Happy Easter & 6 Month Checkup News

First off, Ty along with Lori and I would like to send everyone Spring Time Warmth and Happy Easter wishes! It is that time of the year where we see snow in the morning and 60 degree temps by late afternoon... oh the joy of south central PA weather! :-) Come on warm weather!

As mentioned in the last post, we went to see Nan Smith and the Easter Bunny at the Candy Store. For the most part it went well. Ty was a little unsure of the bunny and was not willing to smile but was good enough for us to snap a few pics.

Ty now says "Ba" on a routine basis. We have no idea what it means, but he loves to say it and he loves when mom and dad say it too. It is fun to hear him talk and babble as if he were carrying on a conversation with us.

Ty had his 6 month check up today and everything seems to be going great. He measured out at 26 1/2 inches long (50 percentile) and 16 lbs 9.5 ounces (25-50 percentile). Doctor Colli was very happy with Ty's progress and his playfulness. Ty was not too happy with the nurse who gave him 3 shots of meds in the leg. He cried for a few minutes and then was pretty much OK.

We are definitely ready for our trip to Myrtle Beach and our visit with the Kipe & Keyser Families next week. For our sake and Ty's, we have decided to pull an all-nighter and drive throughout the night. We are leaving for South Carolina Tuesday night and will leave to come home the following Monday night. We figured that it would be a lot easier on everyone if Ty could just sleep (we are hoping) throughout the trip. If we leave around 8 PM on Tuesday evening, we should make it to our destination around 5 or 6 AM without issue.

If mother nature cooperates I hope to post a few pics of Ty relaxing on the beach next week!

Ty & Nan at the Candy Store... :-)

Big News!!

This week we have two things to report!

First off, we have new face, Lori and I call it "Snoot" face. Ty smiles and then rinkles up his nose and squints his eyes! So darn cute!



Secondly, Ty has now rolled over 3 seperate times from his belly to his back... and we have video!! :-)

Today, we are going to visit the Candy Store where Nan Smith works. It is their Spring Open House and the Easter Bunny will be there to greet the kiddies. Hopefully, we are able to post a cute photo of Ty and the Easter Bunny sometime this week! :-)

6 Months Young, Likes/Dislikes & Fun Times

Tomorrow Ty will celebrate his 6 month birthday! Lori and I have been so amazed at how fast time flies and especially these last 6 months! During that time Ty has been such a joy in our lives and has changed so much. We have truly been blessed with a fine little boy.



Throughout the past 6 months, Ty certainly has developed some likes and some dislikes. Here are just a few of each!

Dislikes:

- Vacuum Cleaner - screams at the top of his lungs at the sound
- Tummy Time - he does it but not for long
- Drying his Hair and clothes over his head - especially before bedtime
- Waiting too long to be fed - when this little guy wants a bottle, he wants it now!
- End of his bottle - when his bottle is empty, occasionally we get a little upset!
- Staying in one position/place for too long - wants a different view so very often

Likes:

- Itzy Bitzy Spider - he loves it and smiles or laughs every time
- Changing Table - still one of the best places in the evening before bedtime
- Being Nosey - always wants to see what that noise was or who is talking
- Walks with Mommy - enjoys getting some fresh air and having mommy do all the work
- Attention - wants to be held, carried or played with constantly
- Being Scared - never saw a baby like to be scared, but he smiles and laughs every time

Within the last few weeks Ty has began to recognize his name and look at anyone who calls his name. Normally he looks and ackowledges with a smile or grin. :-)

Lori is certainly enjoying her new life at home with Ty and is doing a great job. She has also take Ty on a few shopping excursions and visits with family and friends, pretty much without incident and with Ty being a good little boy.

This past week, we purchased two new items for Ty, an Excersaucer and a Jogging Stroller. Needless to say, Ty loves his excersaucer. He seems to love all the toys on it and seems to enjoy pressing the many buttons as well! :-)

Lori and Ty have not yet used the stroller but I am sure when the weather turns warm, it will be used daily! With the rubber, bike like tires, I am sure it will be much easier to push on the road.

