Yesterday was a very exciting day for the J family...we're pretty certain that LJ said his first word. His first word with meaning anyway. OK, his first word that 1) seemed purposeful and 2) we knew what he was saying. See, he's been saying dadadada for a while, but not really in reference to RJ. He also makes some sounds repeatedly...and at the same times, but we can't really figure out what he's saying or to what he is referring.
But...yesterday was different.
I was talking to LJ's Aunt M (RJ's brother's wife) and at the end of the conversation I put the phone to LJ's ear and said, "Say hi to Aunt M" (RJ and I do this whenever we are on the phone with one another) and LJ smiled and spoke a breathy "hhhi". He put the “i" sound and the end and everything. So, I said, "Oh my...do it again" and put the phone to his ear and he said it again. I got off the phone, called RJ and told him that LJ wanted to talk to him. I put the phone to LJ's ear and said, "Say hi to daddy" and he said "hi" again.
So, it is official...LJ's first word is "Hi". He only says it into the phone, but that is association for you. What a sweet boy...his first word is a greeting. I wonder if he'll be an extravert?!
What were your children's first word(s)?
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
LJ's Advice
LJ has a new cousin...a girl cousin...born Sunday, August 21st! My sister (SJ) had her baby and, just like that, LJ is no longer the youngest of the cousins. It was such a short reign, but I asked him and he said he's ready to mentor a new baby.
LJ's Initial Advice to JJ (the new cousin's blog pseudonym):
1) Nurse well - this is the only way you'll get any nutrition and you have to let you mom try this...she wants to do it and she isn't emotionally capable of changing her mind without tears.
2) Have the appropriate number of diapers a day - Your mom and dad will be counting these and, believe it or not, one too few will stress them out.
3) Sleep well - you've been through a lot and so have your parents...everyone needs to get some rest. This way, your parents will be able to e-mail pictures of you and talk to everyone on the phone about how cute you are and how much they love you.
4) Lose the umbilical cord - You don't need it and your mom and dad will be surprised at how happy they are when they no longer have to deal with it.
5) Don't cry for “no apparent reason” - your mom and dad will just change your diaper, fret because you just ate, or jiggle you around. Seriously, if you have an issue, let them know - otherwise, just take it all in without tears.
If you'll follow these simple suggestions, everyone will enjoy the first 3 months. You mom will probably cry sometimes - usually it is because she is tired, frustrated, and feels that she no longer recognizes her life. Trust me, this will pass. She'll get used to feeling tired and that feeling will replace what she used to call "feeling normal". She'll still get frustrated - so can't help you with that...she's not frustrated with you...just everything! And, soon she will recognize her life and be sooo happy that you are a part of it.
Welcome to the world JJ - from what I've seen - it ROCKS!
LJ's Initial Advice to JJ (the new cousin's blog pseudonym):
1) Nurse well - this is the only way you'll get any nutrition and you have to let you mom try this...she wants to do it and she isn't emotionally capable of changing her mind without tears.
2) Have the appropriate number of diapers a day - Your mom and dad will be counting these and, believe it or not, one too few will stress them out.
3) Sleep well - you've been through a lot and so have your parents...everyone needs to get some rest. This way, your parents will be able to e-mail pictures of you and talk to everyone on the phone about how cute you are and how much they love you.
4) Lose the umbilical cord - You don't need it and your mom and dad will be surprised at how happy they are when they no longer have to deal with it.
5) Don't cry for “no apparent reason” - your mom and dad will just change your diaper, fret because you just ate, or jiggle you around. Seriously, if you have an issue, let them know - otherwise, just take it all in without tears.
If you'll follow these simple suggestions, everyone will enjoy the first 3 months. You mom will probably cry sometimes - usually it is because she is tired, frustrated, and feels that she no longer recognizes her life. Trust me, this will pass. She'll get used to feeling tired and that feeling will replace what she used to call "feeling normal". She'll still get frustrated - so can't help you with that...she's not frustrated with you...just everything! And, soon she will recognize her life and be sooo happy that you are a part of it.
Welcome to the world JJ - from what I've seen - it ROCKS!
Saturday, August 20, 2005
LJ's Day
The following is mostly so that I will remember when my children ask me…or when we have the next child – it is frustrating when people can’t remember such vital information, but I know that I won’t remember either!
A Typical Day in the Life of LJ – at 9 months of Age
(and it have been this way for approximately 6 weeks)
Somewhere Around:
6:00 – 7:00
Up for the Day
7:00
Milk
7:30 – 8:00
2-Mile Stroll with Mom and/or Dad
8:30 – 9:00
Breakfast (4 oz Fruit + Oatmeal + Fruit Puffs)
Play
9:30 – 10:30
Milk and 1 – 2 Hour Nap
Upon Waking
Play
12:30 – 1:00
Lunch (4 oz Veggie + Cheese + Veggie Puffs)
Play
2:00 – 3:00
Milk and 1 – 2 Hour Nap
Upon Waking
Snack (Graham Cracker + Yogurt/Cheese)
Play
5:00
Milk
6:30 – 7:00
Dinner (4 oz Simple Recipe + Barley + Table Food)
Play/2-Mile Stroll with Mom and Dad
8:00 – 8:30
Bath, Milk, Bed
He normally goes down for a nap/the night while awake, plays with his bears, and then falls asleep on his own. Sometimes Daddy has to go in and pat him on the back.
Just so you won’t think, “What is in this post for me”…I have some news. The travel trailer is going to be picked up on Saturday, September 17th – in Ohio by RJ and a cohort of guy friends…they are making a road trip of it. On the way, RJ is dropping me and LJ off at my sister’s house and we are staying there for the weekend. I need to tell her that!
And, I should have some news to report concerning Phase I of the bathroom remodel.
A Typical Day in the Life of LJ – at 9 months of Age
(and it have been this way for approximately 6 weeks)
Somewhere Around:
6:00 – 7:00
Up for the Day
7:00
Milk
7:30 – 8:00
2-Mile Stroll with Mom and/or Dad
8:30 – 9:00
Breakfast (4 oz Fruit + Oatmeal + Fruit Puffs)
Play
9:30 – 10:30
Milk and 1 – 2 Hour Nap
Upon Waking
Play
12:30 – 1:00
Lunch (4 oz Veggie + Cheese + Veggie Puffs)
Play
2:00 – 3:00
Milk and 1 – 2 Hour Nap
Upon Waking
Snack (Graham Cracker + Yogurt/Cheese)
Play
5:00
Milk
6:30 – 7:00
Dinner (4 oz Simple Recipe + Barley + Table Food)
Play/2-Mile Stroll with Mom and Dad
8:00 – 8:30
Bath, Milk, Bed
He normally goes down for a nap/the night while awake, plays with his bears, and then falls asleep on his own. Sometimes Daddy has to go in and pat him on the back.
