Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
This is the story of a girl....
2014 had its highs and lows. I really do try to focus on those highs, but the lows keep coming back to haunt us.
During the last year we attended 3 funerals for my husband's family. He lost his great grandmother, godmother, and grandmother, in that order, in less than 6 months.
Cancer is not friendly, and we honestly looked around in mid-December and told ourselves that 2015 had to be better.
In August, we traveled to Williamsburg to watch his cousin and his fiancé become man and wife. It was 3 hours in the car, each way, with James, in a 24 hour period, but we were there.
Why?
Once upon a time we had a cat. And A's cousin was engaged to someone he'd been with for over 5 years. She was nice, and I liked her, but if you ask my FIL he will tell you that she wasn't the girl for him.
We had a cat, Shadow, and James was crawling. They didn't get along. It was April 2012 when our cousin adopted Shadow, giving him a new quiet life, and proving that James was allergic to cat dander.
Within 2 months the engagement had been called off. No one knew what happened, only that there was angst on Facebook, and asking questions would have been rude.
Fast forward to December of 2012. That side of the family gathered for Christmas at an uncle's house, and there we met our cousin's new girl.
See, apparently he was deployed for a week (GO NAVY!) and needed someone to take care of Shadow. I'm not sure how it happened, but she was chosen as cat sitter, and I don't think they've been apart for long ever since. She opted not to enlist in the Air Force because she couldn't think of being apart from him, and he was so happy to introduce her that it was as if it was all meant to be.
Thanks to the cat.
So, when the wedding date came up, there was no way we were going to miss it. She arrived in a carriage drawn by a Clydesdale, and it really was just perfect.
They were here for Thanksgiving, and we all laughed about the plans she had, which included starting a family very, very soon. To say that everyone was thrilled about the amazingly adorable babies they were going to bring into the world would be an understatement. They are both in their mid-twenties, happy, and with everything ahead of them.
Which brings me back to cancer sucking.
Because she was diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkins and now life is changing.
So why the sudden post after so much silence from me?
Because they deserve the chance to have a family. So I am asking anyone who sees this to share this link and maybe somehow they will get the donations needed to help make sure that that option is made available to them.
Give the Gift of New Life to Katlyn and Daniel
Come on, Internets. Let's help something good come of all this.
During the last year we attended 3 funerals for my husband's family. He lost his great grandmother, godmother, and grandmother, in that order, in less than 6 months.
Cancer is not friendly, and we honestly looked around in mid-December and told ourselves that 2015 had to be better.
In August, we traveled to Williamsburg to watch his cousin and his fiancé become man and wife. It was 3 hours in the car, each way, with James, in a 24 hour period, but we were there.
Why?
Once upon a time we had a cat. And A's cousin was engaged to someone he'd been with for over 5 years. She was nice, and I liked her, but if you ask my FIL he will tell you that she wasn't the girl for him.
We had a cat, Shadow, and James was crawling. They didn't get along. It was April 2012 when our cousin adopted Shadow, giving him a new quiet life, and proving that James was allergic to cat dander.
Within 2 months the engagement had been called off. No one knew what happened, only that there was angst on Facebook, and asking questions would have been rude.
Fast forward to December of 2012. That side of the family gathered for Christmas at an uncle's house, and there we met our cousin's new girl.
See, apparently he was deployed for a week (GO NAVY!) and needed someone to take care of Shadow. I'm not sure how it happened, but she was chosen as cat sitter, and I don't think they've been apart for long ever since. She opted not to enlist in the Air Force because she couldn't think of being apart from him, and he was so happy to introduce her that it was as if it was all meant to be.
Thanks to the cat.
So, when the wedding date came up, there was no way we were going to miss it. She arrived in a carriage drawn by a Clydesdale, and it really was just perfect.
They were here for Thanksgiving, and we all laughed about the plans she had, which included starting a family very, very soon. To say that everyone was thrilled about the amazingly adorable babies they were going to bring into the world would be an understatement. They are both in their mid-twenties, happy, and with everything ahead of them.
Which brings me back to cancer sucking.
Because she was diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkins and now life is changing.
So why the sudden post after so much silence from me?
Because they deserve the chance to have a family. So I am asking anyone who sees this to share this link and maybe somehow they will get the donations needed to help make sure that that option is made available to them.
Give the Gift of New Life to Katlyn and Daniel
Come on, Internets. Let's help something good come of all this.
Friday, July 11, 2014
If You Are Still Out There, I Have A Story To Share
You deserve to laugh on a Friday. I just hope if you are ready that you enjoy potty humor.
Literally.
James is now 3, and not potty trained.
Please no judgement. His usage of words is still not a lot, but he talks enough and knows things. We get a new word a day, at minimum, that we didn't even know he knew.
That being said, I didn't want to potty train someone who wouldn't tell us what he needed to do. He says "potty", but only when he is in front of it in the bathroom. Otherwise he does his thing, and has taken to letting us know when he wants to actually be changed.
I have to note here that diaper changing is by his choice. Unless he is uncomfortable, if you attempt to change him just cause he will fight. Kid knows how to kick.
What I find interesting are his choices of words for things.
Since we are discussing diapers, let's go with this as examples.
We have a membership at the local recreation center that has an indoor pool. We go at least 3 times a week, and James has a blast. I'll tell you more about his time there another day.
