Half Birthday – the perreault family

today i am… 6 months

Published on July 14, 2016February 22, 2019 by kristenperreaultLeave a comment

6 months old!!

I know that I always say this but seriously how is it possible that this little guy is 6 months old!! With every sweet boy we add to this family time seems to pass faster and faster.

Stats
teeth- none as of yet

Things of Note-
*Sleeping- He is doing really well sleeping. He goes to bed around 8/8:30 usually at the same time as his brothers or just shortly afterwards, I feed him once before I go to bed and then he sleeps all night until about 7am. When I wake him to feed him at night he is usually super sweet and smily. He will give both me and Jamie adorable sleepy smiles and cuddles in on my chest to fall back asleep as soon as he is done. I soak up the cuddles and then put him back to bed. Remy also takes two pretty good naps, if our schedule allows; it’s hard having older brothers. I used to put him down on his belly and he would go right to sleep but recently since he has been moving more it does take him a little longer to get settled. Either way, he can fall asleep on his own and naps well! Woohoo!

*Sitting- Remy is a siting champ. He was close to being able to do it at 5 months but was still pretty wobbly, but not now. He is super stable and able to sit on his own for as long as he pleases. He is close to being able to sit up on his own all of the way. He’s able to prop himself up on one arm but can’t manage to get his body completely upright on his own. He doesn’t much care for getting stuck in the in-between position. I can’t really blame him; I am sure it is tiring.

*Mobility- This kid is mobile. I refuse to say that he is crawling yet although he is making consistent forward motion. He is more of a scooting that he is doing, pulling himself along with his arms. However, he does get up on all fours and rock so full on crawling isn’t far off.

*Everything and anything within his reach is fair game. He grabs everything that he can reach: blanket, diaper (clean or dirty), toy, one of the other boys’ toys, utensils from the table- you name it he’ll grab and eat it. Nothing is safe any more and it made this month’s photo shoot with blocks pretty darn challenging!

*Eating- Remy is still exclusively nursing and doing really well with it. He has yet to take a bottle but we haven’t pushed the issue too much. We will probably start him on solid food soon (ish) but we’ll see. Honestly, I am really enjoying the simplicity of just nursing him.

*He’s ticklish! Remy is super ticklish. I frequently put lotion on his skin after baths and he laughs and laughs when I rub it on him. Occasionally, he will even laugh before I even touch him because he knows it’s coming.

Likes
*His brothers- He saves most of the best smiles and laughs for his big bothers. He loves watching them and grabbing them whenever they are within reaching distance.
*His thumb- this little guy likes his thumb! He will still take a paci but left to his own devices he will suck his thumb. He will only suck his left thumb and he usually only sucks it when he’s upset or sleepy. I don’t think I have ever seen him suck it just because.
*Mesh feeder that I put ice cubes in. He absolutely loves sucking on the ice and has so much fun at supper banging it around and sucking on it.
*Water- he loves when he gets his hands washed off and splashing in the pool or bath. I feel certain that we will have another little fish on our hands with this one.

Dislikes
Dislikes are usually hard at this age because for the most part our sweet kiddos are pretty agreeable and Remy is no exception. However, he does get tired of being in one place for too long- in the highchair or the exersaucer etc He also doesn’t like when he gets stuck in the in-between sitting and laying down position. I know that is probably frustrating and tiring.

Jay at 6 months
Charlie at 6 months
Luc at 6 months

18 months

Published on January 17, 2015 by kristenperreault1 Comment

Luc,

So this update is a little overdue however, every time I think of just skipping it I change my mind. I want to remember these days, these moments because kiddo you are too darn sweet right now. You are adorable and sweet but you are trouble and spoiled rotten all at the same time. It’s my fault, I can’t really say no to you at all sweet boy. You, your sweet smile and head full of curls have my number kiddo!

