So yeah it is official a week with literally no naps and a week full of crib climbing and I don't know what to do! Ryan effortlessly in a foul swoop will now climb out of his crib at home over 100 times in 5 minutes and each time has a lovely smirk on his face squealing in delight at his proud accomplishment. He now no longer naps for our babysitter Polina climbs out of the pack and play opens the door to his room and aimlessly roams about her immaculate home until she discovers he is up to no good. He has been climbing out of the pack and play at Nancy and Jack's house and even started climbing out of the crib at my parents house over the weekend. It has now been a week with no naps and bedtime is now a 1.5-2 hr minimum process. So now we are faced with an extremely over tired 20 month old who adores his new found freedom of climbing out of his crib at will and becomes even more mischievous especially given the lack of sleep! Just a few weeks ago he was sleeping 11 hrs at night and taking 2-3 hour naps now he sleeps only 9 hours per night with no naps! HELP!
So here is my dilemma after discussing this situation on multiple occasions with numerous fellow mommy friends (of course their little ones are sleeping so nicely in their cribs NOT climbing)And my big question is this....Option A: Do I put him in a big boy bed and end the climbing thereby forfeiting his nap and deal with months of nigh time awakenings and wandering? or Option B: continue with the current situation and hope it is a phase he will get over but somehow I doubt it..... For example a friend of mine with 2 children ages almost 1 and 3 chose option A in anticipation of her second son to ensure the older one would be in a big boy bed and she could use the crib for the newborn she did this months in advance to prevent jealousy of her older son finding a new baby in his bed she did this not for the same reasons I am faced with.... her older son was NOT climbing. I would seriously keep Ryan in his crib until age 5 if he was sleeping well in it not climbing. Anyways so her older son slept GREAT for the first week then started wandering getting in bed with them. She even tried putting a gate up and her son would stand there all night and scream bloody murder until they let him come to bed with them. I don't know. I already have major insomnia from the pregnancy I am not sure about this wandering issue. Oh and another thing I hear is once they go into a big boy bed naps are forever OVER! It becomes independant quiet time...Ha yeah right not in our house! So the best part of my friend's story is as soon as her older son started sleeping in his bed nearly 4 months later her new baby was born and she was once again faced with sleepless nights for another 4 months that is almost a year of not sleeping at night.
So I have already looked into buying a bed rail and I am thinking of maybe even converting Ryan's crib to a toddler bed first then having him sleep in a big boy bed with rail freeing up crib for the newborn. My only reservation is the no nap issue. Just being pregnant and tired all the time I do like to at least put my feet up and rest a little in the afternoon. But I guess there will be very little rest when the new little one arrives. I was just trying to enjoy my rest time while it lasts. Let's just say I can't wait for school in Sept!
But please offer me any suggestions you may have I am totally desperate in need of some good advice!
Other weekend news Greg and I enjoyed a wonderful Saturday together. Our original plan had been to visit Granddad and Grammy but I still had a lingering cough and Ryan still has a bit of a drippy nose so we opted not to infect any of the Flynn's. It was too long of a drive for Greg to make alone in one day. So we opted to spend some quality time just the two of us. We dropped Ryan off early on Saturday morning and my parents watched him for us. Greg and I decided to go out to lunch (where we had our first date nearly 9 yrs ago) and to a farmer's market and them we went to see Sex and the City. What a cute movie! It was so great to spend the day together and catch up something we have not done it what seems like forever! Thanks mom and dad! You are the best!
Yesterday we went over to Sarah and Jamie's house along with Grazi her husband and Katy and had dinner with them and their kids. I was very hesitant to bring Ryan b/c he had no nap and seemed kind of irritable but he fell asleep on the way but once we got to Sarah's Greg happily volunteered to stay in the car with Ryan a few minutes so he could rest. Well after a half hour I went outside to find both boys sound asleep in the car together...no surprise there. So I gently knocked on Greg's window and told him to come inside. It all turned out fine both boys were refueled and Ryan played so well with the other children. It was a wonderful evening spend with great friends!
So please give us some suggestions on our current dilemma! Thanks in advance!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
Compund Phrases!
It all started with "Diyya pobby" for Dylan go potty...part of our morning routine. Greg and Dylan along with Ryan stand outside and say Dylan potty and keep repeating it until he goes both. Now lately we have been noticing Ryan will say two words in a row like "mommy moo moo" or "Dada upee" he will also say things like "iii pease" for ice please. Lately I am not sure where this ice obsession has evolved from. I am guessing it is from teething...we think Ryan is getting his bottom second year molars. I am hoping it is not pica (urge to eat non-nutritive foods such as ice and dirt-both of which Ryan will gladly eat) from an iron deficiency anemia.
Time out!
So Ryan found himself in time out for the second time in his life. The first time was about a month ago for deliberately running towards the street after I clearly said NO and he clearly understood with a smirk as he went charging for the street. This time we were at a play date and first time I let it go he bit Sophia they were in the tunnel I could not see what was happening so I just said very sternly "Ryan NO BITE!" The second time occurred after lunch and he clearly bit her he was provoked they were fighting over a stuffed bear but still biting is a severe offense and not tolerated at all. So I said again "NO BITE" time out. I removed him from the situation and sat with him on the stairs I did have to keep placing him gently back on the stairs b/c he kept getting up to leave. This occurred about 5 times and finally I figured he got the picture. By this time it was nap time all the kids were starting to lose it and we headed home for a nap. But on our way out Ryan spotted his "time out" area on the stairs and ran over there to sit. Funny though I was reading sometimes children do that. I do recommend this book I am reading I think it will actually work out well for us. It was recommended by a bunch of Friends with older children. If you are at all interested in the the "time out" approach to discipline get this book. Not sure of the author I can double check but the title is "123 Magic" So far the book is really helping. We will see.
