Dance Dance

Language Update

Before time gets away from me, I just want to say that the recent list below doesn't even begin to cover the kid's vocabulary.

I am not sure how, but I failed to list the more important things in life.

Every night, you can hear Terren yelling these three things: as soon as we walk into the bathroom for a bath: teeth, before I even pull his jammies on: book , and after he turns out the light and mom puts him in the crib: downstairs.

Every day when we walk into the house after work/daycare, he climbs onto the chair, reaches towards the fridge/counter/stove repeating, "Bees, Bees, Bees!" Please feed me mom. His is very impatient when it comes to food.

He says:
Stacy
Stuck
Shut
No "Mo, mo, mo" - Just like Tayten, sign and all.
Off
On - As soon as we get into the truck, he wants the music on so he can clap along with it - it is too cute.

And again, I am sure a lot more not thought of at the moment.

Turned Around

After 1 year, 8 months and 25 days, I finally decided to turn Terren around so he's able to see me (and the rest of the world!) while we're driving. You may think I am lame, but data shows that it really is best to keep him rear-facing as long as his seat allows, even if he looks super uncomfortable. We are currently using the Britax Roundabout and is good for rear-facing use up to 40 pounds. If I were to follow these guidelines, my petite little monkeys would be between 4 and 5 before turning around. Don't worry, my husband thinks that's crazy too!

Many parents still follow the universally accepted response: keep your child rear facing to AT LEAST one year of age AND 20 pounds in weight, which is also required by law for many states. To see all child restraint laws, click here.

He's been facing forward for less than a week and the possiblity of me changing my mind and turning him back around shouldn't be surprising to anyone, especially if the wintery weather hits and roads turn to crap. He is still more than 15 pounds from the rear-facing maximum weight.

Note: Yesterday, I returned to work after being ill for two days, completely forgetting we had a safety meeting out of town, so Grandma had to transport Tayten from preschool to daycare (~2 miles through town) without a seat. *Gasp* I don't know who was more worried, Me or Taye. Yeah, we're a bit freakish like that!

20 Months

Hopefully this isn't all over the place...

The tubes are working! The tubes are working!

This past week has been quite miserable for Mr. Terren. We decided to get him his first flu shot this year - last year he got his first dose of the H1N1, but the regular flu shot was never available. Anywho...Wednesday he got a shot, Thursday daycare called and he had a fever of 103, and each day following, his fever climbed up to 105. It was very strange because although he had an outrageous temperature and was very lethargic, he never stopped eating, drinking, peeing, etc. Yeah, we'd have to feed him while he laid limp on the couch/chair, but I think he was taking full advantage of us! We tried giving him infant and children's Motrin and Tylenol, but neither would bring his temperature below 102. I caved and gave him a dose of adult liquid Tylenol which almost instantly "cured" him. He was able to run and play and be himself, but after a few hours, the temp shot right back up. I was finally able to get him into the doctor on Tuesday. There was no sign of sore throat (strep is going around), ear infection and his temperature was normal that day, so the doctor looked to a WBC count for answers. After looking at the results, the doctor determined that Terren's high WBC was more than likely due to an immune response to the flu shot and the high fever from something viral + the last eye tooth pushing it's way through. It's amazing he's finally getting teeth without an ear infection. Prior to tubes, every tooth equaled an ear infection. Also, on Monday, when I dropped him off at daycare, I learned that some of the other kids had flu symptoms over the weekend...

It's now Friday and he's feeling much better. He's still wanting to go to bed early and hasn;t quite gotten his appetite back, but he's on an upward swing :o) Hopefully he'll be all healed up in time for Halloween!

We tried on his costume and he's really not fond of it, so my guess is that Terren will be going as Terren this year, but we'll see. Maybe I'll be surprised!

In the past two weeks, Terren's language has taken off. Chad works away from home a week at a time and upon returning this last time, he noticed a huge difference.

At 20 months, Terren says spontaneously:

Mom
Dad
Juice - his word for milk or juice
Pop - I let him have a drink of my Dr. Pepper when he was sick and now he's yelling for "Pa" whenever there is one in sight.
Shoes
Bye
More
Yeah
Yes
Down
Ball
Hot
Banana
Thank you - which is just 's' sounds
Woof woof
He Meows
He Roars
Eh - his response to just about every question asked
When something is seriously funny, he gives a very sarcastic, "Ha-Ha-Ha"
He sings - Oooo-eeee-aaahhhh

I'm sure there is more I am forgetting, but he has come a long way since his tubes were placed. He will now imitate just about anything we say whereas before, he wouldn't even attempt it. I love listening to his little voice...even when he's imitating every super loud yell, screech, scream, etcetera coming from Tayten's mouth.

