Baby Bussert

What is Icing?

2009-10-13T22:13:00.001-04:00

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Originally uploaded by dbussert

I don't get it, its sticky.

Hunting season

2009-10-12T16:45:00.001-04:00

Wascaly wabbits!

On a Walk

2009-10-07T17:48:00.000-04:00

We almost got clobbered by falling branches. So windy!

Fall Fun

2009-09-29T20:20:00.003-04:00

Wow it has been windy and the seasons are changing. Benj is changing too! He just got some nice shoes (not cheap ones from bbsRus) from pappy and gigi, he eats a LOT, and *sniff* is about to turn 1!! We are trying to plan his birthday party....
The past few weeks have been rough because I've been working a lot, into the evenings and such and Benj has been waking twice a night screaming. We don't want to start a bad habit of giving him milk, so he usually has to cry back to sleep. After much debate, we figured he is hungry and instead of making him try to eat what we eat for dinner (which he was only picking at), today I stocked up on some favorite foods...even though they arent 100% healthy perfect mom entrees. We went to Trader Joes this afternoon (I actually got out of work at a decent time) and he pushed around one of those baby carts like it was his job!!! He is so short though one lady stopped me and said she wondered why I got a tiny cart until she peeked over and saw the small boy pushing it. We grabbed some of his favorite foods (some inspired by cousin Trinity) mushroom tarts, dumplings, montery jack string cheese and avocados. He loooves guacamole.
After that, we picked out a pumpkin from a local vendor (like one of those fireworks stands) and I wheeled him and the pumpkin in a wagon for a bit. Gosh I really should have gotten pictures of all this. He also lost his first balloon that the cashier gave him from Trader Joes, but he wasnt sad at all. I'm not sure he was that attached to it ;)

This saturday, I'm taking him to his first gym/baby class thing at Little Gym in Fairfax Corner. We'll see if he likes it! He loves climbing on things and other kids, so I think it will be fun. Free trial can't hurt, right? As long as he doesn't pick up a bug there, I'm ok with it.

We also received my mom's piano and got it tuned. Benjamin loves listening to music and today while listening to some songs on a dvd, he didn't just bounce up and down, he swayed his hip and swiveled (according to pappy). Apparently he also enjoys the super loud music that blasts out of Abercrombie (that makes one person in the world) and "be bopped" in his stroller today. I hope he doesn't ask me to buy him anything there haha.

I have no idea what he should be for halloween. I can't swallow paying 20 bucks for a polyester outfit when he's just gonna pull off the hoodie and wear it for an hour. Hmm. Creative suggestions welcome :)

Major Advancements

2009-09-20T15:55:00.001-04:00

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Originally uploaded by dbussert

Proud to say Benj says Ma-Ma! He can say Da-Da too but its hard to say if he knows why he's saying anything yet.. Its very cute.

Also- today Benjamin not only stayed in the nursery the whole church service, he let a stranger put him to sleep!! She's not a stranger to us, but he's only met her once or twice. (Nice job Tif!) This would have been unheard of a few weeks ago. He has really come a long way in the sleep arena.

Benjamin has also done away with all crawling. He only walks!

Update

2009-09-19T09:05:00.001-04:00

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Originally uploaded by dbussert

It's been a couple of weeks since we last blogged, just a small update on Benjamin's progress. He's been sleeping great, until a few days ago, he was doing 10-11 hours straight. Recently he's been waking up once in the middle of the night and very difficult to put back to bed, we think he might be teething, as Leah can feel a molar trying to burst through.

Benjamin has ceased crawling all-together now, he walks everywhere! He stand from sitting really quick and zips around. We took this funny picture while goofing around in the living room, Benjamin has expressive eye brows!

=Dillon

Hey You

2009-09-07T22:09:00.001-04:00

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Originally uploaded by dbussert

Benjamin is pretty playful with other kids now. This is his friend, Safari :) They were chasing each other around today and seemed to have fun mimicking each other. Benjamin actually napped at someone else's house today- he is making a lot of progress in the sleep area.

Some new things he does:
- Points at objects
- Splashes with his feet in the tub
- Walks carrying big items
- Picks up his sippy cup and drinks without prompting

We trimmed his hair a little because it was quite raggedy. Nothing too drastic.

Today's Tip from Benj B.

2009-09-04T10:05:00.003-04:00

I'm not good with posting videos - I know I need to get one up of him walking! But in the meantime, here's Benj's Daily Advice tip. I think it involves "Eat your veggies, Watch your back, and Don't Forget to Brush Your Teeth". I'm open to other captions :)

Ready for Football!

2009-09-03T15:37:00.001-04:00

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Originally uploaded by dbussert

We have been preparing Benj for Hokie Domination. We've been reading him "Little Hokie's First Football Game" at night and he watched daddy play flag football the other day. It should be interesting to see if he likes watching football on tv or not. He definitely enjoys his signing time videos, but those are for children :)

Hokies kick off the season this saturday at 8pm! Our little hokie better be asleep...

ZZZzzzz...

2009-09-01T21:08:00.001-04:00

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Originally uploaded by dbussert

It seems like with the 10th month, tons of things have happened with Benjamin. Walking, refusing to be spoon fed, chewing bites of adult food, sleeping through the night, establishing a great bedtime routine and learning to fall asleep on his own. We are very proud!

