Growing Baby Stats

Gwen and Graham had their well baby/child appointments this week.

It was the first time I EVER took them out by myself. I know that is pretty shocking. It probably deserves its own blog post on how I could possibly avoid that for SIX months.

Gwen's six month stats:
17 pounds 14 ounces  (82th percentile)
28 inches (off the chart)

For comparison's sake Graham's six month stats:
20 pounds 3 ounces (90th percentile)
27.5 inches (85th percentile).

I think it is safe to say I make BIG babies.

Graham's three year stats:
40 pounds 1 ounce (97th percentile)
39 inches (81st percentile)

I cannot believe Graham weighs 40 pounds.

Gwen Photos

On Sunday afternoon, I took some photos of Gwen on the bed. I was trying to get some work in, but she wouldn't let me. As punishment, I forced her to endure a photo shoot. She enjoyed the attention, and I enjoyed that she doesn't move very fast. I didn't edit any of these yet, they are all SOOC. 

I played with the depth of field a bit.

This one makes me smile.

Hello? Her head is cut off. I should hate this photo. But I totally love it.

Here Gwen is already mastering the "are you done yet" finger tap. 

Gwen's Sweet Laughs

Only one person can get Gwen to laugh.

That is her big brother Graham.

Get him in the right mood to entertain Gwen, and Gwen to be in the right yea, I find you entertaining mood, and then you have baby laugh bliss.

I guess you can't blame Gwen. Does anyone else jump on the couch for her?

Mother's Day

Graham learned how to spell mom this week at school -- he says M-O-M spells MAMA! The first few times he did it, he said M-O-P spells mama. You know like the alphabet if you think M and N are the same letter. I asked him how to spell Graham, and he said E-F-G.

He also learned that on Mother's Day he should SCREAM "HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY" frequently. It is quite cute.

Gwen's care giver texted me a photo this morning of Gwen holding a piece of paper that says, "happy mother's day, I love you!" She is so sweet (the caregiver and the baby). It just makes me thankful.

Mother's Day is a weird day for a mom who doesn't have her mom. I could sit her and sulk because my mom isn't her to celebrate, but I choose to just focus on the "me" part of mother's day. That being said, it still hangs out in the back of my head. My mom isn't her to see my sweet baby Gwen, who she would just adore, mostly because Gwen is a girl. My mom is quite partial to girls. Even after raising 4 girls herself, through those dreaded teenage years, she still had a preference for girls. Maybe that should make us all feel better about what is to come during those years, or maybe that should just reinforce that my mom was crazy.

Here my mom is with little not even supposed to born yet Graham. I'm so thankful to have a few photos of them together, but it is bittersweet, since right now Gwen is the same age Graham was the last time we visited my mom. Graham has become this awesome person, and I didn't get to share that with her. Gwen is a whole different person, and Gwen will never know how crazy-awesome my mom was. My mom would have been my kids #1 fan, undoubtedly, and someone who would love to listen to how smart, beautiful, kind, just generally awesome they are. Oh, and she would LOVE the potty training stories.

Sibling Love

I'm at the hair salon, under the dryer blogging. Because there is no other time.

Graham ASKED to hold Gwen last night. It was slightly dangerous for Gwen, but made everyone happy. I love witnessing the little bits of sibling love.

More Photos

I've recently purchased Gwen some clothes. And now I'm addicted. Hand-me-downs just aren't the same. I am imagining John shaking his head as he reads this. Fortunately for him, I have about a $12 cost limit per outfit for Gwen. I like clearance items coupled with a coupon. 

Gwen's eyes aren't in focus, but still super cute.

So cute. 

Graham refuses to sit next to Gwen when I'm taking photos of her. He is happy to come sit on my lap (and get in the way of my photos) though.

He was willing to this close too. When I ask him to sit next to her usually he'll sit about 5 feet away. Which really doesn't result in cute photos. And my house (which is pretty big) isn't big enough to take photos like that with a 50mm lens. (Kaci he is wearing his pirate Mickey Mouse shirt.)

I like this bath time photo. Graham getting in the way, and Gwen looking at me slightly concerned that I might be leaving Graham in charge. 

Would it be that Hard to be Logical?

Our last nasty poopy accident was one week and one day ago. That was the one that sent us over the edge, and we followed up by taking away his green blanket and Mickey Mouse. I was trying to be one of those parents that positively redirects their children with postive results.  I was spewing out rewards for good potty results, and not getting anywhere. 

One night without his green blanket and Mickey Mouse resulted in Graham not once pooping or peeing his pants. He hasn't even pooped in his diaper! Seriously. Screw positive rewards, I'm on the negative consequence bandwagon.

Unfortunately since I am a big softy, I will continue positive rewards without even realizing I am doing it until I get frustrated again about the lack of progress. 

I just wish children were more rational beings. Hello? Which scenario is better for everyone involved:

1) Positive reward for positive behavior or

2) Negative consequence for bad behavior?

I go with #1 EVERY SINGLE TIME in my rational adult mind.