I had to put on my big girl panties today....
... Evie had her first babysitter besides family.
I couldn't have left Evie in better hands. Not only did I have a RN watching Evie, it was her RN from KKI. Leslie took care of Evie when she had a feeling tube, messy infant poops, screamed when bathed, and needed some love while Mommy and Daddy went home for some air. Taking care of Evie these days is a whole new ballgame; a MUCH easier gig.
Leslie was anxious to see Evie after a year and I was ready to give my sister a break from watching Evie. I tried to give Leslie only 5 minutes of instructions, but I think I crammed half of Evie's life story in those 5 minutes. Leslie was very sweet and acted interested. I knew she had it under control; I just had to let go of control.
The initial greeting didn't go so well due to Parker acting like,well Parker, and plowing down the door as Leslie walked in. I think it scared Evie and the crying began. Luckily it was nap time, so Leslie quickly scooped her up and got her to nap for 2 hours. When I returned hours later Evie was happily playing with Leslie in her room, bathed, PJs on, and gave me a smile.
Who knows if Evie remembers Leslie gentle touch from last year, but it sounded like they had a positive, first out of KKI experience. I hope Leslie will let us use her services again and again!
My next project- making the nursery an option at church. It doesn't help when we are checking out a new church and know no one. It will be Evie's turn to wear the big girl panties!
Follow Our Adventures
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Please Touch Me
I can't stop myself! I cannot call the Please Touch
Anyhoo, part of our visit to see Kristen and Brendan was to take the kiddos to the Please Touch
It. Was. Awesome.
The PTM is a huge museum (I wouldn't even call it a museum) with play areas. It was like Storyville on steroids. We didn't even scratch the surface in our 2 hours there. Some of the areas were too big for Evie and Brendan, but there were at least three areas we found designated for 3 and under. As with all play areas, not all parents follow this rule.
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| Doing the loop |
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| Putting magnetic apples on the tree |
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| Poor Evie isn't heavy enough to make the key light up |
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| Just a day out on the boat with her boyfriend |
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| Alice in Wonderland |
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| The big noses were the biggest draw to the cards |
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| She loved playing with this naked baby boy. Who wants to get her a doll baby?? |
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| She wouldn't keep on the life jacket in the canoe. Darn |
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| Playing musical instruments |
Evie really wanted to play at the water area, but unfortunately she was too short to reach the smallest stations. Welcome to the world of being vertically challenged my love. It broke my heart slightly to see her face when she couldn't reach.
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| Two exhausted toddlers after 1 hour of exploring and playing |
I wanted Evie to play longer, but she was done after lunch. It was such a fun museum. I enjoyed watching her face light up as she explored new things. We will be back with Daddy or Grandparent back up!
Warning: If you decide to go, it is EXPENSIVE! Evie was not free either. I love Storyville even more now. F-R-E-E :)
Friday, August 24, 2012
Dog Days of Summer
As we approach Labor Day Weekend, the summer comes to a close. Evie's birthday marks the beginning of summer, so it seems fitting to give a report on where she stands 3 months later.
Evie is around 19 lbs, 3 oz at 15 months. Our pediatrician doesn't see Evie until 18 months, but since we were in for HFMD, we got an idea of her weight.
Evie mastered walking very quickly and has now added running to her repertoire. She makes this adorable gurgling sound when she runs. When Daddy isn't home to chase her around the house, Parker is her #2 man. She runs with his ball while Parker tries to get it from her. He is very gentle with her. In fact, Evie is the #1 ball snatcher from Parker. He gives up his ball (or other toys) much easier to her than us. Stomping her feet is a dance move as well as an excited gesture. She participates in all 3 verses of "If you're happy and you know it" now.
Evie continues to drink from straw and sippy cups. She gladly drinks milk. We recently cut all milk before bed. She is a decent eater, still 3 meals with 2 snacks (right on track with her preggo mother). She can stab and pick up some foods with a fork. She gets a huge smile on her face when she does and gives us a head nod like "yeah, I'm good". She uses a spoon to mix her food, but doesn't know how to use it yet to feed herself.
Although she was slow to begin, she has 10 teeth. 4 on top, 4 on bottom, and 2 bottom molars. Our pediatrician wants us to take her to the dentist before her 18 month appointment. I see this adventure as pointless. When I saw the dentist this week, the hygienist said she can come with me next summer and that should be good enough. Feedback from parents??