You're probably tired of reading about how Benjamin doesn't sleep, but to close out the record (and so I remember in case one of the next ones has the same problem) here's what we did:

0-5 months: Mom got up at all wakings and fed or rocked Benj back to sleep
5-9 months: Benjamin would require rocking to sleep with relatively loud, rhythmic music, then the same at each of his 3-4 night wakings. He usually woke at 10pm, 1am, 3am and 5am, then got up at 7 for the day.
9 months: Daddy would take Benj to basement couches and lay with him until he cried to sleep. At nightwakings, Dad would lay and arm on Benj and he'd go back to sleep with minimal fussing. Sometimes Mommy would nurse him back to sleep. Sometimes we all slept in his nursery or in the living room. Sleeping on the floor is surprizingly good for your back.
Interspersed from 6-9 months: We'd try a few nights of letting him cry but worry that he was hungry or teething would set in and we'd give in.
10 months: The incessant wakeups had to stop because he wasn't allowing us to put him down and would just take too long to put back to sleep. Got frustrated and put him in crib crying and called cousin (supermom!) Judy for advice. We decided to call a sleep consultant/center and also let him cry and visit him at 3, 5, 7, 10, 12,and then 15 minute intervals.

Night 1: Put him to bed with assistance, but at the first wakeup, let him cry with visits. 2hours of crying. Woke 4 times and we visited him each time. Cried about 45 mins at each wakeup. Super tired the next day.
Night 2: Did a bedtime routine and put him in crib awake, but sleepy. Mom stayed and laid in the room and told him it was bedtime and had earplugs in. 1.5 hrs of crying. Still woke up 3 or 4 times.... less visits needed.
Night 3: Bath, Stories, PJs...I think 20 mins of crying. No visits needed because there was only stage 2 crying (whimpering and whining, not screaming).
Night 4: Asleep after put in crib in less than 5 minutes. Two stirrings at night but he got himself back to sleep. Two nights in bed without getting up for mommy and daddy.
Night 5: Asleep in less than 3 mins.
Night 6: Asleep in 30 seconds. Sweet!

Naps are another story, but we are working on it. The sleep plan suggests waiting until he is peacefully sleeping through the night. The only thing is that I miss being able to rock him to sleep sometimes (we cant even for naps yet because it will break the training). But, we work in other quality time and snuggles.

Although I wish I'd tried this earlier, I just wasn't mentally or emotionally ready for it until now. With him starting to walk, it kinda made sense that he needed to learn how to fall asleep on his own. He'd never fallen asleep without being held in his whole 10 months (except few occasions and in the car/stroller). He is smart and he learned so fast.

It's resulted in a better daytime appetite (no more sneaky night feedings) - he downed half a pear, two mini corn muffins and some other finger foods the other night for dinner.

Future news--- he'll probably be going to a home daycare one day a week to give grandpa a break and he's pretty much fully weaned. He doesn't have a lovey yet and is very adept at drinking from a straw and sippy!

Vacation and swimming

2009-08-23T22:00:00.004-04:00

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Originally uploaded by dbussert

Leah has updated the blog is a while... because we've been on vacation for the last week visiting family in Los Angeles. We stayed with my cousin Judy, her husband Calvin and their 17mo Trinity. Trinity and Benjamin had a great time together and really looked like they bonded by the end of the week.

Benjamin had a bunch of new experiences including meeting family and first cousins, swimming, going to the beach, Benjamin, as expected, was fearless in everything, he loved the swimming pool and the water, going in twice during the week. Here's some of the fun pictures we took.

-Dillon

Sleep, or lack thereof

2009-08-12T03:09:00.003-04:00

I havent written about this in awhile, but Benjamin STILL doesnt sleep through the night. I still think its an urban legend that babies can sleep through the night in a crib by themselves, and at this hour of the night would be much more likely to believe in bigfoot than my child sleeping more than 3 hours at a time.

Right now he is putzing around the living room blabbering and playing like its 9am. Its not like we didnt try to make him go back to sleep at 1am. Dillon had him cry for about an hour and a half- he would fall asleep but then stir and wake up 5 mins later. After a few rounds of that we decided something else must be the issue. Tylenol, teething tablets, ambesol. More crying. Milk. Awakeness. Dirty diaper. Maybe that was it. Its not the first time he's woken up to go to the bathroom...

But he usually passes out pretty quickly after that. I guess he is just waiting for his next sleep cycle to arrive and as soon as he shows any sign of tiredness I'll scoop him up and try to rock him back to sleep.

As with other things in parenting, its hard to tell if you are doing something wrong, or if your child is just doing his own thing. You have these expectations about how things should go, but you ultimately don't have control over this other person, you can just guide and direct. I guess thats how God feels about us sometimes. I go in and out of periods of being frustrated, angry, patient, humored and just plain confused about why Benjamin does what he does, but its good to know that God's ultimately got it under control.

First Steps!

2009-08-11T21:00:00.001-04:00

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Originally uploaded by dbussert

Last night Benjamin took his first unassisted, unprovoked steps! We were chilling in the living room watching a Seinfeld rerun and he waddled from the coffee table to the lazy-boy chair! He just let got and threw his hands up and wobbled over to me :) It was cute and Dillon and I both shouted YAY!

I remember back to the time when he was inch-worming on his belly across the floor. He could only move a few inches at a time, and then he learned to crawl for real. Now he clomps around on all fours pretty quickly.

This is kinda the same feeling. He can only walk 2-3 steps at a time, but I'm sure soon enough he will be running circles around us.

Yay Benjamin taking his first steps at 9 months old!

Baby Caitlyns's Birthday!

2009-08-09T21:12:00.001-04:00

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Originally uploaded by dbussert

Benjamin attended one of his first baby birthday parties. The kids we 10 (benj), 12 (caitlyn) and 16 (connor) months old and they got along pretty well!
Benjamin discovered a walker toy and now I need to get him one! He had fun watching her open presents and playing with a whole new set of toys. He even had a small bite of cake :)
Connor passed out and took a nap towards the end but Benjamin just kept on buzzing. He was obviously tired and would lay his head down for 2 seconds but then would pick it back up and starting babbling and crawling full speed. He never picks sleep over fun!

New Swing!

