Busy, Busy, Busy

In my last post, I mentioned I was taking a trip to Waterloo for Aiden's baptism. That was last weekend and everything went great. I got to spend time with Uncle Adrian, Aunt Jeni and Aiden while Mom and Dad went to a wedding reception. It was your typical night with 2 infants...lay us together...we play, you watch. You know how it goes. I got to show Adrian and Jeni how I eat bananas like a big boy and show off how my raspberries have improved. It was fun!

Then onto the baptism. Mom is Aiden's godmother. There were quite a few people in the church and there was lots of singing, which I enjoyed. I felt I controlled my behavior quite well. Unfortunately, I can only be entertained by dangling toys for so long. I said my peace with a loud raspberry and a couple whines and the next thing I know Dad and I are in this room and my diaper is getting changed. It turns out this room was a nursery and it had a saucer!!! Needless to say, Dad and I didn't make it back to the service. Afterwards, Mom found us. I was content playing and talking to this nice lady. Unfortunately, Dad was on his own as to why he didn't return to the service. It's a good thing I lasted long enough in the church so we were not gone too long. If I could talk this is where I would tell Dad, "you owe me."

Following the baptism we were off for Sunday brunch, which was fun. I got to hang out with all sorts of family. From uncles and aunts to great-grandparents. I had a great time. Aiden slept throughout the meal so I was able to take advantage of all the attention. I don't think that will last long so I'll take it when I can get it.

Now that we are home I continue to grow and grow. I am big enough to wear jeans and Mom thinks I look like a little man. Mom also went shopping for diapers and I am moving into size 4, which is labeled "little cruisers." Let's just say she had a moment! I've been cutting teeth and 1 finally came through. Sleeping is a little tough, but things could always be worse.

I just had my 6-month appointment and I am now 19.1 lbs and 27 1/2 inches long! I have been eating lots of sweet potatoes and bananas, which I love. I have the go ahead to start eating oatmeal cereal...I wonder if Mom thinks this will be the magic trick to sleeping through the night.

Now it's on to this cold weather and Mom has been really bundling me up. I guess this is my new outfit for the next few months.
Mom was able to get the x-mas tree up so I guess the next big thing that will be happening is my first x-mas.

Hope everyone is doing well and I'll be in touch later.

Love to all,

Simon

Happy (late) Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving with family and friends and safe traveling. That's onething we didn't have to do this year was travel. We had family and friends at our house which was nice. I guess if I'm going to tell you about Thanksgiving, I should start at the beginning. OnThanksgiving day we had Grandma Peggy, Brian, Sheilia and their daughter, Pari over for dinner. Grandma Peggy started a Thanksgiving book last year, which everyone writes what they are thankful for. My first entry (this year) consisted of a hand and foot print...that was fun, take a look! It was good we did this before bathtime!

Throughout the day, I was in a great mood. I didn't sleep much because there was a lot of playing to do. Pari is a lot of fun to play with. She enjoyed playing with me and I showed her all my toys. One thing I learned about this holiday is the food...WOW! There is a lot of food. I did not have what everyone else had, but I did get to enjoy a big bowl of sweet potatoes and for dessert I had some bananas.

After we enjoyed good food and good company, Mom, Dad, and myself went to Great Grandma Pat's house to wish her a happy birthday. I also got to spend all day with Great Grandma Pat and Grandma Peggy on Friday while Mom and Dad went to work. On Saturday it was father-son bonding while Mom worked. Dad put me in my jumper for the first time and let me tell you...that is a great time! Dad took some footage of the joyous occassion!

On Sunday, we had more family visit. Great Grandma Arians, Bob, Dick, Ruth, Ann and Adam stopped by to visit and eat pizza. That was a great visit. Great Grandma Arians couldn't wait to get her hands on me and I enjoyed the attention.

After they left, Aunt Bev called to let Mom know she was at the Mall of America with Cindy Dunneisen and Cindy Steinberg. After a weekend of shopping they decided to stop in Roberts to watch the Vikings/Bears game on their way back to Waterloo. Dad and I had more bonding time because Mom joined the ladies for the game.