In and out is a common theme in her play. She takes toys in and out of boxes, goes on and off chairs, delicately places the straps of her highchair back on the sides then together like she's buckling in, toys are STILL going in and out of her mouth (does this ever end??), fills and dumps containers of water in her pool and bath, and puts food in and out of bowls.
The new question from everyone is "is she talking?" I'm not sure what "talking" is at this age. She babbles a lot. She can tell us what a cow, dog, sheep, and monkey say. She has a name for dogs. Her main way of communicating with us is pointing and squealing. I'm pretty good at figuring it out.
We had a fun summer filled with trips to Ocean City, NJ, Boston, grandparents' houses, college friends' houses as well as toddler friendly activities such as the library's 30 minute play partners program, Storyville, Gymboree, parks, pools, and countless rides in the shopping cart. As you look through some pictures from the last 3 months, can you find 2 common themes?
I'm ready for cooler nights and the beautiful transition to Fall. I have always loved Fall. However, it meant the return to school/work. I'm looking forward to spending my favorite season with my little girl as our last hoorah together before both of our worlds get rocked in December.
Evie is around 19 lbs, 3 oz at 15 months. Our pediatrician doesn't see Evie until 18 months, but since we were in for HFMD, we got an idea of her weight.
Evie mastered walking very quickly and has now added running to her repertoire. She makes this adorable gurgling sound when she runs. When Daddy isn't home to chase her around the house, Parker is her #2 man. She runs with his ball while Parker tries to get it from her. He is very gentle with her. In fact, Evie is the #1 ball snatcher from Parker. He gives up his ball (or other toys) much easier to her than us. Stomping her feet is a dance move as well as an excited gesture. She participates in all 3 verses of "If you're happy and you know it" now.
Evie continues to drink from straw and sippy cups. She gladly drinks milk. We recently cut all milk before bed. She is a decent eater, still 3 meals with 2 snacks (right on track with her preggo mother). She can stab and pick up some foods with a fork. She gets a huge smile on her face when she does and gives us a head nod like "yeah, I'm good". She uses a spoon to mix her food, but doesn't know how to use it yet to feed herself.
Although she was slow to begin, she has 10 teeth. 4 on top, 4 on bottom, and 2 bottom molars. Our pediatrician wants us to take her to the dentist before her 18 month appointment. I see this adventure as pointless. When I saw the dentist this week, the hygienist said she can come with me next summer and that should be good enough. Feedback from parents??
In and out is a common theme in her play. She takes toys in and out of boxes, goes on and off chairs, delicately places the straps of her highchair back on the sides then together like she's buckling in, toys are STILL going in and out of her mouth (does this ever end??), fills and dumps containers of water in her pool and bath, and puts food in and out of bowls.
The new question from everyone is "is she talking?" I'm not sure what "talking" is at this age. She babbles a lot. She can tell us what a cow, dog, sheep, and monkey say. She has a name for dogs. Her main way of communicating with us is pointing and squealing. I'm pretty good at figuring it out.
We had a fun summer filled with trips to Ocean City, NJ, Boston, grandparents' houses, college friends' houses as well as toddler friendly activities such as the library's 30 minute play partners program, Storyville, Gymboree, parks, pools, and countless rides in the shopping cart. As you look through some pictures from the last 3 months, can you find 2 common themes?
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| 13-15 Months |
I'm ready for cooler nights and the beautiful transition to Fall. I have always loved Fall. However, it meant the return to school/work. I'm looking forward to spending my favorite season with my little girl as our last hoorah together before both of our worlds get rocked in December.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Hoof and Mouth
My little girl had her first childhood illness this weekend. Sure she's had colds, but she has really been healthy as a horse recently. I should have known when I made that statement to my neighbor that she was bound to get sick.
After 3 days of very public, toddler germ sharing places (pool, Gymboree, and Storyville), I noticed some red spots on Evie's feet when I took her socks off. I was already on heightened alert for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease after Evie's friend came to the gym with sores on her mouth a few weeks back. Evie has little dots on her body from time to time, which I chalk up to heat rash or just mystery dots. Naturally Jason was away Thursday night and I was alone with Evie. Right around dinner time she spiked a fever and ate about 2 bites of dinner. She sat her in her chair with that glazed over, my body hurts look. We've all been there with fevers...