In other news I have lately been whipping out our vita mix. It is basically a very overpriced blender Greg and I got suckered into buying about 5 years ago at the Big E. You know those areas int eh Better Living Center where they do all the demos and offer free food samples and you feel like you have to have their product even if you don't really need it. Yes and it gathered dust for a number of years until recently. It has a super powerful motor and we used to make all kinds of things in it like homemade peanut butter, almond butter, salsa, soups, smoothies, ice cream...stuff like that. Well lately I have been making a vegetable pureed soup it is really yummy sort of a more nutritious twist on tomato soup. Here are the ingredients: (Not sure if you can actually make this in a regular blender or not but it is really tasty).
2 medium tomatoes
1/3 cup peas
1/2 carrot
1/4 celery
1/4 c red or green pepper
chicken bouillon cube
onion powder
dash of black pepper
tiny bit of chicken broth to thin (it is a really thick soup)
I actually felt adventurous and I made my own tomato sauce for chicken parm yesterday using (really simple and very tasty too)
1/2 onion
3 cloves garlic
1/4 c olive oil saute a few minutes
2 cans of crushed tomatoes
1 tsp of sugar (cuts the acid a trick from Meme)
dash of salt
fresh black pepper
lots of fresh parsley 1/2 c approx
lots of fresh basil 1/2 c
some onion powder to taste
let it simmer for an hour or two uncovered (you can cover but the sauce will not thicken)
Oh and I almost forgot I put 1.5 c of the vegetable soup above for a nutritional boost
I could not believe Ryan was not that into the chicken parm maybe took a few bites but he loved the spaghetti and sauce. Devoured it. Good thing I was able to sneak those veggies in somehow. Right now we are off our veggie kick. Ryan pushed the broccoli around on his plate. Oh well.
Okay one more recipe not as nutritious but somewhat healthy with hidden veggies:
My mac and cheese (this is actually a half portion)
Barilla whole wheat Plus elbows cook until just before aldente about 6 min 1/2 box
1/4 c whole wheat flour
3 Tbsp of earth balance (trans fat free spread I think canola oil based) Can use butter
brown stirring frequently for 5 min
add 3 cup milk I used 1 c whole milk 2 c 1%
stir for 7 minutes
add 2 cup of sharp cheddar cheese
and 1.5 cup cauliflower puree and thicken a few minutes
Add the elbows and cheese mixture to a 9x9 casserole
mix plain bread crumbs with olive oil to moisten and sprinkle on top of mac and cheese
Bake at 350 for 25 minutes.
This is another of Ryan's favorites
I know I did a lot of baking/cooking this week too but I was just so excited to finally have a new working oven. I wanted to try it out. Oh and Ryan and I made M+M cookies too (Meme's recipe)
How did I do all this with a curious toddler? I let him help well sort of. He got his stool and he had his own pan and spoon and he helped too. Yesterday was one of those days with a limited nap requiring lots of one on one time. Ryan also picked some fresh basil and parsley for me from the deck. It only lasted for a short time but he was also my sauce taste tester too and he approved. I will admit the cookies I made after he went to bed for fear that he would eat them all. But the sauce he did help with.
Sadly I don't think I will be making the visit up north to visit Grandadad Jack who is still recovering from his surgery b/c I am getting over a cold and still have a lingering cough. Ryan is pretty much over his cold but still has a bit of a runny nose. Pretty sure he will be well enough for the visit but not sure about me. Will have to play it by ear and see how we all are in the morning. Doubt we are contagious at this point but would hate to give our colds to "Dad dad" impeding his recovery. Glad to hear you are doing so well!
Over comitted!
I know you are all dying to know how my work meeting went on Mon. I have not been asked to attend in almost a year so I knew something was up. The meeting agenda consisted of the following: Plans to open a new office in Orange- Hooray! Closer to me and 5 minutes from Polina! Plans for one of our partners to retire. Plans to add on a third day upon my return from maternity leave. Most likely a M-W-F work week due to preschool arrangements. Not the best scenario I won't have 2 days off in a row but I do have to drop/pick Ryan up from school. Also this I am sorry to say I should have said no to but you know me I can't really say NO under extreme pressure....I foolishly agreed not only to pick up another day okay that is not unreasonable but to actually agree to ALL the data entry for my diabetes study while on maternity leave recovering from a c/s. nursing a newborn, sleep deprived, and chasing after a busy 2 y.o. HELP. I really think I have lost my mind. My plan of action is this I will do it but I will do it at the office. I could do it from home but it would be difficult. Ryan still pulls the keys off my computer so I think it would be best to eliminate distractions and go suck it up and head into the office. I plan on dropping Ryan off at Polina's and taking the newborn in the carrier into the office. It will probably only take me 1/2 day a week 3-4 hrs to complete. I know it is crazy but I feel obligated to help. Hopefully it won't be too bad. What do you all think??? Did I totally over commit??? Will I survive? HELP!
I know I am lacking in the photo department I will post some new photos soon!
Time out!
