So my little man needs glasses. Even thought I knew that day would probably come eventually, you could have knocked me over with a feather when we found out this week.
Quite some time ago, I noticed that one of his eyes was crossing ever so slightly. It was so slight that Chris didn't even notice it when I pointed it out. He told me I was being Crazy Mom and I was seeing things. It wasn't until a few days later when he did it again that Chris noticed. See, mom IS always right. ;)
His wandering eye would only appear occasionally. In fact, I haven't seen him do it for weeks now. We wanted to be sure it wasn't something serious so we brought it up at a recent routine exam. We were referred to Dr. Nick Sala. Being the only pediatric opthamoligist in the Erie area, it's usually hard to get an appointment at that office. We were VERY lucky that there was a cancellation or we would have been waiting until April!
We went in half expecting to hear them tell us that Alex had a lazy eye. I was prepared for patching, etc.
Chris had a lazy eye and wore glasses during his first grade year. Chris' sister wore a patch AND glasses when she was in elementary school and still wears glasses now. Chris' mother had a lazy eye when she was a child and two of Chris' uncles had lazy eyes when they were young as well. Phew. Genetics aren't on this kid's side!
Nearly everyone on my side of the family wears glasses for nearsightedness.
When Dr. Sala told us that Alex was farsighted, I was shocked. When he wrote that prescription for GLASSES, I was even more shocked. It turns out that the occasional crossing we were seeing is simply his way of trying to bring things into focus better. (On a side note, it was good to learn that he does NOT have a lazy eye and he sees the same in both eyes.)
But my not-yet-two-year-old in GLASSES?!?
I played it up like it was the coolest thing in the world to wear glasses but when we got to the car, I cried. Chris looked at me like I was Crazy Mom again. I was just so shocked and I didn't want to think that my little boy was less than perfect. I know. Stupid.
I just started to think about how mean kids can be. I didn't want him to be picked on. I also didn't want people to look at him like he had some sort of handicap. They're just glasses for crying out loud! On top of all of that, I was worried that he wouldn't even wear them to begin with. We're talking about the kid that has had super cool Lightning McQueen sun glasses for nearly a year and JUST put them on for the first time a few weeks ago. He is soooo resistant to change and things that are out of his comfort zone. It takes him a while to warm up to the idea. He is getting better with that as he gets older but glasses are a huge deal in the comfort zone category.
We ended up at Walmart Vision Center to pick out glasses. While Kidspecs certainly had a wide selection of frames for the little guy, we just simply can't afford to pay $100+ for frames. Maybe when he gets older and his head and face aren't changing every six months! LOL
He wasn't overly thrilled with trying frames but he did it. I kept saying, "Too big." when we were trying them on so now that's what he says. I assured him that the glasses that they are making will be just for him and they will fit perfectly.
Looking back on the whole thing makes me glad that I was Crazy Mom. If I hadn't noticed that eye that ONE day, I wouldn't have mentioned it at his appointment (I don't think the Dr. was paying enough attention to catch it on her own...that's another blog) then we never would have gotten the referral and we wouldn't be where we are today.
I'm so thankful that we caught his vision problem when we did. Kids that young don't know that things are supposed to look differently (especially if that's how they've always seen them). They just learn to adapt and move on. I know that once he's able to see the world a little clearer, he's going to be so thrilled.
Please have your child(ren)'s vision screened. It's not too early. The advancements in this area are have come so far! Alex never complained about reading. He LOVES to read! He loves to play with his cars, trucks and trains and he can spot a lady bug wandering across the carpet even when no one else can. We had no reason to believe that he couldn't see well. It was ONE little thing that made us want to be sure. If we had ignored it, who knows....
It's hard to think that your child won't be "perfect" but, trust me, they still will be. Don't wait until they start school or complain that they can't see to read or play. Be proactive.
Showing posts with label raising children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label raising children. Show all posts
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Help Me to Remember
Lord, I thank and praise you that you've chosen me to be the mother of one of your children. I am in awe at the little life that is changing before my very eyes.
Please help me to remember these fleeting days. I never want to forget them. I want to remember each giggle and each accomplishment. I hope to look back on these years and smile.
Please help me to remember that he is your child, not mine. Guide us as we sculpt him into the man he is to become. Give us strength for the hardships and difficult situations that we will no doubt face as he grows.
Please help me to remember that I am very fortunate. Allow me never to forget those that will never be "mommy". Keep those that have had to say good-bye to a child before they were ready in my constant thoughts. I never wish to become complacent, but always thankful.
I ask for Your continued and constant guidance as I thank and praise You.
Amen
Please help me to remember these fleeting days. I never want to forget them. I want to remember each giggle and each accomplishment. I hope to look back on these years and smile.
Please help me to remember that he is your child, not mine. Guide us as we sculpt him into the man he is to become. Give us strength for the hardships and difficult situations that we will no doubt face as he grows.
Please help me to remember that I am very fortunate. Allow me never to forget those that will never be "mommy". Keep those that have had to say good-bye to a child before they were ready in my constant thoughts. I never wish to become complacent, but always thankful.
I ask for Your continued and constant guidance as I thank and praise You.
Amen
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Almost a Full One
I am happy to report that we have nearly survived the first full week of Daddy being gone. Not that I had any doubt that we wouldn't...
We've been keeping busy. So far we've attended Ben's party and made a Walmart run. LOL Sounds like a jam-packed week, huh?
Tomorrow, I'm contemplating attending a special event at our local library. He really loves music and dancing BUT this event takes place at nap time. There aren't many things that trump a nap so the jury is still out on that one.
Bubba will get to stay with Grandma in the evening while I do a Pampered Chef show though. That should be fun (for both of us). He likes playing with Grandma and I need some time away from the house without my shadow. It's a win-win.
I do feel bad for my little Bubba though. He is so confused and it breaks my heart. He'll pick up my cell phone and say, "Daddy?" or just randomly say, "Daddy home." in the middle of the day. He doesn't want to talk to Daddy when he calls because, quite frankly, I think he's mad at him for leaving. He doesn't understand that he'll be back in a few weeks. I'm sure it will get better as the weeks go on.
So other than a few stressful situations and moments where I was at the end of my rope, we made it unscathed through most of week one. The next couple of weeks should zoom by as my brother and sister-in-law will be in town visiting. After they leave we should find out where home sweet home will be so then I can spend my days daydreaming about unpacking the things we haven't seen in nearly a year. :D
We've been keeping busy. So far we've attended Ben's party and made a Walmart run. LOL Sounds like a jam-packed week, huh?
Tomorrow, I'm contemplating attending a special event at our local library. He really loves music and dancing BUT this event takes place at nap time. There aren't many things that trump a nap so the jury is still out on that one.
Bubba will get to stay with Grandma in the evening while I do a Pampered Chef show though. That should be fun (for both of us). He likes playing with Grandma and I need some time away from the house without my shadow. It's a win-win.
