I have these intentions when I write an entry, and then I totally forget.
For Trevor: There are numbers on Nascar that are confusing to him. There are cars with the number 00 or 02 or 07. Those are "Zeroty-Zero" or "Zeroty-two".
Also, he has already memorized his 10-digit phone number. I know that has come from listening to me recite it to the doctor's office or to confirm a message that I'm leaving for someone to call me back. But 10 digits.....wow. At least when I was young, it was only 7 digits, and most of my numbers in my phone number were the same number! So I'm working on seeing if he can remember Bubba's phone number. Maybe someday he'll even call it!
Now for Gwen: She is finally eating solid foods! It is only probably 5-6 spoonfuls, but she is opening her mouth and even taking small puffed foods to gum around in her mouth. So we are slowly introducing new foods. She's on yogurt now, which is something I think I'm going to mix in with cereal. I'm not sure how naps will start to suffer though because she still needs a bottle to fall asleep.
Oh, and poor girl caught another cold. I'm hoping this one is a quick one. Thankfully she still slept well last night. I'm worried about ear infections and not being on an incline. Because if we have to do an incline again, that will be another thing we have to get rid of again.
So that's the quick update. One more day until the beginning of May, the preschool program, AND the start of T-ball! Now COME ON WEATHER!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
She loves to laugh
And boy does Trevor love to try and get a good belly laugh out of her. Even simple smiles, she smiles brightly back at someone. When we are at her "school" it amazes me how much she likes to "talk" and smile and laugh at everyone. Adults and babies alike. I'm pretty sure (based on my memory, or lack thereof) that Trevor was not like this. So I'm pretty sure she is going to be a very different personality than he has become. She needs someone to look at and smile at to keep her calm.
But while Trevor was always and still is pretty good about playing by himself, I think he much prefers to be the center of attention and star of the show. You put him in a social setting and he shines. He did have a time, I think when he was a little over 2 years old when we were in ECFE where he threw a fit when I left to go in the "parent room" but it only lasted a month or so and he was over it. I wonder if he knew it would give hi the attention of the teachers which is what he really wanted. Because he never did it with babysitters.
Gwen is already freaking out if someone leaves the room and has already upset if she can see us walk out the door. I can see her transition during the transition class being very difficult. At least for some of the transitions she should be a bit better if Trevor is there.
But for now, everyone remarks on how smiley she is and what a happy girl she is. Although she can be a very upset baby too. Guess we'll see what it turns into!
Oh, and this morning, everyone slept in until 6:00! WOO HOO for a well-rested mama!
But while Trevor was always and still is pretty good about playing by himself, I think he much prefers to be the center of attention and star of the show. You put him in a social setting and he shines. He did have a time, I think when he was a little over 2 years old when we were in ECFE where he threw a fit when I left to go in the "parent room" but it only lasted a month or so and he was over it. I wonder if he knew it would give hi the attention of the teachers which is what he really wanted. Because he never did it with babysitters.
Gwen is already freaking out if someone leaves the room and has already upset if she can see us walk out the door. I can see her transition during the transition class being very difficult. At least for some of the transitions she should be a bit better if Trevor is there.
But for now, everyone remarks on how smiley she is and what a happy girl she is. Although she can be a very upset baby too. Guess we'll see what it turns into!
Oh, and this morning, everyone slept in until 6:00! WOO HOO for a well-rested mama!
Monday, April 28, 2008
I love Math
Did you all know that Math was my favorite subject in school? I pretty much loved it until Calculus. I did fine with Calculus but I then knew that I did not want to make Math my major. It got way too abstract for me. I liked Geometry ok...but saw the use of it in physics. My favorite had to be Algebra. Although give me simple math any day. Use $$ and I'm in heaven. Weird I know.
But Trevor has been soaking up information regarding math-type things and seems to be enjoying it as well. So that has been fun to watch. He had been using the Speak-n-Math that I had as a child and doing the few things he could on that. He asks for help on the addition questions, but can figure out most of the questions on the "write it" section. I know for sure that he now knows how to count up to 100. He can do it really fast too. I think he was showing me how fast and was proud without me having to ask him to do it.
I guess maybe the knowledge came from his interest in Nascars. He has known the numbers from 1 to 20 since Sesame Street. And known (if I'm remembering correctly) that Lightning McQueen is number 95 since the movie dialogue, but all the other numbers came from asking about them being on Nascar. And yes, most of them were because he memorized that #48 is Jimmy Johnson, #24 is Jeff Gordon. But if you asked him a while back what the number 47 was, he would have said it was 74. He transposed the numbers because the numbers 13-19 come by saying the second number first. So he would say the number 47 as "seventeen four". Now, there is no mistaking that he knows how to count and say every number from 1 to 100.
So I'm trying to even increase that number. Not that I expect him to count, but simply read numbers higher than that. What I'm also using is a disney channel album by "They Might Be Giants" entitled "Here Come the 1 2 3's". He likes the song "Zero" where it talks about the numbers that can be made from using zeros and the fact that our house number is 6000. It will be cool to see where he goes from here.
Anyway....it is time for me to get to bed. Hopefully we get more sleep than a 5am wake-up call, but you never really know.
But Trevor has been soaking up information regarding math-type things and seems to be enjoying it as well. So that has been fun to watch. He had been using the Speak-n-Math that I had as a child and doing the few things he could on that. He asks for help on the addition questions, but can figure out most of the questions on the "write it" section. I know for sure that he now knows how to count up to 100. He can do it really fast too. I think he was showing me how fast and was proud without me having to ask him to do it.
