I have always been so impressed with Rylan's ability to handle pain. He is a pro after those months of reflux. When he is sick it is hard to tell because it never wipes him out. I enjoyed always telling the Dr's when I brought him in for "sick visits" and they asked if he has a fever, I'd say "he doesn't get fevers". For 18 months my child has never had a fever...NEVER. Not with the million ear infections, the colds he has endured, nothing. Until today.
I went into his room after an abnormally short nap and he was bright red, as if he had been sunbathing in Aruba for a week without any SPF. I went to touch him and he was HOT to touch. (not a good sign I thought) I took him temp...at first it said 103 and I thought--this can't be happening he NEVER gets fevers...so I took it again...101.5, and again 99.9...so which one was it? ...come to find out our rectal thermometer needed a new battery. I trashed the house to try and find another thermometer(note for parents to be or new parents...always have more then one in your home for moments like these)and he refuses the 3 ear ones people had given us as gifts. Luckily we saved the one they gave us from his stunt in the hospital when he was 3 months old, and the also told us rectally is most accurate. This one said 102.5.
YIKES
I was nervous...and home alone. (all bad things that have happened to our baby always happen when I am alone) I frantically call my mom...who calms me down and tells me to call the Dr. It is Sunday...who does hours on Sunday. I envisioned taken him into the ER and waiting with a sick baby for hours in the waiting room. Thankfully the Dr's office is actually open on Sunday to sick children only.
When we got in they took his temp again: 103.5! Luckily by now Pete was done with soccer and had met me at the office. They took two swabs of guck out of his nose (which he hated so much he screamed and began to choke and puked all over me). The first swab for the Flu was negative. the 2nd swab for RSV...positive.
Now our sicky toddler is layed up for New Years with RSV and breathing treatments from a nebulizer. Poor guy. Pete and I have never seen him so sick!
Pete and I were supposed to be on our way to Foxwoods right now for our overnight stay and Fergie concert...instead our plans Kaput.
Another note to anyone reading this that are soon to be parents....your idea of plans set in stone become out the window the day your baby is born. Suddenly nothing can ever be TRULY Planned...until your kid is 18...maybe.
Lastly....a note to Fergie for missing her this evening and not able to congratulate her on her new engagement..."and I'm going to miss you like a child misses their blanket"! And for the money I was supposed to win tonight to make 2008 a kick ass year...wait for me I am coming soon to get you!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Saturday, December 29, 2007
It has been a YEAR
Just a side note...that this blog has officially turned a year old this holiday season!
Last Year:
This Year:
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!! And thank you for reading our BLOG!
As you can see I have been trying to "change it up" with the look of it! Bare with me as I try to find one I really like!
Last Year:
This Year:
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!! And thank you for reading our BLOG!
As you can see I have been trying to "change it up" with the look of it! Bare with me as I try to find one I really like!
Our winter wonderland
Sing it with us:
"Kids are hacking...are you listening? noses drip, tissues glistening....we're cranky tonight...a sad sad sight...walking in our winter wonderland."
A recap of Christmas:
hack hack...tissue please...hack hack
ok seriously...
Christmas Eve
we enjoyed our yearly fish Portuguese festivities at the inlaws. The beautiful part of this Christmas Eve is we got to go home early. Usually we stay until 1am opening gifts...but since we are hosting Christmas day at our house...I managed to get all the inlaws to agree to open gifts then. I made my Rachel Ray Christmas Pasta sauce to accommodate the fish festivities and it was a HIT this year. I have made it for the past 2 Christmas Eve's prior to this one...but suddenly it was well noticed and loved. I also got to wear my designer shoes again...as I am willing to wear then ANYTIME I have a reason. Rylan also opened up the SAME gift twice which also happens to be one he already owns at home! (the ball popper...which anyone that ever raised a boy would look at and say ..."what a perfect gift!")
Christmas Day
we woke up and fed Rylan the usual breakfast meal but couldn't resist taking his picture. When we sat to open Santa's gifts he wanted nothing to do with the unwrapping part...but every gift that came out he wanted to be opened immediately! Including his tub toys in which he HAD to use ASAP--hence a Christmas morning bath! Soon our living room was filled to the brim. I would also like to publicly note that my husband did a fantastic job buying for his wife this year! There was only one gift that made me scratch my head and wonder why (a movie called "Hostel"...apparently I love horror flicks?). Then I began to go nuts...cleaning and cooking for everyone to come over. When they did we filled the downstairs FULL of gifts (that still sit here begging for a space in our home)--the inlaws are always extremely generous during this season. Dinner was great and was the "official" first holiday we hosted! And the first time we actually used our China!
The Day after Christmas
we headed to Rhode Island for my Dad's birthday. My sister hosted a YUMMY meal filled with relatives we would have seen on Christmas day if we would have been in Rhody. This was perfect because it was a bunch of stops we didn't have to squeeze in AND it was like a mini Christmas. The kids and the adults all enjoyed ripping into some new items. Rylan of course got MORE AND MORE TOYS (we need a home just for his TOYS). We stayed in RI until Friday night. The entire time we were there Rylan was SOOOOOOOO sick catching what I had and still recovering from. He was hacking up a lung with his cousin Ava and his nose was constantly running somewhere. I thought it was cruel to make him stay another night away from his own bed, plus we had hit all the homes we had to by Friday afternoon, minus some friends we didn't want to give cooties too.
