Как грибы...

... растут Ванины зубы - теперь их 6 (только что обнаружили - третий снизу прорезался).

Another day, another tooth...

... No. 5 (3rd on the top) made its appearance this morning!

Растёт мальчик Ваня...

... теперь вот стоять и ходить хочет, а сидеть ему скучно! Как это выражается? Очень просто - при попытке его посадить, Ваня отказывается сгибаться и держит тело "бревном", при этом, конечно, лукаво улыбаясь. Хождение за ручки сопровождается восторженным кряхтением, а, главное, цель всегда ясна - Иван неизменно держит курс на Честера.

Когда цель достигнута, Честер покорно даёт Ване себя трогать - конечно, долго вытерпить Ванины "ласки" Честер не в силах, и поэтому он придумал отличный способ всё это прекратить. Честер начинает Ваню активно лизать: руки, ноги, что попадётся. Родители мальчика Вани, видя это действо, тут же Ваню от Честера убирают и несут умываться, а Честер успевает ретироваться.

А снег у нас тает катастрофически (на лыжах так и не выбрались) - сегодня целый день идёт проливной дождь. Завтра - ночь перед Рождеством.

+2

Yessss!!! Теперь у Ивана целых 4 зуба. Долгожданные верхние резцы наконец-то прорезались, и оба сразу.

8 месяцев

Зима, наступившая как-то неожиданно и сразу в большом объёме, уже успела поднадоесть. Ваня, правда, знает что такое снег: скажешь "Ваня, идёт снег!", и он сразу же смотрит в окно и начинает активно по этому поводу мычать. В связи с холодами и пониженной проходимостью, пришлось сократить прогулки и придумывать развлечения дома. 10 минут в манеже, 10 - в ексерсосоре, 15 - на коврике у телевизора, 5 минут смотреть на горящий камин (кстати, Ваня также знает слово "огонь") и так по кругу! :-))

8 месяцев, правда, отметили поездкой в шопинг-центр. Ваня строил глазки продавцам и прохожим и, если я задерживалась у какой-нибудь вещицы по-ваниному слишком долго, давал команду ехать дальше. Купили Ване на Новый год набор кубиков. По-моему, он не заметил, и сюрприз всё-таки состоится. :-)

P.S. А Честеру ветеринар сделал Рождественский подарок - посадил его на диету. Он у нас, оказывается, толстый! Теперь ему никто не даёт кусочки со стола. Зато Честер получает еду со СТУЛА - ваниного стула! Рады все!

Свежие новости

Были сегодня у педиатора -- в Ване 10 кг 160 г чистого весу. А ему ведь, товарищи, лишь 7 с половиной месяцев! Медсестра, видимо, так удивилась, что забыла померить рост (я подозреваю, что показатели ещё более удивительны, но это придётся оставить до следующего раза в начале января.) Ох, бедная моя спина.

А так всё ничего. Верхние зубы вот-вот прорежутся. Пух на голове густеет. Говорит много и громко: сейчас у нас фаза "па-па-па" или "ба-ба-ба", как получится. Стоит уже подолгу, со страховкой, конечно, но явно держит свой вес; пытается ходить, но ещё не очень уверенно. Сидит совсем хорошо. Сегодня, так как из младенческого авто-кресла Иван вырос и пересел в следующую, более "кресельную" модель (Britax Marathon onyx), которая уже из машины не вынимается, пришлось в супермаркете в первый раз усадить Ваню в тачку для продуктов. Ваня сидел, глазел по сторонам и отчаянно кокетничал с кассиршей. Вообще, Иван становится популярным. В воскресенье, в кофейне, когда я была увлечена беседой с Мариночкой, меня, извинившись, прервала какая-то дама и выразила свои восхищения Ваней. Ваня же, в ус не дуя, сидел рядом и крутил соску. Ему ещё невдомёк, что женское внимание -- это, в допустимых пределах, вещь всё-таки приятная.