I guess maybe the knowledge came from his interest in Nascars. He has known the numbers from 1 to 20 since Sesame Street. And known (if I'm remembering correctly) that Lightning McQueen is number 95 since the movie dialogue, but all the other numbers came from asking about them being on Nascar. And yes, most of them were because he memorized that #48 is Jimmy Johnson, #24 is Jeff Gordon. But if you asked him a while back what the number 47 was, he would have said it was 74. He transposed the numbers because the numbers 13-19 come by saying the second number first. So he would say the number 47 as "seventeen four". Now, there is no mistaking that he knows how to count and say every number from 1 to 100.
So I'm trying to even increase that number. Not that I expect him to count, but simply read numbers higher than that. What I'm also using is a disney channel album by "They Might Be Giants" entitled "Here Come the 1 2 3's". He likes the song "Zero" where it talks about the numbers that can be made from using zeros and the fact that our house number is 6000. It will be cool to see where he goes from here.
Anyway....it is time for me to get to bed. Hopefully we get more sleep than a 5am wake-up call, but you never really know.
5am is rough
But I'm pretty sure most parents go though this phase. Your kid is up for the day at 5am. And even the tactic of letting her play in her crib as long as she can take it still only lasts for 15 minutes tops. So it calls for an early start to the day. What else can you do? These are the days when you remember only having one kid so you can go down for a nap when they do.
So the next best thing is simply knowing that it is not something that will last forever. Maybe another two days or so. I just hope that she doesn't go any earlier than 5. It had been 6:30, then 6, then yesterday was 5:30.
Our weekend was spent primarily indoors due to the yucky weather. And unfortunately it doesn't look like it is going to break anytime soon.
Funny thing going on with Gwen is that she has a chicken that goes with a Fisher Price Farm playset. Every time she has played with it, I've made the clucking chicken noise. Usually she just smiles and laughs at me. Trevor has even started making the same noise if she starts to get upset because he knows she likes it. Well now, she makes a screeching noise that sounds remarkably like the clucking sound when she looks at the chicken. I'll have to try to get a video of it when she's in a good mood.
I do have to say that she has done a good job of sleeping through the night this month. She has woken up once or twice crying, but now that she knows it doesn't get her out of bed, she goes right back to sleep within 5 minutes. We are off to the lake this weekend, so it will be interesting to see how she does.
Trevor has been getting ready for his spring program at school. He only has 8 more classes before summer break. I have a feeling he is going to miss his teachers once he understands that it is going to be a long time before he sees them again.
With Nascar being back in full swing, we are doing a lot of playing with that. Either on his bike outside or his cars inside. It always helps when he knows the winning driver. So far, so good! Have a great week all!
So the next best thing is simply knowing that it is not something that will last forever. Maybe another two days or so. I just hope that she doesn't go any earlier than 5. It had been 6:30, then 6, then yesterday was 5:30.
Our weekend was spent primarily indoors due to the yucky weather. And unfortunately it doesn't look like it is going to break anytime soon.
Funny thing going on with Gwen is that she has a chicken that goes with a Fisher Price Farm playset. Every time she has played with it, I've made the clucking chicken noise. Usually she just smiles and laughs at me. Trevor has even started making the same noise if she starts to get upset because he knows she likes it. Well now, she makes a screeching noise that sounds remarkably like the clucking sound when she looks at the chicken. I'll have to try to get a video of it when she's in a good mood.
I do have to say that she has done a good job of sleeping through the night this month. She has woken up once or twice crying, but now that she knows it doesn't get her out of bed, she goes right back to sleep within 5 minutes. We are off to the lake this weekend, so it will be interesting to see how she does.
Trevor has been getting ready for his spring program at school. He only has 8 more classes before summer break. I have a feeling he is going to miss his teachers once he understands that it is going to be a long time before he sees them again.
With Nascar being back in full swing, we are doing a lot of playing with that. Either on his bike outside or his cars inside. It always helps when he knows the winning driver. So far, so good! Have a great week all!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Busy week
Not a whole lot going on, other than trying to keep everything in order. I hear Trevor has been practicing hard for his preschool program next Thursday. And at the same time he is looking forward to going back to the lake that same weekend. I have a feeling that the next week is really going to drag by though because the weather is going to be dreadful. I have to say, that I wasn't really convinced that global warming was all that bad of a thing if confined to Bloomington, Minnesota. Where is the darn warm weather?
Gwen has been napping in her usual fashion. Not all that great. I wonder if today is a day for nap strikes because she was up shortly after 5 am this morning. I'm going to have to do a coffee drive-thru on our way to the big gym.
She is really trying to get herself crawling or at least scooting in a forward direction. She knows that she can somehow do it, but can't quite put it all together yet. If it were warmer, I would be able to take off her pjs and she could get more traction with just her legs.
Hopefully I'll get some things crossed off the to-do list and maybe a little more sleep. Hope you all have a great weekend!
Gwen has been napping in her usual fashion. Not all that great. I wonder if today is a day for nap strikes because she was up shortly after 5 am this morning. I'm going to have to do a coffee drive-thru on our way to the big gym.
She is really trying to get herself crawling or at least scooting in a forward direction. She knows that she can somehow do it, but can't quite put it all together yet. If it were warmer, I would be able to take off her pjs and she could get more traction with just her legs.
Hopefully I'll get some things crossed off the to-do list and maybe a little more sleep. Hope you all have a great weekend!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
A half month late...
but we were able to get Gwen in for her "6 month" doctor appointment. Between her being sick, and the doctor being on a hospital assignment, today was the earliest we could get her in. This past week has been pretty huge for her developmentally anyway, so it was nice to get her in after it happened.
