Our weekend was packed with fun things and fun people and when it was all wrapped up we were pleasantly exhausted. We enjoyed an evening away from home on Saturday night. We brought the boys to some friends' house and they loved exploring new territory. Sunday we had two of my awesome cousins over to watch the Super Bowl, as well as Elijah's bff. It was a huge success! Everyone had a great time and we stuffed ourselves with calorie-laden snacks.
I'm a few days behind in posting about this, but Sammy got croup a few nights ago. It was mild and we managed it with oral steroids, a steamy bathroom and Mama snuggles. As usual, the stridor lingered for a few days but never became severe.
We are ALL at different stages of sickness that just will not seem to totally go away. I got hit with another round of congestion over the weekend and now Dan has been hit, as well. I'm ready for total health for us! Elijah has been the healthiest of all of us this winter.
I am loving being able to work from home and really focus on my food blog. Dan has had some work drama that has added a bit of stress to our lives. Elijah is doing mostly well in school, with rough patches here and there. After a routine appointment to his developmental ped last week, we are going to increase anxiety med dosage again. Sammy is as sweet and sassy as ever, giving me TONS of "love" letters and snuggles and then telling me what a horrible mom I am in the next breath. Ugh.
That's us in a nutshell! I hope you are all healthy and starting your week off great!
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Monday, February 8, 2016
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Improvements
Whew, the week is flying by quickly! We started a few new things with Elijah this week in hopes of helping him to feel less overwhelmed and anxious. The main one is shortened school days, of course. We have also been giving him herbal supplements, we've been getting him into bed even earlier (just for a while, until he's caught up), we are cutting way back on screen time (only allowing 30 minutes/day of iPad/phone/tv) and we have started juicing veggies and fruits for both boys since they are so anti-vegetable. Every day they are each consuming: 2 apples (or more), 1 orange, blueberries/raspberries, 1 kiwi and 2 handfuls of kale. We have also been minimizing sugar intake, which is difficult on Halloween week!
We've been doing all of the above since Monday and we have noticed a definite positive change in E's behavior at home. The shortened school days are probably helping the most, with the other things helping by little bits that all add up. Dan and I have noticed that Elijah still has tired eyes. He looks exhausted constantly (although, he's looked less exhausted with each passing day), but he has mostly been able to control impulses and not be as defiant at home. I asked his teachers for a report at the end of the week, so I'm looking forward to hearing that.
I got a note from the school nurse today. Elijah failed his vision screening at school in his left eye. His vision was 20/70. In April it was 20/40. I'm not sure why it would have gotten worse so quickly, so I scheduled an appointment for him to see his ophthalmologist on Friday morning. Friday is Halloween, so we want him to be able to spend the afternoon at school for his "harvest party," so this works out perfectly!
Dan and I have been working like crazy fiends. We are ships passing in the night, as we head to our jobs. I know this craziness is only for a season, so we are pushing through and managing. Soon we will have tons of quality time together, once five out of eight of our jobs slow down.
I feel like there is always so much more to say, but Dan and I are actually at home together tonight so I must go snuggle with him! Thanks for stopping by! Have a great rest of your week!
We've been doing all of the above since Monday and we have noticed a definite positive change in E's behavior at home. The shortened school days are probably helping the most, with the other things helping by little bits that all add up. Dan and I have noticed that Elijah still has tired eyes. He looks exhausted constantly (although, he's looked less exhausted with each passing day), but he has mostly been able to control impulses and not be as defiant at home. I asked his teachers for a report at the end of the week, so I'm looking forward to hearing that.
I got a note from the school nurse today. Elijah failed his vision screening at school in his left eye. His vision was 20/70. In April it was 20/40. I'm not sure why it would have gotten worse so quickly, so I scheduled an appointment for him to see his ophthalmologist on Friday morning. Friday is Halloween, so we want him to be able to spend the afternoon at school for his "harvest party," so this works out perfectly!
Dan and I have been working like crazy fiends. We are ships passing in the night, as we head to our jobs. I know this craziness is only for a season, so we are pushing through and managing. Soon we will have tons of quality time together, once five out of eight of our jobs slow down.
I feel like there is always so much more to say, but Dan and I are actually at home together tonight so I must go snuggle with him! Thanks for stopping by! Have a great rest of your week!
Monday, October 13, 2014
Croup: Season 5, Episode 1 (Samson)...AND a cardiology visit!
Our sweet Sammy was up at 9:00 last night with a barky cough and a teeny tiny fever. He and Dan sat in a steamy bathroom and then outside for a bit. It was fairly mild and improved enough to not consider medicine. Then I let him do the customary sleep-with-mama for a bit afterward. It's been a while since Sammy has slept with me. I'd forgotten that he likes to literally drape himself over my body and then fall asleep. Minimal sleep was occurring for the mama in the bed, so by midnight I put him back in his own bed. He did fine the rest of the night and just had a lingering runny nose and tiny cough today.