The boys get a long fairly well. They wake up every day loving one another, but by the end of some days, one or the other doesn't want to be spoken to, touched, or followed around by their brother. It really depends on the day/hour/minute. It's all normal, right?

Well, that's it for now. If you have questions, ask or just come visit!

Surgery Day: Tubes

Simple enough! The hardest part of our day was distracting Terren before we left the house so the thought of food or drink wouldn't cross his mind.

We arrived at the hospital at 8:00 am on Monday, where, to our surprise, Grandma Deb was waiting. We filled out paperwork, changed Terren into his little hospital gown, and waited patiently for the doctor to arrive.

When the doctor was ready, Terren willingly went to the nurse when she extended her arms. Tayten did the same thing when he had tubes - at the same age.

The procedure itself is super simple and only took 10-15 minutes.

Upon Terren's return, he was completely out of it. I tried to comfort him to the best of my ability, but he laid in my arms with his eyes closed, kicking, screaming, moaning, crying til he gagged, and all while sucking on his pacifier. This went on for about 30 minutes.

All of a sudden, his eyes opened and he was "there." From there on out, he only fussed when I tried to move him, when Daddy extended his arms (he's a mama's boy!), and when his juice cup was sucked dry.

The nurse brought him a banana and toast. He practically swallowed them both whole. He kept it down. Then we were discharged.

We arrived home at 10:30 like nothing at all had happened. We walked in, Daddy made us some food while I tried to rock Terren, but he wanted none of it and wiggled himself free. He ran and played until noon, I laid him down, he slept for three hours, and when he got up, we went to Grandma & Papa Bright's for dinner to celebrate Logan's 2nd Birthday.

He's been in a good mood since, minus the never-before-seen fit while waiting for dinner yesterday and the 20+ minutes of screaming before bed time last night because his Mom thought taking away the pacifier at 18 months seemed like a perfect thing to do. :o) We made it through the night and the early morning. I think it will be easily forgotten!

Here's hoping the tubes stay clear and my little dude starts spitting out some words!

Hello PE Tubes

Well, almost.

We visited the ENT today and surgery is scheduled for Monday morning.

That last ear infection was a bugger! After two rounds of antibiotics, there is still fluid in his poor little ears!

I am so ready to hear my son's beautiful little voice! All we get now is "Uh, uh", "Oooo", "Daddy", "Mama", and "Nanana". We've lost any other words that he may have had at one time.

With 24 hour speech therapy (okay, not really), you'd think the kid would be a genius! Well, he is a genius, he just can't tell us about it yet!

Do you think tubes will cure the super naughtiness too?! Let's hope so!!!

Another Double Ear Infection

I know! What the heck, right??

We spent the weekend of the 4th at the lake with the Jorgensons (Thank you!). While there, we chased Terren around with a kleenex, wiping colorful snot from his face. I am blaming this round on allergies. We came home from the lake on Sunday and on Monday, Terren had a 103 temperature and was completely lethargic, unless in the bath.

Yesterday, I took him back to the doctor and whatta know?! Two very yucky ears.

Without Monday's symptoms, I wounldn't have taken him in.

Maybe after this round of anitbiotics, the crying, screaming, biting, pinching, pulling, scratching, hitting, spitting, etcetera will stop. Yes, he's pure naughty... Yet, he is smiling all the time (minus the tantrum time spent on the floor).

The joy of mothering :o)

I hope you are all enjoying your summer days!!

More Molars

Since our last post, Terren's lip has healed and, I think, the antibiotics did the trick for his ears and nose. Unfortunately, he's started cutting two more molars on the bottom, which will lead to more gunk coming from his nose and probably another ear infection. You are probably reading this thinking, "Man, this kid is always sick!" He isn't really. At least he doesn't think he is! You would never know the kid is teething or ill...unless you come visit us after six in the evening. By the end of the day, he's pretty much losing it.

This past weekend, our family took a trip to MSDB and since Grandma Sue is on the way, we stayed a night there and left Terren with her and Dennis while we other three went on to Great Falls.


The first day at Grandma's, while playing outside with his Dad, Terren took a tumble and gave himself his first black eye. Another small scar that will hopefully disappear. I'm not sure what's up with him falling on his face. He does have hands and they do work.




We took the boys out to a coworker of Grandma's and they had a chance to pet a steer and little baby lambs. Tayten enjoyed feeding the one little oinker. Terren just smiled like a crazy person when we stuck him in the pen with them.