Just so you won’t think, “What is in this post for me”…I have some news. The travel trailer is going to be picked up on Saturday, September 17th – in Ohio by RJ and a cohort of guy friends…they are making a road trip of it. On the way, RJ is dropping me and LJ off at my sister’s house and we are staying there for the weekend. I need to tell her that!
And, I should have some news to report concerning Phase I of the bathroom remodel.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Finally - Teeth
We are proud to announce that little LJ is not "seedless" (as we, his parents, were beginning to believe). In the past week, he has cut two bottom teeth. He seemed unphased by the process as we noticed no increase in fussiness, drool, or other so-called teething-related maladies. The teeth are, of course, perfect specimens and have broken completely through the gums...now, they just need to get taller? longer? - whichever it is.
I am back at work this week. It hasn't been too much of a change. I was getting up between 6:00 and 7:00 anyway - this is when LJ is ready for the day, so getting up early isn't a struggle. I'm only in the office until noon, so it isn't like I have a whole, long day ahead of me. And, I got a new computer at work...RJ is jealous that my monitor has the speakers incorporated - instead of externally sitting on my desk. At any rate, my first few days back have been consumed with getting everything set up the way that I like it on this new computer. Classes start the week after next, but the students are starting to arrive and we have to wait at restaurants again.
Fall is my favorite time of year and I keep telling LJ that he is going to love October and November...especially since our travel trailer is ready! The jury is still deliberating if RJ will go get it or if we will have it delivered, but we are looking forward to weekend camping trips this fall. Sign up now to get in the que of people who want to go on a weekend excursion with the Js!!
I am back at work this week. It hasn't been too much of a change. I was getting up between 6:00 and 7:00 anyway - this is when LJ is ready for the day, so getting up early isn't a struggle. I'm only in the office until noon, so it isn't like I have a whole, long day ahead of me. And, I got a new computer at work...RJ is jealous that my monitor has the speakers incorporated - instead of externally sitting on my desk. At any rate, my first few days back have been consumed with getting everything set up the way that I like it on this new computer. Classes start the week after next, but the students are starting to arrive and we have to wait at restaurants again.
Fall is my favorite time of year and I keep telling LJ that he is going to love October and November...especially since our travel trailer is ready! The jury is still deliberating if RJ will go get it or if we will have it delivered, but we are looking forward to weekend camping trips this fall. Sign up now to get in the que of people who want to go on a weekend excursion with the Js!!
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Lemon DNE Pickle
I didn’t think it possible to find a food that LJ would turn down. Sure, there are some foods for which he opens his mouth less enthusiastically, but he opens his mouth nonetheless. We have found two distasteful foods: lemons and Gerber Beef and Carrots.
The lemon we tried at a restaurant. At first, he shoved it in his mouth as eagerly as any “thing” – he puts every “thing” in his mouth. He screwed up his face into a reaction that you would associate with…well, eating a lemon, but he kept gnawing on it nonetheless. Then, he dropped it. So, I picked it up and started to hand it to him and he forcibly shoved my hand away. This, dear reader, was a first. Prior to this, he has not pushed a food away. I’ve suspected that he didn’t really care for some foods, but he would continue to open his mouth. I think he is the perpetual optimist…always hoping the next spoonful would hold something different and more palatable…like bananas. But, with lemons he has learned that a little realism is a good thing.
Gerber Beef and Carrots we tried here at home. I started giving him “simple recipes” which are a fruit or a vegetable mixed with some sort of meat (turkey, chicken, beef, etc. – hmm…I not really sure what the etc. would be, but…). He does enjoy sweet potato and turkey and he likes pears and chicken. He liked beef and carrots ok, but I think that was due to his optimism (see above). The second day of beef and carrots…they were left over and had thus been in the refrigerator. I thought, “no one wants to eat cold beef and carrots,” so I warmed it in the microwave a bit – just enough to take the chill off. He ate a bit, screwed his face into an expression we have come to associate with eating a lemon, and shuddered. So, I tried another bite and…yep, he forcibly pushed my hand away.
I’m not giving up on the Beef and Carrots, but I am giving up on the lemon. I don’t think he is lacking in any nutrient that a lemon provides, so I’m not concerned.
Oddly enough, he rather enjoyed a dill pickle spear at a local hamburger/laundromat yesterday. Yes, you read that correctly. There is a place here that is a restaurant (with super-good hamburgers) connected to a laundromat. So, you enjoy a great burger, a piece of to-die-for peanut butter pie (unless, of course, eating peanuts might cause death for you – “hi” SJ) and smell fabric softener all at one time.
The lemon we tried at a restaurant. At first, he shoved it in his mouth as eagerly as any “thing” – he puts every “thing” in his mouth. He screwed up his face into a reaction that you would associate with…well, eating a lemon, but he kept gnawing on it nonetheless. Then, he dropped it. So, I picked it up and started to hand it to him and he forcibly shoved my hand away. This, dear reader, was a first. Prior to this, he has not pushed a food away. I’ve suspected that he didn’t really care for some foods, but he would continue to open his mouth. I think he is the perpetual optimist…always hoping the next spoonful would hold something different and more palatable…like bananas. But, with lemons he has learned that a little realism is a good thing.
Gerber Beef and Carrots we tried here at home. I started giving him “simple recipes” which are a fruit or a vegetable mixed with some sort of meat (turkey, chicken, beef, etc. – hmm…I not really sure what the etc. would be, but…). He does enjoy sweet potato and turkey and he likes pears and chicken. He liked beef and carrots ok, but I think that was due to his optimism (see above). The second day of beef and carrots…they were left over and had thus been in the refrigerator. I thought, “no one wants to eat cold beef and carrots,” so I warmed it in the microwave a bit – just enough to take the chill off. He ate a bit, screwed his face into an expression we have come to associate with eating a lemon, and shuddered. So, I tried another bite and…yep, he forcibly pushed my hand away.
I’m not giving up on the Beef and Carrots, but I am giving up on the lemon. I don’t think he is lacking in any nutrient that a lemon provides, so I’m not concerned.
Oddly enough, he rather enjoyed a dill pickle spear at a local hamburger/laundromat yesterday. Yes, you read that correctly. There is a place here that is a restaurant (with super-good hamburgers) connected to a laundromat. So, you enjoy a great burger, a piece of to-die-for peanut butter pie (unless, of course, eating peanuts might cause death for you – “hi” SJ) and smell fabric softener all at one time.
