Saturday, February 28, 2009
birthday wishes
Happy Birthday, Grandma Pat and Uncle Bill! Hope you have a great time at the hockey game!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
another extended birthday celebration
This year, for Kris' birthday, I secured hockey tickets to see the Red Wings play Columbus. The game was last Friday. I had really wanted him to see them on home ice, but this worked out better, since it was a shorter drive and our friends, Mark and Brook, were able to join us for the game.
This is actually the second time I bought him hockey tickets for a gift. The first time was a few years ago, pre-kids. That time, we ended up just selling the tickets because a last minute trip to Italy came up at work for Kris. I was pretty annoyed with the whole situation, at the time, and apparently was still hanging on to that a little: when Kris told me the Thursday morning before the game that he wasn't feeling well, I told him to suck it up because we were not selling another set of hockey tickets!
the four of us
old roomies, Kris and MarkWe had a great time at the game despite the loss for the Wings. We spent the night at Mark and Brook's where we had gotten a sitter for their kids and ours while we went out. So, everyone got to enjoy a little time with their friends. And the kids are still talking about the heart pancakes that Mrs. Brook made them for Valentine's Day. Thanks, Skinners!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
the drama
Sam has always had a difficult time with getting immunizations. Grace was the one who surprised me when she didn't even cry while receiving immunizations at her first few check-ups since I was so used to the drama that went along with Sam receiving his. When he was teeny tiny, he would scream while getting the shots and for a significant period afterward until he would finally fall asleep in the car.
These pics are of him after his 4-month shots...completely worn out from the effects of the immunizations coupled with the screaming and tears that went along with it. (Notice the swollen eyes?)
His 4-year check up was scheduled for this morning. We arrived at the pediatrician's office only to have him launch into his laundry list of things they were not allowed to do to him (a strep test, stick anything in his mouth, stick anything up his nose, stick anything in his ears, etc.) first for the nurse and then again for the doctor. He did great on his first hearing test and vision test. He impressed the doctor with his vast knowledge of all aspects of the world and his dancing skills. Then, came the moment when the doctor informed me that Sam would receive four shots today.
My heart sank...I could have sworn this appointment was only two. For a moment, I argued with myself that maybe I should only let them do two today and schedule another appointment in a couple of months for the other two. I decided against that since I knew any shot would be traumatizing for the boy who NEVER forgets. I figured it would just be best to get them over with now.
So, the nurse came in with the goods and asked Sam to lay on the table. I was then instructed to hold his hands tightly against his torso and she would take care of his legs. As soon as she touched the first alcohol pad to his leg, the kid started screaming. I almost cried, but held it together since he was about four inches from my face and could see my reaction.
The drama heightened when she administered the first shot...that's when he started screaming, "MY LEGS! MY LEGS" over and over again as she administered each consecutive shot. I swear, if I had been on the other side of the door, I probably would have wondered if the Civil War was actually taking place in exam room #3 and some poor, injured soldier was having his legs amputated in the field.
I was pretty happy to find out that he has matured some over the years...the screaming dulled to a whimper when the nurse started handing out stickers to him for being such a brave boy. And the whimpering completely subsided when he was allowed to choose a sucker out the basket at the front desk. As we left the office and he enjoyed his sucker, he ran through his new laundry list of things the doctor is not allowed to do to him ever again... stick anything in his LEGS... a strep test... stick anything in his mouth... stick anything up his nose... stick anything in his ears...
The boy does know how to work it, though. Tonight at dinner, he informed me that he would be finishing his dinner and then would be heading to the living room to "relax until bath time" because he "had shots today" and was "very tired."
I think I'll let Kris take him to his pre-kindergarten appointment next year.
These pics are of him after his 4-month shots...completely worn out from the effects of the immunizations coupled with the screaming and tears that went along with it. (Notice the swollen eyes?)
His 4-year check up was scheduled for this morning. We arrived at the pediatrician's office only to have him launch into his laundry list of things they were not allowed to do to him (a strep test, stick anything in his mouth, stick anything up his nose, stick anything in his ears, etc.) first for the nurse and then again for the doctor. He did great on his first hearing test and vision test. He impressed the doctor with his vast knowledge of all aspects of the world and his dancing skills. Then, came the moment when the doctor informed me that Sam would receive four shots today.
My heart sank...I could have sworn this appointment was only two. For a moment, I argued with myself that maybe I should only let them do two today and schedule another appointment in a couple of months for the other two. I decided against that since I knew any shot would be traumatizing for the boy who NEVER forgets. I figured it would just be best to get them over with now.
So, the nurse came in with the goods and asked Sam to lay on the table. I was then instructed to hold his hands tightly against his torso and she would take care of his legs. As soon as she touched the first alcohol pad to his leg, the kid started screaming. I almost cried, but held it together since he was about four inches from my face and could see my reaction.