Today we are home...Rylan is still under the weather. He is staying with his grandparents tomorrow night while mom and dad are our for a mini vk! We are sleeping over at Foxwoods Casino for our "New Years" the night before New Years. We are seeing Fergie, and gambling! Prior to having fun we have to find homes for the 3432525 toys Rylan had and the other 21532 things of new clothes he got. I am very tempted to also rid ourselves of the tree and other holiday clutter. We shall see. Right now I just want to sit in my PJ's and read my new books. And Pete just wants to play with his PlayStation 3 and his new games...while our hacker takes a nice LONG nap.
"Kids are hacking...are you listening? noses drip, tissues glistening....we're cranky tonight...a sad sad sight...walking in our winter wonderland."
A recap of Christmas:
hack hack...tissue please...hack hack
ok seriously...
Christmas Eve
we enjoyed our yearly fish Portuguese festivities at the inlaws. The beautiful part of this Christmas Eve is we got to go home early. Usually we stay until 1am opening gifts...but since we are hosting Christmas day at our house...I managed to get all the inlaws to agree to open gifts then. I made my Rachel Ray Christmas Pasta sauce to accommodate the fish festivities and it was a HIT this year. I have made it for the past 2 Christmas Eve's prior to this one...but suddenly it was well noticed and loved. I also got to wear my designer shoes again...as I am willing to wear then ANYTIME I have a reason. Rylan also opened up the SAME gift twice which also happens to be one he already owns at home! (the ball popper...which anyone that ever raised a boy would look at and say ..."what a perfect gift!")
Christmas Day
we woke up and fed Rylan the usual breakfast meal but couldn't resist taking his picture. When we sat to open Santa's gifts he wanted nothing to do with the unwrapping part...but every gift that came out he wanted to be opened immediately! Including his tub toys in which he HAD to use ASAP--hence a Christmas morning bath! Soon our living room was filled to the brim. I would also like to publicly note that my husband did a fantastic job buying for his wife this year! There was only one gift that made me scratch my head and wonder why (a movie called "Hostel"...apparently I love horror flicks?). Then I began to go nuts...cleaning and cooking for everyone to come over. When they did we filled the downstairs FULL of gifts (that still sit here begging for a space in our home)--the inlaws are always extremely generous during this season. Dinner was great and was the "official" first holiday we hosted! And the first time we actually used our China!
The Day after Christmas
we headed to Rhode Island for my Dad's birthday. My sister hosted a YUMMY meal filled with relatives we would have seen on Christmas day if we would have been in Rhody. This was perfect because it was a bunch of stops we didn't have to squeeze in AND it was like a mini Christmas. The kids and the adults all enjoyed ripping into some new items. Rylan of course got MORE AND MORE TOYS (we need a home just for his TOYS). We stayed in RI until Friday night. The entire time we were there Rylan was SOOOOOOOO sick catching what I had and still recovering from. He was hacking up a lung with his cousin Ava and his nose was constantly running somewhere. I thought it was cruel to make him stay another night away from his own bed, plus we had hit all the homes we had to by Friday afternoon, minus some friends we didn't want to give cooties too.
Today we are home...Rylan is still under the weather. He is staying with his grandparents tomorrow night while mom and dad are our for a mini vk! We are sleeping over at Foxwoods Casino for our "New Years" the night before New Years. We are seeing Fergie, and gambling! Prior to having fun we have to find homes for the 3432525 toys Rylan had and the other 21532 things of new clothes he got. I am very tempted to also rid ourselves of the tree and other holiday clutter. We shall see. Right now I just want to sit in my PJ's and read my new books. And Pete just wants to play with his PlayStation 3 and his new games...while our hacker takes a nice LONG nap.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Gods gift is your heart in your hands
I remember my dear friend Diana telling me when she had her son how it was like giving birth to your heart and letting it run freely. I remember her sweet stories of holding him in her arms and singing Celion Dion's song "A New Day Has Come" to him. At that time in my life I was about to meet Pete, and yearning to feel what Diana was describing. Little did I know what was to come.
The thing is a million people can tell you before giving birth what it is "like". Not even pregnant can you grasp it's depth. I think about this every time a baby is born to a family member or friend. The thought makes me teary eyed and I think to myself...now they will know what love really is.
For as much as I love my husband, and my family....nothing...and I do mean nothing...can compare to love of your child. Especially as a woman. I am sure Pete loves him son tremendously. I see him well up at moments still and find such joy in knowing he feels it so much. But to have your body hold that baby for 9 months, and then for it to come out and be it's own little being...is amazing. The term "Miracle of Life" is just that....a true Miracle.
I felt immediately that I had given birth to my heart. And to this day it pains me to leave my heart behind to do things on my own even though it is so necessary. I also have taken note that the little things still move me. I thought that the simple things like Rylan's smile would become second nature and not give me goosebumps....and it still does. I thought that waking each morning to go get him would get old, and it doesn't. I thought by now I would stop "checking in" on him before I got to bed, and I am still tucking him in.
