Grandma Dino!

Dino is here! She got here Friday night and we've been partying ever since! She came just in time for tacos Friday night. Then we walked to the ice cream store and had a treat before going home for bath and bed. Saturday we went over to the sand box and duckpond. Very fun. Lots of baby ducks and geese. Then we hung out during nap time and hubs grilled hot dogs, corn and s'mores! Today we went to target and lowes. Acquiring last minute items for the week and to plant our veggie garden.

Upon getting home, she and big guy planted the garden while little man and I played outside. We had lunch and naptime. So great having her here, knowing that little man is with her has eased my anxiety!

Mommy's going back to work

On our walk Thursday night after dinner, I sat big guy down on a bench in the tree park to talk about me going back to work. Here's how it all went down.

Me- so, I'm going back to work on Monday and daddy will be driving you to school next week.
BG- why? I like when you drive me to school.
Me- I know buddy, but it's just for one week. Then you are off with grandma and daddy!
BG- grandma?!?! I love grandma!
Me- I know! Me too! But I'll still do drop off and pick up all summer.
BG- ok mommy, look! A spiderweb!

And then we were off to our next adventure.

Soggy graham cracker

On Thursday night, we were eating some graham crackers before bath time and little man was holding into my knee with one hand and whapping the cat in the face with his soggy graham cracker with the other. Crumbs were flying and he was squealing with delight. He looked at me and gave me a huge smile. I burst into tears and thought, "g-d, you are so perfect!"

What I'll miss the most is that I won't get to see everything that he does.

One year, baby

Little man turned one year old on Wednesday! We went to visit his new school and then had a really nice nap, afternoon, dinner, and evening. I can't believe it- one year! On Friday we went to his one year well check. He did an amazing job, in spite of having to wait over an hour to see the dr! He's officially 30.75 inches, 20 lbs 6.5 oz! So, tall and skinny. He's doing everything developmentally correct. Dr W gave me some thoughts on getting him to drink milk, trying different cups, adding it to food we make and letting him eat cereal, etc. I also got all paperwork for both boys to start school. Overall, a great visit!

Little man, you are just lovely and wonderful. Know that this year with you had by far been the best of my life.

Surprise compliment

Last Monday I picked big guy up from school and ms T, who is the afternoon helper teacher, let me know that she was officially retiring June 5th. She was previously at 3rd grade teacher in our district for over 20 years. I congratulated her and let her know that big guy was also done at his school that day too. We chatted about Kindergarten and she then gave him a surprise compliment that almost made me cry!  She let me know how she though big guy had so much knowledge and how he was so inquisitive and insightful. She said that she could tell that he was really smart. Then someone came over and said something to her. I let this soak in for a bit and told her thank you for saying that because he's had a rough school experience. To which she said, that she is so impressed with how much he's grown and developed since September! And that he was going to be ok. I probably would have hugged her if I wasn't carrying little man, but it really made my day, my week, my year.

The plans of mice, men and moms

Wednesday brought with it the visits for little man's new school. Both big guy and little man are starting their new school on June 15th. And conveniently, at least for the summer, they are in the same building, one downstairs, one upstairs. I had the visit timed for 10am so little man could nap and nurse before we went. I even convinced big guy that hubs should drop him off at school so I could get a shower and not have to rush!

Alas, my plans did not go the right way. Hubs and big guy were out ok, but then little man didn't want to nap. So, I nursed him (last 9am feeding!) and he still didn't go to sleep. I took a shower.  Tried nap after shower. No go. I decided I would drive around for a while and then go to appointment. No dice! He fell asleep ten minutes before we got there and then promptly woke up when I stopped the car. Sigh. I was really nervous about him being a crank but it turned out ok.

We said hello to everyone and then checked out the teachers, room and playground for little man this summer. It's awesome. He's going to love it. His teachers are super nice and playful. Asking appropriate questions. They were talking to him and encouraging him. It was really great! Little man took off to walk around with the push toys and then was playing peek a boo. He totally ditched me. Then he found the sand box and I knew he was happy. My feelings of anxiety and way way down now. Which is nice because I didn't sleep last night!