2009-07-29T23:08:00.001-04:00

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Originally uploaded by dbussert

Benjamin got a new swing and he loves it! I think he is just somewhat mystified at the wind blowing through his hair and mommy's face getting closer and farther so fast.

Before I forget-- here's things that Benjamin does at 9 months:
- takes one, maybe two steps towards me without holding onto anything
- can get a spoon with food in his own mouth
- points remote and tv, presses buttons, changes channel and smiles
- pushes high chair around kitchen while walking
- smiles at every child he comes across
- reaches out to hug and be held
- says ma ma and da da and other blabber, but not really for any real reason
- crawls like a maniac
- climbs stairs
- opens cabinets, pulls off felt bumpers and tries to eat them

Climber

2009-07-28T22:41:00.001-04:00

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Originally uploaded by dbussert

Benj is always amazing us with the new things he learns, a few weeks ago he just started climbing the stairs. He can make it up a full flight by himself (with mommy or daddy behind him), but he hasn't figured out a good way to get down.

Veggies

2009-07-28T22:38:00.001-04:00

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Originally uploaded by dbussert

Benjamin has become very picky about eating, almost to the point where he will not allow anyone to find him food; he wants to feed himself. His favorite food are Puffs, which are like Cheerios, but are more of a snack than a meal. He refuses to eat baby food, so we've started feeding him things he can easily pick up like chopped up fruits or mixed veggies. He likes the carrots and peas, but usually doesn't have enough patience to sit down and eat, and usually just wants to be fed a bottle of formula.

Cheeeeeese!

2009-07-14T20:55:00.001-04:00

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Originally uploaded by dbussert

Benjamin makes some pretty funny faces these days! This is his 'I think you are funny' face. He also flails his little arms when he gets excited.

Unfortunately, the family reunion trip messed up his sleep and now he wakes every two hours again at night. Looks like he will need to do some more crying at those 9, 12, 3, and 5 wake ups so he knows that nighttime is for sleeping! He is much easier to put to sleep though, so thats helpful.

Today we had a playdate with baby Colin and the boys seemed to get along pretty well!

First shoes, first steps

2009-07-11T12:13:00.001-04:00

I got these sandals for him to wear around the airport but he never used them. We are going to a picnic, so we will see how long they last. He doesnt walk yet and I dont want shoes to impede that process, but they are kinda cute on his pudgy feet. Took me a few tries to find some that would fit over the chub.
Last night as he was cruising around the furniture, he took one little step towards me while letting go of the table! He has no fear, but I think we should be afraid of the mini godzilla we are creating!

Benjamin's First Baseball Game

2009-07-07T22:03:00.001-04:00

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Originally uploaded by dbussert

We took Benjamin to his first baseball game while we were traveling through Minneapolis on our way to a family reunion in Iowa. Benjamin lasted through the entire game, taking a 45 minute nap through the biggest inning as the Twins scored 6 runs, including a home run. He enjoyed looking at all the other people and was always trying to figure out why everyone was cheering.

Three car garage

2009-06-18T17:59:00.000-04:00

Happy Days

2009-06-14T21:09:00.001-04:00

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Originally uploaded by dbussert

This is what a happy dad and happy baby look like! Benjamin decided he wanted to sleep through the night last night, so he did!! Grandpa put him to sleep at 8 (mom and dad went out to dinner) and then we brought him home, laid him on the couch in the basement (his new room, ha) and he slept from 10-5am! I had to go poke him when I realized that I hadn't heard a peep in more than 2 hours.

He had a pretty long day, church picnic and an afternoon with grandma and grandpa. He got a bath in their kitcken sink and I'm sure he played with the dogs some.

Even though his 6th tooth is emerging, he still slept through the night. I don't get it, but I'm not complaining! God is good :) The beginning of this week was so bad- he was waking every two hours crying madly and now he is peacefully resting.

Yesterday was also his 8 month-day. He's getting big and is so mobile. Looking back, I miss those days when he slept a lot and didnt move, but I love running around with him and making him laugh. I'm glad that he is generally friendly and smiles and neighbors and friends!

We also had a good time in the church nursery today- there were two other moms in there with their babies. I don't think I've sat through a service in two months since he always needs something. It was fun to compare notes and talk about our kids. They sure are amazing little creatures....

Trouble

2009-06-07T08:10:00.001-04:00

New toy!

2009-06-06T20:17:00.001-04:00

We hit some yard sales n scored this activity table for 2 bucks! He loooooves standing.

Old McDonald had a farm

2009-05-25T00:03:00.002-04:00

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Originally uploaded by dbussert

e-i-e-i-o

We visited Frying Pan Farm Park on saturday with my parents (leah). It was fun! Benjamin mostly enjoyed the view from his stroller and in the shade because it was really sunny.

Here he is driving a little tractor (supervised, of course!).

I think the fifth tooth is on its way... he is super crank at night- OR maybe its just that every 2 weeks he catches on to the bedtime routine and then fights it. We are on bedtime routine, the 7th version, I think. Brush teeth, stories, nursing, crying, rocking, light music..

Recipe for making Benj sleep tonight:
- 2 hylands teething tablets
- 8 oz infant tylenol
- 1 12 Stones CD
- 1 umbrella stroller
- 1 baby backpack ride
- 1 sleepy rag aka lovey

Combine with cranky baby, 2 parents, and 30 seconds of teeth brushing. Work on it for about 60 minutes, and then enjoy your sleeping baby!

Benjamin's business

2009-05-22T18:29:00.001-04:00

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Originally uploaded by dbussert

Things have been getting better and slightly more predictable. We no longer have to drown him out with music at night and he is responding much better to his bedtime routine. He can be calmed and will lay on his mattress next to me for awhile and unwind! Now that those 4 pesky teeth are in, he is a new baby.

