Kind of Exciting

The night before last we went to our friend's house. There, my buddy Elliot and I grabbed at each other's clothing, had a staring contest, watched puppies escape from their play area, one by one and cried when the other was upset. When we went home, I slept from midnight until almost 11am without waking for food or changing. Then yesterday, I took 2 1.5 hour naps, an hour nap and was out again last night by 10:30. I. Like. Sleep, among other things.

Mom and Dad laid me on a blanket outside, with nothing on. They decided I needed to "air out." ha. During that time, we all discovered that I sit up, by myself, really well. Aaaannnnndd, I still don't like "tummy time," but I'm getting better.  Grandpa and I have been practicing crawling, though I'm still not too sure how this thing with my arms works. Instead, I like to scoot around on my face, with my arms by my sides. 

Grandpa has been telling Mom and Grandma that while they were gone, I've been feeding myself the bottle.  Neither believed him. But, we now have video proof...

More to come later. Right now, I'm going to have a pity party because no one is paying attention to me...

I suffer from SUPREME CUTENESS

I turned 4 months 7/11/11. On the 12th, we met with Mom's lovely friend Stephanie for my 4 month shots.  She also did my 3 month and newborn photos as well.  I love her. She makes me look good.  ...and giggle.

So, what am I doing now, at 4 months? Yesterday, I started waving...to myself...when others wave to me.  I can grab and pull my toes (works a little like the "pull my finger game" too.)  I giggle an laugh like a mad man. I love to stand and stomp my foot.  I love to shake my booty. I hold the boob and my own bottle, with a little assistance and I love to watch the puppies wrestle.  And, in case you didn't know, I'm a badass.  See below...

I also went for my very first boat ride! It was HOT. I slept through most of it.

Mom and I on the boat

Dad let me drive!

Mom kept me out of the sun while I look at the sparkling water

This is a pretty normal occurrence for me.

From my 3 month photo shoot with Stephanie 6/12/11

We had family pictures taken for my 3 month photos because Mom really wanted to have a generational photo of everyone before anything else happened to anyone we care about. 

They turned out very nice.  We'll cherish them forever.

With all of that, we are about to go swimming... I'll leave you with this.

Happy 4th Of July!

Mom's not very patriotic, but here's my stars for the 4th!

It's my first 4th of July. I have to tell you, it's been really hot.  I like being naked. No lie. I've also slept a lot this weekend. I think it's because of the heat...and I've been outdoors a lot. Baseball at Grandma B's with my cousins yesterday, then pool time at Grandma and Grandpa S's today. Tomorrow, we may go on my first ever boat ride...if we can find a suitable flotation device.

This weekend has also been fairly noisy. I've witnessed a few fireworks, but slept through most of them. Mom and Dad didn't want my sweet, supple baby-flesh to be ravished by the bugs, so we stayed in the car at Lotus Lake. I also find loud noises to be unfavorable. Hell, I startle when Mom talks to me- even though I've watched her walk into the room, toward me, look at me and open her mouth; the noise simply scares the hell outta me.  I often make this face, right before screaming bloody murder

So yep, that's that. Everyone have a safe and happy 4th of July.  Me? I'll be wearing my noise cancelling earphones. :D

Video Wednesday?

Here's one for you, while you're waiting for another post...I'm working on it, I promise. 

New Post Format!

I'm going to try a new aspect of the blog; Momma Monday.

Each Monday, I'll try to post with new happenings, ideas, product reviews, etc. from my point of view, instead of Leland's.  If I forget, I need you to remind me.  I did, after all, just have a baby.  Though it rarely happens, (and when it does, I don't like to admit it) my brain becomes a bit wonky.

Currently, I'm contemplating opening up an actual brick and mortar shop for my massage business, Black Lotus Massage.  With all of this excitement, I'm stressing over child care. I know my parents have offered to help a bit, however I don't want to constantly inconvenience them by dropping the kid on them.  Sure, I've had other offers to watch him as well, but how many of those will really come through? Probably almost none. So question is: Am I going to be able to create enough business to be it worth it?  At this stage in the game, I really don't want to put him in daycare.  

I'm already thinking about next week's post... hmmm... Who wants to hear my raunchy version of Leland's birth story?  If not, other suggestions?  Leave comments with your ideas! 

I Think I Like Swimming

We went swimming today in Grandma and Grandpa S.' pool.  The water was 85 degrees and though I'm used to a little closer to 98.6, it was quite nice.  Refreshing, actually.  At first, Mom had me stand on the stairs so that she could see how I'd  react to the water. Then, Dad decided to take me into the danger zone. I couldn't touch!

