Raising Curran

Ugh! Has it really been that long since I posted?!!!

2009-05-29T10:52:00.000-07:00

Now I know why it's been so long- as I just started writing this, my beautiful boy started whining for me to give him my undivided attention (the same attention that he has had all day.)

Anyhoo, I am going to try to do better at making posts. He is constantly saying and doing funny things and I'm just going to forget them if I don't record them. For example, today he had his friend Owen over for a playdate. They went to the potty at the same time (Curran sitting on Froggy and Owen standing at the big potty) and all of a sudden, Curran says, "Owen! You have a big big penis!" This is repeated several times until I step in (hiding my laughter). These are the moments that make life meaningful- don't you think?

I have to go- sorry to cut it short but he's crying for Voots.

Funny Day in the Park....

2008-09-28T18:50:00.000-07:00

If you get that reference, then you're gettin' me! Anyway, we went to the park today and had fun as usual. But the cool thing was that we saw a bird's nest in a tree with a baby bird singing and the Mommy bird looking over it. The Daddy bird was on another branch making sure all was okay. Then just a few branches over from that, there was a HUGE spider in a HUGE web. (see pics).

As we were driving home, he said he didn't want to go home. When I asked him where he wanted to go, he said, "Hmmm. How about Tijuana?" I swear to God. Is that not the funniest thing you ever heard a 2 year old say?! He is my son.

Funny Quotes

2008-09-22T06:41:00.000-07:00

Some new quotes from the mouth of my 2 year old:

As we were leaving for the park: "No latte for you. You've had coffee."

This morning before breakfast: "I like brownies and donut holes." When has he ever had a brownie or a donut hole?!!!!

I asked him why everything he says is so cut and he says: "I'm cute. I'm Curran." Like I didn't know!!

First day of School 2008

2008-09-06T18:10:00.001-07:00

Curran went back to school this past Friday and had a blast. He loves
his teachers (Miss Eileen and Miss Sandy) and has a lot of new friends
along with some old friends in his class. This year he will learn a
lot. Not the least of which is to finish up potty training! The
teacher says she can have them all trained by the end of school. What
fun!!

Anyway, as you can see from the pics, he was all ready to go on the
first day. That evening, he did some light reading in one of his many
business magazines!!

Seaside Vacation Video

2008-08-21T18:00:00.000-07:00

Seaside 2008

2008-08-13T15:41:00.000-07:00

Just back from a week in Seaside Florida. Curran really enjoyed the beach a lot more this time. The weather wasn't too terribly hot and the last day was actually a bit cool due to some rain. He would run down the beach and try to get us to catch him, but of course he's too fast. Cason said it reminded him of Baywatch to see me and Curran running down the beach. I'll take that as a compliment although there is a distinct difference between me and Pamela Lee- I don't own a red one-piece!!

Anyway, I'll attach some pics.

Botanical Gardens

2008-07-18T18:52:00.000-07:00

Botanical Gardens

2008-07-12T17:53:00.001-07:00

Today, Curran and I went to the Botanical Gardens with my friend Marie and her 3 kids. It was a lot of fun. He loved running through the sprinklers. But it was very hot and he just passed out when we got home. So did I. We were also locked out of the house when we got home because I didn't have my purse or garage door opener with me. But Pradeep came home and let us in. Lesson learned!!!

Haircut!

2008-07-04T13:19:00.000-07:00

Well, I had to do it even though I hated to. His hair was so long and thick and curly that he was constantly covered in sweat. And he hated for us to brush his hair because of the tangles. So as you can see, he doesn't look like a baby anymore. He's my little man!

Also, just to update you on the tantrum/sleeping situation: he's still not taking a nap consistently, but he will play quietly for several hours in the afternoon without fuss. He is having fewer and fewer tantrums, but he is still quite bossy. He even told me that he's bossy and I agreed with him.

But he is so affectionate these days as well. Especially with Mommy and of course, I'm loving that! He goes to science camp week after next and he's really looking forward to it. And then it's off to Seaside at the beginning of August. Should be fun!!!

Crazy Days of June!!

2008-06-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

June has brought some changes and not all of them are good. At least not so far. We converted Curran's crib into a daybed and now he won't take a nap and is cranky and grumpy all the time. As a result, the rest of us are cranky and grumpy, too. The other new development is that he will not eat. Maybe a few bites, but not much. He mostly wants to drink his food- i.e. smoothies. I think that may be too much sugar and now he's having wild tantrums. But I suppose, this too shall pass.

In the above picture, Curran is dressed like a dinosaur and is growling at us. He was in dinosaur camp all last week.
These are pictures of Curran wearing Mommy's straw hat and mugging for the camera.

This is Curran and Daddy at the Greenway walking path yesterday. If you look closely, you will see that both of Curran's feet are not touching the ground. I always say that he looks airborne when he runs and now I see I'm right!! We had a good time but he got really tired!!

Swimming & Secret Language

2008-06-18T13:12:00.000-07:00

We went to the pool today for the second time this summer. The first
time he was a bit timid and only went down a few steps, but today he
was much braver. He let me take him out into the middle of the pool
where he floated on his tummy and kicked his legs all over the pool.
Then I bounced him up in the air and he was screaming with laughter.
We had a blast! I told him he's not a boy, he's a fish- like I was
when I was a kid.

The other thing I wanted to write about is that Curran and I talk in a
made up language all the time. He knows it's made up and not real, but
we crack ourselves up talking in it. Nobody around knows what we're
doing and that makes it all the more fun. We have such a great time
together and are really bonded to each other.