I do feel bad for my little Bubba though. He is so confused and it breaks my heart. He'll pick up my cell phone and say, "Daddy?" or just randomly say, "Daddy home." in the middle of the day. He doesn't want to talk to Daddy when he calls because, quite frankly, I think he's mad at him for leaving. He doesn't understand that he'll be back in a few weeks. I'm sure it will get better as the weeks go on.
So other than a few stressful situations and moments where I was at the end of my rope, we made it unscathed through most of week one. The next couple of weeks should zoom by as my brother and sister-in-law will be in town visiting. After they leave we should find out where home sweet home will be so then I can spend my days daydreaming about unpacking the things we haven't seen in nearly a year. :D
Even More Reasons to "Go Green"
In my search for a diaper rash/heat rash remedy, I came across this. For some reason I never thought of using Baking Soda in the bath!
I thought this was interesting and worth sharing. Here is the direct link to the page:
Using Baking Soda for Baby’s Bath, Diaper Pail, Cradle Cap, and More!
Discovering new ways to use natural, inexpensive products gives me a slightly bizarre thrill—like winning the lottery, fully reversing global warming, or seeing my toddler son first thing in the morning.
You can imagine my euphoria when I found out that a fifty cent box of baking soda could replace diaper cream, eco-friendly cleaners, and baby bath without any artificial ingredients or phthalates. For those of you that didn’t catch last week’s post, you might want to read up on how baking soda can also replace deodorant, shampoo and even toothpaste!
“Baking Soda: Over 500 Fabulous, Fun, and Frugal Uses You’ve Probably Never Thought of” offers a plethora of ideas using for baking soda with babies and throughout your house. The book is chock full of ways to replace potentially toxic mainstream products and expensive green cleaners with simple baking soda solutions. The list below is compiled from the book’s section on caring for babies and children.
Diaper rash treatment. Generously dilute baking soda with water and gently sponge onto baby’s skin to neutralize the acidity of urine.
Baby bath. Skip the bubbly stuff, and add a few tablespoons of baking soda to baby’s bathwater to soften the skin.
Bath toys. If you have bath toys that are prone to mildew or mold, sprinkle them with a bit of baking soda every now and then. It will prevent the green stuff from growing on junior’s rubber ducky.
Cradle cap treatment. Make a paste of baking soda and add a bit of baby oil. Then gently work the mixture into baby’s scalp and carefully rinse.
Deodorizer for baby bottles and nipples. Soak baby them overnight in hot water and a half of a box baking soda.
Cleanser for baby’s room. Rather than using harsh chemicals, just mix baking soda and water to clean cribs, bassinets, and the changing table.
Diaper deodorizer. Whether you add it to your load of cloth diapers, dump it into your diaper pail, or sprinkle it into your wet bag on the go, baking soda can make cloth diapering infinitely less smelly.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
T-Day
Today Chris left for Texas. His flight left from Pittsburgh at 7:30 am so we decided to get up in the middle of the night (3:00) to drive rather than making the trip the day before. If we would have gone on Wednesday afternoon/evening, we would have had to spend the money on a hotel, a dinner out and fight with Alex to sleep (he is NOT a good hotel sleeper). It was just much easier, as crazy as it sounds, to get up at early and be home by 7:30.
We had a rainy drive in the dark. I was glad that Chris was driving because there is nothing I hate more than driving in the rain in the dark. I have horrible night vision and the rain just makes it worse. Makes you wanna take a ride with me after dark, doesn't it? ;) Thankfully, I had a much less rainy drive home AND it was light out. Bonus!
Our good-bye was short and sweet. I could barely talk in the car without wanting to cry so I just didn't say anything. I always try so hard to be "me" when we have to say good-bye.
I guess it all stems from our good-bye before he left for Korea...
With all of the stress and preparations with our move from Texas, I hadn't really had much time to actually think about how he would be gone for an entire year. The night before I was to leave for the drive home, I lost it. The house was empty and we were sleeping on a pile of borrowed blankets. It all just sunk in and I bawled like a baby. Chris asked me if I could do him a favor. He asked me if, when we said good-bye the next morning, I would try hard not to cry. He wanted to have a happy image of me to take with him.
I'm proud to say that I did it. I'm not sure how, but I did. I always think of that now when he has to leave for an extend amount of time. I thought about that again this morning.
The next six weeks will be a mix of things, I'm sure. I know there will be sleepless nights, early mornings, frustrating days, and huge messes. I know that there will be afternoons without naps and late evenings. I also know that there will be lots of laughs and several milestones. The biggest of those milestones being a second birthday.
In a really weird way, I'm looking forward to this time. It's always nice to prove to myself that I can do things alone. It's really empowering. I'm looking forward to some time to gather my thoughts to get ready for the next chapter of our lives.
I guess what I'm saying is that I know these next few weeks are going to be hard but we can't move forward without them. And moving forward is good.
We had a rainy drive in the dark. I was glad that Chris was driving because there is nothing I hate more than driving in the rain in the dark. I have horrible night vision and the rain just makes it worse. Makes you wanna take a ride with me after dark, doesn't it? ;) Thankfully, I had a much less rainy drive home AND it was light out. Bonus!
Our good-bye was short and sweet. I could barely talk in the car without wanting to cry so I just didn't say anything. I always try so hard to be "me" when we have to say good-bye.
I guess it all stems from our good-bye before he left for Korea...
With all of the stress and preparations with our move from Texas, I hadn't really had much time to actually think about how he would be gone for an entire year. The night before I was to leave for the drive home, I lost it. The house was empty and we were sleeping on a pile of borrowed blankets. It all just sunk in and I bawled like a baby. Chris asked me if I could do him a favor. He asked me if, when we said good-bye the next morning, I would try hard not to cry. He wanted to have a happy image of me to take with him.
I'm proud to say that I did it. I'm not sure how, but I did. I always think of that now when he has to leave for an extend amount of time. I thought about that again this morning.
The next six weeks will be a mix of things, I'm sure. I know there will be sleepless nights, early mornings, frustrating days, and huge messes. I know that there will be afternoons without naps and late evenings. I also know that there will be lots of laughs and several milestones. The biggest of those milestones being a second birthday.
In a really weird way, I'm looking forward to this time. It's always nice to prove to myself that I can do things alone. It's really empowering. I'm looking forward to some time to gather my thoughts to get ready for the next chapter of our lives.
I guess what I'm saying is that I know these next few weeks are going to be hard but we can't move forward without them. And moving forward is good.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Family Fun Day
We decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather today and go on a little family outing. We opted for the zoo. I really wanted to do something as a family before Chris leaves on Thursday. We had a great time!
Alex wasn't too sure at first. He, most likely, doesn't remember his first Erie Zoo trip. He was over a year old but he had no fear. This time, however, he was a little nervous about all of the strange critters wandering about. He kept saying, "Out, out, out." I can't tell you how many times I reassured him that the animals couldn't get out. I kept telling him that that was their home, their "kennel". (He understands that Molly stays in her kennel sometimes so I thought maybe he'd understand that the animals would stay where they were.)
He eventually warmed up to the idea and spent most of the day running alongside the stroller. He especially loved how the ducks were begging for his peanut butter and jelly sandwich!