Before going in the water, someone needs a swim diaper. The ones we have are Huggies, and they place Disney characters all over them. James has some Disney toys, and immediately recognized Nemo on them.
Mind you, he has never seen the movie. He just knows that the orange fish has a name, and that is Nemo.
After a few trips to the pool, James has taken to calling the swim diapers Nemo. As in, we ask him if he wants to go the to the pool and he drops his shorts and says "Nemo!". That is our indicator that he needs to be changed into the appropriate swim gear.
At home, things are a little more interesting.
Again, he doesn't want you to change him until he is ready. If you attempt to change him because you can smell what he has done, he will run and hide in a closet. That is an indication he has not finished pooping.
And once he has finished, then you know that he is ready cause he will come grab you by the hand and say, "Ewwwwwww".
Seriously not kidding on that one. He is trying to lead his victim to the place where his wipes are, while saying "Ewwwwwww" to warn you as to what is to come.
That isn't even the funniest part of all this......
We use Huggies for his normal diapers. Again, covered in Disney. Specifically Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.
Can you guess what he says when he has a pee soaked diaper that needs removal?
Yeah. My son grabs at the front of his pants, which cover his diaper, and says, "Mickey Mouse!"
Some day we will have to teach him the correct thing to say, but for now it's a little amusing to be told it's time to change someone's pee by hearing the name of a beloved Disney character.
Literally.
James is now 3, and not potty trained.
Please no judgement. His usage of words is still not a lot, but he talks enough and knows things. We get a new word a day, at minimum, that we didn't even know he knew.
That being said, I didn't want to potty train someone who wouldn't tell us what he needed to do. He says "potty", but only when he is in front of it in the bathroom. Otherwise he does his thing, and has taken to letting us know when he wants to actually be changed.
I have to note here that diaper changing is by his choice. Unless he is uncomfortable, if you attempt to change him just cause he will fight. Kid knows how to kick.
What I find interesting are his choices of words for things.
Since we are discussing diapers, let's go with this as examples.
We have a membership at the local recreation center that has an indoor pool. We go at least 3 times a week, and James has a blast. I'll tell you more about his time there another day.
Before going in the water, someone needs a swim diaper. The ones we have are Huggies, and they place Disney characters all over them. James has some Disney toys, and immediately recognized Nemo on them.
Mind you, he has never seen the movie. He just knows that the orange fish has a name, and that is Nemo.
After a few trips to the pool, James has taken to calling the swim diapers Nemo. As in, we ask him if he wants to go the to the pool and he drops his shorts and says "Nemo!". That is our indicator that he needs to be changed into the appropriate swim gear.
At home, things are a little more interesting.
Again, he doesn't want you to change him until he is ready. If you attempt to change him because you can smell what he has done, he will run and hide in a closet. That is an indication he has not finished pooping.
And once he has finished, then you know that he is ready cause he will come grab you by the hand and say, "Ewwwwwww".
Seriously not kidding on that one. He is trying to lead his victim to the place where his wipes are, while saying "Ewwwwwww" to warn you as to what is to come.
That isn't even the funniest part of all this......
We use Huggies for his normal diapers. Again, covered in Disney. Specifically Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.
Can you guess what he says when he has a pee soaked diaper that needs removal?
Yeah. My son grabs at the front of his pants, which cover his diaper, and says, "Mickey Mouse!"
Some day we will have to teach him the correct thing to say, but for now it's a little amusing to be told it's time to change someone's pee by hearing the name of a beloved Disney character.
Friday, February 14, 2014
Love - True Undconditional Love
James loves me for no other reason than I am his and have been since the moment I knew I was pregnant.
Even before then.
Today I am watching him snuggle in our huge bed, smile back when he smiles at me, and run to snuggle when he points at the pillow next to him.
No parent should ever have to outlive their child.
My heart is breaking for a family in CA who had to say goodbye to their 6 year old daughter. I only became familiar with their story in the last month or so through another friend.
People I don't know and I can't stop grieving for them.
Even before then.
Today I am watching him snuggle in our huge bed, smile back when he smiles at me, and run to snuggle when he points at the pillow next to him.
No parent should ever have to outlive their child.
My heart is breaking for a family in CA who had to say goodbye to their 6 year old daughter. I only became familiar with their story in the last month or so through another friend.
People I don't know and I can't stop grieving for them.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Food Fight - And Not The Fun Kind
Getting James to eat something new is our latest battle.
Well, unless it's chocolate.
We have been concerned because his diet stays about the same. So we added Pedia Sure shakes, which he inhales to the point where we have had to limit how many he gets to have or else the result is constipation.
Now, one of his favorite things to eat are animal crackers. We, being the logical people we are, figured that if he would eat food in fun shapes that we should try something new and fun.
Enter the dinosaur shaped chicken nuggets.
And cue up 3 nights of crying and fighting from a child who acted as if we were torturing him slowly.
He swallowed a total of 3 tiny pieces in 3 nights before we gave up. There was no way around it, no way to get him to eat them, and we were all miserable.
A couple of days after the last attempt I baked some chocolate chip cookies.
James once again refused to eat them. He just didn't want anything new and he didn't recognize them.