I'll try to get some pics of him going to the pool on here soon.

Genius?!

2008-06-07T10:49:00.000-07:00

Today we were having lunch and I asked Curran his name, to which he
replied Curran Jolly. I asked him where he lives and he said Atlanta,
Georgia and I asked him his address and he said it correctly (I'll
leave it off here just in case). This was all without prompting or
giving hints. Now I think that is smart. He also knows my name as
well. Of course, Pradeep is Daddy Jolly!!

Potty Training has begun!!

2008-05-16T08:24:00.001-07:00

It's official. Curran has his own little potty and is starting to try
to use it. I stress the word "try"!! He loves the potty. He'd like to
sit on it all day if I would let him. I have, true to my nature,
exhaustively researched the potty training books and aids that are out
there. There are as many different opinions as there are kids to
train, but I have found the small book by T. Barry Brazelton and Potty
Training for Dummies to be the best. There's no rushing your child or
huge parties involved. It's much calmer and takes it at the child's
pace.

He'll get it- my mama says that no one ever grows up and isn't potty
trained!

I'll keep you posted- I'll try not to include too much graphic detail.

Mother's Day

2008-05-11T18:02:00.001-07:00

Today was Mother's Day and we had a very nice day. It started with
Curran waking me up by whispering Happy Mother's Day and then crawling
in bed beside me. Then we had coffee and juice and went out for
breakfast. I received wonderful cards from Pradeep, Curran, and Cason.
I also got gift certificates for not one massage, but two!! A Book, a
CD and some summer wines rounded it out.

I actually like Mother's Day better than my birthday. On my birthday,
I get older. But on Mother's Day, I really feel special. I love being
a mommy, especially to my sweet little boy. He was sick this weekend,
but I have cuddled with him and snuggled with him to help him feel
better- and I think he does.

So Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers out there. Isn't it just the
best?!

Videos of Curran

2008-05-02T10:09:00.000-07:00

I'm putting some videos of Curran on YouTube at www.youtube.com/bejolly65. You have to be a friend or family to view them, so if you're not, let me know and I can add you.

They're worth it!!

Parent/Teacher Conference; good advice, etc....

2008-04-29T12:47:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, I had my first P/T Conference. For some strange reason, I
was nervous even though I have no worries about Curran. They said that
if they had to pick a poster child for the perfect child, it would be
Curran!!

We told Curran that my birthday is tomorrow, and he started talking
about candles and cupcakes and gave me some good advice: "The candles,
don't eat them." Now that's advice for all of us, right?!!!

The family is actually taking me out to dinner tonight so that Cason
can be with us. Should be lots of fun!!

We went to Curran's favorite place yesterday- Barnes and Noble! He was
playing with the trains and a little boy walked up to play, too.
Curran picked up two trains and handed them to the boy so he could
play with them. I didn't even have to prompt him to share. Sweet boy!!

Teaching manners!?

2008-04-23T14:00:00.000-07:00

Today I was reading a book about manners to Curran. It's a "Lift the
flap" book and I was having him guess the correct response to the
different scenarios. First there was "Do you want peas for breakfast?"
and the answer, of course, is "No Thank You". Then there was "You
broke your sister's toy." The answer to this, according to Curran, is
"I don't have a sister."

But the best was "You burped" to which Curran said, "Good One!"

That's my boy!!!

Curran's School Photos

2008-04-23T13:42:00.000-07:00

View Favorites

Spring '08 School Pics

Provided by Ken Rada Photography

If the "View Favorites" link doesn't work, you can copy and paste this address in your web browser address bar:
http://www.simplephoto.com/SC/index.cfm?fuseaction=FavoritesList&favid=2E826A58&eid=5561954&fn=KenRadaPhotography

Lemonade Days, Dunwoody, April 19, 2008

2008-04-20T14:30:00.000-07:00

Curran and I went to lemonade days and had a lot of fun. He rode a
train and a race car, but he really loved the petting zoo. He even pet
the boa constrictor!! Just like his Pop!!

Curran and his Pop

2008-04-19T06:02:00.000-07:00

And some more pics...

2008-04-19T05:41:00.001-07:00

More Pics

2008-04-19T05:41:00.000-07:00

Curran and his little friend, Meghan at Brook Run Park

More Recent Pics

2008-04-19T05:40:00.000-07:00

Dancing to Alvin & The Chipmunks

2008-04-18T15:39:00.001-07:00

Pay attention to the cat that runs away after Curran starts dancing. Poor Cat!!

Today...

2008-04-18T09:43:00.000-07:00

Just got back from the grocery store where Curran charmed all the customers and even charmed one staff member out of two balloons!

Yesterday, he fell and bumped his head hard on the hardwood floors. He got a big goose egg, but soon calmed down and has been okay. I, on the other hand, want to wrap him in cotton or bubble wrap so that he never gets hurt again. It scared me, but he seems to be taking it in stride. It's not the first time he's bumped his head. Just hope it's the last.

He is so expressive. Today he pointed to his bump and said, "Daddy kissed it and it's better." How sweet is that. I called Pradeep and sure enough, he kissed it just before Curran fell asleep last night. What a memory.

I had him memorize the grocery list today and he didn't forget anything. How cool is that?

My parents came to visit last weekend while Pradeep was out of town. Mom gave him "Alvin and the Chipmunks". I'm going to try to upload the video onto the blog so that you can see him dancing with the movie. Hysterical. He is so much fun. Update: looks like it's taking a little longer to send the video, but it will be on here soon.