She now sleeps through the night without crying for longer than when we put her in her bed to the time we reach the door to her room. She rolls everywhere and because of that, I think she is tired of sitting. So she will throw herself onto either her stomach or back and roll rather than sit and play with toys. She has started to babble. She does not want to nap on any sort of schedule, although I think she is learning she also has to sleep by herself for naptimes. No more sleeping on someone. When she does nap, she can nap for as little as 45 minutes total in one day or 2+ hours in one nap. She does not like to eat solid foods. Although she loves to drink water from a cup. I have been given the ok to do easily dissolveable finger foods so we are going to try that next, as well as more fruits to mix with cereal.
I also found out that the reason (probably) that Gwen didn't get sick when Trevor did a week and a half ago was because he probably had rotovirus which is something that Gwen was given as part of her vaccination treatment. It is a liquid that she drinks. So VERY thankful that it worked out like it did. She got another dose of it today as well as all her shots so we are done with shots for another 6 months! Yippee!
She of course did some of her tricks for the doctor who was very impressed. Although it also doesn't look like she is going to pop any teeth any time soon. Any bets on how late she can go? I bet 10 months. Oh and based on the parent's height, I think they said she would be 5'6". Of course she is WAY on the high side of the average right now in height.
Anyway, it's nice to get that out of the way...and now on to enjoy the nice spring weather!
She now sleeps through the night without crying for longer than when we put her in her bed to the time we reach the door to her room. She rolls everywhere and because of that, I think she is tired of sitting. So she will throw herself onto either her stomach or back and roll rather than sit and play with toys. She has started to babble. She does not want to nap on any sort of schedule, although I think she is learning she also has to sleep by herself for naptimes. No more sleeping on someone. When she does nap, she can nap for as little as 45 minutes total in one day or 2+ hours in one nap. She does not like to eat solid foods. Although she loves to drink water from a cup. I have been given the ok to do easily dissolveable finger foods so we are going to try that next, as well as more fruits to mix with cereal.
I also found out that the reason (probably) that Gwen didn't get sick when Trevor did a week and a half ago was because he probably had rotovirus which is something that Gwen was given as part of her vaccination treatment. It is a liquid that she drinks. So VERY thankful that it worked out like it did. She got another dose of it today as well as all her shots so we are done with shots for another 6 months! Yippee!
She of course did some of her tricks for the doctor who was very impressed. Although it also doesn't look like she is going to pop any teeth any time soon. Any bets on how late she can go? I bet 10 months. Oh and based on the parent's height, I think they said she would be 5'6". Of course she is WAY on the high side of the average right now in height.
Anyway, it's nice to get that out of the way...and now on to enjoy the nice spring weather!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Gettin' back into the swing of things
Pun intended. My Ladies 9 hole league had their opening dinner last Tuesday, but the course wasn't even open yet. So our first league game is this Tuesday. It was nice to see everyone that I hadn't seen since before Gwen was born. I was asked a lot about her as well as getting a lot of comments that people were surprised I was going to do golfing. Are you kidding me? An excuse to get out in decent weather, playing a sport I can hope to get better at, with adults only? I can't think of anything better!
So anyway, at the dinner, I ran into a woman that Russ and I played with for a couple's event last year. She was very anxious to hear about having the baby and actually wanted me to play with a few other women on Saturday. I told her I couldn't commit to it, but I could also take my name off the tee sheet if I couldn't.
And Saturday came and although it was freezing out, I made it! I walked the entire 18 holes, played all 18 (only kept score for 9 though) and had a really good time. I have a long way to go to keep working on lowering my handicap, but I also need some new clubs and the weather was yucky, and the course wasn't in top shape, and it did feel funny playing without all that weight in my front, (insert any other excuse I can think of here).
I am a bit unhappy at the weather lately. We get about one good day a week. And that is not ok in my book. I want something other than bone chilling weather and I have to be done wearing winter coats and boots now please. And Gwen is out of 12 month clothes, and I refuse to buy heavy clothes for her even in 18 month because she won't be in them by the time September and October roll around. It sure has been a long winter and it seems to be making the summer be shorter and shorter.
So anyway, at the dinner, I ran into a woman that Russ and I played with for a couple's event last year. She was very anxious to hear about having the baby and actually wanted me to play with a few other women on Saturday. I told her I couldn't commit to it, but I could also take my name off the tee sheet if I couldn't.
And Saturday came and although it was freezing out, I made it! I walked the entire 18 holes, played all 18 (only kept score for 9 though) and had a really good time. I have a long way to go to keep working on lowering my handicap, but I also need some new clubs and the weather was yucky, and the course wasn't in top shape, and it did feel funny playing without all that weight in my front, (insert any other excuse I can think of here).
I am a bit unhappy at the weather lately. We get about one good day a week. And that is not ok in my book. I want something other than bone chilling weather and I have to be done wearing winter coats and boots now please. And Gwen is out of 12 month clothes, and I refuse to buy heavy clothes for her even in 18 month because she won't be in them by the time September and October roll around. It sure has been a long winter and it seems to be making the summer be shorter and shorter.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Pray Pray Pray
That's all I can really do at this point. And be SO Thankful that I am blessed with a healthy family. I now know 3 children that have a caringbridge website where their parents update the blog or journal with how they are doing. I have to say that it really helps direct prayers and know what is going on and keep in touch by mentioning how wonderful they are.
Trevor's friend Ryan has a little sister that was born with heart problems that have caused her to undergo a few major heart surgeries (and is actually in the middle of recovering from one now). I'm hoping they will not mind that I post their sites: www.caringbridge.org/visit/babyweness
Trevor's friend Elizabeth has a little brother that has Hereditary Spherocytosis as well as Neurofibromatosis. He has been having to have blood transfusions to keep his hemoglobin up to healthy numbers. His site is: www.caringbridge.org/visit/henrygorder
And now I just got a mail message from my ECFE teacher for Gwen's class where a classmate of hers just found out that she has stage 4 cancer. They are undergoing aggressive chemotherapy and at the moment it looks like she is responding well to the treatment. They found out about her diagnosis between the spring break classes. And her site is: www.caringbridge.org/visit/giannagrace
I also read these sites to give myself inspiration on those tough days. My "tough" days are nothing compared to these families. But it gives me strength to be able to pray and wish that their days are filled with love and good news.