Monday, August 08, 2005
Kiss Mommy
LJ has demonstrated the ability to understand and follow (the key, I believe) a simple command. We discovered this a couple of days ago and have been testing our hypothesis to make sure we were not observing some anomaly. We feel confident enough to publish our findings.
If we say, “kiss Mommy” or “kiss Daddy”, this sweet child will open his mouth and put it on the proper person’s cheek. I’m always elated and reply with, “I have a kiss for LJ” and I give him a kiss on the cheek. I won’t lie…he gives a wet, sloppy kiss, but I cherish each and every one. Sometimes, I even get a kiss without asking…those are even sweeter.
Now that we know he can understand and follow a command, I’m trying to decide what we should work on next. I’m considering:
“Bring me a cookie” (but, I think he’d eat it before it got to me),
“Go sweep the floor” (of course, he does this as he crawls around all day…and, sadly, his knees and feet are visibly filthy at the end of the day),
“Answer the phone” (but, he breaths heavily, so the caller would likely hang-up)
I know, I’ll insert “tell your daddy to…” in front of each of those and that should work for a day or two!
If we say, “kiss Mommy” or “kiss Daddy”, this sweet child will open his mouth and put it on the proper person’s cheek. I’m always elated and reply with, “I have a kiss for LJ” and I give him a kiss on the cheek. I won’t lie…he gives a wet, sloppy kiss, but I cherish each and every one. Sometimes, I even get a kiss without asking…those are even sweeter.
Now that we know he can understand and follow a command, I’m trying to decide what we should work on next. I’m considering:
“Bring me a cookie” (but, I think he’d eat it before it got to me),
“Go sweep the floor” (of course, he does this as he crawls around all day…and, sadly, his knees and feet are visibly filthy at the end of the day),
“Answer the phone” (but, he breaths heavily, so the caller would likely hang-up)
I know, I’ll insert “tell your daddy to…” in front of each of those and that should work for a day or two!
Thursday, August 04, 2005
The Clouds Have Parted
LJ seems to be on the mend. We took him to the doctor on Monday…just to make sure his ears were clear; and they were. He’s back to his normal sleeping routine – which is sooo good! I was a little concerned that this illness would mess everything up, but it didn’t.
FYI: LJ weighs 21 pounds 3 ½ ounces.
We did go to waterbabies on Tuesday and we had not missed “baby bobs”! Yea! Unfortunately, LJ does not care for “baby bobs” all that much. In case you can’t imagine, “baby bobs” are where you blow in the baby's face to make him hold his breath and then you pop him under and back up. Once baby comes back up, you cheer and act like he just did the best thing in the whole world. All three babies in our class cried. Today was the last day for our class. LJ got a t-shirt that he’ll be able to wear when he’s 3…it is way too big. It was enjoyable and has only served to strengthen my conviction that we need a pool in our backyard. Then you’d really want to come visit us!
FYI: LJ weighs 21 pounds 3 ½ ounces.
We did go to waterbabies on Tuesday and we had not missed “baby bobs”! Yea! Unfortunately, LJ does not care for “baby bobs” all that much. In case you can’t imagine, “baby bobs” are where you blow in the baby's face to make him hold his breath and then you pop him under and back up. Once baby comes back up, you cheer and act like he just did the best thing in the whole world. All three babies in our class cried. Today was the last day for our class. LJ got a t-shirt that he’ll be able to wear when he’s 3…it is way too big. It was enjoyable and has only served to strengthen my conviction that we need a pool in our backyard. Then you’d really want to come visit us!
Monday, August 01, 2005
Sick and Tired
I can no longer say that LJ has not been sick :-(
Saturday, we were in a large city visiting friends. The day was great…we went to MK’s (LJ’s Godfather) parents’ house and they have a pool, so LJ got to practice all his waterbabies moves. We were disappointed because we had been promised “baby bobs” all week long, but we never got around to them in class…so we could not practice “baby bobs” over the weekend. Far be it from us, LJ’s parents, to usurp the judgment of the waterbabies teacher. Saturday evening, we had a little backyard cookout to celebrate MK and SH’s engagement and all was fine and good. Then…little LJ woke up every hour throughout Saturday night. It was obvious from the sound of his breathing that he was stuffed up. And, it was obvious from the heat he was generating that he had a fever. We “woke up” Sunday and decided to leave ASAP…and get the dreaded 3-hour-ride-with-a-sick-baby over with. Did I mention that neither RJ nor I were feeling particularly well ourselves? The ride wasn’t too bad, but it took longer than 3 hours.
Last night was the most hideous night I can remember. I think it wins over the first nights that LJ was home from the hospital. At least we were “in shape” then. Getting consecutive sleep can very easily “uncondition” you from being able to function without it. But, I think his fever broke somewhere between 2:30 and 5:00, so that was good.
LJ was feeling better today…runny nose, seemed to tire easily, yet wouldn’t nap longer than 45 minutes. He played and laughed and ate, so I think he is on the mend. We did not go to waterbabies today…you have to be fever-free for 24 hours before you can resume your normal schedule. My mom taught me that…as a kid, I hated it…as an adult, it just sounds reasonable. If LJ doesn’t sleep well tonight…well, I just won’t think about that. Neither RJ nor I felt great today either, so we all need some rest.
I bet they did “baby bobs” at waterbabies today.
Saturday, we were in a large city visiting friends. The day was great…we went to MK’s (LJ’s Godfather) parents’ house and they have a pool, so LJ got to practice all his waterbabies moves. We were disappointed because we had been promised “baby bobs” all week long, but we never got around to them in class…so we could not practice “baby bobs” over the weekend. Far be it from us, LJ’s parents, to usurp the judgment of the waterbabies teacher. Saturday evening, we had a little backyard cookout to celebrate MK and SH’s engagement and all was fine and good. Then…little LJ woke up every hour throughout Saturday night. It was obvious from the sound of his breathing that he was stuffed up. And, it was obvious from the heat he was generating that he had a fever. We “woke up” Sunday and decided to leave ASAP…and get the dreaded 3-hour-ride-with-a-sick-baby over with. Did I mention that neither RJ nor I were feeling particularly well ourselves? The ride wasn’t too bad, but it took longer than 3 hours.
Last night was the most hideous night I can remember. I think it wins over the first nights that LJ was home from the hospital. At least we were “in shape” then. Getting consecutive sleep can very easily “uncondition” you from being able to function without it. But, I think his fever broke somewhere between 2:30 and 5:00, so that was good.
LJ was feeling better today…runny nose, seemed to tire easily, yet wouldn’t nap longer than 45 minutes. He played and laughed and ate, so I think he is on the mend. We did not go to waterbabies today…you have to be fever-free for 24 hours before you can resume your normal schedule. My mom taught me that…as a kid, I hated it…as an adult, it just sounds reasonable. If LJ doesn’t sleep well tonight…well, I just won’t think about that. Neither RJ nor I felt great today either, so we all need some rest.
