I've never been a "rush your kid to the doctor at the first sign of illness" kind of parent. I trust my instincts and believe I will make the right choice when it comes down to it. This morning I have been close twice to taking Emma to the pediatrician but each time she assures me she is fine and says, "But Mommy you're my Doctor. You're the best Doctor there is!" Being that I trust my instincts, I do kind of agree with here that I am the best Doctor there is...
You see, Emma has had a cold for about a week now, nothing crazy, just a runny nose and a cough - your typical Winter cold. But late yesterday she started to complain that her ear was hurting. Hmmmm, ear infection? or simply an ear ache? She wasn't in "pain", it was just bothering her. We've been doing the boiled onion / vinegar rinse and that seems to alleviate the bother, but then hours later she says the same thing again. It is not visibly red and she certainly isn't pulling at it or constantly whining and complaining. I know they will just prescribe an antibiotic for her but from what I understand, most ear aches are viral not bacterial, and antibiotics don't help viral (from having a cold) ear infections. Basically it just needs to run its course - and I need to keep her as comfortable as possible.
Or do I? Do I just take her to the Doctor and get the prescription to be safe? But then taking needless medication may "harm" her in the long run as she could build up a tolerance to the antibiotic - meaning when she REALLY needs it, it won't be as effective...
Aaahhh, the joys of Motherhood.
So for now, I will just "mother" her at home knowing that need be, there is a Pediatric Urgent care about 1/2 hour drive from here...
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
P.S.
Ohhh, Benny, We have just spent the last hour trying to soothe you back to sleep... You have a giant stuffy nose and can't find a comfortable position to sleep. Every time Daddy and I think you have drifted off and sneak out of your room you sense our absence and WAIL.
Little Buddy, we have baby Vicks on your feet and chest. Let it do its job and settle you. Get the sleep you need to grow and repair. But feel free and need us WHEN YOU NEED US, because that is our job. We are your Daddy and Mommy and no matter how exhausted we are, you getting healthy is our number one priority. We love you, Benny. (P.S. We love you, too, Emma. It is just that you have slept through your "widdle brodder's" tears tonight...)
Little Buddy, we have baby Vicks on your feet and chest. Let it do its job and settle you. Get the sleep you need to grow and repair. But feel free and need us WHEN YOU NEED US, because that is our job. We are your Daddy and Mommy and no matter how exhausted we are, you getting healthy is our number one priority. We love you, Benny. (P.S. We love you, too, Emma. It is just that you have slept through your "widdle brodder's" tears tonight...)
For you, Benny.
Dearest Benjamin, You continue to make us laugh all day everyday. You are starting to parrot a few of our words and we adore the sound of your voice. Your favorite words are, "Hey!" and "Wow" and I especially love when you pick up a phone and say, "Hello?" (It sounds a lot like "Hawwoe?")
You still express your wants by grabbing our fingers and dragging us to whatever it is you desire. Today you dragged me down the hall to the sliding glass door by the deck at least 10 times. You knocked on the glass and said what sounded like, "Out?" You LOVE to be outside and especially to play in the snow. You were especially needy today though because you still aren't feeling well. But, I have a secret, I don't mind when you are needy because that means you want to snuggle with me on the couch and nuzzle your head into my neck and the days of you wanting to do that are waning so I will not ever complain! Shhh, don't tell anybody...
My favorite moment of the day was when we were all playing with your trains on the floor tonight before bed. Emma stole the train you were playing with and you didn't like that very much. But instead of getting upset and crying, you grabbed my fingers and pulled me to my feet. I thought you were going to take me to the door again, but instead you dragged me to Emma and just stood there looking from the train in her hands to me, waiting for me to scold her for stealing from you. It was SO DANG AWESOME that you knew you were right and you knew I would rectify the situation. My smart little man...
May you sleep well this night, Benjamin, so your growing body can beat this winter cold that has made it's way through our family but seems to be lingering in your nose. There is lots of untouched snow to be played in out in our yard and some serious sleigh riding to be done this weekend. Mommy needs to find one of those snow block maker thingies from her youth so we can start building forts and igloos. Those are the memories that I love to make.
You still express your wants by grabbing our fingers and dragging us to whatever it is you desire. Today you dragged me down the hall to the sliding glass door by the deck at least 10 times. You knocked on the glass and said what sounded like, "Out?" You LOVE to be outside and especially to play in the snow. You were especially needy today though because you still aren't feeling well. But, I have a secret, I don't mind when you are needy because that means you want to snuggle with me on the couch and nuzzle your head into my neck and the days of you wanting to do that are waning so I will not ever complain! Shhh, don't tell anybody...
