I revert back to my original stance -- this weekend just sucks. I learned today that a friend of mine lost her Grandmother this morning. I know it's a blessing in itself to be out of college with living grandparents - but I really wish we could celebrate Thanksgiving by giving Thanks, not by attending funerals.
Just when I was getting over the news from my friend, I received two messages from my friends and neighbors back in Perrysburg. Our next door neighbor, John, lost his fight with a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer this afternoon. He was 39. He has three amazing kids - 16,14 and 11. I'm reeling from the news. He was diagnosed sometime this spring. It hasn't been long. Atticus had so much fun over at their house this past summer. He shouted good morning across the fence to John and Michelle daily and was always asking if he could come to the pool or bounce on the trampoline with their youngest daughter. It's heart breaking...
So - even as my kids are acting up and being total pain in the tushes -- I'm going to go give them and my husband a big hug and kiss and be thankful for each day I have here.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
For Real
I'm now officially a parent. I have been woken up in the middle of the night -- gone into check on my three year old when he looks at me a bit funny (it's barely 5 am mind you) and says "I don't want this." What baby I ask and he holds out his hand. In my sleep induced state, I reach out to take what he's handing me only to discover it's a fistful of vomit. Fantastic. I can see where the rest of my morning is going...
Little man proceeding to barf off and on for about 2 hours. Somewhere around 8 am the diarrhea started. I was cursing my decision to get rid of all the pull-ups when I remembered there was still a small stash of size 6 Pampers. None of this however seems to have slowed Atticus down a bit. He's still been running, jumping, sliding, bouncing and everything in between since this morning. I had just put him down for nap and gotten about halfway down the stairs when he announced he needed to go poop again. 45 minutes later he went down for his nap.
He's been running a low fever - I haven't even bothered to measure it - but seems to be acting totally normal. Let's hope it's just the 24 hour stomach bug that's been making the rounds...
Little man proceeding to barf off and on for about 2 hours. Somewhere around 8 am the diarrhea started. I was cursing my decision to get rid of all the pull-ups when I remembered there was still a small stash of size 6 Pampers. None of this however seems to have slowed Atticus down a bit. He's still been running, jumping, sliding, bouncing and everything in between since this morning. I had just put him down for nap and gotten about halfway down the stairs when he announced he needed to go poop again. 45 minutes later he went down for his nap.
He's been running a low fever - I haven't even bothered to measure it - but seems to be acting totally normal. Let's hope it's just the 24 hour stomach bug that's been making the rounds...
Friday, November 25, 2011
Big Boy Bed
Can I get a hallelujah? The conversion kit for Atticus's crib is FINALLY here. Now we just have to drive across the Ponchatrain to pick it up. Yes - totally serious. My little man will not be sleeping in a crib when he leaves for college.
Of course, since I'm travelling this week -- Greg will probably pick up the kit and we'll wait until next week to assemble the big boy bed. That also buys us a week to purchase a mattress, but this weekend may be a great time to find one ??? possibly if there are Black Friday type deals at mattress stores. I'm off to do a wee bit of research momentarily.
I really wish there was a Hobby Lobby close by however... we will finally have the crib converted to the full sized bed, we have some new Hungry Catterpillar sheets from Bubbe and Pops (which he absolutely can not wait to use), some new big boy bedding in Navy, and all we'll be missing are some good accent pieces. I have some cool things I found on Craigslist ages ago that will get incorporated somehow including 4 navy blue airplane shaped pegs (like for towels or backpacks) as well as a red propellar that has has 3 silver "hangers" on each side. Apparently I thought Atticus was going to need to hang a lot of things in his room? Anywho, since he still loves planes and cars -- I'm going to stick with planes for the moment. I love that the bedding is so bright (although it is a tad more muted in person) but the main colors are a deep blue and red, so we can move without issue from sports themes to airplanes to race cars to just about anything else. And that is why I wish there was a HB closer by. I'm going to peruse the online store -- and hopefully I can find what I *think* I saw in a store ages ago!! Gotta love it.
I still want to get the Euro Pillow Sham (probably with the personalization because I'm dorky like that) that matches the quilt. We have the lamp coming as a Hanukkah present.... I should have been stocking up on PB Kids stuff when I worked at Pottery Barn so many years ago. Oy...