So Ryan found himself in time out for the second time in his life. The first time was about a month ago for deliberately running towards the street after I clearly said NO and he clearly understood with a smirk as he went charging for the street. This time we were at a play date and first time I let it go he bit Sophia they were in the tunnel I could not see what was happening so I just said very sternly "Ryan NO BITE!" The second time occurred after lunch and he clearly bit her he was provoked they were fighting over a stuffed bear but still biting is a severe offense and not tolerated at all. So I said again "NO BITE" time out. I removed him from the situation and sat with him on the stairs I did have to keep placing him gently back on the stairs b/c he kept getting up to leave. This occurred about 5 times and finally I figured he got the picture. By this time it was nap time all the kids were starting to lose it and we headed home for a nap. But on our way out Ryan spotted his "time out" area on the stairs and ran over there to sit. Funny though I was reading sometimes children do that. I do recommend this book I am reading I think it will actually work out well for us. It was recommended by a bunch of Friends with older children. If you are at all interested in the the "time out" approach to discipline get this book. Not sure of the author I can double check but the title is "123 Magic" So far the book is really helping. We will see.
In other news I have lately been whipping out our vita mix. It is basically a very overpriced blender Greg and I got suckered into buying about 5 years ago at the Big E. You know those areas int eh Better Living Center where they do all the demos and offer free food samples and you feel like you have to have their product even if you don't really need it. Yes and it gathered dust for a number of years until recently. It has a super powerful motor and we used to make all kinds of things in it like homemade peanut butter, almond butter, salsa, soups, smoothies, ice cream...stuff like that. Well lately I have been making a vegetable pureed soup it is really yummy sort of a more nutritious twist on tomato soup. Here are the ingredients: (Not sure if you can actually make this in a regular blender or not but it is really tasty).
2 medium tomatoes
1/3 cup peas
1/2 carrot
1/4 celery
1/4 c red or green pepper
chicken bouillon cube
onion powder
dash of black pepper
tiny bit of chicken broth to thin (it is a really thick soup)
I actually felt adventurous and I made my own tomato sauce for chicken parm yesterday using (really simple and very tasty too)
1/2 onion
3 cloves garlic
1/4 c olive oil saute a few minutes
2 cans of crushed tomatoes
1 tsp of sugar (cuts the acid a trick from Meme)
dash of salt
fresh black pepper
lots of fresh parsley 1/2 c approx
lots of fresh basil 1/2 c
some onion powder to taste
let it simmer for an hour or two uncovered (you can cover but the sauce will not thicken)
Oh and I almost forgot I put 1.5 c of the vegetable soup above for a nutritional boost
I could not believe Ryan was not that into the chicken parm maybe took a few bites but he loved the spaghetti and sauce. Devoured it. Good thing I was able to sneak those veggies in somehow. Right now we are off our veggie kick. Ryan pushed the broccoli around on his plate. Oh well.
Okay one more recipe not as nutritious but somewhat healthy with hidden veggies:
My mac and cheese (this is actually a half portion)
Barilla whole wheat Plus elbows cook until just before aldente about 6 min 1/2 box
1/4 c whole wheat flour
3 Tbsp of earth balance (trans fat free spread I think canola oil based) Can use butter
brown stirring frequently for 5 min
add 3 cup milk I used 1 c whole milk 2 c 1%
stir for 7 minutes
add 2 cup of sharp cheddar cheese
and 1.5 cup cauliflower puree and thicken a few minutes
Add the elbows and cheese mixture to a 9x9 casserole
mix plain bread crumbs with olive oil to moisten and sprinkle on top of mac and cheese
Bake at 350 for 25 minutes.
This is another of Ryan's favorites
I know I did a lot of baking/cooking this week too but I was just so excited to finally have a new working oven. I wanted to try it out. Oh and Ryan and I made M+M cookies too (Meme's recipe)
How did I do all this with a curious toddler? I let him help well sort of. He got his stool and he had his own pan and spoon and he helped too. Yesterday was one of those days with a limited nap requiring lots of one on one time. Ryan also picked some fresh basil and parsley for me from the deck. It only lasted for a short time but he was also my sauce taste tester too and he approved. I will admit the cookies I made after he went to bed for fear that he would eat them all. But the sauce he did help with.
Sadly I don't think I will be making the visit up north to visit Grandadad Jack who is still recovering from his surgery b/c I am getting over a cold and still have a lingering cough. Ryan is pretty much over his cold but still has a bit of a runny nose. Pretty sure he will be well enough for the visit but not sure about me. Will have to play it by ear and see how we all are in the morning. Doubt we are contagious at this point but would hate to give our colds to "Dad dad" impeding his recovery. Glad to hear you are doing so well!
Over comitted!
I know you are all dying to know how my work meeting went on Mon. I have not been asked to attend in almost a year so I knew something was up. The meeting agenda consisted of the following: Plans to open a new office in Orange- Hooray! Closer to me and 5 minutes from Polina! Plans for one of our partners to retire. Plans to add on a third day upon my return from maternity leave. Most likely a M-W-F work week due to preschool arrangements. Not the best scenario I won't have 2 days off in a row but I do have to drop/pick Ryan up from school. Also this I am sorry to say I should have said no to but you know me I can't really say NO under extreme pressure....I foolishly agreed not only to pick up another day okay that is not unreasonable but to actually agree to ALL the data entry for my diabetes study while on maternity leave recovering from a c/s. nursing a newborn, sleep deprived, and chasing after a busy 2 y.o. HELP. I really think I have lost my mind. My plan of action is this I will do it but I will do it at the office. I could do it from home but it would be difficult. Ryan still pulls the keys off my computer so I think it would be best to eliminate distractions and go suck it up and head into the office. I plan on dropping Ryan off at Polina's and taking the newborn in the carrier into the office. It will probably only take me 1/2 day a week 3-4 hrs to complete. I know it is crazy but I feel obligated to help. Hopefully it won't be too bad. What do you all think??? Did I totally over commit??? Will I survive? HELP!
