Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Christmas 2012

How wonderful to have a fairly relaxed Christmas together.  Adam definitely had a great time!  He loved any gifts he received and spent the day enjoying them.  It was so wonderful to see his happy, interested face when he saw Santa had come to our house.  He was happy to see an unwrapped present waiting for him and wanted to open more to see what else was there.  He truly wore himself out.  He played and walked, played and walked throughout the whole day.  He held on without a second nap until it was time for bed.  He did wake in the middle of the night stuffed up, could not breathe, teeth bothering him however.  He took a nice soothing bath and went straight back to bed.  Such a sweetie.

I enjoyed making the turkey for the first time in my life.  I learned a great amount and know how I would do some things differently in the future.  I tried to keep the cooking process as simple as possible not to complicate it further, but also I just wanted the turkey to be done well so no one got sick.  There were conflicting instructions as to how long to cook the turkey and I chose to use a lower temperature for a longer time.  I think it worked out well.  No one seemed to have complained.  Next year we are bringing sharper knives though.

I was so tired from not getting much sleep, Adam's contagious excitement and from the stress of cooking that I was completely befuddled after eating dinner.  I did not even feel like I needed dessert, I had my fair share of Hershey's kisses all day long.  I am glad the 2 kinds of stuffing, spiral noodle salad and brussel sprouts got done in time.  The only thing I would have liked otherwise is if everyone was healthy so they could attend Christmas happily.

Grateful for presents and blessed with baby number two, who is moving around so much today.  Will be interesting to see their personality as they are likely to be very different from Adam.  He is so easy going, cooperative, smart, interested and laid back.  Who knows.  Maybe I will get a great sleeper that loves sleeping in, playing with Adam.  Here's hoping.  Bed time

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Wrapping Presents

I got to watch Dexter while wrapping presents again tonight.  I am 80% done wrapping and one gift if unaccounted for in that I have no idea where I hid it.  I had also forgotten about a stash I had made and tried to quickly wrap some of those up before the boys came back home.  I got no paper cuts and did not puncture any newly wrapped gifts yet.

Adam did not have a second nap today so I am hoping for an early bed time without a wake up in the middle of the night routine.  Last night was no sleep so I am looking forward to a full 8 hours tonight.  However, I am not holding my breath.

Prenatal visit went well today.  Got to hear the baby's heartbeat again today.  Another baby that likes to sit right on my bladder.  I can call tomorrow and set up my ultrasound.  Yay.  I cannot wait to find out what we are having.  I know it is still not for sure until they are born, but I want to know anyway.  Why not?  I do not want to wait.  Love to know.  I do not have a clear gut feeling about one way or the other.  At my first ultrasound the baby rang a girl to me, but today the doctor said the slow and steady heartbeat sounds like a boy.  I would love another boy, but a girl would be a whole other adventure also.

Did not get caught in the snow today and have no plans to drive far in it tomorrow.  All my appointments today were on dry roads and I am very grateful for that.  Now back to Dexter, wrapping, Hershey's kisses (the only chocolate I can tolerate right now that I just, unfortunately, discovered tonight) and my Tom and Jerry mix drink.  Sweet.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Me Too... Psychology Today Quote


Snap, Crackle, Pop: When Sounds Enrage

Misophonia information and resources
For people with a condition that is referred to as misophonia, certain sounds can be torture. Misophonia, also called Selective Sound Sensitivity Syndrome, or 4S, is a form of decreased sound tolerance, and for those who have this condition, the sounds of other people chewing, slurping, breathing, blowing their nose, or cracking their knuckles can send them into extreme anger or anxiety.
I should know. I’ve lived with this condition since I was a teenager. For years, I wondered what was wrong with me – why it was that I just couldn’t deal with certain sounds without feeling like I either wanted to punch the person or run out of the room. I never discussed this with my doctor, and my family just thought I was being moody. It wasn’t until last year, when I saw a segment on the Today Show, that I realized what I was experiencing actually had a name.
Misophonics have certain sound triggers, usually focused around eating, breathing, or other bodily noises. My triggers tend to be anything that sounds like cracking, such as chewing nuts, knuckle cracking, and snapping gum. Many people with 4S feel like they’re going crazy and often lead lives of isolation, not by choice, but in order to preserve their sanity.


According to a New York Times article on the topic, some experts think that there may be a genetic component. Other neuroscientists think that the condition is a physiological abnormality that resides in a certain part of the brain. According to the article, the condition almost always begins in late childhood or early adolescence and tends to worsen over time.
Presently, there is no cure for misophonia. When people can’t avoid their trigger sounds, they often try earplugs or other sound-reducing devices to quiet the noise. Avoidance is another technique that is used, but who wants to miss out on fun trips and outings because sound is an issue? It is important to note that a misophonic’s reaction is not voluntary. As soon as a trigger sound is encountered, the body is flooded with intense emotion.
Here are some ways you can help someone who has misophonia:
** Know their triggers. Have a conversation with your loved one or co-worker about what their triggers are and use your best efforts to avoid those triggers.
** Lend a sympathetic ear. This is not a fun condition, and the intense emotions it produces often leave people frustrated, emotional, and worn out.
** Mind your manners. In general, it’s just disgusting to have to listen to people blow their noses, clear their nasal passages, crack their knuckles or chomp their gum. If you have to attend to these bodily functions, please do so in a bathroom or another private area. Not only will misophonics feel a little relief, but the general public will thank you.
** Reassure them that word about this condition is getting out. While there aren’t many, there are a few websites you can refer people to:
www.misophonia-provider.com. This is Dr. Marsha Johnson’s website, which is 3000 people and growing.
www.misophonia.info
The New York Times article referenced above can be found athttp://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/06/health/06annoy.html.
The Today Show segment I reference above, along with a 20/20 special on misophonia, can be found on You Tube.
As more people learn about this condition and come forward with their stories, hopefully the conversation about misophonia will continue to grow.
_____________________________

