And enjoy all the precious little things that change so quickly...
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Take time to stop and smell the...
And enjoy all the precious little things that change so quickly...
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Rock and Roll
Want to see my new trick? SO close to crawling. I can get that booty up, and I can rock - but I can't quite figure out how to move forward - just backwards!
Monday, January 29, 2007
Happy Half-Birthday, Little Man!
Y'all ready for this?
Mom + new camera + cute baby turning 6 months = MAJOR photo shoot!
(you should be able to click on the photo to make it bigger - sorry - some are fuzzy, but his expressions were so cute I had to include them regardless. If you want to save to print - ahem, Vicki - try to right click it and you should be able to save it onto your computer. If anyone wants a print of one, let me know which one and I'll order some from Creve Coeur Camera.
Mom + new camera + cute baby turning 6 months = MAJOR photo shoot!
(you should be able to click on the photo to make it bigger - sorry - some are fuzzy, but his expressions were so cute I had to include them regardless. If you want to save to print - ahem, Vicki - try to right click it and you should be able to save it onto your computer. If anyone wants a print of one, let me know which one and I'll order some from Creve Coeur Camera.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Homeschooling
As many of you know, we're a homeschooling family. Not because we're some uber-religious rural family, but because we feel that the quality of education available to us is not that which we can provide for our children through purchased curricula.
A friend recently shared this article and I thought I'd pass it on - even though Jack isn't quite ready for the ABCs, it's still a good read:
No Thank You, We Don't Believe in Socialization
Copyright 2000
Lisa Russell
I can't believe I am writing an article about socialization, The word makes my skin crawl. As homeschoolers, we are often accosted by people who assume that since we're homeschooling, our kids won't be "socialized." The word has become such a catch phrase that it has entirely lost any meaning. The first time I heard the word, I was attending a Catholic day school as a first grader. Having been a "reader" for almost 2 years, I found the phonics and reading lessons to be incredibly boring. Luckily the girl behind me felt the same way, and when we were done with our silly little worksheets, we would chat back and forth. I've never known two 6 yr olds who could maintain a quiet conversation, so naturally a ruler-carrying nun interrupted us with a few strong raps on our desk. We were both asked to stay in at recess, and sit quietly in our desks for the entire 25 minutes, because "We are not here to socialize, young ladies." Those words were repeated over and over throughout my education, by just about every teacher I've ever had. If we're not there to socialize, then why were we there? I learned to read at home. If I finished my work early (which I always did,) could I have gone home? If I were already familiar with the subject matter, would I have been excused from class that day? If schools weren't made for socializing, then why on earth would anyone assume that homeschoolers were missing out?
As a society full of people whose childhood's were spent waiting anxiously for recess time, and trying desperately to "socialize" with the kids in class; It is often difficult for people to have an image of a child whose social life is NOT based on school buddies. Do you ever remember sitting in class, and wanting desperately to speak to your friend? It's kinda hard to concentrate on the lessons when you're bouncing around trying not to talk. Have you ever had a teacher who rearranged the seats every now and then, to prevent talking, splitting up friends and "talking corners". Were you ever caught passing notes in class? Now- flash forward to "real life." Imagine the following scenes:
*Your Employer is auditing the Inter-Office Email system and comes across a personal note between you and a co-worker. You are required to stand at the podium in the next sales meeting to read it aloud to your co-workers.
*The Police knock on your door, and announce that because you and your neighbor have gotten so close, they're separating you. You must move your home and your belongings to the other side of town, and you may only meet at public places on weekends.
*You're sitting at a booth waiting for a co-worker to arrive for a scheduled lunch date. Suddenly, a member of upper-management sits downs across from you and demands your credit cards. When your friend arrives, you just order water and claim you're not hungry, since he stole your lunch money.
*You're applying for a job and in an unconventional hiring practice, you are made to line up with other applicants, and wait patiently while representatives from two competing companies take their pick from the lineup.
*You're taking your parents out for an anniversary dinner. After you find a table, a waiter tells you that seniors have a separate dining room, lest they "corrupt" the younger members of society.
*You go to the grocery store only to find that since you are 32 years old you must shop at the store for 32 year olds. It's 8 miles away and they don't sell meat because the manger is a vegetarian, but your birthday is coming up and soon you'll be able to shop at the store for 33 yr. olds.
*You'd like to learn about Aviation History. You go to the library and check out a book on the subject only to be given a list of "other subjects" that you must read about before you are permitted to check out the aviation book.
*You're having a hard time finding what you need in the local department store. The saleslady explains that each item is arranged alphabetically in the store, so instead of having a section for shoes, you will find the men's shoes in between the maternity clothes and the mirrors.
*Your Cable Company announces that anyone wishing to watch the Superbowl this year must log on a certain number of hours watching the Discovery Channel before they can be permitted to watch the game.
*You apply for a job only to be told that this job is for 29 year olds. Since you're 32, you'll have to stay with your level.
*In a group project, your boss decides to pair you up with the person you don't "click" with. His hope is that you'll get learn to get along with each other, regardless of how the project turns out.
These absurd examples were created to point out how absolutely ridiculous the idea of "socializing" in schools is. Many people had a friend who they stayed friends with all through grammar school- WHY? Because their names were alphabetically similar, and they always ended up in line with each other. As an adult, have you ever made friends with someone simply because your names were similar? How long would such a friendship last and how meaningful would it be, providing you had nothing else in common?
People often use the bully as an example of why it's so important to let kids "socialize" at school. If that's so important, then the bully needs to go to JAIL after a few months, because self-respecting society simply doesn't put up with that, nor should my 6 yr. old. Sure, there are crappy people in the world, but the world does a much better job of taking care of these things. A bullying brat in the first grade will still be a bullying brat in the 6th grade. He will still be picking on the same kids year after year after year, unless he moves to a new town. How long would the average adult put up with a bully? Personally, as an adult, I have only come across one grown up bully. I choose not to be around this miserable woman. So do many other people. THAT is real life. If she were a co-worker, I would find a different job. If she worked at a business I patronized- not only would I refrain from doing business with that company, I would write a letter to the bully, her manager, the owner and the main office. A kid in a classroom has no way to emotionally protect themselves against such a person. I would never expect my kids to put up with bad treatment from a bully in the name of "toughening them up." For what? So they can be submissive wimps when they grow up too? So they can "ignore" their miserable bosses and abusive spouses? In real life, if an employer discovered that an employee was harassing the other staff members, that employee could be fired (pending the 90-day evaluation) or relocated. In real life, if you are so dreadfully harassed by a co-worker you can seek legal recourse independently. In a classroom, the teacher and other children are often powerless.
The idea of learning acceptable social skills in a school is as absurd to me as learning nutrition from a grocery store. As Homeschoolers, the world is our classroom. We interact with people of all ages, sexes and backgrounds. We talk to and learn from everyone who strikes our interest. We use good manners in our home and I'm always pleased when others comment on the manners my children have picked up. I believe good manners to be an important social skill. Respecting common areas is also of value to us. We often carry a grocery bag with us on walks, in case we find trash that needs to be discarded. When we're waiting at a bus stop, if there is trash on the ground, we make a point to carry it onto the bus and discard of it properly. Once, while waiting at a bus stop- we saw a grown man drop his popsicle wrapper on the ground. He was 2 feet from a trash can- My daughter looked up at me with eyes as big as saucers. I told her (out loud) "It must have blown out of his hand from that little wind, because no-one would throw trash on the ground on purpose. I'm sure when he's done with his popsicle, he will pick it up and throw it away correctly- otherwise, we can take care of it so we don't have an ugly world." He did pick it up, rather sheepishly. I can't imagine expecting my children to have a respect for the cleanliness of common areas in an environment where bathroom walls are covered in graffiti and trees are scratched with symbols of "love" of all things.
Another social skill we strive to teach our children is that all people are created equal. I can't imagine doing that in an environment where physically disadvantaged children are segregated into a "special" classroom. Or even children who speak a different language at home. They are segregated and forced to learn English, while never acknowledging the unique culture they were raised in, and not enabling the other students to learn FROM them. Learning, in school, comes from the books and teachers. We will learn Spanish from a BOOK, not from a Spanish-speaking student; and not until 7th grade.