We celebrated your half birthday in January with half of a cake per the usual fashion and while I was taking photos of you, you crawled up onto the table and plopped yourself right down next to the cake. I have taken a bunch of 1/2 birthday photos over the years all from the same chair at the same table and neither of your bothers have even considered climbing up. Jay didn’t probably because he knew better and we would have gotten after him, Charlie didn’t because he is a rule follower and super cautious but not you, you climbed right up and smiled all the while! You are the baby right now… what can I say?! You like to do the things that your brothers are doing. You ride your plasma car along side them (being towed when your legs just aren’t fast enough to keep up), you “climb” the climber as high as you are able or just hang and dangle for as long as your little arms will let you. You eat better than the big boys right now devouring everything that is put in front of you; although Mac and Cheese and fruit, specifically blueberries, top the list right now. You know every gosh darn thing that we are saying to you but refuse to speak for yourself. Luc, you will follow directions to a tee, even ones with multiple complex (for your age) steps but won’t say words. We are working with you and while I know that you could do it you don’t really have a need to (your brothers and everyone else have you covered) and that works for you right now. You love books a ton; finding every chance you can to climb up into someones lap with a book. You really can convince anyone to read to you, even your bothers. Your favorite has got to be Find Momo, it’s sort of a Where’s Waldo but only way cooler. You have to find Momo (the dog) within these gorgeous photos and you love it and are so good at it (even before you had done it multiple times). Really the only word (I take back the fact that he doesn’t speak at all) you say regularly is Momo. You still love bath time and enjoy splashing and drinking the tub water much to your Daddy’s dislike. You sleep like a champ and are ridiculously laid back. Right now you have a really big attachment to your blanket (one that I made for you with a super soft backing), your paci and a blue stuffed dog. Frequently you are drag them all around the house together which is a large feat seeing as how big they are. It’s cute and such a wonderful reminder of what a great mix of your brothers you are. Jay was a paci kid, Charlie still is a blanket kid and while I know that’s somewhat of a silly reminder since those are just things, it reminds me of what a great blend of those two boys you are while at the same time being your own wonderful little person.

Luc, I love this age – 18 months give or take – it’s no secret. I adore all of the sweetness that comes with it; the hugs you so graciously give and the smiles that come without prompting. I continue to revel in the fact at I get to be your Mommy and can’t wait to see all that is to come.

I love you sweet boy!!

Love,
Momma

Jay at 18 months

Charlie at 18 months

half birthday outtakes

Published on September 8, 2013 by kristenperreaultLeave a comment

Here are a few of the “outtakes” from the half birthday photo shoot just because they make me smile.

fly little bird fly

Published on September 7, 2013 by kristenperreault3 Comments

My baby, my first born turned three and a half at the end of last month and headed off to school two weeks ago. I will not lie, I cried big fat Momma tears when we had meet the teacher, a little bit on parent night, in the parking lot after dropping him off in his classroom and again when he was safely in the car after the first day. Okay and maybe a few here and there throughout the week too when I dropped him off and just randomly- what can I say I am a bit of a crier. I knew that this was coming and while I am excited for everything that “school” brings my Momma’s heart just wasn’t ready yet…

Jay Bird,

To say these last few months have been easy would be an understatement. People always mention the terrible two’s but three, the threes have been tough, definitely worse than the twos. You are wild with boundless energy to match. You don’t stop, talking or going, well- ever! There are times when you are literally running circles around me trying to explain something or telling me the plans of your “new game” or just running since I think it is impossible for you sit still these days. You are trying to find your own way and asserting your independence and sometimes that comes out as just plain defiant. It’s exhausting and frequently you leave me and your Daddy staring at each other wondering what we’re ever going to do with you. But for all the wild, crazy, make your head spin moments there are equally as many sane, sweet, melt a Mommy moments too. You’re tenderhearted and imaginative, you love to dress up and make believe and are frequently coming up with new things to play. At one moment we are in our boats (cardboard boxes) sailing away on trips, at other times we are riding our horses in a race. We wear wings, crazy hats, capes and masks here and there and every time they have a different purpose or reason whether it be dancing at the ball or flying away from the hunters. I adore watching your creativity come to life in these new games, the pictures you draw and the stories you tell. Speaking of stories you still LOVE to read. We have been reading chapter books with you for close to 6 months or more now along with the picture books and you love both equally. Jack and Annie books (the Magic Tree House) are probably your favorite in the Chapter book category and I would be hard pressed to name just a few of your picture book favorites, there are so many. I love watching you read with Daddy because I get to see you study each picture so intently while he reads; it’s like I am getting a glimpse at how you think.

You adore your brothers and frequently shower them with affection, most of the time this leads to tears but your intentions are always good. You love playing with Charlie and I can’t count the number of times that I hear you say, “Come on Charlie”, “Charlie, let’s…” etc during the day. You really are each others best friend right now and I can’t wait to see your relationship continue to grow. When it comes to Luc, we have to put limits on how many hugs, kisses, cuddles you can give him. You are frequently asking to hold him, asking where he is and trying to make him quiet when he is fussy. It’s adorable and so precious and I love to watch you help out and “take care” of him. As for Mommy I never limit the amount of kisses and cuddles I get from you; as long as you will give them I will take them. I love that you will be running circles around me one minute and the next stopping for a mid lap smooch. I love that I sometimes I find you wrapped around my legs giving the best bear hugs around. I love that out of the blue you will tell me that you love me. I love when you ask me to stay and cuddle awhile before bed; hearing about your day and talking about the things you love during these times are some of my favorite moments with you. These are the moments I live for, these are the moments that I stop and thank God for; how blessed are we to have YOU in our lives? So while I wasn’t quite ready to kick you out of the nest I know that it is time and I am so anxious to see you fly. So fly my little Jay Bird fly…

I love you,

Momma

half birthday celebrations

photos from the first day of school

18 months

Published on May 26, 2013 by kristenperreault3 Comments

A little over a week ago Charlie turned 18 months old. It’s so hard to believe that my (current) baby is turning into such a little boy. I know that I say this with every update but wow, time sure does fly by!