I imagine a mom will always be moved by their child's smile, and always be thankful to see them alive and well each morning. I imagine even when Rylan is an adult I will be moved deeply by other things his life brings about into our life. I am sure when he has kids someday I will hold my grandchild finding a new type of love, but still moved by the heart I raised.
The thing is a million people can tell you before giving birth what it is "like". Not even pregnant can you grasp it's depth. I think about this every time a baby is born to a family member or friend. The thought makes me teary eyed and I think to myself...now they will know what love really is.
For as much as I love my husband, and my family....nothing...and I do mean nothing...can compare to love of your child. Especially as a woman. I am sure Pete loves him son tremendously. I see him well up at moments still and find such joy in knowing he feels it so much. But to have your body hold that baby for 9 months, and then for it to come out and be it's own little being...is amazing. The term "Miracle of Life" is just that....a true Miracle.
I felt immediately that I had given birth to my heart. And to this day it pains me to leave my heart behind to do things on my own even though it is so necessary. I also have taken note that the little things still move me. I thought that the simple things like Rylan's smile would become second nature and not give me goosebumps....and it still does. I thought that waking each morning to go get him would get old, and it doesn't. I thought by now I would stop "checking in" on him before I got to bed, and I am still tucking him in.
I imagine a mom will always be moved by their child's smile, and always be thankful to see them alive and well each morning. I imagine even when Rylan is an adult I will be moved deeply by other things his life brings about into our life. I am sure when he has kids someday I will hold my grandchild finding a new type of love, but still moved by the heart I raised.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Being Santa
When Rylan was in my belly I used to rub it and dream. I thought of all the things being a parent was about. With excitement I thought about Christmas...family traditions, and being Santa.
Now I am Santa. And frankly....Santa is sleepy.
The shopping part is fun. I divi up what is from mom and dad, what is from Santa. I bought special wrapping paper for Santa's gifts....but I haven't' gotten to wrapping them yet. MAN I DON"T WANT TO WRAP THEM. I wish at this moment I was Katie Holmes...who hired a wrapper to wrap all of her gifts and coded all of them by paper. How great would it be to have different paper for the two sides of the family, friends, kids, and Santa! It would make organizing whats going to what house so much easier. Instead I am not famous ...and well...I gotta wrap. (does Santa do gift bags?)
Then there is the baking.
I am sooooooooo sick of baking.
If I have to make another cookie I am going to scream.
Yes I am turning green right now into the Grinch.
I love Christmas and all ....but man...it really takes it all out of you. No wonder why parents get so drunk on New Years!
Note to self: more kids equals more wrapping....Yikes I gotta make friends with Katie Holmes...I might just have to become a Scientolgist or Tom won't see me as a "fit" friend.
Now I am Santa. And frankly....Santa is sleepy.
The shopping part is fun. I divi up what is from mom and dad, what is from Santa. I bought special wrapping paper for Santa's gifts....but I haven't' gotten to wrapping them yet. MAN I DON"T WANT TO WRAP THEM. I wish at this moment I was Katie Holmes...who hired a wrapper to wrap all of her gifts and coded all of them by paper. How great would it be to have different paper for the two sides of the family, friends, kids, and Santa! It would make organizing whats going to what house so much easier. Instead I am not famous ...and well...I gotta wrap. (does Santa do gift bags?)
Then there is the baking.
I am sooooooooo sick of baking.
If I have to make another cookie I am going to scream.
Yes I am turning green right now into the Grinch.
I love Christmas and all ....but man...it really takes it all out of you. No wonder why parents get so drunk on New Years!
Note to self: more kids equals more wrapping....Yikes I gotta make friends with Katie Holmes...I might just have to become a Scientolgist or Tom won't see me as a "fit" friend.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
You grow with loss
There is a million things I have to do in the next hour before people start arriving for our TOTS Christmas Party....yet I am sitting here posting on my blog. For good reason. I was just on my way home from Rylan's swim class and the song that I choose a few months back to help "carry" me through my miscarriage came on and I started to cry. WHAM...out of no where. It was exactly how my friend from college that had experienced this a few years back had described it. You think you have "moved past it"(as the song goes---"move along"), that you are "ok", but the truth is it is part of me and my making...and will live with me forever. For most who have never had a miscarriage themselves it is a life "blip", for me it is a loss...a tremendously sad loss. I can not help but to think of how big my belly would be right now, and how now is about the time I would be able to know if it was a boy or a girl. I can't help but to think about the happiness a new little life I carried into this world would bring in May. I also can't help but to notice who reached out during that very hard time, and who never said a thing. It is easy to welcome and celebrate a new baby into the world. It is hard and uncomfortable ones exit from the world. The thing about major moments that make it "uncomfortable for all" is ..they define us and our relationship to one another. I know my loss happened for a reason, and it will probably help someone else with theres someday as it is a unique experience. I am grateful to my old roommate in college...who was quite literally one of the only people who could really understand what I was going through...and continues to. She has had a baby since her loss...and she still finds herself in moments of tears over it, and continues to remember and honor that life in her heart. Even if we don't talk about it to others...it is still there and always will be...we don't learn to live with it...we grow with it.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
The never ending holiday season
The Lame Santa Train
His belly IS LIKE a bowl of Jelly
My son the GOLD DIGGER
I like to see the windows FOG (practicing for the ladies)
I'm leaving...on a midnight train...to the north pole
The Pote's on the train
What up Frosty
Friday night we had our MOMMAS NIGHT out holiday gathering. It was great and I even got to wear my new designer shoes!