I have never felt it would be beneficial to stick my 6-yr. old in a room full of other 6-yr. olds. I believe God created a world full of people of all ages and sexes to insure that the younger ones and older ones learn from each other. A few years ago, we were living thousands of miles from any older family members, so I brought my kids (then 5 and 2) to an assisted living facility, so they could interact with the elderly. Staff members told us that many of the older people would wake up every day and ask if we would be visiting soon. We always went on Wednesdays. My daughters learned some old show tunes while one of the men played piano and the others would sing along. If I didn't have to chase my 2-yr. old around, I would have had plenty of women ready to share the art of crocheting with me (something I've always wanted to learn.) If a friend were too sick to come out of their room during our visit, we would often spend a few minutes in their room. I always let them give the kids whatever cookies they had baked for them, and I ended up cleaning a few of the apartments while we visited, simply because I would have done the same for my own Grandmother. Every room had pictures from my kids posted on their refrigerators. We called this "Visiting the Grandmas and Grandpas" and my daughters both (almost 2 yrs later) have fond memories of our visits. I'm sure that if we were still visiting there, my unborn child would have a thousand handmade blankets and booties to keep him warm all winter.
I don't remember any such experiences in my entire School life, although I do remember being a bit afraid of old people if they were too wrinkly or weak looking. I never really knew anyone over 60. I never sped down the hall on someone's wheel-chaired lap, squealing as we popped wheelies and screeched around corners. I never got to hear stories about what life was like before indoor plumbing and electricity, from the point of view of a woman with Alzheimers, who might believe she was still 5 yrs old, talking with my daughter as if she were a friend. I never got to help a 90-yr. old woman keep her arm steady while she painted a picture. And I never watched a room full of "grandma's" waiting for me by the window, because we were 15 minutes late.
On a recent visit to an Art Gallery, we noticed a man walking back and forth, carrying framed artwork from his old pickup truck. I asked my 6 yr. old if she thought he might be the artist. We both agreed that was a possibility, and after a little pep-talk to overcome her stage fright, she approached him and asked. He was the artist, and he was bringing in his work to be evaluated by the curator. We all sat down and he explained some of his techniques and listened to her opinions about which piece she liked best. He told about how he enjoyed art when he was 6 and would "sell" pictures to family and friends. He recounted how he felt while creating a few of the pieces, and how each one has special meaning to him. He even let her know how nervous he was to show them to the curator and how he hoped she found them as interesting as we did. As he was called into the office, a group of thirty-four 3rd graders filed past, ever so quietly, while their teacher explained each piece on the walls. The children were so quiet and well behaved. They didn't seem to mind moving on from one picture to the next (The problem with homeschoolers is they tend to linger on things they enjoy). They didn't seem to have any questions or comments (Maybe they'll discuss that later in class). And they never got a chance to meet the gentleman in the pickup truck. I hope my kids aren't missing out on any "socialization."
A friend recently shared this article and I thought I'd pass it on - even though Jack isn't quite ready for the ABCs, it's still a good read:
No Thank You, We Don't Believe in Socialization
Copyright 2000
Lisa Russell
I can't believe I am writing an article about socialization, The word makes my skin crawl. As homeschoolers, we are often accosted by people who assume that since we're homeschooling, our kids won't be "socialized." The word has become such a catch phrase that it has entirely lost any meaning. The first time I heard the word, I was attending a Catholic day school as a first grader. Having been a "reader" for almost 2 years, I found the phonics and reading lessons to be incredibly boring. Luckily the girl behind me felt the same way, and when we were done with our silly little worksheets, we would chat back and forth. I've never known two 6 yr olds who could maintain a quiet conversation, so naturally a ruler-carrying nun interrupted us with a few strong raps on our desk. We were both asked to stay in at recess, and sit quietly in our desks for the entire 25 minutes, because "We are not here to socialize, young ladies." Those words were repeated over and over throughout my education, by just about every teacher I've ever had. If we're not there to socialize, then why were we there? I learned to read at home. If I finished my work early (which I always did,) could I have gone home? If I were already familiar with the subject matter, would I have been excused from class that day? If schools weren't made for socializing, then why on earth would anyone assume that homeschoolers were missing out?
As a society full of people whose childhood's were spent waiting anxiously for recess time, and trying desperately to "socialize" with the kids in class; It is often difficult for people to have an image of a child whose social life is NOT based on school buddies. Do you ever remember sitting in class, and wanting desperately to speak to your friend? It's kinda hard to concentrate on the lessons when you're bouncing around trying not to talk. Have you ever had a teacher who rearranged the seats every now and then, to prevent talking, splitting up friends and "talking corners". Were you ever caught passing notes in class? Now- flash forward to "real life." Imagine the following scenes:
*Your Employer is auditing the Inter-Office Email system and comes across a personal note between you and a co-worker. You are required to stand at the podium in the next sales meeting to read it aloud to your co-workers.
*The Police knock on your door, and announce that because you and your neighbor have gotten so close, they're separating you. You must move your home and your belongings to the other side of town, and you may only meet at public places on weekends.
*You're sitting at a booth waiting for a co-worker to arrive for a scheduled lunch date. Suddenly, a member of upper-management sits downs across from you and demands your credit cards. When your friend arrives, you just order water and claim you're not hungry, since he stole your lunch money.
*You're applying for a job and in an unconventional hiring practice, you are made to line up with other applicants, and wait patiently while representatives from two competing companies take their pick from the lineup.
*You're taking your parents out for an anniversary dinner. After you find a table, a waiter tells you that seniors have a separate dining room, lest they "corrupt" the younger members of society.
*You go to the grocery store only to find that since you are 32 years old you must shop at the store for 32 year olds. It's 8 miles away and they don't sell meat because the manger is a vegetarian, but your birthday is coming up and soon you'll be able to shop at the store for 33 yr. olds.
*You'd like to learn about Aviation History. You go to the library and check out a book on the subject only to be given a list of "other subjects" that you must read about before you are permitted to check out the aviation book.
*You're having a hard time finding what you need in the local department store. The saleslady explains that each item is arranged alphabetically in the store, so instead of having a section for shoes, you will find the men's shoes in between the maternity clothes and the mirrors.
*Your Cable Company announces that anyone wishing to watch the Superbowl this year must log on a certain number of hours watching the Discovery Channel before they can be permitted to watch the game.
*You apply for a job only to be told that this job is for 29 year olds. Since you're 32, you'll have to stay with your level.
*In a group project, your boss decides to pair you up with the person you don't "click" with. His hope is that you'll get learn to get along with each other, regardless of how the project turns out.
These absurd examples were created to point out how absolutely ridiculous the idea of "socializing" in schools is. Many people had a friend who they stayed friends with all through grammar school- WHY? Because their names were alphabetically similar, and they always ended up in line with each other. As an adult, have you ever made friends with someone simply because your names were similar? How long would such a friendship last and how meaningful would it be, providing you had nothing else in common?
People often use the bully as an example of why it's so important to let kids "socialize" at school. If that's so important, then the bully needs to go to JAIL after a few months, because self-respecting society simply doesn't put up with that, nor should my 6 yr. old. Sure, there are crappy people in the world, but the world does a much better job of taking care of these things. A bullying brat in the first grade will still be a bullying brat in the 6th grade. He will still be picking on the same kids year after year after year, unless he moves to a new town. How long would the average adult put up with a bully? Personally, as an adult, I have only come across one grown up bully. I choose not to be around this miserable woman. So do many other people. THAT is real life. If she were a co-worker, I would find a different job. If she worked at a business I patronized- not only would I refrain from doing business with that company, I would write a letter to the bully, her manager, the owner and the main office. A kid in a classroom has no way to emotionally protect themselves against such a person. I would never expect my kids to put up with bad treatment from a bully in the name of "toughening them up." For what? So they can be submissive wimps when they grow up too? So they can "ignore" their miserable bosses and abusive spouses? In real life, if an employer discovered that an employee was harassing the other staff members, that employee could be fired (pending the 90-day evaluation) or relocated. In real life, if you are so dreadfully harassed by a co-worker you can seek legal recourse independently. In a classroom, the teacher and other children are often powerless.