Until I was sitting on the couch Monday night, munching away, and he noticed the chocolate. And leaned in and took a bite of the half eaten one in my hand.
Wait. I should clarify.
First, he touched it with his hand. Then he leaned in and let the edge of the cookie touch his lips. He smiled at me, leaned in again, and this time opened his mouth and sorta licked it while letting his teeth touch the surface.
Then he consumed that one and two more.
The husband and I agreed thatv we are going to make a batch of nuggets and sit on the couch eating them, while ignoring him.
It will either work or we will have to find another way. I mean, there are only so many grilled cheese sandwiches that one toddler can eat, right?
Well, unless it's chocolate.
We have been concerned because his diet stays about the same. So we added Pedia Sure shakes, which he inhales to the point where we have had to limit how many he gets to have or else the result is constipation.
Now, one of his favorite things to eat are animal crackers. We, being the logical people we are, figured that if he would eat food in fun shapes that we should try something new and fun.
Enter the dinosaur shaped chicken nuggets.
And cue up 3 nights of crying and fighting from a child who acted as if we were torturing him slowly.
He swallowed a total of 3 tiny pieces in 3 nights before we gave up. There was no way around it, no way to get him to eat them, and we were all miserable.
A couple of days after the last attempt I baked some chocolate chip cookies.
James once again refused to eat them. He just didn't want anything new and he didn't recognize them.
Until I was sitting on the couch Monday night, munching away, and he noticed the chocolate. And leaned in and took a bite of the half eaten one in my hand.
Wait. I should clarify.
First, he touched it with his hand. Then he leaned in and let the edge of the cookie touch his lips. He smiled at me, leaned in again, and this time opened his mouth and sorta licked it while letting his teeth touch the surface.
Then he consumed that one and two more.
The husband and I agreed thatv we are going to make a batch of nuggets and sit on the couch eating them, while ignoring him.
It will either work or we will have to find another way. I mean, there are only so many grilled cheese sandwiches that one toddler can eat, right?
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Monday, February 10, 2014
The One Where He Does It His Way
James is pretty good at figuring things out.
Whether it is on his own or by watching us, he only has to see you so something once or twice to get the hang of things.
Course, most times he will do things he is own way.
Case in point:
We bought a new stroller last week. The old one goes with the infant car seat that his new cousin is using, so we handed that off to my SIL and invested in something newer.
The new stroller doesn't have a tray in front for cups and snacks. Not that we always take those things with us. It is more often needed for his LeapPad and my iPhone.
My solution to the snack issue was to get a couple of those toddler snack cups.
For those not familiar with them, these plastic cups come with a rubber lid that fits very snuggly on top. The lid itself is soft, and cut into 4 or 5 pieces that allow your child to put their fingers and hand into the cup to snag things, take them out to eat, and never spill anything if the cup is dropped.
So, we took the opportunity to test one out after breakfast when he asked for some animal crackers.
That kid turned the cup upside. He shook it. He spun it. I was able to get him to put his finger in and snag a cookie to pull out.
Then he sat it on the table in front of him, used his right hand to BEND THE PLASTIC WEDGES UP, then grabbed a cookie and ate it with his left hand.
30 seconds later he found the seam of the lid and pried it off. It was thrown to the floor, he opened his pop-up book, and continued to snack with his new bowl with handles.
Cause that is all it is now.
Whether it is on his own or by watching us, he only has to see you so something once or twice to get the hang of things.
Course, most times he will do things he is own way.
Case in point:
We bought a new stroller last week. The old one goes with the infant car seat that his new cousin is using, so we handed that off to my SIL and invested in something newer.
The new stroller doesn't have a tray in front for cups and snacks. Not that we always take those things with us. It is more often needed for his LeapPad and my iPhone.
My solution to the snack issue was to get a couple of those toddler snack cups.
For those not familiar with them, these plastic cups come with a rubber lid that fits very snuggly on top. The lid itself is soft, and cut into 4 or 5 pieces that allow your child to put their fingers and hand into the cup to snag things, take them out to eat, and never spill anything if the cup is dropped.
So, we took the opportunity to test one out after breakfast when he asked for some animal crackers.
That kid turned the cup upside. He shook it. He spun it. I was able to get him to put his finger in and snag a cookie to pull out.
Then he sat it on the table in front of him, used his right hand to BEND THE PLASTIC WEDGES UP, then grabbed a cookie and ate it with his left hand.
30 seconds later he found the seam of the lid and pried it off. It was thrown to the floor, he opened his pop-up book, and continued to snack with his new bowl with handles.
Cause that is all it is now.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Hello, February
Work has been killing me. Add to that the loss of a work laptop, having to relocate to our bedroom to work on my husband's computer during the day, and I have no itch to really do anything related to a computer at the end of the day.
Which is why I am taking a minute to say we are all alive. The cold weather didn't get to us, the rain hasn't flooded us again, and things are pretty much the same.
I swear more updates soon, but work has a Tuesday deadline. And I am really needing to get caught up ASAP.
Which is why I am taking a minute to say we are all alive. The cold weather didn't get to us, the rain hasn't flooded us again, and things are pretty much the same.
I swear more updates soon, but work has a Tuesday deadline. And I am really needing to get caught up ASAP.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Monday, November 25, 2013
30 Months
Dear James,
Someday I hope to share all of this with you.
