6 Month Dr Visit

Baby Spartacus had his 6 month wellness appointment the other day. Every appointment I fill out a questionnaire that tallies up on a scale to see how well he has developed in different categories such as: Problem Solving, Fine Motor, Gross Motor, Communication etc.  Jason scored in all categories to be on schedule. He grabs both of his feet, he tries to sit up- in fact he pretty much can hold a crunch position for several seconds (I should be copying him to get a good core workout in). When he is in a sitting position he can stay there with a little bit of a wobble. He loves to bounce in his doorway Jumpy Seat.

Spartacus weighs 17 lbs 13 oz and is 26.75 inches tall- he is in the 52% for both measurements. The Dr. says he looks great and has no concerns with him.

Matt was able to get out of work and come to this baby appointment and meet Jason's doctor. Matt is very eager and hands on with Jason. He comes to help with his shots which takes away some pressure from me. Jason had 4 shots, 2 in each leg. He definitely does not like being poked. He cried hard for 30 seconds, but as soon as the 4th shot was done, Matt picked him up and he calmed down immediately. The last set of shots he didn't calm so quickly, so this was a major relief.

Baby Spartacus was back to a happy baby right away and stayed his normal self all day. When we went to put him in bed I brushed my cheek across his forehead and noticed that he felt much warmer than he did a few minutes ago. We took Jason's temperature I swear at least 10 times between an ear thermometer and a pacifier thermometer. The first reading was 102.2 with a others reading around 101.6. I had baby Motrin and baby Tylenol on hand, but I called the ER to make sure he didn't need to be seen. They ER couldn't give me medical advice over the phone so I called the nurse hotline. Since his temperature wasn't over 103.9 and he was in his normal happy mood, not lethargic, or anything out of the norm an ER visit wasn't necessary. We gave him some Motrin and waited until his temperature dropped down to 99 before going to sleep that night.

Let me tell you, baby having a fever is a tad bit terrifying. I know fevers mean that his vaccines are working properly, but he was toeing the line of a high grade fever and that is just scary! Jason fortunately was back to normal in about an hour and haven't had any problems since.

Jason's Halloween

Halloween was a very busy day for us. A good friend of ours retired, and Matt was a part of the ceremony as a Side Boy. Our friend Rob, who was retiring, is a Heilo Pilot and a dear friend. Jason and I dressed up and headed out the door to watch not only his beautiful retirement, but a surprise vow renewal! Very happy we could be there for Rob and his beautiful wife Lesley.

After the retirement, Matt and I donned our surgical attire and went to the base Spooktacular as Dr. Matson. The idea of Matt and I being YOUR doctor is a scary thought! We had gone to a birthday party back in August that was themed Star Wars, so we already had a costume for Jason. Even though we danced around the idea of changing his costume when we were at Party City in Virginia, we stuck with our original idea. Jason went as baby Chewbacca! I entered him in a costume contest, some little boy dressed as Chucky won.

We didn't go trick or treating- even though one house on base was giving out Sangria to the parents! After Spooktacular we headed out to the Agora Hotel to celebrate Robs retirement. The day was long and full of joy and we look forward to the many Halloweens to come.

Jason Goes Back to America

After a very successful trip to the States in August, Matt and I already had plans in the works to come back home in October. We were getting word that a handful of people were wanting to come out to Italy in September to visit with us. Matt, who was already homesick for America, knew he wouldn't be able to take the time off to accommodate 3 visits in one month. We decided early on that we will make the trip home, this way everyone who hasn't met Jason and can't make it across the pond will be able to love on him.

The morning came to drive to Rome, park the car and get our tickets. We had booked Jason as a Lap seat but prayed for an empty seat between Matt and I so we could bring Jason's car seat on board and free up our laps. The gate agent was kind enough to block the empty seat between us so no one could book that seat last minute, thankfully there were plenty of open seats. We flew the 10 hour flight to Charlotte, NC had a layover and then off to Norfolk. Jason did great! he got antsy the last flight, but can you blame him?

Dad picked us up, took us home and then back to the airport the following morning. We flew into Chicago and were pleasantly pleased with a warm welcome from my Aunt Julie who happened to be in town. She covered Jason in kisses while Matt and I grabbed our luggage. Jason was happy as can be to meet his Aunt Julie! Matt's dad, Bumpa, picked us up and got to meet his grandbaby for the first time. We stopped for lunch and Bumpa couldn't stop staring and smiling at baby boy.

