Ivy has earned some bragging moments. I cannot help but compare my 2 kids. They have many similarities but more differences. Both seem to have picked up their communicative skills quickly which is nice. However, in the past whenever I talked about Ivy's language I would always say something like, "Yes, she has a lot of words, but No where near as many as her brother did at this age." Poor Ivy. She has so many other strengths, that hopefully someday she won't mind that I said that.
And now, her language is just exploding. She amazes me every day with all that she says, and at the same time it kind of makes me sad because it just means she is growing up so fast. She is 17 months old. She has well over 100 words now. I lost track somewhere in the 90's and she has said MANY more since then. I lost track with Z at this same age (must be when the vocab exploded for both of them), but he had about 200 words then. ;)
However, I think Ivy is superseding Z when it comes to putting words together and sentences. If I remember correctly Z didn't really start independently putting words together until 18 months, and Ivy is now doing it all. the. time. Her favorite word is "I" (LOL), and she has many I phrases that she uses appropriately. Here are some of her sentences/phrases:
I do
I love you
I do too
I too
I cold
I strong (my most recent fave)
I potty
I poop
I done
me too
no way
Look Giraffe (yesterday when she wanted to show me her toy)
I like blue (blueberries)
I want mommy
Where are you
I don't want
and once said all together: I want mommy. bye daddy. bye pawpaw. <3
I'm sure I am forgetting some, but those are the ones I hear most often. Also her understanding amazes me. She understands the concept of 2. She knows hot vs cold. If I say One, she will say two, three, four. She is starting to try to say her abc's, sing old mac donald, and I have even heard her say a few words of twinkle twinkle little star. If she sees toy letters, or a large letter in a book she always points to it and says E or O. LOL. The point being that she at least recognizes what letters are, even if she thinks they are all E's and O's.
I'm so grateful for my smart lil babies. (Although the fact that they are happy and healthy is what makes me MOST grateful) :) Okay brag done for the moment.
Hopefully I'll update on Christmas and such next post.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Newest milestone
Ivy now totally understands the concept of ..............pooping. :)
She has been saying poop while or afterwards for a couple days now and reaching back to her bottom. Today she was reaching back and saying poop, so I checked and there was nothing.
I put her on the toilet for her first time. She sat there happily for a minute but nothing happened. I put her diaper back on and about 5 minutes later she came up to me and said "I poop". And she sure did! The the whole time I was changing her diaper she kept sayin "I poop".
Only a mom would think this was absolutely adorable. :-).
She has been saying poop while or afterwards for a couple days now and reaching back to her bottom. Today she was reaching back and saying poop, so I checked and there was nothing.
I put her on the toilet for her first time. She sat there happily for a minute but nothing happened. I put her diaper back on and about 5 minutes later she came up to me and said "I poop". And she sure did! The the whole time I was changing her diaper she kept sayin "I poop".
Only a mom would think this was absolutely adorable. :-).
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thanksgiving day funny.
Me: Zayden, I love you. I'm thankful for you.
Z: I'm thankful for God.
Me: that's nice. And why are you thankful for God?
Z: because I love him.
Me: that's really nice zayden. And why do you love him?
Z: because he gives you toys to give to me.
Today and everyday I am eternally thankful for my amazing children and their good health.
Z: I'm thankful for God.
Me: that's nice. And why are you thankful for God?
Z: because I love him.
Me: that's really nice zayden. And why do you love him?
Z: because he gives you toys to give to me.
Today and everyday I am eternally thankful for my amazing children and their good health.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
It is a Glorious Day!!
Zayden no longer has a dairy allergy! I am ecstatic!! The past couple of years have been difficult because of his allergies. I am so thankful that life will be a little easier now for all of us.
I won't have to spend so much extra time at the grocery store reading EVERY SINGLE LABEL. I went grocery shopping tonight, and I didn't realize it could be soo fun!
I won't have to make a big deal about every thing he eats at a restaurant sending servers back and forth to the kitchen to talk to the cooks and management about ingredients!
I won't have to worry about playdates, and him accidentally eating dairy.
I can cook anything I want for all of us for dinner. I can pull out all my old yummy recipes that ALL have dairy in them, and start making those meals for us!!
I could go on and on about how it benefits me, but I am most thankful for how this will benefit Zayden. He now can eat/drink what everyone else around him is eating!! He can experience a much wider variety of foods. He won't have to worry about having separate snacks at school or birthday parties, etc... He can just be like all the other kids. :)
I also am so happy that Zayden has done soooo well the past few years with his allergies. He never complained. He never tried to eat something that had dairy in it. In fact he would often ask if something had dairy before eating it, and if he saw cheese in his meal (this happened accidentally once) he made sure to let me know, so that I could get rid of it. He was GREAT!!
The allergist thinks Z grew out of his allergies because we were so diligent about the complete avoidance diet. It worked!!! I really liked our Allergist, but I will be happy if we never see him again. :) Although, he won't let us go completely. Actually he is putting together a website about food allergies. He asked if I would send in a picture of Z eating something with dairy in it, and write a little note about our experiences and successes!! He told me he wants to post that on his home page of his site. So Z will be a little celebrity maybe in the virtual allergy world. ;)
Although dealing with the allergies was rough, I was reminded today how LUCKY I am to have such healthy children!! I was driving to Riley Children's Hospital, and right before I drove into the parking lot I started to say a little prayer. I was going to ask for Z to grow out of his allergy, but then stopped myself. Instead, I told God that Z could have allergies for the rest of his life and the rest of us could all develop them too as long as he just keeps Z and Ivy healthy, and then I thanked him for their health. I am so grateful!!
Then while we were waiting for our appointment we saw a fountain with change in it. I got out penny's for both Z and I to make a wish. Again I had planned to wish for him to grow out of the dairy allergy. I changed my mind again right before throwing in the penny, and then made my wish much more important!
Luckily Z grew out of the allergy anyway!! When we left I did a kartwheel in the parking lot. Z got in the car and I screamed and screamed. Z screamed and screamed too.....not because he was excited about the allergy thing, but because he was excited that we were both screaming so loudly without consequences!! We scared a man walking by our car. ;) I got home and downloaded the song Celebration by Kool and the Gang. We all danced to it, and I did more Kartwheels. It was a glorious day!!
I won't have to spend so much extra time at the grocery store reading EVERY SINGLE LABEL. I went grocery shopping tonight, and I didn't realize it could be soo fun!
I won't have to make a big deal about every thing he eats at a restaurant sending servers back and forth to the kitchen to talk to the cooks and management about ingredients!
I won't have to worry about playdates, and him accidentally eating dairy.
I can cook anything I want for all of us for dinner. I can pull out all my old yummy recipes that ALL have dairy in them, and start making those meals for us!!
I could go on and on about how it benefits me, but I am most thankful for how this will benefit Zayden. He now can eat/drink what everyone else around him is eating!! He can experience a much wider variety of foods. He won't have to worry about having separate snacks at school or birthday parties, etc... He can just be like all the other kids. :)
I also am so happy that Zayden has done soooo well the past few years with his allergies. He never complained. He never tried to eat something that had dairy in it. In fact he would often ask if something had dairy before eating it, and if he saw cheese in his meal (this happened accidentally once) he made sure to let me know, so that I could get rid of it. He was GREAT!!
The allergist thinks Z grew out of his allergies because we were so diligent about the complete avoidance diet. It worked!!! I really liked our Allergist, but I will be happy if we never see him again. :) Although, he won't let us go completely. Actually he is putting together a website about food allergies. He asked if I would send in a picture of Z eating something with dairy in it, and write a little note about our experiences and successes!! He told me he wants to post that on his home page of his site. So Z will be a little celebrity maybe in the virtual allergy world. ;)
Although dealing with the allergies was rough, I was reminded today how LUCKY I am to have such healthy children!! I was driving to Riley Children's Hospital, and right before I drove into the parking lot I started to say a little prayer. I was going to ask for Z to grow out of his allergy, but then stopped myself. Instead, I told God that Z could have allergies for the rest of his life and the rest of us could all develop them too as long as he just keeps Z and Ivy healthy, and then I thanked him for their health. I am so grateful!!
Then while we were waiting for our appointment we saw a fountain with change in it. I got out penny's for both Z and I to make a wish. Again I had planned to wish for him to grow out of the dairy allergy. I changed my mind again right before throwing in the penny, and then made my wish much more important!
Luckily Z grew out of the allergy anyway!! When we left I did a kartwheel in the parking lot. Z got in the car and I screamed and screamed. Z screamed and screamed too.....not because he was excited about the allergy thing, but because he was excited that we were both screaming so loudly without consequences!! We scared a man walking by our car. ;) I got home and downloaded the song Celebration by Kool and the Gang. We all danced to it, and I did more Kartwheels. It was a glorious day!!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Little Miss Ivy
Ivy is exploding with her vocabulary the last 2 weeks. I think she says at least 2 new words every day!! It's awesome!! I love love love hearing her sweet voice, and I get sooo excited every time she says a new word.
I am keeping track of them like I did when Z was a baby. The speech therapists I used to work with instilled that into me.
I have Z's first 200 words written out....somewhere. I stopped counting when he was 17 months and got to 200 words.
Ivy who is not quite 16 months now has 52 words, and many many animal sounds!! She rocks!! :D
Her latest word today was "pretty". I put a little ponytail on the top of her head today, while she sat in the sink and stared at herself in the mirror. I told her she looked pretty. She smiled, and looked at herself closely and then said "pretty". She stared at herself longer and said it about 4 more times!! LOL!! Oh Ivy!! :D
I am keeping track of them like I did when Z was a baby. The speech therapists I used to work with instilled that into me.
I have Z's first 200 words written out....somewhere. I stopped counting when he was 17 months and got to 200 words.
Ivy who is not quite 16 months now has 52 words, and many many animal sounds!! She rocks!! :D
Her latest word today was "pretty". I put a little ponytail on the top of her head today, while she sat in the sink and stared at herself in the mirror. I told her she looked pretty. She smiled, and looked at herself closely and then said "pretty". She stared at herself longer and said it about 4 more times!! LOL!! Oh Ivy!! :D
Zayden Funny
Today I wanted Zayden to go potty before his nap, so I sat him on the toilet.
Z: I don't have to go.
Me: Let's try singing a song, and then maybe you'll go.
I then sing the abcs, and pause after every few letters and Z says, "That isn't working."
Me: Okay, let me turn on the faucet.
Z: That is still not working...........It's working. You cheated!!!
Z: I don't have to go.
Me: Let's try singing a song, and then maybe you'll go.
I then sing the abcs, and pause after every few letters and Z says, "That isn't working."
Me: Okay, let me turn on the faucet.
Z: That is still not working...........It's working. You cheated!!!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
"Deep Thoughts" uttered by Z man
Last night:
"This is the American Flag! (Pointing at flag on his astronaut costume) Obama gave us this."
"God likes my voice."
"This is the American Flag! (Pointing at flag on his astronaut costume) Obama gave us this."
"God likes my voice."
Sunday, November 1, 2009
When it's over, it's over!!!
Okay a little post about my divorce.
If I were to have my way, we would be divorced by now. We would have a set schedule that was open to some flexibility with the kids, and we could all move on and live our separate but happy lives.
However, things are not happening to my liking. I am trying to be calm about it and just focus on the kids, but it IS frustrating. I am frustrated.