With that being said, I need to tell you that I never intended to stop writing the way I did. Life just got turned upside down during this busy period at work for me. Add the new addition of your Uncle Ian and Aunt Courtney to the mix and most days have been more activity and visitors than we have ever had in the entire time we've lived in Virginia.
You, by the way, have been awesome. I will always believe that children know who to trust because you talk and show off to them more than anyone else outside of your great grandparents and grandpa Tom. They think you are a really well-behaved toddler, and that is true 99% of the time.
About that 1%: it's all out of frustration on your part. You still refuse to talk most of the time, and even when you are desperate to get us to do something for you it is like pulling teeth to get much out of you. We know you know the words. How? Because you point at things, waiting for us to say what it is, and if we don't say the right word you get mad and shake your head. Prime example is your sippy cup. If you point at the straw, Daddy will say straw. You do not accept this answer, will shake your head, and if Daddy doesn't make the connection that you wanted him to say "cup", then all hell breaks loose. We have had to learn your words for things, and for the most part it works because we use the adult words and you accept them.
You are intrigued by letters and numbers. Super Why has always been your favorite thing to have on in the background, and suddenly 2 weeks ago you began really showing that you are paying attention. You recognize "o", "a", and sometimes "e". When other letters come on the screen you now point at them and insist that someone say them for you. This has made us both giggle on occasions, especially because you sound like you are from Boston with the way you pronounce things.
This has lead to you having a new love of your books. You want to point at letters and numbers and have us tell you what they are. We make you tell us the ones we know that you know, and you will play along if only for the applaud and praise.
In September we began going to a Mommy and Me play date group on Mondays. It's 1 hour a week, but it's just enough and you are enjoying most of the activities. The coloring is something you are loving more and more, and you run through the gym, playing with balls and the parachute, as if you've always done it. I've managed to get you on the ride on toys a few times, and you are slowly getting the hang of it. Another triumph for parenting!
The flip side of that triumph is my needing to apologize for the swim lessons.
Your Uncle Barry in Texas has always had a way with words. Some of the sayings he has shared throughout the years have made me giggle, and until we went to Tiny Bubbles I never truly appreciated when he said leading Mommy and her friends through Las Vegas was like herding cats.
One teacher, 10 kids from the age of 18 months to 3 years, and their parents in a pool. Most of the kids had never done this, but had been to the rec center to play in the kiddie area, and that lead to disaster as that was not open during lessons. Definitely like herding cats.
I've learned some basics on what to teach you, and maybe when you are older if you need formal training we will try it again. For now it's more important to just let you play on the slide in the pool for 45 minutes and not harass you. We all win that way.
Last week, out of nowhere, you jumped. As in you were standing in the living room, and suddenly you squatted down and launched yourself up with this wicked grin. Now we can ask you to hop and you will do it and giggle. I still don't know what prompted you to do this. Though, now that I think about it, you do like to launch yourself when you are up on a bed....
That has to be a boy thing. You want to leap and jump off everything. Including the couch. On your knees. I'm prepared for broken limbs. You are a boy and it will happen. But you are going to put Daddy in an early grave if this continues.
You have discovered a love of playing in play tents and that prompted us to attach the tent to your toddler bed. Which has been the greatest thing ever as far as you are concerned. We now have to remove a good chunk of your toys from your bed for naps because you like climbing in there with everything you own in order to play.
Lately all you have wanted to take to bed with you is your Leap Top and a truck. I mention this because both are battery operated and make noise. And you have rolled over onto these things in your sleep twice now, only to be awakened and ready to play rather than go back to sleep.
Both times were at way-too-early o'clock, and so I've take you to the spare room and climbed into the bed there to get you back to sleep.
We never co-slept because I didn't want to have to train you to sleep alone after having to train you to sleep with us. These early mornings mess with both of our sleep schedules, but after you fall asleep again next to me we both get at least 2 more hours of rest.
Then comes the waking up to you snuggled in next to me, watching you sleep and look so peaceful. And then when you do open your eyes and see me there you get the most amazing smile on your face. We wake up and have tickle fights and giggles, and you play with my hair and just look like you are in heaven.
We had one of those mornings yesterday, and I was amazed at how much I love you. It's been 30 months today since we welcomed you into our lives, and I can't believe you weren't here all along.
I promise to try and write more, to chronicle more of our lives together. Next month you will get time with your Uncle Ed and then what I think will be the first Christmas you will really enjoy. I plan to show you how to jump in puddles, and there will be time outside in the snow.
I just need you to stay little a little while longer, okay?
I love you, baby.
Love,
Mama
Someday I hope to share all of this with you.
With that being said, I need to tell you that I never intended to stop writing the way I did. Life just got turned upside down during this busy period at work for me. Add the new addition of your Uncle Ian and Aunt Courtney to the mix and most days have been more activity and visitors than we have ever had in the entire time we've lived in Virginia.
You, by the way, have been awesome. I will always believe that children know who to trust because you talk and show off to them more than anyone else outside of your great grandparents and grandpa Tom. They think you are a really well-behaved toddler, and that is true 99% of the time.
