Saturday Morning

Well Obie is doing good. He has lost all of his baby features and looks more like a toddler now. Its a sad day in Obie history. Obie does have a few new additions to his arsenal of baby skills. He has perfected the arts of speed crawling, climbing on all furniture, begging, faux crying, sneaking, and getting hand prints where no human could before. Oh. And he also has this extra sensory perception that triggers whenever Mommy and Daddy entertain the thought of Alone-Time. But yes, he is a healthy, happy baby. In other news, we do have several new pictures and movies that need to be uploaded, but unfortunately what I thought was a move to newer technology, i.e. the move to Vista, has created a barrier between me and those pictures. My computer instantly detects the memory card and thinks it needs a complete format, making it impossible to get my media off of the card. I will have to find another way to get to them.

Sorry guys.

I know its been a slack job I've been doing on this blog, but when life gets going, things get left behind. Obie is doing great as far as development. Already 8 and a half months old, he can already stand, likes to try to eat everybody else's food, takes drinks out of actual glasses and if the mood takes him, out of his sippy cup. He also still sleeps in our bed all night and likes to keep his hands above his head when he sleeps. A new development though, he can get up on his feet on his own, but has not figured out to lift the REST of his body into a standing position. He's getting there. Soon he will be walking. Another development is his temper and his tantrums. He takes well from both his mother and father. He throws a fit when he doesn't get to eat big people food and starts to pretend to cry. If that doesn't work, he scrunches his nose and does a sort of throaty growl. It really isn't effective, but VERY cute. I'll try to catch one on video. Check back soon. I need to post all the rest of the videos so I can clear off the camera for more pictures.

On a side note, I want to thank everyone who joined and is participating on the Geni website. The family tree is growing very big very fast and it would be great to get it even BIGGER. Just fill out your profile, upload some pictures of yourself and family (if this is a problem, email either myself or Celeste to have the picture uploaded) and add or update the Geni tree. Again if any assistance is needed, Celeste and I are available to assist. And be assured, no information is available to the public. I set all privacy settings to FAMILY ONLY, so this is by invite only. No one outside can access or see your information.

I'm back.

A week later and I am able to post those videos I promised..

Obie Crying

Trying to catch Obie doing something that at the moment cant remember what, but he just got upset and wanted to cry.

/UPDATE/ I remember now. I was trying to catch him do "the look." You know the one. Mom does it all the time. So does Dwayne Johnson.

First Time with the Bottle

This was the first success with the bottle. Now he refuses to even look at them.

Obie with his Grandma

Obie sitting with his grandmother just looking around. We learned early on that night that he likes to be where the talking is. Otherwise he gets upset.

Obie in his Swing

Obie just hanging out. He was sticking out his tongue at this point to signal that he is hungry.

I've got a few more recent ones. Still working at getting them online, so more to come. Also, there are some new pics on his album. Enjoy

-Benj

My Apologies

I have not kept up with the blog for a few weeks now and I do apologise for that. Life has just been topsey-turvey lately. I've relocated the residence and have changed jobs and both of those have put a serious drain on this family unit. We are just tired and overwhelmed with this change. I think Obie feels it the most though as he is really unsettled and VERY clingy, which was a radical change in persona for him. To make up for it, I have uploaded SEVERAL home movies and will post them all today. Keep in mind these are a bit out-dated, but as soon as I unpack the camera charger (wherever that is), I'll have a fresh video up. In the mean time, if you ever need any of us, you can find us with the provided contact information below:

9670 Forest Ln Apt 1112
Dallas, TX 75243
(972) 535-6046

... and for those of you with Skype, the Skype name is NebsiNsaNe (it's easier to just copy/paste the name).

-Benj

big updates...

After chasing after the wee one for an extended period of time, I have finally really have time to devote to blogging especially since today is rather momentous to say the least. Obie has finally started crawling with the traditional cross-crawl action, whereas for the past few weeks it's just been him doing "the worm". Earlier this week, he started to pull himself up to a standing position, which has resulted in quite a few bumps and boo-boos. Obie also called from his crib for "Da Da" this morning, he started saying "Ma Ma" a few weeks ago but only associates it with food. Two weeks ago he ate a fortune cookie, he seemed to like it. :) I'm going to try regular cheerios sometime next week!
On the size issue, he went to the doctor last Friday, here are the results:
27in long
18in head circumference
17lbs 11.5oz
I'm fairly sure that he's grown since then however, or at least he feels loads heavier.

