Sleep

Ok - The real Ferberizing begins!

Naps - So Geoff is now pretty good about taking naps in his crib. We are out and about a lot, so our goal is one nap a day in his crib, which seems to work well. The other naps he takes in his stroller or car seal, unless we are home.

Night - He's always been really good about falling asleep at night, so no issue there. His current routine is a feeding at 11:30, followed by a book and a song, and then in bed by around 12:15. He usually sleeps until about 10:30 - 11:30 the following day.

Middle of the Night - So here is the new part. Geoff can go 9 - 10 hours without eating, so he only needs to wake up once to eat (if at all.) At this point, I am ok, with one night feeding, but I'd ideally like to eliminate it by Disney World - we'll see though.

So what we're doing is extending the time between feedings - I know he can go 8 hours, he's done it before - but we started with 5 hours. So the first night, I fed him at 11:30, and was not going to feed him again until 4:30. He woke up at 2:30 (He must have known something was up because he never wakes up at 2:30!) So we used the progressive wait approach (Ferberize). We started with 15 minutes, because that's what we're up to a nap time. He cried for 15 minutes - so I went in to tell him I loved him, but I didn't pick him up and I didn't feed him. Next, Grant took the monitor down stairs with him (he was still awake) and came up at 3:05. Geoff was still crying while Grant walked up the stairs, but when Grant reached the door... silence - Geoff had fallen asleep! Grant waited 10 minutes to be sure, but indeed, Geoffrey was asleep. He didn't wake up to eat until 7:00!

Last night, I pushed back the waiting until 5:00 - and he woke up to eat at 5:30. Although we probably could have used the progressive wait method again, and not fed him until later, I didn't because I am ok with feeding him once at this point (and he didn't wake up again until 11:30) and beause I am going to keep pushing it out - tonight, I won't feed him until 5:30 (if he wakes up earlier, etc.)

Camping may throw a kink in it - we certainly can't let him cry at the camp ground in the middle of the night! But once we're back from camping, I'll start again with this and see how far we get by Florida. Since we'll most likely have a condo in Florida, I can still do this and not worry about his crying waking the neighbors (if it gets to that! Last night, we didn't have a middle of the night crying session, so you never know!) Hopefully by the cruise, he'll be sleeping all night - or up for just one feeding!

Sweet Potatoes

On Friday, July 10th, Geoffrey started Sweet Potatoes. We mix it in with his rice cereal, for now. He treats it pretty much the same as the rice cereal. He either lets it sit in his mouth, or chews it a bit, before eventually swallowing it. he doesn't spit it out, for the most part, but he does lose interest pretty quickly.

After Geoffrey's appointment we went on bought a food processor and some ice cube trays so we can make our own baby food. We now have 64 frozen cubed portions of sweet potatoes ready for Mr. Geofferson. Thanks, Daddy!

4 1/2 month Doctor Visit

On Thursday, Geoffrey had his next Doctor's visit with Dr. Chang. He did really well. It was nap time, so he fell asleep in the waiting room. For once, we didn't mind a long wait (there were a few newborns who always get priority after lunch) because it enabled Geoff to sleep for about a half an hour. When Dr. Chang came in, he was just ready to wake up, but still dazed enough to not resist too much when she checked his ears and mouth and everything.

He now weighs 16 pounds, 9 ounces, (75th percentile) and he is 26 1/2 inches long (90th percentile). So he is doing really well. Geoffrey's new suggested diet consists of fruits and veggies twice a day, however, this is still just practice. We're supposed to introduce a new fruit or veggie every week so that we can watch for allergies. It is also ok if we choose to skip a day because we're out because he really is not gaining nutrition from it yet.

Also, she says that Geoffrey can certainly go 10 hours without needed to eat now, so I need to get better about letting him go back to sleep without feeding him.

At the end of the visit, Geoffrey got a few more vaccines. Again, having just woken from a nap helped because he was in a pretty good mood. First he had his oral rotovirus vaccine - which he treated like he pretty much treats his food - he let it sit in his mouth without too much swallowing. But it eventually went down. Then he got two shots - PCV and DTAP (which can be painful). He handled these shots well - not getting too too upset. He cried after the first one but was easily distracted from his cries. The second one he cried more, but we could then pick him up right away, so daddy made him feel much better.

This round of vaccines were the same as the vaccines he got 2 months ago at his 2 1/2 month visit.