I also got to meet big guy's kindergarten teachers. There are 2 of them, as well as the curriculum supervisor for the 3 kindergarten classroom. I shared my concerns about big guys school experience this far and the supervisor was thoughtful, insightful and reassuring. And apparently he will be reading by the time he leaves there!

Overall, though we didn't nap, it was a really great visit and I'm excited. I was assured that lots of fun paperwork was on it's way to me!!!

No more pieces please

Little man has officially decided that he will be feeding himself- thank you very much! No more of this giving me little pieces! He is determined to hold into a bigger piece and take bites. All well and good until he tries to shove an entire banana chunk down his throat! I'm all for doing it by himself, but now I have to be even more eagle eye than normal!!! By the way, cutest foods to bite by himself include: watermelon chunks, cheese, and graham crackers.

Shoes

Both big guy and little man are oppressed by footwear. Neither likes to have shoes or socks on at any given time. I feel that way when it's warm, socks are so stifling! Anywho, two days ago, little man, who ironically enough does love to play with everyone's shoes, figured out how to put his feet into hubs's bright yellow crocs! It is not only cute, but I suppose also demonstrates that he understands where shoes are supposed to go!

Bee sting

Monday morning brought with it Memorial Day preparations in the guise of cleaning up our house and getting ready for uncle E, aunt K and cousin C! And for BBQ and hanging outside enjoying the weather! Due to the cough that big guy had since Friday night, I nixed the pool for fear of bronchitis or something else bad. But we still had a lot of fun.

The morning started a bit rocky as big guy stepped on a bee. In our house. What the heck! Anyway, big guy was luckily wearing socks, so it wasn't as bad as it could have been. I couldn't tell who was more distraught, big guy or the bee! Big guy was crying and howling about the pain. The bee was partially squished and churning it's little legs in the air.

I ripped the sock off and squished the bee. Then flushed it. All while giving kisses, hugs and ice. The good thing is that he isn't allergic to bee stings! Always a good thing. And that after ten minutes he was calm enough to re tell the story in a very dramatic fashion to hubs.

We are so popular

Prior to our illness the past three nights, we've been taking long after dinner walks. We follow the same path and most nights pick up hubs at the train station. It's a really nice walk through our neighborhood. And we know so many of our neighbors that the walks have been progressively getting longer due to people we stop and chat with! Including our neighbor big C, who has a beautiful garden that big guy adores (her and her flowers). M and daughter D, who is turning 2 in a few weeks, sometimes we walk with them. D thinks big guy is hilarious and smiles at him all the time. C and her daughter, little C. Various dogs, houses and flowers. Train station people. Tree park. Just met B and her son R, who is 6.5 years old. He and big guy run in his yard like crazy people. The lady who walks her cat at night. Then the arborists are usually out having their last team meeting and big guy always yells hi and good work at them. Much to their amusement. So, we are incredibly popular. And get some much needed fresh air and exercise!!

It all started Tuesday after naptime

I got a call right after little man had gotten up from his nap fr big guys school that big guy had woken up from his nap covered in hives and to please come get him! What?!?! Hives?!?! I grabbed little man and we got in the car, though we were about to go pick him up anyway. I called the drs office and asked that they call me back. Poor big guy was covered. Belly and back were almost one huge red splotch. His legs and groin were covered with big red dots. He was practically a lobster! And they were itchy. Not really fun but I wasn't overly worried. I knew he hadn't eaten anything new or been anywhere weird recently. I thought it was probably just some virus he picked up. Anywho, we went to vote and I spoke to the nurse at the drs office who agreed with my suspicions. She said Benadryl and hydrocortisone. Keep him loose and cool.

We voted and then went home. I popped in the chewable Benadryl and we put on a movie. On the way home, big guy told me that "tv will make me feel better." I couldn't agree more. We got home and had some dinner. Little man gave me a really hard time, all fussy and not wanting to eat. I felt his head and he felt really hot! I took out the thermometer and bam- 101.7! Poor buddy. Called the drs office. Again. Needed a refresher for fevers. Big guy never really had fevers as a baby except related to ear infections but the fever always went away with antibiotics. So, Tylenol for little man until the fever subsides.

