Happy Halloween

We have had a busy Halloween. First, we went to our neighborhood Farmers' Market to pick out a great pumpkin.
Of course, we couldn't pass up the second pumpkin.
Then we took it home and carved our SCARY jack-o-lantern. (Notice how both the pumpkins have 2 bottom teeth that show when they smile.)
Then, we knew we were ready to put on our costume. Can you guess who I am?
That's right! Indiana Jones. I travel is style. Notice my creepy-crawly bugs lingering about. Don't worry though. I have my trusty whip to take care of them. But, aren't I supposed to HATE SNAKES?
On our way out trick-or-treating, we ran into some scary folks: a pirate, Wonder Woman, and Snow White. We joined ranks and went on our merry way.

We came upon a mysterious scene: there was a party going on at the end of our cul-de-sac.
Many of the neighborhood villians, superheroes, princesses, and other random exciting people were putting away their stigmas and mingling together!
After all this excitement, we sure were tired.
Happy Halloween Everyone!

New Rash

Sorry for all of you who are tired of Nolan sickness updates. But this kid just can't kick it! These pictures are his latest rash. It started yesterday, and has just spread over all his torso. From his scalp to his entire bottom area. Strangely enough, it seems to have spared most of his arms and legs-seeing that they are already suffering from the other rash. The doctor said it is just a secondary symptom. At least he isn't itching! Poor little Nolan

A Fun Day

I spoiled myself today. Since Christmas last year, I had been saving some gift cards for a special day. Today was that day. I left Nolan at home with Ted, and went out for 4 luxurious hours alone. Here were my great purchases:
After all that hard shopping, I discovered what makes for a great lunch.
Thanks Ted and Nolan for letting me out of the house!

Nolan's Spots

Any Doctors in the house? We have been experiencing this very strange hive-like rash for about 2 months now.

It started in August, and the doctor said it was probably bites. She thought our dog Cassie brought some bugs into the house. We put him on Zyrtec, washed and vacuumed everything in the house, and found Cassie a new home. (I will admit that this isn't the only reason Cassie had to go. She was a great dog, but shed like crazy. Nolan was always covered in dog hair, and I just couldn't take it.) The Zyrtec got rid of the "bites" and all was well.

After a week, we stopped the meds and the bumps came back. Then the Doc said it was probably an allergy. Try Zyrtec for a month. No bumps.

A month later, stopping the Zyrtec, bumps are worse than ever. Do you see how big they are? The doctor doesn't know what is causing them. I don't want to keep him on Zyrtec anymore. They don't really bother him. Anyone have and advice what to do?

The One

It is 2 am. He woke up with a high fever. I held him while the medicine took affect. I have such faith in the doctors and Ibuprofen. I am so grateful for modern medicine.

As we sat rocking together, I felt this strange empowerment.

I am the One

I am the one who will comfort him because I am Mom.
I am the one who will nourish him because I am Mom.
I am the one who will love him because I am Mom.
I am the one who will support him because I am Mom.
I am the one who will cry for him because I am Mom.
I am the one who will be there for him because I am Mom.

I can think of no greater power than being Nolan's mom. I can also think of no greater responsibility. When we are given these little beings, we are entrusted with so much. I think we are given an extra little help: being Mom.

Ear Infection

Another milestone was reached today. Nolan has his first ear infection. He woke up again last night with a fever of 103.7. Poor little guy. He was so miserable. We went to the doctor and found out that he has the ear infection, and probably has a little something else, too. Amoxicillan for us. As for his rash, she has no idea what is causing it. It is probably an allergic reaction to something. What? Who knows. We may never know. Ahhhh-my allergy saturated gene pool.

On another note, I need some advice. You may remember that when Nolan was born, he basically starved for the first 3 months of life. My breastmilk wasn't doing it for him. When I started supplementing, he gained 2.5 pounds in 11 days. That is more than 2 ounces a day! Our pediatrician wasn't concerned about it. She is of the thinking that breastmilk is always best and will work itself out eventually. That thinking may be good for some people (do I hear La Leche????) but didn't make me feel any better about constant nursing with no satisfaction. EVER. She is an extremely intelligent person, great at what she does, and has earned many awards. Do her accolades and experience outway my personal grudge?