We spent 3 very short days in Illinois- fortunately we flew which saved us major travel time. Over the three days Jason got to hang out with his Uncle Luke who bought him a very cool Blackhawks Jersey. Matt's mom, Nana came running upstairs to meet Jason and took over his wardrobe change. She was in Nana Heaven! Nana hung out for the night and got in as much cuddle time as possible. She knows very well they don't stay little for long, so she soaked up the little time they had together.

Jason was showered in gifts, ranging from a horse onsie from Mia, Sam, Rachel and Aaron, to a balloon and Blackhawks hat from Uncle Phil, Sue, Maddie and Sam. By the way- he loved his first balloon! He bounced it, swatted it and just loved to stare at it. It was pure entertainment for everyone. Almost everyone from Matt's side of the family was able to come and spend time snuggling and loving on Jason. He finally got to meet his cousins Devin and Skyelar, who adore him.

Much of our time was spent staying low key, enjoying to company of family, snapping pictures. The time in Illinois went by fast and we had to say "see you later" with tears in our eyes. Hopefully we will be flooded with Illinois house guests when we buy a house as soon as we transfer to our next duty station.

Flight number 4 of this entire trip was back to Virginia. Dad picked us up again, and while he waited for us to get our luggage he played with Jason. The one thing I think my dad loves more than being a dad, is being a grand-daddy! He is the happiest person on this planet when he talks to Jason. Matt and I settled in quickly at dad's house. We have a routine down now. My Aunt Mary invited us over for dinner which was nice. We weren't ready to dive into fast food, especially since Matt had his weigh in as soon as we got back to Italy. It was another night of just family, filled with laughter and happiness. While we were back in Virginia Beach, we checked out a couple of neighborhoods that we may have interest in when it comes down to buying a house in the near future.

Dad and his neighbor Susie offered to watch baby J for us one night so we could go on a date. It was much needed to get some "just us" time. I feel I did very well leaving baby boy so I could go on a date with Matt. Neither of us called or texted to see how he was doing, and I didn't feel anxious about the situation at all. I know if they need me, they know how to reach me. As expected Jason was happy and in one piece when we returned home.

Dad had a cookout, and invited a bunch of friends to come over, meet Jason and hang out. It was a very nice turn out. Uncle Chase was holding Jason and having a "brewski" when Jason grabbed hold of his bottle and started to gnaw on it. It was kinda precious and funny.

 As usual, the time flew by and we were boarding our plane to go back to Italy. Again, Jason did exceptionally well and slept the entire flight back. So to the lady who was sitting beside me and got up and moved... Thank you for the elbow room. Hope the people behind you didn't kick your seat too much, because Jason was an angel. As my mom says, if a cranky child is the worse thing on a flight- it's a good day! AMEN

Four Month Check Up

Took Jason in for his 4 month check up this week. He had a small patch of rough skin on his shoulder that didn't bother him for a couple of weeks now. Since it didn't hurt or itch, it wasn't of much concern. Dr Norwood gave us a steroid cream and after two days the rough patch was gone. 

Other than that Jason is very healthy. He weighs 15.73 lbs and is 26 inches tall. He marks in the 80th percentile for height and 64th percentile for weight.

Yesterday Jason received his 4 month immunization shots. Only two shots this time instead of three. Both of them in his right thigh. I placed a soothing machine that vibrates against his thigh before the shot to help "numb" his leg. The corpsman poked him quick and startled Jason very bad. She went pretty deep too. Jason cried pretty hard and loud. Matt couldn't console him this time like he did at the two month appointment. So I took over and was able to bounce and distract him to calm him down. He recovered well and didn't shed a single tear the rest of the day.

I wanted to give him a lollipop for being so good about his shots! We gave him a couple mL of Tylenol just incase. He was in great spirits all through the night. This mommy was loving the extra snuggles! 

Hoping his next round of shots go smooth in a few months!

Jason is on a roll!

I didn't realize how difficult it was going to be to sit down and write a blog with a baby. I thought I would get my blog in while Jason naps. That just doesn't happen. Hopefully I can take advantage of being awake before Jason and get some more updates in.