Once the child support amount was set Brian turned into a unreasonable person. He has since gotten another lawyer, and wants to "fight this". However, nothing is happening with him and his lawyer. I ask him 2x/week what his lawyer said, and what is the next step, and he keeps telling me that either a)Brian is busy or b) the lawyer hasn't gotten back in touch with him. I have contacted my lawyer too, and plan to procede on my own with the divorce. However, this will mean the divorce is contested and we will have a hearing which equals A LOT more money on both of our parts. GRRRR! So, I have been trying to get Brian to either tell me he wants to take it to hearing to fight the child support (his only disagreement in the entire paperwork that was drawn up), or that he compromises with me, and we just file together. He is just shuffling his feet and it is so frustrating. And the child support is figured out with a standard formula so that probably wouldn't change anyway. The only way it will change is if Brian fights for joint custody and gets it. This is ridiculous and scary to me at the same time. I won't go into big details about that, but that is pretty much one of my worst nightmares....if it could happen. Seeing as how he lives with his parents and never takes them overnight, etc.... I doubt a judge would rule things that way, but who knows.
Now the other frustration is how present he is in OUR lives. I understand he wants to be part of their lives, but I wish it could be more separate of mine! He wants to come over several evenings a week to just hang out and then read a couple bedtime stories to Z. I let him come over for the kids' sake, but I hate having him here all the time. I know maybe I should tell him not to, but I guess I decide I can suffer a little for the kids' happiness.
He also wants to do things still as a family and that is not in my agenda. I see my family now as the THREE of us, and he isn't included anymore in MY family. He is my kid's dad, but I want to do family things without him.
He often asks if he can do things with us. I try to avoid the topic or make excuses. This week was bad. He knew I was taking the kids to the zoo for ZooBoo. I was very excited about doing this with my kids. 3 minutes before I arrive at the zoo, he calls me. He informs me that HE is at the zoo, and wants to know if he can walk around with us. UGH!!!!!! WTF? Of course I let him. However, it was awkward and uncomfortable.....but slightly helpful I admit to have an extra pair of eyes and hands.
Then on Halloween he wants to go trick or treating with us. I let him of course, but what I didn't count on was his parents joining us too!! Seriously!! He told me they were coming over and taking some pictures and then leaving. Of course that was a lie. They came over and went with us to EVERY house. And it gets better. His mom was wearing a sweatshirt that had a picture of a goofy little boy, and underneath it read, "Proud grandmother of Zayden". LOL!! It is a little funny looking back now, but last night I was pissed. Oh and it still gets better. His mom has a sore leg so after the 3rd house, she went back to get her bright red suv, and then drove along the street beside us throughout the entire neighborhood, parking or pausing in the street in front of each house the kids went to!! This was NOT my idea of a fun time trick or treating as a family.
I did try to not let it get to me though, and I just focused on the kids last night, and enjoyed our evening despite the weirdness. But GEEZ!! And I know I should be grateful that my kids have such involved grandparents....but can't they be really involved on Brian's watch and not mine.
Now today we are getting ready to go to the park to have pictures taken. I did NOT tell Brian about this. However, he has already texted me asking if we are doing anything fun. I refused to text back. I'm afraid if I even tell him we are going to a park, he will start searching the parks for us. ugh!!!
There is lot more I could go on about, but it is picture time!!! :D
If I were to have my way, we would be divorced by now. We would have a set schedule that was open to some flexibility with the kids, and we could all move on and live our separate but happy lives.
However, things are not happening to my liking. I am trying to be calm about it and just focus on the kids, but it IS frustrating. I am frustrated.
Once the child support amount was set Brian turned into a unreasonable person. He has since gotten another lawyer, and wants to "fight this". However, nothing is happening with him and his lawyer. I ask him 2x/week what his lawyer said, and what is the next step, and he keeps telling me that either a)Brian is busy or b) the lawyer hasn't gotten back in touch with him. I have contacted my lawyer too, and plan to procede on my own with the divorce. However, this will mean the divorce is contested and we will have a hearing which equals A LOT more money on both of our parts. GRRRR! So, I have been trying to get Brian to either tell me he wants to take it to hearing to fight the child support (his only disagreement in the entire paperwork that was drawn up), or that he compromises with me, and we just file together. He is just shuffling his feet and it is so frustrating. And the child support is figured out with a standard formula so that probably wouldn't change anyway. The only way it will change is if Brian fights for joint custody and gets it. This is ridiculous and scary to me at the same time. I won't go into big details about that, but that is pretty much one of my worst nightmares....if it could happen. Seeing as how he lives with his parents and never takes them overnight, etc.... I doubt a judge would rule things that way, but who knows.
Now the other frustration is how present he is in OUR lives. I understand he wants to be part of their lives, but I wish it could be more separate of mine! He wants to come over several evenings a week to just hang out and then read a couple bedtime stories to Z. I let him come over for the kids' sake, but I hate having him here all the time. I know maybe I should tell him not to, but I guess I decide I can suffer a little for the kids' happiness.
He also wants to do things still as a family and that is not in my agenda. I see my family now as the THREE of us, and he isn't included anymore in MY family. He is my kid's dad, but I want to do family things without him.
He often asks if he can do things with us. I try to avoid the topic or make excuses. This week was bad. He knew I was taking the kids to the zoo for ZooBoo. I was very excited about doing this with my kids. 3 minutes before I arrive at the zoo, he calls me. He informs me that HE is at the zoo, and wants to know if he can walk around with us. UGH!!!!!! WTF? Of course I let him. However, it was awkward and uncomfortable.....but slightly helpful I admit to have an extra pair of eyes and hands.
Then on Halloween he wants to go trick or treating with us. I let him of course, but what I didn't count on was his parents joining us too!! Seriously!! He told me they were coming over and taking some pictures and then leaving. Of course that was a lie. They came over and went with us to EVERY house. And it gets better. His mom was wearing a sweatshirt that had a picture of a goofy little boy, and underneath it read, "Proud grandmother of Zayden". LOL!! It is a little funny looking back now, but last night I was pissed. Oh and it still gets better. His mom has a sore leg so after the 3rd house, she went back to get her bright red suv, and then drove along the street beside us throughout the entire neighborhood, parking or pausing in the street in front of each house the kids went to!! This was NOT my idea of a fun time trick or treating as a family.
I did try to not let it get to me though, and I just focused on the kids last night, and enjoyed our evening despite the weirdness. But GEEZ!! And I know I should be grateful that my kids have such involved grandparents....but can't they be really involved on Brian's watch and not mine.
Now today we are getting ready to go to the park to have pictures taken. I did NOT tell Brian about this. However, he has already texted me asking if we are doing anything fun. I refused to text back. I'm afraid if I even tell him we are going to a park, he will start searching the parks for us. ugh!!!
There is lot more I could go on about, but it is picture time!!! :D
Friday, October 30, 2009
Halloween funny
Conversation tonight:
Me: What do you say when you walk up to someones door?
Z: Trick or treat.
Me: And then what do you say after someone gives you candy?
Z: thank you
Me: and what if someone says oh you look so cute. What do you say?
Z: thank you
Me: what do you say if someone says 'what are you supposed to be?'
Z: I am supposed to be done by now. You want to move it along with the three musketeers.
This last line he heard in a Halloween book we have written by Jerry Seinfeld. He always laughs at that part in the book but I had no idea he memorized that line. He had me laughing so hard tonight. And of course because I was laughing he kept saying it. Later I asked him again what he says when he goes up to someones door. And he just laughed and said 'you want to move it along with the three musketeers.'
I'm rethinking my decision of reading that book to him. Tomorrow night could be interesting. Hehe!
Me: What do you say when you walk up to someones door?
Z: Trick or treat.
Me: And then what do you say after someone gives you candy?
Z: thank you
Me: and what if someone says oh you look so cute. What do you say?
Z: thank you
Me: what do you say if someone says 'what are you supposed to be?'
Z: I am supposed to be done by now. You want to move it along with the three musketeers.
This last line he heard in a Halloween book we have written by Jerry Seinfeld. He always laughs at that part in the book but I had no idea he memorized that line. He had me laughing so hard tonight. And of course because I was laughing he kept saying it. Later I asked him again what he says when he goes up to someones door. And he just laughed and said 'you want to move it along with the three musketeers.'
I'm rethinking my decision of reading that book to him. Tomorrow night could be interesting. Hehe!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Ivy is getting a reputation
Yesterday was a beautiful day! We were outside playing in the afternoon with some nieghbor kids and their parents.
Zayden's pal Ethan and his mom Sarah were out and so was Ivy's pal Elijah and his mom Lori.
Sarah and Lori had never met before. She asked Lori how old her son was as Lori was holding him while Ivy was running around with the big boys.
Lori told her that he was 6 days older than Ivy. Sarah's response; "Well, Ivy will roughen him up. Just let him hang out with her for a little bit and he will turn into a crazy kid too!"
Is it odd that I felt pride with that comment? ;)
Zayden's pal Ethan and his mom Sarah were out and so was Ivy's pal Elijah and his mom Lori.
Sarah and Lori had never met before. She asked Lori how old her son was as Lori was holding him while Ivy was running around with the big boys.
Lori told her that he was 6 days older than Ivy. Sarah's response; "Well, Ivy will roughen him up. Just let him hang out with her for a little bit and he will turn into a crazy kid too!"
Is it odd that I felt pride with that comment? ;)
Monday, October 26, 2009
15 and 37
I haven't been blogging as much lately, as I have not had a computer. :( Blech!! However, I am borrowing a computer right now, and will have my own (from work) tomorrow. I hope it works okay....I heard horror stories.
Anyway I just wanted to write some updates on the kids as I haven't written much about them lately.
Ivy is 15 months old now and is just so full of personality now. Gosh, I love this girl!! She still doesn't talk a lot (not nearly as much as her brother did at this age). She has said maybe 15-20 words, but usually only will say 2-3 words on any given day. Luckily her most common word is "mama". :D She has learned quite a few animal sounds, and does probably close to 10 of those including: cow, duck, snake, tiger, sheep, horse, owl, dog, etc.. She also is really good at pointing at objects when named. She is a smarty pants even if she isn't expressing it lately. She is obsessed with books right now. She will seriously sit for hours and listen to books now and point at pictures. I LOVE it! I do admit though I do get a little tired of reading the same book 17 times in a row. If she really likes a book, she will start throwing a fit as I am reading the last page to cue me to turn back to the first page to start again. She is also continuing to climb on everything. She also LOVES ride toys. She can go so fast on those things. Her little legs go flying, and she looks like a spider. I really think she can go faster than Zayden on those already. She also is extremely affectionate. She gives hugs and kisses all day long, and loves to cuddle. I confess....she is perfect. LOL!
Zayden is also doing great as always! He makes me laugh out loud constantly. I wish I had time to write down all the funny things he says. I have so many people now that tell me how funny they think my son is.
Here is a story I have to share from 2 days ago that I still laugh about when I think about it.
He was sitting on my lap facing me and we were talking this was our conversation:
Me: You are so cute.
Z: I look like a girl
Me: What? Why do you think that?
Z: Because I have brown eyes and long hair.
Me: Who said you look like a girl?
Z: Everyone says that?
Me: Like who?
Z: Everyone says I am too pretty to be a boy.
Me: *laughing* Well, I think you are very handsome. You have handsome eyes, and a cute nose, and a very handsome smile.
Z: I think you are really pretty with that big nose and those big teeth.
Me: *Laughing so hard I couldn't speak*
Z: And those big eyes, and that big mouth, and those long skinny lips.