I love this age, some of the others I could do without, but 18 months is by far one of my favorites. Charlie is fiercely determined, independent and stubborn to boot but incredibly affectionate, sweet and just plain happy most of the time. He’s precious and I wish I could bottle him up at this age and save a little bit of this sweetness for later.

Stats:
Weight- 22lbs
Height- 31.75″
Teeth- Charlie has the oddest combination of teeth in that little head of his. He currently has 12 teeth, including the top four center teeth, three of his bottom front teeth, his one year old molars and one canine. They have come in in no particular order so honestly we have no idea what will come next, although I know that more are coming as we speak.

Things of Note:
-Charlie is talking up a storm and has been for quite a while. He had been putting together 3 word sentences for months and continues to say new words daily. His currently list of words include: Mommy, Daddy, Jay, what, this, that, I, where, want, down, me, more (moe), two, nine, ten, cheese, hi, hey, no, oh, goodness, Mimi, “I’m coming”,go
-He adores his brother Jay. Most of the time you can find him following Jay around the house. Not really imitating what he does but rather just wanting to be around him and play with him. He asks for him most days after he gets up from his nap if Jay is still sleeping and if I don’t watch him closely he will stand outside his door yelling for him. He frequently asks “Where’s Jay?” if he can’t find him and is always trying to keep up with him.
-He is a pretty good eater for the most part. He has his good and bad eating days and I don’t worry when he doesn’t eat much because he will eat more than enough on the days that he is really hungry. His current favorites include cottage cheese, cheese, hot dogs, watermelon, beans, ice cream and milk.
-Sleeping is still pretty great. He is still in the crib for now but we might transition him into a big boy bed soon before the baby comes (this will be interesting because he and Jay will be sharing a room at this point). He still takes a morning nap, although if we are out and busy he can skip it, an afternoon nap, is in bed between 7:30 and 8 most nights and sleeps until 7:30 or 8 in the morning. When he wakes up he usually just plays in his bed quietly (or not so quietly) until someone comes to get him. But as soon as you open his door he says “I want down!”
-He is fiercely stubborn, even more so than Jay was at this age. We find that if he wants something he will stop at nothing to make sure he gets it and is not easily deterred.

Likes:
*Books- He still loves to read with us and will sit through as many as you will read to him at night. Book length is increasing as well. He doesn’t always pick the simple ones anymore so we are able to read a little more variety to him. A few of his current favorites are Little Blue Truck, The Bear Snores On and Going on a Bear Hunt. When you read Going on a Bear Hunt he will recite some of the phrases to you and do the snowstorm sound effects while you read.
*Blankie- nothing new here but it needs to be said. Charlie does not go anywhere in the house without his blankie and he would take it everywhere if I would let him (I don’t let it leave the house so it doesn’t get dirty and ruined) and he won’t sleep without it.
*Water- Bath, water table, hose, kiddie pool, big pool… you name it! If it has water he pretty much loves it. He is currently taking swim lessons and doing really well and while he doesn’t love the lessons (he doesn’t like to do things until he knows he can do them) he still does everything his instructor tells him to do and is does it well.
*Buckles- he has a new-found love of buckles. He has just discovered how to clasp them and he will have you undo the buckle multiple times so he can clip it again.
*Being outside- both of my boys have always loved being outside and this hasn’t changed with Charlie. He will play out there for hours and is instantly happy when you ask if he would like to go out.
*Combs, Brushes, Vacuum attachments etc- Charlie has a thing for small objects that you can hold in your hand and walk around with. He frequently has one of them in his hand as he walks around the house. I honestly wish our vacuum wasn’t so hard to push or I think I could get him to vacuum the house for me.
*Cars- he is starting to really enjoy playing with cars. His is nowhere near to Jay’s obsession with cars but he likes pushing them around and making noises while he does. Fillmore (Moe Moe) is his current favorite car, it’s a VW bus from the Pixar movie Cars.
*GO, GO- Charlie loves running these days and loves even more when you say “Go, Go” and even more when you chase him.
*Bella and Piper- Charlie adores our pets and is constantly crawling all over them, giving them hugs and kisses. He helps Jamie let Piper outside in the morning and then helps to feed her. He is generally pretty sweet to both of them and they get a whole lot of Charlie love.