Now that it's pretty outside, we've started going to the park again. Yesterday he met a little girl named Meghan and they had a blast. I took some good pics that I'll try to upload soon.

Funny....

2008-04-05T13:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Curran and I went to Barnes and Noble to look around. I picked out three little books to get him. I showed them to him and asked if he wanted them. He said, "No. Too silly." I laughed and laughed. What is he? 40?

I have added some photos of us in Disney World a few weeks ago and had a blast. Curran loved it.

Future Squash Player

2008-04-01T17:30:00.000-07:00

Curran picked up one of Pradeep's old racquets and showed us forehand
and backhand. I mean he actually said, "Forehand and Backhand" as he
was demonstrating his strokes. Remember, he's only 2!! and he had
pretty good form.

Update on Curran

2008-03-31T21:45:00.000-07:00

Curran is now 2 and I can't believe it. Where has the time gone? I have been remiss in posting for the past year, but I'm determined to keep it up now.

Curran has grown into the most wonderful little boy. He has language and reasoning skills far beyond his years and constantly amazes us. He attends a MMO two days a week and they think he's just the most adorable child. He touches anyone who sees him, even at the grocery store. He says Hello to anyone he sees and is not shy at all.

We went to Disney World last week and had a great time. He loved it. We rode rides and had our picture made with Mickey. To see these photos and others, visit www.flickr.com/jollyfamily.

He is very close to his Daddy and seems to be more attached to him right now. But from what I've read and heard, this is normal and you actually want them to do this. I guess that's so they don't become a Mama's Boy later on.

But I have the best time with him. We sing in the car while we drive around, and he points things out to me that I would not have seen otherwise. He's funny and quick-witted; basically he's a blast to be around!!

Now that I'm back, make sure you visit often for updates.

Curran's Day at Wills Park

2007-04-24T13:01:00.001-07:00

Check out my voice story at http://beta.myfamily.com/shares?aid=yTqDgG4-tSA$.

First Birthday Eve

2007-01-24T17:48:00.000-08:00

As I sit here on the night before Curran's first birthday, I can't help reflecting over the past year. One year ago, Dr. Sharon admitted me to the hospital to begin induction the next day. I went into labor around 4 am and I must admit, the first thing I did was ask the nurse to call the anesthesiologist! I have to admit, now, that I wish I had tried to stay calm and breathe through it. I suppose the issue was that I was asleep and the labor pains woke me up with a vengeance and were coming very quickly. I didn't have time to ease into it or get used to it. It was just there. And after 10 hours or so, it was time to push. That, of course, was when the real trouble began, but I'll spare you. Curran was born at 5:05pm and was amazing from the start. It was apparent that he had fought a brave fight to get here as evidenced by the bruises all over him. But he was calm and sweet and looking in our eyes from the start.

I remember those first few months when he would wake up about 2 or 3am. I would hold him and feed him thinking that we were the only ones awake at that time. It felt so personal and private and safe. The world is different at that time. It's quiet and dark and calm. Even the birds are asleep. Only the moon, my baby boy, and me.

I've watched him grow from a kicky-pants baby to a kicky-pants almost toddler and have been amazed by every moment. I love to show him something and then sit back and watch him figure it out. I love his laugh when I'm being silly; he gets me and not many people do. I love to make up crazy songs that only he and I know and watch him begin to dance at the first note.

The latest thing for him to start doing is hugging me tight and sharing his snacks with me. I'm happy to say that he is a sweet-natured boy and is loved by everyone who sees him. I am looking forward to this next year of discovery with Curran, both for him and for me. Never has a mother loved a son more than this one.

Mommy's Boy

2007-01-16T17:58:00.000-08:00

Curran is the sweetest little love bug and he definitely prefers his Mommy and Daddy to anyone else. He has even begun to prefer us to Tina which he never did before. When we're in his playroom and I'm on the floor, he'll crawl over to me and climb up in my arms and hug me. At night, he sings me and song and tells me a story before he goes to sleep.

We're gearing up for his first birthday. Wow!! What a year! I'm recovering finally from all of the childbirth issues, but have also had some cough issues. But I finally saw a pulmonologist so I'm getting better from that as well.

Curran has five teeth and three other partial ones. He pulls up to standing very well, cruises, and is able to carefully sit down from a standing position. He has excellent balance. He is also getting very tall. At Christmas, he could not reach the top of the Laugh and Learn House and now he's as tall as the house and easily reaches it.

Of course this means he is into everything. I've had to babyproof everything in his playroom, even things I wouldn't have dreamed of. He has his own personality and opinions, but I do think that he gets over things very quickly. I can easily distract him with other things. He is sweet-natured and just gets slightly upset when something might now go his way. But he appreciates a patient, loving approach.

He loves his tubbies, but he has started trying to stand up in the tub. Of course, Mommy is right there to watch him. He is also fascinated with looking at himself in the mirror. He smiles and laughs and just loves it. He also loves to go to the store and ride in the cart.

He's becoming more interested in sitting and reading a book. He will also watch Zaboomafoo, Thomas and Friends, and he absolutely love Ellen and dances with her at the beginning. He tends to like girls with blonde hair- even on TV.

His birthday is on a Thursday, so we will have a little party on Saturday, the 27th. We'll have a Baby Einstein cake and smash cake, my parents will be here, Tina and Paul, of course Mommy, Daddy, and Cason and another friend of mine, Lesley. We'll just have a small celebration and takes lots of pics so stay tuned!!