Piece of cake.

Everyone took turns floating me around in the yellow doughnut. It wasn't edible, but it did float AND keep me from sinking. (In the video below, you'll see that dad likes the doughnuts too -In more ways than one- HA) I think I like it!

Dad, Mom and me in the yellow doughnut.

Here's a link to view our experience!

Leland's First Swim!

Also, in the video above, you'll see that I'm wearing a green diaper.  It's not a swim diaper, rather a Rump*A*Rooz, with the soaker removed. With it's extra gussets, it worked PERFECTLY! And really, how effing cute am I?

*We have not, in any form, been paid for our product reviews or raves (though it would be cool). The above stated opinions are our own.

I'm TWELVE Weeks Old!

I like puppies.  You can tell because they're all over my clothes.  Truth is though, neither I, nor my mother picked them out. The fantastically awesome, super way sweet Dr. Ronda V. Marshall  donated almost all of my awesome wardrobe. 

Puppies and more puppies....

and more puppies...

and more puppies...

Ha. 

Also, I'm TWELVE whole weeks old today, and I'm available.  Ladies? Ladies?  

Like Videos of Babies Doing Things? We Have A YouTube Channel!

Well, because Uncle Eric and Lindsey, along with many many many other family members live so far away (tears) and are missing all of the fun, I decided to make my own YouTube Channel.  What's on there, you ask? Super sweet, totally way awesome stuff like: me snoring, talking to grandma, wiggling on my playmat and more!

Check it out!

Later dudes!

Parents, Take A Moment and Think...

There's a reason I'm a cloth diapered, breast fed, not vaccinated child. "From the moment [I was] born, over 200 CHEMICALS course[d] through [my] veins." I'm not alone.  My Mom's not crazy; she cares.  She cares about what I eat and drink and wear and do.  She cares about your kid too.  So when she offers a more holistic approach to our chemical-filled world, please, take just a moment and think...

More to come.

The Mini Shower

Well, I had my first ever "shit tsunami" today.  It was down to my ankles.  Mom cleaned me up and I was immediately put into the sink for a "shower."  Here's a video of me discovering the shower part is warm and kind of fun!

Also, what kind of posts are you looking for from me? Please add in the comments what you'd like to know, read, see, etc. Franks n beans!

My Very Own Dance Video

I'm very theatrical.  See below? I'm my very own Comedy/Tragedy.

Today is my 7 week-a-versary of the exile from the womb.  Because I made it to the outside, I dance for you.

I present to you...

My song and dance.

"Baby Acne," Dry Skin and Burt's Bees to the Rescue!

After trying many different products for my 6 wk old "baby acne" (we've read that there's no cure for this, but it should go away by 6 months) and dry, flaky skin, Mom picked up Burt's Bees Baby Bee Buttermilk Lotion. I've been slathered with it twice or more per day and after just a few days, it's nearly cleared up completely! My face is almost back to being baby soft, instead of "sandpaper and scaly" as Dad likes to say. THANKS BURT'S BEES!

Before Burt's Bees, I'm all red, dry, bumpy, scaly.

Three days after starting Burt's Bees, redness almost gone, bumps and flakes almost gone. Baby soft skin, almost totally! Just LOOK at my Cheruby cheeks!

Thanks Burt!

*We have not, in any form, been paid for our product reviews or raves (though it would be cool). The above stated opinions are our own.

Uncle Eric & Lindsey are Crazy!

Uncle Eric (Mom's brother) and his beautiful girlfriend (whom I will someday steal and conquer as my own) FINALLY came all the way from Arizona to visit.  I mean, I'm 6 weeks old already.  What the hell?

Mom and Grandpa went to pick them up from the airport and decided to leave me home with Grandma.  We took care of each other:

(YES, this is boob milk...mom couldn't be 2 places at once. Don't go thinking I'm a formula drinker ::shudder:: I've never touched the stuff)

 As soon as Eric and The Lovely Lindsey hopped in the car, both exclaimed their disappointment regarding the lack of babyness in the car.  Oops! I was home, being all well-fed and snugly.

When the finally did arrive, both rushed over to see me.  The last time we saw each other looked like this:

First, Unc decided that I needed to be hoisted like Simba from The Lion King:

See the similarities?  Yeah I think the above picture should have gone a little more like this:

But I just didn't have it in me.

Anyway.  Lindsey anxiously awaited the hand-off from Mr. Stingy Pants Eric so that she could make faces at me in attempts to win a smile.