Ok... I'm supposed to be working on a million things other than the blog right now -- but this was a nice break!
Of course, since I'm travelling this week -- Greg will probably pick up the kit and we'll wait until next week to assemble the big boy bed. That also buys us a week to purchase a mattress, but this weekend may be a great time to find one ??? possibly if there are Black Friday type deals at mattress stores. I'm off to do a wee bit of research momentarily.
I really wish there was a Hobby Lobby close by however... we will finally have the crib converted to the full sized bed, we have some new Hungry Catterpillar sheets from Bubbe and Pops (which he absolutely can not wait to use), some new big boy bedding in Navy, and all we'll be missing are some good accent pieces. I have some cool things I found on Craigslist ages ago that will get incorporated somehow including 4 navy blue airplane shaped pegs (like for towels or backpacks) as well as a red propellar that has has 3 silver "hangers" on each side. Apparently I thought Atticus was going to need to hang a lot of things in his room? Anywho, since he still loves planes and cars -- I'm going to stick with planes for the moment. I love that the bedding is so bright (although it is a tad more muted in person) but the main colors are a deep blue and red, so we can move without issue from sports themes to airplanes to race cars to just about anything else. And that is why I wish there was a HB closer by. I'm going to peruse the online store -- and hopefully I can find what I *think* I saw in a store ages ago!! Gotta love it.
I still want to get the Euro Pillow Sham (probably with the personalization because I'm dorky like that) that matches the quilt. We have the lamp coming as a Hanukkah present.... I should have been stocking up on PB Kids stuff when I worked at Pottery Barn so many years ago. Oy...
Ok... I'm supposed to be working on a million things other than the blog right now -- but this was a nice break!
I Loved Her First
If you were at our wedding, you may or may not recall the song that played when I danced with my Dad. It was I Loved Her First by Heartland. I still cry when I hear the song...
Well, I don't even know how I came across these -- probably while browsing on Pinterest, but I found these cufflinks on Etsy. I've decided that I absolutely must get them and put them away for Wren to give to Greg sometime way way way in the future. I actually told Greg about them -- but I'm hoping that 28 years or so from now he'll have forgotten. :-)
Well, I don't even know how I came across these -- probably while browsing on Pinterest, but I found these cufflinks on Etsy. I've decided that I absolutely must get them and put them away for Wren to give to Greg sometime way way way in the future. I actually told Greg about them -- but I'm hoping that 28 years or so from now he'll have forgotten. :-)
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Lagging.
I've been a bad blogger lately. Not sure why really -- just haven't felt the spark I suppose.
Things are picking up in pace around here. We've decided to stay home for Thanksgiving and I'm planning a mini feast. I picked up a small Butterball Turkey Breast which just moved from the freezer to the fridge. I'm going for the not so fancy, but ever popular green bean casserole, my cousin Sarah's absolutely delish sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, bourbon cranberries, rolls and pumpkin pie. I really want to make the butternut squash bread pudding too -- but I'm afraid I'm already at the overkill level since who knows how much the littles will actually eat. I may pick up some brie today at the store for leftover sandwiches. I saw this yummy looking post for turkey and cranberry monte cristo sandwiches.
I've been doing more cooking lately. Part of my obsession with the site Pinterest is you can visually search for food. Sounds odd - and I suppose a lot depends on the quality of the photograph -- but I've found some new recipes. We made these Chicken Enchilada Puffs last night and while the kids weren't huge fans -- Greg and I both liked them. Have I mentioned that I stopped cooking separate meals for the kids? Yep -- they get what we get. Oh -- I make some kid friendly sides -- past few nights have included edamame, sweet corn, sweet potato fries, etc -- but there is only one main dish. Like it or leave it. We haven't had a ton of success yet -- but it's a work in process. I thought surely Wren would have loved the White Castle little slider sandwiches the other night, considering her love of beef, but maybe it was an off night? Eh... at least I'm trying and they're trying too...