Me: *laughing until I am crying*
Z: *laughing*
He continues to love to play with guys ALL. THE. TIME. He is also still into rescue heroes, but plays with other guys too such as pirates, knights, superheros, etc... I still try to get him to work on his finemotor skills. Yesterday I tried to get him to color, and he pretended that the crayons were a family, and had them all start interacting and talking with each other. :)
He also is becoming more outgoing. If we are in a public place such as a park. He goes up to other kids and introduces himself, and sometimes asks them to play with him. He also talks more to adults now too. I am getting a lot of comments lately about how well he speaks. It is interesting to me because he has been speaking well for his age, but I think now because he is more outgoing others are noticing. I had a friend come over who teaches first grade a few weeks ago. She went on and on about how bright he was, and how she couldn't believe all the complex thoughts he was having etc... I felt proud at that, but then later on Zayden told her he just turned 3, and she said, "No, I think you are 4." She then looked at me and said, "Isn't he 4?" I beamed with pride as I told her he was right, and that he just turned 3. :D
Okay, I admit it....he is perfect. LOL!!!
Anyway I just wanted to write some updates on the kids as I haven't written much about them lately.
Ivy is 15 months old now and is just so full of personality now. Gosh, I love this girl!! She still doesn't talk a lot (not nearly as much as her brother did at this age). She has said maybe 15-20 words, but usually only will say 2-3 words on any given day. Luckily her most common word is "mama". :D She has learned quite a few animal sounds, and does probably close to 10 of those including: cow, duck, snake, tiger, sheep, horse, owl, dog, etc.. She also is really good at pointing at objects when named. She is a smarty pants even if she isn't expressing it lately. She is obsessed with books right now. She will seriously sit for hours and listen to books now and point at pictures. I LOVE it! I do admit though I do get a little tired of reading the same book 17 times in a row. If she really likes a book, she will start throwing a fit as I am reading the last page to cue me to turn back to the first page to start again. She is also continuing to climb on everything. She also LOVES ride toys. She can go so fast on those things. Her little legs go flying, and she looks like a spider. I really think she can go faster than Zayden on those already. She also is extremely affectionate. She gives hugs and kisses all day long, and loves to cuddle. I confess....she is perfect. LOL!
Zayden is also doing great as always! He makes me laugh out loud constantly. I wish I had time to write down all the funny things he says. I have so many people now that tell me how funny they think my son is.
Here is a story I have to share from 2 days ago that I still laugh about when I think about it.
He was sitting on my lap facing me and we were talking this was our conversation:
Me: You are so cute.
Z: I look like a girl
Me: What? Why do you think that?
Z: Because I have brown eyes and long hair.
Me: Who said you look like a girl?
Z: Everyone says that?
Me: Like who?
Z: Everyone says I am too pretty to be a boy.
Me: *laughing* Well, I think you are very handsome. You have handsome eyes, and a cute nose, and a very handsome smile.
Z: I think you are really pretty with that big nose and those big teeth.
Me: *Laughing so hard I couldn't speak*
Z: And those big eyes, and that big mouth, and those long skinny lips.
Me: *laughing until I am crying*
Z: *laughing*
He continues to love to play with guys ALL. THE. TIME. He is also still into rescue heroes, but plays with other guys too such as pirates, knights, superheros, etc... I still try to get him to work on his finemotor skills. Yesterday I tried to get him to color, and he pretended that the crayons were a family, and had them all start interacting and talking with each other. :)
He also is becoming more outgoing. If we are in a public place such as a park. He goes up to other kids and introduces himself, and sometimes asks them to play with him. He also talks more to adults now too. I am getting a lot of comments lately about how well he speaks. It is interesting to me because he has been speaking well for his age, but I think now because he is more outgoing others are noticing. I had a friend come over who teaches first grade a few weeks ago. She went on and on about how bright he was, and how she couldn't believe all the complex thoughts he was having etc... I felt proud at that, but then later on Zayden told her he just turned 3, and she said, "No, I think you are 4." She then looked at me and said, "Isn't he 4?" I beamed with pride as I told her he was right, and that he just turned 3. :D
Okay, I admit it....he is perfect. LOL!!!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Granny
Some kids have make believe friends. Z now has a make believe "granny". Today while we were driving home he told me he wanted/ had 2 moms. He then changed his story to him only having one mom, but also having a granny. Here are some of the things I can remember that he told me about his granny.
She gives him lots and lots of candy!!!! He mentioned this several times.
She has blue hair.
She wears a blue hood.
She has red buttons on her shirt.
She is really nice.
Ivy likes her too.
She lives far away in a black house.
She drives a big truck.
She takes Z for picnics, but not ivy.... Just the 2 of them.
He visits her when I am at work.
She gives z treats like fruit bars.
Right now she is sick. Poor granny.
He told Brian all about her tonight too.
She gives him lots and lots of candy!!!! He mentioned this several times.
She has blue hair.
She wears a blue hood.
She has red buttons on her shirt.
She is really nice.
Ivy likes her too.
She lives far away in a black house.
She drives a big truck.
She takes Z for picnics, but not ivy.... Just the 2 of them.
He visits her when I am at work.
She gives z treats like fruit bars.
Right now she is sick. Poor granny.
He told Brian all about her tonight too.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Breaking my heart.
Zayden was full of conversation today as I was driving the kids to Alina's house for the day.
I am already feeling really sad about all the changes the kids are going through ( daddy not living with us and now me working more and spending less time with them).
Today Z just crushed me. He woke up saying he was mad at somebody. But then he dropped it.
In the car we had this conversation:
z: I see a star. It is a shooting star.
Me: if it's a shooting star you can make a wish.
Z: I wish......I was at home.
Then this conversation:
Z: I am mad at somebody.
Me: are you sad?
Z: no I am mad.
Me: are you mad at me?
Z: no I not mad at you. I am mad at the world.
I am already feeling really sad about all the changes the kids are going through ( daddy not living with us and now me working more and spending less time with them).
Today Z just crushed me. He woke up saying he was mad at somebody. But then he dropped it.
In the car we had this conversation:
z: I see a star. It is a shooting star.
Me: if it's a shooting star you can make a wish.
Z: I wish......I was at home.
Then this conversation:
Z: I am mad at somebody.
Me: are you sad?
Z: no I am mad.
Me: are you mad at me?
Z: no I not mad at you. I am mad at the world.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Mr. Compassion
One trait that I am seeing more and more in Z's personality is compassion. This makes my heart happy!
The first time I noticed this was last winter. We were driving somewhere, and we passed a van that had gone off the road and was in a ditch. Z asked me why the van was there, and I told him my guess, and then he insisted that we go help them! I explained that there wasn't much I could do to help, especially since I had 2 kids with me, but that the police would help them. He was pretty upset about this situation.
Since then I have seen this compassion several times amongst other people, and sometimes even towards our dog, Kramer.
Well, now the last couple of weeks Z has grown to love all creatures including all insects and spiders! He will NOT let me kill a bug/spider in the house anymore!
Last week he came home one day all upset. I asked him what was wrong, and he told me that a bee had died at grandmas, and that made him really sad. He brought it up like 3 times that night.
Another day last week, I saw a spider in his room. I went to get it (and kill it) and Zayden literally grabbed my arms and told me "No mommy!! It's nice. Don't hurt it!"
A few days ago there was some beetle in the house, and I went to get it. He was watching, so I was going to just try to scoop it up and put it outside. However, I think he thought I was going to hurt it, so he came running up and scolded me again, and told me that it was nice, etc...
(by the way the beetle and spider are probably still living in this house. *shudder*)
Now today we were outside, and I hear him say, "Mommy look at this beautiful fly! It is so beautiful!" I walk over to him and he is holding a dead moth. I agree with him that it is beautiful, and then take it from him and lay it in the grass. We were getting ready to leave, and as I was putting him in his car, he was saying, "He needs his son, and dad, and mommy. He is all alone, etc..." I told him that I thought he would find some friends soon, and then Z seemed happy.
I can't help but wonder if this is a quality he will always have, and that it will continue to grow and evolve as he gets older, and that gives me so much hope and happiness.
The first time I noticed this was last winter. We were driving somewhere, and we passed a van that had gone off the road and was in a ditch. Z asked me why the van was there, and I told him my guess, and then he insisted that we go help them! I explained that there wasn't much I could do to help, especially since I had 2 kids with me, but that the police would help them. He was pretty upset about this situation.
Since then I have seen this compassion several times amongst other people, and sometimes even towards our dog, Kramer.
Well, now the last couple of weeks Z has grown to love all creatures including all insects and spiders! He will NOT let me kill a bug/spider in the house anymore!
Last week he came home one day all upset. I asked him what was wrong, and he told me that a bee had died at grandmas, and that made him really sad. He brought it up like 3 times that night.
Another day last week, I saw a spider in his room. I went to get it (and kill it) and Zayden literally grabbed my arms and told me "No mommy!! It's nice. Don't hurt it!"
A few days ago there was some beetle in the house, and I went to get it. He was watching, so I was going to just try to scoop it up and put it outside. However, I think he thought I was going to hurt it, so he came running up and scolded me again, and told me that it was nice, etc...
(by the way the beetle and spider are probably still living in this house. *shudder*)
Now today we were outside, and I hear him say, "Mommy look at this beautiful fly! It is so beautiful!" I walk over to him and he is holding a dead moth. I agree with him that it is beautiful, and then take it from him and lay it in the grass. We were getting ready to leave, and as I was putting him in his car, he was saying, "He needs his son, and dad, and mommy. He is all alone, etc..." I told him that I thought he would find some friends soon, and then Z seemed happy.
I can't help but wonder if this is a quality he will always have, and that it will continue to grow and evolve as he gets older, and that gives me so much hope and happiness.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Funny stories about school!
Zayden was telling me more about his day at school yesterday, and was talking about the other kids. I love to hear his take on things!
Yesterday I was asking him about the other kids in his class. He first complained again that most of the kids don't want to play with him. Many of the kids in his class are still 2, so he is one of the older ones, so I realize that many 2 years olds don't really play together. However, Z does play with some of his friends like Fintan and Ethan. He loves to play WITH them and interact with them, not just play beside them. So, I think it is hard for him to have all these kids around that aren't playing WITH him, and are rather just doing their own thing. He did say yesterday that one kid did play with him for a little bit. I asked Z what his name was, and Z said, "It's not a boy it's a girl." So I asked what her name was and he couldn't remember. He said that they chased each other. ;) So it starts!! :D
Then he told me that there is a boy in his class named Matthew who is really sad. I asked him if Matthew cries sometimes, and he said "No, A lot of times!....and Matthew can't talk!"
Then Z said there was another boy in his class named Sam. I asked him if he liked Sam, and he said, "Sam talks all crazy. I can't understand him."
Yesterday I was asking him about the other kids in his class. He first complained again that most of the kids don't want to play with him. Many of the kids in his class are still 2, so he is one of the older ones, so I realize that many 2 years olds don't really play together. However, Z does play with some of his friends like Fintan and Ethan. He loves to play WITH them and interact with them, not just play beside them. So, I think it is hard for him to have all these kids around that aren't playing WITH him, and are rather just doing their own thing. He did say yesterday that one kid did play with him for a little bit. I asked Z what his name was, and Z said, "It's not a boy it's a girl." So I asked what her name was and he couldn't remember. He said that they chased each other. ;) So it starts!! :D
Then he told me that there is a boy in his class named Matthew who is really sad. I asked him if Matthew cries sometimes, and he said "No, A lot of times!....and Matthew can't talk!"
Then Z said there was another boy in his class named Sam. I asked him if he liked Sam, and he said, "Sam talks all crazy. I can't understand him."
Thursday Gratitudes!!
