Sniffles.

The change of seasons has brought a set of three colds to the Yinger home.  Jason has a cold that wipes him out, my cold is due to allergies, and Elliott is just especially stuffy, which makes being a happy baby more difficult.  I'm trying to use natural remedies (vitamins, Vicks, fluids) to help my symptoms, while only taking Clariten (sp.) for my allergies.  When I was pregnant, it was OK, so I figure it is even less present now while nursing.  I've been trying to use all the remedies we can for Elliott.  We got him baby nose drops, baby Vicks (which smells amazing...they should make a larger tub of the stuff for adults), and a cool-mist humidifier.  He's always been a little stuffy, and we've been meaning to pick up the humidifier for weeks.  The problem with being a stuffy baby is that it interrupts his sleep and makes eating a whole new challenge.  Despite it all, he's actually been a fairly happy baby.

Last week was so busy because of midterms, so I'm happy to have a chance to breathe, get some things done, and not grade!

I'm also still debating taking E out to trick-or-treating.  I keep thinking "why not?"  He has a costume, and we live next to a cute little neighborhood.  It would be a good excuse for a walk.  On the other hand, I'd be by myself.  Maybe I can get a friend to come out with me.

- J & M.

3 Months!

Sorry we've been MIA lately; it's just been a busy few weeks.

Elliott has been developing by leaps and bounds lately.  He can hold himself up (for a little while) on his arms, although we're still working on that skill, since he can only seem to do it for short spurts.  He started really laughing and smiling.  Today, he actually started to try rolling over from his belly to his back.  He gets sort of stuck on his arm.  He'll get it.

He had his 3 month "birthday" on Saturday, and we celebrated with a new crocheted toy and a lot of naps. I barely got any pictures because he just slept the sunlight away.  He was up late the night before because we had eaten Taco Soup, and something in it that got into my system didn't agree with him.  He wasn't fussy, just not able to sleep.  He seemed content to schmooze with the ladies at our little party we had.  His Nana and Grandpa visited him on Sunday.

I really feel like I've bonded with him in a new way.  Before, it was the feeling of him needing me that really drew us together.  Now, it's a little more mutual.  Because he has started smiling, laughing, and "talking" (or really just making noises as if he is talking), I feel like the interaction is two-way.  We read books, we watch movies, we play on the floor, and we just enjoy each other's company.  I know this is a long way off, but I will really miss cuddling on the couch when he gets too big.

Here are some pictures of Elliott (and Jason and I) over the last few weeks:

Modeling the newest fashions from Mama's crochet hook.

M & J at Pat and Kimm's wedding...we do exist!

Strongest baby in three counties.

"Mama, can I stop being strong?"

Me and my E.

Happy 3-month old.

Unhappy 3-month old.

Thanks for the new toy, Mama.

We have another big week ahead.  I have two consecutive assignments to grade.  Once I'm done with a smaller paper (3-4 pages, and only 1/2 the students chose this assignment), I'll have midterms.  Ugh.  Jason has a lot of work to get done for his grad class' research assignment.

I found out my new work schedule for the spring, and I'm pretty thrilled with the way it came out.  I'll teach my American history survey course to three separate sections, and I'll run my seminar on Tuesdays.  This is a full course load, all from La Salle.  No more writing to teach / grade!  I love teaching at La Salle, so this spring will be very enjoyable.  It will require a little more juggling, and a lot more grading, but I'll also get by knowing that it is my last semester of teaching before graduate school starts in the fall (I'll keep you updated on the status of that as it develops).

- J & M.