I took Henry to his first play today. He's been to a movie one time with his dad while E and I were in Pittsburgh, so today when we went inside the theatre he asked me if there would be popcorn --which of course they didn't have so he ate like a pound of cashews from my purse. He was too little to hold down the chair so it was tipped towards the ceiling with his toes in the air the whole time. He took his sandals off so his feet were about an inch from his nose and he kept saying, "What's that smell?" Later he said his toes smelled like cookies.
There was a band to accompany the performance and Henry had his hands closed around his ears when they played, or when the pirates shouted, which was a lot, BUT after about 20 minutes he took his hands away and realized there was nothing scary and he could just relax and enjoy himself, which he did--very much. He loved it. He did all the audience participation stuff and laughed and clapped and was very excited. I was fairly whipped but that goes without saying w/ children's theatre*. Well, who are we kidding. Any theatre. I can't even sit through Broadway theatre so you can just imagine a free performance put on by a cast of State workers who rehearse at the girl scouts office. I even asked Henry at the 45 min mark if he was ready to go eat something with daddy (normally a sure thing) but he said no and I dealt with it by reading the cast bios in the program (So and so spends his daytime hours as an IT administrator....).
But, it's a wonderful thing people do for the community and Henry enjoyed his afternoon at the beautiful Carver museum and I am appreciative of the many volunteer hours the cast must have put into the production. I loved theatre as a child and I hope Henry does too.
I saved the ticket stub to put in his baby book.
(*No offence Lindsay:-))
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Another milestone....
I took Henry to his first play today. He's been to a movie one time with his dad while E and I were in Pittsburgh, so today when we went inside the theatre he asked me if there would be popcorn --which of course they didn't have so he ate like a pound of cashews from my purse. He was too little to hold down the chair so it was tipped towards the ceiling with his toes in the air the whole time. He took his sandals off so his feet were about an inch from his nose and he kept saying, "What's that smell?" Later he said his toes smelled like cookies.
There was a band to accompany the performance and Henry had his hands closed around his ears when they played, or when the pirates shouted, which was a lot, BUT after about 20 minutes he took his hands away and realized there was nothing scary and he could just relax and enjoy himself, which he did--very much. He loved it. He did all the audience participation stuff and laughed and clapped and was very excited. I was fairly whipped but that goes without saying w/ children's theatre*. Well, who are we kidding. Any theatre. I can't even sit through Broadway theatre so you can just imagine a free performance put on by a cast of State workers who rehearse at the girl scouts office. I even asked Henry at the 45 min mark if he was ready to go eat something with daddy (normally a sure thing) but he said no and I dealt with it by reading the cast bios in the program (So and so spends his daytime hours as an IT administrator....).
But, it's a wonderful thing people do for the community and Henry enjoyed his afternoon at the beautiful Carver museum and I am appreciative of the many volunteer hours the cast must have put into the production. I loved theatre as a child and I hope Henry does too.
I saved the ticket stub to put in his baby book.
(*No offence Lindsay:-))
There was a band to accompany the performance and Henry had his hands closed around his ears when they played, or when the pirates shouted, which was a lot, BUT after about 20 minutes he took his hands away and realized there was nothing scary and he could just relax and enjoy himself, which he did--very much. He loved it. He did all the audience participation stuff and laughed and clapped and was very excited. I was fairly whipped but that goes without saying w/ children's theatre*. Well, who are we kidding. Any theatre. I can't even sit through Broadway theatre so you can just imagine a free performance put on by a cast of State workers who rehearse at the girl scouts office. I even asked Henry at the 45 min mark if he was ready to go eat something with daddy (normally a sure thing) but he said no and I dealt with it by reading the cast bios in the program (So and so spends his daytime hours as an IT administrator....).
But, it's a wonderful thing people do for the community and Henry enjoyed his afternoon at the beautiful Carver museum and I am appreciative of the many volunteer hours the cast must have put into the production. I loved theatre as a child and I hope Henry does too.
I saved the ticket stub to put in his baby book.
(*No offence Lindsay:-))
Friday, July 30, 2010
TGIF
This was a difficult and at times wonderful week. After a sleepless weekend worrying about the subpoena I received at work last Friday (to testify Monday re. custody of a child I see) I had to turn over my records (a first, for me) which really freaked me out and made me realize the true limits of confidentiality, for which I had previously taken for granted. Then, I got strep throat, for the second time since Eleanor was born, and began to fear with every touch or cuddle I was infecting someone in my family or some poor child I spent an hour with in my tiny little office. Of course this strep throat did not allow me a chance to rest because this just so happened to be the week of summer break at Henry's school. And since Henry was home, we did not have Chela because what would be the point if we were already having to stay home with Henry? So, on MWF I stayed home with the kids till 12 and Justin took half days off to be with them till I got home around 6. It was exhausting and nice at the same time.
I'll tell you what I mean by that. This morning, E woke around 6:40 and I changed and cuddled and nursed and fed her breakfast while Henry watched his hour of TV and then at 7:30 we went outside for a nice long walk. A 8:30 E took her nap till 9:30. During that hour, Henry and I played play-do, did a pretty large puzzle, cleaned out the car-port and sprayed off all the toys in the car-port (Henry did that), and then once E was awake, we had a snack and then went to the playground near our house. Luckily some of my neighbors were there with their kids so I actually got to sit down with E and just enjoy her. The neighbor-girl, Alice (4), held Henry's hand while they were playing and I overheard him say, "You're nice, Alice." and she said, "I know." Later on when we were leaving she said "I love you" and he responded, "Thank you".
We got home by 11:15 and I fed both of them lunch (I had a 12:00 client) so I was waiting for Justin to come home. He got delayed in a meeting so I got to work late. I then proceeded to clock 4 hours in a row of non-stop therapy and then needed almost two hours to document it all in notes/reports. I rushed home to eat dinner with the kids and start baths, read books, cuddled and kissed goodnights and finally got to use the restroom for the first time since probably this morning. I still never brushed my hair.
So, exhausting to do all that in the morning and then go to work. But also sort of nice because usually I just get T/TH to do all that stuff with them. I could not possibly sustain that pace though if I did it M-F. I am only able to do so much with them on T/Th b/c I get a good break from them on MWF. Anyway, our house is a shambles. I look terrible. The strep was mild and cleared up pain-wise after about 12 hrs on antibiotics. I did go to work but w/ antibiotics it's not contagious after 24 hrs. Justin definitely pulled his weight this week and for that I am a lucky lady.
But let's get back to the old routine now, please. And no more sicknesses or subpoenas.
I'll tell you what I mean by that. This morning, E woke around 6:40 and I changed and cuddled and nursed and fed her breakfast while Henry watched his hour of TV and then at 7:30 we went outside for a nice long walk. A 8:30 E took her nap till 9:30. During that hour, Henry and I played play-do, did a pretty large puzzle, cleaned out the car-port and sprayed off all the toys in the car-port (Henry did that), and then once E was awake, we had a snack and then went to the playground near our house. Luckily some of my neighbors were there with their kids so I actually got to sit down with E and just enjoy her. The neighbor-girl, Alice (4), held Henry's hand while they were playing and I overheard him say, "You're nice, Alice." and she said, "I know." Later on when we were leaving she said "I love you" and he responded, "Thank you".
We got home by 11:15 and I fed both of them lunch (I had a 12:00 client) so I was waiting for Justin to come home. He got delayed in a meeting so I got to work late. I then proceeded to clock 4 hours in a row of non-stop therapy and then needed almost two hours to document it all in notes/reports. I rushed home to eat dinner with the kids and start baths, read books, cuddled and kissed goodnights and finally got to use the restroom for the first time since probably this morning. I still never brushed my hair.
So, exhausting to do all that in the morning and then go to work. But also sort of nice because usually I just get T/TH to do all that stuff with them. I could not possibly sustain that pace though if I did it M-F. I am only able to do so much with them on T/Th b/c I get a good break from them on MWF. Anyway, our house is a shambles. I look terrible. The strep was mild and cleared up pain-wise after about 12 hrs on antibiotics. I did go to work but w/ antibiotics it's not contagious after 24 hrs. Justin definitely pulled his weight this week and for that I am a lucky lady.
But let's get back to the old routine now, please. And no more sicknesses or subpoenas.