Right now I am so mad at my ex, I could scream.....but I will not blog about that today. This blog is meant for me to share the great things about my children and our life together. So for now I will blog about what I am grateful for:
1. I am grateful for being able to be a single mom who can manage working only 4 days/week.
2. I am grateful for the company car I will be getting next week.
3. I am grateful that my kids are in great hands when I am at work.
4. I am grateful that my "team leader" at my new job is supposed to be the "coolest and best one" there! :D
5. I am grateful that I have lost almost 15 pounds in the last 2 months!
1. I am grateful for being able to be a single mom who can manage working only 4 days/week.
2. I am grateful for the company car I will be getting next week.
3. I am grateful that my kids are in great hands when I am at work.
4. I am grateful that my "team leader" at my new job is supposed to be the "coolest and best one" there! :D
5. I am grateful that I have lost almost 15 pounds in the last 2 months!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
My ex is a Jackass!!
I don't want to go in details, but I just had to get that out!! Our nice simple divorce is turning into a fight that will probably end up in court just because he doesn't want to pay the child support that is required based on the Indiana state formula. He is getting his own lawyer tomorrow, and he is being pretty much a jackass about everything now.
I am beyond frustrated!!
Mostly I worry that he will fight for more visitation with the kids ONLY so he won't pay as much child support. But I don't want to lose ANY more time with my kids!! I don't care about the money. I just want what's fair.
I also am mad that now I will have extra lawyer and court fees, and this will make our divorce drawn out longer. I just want it all to be over with like yesterday! Ugh!
Okay venting session over. Next post will be about how awesome my kids are as usual! ;)
I am beyond frustrated!!
Mostly I worry that he will fight for more visitation with the kids ONLY so he won't pay as much child support. But I don't want to lose ANY more time with my kids!! I don't care about the money. I just want what's fair.
I also am mad that now I will have extra lawyer and court fees, and this will make our divorce drawn out longer. I just want it all to be over with like yesterday! Ugh!
Okay venting session over. Next post will be about how awesome my kids are as usual! ;)
Sunday, September 20, 2009
This little Family is having Fun!
We are now a smaller family but I think we are happier!! Here are some pictures to show off all the fun this trio is having!!
Yesterday was Pirate Day at the museum. We had a GREAT time there. They had lots of fun activities, pirates, music, games, and we went home with all kinds of little prizes, here is a couple of pirates trying to "take the baby". :
We go to the zoo a lot, since we have a membership, and the kids love it there!:
We went to an Indian's baseball game, and both kids had a great time. They didnt' really watch the game, but they both loved running around in the grass, playing with other kids, and staying up way past bedtime!:
I got this teeter totter at a sale, and they love it:
Zayden has taken a new interest in skating. His friend Ethan has a pair too, so sometimes they skate together, while Ivy chases them:
Ivy digging for Dinosaurs at the museum. We also go to the Children's Museum quite a bit, as we have a membership there too.:
Zayden came in 2nd Runner up in a pirate talking contest, when he yelled, Arrrgh!! ;) He got a really cool book as his prize! (A true story about children who grew up at seat on a boat)
Sibling Love:
Yesterday was Pirate Day at the museum. We had a GREAT time there. They had lots of fun activities, pirates, music, games, and we went home with all kinds of little prizes, here is a couple of pirates trying to "take the baby". :
Almost everynight after dinner, baths, and pajamas are put on we play outside. It's one of my favorite times of the day. On this evening, Zayden wanted to be a bee with boots, and Ivy wanted to wear boots too. It's fun to seee the neighbor's laughing as they walk/drive by.
We go to the zoo a lot, since we have a membership, and the kids love it there!:
We went to an Indian's baseball game, and both kids had a great time. They didnt' really watch the game, but they both loved running around in the grass, playing with other kids, and staying up way past bedtime!:
I got this teeter totter at a sale, and they love it:
Zayden has taken a new interest in skating. His friend Ethan has a pair too, so sometimes they skate together, while Ivy chases them:
Ivy digging for Dinosaurs at the museum. We also go to the Children's Museum quite a bit, as we have a membership there too.:
Zayden came in 2nd Runner up in a pirate talking contest, when he yelled, Arrrgh!! ;) He got a really cool book as his prize! (A true story about children who grew up at seat on a boat)
Sibling Love:
And this picture!!!
Somehow this picture didn't post with the other's on my blog, but this was one of my favorite favorites at Conner Prairie!! Here is Zayden negotiating with the School Master.
3rd Birthday Pictures!
Here's pictures of Zayden's Third birthday!! The pictures aren't the best quality, since I took them all with my iPhone, but the memories were of the best quality!!!
When he first woke up I had one of his gifts sitting out for him. A pirate ship with some pirates:
Birthday panCakes! :
Conner Praire. We spotted Donkeys right away:
Of course Z had to get into character at some point:
Learning to play the guitar:
My favorite shot. We went up to the fence where this horse was. The horse was about 15 yards away, but then ran over to us, and let us pet her for a long time!!
Z loved all the chickens and chicks:
and all the other animals, like the goats:
and sheep. When he wasn't hugging and petting them, he was brushing them:
Here is American Indian Zayden rowing a boat:
Hard at work:
After about 5 hours of walking outside around the grounds, we went inside to the play area which was also very cool. Z dressed up like a farmer and milked a cow, did some gardening, harvesting, and selling at the market:
Exhausted after we left. Notice he fell asleep while playing with his new pirates:
Went to Chuck E Chees, and Z likes Chuck E now:
Finishing off the day with cake and presents at grandma and grandpa's house:
It was a GREAT day!! Zayden may all your wishes come true!!!
When he first woke up I had one of his gifts sitting out for him. A pirate ship with some pirates:
Birthday panCakes! :
Conner Praire. We spotted Donkeys right away:
Of course Z had to get into character at some point: 
Learning to play the guitar:
My favorite shot. We went up to the fence where this horse was. The horse was about 15 yards away, but then ran over to us, and let us pet her for a long time!!
Z loved all the chickens and chicks:
and all the other animals, like the goats:
and sheep. When he wasn't hugging and petting them, he was brushing them:
Here is American Indian Zayden rowing a boat:
Hard at work:
After about 5 hours of walking outside around the grounds, we went inside to the play area which was also very cool. Z dressed up like a farmer and milked a cow, did some gardening, harvesting, and selling at the market:
Exhausted after we left. Notice he fell asleep while playing with his new pirates:
Went to Chuck E Chees, and Z likes Chuck E now:
Finishing off the day with cake and presents at grandma and grandpa's house:
It was a GREAT day!! Zayden may all your wishes come true!!!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Good-bye dream job!
I just left my dream job for the last time. I am now pulled over in a parking lot because crying while driving isn't very safe.
When I applied for this job and was hired I told everyone it was my "dream job", and it really has been.
Now I am forced to leave because I am now a single mother who needs to make more money to provide for her kids.
I know this is my best option right now, but I am sooo sad. I'm realy really going to miss working with children.
When I applied for this job and was hired I told everyone it was my "dream job", and it really has been.
Now I am forced to leave because I am now a single mother who needs to make more money to provide for her kids.
I know this is my best option right now, but I am sooo sad. I'm realy really going to miss working with children.
Zayden's birthday, life as a single mom, and changing jobs.
I haven't had a chance to blog as much lately. Partly because I am having internet issues, and partly because I am now a single mom. I don't have much time, and when I am do I am too exhausted to get on-line and write. However, today while I have a moment I wanted to update.
Zayden had a GREAT third birthday!! GREAT! I hope to share pictures from his day later. His birthday was on a Tuesday, which is a day I typically work. However, I took the day off work. I sent Ivy over to the in-laws as usual, and Zayden and I had our own special day together! I had never been to Conner Prairie, and neither had Zayden, so I thought that would be a cool place to go. Initially I had hoped we could go on the hot air balloon ride, and that is the main reason I wanted to go there. However, even though it didn't rain a drop the entire day, there were storms in the vicinity. They have a policy of not doing the rides if there is storms within 50 miles.
I was disappointed, but since we were already there I thought we'd check out everything else. Wow!! I'm so glad we did. We seriously had the BEST time. It was honestly one of the best days of my life....as corny as that sounds it's true.
Conner Prairie is a very cool place, but what made the day so special was being able to have that alone time with Zayden for an entire day....something we dont' get to do anymore. AND being able to experience everything there through his 3 year old eyes and soul.
Zayden LOVED all the animals. He got to pet, hug, chase, hold, and brush: donkeys, goats, chickens, baby chicks, sheep, cows, horses, etc... There were animals everywhere, and they were not pinned up.
We also got to walk through all the old buildings and homes from the 1800's and meet the people living at that time. We got to watch and help a candlemaker make candles, watch a blacksmith make metal hangers for shutters, watch someone making pottery, etc.. We met and talked to teachers, doctors, cooks, etc... from the 1800's and Zayden loved every second of it!! The people who worked there were totally into character!! :D
After spending 6 hours there, we went to Chuck E Cheese for dinner and met Ivy, his dad, and his grandparents. That was fun too. Then we went back to my in-laws for Cake and presents. Z espeically loved all the Rescue Heroes, and Knights he got from his mama. It was a great, great day!!
All our days have been pretty good, and I think I am adjusting to this single mom thing pretty well. We are keeping very busy and I am proud of myself for all the activites we are still doing. I took them by myself to a baseball game, and to parties. I even took them to a pool party, and played in the pool with both of them by myself. There is always a little stress with taking them out by myself, but it usually works out and we all end up having a great time!!
As I type this I am sitting in my office at Crossroads. I am about to leave....leave for the last time. Today is my last day and I have just cleaned out everything, and completed all paperwork. It is bittersweet. There is part of me that is ready for a change, but another part of me that is really really sad!! I have been here for 8+ years. I love it here! This is a GREAT company, and I am so lucky I had all the experiences I have had here. Maybe some day when I have more time I will blog more about that. ;)
I will end this with sharing a couple cards I received from one of my favorite kids, David, who I have been working with for about 6-7 years. David made me a personal card, and so did his grandparents. They both made me cry...along with the gifts they gave me.
Here is what was written in the car from David:
"If we hadn't become so close, it wouldn't be so hard to say good-bye...Still, I wouldn't trade our experiences together for anything. I'm glad I got to know you. You're my friend.
I don't think I would be able to do a lot of things I can, if it wasn't for you. Thank you!!!
I'm glad you were my Physical Therapist. You have helped me in more ways than I can say. You have helped me be the person I am today. I will miss you and our time together. (I know I will get to see you and talk to you again, but it won't be the same.) I'm really going to miss you.
Love, David"
And from his grandparents:
"Thank You Dawn
It Means a lot to have a Physical Therapist who is as gifted and as caring as you are... Hope you know how much you are appreciated.
Dawn, We want to thank you for every thing you have done for David. Over the years since you have been working with him, we have seen a big difference, and we know that most of it is due to you. You might say it is just your job, but we feel like You go far and beyond what you have to. You give all of yourself to make David a better person, not only physical, but the way you make him feel. You are a wonderful person and we will miss you very much. Good Luck with your new employment. Again we want to say thanks for all you have done and the extra time you have spent watching baseball, wrestling, and everything else. You are truly a wonderful and caring person.
Thanks Sharron and Larry"
*sniff sniff* I am going to miss "my" kids!!
Zayden had a GREAT third birthday!! GREAT! I hope to share pictures from his day later. His birthday was on a Tuesday, which is a day I typically work. However, I took the day off work. I sent Ivy over to the in-laws as usual, and Zayden and I had our own special day together! I had never been to Conner Prairie, and neither had Zayden, so I thought that would be a cool place to go. Initially I had hoped we could go on the hot air balloon ride, and that is the main reason I wanted to go there. However, even though it didn't rain a drop the entire day, there were storms in the vicinity. They have a policy of not doing the rides if there is storms within 50 miles.
