Run Mommy, Run!

Isn't this stroller a beauty?

We have the same model, except ours is navy blue. Instead of having several different types of strollers, we opted to buy just one. We use it as our everyday stroller, because we bought the car seat adapter too. It's perfect for the infant seat, for jogging, and, just as an umbrella stroller. It is, in my opinion, the best jogging stroller available. If you are interested, go here, for more about the B.O.B stroller. Luckily, because of my job, we were able to buy the stroller at cost. But, be weary, they are expensive. However, if you are a runner, and want to take your tyke with you, it is important to find one that is safe. I have heard too many horror stories of cheaper versions. It's like buying a car... you need to make a safe investment.

Besides, how can we not have a B.O.B stroller? ha ha!

On Monday night, I joined some other mom's in my neighborhood for a night run. It was great! We all became connected through the Mommy Network in my neighborhood. Here's what the group is all about:

"We are a group of fun-loving Moms who live in Ross Bridge in Hoover, AL. If you and your kids are looking for friendship and a fun time, then this is the group for you. Our kids like to play hard and so do their parents."

Anyhow, it felt great to get a run in with some women who are in the same boat as me. We are all either new to running, or getting back into it after having a baby. I think we ran 2-3 miles, but I'm not sure. We are planning on meeting 2-3 times a week. Bob and I have also gone a couple of times. It is so fun to do our family runs! We take Bobby and Winston. Luckily, Bob pushes the stroller. It is tough with some of the hills in our neighborhood. I miss the flat surface in Florida.

I'll keep you posted on my progress. I'm hoping to do an 8k in September! Yikes!

The 5 S's

A few weeks ago, Bobby was crying and fussy for 3 days straight! I was feeling overwhelmed, and there was nothing I felt could calm him. The only thing that would calm him was being held in the Baby Bjorn. While I usually wear him in this at least once a day, I was having to wear him all day long. It was taking a toll on my back. Anyhow, during all of this, my friend Ginger brought over the book, The Happiest Baby on the Block, written by Dr. Harvey Karp. The book was written I believe for parents who have babies with colic, but nonetheless, it had some great calming methods for all crying babies.

The secret?

The 5 S's:

1. Swaddle your baby.

2. Hold your baby on their stomach or side. (I will usually hold Bobby on his side).

3. Shush loudly in your baby's ear. (This is supposed to imitate the loud sounds of your womb).

4. Swing your baby. (Or, in our case, I usually rock him).

5. Give your baby something to suck, like a pacifier, or finger.

I have done this each time I have put Bobby down for a nap or to bed. I also will take this approach when he is fussy during the day. I know a lot of you are expecting out there, and I just wanted to recommend this book to you. It states that the first 3 months of a baby's life is basically the 4th trimester, and you should try and simulate the womb as much as possible.

Happy reading!

Do Gators Fly?

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I've been in a blogging funk. Hopefully it will pass, or is passing, and you'll see more of what's going on with us. Or, just my own personal rants ;-)

We've had a busy past few weeks. First, our friend Mike Cooley came to stay with us while he was in town for work. After he left, Bob's parents came for a quick visit. And, after they left, Bobby's eight cousins all came to see him for the first time. I will blog more about that soon. It was wonderful seeing everyone! I think Bobby was entertained by all of his cousins. He sat in his bouncy seat, looking around at them for most of the time. Maybe this is why it's easier to have the 2nd, 3rd, etc... child? Who knows? Anyhow, Bob and I were joking around yesterday and we stated that Hotel Ross is closed for the month of August! I think we've had more days of people staying with us, then alone, since Bobby's arrival. Crazy, right?

Last week, Bobby also had his first cold. It was not bad at all. It started with his cry sounding a bit raspy, and then he had a stuffy nose, and some coughing. Little Noses Saline got rid of the stuffy nose, and a humidifier took care of everything else. Now, the new thing is his pooping! He is only pooping every 4 days or so. I am guessing he's just become an infrequent stooler (nice, huh?) due to his formula intake. I am slowly transitioning a little bit of formula into his diet. We've already tried two different brands, and seem to have found one that is working for us. He takes after his dad, and has a sensitive tummy. We are using Similac Sensitive. It seems to be doing fine, with the exception of his lack of bowel movements. The pediatrician says some babies only poop once a week! So, I guess we'll see if it gets better or worse.

Oh, and do Gators fly?

Bobby fell asleep yesterday in his bouncy seat. If you are familiar with newborns, you know they can startle quite easily. Well, he heard a noise and raised his arms like that, as a reflex. It's actually called the Moro Reflex. He slept like this with his arms up for a couple of minutes so I could snap a picture. Too funny, right?!?! Anyhow, daddy dressed Bobby yesterday, and of course, he put him in a Gator onesie. This was given to us by a friend, Lindsey Adams. Thanks Lindsey, we love it! Besides, we can't wait for the season to start September 5th!