TGIF
This was a difficult and at times wonderful week. After a sleepless weekend worrying about the subpoena I received at work last Friday (to testify Monday re. custody of a child I see) I had to turn over my records (a first, for me) which really freaked me out and made me realize the true limits of confidentiality, for which I had previously taken for granted. Then, I got strep throat, for the second time since Eleanor was born, and began to fear with every touch or cuddle I was infecting someone in my family or some poor child I spent an hour with in my tiny little office. Of course this strep throat did not allow me a chance to rest because this just so happened to be the week of summer break at Henry's school. And since Henry was home, we did not have Chela because what would be the point if we were already having to stay home with Henry? So, on MWF I stayed home with the kids till 12 and Justin took half days off to be with them till I got home around 6. It was exhausting and nice at the same time.
I'll tell you what I mean by that. This morning, E woke around 6:40 and I changed and cuddled and nursed and fed her breakfast while Henry watched his hour of TV and then at 7:30 we went outside for a nice long walk. A 8:30 E took her nap till 9:30. During that hour, Henry and I played play-do, did a pretty large puzzle, cleaned out the car-port and sprayed off all the toys in the car-port (Henry did that), and then once E was awake, we had a snack and then went to the playground near our house. Luckily some of my neighbors were there with their kids so I actually got to sit down with E and just enjoy her. The neighbor-girl, Alice (4), held Henry's hand while they were playing and I overheard him say, "You're nice, Alice." and she said, "I know." Later on when we were leaving she said "I love you" and he responded, "Thank you".
We got home by 11:15 and I fed both of them lunch (I had a 12:00 client) so I was waiting for Justin to come home. He got delayed in a meeting so I got to work late. I then proceeded to clock 4 hours in a row of non-stop therapy and then needed almost two hours to document it all in notes/reports. I rushed home to eat dinner with the kids and start baths, read books, cuddled and kissed goodnights and finally got to use the restroom for the first time since probably this morning. I still never brushed my hair.
So, exhausting to do all that in the morning and then go to work. But also sort of nice because usually I just get T/TH to do all that stuff with them. I could not possibly sustain that pace though if I did it M-F. I am only able to do so much with them on T/Th b/c I get a good break from them on MWF. Anyway, our house is a shambles. I look terrible. The strep was mild and cleared up pain-wise after about 12 hrs on antibiotics. I did go to work but w/ antibiotics it's not contagious after 24 hrs. Justin definitely pulled his weight this week and for that I am a lucky lady.
But let's get back to the old routine now, please. And no more sicknesses or subpoenas.
I'll tell you what I mean by that. This morning, E woke around 6:40 and I changed and cuddled and nursed and fed her breakfast while Henry watched his hour of TV and then at 7:30 we went outside for a nice long walk. A 8:30 E took her nap till 9:30. During that hour, Henry and I played play-do, did a pretty large puzzle, cleaned out the car-port and sprayed off all the toys in the car-port (Henry did that), and then once E was awake, we had a snack and then went to the playground near our house. Luckily some of my neighbors were there with their kids so I actually got to sit down with E and just enjoy her. The neighbor-girl, Alice (4), held Henry's hand while they were playing and I overheard him say, "You're nice, Alice." and she said, "I know." Later on when we were leaving she said "I love you" and he responded, "Thank you".
We got home by 11:15 and I fed both of them lunch (I had a 12:00 client) so I was waiting for Justin to come home. He got delayed in a meeting so I got to work late. I then proceeded to clock 4 hours in a row of non-stop therapy and then needed almost two hours to document it all in notes/reports. I rushed home to eat dinner with the kids and start baths, read books, cuddled and kissed goodnights and finally got to use the restroom for the first time since probably this morning. I still never brushed my hair.
So, exhausting to do all that in the morning and then go to work. But also sort of nice because usually I just get T/TH to do all that stuff with them. I could not possibly sustain that pace though if I did it M-F. I am only able to do so much with them on T/Th b/c I get a good break from them on MWF. Anyway, our house is a shambles. I look terrible. The strep was mild and cleared up pain-wise after about 12 hrs on antibiotics. I did go to work but w/ antibiotics it's not contagious after 24 hrs. Justin definitely pulled his weight this week and for that I am a lucky lady.
But let's get back to the old routine now, please. And no more sicknesses or subpoenas.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Maternity allowance?
Maternity allowance?
Friday, July 23, 2010
Eleanor 8 months old
I just read this hilarious description of Henry's schedule at 8 months old so I thought I would write one down for Eleanor since she will be 8 months tomorrow. I guess it's hilarious to me because it's so different from E's day.
Okay, first, she wakes up at either 5:45 because she pooped, or at 6:30 because she heard her brother screaming like a rabid animal at the other end of the house because he needs me to turn the light on for him to pee, or it's the weekend and dad's home to deal with Henry and we get to sleep in so she wakes up when she would naturally want to (sans poop) around 7. If she's up before Henry or I don't have Henry morning detail, I nurse and change her diaper, giver her a thousand kisses, make her giggle, stand her up on my stomach while she peeks over at my bedside light like a moth (Justin calls her moth-girl). I have a bowlful of toys she cleans off with her mouth and then I dress her in one of her 50 ridiculously cute outfits my mom or MIL bought, hanging in her section of my closet. Deciding what to dress her in takes longer than it does for me.
There is not an exact schedule we follow because weekends are different from weekdays and workdays (MWF) are different from home days (T,TH) so a lot depends on that. But typically the three of us eat breakfast together. E in her high chair and Henry and I at the table. Henry either wants oatmeal or cereal. E gets Os on her tray and some yogurt, or cut up fruit. Today she ate half a peach. I didn't even dice it (although w/ most fruit I do but a peach is so soft and juicy she could handle it). I gave her the half and she sucked all the fruit off the skin. She does not have a single tooth yet but can eat green beans, most fruit, bread, crackers etc. The only reason for purees at this point is b/c you can get a lot of different fruits/veggies in one meal and it's less messy.
Next, we go to the backroom so Henry can watch Sesame street and E plays independently with her toys. I check my email and read the news. Then I play with her a bit, get Henry a snack, clean up a bit. Make Henry's school lunch. Pick out something to wear. Iron if I need to. Wash my hair if I need to. E is usually content this entire time. If not, it's usually because she woke too early and wants to go back to bed. So I rock with her a minute in the chair and see if she is sleepy. If she closes her eyes that means yes and if she doesn't that means she just wanted some attention so then I just carry her while I go about my household chores. Either way, Chela arrives by 8:00 so if E is still awake, Chela takes her for a walk in the stroller for about 30 min and then I shower or clean up or play with Henry. It just depends on what all needs to get done before work/school. This past week Henry sat in my baby seat on the back of my bike and we went for long rides.
E takes her first nap around 8:30 and sleeps at least an hour and sometimes two hrs. It depends if she woke on her own or got woken up by poop, or Henry. If I'm home and it's not a work day, this is when Henry and I read books, color, play play-do, play ball, cars, chat, go outside on the porch, wrestle, play blocks etc. If it's a workday I then get him dressed and ready for school and we leave between 9 and ten. Today we left at 9 and then went to the bank and grocery store together. I drop him off after staying with him 5 min when he's ready to say goodbye which he always is so I might as well wait for him to say so and then I either go home to feed E one more time or I just go to work, depending on the time.
If it's a non work day E will wake around 10 or so, we all have a snack, and then we go out. Story time, our yoga class (which was at my house last week and I plan to post the video), errands, the park, etc. We get home sometimes in time to see dad and other times just in time for everyone's nap, which is about 12:30. Both kids nap about two hours and sometimes I do, sometimes I don't.
By the time nap is over, there is only one more hour till Justin gets home, so we usually just stick around here , eat snack and play toys. Lots of times we have a dance party.
When Justin gets home at 4 we divide and concur. I usually want to get out of the house w/ Henry. Yesterday, Henry and I went out in the rain and splashed in the puddles, getting completely soaked, for an hour, while Justin got his baby time (or E napped?). On my work days, Justin picks Henry up from school, comes home and relieves Chela, he plays w/both kids, and makes dinner and I get home around 5:15, just in time to eat (so nice!).
Either way, we eat at 5. Then we play in the back and do silly things and the time flies. Baths at 6 (together). E would get books but she is usually so hysterically tired, all we can do is dress her for bed and put her down. But if she takes a late afternoon nap (50%) she can hang w/ Henry for books and go to bed at 7 as opposed to 6:30.
If she takes her paci out of her mouth it means she's not ready to be put down yet. 85% of the time though, she is ready. If not, we read more or I hold her while rocking/singing in the chair next to her crib.