My favorite moment of the day was when we were all playing with your trains on the floor tonight before bed. Emma stole the train you were playing with and you didn't like that very much. But instead of getting upset and crying, you grabbed my fingers and pulled me to my feet. I thought you were going to take me to the door again, but instead you dragged me to Emma and just stood there looking from the train in her hands to me, waiting for me to scold her for stealing from you. It was SO DANG AWESOME that you knew you were right and you knew I would rectify the situation. My smart little man...
May you sleep well this night, Benjamin, so your growing body can beat this winter cold that has made it's way through our family but seems to be lingering in your nose. There is lots of untouched snow to be played in out in our yard and some serious sleigh riding to be done this weekend. Mommy needs to find one of those snow block maker thingies from her youth so we can start building forts and igloos. Those are the memories that I love to make.
Snow day #3? I've lost count.
I got a good 7 hours of solid sleep last night - WOOHOO! I woke up feeling much healthier but to ANOTHER 12 or more inches of snow. That is the third time this winter we have gotten walloped overnight. It is so crazy to go to sleep and wake up in the morning to a fresh foot of snow. We spent the morning digging out the cars and the front walk and I came to the conclusion that I actually enjoy this kind of exercise - that is, exercise that has a purpose. I love playing basketball - the constant motion up and down the court, a great workout and playing a "game" gives it purpose. Running on an elliptical for 45 minutes or even a treadmill doesn't give me 'purpose.'
Anywhoooo, The kids 'helped' us shovel. After an hour, Benny just laid down on his back on the ground and stared at the sky. That is how he says, "All done, Mom. Can I go inside and get a drink?" Emma stuck it out a bit longer before we went in for lunch. I sat down on the couch and immediately took a 10 minute power nap. Shoveling can be exhausting!
(pictured here: playing hide and seek with our car, and the beauty of the snow covered trees out front.)
Anywhoooo, The kids 'helped' us shovel. After an hour, Benny just laid down on his back on the ground and stared at the sky. That is how he says, "All done, Mom. Can I go inside and get a drink?" Emma stuck it out a bit longer before we went in for lunch. I sat down on the couch and immediately took a 10 minute power nap. Shoveling can be exhausting!
(pictured here: playing hide and seek with our car, and the beauty of the snow covered trees out front.)
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Yep, snow, again.
It's snowing again today. Hooray! I mean, "Hooray?" We are all still sick so we are not heading out anywhere. Daddy got brave and decided to take the kids outside to play in the snow for some fresh air. We debated whether it would delay the healing process but agreed that fresh air was important for our mental health and colds should only get worse if they encounter more germs. There are no germs in the outside world, right? Right?
Benny woke up at 5am this morning crying out for attention. I opened the door to his room and in the darkness I heard, "Hi, Mama." My heart exploded and I couldn't be angry with him for being up so darned early.
If school is canceled again tomorrow I may have to put a hit out on Mother Nature. I don't want her dead, I just kind of want to threaten her. Okay, so I want to bake her cookies and plead with her to only make it snow on non-preschool days. Emma needs her friends and I need my one on one time with Benny so he can practice using his words without his sister craving all the attention.
Benny woke up at 5am this morning crying out for attention. I opened the door to his room and in the darkness I heard, "Hi, Mama." My heart exploded and I couldn't be angry with him for being up so darned early.
If school is canceled again tomorrow I may have to put a hit out on Mother Nature. I don't want her dead, I just kind of want to threaten her. Okay, so I want to bake her cookies and plead with her to only make it snow on non-preschool days. Emma needs her friends and I need my one on one time with Benny so he can practice using his words without his sister craving all the attention.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
"I don't want dinner, I want Donuts!"
Can you guess who exclaimed that in tonight's dinner table struggle?
And King Benjamin ate about 10 Cheerios for dinner. He's back in his old habits. Argh.
On a funny note, he is starting to talk. His word of the week? "HEY!" As in, "Hey, you just took my toy!" or "Hey, I would like more Cheerios." or "Hey! Turn off Facebook and pay attention to me." And he says it in his little girlie boy voice and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it.
And King Benjamin ate about 10 Cheerios for dinner. He's back in his old habits. Argh.