Ty is eating well, he loves most of the first foods with the exception of carrots. He's not too keen on those! But overall, he loves his fruit and veggies! We are excited to see how much he has grown since his last doctor's visit back in February.

Fun times are ahead in the next month. On April 9th, Ty will have his 6 month checkup where I am sure more immunizations await. A joy for any child at any age!

On April 15th, we take a week long trip to Myrtle Beach to visit the Kipe Family and see Ty enjoy his first beach experience. The past few weeks we have been preparing by purchasing some summer clothes for Ty... as you can see, he is going to be one cool dude at the beach!

So Far, So Good!!

So Mommy's first week at home came to a close after a looooong Friday! I believe Lori's words to me on the phone Friday Afternoon said it all... "I think I am going back to work!"

By 8 AM Friday Morning Lori was on a roll cleaning the house. She had both bathrooms clean before Ty even woke up. When he did awake, Lori's day began to drag along. It took her the next 7 hours to vacuum and dust the house. This chore normally takes her no longer then 2 hours total but on this day, she had a baby who was experiencing separation anxiety and would simply lose his cool when she left the room! Lori ended up finishing the dusting by singing ABC's to Ty as she went from room to room!

Besides Friday, the rest of Lori's first week at home was excellent. She took Ty, early in the week, on his first trip to Target shopping for baby food and some miscellaneous items. On Thursday, she met her grandmother, aunt and two cousins at Applebee's for lunch. Both occasions Ty was an excellent little boy. Maybe he was making up for it on Friday?!?

The week was full of adjustments for both Mom and Ty. Ty had trouble napping during the day, nothing new, but it caused some intense moments before bed time. Let's just say, when Ty wants a bottle and bed, he wants it all to occur within seconds. Not minutes, seconds! But throughout the week Mom and Ty became better adjusted to their new life!

Ty is also now enjoying his vegetables. He seems to love squash! And as far as his fruits, no problems with applesauce or peaches. He loves them too. So far so good!

Lori, being the excellent wife that she is, had some pretty good meals cooked for me when I got home too. Chicken in the crock pot, meat loaf and some stir fry. Pretty tasty meals, hope she keeps that up! :-)

On Saturday, Nan (Smith) came over to baby sit Ty for the evening while Lori and I met some of my old co-workers at Buffalo Wild Wings in Hagerstown. It was nice for Nan to come over and get some one on one time with Ty and for us to get out by ourselves on such a nice warm evening. When we returned home and asked Nan if Ty was good, her words, "He was an Angel." :-) We must be doing something right!

Lori and Ty also got to enjoy the beautiful weather by taking some nice long walks around the neighborhood on Saturday and Sunday. In fact, on Sunday while they were gone, I completed a couple chores of my own and got myself cleaned up. After nearly 75 minutes of them being gone, I was a little concerned and about ready to send out a search party. :-) As I walk out into the drive way, here come Lori and Ty. It seems as though they got hung up with some neighbors down the street and Ty really enjoyed the attention. Guess he is not getting enough at home! Yeah Right!! :-)

Until next time...

The Day Has Finally Arrived.... Lori's Last Day!

At 5 PM today Lori will officially move from Career Mom to Stay At Home Mom! Needless to say, we are both very very excited at this new endevour!

I asked Lori last night if she will miss work... her reply, "I will miss the people." It is hard to leave a job where your coworkers are close to you and a part of your life. Lori has known most of her coworkers for nearly 10 years, so I am sure it will be hard for her. But on Monday morning while I am getting ready for work and she does have to do a thing but take care of Ty, I am sure she will be loving it!

We feel very priviledged to even think about her staying home, let along actually doing it. In today's world, economy and life, it has almost become a neccesity for both parents to work to pay the bills and put food on the table. I feel very greatful we are able to do it.

As for Ty, on Sunday he turned 5 months old. It certainly does not seem 5 months since we were in the hospital but it has. He also has had a big week of firsts... Finally getting over his First cold, First taste of Apple Sauce and First taste of Pears. And boy, does he love the food!