Today was back to daycare for me! Mrs. Angie hasn't seen me in 4 days and she sees how much I've grown. I still wake up 1-2 times during the night, but I do go back to sleep. After hearing other nighttime stories from other moms, Mom has appreciated my ability to go back to sleep. I don't know how long that will last because I am starting to get my first tooth. I think I have been dealing with it quite well because I don't cry or fuss nearly as much as I could. Mom and Dad have offered me many things from cold teethers to Tylenol, but it's usually the Tylenol that finally does the trick!

This weekend we get to go to Waterloo for Cousin Aiden's baptism. I haven't seen Grandma Eddie and Grandpa Cat in months! It should be a good time.

Well, I think I'm done.

Love to all,

Simon

Rollin' Time

I turned 5 months 2 days ago and I think I have mastered the ability to roll from my back to my belly. Mom and Dad are very excited for me, but I don't think they realize that this is opening a new door. They have to work harder to keep an eye on me, as well as increasing their awareness level. I have a couple stories to share that have brought this to their attention. Mom put me down to do tummy time, then let Java out. When she came back, I was on my back! Dad witnessed first-hand my attempts to roll while on the changing table. I guess I'm having so much fun with my new move, I don't care where I'm at.

Here is a clip of one my first rolls.

Other than that, I don't have much else to say. I've had a little cold the last week so my socializing has been minimal. I've been laying low at daycare and home. I feel better today so hopefully the end of this cold is near. Until next time....

Love to all,

Simon

This and That

I survived my first Halloween! As you can see, I didn't really dress up as anything, but it was still fun. I stuck around to see our first customers, then I went to bed. I guess Mom and Dad took advantage of the time I slept and the lack of trick-or-treaters to clean the house.

So, I hear there are people in the world that write books to educate people, like my parents, about parenthood and what to expect. As I approach 5 months, I have learned that is my duty to prove everything wrong that my Mom may hear or read (and you thought all I do all day is play and stick things in my mouth)!

I will give you some examples of my mythbusting. There was this idea about routines and schedules that would be helpful at daycare. Well, if you read my earlier blog, you would know that I am happier without them. I am a surprise everyday for Mrs. Angie!!

Another myth is this idea about rice cereal. I guess once infants start eating it, they will sleep throughout the night. Well, not this infant. I have proven that you can eat rice cereal and not sleep through the night. My parents are learning that I am just getting heavier! That may answer your question in that eating cereal is going very well (maybe too well!) Mom has started me back on some formula. Maybe she thought that if the cereal and a little formula would team up, I would sleep longer...c'mon Mom, really?!?!

Other than that, things are going really well. I am really getting interested in all the things that go in my mouth. Apparently, Java is not a fan of my necklace-shaped teething rings because mulches them right up. In the last week, I have started to help out Dad and feed myself. I don't do it for long (I wouldn't want him to get off that easy!)


I'm looking forward to seeing everyone in Waterloo for Aidan's baptism. I know it's a few weeks yet, but I think time will go fast. I can't believe I'm going to be 5 months in a week!

Love to all, Simon

PS. I almost forgot. I need to tell my friend Leighton that I had my first blowout in my exesaucer. That would have made a great commercial:

1 pajama: $15
Cost to wash pajama and seat cover: $2
The look on Dad's face when he saw the mess I had made in my pants: priceless

Growing and Growing and Growing...

Whew...it has been a busy couple weeks. Dad and Java went to North Dakota to go hunting a week ago so Mom and I had that weekend to ourselves. My Mom's friend, Chelsei, had to work so her daughter, Macie, came over to hang out with me. She's 9-years old and is a lot of fun to hang out with because she shows me a lot of attention. If you don't know me well enough, I like when people play with me. It was a good weekend, but I was happy to have Java and Daddy back home. Java's chest didn't seem to bother her, but she did hurt her paw the first night out there. Right now Java is healthy and injury-free!!

A few days ago, I had my 4-month check-up. I am happy to report that I am now 16lbs 2oz and 25 1/2 inches long! I am old enough to start eating rice cereal. I got to tell you, I was not a fan it the first time. I think Mom thought there would be no problem with this transition, but she quickly learned she was wrong. After a couple days I have learned to like it and the second time went much better. My parents got that on video, so enjoy!!

Besides being able to eat rice cereal, I am getting really strong. I'm getting close to rolling over by myself, but still need a little help. I am also getting close to sitting, but without some support I tend to tip over. If I grab at my toes, I am able to sit unsupported for a few seconds.