Baby's First Christmas

2006-12-29T18:01:00.000-08:00

Well, we had a very low-key Christmas here. I began to get sick the Wednesday before Christmas and proceeded to get sicker and sicker until the doctor finally put me on antibiotics. I am just now getting some energy back and feeling like I'm not going to die. But that meant that I was droopy and sleepy and napping the whole time while Pradeep took care of the baby. He's a real champ, though and the baby loves him so much.

Curran really didn't realize too much except that there was a twinkly tree and he had some cool toys underneath it. He loves his barn- tries to imitate the sounds- very, very cute! And he loves his Laugh and Learn House. It's cool- it has a door and door bell, a mailbox, a radio, clock, light switch, and a bunch of other things that don't have to do with a house but are cute. It tells him what is happening when he does things and sings a song to him.

He woke up this morning sick, though, and I took him to the doctor. His ears and throat look pristine, but he may have a little cold from me. He is also cutting FOUR teeth at the same time. Poor little fella. He just wanted to be held and cuddled all day- he didn't even want to play and that is so not like him. But don't worry, Mommy is watching him close and taking good care of her baby!

His first birthday is coming up soon. I can't believe it. This last year has been a blur. He's set to walk any day now and is always doing new and wonderful things. What a miracle he is!

Approaching Curran's First Christmas

2006-12-17T18:54:00.000-08:00

Curran's first Christmas is coming and he'll be 11 months old that day. A lot has happened since last Christmas! I was very pregnant last year and now I have a little man who amazes me every day. He is cutting his 3rd and 4th teeth and is having quite a bit of pain these days, but he's very brave. We've known that since the day he was born. He is pulling up to standing but he doesn't know how to get back down- that's where Mommy comes in. He's very affectionate. When he's playing he regularly comes over to get a kiss and then go back to playing. I love to just lay on the floor next to him and watch him play and figure things out. Very smart!

For Christmas, he is getting some great things: Live and Learn Playhouse, Eebee learning system, Little LeapPad and books, Take along leap frog, a marionette doctor, some books, a Curious George with a Santa Hat- and this is just from his parents. My mother got him the FAO Schwartz Bear and a monogrammed rocking chair. Very sweet.

Yesterday we all went and had family photos- me, Pradeep, Curran and Cason. It actually was a lot of fun! Here is one of the good ones. I'll write more after Christmas.

Currans's First Thanksgiving

2006-11-30T17:12:00.000-08:00

Curran's first Thanksgiving went well. Pradeep's niece, Kiren, came to visit from San Francisco and he loved her! He would just look at her and flirt all the time. He really seemed to enjoy having Daddy home that week. Of course, he didn't partake of the holiday food, but he did try a piece of bread!

He now has his own playroom too. We set Cason up with all of his video games and the computer in the basement and turned the bonus room into Curran's playroom. It's babyproofed and all of his toys are in there. And he can pretty much roam free and have lots of fun there! He gets around very well by kinda dragging along. His own adaptation of the crawl. He stands assisted but isn't cruising yet.

He says Dada, Mama, Cat, Yea and is trying to say Good. He's eating great. He loves veggies and most fruits and loves baby yogurt! He does not like Egg yolks or most meats, though. He plays peekaboo with his bib. He will pull it up over his face and then pull it down after I ask "Where's the baby?" Then he laughs so hard. It's hysterical.

Anytime I sing or he hears music, he dances now. Very very cute!

9 Months Old!!

2006-11-12T15:28:00.000-08:00

Sorry it has been so long since I've posted, but you know how busy a baby can make things!! Curran had his first Halloween as a monkey. He went to a few houses close to us, but didn't know what was going on. He looked so cute as you can see from the pictures. Other new milestones are: he can crawl- well, drag- himself anywhere he wants to go, he weighs 21 pounds and is 30 inches long, he's eating more solid foods like teething biscuits and cheerios, he sits in a highchair in restaurants, he's beginning to try to use a sippy cup but not too well yet, he wears an 18 month size clothes, he says Cat, Key Kat, Da Da, Ma Ma (sometimes) and lots of other things in french so I can't understand him. He likes most foods but not beef or turkey and not carrots that are not from the jar. He loves ham, though. Maybe it's the salt.

This past week I had some minor surgery, and Curran's care had to be split between Pradeep, Tina, and my parents and he's not quite recovered from it. He's a bit fussy, but seems to have calmed down today some. I think his teeth are bothering him as well.

He will also share his biscuit if you ask him for some. Very sweet.

Well, gotta go eat. More later!

First time in grocery cart!

2006-10-09T09:02:00.000-07:00

October Firsts

2006-10-09T08:22:00.000-07:00

Curran is changing every day! He has tried his first finger foods and Zwieback toast and loved it! He's trying to use a sippy cup and as you can see, he can read the newspaper! Well, not quite, but he's working on it. Yesterday he had fun watching NFL with Daddy. He has 2 teeth and is cutting a third. He will be 9 months old at the end of this month. He's a very sweet and loving baby and I enjoy every minute with him!

New Jog Stroller

2006-09-25T16:44:00.000-07:00

Pradeep bought me a jog stroller so that I can get out in this beautiful weather with Curran and maybe get in shape!! Here he is in the stroller!

