Turning over a new leaf

We have been going through some life changes lately. I can't say it's for the best, but we're making the best with what has been given to us. I guess you can say that we are turning over a new leaf...Landon included!

As a result, Landon has had a lot of extra time with his Uncle Alex. These past two days have been rather breezy out and the three of us have taken long walks together enjoying the cooler weather. Landon loves his Uncle Alex and today they enjoyed playing football together outside. I think Landon is going to be quite the little sports champ when he is older. I must also add that he is getting really good at kicking a soccer ball around.

Landon's 1st ER Visit

I knew it would only be a matter of time before Landon had his first real injury. Last night as I was getting Landon into bed he ran into the corner of the window sill. Just from the sound of his screams I knew it was going to be bad. Landon rarely cries when he gets hurts. In fact, just the other day he was bit up by ants and didn't even flinch. He screamed like I have never heard him scream before. I went over to see what had happened and saw that his upper lip was cut a little. I took him out of the room and into the bathroom to clean up his lip when he opened his mouth. It was filled with blood and that is when I realized that he had torn off his upper labial frenulum (the piece of skin that connects your upper lip to your upper gum). It was completely separated from his gum. Once all of the blood was cleaned up Landon had pretty much calmed down. I, however, was still a wreck. I thought I was going to vomit and I was having trouble breathing. My nerves were all over the place and I couldn't stand seeing Landon in so much pain. I think I lost it more than Landon did. I was a wreck all night long and within minutes Landon was back to his old self. Once Landon was all cleaned up I called his doctor to see what should be done. When the doctor returned my call she sounded kind of perturbed with me. I had explained what had happened and asked her if the piece of skin would heal on its own or if I had to take him to the ER. She told me that there is nothing that she can do over the phone and that I shouldn't have called. If it was in fact torn, then I had to take him in immediately for it to be repaired and she then reiterated that she could do nothing for me over the phone. All I wanted to know from her is whether it would heal on its own or not. Of course we took her advise and took Landon into the ER. Several hours later the doctor saw him and told us that there is nothing that they can do. The piece will heal on its own and if it doesn't re-attach then it is no big deal. I just have to keep pressure and ice on it throughout the next couple of days. Obviously, the doctor has no children or else he wouldn't have suggested for me to try to keep Landon still for me to put pressure on his wound. We are overcoming the ice obstacle by eating popsicles and water ice. I think Landon's pediatrician sent us into the ER because I had bothered her at home to ask her what should be done. I'm sure she knew full and well that it would heal all on its own. She just wanted me to spend all night in the ER since I disturbed her. We will soon be looking for a new pediatrician. I am hoping that Landon's lip heals soon and that this is the last injury for him for quite some time. My nerves can't handle any more!

Landon wanting his hospital bracelet off. He didn't like it on his wrist.They made me wake him to take his weight. He was not a happy camper.

At a loss for words

It doesn't happen often, but even I can be at a loss for words at times. Whenever Landon and I are out I continuously hear "He's too cute to be a boy" or "He's too pretty to be a boy." I have even been told "What a shame he's a boy. His good looks are going to waste." I never know how to respond when people say these things. Just this morning while I was enjoying some much needed girl time at Starbucks a woman walked in and said "He's too pretty to be a boy." What makes someone say this? Is it suppose to be a compliment? Maybe I am taking it the wrong way, but I find it offensive when people say these things about Landon. Yes, Landon is a cute and handsome looking boy. But where in the rules of life does it say that only girls can have good looks? Not all boys are made of snakes, snails, and puppy dog tails. Not all boys are rough, tough, and dirty looking. Why is it so hard for people to believe that some little boys like to dress well and look put together? It just drives me nuts to continuously hear that Landon is a waste because he is not a girl. I just wish people would think before opening their mouths. Now that I am done with my rant, I am going to go and snuggle with my sleeping, handsome, charming little boy.

Mommy's Little Helper

Landon loves to help me clean around the house. He is now able to pick things up and put them away when asked and he loves the attention he receives when he does a good job doing so...he even claps for himself when his job is done! Landon also loves to mop and sweep. The other day I was sweeping the kitchen floor and Landon had brought me the dustpan and held it in place so that I could sweep the dirt into it. He did it without even being asked. I love how cleaning comes second nature to him. Landon's favorite thing to do is to mop the floors. He has even learned how to use the Swiffer Wet Mop and can push the button to spray the solution.

Landon also loves to help out with the laundry. He takes the clothes that are in the washer and places them into the dryer. The other day while I was folding the clothes Landon had climbed into the dryer before I could stop him. He had the grandest time playing amongst the clothing. He loved handing me the clothes from inside of the dryer. Let's hope that Landon continues to be Mommy's little helper for years to come.

18 Months Old!

Landon is 18 months old as of today. I don't know where the time has gone to. I can't believe that in just six short months my baby will be 2. It just seems impossible. This day has hit me rather hard. I associate an 18 month old as a toddler and no longer as a baby. I want to be able to stop time and keep Landon as a baby for all of eternity. Don't get me wrong, I can't wait to watch Landon grow up and see the man that he grows into, but I am just upset that it seems to be happening quicker than I would like. I know I must sound silly and over emotional right now, but to be honest I have been over emotional since the day Landon was born. He has turned me into a blubbering mess. Any new achievement of his makes me cry, as does every passing milestone. I guess only other moms will understand. I am still amazed at how such a little boy can impact my life so deeply.

Landon had his 18 month check up today. He is now 32 1/4 inches and 25 pounds! He has not grown much in height, but he has put on some weight. I'm hoping all of his pants will fit him soon. Landon is becoming rather tall and thin making jean shopping impossible. All of his 12 month pants fit perfectly around the waist, but are too short...they come above his ankles. However, his 18 month pants fit perfectly in the length, but fall off of his waist. He only has 1 pair of jeans that fit somewhat ok and 2 pairs of khaki pants that fit. Those all have adjustable waists and adjustable leg lengths. He has over 10 pairs of pants that he can not wear because they are too big and fall off of him. It's definitely going to be a challenge getting him into pants this winter. Landon is still not talking. He calls me "Momma" and everything/everyone else is "Ma" or he will just point and whine. Landon has stopped making any attempt at talking and so he will be seeing a speech therapist in the upcoming months. I know he will talk when he is ready, but I am concerned about it because he was talking at one point and just stopped. I do know that Landon's hearing is ok and that is not the reason for his speech delay. He is able to follow commands without hesitation on his part. If I tell him dinner is ready and to go to his chair, then Landon will go directly to his high chair. If I tell him that it is bath time, then Landon will walk up the stairs to the bathroom. Landon can even throw things into the kitchen trash can and sink when asked. Landon still loves to read and he is developing a love for puzzles. Every time we go to the library he wants to play with the wooden puzzles and at the doctors office today he wouldn't put the puzzle down. With the exception of him not talking, Landon is developing well. He is so smart and continues to amaze us daily.

We were too busy today for me to take pictures of Landon, but I did snap a few shots of him in the car. We had to pick Aunt Jenny up from work and while we waited for her to come out I sat Landon upfront with me to play. Landon had so much fun sitting in the front seat while hanging out of the window and eating animal crackers.