In other news, Dan brought Elijah to his 6-month cardiology check-up today. I had a bit of a nervous tummy about it (as always). Six months ago Dr. G had been surprised by how well Elijah's heart was doing, so I thought maybe this would be "the time" when we would hear "stuff" could be in the near future. I was wrong! His heart has mild stenosis (way milder than what he had expected), his valve has a tiny bit of leakage (very minimal) and heart function looks just great! We'll go back in six months! Again he told Dan that five years from surgery is a standard timeframe to expect the next surgery. That would be 2016 for Elijah, but hopefully in his case we will extend that a year or two! It always feels SO GOOD when Elijah is cleared for another six months! This is HUGE sigh of relief! And now we know that Elijah's overwhelmed exhaustion has nothing to do with his heart and everything to do with his brain.
Other than that, we are kind of doing bare minimum these days. On the days when we get Elijah to complete a sheet of homework or when I get a load of laundry folded AND put away I feel super accomplished. Dan and I are both working as much as possible while we can. This time of year provides opportunities for money for both of us, so we try to take advantage of that despite feeling like our family is being stretched in many directions. We have had a few weekend family days together lately, which has been SOOOo nice. But usually when one of us gets home, the other is leaving to go to work. I am definitely not complaining! We are so grateful to have work right now!!
I still haven't heard whether or not Dr. M #1 has connected with school. In the meantime, I've been PRAYING that Dr. M #2 will agree to write a note to shorten E's school days asap. Today I spoke with an advocate from PACER center and while she had a few good pointers for us for when we attend meetings, we are already doing everything she suggested. I'm excited to get E's days shortened because then we can actually work on lessening some of his anxieties. I want to get him swimming and playing a musical instrument. Both of these things I know would be VERY calming for him, but at the present time we cannot fit either into our schedule. Dan and I have something else in the works that we're hoping will pan out and that will help him immensely. I'll wait until we are 100% committed and then share!
Soon I will share photos from our yearly corn maze adventure! This past weekend I took the boys to Pumpkins in the Park, hosted by our city's schools. It was fun! The weather was gorgeous and the boys got candy and pumpkins and a few other treats. Tomorrow E gets to wear pajamas to school (a special class treat!) and then he has the rest of the week off. We have a few other doctor's appointments coming up this week and next, too. I hope this post made sense! I'm tired! Have a good night!
In other news, Dan brought Elijah to his 6-month cardiology check-up today. I had a bit of a nervous tummy about it (as always). Six months ago Dr. G had been surprised by how well Elijah's heart was doing, so I thought maybe this would be "the time" when we would hear "stuff" could be in the near future. I was wrong! His heart has mild stenosis (way milder than what he had expected), his valve has a tiny bit of leakage (very minimal) and heart function looks just great! We'll go back in six months! Again he told Dan that five years from surgery is a standard timeframe to expect the next surgery. That would be 2016 for Elijah, but hopefully in his case we will extend that a year or two! It always feels SO GOOD when Elijah is cleared for another six months! This is HUGE sigh of relief! And now we know that Elijah's overwhelmed exhaustion has nothing to do with his heart and everything to do with his brain.
Other than that, we are kind of doing bare minimum these days. On the days when we get Elijah to complete a sheet of homework or when I get a load of laundry folded AND put away I feel super accomplished. Dan and I are both working as much as possible while we can. This time of year provides opportunities for money for both of us, so we try to take advantage of that despite feeling like our family is being stretched in many directions. We have had a few weekend family days together lately, which has been SOOOo nice. But usually when one of us gets home, the other is leaving to go to work. I am definitely not complaining! We are so grateful to have work right now!!
I still haven't heard whether or not Dr. M #1 has connected with school. In the meantime, I've been PRAYING that Dr. M #2 will agree to write a note to shorten E's school days asap. Today I spoke with an advocate from PACER center and while she had a few good pointers for us for when we attend meetings, we are already doing everything she suggested. I'm excited to get E's days shortened because then we can actually work on lessening some of his anxieties. I want to get him swimming and playing a musical instrument. Both of these things I know would be VERY calming for him, but at the present time we cannot fit either into our schedule. Dan and I have something else in the works that we're hoping will pan out and that will help him immensely. I'll wait until we are 100% committed and then share!
Soon I will share photos from our yearly corn maze adventure! This past weekend I took the boys to Pumpkins in the Park, hosted by our city's schools. It was fun! The weather was gorgeous and the boys got candy and pumpkins and a few other treats. Tomorrow E gets to wear pajamas to school (a special class treat!) and then he has the rest of the week off. We have a few other doctor's appointments coming up this week and next, too. I hope this post made sense! I'm tired! Have a good night!
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Croup: Season 7, Episode 1.1 (Elijah)
Mild to moderate croup episodes do not earn their own episode numbers, but Elijah had a "dot-one" last night. It involved a barky cough and mild difficulty breathing. Compared to Sunday night it was a piece of cake. Dan and Elijah sat in a steamy bathroom and then in the cool outside air and after that things were manageable. He coughed a bit early in the morning, but all was well. He has been in bed for 2.5 hours tonight and we just heard a bit of a barky cough. It may be another night of mild croup, but we're praying for none of it!