The Power To Choose Quoted

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/one-more-bite/201212/the-power-choose


The Power to Choose

Parents do have power when it comes to treatment decisions.
I write today as a parent first and a psychologist second. Words are not coming to me like they usually do. The senseless tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary has shaken us all to the core. As I write this post, the tears continue to flow. I sometimes wonder if the tears will ever stop.
But instead of resisting the tears, I embrace them. They represent the connectedness of humanity. Those children were our children, those teachers our teachers, their loss is our loss…except that most have us have been spared the sight of their empty seats at the kitchen table, their teddy bears collecting dust, the memories of their eyes lighting up at school pick-up each day, and the bedtime cuddles that every parent wants to hold onto forever. On December 14, 2012, the parents of those Sandy Hook first graders had no choice.
What does this have to do with family-based treatment? Everything.
As a psychologist, I choose to practice this method—a method that can be excruciatingly difficult, challenging, and exhausting. Why? Because it saves the lives of children. I have seen it first-hand.


One of the stark realities of parenthood is that we are often powerless to prevent bad things from happening to our children. We want to shield our kids from so many things and are often unable to do so. Usually the stakes are not life and death. It was at Sandy Hook, and it is in eating disorders treatment.
We know that more people die of eating disorders than any otherpsychiatric illness.
We also know that there are treatments that can prevent this dire end, but only if those treatments are implemented.
Thankfully parents do have power in treatment decisions. If you have a child who has been diagnosed with an eating disorder—or who you suspect has an eating disorder—trust your instincts. Talk to other parents, read. You are the expert in your own family and, in this case, you have the opportunity to save your child’s life. If only the Sandy Hook parents could say the same.

Monday, December 17, 2012

TV Miss

Dexter, where have you been?  How have I missed that you are almost at the end of the current season???  I cannot believe I am so behind.  I have no time for TV these days.  How am I supposed to catch up with the season?

Mad Men, where have you been all my life?  When is your new season going to start?  I do not want to miss you like I missed Dexter.  To live in a time where everything was so different.  I cannot imagine, but I do like their wardrobe.  Maybe not their undergarments, but the rest of it.  I cannot tolerate heals all day long, but flats are always in style.

Loving the sleep training.  I need to start waking him up and then wearing him out to get him to sleep earlier at night.  It means I need to go to bed too.  However, the training means less sleep for him and me in the meantime getting crib trained again.  Hope it is just one week of lack of sleep to success than ongoing.  Christmas is no exception.  Getting up when usual than unusual.  Once a rhythm is started, I do not want to stop it.  Ball is rolling.

Flu shot today for Adam.  What a champ!  Eyes teared, but did not cry, laughs when doing raspberries on his belly and then out the door without any crying.  Good boy.  Nap time too.  Definitely well timed and a tough boy to boot.  Best case scenario as we got a different nurse to administer the shot as well.  The 2 bumps on his leg from last month's shots are still present.  I will never let another rookie nurse touch him again if I can prevent it ahead of time.  I am tired of him suffering at the hands of amateurs.  Bed time!




Sunday, December 16, 2012

Scattered Thoughts

Watching White Christmas always puts me in a good mood.  I love their dancing, dresses and singing.  So fun.  That is the way life should be.

Adam fell off the bed today.  So sad! He did not cushion his fall at all.  Head first.  Big purple goose egg.  Horrible noise, poor guy in pain and have to watch for seizures and concussion.  Poor little man.  He was sleeping and kept flipping over and over.  He usually wakes and puts his feet down, but this is the first time he went head first.  He stumbles and trips while walking all over the place, but today he made a circuit of the house without stopping or needing a break.  He's squatting and picking up objects and standing back up.  So exciting.  Leaps and bounds.

So sad also the shootings that took place in Connecticut. Shooting women and children is unnecessary. Why can these people not just kill themselves and spare the world their wrath and presence?  Guns are not the problem.  It's the people that possess them.  When will this world acknowledge that all of this violence and horror can be minimized or eliminated when the parents start doing their jobs.  Taking our children and teaching them wrong and right.  Proper gun use and improper use.  Locking up the weapons properly so they do not have access to them, etc.  Treating and properly diagnosing mental illness is another step along the way.  Parents need to agree to diagnosis, treatment and help from others.  Parents do not know everything and should look to the experts for help in teaching their children.

Parents do not take the time anymore to treat their children as some day adults and that they will be running and influencing the world in a short period of time.  The brats, bullies and horrible people of the world really can blame many factors as to their behavior.  Genetics, parental guidance (or lack there-of), societal influence, nutrition, experience as a child, trauma, school and teachers interacting to make the person grow up into the adult they will be at age 18, when they are a legal adult.  Nature vs nurture is not isolated and these gunman are getting the short end of the stick until they do that to others.  Usually there are warning signs and they are ignored or not followed up with by the parents first, then others.  Aspergers is usually an introverted disease with outbursts of some sorts.  Unusual and ridiculous all the same.  I feel for everyone one of those effected by this tragedy.  The shooter should not be glorified by the media like they have been too.  Let people grieve and the shooter buried without fan fare.  Horrible.

