Quinn with a goose egg!

I was getting ready for church.  I was putting on my skirt.  The last thing I needed to do before heading out the door.  Quinn was right next to me.  As I was adjusting the length his feet got tangled in the bottom of my skirt.  He tried catching his balance and took two steps into the hallway and then fell.  His head hit our metal cold air return.  I knew when he was falling he would hit it.  The fall was so hard and I could I hear the pain and agony.  I immediately picked him up but couldn't see how bad it was since he had his hand over it.  Mike was able to look at him from over my shoulder and access.  I laid him on the bed and he started growing a goose egg...and fast.  It kept rising.  It was dramatic like in those Looney Toone shows.  I didn't think it was real.  I always thought they were exaggerating.  I started to freak out inside but tried to stay calm for Quinn.  I told Mike I have never seen a goose egg that big.  I looked to see if there were any signs of a concussion and there wasn't.  I was able to relax a tiny bit.  I asked him what to do. I told him, let's say a prayer.  That's what we did.  We prayed and then Mike gave Quinn a blessing.  Quinn was like I can't stop crying.  I told him it's okay and to cry all he wants. 

 

We took him to church and found a retired doctor from our ward and asked him what we should do.  He gave us direction and we immediately took him back home and got him situated.  I think that he liked being pampered and being able to watch TV all afternoon. 

 

I took Paxton and went to church.  I only went to sacrament meeting.  I dropped Paxton off at nursery.  I traded Mike off watching over Quinn.  When I arrived home he asked if he could go to church.  I guess that medicine did it's job. 

  I don't think these pictures do his goose egg justice.  It's hard to tell the middle is raised.  The doctor said to not be surprised if later he has two black eyes.  This picture was right when it first happened and was taken with my phone...thus why it's blurry.

 I was shocked to see how much his swelling went down from just icing it.

This picture was taken right when I got home from church. 

I always love my kids.  But when something like this happens it makes me realize how blessed we are.  Quinn and Paxton are both healthy little boys.  I don't have a lot to worry about health wise with these two.  I wanted to cry all day but never did.  I feel really emotional.  I'm sure being pregnant doesn't help with emotions either.  After I put the boys down for their nap and they were actually asleep, I had a quiet moment and just prayed for their behalf.  I thanked Heavenly Father for them and the wonderful opportunity to be their mother.  I feel so blessed that this wasn't anything more.  So many things could have happened and they didn't.  If he would've hit the corner instead.  He didn't get cut...no concussion, etc.

 

I realize how good of a boy Quinn (and Paxton too) is.  I wish I could've taken his pain.  I'm sure all moms feel this way when their little one is sick or hurt.

 

In the meantime, I know Quinn will heal.  He is resilient.  So far he has a good attitude.  He might look funny for a while but that's ok.  He's healthy, full of life, and my normal full of personality Quinn! 



Quinn dancing

Quinn has taken a fascination with music. When it comes on he can't help but to move. He usually goes more crazy than this. I've tried many times to get him on camera. I either just miss him or he takes more interest in the camera and stops dancing. In addition to him bouncing up and down and tapping his leg; he turns in a circle and bops his head. This clip is the best I could get of him dancing.



FYI: Usually we listen to one of Quinn's kids' CD. He happened to turn on the radio and this is what was on.

Quinn hates Shephard's Pie

I had some leftover ingredients perfect for making Shepherd's pie. Shepherd's pie doesn't take long to make so I was all for an easy night of making dinner. I gave Quinn his portion and went through the routine of preparing his food. He took a big bite and immediately spit it out. He wouldn't take another bite and started to play with his food. Before he made a mess, I decided to let him down. I put his tray and his bowl of food on the table to clean his hands and wipe his face. Right when his little feet hit the floor; he grabbed his bowl and spoon, walked over to the garbage, and started scooping his Shepherd's pie into the garbage. Mike and I just started laughing.

Smart boy! This way he'd make sure to not ever eat that stuff again. He notices that where I put the food he usually doesn't finish. He knows once it goes in it doesn't come back out. We were thoroughly impressed.

Quinn learns to blow his nose

Mini Roommate Reunion

Alicia is my old roommate from my second year of college. I've been talking to Alicia for over a year now through texting. She got my phone number off of facebook. (How scary is that? I didn't even know it was on there. That's when I had to make sure to take it off.) We'd just ask each other questions about being first time moms or whatever happens to be on our mind. We always said that we wished we lived closer. Our boys would have so much fun together since they're only a month apart. We finally agreed it was time to meet up to see each other. We were both curious about each other's child. We talk about them constantly.

