Sick Auburn

As most of you read on Facebook, Auburn ate some antimicrobial bead things that go down in a humidifier to keep it clean. We do not know how much she ate but it was enough to make her sick. And since we didn't know when she ate them we didn't know exactly when to take her to the vet. She probably should have gone earlier than when we took her but we got her there quick enough. After a couple of days in the puppy hospital on fluids to flush out her kidneys, her blood and urine tests improved and she was able to come home. And after two weeks her tests came back normal so she had no major damage for the toxins. Unfortunately, her skin allergies came back when we went to her 2 week checkup. So the vet spot buzzed her so they could clean her scabs/sores. Now she looks homeless and mangy. We get to go back in 2 weeks for another follow up to check her skin. Fun!

Laying on the couch before we took her to the vet

All smiles to see us when we visited

Mason was so happy to see her

Patches the dog...

Christmas videos

Sick on Christmas

When you are a parent, there is one phone call you dread the most... the daycare/school. As soon as you see that number on your caller ID, your heart drops to your stomach. So when I was sitting at work, the day before Christmas Eve, and I see the daycare's number on my phone, my heart dropped. Mason had been fussy the past couple of nights but I thought he was teething. I thought he was a bit warm the night before but did not take his temperature because he didn't seem to be sick. So when the daycare called and said he had a fever and we had to come get him, I knew what was causing the fever and fussiness. Those darn ears of his are going to be the death of me. They are silent but deadly. Unlike most kids who get a cold or something first which causes the ear infection, he just goes straight to the ear pain. Thankfully his pediatrician was able to get him in that evening so we could confirm the ear infection and get him on some antibiotics. He was quite pitiful and was not a happy camper. It was very stressful for us with Auburn being sick, then him, trying to get everything ready his first Christmas, and getting the house ready for my parents to visit. But we survived and thankfully he was feeling much better on Christmas morning. We kept giving him Ibuprofen to ensure the fever did not come back and to help him not hurt so he could play with his new toys. He slept most of the day so we waited to open up his presents from us until the next day when he was feeling a bit better. The doctor was happy it was not a double ear infection like the previous two times; however, we are on a fast track to an ENT doctor. Especially since he is getting the ear infection first. The next big life event is his first birthday in April. I predict another ear infection before then and another one on the big day... Just our luck...

Santa came to visit daycare

Mason got a visit from Santa at daycare. He still wasn't 100% sure about him. But we were able to get one good one. The daycare workers were surprised how serious he was. They were like, " Here comes our smiley baby. We will get great smile pictures from him." Yeah we had to work our tales off to get 1. Thankfully 1 is all you need!

Christmas Card Picture Outtakes

We are lucky to know a very talented photographer; however, with a dog, baby, and Navy game we got plenty of outtakes. As much as I love the good family shots we got (everyone looking at the camera and at least semi smiling), the ones in between are too good not to share.


Mason was ready for pictures, Auburn was ready to get the hell out of there!

Auburn looks at people walking by, Mason looks at Auburn...

And this is the reason why she will not get within reaching distance of him...

"You want me to do what in this box?"

Trying to get Mason to wake up and smile

"Squirrel!"

"I am not to sure about this, Mom."

Yeah, maybe not. 

Ready to hit the road

Merry Christmas - From the Nunley's

Feed me!

Mason is really getting the hang of this finger food thing. He is eating some stuff faster than I can keep track of it. I keep accusing Auburn of eating it but I think he is gobbling it up before she gets a chance to steal it.

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth

Mason got his Christmas wish early this year! They don't seem to be bothering him. He is not chomping down on everything in sight and his drooling has actually lessened quite a bit. Unfortunately he won't let me anywhere near them. He use to naw on my fingers some but now he shoves my hand away when I get near his mouth. I wanted a picture of his new teeth so I has to go to extreme measures to get one. It was not easy, it ook forever to get one non blurry shot, and he was not happy with me but we did it! Presenting Mason's bottom front teeth!

Santa!

Tonight we took Mason to the mall to get his picture taken with Santa. I chose the mall in Columbia as they had better picture packages and prices. I pre-purchased the pictures online so I got 30% off then I made a 6:30-7 pm reservation so I got another $5 off. When we got to the mall we parked right by the entrance where Santa was so we didnt have to walk far. I figured I would just carry Mason into the mall since we didn't plan on shopping or anything else. Ha! Yeah that was a mistake. We almost made it inside when Mason decided to spit up his sweet potatoes all over the both of us... I just knew he would get something on his Santa outfit! We went inside, found a bench, and cleaned up what we could. We then headed towards Santa. Of course, he was on break. Good thing I made a reservation for his break time! We didn't have to wait long thankfully and it gave us a chance to clean up some more.