Will our house sell, will the money man grant us money to build or just buy?  I'm so excited by the thought I feel relieved.  So excited.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Nothing Worse Than A Sick Baby

Yesterday Adam said owie and he opened and closed his hand, palm up, indicating that he wanted a bottle handed to him.  He stacked 9 blocks on top of each other and is getting more confident and better at walking everyday.  He's a pretty proficient climber, but happily he has not taken to kitchen chairs yet.  He is so fun.

Today, he woke with a 100.1 degree temperature.  His cheeks were flush and pink.  He was pink around both eyes, tired acting all day, but still playing.  He did not drink nor eat as much as usual. He also did not take a second nap.  He's sleeping now, but I do not know if it will be for the night.  He has been sleeping well so I hope this does not throw a monkey wrench in that progress.

I have been feeling the baby move more and more.  I can no longer lay on my stomach comfortably.  I am on a good target for weight gain and am pleased with my conservative, but good caloric intake.  I bought a mini trampoline to try to get my lymph system jump started in order to avoid swelling later in pregnancy.  I really hope it works.  That and drinking drinks with lemon or orange oil in them.  The oil gives flavor without needing to drink all the sugar of a juice drink.

Christmas 2012
I hope to go play in the snow if the temperature warms enough to take Adam out for more than 10 minutes.  His new snowsuit was a great use today.  Love it.  He was a champ when we went to get our flu shots today.  I did not even really feel it.  I do not know if they just use a really small needle or if she  just had good technique.  Whatever it was, I appreciated it.  A good experience.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Talk Talk Talker

 Yesterday he said Count, for The Count on Sesame Street, pretty, I always say pretty flowers and without ever having seen one in real life, nor said the word before, he blurted out bike when passing the display in Kmart.  How fun.  He was really off his schedule because of travel yesterday and I do not like traveling because of it now.  That will be the last travel we do for a long time I hope.

His one year pictures finally came in :)


Very excited for Christmas!  I need to start wrapping now that 99% of my Christmas cards are sent.  This weekend we have a birthday party, I have an appointment and I'm going to start getting the house ready to list to sell.  I am ready to move on.  I hope it works out that we sell and that we have a place to go when the time comes to move.  I am overly excited about it so I need to temper my spirits in the meantime.  I am going to invite some fellow realtors over and ask their opinion on what to price it.  Too excited.  I already  have a house in mind as to where I want to go.  If it works out, it will be a miracle and I'm due for another miracle.

Speaking of miracles... I'm pregnant.  I am not online official.  So good to be done with the first trimester.  Week 14 is great.  Cold and windy with blowing ice snow, but great.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Happy

Today Adam started saying something like happy.  Happy, happy, happy.  What a guy.  I wish I could curb his throwing of everything, but he needs to understand before discipline will work.  Consequences these days are just taking away objects and distraction.  I have to say today was very productive for inner peace in this house.  It is a lifetime struggle to be happy in this work in progress house.  No house will ever be maintenance free, but we need to live simpler and purge the clutter.  I have been purging in stages.  I love the feeling of less clutter and clean.  Clean sheets are the best smell.  Always puts me at peace.

Adam is dealing with high lead levels.  We have lead paint on our radiators and they need to be refinished, minimally covered.  I worry about his health constantly.  The eczema, sores that won't heal, ear infection, growth and development.  Ugh.  I know that will not go away, but the lead levels may explain why he has delayed or impaired healing.  Not good.

I had a fall that hurt my back and neck.  All my usual practitioners agree I really did a number on myself.  I tried to control the fall and tensed up my muscles.  The worst thing I could have done.  Not ever good timing, but now is tough enough with lack of sleep, extra weight to carry around, desire to exercise and a heavy baby to take care of/carry around.  Loving the direction I'm headed right now.  Riding the waves can be so enlightening.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

New Day

Adam stacked 3 pop cans today with no problem then proceeded to throw them across the floor.  They then got taken away.  He enjoyed salsa, beans and chips for nachos today.  Funny boy.  He also took off all ornaments within reach on the tree and handed them to me.  How considerate of him.  At least he did not destroy them or something else.  Now the tree is just bare at the bottom tier.  The tree is still good.  Love that he is paying attention and is observant.  He is due to wake any moment from his nap.  One hour flies by when I want to get something accomplished while he sleeps.  Hope to get out into the sun today.  We both need the Vitamin D.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

More Words

Today he said cookie (for cookie monster), blanket and yesterday he said gobble gobble.  He says something like drat, but we have not figured out what that means yet.  He slammed his left pinky finger in the measuring cup drawer today.  He also was spitting and drooling greatly.  He walked into the kitchen asking for dad.  He jumped off his little chair and thought it was hilarious.  He laughs at Luke Skywalker's name and if you say, "You, you, you."  I hope he stays asleep now that he's in bed.  That means I need to go to bed too.  I know he will still get up early tomorrow.  Lots of productivity today, on top of a nap (thank you to my husband).  Christmas shopping close to being done.  Just kids of relatives left and 2 birthdays to attend to for December.  I do not like to remember those poor December birthdays.  The holidays are enough for me.
Christmas tree 2012

Friday, November 23, 2012

Video of Walking

Here he is in his walking debut.  So fun.  He did well with the Christmas tree up today too.  No pulling it down yet.  We did not decorate at reaching level for him, but he can still reach enough to cause havoc if he wants to.  We will see how this season plays out...