Amelia, another old roommate of mine, also lives in Idaho Falls. Alicia was coming to visit her sister that lives in Rexburg and wanted to see us too. We made plans (and changed our minds a lot) to have dinner at Amelia's house.

It ended up being a perfect spot for our reunion. Tim and Mike went downstairs after dinner to watch a movie while us girls stayed upstairs. We just caught up on old times. It's weird to think we all have kids now and about the changes that have happened over the years.

Our kids
(I couldn't get two of the pictures to work... so this is what you get. I stole them from Alicia's blog since I didn't bring my camera.)

It was really good to see you Alicia! We need to get together more often. Maybe next time Amelia and I can go down to Utah to see the old roommates that live there...

Quinn cleans with Dad

Quinn can walk!

Quinn finally learns how to walk. He's been so close for so long. Like I said before, he just lacked the confidence. Each day he would take a few more and then a few more. Finally, one day he just took off. I can't believe his speed either.

He's so cute. We've been clapping for him and shouting "Hooray" when he takes steps. Now, before he takes his steps, he begins to clap for himself. It's a way for him to prepare us and to let us know to clap for him too. He definitely is proud of himself. He for sure knows we are proud of him as well!

When he walks, it's like he's a drunken soldier. Everyone said I'd hate it because he'll start getting into everything. Well, the truth is; he was mobile enough that he already was. I absolutely love that he is walking. I'm so proud of my little man even though he's now 14 months old.

He likes to hold onto a golf club as he circles around the house. It reminds me of a blind man's stick...but he's drunk while using it. He made Mike and I laugh a lot this night. We got him at the tail end when he was getting tired so he isn't quite as funny. You'll get the point.

My little stud

Mike and I went to McDonald's during Mike's lunch break. We were eating and Quinn wanted a fry. Mike gave him one with ketchup on it. He watched me dip my fry in ketchup and then watched Mike do the same thing. Then he dipped his own fry in ketchup. He did it repeatedly. He also would get his own fries. This is a man who knows what he wants and what he likes. What a stud!


Quinn and I went to the park. I put him on the slide and had him go down. He didn't want any help. I let him go down by himself. Then he turned around and started climbing up on his own. It was an easy day at the park. He did all the work. All I did was sit there and watch him. What a stud!


Quinn gets so many comments on his crawl. It has many names such as the bear crawl, monkey crawl, stink bug crawl, etc. He doesn't like his knees to touch. I love it. It kind of defines him. It's so different.


I told Quinn that we needed to put on his shoes so that we could go. He saw me put on my flip flops. He found this pair and put these on. It took him a while but he got them on. I thought it was so funny.

This is Quinn with his buddy Jacen. He came over to play while his parents went to a sealing. They loved their bike ride.

Quinn uses a walker to walk down the street. He goes from our house to the church. He basically uses this as a crutch. He could walk if he wanted to. He has taken a few steps. When he realizes what he's doing he gets scared and makes himself fall. He'll stop to tell a story. He's standing all on his own. He'll also stop to "check his engine." I cannot believe how close he is to walking. If he wants something bad enough he'll walk to it.


Quinn loves to push anything. He likes walking on his own and being independent. He hasn't quite mastered walking without using something but is almost there.


We are at my mom's house for the 4th of July. This is what Quinn was interested in doing the whole time. There were also eggs on the bottom and he loved playing with them. He even found a few yummy surprises. I was impressed that he was able to push the stroller on the grass.

Quinn's 1 year photos

This is one of my favorites.

and this one...

and this one...

Monkey See, Monkey Do

I was sanding some shelves I have. Quinn was interested in what I was doing. He watched me for a couple minutes before picking up a piece of sandpaper and started to help out. He was actually doing a good job! I showed Mike and he was like, "Monkey See, Monkey Do!"

I am very impressed with Quinn that he was able to pick up what was going on. I figure, even though he's young, I need to be careful of what I do. He's Quinn, the little mimicker. That is one way kids learn...after all!

I cut Quinn's hair

Here's the new little Mike. I think they look SO much alike. More so now, that his hair is shorter.

I was so sad to cut his hair. It needed it so bad. It reminded me of Rufio (sp?) off of Hook. It was so thick in the middle and uncontrollable.