About that 1%: it's all out of frustration on your part. You still refuse to talk most of the time, and even when you are desperate to get us to do something for you it is like pulling teeth to get much out of you. We know you know the words. How? Because you point at things, waiting for us to say what it is, and if we don't say the right word you get mad and shake your head. Prime example is your sippy cup. If you point at the straw, Daddy will say straw. You do not accept this answer, will shake your head, and if Daddy doesn't make the connection that you wanted him to say "cup", then all hell breaks loose. We have had to learn your words for things, and for the most part it works because we use the adult words and you accept them.
You are intrigued by letters and numbers. Super Why has always been your favorite thing to have on in the background, and suddenly 2 weeks ago you began really showing that you are paying attention. You recognize "o", "a", and sometimes "e". When other letters come on the screen you now point at them and insist that someone say them for you. This has made us both giggle on occasions, especially because you sound like you are from Boston with the way you pronounce things.
This has lead to you having a new love of your books. You want to point at letters and numbers and have us tell you what they are. We make you tell us the ones we know that you know, and you will play along if only for the applaud and praise.
In September we began going to a Mommy and Me play date group on Mondays. It's 1 hour a week, but it's just enough and you are enjoying most of the activities. The coloring is something you are loving more and more, and you run through the gym, playing with balls and the parachute, as if you've always done it. I've managed to get you on the ride on toys a few times, and you are slowly getting the hang of it. Another triumph for parenting!
The flip side of that triumph is my needing to apologize for the swim lessons.
Your Uncle Barry in Texas has always had a way with words. Some of the sayings he has shared throughout the years have made me giggle, and until we went to Tiny Bubbles I never truly appreciated when he said leading Mommy and her friends through Las Vegas was like herding cats.
One teacher, 10 kids from the age of 18 months to 3 years, and their parents in a pool. Most of the kids had never done this, but had been to the rec center to play in the kiddie area, and that lead to disaster as that was not open during lessons. Definitely like herding cats.
I've learned some basics on what to teach you, and maybe when you are older if you need formal training we will try it again. For now it's more important to just let you play on the slide in the pool for 45 minutes and not harass you. We all win that way.
Last week, out of nowhere, you jumped. As in you were standing in the living room, and suddenly you squatted down and launched yourself up with this wicked grin. Now we can ask you to hop and you will do it and giggle. I still don't know what prompted you to do this. Though, now that I think about it, you do like to launch yourself when you are up on a bed....
That has to be a boy thing. You want to leap and jump off everything. Including the couch. On your knees. I'm prepared for broken limbs. You are a boy and it will happen. But you are going to put Daddy in an early grave if this continues.
You have discovered a love of playing in play tents and that prompted us to attach the tent to your toddler bed. Which has been the greatest thing ever as far as you are concerned. We now have to remove a good chunk of your toys from your bed for naps because you like climbing in there with everything you own in order to play.
Lately all you have wanted to take to bed with you is your Leap Top and a truck. I mention this because both are battery operated and make noise. And you have rolled over onto these things in your sleep twice now, only to be awakened and ready to play rather than go back to sleep.
Both times were at way-too-early o'clock, and so I've take you to the spare room and climbed into the bed there to get you back to sleep.
We never co-slept because I didn't want to have to train you to sleep alone after having to train you to sleep with us. These early mornings mess with both of our sleep schedules, but after you fall asleep again next to me we both get at least 2 more hours of rest.
Then comes the waking up to you snuggled in next to me, watching you sleep and look so peaceful. And then when you do open your eyes and see me there you get the most amazing smile on your face. We wake up and have tickle fights and giggles, and you play with my hair and just look like you are in heaven.
We had one of those mornings yesterday, and I was amazed at how much I love you. It's been 30 months today since we welcomed you into our lives, and I can't believe you weren't here all along.
I promise to try and write more, to chronicle more of our lives together. Next month you will get time with your Uncle Ed and then what I think will be the first Christmas you will really enjoy. I plan to show you how to jump in puddles, and there will be time outside in the snow.
I just need you to stay little a little while longer, okay?
I love you, baby.
Love,
Mama
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Level Unlocked: Gamer At Age 2
One of my favorite stories about one of my "nephews" is the one where his parents had to take away his handheld gaming device.
Why?
Well, after the little guy (who is now taller than me) was having problems with staying awake in school, even with an earlier bedtime, they walked into his room to find him playing video games. He'd hidden it away so that after everyone had gone to bed he could fire up his game and play until he couldn't any longer.
I remember doing that as a teenager. He wasn't that old, so he gets points for starting young.
The husband and I talk about that and have often commented on how we'd have to be careful once James was older. Make sure that we had accounted for all gaming systems, flashlights, and set a firm bed time.
I mean, our son is 2. We have a few years.
Right?
Ha. HA I tell you!
At the beginning of this month we picked up Diablo III for the 360 and have been playing at night once James is in bed. It's our time to talk and unwind, and we get about 2 hours a night together this way.
Yesterday, James spent time with his great grandparents, and so by 9 was dragging himself along. We tucked him in, shut off the light, and closed the door.
At about 10:30, our game was paused because someone thought he'd heard a noise from his room. We listened, but there was nothing, and I told my husband he was nuts.
20 minutes later we both heard something. Something that sounded like an episode of Super Why.
From past experience, going in to disturb James in his sleep does not end well for anyone. So we finished our level and logged out.