Put all the lights on timers this year so I know they will go on.  Last year it was too cold for me to go out and plug them in so the house never had lights on.  Happy we have some Christmas joy to share in the form of lights this year.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

We Have A Walker In The House

 Such a fun Thanksgiving!  Adam decided today was the day to start walking!  He walked many times across the living room, back and forth, back and forth to Andy, mom, dad and Emily.  Then he walked the length of the living room, around the bend into the kitchen and ended right before the living room.  He did not quite make a full circle, but close.  This was such a fun experience to witness as Adam decided for himself to do this after only previously walking 6-8 steps at a time.  He now just needs to learn to stand independently, without help of others or objects to pull himself up on.  He will get it in no time I think.  It was fun that he did this for all to witness and Grandma and Grandpa were there too.  What joy to share the moment instead of just recalling it for others.  I will have to send a video to my dad and sister.  What a blessing.  So thankful today.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

So Thankful



Thankful Adam took good one year old pictures when the new picture taker took a long time to complete taking the pictures and our order.  We got a free collage too.  Love collages.  All my favorites.

So thankful I did my grocery shopping early for Thanksgiving this year.  I am 90% done with Christmas shopping.  I can relaxedly make the dishes to pass as dinner is at a more normal time this year.  I do not have to travel hours in a car to get to our destination.  We will have 50 degree weather for a walk and playing outside.  I do not have to host a feast in my tired state.  I have a wonderful family that will be a joy to be with this holiday.  I miss my AZ family, but I will be with them in spirit.

Adam, after saying to him, "You, you." He said, "Me" today.  He also instead of just Boo the ghost says, he said, booohooohoohooooo.  So cute.  He also said dirty again, like when I try to get him to not touch the ground or walls in a public bathroom.  He is loving books and wants his mamma right now.  He says hi or hey to everyone and when he wakes up.  He can go through the whole Where's Baby's Belly Button book and he knows where everything is. He can find his, or your, eyes, nose, mouth, tongue, hands, feet, toes.  He says Uh or Uh Oh.  Whoa and wow are everyday now.  Life is so much more fun with him in it. Reading books over and over so he can learn.  Uh the box fell down just now as he stands on the balls of his feet 32 inches tall. Hah.  Tall enough to get into the drawer at work and try to eat paper clips and to get things off the table too.  Tall boy.  That grinding of the teeth can end any day now, thank you.  He walked 6 steps today and stood for 10 seconds.

I actually look forward to the Thanksgiving day parade tomorrow.  I hope we get some sleep tonight! Tomorrow should be good.  Thank you Lord.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Today in Adam's world



Adam went to bed last night at 8 PM (unusually early).  Then he always wakes in the night.  He woke at midnight and stayed up for 2 hours.  He had a 100 degree temperature and did not go to sleep until he got Orajel applied to his gums.  Ah, illness and teething.  Fantastic.

Today he identified a mamma and a baby between pandas in a book.  Then he said hi or hey to us when he woke up and gave hugs and kisses after waking up.  He says ball for balloon and identified football on tv pointing to the tv and saying ball, ball, ball, ball.  What a guy.  He's ready for Thanksgiving already identifying football.  He can get up and down off our bed and now the couch consistently too.  He's walking 3-4 steps at a time and can stand for 5-10 seconds at a time now.  He's really coming along.  Fun for the holidays.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

One Year Check Up


Adam is so tough.  He got a finger poke for lead screening.  He got 5 shots for his one year "well" baby appointment.  He cried during the shots, got stomach raspberries and smiled.  He didn't stop smiling after that.  He was in a perfectly good mood the rest of the night.  He said, "Elmo," in front of the doctor and she said verbally he is way ahead of the curve.  He is so eczema covered with this dry climate it is terrible.  For being such a happy boy I would have never guessed he has an ear infection.  Interesting the things you find out at appointments.  Now if they could stop getting rookie nurses to give shots, I'd be a happy camper.  DO NOT LIKE rookie nurses giving shots to infants and little children that will be ruined for life because of their poor shot giving abilities.  I wish I could give the shots myself.  I would have peace of mind for proper application and kindness after the fact.  Happy he's a tough guy for sure.  He also started saying hi and hey to everyone the last 2 days and wow for things he is amazed about.  Funny.  Oh sweet boy.  Too fun.  Hope dad comes home with dinner soon.

Loved the Ink master Star Wars style.  Cool.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Today Adam started clapping along to the patty-cake song by himself without prompting.  He also patted the cake and marked it with a "B" for baby on his own too.  Too cute.  He also figured out how to get into the file cabinet that you have to squeeze a trigger like mechanism to open the drawer and proceeded to pull out papers at his leisure until discovered.  Oh man.  He did well getting on and off furniture without falling today as well.  Drooling like a crazy man for teeth, he did well without a bandaid all day as it would have been soaked by saliva anyway today.  He was so happy to have Kaitlyn babysit today.  I was concerned because I left when he was asleep, but she said he did fine.  Happy to know Adam likes to hang out with her.  Gives me peace of mind.  That and she is a nursing student.  Sweet girl.