The idea of learning acceptable social skills in a school is as absurd to me as learning nutrition from a grocery store. As Homeschoolers, the world is our classroom. We interact with people of all ages, sexes and backgrounds. We talk to and learn from everyone who strikes our interest. We use good manners in our home and I'm always pleased when others comment on the manners my children have picked up. I believe good manners to be an important social skill. Respecting common areas is also of value to us. We often carry a grocery bag with us on walks, in case we find trash that needs to be discarded. When we're waiting at a bus stop, if there is trash on the ground, we make a point to carry it onto the bus and discard of it properly. Once, while waiting at a bus stop- we saw a grown man drop his popsicle wrapper on the ground. He was 2 feet from a trash can- My daughter looked up at me with eyes as big as saucers. I told her (out loud) "It must have blown out of his hand from that little wind, because no-one would throw trash on the ground on purpose. I'm sure when he's done with his popsicle, he will pick it up and throw it away correctly- otherwise, we can take care of it so we don't have an ugly world." He did pick it up, rather sheepishly. I can't imagine expecting my children to have a respect for the cleanliness of common areas in an environment where bathroom walls are covered in graffiti and trees are scratched with symbols of "love" of all things.
Another social skill we strive to teach our children is that all people are created equal. I can't imagine doing that in an environment where physically disadvantaged children are segregated into a "special" classroom. Or even children who speak a different language at home. They are segregated and forced to learn English, while never acknowledging the unique culture they were raised in, and not enabling the other students to learn FROM them. Learning, in school, comes from the books and teachers. We will learn Spanish from a BOOK, not from a Spanish-speaking student; and not until 7th grade.
I have never felt it would be beneficial to stick my 6-yr. old in a room full of other 6-yr. olds. I believe God created a world full of people of all ages and sexes to insure that the younger ones and older ones learn from each other. A few years ago, we were living thousands of miles from any older family members, so I brought my kids (then 5 and 2) to an assisted living facility, so they could interact with the elderly. Staff members told us that many of the older people would wake up every day and ask if we would be visiting soon. We always went on Wednesdays. My daughters learned some old show tunes while one of the men played piano and the others would sing along. If I didn't have to chase my 2-yr. old around, I would have had plenty of women ready to share the art of crocheting with me (something I've always wanted to learn.) If a friend were too sick to come out of their room during our visit, we would often spend a few minutes in their room. I always let them give the kids whatever cookies they had baked for them, and I ended up cleaning a few of the apartments while we visited, simply because I would have done the same for my own Grandmother. Every room had pictures from my kids posted on their refrigerators. We called this "Visiting the Grandmas and Grandpas" and my daughters both (almost 2 yrs later) have fond memories of our visits. I'm sure that if we were still visiting there, my unborn child would have a thousand handmade blankets and booties to keep him warm all winter.
I don't remember any such experiences in my entire School life, although I do remember being a bit afraid of old people if they were too wrinkly or weak looking. I never really knew anyone over 60. I never sped down the hall on someone's wheel-chaired lap, squealing as we popped wheelies and screeched around corners. I never got to hear stories about what life was like before indoor plumbing and electricity, from the point of view of a woman with Alzheimers, who might believe she was still 5 yrs old, talking with my daughter as if she were a friend. I never got to help a 90-yr. old woman keep her arm steady while she painted a picture. And I never watched a room full of "grandma's" waiting for me by the window, because we were 15 minutes late.
On a recent visit to an Art Gallery, we noticed a man walking back and forth, carrying framed artwork from his old pickup truck. I asked my 6 yr. old if she thought he might be the artist. We both agreed that was a possibility, and after a little pep-talk to overcome her stage fright, she approached him and asked. He was the artist, and he was bringing in his work to be evaluated by the curator. We all sat down and he explained some of his techniques and listened to her opinions about which piece she liked best. He told about how he enjoyed art when he was 6 and would "sell" pictures to family and friends. He recounted how he felt while creating a few of the pieces, and how each one has special meaning to him. He even let her know how nervous he was to show them to the curator and how he hoped she found them as interesting as we did. As he was called into the office, a group of thirty-four 3rd graders filed past, ever so quietly, while their teacher explained each piece on the walls. The children were so quiet and well behaved. They didn't seem to mind moving on from one picture to the next (The problem with homeschoolers is they tend to linger on things they enjoy). They didn't seem to have any questions or comments (Maybe they'll discuss that later in class). And they never got a chance to meet the gentleman in the pickup truck. I hope my kids aren't missing out on any "socialization."
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Looking through Jack's eyes
I'll leave it up to you to decide if this picture is his sisters or what he sees at theme parks! :)
Too funny not to share.
Friday, January 19, 2007
You've got the cutest little Baby Legs
Daddy is going to be OH SO happy with Mommy today for sharing this picture. He thinks "legwarmers are for girls" but these aren't legwarmers - they're Baby Legs!!! They do serve a purpose - easy diaper changes, keeping warm under pants in the super duper cold (like we're going to get this weekend!), and for potty training. (Big sister Piper is a big fan). :)
But - I couldn't resist sharing these - they're just PERFECT for piggy chomping!
www.babylegs.net
Piper comforts Jack through his torturous photo shoot. "It's okay, Gacky Boy"
Sweet sweet boy
But - I couldn't resist sharing these - they're just PERFECT for piggy chomping!
www.babylegs.net
Piper comforts Jack through his torturous photo shoot. "It's okay, Gacky Boy"
Sweet sweet boy
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Mommy Got A New Toy...
And now she's going to post even MORE pictures for everyone!!!
Here's a favorite - this was when he was still pretty miserable. I love the detail of his tiny fingernails and his chubby little hands:
Wellness has finally beat out the sickies in our house. We've been through quite a bit in the last few weeks, but the end is here and we are so thrilled. Hopefully at least we'll have some great immunity now - this was quite the super virus!
Jack is doing so much now - he's really starting to keep his head up when he's on his tummy. He deliberately reaches for toys as you can see here. (Note the lovely aftermath of antibiotics on his shoulder!)
A little background on this toy. When Sky was a baby, she loved Dopey. LOVED Dopey. My sister-in-law had a set of the Dwarfs that were sort of a molded plastic/rubbery substance - like bath toys. She saved them from when her daughters were babies and when we'd come over Sky loved to play with that Dopey. Years went by and I had forgotten about them entirely - until we went to the baby care center at Epcot. Right there, in with the toys and outfits for sale, was a complete set of Dwarfs!!! I told the chatty gentleman working there about the old set and he said Disney stopped the production of them for several years. They received the prototypes and the company who had made them changed the outfit on one Dwarf and the colors on another. It wasn't up to their standards, so they ceased production until they could get exactly what they wanted by doing it themselves.
Anyway - here's Jack with his Dopey:
Here's a favorite - this was when he was still pretty miserable. I love the detail of his tiny fingernails and his chubby little hands:
Wellness has finally beat out the sickies in our house. We've been through quite a bit in the last few weeks, but the end is here and we are so thrilled. Hopefully at least we'll have some great immunity now - this was quite the super virus!
Jack is doing so much now - he's really starting to keep his head up when he's on his tummy. He deliberately reaches for toys as you can see here. (Note the lovely aftermath of antibiotics on his shoulder!)
A little background on this toy. When Sky was a baby, she loved Dopey. LOVED Dopey. My sister-in-law had a set of the Dwarfs that were sort of a molded plastic/rubbery substance - like bath toys. She saved them from when her daughters were babies and when we'd come over Sky loved to play with that Dopey. Years went by and I had forgotten about them entirely - until we went to the baby care center at Epcot. Right there, in with the toys and outfits for sale, was a complete set of Dwarfs!!! I told the chatty gentleman working there about the old set and he said Disney stopped the production of them for several years. They received the prototypes and the company who had made them changed the outfit on one Dwarf and the colors on another. It wasn't up to their standards, so they ceased production until they could get exactly what they wanted by doing it themselves.