Chip

When we were at Goofy's Kitchen, Chip came up to Geoff and tried to engage him. Geoff had looked at most of the characters with fascination, but this time, h just wouldn't look at Chip. He was too busy staring and smiling... at me! After a few minutes, CHip shrugged and took a pen and wrote on our table cloth "He only has eyes for you...."

Ah... I love my boy.

Starting Solids

At Geoff's last visit, Dr. Chang told us to start feeding him rice cereal once he turned four months. She said it was important that he start learning how to eat solids because some babies will get so accustomed to drinking their meals that they won't adjust well when they nutritionally need solids. (I have also read somewhere that at 4 months, babies are still pretty malleable, but that the older they get, the harder it is to change routines.) Basically, solids right now or "dessert" - they are not for nutrition, but for practice.

For some reason that I have not been able to explain clearly, I was resistant to the idea of starting solids yet. I'm sure these contribute - but I don't know if they really explain it: I love breastfeeding, and do not look forward to the day when he won't need it anymore... right now, I know he is getting healthy food, but once he starts eating solids, you never know... the practicality of it - his diapers are easy to deal with and don't smell bad (and, weird as this sounds - I think I am going to miss his newborn - exclusively breastfed diapers...) ... I feel proud of myself that he is so healthy and thriving because of me, and I think in my brain I connected his lower (percentile) weight at his last doctor's visit to the fact that he is only breastfed and she wants him to start solids - so I feel like maybe I am not adequate and he needs more now (instead of at 6 months.) I know many of those reasons are silly, but it was just how I was feeling. (Grant says it is his first step towards moving out and that is why I am so resistant... hee hee)

Anyway, we decided to star solids on July 4th. The main reason was because we have a Doctor's appointment today (July 9) and I figured it was best that we at least attempted it before the doctor visit so we could discuss any issues with Dr. Chang (rather then start after and have to wait a whole month to see Dr. Chang if there ARE issues. Of course, she is great about returning calls, but still. It was a good kick in the pants for me!

We are starting Geoff on rice cereal, and he has had it on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday so far. Even on day one, he didn't spit it out - but he did make the cutest faces and sort of work it around in his mouth before swallowing. He definitely needs to learn how to swallow - I guess that's what this practice is for - but I do think the majority of it ended up in his tummy. (I guess I was thinking he might just spit it out completely, showing that he wasn't ready for solids yet - but alas - he did not.) On Sunday he started crying after about two bites, but the rest of the time he ate more.

We are starting out with 2 tablespoons of rice cereal mixed with an ounce of breast milk once a day, and he eats about half of it. We'll see what Dr. Chang says, but after about a week, we'll probably up it to twice a day.

My little boy is growing up!

20 week thoughts

On Friday, Geoff will be 20 weeks old.

Although he can roll over, he doesn't do it often. He has started playing in his exersaucer for short periods. He loves the toys, but he gets frustrated because he can't balance very well yet.

He works hard to scoot his knees under his body - he might be crawling before we know it! He also likes to "walk" when you hold his hands.

He loves to hold his feet now (and sometimes chew on them) - especially when you are trying to change his diaper.

He laughs a lot now - sometimes you can make him laugh when you tickle him or make silly noises.

He also started this silly slouching trick - when you try to hook him into his car seat - he slouches and scoots down way low - and laughs... It is both annoying and cute - I think he is trying to be funny.

Sleep - his sleep is variable. When he first got back from Vegas, he continued waking up twice at night. Then, he moved to waking up only once - sleeping 5 - 7 hours between feedings. However, this is not consistent - as the last few night he's started waking up again twice.

Michael Jacoson Memorial

I am watching the Michael Jackson memorial - and having a very hard time. I am so sad. He really did leave to early. He had more to give, more to prove. I am mostly so terribly sad for his children - how awful to lose your parent. He was poised for a comeback. I hope he found happiness. I know there are people all over the world who die in terribly sad circumstances - and maybe Michael's death sort of represents that - but he touched so many people - so many watched him grow up - Celebrity really extends your family, for better and for worse.

Geoff is singing along with Mariah Carey and Trey Lorenz... "I'll be there..." with his high pitched squeals.

Now Queen Latifah is speaking. Her eulogy is perfect.

Jennifer Hudson's - "Hold Me" with Michael's own words at the end - God, that got the tears going.