I bet they did “baby bobs” at waterbabies today.
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Waterbabies
RJ got called for jury duty on the first day of waterbabies. He was kind of bummed and could have gotten out of it or gotten it rescheduled, but us Js actually like jury duty and actually wish that, one of these times, we’d actually get picked to be on the jury. So, LJ’s Aunt M of RJ’s side of the family came over to go with us. She took many pictures, so we have good documentation. I wasn’t sure how well this would all go since waterbabies starts at 9:45 and LJ had been going down for a nap around 9:00. You have to have a 9:00 nap when you wake up at 5:30. But, I had high hopes that waterbabies would force him into a later morning nap and maybe, somehow, with a lot of prayer, LJ would sleep later in the morning by the time this class was all over. LJ did great…he loves the water and I’m not sure that he realizes it is any different from land. The teacher thinks he’s a natural because he kicks his feet to get to the floating toys. I don’t have the heart to tell her that this is how he gets around on land. He conked out on the way home and was so tired he stayed asleep through the “from the car seat to the crib” transition. That never happens.
Tuesday, he sneezed while “swimming” toward a toy. When he sneezes, his face goes forward. Since I was holding him on his tummy…he sneezed his face into the water. He didn’t mind one bit…he even looked a little proud of himself.
Today, he did “ice cream scoops”. This is where he uses his hands to “swim” as well as his legs. Once again, I didn’t tell the teacher that this is how he pulls himself forward on land. I’ll just let her believe that we have a swimmer of Olympic caliber on our hands. Once again, LJ conked out on the way home and slept through the transition.
Oh, and this morning he slept until 7:15!!!! This is BIG news…BIG. That makes 11 hours at night. BIG NEWS.
And…yesterday, LJ started crawling on his knees. He’s done it several times, so it is now in the “skills” category. He makes a bee-line for everything he’s not supposed to touch…electrical cords, plants, etc. He is trying to pull up and get things off of tables too. It is like he can sniff this stuff out…he’ll crawl under a table to the other side of the room…and behind a chair to find an electrical cord. Persistent.
Tuesday, he sneezed while “swimming” toward a toy. When he sneezes, his face goes forward. Since I was holding him on his tummy…he sneezed his face into the water. He didn’t mind one bit…he even looked a little proud of himself.
Today, he did “ice cream scoops”. This is where he uses his hands to “swim” as well as his legs. Once again, I didn’t tell the teacher that this is how he pulls himself forward on land. I’ll just let her believe that we have a swimmer of Olympic caliber on our hands. Once again, LJ conked out on the way home and slept through the transition.
Oh, and this morning he slept until 7:15!!!! This is BIG news…BIG. That makes 11 hours at night. BIG NEWS.
And…yesterday, LJ started crawling on his knees. He’s done it several times, so it is now in the “skills” category. He makes a bee-line for everything he’s not supposed to touch…electrical cords, plants, etc. He is trying to pull up and get things off of tables too. It is like he can sniff this stuff out…he’ll crawl under a table to the other side of the room…and behind a chair to find an electrical cord. Persistent.
Saturday, July 23, 2005
LJ's Domain
With LJ's ability to move forward...at a rapid pace, we have made the back porch his domain. It is baby proof...so far as we know. When he sees something (or someone) he wants, he can pull himself forward pretty quickly! It is very cute and I'm always glad when he gets the thing (or person) for which he worked so hard. He is sitting next to me, playing with his new favorite toy...a water bottle.
This weekend is "Finish Phase I of the Bathroom Remodel". Phase II will happen several years from now and will involve replacing and moving the bathtub and toilet. But, as I said, that is for several years from now. Phase I includes: finishing the jacking up of the house, taking out the rest of the floor, laying the sub floor, laying the new floor, replacing the lower paneling, painting the walls, replacing the mirror, and adding new lighting. RJ projects "we" can finish this by Monday evening (he is taking Monday off)...and screw the boards onto the back deck. RJ laid them out there, so the deck looks complete...and it looks GOOD! RJ knows how to put a little bit of design detail in so that it looks better than just a deck. That will be dependent on it not raining and the reason I'm updating you instead of walking is that...it looks like rain. So, we'll see. Now, "we" might be able to do this...I think there is some help that I can provide while LJ is napping or playing in the hall. But, his mobility may mean that I have to take several breaks.
This weekend is "Finish Phase I of the Bathroom Remodel". Phase II will happen several years from now and will involve replacing and moving the bathtub and toilet. But, as I said, that is for several years from now. Phase I includes: finishing the jacking up of the house, taking out the rest of the floor, laying the sub floor, laying the new floor, replacing the lower paneling, painting the walls, replacing the mirror, and adding new lighting. RJ projects "we" can finish this by Monday evening (he is taking Monday off)...and screw the boards onto the back deck. RJ laid them out there, so the deck looks complete...and it looks GOOD! RJ knows how to put a little bit of design detail in so that it looks better than just a deck. That will be dependent on it not raining and the reason I'm updating you instead of walking is that...it looks like rain. So, we'll see. Now, "we" might be able to do this...I think there is some help that I can provide while LJ is napping or playing in the hall. But, his mobility may mean that I have to take several breaks.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
LJ's "Law & Order"
LJ's cousin DL (my sister M's oldest) had a peculiar fascination when he was a young toddler. Whenever the "Law & Order" theme would play, he'd drop whatever he was doing and stare intently at the television. It was like one of those spooky mind control things from "The Manchurian Candidate". But, it was also very funny to watch. LJ has been demonstrating a similar fascination for a couple of months now (I guess he's not technically a toddler, since he doesn't toddle...but he is army crawling forward now.) LJ's "Law & Order" is...the Countrywide Home Mortgage Commercial. It has a man with blondish hair and several blocks of different colors on the screen...and there is a little tune that plays in the background. I don't know if it is the tune, the colors, or the sound of the man's voice, but when this commercial comes on...LJ drops everything and stares at the TV. Everything includes playing, nursing, crying...everything. He does smile and laugh at some point, so I think he enjoys the commercial which makes me feel less spooked by it.
I don't want to jinx anything, so let's leave it at...sleeping has been super this week.
I don't want to jinx anything, so let's leave it at...sleeping has been super this week.
Sunday, July 17, 2005
More Magic?