Ваня и зима

Неожиданно наступила зима. Всё завалило снегом, и ванина супер-коляска Bugaboo отказалась катиться. Ну ничего, в ход пошла "тяжёлая артеллерия" - коляска-джоггер Chariot CX-1 с огромными колёсами, которым глубокий снег непочём. Ване тепло в толстом пуховом мешке, и на свежем морозном воздухе засыпает он быстро! А вот ваниной маме не до сна - прогулки осуществляются в быстром темпе, чтобы маме не замёрзнуть! :-)

7 месяцев, или "Ох, зубы!"

Дааа, как-то мы подзабыли за 11 лет, что такое младенческие зубы... Сегодня, правда, был неплохой день (наверное, потому что ходили с Иваном на йогу) - канючил мало, на руках, соответственно, почти не сидел, и спина моя даже и не болит(что редкость). Посмотрим, что будет этой ночью (в последние 3 Ваня просыпался с жуткими воплями каждые 2 часа).

Однако, вместе с зубами растёт и Ваня. Сидит уже уверенно, постоянно разговаривает на своём "птичьем" языке, любит сидеть в эксерсосере, еле влезает в качели и по-прежнему обожает смотреть на летящих гусей и Честера. Ну и манная каша всё ещё в почёте (индейка, которую Ваня сегодня попробовал, отдыхает) . Так и живём!!!

P.S. Чуть не забыла - Иван научился ужасно больно щипаться. Это, пожалуй, и есть его главное достижение месяца!

Вкусы определились...

... Ваня любит бананы, яблоки и манную кашу. Овсянку, рис и, не дай бог, зелёную фасоль плюёт прямо и направленно в маму! Впору мне надевать "защитный" фартук.
Update: Видимо, не Ваня один не жалует зелёную фасоль. Сегодня была куплена (и успешно "внедрена") новая банка чудо-смеси - фасоль и яблоки!!!! Пока не просёк! :-))
На следующей неделе начинаем давать мясо - чувствую, что я-то "наемся" по полной. Плюётся Ваня метко!

Приемственность

Когда говорят, что Ваня похож на Филиппа, мы, конечно, соглашаемся, но про себя-то думаем - "похож-похож, да не очень". Вроде, Пончик был с копной волос, а Блинчик - как колено лысый! Сомнения (в очередной раз) были развеяны сегодня - решила одеть Ваню в старый филиппов костюмчик. Вспомнила, что есть 11-летней давности фото. Нашла в альбоме. Схожесть братьев поразительна! Наличие волос у старшего и отсутствие оных у младшего - это их единственная отличительная черта, не считая ваниной "ушастости"! :-)

Ну вот, сел!

Вчера. На радостях публикуем свежее фото!

Milestones at 6 months and a bit

Weight - 9kg 420g (97th percentile);
Height - 73.5cm (off the chart);
Head - 45.2cm (95th percentile).
Yo, baby! :-)

The pediatrician also said that no more night feedings for "little" Ivan - the next two or three weeks will be tough on all of us!

6 месяцев

Ивану полгода. Поверить в это трудно. Кажется, что ещё вчера мы уехали его "рожать", а тут вот он - 6ти-месячный малыш, который уже почти сидит. Появился новый детский девайс - эксерсосер, который Ваня горячо полюбил (Репа, спасибо!). Два круга, соединённые столбиками, с "трусами" для малыша в середине - ребёнок вертикально фиксирован и занимается с игрушками. Теперь я могу прочитать больше половины утренней газеты за завтраком (да-да, и завтраки вернулись в мой рацион!) и от этого несказанного удовольствия ещё раз утвердиться в мысли, что жизнь, вообщем-то, хороша. Ещё бы придумали что-нибудь для беспрерывного ваниного ночного сна, и я буду летать.
Из новых, "сезонных" достижений Иван Михалыча - обожает смотреть за летящими на юг косяками диких гусей (или уток?). Услышав их характерное "га-га-га", Ваня издаёт протяжное "о-о-о-о-о!" и внимательно провожает их взглядом. Очень забавно!
Кстати, как приятно писать на родном языке! Мой компьютер заразился какой-то ужасной болезнью, и я узурпировала на 30 минут мишин - с замечательной двуязычной клавиатурой! Надо будет всё-таки себе такую же купить.