Terren isn't saying any new words these days. We've lost "more", but still have "Mom, Dadda/y, & dah! (ball)" He is full of jibber jabber, but nothing comes out clearly. He has his own little way to call for Tayten, which kind of sounds like "Daddy", but we know it isn't "Daddy" because he usually signs his Daddy sign (pointer finger jabbing the temple) and says "daddy/dadda" when calling for his Dad. He says "Hi & Bye" which both sound more like "Eh!" and it is always paired with his cheesy grin. He is doing his best to imitate and yes, he can still hear!

He uses the "all done" sign paired with a grunt for everything: when you wash his face, brush his teeth, change his diaper, tickle him, when his cup is empty, when he finishes something on his plate, when we finish something on our plate, etc. He's a little obsessive about it. It's cute.

He's at a stage now where he does things to intentionally cause trouble or get a reaction. He is smart and naughty. He is definitely a boy. He has a temper. Mostly, he is a really good boy, but when things don't go his way, he'll let you know it. He's bit me twice and someone at daycare (luckily no harm done). He'll hit/slap. If Tayten (or anyone else) takes something away from him, he'll grab onto his shirt and hold on for dear life, trying to drag him down. He spits and he thinks it's funny. Me? Not so much! He's been having tantrums since before his first birthday, so hopefully he'll get all this aggression out and he'll be good by two. What? I can hope, right? He is really good, but don't mess with him. He's a fighter.

He still eats everything. He sleeps well and rises around six every morning. He runs. He loves being chased. He loves playing outside. He enjoys being pushed in his car. He thinks it's fun to go down the slide backwards, on his belly. His favorite toy is a "Dah!" He still loves bath time. He enjoys having his teeth brushed. When he's tired, he'll find his blanket and pacifier and expect you to carrier him to his room, but not until you rock for at least two minutes.


He's growning up. Fast. I am excited to see what the future brings, but it's sad. Each time he outgrows one of his cute little outfits, I am reminded that each day is precious.

I ALWAYS tell Tayten to stop growing or that he can't grow anymore and he thinks his mom is silly. Yesterday, he said, "Mom our tree is growing like me. I growing too." Then he looks at me with his sorry, but...smile, gives me a little nod and says, "We be big, Mom."

I love my boys. All three of them. And if the two grow up to be like their Daddy, then that will be okay. I will let them grow.

Boo Boo Baby

Last night, our little man slipped off the step, hit the plastic slide, and bit through his once little lip. There was lots of blood and much swelling. If Chad wouldn't have been here, I would have went to the ER. Thankfully, Auntie Carla is an RN, so we took a quick trip to her house and although she thought stitches were debatable, she recommended Tylenol and popsicles, so that's just what we did.

This morning, after the swelling was down, it looked disgusting, but much better. His lip was still huge when he went to bed tonight, but it didn't seem to bother him at all today. Ironically enough, he is on his antibiotic for sinus infection, so we should be good to go.

Last night when this happened, Tayten and one of the neighbor girls were already buckled in the pickup and ready for their promised trip to the park. Tayten was so mad when I told him we'd probably be going to the hospital instead and I think he was crying harder than Terren when I told him he had to get out of the pickup. I made it up to him today by spending many, many hours at the park.

These pictures were taken today.

And Again...

Back to the doctor we went again yesterday. This was the third time in three months and each time he's had an ear infection. It has slowly progressed into a sinus infection too, so we finally started a round of antibiotics. I'm hoping we'll kill it with just one bottle and not have to use the refill. Here comes yucky pants....ew! He's been crabby in the evening and coughing throughout the night, so hopefully after a couple of days of meds, he'll be more rested and easier to be around after dinner :o)

Tayten awoke yesterday with a coughing-til-you-throw-up bark, so hopefully that progresses into nothing. Back to our allergy medicine regimen. I hate give the boys drugs, but I don't like to watch them suffer either.

Let's hope all passes quickly!

Like His Big Bro

Our little buddy is still not feeling so well, but we will patiently wait for him to get better. Instead of running away, he now walks right toward me when I show him I have a Kleenex. His ears don't seem to be bothering him, but his nose is still constantly running and he coughs a lot throughout he night. He awakes most days super crabby.

He is starting to say a few words and I can't wait until he starts imitating. He says more, hi, bye, mama, dada, heard him say ba for bath last night and we've heard ball a time or two. He understands a lot though and it is only a matter of time before he'll be saying new words daily.

He's started shaking his head no.

He's dancing in place when he gets excited.

He's starting to spin in place while standing. I find this very funny because he gets dizzy quickly. You can spin Tayten for many minutes straight and it has no effect on him. and I am not sure why.