Trevor's friend Ryan has a little sister that was born with heart problems that have caused her to undergo a few major heart surgeries (and is actually in the middle of recovering from one now). I'm hoping they will not mind that I post their sites: www.caringbridge.org/visit/babyweness
Trevor's friend Elizabeth has a little brother that has Hereditary Spherocytosis as well as Neurofibromatosis. He has been having to have blood transfusions to keep his hemoglobin up to healthy numbers. His site is: www.caringbridge.org/visit/henrygorder
And now I just got a mail message from my ECFE teacher for Gwen's class where a classmate of hers just found out that she has stage 4 cancer. They are undergoing aggressive chemotherapy and at the moment it looks like she is responding well to the treatment. They found out about her diagnosis between the spring break classes. And her site is: www.caringbridge.org/visit/giannagrace
I also read these sites to give myself inspiration on those tough days. My "tough" days are nothing compared to these families. But it gives me strength to be able to pray and wish that their days are filled with love and good news.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Wow does she need some sleep help....
So it has now been a week and a half of sleep training for Gwen. She started out that her naps were just a mess. Still napping about every 2 hours, for maybe 15 minutes. Because I had talked to the doctor way back at her 4 month appointment, I had just resolved the fact that she was a good night sleeper and bad napper. Which given the choice, I'd rather have a good night sleeper. Of course since then, everything had gone downhill. But at least I knew she could sleep through the night.
And when I started training her, she quickly went back into the good routine of sleeping through the night. I haven't had to feed her or give her a bottle at night since two weeks ago this Sunday. Now, s-l-o-w-l-y her naps are trying to resolve themselves. I have NO idea what is going to happen, because it all has. She has slept for a total of 45 minutes (non-consecutively) during her naps. She has take 3 one hour naps during the day. She has taken 3 half hour naps during the day. And then there was today..... We went over to the garage sale, dropped Trevor off at preschool, and then I figured I would come home and put her down for a morning nap. NOPE. She seemed asleep at about 9:45, but would not stay asleep so I went up to get her shortly before 10:00. So she was up until of course I had to go and get Trevor. So I gave her a bottle at 11:00, and put her in her carseat at 11:15. I ran around and got a few things around the house. Drove over to preschool, asked one of the moms I knew to pick up Trevor and bring him upstairs while Gwen slept. Then we drove back over to the garage sale. I rolled the window down and parked right by the sale. And of COURSE she slept the entire time we were there....and was still sleeping when I pulled into the garage. Finally woke up at 1:45. Two and a half hour nap. She hasn't taken that long of a nap since she was a brand newborn. What in the heck is that about? I think she is now learning how to nap.
Ok...this has taken the entire day to write...I'll have to pick up my thoughts some other time.
And when I started training her, she quickly went back into the good routine of sleeping through the night. I haven't had to feed her or give her a bottle at night since two weeks ago this Sunday. Now, s-l-o-w-l-y her naps are trying to resolve themselves. I have NO idea what is going to happen, because it all has. She has slept for a total of 45 minutes (non-consecutively) during her naps. She has take 3 one hour naps during the day. She has taken 3 half hour naps during the day. And then there was today..... We went over to the garage sale, dropped Trevor off at preschool, and then I figured I would come home and put her down for a morning nap. NOPE. She seemed asleep at about 9:45, but would not stay asleep so I went up to get her shortly before 10:00. So she was up until of course I had to go and get Trevor. So I gave her a bottle at 11:00, and put her in her carseat at 11:15. I ran around and got a few things around the house. Drove over to preschool, asked one of the moms I knew to pick up Trevor and bring him upstairs while Gwen slept. Then we drove back over to the garage sale. I rolled the window down and parked right by the sale. And of COURSE she slept the entire time we were there....and was still sleeping when I pulled into the garage. Finally woke up at 1:45. Two and a half hour nap. She hasn't taken that long of a nap since she was a brand newborn. What in the heck is that about? I think she is now learning how to nap.
Ok...this has taken the entire day to write...I'll have to pick up my thoughts some other time.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
I wonder if young kids can't catch the stomach flu
So Russ and I caught Trevor's bug starting Sunday night. Felt pretty bad yesterday, but it's fine today. And neither one of us puked, so at least that's good. But I have no idea how Gwen didn't get it. I thought I was really good at cleaning up after Trevor. He didn't even move during Friday, so he wasn't in contact with anything around Gwen. And I washed my hands a ton. But I wasn't very good about not giving her kisses, or holding her hand which she loves to put in her mouth. So I'm wondering why she hasn't gotten it. I guess we aren't out of the woods yet, but I figured if she would have gotten it, it should have been by now.
Anyway....Sunday was a good day. We were able to go out to Kevin and Kelsey's house and watch the Masters. Trevor enjoyed the fact that Trevor won, although he usually cheers for Tiger as himself, so it was a little confusing as to see "T-R-E-V-O-R" playing golf. But he was quick to point out that he was not Trevor J. Preschool has them now picking up their last names and putting them into the basket to show that they are here. We had a lovely dinner and had a lovely time. Thanks for hosting K family!
Then yesterday, we had to call in the family members to help us out. If we could have, I think we would have slept all day. Nothing got done here. So I also wanted to thank Bubba, Grandma and Amy for coming over to help us out. It sure was a ton easier to rest up and feel much better today. Thank you!!!