Anyway - here's Jack with his Dopey:
Thursday, January 11, 2007
The Continuing Saga...
Jack is doing remarkably better. He started vomiting after taking amoxicillin, so we discontinued it but by then he was much better. Unfortunately, I now have thrush as a lovely side-effect of the antibiotics. So big JB is getting some gentian violet for me today. Jack doesn't seem deterred, and it isn't harmful to him, but it hurts all day. We thought it was a latch problem due to him having two teeth now, but the pain continued well past nursings and into my underarm and side of the breast, so it's thrush. I have to say, I'm fortunate in that we've never battled thrush with any of the five kids (who all nursed for at least a year) so I'm thankful for that. But, it still stinks ;)
This weekend it's supposed to be cold, even a wintry mix is in the forecast, but we're cleaning up this germ factory of a house and opening windows. It's been over three weeks of this and we're finally getting better - replacing toothbrushes, washing all the bedding on hot, (and nursing bras now, for the thrush), running all binkies and toys and whatever else through the dishwasher - everything needs to be cleaned. We need to wash the carseat covers, too.
OH - that reminds me! Jack got a big boy carseat in the mail this week! He's one inch from outgrowing his infant seat in height, so we have to switch him out. It's a Britax Boulevard, which is supposed to be the best/safest seat on the market. I like it because it has an infant insert to secure him. When we switch Pi into her Marathon she was much older (and more able to sit up and be secure). Jack is long, but still wobbly, so the insert will be a good feature. We'll switch that over as soon as we get back from California.
Speaking of, we leave in one month and 15 days! I keep watching DING! for good airfare deals. We have our hotel selected and our tickets are here for Disneyland, so that's exciting. I think Auntie Kimi and maybe my Mom are meeting up with us while we're out that way (which the kids are positively thrilled about - they keep plotting and planning who will ride which rides with Auntie Kimi). :)
So, that's that. Is January over yet? OH NO! Four weeks and one day until I'm THIRTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WAAAAH~
This weekend it's supposed to be cold, even a wintry mix is in the forecast, but we're cleaning up this germ factory of a house and opening windows. It's been over three weeks of this and we're finally getting better - replacing toothbrushes, washing all the bedding on hot, (and nursing bras now, for the thrush), running all binkies and toys and whatever else through the dishwasher - everything needs to be cleaned. We need to wash the carseat covers, too.
OH - that reminds me! Jack got a big boy carseat in the mail this week! He's one inch from outgrowing his infant seat in height, so we have to switch him out. It's a Britax Boulevard, which is supposed to be the best/safest seat on the market. I like it because it has an infant insert to secure him. When we switch Pi into her Marathon she was much older (and more able to sit up and be secure). Jack is long, but still wobbly, so the insert will be a good feature. We'll switch that over as soon as we get back from California.
Speaking of, we leave in one month and 15 days! I keep watching DING! for good airfare deals. We have our hotel selected and our tickets are here for Disneyland, so that's exciting. I think Auntie Kimi and maybe my Mom are meeting up with us while we're out that way (which the kids are positively thrilled about - they keep plotting and planning who will ride which rides with Auntie Kimi). :)
So, that's that. Is January over yet? OH NO! Four weeks and one day until I'm THIRTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WAAAAH~
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Off the charts!
Still sick at our house - Tuesday night Jack didn't sleep, and I mean the WHOLE night - he just cried and it was a horrible, shrill cry so I knew something was wrong. John took him in the bathroom for steam therapy, which helped a little, but John's cough was so bad that he just sat out in the living room in hopes that Jack could actually sleep. No such luck.
We broke down and took him to the doctor yesterday because it was now interfering with eating and sleeping (he wouldn't nurse while laying on his left side, so I suspected an ear infection - we treated him at home with Chamomilla and tylenol, but he was still so miserable). Sure enough he's got a raging ear infection on his left side. They prescribed a high potency homeopathic remedy and he took it all day yesterday and just has one day left. I gave him motrin for the pain and inflammation last night before bed, as well as some robitussin, but he still woke up four times in the night. Although, not nearly as bad as the night before. The doctor also sent us home (upon John's request) with a prescription for antibiotics, but doesn't think that it's bacterial. It's just our backup since our doctor's office is in Webster and it's quite a trek. I suspect he'll do much better after today's remedy. As a reinforcement I put a couple drops of breastmilk in his ear. It is an old remedy I read about online last year when Jae had a terrible ear infection and we couldn't get into the doctor right away. She was crying and we could see how red the ear drum was. A few drops of breastmilk and she was 100% fine by morning. I couldn't believe how quickly (or effectively) it worked.
So, that's that. Oh - the title. Jack is WAY off the charts for growth now. He is officially 28 inches (yes, that's 7 inches he's grown in five months!) and 19 pounds, 3 ounces!! He's almost outgrown his 6-12month Gymboree and is out of his 6 month carters stuff.
We broke down and took him to the doctor yesterday because it was now interfering with eating and sleeping (he wouldn't nurse while laying on his left side, so I suspected an ear infection - we treated him at home with Chamomilla and tylenol, but he was still so miserable). Sure enough he's got a raging ear infection on his left side. They prescribed a high potency homeopathic remedy and he took it all day yesterday and just has one day left. I gave him motrin for the pain and inflammation last night before bed, as well as some robitussin, but he still woke up four times in the night. Although, not nearly as bad as the night before. The doctor also sent us home (upon John's request) with a prescription for antibiotics, but doesn't think that it's bacterial. It's just our backup since our doctor's office is in Webster and it's quite a trek. I suspect he'll do much better after today's remedy. As a reinforcement I put a couple drops of breastmilk in his ear. It is an old remedy I read about online last year when Jae had a terrible ear infection and we couldn't get into the doctor right away. She was crying and we could see how red the ear drum was. A few drops of breastmilk and she was 100% fine by morning. I couldn't believe how quickly (or effectively) it worked.
So, that's that. Oh - the title. Jack is WAY off the charts for growth now. He is officially 28 inches (yes, that's 7 inches he's grown in five months!) and 19 pounds, 3 ounces!! He's almost outgrown his 6-12month Gymboree and is out of his 6 month carters stuff.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Happy-ish New Year
Well, we spent the entire period from Christmas to today being sick, including Jack's first real illness. It seems like we spent our entire break in bed - nothing was accomplished around the house at all, no real organization like we'd hoped for the New Year. Jack had us very scared for a while. He ran a fever just one day, but has had an awful cough for a week now. We spent hours in the bathroom in the tub or with the shower running for steam to clear up Jack, the vaporizer running all day, and nothing helped.
I suspect we picked up something at Disney and I think our immune systems were just down during the holiday shopping season. Despite our best efforts to obsessively wash hands and stay away from germs, I think we got clobbered with something.
I was so out of it, I had my days all mixed up and missed out on some great family gatherings, too (not that we were well enough to go, but it's such a bummer!) I wish I could get a do-over on the whole week! But, Daddy's back at work today and we're all just starting to come out of the fog. I'm hoping that's the end of Jack's sick, sleepless nights and that this lingering cough will continue to fade. He's 5 months now, so I'll have to get a new picture up here very soon.
Happy New Year to you all!
I suspect we picked up something at Disney and I think our immune systems were just down during the holiday shopping season. Despite our best efforts to obsessively wash hands and stay away from germs, I think we got clobbered with something.
I was so out of it, I had my days all mixed up and missed out on some great family gatherings, too (not that we were well enough to go, but it's such a bummer!) I wish I could get a do-over on the whole week! But, Daddy's back at work today and we're all just starting to come out of the fog. I'm hoping that's the end of Jack's sick, sleepless nights and that this lingering cough will continue to fade. He's 5 months now, so I'll have to get a new picture up here very soon.
Happy New Year to you all!
