Omg, what is going on?

Big guy is having some sleep issues. It's really sad b/c up until the month of July, he was a great sleeper- unless he was sick, he slept ten hours every night. It was wonderful. But then he started to get molars, as well as all the rest of his teeth this month and he's been a disaster. The first week he would wake up around 1:30 and cry, but I could get him back to bed. Then the second week he slept great again- I thought we were in the clear.

Then the third week came and not only was he not sleeping through the night again, but he started screaming hysterically whenever I would put him down. See our normal routine is for us to enjoy some milk, get dressed for bed, and for hubs to read a story. Then hubs would say goodnight and big guy and I would snuggle for a few mins. I put him into his crib, tell him I love him, and then leave. No tears, no whimpers, sometimes he would move around for a few mins, but nothing to get upset about.

Now, he wraps his legs around my waste and does a choke hold on my neck. He squeezes me and I have to pry him off of me. Then he starts crying with these really loud hysterical screams. And I'm afraid to leave him in the room in his crib b/c I'm afraid he'll try to jump out. He's that upset. A few nights he had to sleep in his pack n' play as it's lower to the ground. But now I have a system- I put a fitted sheet over the crib to let him feel safe/secure. I lay down next to his crib and put my arm in. We spend several minutes talking, me saying reassuring sentences about getting a good night sleep. Then when he's relatively calm, I leave. Sometimes he screams, sometimes not. I've been doing this for a week and he has only slept through the night twice.

Most often he wakes, but I can get him back to sleep. I'm starting to get worried that something is really wrong with big guy. Do his ears hurt? He pokes at them during the day. Are his teeth still bothering him? He's gotten at least ten new teeth in the past month. Is it separation anxiety? Big guy and I have been with each other all day for six weeks. I'm fearful it will be painful to leave him in four weeks. Bad dreams? Nightmares wake me up all the time.

I'm going to have to call the dr this week, as I'm exhausted and have no answers. My left eye has been twitching for a week. Poor big guy. So tired and grouchy- but we have been having a great summer. I really just want him to get back to his normal schedule. In other sleep news, big guy has given up his morning nap! I know, I was shocked, too. But it was his choice, as I am still lamenting getting that delicious nap every morning!

some new stuff

Big guy eating green apple at the zoo.

The summer has been moving at such a quick pace. I've had this new stuff waiting to be posted. So, here it goes. Big guy has really been exploring the world of fruits this summer. He will always eat pureed stuff-but he's been an adventurous little man with the real fruit. I've realized that he isn't too fond of eating cold fruit chunks. Besides cold beverages and cold grapes, he likes food a bit closer to room temperature. I've been letting fruit sit out during the day (covered of course). We've tackled cantaloupe-which he loved after a long morning of playing with the sand/water table. And green apple has been especially fun.

Big guy also went for his first wagon ride! (Video below) At cousin C's b-day party we climbed in and had so much fun. Big guy was loving life-kind of like being in the stroller but with more room to groove. He had this really serious look on his face during the ride. And then we threw in some water-too fun. We may have to invest in a wagon for the future.

And finally, big guy doesn't have that baby soft skin anymore. Instead, cute little blond hairs have popped up on his legs. And now that he's a rough and tumble toddler, he's all texturized with bumps and scrapes from his life outside. I knew he wasn't always going to have the super soft baby skin, but somehow it seemed sad when I was with an 8 month old baby the other day. He's getting so big so fast. It's amazing. That is some of the new stuff big guy has been up to. check out big guy in the wagon with hubs:

*PS- try to ignore how high pitched and annoying I sound on the video - I really hope I don't sound like that in real life!

First Family Trip- Part 3

Big guy enjoying a puddle post-slide.

Hubs helping big guy down the water slide.

Big guy about to attack a water sprayer- really fun until it gets you right in the face!

Monday was day three of our trip. We started our day at the duckpond and stopped at the playground for a while. Following our walk, we went to the Smorgasbord breakfast- yet again, big guy did an awesome job. This time, I brought his booster seat for him to sit in, instead of the high chair- he seems to prefer it. And big guy ate like a champ- eggs, vacation bacon, and bagel w/cream cheese.

We went back to the room to pack up. We weren't sure if we were going to just hang at the pool or if we were going to head out to Dutch Wonderland. Big guy was exhausted, but having a morning nap wasn't a good idea- so we decided to check out and explore the park. We made it to Dutch Wonderland in good time- it's right near the sonic/outlets we had been to the day before.