Saturday we started it off with a lame Santa ride at the local train station. Granted it was nicely decorated, and Rylan LOVED it. But it literally took us 30 seconds away and then back to where we started and the conductor yelled out "North Pole". I couldn't help but think of the smart kids on the train that could realize that we are just back where we came from. We did get to see Santa, get a free coloring book, and candy cane, and well it was only $8 and free for children under two! The pictures are priceless though. Rylan enjoyed rubbing Santa's belly!
After we went to Friendly's and enjoyed some yummy greasy food!
This weekend was "supposed" to be the the C3 - Dos Santos Christmas weekend but thanks to the snow our homies couldn't make it from Boston. So Instead of enjoying their company, I baked ALL day since we were "snow/iced" in. I was happy to have actually used my Kitchen aide mixer for the first time since I got it as a wedding shower gift! HOW DID I LIVE WITHOUT IT! It rocked my socks. I would also like to note that I took a shower today and then put on knew PJ'S as it is a PJ day!
I also realized after this weekend that this holiday season seems to be dragging on and on. Maybe it is because I started shopping prior to Thanksgiving. All I know is I am sick of the propaganda, the wrapping, and the music. BAH HUMBUG (I switched my early Christmas cd in my car to Kanye West!).
His belly IS LIKE a bowl of Jelly
My son the GOLD DIGGER
I like to see the windows FOG (practicing for the ladies)
I'm leaving...on a midnight train...to the north pole
The Pote's on the train
What up Frosty
Friday night we had our MOMMAS NIGHT out holiday gathering. It was great and I even got to wear my new designer shoes!
Saturday we started it off with a lame Santa ride at the local train station. Granted it was nicely decorated, and Rylan LOVED it. But it literally took us 30 seconds away and then back to where we started and the conductor yelled out "North Pole". I couldn't help but think of the smart kids on the train that could realize that we are just back where we came from. We did get to see Santa, get a free coloring book, and candy cane, and well it was only $8 and free for children under two! The pictures are priceless though. Rylan enjoyed rubbing Santa's belly!
After we went to Friendly's and enjoyed some yummy greasy food!
This weekend was "supposed" to be the the C3 - Dos Santos Christmas weekend but thanks to the snow our homies couldn't make it from Boston. So Instead of enjoying their company, I baked ALL day since we were "snow/iced" in. I was happy to have actually used my Kitchen aide mixer for the first time since I got it as a wedding shower gift! HOW DID I LIVE WITHOUT IT! It rocked my socks. I would also like to note that I took a shower today and then put on knew PJ'S as it is a PJ day!
I also realized after this weekend that this holiday season seems to be dragging on and on. Maybe it is because I started shopping prior to Thanksgiving. All I know is I am sick of the propaganda, the wrapping, and the music. BAH HUMBUG (I switched my early Christmas cd in my car to Kanye West!).
Saturday, December 15, 2007
It is funny to watch Rylan see things he has never seen before. He takes it all in and wants to experience it. It the midst of our major snow storm the other day...I showed him a snow globe which he is now obsessed with. He also enjoyed standing at the window when the the snow was coming down, as it looked like our backyard was a real life snow globe! Everything is so much more excited through a child's eye.
A must see..
My cousin Derek thought it would be fun to bring the family together in a holiday card! You must cop and paste and check it out!
http://www.jibjab.com/sendables/view/Ci0q0kbV1tgnTPCuyFSAGpYT
http://www.jibjab.com/sendables/view/Ci0q0kbV1tgnTPCuyFSAGpYT
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Let it snow Let it snow Let it snow
Rylan got a gift in the mail from the Davis Family in MA. He didn't get to open the gifts..as it isn't Christmas yet. But he didn't care...because he had styraform penauts to play with! And this is what he did with them:
Sunday, December 9, 2007
The stork delievered again!
Just in time for Christmas...
My dear friend Nikki and her husband John welcomed a SON --3 weeks early because he didn't want to miss out on Santa's arrival!
John Fredrick was born last night (Dec 8) in probably the worlds quickest delivery ever!
CONGRATS NIKKI AND JOHN! Your life has just started :-)
My dear friend Nikki and her husband John welcomed a SON --3 weeks early because he didn't want to miss out on Santa's arrival!
John Fredrick was born last night (Dec 8) in probably the worlds quickest delivery ever!