Wren's finally feeling a bit better. She and I finally got to meet Dr. Glick yesterday for her 18 month checkup. I'd post her stats, but I actually didn't write them down -- plus the PA weighed her in her clothes and before I changed her diaper! Totally threw off the weight for the day I promise!! Dr. Glick was totally floored by how vocal Wren is -- her vocabulary is huge for 18 months. I mean, I knew she had a relatively large vocab -- but sounds like it's even more impressive than I thought. Figures though... our little songbird came out wailing so it was only a matter of time before those wails turned into words. Her cough is getting better - but still hanging on a wee bit. She's now on Zyrtec and Nasonex to clear up any extra drainage and she's just finished a round of antibiotics in an attempt to clear up any sinus infection that may still be lingering. We're going to continue the antibiotics for a few more days until she's symptom free for 5-7 days. Then -- if the cough returns, she's off to see an allergist, immunologist and who knows who else for a bit more digging into the long term cough. We've pretty much ruled out asthma -- I have asthma -- and this just doesn't fit the profile. So -- that leaves a possible infection in the adnoids that hasn't wanted to clear, keeps coming and going... a possible reaction to the Prevnar vaccine, an undiagnosed allergy (to who knows what...) and I think those were the only things mentioned yesterday. Dr. Glick really did spend her time listening to my concerns though and asking a ton of questions about when/why/how. I was much happier with her than the other two doctors I've seen thus far... Of course, she's the one who was recommended by Dr. Owens who we adore! Otherwise, Wren is doing great.
Atticus is a enjoying soccer, but it's a bit of a mixed bag of results thus far. He's so excited to go, and he's paying more attention than I gave him credit for initially -- but when the "team" breaks for halftime/break -- he starts to lose interest. Bummer. Maybe soccer won't be his cup of tea, but it's been good for his listening skills, coordination and just general outside activity. There are a few kids from his class at soccer, so that's been helpful to have a couple familiar faces. One little boy, Davis, is a cutie. He is about 6 months older than Atticus and he always comes and sits next to him before class. I'm not really sure why since during the first class Atticus bopped him on the head for no apparent reason! But, Davis has taken to Atti and tries to help him out. It's good to watch.
Atticus has been asking lately for swim lessons. I definitely think we'll be signing up for those at the JCC this year. His memory recall of certain events never ceases to amaze. It was in the bath a couple weeks ago that Atti was recalling how I dove off the diving board at my parent's pool this summer. That's what has sparked his desire to "swim like a fishy under the water". Although, the recent trip to the Audubon Aquarium probably had something to do with it too! If the weather cooperates this weekend, maybe it's time for us to bite the bullet and become members of the zoo and aquarium. The kids really had a blast. Atticus keeps talking about petting the "sting rags" on the nose and Wren is fascinated with penguins.
Things are picking up in pace around here. We've decided to stay home for Thanksgiving and I'm planning a mini feast. I picked up a small Butterball Turkey Breast which just moved from the freezer to the fridge. I'm going for the not so fancy, but ever popular green bean casserole, my cousin Sarah's absolutely delish sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, bourbon cranberries, rolls and pumpkin pie. I really want to make the butternut squash bread pudding too -- but I'm afraid I'm already at the overkill level since who knows how much the littles will actually eat. I may pick up some brie today at the store for leftover sandwiches. I saw this yummy looking post for turkey and cranberry monte cristo sandwiches.
I've been doing more cooking lately. Part of my obsession with the site Pinterest is you can visually search for food. Sounds odd - and I suppose a lot depends on the quality of the photograph -- but I've found some new recipes. We made these Chicken Enchilada Puffs last night and while the kids weren't huge fans -- Greg and I both liked them. Have I mentioned that I stopped cooking separate meals for the kids? Yep -- they get what we get. Oh -- I make some kid friendly sides -- past few nights have included edamame, sweet corn, sweet potato fries, etc -- but there is only one main dish. Like it or leave it. We haven't had a ton of success yet -- but it's a work in process. I thought surely Wren would have loved the White Castle little slider sandwiches the other night, considering her love of beef, but maybe it was an off night? Eh... at least I'm trying and they're trying too...