It was hard cutting it because he was so interested in those clippers. He kept moving and then he'd throw a fit when he wasn't getting his way. The worst part was trimming his neck and around his ears. I had to tie him down with my feet and had his head in the joint of my elbow. This was when he really started to cry. I actually used a nose hair trimmer for this part of the job. I wondered if/when I'd ever use it and for this project it was perfect.

I think it looks good!

Can you see it...the resemblence? Well, this is the most recent of them together.

Quinn's giggle fest

I'm making a popping sound with my mouth and Quinn thinks it is so funny.



I'm not sure why this video turned out to be a little blurry.

Quinn, coming out of the closet crawler

Quinn is sneaky. He all of a sudden decided that he would crawl. He would do it when no one was looking. I bet he has been able to crawl for some time now without me even knowing. Even though he's somewhat late I'm still proud of him.



He does a much better job now. He is into everything. He's fast at crawling and walking around furniture.

Enjoying the swing at the park

Today was a beautiful day and we were able to enjoy it by spending some quality time at the park. It was great! We were able to actually walk there. Come on Spring!

I love this picture (even though it's blurry...it was taken by my camera phone) because if you look closely you can see his 2 bottom teeth growing in. I think they are so cute! He also has a top canine growing in as well.
Just relaxing and enjoying myself!

Starting to get bored and a little irritated but for the most part enjoying my time in the swing.

Quinn winking

Mike is the best at getting Quinn to do things. Quinn winked at me first on his own. He kept doing it and obviously we were impressed. Mike had to make it into a game (like he does with so many things) and have some fun with it. We changed it to closing his eyes since that is more obvious when recording. I love having a camera to catch moments like this! (You can't tell I'm so proud of him and love watching him learn, right?) ;)

Quinn learning

This isn't a very good clip to show off his new skills but it's the best we could get. We made him do it a few times before and he lost interest by the time we brought the camera out. He's been able to take steps for a while now but hasn't really been interested in doing it a lot. He has to be motivated either by his mom or food. He gets upset when he's made it to me and then I don't acknowledge him or hold him. When he gets close he'll all of a sudden just stop. He doesn't really see a reason to go any further. I love how excited he gets. He becomes so proud of himself.

Grandma Sharon called and wanted to know information about Quinn. I then realized that I haven't been very good at keeping up the blog and letting friends and family know of his development and quirks.

Quinn loves to play with magnets on the fridge when I'm working in the kitchen. He also loves to put them in his mouth. I tell Quinn, "not in your mouth" using a stern voice and he will usually take them right out. He always is trying to put them back in, of course, but then I'll look at him and he'll take it out. He's usually sitting on the floor so I'll raise my foot as if to touch his arm and he'll take them out. I think this is so cool because it shows that he can understand me. I'm sure it's more the tone that I use, but still, it's so cool.

He recently has started to roll over consistently. This is great because he is getting more and more tummy time in. He doesn't seem to mind being on his tummy as much as before. This has definitely helped in the progression of crawling.

He's starting to get the concept of crawling. He'll be sitting and then will rock back and forth on his knees. He face plants it a lot but at least he's trying now. I never really worried about him not being able to crawl yet. As I see it; he has a lot more mass to move around compared to most babies. Of course, it's going to take him longer.

He can stand for hours. He can pull himself into a standing position. He is learning to sit down without falling over once standing. He used to just fall straight back. While holding onto furniture he will try to take steps. He is ultra cautious so he doesn't get far.

He learned to zoober with his tongue (I'm not sure what it's called. It's like being able to roll R's.) He can wave. He first learned to wave while we were in sacrament meeting. There is an elderly couple that always sit on the back row. We were sitting in front of them but in the last row of the other section. The elderly couple was flirting with him. He was giggling and started waving his arms. Mike and I weren't sure why all of a sudden he started to get excited. One look behind answered all of our questions. Since then he has repeatedly waved when going somewhere or when some first comes in or leaves. He loves it and he does it a lot.

He's starting to get a fun personality and is learning so much. He is quite aggressive when is comes to some things. He definitely lets us know his opinion. I think he has trained us more than we have trained him.

Quinn is my world. I love my new life and with all the challenges and rewards. Being a mom is way better than I thought it'd ever be. I know he's young but I plan to enjoy every minute of motherhood...or at least try!

We got out! Finally!

Caryn, Jacen, Quinn, and I were all getting SO stir crazy! We invited Caryn and Jacen to come on a walk with us. Being cooped up all winter and not going anywhere was making me feel so frustrated. Quinn was sick and taking care of him without any sleep seemed almost impossible to keep up with my other responsibilities. It was nice to get out and do something different for a change.