CONGRATS NIKKI AND JOHN! Your life has just started :-)
31 things to be thankful for in honor of my 31st Birthday
I figured in honor of my 31st birthday tomorrow that I would make a list of 31 things I am thankful for. Certainly there is ALOT more I am thankful for but I wanted to mix it up with serious stuff...and stuff that I love BUT could live without if I had too (like the designer shoes for my birthday for instance!)
1. God's blessings (esp. Pete and Rylan)
2. For a great extended family
3. For people believing in me
4. for people that still care about me even though years go by without seeing them
5. for making all of my list of dreams come true
6. weekends and Pete's days off to spend with us
7. Starbucks (need I say more)
8. to have married my best friend
9. Being able and supported by Pete to stay home with my little one
10. Watching all of Rylan's firsts (esp. in swim class)
12. Having terrific, loyal, and fantastic friends
13. Vacations (esp. in Aruba and Bermuda!)
14. Finally owning designer shoes (just got them today for my Birthday)
15. good food...I LOVE good food
16. cuddling with Rylan in the morning
17. Scrapbooking (finally a hobby)
18. US Weekly and Perez Hilton.com (without celeb gossip I would go insane)
19. e-mail (I don't know how I would keep in touch with people without it!)
20. BOOKS (I love to escape into a book)
21. my education and career even if they are not so active now
22. NYC (always my home no matter where I go)
23. international candy brought back to me from Bermuda that we can not get here! YUM
24. Peanut butter pie in my fridge
25. reconnecting with old friends
26. Bethel, CT a perfect place to live
27. Hero's,24,Grey's, The Hills, and all the other tv shows that keeps me entertained
28. The warmth of PJ's
29. Watching Rylan sleep
30. JAMBA JUICE (a must every time I am in NYC)
31.Making it for 31 years and Living each day filled with delightful things
1. God's blessings (esp. Pete and Rylan)
2. For a great extended family
3. For people believing in me
4. for people that still care about me even though years go by without seeing them
5. for making all of my list of dreams come true
6. weekends and Pete's days off to spend with us
7. Starbucks (need I say more)
8. to have married my best friend
9. Being able and supported by Pete to stay home with my little one
10. Watching all of Rylan's firsts (esp. in swim class)
12. Having terrific, loyal, and fantastic friends
13. Vacations (esp. in Aruba and Bermuda!)
14. Finally owning designer shoes (just got them today for my Birthday)
15. good food...I LOVE good food
16. cuddling with Rylan in the morning
17. Scrapbooking (finally a hobby)
18. US Weekly and Perez Hilton.com (without celeb gossip I would go insane)
19. e-mail (I don't know how I would keep in touch with people without it!)
20. BOOKS (I love to escape into a book)
21. my education and career even if they are not so active now
22. NYC (always my home no matter where I go)
23. international candy brought back to me from Bermuda that we can not get here! YUM
24. Peanut butter pie in my fridge
25. reconnecting with old friends
26. Bethel, CT a perfect place to live
27. Hero's,24,Grey's, The Hills, and all the other tv shows that keeps me entertained
28. The warmth of PJ's
29. Watching Rylan sleep
30. JAMBA JUICE (a must every time I am in NYC)
31.Making it for 31 years and Living each day filled with delightful things
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Have you been elfed yet?
Here is what I did to the men in my life AND my friends Christina's men, in honor of the holiday spirit:
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1205494857
you MUST try it yourself! :-)
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1205494857
you MUST try it yourself! :-)
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Just hear those sleigh bells ringgling...
Has anyone noticed that this time of year is supposed to be JOLLY but also hosts a LONG list of "TO DO's" that any other time of the year does not require?
Such as:
-Bring Rylan to the mall to see Santa (check)
-BUY BUY BUY for all the good little boys and girls (almost check)
-Decorate, get tree (check)
-WRAP like it is YO JOB SISTA (umm....it's started?)
-Get ready to host the TOTS Christmas Party (it is coming)
-Decide and prepare for Christmas Dinner at our house this year (the cookbooks are out)
-Buy cute holiday wear for Rylan (check)
-Make New Years Plans (check)
-Take Rylan on the Christmas Train (next weekend!)
-Celebrate a MINI Christmas with the C3 Family (next weekend as well)
-Celebrate my 31st birthday (this weekend!)
-Make Holiday Cookies (not yet)
-send out gifts that need to be shipped (I need to get on this)
-Christmas Cards (almost ALL are in the mail)
I am sure there is more then this but this is what came to mind! No wonder the cranky people at the Mall today..I kept thinking.. "That is not the holiday spirit"...but they are all probably mad about their list and lack of "checks". The bonus to being an at home mom is I can shop during the day (as long as Rylan lets me), and get some of this list taken care of, instead of trying to fit it ALL in on a day off, or the weekend.
Today Rylan experienced Santa. He did not cry, but when I went to hand him off he held onto me for dear life. Santa looked less then amused as he feared another crier!Luckily Rylan held it together but offered up NO SMILE. He might just be feeling a little BA HUMBUG himself!
We are finally feeling better, and we are looking forward to the upcoming weekend. Pete and I head off to NYC Saturday to walk around and visit Kim (who is in the states for some shopping), and possibly my old roomie Katie, to celebrate my 31st birthday!
