Playing

So, Dylan and Sophia are starting to play together a little more. The game: chase. Yesterday they played this game at IKEA, running through the "car wash" bubble curtain they have hanging. This morning they are continuing the game running in circles around the main floor. Fun!

Finally a "normal" day

Yesterday was the first in a long time of the same ol' same ol' around here. No travel, doctor's appointments, parties to plan... Was a pretty nice day aside from the two meltdowns Sophia had and Dylan's 4pm-ish meltdown. Dylan took a good morning nap after which we hit Kmart to pick up is birthday Coupe and then hit the playground on the way home. Sophia is becoming quite the climber. She went up and down the rock wall all on her own as well as many of the other climbing equipment.

Ok, not such a normal week. I started writing this on Tuesday ABOUT Monday. It is now Wednesday. yeesh.

Pictures

Dylan really took to his new set of wheels. Faster, DAD! WEEEEEEEHEEEEEWWWWW. I have since exchanged this model for a slightly different red one that has a better push handle. Sophia goes over the basics of the dust buster with Dylan. I foresee her showing Dylan how to do a lot of her chores in the future...
The picture was taken after Sophia told Dylan there were snakes in the grass.

6 down, one to go

Almost at the end of the marathon appointment weeks. So far I have been 'lucky' enough to bring at least one kid with me to all. I had relief for Dylan's 12mo check up and was able to leave Sophia behind. My kids have eaten nothing but snack food all morning for these appointments. My only way to keep them from losing it the entire time we are cooped up in tiny rooms for hours together. I was pleased with this office - VERY large and nice to boot. Just about the biggest doctor's office I have been stuck in. Kids played nicely for a little while, plenty of room even for the double jogger. I was able to get through most of the appointment without resorting to the chocolate chip cookie in my purse. I went for that for the last few minutes and Dylan was a TOTAL MESS! Luckily he just had on a white t-shirt. ugh!

The bad new for me is it looks like my ACL is useless. He said it was either put in loose or could have been stretched while "dancing" with Sophia the time I remember it hurting or even another time that doesn't stand out. Said there is probably meniscus tearing that is causing the swelling and when it swells that is why the knee is looser. If it weren't for the kids, he would recommend it go under the knife again. Even though the more you have the more difficult they are to do. I just don't have three months of recoup time now to devote to it, SO, I will live like this until the kids are in school I suppose. If it gets really bad again, we will have to rethink things, but for now, SOL.

Oh, and this doctor (how I really liked- had answers, thorough...) knows of Dr. Meeks and thought he had retired already. I said I went to him in May and wasn't confident anymore. This new doctor made me feel like he knew what I was talking about. Also made a reference about Meeks' practice being under hard times?? He also said that he didn't want to do anymore cortisone - said it was like a band aid - WOW! Those were my exact words I was saying after my appointment with Meeks. Yeesh.

Tomorrow I have one last appointment and then we are off to Maine Friday for the weekend.

12mo check up

Dylan had his one year check up yesterday. Mr. Long and lean, just like his sister. He is 20lb 8oz and 31". Sophia was 20lb 7oz and 30.25". Dylan is a full fledged walker now. No more crawling for him. He is already trying to run and keep up with Sophia. Had a trying day at the toy store already. Dylan would not sit in the cart - kept trying to stand up. I had to buckle him in finally. He didn't appreciate it. I did let him loose for a little while and he liked trying out all the toys.
I hit Stop and Shop on the way home and he was quite the handful again. Both were, actually So much so that I gave in to the treat demand at the dunkin donuts in the store and went on to forget the coffee I bought myself. Luckily I remembered before leaving. Dylan kept grabbing for the straw, so I removed it. Then he grabbed at the cup. I made it to check out and had to put it down while I checked myself out. Again, almost forgot it and a customer behind me reminded me of it. Whew!
Dylan hasn't been sleeping well this week. Can you tell? He woke up around 3.30/4 two night and then the last couple nights he was awake at 1 and 3.30/4. He doesn't settle quickly either. And I thought we were over this hump. Sigh... No wonder I have had zero patience and been ultra grouchy this week.

The good and the bad

The good news: Sophia does not have a staph infection and is off antibiotics and my ankle is getting much better (just itchy and feels like a bruise).

The bad news is that the lump under Sophia's eye is a stye and is expected to last MONTHS. Which is months of warm cloths multiple times a day, some bleeding and some oozing. And though I am much better, I had to cancel Dylan's first birthday party as I was not able to prepare for it. So, now that I am feeling better and COULD be hosting today, I feel guilty for not having it even though I know I wasn't able to do the running around myself.

Dylan is really motoring around these days. Very fun to watch him explore the place on two feet rather than all fours.

I was finally able to wash the floors today, too. YUCK! Mucho dirty and was bringing me down.

Sophie Oleksuk/ Grandma

Our trip to Canada was inspired by two things - being able to celebrate Dylan's first birthday with his grandma who shares the same day and to visit with my grandmother who is 90 and in poor health.

Sophie has Alzheimer's and has recently suffered a broken hip. She is a dear lady, even despite the hardships that have struck her. Our first visit with her was on Friday, the 4th of July. My dad, Ethan and the kids joined me to visit with her. Grandma was pleased to see us and we spent some time with her outside in the back patio area of the home. I tried very hard to not be emotional like I was the first time I visited her there when Sophia was about 8months old. She was wheel chair bound, but we were able to get some smiles and a few chuckles out of her. I was disappointed Sophia and Dylan were being shy that day and wouldn't sit with her. I know she didn't know who they (or I) were, but little kids are always good for cheering people (especially elderly) up. Grandma kept trying to get Dylan to sit on her tray, but he wouldn't have it.