On a funny note, he is starting to talk. His word of the week? "HEY!" As in, "Hey, you just took my toy!" or "Hey, I would like more Cheerios." or "Hey! Turn off Facebook and pay attention to me." And he says it in his little girlie boy voice and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Weekend goodness
We had lots of fun with my niece and nephew and Gramma Lou in town for the weekend. It was frigid cold so we were pretty much stuck indoors all weekend, but we did get in some sleigh riding on Saturday morning. The air was perfectly still and the sun was shining so it made for a nice hour of fresh air and exercise. Ben loved sledding, he would giggle like crazy and fall out of the sled purposely at the bottom. Emma wouldn't brave it on her own, but she had a blast riding doubles. Of course she ingested another 4 lbs of snow during the outing - this kid loves to eat snow! I think Benny gets even more of a kick watching himself sledding on video than he did actually sledding.
We enjoyed a quiet birthday party for him on Friday night. When we brought out his homemade Thomas cake and started singing he covered his eyes all embarrassed and kept peeking through his fingers. As we slid the cake in front of him to blow out the candles he simply pushed it away across the table in his excitement. We tried to tell him to blow out the candles, but he opted for sticking his fingers in the flames instead! Emma had to help him blow them out (I used tea light candles to simulate the wheels on the train) and when they were out he stuck his finger in the warm wax and put that in his mouth. Yum.
As per usual, he had very little interest in actually eating the cake but Daddy wanted to get the frosting face picture, so he smeared some on his face. Ben didn't like that so much and was happy to hop in the bath tub right after! The cake was delicious. Oddly one of the best I have made... Nothing like a 2 dollar cake mix and a 1.50 can of frosting to bring life to a party!
After baths, we opened presents. He got the same computer Emma got for Christmas and a bunch of Thomas goodies - sticker book, coloring book, etc... But his favorite was the battery operated Henry train that matches the tracks he got for Christmas. He ripped back the paper, saw it was a train, and did the best "Flashdance" happy dance ever. All in all, a very nice way to spend an evening!
All four of us have a hearty Winter cold right now. Sore throats and stuffy noses, oh my! Might have to make some homemade chicken soup to get us through the day... Ah-CHOOOO!
We enjoyed a quiet birthday party for him on Friday night. When we brought out his homemade Thomas cake and started singing he covered his eyes all embarrassed and kept peeking through his fingers. As we slid the cake in front of him to blow out the candles he simply pushed it away across the table in his excitement. We tried to tell him to blow out the candles, but he opted for sticking his fingers in the flames instead! Emma had to help him blow them out (I used tea light candles to simulate the wheels on the train) and when they were out he stuck his finger in the warm wax and put that in his mouth. Yum.
As per usual, he had very little interest in actually eating the cake but Daddy wanted to get the frosting face picture, so he smeared some on his face. Ben didn't like that so much and was happy to hop in the bath tub right after! The cake was delicious. Oddly one of the best I have made... Nothing like a 2 dollar cake mix and a 1.50 can of frosting to bring life to a party!
After baths, we opened presents. He got the same computer Emma got for Christmas and a bunch of Thomas goodies - sticker book, coloring book, etc... But his favorite was the battery operated Henry train that matches the tracks he got for Christmas. He ripped back the paper, saw it was a train, and did the best "Flashdance" happy dance ever. All in all, a very nice way to spend an evening!
All four of us have a hearty Winter cold right now. Sore throats and stuffy noses, oh my! Might have to make some homemade chicken soup to get us through the day... Ah-CHOOOO!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Happy Birthday, Buddy.
Dearest Benjamin,
In 12 hours will be the 2nd anniversary of your birth. I can't believe two years have flown by so quickly. You used to fit perfectly with your head by my knees and your feet by my waist... Now, big boy, you have grown so tall! You have lost all your baby fat and you are skin and bones because you play play play and don't eat nearly enough. You are still madly in love with your big sister - your favorite part of every day is wrestling with her or playing hide and seek with her under the covers. You can't get enough of your Daddy either! Your face lights up when he comes into the room. As he approaches you, you immediately start to giggle because you know he is just going to tickle you and toss you around on the sofa - more of your favorite things! But, you are a Mama's boy when it comes right down to it and although our pre-nighty night ritual of snuggling on the couch is getting shorter and shorter because you simply want to PLAY, it is certainly my most favorite part of every day. My second favorite part is the "Bengwich" or "Benny sandwich" which is where Daddy gets one of your cheeks and I get the other and we smooch you until you wiggle out of it - which you could do faster, but I think you kind of like them, too...
Thanks for coming into our lives, Benjamin. You complete our little biological family. You make everyone you encounter smile with your zest for life. You will grow to be a champion. I see the sparkle in your eyes and I believe in you with all my heart and soul. And, I love you.
Daddy's turn! Ben, you are growing to be a stud of studs. You have an amazing resilience to all of the "punishment" that your big sister unwittingly throws your way. It will be hard for me, and mommy I'm sure, to hear you start to talk and give up the giggly babble that lights up our day and amuses our hearts.
