Vacation!

Last week we were able to spend time as a family at the Lund Cabin in northern Minnesota. It was a much needed week of relaxation and family time. The weather was a bit cooler than we had hoped (Brandon and I actually skiied and kneeboarded in 58 degree weather) but we had a blast. We spent all week with my parents, sister, brother-in-law, and 5 month old nephew. BJ was very interested in playing with his cousin, Anson, but we kept a healthy distance most of the week since BJ had viral conjunctivitis- isn't daycare great?!? Despite the cooler weather the boys got to swim some. BJ really enjoyed it (unless it was too cold). He floated in his baby float, splashed in the water, made sand castles, rode with mommy on the tube behind the jetski, even drove the jetski with daddy. He loved the water, the great toys Grammy brought, and playing with mommy and daddy all week. The only down side was sleeping in a pack-n-play in our room all week, and the naps his terrible parents made him take (oh and the bath in strange colored water- it is red tinted up there in the iron range). We went on a few walks, played lots of cards at night, ate well, and had a great time. I even read a great book during the week- Into Thin Air- thanks to Miranda and Jason for recommending it! After our great week off, it was tough to get back into the swing of things- especially having to go back to daycare. It seems separation anxiety has hit in full force, but BJ has survived! We'll see how it goes when mommy starts back on inpatient service and has nights she doesn't come home starting next week.

BJ hamming it up for the camera on daycare's "Hat Day"

Getting in his life jacket for the jetski

Anson under mosquito netting for his walk- his hat was a little small.

BJ on his walk- he doesn't look too thrilled, but he liked it

BJ, Anson, Daddy, and Grammy at the lake

Driving the Jetski with Daddy

Pulmonologist

So after 11 weeks of waiting, we finally made it to the pulmonologist. After a very long visit (right in the middle of naptime), we left with her recommendations. It seems the pulmicort that we have been giving BJ is immediately aerosolized and really doesn't do well as a "blow-by" medicine we had been doing it as at home. And although it is really impossible to objectiviely diagnose asthma or reactive airways disease in someone his age, his history gave at least a few clues that he may be in the early stages of that. So she has switched him over to another inhaled steroid- Flovent and albuterol in inhaler form. We started that shortly after his visit, but will take a few weeks for it to take full effect.

Our other "trial" at this time in BJ's life is the fight with naps- not that he fights naps- which is fairly typical at his age, but that daycare doesn't think he needs as many naps as he seems to require at home, and he hasbeen coming home exhausted many days. So we've moved up his bedtime, and they've moved his crib- and we've yet to see how it has improved, but we are hoping. As I write this it is 7:11 a.m. and he is almost asleep in his highchair- but daycare insists that he doesn't need an early morning nap. Maybe he is just more interactive there because there is so much to do. I'm not sure. We're trying to keep his schedule the same both places, but struggle with a tired boy. We'll keep you updated on the nap drama.

In other milestones- BJ s crawling everywhere, pulling himself to stand and even cruising some. He loves "walking" with Mommy and Daddy (when you hold his hands and he walks). And he has been working more on finger foods for meals. We're all anxiously awaiting vacation in 1 week at the family cabin in Minnesota- so fun!

He has become quite the Momma's boy- wanting me whenever he can get me, but is still quite social and only throws a mini fit if I hand him to someone else. But after a minute or so, decides that person can't be to bad and starts to play.

His favorite food by far at the moment are "puffs"- which Brandon pointed out probably have the most sugar of anything he gets- since everything else is fresh veggies, fruits, or lean meats. I'm trying to encourage healthy eating here- so he will likely not get any cake at the b-day party today. Brandon said he was okay with that for now- but doesn't want him to be the kid who has to bring carrots to the party because his mom won't let him have cake. Don't worry, later on, sugar in moderation will be okay. (Maybe after he is one?) But Brandon let him know that I will probably not let him have Mountain Dew until he is in college. I'm still debating on that one:)

We've also had his 9 month well child check- his stats- 21 lbs 15 oz for weight (75%), 25.5 in for length (90%) and I think 18.5 for head (off the chart).

In our lives- Brandon won employee of the month in June and received an extra day of vacation (to use in Nov. for hunting). Also, he had one of his biggest months in July as far as revenue goes for CH Robinson. I've finished my first month of call out of 3 for the year. Now, I'm working on my CV and cover letter to send out to potential employers. My #1 pick at the moment has an opening and will be planning on hiring someone by Dec., but I want to check out a few places also. Anyway, I know I should really blog more often and shorter posts- life with a kiddo can be busy sometimes!! We take what we can get!

With Daddy at mud volleyball

Chowing down on Mommy's apple

My punk rocker for crazy hair day! His outfit says mommy and daddy rock!