I wish Chris was going to be here for the month of August. I'd really like to enjoy the nice weather while we can. I guess Mommy and Alex will have to go on adventures alone.
Here are a few pictures from our day.
THIS WAS WHAT BROUGHT HIM OUT OF HIS SHELL. THE KITCHEN. THAT BOY HAS QUITE THE CULINARY IMAGINATION!
PLAYING WITH DADDY IN THE CHILDREN'S AREA
ONE OF THE DUCKS TRYING TO SCAM SOME PB&J
ANOTHER DUCK POSING AT LUNCHTIME
THIS IS AS CLOSE AS I'VE SEEN EITHER OF THESE GIRAFFES. HE WAS SNEAKING LEAVES FROM THE TREE OUTSIDE THE FENCE.
SOME SORT OF MONKEY
Alex wasn't too sure at first. He, most likely, doesn't remember his first Erie Zoo trip. He was over a year old but he had no fear. This time, however, he was a little nervous about all of the strange critters wandering about. He kept saying, "Out, out, out." I can't tell you how many times I reassured him that the animals couldn't get out. I kept telling him that that was their home, their "kennel". (He understands that Molly stays in her kennel sometimes so I thought maybe he'd understand that the animals would stay where they were.)
He eventually warmed up to the idea and spent most of the day running alongside the stroller. He especially loved how the ducks were begging for his peanut butter and jelly sandwich!
I wish Chris was going to be here for the month of August. I'd really like to enjoy the nice weather while we can. I guess Mommy and Alex will have to go on adventures alone.
Here are a few pictures from our day.
THIS WAS WHAT BROUGHT HIM OUT OF HIS SHELL. THE KITCHEN. THAT BOY HAS QUITE THE CULINARY IMAGINATION!
PLAYING WITH DADDY IN THE CHILDREN'S AREA
ONE OF THE DUCKS TRYING TO SCAM SOME PB&J
ANOTHER DUCK POSING AT LUNCHTIME
THIS IS AS CLOSE AS I'VE SEEN EITHER OF THESE GIRAFFES. HE WAS SNEAKING LEAVES FROM THE TREE OUTSIDE THE FENCE.
SOME SORT OF MONKEY
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Crazy Mixed Up Mess
The next few weeks are going to be a few of the hardest ever. They are also a few of the most exciting. On July 23, my husband will leave us for six weeks. At the end of that six weeks we'll finally be moving. The latter can't happen without the first.
We've dealt with separations before. The longest was a year. I'm not doubting that we'll make it through one bit. We've just never been in this exact situation while dealing with a separation before. I'm sure the days will crawl by one moment and speed by the next. All in all, it's really only the month of August. The only "biggie" is that Alex's birthday also comes in August. :(
We're going to try to take advantage of the next week or so. I'd like to take a zoo trip or go to the spillway. You know, do something fun before Daddy leaves. It looks like summer has come to Northwestern Pennsylvania today. I hope it's here to stay so we can get out and enjoy it.
I am actually really excited about what's in store for us. I know some people don't like surprises but I think this will be a good one. We're ready to see what's next. We NEED to see what's next because the situation we're in isn't as pleasant as it once was. Ah, family...
We've dealt with separations before. The longest was a year. I'm not doubting that we'll make it through one bit. We've just never been in this exact situation while dealing with a separation before. I'm sure the days will crawl by one moment and speed by the next. All in all, it's really only the month of August. The only "biggie" is that Alex's birthday also comes in August. :(
We're going to try to take advantage of the next week or so. I'd like to take a zoo trip or go to the spillway. You know, do something fun before Daddy leaves. It looks like summer has come to Northwestern Pennsylvania today. I hope it's here to stay so we can get out and enjoy it.
I am actually really excited about what's in store for us. I know some people don't like surprises but I think this will be a good one. We're ready to see what's next. We NEED to see what's next because the situation we're in isn't as pleasant as it once was. Ah, family...
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Hail to Camp Judson
I had a blast as a Program Director at camp! I'm wondering why I didn't go to camp more often as a kid. Actually, I don't wonder. I had a not-so-pleasant experience during day camp one year. I was young enough to think that camp was like that all the time. Stupid counselor. You ruined it for me. hahaha
In any event, it was a wonderful week teaching second and third graders about Jesus. They learned what it means to be fishers of men and I'm fairly sure they had a blast doing it. I am so blessed that I had this opportunity. I am thankful that I was led to direct this week.
We had a beautiful week (we only dodged rain showers one day). I'm looking forward to doing it all over again next week! I only wish I didn't have to spend three nights away from my baby and my husband. :(
I was even able to sneak away one evening to snap some photos at the lake. I was hoping for a nice sunset but it was really cloudy so it wasn't great. Thankfully I have three more days to try. Here are just a few pictures from the week.
This is what 46 campers playing games looks like. They were a pretty impressive group. I was anticipating total chaos but they were wonderful.
I'm guessing it was a good plan to play lots of running games right before Vespers and bed. ;)
They were a riot playing Run, Rabbit, Run and Zookeeper.
On Sunday night, we walked to the lake to have Vespers. We enjoyed a beautiful sunset (I forgot my camera), learned a few new songs and got the campers geared up for what we would be learning about and talking about over the next couple of days.
On Monday night, we walked to The Cathedral in the woods. (pictured) This is a pretty amazing site and I'll have to remember to take pictures of the "pews" next week. Here is a picture of the "altar" and our little Vespers fire.
Our Vespers for Tuesday night was scheduled to be at the Prayer Tower but it was really wet so we just held it in the pavilion. I'm hoping that next week will be dry so I can take photos at all three places.
Here are a couple from my trip down to the lake. There's just something about being there all alone that takes my breath away every time. I am always truly in awe of His creation.
We had several small showers and a couple pretty good downpours that day so the sunset wasn't great. Plus, the windy weather made for a very angry Lake Erie. Even so, it was still beautiful.
In any event, it was a wonderful week teaching second and third graders about Jesus. They learned what it means to be fishers of men and I'm fairly sure they had a blast doing it. I am so blessed that I had this opportunity. I am thankful that I was led to direct this week.
We had a beautiful week (we only dodged rain showers one day). I'm looking forward to doing it all over again next week! I only wish I didn't have to spend three nights away from my baby and my husband. :(
I was even able to sneak away one evening to snap some photos at the lake. I was hoping for a nice sunset but it was really cloudy so it wasn't great. Thankfully I have three more days to try. Here are just a few pictures from the week.
This is what 46 campers playing games looks like. They were a pretty impressive group. I was anticipating total chaos but they were wonderful.I'm guessing it was a good plan to play lots of running games right before Vespers and bed. ;)
They were a riot playing Run, Rabbit, Run and Zookeeper.
On Sunday night, we walked to the lake to have Vespers. We enjoyed a beautiful sunset (I forgot my camera), learned a few new songs and got the campers geared up for what we would be learning about and talking about over the next couple of days.
On Monday night, we walked to The Cathedral in the woods. (pictured) This is a pretty amazing site and I'll have to remember to take pictures of the "pews" next week. Here is a picture of the "altar" and our little Vespers fire.