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Baby's First Christmas
My handsome baby boy on Christmas Day - all dressed up to go to Great Grandma's house (and his biggest sister, Madison)
Jack got a Bumbo from Santa for his first Christmas. It's this funky little foam seat that holds them upright so they can see the world without flopping over. He digs it.
He digs wrapping paper even more...
More family Christmas pictures -
Jae and Piper ready to leave for Grandma's in front of our tree. You can see the Mickey ornaments all over this year - we have hand painted ones with each of our names from the Christmas shops in Downtown Disney and the Magic Kingdom. Jack's is accidentally twice as big as the rest, so we need to order a new one for him next year.
It's quite the challenge to get all five looking at the camera, much less smiling...
A little bit better...
Okay, Mom - that's as good as you're going to get. Can we leave now?
Jack got a Bumbo from Santa for his first Christmas. It's this funky little foam seat that holds them upright so they can see the world without flopping over. He digs it.
He digs wrapping paper even more...
More family Christmas pictures -
Jae and Piper ready to leave for Grandma's in front of our tree. You can see the Mickey ornaments all over this year - we have hand painted ones with each of our names from the Christmas shops in Downtown Disney and the Magic Kingdom. Jack's is accidentally twice as big as the rest, so we need to order a new one for him next year.
It's quite the challenge to get all five looking at the camera, much less smiling...
A little bit better...
Okay, Mom - that's as good as you're going to get. Can we leave now?
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
TWOOTH!
Two Teeth, that is!
Normally I don't blog just two days later, but this was worth a brand new post. Scroll down for Jack in his "Mom Tattoo" shirt if you haven't seen that. It's worth a pause. Go on. Do it now before you forget. I'll wait.
Oh, just go look. Trust me. It's worth it.
Back? Okay, good.
Jack was just laying across my lap, griping, and when I looked down I saw that his second tooth has JUST broken the surface.
It wasn't there last night, so it either came through this morning or perhaps overnight. He's been a GRUMP all day, so that explains it. God willing, we'll all get a bit more sleep tonight (or maybe tomorrow - depending on how much still needs to come in). But I can see the top 2/3rds are through. It looks silly next to his BIG other tooth, now that it's in almost all the way! He's like a little can opener with one sharp baby tooth.
We baked spritz cookies yesterday with the kids. Jack was a good boy and slept through most of it, then played in his 'saucer. The beauty of homeschooling is that baking quickly turns into a math and chemistry lesson.
I'm still feeling Grinchy and not at all in the mood for Christmas yet. I'm going through the motions for the kids' sake, but today I have a headache and Sir Grumpsalot isn't allowing for much creativity in the kitchen. We need to grocery shop still, and I have so much more baking I'd like to get done, my Christmas cards are not yet sent, I need to mail an ebay auction, and we STILL haven't finished the vacation laundry. Will life ever return to normal?
What IS normal for a family of seven?
Chaos.
Normally I don't blog just two days later, but this was worth a brand new post. Scroll down for Jack in his "Mom Tattoo" shirt if you haven't seen that. It's worth a pause. Go on. Do it now before you forget. I'll wait.
Oh, just go look. Trust me. It's worth it.
Back? Okay, good.
Jack was just laying across my lap, griping, and when I looked down I saw that his second tooth has JUST broken the surface.
It wasn't there last night, so it either came through this morning or perhaps overnight. He's been a GRUMP all day, so that explains it. God willing, we'll all get a bit more sleep tonight (or maybe tomorrow - depending on how much still needs to come in). But I can see the top 2/3rds are through. It looks silly next to his BIG other tooth, now that it's in almost all the way! He's like a little can opener with one sharp baby tooth.
We baked spritz cookies yesterday with the kids. Jack was a good boy and slept through most of it, then played in his 'saucer. The beauty of homeschooling is that baking quickly turns into a math and chemistry lesson.
I'm still feeling Grinchy and not at all in the mood for Christmas yet. I'm going through the motions for the kids' sake, but today I have a headache and Sir Grumpsalot isn't allowing for much creativity in the kitchen. We need to grocery shop still, and I have so much more baking I'd like to get done, my Christmas cards are not yet sent, I need to mail an ebay auction, and we STILL haven't finished the vacation laundry. Will life ever return to normal?
What IS normal for a family of seven?
Chaos.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
You're my heartbreaker, dream maker...
4 1/2 months already!
That bottom tooth is quite the chomper now, and occasionally Jack will scream, we assume, because he bites his lip on accident with it. We're hoping tooth #2 breaks through very soon, so we can all sleep a little better.
The shirt he's wearing here is a size 12M and there isn't much room for growth. He's getting so strong, arching his back, rolling from side to side, and getting his feet up under his knees to scoot toward things he wants. His favorite toys right now are a litlte horse with polka dot feet that hang on his baby gym thing (he can get the feet in his mouth and chomp down), a knotty doll that has knots for its hands and feet, and any burp cloth or blanket that comes near him. Oh - and sleeves! He pulls his hand up into his sleeve and chews on the cuff until it's totally soggy and gross. But, he's quite the heartbreaker!
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Back from our first vacation with JB
Forgive the cut and paste - I just typed it all out for my friend and thought I'd save my wrists from doing it all over again. :)
The trip was good, but terribly exhausting. We went to Hilton Head first. I have always wanted to go to Savannah and the hotels were about half the price on Hilton Head (which is maybe an hour from Savannah - but not terribly far - just kind of winds around and you have to cross the river and some other major body of water to get there). Hilton Head was beautiful - but cold!!!!! We didn't get to swim, but we did get a chance to walk on the beach a couple of times. We've never seen the Atlantic before, and JB has never been to the ocean, of course, so it was fun.
The drive down was a little crazy. We hit rush hour traffic on a Friday in Atlanta. It took us two hours to get through - between holiday shopping and rush hour, it was a nightmare. Jack took that time to poop and be hungry, so he screamed for most of it. Then the check engine lights came on in the car!!!! We called the dealership back home and tried to figure out what it could be, and they speculated it could be a hundred things but that it was probably okay.
The next day they squeezed us in at the Toyota dealership, which was in a terrible neighborhood (oddly enough). We had to call the main Toyota corporate number to get our warranty faxed over, and then they ran the diagnostic (which we had to pay for - just to see what was wrong). It was a "random misfire" - they said probably caused by bad gas (we did stop at some little weird gas station and the pump wasn't working right). BUT - the kicker was - our front tires were bad!!!! We JUST had them checked and apparently we had a one inch groove that had worn in the left one, and a larger one in the other side where there was almost no tread. We ended up deciding just to rotate them to the back and they didn't balance them properly, so the car shook like mad the rest of the trip. (But, we were very happy that it wasn't a major engine problem!)
In Savannah, our main objective was to go to Paula Deen's restaurant, The Lady and Sons. (We're big Food Network fans - have been for our whole marriage. We still remember sitting on the floor of our first apartment, drooling over the food Emeril would make on his OOOOOLD show.) John got me an autographed cook book a while ago, signed by Paula and her boys (I have a big crush on her older boy and John gives me trouble about it). We were able to have some strings pulled for
us, and got a reservation.
So, we thought we'd head over to Savannah that morning and spend some time seeing the sights. Well, that was overly-ambitious with the kids and we ended up not eating lunch because it got too late. Then no one had taken naps, and it was just - insanity. We got an excellent parking spot in this tiny lot across the street, and sat there for a bit before lining up for the dinner bell. We found out Paula was in town - but she was the Head Marshall in the parade, and we wouldn't
get to see her at the restaurant at all - but we COULD have seen her in the parade (for free!). Oh well.
I did get to visit the Savannah Candy Kitchen, and we ate warm (just made) pralines, which were SO amazingly good. Oh, and we had divinity for the first time, too. Yum! We also drove around Forsyth Park - where the mansions all line the squares - and saw some gorgeous homes and the fountain/park where that movie was made (Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil or something like that - not enough coffee in me yet to remember).