We spent the week at the cottage and so we weren't able to visit grandma. The weather was pretty bad all week with the exception of a couple days so we headed back to Selkirk Friday rather than Saturday the 12th. A good thing too as we found out that Grandma had a nose bleed and was taken to the hospital Thursday night to stop the bleeding. I feel awful she had to be there by herself, not knowing anyone and not having anyone there who knew her and her condition. When we arrived Friday, she was very upset, had her hands bundled like q-tips and was picking at them trying to get them off. Her nose was bandaged and it was difficult for her to breath. She was so upset she wouldn't even look at mom or I. I was not able to control my emotions this day and was wishing they stocked the rooms with Kleenex. The next morning we went she was given a sedative and had just fallen asleep so we let her sleep. I went back with mom after the kids were in bed and ended up having a very good visit with her that I will hold in my mind forever. I knew there wasn't much to say to grandma as she doesn't remember the past or even 2 minutes ago. I tried to talk about my kids and how Sophia was named after her. I knew these were mostly just names, so I felt the only thing she knows is the present and feelings mean more to her than people and things. So I spent that visit hugging and stroking and kissing her as much as I could. I kept thinking if I was in a place I didn't know, surrounded by people I didn't know or recognize, then having a feeling of at least being loved would mean the most to me. I know she didn't know I was her grand daughter, but I do think she felt my love and that I was someone special to her. I think she was comforted by this and made her happy for a moment. I just wish I could be there everyday to give her hugs, love and fresh flowers. During this visit Grandma made several attempts to speak. Most were mumbles that couldn't be understood, so I tried to cover for her and butt in so she wouldn't feel frustrated or upset that she couldn't get out what she was trying to say. She did get out a few things, though and even tried to make a few of her old modesty jokes. I would tell her Dylan's eyes were blue like hers and that Sophia shared features with her too and though she didn't get it out entirely, I knew she was trying to say " poor kids have to take after me" or "I hope not". I caught on to this and let her know I understood and she was able to laugh. She laughed a few more times and opened her eyes really wide and looked at me. I could see she was happy at that moment and made me both glad and sad that I would have to leave. They gave her a sedative at the end of our visit as she was getting anxious about the wrapping of her hands and kept trying to remove it or get up to leave. I knew she would fall asleep soon and wish that I had stayed until she did. Could be my last visit with her and that makes me very sad. Having that good visit, though, makes me very glad and I will think of it often with both tears of happiness and sadness. Love you Grandma!

Bummed

So, I had to cancel Dylan's 1st Birthday Party today. Feeling pretty sad about it. I did have one in Canada for him, however, I didn't really throw it myself. I was able to make a cake, however, owe it to my mom for all the preparation and pulling off of that party. I wanted to be able to do that for Dylan myself here. Sigh... Stupid ankle. Another appointment today and another prescription I have to fill while staying off it. Riiiiiiiight.

Good news: over the vacation Dylan's walking went from steps to real walking. He has been having fun walking (not exactly in a straight line) around the house and kind of rediscovering it. Pretty fun to watch him walk around the yard and house with a big grin on his face.

Lists

Doctor's appointments, past and future;
Sunday, July 13, ER to have Cindy's ankle looked at
Monday, July 14 Pediatrician to look at Sophia's eye
Tuesday, July 15, Doctor to look at Cindy's ankle again
Thursday, July 17 potential Ophthalmologist appointment for Sophia
Monday, July 21, Dylan's 1 tr check up
Wednesday, July 23, Cindy knee appointment
Thursday, July 24 Cindy annual appointment

Pharmacy trips - 2 to date

Co-pays:
1@ $50
4@ $10
5@ $15
total: $165

Getting pretty frustrated and stressed over here. Things just keep happening the worst way. Take today. Even though I have been told by every doctor to stay off my feet, I had to go to the doctor for Sophia this morning. Then I had to pick up her prescription. Instead of being able to just pop in and pick up the medications that the pediatrician faxed over 2o minutes earlier, I was told it would take another 20-30 minutes. It was noon and the kids and I were getting hungry. I had to wait for the prescriptions as the doctor said to start giving them as soon as possible so I couldn't come back after her nap. I had to go to the Quizno's for a nasty lunch that was way over priced at $11. They must purposely keep their prices off the menu so people don't just walk out. Kids didn't want to eat what I got. Went back to the pharmacy and told they STILL weren't ready and it would be another 10-15min. My ankle was killing me, and I had been on it all morning when I was supposed to be resting it. Still not able to get any groceries, have an appointment tomorrow so I won't get them there. I am getting more overwhelmed with my to do lists growing and my ability to complete them shrinking. UGH!

The eagle has landed

We arrived back home yesterday afternoon. Was a great flight with the kids from Ottawa to Boston with the kids sleeping much of the way. Dylan knocked off very early on and slept right up to the time the seat belt sign turned off. I was VERY glad for that as my ankle was really starting to hurt. First I thought it was a spider bite on Thursday as it was red, not too itchy and I had about 4 other bites (though they looked a lot different). I was even in a hospital three times as the ankle got worse visiting my grandmother and didn't have it looked at. Then our trip home things went from uncomfortable to terrible. By the time we landed it was difficult to walk and after talking to a few doctors (Jenny and Mike included) it was recommended it be looked at Sunday rather than wait for an appointment on Monday. Glad I did as while I sat FOREVER in the ER waiting room it kept getting more sore. I was told it was Cellulitis, an infection of the skin and am on antibiotics and codeine. I am supposed to sit and have my leg inclined as much as possible. I guess the ol' kiddio's will do a lot of crying today. Yay. Not like I have much to do this week- bare fridge, party to plan and buy stuff for, house to clean, get SOPHIA to the dr as her stye didn't go away and looks terrible. ugh.

Will update more on our trip later. Dylan is what else, but crying and pinching my arm right now.