While I love our forehead thermometer, it was getting readings from 99 to 103. Mostly sticking over 100. I gave her a cool bath, called my medically knowledgeable sister, and gave her Tylenol. Evie was dead weight at this point just wanting to be snuggled.
After 1 hour of snuggling, I finally got Evie down for 1 hour in her crib. After that it was laying with Daddy in our bed until about 4 AM when he finally was able to get her back into her crib. Bless Jason's heart for holding her all night.
I took her to see the doctor on Friday morning who quickly diagnosed her with HFMD after a peak in her mouth. Not much I can do for her, but force her to drink liquids. Evie cooperated very well with drinking even though I could tell her mouth really hurt. She had spots on her belly, diaper area, hands, and feet. Her rash did not blister or look anything like what I saw on Baby Center. I think she had a mild case of it.
Friday was a tough day, but by Saturday morning we were on the road to recovery. Toddler Advil kept her comfortable for 48 hours. She didn't have a fever after Thursday night, thank goodness.
For the horror stories I heard about HFMD, I think we lucked out with a pretty easy go. I plan to resume normal germ infested activities tomorrow in hopes that Evie is past the contagious period. Back to the gym and library to suck her thumb and get the next thing!
After 3 days of very public, toddler germ sharing places (pool, Gymboree, and Storyville), I noticed some red spots on Evie's feet when I took her socks off. I was already on heightened alert for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease after Evie's friend came to the gym with sores on her mouth a few weeks back. Evie has little dots on her body from time to time, which I chalk up to heat rash or just mystery dots. Naturally Jason was away Thursday night and I was alone with Evie. Right around dinner time she spiked a fever and ate about 2 bites of dinner. She sat her in her chair with that glazed over, my body hurts look. We've all been there with fevers...
While I love our forehead thermometer, it was getting readings from 99 to 103. Mostly sticking over 100. I gave her a cool bath, called my medically knowledgeable sister, and gave her Tylenol. Evie was dead weight at this point just wanting to be snuggled.
After 1 hour of snuggling, I finally got Evie down for 1 hour in her crib. After that it was laying with Daddy in our bed until about 4 AM when he finally was able to get her back into her crib. Bless Jason's heart for holding her all night.
I took her to see the doctor on Friday morning who quickly diagnosed her with HFMD after a peak in her mouth. Not much I can do for her, but force her to drink liquids. Evie cooperated very well with drinking even though I could tell her mouth really hurt. She had spots on her belly, diaper area, hands, and feet. Her rash did not blister or look anything like what I saw on Baby Center. I think she had a mild case of it.
Friday was a tough day, but by Saturday morning we were on the road to recovery. Toddler Advil kept her comfortable for 48 hours. She didn't have a fever after Thursday night, thank goodness.
For the horror stories I heard about HFMD, I think we lucked out with a pretty easy go. I plan to resume normal germ infested activities tomorrow in hopes that Evie is past the contagious period. Back to the gym and library to suck her thumb and get the next thing!
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Jason Jr??
I had my 5th ultrasound this week. As crazy as it sounds, I'm ok if we don't have any more. I have to lug Evie into Baltimore to UMD Hospital, wait 30 minutes- 1 hour to be seen, then leave with a better chance of knowing the gender. Luckily Jason works within walking distance, so he goes with me and Evie has been very well behaved.
This ultrasound was to finish looking at the anatomy and to check on H2's heart. With my diabetes and now seeing the OBs, they are keeping a closer eye on things, especially the heart. The heart is "beautiful" and all fingers are there (this was one of the last things left to check off the list). We had our first 3D ultrasound at this visit. No one ever offered with Evie nor did we push for one. They kind of creep me out. The tech just did it this time.
This ultrasound was to finish looking at the anatomy and to check on H2's heart. With my diabetes and now seeing the OBs, they are keeping a closer eye on things, especially the heart. The heart is "beautiful" and all fingers are there (this was one of the last things left to check off the list). We had our first 3D ultrasound at this visit. No one ever offered with Evie nor did we push for one. They kind of creep me out. The tech just did it this time.
I'm sticking with my guess of boy. Anyone else seeing Jason in the 2nd one??
Monday, August 13, 2012
Special Delivery
We happily welcomed our NC family to our house for a quick visit. Jen and Matt made a last minute trip north to see grandparents in PA and stopped by our house for an overnight on the way south.