But, I'm pretty sure another tooth in on its way. Lots of biting. He even bit grandma today! He bit my arm too- and it seems like he understands the word No. He will stop what he is doing and look at your questioningly.

He is super active. I hardly remember the days when we had to carry him everywhere. He's at this good stage where he can crawl really slowly and doesnt need to be constantly entertained. This allows mom and dad to chill on the couch for a few minutes while he explores the living room or nursery. I know-- In a few weeks he will be walking and then we will just be chasing him everywhere!

He loves standing and will pull up on anything!

We are gearing up for a few trips this summer and hope he travels well. He is better behaved in the car now- if you time it with a nap he will doze off :)

Ohh and the little chubby 7 month old only wears 12 month old clothes!

Chillin

2009-05-19T18:27:00.000-04:00

Mom will blog more later. Im chillin ;)

Calling all Moms

2009-05-10T09:02:00.001-04:00

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Originally uploaded by dbussert

Happy mothers day! It is such a blessing to be a mom. You get to experience trials and love like no other! It is definitely the hardest thing we have ever done but God has brought us through and is teaching us day by day.

Thank you and lots of hugs and kisses to all you moms out there. You are priceless and your efforts shouldnt go unnoticed!

Happy Boy!

2009-05-04T09:49:00.001-04:00

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Originally uploaded by dbussert

Well, the teeth are in and we have our happy baby back! I'm wondering if thats why he was sooooooooooooo cranky the past month. He's like a whole new baby now, very smiley and adventurous. He don't sit still for a minute but it is fun to watch him explore. It seems to make him very happy to be able to scoot around on his own.

He's been better in the car too :)

Strong Man

2009-04-29T21:30:00.001-04:00

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Originally uploaded by dbussert

Here's a quick video of Benjamin's new skill- pulling himself to standing on momma's legs! He is really strong! He will walk around a little when holding onto your fingers and really looks like he wants to be able to move on his own.

Changes

2009-04-28T21:54:00.001-04:00

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Originally uploaded by dbussert

There are two types of changes going on- diaper and life!

I found a really good deal on these gdiapers (www.gdiapers.com). They have an inner lining that is flushable (put the poo where it belongs!) and the outer shell is super cute and soft and comes in lots of colors. You can wash in the washing machine when necessary. We are going to try these out and see how it goes. I will probably still use disposable for night time since they are more absorbent and reliable. But these are a great alternative to disposables that take 500 years to decompose (these take 50 days).

Life changes- Benjamin has TWO teeth. Count that TWO! In less than 2 weeks. Poor little guy. So the sleep training stopped during that time and he got smarter. He is now able to withstand many different forms of sleep inducing: stroller walks, car rides, swaying to music, humming, pretty much every trick in the book. So we are back to crying this week. Night one, 40 minutes of non-stop top of his lungs crying.

We went in a consoled him a few times without picking him up. Another thing that is helping is his lovey. A little blue towel that he holds when he naps. I hope it helps comfort him! (and I need to find backups, just in case something happens to it!) Speaking of naps, they are about 2 45mins naps a day. That is not acceptable for a little baby! He should have at least two 1-1 1/2 hours naps and I think that is why he isnt sleep well at night. We need a complete sleep overhaul.

Also, the little man really really wants to crawl!! On his belly he can do a full pushup onto his toes and he lunges forward. When he gets moving for real, I'll get a video and post.

Ok enough for tonight. Pray for mommy and daddy, we want peace!

Go Hokies!

2009-04-28T21:46:00.001-04:00

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Originally uploaded by dbussert

We are SO ready for football season! I hope Benjamin enjoys watching and cheering. This is a 12 month old outfit but its fits now, so we are using it!

Sunny day!

2009-04-18T19:55:00.001-04:00

Benjamin got some sunscreen (and sunglasses) and went on a stroll with daddy today.
Day 4 of cry it out lasted 25 mins. He sure is stubborn.

Sleep Update 3

2009-04-16T20:48:00.003-04:00

Just in case you were wondering, night 2 of crying it out went ok. 20 mins of crying. We did his routine and then he just got super fussy and wouldnt let me rock him or sway him so I put him in his crib and went downstairs. Poor little guy. But alas, he is asleep.

Sleep Update 2

2009-04-15T21:35:00.003-04:00

Well, he's into his 6 month and in general, is more mature. He reaches for everything and recognizes a lot of things. Especially the cats :)

After about 3 BAD weeks of crying at night (in our arms and screaming), and getting over a cold, Benjamin finally started responding to his bedtime routine. Bath, nursing, book (sometimes) and dancing/rocking by daddy got him down easily every night last week.

Unfortunately, the past few weeks have been a roller coaster for him. Grandma Allie babysat all last week instead of Grandpa and then Easter weekend was really busy and this week Daddy is traveling and Grandma Bussert is here. Needless to say, his little brain is tossled and he is having a little trouble sleeping.

Its really hard for me to dance/rock him to sleep because Dillon usually does this and ...well, Dillon doesn't remind Benj of nursing. And, afternoon naps are hairy for Grandma Bussert. So today, we let him cry at naptime (even though we promised Daddy we wouldnt) and it took about 45 mins.

At bedtime, after the routine he was soooooooo tired but wouldn't relax in my arms so I just put him in the crib to cry. He flipped over on his belly, cried 3 mins and passed out!

We were also having issues with the "45 min intruder" which is where he would wake up 45 mins into his bedtime sleep and naps. Glad to say he has been asleep over an hour! I wonder if he will sleep through the night!!!

All that being said, I'm thankful for the instincts God gives us and that there is no universal way to get babies to sleep. Thankful that God promises a peaceful mind to those who trust in Him.

Broccoli

2009-04-15T18:51:00.001-04:00

Apparently broccoli makes a good teething toy!

Here I come!

