Gavin's Three & Growing Boy

After our last few visits at the old pediatric (between Dr. Staats & Dr. Murphy), I wasn't impressed and decided to leave their practice and try something else closer to home.  I took Gavin into the new ped that our friend had recommended and unfortunately had another bad experience.  The entire visit, Dr. Dubinski made me feel like a terrible mom and that essentially every decisions (from vaccination to not going to a ped dentist) I've ever made was wrong.  She rudely interrupted me and her mannerism the entire time was awful!  So thankful that's over with!  As it turned out (according to my friend) every doctors there are great except her.  Note to self for next time.  Here are his stats:

Height: 38.5 in

Weight: 33.2 lb

compared to Ethan at three.  Gavin also had to get three shots for preschool in the Fall: Hib, Pneumococcal and Chicken Pox which he was NOT happy about at all!

The next day, the DeMoulins, Ryan & Su came over to help us celebrate a robot party. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We love you Gavin!

Growing Boy

Gavin had a 2-1/2 year wellness check up and here are some new measurements:

Height: 36.5 in

Weight: 31 lb

He also got two shots of Hep A and Hep B and did one of those "Whoa, whoa, whoa" and panicked a little.  But he never cried.  Then he wanted a sucker after that.  Second child just figures things out so much faster.  What happened to just getting a sticker for being brave?   

Growing Boy

We had Gavin's 18 month check up today and came home with these stats:

Weight: 25 lb 12 oz (50th percentile)

Height: 32-1/2 in (75th percentile)

Also got a DTaP shot and hardly knew what hit him.  Definitely slowing down compared to Ethan at 18 months.

Louisville and Other Updates

Two weeks ago, the Deerings made a side trip (from Aaron's conference in MD) to visit us.  It was fun to see old friends and just catch up on life.  We've actually gotten to see each other every year for the past three years now.  So we might have to keep up this tradition =0)

Took them to the Great Falls,

The National Mall,

And a double date at Farmers, Fishers, Bakers in Georgetown, DC

After they left, we celebrated our 9th Anniversary by...packing like crazy for the next day big road trip to Kentucky.  The vacation itself sounded like fun, but the thought of driving 10 hours with our boys was not.  I've dreaded it x10 as we tried to figure out the best way to do this.  Do we drive through the night?  If they sleep that's great, but we'll be exhausted when we get there.  But if they don't sleep and have melt downs in the middle of nowhere, then what?  So we've talked it through like a hundred times and finally decided to just get up in the morning, have breakfast and then go.

Trip #1: Excited and entertained by the new coloring/activity/library books, markers & crayons and snacks.  We made it to a Burger King with a gigantic play land for lunch.  Perfect!
Trip #2: In the car and both kids were out until we were 45 minutes out to see our friends, the McCallisters.  Awesome!  So glad they just recently moved back because not only did we get to visit with them & their twins, but it gave us a half way point to stop and stay the night.

Trip #3: 2-1/2 hour into the trip the next morning, the kids were getting antsy and ready to get out.  As we were just getting ready to stop for lunch, we looked around and both kids simultaneously are zonked out.  We're not stopping now so we were able to push through until we got to our hotel.  What are the chances of that!  

Even though it has been over a year, it took only about two seconds for Ethan to get over his shyness once he saw his cousins. Oh how he loved seeing them and playing with them again.  They all seriously entertained each other the.entire.time. and freeing me only to one child which was really nice.  Contrast to our Ft. Myers trip (when Ethan was Gavin's age) we had to stick pretty close to our naps, etc in order to avoid meltdowns, I definitely felt more 'lax this time around.  It helped to know that Gavin can shutdown and go to sleep a lot easier than Ethan ever could.

We hit the Louisville Zoo on Sat.

 

 First ever, a Billman baby falling asleep in the stroller

 Loved the cousins time

Then biking on the sully at the Riverfront on Sunday:

 

Trip #4: Note: the DVD player didn't even come out until this last leg of the trip.  Headed out after breakfast and stopped at a random Christian college to each lunch and stretch our legs.  Back in the car, Gavin fell asleep and within 1/2 hour Ethan fell asleep.  We stopped again at a truck stop to let the kids run around.  Bought dinner and ate in the car.  We decided to push through and get home so I had to get in the backseat to entertain Gavin with only 1-1/2 hour to go.  Eventually made it home and everyone was so happy to be back.  Even now I still cannot believe The Billmans family did it without a single meltdown!  That will have to go down in our history book =0)  The Lord was with us indeed!  Now the possibilities are endless I wonder where should we go to next...