The time was now 11:05pm. Two full hours since we'd said good night.
I opened the door to his room and there he was, in bed, with the blankets still tucked around him, eyes half open, and barely focusing on me.
With his Leap Pad in front of him.
He'd apparently been watching Super Why and after it ended was playing with his digital pet, giving it a bath and treats.
Yes, he has figured out the apps on that thing. And apparently he functions well in the dark.
Damn his night vision.
So, that great plan for the future? It starts tonight.
Oh, and someone had better take a nap this afternoon. His body may have wanted more sleep, but his stomach still had him out of bed because he was ready for breakfast. It's either a nap or one nasty evening with a 2 year old.....
Why?
Well, after the little guy (who is now taller than me) was having problems with staying awake in school, even with an earlier bedtime, they walked into his room to find him playing video games. He'd hidden it away so that after everyone had gone to bed he could fire up his game and play until he couldn't any longer.
I remember doing that as a teenager. He wasn't that old, so he gets points for starting young.
The husband and I talk about that and have often commented on how we'd have to be careful once James was older. Make sure that we had accounted for all gaming systems, flashlights, and set a firm bed time.
I mean, our son is 2. We have a few years.
Right?
Ha. HA I tell you!
At the beginning of this month we picked up Diablo III for the 360 and have been playing at night once James is in bed. It's our time to talk and unwind, and we get about 2 hours a night together this way.
Yesterday, James spent time with his great grandparents, and so by 9 was dragging himself along. We tucked him in, shut off the light, and closed the door.
At about 10:30, our game was paused because someone thought he'd heard a noise from his room. We listened, but there was nothing, and I told my husband he was nuts.
20 minutes later we both heard something. Something that sounded like an episode of Super Why.
From past experience, going in to disturb James in his sleep does not end well for anyone. So we finished our level and logged out.
The time was now 11:05pm. Two full hours since we'd said good night.
I opened the door to his room and there he was, in bed, with the blankets still tucked around him, eyes half open, and barely focusing on me.
With his Leap Pad in front of him.
He'd apparently been watching Super Why and after it ended was playing with his digital pet, giving it a bath and treats.
Yes, he has figured out the apps on that thing. And apparently he functions well in the dark.
Damn his night vision.
So, that great plan for the future? It starts tonight.
Oh, and someone had better take a nap this afternoon. His body may have wanted more sleep, but his stomach still had him out of bed because he was ready for breakfast. It's either a nap or one nasty evening with a 2 year old.....
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
The One Where He Makes A Confession
"I think I kinda hate kids."
"Excuse me?"
"At first I thought it was little British kids with those accents in movies that made me cringe. But after watching these kids on this cooking thing I realize that it's all of them. They just seem too full of themselves at such an early age."
"......"
"I'm sure it will be different with James."
"Well, he'll be more like us, so I hope so."
"Yeah, we should be fine."
Mental note: I need to teach James a fake British accent. Just for kicks.
"Excuse me?"
"At first I thought it was little British kids with those accents in movies that made me cringe. But after watching these kids on this cooking thing I realize that it's all of them. They just seem too full of themselves at such an early age."
"......"
"I'm sure it will be different with James."
"Well, he'll be more like us, so I hope so."
"Yeah, we should be fine."
Mental note: I need to teach James a fake British accent. Just for kicks.
Monday, September 16, 2013
The One Where James Talks
After 3+ years here, we've made friends.
Non-family, real, actual, friends.
Which meant going out to a casual diner and enjoying dinner and drinks on a Friday night.
With James.
Now, we are the only ones with children that are human and not of the four legged variety. At first we wondered how this would work, and after much discussion about how this was fine, we enjoyed a night out.
James was the perfect child, coloring and playing and munching on his snacks. We ordered him a chocolate milk, and that was the greatest thing in the world apparently.
Seriously. Over 2 hours of talking and laughing and him playing at the table.
Wow.
So, time to say goodbyes came. We were outside the restaurant, and took James to do the rounds and give hugs and kisses. He was a ham and snuggled up to everyone, smiling at them all.
They'd parked at one end of the restaurant, and we were headed the opposite way. As we started walking we did the yelling of "bye" across the parking lot.
And that is when he did it.
He let go of daddy, turned back, lifted one hand, waved, and yelled, "BYE!"
They all laughed and said it back while he smiled.
It's been 3 days and we can't get him to do it again for us. But can we say overjoyed by one simple word?
Cause, yeah. We kinda are.
Non-family, real, actual, friends.
Which meant going out to a casual diner and enjoying dinner and drinks on a Friday night.
With James.
Now, we are the only ones with children that are human and not of the four legged variety. At first we wondered how this would work, and after much discussion about how this was fine, we enjoyed a night out.
James was the perfect child, coloring and playing and munching on his snacks. We ordered him a chocolate milk, and that was the greatest thing in the world apparently.
Seriously. Over 2 hours of talking and laughing and him playing at the table.
Wow.
So, time to say goodbyes came. We were outside the restaurant, and took James to do the rounds and give hugs and kisses. He was a ham and snuggled up to everyone, smiling at them all.
They'd parked at one end of the restaurant, and we were headed the opposite way. As we started walking we did the yelling of "bye" across the parking lot.
And that is when he did it.