2009-04-07T12:10:00.001-04:00

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Originally uploaded by dbussert

Well here he is. Up on hands and knees. He hasn't figured out what to do from here, but he's strong enough to push up and hold it for awhile. I think its just the fat rolls on the arms that provide a column of strength. He also has mommy's chin!

Get my good side mommy

2009-04-06T10:54:00.001-04:00

Good morning

2009-04-05T10:22:00.001-04:00

Cute lion outfit!

Nanny cat

2009-04-04T09:20:00.000-04:00

Luffy really does have an affection for Benjamin. During his nap today he came over and placed a little paw on his back. Also, when Benjamin cries, Luffy is always pacing nearby looking for some way to help (or maybe he just wants the noise to stop).

Sick day

2009-04-02T15:25:00.003-04:00

Benjamin has had a really stuffy nose and has been whining for a few days now. I know a stuffy nose sounds like nothing, but for a baby, it affects everything- eating and sleeping - since they predominately only know how to breathe out of their nose. He had a little fever but nothing too serious.
His voice is pretty hoarse too. Its so sad to hear him cry.

In general, he has pretty high spirits though - here he is posing:

Mom got him to sleep in the stroller today but had to tilt it back to keep him asleep :)

Hey!

2009-03-29T13:54:00.001-04:00

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Originally uploaded by dbussert

So, one thing I think we caught ahead of the curve is the playpen. He actually likes being in there! I've heard from a lot of people that if you don't start it early enough, they won't like it. He just learned to sit up so he enjoys 10-15 min playtimes in his playpen by himself. He was having quite the conversation with his piggy toy yesterday.
Last night he passed out in the car on the way home from a friend's house and I held him for awhlie until 9pm and we went to bed. It was a good night overall. No crying.

Sleep Update

2009-03-28T08:54:00.002-04:00

We were so fried by the end of this week that I took Benj to the pediatrician just to make sure nothing was wrong. Basically, we can get him very calm and sleepy with his routine but the minute his eyes close and he is about to fall asleep, he'd start angry screaming!
The doctor said that he is fighting sleep because he wants to hang out with us. So, he doesnt hate us. He loves us :) She also suggested lettiing him cry himself to sleep and learn to self- soothe. How is crying soothing? I understand he'll reach the point where he is too tired and will just give up and go to sleep, but I'm not convinced that is the right approach for Benj. He is very strong willed and will cry for over an hour in our arms, so I dont think he'll fall asleep in his crib after 30 mins like the doctor said would happen.

We are going to take gradual approach (from the No-Cry Sleep Solution book). Its gonna take a few weeks, but honestly, we can't take a week of crying (the dr said itd take about a week). It involves gradual tactics like not letting him nurse to sleep, giving him a favorite teddy bear to associate with sleep, having key sounds (shh, or the words go to sleep), a bedtime routine, consistent naps and eating enough during the day. We started a log of his naps and night wakings on thursday and will do it again after 10 days to note progress. Then, you adjust your tactics and do it another 10 days.

As far as the not wanting to fall asleep in the first place, its probably because we are away at work all day and he wants to hang out, so we will probably let him stay up until 9pm when he normally gets sleepy and bring him bedtime earlier in the next few weeks.

Peek a boo!

2009-03-28T08:46:00.003-04:00

I was hiding at the bottom of the chair and playing peek a boo. You can see his eyes follow me down and then he thinks its so funny when he sees me again!

Go to sleep!

2009-03-26T21:18:00.001-04:00

Our child hates either us or going to bed at night. I have almost exhausted the universe of baby sleep literature and can give opinions on those books later. For now, he doesn't want to sleep before 9 and hasn't responded to sleeptime routines no matter how peaceful. Hmmm.

Sleeping Training FAIL

2009-03-16T10:19:00.001-04:00

If you can read the time on the clock, you will see that Benj is WIDE awake at 11pm. These past few weeks have been very very difficult. For awhile, he was going to bed at 8:30 pretty faithfully and without fight. Then the past week or so, he'd wake up 30 minutes later and scream, it'd take 30 minutes to put him back to sleep and then he'd wake every 2 hours and demand to nurse. Then at 4am he would open his eyes, be awake and cry at us for an hour. He used to only nurse every 3-4 hrs - so patterns change and we don't know why.

I will spare you the details, but I was scouring sleep technique books over the weekend and kept getting frustrated at all the stories where moms left their babies to cry for 45mins and they themselves wept in the living room. Then their baby slept all night without a peep and continues to sleep 8-10hrs a night the following nights. I can't do it! He already cries when we hold him and it is truly heartwrenching. What I did learn is that all that crying he is doing it because he is tired and we aren't catching his natural sleepy time and putting him to bed then. I can do that in the future.

So, come Sunday night, Dillon and I are weary and frustrated and on the edge. I go to church and get a little reassurance from some other moms. Using knowledge from those moms and a suggestion to swaddle him (which worked really well when he was up to 3 months) we put him in his own room so he would smell mommy and swaddled him. He slept 4 hrs, nursed 2 times and feel back asleep immediately both times. PHEW! Praise God :)

The second picture is Benj riding around in the basket as I switch out his 3-6 month clothes for 6-9 outfits! The little guy just turned 5 months on Friday and he is wearing big boy clothes now.

Pick Pocket

2009-03-14T13:37:00.001-04:00

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Originally uploaded by dbussert

Benjamin is quite the little grabber these days. Here he is "drinking milk" and trying to look for candy in Grandpa's pocket.

This morning I tried to give him baby applesauce but he kinda just squinched up his face and didnt eat much. So, I fed him rice cereal instead. We'll try foods more later.