Enough with the rambling, Jason had a big weekend. Thursday around 2:30 pm I had him on his play mat, doing "tummy time" when I hear a thud. Not a loud one, just a noticeable one. I look up from what I was doing and saw Jason had flipped over! From his front to his back. This means I can't have Jason on the couch and run to get a drink without moving him to the ground first. It's a big milestone for babies, and at 4 months 1 week he caught us off guard. Matt missed it because he was at work, but over the weekend Jason showed his daddy his new trick. We even got it on film.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=722329964482652&set=vb.100001169642264&type=2&theater


Jason also got to try his first solid foods on Saturday. He loved his first option of Sweet Carrots. Turned his face orange =] He was not fond of Beef in Beef Broth (I tried it, it was disgusting). After having some carrots I switched to beef and he gagged on it. I tried it before giving to him, and let me tell you... groooooooss! But I wanted to see what he thought about it. The decision is unanimous, and it went in the garbage. I'll give him some real beef and make sure it's mushed good so he can eat it.

Jason kicks his feet and gets very excited when he sees food on his spoon. He opens his mouth and leans in for the bite. The food will swish in his mouth a bit and he spits a tiny bit out with almost every bite, but Mom and Dad are here to catch his mess. Really, he isn't that messy, SO FAR! He's blown a few bubbles, splattering here and there, Or he will stick his hands into his mouth with food on his tongue. Nothing baby wipes and some Lysol can't handle. He is allowed to eat anything we eat except honey. Even peanut butter and strawberries. Apparently during the years of delaying foods that cause allergies for babies saw an increase of food allergies instead of a decrease, so Dr. says to let him try them. Makes me nervous and want to buy an Epi pen, but I'll introduce them slowly.  Below is a link to watch him eat.



https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10103297924999342&l=5514924182590040678

Operation Papal Visit

After having my dad fly out to Italy to see Jason and explore with us, I wanted so badly for the rest of my family to meet baby Spartacus. I asked Matt about going home in August a few months ago but told him not to sugarcoat it and tell me his honest opinion about Jason and I flying to the States. Well I asked for honest, and I got honest. "I'd rather you wait until October," he said. Fair enough. You are my husband, and the father of my child, you have a say in this and I respect your wishes, and I never brought it up again.

Well that last part isn't true. I didn't bring it back up, until a week before I wanted to fly home. I had been talking to my mom and my sister earlier that day and I got an aching to surprise my sister the day before my nieces' first birthday. It was Wednesday and her party next Saturday. I know my sister wants to be able to drop everything and fly out to Italy to love on Jason but it just isn't possible with her job being a full time gig (no last minute call outs are allowed for her). On top of that she has a soon to be 1 and 3 year old as well as her oldest who is a preteen and thinks he can run the world no problem (love you B!)

My mom was able to make it out here fortunately when Jason was born but I know she didn't get enough lovin' in; honestly, is there ever enough time to love on a baby? So I know she would be thrilled to see baby J too. And lets not forget that I am a daddy's girl and would love to be able to surprise him as well with a visit.

Back to the not bringing up flying home in August thing again. I dropped the subject for a couple of months, and after talking to my mom and sister I figured I would bring it back up. Matt had been out with the guys for "Man Night" and had a couple drinks, I had no intention on changing his mind but wondered how easy it would be after he had a drink or two. "Hey Maaaaaaatt. What do you think about me flying home next week?" I'm thinking there is no way in hell he will agree to this. "Only if you don't fly standby," he responded. Wait a minute. Did he just give me permission to buy a ticket and go home?! Is he out of his mind?! "I don't do full price tickets, standby is the only way I will go," I rebutted. We talked about flying home on a Military flight which was my preference since there was a flight home next Friday but my chances on making that flight were low. I brought up flying stand by under my mom's benefits from Rome to DC (which is what I did last year to surprise my family for my sister's C-section). We called it a day and went to bed. I was okay if I didn't go home, but it sure would be nice.