Monday, December 3, 2007
What the day brings...an orange skunk?
Sunday brought the first snow of the winter season here in Bethel, CT. It was beautiful but as soon as it came it went. Sunday also brought a nasty case of "up the back" poops to Rylan. Pete and I hadn't felt right the day before, and Rylan had been acting very "strange" (meaning not hyper and all over the place...he wanted to be HELD all the time)....then BOOM...an up the back present. We hadn't seen one of those since last winter at our friends Susanne's house.
Monday brought lot of rice soup, apples, and bananas. And FINALLY no
up the backers! BUT a very hyper boy full of his usual spit and vinegar. Still leaning on the side of caution there is no going out today. While he took his morning nap I snuck out while grandpa kept an eye on him while painting the "drug house" den upstairs (hoping to be renewed as a different type of den soon by some nice "normal" tenants). While I was on my way home from getting groceries I saw a SKUNK (at 11:30am) out and about running a muck in our hood. Not only was he a skunk, he was HUGE, and jumpy, and ORANGE. YEP...his stripe wasn't white but a pretty hugh of pumpkin. When I walked in the house to tell my father in law what I just saw, he was about to tell me to go get my eyes checked...as he said "a skunk...during the DAY? and ORANGE? are you sure it wasn;t a fox?". Then while feeding Rylan an hour later Mr. Pumpkin Skunk decided to visit the Dos Santos household. He jumped on our deck and practically waved. This time my father in law came downstairs to say that he and my brother in law had infact witnessed this FAT animal...and that is was indeed NOT a fox.
Guess it is a good thing I won't be out with Rylan today. All we would need is a spray of ohh-de skunk. I also guess Rylan's costume was appropriate for Halloween...but we should have added an orange stripe.
Monday brought lot of rice soup, apples, and bananas. And FINALLY no
up the backers! BUT a very hyper boy full of his usual spit and vinegar. Still leaning on the side of caution there is no going out today. While he took his morning nap I snuck out while grandpa kept an eye on him while painting the "drug house" den upstairs (hoping to be renewed as a different type of den soon by some nice "normal" tenants). While I was on my way home from getting groceries I saw a SKUNK (at 11:30am) out and about running a muck in our hood. Not only was he a skunk, he was HUGE, and jumpy, and ORANGE. YEP...his stripe wasn't white but a pretty hugh of pumpkin. When I walked in the house to tell my father in law what I just saw, he was about to tell me to go get my eyes checked...as he said "a skunk...during the DAY? and ORANGE? are you sure it wasn;t a fox?". Then while feeding Rylan an hour later Mr. Pumpkin Skunk decided to visit the Dos Santos household. He jumped on our deck and practically waved. This time my father in law came downstairs to say that he and my brother in law had infact witnessed this FAT animal...and that is was indeed NOT a fox.
Guess it is a good thing I won't be out with Rylan today. All we would need is a spray of ohh-de skunk. I also guess Rylan's costume was appropriate for Halloween...but we should have added an orange stripe.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Drive Up For Drugs
I always thought it was weird that CVS and other pharmacies had "Drive up windows". I always wondered what type of people were to lazy to get out of the car and go to the counter. Then, yesterday, I discovered why.
After a quick stop at the Christmas Tree Shop which was MOBBED with people and a constant crying Rylan, I forgot to get Rylan's reflux meds, and frankly did not want to deal with dragging my cranky toddler out of the car again and dress him in three layers. So I tried it out. Frankly it was great. It lasted 1/2 the time it regularly does, AND I didn't have to get the kid out of the car. AHHH 1 more great "Drive through" listed on my list for a HAPPY MOM and BABY. CVS now appears on that list after the Bank and of course DUNKIN DOUGHNUTS. Now all we have to get in town is a drive through Starbucks to really rock this moms world.
In other good news...our drug dealer neighbors upstairs officially moved out today! the skies opened up and sang to us as we rid our home of such trash. We hope the next neighbors are a little bit more considerate, and a little more "drug free". I no longer have to be the woman at the window staring at the variety of interesting people coming for "short visits" to our home! No longer do I have to worry if the man standing at the door is here for a "pick up" or is just a Mormon or Jehovah's witness selling their beliefs! I can take on the bible beaters...but the drug dealers and users...that was my old life...I no longer work at DayTop Village drug rehab, nor do I wish to live and raise a kid in one! With GREAT JOY we shed our lives of this fear!
After a quick stop at the Christmas Tree Shop which was MOBBED with people and a constant crying Rylan, I forgot to get Rylan's reflux meds, and frankly did not want to deal with dragging my cranky toddler out of the car again and dress him in three layers. So I tried it out. Frankly it was great. It lasted 1/2 the time it regularly does, AND I didn't have to get the kid out of the car. AHHH 1 more great "Drive through" listed on my list for a HAPPY MOM and BABY. CVS now appears on that list after the Bank and of course DUNKIN DOUGHNUTS. Now all we have to get in town is a drive through Starbucks to really rock this moms world.