Also, I am in the middle of reading Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Baby. I wish I'd read it a few months ago because it explains how missed or disjointed sleep affects the baby and how to catch them at the right time. We all have sleep cycles and times when we get drowsy. I think this weekend we'll be able to help Benjamin settle in his sleep cycles, but I hope Grandpa can learn too! Or else all will be in vain...

Whats up doc?

2009-03-11T18:00:00.001-04:00

Playtime!

2009-03-11T11:35:00.002-04:00

Benjamin got to play with his friend Colin last night. Although Benjamin can't really do much, they gazed suspiciously at each other and shook hands :) He also has a little girl at church that has a crush on him and hugs him all the time. Can't wait to see how his personality develops!

Playing in the crib

2009-03-07T08:09:00.001-05:00

Benjamin is getting really good at grasping things so we have to be more careful about what is lying around. He even grabs our dinner plates!
This morning I put him on his belly facing the top of his crib and 2 minutes later he had rotated around 180 degrees and was facing the bottom ofthe crib. Little lazy susan :)

Nom, Nom, Nom

2009-03-03T14:25:00.001-05:00

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Originally uploaded by dbussert

Here he is munching on a dog toy. Poor dog. Although I am excited about him learning to use a spoon and eat solids, I don't think I'm excited about the diaper changes that will ensue!

How to put a Crank to sleep easily

2009-02-28T07:08:00.002-05:00

1. Strap him on
2. Get good friends to come over
3. Play rock band really loud
4. About song #3, support sleepyhead
5. Song #4, remove from baby bjorn and keep playing!
no tears!

Sleepyheads

2009-02-25T15:03:00.001-05:00

I know this is what they do all day. Sleep, play, eat....

Smiles!

2009-02-25T13:44:00.001-05:00

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Originally uploaded by dbussert

Benjamin will smile at just about anyone who smiles at him! But- to get them on camera is a little tricky because he gets camera shy- and because you never know if he will be fun Benjamin or Crank. These days he is enjoying holding his own toys, eating rice cereal and learning to sit up.

Sumo

2009-02-16T10:16:00.001-05:00

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Originally uploaded by dbussert

Cameras add 10 lbs, right?! Benj weighed in at 17 lbs 13oz at his 4 month check-up! He's in the 50th percentile for height and 95th for weight! He's actually pretty mobile for such a thick kid. When on his belly, he can pull his legs up under his bum and when he's standing, he can support most of his weight on his legs (with balancing support, of course).

Happy vday!

2009-02-14T17:20:00.000-05:00

Benj got three sweet cards from grandparents n great gprnts! Where are we going? Auntie rachels house!

Benj eats rice cereal!

2009-02-11T15:02:00.005-05:00

Gosh it makes me feel like he growing up fast. But, I know he needs it- he is a hungry boy! Today we mixed up some rice cereal with milk and fed it to him! Surprizingly, he didnt spit it out or reject the spoon, he just tried to slurp it up! I'm not sure how much he actually got in his mouth but it was good practice. Aw....
maybe it feels a little sad because this is the first step in him being independent from me for food!

Hand, Eye, Mouth Coordination!

2009-02-05T15:49:00.003-05:00

Benjamin really wants to hold his own bottle! We gave him an empty one to play with and it was quite the show =)

Growing up

2009-02-05T11:05:00.002-05:00

Benjamin can no longer comfortably fit in his bassinet so...we moved his crib into our room! It was quite and adventure and we have some training to do with the kitties so they know it is not for them. They learn quickly with the water bottle though.

Next week is his 4 month checkup and I'm thinking we'll be able to start rice cereal after we talk to the doctor.

Nothing else interesting except that (PRAISE GOD) Benjamin has stopped his nighttime fussing. He used to cry and cry and cry from 8-9pm or later and now he just plays and nuzzles when he gets tired. Phew. We were afraid we'd be gray after a few more months of that.

Some funny things I read online today:
You didn't know becoming a parent meant...

• Eating dinner like we're trying to break a world record for the most pasta swallowed in the shortest amount of time. Standing up.
• Letting your partner choose between poop and laundry as a topic of conversation.
• Figuring out how to pee without putting the baby down.
• Wearing a bra that looks like something from a 1930s catalog.
• Spending three hours getting the baby to sleep and then waking her up two minutes later to make sure she's still breathing.
• Forgetting what you were...

Bib Time!

2009-02-02T11:25:00.001-05:00

Benjamin is in the drool stage! He can destroy an outfit very quickly between his spitup and drool. Here he is sitting among his 15 bibs, which always seem to need to be washed. Should be interesting after his 4month check-up next week, he'll probably start eating rice cereal and will need the bibs even more!
Its funny how much you notice which bibs and clothing items are good and bad. I dont recommend ever buying outfits with hoodies or hooded sweatshirts. When they lie down, its in the way and they dont like wearing it anyway. I have way too many hoodies. Also, the bibs that are soft and absobent are the best. You dont want to rub your baby's face with a rough bib and some of the decorative ones are that useful at catching things. Just a thought!

Mini Me

2009-01-28T22:27:00.001-05:00

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Originally uploaded by dbussert

He still looks like a mini-Dillon!!

Pictures are worth a thousand words!

2009-01-28T09:57:00.001-05:00

Just released: more professional pics of Benjamin!

http://www.pictage.com/613462

Check them out, I dont think I've been this excited about pictures since my wedding and Rachel's wedding :)

Crank

2009-01-27T14:33:00.003-05:00

Benjamin's nickname is Crank. When he gets a cryin', its loud and intense. Quite a little crank boy. See that devious smile? He is especially cranky around 8pm and right before naps. We are starting to figure him out though. But then, everytime you figure something out, he grows out of it and starts something new :)

On the horizon, he'll be going in for his 4 month checkup soon. I'm sure they'll be telling us how fat he is- I tried to weigh him on our postage scale and it said 16 lbs! He has doubled his birthweight and that is one of the requirements for starting to eat solids. Soon enough he'll be putting some thicker food in his belly!