Happy Fourth everyone!
P.S. Our plans of wrapping an American flag around Obie whilst naked were foiled by the fact that I wouldn't want him to pee on it :P

A Note

Obie's been swimming on the weekends and is getting very close to crawling (rocking back to front on all fours). Video of some swimming excursions can be seen on the picasa web album... 17lbs 4oz, 27inches in length, 18in for the head circumference as far as 21st of May... sorry to be so brief but more than anything he just likes to keep mommy on her toes 24/7. Will be at Grandma Elda's tomorrow. We'll also be moving in a week or so, so don't panic if you can't get a hold of us for a while due to the service changes etc.
--XOXOX

IKEA

We spent Easter Sunday at IKEA because it was supposed to rain that day and everyone did their Easter Barbecue on Saturday (that and we had a $20 off coupon good only that Sunday). Spent 3 hours wandering the store, getting ideas for the new apt and picking up a few knick knacks.. by the time we got to the check out line, though, Obie had developed quite an appetite. We weren't going to breastfeed him there as the lines were horrendous and slow moving.. too many wandering eyes and no real way to be modest while standing.. so we bottle fed him while he was in his car seat.. then the most hilarious thing happened! Obie grabbed his bottle and held it all on his own.. I was lucky enough to snag a photo of it too.. check it out!

-Benj

Geez..

Well last Wednesday we had to take little Obie to the doctor again because he had had a little fever for a day or two and then it spiked to 103.. so off to Dr. Morrill we go.. turns out he had an ear infection that the doc speculated caused the fever.. now Obie has to take that nasty, chalky, pink stuff I remember hating as a kid. And yes, he hates it too.. Then I came home today and my wife is pretty sick and the boyo has a rash.. still can't figure out what it is, but I better do so quick.. the doc is on vacation and Obie is NOT happy. Any ideas out there?

-Benj


UPDATE: Turns out its an allergic reaction to penicillin.

the way of insomnia and breastfeeding

Ear infections are messy, mean, evil things that certainly deprive mothers of sleep.
Or in the very least, this mother. It's become nearly old hat to have Obie wake up at about 2am ready to start to play; only to be let down that the lights will not come on, and that Daddy definitely won't wake up. So I'm usually awake from 2-4 trying to get the lil guy back to sleep. By the time that's happened, I've woken up enough to where I can't get back to sleep. People wonder why I'm cranky on occasion... okay, mostly Ben wonders.
Early on in my pregnancy, I made this strange promise to myself that Obie would be breastfed with the best possible nutrition and care. When Obie was born we found out that he regretfully did not want the same. Six days later my milk came in. Six days of trying to get him to nurse which only resulted in heartache, tearful exasperation, and screaming on his part. Now, I hate it. I really do. If being alone in the house with an infant all day isn't your cup of tea, being chained to him all night with your arm doing a chicken wing in order to keep him breathing really won't be enjoyable. I think my carpal tunnel is coming back in full force because of the only position for nursing whilst sleeping. That and it's pretty much hell on my shoulders. If anyone can let me know of a better position than tummy to tummy side-sleeping, I'll be greatly obliged.
Still looking for the camera battery charger, I fear it may be lost forever in the black hole that used to be our bedroom. Hopefully pictures sometime next week. Measurements at the Doc's: 13lbs 6oz on 3/12/08

Its Been a Long Few Weeks...

Obie started his teething and crying phases last week. Its enough to drive anyone up a wall. I do have to say, though, that Celeste is exhibiting great patience with the situations and I am proud of her. Obie has recently developed a taste for his own fist and I would assume it is because he is teething (and I use the term teething very loosely as nothing has broken the gums yet) and his teething ring is still too large for his mouth. The only downside to using his fist as a teether though is that he likes to flex his fingers while still in his mouth, effectively initiating his gag reflex. We also just bought the cloth diaper covers online. Found the best we could at the lowest price possible and now they have come in for a test run. So far they are everything everyone says they are and Obie is not suffering from what I like to call "Red-Raisin-Butt." Of course making the move to cloth diapers means more laundry and more frequent changings..

In recent news, my great grandmother passed away mid week (you can read the Obituary here)and I am a bit relieved that she did. She was tired and in no condition to be happy. I do regret not being able to introduce her to her ONLY Great-Great-Grandson, but as I mentioned before, I will do everything I can to inform Obie of his lineage and heritage. Thanks to Mr. Obie Etheridge, I can now start on a quarter of the tree! :D