Ivan and the year of the Golden Pig

As we all know, 2007 is the year of the Golden Pig according to the Chinese zodiac, and it only happens once every 600 years. According to the legend, a baby born this year will have a prosperous life. Well, I can only wish that Ivan proves the legend right. In the meantime, he has received a valuable gift from Taiwan - a beautiful knit tuque, with the golden pig and Ivan's name in English and Mandarin. I figure Ivan has already struck gold! :-)

Ivan says...

...

5 months

Ivan is 5 months now. He spends his days taking long walks in the stroller (can last 2-3 hours), playing with toys in a semi-seated position (can last 3-5 minutes :-)) and hanging out in a new high chair, where he enjoys rice and oatmeal cereal and now even carrots. Phillip is still his favourite person, and Chester - his favourite beast. Dad is pretty popular too, having this amazing ability to calm Ivan down almost instantly (except, of course, when he is hungry - that's when "Mama" comes handy :-)).

Ivan's personality is becoming more apparent as he gets older. Just look at him - isn't his body language speaking volumes? If Ivan wants something, he usually (ok-ok, always) gets it.

On the biometric front, Ivan has gained over a pound since the last check-up and now weighs 19 lbs. (8.630 kg). He almost outgrew his baby car seat and we will soon need a new one.

Скоро осень.

Another tooth!!!

Ivan now has 2!!!

Ivan and "Kasha"

Today is the third day of Ivan having a tablespoon of rice cereal at lunch (in addition to his usual hefty helping of milk) :-). Ivan got the hang of swallowing the "stuff" pretty fast and seems to be enjoying it. In a week, we will expand the "repertoire" to add oatmeal and, later, barley. Then, at 5 months, vegetables. So stay tuned for some "colourful" pictures!

Ivan and Mont Tremblant

Ivan's first vacation is here, at Mont Tremblant. We are all enjoying the weather, the beautiful vistas and just not doing much. This time also will be memorable because we have discovered Ivan's first tooth yesterday (which now explains his crankiness of the past week)!!! When we get back home next Monday, Ivan will be introduced to the wonderful world of solid food, starting with the rice cereal. After all, he now has the whole tooth to put to work!!!

Comparative metrics

Going through my old "Mother & Baby" book, I came across a little square of paper with Phillip's measurements at 3 months. It was given to me 11 years ago at the doctor's office and is now, except for his measurements at birth, my only record of Phillip's growth during his first year. (Yeah, I know, I wasn't a crazy mother back then.) Intrigued as to how Ivan fairs size-wise compared to his big brother, here is what I discovered.

At 2 months (there was no 3-month check-up for Ivan), Ivan was slightly heavier than Phillip at 3 months: 6.66 kg v. 6.65 kg!!! Height: Ivan was 62 cm at 2 months, while Phil was 64 cm at 3 months. Considering that Ivan is 70 cm at 4 months, I estimate that Ivan grew 4 cm a month and was probably around 66 cm at 3 months. Ivan's head circumference at 2 months - 41 cm - again matches Phillip's at 3 months.

So I was thinking, Phillip is no small boy - but it seems that Ivan will one day be looking down at him. We are breeding giants back here. :-)

Ivan rolled over!!!

Just this morning, from his back to the belly!!!

4 months

Ivan's 4-month celebration was marked by a couple of pretty significant milestones. Ivan put on his first pair of jeans and instantly started to look like he is ready to go to school!!! Then, consistent with his "mature" jean-clad looks, Ivan ditched his "little baby" Bugaboo bassinet and has "graduated" into the "big kid" stroller seat, which allows him to sit either facing me or outward. Now, the walks are so much more exciting - there is the whole world out there!!!

Developmentally, Ivan started to talk. :-) Well, almost. He is making long vowel sounds as if conversing. When I mimic him, Ivan gets very excited - he smiles and waves his arms. Very funny! On Thursday, we will finally get Ivan's measurements. Stay tuned.

Update: Just got back from the pediatrician. Ivan is off the charts height-wise: 70 cm! Weight: 8.13 kg (or 18 lbs.) - the 95th percentile. NHL, here we come! :-)

Ivan and TV

Apparently, there is a special channel for babies - cable 233 "Baby First"!!! And, yes, it is commercial-free. :-) Phillip is quite pleased as now he can watch the tube with his little brother as I captured on camera earlier today! Don't worry - soon, it will be "The Simpsons".