The past two days have brought sleeplessness, anxiety and frustration as I continue to ponder and worry about Elijah being totally overwhelmed by full days at school. The scripted lines that have been delivered to me over and over make me want to scream at the top of my lungs. We continue to try connecting educators with doctors in an attempt to make things easier. As far as I know, this hasn't happened yet.
Dan accompanied Elijah on a field trip today. E seemed to have reached his limit by noon, so Dan brought him home (he thought ahead and had driven himself...SUCH a good daddy!). We are going to try sending Elijah to school the rest of this week and one day next week. Monday he has a cardiology appointment that will take most of the morning and Wed-Fri is MEA. This is perfect. We are hoping to finally get him back to baseline. After that, well....to be continued! I have a few ideas which depend on a few different factors. My top priority with this situation: making things less overwhelming for Elijah-->shortening his days at school-->doing whatever it takes to make that happen. If it can't happen, we will take him out of school SOON and figure something else out. We...HE...cannot go on like this.
It's a busy week! I'm in Cannon Falls working all week and Dan is working two new jobs (that makes FIVE jobs total for him). Despite the craziness, I feel like we have good perspective and we are so grateful for everything, including these new struggles. We know everything will come together and that good things will come of all of this.
Thanks so much for peeking in. I hope you all have a great rest of your week!
The past two days have brought sleeplessness, anxiety and frustration as I continue to ponder and worry about Elijah being totally overwhelmed by full days at school. The scripted lines that have been delivered to me over and over make me want to scream at the top of my lungs. We continue to try connecting educators with doctors in an attempt to make things easier. As far as I know, this hasn't happened yet.
Dan accompanied Elijah on a field trip today. E seemed to have reached his limit by noon, so Dan brought him home (he thought ahead and had driven himself...SUCH a good daddy!). We are going to try sending Elijah to school the rest of this week and one day next week. Monday he has a cardiology appointment that will take most of the morning and Wed-Fri is MEA. This is perfect. We are hoping to finally get him back to baseline. After that, well....to be continued! I have a few ideas which depend on a few different factors. My top priority with this situation: making things less overwhelming for Elijah-->shortening his days at school-->doing whatever it takes to make that happen. If it can't happen, we will take him out of school SOON and figure something else out. We...HE...cannot go on like this.
It's a busy week! I'm in Cannon Falls working all week and Dan is working two new jobs (that makes FIVE jobs total for him). Despite the craziness, I feel like we have good perspective and we are so grateful for everything, including these new struggles. We know everything will come together and that good things will come of all of this.
Thanks so much for peeking in. I hope you all have a great rest of your week!
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Golden!
So my new expensive camera happens to be....um, AWESOME. Dan and I have been ooo-ing and aaah-ing over the photos it has been capturing over the past few days.
Dan assisted me with my Friday wedding while the boys spent the night with their Auntie Carolyn and cousins. Everything went great! My friend's wedding was beautiful and we captured some great memories. The boys had a great time with their awesome auntie and cousins. We got home late, went straight to bed and I got up bright and early for another day of wedding-ness.
I was SO TIRED by the end of yesterday. It was a 13-hour day! My lower back was killing me and I had shooting pains in my heels. I am glad it's all done and I'm excited about editing the photos I captured. Weddings can be so stressful, but they are so rewarding. I love my job!
Dan leaves early in the morning (3am!) to head to DC for six days. We are going to miss him this week. We have a busy week planned, as usual, so I'm sure it'll go quickly.
Next week, June 4th, is Sammy's GOLDEN birthday! I know I've asked you for cards/letters/love for Elijah so much in the past, but if it is on your heart, would you mind sending a special letter to our Sammy for his golden birthday? It would mean so much to him and to us! If you need a mailing address, send me an email at mmporta at gmail dot com. So often it is Elijah receiving attention during surgeries/hospitalizations/special situations...so I would just LOVE for Sammy to feel super-special for once! No pressure...only if it's on your heart.
Good night! Thank you for checking in! Have a great rest of your Memorial Day weekend.
Monday, April 7, 2014
Cardiology check-up
Today was Elijah's first day back at school after a long spring break. He had an "awesome" day! Wooo! We picked him up a bit early and scooted downtown for his bi-yearly cardiology visit. My tummy always feels a bit "off" on cardio-visit days, and today was no exception. All was well, though. In fact, everything looked GREAT! Dr. G had told us last fall to expect another heart cath this summer. Well, guess what! His heart function and pressures looked great (for him) today, so no heart cath for another 6-9 months! This will be the longest stretch between heart caths EVER!
We asked Dr. G about a timeframe for the next valve replacement (open heart), and he said it would be a minimum of two years. Maybe more. Elijah has some big growing years ahead of him so the faster he grows, the sooner the next big surgery will need to happen. We're thinking 2016 might be The Year.
I know E's sleep doctor has conferred with Dr. G about the new meds he is taking to help improve sleep, but I couldn't help but ask him about the meds myself. He had ZERO worries about these meds adversely affecting his heart function in any way. Phew! It always feels good to get the Dr. G endorsement firsthand. Love him.