"There was nothing strange about your daddy... it was strange what he had to deal with."

Brooke Shields. Beautiful. Thank you for helping us see him.

Paris... this just is not sinking in for me. So sad.

Disneyland Trips #8 & #9

Tuesday, June 30th

Grant, Geoff, and I went to Disneyland last Tuesday. It wasn't too crowded. We got there in the afternoon. WE started out at Disneyland, riding Pirates, The Haunted Mansion, and Winnie the Pooh, before heading over to DCA to watch the Electrical Parade. Geoff LOVED the parade. He fell asleep while waiting for it, but woke up to watch it and couldn't stop staring at the bright lights. After the parade, we went back to Disneyland and rode its a small world. On our way out, we hopped on the Flying Dumbos for Geoffrey's first "flight," since there was no line. (I remember repeating my story to Grant about seeing Michael Jackson on the flying dumbos. I'm watching Micheal's memorial as I type this.)

Tuesday, July 7th

We went to Disneyland with Angela, Andrew, and Cori to celebrate Andrew's 10th birthday. We met at Goofy's Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel and had a yummy buffet brunch. While there, we were visited by Pluto, Fairy Godmother, Chip, Dale, Belle, Balloo, and, of course, Goofy. After lunch, we went over to Disneyland via the monorail. Once there, Angie sat with Geoff while Grant, Cori, Andrew, and I rode Star Tours. After that, Andrew tried to get into Jedi training. Unfortunately, it was VERY crowded and he didn't get picked. He was pretty bummed, so we quickly moved on - after a spin on Buzz Lightyear, Andrew was happy again.

We headed over to DCA so that Andrew could ride Tower of Terror. He rode with Grant while Angie, Cori, Geoffrey and I rode Monster's Inc. Next, we headed over to California Screamin'. Andrew and I rode (and sat in the front!) while Cori and Angie rode the carousel and Grant sat with Geoffers. Then Andrew rode the Maliboomer as a single rider. We all saw It's Tough to be a Bug, next. Then, Grant, Cori, and Geoff went to stake out a bench for the parade while Andrew, Angie, and I went on Tower of Terror.

While we waited for the parade, Angie and Grant went to get dinner (soup in bread bowls) while Cori and Andrew played in the SS Rustworthy. We ate dinner and then watched the Electric Parade. Geoff was so cute. He stared in awe again at the entire parade. When it ended, I handed him to Grant and he fell asleep within a minute. SO CUTE!

We headed back to Disneyland again. Cori slept in the stroller and I carried Geoff in his carrier. Andrew finally got to ride Indiana Jones with Angie and Grant while I sat aith Geoffrey and Cori. Then, Angie, Geoff, Drew, and I rode the Haunted Mansion while Grant sat with Cori and watched Fantasmic. We exited Haunted Mansion just as Fantasmic ended, so instead of dealing with the crowds - Angie and I sat with Geoff and Cori while Grant and Andrew went and rode Splash Mountain and Winnie the Pooh.

All in all, it was a great day. I think Andrew had an awesome birthday!

4th of July

What a fun day we had! Geoff, Grant, Gary, Belle, Lyon and I attended the Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade! We stopped by to see the Mosich's and sat in front of the hotel on PCH and 8th and watched the parade go by. It was a nice spot because it was shady and on the grass - which was good for us and the dogs. True, we didn't have the clearest vantage point of the parade, but I really enjoyed it!

That afternoon, we went over to DOnna and Gary's and had a yummy hot dog bbq followed by some wii. Poor Belle was wigging out from the fireworks (although Lyon couldn't care less!) At nine, we went home and headed up on the roof to watch the fireworks (last year of that for a while - I don't see myself taking a toddler up there!)

After the fireworks, we went back downstairs and watched the Macy's fireworks and Geoffrey played in his exercauser for the first time! Fun! He really liked it!

All in all, it was a very fun day - with lots of first for Geoffrey!

Las Vegas Friday/Sasturday - Heading Home.

This morning we mostly focused on moving. Mom and Bobby went early to check in to the MGM Signature. Grant and I called the bell men and we were assured that they were able to deliver our bags to the Signature for us. (We were checking out of MGM because our deal was over, and the room would be $300 if we wanted to stay one more night.)

