are clear. Everything was perfect with the x-ray. Now we are just using the medicine through the weekend and waiting to see if on Monday it has made difference. We are keeping our fingers crossed!

Meeting the Great Aunt and Uncle

Christopher met his Great-Aunt Wendy and Great-Uncle Mike for the first time this past weekend. He really loved it, finally there was someone there to hold him all the time! They fought over who was going to hold him the whole time! One night Uncle Mike held him while we were eating dinner and refused to give him up even to eat his dinner! He also pushed the stroller all through the zoo! We had a great time!

Bronchilitis

Poor little Christopher is now suffering from Bronchilitis and has to use a breathing machine every four hours. He is sounding better and the Dr agrees, but we still have to make a return visit on Wednesday. This poor little guy has been sick or in pain pretty much from the time he was born. I can't wait for him to feel better!

Feeling Better

Christopher had his bottle at 8:30 last night and then slept all the way until 3:30 this morning! I think he is feeling better! I can finally get something out of nose, too! Hopefully this week we can resume our normal activities!

Our Other Sick Little Guy

Christopher does not have RSV but he does have a cold. He also went to see Dr. Ed yesterday. There isn't much we can do for him except to suck the stuff out of his nose. He is going to have to see Dr. Ed again because there is something wrong with a flap of skin in his throat. Since he is so congested Ed couldn't really tell what was going on when he put the scope down his throat so we have to go back in ten days for another check. Christopher has trouble breathing which I thought was related to the acid reflux but Ed is going to find out what exactly is going on so we can fix him, too. I can't imagine what it is going to be like if they both have to have surgery . . .

RSV??

Well, Christopher has caught Nicholas' cold and is not sleeping or breathing at night. Right now he is peacefully sleeping in the bouncy seat but will he sleep tonight is the question! We went back to the Dr today and she tested him for RSV. We will have the results tomorrow and my fingers are crossed that he doesn't have it. The poor boy - what else is he going to catch?

The Circumcision

The pediatric urologist does not think another circumcision is necessary, thank goodness! The only problem now is that he pulled the skin that had grown over and now I have to do it everyday for a week and keep Neosporin on it. I guess I shouldn't complain because having to do it again when he's 6 months would be so much worse!

Pictures

The pictures of Nicholas and Christopher came out great. I am really glad that Nicholas decided to be in them and that Christopher cooperated with the photographer! I can't wait to order them and send them to everyone!

Thrush

Poor Christoper has thrush this week. He has been pretty cranky the past few days and I just figured he was changing his pattern and disposition. Then I noticed that he had this white stuff that looked like formula in his mouth that wouldn't go away. When he started crying I could see little sores. I called the Doctor and she said it was probably thrush. I also mentioned changing his formula because he has been so gassy and spitting up all the time. She said that his increase in gas and spitting up is due to the thrush which gets into the GI tract. So the poor kid has been sick for days and I didn't even know it! Now he is on medicine and much less cranky!

The Wiggler

At first I though it was an accident. Christopher would be sleeping soundly on his side, where I put him, one minute and then the next time I looked, he was laying flat on his back. I thought for sure it was just an accident, maybe I didn't put him close enough to the rolled up blanket I was using to support him. It's not an accident, he is purposely moving himself so that he can lay on his back. Plus, he kicks his little feet until the blanket is completely off of him. I did notice that he moved a lot while I was pregnant but I just thought it was because it was my second pregnancy and I was more aware of it. Little did I know that he was going to be a mover and a shaker when he was born!

The Poopster

This little guy is too much when it comes to diaper changing time. You think he's finished and then just as you pull the diaper away, out comes more poop! It happens every single time, no matter what. Sometimes, you have four different poopy diapers all in one changing! It is unbelievable what is coming out of this kid!