16 weeks

Ivan has entered a stage where he screams every time anyone but his immediate family "lingers" around him for longer than 1 minute (during which he would leniently smile and be all nice and friendly). Then, as if someone has flipped the switch, Ivan emits a rather ear-piercing cry and the "intruder" hastily retreats. In a minute, Ivan is happy again. :-)

Developmentally, Ivan has started (several weeks ago actually) to put his hands together and can interlace his fingers amazingly well. He shows more interest in toys and grasps an object if it is held in front of him for several seconds. However, what captivates Ivan the most is Chester, who, in turn, is mesmerised by numerous frogs in our backyard. So, I am watching Ivan, who is watching Chester, who is watching the frogs. That's what we are up to these lazy summer days! :-)

A story about hair

Ivan's brother Phillip has been blessed with a full head of luscious, thick hair. Like this:


Well, promptly after learning that long hair is "out" and short hair is the cut du jour (thank you, Lena!!!), Phillip rushed to the barber to chop off his wonderful locks. He now looks like this:



Next: Phillip shaving off the remains of his hair to look just like Ivan, who, by the way, had his first passport pictures taken today. After deliberating with the photographer, we decided that this picture, although super-cool, may not cut it at the passport office (no smiles there). What a shame! :-)

Ivan and fashion

Last weekend, Ivan enjoyed meeting his "Aunt" and "Uncle" from New Jersey (I am sure that when Ivan grows up, he, like Phillip, will refer to Lena and Alik in that manner) :-). Ivan was also introduced for the first time to some haute couture, as he was presented with the full bag of super-cute fashionable outfits and several pairs of matching shoes, all made by some cool Italian designers and carefully chosen by Lena!!! Of course, Ivan is a tad too young to appreciate the snazzy clothes, but he surely will be all smiles at his next photo-shoot! In the meantime, this is Ivan is his casual attire. :-)

3 months - "Ivan and Renoir"

Time certainly flies. Exactly three months ago (it was also Friday, the 13th), I was in the hospital desperately waiting for the anaesthesiologist, who was "stuck" in the OR with some poor woman, who had complications with her Caesarian. I was, of course, sympathetic, but wanted that epidural pretty badly.

Three months later and accompanied by Ivan and my mother-in-law, I was enjoying the Renoir exhibit at the National Gallery. My only wish at that point, looking at Renoir's landscapes, was to find myself in Southern France. Ivan, surely, slept right through, briefly opening his eyes to check out "Rowers at Chatou" and promptly going back to sleep. I will have to fill him in on the rest of the exhibit later. :-)

Ivan keeps growing. I am not sure how much he weighs now, as there is no 3-month check-up with the doctor. I can assure you, however, that he is SOLID (I estimate around 17-18 lbs.). Ivan's "language" has expanded dramatically, and he has finally started to enjoy being put on his tummy. He has also taken interest in Chester, and now follows the dog with his eyes. Soon, Chester too will appreciate the perks of having a baby in the house - as we start solids next month, all that food from Ivan's highchair will end up swiftly swept by Chester's long tongue!

Ivan in space? Sure!

Ivan and Leroy Chiao (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leroy_Chiao). Leroy said that Ivan surely looks like a future astronaut. We all agreed.

11 weeks

Phillip is 11 years old, and Ivan is 11 weeks today. :-) Like his brother, little Ivan is a natural communicator - he "coos" and makes a variety of sounds, like "ba", "da", "ga", and his favourite "agoo"! His eyes follow an object from right to left and up and down. When he sees something particularly interesting, like a bright toy or a new face, Ivan's eyes widen (like on the photo). He takes a moment or two to process the image, and if, for example, the face is familiar, Vanya smiles with the cutest toothless grin.

One thing that Ivan absolutely does not like is to lie on his tummy. He only lasts 30 seconds or so (I think that is when he is figuring out that he has been (yet again!) put in this awfully uncomfortable position :-)), and then lets us know that he "objects"!!!

Metric update

11 weeks tomorrow - already 7 kg!

