I really feel like this has been the best month so far. Parenting is definitely a challenge but is getting a little easier every day. Wyatt is becoming more independent and forming a personality. He’s starting to get really fun. Not just cute little baby I get to cuddle you all the time fun, but really developing into a person fun. I really enjoy watching him learn and grow and I’m just amazed that one day will go by and he will learn something completely new.
Anyone who has talked to me or met Wyatt may know that he loves to be held and cuddled all the time. He doesn’t like being left alone for any amount of time. He doesn’t like his swing, jumparoo, or tummy time on a play mat. He really just wanted to be held all the time and talked to and cuddled. This month he really started to get more independent. He’s still not a fan of the swing but he will tolerate the bouncer. This month started out with laying him on his play mat for 5 minutes at a time before he would get upset. By the end of the month we can put him on there several times a day (2-3 times) in half hour increments and he’s totally happy and independent. This is great news for the Charron household because we now have time to cook meals, fold laundry, and use the restroom without toting a little baby around with us. My baby board was raving about a certain toy that they bought for their little ones and I had to check it out for myself. It’s called the Fisher Price Kick & Play piano gym. Wyatt boycotts just about every toy so I thought I’d try this out and return it if it was another flop. Once we got it, we set it up and laid Wyatt down on the play mat. We showed him how to kick the piano keys and helped him grab the toys overhead. At first he kind of hit the toys mistakenly and kicked the keys on the piano lightly. He liked staring at himself in the mirror and was just kind of silent but content. By the second week of having this toy Wyatt is a piano pro. He kicks the piano keys with full force and grabs and shakes the toys above. He especially loves the frog rattle. He plays with it all the time. We can now set him on the play mat for 30-40 minutes and he will just kick, talk, smile, giggle and play. Literally overnight he went to staring at the toy bar to being very interactive with the toy. We now also swear by this gym and recommend it to all of our friends who are expecting.
Wyatt had his 2 month appointment at about 9 weeks, which is why it wasn’t included on last month’s blog entry. He weighed 10.15 and was 23.5 inches long. He was in the 65th percentile for length and somewhere between the 25th and 50th percentile for weight and head circumference. Wyatt was cold while he was there which made him upset even before he got his shots. Then when he got his shots that took him over the edge and he screamed and cried so hard. I just picked him up and held his sad, shaking body to my chest while I squeezed him tight and rocked him. I then dressed him and put him in his car seat. Once bundled in he was completely calmed down. He ended up sleeping most of the day and didn’t seem to have any additional reactions to the vaccinations. It was hard to see him so upset but I know that it’s best for him to get the vaccinations to prevent illnesses.
October was a very fun month. I tried to get out as much as possible and take Wyatt to different kid-friendly places. Jen and I started out the month at Strites Orchard. The corn maze was less than desirable to drive a stroller through so I ended up carrying Wyatt through as Zoey led the way. I think we only went through the same circle of corn 6 times, heehee. After getting nearly lost in the corn maze (who thought Jen & I in a maze together was a good idea?) Jen and I discovered some apple crates and instantly saw them as a photo opportunity for the kids. I propped Wyatt in a crate and Zoey instantly jumped in one as well. It’s pretty awesome that Jen’s kids are so into Wyatt and want to play with him. I feel like even though he doesn’t know it yet, he has good friends. When Jen and I first arrived, I’ll admit that it was a little disappointing. Strites really wasn’t as kid friendly as they had described. But, we ended up having a blast and I’m so happy that Wyatt and I got to share that time with Jen and the kids.
My sister, Amy, stayed with us in the month of October and had the opportunity to really spend a lot of time with her new nephew. She got to give him a bath on her very first night in town. She was really helpful with feeding him, holding him, and even changing his diapers. Wyatt took really well to Amy and it was awesome to see them interact with each other. Amy would poke at his, what she called, “pumpkin belly”, and he would smile and giggle at her.
While Amy was in town, she and I took Wyatt on his first ride at Hershey’s Chocolate World. He was very calm the entire time. We then took a trolley tour of Hershey and he was extremely well behaved during the entire 1.5 hour tour. Amy and I came home in a complete chocolate coma and both took a nap.