Anyway....Sunday was a good day. We were able to go out to Kevin and Kelsey's house and watch the Masters. Trevor enjoyed the fact that Trevor won, although he usually cheers for Tiger as himself, so it was a little confusing as to see "T-R-E-V-O-R" playing golf. But he was quick to point out that he was not Trevor J. Preschool has them now picking up their last names and putting them into the basket to show that they are here. We had a lovely dinner and had a lovely time. Thanks for hosting K family!
Then yesterday, we had to call in the family members to help us out. If we could have, I think we would have slept all day. Nothing got done here. So I also wanted to thank Bubba, Grandma and Amy for coming over to help us out. It sure was a ton easier to rest up and feel much better today. Thank you!!!
Saturday, April 12, 2008
It is very nice to have an older kid
I know that it has been at least 2 years since Trevor was pukey-sick. But since that time, it has become 100 times easier. You can explain things to him rationally and he doesn't fight it. His immune system is that much more mature to battle the bugs so it seems to go by that much faster.
Overall, it's just a whole lot better.
And he has gotten a whole lot better himself. He still isn't back to his normal "Trevor" self, but it is a conversation about how he needs to go a little lighter on the playing today so he doesn't overdo it. He hasn't eaten a meal yet, but this morning he finally ate some graham crackers. And we have lots of bananas for when he wants to go that route.
My next hope is that no one else gets the bug. I've been hyperdiligant about washing my hands and washing anything that he came in contact with yesterday (although that wasn't much since he spent most of the day sitting or laying down). And with the weather turning warm next week, we'll also be able to air out the house.
So thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers. While we can't claim to be out of the woods yet, it is looking brighter today.
Overall, it's just a whole lot better.
And he has gotten a whole lot better himself. He still isn't back to his normal "Trevor" self, but it is a conversation about how he needs to go a little lighter on the playing today so he doesn't overdo it. He hasn't eaten a meal yet, but this morning he finally ate some graham crackers. And we have lots of bananas for when he wants to go that route.
My next hope is that no one else gets the bug. I've been hyperdiligant about washing my hands and washing anything that he came in contact with yesterday (although that wasn't much since he spent most of the day sitting or laying down). And with the weather turning warm next week, we'll also be able to air out the house.
So thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers. While we can't claim to be out of the woods yet, it is looking brighter today.
Friday, April 11, 2008
The tale of Spitty-up
I think it was a blessing in disguise. Trevor makes sure I know when Gwen has a "spitty-up" and I don't see it. Although he was a little confused a few times when she was simply drooling and called it "spitty-up". He even took it as a job to be the spitty-up wiper when we were out and about.
Last night, Gwen went down without a peep for the first time all week. At 2:30 I heard crying, and I thought it was Gwen, but it turned out to be Trevor. He was asking for me saying that he had spitty-up. Now, I thought he was talking about a dream or something, because he wasn't at all upset. The crying, I think, was from when it was actually happening. But he wanted me to make sure I saw it, and that I cleaned it up. He told me that he felt hungry, so he went over to get some of his water, but before he got there, he had spitty-up.
At this point, I wasn't sure if it was simply something he ate, or if he was getting sick. Regardless, I was starting to talk to him about the fact that we could not go to the "big gym" today because he was sick. He was bummed out about that, but really, he was confused I think as to if Gwen was ok after she had spitty-up, why couldn't it be the same way for him. So I had to have a talk about how when older people spitty-up it is like when they have a cold. They are sick and have to stay at home.
So I cleaned up his floor and changed his pjs, and put him back in bed. At 3:30 he was sick again. This time he was trying (or had) to get some water. So it was all over his dresser. Cleaned that up, changed his clothes again. I explained that he needed his water taken away so that he wouldn't get sick again. He wasn't too happy about that because he said he was thirsty. Oh, I remember that feeling. Wanting nothing more that just a little water, only to throw it right back up again. So no water. At 4:30 he was really complaining so I went in to talk to him. He said he was hungry, which I knew to be the cue to be sick again, so I took him out of the bed, and yep.....right on the floor again. One more change of clothes, cleaning up, and tried to go back to sleep for the night.
So today is a lot of TV, a lot of naps, and hopefully able to get better. He hasn't been sick since, but I'm still going to wait to give him any water until I can talk to the doctor. I'm hoping he's out of the woods....but we'll see.
That's it from this sicky household!
Last night, Gwen went down without a peep for the first time all week. At 2:30 I heard crying, and I thought it was Gwen, but it turned out to be Trevor. He was asking for me saying that he had spitty-up. Now, I thought he was talking about a dream or something, because he wasn't at all upset. The crying, I think, was from when it was actually happening. But he wanted me to make sure I saw it, and that I cleaned it up. He told me that he felt hungry, so he went over to get some of his water, but before he got there, he had spitty-up.
At this point, I wasn't sure if it was simply something he ate, or if he was getting sick. Regardless, I was starting to talk to him about the fact that we could not go to the "big gym" today because he was sick. He was bummed out about that, but really, he was confused I think as to if Gwen was ok after she had spitty-up, why couldn't it be the same way for him. So I had to have a talk about how when older people spitty-up it is like when they have a cold. They are sick and have to stay at home.
So I cleaned up his floor and changed his pjs, and put him back in bed. At 3:30 he was sick again. This time he was trying (or had) to get some water. So it was all over his dresser. Cleaned that up, changed his clothes again. I explained that he needed his water taken away so that he wouldn't get sick again. He wasn't too happy about that because he said he was thirsty. Oh, I remember that feeling. Wanting nothing more that just a little water, only to throw it right back up again. So no water. At 4:30 he was really complaining so I went in to talk to him. He said he was hungry, which I knew to be the cue to be sick again, so I took him out of the bed, and yep.....right on the floor again. One more change of clothes, cleaning up, and tried to go back to sleep for the night.