Brothers

Anyone who has loving parents, two sets of proud grandparents, two brothers and a dog can be considered lucky. Little Ivan has all that. But he is particularly fortunate to have Phillip as his brother. Last week, when Mike was gone on his first business trip since Vanya's arrival, Phillip stepped in and tirelessly catered to Ivan's every wish (well, almost every wish). Phillip would fetch Ivan's pacifier, assist in bathing slippery Ivan, and even sing Vanya's favourite nursery rhymes (Phillip definitely beats his Dad in singing). Ivan always smiles when he hears Phillip sing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" or "Mary Has a Little Lamb", whereas Mike's repertoire of old Russian military and folk songs is no such hit. Phillip is simply the best! :-)

10 weeks

2 months

What a day... Ivan has survived his first set of shots, with great help from Dad (I chickened out and could not observe the dreaded procedure). This is Ivan before his trip to the pediatrician. :-)

On a happier note, Ivan has celebrated his 2-month birthday yesterday by extending the time between the feeds from 3 to 4 hours. We are not sure whether it is his new "schedule" or just a "festive" nice gesture on his part. We'll see.

Ivan's measurements, by the way, are setting new records. He weighs 6.66 kg (or 14.6 lbs) and is 62 cm (24.4 inches) in length. Yes, Ivan is over 2 feet tall. On the boys' growth chart, this puts "Uncle Vanya" in the 97th percentile. Keep growing, Ivan!

Almost 7 weeks

Yesterday, Ivan had his first "date" (and the first restaurant outing) and he snoozed right through it!!! We went to meet my old law school classmate and mom to beautiful little Ava (who, by the way, is just a week older than Ivan) for a quick lunch at Montana's. While Ava certainly made her presence known, Ivan just slept and slept, oblivious to all of the hustle and bustle around him.

I would not bet that this "sleepy" trend continues for much longer - for example, during our daily strolls, Ivan no longer doses off right away and can actually stay awake for the good 30-40 minutes! He just lies in the bassinet and stares at the trees while Mom briskly pushes the stroller along in hopes of shedding off those last extra pounds.

Up next, our 2-month check-up with the pediatrician and the first set of shots (ouch!).

1.5 months - all smiles...

... and bubbles too!

5 weeks

"Uncle Vanya" is 1 month old!!!

Yes, the first milestone - Ivan is one month old! His achievements are plenty: he makes a variety of sounds, cries differently for different reasons (my "favourite" is "la-la-laaaaa" when hungry), concentrates on faces and turns his head towards a voice, really holds his head well when upright and lifts his upper body for 10 seconds or so when put on the stomach. But best of all, Ivan has already rewarded his sleep-deprived mom with an occasional morning smile, which revealed that "Vanya" has the cutest dimple on his left cheek!!! Stay tuned - we have yet to capture that on camera.

Almost 4 weeks...

... and already 11 lbs. (5 kg 19 g)!

Almost 3 weeks

Well, little Ivan is almost 3 weeks old. He focuses on faces if they are close enough for him to see, recognizes voices and, when put on his stomach, holds up his head at 45 degrees for 30 seconds. Of course, of all faces and voices, Ivan prefers that of his Mom (much to her delight). And he is just mesmerized by his Dad's singing! :-)

By the way, Ivan has finally figured out that his Bugaboo stroller is uber-chic and now enjoys smooth rides!

11 days

Just came back from the pediatrician. Ivan gained whopping 500 g since his discharge from the hospital, and now weighs at respectable 4 kg 310 g!!! Mom is not surprised - Ivan seems to be hungry all the time!

First week at home

Well, we are getting used to each other, and I am starting to "read" Ivan better. He is changing every day - for example, he no longer cries when we change his diaper. :-) Tonight will be a big night - Ivan's first bath, since his umbelical cord just fell off yesterday.

For some strange reason, Ivan hates the stroller, which is a shame considering he has the best one on the market - the Bugaboo Cameleon! :-)

Introducing Ivan Jacob Sandler

Little Ivan decided to appear a couple of days early of his due date and, of course, to make things even more memorable, he picked Friday, April 13th as the date!

Ivan Jacob Sandler was born at 18:19 and weighed at the exact birth weight of his older brother Phillip, which was 8 lbs. 15 oz. Length: 53 cm. Apgar score: 9/9. Here is Ivan right out of the "oven".