He did it! I mean, WE DID IT!

This past week Joel and I have been working on introducing Ross to his crib. He knows his room and Loves it! When we take him in his room, his eyes open widely and he just stares at everything. All of his diapers and clothes are in his room(when they are put away) so we do use the room, he just hasn't slept in it.

Recently Ross exceeded the 15lb weight limit on his Pack-n-Play bassinet attachment. So out it came and down Ross went, to the big boy bottom of the Pack-n-Play. He did Not appreciate it, not one bit. So I folded up the Pack-N-Play and begun to teach Ross how to self sooth. We started on our bed, his ultimate choice for sleeping.

Typically I would put him to sleep and then lay him in his crib. This afternoon I laid him in the crib. I would wind his mobile, leave the room and return only when he fussed due to the stopped mobile. And I would wind the mobile again.And now, as of 30 minutes ago Ross has successfully soothed himself into a nap IN his Crib! YAY!



In addition, last night was his first night to sleep in his crib. We decided a few weeks back that when Auntie Ang and Uncle Phil visit we would give them our bed and we would sleep in Ross' room. So this week is the embarking of Ross moving into his room full time.

We are nervous and stressed and know that God is in control. You may be comforted when you remember God is in control, but we are not. That thought is an anxiety inducing fact for Joel and I. We are continually trying to take steps to place our trust and faith in Him, but it is an hourly battle- Still. We covet your prayers for our peace and Ross' protection(spiritually and earthly).


Our new Foster doggie, Daisy, is quite attached to Ross. This morning while I was holding him, Smithers came over and was getting a bit rough. Daisy snapped at him, she doesn't do this normally. I know it was Ross she was guarding because a week or so ago Ross was in his bouncy seat and I ran at him. Daisy chased me, passed me and spun around. She barked and took an authoritative stance. She wasn't threatening me, but she wanted me to know that my actions were NOT acceptable.

Scheduling? What's that?

Compared to friends of mine I am the consistent, harsh disciplinarian. The Firm one. So when it comes to my own children I assumed I would not be the softy. The mushy gushy mommy who follows the infants lead. But that is exactly what has developed- an unscheduled, laid back, follow the fuss monster's lead- kind of mom. I was the same with Jacob, but I assumed that had he been around longer the firm side of mom would've emerged. Alas, with Ross at 3 months of age, we are still an unscheduled mess. I find it humorous that me, of all people, is the one who won't let her son cry to sleep, wait an extra half hour to eat, or stay in a diaper that he feels is full enough. Go figure.
At this point, I have stacks of baskets of laundry, all dirty - not even close to becoming clean :/. When I have 5 minutes to complete a task, I usually choose using the restroom first. I know I am weird. I have had the luxury of mopping the floors fewer than 5 times since the bugger has arrived(in our house, every 3 to 7 days is preferred). Dishes are done once a day- if I am lucky! And Joel is anxious to add to our clan! Maybe we can get a live in maid?!
Maybe by the time he is a year I will have a better idea of what the day ahead looks like, maybe. Even if life remains to be this chaotic, this hectic, I will bask in the bliss that is motherhood. Yes, I said Bliss. No matter how difficult things can be, I remember a year past. And that memory is all the motivation I need to be thankful for the messy, disorganized, dirty, house that holds 20 loads of laundry, four hungry doggies, an empty fridge but one contented, happy, very much loved Ross.

The Firecracker Loses Battery Power

It is official. No, Ross is not going to have another brother. It's a sister. Just Kidding folks. The big news is that his monitor is off! And by off I mean it is going back. For the past week Joel and I have kept Ross off the monitor at night. We wanted to get our nerves up before we didn't have it to fall back on- just in case we didn't have the nerve to follow through.

It all started when we received a bill from the monitor company. You see, when the topic of having Ross on a monitor arose, Joel immediately asked, "What is this thing going to cost me?" Now I hope you don't hear that we were concerned about our families financial security over Ross' well being. In our minds Ross doesn't need a monitor, never did. You may have heard me proclaim, "Jacob is the one for who it should have been prescribed!" We were the ones that needed it- we wanted to get some sleep. We accepted the monitor because the cost was not ridiculously high and it would calm our nerves.

Well it happened, the bill came. Apparently the monitor company, Respira, lied to Joel, the 20 times and 20 different ways he clarified that the cost was in fact, $XX. The bill that arrived was $XXX! It would pay for a trip to Cali and back. Oh, and that's just one months cost!!! Nevermind that we have had it 2 and a half months now. Oh the bills just keep rolling in.

With much deliberation we asked the company to stop billing us and pick up the equipment. This of course was began their insistence that we sign a document, you may have heard of it, an AMA. Against Medical Advice. WHAT THE HECK!!! No! I am so fed up with the medical community. I mean with all that we have dealt with, this company is just lucky Joel spoke with them- I would have lost it.

As "concerned medical staff" they called Ross' doc to inform her of our intent to stop necessary medical measures. And upon doing so were informed by her that she just hadn't sent in the forms stating he no longer needed it, she would do it right away. Thank you doctor Grant!