By the way, we have been verrrrry gradually increasing Elijah's sleep meds over the past 10ish days and we really have no idea if they are working. I think he is sleeping a bit later in the mornings, but his behavior at home hasn't been ideal. We will continue with the meds for a bit longer, increasing the dosage by a bit, and see how things go. THANK YOU to the commenter who suggested the baby video monitor to keep an eye on his sleeping during the night. What a great idea! It's on my list for this week so I don't have to wonder for hours during the night whether he is asleep or wide awake.
Literally while we were at the doctor's office today I got a call from the neuropsychologist's office. They had received our paperwork and were ready to schedule an appointment. Yay! It is much sooner than I anticipated, so Elijah will have a FIVE-HOUR evaluation done on April 29th. I know this will provide us with even more valuable insight into how Elijah works and thinks. I'm genuinely giddy about this visit, whatever "news" we receive. The puzzle pieces keep clicking into place!
Dan leaves for a five-day work trip tomorrow, so the boys and I will be flying solo for a while! Our agenda includes: a bit of daycare time for Sammy so I can get some work done (he is NOT happy about this), a visit to the library (Elijah is very interested in Abraham Lincoln lately), trips to the park, pizza-movie night, GREAT days at school and lots of boy-Mama time! Please pray Dan's trip goes well and that the boys and I have a healthy, fun week. Wishing you all an incredible week, too!
We asked Dr. G about a timeframe for the next valve replacement (open heart), and he said it would be a minimum of two years. Maybe more. Elijah has some big growing years ahead of him so the faster he grows, the sooner the next big surgery will need to happen. We're thinking 2016 might be The Year.
I know E's sleep doctor has conferred with Dr. G about the new meds he is taking to help improve sleep, but I couldn't help but ask him about the meds myself. He had ZERO worries about these meds adversely affecting his heart function in any way. Phew! It always feels good to get the Dr. G endorsement firsthand. Love him.
By the way, we have been verrrrry gradually increasing Elijah's sleep meds over the past 10ish days and we really have no idea if they are working. I think he is sleeping a bit later in the mornings, but his behavior at home hasn't been ideal. We will continue with the meds for a bit longer, increasing the dosage by a bit, and see how things go. THANK YOU to the commenter who suggested the baby video monitor to keep an eye on his sleeping during the night. What a great idea! It's on my list for this week so I don't have to wonder for hours during the night whether he is asleep or wide awake.
Literally while we were at the doctor's office today I got a call from the neuropsychologist's office. They had received our paperwork and were ready to schedule an appointment. Yay! It is much sooner than I anticipated, so Elijah will have a FIVE-HOUR evaluation done on April 29th. I know this will provide us with even more valuable insight into how Elijah works and thinks. I'm genuinely giddy about this visit, whatever "news" we receive. The puzzle pieces keep clicking into place!
Dan leaves for a five-day work trip tomorrow, so the boys and I will be flying solo for a while! Our agenda includes: a bit of daycare time for Sammy so I can get some work done (he is NOT happy about this), a visit to the library (Elijah is very interested in Abraham Lincoln lately), trips to the park, pizza-movie night, GREAT days at school and lots of boy-Mama time! Please pray Dan's trip goes well and that the boys and I have a healthy, fun week. Wishing you all an incredible week, too!
Monday, November 5, 2012
Good ear news!
I was unfortunately not able to join my boys today for Elijah's ENT appointment to take a peek at his left ear. I will admit that I was nervous about it, and I would have liked to be at the appointment. The mom in me wanted to be the one to ask all the questions. Instead, I told Dan all of my questions at least ten times. :)
I am very very happy to report that the reason Elijah has been experiencing significant hearing loss in his left ear is because fluid has built up behind his ear drum. The doctor thought that this most definitely is happening is because of the infection he had in August that didn't want to go away.
My first question was: Why didn't his primary doctor know this? Apparently specialists are more specialized! Ha! Dan said he took one look and knew from the way his ear drum was shaped, that fluid was behind it.
This is all really great news because it is totally fixable. The doctor wants to wait a few months, just in case it wants to cure itself (although it usually won't by this point). We will go back in January and if things are the same, E will need to get a tube surgically placed in his ear to help drain the fluid. I suppose some parents would be saddened by this, but for us this is something that can be fixed and that makes us happy. Thank you, God!