With the two of them medicated, we went to bed. Little man tossed and turned a lot. Them got up at midnight and I gave him more Tylenol. Both boys stayed home with me on Wednesday. We took a short walk in the morning to the post office and dry cleaners, but mostly were inside taking it easy with our doses of medicine. Still both had symptoms, though not as bad. Neither one wanted to eat anything all day. Hubs came home in the afternoon so we could have a relaxing evening. Good work hubs! Wednesday night was a bit better. Big guy got up around 2am for some more Tylenol but then slept nicely until around 6:30.

I kept big guy home again on Thursday because he still had a few big hives though far less. Plus, I was too lazy to drive him over. Anyway, I had to take both boys to my eyebrow appointment. Little man sobbed the whole time while big guy tried to make him stop. It was not the best appointment to be sure. We then went to home goods to get some toys. I figure we all needed some fun. Big guy got a cute john deer tractor. Little man got a cute ball, little dump truck and an inflatable pool. Hey, his bday is Wednesday! Following that, we went home and had naptime. After a great but early nap, we went to get weighed at breastfeeding group. Little man is down a few ounces, either due to a day of not eating or the cut out noontime meal. T told me to cut the 9 am meal on his actual bday because then I can give him two cups of milk and that should bulk him back up! Big guy played with our neighbor little C during group. They colored so nicely.

Today, everyone had a wonderful nights sleep and big guy had no school. We went to music class, which for the first half big guy ran around like a psycho and got yelled at by me and both teachers! But then he settled and did a really nice job. We then had a picnic lunch with little C and they played nicely in the sprinkler with a few minor disasters. But a good time was had by all!! We then went home for naptime which was an epic fail as no one napped! I finally gave up and we went to the duckpond. Btw, the ducks definitely prefer bagels over cracked corn. Felt so lame. We we home all exhausted and cranky. Got food into everyone and them hubs mercifully came home and I got a much needed break! Thank goodness it's now a 3 day weekend!!

T minus 2 weeks

I'm officially at the two week mark for returning to work. And even though I'll only be at work for about 3 weeks, it still feels very scary.  The work side has a bit of anxiety, only feeling like I'm out of practice, but overall, I'm feeling ok.  The home side is definitely where the anxiety and fear is coming into play.  I just want all of my boys to be ok.  Little man to adjust to a non-mommy life.  Big guy going to a new school.  Hubs being in charge of getting both boys out of the house and into school, then going to work!  It's been stressful to think about.  I know that this is the real world, working and school.  But I've so loved this year.

Weight check

Today we went to get weighed since we hadn't been in a few weeks and I officially cut out the noon time nursing session on tuesday.  He's been eating like a champ and definitely has some new rolls!  Little man officially weighed in at 20 lbs 8 oz!  Which means, not only is he a tank, but he is actually heavier than big guy was at this age, though big guy reached 20 lbs around 4 months of age.  So, completely different styles, but same end result.  Just another way these two boys are different.  Must be all the cheese and yogurt. yum!

Mother's day

Mother's day turned out pretty good!  It started early, as one of our cats started howling for food around 4:47, to which little man promptly woke up and wouldn't go back to bed!  That was tiring, but upon the other boys waking up, we went over to minella's 24 hour diner and had a huge breakfast.  I got pancakes, eggs, and hashbrowns. I gave my bacon and sausage link away.  Originally, I thought I was sharing my pancakes with big guy, but he opted for my eggs!  I shared the pancakes with little man, who seemed to handle them well- whole eggs included in batter.

Upon returning home, little man and I went up for a much needed nap.  After getting up, we went over to the jcrew factory store and hubs took the two boys for some fun at the mall while I got a whole 45 minutes to myself to shop for some back to school clothing!  I'm pretty sure they had more fun.... Carousel ride, auntie anne's pretzels, kids play area, and checking out the local toy store!

Returning home, we had lunch and then did naptime.  We then proceeded to outside until hubs started the grill to make hot dogs and corn for dinner.  It was delicious!  And little man had and loved hot dog for the first time.  He gobbled it up!  Then we made some cookies and called it a day.  A really great day for sure!