I know I am lacking in the photo department I will post some new photos soon!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Mommy!
Ryan now calls me Mommy! It is so adorable. He always used to call me Mama but lately last week he started using Mommy instead. When he wakes in the morning I now hear "mommy!" Instead of "Mama!" Still refers to Greg as Dada. But he has various nicknames for everyone.
Me: now Mommy occasionally still mama but rarely
Greg: Dada
Grammy: Mimi
Grampy: Papa
Uncle Freddie: Eddie
Granddad: Dad Dad
Polina: Pia
Caroline: Ine
Dylan: Diyya or Dow Dow
His Bunny Blanket: Bubby
Ryan (himself): Ry-Ry
Milk: moo moo
Ryan has recently become more vocal in pronouncing his words and will usually try to repeat what we are saying most of the time. Past few weeks has started using compound phrases like "How are you?" "Mommy up" "Dada hat or Dada shoe" I read that they start with the compound phrases around age 2.
Weekend Re-cap
Saturday we had a fun play date with our neighbor Sophia Daddy pulled the kiddos around in the driveway in the wagon at lightning speed and they just had a ball in the kiddie pool. We put the slide to the climber right in front of the pool so when they go down the slide they go crashing into the pool. They just love this and it tires them out so much! Then after lunch and an afternoon nap we headed over to Elephant Steps in Norwark for a Birthday party. What a great place for this age. They have a padded gym area with soft climbers and slides and a great water room. Then the kids had a little bubble show and before we knew it it was time for cake and pizza and the party was over. What a fun time. Ryan was so pooped after. But they do parties there and they have classes and open play too. A bit pricier than playtime village in Monroe $12 vs $8 or $9 but more options so we may have to make another visit for some free play.
Sunday and today Greg is playing in the New England something or other golf tourney over at Laurel View Country Club in Hamden so Ryan and I decided to tag along for the ride and continue on to Agawam for a surprise visit at Mimi and Papa's. They were so happy to see us for the day and Ryan got to go to the park and play in the pool. Then we both took a little afternoon nap and went to meet Greg. I am glad we decided to go to my parents b/c being cooped up inside just the two of us would not have been as much fun! Thanks Mimi and Papa for such a fun visit! It was great spending the day with you! It was so hot yesterday and I hear today is even worse. Not sure how Greg can play in this heat! He is really hard core!
Oh I almost forgot. Friday I enjoyed a girls night with a few moms over at Barcelona. We don't get out much you know. We enjoyed a evening of fun conversation great food and drinks too (well not for me) but the others sure had fun. Barcelona is such a fun atmosphere and it is a great place to go in a small group b/c you can order a bunch of tapas and share. The wine/drinks I hear are also fabulous. It is such a great group of moms. All our kiddos are roughly the same age and 2 moms have new babies and two of us are expecting or second.
Friday I also stopped off at a consignment store for a swing for the new baby (thanks for the tip Kerri! I wish I had had more time to check out the clothes though). I have twice been on Craigs list trying to get this very same swing but so hard to coordinate schedules with people and pick a time and place so I decided to call over and they had just what I needed for less too. I had been wanting a cradle swing for the new baby a newer model one that reclines and swings both back and forth and side to side. But I had refused to pay $130 for a new one. I am so pleased with the one we bought and you know who was also so excited to play in it too. I think he entertained himself in that infant swing for over an hour and he even refused to get out of the swing to eat his dinner so he ate in the swing too. I knew Ryan would want to try it out a few times and that is why I really wanted to buy a second hand one and not borrow from a friend b/c I worry Ryan will break it I think he may be over the weight limit I will have to check. But anyways I think Ryan approved of the swing and he was well aware that the swing was not for him we told him he could try it but that it was for the new baby and he hopped in saying "baby, baby" so we think he got the picture. He was just trying it out to make sure it was in working order for his little brother.
Tonight I have a work meeting to discuss potentially picking up more hours when I return from my maternity leave next spring. One of the Dr's will be retiring...So we will see how this goes over. I think I am ready to pick up maybe another day next spring but I know it will be difficult trying to get out of the door on time. The one thing I know for sure is I won't be returning full time anytime soon b/c Ryan starts preschool in Sept. on Tues and Thurs and I won't be able to work these two days b/c I need to be able to drop him off and pick him up. It is only for 2.5 hrs twice a week but I think it will be good for Ryan to interact with the other kids. I am mildly concerned about the germ factor though especially with a newborn but I will have to get over it!
Tomorrow we are supposed to be getting our new oven delivered HOORAY! I know it is way too hot to be baking but I really do miss having an oven!
Stay cool! I hear it is a hot one out there!
Me: now Mommy occasionally still mama but rarely
Greg: Dada
Grammy: Mimi
Grampy: Papa
Uncle Freddie: Eddie
Granddad: Dad Dad
Polina: Pia
Caroline: Ine
Dylan: Diyya or Dow Dow
His Bunny Blanket: Bubby
Ryan (himself): Ry-Ry
Milk: moo moo
Ryan has recently become more vocal in pronouncing his words and will usually try to repeat what we are saying most of the time. Past few weeks has started using compound phrases like "How are you?" "Mommy up" "Dada hat or Dada shoe" I read that they start with the compound phrases around age 2.
