Have you seen the movie Up? I was just thinking how I was especially distracted tonight and the dogs from that movie popped into my head - how they would be going along and suddenly just turn their heads and say,"Squirrel?"
I am distracted because, as I type, one of my best and oldest friends in the whole wide world is having a baby!!! Erin, from MO Mommy, went to the hospital this afternoon to have her baby girl. And mentally I'm whipping my head around every few minutes internally yelling, "Baby?"
Technology is great, because I think I'll know about the birth pretty shortly when the new little one makes her arrival - but it is also sort of agonizing because I'm dying for my phone to ring with news. AND as much as our blogs and email and phone conversations make me feel very close to Erin in a general sense, I feel very, very, very far away right now.
Baby?!
Edited to add:
She's here!!!! She's here!!!! Erin and Brett are now proud parents to two wonderful boys and a brand new baby girl!!! They are good good good and Erin will share all the details as soon as she's reconnected. Hooray!!!
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Gratitude
I need to start posting earlier in the day or all of these blog posts are going to be short and pathetic.
Boring as it may be I just wanted to say tonight that I am thankful for Matt.
I'm not feeling well and I have been an especially horrible cook/laundress/housekeeper lately and he has been very, very patient.
This is also a good time to point out that 95% of the time he gets Harper out of bed and gets her breakfast going in the morning so I can sleep for at least an extra half hour, and let me tell you, every minute counts.
Love you Matt!
Boring as it may be I just wanted to say tonight that I am thankful for Matt.
I'm not feeling well and I have been an especially horrible cook/laundress/housekeeper lately and he has been very, very patient.
This is also a good time to point out that 95% of the time he gets Harper out of bed and gets her breakfast going in the morning so I can sleep for at least an extra half hour, and let me tell you, every minute counts.
Love you Matt!
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
It's so Easy to Forget
Harper is a bright child, and she is FULL of attitude. I think she quite often acts/speaks/thinks older than her actual age. When she's acting out or not living up to my (admittedly sometimes too lofty) expectations, I frequently have to stop and remind myself that she is only four years old. And yes, she'll be five in a couple of weeks, but still, FOUR. I need to stop being surprised/appalled when she acts like a child because, Oh look! She is one.
(Looking "sad" in this picture because she was pretending those trees were her jail.)
(Looking "sad" in this picture because she was pretending those trees were her jail.)
I had plans to roast pumpkin seeds this afternoon. It makes the first year I've actually followed through on this plan. Last year or the year before we separated and rinsed the seeds and then I left them damp in a container on the counter top until they got moldy. Classy!
Anyway I let Harper help me mix the oil and salt into this year's bowl of non-moldy seeds and then she asked, "Can I push the lever?"
I looked over at the oven and could not for the life of me figure out what she was talking about. So I asked, "What lever honey?"
"This one!" she exclaimed, gesturing wildly to the lever on the toaster.
She thought that we were going to toast the pumpkin seeds!
See? Only four.
Anyway I let Harper help me mix the oil and salt into this year's bowl of non-moldy seeds and then she asked, "Can I push the lever?"
I looked over at the oven and could not for the life of me figure out what she was talking about. So I asked, "What lever honey?"
"This one!" she exclaimed, gesturing wildly to the lever on the toaster.
She thought that we were going to toast the pumpkin seeds!
See? Only four.
Monday, November 02, 2009
Day Two
So I'm in a slightly better mood today, but I couldn't tell you why. Michael now has Harper's cold and can't sleep well - I'm so grateful we've not had ongoing sleep issues with our kids. One night of bad sleep and I feel like I'm about to go off the deep end. I cannot deal. One of the most excruciating things about Michael's early babyhood was that we had to wake up to feed him in three hour intervals, even if he didn't wake on his own. It is not right to set your alarm for 2:30 a.m. unless you are being paid in the six figures to host a national morning show.
The only thing that is even remotely good about a sick toddler is that they are almost forced to cuddle. Michael is by far my more cuddly child, but doesn't have much patience for it since he found his feet. This afternoon I couldn't do a darn thing because Michael would only settle down when held tightly in my lap. Before too long he won't fit on my lap.
I want Michael to feel better (he'll probably wake up screaming as soon as I try to go to bed) but I'll happily take advantage of any chance to hold him on my lap and smell his hair before he is a head taller than me.
The only thing that is even remotely good about a sick toddler is that they are almost forced to cuddle. Michael is by far my more cuddly child, but doesn't have much patience for it since he found his feet. This afternoon I couldn't do a darn thing because Michael would only settle down when held tightly in my lap. Before too long he won't fit on my lap.
I want Michael to feel better (he'll probably wake up screaming as soon as I try to go to bed) but I'll happily take advantage of any chance to hold him on my lap and smell his hair before he is a head taller than me.
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Humph
I'm grumpy tonight because the Packers lost, which kept me from winning the first half of our family football pool, and I have a cold so I feel crummy.
Happy NaBloPoMo to you!