Later that week we met up with the Lau’s once again at Ashcombe farm. They had slides, a corn box, a haunted house and a hayride. Amy and I filled our tummies with woopie pies and fresh coffee and went on the hayride. Aunt Amy held Wyatt and pushed him around in the stroller most of the time. Finn had a blast in the corn box and Amy and Zoey tackled the haunted house together. Zoey and I each picked out an apple to eat and after a few bites Zoey decided that my apple looked better and traded me. We all had a great time.
While Amy was visiting other family I spent one day carving out a pumpkin for a Halloween photo of Wyatt. I got mocked for the idea but once everyone saw the outcome of the photo they agreed that it was one of Wyatt’s best photos so far! Wyatt actually enjoyed being in the pumpkin. He was giggling and smiling when he was in there and I got some great shots. This one is my favorite.
Amy and I went to visit my brother, Garrett, my sister in-law, Jess and my nephew and nieces. We spent the day with Jess and the kids. Evelyn (who is 13 days older than Wyatt) stared at Wyatt and when their eyes met, they both smiled at each other. If my heart could melt, there would have been an entire heart-sized puddle on the floor. It was so adorable. Jess and I talked about our adventures of cloth diapering and having a newborn while Amy spent time playing zombies with Gus and Violet. Violet ran into the kitchen crying at one point because Gus and Amy wouldn’t let her eat their brain. I just had to laugh at that! It must be really hard being three and not being able to eat anyone’s brains. I offered for her to eat Wyatt’s brains but she wasn’t interested. Gar made an awesome steak for everyone and Jess made a delicious apple pie. Wyatt then fell asleep on my brother’s chest and you could just see that Evelyn was staring him down thinking “Hey, that’s MY spot”. It was really nice visiting with them.
I desperately needed new clothes for work since none of mine fit so Amy and I decided to go to the Hershey outlets one day and to the Capital City Mall another day. I didn’t have to talk her into going shopping; she was actually very excited to go. Wyatt was going through a growth spurt and had a rough time shopping with us so both trips we cut a little short. We both were able to get some great deals on our shopping trips.
On Amy’s last night in town she made us Hero sandwiches and red lentil soup. The last time I had lamb was over ten years ago so this was a real treat. The red lentil soup was divine and I can’t wait to make it again. She learned the recipe while stationed in Iraq. We then had some friends over and enjoyed our very first fire of the season. We placed Wyatt in a fuzzy snow suite (picture Alphie from the Christmas Story) and he instantly fell asleep in my arms by the cozy fire. Wyatt and I said goodbye and now more than ever do I miss having her in my everyday life. I just hope that the subtle “move to PA” hints encouraged her to think about coming back here when she retires in three years.
At about ten weeks Glen and I felt that Wyatt was ready to have some routine in his life. We started bathing him every night, using soap every other night, and placing him in a fresh diaper and clean sleeper. We then would feed him 2 ounces of pumped milk, burp him, and follow up with 2 ounces of formula and another few burps. We then would swaddle him, offer a pacifier then gently place him inside of his pack and play. At first it was an adjustment for him and he was still up several times a night. As each night went by we were able to put him into bed a little easier and a little earlier. By the 12 week mark we had him in bed by 8:00pm. We currently continue with this routine and it’s now fairly easy to get him to bed and he only wakes up once in the middle of the night and once in the 5:00 hour. My goal over the next month is to get him to bed by 8:00pm and have him sleep until 7:00 am with getting up once in the middle of the night for a feeding and fresh diaper. Once he has his bedtime routine down we will work on his daytime nap schedule. Hopefully by the time he’s 6 months we will have him on a pretty regular schedule.
Wyatt celebrated his very first Halloween! We dressed him up as a Pacman ghost and Glen and I went to a party as Mr. & Mrs. Pacman. It was a last minute costume idea that ended up only costing about $8.00 for the entire thing (the cost of the paint). We ended up only staying for a short while because the atmosphere was rather loud and Wyatt was obviously tired but couldn’t sleep due to the noise. Before we went though, we were able to get some cute photos of our family.