- Benj

2nd Month Doc Visit

Yesterday was Obie's 2nd Month visit, unscheduled because of his strange wheezing that progressively increased over the long holiday weekend. Apparently no one schedules appointments before 10am with his doctor, walked in at 9 and was in a room by 9:30 and out the door by 10:05. First things: 12lbs 10oz, 23inches long, 16inch head circumference.
I managed to have a much nicer nurse who realized it would be better to give the shots after the doctor had seen him, rather than before like the previous visit. Oral Vaccination after he's been measured and weighed. She also had an awesome Russian accent. I spent the rest of the day imitating it like Natasha from 'Rocky & Bullwinkle.'
Dr Morrill continues to push the 'baby acne' diagnosis for every rash he has, listened to Obie's chest and determined its just seasonal allergies with some particularly bad congestion. Tells me that Obie is a 'beautiful baby,' which actually makes me feel pretty good since he said nothing of the sort the last time we had been there.
Nata--I mean, super awesome Nurse grabs a second nurse so that they can get both shots done at once to minimize the screaming factor. Works like a champ too, unfortunately he was staring at me while screaming... made me feel terrible. He was much better than last time though, might have something to do with the fact that it was over in 30 seconds rather than taking 30 mintues. My little trooper. :)
Then the fever came on after lunch :(
Carrying a screeching, flailing baby into a very quiet CVS is a little embarrassing. .625ml of Liquid Children's Motrin here. About 3pm he's finally asleep.
By that time the drive to my mother in laws and ben's work made it more sensible to just wait in the lobby at his work than go hang out there. So Obie and I slept pleasantly until everyone in the office decided it was time for a restroom break, so every few minutes he was woken up and started to cry again until about 5 when ben got permission to take off early for the day.
Yesterday was pretty freakin' long.
Obie's Awake!

Home Movies

Here's one of the first good home video we have taken of Obie.. enjoy!

- Benj

Fast Times

Well it seems as though this kiddo is not only growing like a weed physically, but intellectually.. He has been cooing and making babble for the past few weeks now.. it may be gibberish now, but I can already hear him trying different vocal "techniques." First it was just the quick "AH!" and just last night it sounded like he was trying to say something to me, but couldn't for lack of a vocabulary.. Not to mention he is a smiler! I was thinking that it may be time to start to read to him, but his attention span is not quite there yet.. he will stay interested if you stare at him, but if you look away, he'll get upset and call you back. Anyway.. here is a sneak peak at new pics uploaded to his Picasa album.

- Benj

From Obie Elisandr...

Doc's Visit

Wednesday was Obie's six week mark, and nearing the end of the month, time to get a doctor's visit under his belt. First and foremost, an hour of juggling baby and trying to fill out new patient forms, not fun. After all that was settled, 30 minutes of Obie screaming during the PKU.
PKU is essentially a heel prick gone terribly wrong, five circles approximately 1/2 inch in diameter that "must be filled in completely" with blood from a heel prick. He took the first prick like a trooper, but when the nurse started to "massage" out the blood he started to scream bloody murder. She then proceeded to spill most of the blood she expressed on the paper covering the exam table, not very useful there... Took thirty minutes of Obie gutwrenching screams to complete a ten minute heel prick test. At least the doc was more gentle with him.
11lb 2oz, 22 inches; about a 1/2 lb a week and the same in length. Sylvia said he's already bigger than her 4mth old grandson, quite a shock to me at least.
We've been spending weekends at Art & Elda's so leave a message on the machine and we'll get with ya on sunday or monday :)

Planning a Big Project

After the new addition to the families Etheridge and Hinojosa, people start calling that you never really talk to very often.. family members who we should have never lost contact with in the first place.. starting a family of my own makes me realize that family is a very important aspect of my life and I should do more to embrace it.. not only on my side, but Celeste's side as well.. It would also do good to have Obie growing up with a strong sense of Family.. Therefore, I am starting a BIG PROJECT.. a family tree for Obie.. only problem is I can only go back a few generations and it would be nice to go back at least 5.. get in Obie's Great-greats in there.. I'll take all the help I can get on this and any input you have is appreciated.. please post a comment or two below, or just email me at NebsiNsaNe@gmail.com.

- Benj

It's About Time!

I know it's a bit late, but Obie has his own blog devoted to him! Better late than never I suppose. On December 19th at 1805 hours, scared and overjoyed, Celeste and I became parents. He does nothing but eat, sleep, look cute, and mess diapers, but already we are proud of him. Just after a week he was already attempting to hold his head up straight and now at four weeks, he is smiling, laughing, and showing interest in his surroundings.

Anyway.. enjoy the blog. Idealy, the blog will be updated AT LEAST once a week, but between the two of us, there should be a few posts. Please, don't be shy and leave comments at the end of posts. We will respond to them. There is also the live chat at the bottom left of the blog for whenever we are online. The pictures rotating on the Photo Album can be found on Obie's Picasa Web Album, where you can order prints from either Shutterfly or Photoworks. (Personally we go with Photoworks.) The Picasa Web Album is also constantly updated as well. Links at the bottom of the page. Have fun and enjoy the blog!

- Benj

Five Weeks and counting

Took us a while to get this started properly, but from here on out there should be at least weekly posts about Obie along with pictures etc. Wednesday he'll be six weeks old and have his first visit with his doctor so we'll be able to post some updated statistics :) From the scale at home and some crude math, he seems to be up to 11lbs and about 25inches long; in other words, he's been growin' like a weed.
Look forward to future updates and stories ;)

Lots o' love,
Celeste