J and I go to bed between 9 and 10 and she wakes up around 11ish and then 3ish for milk. Sometimes more, sometimes less. It is so brief (5 min?) I can't tell and I don't have a clock I can see in the dark in my room. The crib is next to my bed and once she has had her first wake up I just keep her in bed with me so it's not really a big deal when she wants to eat. Sometimes I don't feel like sharing the bed though and I just put her back. She doesn't seem to care either way. I just have a totally different perspective on this sleeping thing with her than I did with Henry, b/c I know it is all so fleeting and any bad habits can be broken with a couple nights of protesting. It's really not that big on an issue like it was (in my mind) with him.
So that's our routine, basically.
Okay, first, she wakes up at either 5:45 because she pooped, or at 6:30 because she heard her brother screaming like a rabid animal at the other end of the house because he needs me to turn the light on for him to pee, or it's the weekend and dad's home to deal with Henry and we get to sleep in so she wakes up when she would naturally want to (sans poop) around 7. If she's up before Henry or I don't have Henry morning detail, I nurse and change her diaper, giver her a thousand kisses, make her giggle, stand her up on my stomach while she peeks over at my bedside light like a moth (Justin calls her moth-girl). I have a bowlful of toys she cleans off with her mouth and then I dress her in one of her 50 ridiculously cute outfits my mom or MIL bought, hanging in her section of my closet. Deciding what to dress her in takes longer than it does for me.
There is not an exact schedule we follow because weekends are different from weekdays and workdays (MWF) are different from home days (T,TH) so a lot depends on that. But typically the three of us eat breakfast together. E in her high chair and Henry and I at the table. Henry either wants oatmeal or cereal. E gets Os on her tray and some yogurt, or cut up fruit. Today she ate half a peach. I didn't even dice it (although w/ most fruit I do but a peach is so soft and juicy she could handle it). I gave her the half and she sucked all the fruit off the skin. She does not have a single tooth yet but can eat green beans, most fruit, bread, crackers etc. The only reason for purees at this point is b/c you can get a lot of different fruits/veggies in one meal and it's less messy.
Next, we go to the backroom so Henry can watch Sesame street and E plays independently with her toys. I check my email and read the news. Then I play with her a bit, get Henry a snack, clean up a bit. Make Henry's school lunch. Pick out something to wear. Iron if I need to. Wash my hair if I need to. E is usually content this entire time. If not, it's usually because she woke too early and wants to go back to bed. So I rock with her a minute in the chair and see if she is sleepy. If she closes her eyes that means yes and if she doesn't that means she just wanted some attention so then I just carry her while I go about my household chores. Either way, Chela arrives by 8:00 so if E is still awake, Chela takes her for a walk in the stroller for about 30 min and then I shower or clean up or play with Henry. It just depends on what all needs to get done before work/school. This past week Henry sat in my baby seat on the back of my bike and we went for long rides.
E takes her first nap around 8:30 and sleeps at least an hour and sometimes two hrs. It depends if she woke on her own or got woken up by poop, or Henry. If I'm home and it's not a work day, this is when Henry and I read books, color, play play-do, play ball, cars, chat, go outside on the porch, wrestle, play blocks etc. If it's a workday I then get him dressed and ready for school and we leave between 9 and ten. Today we left at 9 and then went to the bank and grocery store together. I drop him off after staying with him 5 min when he's ready to say goodbye which he always is so I might as well wait for him to say so and then I either go home to feed E one more time or I just go to work, depending on the time.
If it's a non work day E will wake around 10 or so, we all have a snack, and then we go out. Story time, our yoga class (which was at my house last week and I plan to post the video), errands, the park, etc. We get home sometimes in time to see dad and other times just in time for everyone's nap, which is about 12:30. Both kids nap about two hours and sometimes I do, sometimes I don't.
By the time nap is over, there is only one more hour till Justin gets home, so we usually just stick around here , eat snack and play toys. Lots of times we have a dance party.
When Justin gets home at 4 we divide and concur. I usually want to get out of the house w/ Henry. Yesterday, Henry and I went out in the rain and splashed in the puddles, getting completely soaked, for an hour, while Justin got his baby time (or E napped?). On my work days, Justin picks Henry up from school, comes home and relieves Chela, he plays w/both kids, and makes dinner and I get home around 5:15, just in time to eat (so nice!).
Either way, we eat at 5. Then we play in the back and do silly things and the time flies. Baths at 6 (together). E would get books but she is usually so hysterically tired, all we can do is dress her for bed and put her down. But if she takes a late afternoon nap (50%) she can hang w/ Henry for books and go to bed at 7 as opposed to 6:30.
If she takes her paci out of her mouth it means she's not ready to be put down yet. 85% of the time though, she is ready. If not, we read more or I hold her while rocking/singing in the chair next to her crib.
J and I go to bed between 9 and 10 and she wakes up around 11ish and then 3ish for milk. Sometimes more, sometimes less. It is so brief (5 min?) I can't tell and I don't have a clock I can see in the dark in my room. The crib is next to my bed and once she has had her first wake up I just keep her in bed with me so it's not really a big deal when she wants to eat. Sometimes I don't feel like sharing the bed though and I just put her back. She doesn't seem to care either way. I just have a totally different perspective on this sleeping thing with her than I did with Henry, b/c I know it is all so fleeting and any bad habits can be broken with a couple nights of protesting. It's really not that big on an issue like it was (in my mind) with him.
So that's our routine, basically.
Something I want to remember (mom version 2.0)
When I get home from work on MWF's I walk in the door and Henry comes running to me and shouts, "I slept without a paci at school, mom!".
Henry stopped sleeping with a paci two months ago...
Henry stopped sleeping with a paci two months ago...
Eleanor 8 months old
I just read this hilarious description of Henry's schedule at 8 months old so I thought I would write one down for Eleanor since she will be 8 months tomorrow. I guess it's hilarious to me because it's so different from E's day.
Okay, first, she wakes up at either 5:45 because she pooped, or at 6:30 because she heard her brother screaming like a rabid animal at the other end of the house because he needs me to turn the light on for him to pee, or it's the weekend and dad's home to deal with Henry and we get to sleep in so she wakes up when she would naturally want to (sans poop) around 7. If she's up before Henry or I don't have Henry morning detail, I nurse and change her diaper, giver her a thousand kisses, make her giggle, stand her up on my stomach while she peeks over at my bedside light like a moth (Justin calls her moth-girl). I have a bowlful of toys she cleans off with her mouth and then I dress her in one of her 50 ridiculously cute outfits my mom or MIL bought, hanging in her section of my closet. Deciding what to dress her in takes longer than it does for me.
There is not an exact schedule we follow because weekends are different from weekdays and workdays (MWF) are different from home days (T,TH) so a lot depends on that. But typically the three of us eat breakfast together. E in her high chair and Henry and I at the table. Henry either wants oatmeal or cereal. E gets Os on her tray and some yogurt, or cut up fruit. Today she ate half a peach. I didn't even dice it (although w/ most fruit I do but a peach is so soft and juicy she could handle it). I gave her the half and she sucked all the fruit off the skin. She does not have a single tooth yet but can eat green beans, most fruit, bread, crackers etc. The only reason for purees at this point is b/c you can get a lot of different fruits/veggies in one meal and it's less messy.
Next, we go to the backroom so Henry can watch Sesame street and E plays independently with her toys. I check my email and read the news. Then I play with her a bit, get Henry a snack, clean up a bit. Make Henry's school lunch. Pick out something to wear. Iron if I need to. Wash my hair if I need to. E is usually content this entire time. If not, it's usually because she woke too early and wants to go back to bed. So I rock with her a minute in the chair and see if she is sleepy. If she closes her eyes that means yes and if she doesn't that means she just wanted some attention so then I just carry her while I go about my household chores. Either way, Chela arrives by 8:00 so if E is still awake, Chela takes her for a walk in the stroller for about 30 min and then I shower or clean up or play with Henry. It just depends on what all needs to get done before work/school. This past week Henry sat in my baby seat on the back of my bike and we went for long rides.
E takes her first nap around 8:30 and sleeps at least an hour and sometimes two hrs. It depends if she woke on her own or got woken up by poop, or Henry. If I'm home and it's not a work day, this is when Henry and I read books, color, play play-do, play ball, cars, chat, go outside on the porch, wrestle, play blocks etc. If it's a workday I then get him dressed and ready for school and we leave between 9 and ten. Today we left at 9 and then went to the bank and grocery store together. I drop him off after staying with him 5 min when he's ready to say goodbye which he always is so I might as well wait for him to say so and then I either go home to feed E one more time or I just go to work, depending on the time.