The food was okay at the Lady and Sons. Honestly, nothing spectacular, but SERIOUSLY overpriced. They offered the kids chicken tenders, but they were appetizer plates (for $8.95) and drinks were another $2 - so we paid a huge price for the kids to pick breading off and not eat because they were too tired. Then Jack started freaking out, and not wanting to disturb the people around us, we decided to leave.
The next day we drove to Orlando. Our cabin was awesome - we couldn't have asked for a better place to stay. We were able to park right there on the parking pad in front of our door, the cabin was METICULOUSLY clean, and our housekeeping was awesome. There was a bedroom and a living room bed that pulled down from the wall, plus a full kitchen, so we got to spread out a bit and really enjoyed it. Plus, the whole thing smelled like cedar - and just woody and fresh.
It was a big change from the hotel in Hilton Head and really felt like vacation. We're not "campers" per se, but it was a great balance between hotel and camping (all the perks - but no creepy bugs!). :)
Our first day at Magic Kingdom we managed to only watch a parade. It took us about three days at the parks to figure out that Jack only wanted to be carried and hated the stroller. But once we figured all of that out, things went much better. By the end we were able to go on five whole rides that morning!
Skylar ended up getting sick on our anniversary, literally JUST after we checked into the restaurant we were eating dinner at. :( We leftand got carry out from another place, which was okay. The next day her birthday kind of sucked, too - a combination of them losing our cake order and serving us freezer burnt cake that said "congratulations" (even Piper spit it out!) and her still not feeling well. But, we went to MGM and were chosen as family of the day at the Playhouse Disney show, which was cool - and then during the parade we got Sky a huge birthday cake hat that everyone saw and all the
princesses said "Happy Birthday!" to her from the parade, so that kind of made up for it. :)
Our last night we ate at our favorite (awesome!) restaurant and it was amazing. It was on the dining plan as a "two credit" meal (meaning worth twice as much as the other restaurants) and our bill would have been $350 after gratuity!!!!! Thank goodness we didn't have to pay that out of pocket!! But, it was sooooo good. Really just a perfect finish to our trip. The kids were *excellent* the entire time, we ate for almost two hours, and my chocolate lava cake was TO DIE FOR! :) We even had other diners (especially adult couples without children) stopping by our table to tell us how well-behaved our children were, which was a welcome change from earlier restaurant experiences in the week. :)
We were up on the 15th floor and there are windows all around, then they dim the lights and pipe in the music from Wishes (the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom). It's always just breathtaking to see the fireworks from up there, and was the perfect "do over" for our anniversary. :)
Then, we drove home. Nothing terribly exciting - a LONG drive home, but the kids did much better on the return trip (a little toy and treat bribery goes a long way) :)
The trip was good, but terribly exhausting. We went to Hilton Head first. I have always wanted to go to Savannah and the hotels were about half the price on Hilton Head (which is maybe an hour from Savannah - but not terribly far - just kind of winds around and you have to cross the river and some other major body of water to get there). Hilton Head was beautiful - but cold!!!!! We didn't get to swim, but we did get a chance to walk on the beach a couple of times. We've never seen the Atlantic before, and JB has never been to the ocean, of course, so it was fun.
The drive down was a little crazy. We hit rush hour traffic on a Friday in Atlanta. It took us two hours to get through - between holiday shopping and rush hour, it was a nightmare. Jack took that time to poop and be hungry, so he screamed for most of it. Then the check engine lights came on in the car!!!! We called the dealership back home and tried to figure out what it could be, and they speculated it could be a hundred things but that it was probably okay.
The next day they squeezed us in at the Toyota dealership, which was in a terrible neighborhood (oddly enough). We had to call the main Toyota corporate number to get our warranty faxed over, and then they ran the diagnostic (which we had to pay for - just to see what was wrong). It was a "random misfire" - they said probably caused by bad gas (we did stop at some little weird gas station and the pump wasn't working right). BUT - the kicker was - our front tires were bad!!!! We JUST had them checked and apparently we had a one inch groove that had worn in the left one, and a larger one in the other side where there was almost no tread. We ended up deciding just to rotate them to the back and they didn't balance them properly, so the car shook like mad the rest of the trip. (But, we were very happy that it wasn't a major engine problem!)
In Savannah, our main objective was to go to Paula Deen's restaurant, The Lady and Sons. (We're big Food Network fans - have been for our whole marriage. We still remember sitting on the floor of our first apartment, drooling over the food Emeril would make on his OOOOOLD show.) John got me an autographed cook book a while ago, signed by Paula and her boys (I have a big crush on her older boy and John gives me trouble about it). We were able to have some strings pulled for
us, and got a reservation.
So, we thought we'd head over to Savannah that morning and spend some time seeing the sights. Well, that was overly-ambitious with the kids and we ended up not eating lunch because it got too late. Then no one had taken naps, and it was just - insanity. We got an excellent parking spot in this tiny lot across the street, and sat there for a bit before lining up for the dinner bell. We found out Paula was in town - but she was the Head Marshall in the parade, and we wouldn't
get to see her at the restaurant at all - but we COULD have seen her in the parade (for free!).
I did get to visit the Savannah Candy Kitchen, and we ate warm (just made) pralines, which were SO amazingly good. Oh, and we had divinity for the first time, too. Yum! We also drove around Forsyth Park - where the mansions all line the squares - and saw some gorgeous homes and the fountain/park where that movie was made (Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil or something like that - not enough coffee in me yet to remember).
The food was okay at the Lady and Sons. Honestly, nothing spectacular, but SERIOUSLY overpriced. They offered the kids chicken tenders, but they were appetizer plates (for $8.95) and drinks were another $2 - so we paid a huge price for the kids to pick breading off and not eat because they were too tired. Then Jack started freaking out, and not wanting to disturb the people around us, we decided to leave.
The next day we drove to Orlando. Our cabin was awesome - we couldn't have asked for a better place to stay. We were able to park right there on the parking pad in front of our door, the cabin was METICULOUSLY clean, and our housekeeping was awesome. There was a bedroom and a living room bed that pulled down from the wall, plus a full kitchen, so we got to spread out a bit and really enjoyed it. Plus, the whole thing smelled like cedar - and just woody and fresh.
It was a big change from the hotel in Hilton Head and really felt like vacation. We're not "campers" per se, but it was a great balance between hotel and camping (all the perks - but no creepy bugs!). :)
Our first day at Magic Kingdom we managed to only watch a parade. It took us about three days at the parks to figure out that Jack only wanted to be carried and hated the stroller. But once we figured all of that out, things went much better. By the end we were able to go on five whole rides that morning!
Skylar ended up getting sick on our anniversary, literally JUST after we checked into the restaurant we were eating dinner at. :( We leftand got carry out from another place, which was okay. The next day her birthday kind of sucked, too - a combination of them losing our cake order and serving us freezer burnt cake that said "congratulations" (even Piper spit it out!) and her still not feeling well. But, we went to MGM and were chosen as family of the day at the Playhouse Disney show, which was cool - and then during the parade we got Sky a huge birthday cake hat that everyone saw and all the
princesses said "Happy Birthday!" to her from the parade, so that kind of made up for it. :)
Our last night we ate at our favorite (awesome!) restaurant and it was amazing. It was on the dining plan as a "two credit" meal (meaning worth twice as much as the other restaurants) and our bill would have been $350 after gratuity!!!!! Thank goodness we didn't have to pay that out of pocket!! But, it was sooooo good. Really just a perfect finish to our trip. The kids were *excellent* the entire time, we ate for almost two hours, and my chocolate lava cake was TO DIE FOR! :) We even had other diners (especially adult couples without children) stopping by our table to tell us how well-behaved our children were, which was a welcome change from earlier restaurant experiences in the week. :)
We were up on the 15th floor and there are windows all around, then they dim the lights and pipe in the music from Wishes (the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom). It's always just breathtaking to see the fireworks from up there, and was the perfect "do over" for our anniversary. :)
Then, we drove home. Nothing terribly exciting - a LONG drive home, but the kids did much better on the return trip (a little toy and treat bribery goes a long way) :)
Sunday, November 26, 2006
It's a bird...it's a plane...