Weekend Re-cap
Saturday we had a fun play date with our neighbor Sophia Daddy pulled the kiddos around in the driveway in the wagon at lightning speed and they just had a ball in the kiddie pool. We put the slide to the climber right in front of the pool so when they go down the slide they go crashing into the pool. They just love this and it tires them out so much! Then after lunch and an afternoon nap we headed over to Elephant Steps in Norwark for a Birthday party. What a great place for this age. They have a padded gym area with soft climbers and slides and a great water room. Then the kids had a little bubble show and before we knew it it was time for cake and pizza and the party was over. What a fun time. Ryan was so pooped after. But they do parties there and they have classes and open play too. A bit pricier than playtime village in Monroe $12 vs $8 or $9 but more options so we may have to make another visit for some free play.
Sunday and today Greg is playing in the New England something or other golf tourney over at Laurel View Country Club in Hamden so Ryan and I decided to tag along for the ride and continue on to Agawam for a surprise visit at Mimi and Papa's. They were so happy to see us for the day and Ryan got to go to the park and play in the pool. Then we both took a little afternoon nap and went to meet Greg. I am glad we decided to go to my parents b/c being cooped up inside just the two of us would not have been as much fun! Thanks Mimi and Papa for such a fun visit! It was great spending the day with you! It was so hot yesterday and I hear today is even worse. Not sure how Greg can play in this heat! He is really hard core!
Oh I almost forgot. Friday I enjoyed a girls night with a few moms over at Barcelona. We don't get out much you know. We enjoyed a evening of fun conversation great food and drinks too (well not for me) but the others sure had fun. Barcelona is such a fun atmosphere and it is a great place to go in a small group b/c you can order a bunch of tapas and share. The wine/drinks I hear are also fabulous. It is such a great group of moms. All our kiddos are roughly the same age and 2 moms have new babies and two of us are expecting or second.
Friday I also stopped off at a consignment store for a swing for the new baby (thanks for the tip Kerri! I wish I had had more time to check out the clothes though). I have twice been on Craigs list trying to get this very same swing but so hard to coordinate schedules with people and pick a time and place so I decided to call over and they had just what I needed for less too. I had been wanting a cradle swing for the new baby a newer model one that reclines and swings both back and forth and side to side. But I had refused to pay $130 for a new one. I am so pleased with the one we bought and you know who was also so excited to play in it too. I think he entertained himself in that infant swing for over an hour and he even refused to get out of the swing to eat his dinner so he ate in the swing too. I knew Ryan would want to try it out a few times and that is why I really wanted to buy a second hand one and not borrow from a friend b/c I worry Ryan will break it I think he may be over the weight limit I will have to check. But anyways I think Ryan approved of the swing and he was well aware that the swing was not for him we told him he could try it but that it was for the new baby and he hopped in saying "baby, baby" so we think he got the picture. He was just trying it out to make sure it was in working order for his little brother.
Tonight I have a work meeting to discuss potentially picking up more hours when I return from my maternity leave next spring. One of the Dr's will be retiring...So we will see how this goes over. I think I am ready to pick up maybe another day next spring but I know it will be difficult trying to get out of the door on time. The one thing I know for sure is I won't be returning full time anytime soon b/c Ryan starts preschool in Sept. on Tues and Thurs and I won't be able to work these two days b/c I need to be able to drop him off and pick him up. It is only for 2.5 hrs twice a week but I think it will be good for Ryan to interact with the other kids. I am mildly concerned about the germ factor though especially with a newborn but I will have to get over it!
Tomorrow we are supposed to be getting our new oven delivered HOORAY! I know it is way too hot to be baking but I really do miss having an oven!
Stay cool! I hear it is a hot one out there!
Friday, July 18, 2008
It's a Boy!
So happy to let everyone know it's a boy! We are very excited! Had our ultrasound yesterday. Everything looks great and he appears to be very healthy. We had a slight scare they thought they saw a heart and stomach defect but the second ultrasound by the perinatologist at Yale showed normal organ development! Still very stressful. I will not truly be able to relax until he is born! But we are truly blessed to have our little Ryan who is healthy as can be and our new little baby boy on the way too! I just know that Ryan will really enjoy being a big brother!
In other news Granddad Jack is doing very well after his triple bypass surgery. He is expected to make a full recovery and may even be coming home today. So miraculous how far advances and technology in medicine have come. Again we are so happy to hear he is doing well! We love him very much and We hope his recovery goes smoothly! Thinking of you always!
In other news our oven died last week and I had an estimate to fix the darn thing and it was over $400 so we opted to buy a new oven even though our oven is only 5 years old. But it actually would have cost more to fix our current oven than to just buy a new one. So it should be coming next Tuesday. Not that we use our oven a whole lot in the heat of summer but I do miss it and I am looking forward to making Ryan some homemade mac and cheese and chicken fingers! We have been grilling alot and using the cook top!
Also last week my car died and I had Ryan in the car and groceries from Trader Joes and fresh fish from the fish market. I got back into the car leaving Swanson's and... hmmm funny my car would not start. Ok no big deal I will try again....still nothing. Then I start to panic slightly it was really hot out and I had Ryan and all these groceries in the car. So I reach for the instruction manual....not really helpful. I call Greg he is just leaving work thank goodness and is about 1/2 hour away. Okay that's not so bad but it was 85 degrees out with all this food in the car. So I just happened to glace across the street and to my surprise there was a service station there. So I figured why not just call...I have AAA but by the time they come Greg would be here. The guy over at the service station was so incredibly nice I explained my situation.....sounding desperate and he came running over with a jump start. Sure enough it was something so minor... my car battery. But he did advise me not to drive anywhere far or it may die again. I am thinking gee I have to go to work tomorrow.... So I just happened to ask if he had another battery to install for me and just my luck he sure did and he was happy to put it in. Gee how lucky and I. By this time Greg came and picked Ryan up along with the groceries and all was fine! I am so thankful I was in the right place at the right time! I mean the car could have died anywhere like New Haven or the Merrit. You can only image how horrible that would have been!