Clean up

2009-01-26T15:22:00.000-05:00

Got any recommendations on getting stains out of clothes? I spend a good 15-20 mins scrubbing benjamins stained garmets everyday! Heres a picture of how our guest bathroom has turned into a scrubbing station...

Hello Duckie

2009-01-23T10:39:00.002-05:00

Here's a video of Benjamin admiring a small duckie toy. He is able to focus on things in front of him for quite awhile now!

Nursery: Complete!

2009-01-15T21:10:00.003-05:00

We FINALLY put up the border in Benjamin's room and we are calling it done! I thought the border was for our visual pleasure, but he actually gets a lot of enjoyment out of it! He will stare at the cars and colors for quite awhile. Even though he doesn't sleep in there yet, he does go in there to play and lay in his crib.

Big Boy!

2009-01-15T13:07:00.001-05:00

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Originally uploaded by dbussert

Benjamin got suited up in a big corduroy jumpsuit and we took him for a walk the other day. Oh- and the dino hat. Crank-o-saurus.

Vroom Vroom!!

2009-01-08T21:51:00.004-05:00

Here's Benjamin in his little race car. If you're not first, you're last! That's grandpa in the background cheering him on. You can even hear him cooing at the end of the video!

Teething?

2009-01-07T11:43:00.002-05:00

Lately, Benjamin is not happy unless he is gnawing on his fist or your finger. He will immediately scream if he loses his hand! According to the intergoogle, the symptoms of teething are:

1. Irritability: When the fist tooth gets closer to breaking through, the baby's gums might get more and more sore, often leading to fussiness and crying.

2. Drooling: When the baby starts her teething process you might see a ton of drool... lots more that normal. Teething makes the babies lots, some more that others.

3. Coughing: Because of all the extra drool, your baby might cough of gag occasionally. As long as there are no other signs of a cold, and no fever, some coughing is normal.

4. Chin rash: If the baby drools lots and lots, the constant contact of drool on the face might cause a rash on the chin and mouth. Just make sure to wipe the baby's face often to help the baby from getting a chapped chin and mouth.

5. Biting & gnawing: A teething baby will gnaw and gum down on anything. The pressure from biting helps relieve and numbs the pain. There are tons of good teething aid that will really help the baby feel better.

But, he's only 3 months old...I wonder if he will get teeth soon! I can kinda see them under the gums, but they don't look that close. Who knows. I swear he grows really fast. Everyone thinks he looks like a four month old and he can hold his head up and push up on his arms and roll and all sorts of things for a young baby. Maybe he will skip kindergarten like mama :)

Roar!

2009-01-06T22:24:00.003-05:00

Benjamins Little Dino Hat!

First Day at Grandpa Day Care

2009-01-06T09:35:00.002-05:00

Well, I went back to work on Monday and I have to say, it was a lot easier than I expected! God blessed me with a lot of peace and great friends to check on me! Thanks for everyone's notes :) Benjamin and grandpa played and napped all day and I was able to get home around 4pm before traffic. I think going back to work has helped me get back into the swing of things. I was getting a little overwhelmed with the constant baby care and seemingly endless unfinished house projects/chores. Day 2 - its rainy and perhaps icy. Excited to go home later, but I'm gonna get some good work done today!

Humpty dumpty

2009-01-04T07:47:00.001-05:00

No explanation needed!

Go Skins!

2008-12-29T18:33:00.004-05:00

Benjamin got a Portis jersey the other day from grandpa and was cheering on the skins yesterday...I guess he's not their lucky charm!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T20:34:00.001-05:00

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Originally uploaded by dbussert

Benjamin and family had a great Christmas! He got some baby crocs and cute 9 month old pjs. We went to my parents house for lunch and spent the day lounging around. Benjamin in sporting a "Baby's First Christmas" outfit, courtesy of Miss Tomi :)

Random pictures from my phone

2008-12-23T12:07:00.000-05:00

ouchie

2008-12-19T09:33:00.000-05:00

Benjamin had his 2 month check up on wednesday and he isdoing really well! He weighs 14lbs and 5oz! That's 95th percentile lol. He also got 4 vaccinations and two snoopy band-aids on his big thighs. The dr said his fatty thighs would help the shots not to hurt as bad, and he didn't have much local pain. Four more at the next check-up!

I got the smile!

2008-12-16T10:13:00.001-05:00

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Originally uploaded by dbussert

I managed to capture one this morning :) Look at that little round face! He is doing very well- we have our 2 month check-up on wednesday and he is going to get his shots :(

He's been sleeping very well- he goes to bed around 11pm (it takes about 45 mins of fussing to put him down though), then wakes up once or twice to eat but goes right back to sleep! Not bad!

Welcome to target benjamin!

2008-12-15T11:26:00.001-05:00

Rollin'

2008-12-12T16:15:00.001-05:00

Benjamin can roll from his belly to his back! Im not sure if the video will work from my phone, but its worth a try to post.

Big boy

2008-12-08T11:37:00.001-05:00

These aren't fat rolls, they're muscles :) But really, I can hold myself up for quite awhile! Mommy had to put away all my newborn clothes and bring out the 3 month clothes because I'm a hefty 12-plus lbs now! Stay tuned for me updates :)

mmmmm

2008-12-05T15:03:00.001-05:00

Mm I just learned how to suck on my hands! Self soothing is a useful life skill :)

But I don't wanna sleep!