I remember watching you come into this world, and holding you next to mommy's ear so she could hear you breathing your first breaths. Every day you and your sister remind of my purpose in this world, you compel me to become a better man, husband, and father. One day, I know you will be all of those things, and that your children will talk of you in the same way.
I love you buddy. Thank you for joining our team. You and your sister have my heart unconditionally forever.
In 12 hours will be the 2nd anniversary of your birth. I can't believe two years have flown by so quickly. You used to fit perfectly with your head by my knees and your feet by my waist... Now, big boy, you have grown so tall! You have lost all your baby fat and you are skin and bones because you play play play and don't eat nearly enough. You are still madly in love with your big sister - your favorite part of every day is wrestling with her or playing hide and seek with her under the covers. You can't get enough of your Daddy either! Your face lights up when he comes into the room. As he approaches you, you immediately start to giggle because you know he is just going to tickle you and toss you around on the sofa - more of your favorite things! But, you are a Mama's boy when it comes right down to it and although our pre-nighty night ritual of snuggling on the couch is getting shorter and shorter because you simply want to PLAY, it is certainly my most favorite part of every day. My second favorite part is the "Bengwich" or "Benny sandwich" which is where Daddy gets one of your cheeks and I get the other and we smooch you until you wiggle out of it - which you could do faster, but I think you kind of like them, too...
Thanks for coming into our lives, Benjamin. You complete our little biological family. You make everyone you encounter smile with your zest for life. You will grow to be a champion. I see the sparkle in your eyes and I believe in you with all my heart and soul. And, I love you.
Daddy's turn! Ben, you are growing to be a stud of studs. You have an amazing resilience to all of the "punishment" that your big sister unwittingly throws your way. It will be hard for me, and mommy I'm sure, to hear you start to talk and give up the giggly babble that lights up our day and amuses our hearts.
I remember watching you come into this world, and holding you next to mommy's ear so she could hear you breathing your first breaths. Every day you and your sister remind of my purpose in this world, you compel me to become a better man, husband, and father. One day, I know you will be all of those things, and that your children will talk of you in the same way.
I love you buddy. Thank you for joining our team. You and your sister have my heart unconditionally forever.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Round Robin?
Tonight as the kiddos were winding down for bed, the whole family was snuggled on the couch under the colored lights we left hanging for ambiance around our crown molding. We decided instead of reading books to make up stories one sentence at a time and pass them around the room (I can't remember the name of this game). I wasn't sure Emma would "get it"but I was immediately proved wrong. This girl has the MOST AMAZING imagination!!
Daddy started off each story with the names of characters that were beyond ridiculous and then I would continue the story usually introducing a pet. Emma jumped right in describing that they were "hungry" or "had a bellyache" or "went for a walk" or "needed to go to the doctors". She did such a great job varying the storyline and seriously blew us away with her creativity. Benny even got in on the action with a "Jibber jabber here and a jibber jabber there..."
All in all my new favorite way to wind down after a long day!
Daddy started off each story with the names of characters that were beyond ridiculous and then I would continue the story usually introducing a pet. Emma jumped right in describing that they were "hungry" or "had a bellyache" or "went for a walk" or "needed to go to the doctors". She did such a great job varying the storyline and seriously blew us away with her creativity. Benny even got in on the action with a "Jibber jabber here and a jibber jabber there..."
All in all my new favorite way to wind down after a long day!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Black Eyed Girl
Last Thursday Emma's preschool was canceled due to the snow and she cried for a good 45 minutes after I got the phone call. She LOVES her friends and teachers so much! When we woke up this morning to icy rain fall I thought to myself, Oh no, here we go again. Luckily they only had an hour delay, but the teacher was there and said if we wanted to come at the regular time we could. I split the difference and then let Ben hang out and play for 20 minutes while I chatted with her teacher and we waited for the rest of the kids to arrive. When it was time for us to go, Ben pitched a giant "but I am having fun" tantrum and I literally had to wrestle him out the door into the rain.
He and I had to make a quick pit stop at the elementary school to sign Emma up for FREE pre-kindergarden (FREE! FREE! 5 half days a week!!! FREE!) and he wasn't very happy with the stop. It was a form that should have taken me about 60 seconds to fill out, instead it took me 5 minutes because he was being such a beast. At one point the whole office stopped in their tracks to say the Pledge of Allegiance which intrigued him for about 4 seconds before he went wiggle/scream wild again. To cap it all off, in his flailing arms was Percy the Train who made perfect contact with my right eye leaving me with a nice looking shiner. Ouchie.