Once we checked out, we drove over to Mandalay Bay to try their new buffet - which was really good. They had a diverse offering, and the setting was very tropical. After lunch, we took turns playing in the casino a bit and sitting with Geoffrey in the shopping area.  Then we headed up to Lush where we bought incredibly expensive bath bombs to use in the jacuzzi tub that night.

Back at the Signature, we checked in and headed up to our room to await the arrival of our luggage so we could go swimming one more time. Unfortunately, our luggage arrived 3 hours later, and we were unable to swim. Oh well. It was nice just relaxing and spending time with Mom and Bobby. While watching tv, we saw an add for Outback Steakhouse and decided to go there for dinner - we found one off the strip so it wasn't crowded.

Back at the hotel, we said goodnight. Grant, Geoff, and I took a bath in our huge jacuzzi bath tub using one of the bath bombs. Geoffrey LOVES the water, so he enjoyed it!

The next morning, Grant and I checked our stuff with the bellmen and packed up Mom and Bobby's stuff. We went to breakfast at IHOP. As we were pulling in I noticed that if you presented a receipt from the outlet mall across the parking lot from that day, you would get 20% off of the bill. So we sent Grant and Bobby to Carter's to get a $4 clearance onesie for Mr. Geofferson which ended up getting us $8 off our bill.  

After breakfast, we went back over to Carter's and did a little more shopping. Then we drove Mom and Bobby to the airport and said goodbye :o(

Grant, Geoff, and I went back to the hotel and got our stuff and headed home. Geoffrey did well for the first two hours, but then he started wailing. I got in the back wit him and fed him a bottle. Between that and me playing with him, he was pretty much fine for the rest of the trip home. We made it back in four hours (only stopping once at a rest stop and once for me to get in the back) and we returned the rental car with time to spare. Mom and Bobby got home at almost the same time we did!

Our first vacation with Geoffrey was awesome! Things I learned:

1) Vegas is not exactly baby friendly. Not all restrooms had changing tables and it was hard to find places to nurse. However, it can be done, and I would do it again.

2) Help is always wonderful!

Las Vegas - Thursday

Finally! A break from the MGM buffet. Today, we went to eat at Le Village Buffet at Paris. When we arrived, I tried to find a bathroom with a changing table (the one next to the lobby) while Mom, Bobby, and Grant paid. I got back just as we were seated.

Wile we were eating, Grant got the text that Michael Jackson had had a heart attack, and then that he died. I couldn't believe it! I was really in shock. Poor MJ. All the money in the world and he couldn't get the help he needed. Sounds like so many celebrities I know of...

After lunch, we headed back to the hotel, enjoying a stroll down the strip. It wasn't too hot most of the time. Back at the hotel, we watched some of the Michael Jackson footage, and Mom and Bobby got ready to see Ka. While they were at the show, we did some packing. We met them down in the casino after their show was over and we walked to Fat Burger for dinner, enjoying a nice evening on the strip, and taking some pictures. It was a pretty relaxing day.

Las Vegas - Wed. June 24

Wednesday June 24

Today, Grant and I woke up in time to get breakfast at the buffet. Hee hee. Mom and Bobby had already gone, so they spent the morning with a very happy Geoffrey while Grant and I had breakfast, and then drove over to the Venetian to exchange vouchers for their Phantom tickets.

After that, Mom and Bobby went to do the TV research thing they have at MGM. They watched an episode of CSI and then rated it. Mom. Because of her age, got asked to participate in a further study – which took her an extra hour and earned her $50! In the mean time, Grant and I hung out with Geoffrey and watched the wind and rain outside our windows, and then met Bobby to play slots. When it was my turn (while Grant walked around with Geoffers) I got a straight flush on one of the poker machines! Fun! I ended up walking away $10 richer. Hey big spender!

When Mom was finished, we had lunch before heading upstairs to get ready for the show.

While I was changing Geoffrey's diaper, I did a raspberry on his tummy and he started LAUGHING! It was so cute! I had given him raspberries before and he didn't really react, so this time it was adorable! So fun!

Geoffrey and I had a fun evening playing together. He even took a nap long enough for me to get a majority of this blogging finished! Meanwhile, Grant, Mom, and Bobby thoroughly enjoyed seeing Phantom of the Opera. It happened to be the 3 year anniversary of the show, so the guy who played the Phantom came out and spoke, and there was a big cake for the cast! This makes Phantom the longest running Las Vegas musical. They had great seats - 3^rd row center or the mezzanine.