I was disappointed, but since we were already there I thought we'd check out everything else. Wow!! I'm so glad we did. We seriously had the BEST time. It was honestly one of the best days of my life....as corny as that sounds it's true.
Conner Prairie is a very cool place, but what made the day so special was being able to have that alone time with Zayden for an entire day....something we dont' get to do anymore. AND being able to experience everything there through his 3 year old eyes and soul.
Zayden LOVED all the animals. He got to pet, hug, chase, hold, and brush: donkeys, goats, chickens, baby chicks, sheep, cows, horses, etc... There were animals everywhere, and they were not pinned up.
We also got to walk through all the old buildings and homes from the 1800's and meet the people living at that time. We got to watch and help a candlemaker make candles, watch a blacksmith make metal hangers for shutters, watch someone making pottery, etc.. We met and talked to teachers, doctors, cooks, etc... from the 1800's and Zayden loved every second of it!! The people who worked there were totally into character!! :D
After spending 6 hours there, we went to Chuck E Cheese for dinner and met Ivy, his dad, and his grandparents. That was fun too. Then we went back to my in-laws for Cake and presents. Z espeically loved all the Rescue Heroes, and Knights he got from his mama. It was a great, great day!!
All our days have been pretty good, and I think I am adjusting to this single mom thing pretty well. We are keeping very busy and I am proud of myself for all the activites we are still doing. I took them by myself to a baseball game, and to parties. I even took them to a pool party, and played in the pool with both of them by myself. There is always a little stress with taking them out by myself, but it usually works out and we all end up having a great time!!
As I type this I am sitting in my office at Crossroads. I am about to leave....leave for the last time. Today is my last day and I have just cleaned out everything, and completed all paperwork. It is bittersweet. There is part of me that is ready for a change, but another part of me that is really really sad!! I have been here for 8+ years. I love it here! This is a GREAT company, and I am so lucky I had all the experiences I have had here. Maybe some day when I have more time I will blog more about that. ;)
I will end this with sharing a couple cards I received from one of my favorite kids, David, who I have been working with for about 6-7 years. David made me a personal card, and so did his grandparents. They both made me cry...along with the gifts they gave me.
Here is what was written in the car from David:
"If we hadn't become so close, it wouldn't be so hard to say good-bye...Still, I wouldn't trade our experiences together for anything. I'm glad I got to know you. You're my friend.
I don't think I would be able to do a lot of things I can, if it wasn't for you. Thank you!!!
I'm glad you were my Physical Therapist. You have helped me in more ways than I can say. You have helped me be the person I am today. I will miss you and our time together. (I know I will get to see you and talk to you again, but it won't be the same.) I'm really going to miss you.
Love, David"
And from his grandparents:
"Thank You Dawn
It Means a lot to have a Physical Therapist who is as gifted and as caring as you are... Hope you know how much you are appreciated.
Dawn, We want to thank you for every thing you have done for David. Over the years since you have been working with him, we have seen a big difference, and we know that most of it is due to you. You might say it is just your job, but we feel like You go far and beyond what you have to. You give all of yourself to make David a better person, not only physical, but the way you make him feel. You are a wonderful person and we will miss you very much. Good Luck with your new employment. Again we want to say thanks for all you have done and the extra time you have spent watching baseball, wrestling, and everything else. You are truly a wonderful and caring person.
Thanks Sharron and Larry"
*sniff sniff* I am going to miss "my" kids!!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
A couple Zayden funnies from today!
I picked him up from school today. He got in the car, and immediately started playing with the guys he had left in there. I started asking him all about his day, but he wouldn't talk to me. :( I was sad that he wouldn't tell me about his day.
Me: Zayden, why won't you tell me about your day?
Z: Because.....it is a surprise!
Me: *chuckle* A surprise?!
Z: Yes, it's a surprise, so I can't tell you about my day.
And he never did tell me anything about it. humpf!
I put him down for a nap when we got home, and he was calling for me. I kept hearing, "mommy, mommy, mommy, mommy"! I ignored him because I knew he didn't need anything. He does this all the time, and then thinks of a question once I get to his room. Anyway, after a couple of minutes he yelled, "MOMMY McCLIMON!!!!" I took notice, and went it to see what he wanted....it was nothing important. ;)
Tonight, when I put him to bed he did the same routine of calling me over and over again. I went to see what he wanted...
Me: What do you need sweetie?
Z: I need a *long pause* candle!
Me: A candle? *chuckle* Why do you need a candle?
Z: Because *long pause* I love you! I need a candle because I love you!
Me: Zayden, why won't you tell me about your day?
Z: Because.....it is a surprise!
Me: *chuckle* A surprise?!
Z: Yes, it's a surprise, so I can't tell you about my day.
And he never did tell me anything about it. humpf!
I put him down for a nap when we got home, and he was calling for me. I kept hearing, "mommy, mommy, mommy, mommy"! I ignored him because I knew he didn't need anything. He does this all the time, and then thinks of a question once I get to his room. Anyway, after a couple of minutes he yelled, "MOMMY McCLIMON!!!!" I took notice, and went it to see what he wanted....it was nothing important. ;)
Tonight, when I put him to bed he did the same routine of calling me over and over again. I went to see what he wanted...
Me: What do you need sweetie?
Z: I need a *long pause* candle!
Me: A candle? *chuckle* Why do you need a candle?
Z: Because *long pause* I love you! I need a candle because I love you!
Happy Happy Birthday My little Z Man!!
I will eventuall blog about the wonderful day Zayden and I had yesterday celebrating his birthday, and I also want to blog about the great weekend we had last weekend. BUT first I am going to write out 103 things I love about my little guy.
Zayden I love.........
1. that you want to wear those green boots everywhere.
2. that you like it when the boots are on the wrong feet.
3. that you think you look really cool in those boots, and strut around when you first put them on.
4. your quirky personality.
5. the funny things you say All. The. Time.
6. your laugh
7. Your dimple in your right cheek
8. Your dimple just below your bottom lip on the left side that is only seen when you smile really big.
9. Your beautiful dark brown eyes.
10. Those eyelashes!
11. The way you love to play with your "guys" all. the. time.
12. How quickly you learn things.
13. Your awesome memory. Just the other day you told me the name of a neighbor that I had forgotten.
14. your laugh.
15. The way you dance with a serious look on your face.
16. How I can always make you smile even if you are in a really bad mood, if I tell you that I want to kiss your dimple.
17. Your love for books.
18. How every night we rock for a few minutes before I tuck you in.
19. tucking you in every night, and smothering you with kisses.
20. How when you wake up the first thing you do is gather up all the guys you went to bed with, so that you can take them in the living room.
21. that when you first wake up you want me to hold you for a few minutes, and we just snuggle.
22. that you don't want me to ever go to work. I'm sad to leave you, but happy to be wanted.
23. the special bond that we have that is sooo strong an like no other.
24. how you want to put ketchup on everything!
25. that you love dressing up!!!
26. how you are always full of surprises.
27. your huge vocabulary that shocks me at times.
28. how you share your toys with Ivy, but make sure to give her your least favorite guys. ;)
29. how you really like to have Ivy around!
30. The way you play with Ivy.
32. When you give your baby sister a hug or kiss.
33. When you give me a hug!!
34. When I get kisses.
35. When we do nosey nosey nosey
36. How when you are playing pretend sometimes you get so excited and start talking nonsense and making up words.
37. How you love to play pretend.
38. The way you run!
39. The way you jump!
40. Your thick hair that grows so quickly.
41. Your interest in so many things.
42. How tolerant you are of your dairy allergy.
43. How knowledgeable you are about your dairy allergy. I think at this point I could send you to a home alone, and even if the people there didn't know about your allergy you would let them know and YOU would make sure you did not eat dairy.
44. the fact that you seem to be growing out of your dairy allergy.
45. how you want the door shut and to be alone when you have to poop.
46. how I am your favorite person by far. (shhh this is a secret between the 2 of us)
47. how great you play with other kids sometimes. ;)
48. how you love to play with other kids!
49. how well you sleep at night, and even now in your big boy bed!
50. that you were sooo easy to potty train!
51. that you love animals.
52. that you love to be outside.
53. that you are so smart!!
54. that I see soooo much potential in you!! You can and will be anything you want!!
55. that you have a kind soul.
56. that you are the cutest boy I have ever seen!
57. the way you fill in all the words if I pause when we are reading a story (and you have been doing this for over a year).
58. how you love nursery rhymes.
59. that you have a close relationship with your grandparents!
60. that you are cautious at times.
61. and that other times you are my wild man seeking an adventure.
62. how when you see Ivy do something she shouldn't you do it too, thinking you might be able to get away with it. I get aggravated, but inside I am laughing.
63. that yesterday you told me that you didn't think I EVER got mad! You thought I was always happy!! That was one huge compliment.....even if it wasn't true. ;)
64. how you stay in your time out chair if you are in time out.
65. that your behavior is pretty good most of the time.
66. that I can take you out in public without fear of major meltdowns!
67. the conversations we have in the car.
68. Playing guys with you!!!
69. Wrestling with you.
70. Talking at night as we are rocking.
71. How you have certain things you always say now when we do the "3 Things" at dinner time. You say the thing that made you laugh was daddy singing a song, the thing that you learned was that bugs eat grass, and the thing that you saw was beautiful was your family.
72. and the way you say, "My Family" with the sheepish grin when we say our 3 things.
73. the way you "smile" for the camera now and kind of look like Billy Idol.
74. that you still want me to do a lot of things for you!
75. how if we are having hamburgers or hotdogs you are always very excited, but you wants yours without the MEAT. ;)
76. how well you climb on playground equipment!
77. that you don't care how everyone else does something, you will do it YOUR way!
78. how you treat me like a jungle gym.
79. that you would be happy to sit and watch TV all day, but rarely ask me to watch it anymore.
80. how well you play by yourself.
81. Your HUGE imagination!! Huge!
82. secretly how you bite your fingernails so I don't have to trim them. (sorry)
83. your skinny little legs.
84. how awesome you look when you show us your muscles! ;)
85. how much you care about others.
86. how brave you are.
87. how you are really into scary things like skeletons and monsters.
88. when you talk like a pirate.
89. your belief in magical things like Santa.
90. the way you help me cook.
91. your sense of awe.
92. how you take off running down the sidewalk when we go outside.
93. the way you sill like to be held and carried.
94. reading to you before you go to bed, and how you always ask for "just one more".
95. how inquisitive you are. I think you ask me at least 100 questions each day. ;)
96. hearing about your day when I pick you up from you!
97. when you look up at the clouds and tell me what you think a cloud looks like, and how you often spot crocodiles in the clouds.
98. that we both love polar bears!
99. your great sense of humor!
100. That you are overall a very happy child!
101. That you bring me joy EVERY SINGLE DAY!
102. that you are healthy!!!
103. that you are mine! Mine, all mine!
Zayden I love.........
1. that you want to wear those green boots everywhere.
2. that you like it when the boots are on the wrong feet.
3. that you think you look really cool in those boots, and strut around when you first put them on.
4. your quirky personality.
5. the funny things you say All. The. Time.
6. your laugh
7. Your dimple in your right cheek
8. Your dimple just below your bottom lip on the left side that is only seen when you smile really big.
9. Your beautiful dark brown eyes.
10. Those eyelashes!
11. The way you love to play with your "guys" all. the. time.
12. How quickly you learn things.
13. Your awesome memory. Just the other day you told me the name of a neighbor that I had forgotten.
14. your laugh.
15. The way you dance with a serious look on your face.
16. How I can always make you smile even if you are in a really bad mood, if I tell you that I want to kiss your dimple.
17. Your love for books.
18. How every night we rock for a few minutes before I tuck you in.
19. tucking you in every night, and smothering you with kisses.
