Here are some of his first steps...
Friday, October 5, 2012
And we're walkin
Here are some of his first steps...
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
When did we get to Ten?
I'm sorry, wasn't I just posting about 9-month milestones? How did we get to 10 months? I know Luc never stops moving when he's awake (and even when asleep, honestly). But I think he came with a time accelerator.
I keep thinking that when I was pregnant with Luc time seemed to drag on. I felt like I was pregnant for a whole lot longer than 9 months. But when you have this little guy to care for everyday, I can't grasp time at all. Every hour, every minute, every second is consumed. Life is in a whirlwind. I feel like I'm back on that high-speed train in Europe, missing every train stop for a chance to sit back and reflect on this journey. I just keep going and going, watching life flashing by outside the window. Yet, I look next to me at my guys, and it's all calm and smooth sailing.
Luc is a wonderful baby (almost toddler- Ah!). Mom keeps telling me he's the happiest baby she's ever met. Guess that means I wasn't so swell as an infant. haha! But it's true, he is one happy-go-lucky babe. He finds pleasure in the simple things in life. He's never more content then when he's with a bunch of his family members. And you can get him to laugh almost anytime.-even when he's sobbing to get his way.He thinks it's funny if you start imitating him.
Luc eats well, for himself. I make it a point not to force Luc to eat more than he wants (so as not to live in frustration). He has a decent appetite, and we're slowly working on exposing him to different foods and textures. He's slowly moving into fruit and veggie finger foods. He's more apt to eat it if he's 1. not confined to his high chair, and 2. you're eating it as well. Luc's growing and is reaching his milestones. And looking at Daddy, it's just not in Luc's genes to be a sumo wrestler- so why add stress to our lives trying to force food down his throat?
There's only one thing about Luc that brings utter frustration, stress, and anxiety into my day: he doesn't fall, and stay, asleep. It breaks me down to tears, a clenched jaw, and literally, hair pulling (my own, not his). I feel that if Luc had any other "issue" at this stage, I could take it on with more patience and strength. But when you're sleep-deprived, over-worked, and exhausted, there's little chance of not loosing my patience and questioning the cruelness of being a Mother.
Luc's gotten into the habit of being held, a lot and when he's sleepy. Or taking advantage of a moving car to catch some Zzzs. So now that he's bigger it's harder transitioning him to nap in his crib. At nighttime, we've worked on this at home, but he still goes through phases (name any new reason as to why) of waking in the middle of the night and welcoming the new day way too early.
The last thing I wanted to resort to was letting Luc cry it out. On numerous occasions he would get so upset he threw up all over the crib and his pjs. After a night of standing, then sitting, then finally laying next to his crib from 2am til 6am (on a weekday). The next night, totally exhausted, Luc awoke and started to cry for comfort. I was in no mood to spend another night on the floor instead of my bed. So I decided to go into his room, give him his pacifier, lay him back down (once), and then walk out. Tough Love. I was expecting Luc to cry for hours; he fussed, whined, and cried for 5-10 minutes before passing out. Wow. Okay, had I known. We'll see how well it goes and for how long it lasts... until the next phase comes along, right?
*Luc's Recent Big Accomplishment: taking 1 or 2 steps by himself.
And so it begins...
I keep thinking that when I was pregnant with Luc time seemed to drag on. I felt like I was pregnant for a whole lot longer than 9 months. But when you have this little guy to care for everyday, I can't grasp time at all. Every hour, every minute, every second is consumed. Life is in a whirlwind. I feel like I'm back on that high-speed train in Europe, missing every train stop for a chance to sit back and reflect on this journey. I just keep going and going, watching life flashing by outside the window. Yet, I look next to me at my guys, and it's all calm and smooth sailing.
 |
| Luc & Cali |
Luc eats well, for himself. I make it a point not to force Luc to eat more than he wants (so as not to live in frustration). He has a decent appetite, and we're slowly working on exposing him to different foods and textures. He's slowly moving into fruit and veggie finger foods. He's more apt to eat it if he's 1. not confined to his high chair, and 2. you're eating it as well. Luc's growing and is reaching his milestones. And looking at Daddy, it's just not in Luc's genes to be a sumo wrestler- so why add stress to our lives trying to force food down his throat?