Our Vespers for Tuesday night was scheduled to be at the Prayer Tower but it was really wet so we just held it in the pavilion. I'm hoping that next week will be dry so I can take photos at all three places.
Here are a couple from my trip down to the lake. There's just something about being there all alone that takes my breath away every time. I am always truly in awe of His creation.
We had several small showers and a couple pretty good downpours that day so the sunset wasn't great. Plus, the windy weather made for a very angry Lake Erie. Even so, it was still beautiful.
Product Endorsement
I just have to share this for all of you with small children!
I've been searching for those old school watercolor books that don't actually use paint. You know, the ones where the kids just "paint" with a wet brush and the picture magically colors itself. Either I haven't been looking in the right places or they just don't make those anymore.
When we were out and about yesterday, I mentioned to my sister-in-law that I was searching for one of those for Alex. I figured I'd take a look since we were at Michael's. She mentioned something that she and my brother had purchased for some friends' children.
It's called Water WOW Doodle Book. This is what the front cover looks like. There were a couple other characters but a certain toddler here is completely obsessed with The Backyardigans.
It comes with a brush that you fill with water. Of course, you could just use a regular paint brush too. This is the good part. You paint with the water, this really vibrant picture appears AND THEN IT FADES AWAY!! They can use it over and over and over again. Genius! Here's one of the pictures. I left part of it "unpainted" so you could see.
It was well worth the $3something that I paid because Alex can use it again and again. Although, I'm not sure who is having more fun with it, him or me. :P
I've been searching for those old school watercolor books that don't actually use paint. You know, the ones where the kids just "paint" with a wet brush and the picture magically colors itself. Either I haven't been looking in the right places or they just don't make those anymore.
When we were out and about yesterday, I mentioned to my sister-in-law that I was searching for one of those for Alex. I figured I'd take a look since we were at Michael's. She mentioned something that she and my brother had purchased for some friends' children.
It's called Water WOW Doodle Book. This is what the front cover looks like. There were a couple other characters but a certain toddler here is completely obsessed with The Backyardigans.
It comes with a brush that you fill with water. Of course, you could just use a regular paint brush too. This is the good part. You paint with the water, this really vibrant picture appears AND THEN IT FADES AWAY!! They can use it over and over and over again. Genius! Here's one of the pictures. I left part of it "unpainted" so you could see.
It was well worth the $3something that I paid because Alex can use it again and again. Although, I'm not sure who is having more fun with it, him or me. :P
Friday, June 26, 2009
Day Five: Friday
Seriously. I need a vacation.
I was planning a very lazy day today. The only thing the two of us were going to do was run to town on a couple of quick errands. Other than that I was planning a day of playing outside and relaxing. I planned wrong.
My mom called at around 10:00 to ask if we were planning on heading to Edinboro for anything. I told her no. She explained that they STILL needed to pick up archery pins for camp and that some kids would be earning their pins today but wouldn't get them. I felt horrible for the little kid who earned it but wouldn't have anything to show his mom when she came to get him.
I agreed to go and pick up the pins. Edinboro is only about 11 miles from here. Camp is just as far IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!
Alex started a major protest when I told him we had to go "bye-byes" and then see Grandma at work. Apparently that wasn't in his plans for today either.
It takes us over an hour to drive to Edinboro, pick up the pins and drive back to North Springfield. Seriously? We get there and go into the office to visit Grandma. She asks if we want to go to Tasty Twist for lunch, her treat. Another car seat protest ensues.
In any event, it was nearly 2:00 when we got home. I let Alex play outside while I cleaned out the car. Even at that point it was very evident that a nap was not happening.
In an attempt at some quiet time and a chance for him to relax, I've started a Backyardigans DVD. He loves those critters too much to fall asleep in the middle of one of their episodes.
Oh well. Tomorrow will be a nice, relaxing day at home for him. While I'd really like to take him to the airport with me to meet Daddy, I think he's going to stay home with Grandma. I just don't see it being a very pleasant ride for him. He'll stay home, take his nap and we'll be home by the time he wakes up. He'll never know he missed a thing. The best part will be that Daddy will be here to greet him!
Here are a few pictures of the cooking fun we've been having.
This first one is the cleaning of the food that took place in the bathtub. LOL
Next we have the organizing of the new kiddie cookware I picked up last night. He's loving it!
***Daddy Update***
I got a message at around 0930 this morning that said "I'm going to Texas in July!!!" That's code for "I made it!".
I am sooooo happy for him. I knew he'd make it but just having the official word makes it that much better.
He'll go to Lackland AFB in mid July for a six-week training. After that? Who knows?
I can't wait to see him tomorrow!!
I was planning a very lazy day today. The only thing the two of us were going to do was run to town on a couple of quick errands. Other than that I was planning a day of playing outside and relaxing. I planned wrong.
My mom called at around 10:00 to ask if we were planning on heading to Edinboro for anything. I told her no. She explained that they STILL needed to pick up archery pins for camp and that some kids would be earning their pins today but wouldn't get them. I felt horrible for the little kid who earned it but wouldn't have anything to show his mom when she came to get him.
I agreed to go and pick up the pins. Edinboro is only about 11 miles from here. Camp is just as far IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!
Alex started a major protest when I told him we had to go "bye-byes" and then see Grandma at work. Apparently that wasn't in his plans for today either.
It takes us over an hour to drive to Edinboro, pick up the pins and drive back to North Springfield. Seriously? We get there and go into the office to visit Grandma. She asks if we want to go to Tasty Twist for lunch, her treat. Another car seat protest ensues.
In any event, it was nearly 2:00 when we got home. I let Alex play outside while I cleaned out the car. Even at that point it was very evident that a nap was not happening.
In an attempt at some quiet time and a chance for him to relax, I've started a Backyardigans DVD. He loves those critters too much to fall asleep in the middle of one of their episodes.
Oh well. Tomorrow will be a nice, relaxing day at home for him. While I'd really like to take him to the airport with me to meet Daddy, I think he's going to stay home with Grandma. I just don't see it being a very pleasant ride for him. He'll stay home, take his nap and we'll be home by the time he wakes up. He'll never know he missed a thing. The best part will be that Daddy will be here to greet him!
Here are a few pictures of the cooking fun we've been having.
This first one is the cleaning of the food that took place in the bathtub. LOL
Next we have the organizing of the new kiddie cookware I picked up last night. He's loving it!
***Daddy Update***
I got a message at around 0930 this morning that said "I'm going to Texas in July!!!" That's code for "I made it!".
I am sooooo happy for him. I knew he'd make it but just having the official word makes it that much better.
He'll go to Lackland AFB in mid July for a six-week training. After that? Who knows?
I can't wait to see him tomorrow!!
Day Four: Thursday
It was another semi eventful day. Should I have expected any less?
We passed up the opportunity to run an errand with Aunt "Chelle" so that we could have a normal morning at home. I just knew we'd never make it through a whole week without at least one bloody lip. We had two. Within ten minutes of each other.
Bloody lips are a common occurrence so other than a little crying, he knows the drill. He actually giggled when I pointed out that he got blood all over my shoulder. Stinker.