Nope - it's A TOOTH!
Here he is the day before it came in - you can see him feeling it with his tongue. I think part of it may have broken through that night and it was in entirely the next day!
Here he is the day before it came in - you can see him feeling it with his tongue. I think part of it may have broken through that night and it was in entirely the next day!
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Saucy!
While holding Jack today he positively refused to relax his legs - he wanted to stand. I had the girls get Piper's exersaucer out and we cleaned it up. He's so little we won't use it for very long, but he seems to really be enjoying himself.
Check him out!!! Big boy standing up!
Thursday, November 09, 2006
How sweet it is to be loved by you...
I close my eyes at night
Wondering where would I be without you in my life
Everything I did was just a bore
Everywhere I went it seems I'd been there before
But you brighten up for me all of my days
With a love so sweet in so many ways
I want to stop and thank you baby
I just want to stop and thank you baby
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
3 Months Old - 17 pounds!
Jackson has become so much fun lately. He's starting to play games with us - sticking out his tongue, smiling at his sisters. He's such a sweet, sweet baby. He knows how to get his hands into his mouth these days and can be heart slurping (loudly!) on his thumb and first finger from the back seat. We recently gave him the taggie blanket and he can manage to suck on the tags with deliberate movements!! His sisters all fight to take care of him and he smiles and coos when one of them comes near.
He realy loves his play gym these days. There is a cow on it that he just grins at and talks to, and a mirror that he loves to look into. He can roll a little from his back to his tummy, but he really hates being on his stomach. He's getting so strong and can hold his head and look around when he's in a wrap or front carrier.
He slept through the night this week! He's our best sleeper yet, going to bed around 9:30 and only waking up once most nights - but he is smiling and ready to get up pretty early.
We got some good shots that really show his personality. I love the one on the top right, myself.
You can always click the pictures to get a bigger view:
He realy loves his play gym these days. There is a cow on it that he just grins at and talks to, and a mirror that he loves to look into. He can roll a little from his back to his tummy, but he really hates being on his stomach. He's getting so strong and can hold his head and look around when he's in a wrap or front carrier.
He slept through the night this week! He's our best sleeper yet, going to bed around 9:30 and only waking up once most nights - but he is smiling and ready to get up pretty early.
We got some good shots that really show his personality. I love the one on the top right, myself.
You can always click the pictures to get a bigger view:
Monday, October 30, 2006
Picking Pumpkins
For nearly a decade we've been visiting Rombach's Pumpkin Farm. When I was still a little girl, my Dad's then-girlfriend took me there and I still have the cheesy pictures in front of the pumpkin pyramid taken with my little 110 Fisher Price Camera. Now my girls want the Fisher Price Digital Camera! Things have certainly changed, but Rombach's hasn't. Well, I don't remember the funnel cake stand (yum!) but other than that - they're reliably consistent. We paid $12.45 for five huge pumpkins - they were on sale, I suppose, or the gentleman with the eyeball glasses didn't exactly have math as his strong suit. :)
Anyway, it was a gorgeous day here - 70 degrees, sunny, and (as you can see) very windy. The girls had a great time riding ponies, picking out their pumpkins, and creating a virtual powdered sugar storm in the car with their fried doughy deliciousness. JB did well. He was decked out in his Bulldog romper and his little knitted pumpkin hat - and got many "awwws" from passers-by.
Without further ado (if you click the picture you can see the collage in larger format):
Anyway, it was a gorgeous day here - 70 degrees, sunny, and (as you can see) very windy. The girls had a great time riding ponies, picking out their pumpkins, and creating a virtual powdered sugar storm in the car with their fried doughy deliciousness. JB did well. He was decked out in his Bulldog romper and his little knitted pumpkin hat - and got many "awwws" from passers-by.
Without further ado (if you click the picture you can see the collage in larger format):
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
The quest for the perfect stroller
In 37 days we leave four our 10th Anniversary Trip. We're going to Paula Deen's restaurant, The Lady and Sons, in Savannah, GA. Then we go on to Orlando for 7 days at Disneyworld. We're veterans of the resort, but this is our first experience staying onsite and we're all very excited. You know that commercial where the little boy says "I'm too excited to sweep" and the Dad says the same - that's our house. J and I are like little kids. I think we get just as excited as they do!
So, in this countdown to the biggest, bestest vacation yet, I am trying to find the perfect stroller. I will bring a few carriers for JB - a sling, an Ergo, maybe a wrap, too. But, I know that at some point he'll need to be strolled. I also know that Pi will need a seat most of the time, and will likely need a seat comfy enough to sleep in. And even little Jae will need a resting place on occasion.
The rental strollers down there are awful - hard, molded plastic. Not ideal at all for napping and definitely not an option for a little baby. We have (ahem) a few strollers but none of them is perfect for this situation and I'm on a quest to meet the needs of our ever-growing crew.
I need a stroller that can fit through the tram lines - which are roped off and have concrete poles *just* narrow enough that my side-by-side won't fit. It's hard to wait for trams while your littles are unharnessed, and really hard to wait for trams when they're sleeping and you have to wake them up, but they can't bear their weight on their tiny legs because they're just so sleepy. However, I'll also need to bring it on Disney Transportation busses once in a while - like in our resort because the cabin will be so far from the dock for the ferryboat. So, I need to be able to collapse it pretty small.
I need a stroller that I can collapse like my Graco - it has a touch-button collapse mechanism that lets me do it totally one-handed. I love it, but it's huge - and bulky - and heavy. And it only seats one.
I'm thinking about the Joovy Caboose - which is a single stroller that has a funky little seat in the back.
The problem is - it isn't a seat that can be slept in by any means, if Pi should want to nap, which is inevitable at Disneyworld. Technically she could ride in the front and Jae could sit on the back while JB slings or is in the Ergo. That might work.
It also solves my line problem - in that it fits through the lines for the tram.
Another option is the Zooper Tango - but that is a side by side that won't fit. The Baby Jogger double is easy to fold, but again, won't fit through the tram lines. A Combi Twin Savvy folds small, and then book folds in half, but it may not fit through the tram lines.
We may be able to get a diamond parking pass from AAA. If we can, the parking spots are usually close enough to the park that you don't have to take a tram. Except Magic Kingdom, but that's on the ferryboat line from our resort, so we can just go down to the dock.
The quest for the perfect stroller has become my Holy Grail.
So, in this countdown to the biggest, bestest vacation yet, I am trying to find the perfect stroller. I will bring a few carriers for JB - a sling, an Ergo, maybe a wrap, too. But, I know that at some point he'll need to be strolled. I also know that Pi will need a seat most of the time, and will likely need a seat comfy enough to sleep in. And even little Jae will need a resting place on occasion.
The rental strollers down there are awful - hard, molded plastic. Not ideal at all for napping and definitely not an option for a little baby. We have (ahem) a few strollers
I need a stroller that can fit through the tram lines - which are roped off and have concrete poles *just* narrow enough that my side-by-side won't fit. It's hard to wait for trams while your littles are unharnessed, and really hard to wait for trams when they're sleeping and you have to wake them up, but they can't bear their weight on their tiny legs because they're just so sleepy. However, I'll also need to bring it on Disney Transportation busses once in a while - like in our resort because the cabin will be so far from the dock for the ferryboat. So, I need to be able to collapse it pretty small.
I need a stroller that I can collapse like my Graco - it has a touch-button collapse mechanism that lets me do it totally one-handed. I love it, but it's huge - and bulky - and heavy. And it only seats one.
I'm thinking about the Joovy Caboose - which is a single stroller that has a funky little seat in the back.
The problem is - it isn't a seat that can be slept in by any means, if Pi should want to nap, which is inevitable at Disneyworld. Technically she could ride in the front and Jae could sit on the back while JB slings or is in the Ergo. That might work.
It also solves my line problem - in that it fits through the lines for the tram.
Another option is the Zooper Tango - but that is a side by side that won't fit. The Baby Jogger double is easy to fold, but again, won't fit through the tram lines. A Combi Twin Savvy folds small, and then book folds in half, but it may not fit through the tram lines.