There's only one thing about Luc that brings utter frustration, stress, and anxiety into my day: he doesn't fall, and stay, asleep. It breaks me down to tears, a clenched jaw, and literally, hair pulling (my own, not his). I feel that if Luc had any other "issue" at this stage, I could take it on with more patience and strength. But when you're sleep-deprived, over-worked, and exhausted, there's little chance of not loosing my patience and questioning the cruelness of being a Mother.
Luc's gotten into the habit of being held, a lot and when he's sleepy. Or taking advantage of a moving car to catch some Zzzs. So now that he's bigger it's harder transitioning him to nap in his crib. At nighttime, we've worked on this at home, but he still goes through phases (name any new reason as to why) of waking in the middle of the night and welcoming the new day way too early.
 |
| The moving of the car and sound of your music makes me sooo sleepy... |
*Luc's Recent Big Accomplishment: taking 1 or 2 steps by himself.
And so it begins...
Friday, September 14, 2012
Hi, I'm Luc
The other day I was looking at Luc sitting in his chair, babbling about something, swinging his sippy cup around, and I thought how much his personality has come out since he was only a few months old.
When he was an infant, he really felt like an extension of me, in the physical sense. He didn't have much of his own mind about things, so whatever I did or didn't do was what he did or didn't do. But now he's becoming his own person. He has his own personality, likes, dislikes, and already has a vocal opinion. I no longer see Luc as physically attached to me (minus him clinging to my legs while I'm making dinner, wanting to be held). I see him as a little man. Sometimes, I look into his eyes and there is something familiar, like an old friend. Or maybe I really do see him as part of me and see my own eyes in his.
Luc is like me in that:
-he sleeps lightly
-loves to be in water
-prefers carbs over veggies, but veggies over fruit
-loves books
-loves to dance to music, or just dance in Mommy's arms
-would rather be barefoot, with a minimal amount of clothes on
-wants to know/see everything (he's in a pointing stage to touch whatever he sees)
Luc is like Frederic in that:
-he's angry if you wake him up in the morning
-gets frustrated when he can't do things the first time
-prefers to be a little risky
-loves being outside
-likes salty food more than sweets
-a car ride can put him to sleep anytime of the day
-stands in front of an open refrigerator looking for something to eat
Even though Luc isn't making any sense when he "talks", he does understand certain common words we say now, like:
-Snackie
-Bottle/Milk
-Book
-Outside
-Go get it (when I toy rolls away out of his reach)
-1, 2, 3... not in a discipline way (though he does understand NO). He hates having clothes pulled over his head, so when I'm undressing him and get to the head part, I say "1,2,.." and with"3!", pull it over his head quickly. Then he smiles since I made it a 'game'. Now when I start counting he smiles in anticipation of 3.
-Luc also responds to a variety of names: Luc, Lukey Luc, Monkey, Bébé
When he was an infant, he really felt like an extension of me, in the physical sense. He didn't have much of his own mind about things, so whatever I did or didn't do was what he did or didn't do. But now he's becoming his own person. He has his own personality, likes, dislikes, and already has a vocal opinion. I no longer see Luc as physically attached to me (minus him clinging to my legs while I'm making dinner, wanting to be held). I see him as a little man. Sometimes, I look into his eyes and there is something familiar, like an old friend. Or maybe I really do see him as part of me and see my own eyes in his.
Luc is like me in that:
-he sleeps lightly
-loves to be in water
-prefers carbs over veggies, but veggies over fruit
-loves books
-loves to dance to music, or just dance in Mommy's arms
-would rather be barefoot, with a minimal amount of clothes on
-wants to know/see everything (he's in a pointing stage to touch whatever he sees)
Luc is like Frederic in that:
-he's angry if you wake him up in the morning
-gets frustrated when he can't do things the first time
-prefers to be a little risky
-loves being outside
-likes salty food more than sweets
-a car ride can put him to sleep anytime of the day
-stands in front of an open refrigerator looking for something to eat
Even though Luc isn't making any sense when he "talks", he does understand certain common words we say now, like:
-Snackie
-Bottle/Milk
-Book
-Outside
-Go get it (when I toy rolls away out of his reach)
-1, 2, 3... not in a discipline way (though he does understand NO). He hates having clothes pulled over his head, so when I'm undressing him and get to the head part, I say "1,2,.." and with"3!", pull it over his head quickly. Then he smiles since I made it a 'game'. Now when I start counting he smiles in anticipation of 3.