So after recent events from the past week we have a lot to be thankful for. Sometimes with the hustle and bustle of everyday life we tend to forget about what really matters in life. I wanted to actually start keeping an appreciation journal of all the things in life that I am grateful for and to look back at this journal when I am feeling down or stressed.
Today I am greatly appreciative for:
Ryan Alexander-the bringer of much joy to our lives, also extremely grateful that he is as healthy as a young boy can be!
That our new baby is developing normally and appears healthy
For having a supportive and loving husband who is always there for us!
Our constant loving companion Dylan
The heatlh of my parents and brother and all their love and support
The health of Greg's parents and siblings and all their love and support
And our extended family members too.
That we have a loving home to come home to everyday
That I have a child care provider that loves our son as much as we do
That I have the most wonderful job and I work with caring compassionate individuals
That I have such wonderful friends and family who support us in everything we do.
That Greg and I are in good health.
And the list can go on and I know I am forgetting some stuff. But just to keep in mind when the stresses of everyday life really seem to get to you try and look back upon what really matters in life and appreciate all the things you can be grateful for it just might make you forget about what upset you in the first place! I really want to become a more positive person and focus on the good rather that the bad things in life! That life is too short to dwell on negativity!
Quote from Greg yesterday
"Everyday that Ryan walks this earth is the happiest day of my life!"
Hope everyone has a great weekend!
In other news Granddad Jack is doing very well after his triple bypass surgery. He is expected to make a full recovery and may even be coming home today. So miraculous how far advances and technology in medicine have come. Again we are so happy to hear he is doing well! We love him very much and We hope his recovery goes smoothly! Thinking of you always!
In other news our oven died last week and I had an estimate to fix the darn thing and it was over $400 so we opted to buy a new oven even though our oven is only 5 years old. But it actually would have cost more to fix our current oven than to just buy a new one. So it should be coming next Tuesday. Not that we use our oven a whole lot in the heat of summer but I do miss it and I am looking forward to making Ryan some homemade mac and cheese and chicken fingers! We have been grilling alot and using the cook top!
Also last week my car died and I had Ryan in the car and groceries from Trader Joes and fresh fish from the fish market. I got back into the car leaving Swanson's and... hmmm funny my car would not start. Ok no big deal I will try again....still nothing. Then I start to panic slightly it was really hot out and I had Ryan and all these groceries in the car. So I reach for the instruction manual....not really helpful. I call Greg he is just leaving work thank goodness and is about 1/2 hour away. Okay that's not so bad but it was 85 degrees out with all this food in the car. So I just happened to glace across the street and to my surprise there was a service station there. So I figured why not just call...I have AAA but by the time they come Greg would be here. The guy over at the service station was so incredibly nice I explained my situation.....sounding desperate and he came running over with a jump start. Sure enough it was something so minor... my car battery. But he did advise me not to drive anywhere far or it may die again. I am thinking gee I have to go to work tomorrow.... So I just happened to ask if he had another battery to install for me and just my luck he sure did and he was happy to put it in. Gee how lucky and I. By this time Greg came and picked Ryan up along with the groceries and all was fine! I am so thankful I was in the right place at the right time! I mean the car could have died anywhere like New Haven or the Merrit. You can only image how horrible that would have been!
So after recent events from the past week we have a lot to be thankful for. Sometimes with the hustle and bustle of everyday life we tend to forget about what really matters in life. I wanted to actually start keeping an appreciation journal of all the things in life that I am grateful for and to look back at this journal when I am feeling down or stressed.
Today I am greatly appreciative for:
Ryan Alexander-the bringer of much joy to our lives, also extremely grateful that he is as healthy as a young boy can be!
That our new baby is developing normally and appears healthy
For having a supportive and loving husband who is always there for us!
Our constant loving companion Dylan
The heatlh of my parents and brother and all their love and support
The health of Greg's parents and siblings and all their love and support
And our extended family members too.
That we have a loving home to come home to everyday
That I have a child care provider that loves our son as much as we do
That I have the most wonderful job and I work with caring compassionate individuals
That I have such wonderful friends and family who support us in everything we do.
That Greg and I are in good health.
And the list can go on and I know I am forgetting some stuff. But just to keep in mind when the stresses of everyday life really seem to get to you try and look back upon what really matters in life and appreciate all the things you can be grateful for it just might make you forget about what upset you in the first place! I really want to become a more positive person and focus on the good rather that the bad things in life! That life is too short to dwell on negativity!
Quote from Greg yesterday
"Everyday that Ryan walks this earth is the happiest day of my life!"
Hope everyone has a great weekend!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Please Say a Prayer for Granddad Jack!
So just a quick update....we are headed to Boston to see Granddad Jack today. Was experiencing some chest pain yesterday and Nancy had to call 911 (she probably saved his life) Turns out after a cardiac catheterization (procedure where they look for blockages in your main vessels of the heart) that he has 4 blockages includeing a main artery blockage. So he is on a ballon pump to hold his arteries open and will need emergent quadruple bypass surgery this weekend(open heart surgery or CABG). So we are packing up the car and headed to Boston. The good news is that Jack did not have a heart attack just the blockages (also known as CAD- coronary artery disease or atherosclerosis-fatty plaque build up) and looks like they prevented one with the cardiac cath! Please say a prayer for us! Will update more when we know more! Thanks for thinking of us!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Baby Girl or Baby Boy??