Luke is getting big and working through his milestones. He looks just like his mommy! He was a drooling mess. That can only mean one thing..."he must be getting teeth"
Luke and Evie didn't get a lot of play time on Sunday since they were on opposite nap schedules. Everyone had fun on our outing to Sweet Frog for toppings yogurt. Despite my no sweets stand for Evie, we do give her some frozen yogurt. She had her first experience with chocolate yogurt. She's in love.
L & E conspired against the adults and decided to both start screaming at 11:30 PM and refuse to go back to their own beds. We should have all played some cards in the middle of the night. There is definitely a different vibe in the house when we are with other kiddos. Evie is a solid night sleeper except when she knows a little friend is in the house. This weekend should be interesting with all our sleepovers with little tikes.
I wasn't feeling amazing on Monday morning, so while Matt did some work, the babies played together. Luke spent some time watching Evie do her thing.
Evie played nicely for the most part even though she looks like she is kicking Luke out of her table. Evie stared at Luke when he cried. Her facial expression was hysterical. This girl doesn't know what is about to hit her!
Not only we were thrilled to see Aunt Jen, Uncle Matt, cousin Luke, and cousin dog Pup Pup, they also brought us some stuff for H2. We have Luke Man's newborn and 0-3 month clothes. At least H2 will have something to wear since all my newborn stuff is warm weather appropriate. They also brought us a chair for H2's nursery.
Luke is getting big and working through his milestones. He looks just like his mommy! He was a drooling mess. That can only mean one thing..."he must be getting teeth"
Luke and Evie didn't get a lot of play time on Sunday since they were on opposite nap schedules. Everyone had fun on our outing to Sweet Frog for
L & E conspired against the adults and decided to both start screaming at 11:30 PM and refuse to go back to their own beds. We should have all played some cards in the middle of the night. There is definitely a different vibe in the house when we are with other kiddos. Evie is a solid night sleeper except when she knows a little friend is in the house. This weekend should be interesting with all our sleepovers with little tikes.
I wasn't feeling amazing on Monday morning, so while Matt did some work, the babies played together. Luke spent some time watching Evie do her thing.
Evie played nicely for the most part even though she looks like she is kicking Luke out of her table. Evie stared at Luke when he cried. Her facial expression was hysterical. This girl doesn't know what is about to hit her!
Not only we were thrilled to see Aunt Jen, Uncle Matt, cousin Luke, and cousin dog Pup Pup, they also brought us some stuff for H2. We have Luke Man's newborn and 0-3 month clothes. At least H2 will have something to wear since all my newborn stuff is warm weather appropriate. They also brought us a chair for H2's nursery.
Now this chair has had a long life. It has a twin and originally lived in Lancaster with my parents. Then the pair moved to Chambersburg, PA to Jason's apartment after college. Next, they moved to Springfield, PA to Jason's mom's house because Jason didn't have room in his new place in Annapolis. The next move was to NC to Matt & Jen's house. Now one has made it to our house. It's amazing no one has gotten rid of them yet. Matt calls them his "thinking chairs". It is comfortable and best yet, F-R-E-E. Thanks Mom and Dad for buying these chairs eons ago :)
Friday, August 10, 2012
Cast your Vote
The poll is up for anyone that wants to guess the gender of H2. Poll closes December 12, my original due date.
My guess is a boy again. I swore I was having a boy last time. As with before, I think I'm an ultrasound reading guru and can read the ultrasound even though I look away when told. Clearly I did not see boy junk with Evie so I'm hoping I am wrong again. I REALLY want another girl. I hope having a blue room, a box full of boy winter stuff from Luke, and a boy's name more set than a girl's will all bring a girl.
The trend is all boys from the slew of preggo girlfriends that found out.
Yes, I will love a boy too. I'm just not familar with boys. My husband baffles me. I sort of know what to expect with girls.
Vote away.... It's anonymous for those people that hate to leave comments
My guess is a boy again. I swore I was having a boy last time. As with before, I think I'm an ultrasound reading guru and can read the ultrasound even though I look away when told. Clearly I did not see boy junk with Evie so I'm hoping I am wrong again. I REALLY want another girl. I hope having a blue room, a box full of boy winter stuff from Luke, and a boy's name more set than a girl's will all bring a girl.
The trend is all boys from the slew of preggo girlfriends that found out.
Yes, I will love a boy too. I'm just not familar with boys. My husband baffles me. I sort of know what to expect with girls.
Vote away.... It's anonymous for those people that hate to leave comments
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