-Luc also responds to a variety of names: Luc, Lukey Luc, Monkey, Bébé
Monday, September 10, 2012
Clark's Elioak Farm
Frederic and I decided to take advantage of the nice Fall weather Sunday and take Luc to see some farm animals. And since Luc got in for free, what did we have to loose?
The Clark's Elioak Farm is a family-owned farm in Ellicott City, since 1797. The farm has been open with attractions, activities, and animals for 10 years. It's not even 10 minutes from our house. Lucky Luc!
At the Petting Farm, Luc got to see goats, sheep, a pig, a duck, an Emu, a donkey, a horse, rabbits, chickens, and a turkey.
Luc liked the horse and donkey the most. He stared at the donkey for a long time. Frederic fed the horse some grass, and Luc leaned over to pet his ears.
When Luc can walk on his own, and run, we think he'll enjoy the farm a lot and we can make it more of a full-day trip. Not being able to climb on the Enchanted forest stuff (slides, etc), go through the mazes, or old enough to ride the ponies or Cow Train made for a short trip.
The Clark's Elioak Farm is a family-owned farm in Ellicott City, since 1797. The farm has been open with attractions, activities, and animals for 10 years. It's not even 10 minutes from our house. Lucky Luc!
At the Petting Farm, Luc got to see goats, sheep, a pig, a duck, an Emu, a donkey, a horse, rabbits, chickens, and a turkey.
Luc liked the horse and donkey the most. He stared at the donkey for a long time. Frederic fed the horse some grass, and Luc leaned over to pet his ears.
When Luc can walk on his own, and run, we think he'll enjoy the farm a lot and we can make it more of a full-day trip. Not being able to climb on the Enchanted forest stuff (slides, etc), go through the mazes, or old enough to ride the ponies or Cow Train made for a short trip.
 |
| Hi Donkey |
 |
| I'm going to eat you Turkey for dinner! Let me at him! |
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| Ohh, nice horsey |
 | ||
| "Wweee," says Mommy. "Not so much," says Luc. |
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Toothey Pegs
One challenge in life as a parent is trying to get a good picture of your kid's first teeth. A good picture is a nice reward for weeks of getting through the teething, sleepless nights, and crankiness.
We were successful in getting a picture of the top two
(Also showing off in this picture, Luc's first little haircut)
We were successful in getting a picture of the top two
(Also showing off in this picture, Luc's first little haircut)
Friday, August 31, 2012
Nine Fine Months
Luc's 9-months Stats:
 |
| Funny Face |
Height: 28 inches
Teeth: 2 front bottom, 2 front top
The Good:
-gets excited when he sees a dog-loves to play with water
-will crawl away from you then go belly flat on the floor and start laughing if you say "I'm gonna get you"
-will laugh uncontrollably, at anything, when he's over tired before bedtime (great way to end the day)
-likes to steal socks laying around and hold onto them while he crawls around the room
-thinks it's fun to play with belts
-enjoys turning almost anything into a drum
-says "baba" "dada" "mama" "heeyy" "hi" "ooOOo" "na na" "neh neh" (none on cue though)
* "Dada" is used when he's happy and playful
* "Momma" is used when he's hungry or something is wrong
* "neh neh" is used when he's bored
-waves
-holds a toy in each hand and bangs them together
-plays Peek-a-Boo
-turns off, and now on, light switches
-prefers to feed himself finger foods, especially Cherrios
-laughs when someone blows their nose
-walks from one end of the couch to the other while holding on
-claps his hands
-starts to bobble his head and bounce when music starts
-points to objects he would like to touch
-has stood by himself for a second (not holding onto anything)
-nibbles on cracker-like food with his new front teeth, while holding it
-Favorite Pureed Foods: anything orange-colored (carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, apricots, squash); blueberry & applesauce
 |
| Luc's favorite pastime- on a walk on the trails |
The Bad:
-hates naps (still)-having his nose wiped
-almost never will play by himself
-easily tires of eating pureed food and wants only Cheerios
-climbs up the stairs
-Unfavorable Pureed Food Choices: chicken, bananas, peas
The Ugly:
-throws himself back and starts to cry when he doesn't want to go into his carseat or stroller-has pinched Mommy's arm so hard it left a welt and bruise
-will cry so hard when he won't sleep that he throws up
Thursday, August 16, 2012
The Beach
Luc Loves the Beach!