I had a fantastic massage today.  I was grinding and clenching my teeth this week so much that I could barely open my mouth from pain and muscle fatigue.  My massage therapist got my scalp and upper body to relax.  I almost fell asleep.  Dreamy treatment.  Now it's time for Adam's brush, floss, read, humidifier bed time.  Yay.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Word Explosion One Year Old





Adam is talking more and more this week.  His words so far this week have been dirty, block, apples, ball(oon), ball, bottle, eye, truck, plant, ball, Elmo, up, down, book, Ad (for Adam), saying dad to get his attention, hi, hey, hmm, Raarrr... love it.  He is closer to walking taking steps between furniture.  He throws tantrums of frustration and squeals for you to do something for him.  We are trying to teach him please.  He is a pro at taking off his bandaids and socks on his hands, but he's tolerant to put them back on.  Hope we can get some answers to get him to heal and get rid of those pesky limitations for him.  One year old!  It does not seem real.  Such a whirlwind birthday.  Still need one year old pictures!  Snowy, windy day.  Hope to still have some fun.  Time for Adam's breakfast.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Oh So Much Going On

  Oh my goodness.  All the travel and illness in this family, it has been hard to keep up.  To top it off, the snow and cold are coming at the end of this week.  On Tony's birthday no less.  Got great things accomplished with his help, but we cannot get Adam to sleep.  I do not know what the problem is.  There is really a plethora of reasons why he is not sleeping, teething, inability to breathe well, does not feel good, too hot, too cold, misses his parents, wants to walk/move around but is supposed to be sleeping, hungry, thirsty, etc.  I cannot know what the problem is as he cannot tell me, unfortunately.  I also cannot solve it all and getting up every 1-3 hours for .5-3 hours in the middle of the night is ridiculous.  I know this shall pass, but I want a solution now.

  Officially a big boy and back to eating normally today, still not drinking enough.  Poor thing.  I just want him to be healthy and to feel better.  Now he has diaper rash and cold symptoms after going through that brutal bout with a virus, we think.  He will be one years old in only a couple of weeks and I am not ready.  I want a quiet birthday, but such as life, I know people want to celebrate too.  I am still not used to big birthdays.  I was used to immediate family only and a handful, if that, of presents.  What a joy this boy.  Hoping we can get his chin to heal by then with the bandaids and mittens he has to wear these days.  We shall see.

  Gorgeous days the last 3 days.  Wish they could continue like that for a month.  Not in the cards though.  Look forward to a cute Batman for Halloween.  So fun :)  I know he cannot tolerate hats or stuff on his face for we will see how many pictures I get before he tears the costume off.  Hah.  Time to dream.  Dreamt of my sister last night.  Sending her good thoughts today.

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Fall Is Going, Going,...

What a beautiful walk today!  Despite the cool wind blowing (we just covered up), we walked for almost 2 hours.  Beautiful colors despite the wind.  The leaves are hanging on more than I thought they would.  Adam was snuggled in the stroller and could not fall asleep as he enjoyed the excitement too much.  He crashed when we got home though.

Adam's impetigo on his chin is full blown again.  Looks terrible.  It went from almost gone to just as bad as it has been.  I do not know what I am going to do to get him to heal.  He only has 3 days of antibiotics left!  Poor guy cannot stop scratching and picking at it.  I may have to make him wear mittens.  I am sure he will love that.

What a blessing to have this family.  Tony made me delicious chicken (salt, pepper and brown sugar) and fantastic cookies (dried cherry oatmeal).  So wonderful.  Adam is sweet, funny and in such a good mood today.  Those teeth do sometimes get the best of him, but today he just drooled and was spit talking.  Love watching him enjoy his chicken meals that are his favorite.  Eleven months old tomorrow!!!  So happy.

On the road again this week. I know Adam is not excited, but we hope to enjoy the festivities and to have clear travel weather.  The snow and ice pellets this weekend were enough to drive me inside.  Hope to not have that when we go.  The bone chilling wind was terrible.  Not a good way to go towards winter so abruptly.  I wanted to hold off passed Halloween for parties and the like.  Who knows.

GO YANKEES!! in the playoffs.  Just a couple of weeks ago we were there.  We saw a win.   Hope we get one tonight.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Fall In The Copper Country





  Fall in the Copper Country is really the best this year.  Gorgeous, warm, fantastic colors and smells of beauty.  I knew Adam would love it  Fun in the leaves.  He did not like the taste. Hah, learned that lesson fast and well.  :)

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Blessings

 Adam is the best thing that has ever happened to me.  It is like he knows what I need and makes me do it.  He does not demand it, he just leads me in that direction.  Like, now I just sleep.  No more doing other things, I would rather sleep than most anything else anymore.  Also, now I have to feed him what I am eating so I eat more healthy and cook more often.  I plan ahead and make sure everyone can enjoy the fun.

I know the next year will be so different with him getting more independent and not being my baby anymore.  He will be a big boy.  Sad to see him so big, but so happy he is getting smarter and more on the move every day.  I am so grateful he has waited to full on walk.  This has bought me time to baby proof and time to clean the clutter from my house.  Something else I have needed to do.  He changed my perspective on the world for good and I cannot help but be so grateful for every second I get to spend time with him.  He is made to be with my in my life.  I hope that will always be.