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Other than that, Ethan finished up his preschool last week and oddly enough I was more emotional about it than he was.  But then I realized that even though he attended preschool back in Iowa, he never got a chance to finish since we moved away.  So for him to be able to complete this year felt like a bit accomplishment and also a milestone that he's growing up.  This is what his teacher said about him:

"We have enjoyed having Ethan in class this year.  He is a leader and is well liked by his peers.  Enjoy your summer!"

On the same note, I was able to find a (reasonably priced) Christian preschool that teaches Bible/Christian curriculum in the classroom that we will be attending next year.  The hours are a little funky than what he's used to which is T/TH am and W pm.  But hopefully Ethan should be okay with his naps dwindling more and more.  We're excited!

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I also took Gavin to the ped for his 15 month check up that same day.  He got his delayed Polio and MMR shots that he was supposed to have gotten back in February.  The doctor finally cleared him for those since he only had fluid in his ears with no infections.  Here are some new stats:

Weight: 25 lb. 1 oz.
Height: 32 1/4 in.

Ethan's Four

Such a fun but busy week while Brian's parents visited so that is why I haven't been on here.

Thursday last week, I took both Ethan and Gavin in to the doctor for their check ups.  It was forever loooong with two antsy kids.  So thankful their Nana was here to help.  Honestly, I'm not sure how I would have made it through that appointment by myself.  I don't have Ethan's stats written down, but Gavin is 21 lb 9.5 oz and 30 inches tall.  What's a visit without getting shots right?  Ethan got a DTaP and Polio and Gavin got Polio.  Two suckers and a Halloween candy later and we were good to go.

Saturday, Ethan turned 4 and we took a special trip to the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History.  It was such an awesome museum with so much to see.  We've only made it through the Ocean Hall and Dinosaurs because needing to break for lunch.  After that, everyone was too tired to go back.  So we'll have to visit again soon.

 At the sculpture garden nearby - can you believe all these greenery in Nov?

 The biggest anticipation of the day!

Lots of new toys to play with

 

Thanks Nana and Grandpa for being here and making it extra special for the Birthday Boy!!!

Growing Boy

Gavin turned 7 months and got a DTaP shot.  His two bottoms teeth finally poked through.

Growing Boy

Got a sitter and took Gavin in to the Ped today and it was just so nice to bring one child in at a time.  Here is his 5-1/2 mo stats.  I know kinda weird, but I guess they do the check up differently here.

Height: 27" (90th percentile)

Weight 18 lb 9 oz (75-90th percentile)

He also got a DTaP shot and apparently I didn't distract him at the exactly right moment.  As the needle entered the leg, his eyes got SO big and out came the crying and tears.  I felt so bad.  At least Gavin doesn't remember it like Ethan does now because to Ethan going to the Ped = shot.  Anyway, the doctor gave an okay to start solid so we'll do that soon.  He seemed interested since he's always grabbing for our food and drinks.  Other than that, Gavin has gotten to this "antsy" stage where he wants up all the time and don't ever stay where you left him.  A true boy indeed!  He'll keep on rolling until he runs into something...including Kaika so then he just smiled at him and touched his paws.  It was really cute although we really have to keep a closer eyes on him.

p.s.  In case you were curious (like I was) to how the two boys compare, check this post.  They are almost identical!

Growing Boy

Finally made to the pediatrician today for Gavin's 2 month check up.
Height: 25 1/2 in (96th percentile)
Weight: 13 lb 10 oz (68th percentile)
While there he also got the DTaP vaccine and didn't even know what hit him.  Ethan also did super well the whole time and was an awesome big brother.  However, we will need to look for a different office because the receptionist there was really rude & cranky and the doctor wouldn't allow us to do our own vaccination schedule.  I miss Dr. Omar our old ped from back home!

Ethan's Three

Last week, Ethan turned 3 and over the weekend we had an Elmo party for him. Brian's parents came to join the celebrations and made it extra special. He loved it all!


I just cannot believe this lil' guy of ours is 3 already!


Oh, he devoured that cake and ice-cream



He also went in for his annual check up and came home with some stats. Height: 40 in, weight: 35.7 lbs and unfortunately had to get another Hep B shot.

Happy Birthday Buddy. We love you a lot, a lot!

Mamma Wisdom of the Week

Took Ethan in today to get a couple of vaccinations, Hep A & Hep B. As soon as I turned into the parking lot, he knew exactly where he was and what happened here last time. He kept saying, "Legs hurt" and didn't want to go in. Anyway, I was able to coerce him inside saying that it'll be okay. I must say though this time I came prepared. As soon as those shots were given and the tears were streaming down, I busted out a dum dum. It's amazing how that lil' sucker made EVERYTHING all better =0) He even got some stickers from the nurse. We then spent the rest of the morning at the museum where he ran around and forgot all about the pain.