2008-12-05T06:16:00.000-05:00

Benjamin definitely has his night and day senses backwards because he slept allll day and has slept 2 hours tonight. At least I don't have to go to work in the morning!
I also included some pics of him in his new bumbo chair. He doesn't quite hold his head up all the way yet, but we are practicing :)

So precious

2008-12-03T16:44:00.001-05:00

This mom thing is pretty fun. Granted, I get really cranky when I don't take my nap (he does too!) but it is so fun to see him grow. I swear he learns something new everyday. He's started to smile and can follow you around the room with his eyes. He weighs about 12 lbs, according to dillons package scale heehee. As he becomes more attentive, its been harder for him to fall asleep on his own, so I've been trying to teach him how. I don't want him to be too dependent on mommy to put him to sleep or feed him. We're also starting to have him use a bottle for one feeding a day. He doesn't like it much now, but he is going to need it when I go back to work in january. He's moving on to 3 month clothes! The newborn sizes are just too snug. He's also moving up to size 2 diapers!! Thanks everyone for all the newborn and size 1 diapers, we used them all!
Ill try to get the thanksgivng pics up soon...

Benefits of breastfeeding

2008-11-28T04:58:00.000-05:00

One benefit is that I am up at all hours of the night :) benjamin woke up to eat at 3:50am, leaving me just enough time to hit the 4am sale at jcpenney! I got a queen bed frame- actually quite needed so I can lean up against the back in the middle of the night with him. Quite a steal, $288 from $800 for a balck leather bed. I picked up some lamps too :)

Doggie

2008-11-25T10:20:00.001-05:00

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Originally uploaded by dbussert

I love these pants with the little doggie face! Got em at a yard sale :)

Daddy's home!

2008-11-22T20:29:00.001-05:00

Finally after two weeks in germany, daddy has returned. We are all hunkered on the couch rooting for the hokies!!

Why hello

2008-11-20T13:10:00.000-05:00

Im sure you're getting tired of my random cameraphone pictures, but he looked so cute all posed like he's about to take a stroll. I swear I didn't put his hand in his pocket for him!

Binky ring

2008-11-19T09:56:00.001-05:00

Its like a kool-aid mustache but for babies :)

Early morning checkup

2008-11-19T09:09:00.001-05:00

Today we are in for a checkup...9am is so early and it is pretty tricky to time his feedings around appts! I just hope he doesn't wake up screaming because he is hungry.
Look at the carpet- it has the childrens hospital logo in it! Amazing.

Grandma and Benjamin

2008-11-14T23:51:00.001-05:00

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Originally uploaded by dbussert

Dillon's mom has been visiting while Dillon is out of town. I know Benjamin appreciates all the attention and its great to have company! We take walking trips, eat lots of good food and have fun playing with Benjamin. We even gave him a little spa bath this morning. You can see the happiness in his chubby face.

30 Day Celebration!!

2008-11-12T15:51:00.002-05:00

Today is Benjamin's 30th day alive- and for Chinese custom, its time to make a big announcement! Benjamin's grandma cooked chinese chicken and sticky rice and we dyed eggs red, then we passed them out to the local family. My grandparents (BRB's great-grandparents) stopped by and it was a big party. He even had a cake! Its also tradition to give the new boy some gold jewelry. Check out the ring and pendant!

I make lots of faces

2008-11-11T09:01:00.001-05:00

those were all in the same 2 min period! he is so funny

Nitety Nite

2008-11-09T00:22:00.001-05:00

We had a great day visiting with friends! Thanks kim and nils and matt and janelle and others for coming to see us :) Benjamin is pretty pooped..as are mom and dad. Hope everyone has a great night :)

Hi Birdie

2008-11-07T18:38:00.001-05:00

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Originally uploaded by dbussert

Benjamin is beginning to focus on things and likes to watch the birdie that dances and sings :) Its amazing how many onesies we go through in a day- and diapers! But, being at home with him has been very fun and quite relaxing. I dont get much done except caring for him, but I think thats the way its supposed to be for now.
Dad and I take him on little walks and trips, but he's always asleep during them. Can't wait until he'll be awake and enjoying places with us!

What are you looking at?

2008-11-05T16:54:00.000-05:00

I was adventurous yesterday and gave Benjamin a bath all by myself! He made it halfway through without crying. Here he is afterwards...Luffy is standing by to make sure everything is alright. He often paces around with a concerned look when Benjamin is crying.
We also went for a walk today- its soo nice out. Im going to miss these days when I go back to work in January...

Baby Bear

2008-11-03T09:31:00.002-05:00

One of our friends gave us this cute little bear sweater so Benjamin wore it to our church's trunk or treat event on friday. He slept through the whole thing! Thats what happens when he rides in the car, it puts him to sleep.

Daylight Smaylight

2008-11-03T06:47:00.001-05:00

Babies don't know what daylight savings time is!! Man, just when he was waking up around 7:30, which is a good time for everyone to get up, its 6:30! So we are just chillin here waiting for daddys alarm clock to go off.
I can tell he's getting bigger, my back hurts a little when I hold him for too long. My back is used to carrying the weight lower I think!
Only one week until daddy travels to germany- we've gotta do lots of fun things...but I'm not sure what those are yet :)

Strike a Pose!

2008-10-31T09:05:00.000-04:00

Benjamin while getting dressed :)
He is a very fun baby- he sleeps from midnight to 3 then 4-7am so its not too bad.
Tonight he'll be sporting a monkey costume from Uncle Sang :)

Bathtime Fun

2008-10-30T20:47:00.001-04:00

We gave Benjamin his first full bath tonight. Mom and baby got in the tub together. Im not sure how they can advertise bath soap as relaxing and soothing when the whole bath experience is rather traumatic for a baby. Benjamin peed on me out of his surprize at being naked and cold! This is a picture of daddy and baby after the bath, resting. His hair is so puffy and cute after washing!

Balloon!

2008-10-18T15:09:00.001-04:00

Sure enough, we got home and the balloon was on the ground! Its been floating since the memorial day party and we suspected it would fall when the baby came :)