So I guess the big question these days is Baby Girl or Baby Boy? Ryan will now point to my belly and say "bebe" It is so cute he actually knows something is up. Take the poll and let me know what you think!! I am curious to know what others think...
When we ask him "Ryan are we having a baby boy or a baby girl?"
He replies "yeah" "Okay but do you think it is a boy or girl?" Responds still with "Yeah" So no help from him. Funny though random people and friends have voiced their opinion we will have to wait a little longer to see who is right.
At first I really did not want to know I wanted it to be a surprise but Greg really wants to find out and now I am pretty eager too. We will have to wait a few more days though until our level 2 ultrasound next week. Of course most importantly we hope to find out the baby is healthy and if cooperative we hope to find out the gender. It was funny with Ryan we found out right away before she even started he was showing us his rear end with his legs wide apart...there was no mistaking it he was clearly a boy! Hopefully this one won't be too shy to let us take a peak too.
Other baby news I am starting to feel a little movement. Tiny arms and legs moving about. A little sooner than with Ryan. This pregnancy is just totally different all around. Still with some occasional nausea and fatigue but my appetite is much better now Greg and I even got Reese's sundaes the other night after little Ryan was in bed b/c we did not want to share for fear he might eat them all.
Speaking of that what is the verdict on peanut butter? I forgot to ask the pedi in my numerous visits the past 2 weeks. I recall earlier that he had mentioned wait until age 2 for peanut butter/peanut products or age 5 if you have a family history of a peanut allergy. I know Ryan has had walnuts, almonds, cashews and other nuts. Has also had numerous baked goods with nuts and I know Polina gives him slices of almonds almost everyday. I packed a soy nut butter and jelly sandwich today which he seems to like so I think he will really enjoy peanut butter someday just wondering what everyone else was doing on the peanut butter thing? And also what about shellfish like shrimp? Is that age 2 or 5? I do have an allergy to soft shell crab but not any other shellfish. Funny I had this strange aversion to all fish in the first trimester and now I am craving fish and light tuna...weird. I haven't tried tuna yet with Ryan but he does like salmon and mild white fish cod, tilapia.
Looking forward to our visit with Grammie and Gradddad this weekend. Ryan can't wait to see you guys! Have a great weekend.
When we ask him "Ryan are we having a baby boy or a baby girl?"
He replies "yeah" "Okay but do you think it is a boy or girl?" Responds still with "Yeah" So no help from him. Funny though random people and friends have voiced their opinion we will have to wait a little longer to see who is right.
At first I really did not want to know I wanted it to be a surprise but Greg really wants to find out and now I am pretty eager too. We will have to wait a few more days though until our level 2 ultrasound next week. Of course most importantly we hope to find out the baby is healthy and if cooperative we hope to find out the gender. It was funny with Ryan we found out right away before she even started he was showing us his rear end with his legs wide apart...there was no mistaking it he was clearly a boy! Hopefully this one won't be too shy to let us take a peak too.
Other baby news I am starting to feel a little movement. Tiny arms and legs moving about. A little sooner than with Ryan. This pregnancy is just totally different all around. Still with some occasional nausea and fatigue but my appetite is much better now Greg and I even got Reese's sundaes the other night after little Ryan was in bed b/c we did not want to share for fear he might eat them all.
Speaking of that what is the verdict on peanut butter? I forgot to ask the pedi in my numerous visits the past 2 weeks. I recall earlier that he had mentioned wait until age 2 for peanut butter/peanut products or age 5 if you have a family history of a peanut allergy. I know Ryan has had walnuts, almonds, cashews and other nuts. Has also had numerous baked goods with nuts and I know Polina gives him slices of almonds almost everyday. I packed a soy nut butter and jelly sandwich today which he seems to like so I think he will really enjoy peanut butter someday just wondering what everyone else was doing on the peanut butter thing? And also what about shellfish like shrimp? Is that age 2 or 5? I do have an allergy to soft shell crab but not any other shellfish. Funny I had this strange aversion to all fish in the first trimester and now I am craving fish and light tuna...weird. I haven't tried tuna yet with Ryan but he does like salmon and mild white fish cod, tilapia.
Looking forward to our visit with Grammie and Gradddad this weekend. Ryan can't wait to see you guys! Have a great weekend.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Kiddie Concert on the Green
Today we went to our first PBJ kiddie concert on the Sherman Green. It is every Wed on the green. I thought oh I will get there early at noon and get a good spot...Ha all the good parking was already taken but I got lucky and found a sweet spot on the street. The place was packed! It was really fun but very hot. We met some of our friends there today. Two are sick so it was Ryan and Sophia today. They were both jamming and dancing away. Ryan's favorite spot was sitting in Sophia's stroller. My master plan worked we all know Ryan would rather snack then eat lunch while visiting with his friends. Since the concert was not until 12:30 I fed him lunch here first and packed my lunch and brought lots of snacks. He ate an entire half of grilled cheese and barely touched his cheddar bunny snack trap at the concert....while I sat and enjoyed my lunch. Oh and of course I forgot my camera but Ryan also got to meet cookie monster. It was so cute Ryan did not want to give cookie monster a hug but he did pet him nicely. Poor cookie monster must have been ready to pass out in that get up on a hot humid day like today.