If it's a non work day E will wake around 10 or so, we all have a snack, and then we go out. Story time, our yoga class (which was at my house last week and I plan to post the video), errands, the park, etc. We get home sometimes in time to see dad and other times just in time for everyone's nap, which is about 12:30. Both kids nap about two hours and sometimes I do, sometimes I don't.
By the time nap is over, there is only one more hour till Justin gets home, so we usually just stick around here , eat snack and play toys. Lots of times we have a dance party.
When Justin gets home at 4 we divide and concur. I usually want to get out of the house w/ Henry. Yesterday, Henry and I went out in the rain and splashed in the puddles, getting completely soaked, for an hour, while Justin got his baby time (or E napped?). On my work days, Justin picks Henry up from school, comes home and relieves Chela, he plays w/both kids, and makes dinner and I get home around 5:15, just in time to eat (so nice!).
Either way, we eat at 5. Then we play in the back and do silly things and the time flies. Baths at 6 (together). E would get books but she is usually so hysterically tired, all we can do is dress her for bed and put her down. But if she takes a late afternoon nap (50%) she can hang w/ Henry for books and go to bed at 7 as opposed to 6:30.
If she takes her paci out of her mouth it means she's not ready to be put down yet. 85% of the time though, she is ready. If not, we read more or I hold her while rocking/singing in the chair next to her crib.
J and I go to bed between 9 and 10 and she wakes up around 11ish and then 3ish for milk. Sometimes more, sometimes less. It is so brief (5 min?) I can't tell and I don't have a clock I can see in the dark in my room. The crib is next to my bed and once she has had her first wake up I just keep her in bed with me so it's not really a big deal when she wants to eat. Sometimes I don't feel like sharing the bed though and I just put her back. She doesn't seem to care either way. I just have a totally different perspective on this sleeping thing with her than I did with Henry, b/c I know it is all so fleeting and any bad habits can be broken with a couple nights of protesting. It's really not that big on an issue like it was (in my mind) with him.
So that's our routine, basically.
Okay, first, she wakes up at either 5:45 because she pooped, or at 6:30 because she heard her brother screaming like a rabid animal at the other end of the house because he needs me to turn the light on for him to pee, or it's the weekend and dad's home to deal with Henry and we get to sleep in so she wakes up when she would naturally want to (sans poop) around 7. If she's up before Henry or I don't have Henry morning detail, I nurse and change her diaper, giver her a thousand kisses, make her giggle, stand her up on my stomach while she peeks over at my bedside light like a moth (Justin calls her moth-girl). I have a bowlful of toys she cleans off with her mouth and then I dress her in one of her 50 ridiculously cute outfits my mom or MIL bought, hanging in her section of my closet. Deciding what to dress her in takes longer than it does for me.
There is not an exact schedule we follow because weekends are different from weekdays and workdays (MWF) are different from home days (T,TH) so a lot depends on that. But typically the three of us eat breakfast together. E in her high chair and Henry and I at the table. Henry either wants oatmeal or cereal. E gets Os on her tray and some yogurt, or cut up fruit. Today she ate half a peach. I didn't even dice it (although w/ most fruit I do but a peach is so soft and juicy she could handle it). I gave her the half and she sucked all the fruit off the skin. She does not have a single tooth yet but can eat green beans, most fruit, bread, crackers etc. The only reason for purees at this point is b/c you can get a lot of different fruits/veggies in one meal and it's less messy.
Next, we go to the backroom so Henry can watch Sesame street and E plays independently with her toys. I check my email and read the news. Then I play with her a bit, get Henry a snack, clean up a bit. Make Henry's school lunch. Pick out something to wear. Iron if I need to. Wash my hair if I need to. E is usually content this entire time. If not, it's usually because she woke too early and wants to go back to bed. So I rock with her a minute in the chair and see if she is sleepy. If she closes her eyes that means yes and if she doesn't that means she just wanted some attention so then I just carry her while I go about my household chores. Either way, Chela arrives by 8:00 so if E is still awake, Chela takes her for a walk in the stroller for about 30 min and then I shower or clean up or play with Henry. It just depends on what all needs to get done before work/school. This past week Henry sat in my baby seat on the back of my bike and we went for long rides.
E takes her first nap around 8:30 and sleeps at least an hour and sometimes two hrs. It depends if she woke on her own or got woken up by poop, or Henry. If I'm home and it's not a work day, this is when Henry and I read books, color, play play-do, play ball, cars, chat, go outside on the porch, wrestle, play blocks etc. If it's a workday I then get him dressed and ready for school and we leave between 9 and ten. Today we left at 9 and then went to the bank and grocery store together. I drop him off after staying with him 5 min when he's ready to say goodbye which he always is so I might as well wait for him to say so and then I either go home to feed E one more time or I just go to work, depending on the time.
If it's a non work day E will wake around 10 or so, we all have a snack, and then we go out. Story time, our yoga class (which was at my house last week and I plan to post the video), errands, the park, etc. We get home sometimes in time to see dad and other times just in time for everyone's nap, which is about 12:30. Both kids nap about two hours and sometimes I do, sometimes I don't.
By the time nap is over, there is only one more hour till Justin gets home, so we usually just stick around here , eat snack and play toys. Lots of times we have a dance party.
When Justin gets home at 4 we divide and concur. I usually want to get out of the house w/ Henry. Yesterday, Henry and I went out in the rain and splashed in the puddles, getting completely soaked, for an hour, while Justin got his baby time (or E napped?). On my work days, Justin picks Henry up from school, comes home and relieves Chela, he plays w/both kids, and makes dinner and I get home around 5:15, just in time to eat (so nice!).
Either way, we eat at 5. Then we play in the back and do silly things and the time flies. Baths at 6 (together). E would get books but she is usually so hysterically tired, all we can do is dress her for bed and put her down. But if she takes a late afternoon nap (50%) she can hang w/ Henry for books and go to bed at 7 as opposed to 6:30.
If she takes her paci out of her mouth it means she's not ready to be put down yet. 85% of the time though, she is ready. If not, we read more or I hold her while rocking/singing in the chair next to her crib.
J and I go to bed between 9 and 10 and she wakes up around 11ish and then 3ish for milk. Sometimes more, sometimes less. It is so brief (5 min?) I can't tell and I don't have a clock I can see in the dark in my room. The crib is next to my bed and once she has had her first wake up I just keep her in bed with me so it's not really a big deal when she wants to eat. Sometimes I don't feel like sharing the bed though and I just put her back. She doesn't seem to care either way. I just have a totally different perspective on this sleeping thing with her than I did with Henry, b/c I know it is all so fleeting and any bad habits can be broken with a couple nights of protesting. It's really not that big on an issue like it was (in my mind) with him.
So that's our routine, basically.
Something I want to remember (mom version 2.0)
When I get home from work on MWF's I walk in the door and Henry comes running to me and shouts, "I slept without a paci at school, mom!".
Henry stopped sleeping with a paci two months ago...
Henry stopped sleeping with a paci two months ago...
Some things I want to remember......(dad version)
Henry asks me the same question every weekday as soon as he sees me:
"Are you not going to go to work anymore, dad?"
On Tuesdays/Thursdays, he asks me this at lunch, to which I have to reply that yes, I am going back to work. This usually gets a "why?" If only I had an answer that satisfied both of us.
On Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays, he asks me after work and he is usually pretty excited with my answer (although not more than me). I suspect someday he will be asking me when I am going to GO to work, but for now I will enjoy his enthusiasm for my presence.
"Are you not going to go to work anymore, dad?"
On Tuesdays/Thursdays, he asks me this at lunch, to which I have to reply that yes, I am going back to work. This usually gets a "why?" If only I had an answer that satisfied both of us.
On Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays, he asks me after work and he is usually pretty excited with my answer (although not more than me). I suspect someday he will be asking me when I am going to GO to work, but for now I will enjoy his enthusiasm for my presence.
Some things I want to remember......(dad version)
Henry asks me the same question every weekday as soon as he sees me:
"Are you not going to go to work anymore, dad?"
On Tuesdays/Thursdays, he asks me this at lunch, to which I have to reply that yes, I am going back to work. This usually gets a "why?" If only I had an answer that satisfied both of us.
On Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays, he asks me after work and he is usually pretty excited with my answer (although not more than me). I suspect someday he will be asking me when I am going to GO to work, but for now I will enjoy his enthusiasm for my presence.
"Are you not going to go to work anymore, dad?"
On Tuesdays/Thursdays, he asks me this at lunch, to which I have to reply that yes, I am going back to work. This usually gets a "why?" If only I had an answer that satisfied both of us.
On Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays, he asks me after work and he is usually pretty excited with my answer (although not more than me). I suspect someday he will be asking me when I am going to GO to work, but for now I will enjoy his enthusiasm for my presence.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Some things I want to remember ....
Today Henry said, "I have some bad news." I don't know where he heard that but his bad news today was he had a lot of bugs in his pocket.
Henry was jumping on the couch and asked me to do it as well and I said no, I'm too big and then he tried to modify the amount of jumping I would have to do and so I just said, "I'm too old" and he said, "You're not old mom. Grandma is old." HAHAHAHAHHA.
Henry has decided for us that we all have favorite colors. His is green. Justin's is yellow. Mine is purple and Eleanor's is pink. If I say that I prefer blue he tells me no, my favorite color is purple. The funny thing is he decided this a few months back and he has consistently stuck to this color scheme.
Henry and I were at the park this morning and when it was time to go he asked, "Do you want to come to my huge house?" to me.
Henry often will tell Justin and I (separately, privately) "You're my best friend today."
Henry says, "You may." or "You may not." frequently to us. Again, not sure when he gets some of these things.
Henry was jumping on the couch and asked me to do it as well and I said no, I'm too big and then he tried to modify the amount of jumping I would have to do and so I just said, "I'm too old" and he said, "You're not old mom. Grandma is old." HAHAHAHAHHA.
Henry has decided for us that we all have favorite colors. His is green. Justin's is yellow. Mine is purple and Eleanor's is pink. If I say that I prefer blue he tells me no, my favorite color is purple. The funny thing is he decided this a few months back and he has consistently stuck to this color scheme.
Henry and I were at the park this morning and when it was time to go he asked, "Do you want to come to my huge house?" to me.
Henry often will tell Justin and I (separately, privately) "You're my best friend today."
Henry says, "You may." or "You may not." frequently to us. Again, not sure when he gets some of these things.
Some things I want to remember ....
Today Henry said, "I have some bad news." I don't know where he heard that but his bad news today was he had a lot of bugs in his pocket.
Henry was jumping on the couch and asked me to do it as well and I said no, I'm too big and then he tried to modify the amount of jumping I would have to do and so I just said, "I'm too old" and he said, "You're not old mom. Grandma is old." HAHAHAHAHHA.
Henry has decided for us that we all have favorite colors. His is green. Justin's is yellow. Mine is purple and Eleanor's is pink. If I say that I prefer blue he tells me no, my favorite color is purple. The funny thing is he decided this a few months back and he has consistently stuck to this color scheme.
Henry and I were at the park this morning and when it was time to go he asked, "Do you want to come to my huge house?" to me.
Henry often will tell Justin and I (separately, privately) "You're my best friend today."
Henry says, "You may." or "You may not." frequently to us. Again, not sure when he gets some of these things.
Henry was jumping on the couch and asked me to do it as well and I said no, I'm too big and then he tried to modify the amount of jumping I would have to do and so I just said, "I'm too old" and he said, "You're not old mom. Grandma is old." HAHAHAHAHHA.
Henry has decided for us that we all have favorite colors. His is green. Justin's is yellow. Mine is purple and Eleanor's is pink. If I say that I prefer blue he tells me no, my favorite color is purple. The funny thing is he decided this a few months back and he has consistently stuck to this color scheme.
Henry and I were at the park this morning and when it was time to go he asked, "Do you want to come to my huge house?" to me.
Henry often will tell Justin and I (separately, privately) "You're my best friend today."
Henry says, "You may." or "You may not." frequently to us. Again, not sure when he gets some of these things.
Monday, July 19, 2010
E Almost 8 months and H 38 months...
Eleanor is playing peekaboo. And I don't mean we play it, but SHE is doing it. She lifts her shirt or dress over her face and then pulls it down and squeals, over and over again.
Eleanor is waving. If she see's Chela, me or Justin she excitedly opens and closes her fist and smiles. I HAVE to get a video of this. And the peekaboo.
Eleanor claps. Sometimes she misses her hands but most of the time they connect. She does this when she's really happy.
Eleanor shouts. She shouts at the top of her lungs and Henry yells at the top of his lungs "NOOOO!" She shouts when she is tired, hungry, wants a change of view, is bored with her toys, wants to be picked up, etc. I get shouted at a lot.
I like to put bows in her hair and dress her up. I can't wait till her hair is long enough to play with. Justin said I could teach him to French braid.
I love to make her laugh. I love to snuggle with her. I love looking at her.
Eleanor likes to eat. She prefers food to milk, which sorta makes me sad. She will eat an entire apricot and then want more food.
Henry has learned to say "You're not my friend" when we don't do as he says.
He has discovered toy guns thanks to the 15 water guns he's been given by various family members this summer.
Henry has an insane ability to pick up the words to every song, jingle, or movie clip he sees (his dad is the exact same and it sort of creeps me out). He has his own "word" of the day where he picks up a new word or phrase and uses the dog out of it for several days afterwords. This weeks phrases are "I'm just joking.", "Are you cussing at me? (nice, it's from Fantastic Mr. Fox), "Actually", "Delicious", and "Search". He also has picked up some Spanish from Chela. He counts to ten, says hello and goodbye (adios and hasta luego) yes, thank you, and how are you.
Henry can be very sweet to E and also very grabby and yelly. Almost every toy in this house is his so he ends up grabbing from her a lot which we are working on. He also shouts at her and would be much happier if she never uttered a single sound. And yet, he asks about her, thinks about her when she's not around, wants to be in the same room as her, enjoys making her laugh, and kisses her goodnight when it's her bedtime. He has never purposefully hurt her which is a relief b/c I know that's common. He is a 3 year old boy though and has bumped into her a couple times but he felt terrible and/or was completely oblivious it happened.
Henry is straight up silly. He wants to make others laugh. He does an introductory stunt the mornings he walks into class or gets to the playground (if I'm super late in dropping him off) that ends with him colapsing on the floor or ground. He will make a ridiclous face and then hop around like he has been electrocuted.
Henry is friendly. He likes me to have his window rolled down so he can say hello to anyone idling next to us at red lights. If he is being pushed in a cart at the grocery store or home depot etc. he will say "Hello!" to just about everyone. If they do not say hello back he turns to me and says, "They didn't hear me."
Henry will ask one of us to do the thing the other said no to. I will then say, "What did your dad say?" and instead of responding no, he will say, "He didn't say yes."
Henry is very pleasant to spend time with. Yesterday he and I went swimming while dad stayed home with E. We sat by the pool, enjoying a snack together. We were exhausted from an hour of swimming and it was quiet. We were just sharing an apple and people watching. He rested his head up against my shoulder and it was nice. I was watching the woman near us chasing her 14 or 15 month old around and thinking "Thank God that phase is over with....oh wait...."
Eleanor is waving. If she see's Chela, me or Justin she excitedly opens and closes her fist and smiles. I HAVE to get a video of this. And the peekaboo.
Eleanor claps. Sometimes she misses her hands but most of the time they connect. She does this when she's really happy.
Eleanor shouts. She shouts at the top of her lungs and Henry yells at the top of his lungs "NOOOO!" She shouts when she is tired, hungry, wants a change of view, is bored with her toys, wants to be picked up, etc. I get shouted at a lot.
I like to put bows in her hair and dress her up. I can't wait till her hair is long enough to play with. Justin said I could teach him to French braid.
I love to make her laugh. I love to snuggle with her. I love looking at her.
Eleanor likes to eat. She prefers food to milk, which sorta makes me sad. She will eat an entire apricot and then want more food.
Henry has learned to say "You're not my friend" when we don't do as he says.
He has discovered toy guns thanks to the 15 water guns he's been given by various family members this summer.
Henry has an insane ability to pick up the words to every song, jingle, or movie clip he sees (his dad is the exact same and it sort of creeps me out). He has his own "word" of the day where he picks up a new word or phrase and uses the dog out of it for several days afterwords. This weeks phrases are "I'm just joking.", "Are you cussing at me? (nice, it's from Fantastic Mr. Fox), "Actually", "Delicious", and "Search". He also has picked up some Spanish from Chela. He counts to ten, says hello and goodbye (adios and hasta luego) yes, thank you, and how are you.
Henry can be very sweet to E and also very grabby and yelly. Almost every toy in this house is his so he ends up grabbing from her a lot which we are working on. He also shouts at her and would be much happier if she never uttered a single sound. And yet, he asks about her, thinks about her when she's not around, wants to be in the same room as her, enjoys making her laugh, and kisses her goodnight when it's her bedtime. He has never purposefully hurt her which is a relief b/c I know that's common. He is a 3 year old boy though and has bumped into her a couple times but he felt terrible and/or was completely oblivious it happened.