As my last month of maternity leave came to an end I was saddened by the thought of returning back to work and missing out on my little boy’s life. Some things made going back to work easier for me. Mostly it’s the peace of mind of Wyatt being in very good and capable hands. Jen and my Mom are watching Wyatt while I’m at work. They are definitely two people that I can trust with my dear Son. My first day back went really well. My Mom watched Wyatt for me and I only checked in with her twice that day. It was hard for me to let go and be that over protective parent but I trusted her and knew that he would be fine. I think that first day was a little unsettling for Wyatt in some ways and it was a little unsettling for me too. My co-workers helped make my day go by fast and it was actually nice being able to drink my coffee while it was still warm, eat a full lunch, and pee in peace. At one point Wyatt was fussing and I was talking to my Mom on the phone. He heard my voice over the phone and instantly stopped. When I came home Wyatt instantly heard my voice and had a big smile on his face. I knew that I missed him but it felt good to be “missed” back. The second day was a little better than the first. My Mom took him for a walk, went shopping and played with him throughout the day. I think both my Mom and Wyatt felt more comfortable and it made me feel more comfortable as well. Mornings are easy too because she can take care of him while I get ready for work and that’s such a huge help since Glen is already gone for the day by 4am.
Thursday was a little more challenging because I had to get Wyatt ready and take him to Jen’s house. I was able to get his diaper bag and lunch box ready the night before and I also packed my lunch. He was ready to get up around 6:45 and I then changed him and fed him. I warmed up the car and bundled him into his car seat and off we went. I left Jen’s house around 7:45 and was at work before 8. She kept in touch with me that day and sent me random pictures throughout the course of the day. Finn really seemed to enjoy having Wyatt in the house. He would bring Wyatt toys, rock his car seat and giggle and smile at Wyatt. The pictures of them two smiling at each other is so precious. Wyatt had an equally fun day at Jen’s house that Friday and I officially survived my very first week of work.
Before I returned to work, I still couldn’t believe that I was a Mom but now some of that reality has started to set in. I make decisions in Wyatt’s best interest every day. Each moment I spend with him helps influence the person he’s going to be. I always try to think about that when I’m having a rough day. Sometimes I don’t want to always be holding the baby or making personal sacrifices for him (such as picking him up when he’s upset instead of enjoying my nice hot dinner). He truly does come first in my life over everything else and even though it makes it challenging sometimes, it’s well worth it to make him feel comforted and secure. I have an incredible bond with my son and nothing in the world is more important than being there for him in any way possible. Thinking about him gets me through the day and although I’m not thrilled to get up at 2:00am to feed him, I don’t mind it either. I kind of enjoy that special time with him and I enjoy being able to fulfill his needs. Every time I look at him I think to myself how lucky I am to have him in my life.
Month 3 Milestones
· Constantly communicates with Coos, talks and giggles
· Recognizes smiles from other people and children and responds with a smile
· Excellent head control
· Strong lower body. Can “stand” with assistance.
· Strong sitting capability when helped
· Strong response to Mother’s voice, will turn head in that direction
· Increased independence & playfulness
· Increased alertness during the day
· Responsive to nightly routine
· Shakes rattles, grasps toys, bats at toys
· Discovered hands. Stares and admires them
· Sucks thumb & hands
· Sleeps in his own space & naps in crib
Personality Traits
· Likes to be held facing the world so he can admire everything around him
· Loves the bouncer seat & spinning the toy bar
· Loves the play mat. Often kicks, bats at toys talks and coos
· Absolutely hates a soiled diaper. Is often very fussy and upset until changed.
· Hates being alone. Tends to get lonely if someone isn’t paying attention to him
· Likes other children
· Enjoys movement. A running car or a pushed stroller.
· Likes to be swaddled
· Likes to suck his thumb and suck on his hands. Often followed by drool.
· Enjoys co-baths
· Likes to look at himself in the mirror
· Feels secure by grasping blankets or fingers
· Loves to stand and sit-always looks around at the world
· No longer likes to be cradled; only when very sleepy
· Constantly likes to communicate by talking or cooing
Favorite Moments
· When his cousin, Evelyn Bea, smiled at him and he smiled back at her
· Meeting his Aunt Amy for the first time
· Riding his first ride at Hershey Park and going on his first hayride
· Sleeping in and cuddling with me on my chest at 12 weeks old on Saturday following my first week back to work
· Morning talks, smiles and laughter
· The first time he really sucked his thumb and self soothed himself back to sleep
· Grasping onto Glen’s finger while Glen was trying to put his mitten on
The Great Pumpkin, Wyatt Blaise
Wyatt Playing
Fall Photos
Miscellaneous
Outtakes
Unintentional Planking
"I'm done with the pumpkin, Mom"
Talking in between trying to get a smile pic
Paci Hoarder 1
Paci Hoarder 2
Not a fan of the leaves
Videos...Wyatt Talks