Wren's finally feeling a bit better. She and I finally got to meet Dr. Glick yesterday for her 18 month checkup. I'd post her stats, but I actually didn't write them down -- plus the PA weighed her in her clothes and before I changed her diaper! Totally threw off the weight for the day I promise!! Dr. Glick was totally floored by how vocal Wren is -- her vocabulary is huge for 18 months. I mean, I knew she had a relatively large vocab -- but sounds like it's even more impressive than I thought. Figures though... our little songbird came out wailing so it was only a matter of time before those wails turned into words. Her cough is getting better - but still hanging on a wee bit. She's now on Zyrtec and Nasonex to clear up any extra drainage and she's just finished a round of antibiotics in an attempt to clear up any sinus infection that may still be lingering. We're going to continue the antibiotics for a few more days until she's symptom free for 5-7 days. Then -- if the cough returns, she's off to see an allergist, immunologist and who knows who else for a bit more digging into the long term cough. We've pretty much ruled out asthma -- I have asthma -- and this just doesn't fit the profile. So -- that leaves a possible infection in the adnoids that hasn't wanted to clear, keeps coming and going... a possible reaction to the Prevnar vaccine, an undiagnosed allergy (to who knows what...) and I think those were the only things mentioned yesterday. Dr. Glick really did spend her time listening to my concerns though and asking a ton of questions about when/why/how. I was much happier with her than the other two doctors I've seen thus far... Of course, she's the one who was recommended by Dr. Owens who we adore! Otherwise, Wren is doing great.
Atticus is a enjoying soccer, but it's a bit of a mixed bag of results thus far. He's so excited to go, and he's paying more attention than I gave him credit for initially -- but when the "team" breaks for halftime/break -- he starts to lose interest. Bummer. Maybe soccer won't be his cup of tea, but it's been good for his listening skills, coordination and just general outside activity. There are a few kids from his class at soccer, so that's been helpful to have a couple familiar faces. One little boy, Davis, is a cutie. He is about 6 months older than Atticus and he always comes and sits next to him before class. I'm not really sure why since during the first class Atticus bopped him on the head for no apparent reason! But, Davis has taken to Atti and tries to help him out. It's good to watch.
Atticus has been asking lately for swim lessons. I definitely think we'll be signing up for those at the JCC this year. His memory recall of certain events never ceases to amaze. It was in the bath a couple weeks ago that Atti was recalling how I dove off the diving board at my parent's pool this summer. That's what has sparked his desire to "swim like a fishy under the water". Although, the recent trip to the Audubon Aquarium probably had something to do with it too! If the weather cooperates this weekend, maybe it's time for us to bite the bullet and become members of the zoo and aquarium. The kids really had a blast. Atticus keeps talking about petting the "sting rags" on the nose and Wren is fascinated with penguins.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Thanksgiving 2011
I don't know what to do. We aren't travelling anywhere but we don't know very many folks yet here in NOLA. I used to hate Thanksgiving to be honest. Not the holiday itself but the events that always seem to happen during the extended 4 day weekend. For a long time, I associated the holiday with funerals. It wasn't pleasant. But -- while out in California, Nicole and I decided to make a change -- and honestly since then, I really enjoy Thanksgiving. I had an absolute blast the year we went to Disney Land. Really. That was fun. I've had great memories since then as well with my family in Austin and last year having all of the Baden's out to our house in Ohio. I think we pulled off a fantastic feast last year if I do say so myself.
So... what are we to do next week? The fact that we don't have any plans is weighing on my mind. Should I still make a full dinner for the four of us? Should I try to find someone here whose family we can join? Drive to Houston where we can hang out with our "closest" friends? I don't know.
But, I'm already craving butternut squash, stuffing, turkey, green beans, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie!!
Hmmmm -- what to do, what to do.
So... what are we to do next week? The fact that we don't have any plans is weighing on my mind. Should I still make a full dinner for the four of us? Should I try to find someone here whose family we can join? Drive to Houston where we can hang out with our "closest" friends? I don't know.
But, I'm already craving butternut squash, stuffing, turkey, green beans, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie!!
Hmmmm -- what to do, what to do.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Whew.
I promise, we've been busy. We've been busy with everything under the sun it seems like including another round of sick that's made the rounds. Poor Wren seems to have gotten the brunt of it. She's still coughing - and now she's got a sinus infection and possibly a new tooth to add to her misery. She just got over a stomach bug of some unknown variety last week and now this! It's so hard when you know something hurts, but you don't know what!!!
We've also begun in earnest our search for housing and preschools for New York City. The big decision that needs to be made is suburbs vs. city living. That's one. The second is whether or not we apply for private pre-K or just start off at a stand alone nursery school and then really get into the mess of things the following year. Oy vey. It's really stressful.