A bump in the, um, morning

So, we are off to Winnipeg tomorrow and of course the kids have to fall apart - physically. Look carefully at the photo at Sophia's forehead. It may not be as visible in the photo, but it is GIANT in real life. I was in the shower this morning and came out mid shower to see what the crying was about. I initially thought it was Dylan fussing because I was more than 2 feet away from him. Then I got concerned when I learned it was Sophia in tears. She came closer and I couldn't see what was wrong at first as her bangs were covering her forehead. Then I saw IT. Giant lump on her pretty little face. I went into panic mode as I haven't had to deal with a serious injury with the kids yet. After icing her head she seemed fine, but I felt like crying every time I looked at her.
Later in the day she had a bunch of poops (not like her) so I thought it was related to her bump in some odd medical way. After a call to the doctor they recommended she come in with our pending trip. This, was our second trip to the doctor in as many days! Yesterday we were there to look at the red lump under Sophia's eye (only a cyst, phew). So, I was putting a warm cloth on her eye, then a cold one on her forehead all day.
So, off we will go tomorrow, lump on the head, one under the eye, rash on both bums and a little diarrhea for both kids to make the flight a little more interesting. Sighhhhhh.

BIG BED, little girl

It was a hectic day, yesterday. I hit Target to get some sheets and a bedrail (yes, that hideous thing hanging from the side below) and a bunch of toys and things to keep the kids amused on the 3 hour plane trip coming up this week. I was pleased at the pump when I gassed up at the stop and shop station using my S&S card. I paid $3.49. Who would have thought I would be so excited about paying "so little". Compared to the $4.09 it is a steal these days I guess.

So, after getting home we had lunch, kids had naps.... After Sophia's nap Ethan started assembling her bed. We found out that the crib fits in the room with it, so we decided to keep it there "in case". We were still getting things together when I looked at my watch and found out it was 3.50. The little birthday party at Gymboree was at 4pm! Sophia was a mess, I had to change her, wash her face and brush her hair. I had to get the diaper bag ready, decided against caring what I looked like. Ethan got the seats back up in the car and clicked in the car seats and we made it to Gymboree by 4.10. Not bad! The birthday party went until 5.30 and they didn't have any dinner so we decided to order Sushi after the kids were in bed and I fed the kids left over pizza I made the other night.

Then the moment of truth.... How would Sophia do in her new bed? I was pleasantly surprised that we only had one false start. Sophia was tucked in and we were sitting down to eat and I heard her coming down the stairs. Ethan brought her back to bed and read her another story and though we did hear her upstairs for a little while, she didn't get out again until 4.45am. I heard her pitter patter of her little feet and brought her to bed with us where she sat quietly for about 15 minutes and then moved around until 5.30 when Ethan brought her downstairs.

We are pleased with the bed, though I wish that bedrail was not so, well, ugly. Nice that it easily flips up and down I guess. Four more sleeps until Winnipeg!

Princess and the pea

I finally convinced Ethan to go to Jordan's with me yesterday to decide on a bed for Sophia once and for all. I had narrowed it down to three but knew there was really only one he would consider. And we walked away with that one on order. We moved over to the mattress department and were pretty easily talked into a $350 mattress. I wasn't up for the challenge of looking at 50 stores dealing with 50 sales people telling us why their mattress is better than the other guy's. I know we could have just bought a $100 (or less even) mattress and it would have been "good enough". Heck, WE didn't have such nice mattress' as kids. We spend more on Sophia's bed frame than we even spent on our own queen frame. It will all be worth it sitting on her bed and leaning back on the nice solid headboard, reading Sophia stories all snuggled into our side. ahhhh.

Reality: she will reject the bed and come into our room all night and at expect to get up at 4am.

lucky 7

So, In the spirit of Dylan's birthday numbers 7, 7,07, he decided to push through tooth number...7! I noticed Mr. Power teether had a new tooth this morning after a cranky start and short AM nap. I started "digging for answers" and found my pearly white.

Anyone got the number of a good exorcist?

I wish I had one on on speed dial today. Whew! Has been a morning from down under and I am not talking Australia. Dylan woke up with a "thorn" in his bum. After his nap he was fine, however, it was Sophia's turn to test mommy's patience (not very good, apparently). We went to Hingham to get Dylan his first over priced hair cut. I packed a snack for the kids at the hair place to keep them entertained. Sophia saw the container and started crying for "tack" (snack). I told her they were for the hair place and she could have them there. That wasn't good enough and she started her melt down. I gave her one and told her the rest were for there. That didn't keep the peace very long. She screamed the whole way there. Dylan got his hair cut, cried through it. The razor was a little frightening. Went to whole foods to get lunch and a glass milk bottle and Sophia was pretty close the whole time of losing it again if she didn't get her way. Letting her push the stroller was tricky. Even almost lost Dylan - literally. He wasn't buckled in and when I regained control of the stroller I wasn't looking down and couldn't figure out why it was hard to push the stroller. I looked down and saw Dylan was sliding out the front and his legs were "slowing me down". Ugh. Got home and did lunch (not everyone ate, ahem, Sophia). Went outside for a bit before nap time and Sophia started in on a third meltdown and I called it quits for her and put her to bed. I am wiped.

Never a Dull Moment

This weekend was pretty tiring for me. Quite unexpectedly so too. Started out Saturday morning and I decided to head to the book store during Dylan's nap to look at hair magazines for my afternoon's appointment to chop it all off. Got back home with about 6 photos loaded onto my phone and started the laundry. House was a mess, but I didn't have time to do anything about it as we headed to Toy R Us when Dylan woke up and bought yet another stroller and Dylan's birthday gift. I whipped up a lunch, put Dylan down for his nap (didn't go down easy) and went off to my hair appointment. The girl was very nice and didn't shy away from cutting my hair off even though I hadn't been to her before. I guess the cut is OK. Ethan likes it, I think it is either too long or too short in front. It is an awkward length where it is always in my eyes so it needs to be either shorter or longer to work. We'll see... All I have to say for now is MAN, is my hair curly. yikes.
Bob and Jackie were over by the time I got home and then Ethan and I went for a hike together. Got home in time to get dinner started and had a little later than normal dinner. Kids were "on edge" but we survived. I put Dylan down while Sophia had a blast in the tub with Me-mere. I put Dylan down and he was not happy. I went to him soon after and though he wasn't crying hard, I wanted him to go down more calmly. I thought his 6th tooth on the move could be hurting him, so I gave him Motrin. He was doing a very irregular breathing thing that kids often do after crying - a sob breath. Well, after 20 minutes he was STILL breathing like this. I was holding him and he was even falling back asleep in my arms and breathing like that. I was getting more nervous and called in second opinions and eventually the pediatrician as he really hadn't cried hard enough to warrant such irregular breathing. After an hour we (I) made the call to take him to the ER at South Shore Plaza based on the recommendation of the nurse on call that I was talking to. We suspected he would be fine, but didn't want to risk anything so off we went. The wait wasn't too bad and Dylan was fine aside from a few more of the weird breaths in the car on the way there. We didn't get home until 11pm and Dylan was up the whole time. Not even fussing much! And for those who believe in the "if you put them to bed later they will sleep later" theory, Dylan sits outside your box. WAY outside. He was still up very early - 6am and napped only two barely 1 hour naps on Sunday. Sigh...
Sunday, though more relaxed, was hard on me as I was SUPER tired. House is still a mess. Made a blueberry pie though :)