Thursday morning Matt goes to work, when he comes home I asked him if he started the paperwork for me to catch the military flight. He did not. It wouldn't get up his chain of command quick enough. Well I guess flying standby from Rome to DC is my only option left but Matt wasn't having that. He had researched flights while at work and found a couple of affordable options. I'm not paying full price for a ticket. So I called mom and she told me that the flight I wanted was over sold by 28 seats, but there were seats still for sale. Matt was sold, I wasn't. I couldn't pay full price for a ticket. I was going to be nauseous if I had to enter my credit card number and click confirm. I didn't have it in me to be so selfish when we were going to fly home in just two more months. Matt told my mom to buy the tickets then I would HAVE to transfer her the money. Ultimately Matt turned to me and said, "If you don't make a flight home, you will be devastated." And he was right. Mom booked my flight and Jason and I were flying to DC in a WEEK!

Since no one knew we were coming home, mom and I called the surprise Operation Papal Visit.

Matt took off work and drove us to the airport, I really didn't want to take the train with the baby, his car seat, his diaper bag, and two bags of luggage. He was able to go past Passport Control to Security with us. I was so nervous about going through security because I was wearing Jason in an Ergo Carrier, and I didn't know if I needed to take him out of the carrier and put it through x-ray. Putting on an Ergo Carrier one handed is not something that I have mastered while holding Jason and I wasn't planning on the Italian TSA agents to be super helpful. On top of that I was nervous about the process of having 2 bottles of pre-made 8 ounce formula, that once opened is only good for two hours. I crossed my fingers that I could wear him through x-ray and the formula would not be a hassle. Apparently Italian TSA is not as strict as TSA in America. They took the formula, x-rayed it, let me walk through with Jason in his back pack with just a little pat down between the two of us and that was it. I stressed over nothing!

I asked the gate agent if they board families first,  to which they do; however, they never called families to board first, so I cut the line after first class boarded and was given the okay to go ahead on the plane. I met some wonderful flight attendants that my mom emailed prior to my flight, and a couple of them worked with my mom or knew her from Facebook. Jan, my favorite person on the flight recalled my mom posting on Facebook about me delivering Jason even though I told her not to post anything. She was so happy to meet Jason after having read all of moms "non-updates."

I sat window seat with Jason on my lap, and two Italian teenagers sat beside me. They weren't of any help when it came time to Jason getting hungry and me not being ready for him. Asking the kid next to me to open a bottle and pull off the aluminum cover was just the first headache while dealing with a hungry crying baby. It didn't help that he had no concept of personal space and also elbowed Jason's head while he was sleeping not once but twice, putting him into a crying fit. I made sure the return flight was an aisle seat so I could get up and move about with Jason whenever I needed to console him.

Other then that, Jason did amazingly well on his first flight. It was 10 hours long, he was in my lap the entire time with the exception of a sweet lady behind me wanting to hold him for 20 minutes while I got everything together for landing, and of course amazing Jan the flight attendant entertained him, let me be kid free for a few, and helped me clean bottles. Did I mention she was amazing? My angel in the sky for sure.

Once landed mom picked me up in Dulles and we went to her new house to spend the night. Mom was soaking in her Mimi time. He's much chunkier than he was at a week old, weighing almost twice his original weight, and a couple inches taller. Jason was full of smiles and giggles. We headed down to Virginia Beach (it only took 6 hours instead of 3 1/2). Jason was born to travel. He was so calm the entire trip down, he didn't even complain about Mimi listening to Dr. Laura Podcasts =]












First up was surprising my sister. Mom and I kept coming up with different plans to surprise her, and when we pulled into the driveway, all plans went out the window as mom snatched up the car seat and ran off with Jason into the house. As I chase behind her and get into the house I hear my sister ask my mom why does she have a car seat? My brilliant nephew B chimes in "It's Jason!" One look from across the room and he knew it was him. I pop my head around the corner and see Jen burst into tears. She was sitting at the table with her husband working on party decorations for Emmy's birthday tomorrow. Needless to say decorations took a back seat. Not even five minutes of loving on him was Jen already changing a diaper, she was so happy to do so! Now THAT'S love!

Next up was dad! Mom "wanted to stop by and see his renovated kitchen." I walk through the back door and dad jumps out of his chair to the sound of my voice. I don't know what it is about surprises, but I love to do them! Dad grabbed Jason right away and pranced around the kitchen with him. Yes, he pranced. He then proceeded to take him to the bathroom and look at their reflections in the mirror. This was a frequent event during our stay. "Who's grand daddy's buddy? Are you grand daddy's buddy?" The bucket in my heart was over flowing with happiness and joy from just the first 36 hours being stateside.