Henry is straight up silly. He wants to make others laugh. He does an introductory stunt the mornings he walks into class or gets to the playground (if I'm super late in dropping him off) that ends with him colapsing on the floor or ground. He will make a ridiclous face and then hop around like he has been electrocuted.
Henry is friendly. He likes me to have his window rolled down so he can say hello to anyone idling next to us at red lights. If he is being pushed in a cart at the grocery store or home depot etc. he will say "Hello!" to just about everyone. If they do not say hello back he turns to me and says, "They didn't hear me."
Henry will ask one of us to do the thing the other said no to. I will then say, "What did your dad say?" and instead of responding no, he will say, "He didn't say yes."
Henry is very pleasant to spend time with. Yesterday he and I went swimming while dad stayed home with E. We sat by the pool, enjoying a snack together. We were exhausted from an hour of swimming and it was quiet. We were just sharing an apple and people watching. He rested his head up against my shoulder and it was nice. I was watching the woman near us chasing her 14 or 15 month old around and thinking "Thank God that phase is over with....oh wait...."
E Almost 8 months and H 38 months...
Eleanor is playing peekaboo. And I don't mean we play it, but SHE is doing it. She lifts her shirt or dress over her face and then pulls it down and squeals, over and over again.
Eleanor is waving. If she see's Chela, me or Justin she excitedly opens and closes her fist and smiles. I HAVE to get a video of this. And the peekaboo.
Eleanor claps. Sometimes she misses her hands but most of the time they connect. She does this when she's really happy.
Eleanor shouts. She shouts at the top of her lungs and Henry yells at the top of his lungs "NOOOO!" She shouts when she is tired, hungry, wants a change of view, is bored with her toys, wants to be picked up, etc. I get shouted at a lot.
I like to put bows in her hair and dress her up. I can't wait till her hair is long enough to play with. Justin said I could teach him to French braid.
I love to make her laugh. I love to snuggle with her. I love looking at her.
Eleanor likes to eat. She prefers food to milk, which sorta makes me sad. She will eat an entire apricot and then want more food.
Henry has learned to say "You're not my friend" when we don't do as he says.
He has discovered toy guns thanks to the 15 water guns he's been given by various family members this summer.
Henry has an insane ability to pick up the words to every song, jingle, or movie clip he sees (his dad is the exact same and it sort of creeps me out). He has his own "word" of the day where he picks up a new word or phrase and uses the dog out of it for several days afterwords. This weeks phrases are "I'm just joking.", "Are you cussing at me? (nice, it's from Fantastic Mr. Fox), "Actually", "Delicious", and "Search". He also has picked up some Spanish from Chela. He counts to ten, says hello and goodbye (adios and hasta luego) yes, thank you, and how are you.
Henry can be very sweet to E and also very grabby and yelly. Almost every toy in this house is his so he ends up grabbing from her a lot which we are working on. He also shouts at her and would be much happier if she never uttered a single sound. And yet, he asks about her, thinks about her when she's not around, wants to be in the same room as her, enjoys making her laugh, and kisses her goodnight when it's her bedtime. He has never purposefully hurt her which is a relief b/c I know that's common. He is a 3 year old boy though and has bumped into her a couple times but he felt terrible and/or was completely oblivious it happened.
Henry is straight up silly. He wants to make others laugh. He does an introductory stunt the mornings he walks into class or gets to the playground (if I'm super late in dropping him off) that ends with him colapsing on the floor or ground. He will make a ridiclous face and then hop around like he has been electrocuted.
Henry is friendly. He likes me to have his window rolled down so he can say hello to anyone idling next to us at red lights. If he is being pushed in a cart at the grocery store or home depot etc. he will say "Hello!" to just about everyone. If they do not say hello back he turns to me and says, "They didn't hear me."
Henry will ask one of us to do the thing the other said no to. I will then say, "What did your dad say?" and instead of responding no, he will say, "He didn't say yes."
Henry is very pleasant to spend time with. Yesterday he and I went swimming while dad stayed home with E. We sat by the pool, enjoying a snack together. We were exhausted from an hour of swimming and it was quiet. We were just sharing an apple and people watching. He rested his head up against my shoulder and it was nice. I was watching the woman near us chasing her 14 or 15 month old around and thinking "Thank God that phase is over with....oh wait...."
Eleanor is waving. If she see's Chela, me or Justin she excitedly opens and closes her fist and smiles. I HAVE to get a video of this. And the peekaboo.
Eleanor claps. Sometimes she misses her hands but most of the time they connect. She does this when she's really happy.
Eleanor shouts. She shouts at the top of her lungs and Henry yells at the top of his lungs "NOOOO!" She shouts when she is tired, hungry, wants a change of view, is bored with her toys, wants to be picked up, etc. I get shouted at a lot.
I like to put bows in her hair and dress her up. I can't wait till her hair is long enough to play with. Justin said I could teach him to French braid.
I love to make her laugh. I love to snuggle with her. I love looking at her.
Eleanor likes to eat. She prefers food to milk, which sorta makes me sad. She will eat an entire apricot and then want more food.
Henry has learned to say "You're not my friend" when we don't do as he says.
He has discovered toy guns thanks to the 15 water guns he's been given by various family members this summer.
Henry has an insane ability to pick up the words to every song, jingle, or movie clip he sees (his dad is the exact same and it sort of creeps me out). He has his own "word" of the day where he picks up a new word or phrase and uses the dog out of it for several days afterwords. This weeks phrases are "I'm just joking.", "Are you cussing at me? (nice, it's from Fantastic Mr. Fox), "Actually", "Delicious", and "Search". He also has picked up some Spanish from Chela. He counts to ten, says hello and goodbye (adios and hasta luego) yes, thank you, and how are you.
Henry can be very sweet to E and also very grabby and yelly. Almost every toy in this house is his so he ends up grabbing from her a lot which we are working on. He also shouts at her and would be much happier if she never uttered a single sound. And yet, he asks about her, thinks about her when she's not around, wants to be in the same room as her, enjoys making her laugh, and kisses her goodnight when it's her bedtime. He has never purposefully hurt her which is a relief b/c I know that's common. He is a 3 year old boy though and has bumped into her a couple times but he felt terrible and/or was completely oblivious it happened.
Henry is straight up silly. He wants to make others laugh. He does an introductory stunt the mornings he walks into class or gets to the playground (if I'm super late in dropping him off) that ends with him colapsing on the floor or ground. He will make a ridiclous face and then hop around like he has been electrocuted.
Henry is friendly. He likes me to have his window rolled down so he can say hello to anyone idling next to us at red lights. If he is being pushed in a cart at the grocery store or home depot etc. he will say "Hello!" to just about everyone. If they do not say hello back he turns to me and says, "They didn't hear me."
Henry will ask one of us to do the thing the other said no to. I will then say, "What did your dad say?" and instead of responding no, he will say, "He didn't say yes."
Henry is very pleasant to spend time with. Yesterday he and I went swimming while dad stayed home with E. We sat by the pool, enjoying a snack together. We were exhausted from an hour of swimming and it was quiet. We were just sharing an apple and people watching. He rested his head up against my shoulder and it was nice. I was watching the woman near us chasing her 14 or 15 month old around and thinking "Thank God that phase is over with....oh wait...."
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Fishing and farming at Grandma and Grandpa's
Last week, Henry and I went up to Rockwall to visit. He got to fish for the first time, which was a pretty big hit. Afterward, Grandpa Billy took him for a ride on the tractor and even let him drive. Between the cows, horses, chickens, puppies, sixteen bazillion dogs and a tiny bit of spoiling from Grandma, he had a pretty good time.
Fishing and farming at Grandma and Grandpa's
Last week, Henry and I went up to Rockwall to visit. He got to fish for the first time, which was a pretty big hit. Afterward, Grandpa Billy took him for a ride on the tractor and even let him drive. Between the cows, horses, chickens, puppies, sixteen bazillion dogs and a tiny bit of spoiling from Grandma, he had a pretty good time.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
This was my dress when I was a baby...
There is a professional portrait of me taken in this dress but my brother has all the old pictures. Perhaps he will scan it for me?This was my dress when I was a baby...
There is a professional portrait of me taken in this dress but my brother has all the old pictures. Perhaps he will scan it for me?Monday, July 12, 2010
Oh NO!
The most popular boy names in 2010 (so far) and girl names are in. I'll save you the time. Henry is #1 and Eleanor is #55.