Daylight Savings is always an interesting week for us, with Elijah being such an early riser. Saturday night the little boys and I spent the night at a friend's house while Dan was hunting. That meant that E and I shared a bed. At 3:30, he tapped me on the shoulder and said, "MOM! Is it time to get up?!" !!! And he did not go back to sleep (neither did I, really...or Sam). Ever since then, we've all been tired. I have to tell you what he said next because it made my heart melt, although it did not make me want to get out of bed. "Mom, you are my sweet girl and my best friend!" Awww! But.....it is EARLY! GO BACK TO BED, CHILD! :)
This will be my last week of working this freelance job I have been doing since September. This job has been such a huge blessing for us in so many ways. Financially, obviously, but it has also been the positive corporate experience that I desperately needed. Almost a year ago, I was unjustly terminated from my previous job after putting in 8.5 years of stellar service for that company. I have had a very difficult time wanting to be involved in a corporate setting since then. I can truly say that I have been recalibrated! The team I have been working with for the past few months has been awesome. They are respectful and hard-working and considerate and SO NORMAL. I feel so happy to have been a part of this work environment. I am sad that it will be ending soon, but I am also happy that it will be ending soon. That means more time with my boys. But I will miss my coworkers.
E has another appointment tomorrow, this time with his eye doctor. More info to come on that..
Sammy is as sassy and independent as ever! That boy is a toughie when he wants to be (but usually he is such a sweet and snuggly little thing). Dan and I have basically become master manipulators in order to get him to obey and do what we ask him to do. He keeps us on our toes!
More later! Thanks for checking in!
Friday, July 20, 2012
Don't be an angry bird
Since it is summer and Dan is working so often, we have designated Mondays and Tuesdays (Dan's days off) as family days. On Mondays and Tuesdays, I do not typically do much work. That leaves me with little to no time to get my work done! Soooo...I have been bringing the boys to daycare (their favorite place in the world) one day every week.
Today was Daycare Day! The boys came home dirty and tired, and I got about a million things accomplished. I have approximately 200 hours left of things I wish to accomplish, but I am happy with what I was able to get done today.
Last night the boys and I made Angry Birds pizzas! Elijah was sooo excited about this. We were happy with how the pizzas turned out. It was a little bit sad to eat them. The recipe will be coming soon on my food blog.
Elijah's potty business is going well. Much improvement has been made, although we still do have setbacks (umm, today). "Setbacks" now, though, are much less of a hassle than they were a month ago. Progress is definitely (slowly) being made.
We have had issues lately with Elijah being unkind to people, including his friends at daycare. Please pray with us about this! It makes me sad to try to understand why he would think to be unkind to his friends and family. :( We have done a lot of talking about it, but it just doesn't ever seem to sink in.
We will be heading to the dropzone tomorrow for the weekend. My kind friend Jess has offered to watch the boys in the afternoon as an early birthday gift so that I can skydive! That will make two weekends in a row! Thank you, Jess!
Thanks for checking in! Have a great weekend!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Overdue update
Sorry for posting an old photo. I haven't taken many kid photos lately due to the goopy snot that usually accumulates around their (well, mostly Elijah's) noses.
This week has gotten better with each new day. Elijah's cough is starting to loosen its grip on his lungs, which has made for better rest (for all of us) and much less sass (from guess who!).
Samson's napping is still very frustrating. I keep telling myself he will get there, but then we don't really see much progress and I wonder if we ever will?
I have noticed lately that Elijah is so super detailed when he talks about things. He will say:
"Elijah and Mommy reading books? Elijah and Mommy reading books upstairs? Elijah and Mommy reading books upstairs in loft? Elijah and Mommy reading books upstairs in loft in our home?"
Or:
"Elijah eating yogurt. Elijah eating blue yogurt. Elijah eating blue yogurt at table. Elijah eating blue yogurt at table in kitchen. Elijah eating blue yogurt at table in kitchen in our home."
He is thorough! And he is so, so funny.
He has been playing grocery store a lot (sound familiar, DAD?). He will push a stool (his cart) around the kitchen and pick out food. An apple from the counter, mac & cheese and peanut butter from the pantry, juice from the fridge. Then he will push his cart to the end of the counter (the check-out line) and he will put everything on the counter top (belt). He'll say, "Hewwo!" "Oh, HI!" and he will pretend to pay. Then he loads all of his groceries up in a paper bag and carries them to the living room (his car). Then he unloads the food in the kitchen, usually not in the same places he found everything in. Repeat twenty times.
Sammy, aside from his napping issues, is doing great. Oh, and aside from his recent VERY early morning wakings. He is such a chunk! And such a cute, happy babe. And still constantly very very hungry, hence the chunkiness.
Dan is nearing the end of skydiving season, which means we will be seeing more of him very soon. YAY!
And I am a crazy blogging fool these days. It's so much fun. I'm really enjoying the way everything is going right now. I can't imagine how much I will be enjoying life once Dan is home a little more!
Did I tell you what Elijah and Sam are going to be for Halloween? Their costumes aren't related, but they are sooo cute. I can't wait to get pics and share!
And last but not least, we did finally hear back from Dr. G and he wants to do Elijah's heart cath sometime early next year. Sometime between January and March. It's always good to get dates on the calendar so I can start mentally preparing.
Thanks for checking in! We hope you all are well and enjoying these last teeny little bits of nice weather.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Panda bears and dentist chairs
"Yet's see," as Elijah says, what is going on with us. Dan worked his bum off last week/weekend and made lots and lots of skydives, so he has been happy to be at home for a couple days. We have loved having him at home! I cherish our time together as a family so much more than I ever have. We have been spending a lot of time outside (grillin' and chillin') after I get home from work. Dan and I started watching Dexter Season 4 last night. Aahhhh, we love this show!