Last week Frederic, Luc and I met up with my parents and brother at Long Beach Island, NJ. We left just before Luc's first morning nap, and he ended up sleeping for 2 hours. The last part of the trip I sat in the back of the car with him and kept him entertained. On the way home, it was the same thing. Luc did very well in the car. Whew! We were scared of having a crying baby in the backseat on the 4-hour drive.
Luc loved the beach, the sand, the water. On the walk to the beach everyday, Luc's mood changed and he started to get excited. He didn't squirm when his feet dug into the sand for the first time. -He actually wanted to go for walks on the hot sand. Mostly, Luc loved to walk along the shore with the waves crashing at his feet and stare at the ocean. We bought him a floating vest and Frederic took him into the ocean one day, but when the wave splashed Luc in the face, he wasn't so happy. We also bought a tiny inflatable pool that Luc could splash in and play with his toys. Too keep him from being wet and damp all day, he would sit next to the pool to play. He ended up taking his toys out one by one and sucking on them since they were salty and dipping them back into the water when they no longer tasted like the ocean.
It was perfect timing that Luc's second and third tooth started to cut in midweek. By Thursday/Friday his second bottom tooth had pushed through. His first top tooth came in a few days after. So needless to say, he was cranky and crying. And sharing a room with his Mom and Dad, with no A/C, the teething, and sleeping in a small pack n play (Luc rolls around the whole crib in his sleep), Luc woke up about 5 times per night and was up super early. I can't really call this a vacation for Me, but what can you do?
Here are some pics from the week:
Last week Frederic, Luc and I met up with my parents and brother at Long Beach Island, NJ. We left just before Luc's first morning nap, and he ended up sleeping for 2 hours. The last part of the trip I sat in the back of the car with him and kept him entertained. On the way home, it was the same thing. Luc did very well in the car. Whew! We were scared of having a crying baby in the backseat on the 4-hour drive.
Luc loved the beach, the sand, the water. On the walk to the beach everyday, Luc's mood changed and he started to get excited. He didn't squirm when his feet dug into the sand for the first time. -He actually wanted to go for walks on the hot sand. Mostly, Luc loved to walk along the shore with the waves crashing at his feet and stare at the ocean. We bought him a floating vest and Frederic took him into the ocean one day, but when the wave splashed Luc in the face, he wasn't so happy. We also bought a tiny inflatable pool that Luc could splash in and play with his toys. Too keep him from being wet and damp all day, he would sit next to the pool to play. He ended up taking his toys out one by one and sucking on them since they were salty and dipping them back into the water when they no longer tasted like the ocean.
It was perfect timing that Luc's second and third tooth started to cut in midweek. By Thursday/Friday his second bottom tooth had pushed through. His first top tooth came in a few days after. So needless to say, he was cranky and crying. And sharing a room with his Mom and Dad, with no A/C, the teething, and sleeping in a small pack n play (Luc rolls around the whole crib in his sleep), Luc woke up about 5 times per night and was up super early. I can't really call this a vacation for Me, but what can you do?
Here are some pics from the week:
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| No shirt, no problem! Let's play the drums! |
 |
| That was a long, hot walk, Mommy. I'm pooped. |
 |
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| Somehow sleeping like this is comfortable. |
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| I like to climb up people. |
 |
| Luc & Daddy |
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| I'm now a Beach Bum |
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| I wanna walk, Daddy. Let's go! |
 |
| Luc's footprint in the sand. |
 |
| Mommy & Luc playin in the lil pool |
 |
| Yum, salty ocean water tastes so good. |
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| Luc's afternoon beach nap, on Daddy |
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