So today is a lot of TV, a lot of naps, and hopefully able to get better. He hasn't been sick since, but I'm still going to wait to give him any water until I can talk to the doctor. I'm hoping he's out of the woods....but we'll see.
That's it from this sicky household!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Sleeping boot camp
We are on day 4, night 5 of trying to train Gwen how to sleep by herself. No more bouncing, no more walking, and whatever comes of it. I started it on Sunday night. She cried for under an hour (a very tough hour for mom) before she fell asleep for the night...until a quick feeding at 5am where she slept until 7am.
Night two she fell asleep after eating only 3 oz of her bottle. So when she woke up an hour later, I fed her another 3 oz where she fell asleep. Woke up for 5 minutes crying and then was down until 4:30am. Quick feeding and fell back asleep until almost 7.
Night 3 she was awake for 10 minutes of crying. But slept all the way until 6:45am.
Last night she slept for two hours before she woke up crying. Took her 15 minutes to go back to sleep but then slept until 7am.
It has been FOREVER since she slept continuously 6-7 hours for more than two nights in a row.
Now, naptimes have been really rough. I'm hoping that with better nighttime sleep, she will get better at naptimes. You are supposed to let her cry for however long her naptime is supposed to be. Well, after attempting two naptimes of this, I've abandoned that idea. I think naptimes are too light of sleep for her to be able to get to sleep. But today, she took an hour nap in the morning, and just now took another two our nap. And she seems very happy. I'm wondering if she will try to take another catnap before her nightime nap.
I wanted to record how well it is going, in case I need to do it again. If things start to get disorganized for her, she might need to be trained again. Hopefully it'll take less time to get used to the idea again.
Night two she fell asleep after eating only 3 oz of her bottle. So when she woke up an hour later, I fed her another 3 oz where she fell asleep. Woke up for 5 minutes crying and then was down until 4:30am. Quick feeding and fell back asleep until almost 7.
Night 3 she was awake for 10 minutes of crying. But slept all the way until 6:45am.
Last night she slept for two hours before she woke up crying. Took her 15 minutes to go back to sleep but then slept until 7am.
It has been FOREVER since she slept continuously 6-7 hours for more than two nights in a row.
Now, naptimes have been really rough. I'm hoping that with better nighttime sleep, she will get better at naptimes. You are supposed to let her cry for however long her naptime is supposed to be. Well, after attempting two naptimes of this, I've abandoned that idea. I think naptimes are too light of sleep for her to be able to get to sleep. But today, she took an hour nap in the morning, and just now took another two our nap. And she seems very happy. I'm wondering if she will try to take another catnap before her nightime nap.
I wanted to record how well it is going, in case I need to do it again. If things start to get disorganized for her, she might need to be trained again. Hopefully it'll take less time to get used to the idea again.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Disney Info
No...not about any upcoming Disney trips we are having...but just read about this on yahoo's site:
Kind of sad that they can't get stuff going faster than other production companies can, but I guess better late than never. I think Trevor will be the perfect age to get that last installment of Toy Story, but I wonder if he'll start to feel too "cool" to watch the second Cars movie. He'll be 8 1/2.
Anyway, just some random thoughts for you all....
Kind of sad that they can't get stuff going faster than other production companies can, but I guess better late than never. I think Trevor will be the perfect age to get that last installment of Toy Story, but I wonder if he'll start to feel too "cool" to watch the second Cars movie. He'll be 8 1/2.
Anyway, just some random thoughts for you all....
Monday, April 7, 2008
I forgot to add...
A funny Trevor story that happened this weekend. We are gearing up for the Kentucky Derby in a little less than a month. And on TV this weekend, they had two races after golf on Saturday. I came in a little after the first race had started. Papa and Trevor had picked their horses. Trevor had the #5 horse and Papa was cheering for the #7. It came down to the end, and the #8 horse won, while the #5 horse came in second. I thought that would convince Trevor to cheer for the #8 horse in the next race, as it was favored to win the Santa Anita Derby. But nope, he wanted the #5 horse again. This time, Bubba picked the #4 horse, Trevor had the #5 horse, and I took the #8 horse. Since Trevor knew kind of what to expect, he was cheering very loudly for his #5 horse this race. Actually, for the first part of the race he was asking where his horse was because it wasn't in the front half of the horses. Neither was the #8 horse. Bubba was very happily cheering for the #4 horse because it was 2nd for most of the race, then took the lead. But soon we saw the #5 horse coming to the front. And down the stretch they came..... The #5 horse pulled it out at the very end, beating the #4 horse by probably less than 1/4 of a horse length. Trevor was thrilled.
I would say that would make it the horse that Trevor would want for the Kentucky Derby (Colonel John was his name) but he only cared about the number on the horse. So whatever horse is #5 will be the horse he is cheering for. Also, after the race, he wanted to relive it...like he does most things. This time, he was the horse. Of course, he didn't quite understand that his horse didn't lead for most of the race...just won at the end, so he was trying to figure out how he was running so fast, yet he wasn't in the lead.....
I think he'll enjoy the Kentucky Derby this year. Hopefully he'll win it too. We'll see!
I would say that would make it the horse that Trevor would want for the Kentucky Derby (Colonel John was his name) but he only cared about the number on the horse. So whatever horse is #5 will be the horse he is cheering for. Also, after the race, he wanted to relive it...like he does most things. This time, he was the horse. Of course, he didn't quite understand that his horse didn't lead for most of the race...just won at the end, so he was trying to figure out how he was running so fast, yet he wasn't in the lead.....
I think he'll enjoy the Kentucky Derby this year. Hopefully he'll win it too. We'll see!
It had been a while....