In other good news...our drug dealer neighbors upstairs officially moved out today! the skies opened up and sang to us as we rid our home of such trash. We hope the next neighbors are a little bit more considerate, and a little more "drug free". I no longer have to be the woman at the window staring at the variety of interesting people coming for "short visits" to our home! No longer do I have to worry if the man standing at the door is here for a "pick up" or is just a Mormon or Jehovah's witness selling their beliefs! I can take on the bible beaters...but the drug dealers and users...that was my old life...I no longer work at DayTop Village drug rehab, nor do I wish to live and raise a kid in one! With GREAT JOY we shed our lives of this fear!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
...it's fun to stay at the Y M C A
RYLAN LOOVVVVESSSSSS HIS SWIM CLASS! It is sick how much he is into it. The kid belongs in water...I am not sure while God made him into a man and not a fish.
This weeks crazy discovery was that he now can float on his back without assistance. I only gently hold his head so he doesn't accidently throw it back and water, and the rest of him FLOATS >>>>ALL BY HIMSELF. The other two moms in the group with little girls started grilling me today to tell them "what I do". I had to tell them that there isn't anything "I DO"..that my lil man is a mad man...not afraid of anything except for vacuum cleaners and hair driers! He also went on to row his hands in the water and KICK while floating on his back. He clapped a ton and chatted to me more then he ever has. And to top it all off HE PAYED ATTENTION. I learned today my son already has perfected the art of "tuning out". I thought he has attention issues,,,but really it is about if he WANTS to pay attention. In swim class he is a perfect student...at home he tunes Mom out.
His new found love has made me anxious to go every week and see him smile, squeal, and try new daring things. Next week grandma and grandpa Dos Santos will be joining us and taking PICTURES! Which of course will be blogged :-)
This weeks crazy discovery was that he now can float on his back without assistance. I only gently hold his head so he doesn't accidently throw it back and water, and the rest of him FLOATS >>>>ALL BY HIMSELF. The other two moms in the group with little girls started grilling me today to tell them "what I do". I had to tell them that there isn't anything "I DO"..that my lil man is a mad man...not afraid of anything except for vacuum cleaners and hair driers! He also went on to row his hands in the water and KICK while floating on his back. He clapped a ton and chatted to me more then he ever has. And to top it all off HE PAYED ATTENTION. I learned today my son already has perfected the art of "tuning out". I thought he has attention issues,,,but really it is about if he WANTS to pay attention. In swim class he is a perfect student...at home he tunes Mom out.
His new found love has made me anxious to go every week and see him smile, squeal, and try new daring things. Next week grandma and grandpa Dos Santos will be joining us and taking PICTURES! Which of course will be blogged :-)
Stay At Home Mom...I must confess...
....is...as a fellow mom recently said "kinda boring".
This is the never ending debate...to work or not to work.
My working friends dream of staying home and my stay at home friends dream of not living in the movie Ground Hog Day (thank you Pam for this description it captures it perfectly).
After my miscarriage I put plans for our next child not on "hold", but on "nature". I am not trying to plan everything around time. In my perfect little head last year when I couldn't get my DREAM job thanks to my certification issues I had summed up a great plan. I would stay home another year and enjoy Rylan, while have another baby and enjoy him/her too, while getting certified. Well...as we all know my "plan" fell through and I am finally surrendering to the fact that I do not ALWAYS have control, although I very much would like too.
So I back to getting certified. I am taking my teaching exam next month,...which can I add is ridiculous. Apparently they think the schematics of table tennis, tap dance, and high school chemistry will make me a FANTASTIC Elementary school teacher. I kid you not...on the practice exam last night it went from "how do you break up a fight in the classroom" (I got that one from working in the boogie down Bronx BABY), to how to score table tennis. Since when do the kids play table tennis or tap dance in school? Can I also mention that besides this test covering all areas...how to teach, history of teaching, k-12 material in all subjects, GYM, Music, Art, and dance...it also cost a WHOOPING $225! If I fail I am SCREWED! Not to mention the 2nd test I have to take in the spring that is similar to the SAT that will be another $130.
This doesn't mean if I a pass I am 100% going back to work. I am just playing with the idea. If Easton, CT had another opening at that FANTASTIC AMAZING DREAM of a school...would I take it...probably. If our "inner city" of Danbury had one...not so much. It has got to be REALLY worth it for me to pry away from my baby boy.
Here is the deal...the grass is always greener. For your pleasure and my way to organize my thoughts here is my work or not to work list:
Top ten reasons to stay home:
1. I see Rylan day in day out and don't miss a thing
2. Rylan built blocks for the first time yesterday and today floated on his back by himself...and I was there to cheer him on.
3. I can wear sweat pants and don't "HAVE" to shower or do my hair
4. I can nap when he naps if I so choose to
5. everyday is like the weekend ...when I question "what shall we do today?"