We may be able to get a diamond parking pass from AAA. If we can, the parking spots are usually close enough to the park that you don't have to take a tram. Except Magic Kingdom, but that's on the ferryboat line from our resort, so we can just go down to the dock.
The quest for the perfect stroller has become my Holy Grail.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Almost 11 weeks ~
As he starts smiling and interacting more every day, I am capturing a few better shots. :)
Yesterday he got his first baseball hat. Polo.com has a "custom" option that allows you to monogram or initial one of their items, as well as pick the color of the garment and the polo symbol. We ordered a navy polo guy with the initials "JB" on the back (Daddy's initials and sometimes work-nickname). It looked so small I thought fat boy slim would have already outgrown it, but we lucked out...a bit of growing room in it yet!
We also fell in love with the (limited) "Rock and Crawl" line by Old Navy - I picked up this shirt for him a while ago, and a friend made the pants to match. They're black with a funky bandana "skull" print down the sides - very pirate-y :)
He's so "hard core!" (hahaha)
Yesterday he got his first baseball hat. Polo.com has a "custom" option that allows you to monogram or initial one of their items, as well as pick the color of the garment and the polo symbol. We ordered a navy polo guy with the initials "JB" on the back (Daddy's initials and sometimes work-nickname). It looked so small I thought fat boy slim would have already outgrown it, but we lucked out...a bit of growing room in it yet!
We also fell in love with the (limited) "Rock and Crawl" line by Old Navy - I picked up this shirt for him a while ago, and a friend made the pants to match. They're black with a funky bandana "skull" print down the sides - very pirate-y :)
He's so "hard core!" (hahaha)
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
I am SO DARN CUTE!
How can you not love this little boy???
Those dimples are going to break hearts one day :) (as if they don't already!)
Those dimples are going to break hearts one day :) (as if they don't already!)
Pediatric Gastroenterology appointment
Forgive me - Jack is waking up and I don't have much time to type, so I'm going to C&P the email I sent to a friend earlier today.
I guess I'm sort of frustrated because we don't have any real answers and we've been doing some things wrong
(which reinforces my desire to go to a pediatric gastroenterologist in the first place).
She was awesome - did a thorough exam and said he looked great and she didn't see anything alarming. She said to try some different things -she wants him laid on his tummy for 30 minutes after he eats when he's awake, and she wants us to only burp him at the end of a feeding. (which we already do) She also said that the studies show babies
should lie flat - on their tummy is best but with the risk of SIDS they have to do back or side sleeping. She recommends back when sleeping, tummy when awake, and NOT inclined in his seat. I didn't have the nerve to do it last night, since he sleeps so well in his seat, but we got another sheet at PBK last night so I could try it tonight. (He only has one sheet because he doesn't actually sleep on it, so I was never worried about having a backup). The cause of reflux is an immature sphincter muscle at the top of the stomach, and since his esophagus is only a few inches long, it doesn't take much for it to back up into his throat. When they lay on their tummy, because of the positioning of the stomach, it allows the air bubbles to rise to the top and escape instead of forcing the food back out.
She wants to see him back in a month and said if we're still having problems, she's going to have speech therapy do a swallow test on him (not sure what that entails). She said Zantac doesn't work at all, and that if we were formula feeding there was a formula we could try - but that breastmilk is best and is more rapidly and efficiently digested so she didn't want us to try that (um - good thing, sista!).
So, no real answers - just kind of getting a baseline going and trying to figure out where to go from here. She said she suspects he'll outgrow this without any problems, and I am starting to think all the doctors are just stalling and waiting for nature to help him keep the food in his tummy.
I guess I'm sort of frustrated because we don't have any real answers and we've been doing some things wrong
(which reinforces my desire to go to a pediatric gastroenterologist in the first place).
She was awesome - did a thorough exam and said he looked great and she didn't see anything alarming. She said to try some different things -she wants him laid on his tummy for 30 minutes after he eats when he's awake, and she wants us to only burp him at the end of a feeding. (which we already do) She also said that the studies show babies
should lie flat - on their tummy is best but with the risk of SIDS they have to do back or side sleeping. She recommends back when sleeping, tummy when awake, and NOT inclined in his seat. I didn't have the nerve to do it last night, since he sleeps so well in his seat, but we got another sheet at PBK last night so I could try it tonight. (He only has one sheet because he doesn't actually sleep on it, so I was never worried about having a backup). The cause of reflux is an immature sphincter muscle at the top of the stomach, and since his esophagus is only a few inches long, it doesn't take much for it to back up into his throat. When they lay on their tummy, because of the positioning of the stomach, it allows the air bubbles to rise to the top and escape instead of forcing the food back out.
She wants to see him back in a month and said if we're still having problems, she's going to have speech therapy do a swallow test on him (not sure what that entails). She said Zantac doesn't work at all, and that if we were formula feeding there was a formula we could try - but that breastmilk is best and is more rapidly and efficiently digested so she didn't want us to try that (um - good thing, sista!).
So, no real answers - just kind of getting a baseline going and trying to figure out where to go from here. She said she suspects he'll outgrow this without any problems, and I am starting to think all the doctors are just stalling and waiting for nature to help him keep the food in his tummy.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
A few little updates
A few updates
First - the shoes ended up going back. John noticed, as did I, that the edges were scalloped and frilly when they arrived. Duh, mom - you have to look at these things now! The joys of having all girls for 10 years! I didn't even think about it. But, we lucked out and a local shoe store swapped them out for some Pirate shoes. They're a size too big, but we'll have them for the fall.
Second - we're going to a pediatric gastroenterologist today. Suddenly Jack's reflux has gotten much, much worse. He is having almost a dozen really bad gasping/choking episodes a day now, and yesterday was the last straw. He was choking so badly yesterday morning that he wasn't breathing properly for a good two minutes straight. He'd suck air in, but then would flail and couldn't breathe in between because he had too much liquid in his upper esophagus and sinuses. We called the local Children's hospital and spoke with their pediatric gastroenterology department. They wanted us to come in immediately, which is a relief, but also concerns me because they see things like this ever day - yet they had a sense of urgency, too. I'm hoping to get some answers, discuss treatments, and get some answers about the safest sleep positioning for him (whether to continue having him sleep in his carseat/bouncy seats or get a crib wedge and sling). I also would like some answers about the risk of SIDS and aspiration pneumonia as related to reflux and his sleep position. We leave here in about an hour, so I'll update when I can.
Finally, a new picture of chubba lubbs - we estimate he's about 14 1/2 pounds now! At two months!!! He'll be outgrowing his infant seat in a month if he keeps this up!
First - the shoes ended up going back. John noticed, as did I, that the edges were scalloped and frilly when they arrived. Duh, mom - you have to look at these things now! The joys of having all girls for 10 years! I didn't even think about it. But, we lucked out and a local shoe store swapped them out for some Pirate shoes. They're a size too big, but we'll have them for the fall.
Second - we're going to a pediatric gastroenterologist today. Suddenly Jack's reflux has gotten much, much worse. He is having almost a dozen really bad gasping/choking episodes a day now, and yesterday was the last straw. He was choking so badly yesterday morning that he wasn't breathing properly for a good two minutes straight. He'd suck air in, but then would flail and couldn't breathe in between because he had too much liquid in his upper esophagus and sinuses. We called the local Children's hospital and spoke with their pediatric gastroenterology department. They wanted us to come in immediately, which is a relief, but also concerns me because they see things like this ever day - yet they had a sense of urgency, too. I'm hoping to get some answers, discuss treatments, and get some answers about the safest sleep positioning for him (whether to continue having him sleep in his carseat/bouncy seats or get a crib wedge and sling). I also would like some answers about the risk of SIDS and aspiration pneumonia as related to reflux and his sleep position. We leave here in about an hour, so I'll update when I can.
Finally, a new picture of chubba lubbs - we estimate he's about 14 1/2 pounds now! At two months!!! He'll be outgrowing his infant seat in a month if he keeps this up!
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