Mom had to go south to North Carolina but would be back for the birthday party tomorrow. I claimed the guest bedroom and made myself at home. Chase had almost blown my cover about being home because he saw a picture my sister had posted on Instagram of her and baby J. So he wasn't surprised, but dad still was despite Chase dropping hints 4 minutes before I walk through the door. 

It was getting late and I needed to go see my Aunt and Uncle so I could snag their spare vehicle. Aunt Mary was smitten over Jason, so much that I hated telling her we had to leave and get dinner and sleep. 

Saturday morning we go to Jens house for the birthday party. The birthday girl loved seeing her cousin and just wanted to pet him and stick her finger in his mouth. She was so curious about him! Jen out did herself with Emmy's precious Strawberry Shortcake themed party. It was a great opportunity for Mimi to snuggle with Jason on the couch and Aunt Donna got her cuddles too. I was able to give my sister a helping hand in the finishing touches before everyone arrived. I was just so happy to be there. I let the world know how awesome my husband is for letting me make such a spontaneous trip. He claims that he is getting a 2 week break from my crazy but he just wants me to be happy. 

Over the next week and a half, Jason got to meet his Aunts and Uncles: Jenny, Chase, Alan, Mary, Donna, Mike and Jackie, his cousins: Brendyn, Camdyn, Emersyn, and Aimee. As well as adopted Aunts: Kirsten, Kim, Amanda, Mercedes, Susie, and Gigi.

We stopped by grand daddys office to meet his co-workers. Everyone thought Jason looked smashing in his new hat. He and grand daddy even matched! They could have been twins if it weren't for the age difference!

Overall, the two weeks home was spent with friends and family, whereas I am normally out shopping or eating! It was so worth the money spent on tickets to be surrounded by so much love and happiness. Jason definitely missed his daddy. His eyes lit up when Matt picked us up from the airport.   Matt and I are over the moon that he adjusted to the time change immediately, both there and back! Ready for round two in October to go see our friends and family in Illinois.

 

Jason Celebrates Independence Day

Life is never dull with Jason. Last weekend Jason did a 5K. Matt is working very hard at pursuing a dream job in the Navy, and decided to participate in a run/walk/ stroll 5K. While Matt ran it, Jason and I walked/jogged it. Matt finished in 32 minutes, and I finished in 47. Nothing to boast about but it's a start, considering it was HOT and I don't run.

What face is that?

This past weekend was Fourth of July, and celebrating in Italy is different than in the states. Base has a celebration every year, but it doesn't fall on the 4th. Instead it fell on Saturday the 5th. Fortunately our favorite Hotel Agora loves fireworks and loves their American customers, and had a Fourth of July BBQ on Friday. Jason got to see his second set of fireworks and didn't bat an eye.

Saturday we spent the day with one of our favorite families here, the West Family. We cooked kabobs and ribs, and snacked on red, white and blue rice krispy treats that turned out pink, white and teal (fail!). Then we headed over to the base event, Festa Americana. Festa is held every year in Carney Park, which is located down the street from our house in a dormant volcano. There we listened to a couple bands perform cover songs, the kiddos rode a couple of rides, the dads drank a little too much beer and stood in line for 90 minutes waiting for a couple orders of chicken nuggets and fries.

While the guys waited for food, Jason, and the West kids watched a Hot Dog Eating competition. Afterwards the kids danced and, Jason and I boogied in the background. The main event was David Cook, who is American Idol Season 7 winner. David performed just as the guys made it back with food for the kids then it was time for Fireworks. The Navy did a great job with the firework display. It's not everyday you can say you got to watch fireworks from inside a volcano! Jason woke up just in time for the show, we muffed his ears worried about the sounds inside the hallow mountain, but it wasn't loud or scary at all and Jason again didn't bat an eye, cry or get remotely upset. He's a pro spectator!

Two months old and he has seen 3 displays of fireworks and 2 concerts already. Not a dull moment in the life of Spartacus!

On a side note, Jason has found his hands and loves to stick them in his mouth. He also has a favorite toy, a puppy dog that our friend Brian gave to us. You place the puppy dog on his belly and he immediately grabs for it, placing his hands on his ears practicing his grasp. He has the best smile and coos all the time. Mommy and daddy love our conversations with JD. He is starting to laugh, sounds like a squeaky toy almost and sticks his tongue out every now and then.