My Life (Or Something Like It)

Friday, April 13, 2007

Behind Again

Hope everyone had a Happy Easter! I don't have pictures to post yet of Matthew's very first one, but maybe next week. I know I'm behind on posting...here are the newsletter entries for weeks 44 and 45:

Your baby boy, Matthew, is 44 weeks (Approximately 10.4 months) old now.
You may begin to think your baby has grown into a monkey as he or she starts to crawl, wiggle, and climb out of his or her crib, stroller, and highchair. Diaper changes will also become even more challenging because, honestly, who wants to lay there for a whole minute when there's exploring to do? Just be sure to move heavy, hot or otherwise dangerous objects at least 12 inches away from table and counter edges so they're safely out of reach of your baby's curious hands. This new, adventurous behavior may end in a few accidents, but try not to overreact each time he or she takes a tumble. Wait to see how he or she feels and whether or not he or she's hurt. Sometimes you can say, "Oops, you fell down," give him or her a kiss and he or she may continue playing or attempt to fall again so he or she can get another kiss from you. Just be sure that if he or she is hurt, you provide appropriate medical attention right away. Your baby may start taking short walks while holding onto your hand. he or she now understands what to do when you are dressing him or her and will stick out his or her arms and legs to help you. He or she may also be able to drink from a cup all by themselves - although some babies may not do this for a few more months. It's never too early to begin teaching your baby manners. Remember that he or she learns by mirroring you, so get in the habit (if you're not already) of saying "please" and "thank you." Starting early, being consistent, and using these words yourself will help your baby incorporate them into his or her vocabulary.


Your baby boy, Matthew, is 45 weeks (Approximately 10.6 months) old now.
Does your baby have friends close to his or her age? He or she can benefit from spending time with other toddlers who are close in age right now. Interaction with adults is great, but adults tend to lead a child in play, whereas a playmate allows a child to both lead and follow. However, don't be surprised if your baby and the playmate don't actually play together. Children at this age still engage more in parallel play, or playing next to each other. But your baby will quickly learn to play with others and now is a great time to introduce the idea. Look into playgroups in your area if you have trouble finding another baby your baby's age. Not only does your baby understand more words now, but he or she is probably speaking more words as well. He or she might be able to say several distinct words that clearly mean something to both him or her and you. Listen closely and be sure to praise him or her and respond. Your acknowledgement and attention are a reward and a great way to encourage him or her to continue learning and talking. Your baby may begin to exercise more independence from you right about now. He or she may venture away from you more often to investigate his or her surroundings, but will need to check back often for reassurance and comfort. Your baby may still become frightened if you disappear while he or she isn't looking. Let him or her know where you are so he or she will know that you'll be back in a moment. This builds his or her confidence. Does your baby have a favorite song? Your baby can remember and recognize familiar songs and will probably smile, laugh, and wiggle with you when he or she hears it. Dancing together is a great way for him or her to practice his or her balance and coordination, and for you to relax and have fun. C'mon, cut loose and groove like nobody's looking!

Well, some big changes are underway. First of all, I've stopped waking Matthew up in the morning before I go to work to breastfeed. He has a bottle right after he wakes up now instead, and that has put him on a slightly different eating schedule that allows him to eat dinner at the same time as my husband and I. It's a little bit difficult not seeing Matthew before I go to work - I peek in on him when I get up but, for the most part, on weekdays I don't see Matthew between the hours of 8:30pm and 5:30pm the next day! It hasn't been as hard as I've thought. As bad as it sounds, I've gotten used to only seeing him for a few hours on weekdays. But I did cry a little when I left for work on my birthday and realized that I wouldn't be spending it with my little boy. I definitely have developed a great appreciation for fathers in this country. They usually are the ones who have to work all day and barely see their children. It's frustrating on a number of levels. Another change is that I've stopped nursing to sleep. Well, I've tried to. I want to feed him before his bath and books so that he learns to go to sleep without eating first, and also so that I can brush his teeth before he goes to bed and they stay clean (which he hates, by the way)! He hasn't been doing all that well with the change. He's needed a bottle twice in the past few days before bed. I'm actually going to completely wean him after this weekend. I don't know how I'm going to take it - nursing has been such a bonding experience. It's the end of an era almost! But I don't think Matthew will miss it all that much. He likes his "ba-bas" better.

That's probably enough new information! Hopefully I'll get back on track. These newsletters will stop after Matthew turns one - only 7 left. Then I'll have to come up with my own original thoughts for these posts :o)

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