The drama heightened when she administered the first shot...that's when he started screaming, "MY LEGS! MY LEGS" over and over again as she administered each consecutive shot. I swear, if I had been on the other side of the door, I probably would have wondered if the Civil War was actually taking place in exam room #3 and some poor, injured soldier was having his legs amputated in the field.
I was pretty happy to find out that he has matured some over the years...the screaming dulled to a whimper when the nurse started handing out stickers to him for being such a brave boy. And the whimpering completely subsided when he was allowed to choose a sucker out the basket at the front desk. As we left the office and he enjoyed his sucker, he ran through his new laundry list of things the doctor is not allowed to do to him ever again... stick anything in his LEGS... a strep test... stick anything in his mouth... stick anything up his nose... stick anything in his ears...
The boy does know how to work it, though. Tonight at dinner, he informed me that he would be finishing his dinner and then would be heading to the living room to "relax until bath time" because he "had shots today" and was "very tired."
I think I'll let Kris take him to his pre-kindergarten appointment next year.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
my girls
Last week, I had to travel to Cleveland for work. I was actually pretty thrilled with the timing of the whole thing. My good friend, Sheila, was scheduled for a c-section on Tuesday so I was able to squeeze in a quick baby cuddle on Thursday before heading back home. Congrats on little Jake's arrival, Beaules! He's beautiful...but I'm so bummed I forgot to take my camera into the hospital.
While in town, I was also able to meet up with Holly and Jeanine for a little shopping then dinner (and I forgot to take my camera into the restaurant...a common theme this trip). It was like gathering at the lunch table at work a few years ago all over again...only minus a few regular lunchees who weren't able to make the dinner due to sick kids, pregnancy morning sickness, cross-country moves, etc. Made me realize how much I miss my girls.
The one place I did happen to bring my camera into (since it was stuffed inside my suitcase) was Halle's house. She graciously let me stay at her house while they were out of town so I would have the amenities of home instead of staying at a hotel. Although...she made sure to give me the amenities of a hotel in her home...
Yes, folks. That's a mint on a tray of perfectly displayed towels.
I have the best friends :) Miss you, girls!
While in town, I was also able to meet up with Holly and Jeanine for a little shopping then dinner (and I forgot to take my camera into the restaurant...a common theme this trip). It was like gathering at the lunch table at work a few years ago all over again...only minus a few regular lunchees who weren't able to make the dinner due to sick kids, pregnancy morning sickness, cross-country moves, etc. Made me realize how much I miss my girls.
The one place I did happen to bring my camera into (since it was stuffed inside my suitcase) was Halle's house. She graciously let me stay at her house while they were out of town so I would have the amenities of home instead of staying at a hotel. Although...she made sure to give me the amenities of a hotel in her home...
Yes, folks. That's a mint on a tray of perfectly displayed towels.
I have the best friends :) Miss you, girls!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Because that's how we roll...
My grandmother has taught me many things, but the most important lesson I've learned from her is this: drag your birthday celebrations out as long as possible. I am working to pass this lesson down to my children...Sam's birth"day" lasted a good three days this year...and while that's not even close to the length of time my grandma has managed to extend her special day most years, it's not bad for a 4-year-old.
The first day (his actual birthday), we had a special dinner requested by the birthday boy himself...we all feasted on hot dogs and mac & cheese, then opened presents.
Sam decided that he would like to wait until the following night to tear into his ice cream cake because he said he wasn't feeling well that evening. I'm beginning to wonder if that was true or if he has just learned the above lesson well and is already implementing it on his own. So, the following night, we had cake and he wore his birthday crown his teacher had made for him the day before.
The day after that was his scheduled friend party. We had it a local gymnastics place which was fabulous because they shut the place down for your party so you don't have to worry about your kids getting lost in the crowd, and they do everything for you, including the cake. Plus, all the parents seemed to have a great time, too...I actually left wondering whether they had a class for Kris' age group! He was running around and playing with the kids the whole time...after his body got over the initial shock of exercise, that is! I wish my pictures had turned out better here...my battery on my camera was running low and that tends to cause performance issues...
Overall, a great 4th birthday celebration. I better get started on planning #5...Sam has requested that Rascal Flatts be in attendance...not quite sure how I'm going to pull anything off that will meet his expectations!
The first day (his actual birthday), we had a special dinner requested by the birthday boy himself...we all feasted on hot dogs and mac & cheese, then opened presents.
Sam decided that he would like to wait until the following night to tear into his ice cream cake because he said he wasn't feeling well that evening. I'm beginning to wonder if that was true or if he has just learned the above lesson well and is already implementing it on his own. So, the following night, we had cake and he wore his birthday crown his teacher had made for him the day before.
The day after that was his scheduled friend party. We had it a local gymnastics place which was fabulous because they shut the place down for your party so you don't have to worry about your kids getting lost in the crowd, and they do everything for you, including the cake. Plus, all the parents seemed to have a great time, too...I actually left wondering whether they had a class for Kris' age group! He was running around and playing with the kids the whole time...after his body got over the initial shock of exercise, that is! I wish my pictures had turned out better here...my battery on my camera was running low and that tends to cause performance issues...