He really looks pitiful here but he's just between smiles. The smiley picture didn't really show the "damage" as well. I have to say, this is the nastiest lip injury to date. (The first one coming when he was just six months old...)
Other than a little complaining when eating certain foods, he's fine. I do think that this one may scab. Yuck.
After a nap and delivery of the new kitchen :) I was able to sneak away with Aunt "Chelle" alone. We needed to make a Michael's run for craft supplies for our week of camp. Let me just say that beads aren't cheap!!
In any event, it was nice to get away for even just a couple of hours.
***Daddy Update***
Chris called when we were on our way home. I am so proud of him!
They had just finished their "class dinner". He mentioned that he didn't have to pay. When I asked why he explained it was because he recited the ten phrases that they had been working on all week VERBATIM! I guess that semi photographic memory and all of those plays in high school paid off!
The instructors said that they haven't had anyone all year do that and they can only think of two or three that have EVER done it. *beaming*
They'll find out between 0800 and 0900 tomorrow if they've made it or not. It seems like a done deal but stranger things have been known to happen.
We passed up the opportunity to run an errand with Aunt "Chelle" so that we could have a normal morning at home. I just knew we'd never make it through a whole week without at least one bloody lip. We had two. Within ten minutes of each other.
Bloody lips are a common occurrence so other than a little crying, he knows the drill. He actually giggled when I pointed out that he got blood all over my shoulder. Stinker.
He really looks pitiful here but he's just between smiles. The smiley picture didn't really show the "damage" as well. I have to say, this is the nastiest lip injury to date. (The first one coming when he was just six months old...)Other than a little complaining when eating certain foods, he's fine. I do think that this one may scab. Yuck.
After a nap and delivery of the new kitchen :) I was able to sneak away with Aunt "Chelle" alone. We needed to make a Michael's run for craft supplies for our week of camp. Let me just say that beads aren't cheap!!
In any event, it was nice to get away for even just a couple of hours.
***Daddy Update***
Chris called when we were on our way home. I am so proud of him!
They had just finished their "class dinner". He mentioned that he didn't have to pay. When I asked why he explained it was because he recited the ten phrases that they had been working on all week VERBATIM! I guess that semi photographic memory and all of those plays in high school paid off!
The instructors said that they haven't had anyone all year do that and they can only think of two or three that have EVER done it. *beaming*
They'll find out between 0800 and 0900 tomorrow if they've made it or not. It seems like a done deal but stranger things have been known to happen.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Day Three: Wednesday
Wow. I'm going to need a vacation after this week! We've been going non-stop! It's been fun to pass the time more quickly but I keep wondering if we'll do the same thing when Daddy is gone for six weeks. I don't think I have it in me.
Today we went to visit Grandma H at work. My sister-in-law and I will be directing a week of camp soon so we needed to get some scheduling things straightened out. I thought it might be fun to visit Grandma at the same time.
My little monster put on quite a few miles running around the office and playing ball. We even walked up to the dining hall and had lunch before coming home. I, by the way, planned the trip home perfectly. We ate, I changed his diaper and we left right at nap time. I *knew* he'd fall asleep and I'd be able to lay him down when I got home. (The ol' car to crib routine doesn't work often but I had an inkling it would today.)
After nap time and Grandma's return home, we headed to a jewelry party. I'd never heard of this "brand" before (Silpada), but it was very nice. Pricey, but nice. It always turns out that I fall in love with the $250 piece. I did, however, find a nice simple pair of earrings that were very, very reasonably priced. Extra money for such items is coming at a premium these days but I felt bad attending and not buying anything.
The most exciting part of the evening came when I friend mentioned she and her mother-in-law were going to be having a yard sale on Friday and Saturday. I just casually asked if they had a toy kitchen or a sandbox and she said yes! They had a kitchen in the sale. She proceeded to tell me about how they had a bunch of food, plates and, "silver"ware with it. She said to swing by and look at it if we wanted. We stopped by on our way home (the back way home).
My jaw about hit the pavement when I saw that they had a sticker for $7 on it! Sold! It's really cute and Alex immediately flew to cooking up a storm.
We came home and took a bath with the new food and dinnerware. (He'll often take a washable toy to the tub to "keen it".)
I'm so excited that my little pretender now has a kitchen. He has such a great imagination and loves to pretend to cook things for us. I wonder if I have a little Emeril in the making?
I didn't get him in bed until nearly 10:00!!! Sign me up for Mother of the Year.
***Daddy Update***
Chris called during the jewelry bonanza tonight. He sounds really great. I can hear the confidence in his voice and it just makes me so happy.
The memorization part is really easy for him so he's feeling good about that. They had to do short speeches today and he said his went really well.
Tomorrow they have a longer speech (5 minutes or so) and then Friday they have a presentation/interview before a panel. I'm really looking forward to hearing all about his week. I'm really excited for him!
Today we went to visit Grandma H at work. My sister-in-law and I will be directing a week of camp soon so we needed to get some scheduling things straightened out. I thought it might be fun to visit Grandma at the same time.
My little monster put on quite a few miles running around the office and playing ball. We even walked up to the dining hall and had lunch before coming home. I, by the way, planned the trip home perfectly. We ate, I changed his diaper and we left right at nap time. I *knew* he'd fall asleep and I'd be able to lay him down when I got home. (The ol' car to crib routine doesn't work often but I had an inkling it would today.)
After nap time and Grandma's return home, we headed to a jewelry party. I'd never heard of this "brand" before (Silpada), but it was very nice. Pricey, but nice. It always turns out that I fall in love with the $250 piece. I did, however, find a nice simple pair of earrings that were very, very reasonably priced. Extra money for such items is coming at a premium these days but I felt bad attending and not buying anything.
The most exciting part of the evening came when I friend mentioned she and her mother-in-law were going to be having a yard sale on Friday and Saturday. I just casually asked if they had a toy kitchen or a sandbox and she said yes! They had a kitchen in the sale. She proceeded to tell me about how they had a bunch of food, plates and, "silver"ware with it. She said to swing by and look at it if we wanted. We stopped by on our way home (the back way home).
My jaw about hit the pavement when I saw that they had a sticker for $7 on it! Sold! It's really cute and Alex immediately flew to cooking up a storm.
We came home and took a bath with the new food and dinnerware. (He'll often take a washable toy to the tub to "keen it".)
I'm so excited that my little pretender now has a kitchen. He has such a great imagination and loves to pretend to cook things for us. I wonder if I have a little Emeril in the making?
I didn't get him in bed until nearly 10:00!!! Sign me up for Mother of the Year.
***Daddy Update***
Chris called during the jewelry bonanza tonight. He sounds really great. I can hear the confidence in his voice and it just makes me so happy.
The memorization part is really easy for him so he's feeling good about that. They had to do short speeches today and he said his went really well.
Tomorrow they have a longer speech (5 minutes or so) and then Friday they have a presentation/interview before a panel. I'm really looking forward to hearing all about his week. I'm really excited for him!