Off to bed with the big moon out.  Gorgeous!





Sunday, September 30, 2012

Busy Bee


So much going on these days.  We still have not caught up since being out of town.  Laundry, dishes, etc.  We had a great trip to NYC, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Washington D.C.  I am so glad that we went on this extensively driven all over the place vacation.  Grateful that my uncle drove us everywhere and his wife would make us dinner.  Next year, I feel Adam will not tolerate being in the car seat for that many hours.  He was not happy to fall asleep for bed time in the car and I do not blame him.  We will not be taking long trips next year.

I loved the Washington Monument, but I was surprised how much I loved the Lincoln Memorial.  Gettysburg was so eye-opening that I recommend a visit for everyone.  This trip was all-American, but it was on my bucket list too.  I have no desire to go to Philadelphia ever again.  It gave me a negative vibe, creepy, too many security cameras and measures on buildings.  Glad I went to experience the area though.  I loved Amish country and would like to go again.  We did not get to shop much, but we saw  the sights.  Adam loved the Echo Caverns, but not the dark.  He was hungry at the time also.  Hershey, PA was great and we only saw the tip of the ice burg.  I would like to get Tony on the rides there.  I think he would enjoy.

Now is the time to tackle my Fall to-do list.  Continuing education, license renewal, winterizing, sewing, parties, birthdays and holidays following all of this.  I want to dust and clean before winter comes.  This is a tall task with a busy little boy all over the place and my lack of sleep.  I'm getting better at the lack of sleep part, but I definitely prefer more sleep.  Not happy to have the heat on when we got back from our trip, but it feels good now.  Love walking in the Fall.  Peak is now, time to enjoy the colors today!!!






Saturday, September 8, 2012

10 Months Old Today





Ten months old today!! Cannot believe where the time has gone?!  I am ready for Fall and not ready at the same time.  I am really enjoying the temperatures, but loved swimming in Lake Superior.  My big boy is on the move and wants to be on the move outside.  Too bad we have so many bees by our house these days.  Fun to celebrate today, but he is teething again and his face is so fragile from all the drool and abrasion throughout the day.  Poor thing cannot seem to heal before another tooth decides to erupt.

My allergies and neck tension have been terrible lately.  I am in between stretching enjoyably and uncomfortably.  My muscles just need that last umph toward getting back into pre-baby shape.  I will be happy to snow shoe this year, just have to figure out how to get Adam there with me.  He'll ride being pulled I am sure.  

Happy boy is only napping once a day now, so bed time is finally a more reasonable hour.  Very excited about this.  He's growing up and I cannot stop it.  Ah, the toddler that he is.  Loving anything, within reason, that we eat these days.  That will cut my portion in half because he wants to eat what I am having.  Love to share.  Bed time now.  

Monday, September 3, 2012

So Much Going On






There has been so much going on it has been overwhelming.
My almost 10 month old son is weaning himself from nursing.  I am sad to see him letting go, but glad he is meeting his milestones.  He's crawling everywhere, letting go of furniture and dive walking toward us 3-4 steps at a time.  He is brave and tough, especially learning to walk.  He crawled and walked up stairs, is talking more, getting to be a picky eater already (does not like pureed food anymore, he's not a baby!), exploring fearlessly, loves outside and playing with others.  Leaps and bounds of new accomplishments for Adam.  So happy to watch him grow and change.

I had a personal first this weekend.  I ziplined for the first time into Lake Superior.  I loved it so much I went 6 times into the warm water.  What a perfect day.  Gorgeous red sunset and good friends and family to share it with.  I had a good time.

Today I had an allergic reaction to some unknown source.  It scared me and once again brought me back to everyday mindfulness, setting mini-goals, what life would be if I was not here tomorrow, enjoying every moment I get with Adam and Tony, meditation and trying to not sweat the small stuff.  It made me re-evaluate the direction my life is going and inspired me to get going in the direction I want to pursue.  It scares me I do not know the source of my allergic response, but I feel if it was going to be an anaphylactic one, it would have already happened.

Taking a trip to knock off another to-do off of my bucket list.  Going to see a Yankees game and Washington D.C.  I feel this trip is a cornerstone of directing how my life is going to go.  I'm excited and in awe of how profound this trip means to me.  Life is so short.  I want to make my impact, but stress less and indulge in exercise more than food and media.  Ah, the ways we comfort ourselves.  Coping skills are different for everyone.  My head throbs right now, so its time for medicine and bed time!

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

This Guy...


This is a picture of a 9 month 1 week old boy.

This guy has been consistently crawling on the bed.

This guy has been scooting on his bum while sitting.

This guy has been getting better at walking with and without help.

This guy consistently pulls himself up onto furniture now.

This guy will intentionally sit to turn the pages and look through books.

This guy says mama, dada, bah, up, abuh, ball, bird, uhbuh.

This guy laughs at books and other babies laughing.

This guy is a good sleeper, but goes to bed late.

This guy does not like to get his nails filed.

This guy no longer eats sand while playing in it.

This guy grinds his teeth and craves crunchy foods.

This guy can go to sleep on his own in a dark room if he is ready to go to bed and tired enough.

This guy will nap anywhere if he is tired enough.