Update

2006-09-24T15:57:00.000-07:00

At 8 months, Curran is changing every day. He has one tooth with another coming out any day now. He can sit up on his own and can standing holding onto furniture for long periods of time. Up to 30 minutes sometimes. He is constantly exploring his environment and figuring out how things work. He is adding new foods like lentils and potatoes to his diet and doing great! He sleeps about 10-11 hours each night. He is almost always in a great mood and is so much fun to be around. I am loving being a mom!!!

Saying Mama!

2006-09-12T08:08:00.000-07:00

Well, Curran knows how to say Mama and it is the sweetest sound in the world. I have to thank my husband for this. He worked with him and worked with him so that he would say Mama first, and he did!! He is such a smart little boy and so sweet and funny. We have the best time together. He has a bouncer where he can jump up and down and play with these toys. He loves it and I think it is making his legs very strong. He'll be trying to walk very soon. He is trying to talk more and wants to so badly. He will just on and on with some story and is so cute and serious about it.

We went to Family Time at Rameshori for the first time on Sunday and it was so much fun. The other kids loved having a baby in the class and he looked so grown up sitting in his Bumbo Seat. He was calm during the class, drank a bottle, and took a nap during the meditation. He seemed to really enjoy it. He got very excited when he saw Dorje Shugden!! I supposed having 3 eyes and riding a lion might do that to you!! The class is excellent and is lead by Kelsang Nyema who is very good with the children. I love the way she explains things and this will help me to be skillful in explaining things to Curran as he gets older. Geshe-la hasn't really written anything for children that I know of. Anyway, it was fun!

Labor Day at Mimi and Pop's

2006-09-11T08:23:00.000-07:00

More milestones

2006-08-24T07:35:00.000-07:00

This morning, Curran grabbed his bottle and drank it all by himself with no help from Daddy! And he waved at me! I read up on 8 month milestones and at 6 months, he was meeting most of them already. He picks up objects and turns them in his hand while examining them. He has this real serious look on his face and is totally engrossed in the task at hand. He is very, very bright!

Seven Months Old!

2006-08-23T12:44:00.001-07:00

This friday Curran will be 7 months old. How time flies!! He is trying to crawl, but I suspect that he will skip that altogether and try to cruise or walk. His legs are very strong. He is sitting up much better and is using the Bumbo seat a lot. He is a great eater- likes all foods except for peaches. He especially likes green veggies. He is turning out to be a very sweet, affectionate baby. Last night we were alone and we sat for a solid hour being very quiet. His head was against my chest and I believe he was listening to my heart. He was awake but just very still and quiet. Soo sweet. I cherish these moments with my little man. This is an amazingly joyful experience!!

A Long Overdue Update

2006-08-10T18:55:00.000-07:00

Curran is now over 6 months old and is changing by leaps and bounds. He's scooting/crawling, eating solid foods like a champ, starting to use a sippy cup, and is the funniest, sweetest, most affectionate babies in the world. He's teething so he drools a lot and is only mildly fussy from time to time, but not bad. He's chewing on everything, including me!! He's moved from the newborn tub to the infant tub and absolutely loves his baths. He gets beside himself when his Dad comes in the room- he's so excited. He just kicks and kicks and screams at the top of his lungs. He's just trying out his lungs and has a great set!!! He's so cute- we get into a contest but he usually wins.

He can now pick up a soccer ball and toss it back to you. And the other day, he actually pet Beau, our cat, and was so sweet and gentle. He didn't try to pull his fur or anything. It seemed like he really knew how to pet the kitty.

We took him to the beach last week, but it was soooo hot. The whole country is going through a heatwave and Hilton Head Island is no different. There were extreme heat warnings everyday of 110-115 degrees. So the baby and I stayed inside a lot. But he was a great sport!!

6 Months!!

2006-07-22T17:58:00.000-07:00

Curran is now 6 months old and he has grown so much. He is now eating solid foods and loves everything but peaches. He even likes peas and green beans!! He is a very loving and sweet baby. He sleeps well and loves to play. I am so proud to be his mommy. Here is some pics we took today.

First time in High Chair

2006-07-07T18:36:00.000-07:00

Today Curran tried out his high chair that his Mimi and Pop gave him. He loved it. It's very cute (see pic) and has some toys to distract him while I make the food. He's getting stronger and stronger and sitting up better. He'll be crawling soon!!

Things I love about my baby!

2006-07-07T18:33:00.000-07:00

I love the way he smells, even at the end of the day when he's been sweating or he's covered in baby food.
I love the way he looks like a shiny new penny when he's had a bath.
I love that he's always in a good mood in the morning and greets me with a smile.
I love the way he lights up when I enter a room.
I love rocking him at night and before he falls asleep, he just sits quietly and stares at my face while stroking my cheek.
I love his little fat fingers and toes.
I love the dimple in his chin.
I love the way he can go to the Aquarium for hours and not cry.
I love the way he screams out just to hear himself scream.

Well, I've made my point. I love everything about him. He is my heart.

Green Beans and Sea Otters

2006-07-03T15:39:00.000-07:00

Curran started eating solid foods a few weeks ago after his 4 month check-up. At first he hated it, but now he seems to be getting used to it. So I introduced his first green veggie yesterday-green beans- and he loves them!! The only things he doesn't like so far are carrots and peaches, but I'll try again later. He loves apples and pears, butternut squash and of course sweet potatoes!!

We all went to the Aquarium today and were there for several hours in the biggest crowd you've ever seen. And Curran did fabulous. Not one whimper or anything. He was in his snuggli (See pic) and even took a nap while in it. We were all pretty tired when it was over, but I was so proud of him. He just looked around and soaked it all in!!