I will keep you in suspense re: more magic...first, a "this old house" update. The leaky tub was indeed put back together in an "overnight fix" state and all of us were showered (ok, I elected to take my shower this morning...you ladies know that you can't really sleep well on wet hair and it was too late and I was too tired to consider the arduous task of blow drying) and in bed by 10:30. Not too late considering the amount of work that was done. Today, the "permanent fix" (are any home repairs really permanent)…the now-unleaky-tub pipe is joined with the now-unleaky-toilet pipe and the leaks are fixed. I think we are about to have a toilet again...we have been toilet-less for about 3 ½ hours. I'm ready to give it a try, so I hope I am correct in my estimation that it is almost useable again. Tomorrow, the house will be "leveled" - we are pier and beam and some of the beams were sagging, so RJ and Uncle B are jacking these beams up (RJ determined the appropriate heights a long time ago) and putting blocks under for support. Oh, and I'm hoping the holes (yes, there is more than one now) in the floor will have more substantial covers. Then, I think they are going to work on the back deck (if it doesn't rain). This is all necessary work and it is good that it is getting done!
LJ has been sitting himself up ALL day. He seems very content to be able to do this...it entertains him. He napped for 2 ½ hours this morning - with all the work going on...so this was great! He also napped for 1 ½ hours this afternoon...also great.
Here is what you have been waiting to read...you are thinking, "What is with the title of this post MJ?" So, I will reward you for sticking with it, reading all of this, acting interested in our home repairs, and not skipping right to the bottom.
...Last night, I fed LJ some avocado. He didn't seem to care for it too much - if his facial expressions are any indication. I think it might have been too thick for him. But, I managed to get 8-10 bites in him. Last night, he slept from 9:00 (he got to bed late) - 6:30...YIPEE!!!! Needless to say, I have already fed him avocado tonight. See, even if he doesn't really like it, he opens his mouth whenever a spoon comes near, so I have the advantage in this situation. I did mash it really well and I added a little water to thin it out a little. I have no idea if there is some nutritional property in avocado that would help sleep, but someone asked about it on the message board I read and I decided it could not hurt to try. I'll let you know if avocado does the trick tonight too!
LJ has been sitting himself up ALL day. He seems very content to be able to do this...it entertains him. He napped for 2 ½ hours this morning - with all the work going on...so this was great! He also napped for 1 ½ hours this afternoon...also great.
Here is what you have been waiting to read...you are thinking, "What is with the title of this post MJ?" So, I will reward you for sticking with it, reading all of this, acting interested in our home repairs, and not skipping right to the bottom.
...Last night, I fed LJ some avocado. He didn't seem to care for it too much - if his facial expressions are any indication. I think it might have been too thick for him. But, I managed to get 8-10 bites in him. Last night, he slept from 9:00 (he got to bed late) - 6:30...YIPEE!!!! Needless to say, I have already fed him avocado tonight. See, even if he doesn't really like it, he opens his mouth whenever a spoon comes near, so I have the advantage in this situation. I did mash it really well and I added a little water to thin it out a little. I have no idea if there is some nutritional property in avocado that would help sleep, but someone asked about it on the message board I read and I decided it could not hurt to try. I'll let you know if avocado does the trick tonight too!
Saturday, July 16, 2005
New Skill
In the last 2 days LJ has mastered the skill that I thought would be most difficult…getting into a seated position from his tummy. This is a skill that is listed as a milestone in the “What to Expect the First Year” book, but I was having trouble picturing how he would do this. He has figured it out…I guess he knew it was something on which he was supposed to be working…he is a smart boy after all!
Right now, LJ has seated himself and is playing with the air compressor hose. See, LJ’s Uncle B is in town helping RJ work on the house. Since it has been raining (thank The Lord), they aren’t working on the back deck, but are working on our leaky bathtub and toilet. This has caused them to remove an even bigger slab of the bathroom floor and thus requires a larger rug (to cover the plywood that will be the floor until the “replacing the bathroom floor project” gets to the head of the queue). So, at 5:30, LJ and I went to Target to buy a bigger rug and to stop at Sonic for drinks for the guys (you know how important those sonic drinks are). I came home to “Gone to Lowe’s” scratched onto a napkin on the dining room table. I should count myself lucky to have gotten a note at all. It is now 7:40, LJ needs to go to bed, dinner is ready to be eaten, and there is no drain in the bathtub (thus, no showers for adults) AND there is a huge hole in the bathroom floor (remember, we needed the bigger rug…). I’m sure the remaining work to remedy the hole and the lack of shower will be noisy…and remember…it is LJ’s bed time!
Crawling is still to come, BUT he did move each knee forward once…in succession yesterday. We have the video camera ready…with new tape even.
Right now, LJ has seated himself and is playing with the air compressor hose. See, LJ’s Uncle B is in town helping RJ work on the house. Since it has been raining (thank The Lord), they aren’t working on the back deck, but are working on our leaky bathtub and toilet. This has caused them to remove an even bigger slab of the bathroom floor and thus requires a larger rug (to cover the plywood that will be the floor until the “replacing the bathroom floor project” gets to the head of the queue). So, at 5:30, LJ and I went to Target to buy a bigger rug and to stop at Sonic for drinks for the guys (you know how important those sonic drinks are). I came home to “Gone to Lowe’s” scratched onto a napkin on the dining room table. I should count myself lucky to have gotten a note at all. It is now 7:40, LJ needs to go to bed, dinner is ready to be eaten, and there is no drain in the bathtub (thus, no showers for adults) AND there is a huge hole in the bathroom floor (remember, we needed the bigger rug…). I’m sure the remaining work to remedy the hole and the lack of shower will be noisy…and remember…it is LJ’s bed time!
Crawling is still to come, BUT he did move each knee forward once…in succession yesterday. We have the video camera ready…with new tape even.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Please, Let this be a Phase...
Please, let this be a short-lived phase! In the past two days LJ has become VERY clingy. The first day, I thought, “he’s just tired from his weekend in a strange place.” But, the clinginess continued, with more vengeance, yesterday. I follow the same routines as normal, but LJ is not cooperating. It goes something like this:
LJ wakes up at some time with a 5 as the first number. This is too early, so RJ puts him in his bouncy seat next to our bed until sometime with a 6 as the first number. Sometimes LJ falls back to sleep; sometimes he just plays quietly. LJ nurses – and he has taken to raking my hair with his hand as nurses. It is ok, but sometimes he grabs just a few strands and that does not feel good. I finally stopped losing my hair due to hormones, now I lose it because LJ pulls it out. After nursing, LJ and I go for a walk. Yesterday, about 15 minutes into our walk, LJ arched backward and raised his arms (the signal for me to pick him up) and screamed. This is the first time LJ has not enjoyed our walk. He continued to do this for the next 30 minutes. I even tried to put the canopy up in an attempt to make him forget that I was there. Didn’t work.
