Oral Fixation

I am a first time mom so I read a lot. I read in one of my many books that Kollin is exploring his world by putting things in his mouth. No wonder everything he gets his hands on causes his mouth to open!! Now that he has his front two teeth, he is exploring his world all over again.

Everything goes into his mouth, then he bites it, then he decides if it is OK to do it again. If he bites mom and she screams, he doesn't do it again. If he bites the toy and it feels good, he does it again. Slobber is dripping from his chin most of the day.

Today, he was sitting on my lap laughing. I assumed he was laughing at the time clock (he loves to watch the seconds tick...such a simple thing) but I noticed he wasn't looking at the screen. Upon closer examination, I noticed he was playing a game with himself.

He had his thumb, pointer finger and tall man (aka the birdy finger) in his mouth. He was trying to catch and hold onto his tongue. He would grab it then coo and see if he could hold onto it. If he lost the tongue he would laugh and do it again. I just love this little boy and his imagination!!!

What is your ratio??

Quick, list 8 things that happened to you today. Now put them in columns listed positive and negative. Here are mine in no particular order:

Positive:
1. Kollin slept from 2am until 7am!!
2. Fed Kollin sweet potatoes for the first time
3. Booked flight and car for Krystal's wedding!! HOORAY!!
4. Kenny brought me a mountain dew at lunch - thanks sweetie pie
5. Kollin's new game- see my next blog.
6. Weighed my self - down 15!!

Negative:
1. Kollin is having a bit of separation anxiety
2. Made a big mistake at work that was brought to light today (sorry Kat).

My ratio: 6:2 or 3:1

What does this have to do with anything?? Well, I read in our health magazine that 3:1 is the ideal ratio. People that have a 3:1 ratio are healthier, more optimistic, happier, and open minded. What do you know!?!?

I hope all your ratios are 3:1 or better!!

Children's music snob

I read in one of my books or on our babycenter website that Kollin will stop what he is doing to listen to music now. We have been listening to music since he was born but I thought this would be a great time to get some actual Children's music cd's (not just bob marley's lullaby's) to listen to in the car. Santa was kind enough to grant that request.

This past week we have been listening to them while we are on the way to work. Traffic hasn't been the best and Kollin doesn't like being in the car when it is dark so why not play some of his music. Fun right, when was the last time you belted out 5 little hungry bears or where is thumbkin?! I have learned that I am a music snob. I think that children's music should be up beat and silly. It should be for children, sung by children in an innocent manor. Apparently I am wrong.

Both of our cd's are Baby Genius or Baby Einstein. They are meant to help his brain develop with special tempos etc. I understand that the scientists have spent a lot of time making sure my baby gets smart by listening to this music. But, Scientists suck sometimes. They have taken all the fun out of it. Most of the songs are slow. The people singing either "church it up" (Ken's terms but I think you can understand) or the kids singing enunciate every word so you can hear each and every T or D. Kookaburra is one of the worst on the cd's. It is sung at a super slow tempo, every word is pronounced perfectly, and the kids singing sound like they are professionally trained and singing in a choir at church. It is ruined for me.

I think I need to get a group of kids together and let them sing their little hearts out. We will make our own version of Baby Einstein Rocks. We will keep all the wrong words, the off key kids, and the completely silly comments made in between. Anyone up for it?? Recording session at the Kirkman home - come one come all.

He is growing up too fast!!

Our little guy is growing up too fast!!!!

We had a bitter sweet moment on Friday (the 14th of January). Kollin has his first tooth!!! While this is a normal development and I am super excited, I am also a little sad. My little guy has a tooth!?!?!??! He is growing up so fast. It is just a few days/months away before he will be crawling and then walking. I love watching him grow and seeing his personality - just slow down a little bit!!!

Ken and I love to live in the moment and find the joy in every situation. We love being parents. I especially love watching Ken with Kollin. He rushes home to play with him every night and makes special trips to the office so he can feed him Lunch (yes, I said feed him. He is already eating rice cereal and baby food). He is such a great Daddy!

Kollin is such a laid back little guy. He is constantly passed around at family functions and the ladies at my office just cannot get enough of him. He is quick with a smile and a giggle. Roger calls him surly because he is so inquisitive. I just love this little boy!!!!!

Kollin is 4 months old already. So many things have changed in our lives. It is just amazing! Neither Ken nor I can imagine a life without him. Everything just seems to fit. We are super lucky to have such a laid back little boy.

Does life get any better than this!?!?!?!?