At least these guys still make me laugh (when I'm not tearing my hair out). Michael was dancing around like a deranged lunatic tonight while the game was on and Harper was cheering so loudly I think they probably heard her in Green Bay.
Happy NaBloPoMo to you!
At least these guys still make me laugh (when I'm not tearing my hair out). Michael was dancing around like a deranged lunatic tonight while the game was on and Harper was cheering so loudly I think they probably heard her in Green Bay.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Halloween '09
I'm cheering tonight because, hooray, Halloween is over! I strongly dislike Halloween for the following reasons: carving gross pumpkins, fretting over costumes, worrying Harper will ingest peanut candy, etc. I don't enjoy this holiday BUT I think I manage to put on a good enough show for the kids. Just because I don't like it doesn't mean they shouldn't, right?
So, here are this year's Halloween pictures:
Michael thinks Halloween is silly and would rather read the paper than carve a pumpkin, thank you very much.
Matt used a stencil from a pumpkin carving kit this year and we ended up with a cool, though way too freaky, witch pumpkin. It was pretty evil looking to begin with, then we accidentally left the candle lit all night last night and the design got a little scorched. Oops.
Michael preferred the pumpkins decorated Mr. Potato Head style, pieces courtesy of Mugga and Grandpa. I love the pirate and not so freaky witch - thanks!
Harper was Dorothy and Michael was her Cowardly Lion (or, as she pronounced it, "Carolly Lion"). I had a terrible time getting a good shot of the two of them, holiday photos should be fun this year!
We drove to Nana and Dziatku's and then to Auntie M's (she made Harper's Dorothy smock/apron); Michael and Rebound were not thrilled to stay home with me when Harper and Matt went to hit some neighborhood streets.
The grandparents, all four of them, spoil our kids so Harper had plenty of safe candy to eat, we let her trade her significant pile of unsafe candy for the new Tinkerbell DVD. She does not suffer on Halloween, that's for sure!
So, here are this year's Halloween pictures:
Michael thinks Halloween is silly and would rather read the paper than carve a pumpkin, thank you very much.
Matt used a stencil from a pumpkin carving kit this year and we ended up with a cool, though way too freaky, witch pumpkin. It was pretty evil looking to begin with, then we accidentally left the candle lit all night last night and the design got a little scorched. Oops.
Michael preferred the pumpkins decorated Mr. Potato Head style, pieces courtesy of Mugga and Grandpa. I love the pirate and not so freaky witch - thanks!
Harper was Dorothy and Michael was her Cowardly Lion (or, as she pronounced it, "Carolly Lion"). I had a terrible time getting a good shot of the two of them, holiday photos should be fun this year!
We drove to Nana and Dziatku's and then to Auntie M's (she made Harper's Dorothy smock/apron); Michael and Rebound were not thrilled to stay home with me when Harper and Matt went to hit some neighborhood streets.
The grandparents, all four of them, spoil our kids so Harper had plenty of safe candy to eat, we let her trade her significant pile of unsafe candy for the new Tinkerbell DVD. She does not suffer on Halloween, that's for sure!So, do you know what comes after Halloween???
November!
I love November! Harper and I (and many other very cool people) claim November as our birthday month.
And November means National Blog Posting Month which I plan to participate in - for the third time. I probably still have questions to answer from last year, but is there anything you'd particularly like to hear about this year?
November!
I love November! Harper and I (and many other very cool people) claim November as our birthday month.
And November means National Blog Posting Month which I plan to participate in - for the third time. I probably still have questions to answer from last year, but is there anything you'd particularly like to hear about this year?
Friday, October 30, 2009
H1N1
As far as we know, we don't have it yet, but it is running rampant in these parts, as I'm sure it is near many of you.
I am trying NOT to freak out about the whole pig flu thing; however, it is pretty difficult to avoid thinking about it all together, unless you undergo a complete media blackout. Both of our kids fall into the "high risk" category based on their ages alone, but then add the additional risk from asthma and I will admit to being, er, nervous, about this particular virus.
Harper will be vaccinated through school in about two weeks (can you imagine THAT day in preschool?). Michael is another story. Our pediatrician's office claims NOT to have any vaccine, but I've heard that they have some they are offering to patients who come to the office for unrelated reasons - they will not make you an appointment just to get vaccinated.
On Thursday our county health department offered a vaccination clinic at an arena about 1/2 an hour north of here. It was strictly for pregnant women and children between the ages of 6 months and 4 years. Matt came to work from home in the afternoon (and be with Harper) while I packed Michael up and headed north.
We got to the arena a little over an hour before the clinic was set to begin and there were already 350 people in line ahead of us. I wasn't so worried about the wait, but I was worried about the health department running out of vaccine. A reassuring department of health employee, who was counting the people in line, told us not to worry, they had over 3,000 doses. Whew!
I wasn't upset about the wait, but I would have been really upset to stand in line with Michael for over an hour an be out of luck!