This guy is loved and loving.

This guy gives kisses.

Happy to have this guy in my life.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

9 Months old


9 Months OLD already.

What a joy.  He was meant to be my little boy.  I cannot believe how fun he is.  I love every minute I get to spend with him.  I think he will teach me much more than I'll ever teach him.  Happy to have such happiness in my life.  Cannot wait for more.  I do already lament him not being a baby baby anymore, but he will not turn 18 for a long time (smile). Sleeping like a baby right now.  I'm already planning his first birthday party in my head.  Ah, and he won't even appreciate it.  Still fun.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Good Things In My Head

I am turning a corner on my roller coaster of life.  I can feel the change coming over me.  It is a positive change and will be great.  I can just tell, great.  I am so close to feeling better in my home.  Nothing a little feng shui could not fix. I just gave to Goodwill yesterday, not enough, I am still on the hunt for more to give.  I feel we are close to babyproofing for a toddler on the move. 

Adam has another tooth visibly erupting.  He sat up and pulled himself up for the first time by himself within the last 2 days.  He is sleeping erratically and his teeth are definitely a contributing factor.  He is developing his love of books and sat for 20 minutes just looking at books 2 days ago.  I love it.  He is such a smiler.  We have been enjoying family walks in this warm summer we are having.

I am ready for Adam's big boy bed to be ready so we can set a sleep routine and get him to stick to it.  Hoping for tonight for that.  I am ready for some rain for my poor flowers.  This summer heat has been brutal for my newly planted plants.  I do not care if the lawn is yellow, dead plants are just sad.  I want to have to mow again.  We have only mowed less than a handful of times this summer.  Rain dance, rain dance.

Hope tonight will be a great relaxing time together.  I plan on getting on a sleep schedule of my own.  I am not a morning person, will likely never be, but I want more out of my day.  I want to wake up, to exercise and stretch, to eat, shower, meditate and to start my day.  I do not want to be groggy all the time.  This is for the birds.  I need to be able to accomplish a great deal before Adam wakes up and then I will enjoy my day fully.  This means going to bed, but that should not be a problem if I get more done in the morning.  Also, I will be tired if I get up early.  I will put him to bed with an hour to spare at night also, giving me time for chores, work or down time.  This is my plan.  I am envisioning my plan in my head so I can instate it.  I close my eyes and picture a productive, well rested mommy that enjoys the whole day.  Ah, feels good.

http://pinterest.com/neowrabbit/

I joined pinterest and thought it would consume all of my time.  I am prepared to do some major brain storming and this will be the best forum for it.  I have only just begun with my dreaming.


Sunday, July 29, 2012

Stormy Today

  We got to enjoy mid-seventy degree weather out at the lake today.  Loved the slight breeze.  We had fun watching the storm roll over the lake.  The lightening and thunder were at a distance.  The ripples forming on the lake from the wind picking up were fast approaching.  I had a good time.  Tony grilled great cinnamon chicken with asparagus.  He even got some coconut pie for dessert.  Very thoughtful.  I needed a little pick-me up today.

  The day was so productive for cleaning out items to give to Goodwill.  I also completed cleaning the shower/tub, did laundry, vacuumed, dishes, dusted, re-arranged Adam's room, changed the sheets, watered plants, etc.  Love how the house feels right now.  I know it will only get better as I keep going.  Next is paperwork organization.  My least favorite.  My desk is cleaned off, now it is to re-stock it with projects to be completed.

  Adam is so ready to walk.  He will push himself away from holding onto furniture right now like he already knows what he's doing, but he immediately face plants or falls on his behind.  That is how you learn though.  What a silly.  He did not go to bed until almost midnight tonight.  I have to get him up early tomorrow to ensure he will be sleepy for bedtime.  I discovered a toy that I had been saving until he was big enough in the closet yesterday.  He figured it out right away and now enjoys pushing the plunger and seeing the balls scatter or shoot out of the toy so he can chase down the rolling balls.  He now throws objects pretty well, across the room at this point.  Not excited to get a toy in the head, but I foresee that happening in my future at some point.  He also hits in excitement sometimes.  I am trying to curb that, but when he cannot understand me yet, he thinks it is just funny.  Fun stages.  Reliving childhood with him is great. (Smile)

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Positively Thankful

  I had such a rough week.  Today I'm reflecting on some of what I am thankful for.

I am thankful for:

Fluoride to prevent cavities

A husband that takes care of me

The safe house we live in

A sister that allows me to be in her life

A dad that is happy to take my call

A son that makes me smile with joy

A body that allows me to function outside of a bed or chair

Two vehicles that run

The sunshine on my skin

The breeze in my hair

The little batman figurine that lights up the eyes of my son

The electricity that runs our air conditioner

The time to spend with my family

The sand on the beach off of Lake Superior

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Honesty



Today was a rough day.

That is putting it lightly.

Not good medical news.

A friend of many years fires me.

Staying up late again to have clean clothes to wear tomorrow.

Killer sinus & tension headache.

A business colleague is a liar, back stabber and a cheat without any remorse or professional manner.

That is enough for me to deal with on top of the consequences of all of these things for me in the near future.  I have enough to think about.  Surprises are the spice of life.  The mantra I have to sing and live by are these....