Other news over the weekend Ryan had his first time out! He actually started for the road (terrifying) I said NO! we do not go near the road and he looked at me with a grin and took off. I chased after him and told him he was going in time out. I had to hold him on the deck stairs as he cried for an entire minute but I think he learned his lesson he did not go back towards the road again. Auntie Erin told us he was old enough for time out and it worked. I am thinking of getting the book 123 Magic for discipline guidance as we approach the terrible two's...I think we are there already.
Trip #3 to the pedi in just 10 days... hypocondriach mom maybe? Anyways Ryan had been itching and rubbing his eyes and his rash on his face hands arms and neck was getting worse too so I thought it was time for another visit not to mention yesterday morning he had rubbed his eye so vigorously the pink membrane under his lid has swelled into the white of his eye it was scary looking. His whole eye was red and swollen. Of course and hour later when we got to our app the eye looked totally fine....but he still had the rash. Call me crazy but better to be safe than sorry. So the diagnosis was bilateral allergic conjunctivitis or allergy eyes. And the rash... Mimi was right as always prickly heat...the treatment....allergy eye drops for the eyes and witch hazel and cornstarch baby powder for the rash. The rash is worse today from the heat but it is nice to know it is pretty benign.
Pregnancy update...17 weeks now and feeling so much better. My appetite has returned and I am so much less nauseous now a bit tired but I can deal with that! This pregnancy is finally starting to be pleasant and feel not like I can start and get some things ready for the new baby. We still have a lot of work to do and we need to clean our basement and make room for baby/toddler stuff. I am getting anxious to get the room ready for the baby and clean out one of my dressers for newborn clothes. Maybe we can get some stuff done when Granddad and Grammie come for a visit this weekend. Looking forward to seeing you guys.
Stay cool!
Other news over the weekend Ryan had his first time out! He actually started for the road (terrifying) I said NO! we do not go near the road and he looked at me with a grin and took off. I chased after him and told him he was going in time out. I had to hold him on the deck stairs as he cried for an entire minute but I think he learned his lesson he did not go back towards the road again. Auntie Erin told us he was old enough for time out and it worked. I am thinking of getting the book 123 Magic for discipline guidance as we approach the terrible two's...I think we are there already.
Trip #3 to the pedi in just 10 days... hypocondriach mom maybe? Anyways Ryan had been itching and rubbing his eyes and his rash on his face hands arms and neck was getting worse too so I thought it was time for another visit not to mention yesterday morning he had rubbed his eye so vigorously the pink membrane under his lid has swelled into the white of his eye it was scary looking. His whole eye was red and swollen. Of course and hour later when we got to our app the eye looked totally fine....but he still had the rash. Call me crazy but better to be safe than sorry. So the diagnosis was bilateral allergic conjunctivitis or allergy eyes. And the rash... Mimi was right as always prickly heat...the treatment....allergy eye drops for the eyes and witch hazel and cornstarch baby powder for the rash. The rash is worse today from the heat but it is nice to know it is pretty benign.
Pregnancy update...17 weeks now and feeling so much better. My appetite has returned and I am so much less nauseous now a bit tired but I can deal with that! This pregnancy is finally starting to be pleasant and feel not like I can start and get some things ready for the new baby. We still have a lot of work to do and we need to clean our basement and make room for baby/toddler stuff. I am getting anxious to get the room ready for the baby and clean out one of my dressers for newborn clothes. Maybe we can get some stuff done when Granddad and Grammie come for a visit this weekend. Looking forward to seeing you guys.
Stay cool!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Coxsacki False Alarm!......Phew!
So the neurotic mother that I am I convinced myself Ryan had contracted Coxsackie virus. A common but serious viral illness common in toddlers in the summer/early fall months. It is a horrible illness that has plagued nearly everyone we know recently. The presentation and signs and symptoms are different in each individual. But mainly loss of appetite, high fever, sore throat, vomiting/diarrhea, and sores on the hands, feet and in the mouth. It is highly contagious. Why did I convince myself Ryan had this horrible virus? Because I noticed a rash on his hands and face Monday night and worse Tuesday morning. I looked at some pictures of coxsackie virus on the internet courtesy of Dr. Sears and convinced myself those indeed were the lesions Ryan exhibited. I even consulted with Michelle and she said it sounded like he had it (although she admitted it was hard to diagnose over the phone)...oh and he had loss of appetite and diarrhea the day before for Polina also symptoms of the disease. So again being the neurotic overprotective mother that I am I cancelled our lovely play date with Sophia at the Longshore pool and scheduled another sick visit with the pedi.
If my child does not have coxsackie surely he will have it after playing/touching every single germ infested toy in the office waiting room. Dr. strong said he has seen sooooo many cases of coxsackie the past few days. I am thinking to myself...nice and Ryan touched every toy in the waiting room...oh well. But seriously the rash is not coxsackie thank goodness it is however an allergic reaction we are thinking he is allergic to Sabrina. But no worries he is fine. The rash on his face and arms is still present but not getting worse.
Glad to know we can head into the holiday weekend free of illness (we hope) and still keep our holiday plans. Hope everyone has a very safe and happy 4th of July!
If my child does not have coxsackie surely he will have it after playing/touching every single germ infested toy in the office waiting room. Dr. strong said he has seen sooooo many cases of coxsackie the past few days. I am thinking to myself...nice and Ryan touched every toy in the waiting room...oh well. But seriously the rash is not coxsackie thank goodness it is however an allergic reaction we are thinking he is allergic to Sabrina. But no worries he is fine. The rash on his face and arms is still present but not getting worse.
Glad to know we can head into the holiday weekend free of illness (we hope) and still keep our holiday plans. Hope everyone has a very safe and happy 4th of July!
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