As a reward for reading the activities of our past weekend, here are some cute pic's of the kids.

Dylan won't eat the "easy" stuff I give him, even if it is the same as what is on our plate, SO.... I threw him a bone.
Ok, mom. 'Ha-ha'. Put the camera down so I can eat my leg in peace.
Our little starlet practices her routine for this summer's "America's Got Talent"
Get down, get down. Get down, get down. Jungle boogie...
Sunday frolic at Castle Island. Dylan has REALLY made huge progress in the walking department this weekend. Did about 8 steps with Pe-pere on Saturday (a new record for him) and then kept doing a bunch of little walks the rest of the weekend - a few from one thing to another. It is going to be REALLY soon for him to be completely solo. Fun to see the difference between him and Sophia. She waited until she "knew" she wouldn't fall and just started running. Dylan is starting earlier, but is doing it more gradually.


D&D. (Dylan and Dad)Happy first weekend of Summer!

Dylan's 6th tooth has popped through (finally!) today. Hope that is the end of his fussy-s for a while...

Priceless: Dylan laughing

New Adventures In Grocery Shopping

So, I have found a way in the last two shopping trips to keep Sophia from getting crazy after the first half hour of running like mad through the grocery store. I concede and get the football field length car cart (yes, you have seen them before and laughed at the mom pushing it. Little do you realize it is as difficult to push and make corners as it is embarrassing to be the pusher). Anyway, with two kids, I need to have a cart with seating or two PLUS a weeks worth of groceries. This one fits the bill. Cute to see Dylan and Sophia driving it around. I strap Dylan in and let Sophia jump in and out. This works as it gives her something to do while I put veggies in a bag, weigh them on the scale.... She keeps jumping in and out the whole trip and I don't have to lift her in and out to do so. Keeps us both happy I suppose. Makes the time pass faster for her.

Thought of the day: You never realize how big your feet are until your 2 year old daughter starts clomping around in your shoes.

More steps: Dylan let go of my finger of his own will to clap a few times and then walked AWAY from me about 2 steps to the stairs all on his own.

Fun and Games: When ever the gate is forgotten at the stairs for a few moments Dylan glances over at me and I know instantly where he is about to head and he then starts laughing and racing over to the stairs to beat me. He gets there and starts laughing like crazy.

Laughing: It is so fun watching babies laugh. When is the last time you were so happy you couldn't contain yourself and kicked your legs in fits of laughter. I can't remember either. Dylan does it daily.

Glom on mom

I think Dr. Seuss needs to write a new book (is he still alive?) A sequel to Hop on Pop.

Ok, I will start it off. It is based on a true story. Me and my litter.

Glom on Mom
I see a baby, a baby boy.
I see his mom, his favorite toy.

When she lays upon the rug
baby one comes in to hug.

Not one to easily be outdone,
Comes Sophia to join the fun.

First comes the baby's head on her belly,
Then Sophia makes it jiggle like jelly....

Ok, it needs work. But the title works, right?

Milestones

Dylan stood up for the first time unassisted. He was outside with me and was on his hands and feet in a squat and then cautiously stood up. Twice. Then he went back down and crawled to me instead of taking a couple steps. He has also been looking upside down between his legs a lot lately.

Sophia said Winnipeg.

Status Updates

Cindy:
Ouchie knee back with a force. Difficult to walk more than 20' without a hobble. Kneeling at bath time with the kids and climbing over stair gates increasingly difficult and painful. Good news is that I have the name of another dr. to make an appointment with to hopefully do something about this.

Freaking out just a little about Dylan's upcoming birthday. Lots to do, little time to plan. We will be in Winnipeg for his actual birthday and trying to plan something there from here. Have to get invites out, and think of party prep stuff from here. Then I would also like to show Dylan off for everyone HERE when we are back so I have to plan that before I leave too.

Sophia:
Extreme mommy days are back. Wanting me to put her to bed recently. Gives Ethan some quality time with Dylan reading him stories, though. I am a little concerned Sophia may still be sick - purple-y red under eyes today and could explain some of the separation anxiety. Has been wanting to be held with nice tight hugs (which I can't say I mind, actually feel really nice), but not herself entirely. She has been enunciating her words a lot more carefully lately and getting good at her colors. She showed me the pink, yellow and white bracelets from Gramily today. Still sings up a storm daily.

Dylan:
More and more he wants to walk using only one hand for support. Very cute, however, he likes to go full throttle and doesn't have the balance for that and keeps falling to his knees. He is a very fast cruiser, too. Especially if there is a stair gate down and is racing mom for the stairs. He is liking clapping too. Had a TERRIBLE sleep day today - woke at 4.30, napped 8.30-9.45 and then 1.10 (cried from 1-1.10 even with me rocking him) and woke screaming at 2. I think tooth #6 is really having a go with little man. I can see the pearly white just below the surface and it just won't break!