Geoff and I met them for dinner at – you guessed it – the MGM buffet. Yum. Did I mention that I've been eating a lot of sushi? Oh... and sugar free desserts... hee hee.

Vegas - Tuesday June 23

Tuesday June 23

We all slept in this morning, so we went to lunch together at the buffet. Most of the food was pretty similar to the day before, and the lines were still long. After lunch, we strolled down to the half price ticket booth to get a discount coupon for the Village buffet at Paris as well as Mom, Bobby, and Grant's tickets for Phantom.

Mom and Bobby walked over to New York New York to check out the new casino, while Grant, Geoff and I went to the pool. Geoff had fallen asleep but woke up early and cranky. He wasn't as happy in the water – it wasn't that he disliked the water, but he was still sleepy. I put him on my shoulder and we walked around the river, and Geoff fell asleep. He slept on my shoulder for about a half an hour as Grant and I went 'round and 'round the pool! When he did wake up, he was in a better mood. We went around a few more times before I got out to feed him.

We headed up to our room and met up with Mom and Bobby. After dinner at – you guessed it, the buffet – we went out for a walk. Geoff was so tired from swimming, that he napped for three hours – from 9:00 – 12:00! We were afraid that he wouldn't sleep at night, but he did! He fell asleep while we were finishing dinner, and slept as we walked over to New York New York (we were very disappointed in the new casino – very plain – it lost must of its character,) on to the Bellagio where we watched the fountain show at 10:45 and 11:00, and then walked back to the hotel. He finally woke up as we approached the hotel, so we took a few minutes to look at the Rain forest Cafe. We visited the aquarium (although Geoff was more interested in the bubbles) and the alligator. Back at the room, he ate and then went right to bed! What a good boy!

 

Las Vegas Monday 6/22

Monday, June 22

This morning, Mom and Bobby woke up before we did, so they headed down the the MGM buffet for breakfast. Then they played in the casino a bit while Grant and I had lunch with Geoffrey. The buffet had good food, but had a very poor lay out. I've eaten SO MUCH sushi at this buffet!

After lunch, we went out to the pool. We found a shady spot near the lazy river and settled in. Geoff was sound asleep, so Mom (Grandma) held him while Grant and I took a lap in the river. Then, Bobby and Grant took a lap while I sat with Mom and Geoff. Once Geoff woke up, we all went in the lazy river. He loved it! We started out in the shallow pool so he could get used to the water, and then we went to the river. Mom and Bobby had found an inner tube, so we took turns riding it with Geoff sitting on our lap. He was fine going under the waterfalls and everything! People kept commenting on how cute he looked with his swimming trunks, swim shirt, hat, and sun glasses. Mr. Cool.

After a while, we got out, and I fed Geoffrey. This was the easiest place (other than the hotel rooms, of course) to feed Geoffrey. He's been pretty good about sleeping when he needs to. He is talking lots of little naps throughout the day – and sleeping from about 1AM to about 10 or 11 AM, with one night feeding. He's doing really well!

After our day in the pool, we went down to dinner at the buffet. We were a little bummed that the food at dinner was almost identical to the food at lunch, with a few small exceptions (crab legs and shrimp, for example.) The lines were horrendous.

After dinner, we went up to the room and realized that we had left our diaper bag at the buffet. Bobby called down and they located it and gave it to the cashier. Meanwhile, Grant and I were talking to a manager. The manager checked his office but it wasn't there (because it was with the cashier). We tried to explain that to the manager, and although he was very friendly and was trying to be helpful, he was severely overwhelmed by the long lines – the buffet was not set up to handle the crowds there promotions were bringing in (besides the deal we had – free buffets included with the rooms) they also had an all day pass anyone could buy for $30. IN any case, Grant left to drop off Mom and Bobby for he Blue Man Group while I waited around for the manager to call me back to tell me he had located the bag.

Once I got the bag, I went upstairs and waited for Grant. We had a nice evening with Geoffrey. We went to pick up Mom and Bobby from their show, and then went to Wal-mart for drinks and moleskin for blisters. They had some adorable Disney onesies that we got for Mr. Geofferson!

June 21 - Father's Day

Sunday, June 21^st.

Father's Day!

On Sunday, we packed up and moved to the MGM.