First Family Disaster- I Mean Adventure!

2006-06-13T11:09:00.000-07:00

Last week, one of our sewer lines broke and flooded the basement. Pee Ewwww! So we had to go live in a hotel for about 3 days. The first hotel had a spotlight trained on the window so the baby was up all night. The second hotel had construction going on and the air conditioner didn't work right. But I have to say that the baby was a real trooper. He really didn't give us much trouble and was very sweet. But we were all dropping on our feet by the time we got to come home. Poor Pradeep. He stayed at the house and did most of the cleanup with the ServPro people. Now we're trying to sift through things and throw stuff away or donate it. We needed to do it anyway, this just gives us the incentive to get it done. After we're done, we'll have a nice new clean basement for Curran to play in.

First solid food!

2006-06-05T18:28:00.000-07:00

Curran has now tried rice cereal and hates it. You'll see in this picture that a lot of it doesn't stay in his mouth!! But don't worry, I have my ways of making him swallow it!! He's getting so big!!

Four Months!

2006-06-03T19:00:00.000-07:00

Curran had his 4 month check up yesterday. He's over 14 pounds and 25.5 inches long. He's right on track developmentally. He had four shots and did great- very brave!! The only issue is that because he has to sleep on his back (to prevent SIDS), he has developed positional plagiocephaly. In plain English, he has a flat spot on his head. Dr. Jernigan has referred us to Orthotics at Children's Hospital Of Atlanta and he should be just fine. No real problems. He is getting bigger and brighter every day!! I have attached a pic of him in his new activity center. This will help him to stay off the back of his head while he plays!!

Growing up too fast!

2006-05-24T12:33:00.000-07:00

Curran is 17 weeks old and is growing up before my very eyes. Every day it seems he is doing something different. He focuses on our lips and tries to mimic our sounds. He blows bubbles with his mouth. He claps his hands (albeit sporadically). He's always in such a good mood on the changing table and this morning he got so excited that he looked like Taylor Hicks on American Idol (which is cute on a baby, not cute on a 29 year old prematurely grey guy from Alabama). He is sleeping through the night from about 6:30pm to 6am or so. My favorite thing is the smile he gives me when I walk in there first thing in the morning. Melts my heart (which totally belongs to him!). He is so bright and inquisitive. We are teaching him baby signs and he really seems to be paying attention. And it's fun for me too. I always wanted to learn how to sign and now is my chance!

I had to see the OB again this week for a problem from the delivery. He thinks I should be okay now after some minor "surgery" in the office. I hope so. I'm so ready to be back to normal. I'm beginning to exercise again with walks. I'm also going to restart yoga and pilates and some strengthening exercises. It would also be nice to be able to swim some too. I'll have to tag team it with Pradeep so we can both exercise and watch the baby.

We changed some things around in his nursery recently when we bought a changing table. Prior to this, we had the changing pad on the dresser top. Amazingly, it now looks more spacious and less cluttered in there even though there is one extra piece of furniture. It is still my favorite room in the house! Mainly because my little man is in there. And because it is peaceful.

He went to the dentist with me and smiled the whole time. Hope it sows the seeds for good visits to the dentist in the future. He wowed all the ladies with his eyelashes!!

Stay tuned for more adventures in Raising Curran!

My first Mother's Day!!

2006-05-14T15:30:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful Mother's Day. I received Crazy Daisies from Pradeep (see pic). Daisies are my favorite flower and Pradeep knew that. Then I got a lovely card from Pradeep, a funny one from the cats (no you are not adopted) and a beautiful necklace from Curran (see pic). Then we all went out to breakfast (sans cats) and went to Pradeep's club to watch him play squash. Unfortunately, Curran did not like all the noise and we had to cut it short and come home. But all in all it was a wonderful day. Also see the pics of Curran in his big boy soccer uniform!! Bend it like Beckham, Curran!

First day in big boy stroller!

2006-05-12T15:19:00.000-07:00

We went for a walk today and I put him in the stroller without the infant car seat. He loved it and promptly fell asleep!! It has a great cover that goes all the way over him and protects him from the wind and sun!! My boy is getting so big!!

First trip out of town!

2006-05-10T07:23:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, Curran and I traveled to Alabama all by ourselves. The trip over was rough. Only one lane of traffic was open on part of the interstate so it delayed me for over an hour. I had to drive way out in the country to get around it. The baby was very good, but he wouldn't eat. I was having some problems myself so that didn't make it easier. But we finally got there after 5 hours and we had a nice visit. Mom had set up a crib in my room and a nice changing area on one of the twin beds so it was an easy transition. I know Curran enjoyed seeing his Mimi and Pop. They have a wonderful big front porch with a swing and rockers and we sat out there a lot. He liked looking at the birds, squirrels, and the windchimes. They even have big woodpeckers that come to their birdfeeder. It's like watching Animal Planet out there. And the weather was cool so it was very comfortable. On Saturday, Mom, Curran, and I met my friend David at Cypress Inn for dinner. It was nice to see him. We talked about how amazing it is that my life has changed so much in such a short time and how wonderful it is. I am very, very blessed to have my beautiful son, my wonderful supportive husband (not to mention cute), my sweet stepson, my lovely home, and a loving extended family. I am also very lucky to have found a great lady to care for Curran while I work part-time. Things are good! I rejoice!

Back to Work!