Sam has been a super smiley little guy. We still do not have a nap schedule nailed down, but I am sensing (hoping) it is on the horizon.
He has evolved into such a very good baby. As long as he is rested and fed, he is one happy, content little person.
Elijah got his teeth cleaned by the dentist for the first time yesterday. Dan said he did really well (I was not able to go). The scariest thing for him was when they lowered the chair back while he was sitting in it (there's that gravitational insecurity).
Yesterday morning when I was talking to Elijah about what to expect while at the dentist, he said, "Oh. Dentist? Panda bear! Open mouth!" Hmmmm, I had no idea what this meant. After the visit I asked Dan if a panda bear with an open mouth had any significance. He said, "Yeah, there is a painting on the wall of jungle animals. One of them is a panda bear and his mouth is open because he is chewing on bamboo." Ok, that freaked me out a little bit. We were in that office briefly one other time, six or more months ago. Apparently the open-mouthed panda left an impression on his little mind.
Elijah has been saying "Sure!" a lot. It is so cute how it comes out. It sounds like he is saying "sir," except without being able to say the R sound. So it sounds like "siw," or something like that.
Being back at work gets better with each day that passes. Dan is back in the sky tomorrow. Elijah goes back to preschool next week. Sam seems to be adjusting well to daycare and to our new schedule.
That's about all we've got for now!
Sam has been a super smiley little guy. We still do not have a nap schedule nailed down, but I am sensing (hoping) it is on the horizon.
He has evolved into such a very good baby. As long as he is rested and fed, he is one happy, content little person.
Elijah got his teeth cleaned by the dentist for the first time yesterday. Dan said he did really well (I was not able to go). The scariest thing for him was when they lowered the chair back while he was sitting in it (there's that gravitational insecurity).
Yesterday morning when I was talking to Elijah about what to expect while at the dentist, he said, "Oh. Dentist? Panda bear! Open mouth!" Hmmmm, I had no idea what this meant. After the visit I asked Dan if a panda bear with an open mouth had any significance. He said, "Yeah, there is a painting on the wall of jungle animals. One of them is a panda bear and his mouth is open because he is chewing on bamboo." Ok, that freaked me out a little bit. We were in that office briefly one other time, six or more months ago. Apparently the open-mouthed panda left an impression on his little mind.
Elijah has been saying "Sure!" a lot. It is so cute how it comes out. It sounds like he is saying "sir," except without being able to say the R sound. So it sounds like "siw," or something like that.
Being back at work gets better with each day that passes. Dan is back in the sky tomorrow. Elijah goes back to preschool next week. Sam seems to be adjusting well to daycare and to our new schedule.
That's about all we've got for now!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Another fulfilling weekend with my little ones
With Dan working so much lately, I can occasionally get a glimpse of what life is like for single parents. I admire single parents so much more than I ever have. It takes a ton of patience, energy and organization to care for two little people alone.
Summers are a bit tough on us as a family (especially this summer, with all of our huge changes). Dan is a skydiving instructor during the summer months, so he is at the dropzone from early in the morning until sunset as long as the weather is cooperative. Our situation is something we have all come to accept, even though it would be so much nicer if he were around more. I hate to wish summer away (because it seems so short here in Minnesota), but I am looking forward to the skydiving season winding down. We miss Daddy!
I have to say that there is something strangely satisfying about "doing it all" alone the majority of the time. And I love the close bonds I have formed/continue to form with my boys because of all of our together-time. At the end of the day I am very tired, but I somehow love that weary feeling because it means I had a productive day of being the best mama I could be.
As each weekend passes that I am a mother of two, I become more comfortable. This weekend I braved the grocery store, the pharmacy, the movie store and Target with my boys! And it all went great. I am learning some good time-saving and tear-reducing tricks that help out tremendously, like: leaving my car unlocked when I go into a store so I don't have to fumble with keys on my way out, and only leaving the house when Sam is well-rested and has a full belly, and having a rattle in my purse for the check-out line when Sam tends to cry, and having a chat with Elijah beforehand about being a good boy, and always parking directly next to cart stalls if they are available, and having everything super duper organized in my head before I go into a store so there is no lost time, and keeping my car keys in my pocket so I don't have to dig through my purse in the parking lot.
All of the thinking and organizing and planning can be tiring, but it is also rewarding and satisfying. We miss Dan a lot, but we get by just fine and I am learning some valuable lessons as I learn how to be the best mama that I can be!
Summers are a bit tough on us as a family (especially this summer, with all of our huge changes). Dan is a skydiving instructor during the summer months, so he is at the dropzone from early in the morning until sunset as long as the weather is cooperative. Our situation is something we have all come to accept, even though it would be so much nicer if he were around more. I hate to wish summer away (because it seems so short here in Minnesota), but I am looking forward to the skydiving season winding down. We miss Daddy!
