So much is going on, I'm having a hard time keeping up and on top of everything.
Ken and Kieran have been pushing for a dog, so my codicil was that we had to clean house - and keep it clean - regularly before the dog got here. We'd been working on that but the last two weeks got away from us and the house was a wreck. So after Kieran's soccer game on Saturday, Ken went with Mia grocery shopping and Kieran and I cleaned house. Kieran told me on Sunday that he likes our 'new' cleaner house better. When I told him we'd clean house every week he actually cheered. Something is wrong with that kid.
Amelia is doing very well at daycare. She's walking tons, spending a lot of time in the pre-toddler room, which she likes. Some mornings she doesn't want us to leave and others she's running away from us. Still hard to get her to nap and sometimes hard to get her to sleep but her night-time pattern is much better. Most nights she sleeps from about 7 or 7:30 until 5:30 or 6 the next morning. Ken showed her so much new stuff on Saturday that she slept until 8 on Sunday morning.
We have been exceedingly neglectful of taking photos. Like many parents, the 2nd child suffers from a lack of our ability to do five things at once (play with older child while changing diaper of younger child, while talking to someone on the phone, while trying to answer the door - just an example). This is something I want to get much better about. Since Kieran has soccer games on Saturdays, I think I'll go back to what we did with Kieran, which was try to take photos each week.
Anyway, tons going on at my office (and Ken's too), had a few minutes while I was waiting for a project to complete to type this out. Beyond work stuff, I've been trying to get more involved with the community now that I am not bodily tied to Amelia. I've volunteered for a lot of things which is also keeping me hopping. Lots going on, but it's all good. Looking forward to the holidays and some downtime to spend with the entire family.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Baby Steps - A Reminder
Our vacation was great this year. We took a full week off work and did nothing, really. Because we didn't think we'd have a ton of money, Ken and I initially planned for a stay-cation. We were going to hit Hershey Park, the DC Zoo, one of the nearby state parks and do Ocean City for one day.
Well, as luck would have it my brother had a place in OC that he couldn't use for the full week, so we happily took it for some extra time at the beach. I'm really glad we did.
Kieran did not react well to the ocean the first time he saw it. It was big and loud and scary. He was nearly 2 and it still took him a few days to acclimate to it (on a cruise). Amelia was no different. When she saw the ocean for the first time she cried and screamed. She liked playing in the sand but did not want to be near the water.
I have nothing but great memories of the ocean. We went to Ocean City at least once each year as I grew up. I remember sticking my head under water and hearing the dolphins far out to sea, collecting shells with my grandmother and playing tennis with my grandfather. I wanted so much for Mia to love the beach at first sight.
Then Ken reminded me that baby steps are the way to go. Our second day there we spent the morning at the beach again. This time we were prepared to keep Amelia entertained playing in the sand while Ken & I took turns playing with Kieran int he water. But then, it happened. I looked up and Ken was standing behind me, holding Mia. She wasn't crying. Or screaming. She was just watching the water. Ken said he'd just taken one step at a time slowly moving toward the water. Once he knew she was comfortable where they were standing, he'd take another step.
And it worked.
Once she got over the sound and the sight, I dipped her toes in the water. She realized that it was like the pool - which she loves - and then tried to faceplant into the water. From then on she had a great time at the beach. We stayed for hours, the four of us, playing and laughing and getting sand everywhere. Just like when I was growing up.
Well, as luck would have it my brother had a place in OC that he couldn't use for the full week, so we happily took it for some extra time at the beach. I'm really glad we did.
Kieran did not react well to the ocean the first time he saw it. It was big and loud and scary. He was nearly 2 and it still took him a few days to acclimate to it (on a cruise). Amelia was no different. When she saw the ocean for the first time she cried and screamed. She liked playing in the sand but did not want to be near the water.
I have nothing but great memories of the ocean. We went to Ocean City at least once each year as I grew up. I remember sticking my head under water and hearing the dolphins far out to sea, collecting shells with my grandmother and playing tennis with my grandfather. I wanted so much for Mia to love the beach at first sight.
Then Ken reminded me that baby steps are the way to go. Our second day there we spent the morning at the beach again. This time we were prepared to keep Amelia entertained playing in the sand while Ken & I took turns playing with Kieran int he water. But then, it happened. I looked up and Ken was standing behind me, holding Mia. She wasn't crying. Or screaming. She was just watching the water. Ken said he'd just taken one step at a time slowly moving toward the water. Once he knew she was comfortable where they were standing, he'd take another step.