Ethan:
Working hard as always with his new position. Had a good trip to Florida - escaped the heat wave in Boston for more heat in Florida. I wasn't as jealous of this trip as the winter one. He is a little under the weather - dang virus' this year. Otherwise doing well :)

Failed rescue mission

On a short walk with Sophia and Dylan I noticed a dead bird on the side of the side walk. On the way home I noticed another bird on the other side. This one was moving. I hurried home and interrupted Ethan and his lawn mowing to ask if he would go get it so we could try revive it. As our trend has been - I find them, Ethan retrieves them and does most of the revival efforts. This is our second bird rescue mission. Ethan recalled all the advice his nature loving friend has given him in the past about helping birds in such situations. Feed feed feed. I found the first plump worm that Ethan fed to the little bird. He sucked that baby right down. Ethan found a couple more and gave him water and paraded him around the house. He spent the night in a bucket on the window ledge and said good-bye to Ethan in the morning. I felt particularly sad for this bird as I helped provide it's last meal.

Parading the bird... Not to worry it was pepperoni, not bird pizza for dinner.

If You're Happy and you know it...

So, at precisely 1.30pm this afternoon Dylan discovered the art of clapping. I was putting him down for a nap that well, didn't go so well, but the bright side was his discovery of clapping. I have been showing him a bit lately to clap his hands with no response other than that huge grin and laugh. Quite a bit later than most babies with this milestone, but that is just how my kids are. After all, it isn't a race, just crossing the finish line is what is important :)

Kids had a good play session this evening around the french doors. They laughed their heads off licking the glass and pushing their faces up against it to each other.

A day (hour) at the zoo

So, this picture pretty much tells all in the kids enthusiasm for our trip to the Zoo on Thursday. I sat, unmoving much of the time, on the highway for 20 minutes to got two exits (kicking myself for not taking the side roads) and then another 10 minutes of actual driving to get to the zoo. I arrived at the entrance road and there was literally hundreds of kids in line to get in. UGH. I should have known end of school year would have field trips there. On the positive side, they didn't hold us up as they went through the prepaid line while I went through the regular side and only had one person in front of me.

On the down side, it was a zoo in there. On BOTH sides of the fence. Kids are very pushy at that age and not very considerate of smaller pea sized kids. There were so many there we couldn't even get close to the glass/ fence to see the animals. I almost had a panic attack in the petting zoo area as I had the double stroller and was then mobbed by hundreds of kids. I had to put Sophia back in and inch my way out of that area. None of us enjoyed ourselves. Sophia DID like the carousel at the end of our trip, though. I was bummed we didn't get in close to see the lions as that was Sophia's favorite last time we were there. Maybe next time... Life through Rose colored glasses
And what a rosy life it is. Sophia grew attached to these at the store so I fell it was my duty to get them for her.
Sophia pushes her little man in her swing as she demonstrates the wiggle walk. Funny at this age she already is very possessive about HER swing at the playground, HER side of the double stroller...

Pink is the new blue

Looks like pink is the new blue for boys. At least at our house. Sophia took her little man out for a stroll with me and my little man.

Home Alone Day 1

Drawing to a end here the first day of Ethan's trip to Florida. Kids were pretty good despite the heat. No major meltdown, though I had a small one at the end of the day looking for Lamby at bath time. I had great ambitions for today including vacuuming the basement, sweeping the main floor, cleaning up the growing heap of clothes in my room, doing sit ups, washing the floor, weeding the garden, make father's day cards... Aside from the vacuuming and sweeping I managed to sit on the couch eating ice cream using the painfully slow internet to look up "stuff". Cindy:1 Productivity:0.

Sticky fingers

We were in the mall a little while ago and my dear Sophia exhibited some sticky finger syndrome. I was leaving a store, still in the mall, and discovered a hat in the basket of the stroller and was able to return to the store to return the unpurchased item. Yesterday we weren't so lucky. I was looking for sunglasses and Ethan went to try on a shirt, leaving me with the kids. I let them play with the reading glasses as I tried on my own selections. As we were loading the kids into the car and putting the stroller in the trunk I discovered this pair of glasses in the basket in front of Dylan. My kids aren't even 3 and are already headed down the road to a life of crime. It was not worth getting the kids back into the stroller, into the mall and across it to the elevator to get to the store to return the $12 glasses so they remain here as a reminder of what not to do.

So hot you can fry an egg on it...

So, it is outrageously hot here again today. This time heat warnings have been issued this time and ozone warnings until 10pm. Great. Not only was my beach trip FAR more work and frustration than joy for any of us, but now I feel guilty for doing it at all. I never saw the warnings before I left. So, about this little "trip"... Last night, Ethan was sweet enough to go ahead and try to fix the SECOND flat on that jogger before heading to Florida today. At first I was going to take the kids on a stroller ride to DD for coffee and treats then the playground. Then I thought, maybe it is too hot, I will just go to Houghton's Pond instead. I was loading up the truck and found the tire on that jogger went flat AGAIN. grrrr. I decided to take the single jogger instead - BIG mistake. I got the kids packed into the truck that incidentally does NOT have AC working. Only about 87 at this point. Hit a drive-in DD that was not on the way and got my iced coffee and 2 munchkins for Sophia. Got to the pond and got the furthest, last shade spot (important for the car that has no ac). I got Dylan in the jogger and the heavy bag on my shoulder and Sophia took the wagon of toys. Along the LONG (much longer today than most days) path to the beach. Sophia stopped for every stone, and leaf. I started getting frustrated as it was hot and Dylan was getting irritated just sitting there waiting for her. Sophia was so hot, she was all sweaty and said, hot mama. Poor thing. I decided to change things around and have her in the stroller as I carried Dylan and the bag and some how drag the wagon. I found a tether strap on the stroller that I tied to the wagon and then to my wrist to drag it. As I was getting this done Sophia was climbing into the stroller. Joggers are very tippy. Yup, it flipped back, but luckily there was a pillow in the back and her head didn't hit the ground. Off the went, me dragging the little green toy wagon, pushing the jogger with one hand and squirmy baby in the other. We got to the beach and no one was itching to do anything. I managed to get the kids out of their shorts, into the swim diapers and in the water. Again, neither were thrilled with the water. After about half an hour, Sophia was ready for home, so onto the blanket went Dylan, Sophia and all the sand she could bring on her feet, etc. I struggled to get the swim diapers off, change Dylan on my knee so the sun wasn't in his eyes. Having the bum knee wasn't helping matters either. Couldn't kneel on it and was really just using the one good one to support Dylan and stabilize myself. Luckily Sophia is big enough to stand on her own to change her diaper. Got her in the stroller, wagon in tow and Dylan squirming again. Got to the truck and as I was getting Dylan back into his car seat, Sophia was trying to get out of the stroller. No sooner did I notice this and get the words out "Sophia Don't! sit down" than she flipped back again. Again, lucky no head smashes. Beach days just aren't fun like they used to be before kids. I can't wait until they are out of swim diapers and BOTH walking.