I have to say that there is something strangely satisfying about "doing it all" alone the majority of the time. And I love the close bonds I have formed/continue to form with my boys because of all of our together-time. At the end of the day I am very tired, but I somehow love that weary feeling because it means I had a productive day of being the best mama I could be.
As each weekend passes that I am a mother of two, I become more comfortable. This weekend I braved the grocery store, the pharmacy, the movie store and Target with my boys! And it all went great. I am learning some good time-saving and tear-reducing tricks that help out tremendously, like: leaving my car unlocked when I go into a store so I don't have to fumble with keys on my way out, and only leaving the house when Sam is well-rested and has a full belly, and having a rattle in my purse for the check-out line when Sam tends to cry, and having a chat with Elijah beforehand about being a good boy, and always parking directly next to cart stalls if they are available, and having everything super duper organized in my head before I go into a store so there is no lost time, and keeping my car keys in my pocket so I don't have to dig through my purse in the parking lot.
All of the thinking and organizing and planning can be tiring, but it is also rewarding and satisfying. We miss Dan a lot, but we get by just fine and I am learning some valuable lessons as I learn how to be the best mama that I can be!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Love
Week #2 of being back at work is done. Samson finally started looking and smiling at me again last night. I think he was mad at me for the first week we brought him to daycare, so he withheld smiles and refused to make eye contact with me. All is well now. I think I have been forgiven.
I felt much better this week about Dan and I both having to be working parents. Last week wasn't the greatest week I have ever had, so I am happy to be feeling better about everything.
This boy of ours, he is so delicious! One of my favorite things to do is smooch the little fat rolls on the back of his neck when I sit him on my legs to burp him. I am madly in love with this little person.
I am beyond happy about having another weekend with my two little boys ahead of me. There isn't anywhere else in the world I would rather be than with them. (Ok, if I had a choice I would want Dan here, too.)
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Work Week #1 almost done
Sam loves to have his little fists up under his chin. So cute.
Up until a few days ago, Elijah has basically ignored Samson. He would occasionally acknowledge his presence (especially at first), but for the most part pretended Sam didn't exist. Then the other day I came into the living room to see Elijah down on the ground with Sam, talking to him and rubbing his legs and kissing him. "Sammy so cute! So soft! Hi Sam! I 'ove you!" Then he tried to snuggle right up next to him, but I had to remind him that babies can't be squished.
Going back to work has been difficult/sad/tearful/yucky. I miss my boys like crazy and I can't seem to concentrate on anything but them. At 4:00 on the dot, I run to my car and speed home and practically maul those boys. It feels unnatural to be away from them so much, but I know with time I will start feeling better about it. In a sad and desperate state, I bought a powerball ticket yesterday. I looked up the numbers right away this morning and apparently we aren't meant to be millionaires. At least not now.
Sammy's first day at daycare went well. He did a lot of smiling at the other kids. It makes me feel good that he was happy. By the time I get home from work in the evenings, he is no longer happy (ready to eat and ready to sleep) and that is a little bit hard for me. I actually look forward to getting up to feed him in the middle of the night because it is our peaceful, happy time together.
Well, the week is almost done, and that means a weekend with my munchkins is drawing near!
Up until a few days ago, Elijah has basically ignored Samson. He would occasionally acknowledge his presence (especially at first), but for the most part pretended Sam didn't exist. Then the other day I came into the living room to see Elijah down on the ground with Sam, talking to him and rubbing his legs and kissing him. "Sammy so cute! So soft! Hi Sam! I 'ove you!" Then he tried to snuggle right up next to him, but I had to remind him that babies can't be squished.
Going back to work has been difficult/sad/tearful/yucky. I miss my boys like crazy and I can't seem to concentrate on anything but them. At 4:00 on the dot, I run to my car and speed home and practically maul those boys. It feels unnatural to be away from them so much, but I know with time I will start feeling better about it. In a sad and desperate state, I bought a powerball ticket yesterday. I looked up the numbers right away this morning and apparently we aren't meant to be millionaires. At least not now.
Sammy's first day at daycare went well. He did a lot of smiling at the other kids. It makes me feel good that he was happy. By the time I get home from work in the evenings, he is no longer happy (ready to eat and ready to sleep) and that is a little bit hard for me. I actually look forward to getting up to feed him in the middle of the night because it is our peaceful, happy time together.
Well, the week is almost done, and that means a weekend with my munchkins is drawing near!
Monday, August 16, 2010
Sammy
We have been so consumed with travel and non-normalcy lately that I haven't taken the time to write an update about how Sam has been doing. For the past few weeks he has been an extremely good baby. He has been going to sleep at 7:00 pm, getting up to eat once or twice in the middle of the night (usually twice), waking up at 7:00 am, and taking somewhat predictable naps during the day. Thanks to the sleep training we did, he can do all of his sleeping in his own bed, and with very little soothing or crying. I do usually put him in my magic sling for his evening catnap that he takes around 4:00 just because it's a good chance to be close to my little guy.