We have found several schools that sound great. My favorite at the moment is called Avenues. It's a brand new school slated to open in September 2012. The credentials of those founding the school are amazing and I really believe in their philosophy. So... do we give it a go? If we get in, Atticus could possibly be one of the first kids to start at the brand new school and follow through to graduation. That would be kind of cool. I love that this is the first campus of several others that are planned all over the world. I love the international and global flair. I love that the program is nursery through graduation. I don't love the $40K a year tuition. Yes, you read that right. $40,000 EVERY YEAR. Good grief, that's way more than my own college education and it downright rivals the cost of Greg's masters and law degrees! A huge consideration.
Then there's little birdie. Where will she go? She's too young for formal "nursery" school -- so she will be at a different location from Atticus most likely. Oy. Just try to imagine the logistics of getting one off to daycare, one off to pre-K, one off to the big "firm" job and me off to the home office (I hope) or possibly the local NYC office. I know millions of folks do actually do it -- but HOW? Or rather, how do they do all that and still manage to run a house (laundry, cooking, cleaning)? I was half serious and half joking -- but I've asked our neighbor from Ohio if she wants to move up there with us for a bit! She's trying to figure out where her life is headed -- and NYC is a great place for her. And, if there's the added bonus of a place to stay for her if she helps ferry the kids off to school(s) while getting her own ducks in a row. It would sort of buy some time for both of us. Might work, might not -- but something to add to the mix of things to ponder!
Oh... we've also started our soccer lessons with Atticus, our weekly OT sessions and a parenting seminar. It's a wee bit crazy.
We don't have any plans yet for the holidays, so if you find that you too are "homeless" and in need of some attention - please let us know and you'll always be welcome here in NOLA!!
Oh, and I have tons of new pics and videos. I'm trying to get Picasa to automatically sync with my iPhotos -- so let me know if you are having trouble accessing anything. It's still a work in progress (with me ending up with more versions of the same picture that I care to admit -- but that's just some behind the scenes clean-up that I need to deal with!).
We've also begun in earnest our search for housing and preschools for New York City. The big decision that needs to be made is suburbs vs. city living. That's one. The second is whether or not we apply for private pre-K or just start off at a stand alone nursery school and then really get into the mess of things the following year. Oy vey. It's really stressful.
We have found several schools that sound great. My favorite at the moment is called Avenues. It's a brand new school slated to open in September 2012. The credentials of those founding the school are amazing and I really believe in their philosophy. So... do we give it a go? If we get in, Atticus could possibly be one of the first kids to start at the brand new school and follow through to graduation. That would be kind of cool. I love that this is the first campus of several others that are planned all over the world. I love the international and global flair. I love that the program is nursery through graduation. I don't love the $40K a year tuition. Yes, you read that right. $40,000 EVERY YEAR. Good grief, that's way more than my own college education and it downright rivals the cost of Greg's masters and law degrees! A huge consideration.
Then there's little birdie. Where will she go? She's too young for formal "nursery" school -- so she will be at a different location from Atticus most likely. Oy. Just try to imagine the logistics of getting one off to daycare, one off to pre-K, one off to the big "firm" job and me off to the home office (I hope) or possibly the local NYC office. I know millions of folks do actually do it -- but HOW? Or rather, how do they do all that and still manage to run a house (laundry, cooking, cleaning)? I was half serious and half joking -- but I've asked our neighbor from Ohio if she wants to move up there with us for a bit! She's trying to figure out where her life is headed -- and NYC is a great place for her. And, if there's the added bonus of a place to stay for her if she helps ferry the kids off to school(s) while getting her own ducks in a row. It would sort of buy some time for both of us. Might work, might not -- but something to add to the mix of things to ponder!
Oh... we've also started our soccer lessons with Atticus, our weekly OT sessions and a parenting seminar. It's a wee bit crazy.
We don't have any plans yet for the holidays, so if you find that you too are "homeless" and in need of some attention - please let us know and you'll always be welcome here in NOLA!!
Oh, and I have tons of new pics and videos. I'm trying to get Picasa to automatically sync with my iPhotos -- so let me know if you are having trouble accessing anything. It's still a work in progress (with me ending up with more versions of the same picture that I care to admit -- but that's just some behind the scenes clean-up that I need to deal with!).
Friday, November 4, 2011
Sensory Bin
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