When we get home, LJ usually plays nicely on the floor while I get some water and fix our breakfast. Yesterday, he screamed to be picked up. I distracted him with some toys – which seemed to work…until he saw me again. Then…Holy Crocodile Tears, Batman. LJ’s eyes welled up and he belted out a loud scream. He does this while eating, he does this while I’m holding him…sure, he calms down when I pick him up, but only for a minute or two. RJ takes him and LJ is fine…until he sees me…then again with the wailing. It got so bad yesterday…I gave him Tylenol…just in case there was pain somewhere. This did seem to work, so…teething??? The child is 8 months old and has zero teeth. RJ jokes that he’s seedless.
Oh, and his naps are back down to 45 minutes – 1 hour. And, last night was a hideous night. I’ll spare you the details, but there was little consecutive sleep. Never fear, there was no milk given, but there was little sleep. As I type this, LJ is sitting next to me – in his lady bug – giving me his angry snaps, but if I really concentrate on something…I can tune it out for a while.
Please tell me that this is just a phase…a short one. I figure it is either 1) teething or 2) separation anxiety or 3) a combination of the two. RIGHT????
LJ wakes up at some time with a 5 as the first number. This is too early, so RJ puts him in his bouncy seat next to our bed until sometime with a 6 as the first number. Sometimes LJ falls back to sleep; sometimes he just plays quietly. LJ nurses – and he has taken to raking my hair with his hand as nurses. It is ok, but sometimes he grabs just a few strands and that does not feel good. I finally stopped losing my hair due to hormones, now I lose it because LJ pulls it out. After nursing, LJ and I go for a walk. Yesterday, about 15 minutes into our walk, LJ arched backward and raised his arms (the signal for me to pick him up) and screamed. This is the first time LJ has not enjoyed our walk. He continued to do this for the next 30 minutes. I even tried to put the canopy up in an attempt to make him forget that I was there. Didn’t work.
When we get home, LJ usually plays nicely on the floor while I get some water and fix our breakfast. Yesterday, he screamed to be picked up. I distracted him with some toys – which seemed to work…until he saw me again. Then…Holy Crocodile Tears, Batman. LJ’s eyes welled up and he belted out a loud scream. He does this while eating, he does this while I’m holding him…sure, he calms down when I pick him up, but only for a minute or two. RJ takes him and LJ is fine…until he sees me…then again with the wailing. It got so bad yesterday…I gave him Tylenol…just in case there was pain somewhere. This did seem to work, so…teething??? The child is 8 months old and has zero teeth. RJ jokes that he’s seedless.
Oh, and his naps are back down to 45 minutes – 1 hour. And, last night was a hideous night. I’ll spare you the details, but there was little consecutive sleep. Never fear, there was no milk given, but there was little sleep. As I type this, LJ is sitting next to me – in his lady bug – giving me his angry snaps, but if I really concentrate on something…I can tune it out for a while.
Please tell me that this is just a phase…a short one. I figure it is either 1) teething or 2) separation anxiety or 3) a combination of the two. RIGHT????
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
LJ's First Boat Ride
LJ rode on a boat for the first time Monday! I know this is a "first" that every proud parent documents...or maybe not. We had to search for an infant life jacket before this great event could commence. It wasn't too hard to find and once we were home we zipped little LJ into it and got in the boat. I don't think he was too thrilled...the life jacket is confining and makes his head sit "just so"...and "just so" isn't a way that he likes to hold his head. But, he was a good sport and we got some cute pictures.
LJ's lake vacation was great...he enjoyed playing with his cousins and his aunts and uncles. It was great for us (parents) to have people who were excited to play with him and hold him. He is at the age where he seems pretty tough, so I was able to really relax and let them all play with him...out of my sight even! Aunt KJ and MawMaw"baby sat" for about an hour while I went on the boat with all the skiers and tubers. That was fun...I like to ride on the boat, but skiing doesn't really do anything for me. RJ "perfected" his slalom and had a good time testing new techniques. The other RJ (my brother) pulled all the skiers and tuber and had as good a time as PawPaw used to have...trying to get the skier or tuber to either demonstrate great skill or fall off due to his fancy driving. Of course, he gave them time to enjoy themselves before the antics began.
Ok, I REALLY think LJ is about to crawl...now he rocks on all fours. I guess my "10-Day Guarantee" was off, but I'm serious this time!
LJ's lake vacation was great...he enjoyed playing with his cousins and his aunts and uncles. It was great for us (parents) to have people who were excited to play with him and hold him. He is at the age where he seems pretty tough, so I was able to really relax and let them all play with him...out of my sight even! Aunt KJ and MawMaw"baby sat" for about an hour while I went on the boat with all the skiers and tubers. That was fun...I like to ride on the boat, but skiing doesn't really do anything for me. RJ "perfected" his slalom and had a good time testing new techniques. The other RJ (my brother) pulled all the skiers and tuber and had as good a time as PawPaw used to have...trying to get the skier or tuber to either demonstrate great skill or fall off due to his fancy driving. Of course, he gave them time to enjoy themselves before the antics began.
Ok, I REALLY think LJ is about to crawl...now he rocks on all fours. I guess my "10-Day Guarantee" was off, but I'm serious this time!
Friday, July 08, 2005
5:00 - 5:59 AM is Too Early
LJ has become an early riser and by early I mean 5:00 – 5:30 am. This is earlier than any of us would care to wake, but we don’t seem to have much choice. Thursday, LJ woke at 5:30 and we managed to keep him somewhat quiet until 6:20. At 6:20, I gave up and brought him to the living room for his morning milk. As normal, I turned on the TV...but we found that the London tube had had a not-so-normal and not-so-nice morning. I immediately tried to remember if any of these stations are stations I have heard M&B talk about, but none sounded familiar…they didn’t sound unfamiliar either. I figured that this had all happened about 4-5 hours earlier, so surely I would be able to check my e-mail and find a message from M or B telling us that they were all right. LJ finished his milk; I went in to tell RJ the news and then headed for the computer. Sure enough, there was a message from B telling us that she and M (and B’s mother and aunt) were all fine. So, that was a relief! We have explained to LJ that terrorists are evil.
With the knowledge that our London family was ok and that things did not seem to be escalating, LJ and I went for our morning walk. LJ tried to fall asleep, but I would not let him. I can’t have him thinking that he can wake up at 5:30 only to take a nap at 7:30! In fact, LJ did not nap until 9:30 and he slept until 11:30…he has been taking a good 2-3 hour nap in the AM this week. LJ’s Aunt M came to town and we met up for lunch with RJ and then it was home for LJ’s afternoon nap…which lasted 1 ½ hours.