After the biggest rip-off in pricing ($35 a person- thank goodness big guy was free!) we got in and went straight to the water park. Even though we got there 5 mins after the park opened, it was already packed. Trying to battle the grumpy toddlerness big guy was throwing at me, we got changed and frolicked in the water. I'm telling you- nothing makes big guy happier than playing with water. He loves running around touching the sprinklers, exploring the different displays that shoot water, and going down the cute slides. We got totally soaked!

Following about an hour in the water, we attempted to explore the rest of the park. We played a cheesy game where big guy won a little duck. Seems to me if I paid so much money, I shouldn't have to pay for games too- even if I win every time! Hubs got some pizza and then we had to leave the park to grab food for big guy from the car. That's right- you can't bring food/beverages into the park. (rip-off!) Hubs bought a milkshake and we parked in the breyer's store for some lunch. Yogurt w/ puffs and grapes. Mmmm. Hubs then bought some fudge and kettle corn. double mmmmm.

Then we got in the car and drove home- big guy was out after 5 mins. Overall, a great first family vacation. Hubs and I talked about lancaster- we both love it out there. Our only problems with it are finding healthy foods and that you can't really walk anywhere unless you live near one of the cute down towns. And we love to go for walks. We're thinking about going back out in the fall for the Renaissance Faire. We shall see!

First Family Trip- Part 2

Big guy and hubs next to the frog slide. Yes, the slide was the frog's tongue!

The cool rainbow sprinklers!

Big guy and I in the big pool.

Big guy practicing his swimming kicks!

Day two brought with it some fun in the pool! We woke up around 6. Big guy had actually slept through the night- woo hoo! We got up, had some milk, and decided to go for an early morning stroll. We walked around the duck pond, then headed over to find the cool indoor pool area for kids. After finding it, we swung by the golf course and went to the playground. After a while, big guy got grouchy, so we went to our room for some breakfast.

Big guy ate his normal fare- oatmeal and fruit. After he was finished we went over to the Smorgasbord for breakfast. Mmmm, so much food. Big guy surprisingly did well again and calmly ate scrambled eggs, "vacation bacon" (thus named b/c at home we eat turkey bacon, bagel with cream cheese and some banana. Hubs had two plate fulls of savory and sweet breakfast items. following breakfast we relaxed in our room and got ready for the pool!

We decided to splash in the kids pool first, as it was already brutally hot out. big guy was at first apprehensive of the kid pool. I think b/c it was really big and indoors. But after a few minutes he was loving life. He bravely explored the rainbow sprinkler, the cool frog slide, and wanted to go to the deep end! I think once he saw the big kids doing it, he was definitely invested in giving it a try. After about 45 mins it got a bit crowded, so we went to the indoor big pool next door and there were barely any people.

The big pool was so warm, like bath water. Big guy loved it even more than the kid pool. A total water baby. He especially liked being held on his belly and practice kicking. just like me as a kid. He's going to live in the pool once we can get a membership in a few years. After swimming for another 30 mins, we decided to head back to see if Grandma J had arrived for lunch. Turns out she had! We ate at the Sonic (big guy's and my first time) and then did a little outlet shopping! yes! big guy ran around the j crew outlet like a mad man- flirting with all the preppy girls.

Then we did a nice nap time (again, everyone napped.) When we got up we had an early dinner. Big guy FREAKED OUT in the dining hall and we had to go eat some yogurt in our room. But we did come back just in time for me to eat some soft serve with brownies for dinner. Yes, very healthy! We then went to the pool. The little kid part was super packed. We went to the indoor pool and it was chilly, but felt good. Until big guy's lower lip started to quiver- omg, his teeth were chattering- so cute and pathetic. so, we checked out the big outside pool, mmm, another deliciously warm pool. We saw for maybe 90 mins.

Big guy made some friends with older girls- like between 5-10 years old who were playing with water toys. He even played catch for a while. So cool to watch him figuring everyone out. Again, he was so thrilled to be in the pool. We said bye bye to the pool and took a bath and then it was to bed. Hubs and I sat on the balcony watching harry potter and enjoying the much cooled off weather. Awesome day #2!

First Family Trip- Part 1

One of the really old trains!

Big guy and I at the railroad museum.

Big guy with one of the train tables- we may have to invest in one of these!

Well, we went on our first family trip and it was a success! Overall, it was a three day trip out to Lancaster. I'm going to break it down into three parts, otherwise it would be too much!