20. How when you wake up the first thing you do is gather up all the guys you went to bed with, so that you can take them in the living room.
21. that when you first wake up you want me to hold you for a few minutes, and we just snuggle.
22. that you don't want me to ever go to work. I'm sad to leave you, but happy to be wanted.
23. the special bond that we have that is sooo strong an like no other.
24. how you want to put ketchup on everything!
25. that you love dressing up!!!
26. how you are always full of surprises.
27. your huge vocabulary that shocks me at times.
28. how you share your toys with Ivy, but make sure to give her your least favorite guys. ;)
29. how you really like to have Ivy around!
30. The way you play with Ivy.
32. When you give your baby sister a hug or kiss.
33. When you give me a hug!!
34. When I get kisses.
35. When we do nosey nosey nosey
36. How when you are playing pretend sometimes you get so excited and start talking nonsense and making up words.
37. How you love to play pretend.
38. The way you run!
39. The way you jump!
40. Your thick hair that grows so quickly.
41. Your interest in so many things.
42. How tolerant you are of your dairy allergy.
43. How knowledgeable you are about your dairy allergy. I think at this point I could send you to a home alone, and even if the people there didn't know about your allergy you would let them know and YOU would make sure you did not eat dairy.
44. the fact that you seem to be growing out of your dairy allergy.
45. how you want the door shut and to be alone when you have to poop.
46. how I am your favorite person by far. (shhh this is a secret between the 2 of us)
47. how great you play with other kids sometimes. ;)
48. how you love to play with other kids!
49. how well you sleep at night, and even now in your big boy bed!
50. that you were sooo easy to potty train!
51. that you love animals.
52. that you love to be outside.
53. that you are so smart!!
54. that I see soooo much potential in you!! You can and will be anything you want!!
55. that you have a kind soul.
56. that you are the cutest boy I have ever seen!
57. the way you fill in all the words if I pause when we are reading a story (and you have been doing this for over a year).
58. how you love nursery rhymes.
59. that you have a close relationship with your grandparents!
60. that you are cautious at times.
61. and that other times you are my wild man seeking an adventure.
62. how when you see Ivy do something she shouldn't you do it too, thinking you might be able to get away with it. I get aggravated, but inside I am laughing.
63. that yesterday you told me that you didn't think I EVER got mad! You thought I was always happy!! That was one huge compliment.....even if it wasn't true. ;)
64. how you stay in your time out chair if you are in time out.
65. that your behavior is pretty good most of the time.
66. that I can take you out in public without fear of major meltdowns!
67. the conversations we have in the car.
68. Playing guys with you!!!
69. Wrestling with you.
70. Talking at night as we are rocking.
71. How you have certain things you always say now when we do the "3 Things" at dinner time. You say the thing that made you laugh was daddy singing a song, the thing that you learned was that bugs eat grass, and the thing that you saw was beautiful was your family.
72. and the way you say, "My Family" with the sheepish grin when we say our 3 things.
73. the way you "smile" for the camera now and kind of look like Billy Idol.
74. that you still want me to do a lot of things for you!
75. how if we are having hamburgers or hotdogs you are always very excited, but you wants yours without the MEAT. ;)
76. how well you climb on playground equipment!
77. that you don't care how everyone else does something, you will do it YOUR way!
78. how you treat me like a jungle gym.
79. that you would be happy to sit and watch TV all day, but rarely ask me to watch it anymore.
80. how well you play by yourself.
81. Your HUGE imagination!! Huge!
82. secretly how you bite your fingernails so I don't have to trim them. (sorry)
83. your skinny little legs.
84. how awesome you look when you show us your muscles! ;)
85. how much you care about others.
86. how brave you are.
87. how you are really into scary things like skeletons and monsters.
88. when you talk like a pirate.
89. your belief in magical things like Santa.
90. the way you help me cook.
91. your sense of awe.
92. how you take off running down the sidewalk when we go outside.
93. the way you sill like to be held and carried.
94. reading to you before you go to bed, and how you always ask for "just one more".
95. how inquisitive you are. I think you ask me at least 100 questions each day. ;)
96. hearing about your day when I pick you up from you!
97. when you look up at the clouds and tell me what you think a cloud looks like, and how you often spot crocodiles in the clouds.
98. that we both love polar bears!
99. your great sense of humor!
100. That you are overall a very happy child!
101. That you bring me joy EVERY SINGLE DAY!
102. that you are healthy!!!
103. that you are mine! Mine, all mine!
They did do some things right!
(This post was written on Labor Day, but then my internet stopped working before I could publish it.)
If I am talking about my parents, I usually don't have many nice things to say sadly. They are both very dysfunctional people who were very dysfunctional parents. They are alcoholic drug users, who were stoned or drunk much of my childhood. They stole my babysitting money, and when they wanted to get high they would send me to my room and tell me if I came out I'd be grounded..................
My dad kind of disappeared when I was 14/15 when he was heavy into Cocaine, and my mom divorced him. Then my mom went off the deep end when I was 16 and completely abandoned me. I can count on one hand how many times I have seen her since. She is not involved at all with my brother or I other than an occasional e-mail or birthday card. I have a 15 year old niece (her granddaughter) she still has never met.
My dad and I have an okay relationship now. He lives in Florida and we see each other 1 or 2 times a year when I go there to visit my Oma (grandmother). He has been here once in the last few years. He is NOT a very involved grandfather.
Luckily for my kids my in-laws are great grandparents!!
So, yes I am a tad bitter toward my parents. However, I know they are not "bad" people, and I believe that they do have good hearts buried somewhere. I do have many good memories of them also. I do think part of who I am today is because of them and not all of it is in spite of them.
Today reminded me of one example of the "good" in them. It is labor day. Do you know what Labor Day means to me? For me it has always been the day that the Jerry Lewis/MDA telethon is on. It's the day that I watch the telethon, cry, and make a donation, and then cry some more and think of calling again to send more money. When my brother and I were kids, my parents would have us walk through our neighborhood with a coffee can to collect money for the telethon. They they would drive us to a local news station, and we would put all of our money in a "fish bowl". We always loved doing this and felt a sense of pride helping others! I am really thankful that my "screwed" up parents gave us THAT. They couldn't have been all bad, right? Definitely not! Today as I was remembering, I felt nostalgic and thankful for them, which are not the most common feelings I have towards them. I called my dad and thanked him for giving me that experience, and instilling those type of values in me. I also even sent my mom a short e-mail (sadly I don't even have her phone number).
Several months ago I read the book, "The Glass Castle", and I loved it SOOO much!! So much!! I did not have near the troubled childhood Jeannette had, but I had my fair share of bad experiences growing up. Prior to reading this book, I often looked back at my childhood with fond memories, but also anger about how I was raised and the type of parents I had.
I was so moved by Jeannette's attitude towards her parents and her childhood. She described her situation as if she was still back in the moment without any resentment, but from the viewpoint she had as a child. There was not bitterness and anger. She actually loved and appreciated much about her childhood and parents. As awful as her parents could be at times, I still kind of liked them.
It made me look at my childhood and parents differently too. Now when I look back at those times I try to see the positives and the good that my parents did and the good that they were/are. I wasn't a miserable unhappy child. I was a very happy child. They must have done something right! Actually I think they did many things right, and the MDA is just a reminder to me of one of the many things they did right.
If I am talking about my parents, I usually don't have many nice things to say sadly. They are both very dysfunctional people who were very dysfunctional parents. They are alcoholic drug users, who were stoned or drunk much of my childhood. They stole my babysitting money, and when they wanted to get high they would send me to my room and tell me if I came out I'd be grounded..................
My dad kind of disappeared when I was 14/15 when he was heavy into Cocaine, and my mom divorced him. Then my mom went off the deep end when I was 16 and completely abandoned me. I can count on one hand how many times I have seen her since. She is not involved at all with my brother or I other than an occasional e-mail or birthday card. I have a 15 year old niece (her granddaughter) she still has never met.
My dad and I have an okay relationship now. He lives in Florida and we see each other 1 or 2 times a year when I go there to visit my Oma (grandmother). He has been here once in the last few years. He is NOT a very involved grandfather.
Luckily for my kids my in-laws are great grandparents!!
So, yes I am a tad bitter toward my parents. However, I know they are not "bad" people, and I believe that they do have good hearts buried somewhere. I do have many good memories of them also. I do think part of who I am today is because of them and not all of it is in spite of them.
Today reminded me of one example of the "good" in them. It is labor day. Do you know what Labor Day means to me? For me it has always been the day that the Jerry Lewis/MDA telethon is on. It's the day that I watch the telethon, cry, and make a donation, and then cry some more and think of calling again to send more money. When my brother and I were kids, my parents would have us walk through our neighborhood with a coffee can to collect money for the telethon. They they would drive us to a local news station, and we would put all of our money in a "fish bowl". We always loved doing this and felt a sense of pride helping others! I am really thankful that my "screwed" up parents gave us THAT. They couldn't have been all bad, right? Definitely not! Today as I was remembering, I felt nostalgic and thankful for them, which are not the most common feelings I have towards them. I called my dad and thanked him for giving me that experience, and instilling those type of values in me. I also even sent my mom a short e-mail (sadly I don't even have her phone number).
Several months ago I read the book, "The Glass Castle", and I loved it SOOO much!! So much!! I did not have near the troubled childhood Jeannette had, but I had my fair share of bad experiences growing up. Prior to reading this book, I often looked back at my childhood with fond memories, but also anger about how I was raised and the type of parents I had.
I was so moved by Jeannette's attitude towards her parents and her childhood. She described her situation as if she was still back in the moment without any resentment, but from the viewpoint she had as a child. There was not bitterness and anger. She actually loved and appreciated much about her childhood and parents. As awful as her parents could be at times, I still kind of liked them.
It made me look at my childhood and parents differently too. Now when I look back at those times I try to see the positives and the good that my parents did and the good that they were/are. I wasn't a miserable unhappy child. I was a very happy child. They must have done something right! Actually I think they did many things right, and the MDA is just a reminder to me of one of the many things they did right.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
First weeks of School
Zayden had his 2nd day of "school" today! He seems to be doing really well with it. The teachers have raved about him both times when I picked him up. Maybe they are supposed to do that! ;)
Last week one of the teachers said at one point they asked all the kids to sit and wait for something, and that Zayden was the only one of the 12 to sit still the whole time waiting! :D They also said that he shared well with the other kids. (Really??)
Today when I picked him up they told me that he did great in music class. They said he particpated a lot with the songs and dancing! They said he was just really good all day. Then as we were walking out one of the teachers kind of walked me out to the hall, and said, "He's been a really good kid.....He's just a REALLY good kid!!" *Beaming with pride*
Let's hope the good behavior continues, and he doesn't show them too much of his other side. ;) I think as a mom you love to hear others compliment your kids. It is nice to hear that they are cute, smart, funny, etc... However, for me my goal is that people will always tell me that my children are "good", "kind", "caring", "sweet", etc... If I can hear those type of compliments about my children than I will feel like I am doing my job!
Now here are some things Zayden has said to me about his days at school:
"I played with the kid with a tag on his shirt"
"We hold onto these necklace things when we walk to music class. We are not allowed to hold onto the rope." (There is a rope with rubber rings they hold onto)
"Maybe when I get big I can be the leader"
"The big Addison pushed me down in the dirt. I got up and pushed her back. The teacher put Addison in timeout, but didn't do anything to me."
"I got a stamp for being good to the other kids. They didn't put in on my hand though. They put it on my arm."
"The big Addison didn't get a stamp."