Aside from pulling into the parking lot and initially freaking out over how many people were already in line (the line snaked around an ARENA), the whole thing was pretty uneventful. Michael, in the curse of the car ride, slept for about 10 minutes on the way, which meant he was unlikely to sleep anymore that afternoon. He just hung out in the stroller with his blanket for two and a half hours - barely making a peep - what is wrong with my child??? I had all kinds of ammunition to throw at his distaste for waiting in line, and then he had none.
We waited, I chatted with the other mothers which made the time go quickly, and then we filed out short and simple paper work and my kid got stuck with a needle for free (yeah taxes!). Michael cried for approximately 37 seconds and then it was over.
The people from the health department have assured me that there will be plenty of available vaccine and many clinics in four weeks when Michael needs a booster shot. We'll see.
I'm curious to know how vaccines are being distributed in your area, whether you're planning on getting one for you and/or the children, and what you think your chances are of receiving one before getting the flu. (Matt and I will try to get vaccinated if possible, but the way things are going right now I'm not sure we'll be eligible.)
One last note, there was a woman (I say woman but she looked so young!) in line behind us who was only seven weeks pregnant and clearly showing already. It is her first pregnancy and I guess her midwife is wondering about twins... I desperately wanted to ask her to send me an email and let me know how her ultrasound goes next week, but I thought that perhaps such a request breached normal social boundaries. Of course now I can't stop thinking about her and I wish I hadn't been so sensible.
I am trying NOT to freak out about the whole pig flu thing; however, it is pretty difficult to avoid thinking about it all together, unless you undergo a complete media blackout. Both of our kids fall into the "high risk" category based on their ages alone, but then add the additional risk from asthma and I will admit to being, er, nervous, about this particular virus.
Harper will be vaccinated through school in about two weeks (can you imagine THAT day in preschool?). Michael is another story. Our pediatrician's office claims NOT to have any vaccine, but I've heard that they have some they are offering to patients who come to the office for unrelated reasons - they will not make you an appointment just to get vaccinated.
On Thursday our county health department offered a vaccination clinic at an arena about 1/2 an hour north of here. It was strictly for pregnant women and children between the ages of 6 months and 4 years. Matt came to work from home in the afternoon (and be with Harper) while I packed Michael up and headed north.
We got to the arena a little over an hour before the clinic was set to begin and there were already 350 people in line ahead of us. I wasn't so worried about the wait, but I was worried about the health department running out of vaccine. A reassuring department of health employee, who was counting the people in line, told us not to worry, they had over 3,000 doses. Whew!
I wasn't upset about the wait, but I would have been really upset to stand in line with Michael for over an hour an be out of luck!
Aside from pulling into the parking lot and initially freaking out over how many people were already in line (the line snaked around an ARENA), the whole thing was pretty uneventful. Michael, in the curse of the car ride, slept for about 10 minutes on the way, which meant he was unlikely to sleep anymore that afternoon. He just hung out in the stroller with his blanket for two and a half hours - barely making a peep - what is wrong with my child??? I had all kinds of ammunition to throw at his distaste for waiting in line, and then he had none.
We waited, I chatted with the other mothers which made the time go quickly, and then we filed out short and simple paper work and my kid got stuck with a needle for free (yeah taxes!). Michael cried for approximately 37 seconds and then it was over.
The people from the health department have assured me that there will be plenty of available vaccine and many clinics in four weeks when Michael needs a booster shot. We'll see.
I'm curious to know how vaccines are being distributed in your area, whether you're planning on getting one for you and/or the children, and what you think your chances are of receiving one before getting the flu. (Matt and I will try to get vaccinated if possible, but the way things are going right now I'm not sure we'll be eligible.)
One last note, there was a woman (I say woman but she looked so young!) in line behind us who was only seven weeks pregnant and clearly showing already. It is her first pregnancy and I guess her midwife is wondering about twins... I desperately wanted to ask her to send me an email and let me know how her ultrasound goes next week, but I thought that perhaps such a request breached normal social boundaries. Of course now I can't stop thinking about her and I wish I hadn't been so sensible.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
He Dances (So Does She)
So I'm guessing it probably isn't helpful to tell you that I THINK so often about what I will write here that I imagine I've written more recently than I actually have...
Let's just say I'm saving my words for November!
In the meantime, here's a taste of what goes on around here:
Let's just say I'm saving my words for November!
In the meantime, here's a taste of what goes on around here:
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Hamster Wheel
In theory our life isn't any busier right now than it ever is, but every time I feel like I'm about to catch up with it, things get away from me again. Le sigh.
I'm still reading all of your blogs, just lacking in the commenting department, as per usual. My apologies...
So the weather here has been sort of lousy - cool and wet and not much fun. But there was one nice day last weekend when we managed to take the kids for a park visit. Maybe one of the last before we need hats and mittens to be outside.
Kids in motion are happy kids - do you remember how large a tennis court seemed when you were little?
This afternoon Harper was running around in the kitchen and told me, "When I fart it gives me gas so I can run my ship. It makes me blow forward." That doesn't have anything to do with these park pictures - but I thought you'd enjoy it anyway. What a nut!