I thought these pictures were cute and wanted to share them. I love how chill he was. He was so content swinging. Even after our walk we came back to swing some more until it was cold and time for his nap.

Quinn thinks sneezing is funny!

Mike and Quinn were in the back room. I heard lots of laughing and was curious to what was so funny. This is what I found.

6 months

What Quinn is up to these days:

• He started solid foods and is a super good eater. He's only tried a handful of things like rice cereal, squash, carrots, bananas, and peas. He doesn't particularly like squash. When eating it, he makes some really funny faces. He can't help but to open his mouth every time the spoon approaches. Sometimes he'll just keep his mouth open ready for the next bite. If I'm not fast enough he gets upset. He'll keep eating even though he isn't hungry. How do I know he's full? Well, he becomes super fussy.

• He opens and closes his mouth when he is hungry. For a while, he would open his mouth anytime I would pick him up.
• He can sit up without support. He can sit for a long time but he doesn't like to. I think he gets tired quickly and needs a change in position.
• He reaches for everything. Once he has a hold of it, it goes directly into his mouth. He's mainly interested in the object that is in your hand. He will eat his toes whenever the opportunity presents itself. He loves his pacifier. When he is upset it almost always calms him.
• He loves signing time. When that gets turned on he is glued to the t.v. He's not particularly interested in other shows. Maybe he has a crush on Rachel. ;)
• He blows raspberries. Not only that he can also pucker, click his tongue, and make farting noises. He seems to be constantly chewing even if there isn't anything in his mouth.
  

• He does well with tummy time. He can stay for a while but once prefers not to. He can lift his shoulders off the ground and extend them straight. Because he can doesn't mean it does it a lot.
• He jabbers all the time. He loves to hear himself. He gets sassy when he's angry especially around feeding or nap time. He has recently started screaming. They mainly are playful but every once in a while they mean he's serious. It usually is a warning that he is going to get super grumpy if something isn't done to meet his need or if he doesn't get the attention he wants.
• He flirts with almost anyone. He loves people especially babies (this is good because he used to not.) He is quite disruptive in church because he tries to get his hands on the baby in the next pew. He smiles, jabbers, and moves his arms in a downward position (like he's trying to poop or something) in excitement.
• Quinn is very happy. He will be laying on the bed or in his bouncer watching me get ready for the day and will all of a sudden starting laughing. He thinks almost everything is funny. He loves peak-a-boo. He loves to hang upside and loves playing airplane. He is very ticklish. Basically, what he loves the most is attention from mom and dad. The best is when he wakes from his nap. He kicks and throws his arms in excitement. Then, he is momentarily snugly when picked up. (Quinn hates to cuddle or snuggle. He's too busy looking around the room or is in the process of eating something.)
• Quinn is always busy doing something. When he is put in his car seat or stroller (someplace he has to be strapped in) he always tries to get out. He does a half sit up and stays that way. He looks like he's ready to run. He gets mad that he can't.
• Quinn is tough. He's been able to stand for some time now. He thrusts himself back so hard I usually can't control him. He bridges. Also, I try my best to keep him bundled but he hates it. He fusses because he can't use his hands. He doesn't mind the cold. He loves to be outside.
• Quinn is smart. We will try to play tricks on him and they only work the first time. For example, Mike sneaked up on him to scare him. Well, when he went to show me, Quinn was ready and expected Mike. If I do something, he will watch me intensely and will try to mimic it. That is how he learned to blow raspberries, make farting noises, click his tongue, etc.
• Quinn has been sleeping through the night since he was 2.5 months. He used to be better but I wonder if it is from the weather and time change. I really can't complain because he wakes between 7:00 and 8:00 each morning. He has a routine for naps and bed time. His routine consists of putting his pajamas on, nursing, reading a story or singing a song while rocking in the glider, and then being bundled in his crib. If I skip reading or singing he complains and won't go to sleep. Basically, he doesn't want to just be put in his crib.

I am so thankful for Quinn. In this short little time that he's been here with me, he has already taught me so much. I have a better understand what this life is all about. I know by having him I am a much happier person. He truly is a blessing in my life.

RUNT CAN STAND

Quinn has been able to do this for some time now but finally we caught it on video. Most people find this quite entertaining. Quinn prefers this position over most when being held. It's kind of funny! Anyways, here's his trick you've all been waiting to see.

Obviously, he has the strength but not the balance! Considering he's almost 4 months in this video I think he is absolutely amazing!