I decided to test out the egg on sidewalk thing today. I guess the sidewalk wasn't hot enough. Just another mess for me to clean. Brilliant.

Fried

Day two of our 4 day heat wave here. Bummed that Sophia and Dylan didn't take to the water park sprinklers. Sophia sat in the stroller with the shade up and Dylan took cover under Ethan hat. Neither were excited by it. Sigh.... What ELSE is there you can do on a 90+ day? We wait all winter for it to heat up and then we hide inside by the air conditioner or under a fan to keep cool. no pleasin'.

A moment of Zen

So, it is yet to be determined if the sandbox is for me or the kids. Today I had fun recreating my own Ryoanji-esk rock garden. Complete with tacky garden frogs. And enjoyed by my baby, little squirrels and token duck.
I think it's love. Could my rock garden have mystical aphrodisiac properties?

Croup

So, I took Sophia to the Dr. yesterday and found out she has croup. The good news is I think it is blue-er skies ahead. She was hit hardest yesterday, coughing a lot. I felt so bad for her and there wasn't anything that would help. It was day three (+/-) of the cough and they said that would be the worst. I heard rubbing Vick's vapor rub on the feet just before bed and putting socks on helps the cough a lot (that or congestion). I was nervous to try and I had given her cough medicine before I remembered this trick. I didn't put much on and I don't' think it was very effective. I will try more next time. LUCKILY, though, I don't think that will be for at least a little while as Sophia sounds much better today. YAY!

Me on the other hand is back to square one with the ol' knee. I didn't have much confidence that a little shot of cortisone and sucking out the fluid would SOLVE the problem. Just a couple of band aides in my opinion. Knee is like a blow fish again. I really don't have much faith in going to Physical therapy either, at least more than one appointment for them to show me exercises to do AT HOME. If my ligament is truly stretched out, then it will need regular exercises until I am all done with needing my knee. I will not be going to and spending $15 per session for that length of time. Ugh. I would actually like there to BE a surgery solution so that it is a one time fix and I don't have to worry about it after that. I, unfortunately, don't think this is in the cards.

Another tough day...

Both kids are still sick. Didn't even get over the first cold that blasted them and now Sophia is coughing a lot and VERY cranky. Waking at 5 and wanting a nap by 8.30. Dylan's fever was better, but still low grade at times. Wants to be held all the time and just not himself. Best part of the day today was tub time. Sophia got Dylan laughing like only she can. He hasn't laughed that much in days. Yay, Sophia! I really hope for a lot of better health tomorrow as these days have wiped mom out.

Little Man Down

Dylan woke up last night as hot as a fireball. I didn't know human skin could actually get that red without prolonged exposure to the sun. His temp was "only" 102 which doesn't require emergency measures, however, I was alarmed at how hot his skin felt. Poor little guy. Getting better today, but still on the warm side of the fence.

Tic tac tacky

Ok, so lawn ornaments are not haute couture for the lawn. But for some reason I have been obsessed with finding some ducks for our yard. I have seen a couple houses in the neighborhood with them and they have amused me and thought they would amuse Sophia. I have also been wanting to make our yard more "fun" and enticing for her to want to play in while Dylan naps. I would also like her to have her own stuff to play with and leave my gardens alone. I went on Craig's list and found one ad. They wanted $60 for the lot of their tacky statues. In the picture I spotted a couple ducks. On a whim I emailed the seller asking if he would sell just the ducks and how much. I wasn't even really expecting a reply when I returned from my jog hike. And then there it was. Yours free if you come and get them today. Wahoo! About 15 minutes away. When I got there I saw the duck, not the same as the ones I have eyed, but they were free. The guy and his wife then offered any others I wanted to take, free too. I asked a couple times if they minded and they said no so into my collection went a couple horrific bunnies (Sophia likes bunnies), 4 garden frogs (ok, I thought these MAY make it to my garden), a bunch of little squirrels (great for the sand box) and of course all the ducks - two big and three small. The small ones actually are kind of fun in the bird bath. They are ceramic, so they may be smashed to bits before the week is out.

Amphibious jog/ hike

I decided to take advantage of the gorgeous weather this afternoon and went for a jog hike. As I was rounding St. Moritz pond I nearly ran over a medium sized snapping turtle. Not sure who was more startled. Then about 10 minutes later at the bottom of rattlesnake hill I encountered a slithery fellow. Probably not a rattler, closer in line to a guarder, but slimy and unpleasant none the less.

Before and After

The real benefit of waiting until your windows are repulsively dirty is that there is a remarkable before and after difference. There is no better reward to a task than to see such a difference. Regular cleaning doesn't provide this and so I wait. And wait. And wait. Until finally when outside is a mere haze, I get out the cloth and clean away. How satisfying. And then before one window is complete little fingers start the whole process over again.

Raspberry Wars

Dylan has taken to really enjoy blowing "raspberries". Sticking out his tongue and pthbththbththb thth. Sophia then enjoys getting in on the act. Result: A whole lot of spit on the floor. Cutest spit ever, though.

Making up for lost time

Dylan's teeth are coming in fast and furious now. After a four month break he got two more teeth last week and number six looks like it is going to make it'd day view (oops, I guess I meant debut. I knew it didn't look right and spell check didn't help out. Mom brain in action) soon.