He let go of daddy, turned back, lifted one hand, waved, and yelled, "BYE!"
They all laughed and said it back while he smiled.
It's been 3 days and we can't get him to do it again for us. But can we say overjoyed by one simple word?
Cause, yeah. We kinda are.
Monday, September 9, 2013
The One Where I Think We're Doing It Wrong
The next big step for James will be potty training.
While I am going to be happy to be rid of diapers, I am wary because there are a couple of crucial things I think he needs to be able to do in order to have success:
Pulling down his pants.
Telling us he needs to go.
Currently, if I say I have to pee, he runs ahead of me to the bathroom. He lifts the lid off the toilet and then waits.
If I sit too long, he will either motion at the roll of toilet paper or just help himself to some. I have to be quick in either scenario because if I don't get it myself he will attempt to clean my tummy for me and then try to get the toilet paper into the toilet I am still sitting on.
As soon as I no longer have contact with the seat he is flushing, checking to see it all went down, and then closing the lid and waiting for the appropriate exclamation about what a great helper he is.
See, he has the steps down. I don't think he know what I am actually doing at all, but he know what needs to happen after.
He still is not talking.
And I'm afraid to show him how to undress because that could lead to more messes.
Why does he have to grow up?
While I am going to be happy to be rid of diapers, I am wary because there are a couple of crucial things I think he needs to be able to do in order to have success:
Pulling down his pants.
Telling us he needs to go.
Currently, if I say I have to pee, he runs ahead of me to the bathroom. He lifts the lid off the toilet and then waits.
If I sit too long, he will either motion at the roll of toilet paper or just help himself to some. I have to be quick in either scenario because if I don't get it myself he will attempt to clean my tummy for me and then try to get the toilet paper into the toilet I am still sitting on.
As soon as I no longer have contact with the seat he is flushing, checking to see it all went down, and then closing the lid and waiting for the appropriate exclamation about what a great helper he is.
See, he has the steps down. I don't think he know what I am actually doing at all, but he know what needs to happen after.
He still is not talking.
And I'm afraid to show him how to undress because that could lead to more messes.
Why does he have to grow up?
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
5 Things He Learned In 5 Weeks
We've been a family again for about a week now and there are some noticeable changes in James.
For better or worse, he has learned a lot this summer, and not from us. His great grandparents have been actively involved as they basically took care of him for the 5 weeks we didn't have a home.
Here is what we've observed:
1) He can and will twist the top off the bottle of anything that can be twisted open. From bubble solution to bouillon cubes, if it comes with a lid that can be unscrewed then he can get in to it. I now understand why there is such a thing as child proof caps.
2) All door knobs are fair game. All of them. We have 1 cover to use to keep him from being able to open a door and have had to place it on my niece's door. He just wants to go in there and see her. And take her bottles of lotion. Which is a problem due to item 1 on this list.
3) Climbing up on things has accelerated. He has figured out all the beds, and likes to be up there with us all the time. It's cute, but it scares my husband. Apparently he walked out of the room to get a roll of toilet paper for our bathroom, walked back in 20 seconds later, and was greeted by James sitting in the middle of our king size bed smiling at him. This may not end well.
4) Going up and down steps is something he wants to do all the time. And he prefers to attempt it alone. He won't fight you taking his hand, but he gives this dirty look as if to say that he was doing fine without you. This goes for steps in and out of buildings as well as the slide at the park and indoor pool.
5) Getting up in the glider/rocker and swinging his body in order to get movement is the greatest source of giggles ever. They taught him "rock the baby" and so or glider has been moved from a corner of one room out to the living room so he can sit himself in it. It's not an everyday thing, but I think it's a little safer than climbing on our bed. For now.
Leaps and bounds. He is learning and growing in leaps and bounds.
For better or worse, he has learned a lot this summer, and not from us. His great grandparents have been actively involved as they basically took care of him for the 5 weeks we didn't have a home.
Here is what we've observed:
1) He can and will twist the top off the bottle of anything that can be twisted open. From bubble solution to bouillon cubes, if it comes with a lid that can be unscrewed then he can get in to it. I now understand why there is such a thing as child proof caps.
2) All door knobs are fair game. All of them. We have 1 cover to use to keep him from being able to open a door and have had to place it on my niece's door. He just wants to go in there and see her. And take her bottles of lotion. Which is a problem due to item 1 on this list.
3) Climbing up on things has accelerated. He has figured out all the beds, and likes to be up there with us all the time. It's cute, but it scares my husband. Apparently he walked out of the room to get a roll of toilet paper for our bathroom, walked back in 20 seconds later, and was greeted by James sitting in the middle of our king size bed smiling at him. This may not end well.
4) Going up and down steps is something he wants to do all the time. And he prefers to attempt it alone. He won't fight you taking his hand, but he gives this dirty look as if to say that he was doing fine without you. This goes for steps in and out of buildings as well as the slide at the park and indoor pool.
5) Getting up in the glider/rocker and swinging his body in order to get movement is the greatest source of giggles ever. They taught him "rock the baby" and so or glider has been moved from a corner of one room out to the living room so he can sit himself in it. It's not an everyday thing, but I think it's a little safer than climbing on our bed. For now.
Leaps and bounds. He is learning and growing in leaps and bounds.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
They Grow So Fast
James came home Tuesday after his nap.