Be Impeccable With Your Words
Don't Take Anything Personally
Don't Make Assumptions
Always Do Your Best



I'm working on my communication skills and I am a wanna-be reformed pessimist.  Happiness is a choice.  Chose happy.


Honesty is refreshing.  Please, just be honest with me.  


The lake and sand are good for me on these days. Beautiful weather!!!

Monday, July 23, 2012

Dinner and Thinking

  Good to see relatives for dinner.  Regretting the last 2 nights of dinners as they both made my stomach feel sick for hours after eating.  I guess I am so used to my wheat, egg, dairy free diet that my body is not happy when I have large amounts of all of these foods in one sitting over two days.  I have learned my lesson and need to stick to the foods that make my body feel good.  This will help my peace of mind too.

Speaking of peace of mind, I have not had any for months now.  I am worrying about a whole new lot of issues.  Baby and non-baby related issues that are old and new.  I have been so on edge that this weekend just flew by with the to-do list that seems never-ending.  What I would not do for a professional organizer to come into my house and help me on a weekend to clean it out and baby proof at the same time.  I have a love hate relationship with this house.  There are so many aspects of this house I love, those as to why I wanted to buy it.  They are not forgotten, but those that I did not know when we purchased it have cropped up and lingered.  For whatever reason, I have not tended to all I wanted to change about this house.  Obviously there is ongoing change with a new baby now, and all the changes I have done have happened in good time.  Timing is everything and not under my control.  There are only so many things I can accomplish while tending to my 8.5 month old baby in one day.

I am ready for another change.  I can see it coming.  I feel it will be for the better.  I am looking forward to change and hope it becomes routine.  Life is what is happening while I am making plans.  Now I want to live the plans already.  I feel Tony has such a burden he bears humbly.  He is such a good husband and dad.  Without him, nothing in my life would have been possible right now.  I am grateful for him everyday.  Time to take matters into my own hands and do what I have to do, what I know I have to do.  Mental block doing it for some reason.  Odd.

Ah, I feel better now.  Off to the doctor's office tomorrow.  Not real excited, but it must be done.  The answers after doctor appointments are usually better than before I went in.  That is a plus anyway.  Seeking some peace of mind.  Hoping to get that.  Send me positive vibes please.  Thank you.

Adam said, "Da da," over and over again today.  He is moving on with his vocabulary and growing up.  It makes me tear up that he is growing so fast.  He has no fear and is pushing off of furniture in hopes of taking a couple of steps and face planting.  Well, I catch him before the face planting anyway.  My brave boy who just wants to run.  Silly.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Summer!

  Shootings in Aurora Colorado yesterday was a tragedy that is far reaching and horrific.  I will never understand why these people feel they need to inflict themselves on others by abusing or killing them.  Why can they not just kill themselves and save humanity their presence and persecution.  If they took their own life, the world would be rid of them.  No muss, no fuss.

  Today was a great day for the State Wide Real Estate picnic.  However, too hot for a baby.  Poor thing was sweating the whole time.  He must have been dehydrated.  I pushed fluids on him, but I was not sure it was enough.  He was a wonderful boy getting passed from person to person.  He really likes people and likes puppies.  He is a good eater and communicator.  He is so fun to be around.  There is nowhere else I would rather be than be with him.  I am so grateful and happy to be able to spend this time with him.  He is so sweet.  Love, love Adam.  He is the best.


Enjoying chewing puffs

Yum

Hah!
Figured out he has 6 teeth erupting at the same time!!! Will have all 8 anterior teeth visible within 2 weeks or less from now.  Amazing.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

4 At A Time

  Four teeth erupting through the gingiva at one time can be rough.  Poor thing has changed his sleeping, eating and personality.  He is all over the house in his walker.  He is so happy.  He makes me so happy.  Had 6 hours of naps today and still went to bed overly tired on time tonight.  Amazing.  Need to get something done tomorrow instead of staying home with him napping all day.  He needed it to grow though I expect.  Time for bed.  Yay.

Lots of swimming in all this heat.  Today was beautiful for a walk.


Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Swimming in Lake Superior



  Adam LOVED swimming in the lake.  He swam around and kicked in different directions.  He wore himself out just loving to kick.  He was so happy and did not want to get out.  He forgot about dinner and just wanted to splash the water.  I knew he would be a fish.  He will have to get lessons as soon as possible.  I even swam, the water was so warm.  Hope the water is just as nice tomorrow.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

8 Months Old

 What a sweet day.  What a sweet boy.  He's so happy.  What a blessing.  He is moving more and more everyday.  He loves people, grass, sand, water, kids and his parents.  He is just getting better with time. Love, love him.  It is scary that he is getting so big and smart so fast, but it is going to happen no matter what.  Time to baby-proof.  Ah, one more thing on the to-do list.

8 Months Old and cut his 3rd tooth today




Friday, July 6, 2012

4th of July Pullen Reunion



hamburger looking cupcakes to share with the kids


Had a great time with the cousins

Loved going to Iowa for the Pullen reunion in Clear Lake.  It felt good and comfortable to share Adam with all of my family.  Too hot for my taste, but we stayed inside a good portion of the trip.  Adam decided to eat more than ever, grow and get more active leaps in bounds during the time in Iowa.  So fun.  He was a great traveler and will be a pleasure in he future as he will be used to going around places.  The new car seat was wonderful as well.  Happy to have to good food and not gain the weight I usually do.  Overall a wonderful trip.