July 2010

In July we learned that our baby to be was a girl.

We later learned that thankfully, she did NOT have a cleft lip.

Ethan enjoyed playing outside, especially with the hose:

 

He also fell in love with his new basketball hoop (scored, like new, at a yard sale for $10).

 

He had another allergist appt and we learned that he was no longer allergic to wheat.  We trialed wheat at home and it was a success!  He started eating Frosted Mini Wheats cereal with milk in the morning.

 

After his allergist appt.  He did really well with the bloodwork.

 

Having fun making a mess with his cereal

Dealing with tantrums

I would like to say more about these techniques but I don't have much time to post today. As I've posted before, we have been learning and working on effective ways to deal with Ethan's tantrums.

I came across this blog post and article. I finally had a moment to read it this morning. I have to say that we have been using these same techniques with Ethan (started before I read the post) and they are productive! It is reassuring to know that we are using research based techniques and have seen success with them. Choices, distraction, brief statements, affection... all positive tools!

I will say that depending on the tantrum, sometimes Ethan does need a moment or two by himself before we approach him again. We aren't ignoring every tantrum but sometimes we tell him that we will give him a moment to calm down/to himself (not expecting him to calm down by himself) and we will be right back. When we come back, we begin the other techniques and try again. This was suggested in The Happiest Toddler on the Block, which I also highly recommend.

Toothbrush

We're crazy about this toothbrush. I found it at TJMaxx for less than $10. Ethan has gone from major meltdown when we take him out of the bathtub to nearly asking for bath time to be over so that he can brush his teeth. I ask him if he wants to brush his teeth and he reaches up for me to get him out of the tub. Let me tell you, any help during the after bath skin care/eczema, routine/maintenance is very much appreciated.

The gum massage attachment helps with teething too!