It is so funny to watch him eat! As soon as he sees his little bowl and spoon, his eyes get really big and his arms and legs start moving around like he is jumping for joy! :-) He knows it is food and he knows it is time to eat! After he gets the first spoon full, he looks like a little bird with his mouth open. Looks like he has a BIG appetite, just like daddy!

We also laugh at some of the goofiest things... like mommy and daddy's funny sounds and faces. Check out the videos below and see if you giggle! :-)

Counting Down The Days.... & Ty's First Cold

After today, Lori will have 4 more days of work (she has Friday & Monday Off) and then she will officially change her title from Working Mom to Stay-At-Home Mom. She not only is excited but I am as well. It will be a welcomed change in all of our lives... especially for Ty, because now he will not have to get dressed every work day at 7 am in his snow suit.

Ty is doing well but he is currently experiencing his first ever cold. He is a little congested and coughing and sneezing quite a bit. The last few nights have been somewhat long because of his occasional coughing, sneezing and crying but overall he is getting through it pretty good. He is still laughing, playing and eating like normal, so I guess it is not too bad.

Speaking of eating, Ty is doing excellent on his cereal and is becoming quite a little bird when he realizes what is happening. Once he gets a spoon full the first time, he swallows quickly and opens right up like a little bird waiting for a worm from momma. I think we are a week or two away from trying some baby food for the first time!

This past weekend Ty got to experience his first Valentines Day and he sure did enjoy reading all of his cards. :-) Ty asked me to thank everyone for the Baby's First Valentines Cards and Gifts so Thank You!

Ty has still not rolled over on his own. Lori and I have thought a few times that he was going to, but he always seems to pull himself onto his back again. I think Lori is kinda hoping he holds off for another week so she has a better chance seeing him do it. :-)

I have been taking some videos of Ty with my hacked iPhone and am in the process of editing them. Once that is complete I hope to post a few on here for all to see. A few of them are quite comical!

Until next time, hope all is well and stays well!

4 Month Checkup & Mom's Resignation

Today was Ty's 4 month checkup and Dr. Colli was very happy with his progress. Ty now weighs in at 14 pounds 2 ounces and is measuring 24 1/4 inches long. He also received 3 shots, 2 in his leg and 1 orally. I was not there today, but Lori said he cried for about 15 seconds and as soon as she picked him up, he stopped! Tough little guy... because when it comes to needles, dad is a wuss!

This weekend he will get his second taste of Rice/Cereal and is now taking his bottle every 3 hours or so. In about 2 weeks we will try some baby food for the first time. Dr. Colli said we can try either Fruits or Veggies first. I think a nice finely chopped up steak, fresh from the grill would be better...

As you can see from the photo below, Ty is becoming stronger and picking his head up more frequently during tummy time. How can you NOT love that smile???


Ty is also becoming more attentive to toys and things that make sound. His hands are starting to grasp things easily and that really helps him play with his toys... and put things in his mouth. Anything from legs of stuffed animals, to his fingers, thumb and occasionally his burping cloth!



He is also so very close to rolling over. Ty like to move onto his side and is just just about to roll, but then uses a hand to stretch and pull himself onto his back again. He will get it soon and when he does, I am sure it will surprise him and of course anyone who is watching!

His sleep patterns have continued to be excellent. Although he now likes to awake at 5 AM. :-) And let me tell you... he is almost as reliable as an alarm clock! 4:58 AM or 5:02 AM... he is pretty close. And he never awakes crying. I know we have been pretty lucky with this and let me tell you, as a new dad, I thank my lucky stars, because that boy has some good lungs. If he woke up crying each morning, I know I would be investing in some good ear protection! A smile from your child does wonders to you as a parent... when he does it at 5 AM as he routinely does, it makes getting up that early, worth it!

Did I mention he is just a tad bit spoiled? No? Well he is... when mommy and daddy gets home in the evenings, he wants attention all the time and loves to be held. And mommy will be spoiling him more at the beginning of March when she will become a full time stay at home mom. This past Monday, Lori gave her one month notice to her boss and place of work for almost 10 years!