Memorial Day Weekend

We had a nice long weekend, both full and relaxing. Saturday we went to Houghton's Pond in the morning and painted some rocks in the "Blue Hills Chicawtabut Education center". We went up to Newburyport to celebrate Teddy's second birthday and pigged out on a super yummy BBQ.Sunday we went to Castle Island and played in the playground and had a picnic there. Hmmmm, and Ethan wonders why I don't post more pictures of him...
Cutest swinging lil' man EVER.
Some down time at home for pops and his princess.
Monday we had another fun morning at Houghton's pond and playground and then enjoyed a BBQ and sandbox building event with Bob and Jackie.

Outside the box

Dylan decided that he wouldn't teeth by the books. He surprised me tonight with his FOURTH tooth! I kept looking for the pair to the upper middle tooth that poked through not too long ago. Well, I should have looked on the OTHER side of that. Because that is where number 4 has popped through. I am pretty sure it arrived today. Probably in the car on the way to a birthday party in Newburyport. WAAAAAA! Yeah, there were some tears on that ride. Number 5 should arrive soon, though. Looks really close, thought IT would be here today.

I still live with my parents

Hollywood

Reasons why I fear we will lose Sophia to Hollywood one day...

1. A flare for the dramatic. All of Sophia's stories are told with great expression and elaborate hand/ arm gestures.

2. Love of song. She will put ANYTHING to song (mommy ouchie knee, pee pee diaper off...)

3. Usually paired with the song is a dance.

4. Her wiggle walk - not sure what brought this on, but she walked across the parking lot one day with her hands on her hips and wiggling her tush side to side.

5. Already working on her acceptance speech. This morning Sophia sang the alphabet song, then said thank you and took a bow. Where did she pick THAT up?! Adorable.

6. Is already in love with the camera. Knows how to work it- has her camera smile perfected.

First transfer walk

Dylan walked from Ethan's fingers over to me for the first time tonight. It was about 4 steps. Again, in the middle he had a little pause, caught his balance and then continued to my arms. Wahoo!

Strong like ox

Sophia decided she would take Dylan around the yard in the wagon. She even provided him with the toy inside the wagon.

5 steps

Ok, so the fifth one was iffy, but there were definitely four in there. The fifth was pretty close to me so I don't know if it "counts".

Twinkle Twinkle

Sometimes I sing a couple extra verses for me. Dylan snuggles his head into my chest, sometimes sings along, other times leans to the side and I stare down at his perfect little face and wish he would stay like this forever.

Dylan really is a super snugly guy. He is happiest with me smothering him with kisses, pressing his cheek to mine... I wish I could hold him there all day long. But then I would miss out on Sophia putting me night night, leaning in and giving me a slow, gentle kiss and wishing me "sweet dreams". And that would be very bad. I guess I have it best right now :)

More stairs

Dylan proved again this morning his ability to climb stairs. I followed him half way up the main stairs this morning. I think he would have gone further if my fingers weren't so close to him...

Yesterday after dinner we headed outside as we usually do and Sophia chose her fire truck boots and rain coat to help Ethan mow the lawn.

This photo is reminiscent of a certain photo of Sophia and her cousin Zach...

More Firsts for Little Man

It is official. Dylan has taken his first steps. I will call it today, May 19. I have been putting him arms lengths away lately and then letting go to see if he will walk to me. He started by just falling into my arms and laughing like it was just a fun game. Then the other day he started to actually move his feet before falling into my arms. Today we practiced this about 10 times and he actually took two steps to me without the falling into my arms part. Still not entirely convinced these could be considered first steps I kept practicing. The last time he took two steps, paused and then a third to me. That required stabilization and balance that I think truly warrant the title of first steps.

Then late in the day after dinner I was putting Sophia's shoes on at the steps by the side door. As I did this I had Dylan between my legs on the landing. Then I say him CRAWL UP TWO STEPS all on his own! He was going for a third and then Sophia kicked back down. Wow! He did it like he had been doing it all his life and it was no big deal. So modest.

Trooper

Sophia threw up a second time shortly after the first. I was able to get her to drink so electrolyte solution and she has rebounded like a little energizer bunny. She looked so sick on the couch and then 10 minutes later she was "washing" mommy's ouchie knee and then jumping around my bed. Half her clothes are in the laundry and I hope all the germs disappear with the dirty water. I guess we are pretty lucky that this is the first time Sophia HAS thrown up, just is too bad it has to happen at all.

Poor little Sophia

We started the day around 3am. Sophia woke and let out some cries, but they seemed more like "All done night night" cries to me. I went to her the first time and put her covers over her, told her it was the middle of the night and everyone was sleeping. She then called out again and again I went and told her this was the last time. She had to go back to sleep. She quieted down by 5 and then Dylan started babbling. I heard Sophia again around 5.20 and grouchily got up and told her there was no George or Caillou today and that she had to wait until nap time to go to sleep again. She didn't nap much yesterday so I was afraid her sleeping was getting off track. As I was nursing Dylan Sophia sucked back a glass of water like she had been on a hot dessert all night. I got her a second cup and that was gone just as quickly. About five minutes later it all came back up. Now I am sitting here feeling guilty and mean not tending to her more caringly last night, being angry at her for being up so early when I carried her down and not taking her temperature yesterday when I thought she felt a little warm. Dylan has had the same runny nose and watery eyes too, so now I am just waiting for him to start throwing up. I feel so incompetent when my kids are sick. Like other moms instinctly know what to do and I sit here staring at them wondering what I should do - do they need water? food? What kind of food? How do I make the bad stuff go away? I think Lamby does a better job taking care of Sophia than I do.

Seen better days...

Poor little Sophia hasn't been taking too well to this cold at all. Her nose was too stuffed for a nap this afternoon and her mood was none the better for it. I am a little suspicious that perhaps this could be allergies? I heard kids don't get them as much, but this seems so sudden and the runny noses seem to be the only symptom. Dylan is really taking his "cold" in stride, though. Pretty self entertaining and still has an abundant of smiles for us.

One Sunny Afternoon...