Today, LJ woke at 5:45 and RJ took him to the living room – I fell back asleep until 7:20. Dear reader, I have not slept until 7:20 in a LONG time! We all 3 went for our morning walk as RJ took the day off to get some work done around the house. This is a double-edged sword…it is nice to have RJ home and to have him working on the back porch project BUT this includes loud noises that kept LJ from napping as he would normally nap!
We decided to try peas again. Last time we did peas (about 5 weeks ago) they did not agree with LJ, but this time around, he seems to be tolerating them well. Other than this, we have not introduced a new food in a while…except that I made some custard the other night and he had a few bites of that. He doesn’t appear to like any one food over another…he opens his mouth like a little bird for anything that comes near. But, I think he appears most eager for bananas.
This weekend, we are back to MawMaw’s house and are looking forward to a weekend at the lake. And, I haven’t gone stir-crazy yet!
With the knowledge that our London family was ok and that things did not seem to be escalating, LJ and I went for our morning walk. LJ tried to fall asleep, but I would not let him. I can’t have him thinking that he can wake up at 5:30 only to take a nap at 7:30! In fact, LJ did not nap until 9:30 and he slept until 11:30…he has been taking a good 2-3 hour nap in the AM this week. LJ’s Aunt M came to town and we met up for lunch with RJ and then it was home for LJ’s afternoon nap…which lasted 1 ½ hours.
Today, LJ woke at 5:45 and RJ took him to the living room – I fell back asleep until 7:20. Dear reader, I have not slept until 7:20 in a LONG time! We all 3 went for our morning walk as RJ took the day off to get some work done around the house. This is a double-edged sword…it is nice to have RJ home and to have him working on the back porch project BUT this includes loud noises that kept LJ from napping as he would normally nap!
We decided to try peas again. Last time we did peas (about 5 weeks ago) they did not agree with LJ, but this time around, he seems to be tolerating them well. Other than this, we have not introduced a new food in a while…except that I made some custard the other night and he had a few bites of that. He doesn’t appear to like any one food over another…he opens his mouth like a little bird for anything that comes near. But, I think he appears most eager for bananas.
This weekend, we are back to MawMaw’s house and are looking forward to a weekend at the lake. And, I haven’t gone stir-crazy yet!
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
School's Out For Summer...
No, I'm not just humming Alice Cooper tunes this morning...although the song is running through my head. This is the first day of my extended summer vacation. I filed for my leave, turned in my grades, and tried to make my office look not-so-horrific before leaving yesterday. Now I am off until August 12th. YIPPEE! RJ thinks I'm going to go stir crazy...he may be right, but I'm willing to find out.
This morning, LJ woke up at 6:30, had his morning milk and then we went for a walk. Now, he's playing on the floor and waving to me as I pay a few bills, check e-mail (of which I had nothing good), and update his readers. He is about to have breakfast and I am about to have a cup of coffee.
Our weekend went as planned. The baby shower for LJ's Aunt S was very nice. It was fun to see almost everyone...by that I mean, almost all my family came, not that it was not nice to see all the family who did come! Sunday and our backyard party at the boss's went well too. KK arrived late Monday morning while LJ was napping. He took a 2 hour nap that morning/early afternoon, so we were hungry when we finally went to eat lunch at that place that has the incredible tuna salad that I craved while pregnant. After that we went to a local museum and then came home. KK brought tons of little American flags and put them up the sides of our front walk, so we looked very festive!
LJ has been sleeping MUCH better...he'll usually go at least 8 hours at night...and sometimes the whole night without RJ's assistance. He naps rather well during the day AND about 75% of the time we can just put him in his crib and he falls asleep by himself! So, all the Js are sleeping much better.
This morning, LJ woke up at 6:30, had his morning milk and then we went for a walk. Now, he's playing on the floor and waving to me as I pay a few bills, check e-mail (of which I had nothing good), and update his readers. He is about to have breakfast and I am about to have a cup of coffee.
Our weekend went as planned. The baby shower for LJ's Aunt S was very nice. It was fun to see almost everyone...by that I mean, almost all my family came, not that it was not nice to see all the family who did come! Sunday and our backyard party at the boss's went well too. KK arrived late Monday morning while LJ was napping. He took a 2 hour nap that morning/early afternoon, so we were hungry when we finally went to eat lunch at that place that has the incredible tuna salad that I craved while pregnant. After that we went to a local museum and then came home. KK brought tons of little American flags and put them up the sides of our front walk, so we looked very festive!
LJ has been sleeping MUCH better...he'll usually go at least 8 hours at night...and sometimes the whole night without RJ's assistance. He naps rather well during the day AND about 75% of the time we can just put him in his crib and he falls asleep by himself! So, all the Js are sleeping much better.
Friday, July 01, 2005
Magic Pajamas? - This is for Chrissy!
Would you believe that those pajamas are not magic after all? We were so sure that they were, but on Wednesday night, LJ was up a couple of times, so Thursday night (last night) we put him in different pjs. It is kind of a relief…I didn’t want to buy into the superstition, but it was so tempting. This is probably a sin. Oh, and last night was pretty good. He slept until 4:30 and then needed a little help to get back to sleep…after which he slept until 7:15. Prior to his earlier success we would have considered last night a huge improvement, so we have to remember our roots!
Poor LJ though…he demonstrated that he didn’t NEED to eat in the middle of the night, so we have not fed him in the middle of the night. When he has woken up, RJ has helped him go back to sleep and that is that. So, we are on the road to LJ’s sleeping well on his own. We are without swaddle and without night time feedings, so it is only a matter of time and we will be without night time waking. Although, I’ve had many parents tell me that children wake up in the night for YEARS, but certainly this isn’t every night…or, certainly I won’t have to know about it every night?
Oh, and I must add that RJ has been quite successful at just putting LJ in his crib and then LJ falls asleep on his own. When I have done this, LJ has played nicely in his crib…for an hour, but no nap OR he has wailed and I have gone in to help him. I guess there are some things at which daddy is just better!
This weekend we have BIG plans. Saturday we are going to MawMaw’s house for the day to have Aunt S’s family “baby shower”. Her little girl is due in August! Sunday, we have a little back yard bar-b-q to attend. And, Monday LJ’s Godmother, KK is coming to visit for the day. We are going to try to get to the fireworks Monday night, but we’ll have to see how little LJ is doing that late in the day.
Happy Independence Day to all you Patriots!
Poor LJ though…he demonstrated that he didn’t NEED to eat in the middle of the night, so we have not fed him in the middle of the night. When he has woken up, RJ has helped him go back to sleep and that is that. So, we are on the road to LJ’s sleeping well on his own. We are without swaddle and without night time feedings, so it is only a matter of time and we will be without night time waking. Although, I’ve had many parents tell me that children wake up in the night for YEARS, but certainly this isn’t every night…or, certainly I won’t have to know about it every night?