I ran out of the office back into the pouring rain with only one working eyeball and got Ben back into his car seat. I sat in the driver's seat for a few minutes surveying the damage and decided that the vision was back to normal and maybe I needed to take Ben somewhere other our 4 walls to burn some energy / get a new perspective on life. I started driving having no place in particular in mind. I drove down the street our beloved library is on and thought about going in there when suddenly I remember someone telling me that the library the next town over had a children' section with a DOOR THAT CLOSED and kept the kids confined. I figured that we should go and terrorize a new set of librarians so off we went. GREAT IDEA! As soon as we walked in I knew it would be a place we will be spending a lot of time this winter! It has a train table (happy Benny), fish tank (happy Benny), lots of puzzles, doll house and plenty of place to roam without disturbing the adult patrons of the library. Ben went back and forth between the train table and the fish tank with the cheesiest smile on his face - it never ceases to amaze me how a new venue excites and calms that kid down at the same time! We stayed for about an hour before heading back to pick up Emma. He didn't even put up a fight when we left. Phew.
He and I had to make a quick pit stop at the elementary school to sign Emma up for FREE pre-kindergarden (FREE! FREE! 5 half days a week!!! FREE!) and he wasn't very happy with the stop. It was a form that should have taken me about 60 seconds to fill out, instead it took me 5 minutes because he was being such a beast. At one point the whole office stopped in their tracks to say the Pledge of Allegiance which intrigued him for about 4 seconds before he went wiggle/scream wild again. To cap it all off, in his flailing arms was Percy the Train who made perfect contact with my right eye leaving me with a nice looking shiner. Ouchie.
I ran out of the office back into the pouring rain with only one working eyeball and got Ben back into his car seat. I sat in the driver's seat for a few minutes surveying the damage and decided that the vision was back to normal and maybe I needed to take Ben somewhere other our 4 walls to burn some energy / get a new perspective on life. I started driving having no place in particular in mind. I drove down the street our beloved library is on and thought about going in there when suddenly I remember someone telling me that the library the next town over had a children' section with a DOOR THAT CLOSED and kept the kids confined. I figured that we should go and terrorize a new set of librarians so off we went. GREAT IDEA! As soon as we walked in I knew it would be a place we will be spending a lot of time this winter! It has a train table (happy Benny), fish tank (happy Benny), lots of puzzles, doll house and plenty of place to roam without disturbing the adult patrons of the library. Ben went back and forth between the train table and the fish tank with the cheesiest smile on his face - it never ceases to amaze me how a new venue excites and calms that kid down at the same time! We stayed for about an hour before heading back to pick up Emma. He didn't even put up a fight when we left. Phew.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Girlie Girl
We spent the afternoon at a friend's house today. Emma was so engrossed, no, let me rephrase that - Emma was so paranoid that the little boy she was playing with was going to play with the toys she was playing with and never give them back that she peed herself instead of going to the bathroom. It was the first full on accident she has had in a long time and I was incredibly cranky with her until she said, "But Liam will play with the (whatever) and not give it back to me." How do I respond to that?
Ben, who did not get a nap again today was surprisingly good with no meltdowns. As soon as I got his shoes off after we got in the door, he bee lined for the train table in the play area. He has only been there 4 times but knew exactly where to go and what to do. He barely stepped away from the table the entire 3 hours we were there. Can you say obsession?
As we were leaving, Liam's Mommy gave Emma the Tinkerbell doll she played with all afternoon to keep. Her eyes lit up and got so big. She was beyond thrilled and ever so sweetly said, "Thank you!!" On the 45 minute ride home out of no where she said, "Mommy, we should give Liam my Cinderella doll because he gave me the Tinkerbell doll." How sweet is that? She LOVES her Cinderella baby doll she got from Abuelita for Christmas! I told her that was very very nice of her but Liam really preferred to play with Buzz Lightyear and not girly dolls so she could keep both. Relieved with my reply she said, "That's good, Mommy, because I really love Cinderella and I really love Tinkerbell." There you have it.
Ben, who did not get a nap again today was surprisingly good with no meltdowns. As soon as I got his shoes off after we got in the door, he bee lined for the train table in the play area. He has only been there 4 times but knew exactly where to go and what to do. He barely stepped away from the table the entire 3 hours we were there. Can you say obsession?