Today's appointment was with a different doctor in the same practice. I LOVED her. She experienced the same nursing issue with her first child. She supplemented. The baby thrived. Do what it takes to help them eat and grow is her philosophy. I am much agreed.

So---do I switch doctors? They are both competent, able women. I will have a guilty conscience every time I go there if I switch. The second doctor assured me that people do it all the time and no one takes it personally. What would you do?

11 months old

11 Months Old

Whew-what a day! Nolan has been a little grouchy lately, but I passed it off on teething. This morning I thought he felt slightly warm, but again, passed it off to teething. We went to church playgroup at the park and played outside for an hour and a half. Nolan was clingy, but still climbed and slid down slides. We got home and I realized he felt even hotter. 102.2 degrees. Oops-bad mom award goes to me. I gave him some Motrin, and put him down for a nap. He barely slept and just wanted to snuggle. Poor little guy. I figured he just needed some mom time.

Well, throughout the evening he got hotter and hotter, and his "rash/hives" (former problem-unsolved of course) started getting worse. After dinner, I decided to try the temp thing again-103.6. Uh oh. Ted was at school. My good friend/neighbor/go to girl Kate was on a Disney cruise. I was alone. I called the doctor and my mother in law. Grandma came over to be with us, and the doctor called back. Apparently, fevers aren't serious until over 105. Have any of you heard different numbers? I swear, everyone says something different. Well, I guess I had a case of overreacting. His second dose of Motrin brought the fever down nicely, and he is snoozing away peacefully. I, on the other hand, am still slightly worried.

Tonight again makes me realize why I love having family and friends. Sisters that you can call for advice on anything from what the heck to make for dinner, to helping you out with a kid sickness. Even if they are just a listening ear. Parents that are supportive and try to help as much as possible. I am so appreciative that my mother in law didn't hesitate to come be with us tonight, even if it was unnecessary. I also know that I have friends that I could call on if needed. I feel so lucky to be blessed with such good people in my life.

Although Nolan was sick this morning, he was so cute in his vest, hat and sweatshirt needed for our 50 degree day. I forgot my camera for playgroup, so I was planning on dressing him up and taking him outside to play in the leaves this afternoon for his 11 month photo. As you can probably guess, the photo didn't happen. Nonetheless, I did get a couple of cute ones.

It is hard to believe that Nolan started off so skinny-this little boy LOVES to eat. It seems as though the only thing that makes him cry is if he isn't fed as soon as he thinks he is supposed to be. Including snack time.
Nolan is on the verge of walking. He looks for things he can push and walk behind all over the house. He can stand on his own for a few seconds, and walks well holding hands.
We can't believe how fast time flies and that in a month, we will have a 1 year old. He truly is the sweetest little boy, and every day I am so thankful that I am his mother and that I have the opportunity to teach him and watch him grow each and every day.

Autumn in Denver

Nolan and I had the great opportunity to venture out to Denver, Colorado for a week. My sister Melissa and her family live just north of Denver in a little town called Frederick. We had a blast! My parents were there for the beginning of our trip, and by brother Nate and his wonderful new wife Alli came out for the end of our trip. It was great to see everyone. We did many fun things together. I really love my family. We always seem to enjoy ourselves regardless of the situation.
Thanks Melissa, Brian, Connor, Isabel and Lucas for a fun time.

Isabel, Nolan and Lucas in the bath

Lucas and Nolan-Great buddies!

Pumpkin Patch FunSleepy BoysBefore Nolan's First TRIMAfter Nolan's First TRIMBesides the pumpkin patch, we did other really fun things, too! Shopping: I got some GREAT new jeans, pants, and a shirt, (BTW: I hit pre-pregnancy weight officially-only 11 months later, right? Why don't my pre-pregnancy pants fit, then? Now the pre-prepregnancy weight...hmmm.), nice autumn walks, yummy restaurants, basement parties, an indoor water park, playing in Boulder, and watching great movies. Thanks for the great time!