I'm still not sleeping throughout the night. I still need to wake up 1-2 times a night. I know my Mom is hoping this changes soon, but only time will tell!

Daycare continues to be fun! I still do not have any kind of routine and Mrs. Angie has accepted this about me. So, everyday is different, but I enjoy it!

Well, I think that is it for now!

Love to all,

Simon

Peek-A-Boo

This "peek-a-boo" game is something Mom, Dad and I have started to play. I don't really understand the rules yet, but this is as close to playing that I have gotten. I'm not sure what I did, but Mom and Dad seem to be happy so I'll roll with it!

It's getting close to Halloween and there are many people wondering what I'm going to dress up as. Well, as you can see I was a pumpkin this day and I have a couple other outfits to wear up to the big day, but other than that I do not have a specific costume. My plans are to help Mom and Dad pass out candy with "My First Halloween" outfit and next year I can look into getting a costume.

Well, I got to meet my cousin. I would say he's cute or handsome, but boys don't say those things...he's a cool lil dude! There that sounds good. I left it to Mom to call him all those names! He's got some funny noises. Uncle Ad thinks he sounds like a racoon, but Mom thinks it's more like a sheep. Whatever the sound may be it's pretty cute! (did I just say that?)

I kept Aiden busy over the weekend. I showed him my saucer, bouncy chair, nursery, etc. I also showed him some of my favorite cartoons and he really enjoyed them. We even did some tummy-time workouts, which is not something I really enjoy doing, but it was good to get it done. We even stayed happy long enough for Mom to get a picture of us!

While Aiden, Mom, Aunt Jeni and I were hanging out at home, Dad, Uncle Ad, Keith and Java went pheasant hunting. Of course they had a good time, but Java got another cut from a barbedwire fence. This time it is on her chest and had to get stitched up. She's doing great and still gets to go to North Dakota this weekend for more hunting. She has some restrictions, but that doesn't stop her!

Before I sign off, I've got one more picture of Uncle Ad and Aiden. We get to see them all again in December which seems far away now, but it will be here before we know it!

Well, that's all for now.

Love to all,
Simon

Sunday Funday(s)

One of the things I love on Sundays is sleeping in! Here I am with Dad and Java laying in Mama's spot after breakfast! I've been known to stay in bed until 11am, but I think that was one time. After a morning of laying around in bed, it's usually time to move into the living room to assume the 'football' position. There are a few positions to choose from...saucer, couch, bouncer, Dad's arms just to name a few. No matter where I end up, the proper attire is necessary! GO PACK GO!!!!
Once I get comfortable, it's time to help Dad pick his fantasy football lineup, then we watch the games! Java even has her spot! This is where she picked yesterday, but at times she will relax in her chair or her pillow! I usually do not get into Monday night football, but tonight is a big game against the Vikings. I went to daycare with my Green Bay outfit, which is what I thought everyone wore, but apparently there are Vikings fans out there...and one of them is at my daycare!! I do feel that I look good in green and yellow...don't you think? Mom could've picked a better time to take this picture instead of early morning!

Daycare is going great! I am teaching Mrs. Angie a few things. One thing I taught her was to throw the idea of a routine out the window! It's important to teach these adults who is the boss right away, otherwise everyday would be a long day for both of us. So, once I established that I eat and sleep whenever I want, I have been a happy boy! There are lots to see and do at daycare so I haven't been sleeping a lot, but I've managed to stay in a good mood. So, when I get home to Mom and Dad, I'm pretty tired. Mom and I do a couple rounds of "airplane", which is pretty fun! Mom makes this motor noise when she lifts me up and down and it's pretty funny!

I've now graduated to my own bedroom, which I have been sleeping in for about a month! I still do not sleep throughout the night, but Mom says that is okay...at least I'm sleeping at night.

My cousin, Aiden, is doing good. Uncle Adrian, Aunt Jen and Aiden are planning to visit this weekend so we'll be able to play! I'll have a chance to get some pictures of us together, which will be fun to share with everyone.

Okay, I have to get ready to watch this big football game! I hope everyone is doing well.

Love to all,
Simon

Layin' Low

Hello everyone. I apologize for not dropping in sooner, but I've been a little under the weather so I don't have a whole lot to say. Mom has been keeping me home hoping that this "bug" will go away, but I think it bothers her more than me because I've been in a good mood...most of the time!