Day Two: Tuesday
Today we were on the hunt for a sandbox. I am determined to give this child a place to dig. He's starting to unearth things he shouldn't be.
We were up and running far earlier than Monday. We were both dressed (and me showered) and out the door before 9:30 this morning. I figured we'd start our search at Wally World. I'm really only looking for a kiddie pool and there are a few other things on the general list so it seems logical.
As soon as we pull into the parking lot, I notice that Grandpa C is working. We head back to the automotive department so we can watch him work on a Suburban. I have a feeling Alex would have stood on that chair all day if I'dve let him.
After a jaunt around the garden-y things, I find a really small $10 kiddie pool. Sold. Until I realize that I forgot to take the stroller out of the trunk. How in the heck am I going to get this thing home?!?! I remember Grandpa C. We shop for the other items on the list and then head back to the Suburban.
Grandpa C says, sure, we can put the pool (I mean sandbox) in the back of his truck. Score!
I promise to pick it up later but Grandma C has other plans. LOL (If you know Grandma C, this won't surprise you.) She offers Grandpa C's delivery services.
So, late this afternoon Grandpa C dropped off the "sandbox" and three bags of sand. I wish someone could have taken a picture of all of us gathered around it playing like kids again.
Grandpa H even got in!
I'm having trouble with the video uploading so here's a couple pictures of the festivities.
He absolutely *would not* get in the sand without his boots on. I'm not sure what it is about those boots. I think it has something to do with his being able to put them on himself. I guess we'll just have to sport barn boots at the beach.
This is my new hangout for the rest of the summer. Just get me a foot rest and a fruity drink and I'm golden.
Notice he's still standing in the sand with his boots on. He wouldn't sit down in it either. *rolling eyes*
***Daddy Update***
I received another text this morning. The running portion of his PT test (1.5 miles) went well also. He ended up with a total combined score of 80.5 This is slightly lower than what he was hoping for but good considering the minimum expected was a 75. The scoring for PT tests is really weird and complicated so don't ask how it's done because I won't be able to explain it well.
He called this evening and said that it's going well overall. He has a semi-photographic memory so he's not having any trouble with the memorization portion of the week at all. LOL
Everyone seems to be getting along really well and he's enjoying himself for the most part.
When I asked him if they'd said anything about the openings for the July class he said that there are eight. This means that, unless something really crazy happens, he'll be going to Texas for six weeks in mid July. Yeehaw!! There is a light at the end of the tunnel!
We were up and running far earlier than Monday. We were both dressed (and me showered) and out the door before 9:30 this morning. I figured we'd start our search at Wally World. I'm really only looking for a kiddie pool and there are a few other things on the general list so it seems logical.
As soon as we pull into the parking lot, I notice that Grandpa C is working. We head back to the automotive department so we can watch him work on a Suburban. I have a feeling Alex would have stood on that chair all day if I'dve let him.
After a jaunt around the garden-y things, I find a really small $10 kiddie pool. Sold. Until I realize that I forgot to take the stroller out of the trunk. How in the heck am I going to get this thing home?!?! I remember Grandpa C. We shop for the other items on the list and then head back to the Suburban.
Grandpa C says, sure, we can put the pool (I mean sandbox) in the back of his truck. Score!
I promise to pick it up later but Grandma C has other plans. LOL (If you know Grandma C, this won't surprise you.) She offers Grandpa C's delivery services.
So, late this afternoon Grandpa C dropped off the "sandbox" and three bags of sand. I wish someone could have taken a picture of all of us gathered around it playing like kids again.
Grandpa H even got in!
I'm having trouble with the video uploading so here's a couple pictures of the festivities.
He absolutely *would not* get in the sand without his boots on. I'm not sure what it is about those boots. I think it has something to do with his being able to put them on himself. I guess we'll just have to sport barn boots at the beach.
This is my new hangout for the rest of the summer. Just get me a foot rest and a fruity drink and I'm golden.
Notice he's still standing in the sand with his boots on. He wouldn't sit down in it either. *rolling eyes*
***Daddy Update***
I received another text this morning. The running portion of his PT test (1.5 miles) went well also. He ended up with a total combined score of 80.5 This is slightly lower than what he was hoping for but good considering the minimum expected was a 75. The scoring for PT tests is really weird and complicated so don't ask how it's done because I won't be able to explain it well.
He called this evening and said that it's going well overall. He has a semi-photographic memory so he's not having any trouble with the memorization portion of the week at all. LOL
Everyone seems to be getting along really well and he's enjoying himself for the most part.
When I asked him if they'd said anything about the openings for the July class he said that there are eight. This means that, unless something really crazy happens, he'll be going to Texas for six weeks in mid July. Yeehaw!! There is a light at the end of the tunnel!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Love You Forever
If you can read this story without tearing up or getting a lump in your throat, then you are a much stronger person than me. I love this book. (Especially the end.)
A mother held her new baby and very slowly rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth.
And while she held him she sang:
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be.
The baby grew. He grew and he grew and he grew. He grew until he was two years old, and he ran all around the house. He pulled all the books off the shelves. He pulled all the food out of the refrigerator and the took his mother's watch and flushed it down the toilet.
Sometimes his mother would say, "This kid is driving me CRAZY!"
But at night time, when that two-year-old was quiet, she opened the door to his room, crawled across the floor, looked up over the side of his bed; and if he was really asleep she picked him up and rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth.
While she rocked him she sang:
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be.
The little boy grew. He grew and he grew and he grew. He grew until he was nine years old. And he never wanted to come in for dinner, he never wanted to take a bath, and when grandma visited he always said bad words.
Sometimes his mother wanted to sell him to the zoo!
But at night time, when he was asleep, the mother quietly opened the door to his room, crawled across the floor and looked up over the side of the bed. If he was really asleep, she picked up that nine-year-old boy and rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth.
And while she rocked him she sang:
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be.
The boy grew. He grew and he grew and he grew. He grew until he was a teenager. He had strange friends and he wore strange clothes and he listened to strange music.
Sometimes the mother felt like she was in a zoo!
But at night time, when that teenager was asleep, the mother opened the door to his room, crawled across the floor and looked up over the side of the bed. If he was really asleep she picked up that great big boy and rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. While she rocked him she sang:
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be.
That teenager grew. He grew and he grew and he grew.
He grew until he was a grown-up man. He left home and got a house across town.
But sometimes on dark nights the mother got into her car and drove across town.
If the lights in her son's house were out, she opened his bedroom window, crawled across the floor, and looked up over the side of his bed. If that great big man was really asleep she picked him up and rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth.
And while she rocked him she sang:
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be.
Well, that mother, she got older. She got older and older and older. One day she called up her son and said, "You'd better come see me because I'm very old and sick."
So her son came to see her. When he came in the door she tried to sing the song.
She sang:
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always...
But she couldn't finish because she was too old and sick.
The son went to his mother.
He picked he up and rocked her back and forth, back and forth, back and forth.
And he sang this song:
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my Mommy you'll be.
When the son came home that night, he stood for a long time at the top of the stairs.
Then he went into the room where is very new baby daughter was sleeping. He picked her up in his arms and very slowly rocked her back and forth, back and forth, back and forth.