He's willingly giving hugs and kisses. It is too sweet. I love when he hugs his brother and Tayten loves it too.

Yesterday, Terren found our toy cochlear implant and kept bringing it to me and yelling until I put it on his ear. It would fall off, and he'd be at my feet yelling again. Yesterday, much to Tayten's dislike, Terren pulled off Tayten's CI and held it to his head. He knows better, but I guess he couldn't resist the urge yesterday. He really looks up to his big brother.

Terren has been a complete mama's boy for awhile now and I am so ready for him to start liking his Daddy again! He's a very delightful child, but this mama could use a break from the neediness :o)

Back to the Doctor

I decided I'd better take Terren to the doc today.

He woke up a little congested on Saturday, batting at his ears, and since, he has had a colorful runny nose and red eyes. He has also been fussy and needy!

He again has a slight ear infection on both sides. Last time, he took no antibiotics and they cleared on their own, so I am hoping for the same results this time! If he is still fussy in a few days, we'll be calling for some drugs!

He has also had a terrible rash on his back for a few months, so I had the doc check that out today too. Chad has always had severe dermatitis and recently found that vaseline cures (or controls) his redness and rashes. We've never really used anything other than Vaseline on Terren because he breaks out, but the vaseline is not helping his back at all. I pray he outgrows this condition unlike his father! It IS NOT comfortable. The doctor wrote a prescription for cortizone but said to continue with the vaseline. At least we can hope to control the itching, scabbing, spreading, etc.

Easter 2010

Left Behind

We had Tayten's trip to Denver last week and because Terren isn't too fond of his carseat, we left him behind. He stayed with Grandma and Papa Bright for the first couple of nights and then at Uncle Pat's and Auntie Manda's. Thank you to all of you. I am sure he had fun!

He was so excited to see us (mostly mama!) when we returned!





Terren currently has eight front teeth and two molars that have been trying to come through for the last few weeks. Lucky for us, he is not a crabby baby when teething.

He is walking more than he crawls and LOVES to be outside. Our front screen door doesn't latch well and he knows it. He escaped this morning after Tayten walked out the door. This is still a new adventure for him and as he was crawling out, the door began to shut and smacked him in the head. He didn't care. He crawled down the steps and "ran" as fast as he could towards the lawn. When I picked him up to put him in the pickup, he wiggled, kicked, and screamed trying to get free. This kid is going to be a handful!

When in Denver, I held my girlfriends little baby girl and I could barely remember Terren being that tiny just one short year aso. He is no longer my baby and he is growing to be such a handsome little dude like his big bro. He is just over one, but already a toddler. He climbs, walks, throws a ball, is starting to form words (dada, mama, more, ball) and has his tantrums already. It is a lot of fun to watch him grow, but he will be keeping us on our toes!!

Terren's 1st Haircut

Did I mention he can climb?

So this morning, I pulled Tayten out of the bath, but didn't pull the plug. The little man needed to be occupied (he was up at 5:30 wanting attention!) and since he hadn't gotten dressed yet, I was all for letting him stand at the side of the tub to splash and play. Well, while I was helping Taye get dressed, I here a big plop and I look around the corner to see this...only with a huge smile and splashing til his heart was content. Don't worry, Tayten's room is less then 5 feet from the bathroom and Terren was not left unattended for more than ten seconds.



After reading this story, I would NEVER walk away from my little guy! I can't even imagine the pain that mother felt!

Life can change in the blink of an eye...

A Short Video

Turn up the volume and enjoy. It is short, sorry!

His all done sign looks like bye bye when done with one hand,

but we know exactly what he is trying to tell us!

One Year Well Visit

Chad and I took our little man to his one year well visit yesterday. He weighed in at a whopping 20.8 pounds. I swore he was heavier than that! That carseat was getting HEAVY! I am glad (and thankful too!!) Grandpa and Grandma Bright bought him a new one for his birthday.

He is a healthy little oinker! He eats everything! When feeding him, we have to be sure he eats the entire jar of baby food before offering him something else. Once he gets ahold of the table food, he will rarely take another bite from the jar. I am thinking we will not be buying any more baby food...we do still have a whole cupboard to finish.

The doctor discovered fluid in both ears (not surprised!) and we are hoping it resolves on it's own. We noticed him batting at his ears last week, but no sign of fever or infection. He cut his 9th tooth last Friday. Every other time he's had an ear infection, he'd been teething too.

I promise to get a video up of him walking before the end of the week!!

Our little man is just about walking!