How about one more story that has nothing to do with these photos? Harper has been saying lately that all the boys at school like her, in fact, everyone at school likes her! I am never quite sure how to respond to this, accept to say that they probably like her because she's a good friend, etc., etc. I don't know why these statements make me cringe a little - of course I want her to feel like the other kids like her, but I don't know, maybe I wish it wasn't so important to her already?
Anyway this afternoon she said (about the boys at school), "It's just too much love Mommy. I can feel the kisses right now!"
What am I supposed to do with that?!
You can't tell from this photo, but Harper was actually terrified after Matt helped her into this tree, and I was all, "You're fine - just smile!"
Michael turned 19 months when I wasn't looking. We are seeing our service coordinator tomorrow to talk a little more about the speech thing. He still isn't saying many actual words, but the other day he patted my leg to get my attention, signed "please" and pointed at the couch where I was sitting. Does that count as his first sentence?
I made a comment about the leaves on this tree looking like they were on fire - Harper wanted to take a picture to show how you crawl low to the ground when there is a fire in your house... It IS fire safety month!
In case anyone was wondering how the dentist went - it was just fine. Harper shed a few tears during the fluoride treatment - still anxious from the Post Dentist Puke Event of '08. But otherwise, no problem. Michael was a trouper and just toddled around the waiting room, perused the dentist's books, and climbed on (and fell off - oops) the little picnic table benches.
There's not much point to this post, except to say that we're still here, running on our little wheels, moving forward.
I'm still reading all of your blogs, just lacking in the commenting department, as per usual. My apologies...
So the weather here has been sort of lousy - cool and wet and not much fun. But there was one nice day last weekend when we managed to take the kids for a park visit. Maybe one of the last before we need hats and mittens to be outside.
Kids in motion are happy kids - do you remember how large a tennis court seemed when you were little?
This afternoon Harper was running around in the kitchen and told me, "When I fart it gives me gas so I can run my ship. It makes me blow forward." That doesn't have anything to do with these park pictures - but I thought you'd enjoy it anyway. What a nut!
How about one more story that has nothing to do with these photos? Harper has been saying lately that all the boys at school like her, in fact, everyone at school likes her! I am never quite sure how to respond to this, accept to say that they probably like her because she's a good friend, etc., etc. I don't know why these statements make me cringe a little - of course I want her to feel like the other kids like her, but I don't know, maybe I wish it wasn't so important to her already? Anyway this afternoon she said (about the boys at school), "It's just too much love Mommy. I can feel the kisses right now!"
What am I supposed to do with that?!
You can't tell from this photo, but Harper was actually terrified after Matt helped her into this tree, and I was all, "You're fine - just smile!"
Michael turned 19 months when I wasn't looking. We are seeing our service coordinator tomorrow to talk a little more about the speech thing. He still isn't saying many actual words, but the other day he patted my leg to get my attention, signed "please" and pointed at the couch where I was sitting. Does that count as his first sentence?
I made a comment about the leaves on this tree looking like they were on fire - Harper wanted to take a picture to show how you crawl low to the ground when there is a fire in your house... It IS fire safety month!
In case anyone was wondering how the dentist went - it was just fine. Harper shed a few tears during the fluoride treatment - still anxious from the Post Dentist Puke Event of '08. But otherwise, no problem. Michael was a trouper and just toddled around the waiting room, perused the dentist's books, and climbed on (and fell off - oops) the little picnic table benches. 
There's not much point to this post, except to say that we're still here, running on our little wheels, moving forward.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Brief
Hi! Facebook is not working for me today - anyone else? It's times like these that I think twitter would be useful, but for now I remain firm in my resolve not to tweet.
Are we all going to think SWINE FLU?! every time our kids are sick this winter? (I think that yes, we will.)
Since I am a scheduling idiot and have to take Michael with me to Harper's dentist appointment this afternoon, and there is no where for a parent to sit w/ a squirmy toddler in the exam room, will she be okay back there by herself? She's almost five... Stay tuned.
Are we all going to think SWINE FLU?! every time our kids are sick this winter? (I think that yes, we will.)
Since I am a scheduling idiot and have to take Michael with me to Harper's dentist appointment this afternoon, and there is no where for a parent to sit w/ a squirmy toddler in the exam room, will she be okay back there by herself? She's almost five... Stay tuned.
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Want to Feel Better About Your Weekend?
Well, if you have a newly walking toddler, you can congratulate yourself if you didn't let him/her dive headfirst into a patch of sidewalk. And even if you did let that happen, surely you didn't also get the band-aid stuck in his/her hair.
And even if you DID both of those things (unlikely), you surely didn't make a complete fool of yourself with your neighbors.