And it worked.
Once she got over the sound and the sight, I dipped her toes in the water. She realized that it was like the pool - which she loves - and then tried to faceplant into the water. From then on she had a great time at the beach. We stayed for hours, the four of us, playing and laughing and getting sand everywhere. Just like when I was growing up.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Worst Blogging Mom Award
Yes, I am giving it to myself. I have Amelia's 1 year stats at home (height, weight, head circumference) and here it is, a month later, and I haven't posted them. Blech. I stink.
But I'll cut myself some slack. Kieran was having a good summer until a few weeks ago when his temper showed up (I guess it took a few weeks to find his camp). We're working on it (again) and it is easier to get him to talk once he's calmed down. So, there's that.
Amelia's been sick (she's better now) and that threw us for a loop. A fortunate side effect seems to be better sleep, however. We'll see if she can keep this up.
She's not walking yet (though she cruises along the furniture with ease), but she is definitely communicating a lot more. This morning I asked her if she was ready to go downstairs and she nodded and said "ya". Pretty exciting. Now that I'm done feeding her from my body (WOO HOO. Oh, wait am I supposed to be unhappy about that?), I can spend a bit more time with Kieran which is nice.
In a few weeks we'll be taking our vacation, which is really a stay-cation. We'll be doing some small things in the area (like maybe finally go to the dairy farm that I tried to do last year while on maternity leave) and then heading to the beach for a few days. Really looking forward to it. I need some rest and relaxation.
Kieran and Ken are ready for a new dog (I am not, but am being dragged along the journey anyway). On the upside it's given me and Ken the impetus we've needed to get the house in shape.
Other than that nothing else new. Gotta go and I promise to be a better mom blogger... next month.
But I'll cut myself some slack. Kieran was having a good summer until a few weeks ago when his temper showed up (I guess it took a few weeks to find his camp). We're working on it (again) and it is easier to get him to talk once he's calmed down. So, there's that.
Amelia's been sick (she's better now) and that threw us for a loop. A fortunate side effect seems to be better sleep, however. We'll see if she can keep this up.
She's not walking yet (though she cruises along the furniture with ease), but she is definitely communicating a lot more. This morning I asked her if she was ready to go downstairs and she nodded and said "ya". Pretty exciting. Now that I'm done feeding her from my body (WOO HOO. Oh, wait am I supposed to be unhappy about that?), I can spend a bit more time with Kieran which is nice.
In a few weeks we'll be taking our vacation, which is really a stay-cation. We'll be doing some small things in the area (like maybe finally go to the dairy farm that I tried to do last year while on maternity leave) and then heading to the beach for a few days. Really looking forward to it. I need some rest and relaxation.
Kieran and Ken are ready for a new dog (I am not, but am being dragged along the journey anyway). On the upside it's given me and Ken the impetus we've needed to get the house in shape.
Other than that nothing else new. Gotta go and I promise to be a better mom blogger... next month.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
To Amelia on Her First Birthday
Wow. I can't believe we've made it a year. The day you were born was a surprise, but a happy one. Your dad and I made it through delivery fairly quickly arriving at the hospital around 9 AM and you were born at 11:06. G'ma was there and so was Zadie and Bubbie and your brother. Uncle Andy, Aunt Wendy and your cousins came to see you as soon as they could. Becca was so excited to FINALLY have a girl cousin.
The past year has been something of a blur. You are still waking up at night, though definitely not as often. You finally said 'mama' (on Father's Day) after weeks of 'dada', but I swear your favorite word is 'brother'. I cannot even remember the blob we brought home from the hospital, the nights I had to wake you every few hours to feed, and I got used to having a baby that could breastfeed with ease.
Now you are almost walking. Annoying your brother. Smiling when I tell you no (as you go to do whatever it is again). Raising you to be the strong amazing woman I know you can be will be difficult, but enjoyable. Be kind to your brother. He has been more than patient while you have needed so much attention and help. If he acts out or annoys you or hits you know that whatever happens, he will always have your back. That he loves you unconditionally. That he will scare off boyfriends.