Mother's Day card from big guy

In school, big guy made me a little candle, not sure about the flammability, that looks like that colorful sand you put into container to make cool layers.  Additionally, he made a card, with a colored in flower and he wrote Happy Mothers Day on it.  Very sweet.  Probably the best though is this fill in the blank (a la mad libs).  While he answered seriously all the questions, some had funnier outcomes.  Like that I was 60 inches tall and weighed a 1,000 pounds!  And that my favorite thing to say is "good work" and the best thing we do together is "pick leaves."  A true gift- finding out what big guy really thinks about his mama!!

Guess what I did yesterday?

For two and a half hours...

A. took a really long stroller walk
B. Played outside with water table
C. Sat in the waiting room at the car dealership with an almost 1 year old

If you guessed C, ding ding ding, you won!!!

All kidding aside, it was pretty torturous!  Not to say that little man was bad, far from it.  He was actually really good, as he was highly entertained by all the various people, the vending machines, the cars, and the leather chairs he was climbing all over.  Just the last 45 minutes were a little punchy.  I was, however, a bit tired from entertaining him and a bit annoyed to be waiting for so long without any information!  I mean, I had just got the car on saturday! But waiting for one's car is like going to the dentist.  Pretty much all ok, except they usually get some punch in at the end... you should be flossing more... you don't have wheel coverage...

Bye bye

Today little man and I went to the Target to get some necessities and we went with our lovely neighbor C and her 2 month old daughter, A. We had seen them yesterday for an awesomely epic 2 hour walk with a 40 minute stop off at the sand playground! It was really fun to see them two days in a row. Anywho, as we were checking out, I was encouraging little man to say bye bye and wave, which he will only wave at hubs, when little man in the sweetest little voice said, "ba-bye." It was so incredibly precious. And then he said if two more times for hubs and big guy tonight. So sweet!

Mommy brain

Mommy brain is that form of incoherent mushiness that begins with pregnancy and never seems to leave.  The tendency to not be able to form full sentences, forget where things are, not remember that you started the laundry five hours ago, etc...  Here is the latest that I just did.  I was cleaning up the floor the other day, picking up rubbish- including an empty box of crackers, when little man needed a diaper change, no poop or anything gross.  So, to conserve space in the trashcan, I put the wrapped up dirty diaper in the box.  Cue today, I'm looking in the cupboard for something to eat since we are overdue to the supermarket and I come across two boxes of crackers.  I think, surely we only have one box, we finished the other box!  Then synapses start firing, maybe I should check both boxes.  Ew, found the box that apparently never made it to the trashcan!  Luckily, it didn't smell, though I still left the cupboard open!  What's up mommy brain???

12 months ago

When you open up iphoto on the computer, it gives you the option of opening "12 months ago." Today I clicked and saw the last pics of pre-little man.  Here is my big guy at a mother's day celebration in his school.  Of course he is shoveling food down his gullet.  

 Things have changed so much.  Also, here is the last picture of us as a family of three, sitting at the pool.  Little did I know that I was about 12 hours from my water breaking!

Simply amazing how different one year can be!  Big guy looks so young in these pics.  Also, I apparently buzzed his head in the intervening three weeks of these photos! Here is the next day around the same time...

Family visit

Two weeks ago we went to visit Uncle E, Aunt K, and dear cousin C, who is turning 14 in july, so sad. He's so old!  anyway, we got there in time for lunch and then because it was 80 degrees out, went to enjoy the sunshine and heat.  We started off with a visit to a local farm, where we said hi to the sheep, cows, and goats.  Big guy liked the cows, while little man did his noise of profound wonder at a galloping sheep, it kind of sounds like, Whooooo! Following that, we went to an awesome park nearby, where Aunt K and I walked with little man and everyone else went to play baseball, go to playground, and generally have fun!  We then returned to the house where we played legos and watched Robots before having dinner.  Then it was bath and change into pjs before we went home, when everyone fell asleep!  It was a really amazing day and so good to hang with them!