Day 1 was saturday. We woke up around 6ish and started our morning routine. I really should have packed the day before, but honestly I didn't think we would be taking that much stuff. Um, right? Not a lot of stuff with a toddler. We had diaper bag, food bag, clothing bag, toy bag, and laptop. We left around 9am, only an hour later than planned.

I was hoping big guy would pass out, but he just quietly played with his trucks in the back seat- guess that was all the rejuvenation he needed (more on naptime later). The ride was surprisngly short as we were going to the Strasburg Railroad! We made it in an hour and big guy really liked when we got to the countryside- seeing all the livestock and farm equipment. The railroad itself is really cool. Big old trains moving really slow and making lots of fun noises. We didn't pay to go for a ride. I didn't want to be trapped on a train with big guy if he decided to freak out. And it was really hot outside. So, we just watched the old trains move around.

Then we went over to the train museum across the street, which I can safely say was the biggest rip-off of $10 per person! I mean the old stationary trains are cool and all- but you can't get into them and they are poorly lit, so you are really just staring at the dark cars from down below. Big guy liked all the rocks though! The best part of the museum was the gift shop. They had two train tables- Thomas and Chuggington- set up at big guy level with tracks, trains, stations, any kind of train accessory you can think of. We spent an hour playing with them!

After that we headed back to Grandma J's house and took naps. Yes, hubs and I included. We ate a nice dinner at The Barn restaurant- omg, the chicken sandwich is delicious! Big guy enjoyed himself very much (more on his restaurant strike later). We went to our hotel around 5:30ish and checked in. Our room was very nice. Two queen sized beds with a balcony view of the duckpond. There were 4 pools! One was a water park for kids! And a fun jungle gym. After our tour around the place, we relaxed and went to bed. A perfect first day!

Smith Playground

I heard about this really cool playground called the Smith Playground from a co-worker whose son is 7 months older than big guy. She said it was like a hidden treasure... tucked away in fairmount park, an old mansion that was converted into a huge playground- inside and out for kids. Hubs and I decided to give it a try.

We got there a little before 10am, which is good b/c that's when it opens- guess we should have checked times! Anyway, the playground is amazing. There are different zones for different ages. We stayed in the "tot-lot" which is for ages 5 and under. The equipment is all new- it doesn't get overheated, it's fun shapes- cars, trains, boats, the ground is made of squishy material. Just so cool.

Big guy was most fascinated with the train. You can climb in and sit on little benches. Then walk in between cars. There was also a cool boat with a steering wheel. And one of the things I was most surprised he liked was a mini boat with netting that spun around. He thought it was hilarious to spin in a circle! We'll have to go back, but hopefully pick a day that is less hot and sunny. We were definitely sweating!

Pool fun

On sunday we went to the pool! Big guy had been in a pool last august, but he was only 6 months old, so I knew this experience would be a lot different. We went to Grandma C and Grandpa J's pool with Uncle I. It's a really big pool club. There's a huge pool for everyone. A medium sized pool and then an awesomely fenced in little kids pool.

We of course stayed to the little kid pool. It was nice b/c it sloped in very slowly. There were water spouts, water shooting down off a mushroom shaped shader, and another flat shade provider. We stayed under the shade provider. Big guy wasn't too thrilled with the water spouts. I think this is funny b/c he loves the hose- but maybe it has to be on his terms!

Big guy was splashing, playing with buckets and other toys in the pool. He even ventured to the "deep end." Which came up to his hips. He thoroughly enjoyed himself. Then he eventually didn't want to be in the pool, but but instead running around the outside of the pool. Which, I know, don't run at the pool, but try explaining that to a toddler! Then to end the lovely visit he had a full on meltdown b/c I wouldn't let him play with any rocks- which incidentally he was trying to eat. However, I think we'll have to venture to more pools this summer- it's just too hot not to!

Food, glorious food

This weekend big guy said a new word that is just too cute. We were at a bbq and it was past dinner time. But when the hot dogs hit the table, big guy yelled out, "Foooo!" Which is big guy-ese for FOOOD! Hilarious! Now whenever we see any food or it's time for a meal- FOOOO!

food battle

Big guy may have a new favorite meal. One of his former favorites was black beans and cheese with guacamole and sour cream. Or whole wheat pasta with my red sauce w/ ground chicken. But now that hubs is the grill master- kosher hot dogs with grilled corn and grilled asparagus has reached epic eating enjoyment.