As we were leaving, Liam's Mommy gave Emma the Tinkerbell doll she played with all afternoon to keep. Her eyes lit up and got so big. She was beyond thrilled and ever so sweetly said, "Thank you!!" On the 45 minute ride home out of no where she said, "Mommy, we should give Liam my Cinderella doll because he gave me the Tinkerbell doll." How sweet is that? She LOVES her Cinderella baby doll she got from Abuelita for Christmas! I told her that was very very nice of her but Liam really preferred to play with Buzz Lightyear and not girly dolls so she could keep both. Relieved with my reply she said, "That's good, Mommy, because I really love Cinderella and I really love Tinkerbell." There you have it.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Mmmm, Pizza
Benny still isn't talking but he has found some fascinating ways to communicate. My absolute favorite is when he comes over and grabs my hand and pulls me to what he wants. He then stands there and points with a giant smile on his face waiting patiently for me to get whatever it is he wants - usually toys that have been put away high on a shelf for a reason - but at least 3 times a day he will drag me down the hall to our sliding glass door that leads to our sizable deck that is covered in snow. He will stand there and do the happy dance which means, "Mom, can I go out and play? Can I? Can I?"
The whole hand grab and drag and smile adorably is so freaking cute but when you are trying to make dinner, or use the restroom, or blog it can be rather pesky.
Yesterday was bitter cold, I think the high was 21˚, so we didn't get outside to play in the snow. Today is sunny and is supposed to get up to 37˚ which is actually very comfortable (see? I have adjusted!) so the plan is to make use of the sunshine and play the morning away in the snow on the deck - a snowman is surely in order - before it all melts away (20 inches? doubtful...) in the warmer temps that are coming our way. Daddy remembers as a kid only getting 7-8 good snowstorms a year each dumping 5-7 inches max. We have already had 2 major storms, first one 12 inches and second one 20 inches. I guess if I am going to expose my kids to "seasons" there had better be snow in Winter for them to enjoy!
We had a pizza party at our friends house down the street last night. We got there at 5pm and the kids played the evening away with their buddies. There were 6 kids under 5 and the noise was deafening. The parents only ever worried when it got quiet - ha ha ha - and I thought it funny that we were able to keep such good conversation rolling along over the screeches of joy. Of course Emma cried when we had to leave - she was having way too much fun and didn't want the night to end. As always, the sign of a successful playdate is if it ends in tears of, "Noooooo! I don't wanna go home. I wanna stay here!"
The whole hand grab and drag and smile adorably is so freaking cute but when you are trying to make dinner, or use the restroom, or blog it can be rather pesky.
Yesterday was bitter cold, I think the high was 21˚, so we didn't get outside to play in the snow. Today is sunny and is supposed to get up to 37˚ which is actually very comfortable (see? I have adjusted!) so the plan is to make use of the sunshine and play the morning away in the snow on the deck - a snowman is surely in order - before it all melts away (20 inches? doubtful...) in the warmer temps that are coming our way. Daddy remembers as a kid only getting 7-8 good snowstorms a year each dumping 5-7 inches max. We have already had 2 major storms, first one 12 inches and second one 20 inches. I guess if I am going to expose my kids to "seasons" there had better be snow in Winter for them to enjoy!
We had a pizza party at our friends house down the street last night. We got there at 5pm and the kids played the evening away with their buddies. There were 6 kids under 5 and the noise was deafening. The parents only ever worried when it got quiet - ha ha ha - and I thought it funny that we were able to keep such good conversation rolling along over the screeches of joy. Of course Emma cried when we had to leave - she was having way too much fun and didn't want the night to end. As always, the sign of a successful playdate is if it ends in tears of, "Noooooo! I don't wanna go home. I wanna stay here!"
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Storm #2, Hooray!!
There is a giant list of reasons we decided to pack our bags and move from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic. High on the list is a little thing Mother Nature blesses the East Coasters with called "Seasons." Now many would argue that SoCal is the perfect place to live (I am one of them), but I gotta tell you, we got 18-24 inches of snow dumped on us in a 10 hour period last night which canceled all our plans for the day. We were stuck at home with nothing to do but HAVE A TON OF FUN PLAYING OUTSIDE AS A FAMILY.
Had we taken Ben to the middle of the yard and dropped him, the snow would easily have come up to his chin. And, let me tell you, he would not have minded at all. Turns out this little Valley Boy respects his heritage and digs (literally and figuratively) the snow! He was crawling through it, falling face first into the snow banks. He was "helping" shovel. He even got into the snow ball fighting by chucking hunks of snow at us and our neighbors. The only thing he didn't do was make a snow angel, but that's okay, his big sister made a ton of them for him. He was giggling up a storm and each time I asked him if he was cold and wanted to go inside he looked at me like I was a lunatic - couldn't I see he had no interest in being cooped up indoors?