Despite the onset of their colds, we headed to Houghton's Pond yesterday afternoon to take advantage of the beautiful weather. A grey drizzly morning turned into a warm and sunny afternoon. Dylan had lots of fun splashing and playing in the water. Wasn't long before he was wet up to his belly. Note to self: Pack extra clothes and diapers to remain in the car all the time... Sophia enjoyed making sand castles with dad on the beach.

Slimed

Both of my babies have colds that have hit them hard over night. We started noticing runny noses last night. Then Sophia wouldn't go to sleep and I had to go to her 3 or 4 times. Both kids were awake really early. First rumblings at 4.30 and I managed to keep away until 5.30. Their noses are like leaky faucets with intermittent gushes brought forth by a sneeze or two. Sophia seems to be hit harder, or at least is letting this affect her mood more. Funny how when my kids are sick they want to get up earlier/ go to sleep later. When I am sick all I want to do is sleep and lay in bed. sigh... I am always taken aback when other parents describe their kids when their are sick and say how they sleep more, nap longer, etc... Oh well, I still think our kids are the cutest ever and couldn't love em more if they slept a normal amount.

Morning Floss

Dylan loves to chew on, suck and pull across him mouth any string like substance - shoe lace, blind cord... So what better way to start his morning than in his dad's arms or lap flossing with dad's work badge string? A couple of cuties having some QT.

Cruise control

So, Dylan has really been doing a lot more cruising lately. Of course when I try to capture it on film he either stops or the lighting is terrible. He has also been practicing his free standing more. Has such a proud look on his face as he stands there balancing. The lengths of free stands is increasing too. He has even taken a couple steps before going into free fall into my arms. Not quite enough to consider his "first steps", or is it?

Knee Matters

Three appointments later and I still don't really know what is up with my knee. Has been swollen and "loose" feeling for a couple weeks now. After week one I decided to see a doctor as it is the knee I have had surgery on twice before.

First appointment was with a primary care physician. She was surprised by the fluid and looseness of the knee. Asked me to have an MRI

Had MRI

Called three days later (said it would only take one and I still hadn't heard back. Got in touch with a nurse who spoke to the doctor. Said the ACL wasn't torn, which I really didn't think it was, but was glad to hear. Was very wishy washy about the rest - didn't know why it was swollen, end of the line for them. Said I could check with my orthopedic surgeon. I felt VERY frustrated. Not only did I not have any answers, ,but I was required to make ANOTHER appointment. Huge pain when you have kids.

Third appointment was with Dr. Meeks who performed the last two surgeries about 6 years ago. I wasn't really confident in that visit. Even with the chart in front of him I had to let him know he did the surgeries. Then it kind of seemed like he was covering his skills while going over the report the MGH doctors wrote pertaining to the MRI. Dr. Meeks jabbed (literally) a needle around in my knee to take out fluid and put in cortisone with not much anesthesia. He then went over the MGH report quickly and really ended with no cause or reason for this to have happened or what was really wrong. Most I could get was that a callus had formed over the bone where the new ligament was attached - SIX YEARS ago (so why is it suddenly sore now and supposed to be all better with a little needle jabbing?) The report from the MGH people said stuff like :"linear signal abnormality involving the posterior horn...which may reflect a peripheral tear." "ACL ligament appears thickened with mild abnormal signal" ( I think this is when DR. M said that he put a bigger ligament in on purpose..." "there is laxity throughout the graft..." "there is a tiny Baker's cyst" "peripheral tears of the medial and lateral menisci with possible prior repair"

A lot of big technical words and abnormalities in my opinion for things to be A OK.

sigh... To be honest, it DOES feel better today after that poking. Hope it all goes away as mysteriously as it came.

Hands Free

Dylan initiated his OWN practice of standing on his own. No trickery from me at all. I was lying on the floor and the kids were crawling all over me as usual and then Dylan started standing up using my body to help himself up and then let go, stood up the rest of the way and just stood there, proud of himself for 1-3 or so seconds. He kept repeating this over and over. Not long now....

Mother's Day

This was the first mother's day as a mom of two. Ethan cooked the breakfast I requested - buttermilk biscuits, lean pockets and strawberries with Godiva chocolate coffee. Being a mom, I planned this and bought the ingredients the day before and put in my cooking request. I figured it was an easy meal to make and make everyone happy. We went to a playground in the morning and looking for another single light weight stroller. Unsuccessful with the stroller, but Sophia had fun climbing the rock wall all by herself in the playground. I hit Home Depot and spent a bunch of my birthday money on plants (see www.cindycindyland.blogspot.com ). Who would have thought I would WANT to spend b-day money at home depot?!



After lunch I dug in the dirt (not a good idea for my knee, but there were plants to be planted!) Made a new flower bed on the East side of the house and planted more flowers in the front. After the naps I took the kids on a short walk with the jogger, came home and made an easy dinner of chicken nuggets, baked potato and corn on the cob. After dinner we went to Houghton's Pond playground and were accosted by a bunch of kids (around 10?) They were all wanting to play with the kids. Started with Dylan. They kept wanting to play with him - asked a million times to take him down the slide (ok, I don't think I am being over protective by saying no as one of the kids couldn't even land on his feet WITHOUT Dylan on his lap. Another girl kept asking, even asked if I could put him down the slide and she would "catch" him at the bottom. She was also so eager that she practically took him from my fingers to have him walk holding onto her. I like that the kids were interested in our kids, but they were very aggressive and persistent in trying to take them away from us to play with them. Kind of ruined the fun of it for us.

So that was mother's day. Here is a mother's day photo- guess we should have tried at the BEGINNING of the day rather than the end. Best "still" shot we could get.

Third one's a charm

Finally after FOUR months, Dylan sprouted another tooth. Number three popped through today. Wonder how long the others will take after this long break.

Standing

Dylan did his longest "stand" today. A really good 5 seconds of no support. I got my fingers loose and he stood there pretty well and sturdy. He tried to look up for me, but still kept his balance. I think he may have lasted a little longer, but I relented and gave him my fingers. Won't be long now before I am chasing after him as he runs out into the street!