It worked momentarily, but it was late and I really just wanted to grunt, stretch, eat and go back to sleep.

So, we met again in the morning.

See how gorgeous she is?  Looks like I'm sleeping; but really, I'm taking a peak down her shirt.  Hey! It's what I do...I'm a boob man.  And see? No ring on her finger? Yeah Unc, I'm going to steal her.

Mom had decided that night that it was late, she didn't want to drive back home, she didn't feel well since she was passing those awesome kidney stones I had been hearing so much about, and she wanted to spend maximum time with Unc and My Lady Friend so we decided to spend the night.  

Also that morning, I hung out with Grandpa: 

Nice jammies.

Then we went to wake Eric.  We had some skin-time, but it was me who fell asleep.  I also managed to find my thumb for the first time:

(to see how Mom got rid of my horrible baby acne, click HERE)

Check out my killer biceps.

After that, we went downstairs for a diaper change, where I proceeded to assstound and assstonish with my "Big Noises From Little Butt Cheeks" routine.  Seriously, I'm amazing.  (It even says so in the 'Labels' at the bottom of this post. [ok fine, it says "I'm Awesome" but really, same thing.])

Later that weekend, we went home to get things ready to go to my other Aunt and Uncle's house for Easter.  Dad discovered there was something wrong with our dog, Brutus:

(handsome doggy)

So Mom called the Emergency Vet, because after all, it was Easter and the regular vet wasn't open.  They confirmed what she suspected, that Bloat.  Because of his age and the fact that it is incurable, Mom and Dad thought certain that they were taking him to put him down. :(  I got to go hang out with Uncle Eric and my girlfriend Lady Lindsey while they handled business. [luckily, it wasn't the bloat, but degenerative disk disease,  causing the poor bastard pain when he bent to try to poo, thus not poo-ing for a few days, resulting in poo back up and protrusion of his left rib cage.]  Mom says it was one hell of a vet bill to find out your dog has a bad back and can't poo.

So there ya have it. I love Uncle Eric and Lindsey and I'm sad they don't live closer.  We have however, decided to shoot periodical videos (that's right, I've now added "Movie Star" to my repertoire) and link them to our YouTube channel so they can see all of the super fantastical things I can do.  You're welcome to check them out as well. 

(I hope I'm as good looking as this guy when I get to be old like him)

The Loss of a Great Life

A Note From My Momma: 

As many of you know, Leland was scheduled to be delivered via Cesarean Section on March 1st, 2011.  Leland's Grandpa Becker (Marty) was also scheduled for a simple heart procedure to correct his problem with Atrial Fibrillation.  Because of this, the C Section was cancelled, so that we could all be with Mike's Mom (Sue) during the time of the surgery.

While recovering in the Intensive Care Unit at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Pontiac, he was given a medication to regulate his blood pressure. Due to allergies to numerous medications (including the administered blood pressure medication), Sue advised that Marty’s care team call the family’s physician to obtain a current list of known allergens.  They were supposed to have called that morning, prior to any medication being administered.

Later that next afternoon, Sue arrived to see a blur of activity in Marty's room; he had coded. The staff was feverishly administering CPR.  He was a shade of dark purple.  Initially, they weren't sure what exactly caused him to code.  Later, they figured it was anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock.  Truly, it was all downhill from there.  After a few baby steps forward and many monstrous steps back, Marty went home to be with the Lord, 1 month and 2 days after his original surgery.

I'm happy for him.  Surely, I am.  He's no longer suffering.  However, the most painful part in all of this: he never got to meet his youngest son's only child, Leland.  Except the day of his death, the two were never in the same room.  Marty had seen pictures. He new that Leland had his eyes, and the nickname of "Mini-Mart" because he looked just like a Mini-Marty. But in life, the two never met.  I am confident now, that Marty knows Leland very well.

Marty was a great man; he was the type of person to give you the shirt off of his back, if need be.  Walking into his house, he'd instantly offer you a shot and a beer.  Even after declining, he still made sure you had a drink in your hand shortly after.  He would always ask how you were doing, and be genuinely interested in your answer.  Marty was up for a challenge, unless it was physical. I think he secretly liked when his kids had car trouble...if it meant spending time with them in his garage.

He was a funny man. Marty loved to laugh. He liked his beer, his cigarettes, working on cars, and being outdoors. He liked dirty jokes, but he loved to tell them more.  He loved his neighbors and co-workers; he considered all of them to be friends, not just acquaintances. He sincerely loved his wife and his children, but he truly and deeply cherished his grand children.