Big guy devours this meal every week. He actually screeches with joy when he sees me cutting hot dogs. Like- darn-it woman, move that knife faster! as if he is starving. And well, the corn is just scrumptious. Last week, hubs made grilled asparagus- gobbled up- I think he ate more than I did. so, if the battle for favorite meal happened, I'm not sure who would win. All I know is that I am thrilled big guy is eating so well and that hubs loves to cook every week. Mmmm, bbq!

library story time

On monday, big guy and I headed over to the local library for story hour with Ms. G. I had never been to this particular library- but I was super impressed! The whole downstairs was for kids- too cool! Turns out me and about 15 other moms didn't get the memo that Ms. G wasn't holding monday story hours this summer. hmmm, I guess they shouldn't have printed the stupid summer newsletter without consulting her!

Anyway, we got there in the middle of a story about planet earth. Then Ms. G announced that she had a special treat. score- there was mention of a snack... But it was just some frozen water in fun shapes. She put them on a plate and the kids ran over and touched them, watched them melt, etc. Then Ms. G got up and um, didn't return. We were left to our own devices.

big guy ran around and found all the vehicles and started driving them on the tables, bookcases, spinny racks of movies. Essentially, having a grand old time in a new environment. We even managed to touch some of the ice and then dump the ice, water, and plate all over the carpet. Nice. We spent about an hour and then left. Kind of lame, not sure I'll do it again. I suppose it could be worse though. My neighbor up the street said when her daughter went- it went so bad that they asked her daughter to not ever return. Yikes!

hugs

big guy is an amazing hugger. He does this full body tackle of a hug- arms go around my neck. Legs wrap around my waist. It's like he was made to hug me. And since we've been home together for almost a month- that's right, everyday, him and me. The longest time I haven't been in the room with him has been when I've taken a shower. Well, the hugs have only gotten better.

And even if I shouldn't always lift him up and hug him when he asks, I just can't resist. I try to keep the anxiety about having to leave him in 6 weeks under wraps. But I can feel it creeping up. Deep breath.

Big guy has also started giving hugs to other things- which is so precious. He has a stuffed seal from Alcatraz that he periodically runs over and hugs. He also hugs his truck book. full on places it on his chest and squeezes. And the cat- he always wants to hug her! And when hubs hugs me, big guy runs over and pushes hubs away- then reaches up to hug me! HAHA! Hugs to me seem like such a big boy move. So voluntary. I'll take them as long as he wants to give them.

Cars!

Big guy has this things with vehicles. Cars, trucks, constructions vehicles, you name it, the kid is obsessed. Now we have started the world of Pixar. Dum, dum, dum!

When Cousin C came over, he brought over his copy of the movie Cars! Big guy was captured- he actually sat still for 30 minutes while we watched the opening and closing races. Amazing- he was totally in awe. Flashing lights, fast cars, funny voices, and lots of action. I know this movie was made specifically for boys! It's amazing when it is on- because he just calms.

Not to say he's passive when he's watching. There are parts that he laughs at- when Chick Hicks, the "bad guy" green car is on. He gets scared during the car crash scene. And he gets really excited when the blue dinoco car talks to lightning mcqueen. geez- guess how many times I've watched it???

Anyway, now big guy can recognize lightning mcqueen wherever we go. At the toys r us, the borders, in the supermarket- anytime he sees the Cars! he instantly runs over, points and yells cars! So adorable. So far we've been good and haven't bought anything. Until grandma dino came to the borders with us and some genius at the borders put a lego cars toy box on the floor and big guy ran over with extreme joy. Dino caved in and bought it. But he won't let go of the cars- so it's money well spent. I haven't made hubs build the gas station part yet.

And then the movie we rented from the library sucked, so we actually bought the movie the other day. We went to so many places on the hunt. Big guy found it- at ground level- duh! in the supermarket. When we brought it home, big guy was hugging the movie case and his lightning mcqueen car while hubs put the movie on. I almost melted it was so cute!

Put me in the zoo

Big guy and I made our first adventure to the zoo- just the two of us. I packed a light but substantial bag that would benefit any situtation. Food for snack time and lunch. Beverages- milk and water. extra clothes. wipes. diapers. And I was only bringing the umbrella stroller with the diaper bag of stuff. We woke up from our morning nap and hit the road.