Emma, too, had a blast. She probably digested about 5 lbs of snow - unfortunately not all the white fluffy stuff, but definitely no yellow stuff... Both kids did a great job of keeping their hats and mittens on but I realize that I probably need to splurge for something a little more water resistant! Benny's boots worked out well - when Daddy first put them on him with his snowpants on, he was walking around the living room all bow legged taking funny steps trying to get used to the feel of all the clothes. We couldn't stop laughing!
Needless to say, I think the kids have adjusted nicely to living in NY... and after the goodness of today, maybe Mommy has, too. (Just so long as I can continue my visits to CA for work and CA can guarantee me sunshine not the RAIN that it has been offering me as of late.)
Had we taken Ben to the middle of the yard and dropped him, the snow would easily have come up to his chin. And, let me tell you, he would not have minded at all. Turns out this little Valley Boy respects his heritage and digs (literally and figuratively) the snow! He was crawling through it, falling face first into the snow banks. He was "helping" shovel. He even got into the snow ball fighting by chucking hunks of snow at us and our neighbors. The only thing he didn't do was make a snow angel, but that's okay, his big sister made a ton of them for him. He was giggling up a storm and each time I asked him if he was cold and wanted to go inside he looked at me like I was a lunatic - couldn't I see he had no interest in being cooped up indoors?
Emma, too, had a blast. She probably digested about 5 lbs of snow - unfortunately not all the white fluffy stuff, but definitely no yellow stuff... Both kids did a great job of keeping their hats and mittens on but I realize that I probably need to splurge for something a little more water resistant! Benny's boots worked out well - when Daddy first put them on him with his snowpants on, he was walking around the living room all bow legged taking funny steps trying to get used to the feel of all the clothes. We couldn't stop laughing!
Needless to say, I think the kids have adjusted nicely to living in NY... and after the goodness of today, maybe Mommy has, too. (Just so long as I can continue my visits to CA for work and CA can guarantee me sunshine not the RAIN that it has been offering me as of late.)
Monday, January 3, 2011
breakfast!
Emma's traditional favorite thing to do every morning when we are visiting Abuelita and Grandpop is feed the ducks hot air popped corn... Here she is over the years:
Benny got in on the action this year. But instead of feeding the ducks, he fed himself!
Benny got in on the action this year. But instead of feeding the ducks, he fed himself!
last day of 78˚
Today is our last day in FL before heading back to NY to drop the kids off in the care of Saint Gramma Lou who will care for them and the doggies while we are in Palm Springs for our convention. We have been having fun and I adore the warm winter weather but there is nothing like sleeping in your own bed...
Yesterday we went to Miami Beach for lunch at Grandpop's favorite crab shack. The kiddos never cease to amaze me - just when we think they are going to be beasts because the timing to eat was bad (Ben's nap, hour past Emma's usual lunch) they were little angels and even the waitress commented that "your kids are so well behaved." Of course as soon as we returned to Abuelita's house the naughty switch turned on, especially Benny who decided he was bored with the toys I brought and starting playing with Abuelita's picture frames - and by play I mean grabbing them and throwing them or using his arm to swipe all twenty of them off the console table. FUN! Remarkably none of them broke and Ben attempted to charm us into not punishing him with his devilish grin...
I booked an evening flight on the return tonight hoping the kids will sleep. In retrospect this was probably a foolish thing to do because Emma has trouble sleeping anywhere but in a bed and she has to get up early for school tomorrow... Ben was a wiggly worm PITA on the ride to FL so tonight I will pray he falls asleep minutes into the 3 hour flight and we can relax a bit. Fingers crossed.
Yesterday we went to Miami Beach for lunch at Grandpop's favorite crab shack. The kiddos never cease to amaze me - just when we think they are going to be beasts because the timing to eat was bad (Ben's nap, hour past Emma's usual lunch) they were little angels and even the waitress commented that "your kids are so well behaved." Of course as soon as we returned to Abuelita's house the naughty switch turned on, especially Benny who decided he was bored with the toys I brought and starting playing with Abuelita's picture frames - and by play I mean grabbing them and throwing them or using his arm to swipe all twenty of them off the console table. FUN! Remarkably none of them broke and Ben attempted to charm us into not punishing him with his devilish grin...
I booked an evening flight on the return tonight hoping the kids will sleep. In retrospect this was probably a foolish thing to do because Emma has trouble sleeping anywhere but in a bed and she has to get up early for school tomorrow... Ben was a wiggly worm PITA on the ride to FL so tonight I will pray he falls asleep minutes into the 3 hour flight and we can relax a bit. Fingers crossed.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Happy New Year!