Since I've been home a lot, I have found some cool things. There are these things that I can stick in my mouth and my nose at the same time! I call them a great deal, Mom and Dad call them fingers. My voice is getting louder, which really get Mom and Dad's attention. We all laugh about it. I can also do this thing with my lips that make me sound like an elephant or a motor...I guess they are called raspberries?!?! My new findings have caused much drooling and another investment in a bagful of bibs.

That's about it for now. I will try to get some pictures next time.

Love to all,
Simon

New Arrival

Well, it's official...I have a cousin. His name is Aiden James (I hope I spelled his name right). He was born 9/11/09 at 6:30pm. He weighed 8lbs. 3oz. and 20 inches long. Aunt Jeni is doing well. She's tired, but I guess that's to be expected. Uncle Adrian is very happy that his boy is finally here.

I'm looking forward to meeting him and Mom says we are going to have lots of fun together, especially when we get bigger. So, for now I get to see pictures and I'm happy to share them.

I'll be sure to share more pictures when I get them.

Simon

Week of Firsts

I've had a busy week, but it has been fun! On Sunday Mom and Dad had people over for a Labor Day Weekend grill out, which was my first. I entertained people for awhile, then I decided to sleep.


Tuesday was the big day...first day at daycare. Mrs. Angie is my new babysitter and so far we get along pretty well. I wasn't ready for this picture, but Mom took it anyway!
I've also made more friends. Izzy is my size and she's nice. She shares the swing and saucer with me. I share with her too, but I don't enjoy sharing feeding time. However, this is something I'm dealing with. Now that I've been at daycare a couple days, I've also gotten my first runny nose. I guess this is one of the perks of being at daycare. It doesn't bother me as much as it bothers Mom. I keep getting my nose sucked, but as much as I don't enjoy that it does help me breathe better.

Speaking of Mom, it's her first week back to work. She's pretty clingy when I get home from Mrs. Angie's, but I deal with it for an hour or so, then I need to nap. She doesn't realize it's hard work smiling at Izzy all day! Oh, and play too!

Just when you think I'm out of "firsts", I've got one more. Tomorrow I will have my first cousin. Uncle Adrian and Aunt Jeni are going to the hospital tonight so Jeni can be induced (whatever that means). All I know is that I get a cousin out of the deal and I'm looking forward to seeing him.

I believe that's all for now.

Love to all,

Simon

Summer Fun

Hello family and friends! I'm Simon Leroy Kane and this is my blog. I arrived June 14, 2009, which was 9 days over my expected due date. My mom says that I took up a lot of room in her belly, but overall I was pretty good to her.

In the past 3 months I have met lots of people. Grandmas, Grandpas, Great-grandmas/grandpas, aunts/uncles, cousins...so many! I did meet a few friends that were my size, Cami and Leighton.

Leighton introduced me to an exesaucer, which I loved! I even got one of my own! I've got a few toys figured out. The animal sounds are a hit. I sound the cow and Mom and Dad start clapping at me...I didn't know they liked cows so much!!! In addition to meeting lots of people, I have been many places. I have traveled to Waterloo, WI and Milwaukee, WI. Mom and Dad say I'm a great traveler. I guess I take after my sister, Java, and sleep a lot. Lately, I've been enjoying my new mirror that plays music and has flashing lights. If I'm not traveling distances, I've been going to fairs around the area. Some fairs that I have been to are Lumberjack Days, Pierce County, and the Game Fair. Yesterday I went to the MN State Fair with Grandma Peggy, Mom, and Dad. There were many things to look at which is why I was able to stay awake for most of it. I did take a little nap when Mom and Grandma were looking at animals, otherwise I was told that I was a trooper. I was even awake and happy for a few pictures.




One last accomplishment I would like to share is with my puppy, Java. According to Mom and Dad, Java was hesitant to warm up to me when I first arrived. I guess I made too much noise, always had Mom and Dad's attention and did crazy things with my arms. Well, I'm happy to say that we are pretty good friends. Java cares about me when I cry and likes to give me kisses. She's a great "big sister" to have.

Well that's my last 3 months in a nutshell. Now I'm looking forward to meet my new cousin, who is due to arrive September 13th, and going to daycare. I think I'm more ready for daycare than Mommy is, which takes place next Tuesday. I'll let you know how that goes!!

Love to all,

Simon