I really liked Juliet and Zooey (Zoe) as alternatives to Eleanor but those are on there too. Silvia was also a fav of mine but I named E's doll that to console myself over not getting to name any more babies. It's not on there but Sylvia (with a Y) is.
There was also a good week when we thought we'd name her Mimi. Goes well with Voorhees.
I really liked Juliet and Zooey (Zoe) as alternatives to Eleanor but those are on there too. Silvia was also a fav of mine but I named E's doll that to console myself over not getting to name any more babies. It's not on there but Sylvia (with a Y) is.
There was also a good week when we thought we'd name her Mimi. Goes well with Voorhees.
Oh NO!
The most popular boy names in 2010 (so far) and girl names are in. I'll save you the time. Henry is #1 and Eleanor is #55.
I really liked Juliet and Zooey (Zoe) as alternatives to Eleanor but those are on there too. Silvia was also a fav of mine but I named E's doll that to console myself over not getting to name any more babies. It's not on there but Sylvia (with a Y) is.
There was also a good week when we thought we'd name her Mimi. Goes well with Voorhees.
I really liked Juliet and Zooey (Zoe) as alternatives to Eleanor but those are on there too. Silvia was also a fav of mine but I named E's doll that to console myself over not getting to name any more babies. It's not on there but Sylvia (with a Y) is.
There was also a good week when we thought we'd name her Mimi. Goes well with Voorhees.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Let's all chip in...
A friend of mine posted on her blog a video of the conditions that children in Serbia face if they are born mentally disabled (Down's Syndrome, etc.). I was absolutely horrified. She posted a link to help pay for adoptions b/c at age 4 they get institutionalized. Grab some Kleenex and watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1kbayAdlgg
I'm going to donate to Daniel who was born May 14, 2007. Same day as Henry. He does not have any funds yet. http://www.reecesrainbow.com/newsite/atriskwaiting.html
I'm going to donate to Daniel who was born May 14, 2007. Same day as Henry. He does not have any funds yet. http://www.reecesrainbow.com/newsite/atriskwaiting.html
Let's all chip in...
A friend of mine posted on her blog a video of the conditions that children in Serbia face if they are born mentally disabled (Down's Syndrome, etc.). I was absolutely horrified. She posted a link to help pay for adoptions b/c at age 4 they get institutionalized. Grab some Kleenex and watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1kbayAdlgg
I'm going to donate to Daniel who was born May 14, 2007. Same day as Henry. He does not have any funds yet. http://www.reecesrainbow.com/newsite/atriskwaiting.html
I'm going to donate to Daniel who was born May 14, 2007. Same day as Henry. He does not have any funds yet. http://www.reecesrainbow.com/newsite/atriskwaiting.html
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Silly girl...
This afternoon we went shopping and I got her some toys just for her (finally not Henry's toys!). She went with me on a few errands (she loves to people watch) and then we came home and strolled around the neighborhood, played on the front lawn with bubbles and swung in the swing. She ate some yogurt, an entire apricot, half a banana and a couple whole wheat crackers and then we had a bath and read books (not easy with her b/c she just wants to grab them from me the whole time) and then I sang and rocked and nursed and cuddled. I'm pretty exhausted, actually. So much for all my planned projects after she's in bed. I'm ready for the rest of my family to return now.
Silly girl...
This afternoon we went shopping and I got her some toys just for her (finally not Henry's toys!). She went with me on a few errands (she loves to people watch) and then we came home and strolled around the neighborhood, played on the front lawn with bubbles and swung in the swing. She ate some yogurt, an entire apricot, half a banana and a couple whole wheat crackers and then we had a bath and read books (not easy with her b/c she just wants to grab them from me the whole time) and then I sang and rocked and nursed and cuddled. I'm pretty exhausted, actually. So much for all my planned projects after she's in bed. I'm ready for the rest of my family to return now.
The weekend so far...
- It makes me kind of sad all the little things I miss out on because Eleanor rarely has my sole attention. For instance, last night when I was giving her her bath, I saw that she was sticking the rag back in the water after sucking all of the water out. She did this about three times before I wouldn't let her anymore but it was cool to see her purposefully doing something sort of complicated (for a baby). She also knows a few words--like milk. If I say that word she looks directly at the source, or if we are lying down and I say "milk?" she knows exactly what to do and she nudges up to me and opens her mouth really wide, like a baby birdie.
- Eleanor weighs 18 lbs. I sat her on our scale. Not completely accurate but close enough I'm sure.
- I forgot how boring it can be to be alone with a baby hour after hour. There are rare moments of boredom when Henry is here and I always have someone to talk to. It is a little lonely but I am getting a lot done. I've practically detailed the back of the house. E just watches and plays with toys. She's clean, well rested, fed and happy. When I was one on one with Henry back in the day I literally sat on the floor with him allllllll day and played with him. I didn't cook or clean. I barely showered. I just played with him. Like he would fall to pieces if he didn't have me two inches from him. I don't know how I did that.
The weekend so far...
- It makes me kind of sad all the little things I miss out on because Eleanor rarely has my sole attention. For instance, last night when I was giving her her bath, I saw that she was sticking the rag back in the water after sucking all of the water out. She did this about three times before I wouldn't let her anymore but it was cool to see her purposefully doing something sort of complicated (for a baby). She also knows a few words--like milk. If I say that word she looks directly at the source, or if we are lying down and I say "milk?" she knows exactly what to do and she nudges up to me and opens her mouth really wide, like a baby birdie.
- Eleanor weighs 18 lbs. I sat her on our scale. Not completely accurate but close enough I'm sure.
- I forgot how boring it can be to be alone with a baby hour after hour. There are rare moments of boredom when Henry is here and I always have someone to talk to. It is a little lonely but I am getting a lot done. I've practically detailed the back of the house. E just watches and plays with toys. She's clean, well rested, fed and happy. When I was one on one with Henry back in the day I literally sat on the floor with him allllllll day and played with him. I didn't cook or clean. I barely showered. I just played with him. Like he would fall to pieces if he didn't have me two inches from him. I don't know how I did that.
Friday, July 9, 2010
I have a feeling....
...there will be a lot of posts this weekend to make up for all the blog-neglect these last several weeks. Justin and Henry are in Dallas visiting Great-grandma who is in town celebrating her 80th birthday with all her children and grandchildren and now great grandchildren. I decided to stay home with Eleanor because the thought of her strapped in a car-seat for 4 hours (8 round trip) and then all the missed naps and strange surroundings--it's just too much (IMO) for a 7 month old--especially after her recent trip to Pittsburgh/Cleveland.
I have big plans for us. Probably a stroll around Town Lake. Some people watching down town. Maybe a museum. Who knows. I'm excited to have the one on one time with her. She's such an easy little thing. It's funny to me how perspectives change. If I had been left solo-parenting all weekend with Henry at 7 months I would have been distraught and this time it's almost like a vacation!
I have big plans for us. Probably a stroll around Town Lake. Some people watching down town. Maybe a museum. Who knows. I'm excited to have the one on one time with her. She's such an easy little thing. It's funny to me how perspectives change. If I had been left solo-parenting all weekend with Henry at 7 months I would have been distraught and this time it's almost like a vacation!
The ocean
Got this email from Henry's new teacher today. I feel extreme guilt that Henry has never seen the ocean. I wonder what will happen with the Gulf and if we should drive down there ASAP before the beach is closed indefinitely. What if it's like how Justin passed on an opportunity to see Nirvana at Trees thinking he could see them again another time?
Good Afternoon,
Good Afternoon,
We've had a great first week together. I've enjoyed getting to know everyone a little better. The theme for this session is the beach and ocean which is very timely since most of our friends have just returned from the beach or are headed there soon. We've had good discussions about the animals we would find in the ocean. We've also enjoyed exploring with the seashells in the sensory table.
As a group we made an ocean mural using various art mediums and techniques. We used blue finger paint to create our ocean. We discussed how the finger paint felt between our fingers as we spread it on the paper. We made coral and seaweed using glue and colored sand. Not only did this add texture to our picture, but it gave the chance to practice glue control with the bottles of glue. We practiced our cutting skills as we cutout starfish from sandpaper. To make the fish for our mural, we traced our hands. Then we painted them with watercolors. Painting with watercolors is more of an advanced skill. It requires a 3 step process: wetting the brush, dipping it in the paint, painting on the paper, and repeat. I think they all did a beautiful job on their fish. In fact, they are very proud of their work. So, we decided to display it outside our door for everyone to enjoy.
I have a feeling....