Be kind to your dad, too. He will freak out on you. Tell you no. Threaten your boyfriends. Know that he also loves you unconditionally. That he sat with you, hand on your back, when you couldn't sleep. He had more patience to sit by your crib until you could doze off than I ever will.
Looking forward to another year of watching you grow, seeing you run, hearing you talk.
Love,
Mom
The past year has been something of a blur. You are still waking up at night, though definitely not as often. You finally said 'mama' (on Father's Day) after weeks of 'dada', but I swear your favorite word is 'brother'. I cannot even remember the blob we brought home from the hospital, the nights I had to wake you every few hours to feed, and I got used to having a baby that could breastfeed with ease.
Now you are almost walking. Annoying your brother. Smiling when I tell you no (as you go to do whatever it is again). Raising you to be the strong amazing woman I know you can be will be difficult, but enjoyable. Be kind to your brother. He has been more than patient while you have needed so much attention and help. If he acts out or annoys you or hits you know that whatever happens, he will always have your back. That he loves you unconditionally. That he will scare off boyfriends.
Be kind to your dad, too. He will freak out on you. Tell you no. Threaten your boyfriends. Know that he also loves you unconditionally. That he sat with you, hand on your back, when you couldn't sleep. He had more patience to sit by your crib until you could doze off than I ever will.
Looking forward to another year of watching you grow, seeing you run, hearing you talk.
Love,
Mom
Wednesday, June 06, 2012
21 Days and Counting
Until Amelia is one year old. Holy crap - where did the time go?
One day you're thinking one kid is enough, the next you're not feeling so well and realize that maybe all the food aversions aren't the start of the flu. Pregnant to baby to nearly a toddler in the blink of an eye.
And Kieran has nearly completed his first year at public school. In so many ways he loves it, he's really looking forward to the summer and his Karate camp. We do the orientation for that this Sunday.
Grandma is coming to visit so Ken and I are frantically cleaning house (which is long overdue since I gave myself the baby excuse to not do a ton of housework this past year) and the weekend of Mia's party should be a lot of fun. There's so much going on right now it's hard to keep it all straight.
Speaking of which, I gotta jet. Love ya, blog again... eventually. Maybe before she's 2.
One day you're thinking one kid is enough, the next you're not feeling so well and realize that maybe all the food aversions aren't the start of the flu. Pregnant to baby to nearly a toddler in the blink of an eye.
And Kieran has nearly completed his first year at public school. In so many ways he loves it, he's really looking forward to the summer and his Karate camp. We do the orientation for that this Sunday.
Grandma is coming to visit so Ken and I are frantically cleaning house (which is long overdue since I gave myself the baby excuse to not do a ton of housework this past year) and the weekend of Mia's party should be a lot of fun. There's so much going on right now it's hard to keep it all straight.
Speaking of which, I gotta jet. Love ya, blog again... eventually. Maybe before she's 2.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Elmo Must Die
Amelia gave me an entire week of sleeping through the night. Then she stopped - just when I thought we were on to something with the earlier bedtime. She is sleeping better overall, with only 1-2 wake ups each night at most. But when she's up after 3:30 AM, I run the risk of her being awake for the day. Which is why Elmo must die.
She was up at 3:40 - but she had gone to sleep early that night, maybe 7:15 or 7:30. So I knew that there was a possibility that she was awake for good. But no, after feeding she seemed relaxed enough for me to put her back in her crib. Then I stepped on something fuzzy - Tickle Me Elmo.
"Hehehe. That tickles a little." Said Elmo.
Amelia's eyes opened then closed again. I put her in her crib.
"Tickle Elmo again." said Elmo.
Her head came up. I rubbed her back and she put her head back down.
"OK, tickle Elmo later." said Elmo.
That did it. Amelia was up, smiling and looking to play.
"Eff you, Elmo." I whispered.
The end of the story is that I went upstairs and told Ken it was his turn. It was 5:30 at this point, which means I probably slept while she fed. He gave me another 2 blissful hours of sleep. I have yet to forgive Elmo.
That is all for now. Will blog again eventually.
She was up at 3:40 - but she had gone to sleep early that night, maybe 7:15 or 7:30. So I knew that there was a possibility that she was awake for good. But no, after feeding she seemed relaxed enough for me to put her back in her crib. Then I stepped on something fuzzy - Tickle Me Elmo.
"Hehehe. That tickles a little." Said Elmo.