When I handed Mason over to Santa he didn't fuss, cry, or do anything. He checked him out for a bit then was all smiles. Too bad he only smiled when we were not taking pictures. We got one shot of him smiling but Santa wasn't looking at the camera and was switching Mason from one arm to the other. He did so good and I wish he could have sat with him longer. There was a long line and closing time was approaching so we only got a few minutes with Santa. I think Mason would have sat with him all night. He was so intrigued by the man and his suit, hat, and beard. He was so trusting and comfortable in his arms. It was great to not have "that screaming child"!

All in all it was a successful first trip to see Santa. I can only imagine what next year's photos will look like!

The trees are trimmed!

It took me a little longer this year but I finally got the trees decorated. Crossing my fingers they stay that way! Mason is pretty quick and quite sneaky! I have put up some road blocks to help keep him at bay but I am sure we will have a casualty or two before the season is over.

Big boy food

Last week the doctor gave us the go ahead to start some finger foods. So today I went to the store and bought a variety of snacks and food. When we got home I sat him in his chair and put a few pieces on his tray. Poor kid had no idea on what to do. He played with them more than he did anything. This will definitely take some time. He not only has to figure out to put the pieces in his mouth and chew but he has got to get use to the new taste. Today we got a few pieces down but it was mostly playing and gagging. I think it was the new taste that bothered him the most. I decided to switch to a bottle after he threw up from gagging. I figured it was going to happen so I was prepared. I knew I had to keep trying to get him to eat so he would learn but I didn't want to force it on him and make him have a horrible first experience. Thankfully it didn't phase him and he went on like nothing had happened.

Playing at the Doctor's office

Just a quick video of Mason and Doug playing in the doctor's office last week. I rarely get Mason's laugh on video but I was able to catch it that day. It is my most favorite sound. It is the cutest, sweetest, most precious thing you will ever hear. He makes all my cares and stress float away when I hear that laugh.

Choo Choo!

This year we bought a train to go around the Christmas tree. Doug and I both had one when we were little and are excited to share the tradition with Mason. He was very unsure of the train. He tried to grab it first so I sat him in his chair so he could watch it. He watched it go around a few times and studied it carefully. I think he likes it but is still trying to figure it out.

6 month checkup

Today was Mason's 6 month checkup. He is technically 7 months, but our preferred doctor was booked until now. Anyway, he got an A+++++ grade. The doc was pleased with his weight, health, eating, and overall well being. He weighs 18 lbs which is in the 40th percentile and he is 28 inches long, 85th percentile. He said Mason was developing great and was doing stuff typical of a 9 month old. From sitting, crawling, standing with help, pulling up with help, trying to feed himself, talking, and grabbing, he is not the least bit worried about our next developmental appointment in DC.

The doc gave us the go ahead to start giving him more solid food like cheerios and other baby snack food. this weekend we will be grocery shopping for new food. He also thinks Mason can stop taking his Zantac for acid reflux. I am crossing my fingers he doesn't need it anymore. Three times a day is exhausting! And! Most importantly! The nurse spotted the first tooth! Mason won't let me see but I am able to feel the top of an itty-bitty tooth just barely poking out of his gums.

Unfortunately, he got two vaccines and a flu shot. He cried for a few seconds but was ok after that. He was a bit fussy this evening but we think it was just him being tired. So far, no fever like he got the past times.

Daddy & Mason playing while we waited on the doctor.

Chill-laxing

Being goofy

 Not happy after his shots :(

Videos of Mason

Mason thinks your food is his food. Every time we eat he will stare you down with his puppy dog, "I am starving" eyes. He gets bites of some stuff like mashed potatoes but most often he gets his feelings hurt when we do not share. This time he lucked out with a popsicle. He made a mess but he enjoyed it.




We are trying to expand Mason's vocabulary. Unfortunately, he is fine just the way it it.




This morning Mason ate his Wheaties and was in a really good mood. Every time I asked him a question he would respond with laughter. One day he will answer me back. I am excited for that day and dreading it at the same time.

Inchworm!