I'm quite positive your daughter didn't notice smoke coming from your neighbors' roof and that your view wasn't such that you couldn't tell if the smoke was coming from the chimney. Then, even after you walked out into the yard to get a better look and still couldn't tell whether the smoke came from a chimney OR whether anyone was home, I'm sure you didn't call the neighbors (who, incidentally, aren't polite enough to ever speak to you) to see if they were in fact home and find out whether they possibly had a wood-burning fire place that they were currently using. And surely you didn't make that phone call, only to be totally embarrassed when it turned out that they were using their fireplace for the first time this season. I am sure you also didn't have an extremely uncomfortable moment with the neighbor on the phone when she realized who you were and remembered how much she and her husband hate your dog.
And if all of that did happen to you, then maybe you aren't thrilled about all the moments of your weekend either. And also? It's pretty creepy how parallel our lives are.
And even if you DID both of those things (unlikely), you surely didn't make a complete fool of yourself with your neighbors.I'm quite positive your daughter didn't notice smoke coming from your neighbors' roof and that your view wasn't such that you couldn't tell if the smoke was coming from the chimney. Then, even after you walked out into the yard to get a better look and still couldn't tell whether the smoke came from a chimney OR whether anyone was home, I'm sure you didn't call the neighbors (who, incidentally, aren't polite enough to ever speak to you) to see if they were in fact home and find out whether they possibly had a wood-burning fire place that they were currently using. And surely you didn't make that phone call, only to be totally embarrassed when it turned out that they were using their fireplace for the first time this season. I am sure you also didn't have an extremely uncomfortable moment with the neighbor on the phone when she realized who you were and remembered how much she and her husband hate your dog.
And if all of that did happen to you, then maybe you aren't thrilled about all the moments of your weekend either. And also? It's pretty creepy how parallel our lives are.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Kitten!
My mom is visiting this week and when my dad called to talk with her tonight he said, "Can you send your mother home so we could get some new blog content?"
It's true that we've been too busy in the evening for me to update much. So here is a little nibble.
Auntie M got a new kitten - and Harper and I went to visit on Saturday. The kitten's name is Jem and oh, she is such a sweetie.
I'm allergic to cats, but I love me some kittens - and apparently Harper does, too!
It's true that we've been too busy in the evening for me to update much. So here is a little nibble.
Auntie M got a new kitten - and Harper and I went to visit on Saturday. The kitten's name is Jem and oh, she is such a sweetie.
I'm allergic to cats, but I love me some kittens - and apparently Harper does, too!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Shameless Plug
Hi friends! I just wanted to take a minute to share the fact that I recently started as an independent consultant with Usborne Books & More. Books are kind of my thing, so this seemed like a natural move for me. Since I'm not working outside the home this year, I decided to pursue a home business in an attempt to contribute to our family financially. For those of you who are local I am available to do home shows and I can help you earn free books. For those a little farther away I can help you host an online show (and you can also earn free books) or you can just purchase books directly from me at any time.
I am not linking directly to my Usborne site from here, but if you are interested just email me and I'll let you know where you need to look to check out these wonderful books. (If you know me on facebook, the website link is on my profile page!)
I hosted my own show this weekend to get started, it was small but went well. If you really want to help me get my business going, you can order through my online show which goes on for the remainder of this week - until October 3rd. You'd been helping me earn some free books that I'll have on hand for demonstrating at future shows. Just email me for details.
The books are really wonderful - my children love them. Please trust that I would not sell products I don't believe in!
Okay, salesgirl pitch over. Whew!
I am not linking directly to my Usborne site from here, but if you are interested just email me and I'll let you know where you need to look to check out these wonderful books. (If you know me on facebook, the website link is on my profile page!)
I hosted my own show this weekend to get started, it was small but went well. If you really want to help me get my business going, you can order through my online show which goes on for the remainder of this week - until October 3rd. You'd been helping me earn some free books that I'll have on hand for demonstrating at future shows. Just email me for details.
The books are really wonderful - my children love them. Please trust that I would not sell products I don't believe in!
Okay, salesgirl pitch over. Whew!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Here Michael, Michael! (And an update about shots)
I know things have been slightly video-centric here lately, but look!
That happened last Thursday - precipitated by my luring Michael half way across the kitchen on his feet w/ a Cheez-It - I guess the kid just needed some motivation. We're still quite far from walking being his first choice, but he can do it!
I also wanted to update everyone on the shot situation - Harper's flu shot was on Tuesday, and even though she was exceedingly nervous about it, here's what worked:
1) She brought her stuffed dog, Max, to squeeze.
2) We brought a lollipop and I told her the bit about how babies think things hurt less if they taste something sweet. (Thank you Marie!) I told her she could have it as soon as we were finished (before lunch!) if the nurse said it wasn't okay to have it during the shot - and then it was okay to have during the shot - phew!
3) She was allowed to sit on my lap and asked if I could please give her a really tight squeeze. (I did!)
4) I told her I would take her to McDonald's for a Happy Meal afterward if she cooperated. (i.e. did not kick the nurse)
And it was fine, there was lots of nervous energy but no extreme freaking out, and only a few tears after the fact. No screaming OR kicking - mission accomplished!