Best time ever to be at the zoo- right after it opens. All moms with young kids. Not too packed. The zookeepers were out in full force observing all the animals- so cool! We saw up close and personal a brown bear, one of the polar bears- Klondike- who was teasing us with jumping in the pool. Then we strolled by the africa section and saw the giraffes and hippos in their new pool. And the reason we were really there- the primate house.

We did all the outside animals from about 10-11am. We ate a quick but yummy yogurt and fruit lunch outside in the shade and headed over to see some primates. I hadn't been in the primate house before- so it was a treat for us both. Big guy was fascinated! The orangutan probably was the funniest reaction. Big guy saw the big orange shag rug hanging on the wall and was impressed. But then it climbed down the wall, loped across the floor, and went to eat some leaves! WHOA!!! is what he yelled with wonder. it was just awesome. And may I just say that gorillas are gigantic! big guy also enjoyed seeing them move around.

Overall, a very successful trip. Big guy was in a great mood. It was a bit hot out and I didn't drink enough water- but big guy had so much fun. I think we might go again tomorrow!

Music Class

WEdnesday brought us to our first music class with Mr. J. Big guy had a great time. We sang, we danced, we threw ourselves onto our butts with joy... oh wait, just big guy did the last one! Mr. J had really cool walking to the beat of music. We clapped with our hands. And we got to play with really big drums- the coolest part I think. big guy really enjoyed the scarves that we threw all over the room. And um the air conditioning unit was a big hit when it showered us with cool air as we went by. Yup, it was pretty awesome until we were running with joy to get our stuff and big guy took a face plant and busted his lip open- blood everywhere, hysterical crying. Oy! But Mr. J let us do some strums on the guitar, so it was really worth it!

Fingerpainting

On July 4th, big guy and I started our fingerpainting adventure. I had everything set up the way I had planned. I put down big sheets of butcher paper and taped it around our kitchen table to catch any misplaced paint. I had bowls of water and already torn pieces of paper towels to easily wipe up any spills. And my most genius plan (which I actually got from Parents magazine) was to put the paint into empty egg carton slots. That way big guy could easily dab a finger into colors and move on. I also managed to get my hands on some oddly sized card stock!

It was a great afternoon for it. big guy had just woken up from his nap. He had a snack in his belly and was in good spirits. I stripped him down to a diaper so that I wouldn't even have to worry about cleaning clothes later on- even though it says washable! Big guy had a great time. He went for red first, then blue, and then got wild and was just throwing color everywhere. He is pretty talented and we quickly did four sheets. Some are definitely office worthy.

Then of course everything went crazy. Somehow big guy got a hold of one of the water bowls and dumped it all over himself, the table, and the chair he was standing on. Red alert!!! Everything was wet, but I was most concerned about big guy slipping off his chair. I quickly wiped big guy up and then the spilled water. Crisis averted. Masterpieces created!

Corn on the Cob

As a kid, I loved corn and I still do. But as a kid, I was obsessed. I remember eating corn straight out of the can. Like I said, loved. Big guy is the same way. Give him a corn kernel and he is a happy dude. Since hubs has started his grilling sundays, we've been grilling corn on the cob. For several weeks, I've been offering big guy the corn right of the cob, which he balks at and instead eats the corn once I cut it off. You can't go wrong with butter, salt, pepper, and grilled yumminess! But over July 4th weekend, he had eaten all the corn I sheared off. So, I offered him a half eaten cob and he went to town and loved it! So cute!

summer fun

Well, it is now officially summer- woohoo! Which means that I can reveal our awesome plans of awesomeness for the warm weather. Our most consistent activity is music class with Mr. J every wednesday. ooh- a different country every week, drums, and perhaps some scarves. And lots of other kids to run around with- the perfect blend! Then we have several trips planned with Grandma Dino- the zoo, the aquarium, museums, etc. Our most recent beginner trip was to the duckpond- oh what fun!

And what I'm most looking forward to is playing outside with big guy. A small blow up pool is in the works. But we've gotten so far- our awesome water/sand play table for outside. Here is a couple of pics of big guy rocking out!

He loves to play with it. Throwing sand all over the patio. Splashing water into the sand to make wet sand. It's a good time all around.

We've also gotten started into the world of crayola. We have crayons in about 4 different sizes with giant sheets of paper. Then we bought markers that you can use on windows. Picture below.

And I'm most excited about are the awesome finger paints I got! I managed to get my hands on some odd shaped card stock and we are going to make art! But mostly I'm excited to spend time with my little man!