We have an inchworm! A little bit of a crawl, a little bit of a scoot. Of course, he will only inch towards things he is NOT suppose to have. "Come see Mommy", "Want your toy", or "Bottle" doesn't work. Diapers, bibs, and burp cloths nicely put in their place, must have!

More bath photos

Because he is a cute nakey baby boy!

Guard dog

Not sure what she sees or hears, but this is the second time she has came in Mason's room while I was rocking him and sat facing the door. Both times it was night time and I was home alone. Talk about freaky! Sends shivers down my back.

Priorities

Priority - Clean clothes
Not a priority - folding them and putting them away

Mason's 1st Thanksgiving

Well, I guess the one thing I can day about Mason's 1st Thanksgiving is that it came and went fast! We didnt do anything special or make a big fuss about it. Doug was working long hours so we slept in and enjoyed as much of the morning in bed as Mason would allow us. We got up around 8, had Wawa for breakfast, then watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Mason watched a bit but was more interested in playing with his toys or using me as a jungle gym. Around 10 he went down for a nap. I had Doug bring in the trees and some of the decorations from the shed. I figured while Mason napped I could at least get the two trees up. WRONG! The main tree is missing a leg. We have 3 out of 4 but that is just not enough to get her up. So I spent the morning digging all over the house for the 4th leg. I finally gave up and ordered a replacement on Amazon. I really hope it fits. I would hate to buy a brand new tree over 1 stupid leg! Plus I really like our tree. It was cheap, full, and just the right size. Amazon says I should have the replacement next week so hopefully I will get the tree up by next weekend.

Watching the parade

Last year I bought a second tree to go in front of Mason's bedroom window. As soon as I put it up and plugged it in he was overwhelmed with the "I have to touch it" bug. I am thankful he can't crawl yet but I am not sure how much longer that will last.

For lunch, we decided to pick up food at Boston Market. Doug had to work at 3 and it was just us so there was no point in making a big meal. He went to go get it and came home an hour and a half later. Best part, no gravy! Who would want turkey, stuffing (I prefer dressing but am becoming fond of stuffing. Don't hate me too much. I still say yall!), and mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving without gravy?!? So we had a frozen pizza as we got ready. When Doug headed off to work, I broke out the Black Friday ads. My plan was Walmart and Kohls Thursday night and ToysRUs and Target Friday. Well my plan didn't go as... planned.

Playing while Mommy shopped

It's crazy that a year ago I bought Mason's first clothes from Carter's on Black Friday. I continued the tradition again this year, taking advantage of their 60% off everything, doorbusters, and free shipping.

When Mason and I left the house it was dinner time so I figured I would eat at Bob Evans for a nice, "home cooked" meal. They were not busy at all but it took me almost 2 hours to eat and leave. They had 1 server, 1 cook, a hostes, and a manager. That was it! I waited half an hour for a table with only 5-10 tables currently occupied. I didn't mind waiting and the manager told ever person that was seated that he preferred for his employees to be at home with their families instead of there working. It was nice to hear but the wait was awful. To pass the time, me and this older gentleman chatted. He was by himself as his kids and grandkids didn't live in Maryland anymore. I told him he was crazy to stay in Maryland when one son lived in Georgia and another lived in California. He was very nice and I am glad Mason and I were there to keep him company as we waited on our table and food.

Mason's "My First Turkey Day" outfit

Eating dinner at Bob Evans

He gave me a mean look. Apparently he couldn't be bothered to take a selfie.

After dinner I decided to go to Target right across the street rather than drive across town to Walmart and Kohls. It was almost Mason's bedtime so I didn't want to stay out too much later. The only thing I had to get was gravy for our Thanksgiving meal in the fridge. The rest of the time we walked around and enjoyed the holiday atmosphere. It was not crowded so we moved through the store easily. I got him a few things and myself some leggings since they were on sale. The rest was formula and bathroom essentials. I really took advantage of the sales... ha!

Hanging out in the shopping cart at Target

Passed out in the car when we got home.

Friday Doug and I got up and headed to ToysRUs. I had once last gift card from the baby showers and I was holding onto it for Santa presents. Everything I wanted wasn't on sale anywhere. It was a disappointing sale day for me. But we still got some of my must have toys. After that we went to fuel up at Buffalo Wild Wings then to Dicks to take advantage of the sale on Under Armour. After that, we were ready for a nap! So we came home and did just that. Tonight we will watch football and finally eat our Thanksgiving dinner.

We are looking forward to this magical season with our little man. Stay tuned for the fun adventures we get into!