First, Geoff and I gave Grant his Father's day present – a picture frame with pictures of Grant and Geoff and a poem from Geoffrey. Then, Geoffrey wished Daddy a Happy Father's Day by spitting up all over Daddy's shorts. With only about 30 minuted left until check out, Grant decided to throw his shorts in the washer and at least get them washed – figuring they could hang dry at the MGM. Unfortunately, he forgot to take his iphone out of his pocket – so he washed his phone too! Of course, it was completely ruined – but at least he still had the accidental insurance, so he was able to get it replaced.

Bobby and Grant loaded the car up with all of our bags and drove over to the MGM, while Mom, Geoff, and I walked and met them there. There was no way we'd all fit in the car with all of our stuff!

We checked into the MGM – one room was ready, so we brought all of our bags in the room. Our room faced South-east, with a view of the airport and Hooters hotel. The room was large and very nice – It has a couch, table, and chair, and a king bed – the room is split into a sitting area and a sleeping area by a large wardrobe / TV chest. The room also has a fridge, a shower with a tub, and a separate shower. We really like it! Mom and Bobby's room is directly across the hall (11306 / 11305). There room faced south west – you could see New York, New York, Excalibur, Luxor, and Mandalay Bay from there room.

We had lunch to celebrate Grant's first Father's Day at Mon Ami Gabi, his favorite restaurant at the Paris hotel. We gave both Bobby and Grant Father's Day cards and enjoyed a lovely meal in the Atrium. Grant and I split the French Onion Soup and an Endive, Blue Cheese and melon salad, and we all split a Pate appetizer. For entrees, Mom had a Spinach salad with Salmon and blueberries, Grant and Bobby had steak and frittes, and I had a fried green tomato grilled cheese sandwich. Delicious!

After lunch, we walked back to MGM, stopping at the Half Price Ticket booth. They had Bette Middler tickets for $64! We didn't think we'd be able to get into the Colosseum for that price, so we decided to get tickets for Mom, Bobby, and me. Later in the week, Grant, Mom, and Bobby would be seeing Phantom, but we decided to get Bette tickets since we'd never seen them for such a reasonable price!

Once we got back to the hotel, Mom and Bobby's room was ready, so we took some time to unpack. Bobby and Grant went to exchange our vouchers for our Bette tickets at Ceasers Palace, and went to the Venetian to get Mom and Bobby's Blue Man Group tickets for Monday night (these are the tickets they got from Dr. Phil.) Then Grant went to replace his iphone.

That night, Daddy and Geoffrey got to spend the evening together, while Mom, Bobby, and I got to see the Divine Miss M in concert! What an amazing experience. Bette Middler! THE Bette Middler! The show was everything I expected – hilarious and beautiful, with great music, great dancing, and comedy in a beautiful theater.

The show started late, and didn't end until 9:30, so we couldn't make it back to our hotel in time for dinner at the buffet. Our package includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the MGM buffet. However, since the buffet closed at 10, we ended up going to The Burger Bar for dinner. Geoff, again, was great, sleeping through most of the meal. He got fussy at the end, because he was pretty hungry, so I left while they paid the bill and fed Geoffrey in the car.

(As a side note – that is the only really difficult part about having Geoff here – it is not a friendly place for nursing at all – hot outside, smoky inside with not a lot of quiet places to sit. Not a surprise, and easy enough to work around – just a comment.)

We joked about what people must think of us walking through the casino at midnight with such a little baby! I am sure there were some that didn't approve. On the other hand, we did see other families out, too! How your perspective changes when you have kiddos of your own, huh?

Saturday, June 20

Saturday, June 20^th

Geoffrey slept well in his pack and play. He did wake up for a night feeding, but considering the heat and how dry it is here in Vegas, I am actually glad he's eating at night to stay hydrated.

We picked up Mom and Bobby from the airport. It was so fun to watch Geoffrey play with Grandma and Grandpa! We went to the Mirage and had lunch at Cravings before heading back to the Marriott.

That night, Geoffrey got to spend the evening with Grandma and Grandpa, while Grant and I went to Bellagio to see Cirque Du Soleil "O," which we had not seen yet. This show is so cool – a traditional Cirque but with an amazing water stage! There were lots of excellent acts, including some great diving acts! We both really enjoyed it!

