A New Idea!

Before our Little Moose arrived I was doing great on the updates. Letting people know what we were up to, how things were going at Depot for Spencer and just general information. Then when we moved to the Sunshine Coast the updates got further and further apart. Life got busier, my husband was back, we were looking for a new home, then moving in, getting ready for L.M. to arrive and then bedrest. The dreaded bedrest. You would have thought I could have been on the computer then, but noooo, bedrest meant just that. Then the early arrival of our wonderful baby boy. On December 5th, McLean Joseph William joined us and changed our lives forever. It was a bumpy start but after a few weeks at Children's Hospital and Christmas at home in Victoria with both our families he is thriving and doing fantastic!

So, where did the time go? Well, to that darling little boy, smiling at you from this blog. And the updates? Long left behind as I tried to get every bit of sleep I could in the beginning months and the rest of the time was devoted to Mac. Now that he is beginning to sleep a bit longer and on a more regular schedule, I am finding a few moments to myself. Granted it has only been four days of a more decent sleep schedule, so don't count on anything! The one thing I have learned so far is that every time I think we have a schedule down, or I at least think I know what is going on, he decides to change it, as he is changing and growing, and it is definitely all about him in our world these days!

Spencer and I could not be more thrilled with our latest addition and are enjoying every moment. Many an evening are just spent hovered overtop of Mac watching him sleep, the rest of the time is rotating our own sleep so the other can get some. It is getting easier though!

As for what is new with Mac. Well, after our latest pediatrician appointment in Vancouver the news is he is doing everything a "normal" baby his age should be doing, whatever normal is! The one thing that seems to be clear is that babies all do things in their own sweet time and that for every baby that is different.

In Sechelt we work with an Infant Development Team that watches Mac's progress and puts us in touch with any resources we may need at the time, such as physio therapist, occupational therapist, speech-language therapist etc. Right now Mac is seeing a physiotherapist once a week, who makes sure everything is progressing as should be. We are right now working on his arching. He arches back a bit when upset or excited. Normal, I know, but because this could be a concern in the future we are working to eliminate it. That means tucking both, or one, of his legs up when holding him, holding toys above his tummy, not his head, for him to look at, and spending time in his rocker. All of these things will encourage him to flex forward instead of back. This is important because when he starts to walk, if he is still arching, it could cause him to walk with a gait.

Mac also sees an osteopathic massage therapist about once a week, an active release chiropractor, when we are in Victoria, and is off to see a naturopath this week, all along with our regular doctor. Anything and everything we can do to give him a jump start and not overwhelm ourselves.

For "fun" Mac and I head to Storytime for under 24 months at the library on Tuesdays and a Mum and Babe group on Thursdays and then starting the end of March we'll be doing our very first set of swimming lessons! These activities are more social for Mum than Mac at this point, but is allowing us to meet some other families and children. We even had our first playdate last week!

As Spencer says he is the "nap and shower guy". Most of the time they are spending together are with Mac asleep on Spencer's chest, as they both have a snooze, or in the shower. Mac loooves the shower! I think it is his favourite place to be at this point. They have their little songs they sing in there, Spencer hold his on his tummy and Mac pushes off against the wall, or Mac is behind the shower spray watching the water come down, all the while licking the little drips that land on his face. Truly a special time for the two of them, they both enjoy and get so much out of it. Spencer is an amazing Dad and husband, involved in every moment and really knows how to read his son and me to see when we both need a break, and makes sure we get those breaks! He is firm when I am soft and vice versa. Needless to say, parenthood is definitely an adjustment but, I think we are doing great and know we are enjoying every moment!

Well, that should catch most of you up and I'll try to be better on the updates, I think this format is going to help and will be easier for all.

Till next time, Allison