Amelia's eyes opened then closed again. I put her in her crib.
"Tickle Elmo again." said Elmo.
Her head came up. I rubbed her back and she put her head back down.
"OK, tickle Elmo later." said Elmo.
That did it. Amelia was up, smiling and looking to play.
"Eff you, Elmo." I whispered.
The end of the story is that I went upstairs and told Ken it was his turn. It was 5:30 at this point, which means I probably slept while she fed. He gave me another 2 blissful hours of sleep. I have yet to forgive Elmo.
That is all for now. Will blog again eventually.
Friday, May 18, 2012
The Baby and The Boy
I've been very remiss in blogging. Too busy lately - lots going on both from a work and a home perspective.
Ken's first triathlon is this weekend - fingers crossed- he's hoping to finish. I told Kieran that Ken was going to be in a race and he got very excited. I also told him that we'd go to see him cross the finish line.
Kieran: But I want to see the race!
Me: The whole race will take 5 hours.
Kieran: Boring!
Me: Exactly. That's why we'll go and cheer Daddy when he crosses the finish line.
Kieran writes and reads very well now. We have a stack of words for him to review each night - sight words from class and words we have added because his sight words are too simple (we got rid of all the 2 letter words and will soon remove all 3 letter words). He's also begun to write stories in his journal instead of drawing pictures each day. In class they begin each day by writing a sentence fragment (example: At the farm, I saw a....) and then the kids can finish the sentence with a picture or with words. Kieran's doing 2 or 3 pages full of words. He also wrote me a card that says "Mommy I miss you wen your gon". I love that card.
Amelia is doing well too. She's doing something I will not discuss here, but suffice to say I am better rested than I have been previously. I will not say more as I do not wish to jinx what has been occurring.
Her babbling is cute and she's waving and clapping her hands. She will even imitate sounds (Hi Dad is a favorite imitated phrase - still no mom yet dangit). Cruising along furniture and sometimes standing for a moment by herself. I doubt she will walk early (as her brother did) but I am not worried about her talking.
I'm gearing up to get details done for her first birthday party - coming in just over a month. I am counting down for multiple reasons (yes, one of them is so I can drink again) but am still blown away by the fact that it has been nearly a year since she was born. The past year has flown by.
On a related (but completely separate) topic... we finally dumped photos from the camera and have some videos that are old to share. So, now that it's nearly June I can post photos from Ken & Kieran's trip to Disney... from last August. Yes, we are that family. Deal with it.
Love to all, blog again sometime.
Ken's first triathlon is this weekend - fingers crossed- he's hoping to finish. I told Kieran that Ken was going to be in a race and he got very excited. I also told him that we'd go to see him cross the finish line.
Kieran: But I want to see the race!
Me: The whole race will take 5 hours.
Kieran: Boring!
Me: Exactly. That's why we'll go and cheer Daddy when he crosses the finish line.
Kieran writes and reads very well now. We have a stack of words for him to review each night - sight words from class and words we have added because his sight words are too simple (we got rid of all the 2 letter words and will soon remove all 3 letter words). He's also begun to write stories in his journal instead of drawing pictures each day. In class they begin each day by writing a sentence fragment (example: At the farm, I saw a....) and then the kids can finish the sentence with a picture or with words. Kieran's doing 2 or 3 pages full of words. He also wrote me a card that says "Mommy I miss you wen your gon". I love that card.
Amelia is doing well too. She's doing something I will not discuss here, but suffice to say I am better rested than I have been previously. I will not say more as I do not wish to jinx what has been occurring.
Her babbling is cute and she's waving and clapping her hands. She will even imitate sounds (Hi Dad is a favorite imitated phrase - still no mom yet dangit). Cruising along furniture and sometimes standing for a moment by herself. I doubt she will walk early (as her brother did) but I am not worried about her talking.
I'm gearing up to get details done for her first birthday party - coming in just over a month. I am counting down for multiple reasons (yes, one of them is so I can drink again) but am still blown away by the fact that it has been nearly a year since she was born. The past year has flown by.
On a related (but completely separate) topic... we finally dumped photos from the camera and have some videos that are old to share. So, now that it's nearly June I can post photos from Ken & Kieran's trip to Disney... from last August. Yes, we are that family. Deal with it.
Love to all, blog again sometime.
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