2006-04-27T11:56:00.000-07:00

I went back to work this week. I've done a lot better than I thought I would but by the third day (I'm working 3 days a week), I was starting to really have trouble. I just "spoke" to him on the phone and he sounded so sweet. I do know that this will be good for me to be out and about. It's definitely good for him to be with Tina as she is really stimulating him. They sing, play, read, etc.. all day long. He's very happy and calm when I get home. The only bad thing is that I don't get to see him for very long because he wants to go to sleep by about 6:30 or 7pm. But we're hanging in there. Wish us luck!

Mommy's Big Boy!

2006-04-22T10:48:00.000-07:00

Curran is getting so big as evidenced by these photos. He is cooing and laughing and getting more of his own personality. He has outgrown a lot of the clothes he was wearing, but don't worry, there's plenty more where they came from. I have a good time dressing him up. That's all for now- gotta feed the baby!

Almost 12 weeks!!

2006-04-16T16:56:00.000-07:00

We're coming up on the 12 week mark and he is changing every day. He discovered his hands about a week ago and now sucks on his fist to soothe himself. He is sleeping longer and longer at night. He's been laughing a little and smiling but today he actually laughed at something I was doing!! I can't descibe how I felt when he did that. It was like he discovered the cure for cancer or something!
He is a great dharma teacher as well. I have learned the importance of mindfulness because I could miss something important if I'm not mindful with a baby. I am also learning about impermanence because he is a different Curran every day (and I'm a different Mommy every day-hopefully better!). Our only issue is that he still prefers the right side even though he is able to turn his head to the left and seems fine with hearing and sight on that side. We just have to keep working with him and orienting him to that side.
Oh what a wonderful adventure this is!! I have to go back to work week after next and I'm not feeling so good about it. I have anxiety about leaving him- not that he won't be okay but that I won't be okay. Send good thoughts my way that I will get through it.
I had professional pictures made of him last week and he did NOT cooperate. But he's still a little young. We'll try it again soon.
Stay tuned!

Big Milestone

2006-04-09T13:12:00.000-07:00

Curran slept through the night 2 nights ago-from 7p to 6a. He didn't do it last night, but we're hopeful that he'll do it again soon! Check out these cute pics- he smiled for me!

Dancing baby!

2006-04-06T17:30:00.000-07:00

Curran received a new playmat from my friend Dawn today. It's the Baby Einstein water gym and it's so cute. When I put him on it and turned on the music, I swear it looked like he was bobbing his head to the music. I don't know if I've posted this yet or not, but my nickname for him is Budgie because he bobs his head like my parakeets used to. He's such a sweet and snuggly baby. I love being his mom.

Brave Baby!

2006-04-03T17:18:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday, Curran had 4 vaccinations (DTaP, Hib, Pneumococcus, and Polio). He was so brave. He cried for a few seconds and then I picked him up and he was calm. He is such a good brave baby!!

Curran at almost 10 weeks!

2006-04-03T17:07:00.000-07:00

Today Curran did the cutest thing. I started singing Patty Cake to him and he smiled and laughed!! So I kept singing and he kept laughing. Then we did Old McDonald and he liked it until I did a goose. He didn't like the honk. He's such a cute sweet baby. I'm so blessed to be his mommy.
These are some recent pics in his bear outfit. One of the last cold days he would be able to wear it.

9 Weeks!!

2006-03-29T18:42:00.000-08:00

Curran is 9 weeks old today. I can't believe it's only been 9 weeks since I was in the hospital so sick and giving birth. We've both come a long way. One of the cutest things he does now is to giggle in his sleep. He actually giggles and giggles in his sleep. I wonder what he is giggling about? I've been known to laugh in my sleep and wake myself up. I guess he gets it from me.
He pretty much has a routine now. He's awake mostly all morning except for maybe a 30 minute nap and he takes a longer one in the afternoon. He goes to bed for real at 7pm and I give him a dream feed at around 10pm. He then sleeps for 3-4 hours (once he went 5 hours!) and then wakes up again after 2 hours. It's basically the same every night.
He doesn't like his formula very much. We've tried a few versions of the Enfamil Lipil- the regular version makes him spit up, the Gentlease went right through him, and the AR seems to be best. It is rice starch and expands in his stomach so he doesn't spit up. But it's thicker and harder to drink through a nipple. There is no perfect one, I suppose.
He goes in for his 2 month check-up tomorrow and will get a lot of shots. I'm nervous for him and for me! I don't like to see my baby cry! And when he cries, it sounds like his heart is just broken. So pitiful!

Baby Bear Outfit

2006-03-29T18:40:00.000-08:00

Isn't my sweet baby cute in his baby bear outfit?!!!! He's 9 weeks old!!

Cute Pics

2006-03-25T10:45:00.000-08:00

These are some of the cutest we've taken!! Good Mood!!

All Smiles!

2006-03-24T04:35:00.000-08:00

This morning, Mister Curran was all smiles. He was so cute. I had him on the changing table and he was just looking up at me, wiggling, and smiling!!! That just melted my heart!!!!

Could not do this alone!

2006-03-23T12:45:00.000-08:00

I have to tell you that if it weren't for my supportive husband, I don't know what I'd do. I read all the time about women who complain that their husbands don't help, but thankfully I'm not one of them. In fact, he probably wishes I would help more. But we do work as a team to care for Curran. After working all day, he comes home and helps me with Curran, things around the house, and dinner!! I know he'll be embarrassed that I wrote this, but he truly is the best husband in the world!

He Wakes Up!!