Geoff had a good time with Grandma and Grandpa. He ate almost 12 ounces when they fed him! He slept well again – waking up for one feeding.

Las Vegas - Geoffrey's First Vacation!

SO - I am way behind on my vacation blogging - 5 days in and I haven't even started! I must say, though, that it is harder now with Geoffrey to find time to sit down and blog. Typically I like to do a big chunk all at once - but I may just have to adjust to blogging about small bits here and there.... Hee hee -

Away we go!

Friday June 19

We left on Friday morning to drive to Vegas. We rented a car from LB airport and were on our way by noon. There was a lot of traffic until we got on the 15, and then it was smooth sailing. We stopped at Barstow for lunch, as well as at a rest stop for some stretching. Geoffrey did well for most of the ride - but towards the end, he couldn't sleep any more and was ready for a change from the car seat and some social time.

We checked into the Marriott Grand Chateau at about 6:00 PM, and we all enjoyed some stretch out time. The room we stayed in was a one bedroom – but it had a very odd lay out and was not an effective use of space. However, we certainly enjoyed the washer and dryer in our room!

After we settled in, we headed back out to dinner. We ate at Grand Lux at the Venetian. Geoff was very good – he slept through most of dinner and was pretty happy when he woke up.

We swung by Wal-mart to get some snackins before heading back to our hotel for the night.

16 week happenings! + rolling over!

Geoff sure had a busy week!

On Thursday night, Geoff came to our fifth grade wax museum and science fair! Everyone loved seeing him!

On Friday, he went to our Spring concert. Aunt Cathy Roh held him during the concert and he loved hearing the music!

On Saturday, he went to an Angels game! The Angels played the Padres and won - scoring nine runs - four of them home runs! It was so exciting! (Geoff, by the way, slept through the first 3 innings!)

Geoffers is such a good boy on all of these outings! He really travels well!

Plus, this weekend, Geoffrey rolled over! He rolled from his back to his stomach on Friday and again on Saturday! He likes to put his feet up. rolling into a ball, and then rolling over to one side... well now. a few times, he's managed to roll all the way!

15 1/2 week Pediatrician Visit

On Monday, Geoffrey went to visit Dr. Chang. He now weighs 15 pounds (which puts him in the top quarter) and 26 inches (still 90th percentile for length.) With Geoff spitting up so much, and starting to sleep longer at night, I was anxious to know that his weight was all right. So of course the fact that it proprtionally went down had me worried. However, Dr. Chang does not seem concerned. She said he looks healthy, strong, and happy, and that he is growing well. When I asked, she said that his length was great, and that he while not be a chunky baby, he is still doing very well. She seemed impressed that he was still exclusively on breast milk - no formula - and that I was pumping enough.

She also didn't seem concerned about Geoffrey's sleeping on daddy's schedule, which is good.

She wants us to start solids when he is 4 months. It is not for nutritional reasons at this point, but rather to get him used to eating solids so that when the time comes that he needs solids, he won't refuse food off of a spoon in preference to the nipple. At this point, just rice cereal. We haven't started yet - He won't be 4 months until June 20th. I asked her about delaying solids until he was 6 months - because I had really started thinking that I might want to do that. She said that if he refused the cereal or didn't seem interested, it was ok, and to try again in a few days or a week, but in general, she felt we should go ahead and start it.

I haven't really decided yet. His weight does concern me a bit and maybe a little rice cereal would help. Plus it is another source of iron. We'll see how the summer goes.

I am glad that summer starts for me when Geoffrey is turning 4 months. I feel like he is hitting a new developmental level at 4 months - new foods - new feeding patterns (the plan she gave us as a suggestion has him nursing 5 times a day, with rice cereal after the 2nd and 4th nursing), and new sleeping patterns (I can already tell that he can go 8 hours, sometimes longer, without a feeding at night for most nights... He's still sleeping now and he went down 8 1/2 hours ago.) I'll get to be home with him through this particular transitional time.

He also got two more immunizations - His HIB and Polio vaccines.
Neither of these are really known to cause reactions and just like last time, Geoffrey did just fine with them. When nurse Florence actually gave him the shots, it wasn't nearly as bad as last time... he didn't have any of those high pitched screams... just a pissed off cry and then he calmed down pretty quickly.

Pediestrian Only - Times Square

Times Square in New York City is now pedestrian only!!! Hurrah! I think that is such a good idea!!!!