And while he rocked her he sang:
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be.
~Love You Forever by Robert Munsch
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Weekend Warriors Part II
Bubba and I wake at around 8:00 Sunday morning. We are both in much better moods. Breakfast proceeds a lot like it did Saturday morning. This time, though, he tries his hand at big boy cereal (I added milk). He did really well! Thank goodness for that leather chair though. ;)
Check out was at noon. Toddler Entertainment Time would have to coincide with Packing Time. I decided to take things slow. After all, it was only 8 and I had until roughly 11:30 to pack and entertain. I didn't want to get everything done and have to sit around wondering what to do.
We hung out in our jammies for a little while and watched Special Agent Oso (something we had never seen but he really liked) and Handy Manny. We slowly got dressed and packed.
Toddler Entertainment Time was in full swing with a ride on the elevator and a walk down the fourth floor hallway and back, a trip around the lobby and a walk to the pool to watch a little boy jump in. I was running out of ideas. We had just gotten back to the room and started to play the animal sounds "game" on my iPhone when joy of all joys, Daddy called!! He was on his way.
We each take a trip to the car to load up. We're finally ready to check out and leave. It's around 11:30 (earlier than I was expecting to be out of the hotel) so we grab some lunch and take it back to base. We all sit on a bench outside Daddy's building and eat. Bubba actually eats the most he has all weekend. After a quick walk to the Shoppette, Daddy abandons us. This is where the true Toddler Entertainment Time begins.
It is a balmy 80some degrees out. Even though I've slathered sunblock all over Bubba, I decide we need to find a shady spot to play. We find a big maple tree with a picnic table. We play ball (for the zillionth time since Saturday morning) in the shade of the tree until Mr. Crabby Pants starts to run off. A quick glance at the time alerts me to the fact that it is indeed almost time to meet Daddy AND nap time. Yay!
With about 45 mintues left to kill, I load him in the car and decide to go for a little drive around base. Since this is one of the last times Daddy will have to come here, I want to see what I'll most likely never see again. In about five minutes, I've seen all there is to see. The good news is Bubba is sound asleep. I find a parking space that's a little closer to the building we need to go to and sit and wait. The sweltering heat inside the car tells me it's time to find an outside spot.
It's 2:00 and time to meet Daddy. I remember that there is a little cafe inside the building we need to meet in. Bubba and I go in to wait. Daddy arrives shortly and we make our way to the basement so I can get a new ID card.
If it weren't for a Commander's Call, Daddy probably could have signed out right then and we could have started the trip home. No such luck.
I head to my trusty maple tree for another game of baseball. Bubba really isn't as thrilled this time around. Daddy assures me that these end-of-weekend meetings usually only last 20-30 minutes. I figure I can handle that. Twenty minutes turns into 30 before I know it. We ended up pounding the pavement (I swear we made a path) for nearly an hour.
We both nearly jump for joy when we see Daddy heading toward us. The sight of his face is a promise that the weekend is indeed over and we can start the trek home.
The change of pace was much needed but I think next time, we'll just tough it out at home without Daddy. Almost-two-year-olds are much happier when they have their toys to play with and their normal routine to follow. Mommies are happier that way too.
Check out was at noon. Toddler Entertainment Time would have to coincide with Packing Time. I decided to take things slow. After all, it was only 8 and I had until roughly 11:30 to pack and entertain. I didn't want to get everything done and have to sit around wondering what to do.
We hung out in our jammies for a little while and watched Special Agent Oso (something we had never seen but he really liked) and Handy Manny. We slowly got dressed and packed.
Toddler Entertainment Time was in full swing with a ride on the elevator and a walk down the fourth floor hallway and back, a trip around the lobby and a walk to the pool to watch a little boy jump in. I was running out of ideas. We had just gotten back to the room and started to play the animal sounds "game" on my iPhone when joy of all joys, Daddy called!! He was on his way.
We each take a trip to the car to load up. We're finally ready to check out and leave. It's around 11:30 (earlier than I was expecting to be out of the hotel) so we grab some lunch and take it back to base. We all sit on a bench outside Daddy's building and eat. Bubba actually eats the most he has all weekend. After a quick walk to the Shoppette, Daddy abandons us. This is where the true Toddler Entertainment Time begins.
It is a balmy 80some degrees out. Even though I've slathered sunblock all over Bubba, I decide we need to find a shady spot to play. We find a big maple tree with a picnic table. We play ball (for the zillionth time since Saturday morning) in the shade of the tree until Mr. Crabby Pants starts to run off. A quick glance at the time alerts me to the fact that it is indeed almost time to meet Daddy AND nap time. Yay!
With about 45 mintues left to kill, I load him in the car and decide to go for a little drive around base. Since this is one of the last times Daddy will have to come here, I want to see what I'll most likely never see again. In about five minutes, I've seen all there is to see. The good news is Bubba is sound asleep. I find a parking space that's a little closer to the building we need to go to and sit and wait. The sweltering heat inside the car tells me it's time to find an outside spot.
It's 2:00 and time to meet Daddy. I remember that there is a little cafe inside the building we need to meet in. Bubba and I go in to wait. Daddy arrives shortly and we make our way to the basement so I can get a new ID card.
If it weren't for a Commander's Call, Daddy probably could have signed out right then and we could have started the trip home. No such luck.
I head to my trusty maple tree for another game of baseball. Bubba really isn't as thrilled this time around. Daddy assures me that these end-of-weekend meetings usually only last 20-30 minutes. I figure I can handle that. Twenty minutes turns into 30 before I know it. We ended up pounding the pavement (I swear we made a path) for nearly an hour.
We both nearly jump for joy when we see Daddy heading toward us. The sight of his face is a promise that the weekend is indeed over and we can start the trek home.
The change of pace was much needed but I think next time, we'll just tough it out at home without Daddy. Almost-two-year-olds are much happier when they have their toys to play with and their normal routine to follow. Mommies are happier that way too.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Weekend Warriors
We had a nice little excursion to Pittsburgh this past weekend.
The idea to make a family affair out of a Reserve weekend is almost funny. Every single time Daddy goes (and doesn't stay with our friends), he stays in a hotel rather than on base. This isn't his choice, but he's not complaining about it. ;)
The first time he called me from one of these said hotels and proceeded to tell me about the MINT they left on his pillow, I wanted to reach through the phone. Not only was he getting a weekend away from everything, he was getting the "special" treatment.
When he called last month and was, yet again, holed up in a fancy hotel I put my foot down. "We're going with you next month", I said.
It was an adventurous weekend but I think next time, we'll just let him go alone.
When we arrived on Friday afternoon, took care of a couple errands on base and then headed to our new home away from home. We stayed at the Sheraton Four Points. It was a wonderful hotel. It would have been more wonderful if it had been just the two of us.
This brings me to the next stage of my weekend: Toddler Entertainment Time.