So no more monitor. Obviously this will cause mommy a set back. But thus far I have been able to fall asleep so long as I check on him four or five times during the process, just to be sure he is in fact okay. He is still sleeping in our room, in a Pack-N-Play. He has a fighting personality. If he doesn't like something he will try to change it and if he can't, he will demand that you do! I am thankful for his 'firecracker' nature, it helps put my nerves at ease, if only for a moment. =)

Ross' Dedication

Ross will be Dedicated this Sunday, 10:50 am, September 20th,

@ First Baptist Church Rockwall.

We are happy that friends of ours will be dedicating their daughter Tori as well.

Television and Babies

This post will not be about what most people would expect upon reading the title. It is not about allowing children to watch television, or what age is appropriate to allow television viewing. Rather this post is about the new television viewing habits that have become typical in the Marlowe household.
Formerly Joel and I would enjoy the late evenings watching some of our favorite crime drama's, Comedy Central talk shows (The Daily Show with John Stewart). But since the arrival of Ross we are not able to watch television together.
When we have tried, it goes something like this. Play...(90 seconds)... Pause as a Ross fit ensues... he settles into whimpering... quick play...(60 seconds)... Pause as he alerts us to his continued unhappiness... Play...(180 seconds)... SCREAMING! And this pattern continues until Joel, or I, decide it is not worth the trouble.
Apparently our son does not want us to spend time in front of the boob tube. We need to find some new Ross approved activities- and fast!

An eventful morning. Thankfully, though, it was not our event. Ross and I went out to the front yard to water the flower beds. Which as of now still are waiting for a nice drink. As I went for the hose I see my neighbor, Debbie, out and we stop for a visit. I hand Ross to her and we enjoy him.
As we attempt to go back to our tasks we see another neighbor wandering in the yard, frantic and on the phone. She is carrying her 18 month old son, Colton. She was holding him and he reached for something and fell. She was panicked. I rushed over to her, handing Ross back to Debbie so I could help; trying not to lose it myself. I took Colton from her because she wanted him to stay awake. The ambulance is called and I send Debbie for Joel.
Colton's Grandma soon arrives(who, I learn, formerly was the pianist for our church) to help. The neighbors have started rushing out of their homes to see who is ill. See, our neighborhood is close, we help each other out and visit with one another. I explained the situation to the few gathering so that everyone would know he is okay. The took him to Children's for xray's. I have seen lots of kids with lots of injuries and I am confident he will be just fine- but praying just the same.
As Joel and I enter our home we sigh. Ahh. What an emotional day and it was hardly past noon. Joel explains I was not the only one who was fighting back tears. He had stood in the street crying, knowing all too well the fear she was living. There were tears in the neighbors eyes as they rushed to see who was in need of the ambulance. It is nice to live in such a caring neighborhood. With all that has transpired the last few years we all have become more unified. I cannot imagine leaving- and thankfully I don't have to.

It was a scary hour that flooded our minds with memories.

When they get home I will be sure to check on both mom and baby. Your prayers for Colton and his mommy(to have peace) are greatly appreciated.

Poor Baby

Poor baby because his daddy's response to his misery was to make fun.

Poor baby because he was suffering from colic. We have learned that colic is a terrible affliction. We have also learned that Ross suffered from such an affliction. Upon completion of some research we learned that colic is excessive fussiness as the result of digestive issues or gas. I decided to eliminate all dairy products from my diet and it seems to have done the trick. Ross is much happier now.

Poor Baby because last night he received his first shot. It was antibiotics for his first ear infection. There is story here. All day yesterday we had a very fussy Ross. All he wanted was mommy and a moving mommy at that. We figure it is the return of his colic. After Ross' bath I noticed an issue with his 'family jewels' so I get on the computer and start searching. Before Joel is even off the phone with Gramma(my mom) I am in tears. Joel decides we are taking the conservative route and heading to see the docs. Upon arrival (now this is the best part) at the hospital, as soon as we complete a half sheet form they call us to triage- ahead of the other waiting patients. From triage we head straight to room and within 5 minutes are being examined by the doctor. As it turns out baby's 'jewels' are okay. However, his ear is not. He has a middle ear infection. We opted for the injection of antibiotics and the boy didn't even flinch when injected- but he did NOT like the liquid Tylenol. POOR BABY.

Mommy, however, was a complete mess. It was a very traumatic night for me. When we were being led back to our bed they led us right past the room where we received the official word on Jacob. For a second I thought they were sending us in there... I panicked. I was finally able to relax as we were leaving LakePointe and I could take my boy with me in my arms. A lot of emotions were stirred up for me but thankfully once home Joel took Ross as I passed out of exhaustion.

Ross slept good once he was asleep and seems to be feeling much better today- we are thankful it was caught early and that it was nothing major.

Joel's new favorite line is, "God worked through Ross' testicles." I find it a bit crude but I did marry the guy so I just have to deal. Poor Baby his dad is making jokes about his privates. :0(