Overall, a great 4th birthday celebration. I better get started on planning #5...Sam has requested that Rascal Flatts be in attendance...not quite sure how I'm going to pull anything off that will meet his expectations!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Starfish of the Week
So, I reinvented the Tugboat of the Week poster...Grace was thrilled, so I'm fine with it.But if I would have had more time, I would have considered using this series of photos...because the whole scenario was too adorable and who doesn't love a coordinating mommy/baby ensemble?
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Four
Dear Sam,
I can hardly believe today is your fourth birthday. Four years ago today, I was holding you in my arms and thinking to myself that I could hardly believe you had finally arrived. And now, you're this little man with your own thoughts, likes, dislikes, obsessions, quirks.
I love your imagination. I love that you can get so engrossed in make-believe play that the world around you stops. I love your artwork...your imagination feeds it and it is always amazing to me.
I love that you are obsessed with music.
I love that you will think about a conversation for extended periods of time and will ask me a question about it hours, or even days, after I thought the discussion had ended.
I love that you hate to have messy hair. The fact that you love the sprinkler but hate the shower makes me smile.
I love your little character voice with the southern accent that comes out when you are pretending to be a fireman, a construction worker, a grocery store clerk, an adventurer, a farmer or a cowboy.
I love that you still love your raggedy old stuffed bear.
I cried when you told me last week that you didn't want to play at school anymore and would just stay home, instead, because I take too long to get to school after work. I'm hoping I can give you a late birthday present sometime this year and find a happy medium so we can spend more time together.
I'm dreading the day I have to send you off to real school. Even though I'll be so proud of you, I'm sure it will make me miss my baby even more than I do now.
I wish I could give you Rascal Flatts for your 5th birthday, like you've been requesting. I may have to get creative with that one :)
I'm really excited for your birthday party on Saturday with your school friends...I felt so guilty having to move you to another state right before your birthday last year...I'm elated you'll get to have a big celebration this year with your friends.
It makes me both sad and happy that you have changed my title from "Mommy" to "Mom" in recent months.
I miss that baby I held four years ago today, but I could not have asked for a better 4 years watching you grow and develop into your own little self. Even though I'm desperately trying to hold onto to you as a little boy as long as I can, I am, at the same time, excited to get to know the person you will become. Everyday, you just add more reasons to love you.
Happy Birthday, Mr. Man. I hope it's all you've been hoping for.
Love, Mom
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
meeting the newest member of the family
This past weekend, Grace and I took a roadtrip to Chicago to meet the newest member of the family (don't get used to that status, Graham...there's another cousin coming into the world early in March). We had a great weekend cuddling Graham, playing with Caleb and visiting with Sarah and Nate. And, I've fallen in love with another nephew...I'm still amazed that my sisters and I, come March 3 when Claire delivers #2, will have managed to add six new little people to the family in four years time. We'll ALL be together in July...I can't wait!
brothers
Caleb and Grace helping Sarah open her birthday presents
a new place to play
art time
me and Graham
cousins
cousinsMonday, February 2, 2009
daycare is trying to kill me...
Remember Tugboat of the Week? Well, a couple of weeks ago, Sam was bestowed the honor of Dolphin of the Week. Anyone want to know how much notice they gave us? I found out on a Friday that his reign was to begin the following Monday. That Friday happened to be Kris' birthday and I had happened to arrange for a babysitter so I could take him out to dinner. I had also happened to arrange for a small get-together with friends to celebrate his and another friend's birthday on Saturday. So, I was unable to dive into the whole poster until Sunday. I spend naptime sorting digital photos...then Walgreen's had some issues coordinating with Snapfish so it took me hours upon hours to get the photos I needed...in the midst of it all, I decided to steal a few photos off of Grace's Tugboat poster so I could get started on this poster while I waited for the rest of the pics. After dinner, I put Sam to work creating some drawings to go on the poster while I painstakingly cut and trimmed and glued away. Finally, the end result:
So, guess what I found out this past Friday as I was picking Grace up from daycare so we could zoom off to Chicago? Today, Grace was to begin her reign of Starfish of the Week. Fantastic. If only I hadn't ripped apart her old poster to make Sam's. I'm a day late, but should hopefully have her poster finished up tonight and ready to hang tomorrow. Thank God no one moves up to another classroom again until the end of the summer. I don't think I could take it...
So, guess what I found out this past Friday as I was picking Grace up from daycare so we could zoom off to Chicago? Today, Grace was to begin her reign of Starfish of the Week. Fantastic. If only I hadn't ripped apart her old poster to make Sam's. I'm a day late, but should hopefully have her poster finished up tonight and ready to hang tomorrow. Thank God no one moves up to another classroom again until the end of the summer. I don't think I could take it...
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