After a rough Friday night, Bubba and I wake at around 7:30 Saturday morning. This hotel was off my Fancy Meter. No continental breakfast. I could have ordered room service (for nearly $11.00) OR gotten us dressed and went to the restaurant. He's like most kids and doesn't want to do much of anything until he's had something to eat. I plunk him down in the leather covered desk chair (I was planning ahead and figured I could wipe it down if necessary) with a banana, a cup of milk and some dry Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Not exactly the breakfast of champions but I was working on the fly so it would have to do. He seemed happy so I just rolled with it.
I had planned to meet a school friend that day. She was swinging by the hotel at around 9:45. That meant I had roughly two hours of Toddler Entertainment Time. Since the hotel was still fairly new to him (this was his first time in a hotel room), he enjoyed diving on the huge pile of pillows and driving his tractor on the bed. We did end up going for a ride on the elevator and took a quick walk around the building.
Thankfully at around 10:00 M arrived. She was smart and brought presents (aka bribes) It takes Bubba a while to warm up to strangers. He's normally very shy around new people. This time, the new person brought a plastic bat and ball. Jackpot! She also brought his favorite-animal crackers. I'm not sure how she knew but she sure guessed right!
After a quick baseball game, we headed to her house to run outside and play with the dog. He was in heaven again with a big dog to fetch with and a dirt pile to play in. He enjoyed the dirt so much that I literally had to scrub him and change his clothes before we could go and get some lunch. He was having fun so that's all that matters.
M dropped us off at our hotel at around 3:00ish. Little did I know that I had nearly two hours of Toddler Entertainment Time ahead of me. This time, it didn't go as well because the toddler in question was hot, sweaty, dirty AND hadn't had a nap.
Daddy finally arrives! We decide to just stick close because I can tell Bubba isn't up for another car ride. The notel's restaurant was very nice but it wasn't what I would call kid friendly. There was literally nothing on the menu that he would have liked. We didn't want to be rude so we drank our Yuenglings and ordered an appetizer. Our usually very well mannered restaurant going toddler morphed into another kid. He was running away (no high chairs) and throwing fits when we would bring him back to the table. Remember, no nap.
I was so tired that I finally lost my patience and took him back to the room. I remembered to grab my beer. LOL We made it back to the room in about 45 seconds. He was just happy to be out of the restaurant. I was just happy to be out of public so I could cry. Daddy arrived about 10 mintues later with our leftover food. He then proceeded to go to Sheetz so we could all actually eat.
Thankfully bed time went much smoother Saturday night. I think we all needed it. If I had only known what I was in for on Sunday, I would have gone to bed much earlier.
TO BE CONTINUED...
The idea to make a family affair out of a Reserve weekend is almost funny. Every single time Daddy goes (and doesn't stay with our friends), he stays in a hotel rather than on base. This isn't his choice, but he's not complaining about it. ;)
The first time he called me from one of these said hotels and proceeded to tell me about the MINT they left on his pillow, I wanted to reach through the phone. Not only was he getting a weekend away from everything, he was getting the "special" treatment.
When he called last month and was, yet again, holed up in a fancy hotel I put my foot down. "We're going with you next month", I said.
It was an adventurous weekend but I think next time, we'll just let him go alone.
When we arrived on Friday afternoon, took care of a couple errands on base and then headed to our new home away from home. We stayed at the Sheraton Four Points. It was a wonderful hotel. It would have been more wonderful if it had been just the two of us.
This brings me to the next stage of my weekend: Toddler Entertainment Time.
After a rough Friday night, Bubba and I wake at around 7:30 Saturday morning. This hotel was off my Fancy Meter. No continental breakfast. I could have ordered room service (for nearly $11.00) OR gotten us dressed and went to the restaurant. He's like most kids and doesn't want to do much of anything until he's had something to eat. I plunk him down in the leather covered desk chair (I was planning ahead and figured I could wipe it down if necessary) with a banana, a cup of milk and some dry Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Not exactly the breakfast of champions but I was working on the fly so it would have to do. He seemed happy so I just rolled with it.
I had planned to meet a school friend that day. She was swinging by the hotel at around 9:45. That meant I had roughly two hours of Toddler Entertainment Time. Since the hotel was still fairly new to him (this was his first time in a hotel room), he enjoyed diving on the huge pile of pillows and driving his tractor on the bed. We did end up going for a ride on the elevator and took a quick walk around the building.
Thankfully at around 10:00 M arrived. She was smart and brought presents (aka bribes) It takes Bubba a while to warm up to strangers. He's normally very shy around new people. This time, the new person brought a plastic bat and ball. Jackpot! She also brought his favorite-animal crackers. I'm not sure how she knew but she sure guessed right!
After a quick baseball game, we headed to her house to run outside and play with the dog. He was in heaven again with a big dog to fetch with and a dirt pile to play in. He enjoyed the dirt so much that I literally had to scrub him and change his clothes before we could go and get some lunch. He was having fun so that's all that matters.
M dropped us off at our hotel at around 3:00ish. Little did I know that I had nearly two hours of Toddler Entertainment Time ahead of me. This time, it didn't go as well because the toddler in question was hot, sweaty, dirty AND hadn't had a nap.
Daddy finally arrives! We decide to just stick close because I can tell Bubba isn't up for another car ride. The notel's restaurant was very nice but it wasn't what I would call kid friendly. There was literally nothing on the menu that he would have liked. We didn't want to be rude so we drank our Yuenglings and ordered an appetizer. Our usually very well mannered restaurant going toddler morphed into another kid. He was running away (no high chairs) and throwing fits when we would bring him back to the table. Remember, no nap.
I was so tired that I finally lost my patience and took him back to the room. I remembered to grab my beer. LOL We made it back to the room in about 45 seconds. He was just happy to be out of the restaurant. I was just happy to be out of public so I could cry. Daddy arrived about 10 mintues later with our leftover food. He then proceeded to go to Sheetz so we could all actually eat.
Thankfully bed time went much smoother Saturday night. I think we all needed it. If I had only known what I was in for on Sunday, I would have gone to bed much earlier.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Wednesday's Walk
I saw this on a friend's blog and thought it was perfect! I'm going to follow her great lead and start my Wednesday Walk with how Daddy and I met. I'll just hit the major details. Otherwise, I fear this entry will be miles long.
Daddy and I officially met when I was a freshman and he was a senior in high school. We knew each other because we were in a couple of different activities together. I got to know him a little better when he started dating a friend of mine.
The year ended and he graduated. I was sad to see him go because we had become pretty good friends. We kept in touch after he left for college but I don't really think either of us saw us being any more than friends.
After nearly a whole year of talking when we could and seeing each other occasionally, we officially became a couple. Imagine my father's horror when he finds out his 15-year-old daughter is seeing a guy that is about to turn 19. He never said anything but my mother assures me now that he "wasn't sure about the whole thing.".
We were still dating when he decided college wasn't for him and he enlisted in the Air Force. I'm sure a lot of people were thinking that we'd never make it through basic training. We proved everyone wrong by not only making it through BMT but becoming engaged over Thanksgiving break of my first year in college.
Three short months after I graduated we were married and headed to San Antonio, Texas. We've been together since May of 1997 and married since October of 2001. And, by the way, my dad is just fine with everything now. ;)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)