In this day, age and economy we realize this is a luxury and we are lucky enough that we can afford to do this. Lori really misses Ty and wants to do this. I am in a good position at work and have enough income to have the bills paid and food on the table. There will be times where money is tight and we will not be able to do something that we could before, like going to a sporting event or going out to eat with some friends... but in the end, those sacrifices will prove to be well worth it!!!

Creatures of Routine and Habit

A high school teacher of mine once said that humans are creatures of routine and habit. Humans would rather follow the same routine day after day then mix it up. For instance, even when assigned seating is not used in a class room, students tend to sit in the same seat day after day because of habit and routine.

Well the Smith Household is settling into a routine since Lori's return to work. We are all pretty much adjusted to the changes in life style of taking Ty to the baby sitters and picking him up in the evenings. We are adjusted to cramming most of our chores into weekends. We are adjusted to putting Ty to bed and using the hour to hour and a half for catching up on TV shows, paying bills or just relaxing.

For me, as dad, life has not changed too much. I was used to the routine in the evenings of coming home and getting all of Ty's things ready for bath time and bed time. The biggest change for me has been picking Ty up at night from his Aunt Patty and Uncle John's house or from my mom's. After a long day of work and office politics, the best thing is to see my little smile at daddy when picking him up from the sitters! :-)

Lori has adjusted well to juggling motherhood and work. Like I said before, sleep and relaxation has become more important to her when she has to get up and get herself ready at 5:30 AM. She gets to take Ty to the baby sitters in the mornings and she seems to be doing well. She said that if she had to do this after only six weeks off it would have been harder.

Ty has adjusted pretty well too. He really seems to enjoy Nan's and Aunt Patty and Uncle John's during the work day. In nearly three weeks, I believe he has only had one bad day of fussing and such. Otherwise, I believe he has been doing quite well. The only problem is, he likes his schedule a little too much and on the weekends and insists mommy and daddy get up around 7 AM. I think that is because 7 is the latest he sleeps through the work week before is taken to the sitters.

We hope this finds everyone doing well. We have some friends in Shippensburg that just got over the stomach flu that is going around, so hopefully no one is fighting that one right now.

We recently bought Ty a Bumbo chair and at this point, he only sits in it for about 5 to 10 minutes at a time, but I think he will like it soon! Of course, I could not get him to smile... but he is just so stinkin' cute! :-)

Mom is Back to Work

Lori returned to work this week so things have been a bit hectic around the Smith House.

We spent the weekend preparing baby sitter boxes with formula, diapers, bottles and other miscellanous stuff along with getting food prepared for the week and clothes ready to wear. Nan Smith is keeping Ty on Mondays and Lori's Aunt Patty is baby sitting Tuesday through Fridays.

We have to say that everything is going better than expected. Ty is doing well in the mornings and during the day with his baby sitters. Although evenings spent with Ty are extremely short because of his bed time around 7:30, we try to use every minute possible to entertain the little guy.

Lori is getting adjusted to her new sleeping schedule. No more sleeping in to 8 or 8:30... nope, it is 5:30 AM now. 5:30 AM comes awful early to those used to sleeping in the past 4 months! :-) I have to say she is doing well so far, but Friday is approaching and I am sure she will be beat!

To give her a bit of a break, I have taken over baby duty at night so she can at least stay in bed. She naturally awakes when Ty does, but I get up with him to change his diaper and feed him his bottle. I enjoy doing it and it is only 20 minutes. The problem for me is getting back to sleep. I tend to start thinking about work and daily tasks that need to be done...

So we are taking it day by day, but I am sure within a week or two, we will be pretty much adjusted and in a normal routine.

On a side note, the ice storm we had made for some beautiful scenery. I captured this picture, facing McConnellsburg, from the mountain top along Route 30 between Chambersburg and McConnellsburg on my iPhone. I travel past this place everyday and have never stopped by. Yesterday's show from Mother Nature was too hard to pass up! I wish I would have had my good camera because this picture does not give the scene justice.

We Are..... Penn State!

Let's Go State... Beat USC!