Good morning 2011. It is 7am on a cloudy winter morning here in Florida. It is already 63˚ and supposed to get up to 80˚. Daddy and I took the kiddos to the community park here on Friday and it was sunny and warm and I said, "Ut-oh Daddy. I have to admit, I really miss waking up to this weather every day!" He asked me if he should be worried, and I said no, but 12 years in weather perfect SoCal really spoiled me. I miss being outdoors a lot. I am definitely a get out and do something kind of gal. My kids are not yet fond of the cold weather - who is truly fond of 20˚? But hopefully that freak cold spell is behind us and we can start playing outside again soon. I just checked the weather in Port Jeff - it is 40˚ and raining... I wonder if any of our blizzard snow is going to be left. Boo, we didn't really even get a chance to play in it!
Anywhooo, we are enjoying our time here with Abuelita and Grandpop in FL. Uncle Raul and Aunt Laurie were here, too, which made for the perfect New Year's Eve. We all sat around the dinner table jibber jabbering until 11:50 then made our way into the living room to watch the ball drop. It was a great time and reminded me how lucky I am to have married into such a great family. Couple that with my great family and we have a lot of memorable family vacations together!
We headed to Jungle Island in Miami to spend the first day of the 2011. It couldn't have been more perfect. The sun was shining, it was 73˚, and the place was deserted - we had no problem seeing all the animals and a very easy time finding seats at all the shows. We asked the staff if this was typical and they said the place has been a madhouse all December long and that today was a freak occurrence. I guess everyone was tuckered out from partying up all night! It felt good to be out in the fresh air on our feet and moving around. It made me miss my outings with friends at the LA Zoo - the Bronx Zoo is AWESOME, but a challenge to get to and from...
Here is the funniest picture ever taken by Jungle Island staff. To give you a bit of background to the shot: this is the picture the staff take as you walk in the front entrance. Ben, who actually looks cute in this picture, had just thrown a full on tantrum rolling around on the ground just inside the entrance. He had gone to bed late and woke up at 4am until 7am, then napped for another 90 minutes before getting up. He was cranky and hungry from the 30 minute ride in the car. Emma was excited to be at the "Jungle Zoo" until they brought out the giant birds and placed them near her face. She froze and started to cry, so Uncle Raul picked her up which was good until the staff placed a bird on his shoulder inches from her head and she froze again. I am not sure what Daddy was looking at - possibly Abuelita's shoulder bird as he flapped his wings and dug his claws into her shoulder just as the photographer clicked the picture. Look at her expression! haha! Me? I simply look exhausted from my whopping 3 hours of sleep compliments of Benny. Talk about memorable!
Anywhooo, we are enjoying our time here with Abuelita and Grandpop in FL. Uncle Raul and Aunt Laurie were here, too, which made for the perfect New Year's Eve. We all sat around the dinner table jibber jabbering until 11:50 then made our way into the living room to watch the ball drop. It was a great time and reminded me how lucky I am to have married into such a great family. Couple that with my great family and we have a lot of memorable family vacations together!
We headed to Jungle Island in Miami to spend the first day of the 2011. It couldn't have been more perfect. The sun was shining, it was 73˚, and the place was deserted - we had no problem seeing all the animals and a very easy time finding seats at all the shows. We asked the staff if this was typical and they said the place has been a madhouse all December long and that today was a freak occurrence. I guess everyone was tuckered out from partying up all night! It felt good to be out in the fresh air on our feet and moving around. It made me miss my outings with friends at the LA Zoo - the Bronx Zoo is AWESOME, but a challenge to get to and from...
Here is the funniest picture ever taken by Jungle Island staff. To give you a bit of background to the shot: this is the picture the staff take as you walk in the front entrance. Ben, who actually looks cute in this picture, had just thrown a full on tantrum rolling around on the ground just inside the entrance. He had gone to bed late and woke up at 4am until 7am, then napped for another 90 minutes before getting up. He was cranky and hungry from the 30 minute ride in the car. Emma was excited to be at the "Jungle Zoo" until they brought out the giant birds and placed them near her face. She froze and started to cry, so Uncle Raul picked her up which was good until the staff placed a bird on his shoulder inches from her head and she froze again. I am not sure what Daddy was looking at - possibly Abuelita's shoulder bird as he flapped his wings and dug his claws into her shoulder just as the photographer clicked the picture. Look at her expression! haha! Me? I simply look exhausted from my whopping 3 hours of sleep compliments of Benny. Talk about memorable!
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