"Boogy on Down Mommy........The teacher said 'Boogy on Down'"
"The other kids didn't want to play with me. They wanted to play with other toys." (That one made me sad)
"I didn't like my raisins. I don't like raisins anymore."
Last week one of the teachers said at one point they asked all the kids to sit and wait for something, and that Zayden was the only one of the 12 to sit still the whole time waiting! :D They also said that he shared well with the other kids. (Really??)
Today when I picked him up they told me that he did great in music class. They said he particpated a lot with the songs and dancing! They said he was just really good all day. Then as we were walking out one of the teachers kind of walked me out to the hall, and said, "He's been a really good kid.....He's just a REALLY good kid!!" *Beaming with pride*
Let's hope the good behavior continues, and he doesn't show them too much of his other side. ;) I think as a mom you love to hear others compliment your kids. It is nice to hear that they are cute, smart, funny, etc... However, for me my goal is that people will always tell me that my children are "good", "kind", "caring", "sweet", etc... If I can hear those type of compliments about my children than I will feel like I am doing my job!
Now here are some things Zayden has said to me about his days at school:
"I played with the kid with a tag on his shirt"
"We hold onto these necklace things when we walk to music class. We are not allowed to hold onto the rope." (There is a rope with rubber rings they hold onto)
"Maybe when I get big I can be the leader"
"The big Addison pushed me down in the dirt. I got up and pushed her back. The teacher put Addison in timeout, but didn't do anything to me."
"I got a stamp for being good to the other kids. They didn't put in on my hand though. They put it on my arm."
"The big Addison didn't get a stamp."
"Boogy on Down Mommy........The teacher said 'Boogy on Down'"
"The other kids didn't want to play with me. They wanted to play with other toys." (That one made me sad)
"I didn't like my raisins. I don't like raisins anymore."
Monday, August 31, 2009
We're all still doing good!!
We have all been busy, but doing good!! Last week was another good week!
Ivy is still my "wild child" and will climb up onto anything she can. She keeps me on my toes that is for sure!! She is also becoming so smart and her sweet and affectionate personality shines through more and more each day!!
Zayden started sleeping in a toddler bed! He's done great! He has never gotten out on his own yet!! Even when he wakes up he just calls for me, like he used to when he was in his crib, and then he will climb out once I come in his room. Here he is his first night with many of his rescue heroes. He won't go to sleep unless he has a "bunch of them"!
Last Monday we went to the zoo, and had a wonderful time!! The weather was perfect, and there were no crowds. We were there ALL morning, and saw every animal there I think!! We even saw a little animal show, and Ivy made sure to get a front row seat.
After a busy morning checking out all the animals, we had to stop at the sprinkler park area to cool off. Both kids had a total blast here!! Ivy has no fear, and loved all the water spraying her! Here was a brief moment of her pausing before taking off for some more wet fun. And nope...I didn't bring their suits....bad mom!
Zayden did wear the right boots for the occasion.
They are playing together so much now, and it is awesome!! I think they will always be close!
We also were busy preparing for Z's first day of "school" last week. Actually it's Parent's Day Out, but we call it school. I got him a new Spiderman backpack and lunch pail. He wouldn't try the backpack on though until Ivy showed him it was okay.
He was excited but nervous his first day as he walked in....just like his mommy!!
His was super happy to find some rescue heroes upon entering, and ended up having a GREAT day there!! Ivy found the one and only ride toy as I dropped him off (of course).
I came back a little early to pick him up and got to see all the kids holding this rope as they walked out together to recess! :D It was so cute!! The teacher's said that Z did great!! They said he was very good all day, and even shared the found rescue heroes. He also according to them was the only one who sat still once, when they told all the kids to sit and wait for something!! Yay Z!! His teachers are Miss Shannon and Miss Holly....both are VERY nice!!
Friday we went to the indoor playgound in Zionsville, and met Alina, Fintan and Coen there! We had a great time with that as well. Ivy kept giving me kisses through this net, and then just was being silly!
Zayden finally figured out how to climb up to the top of everything by himself, and was able to go down the big slide by himself several times, which he loved. (Fintan also learned this new skill Friday too!!) That is Z at the top in the yellow bubble thing. :)
During the weekend, Brian took Zayden up to my in-law's lake house for a day. Zayden got to go to Indiana Beach and ride lots of rides, go on boat rides, and golf cart rides, and go fishing. He had a great time. Ivy spent the weekend with her mommy, and we also had a really nice weekend!! Saturday we went shopping, had lunch, and played at a park where I could just watch her!! Then after her nap, we went down to the canal downtown and took a nice long walk. It was a beautiful day!!
And a picture (too close up for my liking) of us while we were in the landrover on our ride. If you look closely you can see some cows behind us.
And then lastly just a cute picture of Ivy and bath time!!
Ivy is still my "wild child" and will climb up onto anything she can. She keeps me on my toes that is for sure!! She is also becoming so smart and her sweet and affectionate personality shines through more and more each day!!
Zayden started sleeping in a toddler bed! He's done great! He has never gotten out on his own yet!! Even when he wakes up he just calls for me, like he used to when he was in his crib, and then he will climb out once I come in his room. Here he is his first night with many of his rescue heroes. He won't go to sleep unless he has a "bunch of them"!
Last Monday we went to the zoo, and had a wonderful time!! The weather was perfect, and there were no crowds. We were there ALL morning, and saw every animal there I think!! We even saw a little animal show, and Ivy made sure to get a front row seat.
After a busy morning checking out all the animals, we had to stop at the sprinkler park area to cool off. Both kids had a total blast here!! Ivy has no fear, and loved all the water spraying her! Here was a brief moment of her pausing before taking off for some more wet fun. And nope...I didn't bring their suits....bad mom!
Zayden did wear the right boots for the occasion.
They are playing together so much now, and it is awesome!! I think they will always be close!
We also were busy preparing for Z's first day of "school" last week. Actually it's Parent's Day Out, but we call it school. I got him a new Spiderman backpack and lunch pail. He wouldn't try the backpack on though until Ivy showed him it was okay.
He was excited but nervous his first day as he walked in....just like his mommy!!
His was super happy to find some rescue heroes upon entering, and ended up having a GREAT day there!! Ivy found the one and only ride toy as I dropped him off (of course).
I came back a little early to pick him up and got to see all the kids holding this rope as they walked out together to recess! :D It was so cute!! The teacher's said that Z did great!! They said he was very good all day, and even shared the found rescue heroes. He also according to them was the only one who sat still once, when they told all the kids to sit and wait for something!! Yay Z!! His teachers are Miss Shannon and Miss Holly....both are VERY nice!!
Friday we went to the indoor playgound in Zionsville, and met Alina, Fintan and Coen there! We had a great time with that as well. Ivy kept giving me kisses through this net, and then just was being silly!
Zayden finally figured out how to climb up to the top of everything by himself, and was able to go down the big slide by himself several times, which he loved. (Fintan also learned this new skill Friday too!!) That is Z at the top in the yellow bubble thing. :)
During the weekend, Brian took Zayden up to my in-law's lake house for a day. Zayden got to go to Indiana Beach and ride lots of rides, go on boat rides, and golf cart rides, and go fishing. He had a great time. Ivy spent the weekend with her mommy, and we also had a really nice weekend!! Saturday we went shopping, had lunch, and played at a park where I could just watch her!! Then after her nap, we went down to the canal downtown and took a nice long walk. It was a beautiful day!!Sunday we played around the house most of the morning. Then we met my friend Kacey for lunch, and then went to the Trader's Point Creamery!! That was great. They had safari rides, which was a little bit more of an off road experience that I had expected taking my baby girl on!! Although, of course Ivy LOVED it and was literally bouncing up and down in my lap when the ride would get bumpy. :) Here is a picture of Ivy just running around exploring!
And a picture (too close up for my liking) of us while we were in the landrover on our ride. If you look closely you can see some cows behind us.
And then lastly just a cute picture of Ivy and bath time!! 
D-Day!!
AKA Dairy Allergy testing Day (at our house)!!
Zayden has become completely aware and has full understanding of his dairy allergy now, especially since his baby sister CAN and does have dairy daily! He is sooo good though about not eating any dairy though even when everyone around him is eating/drinking it. He also talks about it all the time, and lately has been talking about getting tested for his allergy. He knew he grew out of his egg allergy and he was hoping to grow out of his dairy allergy too.
He was excited to go this morning, but then when we were driving there, he changed his mind and wanted to go home. He said he didn't like the doctor and didn't want to go. However, with some distraction we got there without any tears.
We go to Riley Hospital to see our Allergist, so we had to park in a garage near the hospital. Z never likes to walk, and I didn't feel like hauling the big double stroller. So, I brought my Mei Tai to wear Ivy. We parked, and I put Ivy in the Mei Tai (wearing her in front), and Z went in the small umbrella stroller I already had in my car.
We went in for our appointment, and it started a little shaky. Usually the nurses there are great and very sweet to Zayden. Today we had a nurse who was about as pleasant as a toddler going to the doctor's to get poked and prodded. Zayden got scared when we walked in to get weighed and all that, and started crying. He wouldn't get on the scale. I was trying to deal with him, and Ivy who was now in the stroller and getting upset all while the nurse was glaring at us. Zayden ended up having a huge meltdown fit, so I put him in a timeout. The nurse snapped at me that we had to hurry because the doctor would be waiting. She told me to pick him up and weigh myself with him and then without. During this whole time she was being very rude and so NOT kid friendly. I told her that Zayden was just scared, and she just looked annoyed. Ugh! I understand that not all people can understand and relate to a two/three year old and their fits, but this lady is a nurse at Riley CHILDREN'S hospital. I think someone needs a different job!! Anyway, nasty nurse marched off and told us to follow. So I try to keep up with her as I am pushing a stroller, carrying an oversized diaper bag, a scared toddler, and his shoes. Does she offer to help....um no. She just disappears. I finally find the room she went into, and walk in. She tells me the doctor will be in shortly and storms out. Luckily I didn't see her again, and everyone else was super nice to us all morning!!
Zayden played happily with his guys while we waited (which was several minutes...so much for having to rush), and Ivy and I looked at books. The doctor came in and talked to us. He was very sweet to Z, and they talked about super heroes, and all was good!!
Next a couple of other nurses came in to do the skin test on his back. They had to prick him 5 times. They wanted me to lay him on the table and hold him down, but I suggested I just hold him while they prick him, and they thought that would be fine. Z shed a couple of tears during the pricks, but recovered quickly and was ready to play right afterwards. We had to wait 15 minutes. I opened the door, and both kids decided to run up and down the hall while we waited. I let them, and they laughed and loved running around. I kept watching Z's back and I'm not an expert, but it was looking GOOD!!
After the 15 minutes the doctor came in and gave us the GREAT news!! The skin test was negative!! Zayden did not have ANY reaction to the milk or milk proteins!!!!! I was Ecstatic!! I'm still Ecstatic!! The previous 2 years he had very obvious reactions! The doctor said that we still had to get a blood test, and see what that says, and go from there. Basically it will be up to a month before we even get the results from the bloodtest, and if he does pass that too, then we have to have a dairy challenge, where he goes back and they give him dairy in a controlled environment to make sure he has no reaction. I asked the allergist if Z could have any dairy now, and he told me "NO! You have been doing so good, just don't let him have it a little longer, and if all goes well maybe he will be good for the holidays." I asked him if he could maybe even be cleared by Halloween so he could have his first Candybar, and doc said definitely if the rest of this process goes as well.
So, the doctor walked out, and I grabbed Zayden's hands and started jumping up and down and cheering!! I couldn't contain my joy nor did I want to! Zayden laughed at his silly mom and jumped a little too.