On Monday and all the days before, Terren had no interest in walking independently, but Tuesday, we came home, I took his snowsuit off, stood him next to the couch, and he took off. It really makes me wonder what clicked in his little head that day. Prior to Tuesday, we could get him to take ~5 steps, once, maybe twice, a day. Now, he will walk 10+ wobbly steps over and over. I haven't yet gotten a video, but I promise to post one soon!

Happy 1st Birthday!

Terren is one!

Happy Birthday, Baby Boy.

He is so happy!

He is so full of life!

He has an amazing personality!

Not kidding you, he smiles all day long!

He has brought our family so much joy this past year.

-He is not yet walking-

-He is a super crawler-

-He climbs up & down!-

-He adores his big brother-

-He says daddy with meaning-

-He signs milk & all done-

-He sings-

-He dances-

-He loves his toy phone-

-He hates the vacuum-

-He can throw a ball-

-He likes to wrestle-

-He always waves bye bye-

-He loves to eat-

-He sleeps so well-

It is hard to believe he's already been here a year...

Pictures!

Say Cheeeeese! He always anticipates the flash and gives me this cheesy smile!

Sneaking around...
Too afraid to let go! (Him, not mom.)

Growing Quickly

Oh, Terren, how your page has been neglected! I'll start with the sad news. In one short month, Terren will be one already! Who can believe it? Not me! To make it even worse, we've agreed, several times, that Terren has completed our family. Baby boys, why do you grow so fast?

Terren's first Christmas was not so wonderful. His Christmas Eve was great, but he woke up the next day feeling terrible. It's a great thing that he has an older brother that is so very willing to open all gifts and stockings and a family that will hold him all.day.long. He received many fun gifts and enjoys them everyday.

Terren is so wonderful. He has maintained his easy going and extra happy personality. He greets us every morning with a big grin and a flapping arm. It is too cute.

He has been going to bed between 7:30 and 8:00 and sleeping until we wake him in the morning. He loves to eat. I am still too chicken to give any kind of table food. He has tried cookies, rice, potatoes, beans, some vegetables, and other things off my spoon and he eats a lot of different fruits and vegetables using his mesh feeder. Daycare gives him big people cereal and crackers and that is fine, but I am just not comfortable enough with that yet. I am looking forward to not having to buy formula and transitioning to a cup. Hopefully it will be easy. I can't remember when we took the pacifier away from Tayten, but soon, we will be getting rid of that too. Yikes. That will be easy too, right?

Terren now has 8 teeth. I thought one more was coming through on bottom, but it has seemed to disappeared again. I am pretty sure his teething was to blame on Christmas. He is still not walking. I think he is capable, but too afraid. He now walks along the wall, sometimes using only one hand. He is already into everything, so walking won't change anything. I take that back, when he starts walking, and standing independently for longer periods, I will be able to leave his carseat in the car, but then again, that may change soon anyhow because we really do need to buy him a new seat because his little legs are so long.

Some other amazing things Terren is doing: He dances. A lot. Everytime he hears music, he sways back and forth. If you sing to him, he will start as soon as you stop. Amazing. Remember, my first child is deaf, Tayten didn't do this (and nor did I know he was supposed to.)

He pushes his trucks around and while doing so, he blows rasberries. Typical boy, right? Again, too stinkin cute.

He can throw a ball.

He waves bye to everyone. All the time. He also greets people with his wave too.

He has started imitating us when we blow kisses. I am waiting for the day when I can say, "blow kisses" and he does it.

He knows and says Mama and Dada, but doesn't really call us...does that make sense?

He makes the kissing noise, smacking his lips.

He says "mmmmmm" when it is time to eat.

When I am not quick enough to get his bottle, he crawls to the rug in front of the sink and sits and cries.

He understands the signs for: milk, bath, all done, eat, and sit (commonly used in the tub).

He signs all done at dinner time.


It is amazing to watch him. We will continue to use more and more sign and hopefully he'll pick it up quickly. Tayten signs to him a lot. We sign to him, but not a lot. I want to teach him Tayten's name sign, mom, and dad. I want him not only to understand, but sign to us, so we have to keep practicing.

He is a real clown, just like the other two boys in our family. When he hears laughter, he joins right in and will do anything to make you laugh...including sharing his fake cough, which he thinks is hilarious.

I cannot believe how fast my boys are growing up. It makes me sad. Terren is going to make such a wonderful little buddy to Tayten as he grows bigger. For now, he will continue to torment him.

The week before Christmas, we had a little family get away to relax and finish our shopping. During that time, Terren had his first real swimming experience and, of course, loved it!