I suppose I even blogged about the last time we were at Hatfield. I know it had been since before Gwen was born, so that put us at over 6 months. Trevor had me mark it on the calendar as soon as I knew about it. And the morning we went down, he told me to wake him up with "It's time to go to the lake!!!"
The weather really cooperated with us on the drive down as well as when we were there. Gwen did really well for her first long carride. She took a short nap as soon as we got her in the car and fed and then lasted until the last Eau Claire exit (about an hour and a half into the two and a half hour car ride). So we stopped off at a McD's playland and ate lunch, let Gwen stretch out of her carseat and then headed back to the car. She then got a little fussy at the very end, so she got her next bottle and napped for another hour after we got to the cabin in her carseat.
Trevor had a great time looking at his familiar toys and books and Gwen got some new scenery. We went on a walk and visited the beloved "last stop sign, yellow sign, and ATV sign" that Trevor knows oh-so-well. Then went to the Stone's Throw for dinner. We then met the cousins and got to sit by them for dinner. It was cool to see how much Ellie and JJ had grown and even the new miss Addison!
After dinner we went back and took baths to get ready for bed before heading over to Barb and Dave's place. I wasn't sure how nighttime was going to work, but we HAD to play dominoes. Trevor had had a really big day and no nap, so when it was time for him to go to bed, we asked him what he wanted to do. He stated he wanted to go back to the lake house with Papa and go to bed. Which, according to my dad, he did immediately. Simply went into the bedroom, he tucked him in, and was out like a light. WOW does that make things easier. That was a big change from last year. He had had to have someone lay down with him and unwind before he could go to bed. And it wasn't always a for sure that he would stay asleep. Then Gwen was able to sleep in her carseat while we were there, and woke up only once for the night. She must have been worn out too. So we got to enjoy a lovely game of dominoes. And because the kids were so worn out, it ended fairly early and we got a decent night's sleep.
The next day, was almost pretty much the same. It was a REALLY warm day. We were able to go to the park to play with the kids. Trevor got to throw a lot of rocks in the lake that day. We went back to the Stone's Throw to celebrate my parent's 33rd wedding anniversary. When we got back, there was a little time for the kids to play again together. Gwen was just FASCINATED with Ellie. And Ellie was very accommodating. I think she liked that Gwen was able to shower her with smiles and laughter and even reach out for hugs for her. I'm sure she's going to love her little sister when she does the same thing in two months. But if it was because Gwen wasn't as tired out or what...she just didn't want to sleep that night. So it was pretty rough. Trevor, the lucky guy got to go to sleep with Ellie which was new to him, but it might just be something he's going to have to get used to. And the two younger girls might just have to have fun together too. It is hard not to want to at least get a peak into the future to see how much fun the cousins will have together.
The car ride back home was great. Gwen slept for about a half hour, and was entertained or ate the rest of the way home. Trevor slept from the time we hit the highway until we almost hit our driveway. She he called it a very speedy car trip. Although it did take some convincing that we could not stay at the lake house for 100 days. But he is already looking forward to the next trip in under a month. It's marked on his calendar, and he will answer you the day and month of the next trip.
The weather really cooperated with us on the drive down as well as when we were there. Gwen did really well for her first long carride. She took a short nap as soon as we got her in the car and fed and then lasted until the last Eau Claire exit (about an hour and a half into the two and a half hour car ride). So we stopped off at a McD's playland and ate lunch, let Gwen stretch out of her carseat and then headed back to the car. She then got a little fussy at the very end, so she got her next bottle and napped for another hour after we got to the cabin in her carseat.
Trevor had a great time looking at his familiar toys and books and Gwen got some new scenery. We went on a walk and visited the beloved "last stop sign, yellow sign, and ATV sign" that Trevor knows oh-so-well. Then went to the Stone's Throw for dinner. We then met the cousins and got to sit by them for dinner. It was cool to see how much Ellie and JJ had grown and even the new miss Addison!
After dinner we went back and took baths to get ready for bed before heading over to Barb and Dave's place. I wasn't sure how nighttime was going to work, but we HAD to play dominoes. Trevor had had a really big day and no nap, so when it was time for him to go to bed, we asked him what he wanted to do. He stated he wanted to go back to the lake house with Papa and go to bed. Which, according to my dad, he did immediately. Simply went into the bedroom, he tucked him in, and was out like a light. WOW does that make things easier. That was a big change from last year. He had had to have someone lay down with him and unwind before he could go to bed. And it wasn't always a for sure that he would stay asleep. Then Gwen was able to sleep in her carseat while we were there, and woke up only once for the night. She must have been worn out too. So we got to enjoy a lovely game of dominoes. And because the kids were so worn out, it ended fairly early and we got a decent night's sleep.
The next day, was almost pretty much the same. It was a REALLY warm day. We were able to go to the park to play with the kids. Trevor got to throw a lot of rocks in the lake that day. We went back to the Stone's Throw to celebrate my parent's 33rd wedding anniversary. When we got back, there was a little time for the kids to play again together. Gwen was just FASCINATED with Ellie. And Ellie was very accommodating. I think she liked that Gwen was able to shower her with smiles and laughter and even reach out for hugs for her. I'm sure she's going to love her little sister when she does the same thing in two months. But if it was because Gwen wasn't as tired out or what...she just didn't want to sleep that night. So it was pretty rough. Trevor, the lucky guy got to go to sleep with Ellie which was new to him, but it might just be something he's going to have to get used to. And the two younger girls might just have to have fun together too. It is hard not to want to at least get a peak into the future to see how much fun the cousins will have together.
The car ride back home was great. Gwen slept for about a half hour, and was entertained or ate the rest of the way home. Trevor slept from the time we hit the highway until we almost hit our driveway. She he called it a very speedy car trip. Although it did take some convincing that we could not stay at the lake house for 100 days. But he is already looking forward to the next trip in under a month. It's marked on his calendar, and he will answer you the day and month of the next trip.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Oh heavens me!