Finally, we had to go down for the bloodtest. I held Zayden in my lap while the Phlebotomist drew the blood. She was also sweet to Zayden. He cried for about a minute, and Z's very empathetic sister cried along with him!! When Z stopped crying, so did Ivy. They both got to pick out little toys, and we were ready to go home. Ivy was already in the stroller, so I threw Zayden up on my back in the Mei Tai which sure did get much attention. Zayden loved bouncing along on my back as we finally left the mean nurse, and all the poking and prodding!!
We got in the car, and he asked where we were going. I told him we were going home, and going to eat lunch. He asked what we would eat. I told him he could eat whatever he wanted, and asked what he wanted for lunch. He told me, "Dairy!" I laughed out loud and explained that he still couldn't have that today, but hopefully soon!! Hopefully VERY VERY soon!!!
Fingers still crossed, still praying, and sending out positive thoughts!!
Zayden has become completely aware and has full understanding of his dairy allergy now, especially since his baby sister CAN and does have dairy daily! He is sooo good though about not eating any dairy though even when everyone around him is eating/drinking it. He also talks about it all the time, and lately has been talking about getting tested for his allergy. He knew he grew out of his egg allergy and he was hoping to grow out of his dairy allergy too.
He was excited to go this morning, but then when we were driving there, he changed his mind and wanted to go home. He said he didn't like the doctor and didn't want to go. However, with some distraction we got there without any tears.
We go to Riley Hospital to see our Allergist, so we had to park in a garage near the hospital. Z never likes to walk, and I didn't feel like hauling the big double stroller. So, I brought my Mei Tai to wear Ivy. We parked, and I put Ivy in the Mei Tai (wearing her in front), and Z went in the small umbrella stroller I already had in my car.
We went in for our appointment, and it started a little shaky. Usually the nurses there are great and very sweet to Zayden. Today we had a nurse who was about as pleasant as a toddler going to the doctor's to get poked and prodded. Zayden got scared when we walked in to get weighed and all that, and started crying. He wouldn't get on the scale. I was trying to deal with him, and Ivy who was now in the stroller and getting upset all while the nurse was glaring at us. Zayden ended up having a huge meltdown fit, so I put him in a timeout. The nurse snapped at me that we had to hurry because the doctor would be waiting. She told me to pick him up and weigh myself with him and then without. During this whole time she was being very rude and so NOT kid friendly. I told her that Zayden was just scared, and she just looked annoyed. Ugh! I understand that not all people can understand and relate to a two/three year old and their fits, but this lady is a nurse at Riley CHILDREN'S hospital. I think someone needs a different job!! Anyway, nasty nurse marched off and told us to follow. So I try to keep up with her as I am pushing a stroller, carrying an oversized diaper bag, a scared toddler, and his shoes. Does she offer to help....um no. She just disappears. I finally find the room she went into, and walk in. She tells me the doctor will be in shortly and storms out. Luckily I didn't see her again, and everyone else was super nice to us all morning!!
Zayden played happily with his guys while we waited (which was several minutes...so much for having to rush), and Ivy and I looked at books. The doctor came in and talked to us. He was very sweet to Z, and they talked about super heroes, and all was good!!
Next a couple of other nurses came in to do the skin test on his back. They had to prick him 5 times. They wanted me to lay him on the table and hold him down, but I suggested I just hold him while they prick him, and they thought that would be fine. Z shed a couple of tears during the pricks, but recovered quickly and was ready to play right afterwards. We had to wait 15 minutes. I opened the door, and both kids decided to run up and down the hall while we waited. I let them, and they laughed and loved running around. I kept watching Z's back and I'm not an expert, but it was looking GOOD!!
After the 15 minutes the doctor came in and gave us the GREAT news!! The skin test was negative!! Zayden did not have ANY reaction to the milk or milk proteins!!!!! I was Ecstatic!! I'm still Ecstatic!! The previous 2 years he had very obvious reactions! The doctor said that we still had to get a blood test, and see what that says, and go from there. Basically it will be up to a month before we even get the results from the bloodtest, and if he does pass that too, then we have to have a dairy challenge, where he goes back and they give him dairy in a controlled environment to make sure he has no reaction. I asked the allergist if Z could have any dairy now, and he told me "NO! You have been doing so good, just don't let him have it a little longer, and if all goes well maybe he will be good for the holidays." I asked him if he could maybe even be cleared by Halloween so he could have his first Candybar, and doc said definitely if the rest of this process goes as well.
So, the doctor walked out, and I grabbed Zayden's hands and started jumping up and down and cheering!! I couldn't contain my joy nor did I want to! Zayden laughed at his silly mom and jumped a little too.
Finally, we had to go down for the bloodtest. I held Zayden in my lap while the Phlebotomist drew the blood. She was also sweet to Zayden. He cried for about a minute, and Z's very empathetic sister cried along with him!! When Z stopped crying, so did Ivy. They both got to pick out little toys, and we were ready to go home. Ivy was already in the stroller, so I threw Zayden up on my back in the Mei Tai which sure did get much attention. Zayden loved bouncing along on my back as we finally left the mean nurse, and all the poking and prodding!!
We got in the car, and he asked where we were going. I told him we were going home, and going to eat lunch. He asked what we would eat. I told him he could eat whatever he wanted, and asked what he wanted for lunch. He told me, "Dairy!" I laughed out loud and explained that he still couldn't have that today, but hopefully soon!! Hopefully VERY VERY soon!!!
Fingers still crossed, still praying, and sending out positive thoughts!!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Ivy 4 Wheelin'
Ivy has been climbing on Z's "jeep" whenever we are outside for awhile now. Well yesterday, she figured out that if she pushes the button it will move!!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
We had a really good week!!
In my opinion this has been the best week we have had in a long time! I didn't have any job interviews or appointments with lawyers. The kids were healthy, and on my days off we were able to just hang out and enjoy each other!!
On Monday we went to the fair. We got there early before many things were even open, and stayed for a little over 3 hours. It was really fun....even if it was at times overwhelming and exhausting! We first checked out many of the animals in the barns.
Zayden was adamant about riding a pony, so we did that next! His pony's name was Starbucks, and he rode him all by himself, and really loved it. He later said it was his favorite part of the fair.
Ivy also rode a pony for the first time ever!! Her horse's name was Hank, but I wasn't about to step far away enough from Ivy to take a picture of the horse, but she also really enjoyed the pony ride.
Next we went to the Farm area, which was really fun! Z was totally into it, and Ivy just kind of wandered around following us. Zayden got to harvest vegetables and fruit, plant some "seeds", and then he took his produce to the market where he was given money. He then took his money to the store, and bought food for he and Ivy. It was great!!
Zayden also enjoyed milking a "cow"
And he LOVED feeding the goats. I tried to get Ivy to give a goat a carrot, but she tried to eat the carrot herself. ;)
Zayden also enjoyed climbing on all the big tractors! Luckily he has a very easy going sister who was happy to watch him enjoy himself!
He also rode a couple of the fair rides, and enjoyed that as well. We had a nice little lunch with some junk food and some healthier options, and I got my favorite....fried green tomatoes. It was a really great time!!
On Monday we went to the fair. We got there early before many things were even open, and stayed for a little over 3 hours. It was really fun....even if it was at times overwhelming and exhausting! We first checked out many of the animals in the barns.
Zayden was adamant about riding a pony, so we did that next! His pony's name was Starbucks, and he rode him all by himself, and really loved it. He later said it was his favorite part of the fair.
Ivy also rode a pony for the first time ever!! Her horse's name was Hank, but I wasn't about to step far away enough from Ivy to take a picture of the horse, but she also really enjoyed the pony ride.
Next we went to the Farm area, which was really fun! Z was totally into it, and Ivy just kind of wandered around following us. Zayden got to harvest vegetables and fruit, plant some "seeds", and then he took his produce to the market where he was given money. He then took his money to the store, and bought food for he and Ivy. It was great!! 
Zayden also enjoyed milking a "cow"
And he LOVED feeding the goats. I tried to get Ivy to give a goat a carrot, but she tried to eat the carrot herself. ;) 
Zayden also enjoyed climbing on all the big tractors! Luckily he has a very easy going sister who was happy to watch him enjoy himself!
He also rode a couple of the fair rides, and enjoyed that as well. We had a nice little lunch with some junk food and some healthier options, and I got my favorite....fried green tomatoes. It was a really great time!! Then on Wednesday my friend Kristy and her daughter Addison came over to play. They even stayed for lunch, which was nice because I still do enjoy eating meals with adults on occasion! Here is a picture of Addison with my two.
In the evenings we usually go outside and play, and sometimes talk to some neighbors. One night when we were out I was chatting with a neighbor who was weedeating. She put her weedeater down, and Ivy decided it looked like a good ridetoy. She thinks everything is fun to ride. So, she got on. Z likes to do whatever Ivy does, so he got on too. Maybe next year they should have weedeaters to ride at the fair!
Friday was a beautiful day and we went to a park, and had a picnic there! Zayden loves picnics as much as his mama, and Ivy seems to really enjoy it too. We had a nice lunch, and then played for about an hour at the park. After that, we took a walk along some paths near the park. It was a great day!!
Ivy LOVES any thrill seeking activity she can find including slides!
And Zayden is also becoming quite the dare-devil, and climbing up all kinds of things that scare me....especially when he is wearing oversized crocs. He climbed up this thing several times, and it is so tall, that when he is on the top bar, I can't even reach him....it's way over my head. eek!
In the evenings we usually go outside and play, and sometimes talk to some neighbors. One night when we were out I was chatting with a neighbor who was weedeating. She put her weedeater down, and Ivy decided it looked like a good ridetoy. She thinks everything is fun to ride. So, she got on. Z likes to do whatever Ivy does, so he got on too. Maybe next year they should have weedeaters to ride at the fair!
Friday was a beautiful day and we went to a park, and had a picnic there! Zayden loves picnics as much as his mama, and Ivy seems to really enjoy it too. We had a nice lunch, and then played for about an hour at the park. After that, we took a walk along some paths near the park. It was a great day!!
Ivy LOVES any thrill seeking activity she can find including slides!
And Zayden is also becoming quite the dare-devil, and climbing up all kinds of things that scare me....especially when he is wearing oversized crocs. He climbed up this thing several times, and it is so tall, that when he is on the top bar, I can't even reach him....it's way over my head. eek!
Besides all the fun activities with the kids, the week has been very good for me. I was offered several jobs, and accepted one! I am really happy with the new job I will have that I start on September 21st. I will not be working with kids anymore, but I think I am ready for a change anyway. I will be doing home health with adults. The company is going to provide me a company car and laptop as well!! Woo hoo!! Benefits are good, and although the salary is the lowest of all the companies that offered me a job, it is still enough that I can easily work just 4 days (32 hours) and live comfortably with my kiddos. So I am ecstatic that I will still have one day a week (besides the weekend) home with them! I chose this position because it will allow me to create my own schedule and be very very flexible!! I am really excited about that as well!!
And on another happy note, I have lost FIVE pounds this week. I know that is a lot in one week, but I promise I have been eating. I just have been eating like a normal person and not the emotional eater I was. I am a very emotional eater....always snack/binge when I am upset, stressed, nervous. Well, the past 3 years I have been very emotional so all that babyweight has stuck on me. Now for the first time in a long time I feel happy and much healthier, so I am not doing all the emotional eating. Maybe now I can finally lose all that baby weight!! I also have this application on my iPhone that I use to keep track of calories and exercise, and it ROCKS. I have to say that was the other reason for the weight loss this week!!
So, YES, it has been a good week. I hope we continue to have many many more like this!!!
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