One last thing, Happy Belated Birthday to my beautiful sister! I wish I could have been there to celebrate with you. And, your gift is going to be late! (everything is, these days). :-) Also, Happy Belated Anniversary to my wonderful parents-in-law. Love all you guys!

Tour de Cahaba

Bob participated in the Tour de Cahaba for the second time this past Sunday.  If you remember from this post last year, it is a local event held by one of Birmingham's bike shops, in conjunction with the Tour de France (Go Lance!).

2009 Stats:

Distance - 66 miles

Speed - 16.6 Mph

Max Speed - 42.6 Mph

Elevation Gain - 2,070 feet

Go Bob!

Splish Splash

On Saturday, Bob and I met some of our neighbors at the pool for some good food, and swimming. There are 4 families that we have gotten to know since moving in, and all of us have babies that are 7 months or younger. We all decided to bring the babies to the pool for an early evening swim. It was Bobby's first time in the pool, and he loved it! I didn't have any doubts though - he loves the bathtub.

Onto the pictures...

Here is a candid shot of all the mom's and babies after the swim.

Bobby and I. He let me hold him like this for almost an hour. He was totally relaxed!

The mommies and babies...

From L to R: Ginger and Harper, Amy and Ava, Me and Bobby, Whitney and Hayes, and Dana and Kayla.

Ava is the oldest, born in December, and Kayla is the youngest, born a week after Bobby.

Bobby and Daddy - soaking up the water!

My two sweet boys!

Priorities

There is not a lot of TV watching in our house these days - even with the DVR. However, since my OBSESSION is back for the summer, I will make time.

Gosh, I love this show!!!

Last night's season premier did not disappoint! (Well, except for the Mystery Guest. I can't stand Jessie.)

Any one else a Big Brother fanatic?

Fireworks with the Wilder's

Ok, so here's the last of the 4th updates (finally, right?!?).

We were invited to our good friends' house, the Wilder's, for delicious ribs and fireworks that night. Amy's parents were in town too, and they were as sweet as can be. Unfortunately for Bob and I, Bobby had other plans during our visit. Let's just say I thought he was the Devil's Spawn for the evening. I kid. I kid. In all honesty, it was past his bedtime, and I think the day's events might have worn him out. And, we're not sure if the fireworks freaked him out or not. Hopefully next year's 4th will be better.

On to some pictures...

Here is Drew, snoozing in his crib. He was the good child that night ;-)

Daddy and Bobby. Bobby was perhaps waiting for the next "Boom!" to appear in the sky, and possibly scare the living sh*t out of him.

This is Katie, the Wilder's cute lab. She LOVED the fireworks. It was hilarious to watch. Honestly, it could've been on America's Funniest Home Videos.

Amy and I. Please excuse my mess of a hairdo. It's been awhile since I've gotten it cut or highlighted. Isn't motherhood great that way?

Bobby and Bart. I just thought this was a cute picture, catching Bobby in a yawn. See? I told you he was up past his bedtime!

Go to Sleep Little Baby...

This picture cracks me up! I don't even think Bob knows I took it. It was taken after the parade on the 4th. You see Bob sleeping on the couch, Bobby in his bouncy seat by the fireplace, and Winston front and center.

Too stinkin' cute.

Somebody's Gotta Make a Livin' Around Here

4th of July Parade

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. My little angel of a son, as turned into quite the fussy baby these last few days. Anyhow, I have a few posts to write, but I'll start with this one.

We had a fun 4th of July this year! Normally, we have always spent it with family, but we were on our own this time around.

Our neighborhood had it's 2nd Annual 4th of July Parade for the kids. Kids were able to decorate their bikes, wagons, etc... And, of course, parents had fun with decorating strollers. We know we did! There wasn't much of a crowd to watch the parade, but I guess that would make sense, since most of the 'hood is kid-friendly.

Here is our pimped out stroller. I made the sign, and Bob did the decorating. I was quite impressed!

Here is Bobby chillaxin in his stroller waiting for the parade to start.

Bob, Bobby and Winston on the go!

Daddy feeding Bobby afterwards at the park.

Family picture...(and, yes, I am too lazy to crop my friend Amy's shoulder out of the picture.)

2 Month Check-up

Well, I just returned from Bobby's 2 month check-up!

Here are his stats:

Weight - 9 lbs., 10 oz.

Height - 21.5 inches

Head Circumference - 40 cm

For his actual age, he is in the 25th percentile.

Had he gone full-term, he'd be in the 75th percentile.

This appointment was tough for me. He got his shots, and I had never heard him cry the way he did. I could just tell he was in pain. Luckily, he calmed down after only a few minutes.

So, am I the only mom out there that cried when their baby got their shots?