2006-03-23T12:38:00.000-08:00

Later that day, he woke up and was being so cute on the changing table. He's wearing his cute tie-dyed onesie and of course you can see he has spit up on his shoulder!!

8 Week Picture

2006-03-23T12:37:00.000-08:00

My little man would not wake up for his picture but you can see how big and sweet he is!!

Curran and Tina, his nanny!

2006-03-22T17:59:00.000-08:00

This was taken when Curran was 2 weeks old.

8 Weeks!!

2006-03-21T17:50:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow Curran is 8 weeks old and boy has he changed. He is so big and beautiful. His skin is perfect and his eyebrows have become darker and more prominent in the last 2 days. He is smiling but I'm not sure it's a social smile, but more of a smile that you see by coincidence. But it's cute nonetheless. He is awake a lot during the day and really does not like to go down for a nap. He likes to be held!!! And I like to hold him. But as a consequence, I don't get much done around the house or meals. But that's okay. It keeps me thin and I get to hold my precious baby.

I only have 4 more weeks of maternity leave and I don't really like to think about it. It's going to be very hard to leave him but I have a wonderful lady taking care of him that loves him very much. Her name is Tina and she' great. He'll do well with her, I'm sure. He won't lack for love and attention, that's for sure!!

Anyway, that's about it for now. Stay tuned!!

The joy of childbirth?!!!

2006-03-21T17:40:00.000-08:00

I had always heard that the childbirth scenes in the movies are fakey and that the real thing is not that bad. I have also heard that if you had pain, you would forget the pain as soon as the baby is given to you. That is SO not true. Women who say that did not have the kind of pain that I, and some of my friends, experienced both during and after the delivery. I literally had pain for 6 weeks and still have pain if I stand too long. And I will not forget this. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Will I do it again? Hell no! I will stop with the perfect baby that I have now and just count my blessings. I don't want to scare anyone that hasn't had a baby because it may not be this way for you. But I was sick with toxemia and had a ton of edema from fluid retention. I literally blew up during labor and when we pulled back the sheet, we couldn't believe my feet. They look like little piggies!! Anyway, I won't get any more desciptive but I wanted to say this.

Morning Baby and Night Owl Mommy

2006-03-16T04:47:00.000-08:00

Anyone who knows me knows that I am not a morning person. So it is ironic that the sweet baby I've waited all my life for is a morning person. He is so sweet and playful in the morning that it melts my heart. I just give in and play- and surprisingly I like it!! I also get a lot done and I'm more alert. Just think of what I could have achieved had I gotten up early.

Curran is a little over 7 weeks old now. He is trying to smile at me but isn't quite there. He's focusing a lot more and is awake more during the day. We spend that time playing on the playmat and tummy time, swinging, reading and singing, or out running errands and visiting friends. I'm grateful to finally be feeling good enough to enjoy being off with my baby. I can't believe I have to go back to work in less than 5 weeks. It's going to be sooooo hard.

Well, baby waking up so gotta go! Tune in again for more updates.

Whew! What a Day!

2006-03-13T14:27:00.000-08:00

Pradeep went back to work today after being off a week, and I realize how spoiled I was having him to help. I wanted to run some errands today and it took me until 1pm to get out the door. I didn't put my breakfast dishes away until 5 pm. and I thought I'd gotten Curran down for a nap, but he is still fussing. Calgon, take me away!!! We did get the errands done and he was so sweet while we were out, but he doesn't want to rest right now. Anyway, gotta go get him!!

Mimi and Pop's Visit

2006-03-12T18:25:00.000-08:00

My Mom and Dad came for a short visit to hold and cuddle Curran. He loved it!! Of course, after they left, he didn't want to be put down- wanted to be held all day. But that's okay. He's soooo sweet.

Mobile Milestone

2006-03-12T15:01:00.000-08:00

I had just put Curran in his crib to make a bottle and I heard him cooing and making little noises other than cries and he was following the animals around in a circle with his eyes and batting at them!! Big milestone!!

Six and a half weeks

2006-03-12T11:58:00.000-08:00

Curran is now 6.5 weeks old and boy has he changed. He's gone from 6 pounds, 6 ounces to about 9 pounds now. My back hurts!! He's doing great. He recognizes his Mommy and Daddy and is having more purposeful movements. He's such a joy! When he gazes up at me with those clear slate grey eyes, my heart just melts. We're pretty tired around here. He gets up every 3 hours at night still, but Pradeep is helping sooo much.

He's a calm baby but has had issues with gas and some fussiness with his feedings. But if we take it slow, he does better. He gives perfect cues about his needs- chews his fist when he's hungry, yawns when he's sleepy, cries when he's bored!! He enjoys his playmat with his animals and rattle, and he loves mirrors- he gets to see the cute baby!!

We can't wait for his first "social" smile, but he is smiling and giggling in his sleep already. He's a noisy sleeper!! He likes the white noise machine, but he fights the swaddle. We're going to try the Halo Sleepsack soon, but I'm not too optimistic about him taking to it quite yet. He still startles himself awake with his arms.

He's lost a lot of his hair in the front so he has male-pattern baldness!! But he's very cute if I must say so myself- and I will.

I love being his mommy. I now know what I have lived for all these years! I waited a long time for this and I'm enjoying every moment. To have this beautiful little boy is such a blessing.

Stay tuned for more adventures in "Raising Curran".

2006-03-12T11:44:00.000-08:00

My Little Man in his big boy outfit-taken March 13, 2006.