...there will be a lot of posts this weekend to make up for all the blog-neglect these last several weeks. Justin and Henry are in Dallas visiting Great-grandma who is in town celebrating her 80th birthday with all her children and grandchildren and now great grandchildren. I decided to stay home with Eleanor because the thought of her strapped in a car-seat for 4 hours (8 round trip) and then all the missed naps and strange surroundings--it's just too much (IMO) for a 7 month old--especially after her recent trip to Pittsburgh/Cleveland.
I have big plans for us. Probably a stroll around Town Lake. Some people watching down town. Maybe a museum. Who knows. I'm excited to have the one on one time with her. She's such an easy little thing. It's funny to me how perspectives change. If I had been left solo-parenting all weekend with Henry at 7 months I would have been distraught and this time it's almost like a vacation!
I have big plans for us. Probably a stroll around Town Lake. Some people watching down town. Maybe a museum. Who knows. I'm excited to have the one on one time with her. She's such an easy little thing. It's funny to me how perspectives change. If I had been left solo-parenting all weekend with Henry at 7 months I would have been distraught and this time it's almost like a vacation!
The ocean
Got this email from Henry's new teacher today. I feel extreme guilt that Henry has never seen the ocean. I wonder what will happen with the Gulf and if we should drive down there ASAP before the beach is closed indefinitely. What if it's like how Justin passed on an opportunity to see Nirvana at Trees thinking he could see them again another time?
Good Afternoon,
Good Afternoon,
We've had a great first week together. I've enjoyed getting to know everyone a little better. The theme for this session is the beach and ocean which is very timely since most of our friends have just returned from the beach or are headed there soon. We've had good discussions about the animals we would find in the ocean. We've also enjoyed exploring with the seashells in the sensory table.
As a group we made an ocean mural using various art mediums and techniques. We used blue finger paint to create our ocean. We discussed how the finger paint felt between our fingers as we spread it on the paper. We made coral and seaweed using glue and colored sand. Not only did this add texture to our picture, but it gave the chance to practice glue control with the bottles of glue. We practiced our cutting skills as we cutout starfish from sandpaper. To make the fish for our mural, we traced our hands. Then we painted them with watercolors. Painting with watercolors is more of an advanced skill. It requires a 3 step process: wetting the brush, dipping it in the paint, painting on the paper, and repeat. I think they all did a beautiful job on their fish. In fact, they are very proud of their work. So, we decided to display it outside our door for everyone to enjoy.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Totally unrelated...
But this is why I love this state...it's just hilarious to live here. I hope Eleanor and Henry grow up to be proud Texans.
Totally unrelated...
But this is why I love this state...it's just hilarious to live here. I hope Eleanor and Henry grow up to be proud Texans.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Eleanor's first trip...
We had a really great time in Pittsburgh. On the Delta flight there we had a window seat next to two baby hatin' business travelers who made the flight impossibly long for me but the flight home was Continental and I can not begin to tell you how much better that airline is than Delta. More room. More amenities. Kinder service and therefore kinder fellow travelers. It was night and day.
Eleanor was in a pretty great mood most of the 4 days despite getting on average 4 to 5 hours less sleep per day. She is not at that age anymore where she'll just sleep anywhere. She refused to sleep in her stroller or the carrier. I had to go to my Austin-friend-now-living-in-Pittsburgh Beth's house to borrow her Pack N Play because Eleanor was so particular about sleeping. Beth has a beautiful 4 week old baby girl and I was happy to get to see her and also reminded of how awesome it is to be holding my smiley 7 month old knowing I will never have to care for a newborn again. That period goes by fast but damn it's hard while you're in it.
Anyway, we did not work around Eleanor's nap schedule and just did what we wanted and brought her sleep deprived self along. She went to several restaurants and for long walks around the neighborhood in the stroller. The round trip to Cleveland was somewhat painful but luckily only an hour and a half.
My friend's shower was insane. Probably over a hundred people there and friends I had not seen since middle school. Everyone looked almost the same. How is that possible 20 something years later?
Here are some pictures taken by my brother.
Highlights of the trip were food of course and seeing family and Marci. I enjoyed the best spaghetti meal ever at my brothers, some slammin' Thai food, yummy eye-talian, amazing pizza, and probably some of the greatest pancakes ever made. I'll have to ask my brother to add links to this post in case you're curious.
Happy to be home but glad to have gone.
Eleanor was in a pretty great mood most of the 4 days despite getting on average 4 to 5 hours less sleep per day. She is not at that age anymore where she'll just sleep anywhere. She refused to sleep in her stroller or the carrier. I had to go to my Austin-friend-now-living-in-Pittsburgh Beth's house to borrow her Pack N Play because Eleanor was so particular about sleeping. Beth has a beautiful 4 week old baby girl and I was happy to get to see her and also reminded of how awesome it is to be holding my smiley 7 month old knowing I will never have to care for a newborn again. That period goes by fast but damn it's hard while you're in it.
Anyway, we did not work around Eleanor's nap schedule and just did what we wanted and brought her sleep deprived self along. She went to several restaurants and for long walks around the neighborhood in the stroller. The round trip to Cleveland was somewhat painful but luckily only an hour and a half.
My friend's shower was insane. Probably over a hundred people there and friends I had not seen since middle school. Everyone looked almost the same. How is that possible 20 something years later?
Here are some pictures taken by my brother.
Highlights of the trip were food of course and seeing family and Marci. I enjoyed the best spaghetti meal ever at my brothers, some slammin' Thai food, yummy eye-talian, amazing pizza, and probably some of the greatest pancakes ever made. I'll have to ask my brother to add links to this post in case you're curious.
Happy to be home but glad to have gone.
Eleanor's first trip...
We had a really great time in Pittsburgh. On the Delta flight there we had a window seat next to two baby hatin' business travelers who made the flight impossibly long for me but the flight home was Continental and I can not begin to tell you how much better that airline is than Delta. More room. More amenities. Kinder service and therefore kinder fellow travelers. It was night and day.
Eleanor was in a pretty great mood most of the 4 days despite getting on average 4 to 5 hours less sleep per day. She is not at that age anymore where she'll just sleep anywhere. She refused to sleep in her stroller or the carrier. I had to go to my Austin-friend-now-living-in-Pittsburgh Beth's house to borrow her Pack N Play because Eleanor was so particular about sleeping. Beth has a beautiful 4 week old baby girl and I was happy to get to see her and also reminded of how awesome it is to be holding my smiley 7 month old knowing I will never have to care for a newborn again. That period goes by fast but damn it's hard while you're in it.
Anyway, we did not work around Eleanor's nap schedule and just did what we wanted and brought her sleep deprived self along. She went to several restaurants and for long walks around the neighborhood in the stroller. The round trip to Cleveland was somewhat painful but luckily only an hour and a half.
My friend's shower was insane. Probably over a hundred people there and friends I had not seen since middle school. Everyone looked almost the same. How is that possible 20 something years later?
Here are some pictures taken by my brother.
Highlights of the trip were food of course and seeing family and Marci. I enjoyed the best spaghetti meal ever at my brothers, some slammin' Thai food, yummy eye-talian, amazing pizza, and probably some of the greatest pancakes ever made. I'll have to ask my brother to add links to this post in case you're curious.
Happy to be home but glad to have gone.
Eleanor was in a pretty great mood most of the 4 days despite getting on average 4 to 5 hours less sleep per day. She is not at that age anymore where she'll just sleep anywhere. She refused to sleep in her stroller or the carrier. I had to go to my Austin-friend-now-living-in-Pittsburgh Beth's house to borrow her Pack N Play because Eleanor was so particular about sleeping. Beth has a beautiful 4 week old baby girl and I was happy to get to see her and also reminded of how awesome it is to be holding my smiley 7 month old knowing I will never have to care for a newborn again. That period goes by fast but damn it's hard while you're in it.
Anyway, we did not work around Eleanor's nap schedule and just did what we wanted and brought her sleep deprived self along. She went to several restaurants and for long walks around the neighborhood in the stroller. The round trip to Cleveland was somewhat painful but luckily only an hour and a half.
My friend's shower was insane. Probably over a hundred people there and friends I had not seen since middle school. Everyone looked almost the same. How is that possible 20 something years later?
Here are some pictures taken by my brother.
Highlights of the trip were food of course and seeing family and Marci. I enjoyed the best spaghetti meal ever at my brothers, some slammin' Thai food, yummy eye-talian, amazing pizza, and probably some of the greatest pancakes ever made. I'll have to ask my brother to add links to this post in case you're curious.
Happy to be home but glad to have gone.
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