Oh, and I must add that RJ has been quite successful at just putting LJ in his crib and then LJ falls asleep on his own. When I have done this, LJ has played nicely in his crib…for an hour, but no nap OR he has wailed and I have gone in to help him. I guess there are some things at which daddy is just better!
This weekend we have BIG plans. Saturday we are going to MawMaw’s house for the day to have Aunt S’s family “baby shower”. Her little girl is due in August! Sunday, we have a little back yard bar-b-q to attend. And, Monday LJ’s Godmother, KK is coming to visit for the day. We are going to try to get to the fireworks Monday night, but we’ll have to see how little LJ is doing that late in the day.
Happy Independence Day to all you Patriots!
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Very Superstitious
Very superstitious, writing's on the wall,
Very superstitious, ladders bout' to fall,
Thirteen month old baby, broke the lookin' glass
Seven years of bad luck, the good things in your past.
When you believe in things that you don't understand,
Then you suffer,
Superstition ain't the way
Very superstitious, wash your face and hands,
Rid me of the problem, do all that you can,
Keep me in a daydream, keep me goin' strong,
You don't wanna save me, sad is my song.
Ok, so I’m not just humming Stevie Wonder tunes today…the Js are indeed, very superstitious. In the spirit of sports stars everywhere, LJ has worn the same pajamas two nights in a row. See, on Sunday night, LJ was super-tired. He doesn’t nap too well in the car because he is sitting too upright, so he was exhausted come bed time. We did our normal bed time routine and he conked out quickly…not to be heard from again until 6:30 Monday morning. WOW! This hasn’t happened in, well, I don’t remember when. So, Monday night we put him in the same pajamas, he conked out quickly and we did not hear from him until 6:00 this morning.
Guess what LJ will be wearing to bed tonight?
Very superstitious, ladders bout' to fall,
Thirteen month old baby, broke the lookin' glass
Seven years of bad luck, the good things in your past.
When you believe in things that you don't understand,
Then you suffer,
Superstition ain't the way
Very superstitious, wash your face and hands,
Rid me of the problem, do all that you can,
Keep me in a daydream, keep me goin' strong,
You don't wanna save me, sad is my song.
Ok, so I’m not just humming Stevie Wonder tunes today…the Js are indeed, very superstitious. In the spirit of sports stars everywhere, LJ has worn the same pajamas two nights in a row. See, on Sunday night, LJ was super-tired. He doesn’t nap too well in the car because he is sitting too upright, so he was exhausted come bed time. We did our normal bed time routine and he conked out quickly…not to be heard from again until 6:30 Monday morning. WOW! This hasn’t happened in, well, I don’t remember when. So, Monday night we put him in the same pajamas, he conked out quickly and we did not hear from him until 6:00 this morning.
Guess what LJ will be wearing to bed tonight?
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Plans Change
Well, we had big plans to go visit my sister – ML and her family. They have moved in the last year and we have not been to their new house in their new town. I must confess, there had been some talk of the annual poker game being this weekend (or some weekend in September or October, but in Florida) closer to home. So, we had arranged for me and LJ to go visit the Ls and for RJ to go play in the poker game. When the poker game plans did not materialize, we decided to make it a family trip! All was well, we had gathered the ENTIRE house to take on the road…once you have a baby, you are super-afraid to be without the one familiar thing that might make the baby stop fussing in the middle of the night at someone else’s house! The plan was…eat lunch with some friends on a city “on the way” to the L’s and then drive over to the L’s after that. Then we got the call...
Poor little CL was exhibiting symptoms of an illness and upon her visit to the doctor and our call to LJ’s doctor we all discovered that this illness is contagious. This was sad and I’m sure little CL felt horrible as I think she and her brother were looking as forward to our visit as we were! Now, dear reader, we had our entire house packed into our car, so there was no way we weren’t going to do SOMETHING this weekend. We went ahead and drove the 3 hours to eat lunch with some friends…most of whom had not met LJ. That was a very nice time and LJ enjoyed meeting every new person! On the way, LJ ate at a roadside park for the first time…bananas and oatmeal. We told him to get used to it…RJ and I both ate many meals at roadside parks while on family vacations.
After lunch, we had to decide just what we were going to do…so we called my brother…his family lives pretty close (within 2 hours) of where we were, so we invited ourselves to spend the weekend with them. They were very gracious in accepting our last minute arrival and had delicious hamburgers on the grill when we arrived.
On Saturday, we were able to watch a whole movie (except that I asked to pause it while I went to the bathroom) while LJ took a 3 HOUR NAP. Yes reader, you read that correctly. This nap lasted from 11:00 – 2:00, so it was a good time of the day for a 3 hour nap. After this nap, we ate Italian food…VERY good RJ and I thought and then went to a furniture store. Upon our return, LJ played around on the floor and…is getting so close to crawling that we got out the video camera in anticipation. He really is starting to get up on his knees and I predict he will crawl (forward) within 10 days. You read it here first!
We really enjoyed our impromptu visit with the Js, but were sad to miss our planned visit with the Ls.
Poor little CL was exhibiting symptoms of an illness and upon her visit to the doctor and our call to LJ’s doctor we all discovered that this illness is contagious. This was sad and I’m sure little CL felt horrible as I think she and her brother were looking as forward to our visit as we were! Now, dear reader, we had our entire house packed into our car, so there was no way we weren’t going to do SOMETHING this weekend. We went ahead and drove the 3 hours to eat lunch with some friends…most of whom had not met LJ. That was a very nice time and LJ enjoyed meeting every new person! On the way, LJ ate at a roadside park for the first time…bananas and oatmeal. We told him to get used to it…RJ and I both ate many meals at roadside parks while on family vacations.
After lunch, we had to decide just what we were going to do…so we called my brother…his family lives pretty close (within 2 hours) of where we were, so we invited ourselves to spend the weekend with them. They were very gracious in accepting our last minute arrival and had delicious hamburgers on the grill when we arrived.
On Saturday, we were able to watch a whole movie (except that I asked to pause it while I went to the bathroom) while LJ took a 3 HOUR NAP. Yes reader, you read that correctly. This nap lasted from 11:00 – 2:00, so it was a good time of the day for a 3 hour nap. After this nap, we ate Italian food…VERY good RJ and I thought and then went to a furniture store. Upon our return, LJ played around on the floor and…is getting so close to crawling that we got out the video camera in anticipation. He really is starting to get up on his knees and I predict he will crawl (forward) within 10 days. You read it here first!
We really enjoyed our impromptu visit with the Js, but were sad to miss our planned visit with the Ls.
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