Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real

Today, Samuel went swimming for the first time!

Yes, we asked his pediatrician first, and he said it was okay. And we didn't stay all that long. Plus, Hubby needed to get back to studying for his exams (Aug 10 & 12 -- only 2 weeks away!).

I thought and though about what I could put up for {Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real} and realized that Samuel in the pool does it all! Here's some stills from our time there.

First getting in... chilly!

Daddy! You put me under the water!

Hmmm... not sure if that was a bad thing or not.

Maybe its not all that bad.

After 15 or so minutes, Samuel was starting to kick like he does in the bath, and I think he was really enjoying himself by the end.

I realized how much water and "the kitty" go together (since Hank is fascinated with baths and tubs of water), and that my voice can get very high when I'm talking to the baby. Ah, well, its always a bit odd to hear yourself on a video or some such.

Cuties, sleep sacks and wraps

The cutest little guy... in his high chair. I love this chair. It reclines so we've had Samuel sitting with us at dinner anytime he's awake. As often as not, he wants to be held or wants to nurse, so he might not stay in the chair all that long, but he's getting used to it.

Samuel seems to like the sleep sack. The downside is its a tad short.  In the book, its marked "0-6 months". The kid is just over 2 months old and the sack is too short. Luckily, its warm enough now that its no biggy, but I'll make some longer ones for when the weather cools (and house does also).

With having colic, he does not like to be laid down (it is getting better, I think, but there is a ways to go). He has demonstrated that he doesn't like the wrap as he thrashes and cries until he falls asleep. On a whim, I tried facing him outwards. Moby wrap instructions say not to do this until the child has good head control at about 4 or 5 months. Samuel's head control isn't too bad, so I gave it a try. The child seems to really enjoy it! (sorry about the flash in the mirror, Hubby is gone to school and this was how I figured to get a picture)

He can kick and wave his arms all he wants with little restriction. It gets a bit hot after a while (easy to do when the house is only a/c'd to 80'), but it seems a good deal for the time being. I'm gonna try vacuuming with him like this when he is up from his nap (in the swing... :P).

How's sans-dairy going?

Actually, yesterday, Tuesday, was a much better day, despite all the errands we ran. Last night, he even let me put him down, on his back, in the baby gym a friend lent me. This morning, I just put him down for a nap, in his bassinet! And he's asleep. I think it might be making a difference!

I figure there is a chance that he's feeling better and being less fussy, and my going sans-dairy  might be coincidence. So, my plan is that if he's this much better all week, I'll start on dairy again early next week... a bit cheese (pizza, perhaps?), a glass of milk or maybe a bowl of ice cream... and see how he responds.  When I quit coffee the change was quick, and the change pronounced when I started on decaff. And when I stopped decaff, the change was as equally quick and pronounced. Dairy is important enough for me that I was to confirm, in a semi-control experiment, that it is dairy.

Of course, if it is dairy, perhaps I'll try the decaff again :D

1 1/2 hours later: Well, he slept for 20 minutes, then was up fussing. I tried 2 more times to put him down and he was fussy-fussy each time. So, he's in the swing now (and I just realized I forgot to get batteries while at the store yesterday! They aren't out yet, but its good to have the next set ready to go, right?).  I'd said I'd give it a week, I figure there needs the time to clear my system, and then time to clear his system. :::sigh:::

Salmon Croquettes vs Tuna croquettes

I found a recipe for salmon croquettes several months ago on Food Renegade. Salmon is more expensive than tuna, so I made the croquettes with tuna. We like them quite a bit. Recently, I got some canned salmon and tried out the croquettes with the salmon. I made half with salmon and half with tuna.


I think the salmon comes in smaller pieces, as the croquettes made of salmon stayed together better. Plus, the salmon blended with the other flavors better than did the tuna. The tuna was just stronger in flavor and overpowered the veggies (and onion & pepper are not weak).


The tuna certainly wasn't bad, and for those on a budget, the tuna is a better deal.


Also please note, I didn't use "organic" or "no additive" (not sure how Worcestershire sauce can be additive free, that's what its all about, the many subtle flavors?), I just used what I had. I used simple veggie oil to fry them, as well.


I learned something new making these, as well. I always wondered about rolling the patties in bread crumbs and then frying. I thought it was for looks or some such, so I often skipped it. Something inspired me to coat some in bread crumbs this time and some not. Those coated in bread crumbs stayed together better when frying and flipping. As Hubby said, just because you don't know why doesn't mean you shouldn't do it, especially when following a recipe. (something I don't do so well at)

Going sans-dairy, and sans-coffee, and sans....

So far, I've given up coffee and other caffeinated beverages for the baby. I did this during pregnancy, so its not new for me.

Two folks suggested dairy as a possible source of the colic (i.e. the baby is very fussy, but we have no idea why diagnosis). So, because its worth it, I'm giving up dairy for the next week.

This morning, I made a bagel, since the Cheerios with honey and milk is out (dairy), and smeared a nice portion of cream cheese on the two beautifully toasted sides. Alas, Hubby says... dairy. I consider lunch and think of a nice, cheesy tortilla. Dairy. Pizza? Dairy. yogurt? Dairy. Ice cream? Dairy. I ended up having scrambled eggs sans cheese in a tortilla with salsa.

Dairy permeates most of my food choices. I LOVE things made with milk. In fact, when it comes to drinks, give me a milk shake, a milk-based frap, a made-with-milk iced coffee, a glass of milk! This is rough folks. Rough. I'm gonna have to get creative here.

My spirit was so trodden down by the prospect of no dairy for the next several days, I had a spoonful of peanut butter with chocolate chips. That will raise one's spirits any time.

Colic. Really?

So, last night's post ended rather abruptly. We figured out that the fussiness and crankiness was likely colic (though I think its a mild form based on the stories I've heard), I was tired from a long day of holding, rocking and singing to a crying baby, and I wanted to get that post finished. Does that ever happen to anyone else?

Anyhoo, even if it is colic, I still think its a good idea to rate your days and plan the low-key days around the high-action days, and make sure most days are run-of-the-mill days. I bet that makes the fussy days fewer and the happy days more, even for a fussy child. I have no direct experience, but my "mother-sense" says this makes sense.

And I've decided I'm not gonna feel bad about letting Samuel nap in the swing, even if it uses the batteries a bit faster, if that means he gets some decent sleep during the day. I'll try the crib first, and maybe even second, but the kid, and mom, need a nap sometimes.

Speaking of which, I'm off for a nap! Happy restful, refreshing Sunday to all.