As for the potty training, I wasn't exactly sure what to do since we had a doctor's appointment this morning so I put him in an underwear and then a diaper over. Since I didn't take him to the toilet when we got there, he wet his underwear. So I ended up just changing him into a diaper. But when we got to the museum, I had him tried out the toilet and he actually went. (I was surprised since last time we tried the big toilet at home, he kinda freaked out). *sigh* The logistic behind all this is really confusing to me, but eventually we'll get the hang of it soon. I guess wherever we go I just need to bring a lot of change of clothes.

I was also reading in Momsense magazine and it said, "...potty training has become spiritual. God is teaching me about his love and forgiveness and reminding me to extend it to my daughter [son]..." Such a good reminder.

Brave Boy

I took Ethan in today to get some vaccinations for preschool this fall. And to make a long story short, I went in hoping to get Ethan's shots and sign a release form for his record (since our pediatrician moved and opened his own office). But of course it didn't go as planned. They have me signed the form but couldn't give the shots all the while being snubby and being semi-rude. Luckily, I was able to get in right away at the new office. 40 minutes later with 3 shots in the legs, we were out of there. Poor Ethan, his face was so red! He repeatedly cried "All done" and "See Daddy" and I think made the nurse feel bad. When he got home, he got two stickers - one for being super good at the doctor's offices and one for being BRAVE, and some smarties too! That made it all better =0)

For my record: Chicken pox, HIB, Pneumococcal.

Growing Boy

We went in for our 18 months check up today and got some new growth measurements:
  Weight: 29 lb. 5 oz. (95th percentile)
Height: 34 1/2 in. (85th percentile)
Ethan sat on my lap the whole visit and wasn't even squirmy. That's the first! He also got the DTaP shot and did super well. I also realized today that early morning appointment = shorter waiting time = less rushing doctor. It was nice that we were in and out of there in half an hour. I hardly even have to dig into our toy bag. From now on I'm definitely booking all appointments in the morning!

Growing Boy

Ethan had a check up appointment today and got some new growth measurements:
Weight: 25 lb. 12 oz. (85th percentile)
Height: 31 in. (85th percentile)
He also had MMR and Polio shots and let's just say the lil' guy was NOT happy! It was so much harder now to distract him so he definitely knew it was coming. He cried and cried and cried. Poor thing! =0(

Growing Boy

We had Ethan's appointment today and got some new growth measurements:
Weight: 22 lb. 15 oz. (80th percentile)
Height: 29-1/4 in. (75th percentile)
Slowing down a little even though he'll now be moving into the convertible car seat! Anyway, Ethan also got a Polio shot while we're there and the nurse said something about making sure to keep his right leg moving today. I had to chuckle to myself thinking, "Oh that shouldn't be a problem." ;0)

Growing Boy

I took Ethan in for a check up today and got some new growth measurements.
Weight: 21 lb. (95th percentile)
Height: 29 in. (97th percentile)
Yup, he's still a tall, big boy with a small head =0)

Growing Boy

Ethan turns 5 months today! Anyway, thanks to the four people who voted on Ethan's weight. And now for the answer *drum roll please*...18 lb. 10 oz. Congratulations to the winner whoever you are! Sorry I don't have any prizes for you or anything. So yup, our little guy (who's not so little anymore) is still up there in the 90th percentile. I will be starting him on cereal and some baby food here pretty soon. We'll see how he likes it although I have a feeling it won't be too much of a problem since he's such a good little eater.

Naked Baby!
Helping Mamma with laundry =0)

Healthy & Happy

Today, we had our 2 month appointment with Dr. Omar and I'm glad to say Ethan weighed in at 14 lb. 11 oz. He is now in the 95th percentile which is a good sign considering he had a rough start. But wow that's a huge jump from the previous 10th percentile he was in at the two week visit. I guess he was playing catch up big time which explained why he's all chub now =0)
@ birth -> 8 lb. 2 oz.
@ 2 weeks -> 7 lb. 2 oz.
@ 3 weeks -> 7 lb. 10 oz.
@ 4 weeks -> 7 lb. 15 oz.
@ 5 weeks -> 8 lb. 15 oz.

Look at the rolly pollies!
While we were there, Ethan also got the DTaP vaccines and just that one. And let me tell you, there are just so many vaccination schedules and opinions out there it was really overwhelming for us. Brian did a lot of reading and research and as of last night we still weren't quite 100% sure of which ones to do. So we prayed and asked for God's wisdom to guide us with this. Once we talked to Dr. Omar about the pros and cons, we felt at peace and went with it. It was nice that he didn't pressured us into what we weren't comfortable with and ultimately let us make our own decision. Now let's just hope Ethan took the vaccines well and won't actually come down with a fever or any sickness.