TaDa!

We celebrate half-birthdays with half of a cake and a new half-birthday book. These next few photos are of Charlie enjoying the post-frosting beaters and finally realizing what the thing on the stand in front of him was…

he’s got a mean stink-eye

finally realizing that it was cake in front of him

A lot of the things Charlie enjoys are similar to Jay’s. If you want to read about Jay at 18 months check out this post.

18 months!

Published on July 27, 2011 by kristenperreault4 Comments

Jay is 18 months today- holy camoly!!! I am pretty sure that we have hit the 2’s early with this kiddo and as much as this phase makes me want to pull my hair out from time to time, there are times when I just sit back in awe of how wonderful he is. Jamie and I find ourselves frequently stopping to watch as he learns something new, plants a sweet kiss on one of the animals or runs into your arms to give you a massive hug and wet kiss for no reason.

Since I haven’t officially posted an update in quite sometime I figured we were due, so here you go!

Stats:

22.4 lbs (today was the first time he stood on the scale by himself- such a big boy!)

31 1/2 inches long

14 teeth- SO happy to finally be able to say more than 12, those last two took 2.5 months to come in and we are still waiting on the other two eye teeth!

Likes:

*CARS!! Pretty much anything with at least two wheels right now is a car; whether it be a car, truck, van, mack truck etc. However, he does not discriminate and loves them all. It makes riding in the car especially fun, specifically when we get to pass a big one on the road. He will play with his matchbox cars (and his other cars too) for the longest time- they are constantly everywhere throughout the house and he is always making car noises. Jay has also taken to the Pixar Cars movie (Cars 1- we are not taking an 18 month old to the theater.) We will sit mesmerized by it if it is on. This is also a great time to get some snuggles in!

*Water- Jay loves water in all forms. He loves the pool (the small one out front and any big one), the sprinkler, the hose (which he drinks from) and the bath tub too. It’s not an infrequent occurrence that Jamie will call to me from the bath to show me one of their new bath games or tricks.

*Playing outside. Regardless of the heat, Jay loves to be outside. He will trek around the backyard or courtyard for what seems like hours and usually is none too happy about having to come in again.

*Chores- haha, had you going here but honestly Jay loves feeding Piper in the morning and at night and is a great help when picking up his toys. To watch him with Piper is pretty hysterical. He tells her to “sit” along with a hand motion that vaguely resembles the hand motion that we use with her, carefully carries the cup of food (that Mommy or Daddy fill) to her bowl, and pours it in. He usually drops a few pieces so he picks them up one at a time and puts them in her bowl and then tells her “ok” which usually needs to be repeated by me or Jamie since it doesn’t really sound anything like “ok”.

*Laundry baskets, empty plastic buckets or random boxes. He will push them all over the house- empty or full- and has a blast doing it. This makes folding the laundry more difficult, since the basket is NEVER where I leave it, but it amuses him and that’s what counts.

*Shoes. He loves to wear his shoes and frequently we find him putting ours on (remember the pink shoes?). He will walk around the house with ours quite a bit and he usually gets them on the right feet :)

*1, 2, 3 GO! Frequently, Jay is running… he is on the move constantly and doesn’t like to sit still. This being said, one of his favorite games is “1, 2, 3, GO”. Which is when he says 1,2,3, go and then runs to the other side of the room. The funny part… he usually starts counting at 2 and has already started running by the time he says go.

*Buckles. He loves to clip buckles these days- especially the ones on the changing table, on his car seat and Pipers’ collar. Fortunately for us he is satisfied with simply buckling them and has yet to try to unbuckle anything but bless us the day he learns that…

*The word NO. I know that this comes with the age but man do I hate it. We were pretty lucky to avoid the word for so long (thank heavens for creative ways of telling him no) but now since he is testing every boundary imaginable we have had to use it more often and therefore are hearing it more often. Oh well, this too shall pass- right??

Other things of Note:

* Jay mimics just about every word out of our mouths right now. It is great but we also really need to watch what he is able to hear these days ;) One of my favorites is when he declares “MEN!” (amen) then smiles a huge smile at the end of the blessing at dinner time. He is also stringing a few words together from time to time- usually only three at a time (Mommy, juice please) but it’s a start!

*He doesn’t sit still- AT ALL! He is constantly on the move and usually running some place. It makes the days long and exhausting for me but I was warned that little boys were usually this way. Not sure what I am going to do with two to chase…

* His little manners are so sweet! He has started to “say” (sign) thank you and he usually uses please (especially since he knows it will get him things he wants).