His gas issues have almost totally disappeared and our little Sammy is a completely different baby than he was three or four weeks ago. He is super smiley and happy and he now has long stretches of quiet, happy time during the day. What a difference a few weeks can make! Those first seven weeks were TOUGH. We are extremely thankful for the progress he has made and for the peace that fills our home. Honestly, I think the fact that we make his sleep such a huge priority has been the biggest help. Sleep is so very important for babies and I think that fact gets overlooked a lot. We get some funny looks when we tell people how early we put our boys to bed, but it works. Sleep begets sleep, as our magic sleep book says, and a rested baby is a happy baby.
My first day back at work was ok. I felt overwhelmed and sad, but it went fine overall. It's going to take a while to get back into a work groove. I miss my boys so much when I'm away from them!
Ok, I know I have to change the header on this blog to include our precious new baby and I will get to it.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Back to work
It has been ten weeks since this unforgettable day..
..so that means it is time for me to go back to work. I am feeling very sad about it. Sammy will be going to daycare Wednesdays through Fridays and Dan will be home with him Mondays and Tuesdays. The thought of leaving our precious little 10-week-old baby with someone else for a good chunk of time makes me very sad.
I know it will get better as we get our new routine down. I'm looking forward to feeling better about it.
Elijah seems to have mostly recovered from our vacations. His mood was greatly improved today. We only had one time-out and he was much more pleasant to be around than previous days. I had a realization today about our big boy. For the past few weeks he has not wanted to play outside at all. He loves being outside, so it has been a little confusing to me. Today it was cool outside for the first time in a long while and Elijah played outside almost all day long. I have always known that Elijah hasn't preferred being hot (and it's funny to see that Samson is the exact opposite), but I wonder if his heart makes him feel yucky when he gets too hot. Have any of you other heart moms noticed this with your heart kids?
Ok, I must go mentally prepare for tomorrow. Thanks for checking in on us.
..so that means it is time for me to go back to work. I am feeling very sad about it. Sammy will be going to daycare Wednesdays through Fridays and Dan will be home with him Mondays and Tuesdays. The thought of leaving our precious little 10-week-old baby with someone else for a good chunk of time makes me very sad.
I know it will get better as we get our new routine down. I'm looking forward to feeling better about it.
Elijah seems to have mostly recovered from our vacations. His mood was greatly improved today. We only had one time-out and he was much more pleasant to be around than previous days. I had a realization today about our big boy. For the past few weeks he has not wanted to play outside at all. He loves being outside, so it has been a little confusing to me. Today it was cool outside for the first time in a long while and Elijah played outside almost all day long. I have always known that Elijah hasn't preferred being hot (and it's funny to see that Samson is the exact opposite), but I wonder if his heart makes him feel yucky when he gets too hot. Have any of you other heart moms noticed this with your heart kids?
Ok, I must go mentally prepare for tomorrow. Thanks for checking in on us.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Wednesday
We were so happy that the weather was crappy today! Dan was able to come home from work early and spend most of the day with us. He and Elijah spent the evening putting Elijah's new big boy bed together and we were even able to have dinner together! We made Elijah try some of his burger and green beans and potatoes and he was not happy about any of that. We have decided that our picky eater needs to stop being so picky.
I just peeked in on Elijah and he looks like such a big boy sleeping in his new bed. What happened to our baby?! Hopefully the night goes well in his new surroundings.
Weather permitting, Dan will be away for the next four days. It is tough having him away so much, but we will manage. One of the hidden perks of our situation is that I am forming really close bonds with both of our boys.
Speaking of our boys, Samson will not go to sleep tonight! I'm off to soothe him some more...
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Our baby is awesome
Elijah is such a champ. It's so hard to believe that less than two weeks ago he had open heart surgery. Babies are sooo resilient and bounce back so quickly. He hasn't shown any signs of pain in almost a week and he is SO MUCH HAPPIER. His disposition is totally different than it was before surgery. He was getting increasingly crabbier and more agitated beforehand and now he's a completely laid back little man. He will sit and talk to us and smile for hours, and that's something that he wouldn't do before. It's so wonderful!!! Thank you Dr. Moga!
Our camera batteries died today, otherwise I would have posted some new pics. I will do that tomorrow. He is so sweet! I can't believe what a handsome, sweet little baby we have.
I have to tell you all about the graciousness of the company that I work for. They realized the need for me to recoup during this time and have given me a bit of time away from work to do that. I don't know of another company that would do that for their employees. Dan and I are really having a bit of a hard time dealing with the aftermath of our baby's surgery, so I am VERY appreciative of this. Thank you Zinpro!
Our camera batteries died today, otherwise I would have posted some new pics. I will do that tomorrow. He is so sweet! I can't believe what a handsome, sweet little baby we have.
I have to tell you all about the graciousness of the company that I work for. They realized the need for me to recoup during this time and have given me a bit of time away from work to do that. I don't know of another company that would do that for their employees. Dan and I are really having a bit of a hard time dealing with the aftermath of our baby's surgery, so I am VERY appreciative of this. Thank you Zinpro!
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