That happened last Thursday - precipitated by my luring Michael half way across the kitchen on his feet w/ a Cheez-It - I guess the kid just needed some motivation. We're still quite far from walking being his first choice, but he can do it!
I also wanted to update everyone on the shot situation - Harper's flu shot was on Tuesday, and even though she was exceedingly nervous about it, here's what worked:
1) She brought her stuffed dog, Max, to squeeze.
2) We brought a lollipop and I told her the bit about how babies think things hurt less if they taste something sweet. (Thank you Marie!) I told her she could have it as soon as we were finished (before lunch!) if the nurse said it wasn't okay to have it during the shot - and then it was okay to have during the shot - phew!
3) She was allowed to sit on my lap and asked if I could please give her a really tight squeeze. (I did!)
4) I told her I would take her to McDonald's for a Happy Meal afterward if she cooperated. (i.e. did not kick the nurse)
And it was fine, there was lots of nervous energy but no extreme freaking out, and only a few tears after the fact. No screaming OR kicking - mission accomplished!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Updates!
1) Well the guessing game wasn't quite the rollicking fun I thought it would be, since the total was actually around $75 - which seemed like a great deal! The fact that people were making guesses as low as $12 makes me think I need to spend more time at garage sales, if I can get that kind of loot in that kind of shape for so little... I must admit that Ann, my mother-in-law, was there with me and subsidized a portion of the purchases, so the part that I paid wasn't too far off some of your guesses. (Thanks again Ann!)
2) Mike and Ann stayed with the kids while Matt and I attended a wedding in Chicago this past weekend. It was one of the best wedding weekends ever and I would like to write about it in better detail, but it was so overwhelmingly wonderful that it is hard to imagine putting words to the events.
3) Look what Michael learned now:
2) Mike and Ann stayed with the kids while Matt and I attended a wedding in Chicago this past weekend. It was one of the best wedding weekends ever and I would like to write about it in better detail, but it was so overwhelmingly wonderful that it is hard to imagine putting words to the events.
3) Look what Michael learned now:
I was sitting at the computer, turned around, and in a matter of seconds he had hoisted himself onto that rocking horse. The video doesn't even come close to demonstrating how wild he got - I'm sure it is great for his balance, but maybe we need to find a rocking horse that is lower to the floor, and padded.
We are in So. Much. Trouble.
We are in So. Much. Trouble.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Some Things I Love
It is no secret that I love books, and reading, and reading books with my children, and watching my children enjoy books, etc., etc.
Michael has always been a book fan, in one way or another. In fact, when we were working on his mobility with the physical therapist we used the book basket to motivate him. He would crawl to it or sit propped against it or work on strength by holding himself off the floor and emptying the books at the same time. Right now he will pull books off the shelf in his room and hold them out to me while signing, "please." How awesome is that? Of course sometimes he only wants to hear the first two pages before he is asking to get down again...
I LOVE watching Michael interact with books. He can frequently be found emptying book baskets or taking books off shelves. Lately he's also been "reading" to himself. This is the best because it also involves another thing I LOVE - baby gibberish! I am fully aware that this is probably just a mother thing, but I could listen to baby babble all day long, especially once they reach the point where it sounds like that have something so important to say, but have forgotten that I don't speak Martian, and so they just go on and on in this foreign sounding language. So yeah, Michael reads to himself in Martian.
I decided to try to capture this with the video camera, but the first tries were epic fails because the camera just kept distracting Michael. This is one of many takes that totally cracks me up, even if I didn't get the footage I was going for:
Michael has always been a book fan, in one way or another. In fact, when we were working on his mobility with the physical therapist we used the book basket to motivate him. He would crawl to it or sit propped against it or work on strength by holding himself off the floor and emptying the books at the same time. Right now he will pull books off the shelf in his room and hold them out to me while signing, "please." How awesome is that? Of course sometimes he only wants to hear the first two pages before he is asking to get down again...
I LOVE watching Michael interact with books. He can frequently be found emptying book baskets or taking books off shelves. Lately he's also been "reading" to himself. This is the best because it also involves another thing I LOVE - baby gibberish! I am fully aware that this is probably just a mother thing, but I could listen to baby babble all day long, especially once they reach the point where it sounds like that have something so important to say, but have forgotten that I don't speak Martian, and so they just go on and on in this foreign sounding language. So yeah, Michael reads to himself in Martian.
I decided to try to capture this with the video camera, but the first tries were epic fails because the camera just kept distracting Michael. This is one of many takes that totally cracks me up, even if I didn't get the footage I was going for:
I was smarter the next time I tried to film him, I was sitting futher away, and up in a chair, so the video camera wasn't at his eye-level. And yes, it was on the first football Sunday of the season, and yes, both my children were in Packer clothes. :-) Please note the cushion that Michael is sitting on, it has become his reading seat. He has gotten into the habit of pulling it off the couch and plonking down on it to read his books.