I tried another thing....I figured I might be pushing my luck but oh well.
We just went on a 20 minute walk....and it was PLEASANT! Gwen didn't cry at all. Got fussy if we stopped. I had her out of her carseat and in the stroller. She must have liked the noise and motion because I know she didn't see out past the brim of her sunhat that I had on her. But she didn't fall asleep either. I kept checking. I have no idea why she liked it, but she did. We made it around our entire 4 block "circle". The temperature felt balmy in a Minnesota spring type of way. Now we have an option of something to do after Trevor gets out of school before his naptime!
So for some reason, it's been another good day. Don't know why nights can't be the same, but I'll take it!
We just went on a 20 minute walk....and it was PLEASANT! Gwen didn't cry at all. Got fussy if we stopped. I had her out of her carseat and in the stroller. She must have liked the noise and motion because I know she didn't see out past the brim of her sunhat that I had on her. But she didn't fall asleep either. I kept checking. I have no idea why she liked it, but she did. We made it around our entire 4 block "circle". The temperature felt balmy in a Minnesota spring type of way. Now we have an option of something to do after Trevor gets out of school before his naptime!
So for some reason, it's been another good day. Don't know why nights can't be the same, but I'll take it!
A very happy 1/2 birthday...
Yep...half birthday time! I tried to explain it to Trevor, but I think without presents or some other recognition from the rest of the world, it doesn't mean much to him.
Without sounding like an old historical novel, Gwen has really come into her own the past few weeks. Totally surprising to me mostly because of how sick she got with her last cold. Sleeping has been a nightmare not because of waking up in the middle of the night, but because she will not go down. Of course as I'm saying this, she is up in her crib for a nap for the first time in I think over a week.
She can sit up unassisted for a very long time. She can tolerate short errands in a cart. The most naps she takes are 3..going longer than 2 hours in between naps. Although she hasn't eaten cereal at all, she is an expert at using a spoon to take her antibiotics, so I'm now switching to sweet fruits and veggies making sure the food is very runny and not clumpy.
She has me trained at least for a "come get me" cry. But is consoled VERY easily. The few times she has had bumps or owies, if I hold her, she is calmed down in under 5 seconds. She is very lovey. Lots of hugs, kisses, and smiles.
No teeth yet, nor has she definitively given me any of the signs I'm trying to teach her. But if her scooting is any indication, she might be crawling sooner than Trevor was, and therefore maybe walking sooner too. We'll see.
With this half birthday, has come a major turning point in her life. I really feel like she has a much calmer demeanor than I originally thought. I guess she just had to work some of her frustrations out.
Now, on the flip side, Trevor being out of school for two weeks now is driving both of us CRAZY. I can tell he really wants to be outside in this beautiful weather, but he is also wanting to boss us both around. I'm pretty sure that is coming from him being tired of me and all my "meanness". Really though, he is a very well-behaved kid. I shouldn't complain. It could be so much worse. I'm wondering if Gwen will test me more than Trevor has.
Tomorrow we head to the lake. Trevor has been looking forward to this for many months. We'll see how Gwen does with the change in scenery!
Without sounding like an old historical novel, Gwen has really come into her own the past few weeks. Totally surprising to me mostly because of how sick she got with her last cold. Sleeping has been a nightmare not because of waking up in the middle of the night, but because she will not go down. Of course as I'm saying this, she is up in her crib for a nap for the first time in I think over a week.
She can sit up unassisted for a very long time. She can tolerate short errands in a cart. The most naps she takes are 3..going longer than 2 hours in between naps. Although she hasn't eaten cereal at all, she is an expert at using a spoon to take her antibiotics, so I'm now switching to sweet fruits and veggies making sure the food is very runny and not clumpy.
She has me trained at least for a "come get me" cry. But is consoled VERY easily. The few times she has had bumps or owies, if I hold her, she is calmed down in under 5 seconds. She is very lovey. Lots of hugs, kisses, and smiles.
No teeth yet, nor has she definitively given me any of the signs I'm trying to teach her. But if her scooting is any indication, she might be crawling sooner than Trevor was, and therefore maybe walking sooner too. We'll see.
With this half birthday, has come a major turning point in her life. I really feel like she has a much calmer demeanor than I originally thought. I guess she just had to work some of her frustrations out.
Now, on the flip side, Trevor being out of school for two weeks now is driving both of us CRAZY. I can tell he really wants to be outside in this beautiful weather, but he is also wanting to boss us both around. I'm pretty sure that is coming from him being tired of me and all my "meanness". Really though, he is a very well-behaved kid. I shouldn't complain. It could be so much worse. I'm wondering if Gwen will test me more than Trevor has.
Tomorrow we head to the lake. Trevor has been looking forward to this for many months. We'll see how Gwen does with the change in scenery!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
What is with my memory?
So I was thinking back recently to all the things that happened to me and when. Specifically when I was sick, or other events and trying to remember how old I was. For some reason, (and I'm pretty sure this wasn't really the case) I seem to think everything happened to me when I was in 2nd grade.
So lets see....if someone where to ask me when these things happened, right now I would say 2nd grade:
So lets see....if someone where to ask me when these things happened, right now I would say 2nd grade:
- I threw up in class
- I got the chicken pox
- I had my lip cut to lessen my "David Letterman" look (or Michael Strahan, whichever you prefer)
- The Space Shuttle crash
So of course now my memory is failing again and I cannot remember the other things that fell into this category. But I think it is because everything is tied to that time in my life. Too stressful or something. Hmmm.....What could an 8 year-old be stressed out about at that point?
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