6. Rylan loves his mom like no one else and I want to puke when I think the words DAY CARE
7. I can grocery shop when everyone else is at WORK..no crowds no lines...pure bliss
8. I can have playdate with other friends and have MOMS GROUP
9. I can clean the house and other annoying chores during the week so the weekend is filled with family time
10. I can spend time reading a book, e-mailing, scrapbooking or other fun hobbies when Rylan is into a video or napping
Top Ten reasons to go to work:
1. no more growing an ulcer over our debt or feel guilty feeding my Starbucks habit
2. I can actually use my years of education by having intellectual conversations
3. My masters degree's will not be used to try and figure out how to pin down an 18 month old to change a poop diaper
4. I can wear "career" clothes and not look like a slob
5. I will not repeat days over and over that was pretty much exactly the same
6. My job will include days off...this job never does :-) (teacher is the perfect job for mom with the summers off and all the other vacations!)
7. I can regain my passion for my career after years and years of fulfilling the requirements
8. I can talk to other adults about other things besides poop
9. I can get a housekeeper to clean the joint...instead of trying to do it myself while working AND spend quality time with my family (god knows I hate house work)
10. Rylan can have other interaction with kids and learn to be independent without his lurking MOM
So what is the right answer????
I HAVE NO CLUE...nor do I have a plan....
we shall see how I do on that test!
This is the never ending debate...to work or not to work.
My working friends dream of staying home and my stay at home friends dream of not living in the movie Ground Hog Day (thank you Pam for this description it captures it perfectly).
After my miscarriage I put plans for our next child not on "hold", but on "nature". I am not trying to plan everything around time. In my perfect little head last year when I couldn't get my DREAM job thanks to my certification issues I had summed up a great plan. I would stay home another year and enjoy Rylan, while have another baby and enjoy him/her too, while getting certified. Well...as we all know my "plan" fell through and I am finally surrendering to the fact that I do not ALWAYS have control, although I very much would like too.
So I back to getting certified. I am taking my teaching exam next month,...which can I add is ridiculous. Apparently they think the schematics of table tennis, tap dance, and high school chemistry will make me a FANTASTIC Elementary school teacher. I kid you not...on the practice exam last night it went from "how do you break up a fight in the classroom" (I got that one from working in the boogie down Bronx BABY), to how to score table tennis. Since when do the kids play table tennis or tap dance in school? Can I also mention that besides this test covering all areas...how to teach, history of teaching, k-12 material in all subjects, GYM, Music, Art, and dance...it also cost a WHOOPING $225! If I fail I am SCREWED! Not to mention the 2nd test I have to take in the spring that is similar to the SAT that will be another $130.
This doesn't mean if I a pass I am 100% going back to work. I am just playing with the idea. If Easton, CT had another opening at that FANTASTIC AMAZING DREAM of a school...would I take it...probably. If our "inner city" of Danbury had one...not so much. It has got to be REALLY worth it for me to pry away from my baby boy.
Here is the deal...the grass is always greener. For your pleasure and my way to organize my thoughts here is my work or not to work list:
Top ten reasons to stay home:
1. I see Rylan day in day out and don't miss a thing
2. Rylan built blocks for the first time yesterday and today floated on his back by himself...and I was there to cheer him on.
3. I can wear sweat pants and don't "HAVE" to shower or do my hair
4. I can nap when he naps if I so choose to
5. everyday is like the weekend ...when I question "what shall we do today?"
6. Rylan loves his mom like no one else and I want to puke when I think the words DAY CARE
7. I can grocery shop when everyone else is at WORK..no crowds no lines...pure bliss
8. I can have playdate with other friends and have MOMS GROUP
9. I can clean the house and other annoying chores during the week so the weekend is filled with family time
10. I can spend time reading a book, e-mailing, scrapbooking or other fun hobbies when Rylan is into a video or napping
Top Ten reasons to go to work:
1. no more growing an ulcer over our debt or feel guilty feeding my Starbucks habit
2. I can actually use my years of education by having intellectual conversations
3. My masters degree's will not be used to try and figure out how to pin down an 18 month old to change a poop diaper
4. I can wear "career" clothes and not look like a slob
5. I will not repeat days over and over that was pretty much exactly the same
6. My job will include days off...this job never does :-) (teacher is the perfect job for mom with the summers off and all the other vacations!)
7. I can regain my passion for my career after years and years of fulfilling the requirements
8. I can talk to other adults about other things besides poop
9. I can get a housekeeper to clean the joint...instead of trying to do it myself while working AND spend quality time with my family (god knows I hate house work)
10. Rylan can have other interaction with kids and learn to be independent without his lurking MOM
So what is the right answer????
I HAVE NO CLUE...nor do I have a plan....
we shall see how I do on that test!
Monday, November 26, 2007
The stockings were hung by the fireplace with care..
Tonight was the official decorating for the season night. We put on some holiday music, and began to decorate our beautiful FAT tree. Once we began Rylan thought it would be fun to take off every ornament we put on that he could reach. Then when we turned our back he reached into our ornament organizer and grabbed a nice glass ball and like he-man he crushed in the palm of his hand. It scared him and he cried but luckily wasn't hurt. That is when Pete and I decided that family tree decorating wasn't for 18 month olds, and we retired him to bed. Now everything in the house is hung and looking festive. All we have left is outside...don't worry we don't own any blow up Santa's for the lawn or a gazillion lights...but I can't say the same for our neighbors! (YIKES)
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