I honestly think that once he saw his things it took all of 2 minutes to decide he was not going anywhere. When his great-grandparents left he had no problems closing the door for them.
Getting him out to do some shopping was a little harder, but we made it.
The big thing about his homecoming was that we moved him to a toddler bed immediately. After 5 weeks of sleeping in a playpen I think that he was ready for anything.
And once again he made it so easy.
No crying, no falling out of bed, no playing with toys. He went right to sleep that night, and we started a new routine for ourselves.
We always close the door when James is put to bed. For naps we leave it closed the entire time he is asleep, and open it at the end of nap time only. At night it is closed until we go to bed and then we have always opened it to allow for circulation through the night.
He is loving his new freedom, and has learned a lot in the last month, so our fear was that he would wander into the kitchen and start going through everything if we kept sleeping.
So we bought a baby gate.
On the way to our room we stop, open his door, make sure he is covered, and then leave and put the gate in his doorway.
Two nights down and no problems. He gets up and immediately plays with his things.
In fact the first morning we were awakened by his playing on his keyboard.
The other piece we were hoping for was that he would be comfortable getting in and out of bed.
Yesterday morning we watched him playing in his bed quietly with toys after breakfast. I think he has finally found a nice place to sit.
Of course he is also doing things that made us laugh and wonder if he was growing up TOO soon.
Remember how I said he is loving his new freedom?
He really has full reign of the place, and we make an effort to place things out of reach so he doesn't hurt himself.
Not having the majority of his toys for 5 weeks means that he is examining everything and loving things he had minimal interest before.
So when I walked in to his room yesterday and saw him sitting in his bed all I could was smile.
James had taken his Leap Top, a toy laptop, in to bed to play with. It's something he has seen us all do, even my niece.
What I wasn't expecting to see were the 2 bottles of baby lotion in the bed next to him.
Lotion and a laptop. My husband burst out laughing and said all he was missing was a box of tissues.
I honestly think that once he saw his things it took all of 2 minutes to decide he was not going anywhere. When his great-grandparents left he had no problems closing the door for them.
Getting him out to do some shopping was a little harder, but we made it.
The big thing about his homecoming was that we moved him to a toddler bed immediately. After 5 weeks of sleeping in a playpen I think that he was ready for anything.
And once again he made it so easy.
No crying, no falling out of bed, no playing with toys. He went right to sleep that night, and we started a new routine for ourselves.
We always close the door when James is put to bed. For naps we leave it closed the entire time he is asleep, and open it at the end of nap time only. At night it is closed until we go to bed and then we have always opened it to allow for circulation through the night.
He is loving his new freedom, and has learned a lot in the last month, so our fear was that he would wander into the kitchen and start going through everything if we kept sleeping.
So we bought a baby gate.
On the way to our room we stop, open his door, make sure he is covered, and then leave and put the gate in his doorway.
Two nights down and no problems. He gets up and immediately plays with his things.
In fact the first morning we were awakened by his playing on his keyboard.
The other piece we were hoping for was that he would be comfortable getting in and out of bed.
Yesterday morning we watched him playing in his bed quietly with toys after breakfast. I think he has finally found a nice place to sit.
Of course he is also doing things that made us laugh and wonder if he was growing up TOO soon.
Remember how I said he is loving his new freedom?
He really has full reign of the place, and we make an effort to place things out of reach so he doesn't hurt himself.
Not having the majority of his toys for 5 weeks means that he is examining everything and loving things he had minimal interest before.
So when I walked in to his room yesterday and saw him sitting in his bed all I could was smile.
James had taken his Leap Top, a toy laptop, in to bed to play with. It's something he has seen us all do, even my niece.
What I wasn't expecting to see were the 2 bottles of baby lotion in the bed next to him.
Lotion and a laptop. My husband burst out laughing and said all he was missing was a box of tissues.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Monday, August 5, 2013
The One Where The Door Is Slammed In My Face
The carpet installers arrived Friday.
With only enough carpet for the 3 bedrooms. Leaving the hallway, dining room, and living room still a concrete mess with carpet tacks along the edge.
Needless to say that James has not come home as planned.
We visit him nightly. Either we play there or go to a park or the mall or swimming. Something to get him out and spend time with us.
He has come to call their place home. He gets excited when we pull up to the house.
The first few nights he wasn't completely okay with us leaving.
It's gotten better. Now he kisses us good bye. His great grandma has taught him to give big hugs, and he shares those with us.
We stand at the door and blow kisses as he giggles.
Then he slams the door in our faces because he is done with us.
This has been the worst (almost) 4 weeks ever.
With only enough carpet for the 3 bedrooms. Leaving the hallway, dining room, and living room still a concrete mess with carpet tacks along the edge.
Needless to say that James has not come home as planned.
We visit him nightly. Either we play there or go to a park or the mall or swimming. Something to get him out and spend time with us.
He has come to call their place home. He gets excited when we pull up to the house.
The first few nights he wasn't completely okay with us leaving.
It's gotten better. Now he kisses us good bye. His great grandma has taught him to give big hugs, and he shares those with us.
We stand at the door and blow kisses as he giggles.
Then he slams the door in our faces because he is done with us.
This has been the worst (almost) 4 weeks ever.
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