Toward the end of his life, even with the challenge of his illness, Marty would tell you life was good.   He overcame so many obstacles during his short life time, I guess he finally found one, he simply could not conquer.

Rest in peace Marty. You are forever in our hearts.

(My favorite picture of Marty. circa 2006)

Shit Happens. But Shit in Your Mouth? That Shouldn't Happen.

(Mom after I shat in her mouth.  Welcome Mommy!)

It is possible for a baby to spray shit (in the literal sense) into your mouth. Even when they're not aimed at you. Fact of the day. You're welcome.

Post Format

I've added a new aspect to the posts at the bottom. Here, you'll be able to tell me if you think a post is Awesome, Awesomer, Awesomeeest. Feel free to be honest! I mean, I know I'm always awesome, but just HOW awesome is key.

Below is what it looks like, only with the words "Awesome, Awesomer, Awesomeeest."

Ready to Rumble!

Before I was born, Mom started collecting these cool cloth diapers. This is a lot she got off of ebay. They're a little big and not as nice as the Rump-a-Rooz or FuzziBunz she has on her NaturalWayBaby.com registry, but they're fun colors and patterns.

When Uncle Eric saw the animal print ones, he decided they were waaaay too girly for me. Mom told him they were awesome and that I am awesome and that I'll wear what I want. She told me she'd even put a little chain necklace around my neck to make me even more awesomer. I think it worked. Now all I need is a spray tan, some chest pubes, a sick beat and I'm ready to fist pump through the night.

(No, I didn't wear the chain for any longer than to take this picture.)

Unc only wishes he was as cool as me.

Also, Unc and Lindsey gave me this sweet blanket, thank you. It's so soft and warm. Perfect for right after bath time!

In conclusion, Mom and I are going out tonight; since I'm 3 weeks old and all. I'm wearing my sweet diapie to pick up the ladies. They'll probably be cougs- seeing as they generally like animal print and younger men. I think I'm a shoo-in.

My First Bath

Because the brown raisin finally fell off, Mom and Dad decided it was time to stop with the "sponge" baths (I don't know why they call it "sponge" because they never used one) and move on to regular baths. They used the SINK! The side with THE GARBAGE DISPOSAL! I'm glad it decided to stay off because this may have been my tiny little watery grave...you can tell above that I'm quite fearful of the monster beneath me.


(Grandma says I look like an Ethiopian. I assure you, I am not hungry. ha.)

After about a minute, I realize that it's really not all that bad. Kind of warm and soothing, actually.



Once they washed all of my parts, it was time to dry off and lube up so my skin stays nice and baby soft. Above, you see me in my hooded towel, brought to us by Aunt Andrea.



And, here I am, squeaky clean, pleading with Dad to either dress me or put me back under the warm water because it's coooooooooldddddddd dd dd dd <---that's my teeth chattering there, in case you didn't know.

All in all, the bath wasn't awful. I can't wait until I'm able to sit up and splash. I understand this is quite fun.

What's in a Name?

It was between Leland or Calvin, with the middle name of Michel (Dad's first name) and no one could decide. Way back in the begining, Mom decided she wanted an "Irish old man name" and surprisingly, Dad said he liked it. Dad's always been a fan of the cartoon Calvin & Hobbes. Mom said she actually liked the name Calvin too, and Dad agreed. They said they'd have to see me to decide for sure. That proved to be more difficult than imagined.

After I was born, and Mom had been fed, the took us down to the Mother & Infant wing of the hospital. There, Grandma and Grandpa unveiled my new hat. They'd bought it months previous and were sure that I had to wear it now. Right now. The nurses came to introduce themselves and noticing the hat and my lack of name, they took to calling me "Sparty." (They are State Fans too!)

("Sparty")

The day we were due to be discharged, the Records Lady kept coming into the room to see if we had come to a conclusion, but there was still no decision. She said she'd be leaving at 10:30am, so she needed a decision before we went home. At 10:25, in his normal fashion of LATE, Dad walks into our room. Mom quickly states that they needed to flip a coin because she didn't want to have to drive back to the hospital to name me. They flipped Dad's lucky coin a few times, it landed on Leland. Mom, still unsure asks "Are you sure? Are you positive? You're sure?" while hurrying to the phone to call the Records Lady. Records Lady picks up, Mom is still asking Dad if he's sure...he's not sure...Mom says "I think we have a name for you." and that's that.

I'm now Leland Michel Becker.

(As you can see, I was nameless for a while.)

The next day, Mom and Dad BOTH called me Calvin, multiple times. Perhaps they chose wrong?