His waving is pretty cute, too.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
18 Months and All is Well (Plus bonus questions about shots!)
Michael had his 18-month well visit with our pediatrician today. He now weighs 25 pounds and is 32 inches tall. According to our doc that puts him at 50% for height and between 25-50% for weight - not bad for the preemie! He has been eating like a linebacker, but apparently he is using the calories; I was kind of surprised he hadn't jumped more in weight.
The doctor addressed a bunch of my concerns. As far as walking goes, after watching him stand and take a few steps toward me, she said, "Oh, he'll be walking next week!" Now I've been thinking that most of the summer, but truly he seems to be getting close. She was slightly more concerned about the lack of new words (um, none) since his 15 month visit, although I maintain that he is more communicative now than he was then. We decided that I would call her if he hadn't clearly increased his vocabulary in the next three months. She wasn't ready to recommend speech therapy yet, but doesn't want to wait until the two year appointment if things aren't progressing. Fair enough.
Then he got four shots! :-( Poor baby, as one would expect he was not quite himself this afternoon.
Speaking of shots - I have to take Harper in for a flu shot next week. And we'll be back for the H1N1 vaccine, when it is available, because both my children are considered high risk. And then she'll have the "kindergarten shots" at her birthday appointment in November. Here's the problem - last year when Harper had the flu shot she freaked out. As in, she nearly kicked the nurse in the face. I was looking back over old posts to see if I had written about that experience and I think I was probably too embarrassed to mention it.
Here are some questions for you:
1) How do I help her not freak out?
2) Is it wrong to bribe her for being even remotely cooperative? Especially given that we're going to have to do this three times in next three months? (I don't expect her not to cry, but I do expect her not to inflict bodily harm on the health care workers.)
Why have my parenting instincts totally failed me here? I thought we were prepared last year and it was a failure of epic proportions. We also had extreme difficulty when she needed blood drawn at the allergists in August this year, so frustrating as she'd done that w/ no problem the year before. What gives?
I hate the look of shock/pain/betrayal on babies' faces when they get shots, but I think this big kid anticipation is worse!
***
I'll share my sale totals by the end of the week - the guessing game is still on!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Haul
Let's play a little guessing game...
Saturday morning Ann and I went to a "Mom's Market" that was also a fundraiser for the local children's medical center. I had never been to one of these before, but it was basically a gigantic garage sale. It cost us a dollar a piece to get in and it was a madhouse. It reminded me of the Friends episode where they go to a huge sale to get Monica's wedding dress. I didn't know how crazy it would be but I had the foresight to make a list the night before of some specific items I wanted to look for - I'm so glad I did this or I would have been totally overwhelmed!
Here are the things we purchased:
Snowsuit and new-looking snow boots for Michael, dress and cardigan for Harper
Pajama set, two pairs of tan pans, one pair of tag-still-on Land's End cords, one pair of soft black pants, one pair of Gymboree knit pants (so cute!), and one turtleneck w/ dalmatians for Harper
Lion costume (so he can be Cowardly to Harper's Dorothy) and long-sleeve fleece romper for Michael
Three Baby Einstein DVDs and ball/hammer toy for Michael (these we'll wrap up for Christmas)
Also, not particularly pictured, two pairs of jeans, two pairs of tan pants, and one pair of gray pants for Michael.
Total: 10 pairs of pants, one sweater, one pajama set, one romper, one toy, three DVDs, one pair of boots, one snowsuit, one turtleneck, and one lion costume.
How much do you think we spent???
(Clicking on individual pictures will make them larger, if you think the quality of the items will help you guess how much of a steal this sale was.)
Edited to add: OMG you guys are killing my sale buzz! Remember that it was a sale but also a fund-raiser (i.e. I did not purchase anything for less than a dollar. Perhaps comparing it to a garage sale was a bad idea...)
P.S. Mommy Daisy - there is one in Vandalia in a couple of months, let me know if you want me to try to find some info for you - that's not too bad a drive!
Saturday morning Ann and I went to a "Mom's Market" that was also a fundraiser for the local children's medical center. I had never been to one of these before, but it was basically a gigantic garage sale. It cost us a dollar a piece to get in and it was a madhouse. It reminded me of the Friends episode where they go to a huge sale to get Monica's wedding dress. I didn't know how crazy it would be but I had the foresight to make a list the night before of some specific items I wanted to look for - I'm so glad I did this or I would have been totally overwhelmed!
Here are the things we purchased:
Snowsuit and new-looking snow boots for Michael, dress and cardigan for Harper
Pajama set, two pairs of tan pans, one pair of tag-still-on Land's End cords, one pair of soft black pants, one pair of Gymboree knit pants (so cute!), and one turtleneck w/ dalmatians for Harper
Lion costume (so he can be Cowardly to Harper's Dorothy) and long-sleeve fleece romper for Michael
Three Baby Einstein DVDs and ball/hammer toy for Michael (these we'll wrap up for Christmas)
Also, not particularly pictured, two pairs of jeans, two pairs of tan pants, and one pair of gray pants for Michael.
Total: 10 pairs of pants, one sweater, one pajama set, one romper, one toy, three DVDs, one pair of boots, one snowsuit, one turtleneck, and one lion costume.How much do you think we spent???
(Clicking on individual pictures will make them larger, if you think the quality of the items will help you guess how much of a steal this sale was.)
Edited to add: OMG you guys are killing my sale buzz! Remember that it was a sale but also a fund-raiser (i.e. I did not purchase anything for less than a dollar. Perhaps comparing it to a garage sale was a bad idea...)
P.S. Mommy Daisy - there is one in Vandalia in a couple of months, let me know if you want me to try to find some info for you - that's not too bad a drive!
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
One and a HUH???
As much as I know you must be sick of seeing this first picture, I can't help but marvel that, in 18 very short months, this guy:
has become this guy:
So cool, despite the fact that he's flashing a little diaper in the shot.
I mentioned not long ago that Michael is involved in some kind of marvelous development explosion. As evidence I offer the fact that I only managed to get one 18-month photo of him sitting in the chair. Why sit when you can stand, bounce, and attempt to fling yourself from a dangerous height? Sitting is so yesterday.
I've have continued to keep my fretting (mostly) in check regarding Michael's late blooming in the walking department. He will now walk when holding our hands. This is progress, despite the fact that when he's holding our hands he moves slower than molasses. No wonder the boy isn't interested in walking, his crawl is wicked fast. Two weeks ago in church he was halfway down the side aisle before I could catch him.
We've also been playing that back and forth game: Matt and I will sit a few feet apart and encourage him to go back and forth between us. Tonight we recorded serious progress as he took three and even four steps in a row!
Michael is taking his time learning to talk as well, and it is something I'm going to bring up at our appointment with the pediatrician next week. Yesterday he climbed up my chair while I was reading and I swear he pointed to my book and said, "Book!" clear as day. BUT I cannot get him to say it again, so it may have been coincidental babble.
Michael has just recently learned the signs for "please" and "thank you," giving up "more" in the process. Harper did the same thing, once she learned "please" she just used it in place of "more". Consequently he sits in his chair at mealtimes signing "please" over and over and over and over. You'd think he was starving over here - unlikely as he weighs just over 25.5 pounds! Seriously, I'm going to need physical therapy if he doesn't start walking soon, he's so heavy.
Harper continues to be a mostly doting big sister. I was talking to a friend on the phone tonight while getting dinner ready when I heard this insane sound behind me. I turned to look and Harper had Michael sort of pinned down on the kitchen floor; she was lifting his shirt and giving him the loudest zerberts I've ever heard. It was hilarious and all of us were laughing for a few minutes. Of course, as is the way with these things, Michael tired of the game before Harper did and the activity deteriorated into frustrated screaming. I hear the two of them should outgrow that dynamic by the time they are in their twenties.
A year and a half is looking pretty good. I love discovering the little boy Michael is becoming even as I cling to the remaining bits of his babyhood.
has become this guy:
So cool, despite the fact that he's flashing a little diaper in the shot.I mentioned not long ago that Michael is involved in some kind of marvelous development explosion. As evidence I offer the fact that I only managed to get one 18-month photo of him sitting in the chair. Why sit when you can stand, bounce, and attempt to fling yourself from a dangerous height? Sitting is so yesterday.
I've have continued to keep my fretting (mostly) in check regarding Michael's late blooming in the walking department. He will now walk when holding our hands. This is progress, despite the fact that when he's holding our hands he moves slower than molasses. No wonder the boy isn't interested in walking, his crawl is wicked fast. Two weeks ago in church he was halfway down the side aisle before I could catch him.
We've also been playing that back and forth game: Matt and I will sit a few feet apart and encourage him to go back and forth between us. Tonight we recorded serious progress as he took three and even four steps in a row!
Michael is taking his time learning to talk as well, and it is something I'm going to bring up at our appointment with the pediatrician next week. Yesterday he climbed up my chair while I was reading and I swear he pointed to my book and said, "Book!" clear as day. BUT I cannot get him to say it again, so it may have been coincidental babble. Michael has just recently learned the signs for "please" and "thank you," giving up "more" in the process. Harper did the same thing, once she learned "please" she just used it in place of "more". Consequently he sits in his chair at mealtimes signing "please" over and over and over and over. You'd think he was starving over here - unlikely as he weighs just over 25.5 pounds! Seriously, I'm going to need physical therapy if he doesn't start walking soon, he's so heavy.
Harper continues to be a mostly doting big sister. I was talking to a friend on the phone tonight while getting dinner ready when I heard this insane sound behind me. I turned to look and Harper had Michael sort of pinned down on the kitchen floor; she was lifting his shirt and giving him the loudest zerberts I've ever heard. It was hilarious and all of us were laughing for a few minutes. Of course, as is the way with these things, Michael tired of the game before Harper did and the activity deteriorated into frustrated screaming. I hear the two of them should outgrow that dynamic by the time they are in their twenties. A year and a half is looking pretty good. I love discovering the little boy Michael is becoming even as I cling to the remaining bits of his babyhood.
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